Cynalon Knights #13

[GM Mad]

Cynalon Knights #13

December 3rd, 571 CR

Kylie and her mother Allurien have taken the Argent they found in the Elder ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm to Karn's Keep. From there, the Invoker tends to report her findings to Lord Sharadin and then return to her home in Crossroads.

They met Ladies Sherry and Terry Sculley upon arrival. The twins are known to Kylie from the time she spent learning magic at the Sallavarian Estate. After becoming aware that the Argent they arrived with was a new one, they alerted Sherwood who was already at Karn's Keep. The ranger-mage was learning new magicks when he was made aware of the new arrivals.

Sherwood came to meet with Kylie, Allurien and this new Argent. Sherwood spoke to this Argent learning her story. While this was going on, the twins teleported to Jallarzi's estate to report the arrival of another Argent.

After speaking to the Argent Kylie arrived with, the Invoker excused herself and went to her usual chamber at Karn's Keep to rest. Sherwood and Kylie talked for a time, covering other details of the situation.

Then Kylie and Allurien went to the mage library to learn new spells. After a time, Jallarzi and Elspeth arrived. But they were not alone, as with them were two other Argents! One of these, now the Lady Argent, was the Argent Kylie met while with the Guardian's of Light. The other Argent had been adventuring around Elcadan area and gained several articles of magical leather clothing from the ruins of the castle of Demara the Enchantress. Legend had it that Demara had been one of the Fellowship of Mages, but had gone mad and consorted with demons.

Kylie thinks back to that day nearly two weeks ago. "When we restored Mother Tree, Corellon gifted each of us with a reward of our choosing. Lilia became a priestess of Corellon Larethian. Laucian and Valena chose mounts: a griffon for Laucian, and a unicorn for Valena. Nariya selected a magic spear named 'Orcbane'. Lia was transformed into a full drow, and Talen gained the natural abilities of a drow. Your cousin," she gestures in Sherwood's direction, "can now see in the dark as well as an elf. I, on the other hand, asked for the ability to fly at will, without the need for a spell.”

“That's amazing!” Jallarzi will say. “Those are some impressive rewards.”

“Now I'm a bit jealous,” the Argent in leather adds. “Given how much I use a Fly spell. Just being able to do it would be so handy!”

"Sometimes, I actually forget that I'm flying instead of walking."

“That must really freak people out when you do that unexpectedly!” the Lady Argent adds with a laugh.

Kylie smiles as she recalls the last time she saw her friend Ivy. "She was always something wonderful, so I guess she really hasn't changed much. Acerion is a good man; I'm sure they will have a wonderful life together."

“I like to think that they will too,” Elspeth agrees.


Jallarzi told Kylie that Elcadan had been attacked. Part of the southern slums, the worst part of the city, had been burned by the Athenos Army. Kylie suddenly realized that the Athenos Army would have had to march past Orlane, the village where her father now lived!

Wiping some of the tears from her eyes, Kylie turns to her mother. "Yes, Mom, Jallarzi helped him settle there after I became her student."

“Thank you for that, Lady Sallavarian,” Allurien adds.

“It was my pleasure,” Jallarzi responds.

Kylie wonders if there is way to find out if her father is safe. The Argents suggest using their Crystal Ball to scry him. The Lady Argent produces her Crystal Ball so that Kylie can make the attempt. They give Kylie some pointers on how to use the Crystal Ball.

Kylie listens as the two Argents describe the technique for using a Crystal Ball. She's not entirely sure she gets how to kneed a hard orb like a ball of soft dough, but she's willing to give it a try. Pulling up a mental image of Dad should be relatively easy, as she does it often enough when she thinks of him.

“Imagine that you are cleaning it with a cloth,” Jallarzi suggests. “Make those kind of motions on the Crystal Ball.”

“Kneading dough?” Jallarzi says to the Argent in leather. “Really?”

That Argent shrugs helplessly in response.

"I think I'm ready to give it a try," Kylie says, a note of uncertainty in her voice. She kneels down in front of the chair that the Crystal Ball is sitting on. Reaching out, she places one hand on each side of the enchanted orb and begins to move her hand over the surface similar to how Argent had done so when Kylie had watched her. "Like this?" she asks, glancing up at Lady Argent."

