Session 066: Dance with the Devil

We open with the blinding light of Sir Kerria blazing through her small office.   Talasea and Aphid are in the ballroom working to spread a rumor that Jack has had a panic attack and left.   Zenith casts Suggestion on Mohr, commanding her to stop. Mohr freezes. Jack begins to spill the story of making a deal for Mohr's life. Verity invisibly races towards the office. Zenith hears Verity's voice in his mind:     Sir Kerria, convinced by Jack's story, stands down. She ties Mohr up and removes the pendant that serves as Mohr's spellcasting focus. Verity bursts in only to sheepishly realize the action is already over. Sir Kerria asks the group to swear to not try to kill her without her consent again. Zenith drops the spell to allow Mohr to speak.   She remains silent.   "At least that is honest," says Sir Kerria.   Sir Kerria requests that the full party stay the night alongside Mohr (who doesn't have a choice in the matter), since they obviously need to resolve this but now she has to go do her job. The group agrees to stay as guests. Sir Kerria casts a Sending and leads them out of her office to meet a guard that will escort them to the dungeon.   Meanwhile, Tal finds the point in the ballroom beneath Sir Kerria's office and Sends to Mohr. He tells her that he heard what's up, that he loves her always, also btw that her twin is here so she shouldn't do anything she would regret and should come downstairs. Mohr replies that she's restrained and so can't go anywhere, but loves them too. For some reason not reassured by this, Tal checks in with Jack. Jack says things are okay for now.   Turning his attention back to the winterian delegation, Tal cannot resist sending a Message to one of the uniformed guards, Aleksandr "Sasha" Artemovich.     Sasha stiffens, sighs, and surreptitiously replies,   Tal notices the Winterian delegation begin to drift in his direction - as the delegation is approaching the Primrose Queen and the Primrose Queen is heading for Tal and Aphid.   Talasea does not notice this, instead Messaging Sasha again.     Sasha replies,         By the time Sasha snaps the last word, Talasea realizes he can hear Sasha's voice normally and they look up to see that the Winterian delegation and the Primrose Queen have both arrived and everyone is looking at Sasha.   Aphid nervously eats hors d'oeuvres.   The Primrose Queen greets them. And while greeting them, speaks into their minds to inform them that Sir Kerria has requested their presence outside the ballroom. Aphid does the best lie he's ever done in convincing the Queen he doesn't know what that's about.   Tal directs the Queen to the Winterian delegation. The parliamentarian introduces themself as Toslov Sergey Nikolayevich, then introduces Aleksandr Artemovich, commander in the Winterian navy, and Semir, new recruit visiting the Spring Kingdom for the first time.   As they're leaving, Tal Messages Semir to say that he reminds them of someone and that they should hang out sometime but NOT to ask Sasha about it and he promises he's a nice person okay bye. Semir is initially incredibly confused as to where the voice is coming from. He asks who he's talking to. Talasea waves and introduces himself and hints at knowing Mohr, wink wonk. Semir desperately asks if Mohr is okay and where she is. Tal deftly dodges that question and says they've gotta go, but comes back to ask if he wants to pass a message to Mohr. Semir shares that they will be at a ship at the dock for only a few days but came to find Mohr. Talasea promises to come find him if they can, but that Semir should try to convince Sasha to dance with Tal. Semir seems confused as to how to do this without notifying Sasha.   The Primrose Queen telepathically reaches out to Aphid and Tal one last time to note that Semir has no chill and to say:     The group reconvenes on the way down deeper into the palace. Sir Kerria expresses her expectation that there will be no shenanigans occurring between now and when Sir Kerria comes down to deal with them later. She sends them off with a guard, passing windows that glow with golden light far past where there should be windows be.   The group is led to a lavish room with a four post bed. Mohr is overcome with a wave of fatigue and a desire to rest as they enter. The group notices a shimmer to the ropes binding her. The rope is exchanged for a set of similarly glimmering bracelets. The guard explains that Mohr won't be allowed to leave, but the rest aren't required to stay but have been asked to remain. Zenith asks if it would be possible to pass a message to Sir Kerria. The guard notes that they will be notified if magic is cast within the room and that countermeasures will occur if harmful magic is cast.   The group explains their concern about Onoana. The guard quickly leaves to pass on the message.   The North Wind takes a moment to touch base on what has occurred. They speculate about what kind of creature Sir Kerria is (angel). Jack and Mohr bicker about whose fault this is. Tal takes 25% of Mohr's guilt.   Sir Kerria comes back, highly exasperated, wanting more information about the alleged serial killer in the room with her queen.   The group explains what they know about The Red Hand and Onoana. Sir Kerria points out that if that person has an idea of what the group knows, it would be of benefit to them to have someone show up publicly appearing to be them and establish an alibi.   Talasea panic Sends to Edwyna Clavell (codename: the Grandma), asking if a red hand has appeared. Edwyna says she'll go check. End of Sending.   