Session 39 - But it's CALLED the School?

Yenush wakes up in the Ohn'Lee Clinic with Viren. After a moment, Yenush notes that while he helped Aiaoue with her gift, he has another gift for Viren. Yenush proceeds to pull out the rings he requested from Eight and Viren immediately goes red (though does not pass out). Viren accepts and offers Yenush a Potion of Greater Healing in return. Prior to leaving Yenush notes that Ademar had mentioned something: Did you cry Viren? And why? Viren initially starts to avoid the conversation, but relents. Although he's a logical person, when the group last left, he started to wonder if everything had been a dream. And then he dream of a thousand goodbyes and a thousand greetings never spoken. He's not sure if these feelings are his... or whatever has cursed him. Yenush comforts Viren by informing him that he "likes him a lot", a sentiment that Viren returns.

After leaving the Clinic, Yenush heads to Mistress Eight who is preparing to run the tavern again in Jin's absence. Yenush sincerely thanks her for the rings and inquires further about her method to help Yelkin. Mistress Eight clarifies that it isn't something she herself can do directly and it would require them to return to Dremora. Primus One is the only one capable of ascending someone into the Order of Blood. Is that your god? Yes, the Being of Blood, the First Blood Witch. And what exactly would this entail? Eight explains that all with a soul are entitled to an afterlife within the traditional divine order. Those of the Order of Blood forfeit that right and instead will travel to the Sea of Neverending Crimson Red. Of course, any Blood Sworn is expected to be immortal, their lifespan tied to Eight's. Well, that's reassuring. 

Before leaving, Yenush notes that – for better or worse – he owes Mistress Eight. While she is appreciative, she no longer makes deals with people as she once did. When Yenush gently insists, Mistress Eight resolves the matter immediately. If you wish to repay me, then upon your return to Dremora, you will take Yelkin first to the House of Luck in Parvathi'lahn... not to your god. Mistress Eight notes that she knows what it feels like to lose a sibling and perhaps Yenush needs "safeguards" to prevent that from happening. Will Yelkin be forced to join the Order of Blood? No, it must be his choice. Plus, you will find Primus is much... nicer as of recently.

Meanwhile, Cadence – having spent a few nights in the Church – is bothered by the screams she's heard from somewhere in the Church. She sends to Yenush to "gather the children" as she begins to mingle with the Acolytes. Once everyone has arrived, they bump into Valora. She's very happy to see them! Hey, so is someone screaming in your Church? No why would you say that? Everyone but Arkyn clocks that Valora is covering something. Arkyn notes that she's a very good liar; he needs to learn that so he can be convincing when he says "yes, honey, you look great in that dress." Valora laughs and eventually acquieses. As "friends of the Church", Valora leads the group into Diamont's office.

After a small preamble where Yenush and Diamont are formally introduced, Diamont notes that it is his responsibility to keep the Church afloat in the Void Maiden's absence. He has had his Void Shard for a while and he's getting up there in age. He has had to pursue... perhaps unsavory means of stabilizing himself. And that involves you screaming? Diamont has worked with unsavory characters before. Will you be compelled to arrest someone with crimes over a century old? After Yenush hears the types of crimes, he politely excuses himself. Diamont notes that she alone has lost knowledge that, despite the agony it puts him through, will ensure he remains long enough to find a more fruitful solution for the Church. Diamont wants to provid an option for people who don't want an afterlife – who simply want the end of their life... to be the end. Diamont notes that the party has done a great service literally removing Ademar from Legacy; it should permit him to turn towards the prophecy. And, while Diamont only knows of the Void's presence on Dremora, if the group happens to find any trace of it on Jalasar, he would appreciate knowing. Otherwise, perhaps when the group's Void Shards are used in true, they might be able to commune with the Void Maiden enough to see if she could ever be enticed to return.

Meanwhile, Yenush makes a small offering at the statue of Nacheevi (Aiaoue whispers: note how they don't have the Antagonists; I think that's a big oversight... real unfair). He feels a present attempt to reach out, but it seems to be barred for the time being.

Final goodbyes are said as the group boards the Iron Arrow. Rune joins the group to pilot the Iron Arrow back. Evandra hitches a ride to rejoin the traveling Eladrin group. And Dunebrook joins for a ride to Grand Aetheria to continue her research.