“Yes,” Lady Argent softly tells Kylie. “Just like that.”

Once she feels comfortable with the motion, Kylie closes her eyes and focuses on pulling up an image of her father from the last time she saw him. She concentrates carefully, trying to make the image in her mind as accurate as possible, as well as the sound of his voice, and even the scent of his hair and body when he hugs her.

After a few moments, she opens her eyes and gazes into the Crystal Ball, hoping desperately to see her father alive and well.

When Kylie opens her eyes once more, an image starts to form in the Crystal Ball. Kylie's father appears in the ball. He seems to be indoors and after a moment, Kylie can tell that it is his house in Orlane. But Tomas is not alone. He is talking to another woman, one a little bit older than himself. They are laughing as if in response to a funny story.

At this moment, Allurien lets out a gasp of shock. Clearly something she saw in the Crystal Ball startled her!


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Now I'm a bit jealous,” the Argent in leather adds. “Given how much I use a Fly spell. Just being able to do it would be so handy!”

Kylie grins at her leather-clad friend. "Not to mention - fun! The sensation of freedom is incredible! You never have to worry about falling again."

“That must really freak people out when you do that unexpectedly!” the Lady Argent adds with a laugh.

Kylie turns her attention to Lady Argent. "Sometimes, if I do something particularly dramatic and it's obvious that I didn't cast a spell. I don't think your other self upstairs will soon forget the time I took off straight up shortly after we rescued her."

“Imagine that you are cleaning it with a cloth,” Jallarzi suggests. “Make those kind of motions on the Crystal Ball.”

Nodding, Kylie focuses on the crystalline orb and adjusts her movements to match Jallarzi's description. Her teacher teases Argent about her suggestion, but Kylie doesn't pay it much attention.

“Yes,” Lady Argent softly tells Kylie. “Just like that.”

With the confirmation, Kylie feels more confident of the somatic movements and closes her eyes. It doesn't take long to get a strong sense of her father in her mind, and she opens her eyes back up to peer into the Crystal Ball. Her efforts are rewarded as she sees her father sitting comfortably in his new home and chatting happily with a woman who must be the Myriel that he mentioned. The tension and anxiety that she had been feeling drains out of Kylie, now that she can see that no harm has come to her father.

At this moment, Allurien lets out a gasp of shock. Clearly something she saw in the Crystal Ball startled her!

Her mother's startled gasp causes Kylie's gaze to shift to Allurien. "Mom? Are you okay?"

[GM Mad]

Small Update:

Her mother's startled gasp causes Kylie's gaze to shift to Allurien. "Mom? Are you okay?"

“My apologies,” Allurien offers to Kylie as she gains her composure. “While it was only a few months ago that I last saw you father from my perspective, eleven years has actually passed. I was startled to see how much-- older your father was.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“My apologies,” Allurien offers to Kylie as she gains her composure. “While it was only a few months ago that I last saw you father from my perspective, eleven years has actually passed. I was startled to see how much-- older your father was.”

Kylie responds with an amused snort, but lets it pass. "Even had you been here all these years, Mom, you would not look appreciably different, and yet Dad would still have aged as you see him now. While I may not age quite as fast as him, it will yet be the same with me. That is the real tragedy of our family.

"I've heard it said that no parent should have to outlive their child, yet that is our destiny. I wish I had a way to spare you that, Mom, but that is beyond my reach."

Tears glistening in her eyes, Kylie turns back to the enchanted orb. At least she can watch her father be happy for a few more minutes...

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie grins at her leather-clad friend. "Not to mention -fun! The sensation of freedom is incredible! You never have to worry about falling again."

“That it is,” this Argent nods in agreement.

Kylie turns her attention to Lady Argent. "Sometimes, if I do something particularly dramatic and it's obvious that I didn't cast a spell. I don't think your other self upstairs will soon forget the time I took off straight up shortly after we rescued her."

“Show off,” the Lady Argent teases.

Kylie responds with an amused snort, but lets it pass. "Even had you been here all these years, Mom, you would not look appreciably different, and yet Dad would still have aged as you see him now. While I may not age quite as fast as him, it will yet be the same with me. That is the real tragedy of our family.

