https://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=BalthCatRocksfallWiki - User contributions [en]2026-05-28T14:36:22ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.31.12https://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_46&diff=11872Diablotin 3 session 462016-12-18T22:58:44Z<p>BalthCat: /* There is no log, just a summary, since everything happened in Roll 20 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|46}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: December 18, 2016<br />
: Diablotin date:<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<br />
===There is no log, just a summary, since everything happened in Roll 20===<br />
Argent, Aubrienne, Denise, Dorien, Genevriel, Hettienne, Hugo, Lathra and Zola raid Lynwood in an attempt to rescue Raimond and abscond with files that might incriminate Suzetta Claar. Argent, Denise, and Hettie manage to subdue four human guards (mostly) non-lethally. Hettie and Aubrienne discover a gas chamber while Argent and Denise beat up a construct. Another construct shows up and sounds the alarm. They manage to take out the two constructs, grab a bunch of files and some random magic items, and rescue three prisoners. However, they also accidentally kill one prisoner and cause an explosion that may have damaged or injured others.</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Sandbox&diff=11775Sandbox2016-09-30T02:19:05Z<p>BalthCat: test</p>
<hr />
<div><poem>When a woman fathers a child, <br />
and her daughter to Greywatch is kin <br />
when the starlight returns to its first form, <br />
as the serpent at last sheds its skin <br />
then the mother of mercy seeks vengeance, <br />
and the wheel shall soon cease to spin.</poem><br />
<br />
<br />
<em> <-em-> <EM> &gt;Em&lt;<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
|align=center|'''[[Pavo Arsenios]]'''<br />
|-<br />
|align=center|[[File:Pavo001.png]]<br />
<br />
|-<br />
|align=right|<font size=-2>-[[user:Curtana|Curtana]]</font><br />
|}<br />
|{{gaiacell|name=Pasith Belden|url=http://i.imgur.com/uTrSa3F.png|by=[[user:Longpig|Longpig]]}}<br />
|{{gaiacell|name=Falke Sathin|url=http://i.imgur.com/AKBsC74.png|by=[[User:Ladyiolanthe|Ladyiolanthe]]}}<br />
|{{gaiacell|name=Kalman vak Andras|url=http://i.imgur.com/7zictIz.png|by=[[user:Elanya|Elanya]]}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
[[metawikipedia:Main Page]]<br />
<br />
<gallery caption="sunflowers are groovy"><br />
File:Pavo001.png|[[Pavo]] by ( [[User:Curtana]] )<br />
File:Pavo001.png<br />
File:Pavo001.png<br />
File:Pavo001.png<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
<gallery caption="sunflowers are groovy"><br />
Pavo001.png|<br />
Pavo001.png<br />
Pavo001.png<br />
Pavo001.png<br />
</gallery></div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11730Quotes2016-09-13T03:03:48Z<p>BalthCat: GET OFF</p>
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<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> The good news is that it could be a demon -_-<br><br />
<Aubrienne> That's the *good* news?<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Hugo> What's a good rhyme for 'dodo'?<br><br />
<[Zola]> ... what? o_O<br><br />
* Hugo (~Forthrigh@141.217.11.64) Quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer)<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> anyone have questions before we get started?<br><br />
<Hugonel> yeah, just one<br><br />
<Hugonel> who's the asshole who hates olives?<br><br />
<@[Zola]> All of us sane people<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> and this is how the Psyrene War started.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> FUCK OLIVES AND FUCK PSYRA<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Malqatar> Man, if the rats start a marxist labor uprising, I will be very disappointed if it's not called Rat Rat Revolution. <br><br />
<Kennesaw> heh<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comrat<br><br />
<Malqatar> heeeeee<br><br />
<@Curtana> :D<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comratte, I suppose.<br><br />
<Malqatar> Free the proleteratte!<br><br />
<br><br />
<Denise> LOL<br><br />
<Denise> noperope<br><br />
<Lathra> Noperope is now the name of every grappling hook gun I ever use in future.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> :D<br><br />
<@Hettienne> DEPLOY THE NOPEROPE<br><br />
<br><br />
<Lathra> "Performers aren't going to cut it here. What we really need is a botanist"<br><br />
<br><br />
<Aubrienne> ...Is wetting yourself a free action?<br><br />
<Zola> P. sure<br><br />
<Dorien> Only if you already had it readied.<br><br />
<br><br />
<Genevriel> (Do I have reason to be concerned by the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Aubrienne> (Maybe because it's called the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Zola> No one ever says "rent" when something good is happening.<br><br />
<Hugo> yeah, like 'your rent is overdue' <br><br />
<br><br />
<Malqatar> Well, at least now if she has a fairie baby she can blame it on him.<br><br />
<@Debbie> No, she can't.<br><br />
<@Debbie> There was no sex and will not be any sex with Madds until we are at least 14th level.<br><br />
<Malqatar> lol, why specifically level 14?<br><br />
<@Debbie> Because that is when Gen will be able to cast Regenerate.<br><br />
<Malqatar> mAN, THAT'S SOME SEX IF YOU NEED REGENERATE AFTERWARDS<br><br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br>Did St. Ratrick banish all the Serpents from Diablotin?<br />
<br>FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS<br />
<br> To the Noperope!<br />
<br> Jonas: no longer totally out of spoons<br />
<br> you can't be a drunk AND a good bee surgeon<br />
<br> Diablotin: If there is room in the heart, there is room in the butt<br />
<br> what would you do for a swan-dyke bar?<br />
<br />
==Ratteventures==<br />
* Lannie (GM): Alvin will take a shit in the dark<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<wererogue> Howell this morning, running around yelling "BOK BOK BUKAKKE" O_O<br><wererogue> That is not what a chicken says Howell :3|align=left}}<br />
{{quotebox|<Mockery_> ...God, my hands smell like cookie dough and I can't get off.|align=right}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11666Main Page2016-07-31T21:56:19Z<p>BalthCat: asd</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
Rocks fall! Everybody dies!<br />
<br />
<br />
[[News]]<br />
<br />
==What is this?==<br />
<br />
This is a wiki to supplement Rocksfall, our [http://community.livejournal.com/rocksfall/profile LJ community] created to help us communicate (etc.) about a number of our (mostly) online roleplaying games. It was named after [http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp05032002.shtml a humourous issue] of the webcomic [http://www.somethingpositive.net Something Positive]. <br />
<br />
==Games==<br />
===Current games===<br />
<br />
* [[Diablotin 3]] ([[Diablotin_3_character_creation_rules|chargen]], [[Diablotin_3#The_Annals|logs]], [[Diablotin_3_timeline|timeline]])<br />
* [[Homoventures]]<br />
<br />
===Games in development===<br />
<br />
===Previous campaigns===<br />
<br />
* [[C-verse]]<br />
* [[Diablotin_(Campaign)|Diablotin]]<br />
** [[Diablotin 2]]<br />
** [[Diablotin: Holiday Heist]] <br />
** [[Diablotin: Hesperange]]<br />
** [[Diablotin: Ratteventures]]<br />
* [[Faust]]<br />
* [[Five Kingdoms]]<br />
* [[Gnomeland]]<br />
* [[Legacy of the Ancients]]<br />
* [[The Menagerie Project]]<br />
* [[Scion]]<br />
<br />
===Just a dream...===<br />
<br />
* [[Interesting Times]]<br />
* [[Gnomes 2!!!!!]]<br />
* [[Legend of the Ancients]]<br />
<br />
==Other==<br />
* [[Fiction]] - Fiction written by editors, primarily about characters from games.<br />
* [[Quotes]] - IRC (and other) quotes<br />
* [[Fun Things]] - Links to other fun things!<br />
<br />
==Wiki work==<br />
<br />
* [[List of templates]] has a list of working templates.<br />
* [[List of images]] has a list of image descriptions and urls related to the above games.<br />
* [http://rocksfallpb.endoftheinternet.org Rocksfall Photobucket]<br />
<br />
===Temporary stuff===<br />
<br />
* [[Recovered pages]]: Pages still in this list were recovered from webcrawler caches, but need to be re-wikified. Please remove the page from this list once it is retidied, wikified and recategorised with templates. (See [[List of templates]])<br />
* [[Lost pages]]: These pages need to be recreated from scratch, wikified and categorised with templates. Please remove them when this is completed.<br />
<br />
==External sites==<br />
<br />
* [http://community.livejournal.com/rocksfall/profile Rocksfall LJ Community]<br />
* [[List of other geek Wikis]]<br />
* [http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html D&D 3.5 SRD]<br />
* [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD] <br />
<br />
<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Main_Page&diff=11664Main Page2016-07-31T21:55:26Z<p>BalthCat: /* Current games */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
Rocks fall! Everybody dies!<br />
<br />
<br />
[[News]]<br />
<br />
==What is this?==<br />
<br />
This is a wiki to supplement Rocksfall, our [http://community.livejournal.com/rocksfall/profile LJ community] created to help us communicate (etc.) about a number of our (mostly) online roleplaying games. It was named after [http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp05032002.shtml a humourous issue] of the webcomic [http://www.somethingpositive.net Something Positive]. <br />
<br />
==Games==<br />
===Current games===<br />
<br />
* [[Diablotin 3]] ([[Diablotin_3#The_Annals|logs]],[[Diablotin_3_timeline|timeline]])<br />
* [[Homoventures]]<br />
<br />
===Games in development===<br />
<br />
===Previous campaigns===<br />
<br />
* [[C-verse]]<br />
* [[Diablotin_(Campaign)|Diablotin]]<br />
** [[Diablotin 2]]<br />
** [[Diablotin: Holiday Heist]] <br />
** [[Diablotin: Hesperange]]<br />
** [[Diablotin: Ratteventures]]<br />
* [[Faust]]<br />
* [[Five Kingdoms]]<br />
* [[Gnomeland]]<br />
* [[Legacy of the Ancients]]<br />
* [[The Menagerie Project]]<br />
* [[Scion]]<br />
<br />
===Just a dream...===<br />
<br />
* [[Interesting Times]]<br />
* [[Gnomes 2!!!!!]]<br />
* [[Legend of the Ancients]]<br />
<br />
==Other==<br />
* [[Fiction]] - Fiction written by editors, primarily about characters from games.<br />
* [[Quotes]] - IRC (and other) quotes<br />
* [[Fun Things]] - Links to other fun things!<br />
<br />
==Wiki work==<br />
<br />
* [[List of templates]] has a list of working templates.<br />
* [[List of images]] has a list of image descriptions and urls related to the above games.<br />
* [http://rocksfallpb.endoftheinternet.org Rocksfall Photobucket]<br />
<br />
===Temporary stuff===<br />
<br />
* [[Recovered pages]]: Pages still in this list were recovered from webcrawler caches, but need to be re-wikified. Please remove the page from this list once it is retidied, wikified and recategorised with templates. (See [[List of templates]])<br />
* [[Lost pages]]: These pages need to be recreated from scratch, wikified and categorised with templates. Please remove them when this is completed.<br />
<br />
==External sites==<br />
<br />
* [http://community.livejournal.com/rocksfall/profile Rocksfall LJ Community]<br />
* [[List of other geek Wikis]]<br />
* [http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html D&D 3.5 SRD]<br />
* [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/ Pathfinder SRD] <br />
<br />
<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11649Quotes2016-07-14T05:31:39Z<p>BalthCat: /* OOC */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> The good news is that it could be a demon -_-<br><br />
<Aubrienne> That's the *good* news?<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Hugo> What's a good rhyme for 'dodo'?<br><br />
<[Zola]> ... what? o_O<br><br />
* Hugo (~Forthrigh@141.217.11.64) Quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer)<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> anyone have questions before we get started?<br><br />
<Hugonel> yeah, just one<br><br />
<Hugonel> who's the asshole who hates olives?<br><br />
<@[Zola]> All of us sane people<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> and this is how the Psyrene War started.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> FUCK OLIVES AND FUCK PSYRA<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Malqatar> Man, if the rats start a marxist labor uprising, I will be very disappointed if it's not called Rat Rat Revolution. <br><br />
<Kennesaw> heh<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comrat<br><br />
<Malqatar> heeeeee<br><br />
<@Curtana> :D<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comratte, I suppose.<br><br />
<Malqatar> Free the proleteratte!<br><br />
<br><br />
<Denise> LOL<br><br />
<Denise> noperope<br><br />
<Lathra> Noperope is now the name of every grappling hook gun I ever use in future.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> :D<br><br />
<@Hettienne> DEPLOY THE NOPEROPE<br><br />
<br><br />
<Lathra> "Performers aren't going to cut it here. What we really need is a botanist"<br><br />
<br><br />
<Aubrienne> ...Is wetting yourself a free action?<br><br />
<Zola> P. sure<br><br />
<Dorien> Only if you already had it readied.<br><br />
<br><br />
<Genevriel> (Do I have reason to be concerned by the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Aubrienne> (Maybe because it's called the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Zola> No one ever says "rent" when something good is happening.<br><br />
<Hugo> yeah, like 'your rent is overdue' <br><br />
<br />
<Malqatar> Well, at least now if she has a fairie baby she can blame it on him.<br />
<@Debbie> No, she can't.<br />
<@Debbie> There was no sex and will not be any sex with Madds until we are at least 14th level.<br />
<Malqatar> lol, why specifically level 14?<br />
<@Debbie> Because that is when Gen will be able to cast Regenerate.<br />
<Malqatar> mAN, THAT'S SOME SEX IF YOU NEED REGENERATE AFTERWARDS<br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br>Did St. Ratrick banish all the Serpents from Diablotin?<br />
<br>FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS<br />
<br> To the Noperope!<br />
<br> Jonas: no longer totally out of spoons<br />
<br> you can't be a drunk AND a good bee surgeon<br />
<br> Diablotin: If there is room in the heart, there is room in the butt<br />
<br> what would you do for a swan-dyke bar?<br />
<br />
==Ratteventures==<br />
* Lannie (GM): Alvin will take a shit in the dark<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<wererogue> Howell this morning, running around yelling "BOK BOK BUKAKKE" O_O<br><wererogue> That is not what a chicken says Howell :3|align=left}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11630Quotes2016-07-11T00:57:39Z<p>BalthCat: /* IC */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> The good news is that it could be a demon -_-<br><br />
<Aubrienne> That's the *good* news?<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Hugo> What's a good rhyme for 'dodo'?<br><br />
<[Zola]> ... what? o_O<br><br />
* Hugo (~Forthrigh@141.217.11.64) Quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer)<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> anyone have questions before we get started?<br><br />
<Hugonel> yeah, just one<br><br />
<Hugonel> who's the asshole who hates olives?<br><br />
<@[Zola]> All of us sane people<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> and this is how the Psyrene War started.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> FUCK OLIVES AND FUCK PSYRA<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Malqatar> Man, if the rats start a marxist labor uprising, I will be very disappointed if it's not called Rat Rat Revolution. <br><br />
<Kennesaw> heh<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comrat<br><br />
<Malqatar> heeeeee<br><br />
<@Curtana> :D<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comratte, I suppose.<br><br />
<Malqatar> Free the proleteratte!<br><br />
<br><br />
<Denise> LOL<br><br />
<Denise> noperope<br><br />
<Lathra> Noperope is now the name of every grappling hook gun I ever use in future.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> :D<br><br />
<@Hettienne> DEPLOY THE NOPEROPE<br><br />
<br><br />
<Lathra> "Performers aren't going to cut it here. What we really need is a botanist"<br><br />
<br><br />
<Aubrienne> ...Is wetting yourself a free action?<br><br />
<Zola> P. sure<br><br />
<Dorien> Only if you already had it readied.<br><br />
<br><br />
<Genevriel> (Do I have reason to be concerned by the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Aubrienne> (Maybe because it's called the 'dark tapestry'?)<br><br />
<Zola> No one ever says "rent" when something good is happening.<br><br />
<Hugo> yeah, like 'your rent is overdue' <br><br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br>Did St. Ratrick banish all the Serpents from Diablotin?<br />
<br>FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS<br />
<br> To the Noperope!<br />
<br> Jonas: no longer totally out of spoons<br />
<br> you can't be a drunk AND a good bee surgeon<br />
<br> Diablotin: If there is room in the heart, there is room in the butt<br />
<br> what would you do for a swan-dyke bar?<br />
<br />
==Ratteventures==<br />
* Lannie (GM): Alvin will take a shit in the dark<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<wererogue> Howell this morning, running around yelling "BOK BOK BUKAKKE" O_O<br><wererogue> That is not what a chicken says Howell :3|align=left}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11548Fey2016-02-21T18:57:49Z<p>BalthCat: /* Known or suspected fey in the empire */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], dryad<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, blodeuwedd queen (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe <br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove/Shade Irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vairon]], suspected selkie, or half-selkie<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
===Fey assailants===<br />
* Cold rider<br />
* Frosty chiseler<br />
* Grigs (dark ice grig band)<br />
* Lurker in the light (?)<br />
* Polevik<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*Witchlights (?)<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Nydia_Courtemanche&diff=11508Nydia Courtemanche2016-01-24T20:16:16Z<p>BalthCat: Created page with "Racist jerk."</p>
<hr />
<div>Racist jerk.</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11507Fey2016-01-24T20:09:52Z<p>BalthCat: /* Known or suspected fey in the empire */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], dryad<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, blodeuwedd queen (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe <br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vairon]], suspected selkie, or half-selkie<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
===Fey assailants===<br />
* Cold rider<br />
* Frosty chiseler<br />
* Grigs (dark ice grig band)<br />
* Lurker in the light (?)<br />
* Polevik<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*Witchlights (?)<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Hugonel_Silveira&diff=11506Hugonel Silveira2016-01-24T18:09:45Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>http://i.imgur.com/iyp2Fde.png<br />
<br />
'''Player:''' Steve<br />
<br />
'''Race:''' Human<br />
<br />
'''House:''' Cat<br />
<br />
'''Class:''' Sorcerer<br />
<br />
'''Alignment:''' Chaotic Good<br />
<br />
== Vital Statistics: ==<br />
<br />
'''Gender:''' Male<br />
<br />
'''Age:''' 36<br />
<br />
'''Height:''' 5'9"<br />
<br />
'''Weight:''' 155 lbs<br />
<br />
'''Eyes:''' Blue, smoky<br />
<br />
'''Hair:''' Silver-blond <br />
<br />
'''Skin:''' Fair<br />
<br />
== Description: ==<br />
<br />
Hugonel, who goes by the stage name Hugo Silver, is descended through an illegitimate line from the last emperor of House Cat, [[Hugolin Silveira]]. Born into modest means, despite his family's close ties to [[Loick Silveira]], the Chief Sorcerer, he eventually earned his way into the [[Castalia]] and learned that his magical gifts derive from his imperial bloodline. After finishing his studies, he ... did some things to be determined ... and eventually ended up as the emcee at the cabaret. Hugo is known for his long, well-groomed silver-blond hair (attesting to his Silveira heritage) and his deep, enchanting voice. <br />
<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{pc}}{{d3}}{{cat}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11484Quotes2015-12-23T17:13:53Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> The good news is that it could be a demon -_-<br><br />
<Aubrienne> That's the *good* news?<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> anyone have questions before we get started?<br><br />
<Hugonel> yeah, just one<br><br />
<Hugonel> who's the asshole who hates olives?<br><br />
<@[Zola]> All of us sane people<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> and this is how the Psyrene War started.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> FUCK OLIVES AND FUCK PSYRA<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Malqatar> Man, if the rats start a marxist labor uprising, I will be very disappointed if it's not called Rat Rat Revolution. <br><br />
<Kennesaw> heh<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comrat<br><br />
<Malqatar> heeeeee<br><br />
<@Curtana> :D<br><br />
<Kennesaw> Comratte, I suppose.<br><br />
<Malqatar> Free the proleteratte!<br><br />
<br><br />
<Denise> LOL<br><br />
<Denise> noperope<br><br />
<Lathra> Noperope is now the name of every grappling hook gun I ever use in future.<br><br />
<Denise> lol<br><br />
<@Hettienne> :D<br><br />
<@Hettienne> DEPLOY THE NOPEROPE<br><br />
<br><br />
<Lathra> "Performers aren't going to cut it here. What we really need is a botanist"<br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br>Did St. Ratrick banish all the Serpents from Diablotin?<br />
<br>FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS<br />
<br> To the Noperope!<br />
<br />
==Ratteventures==<br />
* Lannie (GM): Alvin will take a shit in the dark<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<wererogue> Howell this morning, running around yelling "BOK BOK BUKAKKE" O_O<br><wererogue> That is not what a chicken says Howell :3|align=left}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_25&diff=11469Diablotin 3 session 252015-11-30T16:23:31Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: November 22, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date: 16th of Third-Month<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Tonight is going to be Zola's (and Denise's) birthday party <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> My understanding of the arrangements for the party, which Can can correct if I'm misremembering is that everyone working at the club is invited, and can bring a guest (some people, like Tits and Aubrienne apparently, have extra power to issue invites to fun people ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The main part of the club is still open to regular patrons as well, but the back room is going to be reserved for just Zola's party. Tits has brought in some supplemental staff for the night so that people aren't working through the entire party ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I assume Dorien and Misery will split the refreshment duties<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> That's reasonable :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I also heard that Zola is paying for at least some drinks - maybe like a drink per person or something ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> fancy!<br />
* Denise is going to be so overwhelmed :o<br />
* Zola isn't filthy rich, but knows at least some staff (OK, and Denise :P) might not be floating in party cash.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Anyway - forewarning that I haven't got a lot of formally planned things going on, so take the opportunity to talk to each other, and/or NPCs, and we'll muddle through :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Some folks will also have NPCs in play here - Korisse and Elmdor apparently, and Ysabeau :) as available people for talking to potentially ^-^<br />
<br />
===Zola's party begins===<br />
* Zola has chosen her party to christen her shiny new frock: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/17/09/8e/17098e2ec6a3d5f68660449a8518fc54.jpg<br />
<br />
<Zola> Welcome everyone! I'm so glad you could join us tonight! <br />
* Denise doesn't really have anything fancier than her work clothes, but will wear her nicest suit<br />
* Denise clings to Enver<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope you have fun tonight as we celebrate my birthday, and ... where's Denise? <br />
* Zola waves at her and points.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And Denise's too! :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> D: :D<br />
* Denise gives Zola a shy wave<br />
* Zola grins wide and waves again<br />
* Zola blows her a kiss<br />
<br />
<Denise> :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also, I have an announcement to make to add to the celebratory mood... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Some of you might know I've been in the studio lately, and my talented agent Hector has arranged for my new single to be played on the Red Lion Dance Hour!<br />
* Denise cheers :3<br />
* Aubrienne cheers<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The crowd in general will cheer :)<br />
* Dorien will applaud heartily<br />
* Genevriel applauds<br />
* Argent applauds with everyone<br />
<br />
<Zola> And now, I'm going to make you sit through it live... :D<br />
* Zola will start things off with a couple songs, because it's her party and she'll sing if she wants to.<br />
* Denise will dance wth her boy, then :3<br />
* Zola sings Waiting for You :3<br />
* Genevriel probably is not normally inclined to dance, regardless of who her evening's companion is, so she will sit and listen and try not to drink too fast/too much.<br />
* Zola makes the rounds to meet everyone!<br />
* Dorien will wolf whistle Zola as she gets off stage. :3<br />
* Genevriel shakes her head slightly and smiles.<br />
* Zola smiles and looks around to see who whistled, and waves :D<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That's my cousin, Dorien.<br />
* Genevriel will fill Madds in on who people are, as needed.<br />
<br />
===Zola receives a birthday gift from Noren===<br />
* Noren is there, and he brought a friend ...<br />
* Zola will definitely go to greet Noren very early in the evening.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Happy birthday :)<br />
* Zola steps over to him, her heels clacking lively on the floor. "Thank you! I'm so glad you could come!"<br />
* Zola opens her arms for a big hug and plants a kiss on his cheek :)<br />
* Noren hugs you back<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you have a minute to sit? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And who's your date? Such a handsome fellow... <br />
* Justen chuckles<br />
<br />
<Zola> Of course!<br />
<br />
<Justen> I'm just glad we made it back to town in time - it would have been a shame to miss this while we were off in the frozen deserts.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Although the weather is about the same here.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It would have been a shame for certain! All for... frozen wastes? <br />
<br />
<Zola> At least we have warm clubs and music in the city :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> Well, it was slightly more productive than that. And there are ways to keep warm.<br />
<br />
<Justen> ^-^<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
* Zola looks to Noren to make sure he didn't mean for a private moment?<br />
* Noren seems okay with Justen being there<br />
<br />
<Noren> I had a little something for you... <br />
* Zola will sit with Noren then.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What were you doing up the- ooh? <br />
* Zola will get back to wasteland adventures in a bit then.<br />
* Noren offers you a long, flat box - like the kind long gloves might come in. Nicely wrapped with a ribbon, of course.<br />
* Zola sets it in front of her on the table and straightens the ribbon<br />
<br />
<Zola> Very lovely presentation :3<br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> thanks<br />
* Zola considers asking if she should open it now, but decides she wants to anyway, and tugs at a ribbon<br />
* Zola lifts the lid off and peeks<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Inside is a pair of fingerless, elbow-length gloves. The fabric is so thin they're translucent.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh...<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Do they match the dress?)<br />
<br />
<Noren> They're a little more interesting than they appear. At least, I hope you'll think so.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Try them on...<br />
* Zola will!<br />
<br />
<Zola> What material is this?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Magical ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Noren :o<br />
<br />
<Noren> It's just a little something, honestly. <br />
<br />
<Noren> They'll let you change your clothing into ... well, whatever you fancy at the moment.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/r-z/sleeves-of-many-garments (for the record)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Fancy :3<br />
<br />
<Noren> Although why you'd ever want to wear anything other than that dress, I'm not sure... maybe it's a poorly chosen gift ;)<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> It is a poor night to give them a try, but you can't trot a beauty like this out every night... it'll start to seem pedestrian :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's very thoughtful ^_^<br />
* Zola gives NOren another kiss on the cheek.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And practical too! ^_^<br />
* Noren blushes a little<br />
<br />
<Noren> I, ah... there are some other things I wanted to talk to you about too, but maybe now isn't the best time... I don't want to keep you from your other guests<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sure we can find time to talk later :)<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> It's a lovely party.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope people have fun. :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's a few people here you should know... Bastien's at the bar... and Gabby and Theo should be kicking about...<br />
<br />
<Justen> Don't worry, I'll make sure he does.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Excellent :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Your mother and I are up to some shenanigans later :D<br />
<br />
<Justen> That explains why she's been giggling.<br />
* Zola grins :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's a bit of a present for Denise. Kid's a sweetie and it turns out we share a birthday, so I thought I'd throw in a surprise :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'll know when it happens.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Well, I can't wait to see what it is!<br />
* Zola says coyly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Nothing too risqué though... or I'd have to warn you three kiddos to leave the room :V<br />
* Justen and Noren laugh<br />
* Zola will excuse herself to make the rounds<br />
<br />
===Misery alerts Dorien to Korisse's presence; they go to greet her pre-emptively===<br />
* Misery will come over to you, Dorien, while you're making a sale to some of the chorus girls<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> Emergency!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey sweety <br />
<br />
<Dorien> o.O<br />
* Misery is giving you Significant Looks<br />
* Dorien will quickly try to disengage himself and let himself be pulled aside.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w>What's up? Is everything ok?<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> Mme. Severin is here.<br />
* Misery nods to where Korisse is hanging out with ... probably Aubrienne and Hettie and some other people you don't recognize<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w> Fuck. Ok, it's not too bad. We're not selling anything illegal. <br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> Okay but I don't know if she'll make that distinction @_@<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w> She's reasonable. I mean if you're that worried you can go in back or take off. <br />
<br />
<Misery> :/<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> Why do I feel like I'm disappointing her :p<br />
* Dorien will hug Misery.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w> Hey, we're trying.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w> You're doing everything you can.<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> I know, but :/<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w> I know.<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> Do you think we should go say hello to her? or would that just make things weird. er.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, it can't very well be more weird. And it might head off some issues before they start.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w><br />
* Misery nods<br />
* Misery makes sure her stash is stashed ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w>But it's up to you. If you want to leave, I wouldn't blame you.<br />
<br />
<Misery> <w> no... I'm not going to be scared off my own territory by ... my boss, who is actually really nice -_-<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <w>Ok. Then I'm with you all the way.<br />
* Misery gives you a kiss<br />
* Dorien will grab two glasses of something alcoholic from a passing waiter and offer her one.<br />
* Misery will swig it<br />
<br />
<Misery> okay<br />
<br />
<Misery> that's better<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Liquid courage.<br />
* Dorien will take her hand and head over to Korisse's table.<br />
* Hettienne eyes Dorien.<br />
* Korisse is chatting with Hettie atm<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well good evening ladies. <br />
* Zola is also there!<br />
* Korisse looks up<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hope we're not interrupting<br />
<br />
<Zola> (er ww)<br />
* Elmdor is also there!<br />
<br />
<Misery> Hi, Mme. Severin.<br />
* Hettienne makes a noncommittal noise.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Heay Dor, Misery. :)<br />
* Elmdor is a well dressed man in a black suit and deep blue tie and pocket square<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Heya, rather)<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Oh, hello Dorien, Misery...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Heya Bri :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What's shakin'?<br />
* Elmdor sips his wine and looks the two over casually.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not too much. We just saw you lovely ladies... and gentleman... and thought it would be remiss of us to not say hello.<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Misery, that's an interesting name. Is it a nickname?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Kind of.<br />
* Elmdor likely has an oddly familiar voice<br />
* Hettienne snorts, takes a sip from her drink to make a halfhearted attempt to cover it up.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Where do I know your voice from? Are you on the radio?<br />
* Misery asks Elmdor<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Oh, this my friend, M. Borgia....<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Yes, quite a bit, actually.<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> You can call me Elmdor :)<br />
* Elmdor adopts a sinister Psyran accent... "You might recognize me better like this..."<br />
<br />
<Misery> Ohh! You're the guy who's always evil :D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh my gods Elmdor.<br />
* Hettienne rolls her eyes.<br />
* Korisse takes a sip of bher drink<br />
* Aubrienne laughs<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Well it's true, Hettie dear... <br />
<br />
<Korisse> We were just discussing a new project<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Never change, hon.<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> I was that voice for most of the past three years.<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Yes, a wonderful new opportunity! <br />
<br />
<Misery> a new.. movie project?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Another Korisse masterpiece. :)<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Natch.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> well, we'll see...<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> It will be so delightful to collaborate again!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sounds very interesting! I assume the details are a trade secret for now?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, pooh, I suppose so, huh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Speaking of trade secrets...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Mmmm.... well, I think we can release some things<br />
* Aubrienne gives Dorien a sly look<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Anything special on tap tonight?<br />
* Hettienne makes a face.<br />
* Misery looks mildly agonized<br />
* Elmdor is typically oblivious<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Just what you see at the counter, I'm afraid. <br />
* Hettienne gives Korisse a look.<br />
* Korisse looks a little uncomfortable, but doens't sday anything<br />
<br />
<Misery> So, um, you said you could release some things? I'm really curious to hear more...<br />
* Misery says to Korisse hopefully<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh, um... yes...<br />
* Aubrienne looks a little confused, but rolls with it<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> People will wonder what *I'm* doing attached to your project if nothing else :)<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> If they're clever, they can guess at that!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think they'd have the general idea.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but, I'm planning the first feature film with a shadar-kai actor<br />
* Misery 's eyes widen<br />
<br />
<Misery> Really? :o<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Yes...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Wow...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :D<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Who?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's the best part.<br />
<br />
<Misery> And they won't be the bad guy, because M. Borja always is ;)<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Aubrienne's friend, Jed... ne Quani?<br />
* Elmdor smiles broadly<br />
* Korisse sounds liek she has been practicing the pronounciation a lot >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> o.O<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh wow<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Really?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Oh, Jed! He's really hot... I mean, he'd be good. for a film. to look at.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's incredible<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Yes...<br />
* Misery trails off from that thought awkwardly.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I'm hoping to talk to him some this evening about some screen tests<br />
* Aubrienne smirks at Misery<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Is he here tonight? It would be nice to meet him.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> If so I need to tell him congratulations.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's here somewhere, but he may have his hands full. At least, I hope he does for his sake...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I don't want to spread it around too much yes<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He's almost pretty enough for me :p<br />
<br />
<Korisse> ...<br />
* Korisse gives Hettie a little smile<br />
* Elmdor chuckles<br />
* Aubrienne laughs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Don't tell him that; he'll be even more insufferable.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> well, you'll be starring as well, so I don't think he can hold it over you too much!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I didn't mean that. I meant Hettie thinking he's pretty. ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Don't worry hon; you're pretty too.<br />
* Hettienne cackles, petting Aubrienne's arm.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh, yes, sorry, my thoughts are a bit scattered<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aww, pity complements<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I don't do well with large crowds I'm afraid<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Oh, she knows it! Not one bit of sympathy -_-<br />
* Aubrienne will lean into Hettie for a moment playfully<br />
<br />
<Korisse> mmm...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, Kori. I know this isn't your thing, but a night out can be good for you.<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> Yes, it's all the more reason things like this are good for you... to innoculate you for all those dreary business engagements.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well there are certainly more people I know here than at most iof these functions - it makes it more bearable.<br />
* Korisse smiles, then getsv a more determined look<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Misery.... might I have a word with you in private?<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> This is quite a nice place, actually... perhaps we should come here more often... <br />
<br />
<Misery> oh, uh... sure?<br />
* Dorien will look at Misery with an "Are you ok with that?" look<br />
* Elmdor turns to Hettie and Aubrienne and begins openly plotting to get Korisse out more.<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
* Misery gives you a nervous look, but nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Elmdor, I'd be happy to show you around?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Excuse us for a moment, then, please...<br />
* Dorien will squeeze Misery's hand and let her go, then.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Sure thing, sweets.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, you two can sit.<br />
* Elmdor will take a walk with two of his favourite ladies.<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> :3<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hettie, why don't we give Elmdor a tour?<br />
* Dorien will catch Aubrienne by the sleeve quickly.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, just a moment.<br />
* Hettienne is NOT going to give Dorien the 'you're in trouuuuble' look, because that would be immature<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sorry, don't mean to interrupt. Just come find me when you have a minute, please. Some things to discuss...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sure thing, Dor. See you in a bit.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Have fun.<br />
* Aubrienne gives him a peck on the cheek and heads back to Elmdor and Hettienne<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Nycki can catch up with you too, for your tour - I was figuring she was a bit late arriving, maybe for work reasons...)<br />
<br />
===Dorien asks Aubrienne to be discrete about drug fabrication and sale, at least around Korisse===<br />
* Dorien will attempt to find Aubrienne in a back room or out of the way spot when she is done with her tour.<br />
* Aubrienne will find Dorien a bit later after showing Elmdor around with Hettienne and Nycki<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey Bri.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Heya Dor.<br />
* Dorien looks a bit... nervous maybe? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What's going on?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Coupla things really. So, uh... I didn't know you knew Korisse.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> And apparently so does Hettie. Which might explain some things...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, yeah, she's an old friend from my Hesperange days. Her and her husband, they were real nice to me when I was starting out.<br />
* Dorien will nod.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, Hettie worked there too...explains what?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... it's kinda complicated, I guess. I used to work with her at the munitions plant. And a few weeks ago I helped get Misery a job as her apprentice.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, that's awesome!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yay for Misery.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, it was, until she found out I was a dealer. Now Misery is kind of walking on eggshells around her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Her name makes strange sentences sometimes...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> heh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, huh.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void, I didn't just screw things up, did I? I'll talk to her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's ok. You didn't know.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not your fault.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I just.. thought you should know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Kori is a little...shy, I guess, but she's very nice and understanding.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah. She's a good person.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't think she'd just completely write a person off like that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She still hangs out with me. ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I hope not. Misery deserves a break for once.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I just hope I didn't screw everything up for her too bad.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, you both do. I know you're trying to get out of the trade.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah... speaking of which...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's kind of my second thing...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't know if I can really sling for you anymore. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, huh.<br />
* Aubrienne looks genuinely sad.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> it's not you.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I mean...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I just...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I guess it's not like we were exclusive, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I can find other slingers.<br />
* Dorien will nod.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> If I'm getting out I need to do it right, you know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, absolutely.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> But... we're still pals, right?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm aware it's not the safest trade.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course, dummy.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Now I just need to find other excuses to lounge around your apartment.<br />
* Dorien will grin<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey, you never need an excuse to knock on my door.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you'll have to pay to get in here some. ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> heh<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Besides, I still think my flirting is gonna pay off one day.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You know... if Misery approves >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's more likely to work for her than you, buddy, but keep trying.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Really? Because I can arrange that.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> Speaking of which, I really hope she's ok with Korisse...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure she will be.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Anyway... thanks.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> For understanding.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course.<br />
* Aubrienne gives him a hug.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> This doesn't mean anything.<br />
* Aubrienne says while hugging.<br />
* Dorien will return it.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Keep telling yourself that.<br />
<br />
===Denise gets a birthday surprise while chatting with her friends===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you have your posse there - Enver, Argent, Mireva... Ander and Ralf are there, although probably at the next table. Serge-Yves also got invited, but I suspect he's... otherwise occupied ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> gosh this is all so glamorous @_@<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yeah, there's all kinds of rich folks an' even movie stars<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Zola knows so many swell people :o<br />
<br />
<Argent> and she knows how to party<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (oh and Mikel! Mikel is with you guys :)<br />
* Helgea was brought by Ander, but she can sit with you guys too, because it's sort of awkward if he sits with her and Ralf ;)<br />
* Denise will introduce helgea to people who don't know her<br />
* Mikel manages to arrange things so that he's sitting next to her >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (what would you say about how you know her?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (everyone 'm with knows I'm in the mob, so probably just that they met hanging out at the cellar ;p)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah! This is liek that party for Orlan Cellier almost @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> only I get free drinks :D<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Speaking of, he's here ...<br />
<br />
<Argent> and I don't have to serve drinks<br />
* Mireva nods to a table across the room, where he's sitting with a few ladies<br />
<br />
<Denise> oooh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> He was real nice when we met him before, but prolly he meets so many folks he wodln't remember :3<br />
<br />
<Mireva> looks like he's with... Zosia Valbranca, an' Clairice Vigoureau, an' some other lady I don't recognize... but there's all sorts of stars here tonight @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> (are they names I should know? >.>)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Zosia's the Hesperange arch-cattypants)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (if you follow actors, they are well-known ones. Zosia is more of a veteran, older actor, like probably ~40 or so, while Clairice is an up and coming young starlet type. Possibly she is more likely to be known to Denise, being young and trendy ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I meant as Denise >.>)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oooh<br />
* Denise leans over to get a peek<br />
* Denise is so impressed by Zola right now :o<br />
* Zolamaybe makes a rather noticeable (in a good, showmanship way) entrance onto the area set apart for stage/dancing...<br />
* Denise looks up<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aww, maybe she's gonna do some more songs ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zolamaybe> Well now, I hope you're all having a grand time! <br />
<br />
<Zolamaybe> I know I am, not least of which is because I get to trot out a special surprise for you all...<br />
<br />
<Zolamaybe> Would you all please give a big welcome to my friend from the coast - Mico!<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o :o :o :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> What. :o<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :D :D :D :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> :O<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D :o :D :D :D<br />
* Mico steps out into view all done up as Mico, and gives the audience a big smile.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ohmigooooooosh :3 @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> eeeeee:3<br />
<br />
<Helgea> \o/ :D :D :D<br />
<br />
<Mico> My good friend Zola here calls me up the other day to tell me about her birthday party...<br />
<br />
<Mico> She tells me there's this swell gal who shares her birthday, and who'd just love to hear a couple songs... <br />
<br />
<Mico> Well how could I resist?<br />
<br />
<Mico> Where's Denise?<br />
<br />
<Denise> No. way. @_@<br />
* Mico looks around :3<br />
* Zolamaybe grins hugely and beckons Denise up to join us<br />
<br />
<Mico> Give me a wave, Denise! <br />
<br />
<Mireva> he's talking to you :o<br />
* Denise is liek bright red<br />
* Denise gives a little wave back<br />
* Mico chuckles all showmanly "Hah hah"<br />
* Denise gives "zola" an uncertain look as if no that can't really be what you mean @_@<br />
<br />
<Mico> Well I hope you enjoy these tunes, Denise!<br />
* Denise nods vigorously at least :o<br />
* Zolamaybe shrugs and smiles; if you're too shy, she's not going to push it<br />
* Mico will sing a trio of songs, two of Denise's favourites and a newer one.<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q>I'm gonna diiiiiiiiiiie @_@<br />
<br />
<Mico> Well, Happy Birthday Denise... and Zola, my dear. <br />
* Mico gives Zolabeau a peck on the cheek<br />
<br />
<Denise> Omigosh<br />
<br />
<Mico> Enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone! <br />
<br />
<Zolamaybe> Thank you, Mico.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um,,, thank you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Mico> There's a single out back for you too, Denise :)<br />
* Mico waves, and disappears offstage with Zola<br />
<br />
<Denise> ahhhhhhhhhhh<br />
* Mireva is clinging to your arm and also eeeeeeing<br />
<br />
<Denise> no waaaaaaaaaaaaay <br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> I will never have a better birthday @_@<br />
* Mico sneaks off to make his 'escape'<br />
<br />
<Mico> (Which involves not being seen getting back to her dressing room with 'zola' and swapping faces.)<br />
<br />
<Enver> well man... after that, my present can't even hope to compare <br />
* Enver says with a smile<br />
* Zolamaybe will mingle for a bit before excusing herself once more so she can help Zola back into her regualr self and become Ysabeau again<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh well it don't work like *that*...<br />
<br />
<Denise> your presnt is special 'cause its from *you* :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu got me a present? ^_^<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah... I got Argent to help me stash it back here so it'd be a surprise :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
* Denise looks at Argent<br />
<br />
<Argent> (he did?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Sure. I realized that he couldn't have been carrying it all this time or Denise would have said something by now ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> you sneaks :D<br />
<br />
<Argent> what can we say?<br />
* Enver will retrieve it from its hiding place - it's a decent sized square box, wrapped up in some brown paper and string.<br />
* Denise is so high on excitement right now she doesn't even think before snapping that string and tearing the paper :D<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The box contains a pair of sturdy rubber boots with a good lining for warmth. <br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, they're like your work ones ^-^<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yeah, same kind. I think they should fit you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can try 'em on later<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's one other thing down in the bottom...<br />
* Enver gestures to the box<br />
* Denise rummages around to find it<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmmm...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There is a smaller box, wrapped with some tissue paper<br />
* Denise opens it too :D<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Inside that is a copper-coloured bracelet with some little engravings on it<br />
* Denise holds it up to get a better look<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It looks old, but well-polished<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's real pretty :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> I thought it'd look nice on you :)<br />
* Denise will see it if atcually fits on her wrist >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (it's the open kind, like this https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0387/8601/products/2015_copper_bracelet_3-_table.jpg?v=1446049150 - so it can sort of bend and be a bit forgiving for ladies with large wrists ;)<br />
* Denise will wiggle it on and admire it, then lean over and give him a kiss<br />
* Enver gives you a kiss back<br />
<br />
<Enver> I thought maybe just the boots wasn't real romancey >.> but I knew you could use 'em.<br />
<br />
<Denise> awww, they're good though! I can use'em, too, for sure :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> but this is real pretty<br />
<br />
<Denise> thank you :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> you're welcome :)<br />
* Enver hugs you again<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Well I didn't get you anything even as good as boots, but I do have a little present...<br />
* Mireva takes out from her bag a little box<br />
<br />
<Denise> ooooh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Gosh I usually only get like, a present from family @_@<br />
* Denise will open the little box :3<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Mireva's present contains a bottle of nail polish :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oooh huh :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> you'll have to help me put it on though!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Sure :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (what colour?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> and then I'll have to try not to get it all messed up in trainin >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (hmm maybe a real pale peach kind of colour? I think she wouldn't pick something too flashy for Denise :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
* Denise will give Mireva a hug too<br />
* Mireva hugs you back<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I ain't got a proper present... but I got some little cakes back at Aunt Hettie's for later :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> that'll be great :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu could go up an get me another drink though ^-^<br />
* Denise teases her brother<br />
* Mikel is even poorer than your friends ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> an tell us if you see Serges Yves with someone ^-^<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Sure, I can do that!<br />
* Mikel laughs<br />
* Mikel will go get you another drink<br />
<br />
<Helgea> Say, Denise... is your brother, um... is he seein' anyone?<br />
* Helgea asks once he's out of range<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Not what I know of<br />
<br />
<Denise> You interested? ^_^<br />
* Helgea blushes<br />
<br />
<Helgea> He's cute.<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's studyin' to be a Channel :3<br />
<br />
<Helgea> oh yeah?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> for the last year or so<br />
<br />
<Helgea> should I ask him to dance? >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhhh sure :D<br />
<br />
<Helgea> okay... maybe next time they play a slow song<br />
<br />
<Denise> ooooh ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> we shoudl all go dance when they do :3<br />
<br />
<Mireva> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> so then he'll have to go with you :D<br />
* Mireva leans on Argent's arm<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I mean I figure he prolly woudl anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, then it is more guaranteed ^-^<br />
* Helgea nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe I oughtta go say thiank you to zola for the ...Mico *_*<br />
* Mikel comes back with a drink for you<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks :D<br />
<br />
<Mikel> no problem :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> just make sure to come back by the next slow dance ;)<br />
* Mireva teases<br />
<br />
<Denise> will do ^-^<br />
* Denise takes her drink and gives her brother a hug before he sits down<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll be right back<br />
<br />
===Zola and Ysabeau switch back to themselves===<br />
* Zolamaybe travels back to Zola's dressing room where she collapses into fits of giggles.<br />
* Zolamaybe takes off her hat and reverts to being Ysabeau.<br />
* Mico drops the act and reverts to being Zola<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> That was wonderful - did you hear the girls screaming?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, her face! Priceless :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, thank you Ysabeau! That was so much fun!<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> I think you made her day, Zola dear.<br />
* Zola gives her a big hug.<br />
* Ysabeau hugs back.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> It was, thanks for inviting me to help.<br />
* Zola takes a seat to resume putting her feminine wiles back into place.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Don't forget to wash off the cologne. My House Rat relatives have the most amazing senses of smell.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, yes... I suppose I should at least get most of it, enough to say what's left was just from a parting hug...<br />
* Ysabeau nods.<br />
* Ysabeau turns to give you some privacy as she fixes herself back to look and smell like she did before our little stunt.<br />
* Zola will use prestidigitation to help lift a fair bit of it and give those spots a wipe down without causing too much redness in what will be uncovered skin back in the dress.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Isn't that dress gorgeous? :o<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> It is - who's your seamstress?<br />
<br />
<Zola> His name's Vernel Nicandor and he made that in *three days*. @_@<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> And do you suppose he would be interested in making something for a retired diva?<br />
<br />
<Zola> He might! You might have to promise to come out of retirement to get it free like I did though :D<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> What, and be cast as some bit-part nanny? Not very much fun, Zola!<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know a nanny in a dress like this has got something else going on :D<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> That's why I left - things dry up once a woman gets past a certain age. All the heroines have to be young and beautiful. I could have written some operas starring older women, but that seems too gauche.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They'd probably just stick someone young in the part anyway -_-<br />
* Ysabeau nods and shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Anyway, it does leave more time for composing, and I do enjoy teaching young hopefuls, and, once in a while, seeing them blossom and become stars themselves.<br />
* Ysabeau glances over her shoulder and gives you a wink and a smile.<br />
* Zola blushes a bit and smiles.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I'm not sure what his actual prices are, but I'm sure they're worth it... he could have one ready for your next engagement!<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> I shall look him up, certainly. Thanks, Zola darling.<br />
* Zola re-applies her own perfume and works to cover up any redness from scrubbing cologne off.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Let's have a look - final inspection before you have to return to your admiring public.<br />
* Zola strikes a pose.<br />
* Ysabeau giggles.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Perfect.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Right then, I'll Dimension Door to the lady's room and see you back at the party. <br />
* Zola gives Ysa a peck on the cheek... then wipes off the bright red lipstick she left.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oops<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks again :D<br />
* Ysabeau pecks you back, one on each cheek.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> You're very welcome, it was fun to sing in public again, and the trick just made it even more fun.<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> I think Martan would be proud of how we pulled it off. ;)<br />
<br />
<Ysabeau> Ta-ta, Zola.<br />
* Ysabeau Dimension Doors out.<br />
<br />
===Denise thanks Zola for the big surprise===<br />
* Denise will spot your gold dress, and beeline for that<br />
* Zola is just recently back from the dressing room.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ZOLA!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey kid :D<br />
* Denise gives you a big but not *too* crushing hug<br />
<br />
<Zola> I meant to tell you 'bout that but it just ski-*oof*<br />
<br />
<Zola> -skipped my mind :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
* Ysabeau eavesdrops the way she got Martan to teach her.<br />
<br />
<Denise> You're the absolute *best* :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> You sneak!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww, it was my pleasure... and it didn't cost a thing :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> You said he just had the same agent, not that you *knew* him :o :o :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it's not like we're best of friends or anything... that's mostly just show talk :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, right. Still @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> You got Mico to sing For Me :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> An like, my favourite songs @_@<br />
* Zola grins wide<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't even got the words for how swell that was :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> You and your friends having a good time, 'side from the big surprise? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah!<br />
<br />
<Denise> There's al these stars an all everywhere @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Glad to hear it. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I even knew a few of them. <br />
<br />
<Denise> plus *all* the music is great ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> how'd you get 'em all to come out? :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, actually Hettie and 'Bri're old friends with Korisse Severin and Elmdor Borja, and I told Bright it might be fun to invite Orlan, so that accounts for his crowd.<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, yeah, I know Mme. Severin<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess she's gotta have more glam friends too :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds like you're not that far behind me in having glam friends :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, you've gotta meet Bastien!<br />
<br />
<Denise> well she in't *my* friens, I just know her 'cause she's friends with Aunt hettie an she comes to visit some<br />
<br />
<Denise> Bastien?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, my main cat-man.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh right :3<br />
* Zola leads her over to the bar where he's lazing and introduces.<br />
* Ysabeau smiles to herself, pleased that the trick was so well-received, and she goes back to socializing with other guests.<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's going for a Hugo look tonight<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aww, hi there :3<br />
* Zola presumes he mews and purrs or whatever :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> can I pet him?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, he's fine with that.<br />
* Denise will pet him, careful not to knock off his little hat or mess up his scarf<br />
<br />
<Zola> Someday I'll knit him a nice hat or something.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
* Zola isn't entirely sure when she'll achieve that >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> that's be real cute ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hopefully he'll like it. He's pretty particular.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet he would like it if you made it, right bastien?<br />
<br />
<Zola> See, he's sassy too. >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
* Denise pets him again<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway, i just wanted to say thanks - for everything @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't never had anything like this before :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're welcome, it was tons of fun!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, our birthdays aren't likely to move anywhere else next year :D <br />
<br />
<Zola> Though I can't say I'll get some new star in here every year :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's okay, this is so swell!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't usually go quite so big either, to be honest...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Glad I did though :)<br />
* Zola will also chat up the rest of your group in time :3<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tries to smooth things over with Korisse, for Misery and Dorien===<br />
* Aubrienne doesn't want to leave Korisse alone at a party for too long and will keep an eye for when she's done conversing with Misery<br />
* Korisse looks around for where hettie and Aubrienne and Elmdor have gotten off to once she's through talking to Misery<br />
* Aubrienne will head back with fresh drinks once Misery leaves.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Need another, Kori?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh, um, thank you<br />
* Aubrienne slides in next to her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You, uh, have a good talk with Misery?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well, I hope so.<br />
* Korisse seems thoughtful but a bit concerned mayne<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm glad. She's good people.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I do think so, yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You don't look exactly sanguine. Anything you want to talk about?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Oh, I don't even know if it is *entirely* my business<br />
* Korisse sighs and sips her drink, then loks down to see what it actually is<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But...?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> But you seem to know her and Dorien quite well...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I assume Aubrinne knows reasonably well what Korisse drinks)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know Dor pretty well. Misery is kind of new, but I like her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She, uh, honestly, she seems like a good influence on Dorien.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> (yes, mostly wine and the occasional cocktail, and beer)<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Yes.... <br />
* Korisse sighs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (As it's a party, Aubrienne will have gotten her some ridiculously fruity cocktail)<br />
<br />
<Korisse> (cherry bombs for everyone ^-^)<br />
<br />
<Elmdor> (Cherry bombs!)<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I met him when I was working at my parent's plant<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> During the war?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Yes.... I left the position after I learned about Obern<br />
<br />
<Korisse> s death<br />
<br />
<Korisse> :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :/<br />
* Aubrienne will lean over to give Korisse a one-armed hug<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Some time after that, Dorien was involved in an accident, and he seemed to leave the profession afterwards. I hadn't really kept up with him, or anyone else from then really, but I remembered his work<br />
<br />
<Korisse> He was quite good at it, though it was clear that his true interests lay elsewhere<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> My understanding is that it wasn't exactly his choice to leave the profession after that.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I don't know. I know he was absolved of the responsibility in court.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I was too ...distracted to pay close attention at the time<br />
<br />
<Korisse> :/<br />
<br />
<Korisse> with Obern, and then Marie-Estelle...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Anyway<br />
<br />
<Korisse> A few months ago, I was approached by Julienne Sormet on his behalf<br />
<br />
<Korisse> it was quite out of the blue, but he was trying to place an apprentice<br />
<br />
<Korisse> It wasn't something I'd given a lot of thought to before, but once I considered it, it was quite appealing.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> You know I'm not the sort of person to hold grudges, so I thought I coudl at least meet with them and find out more...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I thought we hit it off very well<br />
* Korisse says, perhaps a bit wistfully<br />
<br />
<Korisse> But neither of them said a word about this... other business.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure I understand. If you hit it off, what's the problem?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She's trying to *not* go into Dorien's intermediary career.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I know that... we have talked about it, and before tonight<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So what's the worry?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I told her that if she wants to work with me.... It isn't something I can approve of.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but apparently things are not so simple<br />
<br />
<Korisse> She, or rather her mother, owe some kind of debt to some...clandestine organization.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I had given it a lot of thought<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I offered her, tonight, to work with me on this film<br />
<br />
<Korisse> But apparently there is something more than just money involved<br />
<br />
<Korisse> She was quite upset, but I don't know what more is in my power to do<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, I didn't know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hmm.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh... dear :/<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I didn't mean to publicize the issue :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I think it's okay. Dor probably would have told me if we'd actually had time to talk this past...whoo, while.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I guess all I'm saying is that it's worth giving her a shot. It's rough out there, Kori.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I know you're the kind of person who does what she can to help.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I've always liked that about you.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> It isn't that, though<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Its that even if I give her this job, I'm not sure she can bet disentablged from these people.... whoeever they are.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> and I don't know what i can do :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, maybe that part isn't your problem.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That sounds harsh, but if there's nothing you can do, you can just try to be understanding.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know she'd feel horrible if her stuff caused trouble. Dor too.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I can't afford to have someone who is dealing in illegal products working for me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I guess try to keep the job open then?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, you didn't have an apprentice before.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes....<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I wish I could find some way for it to work out, but I'm not sure whether knowing that is helpful to her or not :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I didn't invite you here to put you in the dumps.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You wanna dance?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Oh!<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Goodness<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> well, who not?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who not indeed. :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I know that was a typo, but I'm chalking it up to adorable Korisse awkwardness :))<br />
* Korisse shakes her head and will dance with one of her friends and continue to to try and ognore the room full of PEOPLE D:<br />
<br />
===Nycki and Hettie proposition Ander===<br />
<Nycki> so... should we go an' chat him up?<br />
* Nycki asks, nodding in Ander's direction<br />
* Hettienne downs her drink...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Not ime like the present<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (no time)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I feel like you oughta buy a man a drink 'fore you ask somethin' like that.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'specially when the present includes free drinks...<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aright, let's do this :v<br />
* Nycki will swing by the bar and get some good whiskey before you head to Ander's table<br />
* Ander and Ralf look up as you approach, and he'll give you a smile and a nod in greeting<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Evenin', boys...<br />
<br />
<Ander> Ladies, having a good time?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'S a nice party!<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah - Dee's over the moon, I think :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It was real swell of Zola t'do that for her.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
* Nycki shoves the drinks in the boys' direction<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' you brought us drinks too. this night gets better'n better!<br />
<br />
<Ander> 'Course, usually that means someone wants somethin'. So... what's up?<br />
* Ander asks, sipping his drink<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, we got a proposition we'd like to discuss with you.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah? Business or ... not business?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ... Depends on how y'look at it.<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well.<br />
* Hettienne glances at Ralf.<br />
* Ralf sips his drink<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> t's a bit of a private matter.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Ralf, you wanna take a stroll for a few minutes?<br />
<br />
<Ralf> Sure, I gotta hit the can anyway ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Have fun :p<br />
* Ralf gets up and will stroll off<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Right. So.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'm listenin'<br />
* Nycki gives your hand a squeeze under the table<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nycki and I got plans. For like.. family stuff.<br />
* Hettienne squeezes back.<br />
<br />
<Ander> What sorta family stuff?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But there's, y'know, certain ingredients we ain't got, if you take my meanin'<br />
* Ander wonders if this is going to be you telling him Denise can't work for him anymore or something...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> And we figure. You know. You're a handsome guy, smart fella, right House.<br />
<br />
<Ander> So you need to get your hands on some special ...ingredients....<br />
<br />
<Ander> ...................<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> http://www.crushable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Troy-Barnes-gif-2.gif<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, it'd probably be your hands.<br />
<br />
<Ander> ........<br />
<br />
<Ander> ...<br />
<br />
<Ander> huh.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You don't gotta answer right now.<br />
* Hettienne adds hastily<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Plus I figure if them old biddies think your brother'd be good enough for me, prolly you're about the same.<br />
<br />
<Ander> ........<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> AN', y'know, you ain't gotta do anythin' after.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We ain't lookin' for a daddy.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'd haveta think about it. An' talk it over with... well, with them who'd have to have a hand in it.<br />
* Ander realizes what he just said and looks like he might like to die<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Fair 'nough.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, you know where t'find me.<br />
<br />
<Ander> but, uh... I got some questions I guess?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Awright...<br />
* Hettienne gives Nycki another encouraging hand squeeze<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (he ain't said no...)<br />
<br />
<Ander> You don't mean like... doin' it the old fashioned way, right? <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aw hells naw D:<br />
<br />
<Ander> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Just like... a donation.<br />
<br />
<Ander> like... just the once?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Well, that sorta depends on if it works out right off, I guess?<br />
* Nycki says with a glance to Hettie<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Could take a few tries 'fore it sticks.<br />
<br />
<Ander> -_-<br />
<br />
<Ander> I... look. I dunno if I'm the right man for this job, here. But... I'll think on it.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Awright... thanks Ander.<br />
* Ander nods, still looking stunned<br />
* Ander downs his drink, then takes Ralf's and downs it too.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah... thanks for thinkin' 'bout it anyway.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'll get outta your hair then... >.><br />
* Nycki nods, and we can remove ourselves back to our seats<br />
<br />
<Nycki> that went okay I thought?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'Bout as well as you could hope I guess<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Whether it's him or not though, we oughtta ask someone about, y'know, how to plan it so our chances are good<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Right.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Who'd you talk to 'bout somethin' like that?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> a priest?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I think, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> THere's one what works here as a medic type.<br />
* Hettienne nods her head in Lathra's direction.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> One with the snake.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ooh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well, should we go have a chat with her? bring a drink for her an' a ... what, a mouse for the snake? ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh... I'm sure the snakes doin' alright.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> okay. what's she drink?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Gin, if I recall :v<br />
<br />
<Nycki> one large g & t comin' up :)<br />
* Nycki will get a drink for Lathra and we can mosey over that way<br />
* Hettienne waves at Lathra to catch her eye<br />
* Lathra waves back and drags her guest, Lieris, over to Hettie by the arm.<br />
* Leiris is dragged :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Evenin' Lathra...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Hello Hettienne dear! Lieris, this is Hettiene, she... works here? I think maybe in security - she's awfully competent whenever it gets dangerous. Oh I'm terribly sorry Hettienne, I'm just the worst.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I make the costumes :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> This here's my other half, Nycki. :)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> She's real deadly with scissors :)<br />
* Lathra gets an awe-struck look in her eyes<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh my! But they're all so wonderful, I had no idea who had made them!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And I'm delighted to meet you, Nycki!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Likewise<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Very nice to meet you both.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Listen hon, I don't wanna keep you from your date overlong, but we were wonderin' if we could talk t' you sometime about like.. family stuff, You know, planning things?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Why of course! I haven't a *lot* of experience, but I do have a bit of training... Is it for yourselves?<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Mostly like.. timing. I mean, we wanna get our best chance with as few tries. The bird we're eying as our potential is, well, a bit squeamish.<br />
* Hettienne shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> My training was with Shadar-kai, but I'm sure the same applies to humans. Have you been drinking plenty of snake venom, for fertility?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah... we ain't ever had much call for the avoidin' gettin' knocked up part of stuff, so we never paid too much thought to the other way around, neither, til now.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Snake... what?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> o_O<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> @_@<br />
* Lathra covers a giggle<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh I'm sorry, just a little joke. I'd love for you to come and meet with me whenever you like, we can talk it all though.<br />
* Hettienne laughs with relief.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> oh, heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> that'd be keen, thanks<br />
<br />
<Nycki> oh - here, I got an extra for you<br />
* Nycki offers you the gin ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Thanks, Lathra :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh why thank you dear! That's so sweet!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Lieris, dear, pay attention - that's how you butter somebody up.<br />
* Lathra winks at Nycki<br />
* Leiris smiles<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I can take a hint :)<br />
* Lathra squeezes his hand<br />
* Leiris squeezes back<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Does it also work to butter you up if I ask you to dance?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh you don't really need any tuition at all, do you?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> See you later, ladies!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> This party's been a bit more stressful than I figured ;)<br />
* Nycki says as she retreats back to your seats again<br />
<br />
===Lathra dances with Leiris, then they both chat with Zola===<br />
* Leiris whirls Lathra around on the dance floor for a while<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> well, we can relax the rest of the night :)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Sounds good to me :)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Say, do you mind introducing me to the birthday girl? I wanted to thank her for such a lovely evening.<br />
* Leiris asks Lathra after a few dances<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Why of course! I'd have done it earlier, but she looked so busy with her friends...<br />
* Lathra scans the room for Zola<br />
* Zola is the glittery gold splotch<br />
* Lathra homes in<br />
<br />
<Zola> Lathra! <br />
* Zola gives her a hug and cheek-pecks<br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you picked up M. Orecalo's assistant? :3<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Zola darling! I do hope you're enjoying the magnificent party you've put on?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm having a blast :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you see Denise's face? :D<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I don't think I did...?<br />
<br />
<Zola> A shame! She turned all sorts of colours when Mico performed! It was glorious :3<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh how lovely!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> But yes, this is Lieris, he's shadowing me for a biography.<br />
* Leiris chuckles<br />
<br />
<Zola> A fascinating read it'll be, I'm sure :3<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Hello, it's lovely to speak to you in a more social setting :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes! I'd extended M. Orecalo an invitation but I get the impression this isn't really his thing :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I can't even keep that joke up, he's my date tonight and I'm just having a *wonderful* time.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Xan's still recovering from his trip, I think - he needs some time to hermit :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm glad :3<br />
<br />
<Leiris> And I see Justen is recovering in his own way.<br />
* Leiris says, nodding to Justen, who is dancing with... some girl? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I approve of his method of recuperation <br />
* Leiris nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're a Cuville, right?<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Yes, that's right. I did catch you saying earlier that you were going to be on my father's show, that's quite exciting :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't make the connection at all until just now!<br />
<br />
<Zola> It is!<br />
* Zola wraps an arm around Lathra's waist and entangles herself so they're just one four legged, two-armed liquor beast.<br />
* Zola sips her cherry bomb :3<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Well, I hope it goes splendidly :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I think it'll just be the record playing for now... but you never know, if enough people like it... I might get to go on live :D<br />
* Leiris nods<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Good luck, then - if the performance earlier is anything to judge by, I think you'll be just fine :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aw, thank you. <br />
<br />
<Zola> He seems like a keeper Lathra, if I get a vote at all ^_^<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Haha, he's doing well so far!<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Will I get a report card at the end of the night? :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh dear, I hope not or I'll have one too...<br />
<br />
<Zola> That sounds like far too much paperwork<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Perhaps it could be conducted orally.<br />
* Leiris suggests, looking totally innocent ^-^<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <w to Zola> Oh my!<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd still need a secretary to record things... <br />
<br />
<Zola> For posterity<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Well, that is, by and large, my job :)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I take excellent notes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like I said, too much work. It really ought to be a more casual evaluation.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe like an audit course... pass or fail.<br />
* Lathra is speechless for once, grinning to herself and trying to stop herself blushing<br />
* Leiris chuckles<br />
* Lathra takes a deep breath<br />
* Lathra takes a deep drink<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh my look at that my glass is empty!<br />
<br />
<Leiris> well, I know a cue when I hear it<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Shall I get you another one?<br />
<br />
<Zola> A true hero!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Why thank you dear that would be lovely<br />
* Leiris will gladly get you another gin<br />
<br />
<Leiris> (leaving you to girl talk with Zola if you want in another room ;)<br />
<br />
===Gen learns that Ander and Madds know one another===<br />
* Ander will spot Madds as he goes to get another drink, and stops<br />
* Genevriel and Madds seem to have been having a pretty interesting conversation, but it would probably be easy to break in to it. ^-^<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, Lieutenant Falgout - fancy meetin' you here :)<br />
* Genevriel glances at the person who is breaking into their philosophical discussion.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's Major now, but good to see you too, Suterre.<br />
* Genevriel raises her eyebrows a little when she recognizes the Rat mob leader.<br />
* Genevriel glances over at the shoulder where she knows Madds has a wolf tattoo, then shakes her head slightly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Good evening, M. Suterre.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Hey there - Gen, right?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Ander is good with names ;)<br />
<br />
<Ander> Enjoyin' havin' a night off?<br />
* Genevriel might be a little surprised that anyone knows her name, seeing as she is one of the lowest of the low at the Cabaret.<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm actually supposed to relieve one of the temps later, I think. That is my understanding, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, you two know each other?<br />
<br />
<Madds> We met during the war, yes :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh? Where?<br />
* Genevriel is curious; she doesn't yet know where Madds ended up getting deployed to.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It was when I was stationed at Traegon.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Is that in Psyra, Korytsa, or Tyros?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (in Tyros)<br />
* Genevriel nods, filing that away.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, those were some good times<br />
* Ander says with a wry smile<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Wry like it was hell on earth, or wry like it actually was kinda fun?)<br />
* Ander seems ambivalent on the subject?<br />
* Genevriel lets the veterans' code guide her, and doesn't probe. If they're going to elaborate, that's their call to make.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Suterre and I worked together on a mission, though it wasn't exactly ... coordinated.<br />
* Madds explains briefly<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That happened a lot, I think.<br />
* Genevriel replies, thinking of some of her own experiences.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> At least for my squadron, it did.<br />
<br />
<Ander> More like we ran into each other an' realized we were on the same assignment.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Just we didn't know it at the start.<br />
* Genevriel nods, listening.<br />
<br />
<Ander> You a vet too, Gen?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Where'd you serve?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I was a chasseur, 5th Squadron, Princess Tessera's Royal Infentry.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Mostly in Psyra, because I speak the language.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> So all around, then<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We were scouts, when we weren't in the trenches...<br />
* Genevriel remembers how little downtime they ever seemed to have. How some people were jealous that her squad got to leave the trenches more often. But what no one remembers is that they leave to go into enemy territory, where the slightest misstep could give away their position and end up with everyone dead...<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, they must've kept you busy.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir.<br />
* Genevriel slips...<br />
* Ander smiles<br />
<br />
<Ander> I ain't a 'sir' no more, but habits are hard to break, huh?<br />
* Genevriel stirs a little.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, s- I mean, yes.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I still gotta make my bed every day or it don't feel right.<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Me, too.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My boots are way past polishing, though.<br />
* Ander chuckles<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, that was prolly true in the trenches too - least it was for my soldiers. Get enough mud on 'em, no one notices if they're polished or not.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Not so much mud here in the city, though, even in the poorest parts.<br />
<br />
<Ander> There ain't that much mud even at the bottom of the river, I suspect.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's good to see you again, Suterre - we should have a drink sometime.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Sure, I'd be glad to. I'm here most nights, or we could catch up somewhere quieter if you'd rather.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
* Madds will give Ander his phone number so they can get in touch<br />
* Genevriel is a little more subdued, ghosts of the war flickering through her thoughts.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I won't interrupt you any further - have a good rest of the night, though<br />
* Genevriel glance up at him and smiles politely.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thanks, you too.<br />
* Genevriel glances at Madds, feeling a little embarrassed or uneasy for some reason.<br />
* Genevriel is quiet for a bit, mulling things over in her head. Stupid flashbacks.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (what number did he give Ander, jooc? His work, his apartment, or his parents' home?)<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm sorry, I hope that didn't throw things off... we had been having a good conversation, I thought.<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Madds> (his apartment number, let's say)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We were, yes. No need to apologize. Just- talking about the war stirs memories. I'm all right now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You do realize you just gave your home number to a mob boss, though...?<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little, possibly teasing sort of smile.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Hm?<br />
* Madds looks puzzled<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Ander Suterre... word around the club is that he's an organized crime boss. I'm not entirely convinced... if he is, it's not nearly as exciting a life as the radio plays makes it out to be.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I mean, I know he's House Rat, but they aren't all criminals ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, of course not!<br />
* Genevriel looks a little dismayed that you'd think she is Housist.<br />
* Madds was slightly tongue in cheek at that<br />
* Genevriel blushes, realizing that too late.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm teasing, sorry<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Again, no need to apologize. Being teased by you is pleasant. <br />
<br />
<Madds> I didn't know that, but whatever he might do now, when I knew him he was a good man.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Mostly he sits at a table and receives various and sundry visitors. But he's usually got Ralf - that's that fierce-looking fellow with the scar - <br />
* Genevriel points him out.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hovering around him like a bodyguard.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Oh yes, I know him too.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You do?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Sure - he was in Ander's division.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Ah.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Anyway, I don't know what they're into - to hear the rumours, everything illegal under the sun. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I'm sure you are able to handle yourself, Major Falgout.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, I hope so.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm not planning to join them for a quick bank robbery before tea - I'd just like to know how they're doing.<br />
* Genevriel nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just wanted to let you know so you'll be prepared in case something happens. It would be a shame if you made it all the way through the war only to get gunned down in some gang fight.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'd miss you.<br />
* Madds smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'd miss you too... if I wasn't dead.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I seem to remember you had some rebellious tendencies in your misspent youth, so as far as I know, you might be predisposed to partake in a quick bank robbery before tea.<br />
* Genevriel smiles to show she's teasing.<br />
* Madds smiles back<br />
* Genevriel checks the clock.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I have to get back over to the other side of the things now. But I'm glad you came. It was a good conversation. And feel free to stay if you're having fun. I'm sure Miss Zola won't mind.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Thank you for inviting me.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My pleasure.<br />
* Genevriel will give him a friendly goodbye hug (if he seems amenable) before going back to the main part of the club to report for work.<br />
* Madds is hug-amenable<br />
<br />
===Argent tells Mireva about Margaux===<br />
* Mireva will have a dance or several with Argent, not only as part of the plan for getting Mikel and Helgea to dance together either ;)<br />
* Argent gladdly dances with her happy to escape the other events in his life<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Hey... you seem a little out of sorts, is everything okay?<br />
<br />
<Argent> something happened recently and it's been bothering me<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> do you wanna talk about it?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Sure, let me get us some drinks first and we can go someplace a little more conversationy<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
* Argent will round up drinks and Mireva and head to a quieter spot<br />
* Mireva will find us a nice nook to make out .. I mean, talk.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I had what I figure, is a bad experience with someone who I feel is a good friend.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> What happened? and who was it?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Bad may not be the exact right word, but it bothers me so it feels bad.<br />
<br />
<Argent> It's my friend Margaux. She knows a lot of stuff.<br />
* Mireva nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Argent> She's also a little... socially introverted...<br />
<br />
<Argent> I go to her when I need help on strange stuff, like that dream trip.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh... so she knows about magic sorts of things?<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah, and history, and lots of other not so comon topics<br />
<br />
<Argent> I've read a few books, or at least I try to, but I just don't have a good head for facts.<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> so... what was the thing that happened?<br />
<br />
<Argent> So I had her over to talk the other day and I guess I was being too nice and supportive and she kisses me.<br />
<br />
<Argent> and then things got real awkward.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Oh...<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Did you have sex with her?<br />
<br />
<Argent> No... no....<br />
* Mireva asks sort of curiously<br />
<br />
<Argent> I told her I was seeing someone<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> And then things were awkward?<br />
<br />
<Argent> which just made her feel more embarassed and foolish<br />
<br />
<Mireva> poor girl ...<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well, and poor you too<br />
* Mireva says, putting her arm around you<br />
<br />
<Argent> (is she teasing me or is she just not getting why I feel so bad?)<br />
* Mireva seems to feel sorry for you because she can tell you feel bad, but maybe doesn't completely understand why it's so bad<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Are you worried that you think it's going to hurt your friendship with her?<br />
* Mireva guesses<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yes! I have no idea how to fix things.<br />
<br />
<Argent> well thats not true... I know how I could fix things... <br />
<br />
<Mireva> Do you have romantic feelings for her? or just want to be friends?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Just because... probably the answer will depend on how you feel about her.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I do feel something for her, I think, but that doesn't matter... I'm with you.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Well.. it does matter a bit, I think.<br />
<br />
<Argent> but it could be just mee feeling guilty<br />
<br />
<Mireva> You don't need to feel guilty. I'm pretty sure you didn't do anything wrong other than being your usual sweet self.<br />
* Argent chuckles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Argent, you are a lovely, sweet, thoughtful man. I like you a lot.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> But if you wanted to be with this Margaux girl, I wouldn't hold it against you or be angry. <br />
<br />
<Mireva> It wouldn't even mean we could never see each other again, at least as far as I'm concerned - although I imagine you probably don't see things that way.<br />
<br />
<Argent> That's not exactly what I was expecting you to say, but then one thing I've learned from being with you is to be more open-minded.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so maybe I should have expected it...<br />
* Mireva kisses you<br />
* Argent kisses her back<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Do you want to take a break for a little while and think about things? Maybe it'll be clearer with a bit of breathing room.<br />
* Mireva asks, even as she's practically in your lap ;p<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Argent> It couldn't do any harm I guess.<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> We don't have to start right now.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> no... maybe we could start tomorrow? ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Why spoil the evening?<br />
* Mireva smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I don't think people can see us from here.... <br />
<br />
<Mireva> or aren't paying attention, anyway ;)<br />
* Argent does a quick survey to be sure<br />
<br />
<Argent> It is quite dark<br />
<br />
<Mireva> mmhmm<br />
* Mireva will demonstrate some things you can do without attracting *too* much attention ;)<br />
<br />
===Denise chats drunkenly with Geffrard about Servan Aigel===<br />
* Denise is mostly sticking to her peeps, but probably has been chatting with some other staff and folks she knows from haning out at the club as well<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Neva would make you a special birthday drink - something fruity and fancy, with a flower in it ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (ooooh!)<br />
* Denise sits at the bar to chat while she is drinking it then, can can run in to Geff there maybe?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Sure)<br />
* Geffrard will sidle up to get a beer<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> HI geff ^-^<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Hey - happy birthday, I take it?<br />
* Denise is a little bit off her ass by this point anyway probably, esp half way through that birthday drink :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah! Thanks :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I should be sayin congrats to you too though :D<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Oh... thanks.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I heard what happened though<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> That guy is *such* a jerk!<br />
* Denise makes a face<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> I can't argue with that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> At least he ain't gonna be runnin' around shootin' no one else<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe his little friend though<br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
* Denise makes a face<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> We'll see how that goes, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Denise> Do you like, know *why* Though?<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'Cause I know why *we* tangles with 'im<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Why was that?<br />
<br />
<Denise> nbut I dunno why he went after Vairon :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhhhh....<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
* Denise takes another sip of birthday drink<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause the Boss was askin' around after him so we could find out why they were after Vairon.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he didn't liek that<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> ah.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well... I think he's sort of like one of those Colour Guard types. You know the kind?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> We heard that some...<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
* Denise sorta whispers<br />
<br />
<Denise> is your boy Shadar-kai? :o<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> No, he's not.<br />
<br />
<Denise> *sip*<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmmm<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> But he ain't precisely human either.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well Vairon was just.... a guy.....I think<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> That's neat!<br />
* Geffrard smiles a little at that<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well, I think so.<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's just so many....different kinds of folks around, you know? :3<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> There are. A lot of them look just like anyone else.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> And some of 'em don't. But I figure folks are just... folks.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Most are just folks, not, like, stealin folks into other realms or givin people mushroom plagues or freezin' us half to death :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> or whatever<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> ...yes. mostly.<br />
<br />
<Denise> *sip*<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe I oughtta talk more to Serge Yves 'bout Vairon<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I never got a chance to meet 'im or nothin :/<br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He was a friend?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> Serges Yves is my Uncle, like<br />
<br />
<Denise> he' over there!<br />
* Denise poinst and waves at where he is mackin' on some dude<br />
* Geffrard will take a look. perhaps a longer than necessary look ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> and Vairon was *his* boy<br />
<br />
<Denise> they were in the Navy together :3<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Oh, okay.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> . o O (well then)<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> And Vairon ran into this Servan Aigel fellow?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's what we can' figure<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like<br />
<br />
<Denise> last folks that were seen with him were a guy with a metall arm and ... prolly his little friend<br />
<br />
<Denise> and then he got pulled out of the river >:|<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> That's awful.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> We was just tryin' to find out what happened, but like then it got all *complicated8 with... colour guard and blood forgeds an stuff @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> but maybe now he's in jail we can find out somethin'<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> I hope that'll be the case.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, I didn't mean to get into alla that!<br />
* Denise looks at her strangely empty drinks @_@<br />
* Denise tilts her head though<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Do you want another one of those? It's your birthday, after all.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> Wait but I was gonna buy *you* a drink :o<br />
* Geffrard smiles<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well, we can trade if you like.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> is you guy hee?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could buy him a drink too :D<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> No, he's not big on parties. <br />
<br />
<Geffrard> But if he does come by sometime, I'll introduce you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that'd be swell ^-^<br />
* Denise will arrange a drink swap with Neva then :)<br />
<br />
===Denise finds out that Mikel is interested in Helgea===<br />
* Denise toddles tipsily back towards her peeps with another ridiculous cocktail in hand<br />
* Mikel is at the table while Enver and Helgea are having a dance<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey Mickie :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> You havin' a good time ^-^<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah, it's so fancy here @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know right :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't even know it was gonna be like this :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> so many stars and other fancy people :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' Mico *_*<br />
<br />
<Denise> gosh I ain't never gonna get over that <br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah - he was real good, sounded just like on the radio :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh :3<br />
<br />
<Mikel> So... what's the deal with Helgea? <br />
* Denise gets a dreamy look in her eye<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I shouldn'a gone u[<br />
<br />
<Denise> just I was soo like... i gues starstruck :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Helgea?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, like... is she with the Mala Tajna?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh... yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's... well<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise looks at her drink<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think she's real nice<br />
<br />
<Mikel> She seems nice! An' real pretty @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> but mostly folks just...<br />
<br />
<Denise> she is *real* pretty<br />
<br />
<Denise> So she goes with folks, when they need someone to be pretty, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Denise> an stuff<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Stuff?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well.<br />
* Denise glances at where she is dancing with Enver<br />
<br />
<Denise> Stuff you might want a pretty girl to do, I guess >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> if you like pretty girls >.><br />
<br />
<Mikel> ...stuff *I* might want?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Gosh, I don't know :/<br />
* Mikel asks uncertainly<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like.... she goes on dates an stuff, when she's asked to, is all.<br />
<br />
<Mikel> ...oh.<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Like Romain's sister? >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> well...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> folks take care of her, 'cause she aint' got no family<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I don't think she really gets *paid*?<br />
* Denise seems really ambivalent about it<br />
<br />
<Mikel> ... I dunno if I think that's worse, or better.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't never really asked her what she thinks of it<br />
<br />
<Mikel> It sounds kinda rotten all around. <br />
<br />
<Denise> 'Cause she seems happy, but, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I feel like.... jsut I don't know<br />
<br />
<Denise> I am a big chicken<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause if she ain't happy I dunno what I could do<br />
<br />
<Mikel> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> an even if she is it don't feel right<br />
<br />
<Denise> An even like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver told me lots of stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause they took him in when he was little too, after his mom died<br />
<br />
<Denise> what its like<br />
<br />
<Denise> like they take care of folks<br />
<br />
<Denise> who ain't go noone else<br />
<br />
<Denise> and that's good riht?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> right...<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause who knows what else might happen to 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> but then, like<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't just for nothin' if they think your clever or prettty or got somethin' they can use<br />
<br />
<Denise> an sometimes it is okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver likes what he does just fine<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it ain't gonna be that way for everyone<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I am just runnin my mouth all over ain't I<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Nah, it's okay... I guess it's good for me to know<br />
* Denise looks at her drink and glances over at the other table, where Ander and ralf are sitting<br />
<br />
<Mikel> she was bein' kinda... well, friendly<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just... want thing to be better for folks<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well like<br />
<br />
<Denise> Do you like her?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> She seems nice. I only just met her, but ... yeah, I do.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'Cause at least like, if you do an you wanna go with her than at least she can have someone to pick for herself :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> but then I don't figure they'd just let her stop...workin', I guess... just ;cause she met some nice rat boy<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if he *is* a Channel <br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Would it get her in trouble?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> or me? ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, maybe it would depend?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think, like.... or I liek to think? that there are folks who do want her happy...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but maybe not everyone cares abot that first<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> The boss would know<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could ask him<br />
<br />
<Denise> if you wanted<br />
<br />
<Mikel> uhhh<br />
<br />
<Denise> what would happen<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wouldn't get in trouble with *him*<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well... okay I guess<br />
<br />
<Mikel> if it ain't gonna get her or me in trouble <br />
<br />
<Denise> no<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if she's been real friendly-like I dunno what all she means by it, if you know what I mean >.><br />
<br />
<Mikel> well... she was pretty clear 'bout some stuff >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva would approve? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> if you just wanna.... have some fun, I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't figure that's gonna get anyone in trouble<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well... I dunno what exactly.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> but if you think it's better to talk to your boss an' figure out first, like... that'd be okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Denise stands up and gives him a little salute then<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll be back in a bit ;3<br />
<br />
===Denise asks Ander if it's okay for her brother to date Helgea===<br />
* Denise plonks dwn at the other table<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey boss<br />
<br />
<Ander> Hey, Dee.<br />
* Denise looks back because she realizes she forgot her drink<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's it goin' :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's been quite a night.<br />
* Denise says deciding maybe that is for the best right now<br />
<br />
<Denise> no kiddin' @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I got sorta a.... weird question...<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh?<br />
* Ander looks somewhat wary<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, it's about Helgea<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh, yeah? what about her?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well...<br />
<br />
<Denise> just like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> what would happen if she started goin' with someone she wanted to be goin; with?<br />
<br />
<Denise> would she be in trouble?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or would they?<br />
* Ander considers that<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, it might depend on who the someone was. An' on how strongly they felt 'bout her givin' up the current gig.<br />
<br />
<Denise> a nice rat boy, say<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno 'bout the rest<br />
<br />
<Ander> uh huh...<br />
* Ander can see where this may be going, because he is not blind<br />
<br />
<Ander> Look, I guess here's what I'd say 'bout that.<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' this is gonna sound crass, so I'm sorry for that<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> Helgea's a good asset for some kinds of work.<br />
<br />
<Ander> There's people who wouldn't feel too happy about the investment they put into her, if she up an' quit before they got a good, oh, five or ten years out of her.<br />
<br />
<Denise> can't they like.... find her somethin' else to do? :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> But that said, she ain't a slave. She ain't required to do what they say off the clock, for instance.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' if her personal business didn't get in the way of her work business, then that oughta be okay.<br />
* Denise nods but still doens't seem satisfied<br />
<br />
<Ander> An'... well, she ain't the only pretty girl in the world, you know? They might be pissy if she quit, but it ain't like they couldn't find another.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kinda pissy, though? >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> Like maybe it ain't so easy for her to find another job, or a place to rent if she goes out on her own. That sorta pissy. <br />
<br />
<Denise> nngh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just ain't right, boss :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think I need to get back to my drink >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> Dee, look...<br />
* Denise looks up, cautiously hopeful<br />
<br />
<Ander> it ain't so different than what Ralf does, or what a lotta folks haveta do sometimes. <br />
<br />
<Ander> It might be shitty, but it's what you gotta do sometimes.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I... we look out for her.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> An'... I wouldn't let anythin' awful happen to her, or to whoever she took up with, if that was what she decided on.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks boss<br />
* Denise will slip back over to the other table then<br />
* Denise takes a big sip from her drink<br />
* Mikel waits to see what you have to say<br />
<br />
<Denise> so... like<br />
* Denise tries to sort her thoughs so she can say what she wants<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> folks would kinda expect her to keep workin', but they can't stop her doin' what she wants when she's not<br />
<br />
<Denise> if things got to a point where she didn't ewanna keep workin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> then there's some folks who woukld try an give her a hard time, an other folks who would look out for her<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> so... you think I should go for it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> if you wanna, then yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I do<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, I'd at least wanna get t'know her a bit better, anyway<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> like hyeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> aside from all the rest, you know da will flip his entire shit :p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, that ain't even on my list of shit to worry about right now.<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Alain ain't gonna tell him if I bring someone home ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> so he ain't gotta find out anything I don't feel like tellin' <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, go have fun, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe go an cut in, an send me back my boy ^-^<br />
<br />
<Mikel> sure, can do :)<br />
* Mikel will go and do precisely that<br />
* Denise will indulge in some boy snuggles<br />
* Enver will come back over and give you snuggles :)<br />
<Enver> (also maybe #4 on the list later ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (lol)<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Zola rubs elbows with Lydienne and a sausage baron===<br />
* Lydienne will sashay over to you at some point in the evening. She is draped in an ermine stole and some possibly-diamond earrings that seems like a step up from her usual wear, at least cost-wise if not in terms of taste.<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Zola, darling :) Happy birthday! Is it 29 again?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Lydienne! How good of you to come! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Why start with 29 early if I'm going to be using it for so many years anyway!<br />
* Lydienne chuckles<br />
* Zola is flush with booze and tarting<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope you're having a good time. <br />
<br />
<Lydienne> I must say, the party has been wonderful so far<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> And you got Mico to perform! He was just like on his albums. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Thank you ^_^ <br />
<br />
<Zola> I am just so pleased no one has been stabbed!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or shot @_@<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Oh, well, the night is young I suppose!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, don't say that ;_;<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is there anyone I can introduce you to? If I know them at least... I still haven't gotten around to ALL of the new people.<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Oh, I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble. But let me introduce you to *my* date ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, yes! <br />
<br />
<Zola> (CUE OMINOUS MUSIC)<br />
* Lydienne will lead you over to a table where sits a corpulent older man, probably over 50 at least (I forget his exact age >.>) A few other people are clustered around talking to him, but he waves them aside for Lydienne<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Oh dear. )<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Zola, dear, meet Wilbraham Schuzzelwanst - my sweetie ^-^<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> Hello, darling <br />
<br />
<Lydienne> (Zola reads gossip/tabloids, right? so she would know who he is, if so)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yeah, probably enough :P Is he nobility at all or nouveau riche?)<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> (very nouveau - meat packing ;)<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> (the canned sausages and processed meat and stuff ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Delighted to meet you Mr. Schuzzelwanst. I hope you've been enjoying yourself this evening! <br />
* Zola extends her hand of course, hoping it doesn't come back covered in sausasge grease<br />
* Wilbraham shakes your hand heartily<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> Splendid, yes - although it's a shame our poor photographer has to stand out in the cold. But they put up with it, I suppose, hahah.<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Just think, "It could be true love. It could be true love. It could be true love..." )<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Zola, you absolutely must tell me where you got that dress - so that Willy can buy me one like it ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, we'd probably be more forgiving but Mico is such a private person, he almost refused when we let in one photographer. <br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( And you are not sending Vernel a toxic trap, but a client ... like he wanted. )<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh! I mean to announce it shortly, but you can have a headstart :) <br />
<br />
<Zola> His name's Vernel Nicandor, and he is amazing . <br />
<br />
<Zola> I can assure you that you'll never find a faster couturier! <br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Ooh, well, I'll have to pay him a visit!<br />
<br />
<Zola> His shop is off <Lerue St>, and it's quite cosy, and he's very professional.<br />
* Lydienne nods<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> And yes, how *did* you get Mico? he's so notoriously reclusive, hardly any live shows! Some people say it's because he can't really sing like that live, that they fix it all up in the studio afterwards, but he sounded excellent tonight.<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> But don't worry - I'm sure people didn't think he upstaged you *too* badly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well part of my plan WAS to upstage myself, at least for Denise. She's such a sweet girl, it was a thrill to see her face!<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> oh, well, that *is* thoughtful of you<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> to give someone else the limelight for once ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's the least I could do before I knock him out of his spot on the charts ^_^<br />
* Lydienne chuckles<br />
* Zola laughs too, clearly just being silly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> As for Mico, well, the truth is mostly business over glamour... we share an agent. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I suggested it, and Hector thought it was a good idea... he can be quite insistent. <br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Oh, that's handy<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not enough live appearances and people start to think you can't sing, right? :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> The photographer we DID let in was Hector's insistence too.<br />
* Lydienne nods, draping herself over her date's fleshy arm<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> I didn't want to steal your thunder - but I have a record coming out soon too ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's great news! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you should have a release party too.<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Oh, well, Willy's already putting together a bash to celebrate ^-^<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> That's right<br />
<br />
<Zola> Congratulations!<br />
* Wilbraham squeezes her ample hip<br />
<br />
<Zola> And your photographer won't have to wait outside :D<br />
* Zola jokes to Willy<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> No, we let 'em inside for special events ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Which song did you choose? <br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> So they don't have to fight over scraps, hahah.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or is it a surprise?<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Willy picked it - he likes love songs, and he says I'm best at 'em, so I did Falling For You<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Is that one of hers or a Standard or? )<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> (one of her usual numbers, although she hasn't performed it too much lately now that you think about it)<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> And then a new little piece for the B-side :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'm guessing it's at least passably good? :P)<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> (it's sappy and romantic, but she does a decent job at it, even Zola would probably have to admit ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I remember that one. It's sweet! <br />
<br />
<Zola> And you've been keeping it under wraps lately too, eh? :)<br />
* Lydienne dimples<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Wouldn't want people to get too bored of it!<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> I'm sure you know all about that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> True! But hopefully once it gets some airtime the club won't be the boundary of our fans ./~<br />
* Lydienne nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if I can do anything to help spread the word when your party's due, let me know.<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> All right!<br />
* Zola eyes Wilbraham to see if he is inclined to chat himself.<br />
<br />
<Wilbraham> Real nice ta meet ya, Mlle. Zola - you put on a swell shindig.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks! Hopefully The Scourge won't be TOO cruel to me... but I guess nice always as fun.<br />
* Zola desperately makes herself not look at Lydienne as she says that.<br />
* Zola will give Lydienne a polite peck on the cheek and leave the two 'love'birds.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bye darling!<br />
<br />
<Lydienne> Ta, Zola - have a fun evening :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks! <br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Oh that wasn't so bad, was it? )<br />
<br />
===Zola plays footsies with Haft while visiting with Geffrard at her party===<br />
* Zola spots the two enter and scurries over in her heels!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Boys! <br />
* Zola gives them each a peck on the cheek<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Hey Zola, happy birthday :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Wait, who's keeping the photographers out? <br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Don't worry, we've got some extra staff for the night. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Come, sit with me! <br />
* Zola finds a spot and calls over a waiter to get them a drink.<br />
* Geffrard will do so, and Haft can trail along<br />
<br />
<Zola> How's Osmyn? <br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He's fine. Probably happy to not be here - no offense intended ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I would've forgiven him sitting this out even if he hadn't been shot :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you find out anything more about that one-armed guy with the fake name?<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> A few odds and ends<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He seems to have some Colour Guard ties. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Y'know what his beef was? Is Osmyn safe?<br />
* Zola looks ... very briefly surprised, and then not so much surprised.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh.<br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was wondering about that thing with the eyes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not a sorcerer but I hadn't really heard of anything like that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not reflexively at least.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Osmyn doesn't usually ... show that off. But when he's in danger, it can slip out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that I was going to go see if I could find anything like that in those books about the fey Hugo and I have been reading >_><br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He's not one of them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is he ... elemental?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is that rude to ask?<br />
* Zola looks to Haft, who ... probably also doesn't know.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well, I ain't an expert exactly. He says he's a Suli. Some kinda Psyrene thing, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Crazy. <br />
<br />
<Zola> This city gets wilder the longer I'm here.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> No kidding...<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I can't take credit :D<br />
* Geffrard smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least not for all of it <br />
* Zola grins a little impishly<br />
<br />
<Haft> Maybe you need to try harder?<br />
* Zola laughs!<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't think I try hard enough? :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> You are very determined.<br />
* Zola slips off a shoe and slides it across to tickle Haft's leg with her toes<br />
<br />
<Zola> I am, but a girl's gotta crash once in a while... it's hard work.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe if there were a whole squad of me, we could paint the town in rainbows.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... maybe not ... rainbows exactly :|<br />
* Haft slides his leg towards you, and an overlapping part of his metal casing catches on your stocking and puts a run in it<br />
* Zola winces a little as she feels it tug and most likely tear<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> You okay?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, right as rain :)<br />
* Zola keeps on toe-massaging Haft despite the cost...<br />
<br />
<Zola> You let Osmyn know that we'll make him a nice spot any time he does want to come out and listen to music or catch an act.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Sure thing.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> We had a nice few days out of town, it was good to have a break from everything.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I bet. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Where'd you go? Anywhere exciting? Or just nice and quiet?<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Ah, just a little place down on the southern coast - quiet, but the weather was sure warmer than here.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds lovely. :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> And then... ./~ work calls<br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Inevitably, yes.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> But this evening is a pleasant change of pace, anyway :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> That was my plan, and it seems to have worked out so far :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> And maybe they'll get the problem with the magical winter and the fungal plague solved before summer <br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> If they don't soon, I have a feeling people might take it into their own hands anyway. That seems to be the way things go.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is that what they're saying? Colour Guard types? That this is all because of outsiders?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean... all outsiders?<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Yeah. Fey specifically, I guess, but I'm not sure that type distinguish very well ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess that'd be the downside of them being too stupid to tell folks apart :|<br />
* Geffrard nods grimly<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Void, I'm sure some of 'em blame the Shadar-kai.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> An' they're at least pretty easy to tell apart.<br />
* Zola takes on a mocking tone "Well the trees started growing in the Shade, that means blah blah blah"<br />
* Geffrard nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Of course if they did know any better they'd know they're kinda related...<br />
<br />
<Zola> No real out there.<br />
* Geffrard shrugs, in a 'what can you do?' kind of resigned way<br />
<br />
<Zola> Knock 'em off a building and clock 'em for good measure?<br />
<br />
<Haft> It works.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> We just need True Seeing for Assholes<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> heh<br />
* Zola will inform Haft that he should leave the footsies to others unless he's wearing pants<br />
<br />
<Zola> (later:P)<br />
<br />
<Noren> (heh)<br />
* Zola also discreetly casts Mending :V<br />
<br />
===Zola greets Gen and Madds===<br />
* Genevriel comes back into the party room on her break, since she didn't notice Madds leaving yet.<br />
* Madds is still around<br />
* Genevriel hopes he found people to hang out with while she had to work!<br />
* Madds probably found some people to chat to, but is happy to turn his attention back to you when you return<br />
* Zola is refilling her cherry bomb glass :3<br />
* Genevriel heads over to him with a tall glass of... water.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I guess you must be having fun. I'm glad.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Yes, thanks for inviting me.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I was just chatting with Noren and his co-worker.<br />
* Zola spots Gen back in from her work :3<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I should chat with him, too, at some point...<br />
* Genevriel muses aloud.<br />
* Genevriel is obviously hatching some sort of plan.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I guess he knows Mlle. Zola.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> She's certainly quite well-connnected.<br />
* Zola will head over once she is sure she isn't going to interrupt makeouts<br />
* Madds says, glancing around the room.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I guess that happens when you're famous.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> ./~ Hi!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Good evening, Mlle. Zola, and happy birthday.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thank you! I'm glad you came... at least for a little while! <br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly and shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's harder to find temporary bussers than you'd think, it seems.<br />
* Genevriel jokes a little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Reputable ones, maybe :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, I don't know about that...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I haven't had the chance to be introduced to your date yet ^_^ <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I'm forgetting my manners. Mlle. Zola, please let me introduce my friend, Maddox Falgout.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's a pleasure <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We're just friends.<br />
* Genevriel says in response to Zola's suggestion that this is a *date*. ;)<br />
* Zola will shake hands with Maddox.<br />
* Madds smiles<br />
<br />
<Madds> You've certainly put on a wonderful party.<br />
* Zola will slide into a seat at their table, cherry bomb in hand.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thank you, I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying themselves... and behaving themselves.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you know Noren do you? or Justen? I thought I saw you boys chatting.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I know Noren, yes - our work sometimes brings us into similar circles.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So not a lawyer... are you a copper? :D<br />
* Madds smiles<br />
<br />
<Madds> Military.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is that how you two're acquainted? <br />
* Zola looks to Gen and back<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> In a roundabout way, perhaps.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I suppose so, yes. I was stationed in Psyra prior to the war.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> He was posted to a base close to my family's farm.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And he would come and insult all our produce on market days.<br />
* Genevriel smirks a little.<br />
* Zola tuts<br />
<br />
<Madds> And so a friendship was born.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Strange how that happened.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Indeed... what sort of gentleman makes fun of a lady's melons? :/<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Cabbages? <br />
* Genevriel has no melons to speak of, flat as a boy. ;)<br />
<br />
<Madds> I probably wasn't much of a gentleman.<br />
* Zola probably hasn't actually checked >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Well it seems you've gotten better :)<br />
<br />
<Madds> Older and wiser.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We both are.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yet somehow, we're still friends.<br />
* Genevriel smirks a little again.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you two serve together as well?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No... <br />
<br />
<Madds> No, we weren't in the same area.<br />
* Zola nods. "Noren and I go way back ourselves... it'd been a few years though, before he came back to town after the war."<br />
* Genevriel looks thoughtful and a little more somber, but nods, listening to Zola.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> He mentioned that he served.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I... forget where, though.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Me too :V)<br />
* Zola will mention a couple spots she remembers him talking about.<br />
<br />
<Madds> (well, I think that he was still doing military tribunal/court martial stuff, so he may have been stationed somewhere <br />
<br />
back from the lines - somewhere like Guerne maybe? I don't think I had said one way or another)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's kinda crazy how some things can stay the same while others are so different ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess that's time, for you :)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, do you have any more surprise guests planned? It seems like you made Denise's night when you introduced your friend.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, no more surprises... for tonight at least. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It was a blast seeing her face :D<br />
* Genevriel smiles and nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She's a sweetie, so it was a pleasure.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How do you know Denise, from here?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> She's a friend of Dorien's roommate, Argent.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, you know Dorien from outside the club?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> He's my cousin.<br />
* Genevriel explains<br />
<br />
<Zola> Get out!<br />
* Zola looks Gen over to see how much of a resemblance there is<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Couldn't you tell? I thought the height would have given it away, at least.<br />
* Genevriel teases a little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, were you there when those fey attacked and Denise got cursed?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (We're both pale as fishes' bellies but aside from height and skin colour I'm not sure if there is a strong resemblance.)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I didn't realize you knew about that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, more small world stuff, all the fey business surrounding the club and all.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aubrienne and Lathra were looking into things at the same time as Hugo and I.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I even went out with Denise a few times to patrol, since I might be able to help if one of those fiddlers shows up again... but nothing, thankfully.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Fiddlers?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> One type of the ice fey that are prolonging the winter.<br />
<br />
<Madds> huh<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It played a fiddle that made people dance, thank the One I missed out on that bit of 'fun', but it was also able to curse Denise and turn her into ice.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That was that guy with the pick, I think<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Right. It was a while ago.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> . o O (And I was drunk.)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There were some smaller fey with them as well; firing arrows and wielding swords.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> Was everyone all right?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, except for Denise, and the fey themselves, yes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> None of us is quite sure yet why they seemed to select Dorien and Argent's apartment to attack, though.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bad luck? :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or good luck, for everyone else, maybe.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I have a feeling that it was no coincidence, honestly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So many people from the club maybe?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Or one of us, at any rate.<br />
* Zola turns to Madds, "There's some sort of fey power site under the club, I guess... some old river."<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Possibly Misery drew them, somehow; she was injured in the summoning ritual at the party.<br />
<br />
<Madds> o_O<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, lucky us, right? <br />
<br />
<Madds> That seems like a problem.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh... y'think?<br />
<br />
<Zola> ...if nothing else, maybe we should let the others who were hurt in on your hunch?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I've been reviewing news items about fey mischief in the city and interviewing the other Shadar-kai who were present to try to determine whether there is a larger pattern, but so far I have not been able to draw any conclusions.<br />
* Zola looks a little concerned at that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hopefully someone figures out what all's going on before we freeze up solid, or get turned into mushrooms.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Genevriel looks thoughtfully at Madds, thinking of the experimental farm. She needs to ask him about it, but this is neither the time nor the place since it could potentially compromise his position with the military.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Madds, is there anyone posted at Arguvan, still?<br />
* Genevriel asks thoughtfully.<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Arugula what? )<br />
<br />
<Madds> Sure. Why do you ask?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, apparently there was a... dryad, or possibly even a hamadryad, living on our farm.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I never saw her, but... Andri did.<br />
<br />
<Madds> oh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh, fancy that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I've just been thinking, lately, that if she survived the fire, perhaps she knows something about the fey and what's going on with them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She might not be much for chatting ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I have no reason to believe she'd tell me anything, but I'd be curious to speak with her.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I suppose that could be? But I'm not sure how one would get in touch with a dryad. Leave a note at the nearest tree?<br />
* Genevriel smiles sadly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There's that, too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Is there a traditional dryad chatting mechanism? :P)<br />
<br />
<Madds> (dunno... be attractive and hang around in the woods? ;p)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I have this childish fancy that she might recognize me and choose to speak with me, but... I'm not sure how I could go there.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well... I think you'd mentioned your aunt wanting to dedicate a memorial at the graveyard there?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just need to make some friends who can teleport? :)<br />
<br />
<Madds> Perhaps if that happens, you could attend.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, it's not just getting to Psyra, of course. It'd be being *there*. I suspect she can't stray from the trees.<br />
* Genevriel seems to be rather sad-faced now, Zola.<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Memorial. Fire. :| )<br />
* Zola sips her cherry bomb.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well. It's something to think about.<br />
* Genevriel sighs, not seeming to really want to think about it at all.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think I've taken far too long for my break. I should get back to work.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Good evening.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It was nice chatting, Gen.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maddox :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'll have to come by and visit us again.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Very nice to meet you - I'll try to :)<br />
* Zola will flutter off tipsily<br />
* Genevriel heads back to work once more.<br />
<br />
===Zola and Noren talk serious stuff===<br />
* Zola will suggest Noren stick around until later when she can give him more attention, or agree to meet him elsewhere. (He can take Bastien home if he's pooped :P)<br />
* Noren will stick it out<br />
* Zola leans in over his table later on. "Hey, hon. I'll just be a minute... gonna say sayonara to these stragglers" :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Sure thing<br />
* Zola will step into the middle of the back lounge and pipe up. "Night everyone! Hope you had a blast!"<br />
* Zola waves and blows kisses to the last revellers<br />
<br />
<Noren> (the remaining guests will wave and cheer for you, if they aren't passed out ;)<br />
* Zola will saunter back over to Noren.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Got a setting in mind? <br />
<br />
<Noren> My place?<br />
* Noren suggests<br />
<br />
<Zola> (He still live at his folks'?)<br />
<br />
<Noren> (perhaps not, given I don't think he usually invites you there.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (So that's news to her too?)<br />
<br />
<Noren> (yeah)<br />
* Zola looks a little surprised by that. "Your mom'll keep us chaste, I suppose" :)<br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm renting a flat - work week stuff, easier commute, all that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ohh? <br />
<br />
<Noren> Honestly... I just needed some space of my own.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I know what that's like.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Room for Bastien too? He doesn't like to be cooped up in the dressing room too long.<br />
<br />
<Noren> He'd be welcome to join us.<br />
<br />
<Zola> We can put him in a cupboard if we need some privacy :)<br />
* Noren smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll be right back then :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right. Shall I get us a cab?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sure, I'll meet you out front.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
* Zola will go get her things, purse, coat, cat, handgun :V<br />
* Noren will be waiting out front with a cab. When you come out, of course there's still someone waiting to snap some photos...<br />
* Zola strikes a pose, with Bastien in her arms.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You from the Scourge? <br />
<br />
<Noren> (click*flash* no answer ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you are, say Hi to your boss for me.<br />
* Zola lets Noren open teh door for her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (since cat)<br />
* Noren does so, and will slide into the seat beside you and give the address to the driver.<br />
* Zola sits Bastien between us, but not in a Pointed way.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Shall I prepare myself for a real bachelor's flop? :)<br />
* Noren chuckles<br />
<br />
<Noren> I hope it's a little better than that<br />
<br />
<Noren> Although the truth is, I haven't had a lot of chance to decorate, so it may be a bit sparse.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's understandable. All Bastien needs is a stray shirt or two to get comfy on :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> well, that can likely be arranged :)<br />
* Zola chuckles.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope you've got coffee... I'm starting to feel a little pooped with all the excitement.<br />
* Zola leans her head on his shoulder, careful not to squish B.<br />
<br />
<Noren> (the drive is fairly short - Noren's place is just around the edge of the Pav, a nice-looking new-ish set of row houses)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Definitely, coffee can be made.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Please :)<br />
* Noren will lead the way inside<br />
* Zola deposits Bastien and takes off her coat.<br />
<br />
<Noren> (as predicted, the place is nice but a bit lacking in flair ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It'll fill out nicely in time, I'd say :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Can I freshen up? <br />
* Zola looks about for the washroom<br />
<br />
<Noren> Of course - I'll put on the coffee.<br />
* Noren points you in the right direction<br />
* Zola will shed her ridiculously expensive dress, and some of her jewellery.<br />
* Zola tugs on the sleeves she got from Noren and will her frilly underthings into a sleek, simple and more casual black dress.<br />
* Zola will come back out once she's ensured everything's in proper place.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ta-da!<br />
* Zola strikes a pose<br />
* Noren turns with a smile<br />
<br />
<Noren> Very nice :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bastien smuggled it in for me :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> The coffee should be ready soon<br />
* Zola looks about to find a spot to sit<br />
<br />
<Noren> (sofa?)<br />
* Zola will settle in there with a sigh<br />
* Noren comes to sit with you after a few moments, bringing two cups of coffee<br />
* Zola will take hers and blow on it a little<br />
* Zola looks at Noren to see if he's gearing up to Talk, or if it's still time to chatter.<br />
<br />
<Noren> So... how exhausted are you?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What did you have in mind? <br />
<br />
<Noren> Well, I was hoping to talk about some ... I guess more serious things. But if it's too heavy for now, we can wait.<br />
* Zola is perhaps not as minxish as she might normally be when asking that question<br />
<br />
<Zola> It won't take too long for the coffee to give me a boost :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Fire away.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bastien? You want to try out Noren's bed and give us a few? :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> The first thing is I've decided to run for a seat on the Great Council. That's the other reason I'm living in Rhenea now.<br />
<br />
<Zola> W- wow! <br />
<br />
<Zola> That's some big news :o<br />
<br />
<Noren> Yeah... I don't know what will happen. If I'm not elected, I guess nothing much.<br />
<br />
<Noren> But if I am, it could mean some changes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What kind of changes?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well, work changes, for one. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You mean you won't be junior partner by day, Councillor by night? :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Right... <br />
<br />
<Noren> The other thing is, the papers will probably try to find dirt on me.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> That will probably start during the campaign, but if I'm elected I suspect it won't stop then.<br />
* Zola chuckles drily.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose maybe I shouldn't have stoppde for that last picture.<br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> It's all right. You're not a secret... or at least, I don't intend to make you one.<br />
<br />
<Noren> If the worst thing they can say about me is that I keep company with a beautiful jazz singer, well... that's not so bad.<br />
* Zola looks at him like he's crazy... affectionately, but like he's crazy.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know this city's pretty wild, but that's enough in some books :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Maybe if I was running in the Pav... but I think Rhenea might be a bit more understanding.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess there's that :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you have any other well dressed skeletons in your closet?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well, they may try to dig some up, but there shouldn't be too much else for them to find. A few dalliances here and there, for an unmarried man, isn't unexpected, I don't think?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think I'd be more troubled if there weren't :)<br />
* Noren smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Noren> I wanted to tell you all this, anyhow, in case it comes back on you somehow.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I don't want to cause problems for you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're thinking about Mico?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Mico, your parents... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I don't think I care much about what my parents have to say about any of this ... and Mico's not a secret I can keep forever anyway. :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> probably things I haven't even thought of yet :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm a lot better at dressup than at keeping my loose ends tied up :)<br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I have my own single coming out anyway :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Yes, that was great news - congratulations :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> What price is it to give up a charade to have an upstanding gentleman in the Great Council :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> Having more Rats on the Great Council is especially worthwhile, I hope.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes! Denise, the one I sang for, she's House Rat... Murodea? She's helped me see things aren't quite so... even.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I bet she'll be thrilled to hear the news too :)<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I went on some patrols with her and some of the club folk to see if we could spot any of those nasty fey.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Oh yes?<br />
<br />
<Noren> How did that go?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good and bad... <br />
<br />
<Zola> The bad was the cold... and the boring... <br />
<br />
<Zola> And the good was the boring :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least on the patrols<br />
<br />
<Noren> I suppose in a case like that, you're really hoping not to find anything exciting.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is that what made you decide to run? To help your House?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Yes, I suppose that was the main factor. Hoping to have some influence, at least.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's pretty ambitious... just a young man still :)<br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> I suppose I figure if I lose, I'll have plenty of time to try again some day.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's true. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Is your other news this momentous? <br />
<br />
<Noren> Anyway... so, that was one thing I wanted to talk to you about.<br />
* Zola chuckles<br />
<br />
<Noren> The other is more ... personal, I guess. About us.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Colour me surprised :)<br />
* Zola jokes, but is clearly not disappointed by it.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I got the feeling maybe I was too... well, that maybe I came on too serious.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I wanted to try and clear things up.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm certain I couldn't say that was the case and still claim to be fair at all.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I've missed you so much... I couldn't just let things go on drifting apart, not without a fight anyway.<br />
* Zola reaches out to take his hand.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've missed you too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It was me, though... I whipped myself up into worry so quickly... <br />
* Noren squeezes your hand in return. <br />
<br />
<Noren> Zola, I don't want to change you. I don't expect you to change for me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not worried about changing, Noren. I'm worried about ... not being able to change, if that's what it takes. <br />
<br />
<Noren> I'd never ask you to give up your music<br />
<br />
<Noren> Or... to give up your other friends.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not just music, Noren... it's-<br />
<br />
<Zola> ...it's people... other lovers... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What if ... it just isn't for me... <br />
<br />
<Noren> Monogamy?<br />
* Noren asks with a slight smile<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess, yeah...<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I dreamt of a prince often enough when I was little, but since school it hasn't really been in mind that often :/<br />
* Zola looks down at our hands...<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not that you came on too strong... it's just that I don't want things to get to a point where it hurts you if that's not what I can give.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If you'd come on stronger I might actually have been a little less oblivious to it sneaking up on me :)<br />
<br />
<Noren> I guess I've just become more cautious as I've gotten older. I couldn't sweep you off your feet the way I did when I was young. <br />
<br />
<Noren> I didn't want to risk losing you.<br />
<br />
<Noren> That kind of hot, fast-burning passion... well, it burns out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You never know... I am a sucker for passion. <br />
* Noren smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well, I could give it another shot.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But should you?<br />
<br />
<Noren> I don't know.<br />
* Zola asks, a little sadly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Will you be happy with it? <br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm happy with you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But what if I'm not there? Will it hurt you every time I'm with someone else?<br />
* Zola looks him straight in the eyes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just... I just think of me being out somewhere at a party, and you're at home, lonely, and sad because I'm out having fun...<br />
<br />
<Zola> And... and I just can't imagine how I could do that to you.<br />
* Zola tears up<br />
<br />
<Zola> How could I?<br />
* Noren puts his arm around you<br />
* Zola leans in.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I can't deny that I want you to be mine... that I want what we have to be special, different than the rest of your lovers. But a little jealousy can add a certain spice, too.<br />
* Noren holds you close<br />
