(2022-05-22) Undercutting the Competition (White Squad, S6E3)

Details

Author:	inkie
Summary:	Wherein White Squad investigates some truly cutthroat trans-planar corporate espionage, and the legendary Ismene Hazan once more saves the day.
Rating:	M for Mature 17+

Arc: Season 6

[Gerhold]: Well, the tabard gives it away. Have we met?

[Bennarin]: Hey, Gerhold. Sil.

[Gerhold]: Did I hire you for something at any point? Ah, Ben.

[Silvestre]: No, I don't think so. *Sil smiles amiably.* Just you were at our usual meetup so I thought I should say hi!

Bennarin nods respectfully to Gerhold. "You joinin' us today?"

Gerhold hooks a finger in his belt and checks the gates for arrivals. "I thought I'd see if you had any room. Wanted to see how the survey was proceeding. Any updates?"

[Bennarin]: Not from what I last said, about the bird fellows anyhow.

[Silvestre]: OHHH, you're the guy sent us after the arakkoa, yeah?

[Gerhold]: Indeed. I trust the pay was sufficient. Gerhold Fauntleroy, Hawk of the Kirin Tor. Kindly ignore the title.

Silvestre bows before Gerhold.

[Silvestre]: Sil Silentstep, rogue of the Cobalt Company. That is not actually a title.

[Bennarin]: Been chasin' down the blood elf business with the mana bombs. Today we got some business with the Ethereals, though. Them fellows is bad news, best I can tell.

Silvestre nods at Ben. "Tomb raiders."

[Bennarin]: Miss Cressidha sent you her drawin's, from the raid on the elves?

[Gerhold]: She did. Quite serviceable illuinations. Lady Aspenwood's work is, as always, above reproach.

Gerhold gets a Little Extra Courteous when mentioning Cressidha, per usual.

Bennarin nods gravely.

[Bennarin]: Above reproach is pretty much her, yeah.

Silvestre grins as Mizzy approaches. "Hey, priest lady!"

Ismene walks happily toward Sil and Ben, and then she sees Another Person. Then she hides behind Ben. Kinda. Partly. She smiles at Sil, though.

[Gerhold]: Ah, this must be Ismene. The new Mrs. Hazan, yes?

Bennarin looks back and down, craning. He smiles at Mizzy.

[Bennarin]: That's right, yeah. Mizmainy, Mr Gerhold Fauntleroy.

Mordecai looks over. He gives a little wave to the group.

[Ismene]: Good afternoon, Mr. Fauntleroy.

Silvestre waves back at Mordecai with a hopeful, friendly smile.

Bennarin spots Mordecai when he waves. He up-nods to him and smiles.

Ismene doesn't quite take Ben's hand, but she's close enough to his arm to be a second elbow. Which would be weird.

[Gerhold]: I'm sure your organizational skills are much missed at the headquarters, but you are acquitting yourself brilliantly in the field by all reports. I'm absolutely honored to meet you in person.

Gerhold bows before Ismene.

[Ismene]: That's very kind of you to say.

Ismene curtsies before Gerhold.

Silvestre whispers to Ismene, "He didn't say anything like that to me. Probably because I'm stealthy and easily missed."

[Gerhold]: Well, Mr. Sil, you've largely been left out of the reports I've read, which I would hazard is rather the compliment in your profession.

[Gerhold]: Passing without notice speaks of significant efficacy, does it not?

Silvestre nods politely at Gerhold. "I will take it as such, either way."

[Bennarin]: Hey Mordecai. You want to come over join us? Or you waitin' on Cole?

[Harbrooke]: Oh. Um.

[Harbrooke]: I'm not– I'm not going with you today, I'm just. Here to see everybody off.

Harbrooke scoots over, though.

[Silvestre]: I mean, you don't got to go down in the tombs to talk a bit. If you want, of course.

[Bennarin]: Okay. I just meant, y'know. C'mon join the gang. We ain't bite.

Bennarin steps aside to admit Mordecai between himself and Ismene: a Safe Spot.

Ismene smiles at Mordecai, then looks alarmed as Ben moves away. She stands where she is, then decides to look at her toes. Hello, toes.

Harbrooke hides behind Ben and Ismene and then Ben moves. This is fine.

Harbrooke holds a hand out to Colson.

Bennarin up-nods at Colson's approach. "Hey, Cole."

Silvestre shifts over towards Ismene. He's not Ben, but maybe kinda shieldy?

[Gerhold]: Aha, the Aspenwoods, delighted to see you both.

[Gerhold]: Gwen!

Gwenivene puff puff puffs…."I'm here!"

Bennarin smiles at Gwenivene.

Gerhold grins widely at his colleague.

Aspenwood smiles at Mordecai, nodding at Ben. "Ben, hello." He takes Mordecai's hand, and nods to the rest.

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, everyone.

Gwenivene awkwardly tugs her tabard on…over her hat. It's…a sight.

[Bennarin]: Cressidha. *Ben nods respectfully.*

[Gerhold]: Lady Aspenwood! Good afternoon.

Gerhold bows before Cressidha.

Ismene peeks up. So many more people. She glances at Mordecai as if to judge how she should take this alarming situation.

Harbrooke mumbles a hello to Cressidha.

[Silvestre]: Hi, Gwen, Cole.

[Cressidha]: Good afternoon, Gerhold. You got my sketches, I presume?

[Aspenwood]: Cressidha. *He smiles gently at her, and glances at Gerhold.*

[Gerhold]: I did — very finely inscribed. You may tell anyone you like that your work is officially part of the Kirin Tor libraries.

[Gwenivene]: Mister Fauntleroy! Wh–…you're here!

Bennarin counts heads, and looks around.

[Silvestre]: Oh, and Cressidha, of course. Hi!

Gerhold grins wickedly at Gwenivene.

Gwenivene turns her hat to a more respectable angle.

Cressidha nods. She begins passing out water to everyone.

[Gerhold]: Yes, Gwen — I thought I'd lend a hand and do a little field evaluation of my own.

Ismene shuffles, like, totes casual, to hide a little behind Sil's shoulder.

Cressidha gives Silvestre water. It is not cinnamon rolls.

Silvestre takes the excellent not-bread water.

Ismene smiles her thanks at Cressidha.

[Gwenivene]: Oh! That's wonderful!

Bennarin looks up as the bell sounds. He surveys the group again.

