Guest Quarters, Castle Pieksveldt
Dated but still elegant, the many guest quarters of the phantom castle display a mix of Chronotopian and Sylvanian styling from years past. A large four-poster bed dominates the room, surrounded by wooden furnishings. A single window provides a view across the gloomy, lightning-streaked landscape below.

After a harrowing night of adventure, the group finally meets up in Umeko's quarters. Lilac was already here when Umeko arrived, splayed out across the bed and covered in soot. Anisa arrives not longer after with Xander in tow, looking worse for the wear. With night coming to an end the threat of Nightfall diminishes, even as discoveries reveal new dangers.

"You will cause the maids to bluster and complain, you know," Umeko remarks as she passes through the door frame. She looks a bit damp and carries a third sword – a battle worn, foot-soldier sword – in her sash, but otherwise looks no worse for wear. She also 'wears' Vandringar on her left arm … or rather, is being escorted by him. "I sense you have found the castle chimneys to your liking? A dangerous path to take should they choose to light a fire. I do hope the risk earned you a reward?"

Xander bristles slightly at the sight of Vandringar's escorting arm.

Lilac's head rises and she blinks a bit at Umeko as the two enter; t least her eyes are easily seen past the soot. She takes a moment to look between Vandringar and Umeko, then shakes her head. "Should he still be with you Ummy? I don't trust him," she says without hesitation. Then, shaking her head again, she explains. "Not the chimneys, Ummy: the machinery beneath the chapel. I restarted the Chronotopian organ machine."

Vandringar, for his part, seems to be in good enough spirits. He says nothing, simply smiling magnanimously, first at Xander and then the rest of the room's occupants. It does look like he's been busy… there are dusty scuffs on his normally immaculate white suit, and a short tear in his swordsman's cloak.

Anisa, currently sitting in a chair by the fireplace and looking very tired, looks up as the duo enters, her ears perking. She gives Umeko a smile – although it's slightly lopsided thanks to a large bruised welt on the side of her muzzle. The area right under her nose is stained a slight reddish-pink, and as she raises her right arm to wave, the duo can see that the fur from her paw to her forearm is singed to a dark black. "Well, glad to see someone made it back fully intact."

"Are you okay, Umeko?" Xander asks, looking worried.

"We are allies of the moment. All input is valued since all our necks are on the block, or so the phrase goes I believe," Umeko remarks as she withdraws her arm from the Cervani's. Anisa's condition causes the Kiriga to pause, then she walks over to the Lapi and crouches before her to inspect her injuries. "My foes were poor warriors and fell easily enough, though there were many. Vandringar held their attention while I ascended the tower and recovered a small piece of the mystery which devoured this place. Both of us survived with minimal injury; the worst I suffered is a tangled mane."

"You look terrible, Anisa. What happened to you anyway?" Lilac inquires as she sits up. Frowning as Umeko walks by, the human's eyes linger on the sword. "Is that sword the revealed mystery you're talking about, Ummy? If you're okay with Vandringar," Lilac saying the name like it were some kind of disease, "being here, then I guess it's okay if I say: I think I know something about that. Lady Riesling told me a good deal."

The stag strides across the room, and stoops down a little to study Anisa's face a little more closely. "Should I call for the castle chirurgeon?"

"We have a guide to the outside," Xander offers from Anisa and his own discoveries.

"The Lord of this castle was not slain by the undead, but by his own. He was betrayed," Umeko notes, draws out the blade, then sticks it point down into the floor, the tip wedged between two floorboards so that it can stand on its own. "This weapon took his life. It was laying atop the ruined tower of his private wing. Do you know who killed him and why?" she asks as her head twists about so that she's looking at Lilac.

"Our foe was a little bit more… experienced," Anisa says, absentmindedly rubbing her muzzle with her blackened paw. "And we think he was just as responsible for some of the deaths around here as the Raveness, if not more so – but he made the mistake of underestimating Team Lapi." Anisa grins to Xander. "Also, we now have a way to get out of the castle when we need to." She shakes her head to Vandringar. "I'll be fine - nothing a good night's sleep can't fix."

"Our foe was also kept prisoner here because he was invisible to the Raveness," Xander adds. "Empty inside. She can only see people that feel alive, or something."

"What was this foe?" Umeko asks.

"Although this will take a month or so to fix," Anisa sighs, looking to her blackened fur. "And yes, he had some way of going unnoticed by the Raveness – but he was also a cold blooded murderer."

"He was some kind of monster hunter," Anisa says to Umeko. "He was trapped here and locked in the dungeon. He… murdered a little girl to get free."

The Cervani lord nods briskly, and crosses the room to a chair, settling into it and crossing his hooves. He lays his cane on his knees and listens attentively.

"But that little girl was still there," the doe adds, fishing out her pendant. Intertwined on the chain are two pieces of what looks like a hairpin. "We promised her he'd never hurt anyone again, and we kept that promise. We tracked him down into the castle's cistern and fought him. But, as you can see, he wasn't exactly a pushover."