* Zola laughs a little awkwardly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You ARE special. That's why I don't want things to end badly... like it does for so many people... in a slow sad rot from the inside.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Making you mine each time you come home... <br />
* Noren murmurs to you <br />
<br />
<Zola> What if you don't like spice.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Then I'll tell you.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you think I'd sit and stew if I'm not happy with how things are?<br />
<br />
<Zola> And what if it's too late for that?<br />
<br />
<Noren> how do you mean?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if ... we're engaged, or married or we have fourteen kids? When it's too late for words to give us a graceful end.<br />
* Noren smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Noren> We could give it a while to see - for both of us. We don't need to jump into marriage and ... 14 kids, wow, is that what you're aiming for? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> That would be very expensive...<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Noren> You'd be worth every penny, if that was what you really wanted ;)<br />
<br />
<Noren> But I suspect it's not.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww <br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Noren> Zola, are we being foolish? Are we passing up on something that could be great because we're afraid that someday it might fade?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It does seem a little hypocritical of me <br />
* Zola laughs a little into his shoulder<br />
<br />
<Noren> I stopped myself from pouring out my heart to you so that I wouldn't scare you away... you're worried about hurting me so much...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe we need to have a fight.<br />
* Noren chuckles<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well I did tell you I'm not going to give you up without one.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... think I mean it.<br />
<br />
<Noren> oh?<br />
* Zola leans back a bit.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, we're both being too careful.<br />
* Noren nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Zola> You hope for a dream in which I'm something I may never turn out to be. Are you bumbling into a mistake? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And me... am I only afraid? Or am I being selfish? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Everyone else gets married and settles down. Why shouldn't I? Why am I special?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Doesn't it ... I don't know, make you angry at all?<br />
<br />
<Noren> It makes me anxious, more than anything<br />
<br />
<Zola> Shouldn't... that tell you something? That it won't last? <br />
<br />
<Noren> I'd be more worried if I was absolutely certain.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What will you do when you come home and I'm out... Gods know where with Gods know who?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well, if I was absolutely certain I probably wouldn't be worried at all... but you know what I mean<br />
<br />
<Noren> If I was someone else looking at me, I'd be worried ;)<br />
<br />
<Noren> What would I do?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Make myself a drink - check in on the fourteen kids - go to bed and probably fall asleep with a book - wake up when you get in and ravish you?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Or, you know, if we're both exhausted, the ravishing could wait until morning.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're still being reasonable :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> Be... angry or ... something, I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well what do you want? For me to be unreasonable?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if it's ... Bright Rionet? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And his bodyguard.<br />
* Zola says somewhat matter of factly<br />
* Noren actually sounded a bit more cross at the last question<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or a woman, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe I do want you to be unreasonable.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Zola, why would it matter more to me who it is, specifically? Bright's a spoiled brat but that's your choice.<br />
* Noren says a bit more annoyed<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if it's a beggar or something? :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... don't know<br />
* Zola deflates a little.<br />
<br />
<Noren> You do have some standards, last I checked ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe I just want to hear you at your most selfish so I can see what's in between.<br />
<br />
<Noren> My most selfish?<br />
<br />
<Noren> What if your carrying on costs me my seat on the Council? What if people make fun of me in the papers, or behind my back, because I can't satisfy you.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is that selfish?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, and no.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm willing to take those risks to be with you. You think I haven't thought of those things?<br />
<br />
<Noren> I could have brought you here tonight to tell you it had to end because of the appearance of things, because of my career, politics, whatever<br />
* Noren says more heatedly<br />
<br />
<Noren> And you still don't think I'm worth a little risk of your own?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's you I don't want to risk, not me.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is it really?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Or is it that you don't want to risk feeling guilty, feeling bad, because you can't stop seeing other people?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's ... part of it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not the dalliances that would be shameful, though... it would be hurting you :/<br />
<br />
<Noren> You don't get to decide if I'm hurt.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I've already said I'll be honest - I'll tell you if I'm hurt by something. Until then, you're just... imagining things.<br />
* Zola lets out a sigh<br />
<br />
<Noren> And you don't get to have it both ways - to tell me that if I'm not hurt, it means I don't love you enough.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's not what I'm saying.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I would never suggest that D:<br />
<br />
<Noren> Good.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Because I do love you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... <br />
<br />
<Noren> I love you enough to put up with this bullshit, and keep coming back.<br />
* Noren says with a slight laugh (at himself, maybe)<br />
* Zola laughs a little herself<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I just ... I've been afraid to trust that you have thought it all through.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Valeen tried to tell me that it's not my place to worry so much about your decision in this, and I screwed that part up<br />
<br />
<Noren> I've had plenty of time to think. And Justen helped ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's ... disrespectful, I know... <br />
<br />
<Zola> But short of a sign from Cat...<br />
* Zola sips her cold coffee.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you should stay angry<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you should ... show me who gets to decide how you feel? <br />
* Noren pulls you back into his arms for a kiss<br />
* Zola sets her coffee down quickly, hopefully upright.<br />
<br />
<Noren> (if you spill coffee, at least he probably doesn't have a rug yet for it to ruin)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (hee)<br />
* Zola breaks the kiss ... "Tell me I'm foolish."<br />
<br />
<Noren> You're a beautiful, foolish woman, and I love you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, Noren... angrier! <br />
<br />
<Zola> I love you and I want you to chase it all away <br />
<br />
<Zola> Be selfish, take every bit of me for yourself! <br />
<br />
<Noren> I want you, Zola... I want you all to myself. <br />
* Noren tugs at your dress, which... I don't know what happens with it, since it isn't real ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> What part of *mmph* angry *mphphph* and TAKE are you missing? <br />
* Zola wiggles one arm which has the sleeve one it<br />
* Noren feels for that and will yank it off you then<br />
* Noren goes for the other one next<br />
* Zola is now in undies :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ohh, that's cool @_@<br />
* Noren is not going to bother to sweep you off to the bedroom at this rate... the couch is perfectly fine @_@<br />
<br />
<Noren> (bedroom can be round two ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ooh, here? That works o_o<br />
* Zola cannot guarantee she does not yell "Angrier!" more during the night<br />
<br />
<Noren> Right here<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if I want the bedroom?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Too bad.<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's it :D<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_24&diff=11468Diablotin 3 session 242015-11-30T16:22:55Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: November 8, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date: <br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It is the beginning of Third-month, a time of year when the weather should be growing mild and spring-like, but Diablotin remains locked in the grip of winter.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Food supplies are running low, with goods having to be imported from further afield where the weather is less severe.<br />
<br />
===Dorien nearly kills Misery with his newest drug===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you've been studying the fungus samples you took, so I'd like you to make an alchemy roll to see what you've been able to learn about them.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (ok, sec)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (22)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay. You are able to determine that the black and sickly fungus from the trees is poisonous to humans if ingested, at least. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> (good to know)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I like to assume that Dorien found this out by eating some ;p)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (...likely.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The effects are alarming and frightening hallucinations, and a decrease in Wisdom.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (iiiinteresting)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> After ingestion, you also found that even when the primary effects had disappeared, you suffered from nightmares and disturbed sleep for a night afterwards.<br />
* Dorien is not sure whether to chalk that up to the fungus or just his normal bad dreams :P<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (fair)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> What effects it might have on non-humans... well. have you tested it on Misery? ;)<br />
* Dorien was just about to say he would tell Misery about his experiments and see what she thinks >.><br />
* Dorien is not going to dose his girlfriend with poison against her will<br />
<br />
<Misery> (That's very noble of you)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (I try)<br />
<br />
<Misery> What sort of hallucinations?<br />
* Misery inquires curiously<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Good question...)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (answer: things like your body melting, or being attacked by swarms of spiders, or similarly alarming things)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Weird ones. very visceral.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Well... if you'll keep an eye on me, I'm willing to try it, anyway. What's the worst that could happen :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... your liver could shut down and your brain could aneurysm. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> But otherwiuse... not much.<br />
<br />
<Misery> heh<br />
<br />
<Misery> You say that like it's a bad thing :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ...it is.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Maybe we can get something to neutralize poisons before we experiment with it more.<br />
<br />
<Misery> in case it turns really bad.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's not a bad idea. I have a few healing potions handy, but I could whip up some anti-fungal potions real quick, just in case.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
* Dorien will do so.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Meanwhile... My father talked to Tilkiira, and she wants to meet with us.<br />
* Dorien will nod.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Do you trust her?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Not really. But I'm pretty sure that if anyone can put Puce in his place, it'd be her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, that alone is worth the chance, then.<br />
<br />
<Misery> She'll want something in exchange. I just don't know what it'll be.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> We'll burn that bridge when we get there.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I wonder if this stuff could be useful to them.<br />
* Misery says, idly eyeing the fungus.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Maybe we could make a deal for it.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's possible. For now at least it would be undetectable. Until someone besides us identifies it.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Right. And it doesn't seem like it kills people - at least, not humans.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> So far...<br />
<br />
<Misery> So I wouldn't feel too terrible about it :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Misery> It needs a catchy name for marketing :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Heh<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Any ideas?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Ah... Blackblight?<br />
<br />
<Misery> it's suitably ominous-sounding<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hmmm<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not bad.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Also, we might need to figure out how to grow it somewhere else other than 'on a magic tree'.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's next on my list<br />
<br />
<Dorien> cultivation<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's not too useful if this is all we ever get.<br />
* Dorien shakes the petri dish<br />
<br />
<Misery> So... Mme. Korisse had a Serious Talk with me.<br />
* Dorien will turn slightly paler.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> What about?<br />
<br />
<Misery> She found out about the drugs, somehow...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Fuck...<br />
<br />
<Misery> She didn't say it meant I couldn't work with her.<br />
<br />
<Misery> But she had Concerns.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> How did she find out?<br />
<br />
<Misery> She didn't say.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> What did you tell her?<br />
<br />
<Misery> well, she wanted to know why.<br />
* Dorien nods<br />
<br />
<Misery> So I told her about the situation, some... about my mother's debts and having to find a way to pay them back that wasn't whoring.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I think she was a little bit sympathetic to that, anyway. She said things like 'how awful', like nice rich ladies do.<br />
* Dorien will sigh.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Misery> it's okay... she's honestly nice. I don't think she really understands, but she tries.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah. She's good people. But she comes from money. I know firsthand how that colors your outlook.<br />
<br />
<Misery> racist :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Said the kettle.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ;)<br />
* Misery says, kicking you affectionately from where she sits on the side of the bed<br />
<br />
<Misery> now that's definitely racist :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hah!<br />
<br />
<Misery> Anyway... basically she wants me to not be a drug dealer anymore. She didn't say anything about you - I think she figures that's not her business.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... we're working on that :/<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Misery> I didn't say 'well if you care so much, you could pay off my mother's debts, it's probably pocket change for you'<br />
<br />
<Misery> I thought about it really hard though.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, I think that's probably a good thing to not say.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Not if I want to keep working for her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Which I do.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> How has the actual work been?<br />
<br />
<Misery> It's pretty good. <br />
<br />
<Misery> Interesting things to work on...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I thought it would be kind of up your alley.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I think she and I are good for now, anyway - as long as nothing else goes wrong.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Let's hope.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Speaking of... I think everything's ready.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Okay. Well, let's give it a shot.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Just make sure you take a safe dose. less than half a milligram should do it. I took more than that so you should be fine.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'll be right here the whole time<br />
* Dorien squeezes your hand<br />
<br />
<Misery> I'm not going to try to resist it. I want to see what all it can do.<br />
* Misery squeezes back<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Ok.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> If you get too far under I'll does you with everything I have.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (dose)<br />
* Misery nods<br />
* Misery gives you a kiss<br />
* Dorien returns the kiss, lingering for a moment<br />
<br />
<Misery> If I die, you can have my chemistry set, since you gave it to me anyway.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You'll be fine.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Have a good trip.<br />
* Misery takes a tiny piece of the fungus, then<br />
<br />
<Misery> (for you, it had a somewhat delayed effect- took about 10 minutes to kick in)<br />
* Dorien will lay her down and stroke her head until it kicks in, then.<br />
* Misery almost immediately grabs at her throat, as if she can't breathe<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Oh...)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Shit...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Misery?<br />
* Dorien will grab for one of the potions<br />
* Misery flails her arms, writhing as if trying to claw her way out of something<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Fuck!<br />
<br />
<Misery> n-no<br />
* Misery tries to wave you back, you think?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Misery, can you hear me?<br />
* Misery then goes very still. she's still breathing, but just lying almost rigid<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Ok... fuck this...<br />
* Dorien will attempt to get her to drink the potion<br />
* Misery can be forced to swallow it, although it takes a bit of effort<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Any effect?)<br />
* Misery groans, rolls over, and pukes on your bed :p<br />
<br />
<Misery> that sucks<br />
* Dorien will hold her and keep reassuring her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's ok. You're ok...<br />
* Misery says after she's able to talk again<br />
<br />
<Dorien> What happened?<br />
<br />
<Misery> ah.. I felt like I was choking... then like the bed was sucking me into it<br />
<br />
<Misery> maybe hallucinations?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It all happened so quick... I'm sorry, I never should have let you try that.<br />
* Misery shakes her head weakly<br />
<br />
<Misery> it's okay... <br />
<br />
<Misery> it must affect me faster I guess<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'll say...<br />
* Dorien will grab another nearby bottle.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Here, drink some of this.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (It's gin)<br />
* Misery eyes it, then will take a swig<br />
<br />
<Misery> blech<br />
<br />
<Misery> ... sorry about the blanket<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That should help with the headache you're about to have.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No problem... it was old anyway.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Here, let me get you to the couch and I'll clean up.<br />
* Misery will spend the rest of the day recovering on the couch, but seems (for now) not to have any lingering serious effects<br />
<br />
<Dorien> O_O<br />
* Dorien will do everything he can to pamper her for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (aww)<br />
<br />
===Zola and Hugo attend Geffrard and Osmyn's wedding, and catch the metal-armed man after he attempts to assassinate Osmyn===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola and Hugo, you've done your part for getting the club ready for Geff and Osmyn's wedding ceremony.<br />
* Zola is fluttering everywhere making things perfect.<br />
* Hugonel will keep a close eye on the staff, while adjusting his new copper-orange scarf.<br />
* Zola swoops by occasionally to give Hugo a peck on the cheek :3<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There aren't a lot of guests, just a few close friends, and the staff who are helping out.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Rather a lot of warforged, perhaps not surprisingly.<br />
* Zola has prepared a selection of achingly romantic songs, including a couple from Psyra<br />
* Geffrard has nerves, but Osmyn seems fine<br />
* Zola exudes supportive excitement at Geff<br />
* Geffrard does have a very nice suit, though, thanks to Hugo's fashion advice ;p<br />
* Zola does watch to see what Osmyn thinks of it<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> You look lovely :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Squeeeee )<br />
* Hugonel nods enthusiastically.<br />
* Osmyn tells him, picking an invisible bit of fluff off his lapel<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Zola, my dear, I don't know what is more lovely, you or this wonderful event you've put together.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Not to mention our lovebirds here.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh but we must mention them :3:3:3<br />
* Zola strokes the arm of Hugo's jacket, though, not entirely discarding his praise...<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've chosen well yourself... complementing the groom ^_^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, Geff.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Why, thank you.<br />
* Zola plucks at his scarf a bit until it's a shape she likes.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I think, though, given the recent events, a little checking around might be warranted at this point.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Checking for what?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Trouble.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't think?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's been on my mind.<br />
* Zola frowns in concern.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you think I should get my gun?<br />
* Zola whispers<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If the club really is some sort of nexus or attractor for fey ... who knows? Warforged are not well-loved among them, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> <q> It can't hurt.<br />
* Zola sighs... "I suppose..."<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll be back in a flash.<br />
* Zola scurries away to aquire her tiny pistol<br />
* Hugonel will cast Detect Magic in the club, at least<br />
* Zola will also cast Detect Magic just before re-entering the main area.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'm sure there is magic on some people (people's magic items that they are wearing, that sort of thing) but nothing that seems out of the ordinary? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm ... well, there's nothing to be done, really, but be alert.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
* Zola has her pistol in a thigh holster so as not to accidentally alarm anyone she hugs exuberantly<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
* Valeen will move up to take her place so that the ceremony can begin<br />
* Valeen is wearing an adorable red dress ;)<br />
* Zola gives her an excited wave :D<br />
* Zola is also presumably in a red dress if Geff and Osmyn didn't have a preferred colour theme :P<br />
* Geffrard and Osmyn join hands, making their way together to front of the stage which is serving as an altar ;)<br />
* Zola is presumably singing<br />
<br />
<Zola> (at some point)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Seems like the right point :P)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can make a roll to see how awesome you do ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (23 boo)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (that's perfectly adequate, anyway :)<br />
* Valeen smiles, and will give the traditional blessing to begin the ceremony<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Today, we are gathered to join Geffrard and Osmyn in the bonds of marriage.<br />
* Zola forgets to be alert, watching Valeen and the two grooms :3<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Gentlemen, may your marriage bring you all the joy a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding for one another.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> May you always need one another - not to fill your emptiness but to help you to know your completion.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> When frustration, difficulties, and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Together, you can withstand the storms that will sometimes that hide the stars - remembering that even if you lose sight of them for a moment, the stars are still there.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> May your lives together be marked by abundance and delight, as you are reminded each day and each night of the love that brought you together.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Geffrard, do you take this man to be your husband, to love and honour him for as long as you live?<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> I do.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Osmyn, do you take this man to be your husband, to love and honour him for as long as you live?<br />
* Zola shimmies discreetly.<br />
* Osmyn nods, and then realizes he probably has to say it out loud, so clears his throat slightly and says 'Yes'.<br />
* Zola shimmies less discreetly :D<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Then I hereby bless your marriage in the name of the Seven.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> You may now kiss one another :)<br />
* Hugonel tries to keep an eye out for trouble, but there's some water in there ...<br />
* Geffrard shares a kiss with his new husband :3<br />
* Zola applauds!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Afterwards, there is of course refreshments and music. Zola can have a dance with Haft ;)<br />
* Zola flirts with all the warforged!<br />
* Zola does dance with Haft FIRST though.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (aw :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The celebrations last for a couple of hours, but soon enough things will have to wrap up in order for the club to open as usual in the evening.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Tits has, of course, given Geff the night off ;p<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You gather to see off the happy couple <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Their car is waiting outside the front door, but they hesitate for a little while, offering their thanks <br />
* Geffrard gives you a hug, Zola<br />
* Zola celebrates effusively<br />
* Zola hugs tight!<br />
<br />
<Zola> So happy!<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Thank you for all your help :)<br />
* Zola wiggles with him during the hug<br />
* Hugonel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're welcome!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It was our pleasure. Enjoy your night!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes! Do :D<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well, we'll try :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Try lots!<br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
* Zola allows herself a lascivious moment<br />
* Geffrard blushes a little<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> At that moment, a shot rings out, and Osmyn gives a cry as he slumps over on the ground.<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... oh!<br />
* Zola rushes over to him<br />
* Osmyn 's arms are suddenly wreathed with crackling electricity<br />
* Zola will Cure Light Wounds<br />
* Hugonel looks around to see if he can see where the shooter is coming from.<br />
* Zola will perhaps not cure light wounds<br />
* Geffrard does too, scanning the buildings across the street.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Haft, up there!<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I do if he's still down, but if he's getting up to fuck with people, not)<br />
* Geffrard says, pointing to a shadowy figure on one of the rooftops<br />
* Osmyn seems injured but not dying (yet anyway), and seriously pissed<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (is it less than 35 feet away?)<br />
* Zola will go with the heal then<br />
* Hugonel casts Hideous Laughter, if so.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> you can try it, Hugo<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (ok, save DC 19, 20 if the target is human)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> 'kk<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you hear an echoing, eerie laughter <br />
* Zola is so mad she's not an evoker right now.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Up there - I got him! <br />
* Zola pulls her pistol.<br />
* Hugonel will run up there and hope that he's not the only one.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How do we get up there?<br />
* Geffrard draws his gun and will attempt to fire at the figure, and Haft is already running for the building<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (good question!)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (probably by going inside the building across the street, which is a cafe)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Haft seems inclined to scale the wall, though - probably that is less of an option for you<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (ok, you know what, I'm going to keep an eye on alleys / possible exits rather than running up there. If I see it/him move, time for an Ear-Piercing Scream)<br />
* Osmyn 's eyes are also glowing blue, like the electricity that flickers over his arms<br />
* Zola will insire courage :3<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The laughter stops before Haft makes it up the side of the building - possibly the target is now free of the effects of your spell<br />
* Hugonel will cast Ear-Piercing Scream if I see a target<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yeah, if dude peeks at us at any point he is kinda fucked.)<br />
* Zola will fascinate his ass.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> By the sounds of things, whoever it was is now running away, over the rooftops<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can each see the figure long enough to try and cast your spells, depending on the range they have?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (35 feet)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (is that enough?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Well, how far away are they? In theory, I can cast Allegro, and get 5 rounds at ouble-speed to catch up, and then fascinate the target once I get around in front.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (that is briefly enough, yes)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (fine, Ear-Piercing Scream, Fort save DC 16)<br />
* Zola kicks off her heeled shoes and casts Allegro<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> They are 35 feet for the moment, but they'll be running<br />
* Zola begins to chase him<br />
<br />
<Zola> (or her)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, Hugo, you cast your spell, Zola you can give chase along the street<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (if save: 1d6 damage; if fail: 2d6 damage and dazed for 1 round to let people catch up)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> ('kk)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Haft is also in pursuit at rooftop level<br />
* Geffrard goes to his husband's side, rather than trying to pursue<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> it's okay... <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola - you reach the end of the street before he does, and you can try your fascinate<br />
* Osmyn 's eyes seem to flicker for a moment, and the lighting fades away, leaving him pale and still obviously injured<br />
* Hugonel will then stay near Osmyn in case there is more trouble there - if (as it seems) they didn't manage to kill him, they may be back<br />
* Zola will sing a song about bastards.<br />
<br />
<Zola> DC 18<br />
* Hugonel will get someone to go inside and call the police, but he will stay near Geff and Osmyn.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola - your song causes the fleeing figure to pause, and Haft tackles it to the ground. literally to the ground, from off the top of a roof.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :o<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, the warforged lands more or less at your (cold) feet, with a man underneath him <br />
* Zola aims her pistol<br />
<br />
<Zola> Haft you OK?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You're able to see that the man, whoever he is, has a metallic arm<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I don't know about this dude at all do I?)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I'm quite all right, thank you<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is ... he?<br />
* Zola pokes him with her toe<br />
* Haft gives him a look as the man stirs and groans, and punches him in the side of the head<br />
<br />
<Haft> He'll live.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good.<br />
* Zola says in a not entirely well meaning way.<br />
* Zola looks around to make sure he doesn't have any friends as Haft gets him under hand.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The guards will arrive, having been called, and matters will be dealt with - I'm sure you'll all have to answer some questions.<br />
* Zola steals his shoes<br />
<br />
<Zola> (for the walk back)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (lol)<br />
* Zola charms him for good measure >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oh hey I have share memory guys)<br />
<br />
<Haft> He's Bloodforged.<br />
* Haft says to you, Zola, since you're nearest<br />
<br />
<Zola> What's that?<br />
* Haft points to his arm<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like ... half warforged?<br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Zola walks uncomfortably in the stranger's boots<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't know that was a thing...<br />
<br />
<Haft> I only heard rumours about it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, you know, Zola, when a human and a warforged love each other very much ... no?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I didn't know they were real.<br />
* Zola does NOT know, despite trying all day.<br />
* Haft will haul him back for the guards, in any case<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wait, Haft... <br />
* Haft turns back to you for a moment<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could uh... try to fish some memories from him?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I think we should take him to the guards before he wakes up again. <br />
<br />
<Zola> OK. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You know where to find me :)<br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Zola rushes back to the grooms.<br />
* Neva has healed Osmyn up the rest of the way, it seems<br />
<br />
<Zola> We got the bastard!<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Good.<br />
* Geffrard has his arm around Osmyn protectively<br />
* Zola gives Geff a side-hug on his spare side<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The guards will take it from there, but the grooms and the rest of you will no doubt have to spend the next couple hours answering questions.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So for now, we'll move on...<br />
* Hugonel will alert Tits to what's going on and try to keep calm around the club so we can still open on time that evening.<br />
* Zola tosses the boots in the trash spitefully<br />
* Zola sighs and digs them out and donates them instead.<br />
<br />
===Lathra agrees to a date with Leiris===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you are at home one afternoon, and there's a knock at your door<br />
* Lathra peeks outside<br />
* Leiris stands there with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh!<br />
* Lathra checks her clothes and sniffs herself<br />
<br />
<Lathra> . o O (Ugh... well, whatever)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> (you're fine, hopefully!)<br />
* Lathra answers the door.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Hello... :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Fine for staying in probably, probably not for a date :P)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Lieris! What a lovely surprise!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Will you come in?<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I hope I'm not interrupting you at work or anything?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Nothing I can't take a break from, I assure you.<br />
* Leiris will step inside, then, and offer you the flowers (a non-ostentatious yellow and orange bouquet) and the bottle, which is gin<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Why it's lovely, thank you!<br />
* Lathra admires the bottle<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And uh...<br />
* Lathra retrieves the candlestick holding the dried-up flowers that Gen gave her, and quickly disposes of them to make room for the new ones.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I, ah, heard about the unfortunate incident... I wanted to see if you were all right.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh I'm fiiine, dear. It takes more than that, as they say!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, these are still fine... I shall have to secure a real vase I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I'm glad you're okay. <br />
* Lathra grins and makes a "pshaw" gesture with her hand<br />
<br />
<Leiris> This city... sometimes isn't very friendly to strangers. Or people who look like strangers, no matter how long they've been here.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, well... honestly I've been pleasantly surprised that I haven't had more of that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I mean, it's terrible of course and I shouldn't make like of it. But I'm fine, really.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (*light)<br />
* Leiris nods<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Well, other than that, how have you been?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, simply overwhelmed, really. With all these political goings-on on top of my regular jobs...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm sorry, I haven't been very... outgoing... as a result.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> that's quite understandable<br />
<br />
<Leiris> My boss is out of town, so I have a bit more flexibility - although I have to keep things running, at least I'm not being asked to stay after work 'just to finish up these three books'.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I mean, I might do that on my own, but at least then it's my decision ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, I know what you mean. It's quite different doing extra work when it's for yourself.<br />
* Leiris nods<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I wondered if you might like to go out again sometime? I know with all that's going on it's difficult to find the time, but... I would very much like to see you again.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well now I would like that, yes. Let's arrange that... and I have another idea, if you'd like to hear it?<br />
<br />
<Leiris> All right?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well if you're *really* interested in getting to know me - would you like to come along on the next suitable expedition that arises? The last two have really been quite something.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Oh! Yes, I'd like that very much :) It's been a while since I've gotten to go on an expedition.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Wonderful! It's settled then. I shall let you know as soon as I hear of something - it may be short notice though, these things sometimes are.<br />
<br />
<Leiris> I think Xan will understand if I need to leave on short notice, assuming he's even around himself ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And as for going out - I think the sooner we can arrange something, the less likely it is that something Terribly Important will occur and postpone it.<br />
* Leiris nods<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Well, what would you like to do? We could go to the Imperial Museum, I think we'd talked about that last time - or to Oracle's, if you'd rather something a bit more flashy :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh let's do the museum - you must know a few stories about some of the things there?<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Indeed, I do. One of them is actually about the last expedition I was able to go on :)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> How would ... hmm, sometime next week work for you?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well then I simply demand that we go to the museum.<br />
* Leiris smiles<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume you can come to some agreement on a time that will work for both of you)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Yeah, I don't have an IC calendar ;) )<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Heh)<br />
<br />
<Leiris> Well.. it was good to see you again, Lathra. I'll look forward to visiting the museum with you.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And I will look forward to opening your thoughtful gift!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Wink!<br />
* Lathra winks<br />
* Leiris seems completely charmed by that ;)<br />
* Leiris will bid farewell, and take his leave<br />
* Lathra waves him off, and then carries the bottle around the house trying to find somewhere to keep it where she'll save it for a special occasion.<br />
<br />
===Hettie, Denise, and Argent return to the undercity and meet the ghost of Ander's grandfather===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie and Denise, along with Enver and Nycki you are able to coordinate times and gather supplies to make a return expedition into the sewers<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise has also asked Argent to go, for further reinforcements (and 'cause it's cool)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D :D :D<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yeah! 5th wheel!)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (strangely, Mireva was not up for this as a date idea)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (lol)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I assume you've filled Argent in on what you encountered last time?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes!)<br />
* Denise has brought rope and possibly other dungeoneering type things?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (yes, lots of rope for everyone)<br />
* Denise isn't sure if thee i anything we could get tob help resist poison/diseasey type stuff in case we encounter more blighty musroomy things?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (apparently you could talk to Dorien? ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (we can wear like cloths over our mouths & noses at least)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yeah)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (to both of those ;p)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume Dorien is helpful enough to give you a couple of those anti-fungal things he's working on)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (ill pick up a healers kit, just in case)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (cool)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are able to return to the point where you encountered the fungus rats, and the grate is still intact <br />
<br />
<Denise> that's good, anyway<br />
* Enver takes a look at it<br />
* Denise can help leverage it out of the way again<br />
<br />
<Enver> It doesn't look like they were gnawing at it any more<br />
<br />
<Denise> (after he looks at it >.>)<br />
<br />
<Denise> good<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe that were all of 'em...<br />
<br />
<Denise> un less they found another way in...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ugh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe we can find out what they were lookin' for, anyway...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Argent will look around for signs of anyone else being here<br />
* Denise will *now* help get the grate out of the ay >.><br />
* Enver will work on getting the rope secured<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you can make a Perception check to look around the area<br />
<br />
<Argent> (28)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There is a faint lingering sort of moldy smell, but you don't pick up on any recent tracks or anything like that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> don't think anyone else has been here to look at it<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I'm gonna hope that's a good thing.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Once Enver has fastened the rope securely, you can begin to descend into the large cavern below...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess we'll see :D<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Climb checks for everyone<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> also it would be good to know what order you're going in<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20+10<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 14 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 24 ].<br />
* Denise can also assist other if needed?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (maybe I shoudl go first?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (both for climbing and also for beefyness?)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (im an ok climber (+7))<br />
<br />
<Argent> (I can go second... unlikely I would fall)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (boo only 13)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I'm just checking on N and E's scores)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (also 13)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Enver has a +9, Nycki also forgot to buy it ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (lol)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 19 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> (well lemme know if I can make assist rolls ;p)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20<br />
* Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 17 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (however she did okay without it ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I guess the Thundercunts never did second-story jobs ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (they just took the stairs ;p)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You manage to descend the long rope, although there are a couple of worrying moments, nobody slips or falls<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you reach the bottom first, and your feet crunch on something hard and brittle at the same time. <br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (That better not be bones but I bet it is >.>)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I put you on the map in roll20 :)<br />
* Denise will look<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (admire my piles of booones)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are standing in a field of bones, bare of flesh but some still with remains of tattered clothing and wisps of hair.<br />
<br />
<Denise> D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Fuuuuuck me<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> Well I guess we know what happened to the folks who stayed behind...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> THe boneyard, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Enver> That's why they call it the Boneyard...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> DId they all die here, or did they get put here?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I think it's not the folks who stayed behind, Denise... or not all, anyway. Our folks buried 'em here.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Well, not 'buried' exactly >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I thought there catacombs were like... more put there, but this is more like... piles?<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
* Enver says, stepping carefully over someone's skeleton<br />
* Denise will tread carefully<br />
<br />
<Enver> I think they used to be more... neatened up.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> Dunno why it's such a mess...<br />
<br />
<Denise> what's up there?<br />
* Denise looks up at the dias-y thing<br />
<br />
<Denise> (and is there really a clear-ish area?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It is, as you surmised, a platform kind of thing, that looks deliberately carved, not a natural formation. It is at the edge of a deep crevasse.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Yes there's an area where you can walk without stepping on dead people constantly - it isn't completely clear, but more scattered bits than full skeletons.<br />
* Denise will stick to that part<br />
* Argent will look around for any movement or threats<br />
* Denise will look, and also sniff the air?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (samesies)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> And there's the sound of flowing water, as a stream runs along and falls into the hole in a waterfall.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (per then scent)<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 2d20+8<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 2d20+8 ] getting [ 6 20 ] for a total of [ 26 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 34 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you can roll for 'em<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+10<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 15 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+10<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 20 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (15/20 per/scent)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (whoops, but I'm happy to count that as an 14 and a 28 ;p)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (36 Per)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (both skills are at 8)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, not going to bother to roll for Enver and Nycki since you guys did well enough on your own <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There are signs that someone or something else has been in here. The way the bodies are disarrayed is one clue, but you can also pick up on subtler signs - some tracks in the dust, a faint odour of living humans instead of long-dead ones.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (recent?)<br />
* Denise looks Concerned<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> Someone's been down here - I can smell 'em<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Yes, probably fairly recent.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> But like, a few days ago, not two minutes ago - that sort of recent.<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> Maybe a few days?<br />
* Argent will try to get a sense of the origin of the tracks and see if he would be able to follow them<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can do that, Argent<br />
<br />
<Argent> (33 survival, and they are considered 1 day fresher from Celestial Hunter trait)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are able to see the path they make through the cavern - they seem to lead in the direction of the far wall from where you descended. The tracks are human, or humanoid anyway - not rodents.<br />
* Argent will pass the information to the group<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Before you can get too far away, though, something odd happens...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, you notice it first - a glowing ball of light appears, hovering over the crevasse but slowly drifting closer to you.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Whoah...<br />
<br />
<Enver> (it's small, like about the size of a hand, say)<br />
* Denise turns to watch<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh :o<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ANyone got an idea?<br />
* Nycki draws her gun - that's an idea >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> it's gotta be some kinda magic...<br />
* Denise eyes Argent<br />
<br />
<Argent> (dancing lights? Spellcraft? Wisp or Undead K>?)<br />
* Denise takes a defensive stance though she doesn't know ho you can punch a ball of light.....<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It don't look like a mushroom, at least<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Above the platform, the ball of light shifts and expands, becoming the translucent, faintly glowing figure of a man. He wears what look like old-fashioned, simply-made clothing, and carries a staff. His hair is long, and his eyes are white and shine as if from a light within.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> a ghost? :o<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Leave this place.<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Too many have trespassed here.<br />
<br />
<Argent> (Do I figure its a Ghost? K:Religion?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We ain't trespassin'. This is where we come from. :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeha - this is our place too<br />
<br />
<Denise> who are you? :o<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure, you can make a check, Argent)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (12... no idea unless its really common)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Yeah, you don't know - it would be hard to tell the difference between various types of ethereal or insubstantial creatures unless it attacks you or uses some power, anyway<br />
* Ghost drifts slightly closer, as if it's ... examining you somehow<br />
* Argent will detect evil<br />
* Denise stands firm though her first instinct is to lean away<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The entity does not radiate evil, Argent<br />
<br />
<Argent> Are you the protector or watcher of this place?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Who am I? I am the last guardian of this sacred place. <br />
* Ghost turns to you, Argent<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Who are you? You have the mother's blood within you.<br />
* Ghost floats right up to you, Argent<br />
* Hettienne eyes Argent.<br />
* Argent does not shrink back<br />
* Denise watches this carefully<br />
<br />
<Argent> I am called Argent. What happened here, who desicrated this place?<br />
* Ghost peers into your face, its dead eyes meeting yours<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> The builders from the surface<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> They come with tools that destroy, not create<br />
<br />
<Argent> do you know what they were looking for?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> A path through<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...for the subway, maybe?<br />
* Denise remembers her da mentioning that >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> Maybe, yeah. I know they're doin' work on that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> were they just... humanfolk?<br />
* Denise asks<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> They can't just plow a train track through our graveyards!!!<br />
* Hettienne sputters<br />
* Ghost is speaking in Rat by the way - I should have mentioned that earlier, but I think you can all speak it anyway?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah >:/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'll let the boss know, for sure.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I bet we'd never have even found out if this see-through bird weren't here!!<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Humans, yes... they do not know what else lurks here<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> what else does lurk here? o_O<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Mushrooms?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> When the fungus destroys them, my children will gnaw their bones.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> <m> God damn mushrooms<br />
<br />
<Enver> Uh.. that seems ... not so good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what iof the musrooms take over your children >.><br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> My children will not be taken by the invaders... they know how to scurry and hide<br />
<br />
<Denise> we saw some rats what were all infected when we came down here before<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, when we tried >.><br />
* Ghost raises his hand and there is a rustling, unsettling sound from somewhere in the midst of the bones<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Argent> what do the invaders want here? we believe they seek this place.<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> I guard the mother's tomb and the resting place of all our dead - if they do not seek that, then I have no quarrel with them.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...is the mother Emkathon?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Isn't she already gone?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Her resting place is a sacred site... I chose to stay, to guard it forever...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We just came lookin' for something that's supposed to be here... like some kinda piece of our heritage<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Who are you? I mean, do you have a name, so that we can be... on friendly terms, like?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Name... yes. I had a name once. My name was Jann.<br />
* Ghost says as if it's been a long time since he's had to use it, or even think about it<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (does that mean anything to us scrubs)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (ahh, I guess if anyone has k:history? or Denise, I think Ander's told you that particular story...)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (he did't use the name)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (though I can guess still :p)<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu're the ones who stayed back when the others left<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Yes... my children and I...<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....not all your children >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> Jann, we fear the servants of the Fungus Queen seek something here. May we approach the alter and examine it?<br />
* Hettienne gives Den a look like 'what are you on about, girl'<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> Didn't I tell you the story I had from Ander?<br />
* Denise whispers to her aunt<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> You may.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> <q> noooope<br />
* Ghost says with an emphasis on the 'you', to Argent.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
* Denise says when Aregnt can go<br />
<br />
<Argent> any hints?<br />
* Argent asks before he goes<br />
* Ghost is going with you... he drifts along beside you, Argent, peering at you with unsettling blank eyes<br />
* Argent will go up to the alter and "check it out" as best he can... use detect magic and stuff...not really sure what he is looking for.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (You can make a Perception roll, too)<br />
* Denise shuffles over towards the others to confer while he does that<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well while he's gettin' a tour o' the tomb...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ANyone see anything what looks like a red road?<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> Ander said there were a bunch of folks who stayed behind at the emergence....<br />
<br />
<Argent> (31)<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> That it was his granda who led them >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> They were stayin' to rotect somethin' - he thought it was Emkathon, but no oenwver knew what happened to em @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> <q> So this ghost it Ander's...? <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (is)<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> I guess so :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> he said all the sons satyed with theier da, but all the girls came out with their mam<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Huh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> We could check out the stream, maybe... that's the only thing even at all like a road that I see here.<br />
* Nycki says in answer to your question, Hettie<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe if you told him you're tight with his grandkid he'd help us more :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah...<br />
* Hettienne ambles over towards the water/<br />
* Nycki sticks close with you<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe, but like, I dunno of it were a friendy split >.><br />
* Denise goes too, dividing her attention between picking her way through the bones with you guys and keeping an eye on Argent<br />
<br />
<Denise> His gran is still alive though, but she's like really old @_@<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, the water has a reddish tint to it - maybe there's clay in it or something like that, but it's definitely a rusty shade.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey hey.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Red road.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What's the next bit?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I'm not sure how we're gonna follow it <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Is it deep?<br />
* Nycki points to the crevasse it flows into<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hmmm...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Uh, door locked with a feather.<br />
* Nycki says re. the next bit<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, we got rope.<br />
<br />
<Denise> do we got a boat? >.><br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah... but not sure Spooky there is gonna let us go down, if that's where he's guarding.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well let's have a chat when he's done with the boy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Argent<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent - you examine the raised platform carefully, but you don't find anything magical or especially strange about it, other than that it is sort of hanging right at the edge of this deep hole.<br />
* Argent looks back to the group when he hears his name<br />
* Argent ask Jenn<br />
<br />
<Argent> Do you know what is down the hole?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> The mother's tomb.<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> Your mother's mother's tomb.<br />
* Argent will go back to the group near the river<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> You could join me here...<br />
* Ghost whispers after you as you go<br />
* Ghost drifts along after you<br />
<br />
<Argent> <w> I cannot join you, there is too much for me to do still<br />
<br />
<Argent> So nothing special on the alter... but down the pit...<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> what could be more important than this?<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> all of you could stay... you are all my children...<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uhhhh what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like no way dude<br />
<br />
<Denise> We got to take care of folks who are still livin' >:/<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah, thanks for the offer an' all, but we gotta be goin'<br />
* Enver holds on to Denise's hand, edging away from creepy dead grandpa.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Been real good talkin' with you though<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise squeeaes Enver's hand, but will extricate herself from his grip incase she needs her hands >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> Jann, we cannot stay with you.<br />
* Ghost raises his hand again, and a cluster of ghostly rats emerge from the bones, approaching you on stealthy, insubstantial paws<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Awww nawwww man. -_-<br />
<br />
<Ghost> <w> My duty will never be done... my children can never sleep.<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Okay fuck that.<br />
* Nycki is heading back to the noperope.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well.... looks like you got plenty to help you out @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> we're just gonna... go @_@<br />
* Hettienne will go with Nycki!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We are out<br />
* Denise also, keeping herslef between the others and the ghostrats<br />
* Enver will make sure Denise is coming too, backing away carefully in the direction of the exit<br />
* Ghost will not pursue you further, then, as you depart from his territory<br />
* Argent goes with the group<br />
<br />
<Argent> well that was... strange.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> creepy as fuck, you mean?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> So much for treasure :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Let's go get drunk.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Man, I don't wanna fight that guy... I just feel kinda sorry for him :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> That's gonna be fun to tell the boss about later >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> at least we have an idea of what is down there<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> and<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Enver> Maybe we can figure out some other way to get around him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we really can't let 'em build threogh there @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> first, that just ain't right<br />
<br />
<Enver> Or like... get him to ... go to wherever dead folks go >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> \plus, like, folks'll just get et by ghostrats @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We gotta stop that.<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> there is likely a way we can get him to move on<br />
<br />
<Denise> well though, if the treasure really were Emkathon's tomb then there ain't nothin' there<br />
<br />
<Argent> are you certain?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... I now she ain't there<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess maybe there was stuff?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I figure if there were anythin', by now the folks who run that big temple woulda come got it?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe they don't know about it?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> So what, we need a priest? Or a channel?<br />
* Nycki shrugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> a priest<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe a channel might have better luck with this fella... dunno that he'd have much use for a priest.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> but depends what they're gonna do, I guess<br />
<br />
<Nycki> if it's to talk some sense into him, yeah :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can let Mickey know and see that the channels think?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Liek, they may wanna deal with it anyway?><br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> they can sort out a proest if that's what's right<br />
<br />
<Denise> (priest)<br />
<br />
===Gen and Madds establish that neither of them is up for anything more than friendship===<br />
* Madds will meet you at the Eleusinian Museum, Gen, since it's free and warm ;)<br />
* Genevriel is in the lobby reading a book called "Teach Yourself Celestial!" by Sister Grace Charlevoix, when he arrives.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Hello :)<br />
* Genevriel tucks it away in her satchel and smiles for Madds.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hi... You've probably been here a million times before, but it's my first. So... anything you recommend seeing?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If not, I'd be interested in checking out the Eastern Empire gallery.<br />
<br />
<Madds> All right, sure.<br />
* Madds will lead the way in that direction, then.<br />
* Genevriel will head there and check out statues of ancient Psyrene gods, among others.<br />
<br />
<Madds> How are you doing?<br />
* Genevriel silently asks in Celestial "Are you the One?" as she makes her rounds, chats a bit with Madds, and keeps an eye on him in case he needs to stop standing/walking, so that she can sit down with him before he has to ask.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (It's the only phrase she has mastered so far.)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Pretty good - and you?<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm all right.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How's work?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Busy.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There were that many of us wrongdoers, were there?<br />
* Madds smiles slightly<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, even in cases where there wasn't actually wrongdoing, we still need to investigate what happened.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, I've been wondering, given the restrictions placed on me - how far out is your uncle's farm? Will I need to get permission to leave the city overnight, or something like that? Whenever we decide to go.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, it's about three or four hours' drive - but that's in good weather.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I suspect we can't count on good weather.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> Maybe by the time the weather is better, the limitations on your travel will also have been lifted.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If the weather gets better...<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, surely it has to eventually...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I've been reading my uncle's papers - the winter is unusually bad, isn't it? And curiously, only within a certain distance of the city, where these ice fey happen to be settling in.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Yes, that does seem to be the case.<br />
<br />
<Madds> But that means there's something to be done about it, hopefully. If it was just natural, but awful, weather, we might be stuck with it ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Perhaps.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Madds... You mentioned last time that you have nightmares. Every night?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Not every night... Some nights I don't sleep.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ... Why?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Because if I don't sleep, then I don't have nightmares. Duh ;)<br />
* Madds says with a faint hint of his old teasing smile<br />
* Genevriel looks a little embarrassed for having asked.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I might be able to help with that, if you like.<br />
* Genevriel says in a rush.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Oh? How?<br />
* Genevriel finds a gallery with nothing worth looking at and sits on a bench there.<br />
* Madds will sit down beside you, carefully because of his leg.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> This will sound crazy, and believe me, I did think I was probably crazy for the longest time after the war ended...<br />
* Madds listens<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> When I rescued that Psyrene child soldier, I didn't do it alone... He was so badly burnt. He was dying. I asked the stars for help, and an entity I call the One answered. The One healed him. And... I can still call on it to heal people. A little. I wouldn't be able to fix your leg, I don't think.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I have learned a spell that lets me sleep through the night. I can cast it on you, if you like.<br />
* Madds nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Madds> All right. I don't see how it could hurt, anyway.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And it will also be some proof for you that I really am not crazy.<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I don't think you're crazy, Genny.<br />
* Genevriel will call on The One to cast Pleasant Dreams on Madds.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I... suppose I won't know if it works until tonight?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Well, if he feels the tingling raw power like Dorien did, he'll know something weird just happened. ;) )<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (he'll know something happened, but whether it fixes his nightmares, he won't know until later)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Not unless you decide to take a nap sooner.<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little.<br />
* Madds smiles back<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It will last until this time tomorrow, but then it will have worn off.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, thank you for trying, regardless. I'll let you know if it's effective.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You're welcome. I wish I could make it last longer.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It would be a good excuse to see you more often :)<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little nervously.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> About that... I think you know that some of your words last time scared me a little.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I asked August - you remember him? - for advice, which boiled down to my having to speak with you about it.<br />
* Madds nods again<br />
<br />
<Madds> That's usually sensible advice.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes... but I am not always the most sensible person when it comes to feelings or understanding other people.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So... <br />
<br />
<Madds> Yes?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm just wondering whether we're just friends, or if you would, ideally, like for us to be something more.<br />
* Genevriel says in a nervous rush.<br />
<br />
<Madds> ...<br />
<br />
<Madds> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I don't know whether I can be something more.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, that makes two of us, then!<br />
<br />
<Madds> I do know that I'm glad we found one another again, and that I enjoy spending time with you.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I know I've thought about you a lot over the years.<br />
* Genevriel nods again.<br />
<br />
<Madds> But, ah... it wasn't only my leg that was injured. If you see what I mean.<br />
* Madds says quietly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (SM: he got castrated, or something else...?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I don't know how you would know? he is suggesting he has some other sort of injury that would make intimacy difficult)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (but that could be mental as much as physical)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh, well...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> To be honest, that probably isn't such a big deal, for me.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's sort of a big deal for me, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, of course.<br />
<br />
<Madds> And I might not be in any sort of shape to be a ... romantic partner for anyone.<br />
* Genevriel nods, mixed relief and regret evident in her features.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know if I could, either.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> For now, I think being friends is for the best.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That's good; I was going to tell you I needed time to get to know you again, anyway.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> All right. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you, too.<br />
* Madds seems a bit relieved and regretful as well<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Um... May I hug you, at least?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Yes, of course.<br />
* Madds will hug you<br />
* Genevriel hugs him tight. He still smells so good. ^-^<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne stops Jean-Faust from murdering Dasra and Raimond===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, your phone rings at an unacceptably early hour.<br />
* Aubrienne will wait a few rings to see if Jed will get it, then grumble as she gets up to get it herself.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hello?<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> He's gone!<br />
* Ethaine sounds panicky and upset over the phone line<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who's gone, Mama?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust?<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> Your brother!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, dang.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you know when he left? Like, recently?<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> He didn't come to breakfast this morning. I thought maybe he was sleeping in, so I let him rest... <br />
<br />
<Ethaine> But then I stepped outside to pick up the milk and I saw that his bedroom window was open, and it's so cold, I thought that was odd...<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> And he wasn't in his room at all!<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> I already called the Orecalos and they said he hasn't come there, but they're keeping an eye out in case he does. Your father's out looking for him.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Huh, I thought for sure he'd be at the Orecalos' if he wasn't home...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll be there as soon as I can and I'll help Papa look.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> They - or someone else? I don't know - might be able to scry on him, but it'll take some time.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> Thank you, please, come as soon as you can!<br />
* Aubrienne will go get dressed<br />
* Jedrezej stirs groggily<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Is Jed home? Also, is my car fixed?)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Something wrong?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Answers the one :))<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (your car should be fixed by now, yeah)<br />
* Aubrienne throws a coat onto Jed<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> uhh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I need your help.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> 'kay?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust is missing,<br />
* Jedrezej will pull it on, also some pants >.><br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Oh. Shit.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Pants? Meh,)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> (man, it's cold out there, he has to protect his assets)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (The moneymaker, as it were?)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> (indeed)<br />
* Jedrezej gets ready to go, then<br />
* Aubrienne will head down to the car and race over to her parents' house<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I don't have any spells... I mean, I barely got any rest. So I hope I don't need them...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I assume Aubrienne is pretty tapped out, too?)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> (yeah, probably - whatever you use in the show, anyway)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You and me both, pal.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Any idea where to start looking?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just can't imagine where he would go.<br />
* Jedrezej thinks about it for a bit<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> What about the creepy trees? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's certainly possible. Let's let my mother know and then we'll head that way.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Or... maybe to talk to other soldiers from his unit? I don't know.<br />
* Jedrezej nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Possibly Raimond, if he still has trees in his head...<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> that seems bad, either way<br />
* Aubrienne will call some of the neighborhood patrol folks/people who helped rescue her brother when she gets to her parents' house.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Just to let them know what's going on)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, I'll assume you can get some of them anyway - those who have phones, and are home<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Zola gets an early morning phone call ;)<br />
* Zola stumbles around a bit cursing Hector<br />
* Aubrienne will apologize profusely for the hour<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aubrienne? O_o<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Zola, I'm really sorry to be calling right now, it's just there may be something of an emergency.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What is it, honey?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> My brother is missing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> He is? What about Eirlys? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's not at home and he's not at the Orecalos', and he didn't tell anyone where he was going.<br />
* Zola wishes Bastien could make coffee.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Unseen servant could, if you have that spell. ;))<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh no :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is there something I can do? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I guess I just wanted to let people know. He's so wrapped up in all this fey stuff, and it seems like we do better when everyone is informed, so...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure? I don't want to ask everyone to drop what they're doing and look for him, but I guess keep an eye out? If he visits the club, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sure... <br />
* Aubrienne makes a mental note to ask Lathra to check in on Raimond.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll get my things together in case we need to go after him. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I appreciate it, Zola. You're a doll.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you have somewhere to look?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jed and I are going to check the growth in the Shade, and then call on Raimond. I guess we'll see from there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> OK, you give me a call when you have a plan. And if I'm not here, try me the club or Hugo's. I might go get him prepped too. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay. Thanks again.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugs!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Likewise. Stay safe! And warm!<br />
<br />
<Zola> You too.<br />
* Aubrienne will get ready to head out<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey, don't do anything unsafe at the mushroom farms OK?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Call us first.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll do my best.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> So, first stop, the creepy forest?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Which I almost typed as 'I'll do my beast', which is a whole other thing...)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's as good an idea as any, unless there was anything in his room that might indicate his plans.<br />
* Ethaine didn't find any note or obvious sign of that - his coat and boots are missing, so at least he's dressed for the weather, but otherwise nothing taken<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Maybe you should let me drive... that way you can be on lookout duty.<br />
* Jedrezej politely does not say 'you're too upset to drive' ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sure.<br />
* Aubrienne tosses him her keys.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Mama, we'll find him.<br />
* Aubrienne gives her a hug.<br />
* Ethaine gives you a tight hug back<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> I'll stay here, in case he comes back, or anyone calls...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's a good plan. Hopefully he just wanted some time to himself and he'll be back on his own.<br />
* Aubrienne doesn't sound convinced, but tries to make it sound plausible for her mom.<br />
* Ethaine nods<br />
* Jedrezej will drive us to creepy trees, then<br />
* Aubrienne will keep a lookout<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The trees look taller, and still creepy, but you don't see your brother anywhere near them.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hello?!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The branches whisper softly to you, unhelpfully.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> A pair of guards walks by and gives you a puzzled look.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't suppose you've seen anyone around here?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Looks like this?<br />
* Aubrienne produces a photo.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The guards look at it and shake their heads. "You need some help, miss?" one of them asks.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's rather a lot to explain, but my brother is missing, and he has a connection to the fey, and these trees are also related...we're just trying to find him.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> "Well, we patrol along here. We can keep an eye out if we see him in the area."<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'd really appreciate it, thank you.<br />
* Aubrienne will give him their parents' number and her and Jed's.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Which might not be the best idea, but she's distraught)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> To M. Treebrain's house next?<br />
* Jedrezej asks you<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yes, but be careful. If we have an accident, there will be rumors about me and shadar-kai passengers.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Well as long as it doesn't involve an axe to the fender, it should be fine.<br />
* Jedrezej will drive us across the river, then, to the Grand<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm just saying, we weren't expecting it last time.<br />
* Aubrienne rides along keeping a pointless lookout<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You arrive at Dasra and Raimond's house. The door is slightly ajar, which is odd given the weather.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> ...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, shit.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Give me a moment.<br />
* Jedrezej nods<br />
* Aubrienne will open her spellbook to switch out for some useful spells<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I'm assuming she had it along specifically for this. She keeps it on her more since the got the thing that lets her change her prepared spells)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> ('kk)<br />
* Aubrienne will Mage Armor us both up (unless he has one prepped and available), and give him Invisibility before we go inside.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> He can probably manage his own Mage Armor - he's low but not totally tapped out, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Heh. Is it human privilege to think you wouldn't need Mage Armor prepped for a normal day? ;))<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - heading inside, then?<br />
* Aubrienne will try to be as quiet as possible heading in, keeping any eye (and ear, and...nostril, I guess out)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Again with scent being a weird power)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (roll Perception and Scent I guess?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+8<br />
* Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 21 ].<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+5<br />
* Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 2 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 7 ].<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (per then scent)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Once you make it inside the door, you can hear some sounds from upstairs - probably in the direction of Raimond's room.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> please... please don't...<br />
* Dasra begs, sounding distraught<br />
* Aubrienne will rush up the stairs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Dasra!<br />
* Dasra is standing across the doorway, with Jean-Faust pointing a gun at her.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I'm sorry... I don't want to hurt you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust!<br />
* Jean-Faust says, sounding as if he's crying<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What are you doing?<br />
* Jean-Faust turns in your direction<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> the seed needs to grow<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What does that mean, bratic?<br />
* Aubrienne tries to sound as soothing as possible<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> It's inside him... it needs to come out.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> All right, I can understand that.<br />
* Aubrienne will try to get closer, edging towards Dasra.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is this something we can talk about?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Don't try to stop me!<br />
* Jedrezej invisibly circles around Jean-Faust, and will tackle him from behind, becoming visible when he does so.<br />
* Aubrienne will push Dasra out of the way and go for the gun<br />
* Jean-Faust 's gun goes off, fortunately only injuring the wallpaper<br />
* Jean-Faust struggles, but between you and Jed, you can manage to pin him down, and soon he just starts sobbing instead of fighting back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Once he's not fighting back, Aubrienne will try to wrangle him into more of a hug-hold.)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <rat> It'll be okay, little brother, it will be all right.<br />
* Dasra goes to grab the phone<br />
* Dasra will call the guards, unless you want to try and prevent her from doing so<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Dasra, please, don't.<br />
* Dasra hesitates<br />
* Dasra hangs up again, slowly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sorry, but he needs help, and the guards will just get him to them eventually.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Who should I call?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We can get him some assistance sooner.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Wait a sec, aren't the Orecalos' out of town?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Xan and Justen are, but San and co. are home)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Ah, okay)<br />
* Aubrienne will give Dasra their number,<br />
* Dasra will phone them, then.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It may mean guards are sent, but they'll know more what's going on.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Dasra, I'm so sorry.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> He... he said he didn't want to hurt me... <br />
<br />
<Dasra> but what was he going to do to Raimond?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure, but I don't think anything good.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We need to find a solution to Raimond's problem, and sooner rather than later.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, once she phones, San will show up basically immediately, teleporting in - he's polite enough to teleport to the front door and walk in, at least ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Probably San can put Jean-Faust out cold if that's easiest - he will probably think that's easiest anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Seems fair.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - then he'll subdue him, and say he's taking him to his house, and suggest you let your parents know where he is.<br />
* Jedrezej will make sure you're okay<br />
* Aubrienne will stay to try to calm Dasra as best she can and help Raimond if necessary, then phone her parents and head over to pick them up and head to the Orecalos'<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm okay, Jed. Are you?<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I'm okay... not really built for full-contact sports though.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Other than the fun ones.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You were quite dashing, though. Shame no one else saw you do it.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> You can spread the tale of my glory far and wide.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> C'mon... let me get you home?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Least I can do, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sure.<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Denise tells Ander about the ghost in the Undercity===<br />
* Denise thinks Denise might not leave this to just 'whenever she can score a few minutes of the boss's time at work'<br />
<br />
<Ander> *nod*<br />
<br />
<Ander> want to go to his apartment, then? or at least, phone his apartment and arrange to meet sooner?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Go to his place<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dn't know where she'd get a phone >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> k<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wasn't sure what the usual routine was - if she usually met them there to drive to the club or what<br />
<br />
<Ander> that would make sense, if she's driving him these days<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise will show up early then and hope that is not terribly inconvenient<br />
<br />
<Ander> (oh I guess I might need a Ralf too, huh)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (unless you want to talk to Ander privately?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (although I don't know that they keep a tight schedule >.>)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (nah<, I think she figures probably he'll hear it anyway :p)<br />
* Denise knocks<br />
* Ander and Ralf are having a bit of quiet time - Ander reading, Ralf cleaning and sharpening his knives<br />
* Ralf will get up to go answer the door, though<br />
<br />
<Ralf> Oh, hey - kinda early, ain't ya?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh, yeah.... I gotta talk to the boss though, if that's okay<br />
<br />
<Ralf> Somethin' wrong?<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmm... sorta, yeah<br />
<br />
<Ralf> Well, c'mon in<br />
<br />
<Denise> not anything that can be fixed quick though, I don't think<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks Ralf<br />
<br />
<Ralf> There's coffee made if you want some<br />
* Denise will come in and glance around, giving Killer and Prince a quick smile :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> swell, thanks.<br />
* Ralf will get you some, then<br />
<br />
<Ander> Hey Dee - what's up?<br />
* Denise will procure some, since making herslef at home always seems slightly less awkward than expecting them to wait on her :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey boss...<br />
* Denise stes down in onf ot the living room chairs<br />
<br />
<Denise> a bunch if stuff is up<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah?<br />
<br />
<Ander> By the look on your face, it ain't good stuff either<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, not so much<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, you remember me sayin' 'bout how me and Enver was goin' with Aunt Hettie an' Nyckie looking for that treausre that's supposed to be down in the undercity?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, we got further this time<br />
<br />
<Denise> no more mushrooms this time, t least, though I know they're still down there<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
* Ander nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, you know how, like, a lot of our folk are supposed to be laid out down there?<br />
* Denise decides to start with the practical stuff first >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> in the Boneyard, I gues is how its called?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, there's a big catacomb somewhere, from what I read.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we found that<br />
<br />
<Denise> only, like, instead of filks bein' laid out in any kind of proper way.... its' just a big *mess* :|<br />
<br />
<Ander> well... it's been a long time, yeah? Maybe water got in there, or animals messed it up... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think so<br />
<br />
<Denise> no<br />
* Denise is pretty mad about this, the more she thinks about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> other folks had been through there, in the past few days<br />
<br />
<Ander> What other folks?<br />
<br />
<Denise> we're pretty sure it was folks from the trams<br />
<br />
<Denise> the ones who wanna put them lines that goes underground :|<br />
* Ander frowns<br />
<br />
<Denise> like.... there was a path cleared through<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> that ain't right boss!<br />
<br />
<Ander> They gonna run a line through our people's graveyard?<br />
<br />
<Denise> we can't just let 'em do that!<br />
<br />
<Ralf> That's some fuckin' nerve.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like....<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if that weren't *terrible*<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like... ugh<br />
<br />
<Denise> It *is* terrible but also, uh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's, um..... a guardian there<br />
<br />
<Ander> What sorta guardian?<br />
<br />
<Denise> A ghost. <br />
<br />
<Ander> well, that ain't good<br />
<br />
<Denise> an, like.... his "children"<br />
<br />
<Denise> which far as we can figure is a whole bunch of ghost rats >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> but, um, boss.... it ain't just any ghost.<br />
* Ander looks puzzled<br />
<br />
<Denise> You know the story you told me, 'bout the folks who stayed behind....<br />
<br />
<Ander> ...yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, he said his name was Jann, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> if that's got some meanin' for you >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> ...<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah. it does.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> you talked to him?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> he was real focused on the whole guardian thing<br />
<br />
<Denise> Guardin' the bones....<br />
* Ander nods slowly, as if trying to absorb this<br />
<br />
<Denise> and the tomb of 'the Mother'<br />
<br />
<Denise> which I figure peolly is Emkathon<br />
<br />
<Denise> least when I said she was gone, he said he was gonna stay an guard the place anyway 'cause it was scared.<br />
<br />
<Denise> sacred<br />
<br />
<Ralf> So if he's guardin' the place, what's he gonna do when they run a tram line through there?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I do't know much about ghosts<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I bet nothin' real nice >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> he was like 'you shoudl stay with me and guard this place' and we just got the void right out of there @_@<br />
<br />
<Ander> That was prolly a good plan.<br />
<br />
<Ander> From anythin' I know he didn't quite have all his marbles even when he was alive... I can't imagine bein' a ghost helps >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> he just seemed real.... single minded, say >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> this whole thing ain't right.<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, it really ain't<br />
<br />
<Denise> *plus* the mushroom folk are still down there too<br />
<br />
<Denise> he didn't seem to care much 'bout them though<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause they weren't messing with the stuff he was lookin' after, I guess<br />
<br />
<Ander> I wonder if Rionet knows 'bout the tram stuff.<br />
<br />
<Ander> 'cause I can't imagine he'd be on board with that, if he knew<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't figure anyone who ain't a right asshole would be onboard if they knew >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's gotta be something we can do, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, for starters, I'm gonna talk to him. He wants me to do all this politics shit, so I'm gonna do it. We'll get it in the paper too, if we gotta.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Figure out whose bright idea it was, an' get 'em to find a different route<br />
<br />
<Ander> If they wanna have us folks work on their tunnels - an' I bet they will - they're gonna have a surprise comin'.<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> no kiddin' >:|<br />
<br />
<Ander> I dunno what to say about my... about the ghost, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know, boss :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just figured you oughtta know about it<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I would advice agains't goin' down an lookin' though, cuaee I bet he'd not be real keep to let you go an I ain't realy sure on how to fight a ghost<br />
<br />
<Ander> I... appreciate it<br />
<br />
<Ander> I don't plan on fightin' him, anyhow.<br />
<br />
<Ander> You shouldn't either :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'd rather not, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno if folks are planin' on goin' back still or what, maybe tryin' to find another way<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Ralf> There's gotta be some way to get him to ... give up the ghost? ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I figured, maybe the channels can deal with him some how?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Maybe they'll have some idea, I guess, yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe they even knew he was there alread, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was gonna get my brother to tell the others<br />
<br />
<Ander> They go down there more'n just about anyone else, so maybe they do already know, yeah...<br />
* Ander isn't sure how to feel about that either<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe you shoudl talk to Channel Sylvia, if you're gonna go see the other Rionet anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> I'll see, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> So does all that mean you *are* gonna do that politics thing?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Oh, ah. Yeah, well. Gonna give it a go.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh. okay.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet you'll be real good at it :)<br />
<br />
<Ander> thanks :)<br />
* Ander musters a slight smile, but is still a bit preoccupied with all this other stuff<br />
* Denise doesn't realllllly know what that means for her but worry about that later maybe >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> It's still a ways off, we'll figure it out.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> we got other things to worry about now @_@<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> are we still gonna go to the club tonight?<br />
<br />
<Ander> I, uh... <br />
<br />
<Ander> I dunno if I'm up to it tonight.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Might be I gotta make some phone calls, too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> sorrym boss<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> ain't your fault<br />
<br />
<Ander> void, you're doin' all this extra work I ain't even asked you to, I prolly owe you a bonus or summat :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> you want me to go, an see if there's anythin' important comes up there?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, if you go, you take your fella. <br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
* Ander gets his wallet out and hands you a 50.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Ander> Just a little somethin' extra.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks boss @_@<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I'll get goin' then, and leave you to do....whatever you gotta do :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> Sure. Anythin' urgent comes up, you know where to find me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I'll give you a call :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure thing<br />
* Denise will go collect Enver then and go to the club :3 :3 :3<br />
* Denise feels better putting some of that in responsible adult hands >.><br />
* Ander will make some phone calls<br />
<br />
===Denise and Enver chat with Zola===<br />
* Zola mills about the place<br />
* Denise will go collect Enver after her talk with Ander and tell him what's up >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> (possibly collect him from the cellar to let georn know she is borrowing him >.>)<br />
* Enver is filled in ;)<br />
* Denise will show up then sans her usual entourage with with a boooooooooy :o<br />
* Enver wears his least-crappy clothing<br />
* Denise will help him with that ^-^<br />
* Zola is standing off to the side, smoking as she watches one of the musical acts, and taps her feet along.<br />
* Denise will try and flag down Zola at some point, anyway :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey Mlle. Zola :3<br />
* Zola catches sight of the two and looks a bit confused at first, before it dawns on her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Heyyy, Kid! <br />
* Zola spreads her arms, holding the cigarette a safe distance away, and leans in to give her a peck.<br />
<br />
<Zola> This must be that handsome fellow you were telling me about.<br />
* Denise will give you a hug<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh huh ^-^<br />
* Zola gives him a pointedly knowing smile.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Ah, hi<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver this is Mlle Zola :3<br />
* Enver smiles back nervously<br />
<br />
<Enver> Nice to meet you.<br />
* Denise has surely talked to him about her and all ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Enver, right? <br />
<br />
<Enver> That's right.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You two here on your own tonight?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah, the boss couldn't make it tonight so he tlk=d me to bring him along :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> (told)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well good... spend all your time at a place on duty and it can spoil it, even as fun a place as this :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> It's real swell<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, 'm kiiinda still on duty, but I ain't expectin' anything exciting, so it ain' like *real* work ;3<br />
* Enver says, looking around the room<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who're you musclin' for right now, your boy? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
* Enver smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> naw, but just someone's gotta be in here case someone comes lookin' for the boss, is all<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyone disrespects you, you just get her to clock 'em. She's good at that :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yeah, she sure is :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ah, well, on-call's better than nothing... <br />
<br />
<Zola> You two hitting the dance floor, or do you have time for a drink? <br />
<br />
<Denise> We could have a drink :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> Sure<br />
<br />
<Zola> Alright, first round's on me :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> then mabe see if we can figure out the dancin' <br />
* Denise says, glancing at Enver :3<br />
* Zola waves to Neva to have someone come 'round to pick up the order and takes us to a table<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's swell of you :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, we could give it a try <br />
* Enver says re. dancing <br />
<br />
<Enver> I don't know all the steps an' that, but it looks fun<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, same<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well if things get too out of hand I might be able to run you through the moves. :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh, if we get real mixed up we'll let you know ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure some of it's like fightin' an I can figure it out by watchin' other folks<br />
* Zola laughs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just remember not to make contact quite so hard, or he'll really feel it in the morning.<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
* Denise maybe blushes a little<br />
* Denise takes a drink<br />
<br />
<Enver> Ah, I can take it ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> I like that in a fella :V<br />
* Denise takes another drink, blushing more<br />
* Enver sips his drink as well<br />
<br />
<Denise> so um, how're things with you? :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> I should be good, or your gal won't be able to dance.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (What'll this be, relative to the ewdding?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (datewise even)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (not sure - couple days later maybe?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (k)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Pretty crazy, actually... did you hear about the shooting? <br />
<br />
<Denise> no, I don't think so?<br />
<br />
<Denise> who got shot? :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Hmm, maybe this is the day after talking with Ander?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I suppose maybe C just has them spaced arbitrarily :P)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (it can be rearranged)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, we had a bit of a wedding here on 4th-day and after a lovely evening, someone felt the need to shoot one of the grooms on the way out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yeah I was just thinking I'd leave it to her to space out again :P)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess it wasn't an evening, even if it felt like one... more of an afternoon.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (according to the timeline now, the wedding was on the 4th and this would be on the 6th)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (So I think its fine)<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww man, that ain't no way to do a weddin' :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> was he okay?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, he seemed pretty pissed, which is a lot more together than I'd be if osmeone just shot me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Then again, maybe if it was on my wedding...<br />
<br />
<Denise> did the shooter get caught? :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> You bet your bunnies he did.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Haft, you know the bouncer? He takes off after this jerk on the roof across the street, climbing the outside of the building and everything.<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> wow<br />
<br />
<Denise> Haft's a warforger<br />
<br />
<Denise> (d)<br />
* Denise explains for Enver<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo gets in this spell, called Hideous Laughter, so you can hear the rascal cackling something creepy... while I get a little healing into the groom. <br />
* Enver nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Zola> Haft gets up onto the roof to give pursuit, but he's liable to get away, and I'm pretty pissed myself. A wedding, REALLY? <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, that just ain't on<br />
<br />
<Zola> So I know this trick that can let me act real speedy, so I figure I'll give chase and see if I can razzle-dazzle him... and it all works out... Hugo says he zinged him with something to slow him down too, last time he spots him on the rooftops<br />
<br />
<Zola> I kick off my shoes and tear down the street to cut him off... and it works! And then there Haft is... BAM.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Takes him clean off the roof and into the cobblestone! <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh wow!<br />
<br />
<Enver> that's gotta smart<br />
<br />
<Zola> I kinda thought maybe we'd have to call a priest to ask him questions at that point, but he managed to survive that, AND Haft's knock out punch for good measure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh, that's one tough fella :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not sure what his beef was with the groom, but Haft said he was some sort of bloodforged? Had a metal arm stuck on like he was half warforged.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> SERVAN AIGEL? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> You *caught* him? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o :o :o<br />
<br />
<Enver> is that the same guy who took a shot at Ander?<br />
<br />
<Zola> <r> Was that some Rat I don't know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ain't no rat<br />
<br />
<Denise> just an asshole >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> an yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh a name!<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well that's odd, him knowing your boss...<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, he don't really *know* him<br />
<br />
<Denise> The boss was tryin' to find out who he was for me an' Aunt Hettie<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know his name, exactly, I haven't really followed up with the police...<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause he's mixed up in gettin my uncle's man killed >:|<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose there can't be many metal armed men in town, and if it's not this Servan guy, he might well know him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> (What kind of name is Servan Aigel?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Like, geographically or whatev.)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ougtta buy half a drink or somethin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> "csept I don;t know that he can drink >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> (I think you can afford a whole drink ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I took a long time to figure out what that should be, and was so confused.)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (haft)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Does Haft drink? :P I'm guessing no?)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I don't think he needs to. In theory maybe he could just for the experience?)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (geographically, uh... pseudonymous, perhaps? I don't think it evokes any specific region/area for Zola)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (kk)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I'm sure we can figure something out as a prize :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I guess if your boss Ander wants words with him, he can drop by his cell.<br />
<br />
<Denise> It ain't that easy to get a word with somoene when they're in the slammer >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Once they're in the Creux they only let you in to see 'em if somethin' real bad goes down<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I dunno of they could keep him there,<br />
* Denise ponders<br />
<br />
<Denise> he can shoot fire outta that arm of his, an other stuff<br />
<br />
<Zola> o_O<br />
<br />
<Enver> Did you figure out why he attacked this fella?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I do hope Haft warned them about that sort of thing...<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I figured they could sort that out with the police... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Not much I could do about it, either way.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he were alright?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't now there was anyway guys could get married :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> (know)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, Neva came out as we were dragging this guy back and got the groom all patched up.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, you can and you can't...<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's more about ... the symbol of your bond, sworn before the Gods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> The law's not going to pay it much mind.<br />
<br />
<Enver> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> Cat knows all kinds of love ^_^<br />
<br />
<Denise> enh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I ain't too worried about the law, anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, it's certainly not something to hang out on a rooftop and shoot someone over...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, no kiddin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> Maybe he had a beef with the guy for some other reason<br />
<br />
<Denise> I should let the boss know - an Serges Yves<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Aunt Hettie<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe there is some way to get in an get some answers outta him >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, he was from Psyra, but he fought on our side... so I'm not sure that's what matters.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe Ander knows someone who can take up the case for your uncle's boy?<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I know someone who maybe could >.><br />
* Denise eyes Enver<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll let AUnt Hettie sort that out though<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, feel free to pass on a spare kick in the teeth on behalf of me 'n G-... the grooms.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If the opportunity arises.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think we got plenty of them gto go around<br />
<br />
<Zola> For a city so big... it sure seems awful small lately.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess there's a reason for all the stuff happening here though...<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, in the city?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I imagine, but I mean in the club itself. I guess that river that runs under the club, all build over, it's sort of... powerful?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's what's drawing things here. <br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
* Denise looks at Enver<br />
<br />
<Denise> you know what's under here?<br />
* Enver thinks about it for a moment<br />
<br />
<Enver> Round here, there's a stream, the Stonerun. Goes from up north of the city somewhere, down through Rhenea an' the Castalia to the Ousel. Mostly all built over nowadays.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess it's got some power left in it, from whoever knows how many centuries ago... millennia?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, fey power stuff?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah. Seems to be why the Cold Rider was summoned here.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Enver> It ain't hardly but a trickle in some places... like, you could step over it easy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but if it runs all under the city, that don't still say why *here* an not in like, some cellar somewhere<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe its bigger?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I could look into what all's down under here<br />
<br />
<Enver> Like, maybe there's somethin' else apart from just a stream<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might not want to do that ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Our friend in the band might object.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, if there's fey power stuff... I don't want you lookin' by yourself<br />
* Zola looks at Denise<br />
<br />
<Denise> *plus* maybe that's where them mushroom folks are all at >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> It's probably his river after all <br />
<br />
<Denise> well then he shouldn't be lettin folks be summonin' antler folks with it!<br />
<br />
<Enver> I don't gotta go there to look - I could ask around if anyone knows, though. Like if there's some thing particular.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, he might not exactly be able to do anything about that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But it'd be a shame if he was down there pretending to be a pile of gold and then drowns your boy here for his impertinence.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who knows what sort of sensitivities he's got about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe someone oughhta ask hij if them mushroom folks *are* down there >..<br />
* Enver looks puzzled at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> So.... he's in the band, huh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> (His name was said in the chat with Argent/Aubrienne)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh right)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Maybe D didn't make the connection >.>)<br />
* Denise looks at Enver<br />
<br />
<Denise> remember when I was asking about that uh.... grim... fey....thing<br />
<br />
<Denise> ?<br />
<br />
<Denise> with the rivers?<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's so much weird stuff goin' on...<br />
<br />
<Denise> no kiddin' :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I used to think it was wierd just thinking about that big Shadar-kai city sharing the same space across the planes with Ariege... but this city blows that well out of the water. <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> More shops though :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> an other bstuff<br />
* Denise says, thinking about that subway >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that it's really great fashion weather. But I guess that's a blessing in disguise too... it's keeping the blight at bay...<br />
<br />
<Denise> eh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> All the cold... the blight can't spread<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess that's why they're all underground, maybe<br />
* Denise pokes Enver<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... they're what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> you be careful :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> the mushroom folks!<br />
<br />
<Denise> and then rats<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't so cold everywhere in the undercity<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... you mean like that one in the mushroom farm? There's more?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I will, I promise<br />
<br />
<Zola> And mushroom rats?<br />
* Zola looks confused<br />
<br />
<Enver> plus undead rats<br />
<br />
<Denise> I told you 'bout them already...<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oh, whoops)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (>_>)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't even know if the undeead rats got anything to do with the fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> but the fungusy ones, for sure<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> What the hell, Diablotin?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> Our folks lived under the city for a rea long time without no one knowin' thgat<br />
<br />
<Denise> who knows what other kinda secrets its got?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was thinking that about the river... maybe there were fey living here around it for a long even time after the Empire set up shop.<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe thyey were in the undercity too :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe ask your friend if he'd been there<br />
<br />
<Denise> in the band<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe we'll get the chance.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh hey<br />
* Denise pokes Enver<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe you coudl see if there's any of that old writin on the walls down around there, without actually goin' down there?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or we coould<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just be careful, you two.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we will :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> No necking in dangerous environs<br />
* Zola tut tuts<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean it! That's what fake danger is for... like public parks and things.<br />
<br />
<Denise> only danger there is freezin' ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> And getting caught with his hand on your boob. <br />
<br />
<Denise> pfft<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't talkin my tits out when its that cold ;p<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's what the hand is �for� <br />
* Denise still looks dubious<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not so bad?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I guess that was before this cold rider >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Enver> we got better places to get up to that sorta thing ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well good. :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> So, ah, do you wanna try some dancin' now?<br />
* Enver asks Denise now that our drinks are done<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes! Go! Dance! :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :3<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tries to figure out why Jean-Faust was trying to murder people===<br />
* Jean-Faust has one of the Orecalo sons who isn't Xan keeping an eye on him ;p<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (I think Taz would be eminently qualified ;p)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (as both a war veteran and skilled puncher-inthe-face if necessary ;p)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (ps that was totally Dozilva's idea and not San's :p)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Does Aubrienne know him? If I recall correctly, Jed does.)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (Jed did meet him - I'm not sure if Aubrienne has met him yet, but I guess she has now, if not before :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (heh, fair)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (he's half-SK, and kind of surly and tattooed ;)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (so, you know, par for the course for SK...)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Hmm, is it presumptuous to speak in SK?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <quietly, in SK> How's he doing?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (I don't think it would be - perhaps unexpected but not rude :)<br />
* Jean-Faust is now known as Tazenir<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> He's resting now... kinda messed up, though.<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> San poking around in his head doesn't help.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <sk> Has he found anything? Or is he just keeping him...calm?<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> Well, he wouldn't tell me if he did.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <sk> Jean-Faust hasn't been any more trouble, has he?<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> But he's keeping him calm anyway.<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> No, he's no trouble. Or at least, I see it like anyone else who came back from the war hurt somehow. I feel bad for the kid, and I hope someone can help him. <br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> So don't worry about whether he's getting in the way, or any of that sort of thing. Just worry about your brother.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <sk> Thank you. I appreciate all the help everyone has been. And I am, deeply, worried about him.<br />
<br />
<Tazenir> <sk> I'll stay outside in case there's any trouble.<br />
* Aubrienne will give a grateful nod and tentative smile in thanks and head inside.<br />
* Tazenir is now known as Jean-Faust<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Is he awake? How is he looking?)<br />
* Jean-Faust is lying in bed, but awake, and seems calmer than the last time you saw him. He looks like he's been crying a lot, though.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey there.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> hey<br />
* Jean-Faust says quietly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> May I sit?<br />
* Jean-Faust shrugs and nods<br />
* Aubrienne takes a seat on the bed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How are you feeling?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> tired... scared, but mostly confused...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can you talk about it?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know what to say<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> it's all like... a dream<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> As in you can't remember much of it?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> it feels like I was watching it, not ... not like it was really something I did<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you feel like you weren't in control of yourself?<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Did it seem like someone else was in control?<br />
* Jean-Faust thinks about that for a moment<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> No... more like I just knew things that I had to do<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What exactly did you feel you had to do?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I had to go to that house, and find that man, and ... and... <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay, okay.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's all right.<br />
* Jean-Faust starts to shake a little<br />
* Aubrienne pats his hand.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's okay, bratic, it's passed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're all right.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> maybe<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> what if it hasn't?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> For now, at least, and let's be thankful for that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Everything that can be done to find out what's going on is.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The finest minds in the Empire are helping. We'll find a solution.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you remember when you started feeling the compulsion?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I ... I had visited with Eirlys<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> they let me see her sometimes<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> and then... <br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ...we, ah...<br />
* Jean-Faust looks embarrassed<br />
* Aubrienne smirks<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sowed your oats?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So to speak...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay, and after the marital duties?<br />
* Argent (~vess@CPEbc4dfb296af3-CMbc4dfb296af0.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has joined #changeling<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> she seemed like she was ... upset. I wanted to help.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I asked how I could ... could get her out of here, if that was what she wanted.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And she said?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> she said... the seed had been planted, but it needed to have room to grow.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And she specifically meant the one in Raimond's dreams?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I... I'm not sure if that's the only one<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think there are more seeds?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> maybe<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hmm.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll talk to some of the others about it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know you want to help Eirlys, but I think you should try to focus on yourself right now.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> they aren't going to let me see her anymore anyway<br />
* Aubrienne frowns.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I doubt they'll let you see her unsupervised after that, but I'll see what I can manage.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know if I want to...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know if it was something she did, or made me do, or... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I just don't want it to happen again <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And we'll do everything we can to keep it from happening again.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm so sorry, Jean-Faust.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> what if you hadn't come and stopped me <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We did, so you don't need to think about it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to be here for you, bratic.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (It occurs to me only now this whole conversation is probably in Rat)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (makes sense)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> There are a lot of people here for you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We just want to help.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> maybe things would have been better if ... if I just had died at Seda Grove<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> instead everything is all such a m-mess...<br />
* Aubrienne leans down/pulls him into a hug<br />
* Jean-Faust hugs you back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, they wouldn't!<br />
* Aubrienne will hug him for a while before pulling back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm happy you're back. So are mom and dad and everyone else.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sorry this is so hard, but we will get through it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I promise.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> and the baby, what about her...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> if something happens to me, would you make sure she was safe?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course I would, but nothing is going to happen to you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know it's difficult, but it will get better.<br />
* Jean-Faust just gives a nod that doesn't seem like he really believes that<br />
* Aubrienne just gives him another big hug<br />
* Jean-Faust accepts that<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> they aren't going to let me see her anymore anyway<br />
* Aubrienne frowns.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I doubt they'll let you see her unsupervised after that, but I'll see what I can manage.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know if I want to...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know if it was something she did, or made me do, or... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I just don't want it to happen again <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And we'll do everything we can to keep it from happening again.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm so sorry, Jean-Faust.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> what if you hadn't come and stopped me <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We did, so you don't need to think about it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to be here for you, bratic.<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tells Jed about her brother; Jed tries to cheer her===<br />
* Aubrienne enters the apartment, throws off her coat onto whatever furniture is nearby and collapses onto the sofa<br />
* Jedrezej wanders in from his room<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> did you eat anything in the last 8 hours?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Mrmhph<br />
* Aubrienne says into the cushions<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> there's some cold noodles left over<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> by definition right now, all noodles are cold noodles<br />
* Aubrienne reluctantly pushes herself up<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Noodles is good<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Alcohol is also good<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> you stay there<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I'll bring you noodles and alcohol<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think I can manage that<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're the best<br />
* Jedrezej brings you a bowl of noodles and a glass of whiskey<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hoorays<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thank you again, for everything<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> hey... it's okay<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> how is he doing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Awful.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I can't blame him.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I thin Eirlys put the whammy on him again.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Whether she meant to or not, I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I'm starting not to care.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> ugh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't know what to do.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just want to protect my brother, but this is all so big.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> it doesn't sound like it's all up to you<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> which is both good and bad, I guess<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, folks're looking after him right now, and I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm just worried about a lot right now.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not just him.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I get it<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> there's a lot to worry about<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not exactly used to this heavy stuff. I'm more used to, you know, the good stuff.<br />
* Aubrienne takes a drink.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, okay, decent stuff.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Remind me to get better booze.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I've got a bottle of Onyx in my room, but you aren't allowed that :p<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> it makes you punchy :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It makes anyone punchy. It's a drink for punching.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> but what about some mist?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, that sounds good. I have some of that good stuff Titania gave me in my dresser.<br />
* Aubrienne freezes for a second to see if Jed thinks that's strange...<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> uh huh...<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> why don't I get bonuses like that from the boss, hm? ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Because you're not as pretty as I am.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Please, I'm pretty as fuck.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I didn't say you weren't.<br />
* Jedrezej swishes his hair dramatically<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Merely that my prettiness eclipses your own.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :p<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> hmph<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's going to cost me later, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I'll forgive it, because you're distraught.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll need to be more distraught more often if it lets me get away with things.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> get the mist and if it's as good as all that, I'll probably forget about your wounding insults<br />
* Aubrienne takes another bite of noodles and pushes herself up to go get the 'mist.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Please tell me things are less complicated in your life right now.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Give me some vicarious simplicity.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> hmm<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> probably telling you I think I got propositioned by a princess would just confuse things<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> not the boss<br />
* Jedrezej hastens to add ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oooh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What princess then?<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> The one who came with us on that dream .. tree... thing... The younger one I mean. Vera.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh yeah? She was cute.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You gonna take her up on it?<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> She wanted to meet again to 'go over things'. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you think she wants you to go over her?<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Man, I don't know. Princesses are complicated and you asked for simplicity :p<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Also, her mother scares the shit out of me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, that's just smart. Her mother is terrifying. Fun, but terrifying.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Besides, complicated schmomplicated. You know I like gossip.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> If she finds out, and she doesn't think too highly of her daughter dabbling in cross-species breeding programs, I'm pretty sure I would regret it a lot.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's true, but I get the feeling she can't talk much about crossing planar barriers.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> nyah<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I didn't mean it like that.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> and yet<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> the mental image remains<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, in any event, I *hope* that interpretation isn't accurate.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I thought Vera was cute. And, honestly... she seems kind of lonely.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> I'll take her up on the offer of a one on one consultation, and see what happens, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> All in all, I get the impression that being royalty is a pretty lonely gig.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> but hey, no one's put her into an eternal sleep and locked her in a tower, or you know, the usual things that happen to princesses.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is there a usual for princesses? I mean, almost by definition they have to be kind of rare.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Aubrienne may be getting into a "why do they call them fingers if I've never seen them fing" sort of drug-fueled discussion)<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> And yet, now we know at least three<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, and I thought working for one was going to be a big deal.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, it is, but our lives have gotten a lot stranger lately.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> definitely true<br />
<br />
===Argent fills Margaux in on what he's been doing, and learns about Laeken (among other things...)===<br />
* Argent will have prepared warm drinks for Margaux's visit, sits patiently for her arrival.<br />
* Margaux arrives, with a bag of something that smells tasty<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hi, come on in out of the cold.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I brought some roasted chestnuts, I hope you like them<br />
<br />
<Argent> They smell...<br />
* Margaux says a bit nervously<br />
* Argent breathes deeply in<br />
<br />
<Argent> irresistable<br />
* Margaux smiles<br />
* Margaux comes inside and will take off her coat and boots<br />
<br />
<Argent> I just made some coffee too<br />
<br />
<Margaux> that sounds wonderful<br />
* Argent relieves her of her bag setting down on the table and returns with mugs<br />
<br />
<Margaux> thank you<br />
<br />
<Argent> so how have you been doing? Keeping busy?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> keeping warm, or trying to<br />
<br />
<Argent> so is everyone<br />
* Argent adds some heat from the coffee to himself<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> how are you?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Cold, but busy.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Did you hear how the dream venture went?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> no, what happened?<br />
* Margaux leans in to listen, cupping her hands around the warm mug<br />
<br />
<Argent> we found Aubrienne's brother, and brought back a fey<br />
<br />
<Argent> The flower queen<br />
* Margaux 's eyes widen in surprise<br />
<br />
<Argent> so not too bad.<br />
<br />
<Argent> your advice helped<br />
<br />
<Margaux> why did you bring her back? where is she?<br />
<br />
<Argent> She's pregnant with Jean-Faust's child, Aubrienne's brother... at the or Orecalo house...did we do something wrong? She helped us fight another fey.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> no, I don't think so. I mean, I don't know?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I just didn't expect it<br />
<br />
<Argent> I really didn't know what to expect when we went.<br />
<br />
<Argent> we may be going back as well, to try and remove the portal... do the dream imaging idea you mentioned.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> just didn't have enough time.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> was it beautiful?<br />
* Margaux asks a bit wistfully<br />
<br />
<Argent> It was different... I don't think I would call it beautiful... too much sense of danger for that.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I'm glad you came back safely<br />
<br />
<Argent> thanks, I'm glad we all made it safely back.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm gonna change subjects a little, cause there is something else that happened recently that I wanted to talk to you about.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> all right...<br />
<br />
<Argent> What do you know about Emkathon?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> She's...<br />
* Margaux pauses, trying to put it into words<br />
<br />
<Margaux> She's the Mother of Mercy... she's the next closest thing to a god<br />
<br />
<Argent> do you know anything about her children? her daughter?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> More practically, she's one half of a set of forces that embody the balance of Serpent... of the universe, really.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Well, the angels are her children, in some sense. But I'm guessing that isn't what you mean, exactly? <br />
<br />
<Argent> not exactly... let me explain where I'm coming from first.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was helping some friends explore an area in the sewer tunnels, where we found a ghost of what I figured was a Rat priest.<br />
* Margaux listens, nodding along<br />
<br />
<Argent> He recognize me... or at least my blood... called Emkathon my grandmother.<br />
<br />
<Argent> He was the guardian of Emkathon's tomb... but as far as I know she's not there anymore, so I'm not sure what he's still guarding.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> She's not there anymore... but something of her essence could be said to remain behind.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> But also, if he's a ghost, he might not realize that his job is finished.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know they get a little fuddleminded after time.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Emkathon did have a daughter with Laeken, the leader of the Wolves when the tribes first came here. <br />
<br />
<Argent> that was a while ago, wasnt it.<br />
<br />
<Argent> a long while ago<br />
<br />
<Margaux> She preserved the blood of Serpent in her offspring, so that one day it could be restored.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Yes... over two thousand years.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> There are probably hundreds, thousands of people who are descended from her. But not who could call her their grandmother, not literally anyway.<br />
<br />
<Argent> the ghost said mother's mother's tomb... that sounded a little more specific.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
* Argent shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Her child would have been a powerful being in her own right. She might be very long-lived, or even immortal.<br />
<br />
<Argent> that would make sense<br />
<br />
<Argent> I guess<br />
* Argent shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Margaux> There's someone who would know more, but, uh.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> it might be difficult to get hold of him to ask.<br />
<br />
<Argent> oh?<br />
<br />
<Argent> who?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Laeken.<br />
<br />
<Argent> how is that even possible?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> He became undead... a demi-lich, to be precise.<br />
<br />
<Argent> doesn't sound like a reliable source to me<br />
<br />
<Argent> but maybe I'm just being a little biased against undead.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I don't think you're wrong. He could lie, or have reason to obscure the truth, aside from being potentially very dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Argent> how do you even know he exists?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I've met him.<br />
* Argent looks surprised<br />
<br />
<Margaux> sometimes he would come to, ah, consult the Arch.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I suppose we have Endless Winter brought on by the Cold Rider, a demi-lich visiting the Arch doesnt seem that far fetched these days.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I didn't like him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Another endorsement for not seeking him out.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> not as a first resort, anyway<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm sure someone else may know something, but I'm not sure if I want to ask too many questions<br />
<br />
<Margaux> The Truebloods are directly descended from Emkathon's daughter... maybe they have some information about her.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Truebloods...<br />
<br />
<Argent> (have I met any? I don't think so?)<br />
<br />
<Margaux> (your boss... ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (duhh)<br />
* Argent shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Argent> I work for one<br />
<br />
<Argent> and I've been meaning to talk to her about something else as well.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Oh, the princess, yes!<br />
<br />
<Margaux> if you feel safe talking to her about something like that<br />
<br />
<Argent> That just it... I wonder if I'm being foolish persuing this.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Do you think its reckless?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I think it's normal to want to know where you come from<br />
<br />
<Margaux> But...<br />
<br />
<Margaux> you have to be prepared that you might not find the answers you're looking for. or if you do, that they might not be what you wanted.<br />
* Margaux reaches out and takes your hand in hers<br />
* Argent looks at Margaux<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was abandoned to an orphanage in the Shambles... my expectations are not high.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> whatever your parents are, or were, it doesn't define who you are.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> all of us have to make our own decisions - our own paths<br />
<br />
<Argent> You've been a help to me on that path. I hope you understand how much I appreciate it.<br />
* Margaux blushes<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I... I'm just glad that I found you.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm glad you did too. I just wish I could help you out is some way, return the favour.<br />
* Margaux leans in and kisses you<br />
* Margaux then jumps back and drops your hand, looking awkward and embarrassed<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have...<br />
<br />
<Argent> No its ok, please don't be embarassed.<br />
* Argent tries to calm the situation<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I should go >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> No please, just hold on... you need to understand.<br />
* Margaux pauses nervously, waiting to see what you say<br />
<br />
<Argent> I do feel a closeness with you...we have a shared heritage... but I'm seeing someone.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> .... oh<br />
<br />
<Argent> You have to understand I'm not someone who can break that trust.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I know<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I .. I wouldn't think you would<br />
<br />
<Margaux> you're an honourable person<br />
<br />
<Margaux> maybe you can forget I ever said anything... things can go back to the way they were<br />
* Margaux looks like she would like to curl up into a ball and disappear<br />
<br />
<Argent> We will be fine Margaux. I'm glad it happened so I know how you feel.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I... <br />
<br />
<Margaux> I should probably go.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I don't want this to be a wedge between us.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> neither do I<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll write and let you know how things go with Titania.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> oh... yes. all right.<br />
<br />
<Argent> or we can meet if you want.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Its up to you.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I'll see.<br />
<br />
<Argent> thankyou<br />
* Margaux nods and will get her things on to leave.<br />
* Argent lets her go, not wanting to make things worse<br />
<br />
===Hettie tells Nycki that Servan Aigel is in custody; Nycki proposes babies===<br />
<Nycki> (talking at home? and when?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (home yes... when? not sure... sometime soon after I found out about SA being caught)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (so maybe in the morning when you crawl into bed after work? ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sure :)<br />
* Nycki is already in bed, but will roll over and smile at you sleepily when you join her<br />
<br />
<Nycki> hey beautiful<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey babe... :)<br />
* Nycki puts her arm around your waist to snuggle up with you<br />
* Hettienne snuggles up close... it's cold outside!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Glad you're awake... I got some news at work tonight<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> good news, or bad<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, not sure....<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> THe cops nabbed that one-armed bird.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He was tryin' to bust up a wedding at Tits' the other day.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> oho!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You hear about that?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Nah, but I don't hear 'bout every fella gets nicked.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Den says they got him coolin' his heels in the clink for the now.<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> So I was wonderin'...<br />
* Hettienne twirls one of your curls around a finger<br />
<br />
<Nycki> You wanna have a word with him off the record, like?<br />
* Nycki guesses<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> If my beautiful lady friend might be persuaded to have a word :3<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Or that <br />
<br />
<Nycki> it could be arranged... might take a little pullin' strings, but if it's tied up with bigger stuff, I might be able to.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> well, your people were investigatin' that bird's lab, an' he's related to that, right...?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well, prolly? <br />
<br />
<Nycki> it'd bear findin' out, anyway<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Thanks, love... <br />
* Hettienne gives you a kiss.<br />
* Nycki kisses back<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Might even help with Serge-Yves, heh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> make him hate me less, you mean? ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Somethin' like that.<br />
* Hettienne kisses you again.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> family, man :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...You ever talk to yours now?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> nah. not in a long while.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> can't make 'em happy no matter what, so why try?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You ever miss 'em?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (SM)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> sometimes<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (well I'll take the 30 :v)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> but like... I don't miss 'em tellin' me what to do or how to live my life<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> an' it seems like there ain't one without the other<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It's a bit like that with Pat I guess.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> void, like... if I went back to see 'em even now, my ma'd be on about 'how about you see that nice Ander Suterre, he's good looking, got a good family' :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> A family, heh, you could say that :p<br />
<br />
<Nycki> She don't like it if I say I figure he's got a dick too, an' that don't interest me even a bit :p<br />
* Hettienne snorts.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ah well.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'll be your family. :3<br />
* Nycki smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Nycki> That'll be enough <br />
<br />
<Nycki> ... well... like, maybe not quite enough ... but good<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (What does that mean O_o)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sense motive?)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (it is a mystery!)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (17 -_-)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> NOt enough? :p<br />
* Hettienne pokes you playfully.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ah, I don't mean like that, babe<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I just meant... maybe sometime, if you wanted... like, what about a kid?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> that'd be family too<br />
* Hettienne is stunned for a second.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Really...? :o<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> YOu... you mean it??!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well... sure<br />
<br />
<Nycki> if you wanted<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hon... that would be... the most amazing thing<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You got no idea ;_;<br />
<br />
<Nycki> aww, hey<br />
<br />
<Nycki> if you wanted a kid all that much, how come you didn't say?<br />
* Nycki strokes your hair<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I dunno I just... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess I didn't wanna scare you off >.><br />
<br />
<Nycki> I ain't scared of that<br />
<br />
<Nycki> lotta other things, maybe... but I know you'd be a real good mother<br />
<br />
<Nycki> prolly a lot better'n me :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'll be a team, babe.<br />
* Hettienne hugs you close.<br />
* Nycki hugs back<br />
<br />
<Nycki> if we were gonna, how would you wanna work all the... like, mechanics side of it ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, I guess there's things you can do with like, a turkey baster<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'd just need to find a fella to make a... donation >.><br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe that nice Ander Suterre fella. I hear he has a real good family.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah, you wanna ask him or should I? ;p<br />
* Hettienne snickers.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> The look on his face's be somethin, I'll bet...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Okay, that settles it<br />
<br />
<Nycki> we gotta ask, just to see the look<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yer on :D<br />
<br />
<Nycki> if he says no, then at least we got a good laugh out of it ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alrighty then. :D<br />
* Nycki grins<br />
<br />
<Nycki> do you wanna... get basted? or should I?<br />
* Nycki says with a smirk<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I wouldn't mind... Unless you wanna...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sm)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (ffs -_-)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well... I can get time off work for somethin' like that, gettin' knocked up, 'cause they get touchy 'bout puttin' ladies in delicate condition in the line of danger, that sorta thing. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ooh, good point <br />
<br />
<Nycki> But if you wanna do it, I'm good with that too. Void, we could each try an' see which takes ;)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> 'course that's a good way to end up with two babies at once :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh... not a bad idea ;D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, we don't gotta decide everything right now in the middle of the night, neither.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> no, I know<br />
<br />
<Nycki> just now we brought it up, it gives me all kinda thoughts ^-^<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Me too...<br />
* Hettienne giggles<br />
* Nycki kisses you<br />
* Hettienne kisses back happily.<br />
* Nycki might take a while to settle down again ;)<br />
* Hettienne is happy to stay up a while ;)<br />
<br />
===Hettie learns that Gen knits===<br />
* Genevriel has been arriving at the Cabaret much earlier than usual for the past week and a half; to keep herself busy after she warms up from prolonged exposure to the cold, she knits in the green room.<br />
* Genevriel is knitting away early one evening as performers and other staff are trickling in.<br />
* Hettienne strolls in and pours herself a coffee from the green room pot.<br />
* Hettienne takes a sip and wrinkles her nose in disgust.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ugh.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Fuckin' *swill*.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Least it's free, right?<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
* Hettienne winks at you, since you're the only person here.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I usually put lots of sugar in; that helps.<br />
* Hettienne appears to notice for the first time what your hands are doing.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey, what's that you're makin'?<br />
* Genevriel glances down at her work.<br />
* Hettienne plops herself down in the chair nearest yours.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> A hat, I hope. Only I'm not sure if I have enough yardage left. It'll be close...<br />
* Hettienne eyes it critically.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Looks good to me...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Didn't know you were a knitter.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh, yes. My mother taught me when I was a girl.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Huh... mine too.<br />
* Hettienne softens ever so slightly.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I taught Den.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We're *tryin*' to teach Zola. ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I take it she is not the best student? Too distracted by other things, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe. But she's havin' a good time so... *shrug*<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You oughtta come by some time when we're doin' it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh, ummmm... Maybe? When and where do you 'do it'?<br />
* Genevriel is rather unused to being invited anywhere, apparently.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, usually my place. When is more flexible.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I can let you know next time we set it up if ya want. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> More the merrier.<br />