Aspenwood briefly lets go of Mordecai to tie his water to his belt. Colson does know he needs hydration.

[Gwenivene]: Oh…um…thank you, Cressidha. But…I, uh…have my own already…

[Silvestre]: Where's Mr. Atley? And the Scarlet guy?

[Cressidha]: You might like to try it, if you haven't, Miss Whittle. Just for the flavor.

[Bennarin]: We are missin' Miss Nell, Sir Gavynn, Mr Atley, an' Sanders.

[Gerhold]: But I'll leave my assigned position in the hands of your usual commanders.

[Gwenivene]: Oh! Sure!

Cressidha 's conjured water tastes like the IDEA of what water should taste like. It is very good.

Gerhold blinks at the mention of Sandy, and tilts his head slightly.

Bennarin frowns.

Harbrooke mumbles to Colson, "Should I wait here again?"

[Silvestre]: Maybe they'll all turn up here soon.

[Bennarin]: Ain't like Miss Nell or Mr Atley or Sir Gavynn to be late.

Bennarin does not vouch for Sandy's punctuality.

Nilunelle pops up next to Colson with a bright smile.

[Nilunelle]: Hello!

Gwenivene waves at Nilunelle.

Gerhold nods at Nilunelle.

[Silvestre]: Oh, Ni-ell? Hi!

Bennarin brightens when he sees Nilunelle. He nods respectfully.

Nilunelle waves at Gwenivene.

Cressidha smiles. "Elune adore, Nilunelle." She offers her water as per usual.

Nilunelle offers Gerhold and Bennarin a nod of respect.

Aspenwood gently takes Mordecai's hand and holds it up to his heart for a moment. "We should be fine." He glances behind him as Nilu pops up, and nods at her with a faint smile. "Nilunelle."

[Nilunelle]: Thank you for the water. *She beams at Cressidha*.

Ismene shifts over more behind Sil so that there's kind of a circle? But she doesn't have to move? Her eyes tick nervously over how many people are behind her vs. how many in front. o no nowhere 2 hide.

Gwenivene looks around with a little pout. "Where's Sandy…?"

[Silvestre]: Look, red armor!

[Bennarin]: Reckon we got Gerhold so if one of 'em don't show — oh, hey, Sir Gavynn.

Gerhold conjurs himself a drink that fizzes in a piece of stemware before he drains it.

Cressidha offers Gavynn water as per usual. "Sir Gavynn, good afternoon."

Gavynn quietly nods to the assembled, rolling a shoulder.

[Nilunelle]: Does anyone need a [Knothide Armor Kit]?

[Nilunelle]: I have six I have made for you all.

[Silvestre]: If you got them on offer, sure!

Nilunelle nods and steps over to Silvestre to offer up four of the knothide armor kits.

[Harbrooke]: I don't mind waiting wherever you'll be. Do you think you'll be portaling back to Shattrath after? Or riding back here?

Aspenwood makes a 'hm' sound, and looks to Mordecai for a moment. "I will likely come here, and then portal back to Shattrath."

Harbrooke nods. "I'll wait here then. Um."

Nilunelle peeks at Colson and off to Dane.

Atley walks up to the group on Hutch and grunts in greeting.

Bennarin looks over his shoulder at Colson. "Cole, what's Blue lookin' into today?"

Gwenivene nibbles on her lip, brow furrowed worriedly.

Aspenwood relaxes visibly when he spots Dane, and he turns to Ben. "The necromancy below the tombs that has been altering that region."

Cressidha smiles at Dane and hands him water, which is not cinnamon rolls.

[Gerhold]: Dane! Haven't seen you for a spell.

Gerhold shoots Atley a wide grin.

Ismene sort of sliiiides over behind Sil to be on his other side.

[Atley]: Aye, s'been a time. Wot' I gather we'll be venturing into those tombs, won't we.

[Bennarin]: Okay. *Ben looks back to Gerhold.* What's your preference, Gerhold. You want to come look into Ethereals or the necromancer sh–stuff?

Silvestre tries to shift to most effectively hide Mizzy from the crowd.

[Gerhold]: I do like the idea of the Crypts, absolutely. Definitely worth the Tor's gaze.

Cressidha , now that she's finished distributing water, shifts over to stand by her brother, possibly also shielding Mizzy a little.

Bennarin nods. "Okay. So you're with Blue today, f' that's okay with Mr Atley and Cole."

Ismene shyly smiles at Cressidha. Or at her shoulders. Because hiding a bit.

[Atley]: We can put a mage to work.

Atley answers wryly. "Well, 'nother one, f'course."

[Aspenwood]: Yes, of course.

[Gwenivene]: He's really not coming, is he…?

Gwenivene sighs wistfully.

[Gerhold]: Oh? Which of these ladies shall be making me redundant?

[Bennarin]: Okay. White, with me. We are gonna head out for them tombs.

Gerhold peers at Gwenivene incisively.

White Squad sets out.

Ismene visibly relaxes as they hit the Bone Wastes. Go fig.

They ride beneath a ruined archway and into the shattered shell of Auchindoun.

Bennarin whistles. "Damn."

[Gavynn]: What a sight this place is.

[Bennarin]: What was it all? Some kind've … I dunno. City?

[Ismene]: It is sort of… formerly grand, isn't it?

[Cressidha]: Oh! I forgot to offer them wizard oil.

Cressidha sighs.

Ismene tips her head back to look straight up. "Oh. Goodness."

[Silvestre]: Was it always like a giant tomb, or is that just because… *He gestures around at the bones*

They venture cautiously up a giant ring of stairs, and find themselves standing over the … crater? chasm? at the heart of the ruins.

Gavynn kneels down.

[Bennarin]: Damn.

Bennarin gawks.

[Ismene]: Sil, don't you dare jump.

[Silvestre]: Well, okay, since you asked me not to.

[Gavynn]: Looks like the whole thing's been carved out by something.

[Cressidha]: Is that where we want to go?

[Bennarin]: Down there somehow, yeah. Don't reckon the tombs is up here. Fellow said "beneath the Wastes."

[Ismene]: I can float me, but I never learned how to float more than me.

They return to their horses, and begin to make a circuit of the place in search of a way down. They’re ambushed by Shadow Council cultists, and Ismene’s horse bolts; the group stops to fight the cultists off.

Ismene sighs and gets her horse. "Sorry. Her name is Runaway for a reason."