"He sounds more a monster, than a monster hunter," Umeko comments to that and frowns. "I hope you took his life in trade for the one he ended so callously." The Kiriga takes in a breath, then lets it out slowly. She blinks tired eyes and finally looks directly at Xander. "And forgive me, but how are you? You seem unharmed," she says.

Anisa nods to Umeko, "He was a total monster – more so than anything else in this castle." She smiles in Xander's direction. "If it hadn't been for Hotfoot, I'd be a fur coat right now."

"Not that it matters, but what species was he? Human?" Umeko asks.

"Anisa knocked me over before the guy's knife could hit me in the chest," Xander notes, rubbing his side. "Still, I got my spell off and he was helpless for Anisa's finishing blow!"

Umeko's head tilts as Xander rubs his side. "Robe and shirt off, please," she tells him. "I wish to check for broken bones."

"It… wasn't that hard of a hit," Xander notes, but does as asked. Usually, when he dreams about this stuff, there isn't a big Cervani buck watching.

"Jupani," Anisa says, "a big, nasty one. He was covered in scars and… had very large teeth." The doe shivers. "He was also well spoken – I prefer my maniacs to at least be gibbering morons. I tried to take him on, but it's like he was always one step ahead of me. Hotfoot blinded him and did some fiery stuff to my fist, and I was finally able to get a good hit in on him. He then kinda… well… exploded." She holds up her arm for emphasis.

"Well, partially exploded that is," the doe adds.

"Does it hurt when you draw a breath?" Umeko asks as she begins feeling over Xander's side. "Or does any of this cause sharp pain?" she adds as she starts pushing against each of Xander's ribs, one by one. "How did he explode? Was it part of Xander's magic? How long had he been here?" she asks absently.

"He still talked a bit," Xander notes. "Once he felt real pain, he became visible to the Raveness, who came and… uh… got him."

The Lapi buck breaths in and out for Umeko, but doesn't report any pain.

Of course, there's still a big bruise along Xander's right side.

Lilac, who had been staring at Anisa in concern for a long moment, gives a belated answer, "I think I do, Ummy, or at least I have a connection. The man who killed Dame Riesling may be the same man who killed the Lord Rook and who controls the Raveness: Seneschal Kantemir. The traitor killed Dame Riesling and other housemen in the village, to hide evidence. Kantemir was bringing back some sort of plain, ordinary sword – but an important sword." Lilac nods towards the blade Umeko placed down. "That's how I came to be cursed; Dame Riesling's restless soul found me wandering. You know, he burnt her body in the furnace that powered the church's bellows? What sort of man betrays his own house, then desecrates his most holy site?"

"Just soft tissue injury, then," Umeko says, sounding satisfied, "You will probably feel stiff in the morning." She pats Xander's side lightly, adding, "You may put your shirt back on." Umeko then sits down and turns so that she can face the others. "Why would he bring such an ordinary sword back? Even if it is the one that fell the Lord, it is ordinary. No one would know by looking at it," she asks.

"I'm not certain how long he'd been down there, but its been a few years I'd wager," Anisa says. "And yeah, the Raveness came for him afterward. He said something to me that… " the doe seems to trail off for a bit, shudders, but then snaps back. "Well, never mind what he said. In any case, he won't hurt anyone anymore. And we have a new member to our group – for a little while at least." She holds up the hairpin pieces.

"There's a log book in the dungeon that probably has the dates," Xander notes, and looks to Lilac. "What else did you learn about your curse?"

"What did he say, Anisa?" Umeko asks.

Anisa is silent for a bit, her fingers fiddling with the hairpin pieces. "Its… its between me and him. Don't worry about it." She smiles to Umeko. "In any case, if you'd like to meet our new friend, I can see if she wants to come out soon."

Lilac glances at the weapon, then slides off the bed and walks over towards it. "Maybe the deed stains the blade? Or, it houses something more, like the feel or soul of the Lord Rook. Maybe it alone can slay the Raveness, Kantemir, or both?" The bardess nears the sword, and pauses. "My curse is Dame Riesling's curse, I think. She didn't explain – she's so faded now – but I know her spirit dwells in me. That's why I show up on the tapestry, and why the Raveness recognizes me: they both see Dame Riesling in me." The woman tilts her head, and reaches out, "Maybe there's some memory in the sword. May I touch it?"

"Go ahead," Umeko says to Lilac as her own head bobs slightly. Following that, it tilts a bit to the side and she tells Anisa, "I would like to meet this new ally. Please ask her."

"The Blood of Lord Rook may be able to affect the Raveness, yes," Xander says, after getting his shirt back on. "A lack of emotion seems to be part of the 'emptiness', so if the Raveness feels something, then maybe she'll die or become normal. I'd like to know why the Seneschal wanted to create this whole situation. Is it to do what that thing you're looking for? Oh, better check Anisa over too, Umeko – she got tossed pretty far when her fist exploded."

Nodding, Lilac reaches out and carefully moves to put a finger to the blade. "I came upon a few other items, too, and a few ideas. I have the hymnal from the church, some holy oil, and a holy implement. I thought maybe they might cause the household pause. The chapel is in a terrible, abandoned state. The house has abandon its faith." And with that, she touches the blade.