* Genevriel nods thoughtfully.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you by any chance have any odds and ends of yarn that you'd be willing to give up?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh honey.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> @_@<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I know it's a lot to ask... if you're anything like my mother was.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I got loads of bits left over from projects, or stuff I never finished.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But... this is all- oh.<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
* Hettienne eyes you.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I do costumes, girlie. I make for a livin'. I've always got,... stuff about.<br />
* Hettienne shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I asked only because I'm making this for a man I met. I think he's a vet, like me, only he doesn't have anywhere to stay. It's so cold... A lot of people are getting frostbite.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That's real thoughtful...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> THree of my brothers were in the war.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh? Where did they serve?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, one's in the Navy; that's Serge-Yves. And Alain was a radio operator (I think, we can change this later if I'm misremembering). And Georges was fightin' on the line in Psyra.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He didn't make it home.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'S a shame we don't take better care of them who did.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh - I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Everybody's lost someone...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Anyway.<br />
* Hettienne shakes it off.<br />
* Genevriel nods and rubs at her eyes a little.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I gotta get busy. Lemme know if you wanna come have a dig at mine.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You can come by sometime before work if you don't wanna wait until we get together again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That might work - where do you live?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Not too far, over on Blah street (an address in Rhenea)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That should be easy - I'm usually in the area afternoons.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Great! Just say when.<br />
* Hettienne gets up, downing another gulp of sub-par coffee.<br />
* Genevriel will make arrangements with Hettie to raid her stash.<br />
<br />
===Zola sets up a 'mutual pleasure' date with Haft===<br />
* Zola will approach Haft at the bar during the little reception after the ceremony.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey, big fella. Care to dance?<br />
* Haft 's face doesn't really convey emotions clearly, but he seems surprised?<br />
<br />
<Haft> with you?<br />
* Zola laughs, "Well, yeah... but I guess if you'd rather dance with someone else I can go fetch them. I'll be a little disappointed though."<br />
<br />
<Haft> No, I would not rather dance with someone else. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Would you like to dance at all?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I have never been invited to dance before. <br />
<br />
<Haft> But there is a first time for everything, I believe?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No?? That's a shame...<br />
<br />
<Zola> And yes! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you'll like it :)<br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Haft stands up<br />
* Zola has picked a song that is relatively easy and slow in case of such a situation.<br />
* Zola will extend her hand to lead him to a suitable spot<br />
<br />
<Zola> The music's nice and slow so you don't have to worry about knowing any fancy moves yet :)<br />
* Haft will accompany you, his metal hand smooth and cool<br />
* Haft has evidently at least watched people dancing before, so knows how to put his arm around you appropriately, and pull you closer<br />
* Zola will stop, and turn to face him... "Ooh! :o"<br />
<br />
<Haft> is this acceptable?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Observant :)<br />
* Zola takes his other hand with hers, "Just follow my lead..."<br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Zola begins to lead him, hoping he's not quite as immobile as he sometimes seems >_><br />
* Haft is quite nimble actually :)<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're lighter on your feet than I expected :)<br />
* Haft is also good at following someone's lead<br />
<br />
<Haft> I was made for the battlefield.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't imagine there's much dancing there, though.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Being slow there is not a good way to win.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I suppose not.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Unless you are a tank.<br />
<br />
<Zola> A tank?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wouldn't a fast tank still be better?<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes, if they made one. But tanks are able to withstand being slow by also being very well armored and having a large gun.<br />
* Zola chuckles<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think I'd make a lousy tank.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Maybe you need a larger gun.<br />
* Zola laughs outright.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I don't know how I could keep it hidden if it was any bigger.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Keeping it hidden is not really an option for a tank.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you can't hide it, it might as well be big.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's just so easy to think of you like a tank... so heavy and immovable. It's nice to feel otherwise up close like this.<br />
<br />
<Haft> You find this ... pleasant?<br />
<br />
<Zola> How heavy are you? Could I pick you up, do you think?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I weigh two hundred and ninety-five pounds.<br />
<br />
<Haft> So, I doubt it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe a whole herd of me could.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And yes, I do find this pleasant... I love to dance. And dancing close like this is so intimate... <br />
<br />
<Zola> How are you liking it so far? <br />
<br />
<Haft> It is interesting. The patterns seem fixed, but you can alter them as you proceed.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sure, a flourish here or there adds to the fun. <br />
* Haft tries an experimental turn of his arms to spin you around (gently, not like a top ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> And if you get bored, the song won't be that long :)<br />
* Zola is a little surprised, but goes for it! :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Woo!<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's the spirit :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of things do you do for fun, when you're not defending our front gates? <br />
<br />
<Haft> I enjoy going to the cinema, and I listen to music. I also collect keys.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Music :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> And keys?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What kind of keys, just any kind?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I prefer old ones.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How many do you have so far?<br />
<br />
<Haft> Four hundred and twenty seven.<br />
* Zola looks quite surprised<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's ... a large collection<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It must take up a lot of space. Where do you keep them all?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I have many hooks on my walls.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Also, some of them are quite small.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That must be a sight... walls just covered with keys<br />
<br />
<Haft> I enjoy looking at them.<br />
* Haft agrees<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of music do you like? Jazz?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I like many kinds of music. I do like jazz, but also older styles.<br />
<br />
<Haft> One of the reasons I agreed to work here is because I could listen to music while I am on duty.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's swell :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Perk of the job!<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ooh, I recognise this next song... it's a little bit more upbeat.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Here, put your arms up, like so...<br />
* Zola gets him in position for a foxtrot...<br />
* Haft follows your lead<br />
* Zola grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> What kind of shows do you like best at the cinema? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm a sucker for love stories, which is probably no big surprise :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I find all of them interesting. Although I admit I do not understand the appeal of war films.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Love stories can be very informative.<br />
* Zola nods in at least some agreement with his stance on war films, then chuckles... "Informative?"<br />
<br />
<Haft> People can be complicated.<br />
* Zola sighs. "So very true."<br />
<br />
<Haft> In the films, they usually at least show you why a person does something.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Right, you get the whole story.<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> What I like is seeing the characters make it through all that... complexity in the end... <br />
<br />
<Haft> You like them to have a happy ending?<br />
* Zola looks a little sheepish. "Yes, usually..."<br />
<br />
<Zola> I can appreciate a sad story, but my favourite will always be a happy ending :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Another way in which films are easier to grasp than real life.<br />
* Haft says, but not harshly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometimes, though, there's no better way to know the bounds of a love than to see its close. <br />
<br />
<Haft> I can understand why people wish to have companionship... and that humans find physical closeness pleasurable. But to make yourself bonded with another person like that seems like it can only lead to sorrow, one way or another.<br />
<br />
<Haft> But I am glad that Geff is happy now, because he has found someone to be with. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Stepping out your door in the morning can lead to sorrow too. We hope the reward is greater than the cost. <br />
<br />
<Zola> That reward :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Surely the greater the reward, the greater the eventual price?<br />
<br />
<Zola> This dance is getting quite philosophical :o<br />
<br />
<Haft> I apologize.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, don't, it's alright... who needs a dance with too many rules :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I have a lot of time to think.<br />
<br />
<Haft> But I know this is meant to be a happy occasion. Discussing things that are too weighty is not appropriate.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I can handle it :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's a day of love, and this is talk of love, so it's just a different kind of appropriate...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just ... maybe not with Geff and Osmyn :D<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not really sure how to answer you. Sure, some people through luck or misfortune won't see anything like that sort of balance... but in the best case, you may lose someone precious to you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess we just see the Loving as worth more than the Losing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Some of us... sometimes :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you ever think it might happen to you... love like that?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I care for my friends.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I can feel all the things a human can feel, or so they say.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you know of any warforged like yourself who've fallen in love?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I suppose so. I don't know if it's the same as what Geff and Osmyn feel for each other.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if it looks like a duck :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> But some have chosen to be close with each other. Or, a few, with a human.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, then it's possible, I'd say :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Possible in theory, yes. Some humans never feel that way for another, though.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's true :(<br />
<br />
<Haft> So I don't know if it will happen to me. Maybe I am too cynical.<br />
* Haft says with a slight incline of his head that you're starting to think means he's smiling<br />
* Zola smiles in return.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Love afflicts the cynical too, sometimes, whether they like it or not :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes... there are a number of movies that illustrate that point.<br />
* Zola chuckles.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Some night, I'll make sure to throw in your name when I pray to Cat :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I appreciate the thought.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So... do you mind if I ask an... inappropriate question? :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> No.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't get anything at all from being up close with us softies? :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> How do you mean, 'get anything'?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know? I mean, anything I guess? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure even what you feel.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I find this closeness interesting.<br />
* Zola chuckles<br />
<br />
<Haft> I can feel sensations on my body - if that is what you mean?<br />
<br />
<Zola> All over? <br />
<br />
<Haft> I can feel your skin is warm to my touch.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I wonder what it feels like... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe I ought to make friends with someone who can polymorph :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes, all over.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Although I understand that humans have different sensations in different areas.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you have nothing ... analogous? :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> There are some sensations I enjoy more than others.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do tell :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Being polished.<br />
* Zola laughs rather loudly at that<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, I'm sorry... <br />
<br />
<Zola> It's ... just, you know the euphemism? :D<br />
<br />
<Haft> Oh - for sex?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, for going solo...<br />
<br />
* Zola scratches that<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, for one kind of it... yes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Many gentlemen like to get their knobs polished :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> heh<br />
<br />
<Zola> For that matter, a good massage isn't something to turn down either.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I don't know that I'm capable of that particular kind of enjoyment. But I have not really... tried?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a bit like a polish... except we're lumpier :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, you ought to keep your mind open for that too... you might find out something interesting... even if it's not the same :)<br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Zola flushes a little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, as a curious woman and a devotee of pleasurable things... I would be honoured to help you experiment... :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> You would?<br />
<br />
<Zola> You sound so surprised.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I understood that the things humans enjoyed about sex were about... warmth and softness and affection. Those aren't things I can provide.<br />
<br />
<Haft> well... perhaps I can provide the affection.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Are you sure about that?<br />
* Haft amends<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Hah, obviously not like "ARE YOU SURE YOU CAN BE AFFECTIONATE, COLD METAL MAN???")<br />
<br />
<Haft> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think you can provide the others, in your own way... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Think of it this way... at least you have a head start.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think my task would be a lot harder :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I admit I am curious about the... details.<br />
<br />
<Haft> The films don't show those parts.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not even sure where to start. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It doesn't have to be all warmth and softness and affection all the time. <br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> And it really isn't! I'm guessing you've never been to the Penumbra :D<br />
<br />
<Haft> No, I haven't.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Do you wish to go there?<br />
<br />
<Zola> We could, sometime, if you'd like. It'll really give you a different perspective on ... some of the more physical aspects of us softies :)<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or we could try something more private. <br />
<br />
<Zola> All I ask is that you respect me in the morning :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I don't have concerns about modesty, but ... if I make mistakes, I might rather do that in private.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Of course. Why would it change how I feel about you?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Remember that part about people being complicated? <br />
* Haft nods<br />
* Zola realizes that might not really be informative enough...<br />
<br />
<Haft> Will it change how you feel, then?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good question! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, sometimes people find physical intimacy shameful, but they crave it nonetheless... so they feel ashamed afterwards, and look down on their partners for being a physical being... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't think that's likely to me... even the smallest bit :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I think I'll probably understand you better.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Would you expect it to happen again? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And if we're lucky we might learn something fun for you...<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, you might not even like it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I can be silly for it, but not that silly :)<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Haft> All right.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Would you like to think on it? :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> I already have.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And your conclusion? <br />
<br />
<Haft> It is something I have been curious about, and you are a kind person, Zola. I think you would be considerate and patient. I can follow instructions well, and I would be willing to try.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Your place or mine? :D<br />
<br />
<Haft> My place does not have a bed, which I think is customary for such activities.<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> True. But I could bring blankets if you'd be more comfortable at home.<br />
<br />
<Zola> This is pretty comfortable territory for me, so you pick :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Your place?<br />
<br />
<Haft> The surroundings are less important than who you're with, I think.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Usually. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, now we'll just have to figure out a good time :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Tonight after work?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, I think I need a bit longer to prepare. <br />
<br />
<Zola> A good experiment needs good equipment, certainly :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> All right<br />
* Zola suggests a few days later, or the week after, giving her time to acquire props<br />
<br />
<Haft> I rarely have other commitments, so you can decide when would be suitable.<br />
* Zola is pretty clearly excited :D<br />
* Zola will also give Haft another kiss on the cheek after their dancing :*<br />
<br />
===Denise chats with Haft about the 'Bloodforged'===<br />
<Haft> (where/when do you want to talk?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (at work, in the next day or so after hearing about SA?)<br />
<br />
<Haft> (okay)<br />
* Denise will have already told Ander!<br />
* Haft keeps an eye on the room (and the stage ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I don't know if they have ever really met/talked? Obviously she knows his name ;p And he was there when she saved Zola form Jerks, as per the story)<br />
* Denise will wander over during a quiet time<br />
* Haft gives you a nod<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ummm, hi!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno if we ever really met for real before<br />
<br />
<Haft> Hello.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm Denise :)<br />
* Haft 's voice sounds like a human male's coming from inside a metal tube.<br />
<br />
<Haft> Hello, Denise. I am Haft.<br />
* Denise has heard him talk before at least<br />
* Denise grins more<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah, I think everyone here much knows who you are<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it's nice ta meetcha anyway :)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Can I help you with something?<br />
<br />
<Denise> welll... you kinda already did!<br />
<br />
<Haft> I did?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - well. Mlle Zola said you tackled Servan Aigel off a roof :D<br />
<br />
<Haft> Oh, yes.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I did do that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> Prolly it woulda been harder for him to set you on fire to get away :p<br />
<br />
<Haft> He did attempt it, but with limited success.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, that's what happened when we tangled with him - I clocked him good a few times but then I had to go chase after his little friend >.><br />
<br />
<Haft> He has a friend?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah, I didn't see too much of her though - she were real fast<br />
<br />
<Haft> Hm.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I though there was another person there, but as you say, they were fast.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus it were rainin - harder for chasin' folks on roofs. Didn't seem to bother her but prolly she just had like,,, fancy feet or somethin' :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh hyeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly<br />
<br />
<Denise> she's the one took a shot at the boss a while back<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it was on account a Aigel<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Haft> Perhaps they installed treads in her feet and springs in her legs.<br />
* Haft says, and does not seem to be joking.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - fancy like that is what I meant<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Haft> I suppose the bloodforged must stick together.<br />
<br />
<Denise> We were tryin' to find 'em, an we found a whole place where this science guy had been workin' on folks, but it were all cleared out 'cept a few... um.... constructs?<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that what they're called?<br />
<br />
<Haft> Constructs are non-sentient. <br />
<br />
<Haft> They don't think or feel.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's right then<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't heard them other folks called Bloodforged before<br />
<br />
<Haft> It's what we called them. Perhaps there is another name for them.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you know much about 'em?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or maybe why they might wanna go 'round offin' sailors? >.><br />
<br />
<Haft> Somewhat. The people who worked on our creation hoped they could apply some of the things they had learned to assisting those who were maimed in the war.<br />
<br />
<Haft> They were not as successful as they hoped.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> how d'you mean?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I may not be the best person to consult on the nuances of human behaviour. But my impression is that they were changed by the process.<br />
<br />
<Denise> weel, you're the first I found who knows much about it - so changed how?<br />
<br />
<Denise> they get more mean?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I suppose you could say that, yes.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I'm not certain if 'mean' is precisely right, but... colder.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, not carin' so much about folks?<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, that ain't no real surprise<br />
<br />
<Denise> You know why they'd be bustin up that weddin' you was at?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I can guess, but it is not my place to say.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe they just got somethin against fellas who like fellas :p<br />
<br />
<Haft> No, I don't believe that is the case.<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, that was all I had to go on :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> They killed my uncle's boyfriend<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we're pretty sure >.><br />
<br />
<Haft> I am sorry to hear that.<br />
* Denise grudginly admits that she is not 100% certain<br />
<br />
<Denise> We just ain't got no idea why :/<br />
* Denise considers<br />
<br />
<Denise> You know if there's someone I could ask, bouth those other fellas, whose place maybe it's be to say?<br />
<br />
<Denise> ('bout)<br />
<br />
<Haft> You could speak to Geff - however, he is away for a few days.<br />
* Denise considers<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe you should warn 'em about that other lady if you got some way?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just in case?<br />
<br />
<Haft> I have.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
* Denise drops her voice quieter<br />
<br />
<Denise> were it Geff gettin' married?<br />
* Haft considers for a moment if he can tell you that, and then nods.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, that's swell! Not so swell to get shot at, but still :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> When he gets back I oughtta buy him a pint or somethin' :3<br />
<br />
<Haft> He would likely appreciate that gesture.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I oughtta buy *you* a pint really, for catchin' Aigel, but I figure you don't drink, do you?<br />
<br />
<Haft> No, I do not.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I do like keys, however, if you come across any that are interesting.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Keys?<br />
* Haft nods<br />
<br />
<Haft> Old ones, preferably.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet I could come up with some real swell ones ^-^<br />
* Denise tried to remember if Enver has any in his collection that he might not ind parting with<br />
<br />
<Denise> you just collect 'em?<br />
<br />
<Haft> (he might!)<br />
<br />
<Haft> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Denise> does it matter what they go to?<br />
<br />
<Haft> No. Sometimes I can tell, but I also enjoy not knowing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Keys is way easy ^-^<br />
<br />
<Haft> Each one was made to keep something safe.<br />
<br />
<Haft> I can appreciate that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh - I ain't never thought of it that way<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I can bring you some real swell ones.<br />
<br />
<Haft> That would be very thoughtful of you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> alright - well, then thanks :3<br />
<br />
===Denise gets the low-down on Margaux from Argent===<br />
* Denise can fix us a snack before we retire to her room to hang out<br />
* Argent will help!<br />
<br />
<Denise> alright, you can grab the drinks ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, what's up?<br />
* Argent grabs away<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, other than all the other stuff I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Argent> Turns out I'm a big jerk<br />
* Argent shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Argent> Let me explain...<br />
<br />
<Denise> eh?<br />
<br />
<Argent> so I had Margaux to my place to see what she knew about the whole Emkathon's tomb.. she knows stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Argent> and she's been real valuable help to me... her advice on the dream world was bang on.<br />
* Denise listens<br />
<br />
<Argent> and I'm being all appreciative... cause, you know, big help... and I should have seen it coming... I'm trained to spot stuff like this...<br />
* Denise is not sure where you are going with this<br />
<br />
<Argent> Margaux kisses me and things get really awkward.<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, man<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> so how are you a big jerk, specific, liek then?<br />
* Denise asks, cautiously<br />
<br />
<Argent> I explain to her I'm seeing someone, and she's all embarressed and just wants to run out.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I try to smooth things over... who knows if it worked.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...okay...?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I just feel like crap over the whole thing...like I could have done something to prevent it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I don't figure on what<br />
<br />
<Denise> It ain't like you got control over how folks feel, right?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm trained to read people... like really read them... I just don't on my friends, cause, it doesn't feel right.<br />
* Denise thinks about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think if I liked someone that way, an I hadn't said nothin' an they was all "I just like you as a friend don't get no ideas"....<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno if that'd be better?<br />
<br />
<Argent> straight forward at least<br />
<br />
<Argent> better... hard to say, really depend on who was recieving it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well like.... generaly of someone kisses you an you were askin' or expectin' it, it ain't you who's the jerk<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I only met her once, right<br />
<br />
<Denise> She didn't seem like a jerk but also, like, she didn't seem like she were real good at people, neither<br />
<br />
<Argent> see, thats why I feel bad, I should be better with people.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Im dwelling on this and I probably shouldn't<br />
<br />
<Denise> nah<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> Feeelin's are all confusin and they don't make no sense<br />
<br />
<Denise> you can't always sort 'em out, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> but they don't just always let you alone just 'cause they want you too, neither<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it don't sound like you were *really* a jerk<br />
<br />
<Denise> you didn't laugh at her or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Argent> of course not<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know what you're saying too<br />
<br />
<Argent> this is not a situation I'm used to<br />
<br />
<Denise> were there no girls... or boys who like boys, at that monastery? ;p<br />
<br />
<Argent> if you're being taught to lie and infiltrate, it's hard to take anyone seriously in that regard.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I mostly just avoided it<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess :/<br />
<br />
<Argent> and there wasn't a whole lot of time for that stuff anyway<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, I seen other folks get in messes like that, an they don't seem to know much better<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, Maisie settled with her fella now an they're real happy<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, when she first got knocked up she were like *fer sure* sure it were his<br />
<br />
<Denise> and they had great big rows for a bit<br />
<br />
<Argent> well that sounds even more complicated<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> She told me, anyway, that she always loved him, just for a bit, she was confused 'bout how she felt about this other guy too<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, it weren't me<br />
<br />
<Argent> The only person I ever had a real crush on wasn't at the monestary.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> was it Collette? ^-^<br />
* Denise takes a wild guess - Collette is pretty awesome :V<br />
<br />
<Argent> well who could blame me if it was... but no<br />
<br />
<Argent> It was after I left and came back, before I got back with everyone<br />
<br />
<Denise> whooooooo? :D<br />
<br />
<Argent> you met her.<br />
<br />
<Argent> its kinda embarrassing now<br />
<br />
<Denise> Sister Briony?<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> like I said a little embarrassing.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> well she do make cute kids ^_^<br />
* Denise teases<br />
<br />
<Argent> it was totally inappropriate... she's kinda my boss.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well<br />
<br />
<Denise> feelin's<br />
<br />
<Denise> don't make sense<br />
<br />
<Argent> speaking of kids, when are you and Enver gonna start makin' some... Uncle Argent needs to bounce some off his knee.<br />
* Denise makes a face imagining havibg a crush on her boss<br />
<br />
<Denise> o_O<br />
* Denise makes a different face<br />
<br />
<Denise> ugh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like<br />
* Argent laughs<br />
<br />
<Denise> not *ugh* Ugh<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just like<br />
* Argent laughs more<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Argent> I hear that's how they're made... lots of 'ugh's<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know it shoudl be funny just... <br />
<br />
<Denise> there ain't nothin 'ugh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ' about that >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm being horrible<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yvie was buggin' us about it when I took him to meet folks<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't you<br />
<br />
<Denise> An' then Da was just.... bein' da <br />
<br />
<Denise> like he just can't figure I can keep myself from gettin' knocked up and if I did that I'd be all crawlin' back home for them to take care of me >:|<br />
<br />
<Argent> Does he have any idea who you are?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't figure if he don't or he do an he just don't like it so much he wants me to fuck up or what :|<br />
<br />
<Argent> Im not sure which would be worse...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, me neither<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> He said he didn't mean what he said to sound liek he did but I can't figure if it makes a difference an... anyway, sorry, I know you was just makin' a joke :/<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_23&diff=11467Diablotin 3 session 232015-11-30T16:22:44Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: October 25, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date: End of Second-month<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It's the end of Second-month, and the weather continues to be frigidly cold without the relief of a thaw. Some of the tabloids ascribe the weather to the mysterious fey rider who is sometimes spotted roaming the city's streets, and blame the city's guards for being unable to capture this eerie invader.<br />
<br />
===Dorien meets Misery's father===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, Misery wants to go and talk to her father about the situation with Puce, and, more worryingly, to bring you with her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Eep)<br />
<br />
<Misery> He's not that bad! He isn't going to beat you up or something.<br />
<br />
<Misery> ... probably.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't know... are you sure it's a good idea? I mean even if her doesn't kill me...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's still not the best circumstances to meet under<br />
<br />
<Misery> But you know more about Puce, you've been dealing with him longer.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You're... not going to leave me alone with him, are you?<br />
<br />
<Misery> No!<br />
<br />
<Misery> Of course not :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ...ok. You better not -_-<br />
* Dorien squeezes Misery's hand.<br />
* Misery squeezes back<br />
* Misery will take you to a gym in one of the shadier parts of the Shade. From the outside it mostly looks like a warehouse.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's not ominous.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Well, he didn't spend the money on decor.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I have the distinct impression that he would have no shortage of hiding spots for my body.<br />
<br />
<Misery> >.><br />
<br />
<Misery> You're skinny, you'd fold up really well.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Har har.<br />
* Misery leads you inside<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Inside, there is the echoing sound of flesh colliding with wood, leather, other flesh, punctuated with occasional yells, whether of pain or encouragement or both.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> A mix of Shadar-kai and human, though mostly Shadar-kai, are training with punching bags, dummies, and one another.<br />
* Dorien will follow warily, trying not to make too much eye contact with anyone, but not look like he's not trying to either. He will likely fail at both.<br />
* Denise waves :D<br />
<br />
<Dorien> o.O<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Den?<br />
* Denise is striped to the waist, with fabric wound around her chest, looking pretty sweaty<br />
* Misery will leave you with Denise for a moment while she goes to get her father's attention. it doesn't count as leaving you alone *with him* >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Hey Dorien :3<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey kid! What are you doing here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> trainin'!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... I mean other than the obvious<br />
<br />
<Denise> what're you doin' here? Meetin' with Syrez?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No kidding<br />
<br />
<Denise> finally meetin' her dad, then? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ...yeah. So you know the guy?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, eayh, I been trainin' with him for a while now<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Is he... how scared should I be?<br />
* Denise has a scar on one shoulder that is covered wth a shadar-kai-style tattoo<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno... depends on if Miz likes you maybe?<br />
* Denise teases<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I hope she does :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> From what Argent's been complainin' about, it sure seems like ^-^<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You're too young to listen to Argent's stories about me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> pfft, whatever ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway I gotta get back to trainin' or I'm gonna get my ass kicked<br />
* Dorien elboys Denise affectionately<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sure thing, sorry to bug you. By the way, I like your ink. Looks good on you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks :3<br />
* Dorien will step back and let her get back to beating the tar out of a bag or whatever she is doing<br />
* Misery will return with a man who is presumably her father<br />
* Syrez is tall, with short-cropped dark grey hair, and since he has his shirt off it's easy to tell he's quite muscular, and has a number of scars that don't look like the artistically-applied type.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hello... sir.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Dorien, this is Syrez Rhlandar. My father.<br />
* Syrez nods curtly<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's a pleasure to meet you.<br />
* Dorien tries hard not to be nervous.<br />
* Syrez looks you up and down<br />
<br />
<Syrez> What brings you here?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... Misery thought it would be a good idea for us to come talk to you. She thinks maybe you can help us.<br />
<br />
<Misery> We have some problems we need help dealing with.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Well, one specific problem.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> One specific, red haired, weasly problem.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> o_O<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ummm... sorry. I meant Puce.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> All right, come on, we'll go to my office and talk.<br />
* Syrez will lead you to a little tiny office that the three of you can cram into.<br />
* Dorien will be on his best manners<br />
* Syrez turns to his daughter once the door is closed<br />
<br />
<Syrez> What the *fuck* are you doing, getting mixed up with someone like Puce?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Well I didn't have much choice.<br />
* Dorien will shut right the fuck up for now.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Unless you'd rather I was coming to you because I got pregnant or caught some gross disease off a john, because that was the next best option.<br />
* Syrez frowns, looking confused and/or angry and/or both<br />
<br />
<Syrez> It can't be as bad as all that...<br />
<br />
<Misery> What do you even know? Like you're around!<br />
* Dorien will open his mouth briefly and then decide better of it.<br />
* Syrez thins his lips<br />
<br />
<Syrez> All right. Tell me what the problem is. I can talk to your mother about .... this... later.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (I assume between the two of us we can relate the general shape of the problem)<br />
<br />
<Misery> Puce set me up with Dorien to train me. With the idea that Dorien was going to get out of the job, once I was ready.<br />
<br />
<Misery> But now Puce just wants double the product instead.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I mean... I wasn't going to abandon her or anything...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I mean...<br />
<br />
<Misery> Shh.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yes Ma'am.<br />
* Syrez can't help a slight smirk at that.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Dorien and I are ... trying to make things work together. And I think we can. <br />
* Misery says with a glance at you<br />
* Dorien clears his throat<br />
<br />
<Misery> But with this hanging over our heads, we don't have a chance.<br />
<br />
<Misery> We thought you might know... who we should talk to, or where we can go, to try and get this dealt with.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> If I help with this, what are you going to do? Set up some independent drug-dealing business?<br />
<br />
<Misery> No, I'm pretty sure that would be a terrible idea.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> We're trying to go legit.<br />
* Misery says, looking to you for confirmation<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Both of us.<br />
* Syrez sighs<br />
<br />
<Syrez> So getting you in further with the Nhau'kel probably isn't what you're after.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I got her a job. An apprenticeship....<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not really, no.<br />
* Syrez nods<br />
<br />
<Syrez> Getting out is harder than getting in.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> So we've learned.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> But I'll see what I can do.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> I can talk to Tilkiira, for starters.<br />
* Dorien will raise an eyebrow questioningly at Misery.<br />
* Misery sort of makes a little 'ugh, I suppose if you have to' face, but nods.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> I'll see what she has to say, and then get back to you. And I'll have a word with your mother as well.<br />
<br />
<Misery> It isn't her fault...<br />
<br />
<Syrez> Mm.<br />
* Syrez makes a noncommittal grunt :p<br />
<br />
<Syrez> Meanwhile, just try and keep your heads down and do your jobs.<br />
* Dorien will nod<br />
<br />
<Syrez> Don't piss anyone else off.<br />
* Syrez says, strongly suggesting that HE is pissed off<br />
<br />
<Misery> All right<br />
<br />
<Syrez> <sk> And why couldn't you at least pick someone who looks like he can protect you?<br />
<br />
<Misery> <sk> Dad, he makes bombs. I'll be fine.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> o_O<br />
* Misery will extricate us from this tiny office, then<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you, sir.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> Mm. Don't thank me until this is sorted out. <br />
* Syrez goes back to training, with rather more vigor than before :p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> And for what it's worth... <sk> I don't think your daughter needs my help protecting herself.<br />
<br />
<Syrez> >.><br />
* Dorien will take Misery's arm and leave.<br />
<br />
===Denise and Hettie attend a Murodea family dinner===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise and Hettie, while Serge-Yves is in town, he has pushed for a big Murodea family dinner, so that he has a chance to see everyone. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The only house big enough to have a chance of accommodating everyone is Patric and Elcina's place, and even then, there will be people eating in the sitting room.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Everyone will bring some food to contribute, which makes for a somewhat disjointed, but copious, meal.<br />
* Denise will bring a pie :3<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (and a boyfriend? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes him too :3 If he has to bring a food I can make something else to go with >.>)<br />
* Enver can bring some wine that he got from somewhere >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> (that works ^-^)<br />
* Serge-Yves is the guest of honour, with everyone wanting to talk to him and hear about his travels<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> Should I say something to your da?<br />
* Enver asks surreptitiously<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmmmmm >.><br />
* Hettienne grumps.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ugh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Lets wait 'til he's with ma and then I'll take you over<br />
<br />
<Enver> 'kay<br />
* Denise answers quietly<br />
* Thierry and Rosalie are there with baby Avionne, who is also the star of the show<br />
* Corbin will mostly hang out quietly in the corner, watching<br />
* Elcina sits in her usual chair - she's more alert than usual, maybe she skipped her tea for the occasion.<br />
* Alain and Mikel chat about their plans for their apartment :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> (VICTORY!)<br />
* Yvonne will show off her latest tests from school, and her kitty :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Did Mikel bring his boy?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (he did not)<br />
* Alain will talk to Hettie when he gets a chance (where is she lurking?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (somewhere away from Patric)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Hey, Hettie... how're you doin?<br />
* Hettienne smiles.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aw, I'm doin' fine, Alain... How're you?<br />
* Alain says once he finds you in the hallway ;)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Actually, pretty good.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I heard you an Mik makin' plans... Glad that's workin' out.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Yeah, it'll be nice havin' someone around.<br />
<br />
<Alain> An'... I dunno if she told you, but I had a couple dates so far with Flavia.<br />
* Alain says, looking more embarrassed<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> No she didn't!! :D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Good boy :D<br />
<br />
<Alain> She's a real nice girl.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Alain> ... but I don't quite dare bring her here yet.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She better be... or she'll have t'asnwer to me :v<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh, I feel ya. >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (answer)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Just, 'cause she ain't a Rat, I worry that maybe some folks ain't gonna be so welcoming, you know?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah... some folks. :|<br />
<br />
<Alain> ... Serge-Yves told me you an' Nycki were seein' each other again >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ah, hehe, yeah. <.<<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> THat didn't take long.<br />
<br />
<Alain> yeah, well... news gets around.<br />
<br />
* Hettienne glances in S-Y's direction.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Oh, speakin' of news, we got our first issue of the new paper out next week :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aw, swell! <br />
<br />
<Alain> Yeah... well, we'll see.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm sure it'll be tops :3<br />
<br />
<Alain> It'll be good to have somethin' for our people. Mostly in Rat, even.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I can't wait t' read it!<br />
<br />
<Alain> I'll make sure you get a copy :)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Or even a bunch, if you wanna leave them out in the green room at the club.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, sure! There's a bunch of us there.<br />
* Alain nods<br />
* Hettienne lowers her voice a little. So... who all did Serge-Yves tell?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Am I gonna get Patric'd? :|<br />
<br />
<Alain> Me, an' Thierry... so ... probably most everyone knows by now?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ah, shit.<br />
<br />
<Alain> But Patric oughta know better than to pull any shit here...<br />
* Alain says, not entirely optimistically<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It's just like old times :|<br />
<br />
<Patric> yeah... <br />
<br />
<Patric> (er, ww)<br />
<br />
<Alain> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Look, as long as you're happy, I don't care 'bout what went on in the past. I just hope she's good for you in the future.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Thanks Alain... I 'preciate that.<br />
* Hettienne smiles sincerely.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Yeah, well, life's too short to hold grudges.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We're really tryin', both of us<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah.<br />
* Hettienne reaches out and gives his shoulder a squeeze.<br />
* Patric hugs you<br />
<br />
<Patric> (aaaa)<br />
* Alain hugs you<br />
* Hettienne hugs back<br />
* Yvonne is going to pester Denise with all sorts of questions, since she doesn't see her too often these days<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
* Denise has a lot more patience for it, for similar reasons<br />
* Yvonne is also very curious about Enver ^-^<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> Is he your boyfriend?<br />
* Denise will introduce him of course, though they did at least meet briefly on Rat Day<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh :3<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> Are you gonna get married?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> we ain't talked about nothin' like that....<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> (is he here? >.>)<br />
* Enver is nearby, but involved in talking with Mikel<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't wanna get into all of that too young, I think<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> If you get married, do I get to be the bridesmaid?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I only got one sister :3<br />
* Yvonne claps her hands excitedly<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> ain't gonna been anytime soon ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> What's all that about? You didn't promise her another kitty or somethin', did you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> no :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> just.... girl things ;p<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> she said I can be her bridesmaid when she gets married!<br />
<br />
<Denise> -_-<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, whenever that is :p<br />
<br />
<Enver> Well, sure - you're her sister. But that's a long time off.<br />
* Enver says, with a smile to Denise<br />
* Denise says, looking neervouds and then a little relieved when he speaks up<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah @_@<br />
* Denise smile back though<br />
* Yvonne nods, seeming satisfied with that<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (Ugh, sisters! @_@)<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> And when you have babies, I'll babysit for them :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yes.<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek, a long time from now when you're more growed up .p<br />
<br />
<Denise> :p<br />
* Yvonne makes a bit of a pout<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> I'm growed up :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah but I ain't havin' any babies!<br />
<br />
<Denise> not like... for a while >:|<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> hmph<br />
* Yvonne is clearly displeased with your stubborn refusal to get pregnant for her entertainment ;)<br />
<br />
<Yvonne> Well I can babysit for Avionne anyway.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> get lotsa practice<br />
* Yvonne nods<br />
* Yvonne will go off to angle for another chance to hold the baby, then<br />
<br />
<Enver> No pressure, huh? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah -_-<br />
<br />
<Denise> well like<br />
<br />
<Denise> other'n uncle Thierry everyone in the family already had babies real early<br />
<br />
<Denise> but<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't wanna.<br />
* Denise says firmly<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, sure. She's ten, though, she doesn't understand you've got a lot of stuff to do that don't include havin' a baby just yet.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> Like... lots of stuff >.><br />
* Denise smiles and blushes<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I'm right here, you know ;p<br />
* Denise will give him a little kiss of people are mostly not paying attentino, or no one concerning >.><br />
<br />
<Mikel> Go be smoochy somewhere else ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> the house is all full ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Ah, fine :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's romain? ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Ah... it didn't work out.<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm sorry :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wondered why he weren't here<br />
<br />
<Mikel> It's okay<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Uncle Serge-Yves says ... uh. <br />
* Mikel looks liek he's reconsidering saying what Uncle Serge-Yves says.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh boy, I can figgure :p<br />
<br />
<Enver> He says there's plenty of fish in the sea :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yes<br />
* Mikel looks relieved for that out ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' then somethin' about poles an' bait I bet :p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Maybe >.><br />
* Denise rolls her eyes<br />
<br />
<Denise> You doin' okay, then?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah. Gonna get moved in with Uncle Alain, like, in a couple weeks or so. That'll be good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> He's just super busy workin' on the paper - both papers - right now, so he said give him a bit of time to get things ready.<br />
<br />
<Denise> It's like.... it's nice bein' out of the house.<br />
* Denise admits, a bit guilty<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I'm real glad, it'll be good for you both<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I hope so, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Mikel> An' he won't throw a fit if I bring someone home :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> he lived with Serges-Yves ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Exactly<br />
<br />
<Denise> we just gotta make sure he ain't stayin' too busy ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause he will if we let 'im!<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you see that your father's gone to sit beside your mother, so maybe now is a good chance to bring Enver over?<br />
* Denise asks him<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> I guess so?<br />
* Enver gives your hand a squeeze<br />
* Denise gives his hand a squeeze<br />
* Denise braces her self<br />
* Denise will lead him over to where they are together<br />
* Elcina looks up and smiles to see you come over. Patric looks up and glowers.<br />
* Denise smiles at her mom and resists, barely, gloweing back at her dad<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mam, da....<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wanted you both to get to meet Enver<br />
* Enver clears his throat nervously<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's my boyfriend.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Hello, M. and Mme. Murodea.<br />
* Denise says, probably more firmly than necessary<br />
<br />
<Denise> mam, you met him for a bit at the holidays...<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Oh yes - we met during the holidays. It's so nice to see you again :)<br />
* Elcina is more with it today - no tea<br />
* Denise smiles at that, even if she isn't totally sure her mother really remembers or not :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> Nice to see you to, ma'am.<br />
<br />
<Patric> So, Enver is it? What's your last name?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Um, Raspail, sir.<br />
* Patric nods, as if thinking 'well at least he's a Rat'<br />
<br />
<Patric> And what do you do for a living?<br />
* Enver was anticipating this question...<br />
* Denise bites her lip<br />
<br />
<Enver> I do transportation work in the undercity.<br />
<br />
<Patric> Yeah, connected to that new underground train they're supposed to be workin' on?<br />
* Denise womders what her dad will think that even means >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> Ah, sorta, yeah. Finding the safe routes and hazards for travel down there.<br />
* Denise nods, keeping her mouth shut<br />
<br />
<Patric> Well... I imagine there's plenty of hazards.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yes, sir, but I try and avoid them.<br />
* Patric nods<br />
* Denise gives her dad a suspicious look<br />
<br />
<Patric> Hazards like, I dunno, guards?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Well, I try and avoid them too, sir. Don't want any trouble.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ugh, da >:|<br />
* Elcina puts her hand over her husband's<br />
<br />
<Elcina> It sounds like interesting work... I was always curious about things down in the undercity, from the old times. Do you come across much of that?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Sometimes, ma'am.<br />
<br />
<Enver> There is sure a lot of interesting things down there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Well, that'd be real interesting to hear about.<br />
* Denise says defensively<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver's got all kinds of good stories<br />
<br />
<Patric> Mmh. What about your folks, what do they do?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Well, my mother was a seamstress and took in washing and the like, but she died when I was young. I never knew my father, sir.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Oh, how sad.<br />
* Patric looks a little softer at that too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's done real well though, he's got him own place an' everything.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Well, that's good... Did you have some family to look after you, growing up?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Uh, friends of the family, yeah.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Patric> So, this place - it's big enough for the two of you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh<br />
* Denise doens't understand the question<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess...so...?<br />
<br />
<Patric> For the two of you to live in. Or more, if any surprises come along?<br />
<br />
<Denise> o_O<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Patric :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> there ain't gonna be no surprises.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> They're just dating, they aren't getting married.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an', yeah.<br />
<br />
<Patric> Mmph.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mmph.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Sir, my place is okay for me, an' Denise now and then, but there's no need to worry about more than that right yet.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Patric> No, well, you don't think so now...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Gosh, da, thanks >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> It ain't gonna be like that >:|<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Patric - Denise is a smart girl, and I'm sure she's taking care of things, and it's really not our business anyway.<br />
<br />
<Patric> Mm.<br />
<br />
<Patric> It'll be our business if she winds up in trouble, and back here...<br />
<br />
<Denise> >:| >:|<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Well the way you treat her, I doubt she'd even come back here.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can take car of myself, *da* >:|<br />
<br />
<Enver> Sir... that ain't gonna be a problem, but *if* it was, it wouldn't be your problem, it'd be mine and Denise's.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got other folks to look out for me who ain't so mean about it >:|<br />
* Patric frowns, but looks slightly ...concerned/ashamed?<br />
<br />
<Patric> Denise, I'm just tryin' to look out for you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> You want me to do what *you* want, is all >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't gonna have your life!<br />
<br />
<Patric> ...<br />
<br />
<Patric> No, I guess not.<br />
<br />
<Denise> An... I don't have to!<br />
<br />
<Denise> >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> an it ain't for you to decide.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Patric, tell her you're happy for her that she's found such a nice young man, an' don't act like they're gonna mess things up the way we did :p<br />
<br />
<Patric> ... yeah.<br />
<br />
<Patric> We wouldn't want that.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> D:<<br />
<br />
<Denise> ngh, I'm sorry, mam, We're gonna go talk to..... Aunt Hettie >:|<br />
* Denise takes Enver's arm and whirls away with him<br />
<br />
<Enver> sorry... did I mess it up?<br />
<br />
<Denise> NO YOu didn't >:|<br />
* Denise will actually go outside for a bit with him<br />
* Enver looks concerned<br />
* Denise sniffs agrily<br />
<br />
<Enver> hey...<br />
<br />
<Denise> he just ruins everything D:<<br />
<br />
<Denise> ;_;<br />
<br />
<Enver> he's wrong<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know!<br />
<br />
<Denise> but bhe's my dad!<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ai<br />
<br />
<Denise> t suppesed to tell me I ain't gonna do nothin but be stupid an fuckup my life!<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe he's tryin' to look out for you, but he don't seem like he knows you're grown up an' you can look after yourself<br />
<br />
<Denise> an that's all he *ever* says<br />
* Enver nods<br />
* Enver offers you a hug<br />
<br />
<Denise> he just wants me to be like him an work in a factory an grind myself down until there ain't nothin' left but *mean*<br />
* Denise will accept afte a moment of huffing, and slowly untense and start crying<br />
* Enver just holds you<br />
* Denise 's tears are probably freezing to her face, anyway :p<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, meanwhile inside... not sure how close attention you're paying to Patric, but there's definitely some drama going on.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ah shit... :|<br />
* Thierry glances in that direction too<br />
<br />
<Thierry> Should we? ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What'd he do now<br />
<br />
<Thierry> Gods only know... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ah fuck, where's Denise<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :|<br />
* Thierry has baby Avionne in his arms<br />
<br />
<Thierry> I'll go talk to Patric, you go find her?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aright.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Better you than me<br />
* Thierry knows his job in the family -_-<br />
* Hettienne will go looking for her niece then.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> *sniff*<br />
<br />
<Denise> (probably loud voices from outside would be telling, to start >.>)<br />
* Hettienne pokes her head outside.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Denise?<br />
* Enver is hugging a crying Denise<br />
* Denise is crying on Enver's shoulder<br />
* Denise sniffs and looks up when she hears it's you though<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh honey.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What did he say to you? >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> he jus...<br />
* Denise sniffs<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek he don't think I can do anything right, ever<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh like he's some big success story?!<br />
* Hettienne fumes.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an... like, he needs to look out for me an the only way he can do it is bein' mean<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I oughta give him a piece o' my mind!!<br />
<br />
<Denise> it dn't matter, it ain't gonna change nothin'<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He ain't gonna stop until he drives everyone off.<br />
* Enver has the good sense to keep his mouth shut during this >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I hope not<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe it's just me :(<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Your brother?<br />
<br />
<Denise> >_<<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's still got a chance :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Your sister only don't know better 'cause she's young yet :|<br />
* Denise sniffs<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yvie's smart, an she does good in school an, maybe she even has a *real* chance :(<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> As long as he lets her keep goin', and don't decide she needs to go work in some damn factory!<br />
<br />
<Denise> that Ain't Happenin. >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dno't wanna go back in. I feel like I already ruined the whole thing :(<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'll take you home if you wanna go. But I don't think you ruined nothin'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> No you didn't. :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> He just makes me so mad ;_;<br />
<br />
<Denise> ugh!<br />
<br />
<Enver> At the least, we gotta go back in to get our coats >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'll get 'em.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks, aunt hettie :/<br />
* Serge-Yves will be waiting when you get back in, Hettie<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> She okay?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Not really!<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> The hell is wrong with him?!<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Do you think she'd talk to Pat? I think he wants to talk to her, if she ain't just gonna deck him one when she sees him.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> *I* wouldn't<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Naw, I know you wouldn't.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> but you ain't Denise.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> UUurgh.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She's already cryin'!<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well... up to her, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> If she don't wanna, I don't blame her none. Nobody would.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess if she does punch him, he got it comin'.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> True enough.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She wants 'er coat.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Tell 'im to take that, at least.<br />
* Hettienne grumbles.<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
* Serge-Yves will go and relay that message, then<br />
* Hettienne watches the door. :|<br />
* Patric will return a few minutes later with Denise and Enver's coats, walking like a man going to the gallows.<br />
<br />
<Patric> She outside?<br />
* Patric asks warily<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Mm-hmm. <br />
* Hettienne fixes him with a frosty gaze.<br />
<br />
<Patric> ...I didn't mean to...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Don't tell *me*.<br />
* Patric nods<br />
* Patric will step outside with the coats, then<br />
<br />
<Patric> It's cold... you'll want these I guess.<br />
* Denise wipes her eyes warily<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, waht, you're throwin' up out properlike, now?<br />
<br />
<Patric> I... I ain't throwin' you out. I would never...<br />
* Patric sighs, trying that one again<br />
<br />
<Patric> This is always your home if you want it to be, Denise. <br />
* Denise doesn't really trust herself to answer that, but her lips tighten somewhat<br />
<br />
<Patric> I know I ain't said the right things... <br />
<br />
<Patric> Like that I ... I care what happens to you, an' that I know you can look out for yourself. <br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
* Denise seems suspicious still<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...did mam tell you to say that?<br />
<br />
<Patric> She ... she told me how it sounded, what I said before.<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu don't trust me.<br />
<br />
<Patric> An' lookin' at it like that, you got every right to be mad at me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an you *dont* think I can take care of myself. <br />
<br />
<Denise> and if I can' you still don't like how!<br />
<br />
<Patric> I worry about you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't do nothing right!<br />
* Denise tries to keep from yelling in the streets, but hey, its the Shambles, we might still be the Good Neighbours >.><br />
<br />
<Patric> An' you're right that I don't like the crowd you're wrapped up with. Because I worry about what'll happen to you if you get into trouble - any kind of trouble.<br />
<br />
<Patric> <q> Because... I'm scared of losin' you.<br />
<br />
<Patric> <q> but maybe I already did.<br />
* Denise sniffs again<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just wanna be able to look after folks in my own way<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's all<br />
<br />
<Patric> All right.<br />
<br />
<Patric> Here, you... you must be cold, at least put on your coat...<br />
* Patric offers them to you again<br />
* Denise will take them both and pass Enver his<br />
* Enver takes it, putting it on<br />
<br />
<Patric> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just... tell folks I'm sorry we didn't stay.<br />
<br />
<Patric> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Thanks Da.<br />
<br />
<Patric> You take care.<br />
* Denise nods, and will take Enver and head out<br />
* Patric will head back inside, then<br />
* Hettienne glares.<br />
<br />
<Patric> you can shoot daggers at me all you want, Hettie. I'm just... tired.<br />
* Hettienne frowns, not sure what to make of that.<br />
* Patric will head upstairs unless you stop him<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (I'll let him go)<br />
<br />
<Patric> (okay)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The party is pretty subdued after that, and people will gradually head out too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Denise will apologize to SY later :/)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (aw, he'd tell her it's not her fault)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (are we done?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (unless either of you had anything to add?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (I'm good :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> 'kk<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> thanks!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> np :)<br />
<br />
<br />
===Zola learns she has to pretend to be Mico again===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, you are awakened at the unacceptable hour of 10am by your phone ringing, which usually means it's your agent calling.<br />
* Zola fumbles the receiver a bit before getting it in place... "Hello?"<br />
<br />
<Hector> Zola, baby, good news!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah? What's that?<br />
* Zola tries not to sound unnecessarily dubious.<br />
<br />
<Hector> 'Waiting For You' is gonna be on the air - Stefan Cuville's spinning it on the Red Lion Dance Hour next week!<br />
* Hector names a popular radio show that broadcasts trendy dance tunes for the young folks.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wait, you got it on the air already? <br />
<br />
<Hector> 'Course I did, aren't I the best agent ever?<br />
<br />
<Hector> It'll be just in time for the release, it's perfect :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's splendid! <br />
<br />
<Hector> There's just one... tiny...insignificant... catch.<br />
* Zola stops, looking around for Bastien to tell him the news...<br />
<br />
<Zola> "Yeah, you need me to do another show for Mico?"<br />
<br />
<Hector> Well, I might have promised him an exclusive interview with Mico.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh for... an interview? <br />
<br />
<Hector> And exclusive rights to Mico's next single. Which I told him is coming out real soon now. <br />
<br />
<Hector> So... you got a Mico single ready to go?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Theo and I've been trying to get one ironed out... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What does that mean, exclusive rights? Like for airplay?<br />
<br />
<Hector> Right, only he gets to play it on his show for the first while it's out - like to draw in the audience, kind of thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you think that's worth it... <br />
<br />
<Zola> The interview though, that's ... <br />
<br />
<Hector> That's what?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not live is it? <br />
<br />
<Hector> Why?<br />
* Hector asks, not answering the question<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, that's extra awkward... it's harder to dodge any questions I don't like if the whole city's listening.<br />
<br />
<Hector> Well, we can hash out the details<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess we can. I guess it's not too bad a deal... is it?<br />
<br />
<Hector> Zola, it's great!<br />
<br />
<Hector> And he did like Zola's voice - he wasn't just interested in Mico. He thought she'd be a shoe-in for a gig that's coming open.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, a gig? <br />
* Zola perks up a little.<br />
<br />
<Hector> Yeah, The Red Lion Cigarettes jingle!<br />
<br />
<Hector> I mean, it's great publicity - everyone will hear it!<br />
* Zola sighs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess at least it's not penguins.<br />
<br />
<Hector> That's the spirit :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just make sure he knows Mico's a private person, right? So he won't get surprised when I shut some questions down.<br />
<br />
<Hector> We can get a list of questions up front, so you can clear 'em ahead of time<br />
* Hector assures you soothingly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, that sounds good... <br />
* Zola foolishly allows herself to be soothed<br />
<br />
<Hector> Great, baby, I'll get in touch with all the details. You get working on a new hit for Mico, okay? :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I'll ring Theo up and light a fire under him... after the rest of my sleep.<br />
* Hector has already hung up before you finish your sentence<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks for setting this up, Hector. <br />
* Zola shrugs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bastien!<br />
<br />
<Bastien> mrr?<br />
* Zola sweeps him up<br />
* Bastien meeps at you<br />
<br />
<Zola> Come to bed! I have great news!<br />
* Zola tells him a bedtime story about pretty jazz singers on the radio :3<br />
* Bastien will knead your blankets and listen patiently<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (so, you want to talk to Theo?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Sure :3)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Phone or in person?)<br />
<br />
<Theo> (do you usually work at the club with him, before opening hours, or at your place, or elsewhere?)<br />
* Zola imagines Mico talk occurs elsewhere, for safety's sake.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Could be her place, or his)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay - let's say your place)<br />
* Zola has coffee brewed to help ward away the cold.<br />
* Theo arrives for practice times :)<br />
<br />
<Theo> How's it going, Zola?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good, despite my sleep being all broken up today... I got news though... from Hector @_@<br />
<br />
<Theo> Oh?<br />
* Zola pours him some coffee and sets it where he usually sits for once he's shucked his winter things<br />
<br />
<Theo> Good news, I hope?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, he's worked out a deal to get 'Waiting for You' on the Red lion Dance Hour @_@<br />
<br />
<Theo> Oh, that's great!<br />
<br />
<Zola> It is! Though there's a few hoops to jump through...<br />
<br />
<Theo> It seems like there always are with Hector...<br />
* Zola puts lots of sugar in her coffee and sets it aside too cool a bit.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, well... I can't blame him entirely...<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least in this case he's got to convince someone else to do something for him... us.<br />
<br />
<Theo> what's the catch, then?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Exclusivity... an interview with Mico, and first dibs on his next single... <br />
<br />
<Theo> Well... if you've got to be exclusive, I guess Red Lion is a good way to go. All the kids listen to it.<br />
* Theo says as though he wasn't 21 himself :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I figure Hector's self-interest means that part's a good deal. :)<br />
<br />
<Theo> ... so, next single, huh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess he'd like us to put a push on that. <br />
<br />
<Theo> Well, I've got a few ideas - we can try to hammer something out<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I'm sure you'll dream up another hit :)<br />
* Theo smiles<br />
<br />
<Theo> Do you get to meet Stefan Cuville, too? I always wanted to meet him.<br />
<br />
<Theo> He's got a dreamy voice ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ha! I guess I do, one way or another... I just hope I don't have to do the interview live...<br />
<br />
<Theo> for all I know, he looks like a bridge troll, though ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe, but then you could just close your eyes :D<br />
<br />
<Theo> Hah. He's been on the air since I was a little kid, he's probably pretty old by now too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey, if 'Waiting for You' does well, he might want to meet you too! Songwriter for two hit singers!<br />
<br />
<Theo> Oh, I don't know... nobody's interested in the songwriter :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe not so much the public, but he's in the business! <br />
<br />
<Theo> Well, if I'm gonna write another hit, tell me - which do you like better, trolley cars or moonbeams?<br />
* Zola winces visibly<br />
<br />
<Zola> ...is neither an option?<br />
<br />
<Theo> The third option is penguins.<br />
* Theo says with a smirk ;)<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> If I say trolley cars is there going to be clanging in the song?<br />
<br />
<Theo> Almost certainly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why are you so cruel, Theo? ;_;<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was just thinking the next one better not be another Ring Ring Ring...<br />
<br />
<Theo> Because I'm in touch with the youth of today ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anything but moonbeams... <br />
<br />
<Theo> Clanging it is.<br />
* Zola puts on her saddest of sad faces<br />
<br />
<Theo> Don't worry, we'll add some innuendo so it's more fun.<br />
* Zola considers taht<br />
<br />
<Theo> Something about riding your trolley to the end of the line. It'll be a hit ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It might be worth all the pain.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just to sneak in something scandalous<br />
* Theo smiles<br />
<br />
<Theo> Well, better get to work.<br />
* Theo will settle in to put you through some terrible catchy pop songs ;p<br />
* Zola sighs, puts on her Mico voice, and lets Theo have his way with her.<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne learns that Cassie has a new romantic prospect===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, you haven't had too much time to see Cassie for the last little while, being so busy with everything else that's going on. She's usually pretty patient, but she does finally ask to get together, with a certain nervous urgency that will get your attention.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can make time to see her for breakfast after the show one early morning. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Where are we meeting?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (one of the diners that is near the club, maybe?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (someplace that will be open for breakfast at 4am ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Sounds good, wherever she likes)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Are we headed there together, or meeting there?)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> (headed there together, probably)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> You've been pretty busy lately, huh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's been pretty hectic, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Are you doing okay?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Personally, yes, more or less. But with my brother, and these fey, and getting attacked, and, just, everything...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's a little exhausting.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How are you doing?<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Welll....<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It wasn't my intention to complain. ;)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> oh, no, it's okay<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I... things are okay with me. Good, actually.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I ... I don't know how to tell you, though.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hmm? You can tell me anything. :)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Well... I met someone. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh ho? Well, let's get a seat and you can give me some details. :D<br />
* Cassandreia looks over at you uncertainly, to see how you'll react<br />
* Aubrienne will wait to get seated and then begin the interrogation.<br />
* Cassandreia takes a seat and will order some food<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who's the lucky lady?<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Well, do you know Theo Olivier? The songwriter? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Do I? I think a bit, right?)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> (yeah, I'm sure Aubrienne at least knows who he is... he's often at the club working with the musicians and so on)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, yeah, a little bit. He and I don't really work on the same things, but he seems nice.<br />
* Cassandreia nods<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> He's around the club a lot, and one night his sister came by to talk to him, and... she's really pretty.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> His younger sister, not Gabby.<br />
* Cassandreia clarifies<br />
* Aubrienne smiles.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Have you asked her out yet?<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Her name's Ysabel... we've talked a few times, and I got her phone number, but I haven't got up the courage yet >.><br />
* Aubrienne will reach over to give Cassie's hand a squeeze.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You should give her a call.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> What if she's only interested in being friends, though? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :shrug: You won't know unless you ask.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I just wish there was a way to tell :p<br />
* Cassandreia sighs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Think of it as part of the thrill.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> She's just so beautiful...<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I don't want you to think I don't like you, though<br />
* Cassandreia adds quickly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aww, Cass, I appreciate the thought, but my self-image isn't that fragile. I'm cute, but I'm not for everyone. ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Besides, thinking one person is pretty doesn't mean you can't think others are as well.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> Well... I think you're real glamorous :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aww, thank you, but I really wasn't fishing for the compliment.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think you're adorable. ;)<br />
* Cassandreia blushes, smiling<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> So... um, can I ask another question?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sure.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> You and, um, the boss... you're pretty stuck on her, huh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Has Aubrienne told Cassie specifcally that she's dating Titania?)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> (no, I don't think so?)<br />
* Cassandreia may have picked up on that on her own...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Okay, just double-checking)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, well, I'm very fond of her, yeah. >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why do you ask?<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I just wasn't sure whether something was going on... or what it meant for us. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, sweetie, I've very fond of you, too, but I don't want to hurt you. I told you when we started seeing each other what dating me meant, and if it's not something you want anymore, I completely understand.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That sounds more, uh, clinical, or something, than I mean it.<br />
* Cassandreia nods a bit sadly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I like you a lot, Cassie, but if I can't give you what you want, I don't want to keep you from finding it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You deserve to be happy, sweetie.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I guess... I want someone who'll be happy just with me.<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> I just don't want to make you sad :(<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'm not going to lie and say I wouldn't miss the aspects that would change, but I'm also happy just being your friend if that's easier for you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> If you want just one person who also just wants you, then you should go for that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not going to stop you from finding your happiness.<br />
* Cassandreia nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void, I'll help. :)<br />
<br />
<Cassandreia> You're really the best, you know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, I know. ;)<br />
* Cassandreia leans across the table to kiss you<br />
* Aubrienne is happy to kiss back.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (awww :3)<br />
<br />
===Gen and Lathra meet Karala===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you are invited to the Orecalo household to meet with the mysterious Karala, who has apparently arrived in the city. You can certainly bring Lathra for support and to have someone else who might think of questions to ask her :)<br />
* Genevriel does invite Lathra, and tries not to freak out about going to the Orecalo residence.<br />
* Lathra tries to make sure she goes to the right Orecalo residence.<br />
* Genevriel will wear her single nice outfit, again - the one that Dorien bought her.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can be shown into a sitting room to meet Karala<br />
* Karala is a rather plump middle-aged woman with wavy black hair with a few strands of grey, wearing a colourful wrapped shawl and long dress.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Good day.<br />
* Karala says with a Psyrene accent.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> <Psyrene> Good day.<br />
* Genevriel replies with a tentative smile.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you for agreeing to meet with me...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> May I introduce my friend, Lathra?<br />
<br />
* Genevriel continues in Common, so as not to be rude.<br />
<br />
<Karala> It's a pleasure to meet you both.<br />
* Lathra nods, not wanting to butt in on Gen.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And to meet you too!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (The Orecalos would also provide you with tea, naturally ;p)<br />
<br />
<Karala> So, I have heard you are having some difficulties... some unusual circumstances?<br />
* Genevriel will make small talk for a bit, first, to put her nerves at ease - just talk about Psyra, mainly. She stumbles a little when she speaks of which part *she* grew up in so probably can tell she has some traumatice memories. But, Gen's grief is becoming easier to bear, so she doesn<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ('t break down into tears or anything)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (That house is full of teaq)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (tea)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (so much tea)<br />
* Genevriel will then fill in Karala on her difficulties, yes.<br />
* Karala will listen, of course, and also speak a bit about where she's from in Psyra<br />
* Genevriel explains what happened to her at the end of the war.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Have you ever heard of anything like that happening to someone else?<br />
<br />
<Karala> Not precisely like that, no... but my own experience was not completely different.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What happened for you?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you don't mind my asking...<br />
<br />
<Karala> Of course not.<br />
<br />
<Karala> I was young, I suppose fourteen or fifteen. My family were quite traditional Psyrene farmers, nothing too unusual for our region.<br />
<br />
<Karala> They paid little attention to the Church of the Wheel, other than what was expected - holidays and so forth.<br />
* Genevriel listens<br />
<br />
<Karala> But my mother often told me that our people were watched over by a different god, Horse. <br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Karala> I tried praying to Horse - it felt less... distant, I suppose, than the gods the priests talked about.<br />
<br />
<Karala> There was a shrine, an old, old place that had been abandoned long ago.<br />
<br />
<Karala> I went there often when I was young. For some while, nothing happened. I wondered perhaps whether I was doing it wrong, but I felt a presence there nevertheless.<br />
<br />
<Karala> I didn't know what the proper rites were, or how to perform them<br />
<br />
<Karala> I simply offered my service to Horse, if it was willing to accept me. And it was.<br />
* Karala takes out from under her shawl a small hedgehog, setting it on her lap.<br />
<br />
<Karala> This is Teelo...<br />
* Karala introduces you to the hedgehog<br />
* Lathra stifles an enchanted "oh!"<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hello, Teelo?<br />
* Genevriel looks a little perplexed.<br />
* Lathra can't suppress her goofy grin though<br />
<br />
<Karala> Teelo is my familiar - but not quite in the same way that a sorcerer might have a familiar.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Karala> For me, Teelo is not just an ... accessory to my power. He is the vessel I draw on for my spells.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Professor Orecalo has a great many theories about this, of course. <br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly. "I can imagine."<br />
<br />
<Karala> But what I think is perhaps similar to your experience, is the force I deal with... something greater than myself, that I cannot fully understand.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Karala> In my case, however, I did offer myself freely - you seem to have had no such choice?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well... I was raised in a fairly devout Way of the Wheel family; we couldn't get to temple, but we had a shrine to Wolf in our home and would read to one another on First-Days. But... I repudiated Wolf early in the war, and buried my symbol with a priestess friend who died. So, when I wanted - needed - to rescue that boy, I didn't know who to call on. So... I asked if anyone who was listening could help me.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Probably not very wise, I know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> This entity that I can only identify as "The One" is what responded. I don't really know who or what it is, or what it hoped I can be to it. Some of its words that Lathra has been able to translate could be harmless, or could be rather ominous.<br />
<br />
<Karala> If in that moment you were willing to accept this... power, I suppose, into yourself, then it explains why it has a hold on you still.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And is not like to give up that hold, I think... So my focus must now be on trying to figure out what it is, what it wants, if anything.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Does it speak to you often?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Well, since I've been regularly casting Pleasant Dreams on myself, I'm not sure if I hear the voices as much anymore? Logically I think I would, I'm just not having nightmares with them, I suppose - so - am I hearing them often, still<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I would say yes, you're still hearing them regularly - just not with the nightmares that you used to have along with them)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All the time, particularly when there is no ambient noise to drown the voices out. With M. Orecalo's assistance, I have learned that they speak a dialect of Celestial.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, I'm undertaking to learn Celestial now, so that - I hope - I can understand what they are saying, and begin, finally to get a grasp on what I might be dealing with.<br />
* Karala nods<br />
<br />
<Karala> If you can do that, it seems like a good step to take.<br />
<br />
<Karala> If their words are not too... ominous, as you said.<br />
* Genevriel nods. "I'm trying to find some books I can teach myself from."<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Even if their words are ominous... I think I'd like to know what they're saying. So I can plan to live a normal life, or not...<br />
* Karala nods<br />
<br />
<Karala> Professor Orecalo believes your powers are divine in nature... of course, he also believes mine are not, so I think our definitions of 'divine' may vary somewhat :)<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Every indication seems to be they are divine in origin, yes...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The gifts The One has granted to me all relate to fire and healing - do you know if those gifts might indicate whether The One might be Horse or any of the other Agathions?<br />
<br />
<Karala> It doesn't sound like Horse to me.<br />
<br />
<Karala> But I don't think it's coincidental that this happened to you when it did. <br />
<br />
<Karala> Or that some new sort of power should be manifesting now, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Karala> with Serpent's return, things have changed.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, M. Orecalo didn't think so, either. He believes it is likely due to the turmoil that Serpent's re-emergence has caused in the Court of Stars.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Ultimately, I think all magical power comes from a single source - it's only a difference in how we as humans are able to understand it and access it. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The other thing is, since I have had these powers, I know always where the star at the centre of the Wheel is.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know if it's related.<br />
* Karala nods<br />
<br />
<Karala> I think it must be.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Something has reached out to you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, responded to my desperation, at any rate...<br />
* Genevriel smiles dryly.<br />
* Karala nods<br />
<br />
<Karala> If you wish, I am willing to cast a spell to allow me to contact another plane and ask a question on your behalf.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That could yield some intriguing results, but... what question would be the right one to ask?<br />
<br />
<Karala> That, I couldn't tell you :)<br />
<br />
<Karala> But you could ask as many as five.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Karala> You can take time to think about it, if you wish<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know if I can think of five questions right here, right now. <br />
<br />
<Karala> I'll be here in the city for some time.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you; this is a very generous offer.<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What can I do for you in return?<br />
* Karala smiles<br />
<br />
<Karala> I'm not sure. <br />
<br />
<Karala> What would you be willing to offer? <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well... nothing that imperils my immortal soul.<br />
* Genevriel smiles, gallows humour is about all she can manage these days.<br />
<br />
<Karala> Oh, goodness, well, I wasn't going to ask for that, even if there was anything I could do with it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> . o O (Not that I need much help with that, anyway.)<br />
<br />
<Karala> I can tell you, though, that one reason I came to the city was because I want an apprentice. I don't want my knowledge to die with me.<br />
<br />
<Karala> If you knew of someone who would be interested in that, you could let me know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Someone who would like to be a servant of Horse?<br />
<br />
<Karala> Yes.<br />
* Genevriel seems doubtful that she might find such a person, but will keep it in mind.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If I meet anyone like that, I can certainly put him or her in touch with you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Is that all?<br />
<br />
<Karala> That's all that I can think of.<br />
* Genevriel seems worried that she might not have much luck with that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, I will do my best, but you ought to know my social circles are... limited. So it might take a long time. :/<br />
<br />
<Karala> Well, I'm not expecting you to do it for me - I came here with the intention of looking for myself too.<br />
<br />
<Karala> It would be a kind gesture if you did know of someone, though.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (I can't think of anyone off the top of my head just now.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)<br />
* Karala will let Lathra pet Teelo before you go, too ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> . o O ( :3 :3 :3 )<br />
<br />
<Lathra> He's so darling!<br />
<br />
===Argent reports to Briony===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you're about due for a report to Briony<br />
<br />
<Argent> (ok!)<br />
* Briony will meet you at a cafe, as usual<br />
* Briony seems a bit tired and worn out<br />
* Argent arrives as usual<br />
<br />
<Argent> Everything good? <br />
* Argent asks as he sits<br />
<br />
<Briony> Oh, things are kind of ... awful.<br />
<br />
<Argent> What's wrong?<br />
<br />
<Briony> My sister is an idiot, is what's wrong.<br />
<br />
<Argent> You want to talk about it?<br />
<br />
<Briony> I don't want to burden you...<br />
* Briony says, wavering slightly<br />
<br />
<Argent> I've never met your sister, and I have big shoulders, sounds like I would be a good person to unload on.<br />
<br />
<Briony> My sister is in the Colour Guard. And she has been arrested for apparently attacking some random passers-by.<br />
<br />
<Briony> We both have our reasons to be concerned about outsiders in the Empire... we just don't agree on how best to deal with them :p<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah, thats a rough one.<br />
<br />
<Argent> How are you dealing with it?<br />
<br />
<Briony> Well, trying to get her to talk to a lawyer, for one.<br />
<br />
<Briony> She's always been... unstable :/<br />
<br />
<Briony> I don't know whether to worry more that they'll put her in an asylum, or in prison.<br />
<br />
<Argent> neither sound that great<br />
<br />
<Briony> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Argent> I can see why you're so worried<br />
<br />
<Argent> she doesn't want your help, does she.<br />
<br />
<Briony> No.<br />
<br />
<Briony> I'm supposed to be the one looking out for my siblings... and now my brother is dead and my sister's in jail, so basically I've failed at the one thing I was supposed to do...<br />
* Briony drinks her coffee<br />
<br />
<Briony> Anyway.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm sure you'll figure something out.<br />
<br />
<Briony> maybe<br />
<br />
<Briony> I don't know if you should trust me to look out for you, though. I can't be very good at it.<br />
* Briony says with a sigh<br />
<br />
<Briony> How about you fill me in on what you've been up to?<br />
<br />
<Argent> You've helped me more than I can ever say... you changed my life. <br />
* Briony smiles a little at that<br />
<br />
<Argent> and as you would tell me, if I was feeling discouraged, remember to trust your faith and yourself.<br />
<br />
<Briony> You're right.<br />
<br />
<Argent> As to what I've been up to... its been busy<br />
<br />
<Argent> Had an encounter with a Cold Rider at my appartment, investigating if there is any blood tie to the shadar-ki who were in the summoning ritual.<br />
<br />
<Briony> We think we may have a lead on tracking down the Cold Rider.<br />
<br />
<Argent> thats good news<br />
<br />
<Briony> I was going to ask if you wanted to join me and a few others of us for that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> yes<br />
<br />
<Argent> should I try and recruit some help as well?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Well..<br />
<br />
<Briony> Well..<br />
* Briony considers that for a moment<br />
<br />
<Briony> If you have some people you trust, all right. <br />
<br />
<Argent> I can think of at least one.<br />
* Briony nods<br />
<br />
<Briony> We don't want to make too big a show out of it - so people who can keep quiet, preferably.<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Briony> All right - I'll keep you posted when we're ready to go ahead with that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I also found out about an encounter with some fungal infested rats in the sewars.<br />
<br />
<Briony> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Briony> That sounds interesting - are you following up on that, or want me to get someone else on it? I know you're busy.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think the Channels are investigating it, so you may be able to get better information.<br />
<br />
<Briony> all right<br />
<br />
<Argent> I thought if we could find some more, we could track them back to those fungal fae.<br />
* Briony nods<br />
<br />
<Briony> It must be connected - it's too big a coincidence otherwise<br />
<br />
<Argent> Eirlys, the fae we brought back from the dream, mentioned that they were servants of the Fungus Queen.<br />
<br />
<Briony> Great. Wonderful.<br />
<br />
<Briony> Just what we need, is more fey.<br />
* Briony sighs<br />
<br />
<Argent> I didn't get the impression that the ice fey and the fungal fey are necessarily allies... which is some small comfort.<br />
* Briony nods<br />
<br />
<Briony> Well, we'll work on dealing with them one at a time.<br />
<br />
<Briony> You're doing great work.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Well watching is starting to make me itch to do something.<br />
* Briony nods<br />
<br />
<Briony> Soon enough.<br />
* Briony pats you on the shoulder<br />
<br />
===Hugo has a surprise visitor in the person of Eirini===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you are at home, doing... whatever Hugo does at home. Organizing your scarves?<br />
* Hugonel sorts by texture, not by colour.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Mmmm ... silky.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Your doorbell rings.<br />
* Hugonel goes to answer the door.<br />
* Eirini stands outside your door, wearing a heavy cloak against the cold.<br />
* Hugonel is wearing silk pants and an open shirt, and is scarfless.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ah!<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I gather you wanted to speak with me.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That is ... ah, hello, Eirini. Please come in out of the cold - it's frigid out there.<br />
* Eirini nods, and will come inside<br />
* Hugonel opens the door widely - making sure to check if someone is out there planning to beat me senseless.<br />
* Eirini appears to be alone...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Can I get you something to drink? <br />
* Eirini lowers her hood, and you can see that her hair is entirely white.<br />
* Hugonel closes the door.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> No, thank you.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ahhh ... you've changed your hair. <br />
<br />
<Eirini> The winter has changed my hair.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is that how it works? Fascinating!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Come, sit down.<br />
* Eirini removes her cloak, underneath which she's wearing a silky black dress, and will come and sit down.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How have you been?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Cold.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That much we have in common. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> They say it's that Cold Rider causing all of this.<br />
* Eirini nods<br />
<br />
<Eirini> They're not wrong.<br />
* Hugonel nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I ... admit to having a number of questions, and not knowing which to ask first.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But I suppose I should start just by saying thank you for not ignoring me.<br />
* Eirini nods<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I felt I owed you some ... apology, perhaps.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> For what specifically?<br />
* Hugonel asks, as if to suggest there may be multiple things.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> For charming you - it was probably unecessary.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Indeed - I have to admit to being more offended at that than anything else. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Which is silly, perhaps.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Were you charming me to get me out of the way, or to ... why were you charming me? Surely not simply for sex.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> So that you wouldn't interfere.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> If I just wanted sex with you, I could have that at any time.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That much is true.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's your quarrel with the Count of Radstock, anyway? <br />
<br />
<Eirini> He destroyed a sacred place. His spellcasters drained its power and then he burned it to the ground. <br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, I can't argue with that logic. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The Dyess family is not known for its compassion and kindness.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Eirini ... is that the name you prefer? Should I call you by another? ...<br />
<br />
<Eirini> It suits me for the time being.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> ... had we met before? I mean before the club. Years ago?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I'd never met you before that night.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm finding myself, rather against my will, involved in this whole business with the fey.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Are you. How difficult for you.<br />
* Eirini says dryly<br />
* Hugonel chuckles.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It has its perks.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Do you know what Klara Dannan might want with me?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't know... has she tried to give you any gifts?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No ... she fed me and something in the wine had a rather unusual effect, or ... well, something did.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Well, I'd advise against accepting if she offers you things in the future<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I mean, if you want to live.<br />
* Eirini says with a shrug<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> In her ... true form ... does she have colorful wings, or a face like a skull? I don't even know what I'm asking, really.<br />
* Eirini gives you a sidelong look<br />
<br />
<Eirini> No... <br />
<br />
<Eirini> what have you seen, Hugo?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's ... a vision, from my youth ... of a red-haired woman - with wings and a skull face? - who kissed me, and said she'd see me again far in the future. Now here we are, and I have two strange red-haired women meddling with me. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's all like a dream - I don't know how much of it is real, but it *is* real.<br />
* Eirini looks somewhat shaken by that<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I've upset you. That wasn't my intent. <br />
<br />
<Eirini> No... but perhaps I've meddled in something that I shouldn't have, in dealing with you.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How so?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> The woman you saw is... she is a being of great power. If she's laid a claim on you, then ... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What kind of being?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't know if what she is has a name.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How ... upsetting. Is she related to the various things going on here in the city now? Ice fey, and strange mushrooms, and all that?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Related, yes... that is one way to look at it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Does she bear ill will towards the city and to humans?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is she even here any more?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Perhaps? <br />
* Hugonel sighs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Okay, let's try something else. Why are the fey so interested in the cabaret?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Why there, and not ... anywhere else in the city?<br />
* Eirini smiles<br />
<br />
<Eirini> You'd like me to say that we're drawn there by your charm and beauty, wouldn't you<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, actually that's what I'm most afraid of!<br />
* Eirini chuckles<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Well, at least you're not overestimating your own importance.<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If what you say is true and some powerful fey has put some claim on me twenty years ago, why wouldn't it all come due now? <br />
<br />
<Eirini> There used to be a sacred site there... sacred to our people, I mean. Underneath its stones, the river still flows, and the power still lingers.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is that why Jonas is there?<br />
* Eirini nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And why the Cold Rider appeared there.<br />
* Eirini nods again<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But nothing to do with the fact I'm working there.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> That's purely a pleasant bonus.<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I've been told that many times.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But never by a songbird.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What kind of entity are you, if I might ask? We've been ... very close. I think perhaps I should know.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I'm a dryad.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Why did you come to visit today? Surely you could have just run off and ignored me. For all you knew, I planned to report you to the police.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Well, as I said, I felt perhaps I owed you some apology. And, Jonas asked me.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> And I definitely owed him.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right, I can accept that. And I accept your apology.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And for the record, I think we have some more serious problems with the fey than one extremely attractive assassin taking out a known war criminal. <br />
<br />
<Eirini> Yes, you do.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> You may be concerned about the Cold Rider - but the cold is all that's keeping the Blight from spreading.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The fungal business.<br />
* Eirini nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is this a battle for control of the city? Or something even bigger?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Bigger than the city.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> This battle spans at least two planes, for one thing.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And as for this winged woman from my past ... is she part of this battle? Should I be seeking her aid, or hiding from her?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't think you can hide from her, if she decides to seek you out. <br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't know what her plan is with you<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Where do you fit into all of this? A free agent? You don't seem to be allied with either of these two factions.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> But I don't think she means you harm... or else you'd have been harmed by now.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Or let me ask it another way: why are you still here, if this battle is going on? Wouldn't you be better off going to ... some other plane, or at least some other place?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> The First World isn't safe either. And here, at least, I can be close to my Lady.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Who is that?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Linthira, the Forest Queen.<br />
* Hugonel nods, trying not to give away that he knows who that is<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Will I see you again?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> Do you want to?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I would be lying if I said no. <br />
<br />
<Eirini> I could decide later.<br />
* Eirini suggests<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I ... I don't even know what I want anymore. The past few months have unmoored me.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I'm fairly sure I know what you want.<br />
* Eirini suggests with a smile<br />
* Hugonel laughs<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, just promise me you won't charm me again.<br />
<br />
<Eirini> I don't think I need to.<br />
* Hugonel shakes his head slowly.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Care for that drink I offered earlier?<br />
<br />
<Eirini> yes, please<br />
* Hugonel will make her something nice, and one for himself.<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Argent asks Dorien about Puce and Co.===<br />
* Argent will catch Dorien at the appartment<br />
<br />
<Argent> So whats up with the thug, the two burrly shadowy goons and you punching the wall?<br />
* Argent goes straight to the point<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You don't beat around the bush much, do you?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I could work the conversation towards it, if you want.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No. It's ok. I appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I... might be in some trouble.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'll try to make sure that doesn't happen again.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'm sorry for bringing it here.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I strongly doubt you intended that to happen.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No... I didn't.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so should we start hiding a shotgun under the living room table?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Look, I don't want you to get hurt because of me. <br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I've done enough of that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> If someone comes into my home and threatens my friends, its not you causing someone to get hurt.<br />
<br />
<Argent> As you know, I'm not incapable of taking care of myself<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I know. And... thanks. Hopefully it won't be necessary. Misery thinks maybe we can sort it out somehow.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I guess you heard the basics of it.<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah... you worked for him, you want out, thought you had a way, thug welched on it and acted all scary.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That's... pretty much the long and short of it, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> The plan was for me to get out and then work on helping Misery get out too.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No we're back to square one.<br />
<br />
<Argent> well if you need help, im offering. I know some people from the old days that could help as well.<br />
* Dorien grins.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sometimes I forget you're not too young to have "Old Days"<br />
<br />
<Argent> well, they're not that old... more like the age of your shoes days.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> heh<br />
<br />
<Argent> so any other surprises I should know about, since we're chatting about unexpected stuff?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... yeah, actually.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Puce said something about seeing someone in the street. A big dude with horns.<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> the cold rider or whatever they call him<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I haven't had a chance to dig deeper into it<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't know what he wants. Misery is scared it might be her.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I need to talk with some people who may know about blood magic.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You want any back up?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was gonna try Aubrienne or Lathra, since they seem scholarly and the church of the serpent its kinda thier mojo<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not a bad place to start<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I was meaning to talk to Bri about it anyway<br />
<br />
<Argent> we can both talk to her<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Maybe we can catch her and Lathra at work.<br />
<br />
<Argent> It be great having you there, I mean, were aquainted, but Aubrienne and I are not that familiar.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, I know Aubrienne pretty well. Lathra I'm not quite as familiar with, but she seems cool enough.<br />
* Argent nods in agreement<br />
<br />
<Argent> So how is Misery doing? Taking things in stride despite her fears?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I think so. She's understandably shaken. So am I. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> She's tough, though.<br />
<br />
<Argent> If it's getting to you, either of you, reach out to someone. You got friends, no point in going alone.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't know there's much anyone can do. At least, not about the rider. And unless you know anyone in the Nhau'kel, probably not much about Puce, either.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Nothing yet, but I think there is hope. As for the Nhau'Kel... who knows...<br />
* Argent muses<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That would be the problem, yes.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Who knows...<br />
<br />
===Argent gathers a group to talk about the fey invasion===<br />
* Argent will gather the group into a booth before opening at Tit's<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey folks.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know everyone has lots going on. Thanks for taking the time to talk.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not a problem. What's the skinny?<br />
<br />
<Argent> There was a Cold Rider sighted outside our apparment. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Not the first time the Fae have taken an interest in the area<br />
<br />
<Argent> and both times, Misery was visiting Dorien.<br />
<br />
<Argent> So I got thinkin'<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... it's not like she's not there most of the time... but yeah.<br />
* Genevriel comes over from prepping tables because Dorien called her...<br />
* Genevriel has a curious/this better be good since I'm supposed to be working sort of expression on her face.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're thinking he's after her specifically?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Misery got cut that night of the portal.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Maybe he's after Shadar Kai in general. Or just the ones from that night. Or maybe not. I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Argent> My knowhow on magic isn't that great, but what if there is a connection cause of the blood.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> <whispered aside to Dorien> What's the topic?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> We were wondering if you knew anything more about the situation.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> <whispered to Gen> The Frozen rider guy...<br />
<br />
<Argent> could there be a connection?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> It rather seems like a lot of people are interested in our blood all of a sudden<br />
* Lathra says bitterly<br />
<br />
<Argent> With Misery, or any of the other Shadar-Ki that were hurt, or even just the Shadar-Ki in general?<br />
<br />
<Argent> You think its possible?<br />
* Aubrienne will pat Lathra's arm sympathetically<br />
* Genevriel gives Lathra a sympathetic look.<br />
* Lathra shakes it off<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sorry... didn't mean to upset you.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Are you suggesting that he's after her, or us, specifically because our blood was part of his ritual? It's definitely possible...<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was thinking the ritual, myself.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Maybe.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Is there a way to confirm the possibility?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It makes sense... when the smaller ones attacked us at your apartment I thought something must have drawn them there. Perhaps it was Misery, though.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It seems theoretically possible.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I could look into it.<br />
* Dorien nods.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'd appreciate it, Bri.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> So would Misery.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Should we be, I don't know, focusing patrols or something?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Or at least warning people?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't know. We don't know anything for sure.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not a problem, Dor. Anything for you guys. :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Maybe we could put up wanted posters<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Wanted: Ten foot asshole with horns?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How about <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Wanted: Information leading to the apprehension and neutralization of the ten foot asshole with horns?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was thinking more along the lines of talking to the people here that night, see if they've noticed anything and like Aubrienne, suggested, warning them...<br />
<br />
<Argent> while the truth of it is checked.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I don't want to panic them unnecessarily, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Has anyone been able to ascertain what type of fae it is? The giant one?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's actually called a cold rider.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not the most imaginative title, but that's what the books call it.<br />
* Genevriel nods. "Thank you."<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (With my K:N, can I find out what could bring it under control, Julia?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (She's busy but I'm just making a note so it'll be in the logs and Gen can look into it)<br />
<br />
<Argent> You two (nods to Lathra and Aubrienne) ok following up on the blood?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm not really sure how to go about it, to be honest. Leave a bowl on the doorstep overnight and see if it's gone in the morning?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's certainly one way, but I have some contacts I can follow up with.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I was thinking more along finding out if its possible and maybe some spell to detect the connection.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Do we know who all was affected the night of the dance? Like do we have a list?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hmm. That kind of divination should produce a connection to the target, so there might be a way to backtrack the tether...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure I've heard of a spell that does that, but, again, I think it's theoretically possible. I'll look into that too, Argent.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There ought to be records of the guests who were injured in Mlle. Scales' records.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes! I have that, absolutely.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> We should ask them all if they've seen anything strange.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Or been attacked.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Or at least a ten foot asshole with horns<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I did look into whether other seemingly random attacks have been reported, after those small fey at your apartment. Of course there have been many reports of fey mischief throughout the city, but perhaps there is a common thread of it happening to Shadar-kai who were attacked as part of the ritual.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That would have be looked into further; I didn't think to look for that in my first go-round.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, I mean, there were those other fey outside your apartment.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So it might not just be the rider.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's at least worth checking.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Anyway, I don't want to keep you guys. Curtain goes up in ten. I just want to make sure we're doing everything we can.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I will follow up on my earlier inquiries and see if I can uncover any commonalities.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Argent_> who want to check on people?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure you already are after the other day, but, if this is true, even if it might be, just be extra careful Lathra. :/<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes... I must admit I've become complacent since I hadn't heard an more sightings of the... Cold Rider, you called it?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yes, cold rider. Hopefully just the one, though supposedly there are more.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Lathra, people might be more willing to talk to you with your standing in the community. I hate to ask, but...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, not at all! That's much more my sort of thing than developing brand-new complicated reverse spells, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Misery and I will keep an eye out too.<br />
<br />
<Argent> If I'm free when you do talk to people, I'd like to come with you.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, if you want back up, let us know.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Or if you find anything<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I would also like to offer my assistance, if you need it.<br />
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<Dorien> And if anyone sees anything...<br />
* Dorien pulls out a bunch of empty test tubes and swabs.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Take samples.<br />
* Argent suppresses a giggle<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
* Aubrienne gladly grabs some supplies.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Sure thing<br />
<br />
<Argent> Not what I was expecting but sure thing<br />
* Lathra takes one, and pictures herself swabbing the creature<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'm a scientist. Its what I do. Let me feel useful.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> "Scientist"<br />
* Aubrienne makes air quotes<br />
<br />
<Dorien> -_-<br />
<br />
<Dorien> "Comedian"<br />
* Aubrienne grins<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's okay, Dor. I'm sure Misery has a use for you.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... Misery loves company.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, I'm sure she's never heard that one before. :p<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Your company, especially.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, I have more tables to set. Good evening, all.<br />
* Genevriel returns to her work.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> See you, Gen. Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah thanks everyone for taking the time.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Happy to help.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Not at all<br />
<br />
===Genevriel asks August for advice on how to handle Madds===<br />
* Genevriel hasn't spoken with August in a while, so she'll arrange to meet with him at the cabaret after one of his daytime practices.<br />
* Genevriel brings him some cookies she baked - not the whole batch; she had to leave some for Jerard and Sylvise since their money paid for the ingredients. ^-^<br />
<br />
<August> (what kind? important details ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Shortbread, maybe?)<br />
<br />
<August> Thank you :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You're welcome.<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little.<br />
* August takes one<br />
* Genevriel seems a lot more relaxed since she has moved in with her aunt and uncle.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I hope you like them. <br />
<br />
<August> How have you been doing?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh? All right, thanks. I'm not out of the woods yet, but I feel better lately. And how about you? How are you doing?<br />
<br />
<August> Oh, I can't complain.<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm glad.<br />
<br />
<August> And the cookies are delicious.<br />
* August says once he's finished chewing<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Good. They're my mother's recipe. I've been looking into things a lot, lately, with Mlle. Scales' help. I thought you might be interested to hear what I've learned.<br />
<br />
<August> Of course! <br />
* Genevriel will fill August in on what she's learned from various folks, finishing up with her current pursuit of books to teach her Celestial.<br />
* August listens with interest<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you or any of your friends speak Celestial, by any chance? Books are all very well, but they can only take one so far, so eventually it might be good to practice speaking it.<br />
<br />
<August> Yes, we do.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, when the time comes, if you can bear hearing someone mangle the pronunciation, it might be good.<br />
<br />
<August> I'd be glad to help you practice, and I'm sure there are others who would as well.<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So... there was one other thing I wanted to ask you about...<br />
<br />
<August> Yes?<br />
* Genevriel fidgets nervously.<br />
* August takes another cookie while you work out how you want to ask ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You're a man... so can you tell me what would be your motivation were you to have gained possession of something that belonged to a friend several years ago - a female friend, I ought to qualify - and if this thing were not something easy to move around or take care of, say... say it's an animal that is large and has to be fed and shod and things like that - anyway, you carry that animal through the war and transport it across an empire, and when you see her again you mention that you thought it was all you had left of her.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Um... so is that just really, really good friendship, or maybe something more?<br />
* August considers the question<br />
<br />
<August> I don't think it depends on being a man... but I think that anyone who did such a thing must have cared very much about the person who owned the animal in question.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Of course it doesn't depend on whether you're male or female, you're right. <br />
<br />
<August> Without knowing more, I think it would be hard to say whether it suggests a very strong friendship, or something more.<br />
* Genevriel nods, thinking.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's Madds; I'm sure you figured that out.<br />
<br />
<August> Well, I didn't want to assume :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We were close, but neither of us ever mentioned love.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm just scared that that's what it is.<br />
<br />
<August> On his part, or yours?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm worried that he might love me.<br />
* Genevriel clarifies, awkwardly.<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<August> I can't tell you if he does or not. Or if perhaps he did once, and now is trying to decide how he feels under the present circumstances.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That's part of what I'm inwardly panicking about.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I value his friendship, but if he wants more and I can't measure up, I'm afraid that he won't want to even be friends anymore.<br />
<br />
<August> Has he said anything else, or done anything else, that is making you anxious about this?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maybe, sort of. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> He was offering his help since I lost my pension, and he made a few suggestions about what form that help could take, but I get the feeling, maybe, that he didn't say everything he was thinking.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know; it was very awkward, which in itself was unusual.<br />
<br />
<August> Well... how were things left between the two of you when you last saw him, before all this?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Last saw him before the war, or...?<br />
* Genevriel tries to parse what August is asking.<br />
<br />
<August> Yes, I mean before the war.<br />
<br />
<August> I'm just wondering if any awkwardness you're sensing now might be due to him being uncertain about how things would go now, if he wasn't sure where you stood.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Possibly... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I mean, I could ask him about it, of course, but... I'm scared of telling him too much, too.<br />
<br />
<August> It's been a long time - it might take anyone a while to adjust <br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<August> But.. if you want to keep his friendship, even if you aren't interested in more than that, I think you will need to talk to him about it sooner or later.<br />
* Genevriel nods, anxious tears starting up in her eyes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But is it better to do it sooner rather than later?<br />
* August considers<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And should I tell him all at once, or gradually?<br />
<br />
<August> It seems like it upsets you, worrying about it. I would think having that out of the way would be less stressful for you. And he may be wondering, too, where you stand. <br />
<br />
<August> But if he isn't doing things that bring the subject to the forefront, you don't need to talk about it immediately, of course.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just don't want to lose him, August, and I don't even know why.<br />
<br />
<August> Maybe for the same reason he kept your horse.<br />
* August suggests<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I also feel kind of angry that I might have to tell him about all the things I'm working through, just to help him understand where I'm coming from.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just feel so much pressure, not just from him but also from my aunt. And neither of them mean for me to feel that way, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<August> Well, if what he's done is to keep your horse, which was a decision he made before he even knew you were still alive, or in the city, and offer to help you after you lost your pension, is that pressure mostly coming from yourself, and what you're expecting, rather than something concrete?<br />
<br />
<August> Leaving aside your aunt, for the moment, since it isn't about her.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Probably, but I don't know how to stop feeling that way, either.<br />
<br />
<August> Probably the best way is to talk to him.<br />
* August says gently<br />
<br />
<August> Whatever you're imagining may not be the case, and you might be worrying for no good reason. And even if he does have stronger feelings for you, it might not necessarily affect your friendship the way you're afraid it will.<br />
* Genevriel nods, sniffling.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think what I really want is to be able to take my time getting used to him again.<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<August> Then tell him that.<br />
<br />
<August> If he's your friend - or if he wants to ever be more than a friend - he ought to respect that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I will, but even if he does want me to love him, and I can, I don't know if I can be with him. I don't know what The One wants.<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And my hands... I can't touch anyone with these hands. Not that way...<br />
* Genevriel cries.<br />
* August puts his hand on your shoulder<br />
<br />
<August> Life puts obstacles in our path - sometimes, very considerable ones.<br />
<br />
<August> And I don't want to tell you that love can always overcome them, because that would be a lie.<br />
<br />
<August> But at least love will always try.<br />
* Genevriel turns to hug August; she'll try not to ruin his shirt with leaky face juices.<br />
* August hugs you back<br />
<br />
===Hugo and Zola chat about fae over drinks===<br />
* Hugonel sips his scotch-tini uncertainly, not quite sure it's the latest thing.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So ... we need to talk about something.<br />
* Zola leans back in her seat with some sort of green apple concoction<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well we could talk about how adorable Geff was before we sent him on his way ^_^<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We could ... sure! That would definitely make it easier to avoid anything more serious!<br />
* Zola looks at you strangely... "Oh you meant something..."<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes. Rather.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Eirini came to visit me at home.<br />
* Zola narrows her eyes<br />
<br />
<Zola> So Jonas got word to her?<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It appears so. What's more, she actually listened to him. Apparently she owes him a great debt.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well she didn't eat your tasty tasty soul... that's good.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> As far as we know, she didn't. She claims to be a dryad, which if I understand things correctly, is hardly the most dangerous or malicious entity that could seduce me ... twice.<br />
* Zola scoffs<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose she twisted your arm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sorry I wasn't there to save you from her machinations :(<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I assure you it was fully consensual and pleasurable. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess I can't really blame you there. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Did she tell you anything you wanted to hear?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, some ... and much that I did not.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She serves Linthira, the Forest Queen. Her actions that night were motivated by revenge for Radstock's actions during the war.<br />
* Zola sips her sickly sweet cocktail...<br />
<br />
<Zola> So it was her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That bitch.<br />
<br />
<Zola> We were closed for a week!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But the location, at the cabaret, was more than a coincidence. Underneath the building, the river flows, and there is a sacred site there, holy to the fey.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That is why Jonas is there, and why the Cold Rider appeared there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you figure out if Linthira is ... uh, in one piece?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She remarked only that here in the city, she can be close to her, which is why she has stayed.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds a little... passive.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose you forgot to ask much after a certain point -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I did inquire some more about the broader context of what is happening here.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The three factions, namely the forest fey, the cold fey, and the fungal fey, if we can use that division, roughly. I don't know where Klara and those fit into this typology, precisely.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She noted that the Cold Rider is all that is keeping the fungus at bay.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Which she calls the Blight.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, I suppose!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who'd have thought the weather outside could be a good thing.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She suggests that we ought to be afraid of Klara, particularly of her giving us any gifts of any sort.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is that accidental? I didn't read anything nice about them...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sorry, is what accidental?<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Cold Rider keeping the fungus at bay... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, I don't think so.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's a battle that crosses both our realm and the First World, much bigger even than anything going on here in the city.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So maybe it's keeping the fungus at bay... but not for us?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I think we can safely say that none of this is *for* us. Rather, I'd say that Diablotin is contested foreign territory and we have several enormous otherworldly powers fighting over a scrap of valuable land that has some precious commodity.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ugh.<br />
<br />
<Zola> As for Klara, she probably means her little vampire tokens...<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Oh, and perhaps this isn't relevant, but : Eirini's hair was pure white.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She says it changes with the seasons<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ohhh, how charming... pure white?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I wonder how that would look with my complexion.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And white all over.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :o<br />
* Hugonel says with a smirk.<br />
* Zola tries to imagine<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is it green in spring, you think?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'll let you know.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ha!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Will that put you off at all, do you think?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Zola! How dare you suggest such a thing!<br />
* Hugonel remarks playfully.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also, I can't approve... she trashed the club!<br />
<br />
<Zola> She could have stuck him in an alley or something, but she didn't... she wrecked our week!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I agree, deeply offensive. <br />
* Hugonel says, not fully sounding like he believes it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well it's not like we asked him to burn down that forest :/<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did she confirm that's what it was, that he destroyed the irminsul somehow?<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She said that his spellcasters drained its power and then he burned it to the ground.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :o<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She didn't use the word 'irminsul', just 'a sacred place'<br />
<br />
<Zola> So he knew?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well shit, that's not very good for us with her boss...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't know what he knew.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well he wasn't just burning out rebels.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Right.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Or so she said. Look, Zola, she's a comely woman but I haven't forgotten who and what she is. Most of what she said seemed to be the whole truth. But it may be coming from her own slant.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, Eirlys did think the irminsul couldn't have been destroyed by a simple fire :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe if Linthira is nearby we can get an apology to her from the Emperor?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I... have no idea.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> There was one other thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good or bad?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Bad, I think.<br />
* Zola frowns<br />
* Zola downs the rest of her cocktail<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sock it to me.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I asked her about ... the vision I had with Sirris recently, the red-haired woman from my past.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> With the wings and the skull face.<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... skull face? D:<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, it wasn't like that at the time. Or ... well, it was like, after I made love to her, there was a moment in Sirris' vision, where she had a skull for a face and colorful wings.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I promise that unlike green hair, that *would* have been a turn-off at the time.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, no wonder you were so rattled by this all!<br />
<br />
<Zola> What'd she say??<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She was ... well, she was herself quite rattled when I mentioned her.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She indicated that it was a creature of great power, who may have ... laid a claim on me.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She didn't know what kind of entity it was, though, or even if it has a name.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But she didn't know much more.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She must have some sort of inkling, not to discount it as a fever dream or something...<br />
<br />
<Zola> We can look through the books at Xandhil's again, yeah?<br />
* Hugonel nods, clearly unsettled.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> At any rate, I think I acquitted myself quite well after our conversation, so I think I could see her again if I wanted to.<br />
* Zola reaches across the little table to stroke your cheek. "We'll find out who's been troubling you, so we can tell her to screw."<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Anyway ... that's all. Thought I should let you know. Do you think we should let others know?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Some of it, surely... <br />
<br />
<Zola> If they haven't already thought of it... the fact the Cold Rider is holding back the Blight should certainly make it to the Emperor's ears<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know about Eirini though... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I think she saw what she was doing as an act of war, not of murder. I can see her point.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know, but that might be worse...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We have to keep her out of this. At least out of the eye of anyone official. She's one of our only reliable sources of information.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Are you sure we shouldn't tell Tits? She might know if her father will be sensible about it... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> ... yes, that makes sense.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If we're going to make it up to her and her lady, we can't string her up for it...<br />
* Zola looks relieved.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that I forgive her for her method :/<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The fact that Eirini and Jonas appear to be friends or allies gives me some comfort.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just because Tits trusts him?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And because Eirini and Jonas both said the same thing about Klara, and because we know Jonas and he's never done wrong by us.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yet. >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not saying that I fully trust them, only that it puts my mind somewhat at ease.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's good they haven't said anything bad about Vernel still... I'm planning to wear that gorgeous dress to my party and I'd hate to learn it's going to turn me into a bat or something.<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You would of course be a gorgeous bat, Zola my dear.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I don't want to be a bat.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess the connection to Tits through Jonas isn't bad for something like peace talks is it? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Could be worse?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I ... don't know. Am I going to be asked to mediate international diplomacy<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> ?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Actually that is better... than Jonas... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmmm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, we don't know his motivations, right?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We don't. And?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just meant that it's not like there's a whole lot of gaps there between the Emperor and Linthira.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well ... we can tell Tits, or I can, or whatever. And see where things go from there.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope nothing happens at the wedding, or my party...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, nothing involving murderous fairies at least.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've got Theo's mum all lined up to play me, while I'm doing a couple songs as Mico ... Denise'll like that.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You sly devil, what with all your wiles. <br />
* Zola eyes you oddly... "I'm not trying to get into her pants."<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That's not what I meant, but I'll take your word for it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just think it'll be fun... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh! I didn't tell you about the news... Hector's got me on the Red Lion Dance Hour, with that single I've been working on!<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's a catch, but it's not too bad... an interview as Mico... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Oh, that's great! <br />
<br />
<Zola> With luck, it'll be a hit!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No doubt, it'll be a hit!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not quite as good as Theo at that, but we'll see :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh gods... they want an exclusive with his new single too... and Theo wants to use trolly clanging ;_;<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, maybe you can negotiate on that point.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think that trolley's ... trawled on? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And it is starting to get a little catchy >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right, now this conversation is just getting silly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well we can't stay all skull-faced and dire all day ^_^<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Let's think about weddings instead. Much more festive.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They'll be so adorable ^_^ <br />
* Zola natters on about how well you picked the suit, etc.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Now... <br />
* Zola rolls all the thigns to see if she can find out what a rainbowwing skullfacer is.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :V<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_22&diff=11466Diablotin 3 session 222015-11-30T16:22:19Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: September 27, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date:<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<br />
===Hettie and Denise get a visit from Serge-Yves===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Gonna start with Hettie and Denise<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So, you need to get your hands on some more rope before you can go back to the undercity - I had said 'buy' but let's be honest, nobody in this group is buying rope ;p<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> In the meanwhile, however...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie and Denise, you're both home, it's mid-morning so you're probably sleeping. Up to you if you want siginficant other(s) to be there too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (sure?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sure, more drams with the fams)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You're awakened by a knock at the door <br />
* Denise grumbles and will crawl out of bed to see what is gong on<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> C'mon, open the door, I'm freezing my ass off!<br />
* Denise will throw on pants and a shirt at least<br />
* Denise opens to see who it is<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You recognize the voice as your uncle Serge-Yves <br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> SERGES YVES :D :D :D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> whuh?<br />
* Denise throws open the fdoor to give him a huge hug<br />
* Serge-Yves has grown a mustache since he's been away<br />
* Serge-Yves hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> come on in an' I'll make coffee :D<br />
* Denise is much more awake now<br />
* Hettienne stumbles out of her room.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Serge Yves is here?<br />
* Denise drags him in and closes the door<br />
<br />
<Denise> yes :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> You on leave again?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Hey Hettie :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Yeah, I got a couple weeks.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey little brother :D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nice soup-strainer<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Yeah, you like it? I'm givin' it a try.<br />
* Denise hops up and gives him anotheer hug, before dancinfg off to the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Denise> (because when family comes by you feed them :3)<br />
* Nycki peeks her head out of the bedroom<br />
<br />
<Nycki> hi?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ....hello?<br />
* Serge-Yves gives her a Look, and Hettie a Look<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uh, you remember Nycki right? :v<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Sure do.<br />
* Denise stays in the kitchen >.><br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Didn't figure on bumpin' into you here. ever. again.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Hey, things change, sweetheart. It's swell to see you. Like the lip-rug.<br />
* Hettienne laughs nervously...<br />
<Hettienne> <.<<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Lots has changed, Serge...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I guess so.<br />
* Enver can save the day by making his way out from Denise's room in an awkward teenage boy way ;p<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh hi?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well hello :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um I'm just in the kitcheeeen<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Lots of company I guess - you gonna even have room for me, Hettie? ;)<br />
* Denise calls<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ALways, hon.<br />
* Hettienne gives him a big hug.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (thank the gods for Enver @_@)<br />
* Serge-Yves hugs back<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> <w> gonna have a talk about this later, sis<br />
* Hettienne sighs quietly<br />
* Denise pokes her head out<br />
* Enver wanders towards the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Den, what we got for breakfast?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um, that's my uncle Serge-Yves...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> So, Denise has a boyfriend? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> and this is Evnver...<br />
<br />
<Denise> and I'm seein' what we got for five :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> eggs an toast maybe, maybe some ham?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> That all sounds good :D<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> SOunds great!<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'kay<br />
* Denise can manage to rustle up more or less enough food for everyone<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> But seriously, it's an important question. You got a boyfriend, Denise? <br />
<br />
<Denise> uh, yeah...<br />
<br />
<Enver> Ah, yeah, that's me.<br />
* Denise bites her lip<br />
<br />
<Enver> nice to meet you, sir.<br />
* Serge-Yves laughs<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Gods, I'm not gonna bite your head off, kid. That'll be her da's job ;p<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh... thank you?<br />
* Hettienne snickers.<br />
* Nycki retreats back into the bedroom to put on some more clothing before re-emerging<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm gonna get dressed.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Be down in a tic.<br />
* Hettienne will go get decent too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> come on you can help me with breakfast<br />
* Enver will take that offer @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> if you want, anyway :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure<br />
* Denise understands household prioriies and make sure ther is coffee soon<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Sorry >.><br />
* Nycki says to you, Hettie, once the door's closed<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ain't nothin' to apologize for...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We gotta deal with it sooner or later.<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ANyhow, out of all my brothers it could be worse than Serge-Yves, heh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I guess so.<br />
* Hettienne gives you a little kiss.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Although prolly last he heard, I was pokin' around his boyfriend's corpse.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah... <br />
<br />
<Nycki> so... that ain't a real good ice-breaker<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He ain't been back since then<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'll talk to him, babe...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> :/<br />
<br />
<Nycki> okay<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> Everything okay?<br />
* Enver asks Denise, in the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> <q>my uncles ain't real big fans of Nycki on account how she treated Aunt Hettie afore.<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> ah...<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> so they don't know they're back together?<br />
<br />
<Enver> <q> or... didn't, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Denise> <q> plus some other stuff 'cause she was lookin' into his boyfriend's death 'cause of her work I guess<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Serge-Yves gets his stuff moved into the living room, where he'll presumably be sleeping on the couch<br />
* Denise can get fod sorted with Enver's help<br />
* Nycki gets presentable enough to have breakfast<br />
<br />
<Denise> (food)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> So, there oughta be a big family get-together while I'm back, I wanna see everyone :D<br />
* Serge-Yves says, sitting down to the table, and with a slightly pointed look at Nycki<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> New babies, new girlfriends, whoever.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh yeah you ain't aseen Avionne :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> She's so cute ;3<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Can't wait :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> What else is new?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, uh...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I come back into town an' gotta get caught up, apparently<br />
<br />
<Denise> We're tron to Get Mickey to move in with Alain<br />
* Hettienne exchanges looks with Denise<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh yeah!<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> oh, that's a good idea :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I think it'll be real good for both of 'em<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Ain't good for Alain bein' alone so much :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> an we got someone comin' in to help with mam some days to now<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah? that's great :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Sounds like things are doin' good<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's most of the good news, anyway<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> you say that like there's bad too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, there's lotsa stuff bee' happenin' in town<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't mostly family stuff<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Some spooky shit's been happenin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> though we poked around after some stuff for you too<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's nasty fey all over town<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> o_O<br />
<br />
<Denise> and some other weird things<br />
<br />
<Denise> stuff goin' on in the undercity an; stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mushroom people tryon' to take over >:|<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> that don't sound good<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Those fuckin' mushroom rats.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> The channel said it was ... what, some kinda mushroom disease?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What like, turned them into mushrooms, and took over their thinkin'<br />