[Bennarin]: Mizz, you okay?

[Ismene]: I'm fine.

[Bennarin]: Braziers here. Maybe a way down?

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Ismene]: This is… definitely down.

[Bennarin]: Long way down.

They reach the bottom of the winding tunnel and find themselves now standing in the … crater? chasm? place.

Bennarin gawks again, this time upward.

[Silvestre]: Probably good I didn't jump. Though I would've been fine.

[Bennarin]: Uh-huh.

[Silvestre]: I'm good at landin'.

[Bennarin]: Okay.

They approach an opening in the wall. Just outside it is planted a pair of antennae, crackling with some kind of violet light.

[Bennarin]: That looks like one of them Ethereal things.

[Silvestre]: These look sorta like that energy, yeah.

[Gavynn]: Like in that other tomb

Bennarin peers in cautiously.

[Bennarin]: Shit, it is a whole operation.

There is, indeed, a Whole Operation of Ethereals inside; they flicker back and forth among crackling crates, surrounded by strange humming portals and half-assembled machinery. They seem to be taking orders from the hologram of a tall, robed Ethereal: Nexus-Prince Haramad, of a group called the Consortium.

Bennarin puts a hand on the haft of his axe.

[Silvestre]: Are they gonna attack us? We walked right in…

Cressidha puts up her frost shield and marches forward with an 'I DARE you' expression.

Ismene hangs back a little, because that is how healers do.

Artificer Morphalius turns. "Ah, adventurers! Peace, peace."

Bennarin eyes him.

Artificer Morphalius says: I imagine I know why you've come. I assure you, we are not here to despoil these tombs, but to stop those of our kind who are. Perhaps our interests align?

[Bennarin]: … okay, we are listenin'.

Cressidha says warily, "Perhaps." She grits her teeth. She does not seem to like the sound of the zappy mana.

The energy portal at the far end of the chamber masks the entrance to the actual tomb; evidently, another faction of Ethereals has used it to seal this one out, while they plunder whatever lies within. Nexus-Prince Haramad and Artificer Morphalius propose a twofold mission: the group of Ethereals currently within the tomb are commanded by a Nexus-Prince Shaffar. Nexus-Prince Haramad wants him dead. In addition, Artificer Morphalius proposes a bounty on Shaffar’s people; when they’ve been cleared out of the tomb, he asks that White Squad activate a machine within the tomb that will summon in some of the Consortium’s own people, to undo whatever it is Shaffar’s people have been doing. Allegedly.

Bennarin looks dubiously from the Ethereals to the tomb entrance. He looks at the others.

Silvestre does not seem entirely convinced of the whole ally thing.

[Bennarin]: Well. We did get sent to shut 'em down.

Gavynn blinks at a Consortium Engineer.

[Bennarin]: Worth a look in. Whether we're on the same team for real or no.

[Bennarin]: We ready?

[Cressidha]: Ready.

[Gavynn]: This doesn't look safe…

[Bennarin]: No. It do not.

They cross the threshold of the zappy energy-portal that apparently bars the way for the Consortium Ethereals. It doesn’t seem to affect the humans.

Bennarin waves a hand and makes a face at the strange violet streams in the air, as though they were troublesome smoke.

[Silvestre]: Think it goes in our bodies? This pinkish stuff?

[Ismene]: Ben…

Ismene backs up a little.

[Bennarin]: Mizz? *He is watching the Ethereals ahead.*

[Ismene]: They turned away. I was… It's fine.

[Bennarin]: Guards, then the patrollers.

[Cressidha]: Understood.

[Bennarin]: Would think a bunch of cloth an' glow would go down faster.

[Bennarin]: Stand one side. Here.

Cressidha stands to one side.

[Gavynn]: I'm still having trouble figuring out what these things want with draenei tombs.

[Bennarin]: Yeah, you got me on that too.

[Ismene]: What tomb raiders always want, I suppose.

[Gavynn]: To make parts for more mana bombs?

[Ismene]: Relics, gems, jewelry…

[Bennarin]: Yeah, but they come all the way from … the nether or whatever for 'em?

[Silvestre]: But like, also souls? Or soul energy, or something? Like they were doin' in the last tomb.

Cressidha produces a skein of wool and looks at Ben.

Bennarin nods at Cressidha.

[Bennarin]: Oh shit.

[Cressidha]: We're fine.

[Bennarin]: No, I meant the demon.

[Cressidha]: Oh.

[Bennarin]: You see that fucken demon?

Bennarin points at Pandemonius.

Cressidha looks in that direction. She sees the demon.

There is a fucken demon. It is something like a Voidwalker, though it’s vast enough to fill the entire far end of the cavernous chamber.

[Bennarin]: I never seen one that size.

[Silvestre]: Whoa.

[Silvestre]: Miz, you alright? The ones in Hellfire made you kinda off I know.

[Ismene]: No, I'm fine. It's just one big one. Also, this is a stupid place to collect souls.

[Silvestre]: Why do you say that?

[Ismene]: Because there are far more in a city than here. Some dead souls move on.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Silvestre]: Maybe. But a lot more people ever lived are dead than alive.

[Ismene]: And in the last tomb, the guardian called them in.

[Ismene]: So they'd be better off outside, I should think.

[Gavynn]: You think all of this energy is being channeled to control it?

Gavynn points at Pandemonius.

Cressidha twitches at the sound of the gate and steps away from it.

[Bennarin]: When these two stroll past we take 'em.

Ismene wrinkles her nose as they get closer to El Gordito Voidwalker.

[Silvestre]: Are you alright, Cressidha? Does it mess with your… arcane sense?

[Cressidha]: I… well, I just don't like the noise.

[Bennarin]: I want to take all these fellows out before we tangle that demon.

Ismene agrees, "It's quite unpleasant."

As they attack the last group of Ethereal guards, one of the Ethereals whispers to Cressidha alone, "If you hear the whisper, you're dying…"

[Cressidha]: The what?

Cressidha looks warily at the dead ethereal.

Ismene doesn't seem to notice.

[Silvestre]: The what, what? *He looks at Cressidha*

Cressidha shakes her head.

Bennarin eyes the enormous void demon and rolls a shoulder.

[Bennarin]: Okay. We ready to take this thing?

[Silvestre]: Oh, yeah, sure.

[Ismene]: You take it. I'll be back here.

[Gavynn]: Let's banish this demon and be done with it.