The sword is a simple enough weapon… relatively short, the blade made of treated ironwood with sharpened chitin insets that give it a cutting edge. The crosspiece is squared off, with the Pieksvaldt coat of arms etched into the center, and handle wrapped in leather. It's a sturdy and competently made weapon, but unremarkable in value, and it has a look of neglect about it, parts of the ironwood splintered despite the hardening treatment. The first half-foot or so is stained dark, with spatters and streaks continuing further along its length.

Pulling the chain completely from her shirt, Anisa holds the hairpin in her paws. "Tess? Are you there? How would you like to meet some more new friends?" She eyes Xander with a small smirk. "You're not as crafty as you think you are, you know… "

Xander just blinks and tries to look innocent.

"I will examine Anisa too, if she permits it," Umeko remarks and looks towards the battered Lapi.

Lilac seems relived when the blade doesn't sting her, ears straightening. She then leans forward and sniffs the length of the blade, biting her lip. "Wood soaks up blood well," she remarks, distractedly. "I think maybe this dark stain is very important. If it's his blood, then his blood may awakening memory in the Raveness and fill the void."

Still holding the hairpin, Anisa nods to Umeko, "Go ahead, although I think I'm fine – just a bit stiff."

Vandringar speaks up, answering Xander. "If I were to guess, I would suspect usurpation. If it's Senechal Kantemir's doing, then he might have seen to it the Lord Rook wouldn't return from the field… the spirits we fought through seemed to be of the Lord's host, fighting men that accompanied him into battle during the Necromancer War. They're forever re-fighting the battle in which they lost their lord."

"Does the blood cause you to remember anything," Anisa asks Lilac.

Umeko seems to consider this and a small frown creeps across her lips. "Could you stab the Raveness, Lilac?" she asks in a soft voice, "To fill the void you may have to kill her." The Kiriga, instead of getting up, semi-walks on all fours over to where Anisa now sits so that she can examine her … starting with the blackened hand. "Tell me if there are any sharp pains. Dull ones are not cause for worry," she says as she takes Anisa's blackened hand into hers, allowing time for the Lapi to shift the hairpin to just her other, before she starts methodically moving and flexing each digit.

"Are we facing a Spirit Mage then?" Xander replies to Vandringar.

"I still don't know why the curse is, or what the Seneschal gains from any of this. Maybe he loved the Raveness and wanted her to himself? It's a common tale. Maybe like some people we know, he wanted power? It doesn't seem like he gained much of either though, he's still doing his duty, and he can't leave. The Raveness doesn't think in the here and now, either. It's all so puzzling," says Lilac. Leaning back, Lilac shakes her head. "I don't think I was ever in the castle. Dame Riesling found me traveling the countryside, and I must have taken, um, badly to the possession because I don't remember anything from then." Glancing to Umeko, Lilac lays her ears back. "You know how bad I am at killing people," she says uncomfortably. "I care about the Raveness, but I'm no warrior without teeth and claws." She shakes her head and reaches over to pick the sword up by the hilt, then slowly looks out over, brows raised.

The fingers on Anisa's singed paw do seem stiffer than usual to Umeko, but the Lapi doesn't give any overt signs of sharp pains – none that she's willing to betray, anyway. "They just ache a bit, and feel warm - like when you hold on to a serving tray too long." She looks to the hairpin. "Tess may be a bit shy tonight, give her time."

The Cervani looks speculative. "Magecraft isn't my area of expertise, sir, so I can't be certain. From what little I understand, I shouldn't think such an effect could exist without a mage to sustain it, and we met no-one else there. I get the impression these were vengeful spirits and occurred 'naturally'… so to speak."

A few moments after Anisa speaks, the door the room swings open… seeming of its own accord. There are small light footsteps that come through, and someone seems to fade into existence, as if the footsteps were remembering that they were supposed to be accompanied. It's a young Skeek maid in a simple servant's dress, her long hair tied in a thick braid with a piece of ribbon, and held in place with a small coppery-colored pin. She glances back and forth between the assembled a bit uncertainly, looking at Anisa for reassurance, then curtsies in place. "I'm sorry if I took a while, Miss Anisa. It's a little strange now, to … um, gather myself someplace else."

"Hello Tess, these are our friends," Xander says. Then he adds, "Oh, and Vandringar."

Anisa smiles to the Skeek. "That's okay, Tess, take your time. Everyone, this is Tess. Tess, these are mine and Xander's friends."

"Ummy, did the sword seem … angry to you? It's … making my hand tingle, in a weird and uncomfortable way," inquires the bardess, who moves to hold the sword at maximum length from herself. She's still holding the sword out like it might bite her when the ghost materializes, which causes Lilac to smile softly. "Oh, hello! I'm Lilac, and, well, also Dame Riesling in a way."

Vandringar turns to Lilac and Xander, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "As to Kantemir, well… one can only guess at the motives of men, but I would guess his goal was usurpation, if he sought to ensure the Lord Rook would not return to Castle Pieksvaldt. Now that I think about it, I don't know whether the Pieksvaldts in Sylvania had a heir." He stops when Tess appears, leaning forward a little to look at her.