* Hettienne shudders.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> reall creepy like<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ew<br />
<br />
<Denise> like them things we saw when we were lookin' at thenm trees in the shade<br />
<br />
<Denise> I knew no good would come outta that :|<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, mushrooms go good in omlettes anyway ;p<br />
* Denise makes a face<br />
<br />
<Denise> after seein' that I ain't wantin to be eaten any mushrooms for a loooong time<br />
<br />
<Denise> but there's all kinds a freakiy stuff goin' on<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Faeries.<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Fuckin' creepy lil shits.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> hey<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I'm right here, bitch.<br />
* Serge-Yves smirks<br />
<br />
<Denise> but the mala Tajna's helpin' get folks organized round these parts to do patrols and keep folks safe, at least<br />
* Denise sticks out her tongue at her aunt and uncle<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> an aside from all that....<br />
<br />
<Denise> we tried lookin' in to some stuff.... from when you left before... >.><br />
* Serge-Yves nods, more gravely<br />
<br />
<Denise> it didn't come too too much, but we know a bit<br />
* Denise lookes to hettie<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well that one armed bird...<br />
* Denise scowls<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He were part of some kinda project where they took some veterans what were missin' bits, and tried to fix 'em with machines.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Kinda like that fella at the club, Haft.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, part folks, part Warforged, yeah<br />
* Serge-Yves o_Os again<br />
<br />
<Denise> his name's Servan Aigel<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> He killed Vairon?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Seems like.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well... he's the one was with 'em right before he got killed<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What we ain't got is a real good clue *why*...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Guess I got a little project for the next couple weeks, then.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's real dangerous<br />
<br />
<Denise> He can shoot fire and stuff out of his arm<br />
<br />
<Denise> an he's got a friend to, to cover his back<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> PLease don't do anythin' t'get yourself in trouble, hon.<br />
<br />
<Denise> They tried to jump Ander just for askin' after him<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> At least not all on yer own like.<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I ain't gonna run off half-cocked. <br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu need anythin' you know you just gotta ask<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I already clocked 'im a few times :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he's real tough<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> good for you :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway I dunno how Vairon got all mixed up with him<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he's real bad news<br />
* Nycki looks like she probably has things to say but is not going to give Serve-Yves advice at this juncture ;p<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
* Hettienne squeezes Nycki's hand under the table<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I'm gonna take a rest after breakfast - I prolly woke you all up, huh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's okay!<br />
<br />
<Denise> You ain't home so much that we're gonna be bothered by you showin' up :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> But you rest up<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause you're gonna have to tell us all *your* stories later ^-^<br />
* Serge-Yves smiles<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> It's a deal<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You wanna come to Tits' tonight?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Sure :D<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> You can introduce me to any cute boys ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hah, like I'd know. ;p<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Let's say it was a long trip this time :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we'll find ya someone good :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I guess I better rest up, then!<br />
<br />
===Zola, Hugo, Argent, Lathra, and Aubrienne chat with Eirlys===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So the question remains - do you want to talk about this amongst yourselves first, or do you have questions/things that need NPCs there?<br />
* Zola tags along with Hugo, curious to meet the Flower Queen again<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can meet at the Orecalo house, they'll give you privacy (or the appearance of it...) if you need to talk about things before talking to Eirlys.<br />
* Lathra stashes a bottle in her purse - "somebody" may need it.<br />
* Zola gives Lathra and Aubrienne a hug and kiss when she sees them.<br />
* Lathra hugs back<br />
* Aubrienne does likewise<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Zola dear!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ah, hello, everyone. So good to see you all outside of work.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ladies!<br />
<br />
<Zola> How's your brother, Aubrienne??<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's adjusting. It's all been quite the ordeal.<br />
* Zola nods sympathetically<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's good he has you to help.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, he's staying with our parents, so he has them, and I'm sure about a dozen other family members at any given time.<br />
* Zola gives Argent and Jed a smile and a wave as well.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think he'll be okay, he's just concerned about Eirlys.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> (yay I'm part of the group!)<br />
* Argent smiles back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> As am I, but likely not in the same way.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So they couldn't figure out if she was responsible for his amnesia then?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not yet, anyway. M. Orecalo wasn't sure if was deliberate or some result of exposure to that plane.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess it would be rude to put up a Zone of Truth around a houseguest >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That does seem rather crass, yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Assuming she is a guest. I'm not entirely clear on her status right now.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Especially here, though, in this house, one would assume that efforts have already been made in that regard.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They seem confident she's not *actively* dangerous right now.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Especially with all the other guests... you'd think they'd have her in a dungeon by now if they wanted.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes... I don't know what the... diplomatic(?) status is here? Is she considered an emissary of some sort?<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Did no one just come right out and ask her if she befuddled him? )<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think that may be what they're defaulting to. She's the only fey who seems to actually have spoken to anyone official.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, the only one we know about, in any case.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Right.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Since apparently there are far more fey in the city than any of us had presumed a few months ago.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh I am glad.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well she might have no relation to the others ... the ones who've been here a while.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I suppose she might know what's brought the troublemakers.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> We probably shouldn't presume they're all the same. It sounds like they have factions and different groups amongst them.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Right, on the one hand, I don't think they are all the same, but on the other hand, their presence here, and the unusual occurrences over the past several months, must surely be more than coincidental.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, there does seem to be some connection between that creature we fought at her home and the things we encountered in the Shade.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> If they're having problems on their home plane, it could explain why more are coming here. Not that I'd know anything about that ... ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why to the city, though? Why not to some forest where there aren't people who are going to shoot them.<br />
<br />
<Jedrezej> Maybe they are. We just don't see those ones...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose... are there reports of fey in other citieS?<br />
* Zola looks around, not sure who we might ask that.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Maybe this place is special to them? Or maybe the Arch makes it... easier to get to?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Or simply that, as the heart of the Empire, it's the most obvious target.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Target?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If we attacked them, during the war, intentionally or not - for them, the war may be ongoing still.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We've had two attacks. One of them seems to have been motivated by Seda Grove. The other I'm more concerned has to do with this Blight thing.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Those two instances do not account for the influx we've seen.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they blame us for the blight?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Which leads me to think there are more attacks forthcoming - maybe even, as Zola and I have seen, fey attacks not yet recognized as such.<br />
<br />
<Argent> were only scratching the surface to undestand the motives of what is happening. More information is needed and that is what should be the focus, instead of guessing.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We need to find out more about this Blight, and more about these various factions of fey.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Argent's right.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you are free to go talk to Eirlys, if you feel like you've said all you need to)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Seems like a good idea to me)<br />
* Eirlys is in one of the spare rooms upstairs. There are, you will note as you go in, small flowers growing on the carpet and bedspread, which give the air a pleasant scent.<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Ooh, how lovely. )<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Eirlys, do you have a moment?<br />
* Zola is careful not to step on any.<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We had some questions for you, if you don't mind.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I'll try...<br />
* Eirlys 's voice is soft and musical, and she speaks Aveyronnais with an unusual accent<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can you tell us more about the Blight? You've said it's sentient, and also that you think you know it's source?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Amanita<br />
* Eirlys scowls<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> She's behind it, I'm sure<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Do I recognize either of their names from legendy things?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who is she, exactly?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Cat - you could make a ... some kind of roll?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I got like, erryting. Nature?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure I guess)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Could I roll k:planes?)<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> She is the Lady of Fungus<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> she rules the life that grows in darkness and decay<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Then that assumption does seem pretty straightforward!<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Nature 23, Planes 29)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure, Lathra)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (13)<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> (no idea)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (kk)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Are there other monarchs?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Zola, you do think it sounds sort of familiar? the idea that there are fey in charge of the various aspects of nature, anyway, if not the specific names)<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Certainly, there are many<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Any others you know who have been affected by the Blight?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Well, I don't know if it can affect water, or stone... but perhaps. Trees, and grasses, and such living things are all at risk.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Out of curiosity, does the phrase "winter's night" mean anything to you?<br />
* Eirlys shivers<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> The winter is dark and cold<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're not wrong.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Something was summoned here to the city that said " Let the winter's night begin "<br />
* Zola offers<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> When the Lord of Winter spreads his cloak over the First World, we take shelter<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The Lord of Winter?<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Once he was the most beautiful, the most fair of all, but his heart grew cold when his love betrayed him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> That was?<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Nature 25 on Lordo)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (he hates being called Lordo)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I hate wrapping up like a fur mummy every time I go to get in the cab too, so tough!)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (planes 16)<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> (Argent, are you asking who his love is/was?)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yes(<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Zola, you think you remember a story of that sort - a fairy tale, if you will, about a mortal woman who was loved by the winter)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Lathra - perhaps there are elemental representations of natural forces such as winter? if you're talking to the queen of flowers, it seems possible anyway?) <br />
<br />
<Zola> Was it a mortal woman? ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> This sounds familiar<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> He took her from your world - he would have made her his queen. But when he found that she betrayed him, he encased her in a tomb of ice forever.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (thx!)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is he angry at our world now, or something, or was he always associated with our winters? <br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I don't know<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> More things to look into.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I have yet another possibly strange, possibly oblivious question: Do you have subjects?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is there an association between the Lord of Winter and Amanita? Are they ... allies?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, yes, good question, Hugo.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> The small fey and spirits of the flowers and fields are my subjects.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I hope we're not endangering people by having you here.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Your subjects, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> And, as much as I hate Amanita, she is a force for life and growth. I don't know if she would ally with a force of cold and ice.<br />
<br />
<Argent> what can you tell us about the servants of the Fungus Queen? We fought one, but would this be another (describes the thing from the grove that ran away).<br />
<br />
<Zola> And those rats that Denise was talking about... <br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes, the polevik and such creatures are her subjects, spreading her spores wherever they can reach.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That thing we fought, back at your home, was that one of her usual minions?<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> Do you have any insight what the Fungus Queen would want in this plane, in this city, where the Arch is located?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> If the irminsul is gone, then ... perhaps to regain some link between our planes?<br />
* Eirlys guesses<br />
<br />
<Zola> You mentioned a friend... is that the hamadryad of the Irminsul?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes, Linthira... do you know if she survives?<br />
* Zola looks to Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We don't know just yet, but I have a feeling she does.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can you describe her?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> She has hair like autumn leaves, fair skin...<br />
* Hugonel shivers.<br />
* Zola eyes Hugo<br />
* Lathra also eyes Hugo<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe the others can find her with divination magic...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Is there ... for what reason would a hamadryad interfere with human affairs?<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( I knew I should have learned to share memories. )<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Maybe she would seek regrowth, rebirth...<br />
* Hugonel sits, unsettled.<br />
* Eirlys lays a hand over her own rounded belly<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's some people who were near the Irminsul when we think it was destroyed... <br />
* Zola looks to Aubrienne?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I feel weary... I hope you don't mind if I rest now.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course. Thank you for your help.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Thank you so much, Eirlys<br />
* Aubrienne will reach out to give Eirlys' hand a reassuring squeeze briefly before leaving<br />
* Lathra walks alongside Hugo as we leave, and quietly offers him her bottle.<br />
<br />
<Argent> A little bit more information, I guess<br />
* Argent muses to the group<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think I should learn that spell to share memories, Hugo. Maybe she'll share a memory of what the hamadryad looked like?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That would be ... useful, I agree.<br />
* Hugonel seems a little disturbed.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And maybe I could share it with someone who could divine for her...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe someone is already working on that...<br />
<br />
<Argent> Thinking of the girl from that night at Tits?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... <br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And maybe the Flower Queen can help with the dreamers, do you think? <br />
* Zola looks to Aubrienne.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe she knows what might happen if an irminsul is destroyed... <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I was just about to ask her more about them, but I suppose it will have to wait.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> There's just so little we know.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I keep thinking there's something like a seed trapped inside them... maybe if we could get them out safely we could help them and help regrow the irminsul...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I suspect that Princess Ilphere, at least, knows a lot more about these matters. Not to mention the Orecalos. I'm sensitive to the interest in helping here, but ... once again, I must ask whether we ought to be getting directly involved further in this.<br />
<br />
<Zola> True... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I wanted to ask her to sing her song again, but ... more pressing matters..<br />
<br />
<Argent> The only fey we know where to find is her (points back there), and the mushroom people.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I say we go get some answers from them.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You want to go track down the mushroom people?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you forgot about Jonas and the others?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Are they giving any answers?<br />
<br />
<Zola> We haven't asked any...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> In part because we didn't know the questions.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Hugo did you tell Zola about your meeting?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We might be able to get more information now.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (which one?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (With Jonas)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... about the broader picture at least >_><br />
* Zola gives Hugo a look<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> There are fey far closer to home, whose motives, if not entirely clear, are far less opaque to me.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> This business with the Flower Queen is being handled by some of the most eminent among our Empire. Let them handle it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Let us do what we can, within the confines of our knowledge.<br />
<br />
<Zola> For all we know she just wanted a roll in the sack. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I am, of course, always willing to oblige in that regard, for a good cause.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (brb)<br />
<br />
<Zola> My point is that Eirini isn't necessary our main concern, even if we aren't worrying about the Flower Queen. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What do you see as the most pressing concern?<br />
* Zola is maybe still a little bit miffed that you went and did something foolish when we had a Plan even though it was a very loose and poorly designed Plan<br />
<br />
<Zola> How about the fey marauding around the city? Or the creepy trees? Just about anything... <br />
<br />
<Zola> We were going to try to talk to Jonas and find out more about �everything�. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You're welcome to do that, of course. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I do think that Eirini's appearance at the cabaret, and the King of Winter or whatever his name is doing the same, are hardly coincidental.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What, you're not going to help, now that he's passed on your message?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I didn't say that. But Jonas is so tight-lipped about anything relating to all of this. <br />
<br />
<Zola> That's why the plan was to find out if Tits was charmed and then ask her for help...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Let's be realistic - he's gone well past where many would have gone, in his situation.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> ...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't think that is the only plan, and I also don't think any of that is excluded now.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But obviously since the most recent business, plus the Blight, well, it's all much more complicated. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm trying to simplify, focus on aspects that I can manage.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh? Well you were too busy being chicken to tell me what your other ideas were, so that's the one we came up with... then you went around and skipped a few steps to get to the end you liked.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, you're trying to focus on aspects that benefit YOU, Hugo :/<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That's not fair. I've helped whenever I was asked to do anything.<br />
* Zola hmphs.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Please both of you, this isn't helping. Can you tell us what Jonas did say Hugo and what you talked about so the rest of us have a clue what you're arguing about.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You didn't exactly set yourself up to be asked for anything...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't go run off and ask Klara a bunch of questions when you said it was too dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh he went to ask if he knew anything about Eirini... nothing else.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not sure why me asking Jonas about one thing means that I've betrayed you all.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if now he's tired of being pestered?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not angry at people for investigating the Blight. I'm not angry for people being involved in retrieving Jean-Faust. <br />
<br />
<Zola> GOOD.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd have to give you a slap if you were.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So why are you angry with me for investigating Eirini?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I said we'd help find out about Eirini... so why did you have to go run off doing something foolish and then act like the rest of it's none of your concern?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm sorry, I just don't understand - truly - what exactly I did that was foolish. Talking to Jonas without you there?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, YOU were the one who said that was dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You didn't even want to talk to Klara together, let alone just one of us.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I changed my mind about the degree of risk. Jonas is known to us, far better than Klara.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hrmph.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You were the one who convinced me that Jonas wasn't as dangerous as I had previously worried about.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And I don't see any reason to suppose that he's done being helpful. He may have his own motives, but he cares about Tits and the cabaret.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't say he wasn't dangerous ... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, but you did suggest that I was being ... excessively cautious. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I decided you were right.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I'm apparently very convincing.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> As you know, you are. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Hrmph.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But it isn't that I don't care about any of the other things going on.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's just that this one thing, that's been with me for twenty years or more ... that's in my head ... that's what is mine to deal with. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Not anyone else's.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> My own private business.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Don't be silly. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You'll need help. Or are you going to learn to share memories yourself, hmm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that you can't... but you get my point.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Your point is that you wanted to help me with this. I understand.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not only that -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not that much of a diva.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I never said you were, although I think that word might apply to both of us.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's just that this is something I want to be able to do for myself. And I do tell you about it afterwards.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And what if it is all connected, like you say, and you're too busy looking for Eirini and miss something important?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I wasn't too busy to come to faerieland when you asked. <br />
<br />
<Zola> That's not what I meant, and you mostly wanted to meet the Princess anyway -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All I got Jonas to do was pass a message to her. I haven't heard back, yet. There isn't anything more I can do.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, I could go and talk to Klara or any number of ridiculously dangerous things.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know it's important to you... I just wish you'd be a bit more patient.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not without us, I said.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :P<br />
* Zola gradually remembers there's other people here >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'll try to remember.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know where you keep your scarves.<br />
* Zola makes an exaggerated ripping gesture.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Oh, you! :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> You think I'm kidding, I know which one to start with.<br />
<br />
===Dorien finds out he is not free of Puce after all===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you and Misery are having a morning canoodle when there's a knock at your door. You think Argent is home too, but probably sleeping?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (i.e. Terry, you can listen in on this and/or come in if you want, or ignore it, it's up to you ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Heh, canoodle :3 )<br />
<br />
<Argent> (Ill wait and see)<br />
* Dorien will sigh and reluctantly get up and throw some pants on to answer the door after three knocks or so<br />
* Misery puts on a robe at least, in case ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Back in a sece<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (O.O)<br />
* Puce is at your door with two burly SK ... associates?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Mornin'<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Ummm...<br />
<br />
<Puce> Hope I didn't wake you<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hi, there. Puce.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No, I was just... what can I do for you and your... friends?<br />
* Puce strolls into your house, accompanied by his ... pals.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Nice place you got here.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's a fixer upper.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> But by all means, come on in.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Well, looks like you been doin' some fixin upppin' too.<br />
<br />
<Puce> I'm just checkin' in to make sure your new obligations ain't interfering with our previous agreements.<br />
<br />
<Puce> You're a busy fellow, Dorien. Got a lot on your plate.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Of course not.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, well, I'm easily bored.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Your girl, she keepin' up on her end of the bargain?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Have we been late on a delivery yet?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> We're keeping up our end.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Just makin' sure it'll stay that way.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Listen, you'll get what's yours. Just leave me and my personal life out of it.<br />
* Puce chuckles<br />
<br />
<Puce> your 'personal life'?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Look, just... what is it you want, exactly?<br />
<br />
<Puce> Might be we need to up our usual order. Lotta business lately.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey, we had a deal. I keep up the orders, No one said anything about increasing them.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Lotta competition.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Well, I'm sayin' it now.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> -_-<br />
<br />
<Puce> There's two of you workin, should be able to do twice as much.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That wasn't the point of this. I was supposed to be getting out, remember?<br />
<br />
<Puce> I remember you thought that.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> So that's how it is, huh?<br />
* Misery steps out of your room, frowning.<br />
<br />
<Misery> What exactly are you going to do to us, huh?<br />
<br />
<Misery> You still want your supplies, you can't kill us.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Nah, not you anyway. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> What's that supposed to mean?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Do you really wanna go that path with us?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Because I'm sure you don't wanna piss off my father.<br />
* Dorien glances at Misery at that, but says nothing<br />
* Puce just smirks<br />
<br />
<Puce> your father won't do a damn thing, girl. <br />
<br />
<Puce> 'cause he knows what's good for him<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah? Well what about mine? What do you think would happen if he found out about your little two-bit operation?<br />
<br />
<Puce> I heard he ain't been so well lately. Real shame.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> He's still plenty well enough to lock your skeezy ass up<br />
<br />
<Puce> An' I bet he'd give you a big hug for bein' such a good boy<br />
<br />
<Puce> Double order this month.<br />
* Puce nods to his goons and will turn to leave your house<br />
* Dorien will clench his fists<br />
* Puce departs, and about 10 seconds later you hear a scream<br />
<br />
<Misery> o_O<br />
* Dorien will run outside<br />
* Misery follows<br />
* Argent will come out in response to the scream<br />
* Puce is hiding behind his wall of bodyguards, looking pale and staring down the end of your street<br />
<br />
<Puce> what the fuck?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ?<br />
<br />
<Puce> Some big motherfucker with antlers! he was right there!<br />
* Puce points, but there's no one there now, at least not that you can see<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Antlers?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Son of a bitch...<br />
* Argent will move past the bunch of people and check for any signs of tracks... also detect evil and chaos for lingering auras<br />
* Dorien will go with him<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can roll for the tracks - you do detect a lingering aura of evil and chaos, Argent)<br />
* Dorien will look at Puce. "I think you were just leaving?"<br />
<br />
<Argent> (33)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you can see some faint tracks - it's icy, so they're very hard to see, but they don't look like regular horse prints<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Was it here? Do you know where it went?<br />
* Argent points out the prints to Dorien<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can't track them, however - you just feel it's enough to sense that someone/something *was* physically there.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Fuck.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> And here today started out so lovely.<br />
<br />
<Puce> Let's get the fuck out of here<br />
* Puce says to his meat-shields<br />
<br />
<Argent> It definitely was here... but why?<br />
* Puce and his associates will depart hastily in the opposite fucking direction<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (w)Keep walking, you piece of shit.<br />
* Misery shivers<br />
<br />
<Misery> <q> Was it looking for me?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I... no. There's no reason to think that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Why do you think that Misery?<br />
<br />
<Misery> if it was that ... thing... that came through the night I was stabbed<br />
<br />
<Misery> maybe it's got my blood... trail... or something<br />
<br />
<Dorien> There've been a lot of sightings of fairies lately. It's probably just coincidence.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I wont deny there are magics that work that way<br />
<br />
<Misery> it's freezing, let's go back inside >.><br />
* Argent will pad back inside<br />
* Misery retreats back into Dorien's room to hide under the blankets ;p<br />
* Dorien will stare at the street for a few moments after the other two go in.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Fuck...<br />
<br />
<Argent> (do I think there is any way to detect if there is some sort of link between Misery and something... detect magic, poison, alignments, anything?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (could talk to someone who knows about blood magic... those nice Serpent cult folks probably? ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I mean particularly the more crazy sort, that's kind of their bag. but maybe even the less-crazy kind? ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> On the way inside, Dorien will punch the wall hard and probably bloody his knuckles.<br />
* Argent begins to catalogue the names of all the other SK that were stabbed but survived that night.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I can give you that list - although not right this second)<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know you're mad, but that's not going to help things.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (brb bio and then moving on to Zola and Hugo, and Argent - busy day for Argent ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... then it's about as effective as everything else I've done.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (heh)<br />
<br />
===Zola, Hugo, and Argent meet Osmyn===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, Geff is bringing his fiance by the club for dinner, as promised. Tits will be there, and you can invite a +1 if you want, perhaps Hugo? if you're not still too miffed with him ;)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (nahh, she has to forgive me, I have a 21 Diplomacy)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (okay Harpoon)<br />
* Zola has fiesty attitude and a fairly good SM.<br />
* Zola is all excited, and Hugo has to help pick out a suit for Geff!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you're going to be waiting on them this evening ^-^<br />
* Hugonel will arrive exquisitely dressed, with a scarlet scarf and a coat with tails.<br />
* Zola has certainly coordinated with Hugo, despite him being a reckless selfish butt<br />
<br />
<Argent> (as I guessed)<br />
* Geffrard arrives, more than usually dressed up, although his best suit is still pretty plain compared to Hugo's splendor ;p<br />
* Osmyn accompanies him. He's quite small and thin, with dark hair and eyes and a neatly-trimmed beard.<br />
* Zola waves to Geff when she sees him and goes over, all bright red lipped smiles, to give him a hug.<br />
* Osmyn has a slightly Psyrene flair to his clothing, although not too flashy<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh! <br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Good evening<br />
* Geffrard hugs Zola back<br />
<br />
<Zola> And this must be Osmyn! <br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Yes<br />
* Zola gives him an excited tiny hug<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Osmyn, this is Zola, and Hugo<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm so glad to meet you finally :D<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> It's a pleasure<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Gentlemen, a pleasure. <br />
* Osmyn kisses your cheek, Zola<br />
* Zola smiles :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Come! Sit!<br />
* Titania has arranged for one of the private booths for the group<br />
* Titania arrives only a little late, wearing a shimmery pale blue dress<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sorry I'm late! That's what I get for planning a dinner in the middle of work, I suppose...<br />
* Zola blows a kiss at Tits across the table<br />
* Titania smiles and catches it<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Well, it's weird to be sitting and having people wait on me instead of being at work myself.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah, Hugo and I are used to loitering about the place... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess when you're in charge of security it's a little different.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Constant vigilence!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Titania, either you aren't paying this man enough or you're not giving him enough nights off! He deserves to be served now and again! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Or... he has better things to do on his nights off >_><br />
* Geffrard smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> Believe me, he gets nights off :)<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> I don't usually spend them at the club... <br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Fair enough, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> But it's nice, for a change.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You shouldn't argue with me when I'm helping you get a raise though, you know. I'm very good at getting my way.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> I had to drag him out ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, we need drinks to start.<br />
* Geffrard says with a nod to Osmyn, who smiles back<br />
* Zola will wave to Argent<br />
<br />
<Zola> A necessary evil, Osmyn... we just had to meet you.<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> I'm glad to meet you as well.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So, how long have you been in the city? Just since the end of the war?<br />
* Osmyn nods<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> It's certainly a different experience, being here. But I'm getting used to it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm from Ariege, which is pretty big, but it's got nothing on Diablotin... so much life!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Some days I wish I hadn't spent my entire life here in the city. <br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He doesn't much like city life, but he puts up with it.<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> There are certain advantages.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww.<br />
* Argent steps in<br />
* Zola orders another cherry bomb :D<br />
<br />
<Argent> Anyone else for drinks?<br />
* Argent will sweep up Zola's empty glass<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, as you're taking their orders, you make eye contact with the guy you don't recognize here at the table, and you can make a Perception check.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, white wine for me, please.<br />
<br />
<Argent> (26)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Your ususal?<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, there is something just slightly off about him. <br />
<br />
<Argent> For you sirs?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You'd have to take a closer look or spells to figure out more, but you get a weird feeling from his gaze.<br />
* Argent looks to Geff and his companion.<br />
* Geffrard will order a beer, and Osmyn will ask for a red wine.<br />
<br />
<Argent> (will do once I've slipped away from the table)<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> I will be just a moment<br />
<br />
<Zola> So what do you do with your time? Wile them away in the city's big libraries? :)<br />
* Argent steps away and once the conversation picks back up will do the detect alignment (Evil, Good, Chaos, Law) and detect magic on the new fellow.<br />
* Zola detects as Smokin'<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> Ah... close - art galleries :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh, yes, now that I can get behind :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Are you an artist yourself, or simply an appreciative soul?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (moderate chaos, and he probably has some magic on him - I hadn't actually considered what, but probably some transmutation at least)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I mean, chaos with a moderately strong aura)<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> An artist, yes. I enjoy seeing the many wonderful creations people have made here.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh.<br />
* Zola gives Geff and appreciative look<br />
<br />
<Zola> (an)<br />
<br />
<Zola> What is your medium?<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> Well, once I created murals, mosaics, and such - large pieces for homes and buildings. Here, that is not so much in demand, so I paint for myself.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> He's got all these notebooks with little watercolours... I keep saying he could sell them, but he doesn't want to.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It seems a shame there's no demand for it here, what wall couldn't do with art splashed across it :/<br />
<br />
<Titania> Maybe we should re-do the green room with some artwork ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh, yes, or perhaps some of the notebooks could go on display here sometime?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe it's just a matter of getting your work out there... <br />
* Osmyn smiles<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> Perhaps.<br />
* Argent returns with the drinks, and will hand them out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks :)<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Thank you<br />
* Zola takes a sip<br />
* Osmyn nods politely<br />
* Titania gives you a generous tip and a wink ;)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (does Osmyn look like he's independently wealthy?)<br />
* Argent smiles at the wink and accepts the tip<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (and/or do I know anything about the Devos family?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (he's well-dressed, and seems cultured. he has a couple items of jewelry - a ring, and an earring. You can roll k: nob to see about the family)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> !roll 1d20+19<br />
* Zola rolls for Hugonel: [ 1d20+19 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 19 ] totals [ 24 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you don't know the name)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Zola, I hate to be a bother but, Neva wanted to talk to you about something really quick. About a drink she wanted you to try.... I can bring you over.<br />
* Zola looks puzzled... "A drink?"<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So what brought you here originally, M. Devos? Business?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did she find some more of that strange wine?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think that's what she said.<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> Ah, no... I accompanied Geffrard here at the end of the war.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And it can't wait?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ah, I see, of course.<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> we had met some time earlier, and found that we did not wish to separate when he was to return home. so, I came with him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I got the impression it would only be a moment, but I can let her know it can wait.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Perfectly understandable. <br />
<br />
<Zola> No... it's fine, I'll just be a moment, Hugo will keep things moving :)<br />
* Zola takes a substantially larger sip of her drink and scootches out past Hugo<br />
* Zola then decides to take the whole thing for a refill<br />
* Argent will escort Zola away to the bar<br />
* Zola skitters off ahead of Argent to the bar<br />
<br />
<Argent> Sorry about the ruse but I needed to ask you who that shorter gentleman is.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ruse?<br />
<br />
<Zola> ...<br />
* Zola will heading towards the bar though, because now she really does need a refill<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a ... friend of Geff's... why?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You should come by to see the show - we have a great deal of talent.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Zola is absolutely wonderful.<br />
<br />
<Osmyn> I hope so - Geffrard says she will be performing at the ceremony :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> There is something strange about him... I'm not sure what, but it reminds me of the Fae... I'm not saying he is, but its just a feeling.<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just a feeling? <br />
* Hugonel sips his wine.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Marvelous! <br />
<br />
<Zola> Valeen said the same thing... he's just quiet... an artist... and he's from Psyra<br />
<br />
<Argent> It was his gaze<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't notice anything about his gaze...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Geff, I don't know how you've been keeping this fine gentleman from us. <br />
* Geffrard smiles<br />
* Zola will get Neva to give her a refill anyway.<br />
<br />
<Geffrard> Like I said, he's kind of a homebody. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I don't have anything that ferrets out faeries...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless you want to ask Jonas if he knows him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I just wanted you to know, see if you get any clues since I can't pay attention all night.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, believe it or not, I do understand. The city can be a daunting place when you're new in town.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Alright, I'll watch to see if he tries to steal my soul.<br />
* Zola sighs, puts her smile back on and heads back to the table.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> All right - you can have a nice, pleasant rest of the evening, no further weirdness or creepy vibes ;)<br />
* Zola will ask him for a business card or something ... to promote his art of course >_><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (he doesn't have one, but he can give you his number at least?)<br />
* Zola will also ask him if there's any songs he'd like her to sing, since she knows Psyrene<br />
* Osmyn will suggest a few, then<br />
* Zola steals his pen? :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> (j/k)<br />
* Zola will tell Argent she tried to get something for Reverend Mother Larceny but failed<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne and Lathra are jumped by the Colour Guard===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne and Lathra - I assume you're still checking in occasionally with Raimond and Dasra. He's still weak and tired, doesn't seem to be getting worse, but also not better.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Yup, definitely still doing that)<br />
* Lathra finishes checking Raimond's health<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yeah, though at this point she probably feels all she can do is bring him sweets or something)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You're heading home from a visit with them, driving in Aubrienne's car. It's late evening - let's say you're headed to the club for opening time.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I hope they can help him soon. This is so awful for both of them.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The streets are pretty quiet, as it's cold and icy and windy out.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes... I've mostly been helping Raimond, but Dasra's suffering too - I do what I can, but the amount of effort she puts into that poor man - there's a toll.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are approaching the Eagle Bridge, chatting away, ready to head across the river, when suddenly something shatters your windshield.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can open roll20)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (eep)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (and Aubrienne, you can make a drive check to keep control of the car)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Is that just a Dex check?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (ah, I think I've been treating Drive as a special kind of Ride - so yes, that's Dex-based)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (kk)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay you can manage to get the car stopped safely. Up ahead from you there is a small pedestrian walkway over the road - something could have fallen/been thrown from there, maybe<br />
* Aubrienne looks around and sniffs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Perception and Scent, I'm thinking)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can make Perception and Scent<br />
* Lathra gets out and helps to look<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Not so much on the scent)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Lathra, you okay?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes dear, not hurt at all - bravo for that fabulous stop!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Mostly luck, but thanks. What hit us?<br />
* Lathra checks the road behind<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> A fist-sized rock is lying there. Aubrienne, as you're looking around, a flash goes off in front of you. You can make a Fort save.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Well, I can attempt one...)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> yes, that :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> not so much<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Nohoho)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, you're dazzled for 1 min: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Dazzled<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, a voice from the shadows around those trees there says 'Hi there, darky bitch'<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> and now we can roll init<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, Aubrienne is up first<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Are they armed?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It's hard to tell. At the least they have access to a big rock, and magic?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (heh. Okay. I'll use the car for cover and Acid Jet the lady nearest to us.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (That was sad)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> yeah...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrato> I feel like you should acid your car's paintwork with a roll like that<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Least of my worries at the moment, but Aubrienne will be upset about it later.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra's turn<br />
* Lathra moves behind the car as well, and draws her gun<br />
* Lathra points it at the nearest enemy and casts Cause Fear<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay - that'd be the one in the trees. what's the save DC?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (15 yeah)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> wow, and she has a terrible will save...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Booo<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She steps out of the shadow of the trees and you can see she is armed with two axes, and has a pretty crazy glint in her eye as she attacks Lathra (or tries to, anyway)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> fortunately she sucks, apparently. I'll say that one dings off the bumper of the car, doing yet more damage to it, though ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Dammit, people! :p<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> One of the guys up on the bridge will shoot a crossbow bolt at Lathra. I'll say you get partial cover from the car.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> does 21 hit your AC+2?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Yeah, AC w/o armour is 13)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Lathra!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> crossbow bolt to the shoulder<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Aah!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Blondie will cast... something. no visible effect. the other dude will also fire a crossbow bolt at Lathra. Now it's Aubrienne's turn<br />
* Lathra grits her teeth<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Can I use K:Arcana to see what she just cast?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> it's dark and she's up on a bridge over you... I think it would be difficult to tell<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Fair. Uh, I will cast Vanish on Lathra.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (6 rounds duration, unless she takes an offensive action.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> *Lathra gives them all the finger<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - are you done, Aubrienne, or did you want to move or anything?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I'll try to keep the car between me and them. For one more round, at least.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay. Lathra, you're invisible. what do you want to do?<br />
* Lathra casts Shield of Faith on Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (+2 deflection 5 mins)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
* Axe girl will shout in surprise/frustration as Lathra disappears, and swing her axes in the general direction of where she was. second one I think could hit, but there's a 50% miss chance. High or low, Ian?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (high?)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Boo)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> 6 damage from an axe. The dudes on the bridge are getting antsy - "come on, it's good enough, let's go" says this one. The blonde girl will cast magic missile at Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The other guy chucks another rock at your car, which thuds off the hood, denting it. Aubrienne's turn<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Grr, I don't have a lot that might disable this lady)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I'll try Hypnotism on this lady.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (And spend an Arcane Reservoir point to bump it. So Will DC 16, but she has a +2 because we're in combat.)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Technically, it could affect the others, depends on their hit dice)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> she goes glassy-eyed. roll 2d4 I guess, to see how many?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey now, let's calm down, maybe put down the axes, huh?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She'll lower her weapons, looking confused<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator yeah, I don't think you can tell yet, as they're not right in front of you, but potentially. Lathra's turn. These are people's houses all along here, btw, if you did want to try and get help/shelter<br />
* Lathra summons a celestial hyena on the close end of the bridge<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Yup! Takes a round to appear)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> No particular actions from axe girl and her friend on the bridge. The blonde girl, however, is freaking out - "what is wrong with you, let's go, come on!" and shaking/slapping her pals to try and get them to snap out of it<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> it's a standard action for her to shake them out of it<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> so she can work on her two pals on the bridge but not the girl with the axes. Aubrienne's turn<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I don't think Aubrienne carries her pistol around normally)<br />
* Aubrienne will walk calmly around to axe girl, kicking her axes out of the way.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why don't you have a seat, or lean against the trunk here, while we figure things out?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She'll look a bit uncertain, but leans against the trunk. On lathra's turnl, I guess a hyena appears<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Lathra can also act, if she wants)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> well they're going to book it screaming, but I wanted to know what Lathra wants to do as well :)<br />
* Lathra stands near axe girl in case Aubrienne needs help<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (that's assuming she wants it to maul that dude and not just scare them)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Starting with scare, see how they react)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay. well, the ones on the bridge are all going to run screaming<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (wuff)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> they're really further than that, but I'll leave them at the edge of the board in case<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure what to do with this one. I've got some questions, certainly. Are you okay?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Perhaps the city guard do, too?<br />
* Lathra winces<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can you handle her if I go knocking to find a phone?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I don't know... what's keeping her this way?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> A spell, and not for long, but, you know, you are also armed.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I could Hold her. And I have a gun?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Hypnotism isn't a very long-lasting spell :/)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (her axes are some distance away now, also)<br />
<br />
<Lathra>: I don't have any rope here...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay<br />
* Aubrienne leans over to the lady<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey, how we doing there? You okay?<br />
<br />
<Hypnotized_Lady> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay, good. You think you can wait here a moment?<br />
<br />
<Hypnotized_Lady> okay...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Good.<br />
* Lathra readies her pistol, and her spell<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Maybe I could sit on her...?<br />
* Aubrienne will bring her face right up to the woman's, as well as bringing her hand up wreathed in flame with a prestidigitation or small illusion.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Because if you try to hurt my friend again, I will burn your racist head off. Got it?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh yes!<br />
* Lathra also casts cure moderate wounds on herself<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - you are able to find a telephone in one of these houses that someone will let you use - who are you calling? cops?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yeah, cops.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay. you're in the Grand, so cops probably show up pretty quickly ;p And they'll arrest axey mcracist and take her off<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Is it possible to get any information from them? Like if they get her name or anything?)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Were you hurt at all, Aubrienne?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> probably not instantly, but they can take you along to the station if you are willing to go and press charges<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm a little banged up, but their sorc wasn't shit. You?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Not any more<br />
* Lathra will go to the station to press charges.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (If the cops seem to think it's important)<br />
* Lathra casts cure light wounds<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> they're anti-attempted-axe-murder, even if you are Shadar-kai.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks, Lathra.<br />
* Aubrienne will give you hugs.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - you can head along to the station, do your necessary paperwork, and you'll only be slightly late for work. Your car's kind of a mess, though, Aubrienne.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That'll be a civil suit. ;)<br />
<br />
* Lathra encourages them to investigate the motive, gives descriptions of the others.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Axe girl's name is Marika De Jazet, you can get that much from the cops at least. She's a known colour guard member.<br />
* Aubrienne can produce decent illusions of the others for a sketch artist. Fucking colour guard.<br />
* DiablotinNarrator they say they'll try to track down the others<br />
* Aubrienne will be bitching about this with everyone at work that night.<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Korisse and Hettie meet for lunch===<br />
* Korisse has made time to meet with hettie over lunch to talk about life and some things for the film<br />
<br />
<Korisse> (Pre Serge-Yves)<br />
* Korisse is waiting for you in one of your usual cafés, sitting quiet;y alone at a table in the corner<br />
* Hettienne plops down, unwinding her scarf from her neck.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Afternoon!<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Good afternoon, Hettie<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> how have you been?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Busy, heh.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Got a lot of extra-curriculars, y'might say<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh, the same, always busy...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I'm thikning about a new art show, maybe as a project after this film<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but I've been thinking of taking on an apprentice<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well, an old colleague approached me about it, sort of out of the blue<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I hadn't really put much thought into it before<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> From Hesperange?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> no, from when I was working at the plant<br />
* Korisse frowns a little<br />
<br />
<Korisse> His name's Dorien, he was one of the researchers for a while, but there was an accident...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Dorien, the slinger kid?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> pardon?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Dorien Voclain?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes, that's him...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He sells junk down at Tits'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He used to work with you? O_o<br />
* Korisse blink<br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes...<br />
* Aubrienne (Mibbit@38.103.208.34) has joined #gnomeland<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I... hmm<br />
<br />
<Korisse> he came to me, asking if I would be take n someone he had been training as an apprentice...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> A shadar kai woman name Misery...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, I think I've seen her with 'im at the club.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh.<br />
* Korisse looks pertrubed<br />
<br />
<Korisse> you mean.... slinging... as well?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, lookin' for rubes.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Oh.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> :|<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What's she meant to be doin' for you?<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I had rather liked her...<br />
<br />
<Korisse> That was still under consideration.... but assisting with some of the alchemical preccesses involved in film effects, film processing.... that esort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uh-huh...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Brie knows 'im too<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She uh, does business with 'im.<br />
* Korisse sighs<br />
<br />
<Korisse> hmm :/<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I love Aubrienne dearly, but her habits do make her unrelable at times....<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Honestly the actors I work with hardly need any encouragement for tht sort of thing already.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Listen, I ain't gonna tell you what t'do, but better you be in the know...<br />
* Korisse stirs her coffee glumly<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I suppose I will at least he to talk to her about it, but I admit I am very disappointed<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm sorry hon :/<br />
<br />
<Korisse> We shall see how it goes at least<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I suppose I could try and recruit someone but the whole process sunds so exhausting<br />
<br />
<Korisse> having someone just turn up was a different matter. She even liked my movies.... though I suppose that could have been a sham :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe she's tryin' to turn a leaf... but they shoulda said.<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I don't know, maybe they alluded...? :/<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I suppose it could be difficult to bridge<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, maybe.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> she was recommended by Dorien's old teacher too!<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Maybe she doens't know either<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, why would she, unless she comes to Tits' on the regular, heh.<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I shall have to consider that, I suppose<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but how are things with you?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Kind of... odd?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Went down under the city sorta for old times' sake, and we found these rat things...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> They were sick, but with mushrooms?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Like the mushrooms had got in their blood, and in their heads, and took over everything.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh, sounds like it could make a movie now I think of it.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> it does, they sound revolting :o<br />
* Korisse says with interest<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I could try 'n' draw you one...!<br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes please! :D<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but it does sound quite concerning outside of a film...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah... I can't stop thinkin' what if it got in a person.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What would it make 'em do?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> they were puffin' out some kinda spores. I don't think they got any of us though<br />
<br />
<Korisse> ugh D:<br />
<br />
<Korisse> that's good<br />
<br />
<Korisse> and with all those attacks happening around the city<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Gotta think it ain't coincidence<br />
<br />
<Korisse> We certainly live in interesting times, yes<br />
* Korisse nodd<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (we can move on to other topics and blah blah blah :)<br />
<br />
===Hettienne faces Serge-Yves' disapproval of Nycki===<br />
<br />
* Hettienne has been quasi-dreading this conversation with Serge-Yves, but at the same time doesn't want to avoid him :x<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (is this the same day he arrived, or later?)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (just curious how long he has had to stew ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (maybe later? certainly after Nycki's gone obvs)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (maybe after work later >.>)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (okay. I expect he'll pick up at your job and roll in sometime afternoon the next day ;)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (on the plus side he might be in a better mood? ^-^)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (haha)<br />
* Serge-Yves shows up sometime early afternoon the following day<br />
* Hettienne is bustling around making a token effort to tidy her sewing area.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> hey sis<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh hey!<br />
* Hettienne flashes him a grin.<br />
* Serge-Yves smiles back, but seems a bit tired<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Rough night? :v<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, busy anyway :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh.<br />
* Serge-Yves sits down on the couch, stretching lazily<br />
* Hettienne stuffs a bunch of knitting needles into a basket.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> seems like you been busy too<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh, well, y'know.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> KOrisse got me workin' on somethin' for her...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Some arty stuff for her flicks.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Really swell :3<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> She's a stand-up dame. You got some good friends, Hettie.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You should come out for coffee with us; she'd love t'see you...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> sure, that'd be nice<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> so... house's quiet. Denise an' her boy must've gone out ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, I s'pose...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> They're awful cute, ain't they?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Cute until it's the third time they're goin' at it in an hour an' you're tryin' to sleep ;)<br />
* Hettienne barks a laugh.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Teenagers...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They seem happy, though. I hope he treats her good.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She wouldn't stand for nothin' else...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He'd get his ass beat, heh.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> true enough<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> An' what about you?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> What'd you do to someone who don't treat you good?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (oh I walked into that.)<br />
* Hettienne thins her lips, her jaw muscles tightening.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Look, I know seein' Nycki were, uh, kind of a surprise...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> you don't say<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It ain't as simple with her as... as I wanted to think, Serges!<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> she got you sent to *prison*<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> she took those years of your life away. took you away from *us*.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That weren't what she wanted to happen, though!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She thought her bosses would take me on with her.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> SHe didn't know all ... all that was gonna go down.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> is that what she told you?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know you're gonna say she's lyin'.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> she lies all the time<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> it ain't even her job, it's like... her calling :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Why would she have left all that stuff for me to find if she didn't care some?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I don't know, hon. She could care an' still be a liar. She could care an' still care more about savin' her own skin.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know she ain't perfect. *She* knows she ain't.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> BUt she's tryin'... :(<br />
* Serge-Yves sighs<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I just don't wanna see you get hurt again.. or end up in trouble over her.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Me neither...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I didn't set out to get back with her.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I was tryin' t'find out why she was snoopin around after Vairon. :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> And then I heard some things that really got up my nose and I sorta broke into her house >.><br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> o_O<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> an' from that you got back together?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ... Yeah.<br />
* Serge-Yves shakes his head in amazement/disbelief<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> you've thought about this, huh? like, how crazy it all sounds? an' you're goin' with it anyway?<br />
* Hettienne sighs.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess so.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I just... once I couldn't be mad at her no more, I couldn't stop feelin'.. t'other way<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> she got some kinda magic cooch powers or somethin'?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hah<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I don't think you really wanna know :p<br />
* Serge-Yves smiles slightly at that<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I'll take that as a yes.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ... are you happy, Hettie?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ... Yeah. Yeah, I am.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well... I ain't gonna be a dick about it, so long as you're happy. But if she jerks you around again... it ain't gonna be pretty.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That's a deal I'll take.<br />
* Hettienne grins.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> You told the rest of the family yet?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aw hell no.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Just Denise.<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I don't need to give Pat that kinda ammo.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> They gotta find out sooner or later though...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> <.<<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Maybe if you mix it in with a bunch of other news, they won't notice ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I could start with Alain and work up :p<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> You tell one or two, the word'll get around anyway.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> No one gossips like family.<br />
* Hettienne says wryly.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ain't that true<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I think I might take a nap 'fore dinner<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Poor, worn out muffin :P<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, that guy with the guitar at your club has a lot of energy ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hah!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alright... if Den comes back to cook I'll get her to wake ya...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> sounds good<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Otherwise it'll probably be the smell of burnin' :p<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> heh<br />
* Serge-Yves settles down for a nap on the couch, then<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne visits Eirlys===<br />
* Eirlys is mostly confined to her room and resting<br />
* Aubrienne knocks lightly on the door<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Eirlys?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can I come in? I brought you some food.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> all right...<br />
* Aubrienne enters with a salad and [whatever she drinks]<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How are you?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> weary<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure all of this must be difficult.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> how long must I stay here?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure. I don't think they mean to hold you prisoner. We brought you here because you were injured.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, if I'm being honest, also because we had questions we thought you could answer.<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which is actually part of why I'm here. There are still some questions I'd like answered, if possible, that don't really concern the others so much.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I can try... what do you wish to know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why Jean-Faust?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> because he listened. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> All right.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why keep him there?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> it wasn't safe to send him back... your people were killing each other. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's fair. But that hasn't been true for a while.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> hasn't it?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> besides, he wanted to stay<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Did you want him to?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He cares for you very deeply.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I enjoyed his company<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I am ... fond of him. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How gracious.<br />
* Aubrienne scowls.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> you think that is not enough.<br />
* Eirlys guesses<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's in love with you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Crazy, desperate to see you, live on another plane kind of love.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> he is.. but he is also a human.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you're *fond* of him.<br />
* Eirlys sighs<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I've seen what happens when my folk love humans. it ends badly for all concerned.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How so?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> Humans have short lives, and shorter attention spans.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I suppose I'm not exactly the person to argue that, but what about it?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> When a fey's emotions are engaged, it can ... overwhelm a human. destroy them, even.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I care for him enough to not subject him to that<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You care for him enough not to love him.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes<br />
* Aubrienne says with as little recrimination as possible.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That...must be difficult.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> It's better than the alternative<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm really in no position to say otherwise, but it still seems sad.<br />
* Aubrienne sighs.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Are you in danger if you return to your home?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> probably... but I don't know what will happen if I remain here<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> my land, my people, will be in danger without me<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is there anything we can do to help?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I don't know<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> my daughter must be born safely...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Does she need to be born there to be born safely?<br />
* Eirlys shakes her head uncertainly<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> I don't know... I don't think so<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, you seem to be safe here for the time being.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes...<br />
* Eirlys plucks idly at the bedspread, and a few tiny leaves fall to the floor<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> If you want your daughter to be safe, going back right now seems like a bad idea.<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe we can go back? Try to help your people in the meantime?<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> they think she may be infected with the blight<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What will that mean?<br />
* Eirlys puts a hand over her stomach<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> it means that rather than see her taken by decay and darkness, I would kill her myself first.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...Let's hope it doesn't come to that.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> yes<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll let you rest.<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> thank you...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'll see what we can do for your people in the meantime, but I don't really have any pull.<br />
* Eirlys nods<br />
<br />
<Eirlys> thank you, again<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<br />
===Zola, Aubrienne, Justen, and Xanadhil compare notes===<br />
* Zola has been waiting for Aubrienne in one of the sitting rooms, for moral support and also in case Eirlys might be up for another visitor...<br />
* Aubrienne will enter, looking worried and lost in thought.<br />
* Zola is also lost in thought, thinking of Xan and Justen >_><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Every time I talk to her, I just come away more scared.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And sad, I suppose.<br />
* Zola blinks<br />
* Xanadhil has been pressed into bringing up some tea for visitors, and peeks in bearing a tray<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh... it didn't go well then?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It went...about as well as it ever goes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, hello M. Orecalo.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Mlle. Romilly, Mlle Zola<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Tea?<br />
* Zola 's cheeks flush briefly, and she gives him a little wave.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Please :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> So, you think I should come another time then? <br />
* Xanadhil sets down the tray<br />
* Justen will emerge from the study on hearing Xan's voice<br />
* Xanadhil smiles at him and ours an extra cup<br />
<br />
<Justen> thanks :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> how are things going?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Frustrating.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Father says you were going to try and talk to her....yeah<br />
* Zola also gives Justen a little wave with her spare hand.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you learn anything helpful about Jean-Faust? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I learned she's 'fond' of him.<br />
* Aubrienne scowls.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She says that it's not wise for a faerie to love a mortal, but it still bothers me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hrmph.<br />
<br />
<Justen> :/<br />
* Zola will get Aubrienne's tea ready and hand it to her<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> none of the stories i've found have turned out well.... but I'm not really convinced it is the sort of thing one can choose or not<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> and it isn't like this is going all that swimmingly either.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thank you, Zola.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure if I should be comforted or concerned about the idea that it's not a choice.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't like the idea of a one-sided love here, but I also don't want Jean-Faust to be in any more danger.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well we still don't know what mucked about with his memories.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do we? <br />
* Zola looks at Xan?<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> No<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> not really<br />
<br />
<Zola> Does your father know any spells that might restore them? He's a pretty powerful sorcerer isn't he?<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> There are spells....<br />
* Xanadhil considers<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've been looking into one lately, but I don't think it'd be of any use...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I don't think they are ones he knows, but I have a friend who might be able to help to some extent<br />
<br />
<Zola> It only shares memories, but I'd think if some were missing it still couldn't find them.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> The one I'm thinking of is a more powerful version - Modify Memory. It can help someone remember particular events that they experienced<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I looked into that one too but... I'm not quite there yet...<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> If you and Jean-Faust would want to try that though, I can talk to Sirris.<br />
* Xanadhil says to Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll talk to him about it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think he'd like to get his memories back, but he's also afraid of what they might be.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> okay, you know where to find us, if you decide you do want to try it.<br />
* Xanadhil nods to Justen<br />
* Justen nods<br />
<br />
<Justen> we'd be happy to help, if there's anything we can do<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I appreciate it, really.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Justen> this must all be very difficult to deal with<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I realize all this has been intruding upon your home and hospitality.<br />
<br />
<Justen> well, Xan's bedroom might have to be mowed at some point, but it isn't so bad for us :)<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yeah... it isn't like I've been using it<br />
* Aubrienne gives a weak smile<br />
* Zola laughs a bit more freely<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think I'm just upset that it's not over. I was just trying to get my brother back, and hopefully help Raimond, and we only accomplished the first, and it seems to just lead to more problems...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Plus, hey, now I have a contract form the Court Sorcerer's office to keep looking in to things...<br />
* Aubrienne sighs.<br />
<br />
<Justen> getting paid is a plus :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Has Eirlys had any ideas about the dreamers? <br />
* Zola looks more to Xan<br />
<br />
<Justen> because let's face it - it's not like you could stop yourself from doing more research at this point anyway...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yeah.... I don't think I could have really stopped myself at this point anyway...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> heh<br />
* Xanadhil smiles at Justen, but looks back to Zola<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> nothing useful, unfortunately<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> She's just been concerned for her friend<br />
* Zola nods... "She might know more too... if we could find her."<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yeah, but we don't have much of use to go on, unfortunately<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> We could ask the Reverend Mother, but she's got a lot of things on her plate<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was thinking maybe if Eirlys was willing we could share a memory of what she looks like... that might help with divination, right?<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aubrienne could do a minor image if I pass the memory along to her...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> it might be worth someone trying it, but we have no idea what plane to start on - here, or the First world or the dream realm...<br />
* Zola nods :/<br />
* Xanadhil considers<br />
<br />
<Zola> We'll figure it out. <br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> if we could learn a little more about her, it might be worth tryig a sending<br />
* Zola sets her hand on Aubrienne's and gives it a squeeze<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She said something else that worries me.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> oh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She said her daughter needs to be born safe, but, if she has the Blight that Eirlys is so afraid of, she said she'd rather kill her daughter than 'see her taken by decay and darkness'.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Ahh.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> :|<br />
<br />
<Justen> how terrible :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't entirely know what to do with that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe she's just imagining the worst of what this blight might do?<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> WE really dont know much about it yet<br />
<br />
<Justen> do you think there'd be any benefit to going back to talk to Feoras? or his, ah, associates?<br />
* Justen asks Xan<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> It might. At least we could get an idea of how much of the First World is affected, and what might be happening to cause all of this<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Feoras is an Austvagoy shaman<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> They're elves that live on the edges of the Silver Desert<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ohhh...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> He was able to take us to the First World once, and meet with some spirits that they consider ancestors<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, you'd said something about that when we were at your offices reading.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Justen> well, it'd be a faster trip this time, potentially<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yes<br />
<br />
<Justen> although they're nomadic, so we'd have to track them down<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Well, him I can definitely Send too :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> but I thought maybe his ancestors might have some insight<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> I wonder how that works... if your ancestors go to the First World, but you can just plane shift there... is that like... cheating?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, fair question.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> It wasn't really planeshifting...<br />
* Xanadhil makes a face, recalling the vile drink involved<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> We travelled through the astral plane<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ahhh. I meant like... if a sorcerer just sortof popped in...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I wouldn't recommend dropping in uninvited<br />
<br />
<Justen> they're a bit ... dubious about strangers<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> even if they are your ancestors, that doesn't mean they're friendly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm.<br />
<br />
<Justen> especially human strangers >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> I wonder what they think of Shadar-kai... Eirlys seemed pretty spooked.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> We didn't get a chance to ask about that...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I think she'll be around for a little bit.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I think that has to do with the relationship between the planes<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Shadar-kai's... essence, I guess, is formed out of the stuff of the Plane of Shadows<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> they don't have the same kind of soul as us, essentially<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> and Fey are similar<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> made of the stuff of the First World<br />
<br />
<Zola> But why didn't we give her the heebie jeebies then?<br />
<br />
<Justen> I don't know. Maybe there's some more fundamental opposition between the First World and the Shadow Plane.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like the elemental planes? Huh...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> something like that, anyway<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> certainly the relationship is different between here and the First world<br />
<br />
<Justen> Maybe it has to do with the ... difference between Shadar-kai and the elves, too. if the First World is where the ancestors of elves came from, or went, or ... whatever.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> Im sure it ties in<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> and that might be related to why the Shadar-kai seem to have been targeted here to some extent<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> that might be somethign else to ask Feoras about<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, it's not like they're only targeted by the fey.<br />
<br />
<Justen> they're a lot older and there's probably been plenty of time to develop philosophical disagreements ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Speaking of which, we really need to find out more about these various factions of faeries.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> heh, there's taht too<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
* Zola sighs at Aubrienne's reference to the attack on her and Lathra<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I guess we can probably assume the mushrooms under the tree are tied up with this Amanita..<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> But nothing that's happened at the Cabaret's been mushroom themed:|<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> yeah... unless they alo came here to get away from the blight<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's my thinking.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It seems strange that they'd come to the city except... there was something I read about the irminsul, that made it sound like they attract other fey...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or was that the hamadryads?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> There's sort of a...refugee kind of feel to some of these other fey.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> They're kind of connected.... but the irminsul is definitely the known attractant.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So... is it here? Should we be looking for it?<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> As far as anyone can tell, the trees in the Shade are at least related, and might be becoming one<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> the fact that they might be affected with this blight is pretty concerning<br />
<br />
<Zola> That might not be new though... if the fire wasn't really the kind of thing that should have destroyed the old one.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Has Eirlys confirmed it's the same thing?<br />
<br />
<Zola> The creepy talking fungus...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I don't think she's been in a position to do so<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> we'd have to take her out there<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, not necessarily... I could take a trip down, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Share that memory too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They must be guarding them now, yeah?<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> there are guards, and some other protection, is my understanding<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe Hugo can get an OK from his uncle...<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> maybe<br />
<br />
<Zola> The trees didn't attack, right? It was just the mushrooms underground?<br />
* Zola looks at Aubrienne >_><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, the trees themselves didn't seem to be dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But the mushrooms definitely were.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> if you just wanted to look at them I don't think that would be a problem<br />
<br />
<Zola> Want's not really the word for it, but it'll do. <br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm a firm believer that mushrooms don't belong anywhere other than on a plate :)<br />
* Justen chuckles<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> heh<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> well, that's some thing to look into anyway.<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I know none of that is going to help your brother directly... but knowing more about the blight, and if there is anything we can do about it, might be good for his kid, at least<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm very concerned for my brother, but I'm also worried about the city and its people. The influx of dangerous fae, the incursion by this alien Blight...it's awful.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Anything I can do to help, I'll gladly do so.<br />
* Xanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Xanadhil> I'm happy to keep you guys up to date too, as we learn more<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thank you. :)<br />
<br />
===Denise and Argent hang out===<br />
* Denise will come hang out for a bit after work one night then :)<br />
* Denise has not been around for general hangouts as much lately, for Reasons >.><br />
* Argent welcomes Denise into the chilled appartment... damn winter.<br />
<br />
<Argent> welcome to the chilled hovel.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I believe you know where the couch is<br />
<br />
<Denise> you guys need one of them little coal heater things<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll see if the kettle has frozen and get us something warm to drink<br />
<br />
<Denise> I kinda figured Dorien an' Miz would have the place all chemical heated or somethin'<br />
* Argent goes and fiddles with the heater to see if he can coax any more warmth out of it.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh those two have thier own way to keep warm<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> You could always go an' stay with Mireva ^-^<br />
<br />
<Argent> Our work hours are not that compatible and its farther from work.<br />
<br />
<Argent> for me<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :/<br />
* Argent does some quick work in the tiny kitchen and rejoins Denise, plopping in a chair<br />
<br />
<Denise> how'ere things goin' there?<br />
<br />
<Argent> We're good<br />
* Denise inquires innocently >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> just good? ^-^<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Argent> Her world is very different from mine... I'm enjoying it but it's been eye opening.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
* Argent shifts a little uncomfortably<br />
* Denise thinks better of her followup comment<br />
<br />
<Argent> and Enver? How are things?<br />
<br />
<Denise> They're real great :D<br />
* Denise says with a big dopey grin<br />
<br />
<Denise> we been spendin' a lotta time together, 's why I ain't ben around so much... partly<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oohh.<br />
* Denise says, considering all the other stuff she's been up to!<br />
<br />
<Argent> I understand being busy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Argent> the crap that's happened in the past week or so has been crazy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, with that faerie Queen an all...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I told ya about them rats in the sewers, right?<br />
<br />
<Argent> mushroom rats<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think that needs to be looked into more<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think the channels are<br />
<br />
<Denise> they weren't real happy, form what Mickey said<br />
<br />
<Argent> those mushroom guys are tied to the fungus queen<br />
<br />
<Argent> whos that boss of that thing we fought in the dream<br />
<br />
<Argent> If we found some more, I bet I can track them back to thier home.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Argent> mushroom rats, or fungus folk<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm worried too 'bout what they're after down there<br />
<br />
<Denise> We could go lookin' for where they're at though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet Enver'd be up for it<br />
<br />
<Denise> though we may want some other folk<br />
<br />
<Argent> a few more at least...hmmm<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll need another list<br />
* Argent sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno if ant Hettie'd want in, but maybe Nycki would<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could ask 'em<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet her folks wanna know what's up too >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> who else has tunnel skills... someone with magic skills may be good as well<br />
<br />
<Argent> Think Aubrienne would go?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't knwo that she'd be real keen on it, but I figure she wants to know what's goin' on enough she would<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> Now, imagine trin' to get Mlle Zola down there :D<br />
<br />
<Argent> we could buy her some nice rubber boots?<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> do they make 'em in heels? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Argent> hahaha... how should I know?<br />
<br />
<Argent> she's putting out a brave effort to help though, so I shouldn't make fun<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> She's swell<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just can't picture her trompin' through the tunnels<br />
<br />
<Argent> speaking of tracking, there was another fae visit near this place<br />
<br />
<Argent> guy with antlers showed up to be all spooky in the street while a thug named Puce was harrassin Dorien and Misery<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...they weren't together, were they?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Puce and antler guy... for sure not, Puce screamed real good when antler guy showed up<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Argent> anyways tall dark and antlery disappeared but I found some trace of him... so he definitly was here.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what were they doin' around, then? both of 'em, I guess<br />
<br />
<Argent> The business between Puce, Dorien and Misery is their business... I only listened in case things came to blows... you have to ask them about it if you want to know.<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Argent> as for the antler guy... I think he was lookin for Misery<br />
<br />
<Argent> Don't give me that look<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, it ain't that<br />
<br />
<Denise> the look I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know what the Antley guy is after but I hope it ain't her :|<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm suspecting it is.. she was at Tit's when the portal opened... she was cut.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.... lots of folks were though...<br />
<br />
<Argent> the blood may tie her or the other Shadar-Kai to these ice fae<br />
<br />
<Denise> you think they're all in trouble?<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> thats the othe list I'm trying to put together and follow up on, see if they've had similar experiences<br />
<br />
<Argent> I mean its twice that Fae showed up here, and Misery was here both times.<br />
<br />
<Argent> but then so was I and Dorien<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think its worth a little effort to confirm<br />
* Argent will head to fetch hot drinks<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm glad Mireva didn't get cut that night.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise agrees strongly<br />
<br />
<Denise> did it actaully come here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> what did it do?<br />
* Argent returns with steaming mugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> Just stood and stared<br />
<br />
<Argent> I ran out right when I heard the scream... probably saw me coming and thought better of it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just bet ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe you're right though<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe since it needed 'em to get here it's gotta like... keep an eye 'on 'em or something<br />
<br />
<Argent> me shirtless, storming out into the street, its an impressive sight.<br />
* Denise chuckles<br />
<br />
<Denise> well clearly you weren't afraid of it bein' cold :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> so it just gave up :V<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm glad we agree<br />
<br />
<Argent> so two steps there, find out of my blood magic conection holds any water, and then check to see if others are being harrassed.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> if it is just comin' close maybe they don't know...<br />
<br />
<Argent> step three, if its true, is to lure one of these things using it, and take em down.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wish we knew more for real 'bout where folks are seein' fey<br />
<br />
<Argent> really anything that has us more acting than reacting is where I want to be.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm all worked up.<br />
* Argent shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was just thinkin' that if they were more in places where folks from the club were, that would maybe mean somethin'? I dunno though<br />
<br />
<Argent> Names... follow up... we can do it.<br />
<br />
<Argent> if its true<br />
<br />
<Denise> Can we? Like... when? @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> ugh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wish we could trust other folks to do more :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, official folk<br />
<br />
<Denise> guards or whoever<br />
* Argent rolls his eyes as well<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> I talked to someone to see about getting help... who knows if anything will come of it<br />
<br />
<Argent> you should have seen Hugo and Zola argue<br />
<br />
<Argent> about what to do and not to do<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think Zola's all in but Hugo... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Argent> he seems more keen on letting others solve it for him<br />
<br />
<Argent> I don't know... they were really heated.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, I was kinda surprised to see him in on stuff at all, though Mlle Zola told me all about that party they were at<br />
<br />
<Denise> with the fey an all<br />
<br />
<Argent> If Zola can convince him to help, I'm all for more help, but I'm not gonna spend alot of effort on him.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> So to change subject... how are things with your mom? She doin' ok?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> she likes her carer, an' things are goin' a bit better at home 'cause of the help, I guess<br />
<br />
<Argent> you guess? What's worrying?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I just ain't ben there much to see, is all :/<br />
<br />
<Argent> She's probably happy you got a boy in your life and understands you're busy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Serge-Yves is home for a few weeks, he wants to get everyone together<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' mam wants to have Enver come over for dinner sometime<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just feels like there's so much goin' on, I dunno when any of it'll happen :/<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm sure it will happen, and when it does you'll be able to find the time.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.... I guess<br />
<br />
<Argent> It sucks worrying though<br />
<br />
<Denise> You got anythin' to keep you busy other'n the Fey stuff? and Mir, I guess, when you can see her...<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> good stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> not more stuff to worry about :p<br />
<br />
<Argent> good stuff?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Well there's you<br />
<br />
<Denise> :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well I hardly count, I ain't around that much :p<br />
<br />
<Argent> I don't think alot about me.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I have my job, my other job, my faith, the hunt for fae, my friends... its enough.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess<br />
* Denise doesn't sound entorely convonced though<br />
<br />
<Argent> I appreciate the concern, but I'm good.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I would tell you otherwise<br />
<br />
<Denise> Okay<br />
* Denise seems willing to accept that<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just like.... sometimes sgtuff gettin' too mcuh creeps up on you, an you don't always see it comin' 'til you're there<br />
* Argent will go and hug Denise<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know you'd help me if that came up.<br />
* Denise hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> and you know that works both ways<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just worry there ain't enough folks around to look out for you<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got plenty of folk watchin' put for me :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> sometimes its not the number but the quality<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh, I like havin' both.<br />
* Denise grins though<br />
* Argent chuckles<br />
<br />
<Denise> but okay, like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know you got your church folks an all<br />
<br />
<Denise> an its supposed to be al secret<br />
<br />
<Denise> but for serious<br />
<br />
<Denise> if somethin' happened to you an you couldn't get to 'em...<br />
<br />
<Denise> is there someone I should fine?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Find<br />
<br />
<Denise> That Priest lady?<br />
* Argent thinks<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah, Briony de Jazet or...<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (I knew it was a B name, anyway... >.><br />
* Denise tries to commit that to memory<br />
<br />
<Argent> Margeaux, although she may be harder to get to for you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> the Arch lady?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think you met her.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh yeah!<br />
<br />
<Denise> when she came lookin' for you at the club<br />
<br />
<Argent> if you can't get to Briony, find her<br />
<br />
<Denise> where would I loook for Briony?<br />
<br />
<Denise> a church?<br />
* Argent gives an address<br />
* Denise repeats it back, because that's what Ander makes her do when he wants her to remember something like that, and it seems to help >.><br />
<br />
===Aubrienne and Tits talk about fame and fortune===<br />
<Aubrienne> (Is there a specific point at which we're setting this? Just sometime after last session?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (yeah, unless there's a specific time that you prefer?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Not especially. Any specific setup<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Ack)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I think their usual thing is going back to Tits' place to chill, right?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (yeah, I think that is pretty frequent)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (so that works for me)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I guess as much as the two of them party individually, quiet/alone time is the more unique thing to share.;))<br />
<br />
<Titania> (heh, yeah)<br />
* Titania probably tries to make sure it's at times when Gabby isn't home, although honestly by this point, Gabby has probably run into you a few times at their place ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Fair)<br />
* Aubrienne will make her way to Titania's office at the end of work.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Knock knock, pretty lady.<br />
* Titania is at her desk, but looks up when you arrive<br />
<br />
<Titania> Hey :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> are you heading out?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I miiiight be.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I was more hoping *we* could be heading out, so I can wait if necessary.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I'd like that.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I'll just be a few minutes, okay?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Take you're time. I appreciate the view.<br />
* Aubrienne will take a seat on the couch, lounging.<br />
* Titania smiles and finishes whatever paperwork she's working on<br />
<br />
<Titania> There - now we can be sure the club's liquor license won't lapse. It seemed important to finish that up.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Gods forbid. I don't know what we'd do without it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Exactly. I don't need a riot on my hands.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> From your staff as much as the customers.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Shall we?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Absolutely<br />
* Titania gets her fur coat on to brave the cold<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm parked out back.<br />
* Aubrienne looks around before offering her arm.<br />
* Titania takes it<br />
<br />
<Titania> (is Aubrienne's car fixed up, or still damaged? and would Tits know about the attack yet?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (just so I know how to react :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Oh, that's a fair point. Maybe I should erase the parked part.)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (If we can back up to there...)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (I think your car was still driveable, but might be in the shop if you were having repairs done)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I feel like a real heel, but would you mind driving. I took the trolley today; car's in the shop.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Aw, sure. Is it acting up?<br />
* Titania will lead the way to her car, then<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's fine, just a little banged up. Lathra and I had a little run-in with some Color Guard [yesterday?]<br />
* Aubrienne is happy to follow.<br />
<br />
<Titania> What?!<br />
<br />
<Titania> What did they do?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Threw a rock through my windshield, took a couple potshots at us with crossbows of all things...one of them had a couple of axes. Real psycho, but at least the guard got a hold of her.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Ugh :(<br />
<br />
<Titania> Are you and Lathra both all right?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The car took more damage than Lathra and I did, thank goodness. Lathra got a bad nick, and they had a sorc or something that tagged me with a double-m, but Lath patched us up all right.<br />
* Titania takes your hand as you walk<br />
<br />
<Titania> I'm glad you're okay. How awful :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I put the mind whammy from my act on the axe crazy and Lath scared the others off with a big dog or something.<br />
* Aubrienne squeezes your hand.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks. It was pretty terrifying at the time, but, honestly, after that thing in the First World, a couple of hoodlums don't seem so bad.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The thing that does scare me is they must have been waiting for us.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which means they'd been keeping tabs on us to know which way we came from Raimond's to the club.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't want anyone else in danger.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be in danger, either, but I'd be really upset if someone else got hurt because of me.<br />
* Aubrienne squeezes your hand again, giving a slightly worried-looking smile.<br />
<br />
<Titania> It's just terrible that people think they can get away with something like that<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, they're Color Guard, so I'm thinking they had a screw loose to begin with.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I suppose so...<br />
* Titania arrives at her car<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey, it's okay. The guard came, we were fine.<br />
* Aubrienne leans over to give you a reassuring hug and kiss.<br />
* Titania hugs back before getting into the car<br />
* Aubrienne hops in on the other side.<br />
<br />
<Titania> How many other people have they attacked who weren't fine, though...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can I ask you a strange question?<br />
<br />
<Titania> sure<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Let me preface this by saying that I love my job here at the club, and I'm very grateful for it. But do you think I should be doing something more?<br />
<br />
<Titania> It depends what your goals are.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, they were to be very famous, hopefully also very rich, and find fun, beautiful, and interesting women to romance.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, you know, one of three is a good start. ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> I mean... I think you should be doing what you want, and what makes you happy, or at least what might help you be happy in the future.<br />
* Titania smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Believe me, I am doing what I want. Well, right this moment I'm having to refrain because you are driving, but we have all night.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Heh<br />
<br />
<Titania> Are you asking if there are other things you should do if you still want that whole fame and money thing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, I just mean...I don't know. I had a conversation with Denise a while back that got me to thinking about trying to make a difference.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I've never been political or anything, but I'm a Rat, and my best friend is a shadar-kai, and it's not like things are going great for either of my peoples...<br />
<br />
<Titania> Denise, Denise... oh - Ander's girl friday?<br />
* Titania has to place the name ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Heh, yeah. She's Hettie's niece, too.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And good friends with Argent.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's a small world. ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> So you're thinking about whether you can do something more to help?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, essentially.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I did the USO stuff during the war, but that was largely to meet girls.<br />
* Aubrienne smiles and looks shiftily away for a second.<br />
<br />
<Titania> how'd that work out? ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Pretty great. I could give you details sometime if that's your sort of thing. ;)<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sounds fun<br />
<br />
<Titania> But as for the other stuff...<br />
<br />
<Titania> I'm probably not the best person to ask about Rat or Shadar-kai politics. I mean, I know a bit, but mostly just what I hear from people at the club, or read in the papers.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I could hook you up with people who might know more, though. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, uh, thank you?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Only if you want.. No pressure.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, I'd love to talk to some people about this, I was just kind of asking if...well...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm a performer, and I'm great at that, but I worry about being something else, if that makes sense?<br />
<br />
<Titania> You worry you wouldn't be good at something else? or that it would take time away from your performing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I guess the former.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, the latter is a concern, sure, but, I'm you know, pretty good at what I do.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> As you well know. ;)<br />
* Titania smirks<br />
<br />
<Titania> I think you could be good at anything you set your mind to, babe. <br />
* Aubrienne smiles<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks, sweetie.<br />
<br />
<Titania> But maybe your performing could be useful, too. I mean - say for things like fundraising or drawing attention to the cause, that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That had always been my line of thinking. I mean, I hate to say it, but it seems easier to help more people if you're rich and famous than not.<br />
<br />
<Titania> True enough...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But maybe I need to integrate the two ideas more?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You do charity events, right?<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> We've done a few, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Titania> You want to put something together?<br />
* Aubrienne 's eyes go big for a second.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think I could?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sure, why not?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What do you think? Some kind of charity performance?<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't want to co-opt anything, but what about that big number Zola's wanting to put together? We could find a good cause, get some big names to come maybe, make it a real event to be at for a premiere?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, if Zola doesn't feel shoehorned into it, sure.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Maybe get some other Rat or Shadar-kai performers in on it, if you want to go that route, but I think it could be good.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like I said, I don't want to steal someone else's thunder.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I'll definitely be thinking about this now.<br />
* Titania smiles, as she pulls up to her parking space<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But maybe I'll think about it later. ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> And if Zola isn't keen on it, there's no reason you couldn't do your own thing :)<br />
* Titania leans over to give you a kiss once the car is stopped<br />
* Aubrienne will lean into that kiss for a bit, sighing happily.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're the best, you know that?<br />
<br />
<Titania> aww, you're sweet<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Shall we? It's freezing.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sure.<br />
* Aubrienne will head inside with her arm around Tits, 'for warmth'<br />
<br />
<Titania> But really - I'm a selfish, spoiled rich girl who ran away to run a nightclub and sleep with disreputable people. I'm not the best anything, except maybe tabloid fodder :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aww, I'm disreputable?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, clearly! ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I have quite a good reputation for being disreputable.<br />
<br />
<Titania> mmhmm<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Clearly that makes me reputable, merely in a different way.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm 'differently reputable.'<br />
* Titania laughs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you *kiss* are not *kiss* a selfish * kiss* spoiled *kiss* rich girl, and you should be proud of your club.<br />
* Titania blushes a little, or maybe it's the cold<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Has she been in the tabloids recently? I feel like Aubrienne is certainly a reader :p)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (trying to think what the most recent things might have been...)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (probably nothing toooo much since the incident with the SK stabbings and the Cold Rider - basic fashion and 'seen at this party' kind of things)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Besides, most of what they write about you is about you looking fabulous at the best parties. I'm sure the attention can be grating, but it's not necessarily *bad* to be in the papers.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I suppose<br />
* Titania brings us both into her apartment, out of the cold<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know it's rough, sweetie, and that you want your own life.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You've made a pretty good one, but my estimation, but I guess it's really up to you.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Maybe like you, I feel like there's something more I should be doing. <br />
* Aubrienne hugs.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like what?<br />
<br />
<Titania> I don't know<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Charity, like I was talking about, or getting into the family business...?<br />
<br />
<Titania> No, no family business.<br />
* Aubrienne laughs a little.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay, so, what would you like to do?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I have every confidence you can do whatever you put your mind to.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'm happy to help as I am able.<br />
<br />
<Titania> In a weird way, I'm grateful that someday, who knows when, but someday, the palace won't be home anymore, it'll be someone else's, and I'll just be me. even though it'll mean my father is dead :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, sweetie. :/<br />
* Aubrienne will take Tit's coat and hang both coats up.<br />
<br />
<Titania> He's doing fine, don't worry. <br />
<br />
<Titania> Busy enough to have a new girlfriend ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh ho?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Juicy gossip?<br />
* Titania rolls her eyes a bit, but nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Don't tell the Scourge I told you, but yes<br />
<br />
<Titania> Very pretty, red hair, bit older than me ;p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, I think I've been told to avoid redheads at the moment, but I guess the Emperor can do what he likes.<br />
<br />
<Titania> heh<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you know her?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yes. We aren't really close, but we travel in the same sort of circles, I guess you could say.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is that awkward?<br />
<br />
<Titania> My father's girlfriends are always awkward >.><br />
<br />
<Titania> I mean... I want him to be happy, and not be lonely with Mother gone and so on, but... <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It can't be easy, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<Titania> How do you date someone when you're the Emperor, you know? <br />
<br />
<Titania> There's no way that it could ever be on an equal footing<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, I can imagine.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How does he even...you know, maybe not the best idea to ask you about your father's love life.<br />
<br />
<Titania> heh<br />
<br />
<Titania> I don't know if I even know the answer to whatever that question was :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Probably best that way. ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I have to say though, it does make me question dreams of fame and fortune a bit.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, there's degrees of these things - you could probably get a little bit famous without it reaching the point where you can't step out your door without someone taking a picture <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know. I'm not saying I don't want those things it's just...well, that's it. I *do* want that, in hopefully non-embarrassing, manageable ways. I just feel bad that you have to deal with it whether you want it or not.<br />
<br />
<Titania> It was weird when I was little.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I just thought that was how things were.<br />
* Titania shrugs<br />
* Titania gets out her pack of 'special' cigarettes and will offer you one<br />
* Aubrienne will gladly take one, producing a small flame to light them.<br />
<br />
<Titania> thanks<br />
<br />
<Titania> how are things going with your brother, by the way?<br />
* Titania asks as she settles onto the couch in a cloud of fragrant smoke<br />
* Aubrienne settles in with you<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Uh, complicated.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which was inevitable, in hindsight, but is still worrisome.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's missing chunks of memory, and I think he's not entirely sure how he feels about Eirlys now.<br />
<br />
<Titania> that's rough :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Tell the truth, I'm not sure how I feel about her myself.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I get the impression she's not especially fond of humans, or at least doesn't think much of us as a whole.<br />
<br />
<Titania> hmm<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, there are a lot of humans I'm not too fond of either, but I wouldn't rule out the entire race.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She says...she says she's 'fond' of Jean-Faust, but that she can't 'allow' herself to feel any more.<br />
<br />
<Titania> what's that supposed to mean?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She said it's bad for the fey to love humans. That it can harm the human, somehow.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She seems to only be able to communicate vaguely, even though she speaks Averyonais fine.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's frustrating.<br />
<br />
<Titania> It sounds messy<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Unbelievably so, but I don't know what to do.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Obviously I want Jean-Faust to be happy, but I'm not sure what that means I'm hoping for here.<br />
<br />
<Titania> yeah... he might not know either at this point. <br />
<br />
<Titania> maybe all you can do is give him time and safety to figure it out :/<br />
* Titania rests her head on your shoulder<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm certainly trying. My parents are keeping an eye on him, which I'm sure is grating for a grown man.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe I should bring him to the club sometime. Try to let him have some normalcy.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, as normal as the cabaret gets. ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> If you think he'd enjoy it, of course :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'll bug him about it when I see him. I'm sure he could use getting out of the house.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Speaking of, I'll be happy when this damn winter is over. It's not fit for man nor beast out there, and, as much as I love your place, I very much enjoyed our previous trip, and I wouldn't mind a drive without freezing.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yes... it's miserable.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I don't know whether to blame the weather, or the fey, or some combination of the two.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm beginning to suspect a combination, but I think we're still a while from finding out exactly what's going on.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Ugh... it should be almost spring, so I hope it happens soon.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Me too.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's been strange, being party to all of this.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Every bit of it feels like I'm way in over my head.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well, just keep on swimming <br />
<br />
<Titania> it's all any of us can do <br />
* Titania kisses your cheek<br />
<br />
===Denise and Enver discuss loss===<br />
<Denise> :)<br />
* Denise shiftes over to snuggle up better to a warm drowsy boy, when there is a sound of tearing fabric...<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh shoot :(<br />
* Enver sits up, looking concerned<br />
<br />
<Denise> My toe got stuck :/<br />
* Denise sits up to try and get free wthout doing more damage<br />
<br />
<Denise> Sorry, I know you don't got any other blankets...<br />
* Enver tries to pull the quilt up to look at the (new) damage<br />
<br />
<Enver> I... it's okay... they're pretty beat up already :(<br />
* Enver looks upset though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm sorry....<br />
<br />
<Enver> It was an accident, it's ... it's not so bad...<br />
* Enver plucks at the torn fabric<br />
<br />
<Denise> how come you don't just get new ones?<br />
* Denise sits up better to see as well, pulling her knees up to her chest<br />
<br />
<Enver> [q] my ma made these<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> Now I'm real sorry :(<br />
<br />
<Enver> it ain't your fault<br />
* Enver puts his arm around you<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I coulda been more careful if I'da known...<br />
* Denise reciprocates<br />
<br />
<Enver> I know I should get some new ones, but it's just... they're all I got to remember her by.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I prolly could mend it if you wanted...<br />
<br />
<Enver> it ain't too wrecked up?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, not yet, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> but prolly they'd keep better if you weren't always usin' 'em<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess maybe that ain't the same though :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> did she make 'em?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I had 'em when I was on the street, an' when Retha took me in...<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, she did<br />
<br />
<Enver> she sewed a lot, takin' in jobs for other folks mostly<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> but these she made... one was the one on her bed, an' one was mine<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> this one with the blue flowers was hers<br />
* Enver indicates the (very faded) pattern<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet it was real nice when it was new<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> prolly... it was pretty faded when I was little, already<br />
<br />
<Enver> She told me once the bits with the flowers was from a dress she had <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, lots of quilts are liek that<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt Hettie made oen for her friend for the holidays all out of baby clothes from her little one<br />
<br />
<Enver> aw, that's sweet<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> what was your quilt from, do you know?<br />
<br />
<Enver> some was leftovers from things she made for her customers... if she had a little bit leftover, she'd keep it for stuff like that, or for patches<br />
<br />
<Denise> what was she like?<br />
<br />
<Enver> the ones that are white... or that used to be anyway... was from a man's shirt<br />
<br />
<Enver> well... I don't remember her ever bein' mad with me or anythin'. She was always real soft an' kind.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> you know anythin' 'bout her folks?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Her name was Mauna.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I never heard that name before<br />
<br />
<Denise> its nice<br />
* Enver smiles a little at that<br />
<br />
<Enver> She never talked bout family too much, but once we were goin' someplace, I forget where, an' we walked by Daisy Lane, an' she said it was where she grew up. Showed me the house an' that. <br />
<br />
<Denise> (is that in the shambles?)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Enver> so... after she was gone, I went there, 'cause I thought maybe... I dunno.<br />
* Denise listens<br />
<br />
<Enver> that maybe there was someone there who'd know what to do<br />
<br />
<Denise> but there weren't?<br />
<br />
<Enver> But the woman there didn't know my ma... she said the lady who had the house before her, she moved to live with her son in Ariege.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> she was nice though... gave me some lunch anyway :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> anyway, I didn't know what to do... our neighbour, Mme. Gerron, she took care of the stuff from the house an' all that.<br />
<br />
<Enver> but I heard her sayin' I was gonna have to go to an orphanage now, so... I took off.<br />
<br />
<Denise> just took your quilts?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> an like... when I think about it now, I think, there was stuff in there that woulda been smarter to take - or to sell at least an' get the money.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> you were pretty little though<br />
<br />
<Enver> but I was all messed up<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :(<br />
<br />
<Enver> or if there was stuff about her family<br />
<br />
<Enver> letters or any of that kinda thing<br />
<br />
<Enver> it prolly all just got tossed<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's folks who keep track of stuff though, for rats<br />
<br />
<Denise> old folks<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> so.. you think they'd know who her folks were?<br />
<br />
<Denise> they come 'round when folks get hitched or when they're havin' babies an all<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe <br />
<br />
<Denise> they might know if she had folks<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe not where they're at<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> at least you got her whole name<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I told Argent he shod go and ask but he ain't even got that :p<br />
<br />
<Enver> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't sure he even really wants to<br />
<br />
<Enver> who do you go an' ask?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhhh..<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno exactly, but I could find out >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet Ander knows<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> ... would it say about my father too?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or maybe Uncle Thierry will remember who came an seen him an' Rosalie when Avionne was born<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wouldn't have to ask though<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly<br />
<br />
<Enver> I don't know all that much about him<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, prolly some is bettern nothing?<br />
<br />
<Denise> what do you know?<br />
<br />
<Enver> He did some kinda work for the city... an inspector or somethin'? Inspectin' what, I dunno.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe it would help, can't hurt to ask I guess<br />
<br />
<Enver> I think his name was Luc.<br />
<br />
<Enver> She never said it, but once I remember we went to the rooming house up the street where there was a telephone<br />
<br />
<Denise> an she called 'im?<br />
<br />
<Enver> An' she phoned someone - askin' for money, I guess. Someone whose name was Luc.<br />
<br />
<Enver> I think he was married to someone else >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> ahh :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think one of my aunts is like that<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> no one ain't never come out an said<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, like, I heard enough to figure it now<br />
<br />
<Denise> on mam's side, her oldest sister, Fran<br />
<br />
<Enver> the fella keeps on with her, or was it just for a little while an' then it was over?<br />
<br />
<Denise> If I'm gettin' all right<br />
<br />
<Denise> gran thought that he'd leave his wife an' tke up with her instead, but he never did<br />
<br />
<Enver> ah :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> I dunno what my ma thought :/ or even for sure if that's what was goin' on.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> coulda been lots of things<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah...<br />
* Denise rubs your back some<br />
* Enver leans against you<br />
* Enver runs his hand over the torn quilt<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu must still miss her lots :(<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> She used to make buns with raisins in 'em, an' she sang when I was goin' to sleep.<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' I wish I could've known more about her<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we'll see what we can' find out, okay?<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
* Enver 's face scrunches up a little like he's trying not to cry<br />
<br />
<Denise> Awww, come 'ere<br />
* Denise pulls you closer<br />
* Enver buries his face in your shoulder<br />
* Denise strokes your hair<br />
* Enver 's chest hitches as he stifles tears<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wanna talk about it more or....?<br />
<br />
<Enver> dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> you can cry on me, its okay... <br />
<br />
<Enver> you don't think it's stupid?<br />
* Enver mumbles<br />
<br />
<Denise> No.<br />
<br />
<Denise> When Mam had her accident..... I was so scared, an angry, an' sad an all that.... worryin' she wasn't gonna make it<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> That were bad enough, it still makes me upset, thinkin' too hard on it<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't figure actualy loosin' her<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> your mam weren't even sick or nothin'... just all sudden like that, must've been bad :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> an, like, cause it weren't just her<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, lots of her work friends, an all, they didn't make it<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an, like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmm... it still makes me all mad :|<br />
* Enver nuzzles you a bit<br />
* Denise sighs, relaxing little<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just mean though<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't stupid to be upset still<br />
<br />
<Enver> it was a long time ago...<br />
<br />
<Denise> or to be sad about things you have form her gettin' m\essed up<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, but you only get one mam<br />
<br />
<Enver> for a long while the blue one still smelled like her :/<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> now it mostly smells like you :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' a bit like you<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> a bit :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> I could get new ones though.<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' these ones could go away an' then they wouldn't get more wrecked up<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> you could still use 'em some.... just maybe just for special things<br />
<br />
<Enver> what sorta special things?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uhh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno.... :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> special... bed things<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> or whatever!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't mean it like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
* Enver smiles a little<br />
<br />
<Denise> like... Holidays<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, it ain't like it *really* means my ma is here - 'cause that'd be a bit awkward sometimes :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> or somethin' >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> ...thanks Denise <3<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh?<br />
<br />
<Enver> just... for listenin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' tellin' me it was okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, that ain'tr nothin, really :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> if you're goin' with someone, you;re supposed to be there for 'em, right? :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> or even just regular friends<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> especially if you're goin' with someone one, it means you care for 'em more ;3<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> I... feel that way 'bout you too<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's why we said, we wanna look out and do for each other, right? :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
* Enver kisses you<br />
* Denise kisses back :D<br />
<br />
===Guillame and Ander talk politics===<br />
* Guillame is more prudent than to invite Ander to his house, but he can make a reservation at a fancy-but-discreet restaurant perhaps ;)<br />
* Ander will show up, of course!<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Good evening<br />
<br />
<Ander> Evenin'<br />
<br />
<Guillame> How are things?<br />
<br />
<Ander> They're alright, given everythin' going on in the city<br />
<br />
<Ander> Things busy for you?<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Yes, quite. <br />
<br />
<Ander> I bet<br />
<br />
<Ander> But probably not as bad for you as for some<br />
<br />
<Guillame> That's true... there are always some who have it worse. <br />
<br />
<Guillame> Please, let me give you time to look at the menu. I can wholeheartedly recommend the venison if that's to your liking.<br />
<br />
<Ander> hm.<br />
<br />
<Ander> last time I have venison was in Psyra - nothing this fancy, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I can imagine.<br />
* Ander skims through the menu<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, why not.<br />
<br />
<Ander> let's see how it compares<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
* Guillame will also order the venison, and a bottle of wine for the both of us.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> So... I don't wish to rush you into business talk, but I admit I'm curious to know if you've had some thoughts about my previous offer.<br />
* Guillame says once the waiter is out of the way<br />
<br />
<Ander> I have... some thoughts and some questions<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I'd be a bit worried if you didn't, to be honest.<br />
* Ander grins<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, lets say they fall into two groups mostly - process, and then expectations<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Very well. I'm happy to try and answer them as best I can.<br />
<br />
<Ander> alright then. Process first, so as not to put the cart before the horse. You seem pretty confident you can swing me a popularly elected position, so I'm pretty curious exactly how you expect that to work out.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Short answer: money.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Longer answer: I can put a good deal of financial support into your campaign. I'm not planning to bribe voters, but I can make you into a considerably more compelling candidate.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Not that you aren't compelling already, of course.<br />
* Guillame says with a smile.<br />
* Ander smiles back<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, money's good, and it seems a good bet you'd have more at your disposal than anyone else who might be running<br />
<br />
<Ander> at least in the Shambles or Rhenea<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Shambles for sure.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I believe the Shambles is our best bet. <br />
<br />
<Guillame> For a few reasons - not least that it's the strongest concentration of Rats in the city.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> (how close is that between shambles and rhenea?)<br />
<br />
<Guillame> (like, percentage wise? I don't know)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (well, is there a big difference? I'm sure he's right, but I'm not sure if Ander would have necessarily been sure of that before)<br />
<br />
<Guillame> (Rhenea has a fair number of Rats too, but I imagine it's less than the Shambles overall?)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (we be po :( )<br />
<br />
<Guillame> (yup)<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It also has a considerable population of veterans, and I believe your military record would serve you in good stead there.<br />
* Ander gives that a conceeding nod<br />
<br />
<Guillame> And, I say this with the greatest respect to your abilities and skills, the opposition is likely to be less strenuous. <br />
<br />
<Guillame> The Shambles has... a difficult reputation to contend with.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Not a strong voter turnout<br />
<br />
<Guillame> No, traditionally not.<br />
* Ander will light a cigarette, and offer one to Guy<br />
* Guillame accepts it politely<br />
<br />
<Ander> so what, the elections gonna change all that?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Perhaps, with a candidate who better represents their interests <br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Guillame> You can't win with the Rat vote alone, but if the Rat turnout is high, it will certainly make a difference.<br />
<br />
<Ander> So what do you imagine running a campaign in the shambles will look like?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I imagine you'll get a lot more people out to your rallies and speeches if you offer food and drink.<br />
* Guillame says bluntly<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Granted, that's true in the Grand as well... just that there, the food and drink comes in the form of cocktail parties<br />
* Guillame says with a slight smile<br />
<br />
<Ander> heh<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, I got some experience with those sorts of shindigs. <br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> I know how to get people out, but not how to get them to give enough of a shit to come back when it's time to vote<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I imagine it will be challenging. The population of the Shambles has a healthy mistrust of government.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Can't really blame 'em<br />
* Ander grins<br />
<br />
<Guillame> No, indeed<br />
<br />
<Ander> an you said it was the easy path<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Yes... well, easier in some respects, I think.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> For you, specifically. I have another candidate in mind in Rhenea.<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh really?<br />
* Ander leans back in his chair<br />
<br />
<Ander> who's that?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> A talented young lawyer named Noren Errazuris.<br />
* Ander grins<br />
<br />
<Ander> A lawyer eh? I see how it is<br />
* Guillame smiles<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Sometimes a veneer of respectability matters, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah, the Shambles ain't the place for that<br />
<br />
<Guillame> indeed<br />
<br />
<Guillame> In the Shambles, the more ... checkered... aspects of your background may be a positive selling point.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> I can see that<br />
<br />
<Ander> alright<br />
<br />
<Ander> so, rallies, free food, big talks<br />
<br />
<Ander> crossin' our fingers<br />
<br />
<Ander> i can do that<br />
<br />
<Guillame> yes. and - I think this is something you would probably do anyway, but addressing at least certain of the issues that are specific to the Shambles<br />
<br />
<Guillame> For instance, problems of infrastructure, of policing and public safety... I'm happy to suggest ideas but I do want to leave some of your policies up to you.<br />
<br />
<Ander> mmhmmm.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well that does brong us to the second group - which is, for all this help, just what are you expectin' out of me?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> The primary issue on which I would depend on your support is one that I can't guarantee when it may even happen.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> The selection process for the next Emperor.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> you got someone in mind for that?<br />
* Ander asks, not en tirely expecting a straight answer<br />
* Guillame looks momentarily ... ambivalent? torn?<br />
* Ander raises his eyebrows at that<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Someone close to me has considered the candidacy. Whether I fully support it or not... is difficult to say at present. But I can wholeheartedly say that I want, before I die or am removed from office, to see a Rat on the throne of the Empire.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, that last part would be nice to see<br />
<br />
<Ander> but that's it?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I would also hope - expect - that you would work more generally for the betterment of our House. But I'm not going to tell you specifically how to do that. For one thing, I expect you're more aware of the pressing issues that face people in the less-fortunate parts of the city than I am.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> That is the point, after all, ain't it.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Well... it ought to be.<br />
<br />
<Ander> so here's a question then, goin' along with that<br />
<br />
<Ander> the Shambles being whsat they are, havein' the rep they do, do you think there's actually much anyone can do to make things better?<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's gonna take more than just one voice for that.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> One voice is more than no voices.<br />
* Ander sighs<br />
<br />
<Guillame> And for what it's worth, you would have my support in the Inner Council.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> alright then - well, I guess we'll find out.<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> There is one other thing...<br />
<br />
<Guillame> yes?<br />
<br />
<Ander> A personal-life issue, say<br />
<br />
<Ander> which is mostly - is that going to be an issue?<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I assume, given that we already addressed, at least in passing, your family connections, that you're referring to your ... companion.<br />
<br />
<Ander> mmhmm<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I don't think that his presence in your ... general entourage, or indeed household, is a matter for great concern. <br />
<br />
<Guillame> People can overlook, hm, what should I say - atypical relationships? particularly when they are able to come up with some plausible reason to overlook them.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> For instance, a friendship formed during the war, a brother in arms who needed a place to stay...<br />
* Ander nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, it ain't ideal<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I understand.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It's a difficult dilemma... <br />
* Ander doesn't sound surprised, at least<br />
<br />
<Guillame> How to remain true to your own commitments and feelings, while preventing those who would use those feelings against you from being able to do so.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Do you think he'll understand if you need to keep him out of the spotlight for a while, or tell half-truths in public about him?<br />
* Guillame seems honestly understanding/sympathetic about this... as though maybe speaking from personal experience >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> I expect he'd be less bothered than I would.<br />
* Guillame nods :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> but apart from relationships an' commitments, there's also an issue of occupation<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I presume that your organization relies on his... skills. And that they have ways of keeping such matters to themselves.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> But if it was possible for him to maintain some sort of cover occupation for a time, it could help deflect rumours.<br />
<br />
<Ander> mm.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, I guess I'll talk to him about that<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Guillame> The nature of your relationship is your business. You're not obliged to explain it to anyone, including me.<br />
* Ander nods.<br />
<br />
<Ander> If only everyoe could be so respectful.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I know this may not be easy for you.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> For you both.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> But I hope that, if it works as planned, it will be a first step towards helping redress some of the injustices and imbalances in our government.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I can only hope that you'll consider that worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I know it is, but I feel like it ain't just on me to decide whether that oughtta be me, considerin' the rest<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Do you need more time to discuss it?<br />
* Ander sighs, knowing exactly how the discussion will go in his head<br />
<br />
<Ander> No.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> all right<br />
<br />
<Ander> We already have, it was mostly a matter of confirming what I figured.<br />
* Guillame nods<br />
<br />
<Guillame> So, is that a yes?<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's a yes<br />
* Guillame smiles broadly<br />
<br />
<Guillame> Wonderful!<br />
* Ander smiles more grimly<br />
<br />
<Guillame> I look forward to working with you<br />
<br />
<Ander> likewise.<br />
<br />
<Guillame> and... if there is anything I can do to help, outside of campaign matters... even if you just need a short break from things, or some time to talk, I'm willing to provide that.<br />
* Ander nods, considering that<br />
<br />
<Ander> Alright<br />
<br />
<Ander> So, I got him readin that book of yours...<br />
* Ander goes on, sorta changing the subject ;)<br />
* Guillame brightens and is happy to talk about other matters for the rest of the meal (which is excellent, of course)<br />
<br />
===Genevriel brings good wishes to Lathra===<br />
* Genevriel makes her way to Lathra's home the day after the Colour Guard attack, having heard at work the night before that it happened...<br />
* Genevriel knocks or rings the buzzer, whatever.<br />
* Lathra is showing a client out the door Do take care with that knee! Have a nice weekend, dear!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Lathra!<br />
* Genevriel looks you over, concern written on her face.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh! Hello Gen, dear!<br />
* Genevriel holds out a modest bouquet of colourful carnations with a "Get Well Soon" type little card nestled among the greenery.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I heard that you were attacked! Are you all right?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh my! How lovely!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, yes I'm quite fine! Thank you SO much for asking. I was all healed up before the guard arrived, thanksss be to the Serpent.<br />
* Genevriel smiles a little but also looks a little confused by Lathra's sibilant 's'.<br />
* Lathra makes a little gesture of piety, and winks at Gen<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Will you come in?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh, thank you, only if it won't be any trouble for you.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> It will be a delight, as it always has been, Genevriel<br />
* Genevriel looks a little embarrassed by Lathra's warmth.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (as she always does)<br />
* Genevriel follows Lathra in, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, you're really okay? I don't know much of this 'Colour Guard' group, but they sound absolutely reprehensible.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well I'm shaken up, I must admit. It's not every day that somebody tries to murder me, although I rather expected it to be when I arrived in the city. But no; this is the first time that somebody's tried in earnest.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> :/<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I can't understand people who push others around based on something as shallow as appearance.<br />
* Genevriel seems to be speaking from experience, though she recognizes that her past troubles don't really approach the scale of racism.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes; I *did* wonder at first if I should be flattered, but it seems it's all down to how I look after all.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If I ever meet some of those people I will be hard-pressed not to knock their heads together.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I am glad to hear the guard came, though... Did they take anyone into custody?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh I shouldn't worry about it - knock away, if you can get away with it.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, they did - a rather upset and rather fierce young lady. I shall try to go and meet with her tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh? Why?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh well... I... hm, how to put it?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm angry with them, the Color Guard, of course. But the ones who attacked me? I'm not sure yet. It seems like probably it's one of those "fear of the unknown" sort of cases. So I thought I'd go and be known, and if she handles it well maybe I'll drop the charges.<br />
* Genevriel nods slowly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That's good. We're all one.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hopefully educating her might set her on a better path.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> That's my thought, yes. Or not. Might as well "give it a shot", as they say.<br />