[Bennarin]: Okay. Well.

They take the thing. It does not go down without a fight, but, you know. White Squad’s on the case.

Gavynn adjusts his gauntlet, shaking out his arm momentarily.

Ismene eyes Gavynn. "Are you all right, Sir Gavynn?"

Bennarin eyes Gavynn. He nods respectfully. "Okay there?"

[Silvestre]: It had some extra tricks.

[Bennarin]: Yeah.

[Gavynn]: It's fine, just takes a bit for such an exorcism.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Bennarin]: Well. Was a nice exorcism.

[Silvestre]: Lot more bandage folks ahead

[Bennarin]: Pullin' these fellows round a corner.

[Bennarin]: Here

[Ismene]: Be careful.

Cressidha flexes her fingers, frost forming on her fingertips.

[Bennarin]: Yes'm.

[Bennarin]: Sil, you reckon you could stun one of 'em?

[Silvestre]: Yeah, I'll give it a go.

[Bennarin]: Take that little fellow on the end.

Cressidha gets within sheep range.

[Silvestre]: If I miss, just wait, I'll vanish on ‘em.

Ismene looks dubious at waiting.

[Bennarin]: Careful.

[Bennarin]: Crowded room. Watch your step.

[Bennarin]: They got gates or somethin' in here too. Those … portal things?

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Silvestre]: And a lot of zappy sticks.

[Bennarin]: They takin' shit in or out?

Ismene is staring at the demon across the way.

[Gavynn]: Looks like some smaller voidlings as well.

[Ismene]: It's a demon… It's just not one I know. It feels worse.

Bennarin follows Ismene's attention. He narrows his eyes.

[Bennarin]: Damn. Okay.

[Silvestre]: Makin a mess, I bet they didn't mean to have all the bones just piled.

[Ismene]: What are those flying… fish snake things?

[Gavynn]: I think the elves used to keep them as pets.

[Bennarin]: The blood elves?

[Silvestre]: Why're they in here then?

[Ismene]: Odd place to find a pet.

[Gavynn]: Speaking of–

Gavynn knocks on the [Screaming Shield of the Owl] laying on the ground by the Ethereal wrappings.

[Gavynn]: Must be trading with the Firewing.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Bennarin]: Yeah. Hm.

[Gavynn]: They did help with those mana bombs, didn't they?

Bennarin is tracking the demon's movements carefully.

[Ismene]: True.

[Bennarin]: Yeah. They are in on some shit.

[Silvestre]: Maybe the Ethereals wanted pets.

[Ismene]: Get a cat.

[Bennarin]: Let's get the portal fellows out first.

[Silvestre]: So they traded for 'em with bomb parts?

[Cressidha]: Understood.

Cressidha frowns at one of the Ethereals. "I beg your pardon?"

The gang attracts the attention of a group of the mana leeches. The silvery fish snake things swarm toward them, and then, uh, explode. A lot.

Cressidha, as predicted by the Fateful Whisper she alone heard in the last room, is killed.

[Gavynn]: Gah–

[Gavynn]: The damned things themselves are mana bombs!

[Ismene]: Hold still, Cressidha… Stay here just a moment.

[Bennarin]: Fucken hell.

Cressidha sits up slowly, holding her head.

Ismene sighs in relief. "There you are."

Bennarin jogs over to Cressidha and stoops over her, hands on knees, his brow knit with concern.

[Silvestre]: That is some pet. You alright, Cressidha?

Gavynn wipes flourescent blue goo off his visor.

[Cressidha]: Nn… what happened?

[Silvestre]: The flying snake things exploded all over us.

[Bennarin]: You're okay. Mizmainy got you. Them– worms, stay back, yeah.

Ismene says gently to Cressidha, "You died. But you didn't go far."

Cressidha gets to her feet and groans. "Did I really?"

Ismene nods. "One of the pets exploded and… that was that. You went from fine to dead."

Ismene plainly does not believe in keeping things from patients.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Well.

Bennarin eyes her. "You okay to keep on?"

Cressidha does a quick stretch and drinks some potions. "Hm. Yes, I think so."

[Bennarin]: … okay. You feel faint or somethin', you say straightaway.

[Cressidha]: I will.

Ismene smiles at Cressidha. "You have a very determined soul, you know."

[Cressidha]: Do I?

[Gavynn]: Between chaining void creatures, shipping bomb parts, and ranching exploding pets, this operation has to be shut down.

[Bennarin]: Yessir, you got that right.

Bennarin nods grimly at Gavynn.

[Bennarin]: There is more of them worms. Sir Gavynn and me will get 'em.

Ben and Gavynn tackle the next swarm of leeches. Neither of them dies, but it turns out that neither of them is immune to explosions, either.

[Bennarin]: Damn. Okay.

Bennarin shakes himself.

[Cressidha]: I can keep them at a distance, now that I know.

[Bennarin]: Okay.

[Silvestre]: My swords don't work at distance. But I'll try to back off some.

[Bennarin]: Want those fellows without their demon, then the demon.

[Cressidha]: Understood.

[Bennarin]: Demon.

[Bennarin]: Then sheep.

Cressidha turns the sheep into a different-colored sheep.

When the demon — this one like a darker, emaciated Voidwalker crackling with energy — turns on them, Ben, Sil, and Gavynn all briefly scatter in a strange pall of terror. They recover in time to bring the demon down and then kill the sheeped Ethereal.

[Bennarin]: Shit. Okay.

Ismene studies the three up-close-and-personal types. "Are you all right? I couldn't stop you."

[Bennarin]: Yeah, it just — I dunno. It screamed or somethin', like, in my head.

[Silvestre]: Yeah, I just ran over at the sheep or something.

Bennarin shakes his head.

Ismene shudders.

[Ismene]: I'm glad it's gone.

[Silvestre]: Guess when I'm scared I go for sheep?

[Ismene]: I wonder what happens when they die.

[Silvestre]: Is that flash their souls?

[Ismene]: If it is, Sil, I can't tell.

One of the next Ethereals they attack whispers for Ben’s ears only, "If you hear the whisper, you're dying…" Ben, unlike Cressidha, ignores death-related trash talk. Benvincible.

[Cressidha]: I'm wondering why the Void has such a presence down here.

Cressidha readies her wool.

[Ismene]: I don't think I could keep one here, at any rate.