"I could do it, Lilac, but the duty does not fall to me," Umeko says as she now works her way up the Lapi's forearm now. "Riesling chose you, and the act should be done by your hand. You may have to slay her to give her final peace; you need to prepare for that. Or perhaps another path may reveal itself." To Anisa she comments, "You show signs of over-exertion then. You will likely be stiff after a rest, or even cramp. I do not envy that. And so, the Kiriga releases Anisa's arm and turns herself to now face the Skeek. "Hello, Tess. I am Lady Umeko Tsuguri of Jadai. You may call me Umeko, if you like," she says with a closed-lipped smile so that sharp teeth and fangs do not alarm the girl.

"What if Kantemir is … I believe the phrase is 'bastard'? An illegitimate child perhaps of Lord Rook's own father? It could have been a move to claim what he believed was rightfully his," Umeko suggests.

The mouse curtsies again, repeating her name although it was already given. "Tess, if it please, milords and ladies." She fidgets a little in place, then manages to stop herself by toying with her braid.

The Skeek maid looks on, respectfully quiet but the shells of her ears pricked up. She looks on intently, seeming to take special notice when familiar names are used.

Anisa shrugs to Umeko. "It's nothing I'm not used to, though to be honest, that was the toughest fight I've had in a long time. The fighting back in Jadai was easier than that." Looking back to the mousemaid, the Lapi motions to her. "You can come sit by me, Tess, if you want to. Would you like the chair?" The doe starts to stiffly rise from her seat – although she winces a bit when she does so.

"And you can call me Lisandra, if you want, Tess. It's okay; I talk to ghosts a lot," the bardess says in her best reassuring tone. She glances at the sword in her hand and, apparently deciding it isn't going to do anything angry at her, lowers it to her side. "Well, I don't know about you, Ummy, but the sword has a 'feel' to it in my hand. Did it feel that way to you? I don't have a lot of experience with weapons, after all. You know I'm more of a, well, naturalist." She then nods to Vandringar, then scratches at an ear with her free hand. "You said something about magic, right? Well, wasn't the Raveness some sort of mage? Your forces brought that Life mage to use the orb, and it seemed that the Lady was also making use of it."

"Describe the feel," Umeko tells Lilac.

The mousy girl hurriedly holds her small hands up, shaking her head quickly. "No, no Miss Anisa, you should sit and rest, I'm alright. You… probably need it more than I do." She does pit-pat her way over to Anisa's side, seeming more reassured when she's standing near the Lapi, even smiling a little. "Thank you for bringing me to meet your friends. Do they want to go to the village too?"

Anisa sits back down, her face slightly betraying her relief at not having to move. "Yes, they'll need to go with us when the time is right. Everyone – Tess can get us to the outside when its time for us to go."

Glancing at the sword in her hand again, Lilac's brows narrow and her ears lower. "It's subtle, but it's like the weapon has a … Has emotions. I get a definite, but muted, sense from it – I'm not even sure how, but I do. It feels … feels … restless, almost angry," she explains. Looking up, Lilac asks of Tess, "Tess, do you know why the knights and nobles are cursed? They can leave too, can't they? Just a little bit?"

"If the Raveness is put to rest though, will the town be freed?" Xander ponders. "Will Lilac be freed from her curse?"

The Cervani noble nods at Lilac. "Indeed, we employed a life mage to manipulate Being's effects when it was in my control… but these artifacts defy simple magical categorization, and are far too complex and powerful for simple practiced magics to directly effect. Whether the Raveness is or was herself a mage, I can't say for certain, because magecraft would be no guarantee as a trigger to the artifacts."

"We could leave now and let this place continue as it is," Umeko suggests, "Not that I would do so. If there are those who wish to leave now, I would understand and not hold it against them."

Vandringar's ever-present smile broadens just a touch. "I have no intention of leaving until my work here is done."

"We can't go yet," Xander agrees. Then he looks at the Cervani and asks, "Wait… what's your work here again?"

Anisa shakes her head to Umeko. "No one's leaving just yet – we're all in this together." She looks to Vandringar. "And I'm sure as Dagh not leaving while he's here."

"He wants the orb, Xander," Umeko says simply. "I wish it destroyed."

The stag spreads his hands apart. "I thought it was the same as you. To see to Void."

"No Ummy, we can't leave. I have a feeling the emptiness is growing. Should it ever be free, it might consume the light and life from the outside world too," insists the bardess. She then tilts her head, and asks no one in particular, "Didn't the necklace show the artifact to be located where the Raveness is? Do you think she's become like the Temple of Being, the artifact's … um … avatar?"

Vandringar lets his hands drop back to his lap again. "Yes, if there's anything I'm certain of, it's that where the Raveness is, Void is too."

"I did not feel such from it. To me it felt like … a crude weapon," Umeko notes to Lilac finally. "Simply made and of mediocre balance."

