Awkward Aid

It's just about sundown when there's a sharp rap on the door to Verna and Auranar's house. The wind whistles sharply in icy blasts, rattling the shutters and howling along streets and alleyways, reaching into every corner with icy fingers and whisking tendrils of snow with it. Not a night to be out, at all.

Sometimes it's a mistake to try and take the easy route. Telamon had taken off from his home in the University District, but the wind is pushing him all over the place as he struggles towards where he knows Verna and Aura's house is. As he's descending, another draft gives him a shove, and he lets out a "WhoOOOOOAAA!" as with a soft WHUMP he thumps ungracefully into a thankfully thick and yielding snowbank, not far from Verna's place.

There is a notable delay between knock and response. When the door does open, it is a mere crack, at first. It opens a moment later, more invitingly, revealing Verna in her typical vestments and cloak. "Silverguard. This is unexpected. I would bid you good eve, but it does not appear to be so. Please, enter and warm yourself." Only after does she spy portions of Telamon in the snow. "YourSELVES," she corrects. "Please." She steps back to invite and allow entry.

The call is enough to make Seldan, standing on Verna's doorstep, turn towards the sound - just in time to watch Telamon slam into the snowbank. That he is here on serious business is quite evident, for he is fully kitted for war, Guiding Star over his back and Reunion and a quiver of arrows at his hip, a pack over his back atop the bow. "A moment. He may be injured, Mourner," he says seriously, watching Telamon in the snowbank with some concern. "Flight in this weather is risky. Such have I learned to my sorrow."

He holds up a hand in a back in a minute gesture, and strides over to the snowbank, reaching down to offer a hand.

For a moment, Telamon just sits there. Then a weary sigh as he sees the hand, and he reaches up to grab it, letting Seldan pull him out--

Wait, Seldan? Telamon's starry eyes widen, and then his somewhat dour expression lightens. "Wherever we go, she is there lighting the way," he says quietly. He brushes himself off with a cantrip, before regarding the paladin. "Thank you, Sir Seldan. That... was not the most dignified entry I could've hoped for, but I wanted to speak to Verna as soon as I could." He pauses. "This... concerns you as well."

"Of course." Verna stands at the door, watching and waiting. It is possible that she did not recognize Telamon until he is upright and more free of snow. That and his voice is familiar, though his words cause her lips to purse in a not-quite frown. "I hope it is good tidings you bring, but best to be known, regardless. Please, you are both welcome inside."

"You are fortunate, Master Telamon. When first I learnt to fly, I attempted to launch in weather such as this," Seldan replies seriously, once he has pulled his fellow sorcerer out of the snowbank and watched as he dusts himself off with magic. "For my trouble was I bashed into the wall of the Temple courtyard and left with a broken wrist for the healers to see to." A small smile acknowledges his foolishness, but it is short-lived, and he turns to walk back towards Verna's front door. "Indeed, for I am also here to see the Mourner, on perhaps a different matter, but I would hear you as well." He allows Telamon to precede him inside, if the man wishes.

Telamon is happy to go inside out of the weather. "I judged haste to be worth a risk, but... well, I'm lucky I didn't wind up bashed into a roof or landing in the Tornmawr." He laughs a little, his face taking on its more normal genial expression. "But yes. I bear tidings. I won't say the news is... good, but I'm not sure it's bad either. 'Complicated' might be a good word for it."

Once they're inside, Tel turns to Verna. "First, I owe you an apology, Verna. It seems you were right, and I was very wrong, about the Dreamlands. And bringing things out of them."

Verna closes the door behind the gentlemen and turns to them. A calico kitten is half-cradled/half-restrained in her other arm, though is set carefully to the floor now that the portal is closed. "Indeed, I recently healed an Egalrin who impacted the mountain, and witnessed others land harshly below. I am pleased that you were more fortunate." She looks between them briefly, though Telamon's words cause her to fix upon him.

"Who or what emerged? I do not judge you. Errors occur. I am far from blameless."

Seldan follows the other two inside, for the moment silent and listening closely to the conversation between the pair. Rather than taking a seat, he moves behind the couch, setting down his pack at his feet and assuming a parade-rest stance, the armor he wears opalescent by the manalight in the room, but says nothing, apparently content to wait his turn.

There's a temptation to draw this out, but judging from Verna's expression, Telamon decides to opt for 'get to the point'. "Tanith," he says simply. "I was probing the totem, in the dreamscape. I sought guidance, and Tanith came to me, and... followed me home." He looks wry. "I had to arrange for fish to be packed and shipped to my doorstep. If Tanith wasn't so cute, I think Lana might've been more annoyed."

He heaves a sigh. "So yes. I don't know what this means. But there's more. Something Tanith pointed out." Tel looks at Seldan. "He showed me the first time you defeated Kol. You and so many others, pinning him in the water till he dissolved." He pauses, then continues. "Tanith said, 'He was peoples at some point.' And suddenly I have to wonder -- how much do we really know about Kol? His past? Is there something in his history we could use against him?"