[Bennarin]: Sil first. Knock him out.

Ben lures back a pair of Ethereal guards. While they’re in combat, the commotion catches the attention of a group of Ethereals from the next chamber. These attack, and begin summoning in arcane wraiths to aid them. White Squad battles hard, but one at a time they fall: Cressidha and Sil go down first, and Ismene finds herself under siege by wraiths. As Ben’s health fails, Sir Gavynn casts Divine Intervention, sacrificing himself to leave Ismene sealed safely within a shield of Light.

The remaining attackers — there are far fewer, now — flee back into the far chamber, leaving behind a floor strewn with bodies and one very small priestess standing alone in a shimmering bubble.

The gang should give more credence to those spoopy death-whispers, maybe.

Ismene takes a deep breath and just… one body at a time.

Ismene whispers quiet prayers, asking everyone to just stay… stay close.

Bennarin staggers to his feet, his eyes wild, and shakes his head.

[Bennarin]: Shit.

Bennarin takes a deep breath and sits down.

Gavynn lets out a hacking cough.

Cressidha pretty much leaps up, surrounds herself with an ice shield, and looks around.

[Cressidha]: …oh.

Silvestre sits up, confused.

[Silvestre]: I must've got knocked out there. Just so many of them.

[Silvestre]: We got the priest, though.

Bennarin glances up at Mizzy, his gaze reverent. "Mizmainy. Good job."

[Cressidha]: Oh, Ismene.

Ismene looks around. Yes, yes, everyone is fine. She sinks down and hides her face in her hands.

Bennarin gets to his feet and goes to her. He sits down next to her.

[Silvestre]: Mizzy, you okay? I'm fine. *He looks around to check everyone is fine.*

Ismene tries to catch her breath. "I don't know why.. What happened, why they turned away… I thought…"

Cressidha dismisses her ice shield and moves to Ismene's other side.

[Bennarin]: Everyone is okay. You done amazin'.

[Silvestre]: Kept us all safe, right?

Ismene rises to touch everyone one at a time. Yes they are really here.

Cressidha pats Ismene's hand gently.

[Bennarin]: Everyone okay? Sil? Sir Gavynn? Did you– ?

Bennarin looks up at Gavynn respectfully.

Gavynn staggers over, firm hand on Mizzy's shoulder. "Hey! You alright?"

[Ismene]: You were all gone! You were gone and …

[Silvestre]: …Gone? We're right here.

Bennarin gets to his feet again.

[Ismene]: You all died.

[Bennarin]: S' okay, Sil. Mizz got us.

[Silvestre]: …

[Cressidha]: Oh, Ismene. I'm so sorry. You were wonderful.

[Silvestre]: Are you sure?

[Ismene]: And then I was just surrounded by this beautiful warmth and I couldn't move but they all left.

[Gavynn]: The Light is stronger in your hands than mine, and you were able to keep us safe.

[Ismene]: I didn't though! I just called you all back. The Light did, I mean. I asked.

Bennarin is still watching Gavynn, his gaze warm.

[Bennarin]: Was a paladin thing, wasn't it?

[Cressidha]: Sir Gavynn, did you — thank you.

[Cressidha]: I felt it, that time, I think.

[Ismene]: Did you notice it this time, Cressidha? You…

[Cressidha]: Once I… knew what to look for.

Ismene smiles. "You were looking at your hands. As if it was all quite interesting."

[Ismene]: I don't know, of course, if that's what you really do or if it's just how I– how I interpret what you're going through.

Silvestre looks down at his hands. "I didn't feel like I was dead."

Ismene giggles a little at Sil. "Yes, you didn't look much different."

Silvestre lets out a hearty chuckle.

[Bennarin]: First time it happened I did not know it neither, Sil. Thought I took a bad knock on the head.

Bennarin puts a hand on the small of Ismene's back and leans toward her briefly, reassuring with his presence.

[Silvestre]: Well, I guess you know even if we die, Mizzy, we'll all come back when you call.

[Bennarin]: Always will. Yeah.

Ismene smiles shyly. "Thanks to Sir Gavynn."

Gavynn 's sword glows with radiant energy. "Have faith in yourself, the Light will not abandon us even down here."

Bennarin gives Gavynn another respectful nod. "Sir."

[Bennarin]: Catch your breaths, I'm gonna get the lay of it.

Ismene believes she will have a snack as well.

Cressidha conjures herself another mana ruby.

Ismene whispers to Cressidha, "I hope you don't have to get more used to it."

Cressidha smiles at her.

[Bennarin]: More of them worms, so hang back an' watch out.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Understood.

[Ismene]: These tombs go on forever.

[Bennarin]: Gettin' the worms. Cressidha, get ready to freeze 'em.

[Cressidha]: Ready.

[Silvestre]: Okay, faster than that I guess. Thanks, Mizzy.

[Cressidha]: They're not very sturdy.

[Ismene]: Thankfully.

[Bennarin]: Gonna grab those fellows back before the demon spots us.

[Bennarin]: Two of 'em.

[Bennarin]: Demon. Give him room.

[Bennarin]: Oh shit. What the hell is that?

Bennarin gawks at Tavarok.

[Cressidha]: … Ah. Hm.

[Gavynn]: One of those crystal giants. Like in Hellfire?

Bennarin whistles.

[Ismene]: Only blue-ish. And absorbing energy.

Cressidha looks at the massive pile of bones. This is fine.

Bennarin doesn't seem to realize he's climbing a bone-pile. He's intent on the Ethereal targets on the other side of it.

[Cressidha]: I'll wait until they're closer for the sheep?

[Bennarin]: Yes'm.

[Silvestre]: Maybe it's an albino red crystal giant.

[Cressidha]: Don't want it wandering into the… albino red crystal giant.

Ismene will try to parse that later.

[Bennarin]: Hold up. Want to see if he's alone now.

[Silvestre]: But I guess more ties to the blood elves, yeah?

[Silvestre]: Didn't you say they were the ones calling the red ones?

Ismene declines to run on the bone pile.

Cressidha seems torn between climbing on bones and standing next to the thing that is making a zappy noise.

Cressidha just backs up.

They fight Tavarok, the albino red crystal giant. He dead.

[Cressidha]: All right, everyone?

[Bennarin]: Yeah. Good job, Mizz. Good job, all. Good fight.

[Gavynn]: Think we're alright.

Bennarin nods respectfully again at Gavynn.