* Genevriel nods again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm glad you're all right.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And *I'm* ever so touched that you came to see me! And these flowers are just divine!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I shall have to find a vase.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Would you like help trimming the stems?<br />
* Lathra picks up an especially bloated candlestick and considers its utility as a flower-holder<br />
<br />
<Lathra> ... if that's a thing that should be done, then I would appreciate help with it tremendously.<br />
* Lathra scrapes out the candle residue.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, you need to trim about an inch off the ends, before you put them in water. When the plant's cut, the vessels that transport water and nutrients can get air bubbles in them if they aren't put in water immediately; trimming the ends helps get rid of the air bubbles before you put them in your vase, so then they'll last longer.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That being said, carnations are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers...<br />
* Genevriel realizes she must sound like she is lecturing you and blushes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Sorry.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well let's get those bubbles out then.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you put a little sugar in the water that helps keep them going, too.<br />
* Genevriel mentions as she trims stems for you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Aren't there any... flower-like things in the Shadow Plane?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh yes, of course. I just haven't ever taken care of any.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I do hope I don't kill them *immediately*.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They'll be fine.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I used to be a farmer, I know what I'm talking about. ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well then I shall take confidence in *your* confidence.<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How long- how long have you been in Diablotin?<br />
* Genevriel tries to be sociable,<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Just a few years. Oh gosh, it's nearly six now!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I guess you must like it, then?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I really do.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What do you like about it...?<br />
* Genevriel sounds like she isn't sure what there *could* be to like here.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I... I don't have to fight myself here. I just do what I think is right for people, and people appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Fight yourself?<br />
* Genevriel 's curiosity seems piqued,<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I can be myself, instead of having to try to be what I'm supposed to.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Am I making sense at all?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I... don't know?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know much about Shadar-kai culture.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I'm guessing something about it is what you're happy you don't have to deal with, anymore...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> It's just more strict. Everyone has their role, their place, rules about what's expected and appropriate.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I mean, that exists here, too. But it's more fluid. You can choose your role, if you can afford it and do what's needed.<br />
* Genevriel nods slowly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And as long as some celestial being hasn't decided they need a pawn for their own inscrutable purposes.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yeeees. That does rather limit your options, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh - I solved the mystery of the Orecalos.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My Orecalo is M. Sanadhil Orecalo; the father of your Orecalo, M. Xandhil Orecalo.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Sandhill?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh no wait I see<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Close - three syllables.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yours only has two syllables in his name.<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, that makes so much sense - I had no idea there were two, although of course he must have a father!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Anyway, M. Orecalo - the elder - identified the language that the Ones speak as Celestial.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So I'm trying to find some books so I can teach myself to speak it. Then hopefully the inscrutable purposes will become more scrutable.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> How enterprising! That sounds invaluable!<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm both excited to have this lead and terrified.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Considering the words you were able to translate, knowing what they want from me might not really be comforting.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I'd rather know than live in ignorance.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If I know, I can at least make plans.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes indeed! Knowing is half the battle, as it were.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes... I guess I have yet to stop being a scout.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There, all done.<br />
* Genevriel eyes the bouquet and moves one or two carnations to balance the colours a bit better.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, they're magnificent!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Just check on their water regularly and top it up as needed, so they don't run out and wilt.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh I will! I hope. I'll try!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You could add another teaspoon of sugar once a week to keep them going until the petals start browning; then it will be time to say good-bye to them.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Flowers have such an ephemeral beauty...<br />
* Lathra gazes at them, then starts looking for a spot to put them.<br />
* Genevriel suggests a couple of good places.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (I'm gonna have to go for the shopping - was there anything else?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Well, not if time is up. :) Thanks)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Np, thanks to you!)<br />
<br />
===Denise hears about Serge-Yves' latest nautical adventures===<br />
* Denise comes home one morning, hopefully before anyone else is awake :3<br />
* Denise goes to the kitchen and quietly makes some coffee<br />
* Denise then goes to take a shower >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> (while it brews)<br />
* Serge-Yves had been enjoying the lack of teenagers keeping him awake ;)<br />
* Serge-Yves also enjoys coffee, however, and will wake up with the combination of shower-noises and the smell of it brewing<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh wait we don't have a shower - it wil have to be a bath >.>)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (principle stands!)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (indeed)<br />
* Denise peeks out to see if you are awake when she emerges<br />
* Serge-Yves is sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> hey, you made it home ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't wanna keep you up again >.><br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ah, heh<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, I didn't get home til pretty late myself, so it wouldn'ta been a problem<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> were you over at your boy's place?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise says, blushing slightly<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um, yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> he live by himself?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, he's got his own place :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> no one to keep up 'cept him, then? ;)<br />
* Serge-Yves teases<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, that was we figured....<br />
* Denise blushes more<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, you seem pretty happy with him. so that's good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise says<br />
* Denise bots her lip, because she is all on cloud nine but still processing nd also, the L word thing<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> you want some coffee too?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can make some eggs, too, if we got any<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> lemme see if this settles my stomach, first<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... I'm gonna make some for me, anyway<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I mean, if you want 'em, go ahead<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> but I think I'll stick to the coffee, an' maybe some toast<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'kay<br />
<br />
<Denise> ou can just leep me company then - You ain't told me any stories yet from your trip ^-^<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Mighta had a bit too much last night<br />
<br />
<Denise> good time out?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> oh, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> make any new friends?<br />
* Denise teases<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Always, darlin' :)<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
* Denise looks like maybe she has questions but doesn't actually voice any of them<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> or sometimes, new friends make me.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ^-^<br />
* Denise slips over to the kitchen and will start foodening<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
* Serge-Yves will join you at the table, 'cause it's warmer in there anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like... how were things, this last trip?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> oh yeah - stories :)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well, we was explorin' in the islands some more, visitin' some new ones we ain't been to before, to scope 'em out an' see what's there<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an'?<br />
* Denise prompts<br />
<br />
<Denise> what's the swellest thing you saw :D<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well... pretty sure there's folks who live under the water. We seen 'em come up long enough to get a good look, but ain't got to talk to 'em yet, 'cause they swim off so fast.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> We tried to catch one in a net, but it ain't like fishin' ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, prolly they wouldn't like that much<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I'd say so<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I think the sorcs an' all are still arguin' about whether they live under water all the time, or they got someplace where they come up on land<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, why not?<br />
<br />
<Denise> live under the water all the time, I mean<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I dunno. Guess they think they might be like seals or summat, where they come up to have babies an' that sorta thing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> do other islands folk know anything about 'em?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Stories, like ... nothin' solid, I don't think. <br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Unless they just ain't tellin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> what do they tslk about? :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> 'Bout the seafolk?<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, just like... about anythin' :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> they're whole new folk!<br />
* Serge-Yves smiles<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well, they talk 'bout lotsa things. Mostly when we're talkin', we wanna trade with 'em, or find out where stuff is, that sorta thing, but they got their questions too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They wanna know about here, 'bout where we come from, 'bout things we got that they ain't. <br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They're real interested in guns, now - though for a while they really didn't like 'em, 'cause of the noise I guess.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> But they figured out they're pretty handy<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kinda weapons do they use?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Spears, slings, clubs, that sorta thing. They do know some about metal, but I don't think they got a lot of it - like, not enough for makin' a bunch of swords.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They got obsidian, though - the real shiny black glass stuff that cuts just as good as a razor<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They use that for knives an' arrowheads, sometimes<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> So when we trade, they're pretty into steel - knives, daggers, that sorta thing. Or even just metal stuff that ain't weapons, like boxes or plates <br />
<br />
<Denise> how would you even live without metal :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....though I guess when our folk were in the sewer we woudln'ta had much<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, like I said, they got some - but mostly softer stuff, like copper. They use it for makin' jewelry mostly, or stuff like bowls or that, where it don't matter so much if it don't hold a good edge.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just can't figger what it be like<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> On one island, Adu, they make these kinda big bowls of copper that they can play music with<br />
<br />
<Denise> havin' someone who got all the things we bgot just showin' up one day, pokin' around<br />
<br />
<Denise> tryin' to catch folk in nets >.><br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> the net thing weren't my idea >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I wouldn'ta thought so! :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> at last with our folk, like, we knew what was out there<br />
<br />
<Denise> just we stayed down where we were for reasons, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kind of magic do they got over there?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They got some kinda shamans - they're a bit like a priest, bit like a channel, I dunno exactly.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They say they talk with the spirits an' animals an' the like<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet the channels'd love to talk with 'em :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah, I imagine so<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I know, higher up, they're talkin' 'bout whether it's a good idea to bring any of them back here<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> The island folk, I mean, not the channels ;p<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> It already happened once, but like... more by accident, kinda :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Yeah, I guess one of the first ships over that way, they brought back a kid. 'Cause they just found him wanderin' alone, an' they didn't feel right just leavin' him there. Least, that's how I heard it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> what happened to 'im?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (and is he a demon y/n :V)<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> He grew up here, I guess. I think I heard he got taken in by the Serpent church folk.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> which ones?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ah, I can't keep straight ... not the Shadar-kai ones, I don't imagine.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> The other lot.<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww<br />
<br />
<Denise> I coulda prolly asked Mlle Aubrienne<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> One island we went to this time, there was dragonflies, like, as big as a person<br />
<br />
<Denise> did you have any more fights this time?<br />
<br />
<Denise> woah :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> They looked real pretty - from far off.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't ever looked at a dragon fly real close...<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> But you wouldn't wanna get too close to 'em, they're real pissy :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> An' they bite<br />
<br />
<Denise> how'd you find that out :o :D<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Someone got too close :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I guess<br />
* Denise seems disappointed that it was so obvious<br />
<br />
<Denise> but no more sea serpents?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> But - their wings an' the outside shell kinda stuff, the hard stuff, we could save for folk here to study<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well - there was one, but we were smart enough not to get close.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess maybe they could use it for spells? or something?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> plus, the water all around it was boilin', so... that helped with the not gettin' close <br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wonder if they're like.... some kimda water dragon :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> The islands there, they're volcanos. You know 'bout those? <br />
* Denise thinks, then shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Kinda like... mountains, but inside they get real hot, like hot enough to melt the rocks. An' when they get hot enough, they can blow up, an' send melted rock all over the place. an' then it cools off an' makes new land.<br />
* Serge-Yves 's own understanding of geology may be a bit sketchy ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> why would anyone live there @_@<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well, the ones where folks live are mostly like real old ones, so they don't blow up all the time <br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Only maybe every few hundred years, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> still though @_@<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> But the new ones, they can come from under the sea, even - an' that's the kinda place where this sea serpent was<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> these vents under the water boilin' an' steamin' with the heat <br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Just swimmin' around like it didn't care a bit<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's so neat :o<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> what was your favourite bit?<br />
* Serge-Yves thinks for a little<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well, they threw a party for us one night. That was at the place with the music bowls I was sayin' about, an' they played those, an' folk danced, an' it was real nice.<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
* Denise hesitates a bit though<br />
<br />
<Denise> ... were you lonely?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> ... 'cause of Vairon, you mean?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Yeah. <br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I got friends, an' you ain't never really alone, but.. it ain't the same.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> We were worried when you wnt back out - real glad to see you with some spirit when you came back though<br />
* Serge-Yves sips his coffee<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Well, I figure, he wouldn't want me to pine for him.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Don't mean I don't miss him, though.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't figure you'd be...lackin' for comoany.... but it ain't the same, right?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I been thinkin', maybe after the next tour, I might get out.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I dunno. Just maybe it's time to do somethin' different.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like what?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Import/export? ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> better get in before they get too many rules about it ^-^<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Whatever they decide 'bout folk comin' here, they ain't gonna be able to stop the trade for long.<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Now that they know where it is, the navy sorcs can set up teleports an' that sorta thing.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Then it ain't gonna be weeks on a ship to get there, it'll be instant.<br />
<br />
<Denise> does the navy do trade?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> It ain't really their main thing, but they'd set it up for a price, I'm sure.<br />
* Denise nods, because that makes sense<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Gettin' the maps an' charts down, figurin' out what's where, an' where the folk live, that's the main thing right now<br />
<br />
<Denise> an what there is they got that we want, right?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> yeah<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> Like, some of the islands, not ones where folks live so much, but they got tons of bird shit. which don't sound like anythin' good, 'cept you can use that stuff in gunpowder.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
* Denise has joined you at the table with actual food by now<br />
<br />
<Denise> that woudln't be too fun to ship I figure<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> no, prolly not<br />
<br />
<Denise> ( can't remember if they ever told denise about the drug stuff or not.... I think not?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly they got other stuff though<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> (I thought not, yeah)<br />
* Serge-Yves nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I reckon so<br />
<br />
<Denise> you'd like tht okay?<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> It'd be a big change<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> but I'd like bein' home with you folks<br />
* Serge-Yves says with a smile<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly you'd have to get your own place though ^-^<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> well, yeah<br />
<br />
<Serge-Yves> I can't be havin' roommates who're gettin' laid more'n me ;)<br />
* Denise blushes more<br />
<br />
<Denise> (like, furiously)<br />
* Serge-Yves smiles<br />
<br />
<br />
===Denise and Zola discuss the first time and love===<br />
* Denise has stolen away for a little bit while Ander is dealing with some things he doens't need her for then, mooning around the bar sipping a beer with her head in the clouds, mostly<br />
* Zola meanders over to the bar with a sad, empty glass. "Neva, dear... another?"<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey kid :)<br />
<br />
<Neva> Sure thing.<br />
* Neva will get you another of your cherry bombs or whatever they're called ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh hey Mlle Zola <br />
<br />
<Zola> How's things shakin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh... real good :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> things are just swell...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Glad to hear it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
* Zola accepts her tasty drink... "Thanks, doll."<br />
* Zola takes a seat beside Denise to chat<br />
* Denise smiles and tries to drag herself down to earth<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, looks like maybe that was an understatement then, what's got you all a flutter?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh.... just... boy things :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ohhh, boy things? Those are my favourite things... do tell! :3<br />
* Denise blushes<br />
<br />
<Denise> gosh @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just.... I dunno, I feel like... its all special to me but prolly it is the same for lots of folks<br />
<br />
<Zola> Lots of folks aren't here, honey... it's just you and me & Neva... so that's a pretty big chunk of us... <br />
<br />
<Zola> And I already cast my vote.<br />
* Denise glances at Neva<br />
<br />
<Neva> Just because something's happened to someone else before doesn't mean it isn't important.<br />
* Neva says with a smile and a shrug.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess... just I figure, it can't be *so* big a deal, really, not like it feels it is, if everyone is doin' it.<br />
* Denise blushes again<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh.<br />
* Zola grins broadly, "'It', eh? 'It' can be a pretty big deal, depending on the 'it'"<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.... :3<br />
* Denise gets a distant looks again, smiling still, and sips her beer<br />
<br />
<Zola> And, I suppose depending on the guy. <br />
* Zola smiles impishly<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... I only got the one<br />
* Neva chuckles<br />
* Denise smiles more when the entendre dawns on her<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, like... I ain't got a lot to compare with :3<br />
* Zola laughs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, was it like this...<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I asked Mireva and she said it was :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh shoot... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I was gonna do this, and see what sort of face you made...<br />
* Zola makes a fist with the nearest arm and marks a spot obscenely high on her forearm<br />
<br />
<Denise> D:<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ha!<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's good enough.<br />
* Neva laughs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figuire if they really came like that, everyone would know ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it'd show in the tailoring... and men fainting when they get excited.<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Zola> You had fun though, yeah? :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh it was real good @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Excellent :D <br />
<br />
<Neva> Was it your first time?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hear some ladies don't have so much fun their first time.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, you hear sometimes it ain't, an all kinds a stories bout the first time...<br />
* Neva nods<br />
* Denise nods, blushing again<br />
<br />
<Neva> 'Real good' is amazing for a first time, then :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> But like... we worked up to it for a long time before :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> practicing... things <br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Practice makes perfect.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Zola> Guess you help prove that :)<br />
* Denise smiles again and sips her beer<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds like he's a keeper, then... congrats... I'm glad for you!<br />
* Zola leans over and gives Denise a side-hug with her fisting arm.<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise looks thoughtful<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like him a whole lot<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll get to meet him at the party, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhhh, oh yeah :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you don't warn him and we'll see what face HE makes. <br />
* Zola brandishes her fist again<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ain't ever been to the club before<br />
<br />
<Zola> We'll make sure he has fun. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, it'll be swell :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Can I ask you about a thing though?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean I guess, maybe you don't know either, bu prolly you know more'n I do<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sure, honey.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um...<br />
<br />
<Denise> How do you know if you're like, really in love with someone?<br />
* Zola takes a breath, "Phew, that is a toughy."<br />
<br />
<Neva> I think if anyone knew the answer, there wouldn't be so many poems and plays and movies trying to figure it out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She's not wrong.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> The other thing is there's more than one kind of love. <br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've probably heard me sing lots about some of them... one of my favourites is the mad kind between lovers. When you just can't think straight about them, or around them, and you do crazy and stupid things.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds even more confusin' :/<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wish it really would just be a phine call, so you'd know :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww, but where's the fun in that? <br />
<br />
<Neva> It's okay to not be sure, especially this early - you've only been dating him for a little while, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's part of the magic of mad love... not knowing... being uncertain. If you could just drop by a healer and have them say "Yeah, you've got the Loves." then it's not a gift, it's a disease! :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know.... jsut, like, he seems real certain...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awwww.<br />
* Zola smiles at adorable boyness<br />
<br />
<Neva> is he pushing you to say it back, or getting bent out of shape if you don't?<br />
<br />
<Denise> no...<br />
<br />
<Neva> okay, good<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just, it don't seem right, for one person to be all in love, an' the other not<br />
<br />
<Neva> if he's as certain as all that, he'll wait until you figure things out for yourself<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I ain't go not clue how to go about the figurin' :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Cigarette, Neva?<br />
* Neva nods<br />
* Zola hands her one, pulls one out for herself and lights it from the bar lighters.<br />
<br />
<Neva> You said you like him a lot, yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, even outside of... bedroom things >.><br />
* Neva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like doin stuff with him, an' talking...<br />
<br />
<Neva> well, that's a good sign<br />
<br />
<Neva> if you didn't like talking with him, or spending time with him outside of bed, I don't think there'd be much to build on there.<br />
* Denise nods, a little encouraged, at least<br />
<br />
<Neva> Not to say you couldn't have a good time with a guy like that, but ... not love.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're right though, it really doesn't seem fair when things are one-sided... especially when it's someone you care about. <br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know that I'd wanna do it with soeone I didn't even like though<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's life, though... :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess lots of other things ain't fair, neither<br />
<br />
<Neva> Do you feel differently about him than you do about, say, your friends?<br />
<br />
<Neva> Like, a really good friend can be one kind of love - like Zola was saying, there can be different types for different people.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, I feel different about my different friends<br />
* Neva nods<br />
* Denise says, thinking abut Mireva and Argent, mostly<br />
<br />
<Denise> sorta<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, some things are all the same, an they're the same for Enver too..<br />
<br />
<Denise> when we first started goin' together, I didn't know him real well yet<br />
<br />
<Denise> an... I guess, like, he's the only one I think' about doin' stuff with?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, that's a sign there... <br />
* Neva nods in agreement<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like at first i didn't think about it all all<br />
<br />
<Denise> but now I think about ti all the time @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> If your need for romance and uh, fun times, is satisfied with him...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah!<br />
<br />
<Neva> He must be something special<br />
* Neva says with a smile<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thing is, love makes us vulnerable, and lots of people aren't comfortable with that. Sometimes, I think it's a matter of giving in... if the signs are there, and you've got no reason to doubt, then just give in. Take the plunge and see how you feel.<br />
* Zola says a little abstractly, not so much an emphasis on the 'you'.<br />
<br />
<Neva> It can sneak up on you, too. Like you said, one day you might just realize you think about him all the time - that there's no one you'd rather be with. <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
* Denise seems dreamily thoughtful<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think that's how we come to love our friends, over time... it's not like we meet someone and think "In a few years, I see myself taking a bullet for them." <br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> that bit's not so hard<br />
<br />
<Zola> The bullet part? I'll take your word for it... I plan to avoid bullets as long as I can.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean, its kinda my job :e3<br />
<br />
<Denise> :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, like, I took a bullet for folks I know know too, if someone's doin;' somthin' wrong against 'em<br />
* Denise switches from the actual to the theoretical partway through >.><br />
<br />
<Neva> (know know?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (don't know)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, that's another kind of love, the love of your fellows.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno if you gotta love 'em just to do a right thing<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, but what's the right thing? What the law says or what your heart says?<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't have to like someone to love them in that way... <br />
<br />
<Denise> that's easy ;p<br />
<br />
<Neva> Getting kind of philosophical for this venue :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I mean, where does "right" come from, then? Outside of you somewhere? A rule written in the clouds? Or is it because you don't want people to get hurt or suffer, even if they're mostly assholes?<br />
<br />
<Zola> :P<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know about all that, just what I feel is enough for me....<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wish the love stuff were that easy :/<br />
<br />
<Neva> You'll get there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll say a prayer for you... maybe I've got some sway with the Big Cat and he'll point you right :)<br />
* Zola leans in and gives Denise a peck on the cheek<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oops<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aww well... I do feel a bit better about it now<br />
* Zola grabs a napkin to wipe lipstick off her face<br />
<br />
<Zola> Probably not what you want when you're trying to look tough for Ander<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, heh<br />
* Denise will hve her cheek a thorough scrub<br />
<br />
<Neva> Try and think about it this way<br />
<br />
<Denise> folk don't thinkk I'm too intimidatin' anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Pfft.<br />
<br />
<Neva> The big flashy gestures - flowers and presents and promises - they're nice, but they're easy to fake too. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Neva> The little things - when you get a happy feeling just from him looking at you, or you do some little nice thing because it'll make his day easier, or you see something funny and the first thing you think is that you want to share it with him too - that's when it's for real.<br />
* Denise smiles more broadly<br />
<br />
<Denise> that helps a lot<br />
<br />
<Neva> Good, I must be doing my job :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure about that, my drink is empty ^_^<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Neva> Oh, pft, you could make it yourself at this point ;)<br />
* Neva will make you another one, though.<br />
* Denise glances back at her table<br />
<br />
<Denise> Prolly I should get some more for folks before I vgo back too :3<br />
* Zola drinks another cherry bomb, a heavy burden for pulling off her joke.<br />
* Neva will get you another round of drinks for the mobsters too :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks, ladies, you're the best :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Seeya later :)<br />
<br />
<Neva> If only it was that easy to straighten out our own problems, hmm? <br />
* Neva says as Denise heads off<br />
* Zola lets out a big sigh<br />
<br />
<Zola> You read my mind, dear.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hard to give advice when I can't figure that same question out myself -_-<br />
* Neva nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I ought to make sure my face is on proper for my set...<br />
<br />
<Neva> You'll get there too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks :)<br />
* Zola blows her a kiss as she slides off the stool<br />
* Neva waves goodbye as she goes to take care of some customers at the other end of the bar<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_21&diff=11465Diablotin 3 session 212015-11-30T16:22:11Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: September 13, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date:<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> A few days have passed since the extraction of Jean-Faust Romilly and the Flower Queen via Raimond Neherin's dream. The fey woman is being kept in safekeeping at the Orecalo home, while Jean-Faust has been subject to observation by experts in mind-affecting magics, and questioning about his actions.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (where 'experts' mainly = San and Alma)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> While Princess Ilphere might have wished to keep this matter rather low-key by bringing the fey woman to her friend Sanadhil's house, too many people now know about what is going on for it to be completely hushed up. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The Princess has therefore agreed to keep those of you who were involved in the excursion in the loop as far as what may be determined from the questioning, and indeed, once it has been determined that she doesn't pose a direct threat to health or security, you may be allowed to speak with her (under supervision).<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> However, the risks to the security of the Empire, and the potential of what could be learned from the two escapees from the First World, all but require that other powerful people be brought into the affair...<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne brings Jean-Faust home===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, after your brother has been poked and prodded by scholars and generals and the like, you are finally allowed to take him home to your parents...<br />
* Jean-Faust has been determined to not *currently* be under the affects of any charms or compulsions, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Where has he been staying?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (at the Orecalo house)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (which is in Rhenea, near the Down)<br />
* Aubrienne will go pick him up<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You feeling up to this?<br />
* Jean-Faust seems subdued, but all right<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> yeah. I want to see them... I mean I need to do it sometime, right?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know all this must have been - and likely still is - pretty overwhelming.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But their just going to be happy you're home safe.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> They - the professor anyway - think my memory was changed. Maybe I don't even remember things right, like how I got there, or what happened after...<br />
* Aubrienne stifles a worried look.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How do they think that happened?<br />
* Aubrienne tries to ask neutrally.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Magic... I guess there's spells that can do that, I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Or maybe it's some effect of that place.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Aubrienne... how can I trust anything anymore?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Were there people there other than Eirlys?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, you can trust me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And we're going home, and you can trust Mama and Papa.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> okay<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know it's rough right now, but it will be okay.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Have they been letting him and Eirlys see each other?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (for brief periods, under observation, yes)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Have you talked to her about it?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Eirlys, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> no...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> how do you ask someone you love... you thought loved you... if they changed your memories and manipulated your feelings and...<br />
* Jean-Faust starts to cry<br />
* Aubrienne hugs him<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's okay, bratic.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Let's just take it one thing at a time.<br />
* Aubrienne will try to get him into the car<br />
* Jean-Faust seems fairly overwhelmed by the noise and number of people around outside, even though it's just average morning traffic for this neighbourhood.<br />
* Jean-Faust goes where you take him, though.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I assume you've told your parents that you got him back, so this isn't a total surprise for them... they have been waiting impatiently for the chance to see him.<br />
* Aubrienne will head home, trying to keep conversation light, just neighborhood gossip, etc.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yeah, I figured we'd set this up with them)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (*nod*)<br />
* Ethaine and Albaric come out onto the steps, despite the cold weather, as soon as they hear your car pull up<br />
* Aubrienne will give Jean-Faust an encouraging smile and step out of the car.<br />
* Jean-Faust follows behind you<br />
* Ethaine can't wait, and runs over to embrace him<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> oh my baby, you're back, you're safe!<br />
* Jean-Faust hugs her back<br />
* Albaric comes over as well, standing there a bit awkwardly to get his chance to hug his son<br />
<br />
<Albaric> <q> is everything all right?<br />
* Albaric asks you, Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <q>There are some issues, but I think he'll be okay. He's been through a lot.<br />
* Albaric nods<br />
* Ethaine will usher you all back into the house, where they've got a big breakfast prepared, and where they will probably ask a lot of the same questions you've already heard JF answer, which he manages to handle all right.<br />
* Jean-Faust will stay with them for the time being, and they'll make sure he's looked after<br />
* Aubrienne is content to let him answer things, but is ready to jump in if it looks like JF is getting shaky.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Sounds good:))<br />
<br />
===Dorien has a job interview===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you have a job interview set up thanks to your father's pulling strings with old acquaintances etc, at the Capdeville rubber plant.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The owner, Mme. Marita Capdeville, will see you personally.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Cool)<br />
* Dorien will show up dressed in a nice suit.<br />
* Marita greets you when you arrive for the interview. She is a trim, middle-aged, well-dressed woman with brown hair and a friendly smile, and she offers you her hand.<br />
<br />
<Marita> Good afternoon, M. Voclain. It's so nice to meet you.<br />
* Dorien will take her hand lightly. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mme. Capedeville.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you for seeing me.<br />
<br />
<Marita> I get so restless sitting down for interviews - how about if I take you on a walk around the plant while we talk?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That sounds wonderful, thank you.<br />
<br />
<Marita> And, it was no trouble at all - I'm always glad to do a favour for an old friend like your father.<br />
<br />
<Marita> How is he, by the way?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> He's doing well, all things considered. He's stubborn enough that it'll take a lot more than that to slow him down much.<br />
* Marita chuckles<br />
<br />
<Marita> Yes, that sounds like Jerry :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> If I might ask, how are you and my father acquainted? <br />
<br />
<Marita> We were at school together, many many years ago.<br />
* Dorien nods.<br />
<br />
<Marita> Anyhow - please, let me show you around.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yes, of course. I'm eager to see the plant.<br />
* Marita will lead you on a tour, talking a mile a minute about everything you see. She doesn't seem to be merely a hands-off owner, but apparently has a direct knowledge of everything that goes on in her company.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Does she seem like the type to be a micromanager?)<br />
* Marita seems like she would definitely want to be kept up to speed about things that are going on, although she isn't a chemist and might not understand the very technical details.<br />
<br />
<Marita> But I've been chattering on for too long... tell me about yourself? <br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh, of course... Well, I studied alchemy and chemistry under Mme. Julienne Sormet. After that I went to work at the Valent Munitions plant. Mme Capdeville, I don't know how much my father has told you, but... I want to be completely honsest with you if I'm going to work with you. There was... an accident. A very nasty one, actually.<br />
* Marita nods<br />
<br />
<Marita> I've heard about it, but of course I'd want to hear your side of the story.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It was... there's not a day that's gone by since then that I don't blame myself for it. I wonder if there was anything I could have done differently. Why I'm still here and others aren't. But... it's been brought to my attention that I can't live in the shadow of it forever. I'd like to try again, and I'd be honored if you gave me that opportunity.<br />
* Marita nods<br />
<br />
<Marita> I try to run a very safe, efficient operation here. But even then, accidents can happen.<br />
<br />
<Marita> You seem like you've dwelled on this for a long time.<br />
* Dorien nods.<br />
<br />
<Marita> If you're going to work here, I'll need you to put that fear of making a mistake again behind you. You don't make great advances when you're overly cautious. <br />
<br />
<Marita> But I think that this experience... terrible as it was... can also make you a wonderful employee, if you let it.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You... do?<br />
<br />
<Marita> Yes, absolutely.<br />
<br />
<Marita> I don't think anyone has as much care and concern for his fellow workers as someone who has seen first-hand what can go wrong.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I... I can promise you that I will do my best. It's not something I'd ever care to see again.<br />
<br />
<Marita> Then, if you wish, we can go back to my office and draw up a contract, M. Voclain.<br />
* Dorien me lets out a breathe he didn't realize he was holding in.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you, Mme. Capdeville. <br />
* Marita smiles and will escort you back to the office, then.<br />
<br />
===Hugo answers a booty call===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, in the aftermath of the excursion into the First World, you receive a phone call <br />
* Hugonel answers.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hello?<br />
<br />
<Dasra> hello, Hugo...<br />
* Dasra sounds upset<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Dasra, my dear, how are you?<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I... I just need to talk to someone.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Of course. I'm always here to listen.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's the matter?<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I just don't understand.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> After everything that's happened, why haven't they been able to help Raimond?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't know. It may just be a matter of time.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Have you talked to Lathra since we got back?<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Everyone is so busy...<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I feel like all I do is bother them.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'll grant you that Princess Ilphere ... well, she's brilliant, and absolutely the best person to get to the bottom of this, but her strength isn't in thinking about people. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's more about the mystery of it, the scientific curiosity.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The fact that there's a human soul affected by it is not her principal concern.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> He's going to die, isn't he. No one wants to say it to me, but I know that's what they think.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't know the answer to that. I hope not. Lathra, I know, cares, and hopes not. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If I knew what to do, I'd do it. If I even knew who to talk to, I'd do it. <br />
<br />
<Dasra> Nobody knows what to do, that's the problem. Nobody's ever seen something like this.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Perhaps ... perhaps Sirris could help. I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> What do you think he could do?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't know. But he spent a long, long time trapped in another world. And he ... well, he has helped more than one person who was deeply troubled, in their time of greatest need.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> mm.<br />
* Dasra makes a noncommittal noise<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Will you come over, Hugo? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Of course. I can be over in ... less than an hour.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Fine, that will give me time to get at least tipsy ;p<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'll see you shortly.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> all right<br />
* Hugonel heads over ... making sure to check his hair first.<br />
* Dasra is true to her word, and has obviously had a couple of drinks by the time you get there<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hello, Dasra darling.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> don't call me that... please. don't make it worse than it has to be.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Very well, Mme. Neherin. Is there a drink for me too?<br />
* Dasra smacks you in the chest, but will pour you a drink.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> not that either<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I shall endeavor to be as well-behaved as you see fit.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I just want someone who's awake and knows who I am and ... and can hold me, and... <br />
<br />
<Dasra> and I'm going to hate myself later but I don't care anymore<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Are you sure you want this?<br />
<br />
<Dasra> no but I'm sure I can't go on like this anymore either<br />
* Dasra grips the edge of the drinks cabinet with white-knuckled fingers<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You're a good person, Dasra. Through and through. It's not wrong to despise solitude.<br />
* Hugonel sips his drink.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> he was gone for three years... and I thought when he came back, things would be all right again, but they weren't, and they won't ever be.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Maybe not. These things are not for us to say. I used to think there was a Plan ... but that's not right either.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If Raimond were to be back, all of a sudden, to his old self, tomorrow, things *still* wouldn't be the same as they were. <br />
<br />
<Dasra> but they'd be better... they could get better again. not like this, where it goes on and on and I'm trapped here ...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You're doing everything you can for him. But you need to do for *yourself*, not just him.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I wanted to have a baby... we wanted to... Even if he got better, now, it could be too late.<br />
* Hugonel pauses.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I can't give you the life you wanted to have, Dasra. I'm not that man. But I am here for you, always.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> I know you can't<br />
<br />
<Dasra> if I thought you could have, I'd have married you fifteen years ago.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Just... do what you're good at, Hugo.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We were so young.<br />
<br />
<Dasra> help me forget for a little while.<br />
* Hugonel smiles and kisses her.<br />
<br />
===Zola chats with Justen at the Orecalo residence===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, on to Zola...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> This and the next several scenes are going to be at the Orecalo house, as people wait around to get to talk to the Flower Queen and/or hear updates, etc.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, I know you didn't really want to interrogate her, but you're hoping you might have a chance to talk to her, or failing that, at least hear what those who have talked to her have learned<br />
* Zola is impressed by the ebb and flow of important folk but does her best not to let it show @_@<br />
* Zola is a star after all ^_^<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Other people are there, it's quite busy - both people who were involved in the extraction directly, and people you haven't met before, including some who are probably just part of the Orecalo family rather than directly involved in this business (e.g. probably the little 10-year-old girl isn't involved, but just wants a snack ;p)<br />
* Zola is dressed well, to make a good impression with our fey 'guest', if she gets to meet her.<br />
* Zola waves at her with a smile :D<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Xandhil Orecalo pays a visit, along with a rather good-looking red-haired man it takes you a moment to recognize. The .. friend? boyfriend? whatever? will hang out in the kitchen where you are.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> And after a moment you can figure out where you recognize him from - Ysabeau had pictures of him on her walls, no doubt ;)<br />
<br />
<Justen> Hi there :)<br />
* Zola breaks out in a smile as she recognises him.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well we finally meet.<br />
* Zola reaches out her hand. "Zola"<br />
<br />
<Justen> How is it possible that we haven't met? I'm sure I've run into all the beautiful women in this town at one point or another :)<br />
* Justen takes your hand to give it a kiss<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just as charming as she assured me. <br />
<br />
<Justen> Oh dear... is someone gossiping about me?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I imagine no one in the city sings your praises any more than her.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Well then, it must be my mother.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bingo :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd have met me sooner if you weren't galavanting about all the time... I had quite a few lessons with her.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Oh, so are you a singer?<br />
<br />
<Justen> You don't seem like the sort to play the harp or something so demure ;)<br />
* Zola grins broadly<br />
<br />
<Zola> I imagine I could make the harp a little more exciting than that... but no, singing's my passion :)<br />
* Justen smiles back<br />
<br />
<Justen> I feel sure I've seen you perform before... now, where was it...<br />
<br />
<Justen> Oh! Did you used to work at Lollipop?<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I imagine she knows that Justen and Xan are a thing from the other Oliviers )?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh dear, you caught me ^_^<br />
* Justen chuckles<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's true, I wasn't always a respectable jazz singer :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Tits convinced me I should aim a little higher though... <br />
<br />
<Justen> It's all coming back now... well, bits and pieces, anyway.<br />
* Zola quirks a brow<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (seems likely, yes)<br />
<br />
<Justen> I admit sometimes my memories of those nights are a bit hazy ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, what's important is that you had fun.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Oh, absolutely.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Say, are you the same Zola who was seeing Noren Errazuris? I can't imagine there are two beautiful jazz singers of that name :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, you and your boy should come see my new act sometime. Titania does know how to put on a good show.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ah... yes, you know Noren?<br />
<br />
<Justen> We work together.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, that's right, you're a lawyer too!<br />
<br />
<Justen> Occasionally I try to drag him out to a club or something ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not always the easiest thing. <br />
<br />
<Zola> How's he been?<br />
<br />
<Justen> Hard at work. Burying himself in it, actually, if I had to say...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you can get one of your bosses to order him to the clubs with you?<br />
* Justen laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mandatory relaxation time.<br />
<br />
<Justen> He could definitely use that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, let him know I say Hi. :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> Will do<br />
* Justen knows better than to ask why you're here - his in-laws' guests are often... unusual ;)<br />
* Zola sips her drink, wishing it was something a little stronger<br />
<br />
<Zola> Busy place the past few days >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Nice kitchen though? <br />
<br />
<Justen> Yeah. My father-in-law must be going mental with all these people in his house.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh? That's the professor?<br />
<br />
<Justen> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bookish type, is he?<br />
<br />
<Justen> He likes having his own space, and quiet to do his work. But I think under circumstances like this, he realizes that isn't going to happen.<br />
<br />
<Justen> He probably escapes to his office at the Castalia for a few hours when he can't take it anymore<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just hope they figure out what's going on soon... it's all a little scary.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Were you, ah, involved in the whole... thing?<br />
* Justen waves a hand to encompass many possible 'things'<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, some of it... after my friend Hugo and I had some run-ins with some fey at a dinner party, we tried to learn a bit more and that's when we were pointed to your boy... he had all the books out in his mother's name :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> heh<br />
<br />
<Zola> And, well, Aubrienne's a friend, so we felt we should try to help her find her brother... so we were in on that as well.<br />
<br />
<Justen> That must have been quite a dinner party.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> We're pretty sure we were the only humans there.<br />
<br />
<Justen> Welcome to our house >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I have noticed that :D<br />
<br />
<Justen> But really - I know it's probably weird here. If there's anything I can do to help make you more comfortable, just let me know.<br />
* Zola smiles, "Ysabeau sure raised a gentleman." :)<br />
<br />
<Justen> Well, she did her best :) any errors in deportment or good taste are my own.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I grew up in Ariège, which isn't nearly as colourful as Diablotin... it's just a surprise sometime to think that your tailor might be a fey in disguise. But it's not bad, variety is the spice of life, after all :)<br />
* Justen is happy to sit and chat with you, keeping you occupied :)<br />
* Zola finds her flirt again, before long, but behaves for the most part, since he's spoken for :3<br />
<br />
===Argent meets Reverend Mother Alma at the Orecalo residence===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you are also lurking around the Orecalo home, probably also feeling sort of out of place. All these powerful and important people...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Alma, do you want to lurk and stare at him for a bit, or just come straight over and sit on the couch with him? ;)<br />
* Alma will *of course* observe him briefly<br />
* Argent keeps his outward appearance calm, despite any out of place feelings<br />
<br />
<Alma> .oO( Oh how adorable :3 )<br />
* Argent also makes sure he knows where everyone in the room is and any imepediments to escape... but thats just natural.<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (hope this is worth it)<br />
* Alma will stand and smooth out her robes before heading over, a glass of refreshments in hand.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Good day, M. Lundi. <br />
* Alma smiles, waiting for him to stand so she can shake his hand.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh, good day. You seem to have me at a disadvantage? Have we met?<br />
* Argent will stand and be polite<br />
<br />
<Alma> I don't believe we've met, no, but our paths have come quite close before. <br />
* Argent puts on an expression of confusion<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, come now... relax. <br />
<br />
<Argent> So you say, but I can't imagine where, and I am good with faces. Is there something I can do for you?<br />
* Alma quirks a brow.<br />
<br />
<Alma> You ought to be able to name a Reverend Mother or two, no? <br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm sure the nun's who raised me would be embarased, but it's not something I've really kept up on.<br />
* Argent quickly eyes the room<br />
<br />
<Alma> Well, then, I'm Alma de Béziers, Reverend Mother of Owl.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh gee, I'm so sorry for a fool, Reverend Mother.<br />
* Argent reddens a shade<br />
* Alma will find a seat near him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Jean Lundi, but I think you knew that all ready.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Yes, I did :)<br />
* Argent sits with a nervous appearance<br />
<br />
<Alma> It's nice to meet you. <br />
<br />
<Argent> You too, I never expected to meet a Reverend Mother, and so openly as well.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Is there anything I can help you with Mother?<br />
<br />
<Alma> I've never been the best at not being open, so I tend to forego the effort. <br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, I'd like to hear about your adventure with the Princess into that poor man's dream.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Ah yes, it was quite an adventure, but I'm always glad to help a friend in need<br />
* Alma nods approvingly<br />
<br />
<Alma> (What IS your bluff by the way?)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (oh +13... I can boost it too, but I'm not trying to fool you really, just everyone else)<br />
<br />
<Alma> (Is there anyone else in the immediate vicinity, Julie?)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Surely you've heard the details from others, and I'm not nearly as observant or schooled as they are.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (well, the house is fairly crowded, but I'll say you can have the room to yourself for the moment anyway)<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, don't be so modest. I hear you're quite clever. <br />
<br />
<Argent> alas the schooled part is true... I'll try to be brief...<br />
* Argent ensures the room is empty and will quickly go over the events.<br />
* Alma lets out a sigh at the mention of Ilphere's monstrosity.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll be passing along a more detailed acount soon.<br />
* Argent says when he finishes<br />
<br />
<Alma> I look forward to reading it. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Being blunt, but is the Princess Imperial the best person to be involved in the investigation?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I know she is very skilled, but her attitude is worrisome<br />
* Alma smiles a bit, as much for the bluntness as in amusement over the topic.<br />
<br />
<Alma> The reality is that some people simply can't be put by the wayside. <br />
* Argent nods accepting the answer<br />
<br />
<Alma> Besides, she is terrible clever, for all the inherent problems in catching her attention.<br />
<br />
<Alma> (terribly)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Is there anything else I can be of help with Mother?<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, no, I'm mostly here to have a chat. I'm not so impatient I can't wait for the full story :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Well then, I'm sure you've heard about some of the encounters with the fae in the city.<br />
* Argent will continue<br />
<br />
<Argent> some of the poorer areas are not as well protected by the guards as others.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Yes, of course. <br />
* Alma nods<br />
<br />
<Alma> A problem not unique to this issue.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so some of the House Rat families have been trying to organize our own patrols, to try and help keep people safe.<br />
<br />
<Alma> That's a very good idea.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Have you run into any malevolent fey on these patrols?<br />
<br />
<Argent> it is except that there not well equiped, or even well trained, and have limited resources to help people even after they've been extracted from any problems.<br />
* Alma considers<br />
<br />
<Argent> I understand it may not be something that the church can help with, but I feel I would be remise if I didn't at least bring it up, since we're chatting.<br />
<br />
<Argent> as for encounters with the fae, I've had my own personal encounters... as for any of the patrols, I've been a little distracted to keep up on current events there.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Dream traveling and all<br />
<br />
<Alma> Certainly the Church should assist in keeping the city safe... but something so disorganized... I worry that we might get some people into more trouble than they can handle.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you may be right, but thier heart is in the right place, and thier actions are better than doing nothing. It's not like there is an end in sight for this.<br />
<br />
<Alma> It is a difficult situation. And you're certainly right about their intentions and about doing nothing. <br />
<br />
<Alma> I'll consider what we might be able to do to help. <br />
<br />
<Argent> thats all that I can ask<br />
* Alma smiles<br />
<br />
<Alma> Now, tell me about your work at the Cabaret, how is that going?<br />
<br />
<Argent> It's fine. There are some interesting moments, but most of the time its mundane.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Have you ever been hunting?<br />
<br />
<Alma> As is day to day life. Every day can't be a trip to the First World?<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, yes, not in some time though. I went with my late father a few times when I was young, in Béziers.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I look at it that way... stalking really ends up being a lot of quietly waiting. Patience and vigilance.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Patience is a necessity, yes... even if only for your sanity. At worst bad timing can ruin everything. <br />
<br />
<Alma> To be honest, it isn't really my thing, hunting. I'm more interested in observing... animals in the wild can be quite beautiful, and the experience so serene.<br />
<br />
<Argent> There was one, called Val, a companion of Azarea vas Andras one night.<br />
* Alma quirks a brow at Azarea's name<br />
<br />
<Argent> You know the name?<br />
* Alma chuckles. "You'd expect me not to know the vak Andras children?"<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> not really my social circle<br />
<br />
<Argent> Something will need to be done about the one calling himself Val.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Their grandmother was instrumental in the restoration of Serpent, and they carry on her degenerate cult.<br />
<br />
<Alma> You suspect he's an outsider?<br />
<br />
<Argent> His aura was palpable and evil.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so yes, I suspect<br />
<br />
<Alma> Well, it certainly couldn't be a surprise for one of them to be consorting with a demon or the like... we'll have to look into it.<br />
<br />
<Argent> If there is action taken, I'd like to be involved.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Hmm, well of course the depends on what sort of problem this Val represents. <br />
<br />
<Alma> (that)<br />
<br />
<Alma> But I'll keep you in mind.<br />
* Alma is honest, but noncommittal.<br />
<br />
<Argent> thank you<br />
<br />
<Alma> Well, it has been a pleasure meeting you, M. Lundi.<br />
<br />
<Argent> The honor has been mine, Mother.<br />
* Argent bows his head in respect<br />
* Alma smiles a bit awkwardly, "Reverend Mother" is how it usually goes.<br />
<br />
<Alma> Thank you for your hard work :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> My appologies<br />
* Alma make her way back to the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh, no offense taken, M. Lundi.<br />
<br />
===Lathra meets and converses with Dozilva===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you also are lingering around the Orecalo household. The lady of the house, Dozilva do Baru, is a well-known figure in the SK community, as one of the, if not *the* first immigrants to arrive on this plane.<br />
* Dozilva pays particular attention to you, and will offer you a cup of tea (speaking in SK with you, naturally)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (sk) I would love one, thank you Madam<br />
* Dozilva smiles<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> You haven't been here too long, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Well... not *very* long, no. A couple of years...<br />
* Dozilva nods<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> Are you settling in well? <br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> I'd say so... yes, I think so.<br />
* Dozilva asks, pouring your tea, and one for herself as well<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> Good, I'm glad to hear it. <br />
* Lathra accepts the tea gratefully, and tries to shake off the lingering formality.<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> As a priest of Serpent, at least you already have some built-in networks here.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Yes! I was able to really throw myself into that world when I arrived.<br />
* Dozilva is using terms of address etc. that indicate she views you as an equal, btw, since that's a thing in SK :)<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> I know it can be quite an adjustment coming here. <br />
* Lathra is trying to, but is occasionally using habitual honorifics like a noob<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> It's been... wonderful, to tell you the truth.<br />
* Dozilva smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> That's great!<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> That's what I always hope to hear, although I know it isn't always the case.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> It's not been... uniformly wonderful, but I am finding it much more easy to... exist? In this culture. To find a place.<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> It can be much more open, yes, if you can find your way in it. People here are not just allowed to change, they're expected to.<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> A society that sees change as something to be embraced instead of crushed... well. There are reasons I came here, apart from my love :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <c> "Expected to change..." Yes! Yes that's a very good way to describe it.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Back home... excuse me, I don't normally talk about this sort of thing. But back home I though I had found my place, but I couldn't make it 'right' for myself.<br />
* DiablotinNarrator nods<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (ww)<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> It was much the same for me. I had a good job, it was comfortable, I thought I knew what I would be doing for.. well, for the rest of my life.<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> but at some point, it seemed so... limiting.<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> For some people, those confines can be comforting. My middle son, for instance, chose to live there - he works at the library in Llorfir, and he seems happy with it. But he chose that, he didn't have it impressed upon him since he was born.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> That's wonderful! I can't imagine what my life would be like if I'd stayed - would I have learned to accept my place and grown to love it? Or would I have consumed myself?<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> Even if you did go back there now, you'll have been changed by the experience of living here.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Undoubtably, yes!<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> Well, I should probably see how things are going upstairs... but if you need anything - either today, or another time - you can let me know, Lathra.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Well now thank you! I most certainly well, Dozliva... dear?<br />
* Lathra shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> I think it only works in common<br />
* Lathra :/<br />
* Dozilva chuckles<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> It does sort of make us sound like we're lovers this way :)<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> But I take your meaning <br />
<br />
<Lathra> <sk> Yes... sorry about that<br />
* Lathra blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Dozilva> <sk> Oh it's fine! <br />
* Dozilva pats your hand warmly before heading off to offer other people tea<br />
* Lathra lets herself breathe again.<br />
<br />
===Gen and Madds reunite in a mall===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Gen, you are just starting to get settled in at your aunt and uncle's house, when you receive a note there. It's unexpected, as probably very few people know your address here yet.<br />
* Genevriel will open it warily.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> "Dear Genny, I hope you're well. I heard about how the trial turned out, and I can imagine that things must be difficult right now. When you're feeling up to it, though, I'd like to see you again - if you don't hate the very thought of seeing me, that is. If you'd rather not hear from me again, then simply ignore this letter. I promise I won't be a jackass and pester you with further communications. Sincerely yours, Madds" <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (His address was provided so that I could respond, I assume. ^-^)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (yes)<br />
* Genevriel takes some time to think about things... like maybe a day or two even.<br />
* Genevriel will then write back to say she wouldn't be averse to spending some time with him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (She would propose a neutral, public space, though.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (a public space like a restaurant, or more like a gallery in a shopping area or something of that sort?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Somewhere indoors that affords some privacy for conversation but not so much privacy that hanky-panky can go on.)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (A gallery might work, actually)<br />
<br />
<Madds> (okay, that is fine)<br />
* Madds will agree to meet you at wherever you request, then<br />
* Genevriel decides to wear the outfit Dorien bought her for the office party and heads out, not really sure what to think but willing to see if they can be friends again.<br />
* Madds meets you there, wearing a suit and walking with his cane.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Hello.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hi...<br />
* Genevriel replies, lots of questions in her eyes.<br />
* Madds smiles faintly<br />
<br />
<Madds> How are you doing, Genny?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Honestly? Getting by. And you?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Much the same, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I can't say it's been great to be back here... but it's better than the other available alternatives, so I'll take it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You used to wax on and on about Diablotin, so I'm sorry to hear that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I know the war has changed me, so I expect you haven't escaped unscathed, either.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I suppose I haven't.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Not just the busted leg, either.<br />
* Genevriel glances at the leg in question and looks for somewhere they can sit, in case it is painful for him to stand.<br />
* Madds will sit on a nearby bench with you<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Normal people would ask "So what happened? Do you want to talk about it?" but those sorts of questions just seem too rude and painful to ask veterans.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I don't mind from you.<br />
<br />
<Madds> But we don't need to talk about it now.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm sure you have a pretty good idea, anyway.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> They can use healing potions, but that doesn't replace bone that was obliterated, just kind of ... pieces what's there back together.<br />
* Genevriel nods again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Can you ride, still?<br />
* Genevriel asks cautiously and with sympathy.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I haven't tried. I think I'm afraid of what the answer might turn out to be.<br />
* Genevriel thinks of several answers but none that might not be painful.<br />
<br />
<Madds> So, the Voclains... they're relatives of yours?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My aunt and uncle.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I told you we were not rustics.<br />
* Genevriel tries to joke.<br />
<br />
<Madds> No, certainly not, with a judge for an uncle :)<br />
* Madds cracks a smile for you<br />
<br />
<Madds> I mean I'm sure they don't even *have* judges out in the country.<br />
* Genevriel rolls her eyes.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Do they resort to ducking people in ponds to see if they're guilty or innocent?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Only suspected witches.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Ahh, so you must have been dunked plenty when you were growing up ;)<br />
* Madds teases, almost like old times<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> With no magical talent to speak of? Use your brains.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's more about personality, surely<br />
* Genevriel glares at Madds, almost like old times.<br />
<br />
<Madds> ... I missed you.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I missed you, too. And I - I'm sorry I was too angry with you to say good-bye.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's understandable.<br />
* Madds says with a slight shrug<br />
<br />
<Madds> I was an ass, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You were right; I should have waited at least until I was 20. That would have given me a few months to sort out what - what I was feeling about my family. But I still haven't forgiven you for commandeering my horses.<br />
* Madds looks guilty about that<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They were all I had left. I know in my head that you had to, but in my heart I just feel like you took the last connection I had with my family.<br />
<br />
<Madds> ... would you like to see Miel?<br />
* Genevriel looks a little incredulous that she could have survived when so many people and animals didn't.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Um... all right?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And Khalif? Did he make it, too?<br />
<br />
<Madds> No.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm sorry. I know you loved him.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I was riding when I was hit...<br />
<br />
<Madds> but I did bring Miel back to my family's estate. I couldn't just leave her out east - she was all that I had left of you.<br />
* Genevriel looks rather frightened by those words.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Besides, I sort of thought one day you might come looking for the horses, and I was scared of not having anything to show you ;)<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Smart.<br />
<br />
<Madds> We can plan a time to go see her, then, if you like.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I would. Like that, I mean. It will give me more time to get to know the new you. <br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> All right.<br />
* Madds makes sure you have his number and various ways to get in touch with him.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (home address, work contact info, whatever)<br />
* Genevriel thanks him and makes sure he has the same for her.<br />
<br />
* Genevriel tucks Madds' contact info carefully into her satchel. (So unstylish, no purse. :P)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you have your own place, or are you staying with family, as I am?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Ah, a bit of both, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I've got a room at my parents' home, but I'm also renting a place near work, so that I can walk there. <br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How are your parents? And your sisters, and nieces and nephews? They must be glad to have you home. :)<br />
<br />
<Madds> They're well, more or less. <br />
<br />
<Madds> The usual sort of family disagreements and difficulties, but nothing too serious.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It all feels rather... unreal, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The contrast between the front and home life?<br />
* Genevriel hazards a guess.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> Being home at all.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Like there must surely have been some mistake, and I'll be called back to the front tomorrow.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Madds> At least, I have a lot of dreams where that's the case.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I keep thinking I must be dreaming and I'll wake up and have to go back and fight more, too... <br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you think it will ever fade away?<br />
<br />
<Madds> It has to, doesn't it? It can't be like this for another forty or fifty years, surely.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I hope not. Hopefully it's like grief, and it gets easier to bear as time passes.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I doubt we'll ever be completely rid of it. I mean, not without going senile or something. :P<br />
<br />
<Madds> That seems like a bleak prospect.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Things have been pretty bleak for me for nearly four years. I think maybe they're starting to get a little better, though?<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm glad to hear that.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I know I've had it easier than some.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's all relative, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<Madds> At least I had family to come home to, and was able to have a job that I could still do.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But you were... are an officer, so you had to make a lot of difficult choices during the war.<br />
* Madds grips his leg for a moment, as if it pains him.<br />
<br />
<Madds> So did everyone.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, I was just an enlisted soldier. All I had to do was follow orders. But I wasn't very good at that, in the end, was I?<br />
* Genevriel laughs rather ruefully.<br />
* Genevriel noticed his pain and is concerned, which probably shows, too.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It was a long series of impossible choices, impossible acts. I suspect you did your best, and you seem to have come out with your ... your humanity intact, and that's more important than medals or a pension.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Madds> I'm sorry, that sounds awfully pretentious of me.<br />
<br />
<Madds> The pension money was probably pretty important too.<br />
* Madds says with a slight smile<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Pretentious and Madds go hand in hand. And yes... losing it is why I've had to move in with my aunt and uncle. But... I guess, in a way, that's... a better way of looking at it.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Like I said - I know I've had it easier than many. The pension money doesn't make a big difference to me, but I know for a lot of people it's what lets them keep a roof over their head or food on the table.<br />
<br />
<Madds> If there is anything I could do to help...<br />
* Madds says with an awkward glance<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No! Oh, gods no, please, I don't need charity from you.<br />
<br />
<Madds> not necessarily money!<br />
<br />
<Madds> I mean if you wanted to ... ah, I don't know, meet for coffee and talk now and then, or .. or if you were looking for work, maybe I could see if I know anyone hiring... or if there's anything I could help with in terms of navigating the military bureaucracy ... or if you just wanted some company.<br />
* Madds says hastily, growing quieter as he continues<br />
* Genevriel tries to figure him out.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Just - this. Your company is plenty. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<Madds> All right.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There's a lot of other veterans at the Cabaret, but I... don't know any of them.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So having a veteran who's a friend I can talk to - that's helpful.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> Don't overlook the offer of coffee, though, at least ;)<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I won't. And there's also a trip to the country to see Miel.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Yes, true.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh... There is one thing, but it's... maybe more for my aunt?<br />
<br />
<Madds> oh?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> She would like to erect a monument for all the... war dead at the cemetery in Arguvan.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I suppose there must be a bunch of paperwork for something like that.<br />
<br />
<Madds> oh, yes. But I'd be honoured to help, or at least put her in touch with the correct people to talk to.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I thought you might know who she needs to talk to, at least.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It shouldn't be too difficult, if she is willing to throw money at the issue anyway.<br />
* Madds says a bit dryly<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think she's aware of the ramifications.<br />
<br />
<Madds> It's a thoughtful gesture... <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maman was her baby sister...<br />
* Genevriel rubs at her eyes.<br />
* Genevriel takes a deep breath.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Sorry.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> nothing to apologize for<br />
* Genevriel nods and swallows her grief.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I only meant it's thoughtful of her to want to do something for people beyond her own family members who died.<br />
* Genevriel smiles faintly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> At first I was a little horrified that she did mean just for my family. I don't know her very well, yet. I mostly grew up knowing them through letters. They did come to visit once, when I was six.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm glad that I was wrong.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> She is... strong-willed is the nice way of saying it, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Sounds like she would get along well with my mother.<br />
<br />
<Madds> Actually for all I know, they may know each other...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh... possibly, I suppose. :o<br />
<br />
<Madds> Is she the sort to be involved in all sorts of social groups and charitable organizations and sit on the board of this or that, or host a tea to raise money for war orphans? ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Is she? Or does Gen not know her well enough to say, yet?)<br />
<br />
<Madds> (I guess you haven't seen direct evidence of that sort of thing, but it seems like the kind of thing she might do if she had time? she does have a job, probably unlike Madds' mother, so she might not host the tea, but she might go to it ;)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Madds' mother helps her hubby run a textile factory, at least in the story. But that doesn't mean all her time would be taken up by it! She probably can sit on a board or two. ;) )<br />
<br />
<Madds> (fair, I wasn't sure how much day-to-day work she actually did)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Up to you :) )<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Tante Sylvise teaches at one of the academies so I'm not sure how much time she has for all of that, but I can picture her *going* to teas like that, at least.<br />
<br />
<Madds> (I imagine since GEn moved in, Sylvise hasn't been undertaking a lot of social activity - certainly not having lots of people over or anything. she may go out from time to time though :)<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Madds> Well, quite possibly their paths have crossed, I suppose.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> For such a large city, Diablotin certainly is strangely incestuous.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I came here thinking I could disappear, but first I run into my cousin, now you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Former squad members, can't forget that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It hasn't yet been a year.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Madds?<br />
<br />
<Madds> hm?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How much of my military records have you actually read?<br />
* Genevriel asks, a little uncertain that she really wants to know the answer.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I bent the rules enough to get your current address from Noren. Other than that, anything I know is from the summary of the hearing, which was brief and didn't go into much detail.<br />
* Genevriel nods, seemingly relieved.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I know the outcome, and I know the official reasons given for it, and that you are supposed to stay in the city in case you're called for further testimony.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you for... not prying too deep. There may come a day when I will want to talk about it. It's good that I'll be able to do so on my own terms.<br />
* Madds nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's been good to see you, Madds.<br />
<br />
<Madds> You too, Genny.<br />
<br />
<Madds> I hope we'll be able to get together again soon.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ... Most people call me Gen, nowadays, if you'd like to spare yourself the extra syllable. But I don't mind Genny, from you.<br />
* Madds smiles slightly at that<br />
<br />
<Madds> I think I can make the effort of the extra syllable, then. <br />
* Genevriel smiles back.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you have far to go to catch your ride home?<br />
<br />
<Madds> Not too far - there's a bus stop outside.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, we're headed in the same direction, at least that far, then.<br />
* Genevriel smiles and offers him a hand up once she's standing, rather like old times.<br />
* Madds accepts with a smile in return<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (He might notice her wince when he takes it; stupid Blackened Arms curse.)<br />
<br />
<Madds> (Aw)<br />
* Genevriel will head out to the bus stop with him, though, and that's probably as good a place as any to stop.<br />
<br />
<Madds> (ok)<br />
<br />
===Hettie and Denise go for a romantic sewer crawl double date with their SOs===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie and Denise! You have plans for an exciting double-date... I mean, excursion into the undercity.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So, did you have thoughts on where to start, or are you leaving that up to the people who are more expert in the ways of the Rat? :)<br />
* Denise has no idea, yeah @_@<br />
* Denise will have told Enver more about nycky though isi she's in the hush and can be tricksy so becareful >.><br />
* Enver feels that the 'boneyard' is likely the most obvious place to start, anyway.<br />
* Enver is stumped about what the rest of it means, however<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe we can figure it out when we're there?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Hope so!<br />
* Denise has got hee sewer crawlin' gear on, but has brught some cold iron knuckles and bullets just in case<br />
* Nycki will also be dressed down, and warmly - gets cold in the underground<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Well, everyone ready to go?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yup!<br />
* Hettienne has got some old sneakin' clothes on, and a knitted wool toque<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Enver has his usual sewer clothes, sturdy boots, and the gloves Denise made him :3<br />
* Hettienne is bringing the multi tool and trap glasses, along with her usual stuff.<br />
* Denise has her wraps on under her clothes, of course :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> I figure we'll see about gettin' into the old catacombs first. That's gonna be tricky just on its own, they keep it all sealed up.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...should we be worried 'bout sealin' it up again after?<br />
* Denise asks, thiking about that rat >.><br />
<br />
<Nycki> Prolly should, yeah.<br />
* Enver nods in agreement<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we can figure that out when we get back out I guess :3<br />
* Enver will lead the way to a sewer entrance that should be near-ish to the catacombs, then.<br />
<br />
<Enver> Ge....we, uh, I mean, we usually stay away from this part. <br />
<br />
<Enver> Sometimes nasty things 'round here.<br />
<br />
<Enver> (you guys can open roll20 btw)<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Hettienne is a small woman<br />
* Denise looks at the grate the fungus rats were gnawing on to try and see if she could fit in there >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You can manage to squeeze through the grate, once you guys open it - Hettie, your tool comes in handy, I'm sure<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (yay!)<br />
<br />
<Enver> D'you think they were tryin' to get in here too?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Seems.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Are those things usual round here?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe there is *somethin* down here... Somethin those mushroom buggers want.<br />
<Enver> I never seen 'em before.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe we should take one of them bodies, like... get someone to check it out?<br />
<br />
<Denise> hrm<br />
<br />
<Denise> we better for sure seal it when we go, then<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an that, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> Give it to the Channels <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The grate opens up over a large cavernous space. It will be hard to lower yourselves down - you might need to return with a longer rope, and/or some other way of getting down there.<br />
* Denise can climb >.><br />
* Enver has rope, but not enough<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess we pur the grate back, an' try again?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Yeah... we can come back again, now we know this is here. An' that way we don't gotta carry a rat-shroom down with us, neither.<br />
* Enver pokes one of the things with the toe of his boot warily.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you okay?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Just feel a bit off. I'll be okay.<br />
* Nycki seems a bit frustrated/discouraged at getting here and then not being able to go further<br />
<br />
<Nycki> We gotta come back soon - specially if someone, or somethin' else is tryin' to get in there too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> we can take one of these things, an make sure them spores ain't gonna be no trouble<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe we could take some kinda mask next time, keep the spores out.<br />
* Nycki nods reluctantly<br />
<br />
<Nycki> That might not be a bad plan, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> gas masks?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like from the war?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I could get us some, I bet.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'kay<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We're gonna look a sight :v<br />
* Enver will seal the grate back up, then, as well as he can.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, that's true any time you come down here, really >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Enver> It was kinda fun, though, right?<br />
* Enver says to Denise, mainly ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> it'll be better when we can get all the way down, though :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> next time<br />
<br />
<Denise> get some more rope, an maybe some other stuff :3<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Well.. thanks for gettin' us this far, anyway. We'll have to do it again soon.<br />
* Enver will grab up one of the mushrats to take back for examination<br />
<br />
<Denise> we'll let you know what we find out about 'em<br />
<br />
<Nycki> thanks<br />
* Denise will go with him to make sure he also gets checked out because fuck mushrooms forever >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Enver's Str is down 1 - it will come back with rest though)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (okay)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - going to stop there. I will write an email to folks detailling what you are able to find out so far about the Flower Queen stuff (via whatever San, Ilphere, etc. are willing to tell you) and next time we'll plan to start with that - we'll just assume it's taking them a bit longer than expected to make sure she's not going to infest you all with plague or something.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> because I think if we start that today, we will be here another 2 hours ;)<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Denise asks Ander about the Rat treasure===<br />
* Ander is still giving you driving lessons maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (sure, maybe more necessary now that it is winter ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (maybe more are, etc, esp if it is super icy)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (makes sense)<br />
* Denise is navigating around an area where the streets are a little more clear and dry, so it is easier<br />
<br />
<Ander> doin' good, Dee<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks boss :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> can I ask about somethin' then?<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure, what's up?<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu ever heard of some kinda treasure that got left down in the undercity?<br />
* Ander glances over at you<br />
<br />
<Denise> what?<br />
<br />
<Ander> There's some stories. <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Why, you goin' treasure-huntin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> ummmm...<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe? :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> well... with your fella?<br />
* Denise be's quiet while she tries to get a sense of what Ander thinks of that idea<br />
* Ander seems a little concerned, but not actively upset or anything about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
* Ander looks a bit relieved at that, in a way<br />
<br />
<Ander> Okay - so long as you ain't wanderin' around down there by yourself, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh no!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't dumb<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but you ever hear of anything?<br />
<br />
<Ander> My grandmother used to have some stories 'bout that kinda thing<br />
<br />
<Ander> There's a few different things, maybe they're all kinda mixed up together, I dunno. <br />
<br />
<Ander> The stories, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like what?<br />
<br />
<Ander> One was that the queen back then - Iana, her name was - she made all sorta deals with the folk up here, right, before she'd agree to us comin' up.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Like that's how come we got Rat nobles an' so on - she said we needed to be like the same as the other Houses, or it wouldn't work.<br />
<br />
<Denise> right<br />
<br />
<Ander> But she also knew, or was clever enough to figure out, that the folk up here wanted stuff from us too. They weren't just givin' away titles an' land like candy.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' there was stuff down there, old stuff, that we'd found, or kept, or I dunno. <br />
<br />
<Denise> like stuff we found in the sewers, like?<br />
* Denise is thinking of Enver's collection<br />
<br />
<Ander> Right, like my gran wasn't quite clear on whether it was stuff we found while we was down there, or stuff we had already.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Just that it was real old, like older than the city.<br />
<br />
<Denise> wow :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> but she didn't give it to 'em, then?<br />
<br />
<Ander> But the way she talked it up, it was like we had this sacred duty to protect it.<br />
* Denise frowns at that<br />
<br />
<Ander> So Iana - well, I dunno if it was her, right, she was a queen, maybe she had someone else do it - she hid some of it where no one would get it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Ander> All the riches - like, whatever that was for us back then, furs and I dunno what - we brought with us.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' left that other thing behind?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Ander> The way she said it, like, maybe we *couldn't* take it<br />
<br />
<Ander> She was a bit hazy on that<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, couldn't it were too big, or couldn't it were a bad idea?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Like it couldn't move from where it was.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Ander> or if it could, it would be a real bad idea.<br />
* Ander seems like he's weighing some thoughts about what to say<br />
* Denise glances over<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, there's another story too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
* Ander seems a bit less happy to talk about this one, but continues anyway.<br />
<br />
<Ander> My gran's dad, he was sorta ... I dunno. He wasn't on board with the whole 'comin' out of the sewers' thing. Maybe not quite right in the head, too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Okay...<br />
<br />
<Ander> He, an' a few other folks who thought the same as him, they stayed down there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> in the undercity?<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> what happened to em...?<br />
* Denise glances over again, sort of assuming the answer was 'nothing good'<br />
<br />
<Ander> I dunno. It depended what kinda mood gran was in.<br />
<br />
<Ander> When she was spinnin' a good scary story, she said that what they did was, they all shifted to rats, an' when we stopped bein' able to change, they just stayed that way forever.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that wouldn't be....so bad....<br />
<br />
<Ander> But when she was more down to earth, like, she said prolly they all died down there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was her da?<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Ander> he was a sorc, same as me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well, you ain't crazy, boss o_O<br />
<br />
<Ander> My gran's brothers, too, that was older'n her, stayed with him too.<br />
<br />
<Ander> heh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's kinda scary....<br />
<br />
<Denise> creepy<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> bbut like<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, we thought it was pretty scary when we was kids<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't mean to sound like.... rude?<br />
<br />
<Denise> how does that fit with the treasure stories?<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, like I said, 'cause it's kinda tangled up together. So, like, whatever the queen thought had to stay down there - that thing we had a sacred duty to protect - that was part of why they stayed.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Ander> but here's what I think<br />
* Ander says, quite serious now<br />
<br />
<Ander> The thing that they were willing to stay, an' maybe die, to protect - the thing that couldn't move out of the undercity, or if it could move, it shouldn't 'cause somethin' terrible would happen...<br />
<br />
<Ander> I don't think it's there anymore.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh.<br />
* Denise looks a little relieved, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Ander> D'you know 'bout Emkathon? Like, they got that temple an' stuff for her?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, up in Rhenea, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Uh huh<br />
<br />
<Ander> She's some kinda... angel, or somethin', I ain't a priest. But before that, she was down in the undercity somewhere, like... watchin' over stuff, or I dunno what.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> you think that she was the treasure?<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' I think it was her they couldn't leave, but couldn't bring with 'em.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Maybe.<br />
<br />
<Ander> It makes sense to me, anyhow.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Before it got too hard to get her outta the house, my ma used to take my gran to that temple. She really liked to be there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Ander> Anyway... I don't wanna discourage you from lookin' for stuff down there. I'm sure there's a lotta interestin' things.<br />
<br />
<Denise> We heard somethin abour somethin' anyway, down in the old citys that's all closed up<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe there's more than one treasure :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, like, th' other thing is, we went to go lookin', right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' you know I told you 'bout the mushroom farm, right?<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> we got to a place where we thoughth we could get in, an there were these rats there, tryin' to get it too<br />
<br />
<Denise> but they were all wrong, like they were all half rat, half mold D:<br />
<br />
<Ander> ugh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> we brought one back so as maybe we can get one of the channels to look at it<br />
<br />
<Ander> that's prolly a good idea<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I ain't had tme yeatm, gonna try after work, if Mickey 'll take me<br />
<br />
<Denise> an we didn't even get to go in 'cause we didn't have enoough rope :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I don't liek the idea of them fey or whatever pokin' around down there<br />
<br />
<Ander> they were tryin' to get in somewhere?<br />
<br />
<Denise> it lookied like, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> they were big big rats<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' it looked like they were tryin' to get in the same place we were<br />
<br />
<Ander> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe they're just lookin' around<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I don't muchlike it<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Ander> you be careful, okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, we will<br />
* Denise nods, determined<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll tell ya if we find somethin' good :)<br />
<br />
<Ander> an' if you get in over your head or anythin', I'll help<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> we'll yell real loud ^-^<br />
* Ander says as if there's anything he could do ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't plannin on gettin in anythin' over my head down there though :D<br />
<br />
<Ander> okay<br />
<br />
<Ander> an' like you said, if you find anythin' good, lemme know :)<br />
* Denise nods, still trying to decide if she should me ntion the Nycki thing or not<br />
* Zari (Mibbit@38.103.208.34) Quit (Quit: http://www.mibbit.com ajax IRC Client�)<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, okay, like, there is one other thing >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> the person who heard about the treasure an whose idea it was to go lookin'....<br />
<br />
<Denise> is Nycki >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> oh, yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, I guess she can prolly take care of herself<br />
<br />
<Ander> an' you lot too, if you get in trouble ;)<br />
* Ander teases a bit<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Denise seems a bit relieved that you're not concerned on account of her being in the Hush or whatever<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt Hettie says she can turn into a rat<br />
<br />
<Denise> so I guess there's that<br />
<br />
<Ander> I imagine that'd come in handy...<br />
* Ander says sort of noncomittally<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, i bet - I ain't seen her do it, but Hettie says she has<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, if you get the feelin' like maybe she's up to somethin' more'n just lookin' for gold or whatever, you let me know, okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Ander> I figure Enver's got a good head on his shoulders, ain't gonna go showin' her all the route we use or anythin' like that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I *were* her idea though, for me to ask him<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> is what aunt Hettie says :p<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, if you feel like she's gettin' up in our business, 'stead of just your aunt's, you can tell her no. I'll back you up.<br />
<br />
<Denise> -_-<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I will<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks boss :)<br />
<br />
<Ander> okay<br />
<br />
<Ander> hey, turn in here, d'you want some food? there's a good lunch place down here...<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh sure...<br />
* Denise does as instructed!<br />
<br />
<Denise> anythin' but mushrooms...<br />
* Ander laughs<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_20&diff=11464Diablotin 3 session 202015-11-30T16:21:46Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: August 30, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date:<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The start of Second-month begins with the celebration of the first anniversary of the war's end. Parties and festivities are somewhat overshadowed, however, by the continued icy weather and perhaps the muted feelings of those who served or who lost family members and friends, and are still harbouring that pain.<br />
<br />
===Hettie and Nycki make plans to find the Rat treasure===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, Nycki is a bit subdued and withdrawn after your visit to Maze, but you can get a chance to talk to her several days later.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Georges :( )<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (where are we?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can be where you want - at your house, or hers, or out somewhere? wherever you think you might want to broach this subject of 'so, you lied to me some more' ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sigh)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (at my house i guess)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (okay)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Fortunately lately Denise is out a lot more with this boyfriend of hers, so you have the place to yourselves<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (heh)<br />
* Hettienne has poured them both a drink, and comes over to sit next to Nycki.<br />
* Hettienne hands you the glass.<br />
* Nycki looks up as she takes it<br />
<br />
<Nycki> thanks<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Cheers.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah, cheers<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How you doin' babe?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well, okay I guess<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I dunno why it's eatin' at me so much<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What part of it?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> all of it<br />
<br />
<Nycki> is he just makin' up some shit to fool with me? why should I even care?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It kinda seems like... maybe he were more to you than what you told me<br />
<br />
<Nycki> >.><br />
<br />
<Nycki> maybe<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :/<br />
* Nycki sighs<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I knew him when I were a kid. But like, I didn't know who he was then. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Why didn't you want to say?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> He told me not to tell anyone.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ... I know you're prolly thinkin' it sounds like he was some creep messin' with a little girl, but it weren't like that.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I just... I don't get it. You'd tell me he's the boss off the Hush but not that you knew him growin' up.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I know :(<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I don't mean to lie to you. it just comes out sometimes an' then I dunno how to fix it without makin' it worse.<br />
* Nycki looks into her drink<br />
* Hettienne looks down at hers.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess when it's your job it's hard to stop.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Please just... say you'll try<br />
<br />
<Nycki> it ain't just that. I think it's just .. me.<br />
* Hettienne finds her eyes unexpectedly stinging and waterin.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I'll try. <br />
* Nycki says quietly<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I wanna be ab;e to trust you, Nyck...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I know :/<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm just a dumb fuck who's still in love with you.<br />
* Nycki looks over at you<br />
* Hettienne says with a hitch in her voice.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I love you too, babe. <br />
* Hettienne leans her head against your shoulder.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> If I can't tell you stuff sometimes, it don't mean I don't... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nycki... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm a fuckin' mess for you.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> :(<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Must be that time of the month.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe you were better off without me, huh?<br />
* Hettienne sniffles and forces a little chuckle.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> No, babe, never.<br />
* Nycki takes your hand.<br />
* Hettienne squeezes it hard.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> this is just stupid shit. like, it don't matter if he told me twenty years ago not to say anything. what's it gonna matter now?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Why don't you... why don't you tell me 'bout your treasure?<br />
* Nycki smiles<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah<br />
<br />
<Nycki> so, it was a story my grandma told me when I was a little one, 'bout some big treasure our folks used to have, but we lost it when we came up to the surface.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> what was it?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Fucked if I know. I think she meant it to be like, our culture, our language, maybe, that sorta shit. I was little, I figured it was gold coins an' jewels.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I met him, like, explorin' down in the sewers, lookin' for it. I mighta been, I dunno, six or seven?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> maybe it's some magical shit :3<br />
<br />
<Nycki> maybe!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> He was nice about it, like. Told me it was dangerous down there, but he wasn't like some grown-ups where they'd just scoop me up an' take me back home for a whupping or whatever.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We oughtta go look again.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> you wanna?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hell yeah! <br />
* Nycki smiles<br />
<br />
<Nycki> okay<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well, we got his clues, sorta. if he ain't just pullin' my leg.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> The boneyard... there's a big old place down there where our folks would put their dead. That's my best guess on that.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> they tried to seal it all off<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Damn...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That is some spooky shit.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I love it.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I think that's what he was doin' down there... back in the day. like, chekin' stuff was sealed up proper an' all that.<br />
* Nycki smiles<br />
<br />
<Nycki> It ain't never sealed up so good that we can't figure out a way in, though.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'Course not...<br />
* Hettienne grins.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Your Denise's boy there... he's clever on the underground. If we get stuck, might be we could ask them for some help on it.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What, like a double date? :v<br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> sure, like that :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'll ask 'em...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> it'll be good, doin' somethin' like this with you. like old times, workin' together.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah.<br />
* Hettienne nuzzles into your hair.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :3<br />
* Nycki leans close to you<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I'm sorry I fucked up, Hettie<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'll keep workin'...<br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know I ain't perfect neither.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I love you babe.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> love you too<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I don't wanna lose you ever again<br />
* Nycki smiles at that<br />
* Nycki kisses you<br />
* Hettienne puts her arm around your waist and snuggles closer.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (*smooches*)<br />
<br />
===Dorien takes Misery to meet Korisse===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you wanted to take Misery to meet Korisse?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Yes, plz)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It takes a bit of doing to arrange a time to meet with her, as she's quite busy, but you can manage to get in to see her eventually<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I assume I would have contacted her agent or assistant or whoever to set up an appointment<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> yeah<br />
* Misery will wear a nice blue dress for the meeting, figuring this is probably the kind of thing you dress up for.<br />
* Dorien will attempt to look nice as well.<br />
* Korisse 's assistant will probably see you in as well<br />
* Misery tries not to fidget nervously<br />
* Korisse looks like she may have started the day well put together, but has become a little more frazzled as things went along<br />
* Dorien wil smile when he sees her.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You look just as busy as ever.<br />
* Korisse is taking off a work apron as you join her in the small office space of her studio, the walls of which are covered in art black and white photos and stills from movies<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Hello, Dorien - I try, anyway!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's good to see you, Korisse.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> And you must be... Misery? is that right?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yes, ma'am.<br />
* Korisse asks, perhaps a tad anxiously<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> How's work? <br />
<br />
<Korisse> chaotic at the moment...<br />
* Dorien nods<br />
<br />
<Korisse> un, please, have a seat...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you...<br />
* Korisse looks around, glad that her assistant has, in fact, cleared some space<br />
* Misery will have a seat as instructed<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I ummm... I see you're very busy, so I'll try not to take up too much of your time...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I assume Mme. Sormet told you why we're here?<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> she said you were looking to set up an apprenticeship?<br />
* Korisse looks between the two<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hopefully. Or something similar.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I admit I was a little surprised - I hadn't really given the idea a lot of thought before, with my current work....<br />
* Dorien nods.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Are you, um, familiar with my work?<br />
* Korisse asks, a bit hesitantly, to Misery<br />
<br />
<Misery> I've seen some of your films, ma'am. Not all of them. But I saw 'Hearts Divided' three times... that was my favourite.<br />
* Korisse smiles and maybe blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Misery> it was so sad!<br />
<br />
<Korisse> thank you... <br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes... that didn't play well for all audiences, I'm afraid, but I was quiet fond of the effect<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but, ah - in terms of alchemy, I was thinking more of my other work<br />
<br />
<Korisse> speaking of effects<br />
<br />
<Misery> oh, ah, right.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> though there is some of that in hearts divided, it is a bit more subtle...<br />
<br />
<Misery> I've seen things in your films, but I suppose I don't know what was done by you...<br />
* Korisse bites her lip<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
<br />
<Misery> Was the effect with the fire tracing the outline of their silhouettes your doing?<br />
* Korisse will give some examples for more populist big budget films - big explosions, moster effects, etc<br />
<br />
<Misery> because that was very pretty<br />
<br />
<Korisse> oh yes....<br />
* Dorien smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> that was much trickier than it looked!<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> She's got a really good eye for detail. And she's a good alchemist. I've trained her on a lot of the basics.<br />
* Korisse nods'<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Photography, and film, have a very interesting relationship with film... it's not quite traditional, though not as, mm, philosopical, maybe, as some of Dorien's interests<br />
* Misery gives a look that says 'Dorien's interests are philosophical? :o'<br />
* Korisse looks at him<br />
* Dorien grins<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Unless things have changed... I'm sorry to assume <br />
* Korisse looks a bit concerned/embarassed<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I admit I'm a bit more... grounded... these days<br />
<br />
<Korisse> that's a shame :|<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I guess life does that to you.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I know it was... a very big setback<br />
<br />
<Korisse> i was glad to hear you'd been working again<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh.. yes. I ummm... <br />
<br />
<Korisse> I know it wasn't where you wanted to be though :/<br />
* Korisse treads delicately >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... no... but Things are looking up.<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I hope so, you have a brilliant mind<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you. Coming from you that means a lot. I always respected your work very much.<br />
<br />
<Misery> He really does...<br />
* Dorien turns to Misery and smiles.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> You just need to find ways to.... stay focused, perhaps<br />
* Misery smiles back<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well... I'm starting to find some.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> that's good <br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
* Korisse looks back to Misery<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Woudl you like to have a tour of the studio?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Oh! yes, thank you, that would be great.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> its mostly the processing lab, here<br />
* Misery nods<br />
* Korisse will get up and re-don her apron then, and take you both around to see her little set up<br />
* Dorien will follow in academic fascination<br />
* Misery is also very intrigued, and will ask questions at various points<br />
* Korisse has several projects on the go, some of them she explains are quite standard, while others are just in the development phase<br />
* Korisse will natter on some as well about light and imagery and illusions and such<br />
<br />
<Korisse> ...and that's what we have going on at the moment.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Amazing... you have quite a set up.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Thank you for the tour, it was really interesting.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> Well, as you say, it's important to keep busy...<br />
* Korisse says a little wistfully<br />
* Korisse nods<br />
* Korisse looks to Misery. i suppose, if you are in terested, the next step would be for you to some in, for an afternoon, say, and see how well we get along, and if you do find the actual work that interesting.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I'd like that, ma'am. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> alright - it would probably be best if you set it up with my assistant - she keeps track of all of my appointments<br />
* Korisse smiles apologetically<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Korisse> but it was very nice to meet you.<br />
* Dorien will nod to Korisse. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to both of us."<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yes, thank you. It was great to meet you too.<br />
* Misery will arrange some suitable time with your assistant, then<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It was really good seeing you again.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It brings back a lot of good memories.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> you too, Dorien.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Maybe... we could do lunch or something... when you're less busy.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> @_@<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I would like that, but less busy! @_@<br />
* Dorien smiles<br />
<br />
<Korisse> I'll try nd find an open lunch :)<br />
* Dorien laughs<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, hopefully having an apprentice will clear up your schedule a little.<br />
<br />
<Korisse> yes, I had been thiking about that...<br />
* Korisse smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you again, for everything.<br />
* Korisse will have her assistant show you out, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (sure)<br />
* Dorien will breathe a sigh of relief when they are out of the building<br />
<br />
<Dorien> That went...much better than I could have hoped.<br />
<br />
<Misery> yeah? what were you expecting? >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> I... I'm not sure. I mean, I did blow up her family's munitions lab.<br />
<br />
<Misery> part of. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yes. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<Misery> part of her family's lab. >.><br />
* Misery takes your hand<br />
* Dorien smiles. and squeezes her hand in return<br />
<br />
<Misery> it went fine - she obviously doesn't hold any grudges towards you or anything like that. she seemed perfectly nice.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> She is. And she really is brilliant. And practical. I think you two will get along well.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I hope so. It isn't settled yeah, anyway - she could still decide I'm awful after we spend more time together :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> She'll love you.<br />
<br />
<Misery> heh<br />
<br />
<Misery> well, thank you<br />
* Misery will take you home and demonstrate her thanks more enthusiastically ;)<br />
* Dorien hesitates, as if he's going to say something more, but decides not to.<br />
<br />
===Dream Adventures===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, so going on this endeavour are: Aubrienne, Jed, Lathra, Argent, Denise, Zola, Hugo, Ilphere, and Vera. I think I got everyone?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Ilphere is making Ruchard stay out to observe things from Raimond's room, in case anything odd happens at that end.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dasra will also be keeping an eye on her sleeping husband during this excursion.<br />
* Dasra is a little surprised Hugo is there<br />
* Dasra smiles though<br />
<br />
<Dasra> Thank you for coming... do you think you can help him?<br />
* Dasra asks Hugo<br />
* Zola is armed and armoured :V<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I ... I really don't know. <br />
* Denise is hella nervous and excited and mostly being quiet and checking her stuff >.><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I know that my friends are very competent, and if I can help them at all, then I will. But I don't think any of us really knows what to expect.<br />
* Dasra nods<br />
* Denise is not wearing a suit today though, but more practical street clothes and good boots<br />
<br />
<Dasra> well... I appreciate it.<br />
* Dasra gives you a kiss on the cheek.<br />
* Hugonel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I think the thing that gives me the most confidence is that the Princess is coming along. That way, if we all get trapped, we know someone really competent will have to come retrieve us all.<br />
* Zola is wearing leather armour and hefting a double-barrel shotgun, with a rapier at her side >_><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's a good look on you, Zola.<br />
* Zola has rather wicked looking leather boots on that may be slightly less practical than required, but well, heels.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah, well, let's hope I can figure out how this all works >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> You lok liek a real moll ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> put up a good fight :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aw, thanks kid.<br />
* Zola gives Hugo a potion of cure light wounds to babysit<br />
* Zola will mage-armour Hugo<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - I think peeps are generally ready?<br />
* Cordovera will also give herself a Mage Armor<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> (I assume Ilphere is covered in spells that she doesn't share ;)<br />
* Zola does not actually have MA (that was Damir)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Hugo you're on your own)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Ready)<br />
<br />
<Jed> I got your back, Hugo :P<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Thanks, Jed.<br />
* Aubrienne will distribute a potion each to Denise, Jed, and Argent<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Just in case.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks :3<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Still, be careful.<br />
* Lathra wears her hide armor, but leaves her snake at home.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Well... is everyone ready?<br />
* Lathra also wears a hip holster with a spiffy-looking revolver<br />
* Denise eyes the princess nervously @_@<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> :D<br />
* Denise nods though<br />
* Cordovera has a staff and a gun at her side as well<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I believe so, dear.<br />
* Zola leans on Hugo nervously<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> As we'll ever be.<br />
* Zola does not have a wig on today, but she did do her makeup<br />
* Cordovera will get us gathered together so that her mother can cast the spell to take us into Raimond's dream (I assume we were doing all this prep in, like, their sitting room, so we don't wake him up ;)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Everybody ready...? :D<br />
* Raimond seems to be resting calmly, but he looks thinner, more pale and haggard<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
* Jed whispers to Aubrienne "Is it too late to go to the bathroom?"<br />
* Aubrienne nods to Ilphere, casting a worried look at Raimond<br />
* Aubrienne whispers back, "I think you could technically do that in the dream, but it seems rude."<br />
* Cordovera joins hands with whoever is next to her<br />
* Aubrienne does likewise<br />
<br />
<Denise> (nooooot me D:)<br />
* Zola takes Hugo's and Denise's<br />
<br />
<Zola> :3<br />
* Denise sticks close to Argent and yeah, Zola<br />
* Hugonel breathes in deeply.<br />
* Lathra will play buffer between Cordovera and Den<br />
* Ilphere begins to cast...!<br />
* Zola watches with interest :3<br />
* Denise shifts nervously<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The world fades around you as the spell takes hold...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You find yourselves in a field of high swaying grass. It is yellowed and brittle, and there is an autumn chill in the air.<br />
* Zola steps on it tentatively<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Ah!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> It seems to stretch out in all directions. The only landmark you're able to see, some distance away, is a large, gnarled tree, its few remaining leaves a burnt orange.<br />
* Lathra smiles at the scenery<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Ooh, there we go....!<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (well at least it ain't cold here/)<br />
* Ilphere brushes the grass with her palms.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is it a good or bad sign that the forest isn't here?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> It's so lovely, isn't it Hali...? <br />
<br />
<Cordovera> It's just a different dream... I'm not sure it means something specific?<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Maybe it does to him, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Autumn ... might be a worrying metaphor...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I was thinking that.<br />
* Aubrienne looks at the tree in the distance, then to Ilphere.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Shall we?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Winter is coming...?<br />
* Ilphere steps lightly towards the tree.<br />
* Aubrienne keeps an eye out as we walk<br />
* Jed follows the group, watching the rear.<br />
* Zola peers at it as well to see if it has anything nasty hanging from it like before<br />
* Denise will glance at Argent, and spread out a bit to flank the others with him in case of trouble?<br />
* Hugonel looks carefully for any signs of red-haired women.<br />
* Zola has a nice rear, as she walks with Hugo arm in arm<br />
* Ilphere hums an eerie but catchy little tune<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The branches are bent low, heavy with some kind of thick-shelled seeds, like walnuts as big as a fist, only... not walnuts.<br />
<br />
<Jed> (Not that rear ;) Well... not mainly.)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Hmmmm...!<br />
* Ilphere examines the nuts.<br />
* Denise eyes them uneasily<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> *sniff*<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The tree's trunk, as before, has a hollow within it, which looms black and unusually deep...<br />
* Hugonel twirls his cane occasionally and prods the ground experimentally, as if to ensure that it's really real, whatever that means.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Does it look healthier than before, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> <m> would that be a good thing if it's feedin' on folks?<br />
* Aubrienne will move towards the hollow, taking a look inside.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... maybe it's... a step? I don't know...<br />
* Ilphere picks a nut.<br />
* Jed backs up a step.<br />
* Denise will warily go up with Aubrienne, just in case she needs a strong arm<br />
* Ilphere shakes it.<br />
* Hugonel tries to stay well back, not knowing much of what is going on.<br />
* Zola watches the tree for a response<br />
* Lathra peers over Ilphere's shoulder at the nut<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The nut cracks in your hand and some kind of black ichor spills out from inside it<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Ooh! A soft centre...!<br />
* Aubrienne looks up at Ilphere's comment.<br />
* Ilphere sniffs the ichor.<br />
<br />
<Zola> D:<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ahh ... Zola dear?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Around you, the grass rustles with the breeze - or is it something moving, unseen in the tall stalks?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> (any ideas?)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Hmmmm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm going to take that as a "no", with regards to it being healthier <br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Maybe it's juice...?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> How does it smell?<br />
* Ilphere holds her hand up to Lathra for a sniff<br />
* Lathra balks, but then leans in and sniffs it<br />
* Zola makes a horrified face<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Ilphere - you've seen black ichor before in dreams - certain kinds of magical corruption, for instance, might manifest this way... but it was also part of the visions related to the blood of the Serpent)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Mm, hmm...<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Well...!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Something significant?<br />
* Denise re;lie's on Argent's ridiculous perception to tell us if anything is really out there >.><br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Could I make a K:R on that?)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> This sort of thing can be a manifestation of magical corruption...<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> But...!<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> In my experience it can also be related to the blood of the Serpent...!<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> (and you can roll Perception for Argent if you want, also)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> !roll 1d20+10<br />
* Zola rolls for Lathra: [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 13 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20+17<br />
* Aubrienne makes some sort of religious gesture<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 6 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 23 ].<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh, those were good times...<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> @_@<br />
* Denise rolls her own perception as well... and scent<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Good, funny times...!<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20+7<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 20 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> (per)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra - no idea?<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20+7<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+7 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 7 ] totals [ 16 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> (scent)<br />
* Ilphere adjusts her glasses.<br />
* Aubrienne gives Ilphere the sideeye<br />
* Zola adjusts her shotgun<br />
<br />
<Lathra> ... the blood of the serpent...?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh yes..!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Serpent's blood is black and gross? o_o<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> It's not 'gross'...!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> It is *potent*...!<br />
* Ilphere huffs.<br />
* Zola points at the black ichor on the ground<br />
<br />
<Zola> That... is gross.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise and Argent - the air is heavy, and there is a foul odour of rotting vegetation, and something worse.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> *You*'re gross!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wh- what? o_O<br />
* Jed nods at Zola. "I'm with you on this one."<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Mother, I'm sure she doesn't mean anything by it... people don't always, ah, understand...<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....<q> well, something don't smell right :|<br />
* Aubrienne steps between Ilphere and Zola, with a pointed look at Zola.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Princess, is it important?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> possibly...!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you think it's more likely corruption or the blood of the Serpent?<br />
* Zola eyes Hugo<br />
* Ilphere gently picks another nut and carefully wraps it in a handkerchief to save for later examination >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is there a way to tell?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> In a dream...?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> (Julie?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (for the record, Raimond is House Cat, which would in theory at least mean he isn't direct descendant of the Trueblood line, but who knows)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (can I figure out where the smell is coing from?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you'd need to study it more, Ilphere)<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> It would require more study...!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> It is unlikely to be Serpent itself...<br />
* Ilphere admits.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise - you aren't certain, it's sort of all around you rather than one specific source<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> But there are... others... entities beyond our planes @_@<br />
* Cordovera nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> O...kay.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> It could be some sign of Serpent's influence, or it could be another entity's touch...<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Something... new...! @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or old.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Very old... @_@<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh how exciting...!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> We are truly privileged...!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The grass rustles around you again, more sharply. <br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Ooh!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> :3<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Shall we...?<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> I think it's time to move on...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What was that?<br />
* Ilphere puts her hand in the tree<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Those of you looking around can see the grass moving about you, as if something or somethings are approaching you unseen<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, let's.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> C'mon honey...<br />
* Zola pulls Hugo towards the tree<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Zola, do you see that?<br />
* Denise will fan out that way with argent<br />
<br />
<Zola> Trying my best not to, dear.<br />
* Ilphere goes on in!<br />
* Hugonel scoots away from anything invisible in the grass as best he can.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere!<br />
* Jed retreats backwards to the tree<br />
* Zola eyes the seemingly saner Cordovera<br />
* Lathra follows closely behind Ilphere<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do we... follow?<br />
* Aubrienne looks at Cordovera<br />
* Ilphere pops back out.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Are you all coming...?<br />
<br />
<Jed> Not sure we have much choice...<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh I see...!<br />
* Ilphere begins to summon a Thing<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Is everything all right on the other side, Mother?<br />
* Ilphere holds up a 'don't iterrupt me while I'm casting' finger<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> :|<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Ilphere summons a .... horrible thing. The monstrous form looks like a bloated jellyfish with tentacle-legs that knot upwards into a hideous stalk topped by a gaping mouth and empty, staring eyesocket.<br />
<br />
<Zola> D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> D: D: D: D: D: D:<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> That should do it...! :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sweet mericiful Gods D:<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Ah ... oh my!<br />
<br />
<Denise> D: D: D: D: D: D:<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Alright, darlings, off you go...! I'll take care of our friends in the grass...!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> O_o<br />
* Cordovera sighs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What the?<br />
* Ilphere waves to the THing to do her bidding :3<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh, he's with me....!<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> D: D: D: D: D: D:<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> GO on now, nothing to fear...!<br />
<br />
<Jed> o.O<br />
* Zola hugs closer to the tree so as to get as far away as possible from the Thing<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Into the tree, silly children...!<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> All right - be careful, Mother.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> Oh of course...!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm... not sure that's helping poor Raimond's dreams...<br />
* Aubrienne casts a glance at the Thing, then steps into the hollow.<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> I'm no *amateur*...! <br />
<br />
<Ilphere> :3<br />
* Jed follows Aubrienne<br />
* Cordovera will step into the tree as well<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Let's go, folks.<br />
* Lathra heads back into the tree though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (it ai'nt gonna be helpin' mine D: D: D: D: D:)<br />
* Zola feels suddenly like the First World is less scary than staying behind<br />
* Zola pulls Hugo after her<br />
* Hugonel allows himself to be pulled!<br />
* Denise goes as well D:<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> *Argent also hops through<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You feel a vertiginous rush, as if you stepped suddenly off an unseen cliff, and the ground is coming up fast underneath you, and then you're there - wherever 'there' is.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The light here is diffuse, as if the sun is hidden behind clouds, and the weather feels mild and pleasant. All around you is a meadow of grass and wildflowers, and off in the distance, trees. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Honestly it's a pretty nice change >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Colours seem more vibrant, more alive.<br />
* Denise relaxes a litt, with the weather and the no eldrich terror or creepy ass princess... well hopefully D: D:<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's,,,beautiful.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What the hell was that? o_o<br />
* Cordovera is a princess, but perhaps somewhat less creepy ;)<br />
<br />
<Jed> We are not getting paid enough for this.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> One of Mother's summoned entities... an emkrah.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> She could have picked something less... alarming :p<br />
* Denise eyes Argent who probably looks cranky<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Would that be related to the 'things outside our planes' she mentioned?<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Mother's an alienist... it's what she does.<br />
* Cordovera says with a bit of a shrug, as if she's fairly used to these sorts of things<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( Gross, is what she does. )<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> To each their own, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> While I'm glad she took care of whatever that was within the grass ... and despite the horridity of that *thing* ... I admit to some alarm that the Princess is no longer with us. Even though the environs are much more congenial here.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> It's actually good if she stays there - to be frank, she is much more powerful than I am, and she can maintain that dream-environment's stability so that we should be able to exit safely once again.<br />
* Hugonel nods warily.<br />
* Jed looks at Aubrienne. "We should put one of those things in our act. We could teach it to juggle."<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, that's reassuring.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right, then.<br />
* Lathra stays quiet<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Little lights flit around you like fireflies - except when you look closer, you realize they're some kind of tiny fey creatures. Their laughter sounds like delicate bells as they fly away from you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jed, you saw that thing. Think how handsy our audience gets. Now imagine those tentacles.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> . o O (Is it *that* much weirder than worshipping an amoral snake-god?)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hello?<br />
<br />
<Jed> Is it still handsy if they're not hands?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Behind you, the tree looks healthier on this side. It is green with leaves and vines hang from its branches, swaying gently.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Shh, trying to make friends.<br />
* Cordovera chuckles at that<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, maybe we should have learned sylvan before we came :|<br />
* Denise looks to see is there are any fruits or nuts or whatevcer D:<br />
* Aubrienne will hold out a hand and try to get one to land on it.<br />
* Denise eyes the little fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> careful, they might bite >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise - no, just leaves and long, tendrilly vines<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The tiny creatures laugh at you as they dodge close to your hand before flying away again, Aubrienne.<br />
* Aubrienne smiles<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Fair enough<br />
* Zola casts Prestidigitation<br />
<br />
<Jed> I could cast comprehend languages, but we still wouldn't be able to talk back to them.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Towards the opposite end of the meadow, where the forest begins, there is a low hill with what looks like the ruins of a tower or some kind of round building atop it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't suppose any of you understand us.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> I could communicate with them, if we want to try that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It seems worth a try, don't you think?<br />
* Zola flicks her fingers and makes a few miniature fireworks go off a few metres from the little fey<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> They seem delighted by that, Zola - tiny cheers and applause<br />
<br />
<Zola> They're cute :3<br />
* Denise just remembers the ones with the little swirds >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
* Cordovera nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, they ain't armed, anyway >.><br />
* Cordovera will use her staff to cast Tongues<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> They want you to do it again - the fireworks :)<br />
* Hugonel will try Prestidigitation too.<br />
* Zola chuckles, and obliges<br />
* Aubrienne will do likewise, making little lights to chase them<br />
* Zola fires off a few more multicoloured ones above and around the glowing fey<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (We can put on a whole show)<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> What would we like to ask them?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> If they've seen any humans?<br />
* Denise lets the smart folks deal with this, but watches the light show, maybe softeningn a bit on the little faeries :3<br />
* Cordovera will attempt to put this question to the tiny creatures, but it seems difficult to get them to focus and reply<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe a rough picture of your brother might help?<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> I think... it's tricky to understand, but I think they're saying they've seen one before<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sure.<br />
* Zola wiggles her prestidigitatey fingers<br />
* Aubrienne will make a glowing image of her brother.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> They say that he's with the ... flower queen?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> She sounds pretty<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Can they point us in a direction?<br />
* Denise wonders if this is liek the rat Queens used to do<br />
<br />
<Jed> Pretty can be dangerous.<br />
* Cordovera asks them that, and in response they all fly off across the field towards the ruined tower.<br />
* Aubrienne lets the image fade, shrugs, and starts after them.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> I think that's pretty clear...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Did they say they'd only seen one?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless they're very short of attention...<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> I'm not quite sure - they aren't the most coherent conversationalists.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I like them :)<br />
* Zola tugs Hugo along after Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They seemed harmless enough.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, they ain't stabbin' us, anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm glad you were about to communicate with them. :)<br />
* Denise follows along, staying up near the front<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> The spell will last for some time, if they should happen to come back. Or other creatures who speak the same language...<br />
* Zola hums a little as we walk<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The walk towards the tower didn't seem like it would be that long... but you keep walking, and walking, and it barely seems to get closer at all.<br />
<br />
<Denise> is this some kind tridck?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Some kind of planar effect?<br />
* Zola casts detect magic<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> It could be...<br />
<br />
<Denise> is it an illusion?<br />
* Denise asks Aubrienne<br />
* Zola looks to see if she can detect any sort of barrier or illusion effect at work<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, maybe it ain't really there :p<br />
* Denise says, thinking of some of the tricks from your show<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's possible, I guess, but it'd be a pretty stable one.<br />
* Denise just shrugs then<br />
<br />
<Denise> jus' keep walkin'; I guess :/<br />
* Denise looks back towards the tree<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Around you, a light breeze carries the whispered words "Leave here, you don't belong here, take your shadows and your weapons and leave before it's too late"<br />
<br />
<Denise> ugh >:|<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We don't mean any harm.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We're just here to talk.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Please.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Are there shadows here?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra - there isn't really a ... sun, exactly, as far as you can tell? The light is sort of diffuse and hazy up above you, not from one distinct source. You guys all cast shadows, anyway, as do things around you, but they aren't really sharply defined because of the light.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne - the wind gives you no answer<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Damned wind.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> . o O (We don't have any more shadows than anything else here...)<br />
* Aubrienne keeps walking, more determinedly this time<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't suppose Message would work to... a tower?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wait, Aubrienne, do you think we'd be welcome if we put down our arms?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I was wondering the same thing.<br />
* Aubrienne stops.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's worth a shot.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> That seems like the kind of thing someone who means us ill might want us to do.<br />
* Cordovera points out cautiously<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> True, but it's not as if we're defenseless just because we set down our physical weapons.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't even know how to use this damn pistol, not really.<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus it aint liek we can aly down out shadows :p<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Also, they didn't ask us to discard our weapons - just to take them away.<br />
* Denise eyes Hugo<br />
<br />
<Jed> Would we just leave them in a pile in the middle of the field? >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We could head back to the tree and leave them with Ilphere and her pet monstrosity.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, Princess Ilphere and her pet monstrosity.<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Can I think of what she might mean by shadows, if not the SK? Or if Flower Queens are allergic to weapons?:P) <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (what would you like to roll for that? k: nature would be most fitting for knowledge about some fey creature.)<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+10 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 10 ] totals [ 20 ]<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+8<br />
* Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 7 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 15 ].<br />
<br />
<Zola> (K-N)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Look, i can fight okay with nothin', but thie pieces was a gift and I ain't gonna give it up on account of no creeepy wind. Plus if we do, an' we get in trouble, some folks need to be able to look out for all yof you who can cast spells, or you ain't gonna be castin' none.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> I'm fairly confident that if I went back and told mother I was leaving my weapons with her, she'd laugh, and then ask if I was planning to just let myself get killed >.><br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola - well, quite a number of you are carrying cold iron ammunition/weapons - they certainly aren't fans of those.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You don't think weapons in general are something the fey are 'allergic' to, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we been walkin' forever already and we ain't barely no closer, turnin' back ain't gnna help<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe the little sprites could help?<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Maybe it isn't a place you can.. walk to.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Maybe we need to find another way...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hmm?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like what?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe... will?<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe they coudl carry us if they weren't flown off :p<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> Maybe, yes.<br />
* Cordovera nods to Zola<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well maybe they'd come back if I did s'more fireworks<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So we just have to *want* to get to the tower?<br />
<br />
<Zola> But we can try wishing our way there first, and try the sprites again once we stop looking sheepish if it fails :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm guessing we should link hands in case someone's not as wishy as the rest?<br />
* Cordovera nods<br />
* Zola isn't really sure about how it'd all work<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> it can't hurt... at least, I don't think it can.<br />
<br />
<Cordovera> >.><br />
* Denise gets back in hand-holding position then :V<br />
* Cordovera will take Jed's hand, purely for the purposes of this endeavour of course<br />
* Zola links Denise and Hugo again<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Would inspire competence potentially help here?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (nm, its one person only)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's reassuring.<br />
* Aubrienne grabs Jed's hand and offers the other to Cordovera.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (whoops)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Let's give this a try.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Okay, what we're going to do is have everyone make a Cha check, and see how this goes :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (yay I like those)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (It kind of looks like Aubrienne offered Jed's hand to Vera. :p)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+5<br />
* Zola rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 23 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> (den, then argent)<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+6 ] getting [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 14 ]<br />
<br />
<Denise> !r 1d20<br />
<br />
<Zola> (boo)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20+1<br />
* Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 11 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 12 ].<br />
* Zola has too much cold iron<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20 ] getting [ 15 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> !roll 1d20+4<br />
* Zola rolls for DiablotinNarrator: [ 1d20+4 ] getting [ 9 ] which, after the modifier [ 4 ] totals [ 13 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> !roll 1d20+1<br />
* Zola rolls for Denise: [ 1d20+1 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 1 ] totals [ 13 ].<br />
<br />
<Denise> (15 denise, 13 argent)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> !roll 1d20+5<br />
* Zola rolls for Hugonel: [ 1d20+5 ] getting [ 3 ] which, after the modifier [ 5 ] totals [ 8 ].<br />
<br />
<Lathra> !roll 1d20+3<br />
* Zola rolls for Lathra: [ 1d20+3 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 3 ] totals [ 4 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne - you feel, somehow, like you can manipulate the landscape - maybe it's because you want to find your brother so much. You feel a resistance but you can push through it and pull the others along with you, and suddenly you're standing at the foot of the hill.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Steps climb up to the ruined building. From somewhere in the distance, you can hear music - a woman's voice singing sweetly.<br />
* Zola wonders if we should plug our ears<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can go to roll20 also, I have a map. for no particular reason.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Around this area the flowers grow even more thickly, carpeting the mossy ground.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The group climbs the stairs, navigating through some thorny areas, some more cleverly than others.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> As you round this corner and look up the remainder of the stairs, you can see a woman at the top of them. The woman's skin is a vibrant dark green hue, and her hair is made of flowers. When she walks, more flowers spring up in her path.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh! :o<br />
<br />
<Queen of Flowers> Please... go back.<br />
* Zola briefly grips her shotgun, then lowers it quickly.<br />
