[color=yellow]”There’s plenty of misfortune to go around if we don’t fix that seal.”[/color]  Luna said as she watched the woman and her bodyguards.  She’s been using her healing magic on herself as they ran to here.  Best to repair whatever damage was done.  [color=yellow]”We mean you no harm here.  Overall.”[/color]  The Knightess said, reflecting on knocking out a number of the guards.

[color=lightgreen]“And you even touching this door risks breaking the seal.”[/color] The woman, Lady Dawa said with a measured, calm tone. [color=lightgreen]“I do not mean to sound overly forceful or rude – but you outsiders are meddling in something you have incomplete knowledge of.”[/color]

Selvina looked towards Lady Dawa with a degree of nervousness as she questioned the woman’s intentions.  Simply touching the door?  Then where had the strange things come from?  Lady Lightsword seemed to be handling negotiations, but the mage was content to simply observe the rest of the room as she listened to make sure nothing was hidden.

[color=yellow]”Incomplete knowledge?  I can’t argue that, our sources of information are. . .”[/color]  Luna started to say as she looked over to Ayumi.  [color=yellow]”Shifty at best.”[/color] Luna mumbled to herself as she crossed her arms.  [color=yellow]”Now then, I hope you have come to realize we’re not here to decimate this temple.”[/color]  At first she’d have said destroyed, however, they’ve already blown open a wall and put the most of the guards to sleep.  

[color=yellow]”We’re only here to fix the issue.  That said, perhaps you would like to complete our knowledge of what we are ‘meddling’ in.”[/color]  The knightess continued.  There was quite obviously much information they were missing.  Perhaps they could drag information out of Lady Dawa.  It also gave Luna a chance to heal her sores and aches.

[color=lightgreen]“If you would be willing,”[/color] Lady Dawa continued. [color=lightgreen]“We can discuss it over some warm tea and a more amicable atmosphere.”[/color] She turned her head to the door. [color=lightgreen]“It is…not a good idea to discuss such matters here.”[/color] Ayumi turned her head towards Luna, still wearing the fox mask.

[color=1b1464]“It’d be a bit faster if we just ignored her.”[/color] She said with a frown. [color=1b1464]“I don’t buy it.”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Ayumi, I realize you likely have the temple's best interest, but your rashness will bring about disaster.”[/color]

Selvina continued to look around the room for some sort of clue about what could be transpiring here.  Her eyes drifted over the door as she looked at the magic seal on the door, eyes drifting over the intricate designs.  It was apparent however that the seal was placed rather recently and wasn’t exactly designed to hold back any sort of mythical being within - rather it was intended to keep others out.

She decided to remain silent on the matter of the seal for now - she could tell Luna later.  Instead she looked towards Lady Dawa with a bit of concern.  [color=gray]”It’s been a tiring journey for us all and the refreshment does sound nice if we are up for it, Luna.  However our hound is occupied outside and I’d rather not have her be hurt while we are sipping tea, Lady Dawa.”[/color]

Mentally however Luna would hear Selvina’s voice in her mind unless the Paladin tried to block it.  [color=gray]Snap your fingers if we are going to attack.[/color]

[color=yellow]”Here should be fine, Lady Dawa.”[/color]  Luna said, opening her arms to the area.  [color=yellow]”I’ve a tale of a young man walking into the realm of his enemies.  They were courteous, but in the end, offered him drink laced with a heavy enough dose of Wolfsbane to kill.  His family never heard from him again.”[/color]  Luna looked around quickly at both Ayumi and Selvina and back to Ayumi, remembering some of her words.  [color=yellow]”That said, I’d rather be out in the open.  We could hardly know who was under orders, or directly controlled by a malicious entity.  It could be you.  Me.  That woman locked in combat with our ally outside.”[/color]

Lady Dawa sighed, shaking her head. Of course outsiders wouldn’t understand, but she couldn’t fault them for that. With a frown, she turned her head towards the two men flanking her. Outsiders were so mistrustful, and they understood nothing about the situation here.

[color=lightgreen]“Tell Kouze to stand down. We do not wish to escalate things any further.”[/color] With a small bit of hesitation, the two guards left the hallway, quickly making their way out of the hallway at a light jog. Hopefully sending them away would be enough. She turned her head back towards the group, taking a few seconds to compose herself before continuing. [color=lightgreen]“Would you believe me if I said the beast feeds on chaos and violent thoughts? That by simply fighting here and being here as you are, you are feeding it and making it stronger?”[/color] She looked towards the ground, frowning.