"Being's face sought to grow, and well, be. It consumed to grow – and maybe Void is doing the same thing. Growing and consuming. That makes me wonder, what if Void is also, well, exchanging as well? The Temple of Being offered new being in exchange for a part of who it dealt with; maybe the Void is – or had – too, somehow? Our curses? The inability for anyone to locate the castle? And, maybe it was the Raveness who paid all the price," suggests Lilac. She nods to Umeko, and frowns pensively. "Then maybe you're right, Ummy. The blade seems to react to me. I suppose I'd best hold on to it."

"The question that remains, is how to we stop the void, then? Could a pairing of your stones take control of it and force it to shut down?" Umeko asks as she looks between Anisa and Vandringar.

"It's possible," Anisa says, toying with her pendant. "We were able to communicate with the other Orbs through our stones – I don't see why this one would be any different." She thinks a bit, "Unless… unless the Raveness has some sort of control over it too."

"I'm only good for blowing stuff up," Xander notes. "If you think it can be blown up, I'm your guy."

"Yes, but with both of you acting, it is two wills versus one. You would have the advantage," Umeko points out.

The stag looks thoughtful. "Not as things are now. Remember, we met her in the foyer for the first time." He nods, gesturing at Anisa. "Our Stones reacted, but we couldn't exert our will upon it at all… I think as long as the Raveness holds Void, it's beyond our reach. And it's beginning to seem to me as though it may be Kantemir that holds the Raveness, even as she holds this castle." He turns to Lilac. "Miss Dragomir, you said that Dame Riesling was slain in the village, that Kantemir had met she and his own men there?"

"The Temple of Being did not know its orb well; it just called it Mother. I don't know if the Raveness would even be aware of the orb, but then again, the Temple was separate from the orb. At the very least, I've never seen the Raveness act with any sort of agenda save to reenact her past. I believe she sees people's spirits, not their fl … what?" Lilac blinks at Vandringer, perhaps (again) surprised he shows her courtesy, and then nods to him. "Yes. They saw the sword, which Kantemir had thought to hide. The sword was important enough for him to kill his own people over, then hide all evidence."

"Why not just bury or destroy it then?" Xander asks. "Should we be figuring out how to subdue Kantemir and interrogate him?"

"I still do not understand why he would have kept the sword. It is wood. It could be burned and all trace of it and its concerns gone," Umeko points out. "It seems foolish for him to have kept it at all, unless it serves some sort of purpose."

"Maybe it's so he can destroy the Raveness if he loses control of her," Xander suggests.

"Dame Riesling also said Kantemir did something to the Raveness, but not what. I think that this sword remains undamaged is an important key; maybe it has some magical connection to the Raveness, the Lord Rook, or both," says Lilac, who nods to Xander. "Or maybe … Maybe when the Raveness has consumed enough, he intends to retake the orb."

"Maybe he did think he got rid of it," Anisa says with a shrug. "Maybe he just lost it."

If the Cervani lord notices Lilac's reaction, he makes no indication, just folding his hands together and resting his chin on his knuckles, deep in thought. "Something is still missing, yes. Kantemir may very well have some contingency in place, should he be confronted now."

"It would have taken great effort to place it in the ruined tower of the Lord's wing. such would not be done through accident," Umeko points out.

"Deals with Being's orb had a price; maybe he's trying to avoid paying the price and having the Raveness do it for him. When he has all he wants, he'll retake the orb and be free to leave with what he's gotten," adds Lilac.

"I agree with Vandringar, Kantemir does not seem a fool. He would have a plan," Umeko agrees. "Lilac, can you find and infiltrate Kantemir's room while he is tending o his duties?"

"How did he keep the Raveness from finding it though?" Xander asks, looking to Vandringar and Umeko. "You were there. Was there anything that appeared in multiple places, like a symbol or an object or even a painting?"

"Just his host," says Vandringar. "The assassination must have happened in cover of a greater battle with the undead."

"The tower was a ruin. There was little there save crumbled mortar and broken glass," Umeko says, "I searched a fair bit, but found nothing more than that sword. The place was empty. And perhaps … perhaps that is why she didn't find it. She cannot see a place that is already empty."

"Well," Lilac says with a breath, "either way I want to end him." The bardess's ears perk at the question, but she nods, slowly. "I think so, but remember, the Seneschal still controls the Midnight Murder, who possess the same powers I do. Kantemir possesses the same powers I do. It may be a stretch for me to evade them all; could everyone else distract them, maybe?"

"Get them together in a room, and I can fireball them," Xander offers.

Umeko gets an almost amused look on her face. "We could use Von Horne right now," she notes.

The stag lifts an ear. "Von Horne?"

"A monster hunter that specializes in killing the Midnight Murder," Umeko explains. "We had a few encounters with her."

"Kuenn… our Jupani hunter… asked that we say 'hello' to her from him as his last request," Xander notes.

"Kuenn mentioned Von Horne," Anisa says, putting her chin in her paw in thought. "Wait a second… Umeko, that may be exactly what we need!"

"Oh no, not her again! My nose still hurts! But even if you could … wait, you can!" Lilac waggles a hand at Umeko excitedly. "She's still outside somewhere. Our new friend Tess may be able to lead you in and out, or maybe even I can."

"Would it also not be ironic if Von Horne herself was the heir?" Umeko suggests, "Perhaps a descendant of Lord Rook himself, seeking revenge?"