Verna blinks once. "Tanithariairisixchel?" Between expression and tone, this is most unexpected. "In my experience, this is an omen. She has ever brought insight, warning, or aid... all when most needed. Her arrival is a boon worth shipholds of fish... though it could also be a sign that worse is yet to come."

Verna then notes Seldan's stance and gestures to him. "Seldan, please. You are a guest. I understand that you are ever-vigilant, yet I would be grateful were you to grant the illusion of some ease, at the least." Her eyes remain upon him as she adds, "I, too, witnessed your bait and battle in a vision. It was as if I were in your stead and it was a memory of my own. It is a significant sign."

Looking between the two again, she exhales a breath. "I learned some of his past, and even met him as a boy via unknown temporal magics. Alas, I must consult my own notes as that seems a lifetime past."

Verna makes a another gesture, this one vague and about the room. "My apologies for the lack of hospitality. I only recently arrived home from vigil, where Auranar now waits in my stead."

A quiet chuckle writes itself in Seldan's ice-blue eyes and across the serious features, lightening them for just a minute. "A worthy ally, Tanith. Much do I owe to her help. Begrudge not the fish, and do not anger her. They are a small price to pay for what she is capable of." Real warmth and gratitude lights those words.

When the topic turns to Kol, however, Seldan sharpens, and his expression immediately fades into seriousness. "You have met Kol Demontry?" The question is swift, but he shakes his head at Verna. "I have no wish to damage your furniture, Mourner. Indeed, it is of Kol Demontry that I came to speak. Do you hunt him, my sword is yours, as is my wisdom. For indeed the plan was mine that brought him down, when last he threatened this place."

Telamon shivers. "Yes," he says to Seldan. "And I won't lie, he is terrifying. I am afraid, Sir Seldan." Slowly, the half-elven sorcerer sinks down into one of the chairs, his ebuillent demeanor fading. "We faced off against him when we went to rescue Brydion Donnelly. I transported us to the lair he'd established."

His eyes flick to Verna. "Is he-- never mind, I won't ask, 'all right'. But is he recovering? I saw..." He pauses, his expression tightening. "I saw what that monster did to him."

"I heard no word before I returned here," Verna admits with concern. "He is in the healers' care, the best possible." To Seldan, she then offers, "From what I gleaned, Seldan, Kol appeared rather fixated upon you previously. This time, he chose another. One who used that obsession against Kol Demontry, at great personal risk and cost. Fortunately, we were able to retrieve him, a totem, and possibly some information." There is a significant pause before she offers, "He terrifies many, Telamon. You are not alone in that regard."

That last quiet comment is countered as she eyes Seldan firmly. "Yes, he is hunted. I shall see whatever this Kol is removed from whatever existence I granted. Your aid will be most welcome."

Seldan's eyes lower, his demeanor taking on the impassive quietude of an alabaster pillar as he listens to the discussion at hand. "This is the man Kol got hold of? I am - aware of that situation, yes. One of his healers may as well be my brother." His tone is steady and even, and he draws a deep breath before continuing.

"Your friend was correct," he goes on, quietly. "Kol is a mighty foe indeed. His power and speed are nigh unmatched, and even now would I be hard-put to best him in a contest of arms, alone. Yet is he a creature of his passions. When offered a chance at that which he desires, he will ignore all other considerations, including his own safety, to partake, and thus may he be lured to his doom."

"I know that your friend lives," he goes on, slowly, "for Zeke bade me hunt in his stead. More than that, I cannot say. I know not whether Kol will recall me, but it is my hope that he will."

Telamon's lips turn downward. "I wish... I could've done more. I owe him -- but at least I was able to get us clear of that chamber of horrors." His eyes drop down, and then he blinks as he sees the kitten pawing curiously at his trouser and boot. He offers a smile, and reaches down to gently gather the little fuzzy ball up, petting the kitten.

"Whatever you can do, Sir Seldan, it'll be enough." Tel looks to Verna again. "There is one other thing. The black roses, in the Vast."

"That was our goal, and we succeeded," Verna assures Telamon. "You brought them to safety. That is no small thing." A nod to Telamon, then. "Yes, we must organize a group to venture to the vast. I regret that I was consumed with concern since our return."

Her expression brightens somewhat as she turns to Seldan. "If he is in Zeke's care, then he has the best care, for certain." Her lips promptly flatten after. "Do not expect that he shall know you, Seldan. I was never an object of great interest to him, yet encountered him on multiple occasions, and he appeared to hold no recognition. Moreso, all research conducted indicates that he is not the original, but an entity from the Dream Realm. One that takes on strengths and weaknesses, even personality of the original, but I do not believe this extends to memories. We may be at the whim of his fancies... though perhaps they could be directed elsewhere, regardless?"

Seldan has not moved from his stance, but merely nods to the description. "Very well, then. I shall remind him." Although neutrally stated, there's ice hiding beneath the even words. He draws a deep breath, and fixes Telamon for a moment with a steady gaze. "I fear that my time is short, Master Telamon, and so must I ask a moment more of your forbearance. It is not safe for me to remain anywhere in the city overlong, and I had one more thing that I wished to ask of the Mourner. Can you scry upon the location where Kol was?"

