Mallory says "How...different."

Tarot is _not_ like that schoolteacher.

Mallory chuckles.

Mallory says "So. Plot."

Mallory says "Or rather sceneage."

You say "Right!"

Tarot has indeed read that book, and I have not as yet noticed myself sending you lot off to have sex with people so I can spy on your affairs.

Tarot hushes.

<<Scene Start>>

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Sorry."

<<OOC>> arcangel _eyes_ Tarot.

<<OOC>> arcangel drags her brain away from _that_ Image...

<<OOC>> Mallory believes it's still the evening of the second day.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Give it time. (Now, if you'd only let me possess you...)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "That would be accurate, yes. Mallory has finished talking with Elysia, and Daria is rambling around on her motorbike, and may or may not want to come back and see if she can find Jude to gloat. (Or we could skip to the next day.)"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "I think I need to find a new host before Abdeel kicks my backside out of the current one. We don't need to RP that if you all wanted to move on though."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Either is fine. Mal's had the kind of day where spending a few hours in the marches away from these wacky humans would be a nice relief."

<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.

<<OOC>> Daria says "I'd probably stick around the Tether long enough to avoid getting dissonance from staying at INIOU for so long."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Hey! We could all meet in the Marches :)"

<<OOC>> arcangel had considered that...

<<OOC>> Mallory shrugs.

<<OOC>> Tarot | Weren't you the Shedite who was looking at my prostate?

<<OOC>> Mallory is, mind, an Etherial Monster.

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

<<OOC>> Mellor giggles at Tarot.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "S'OK. I can take you. I'm pretty tough myself!"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "We could all go and visit Tarot. In her dreams."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ahem. Daria, Mellor, Mallory -- are you going to be taking naps this evening? (And ganging up on poor Tarot?)"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Gee thanks."

<<OOC>> Mallory certainly is.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "If I have a boring host then I will."

<<OOC>> Daria doesn't wanna mess with Tarot yet. She's the Man!

<<OOC>> Mallory had forgotten how...busy things could get on Earth.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Actually, have I ever been to the Marches?"

<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Once."

<<OOC>> arcangel settles things with even-yes, odd-no and a die roll. O:>

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Unless, of course, you don't want to have been!"

<<OOC>> Mallory grins.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "That'd be funny, but the dice roll is fine."

<<OOC>> Tarot lies in her bed, knife under the pillow . . . dreaming.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "So. Mallory wants to collapse into bed, Mellor might go into the Marches with its current host (going to go back to Angela?), and Daria...?"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Is this the same day I went to the tether? If so, I'm not even on campus. Probably. Unless I drive really fast. :^)"

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks Daria can drive really fast back as well. O:> Or she can take a nap at the Tether... Ah!

<<OOC>> Daria says "Yeah! Nap at the tether! Maybe I'll find more stuff there!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Would Daria like to participate in what's planned as being a bunch of Windy angels and Dream angels getting together for a smash-and-grab raid across the border of Dreams and Nightmares?"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Ooooh! You betcha! Not that I'll be any help, but it might be fun."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Okay. Let's start there... Daria's just been informed... (Does she want to go celestial up the Tether, and then down through Blandine's Tower? Some of the other Windys are doing that.)"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Okay, that's fine. Up the tether, buzz through the trees again, that sort of thing."

<<OOC>> Mallory is in bed, 'dozing', looking almost innocent, with his long blond hair spilling out over a pillow.

The group -- a half-dozen Windys, including Daria (three of whom are Malakim), and a half-dozen or so Dreamers (hard to count her Malakim!) have gathered at the base of Blandine's Tower. Amata, a Dream Malakite, is trying to get the Windys to look at her plan of attack, and is not having _that_ much luck.

<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (Innocent Mallory. Yeah. Right.)

Daria zips around, happily playing tag with some of the other Windies. She takes a brief moment to look at Amata's plan of attack...but who cares about plans when you have Windies around!

Amata waves a diagram around, which seems to have something to do with Windies darting in, bashing on any packs of demons they find, and then darting out again to lead the demons into a trap of Dreams. Real basic stuff. Boring. No problem.

Finally, Amata throws her hands into the air and says, "Just remember to retreat straight back, and we'll be in position to flank you, okay?"

Other Windies call back, "Yeah!" "Right on!" "Cool with me!"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Obviously she's done this before."

<<OOC>> Daria eyes Daria's character sheet, especially the bit that says Mind Hits=8. Eek.

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles evilly.

Daria says, to no one in particular, "That's a snap." Then she pokes one of the Windy Malakim in the side and looks around innocently, whistling.

The Windy Malakite blinks, looks around, and backpedals. Shortly afterwards, Daria's tail gets pulled. There is a Windy Malakite looking innocent, whistling.

Amata, upon getting this great show of assent, rolls her eyes and crouches, taking to the air (or local Marches equivalent) with a silent beating of wings. She fades into the grayness almost instantly, as do the rest of the Dreamers who follow her (save one Ofanite, who seems to be appointed Windy-guide).

Daria says "Ow!" and rubs her tail. She looks around at the crowd, for any indication at all that they're going to get moving anytime soon.

<<OOC>> Mallory honestly forgets what his Mind Hits are. fairly high.

Mellor tries to remember how to get into the Marches.

Daria follows the guide, and blows a kiss to the Malakite who pulled her tail.

<<OOC>> arcangel tells Mellor to make a Will roll. O;>

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 5 1 CHECK: 5.

The group of Windys flies through the air. The dreamscapes sparkle beneath them, and around them. The sand grows gradually darker, the dreamscapes become less like stars and more like feverish motes of oily light.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Percep, Daria?"

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Daria perceives stuff!

Oh, look! A clump of shadowy forms hiding behind a dune of sand!

<<OOC>> Daria says "On our side of it, or on the other side? As in, are they on our side?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "They look like they have batwings. Why, one even seems to be dripping!"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Poor shadowy forms. Run, my siblings! Be free!"

Daria stifles cries of ickiness, and points toward the shadowy forms.

The Ofanite guide turns, a wheel of flame, and cries, "CHARGE!" It leads the attack on the shadowy forms!

Mayhem ensues.

Daria participates in as much mayhem as she can. Actually, she ends up dodging a lot of mayhem, because she really isn't well suited to this whole ethereal mayhem thing. But wow, is it ever fun!

<<OOC>> Daria says "I mean, I could try to seduce one. Or, um, pick some locks."

A demonling darts out of the pack of shadowy figures, streaking away with enough speed that it shows it's got some Ethereal Forces. The Ofanite cries, "Get it! Quick!" (And, why, Daria is indeed closest and least occupied.)

Daria tries to get it, quick!

<<OOC>> Daria says ""She'll probably miss, but may as well try."

It speeds ahead, barely staying out of her clutches as it races into the darker areas of the Marches. A Dreamer rises out of the sands, suddenly visble, but the little demonling YIKES and heads off, out at an angle...

<<OOC>> Daria says "Uh, which little demonling? The thing I was chasing?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods. "Yup. Fast little dickens."

<<OOC>> Daria says "Oh, how embarassing. I can't even catch a little demonling..."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It seems to be primed for Marches-speed."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "But if you don't return with it, you're going to be giggled at."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ah, lunch on the wing. Excellent."