With the miasma removed and additional hands aboard, travel along the Iron Arrow is easy. Arkyn pulls Aiaoue aside. Is my school odd? Did you go to school? Aiaoue notes that she learned a lot in her school: how to read, how to deal with clothes, where to find certain shops, and more. And Alcide had his flock of course. What? While Aiaoue's school seems to be composed of her Ma, her Oma, her Aunts, and general family members (devoid of males, who wants the aggressive males present?), Arkyn is not related to the woman he calls Auntie and his "siblings" at the school are not his true siblings. Arkyn notes that his parents gave him to Auntie and that he's been with the school ever since. Oh, so your parents gave you away? But Auntie wanted you? If she taught you useful things and wants you, then she doesn't seem so bad. Arkyn is a good boy after all.

Towards the end of the trip, Yenush notes to Viren that it's his birthday. Yelkin asks Aiaoue to make a cake and she makes a gear-shaped cake with duck tape on it with "happy birthday Yenush" written on it. Yelkin proudly presents the cake in front of everyone so Yenush can't weasel out of avoiding his birthday. Viren is displeased that Yenush did not inform him prior to leaving. All he gave was a POTION. 

Arkyn decides to talk to Yenush about schools (since he should be in a good mood). Yenush notes that while he attended school, he dropped out halfway through. Yenush is immediately suspicious when Arkyn notes he "ran errands for Auntie". It's clear that Arkyn got an education based on his intelligence and is general knowledge of things (Parv-, you mean Parvathian?), but Yenush doesn't believe where he grew up was actually a school... but rather was a place "with schooling". But it's called THE SCHOOL?! And you call her Auntie but she's not your Aunt. 

Sayah, when called, notes that she finds it odd that Arkyn was (a) taught no survival skills (but we weren't technically in Oshiv'Ran) and (b) didn't see his family. Arkyn notes that Aiaoue seems to believe his family DID give him up. Why don't you contact them? Arkyn goes to send... so guys, what are we doing. Sayah immediately clocks something suspicious and Yenush is confused. You were sending to your family. Why? The duo convince Arkyn to send again and, when it fails, Sayah goes and grabs Aiaoue who uses her bread kneading time as an opportunity to ritually cast Detect Magic. When Arkyn sends, his originally non-magical bracelets flash with Enchantment magic temporarily, reverting back to a mundane item. 

Arkyn notes that everyone in the school got them from Auntie and he is generally unwilling to take them off. They let her keep track of them so she knows where they are. Yenush asks additional questions about Auntie. Did she have two sisters? Were they magically inclined? Arkyn notes that Auntie has an assistant and there is also the groundskeeper. Can't be hags then. That's just a myth. Alcide is magically consulted for his opinion. He finds it odd that a community would be severed without religious obligations involved. He went to Sun's First Grace for his braid, but came back to Glance. Though Alcide confesses he doesn't know magic. Aiaoue notes that he's pretty magical with his hands. I could say that sme about you with your carvings. After some further discussion about Auntie, Sayah notes that if her true purpose was curing Arkyn of his affliction, then he should be allowed to return to his family after his curse is removed. A problem for a later time, though Aiaoue notes she could scry on Arkyn's parents down the line.

In Grand Aetheria, Yenush coordinates with some of the Aetherians. They'll prepare the needed supplies for an Obsidian Forge. Yenush also asks a gardener for a bouquet that subtly screams "I love you". The flowers really seem to be blooming with the return of the god of flowers. Arkyn and Sayah exchange emotion-charged drinks. Arkyn's is loud and full of feeling even if he doesn't know what those feelings are. Sayah's is warm, but hard to read. Cadence touches base with Aria who noted she'll ammend the ritual space to perhaps enhance communication. Prior to passing through the Wildlands gate, Arkyn asks Oshozi if his parents know he's alive. Unclear. 

Passing through the Gate, Arkyn and Aiaoue step out into the miasma, resisting its influence. Panic and distress radiates from the towering statue of a woman and a wolf. There, at the statues base, a familiar figure stands. Brito reloads her crossbow, the previous bolt stuck in the bloody remains of a massive gray wolf. A howl echoes in the distance and the earth shakes. A lycanthrope woman clutches her head and screams. Brito raises her crossbow… and fires. Similar figures, with weapons and gadgets strapped to their hips, step forth and, with Brito leading, they head South (and ever so slightly East) into the Forest.