"I've heard it said that no parent should have to outlive their child, yet that is our destiny. I wish I had a way to spare you that, Mom, but that is beyond my reach."

Tears glistening in her eyes, Kylie turns back to the enchanted orb. At least she can watch her father be happy for a few more minutes...

Her own eyes starting to fill with tears, Allurien turns away before turning back towards Kylie and the image in the Crystal Ball. “Kylie, I love your father. Together we created a wonderful daughter. That is not a tragedy, that was an act of love.”

“Having parents of mixed races does lead to some challenges. I knew that going into this and I still would not do anything differently. My time with your father was always going to be short, from my perspective. But that doesn't make it any less special. I prefer to treasure the time we had, instead of mourning how short it could be.”

Having said that, Allurien steps away from the main conversation. Jallarzi and Elspeth make their way up to see the other Argent while Kylie catches up on the latest happenings with the Argent wearing leather clothing. This Argent starts to relate an adventure that had her come across a brazier of Blackflame, much like what was encountered back in Twin Forks. This gets Sherwood's attention and he comes over the question this Argent further.

At this point, Allurien comes back over. “Kylie, we do not have much time left, but I think I would like to see your father before we return to the Sylvan Realm. I-- I guess I need to say goodbye to him.”

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Show off,” the Lady Argent teases.

"Perhaps," Kylie replies with a smirk. "Then again, it was the most direct route to the top of the tower that we were standing next to."

Her own eyes starting to fill with tears, Allurien turns away before turning back towards Kylie and the image in the Crystal Ball. “Kylie, I love your father. Together we created a wonderful daughter. That is not a tragedy, that was an act of love.”

“Having parents of mixed races does lead to some challenges. I knew that going into this and I still would not do anything differently. My time with your father was always going to be short, from my perspective. But that doesn't make it any less special. I prefer to treasure the time we had, instead of mourning how short it could be.”

Not saying anything, Kylie wraps her arms around her mother and holds her close for several long moments. Despite all she has gone through in her young life, it is beginning to become apparent just how lucky she is. Even though they have been separated from each other in different ways at different times, she has always - and will always - been supported by the love of her parents.

Finally releasing her grip, she lays one hand on the side of Allurien's face and looks deep into her eyes. "I love you, Mom."

===

At this point, Allurien comes back over. “Kylie, we do not have much time left, but I think I would like to see your father before we return to the Sylvan Realm. I-- I guess I need to say goodbye to him.”

Kylie nods in agreement, as she wants to see him again as well. "I don't know the place well enough to teleport there, myself." She turns to Sherwood, as he is the only one she is certain can get them there. "Sherwood, are you willing to take Mom and I to see my Dad?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Not saying anything, Kylie wraps her arms around her mother and holds her close for several long moments. Despite all she has gone through in her young life, it is beginning to become apparent just how lucky she is. Even though they have been separated from each other in different ways at different times, she has always - and will always - been supported by the love of her parents.

Finally releasing her grip, she lays one hand on the side of Allurien's face and looks deep into her eyes. "I love you, Mom."

“I love you, too,” Allurien easily answers.

Later on, after hearing some of Argent's adventures, Allurien speaks up saying that they should go and visit Kylie's father before returning to the Sylvan Realm.

Kylie nods in agreement, as she wants to see him again as well. "I don't know the place well enough to teleport there, myself." She turns to Sherwood, as he is the only one she is certain can get them there. "Sherwood, are you willing to take Mom and I to see my Dad?"

“Of course,” Sherwood answers easily. Turning back to the leather wearing Argent, he adds, “And you stay here! We have much to discuss.”

Sherwood puts his hand on the hilt of Lifeshield and announces, “Ready when you are.”

The two Argent come forward to give hugs and say their goodbyes, for now, first to Kylie and then to Allurien. They hope that you all can get together soon.

While Allurien is saying her goodbyes, Sherwood whispers to Kylie. “In a way, I envy you. My mother died when I was four years old. My father left me at the Sallavarian Estate while he went off to hunt her killers. He never returned. What I wouldn't give to see my mother again.”

Once everyone is ready, Sherwood directs Lifeshield to take them to Orlane. Just like before, the three appear behind the house and out of sight in Orlane.