Lilac nods to that. "I had considered that, Ummy. She has a crest on her belt, but I, um, couldn't quite make it out while she was strangling me," the bardess says.

"Perhaps showing her that sword would stay her hand," Umeko suggests.

"Kuenn said the reason he could move around the castle freely was because he was 'empty' inside, and that he became that way to hunt monsters," Anisa says. "He knew Von Horne, and seemed to suggest that she was the same way. Maybe if she was here, she could move around just as freely?"

"With any luck, Gibson has talked sense into her by now," Xander says, rubbing his chin.

"She may also kill without concern. Do we want to endanger everyone? It seems that most are victims here, with only one true villain," Umeko points out. "How do we control her?"

Anisa's ears wilt a bit, "Good point."

The cursed human looks wary, head cocking and ears flattening. "Or maybe she'll throw that awful powder at me and try and skewer me again. I'll leave working with her alone. I once tried to save her, thinking she was just a dedicated hero on the other side of things, but from what you've all said she sounds like she sold her soul and become a different kind of monster. Still, I'd rather she not die until we know for sure." Pausing to think, Lilac taps her chin, then nods. "The Huntress knows how to identify the Murder, and they know her. If you put out the alarm she was here, then they would move to chase her, and I think the servants would all hide. The tools she uses against us only seem to work on us, so she'd know that way, too. She didn't kill Xander, after all."

Vandringar sits forward. "Hmm… dangerous though she sounds, Von Horne seems drawn here, for some reason. I wonder if she would have come into the castle if only she didn't focus on killing the Midnights."

"Von Horne is like Xander's magic. Powerful and effective, but if left unchecked could kill us all as soon as help us," Umeko says, "But as you say, she could be useful. One of us will need to go speak with her. Anisa and I are the most capable of defeating her in combat, should it fail and come to that."

"We can only try to contact her, tell her about Kuenn and what you've figured out about Kantemir and hope she'll help us," Xander says. "But that means someone has to go out there who she'll listen to."

"She won't listen to me, as far as she's concerned I'm part of the Murder and need to die. I saw it in her eyes. Besides, I'll need to be sneaking around when she invades, so I won't be around for her to confront anyway," says the bardess. "Oh, and I left her spear when we were taken. I'd search there first."

"Shall we draw lots on who will seek her out?" Umeko suggests. "I am willing to go, but if others are as well, we should decide who in a fair manner."

"I wonder what kind of relationship she had with Kuenn," Anisa says. "Mentioning him to her could be a good thing or a bad thing – mentioning that we killed him could be good or bad too." She looks to Umeko and Lilac. "I think if we go to find her, I should definitely go. I have a feeling my running into Kuenn might be useful."

"Don't confront her alone, either. She's almost as good at hiding as I am, and she's good with traps. You'll need awareness as much as fighting skill – just look at what she did to Ummy," warns Lilac.

"Then perhaps Anisa and I should go as a team," Umeko suggests. "And take the sword we found."

"We were flown here," Xander notes. "So whoever goes out still needs some way to come back. Only Lilac could do it alone."

Anisa turns to the Skeek maid standing beside her. "Tess, I know this is a lot to ask, but… if you were able to get Umeko and I out of the castle, could you also get us back in?"

Lilac nods to Anisa. "I agree. I don't mean to talk fate, but things seem to have fallen to use for a reason. The Gear hasn't forgotten Its wayward children, I think, and the machinery turns to favor us – if slowly." The bardess glances at the sword, and nods. "If you want the sword back, you can have it, Ummy. I don't have much use for a sword, except maybe to see if Kantemir reacts to it, or to maybe swing it embarrassingly."

"Oh, the sword," Xander mutters. Out loud, he asks, "Do you think Kantemir will know it's been taken?"

"I can teach you how to wield a sword, Lilac," Umeko points out.

Tess seems to think this over for a moment, then nods. "I think so, Miss Anisa, if you really wanted to get back in. I don't think you should… but you could. You don't have to fly either. I don't fly. At least, I don't think I do."

Then, Lilac grimaces. "I just thought of something really bad, if this sword is meant to strike the Raveness. We all remember – can anyone forget? – what happened to the man who stabbed her? If this sword is her peace, it may be the end of whoever strikes her, as well." Lilac smiles a little at her friends, but shakes her head. "I don't think I can learn enough to use this against anyone. I'm going to assume the knights are better with a blade than I, and that the Raveness won't try and defend herself, because she doesn't need to. My tooth and claws will work, for now. I'm hoping to never have to face anyone, if I'm lucky."

Anisa smiles at Tess. "I'm not so certain we should either, but we need to." She turns to Umeko. "So we have our way in and out. I think its best if Lilac does stay here – Von Horne will go nuts if she even as much as sees her. You and I should go, we might even be able to find Gibson."

"You're still Dame Reisling to her though, Lilac," Xander says. "I'm sure the Raveness has some control over her feeding reflex."

Umeko nods at this. "What of Xander? Should he stay or come with us?" she asks as she spares a worried glance to the fire mage.

