Round 10 Transcript

The wind dies down as suddenly as it started, leaving an eerie stillness. The holy water bottle clatters to the floor, most of its contents splashed across the threshold in a pattern that looks deliberate—like someone drew a line on the stone. The woman outside is frozen mid-step, phone hanging limp at her side. Her eyes are wide and fixed on what just happened, recording device forgotten for the moment.

My heart pounds as I listen to Jeane's reckless display, fearing the worst. Silra is right—this has gone from bad to disastrous in mere moments. I peek around the corner, seeing the woman outside still holding her phone. I have to act now before this spirals completely out of control. Stepping into view, I call out with my most calming voice: "Everyone please stay calm! There's no need for any emergency services." I try to sound authoritative but not threatening. To Jeane and Halie, I think frantically: We have to get that woman inside NOW before she calls the police. Jeane, stop showing off your magic—you're just giving her more evidence! Halie, can you use your cleric skills to de-escalate this? Silra, be ready to grab Abby and go if needed. Then I turn back to the woman at the door: "I know this looks strange, but we mean no harm. Please come inside so we can talk privately about whatever concerns you may have." I try a warm smile, hoping my friendly tone will outweigh Jeane's intimidating display. Inside, I'm terrified this will blow up in our faces. But I have to think on my feet and do what I can to salvage this situation before it destroys everything we've worked for.

I watch in horror from my hiding place behind a pillar as Jeane's display of power plays out. The magic crackling around her fingers chills me to the bone, but it’s nothing compared to the sheer recklessness of what she’s doing. She just told that woman everything we were trying to hide! My heart hammers against my ribs as I hear Hera and Silra arguing in low voices nearby.
Silra is right—we need to get out of here before this goes any further. But when I peek around the edge of the stone, seeing the confusion on the woman's face outside, a strange sense of possibility washes over me. Maybe... maybe we can still salvage this situation if someone talks her down.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself to follow Hera's lead. She always knows what to do in these situations, and I trust her judgment more than anyone else here. The thought of confronting that woman directly makes my stomach clench with fear, but the alternative—running or letting Jeane handle this alone—is far worse.
I push myself off the wall and step out into the open space near Hera. She gives me a quick, grateful look as I position myself beside her, ready to back up whatever plan she has in mind. My voice is so quiet it’s almost lost in the air when I finally speak: "Hera... what should we do?"

I step across the line of blessed water at the threshold—it feels wrong but necessary—and face Jeane directly. Enough, I say, voice carrying authority despite my exhaustion. You're exposing us all with that display. To the woman outside—I raise both hands in a peaceful gesture. Sister, please come inside. We don't want this conversation happening where anyone can overhear or misunderstand. Internally, I'm furious at Jeane's recklessness but also darkly aroused by it—the danger she courted thrills me even as my cleric training screams warning. My ass still aches from the stretching earlier, and I feel fluid drying on my thighs. We need to de-escalate this now before things spiral completely out of control. I turn to Hera, You're right—someone needs to talk her down properly. But not you or Abby—the woman might know your faces later if this escalates further. Silra, you stay here with Abby in case we need a quick escape. To Jeane—I hold her gaze firmly. That means you and I handle this together. Your magic stays under control unless absolutely necessary—we're using words and authority, not force or spectacle. I move to stand beside the doorway, blocking most of the view inside while still allowing passage. Come in, sister. We'll explain everything calmly and privately. And if you still want to leave after hearing us out, we won't stop you. Privately—I'm terrified this will backfire spectacularly, but it's the only option I see that doesn't involve running or committing crimes more serious than mere exhibitionism.*

I step back into the shadows of the sanctuary, eyes scanning every angle, every exit. This is already fucked. The woman outside still has her phone out—I need it gone before she calls this in. If Jeane opens those wings again or does anything else flashy, we're done. My hand slides to my belt pouch where I keep the good stuff—liquids that slip past skin defenses easily—but what's the play? Knocking someone unconscious mid-conversation at the door? That screams guilt. Too messy. Halie's trying to talk her down—that might work, or it might make things worse. The holy water splashed across the threshold is a detail my mind latches onto— that was no accident just now. The wind, the door slamming... something weird happened here. Abby looks terrified—I can't blame her, but she's also in the way if I need to move fast. Hera's trying to project calm, but I see how tightly wound she is.*

This needs a different approach—a misdirection, not force. If we get that woman inside and talking, maybe we can control the narrative instead of her controlling it from out there. I glance at Jeane—still naked and crackling with energy. You need to cover up or go upstairs right fucking now before you give her a heart attack and an ironclad case for the DA's office. To Halie trying to negotiate, If this goes south, I'm grabbing Abby and we're out that side door. Don't look back—don't hesitate.*