<<OOC>> Daria says "Okay, by Dreamer do you mean an angel or a human or something else?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Angel. When capitalized."

Daria chases after the little demon. "I'll get you, and your little dog too!"

<<OOC>> Mellor lol

<<OOC>> Daria couldn't bring herself to call it "my pretty." That'd be a lie!

<<OOC>> Mallory says "What about the dog part?"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Uh...it might have a pet dog?"

The demonling howls in fear and darts away. In the strange way of the Marches, the battle and mayhem is left behind quickly.

Meanwhile, Mellor has just gotten itself to the Marches. Ah, the quiet. Ah, the peace. Ah, the little demonling running right at it...!?

Mellor . o O (Ah yes! Home territory, and there are even demonlings to terrorise!)

The little demonling leaps into Mellor's tentacles, jabbering something about protection, do anything, and BIG SCREAMING ANGEL!

Mellor shakes off the debris of fleshly forms and other such oddness and expands to its full height, stretching thin (so as to appear larger than it really is). It eyes the demonling... with more eyes.

Mellor says "Ratbag. Do you think I'm going to fall for that!"

Someone tops the hill behind the demonling.

<<OOC>> arcangel cues Daria.

Daria chases after the demonling. "Come back here! I've got a reputation to protect!"

Mellor pops out more eyes in the direction of the hill. Some of them are on stems, for perspective.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Is this angel bigger and tougher than I am?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "(OK, stupid question :) )"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It's an angel. Sounds kinda familiar, though."

<<OOC>> Daria says "You gotta catch me first, slimeboy! :^)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Meanwhile, Mallory has finally attained the Marches, after some work -- that horrible pseudo-music his next-door neighbor was playing! Hark, is this the dulcet sounds of a lass crying, "Come back here, I've got a reputation to protect"?"

Mellor sinks teeth into the demonling in thirteen different directions and gives it a nasty shake. It is still eying the worryingly powerful looking figure.

The demonling shrieks like a human girl in pain.

Mellor sits on the demonling tightly, giving it a hard squeeze, and pulls itself up higher, making itself look big and dangerous.

Tarot turns over in her sleep, momentarily troubled by a nightmare about her students doing stuff. Again.

Mellor says "Whjo goes there, and what is your business? You are on enemy ground."

Daria narrows its eyes at the big icky slimy thing. "Enemy ground? Dude, I don't think so." She looks around. "We were just fighting over, uh, nearby."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Do I know how long it might take me to drop back to earth if I had to do it.. real quick?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "You'd have to make a Will roll to wake up, I believe -- but if that's made, you're safe instantly."

Mellor sends slimy tentacles out, melding with the shadows. They extend and ripple, before contracting again.

Mellor says "I think you should go. This is mine."

<<OOC>> Tarot | Know that I am Mellorian, a Duke of the Game. Tremble before me, pitiful angel!

The demonling squeals pitifully.

Daria keeps watching the slimy blobby thing wave it's tenticles around. "I bet you're a hit with the ladies..."

Mellor says "What?"

<<OOC>> arcangel tells Daria to make a Perception or Int roll...

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 6 1 CHECK: 1.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "And I was doing so well ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, this Shedite talks in a way that's just -vaguely- familiar."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Can't place it, though."

<<OOC>> Daria resonates!

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll 'em!"

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 5.

Daria says "What what? Who are you?"

Mellor says "Who's asking?"

Mallory, wherever he is, is in human form, practicing footwork on the trickiest sand he can find.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory is in the Marches, hearing people discussing things a few dunes over. And there was this piercing shriek a few moments ago."

Mellor throttles the demonling quietly, and manifests a spare mouth to whisper threats to it.

Mallory hmms. That sounded like a human girl.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Do I happen to have a sword with me?"

<<OOC>> Daria waits for a resonance report?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "No resonance report yet -- you succeeded, but you can't tell the truth of a question."

<<OOC>> Daria says "Oh, okay. I thought that cos I asked a question..."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory can manifest a 'sword' to use in ethereal combat, but it's not really a talisman -- it's just the form his mental attacks will take."

Daria says "I asked you first! You tell me!"

Mellor says grandly, "I am a Trusted Servitor of my Lady of Nightmares. If you do not Leave of your own Accord, I shall Spread yoru Forces to the Ethereal Winds."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Plan B"

You paged Daria with 'Daria, this speaker believes the truth is that it's a young Shedite of the Game, and it might be able to do some pounding, ethereally or celestially, but isn't _that_ sure of its ability.'.

Daria pages: Let me know when you think I can tell that it's Mellor.

You paged Daria with 'If it gives a name, or an assignment.'.

Mallory heads over a couple of dunes, sword held firmly in grasp.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, are you in Seraph form, or your vessel-image?"

Daria grins at the Shedite with a little more confidence. "As if. And using the winds as a threat is pretty amusing. You sound just like this guy I know."

<<OOC>> Daria says "Seraph form."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Oh, look, Mallory -- an attractive Seraph, a Shedite, and a wriggling demonling."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Oh, is she? :)"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Go ahead! Spread me to the winds! I dare ya!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Attractive? Probably."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Is she an obvious 'she'?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "In seraph form."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Of course, in the Marches, just _anyone_ could assume the seeming of a Seraph."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Even Balseraphs!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Or Shedim!"

Mellor manifests more shoulders and shrugs all of them.

<<OOC>> Daria is probably more of an it than a she, but still a cutie! Seduction, baby!

<<OOC>> arcangel says "With an eeensy Will-2 roll."

Mallory slowly slips up on the pair.

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 5.

<<OOC>> Mallory is stealthy!

The demonling squirms and whimpers.

Daria nods at the demonling in the Shedite's mouth. "You gonna eat that?"

Mellor says "I might."

The demonling sobs.

Daria says "What's it worth to you? I'd kinda like it back."

Mellor's eye stems glide slickly across its body, until more of them are waving in Daria's direction.

You paged Mellor with 'Would you really might eat the demonling?'.

Mellor pages: Can I eat demonlings?

You paged Mellor with 'Probably!'.

Mellor pages: It's an unlikely _might_, I grant you. Mainly I want to scare the demonling but.. it's not impossible

You paged Daria with 'The truth is that the shedite _might_ eat the demonling, as it said.'.

Mellor says "Why?"

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins.

The demonling scrabbles helplessly, whimpering.

Mallory watches from within easy hearing range. How entertaining.

Mellor manifests another smaller mouth, next to the demonling.

The demonling whines shrilly.

Daria takes a moment, considering demon and demonling. "It's a matter of personal reputation."

Mellor pages: Heck, can I tell it that it's going to owe me bigtime if I get it off the hook here?

Daria pages: Thanks!

Mellor creates another set of black, dripping lips in Daria's direction. "It's a matter of the security of Hell," it corrects. "It might know too much."

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins. "Could!"

Daria paces slowly to one side of the Shedite, smiling slightly. "What does Nightmares have to do with security?"

You paged Daria with 'It wants the demonling to be beholden to it.'.

Mellor thinks . o O (Danmed if I know...)

Daria pages: Beholden?

<<OOC>> Daria says "Hee!"

You paged Daria with 'Owe it too much, so it'd have to do what it said.'.

Daria pages: Ah, thanks.