[Bennarin]: Bunch of worms. Gonna grab 'em our way.

[Bennarin]: Hold.

Bennarin watches the patrol.

Cressidha takes out her elemental bracers and waits.

[Cressidha]: I can deal with the worms on my own if need be, if they come.

Ismene looks somber, suddenly.

Bennarin rolls his shoulder, stretching. He glances over at the rest.

[Bennarin]: … okay, Mizz?

[Ismene]: Do you suppose Colson will be too awfully mad at me?

Bennarin glances at Cressidha.

[Cressidha]: He won't be mad at you at all.

[Cressidha]: He'll be incredibly grateful, if anything.

[Bennarin]: Reckon he will be glad you brung his sister back, yeah.

[Cressidha]: You saved us.

[Ismene]: Well, I suppose he'd be happier if I hadn't let her die at all.

[Ismene]: And that second time was really Sir Gavynn. *She smiles at the knight*

[Bennarin]: Wasn't “you let her.” Was these assholes killed her.

Ismene notes primly, "It's a priestess thing."

[Cressidha]: Well, I know my brother. No, he won't be upset with you.

Ismene smiles at Cressidha.

[Cressidha]: You mustn't worry about that.

Cressidha smiles back.

[Bennarin]: He is a healer too, Mizz. He knows how it is.

Ismene laughs a little. Not a giggle! "I suppose I've enough to worry about."

[Gavynn]: We're all alive as far as I can see.

[Cressidha]: Just so.

[Bennarin]: Hold.

[Gavynn]: I can get its attention.

[Bennarin]: Sir Gavynn, I'm gonna check this out. Might need you to get that demon's atten– yeah.

Bennarin grins at Gavynn.

[Bennarin]: Okay, wait till he come away a little from those fellows.

Cressidha grits her teeth at the sound of the lightning.

[Bennarin]: Nice work, thanks.

[Bennarin]: Hit that sheep, get him over.

[Bennarin]: Thanks.

[Bennarin]: Okay, there is some big machinery ahead, looks like.

[Bennarin]: And more of them demons.

Ismene sighs. "I really don't like them."

[Bennarin]: Hold while I look.

Gavynn kneels down.

[Gavynn]: This where they're letting these demons in?

[Cressidha]: Hard to tell from here.

[Bennarin]: Could be. Let's get a look.

[Bennarin]: Sir Gavynn. You hit that one when he comes this way?

[Bennarin]: There is a big one of … them things. Pullin' in the energy.

He means an antenna. The word you’re looking for is ‘antenna,’ Ben.

[Bennarin]: And a portal thing.

Ismene rubs her head.

[Cressidha]: Ah. So there is.

[Bennarin]: Demon, when he's back this side.

[Gavynn]: I can try to grab those engineers as well.

[Ismene]: Please wait.

Ismene smiles. "Thank you, I'm ready now."

Ismene looks behind them, then in front of them, and repeats.

[Bennarin]: Okay, Mizz?

[Ismene]: I think it's… They go from that back there.

[Ismene]: To this up here.

[Ismene]: To that gate over there.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Yes.

[Bennarin]: Ohhhh.

[Ismene]: I think.

Bennarin knits his brow and studies the energy patterns drifting overhead, what little of them he can make out.

The violet currents of light do seem to be channeled via the various antennae into the gate, as Ismene observes.

[Bennarin]: Hold.

[Bennarin]: Demon incomin'.

[Bennarin]: There is a big fucken operation ahead.

Bennarin eyes the drifting lights in the chamber above them warily.

Ismene tiptoes up to peek.

[Cressidha]: Ah.

[Bennarin]: Watchin' this patrol.

[Gavynn]: So many of those pylons

[Bennarin]: Pylon. That's the word.

That is also a word.

Bennarin sits down for a sandwich while he considers the room.

[Bennarin]: Sir Gavynn, get that demon?

[Bennarin]: When he is up the slope, away from the fellows.

Bennarin eyes the fellows in question.

Gavynn adjusts his gauntlet once more.

[Gavynn]: Hoping there's not many more of them…

[Ismene]: Beginning to feel rather like a voidwalker myself.

[Ismene]: "I don't like this place" and whatnot.

Bennarin laughs.

[Bennarin]: Don't like how tight together they are. Here goes nothin'.

[Ismene]: It does just keep going and going, doesn't it?

Cressidha says, "Excuse me!" to the Ethereal that turns her into a sheep.

[Gavynn]: Still more of those nether beasts

[Bennarin]: An' the worms.

[Gavynn]: They must be coming from that gateway at the end of the hall.

Gavynn points over yonder.

[Bennarin]: Okay. Careful here.

[Ismene]: There's… Do you see him?

[Ismene]: He's more silvery. Less present, perhaps?

The more silvery, less present gent is none other than Nexus-Prince Shaffar himself. As White Squad begins to battle their way among the tombs and bone-piles in the chamber, he calls out to them.

Nexus-Prince Shaffar yells: What is this? You must forgive me, but I was not expecting company. As you can see, we are somewhat preoccupied right now. But no matter. As I am a gracious host, I will tend to you… personally.

[Bennarin]: Someone knows we're here.

[Ismene]: Well, to be fair, we have been killing all his minions.

Ismene eyes the vantablack ball.

Ismene wrinkles her nose in disapproval.

[Bennarin]: Shit-ton of them worms.

[Ismene]: Accurate, if profane.

[Cressidha]: Well.

Cressidha flexes her fingers. "Shall I?"

[Bennarin]: Gonna be a fuss. Yes'm, if you would.

Gavynn commends Cressidha on a job well done.

[Bennarin]: Real nice.

Cressidha dusts her hands off and turns to the second group.

[Gavynn]: Some fine sorcery

Nexus-Prince Shaffar alone remains, surrounded by crackling beacons of energy. As he promised, at White Squad’s approach, he leaps forward to tend to them… personally.

This goes badly for him. White Squad are not good guests.

[Bennarin]: Damn.

Bennarin catches his breath.

Bennarin straightens and looks around the group.

[Gavynn]: Well. I think that takes care of that.

[Cressidha]: Well, now.

[Bennarin]: Okay. Let's have a look at these machines, now that we took out the fellows workin' em?

They make their way back through the now-empty halls to the room with the most elaborate network of pylons and the gate. Beside the gate they find a strange device like a floating cube.