[color=lightgreen]“I hadn’t even intended to fight or harm you – simply discuss. Ayumi gave word of outsiders intending to head up the mountain that looked fairly capable. Perhaps it is my fault for not relaying my plans to the rest of the temple, but I did intend to send a small delegation in the morning to meet you, and bring you here.”[/color] She raised her head, giving a sharp look of both annoyance and disappointment to the ninja. [color=lightgreen]“But of course, Ayumi saw fit to let her rash actions, though well intended, to get in the way of things again. I suppose it was also her idea to attack after you somehow managed to detect the people waiting for you.”[/color] The ninja’s gaze turned to the side, chuckling somewhat nervously. [color=lightgreen]“So I will ask you once more – please, let us leave this room and discuss this elsewhere.”[/color]

Ayumi simply turned her head back towards Luna and the rest, seemingly waiting for their response and waiting for their answer.

[color=f6989d]“U-uhm!”[/color] Lyssa spoke up with a quiet voice. [color=f6989d]“Tea sounds nice! It’s really cold up here and I’m about to freeze my tail off even with this coat.”[/color] With her opinion given though, she quickly quieted. It was quite likely the rest could tell she wasn’t eager for conflict.

Selvina kept her thoughts to herself.  While the climb had made her tired she wasn’t quite as eager to be a pacifist like Lyssa - sometimes things had to be done.  This entire tea conversation could also be a trap although they were stopping the fighting outside to let Eith in.  If this was an intent to poison them the hellhound would likely be able to resist it.  [color=gray]”If the beast feeds on violence then I am glad that nobody was likely seriously injured.  We never had the intent to kill anyone.”[/color]

[color=yellow]”Agreed. In that regard, Selvina. . .  Eith seemed to be a bit. . . Ravenous.  Perhaps you could go and check on her?  You two are close, right?”[/color] Lunalel asked as she looked from the mage to Lady Dawa.  [color=yellow]”I’ll go with Lyssa and Ayumi to where-ever it is this Temple’s Mistress desires.”[/color]

The mage looked a little surprised at this idea but then nodded as she decided to leave the temple doors following the temple servant who had been sent out to the courtyard to stop the fighting.  Selvina wondered if their newly appointed leader was doing alright since it was generally considered a bad idea to split the party … but she decided to have faith in Luna as she looked upon the scene in front of her.  [color=gray]”Eith, are you alright?”[/color]

The fighting seemed intense, but neither party seemed injured though that may be due in part to the Shellagh’s high regeneration factor.  The Temple’s Champion seemed to get word that the fighting was to stop but not Eith.  She was still ready to put up a great offensive with the addition of two guards, but took a peek over at Selvina when she spoke.  [color=red]”Ehh. . .?  Are we done here already?”[/color]  She asked, seeing Selvina having moved through the temple by herself. . . Or so it seemed.

Kozue kept her guard up, just in case the beast launched another attack.  She decided her words would not be the best in calming the beast.  She’d have tried to continue and exterminate this demonic creature, but if Lady Dawa says to stand down then there is no other way about it.

Selvina gave Eith a tired look before walking up to her and running a hand through her hair.  [color=gray]”Yes Eith we are done and you did a good job.  Now unless you want to talk we should rejoin the rest of the group, alright?”[/color]  A little concern ran over the mage’s face as she looked over her companion but every minor scrape she had seemed to heal before her eyes.  Truthfully it was an incredible sight to see.

[hr]

As Sel left to check on Eith, Lady Dawa breathed a sigh of relief. She had been expecting the outsiders to not even consider it. Her eyes seemed to linger on Lyssa for a moment as she observed the three before shaking her head and continuing.

[color=lightgreen]“You have my thanks, truly.”[/color] She replied, walking away from the door and towards a room to the side. [color=lightgreen ]“I suppose I shall start by asking what exactly do you know about what you’ve gotten yourselves into.”[/color] She asked, leading the group down a hallway. A few men bowed their heads slightly in respect as she passed, giving the outsiders a somewhat curious look, but for the most part continued with what they were doing.

It was difficult to gauge how much exactly they knew from their words, and it made it difficult to determine how to handle this situation.