"And, does anyone think it odd Kantemir hasn't tried to murder me, too? I did go on and on about Dame Riesling, when I arrived," says the bardess, who nervously tugs at her tail. She then smiles at Xander. "You may be right. I don't mind risking my life to end all this, if it comes to that, but well … I worry for other lives in my care."

"I'd better come if you're going to face Von Horne," Xander points out. "She couldn't defend against my magic as well she could against conventional attacks."

"Maybe he can't kill you, Lilac," the Lapi buck suggests. "Or has some other plan in motion. He wouldn't have gotten to this point by acting rashly. He'll take his time to figure out the best way to deal with us."

"And what of Vandringar? Do we trust him to search for what may be Kantemer's contingency plan while we try to capture a monster hunter?" Umeko asks as she looks towards the Cervani now. "Can we trust you to hold no secrets from us on these matters?"

"Well, Vandringar is the best one to get into Kantemir's head, isn't he?" Xander asks, looking to the Cervani.

"He has so much power, though. He could have ordered the Murder to, well, murder us by now. It's almost like he's spacing out feedings for the Raveness, which makes me think he might really be, ugh, fattening her up for some unknown purpose." Grimacing, Lilac eyes the Cervani consideringly. "Does that mean you want him to come with me? Or me to bring him what I find? Or, do you want him to try and engage the Seneschal in conversation?"

Vandringar taps the head of his cane. "Is my self-interest insurance enough for you, my friends? I believe this puzzle will have to be completed if we've a hope of wresting Void from the castle's clutches. I think we still have the element of surprise… Miss Dragomir may have gone on at length, but Kantemir himself seemed focused on the Raveness, and the housemen seem only interested in keeping the peace, such as it is. We may yet be just more 'guests'."

Anisa sighs, looking to Umeko. "He'll cooperate, trust me." She then turns to look to Vandringar. "Whatever goes on here is just a small part of whatever grand scenario he has planned, so he'll have no problem in letting us in on it." She smirks, "it's his endgame that he won't tell you about. Isn't that right, Hagen?"

"Hey, I don't go on 'at length!'" The bardess folds her arms, jutting the sword out at a dangerous angle, ears back, and hrmps.

Xander reaches over to scratch Lilac behind her ears in an attempt to cheer her up.

The stag smiles indulgently. "Forgive me, I misspoke, Miss Dragomir. But while you were conversational about your discoveries, I think it has remained out of the Seneschal's notice."

"Wha-" Lilac's tail flicks, and her leg twitches, causing her to stumble. She steps away and bats at Xander with her free hand. "I am not a pet! Don't make me … me … sword you!" She waggles the blade at Xander with such lack of swordsmanship as to, perhaps, make Umeko cringe.

Vandringar doesn't reply out loud to Anisa, but puts a hand to his chest and inclines his head slightly, as if bowing in his seat.

"I hold no illusions on what you consider us. We are tools to use in your eyes. For now we have been effective allies and worked as almost friends, but you would just as easily sacrifice us, would you not, if Kantemir offered you a share in his work?" Umeko asks rather bluntly. "Or is it that you now find us at least interesting and worth keeping around, even if we are at cross purposes?"

"Kantemir has only one thing to offer me, Lady Tsuguri," murmurs the Cervani lord. "And he will not surrender it willingly, of that I am certain."

"Kantemir is small potatoes to him, Kin," Anisa says. "Trust me."

"So are we," Umeko points out.

Anisa nods. "No argument there." She looks to the stag with a small frown.

Lilac, still eying Xander warily, says, "Well I know what the Cinders think of humans, and whatever my body may look like, I am still human. And, I think Vandringer is a lot like Kantemir." She edges out of Xander's reach, then eyes the Cervani again. "I don't know what he's planning, but for a Chronotopian, he's very fishy. This doesn't seem like their country, and you know what, I don't even think he's working with the Cinders. I think it's all for him – I just wish I knew what he hoped to gain, in the end."

The nobleman spreads his hands apart as if he were entertaining clamor for a toast. "Ahh, all in due time, my friends. All in due time. Am I correct in understanding we have some plans for the nearer future, then?"

"If Kantemir will open up to anyone, it should be to another Chronotopian noble," Xander suggests. "So, Vandringar is our best means of distracting the Seneschal I think."

"I believe our point is you do not consider us friends. Or perhaps it is that you have a skewed concept of a friend," Umeko says as her lips draw back in a lopsided smile, "But no matter. It is not like we have much choice in the current situation. Our alliance will continue as it is. We will be honest with you and we will trust you shall do the same."

"Very good," the stag says, smiling.

After sighing, Lilac nods. "I agree, Xander, as much as I don't like trusting my safety to him. I don't plan to tell him how I intended to sneak about, though. And remember – I can just as easily sneak up on you, Vandringar! If you do anything to endanger any of my friends, I will be the shadow that comes after you." The bardess levels the sword at the noble, somewhat ruining her threat by the way she waggles the tip at him.

Lord Vandringar doesn't move from his spot, nor does his smile leave his face. He just looks at Lilac, as if his gaze were traveling down the ironwood blade she's pointed at him.