Mellor snaps, "The security of Hell is everyone's business. Except possibly yours... you should be going in.. " Several more sets of tentacles wave halpfully in the direction of 'away, ".. that direction."

You paged Daria with 'The security of Hell is... _its_ business. Sort of.'.

You paged Mallory with 'That really is a very sleek and attractive Seraph. Alas, for those feathers, ruining the flow of its wings.'.

Mallory pages: Pity.

Daria smiles, relaxing a little. This feels almost like talking with Dominicans! "So, how do you know that thing is what you think it is? This is the Marches, after all. It could be anybody. It could be your boss!"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Did she just compare me to Jude???"

Mallory suppresses a laugh attack.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not out loud! O;>"

<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Daria would NEVER! :^)

The demonling pauses, then squeaks, "Release me, Servitor!"

<<OOC>> Daria cracks up!

Mellor curls around the demonling, to reckon up the likelihood of this.

The demonling squeaks, "Right now, minion!"

Mallory figures that's as good an entrance line as he's going to get.

You paged Mellor with 'Does the term, Not Bloody Likely, ring any bells? (Re the demonling as Superior)'.

Mellor giggles, high pitched, and tells it, "Nice try. I'll add 'impersonating a Prince of Hell' to your charge sheet."

The demonling says, "I -- I really mean it!"

Mellor says "So do I."

Mallory rises dramatically from seemingly nowhere, with the tip of his sword pressed atainst one of those tentacles.

Mallory says "As do I."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Did I really not notice him?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Make a Perception roll, Mellor..."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Beat that stealth score, boychik."

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "I think that's a pretty bad Perception fail."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "And now we find out if Mellor's got PER 7 or not."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Perception roll, Daria?"

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 1.

Mellor manifests a few more eyes, and withdraws a few tentscles, but keeps hold of the demonling.

Mallory says "Now, as long as we're all out here in the middle of nowhere, I'm going to point out that I'm the one with the sword."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "WIth a success, check 5, Mallory was unnoticed."

Mallory prods the tip lightly against Mellor's general bulk.

Mallory says "So why don't you hand the 'Prince' there over to me, for safe keeping."

Daria looks at the new guy. "That's a good point."

Mellor says "Good. And if you don't use it to attack the _enemy_ I'll have to report you."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Is Mallory looking like his current vessel, his old vessel, or his celestial form?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Old vessel."

<<OOC>> arcangel cracks up.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "OK, never mind. I assumed celform."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Could we all make swords? Just out of interest?"

Mallory appears as a human, in his late twenties. Splendid hair, with elegantly groomed moustache and goatee. Uniform of one of the King's Guard, the tip of an extremely sharp sword pressing lightly against Mellor.

<<OOC>> arcangel nods. "Will-2 roll, to get all the sword-details just right.

Mellor looks at the sword.

Mallory says "As I consider myself to be a basically neutral party in all of this, I'll let you discuss who should rightly have possession of the 'Prince'."

Mallory holds out his other hand very carefully. It appears gloved. "Go ahead, fleshless one. Slowly.

The demonling curls up tight, gibbering under its breath.

Mallory says "My word that the 'Prince' shall wind up in the posession of the one who most deserves it."

Mellor dumps the demonling on Mallory's feet, sending it in the right direction with a casual flick.

Daria smiles, feeling almost vindicated.

Mallory lightly steps on one of the demonling's limbs. Does not bend down.

Mellor says "Who are you?"

Mellor is also going to try and create.. uh.. some kind of impressive looking weapon?

The demonling stays still, dazed.

Mallory says "A soldier. A man of honor."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll Will -2, Mellor. O:> And describe the weapon."

Daria pages: I'd like to resonate if Mallory identifies himself.

Mallory says "Now, step back, and pray continue your discussion."

You paged Daria with 'Roll'.

Mallory is telling the utter truth by the way. As he sees it.

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 3.

Mellor pages: I'm trying to think what I might vaguely know how to use. Or could I manage a shotgun?

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 4 CHECK: 3.

You paged Mellor with 'You can manage a shotgun, but it may be a bit cartoony. It won't help you _much_ -- it's more a form of dealing out ethereal damage, than a real weapon.'.

Mellor pages: Not on that roll, I can't ;)

Mellor pages: But it'd look so cool to point a cartoony shotgun at somenoe, and sing Thunder.

You paged Daria with 'This person does think that he is a soldier and a being of honor. "Man" is, obviously, a little iffy -- he's in the _marches_ and not a dreamscape.'.

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel Admires!

Mellor says "It belongs with its own side."

Mellor pages: Let me know when I can try aain? next time.. chainsaw...

Mallory says "That has yet to be determined."

Mellor says "That wasn't debateable."

You paged Mellor with 'Call it 3 minutes.'.

Mallory carefully retrieves the demonling.

Daria says "It was on the wrong side. I was sent to capture it. The slimy guy just happened to be in the way."

Mellor bristles. Literally.

Mallory takes a few paces back, so he can see both parties.

<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (Well, you're all sort of in the disputed territory, but hey.)

Mallory says "Pray, continue."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Is that one order or two orders?"

<<OOC>> Daria says "Did the battle take place in the disputed territory?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods.

Mellor adds, "Anyway, I arrested it."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Though it is, naturally, disputed. Both sides would like to claim it."

Daria says "No you didn't! It begged you for help and you bit it!"

The demonling curls up around Mallory's foot, rubbing its little gremlinish head against the boot.

Mellor says "Precisely. And I did stop you from takuing it, which was the help it was requesting. I'm sure _it_ doesn't want to go with you."

Daria says "Why would it prefer going with you? I'm not gonna eat it."

Mallory says "And your intentions with the 'Prince' were, Most Holy?"

Mellor says "What do angels normally do to demonlings? Strip its forces?"

Mallory's voice doesn't quite drip irony. Quite.

Mellor grumbles and demanifests extremities.

<<OOC>> arcangel has the most appalling image of Mellor sort of schlooping tentacles back into itself.

Daria says "My intentions? I don't have any other than to catch it and bring it back. Maybe they'll let it go again. I don't know."

Daria eyes Mellor. "I've never had a demonling, so I can't say. Would you like to volunteer?"

The demonling tries to clutch Mallory's boot and look up with big shimmery eyes -- one of which is about half the size of the other, and both are faceted.

Mallory says "Ah, of course. A most excellent suggestion."

Mellor watches the angel with its one remaining eye.

Mallory says "You, Most Holy, should clearly return with the most impressive of your available options."

You paged Mallory with 'Gee, is Mallory down on Shedim right now at all?'.

Mallory says "And you, Fleshless one, should clearly be more concerned with the presence of a Seraph in such sensitive territory."

Mallory says "Rather than the fate of one sorry demonling."

Mellor ripples around the edges.

Daria smiles slightly at Mallory.

Mallory smiles back, eyes almost gleaming.

Mellor pages: I think I shall prepare to sing Thunder. (Cos I don't think I coudl take out a seraph)

Mallory says "Would you not both agree?"

Mellor says "And your concerns, nuetral-party?"

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel cracks up. "Okay. You've got the Essence for it, no?"

Mellor pages: Prolly. I get 2 essence a day?

You paged Mellor with 'Yup!'.