Luna followed Lady Dawa, [color=yellow]”How much we know?  Vague mutterings for the most part, to be honest.  From our original source and what we gathered from Ayumi we know that his “seal” is weakening and needs to be repaired.  Truth be told, Selvina knows more than I do so her expertise was what we were leaning on when it came to that.”[/color]  Aside from those details, Luna told the Temple’s Mistress what else she knew from what Selvina told her.  

[color=lightgreen]“If I were to tell you the seal is fine, as it is?”[/color] Dawa replied as she led them into a small square side room with fairly simple furnishings. A small square table was centered in the middle of the room, a few shelves and chest of drawers lined the edge of the room, as well as a few decorative scrolls. A small tea set with what appeared to be warm, freshly brewed tea in it and a few teacups sat on the table. Lyssa for one was glad to finally be inside somewhere relatively warm.

[color=lightgreen]“Your original source’s concern isn’t entirely unfounded, but I am not skilled in both exorcism as well as charms for nothing.”[/color] She continued with a small chuckle, taking a seat at one end of the table as she poured the four of them something to drink. [color=lightgreen]“I cannot fault them nor Ayumi for their actions, only urge them from now on not to act with such rashness.”[/color] She took a sip of the tea, frowning before setting it back on the table.

[color=lightgreen]“Ayumi, bring the other two outsiders here, if you would? I have something I want to discuss with them in private. You are free to return to your room, afterwards.”[/color]

[color=1b1464]“Aw, but-”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Ayumi, you have done enough for today.”[/color] The ninja pouted a bit, but did as she was told and left the room to show Selvina and Eith the way to the room. She turned her attention back to Lyssa and Luna. [color=lightgreen]“The seal will hold as of now, so long as no one bothers it. I have seen to that.”[/color] She frowned again, eyes seeming to follow Ayumi’s path as the ninja left. [color=lightgreen]“But I would be lying if I were to say all is well. You have no doubt heard that the village has been afflicted by a rather…troublesome plague of sorts. That, is indeed from the influence of the malevolent spirit that lives here.”[/color]

[color=f6989d]“Erm, then doesn’t that mean the seal isn’t working?”[/color] Lyssa asked.

[color=yellow]”That’s the answer I’d come to myself.  Why is that?”[/color] Luna added, curious of why that would be.  [color=yellow]”Would it have something to do with violence and chaos as you mentioned earlier?”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Hm,”[/color] Dawa frowned. [color=lightgreen]“Unfortunately, no. If it was that simple, it would be easily rectified I would hope. It was my own incompetence and negligence that led to that.”[/color] She shook her head as she continued. [color=lightgreen]“To put simply, we didn’t realize the seal was weakening, and it allowed the creature to…escape, in a sense if you will.”[/color] She took a sip of the tea sighing. [color=lightgreen] “The fox is a purely spiritual entity, even whilst not sealed or weakened. It can change its form at will, into that of a human to trick people, and even as you likely know – possess individuals.”[/color] Her words seemed to hesitate for a moment before she continued. [color=lightgreen]“The creature's physical form is still sealed behind that door. We managed to succeed at that much. However, its soul, it’s essence, if you will, was able to escape. Thankfully, it will be unable to travel far…but I also fear the creature has already possessed someone here. I have a few…suspicions, but I have no real proof and…exorcising a spirit is often painful and can sometimes be deadly, if the spirit is too strongly attached. And if we’re wrong, then the process could very well force the humans soul out of their body – effectively killing them.”[/color] She fixed the two of them with a stern, but sad seeming frown.

[color=lightgreen]“It is why I sent Ayumi away, and why I want your help in finding the person who is.”[/color]

[color=yellow]”Has no one been acting differently?”[/color] Luna asked.  That much would seem different. . . Unless this spirit could easily imitate the way people acted.  [color=yellow]” Ayumi mentioned that the spirit couldn’t possess her because of some special talismans or something of the sort.  So would that mean it couldn’t be her then?”[/color]  Luna looked to Lyssa as if trying to reaffirm that Ayumi said as such.

[color=f6989d]“Yep, she did.”[/color] Lyssa replied. [color=f6989d]“Whaaa, this is some good teeea.”[/color] She said, taking a sip of the beverage. [color=f6989d]“So waaaarm. Urgh, its so cold out there I thought by cute butt was gonna freeze off.”[/color]

Dawa laughed a bit at Lyssa’s words before replying to Luna.