[Cressidha]: …hm.

[Ismene]: Oh… How odd.

Cressidha examines the cube.

There is a button on the cube. Cressidha presses the button, and a new Ethereal blinks into the chamber.

Bennarin blinks at Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: You made it! Well done, humans. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get the rest of our crew inside.

The Cryo-Engineer interacts with the strange cube, and suddenly a half-dozen other Ethereals are blinking around the chamber, busily breaking down and collecting equipment.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: Let’s not waste any time! Take anything that isn’t nailed to the floor and teleport directly to Stormspire! Chop chop!

Ismene watches all the Things Happening.

Bennarin eyes Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen and frowns.

[Cressidha]: Hm.

[Bennarin]: What is the Stormspire?

The summoned crew of Ethereals blink out of the chamber one by one, leaving it bare of equipment. The Cryo-Engineer alone remains.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: This shouldn’t take very long. Just watch my back as I empty these nether collectors.

The Cryo-Engineer strides off into another chamber.

Bennarin follows the Ethereal warily.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: Looking at these energy levels, Shaffar was set to make a killing!

Cressidha looks very suspicious.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: There can’t be too many more of these collectors. Just keep me safe as I do my job.

[Bennarin]: I mean.

They are, naturally, ambushed by a teleporting group of reinforcements, presumably of Shaffar’s faction. The gang fends them off.

[Gavynn]: This is getting more bizarre by the minute…

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen: Hrm, now where is the next collector.

[Ismene]: Um, over there.

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: Ah, there it is. Follow me, fleshlings.

[Cressidha]: Fleshling. Hmph.

[Bennarin]: You ain't here to loot the tomb, are you? Just takin' apart their machines?

Gavynn looks around.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen says: Yes, don't worry, little fleshlings. The Consortium isn't after the draenei's precious bones.

[Cressidha]: Not their bones, no…

[Ismene]: What about their bones?

[Bennarin]: He said they ain't after the bones in the place. But in that case, what are they after?

[Ismene]: I suppose souls. I still say it's a stupid pl– oh dear.

They are ambushed again. Again, they fight off the ambush while the Cryo-Engineer does mysterious cryo-engineering things.

[Gavynn]: Collecting the energy to…sell?

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen says: To undercut the competition, is all.

A third ambush.

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: What do we have here? I thought you said the area was secure.

[Gavynn]: It was.

Third ambush dispatched. The Cryo-Engineer finishes his work at the last nether collector.

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: That should do it…

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: Are you ready to go?

Gavynn lets Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen know that he is ready!

[Cressidha]: Ready.

The Ethereal begins to lead them toward an exit.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen says: The Ethereal trade wars have gone on for ages, fleshlings. The Consortium has no interest in despoiling your friends' little relics.

Cryo-Engineer Sha'heen says: We must keep the competition from gaining an upper hand, though!

Shadow Lord Xiraxis yells: Bravo! Bravo! Good show… I couldn’t convince you to work for me, could I? No, I suppose the needless slaughter of my employees might negatively impact your employment application.

Cressidha looks around.

[Ismene]: Oh dear.

Another Ethereal, this one surrounded by a strange, dark aura, appears.

Shadow Lord Xiraxis: Your plan was a good one, Sha’heen, and you would have gotten away with it if not for one thing…

Shadow Lord Xiraxis: Never underestimate the other Ethereal’s greed!

Shadow Lord Xiraxis rushes at Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen. He would have gotten away with it, too, if not for that meddling White Squad.

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: He was right, you know. I’ll have to take that tag-line for my own… It’s not like he’ll have a use for it anymore!

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen: Thanks and good luck!

Cryo-Engineer Sha’heen blinks down a corridor and vanishes.

[Bennarin]: Uh.

[Cressidha]: …hm.

[Ismene]: Well, at least he said thank you I suppose.

[Bennarin]: I guess … let's report to them other fellows. Outside?

[Ismene]: The sooner we leave, the better.

[Silvestre]: Probably a good idea.

They make their way back through the portal to the antechamber. Antecave? Place.

Bennarin eyes Nexus-Prince Haramad up and down.

[Bennarin]: Okay. We cleared 'em out.

The hologrammatic Nexus-Prince Haramad congratulates the little flesh beasts on a job well done, and invites them to visit him at the Stormspire sometime. He does not specify what the Stormspire is.

Bennarin knits his brow at being addressed as "flesh beast."

[Cressidha]: Hm.

Silvestre shrugs at Nexus-Prince Haramad.

Ismene, perhaps ill-advisedly, wanders aside to greet an Ethereal merchant standing nearby. He is not into polite small talk.

[Ismene]: He threatened to put his staff up my backside!

Ismene looks indignantly back at the shady dealer.

[Gavynn]: Well, that's one section of these tombs cleared out. Hopefully your other team fared just as well.

[Bennarin]: Reckon they did, Mr Atley an' Cole know their shit.

[Cressidha]: I can provide a portal back to Shattrath?

[Bennarin]: Portal would be good.

Cressidha flicks a portal stone up into the air.

Bennarin steps forward and offers Gavynn his hand.

[Bennarin]: Thanks, sir.

Gavynn shakes it with a nod.

Bennarin nods back at him and then turns for the portal.

//On the other side of the portal, in Shattrath… //

[Ismene]: … Ben?

[Bennarin]: Sorry, here.

[Bennarin]: Was thankin' Sir Gavynn. For, y'know.

Bennarin smiles at Mizzy, his gaze soft.

Ismene relaxes and smiles. "We'll have to think of an appropriate gift."

Bennarin nods at her.

[Cressidha]: Come, let's clear the portal landing area.

Cressidha calls, "Colson!"

[Silvestre]: I'm gonna head over to Scryers… see you all later!

[Bennarin]: Bye, Sil. Good work.

[Ismene]: Take care, Sil.

Cressidha nods to Silvestre.

Colson, having heard Cressidha’s call from across the naaru’s chamber, approaches.

Ismene takes Ben's hand. No no, she's not nervous.

Bennarin squeezes her hand gently, reassuring.

Ismene eyes Colson, then looks away. Hey, A'dal! That's nice to look at.

Cressidha gives her brother a hug right away.

Bennarin leans to murmur in Mizzy's ear.

[Cressidha]: We all made it out.

Aspenwood looks briefly surprised, but he catches Cress easily, and gives her a gentle hug in the plate. "I am glad."