Telamon shakes his head. "I won't be the one to stand in your way, Sir Seldan." He offers a small smile. "I have other things to discuss with Verna but you definitely need to go first." He looks down at the kitten in his lap, who has wrapped its paws around his hand and is nuzzling affectionately at his fingers and knuckles. "Especially with this one demanding attention."

Verna considers this request. "I did so previously, but indirectly as the focus was Dolan. Enough of the cave was witnessed, both from afar and by our arrival, that I might have some success doing so again. Kol's arrival or presence ended or prevented such, previously, so I must presume that he, himself, is guarded from such magic. Yes, I can make the attempt; as many as necessary, if required. Is the intent a return visit, when the focus could be more exploratory? We had no time to search beyond the room, as originally planned."

She looks to Telamon, and then to the kitten. She does not quite smile, but her frown diminishes. "Hunter is most affectionate, and energetic."

"I have a thing that may aid you." Seldan, unaccountably, hesitates, and looks between the two of them. His eyes lower. "It is not my intention to trouble either of you, and yet may this help. I would ask your forgiveness in advance, do you find this troublesome." He reaches carefully into a large pouch on his belt, and from it removes a slender object, about six inches long, wrapped in a rag such as might be used to clean a blade after use. Cradling it in one careful hands, he opens the rag.

In his hand, he holds one of the long, slender, ring-tipped knives that had been woven into Dolan's chest. Wickedly sharp, it has been fully cleaned and now glints in the light of the manalamp. "It is likely that this object belongs to Kol. At the very least, it comes from the place where he was."

Telamon looks up from the kitten to see what Seldan has, and he stiffens a bit, eyes flashing before he subsides. "That... does appear to be one of the... blades, yes. I recognize the ring-tip design." He flicks his eyes to Verna, and takes a deep breath. "Well," he says, "the worst that can happen is that he wasn't particularly attached to it. But favored tools, well... people like to hold onto them." He shudders, and averts his gaze from the thing in Seldan's hands.

Verna recognizes the blade immediately. She witnessed their cruel usage more than most of the others, and had examined their placement to best make Dolan safe for transport. There is a notable inhale and a frown, but she is yet aware that it is but a tool: as with magic, its use is determined by the wielder, and the object itself holds neither mercy nor malice.

"It is one of the very same..." she does not expound, nor is such required. "It will be of a aid in scrying. As well, I much prefer to see it as it is, now, than as it was, before. If you would entrust it to my care, I shall use it to that purpose." She gestures to a side table. While it might not be so disturbing, now, does not mean that she is in a rush to handle it.

"As you will." Some of the impassive look has returned to Seldan's features, and he quickly covers it again, turning to at first lay it on a side table, then thinking better of it, tucking it into the drawer below. "I - would ask your forgiveness for that," he says slowly. "And yet - is it possibly valuable as a means to find him. I had not realized that that was done to a friend."

Telamon begins petting the kitten for a bit, before responding. "No, Sir Seldan. You're right. We do need this. But... it doesn't make it any easier." He lifts his head again to look at the Silverguard. "And if his sick little games lead to him being removed from Ea again, well... I won't flinch from using his toy to help ensure he gets destroyed again."

"None is necessary, Seldan," Verna assures him. "You brought immediate aid and offered ever more. I am most grateful. I would prefer to know of the plan behind the request, but perhaps that can be discussed once my attempts prove successful." She then looks to Telamon with some curiosity, then between he and Seldan. "There is more you both wished to discuss?"

"I must learn what it is that your scry offers, ere I may formulate a plan. Call upon me at the Dreamer's Temple, do you wish my presence for the scry." Having tucked the knife safely away, Seldan returns to his previous stance behind the couch, near his pack. "Naught more would I ask of you, but this would I caution you."

This time, he turns he eyes toward Telamon. "Kol Demontry enjoys receiving pain, as much as giving it, for I have seen him do both with great joy. It is probably best to seek to merely kill him, without exacting vengeance for the pain he has caused." Much though I'd like to, is left unsaid.

Telamon tilts his head in a curious way, as if listening to a sound only he can hear. Then he sighs and chuckles. "I must be going as well." He offers Verna a brave smile. "I may be back to either consult with you, or to work on teaching Aura. Or both."

At Seldan's advice, Tel nods. "I... have no desire to try and repay him in kind. Better to simply remove him, and be done with it. Buried, and forgotten." He places his hands together. "Sir Seldan, if you should need anything, please let me know... though I admit so far my best contribution has been teleporting people out of harm's way."

Verna nods to Seldan. "Nor I. I would see him swiftly reduced to naught but the unpleasant memory he was previously rendered, and not in any manner he would enjoy. I shall call upon you when it is time, Seldan, so that you may learn all that can be."

"Telamon," she notes firmly as she looks to him, "do not make light of that. You are the reason that we were successful, and moreso without dire loss. I welcome your return, as would Auranar."

"Then I shall look forward to your call. Her light upon your path, both of you." With that, Seldan grabs his back and turns towards the door, leaving it open for Telamon, but turning his back on a very difficult conversation indeed - that offers a path forward.