[color=lightgreen]“I made sure to give everyone protection against such a thing,”[/color] She continued. [color=lightgreen]“But it is a powerful spirit, and it likely knows how to tempt mortals with things they desire. You have met Ayumi,”[/color] She said with a soft smile. [color=lightgreen]“She’s…well intentioned and would never willingly harm this place, but…the spirit could easily take advantage of that. The charms cannot protect someone if they willingly make a deal with some entity. Forced or otherwise. ”[/color]

Selvina entered the room as the two conversed and noticed the relaxed atmosphere the conversation had turned into.  The mage helped herself into a chair as she looked towards Luna and Lady Dawa.  [color=gray]”Apologies for the wait.  I hope the conversation was not delayed due to my absence.”[/color] 

Luna looked to Selvina as she entered with Eith on her tail. Selvina sat but Eith just stood.  Eith looked to the woman in charge of the temple.  The Shellagh was obviously not the most trusting but she had no desire to attack as of now.  Truthfully, she looked fully bored.

The Knightess spoke up soon enough though, [color=yellow]”Hardly, I’ve pushed this talk as far as I could.”[/color]  She gave a short run-down of what they’ve discussed so far.  [color=yellow]”So in the end the Mistress here wants to find out who might be possessed by the spirit.  The easiest solution would be to put everyone in chains until the situation could be solved, but this is not a regiment.  It would cause more issues than solve.”[/color]  Luna’s past experiences obvious,  she put her thumb to her lips in thought.

[color=red]”Does that spirit have a smell to it?  My nose is good.”[/color]  The Shellagh added, thinking she might be able to help more than fighting off one woman.

Dawa shook her head at Eith’s question.

[color=lightgreen]“Not unless it was by itself somehow.”[/color] She replied. [color=lightgreen]“If you wish to help, I will prepare a room for you all here so you may stay the night if you wish. I would suggest talking with a few people here. I do not know how much you know, but it would likely be beneficial to find out more. Admittedly, Kozue would likely be able to give you a more…complete story than I would of this place’s history.”[/color]

Selvina looked over towards Eith as she suggested smelling the spirit out.  That was a rather ... interesting suggestion.  The mage thought to herself for a few moments as she her thoughts roamed.  [color=gray]”On Eith’s suggestion, would it be possible to clean a room?  If completely isolated it could be possible to detect anyone who has abnormalities.  Can the spirit hop around or is it stuck with who it possesses for some time?”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Hmm…that is an interesting suggestion.”[/color] Dawa replied. [color=lightgreen]“It could likely manifest some small part of it, but for the most part it would be bound to the possessed person until forcibly removed or it decides to leave of its own accord.”[/color] She frowned, the fan in her hand resting on her chin as she thought. [color=lightgreen]“However, I think bringing it to a suspiciously clean and empty room would be a bit…obvious. This spirit isn’t going to fall for such obvious tricks.”[/color]

Lunalel looked between Selvina and Lady Dawa in thought.  [color=yellow]”You said that someone could willingly take a contract.  You know the people of this temple better than we do.  Is there anyone you suspect already?  You let Ayumi free, so does that mean she is free of guilt?”[/color]  She hated these games of “Who is the traitor.”  A few times her father forced her to partake.  He loved the look of frustration on her face when she couldn’t figure out his storied machinations as a child. 

[color=lightgreen]“I…would not say she is free of guilt, no.”[/color] She replied with a shake of her head. [color=lightgreen]“I would not willingly cast blame on anyone, but…”[/color] Dawa frowned again. [color=lightgreen]“Kozue or Ayumi. Those are the two I would suspect, if I was forced to make a decision. Kozue is a good girl, if somewhat serious and a bit…eager to protect this temple. I wouldn’t put it past her to try and subdue or possibly even control the spirit. Ayumi because, well, it would be just like her to accept some deal from something as long as they promised not to hurt someone or something, even if it made her do something she’d rather not.”[/color]

[color=yellow]”From what little I know of Ayumi, I’d suspect she’d do it if the Spirit merely tied her down a little bit.”[/color] The knightess shivered a little at the thought.  [color=yellow]”She doesn’t seem to have the most self control and jumps at her desires.”[/color]

[color=red]”Staff Woman is strong.  Unsure if because of her own strength or outside help.  She seems to have a strong force of will though.”[/color]  Eith said, giving her own opinion on the other girl.  

