Session Start: Wed Oct 03 01:08:00 2007 *** I can has Ludz *** >> Still air. The horizon glows with pre-dawn light. Ryllan waits on the 7th floor of the Crystal Spire. He leans against a railing, casting a glance toward the lift every so often, waiting. >> After a while, the lift descends, bearing with it a rather sleepy and worn-looking Niri, still wearing her flannel pajamas, and with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. She has fuzzy slippers on her feet. Seeing Ryllan, she pauses a moment in surprise. Good morning. *Ryllan's voice is calm, quiet. Not quite breaking the stillness.* * Niri recovers from her startlement and steps off the lift, which dims and goes still. "Morning. What are you doing up so early?" I'm usually up pretty early. I like the quiet. * Niri nods. "It is awfully peaceful. Beautiful up here, too." She gestures out a nearby window at the alpine vista beyond. * Ryllan looks out at the vista for a moment, then back at Niri, "So what got you up so early in the morning?" ...Couldn't sleep last night. I finally gave up and decided to go check on Mom. Any change? Not really, but she seems stable at least... That's good. * Ryllan pauses, "How're you holding up? You had trouble sleeping?" * Niri shrugs. I'll...I'll manage. This has all just hit pretty hard. Had a talk with Trune last night too. It made me realize all over again just what a mess I'm in. * Ryllan closes his eyes, and his face twists as if he were about to say something rash... then it relaxes, and he sighs, "What did he say?" << See for yourself! *Niri points at the buffer.* >> He told me that I'm probably really angry and am burying it down deep and hiding it from everyone, and that I'm getting a really raw deal by accepting the armor. He also basically reminded me of everything awful that's happened to me since I took up this responsibility. * Niri stops and blinks. ...I make it sound as if I really am resentful and ready to quit. That's not the case, you know. * Ryllan nods, "I know. But keep talking." * Niri shrugs. I won't lie, it hurts. And Trune may not know just how much of what he said was the truth. It feels like everything I care about is slipping away from me... If Zophar thinks that's going to make me quit, he's wrong. Doesn't change how much it hurts, though. * Ryllan nods, "Losing people always hurts, no matter who it is. And..." Ryllan looks away from Niri before saying this, but forces it out, "And, you have the fortune, good or bad, to be associated with a lot of people who Zophar could see as direct threats, regardless of any psychological power play." * Niri looks at the floor. "...Not an encouraging thought." I can't offer you anything but the world as it is, Niri. But I can help you meet it, no matter what comes gunning for us next. Well...if what comes next is after any of you, believe me, I'm going to do everything in my power to stop it. I won't fail again, not like I did with Mom. "No." Ryllan's voice remains quiet. But there's a vehmnence to it that isn't often heard directed at his friends. * Niri looks at Ryllan questioningly. You can't be the one throwing yourself in the way of blows meant for us, Niri. It has to be the other way around. Remember - you're the one who can stop Zophar. I'm not. None of us are. If it comes to it, we protect you. .../What?/ Are you suggesting that if Zophar were to...I mean if something were to happen to...are you saying that in the worst case scenario, I should abandon everyone? In the absolute worst case, yes. If one person can get out, it should be you, and you should. * Niri just stares at him for a moment. ...You're going to think less of me for this. But I'm not so sure I can accept that. * Ryllan meets Niri's eyes, and there is no doubt that making this request is not an easy thing for him, nor one he wants to do, "What would you rather do?" Would you rather fall in 'glorious battle' beside us, while Zophar survives to menace the world? I think the answer to that is obvious. No. ...But I will not accept more of my friends getting hurt if there's any way I can help it. * Ryllan chuckles, it's a bitter, sad mote of mirth, "Niri, while I'm flattered that you view me as more important than everyone else in the world... That's not a good list of priorities." ...And that's not what I said, either. The scenario you're talking about is really unlikely, and I wouldn't give up on anyone until all other possibilities were exhausted. Do you see what I mean? Not unless it IS really a choice of you guys or the world would I ever abandon all of you. Of course, Niri. But you need to be able to /make that call/. * Niri stares out a window, obviously struggling with herself. And you may need to make it in the space of a few seconds... Which means, distasteful as it is, you have to think about it. I... * Niri shuts her mouth again, not sure how to respond. This isn't something you have to think about all alone... really, we probably should get the group together and figure out some kind of crisis plan - things to do if we get split up, what constitutes a situation where we have to cut and run... that sort of thing. But that can wait. Yeah. It can... Yeah. Nir'? Hm? Did you want to say something? Other than... "It's not fair"? No. It's not - It's not at all. We signed up to fight a war with a god. Fighting a superior force is always an uphill slog. Fighting a god... Right. So...yeah. I have nothing useful to say. * Niri sighs I guess we'd better get ready to plan our next move. I'm sorry. I wish there was more I could do to take the weight from your shoulders. * Niri shakes her head. It's like you said, Ryllan. I signed up for this. * Niri starts to shuffle down the hall in her fuzzy slippers. Niri. * Niri turns back to look at Ryllan. I said 'we'. * Niri crooks a weak smile. ""...Yeah, you did." And I meant it. You weren't the only one who stepped up to that plate, and no one has taken the opportunity to leave the group. We're in this with you, Niri. That...kinda helps. A little. * Niri puts a hand to her forehead and sighs. "...Right now, though, I either need to try to get an hour or two of sleep, or get dressed and see about finding breakfast." Go get some rest. I heard a rumor Saki was planning something for breakfast. That'd be nice. Okay, see you in a while, Ryllan. * Niri stumbles off down the hall, in search of her bed and the sleep that eluded her earlier. * Ryllan watches Niri walk off then, quietly, murmers to himself, "I wonder if Saki's going to hurt me for making promises for her?" >> Shrugging, the ex-revolutionary leans back against the railing, watching as dawn breaks. A deep gasp is heard as the sudden bright light hits his eyes, then he smiles. A new day begins. *** Lude End *** Session Close: Wed Oct 03 03:08:00 2007