“Do you need me to wait or you can make it back to the Sylvan on your own,” Sherwood asks.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“I love you, too,” Allurien easily answers.

Smiling, Kylie spends several moments just gazing into her mother's eyes before turning to other business.

===

“Of course,” Sherwood answers easily. Turning back to the leather wearing Argent, he adds, “And you stay here! We have much to discuss.”

Sherwood puts his hand on the hilt of Lifeshield and announces, “Ready when you are.”

"Thank you, Sherwood." Kylie then notices the Argents moving forward and a smirk appears on her lips. "Uhm... I'll think I'll need a moment."

The two Argent come forward to give hugs and say their goodbyes, for now, first to Kylie and then to Allurien. They hope that you all can get together soon.

Kylie returns the hugs and farewells. "And thank you both for your willingness to let me use your Crystal Balls. Being able to see my father safe and well was very comforting."

While Allurien is saying her goodbyes, Sherwood whispers to Kylie. “In a way, I envy you. My mother died when I was four years old. My father left me at the Sallavarian Estate while he went off to hunt her killers. He never returned. What I wouldn't give to see my mother again.”

Kylie pauses to look at 'Uncle' Sherwood for a moment, a note of empathy in her eyes. "I never knew that, Sherwood. I'm sorry you had to experience losing both of your parents. I know that must have been very hard for you."

Stepping next to Sherwood, Kylie reaches up and places her hand on his shoulder. "Ready." Her mother does similarly, and within moments they are in Orlane.

Kylie has been here enough times that it is familiar to her. Allurien, of course, has never been here before, so Kylie knows this is a new experience for her mother.

“Do you need me to wait or you can make it back to the Sylvan on your own,” Sherwood asks.

"Thank you so much for bringing us here, Sherwood. I'm proud to call you my 'uncle'." Kylie glances over at her mother, who appears to be staring at the house in a whirl of emotions. "We can make our way back to the Sylvan Realm. I'll come visit again when I have more time to talk and study."


More to come...

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Turning back to Allurien, Kylie puts her arm through her mother's and begins to lead her toward the front gate. "Let's move around to the front, so we don't look quite so much like thieves in the night."

"Yes, I suppose we should," Allurien replies with a strained smile. Though her voice sounds calm, Kylie can see her anxiety in her eyes.

"How about I go in first and talk to Dad? I'll let him know you're out here, and he can come outside to talk with you. Okay, Mom?"

Allurien takes a deep breath, then tears her eyes away from the house to look at her daughter. "That seems reasonable, Kylie. Please, go ahead."

Kylie holds her mother's gaze for a moment before turning toward the house. If she's honest with herself, she kind of nervous herself. It's so hard to predict what will happen, or how Myriel will react. Kylie has never met her father's new lady-friend, and doesn't really know much about her.

Stepping up to the door, Kylie knocks, then quickly brushes a wrinkle out of her blouse. She hears muffled voices inside, then the door open a few moments later.

"Hello?" a heavy-set woman says, glancing curiously at Kylie. Not surprisingly, the woman is the same one Kylie saw minutes ago through Lady Argent's Crystal Ball. Light brown hair just starting to turn gray frames a pleasant, kindly face. Her pale blue eyes flick toward the elven woman standing at the far end of the walkway.

"Hi, I'm Kylie, and you must be Myriel. It's a pleasure to meet you. Dad told me about you last time I was here. Can I talk to him?"

Myriel jerks her gaze back to the young woman standing before her. "Oh, hi Kylie! It's a pleasure to finally meet you as well. Tomas talks about you all the time. Yes, please, come in." She steps back and gestures for Kylie to enter, glancing back at Allurien again before following Kylie inside.

Stepping into the now-familiar house, Kylie sees her father sitting at the kitchen table. "Hi Dad!" She rushes forward and throws her arms around him and gives him a firm hug.

"Kylie!" Tomas shifts in his chair and returns his daughter's hug. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon, but it's a wonderful surprise."

After a few moments, Kylie releases her hold. "I heard that the Athenos army marched through here and attacked Elcadan, Dad. I had to come see that you were okay. I was so worried!"

Tomas smiles. "I'm sorry to have worried you, Kylie. You're right that the army marched through, but they didn't cause us any trouble other than trampling a few yards and 'commandeering' some livestock. Thank the gods it wasn't orcs; that would have been a disaster!"