Mallory says "Keeping my word, naturally. And, should combat arise in the natural course of matters, ensuring that the usual pleasantries are kept to."

You paged Daria with 'He believes all that, yup.'.

Daria nods at Mallory. "Those are all good things. I think it's a fair decision."

Mellor giggles, and starts to croon.

Mellor pages: OK, lets hit it. 2 additional essence into the song, If I have that much.

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel thinks so. Rollem!

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Whatever that was, it didn't go well."

<<OOC>> Daria whews.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Perception rolls, Mallory and Daria."

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 4.

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 1.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Oh well."

<<OOC>> Daria says "SO close!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "You're living dangerously, Mallory..."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "The Shedite just spent some Essence."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "The most exciting way to live."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. If I were to cast Celestial Shields on the Shedite, would it be able to summon its Superior again?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Celestial Shields _might_ slow down a summoning. More effective, usually, to just smack the summoner around in the middle of the summoning (which takes 10 seconds)."

<<OOC>> arcangel will be so amused when Mallory rolls his first DI. Probably in combat...

<<OOC>> Mallory always did want to try out Laurence in one-on-one combat.

Daria looks at the Shedite. "That's a lot of energy for one small battle."

Mallory says "Indeed."

Mellor bristles more, the edges of its form stanmding up in angry prickles.

Mallory says "If you would like to respond in kind, Most Holy, I could hardly object at the moment."

Mallory has a deadly little smile on his lips.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "If it was summoning at all. Sounded like 3 Essence. No real indication for what. Maybe something failed."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "It might have been summoning!"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Maybe there's a Prince on its way!"

Mallory takes two steps forward, and lunges at Mellor.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "(meep)"

Daria grins at the Shedite. Widely. "Oh, that might be fun."

Mallory says "Cease that prattling immediately."

You paged Mallory with 'Aiming to hit? Or just scare?'.

Mallory pages: To scare. Badly.

Mellor flicks out a tentacle, attempting to trip him, and also attempts to dodge out of the way.

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 6 CHECK: 2.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mellor, gimme a... Precision roll for both."

Daria attempts to get closer to the demonling, in case it wriggles away.

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 1.

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 4.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "I think Mellor doesn't manage."

You paged Mellor with 'There's a sword coming at you and you're tripping over your tentacles! Quick, whatcha do!?'.

Mellor pages: I don't know!

You paged Mellor with 'Gibber, then! O;>'.

Mellor flattens out, close to the sands, and ripples more strongly.

<<OOC>> arcangel assumes Mallory backs away.

<<OOC>> Daria says "Does he keep the demonling?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods. "It's clinging to his boot."

Daria leans over toward the demonling. "Come with me, little guy. I won't hurt you."

<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 3 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Daria says "can I fast talk it? :^)"

The demonling curls around to the opposide side of Mallory's boot and hisses.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "You can try!"

Mellor mutters, "I'm warning you. If you dno' tback off and .. head back to your own realm right away, I'll be forced to chase you off."

Daria says "Aw, come on. I'm a lot nicer than that icky slimy thingy. I promise I won't bite you or, um, arrest you or anything!"

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 1 5 CHECK: 1.

<<OOC>> Daria Fast talks, but not real well. Even with the +1 CD.

<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 6.

The demonling unflattens its ears and looks dubious-curious at Daria.

<<OOC>> Tarot eyes _That_ statement for truth.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Unless she plans to kill it painlessly."

Daria gets down so that she's on eye level with the demon. "Please? I promise I'll fly around really fast and it'll be fun."

<<OOC>> Daria doesn't plan to kill it AT ALL.

Mellor attempts to sneak up and bite Daria on the tail...

The demonling looks around -- at Mallory, and Mellor, at Daria...

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll Move Silently."

<<OOC>> Daria says ""Should I try fast talk again?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "If you want."

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 2 4 CHECK: 2.

The demonling looks at Daria and blinks. It coos.

Daria holds a wing toward the demonling so it can climb on.

The demonling extends its neck to sniff Daria's wing.

Daria says, gently, "Come on. I won't hurt ya."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mellor, gimme a move silently roll, to sneak up on Daria."

<<OOC>> Daria hopes there are Malakite cooties leftover from when she got her tail pulled before!

You paged Mellor with 'Base the default off of Precision, since you're in the Marches.'.

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 1.

Mellor pages: I think that failed anyway. I can't remember my stats ;)

You paged Mellor with 'It failed.'.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Percep roll, Daria..."

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 5.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, the Shedite is oozling along and trying to get at your tail."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Like the Malakite from earlier, only slimier. ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And without the pretty wings."

Daria quickly moves her tail out of Shedite reach. Ew, he might get slime on it!

The demonling chitters to itself, trying to decide if the scary angel is really going to give it a ride, or if it should take its chances with the guy with the sword.

Mellor pages: OK, I want to make an ethereal chainsaw!

You paged Mellor with 'Will-2.'.

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 2.

You paged Mellor with 'Bad luck here...'.

Daria keeps talking softly to the demonling. "Come on, little guy. It's okay. It'll be a fun ride. I promise!"

The demonling burbles uncertainly, "Chased me. Mean angel."

Mellor says "Its an angel. Do you know what angels do to demonlings?"

The demonling burbles, to Mellor, "Eat 'em."

Mellor nods various bits of itself, sagely.

Daria says "I'd never eat a demon! Ick! Would I lie to you? He said I'm an angel! I don't lie! Ever!"

The demonling looks dubious at Darai, blinking its mismatched eyes.

<<OOC>> Daria shoulda used seduction. :^)

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Still could..."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "But it's a little, uh, small."

<<OOC>> Daria has higher standards than that!

Mellor attempts to coalesce into the form of its last host, and scowls.

<<OOC>> Daria wonders if she's met Mellor's last host.

You paged Mellor with 'The Doctor, the last kid-host, or Angela?'.

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel is assuming it hopped out of the Doctor and had time to get back to whereever it wanted to be.

Mellor pages: I could do any of them?Uh. This is a really bad move, but prolly Angela.

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins. "Will roll, unmodified."

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "The Shedite turns into the form of a girl -- blond, white dress... Hey, Daria, that girl was in your class!"

Daria says "Look, kid, I've gotta get going. You either get eaten by the Shedite, or, like, tortured and arrested and unfun stuff like that, or you come with me and get to ride really fast and you won't get eaten. Youre choice."

Mellor looks down at her hands, and smiles, flexing them.

Daria LOOKS at the girl, then at the demonling. "Come on, kid. This place is getting boring."

The demonling says, "Won't eat me?"

Mellor says "What about the others?"

Daria holds out her wing. "I promise. Come on."

The demonling pauses, looking at Mellor. "Others eat me?"

Mellor smiles happily.

Mellor says "Ask her if her friends will hurt you."

Daria makes a grab for the demonling with her tail.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll... Precision!"

<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 5.

<<OOC>> Daria says ""Nope."

Daria shrugs. "Okay, stick with the evil you know, I guess. This is totally dull. I'm outta here."

The demonling screeches and releases Mallory's ankle, to flee at top speed towards the Far Marches.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "May I make a roll to grab the demonling?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yes. Precision."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Excellent."