Sir Kerria offers that she could take the person posing as Onoana into custody if they want, but warns it would be very public and could tip their hand. The group decides that while Sir Kerria's interrogation capabilities would be helpful, they don't want to do that quite yet. Sir Kerria offers that if they want to interrogate in a more low-key manner, she could offer them an item that forces the truth in a similar way, albeit not as strong. The group accepts that as a plan of action: to go back upstairs and try to trick some truth out of Onoana.   Sir Kerria says that before they can do that, they must settle the matter of the demon, which she had been hoping to allow to wait until later.   She asks about the circumstances of Mohr's death. The origin of Jack's contract with his demon. The details of his verbal agreement with Avarice. She claims there are worse entities he could be bonded to. She explains that not knowing the exact conditions of Jack's agreement to kill someone may not actually be the saving loophole they're hoping for, at least where Jack's concerned. Contracts like Jack's are built to be beneficial to multiple parties; the Raywalkers get a way to control their debtors while the demons get servants that can enact their will upon the world. Avarice is therefore The One who decides how strictly to enforce Jack's contract with the Raywalkers. The agreement to kill someone is separate from that. So even if that agreement is technically satisfied, if the demon doesn't get what they want out of the agreement, what they want out of Sir Kerria's death, there's a risk there will be unforeseen consequences for Jack.   Jack says that he is willing to accept the consequences. Sir Kerria asks if his loved ones are affected by the contract.   Sir Kerria says that she is willing to be dead for a while. She's been dead before, she'll be dead again. The question is how long he needs her to be dead.   Aphid posits that he wants her dead long enough for the world to splinter. Sir Kerria says that there are some demons that might want that, but it's not typically Avarice's game. Jack remembers that Avarice said he wanted to live.   Sir Kerria says that if it's a matter of clout among demons, then arranging for her to be dead somewhat permanently would be a big win. Hard to do, and not her preference, but if she has to, she will. She suggests that if he wants to ensure there are no unpleasant repercussions, he find out exactly what the demon wants. Or if Jack is willing to accept whatever consequences come to him and whatever collateral is on the table, they can just kill her real quick and pop her back up and be done with it.   Jack agrees to try and talk to Avarice. He shares that he was told it didn't have to happen to tonight, so they have a bit of time.   Mohr speaks up. "How do we know that something isn't going to happen to Jack in the meantime? Can't you help us?"   Sir Kerria gives her a look. And says that she thinks volunteering to die is quite a bit of help already.   "It's okay, Mohr," says Jack. "We'll be okay."   Talasea asks Sir Kerria about the demonic activity in the area that Priest Jackamina has been investigating and whether her death would affect it in any way. Sir Kerria answers that it's possible. Her death would have some magical significance in the universe. Given that Avarice didn't give a specific time, place, or method for killing her, it's unlikely that it's intentional on his part. However, there are certain things that Sir Kerria's presence in this time and place prevents, either by her magical existence or by virtue of being able to react quickly enough to stop it.   "...Are you an angel?" Talasea asks.   "Angel is a very unspecific term," Sir Kerria replies. "But sure, close enough."   What Sir Kerria agrees to is: Mohr stays until they decide what they're doing. The rest may return to the ball to investigate Onoana as long as they keep her updated on things that may be occurring in the vicinity of her Queen. Let her know if there is anything she can do to assist in the investigation, but her priority is the Queen and occurrences in the palace. Then, once the night is over, they can decide what to do about Jack and Mohr. The group agrees.   Mohr quietly requests her pendant back. Sir Kerria acquiesces.   Sir Kerria tugs the curtain pull at the window, changing the soft pseudo-daylight glow to a dark moonlight.   Tal becomes skeptical of Sir Kerria's motives. Ancient being offers to be dead for a century for some total strangers? Pretty sure she's just leading them on...   Mohr requests that they not tell her brother that she's here. Aphid offers to stay with her, but she tells them it's more important for them to be upstairs.   They leave Mohr behind and head back up to the ball. Sir Kerria definitely doesn't forget to bring them a bracelet stylized with a sharp point capable of pricking someone and potentially forcing them to only be able to speak the truth. Aphid takes the item and approaches the figure in black masquerading as Onoana.   He asks her to dance. She accepts.   Upon taking his hand, Aphid stabs the bracelet into her and feels the magic surge forth and take hold. A blank mask meets his gaze. They both know that she must speak the truth from this moment forward, but she dares not decline a dance she already accepted. They are both beholden to societal convention.   Meanwhile, Talasea and Zenith also approach the dance floor, while Jack hangs back to keep an eye on events. Zenith and Verity dance together, Zenith ready to Detect Thoughts if necessary. Talasea is approached by who else but Sasha. As they begin to dance, Sasha looking over Talasea's shoulder at his diplomatic charge, Sasha hisses a question to him.  