[color=yellow]”Selvina?  Lyssa? What are your thoughts?  This is a farcry from what I thought would happen originally. . . Let’s play this cleverly.”[/color]  Luna said, looking between the mage and the demon.

[color=f6989d]“E-erm…”[/color] Lyssa didn’t seem to want to comment on the matter. This was getting a tad bit heavier than she wanted to get into. [color=f6989d]“Uhm, if someone is possessed by something,”[/color] She frowned. She wasn’t an expert on this, but she knew a bit about possession magic and other things from spending time around her mom and a few other high-ranking demons. [color=f6989d]“Wouldn’t it just be best to watch them for a bit? If they think they’re alone…”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Hm, I have had a few others keep an eye on Ayumi and Kozue…but it is difficult to surprise Ayumi, and Kozue wouldn’t make such a mistake.”[/color] Lyssa nodded, looking down at her cup. Well, she was quite certain that she could easily do the ninja things as well as Ayumi. That was sort of her thing a bit, after all, though maybe not on the same level as the Ninja.

Selvina sat for a few moments thinking to herself as she wondered about the situation.  [color=gray]”Eith, wanna try sniffing the two of them?”[/color]  Of course they wouldn’t be foolish enough to enter a room that was cleaned but the mage had her own thoughts.  [color=gray]”Is there a reason why anyone would not be willing to be put under Eith’s nose unless they were guilty?  Are there other spirits or things she could confuse with being our resident angry spirit?”[/color]  It was possible the spirit would become more apparent … especially if they were sleeping.

[color=gray]”Also the spirit wants freedom, correct?  It may be possible for us to offer that.”[/color]

[color=lightgreen]“Kozue is…well, let us just say she isn’t fond of anything ‘demonic’ like your two friends here. Never has been.”[/color] Dawa said, indicating both Lyssa and Eith with a point of her fan. Lyssa looked a bit surprised that she was included in that, and pointed to herself with a somewhat dumbfounded expression. [color=lightgreen]“She likely wouldn’t agree to such a thing.”[/color] Dawa paused for a moment, contemplating Sel’s next question.

[color=lightgreen]“Let me make myself very clear. That spirit, if it is free will only bring trouble. I urge you never to listen to any of its words – it seeks only to bring destruction and misery to us. I suppose you could try subduing it, but it is not a creature so easily controlled, even with magic. There is quite a high chance it could end up influencing you or whoever tried to control it for the worse. ”[/color]

Selvina remained sitting.  [color=gray]”If Kouze isn’t willing to do it that keeps her on the suspicion list.  But if Ayumi is then she can be clean along with anyone else who is willing.  Eliminating a single option is useful.”[/color]  For a few seconds she remained thoughtful.  [color=gray]”I was considering talking with the creature about possibly becoming either me or Lyssa’s familiar since the bond itself would protect us - but I suppose she would simply hire a hitman to kill me and the problem would be in our own hands.”[/color]

[color=gray]”If the creature is as clever as you claim then simply trying to talk to someone would have no purpose.  Even you could be her in a guise and feeding us false information.”[/color]

[color=yellow]”I believe we should go gather information.”[/color] Luna said as she stood.  [color=yellow]”Lyssa, Eith.  Could we have you go talk to Ayumi.  I doubt we’ll get much out of her, but you get along, right Lyssa?  Maybe you can get her to talk.  Selvina and I will go talk to Kozue.  It doesn’t seem she would want to talk to a demon so two humans will be the best choice.”[/color]  This talk was getting them nowhere.  The time for information gathering was now.  [color=yellow]”Is that agreeable with you, Lady Dawa?”[/color]

[color=Lightgreen]“If that is what you wish, then very well.”[/color] She replied. [color=lightgreen]“I see no problem with it. Ayumi can likely be found in her room  - ask anyone around here and they can point you to her. Just…well, you know of her eccentricities.”[/color] She gave a somewhat uneasy smile and shake of her head. [color=lightgreen]“As for Kouze, just be respectful and you’ll get along well, I think.”[/color]

[color=f6989d]“Alright, we’ll get talk to Ayumi then.”[/color] Lyssa said, standing up. She was not looking forward to leaving this room. It was gonna be cold out there and her little demon butt wasn’t going to handle much more cold. At least she had her own personal heater going with her.