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 6 CHECK: 6.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "*snag*"

With a blindingly fast movement, the swordsbeing snags the demonling as it attempts to flee. It eeps and wriggles pathetically.

Mallory says "Don't go rushing off. You might flee into worse."

The demonling says, sadly, "Worse than angels and Shedim?"

Mellor looks at them, and sits down with a thump.

Mallory says "Possibly."

Daria eyes Mallory and the little demon. "So. Whatcha gonna do with it?"

The demonling dangles.

Mallory looks with some amusement at the Seraph. "Return it to its master or mistress, in passable condition."

The demonling actually perks up somewhat.

Mallory says "It is, after all, the honorable thing to do."

Daria says "Hmmm. Do ya know who it serves?"

Mallory looks at the demonling. "The Princess of Nightmares, I believe?"

The demonling starts to say something, then shuts up nervously.

Mellor twiddles with her hair, and sucks on the end of a strand, watching. (It's not quite a tentacle but...)

Daria eyes the being with the sword, looking a bit worried. "Um...okaaay...I mean, I guess that's okay."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "We're all pathetic )"

Mallory smiles. "I rather doubt she'll invite me in for brandy."

The demonling blinks rapidly.

Mallory pays a certain amount of attention to Mellor. "As for you, Mademoiselle. If you had merely retained your current form, I doubt you'd have had nearly so much trouble with this little fellow."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Does this mean Mellor reverted back to Angela after the Doctor, BTW?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "At least once. O:>"

Mellor gives Mallory one of those totally blank and uncomprehending looks that inexperienced men sometimes mistake for winsome innocence.

Daria blinks at Mellor in a flash of insight. "Hey! You're breaking the rules!"

Mellor tells Mallory, "It has less appendages...", then puts the end of the braid back into her mouth.

Mallory starts to say something about Mellor looking rather less disturbing to impressionable and hord d'oevure resembling demonlings, but stops as the Seraph starts to say something interesting. "The Rules?"

Mellor also blinks to Daria at that, gazing up through big blue (gormless) eyes.

Daria says "I know that girl, and it's not supposed to do that!"

You paged Mellor with 'Well, that depends on if the demonling counts as 'on campus' or not. O:>'.

Mellor pages: I think she thinks that I am not supposed to possess students.

You paged Mellor with 'Silly Seraph -- how else are you supposed to get around?'.

<<OOC>> Daria : The World's Least Comprehensible Seraph.

<<OOC>> arcangel | Janus : So, kid, you want the Word of Ineffable, huh?

Mellor says "I like the dress, " she smoothes the white skirt. "Don't you like it?""

Mellor adds, still toying with her hair, "It doesn't matter bnow. He's probably going to cut us into pieces..."

The demonling whispers to Mallory, "It's an angel. It was attacking with a group. Take me to the Tower of Nightmares, an' I'm sure you'll be rewarded!"

Daria says "Ew. Bad. You should leave her alone, slimeboy. I could get you in trouble!"

Mellor gives Dari a long-suffering look.

Mallory whispers back to the demonling, "In good enough time."

The demonling fawns pathetically on Mallory's hand, as much as it can reach whilst dangling.

Mallory says "It's a nice enough dress, certainly, although a tad immodest."

Mellor says "They'll probably decide it's against the rules as soon as they find out _I_ was doing it."

Mallory observes, "I was not aware that there were rules in the Marches."

Mellor does smile a bit at Mallory, and plays with the skirt more.

Daria frowns at Mellor. "It just feels wrong to tell on someone, but man, they said you weren't supposed to take over people! That's an okay rule, though. You better quit it!"

You paged Mellor with 'Not supposed to corrupt people, is the actual rule. O;>'.

You paged Mellor with 'Hey, maybe you can get the absent-minded Seraph dissonant!'.

From afar, Mellor figures.. she's a seraph. Maybe she knows...

You paged Mellor with 'Maybe she's only pretending to be a Seraph.'.

Daria sighs at the guy with the sword. "It's not a rule here, it's a rule on, ya know, earth."

Mellor sighs.

Mellor says "I didn't want to come here, you know."

Daria says "So howcome you're here, then?"

Mellor smooths the skirt out again, admiring the whiteness.

Mellor says "You weren't at the front of the queue when ethereal forces were handed out, were you?"

Daria looks shocked at Angela. "Wow, you're slimy AND mean!"

<<OOC>> Mellor is NOT slimy! Does she get dissonance? :P

<<OOC>> Daria says "Mellor did too have slime!"

<<OOC>> Daria says "I saw it! :^)"

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks that Mellor is metaslimy, so it's not dissonant.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Celestially slimy. But it could be argued that Mellor is not slimy _at the moment_."

<<OOC>> Daria says "He's figuratively slimy, thus, no dissonance. :p"

Daria takes a step away from the pair. "Okay, okay, this is going nowhere, and we can't have that."

The demonling whispers to Mallory, "There's more of 'em around. Be careful!"

Mallory says "A fair observation."

The demonling whispers to Mallory, "They may be sneaking up on us!"

Mellor hugs herself.

Daria looks at Angela and frowns, looks at Mallory, looks at the demonling. "Okay, I'm outta here. Toodles." She then runs off as quickly as her forces can carry her, back from whence she came.

Mallory looks at the demonling. "L'audace, tousjours l'audace. Or you'll wind up the least kind of coward, should you survive to fledge."

A few hills away, and the other beings are vanished to Daria -- and oh, look, there's her Ofanite buddy! She can easily rejoin the others, who are heading back to Dreamside with a bunch of neat stories to tell.

Daria joins her Windy pals, proud that she kept the demonling from getting reinforcements, and goes back to where everybody makes SENSE!

The demonling dangles and blinks big mismatched eyes at Mallory.

Mellor does relax as the angel leaves, and tidies the skirt a bit more, fretfully.

Mallory looks at Mellor. "As for you, mademoiselle, I think you might return to less disputed territory." He motions vaguely in the direction of Beleth's tower. "I will escort you, if you like, as I have to return this one."

Mellor looks up at Mallory, vaguely suspicious. "Can I ask who you are?" .. she remembers to add "Sir", just in case.

Mallory says "A Humble Soldier of the War, mademoiselle."

Mallory bows slightly, and waves one hand off towards Beleth's Tower. "Shall we?"

Mellor nods, and scrambles ungracefully to her feet. She even picks up Angela's stupid purse with the dancing cartoon animals on it.

The demonling squinches up its eyes, obviously trying to remember everything it ever heard about politics.

Mellor says, after a moment in which she is trying to remember how to say this in Helltongue. "And.. ah.. thanks."

Mallory smiles, with a hint of humor in his eyes. "You're quite welcome."

Mallory moves off towards the tower.

Mellor trails behind him, like a lost sheep.

The sands are gray and misty, and distance shrinks and expands from one hilltop to the next. The Tower of Nightmares is, nonetheless, much larger when two sand-dunes errupt into a pair of gray-scaled and -furred Djinn. "Who goes?" whispers one.

The demonling eeps and covers its eyes as it dangles from Mallory's hand.

Mellor pipes up, "Two dedicated and devoted servitors of the Adversary, bringing back a strayed demonling to yoru Mistress' tower."

Mellor points at the demonling, and chews a braid.

The demonling nods enthusiastically.