He pauses a moment to eye Kylie more closely. "You look well, though you've changed just a bit, too. I take it your mysterious mission up north went well?"

A smirk appears on Kylie's face. "It's not nice to remind your daughter that she's getting older, you know. But yes, the mission went well. We reached the ancient elven homeland known as the Sylvan Realm, drove out the human and orcish invaders, and restored Mother Tree. I even met Corellon Larethian, Lord of All Elves, himself!"

Tomas stammers speechlessly for a moment. "You met Corellon, the chief elven deity?!" Myriel exclaims in wonder.

Kylie turns and takes a half step back so that she can see both Myriel and her father at the same time. "Yes, we did. After we defeated Moorkroft's forces and restored Mother Tree, he came and rewarded each of us with a gift of our choosing. To me, he gave the gift of flight. I never need worry about falling again." Kylie drifts up a few inches off the floor to illustrate her point.

Myriel's mouth drops open as she glances down at Kylie's feet dangling a hand-span above the floor and back up.

"That's amazing!" Tomas' eyes sparkle a bit as he looks at her. "My daughter... Blessed by the gods themselves. I don't even know what to say..."

"It's okay, Dad. I'm still me. And I'm sorry, but I cannot stay long. Mom and I are moving to the Sylvan Realm to help restore the land to the wondrous place that it was always meant to be.

"Uhm... Dad? Speaking of Mom, she's outside -- and she'd really like to say good-bye before we leave. Would that be okay?"

"A-Allurien? She's here?" Tomas levers himself to his feet. It pains Kylie to see that he's still hobbled by his injury. "Myriel..?" Looks are exchanged between Tomas and Myriel that speak volumes.

"Go ahead, Tomas," Myriel finally says. "You'll be angry with yourself - and me - if you don't go talk to her."

"It'll be okay, Dad. I'll stay here with Myriel. It's time we got to know one another."

Still, Tomas hesitates for a moment. "Alright. It will be good to finally get some closure." Despite his pronounced limp, he crosses the short distance to the door quickly. As he opens the door, he glances back, as though seeking strength to face this meeting with his first wife. And then the door closes behind him.

There is an anxious moment as Kylie and Myriel pause to see if anything drastic happens. But nothing does, and Kylie turns to Myriel. "Mind if I take a seat?"

"Oh! Sure, please do." Myriel gestures to a chair, and then sit herself down in another.

The conversation starts off awkwardly, but settles into a rhythm as the two women become more comfortable with one another. They share stories of their lives leading up to this point, and opinions on the state of the world.

Kylie is in the midst of telling Myriel what she knows of the battle in Elcadan when the door opens. Looking up, she sees her father lumber inside, tears staining his cheeks. "Thank you, Kylie. As much as it hurts, I think I can finally let go of that part of my life."

Floating up out of the chair, Kylie drifts forward and gives her father another hug. "I think it's time for me to go. I'll come back to visit whenever I get the chance. I love you, Dad."

Turning to Myriel, Kylie gives her a had as well. "Thank you giving us this time, Myriel. It really has been a pleasure meeting you."

Myriel returns the hug gently, seemingly a little surprised by it, then steps forward and puts one arm around Tomas' waist. "Thank you, Kylie. I've really enjoyed finally meeting you. You're welcome here any time."

With a last look at her father and his new partner, Kylie glides out the door. She approaches Allurien, searching her face to make sure that she's alright. "You okay, Mom?"

"Yes, dear. It's just... It's been so long for him, and yet it seems like only yesterday to me. But that is not our life anymore, and now it's time for me to build my new life."

Allurien dabs at her eye for a moment. "Are you ready to leave?"

"Just a minute, Mom. I need to make sure that I can return here as the opportunity arises." Kylie examines her surrounding carefully memoriZing it in as much detail as she can manage. She is determined to be able to Teleport here accurately.

It takes a few minutes, but finally she turns back to her mother. "Okay, I'm ready. Let me see if I can hit the deck of The Sunflower on the first try."

Allurien places her hand on her shoulder as Kylie prepares the spell. Seconds later, there is only empty space where they had previously been standing.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Kylie and Allurien are wrapping up their visit to Karn's Keep...