* Denise keeps quiet<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'd like to, but I'm trying to find my brother. We don't want to be any trouble.<br />
<br />
<Queen of Flowers> I can't let you have him. I need him...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why?<br />
<br />
<Denise> it is like the Rat Queens >.><br />
<br />
<Queen of Flowers> He made a promise... This place is in danger...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> In danger how? Maybe we can help, too.<br />
<br />
<Queen of Flowers> He brings new life...<br />
* Denise eyes Aubrienne<br />
<br />
<Denise> yup... babies >.><br />
* Denise mutters<br />
* Queen of Flowers 's voice is light and airy - much like the voice you heard on the wind, you think. "The blight is spreading"<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How is it possible to stop it?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The blight? Black ichor, like the tree had?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or them evil mushrooms in the shade?<br />
* Denise suggests to Aubrienne<br />
* Denise keeps her voice quiet, wary of dealing with this fey lady herself<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Between you and the woman, a figure seems to erupt out of the ground. At first you aren't sure if it's something she is conjuring, but by her screams, it isn't...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The creature looks like a skeletal humanoid, about seven feet tall, its bones covered in festering moss, vines spilling from its chest cavity like entrails.<br />
<br />
''The group attack the monster. During the fight, the Flower Queen uses some kind of energy drain on the creature, absorbing something into herself. A man dressed as an Averonnais soldier appears from her tower and assists as well. Argen and denise get sprayed with seeds by the monster, which sprout into vines growing out of their bodies, but are unharmed once they pull them off. Fey are gross. Denise crits the crap out of it, but Aubrienne gets the killing blow.''<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The flower queen is slumped over by the doorway, with the guy kneeling beside her<br />
* Aubrienne holsters her weapon and approaches carefully.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator>(Aubrienne, it's your brother btw. just in case that wasn't clear ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jean-Faust?<br />
* Denise helpos Argent<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is she alright?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Little brother?<br />
* Zola hums a bit as she looks around to make sure there isn't anything else to fight<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I ... I don't know.... Aubrienne?<br />
* Aubrienne will rush to hug him fiercely.<br />
* Jean-Faust looks confused, but does clearly recognize you, and hugs you back<br />
* Aubrienne lets go after a moment.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Lathra, I don't suppose you know much about fey healing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Lathra? Can you help her?<br />
* Zola gestures<br />
* Aubrienne kneels by the flower queen.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Is there anything we can do?<br />
* Argent will have a good look at this thing and do subtle inquisitory things like detect evil etc >.><br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> The blight... she took some of it into her to kill that thing...<br />
* Denise tells him to take a sample for Dorien >.><br />
* Denise looks up<br />
<br />
<Denise> she didn't need to, we coulda got it :/<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I can't leave her... she saved me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe a channel could ... purify her?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I could try...<br />
<br />
<Denise> we coudl take her - maybe she can tell us what's all goin' on :p<br />
* Zola tries a cure light wounds?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Would it hurt you to leave this place?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (the damage to her doesn't seem to be physical...)<br />
* Aubrienne asks the queen.<br />
* Zola is not super surprised.<br />
* Argent will detect alignment her >.><br />
* Queen of Flowers is basically unconscious right now, but JF will reply<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I know she can leave... she did when she came to get me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> There might be people who can help her.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Argent - she's chaotic and non good or evil, if you're running through the spectrum of detects :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Can we get her out of the dream?<br />
* Lathra asks Cordovera<br />
* Cordovera will nod - "I think we can."<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> If there's blight here, and it seems likely the plants in the Shade represent blight back home...she might be able to give us some answers. I think we could help each other.<br />
* Cordovera nods in favour of bringing her back<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Aubrienne speaks with her brother===<br />
* Jean-Faust is understandably quite confused about emerging in some stranger's bedroom, and kind of has a bit of a freak-out ... I'll assume that this is after he's had some time to calm down, and that Dasra is willing to let you two use one of their various unoccupied rooms to talk it over.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Cool)<br />
* Aubrienne will get Jean-Faust some water, if possible, or something stronger if he likes.<br />
* Jean-Faust will take water for now<br />
* Jean-Faust 's uniform looks somewhat worn, but not as much as you'd think after a year or more of wearing it<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Have a seat. I imagine this is all a bit overwhelming.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Are you okay?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, that's a dumb question.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, you're not injured or anything, are you?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I... I think so? I'm not hurt.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay, good.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Where are they going to take Eirlys? Will she be safe?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I believe so. I think they just want to talk to her, and I'm sure they'll give her whatever healing or help they can.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who...who is she?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I need to see her<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (probably by this point they've already taken her to the Orecalos - well, Ilphere has)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (They said we'd be able to see her, right?)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (yes although I think they want to make sure first that she isn't like... contagious)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Okie doke)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I can drive you over in a bit. It might be a little while before she's ready to be seen, anyway.<br />
* Jean-Faust paces anxiously<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You didn't answer my question.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Who is Eirlys?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I'm not sure what to say. She's ... I love her.<br />
* Aubrienne gives an awkward half-smile.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's wonderful, bratic, but that's still not an answer.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Why don't we start with this: *what* is she?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> She says she's something called a blodeuwedd<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> she's the Flower Queen <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Can I roll K:Nature for that?)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+8<br />
* @BalthCat rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 1 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 9 ].<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Wow)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Can I use my Inspired reroll?)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> !roll 1d20+8<br />
* @BalthCat rolls for Aubrienne: [ 1d20+8 ] getting [ 12 ] which, after the modifier [ 8 ] totals [ 20 ].<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (That's better :))<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (they're kind of like dryads, except for fields instead of for trees, as far as you know)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (coolio)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/fey/blodeuwedd if you want to read up ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What does that mean, the Flower Queen? Does she have subjects? A queendom?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I ... suppose so, in a way. <br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> It isn't like here<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> but she has power<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How did you meet her?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> in the woods... she called to me<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ... the woods! <br />
* Jean-Faust exclaims<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> What?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Is my squadron all right? I should get back to them before the attack.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which woods?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Bratic...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sit down for a second.<br />
* Aubrienne will put a hand on his shoulder and try to get him sitting, or at least a little calmer.<br />
* Jean-Faust sits down, but still looks restless and jumpy<br />
* Aubrienne pulls a chair up across from Jean-Faust and puts her hand on his.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The war is over.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It has been for a while.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ... that can't be. I was only gone for a few days, maybe a week...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You've been missing for [correct amount of] months.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I forget how many specifically)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (me too, off the top of my head. probably about 18 months-2 years, maybe? I can look it up ;)<br />
* Jean-Faust stares at you in disbelief<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We got a letter from the army. Everyone thought you were dead.<br />
* Aubrienne is tearing up.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I... I didn't know...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's okay, I just...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm so happy I found you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> When your commander brought me your last letter, I thought there was hope, but I didn't know whether you were alive or not.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just hoped and prayed and made myself believe it and...<br />
* Aubrienne will get up and hug her brother.<br />
* Jean-Faust hugs you back, stunned<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Wait, no I'm not.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not going to apologize for being happy you're alive.<br />
* Aubrienne will release him and sit back down.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Just a few days, huh?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> it's all sort of a blur<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe start from the beginning?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ah... we were stationed at Seda Grove.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay.<br />
* Jean-Faust tries to compose himself to tell what he can<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I knew that much.<br />
* Aubrienne tries to smile encouragingly<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> The whole time we were there, I felt.. strange. I can't explain it. It just felt .. odd.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I had strange dreams. I thought I saw things in the woods.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, it seems likely you really did see things.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Lots of people seemed to have the same sort of experiences... people said it was haunted. One of the sorcs, Fairjeon, he thought it was something more than that.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> that there was some kind of magic going on<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Smart man.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> So they thought, okay, maybe the slicks are messing with our heads... they tried putting up wards, I think. I don't think it worked very well.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> we'd patrol around in the woods, trying to figure it out<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> It wasn't the slicks. I think they knew about the place, and knew what it could do, and let it handle us instead of just straight up attacking us<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know<br />
* Jean-Faust takes a sip of his water<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I just know that the longer I was there, the more I felt like... maybe it wouldn't be so bad, to go like that. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> To go like what?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Instead of shot and lying in the mud.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> to just... leave. if there was something in there, to let it take me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay.<br />
* Aubrienne looks concerned, but doesn't want to interrupt.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I was scared... we all were. I'm not sure any of us were thinking straight. <br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> but when I heard her singing, it was like all that went away... all the things I was worried about, the war and all<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> and it was so beautiful<br />
* Jean-Faust sort of trails off, staring into space<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You heard her across the planes, or in your dreams, or...?<br />
* Aubrienne says slightly loudly, to get his attention.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ...I thought it was dreams at first. then I started hearing it when I was awake too.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> One night I just... knew I had to find her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How did you find her, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I followed the sound into the woods. She was at this tree, this huge tree, waiting for me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like the one we left through?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I guess... It felt like it, but it didn't look like it, if that makes any sense?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oddly, yeah, it does.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> if it's been so long... are you all right? and Ma and Pa?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They're...fine.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, it's been hard, since you were gone.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But they're okay.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They were worried when I said I was going to look for you, but they'll be happy you're home.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> that's... good, I guess<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'm good, for the most part.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We've been having some troubles lately.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They're, uh, they're kind of what led us to you.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> troubles?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Attacks from faerie. Or faeries, at least.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Speaking of which, that thing, back where you came from...what was that?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I don't know... there were so many strange things there<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Eirlys seemed scared of it, which admittedly seems like a smart reaction.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you know what she did to it? It looked like maybe she absorbed some energy or something from it.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> she talked about a blight. some kind of evil... I don't know if it's a disease, or something supernatural, or what, but the way she talked about it, it was spreading. she told me I would help keep it away.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I think maybe because that ... thing, whatever it was, was partly plant, she could drain energy from it and take it into herself.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Did she tell you anything more about this blight?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> she doesn't eat - she just draws nourishment from the plants around her<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> Some... I didn't understand some of what she talked about.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do we need to make sure she has plants nearby?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't want her to get hurt.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And it's winter here...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I ... I don't know. I'm not sure how close she has to be, or whether it's specific kinds of plants, or ... <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure she will be okay.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Princess Illphere is with her. I'm sure she can figure it out.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods, looking worried<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> She's going to have a baby.<br />
* Jean-Faust blurts<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sorry?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> She's pregnant?<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Umm...you said you were only there a week...<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I... I thought I was. but I guess it must have been longer...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Uh, well, I guess [Rat equivalent of 'mazel tov'].<br />
* Jean-Faust nods, a bit stunned still<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> 'Auntie Aubrienne' has a nice ring to it.<br />
* Aubrienne smiles.<br />
* Jean-Faust manages a wobbly smile<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Mom's going to be mad she's not a Rat.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But she's not from around here, so mom'll get over it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Dad will just be upset he can't cook for her.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> maybe salads<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That won't be, like, cannibalism or something?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> that lettuce was probably a jerk who deserved it<br />
* Jean-Faust for a moment sounds like your little brother again<br />
* Aubrienne laughs at that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, I think people are going to have a lot of questions for you.<br />
* Jean-Faust nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hopefully we can see Eirlys before that happens, but at some point I imagine you're going to have to talk to the Emperor and his people.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I promise, it's not that bad.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> the Emperor?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Things have taken a somewhat weird turn in my life, lately.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> All of your stuff is just a part of it.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hopefully, talking with your lovely...is bride presumptuous? Anyway, talking to Eirlys hopefully will get us some more answers.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Come to think of it, if bride is correct, does that make you the Flower King? Flower Prince, perhaps?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ah... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Flower Consort?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Flower Concubine?<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> >.><br />
* Jean-Faust elbows you<br />
* Aubrienne slap-fights him off good-naturedly.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> I... I don't know what's going to happen now, Aubrienne. <br />
* Jean-Faust says after the slap-fight settles down<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't either.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I just got you back, so I'm going to do my best to see nothing else happens to you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And, as I have a sister now, too, I'm going to do everything I can to help and protect Eirlys and your baby.<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> ... thank you<br />
* Jean-Faust hugs you<br />
* Aubrienne hugs back<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (so, do you want to stick with him I assume, as he gets de-magicked and poked at by San and Ilphere? ;) <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I said that yes, Aubrienne would want to go with him if able, and she'd probably be pretty pushy if folks tried to stop her :))<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (fair!)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (I imagine they can accept that)<br />
<br />
<Jean-Faust> (if only to keep him from getting too freaked out as well ;)<br />
<br />
===Genevriel learns about potential patron deities from Sanadhil Orecalo===<br />
* Genevriel will show up at the appointed time.<br />
* Genevriel knocks politely at your office door.<br />
* Sanadhil will indicate for you to take a seat when you are shown in.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Good afternoon, Mlle. Doucette.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Good afternoon, M. Orecalo.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How have you been?<br />
* Sanadhil raises his eyebrows and shakes his head slightly<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Busy - even more so than usual<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And here I come, adding more to your agenda. I am sorry.<br />
* Genevriel replies wryly.<br />
* Genevriel does sound and look apologetic, too.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I should try to be short and to the point, then?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It isn't all unrelated, and may have some benefit to you as well.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> That would be most efficient.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Very well, then; my purpose is twofold. Firstly, I am curious as to whether you have heard anything from your colleague in Psyra regarding ancient Psyrene gods?<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
* Genevriel pauses to allow you to elaborate. Evidently her second purpose will be revealed in time.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I have been in concat with my colleage, yes, and I have also discussed the matter extensively with my son, who is himself a scholar with some direct experience into the Psyran matters.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You have a son - of course! That must be the M. Orecalo whom Mlle. Scales knows. Of course that is beside the point but it does solve one little mystery.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do go on; I apologize for the interruption.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> he runs a sort of... Academic consulting business<br />
* Genevriel nods and smiles slightly, pleased that the puzzle pieces are falling into place.<br />
* Sanadhil looks thoughtful, as if he is filing something away<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Horse, Raven, Fox, Stag, and Boar, at the very least, and possibly others, were still being worshipped at least in the 600s, around the time of Orelius, but it is not clear whether they themselves had survived the war in heaven that had been raging since the fal of Serpent, or whether the aspects of worship had become more cultural by that point.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Are you familiar with the story of Orelius?<br />
* Genevriel shakes her head 'no'.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My parents' library was short on ancient Psyrene history.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> hmm.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Orelius was credited as being the founder of Psyra.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> he was a warlord who was able to unite the tribes, mostly forcibly<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> he was also a follower of Horse, and after his reign worship of most of the other totems was greatly reduced.<br />
* Genevriel listens closely, plainly quite interested.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> and then, as we discussed previously, missionization of the Way fo the Wheel eradicated most other worship, and it was formally outlawed after Psyra became part of the empire.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> In any case, research onto the celectial planes has led us to conclude that, as far as the totems can be characterized, they may have been creatures called 'agathions'<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (With my modern Psyrene language knowledge does that term mean anything to me?)<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> (it isn't a Psyrene word, I dfon't think)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (no)<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> These are creatures from one of the celestial planes, that are individually associated with various beasts, and offer assistant to mortal supplicants<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> or offered, in any case<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (ok, thanks... it sounds vaguely Greek but it is actually a race of Pathfinder Outsiders, Google tells me. ^-^)<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> (yup)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well... if the Seven still worshipped by most Aveyronnais are agathions, then they still offer assistance, as the clergy of the Wheel are able to channel divine energy, of course...<br />
* Genevriel is mostly thinking aloud.<br />
* Sanadhil shakes his head<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> No. When the Seven here challenged serpent, and when Rat was trapped in the Arch, they were able to overturn the balance of power in the Court of Stars and gain control of true divine Domains, becoming the gods as we know them now.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> The Seven became much more powerful, but those who were not involved in the coup had to fend for themselves<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> They were hunted, as were other celestials, such as Angels<br />
* Genevriel nods slowly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hunting 'outsiders' boasts a long tradition, then.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It is possible that some survived - the agathions do not *require* worship, their power is inherent<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> This was a matter of outsiders hunting each other.<br />
* Genevriel nods again, filing that away to think about more.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> With the factions of the Court of Stars trying to seize or maintain power<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> or simply create chaos<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Not all of their motivations are easily anthropomorphized.<br />
* Genevriel visibly reacts with interest when you mention the Court of Stars, but she has something to ask before we move on to discussing them...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Would the power of the agathions present as different from divine power such as priests of the Wheel and Serpent have access to now?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What I'm getting at is, can I rule out the possibility that an agathion or group of agathions is using me for their own inscrutable purposes?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I don't think it can be entirely ruled out, but I do feel that it is very unline other recorded instances of their interactions.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> However, as with the Seven, it is possible that the disruption of the balance of the Court of Stars caused them to change in some way<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Would it be possible to find out?<br />
* Sanadhil considers<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I would have to give that some more thought.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, my second purpose was to ask if you can tell me about the Court of Stars, or can refer me to someone who could. Mlle. Scales introduced me to M. Tristan Rademacher and Mme. Lurancy Rademacher, who thought it was possible that my 'One' is an entity who was part of it, perhaps an ancient elven deity of some sort.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> That is what we have been discussing, yes, though the elven aspect is intriguing.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Can you elaborate on that?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Not very much, I'm afraid. M. Rademacher spoke of the Court as if it was a physical place, not just a council of entities. Emkathon and Kavreshar were two of the entities who were part of it.<br />
* Genevriel will continue, sec.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think those are the only ones he, and by extension now, me, know were part of the Court. He suggested that I speak to elves and possibly even Shadar-kai, as he believes they would know more about the composition of the Court of Stars. But he also warned me that it might be difficult to find any who are willing to speak to me of it, since the elves, at least, set aside their deities long ago...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> He speculated that the elven deities might still be there at the Court.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And that perhaps one, or some, of them might be what I am dealing with. But I confess that I do not understand why I should be selected, unless it is only a desperate act of beings who hope to regain some foothold among us.<br />
* Genevriel appears to be finished, uncertain now about how all this sounds in her own ears. She just really wants to make sense of things.<br />
* Genevriel brightens up for a moment.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do hear voices, but they speak a language I don't understand. Mlle Scales has had me memorize the sounds and try to mimic them for her, and she cast Comprehend Languages to understand what they were saying.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But we still don't know what language it is.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maybe if I epeat the sounds to enough people, someone eill recognize it and give a name to it...<br />
* Genevriel looks up at you.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> it is worth a try<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How many languages do you speak, M. Orecalo?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> A dozen or so?<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, that's about ten more than me. Do you mind if I try to 'speak' the words I hear? Apologies in advance if it's a language you do recognize, and I completely mangle it.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> of course - go ahead.<br />
* Genevriel will recite some of the 'words' she has memorized by heart, the ones that Lathra was able to translate.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It's a variant of Celestial, which does support out current line of thinking<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Could you teach it to me?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Or do you know someone who can?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Only, I have no money to pay...<br />
* Genevriel 's moment of hope is suddenly crushed again.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It s a fairly well documented language, commonly learned by priests.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm sure there are texts available that would be far more economical than a teacher.<br />
* Genevriel looks at you gratefully for the suggestion.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I do not, personally, have the time @_@<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'll look into it, thank you.<br />
* Sanadhil nods.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Of course, whether it will help you or not to better understand this constant barrage of voices is another matter you may want to consider as well.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, *not* understanding them has nearly driven me mad already, so I'm not convinced that the alternative would be worse.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Very well.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I suspect that what has happened to you is part of the afterefects of the return of Serpent<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> and the new changes wrought in the Court as a result<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> the balance of power has shifted again - whether tis is some old power trying to reclaim a lost foothold, or some new one making its own bid for influence.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> hte connection seems clearer than ever.<br />
* Genevriel looks a little lost.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The connection with...?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> to the Court...?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Ah, of course.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> mm.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you know the names of other entities that were part of the Court? Or do you know someone who might?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm not certain it woudl be possible to produce and exhaustive list<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, no. But more than two might b helpful.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> The court was a neutral...place... for many entities from a multitude of planes<br />
* Genevriel nods, listening.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It's a little like asking for the name of everyone who may have ever been at the emperor's court<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> A general name for them woul be Empyreans<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't really need to know them all, it's true. I just don't know how else to find out what the One is.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm afraid I'm not the kind of person who can just accept. I need to understand.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> A poor choice for a deity, really.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Not necesarily<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It depends on what all they, or it, want from you<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't even really know that; I can only guess. <br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> That doesn't mean that ubnderstanding is within your grasp<br />
* Genevriel looks a little discouraged.<br />
* Sanadhil shrugs<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> No reason not to try. Gods and their ilk have a long habit of underestimating us.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well... learning Celestial seems like my best next step, then.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Yes, that seems reasonable.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Then I can at least make sense of what they're saying, possibly.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> My Pysran contact will - hopefully - be visiting the city soon as well, if you would like to speak with her.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ... The agathions have been part of the Court of Stars?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> yes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Then I should speak to her, yes. If nothing else, she can at least, perhaps, help me eliminate them as my mystery deities.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> If you want another avenue to investigate, there are also the Bralani...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What are those?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> they are another celestial being that may be linked to the court..<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> And possibly some Elves<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> the Austvagoy consider them to be Ancestor spirits.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I don't think they are what has contacted you<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> But, they do have relationships with the inhabitants of this plane<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right... how would you recommend I go about learning more about the Bralani, if only to eliminate them as possibilities?<br />
* Genevriel tries to be respectful of elven standoffishness since Tristan warned her about it. ^-^<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> They are chaotic creatures that can take the form of wind.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> My son, Xan, was tested by one of them as a sort of Rite of Passage when he wished to travel through land protected by the Austvagoy<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> He was taken to what they called the Homewood - where they claimed all Elves originated, but we now believe to have been as aspect of the First World.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> He could tell you more details of the encounter, but I don't think you will find anyone outside of the Austvagoy who could tell you more about their nature, and they are unlikely to be forthcoming<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Sanadhil says very dryly, meaning 'they would just kill you.'<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> First World?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I have heard that term recently in relation to the current fey invasion...<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maybe I should try talking to the next one that tries to kill me or my friends.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It is their home plane.<br />
* Genevriel 's voice is the dry one, this time.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Good luck with that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There was, apparently, a fey on my family's land. Probably a dryad, possibly a hamadryad. But they burned our orchards, so she might be dead. Or insane. <br />
* Genevriel sighs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> At any rate, she's in Psyra, and I'm here.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> She was kind to my little brother.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I never had the pleasure of meeting her or seeing her, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, thank you, M. Orecalo.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You've given me much food for thought.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> If you have questions about the fey, if may be worth asking those to Karala as well, she has more experienc with them<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Karala is your Psyrene friend?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Though no doubt Xan will have her consult on his research anyway.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you; how best should I go about arranging to meet her while she is here?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I can send you more information on that once i know when she will be arriving.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I should leave my new address with you, then.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
* Genevriel provides you with the Voclain residence info.<br />
* Sanadhil reads it, and sighs.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> You're acquianted with the Voclains?<br />
* Genevriel nods, hesitant... how do you know them? she wonders.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They're my aunt and uncle.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Interesting.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Why...?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Your cousin, Mlle Lucette Voclain, is a junior colleague of mine.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh, right; she's studying here.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> studying?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Working? I'm afraid I don't know her very well... We've only met a couple of times.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And the first time was when we were still children, years ago.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> She has some teaching duties, and a stipend to continue her research<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> her research may also be of some interest..<br />
* Sanadhil considers<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> she was researching arcane bloodlines in Psyra that trace back to interbreeding with the Djinn<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Djinn being, at a guess, also members of the Court of Stars?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> The Djinn are elemental creatures, however there were some Angels - who were direct servents of Serpent, at the court - who took refuge with them, and themselves became Djinn<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh?<br />
* Genevriel isn't quit sure how thise might tie in to the One, but is willing to entertain the thought.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It is a connection that might be worth pursing, in anycase.<br />
* Sanadhil shrugs<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'll consider it, thanks.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Your family were not Psyran, of course, but perhaps there was some connection to the boy you saved.<br />
* Genevriel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Oh... he's still alive, I found out. They told me at my interrogation.<br />
* Sanadhil nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Didn't you say you were very busy?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And didn't I say I would be short and to the point?<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> Mm, indeed.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> It has been an interesting distraction.<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> But I do have other matters to attend to, yes<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, thank you again. I have a lot of avenues of investigation to pursue now.<br />
* Sanadhil nods<br />
* Genevriel will bid you a good day and let you get back to your work!<br />
* Sanadhil makes sure you know he would liek to hear how any of those go >.><br />
* Genevriel assures you she will let you know what she can.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> . o o (No promises that I will tell you everything, though.)<br />
<br />
===Denise and Hettie discuss the dream adventure and going on a double date treasure hunt===<br />
* Denise has been relatively subdues for the last day or so, after she was supposed to go onher crazy adventure through some kind of tree dream or whatever that was about >.><br />
* Denise had Enver stay over the previous morning, though he was off before you got up, and Denise is drinking coffee by herself in the kitchen :3<br />
* Hettienne ambles in and pours herself a mug...<br />
<br />
<Denise> afternoon<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> So it is!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How was your night? :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> the night was alright :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> Slept better'n I thought I would, anyway<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You been kinda quiet past few days...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I was a bit worried you'd fell out with your boy, but I guess not<br />
<br />
<Denise> no!<br />
<br />
<Denise> He's been great<br />
<br />
<Denise> real great...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Glad to hear it...<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What's eatin' youy then?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I went with Mlle Aubrienne to do all that Fey suff<br />
<br />
<Denise> we did get her brother back<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uh-huh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' some fey queen who's prolly knocked up by 'im<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was all... well, like maybe I figured it would be, excitin' and neat an stuff<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uhhhh... O_o<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> but on the way there, but the tree in the guy's dream, there was....I don't even know<br />
<br />
<Denise> we never saw it<br />
<br />
<Denise> but<br />
<br />
<Denise> so<br />
<br />
<Denise> Princess Ilphere was there <br />
* Denise says in a haunted tone<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Princess? :o<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> she summoned this.... I dunno, this *nightmare* @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> LIke... a monster?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was all like.... kind a therre and kinda not, and it had like these.... ropey flech...things all hangin off it, for grabbin, prolly, and it was all.... like made of clear jelly full of... mouths<br />
<br />
<Denise> well they dind't look like mouths<br />
<br />
<Denise> but you could feel that's what they were<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uuuuuh... D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> and there were bits that were just.... wrong to look at<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> These are the people in charge of Aveyrone O_o<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm sorry you had to see that, hon :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> its just hard to put it outta my mind, is all<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well... maybe I got an idea what might help<br />
<br />
<Denise> but the rest.... the Fey world is real pretty<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> A little, anyhow<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nycki an' me wanna do a little undercity trip.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
* Denise is definitely listening<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We got a tip, sorta, about some old treasure what might or might not be there<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But it's kinda something she wanted to do since old times.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aaaaanyway... *she* said maybe you an' your boy might want in <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What with him knowin' the ways and such. >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> ...she said that, did she? >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I sweat I never mentioned it.<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (swear)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> She just... already knew<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, it figures :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> is this like, a real thing?<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's really a treasure?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We don't for sure now<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (know)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> but, we gotta look<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Supposed to be 'somethin' our people lost a long time ago'<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet Ander'd know about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I dunno...<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe he 'd heard of it too, I mean<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Could be...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I don't think Nyck'd be keen on bringin' him in, somehow<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well I don't know that he'd be keen on goin' lookin' or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, his gran I guess came out from the UNdercity, and she's still alive now<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, just, if there *was* a treasure, maybe he'd heard about it, that's all :3<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Could be... the fella Nyck heard it from was old as balls.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess anyone who'd know much about it would gotta be<br />
<br />
<Denise> but so<br />
<br />
<Denise> you think that would be a good idea, for the four of us to go do wsomethin like that, all together?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hehe, like a double date is what I said to her :v<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Why not?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You were worried 'bout her knowin' what Enver does, but she already knows, so what's the trouble?<br />
* Hettienne shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I guess it'd give us somethin' to talk about >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Like - it sounds real keen @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if there ain't a treasure, you know I like pokin' around down there :3<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Take your mind off that whatever it was.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know if I ask him he'll be all keen to go<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It'll be fun! :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just don't wanna get him in trouble >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> and I don't know if it would :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm sure he can make up his mind 'bout that<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I don't see a conflict, but ...<br />
* Hettienne shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> .... Okay :3<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Awright! No we're on the trolley!<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
* Hettienne seems pretty stoked.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Lemme know what he says.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh I can tell you already :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> (and I think we're probably good there?)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (yupyup)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (thanks :D)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (np :))<br />
<br />
===Zola and Denise plan a joint birthday party===<br />
* Zola is sitting at the bar after her set, drinking a cocktail and scratching at a little notepad<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey Mlle Zola :3<br />
* Zola looks up<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey kid, how's things? :)<br />
* Denise says, wandering up to the bar to fetch drinks for Ander and Ralf, who are Talking to People<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think they're pretty good :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> how are you?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just fine.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm just thinking of what to do for my birthday... I think I'm going to have a party here in the back.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I love parties, but planning them... not so much.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> when's your birthday?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Third month... sixteenth. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It's always awkward too, when half your coworkers are still on the clock :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o :o :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh gosh!<br />
<br />
<Zola> What? <br />
<br />
<Denise> That's *my* birthday :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Really? The sixteenth?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yes! :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then oh MY gosh too!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you usually do anything fun?<br />
<br />
<Denise> When I was home, mam would make me a dince dinner<br />
<br />
<Denise> when she could, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> (nice dinner)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, maybe we should have a double birthday party... after any family stuff... <br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, this place is too fance for me @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> What are you talking about, you're here almost as much as I am :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah but I'm workin :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then invite your boss :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> hah<br />
<br />
<Denise> you probably got enough folks to fill up the back anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you don't want to share a party, you still need to make sure you drop by!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Friends too, if you want. <br />
<br />
<Denise> I sounds like a fun time<br />
* Denise says, maybe a tad wistfully<br />
<br />
<Denise> At least I gotta come by an have one of them cherry bombs with you :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, you absolutely do.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you'll know some folk there anyway, from here if nothing else :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe i could bring Enver by, I bet he'd think that was real swell<br />
* Denise considers<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes!<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Mireva<br />
<br />
<Zola> And Hettie too, of course.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but Enver ain't never been here<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I'm sure any taxi driver can find it just fine :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, I just mean, he ain't even been before, like, I bet he'd think it was fun, is all :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> I haven't figured out what to do for entertainment /exactly/ but we've got some time :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I guess you prolly wanna sit and watch somethin for once :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> you could ask them folks from the Penumbra maybe?><br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I might sing anyhow... some fun things, maybe some naughty things from before I was a respectable lady :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? ^-^<br />
* Zola grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, my last gig wasn't quite so presentable :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Penumbra might not be a bad idea ... though Jed's mother seemed to take issue with Bright, and he's sure to be there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm... any ideas? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, like ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Kinds of music you'd like to see?<br />
<br />
<Denise> you shoudl get Mico to perfom ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... Hah! <br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I guess he ain't really your style though<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well my agent does know him ... <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, we've got the same agent.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ever met him? :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh, yeah, a few times...<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's from out my way.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's so swell!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd say birthdays are probably not his thing, but he did play a gig for Bright once... so I hear.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, he's a nob <br />
<br />
<Denise> they get that kinda thing<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, he does have more money than he knows what to do with :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, if he's lookin' for ideas, I got a fe ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah...<br />
* Zola looks pensive<br />
<br />
<Denise> what?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, nothing... just thinking. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You know my boy issue I was telling you about?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh huh<br />
* Zola sighs a little and reaches out to take a drink.<br />
<br />
<Denise> not goin' so well?<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I started to get worried that maybe he might have plans, like long term ones... and that I should sort that out... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, turns out he does. When he first came back he said he'd just like for us to get to know each other again, see if it's like before... well I guess it's always been like before for him -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> And maybe he doesn't have plans exactly, but he's got dreams... a nice house, picket fences and a vacation spot on the coast maybe... <br />
<br />
<Denise> gosh..<br />
* Denise tries to imagine having any of those things @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's a real romantic, but I don't know if I'm keen to settle down, or even able, y'know?<br />
<br />
<Zola> So I said I needed to a little time ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know whether I should invite him or not :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, just as a friend?<br />
* Denise considers<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah? I guess, maybe I should let him decide that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> would you still have as good a time if he were there as if he weren't?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think so? <br />
<br />
<Denise> an if he weren't therem, would you have as good a time then?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure... it seems wrong not to have him there... <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe it'd be good to show him what you thing of as bein' a real swell time?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like, you mean a threesome?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... that's not what you meant<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... that weren't what I was thinkin I guess @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, its your birthday?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just thought maybe you meant like... try to get him into spicier things >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> well... kinda?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I mean more like.... if you like.... spicy things<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah!<br />
<br />
<Denise> he oughtta get to see what all it means to you, for you to have a good time.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if he's got these dreams an all, to se what what you want fits or don't?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... yeah, that's a smart way to put it, kid. <br />
<br />
<Denise> (if what)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, it all sounds real compicated to me <br />
<br />
<Zola> My friend Valeen said I should spend less time worrying about how he's gonna feel, as he's an adult and all, but he's such a sweetie :/<br />
* Denise thinks about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, there's a difference between not worryin' an' not carin. Like, maybe you don't gotta make him feel good about everythin', but that don't mean you can just do stuff you know is gonna hurt him and not care?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> you don't gotta be mean?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, of course... it's just... complicated, like you said.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But no one ever said it wasn't going to be :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just don't get how you can deal with more one.... or more'n one at a time @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> (more one?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (more'n one for both)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (oh I see the distinction now)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, when they're both so busy it makes the first one a little easier...<br />
<br />
<Denise> (something something threesome HOW EVEN WHUT)<br />
<br />
<Zola> And the latter's really quite easy...<br />
* Zola grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> We've all got two sides... it's not like you have to stog 'em both in the same spot at the same time :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> Though I hear some folk are into that<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's like exercising, you've got to make sure you do your stretching first :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> That's all... like... advanced techniques @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got plenty to deal with with just the one @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, you better make sure you two get some practice in first :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> we're workin on that bit, anyway :3<br />
* Denise is looking a little red<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well maybe I'll get to meet him for our birthday :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> What's your favourite kind of cake?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh gosh, I don't know... maybe chocolate? :3<br />
* Zola jots that down<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll pen in Mico too, just for dreaming's sake :)<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh, sure, you go ahead<br />
<br />
<Denise> I gotta do somethi' nice for yoy too, though!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could make you a cake ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> we could trade ^_^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh dear, baking is not really my forté >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> well you ain't gotta<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might be smarter for us to just give each other the pleasure of our company :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's early still, so we've got time to iron those things out.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Speaking of iron... I've still got some cold iron shells for my new shotgun, for next time we go 'round the streets. :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I ain't ever thought about it this early before :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh great!<br />
<br />
<Zola> You punched that thing half into the ground before I had to use them <br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, it didn't seem to care too much 'bout Iron though<br />
<br />
<Denise> thats<br />
<br />
<Denise> why Argent was usin' his sword<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it seemed like maybe that was the case... maybe we'll find out from that Flower Queen what it was...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well, you can let me know I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> I told Aubrienne I'd love to meet her, but I'm not sure she's taking any visitors... I mean, ones that aren't necessary, you know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> is she even awake?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure yet, but surely the Princess'll find someone to sort her out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If she hasn't already, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...yeah >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess she was taken to the house of that investigator's parents... Xandhil Orecalo? <br />
<br />
<Zola> His father's a professor at the Castalia, and his mother is a librarian... or something. <br />
<br />
<Denise> Uh, I ain'gt got no clue who that is :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> The investigator? The guy who had the books Hugo and I read, and who gave the info to Aubrienne.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh right<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess they're all friends with the Princess... Tits too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> wait, they're friends with Princess Tits, or they an Tits are friends with Princess Ilphere...?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Both Princesses.<br />
<br />
<Denise> wouldn't they be related?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, by marriage?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or do you mean the Mr. Orecalo and Tits?<br />
* Zola looks confused<br />
<br />
<Denise> gosh, I don't even know anyore @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Princess Ilphere married the Emperor's brother.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, so she'd be Tits' aunt?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, but that doesn't mean they were both close to this Xandhil's family :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm all confused -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you need a drink :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> crap!<br />
* Denise glances over<br />
<br />
<Denise> I oughtta get back D:<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah, yeah, that's fair :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Say Hi to your boss-man for me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh, okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll talk to you later :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Seeya kid.<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_19&diff=11463Diablotin 3 session 192015-11-30T16:21:41Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: August 16, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date:<br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The winter cold snap continues as it moves into Second Month. The weather is dark and dreary and frosty much of the time. However, this is good for business, as people seem to want to enjoy bright lights and loud music to lift their spirits.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Huzzah!)<br />
<br />
===Lathra takes Gen to meet Tristan and Lurancy Rademacher===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, you wanted to take Gen to visit Tristan Rademacher - you can arrange this meeting at his home some day at your convenience.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Anything you two need to talk about before you get there?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (I think C may have wanted to do another scene today, but maybe that's better as a solo?)<br />
* Genevriel needs to ask Lathra about how to work things out if she moves in with her aunt and uncle, but this might not be the right time for that.<br />
* Genevriel would, however, like to know a little about this Tristan person and why we're going to see him, before she goes.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> yeah, this is not the best time for that - you guys don't need my help on that :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> but if you want to ask any questions about Tristan, or about what you can or should talk to him about, that sort of thing, this is a good time for that<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So... Mlle. Scales - aside from recognizing that he is from a House Wolf noble family, I don't really know anything about this M. Rademacher. Who is he, exactly, and why are we going to see him?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, Gen dear, Tristan is a fellow priest of Serpent, and it's largely in that capacity that I wanted to consult him. He's a dear friend and I'm hoping that he can either shed some light on your condition, or point us towards somebody who can.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> He helped me a lot when I was first investigating the tree-dreams with Aubrienne, as well.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Tree dreams?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh my, have I forgotten to tell you anything about that? I felt sure we'd discussed it in connection with your own problems and Seda Grove...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Various people having Seda-grove related dreams and visions, some to the detriment of their health.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Nasty business, all in all.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I wasn't at Seda Grove, Mlle. Scales. I spent the whole war in Psyra, not Korytsa.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, quite right. Where is my mind?<br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Plainly going in many directions at once. Mine often does that as well.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So... what have you discerned about these dreams and Seda Grove? And how might they link to my situation?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I know there was a fire there...<br />
* Genevriel shudders.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, I'm not sure if they *link* to your situation per se, but... they do seem similar to me. I've tried to remain as sceptical as I can be in both cases, but if we take them at face value they're both related to the return or existence of ancient powers affecting us now...<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's tenuous but worth a try.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Very well.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> The Seda grove dreams certainly seem linked to the supernatural attacks that we've experienced. It seems like these "fey" are trying to return to our plane, by means of growing a special gate-tree.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm summarizing and probably not accurate, but... that's how I understand it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, you've made this appointment so we'd better honour it. I should like to discuss this other avenue you've been pursuing with you in greater depth, though. <br />
<br />
<Lathra> Now, for your particular problem, I am mostly hoping that we can find someone who might know more about "The""... uh, it.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, let's not keep him waiting, while we stand on his doorstep!<br />
* Lathra knocks<br />
* Tristan welcomes you into his home, and his (noticably pregnant) wife will bring you some refreshments<br />
<br />
<Tristan> It's nice to meet you, Mlle. Doucette. I'm glad you and Lathra were able to come by.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you, M. Rademacher.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And thank you, Mme. Rademacher for the refreshments.<br />
<br />
<Lurancy> You're very welcome, of course!<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Do you mind if my wife stays for this conversation? She's also a priest, and aside from that, much wiser than I am :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think that would be acceptable but I do hope you will both keep everything in confidence.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Certainly.<br />
<br />
<Lurancy> Of course we will.<br />
* Tristan is happy to spend some time chatting politely about unimportant things to help set you at ease, also, but we don't need to go through all that ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Tristan has been very accomodating to requests of discretion in the past<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> So Genevriel would you feel comfortable outlining your situation, or would you prefer me to have a go?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I can do it.<br />
* Genevriel explains her story again.<br />
* Tristan and Lurancy listen to the tale<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, there you have it. <br />
* Genevriel concludes.<br />
* Genevriel will fill them in on who she has already approached for assistance in figuring out the mystery.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> May I ask a few questions?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, of course.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Do you hear the voices all the time, or does it come and go? Do certain things seem to bring them on more strongly?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They're there all the time, but sometimes they're easier to ignore than others.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> What helps you to ignore them?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Drinking, mostly. And being engaged in conversations with other people. Then I tend to focus on external stimuli, whereas when I'm on my own, the internal comes to the fore.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Do you have trouble sleeping, also?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes. Oh, yes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And nightmares. Both waking and asleep.<br />
* Tristan nods<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Well, one thing I'd like to suggest trying to start with is a spell that should help you rest.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> It can prevent nightmares and any external influences on your dreams<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So in theory it will help us determine whether this is actually an external influence or part of me.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I feel like I could probably teach it to Mlle. Scales, if she isn't already familiar with it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What is the spell?<br />
<br />
<Tristan> It's called 'pleasant dreams'. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Perhaps I could even learn it myself. Though perhaps one cannot cast it on oneself.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/3rd-party-spells/4-winds-fantasy-gaming---3rd-party-spells/pleasant-dreams<br />
<br />
<Tristan> If you want to try and learn it, of course I'd be happy to assist.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I would try, if I could use it on myself. But The One might have different plans for me.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Is that the one you've been using for my other friend, Tristan? It seems very useful in these particular times.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Yes, that's the same one<br />
<br />
<Tristan> It lasts for a full day, so it can be cast anytime, not just before sleep<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well Gen, I can certainly vouch for the results in my friend's case - I firmly believe that spell to be responsable for saving his life.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Should we tell them what your attempts to translate the voices have resulted in?<br />
* Genevriel asks Lathra.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> We could, if you think you might be able to help us identify this entity, Tristan?<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Well, I can certainly try, though I can't promise of course.<br />
* Genevriel lets Lathra recite the words.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, we have a lot of holes and garbled fragments, but there was a part that was rather clear...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I believe it went<br />
<br />
<Lathra> "You are the instrument; We are the song.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> You are the brush; We are the colours.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> You are the fuel; We are the fire<br />
<br />
<Lathra> You are the harvest; We are the seed."<br />
* Tristan and Lurancy glance at one another as they listen<br />
<br />
<Tristan> That's worrying.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (SM? Do they seem to recognize something about it? Or are they just as confused as we are?)<br />
* Tristan and Lurancy seem confused, yes, and also concerned<br />
* Genevriel tenses; one of her concerns has always been that it's an evil influence. :/<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> How so?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> It *is* more than a little ominous, isn't it?<br />
* Tristan nods<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I mean it's worrying in terms of what happens to fuel in a fire, or harvests when they're ripe.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I feel like, whatever this is, it isn't Serpent speaking with you.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Of course I can't be positive, but I've never known Serpent to be plural, if that makes sense.<br />
<br />
<Lurancy> Serpent is one entity, though vast and encompassing.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I suppose that I haven't really thought it was Serpent, either. I have an idea that it might be the one star at the centre of the Wheel, but it is just a feeling and might easily just be my poor mortal brain trying to categorize it into something I can make sense of.<br />
* Lurancy agrees<br />
<br />
<Tristan> If that's your feeling, it may not be wrong - even if you're trying to put it into some form that makes sense to you, it might not be based on nothing.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Maybe what speaks to you is the stars, in a sense.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just really want to know what it is... Whether I'm a threat to myself or anybody else.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> There was - maybe is - a place called the Court of Stars. Before the gods of the wheel arose, it was a sacred place.<br />
* Genevriel is getting a little upset but she isn't on the verge of breaking down. She's just desperate to understand.<br />
* Genevriel listens<br />
<br />
<Tristan> The beings who existed there were powerful, perhaps divine even... I don't know if, like you said, this is my human mind trying to put it into a way I can understand, but I think of it as being like our Great Council - a meeting place for important discussions. <br />
<br />
<Tristan> We recognize some of these beings today, and we can put names to them, and try and grasp what they are. Emkathon, Kavreshar - they were emissaries of Serpent, vastly powerful in their own rights. But there were others, perhaps many others.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> What happened to them, where they went when the changes happened, I don't know. But such powerful entities likely didn't just die or fade away.<br />
<br />
<Lurancy> Maybe they changed, like the angels did.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Maybe. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What was their purpose, do you know?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Emkathon and Kavreshar were servants of Serpent, were they not?<br />
<br />
<Tristan> That's correct<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Whom did the other courtiers serve?<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Other gods - ones we have forgotten, or never knew.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I suspect that the elves - maybe some Shadar-kai too - know more about the Court of Stars, simply by virtue of being so much older. But getting them to discuss it might be ... challenging. They put aside their gods long ago, after all.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> What beings the elves worshipped long ago ... maybe they're still there? <br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Would I know anybody from home who would be likely to know more about the court of stars?)<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I don't know, this is only me speculating what entities could have given you these powers.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> (from home meaning people still on the shadow plane, or people here, or either?)<br />
* Genevriel sort of laughs. "What could a god of elves want with a human like me?"<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, M. Orecalo might know something, I suppose. I could ask.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> I don't know. I don't know if that's what this is. Like you said, we're trying to understand things that are, at some level, fundamentally beyond our ability to grasp.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (shadow plane I was thinking, although there could be people in the SK community I guess?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (The big library at Llorfir on the Shadow Plane - a librarian there might know things, or know where to find them anyway?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (conveniently, one of M. Orecalo's sons works there, as did his partner Dozilva :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (oho!)<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Sanadhil Orecalo?<br />
* Tristan inquires<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I met him after a rough night on the Downs last fall.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> He could certainly be of help - or others of his family, as well.<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I've met him too - he helped us research the Fey, and Seda grove.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's worth a try.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> It certainly is! Thank you so much for all your help Tristan.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Anytime. And I'll help you with that spell, at the very least - maybe getting some better rest will help.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you.<br />
<br />
<Tristan> Of course.<br />
<br />
<Lurancy> If you ever want to return, just to talk, you're more than welcome.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right, I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.<br />
* Genevriel needs to sort out her feelings about the Church of Serpent before she starts hanging out with more of its priests than just Lathra as friends.<br />
* Genevriel doesn't quite trust them not to make her participate in a human sacrifice or orgy.<br />
<br />
''On their way home...''<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, that was more productive than I expected! Some rather wild theories to fit a rather wild case.<br />
* Genevriel nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, even if none of them pan out, we might be one step further along if we try that spell and it does silence my dreams.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Then we'll know it is an external influence.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That's something, right?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Absolutely! And quite aside from that, you might get a decent night's sleep, and a day free of nightmares.<br />
* Genevriel smiles wryly. "So you will get a decent night's sleep, too."<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I suppose the next thing will be to make an appointment with M. Orecalo at the university.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I think I will leave that for another day.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> At the university? Not at his little shop?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Shop?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> M. Orecalo is a lecturer at the Castalia...<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Is he now? I never knew, I've only met him for private contracting.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> To be quite honest, I can't picture him running a shop. I don't think he is exactly a people person, which would seem to be requisite to shop-keeping.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> He seemed rather charming to me, perfectly at ease.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We... must be referring to different M. Orecalos.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The one I know brandished his walking stick at me. Mind you, I had passed out in his yard.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Could there really be more than one? Still, I did think Tristan said "Xanadhil Orecalo"<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The names sounds similar but there is an extra syllable in the name of the gentleman I know. Sanadhil.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I really must start keeping a book of contacts.<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My M. Orecalo was going to look into things for me anyway; now I have two reasons to visit him again.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Fabulous!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Orecalos aside, I've been thinking about living arrangements, Mlle. Scales.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh? I imagine you must have, I'm sorry it's so cramped in my apartment...<br />
* Genevriel would have told you after her interrogation what happened - she's not being charged with anything, but her pension was discontinued.<br />
* Genevriel shakes her head.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, it's not that, Mlle. Scales - you've been more than kind.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But with my pension gone, I shan't be able to keep my boarding house room anymore. Now, don't panic; I'm not proposing that I become your roommate permanently.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well now I wasn't about to panic, but do go on!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I've been thinking of taking up my aunt and uncle's offer of staying with them, after all. Dorien thought it would be all right, in spite of my uncle's health difficulties.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> That seems reasonable, yes. Do they know about the difficulties you've been struggling with?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, I would have to lay out for them exactly what they might expect to deal with if I were to live with them. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So they could make an informed decision.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I realized while talking to M. Merrion the other day that I... well I think I want to see if living with them can help me regain some sense of belonging to a family.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't feel that way; haven't since mine died.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> That seems wisest, yes. If you're worried about it I'm sure you could be... selective with the details, but it'd be best if they knew how it could affect them, and how they can support you.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh that would be wonderful, for you to have a family!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> And of course if you're having a rough day you'd always be welcome to treat my home as a retreat.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you; Dorien said the same. <br />
* Genevriel smiles a little.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you think this will make it hard to keep on track with- with quitting the drinks, though?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> If your family are happy to work with us, I don't think it'll be a problem.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right... Do you think you ought to be present when I meet with them to see if they would mind my moving in with them?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'll need to introduce you anyway, but apart from that, you might be able to provide them with some insights about my... difficulties... that you may have.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I certainly can be if you'd like me to, dear!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It might be sensible.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well then count me in!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'll see when Tante Sylvise and Oncle Jerard might be free to meet, and let you know, then.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Excellent<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, I'd be interested to learn more about these tree dreams, and Seda Grove...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There was, apparently, a dryad? - perhaps a hamadryad - on our farm, but I never met her.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh yes, I'm sorry again for not telling you earlier!<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It's quite all right; I expect I've been too preoccupied to pay much attention, anyway.<br />
* Lathra tells as much as we have time for, minus unneccesary names.<br />
<br />
===Dorien takes Misery to inquire about an apprenticeship with Julienne Sormet===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Dorien, you arrange to meet Mme. Sormet for lunch at a little bistro in the Place D'Iena.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Perfect)<br />
* Misery tries to look respectable<br />
* Dorien will wear a reasonably nice suit. Likely the clothes his mother got him for the holidays >.><br />
* Julienne will arrive a few minutes late, looking apologetic and a bit rushed<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Sorry I'm late!<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Mme. Sormet! No problem at all! It's good to see you again. Is everything alright?<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Oh, yes, it's just difficult to get away from work when there are experiments in process.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> I'm sure you know how it is.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I can imagine. I recall last time I saw you, you were investigating a very unique compound. Did you ever make any progress on that?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (just looking something up)<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Some progress... the effects are very puzzling, though.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Quite random, as far as I can tell<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Interesting...<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Yes, the strange fluids are very risky. I certainly wouldn't advise them for casual consumption!<br />
* Dorien laughs, "No, definitely not."<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Where did you acquire that specimen, anyway?<br />
* Misery sort of clears her throat politely<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> ummm... right.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sorry<br />
<br />
<Misery> Hi.<br />
<br />
<Misery> I'm Misery Vshal. Nice to meet you.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Mme. Sormet, this is Misery. She's a... friend of mine.And kind of my apprentice<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Julienne Sormet, it's a pleasure to meet you as well.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> 'Kind of'? :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> It's... complicated.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> But she's shown a particular aptitude for alchemy. She's picking things up very quickly.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Oh?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yes, in fact... that was kind of part of why I asked to meet you.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Well - let's order some lunch, and discuss it further.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Of course<br />
* Dorien will flag down a waiter<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Once you've managed to order some food, and have drinks in front of you, you can resume your discussion<br />
<br />
<Julienne> So... you said it was part of why you asked to see me?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yes. I ummm... I really hate asking favors of you after all this time, but... I was hoping I could persuade you to take on Misery as an apprentice. Part-time, at least.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> or, if not, perhaps you know of someone who's in the market for one.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Oh...<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Well, at the moment I already have an apprentice, Blanca. She's still just at the start of her training, and it will be several years before I could think about taking on a new student.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> But perhaps I know someone...<br />
* Dorien nods solemly, but perks up at that last part.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh?<br />
* Julienne rifles through her bag, finding a piece of paper and a pencil eventually<br />
* Julienne scribbles down a few names<br />
<br />
<Julienne> There - I don't know if any of them would be interested, but at least you could ask.<br />
* Julienne has written down names and contact information for three people<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Emund Villaire is an excellent scholar - a bit temperamental, but brilliant.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thank you. I really appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Jois Cuvelle is quite reclusive, and I don't know if she'd be interested in an apprentice, but it's worth a shot.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> And Korisse Severin is highly sought-after... she probably has requests from people wanting to work with her all the time. But I'd be willing to put in a good word with her for you.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Korisse Severin?<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Yes, the film director, maybe you've heard of her?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I used to know a Korisse Valent when I worked at the plant. <br />
<br />
<Julienne> Oh, yes, that's her - her married name is Severin.<br />
* Dorien raises and eyebrow<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Well... I could put in a good word for Misery, at least.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> Interesting... That's a very definite lead. We used to get along pretty well. Although... I don't know how she'd feel about seeing me after I'd blown up part of her family's plant.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I... would appreciate that.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Misery really is talented, and I'd hate to see that talent go to waste.<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Maybe, so I'm not speaking out of friendship rather than actual knowledge, you'd be willing to join me this afternoon at my lab so I could see what you can do.<br />
* Julienne suggests to Misery.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Ah... sure. <br />
* Dorien will squeeze her hand reassuringly under the table.<br />
* Misery gives you a bit of a nervous smile<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Wonderful :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Bear in mind she's had me for a teacher 'til now ;)<br />
<br />
<Julienne> Well, I'm sure she can manage some basics, at least.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Definitely. I have every confidence in her. <br />
* Dorien will smile at Misery<br />
* Misery smiles back<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, after lunch Misery and Julienne can head off back to her lab, unless you had more to discuss?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Nothing specific. Just making small talk and catching up<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay, cool<br />
<br />
===Zola talks about Noren with Valeen===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Did you want to meet Valeen in private (at her place, or yours) or somewhere else?<br />
* Zola would likely want to meet someplace semi-private at least. If Valeen wants to convince her to go out, she would, as long as it's a place with nice private booths :P<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay - private booths at a bar it is, so that people can bring you drinks<br />
* Zola does admit that liquour might be appropriate<br />
* Valeen will already have a drink on the table for you when you get there<br />
* Zola is dressed simply, for her, in a plain black skirt and top, and relatively low heels.<br />
* Zola gives Valeen a kiss on the cheek before slumping down on her side of the booth<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey hun :/<br />
* Valeen gives you a concerned hug<br />
<br />
<Valeen> What's the trouble?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm an idiot :(<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Why, what did you do? :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, things were going pretty well with Noren but... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't really know what he wanted out of things... us... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Things were so nice, and sometimes I'd still see Bright or someone else... I just figured it wasn't anything to worry about.<br />
* Valeen nods<br />
<br />
<Valeen> so what went wrong? <br />
<br />
<Zola> We were just getting to know each other... I figured it wasn't the same as before, right? He's older, he's working so hard at his job, he has a moustache... maybe he's got his mind on his family duties too right? Maybe he just wanted to have fun...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it started to bug me, not knowing for sure... so I ask him, and he says he's serious...<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... like, white picket fence serious. That he's always felt like that and he's just been giving me space so as not to spook me.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> o_O<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I just don't know what to do... I don't know if I'm ready for that, or if it's even want I want now :(<br />
<br />
<Valeen> so.. why are you an idiot?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Because we've been seeing each other for months and I should have asked sooner, now he's hurt, and maybe he'll be hurt even more when I decide what I want ;_;<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Why's he hurt? You asked, he told you what he was thinking... did you tell him to shove off or something?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I told him I need time >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> And that I'd been seeing other guys >_><br />
<br />
<Valeen> Did he get all bent out of shape about that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not... like a pretzel?<br />
* Valeen nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> He didn't look too thrilled... <br />
<br />
<Zola> He's been picturing something different than I have.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> What were you picturing?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know? What we were doing?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I figured... there'd be some sort of *change* when it was time to take it to another stage, but it was all so... comfortable, like slipping into old comfortable clothes.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Sweetie... what do *you* want?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know ;_;<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Don't worry about whether it's going to hurt his feelings, or what he'll think. <br />
<br />
<Valeen> He's a big boy, he'll get over it, whatever it turns out to be.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just wish I'd been more careful. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't want him to be dragged along behind me while I figure out what I want.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> If you could have things however you wanted, how would it look?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know...<br />
* Zola tilts her glass and watches the liquid swirl around<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... want more, I guess... I'm not ready to just settle in.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe if it was a mad love I could surrender to it, but this is ... different.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> how so?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's... like I said, more familiar, comfortable... kindof like an old friend, but a lover too?<br />
* Valeen nods<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Do you love him?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I do... I just don't know if it's the kind of love he deserves anymore.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't want him to settle for someone who isn't going to settle down the way he wants. What's the good in that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> He says he doesn't want me to be a housewife or anything, but ... <br />
<br />
<Valeen> How about letting him handle his own feelings, and you worry about yours. Let him make up his own mind about whether he wants to stick around while you figure things out.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Or whether there are compromises he's willing to make so that he can be with you.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> If there aren't, or if he doesn't think he can wait, then so long.<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> And what if he's being a fool? What if his love is a mad love and I end up hurting him, or using him? ;_;<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Then that was a risk he took. You can't protect him from ever getting hurt, honey.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know... that's a part of it all...<br />
* Zola sighs, not really content with that, even though she might have said it matter of factly a week ago<br />
<br />
<Valeen> You worry about you.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> And if what you think want is to have more fun, then try that out and see how it goes?<br />
<br />
<Valeen> If you're at a party with boys all around you and you're still thinking 'I miss Noren' then maybe that's a sign...<br />
* Zola nods<br />
* Zola dabs at her eyes a bit with a napkin<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just feel guilty.<br />
* Valeen takes your hand<br />
<br />
<Valeen> It's okay... You need to do what's best for you, not what's best for someone else. You shouldn't squish yourself into a different shape just to make him happy.<br />
* Zola gives it a squeeze in return.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're right. <br />
* Zola finishes her drink<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just wish it was easier to think about him sad... like if he were a jerk or something :P<br />
<br />
<Valeen> He could be a perfectly wonderful fellow, and still not be the right fellow for you. There's nothing wrong with that.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> So your prescription is to take two parties and call you in the morning? :)<br />
<br />
<Valeen> At least two, and don't call me because I'm sleeping in after all those parties.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> At least wait until the afternoon :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's only decent :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hector likes to call early in the morning, ugh! <br />
<br />
<Valeen> Ugh... unacceptable.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Take some time, too. At least a month or two, or more if you need it.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Valeen> If he loves you, that's no time at all to wait.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was thinking of maybe writing him a letter, do you think that's alright?<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Depends on what it says, I suppose?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I was thinking maybe it would be easier to put things into words that way...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Instead of getting all worked up >_><br />
* Valeen nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or should I just... leave it be for a while?<br />
<br />
<Valeen> You could write it, and then decide whether you really want to send it.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Maybe getting the words on paper would be enough, and you can stuff it in a drawer instead.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What an awful thing to do to a poor letter from the heart<br />
* Zola pretend-sulks<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose I could put it in my altar...<br />
<br />
<Zola> That might work...<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Well, look at it this way. If you got back together with him later, you could show it to him in 50 years when you're old and grey together, and laugh ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's a nice thought.<br />
<br />
<Valeen> Putting it on your altar is a good thought.<br />
* Valeen orders us another round of drinks<br />
* Zola will steal another hug from Valeen in the meantime<br />
* Valeen has many hugs to share!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thanks. <br />
<br />
===Denise asks her mom about boys===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, you wanted to stop by and see your mother?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yes :3<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay- morning time?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Elcina is up when you arrive, and her caregiver is puttering around in the kitchen, cleaning up from breakfast and so forth<br />
* Denise is a little tired from being up all night, and probaly still in her work clothes<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mornin?<br />
<br />
<Elcina> good morning, sweetheart :)<br />
* Elcina seems in a good mood, alert and not in too much discomfort<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey mam :)<br />
* Denise will give her a big, but still careful, hug, then<br />
* Elcina hugs back gently<br />
<br />
<Elcina> how are you doing?<br />
<br />
<Denise> aww, I'm alright...<br />
<br />
<Denise> how 'bout you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> are things workin' out okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> with, uh..<br />
* Denise glances at the caretaker shose name Mikel probably told her but she forgets >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> your helper? >.><br />
<br />
<Elcina> yes, it's going well. Her name's Fay, she's a nice girl - she was a nurse in the war.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> you like her then?<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Oh yes, we get along well, and she's a big help.<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> is she from' 'round here?<br />
* Denise asks, meaning the shambles<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Elcina> She's one of us.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, a'right, I'm glad it's goin okay, then<br />
* Denise triiiiiiies not to think about the money stuff for now :(<br />
<br />
<Elcina> thank you for helping with all this<br />
<br />
<Denise> you're my mam - I gotta take care of you :3<br />
<br />
<Elcina> well, I just wanted you to know it isn't taken for granted<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know...<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Even your father said the other night that things were better here lately. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, good >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm glad he's bein'...alright... about it<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> are things goin' better wth him an' Mickey?<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Well... so-so, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I told 'im he shoudl look at movin' in with uncle Alain<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Oh, that might be a good idea... at least, I think your father couldn't really object, and Mikel would do him some good, so he isn't alone so much.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe that'll work out, anyway...<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
* Denise sighs and g;ances back over at Fay<br />
<br />
<Elcina> It's better than Mikel living who knows where. At least we'd know where he is and who he's with.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise fidgets with her hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> mam....<br />
<br />
<Elcina> yes, dear?<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> <.<<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...Can I ask you about....some....boy things? <br />
<br />
<Elcina> oh! of course :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just, things are goin' real nice with Enver...<br />
* Elcina nods, smiling<br />
<br />
<Denise> But don't wanna....end up gettin' into somethin' either of us ain't ready for.<br />
* Elcina nods more seriously, listening<br />
* Denise has thought a bit about how to say that part so it doesn't sound just liek "I don't wanna end up like you an' da"<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just... I dunno what to do an I don't knweo what I want an what I'm doin' :/<br />
<br />
<Elcina> oh, honey.<br />
* Elcina takes your hand<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'Cept I do know what I want<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just odn't know if I'm being smart about it :/<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Elcina> When I was around your age, I felt the same way. Only what my mother told me was... well, it was some advice that wasn't so good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> mm >.><br />
* Denise is not Surprised to hear that<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I love you, Denise, and I don't regret that we had you, not at all. I don't want you to think that's what I mean.<br />
* Denise nods, though she has somewhat confused issues on that matter too<br />
<br />
<Elcina> But if we'd waited a little longer, things might have gone easier for us, and for you kids too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was thinkin' bout that, and with Maisie too...<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Elcina> But... there's things you can do that won't wind up with a baby on the way.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's what everyone says >.><br />
<br />
<Elcina> Do you need more... details?<br />
<br />
<Denise> no >.><br />
<br />
<Elcina> okay.<br />
* Denise does not need Details form her mother D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> i talks to Mireva 'bout stuff... an just... I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just feel like, it don't matter what I say afore hand<br />
<br />
<Denise> but once things get, uh...<br />
* Denise is fidgeting desperately and not looking at her mother<br />
<br />
<Denise> going<br />
<br />
<Denise> like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> then maybe that ain't what I want<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> and I'll just do somethin' dumb 'cause I ain't thinkin'<br />
<br />
<Elcina> There's two of you there, he can do some thinkin' of his own too.<br />
* Elcina says bluntly<br />
<br />
<Elcina> It ain't all on you, or it shouldn't be, if he's a good man.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he is...<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> :(<br />
<br />
<Elcina> but the bigger thing, the one you need to sort out for you an' him, is this - if something *did* happen, by accident or whatever, would you two wanna stick together an' work on making it work?<br />
<br />
<Elcina> because - you don't gotta stick with him forever just 'cause there's a baby. you got your family to help you too.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> but it does make things easier if he helps.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ugh, why can't boys be the ones who have babies >:|<br />
* Elcina smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> that wouldn't be so bad<br />
<br />
<Elcina> maybe in our next lives we get to switch :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> if we get next lives :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> but then it woudln't be me an' him anyway :/<br />
* Elcina squeezes your hand<br />
<br />
<Elcina> The gods will take care of worryin' about that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know I gotta talk to him more<br />
<br />
<Denise> and I know there's stuff we can do, or like... potions an stuff<br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva said you can use 'em for like... days an days after but that do't sound right :p<br />
<br />
<Elcina> They work fine, as long as you take them soon after.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an how do you know if they're any good?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean, before >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause Maisie said she was bein' real careful with stuff :/<br />
<br />
<Elcina> :/<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I guess there's always somethin' that can go wrong.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> Nothing's perfect.<br />
<br />
<Denise> and plus then its just somethin' else I gotta buy :/<br />
<br />
<Elcina> If he doesn't want a baby, he can chip in for that, I'd say.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> It sounds like he's a nice young man and he'll want to figure it out with you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's real nice - an real smart<br />
* Elcina smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just like him a lot<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I'm glad<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I'd like to meet him sometime :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> you did meet him...<br />
<br />
<Elcina> oh, yes - at the festival party?<br />
* Denise nods, but tries to cover a different kind of sad<br />
* Elcina tries to remember<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess it was real busy, and we weren't here long<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I'm sorry, honey. You know I get a bit foggy too, after I've had my tea.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know <br />
<br />
<Elcina> I do remember him, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :(<br />
<br />
<Elcina> But it would be nice if we had the chance to talk when it was less busy.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> .. and for your father to get to know him, too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Da ain't gonna like him so I dunno 'bout that :p<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Elcina> He ain't gotta like him, he's just gotta know the man who's courting his daughter so he recognizes him if they met on the street. He can act polite for an hour if he has to.<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I'll have some words with him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well.... I'll ask 'im >.><br />
* Denise has faith Enver can avoid running into her dad on the street, at least >.><br />
* Elcina nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks mam<br />
* Denise gives her mother another hug<br />
* Elcina hugs back<br />
<br />
<Elcina> I'm happy you've found a fellow you like so much. I hope you'll work things out.<br />
<br />
===Argent goes on a date with Mireva===<br />
* Mireva wants to go out to a shadar-kai club :)<br />
* Argent is open to whatever to spend time with her.<br />
* Argent is not sure how to dress for something like that<br />
<br />
<Argent> So how do you dress for something like that?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> You can wear something nice, not too stuffy? Some of the people there will have a lot less on, but they won't kick you out for wearing pants.<br />
* Mireva says with a smile<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Whatever you feel comfortable in, really.<br />
<br />
<Argent> That's good, cause' it is cold out.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Yeah, you don't want to freeze your buns off.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> 'Cause they're cute :3<br />
* Argent will pick a nice dark navy shirt and black pants.<br />
* Mireva dresses in a sparkly short black dress with a fringe at the hem<br />
* Mireva will bring you to the Eclipse<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The club is not nearly as crowded and busy as it gets at Tits' some nights. It's more laid back, with people lounging in small groups and having conversation. There is music being performed, but it's quiet enough to talk over.<br />
* Argent will gaze over the crowd, trying to get a feel for the place<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You'd say about 80% of the people there are Shadar-kai, with a few humans in the mix<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hey, I don't stand out that much :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Oh I don't know about that ;) You look great.<br />
* Mireva will lead you to a low table where you can sit on cushions<br />
* Argent may have coloured at the comment, or it may be the cold.<br />
<br />
<Argent> different<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Ugh, I should have picked a longer skirt<br />
<br />
<Argent> but then you're legs would be hidden.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> heh<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but it would be easier to sit without giving the entire crowd a show ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> graceful flop?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I could help you down<br />
* Mireva will accept your offer :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I mean, there are times when giving the entire club a show is the point, but maybe not right now.<br />
* Argent will gently lower her down, alowing Mireva to keep her secrets<br />
* Argent will then slip down beside her<br />
* Mireva snuggles up next to you once you're settled<br />
<br />
<Mireva> there, that's nice :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> Is this a special event or are there different theme nights<br />
<br />
<Argent> ?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> There's different types of entertainment, but I don't know if it goes on a schedule or anything like that - maybe more whoever feels like performing any given time<br />
<br />
<Argent> and tonight?<br />
<br />
<Argent> do you know or will it be a surprise for both of us?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Sometimes there's poetry, or dancing, or music... sometimes things get a bit more spicy...<br />
<br />
<Argent> spicy?<br />
<br />
<Argent> they serve curry?<br />
* Mireva grins<br />
* Argent jokes<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Not like that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I mean like sex shows :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> wow<br />
<br />
<Mireva> But tonight they've got a pair of entertainers from the Shadow Plane - illusionists, shadow magic, that sort of thing<br />
* Mireva looks to see if you're disappointed or relieved ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> that sounds neat<br />
* Argent has a somewhat relieved vibe<br />
<br />
<Mireva> We could come back for another show sometime, if you're up for that. but I wasn't sure that would be your thing.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I know we've been taking things pretty slow, and...<br />
<br />
<Argent> It was a good call to pick this show.<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> I would have stayed, because of you, but I'm not sure how well... I'm just...<br />
<br />
<Argent> not that experienced in that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it's okay<br />
* Argent says a shyly<br />
* Mireva gives you a kiss on the cheek<br />
<br />
<Mireva> You're real cute when you blush.<br />
* Argent will sqeeze her<br />
<br />
<Argent> I am willing to learn, with the right teacher.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well, if you do wanna move things along, I'm happy to help :)<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but for now, we can enjoy the show<br />
<br />
<Argent> ok<br />
* Argent struggles to control the swirling urges.<br />
<br />
<Argent> maybe a drink as well<br />
<br />
<Mireva> sure. they have drinks that aren't Onyx here, you know, for humans and stuff :)<br />
* Argent nods<br />
* Mireva will order us some drinks<br />
<br />
<Argent> ah to be recieving drinks instead of bringing them... its a nice change<br />
* Mireva settles in with you to enjoy the performance, then<br />
<br />
<Mireva> heh<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Although the show is not actually a sex show, but is focused on the magic, the costumes of the two women performing are ... quite revealing, let's say. So it may amount to about the same thing for Argent ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (where do they keep thier component pouch?!"<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (lol)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I think you know where)<br />
* Argent will be a little googlie eyed<br />
* Mireva seems to enjoy you being a bit shocked/surprised ;)<br />
* Argent notes her amusement at his reactions<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Wanna stick around, or get out of here an' head home?<br />
* Mireva asks once they have finished their act<br />
<br />
<Argent> what happens here now?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Well, people might start getting a bit more frisky, now the main show's finished<br />
<br />
<Argent> are you feeling frisky?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I could be convinced... with the right guy ^-^<br />
* Argent has a heat in his eyes<br />
* Mireva kisses you again<br />
* Argent will kiss her back<br />
<br />
<Mireva> You're okay with this? With staying here?<br />
* Mireva asks, checking to see if you're sure<br />
<br />
<Argent> Just stay with me<br />
<br />
<Mireva> of course<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Any other girls come near you, I'll scratch their eyes out :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> Boys, you'll have to fight off on your own ;p<br />
* Mireva teases<br />
<br />
<Argent> I doubt it will come to that<br />
<br />
<Argent> but i'd fight to keep you<br />
* Mireva smiles<br />
* Argent will then continue to live the moment<br />
<br />
<Mireva> (awww :3 baby's first exhibitionism :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (lol)<br />
<br />
===Hettie finds out that Nycki is sentimental about Maze Olivier===<br />
* Nycki seems a bit down, you think, Hettie, this ... early morning, I guess it might be, when you finally have quiet time together<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey... what's eating you babe?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Ah... life, I guess. Or the other one.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Someone I don't even know that well is dyin', an' it feels like it's sort of... end of an era, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Aw... someone from... work?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Lord Grey. <br />
<br />
<Nycki> The old one. Not him who's there now.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh... :o<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I met him a couple times when I was just startin', and he was pretty ancient then.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess I didn't really think about him still bein' around.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah... he's gotta be 90-somethin'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Damn.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Even then, he was still pretty sharp, least when I met him.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess he's had a good run...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Oh, yeah. Like, it feels stupid to be sad over it.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Is the other guy, like... not as good?<br />
* Nycki smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Nah he's good. He's sharp too, an' maybe a sight nicer than the old fella ever was. Dunno if that's good for someone in his line of work, but it makes it easier to work for him.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How come it's always a fella, anyhow...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I dunno. Just how it's worked out, maybe. They pick each other, it ain't like there's an election or anythin'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> *You* oughtta take his job ;)<br />
* Nycki laughs<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Well, there's some gals who'd like the spot if it comes up. I dunno that there's any men quite as ready for the job.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Some might want it, but ain't no one wants to listen to some twenty year old kid ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I dunno that anyone'd wanna listen to me, either, though.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Why not?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Well, I guess I ain't taken a lot of team jobs. I work alone. Ain't so good with other folks. *Most* other folks.<br />
* Nycki amends, smiling at you<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know how that is..<br />
* Hettienne grins back.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Or if I got the brains for all the politics an' that stuff that goes into the job.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I wouldn't have the *patience* for politics.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> There's only so high you can pile the bullshit afore it falls on top of ya :p<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Nycki> You ain't gotta be born knowin' that stuff... none of 'em are nobles or the like. The old Lord Grey, the one who's dyin', he came up from the streets, they say. But maybe you gotta have the right mind for it.<br />
* Nycki shrugs<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Maybe so...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I wonder if it's a dumb idea to go an' say goodbye to him. If I could find him. If they'd even let me in. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> If you find him you'd think they oughtta.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Right? You'd think I earned it at that point.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Anyway, I don't think it's dumb, if it means somethin' to you...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I dunno what I could do, but I'd help if you want.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Okay. Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Let's sleep for a couple hours at least, though - until it gets light out.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> or well... go to bed, anyway. ain't gotta sleep :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hehe. :3<br />
* Hettienne will do her best to improve Nycki's mood<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tells her parents about Jean-Faust===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, you were going to go speak to your parents?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yes, that's the plan)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> They're happy to have you over to dinner anytime, of course<br />
* Aubrienne will take them up on it :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I guess it's more breakfast or lunch for her...)<br />
* Ethaine gives you a hug when you arrive<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> hello, darling :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hello, Mama.<br />
* Aubrienne will hug maybe a little more than usual<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> come on in, let's get you a drink<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> it's freezing out<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That it is, and I've been out in it a bit more than usual.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> A drink would be lovely.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> Hello!<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hello, Papa.<br />
* Albaric calls from the kitchen where he's no doubt in the midst of cooking some delicious meal<br />
* Aubrienne will wander in to give him a hug that doesn't interrupt his cooking.<br />
* Ethaine pours you a drink, and one for herself as well<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Smells great as always.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> Thank you :) Nothing too fancy, just pork chops with apples.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How've you been?<br />
<br />
<Albaric> Not too bad. Keeping warm, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> How about you, dear?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't doubt.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Uh, well...<br />
* Aubrienne looks unsure.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's kind of complicated.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> oh?<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> do you want to talk about it, or should we not pry?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, I need to talk to you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's something important, for all of us.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Though I don't want to ruin Papa's meal.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> well, all right.<br />
* Aubrienne tries for playful, failing for the most part.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> The meal's just about ready - good timing.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> And good food makes most things better, at least a little.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We, um, we should probably sit, then.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> You two go ahead to the table and I'll dish things up, then we can talk.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> All right.<br />
* Aubrienne will take her seat, as well as a big sip of her drink.<br />
* Albaric will do just that, and you can also have your drink at hand<br />
<br />
<Albaric> (heh, yes)<br />
* Albaric will then join you at the table<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a while.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I've just been waiting to get more information, and, well, I don't think I'm ever going to know all of it.<br />
* Albaric and Ethaine nod, listening<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's about Jean-Faust.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> He's...he's alive.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> ...<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> it can't be<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It has to do with some of what happened during the war, but, essentially, he got taken away and can't come home right now.<br />
* Aubrienne will reach for her mother's hand.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> what do you mean, taken away?<br />
* Ethaine takes it numbly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You've been reading about all the stuff with the fey in the papers?<br />
* Albaric nods<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> yes...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They were in Psyra, at Seda Grove. They took or lured Jean-Faust away.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> these... fey?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And some others, we believe.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yes.<br />
* Ethaine just listens, stunned<br />
<br />
<Albaric> why? <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure?<br />
<br />
<Albaric> why him?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> A little while ago Jean-Faust's old commander brought me his last letter, and he said they were calling to him.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> There's a lot about this we don't know.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> Who's 'we'?<br />
* Albaric asks slightly more warily<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, a few friends and I have been looking into some things with the recent fey activity, and, with what's happened at the club, we, uh, we ended up meeting with the Emperor and some of his advisers.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> O_O<br />
* Aubrienne looks a little abashed at not having shared this before, but tries to play it off<br />
<br />
<Albaric> and... they told you this?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Princess Ilphere took me and Lathra - you remember Lathra, from the club and temple? - into, ah, one of Lathra's patient's dreams, but it turned out to be more than a dream.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And Jean-Faust was there.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's complicated, but it comes down to Jean-Faust is alive, and I'm going to try to bring him home.<br />
* Ethaine bursts into tears<br />
* Albaric puts his arms around your mother, comforting her<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> I just... oh... if it was true and he was really alive all this time...<br />
* Ethaine manages to get out between sobs<br />
* Aubrienne will get up to also hug her mother.<br />
* Ethaine manages to calm down after more hugs<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> (at least, calm down to the level of quiet crying instead of sobbing)<br />
<br />
<Albaric> sweetheart... this is a lot of take in, but - what does it mean for you? what are you planning?<br />
* Albaric asks eventually<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (a lot to take in, that should be)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'm still figuring all that out, but it looks like it means I'm going to go to where he is and see why he is there and try to bring him back.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I spoke to him for just a moment, and he said they needed him there.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I don't know exactly who he was talking about, or what they need him for.<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> but what if... what if we lose you too?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That's why I wanted to talk to you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to be as careful as I can be...but I can't pretend there aren't risks.<br />
* Ethaine clutches your hand harder<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I won't be going by myself, Mama. I'll have other people to help me.<br />
* Ethaine nods shakily<br />
<br />
<Albaric> is there anything we can do to help?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Not that I know of?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Pray, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Ethaine> we'd be doing that anyway<br />
* Ethaine says quietly<br />
<br />
<Albaric> If you can do this... if you can bring your brother home... that would be incredible. But if you can't... just please, come back safely.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to do everything I can.<br />
<br />
<Albaric> Then... that's all we can ask.<br />
* Albaric moves to hug you<br />
* Aubrienne will tearfully hug back.<br />
* Ethaine hugs you as well<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (hugs for all!)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Awww)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> At some point, you can get back to your meal I assume, but they'll probably have other questions <br />
* Aubrienne will answer them to the best of her ability, but likely downplay any danger<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Denise asks Hettie about boys===<br />
* Denise will catch you some late morning/early afternoon, once you're awake<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Mornin'...<br />
* Hettienne shambles into the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Denise> theres' coffee - should be real strong by now<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Music to my ears...<br />
* Hettienne pours herself a mug and sits.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could make some eggs if you want?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I wouldn't say no.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ... You tryin' to butter me up? :v<br />
* Denise will hop up to the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Denise> Nooo......<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Not really<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Uh-huh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I did wanna ask about somethin', kinda<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, spill!<br />
<br />
<Denise> well i just wanted to see how you might feel 'bout havin' Enver stay over some nights<br />
<br />
<Denise> is all >.><br />
* Hettienne laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh is that all!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well I'd be some kinda hypocrite if I told you no :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I didn't figure you'd mind but it seemed polite >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Just like... you're bein' careful right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus maybe it's dumb an all but I ain't so keen on him an Nycki meetin' up-<br />
* Denise sighs when your comment catches up to her<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well we ain't really got to the 'be careful' stage I guess, not yet >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Got some talkin' to do<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Part o' 'careful' means thinkin' of it aforehand<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I been doin' lotsa thinkin.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You're a smart cookie, Den. <br />
<br />
<Denise> no I ain't :|<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh horsefeathers you ain't. :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> You never saw my report cards >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Book learnin' ain't everything/<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, well, still though<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver's real smart though<br />
<br />
<Denise> ike, he always knows whwere he's at an how to get places, anywhere in the city, top or bottom<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You're sure stuck on him, huh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess...<br />
<br />
<Denise> It sorta snuck up I guess?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That can happen, heh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like forst when he asked me out I was just all surprised an didn't really know what to think<br />
<br />
<Denise> (first)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well I don't mind him stayin', but I can't guarantee Nycki ain't gonna be around.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly ain't either of 'em real inclined to talk work :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> An' like... I ain't no card-reader, but he might *have* to meet her at some point >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well just, I dunno.<br />
* Hettienne is a little flustered, uncharacteristically.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Dependin' on how things... turn out?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> With her, an' with him, an' so as.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ahhh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm.<br />
<br />
<Denise> things are goin pretty well, for you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> you're happy an all?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You ain't said anything to yer Da' about her bein' around, have you...?<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah... we ain't had any real deep conversations yet.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> No one's gettin' married or nothin' yet. >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't only seen him that one time<br />
<br />
<Denise> married?<br />
<br />
<Denise> what you thinkin' like that? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> (what, you...)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey I said I weren't!! <br />
<br />
<Denise> you said you weren't *gettin'* maried not you ain't thiknin' 'bout it ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I try not to get too ahead of myself.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I hear ya @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ANyway, I don't wanna bring you down.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ain't!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Old people problems :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> i'm happy for you... 's long as you trust her >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I do... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (well, I try to)<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ugh though - Mam wants be to bring Enver by some time, for dinner or the like :p<br />
* Denise changes the subjest<br />
<br />
<Denise> She met him at the Festival, but there was a lot goin' on and she weren't real clear :/<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Denise> But she thinks he oughtta meet da :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, that's nice of 'er...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> As long as she can make 'im behave.<br />
<br />
<Denise> she says she'll 'have words' :p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> so maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet it won't be real fun though :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> ut I do want him to meet mam<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, just like... if you already expect the worst, you'll be prepared right?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :v<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> An' if it goes good, you'll be pleasantly surprised!<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ain't got no family fleft so It would be nice if at elast he could get on with mine, ya know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (left, least, bah)<br />
<br />
<Denise> some of 'em, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (are we done? its fine if we are)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (kay)<br />
<br />
===Hugo and Zola discuss the Eirini problem===<br />
* Hugonel will track you down at the cabaret one afternoon after rehearsal<br />
* Zola is... in her dressing room, her mood today has been markedly improved.<br />
* Hugonel knocks and then pokes his head in<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm? Oh, Hugo dear :)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Zola, darling, what do you think, the red or the green scarf tonight?<br />
* Hugonel holds up two for your selection.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Come in, I can't very well see your whole outfit with just your upper half in view.<br />
* Hugonel steps inside.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm. Red, but that might just be my personal preference ^_^<br />
<br />
<Zola> I had drinks with Valeen today ... it was a big help.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mostly she said the same thing as you did, but somewhat more convincingly :)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I was thinking red too ... but then, that color has been on my mind a lot lately.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I thought you'd pushed that from your mind.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, I said I had. But I'm a very good liar.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Especially to myself.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's hard not to be fickle in such a big, wide world ...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I've decided I'm going to try to track down Eirini.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well now.<br />
* Hugonel sits down, shuffling uncomfortably.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why her? If she's not the one you think you remember from before?<br />
<br />
<Zola> We could go to Klara and maybe just ask her if she killed Berthillion?<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You're not serious.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I expect it would be more polite to say he killed himself. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You know what I mean.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If it was a fair trade then... well... <br />
* Zola gestures<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, I don't even know what you mean. What fair trade?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It seems less likely to trigger some sort of awful response than stalking someone through the city.<br />
<br />
<Zola> His masterpiece... if he traded his life for insight.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I can somewhat understand what would make someone do that... though I intend to live a long and gorgeous life.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Right, but I'm not ... I'm not saying I don't care who killed him, but I care a lot more about what her, or their, or *whoever*, what their intentions are towards me, after so long.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And if I am being targeted for the same arrangement.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe Klara knows?<br />
<br />
<Zola> You said she reminded you in the same way, no?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well yes. I mean, you've met them both, though, and the physical resemblance is quite notable. Anything else could be just a projection.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It just seems ... even less safe, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> But maybe the others could help...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The others meaning who?<br />
<br />
<Zola> The others who've run into things... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... talked with a few of them >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> We sortof agreed we'd look into things.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What exactly does that mean? What things, and how?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm involved with this, I deserve to know.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, sure, but you made it pretty clear you didn't have any interest. <br />
<br />
<Zola> So now I'll tell you :)<br />
* Hugonel laughs bitterly.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Not that I'm not interested, just ... afraid, I suppose.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I sat and had a chat with Denise, the Mala tajna kid, and Argent, the waiter, and Aubrienne <br />
<br />
<Zola> And they just didn't feel comfortable leaving it to the Emperor, I guess? Worried the small picture might get ignored in favour of the large?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I can see that. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I told them about the party... without most of the names... and they told me about some attack outside Dorien and Argent's place. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> An attack? Was anyone hurt?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, but they got all patched up. Denise said there was a flying fiddler thing that made them all dance, and when they took out that crop, this crazy gnome thing came along with a bloody pick turned her into living ice.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess they're going to start doing neighbourhood patrols and stuff? I said I'd go sometimes in case those fiddler things show up again. >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Void and damnation. This is just bizarre. But I take your point about the small picture being ignored. That's exactly why I'm looking for Eirini. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Wherever she is, and whoever she is, she picked me, at least once, maybe twice, to be with her, and maybe I can reach out to her and find out why.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe we can let them know we need help with that?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's not like taking me out of the picture that night at the club really affected any plans. I wasn't about to stop an assassination.<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's a list or something... I'm not sure if anyone really wrote it down... maybe Argent.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well you did lead her on a tour, no?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did you show her the boiler room?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, why would I? An honoured guest hardly wants to be shown the innards of the place.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well she might have suggested she was curious and if you were enchanted you'd hardly quibble...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I suppose you might quibble a little...<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you'd cave eventually<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, I don't recall doing that. When she enchanted me, we were ... otherwise occupied, mostly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, we already have a half dozen impossible tasks to figure out, why not another, right? :)<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just think that Eirini has been lost a little bit in all this other discussion, don't you agree? Are they even really still looking for her? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I think you're right... especially since she's one of two we know who've actually BEEN here when something went awry >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And I think that ... whatever she wants from me, killing me isn't it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She might just have wanted a nice tour of the place, and happens to remind you of some other sinister red headed enchantress. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You don't believe that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It wouldn't really surprise me... have you seen her since?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless she's Klara we haven't seen anyone like her since she disappeared.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Folks were thinking that maybe we could convince Jonas to spill the beans about what's going on around here. Maybe he could shed light on Eirini too. He clearly knows a bit about her.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'd agree with that. At the very least, he seems to have conflicted loyalties. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I was also thinking I'd try to find out how she came to be booked here in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> One doesn't simply show up at the door and say "Can I be your guest star?", after all.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Someone must have recommended her or put her in touch.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, there might be something to that...<br />
<br />
<Zola> So the idea we had was to figure out if Tits is enchanted or not, and if she isn't, then maybe they do have a real connection and she can help us convince him to open up, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> And if not, well, we help Tits and maybe we ask Jonas the hard way.<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, that might work. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Do you really think she's enchanted?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know, but from the sounds of things she didn't know about him all that long ago, and suddenly she's vouching for him?<br />
<br />
<Zola> And if the stories about fossegrim are true...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, I get what you're saying. That's why I was reluctant to take what he said about Klara at face value.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd just rather be sure, right?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Right, right. These things are just such good liars and deceivers. It's hard to know what's true.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, I was thinking about how sad it was that his river's all buried under the city... I was wondering if there was something we could do to help.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like an underground gallery or something, for him to... I don't know, sit and watch it? Whatever they do?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess we'd have to ask.<br />
* Zola miiiight have gone off on a somewhat dreamy tangent there.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I can't imagine that anyone on the Inner Council is going to be too keen on granting a special architectural request from the fairies.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I wasn't thinking the whole river... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't even know how big it is >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, how about we wait and see if he's manipulating us all for his own self-interest before we go offering favours?<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's other madness afoot too... you know dreams they were talking about in the meeting with the Emperor? Well apparently Aubrienne went into one with Princess Ilphere and saw her brother in one of them. <br />
<br />
<Zola> So they're going to mount a rescue mission.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So they might be a little more focused on that than Eirini for a bit... <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I ... don't understand. Aubrienne dreamed of her brother and the dream was real? <br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I guess Princess Ilphere and her kids are big into... oneiromancy?<br />
<br />
<Zola> So they literally travelled into one of the dreams of the soldiers who're afflicted.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> She has always been a strange one, the Princess. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Inside there was something like an irminsul, but sick... and her brother popped out of it, or something?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmmm. <br />
<br />
<Zola> In any case, I said if they can't find anyone more qualified to go, I'd help too, but I don't imagine there's much use for me :P<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, Princess Ilphere would know enormously more about that than I would. She may be half-mad, but she is extraordinarily gifted and competent.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Half-mad? <br />
<br />
<Zola> ... maybe we should let Aubrienne know?<br />
* Hugonel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Just being around my uncle Loick for a long time, I think he thinks that her curiosity far outstrips her good sense in these sorts of things. I don't know her that well, personally. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess we could let her know... and then she can try to reign in any meandering the Princess wants to do while they're trying to save Aubrienne's brother.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, well, good luck with that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, anyway, if I should disappear suddenly, either Eirini has found me and killed me, or more likely, seduced me once again.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I'm sure we'll be able to find some possessions and hair in your dressing room to try to scry for you.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, certainly some spare scarves, at least.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How do you think we should go about checking out Tits?<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... for an enchantment.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Would a detect charm scroll be enough you think?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I would imagine so, yes.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, I considered learning that... but there's just so many options.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, it's not the most useful spell for daily use. How many people are charmed on the average day? I'm of course not counting people who are charmed by my stunning good looks.<br />
* Hugonel swishes his hair.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, if that were to register you'd surely be overwhelmed by the results.<br />
* Zola puts her hand to her forehead as if in distress... "So... bright... can't... think..."<br />
* Zola slumps at her vanity<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Alright, well, I guess I'll find a scroll unless you think your uncle has anything stashed away we could borrow? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> He might, but honestly, when he asks why we want it and we say, "Oh, to use on the Princess Imperial" that will shut us down pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well it seems like a legitimate use...<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd think her father would appreciate knowing if she's been mind-slaved to some river-imp<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well I'm sure he'd want to know, but he might not want everyone else to know!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well if he did, he'd probably fix it pretty quick.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And we're hardly everyone else.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Can your uncle just check?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Perhaps. But he's not likely to keep us in the loop if he does. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd think a thumbs-up would be reasonable.<br />
* Hugonel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's just a fair bit of money to waste on what could just be paranoia >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> He's not likely to do it if it's just our paranoia. Which is why we might have to find out on our own in order to get them to take any action.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I thought they had money dribbling out of their ears :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll visit one of the stores near the Castalia and pick one up.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
===Nycki and Hettie visit Maze Olivier on his deathbed===<br />
* Nycki has a few ideas of where to find the old Lord Grey<br />
<br />
<Nycki> You sure you don't mind trailin' around with me when you're supposed to be sleepin?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hell naw!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> a'right<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> This is more interestin' anyway...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Not like I need to be over-sharp to stitch buttons on.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> There's a place on Thorne Terrace, used to be one of the team's headquarters back in his day<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ain't used no more, 'cause it got too hot 'bout twenty, thirty years ago<br />
<br />
<Nycki> You gotta move around a lot, like.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> But it was his HQ, an' besides, after a while people forget about places like that, if they go quiet for a few years<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> If he ain't there, then maybe he's at the house of the fella in charge now. that'd be harder - dunno if I wanna go bustin' in there :p<br />
<br />
<Nycki> or could be he's somewhere else altogether, and I ain't got a clue<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well there's ways besides bustin'...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah I guess<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Let's try the place on THorne anyways, see what that gets us <br />
* Nycki nods<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (Thorne Terrace is in the Pav, it's a pretty nice neighbourhood but not really flashy. The house just looks like any of the others on the street, although the curtains are drawn and it's quiet even though it's mid-morning.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (any signs of plainclothes guards etc?)<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (you can make a Perception check)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 17 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 26 ].<br />
<br />
<Nycki> (There's a guy sitting in a car a little bit down the street who might be keeping an eye on things, and there's a maid who doesn't seem to be doing too good a job at sweeping the steps and porch of the house across the street)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (does it look like she's spotted them?)<br />
* Nycki nods in the direction of the car guy, but doesn't seem to have noticed the maid<br />
<br />
<Nycki> <q> I know that guy - sure there's somethin' goin' on here, if it isn't the old fella.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What about that 'n?<br />
* Hettienne indicates the maid.<br />
* Nycki glances in the direction you indicate<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Her, I dunno. But I don't know everyone.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Maybe they just hired a real shitty maid.<br />
* Nycki pays attention, though<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I could knock at the door, see if anyone answers. Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll be someone I know ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You know how these folk work better 'n' I would... but if they don't wanna let anyone in, then they're tipped off...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> they can't be worried someone's gonna bump off the old guy at this point<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> True that.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> but maybe they don't want him chattin' too much either<br />
<br />
<Nycki> or maybe they just wanna help him go peaceful. I dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I could have a look in the old way.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> There a way in?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> for a rat, sure ... there always is >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> A'ight...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I can wait here<br />
<br />
<Nycki> can you drop me off closer?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> just lemme go in your sleeve or whatever, an' take a stroll by the house on your way<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'course.<br />
* Nycki looks around<br />
<br />
<Nycki> There's a phone booth down the end of the street, I'll meet you there<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
* Nycki goes behind some bushes to 'change'... emerging as a small, sleek rat with auburn fur<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :3<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Man I wish I could ever get the hang of that<br />
* Hettienne scoops her up.<br />
* Nycki -rat twitches her nose at you<br />
* Hettienne goes for a little stroll then, and will let Nycki hop down out of her sleeve when she's ready...<br />
* Nycki darts to one of the drainpipes of the house and will make her way from there...<br />
* Nycki will meet back up with you maybe 30 minutes later (it takes longer to get places as a rat ;)<br />
* Hettienne is loitering by the phone booth<br />
* Nycki shifts back to her human form <br />
<br />
<Nycki> Got 'im :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He was there?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Swell!<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Did you talk to 'im?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Nah. he's up in one of the attic rooms, they got guards around, an' some folks goin' in an' out, bringin' food or drinks or that sorta thing, sittin' with him...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> It'd be pretty obvious if I popped out of a hole in the wall wantin' to chat. <br />
<br />
<Nycki> but I'm thinkin'... maybe I can just ask. ain't like I got some secret reason for wantin' to see him, just wanna pay respects, you know?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I guess...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> LIke we were sayin' they oughtta let you just for findin' the place.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> well, it's either that or wait til night an' hope it quiets down with folks, try an' sneak in then.<br />
* Nycki sighs, wavering uncertainly<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> They probably aren't gonna leave just 'cause it gets dark...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Go on...!<br />
<br />
<Nycki> okay... come with me though?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'Course! :)<br />
* Nycki puts on her resolve and will walk up to the door of the house, ignoring whoever might be watching <br />
* Hettienne saunters along<br />
* Nycki knocks<br />
* Hettienne glances around...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (what's car guy doing)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (or the maid)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Car guy is watching over his newspaper; the maid has gone inside.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> A young woman answers the door - Hettie, you recognize her from the club as Gabby (Tits' good friend, and the de facto choreographer/leader of the dance troupe)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (Well that's unexpected)<br />
* Hettienne tries to hide her surprise though.<br />
<br />
<Gabriela> ... Miss Hettie? :o<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Hey Gabby :v<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How's it shakin'?<br />
<br />
<Gabriela> Ah... fine, thanks. <br />
<br />
<Nycki> Could we come in, maybe? Mite cold for chattin' with the door open.<br />
* Gabriela considers for a moment, then nods.<br />
* Gabriela shuts the door behind you. The house inside is sparsely furnished, not like a place someone actually lives. <br />
<br />
<Gabriela> What's going on?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well...<br />
* Hettienne glances at Nycki.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We came to visit your man upstairs?<br />
* Gabriela nods. A couple of folks you take to be hired muscle emerge from the side rooms to look you over.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> We just wanna pay our respects. <br />
<br />
<Gabriela> Well, you aren't the first.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The hired goons will frisk you for weapons.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (I have my usual >.>)<br />
* Nycki also<br />
* Nycki seems okay with letting them relieve her of her weapon<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (I'm not gonna screw this up for her, so same)<br />
<br />
<Gabriela> I'll take you up. <br />
<br />
<Gabriela> Just...keep it down, okay? He's sleeping a lot of the time.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> sure<br />
* Gabriela will lead you up two flights of stairs to the attic. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There are indeed, as Nycki described, other people around - one who is probably a nurse, others who might be family/friends, just keeping watch.<br />
* Hettienne takes mental note of the faces...<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The old man lies in the bed. He looks frail, small, wrinkled skin almost translucent over his bones.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Ah... hello, sir.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (Wow that is the oldest bird I ever saw)<br />
* Maze opens his eyes, peering around to see who's talking<br />
<br />
<Maze> Who's that? Jess?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> No, sir, it's Annyck. We met... well, a while ago now. <br />
<br />
<Maze> Hm.<br />
<br />
<Maze> The rat girl :D<br />
<br />
<Nycki> That's me :)<br />
* Nycki seems amazed that he remembers<br />
* Maze nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :o<br />
<br />
<Maze> You grew up pretty ^-^<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Heh. Thanks, sir.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> How're you feelin'?<br />
<br />
<Maze> Tired. It's not so bad. <br />
<br />
<Maze> Never thought I'd die in... well, not my own bed, but it's someone's bed anyway.<br />
* Maze says, looking around a bit puzzled at what his life has brought him to<br />
* Hettienne feels soooo awkward<br />
* Hettienne concentrates on fading into the wallpaper >.><br />
<br />
<Maze> Who's your friend?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Ah... <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm Hettie. Murodea.<br />
* Hettienne blurts.<br />
* Maze files that away somewhere, cross-referencing it<br />
* Hettienne figures it don't matter much one way or another if he knows her name since he's about to be dead<br />
<br />
<Maze> Murodea... sounds familiar.<br />
<br />
<Maze> doesn't matter now I suppose<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> There's a lot of us about.<br />
* Maze nods feebly<br />
<br />
<Maze> Did you ever find that treasure you wanted, Annyck?<br />
* Nycki kind of laughs<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Ain't no treasure in the old city, sir. I figured that out by now. Anything worth havin's up here.<br />
<br />
<Maze> Ahh, don't be so sure about that.<br />
* Maze smiles toothlessly<br />
<br />
<Nycki> You got somethin' you're holdin' out on me, sir?<br />
* Maze wheezes laughter<br />
<br />
<Maze> Past the boneyard, along the red road, in a room locked with a feather ...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> what's there?<br />