Mellor tries not to look at the demonling herself -- she keeps thinking that it needs to be chewed up and taught some manners.

The other Djinn shakes its heavy mane of tentacles. "You're not the Mistress'. Whose are you?"

Its fellow adds, "Speak in Helltongue."

Mellor takes the braid out of her mouth, the better to enunciate, and stands closer to Mallory. "Game. Any more questions?"

The Djinn look at each other. The maned one bows its head. "I will take you to the Tower, esteemed associate of the Game."

It turns and paces away, toward the tower, while its fellow sinks back into a dune of sand.

Mallory raises an eyebrow at the 'Game' comment, and keeps his mouth shut.

Mellor gives Mallory an uneasy look. 'esteemed associate' or not. it doesn't look certain as to whether _it_ wants to go to the tower.

Mallory murmurs, much as he did before, "L'Audace, Mademoiselle de Jeux"

Mallory adds, to one of the Djinn, "It concerns a foray by some of our Opposition into the territory of your Mistress. You might wish to send a scouting party while we return this one for its reports. I recommend a scouting party of some force."

Mellor sighs, seeing that he isn't going to be much help, and plods after the Djinn. She examines her braid, which is damp at the tip, and pushes it back over a shoulder.

The Djinn paces along, like a snake-maned lion; its fanged, eyeless serpent-head of a tail hisses slightly. "I'll take you to the eve-lord, esteemed associates."

The Tower grows quickly, until they are at the base of it, with batwinged forms flying overhead. Many of them are things that one would not want to watch overlong . . .

There are Djinn on guard at the Tower, of course, but the guide simply leads between them, pausing at the bottom of a cold stone staircase that winds up the inner walls of the Tower. A Shedite roils there, toying with an ethereal fae wench's hair while she types on an old-fashioned typewriter. The Shedite pops up an eyestalk and mouthstalk. "Yes?"

Mellor tries to maintain a professional grimness. It thinks of its role-model demons, back in Hades.

Mallory proffers the Demonling. "This one was nearly caught by a feathered serpent, and has some reporting to do."

The Shedite holds out a tentacle for the demonling to be dropped into. "Thanks. You catch the halo what did it?"

Mallory says "The Mademoiselle prevented its interception, and we are now able to return it. I believe it has some reporting to do."

Mellor sticks up her chin. "The seraph fled."

Mallory says "Alas, indications were a superior force of 'halos' was nearby. Salvaging this one was possible."

The Shedite plops the demonling next to the fae. "Talk, you," it says to the demonling. The fae puts in a clean sheet of paper.

The Shedite says, "More, huh? Right. We'll have to send out a party. And you two are . . . ?"

Mellor admires the Shedite secretly.

Mallory lets his eyes flit over the fae wench.

Indeed, it is a large and drippy Shedite, who even now toys with a bit of faerie hair with one tentacle.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "A new role model!"

<<OOC>> Mellor tries hard to resist the temptation to say 'Jude'

The wench is elfin, with large, almond-shaped, green eyes and pale skin. The usual pointed ears, delicate cheekbones, graceful fingers. She's wearing a bit of tattered suade at breasts and hips, which hardly conceals anything.

Mallory lets his companion do introductions.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "She is a stereotype. She must suffer... ahem."

<<OOC>> arcangel snickers. Slave Elf of Gor.

Mellor walks over to the Shedite and makes a production of peering over the typewriter. Then she nods. "My name is my master's. We are mere servants, who are pleased to have been able to protect infernal agents from the lure of the divine. One hopes this does not happen on a frequent basis..."

Mellor admires the Shedite from a bit closer.

The guide-Djinn rumbles, "Game."

The Shedite blinks several of its eyes, nictating membranes sliding over the orbs. "Ahhh," it burbles. "Our gratitude, esteemed associates. No, we do not see many angels here, and fewer who tempt us to anything but..." It makes a rather obscene, wet noise with some pair of lips on the other side of its mass.

Mellor grins at it/

The demonling quietly babbles to the fae wench, who types with an impressive words-per-minute tapping.

Mellor says "I'm sure that you all do your duty." She glances at Mallory, "Was there anything you wanted to add?"

The Shedite roils a respectful Shedite nod and waves an eyestalk attentively at Mallory, who has appearantly come in under the aegis of "Gamester."

Mallory says "The halo in question did not strike me as being overly martial in bearing. I suspect the raid was less prompted by strategic planning than, ah, impulse. That being the case, I imagine any of us they came across were not kept for ransome or other use."

Mallory, in other words, is saying 'Tell the clean up crew to bring a mop, a bucket, and something to scoop up the remains.'

The Shedite grumbles slightly. "Well, we'll see if we can pick up the piece. We'll get them next week." It roils a bow.

The Shedite continues, "Again, our thanks, esteemed associates. May we be of assistance to you?"

Mallory bows back, most elegantly.

Mallory says "A mere question of curiosity. However did you get your secretary trained so well? And did it take long?"

Mellor turns to Mallory and puts her hands on her hips, a rather more gumption-filled gesture than anything the real Angela would ever do. She smiles briefly at the Shedite, attempting to act businesslike.

The Shedite grins with at least two mouths and something better not thought about closely. "A few months, to show her what typewriters were for. She decided she liked wearing clothes, for some reason. When she gets another fifty words-per-minute faster, she gets another five inches of fabric."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Over her eyes so she doesn't have to look at you? :)"

The fae types. Quickly.

Mallory says "Impressive."

Mallory ignores this 'typing' thing, although it looks quicker than longhand.

The Shedite exudes gloating. Some even drips upon the floor. "It's a pity that we cannot bring them into Hell proper, or I could see about making a gift of her to someone."

<<OOC>> Mellor lol

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Can fae go to earth? And would I know this?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yes and yes."

Mallory says "Perhaps you might consider gifting her to someone in the corporeal realm."

You paged Mallory with 'You would also know that the War traditionally views NIghtmares in a Hostile aspect, and this is returned. However, the Game is a mutual associate...'.

Mallory pages: Which is why I'm not saying a thing about being of the War.

Long distance to Mallory: arcangel grins. Wise, wise Bal.

The Shedite roils a bow. "Indeed. A bit more paperwork to fill out, and the Mistress' permission, but I could attempt this." It toys with the fae's hair. "Do our esteemed associates find her pleasing?"

Mallory smiles. "We do."

Mellor glances at Mallory, then at the fae thing. "It's an ethereal. We find you pleasing, also."

<<OOC>> Mellor hides

Mellor smiles pleasantly, and walks back to her 'partner'

The Shedite preens -- which is to say, oozes a bit more. "There are not many who are so appreciative," it purrs to Mellor, casting a flatteringly attentive eyestalk over Mellor's current form.

Mellor's current form is Angela, sadly, and has no tentacles (!)

Mellor murmurs to Mallory, "You want it, esteemed 'colleague'?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Just think, Mellor, if you could tutor Angela to dreamwalk, how useful she could be when you were dealing with other Shedim in the Marches..."

Without missing a tap, the fae wench casts a hopeful eye in Mallory's direction.

Mallory says "Alas, efficent service is so underappreciated. The least we can do is make your name known to those who might properly reward it."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "As a distraction?"

Mallory says "I'm sure I could find a proper use for her, Mademoiselle."

