#rivervale_lodge

SIV looks to Sylvi "You're a life saver... possibly litterally. Someone keep Symon away from me. his bed side manner makes me want to hang him from a yard arm"

And Siv DRINKS a deep gulp

He takes several steps back, easily gauging her reach. “In my defense, you’re far saltier than most of my patients. They’re more patient. Endlessly so.”

It's as thick as any milkshake, and ...yes, well, somewhere between salad and grass clippings, but the berry flavor is absolutely accurate.

Nadeen is SO Good and does not tell Siv to go with her feelings.

He watches Siv, intent, critical and observing, like a scientist watching to see the affect of the latest dose on his lab rat.

“Brogan, can you isolate that poison if there are remnants on Siv’s clothing or skin? An antidote would be smart to take with them.”

Dagmar scowls, lurking in the background.

I wonder if the DeBuke’s would let me check their goats for bezoars? He wonders to himself. Mental note to ask the Farmchief later.

the potion goes down and Siv says "Okay that's.. that's better. Really" The Autumn cantirip Symon has going shows the taint receding

And he moves over to Dagmar. Whispers to her, “It’s okay.”

"I want to do something."

Nadeen was about to tell Dagmar it's okay. Then..Symon beats her to it.Then she sighs "Symon's right."

Sylvi watches and nods. "Yeah, it looks like...I think it's clearing. You feel better?"

Kerri says, "Try standing again, Siv."

Brogan has gathered some samples from the clothing "yes, I think I can syntheizes something"

“I mean it a few ways. Siv’s okay. What you’re feeling is okay. And... putting our quest on hold is ok. This is something you have to do. I get it. I knew you’d need to... that’s why I texted you. Sorry I wasn’t more specific.” He whispers, lower, intended for Dagmar.

Siv stands.. no wobbling this time "mmm yes. Much better! Sylvi, I could hug the stuffing out of you! You too Aunt Kerri"

Kerri rests a hand on Sylvi's shoulder and gives her a proud nod.

"Whew!" says Sylvi, smiling.

Then Kerri looks at the group. "Now, we need to consider our next steps. Nadeen, you know this Balor. Any thoughts?"

A grunt for Symon. She hears him. She may or may not agree yet.

"Intell gathering is probably not unwise. And right of demense in his favor means he doesn't haver to accept another duel" Nadeen say "And I don't know him well. I found him ..unworthy"

Siv says "My grumbling at Symon aside... sluagh SHOULD know about this. They're very clannish as a kith and a chain that can do that is of great concern to them"

Kerri nods to Nadeen, then to Siv. "Good point. If you're willing to give up the right to direct vengeance, maybe other sluagh can make the first move, but certainly investigate. But the anti-squirm chains is definitely a factor."

He nods, but hesitates. “I have a few people I should let know. But if you’re planning a raid... I don’t want to risk anyone else stirring the pot.”

"Could they be iron?"

He shudders visibly.

"Iron messes up magic. Sluagh gifts are magic."

“Can’t squirm out of iron. I haven’t tried. But trust me. My mentor told stories...”

It’s enough to make a sluagh look uncomfortable.

"it wasn't cold iron" Siv says "That much I know"

Dagmar nods.

Siv frowns 'And I want to look into this, but I'll do it in disguise . Still, warn other sluagh"

“Are you sure it was the chains? And not that the slug - the Sluagh was bound by some oath or dictum, and the chains were just... gravy?”

"that I'm not as sure about, but Harkson SAID it was the chains. And I didn't see any reason to not believe him" Siv answers "At the time"

Kerri frowns. "That's possible, Symon."

"Like the chains were part of the bunk?" Sylvi asks.

Nadeen wrinkles her nose at something

“If he’d already escaped once, he either must not have been chained then, or something wore off... you gotta get more intel. If this Baron is going to such lengths to keep people from escaping, what if there’s more to it? Like, if he decides to dictum his people to stay - if you tried a rescue, they might be forced to fight back.”

"I mean, that has to be illegal, right?"

"Not letting people leave at all?"

Nadeen says "Serfhood is foolish in Concordia. It's like a ticket to invite every ranter or 'freedom fighter' around to hunt you"

“Mortal, sure. But... I dunno. The law of desmenses is awfully in favor of the lord of the land.” He looks to Kerri.... and reluctantly, to Nadeen, as judging them as better knowledgeable on this.

"Balor aren't exactly known for avoiding foolishness," Kerri mutters.

Symon makes a grimace - the sluagh equivalent of biting his tongue as he backspaces over snarky, but unhelpful, mental comments.

"That's my thinking, too, Symon. Fae law is tricky that way."

"But... I mean... that can't be right?"

“If you can get them out to where they can claim asylum? And ensure they are able to do so. Not under oath or a geis or bullshit like that.”

"Isn't there a thing in the Concord or something?"