* Nycki asks curiously<br />
<br />
<Maze> something your people lost<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> :o<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> you're havin' fun, aren't you, you old bastard :)<br />
<br />
<Maze> well what's the point in being this old if you can't irritate people<br />
<br />
<Nycki> you handin' out secrets an' mysteries to everyone who comes to visit, or just the ones you like?<br />
* Maze smiles<br />
<br />
<Maze> Just the ones who might stand a chance of figuring them out. <br />
<br />
<Maze> it isn't like I have a lot left to do<br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I... I won't let you down, then.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I mean, we won't.<br />
* Nycki says, looking at you.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> .. That's right sir.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> we oughta get on our way I guess<br />
<br />
<Nycki> you... rest easy, sir.<br />
* Maze nods<br />
<br />
<Maze> soon, I expect<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It was nice to meet you...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> . o O (what an awkward thing to say to someone who's about to die >.>)<br />
<br />
<Maze> you as well, Mlle. Murodea<br />
<br />
<Maze> Annyck, don't stop looking for your treasure. One of these days, you'll find it where you least expect.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> ... yes sir.<br />
* Nycki will be quiet as we're shown out again (they do give us back our guns at the door before we leave)<br />
* Hettienne is relieved<br />
<br />
<Nycki> can we head home?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Sure, hon...<br />
* Nycki holds your hand<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You okay?<br />
* Nycki nods, then shrugs<br />
<br />
<Nycki> I didn't think he'd even remember me.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You said he was pretty sharp...<br />
<br />
<Nycki> yeah<br />
<br />
<Nycki> but he's met so many people, and I ain't anyone special to him<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I dunno... you got talents that're memorable<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...plus you can turn into a rat :v<br />
<br />
<Nycki> heh<br />
<br />
<Nycki> honey, he don't know about half my memorable talents :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Heh heh.<br />
<br />
<Nycki> thanks for comin' with me<br />
<br />
<Nycki> it's prolly weird for you... I mean, it was weird for me, an' I knew him.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I'm happy t'do it<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> It sounded like you met him afore the Hush though...?<br />
<br />
<Nycki> Yeah... long time ago. I'll tell you 'bout it later, okay?<br />
<br />
===Denise and Enver talk about having sex===<br />
<Enver> (at his place or yours?_<br />
<br />
<Denise> (his I think? I am not sure how we tend to coordinate dates but i expect there is a lot of random just stopping by on her part, and plan making from there?)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I don't know if he'd stop by hers quite as much?)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (well, if Hettie says it's okay... ;)<br />
* Enver is happy to see you either way<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I don't think she cares if he stops by no, but we haven't talked about him staying over for real yet)<br />
<br />
<Enver> ('kk)<br />
* Denise will come by some days later, having had time to talk to various girl types and do some of her own thinking<br />
* Enver gives you a hug when you arrive<br />
<br />
<Enver> hey :)<br />
* Denise hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey<br />
<br />
<Denise> I weren't sure you'd be up...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I brought some cookies<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, thanks!<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's tea made if you want some to go with the cookies :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, great :D<br />
* Enver will pour some for you, then<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was kinda hopin' we could maybe talk 'bout some things, too...<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure, what's up?<br />
* Denise has a little package of homemade iced lemon cookies - don't worry Aunt hettie, there are some at home as well :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I been doin' a lot of thinkin'<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> bout.. you know.... >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> sex stuff<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh. yeah. ah, me too.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, yeah<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' about you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean..<br />
<br />
<Denise> thinkin' about what I want, and stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> and what you want<br />
<br />
<Denise> an stuff...<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that what you mean?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' about what you said, about not wantin' a baby yet, an' what to do about that...<br />
* Denise has also just been thinking about sex a LOT and felt it was imporant to clarify >.><br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I feel like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> it's all stuff we gotta sort out together, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> more... takin' care of each other stuff.<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> an', it ain't all on you, you know? like, it's both of us together.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> so I got some stuff.<br />
<br />
<Denise> stuff?<br />
<br />
<Enver> ah, it don't mean we gotta use it.... but I wanted you to know that, like, in case, I was thinkin' ahead.<br />
<br />
<Enver> some potions.<br />
* Enver says, a bit shyly<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh...<br />
* Denise realizes she has no idea how long they are good for<br />
<br />
<Enver> is that okay? was that sorta what you were talkin' about?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's part of it, yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay... what else were you thinkin' about?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I feel like it ain't somethin I can trust myself about a whole lot<br />
<br />
<Denise> but... you're right that it just ain't on me<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got some advice from folks...<br />
<br />
<Enver> me too, some<br />
<br />
<Denise> mostly they all just say, you know, there's other things you can do an all...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but there was some good other bots in there too<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like remindin' me it ain' all on me, that I oughtta talk to you more<br />
<br />
<Denise> that bein' careful is more'n just about takin' precautions<br />
<br />
<Denise> That like.... knowin' what would happen if somethin went how maybe we weren't hopin for...<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's part of it too<br />
* Enver nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sorta thing<br />
<br />
<Enver> If somethin' did happen like that, I wouldn't up an' leave you to it, Denise. I... like, that's what my father did, an' I don't wanna do that to some kid, if it came to that.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> I wouldn't wanna do that to *you*<br />
* Denise smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Enver> I know you're tough an' prolly you'd be okay without me, but you shouldn't haveta.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't gonna ask you to make no promises<br />
<br />
<Denise> I seen it happen, how things can change a person's feelings<br />
<br />
<Denise> but right now it makes me feel better to hear that<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I believe you<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
* Enver takes your hand in his<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> was there more stuff you wanted to talk over?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that were the big part I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> but with... tryin' other stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> or bein' careful<br />
<br />
<Denise> the more regular kind<br />
<br />
<Denise> can you help me if I'm bein' dumb about things?<br />
<br />
<Enver> ahh... how do you mean?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like... remindin' me to take a potion say<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Enver> I can do that.<br />
<br />
<Denise> or if we talk about tryin somethin, an I start gettin too carried away<br />
<br />
<Enver> but you ain't dumb, Denise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I ain't clever<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bee around lots of clever folk, an I know I'm not that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't mind so much<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm good at other things<br />
<br />
<Enver> you want me to make sure things go like... what we talked about?<br />
<br />
<Enver> like if we said one thing beforehand, not to go an' try other stuff?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> or like.... at least mayeb try an talk about it first?<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause like<br />
<br />
<Enver> I can try<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just don't wanna like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> get all upset later?<br />
<br />
<Denise> do during, whatever >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> I don't want that either<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't wanna get mad at myself, or mad at you<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...is there stuff you wanted to talk about?<br />
<br />
<Enver> but like... if it's somethin' you're sayin' you want while we're in the middle of things, I should wait an' try an' cool things off to talk about it first?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I feel like it ain't fair to put it on you like that, i dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, I can try to do that. I just mean, I ... I wanna know that when you say yes, you really mean yes, if that makes sense? So I don't mind stoppin' to check for sure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think it does?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, yes really it is what I want, not just what I want right then?<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise smiles, squeezing his hand<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' I guess I wanted to know, too, about ... the other things we could try. like, ah... I got some ideas there, an' if you think they sound good, that sorta thing.<br />
* Denise smiles again<br />
<br />
<Denise> I pretty much always like your ideas :3<br />
* Enver smiles, blushing<br />
<br />
<Enver> I really liked the stuff we did the other day<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah me too @_@<br />
<br />
<Enver> so, like, more stuff like that maybe?<br />
* Denise nods eagerly<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> i feel like... just... knowin how we work a little better.... that'll be good >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> that's what, ah, someone said to me, yeah. <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> ..who?<br />
* Denise curiouses<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, I talked to Leiv about ... this stuff, some.<br />
<br />
<Enver> 'cause I figure, he's got a girl, he's gotta know some stuff :p<br />
* Denise nods, as that sounds reasonable<br />
<br />
<Denise> they got a kid too, right?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> turns out he knows a lot of stuff<br />
<br />
<Enver> @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> but anyway, yeah, like... one thing he said was, it'll be better if we try other stuff first, an' figure out how things work for us<br />
<br />
<Enver> then when we get to the real thing, it'll go easier, an' we won't be all... like, flailing around, heh<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> or maybe just a little<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe it'll be easier, thinkin of it liek that<br />
<br />
<Denise> like trainin' >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> more fun than most trainin' I ever did<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> just most? :V<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> what you been trainin' for?<br />
<br />
<Enver> mostly killin' stuff in the sewers... findin' my way around, all that. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I still can't imagine rememberin' all that stuff @_@<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, I promise this is more fun than that :)<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Enver leans over to give you a kiss<br />
* Denise kisses back<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like.... maybe for now lets just so sit somewhere together and have some tea and feed each other cookies?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'd like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Denise smiles, and then will go and do that with you :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> :3<br />
<br />
===Argent asks Margaux about supernatural stuff===<br />
<Argent> (I could have sent Margaux a note... we can meet at the temple or at my appartment if that is more discrete)<br />
<br />
<Margaux> (sure, that works. your apartment is fine, I assume you'll pick a time when Dorien is otherwise occupied :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yep)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (he goes off with his girl enough)<br />
* Margaux will arrive at your door, then<br />
* Argent will let her in<br />
<br />
<Argent> Thanks for coming, its not much but it home.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Tea? Coffee?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I'd like some coffee, thanks<br />
* Margaux peers around your apartment curiously<br />
<br />
<Argent> my roomate Dorien is out...<br />
* Argent busies himself in the small kitchen<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... my room is on the right... his the left<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
* Argent comes back out<br />
<br />
<Margaux> it's nice!<br />
<br />
<Argent> I wish it was warmer... but...<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... likely not an issue for you<br />
<br />
<Argent> it will be a minute for the coffee.<br />
* Margaux smiles<br />
<br />
<Margaux> soooo, what did you want to talk about?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Care to sit? Place wasnt too far?<br />
<br />
<Argent> And that...<br />
<br />
<Argent> Ok let me start<br />
* Margaux will have a seat<br />
<br />
<Argent> I did ask a few questions about myself and if anyone in the church was keeping an eye on me... the answer is yes, but no reason was given<br />
<br />
<Argent> just a vague "if anything strange comes up" comment<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> Havent had much time to follow up though... all the strange fae stuff has been happening and I've been distracted<br />
<br />
<Margaux> well, I guess that's understandable <br />
<br />
<Margaux> it's all quite strange<br />
<br />
<Argent> tangled with a few of them, just outside on the street<br />
<br />
<Margaux> you did? <br />
<br />
<Margaux> I'm guessing you won.<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah, me, my friend Denise, I think you bumped into her, Dorien, my roomate, and his cousin Gen and girlfriend Misery<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah we won<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Good!<br />
<br />
<Argent> thats part of why I wanted to talk to you<br />
<br />
<Argent> but before I get to that... have you ever heard the word "aasimar" before?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> yes...<br />
<br />
<Argent> I overheard something... a demon likely, refer to me as an aasimar. It was having drinks at the club I worked... its aura of evil was astounding.<br />
* Margaux 's eyes widen<br />
<br />
<Margaux> it's a word I learned when I was in communion with the Arch<br />
<br />
<Argent> whats it's exact meaning?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> As far as I know, it means a person who has some celestial blood in them<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> thats what I thought<br />
<br />
<Margaux> what was the demon you saw?<br />
<br />
<Argent> it looked like a man, at least as far as I could tell.<br />
<br />
<Argent> its aura was so strong it overwhelmed me when I tried to gauge it.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> D:<br />
<br />
<Margaux> that sounds terrible<br />
<br />
<Argent> More than I could deal with so, played cautious, tried to learn what I could, and passed the information along to people more capable of dealing with it, once it left the club.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> it's good you were cautious - especially if it knew what you were<br />
<br />
<Argent> I agree<br />
<br />
<Argent> I wish I had been strong enough to do something about it, though<br />
<br />
<Margaux> :/<br />
<br />
<Margaux> could you track it down again, do you think? maybe with others, or with more preparation?<br />
<br />
<Argent> assuming its where I think it is, yes.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
* Argent will stand<br />
<br />
<Margaux> if you do... I'd like to join you<br />
<br />
<Argent> That would be great<br />
<br />
<Argent> if it happens<br />
<br />
<Argent> Coffee... anything exciting happen to you?<br />
* Argent slips back into the kitchen<br />
<br />
<Argent> cream? sugar?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> just black is fine, thank you<br />
* Argent returns with two steaming mugs, both black<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Silvia... do you know her? Silvia Rionet...<br />
<br />
<Argent> Rat noble... a channel maybe?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I've heard the name before<br />
* Argent pauses<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah, she's actually one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Yes, she's a channel, and her brother is the Lord Chancellor... her husband is Sirris, if you've heard of him?<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> anyway, she came to talk to me to ask about any odd dreams or things like that lately. especially things about trees.<br />
<br />
<Argent> yeah the trees acting like a portal, similar to the arch<br />
<br />
<Margaux> that's what she said!<br />
<br />
<Margaux> did she talk to you too?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Denise and her brother did, prodded some of the investigation into the trees, which I've seen and heard personally. Denise filled me in on what she found out.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> I should have realized that Silvia may think to talk to you, just as I did<br />
<br />
<Argent> were you able to help her? Do you have any insight?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I think she's talking to all of us...<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I mean, all of us who were part of the Arch.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> not people like you and me<br />
* Argent nods listening<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I think she thinks the tree...whatever it is... is some kind of fey version of the Arch. or something similar, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> A gate <br />
<br />
<Margaux> And that when it finishes growing, it'll .. open, somehow.<br />
<br />
<Argent> there is a fungus on the trees that has an evil aura... a gate opening from them may not be a good thing.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> like it's corrupted somehow<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I don't know if it's just a coincidence that it would grow in the Shade, either<br />
<br />
<Margaux> maybe it is, but... maybe not<br />
* Margaux sips her coffee<br />
<br />
<Argent> The current theory is that the tree in Seda Grove was a gate and it was destroyed, so the "Hamidryad" or something along those lines is angry or crazy.<br />
<br />
<Argent> and looking for a reckoning<br />
<br />
<Margaux> That could be part of it.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> but I feel like the roots go deeper... <br />
* Margaux smiles at her own joke<br />
<br />
<Argent> as for the Shade, the Shadar-ki to have fey origins, so maybe thier presence drew it there first<br />
* Argent scratches his head<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm not a figure this stuff out kinda guy<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I don't know... it's just a feeling I have<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll see if I can dig into it a little more... I trust you feelings<br />
<br />
<Margaux> but if it's just that the other tree was destroyed and they want some kind of revenge, why have a new tree grow here?<br />
<br />
<Argent> maybe its an old tree coming back, not a new tree?<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
<br />
<Margaux> maybe<br />
<br />
<Argent> I really haven't studied my ancient history to know<br />
<br />
<Margaux> When the Arch is destroyed, usually it moves to a different place.<br />
<br />
<Argent> the arch has been destroyed before?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> So I suppose if this is similar, it would make sense that it would regrow elsewhere. To actually destroy it takes something more serious than fire.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
* Argent is surprised<br />
<br />
<Margaux> A long time ago...<br />
<br />
<Margaux> There was a place called Am. It was the original home of ... well, I guess our people, for whatever value of 'our'...<br />
<br />
<Margaux> It was destroyed - completely. <br />
* Margaux makes a sort of 'boom' motion with her hands<br />
* Argent nods his understanding and sips his coffee<br />
<br />
<Margaux> They had an Arch, although they didn't call it that... it looked different for them.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> it can look different in different places<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I guess it could even look like a tree if it wanted.<br />
* Margaux considers that for a moment before going on<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Anyway... it reappeared here. <br />
<br />
<Margaux> And that's why humans - well, some humans - came here, to look for it. <br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> So the tree could be something similar<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Maybe<br />
<br />
<Margaux> But if this tree was destroyed a while ago - at least a year, or more, right? - I wonder why it wouldn't appear again right away?<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh... I think I know why... it was shattered.<br />
<br />
<Argent> there are pieces spread out... in peoples heads<br />
<br />
<Margaux> ... oh<br />
<br />
<Margaux> that doesn't sound good <br />
<br />
<Margaux> I can't imagine that it's very good for those people, at any rate<br />
<br />
<Argent> that was why I wanted to talk to you about the trees and gates or arches... I've volunteered to go on a rescue mission<br />
<br />
<Margaux> maybe one of them died, and this tree grew out of their head... :o<br />
<br />
<Argent> into a dream where a friends brother is trapped.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> ... rescue mission?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> oh!<br />
<br />
<Margaux> Dreams are very tricky.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> you'll need to be careful.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> they're unstable<br />
<br />
<Argent> and we did find a dead Shadar-Kai where the trees were, in a mushroom farm under the grove in the Shade.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> huh<br />
* Margaux has a 'what, I was right?' sort of look<br />
<br />
<Argent> we thought he was just a farmer, killed by mushroom people.<br />
<br />
<Argent> more fae<br />
<br />
<Argent> but I don't think we figured out which came first<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> right now I would leave that as an unconfirmed possibility<br />
<br />
<Argent> no real proof<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> so back to dreams... unstable, be careful.<br />
<br />
<Argent> if we move through one of these shards of gates to where it leads, then what?<br />
<br />
<Argent> should the door go both ways?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> If it's really like the Arch... yes.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> You should be able to get back through it. As long as the person who's dreaming is asleep, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think people figure it leads to the Fae home realm or refuge realm.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> so thats good, gate swings both ways<br />
<br />
<Argent> keep the fellow dreaming<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> if we wanted to close it, how would you do it?<br />
<br />
<Argent> the gate I mean<br />
<br />
<Margaux> hmm<br />
<br />
<Margaux> well, if it's a tree, fire? but I'm not sure what effect that would have on the poor fellow whose head you're in.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> the thing about dreams, though, is that they're malleable<br />
<br />
<Argent> malleable? how do you bend them? Force of will? <br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> like disbelieving an illusion?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> someone very strong, anyway, could maybe try to ... shape it<br />
<br />
<Margaux> like if it's a big tree, maybe they could shape it into a little seedling that you could uproot. I don't know, though.<br />
<br />
<Argent> its a better suggestion than burning someone's dream to who knows what impact on them.<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> this is a big help. Thank you. It's giving me plenty of foreknowledge as to what to expect.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> If the world on the other side *is* the fey world, there's no Arch there. or at least, there wasn't when I was connected.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so no back door<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> right... unless someone has powerful magic, you probably need to get out the same way you went in<br />
<br />
<Argent> well were supposed to have the princess imperial... I think thats her title, Ilphere with us... shes a powerful sorceror ive been told.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> oh, well, that's good then<br />
<br />
<Argent> she's the one bringing us into the dream<br />
* Margaux nods<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I hope that'll help, then.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so do I<br />
<br />
<Argent> Should I worry that my celestial nature may be... I don't know... visible in another plane or in a dream? If it is I may have to do some quick explaining.<br />
<br />
<Margaux> oh... I don't know. I don't *think* so?<br />
<br />
<Argent> good, makes it easier<br />
<br />
<Margaux> But it might be that, if you encounter other beings there, they might recognize you... like the demon did, for instance.<br />
<br />
<Argent> deal with that if or when it comes up<br />
<br />
<Argent> thanks for the warning though<br />
<br />
<Margaux> I probably don't need to tell you to be careful<br />
<br />
<Argent> you already did, but I appreciate you saying it again.<br />
* Margaux smiles<br />
<br />
<Margaux> is there anything else I can help with?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll let you know how it went when we get back.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Not that I can think of... anything I can do for you?<br />
<br />
<Margaux> well, I'm curious now to hear what you find... so when you get back, come and talk to me?<br />
<br />
<Argent> definitely<br />
* Argent grins<br />
* Margaux smiles back<br />
<br />
<Margaux> thanks for the coffee<br />
<br />
<Argent> any time<br />
<br />
<Argent> although its not exactly the best coffee<br />
<br />
<Margaux> no, it's good :)<br />
* Margaux will definitely finish it up before she goes<br />
* Argent will chat with her and see her out, or offer her another cup if she wants<br />
* Argent will gladly listen to stories about her experiences with the arch<br />
<br />
<Argent> (and anything else she has going on)<br />
<br />
<Margaux> (cool)<br />
* Margaux no doubt does have some weird/cool stories, not directly relevant to this mission but interesting nevertheless :)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (neat)<br />
<br />
===Zola asks Titania about hosting Geffard and Osmyn's wedding at the Cabaret===<br />
* Titania can be located in her office<br />
* Zola peeks in some time before her set and gives a rap at the door frame.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yoohooooo<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh, hi Zola<br />
<br />
<Titania> how's things?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just fine, you? <br />
<br />
<Titania> Peachy, thanks<br />
* Zola steps and plops herself down in in one of the chairs across from her desk, nursing a glass of something<br />
<br />
<Zola> I have a couple things I wanted to chat about.<br />
<br />
<Titania> sure<br />
<br />
<Zola> First up, we've got a request to use the club during the day sometime.<br />
* Zola grins<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, for a wedding :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> ./~ Someone at the club's found true love ./~<br />
<br />
<Titania> Are you tying the knot? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Dear no, white's just not my colour :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> But anyway, it's Geff!<br />
<br />
<Titania> Really!<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> That's a little unexpected.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes! I couldn't tell myself that he'd found his head in the clouds, so I didn't think it'd be fair to make you guess :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> He'd like to use the club because it's a little more private. <br />
<br />
<Titania> well, of course that's fine<br />
<br />
<Titania> is there a date set for the big event?<br />
<br />
<Zola> My friend Valeen will be the officiant, but aside from that it's all very much in the development stage... <br />
<br />
<Zola> (Did he say like 2nd or 3rd month?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (something like that, yeah. I forget exactly)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometime in 2nd or 3rd month I think he'd like to aim for. <br />
<br />
<Zola> The other groom's from Psyra... I'm not sure if that'll mean anything different for the ceremony...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Osmyn's his name... Geff said he'd bring him by to meet us sometime soon :3<br />
<br />
<Titania> well I'd say there being another groom will affect the ceremony at least a little<br />
<br />
<Zola> Pff, maybe Geff would look good in a gown :D<br />
* Titania chuckles<br />
<br />
<Titania> somehow I doubt that<br />
<br />
<Titania> anyway, I'd like to meet the fellow who could turn his head<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm excited to meet him... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Valeen says he's a bit odd, but it's how Geff feels that matters <3<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> I hope he'll be happy.<br />
* Zola manages to wiggles happily and sip her drink at the same time.<br />
<br />
<Zola> We can make sure he's happy at least for a day at least :)<br />
* Titania smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll get Geff to hammer out a date with his belovèd that works with everyone he'd like to come. <br />
<br />
<Titania> wonderful!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I know ! <br />
<br />
<Zola> I just love weddings ^_^<br />
<br />
<Titania> is it something he wants to keep hush-hush?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I don't think hush-hush *exactly*, but I'm not sure he is comfortable with being very public about it either. He seemed to think there'd just be a skeleton crew, but when I suggested people to invite he warmed to the idea. <br />
<br />
<Zola> And the more invites, the less hush, right?<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> So maybe just private, not secret... why, did you want to buy him an add in the papers? :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> well, I won't spread the word. Of course he can invite who he wants.<br />
<br />
<Titania> No, just wondering if I should talk to any of the other staff about it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> He agreed with inviting Jaspart and Valerien, and Neva, for drinks :)<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> So we could just ask him, who did you have in mind?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Everyone ? :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, is he hoping for music? people to serve the drinks? food?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well I told him I could accompany myself just fine on the piano, but not much else, and he seemed fine with whatever I wanted for music... and I told him Hugo and I could take him out to find a nice suit.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think maybe he's just not as imaginative about it as we are :D<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> I suppose he hasn't been imagining it since he was little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you know what he said to me? <br />
<br />
<Titania> what?<br />
<br />
<Zola> He said he feels so lucky to have found Osmyn that asking for more seems greedy.<br />
* Zola tears up a little<br />
<br />
<Zola> Isn't that so sweet ;_;<br />
<br />
<Titania> aww :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think we've got room to expand his vision a little, and he's here to check in with to make sure he likes our ideas and is comfortable, right? :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do we have anyone who cooks Psyrene food?<br />
<br />
<Titania> I can ask Elia if she's able to do that - if she isn't, I'm sure we can find someone who is.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Right, right...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Now, the other matter... <br />
* Zola eyes the clock, so she isn't late for her set<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've been talking with Gabby...<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I think she's right. We should do something /big/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Something grand! <br />
<br />
<Titania> did you have something in mind?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not a particular form, yet, but I wanted to soften you on it a little first :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> heh<br />
<br />
<Titania> Did you think I'd be soured on special shows after the last one?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, but it is a pretty big commitment.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe Theo knows of something we could adapt... to include everyone, or almost... have all the acts part of the same story.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Advertise all over the place, drum up some real hubbub and excitement<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure how we'd work in Gabby's belldancers, but that's Theo's job right? :)<br />
* Titania tilts her head, considering<br />
<br />
<Titania> If you lot want to come up with something, I'm willing to put in the necessary advertising and funds.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Great! I'll start getting people warmed to the idea ... I know some might be less keen to work their acts into a single one but... we'll make it work :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> wonderful :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I better run, I'm up soon. <br />
* Zola stands, downing the rest of her drink.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Up, give us a hug! <br />
* Titania will give you a hug gladly<br />
* Zola wigglehugs<br />
* Zola is warmed by weddings and liquour<br />
<br />
<Titania> I'm glad you're doing okay - you seemed a little down there for a bit<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, well, you know me and boy troubles...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Valeen helped straighten me out. <br />
<br />
<Titania> glad to hear it<br />
<br />
<Titania> Most boys aren't worth the trouble ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's the ones who are who'll do it to you though. :)<br />
<br />
<Titania> true enough :)<br />
* Zola gives her a kiss on the cheek and heads out to make sure her makeup is still intact<br />
<br />
<Titania> (were you going to check if she was charmed? I thought that was part of the plan, but maybe I'm wrong?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (No, that's not as subtle when you''re sitting right across from her.)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (or to ask about Jonas and how he can still get in despite wards etc)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Sorry, I was thinking I'd get someone to bring her out into the open for that.)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (but if not, that's cool too, just checking :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (So Zola can cast and detect subtly)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (she does come out most evenings at some point<br />
<br />
<Titania> (doesn't just spend the entire night in her office, usually)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well my idea was to ask Aubrienne to call her out for lunch <br />
<br />
<Zola> And then I thought that was funny because they might slip up :V<br />
<br />
<Zola> .oO( No charm but... )<br />
* Zola can just do it now though to save the extra scene :P<br />
* Zola goes to take 25gp out of her monies<br />
<br />
<Titania> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (How about if her scene next week is likely to involve Tits then we'll do it that way, and if not, then now?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (If you know)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (this coming week is dream adventure times)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oooh.)<br />
* Zola could just have found Aubrienne really busy in preparation for that and lurked in a corner until Tits appeared :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> (oh that reminds me, I need to steal something of Jonas')<br />
<br />
<Titania> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (lurking around when she appears is probably the simplest)<br />
* Zola tries to store the scroll in her cleavage?<br />
* Zola will sit somewhere smoking and sipping on something sweet until Tits comes out into the open and cast it<br />
<br />
<Titania> (okay)<br />
* Titania has no charms on her<br />
* Zola sighs in relief... and does curiously check out the rest of the place while the spell is active. >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> (Waste not, want not ^_^)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (I don't know of anyone else you'd know who might be there and have a charm spell active on them. it's always possible you'd spot a guest or something?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yeah, that's about what I figured.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (But you never know... it could be all NEVA IS POSSESSED D:)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (heh)<br />
* Zola taps the expensive blank vellum tucked under the fringe of her top. -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'm good then, I think maybe Jonas would be better for more than one person?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (okay)<br />
<br />
<br />
===Lathra helps Gen explain her difficulties to Sylvise and Jerard===<br />
<Genevriel> So I figured Gen would have made arrangements to meet with Sylvise and Jerard and Lathra all at once - would the Voclains want to meet at their home or somewhere public?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> at their home, I presume<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ok<br />
* Genevriel will escort Lathra to the Voclain residence. (What part of the city is it in? Grand, Pav, somewhere else?)<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (I don't remember if Dorien's background says, sorry)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (ok)<br />
* Genevriel will explain to Lathra along the way that her uncle has not been well lately.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (ok)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So I'm a little worried that my own issues - if I start randomly screaming or something - might not be good for him. I don't know if you can get a sense of that while we're there.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Lathra will ask concerned questions<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But I do hope that between you and I we can give them a realistic picture of what to expect with my drinking and all, so that they can make an informed decision about whether to have me stay with them or not.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well, here we are - are you ready?<br />
* Genevriel has stopped in front of a well-to-do looking home.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Hopefully the Voclains aren't racist)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh yes, I think I'm as ready as I will be.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (The housekeeper will show you in to the parlour, where your aunt and uncle are waiting, and then she'll go off to bring some tea and refreshments)<br />
* Sylvise rises to greet you when you arrive, offering you a hug, Gen<br />
* Genevriel will hug back carefully.<br />
* Jerard nods politely but doesn't get up<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Tante Sylvise, Oncle Jerard, thank you for seeing us. May I introduce my friend, Mlle. Lathra Scales. She works as a healer at the Cabaret.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Mlle. Scales, Jerard and Sylvise Voclain.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> It's lovely to meet you.<br />
<br />
<Jerard> Yes, quite.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Small chat for a bit... la la la - anything in particular that needs to be said?)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (No, Lathra will try to be charming as usual)<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (they mostly just want to know what's up I think)<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (so probably not a lot of smalltalk)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (ok, sounds good)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Well - I'm not sure if Dorien might already have told you, but I have been interrogated by Military Justice. They have decided that nothing I did constitutes a war crime, although I may be called upon to testify against some of my squadron members...<br />
* Jerard nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> However, they did decide that, in saving the life of an enemy combatant, I disobeyed orders, and so my pension has been revoked.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Oh, how awful :/<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> That hardly seems fair!<br />
* Genevriel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I disobeyed orders.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It leaves me in a bit of a bind financially, at least until I can stop relying so heavily on the drink.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Well, our offer for you to stay with us still stands, of course, dear.<br />
* Genevriel nods gratefully.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I might have to take you up on that offer. But M. Merrion also helped me realize that maybe that's just what I need. To - try to rebuild some sort of family bonds.<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> We're here for you, Genevriel.<br />
* Genevriel dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> I hope it isn't so much rebuilding - that would suggest they were broken. But strengthening?<br />
* Lathra gets her handkerchief ready for the same purpose<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> This is one of those difficult things that I need to discuss with you and Oncle Jerard so that you can make an informed decision about whether you really want to house me or not.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I brought Mlle. Scales along to offer what insight she can about me... I've been living with her for a few weeks now as she has been helping me to work towards my goal of getting off the drink. So she knows a little about how... difficult I can be to live with.<br />
* Sylvise nods slowly, looking to Lathra<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I'm a cleric, you see, as well as a medic.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Oh, I see! A... Serpent cleric?<br />
* Sylvise searches for the right term for a moment, then goes with that<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes, that's right!<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> how interesting!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well... I certainly think so!<br />
* Jerard sort of hmphs a little under his breath, but his wife ignores him ;p<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> What can you tell us, then?<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, er... shall I continue then, Gen?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I suppose so. <br />
* Genevriel smiles slightly.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'll be interested to hear what you'll say about me, but if you'd rather I leave, I can go to the next room.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, you can certainly stay for what I have to say - if Sylvise and Jerard have any questions they'd rather ask me in private afterwards we can do that, too.<br />
* Genevriel looks towards Jerard and Sylvise to see if they're comfortable with that.<br />
* Sylvise nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (Do we know whether Tristan's spell is working for Gen at this point?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (It is, I believe)<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (it will prevent her from having nightmares. it doesn't tell you whether they are external or internally-generated nightmares however, so that is still uncertain. but she would certainly be able to sleep better)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (ok)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Gen is suffering under some fairly serious problems stemming from her experiences in the war. We're investigating them together, but at this point we're not certain whether they're psychological or... magical, of some variety.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> oh?<br />
* Lathra looks at Gen to see how she's feeling about being talked about<br />
* Genevriel watches everyone carefully to try to get a sense of how Jerard and Sylvise view all this...<br />
* Genevriel seems rather detached from your observations about her, actually.<br />
* Sylvise seems curious/puzzled<br />
<br />
<Lathra> She's been having... hallucination-like experiences, and nightmares, both sleeping and waking. They're very hard on her, and being around people seems to ward them away somewhat.<br />
* Jerard seems more bemused<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> How awful!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Although sometimes I can't stand being around people.<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> We've had some recent success with a spell to protect her from the dreams, but you should expect that she might at times be distressed, or acting in ways that might be frightening or nonsensical. She's spent a long time hiding her symptoms and she's very good at it, but... since she's trying to stop using alcohol to manage it, you should definitely be ready to support her if she's going to be living with you.<br />
<br />
<Jerard> We can get her help. Professional help, if need be.<br />
* Jerard says stiffly<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Mlle. Scales is a professional.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> If that's what she wishes. She can decide for herself, Jerard.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> We'll help however we can.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well if that's what you want Gen, then I'd absolutely endorse you seeing other professionals. <to Jerard> We *have* been consulting, trying to find a suitable expert.<br />
* Jerard nods at that<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't want to be objectified.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm happy with Mlle. Scales and M. Merrion.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Of course, dear. That's quite understandable, you'd want to stick with those you're close to.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Genevriel glances at Lathra - do you look like you've more to say?<br />
* Lathra is done for now<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They treat me like I'm a person. The army medics treated me like I was a curiosity. Spoke about me as if I weren't there. I don't want 'professional help' like that.<br />
* Sylvise nods sympathetically<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> We'll do whatever would help to make you comfortable, dear.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> You could have Dorien's old room, or Lucette's if you prefer, or one of the guest rooms, although they're not quite as nice...<br />
* Genevriel observes Jerard closely... does he even want me here or is it all Sylvise?<br />
* Jerard does seem concerned about you, and you don't think he's averse to having you here.<br />
* Jerard might not agree with your current treatment plan, but he isn't trying to kick you out onto the streets.<br />
* Genevriel looks back at Sylvise.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I... I know you are family, but I'm afraid it's really a very... abstract idea for me. I only really know you through letters, which... isn't enough for me to really feel like I am actually a part of your family. So... that's going to take some time.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I need you both to understand that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't mean to hurt your feelings. I just - I've always been like that.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Of course. <br />
<br />
<Sylvise> But if you're going to be staying in our home, we want you to feel like you're welcome to join in with things like meals or making use of our library or sitting with us in the evenings. You aren't obliged to, especially if you aren't feeling up to it, but if you want to get to know us better...<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do. I need to feel like I belong, again.<br />
* Genevriel dabs at her eyes again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But that isn't going to happen overnight.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> We don't expect it to.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And... when I first asked Mlle. Scales to help me with my drinking, I fully intended to just stop abruptly. But she explained to me that there are a lot of health risks associated with such a drastic course of treatment, and that I'd be much more likely to start drinking again if I quit that way.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So most of my money is, I'm afraid, going to be spent on drinks still, as I slowly try to take less and lees.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I can try to spare something to help with household expenses?<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Well, we do keep a wine cellar... would it be helpful if we provided some bottles from that as necessary, or would that only be unhelpful?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'd rather not rely on you to assist me with my vice.<br />
* Genevriel smiles gently.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> I understand that, but we don't want you to bankrupt yourself either.<br />
* Genevriel glances at Jerard again... he's the one she is most uncertain about, plainly.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> And please don't worry about the household expenses. We're not in any difficulty, financially, and we want to help.<br />
* Jerard doesn't seem to disagree with that<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think I'd feel better if I bear the cost of the drinks myself.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I would like to know if there is some way I can contribute to the household, though, some structured way, that wouldn't take work away from your domestic help?<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> I'll give it some thought, dear.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> But for now, please just ... take the time you need to recover.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I know this is very awkward, and I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, do take one of the nice rooms, Gen. I know you tend to feel guilty but a little comfort will help reduce the stress on you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't want to take Dorien or Lucette's rooms. They might want them if they stay over at holidays or something.<br />
* Sylvise will help make any necessary arrangements about having your things brought over, and when you'll move in, and where you'll stay, and things you'll need, etc.<br />
* Genevriel tries to be helpful, and tries even harder to be positive.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (the guest rooms are still quite nice, too - she can let you see them so you can pick which one you want)<br />
* Genevriel will pick the humbler/smaller of the two.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Do they have a garden, by any chance? I know it'll be covered in snow right now, but she does love plants)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (NO GEN BAD GEN)<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (they do)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (It's still a guest room! Not a servant's quarters, Lathra :) )<br />
* Genevriel would especially take to a room with a view over their garden, if there is one.<br />
<br />
<Sylvise> (sure, we'll say one of them has a view looking onto the garden)<br />
* Genevriel will thank them and accompany Lathra back to her home, since I'm probably not moving in that same day!<br />
<br />
===Hugonel investigates Eirini's disappearance===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay, so what is your actual plan to investigate Eirini, Hugo?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I seem to recall you said something about wanting to find out how she was originally hired/recommended?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yeah, I think that's the first step<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> and from there, to maybe try to find where she was staying while here<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> if that doesn't work, talk to Jonas<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Okay<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> well, typically Atis Mercadet is the talent manager, who would do things like booking acts and recruiting artists and such - you could ask him<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> sure<br />
<br />
<Atis> (you want to talk to him at work, or some other time?)<br />
* Hugonel will track Atis down one day at the cabaret<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Atis, could I have a brief word?<br />
* Hugonel smiles warmly<br />
<br />
<Atis> Anytime, Hugo. What's up?<br />
<br />
<Atis> You don't have another job offer, do you?<br />
* Hugonel laughs<br />
<br />
<Atis> Because I don't think my heart could take that.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What job could be better than this one?<br />
<br />
<Atis> That's what I like to hear :D<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, I wanted to ask you about a booking from Ninth-Month.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That Psyrene singer, Eirini.<br />
<br />
<Atis> oh, that.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Atis> Look, I already told the cops everything I know.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Right, right, I'm not here to arrest you. I just want to find her and wanted to know how you ended up booking her in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Atis> Christofel recommended her. He knew her from Psyra, I guess, and so I gave her a shot. She had pipes on her, that's for sure, and she was a looker, so I booked her, figured we'd see how it went.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Christofel? He's not Psyrene, is he?<br />
<br />
<Atis> Nah, but he was over there during the war.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, sure. I guess I'll go ask him then.<br />
<br />
<Atis> Wouldn't be surprised if he had a little fling with her, you know how it goes.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I might.<br />
* Hugonel replies impishly.<br />
<br />
<Atis> Heh, I bet. He seemed like he wanted to do a favour for a good friend who was down on her luck.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Do you know, is he around yet?<br />
<br />
<Atis> I think I saw him, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> OK, thanks. <br />
* Hugonel heads off to find Christofel, then.<br />
* Christofel can be found, although probably quite busy before the show making sure things are set up properly<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Christofel, my good man. I'll only be a minute, and I promise I'm not adding another costume change this time. <br />
* Christofel is a high-strung, nervous fellow, perpetually in motion<br />
<br />
<Christofel> It can't wait until after the show, Hugo?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Just a minute, that's all, I promise.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's not about the show.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Fine, what is it?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I want to know about that Psyrene singer, Eirini.<br />
* Christofel looks warily at you<br />
<br />
<Christofel> and you think that's just going to take a minute?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't know. If you know where she's staying these days, sure, a minute is all it'll take.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> I don't know. I haven't seen her since the show.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm, ok, well, do you know where she was staying then?<br />
<br />
<Christofel> She had a room at the Starlight Hotel<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> OK, great, thanks. Were the two of you close?<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Ah... I wouldn't say 'close'. I knew her during the war, but not for very long.<br />
* Christofel has a vaguely shifty/guilty look ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That sounds like a story. Look, I don't mean to pry, I'm sure the cops already talked to you. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm just hoping to find her.<br />
* Hugonel tries *not* to look vaguely shifty.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> If I knew where she was, I'd have told them.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Maybe she had other friends in the city she's staying with, I don't know. Maybe she left and went back to Psyra.<br />
* Christofel seems evasive to you<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, that makes sense, I guess, if she was a fugitive and wanted to leave town fast. But as far as I know they really aren't looking for her, are they? <br />
<br />
<Christofel> Well, I doubt they are anymore, if they haven't been able to find her so far. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So I guess there's one thing that's still bugging me, Christofel. And that's that you don't seem that surprised that I'm looking for her.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Yes, I guess it's surprising that you'd look for a woman you fucked last year - you usually don't remember them that long.<br />
* Hugonel feigns a wounded look.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Pierced through the heart! I must protest! <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I always remember ... <q> I don't always *care*.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Are you through yet?<br />
<br />
<Christofel> I do have a show to run.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, look. If you do happen to know where she is, or know someone who knows where she is - let her know that I want to see her again.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> Sure<br />
* Christofel says in an 'I'll get right on that' kind of tone<br />
* Hugonel shakes his head.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Don't stress yourself out so much. The show will be fantastic, as always. <br />
<br />
<Christofel> Of course it will.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (anything further?)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (what do I know about the Starlight Hotel?)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (you can make a k:local check)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> !roll 1d20+17<br />
* @BalthCat rolls for Hugonel: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 10 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 27 ].<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (It's a somewhat run down older place in Rhenea, used to be more posh than it is now)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (well I could go down there and throw around a little money, see if anyone has seen her)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (you could, certainly)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (how about you make a Diplomacy check to represent that ;p)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (happily)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> !roll 1d20+20<br />
* @BalthCat rolls for Hugonel: [ 1d20+20 ] getting [ 5 ] which, after the modifier [ 20 ] totals [ 25 ].<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (Okay, you can ask around)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (With a bit of smooth-talking and some financial incentives, you can find that she stayed there for say three days before the show, and had paid for the entire week, but skipped out halfway through. The last person who remembers seeing her was a maid, who said she was there late that night/early that morning - i.e. after the show would have taken place)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (The maid said she seemed agitated, upset, and that she was in a hurry to leave. A man came and picked her up in a car and they left together.)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (ok, that's fine; I guess talking to Jonas is my last reasonable option, if there's time)<br />
<br />
<Christofel> (sure)<br />
* Hugonel will find Jonas at a quiet time so they can have some privacy.<br />
* Jonas can be caught after the show, perhaps, before he leaves?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hey, Jonas, great show tonight.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> Thanks, Hugo<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Listen, could I talk to you for just a minute, in private?<br />
<br />
<Jonas> ...all right<br />
* Jonas can join you in your dressing room<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I need your help. I'm trying to track down Eirini.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> ahh... why?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well ... it's not just to try to get some more action, if that's what you're thinking.<br />
* Jonas cracks a smile at that<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I need to find out - I want to talk to her about whether we met in the past.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> you don't remember?<br />
* Hugonel shakes his head.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Not clearly. It's ... a blur.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> what makes you think I know where she is?<br />
* Hugonel shrugs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Do you?<br />
<br />
<Jonas> It's possible.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, if you *did* know, what reason would you have for not telling me?<br />
<br />
<Jonas> If I did, I might also know that she doesn't want to be found. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not interested in turning her in to the police.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> this is a personal matter?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Doesn't it sound personal to you?<br />
<br />
<Jonas> it does<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not asking for you to reveal some secret hideout.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Maybe if you could just let her know that I want to talk.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> I'm still not sure why I should tell you anything<br />
<br />
<Jonas> ... but I could probably get a message to her.<br />
* Hugonel smiles.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> That would be fantastic. <br />
<br />
<Jonas> what should I say?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Just to let her know that I would like to talk with her, someplace private, her choice. And if you could make it seem like I'm an upstanding gentleman rather than a crazed stalker, that would be *great*.<br />
<br />
<Jonas> I'll see what I can do<br />
<br />
<Jonas> You owe me, Hugo<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure!<br />
* Jonas smiles<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Thanks, Jonas.<br />
* Jonas nods and will be on his way to... wherever he lives<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_18&diff=11462Diablotin 3 session 182015-11-30T16:20:57Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: July 12, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date: <br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> As it nears the end of First-month, the unusually cold weather continues in Diablotin. People are beginning to comment on the strange freeze, and how long it's been going on. Some draw connections to the continued sightings of fey creatures about the city.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There has also been a disaster in the Shade, although who to attribute the blame to is yet unclear. The pleasure-house known as The Penumbra was recently subject to a terrible fire, which destroyed part of the building as well as damaging several neighbouring establishments.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (totally unrelated I'm sure >.>)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> In solidarity, Titania's is hosting several of the performers from the Penumbra over the next few evenings, and donating parts of the proceeds to help rebuild the pleasure-house.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh Myyyy!)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> These performers include Fintel a Leyrin, a poet and storyteller, Aunisstra do Mtor, a dancer, and Rikkah sel Andis, a singer (and perhaps not completely coincidentally, Jed's mother)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yay for Jed's mom, boo for fire)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I don't have a specific order for scenes, so if you need/want to go earlier or later, just let me know. Otherwise, I'm gonna start with Hettie :)<br />
<br />
===Zola and Hugo discuss their concerns about the fey===<br />
* Zola has coralled you into her dressing room to show off her new dress, sometime earlier in the day and has been gushing about it for a while.<br />
* Hugonel enthuses appropriately.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It only took him a few days @_@<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's lovely!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm going to have to think of a special occasion to bring it out on stage... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I've been thinking we should put on a big performance, something like a musical... get everyone involved!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> A musical - hmm, that's an interesting idea. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Wouldn't that be fantastic? A story running through all the acts... something dramatic.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sure we could work everyone in... with the right idea<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm game. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Excellent! I'm going to break the idea to Tits soon... even though we don't have an actual story yet... at least then she'll know it's been coming when we find something suitable.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Any thoughts as to what story we would tell? Something historical? Contemporary? Fantastic?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, not yet... it's more the idea of us all weaving our contemporary acts together... well, mostly contemporary.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've got to run the idea by Theo too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe he knows of something, or will have some ideas.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe with all the troubles with the fey we might want to stick to contemporary stories anyhow >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm happy to help, Zola. Especially now, when the future of the cabaret seems so uncertain, it's worth it to think big.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I was thinking the same! Something big, dramatic!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We might need a bigger venue...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm, that'd somewhat defeat the purpose wouldn't it?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I know, I'm just thinking. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, these are details to get sorted out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If we scale it right, it should be fine... and if it becomes so popular people are lining up to get in...well that's all the better, right? :)<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Quite right. <br />
<br />
<Zola> There's been something else I've been wondering about ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you been looking into Eirini any more? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And Jonas?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Honestly, I haven't. After that meeting with the Emperor, I've decided to lay low and let things settle. I've got enough trouble without creating more for myself.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Why?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it's been bothering me... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What makes you think Jonas might be lying?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I've been doing a lot of reading into fey creatures. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I know, I was there for much of it :)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If he really is a fossegrim, which is the best identification I can figure for him, then we have to accept that he may be, at nature, a deceiver. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It's true, but what if the books are just wrong? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I know he doesn't seem it. I know he seems trustworthy. But I'm not as good with non-humans as I am with humans, and I can't be sure. So you'll have to forgive me if I don't trust him, or Klara, or Eirini, or any of them.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The books might be wrong, or maybe we just need better books. I can't go far wrong by not trusting anything to do with the whole situation, though.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We have no idea what these things' motivations are. <br />
<br />
<Zola> What worries me, is that Tits seems so certain she can vouch for him... and if you think he's lying about Berthillion, is he lying to her too?<br />
<br />
<Zola> And why lie at all? Why turn us against Klara?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if she's not even the leanan sidhe? What if she's something else?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What do you want me to say, Zola? Any of those things could be true. All the more reason not to trust Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, shouldn't we find out? What if Tits is in danger? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Tits has her father to look out for her. I think I was clear as day at our audience that I don't see any reason to trust any of them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not saying we trust anyone...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm saying we find out for sure.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or at least try<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Even if it puts us at risk? Maybe we should just go back to our jobs, Zola, and stay far away from this.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure we're going to be able to do that, short of leaving the city.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They're here already, and it seems like things are only going to get more ... messed up.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, but we don't have to draw more attention to ourselves by meddling, do we?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just thought... well, maybe if we talked to Klara she'd just confirm Jonas' story and we could be a little less ... unnerved?<br />
* Zola says that like she knows it's not entirely sensible.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And you think you'd believe her over him? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I meant if she just said the same thing as Jonas. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Of course if she says something different we don't really know who is lying anyhow -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Or else they're actually working together.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't think this is a good idea, Zola. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then why would he rat her out?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't see what we have to gain from this.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Either one is lying, or the other, or both, or neither, and we have no way to verify other than by asking. And we have good reason to think that both of them are part of a conspiracy whose nature and goals remain unclear to us.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They're already in our house, Hugo, is hiding in the closet really any safer?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, but we're not bothering them, so they have no reason to kill us.<br />
* Zola frowns, obviously not satisfied with that<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if they try anyway, and we aren't prepared? Or if they're using Tits? What if she's been dominated or something?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Then there's certainly nothing you or I can do about that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't believe that. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You're so smart, we should be able to figure something out.<br />
* Zola strokes your cheek.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Will you try to think of some way, for my peace of mind?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If I think of something, I'll let you know.<br />
* Zola purses her lips.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That didn't sound very much like commitment<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm commitment-averse, Zola darling. You know that.<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> You jerk!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Joking when I'm all upset -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just wanted to make you laugh. And succeeded, I might add.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just hate this uncertainty. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We all do.<br />
* Zola sulks anyway, as is her prerogative<br />
<br />
===Hettie gets a visit from her brother, Alain===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, having a few extra performers around just makes it that much busier for you - you can delegate some things to your asssistant Flavia, fortunately :)<br />
* Hettienne buzzes around the backstage area.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You've just sent a bunch more dancers out the door, and as they hustle off, you see your brother Alain standing there (definitely not admiring them as they go past...)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Hey, sis <br />
* Hettienne looks up, surprised.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alain!<br />
* Hettienne shakes a couple of stray sequins off her cuffs and comes over to see him.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I know you're busy - but I was here anyway, so I thought I'd drop by and say hi<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What brings you to the club?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Needed to have a word with Ander Suterre.<br />
* Hettienne fronws slightly.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ander? What for?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You in some kinda trouble?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Nothing bad. <br />
<br />
<Alain> He asked to talk to me, actually.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nothin' *bad*?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Nah, he's just lookin' at gettin' into the newspaper biz.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Wanted some words of wisdom.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Which of course I have.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well that's... interestin'<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> O_o<br />
* Alain shrugs<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Wonder what made him decide on that particular career move<br />
* Hettienne is just a bit nonplussed<br />
<br />
<Alain> Well, I don't know that he wants to do it himself, so much as get it done.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Some kinda local neighbourhood paper <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Huh, well how d'you like that<br />
<br />
<Alain> He had some complaints about the way the big papers report on Rat stories. Or, you know, don't.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I can see that, for sure.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I think it ain't a bad idea, but it'll take some doing.<br />
<br />
<Alain> And it might not make everyone real happy.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> The other papers?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Them, an' maybe the government. Not sure.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Enh... fuck 'em.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Other underground papers have managed in the past, so no reason it couldn't happen again.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You just be careful though/<br />
* Alain nods<br />
<br />
<Alain> Like, The Sentinel - that ran for years and years, and the folks behind it never got busted.<br />
<br />
<Alain> An' they ragged on the government plenty.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Right...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Anyway - how's things?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh good, yaknow. Busy.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We got some extra talent in on account o' that fire at the place in Shade,<br />
<br />
<Alain> Right, I heard about that. Folks don't know whether to blame the fey or the Colour Guard. Or the Shadar-kai themselves, I guess ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I half think if it was faeries, we'd know about it... They don't seem much bothered about bein' subtle now.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Any more fey sightings around here? Seems like they like it here.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well... not *this* week :p<br />
* Alain chuckles<br />
<br />
<Alain> well, if anything crops up, feel free to give me the scoop<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You know it! ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How about you?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> HOw's things?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Busy, too. Can't complain I guess.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Dee came by to see me the other day, that was nice.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh yeah? That's good t'hear :)<br />
<br />
<Alain> ... she asked if I had any of Georges' old clothes that maybe I could give up. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...Oh. :/<br />
<br />
<Alain> I know some of 'em you made, so I didn't want to just give them away in case there was anything you wanted to keep, like...<br />
* Hettienne hesitates.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I.. I dunno. If it ain't all wore out... maybe we could keep it in the family. >.><br />
* Alain nods<br />
* Hettienne is ambushed by unexpected feels<br />
<br />
<Alain> Some of 'em I want to keep... that red sweater he used to wear a lot.<br />
<br />
<Alain> they mostly all fit me anyway.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh, that were real nice. <br />
* Hettienne smiles wistfully.<br />
* Alain smiles too, sadly<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> C'mere honey...<br />
* Hettienne hugs him.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I still can't believe he's gone.<br />
* Alain hugs back<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know, sweetie.<br />
* Hettienne sniffs a bit.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You gotta come around more and eat some o' Den's cookin'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You're too skinny...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Okay. I'll try to.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I don't wanna keep you, I'm sure you've got work to do.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But I mean it, come by whenever.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I will.<br />
<br />
<Alain> It ain't good for me to be alone so much >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That's right...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'll talk soon, yeah?<br />
* Alain nods<br />
* Alain will give you another hug and head off, then<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> As he heads off, you realize Flavia is sort of lingering nearby, like she does when she has a question or something but is worried to ask you about it<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What is it, girl?<br />
<br />
<Flavia> Oh, um... nothing, really. ...Is that your brother?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, why?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sense motive)<br />
<br />
<Flavia> (go ahead :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 25 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 24 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (25 it is)<br />
* Flavia is blushing, and looking more embarrassed than just her usual shyness<br />
* Flavia probably thinks he's cute ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (HMMMM what house is she)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Bear)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (HMMMM)<br />
* Hettienne cracks a little grin.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'S name's Alain. <br />
<br />
<Flavia> Oh. I just, uh, hadn't seen him before.<br />
<br />
<Flavia> @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, he works for the paper, so he's pretty busy. Don't come around here much.<br />
* Flavia nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But with all that's happening, I guess he's lookin' for a scoop from his big sister ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He might be hangin' around a while tonight, just sayin'.<br />
* Flavia smiles<br />
<br />
<Flavia> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Flavia> ...I should get back to work, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alright then, shoo! ;)<br />
* Flavia will shoo<br />
<br />
===Denise overhears a conversation wherein Guillame Rionet attempts to convince Ander to run for political office=== <br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, Ander is pretty busy tonight with people wanting to talk to him. Alain comes by, as he had promised, and they talk for a while about newspaper stuff. Some old war buddies of Ander and Ralf's stop in to chat. And then that old guy who's been around before comes in.<br />
* Denise prepares to be bored >.><br />
* Ander welcomes him politely, and the old guy sits down, glancing around the club but not seeming too terribly interested in the show<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I hope you've been considering our previous discussion, M. Suterre.<br />
* Denise fiddles with her coaster<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (blah blah blah)<br />
<br />
<Ander> I been thinkin' on it, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Ander> It'd be a pretty big change.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> It would. But you seem to be making some changes of your own in any case.<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' what guarantee would I have that it'd even work?<br />
* Old_guy gives him a bit of a Look, like "seriously?"<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Do you mean, could we ensure that it would happen, or would it be effective?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, the second. I know you got the strings to pull for the first one.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (bah what are they even talking about :p)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> That's up to you.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> But you don't strike me as the type of man to take a position like that, and then not use what he's been given.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> If you were, we wouldn't be having this conversation.<br />
* Ander looks pensive, and a bit concerned<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> You could do a great deal of good for our community.<br />
* Denise glances at him, mildly curious<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, 'our' community >.><br />
<br />
<Old_guy> We do have that in common, at least. I won't pretend that it wouldn't benefit my goals as well.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Having more Rats in positions of power can only help our people.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, I get that.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'm just not sure I like the rest of the burdens that come with it.<br />
* Old_guy nods<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I understand that, believe me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (is ralf here?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (no, he isn't)<br />
<br />
<Denise> ('kk)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> In any case - leaving aside this issue for the moment. I have a small donation to make, for your efforts.<br />
* Old_guy passes Ander an envelope that you feel sure has a wad of cash in it.<br />
* Denise makes mildly disgruntled faces into her beer, wishing it was closer to enmpty so she could wander off...but eyes the envelope<br />
* Ander takes it, a bit awkwardly<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's gonna go right into the school.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> That's fine, of course. I trust your judgment as to where it can best be used.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (wjat school? do I have any idea what *that* is, at least?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (well, there's a school in your neighbourhood, the one that Yvie goes to. I don't think you know much about how it's funded necessarily?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (fair >.>)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> We could do this more straightforwardly, though, if you were to take me up on my offer.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (Things not to mention to Pa ;p)<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'm thinkin' on it.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Elections come up in six months - there isn't too long to think.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (whut?)<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> What if it weren't me? Maybe someone I know, like...<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I'd need to review your suggestions for candidates, if so. I'm willing to back this plan because I have confidence in you - not in 'someone you know'.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, I'll think about it.<br />
* Old_guy nods<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I require a decision soon. <br />
<br />
<Old_guy> And now, if you'll excuse me, my son just arrived, and I'm sure he doesn't want to bump into me here.<br />
* Old_guy shakes hands with Ander, nods politely, and will get up to leave<br />
* Denise waits for him to go<br />
* Ander swigs his drink with a sigh<br />
<br />
<Denise> boss, what does that guy even want?<br />
<br />
<Ander> ...He wants me to get elected to the Great Council.<br />
<br />
<Ander> One way or another.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Government stuff?<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Ander> Politics<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (no wonder he sounds so boring :p)<br />
<br />
<Ander> more Rat votes<br />
<br />
<Denise> that..... doens't sound real fun >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> well... <br />
<br />
<Denise> but i guess that's good, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Ander> he's right that it would be good for us. for our folks, I mean.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> I just dunno if I wanna be the one to do it. if I *oughta* be the one.<br />
* Denise doens't know much about this stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, prolly lots of folks would vote for you, though<br />
<br />
<Ander> Mm.<br />
* Ander says noncommittally<br />
* Denise says with great certainty<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' then I'd get to vote the way someone else wants me to.<br />
<br />
<Denise> would you have to?<br />
<br />
<Ander> I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I don't even know if he'd ask for things I don't agree with. It's just that he could.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like what?<br />
<br />
<Ander> well... he's got one big reason for wantin' me - an' whatever other Rats he can get in <br />
<br />
<Ander> 'Cause the Emperor ain't gonna live forever.<br />
* Denise looks blank<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, yeah...<br />
<br />
<Ander> an' his plan - his dream - is to get a Rat on the throne.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> him?<br />
<br />
<Ander> nah, I don't think so. Too old<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's got kids, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Ander> hahahah<br />
<br />
<Ander> no!<br />
<br />
<Ander> .. d'you know who he is, Dee?<br />
* Ander realizes you might not<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> who?<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's Guillame Rionet. The Lord Chancellor.<br />
<br />
<Denise> o_O<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh. Huh.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well.... like... I dunno, then. I don't know anything about politics stuff :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's okay. Ain't anyone can make the decision for me, anyway.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Just somethin' I gotta figure on my own.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what would it mean if you say yes?<br />
<br />
<Ander> .. you get to be the bodyguard to a Councillor? ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> an like.... what about your bosses? >..<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds posh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
* Ander smiles<br />
<br />
<Ander> Oh, well - they'd like me to do it, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<Ander> but on their terms.<br />
<br />
<Denise> would they be wantin' you to vote certain ways too?<br />
<br />
<Ander> that's part of what I worry about.<br />
* Denise can figure that much out at least :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... but like still lookin' out for folks, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Sure, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> but what our folks need an' what Rat nobles want ain't always the same.<br />
<br />
<Ander> even if we're all Rats<br />
<br />
<Ander> say, how 'bout you get me another drink?<br />
* Ander says, finishing the one he has<br />
<br />
<Denise> that I can do<br />
<br />
<Ander> Thanks.<br />
* Denise can hop off to do so<br />
<br />
===Zola introduces Bright to a chilly-seeming Rikkah===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, you're just getting ready for the set you're performing with Rikkah, when you spot Bright and his usual entourage coming into the club<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> His Shadar-kai bodyguard seems to have given him some fashion tips for the evening, as he's dressed in some leather straps that have to be a bit on the chilly side ;p<br />
* Zola waves happily to get his attention, and blows him a kiss<br />
* Bright waves back<br />
<br />
<Zola> (If there's time before the set, I'll go over, if not, I'll see him after?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (it'll have to be after - so I can make you roll for your performance ;)<br />
* Zola is in a sleek black bustier/dress in SK style with SK accessories, aside from the low front and slits on the side, she's positively modest in comparison to Bright :P<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> heh<br />
* Zola turns her attention back to Rikkah and making sure she's memorized all the words @_@<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> <w> it'll be fine :)<br />
* Rikkah assures you<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thank you :) <br />
<br />
<Zola> I just haven't really sung in Shadar-kai before... it was all very boring things we learned in school :)<br />
* Rikkah smiles<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, at least this won't be boring<br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
* Rikkah lets you lead the way onto the stage<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hopefully we'll make a good impression so there's even more in the crowd tomorrow :D<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> I hope so!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (feel free to roll your performance :)<br />
* Zola offers Rikkah her arm and escorts her onto the stage<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 26 ]<br />
<br />
<Zola> (or I could roll per song :P)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh. 13 is adequate ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you did fine)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The crowd seems to enjoy your performance!<br />
* Zola will bow with Rikkah, shares the love<br />
* Rikkah also seems pleased with how it went<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did well :) Now to outdo ourselves tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Yes, quite!<br />
* Rikkah has a few small suggestions of things to improve for tomorrow, but nothing huge<br />
* Zola considers them all.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> After that, do you want to slip off to see Bright?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What're you doing now? You could come have a drink and meet some friends of mine, if you'd like :) <br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Oh, that would be lovely :)<br />
* Zola offers her arm and will lead Rikkah over to meet Bright and his friends<br />
* Bright stands to give you a hug and kiss<br />
<br />
<Bright> That was a marvellous show - I'm glad I was able to get here in time to see it :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm quite pleased to see you too, darling :)<br />
* Zola tickles her black fingernails along his exposed skin<br />
* Bright grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're missing something though<br />
<br />
<Bright> Do you like this? It was Calix's idea...<br />
<br />
<Bright> oh, I am?<br />
* Zola reaches up and turns his head a little to plant a big black kiss on his cheak<br />
<br />
<Zola> There. <br />
* Bright smirks<br />
<br />
<Bright> How could I have forgotten that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bright, this is Rikkah sel Andis.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Rikkah, Bright Rionet, a good friend of mine :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> Pleased to meet you<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> And you<br />
* Rikkah seems a little ... frosty?<br />
* Bright orders more drinks for you two<br />
* Zola will order something from the special additions for herself.<br />
* Zola is maybe a little distracted taking in Shadar-kai tarty-Bright<br />
<br />
<Bright> So, is it Shadar-kai night every night this week? :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yes?)<br />
<br />
<Bright> (yes, presumably)<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's the plan, to help Rikkah and her folks get back on their feet. You heard about the fire? :(<br />
<br />
<Bright> Yes, it's so awful... <br />
<br />
<Bright> So once I heard about the theme, I couldn't resist ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Tell all your friends, so tomorrow's even busier :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> I certainly will!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe if I do well enough, Rikkah will have me in to visit after they reopen :)<br />
* Zola gives her a smile<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, we don't usually have human performers. But who knows? There's a first time for everything.<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> People come there expecting to see Shadar-kai, after all.<br />
<br />
<Bright> It's a marvellous place - have you ever been, Zola?<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'm thinking at least a few times if Tits goes?) <br />
<br />
<Zola> (She'd certainly be curious)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure - you certainly could have gone before)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I've been just a few times, mostly with Tits.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you go often?<br />
<br />
<Bright> Once in a while. You have to be in the right sort of mood, you know?<br />
<br />
<Bright> You might get exotic dancing, or else an hour of poetry you can't understand ;)<br />
* Rikkah finishes her drink rapidly<br />
<br />
<Zola> They still haven't figured out who set the fire have they, Rikkah?<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> No... it was in the early hours of the morning. Fortunately no one was badly hurt.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, fortunately :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I imagine on top of getting everything set up again you'll need to pay for extra security too.<br />
* Rikkah nods<br />
* Rikkah glances up as Aubrienne and Jed are just coming on stage<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, I should be going. Thank you again - it was good to sing with you, Zola.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you! <br />
* Rikkah bids a polite good evening and departs<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Do I need an SM roll to tell if she was annoyed a Bright in particular :P)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'll roll anyhoo)<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 31 ]<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (You think she was annoyed at Bright, yes.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you met Rikkah before?<br />
<br />
<Bright> No, but I've seen her perform at the Penumbra before.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She seemed a little cold... I wonder what that's about. <br />
* Bright shrugs<br />
* Zola strokes along his chin<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't misbehave in her house, do you? :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> Do I look like the kind of fellow who misbehaves? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, you look like a very naughty fellow.<br />
* Bright chuckles<br />
<br />
<Bright> If you have time, maybe we can go back to your dressing room for some suitable punishment? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure a proper punishment can be done so quickly... <br />
* Zola laughs a bit<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who am I kidding<br />
* Zola gives him a kiss on the cheek<br />
* Bright smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose I could fake it, being a mean punisher, if I had to <br />
<br />
<Bright> No, you're far too kind ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least to nice boys like you. <br />
<br />
<Bright> You'd cave in after about two minutes of being cruel ^-^<br />
* Zola tugs him close for a kiss using some of his straps<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could go longer than that!<br />
<br />
<Bright> .... prove it? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd just need some inspiration. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I might have to read some of those kinky novels for a day or two first :)<br />
* Bright laughs<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (are you going to drag him off to your dressing room, or make him wait until closing time? ;)<br />
* Zola will scoot in close and put her arm around his shoulders to stroke his hair, and watch Jed & Aubrienne<br />
* Zola practices her cruelty using his exposed flesh and the passing of time<br />
<br />
<Zola> Though you might want to ask Calix why Rikkah was so chilly, maybe he'd know?<br />
* Bright shrugs<br />
<br />
<Bright> Maybe<br />
* Bright seems more interested in you ;)<br />
* Zola is generally OK with this!<br />
<br />
===Hugo advises to Thera===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you are sharing MC duties tonight with Fintel, so you do get a bit more free time than usual<br />
* Hugonel will definitely try to enjoy the opportunity to watch the show and hang out while being paid<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (do you want to stay backstage, or mingle in the crowd?)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (I'm happy to mingle around)<br />
* Hugonel is wearing a grey and silver scarf in honor of our thematic evening, and a nice suit with a grey cummerbund.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are mingling around, then, and you see that Thera is there, sitting off alone in a corner.<br />
* Hugonel will stop at the bar to grab an extra glass of wine and then go over to her table.<br />
* Hugonel sets the glass down and takes a seat.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Oh, hello, Hugo.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Thera, my dear, what a lovely surprise to see you here.<br />
<br />
<Thera> You don't seem too surprised - or was that extra glass of wine for whoever you happened to meet? ;p<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You've discovered the dark secret to my romantic success.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Wander around with alcohol until finding a beautiful woman to share it with.<br />
<br />
<Thera> heh<br />
* Thera accepts it, anyway<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How have you been?<br />
* Thera gives a slight shrug<br />
<br />
<Thera> Things are... odd.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's the matter?<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't know that I can explain it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Try me. I've seen a lot of strange things over the years.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And I care.<br />
<br />
<Thera> >.><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't mean to pry. But I do care.<br />
* Hugonel says honestly.<br />
<br />
<Thera> What if you had a marvellous opportunity, and you weren't sure whether you should take it or not.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm. It depends on what kind of opportunity, and what I'd have to give up to get it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If it's a romantic opportunity, I'd probably just take it and not think too much about it.<br />
* Thera sort of chuckles at that<br />
<br />
<Thera> No, I'm not sure 'romantic' is the correct word.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Marital?<br />
<br />
<Thera> no...<br />
* Hugonel looks into Thera's eyes.<br />
* Thera looks back, frowning slightly<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's going on?<br />
<br />
<Thera> I have a gentleman who is interested in me, Hugo. Wealthy and powerful. I don't know that I am interested in him, as such, and there would be other repercussions, outside of my own desires. But it would be very... <br />
* Thera fumbles for the right word<br />
<br />
<Thera> ... ambitious.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right. Well ... first of all, as I'm sure you are aware, you could have almost any wealthy and powerful gentleman you desire. What does this one provide - given that it's not a marriage - that others might not?<br />
<br />
<Thera> well... I should say, I don't know for certain that it's not marriage. The subject hasn't been raised, but it's not ... impossible, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Maybe impolitic.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right. What do you gain out of it?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Wealth, influence, maybe a title... having half my family hate me...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The curiosity is eating me alive, Thera - just who is this mystery man?<br />
<br />
<Thera> <q> The Emperor.<br />
* Thera sips her drink<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm. Well. That's something, isn't it. <br />
* Hugonel considers.<br />
<br />
<Thera> it's something.<br />
* Thera agrees<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You can do better.<br />
<br />
<Thera> oh? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The Emperor is, by all accounts, a good man. But he's got to be, what, seventy years old. So you trade your youth spent as the paramour of the most powerful man alive followed by ... what, exactly? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Decades as 'the former consort of the former emperor'?<br />
<br />
<Thera> A title, enough money that I could live comfortably for the rest of my life, no need to marry unless I choose to...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not denying that there would be some appeal. But let me ask you this: what's in it for the Emperor? <br />
<br />
<Thera> o_O<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not saying that you're not an extraordinarily beautiful, alluring, wonderful woman. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Only a fool would deny that. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But ... why would he want a public consort now? Or are you to be hidden away?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Oh, well... he isn't married, so I don't suppose there would be any strong reason to keep me hidden. But he's fairly private - I don't think he'd want to parade me around to parties.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But - he would presumably ask for exclusivity, yes?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Yes.<br />
* Thera says quite definitely<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So your next decade or more will be spent with a wrinkly old man, possibly with smelly feet, who just happens to wield unchecked power over us all?<br />
* Thera wrinkles her nose<br />
<br />
<Thera> I'd assume he bathes at least ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> One would hope.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> My point is, I suppose, if I must say it, although it pains me to do so, is that there are any number of titled single men out there, your own age, some of whom are themselves very wealthy, who would marry you in a heartbeat.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't think there are quite as many of these marvellous prospects as you imagine.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Men my own age are in rather shorter supply since the war.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I had noticed rather less competition over the past few years. I had supposed it was because I was becoming handsomer. <br />
* Hugonel sighs.<br />
* Thera sighs as well<br />
<br />
<Thera> Look... I could end up married to a wrinkly man with smelly feet regardless. At least this way, I can get out of it if it becomes unbearable.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Can you?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How do you know how easy or hard it would be to ... extricate yourself?<br />
<br />
<Thera> It isn't as though he hasn't had other mistresses before.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> A mistress is one thing ... what you are talking about is more ... contractual.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I'm not signing anything ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Then you shouldn't expect anything in return. Men like that don't have any cause to keep to unsigned promises.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> This wealth and title you refer to could be nothing more than a mirage, the sly words of a cunning old dog.<br />
<br />
<Thera> My mother wasn't noble. My father gave up a great deal to marry her. I don't have a lot to fall back on, and there are plenty of Wolf girls with more money and less questionable pasts.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Thera> you think I should hold out for marriage? ;p<br />
<br />
<Thera> Empress Thera? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You know that this story is not unfamiliar to me, Thera. I'm nobody, like you. A man with a big name and many friends, playing a game. I don't know what you should do, but I do know the ways of the palace and politics. It's always complicated.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Gods, then Aunt Zivia really would murder me in my sleep.<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Murdering the empress is, I believe, treason punishable by death.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I half wonder if he doesn't like me because I remind him of her when she was young ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Possible, but an unnecessary hypothesis. You are a very striking woman, and any man would be lucky to have you, as consort or as wife.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Well, young-ish, anyway. I'm getting close to thirty, Hugo. maybe this is my best chance for... something better.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't know :/<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Have you talked to Tristan about it?<br />
<br />
<Thera> is it the sort of thing you'd talk about with your sibling? ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No. No, I suppose not.<br />
<br />
<Thera> He'd tell me I should follow my heart. He's romantic that way.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'd suggest that you talk to Sirris, but I worry that he is too far removed from the sorts of day-to-day human concerns that bother us.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The conversation might start with parables and end in tears.<br />
<br />
<Thera> heh<br />
<br />
<Thera> I suppose it can't hurt to talk to him.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> He's always been a stable force in my life when things were ... odd.<br />
* Thera nods<br />
<br />
<Thera> Maybe I could learn to like him. He's not ugly, or ... smelly, despite your claims ;p<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, indeed. I was only saying that out of rank jealousy. With an emphasis on the 'rank'.<br />
<br />
<Thera> And since he's old, maybe his demands wouldn't be too frequent :p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Perhaps he's as flaccid as his foreign policy initiatives.<br />
<br />
<Thera> ew.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> See how helpful I am?<br />
* Thera rolls her eyes<br />
<br />
<Thera> come on, Hugo... take me away from here and show me a good time - maybe it's our last chance.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How can I say no to that? After all, last chances only come along once.<br />
* Hugonel downs his wine and takes Thera's hand.<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tells Titania about her dream encounter===<br />
* Aubrienne will be decked out in SK attire for the show, certainly much more risque than her usual suit.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, your performance with Jed taking the lead goes well, you think!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The audience certainly seems to appreciate it - or maybe that's the costuming choices ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Do I need to roll or anything? I'll take 'well' :))<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume it's Jed's roll, you're just supporting him :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I think I can manage that Aid Another roll)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (indeed)<br />
* Aubrienne will try to track down Tits at some point when she's not so busy, so maybe not til later in the evening.<br />
* Titania can be tracked down later, sure<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Office, I assume?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (yeah)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (that's the easiest place to get some privacy with her, anyway)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well hey there, pretty lady.<br />
* Aubrienne says from the doorway.<br />
* Titania smiles to see you<br />
<br />
<Titania> Your act was great tonight - say congrats to Jed for me too :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks, I'll be sure to.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Everyone was on their game tonight. The crowd seemed really into it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> definitely<br />
<br />
<Titania> Maybe we should do collaborations more often<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's nice we could offer the folks from the Penumbra a place to perform.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Quite thoughtful of you.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well... we've had our share of troubles too lately.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I felt like it was the least I could do.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Since at least our building is still standing. For now ;)<br />
* Aubrienne will shut the door, then close for a kiss.<br />
<br />
<Titania> mmm :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure it will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
<Titania> and I have to say, your outfit looks gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I had been hoping to do a private premiere for you, but time kind of got away from me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I am fond of encores...<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> can I offer you some refreshments? ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Always. :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, I have a possible strange question for you.<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh?<br />
* Aubrienne will take a seat on the couch.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You don't happen to know what the plans are in regards to the fey, do you?<br />
* Titania gets you a drink and will come to sit with you<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know a bit about what's going on. I can't say I'm involved in high-level planning meetings, but I hear a thing or two.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I think the top priority at the moment is to deal with the ones that are causing immediate trouble in the city. They've issued cold iron weapons to the guards, for instance. That sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Titania> But more broadly, they're still trying to figure out what's going on, why this is happening in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aren't we all?<br />
* Aubrienne sighs<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know there was at least one proposal to go to the Shade and chop down those trees, but after Seda Grove, it was felt that might not be ... diplomatic.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like burning an embassy or something, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Something like that.<br />
<br />
<Titania> If there's some greater power behind this, then I think they want to talk to it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> or attempt to, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That might be good, if there was a way to negotiate.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, I don't mean to bug you about this, or take advantage for information, I just...something happened the other day.<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh? what happened?<br />
* Titania takes your hand<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Lathra has a client I've been helping with, and we brought your aunt to see him, and she took us into his dreams.<br />
<br />
<Titania> ... I was going to ask which aunt, but that answers that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which was a bizarre experience on it's own, but...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> My brother was there.<br />
<br />
<Titania> In the dream?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think it was actually him.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere said she thought the dream was more than a regular dream.<br />
* Titania nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It had one of those trees, like we think was at Seda Grove, the portal tree things.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And Jean-Faust came through it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We spoke for a moment, but he said he had to get back.<br />
<br />
<Titania> huh<br />
<br />
<Titania> so he's alive?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I believe so, yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I...I want to try to go get him back.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere said it would be possible, at least to travel to where he is.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Of course you must try.<br />
* Aubrienne leans forward to give Tits a hug.<br />
* Titania hugs you back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks for understanding.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know it probably all sounds a little crazy, but I just couldn't not try.<br />
<br />
<Titania> if it was one of my brothers, I'd do the same thing. I don't see how you couldn't try.<br />
* Aubrienne takes Tits' hand again and gives it a kiss.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're the best boss ever. ;)<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> you're not going by yourself, are you?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Jed said he'd come with me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We'll probably need more help, but I don't want to put anyone in danger.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> I wish I could go too. But I'd probably be more of a hindrance than a help.<br />
<br />
<Titania> But surely there must be some people you could ask?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It means a lot that you would want to go.<br />
* Aubrienne has a happy, slightly odd look on her face.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well... I love you.<br />
* Titania says, as if a bit surprised herself<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...I love you too.<br />
* Aubrienne responds somewhat quietly, squeezing Tit's hand.<br />
<br />
<Titania> didn't expect that, huh?<br />
* Titania says gently<br />
* Aubrienne smiles, somewhat awkwardly, slowly growing to a big grin.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, I don't think I did.<br />
* Titania leans over to kiss you<br />
* Aubrienne kisses back, putting her arms around Tits and sighing contentedly.<br />
<br />
===Lathra provides Orlan with a safe refuge from admiring fans===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, with more Shadar-kai present than usual, including some of your acquaintance, you're kept quite busy tonight<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (any that I work with? Or mostly people from the temple that I might know casually?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Aunisstra is there, she's one of your clients)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (kk)<br />
* Lathra brings a medical kit around with her as she socializes.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You do notice another of your little flock - it's difficult to miss when Orlan shows up at the club, as he tends to get rather swarmed with fans<br />
* Orlan will seize the opportunity to escape from them by talking to you ;)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Hi there - could we go backstage, or somewhere more private anyway? <br />
* Orlan is a little bit frazzled<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well of course we can dear! Here, I'll show you the way, hold this.<br />
* Lathra passes him a full drink as she picks up another from the bar.<br />
* Orlan accepts it gratefully<br />
* Lathra takes him to the green room, since it's comfier than her storage area.<br />
* Orlan will follow you<br />
<br />
<Orlan> this is much better @_@<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Everybody thinks you're used to it by now, I expect!<br />
* Lathra has probably discussed crowds of fans with Orlan a bunch of times<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Well... I am, in a way, but it's just impossible to go anywhere incognito.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Anyway... thanks for the rescue :)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I was hoping I'd get to see you<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, no problem at all, dear. I'm afraid I may not be able to stay indefinitely - I *am* on duty, after all - but if I'm called away and you want to stay here, I can let the staff know.<br />
* Lathra pats her medical kit at "on duty"<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Oh, no, I entirely understand. I might just slip out the back when I get the opportunity.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I wanted to let you know, though... Bella left her fiancé<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh! That seems for the best - does she know what she'll do next?<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It's all a bit up in the air at the moment.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I thought, if it was all right, maybe I could suggest she could talk to you for advice. You're so good at it, after all, and have been so helpful to me.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> But I didn't want to just volunteer you, if you're too busy.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> She is *always* welcome to come to me for advice! Yes, yes of course.<br />
* Orlan smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I don't guarantee that it'll always be advice that *you* like, but I'll try to make it *good* advice if I can.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Wonderful, thank you so much<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I... I just want her to have the help she needs. I don't expect that she's going to fall into my arms now. <br />
<br />
<Lathra> Good.<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
* Orlan sips his drink<br />
<br />
<Orlan> how are you doing? we don't always need to talk about me and my problems :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, well I'm ok dear. I must admit I'm rather worried about the rash of magical assailants that has been plaguing the city, but I think I'm doing as much as I can to help with that.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I got to meet Princess Ilphere and her children recently, that was delightful!<br />
* Lathra chuckles happily<br />
<br />
<Orlan> That sounds interesting!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, she is! She's VERY intelligent - you can tell.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I don't know what I'd do if I met the Imperial family - probably stand there and stammer ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes well I'm afraid I did rather stare at my feet at first, but they were lovely and I got over it.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I mean... other than Titania. She doesn't quite have the same effect, maybe just because I've met her lots of times ;)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It's easy to forget that she's a princess<br />
<br />
<Lathra> They're all really just people too, aren't they? I imagine those throngs that won't leave you alone suffer rather the same effects when they meet you.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Some of them, yes.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Some of them are a bit more... assertive.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Maybe I need a bodyguard ;p<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Maybe you do! It couldn't hurt to have some some help escaping who is more... frequently present.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> But Shadar-kai bodyguards are so trendy right now ;)<br />
* Orlan teases<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Haha! Oh my, I'd have to give up all of my other clients, and this job too!<br />
<br />
<Orlan> oh, I suppose<br />
* Orlan smiles<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I'll see about finding someone - it might be just what I need.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> for now, though, I think I'll try and slip out the back alley and avoid the crowds if I can.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It was good to get to see you, though. Thank you, as always.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well you're most welcome, and it was delightful to see you, too! Would you convey my regards to Bella?<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Of course<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I'll give her your information, and maybe she'll pay you a visit too.<br />
* Orlan will give you a hug before he sneaks away (or at least attempts to)<br />
<br />
===Argent discovers Evil in the Cabaret===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you're kept busy with your tables, as the club is more full tonight than it has been in a while<br />
<br />
<Argent> (everyone running away from the cold and worries)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (I need good tips to buy some more cold iron bullets :))<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> One of your tables is particularly ordering a lot, so hopefully they'll tip well. There's a woman with three men - you don't recognize them.<br />
* Argent recommends the bestest of wines to pad the bill and make them more willing :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She's a bit older - maybe late 20s? while the men all seem somewhat younger. And they're all fawning over her.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Arguing over who gets to buy her the next drink, etc.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Just something about the whole situation gives you a little bit of a weird feeling.<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yeah... does feel a little off)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She's attractive, but not *that* attractive.<br />
* Argent will descretely cast detect magic... maybe a charm?... and if that does nothing, detect evil.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There's definitely magic active on the woman - she's wearing a headband that radiates moderate transmutation<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> still want to detect evil?<br />
<br />
<Argent> (Yes)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> One of the men gives off an overwhelming evil aura - the kind that's enough to stun you for a round. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The woman also radiates evil, but less powerfully, you can tell once you regain your composure<br />
* Argent is a little staggered by the whole thing internally but keeps his composer.<br />
* Argent will head over to the bar to see if Neva might recognize the group<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The man in question is tall, quite thin, with wavy brown hair. He doesn't seem especially strange-looking or anything. The woman is slim with brown hair to her shoulders.<br />
* Orlan is now known as Neva<br />
* Neva is busy at the bar, but can spare a moment for you<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hey Neva... see my table... you ever seen them before?<br />
* Neva glances over to the group<br />
<br />
<Neva> Azarea vak Andras and some of her latest boy toys. <br />
<br />
<Neva> Are they giving you trouble? You need me to have a word?<br />
<br />
<Argent> ive heard the vak Andras name before... what about the tall thin one?<br />
* Neva checks him out in particular<br />
<br />
<Neva> Haven't seen him before.<br />
<br />
<Neva> should I know him?<br />
<br />
<Argent> there is something very off about him.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Off how?<br />
<br />
<Argent> he just makes me feel... like everything around him and that he touches feels dirty... its not but I just feel that way.<br />
* Neva frowns at that<br />
<br />
<Neva> You want someone else to take over the table?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll keep the table, but if you could have someone who may have some skills to check them, especially him, I would appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Neva> I mean, we all get someone sometime that makes you feel dirty just to wait on them. I don't want you to put up with that if he's doing anything weird.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Skills, huh?<br />
* Neva casts something discreetly behind the bar, looks over in their direction again, and drops the glass she was holding<br />
<br />
<Neva> ... shit :o<br />
<br />
<Argent> You ok?<br />
<br />
<Neva> <q> what the hell?<br />
* Neva cleans up, still a bit shaken up<br />
<br />
<Neva> You don't need to go back to that table, kid. I'll see them off.<br />
* Neva says firmly<br />
<br />
<Argent> Ok<br />
<br />
<Argent> but let me see if I can get a name before you do so.<br />
* Neva looks reluctant<br />
<br />
<Neva> <q> Whoever, or whatever, he is - do you really want to mess with him?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll be fine<br />
<br />
<Argent> <q> no... but I can't just let him walk away either without trying to find out more.<br />
<br />
<Neva> :/<br />
<br />
<Argent> <q> just swoop in if you see me in trouble.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Okay, but I'm right here, keeping my eye on you. Don't hesitate to get out of there if anything happens.<br />
* Argent will head to the table with the next drink order... but will do a circumstant route to try to listen on what he can for clues as he approaches<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can make a Listen check)<br />
<br />
<Argent> !roll 1d20+17<br />
* Zola rolls for Argent: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 35 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> They're talking about you, as you circle around through the crowd.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sec, I need to nick in a way that will identify who's talking ;)<br />
<br />
<Dark_blond_guy> Pretty hair - watch out, Tom, or he'll take your job!<br />
* Blond_guy 's name seems to be Tom, and he sort of chuckles in a not-very-amused way at that<br />
<br />
<Azarea> There's something about him... no, not just the pretty hair ;p<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> What's a sweet little aasimar doing in a place like this? <br />
<br />
<Azarea> No, you can't take him home, Val :p<br />
* Azarea says to the guy with the evil aura<br />
<br />
<Azarea> You don't want to make me jealous ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> There you go Lady and Gentlemen... my bartender has a few specialities she could recommend if you wanted to try something more exotic.<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Well, we do like ... exotic ^-^<br />
* Argent says arriving with the drinks, totally composed as if nothing was amiss<br />
* Azarea sort of nudges him under the table and accepts the drinks gracefully<br />
<br />
<Azarea> Thank you so much, angel :)<br />
* Azarea gives you a generous tip<br />
<br />
<Argent> It's just Jean.<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Azarea> Jean? Such a plain name for a pretty face :)<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> I don't suppose you'd like to join us after you get off work, Jean? <br />
* Evil_guy offers with a wink<br />
<br />
<Argent> Why thank you for the offer... mr?<br />
* Argent fishes<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Val is fine.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Mr Val, but its not very proffessional of me to accept such an offer, but it is appreciated.<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Maybe another time, then. When you're not being so .. professional.<br />
<br />
* Neva is watching the situation carefully<br />
* Argent will swing by the bar<br />
<br />
<Argent> I survived<br />
<br />
<Neva> Good.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Now I'm going to ... strongly suggest that they leave. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Val, from what I could gather is staying with Azarea.<br />
* Neva nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh and I mentioned you might drop by with some drink specials for them.<br />
<br />
<Neva> hah<br />
<br />
<Neva> That blond one looks like the weakest, so I'll suggest it to him.<br />
<br />
<Neva> and hope that he can convince the rest they don't really want to spend their whole night in a boring place like this.<br />
<br />
<Argent> You could spike the Val's guy's drink... that might be a little too aggressive though.<br />
<br />
<Neva> I don't wanna piss him off- just get him out.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you want me to let anyone else know?<br />
<br />
<Neva> Let Geff know in case there's any trouble.<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Neva> But I hope there won't be.<br />
* Neva takes up a bottle of whiskey and casts her spell on the way across the room<br />
<br />
<Argent> so do I, business was just picking up.<br />
* Argent will head off to warn Geff<br />
* Neva offers them the bottle, has a few words, and leaves<br />
* Neva is now known as DiablotinNarrator<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> After a bit more discussion amongst themselves, the group take their things and head off.<br />
* Azarea is now known as Neva<br />
* Neva breathes a sigh of relief<br />
<br />
<Neva> Take five.<br />
* Neva instructs you<br />
<br />
<Neva> You probably need a drink after that, too.<br />
* Argent nods and follows her instructions<br />
<br />
<Argent> I am curious though... where did you learn your casting skills?<br />
<br />
<Neva> My mother.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Sometime, you an' me are gonna have a little talk about how you knew what that guy was. But it'll have to be sometime when we're not working. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Sometime<br />
* Neva pats you on the shoulder<br />
<br />
<Neva> Good job.<br />
<br />
<Argent> You did the hard part<br />
* Neva shrugs<br />
* Argent enjoys the break and a drink<br />
* Neva gets back to work<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Denise suggests to Mikel that he could move in with Uncle Alain===<br />
<Mikel> (what's our setup? :)<br />
<br />
* Denise will pop by home in the late afternoon and hope for good luck ;p<br />
* Mikel will fortunately be there<br />
<br />
<Denise> (CONVENIENT :V)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Hey Mickey<br />
* Denise says after going to check on her mom<br />
<br />
<Mikel> hi :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I weren't sure you'd be home :3<br />
<br />
<Mikel> (Mom is asleep, let's say)<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's thing's workin' out, with the helper?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> pretty good - she comes in three days a week, so that gives me more time to take care of my own stuff, get out of the house an' that<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> how 'bout you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> doin' okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's Yvie?<br />
<br />
<Denise> They got enough heat at the school now?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah, it's doing' all right now<br />
<br />
<Denise> good<br />
<br />
<Mikel> THey're keepin' the kids inside at lunch, not allowed to go out an' play<br />
<br />
<Mikel> but that's prolly for the best<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeha, too cold 'an prolly it ain't safe<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, like, that'sw somethin; I wanted to ask you about<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, see, I was talkin' to Ander<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout maybe settin up some kinda... I dunnno. Like a neighborhood watch, maybe?To help our folks out <br />
* Mikel nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' I thought too maybe that's something the channels would wanna help with, or some of 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> but you're the only one I know ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> ah, heh<br />
<br />
<Mikel> what sorta thing were you thinkin' of? like patrols?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he said you might know if there's other might be interested, maybe at least givin' some advice and the like<br />
<br />
<Denise> patrols is what I'd like, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just feel like - there's some really nasty stuff out there what could really hurt someone<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus like, I dunno - maybe we could find out what they're even after there >.><br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, I think it sounds like a swell idea<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I knew I coudl count on you at least :)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> as long as the folks who're doin' the watchin' are trained an' all. or at least, have some idea what they're doin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> see, I figured there's folsk with the Mala Tajna, and also like there's lots of vets around now<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' if they need special trainin' fort fey stuff, maybe the Channels could help<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, we could try, yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I been talkin' with folks about that, some<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, like, 'bout what we know about that sorta thing, an' what we might be able to do <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well?<br />
* Mikel sighs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, it ain't like there was lots of trees down in the old city<br />
<br />
<Denise> no<br />
<br />
<Denise> but Enver says there's lot of other fey down there now too<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah - there were back in the old times too, I guess, but not as many as now<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he says he's trying to find out more about 'em too<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Like those little mushroom fellas<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> But Channel Silvia knows about more sorts, too<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Denise> did she ever go look at them trees?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah, she went an' looked at 'em<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Honestly, I think they gave her the creeps<br />
<br />
<Mikel> It ain't natural<br />
<br />
<Mikel> An' they're sick, too. diseased or somethin'.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, all the mushrooms on 'em<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' the whisperin'...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but she didn't say nothin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout why or what or anythin'?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> She communed with it. With the trees an' stuff I mean. <br />
<br />
<Mikel> it don't usually work in the city, 'cause of too many buildings an' all, but there's enough trees there that it did, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> ..'kay...<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Anyway, she sorta... talked to it?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> But I don't think it went too good<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> what did the...trees... say?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I dunno. but after, she said it was like talkin' to the Arch. she usedta do that when she was a kid, you know?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> that's what it reminded her of<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that can't be no good<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> she told us all to stay away from 'em for now. she was gonna talk to some higher-ups I guess.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....higher where? :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well prolly that's smart anyway<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Like the Emperor or whoever, I guess? An' Sirris, an' whatever other Arch folks she knows?<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Mikel> like, her brother's the Lord Chancellor an' I guess if anyone can get to talk to the Emperor, he can.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well - you tell me if you hear more, okay?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah, I will.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I keep forgettin that >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess i met him though :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, a buncha times<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> he comes to the club to talk to Ander<br />
<br />
<Mikel> he does? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> yep ^_^<br />
* Denise sounds perhaps a little smug ;)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> what for?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> maybe he just goes to look at the dancers? ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, he never pays 'em no mind<br />
<br />
<Denise> mostly they talk about borin' stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> i guess he wants Ander to some some politics thing, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Mikel> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he didn't seem real keen on it, though<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Ander, you mean?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think he fancied havin' folks tell him what to do<br />
<br />
<Denise> something' about votin - you know I don't follow that stuff real well<br />
* Mikel nods with a shrug<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ander for Emperor, that's what I say ;)<br />
* Mikel laughs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> that'd be somethin' all right<br />
<br />
<Denise> it'd be the best ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway, so, speakin' of other things what would be the best<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was over talkin' to Alain the other day<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh, yeah? how's he?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well...he's okay.... you know:/<br />
<br />
<Denise> workin' a lot<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> he was in to the club an' Aunt Hettie saw him for a bit too<br />
<br />
<Denise> and then *we* were talkin' like, and had an idea<br />
* Mikel gives you a quizzical look<br />
<br />
<Denise> so like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I kno you wanna get out of the house an' all<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like - what about movin' in with Alain?<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh, huh <br />
<br />
<Denise> Da couldn't say nothin' 'bout *that*<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, no, but like... would it be weird for him? <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't talked to him about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> but i figured if you thought it sounded good maybe you could?<br />
* Mikel nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I know he was used to sharin' with Georges, is all... I dunno if it'd be like I was tryin' to butt in?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well it'd be different<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe that'd be good, ya know? :/<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just feel like.... maybe it be good for him to have some company<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, I can talk to him<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt hettie said she thought it's be good<br />
<br />
<Denise> an she knows best, when it comes to Alain<br />
<br />
<Mikel> would he care if sometimes Romain stayed over with me, d'you think?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Alain grew up livin' with Serges Yves :p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well...yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you just got *one* boyfriend - I dnt think he'll give you no trouble ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> but I dunno if Serge Yves brought guys home a whole lot...<br />
* Mikel shrugs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I guess all I can do is ask.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe it would be weird<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I figure not having Georges around is weird already, so at least it would b weird but less lonely :/<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Mikel> it's not a bad idea<br />
<br />
<Mikel> like you said, Da couldn't say nothin' about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I'll drop by an' talk to Alain.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'kay, good<br />
* Denise gives you a hug<br />
* Mikel hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> we're a family, we oughtta all be able to take care of each other<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, we can do our best<br />
* Denise grins, because of course our best is good enough<br />
<br />
<Denise> (done?)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> (seems like a good stopping point :)<br />
<br />
===Dorien introduces Misery to Titania===<br />
* Misery will hang out with you at the bar, Dorien, keeping an eye on what you do, getting to meet some of your regular customers<br />
* Dorien will be my normal shmoozy self, buttering up customers as best I can, introducing her around and generally helping her get a handle on how it works.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Is it usually this busy?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sometimes. Tonight we have a bunch of the crowd from the Penumbra as well while they're rebuilding, so it's more packed than usual.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Misery> So there aren't usually this many Shadar-kai?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No, not nearly. Usually only a handful. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> I can't help wondering if the Penumbra burning had something to do with the general fae weirdness that's been going on.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Maybe. Or maybe just the usual racists.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> :/<br />
<br />
<Misery> but I could ask around a bit, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Misery> maybe the fey just really like nightclubs<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Couldn't hurt, I guess. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hah<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well then they should stop destroying them.<br />
<br />
<Misery> you know how it is when a party gets out of hand...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, well ussually heating up the party is a figure of speech.<br />
* Misery smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> When the show starts and things quiet down a bit I want to introduce you to my "boss", Tits. I annoy her too, so you'll have that in common.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Okay. <br />
<br />
<Misery> What's she like? Do I need to suck up to her?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Nah, she'd probably hate you if you did. She's surprisingly down to earth for a royal.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Just be your normal, charming self. <br />
<br />
<Misery> I can do that.<br />
* Dorien grins.<br />
* Dorien will try to flag her over if I see her mingling around during the show<br />
* Titania can be waved over at some point<br />
<br />
<Titania> Hey Dorien, how's business?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Going like gangbusters. It's packed tonight.<br />
<br />
<Titania> That's what I like to hear :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Boss, I wanted to introduce you to my apprentice, Misery. Misery, this is my boss, the Princess Titania, or as we call her, Breasts. I mean Tits.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Hi Misery - do they call you that because you have to put up with this guy?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Not... exactly, but it doesn't hurt.<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> So, are you going to be around most nights now?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yeah, it seems that way.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Actually, I, um... wanted to let you know that I may not be able to work here much longer. I'm looking into other avenues of business. If that happens, I was <br />
<br />
hoping that you could maybe keep Misery on in my place.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'm showing her the ropes<br />
<br />
<Titania> Oh, yeah? Is everything okay?<br />
* Titania asks you, looking a bit concerned<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, yeah. Nothing bad. I'm just... trying to branch out. You can only really play this game for so long, you know?<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, I hope it goes well for you, and that we'll still see you around sometimes.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh, definitely. Who would drive you to drink if I wasn't here?<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'll still be around. Checking up on Mis if nothing else.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Oh, there are plenty of options...<br />
* Dorien grins<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Anyway, I'll be bringing her along for the next few weeks to get used to things, if that's ok. I figure with the extra business it's good to have another pair <br />
<br />
of hands at the counter anway<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sure - we'll see how it goes.<br />
* Dorien nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Speaking of which, can I get two vials of vodare and a couple grams of dreammist?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I owe you one.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Of course!<br />
* Dorien will pull out his special reserves from under the counter.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Planning on having a party of your own tonight?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Ah, you never know - just want to be prepared :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Is aubrienne/Tits common knowledge, or still under wraps?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (still under wraps)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (k)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, don't party too hard. That's powerful stuff. Not that I need to tell you that ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yes, Dad ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey, if I was your dad, I wouldn't be working here.<br />
<br />
<Titania> heh<br />
<br />
<Titania> That's very true. He's never been here.<br />
<br />
<Titania> ... that I know of, anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not his scene, I imagine.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I sincerely hope not.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hah<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, that might be a little awkward, huh?<br />
<br />
<Titania> It's weird enough when my brothers come by - I don't need to think about my father too ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, you never know. We do get all types in here.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Even transdimensional fae, apparently :P<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah, I've had about enough of that.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You and me both.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Rude little bastards.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Have you looked into upgrading the wards yet?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah, it's being taken care of. But it's expensive.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I can imagine. <br />
<br />
<Titania> I didn't think that a cabaret would need security as tight as the Treasury ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, if it keeps them out, it'll be worth it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well, thanks for the refreshments <br />
<br />
<Titania> Nice to meet you, Misery<br />
<br />
<Dorien> For you? Any time. Have fun tonight.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Ah, you too. I guess I'll see you around.<br />
* Titania will head off, then<br />
<br />
<Dorien> See? Told you she was down to earth. She's good people.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yeah. I had to remember that when she talked about her father, that means the Emperor ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, it's weird at first, but you get used to it.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not all wealthy pink folks are total asses.<br />
<br />
<Misery> heh<br />
<br />
<Misery> I'll take your word for it ;)<br />
* Misery will get more comfortable with serving some of the customers as the evening goes on<br />
* Dorien will make sure she takes home half the profits for the night as well, since she helped make and sell it.<br />
<br />
<Misery> (aww :)<br />
<br />
===Zola and Denise chat about the unequal distribution of economic resources in Diablotin, and about boys===<br />
* Denise is sorta bumming arund the bar trying not to bug whoever is on duty<br />
* Zola will approach the bar a short time after her set and order a drink.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey kid, how's things? <br />
<br />
<Denise> pretty okay, I guess, 'cept for all the fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> you?<br />
* Zola lights her cigarette with one of the table lighters and gives it a few puffs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> 'bout the same :)<br />
* Zola slips Neva some coins<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's your knittin' goin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> keepin' your cat warm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah... I admit I haven't practiced much... but I did bury him in yarn a few times.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wanna come sit with? I'm not keen on a stool today :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, uh, sure, I got some time :)<br />
* Zola leads Denise to a free table, drink in one hand, cigarrette in the other.<br />
* Denise picks up her beer and follows<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd better make another date with your auntie soon or I'll forget all she told me... <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah, you oughtta come by for sure - last time was lot of fun :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I still been workin' some on that shawl some<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might bring Bastien by, let you meet him. Not that he usually has much to say.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that'd be swell!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain' never had no kinda pet, or animal friend like that, not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> My sister Yvie's got a little kiutten now though<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Fluffly little orange'n white critter called Spark :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good name for a familiar, is she so inclined? :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aw, ain't no one in my family got that kinda thing, not so far as I know<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figger we're big enough that we'd'a run into it by now ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yvie's real smart though<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm, not sure how House Rat figures into all that stuff they've learned about bloodlines. <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno. Ander's gotta though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's a sorcerer<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he hasn't got a familiar<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe unless you count ralf ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ha! <br />
<br />
<Zola> If you ever catch them talking in their own language, that might be a sign.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I bet there's gotta be some potential in your family anyhow, coming from such a small population? <br />
<br />
<Denise> heh, nothin' other'n commo or rat that I heard ^-6<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess there's folks who keep track of all that sorta thing though<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, they use to keep reacl close track back when folks were livin' in the undercity<br />
<br />
<Denise> and there's some old folks who still do a little of that I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, huh... like a registry of who's inclined to sorcery or to being a priest?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we didn't have priests, an' I dunno if it is in families for Channels, or if it was back then<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think they just kept track of all soerts of stuff like who was marryin' who<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> even now if someone has a baby prolly one of the old folks 'll come around to meet it an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> like my baby cousin Avionne :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> That might be a little creepy, y'think? Suddenly this wisened old crone you don't know shows up at your door to lay her peepers on the child. <br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least if you aren't used to keeping in touch with them<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> That's just how it goes, it don't seem so weird<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> lots of folks come 'round to meet a new baby<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess if they're subtle about it :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I just don't know many people who're having kids these days :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I guess that ain't somthing a lot of folks who'd be workin' here might be wantin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't have much family in the city... and.. yeah, exactly<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I sure ain't ready for any of that<br />
<br />
<Denise> My friend maisie just had a little boy though<br />
<br />
<Zola> It might not be so bad if you've set your mind on it, but who wants all that when you're not expecting it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's more how it goes with folks I now<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I guess Uncle Thierry and Aunt Rosemary were wantin to have a baby<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maise weren't<br />
<br />
<Denise> She's doin' okay though<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess that's natural, though... <br />
<br />
<Denise> he fella's still around, at least<br />
<br />
<Zola> She's got family to help out?<br />
<br />
<Denise> not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> she ain't ever got on real well with her folks<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a shame :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's why she was with the swarm<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, her da ain't ever been around much an her mam's a drinker<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oughta get those snoopy old folks to lend a hand <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, there;s so many folks liek Maisie, ya'know? :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> C'mon in, evaluate her mystical capacity and change some diapers :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, they got friends, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> I been over thee some to help out, an I know mam said she'd help her how she could too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, maybe the city ought to set up a fountain for morning after potions.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ain' no one gonna spend money like that on the Shambles :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might not be so shambly if they did.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> they don't care really<br />
<br />
<Denise> see<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause they need folks who ain't got nowhere else to go if they're gonna find folks to take all the shit jobs out there<br />
<br />
<Denise> Workin' in the factories an all<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well...<br />
* Denise makes a face<br />
* Zola bites her bright red bottom lip<br />
<br />
<Denise> ain't no one gonna help out out 'cept ourselves<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not *nobody*... <br />
<br />
<Zola> There've got schools and stuff set up... it's not like everyone who has is trying to keep everyone who doesn't from getting ahead<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's just enough selfish assholes in the world to make it look that way sometimes, I guess :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, but they don't gotta *try*, do thay>?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that just how it is<br />
<br />
<Denise> an sure there's schools, if you can go to 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> just 'caiuse they're free don't mean it's something you can afford<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't go most of the time 'cause Mikel an I had to look after Yvie when she was little<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause mam had to go work when she could<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Mickie is smarter'n me so it made more sense anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus like<br />
<br />
<Denise> the money for 'em ain't all comin' from the government, if you know what I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
* Zola isn't really sure what to say...<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just how it is, anyway<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> But it ain't like there's no one lookin' out for folks, neither<br />
<br />
<Zola> I wish I had a good idea to fix it all.<br />
<br />
<Denise> UI figure it's more like.... lotf of folks doin;' little things, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I got this friend Swinney, an' he ain't even 15 an he's not really got no one to look after him always. An I can't fix that but I cam make sure he's got <br />
<br />
warm mittens, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you'd think in a city like this he shouldn't need to worry about mittens. <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know much 'bout other cities<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's just so much here, you'd think it'd ... smooth out a bit more<br />
<br />
<Denise> but we got them stupid ice fairies :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they just need mittens<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well they ain't gettin' 'em from me ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't mean to bring all that up :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's alright, kid. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that it isn't a downer :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> But that's life too, right? It can't all be song & dance.<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... I'm not rolling in bills or anything, but if someone's really in need, I could probably help you out?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or maybe try to convince one of my boys to talk to their folks :)<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think prolly we got some ways of gettn to some of them types, anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who says my ways aren't more ... influential? <br />
<br />
<Zola> :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I ain't gonna say no if you wanna put in some words<br />
<br />
<Denise> or whatever >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Speaking of... I've been learning a bit of Rat.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mostly naughty things, so far, but also some of the basics.<br />
<br />
<Zola> <r> Hello, my name is Zola, and I am a singer.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> And some other more indecent things :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> <r> that's pretty good ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> <r> you been learnin' that from Bright?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... yeah, and my other boy, Noren.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Makes learning a little more fun :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> you got another Rat boy? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just hoggin' ;p<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, now, Bright's hardly hogged :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's not much for being stationary.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Noren and I used to be madly in love ... but his parents weren't too pleased about how he chose to invest some of their money and they made him leave the city.<br />
<br />
<Denise> awww<br />
<br />
<Denise> is he back, or do you like.... send him letters?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, it was all quite tragic at the time.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, he's back in town after the end of the war and we've been ... getting to know each other again :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's been checking in on his investment :D<br />
* Denise nods as though she totlly followed that<br />
* Zola holds up her index fingers and gives her boobs a tap with them<br />
<br />
<Denise> But if you're in love with Noren, how come you're still seein' Bright?<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know what I want right now, kid.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not the same kind of love with Noren as it was, y'know? That was ... fierce. Right now it's more... like an old friend... that you fuck?<br />
* Denise blinks<br />
<br />
<Zola> I love him lots, but I'm not sure it's the only kind of love I have to give?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I don't know nothin' 'bout love, I guess, not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aw, you'll find out soon, Gods willing :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope it swallows you like a flood ^_^<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds scary @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh it is! But it's a glorious scary!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like bein' in a tough fight?<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're a rough 'n' tough gal, right? You get into f- YES<br />
<br />
<Zola> EXACTLY<br />
<br />
<Zola> Exhilirating and scary all at the same time<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> You could lose yourself to it, and you WANT to lose yourself to it, but there's no guarantee it'll end well.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hm.<br />
* Denise tries to imagine feeling that way about Enver<br />
<br />
<Zola> But of course you don't get the brass ring by holding onto the ride with both hands.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...I dn't knwo what that means >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, on a carousel? <br />