The Shedite burbles a moment, either pleased or nonplussed. "Xarzets, most esteemed associates. Eve-lord Xarzets."

Mallory bows again. "Honored, Eve-lord."

The Shedite burbles and roils a bow as well, then exudes a speaking-tentacle to whisper in the fae's ear, with an occasional taste as well. The wench types. Fast.

Mallory says "Although I would hate to relieve you of your assistant, at least it might provide you with the opportunity to train another. I'm given to understand new candidates for such things arrive, from time to time."

The Shedite nods. "Indeed. They do. And training them is always the . . . exciting part."

Mallory says "Would that we all be given the opportunity to exercise our talents so."

Mallory says "Would you not agree, Mademoiselle?"

The Shedite purrs, "It is one of the glories of our Mistress' service."

Mallory says "We shall tarry, then, until your paperwork is complete."

Mellor attempts to glower convincingly. It is a bit out of its depth.

Mallory smiles reassuringly at his associate.

The Shedite whispers into the fae's ear again, and makes a few tentacle twitches at a passing Impudite, who comes over and is whispered at. The Impudite turns pale, then flaps off, up the stairwell.

Mellor is 'in HER tower'

<<OOC>> Tarot restrains the urge to say, "Mulder and Scully."

<<OOC>> Tarot ducks.

<<OOC>> Mellor chokes.

Other demons and demonlings come and go, and finally the Impudite comes back, leading a human soul on a chain and carrying a reliquary. A _large_ reliquary, seemingly carved from the skull of a dragon and all but glowing with _I AM A RELIC_ power.

The Impudite hands the relic and end of the chain to Xarzets. The Shedite blinks several eyestalks and mutters something. The gist seems to be startlement. The Impudite nods and shrugs. Xarzets turns back to the fae wench and says, "Finish that report, and then you're assigned elsewhere."

Mallory carefully looks suitably impressed, although not awed.

<<OOC>> Mallory wouldn't happen to recognize this relic, would he?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Reliquary. Biiiiiiiig reliquary. Probably holds at least 50 Essence."

Mellor just watches and attempts to maintain that Game-like poise.

<<OOC>> Mellor assumes I don't recognise anything much, really.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh, great, we've somehow been assigned Blandine's Pocketwatch."

<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.

The fae wench types very very very fast, all but rips the final page from the typewriter and hands the neat stack to the Shedite with a servile bow that shows off her long, slender legs. The Impudite watches appreciatively.

Xarzets tugs the soul into sitting down in front of the typewriter and says, "If our esteemed associates wish, this ethereal is theirs, to do with as they please. She may take enough Essence from this reliquary to provide a suitable vessel for herself that she may serve the Game on Earth as she has served Nightmares in this Tower. By the command of the Mistress of Nightmares, whose hand is above us all."

Mellor nods once to the Shedite, "Eve-lord, on behalf of my Master, her service is accepted."

Mellor wonders if we get to tattoo her or something...

Mallory bows. "We look forward to her service."

The Impudite clips an ear-ring onto the fae's ear as she's eagerly reaching for the reliquary, but otherwise, the transfer goes smoothly, with much demonic insincere smiling all around. The wench scrambles to the feet of Mallory and Mellor and grovels appealingly. "Masters," she whispers, light-voiced.

Mallory says to the fae, "I suggest you look as human as possible, and rougly seventeen to nineteen years of age."

Mallory says "It will aid in your service."

Mellor says "You have a name?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Roughly."

The fae concentrates, and her form seems more human -- though still with pointed ears -- and the appropriate age. "My name is whatever my masters wish," she murmurs.

Mallory says "Very well. You will be Jolie. If the Mademoiselle agrees?"

Mallory looks at the ring. A tracker of some sort? Will shackle?

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll Perception, plus Celestial Forces."

<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 5.

Mellor shrugs a shoulder. "If you like. My master will likely rename her if he disapproves."

<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 2.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Doubtful."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "You both fail."

Jolie murmurs, "As you wish, masters."

Mellor turns to him, softening her voice. "And where are you stationed on the corporeal plane, if I may...?"

Xarzets seems to be ignoring the two demons and ethereal now, instead prodding at the human soul who is apparently Jolie's replacement.

Mallory gives Mellor a street addres that corresponds to Monty Hall, 14th floor, his room.

Mallory says "And yourself, Mademoiselle?"

<<OOC>> arcangel suspects it's something like 23 Greek Lane, Strafford, New Hampshire. Room 1413.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Precisely."

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

Mallory says "But we can discuss this on the way back. Come along, Jolie.""

Mallory says "Mademoiselle, apres vous."

Mellor looks up at Mallory, and thinks about that address. Campus. Uh. "I know the college," she says with a faint smile. "I'll find you, although probably not in this host. Take her for now, if she pleases you, but dno't forget who she now really serves...?"

Jolie stands obediently, and the gray lionesque Djinn also does, pacing along as honor guard or guide or monitor to escort the others out.

Mellor smiles again at the other Shedite and tries not to look _too_ glad to be leaving...

Mallory smiles. "A name then, Mademoiselle. I have given you succor from a Seraph, a gift for your Master, and my own location. You might at least reward me with your name. A small thing."

Mallory waits until we've exited the tower proper before this.

Once the group is outside the Tower proper, the Djinn leaves them, pacing back in the direction of its post.

Mallory says "I think it would be a great pity if you were to take on a different host. This one suits you so well."

Mellor nods to Mallory and lets its guard drop, drooping at the shoulders perceptibly. "I have a lot of names.. soemtimes I forget which one, it's so easy to do... Mellor will do, though."

Jolie stands, eyes downcast, hands clasped in front of her. She does not fiddle with the earring she wears, a plain hoop of opal.

Mellor side-glances at Mallory, observes, "It may look harmless, but its room-mate summoned Destiny in person earlier today."

Mellor says "So, meaning no disrespect to your opinion, I may not."

Mallory says "And you still live?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "BTW, did I get Mellor's name earlier today, or just 'That Shedite'?"

<<OOC>> arcangel checks, but thinks it was just That Shedite.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Just That Shedite. Hee."

Mellor says "Uh.. evidently."

Mellor's lips tighten.

Mallory offers Mellor his arm. "You look fatigued, Mademoiselle."

Mallory says "It would be a great pity for you to change hosts. Perhaps you might come to an accomodation with your room mate. Or request a transfer of rooms."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Share with Jolie? :)"

Mellor has so completely no clue what he is getting at, but since he is no longer waving a sword around, she takes the proffered hand.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "arm, I mean"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "(As opposed to armament)"

<<OOC>> Mallory chuckles.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Are you lot walking away from the Tower, then, to someplace more private?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Someplace where I can get Jolie from here to Earth."

<<OOC>> Mellor nods...

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Can she follow him down?"

<<OOC>> Mallory has found someone to take notes for him in classes. If you think he's giving this up...

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Hey, you can argue it out with Azzie if you like ;)"

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks that Jolie can follow him down.

<<OOC>> arcangel laughs. Mallory's own private note-taker!

Mellor says, mildly, "I'll assess her for danger, and I'll consider it." She pauses and adds, "MY prince liked her."

Mallory says "I wasn't aware they'd met. Or did you mean your host's room mate?"