"Thank you, Sherwood." Kylie then notices the Argents moving forward and a smirk appears on her lips. "Uhm... I'll think I'll need a moment."

“Of course,” Sherwood says upon seeing the approaching invokers.

Kylie returns the hugs and farewells. "And thank you both for your willingness to let me use your Crystal Balls. Being able to see my father safe and well was very comforting."

“It's what friends do,” Lady Argent says. “Take care of each other and help out when you can.”

“I--”, the Argent in leather starts to say. “We hope to be able to visit someday soon. Those Elder ruins sound fascinating!”

“That they do,” the Lady Argent agrees. “In the meantime, perhaps our other self can tell us what she discovered.”

“Once she's done freaking out,” Argent states. “It's taken a while for us to get used to each other.”

“We've gone from twins to triplets,” Lady Argent continues. “We'll do what we can to help her.”

“Thank you, Kylie for everything you've done for her.”

“Say hi to the others for me, will you?” Lady Argent asks. “Laucian and Lilia. Oh, and Valena for trying to teach me how to use the shortbow!”

“Why in the world would you want to learn how to use a shortbow?” the Argent in leather asks. “When you can cast the nicest Magic Missile anyone has ever seen?”

“I was out of spells,” Lady Argent explains. “It was siege. I wanted to help. I wasn't that good at it, but I wasn't horrible either.”

“Anyway, we've rambled on long enough,” the other Argent says. “Be Safe, Kylie.”

Kylie pauses to look at 'Uncle' Sherwood for a moment, a note of empathy in her eyes. "I never knew that, Sherwood. I'm sorry you had to experience losing both of your parents. I know that must have been very hard for you."

“Oh, as far as I know my father isn't dead,” Sherwood says. “He's just be away for the last 29 years. Doing gods know what. The thing about life is that its easy to get knocked down. The hard part is getting up again. And again. And again.”

Stepping next to Sherwood, Kylie reaches up and places her hand on his shoulder. "Ready." Her mother does similarly, and within moments they are in Orlane.

At Sherwood's mental command, Lifeshield teleports the trio to the desired location in Orlane.

"Thank you so much for bringing us here, Sherwood. I'm proud to call you my 'uncle'." Kylie glances over at her mother, who appears to be staring at the house in a whirl of emotions. "We can make our way back to the Sylvan Realm. I'll come visit again when I have more time to talk and study."

“You're very welcome,” Sherwood says as he gives Kylie a hug. “Until later then.”

Sherwood steps away and casts Teleport and returns back to Karn's Keep.


After wrapping up the visit with her father, Kylie teleports herself and her mother back to the Sylvan Realm. The magic is true and the pair safely appear on the deck of the Sunflower. Dapple is there a moment later to welcome them back.

Looking up, Allurien can see that it is very nearly the time for the Rainbow Bridge to arrive. “Shall we go see who crosses over the Rainbow Bridge?” she says to Kylie.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

There is a confusing jumble of talk as the Argents say goodbye. Kylie does her best to respond as she is able.

“I--”, the Argent in leather starts to say. “We hope to be able to visit someday soon. Those Elder ruins sound fascinating!”

"I look forward to it," Kylie replies sincerely, hoping indeed that they will make it to the Sylvan Realm someday.

“Thank you, Kylie for everything you've done for her.”

Kylie smiles, nodding. "You are all welcome."

“Say hi to the others for me, will you?” Lady Argent asks. “Laucian and Lilia. Oh, and Valena for trying to teach me how to use the shortbow!”

"I'll let them know," Kylie says simply.

“Anyway, we've rambled on long enough,” the other Argent says. “Be Safe, Kylie.”

"You as well; both of you. And take good care of your sister. She will need all the support you can give her."

“Oh, as far as I know my father isn't dead,” Sherwood says. “He's just be away for the last 29 years. Doing gods know what. The thing about life is that its easy to get knocked down. The hard part is getting up again. And again. And again.”

"I understand what you mean, Sherwood. Hopefully, it builds resiliency."

===

“You're very welcome,” Sherwood says as he gives Kylie a hug. “Until later then.”