Umeko sighs. "Give me the sword, Lilac. You look silly," the Kiriga notes as she extends her hand.

"Lilac," Anisa says, "its not smart to point a sword at a master fencer. Give it to Umeko."

"Oh, you're hopeless," Lilac tells the Cervani, relenting. She rolls her eyes and lowers the blade, then hands it to Umeko. "Aww, well, I told you," she says, almost pouting.

"Wellll… are we done threatening each other yet?" Xander asks, rubbing his hands together. "Do we want to try and get to Von Horne before sunrise, or wait until night again? Tess can't be out in daylight, it weakens her."

"We'll go tomorrow night," Anisa says. "Its almost morning, and if we're gone during the day, the household might get suspicious. Plus, Tess needs her rest too."

"I imagine we could all do with some rest before we put our plan into motion," Umeko suggests. "We have time. Rushing will only make us more likely to fail."

"The Murder is most active at night, but they're out and about during the day, too. It's really hard to say which is best here, since they're just as good in the night as the day, just like I am. But, I do know none of us have gotten any sleep, so we should probably rest up," adds Lilac.

"Oh right, sleep," Xander says. "Once the adrenaline wears off I'll probably be dead to the world."

"One suggestion, by the way. We should work in pairs when possible. It will be safer," Umeko notes. "This includes sleeping as well."

"We're an odd number," Xander notes. "Who is going to sleep with Vandringar?"

"I think I need a bath, but the household will probably wonder why I'm covered in soot and why the church has all its windows broken, so I may just sleep as I am. Besides, the smell of the Church of the Gear is very comforting, I think. All that machinery smell, and the promise of order it brings," says the bardess. She then pats her tail, which sheds black motes.

"Anisa has known him longest," Umeko suggests.

Vandringar claps his hands together lightly. "A day to rest and recover then… capital idea. Ah, do not worry about me, Master Xander. I shall be about in the castle among the other guests. Perhaps I'll sample another Sylvanian vintage, if I find a spare moment."

"Which means she wouldn't get any sleep," Xander points out. "I guess it will be Anisa and Lilac, since they're both sooty and need a bath in the morning anyway. I volunteer to stay with Umeko!"

"I think we all need baths," Anisa says. She blinks at Umeko. "But… doesn't he have his own room?"

"We all do, and each of us is more vulnerable when we are alone," Umeko points out. "And yes, I am sure we all do. I believe I smell like spoiled milk by now."

"You must have had a real workout then, Umeko," Xander says.

"We both did," Umeko says with a nod towards the Cervani.

"Do we have to wear that formal stuff during the day?" Anisa asks. "I'll need some way to cover up my arm."

Vandringar gets to his hooves again, dusting at his trousers without much effect. "I suspect my morning exercises would only bore Miss Snowshoe. I shan't impose unnecessarily, but do call upon me should you wish. I remain at your service, my friends."

"You and Lilac should," Xander tells Anisa. "At least until you get your clothes de-sooted and such. I'll make sure the Fireball Fist doesn't backblast so much next time."

"Oh, with Anisa? Well, I don't mind. We get along just fine, I think. She even scratched my ears once," agrees Lilac. She glances at her soot-covered body and shakes her head. "I wonder what they would think if I just went around with fur? Oh, they'd probably take offense – no matter. It's nice to get a chance to wear something nice, anyway."

"Be careful," Xander whispers to Lilac, "Sometimes Anisa kicks in her sleep, or snores, or tells dirty jokes."

"At least I won't randomly spoon you," Anisa retorts, getting stiffly to her feet. "I guess we should all go to our rooms now."

"And before Xander goes to sleep, I have a task for him," Umeko remarks and folds her hands in her lap.

"I know all about you, Xander," Lilac replies, eying the mage. "You just watch Ummy carefully! Let's go Anisa, I could flop in front of a fireplace and sleep all day."

"Spooning is never random," Xander mutters, then blinks and looks to Umeko. "Oh, what do you need from me, Lady Tsuguri?"

Tess falls into step with Anisa. "I wish it were easier for me to get around, Miss Anisa. I still feel like I could be a maid… like I haven't completely forgotten."

"I need someone to comb the knots out of my mane, of course," Umeko answers. "And speed up its drying."

Anisa smiles at the mouse. "Just focus on being a little girl for now, Tess. You don't have to serve anybody if you don't want to." The doe pauses to what Umeko has in store for Xander, then grins. "I don't envy that task. Have fun, Mr. Hairdresser!" Giggling to herself, the doe heads for the door, looking back to make sure Tess is keeping up.

"Oh, of course!" Xander agrees. "I really should have offered to dry Anisa earlier, come to think of it. But I guess getting away from the Raveness took precedence."

"I wish I could help you, Tess. I talk to a ghost a lot, but I don't know anything more about them than anyone else, and my ghost is with me, always," offers Lilac as they walk along. "Maybe you could try resting in a person or object, Tess? I don't know if that helps, but it seems to have helped Dame Riesling."

The Skeek girl offers Lilac a polite nod. "Mm. I'll try, Miss." She pit-pats after Anisa on bare feet, taking two steps for each of the Lapi's.