[Cressidha]: Thanks to Ismene and Sir Gavynn.

Ismene doesn't reply to Ben, though she may inch a little more behind his arm. Bicep shield.

Bennarin glances from Cressidha to Sir Gavynn and nods warmly. He doesn't nod at Ismene only because she is hiding behind his arm, which is awkward.

Aspenwood looks over at Gavynn, and he smiles faintly. "Thank you, Sir Gavynn, for your aid, as always." He looks back to Cress, pulling away slightly. "Are you well?"

Aspenwood carefully does not mention the Lady Ismene, who is already Too Famous.

Ismene tugs on Ben's arm a little. You know the routine. Chihuahua. Clydesdale.

Ismene whispers to Ben.

Bennarin glances down at his wife and leans toward her. He nods.

[Bennarin]: See y'all.

Aspenwood salutes Ben. "Ben. Ma'am," Colson says to the Mysterious Priestess.

[Cressidha]: We did shut down an entire ether-extracting operation in there. I am well, yes. Perhaps more so than I expected to be.

[Aspenwood]: More than you expected to be?

Ben and Ismene pause outside the naaru’s chamber.

[Ismene]: I'm sure he'd have been perfectly civil, but he's very protective of her, you know.

[Bennarin]: Well. Mizzy, I dunno how to tell you but you done a hell of a job. He could not have done better. An' he knows how it goes, okay? I promise you.

[Bennarin]: You took care of Cressidha and all of us.

[Ismene]: If I'd been…

O no it is Colson and Cressidha again, walking by.

Ismene stops and eyes Colson.

[Aspenwood]: I thought…I see.

[Cressidha]: One moment.

Aspenwood stops when Cress does.

Ismene looks down, reaching for Ben's hand.

Bennarin squeezes her hand reassuringly again and smiles down at her. He steps away as Cressidha approaches.

[Cressidha]: Ismene, may I give you a hug?

Ismene blinks and looks up. "Of course!"

Aspenwood pauses for a moment, and approaches. "May I, as well? I understand things went…a certain way."

Cressidha rushes over and scoops Ismene up in a tight hug. She's a little chilly from being in an ice shield all day.

[Cressidha]: Thank you.

Bennarin smiles warmly at Colson. He nods once, meaningfully.

Ismene hugs Cressidha back. "I'm sorry. I'll do better next time. But you're very welcome, of course!"

[Cressidha]: You did excellently.

Cressidha lets her go and steps back.

[Ismene]: Oh, but I could've done better. I do appreciate it, though.

Ismene blushes shyly at Colson and nods.

Bennarin nods respectfully to Cressidha.

Aspenwood moves to gently enclose Ismene in a hug in full plate. "Thank you. Light bless you, Ismene. Thank you."

Bennarin smiles again.

Cressidha mouths 'See?' silently.

Ismene seems accustomed to metal-clad hugs. "It was my pleasure and honor. Thank you for trusting me with someone so precious to you."

Ismene wrinkles her nose at Cressidha, but grins merrily through it. And her eyes are watering.

Aspenwood lingers just a little, before he steps back, his eyes a little bright. "I know you do not wish to become…well known outside the Company, but. Thank you, for keeping my heart safe. I am grateful."

Bennarin steps close again and touches the small of Ismene's back, a gentle reassurance or praise.

Ismene smiles brilliantly at everyone. Just everyone.

[Aspenwood]: It is a remarkable thing you did.

Cressidha smiles back. "Rest well. You earned it."

[Ismene]: Sir Gavynn gave his life for me. We all owe him a great deal.

Bennarin nods respectfully.

[Cressidha]: Ah. Yes. We all– yes.

[Bennarin]: That paladin trick. I got to learn that one.

[Bennarin]: But Mizz brung us all back, then.

[Ismene]: I didn't even recognize it at first.

[Ismene]: It was quite extraordinary to be in the middle of.

Ismene threads her fingers through Ben's, speaking of metal-clad hugs.

Aspenwood exhales slowly. "Ah." He nods. He looks to Ismene. "You called him back successfully? That is….a true feat. It can be difficult, when a paladin does so. You must be willing to die. Fully. It can make it…difficult to return."

[Cressidha]: She did.

[Bennarin]: Ismene is real good, *Ben observes quietly.*

Aspenwood smiles gently at Ismene. "It speaks of your skill, and his spirit. You have earned that rest."

[Ismene]: Did Cressidha tell you that she 'felt' annoyed when it happened?

Ismene grins at Cressidha.

[Ismene]: As if she hadn't time for such ridiculous behavior.

Aspenwood side-eyes Cressidha, a half-smile pulling at his lips. "Yes, well."

[Ismene]: And Sir Gavynn remained to guard us all. Even in death.

Ismene looks up at Ben. "I wouldn't mind resting a bit."

Bennarin nods at her.

[Bennarin]: Let's get you home, then, missus.

Cressidha clears her throat.

Aspenwood smiles at Ben. "Thank you, as well. You did well, Ben."

Bennarin nods respectfully to Colson. "Thanks, Cole. Wouldn't do it without Miss Cressidha, she is sharp as hell on the field. But you know that."

Ismene smiles at the Aspenwood twins. "Be well. Tell Mordecai I said hello, please.”

Aspenwood inclines his head, the smile growing. "I will. Rest well, both of you."

[Cressidha]: Ah. Yes, I shall. Come along, Cinnamon.

Cressidha leads her horse away.

Ismene skips around Ben.

Bennarin grins at her.

[Ismene]: They're so nice, aren't they nice?

[Bennarin]: Yes, they are.

[Bennarin]: And I told you that you done real good.

[Ismene]: I can always do better.

[Bennarin]: So can all of us. Me for sure.

[Bennarin]: We'll get practice, yeah?

[Bennarin]: Just keep gettin' better.

Ismene hugs Ben tight. "I'll wait until we get home before I fall into a complete mess over losing you, even for a moment. And I'm sorry, so so sorry that I made you wait!"

[Ismene]: Was it awful?

Bennarin blinks at her.

[Bennarin]: Was what awful?

[Ismene]: Being… gone.

[Bennarin]: I did not notice. I was dead. But I was glad as hell to see you again.

[Ismene]: Are you very tired?

[Bennarin]: Little, yeah. You?

Ismene pulls away enough to smile at him. "A little."

[Bennarin]: Okay, well. Let's get home, then.