Mellor says "I meant this one."

Mellor jabs a thumb in the general direction of her chest, helpfully.

Mallory says "Ah, your host."

Mallory says "An excellent recommendation for keeping her, then."

Mellor brightens and smiles at him. "YOU like it too then?"

Jolie follows along, silent as a shadow.

Mallory says "Very much so, yes."

<<OOC>> Mellor wonders if all shedim are so shallow... (and figures.. probably)

<<OOC>> arcangel patpats Mellor. Mellor has a chance to grow deeper, as a Gamester. It need not concern itself solely with the corruption of hosts.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "It can appreciate the finer things in life as well. Like ice cream."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Mmm. Ice-cream."

Mellor does preen a bit (in a very Angela fashion). She adds brightly, "The new one is nicer though!"

Mallory says "The new one? Ah, your new host?"

Mellor nods happily.

You paged Mellor with 'Indeed -- all long legs and quite attractive, the new host is. And doesn't think of difficult odd squishy things.'.

Mellor pages: Is it? Doesn't really matter. I prolly don't know the difference between an attractive human and a hideous one.

Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins. "Well, female, and thinks atheletic thoughts like jogging and stuff."

Mallory says "Do tell me about it, please. I should be fascinated to hear."

Mallory makes sure Jolie's keeping up, and will help her if she's weak, but otherwise leaves her to her own devices.

Jolie keeps up like a shadow, walking close enough that it's obvious she's with the other two.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "A gentleman always pays polite attention to a lady's appearance, and compliments her on attire and bearing."

Mellor says "Hard to explain, sir. She has different thoughts. Less distracted. And longer legs -- I like height. Are you tall in your host?""

Mallory says "Roughly this height."

Mellor looks up and admires height, Height is good.

Mellor smiles. "What else? It's fitter, also. Moves more smoothly than this one... "

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Less miles on the clock, smooth little runner, and so efficient of petrol..."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "0-60 in 3 seconds..."

<<OOC>> arcangel laughs. Shedim shoptalk!

Mellor twirls a lock of hair around fingers of the deprecated 'Angela' model.

Mallory nods. "If the host is as pretty as this one, I would find no fault. Although if your Master preferred this one... well, it bears thinking."

Mellor says "Pretty?"

Mallory nods. "Pretty. Your current host is quite pretty, by human standards."

You paged Mallory with 'Though a bit on the 'cute' side of pretty. O;>'.

Mallory pages: Fixable, with some maturity.

You paged Mallory with 'True.'.

Mellor confides, politely, "Human standards are a bit weird, I find."

You paged Mellor with 'Just think how pretty Angela'd be if she were Goth!'.

Mallory says "I have some small experience with humans standards of beauty. Do feel free to inquire."

Mellor nods sagely, somewhat impressed. "I bow to your experience then. I'll have to look into it."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "(Worrying words :) )"

Mallory says "I'll see you anon, then."

Mellor nods, taking one last look at Mallory, Jolie and the Marches, and then attempts to *bamf* back into its current host.

Mallory takes Mellor's hand, and, in best continental style, kisses the back. "A pleasure, Mademoiselle."

<<OOC>> Mellor lets him do that first then ;)

<<OOC>> arcangel will dispense with the usual Will rolls -- those are for waking up under pressure.

*bamf*

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory walking up too, then?"

Mallory turns to Jolie. "Come along, Jolie. Earth awaits."

Jolie holds out one hand. "If you please, master, it will aid me to join you if we are touching as you awaken."

Mallory says "Of course."

Mallory holds out his hand.

Jolie steps into Mallory's arms, and looks up at him. "If there is anything about my form that you would wish changed, tell me, that I may make my vessel pleasing to you."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Go on, tell her to go for a 38DD"

Mallory ponders this. "We will be going to a university. Most of the students there are of eighteen to twenty two years of age. They will be slightly taller than you expect humans to be, but life there is less harsh, so they will look younger, perhaps fourteen to sixteen. More children than men and women.

<<OOC>> Lightbringer says "Tell her to look exactly like you, save minimally female! Think of how useful a double would be."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "That is an excellent idea."

<<OOC>> arcangel cracks up.

Jolie's form flows slightly, and she appears even younger. A touch of gravity-defying curvaciousness, too.

<<OOC>> Tarot chokes.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Ack, sorry."

Mallory says "Better, although you need not try to impress me with your chest."

Jolie's chest becomes less impressive, though still quite well-formed.

<<OOC>> Lightbringer says "I knew it! He's only in it for the dowry!"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "How young does she actually appear?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "By the standards of today's earth?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "About 14, really. A fairly well-developed 14."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Maybe a 15 for today's Earth."

<<OOC>> Mellor laughs

MMallory says "A touch older, Jolie. Here..."

allory's form ripples, and he stands there in his current vessel.

Jolie studies Mallory, running her hands along his chest. "You wish me male?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "See, even she didn't know until she touched him up!"

Mallory smiles. "I wish you quite female, cherie. Merely of an age, perhaps a touch younger."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Well, she knew he wasn't _buxom_..."

<<OOC>> Mallory snorts.

Jolie nods and concentrates. Her form ripples again, and she looks a trace younger than Mallory's current vessel. Hair like fine black silk instead of his fair blond, though.

Mallory touches Jolie's cheek, and nods. "Very good."

Mallory says "How long were you in service?"

Jolie says, "I do not know, master. A... long time."

Mallory nods. "You will not find me so cruel, I think. Let us go."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "She prolly can't count."

Jolie blinks up with spectacularly green eyes and smiles. "Yes, my lord."

<<OOC>> arcangel dispenses with Will rolls for Mallory to wake up, too.

Mallory awakens, in his small room. Perhaps with company?

As Mallory opens his eyes, he realizes that yes, Jolie is here with him. Indeed, Jolie seems to have neglected to bring any clothing with her...

<<OOC>> Lightbringer | Three Malakim glower at Mallory. No, wait, that's probably not the company he meant.

<<OOC>> arcangel could fade there, if folk wished.

<<OOC>> Tarot is clearly going to need to check out the rules about Private Secretaries And Concubines On Campus.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Clearly. O:>"

Mellor laughs

Mallory says "Ah, there you are."

Mallory reaches up and touches Jolie's cheek again. "Good. I did not wish you lost."

Jolie blinks winsomely. "I would not wish to be lost, master. The Earth is a far nicer place."

Mallory says "I think we might both agree on that."

<<OOC>> arcangel mutters something about ethereals in high-charisma vessels. Hee.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Is it light out? Do I even have a window to determine this?"

<<OOC>> Mellor senses a total charisma meltdown on the 14th floor!

<<OOC>> Tarot snickers.

There is a bit of light shining through the window -- dawn will be soon.

<<OOC>> Mellor | MALLORY: But enough of this smalltalk. Get down on your knees and start licking...

<<OOC>> arcangel does warn, BTW, that there are two ways to handle intimatcies in INIOU. One is the TFOS method. The other is a fade out. O;>

Mallory says "Very well. I think we should both get up. You will need clothing and perhaps some food, and then we should call Madame di Ordo and clarify your status. No doubt she'll be quite surprised."

<<OOC>> Tarot mutters about understatement.

Jolie smiles. "Yes, my lord."

<<Scene Stop>>