Sasha: What are you doing here, Talasea?
  Tal: I could ask you the same question. It's a very long way from Winter, is it not? And what, you're a commander now?
  Sasha: I am doing my job. Which is to keep a diplomat safe as they travel to congratulate a world leader on a momentous occasion. It is not every day that a queen celebrates her 215th anniversary.
  Tal: No, it happens every once in ever.
  Sasha: My purpose here is obvious. Yours, in making strange eye contact with the Primrose Queen, is not.
  Tal: Is it strange to know the Primrose Queen personally?
  Sasha: It is when you're a criminal.
  Tal: You're not into this again.
  Sasha: Again implies I ever left it.

  Our focus cuts to Aphid and Onoana.  

Aphid: It's lovely to see you again Onoana.   Onoana: Is it?   Aphid: Yes. What have you been up to?   Onoana: Oh, this and that. One travels a lot when one is participating in the trials.   Aphid: Last time we met you were in bit of a sticky situation. I'm glad to see you got out alright.   Onoana: I don't know what you mean. Surely no one would ever admit to do something against the law.   Aphid: I don't-   Onoana: Cat got your tongue, Aphid?   Aphid: No, it's just- the last time we met, we were in a cave. We fought together.   Onoana: I don't know that we have ever met, Aphid. Until now. Surely meeting would involve exchanging our names.   Aphid: Oh, you're right. I'm so sorry. Hello. I'm Aphid. It's lovely to meet you, what's your name?   Onoana: Wouldn't you like to know? But it's just so rude to directly try and guess who I am at a masquerade.   Aphid: Ah, I'm trapped by societal convention.   Onoana: As are we all.   Aphid: Well, if you're not Onoana, the friend who I fought beside against the kudzuite- (a lie Aphid tells definitely on purpose to try and mislead Onoana and not because Lore forgot that they were actually fighting against Onoana) -well if you are not my friend Onoana, then I must summarily, out of concern, ask about their wellbeing.   Onoana: Interesting that you would characterize Onoana as a friend. And interesting that you would assume I am not Onoana. Maybe that is my strategy. To say exactly who I am in order to throw people off.   Aphid: If you were Onoana, you would recognize me.   Onoana: Who says I do not?   Aphid: Well, I do. I haven't heard a spark of recognition. You don't remember the last time we met.   Onoana: Well, only one of us has to tell the truth here.   Aphid: I have not lied to you since we started this dance.   Onoana: There is one flaw to truth-telling magic; it does not stop people from unknowingly being wrong. Tell me, Aphid, how is your grandmother doing?   Aphid: Quite well.   Onoana: Is she proud of her globetrotting grandson?   Aphid: Grandmother hasn't been proud of me in a long time, but we've come to an understanding.   Onoana: Is that enough for you?   Aphid: I never expected that Grandmother would accept that I wanted to continue exploring and adventuring. I am glad that I have been given permission.   Onoana: Well. It would be a shame if that permission were ever to be rescinded.   Aphid: I'm pretty sure the only one who can rescind that permission is Grandmother. And she has never been easily convinced by anyone other than herself.   Onoana: This is true. It is hard to change a person's mind when they have a strong mind of their own. Of course, many hard things become easy when you have the right tools.   Aphid: If you are threatening my family, the kid gloves will come off.   Onoana: If I am threatening your family, you will know it.   Aphid: I think this has been enlightening.

  Aphid does his best to put on a brave face, to convey to Onoana that he has walked away with information that he was looking for. A mask stares back at him, still and unreadable.   We shift back to Sasha and Tal. While he watches his parliamentarian, Talasea watches Aphid and tries to listen in. After too long of a pause, Talasea speaks.  

Tal: I'm very flattered you still think about me a lot and never gave up on that fancy of yours. But I'm also trying to do something here and you're distracting me. So. We can just. Dance in silence.   Sasha: Turnabout is fair play. You distracted me first.   Tal: I did no such thing.   Sasha: I was simply doing my job until you rudely Messaged me with your magic. What is it that you are trying to do?   Tal: Is it bad that I have magic now?   Sasha: No, it's not inherently bad to have magic. It is when you're using it to sway me-   Tal: You didn't see me! I just wanted to say hello and that's all, I... Maybe I was worried a bit... Just, it's good to see you, I don't know...   Sasha: ...Worried?   Tal: You remember... you know, the storm?   Sasha: Oh... you were worried about me?   Tal: No, I mean. Not like that, just- Curious. How is your eye, anyway?   Sasha: Distracting.   Tal: Like me. :3   Sasha: Like... sometimes I think that... it changed more than the eye color. I think sometimes, I can see magic with it. But... not always, it's only when I... (Sasha squints)   When I look at you like this, you...   glow   Tal: *giggle* hehe okaaaaay. Well, thank you, you're not so bad.   Sasha: Well- Just with- just with the magic. Cus you use magic, not- I-   Tal: (looks deeply into Sasha's eyes)   Sasha: (looks back, gaze softening, charge forgotten)

  Sasha spins Talasea out and his gaze falls on Onoana and Aphid. We are left with three pairs of dancers orbiting the dance floor, truth ebbing and flowing between them. Jack watching to the side. And Mohr locked away far below.