Kylie returns the hug warmly, then watches a moment as her adopted uncle departs. Turning, she rejoins her mother.

===

Kylie is very pleased that her first attempt at casting Teleport worked and took her right where she intended. "It worked, Mom! Made it on the first try!" she says excitedly.

Dapple comes trotting up moments later, and Kylie gives the canine a warm welcome - including a treat or two.

Looking up, Allurien can see that it is very nearly the time for the Rainbow Bridge to arrive. “Shall we go see who crosses over the Rainbow Bridge?” she says to Kylie.

Kylie looks up and sees that the sun is high in the sky, indicating that the time is drawing near. "I'll be along in a moment, Mom. I want to check in with my friends."

Once her mother leaves, Kylie glides off in search of Talen and Lia. She's not sure if Lia will still be here, but Dapple's presence indicates that at least Talen must be.

[Talen]

Talen:

“Come back here!” Talen calls out as Dapple goes rushing off. Once more Talen gives chase in hopes of retrieving the elfin dog that very much as a mind of his own.

Emerging on deck, Talen is surprised to find Kylie and Allurien back!

“Oh!” Talen says in surprise. “I guess that explains that. Back already?”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Emerging on deck, Talen is surprised to find Kylie and Allurien back!

“Oh!” Talen says in surprise. “I guess that explains that. Back already?”

"Hi Talen!" Kylie replies with a big smile. "Yup, we wanted to be back in time to see the Rainbow Bridge open.

"Thank you for keeping an eye on Dapple for me. I know he can be a bit of a handful." Kylie pets the cooshee's head affectionately.

"We had a good visit back at Karn's Keep. Lots of news, which I'll have to bring everyone up to date on later.

"We also stopped in Orlane and visited my Dad briefly. It was good to see him and to meet his lady friend. She seems pretty nice."

Kylie realizes that she's babbling on, and that time is running short, so she shifts her focus back to the Realm. "How are you, Talen? Are you coming to see the Rainbow Bridge open?"

[Talen]

Talen:

"Hi Talen!" Kylie replies with a big smile. "Yup, we wanted to be back in time to see the Rainbow Bridge open.

"Thank you for keeping an eye on Dapple for me. I know he can be a bit of a handful." Kylie pets the cooshee's head affectionately.

“Oh, he wasn't a bother,” Talen says but not convincingly.

"We had a good visit back at Karn's Keep. Lots of news, which I'll have to bring everyone up to date on later.

"We also stopped in Orlane and visited my Dad briefly. It was good to see him and to meet his lady friend. She seems pretty nice."

“Okay,” Talen says trying to keep up. “That must have been a nice visit.”

Kylie realizes that she's babbling on, and that time is running short, so she shifts her focus back to the Realm. "How are you, Talen? Are you coming to see the Rainbow Bridge open?"

“I'm fine,” Talen says. “I'm just going to take it easy today. Maybe I'll come up in a while. Right now I'm just going to hang out here.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Oh, he wasn't a bother,” Talen says but not convincingly.

Yeah... right. Raising one eyebrow, Kylie fixes Talen with a disbelieving look with just a hint of a smirk. I suppose it's nice of him to say so...

“Okay,” Talen says trying to keep up. “That must have been a nice visit.”

"It was, though it did have it's stressful moments as well." Kylie thinks back to her reaction upon hearing about the army from Athenos. And then there was the Argents' bickering...

“I'm fine,” Talen says. “I'm just going to take it easy today. Maybe I'll come up in a while. Right now I'm just going to hang out here.”

"Okay, Talen. I'll see you later, alright?" Kylie hesitates a moment to let Talen respond if he's inclined to, then takes off for Mother Tree and the grand bridge opening.

[Talen]

Talen:

"Okay, Talen. I'll see you later, alright?" Kylie hesitates a moment to let Talen respond if he's inclined to, then takes off for Mother Tree and the grand bridge opening.

“I look forward to it,” Talen says Kylie flies away.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“I look forward to it,” Talen says Kylie flies away.

Talen's comment brings a shy smile to Kylie's face as she starts to fly away. 'As do I,' she thinks to herself. Looking back, she gives him a brief wave before flying out of sight.

[GM Mad]

This seems to have run its course and was continued on in the Sylvan Realm.

Closing.