<br />
<Zola> They dangle a brass ring and if you grab it, you win a prize?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, I guess I ain't ever seen that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't been on that many carousels<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well maybe you and your boy have something to do on your next outing :D<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe :)<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> I do have to figure out what I'm going to do soon though... or talk to Noren :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Don't want him to get hurt or anything.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.... you ain't worried about bright though? On acount of him... movin' around more?<br />
<br />
<Zola> About hurting his feelings?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I just don't think that's his thing... expecting me to be his girl, and vice versa.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ahh.<br />
<br />
<Zola> He might be disappointed if I decided to settle down with Noren... but hurt? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless I've read him all wrong.<br />
<br />
<Denise> My friend Mireva's like that - she just wanst some fun, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> But she don't get all put out about mostly mostly<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> These days I'm worried I want both, you know? To be free and chained at the same time. <br />
<br />
<Denise> ...an I bet you don't know how that'd work?<br />
* Denise sure doens't :V<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not really, kid. At least not with someone who isn't just like me... I don't think that's Noren's style :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> aw, yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't mean to get us on another downer though :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, at least thinking about the last topic is a good way to keep perspective about my own problems -_-<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> I do recommend you stick to one gentleman for now.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, that don't seem too hard :)<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you think I went out of my way to pick up two lovely gentlemen?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, maybe... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure you got lots more to choose from<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's always guys gogglin' after you when you're singin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bright DID introduce himself after a show >_><br />
* Denise grins<br />
* Zola looks over your shoulder briefly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Looks like your boss and his familiar are back in their spots :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh! I gotta run then<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> It were nice to chat though, even if it weren't all cheery<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, nice talkin', kid. Next time you'll have to tell me about your trip down in mushroom land.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh, yeah, sure I will, if you wanna hear it, an about getiin' turned to ice too ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> o_O<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll catch you later ^-^<br />
<br />
===Denise and Zola talk fey and boys===<br />
<Denise> do we have a set up?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe nothing special again? :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> or maybe after the turned to ice comment Zola'd tell you sometime to come by her dressing room when you're free?<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure<br />
* Zola is in her dressing room a good bit before her set, then.<br />
* Denise feels totally out of place backstage, especially with all the performers and stuff, but will fine her way to your door and knock<br />
* Zola answers the door shortly. "Hey kid! C'mon in."<br />
<br />
<Denise> hwy Miss Zola..<br />
* Denise looks around<br />
<br />
<Zola> You have got to tell me about what happened. <br />
* Zola gestures to the divan she has along one wall.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Go ahead and take a seat if you want.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've just been putting on my face.<br />
* Denise looks a little dazzled with all the shiny things in here, but will sit, careful ot to squish anything<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wanna hear 'bout the ice thing?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, what's that about? @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, you heard how them fey are gettin all over the place, right?<br />
* Zola sits back down at her lit vanity to continue her work<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it's in all the papers.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we was all over at Dorien an' Argent's after work one morning, and a bunch of the little ones were landin' on the roof<br />
<br />
<Denise> this was when it was just first startin' up, so we didn'ty knwo what was happenin, so we all went to look<br />
<br />
<Denise> there was a bunch of 'em, an' one had a fiddle that was makin' people dance - some kind of magic thing<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got caught by that pretty hard, but other folks took out the fiddler, an it was good nighht to the rest pretty quick after that<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww<br />
<br />
<Denise> other folks were Argen and Dorien and Mis, and Dorien's cousin, Gen<br />
<br />
<Zola> Shame I wasn't there... they teach us bards how to try to counter that sort of thing<br />
<br />
<Denise> She was stayin; there ;cause her place had no heat<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? That'd be handy<br />
<br />
<Zola> Gen from here? Sad-face Gen?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, she does tables here<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway, they were cleainin' up the rest of the little ones, and this other fey comes 'round the corner<br />
<br />
<Denise> not little little like the flyin' ones, but still short. like so tall<br />
* Denise demonstrates with her hand<br />
<br />
<Denise> and with a big poiinty beard of ice, and carrying an hammer an' chisel<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds kinda familiar. Was his beard all bloody? <br />
* Denise thinks<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, I don't think so, but it was real sharp<br />
<br />
<Denise> had to be careful not to get cut on it<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he said this little rhyme when I came up an' whalloped him<br />
<br />
<Denise> an it turned me into, like, living ice<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like a statue?<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could still move an all<br />
<br />
<Denise> but if I weren't careful...<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> like when I punched him again, little bit of my hands all flaked off @_@<br />
* Zola stops in the middle of applying eyeshadow D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure it coulda been worse'n that though, if I weren't more careful @_@<br />
* Zola shudders visibly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh just the idea @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> it weren't real swell<br />
<br />
<Zola> You got yourself fixed up right though, yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> had to get a priest to fix me up, after<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was a curse, I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awful. Did you get it? Or did it get away?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, we got it alright. it melted.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll have to get you to try to tell me more about what all those things looked like... maybe Hugo and I came across something about them in our readings.<br />
<br />
<Zola> When there's some paper handy, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you been readin' up a bout fey?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, we had a bit of a run-in ourselves... wanted to know if we were crazy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo was all out of sorts after that first attack here. What with Eirini just up and vanishing after charming him into bed with her. <br />
<br />
<Denise> ...that Psyrene dame?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, the "songbird".<br />
* Denise tries to remember<br />
<br />
<Zola> Then he met this other woman who sortof reminded him of her, or of the same woman as she did... and someone was talking about his "songbird" and how much he loved her... then he up and died... author by the name of Bouthillion, so we went to his funeral. <br />
<br />
<Denise> okay...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Eirini didn't show up, if she was his songbird, but we got invited out to a dinner party by the other red headed dame, and we decided to go. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It was likely nothing right? And who wouldn't want to go to a dinner party?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it was something after all... we're not sure what exactly, but we were the only two humans there, I figure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...they were all fey?<br />
<br />
<Zola> We left disoriented and confused and at least for me, feeling a little violated... so we decided to look into things.<br />
* Denise looks concerned<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I think so, all six of them.<br />
<br />
<Denise> they didn't hurt you or nothin', did they miss Zola?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't think so... exactly... but I got the feeling maybe the host uh... fed off us somehow? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo got all scratched up, though. <br />
<br />
<Denise> that don't sound good at all<br />
<br />
<Zola> The wine we drank was no ordinary wine, and the woman who owned the vinyards that made it is something called a handmaiden... I guess they can go into these rages if they drink their own wine?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not sure she meant harm exactly, but it took the hostess to calm her down. I barely remember noticing it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But when we left his jacket was all torn and his arm scratched.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> so what're you gonna do about it?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, when we went with Hugo's uncle Loick to get some books from the Imperial Library, they were already taken out by this fellow named Xandhil Orecalo, who was researching things for Aubrienne and Lathra. So we talked with them, and Aubrienne talked to Tits about it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then she tells her father and he wants to talk to us about it @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> So we told him what we learned... I'm not sure they're really related to all of what's going on though. Some of them have been here for years.<br />
* Denise nods to the first part because she knew about Aubrienne and Lathra and then stops<br />
<br />
<Denise> the Emperor :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, not just him even, Princess Ilphere, the Warlord, and a Reverend Mother too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If telling that group isn't going to help, I don't think telling anyone will @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - that don't sound like no fun<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got Mickey to talk to Channel Sylvia about the trees in the shade<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly she's gonna talk to them too<br />
<br />
<Denise> them folks can sort ot all the stuff 'bout like... arches an' whatever.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It wasn't so bad. Tits was there. And it was good to know that we didn't have to dwell on whether all those fey had bad intentions or not... since they could instead.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just worry 'bout regular folks<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, you gotta tell me about those trees.<br />
* Zola finishes with her makeup and fishes around in a drawer for a tin of losenges before popping one in her mouth.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well if you been talkin to miss Aubrienne an'...miss.... Lathra, I figured you musta hear 'bout them<br />
<br />
<Denise> cause it was on account of 'em we went to look at 'em in the first place<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was lookin' to tell 'em 'bout what Mickie said too, but I don't know 'em so well, to track 'em down when they ain't busy :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I heard some, yeah, but not your telling of it :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mickey, that's your brother yeah? Cousin?<br />
<br />
<Denise> brother, yeah. Mikel.<br />
<br />
<Denise> He's learnin' to be a Channel too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Right, he's got the pet... but not the kitten?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a neice? <br />
<br />
<Denise> my sister, Yvie :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> for Yvonne, after my gran.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometimes if I haven't met people it's like keeping a bag of pencils in order.<br />
<br />
<Zola> -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> What'd he have to say about the trees?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, Channel Sylvia went to talk to 'em I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> she said that it felt like the Arch did<br />
<br />
<Denise> talkin' to 'em<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Arch talks? o_o<br />
<br />
<Denise> she was a Guardian when she were little<br />
<br />
<Denise> so I guess maybe she talked to it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess this didn't go so well though, but I don't know how<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I guess it were like.... sick or somethin' too<br />
<br />
<Denise> when we was there we saw these big mushrooms growin' all over the trees<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess thery were like, evil<br />
<br />
<Denise> so that can't be no good<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh, see anything else below?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think they went down<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, um, my, um, boyfriend's down in the undercity a lot, an' he says there'slot of fey down there too, just like up here<br />
* Denise does blush a little when she talks about her boyfriend :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess something important of theirs might have been destroyed at Seda Grove... so maybe they're here because they were pushed out or ... they're here for revenge, I don't know >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> an I guess the channles are lokkin' into that some too<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I were thinkin' maybe we could catchone an find oout what they want<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was gonna tlak to Argent 'bout that<br />
<br />
<Denise> (talk)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Some of them might just be drawn here by other forces though... from what I read.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like if one of the powerful ones, like a hamadryad or something.<br />
<br />
<Denise> bt I bet the'll know somethin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah... <br />
<br />
<Zola> We talked to one of the party guests about things and he made it sound like something big is coming...<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek that thing what came out from here?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think he meant bigger.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Told us to be careful.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...who was this?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess he's been around here all his life. Tied to some buried river nearby, and can't leave.<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_> <br />
* Denise asks for No Reason >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh, well, I don't know that I should say exactly...<br />
<br />
<Zola> But Tits vouches for him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...what river?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know. I guess it's all walled up underground.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd think it'd be near here though? <br />
<br />
<Denise> theres' lots of rivers run through the sewers still<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it surely still does, or he'd die, I think... but it might not be easy to find.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you might not want to... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What I read about his kind didn't make them out to be the friendliest.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kind?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, who knows if it's true, right? Old folklore. Maybe the only person to get their story to paper made one legitimately angry.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe.<br />
<br />
<Zola> The story is they can tempt you into the water by making you think they're a big pile of treasure... and then their kiss can drown you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, like, part of what the channles did, before, is dealing with stuff like this<br />
<br />
<Denise> so they might know more, ya know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, surely they'll tell Channel Sylvia about the ones we met, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got no idea<br />
<br />
<Denise> you said there was a reverend Mother, but I don't figure the church makes too much of the Channels<br />
<br />
<Zola> You wouldn't think they'd pass up on the experts when the city's crowded with flying menaces <br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't got no idea how they all think<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if it worries you, maybe you can tell Mikel and if his folk want to come ask me some questions it'd be fine?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't want to spread names around when those I met might just be trying to get along with their lives?<br />
<br />
<Denise> right<br />
<br />
<Zola> One of them made me a dress! I have got to show you!<br />
* Zola stands and goes to her wardrobe<br />
<br />
<Zola> Before the wierd stuff started happening, he said I should drop by and maybe we could come to some arrangement, seeing as I'm on the stage... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Seemed like a smart plan, right? <br />
<br />
<Denise> mmhmmm..<br />
* Denise sounds dubious<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, until the wierdness at least... <br />
<br />
<Zola> But I checked with the other guy and he didn't say there was any sort of harm from his dresses, right? So I stopped in...<br />
<br />
<Zola> He took my measurements and all, and he made THIS.<br />
* Zola pulls it out and holds it up to her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> In just a few days @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> I saw the fabric before he started working, not a thing on it!<br />
<br />
<Denise> did you show aunt Hettie?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not yet >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> It feels a little bit like cheating on her, with all the good work she's done <br />
<br />
<Zola> I figured I could just try to mention her to Vernel, but...<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Who needs a second pair of hands when you can do this in THREE DAYS.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's their thing though... making clothing, so it's like cheating, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (it is or it'sn not?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (It's like Vernel is cheating.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oops)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, prolly<br />
<br />
<Denise> it is real nice though<br />
* Denise grudgingly admits<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, for now I'm saving it for a special show or something >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> But I bet aunt hettie xcould do somethin' like that too - maybe not in just days though<br />
<br />
<Denise> but she's been workin on some stuff for her friend Mrs Korisse<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, that's the thing right? She doesn't have time to put that much work into one thing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> if she were paid right I bet she could<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, maybe there's still opportunity with him, like he might be able to point to someone who's not quite so fast >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> And needs an apprentice to help her get into the door for fancier clients?<br />
* Zola goes to put the dress back in the wardrobe.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't figure aunt hettie bein' no one's apprentice<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah, true... but sometimes you have to put in your time as second fiddle just to get some credibility.<br />
* Denise doesn't loookn convinced >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> proilly if she did ckothes for one of miss Korisse's shopws she'd be doin' okay<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well it's all optional anyhow, she's doing a great job here... she might not even want to deal with snooty clients in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (mrs Korisse, ugh that was terribel typing)<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of shows does this Mrs. Korisse do?<br />
<br />
<Denise> She does movies, I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh yeah? Costumer like her?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but they're all like... real sad, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> No, she makes 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> Korisse Severin?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt Hettie worked with her an' miss Aubrienne at the Hesperage afore the war<br />
<br />
<Zola> She knows Korisse Severin :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Fancy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> they're real good friends<br />
<br />
<Denise> that how she got the job here, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometimes you need to be in the right mood for a sad movie, but they can be some of the best ones. <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't been to see any >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't get to the movies too much, mostly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you should take Enver to one, and then he can be there to comfort you when it gets all teary :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ww?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh no, I'm in the ww ;p the heh was a ww though)<br />
<br />
<Denise> we been to one before, but it were a funny one<br />
<br />
<Denise> at a real nice theater, up in the pav<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh, a real date then :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, sorta<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was our first date, an' we went with Argent an' Mireva<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh yeah? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Argent, he's not bad to look at >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> he's been' seein my frined Mireva a few times since then<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you're looking for one that's still playing and is sure to draw a few tears, try The Nurse, it's a story of love during wartime and it's just so sad and so happy ;_;<br />
<br />
<Denise> hh, well, I'll try an' remember that :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (huh)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's guaranteed to get you some cuddle time in :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't figure we need a movie for that <br />
* Denise says, looking a little red faced<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe not :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> But sometimes boys think of petting awful quick... <br />
* Denise gives you a somewhat confused look<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, you're just cuddled up, enjoying being close, and they start to get a little frisky.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> We just been.... goin' slow with stuff, anyway >.><br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've got plenty of time :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure there ain't no rush<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cept I gotta get goin' to check on the boss :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, my set should be up soon too. Catch y' later kid :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> ---<br />
<br />
<Zola> I am vaguely sad I haven't had the opportunity to pay Denise to punch someone<br />
<br />
<Denise> alas!<br />
<br />
<Denise> not on screen anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Someday >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> :)<br />
<br />
===Argent, Denise, Zola and Aubrienne share information at a booth in the cabaret===<br />
''Denise asks Argent to see if Aubrienne is free to share information about fey, one evening at the cabaret''<br />
<br />
* Denise will tell Argent to see if Aubrienne wants to know what she heard back via the channels about the trees in the shade<br />
* Denise assumes he does :V<br />
* Argent does<br />
* Argent will ask Aubrienne if she is interested<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... at worst, it will at least be an interesting way to pass the time... and we can tell you about the fight with the fey in the streets we had too.<br />
<br />
''Aubrienne can't make it right away but will join Argent and Denise as soon as she is free''<br />
* Denise will be waiting in a booth, then :3<br />
* Argent will let her know where we'll be and she's welcome to join when she can<br />
* Argent heads to the booth<br />
* Denise has a fresh beer and permission to slack :V<br />
<br />
<Argent> Aubrienne will come join us if or when she gets a moment<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> welll....<br />
* Argent sits down opposite Denise<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly i can hold off on the gates stuff, but there's some other stuff I found out from Miss Zola<br />
<br />
<Denise> what I think she already knows anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like - Hugo an Zola went to this crazy party after this writer guy dies and they're pretty sure like everyone there was fey of some kind<br />
<br />
<Denise> they got all wacked out on the wine and don't remeber it all, but one of 'em clawed up Hugo's arm<br />
<br />
<Denise> and Miss Zola says she went an' talked to one of 'em after an he told her a bit more - said something big was comin', but wouldn't say what<br />
<br />
<Argent> so, this was before the antler guy<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um, I think the party was for sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't sure 'bout the rest<br />
<br />
<Argent> did she mention any names?<br />
<br />
<Denise> she seemed to think that antler guy weren't it though, whatever he was talkin about<br />
<br />
<Denise> No >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> She woudlnt say in case, like, they're fey but also they're just folks trying to live here<br />
* Denise doesn't sounds satisfied<br />
<br />
<Denise> She said the kind of fey this guy was was linked to one of the rivers under the city<br />
<br />
<Argent> hmmm<br />
<br />
<Argent> well to be honest I don't know much about fey other than the cold iron part.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, well, me neither<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver said there's more down in the undercity now too<br />
<br />
<Denise> an he's been tryin' to learn more about 'em<br />
<br />
<Argent> they could be just trying to live or not... but the whole quickling in the club and the antler guy makes me feel a little less live and let live.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> an, like, clearly this guy knows *somethin* right?<br />
<br />
<Argent> that ice guy left a hammer and chisle behind... im trying to see if someone can identify the workings, since they were fine made, but im not having much luck.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe he brought it with 'im from wherever they came from :p<br />
<br />
<Argent> probably true but I though it might be worth a shot.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so more underground too...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yup<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess it ain' a surprise after the mushrooms<br />
<br />
<Argent> nope<br />
<br />
<Denise> Miss Zola said they've been talkin' to, like, the emperor an' all @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, she had to go an tell him all about what happened<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Mr. Hugo an' Miss Aubrienne and...miss Lathra<br />
* Denise still doesn't know what the term for a SK cleric is<br />
<br />
<Argent> guess things are getting that big, and it is Tit's place, maybe just worried about family.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, with the anthler guy an' the stabbin' and all that mess form back a fewe months, yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> well, we can ask Aubrienne about it when she gets here.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise looks around<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean I guess it's good that folks like that are lookin' into things, but I feel like if I really wanna know what's goin' on I don't wanna just leave it for someone else<br />
<br />
<Argent> from what I dug around about that incident back then with the staff, I think, Jonas, the musician was involved... there is something odd about him, but I cant figure it out.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah, I agree<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, I ain't ever talked to him<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, 'odd' is relative, now isn't it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hi Aubrienne, Zola<br />
* Aubrienne will slide into the booth<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh hey :)<br />
* Argent scoots over to make room<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey kids.<br />
* Denise also scoots<br />
* Zola slips in beside one or the other<br />
<br />
<Zola> Afternoon kids.<br />
<br />
<Denise> We ain't really kids, though, I'm almost seventeen now an Argent is older'n me :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I have to agree with Denise. I'm increasingly unhappy with waiting for others to take care of this whole fey mess.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Didn't mean to offend.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void, spend enough time with the shadar-kai, we all seem like kids.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I guess...<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hey no offence given.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Anyway, as to Jonas...I don't *think* he's a problem.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you're saying you think Jonas was involved with that first attack?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Wait, really?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think he was involved in rescuing the staff from Tit's vault<br />
* Aubrienne frowns.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What makes you say that?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But Tits seems so sure of him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> He was seen carrying a staff leaving one day, and when he was questioned about it, he denied every having it... its not something he normally carries.<br />
* Denise looks at the other girls<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did anyone ever figure out what kind of staff it was?<br />
<br />
<Argent> never had a chance, did we<br />
<br />
<Argent> its circumstantial, I know, but with the other oddity about him, and all the strangeness, it does make you think.<br />
* Zola looks to Aubrienne, "You tell them?"<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... so what don't we know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well now, that could take a bit.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout Jonas though<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Though this particular tidbit is more your secret than mine, Zola.<br />
* Denise waits<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it's not like a dozen people don't know by now anyhow... <br />
<br />
<Zola> You two just be discreet, because Tits vouches for him, and if someone goes and says something to someone who's angry for all the chaos the fey've been causing and he gets hurt, it'll be on us.<br />
* Zola says to Denise and Argent<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's the one I said was tied to a river nearby, Denise. Been here his whole life I imagine, can't go too far either.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so he's a fey.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, but like I said, Tits vouched for him before her father and everyone else at the meeting.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so she knew before<br />
* Aubrienne cocks her head to the side, and you think you can hear faint whispers for a moment.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe he put a spell on her, like that fiddler what makde folks dance :p<br />
* Aubrienne looks around spotting Jed just at the edge of the stage.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh for...I'll be back in a second.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... it seemed like not that long before, but she wasn't surprised when she learned.<br />
* Zola frowns<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> he even playes the fiddle :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess I'm a bit worried about that, but you'd think that her father would be looking out for her in that, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know how that all works<br />
<br />
<Argent> enchanting leaves signs.<br />
<br />
<Argent> traces<br />
<br />
<Argent> of the magic<br />
<br />
<Denise> well maybe someone oughtta have a look :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'course straight up lyin' don't leave no traces >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> well, not like that<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose, but that'd just be like checking the teacher's work, right? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Princess Ilphere's a powerful sorceror, and there was Reverend Mother Alma too. <br />
<br />
<Denise> (the Emperor is also a ppowerful sorcerer ;)<br />
* Zola taps her cigarette anxiously and puts the holder back into her lips<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well, I ain't got a great track record with teachers ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oops... he is? o_O)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Argent> seems unlikely something like that would go unnoticed<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Reverend did ask for us to try to score some possessions from the fey... but I don't know if that could tell us if he has anything bad in mind for the club, or Tits >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> she wants.... their stuff?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess she must use it for divination? <br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I oughta swipe a page from his music or something and send it her way.<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if she vouches for 'im if he knows more 'n he's saying than someone oughtta have more of a chat<br />
<br />
<Zola> But how do you know that before you have the chat? <br />
<br />
<Denise> yo're the one who said he said somethin' big was comin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess... but what if the Emperor's already had a chat?<br />
<br />
<Argent> could make him more inclined to talk to you<br />
<br />
<Argent> if he's already had to spill his guts once<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose... <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - what the emperor knows ain't helpin' us.<br />
* Zola looks pretty wary<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it will in time, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Once they know what's up, they'll try to stop it, or... figure it out at least?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, but, like, meanwhile things ain't so great for folks who aint powerful sorcerers and who don't got no guards around 'em all the time<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm not the person to sit by and let others fix things for us, neither is Denise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of choice do we have about that? It seems like something big is happening, and we barely know anything. <br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just circles though, 'specially if yo don't wanna ask folks who might know more<br />
<br />
<Argent> and there are folk who are willing to go out and try to fill some of the holes in what we do know<br />
<br />
<Argent> we just need to get aligned.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Isn't that the Emperor's job? The guard?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well<br />
<br />
<Zola> What're we going to do, gumshoe about the place and hope none of the fey we find try to murder us?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo's already got his head stuck in the sand. <br />
<br />
<Denise> the Emperor's job lots of "jobs" he don't always do so well when it comes to some folks, and the guard too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just from meeting a half dozen fey who didn't do anything more than have dinner with us and scratch up his arm.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you don't think thats the right attitude.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I mean... not if Tits is in danger. I just don't see that any of us know anyone better at figuring this out than the folks we told in the meeting with the Emperor.<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's already plenty of fey who are hurtin' folks<br />
<br />
<Zola> But we don't know prying into Jonas' life is going to help with that :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> And what if Hugo's right? Some of the fey I read about... they're not said to be kindly.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Some of the fey I met ain't kindly<br />
<br />
<Denise> either he doens't know anything, in which case, whatever, he don't know nothin'<br />
<br />
<Argent> or it can help<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> seems like its at least worth askin'<br />
<br />
<Argent> If Tit's has some arrangement or trust with him, maybe she can help<br />
<br />
<Argent> nobody is talking about using hot iron pokers or anything<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yet)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess it couldn't hurt for us to know more about what he think's coming... <br />
<br />
<Denise> We ain't like.... evictors or nothing :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you need to promise that you'll be careful with what I tell you, is all.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> of course<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just because you've got the right idea doesn't mean others will.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So... what's the plan? <br />
* Zola asks somewhat cautiously<br />
<br />
<Argent> did anything else come out of your big meeting? About the trees or anything else fey-wise?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got more on the trees bu I wanted to tell Miss Aubrienne too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, mostly it was us telling them, but I guess they were going to look into something with people having dreams and visions but Aubrienne knows more about that, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't really know much, I just went to a dinner party and read some books :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Tell miss Aubrienne what about the trees?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I did get a gorgeous dress out of it, though >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> it is a nice dress <br />
* Denise admits, still someone grudging ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> but so, like with the trees<br />
<br />
<Denise> I already told Miss Zola when we were talkin' befpre<br />
<br />
<Denise> But Channel Sylvia went to like.... talk to 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> An, so, right, she was an Arch Guardian when she was younger<br />
<br />
<Denise> she said they kinda felt like that - like talkin' to the arch<br />
<br />
<Denise> only not real friendly<br />
<br />
<Denise> but also that, like, they were sick<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like a big, mean, sick tree-arch<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I wish I could say that was surprising.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, Aubrienne did say that whatever happened at Seda Grove might have destroyed a gateway to their world... <br />
<br />
<Argent> so they bring sick gateway trees here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe its the other way, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, maybe not intentionally? Maybe when the gateway... they're these giant trees called Irminsul... when they're destroyed, something goes wrong?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Princess Ilphere thinks the destruction of the tree at Seda Grove might have, ah, seeded other places.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Including some folks dreams.<br />
<br />
<Denise> eh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And apparently the Shade?<br />
<br />
<Argent> people have trees growing in thier dreams?<br />
* Argent seems a little incredulous<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> At least one person that I know of, a client of Lathra's.<br />
<br />
<Denise> how is *that* a thing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How up are you on planar mechanics?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh.....<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, a lot of this is somewhat new to me, and it was theoretical knowledge for me just a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<Denise> looks, okay, trees in dreams, I got it<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think anything else you say is gonna stick, so that's okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> trees in dreams<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Trees in dreams indeed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But, equally importantly, those trees are gateways.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like the one in the shade?<br />
<br />
<Denise> are they sick too?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, in the dream they were feeding off people, which seems pretty sick to me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like the one in the shade's got all them gross mushrooms on 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> eww<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah that ain't good<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So far as we know, the ones in the Shade aren't doing that, but the mushrooms had certainly grown on their dead farmer.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if they're liek gates, maybe its like.... whatever's on the other wise is all sick too an that's why they're all comin' here? :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think the fey might be fleeing something?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I think I read something that suggests some fey just follow the power of the Irminsul or the hamadryad... I forget... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno but they gotta have some reason for comin; here?<br />
<br />
<Zola> So they might just be coming here because they're drawn here, not because of some plan?<br />
<br />
<Argent> hamadryad? Is that what that antler guy was?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or lik e- maybe whatever is makin' the gates sick - I guess if they ain't always like that, i dunno - mayeb that's what is comin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, Aubrienne pegged that as a Cold Rider<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, a hamadryad is a tree spirit, and we think that one was attached to the Irminsul at Seda.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And she survived the destruction of her tree, and is pretty pissed at us.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Us being the empire, not us specifically.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Though someone does seem to have a grudge against the club...<br />
<br />
<Argent> and this being the capital seems a good target.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, there could be that as well, a more... personal reason.<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that why that guy got killed then?<br />
<br />
<Denise> the officer that no one liked?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No doubt.<br />
<br />
<Argent> he was the officer at the burning of the seda grove<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, we think they're targeting the people who were there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I didn't manage to figure out if that was Eirini or not.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if who was Eirini?<br />
<br />
<Zola> The one who stuck a knife in his back.<br />
<br />
<Argent> she disappeared when it happened and hasn't been seen since, so she is either the killer or involved in some way, I would suspect.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She might be behind the death of Luc Berthillion as well... or not >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Jonas blames our party hostess for that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> live and let live...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Someone's not sticking to their side of that bargain...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> so we have the party fey and we have sick trees... thoughts on where to start on either?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess we want to make sure he doesn't have Tits enchanted or something?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Aubrienne coughs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think she's enchanted?<br />
<br />
<Argent> its not likely, but just to be sure.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> just liek though<br />
<br />
<Argent> if she's not, we thought she might be able to help speak with Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if Jonas is involved in suff like takin' the staff or whatever<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not exactly, but the books don't paint a nice picture of Jonas' type, and she seemed so certain she could vouch for him when she'd only just learned what he was?<br />
<br />
<Denise> and he's got her vouchin' for him<br />
<br />
<Denise> seems a bit fishy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, yeah, I guess it makes sense.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that the books are necessarily accurate...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they only wrote down the things that scared them >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> what did you say them kind of fey were called?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Best guess is something called a fossegrim. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...Damn it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if he's got a river in the undercity maybe there's old Rat lore about it<br />
* Zola looks at Aubrienne?<br />
* Denise says that to herself<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just realized...Tits has been concerned about her wards.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But clearly Jonas can get through them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess, depends on how they work?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So they must be designed to let him in, somehow.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, or maybe they just stop harmful action? Maybe her daddy's got the resources for that sort of thing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not so big on abjuration, but I'd be curious to see how their constructed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe I can get someone to come take a look at them, someone with more experience with that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, the fossegrim are said to lurk in waterfalls and tempt people into them by appearing to be a pile or treasure, or playing enchanting music, and then drowning them with a kiss. <br />
<br />
<Zola> So uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> You might want to be careful...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sweetie, I'm beginning to think paranoia is the smart ticket right now.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So careful may be a few steps back.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That sure is Hugo's take on things...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Then again, I'm hoping to go charging off into their world, so what do I know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yo are?<br />
* Aubrienne sighs.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's...I was about to say "It's complicated," but it's really not.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The fey have my brother.<br />
<br />
<Zola> D:<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to get him back...somehow.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How'd you find out about this?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The dream, with Lathra and Ilphere and the rest.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You... shared a dream?<br />
<br />
<Denise> if they had my brother I'd go after 'im to, no matter what<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The tree there, the gateway, my brother came through it, but he said he had to go back.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, yes, sort of.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Lathra has a client who's been having nightmares.<br />
<br />
<Denise> is this the tree in dreams guy?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They seemed related to this whole mess, so Princess Ilphere took Lathra and I along with her into Lathra's client's dream.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, the tree in dreams guy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....they ai'nt feedin' off your brother, are they :o<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, not that I saw, but I don't know what they're doing to him there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Argent> so you're going after him. How?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Through the ... fragment of the Irminsul?<br />
<br />
<Zola> seed?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That what we think, though I'm looking into some other options.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere...the Princess seemed to think it might be dangerous to follow through there, because we can't be sure what's on the other side.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Something like Plane Shift would work if you knew the right materials, but... that'd dump you out anywhere... you'd likely arrive in the right spot if you entered through the dream again @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, there are some options, it's just, you know, finding someone who can and will help.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is the Princess going to help?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, if you need help with gettin' him bak, yo let me know. Rats gotta look out for each other.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think so.<br />
* Aubrienne smiles at Denise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I know how it is with family an all<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <rat> Thanks, Denise.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ooh! I know that!<br />
* Denise nods seriously<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> On a similar note, I have a possibly weird question for you?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> These attacks...are your bosses doing anything?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'd help too if I can<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I thought maybe they might organize some watches or something.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, they're gettin' on it<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Good to know.<br />
* Denise says, FULLY CONFIDENT<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thank you, Argent, I appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just...I don't want anyone else to get hurt.<br />
<br />
<Denise> exactly<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' there's places the guard don't go much, ya know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I thought about coming to your aunt, Denise, as she's the toughest person I know, but, like I said...<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Argent> going in eyes wide open Aurbrienne. No guilt on your part if someone gets hurt.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think she's kinda sick of them little fey fuckers messin' with her work ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, I already been turned to ice so... bring it<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'll let you know if and when things go down, then.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know how you all have such confidence @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you can do the same. I'm not some battle sorcerer like some, but I think I can be of some assistance.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They're young and I don't have much of a choice.<br />
* Aubrienne winks at Zola<br />
* Zola smiles sadly<br />
* Argent chuckles<br />
<br />
<Denise> well okay sometimes maybe I can be a little *too* confident >.><br />
* Denise eyes Argent<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I'm workin on that, an plus I do know what all I can do<br />
<br />
<Denise> and it ain't knothin', ya know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And, at least a little, it's a Rat thing. Or a Shambles thing. Like Denise said, some places the guard won't go.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So we take care of things ourselves.<br />
<br />
<Denise> the Shade, too<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Argent> if we free your brother, it may also give us a clue on how to deal with the sick trees.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I... I'd like to help, I just don't know what good I'd be. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, I could have helped with that fiddler, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I'm not a fighter, really.<br />
<br />
<Zola> All I've got is this dinky toy.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, if nothing else, it seems like the fey have an appreciation for music.<br />
* Zola reaches into her cleavage and pulls out her little pistol to flash it around.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'd really prefer it if all this could be settled without a fight, but I'm less and less idealistic about that being possible.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, that reminds me, I need to pick up a piece.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I got Hettie and Kori to give me some pointers.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if the Princess can't fill your ranks with a better bard than I, I can't say no to something so important, right? <br />
<br />
<Argent> at the very least, its song material.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Honey, I'm not sure there'll be much loving to sing about...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey, there may be a bard with more spells or something, but I don't think there's a *better* bard than you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww, you flatterer :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> If you need me, though..<br />
* Zola says, pretty sure she won't >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> And I could go around with you maybe, Denise? If you want?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless you think I'd get in the way >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> for what now?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Weren't you talking about going on patrols?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could probably find a better pair of shoes and tag along in case you find another fiddler >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly any help with that'll be good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think there's more of 'em for sure, from all the stories<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We could cover more ground in my car, if you want some extra backup...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh that sounds so much better than what I was imagining, trudging through the snow...<br />
<br />
<Denise> well there's places you can't take cars, so, maybe some of both, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm wondering if it's something where we might take turns, and we could probably use Dor and Argent's place as a base.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So we could bring reinforcements if someone sees anything.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...that rather sounds like the guard, huh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> If we had some radios or something, we could get word to people where to go...<br />
<br />
<Denise> mm, maybe - I'm gonna see what the bosses get set up <br />
<br />
<Zola> That way there might be warmer feet >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, that's a good idea!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe headquarters could be in a bar, and I could sing until you actually need me :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> C'mon in from your rounds, boys! I'll sing you a few songs...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I can't imagine there's a bar that wouldn't welcome you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe talk to your bosses, Denise? We don't need to duplicate efforts if we can just join in on things they're already doing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Will do :)<br />
* Zola is pretty sure some bars might not be fond of her beyond a cetain point >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly if they're workin' out fo a bar, it'll be the cellar >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> it ai;nt really a place for singin' in<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why the cellar? <br />
<br />
<Denise> bt we'll see :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> It's kinda.... our place<br />
* Denise is briefly surprizede Zola has to ask this, but only briefly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might not only be your boys who want to help out though, maybe you aren't thinking big enough :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, they're other folks we can talk to.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could sing upstairs anyway, and they could come up for a drink :V<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe coordinate with.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we'll see<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I could tell you more about the others at the party, and just leave out names for now... until we need them... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Then after that yuo've got to tell me all about the mushroom farm.<br />
<br />
<Denise> alright<br />
<br />
<Zola> The fellow I got my new dress from is something called a spindler, they're said to accost people and make them wear their clothing. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Honestly, that dress is gorgeous, I can't imagine how he'd need to force anyone @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...what happens to folks when they wear the clothes?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess sometimes they do things to those who see the wearer, but Jonas just looked at me funny when I asked if his dresses were dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's an opera singer who's a rusalka, who I'm hoping is better than advertized. <br />
<br />
<Denise> what do they do?<br />
<br />
<Zola> They can use their hair like a limb or something... and apparently like to charm people and other creatures to defend them and also to treat cruelly before they tire of them and kill them >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> uh, real nice :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> There was a faerie seer. They are ... wierd. <br />
<br />
<Denise> what do they see?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, the ftre?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's like they're not tied down by time like we are, and see all possibilities at once? I guess sometimes they go crazy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, that don't sound fun<br />
<br />
<Zola> I sat to his right at the party, and he was quite friendly, but it was like ... everything rippled when you were close to him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess he'd be easy to find ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> The hostess seemed like she might be something called a leanan sidhe. They're patrons of the arts, I suppose? Except they also offer you the ability to become more than you are, at the price of your vitality.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Eirini might be that as well, or instead of? I'm not sure...<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> But it seems pretty likely that Luc Berthillion was being "inspired" by a leanan sidhe and paid for his last masterpiece with his life.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you've managed to learn quite a bit <br />
* Argent is impressed<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I did a fair bit of reading after the party >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> they got books and stuff and they like, hired some guy to help with that?<br />
* Denise contributes helpfully<br />
<br />
<Argent> did any of this reading indicate any other vulnerabilities other than cold iron that we know of?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, Aubrienne and Lathra did. Hugo and I went to see his uncle, and when we went to find the books that might help us, he had them all.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I wasn't really looking for that...<br />
<br />
<Zola> But we took notes, so I guess it wouldn't be that hard to look over the books again.<br />
<br />
<Argent> might be worth checkin', just saying<br />
<br />
<Denise> which is the one who scratched up M. Hugo?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, yes... a handmaiden, they used to be associated with some of the pre-Wheel faiths in Psyra. <br />
<br />
<Zola> They make a special kind of wine, which is why we were so ... out of it during the party and all the strangeness.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I guess when they drink it they eventually fly into a rage and try to kill people... men first? Though Hugo was sitting right beside her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They go all beastly too, when this happens.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> It seems strange that they'd drink a wine that'd make them blow their tops like that... and especially wierd that they'd bring it to a party.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I tried some of the wine from the night of the first attack, and it's not the same.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe she's got different kinds, 'cause it weren't nothin' normal :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it could be...<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did wonder if maybe she was a part of all that... which is why we tried the other wine... :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' maybe they like rippin' folks up >.><br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> some things are just evil<br />
<br />
<Argent> that simple<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you really believe that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well there's demons and such... their very essence is evil... <br />
<br />
<Argent> unfortunately I do.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure I believe either of those things, that some things are just evil with no good in them, or that is a simple matter.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I suppose I don't have experience with such things.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just because there's a sliver of a chance doesn't make it a safe bet, though.<br />
<br />
<Argent> and were not talking about people<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course we are.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what the fey?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe not like us, but still people.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just 'case somethin' ain't human don't mean it ain't *people* Argent<br />
* Denise says pointedly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Exactly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, most of the Shade isn't from this plane..<br />
<br />
<Denise> But all kinds of folks can be good or bad or a little of both<br />
<br />
<Denise> An maye things like Demons are different<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I read elves are maybe from the same plane as all these other fey.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' they're really just evil<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, we don't now that 'bout the fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> though, like, for sure some of 'em are right little bastards >:|<br />
<br />
<Argent> I didn't really want to swing the conversation this way, I appologize.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Remember, you agreed to be careful with what I told you... <br />
* Zola looks a little concerned.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No need to apologize, and I didn't mean to put you on the spot.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so back on topic, we got some organizing on the patrols to happen, an expedition into the dream to save Aubrienne's brother, and some more research on the fey from the party, and check on Tit's make sure she is good and talk some more with Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Argent> full plate it seems<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You aren't kidding.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Were you in the war, Argent?<br />
<br />
<Argent> no... I just like to keep things organized in my head or I forget.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he weren't old enough, but he's got a good head for plannin'... stuff >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly how he can keep all them folks orders straight :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, just seems a bit wasted bussing tables.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Lots of folks who were in the war are doin; worse :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose there's not as much need for take-charge, after.<br />
<br />
<Argent> speaking of tables, I need to head back and get ready for some.<br />
<br />
<Denise> a'right<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can tell Miz Zola 'bout the mushrooms<br />
<br />
<Argent> ok<br />
<br />
<Denise> Though Miss Aubrienne was there too<br />
<br />
<Argent> ill catch up later<br />
<br />
<Denise> later!<br />
* Zola gives a little wave.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Bye!<br />
* Argent slips out and heads to work<br />
* Zola looks from Aubrienne to Denise<br />
<br />
<Zola> He was here with your friend, right?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'll offer what I can, but I got hit pretty bad by those screaming ones on the way in.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you're sure he's not one of those rainbow band assholes?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Argent?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I wouldn't think so.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Denise?<br />
* Zola eyes Denise a bit as she waits for a response<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yes >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ain;t<br />
<br />
<Zola> Alright.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't hang with that type<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's just ...kinda sheltered 'bout some kinds of things<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's just his apology seemed a bit like "Sorry for saying my mind" rather than "Sorry for putting my foot in my mouth".<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, he ain't like that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good... <br />
<br />
<Zola> It'd be a shame. He's pretty cute.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I'd hate to have to warn off that opera singer only to find out she really is eating babies or something.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't read they do that, I mean... I'm just saying.<br />
<br />
<Zola> There was this kind of fey that would steal the skin of the dead though, that was awful gross :|<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, there seem to be a lot of unpleasant types.<br />
<br />
<Zola> There were some nice ones though... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Hamadryads are supposed to be nice ... when they aren't angry or insane. <br />
<br />
<Zola> If we're lucky maybe the Emperor and all can find a way to fix the seeds of the Irminsul and make it up to her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'd be pretty upset if someone burned down my home.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'm not even mystically linked to it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, while I want to stop her, I kind of see her point.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not like we knew it was there... right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well like though - *that's* when the rainbow guard are like<br />
<br />
<Denise> blamin' follks who are inviolved for stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> so some asshole burned down their tree, - yeah that's real bad!<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like - it aint the fault of everyone who's in the city<br />
<br />
<Denise> an that's who's payin' for it all<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah... <br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> we are gonna figure some of this out<br />
* Denise says, re-mustering her determination<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Let me know if you need me... I'll try to chip in.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> I will :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I prolly oughtta go check in too though<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And we should probably get backstage.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You still owe me the full mushroom story<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jed might have gotten himself entangled in something again...;)<br />
* Zola peeks out<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you're right<br />
<br />
<Zola> Next time<br />
<br />
===Denise asks Ander about the possibility of citizens' patrols to protect helpless humans from fey===<br />
<Denise> (when should we set this? Could it be right after the big convo with Argent and Zola and Aubrienne?)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Okay then :)<br />
* Denise returns after her general conference :V<br />
* Ander is at his usual table I guess?<br />
* Denise returns with fresh drinks!<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey boss<br />
<br />
<Ander> hey Dee<br />
* Ander takes one of the drinks gratefully<br />
<br />
<Denise> how was your meetin?<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, you know - lotta talk, not much action :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Denise> speakin' a action though<br />
* Ander arches his eyebrows at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was wonderin' if you knew if there was any news on maybe gettin' organizes too look out for folks, with the fey around?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah - Evard's takin' that in hand, gettin' folks who're interested to join up<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? i should go an see him, then, I guess :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, if you wanna volunteer, he's the man to talk to<br />
<br />
<Denise> I do! An maybe some of the other folks I was talkin; to<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, Argent for sure<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> that's good<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Aubrienne too, that was kinda a surprise<br />
<br />
<Ander> huh<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, the more the better!<br />
<br />
<Denise> But she's a Rat, after all, and she's got soem personal reasons and such<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Zola said we oughta use radios or somethin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> she gonna buy us some radios to use? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly not >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I though maybe after the war there's be lots of that sorta thing around<br />
<br />
<Ander> that might be, I suppose<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I guess that don't mean we could get 'em >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah... it's a thought, though. Maybe Evard's already got it in mind, I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I guess I'll find out :)<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu think we still gotta look out for that Aigel guy, with the arm?<br />
* Ander sighs a bit<br />
<br />
<Ander> I think we oughta be careful in general. He was a good warning to step up our precautions an' all, but I ain't sure where he's at or if he's comin' back.<br />
<br />
<Denise> right...<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu ain't heard more about him?<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's layin' low, it seems like.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, or he toook off somewhere maybe<br />
<br />
<Ander> maybe, yeah<br />
* Denise shrugs, then, and sips her beer<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> (nope can't not!)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
* Denise fiddles with her hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> So, I gues that means prolly you ain't gonna be goin' out with any of the patrols or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, heh. No, I'm gonna, least a few times.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Prolly the safest place to be ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? :D<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was thinkin', maybe, on account of you being a officer an all ;3<br />
<br />
<Ander> Gotta pitch in an' help out, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> hey - you pickin' up that shit from Ralf? ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> what shit?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just meant like - even if Evard's runnin' things prolly it'd be good to have folks who've done that sorta thing before<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh, I thought you meant I might sit it out 'cause I was an officer ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, the opposite!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ralf wouldn't say that 'bout you anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, he might if he was jokin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> he's allowed<br />
* Denise looks dubious<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well I *suppose*...<br />
* Ander smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, you gotta let me know, anyway, if you're gooin' out ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> On patrol<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure, 'course I will<br />
<br />
<Ander> heh<br />
* Denise clarifies<br />
<br />
<Denise> (for reasons)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I think I'm done!)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (okay)<br />
<br />
<br />
===Denise takes Enver on a movie date===<br />
<Denise> So, what do you wanna see?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Zola was tellin; me I should take you to go see 'The Nurse'<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh yeah? what's that one about?\<br />
* Denise says, but sounds a bit dubious of the 'sappy romance' genre<br />
<br />
<Denise> Some kinda love story, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Enver> if you want<br />
* Enver says<br />
<br />
<Enver> Or there's one I saw the poster for called The Beast From The Sea, that's a monster one.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ooooh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds more fun :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> do you wanna take a cab, or you okay walkin' there? it's pretty cold.<br />
<br />
<Denise> where's it playin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (i.e. how far is it? >.>)<br />
<br />
<Enver> The Glory, in the Pav.<br />
<br />
<Enver> (so, not across the river, but a bit of a walk)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, lets start walkin', an if we see a cab we can see how we feel >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> all right<br />
* Denise will tooootally hold hands though<br />
* Enver can wear those nice mitts you made him :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I oughtta make you ones with real fingers <br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, these ones are real nice <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah but I don't want you getting your fingers frostbit :p<br />
* Enver seems happy to hold hands, not just because it helps warm up his fingers ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> So I guess Evard is puttin' something together for patrollin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> I heard somethin' about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, folks were talkin' about it anyway. sounded like a lotta folks thought it was a good idea<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, yeah! :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> It was your idea ^-^<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> you got it goin' though<br />
<br />
<Denise> not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just mentioned it to the boss :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> that counts :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> I, uh... maybe we can do some patrols together, like, if you wanted<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'd like that<br />
<br />
<Enver> I kinda wanna see you punch stuff :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe you should come down to the gym sometime when I'm trainin' ^-^<br />
<br />
<Enver> but, it'd be better if we don't find nothin' I guess >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> 'course that's got a lotta me gettin' punched too<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, yeah? would I be allowed?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah, you'd just have to keep out of the way some, but other folks come an' watch<br />
<br />
<Enver> that'd be swell, then<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva came once but she ain't got a taste for it<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> would it be weird if I was there?<br />
<br />
<Denise> why would it?<br />
<br />
<Enver> like, I don't wanna distract you when you're trainin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, prolly that's good practice too ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'specially if we're gonna go on patrol :D<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, okay then :)<br />
* Enver squeezes your hand<br />
* Denise squeezes back<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh - there's a cab!<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, good :)<br />
* Enver will wave it down<br />
* Enver gets us headed to the theater in slightly warmer conditions<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you want some popcorn?<br />
* Denise can snuggle surreptitiously<br />
* Enver asks once we're there<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure!<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> we could share one?<br />
* Enver will get us one, plus a couple of sodas<br />
<br />
<Enver> wanna sit up in the balcony?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was fun last time, yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> keen<br />
* Enver will find us some seats - it's busy, but not toooo crowded<br />
* Denise follows along, feeling vaguely guilty for being tall and large when we do sit<br />
* Enver settles in beside you, wedging the popcorn between us so that we can share<br />
<br />
<Enver> this okay?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
* Enver leans closer once the lights dim for the movie to begin<br />
* Enver wraps his hand around yours<br />
* Denise smiles but also remembers what Zola was saying about some boys :V<br />
* Denise laces her fingers through yours though<br />
<br />
<Enver> (The movie is a pretty high-budget effort, with effects for ships in storms and a mysterious monster from beneath the waves terrorizing the sailors, although rather over the top at points)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (there is also, maybe to make Zola happy, a little bit of a love story with the lady captain of the ship and a lighthouse keeper ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aww, she was great!<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> The end were kind of a let down though, how they just ran over it and then it was gone<br />
<br />
<Denise> after all the rest of it<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe they wanna leave it so they can make a sequel<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'd see another one<br />
<br />
<Enver> Revenge of the Beast From The Sea or whatever :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> anyway I thought it was good<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, me too!<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wonder what it'd be lile, to really have to fight somethin' like that<br />
<br />
<Enver> somethin' that big?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah... or I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe not size big, but like, um... threat big?<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> prolly pretty scary<br />
<br />
<Enver> but like... if you didn't fight it, it'd just get you anyway, so you gotta do it<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that kinda thing<br />
* Denise is thinking about Stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> i dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe things are kinda like that now<br />
<br />
<Enver> with all the fey stuff?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe, yeah. I hope it ain't that bad.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess those trees up in the shade are like some real serious shit<br />
<br />
<Enver> you can't really fight a tree, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh say<br />
<br />
<Enver> hm?<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ever heard of a kind of fey that, like were attched to rivers?<br />
* Enver thinks about it for a moment<br />
<br />
<Denise> or if any of the rivers underground got fey attached to 'em?<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's some, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> some real nasty kind?<br />
<br />
<Enver> stuff like kelpies an' nisps an' that. I dunno if they're *attached* to rivers, but they could live in 'em.<br />
<br />
<Denise> this kind is like.... the river ain't doin' well so he ain't doin' real well<br />
* Denise tries to remember what Zola called it<br />
<br />
<Enver> kelpies are pretty nasty<br />
<br />
<Denise> fosss.... something?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or moss?<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh! fossegrim?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> I know there's some stuff, like... with the old rivers under the city.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ever heard anything 'bout one of them 'round here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> In the old times we left offerings an' like that sorta thing for the spirits<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's stories 'bout how if you don't do that, then they might pull you in an' drown you<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> bt nothin' 'bout any of em bing especially nasty?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I dunno if there's anything to it, but I know I don't like to cross them little streams without at least sayin' some right words.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh there's somethin' to it >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> well - nasty if they ain't treated right, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> at least for one of em <.<<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kinda offerins?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or right words?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I dunno what the old folks used... Georn usually pours a bit of wine<br />
<br />
<Enver> but maybe that's just 'cause he's got some booze on him usually anyway ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm, okay then<br />
<br />
<Enver> for the words, I just do somethin' like "I'm crossing over here, don't mean no disrespect, thanks" or whatever<br />
<br />
<Enver> in Rat, 'course<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, there is one, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> not underground, but the river is<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno which one, or if there's only one, but there's at least one real one<br />
<br />
<Enver> one real... spirit?<br />
* Enver tries to parse that<br />
<br />
<Enver> fossegrim?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wouldn't know it to look at 'im<br />
<br />
<Enver> you seen him? what's he look like?<br />
* Enver seems intrigued<br />
<br />
<Denise> yup<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't supposed to go spreadin' around who it is though :p<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he just looks like a guy who maybe ain't real healthy<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't no one you know<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you think he ain't healthy cause of the way the river is, all full of shit an' the like, or 'cause he ain't get those offerings anymore, or some other reason?<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> way it was put to me was 'cause of how the river is<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure, if he were healthier prolly he could make sure he wqas still gettin' offerins if he wanted >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> I guess so, yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> that's pretty neat that you met him<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I know who he is an I seen hm<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain' really *met* 'em<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> not to talk to or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> an there's other fey in the city too, I guess, just livin' maybe<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you wanna come in an' have some tea, get warmed up maybe?<br />
* Enver offers hopefully<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I got some time :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> to stay for a bit...<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
* Enver is happy to help with warming up >.><br />
* Denise as well ^-^<br />
<br />
<br />
* Enver had invited you in and offered tea, I believe?<br />
* Denise will accept your offer to come in for some tea to warm up after the trip back from the theatre<br />
* Enver will put the kettle on for the tea, once he's out of his coat and boots and all<br />
* Denise finishes stashing her suff as well and will go make herself comfortable while you do that - probably aslo in the kitchen since that's where the fire is currently<br />
<br />
<Enver> it should warm up in here after a bit<br />
* Denise nods, but is glad she wore a sweater uner her coat for now<br />
<br />
<Denise> we'll just have to sit close, is all<br />
* Enver is also well-layered with sweater + shirt :)<br />
* Enver smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Enver> that sounds like a good idea<br />
* Enver comes over to sit with you while the water heats<br />
* Denise snuggles up close<br />
* Enver puts his arm around you<br />
* Denise puts her arm around you too, since she is generally larger<br />
<br />
<Enver> man, the only bad thing about that movie was that it was good enough that I wanted to pay attention to it ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, but it was still nice to watch it together<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> I wasn't really complainin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I don't watch so many movies that I like to not pay attention anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> but it is nice to have time with just us<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like gettin' to talk to you an' hang out, just us<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean, talk an other stuff too...<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Enver> is there any other stuff you ... you wanna try?<br />
* Enver asks a bit shyly<br />
<br />
<Denise> ummm...<br />
* Denise blushes<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva's always tellin' me things >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I....<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm afraid of gettin' to accried away, maybe <br />
<br />
<Denise> But...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like you, and I like... doin' stuff, with you<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like you too<br />
<br />
<Denise> is there stuff you wanna try?<br />
* Denise kicks the ball back to your court :V<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' I don't wanna get all carried away until... unless... you want that too.<br />
* Denise hesitates, but shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Enver> but umm... we could try some more... like, touching? maybe ... under clothes if that was okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...okay....<br />
* Denise bites her lip nervously, but then leans in to kiss you<br />
* Enver kisses back<br />
* Enver also seems nervous/excited<br />
* Denise wonders under which clothes you mean @_@<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay, uh, well, do you still want the tea? or ... maybe later?<br />
<br />
<Denise> um...<br />
<br />
<Denise> it miht be nice to have for after...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe we can just do some more usual things, and then have a break to make it and then...try some new things?<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure<br />
* Denise hopes that will help her feel more excited and less nervous, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus like<br />
<br />
<Denise> then it will be warmer in here >.><br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> that's true<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you wanna go in the sitting room?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Enver> I can turn on the little heater in there so it'll get warmer<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I figure he has the main stove in the kitchen, and then basically like kerosene or equivalent heaters in the other rooms that he can turn on as needed)<br />
* Enver will light the little heater in the room, which has the added benefit of giving a romantic glow ;)<br />
* Denise will follow him in and then sit on the couch and offer you her hand<br />
* Enver comes to sit beside you, taking your hand<br />
* Denise pulls you close<br />
* Enver 's furniture is, I assume, largely of the 'someone was throwing this out' variety, but at least the couch isn't too bad ;)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (college student apartment ;p)<br />
* Enver touches your hair gently before leaning in for a kiss<br />
* Denise 's hair frames her face in thick loose waves, these days<br />
* Denise still feels all shy and nervous and excited whe we first start making out, but will loosen up as we get going<br />
* Enver takes things slowly at first<br />
* Enver runs hands over your shoulders, arms, sliding down to around your waist to hold you close<br />
* Denise snakes her arms up around your back, holding you against her<br />
* Enver 's heart is beating hard, even through several layers of clothing ;)<br />
* Denise 's is too, definistely thinking about later >.><br />
* Denise teases the back of your neck with her fingers<br />
* Enver 's hair is getting a little bit long and the waves in it are more noticable than when it's really short<br />
* Denise plays with it a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> prolly need a hair cut soon<br />
* Enver says a bit shyly<br />
<br />
<Denise> its fun now though<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> you like it a little bit longer?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I like it when its short too<br />
<br />
<Denise> like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> this is more fun to like... play with<br />
<br />
<Denise> but then it is more fun to pet<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like your hair too... it was nice when it was longer too, but this way I can run my fingers through it more<br />
<br />
<Denise> sorta, anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> it's pretty thick :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I should get you to brush it first<br />
<br />
<Denise> :p<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'd do it if you like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could brush yours too<br />
<br />
<Denise> I always find it feels real nice an relaxin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> that'd be nice ... like, takin' care of each other<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus like<br />
* Denise blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Denise> The you could like, lir there wth your head in my lap an' that might be nice<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, uh, that'd be real nice<br />
* Denise has certainly not thought about this scenario before >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> I got a hairbrush, you want me to get it? or like... do you need a special one for girl hair? <br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhh... I think its pretty much the same :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well some girls do more fancy things<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't one<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
* Enver gives you another kiss before disentangling himself to go fetch the brush<br />
* Denise has seen Mireva's mind boggling array of beauty products<br />
* Enver pretty much runs to get it >.><br />
* Enver returns and offers it to you<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> uhh so... d'you want me to lie down?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> or i guess you could sit in the floor, I dunno :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> we could try that first?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Enver will sit down on the floor in front of you, then<br />
<br />
<Denise> (facing away?)<br />
* Denise will position herself so he can lean back between her legs<br />
<br />
<Enver> (yeah, facing away)<br />
* Enver leans back against the couch/your legs though<br />
* Denise will run her fingers through his hair fist then, to get a sense of it actaully needs real brushing or not<br />
<br />
<Denise> (plus also it is fun)<br />
* Enver 's dark brown hair is pretty thick, wavy rather than curly - probably doesn't *really* need brushing, other than maybe from hat-hair<br />
* Denise will brush it out then, making sure to run the bristlesall across his scalp, and alternating brush striles wth raking her fingers through it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Is that nice?<br />
* Enver sighs pleasurably, leaning his head back<br />
<br />
<Enver> real nice, yeah<br />
* Denise finds it relaxing mayeb more than sexy, except that you do have youre head right therr @_@<br />
* Enver traces his fingers along your calf while you brush his hair<br />
* Denise is definitely still thinking about Hands though, especially when you start doin' that :3<br />
* Denise 's calves are pretty thick and solid - not very "ladylike"<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I assume you're in pants, not a skirt?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I don't think she actually owns any skirts, and certainly doesn't wear them)<br />
* Enver keeps his hands over the pants, then <br />
<br />
<Enver> (that's what I figured)<br />
* Denise also combs her fingers up through your hair from the back of your neck<br />
<br />
<Enver> mmm<br />
* Denise smiles down at you, though probaby you can't see<br />
* Enver rests his head against your knee<br />
<br />
<Denise> mm<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, um - is that the kettle?<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh.. yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'll get it<br />
* Enver stands, a bit awkwardly, making some slight adjustments as he goes to make the tea >.><br />
* Denise blushes a bit<br />
* Denise bruses her own hair sort of distractedly<br />
* Enver takes maybe a bit longer than it should take to just make 2 cups of tea, but he brings it back to the sitting room after a few minutes<br />
<br />
<Denise> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Enver> here... <br />
* Enver passes you your cup, setting his down as he sits down beside you again<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
* Denise push the brush aside and takes the cup<br />
<br />
<Enver> did you want me to brush your hair too? maybe, uh, while we drink our tea?<br />
* Denise takes a little sip, but pus it aside and makes room for him to sit with her again<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :3<br />
* Enver takes the brush, then<br />
* Denise will move down to the floor then, unless he stops her<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you want a cushion?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, um, sure<br />
* Enver offers one from the couch<br />
* Denise will sit on it<br />
* Denise scootches up beweeen his legs @_@<br />
* Enver tries an experimental brush stroke<br />
* Enver takes a few tries to find a good amount of force to use to actually get it through your hair, but without tugging too much ;)<br />
<br />
<Enver> is that okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, my head's pretty tough<br />
<br />
<Denise> unless its real tangly you ain't gonna hurt me or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Enver> no, it's not ... it's nice an' soft<br />
* Enver strokes back from your temple with his free hand<br />
* Denise smiles contentedly<br />
* Enver rests his hand there, rubbing gently behind your ear as he brushes the other side of your head<br />
<br />
<Denise> that feels real nice<br />
* Denise leans into your touch a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Enver tries it some more, then<br />
<br />
<Enver> it feels good to me too. maybe that's weird, 'cause I ain't the one gettin' touched, but ...<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like makin' you feel good<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... I like brushin your hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> and yeah.<br />
* Enver takes a moment to have a sip of his tea, then goes back to rubbing your head and brushing your hair<br />
* Denise will sip her tea too, vaguely thinking complicated things about her relationsip with care giving and receiving<br />
* Denise is mostly thinking about how it feels to be touched like that though<br />
<br />
<Enver> do you wanna ... talk more about stuff? or like... anything?<br />
* Enver asks uncertainly<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm sorry, I was just thinkin' about some stuff, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
<br />
<Enver> if you don't wanna talk, that's okay too <br />
<br />
<Denise> Like.... the difference between lookin' out for someone, an' takin' care of someone<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> does that make sense?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
* Enver tries to put it into words<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just what you said before<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'but takin' care of each other<br />
<br />
<Denise> it made be think of that<br />
<br />
<Enver> like, if you're lookin' out for them, then you ain't necessarily helpin' them, or they don't know about it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> welll... sorta<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like<br />
<br />
<Denise> Lookin; out for someone is like... makin' sure they can take care of themselves, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that they got what they need, and you can help if that's what they need<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> But like if you're takin' care of someone, maybe theres a lotta stuff they can't do<br />
<br />
<Denise> or now they don't gotta do<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause you're doin' it<br />
<br />
<Denise> cause that's stuff's on you instead<br />
<br />
<Enver> that makes sense<br />
<br />
<Enver> but you can take care of someone just 'cause it's nice, too. 'cause it gives them a break, or a chance to relax an' feel special.<br />
<br />
<Enver> it don't mean it's gotta be ... like, work<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, so yeah.<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe that's more like... takin' care of each other<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> 'cause you can take turns<br />
<br />
<Enver> like this :)<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like this<br />
<br />
<Enver> me too<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just made me think like.... I got lots of folks who're lookin; out for me, an that's real nice<br />
<br />
<Denise> But also it makes me feel like its been a long time that I had to be takin' care of myself, and other folk<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I guess you know what that's like even more<br />
<br />
<Enver> I guess. <br />
* Enver shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, you've been more really on your own, I mean<br />
<br />
<Enver> it's good to be able to take care of yourself... like, it's useful. but it's real nice to have someone else to share it with too.<br />
<br />
<Enver> I was lucky.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause you found folks to take you in?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or 'cause you had your mam afore that?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, both of that, an' just 'cause... I dunno. <br />
<br />
<Enver> I made it okay. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm glad<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> me too<br />
<br />
<Enver> I never thought I'd have all this<br />
* Denise sets down her mostly empty tea cup<br />
<br />
<Enver> a place, a job, folks who care what happens to me... a girl...<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
* Enver says, bending down to kiss the top of your head<br />
* Denise leans back to look up at you<br />
* Enver gives you an awkwardly-angled kiss, then :3<br />
* Denise will break that off before she gives herself a crick in the neck<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> Can I come back up on the couch, though? :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> please<br />
* Denise will do that<br />
<br />
<Denise> so can I ask a maybe dumb question though?<br />
* Enver can give you better kisses that way<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh... sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like.... why did you wanna go out with *me*?<br />
<br />
<Enver> well... there ain't a lot of girls who'd think messin' around in the sewers is a good time. <br />
<br />
<Enver> that was one thing<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' then... you're so kind, an' always tryin' to do good for folks.<br />
<br />
<Enver> plus, uh.... <br />
* Enver blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like that you're strong, an' I think you look real hot.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause I'm strong?<br />
<br />
<Enver> well... yeah. not just cause of that.<br />
<br />
<Enver> but ... I like that about you, for sure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like how strong your arms are, an' your shoulders, your legs... they look like you could sweep me off my feet if you took it in your head to do that >.><br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh I way could<br />
* Enver smiles back<br />
<br />
<Enver> I bet<br />
<br />
<Denise> jus' like...<br />
* Denise will reach over and scoop you up in her arms<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh!<br />
* Enver gasps, holding on tight<br />
* Denise sets you down in her lap<br />
<br />
<Enver> @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that okay?<br />
<br />
<Enver> better'n okay<br />
* Enver kisses you<br />
<br />
<Enver> amazing<br />
* Denise kisses back<br />
* Enver is breathing harder<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...did you wanna ....try things, like we talked about?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
***fade to black***<br />
<br />
===Zola and Noren: Is this The End?===<br />
<Noren> (what's our setting?)<br />
* Zola was thinking she might be inclined to bring it up while they were cuddling in bed >_><br />
<br />
<Noren> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Noren> (in his bed, or yours?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Her place, I think)<br />
<br />
<Noren> ('k)<br />
* Noren is good at cuddling ^-^<br />
* Zola is cuddled up against him after some more energetic activities have been completed.<br />
* Zola is on one hand doing her best to try to put off any serious talk, and on the other upset with herself for leaving it so long in the first place...<br />
* Zola has as a result gotten a little quiet, just tracing her nails across his chest.<br />
<br />
<Noren> sleepy?<br />
* Noren inquires, wondering if he's about to be trapped with an arm under you ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> A little... <br />
* Zola sighs<br />
* Zola bites her lip<br />
* Noren kisses your cheek<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> I can get going and let you get your beauty rest if you want<br />
<br />
<Zola> No... <br />
* Noren says, although maybe a bit reluctantly<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm just... wondering... what this is...<br />
<br />
<Zola> What we're supposed to be?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Us?<br />
<br />
<Noren> or is this a broader philosophical question?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes... what we are now, or... what our next step is?<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... what do you want us to be?<br />
* Noren takes the path of the chicken >.><br />
* Zola says a little plaintively, "I don't know, that's what worries me..."<br />
* Noren rolls so that he can look at you better<br />
* Zola gives him a half-hearted smile<br />
* Noren smiles back<br />
<br />
<Zola> What... what if you need something I can't give?<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... I'm not sure what that would be. My parents do expect grandchildren at some point, but ... it's not something I feel a pressing need for myself.<br />
* Noren tries to see if that's what you're getting at<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not just children, they want you to have a nice wife along with the children, so carry on your family name. <br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I don't blame them, I guess... your House is still so small... <br />
<br />
<Noren> they want that, yes. it doesn't mean I have to do what they want.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I know... <br />
<br />
<Noren> Sometimes I worry that maybe I'm not giving you what you want.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I know I'm busy a lot, and I'm not the sort to go to a lot of parties...<br />
* Zola is a knot of emotions about that and it plays out in her face...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't even know what I want right now...<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if I'm not ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> ... ready? To settle down... I don't know. It sounds so stupid saying it out loud.<br />
<br />
<Noren> ... do you need ... do you need some time, some space, to figure things out? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know... I like this... us, even when you're so busy.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't know if that's enough.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I hope it won't be like this forever. Once I'm more established at work<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe it is, but what if it isn't? <br />
* Noren nods, looking a bit sad<br />
<br />
<Noren> Zola... there's something I've tried to find the right way to say, and I haven't managed yet, so I should just ... say it.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I love you. You were the first person I loved, and it's never stopped, even when we were apart. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, Noren. <br />
* Zola reaches up to stroke his cheek tenderly<br />
<br />
<Zola> I love you too, I truly do. That's what makes this so wonderful... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I just ... it seems different than before.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I've been trying not to ... not to expect too much. if that makes sense.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> to just let this be what it is, like you said when we started again...<br />
<br />
<Noren> you have your life, and I have mine, and I ... well, I didn't know how much you wanted, or what it would look like...<br />
<br />
<Noren> I didn't want to scare you away.<br />
* Zola smiles a little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've done a good job of showing me once again what a lovely gentleman you are.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you've heard my songs haven't you? <br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I want to know what it is you want... where you see us, your dream... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Not just because it's beautiful, but because I need to know if I can be that for you.<br />
* Noren thinks about that for a moment<br />
<br />
<Noren> If it could be whatever I wanted... I'd marry you. I'd keep working, and you'd keep singing, and eventually we'd have enough to buy a nice house in the Pav and a vacation place at the coast. Maybe that's not very exciting... but I'd be happy with that.<br />
* Zola starts to tear up at that. "Oh, Noren... it does sound beautiful..."<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't know if I can do it... I like the nightlife, and parties and... <br />
* Zola begins to cry in earnest<br />
<br />
<Zola> I feel so selfish<br />
<br />
<Noren> I know. and I don't want to ask you to give that up for me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But how will you be, if I'm out about, doing whatever with whoever? <br />
<br />
<Noren> (the 'I know' was inrelation to the liking parties, not being selfish ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just... I thought maybe you might be buying into your parents' plan... and so you'd need a proper respectable wife and we could just be there for fun.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And then it wouldn't matter...<br />
<br />
<Noren> is that what you'd prefer?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know ;_;<br />
* Noren holds you close<br />
<br />
<Noren> I mean... we could make that work. maybe it wouldn't be exactly perfect, but nothing ever is. <br />
* Zola presses her face into the sheet against his chest.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't want you to settle, Noren.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm here for you, Zola. I'm not going away again, or going to find someone I like better somewhere just because they're more convenient or more suitable.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But ... maybe you should. <br />
<br />
<Zola> ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't say this to hurt you but... I've been with other men since we started seeing each other again... <br />
* Noren nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Zola> It was stupid of me, I should ... I should have known that you might have wanted more from the beginning, but I thought we would just see how things progressed.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I wasn't sure... I mean, we hadn't talked about making what we have exclusive...<br />
<br />
<Noren> and I know I can't be there for you every night, and there are plenty of men who can >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't even know if that's it... <br />
<br />
<Noren> do you love someone else?<br />
* Noren asks gently<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, not... exactly. I just... spent so much time these past few years, talking about love & passion with Valeen... <br />
<br />
<Zola> And thinking of myself as free to share them with anyone I want... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I thought maybe love might strike again like lightning, like we had, and that might change things for a while...<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... but us, now, it's not the kind of craziness I was expecting.<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did some really stupid things... and now we're barely staying out late ...<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... we were younger then, and ... I have more responsibilities now. I know maybe that makes me ... boring for you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... thought it was a good thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm sorry too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe ... I do need some time.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I meant what I said, though - I'm not going anywhere. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I've fuCked this all up good enough already, I ... need to sort out myself before I twist it up any more.<br />
* Zola gives him a kiss on the cheek.<br />
<br />
<Noren> You can take the time you need<br />
<br />
<Noren> just... let me know what you decide?<br />
* Zola nods, rubbing her eyes and likely smearing some makeup<br />
* Zola sits up in bed with a sigh<br />
* Noren sits up as well<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you want to stay here? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe ... I should sleep on the couch.<br />
<br />
<Noren> no, it's fine... I'll go home.<br />
* Zola nods.<br />
* Zola gets up and slips a night gown on, and will see him out<br />
* Noren gets up and will retrieve his clothes from wherever they got thrown<br />
<br />
<Noren> I love you. Whatever happens, that won't change.<br />
* Zola gives him a hug before he goes<br />
* Noren hugs you back<br />
* Zola wants to say she loves him back but doesn't know which way to say it.<br />
* Zola will then try to go find Bastien to bawl into<br />
<br />
===Gen undergoes interrogation===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So, did you want August to accompany you (at least as far as he's able?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hmmm... I figured the only person who'd be allowed in with me would be Noren, so I assumed that Gen would just have made sure August and Lathra knew where she was going to be today.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And of course I would have had to ask for the day off, probably.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> August couldn't go in with you, certainly, but he could theoretically wait for you outside or something, if you wanted<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> In theory that would be nice, but Gen doesn't know how long this will take and wouldn't want to put anyone out by making them wait for hours on hard wooden benches.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> well, he would insist he doesn't mind, but they could also agree that they'll talk later or whatever<br />
* Genevriel would maybe have asked where she might find him later in the day, if she needs to talk after the interrogation? (Supposing she is let go after the interrogation, and not imprisoned to await trial, which she can't know)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> he'll let you know that you can come to his house if you want, and give you the address<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (okay, she will be happy with that.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (or maybe you already have it - anyway, he'll be home until work time, and if your hearing goes until then, that's worrying!)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (indeed!)<br />
* Genevriel probably asked to not work the night before, either, so that she could be well-rested for today.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (In theory... :P )<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (In practice, she probably didn't manage to sleep much out of anxiety)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (fair)<br />
* Noren will meet you ahead of time to make sure you're doing okay<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you have any questions about what's going to happen?<br />
* Noren also brought coffee for each of us<br />
* Genevriel is plainly not really doing okay, but she is trying to put on a brave face about it all.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you.<br />
* Genevriel accepts the coffee and sips it carefully.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Questions, yes... what can I expect?<br />
<br />
<Noren> The tribunal will consist of three justices - all military officers. They'll ask you questions, and you will answer them, to the extent that you can. <br />
<br />
<Noren> They may ask about specific events you witnessed, or people you served with, orders you were given.<br />
* Genevriel 's experience with military interrogations to date has, of course, included torture, but she realizes that is probably not going to happen today since the inquiry has to do with said torture. Still, it is hard to shake off that niggling doubt.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm there throughout, to make sure that you're being treated legally and fairly.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Noren looks a bit tired himself, and drinks his coffee quickly<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you have to intervene, what should I do?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Just keep quiet, in that case.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Are... you all right?<br />
* Noren smiles slightly<br />
* Genevriel picks up on his tiredness and starts worrying a little more.<br />
<br />
<Noren> It was a late night last night. <br />
<br />
<Noren> But I'm fine. Thanks for asking.<br />
* Genevriel nods, a little uncertain.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Are you up for this today?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Yes, definitely.<br />
<br />
<Noren> There are several possible outcomes from the inquiry today. They could decide that based on what they've heard, there is no reason to question you further, in which case you're free to go. They could decide that there's evidence of a crime or crimes being committed, but not by you - in which case you might need to serve as a witness against someone else.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Or they could decide that you need to stand trial for something you've done.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> . o O (I had ascertained as much for myself.)<br />
<br />
<Noren> If that's the case, you'll be taken into custody to await trial.<br />
* Genevriel doesn't want to undermine Noren's confidence since her future might depend on it, so she listens like she is not an intelligent person. ;)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Whatever happens, I'll continue to represent you - unless of course you want to engage someone else.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If I am taken into custody, can you please notify my aunt and uncle, and M. August Merrion and Mlle. Lathra Scales? They've all been helping me through this.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Certainly.<br />
* Genevriel will provide you with names and addresses for everyone. Is he surprised to see Jerard Voclain is my uncle? ^-^<br />
* Noren might recognize the name, but doesn't comment on it<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Any last advice?<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm sure you'll be respectful and polite to the justices, of course. If they ask you a question that you don't know the answer to, it's better to say that up front than to try and come up with something.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Genevriel can think of nothing more to ask about at this time.<br />
* Noren will head into the building with you, then<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The room where the hearing is being held is not a large, ornate courtroom, but a fairly simple room with chairs and tables for you and the others to sit at. The three justices are dressed in military uniforms, and there's also a court secretary present to record the proceedings.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The justices are Ivern Berral, a man of about his mid fifties, Aeda Surwin, a woman in her mid-thirties, and Elange de Villemer, a younger woman, maybe only late twenties or so.<br />
* Berral seems to be the senior officer present, and will ask you to state your name for the record<br />
* Genevriel is on her best behaviour, but she looks pale and anxious as she takes a seat/stands up, whatever she is told to do.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Genevriel Doucette, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Do you hereby swear to tell the truth throughout this inquiry?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do, sir.<br />
* Berral lets you know you can sit down, then<br />
* Genevriel does so.<br />
<br />
<Berral> With which squadron did you serve during the war?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The 5th Squadron, Princess Tessera’s Royal Infantry, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Also known as the Red Squadron?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ... Yes, sir.<br />
* Berral will ask you some basic questions about your time in the army - where you were stationed, specific battles or events you were present for, that sort of thing (we don't need to go through it all :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Sounds good, as I'd have to make a lot of that up on the spot. I did make some notes, but not of that type. ^-^)<br />
<br />
<Berral> (yeah, I figured it would be a lot of making stuff up, so we won't worry about it too much. mostly they just seem to want to establish a sort of outline of Gen's service during the war)<br />
* Genevriel will explain that she enlisted at Leoniel, did her three months' basic training at Carn Eige, then went for three weeks' advanced training for scouting at Brissarthe before being sent to the front and assigned to the 5th squadron.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Were you present at Beykal, on [date]?<br />
<br />
<Berral> (that is the farm where Gen rescued the boy from the burning building, or at least the nearest village to it)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I was in that area on that date, yes, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What orders had you been given at that time?<br />
* Genevriel 's knuckles are probably white as she grips her armrests... Traumatic memories. :/<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Our orders were to seek out Psyrene rebels and their bases, sir. If the rebel forces were small enough for us to eliminate them, we were to do so; if not, then we were to report the location back to our commanding officer.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What did you find, during your mission?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We found a group of armed Psyrenes, sir. We followed them to a farm where they secured some supplies.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What happened then?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We observed them for a while to see if the armed individuals would leave. They seemed to be friends with the farmers; the boy soldier might have been a son. The woman at the farm embraced him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They had not left by nightfall, and their numbers were small, so our squadron attacked.<br />
* Berral and the other justices listen intently<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We disabled or killed several; Vell was wounded in the exchange of fire, but not mortally. We subdued them all and... and herded them into the farmhouse, which we set on fire.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I couldn't stand it anymore, so I... I broke, and ran into the building to try to save them.<br />
* Genevriel is becoming increasingly agitated; her eyes look haunted.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The boy soldier especially, he reminded me of... of my brother.<br />
<br />
<Berral> You disobeyed your orders and aided an enemy combattant.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir.<br />
* Genevriel whispers.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> Were you able to save him?<br />
* Surwin interjects<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know? I got him out, and a woman. She died. I prayed for the boy to be saved; his burns closed. I then carried him to the temple in Beykal and left him there. He was alive when I left him.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Where did you go after that?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think I ran into the woods. Everything hurt and I could barely see. I don't really remember much, after that. I'm sorry, sir. <br />
<br />
<Berral> Do you have anything else to add that might explain your actions?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, sir... I just couldn't... couldn't kill anyone, anymore.<br />
* Genevriel has tears trickling down her cheeks.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Our records indicate you received medical treatment, and did not return to combat, is that correct?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir. Someone must have found me, and I regained consciousness under the care of our medics. I was told that I had been out for days. They would not let me return to combat because my arms wouldn't heal.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And then the peace was signed and I asked to be released from military service.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> The medical records from those who tended to you indicate that in your troubled state, you spoke of something called 'The One'. Can you explain what this means?<br />
* Noren looks at you, then back to the justices<br />
<br />
<Noren> Your honours, is this relevant to the issue at hand?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I-<br />
* Genevriel waits since Noren told her to be silent if he intervenes.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Surely a soldier's ramblings in a state of pain and crisis are not evidence to be brought forward in court.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> Let us say, then - does 'The One' you spoke of have any impact on your actions at Beykal?<br />
* Noren nods to you that you can answer that (if you're able, anyway)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The One is what I call the divine power that healed the boy, when I begged the stars to do something. I didn't know of it before that night, nor, I think, until I woke in the medical facility. It's been with me ever since.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, to answer your question sir, I think it cannot have impacted my actions, not consciously, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I still don't really understand what it is.<br />
* Surwin nods, seeming satisfied (?) with that response<br />
<br />
<deVillemer> Have you or members of your squadron carried out attacks against unarmed civilians, or engaged in violence or torture beyond the scope of what was necessary? <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't believe we attacked any civilians, sir. We were always careful, I think, to ascertain that our targets either were enemy combatants or were supplying them, before we attacked. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Herding them into buildings and burning them alive instead of offering them a clean death by gunshot - that was part of what I couldn't stand anymore. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That wasn't necessary.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> As to torture, yes - I believe that - certain members of our squadron went beyond the scope of what was - necessary - to learn about enemy locations and - movements.<br />
<br />
<deVillemer> Which certain members?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Sergent Larache, often aided by Sergent Thovas. Although I do not believe that Thovas was ever as extreme as Larache.<br />
* Genevriel is openly crying now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I could speak Psyrene the best, so I was always there...<br />
<br />
<Berral> Thank you for your testimony today, Mlle. Doucette. Please take a moment to compose yourself while we retire to determine how we will proceed from here.<br />
* Berral and the other two justices will withdraw, and the court reporter goes to take a break as well, leaving you with Noren<br />
* Noren offers you a handkerchief<br />
* Genevriel takes it absently, but doesn't do much with it, lost in bad memories.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you want... some water or anything?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They didn't ask - enough questions.<br />
<br />
<Noren> What did you think they should have asked?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The burning - that started with me.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There were - these Psyrenes - we'd captured. Leading them back to camp - for questioning.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They figured out - that I understood what they were saying - so they started - saying things.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> To rattle me, you know? Make me angry. It worked when they started - insulting my family.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I snapped, and herded them into a shed, and threw one of Pol's fire grenades at it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It should have been - one time only - but some of the squad thought it was - fun. So we started doing it more often...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I never said anything because I was just so glad to have fit in, just a little.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But every time... more and more empty.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well... I can say that they've already questioned other members of your squadron. It's very possible they've already heard that story from them. <br />
<br />
<Noren> Maybe they didn't consider it worth pursuing at this point.<br />
<br />
<Noren> ... Is it something you want to tell them?<br />
* Genevriel hesitates, then nods.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right.<br />
<br />
<Noren> When they come back, I'll ask that you be allowed to make a concluding statement.<br />
* Genevriel nods, and tries to compose herself as ordered, but it isn't easy.<br />
<br />
<Noren> For what it's worth, I think you've done very well so far.<br />
* Genevriel laughs a little hysterically.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It doesn't take much effort - to just tell the truth.<br />
<br />
<Noren> As a lawyer... I can safely say that for some people, it does.<br />
* Noren will get you that glass of water<br />
* Genevriel can't do much but accept it, but her hands are shaking so much she probably sloshes more than she drinks.<br />
* Berral and the other justices will return after about another 15-20 minutes<br />
<br />
<Noren> Your honours, my client has asked to make a final statement before you deliver your opinion.<br />
* Berral looks a little cross about this, but says "Proceed, Mlle. Doucette."<br />
* Genevriel will tell them about how the burning started with her. It obviously troubles her a great deal that she never said anything to put a stop to it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (But telling some authority figures seems to be somewhat cathartic for her.)<br />
* Berral looks to the other justices, maybe in a 'do we need to go talk about this some more?' kind of way, but they seem to reach some kind of agreement quietly and do not withdraw again.<br />
* Genevriel waits expectantly, although she doesn't really know what she expects. She mops her eyes with the handkerchief occasionally.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Mlle. Doucette, it is the conclusion of this tribunal that your actions in this regard do not fall outside the scope of what may be expected during warfare. While showing greater mercy might have been to your credit, the deaths of soldiers in war is an unfortunate necessity.<br />
<br />
<Berral> We were concerned at your apparent failure to obey orders, but your testimony today, combined with your medical records, suggests that you were undergoing a mental breakdown. A mitigating factor was that your breakdown did not further endanger your squadron, or cost any of them their lives as a result.<br />
<br />
<Berral> The testimony of others in your squadron, and the young man whose life you saved that day, reflects your general strength of character and purpose, and does not reflect poorly on your time in service.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Berral> As punishment for your actions, your military pension will be revoked. However at this point, we recommend that no charges be laid against you. <br />
<br />
<Berral> We ask that you remain in the city, in case you need to be called to testify in further proceedings.<br />
* Genevriel takes a moment to digest the fact that the boy is still alive, then to wonder how she'll survive on her busboy earnings alone.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> You are dismissed.<br />
* Genevriel looks to Noren, and will head out in a state akin to shock.<br />
* Noren will thank the court for their decision, and lead you out<br />
<br />
<Noren> Are you okay?<br />
* Noren asks once you're both outside again<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is there anywhere I can take you? A friend's, or your aunt and uncle's?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> M. Merrion's.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Of course.<br />
* Noren will take you there by cab<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is there anything else I can do for you? <br />
* Genevriel seems stunned and has little to say during the trip. Just as she's exiting the cab, she remembers her manners.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, thank you.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right. Obviously if there are any further hearings that you're needed for, I'll be there. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And thank you for representing me.<br />
<br />
<Noren> You did most of the work.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The boy... he's still alive.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you think it would be possible, or even advisable, to meet him some time?<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> I think it could be possible. Whether it's advisable... you would need to decide for yourself.<br />
* Genevriel nods absently.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't think I can decide anything right now.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I have his name in my records, if you do decide to pursue the matter.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right...<br />
* Genevriel nods and starts heading up the walkway to August's doorway, but pauses to turn and thank Noren again for his trouble.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Good luck, Genevriel. Please don't hesitate to contact me again if you need help.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, I will...<br />
<br />
===Genevriel tries to make sense of things with August's help===<br />
* Genevriel rings the bell for August's home, highly befuddled.<br />
* August is waiting for you when you arrive<br />
* August opens it at once<br />
* August ushers you in out of the cold<br />
<br />
<August> How did it go?<br />
* Genevriel breaks down immediately upon seeing him, and attempts to hug him.<br />
* August will hug you back, of course<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They aren't going to execute me.<br />
* Genevriel sobs.<br />
<br />
<August> good!<br />
<br />
<August> and I take it since you're here, they didn't have you arrested either<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No - yes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They shouldn't have done that...<br />
* August brings you in to sit down<br />
<br />
<August> Gen... they heard what you had to say, and made their decisions. You'll have to live with that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I can't - I don't know how to!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And they took away my pension so I will never be able to pay you back!<br />
<br />
<August> Don't worry about that now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But the boy's still alive.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And oh, I don't know how to *be*!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I should be dead, and instead all I see are all the long years of nothing opening up before me...<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<August> You're not alone.<br />
<br />
<August> You took tonight off from work, right?<br />
* Genevriel nods, angry and sad beyond words.<br />
<br />
<August> Let me make you dinner - you must be hungry. It's been a long day.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You can make me dinner, but I don't know how much I'll be able to eat.<br />
<br />
<August> that's fine<br />
* August will prepare a simple meal of lamb stew and bread<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Aren't you happy?<br />
* Genevriel fires the words out as he prepares the food.<br />
<br />
<August> I'm relieved that you aren't in jail. I'm worried for you, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You seem happy. You can't possibly feel like I do, or... or you wouldn't look like you are so happy with living forever after whoever you lost.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm not going to live forever, or I hope not; that's the only good thing I can think of right now.<br />
<br />
<August> I'm able to go on because I feel that I have a purpose. It doesn't mean I don't miss people... I miss them very much.<br />
<br />
<August> But the pain does fade with time, I suppose you could say. It never goes away, and sometimes certain things bring it back very strongly indeed.<br />
<br />
<August> But... this is going to sound foolish, I imagine... there is still a lot to enjoy in the world. <br />
<br />
<August> I know it's difficult for you to see that now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you're a normal person, maybe.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm not. I've been wrong - broken - all my life.<br />
<br />
<August> What makes you believe that?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All sorts of things.<br />
<br />
<August> Perhaps it's the lens you're using to reflect on your past that's broken, not you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm using the lens everyone else sees me through. Everyone can't be wrong.<br />
<br />
<August> Everyone?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<August> I don't believe you're broken.<br />
<br />
<August> So 'everyone' can't be right.<br />
* Genevriel frowns.<br />
* August serves you up a bowl of the stew and a couple pieces of bread and butter<br />
* Genevriel stares at it blankly.<br />
* August sits down across from you to eat<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm ugly. Too tall, too masculine to ever be desirable. Everyone's always told me that. Even Maman used to tell me that it would take a special sort of person to appreciate my qualities. But even if that special person did materialize, I can't be what he wants.<br />
<br />
<August> How do you know what he might want?<br />
<br />
<August> this hypothetical person<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What does any man want? Someone sexy, and being sexy means wanting to do the things he wants to do, to crave those things, even. I don't. That's how I'm broken.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And this is making everything way too simplified. It's not the only thing that troubles me, but it feels like an important thing.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My parents and my brother loved me, and they're gone.<br />
* Genevriel cries.<br />
<br />
<August> It's certainly important to feel like there is someone who cares about you. But it doesn't necessarily need to be someone who desires you, if that isn't what you want.<br />
<br />
<August> You don't need to be alone.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do want it, though - but on my terms. And my terms won't be enough.<br />
<br />
<August> You seem very sure of that.<br />
<br />
<August> Out of all the men in this world, you think that none of them would love you as you are?<br />
* Genevriel nods blindly.<br />
<br />
<August> I think you shouldn't decide it's hopeless.<br />
<br />
<August> Give people a chance to decide for themselves, hm?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I must sound so stupid to you - so young and... and wrapped up in myself to notice the world around me.<br />
<br />
<August> You do sound young, and very hurt and sad. That doesn't make you stupid.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just want a little hope, that's all. But I don't know where to find it, and I don't know if I'd recognize it, even if I did.<br />
<br />
<August> You said that the boy you saved was still alive. That might be a place to start.<br />
<br />
<August> I hope that without the tribunal hanging over your head, maybe you'll be able to take some time to recover and heal, and find those things in the world that are worthwhile to you again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maybe... but I don't know if I did him any favours by saving him. I just made another me.<br />
<br />
<August> You don't know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, I don't.<br />
<br />
<August> And even if you did - maybe at least you wouldn't feel alone, knowing he's in a similar situation.<br />
<br />
<August> But you can't know that unless you speak to him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm his family's murderer. One of them, anyway. I wouldn't want to talk to me if I were him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They weren't doing anything so bad, M. Merrion...<br />
<br />
<August> You need to let people make their own minds up. You can offer - he can refuse. But deciding that he's going to refuse before you even try is ... self-defeating.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We're the bullies...<br />
<br />
<August> Now we're getting into geopolitics. I don't have the energy for that tonight, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
<August> And you could probably use a rest as well. It's been a long day, and a stressful one.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<August> nothing to apologize for.<br />
<br />
<August> try to eat a little of the stew, anyway? You're free to stay here tonight if you want, although I won't be home.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I lashed out at you. That requires an apology.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you... Lathra might wonder where I am, though.<br />
<br />
<August> If she's at the club, I can let her know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And on my own I will probably drink myself into oblivion.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> With no army pension I definitely can't do that anymore.<br />
<br />
<August> maybe it's a good thing, then.<br />
* Genevriel shrugs listlessly, and sorts out with August where to spend the night/how to let Lathra know what's going on.<br />
<br />
===Denise spills all to Mireva===<br />
* Denise will come by her best friend's place :3<br />
* Mireva is lounging and leafing through a fashion magazine<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh hey :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> can I come in?<br />
* Denise sasks as she comes in<br />
<br />
<Mireva> sure<br />
<br />
<Mireva> not like I'm real busy :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well you coulda had a date or soemthing I dunno >.><br />
* Mireva shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what's up?<br />
<br />
<Denise> wellllllll<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I had a date yesterday....<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ooh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> we went to a movie<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was fine an' all<br />
* Denise fidgets with her hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> Prolly you'll thik I'm silly anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what happened? come on, spill :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, we were foolin' around an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> and we talked about it and we thought maybe we could try some more ther stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> nothin' even real serious, even!<br />
* Mireva 's eyes widen and she smiles encouragingly<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just maybe some under the clothes sorts of things<br />
<br />
<Mireva> mmhmm?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but things just sorta all went a lot faster from there<br />
<br />
<Mireva> did you do it? >:D<br />
<br />
<Denise> no!<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it were a close thing >.><br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I was gonna ask if we needed to get you a potion, but I guess prolly not... yet?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, I wanted it really bad<br />
<br />
<Denise> I thought i could hold...off<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I don't know :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just made my head full of crazy ideas<br />
<br />
<Mireva> like what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well >.><br />
* Denise fidgets<br />
<br />
<Mireva> c'mon... you can tell me :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, I just really wanted it, like... You know, it was feelin' real nice an' all to start and then just like I dunno <br />
* Denise shakes her head, trying to think about it with some more distance<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean I ain't even ever done it but it sure felt that that was.... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I ...wanted him inside me, right away<br />
* Denise admits, blushing<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that's good! <br />
<br />
<Denise> is that how it goes, normally?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I mean... like, if it's going good, yeah - you should definitely want it :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> It felt like I weren't even thinkin' straight<br />
<br />
<Mireva> because you wanted it a lot?<br />
* Denise feels like she is missing something in her explanation, because Mireva doesn't seem to think this sounds terrifyingly overwhelming<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> not like... because he slipped something in your drink or whatever, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> No. He wouldnt' do that.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> okay<br />
* Denise says firmly<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's been real patient, and nice.<br />
* Denise says, blushing more<br />
* Mireva smiles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like it was good... maybe just more, or faster, than what you expected?<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was scary, comin' on so sudden like that!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> was there somethin' he did that... flipped on the switch, so to speak?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, maybe >.><br />
* Denise squirms a bit, thinking about it<br />
* Mireva nudges your knee with hers<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you ain't gotta be embarrassed! I tell you all sorts of boy stuff.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know :(<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> is that why? <br />
<br />
<Mireva> I won't think it's silly, I promise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Okay I mean he was doin' a thing an' that's when it happened. But I dunno if that's why or if it's just that's what he was doin' when it hit?<br />
* Mireva nods but looks a bit puzzled<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you'd been doin' things for a while at that point? an' maybe it was just all the everything catching up at once?<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmmaybe >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I said, things started all goin' kinda fast<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like first it was just like... hands under the shirt and stuff, but thaat seemed sort of not too different I guess, so then the shirts came off, and it ewas just the under stuff but that's still clothes an' we said under >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> uh huh...<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> it just got real confusing real fast :/<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> he smelled so nice @_@<br />
* Mireva smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe that were part of it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> Comin' on so strong like that an.... iut was hard to think about all the reasons I had for not doin' it<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cept I knew that I had 'em and it was somethin' important an I just couldn't hold it all in me<br />
<br />
<Denise> So I started cryin' real hard -_-<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> An he wanted it real bad too<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno what he wanted or if he knew either <br />
<br />
<Denise> but he wanted it real bad to an' then I started cryin<br />
<br />
<Denise> So then we were both real confused -_-<br />
* Mireva puts her arm around you<br />
<br />
<Denise> :(<br />
* Denise leans against her friend<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it's okay to be confused.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> sometimes, when you want someone real bad like that, it can feel like you're goin' crazy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise agrees empatically<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what did he do? when you were cryin' I mean.<br />
* Mireva prepares to Judge Boyfriend based on this information ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> He just held me an was all apologizin'...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think he was scared >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh, that's okay. I mean, not okay you guys were havin' a tough time, but he acted nice about it anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> He told me it was okay<br />
<br />
<Mireva> didn't get all standoffish or annoyed?<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> just like... worried maybe?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that sounds like a good guy, then<br />
<br />
<Mireva> he wasn't just thinkin' about how now he wasn't gonna get his rocks off ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> He ain't like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus I thik he ain't afraid to get his own uh, rocks off, if he's gotta >.><br />
* Denise says, thinking about how long he took to come back with the tea earlier >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> heh<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well most guys do that anyway ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> But he tries real hard to not be pushy<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> that he's okay to wait for things, so they can be special<br />
<br />
<Denise> For us both<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :3<br />
* Denise smiles a little<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's real sweet<br />
<br />
<Denise> I really like him a lot<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I'm glad for you :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you deserve a sweet boy like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I asked him why he asked me out <br />
<br />
<Mireva> what did he say?<br />
<br />
<Denise> He said 'Cause I'm nice, plus I'm big and strong, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> he likes that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh yeah? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I could pick him up<br />
<br />
<Mireva> aw :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I guess it ain't what everyone wants<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I like hangin' out and talkin' wkth him, too<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh also he said 'cause I don't think runnin around in the sewers is too gross<br />
* Mireva chuckles at that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well *that* is weird ;)<br />
* Denise says, more pointedly<br />
<br />
<Mireva> maybe it's not what everyone wants - but if it's what he wants, then you two sound good for each other.<br />
<br />
<Denise> There's all kinds of cool stuff down there!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> and he knows about it too<br />
<br />
<Denise> like there's old writin' on the wall from when people used to live there<br />
<br />
<Denise> more like marks than writin, maybe<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like he really gets your motor goin' too :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just gotta figure out what to do about it<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I told you there's other stuff you can do, right? <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah... >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> that feels almost just as good <br />
<br />
<Mireva> or even better, sometimes <br />
<br />
<Denise> <.<<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it weren't what I wanted<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> he said that too though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> He seemed real happy with other things >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Wellll<br />
<br />
<Denise> after all that, an we talked some more an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> I said I wanted to help him out >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> so I did...<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus I got to see him all naked<br />
<br />
<Mireva> eee!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> how was he?<br />
<br />
<Denise> real nice to look at @_@<br />
<br />
<Mireva> good :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> all that walkin' an climbin' an haulin' stuff I figure >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> what about... you know :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I thought it was nice :3<br />
* Mireva grins<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I bet.<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was like..<br />
* Denise gives general dimensions with her hands<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that *is* nice!<br />
* Denise smiles, pleased, though she was perfectly happy already<br />
<br />
<Denise> I been thinkin' about it a lot @_@<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> its nice to think about<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ~thiiinkin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but also there's part of me that just wants really dumb things<br />
* Mireva tilts her head<br />
<br />
<Mireva> like what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> babies @_@<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ohhh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, real stupid<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't want a baby!<br />
<br />
<Denise> not now<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I know he doesn't either!<br />
<br />
<Denise> this is why I didn't want start doin' it - I feel like I can't trust myself to be smart about this stuff :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figured I would like *forget*<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> not that I'd be thinking about just.... not being' careful >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think I really would<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but you're worried about an accident?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or that maybe I am that dumb :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> An thinkin' I'm not is just another trick >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet you don't gotta worry 'bout that though <br />
<br />
<Mireva> well... I had a couple scares before<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well, just... you get worried sometimes, even if it ain't too likely?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but it worked out okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's good<br />
<br />
<Mireva> the potion works even if you take it a few days after<br />
* Denise tries to remember if you ever told her about any of those times<br />
<br />
<Denise> a few days?<br />
* Denise sounds cautiously optimistic<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well... they say it gets less good the longer you wait. so it's best if you take it the next morning, but it still works - most of the time - even if you use it the next day, or the next... even a week later, maybe?<br />
* Denise looks dubious about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's a real long time<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> a day.... probly I wouldn't keep bein' stupid that long, right?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ... I don't think you'd be stupid, sweetie. but sometimes you don't have one right on hand, or it slips your mind for a bit.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I gotta think about it more :|<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like your fella will wait for you to figure it all out<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Mireva> and when you do... I bet it's gonna be amazing :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
* Mireva hugs you again<br />
* Denise hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm glad I got you to talk to <br />
* Mireva smiles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I'm glad I got you too<br />
<br />
<Mireva> now... tell me which of these dresses would look better on me <br />
* Mireva says, pointing to two pages of her magazine<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh!<br />
* Denise comes and looks<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like the blue one....<br />
<br />
<Denise> (and so on ^_^)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> (etc. :)<br />
{{d3}}{{d3-log}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11433Fey2015-11-21T22:35:44Z<p>BalthCat: /* Known or suspected fey in the empire */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], dryad<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, blodeuwedd queen (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe <br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
===Fey assailants===<br />
* Cold rider<br />
* Frosty chiseler<br />
* Grigs (dark ice grig band)<br />
* Lurker in the light (?)<br />
* Polevik<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*Witchlights (?)<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11366Fey2015-09-28T21:15:16Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], ???<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, blodeuwedd queen (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe (?)<br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
===Fey assailants===<br />
* Cold rider<br />
* Frosty chiseler<br />
* Grigs (dark ice grig band)<br />
* Lurker in the light (?)<br />
* Polevik<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*Witchlights (?)<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11365Fey2015-09-28T10:27:43Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], ???<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, blodeuwedd (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe (?)<br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11364Fey2015-09-28T10:27:25Z<p>BalthCat: /* Known or suspected fey in the empire */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], ???<br />
*[[Eirlys]] the Flower Queen, Blodeuwedd (?)<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe (?)<br />
*[[Linthira]] the hamadryad of the Seda Grove irminsul<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad (?)<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Pavo_ar_Seni&diff=11283Pavo ar Seni2015-08-16T22:08:14Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Pavo ar Seni''' is a [[shadar-kai]] nobleman, appearing about 28. He fathered high priestess of [[Vrag]] [[Fedra ar Seni]] (among others). Pavo was instrumental in engineering his eldest daughter's rise to prominence in the church, but has since retired to his wife's estates in the countryside, rarely visiting [[Saraknyel]], which is unusual for an SK noble.<br />
<br />
[[Andusk]] analogue of [[Pavo Arsenios]].<br />
<br />
{{d2}}{{d2-npc}}{{andusk}}{{homos}}{{sk}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3_session_18&diff=11282Diablotin 3 session 182015-08-16T20:35:50Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{logtoc|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
<br />
==Summary==<br />
<br />
==Session==<br />
: Session date: July 12, 2015<br />
: Diablotin date: <br />
<br />
===Prologue===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> As it nears the end of First-month, the unusually cold weather continues in Diablotin. People are beginning to comment on the strange freeze, and how long it's been going on. Some draw connections to the continued sightings of fey creatures about the city.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There has also been a disaster in the Shade, although who to attribute the blame to is yet unclear. The pleasure-house known as The Penumbra was recently subject to a terrible fire, which destroyed part of the building as well as damaging several neighbouring establishments.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (totally unrelated I'm sure >.>)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> In solidarity, Titania's is hosting several of the performers from the Penumbra over the next few evenings, and donating parts of the proceeds to help rebuild the pleasure-house.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh Myyyy!)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> These performers include Fintel a Leyrin, a poet and storyteller, Aunisstra do Mtor, a dancer, and Rikkah sel Andis, a singer (and perhaps not completely coincidentally, Jed's mother)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Yay for Jed's mom, boo for fire)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I don't have a specific order for scenes, so if you need/want to go earlier or later, just let me know. Otherwise, I'm gonna start with Hettie :)<br />
<br />
===Zola and Hugo discuss their concerns about the fey===<br />
* Zola has coralled you into her dressing room to show off her new dress, sometime earlier in the day and has been gushing about it for a while.<br />
* Hugonel enthuses appropriately.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It only took him a few days @_@<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> It's lovely!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm going to have to think of a special occasion to bring it out on stage... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I've been thinking we should put on a big performance, something like a musical... get everyone involved!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> A musical - hmm, that's an interesting idea. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Wouldn't that be fantastic? A story running through all the acts... something dramatic.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sure we could work everyone in... with the right idea<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm game. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Excellent! I'm going to break the idea to Tits soon... even though we don't have an actual story yet... at least then she'll know it's been coming when we find something suitable.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Any thoughts as to what story we would tell? Something historical? Contemporary? Fantastic?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, not yet... it's more the idea of us all weaving our contemporary acts together... well, mostly contemporary.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've got to run the idea by Theo too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe he knows of something, or will have some ideas.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe with all the troubles with the fey we might want to stick to contemporary stories anyhow >_><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm happy to help, Zola. Especially now, when the future of the cabaret seems so uncertain, it's worth it to think big.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I was thinking the same! Something big, dramatic!<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We might need a bigger venue...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm, that'd somewhat defeat the purpose wouldn't it?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I know, I'm just thinking. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Well, these are details to get sorted out.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If we scale it right, it should be fine... and if it becomes so popular people are lining up to get in...well that's all the better, right? :)<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Quite right. <br />
<br />
<Zola> There's been something else I've been wondering about ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you been looking into Eirini any more? <br />
<br />
<Zola> And Jonas?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Honestly, I haven't. After that meeting with the Emperor, I've decided to lay low and let things settle. I've got enough trouble without creating more for myself.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Why?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it's been bothering me... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What makes you think Jonas might be lying?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I've been doing a lot of reading into fey creatures. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I know, I was there for much of it :)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If he really is a fossegrim, which is the best identification I can figure for him, then we have to accept that he may be, at nature, a deceiver. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It's true, but what if the books are just wrong? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I know he doesn't seem it. I know he seems trustworthy. But I'm not as good with non-humans as I am with humans, and I can't be sure. So you'll have to forgive me if I don't trust him, or Klara, or Eirini, or any of them.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The books might be wrong, or maybe we just need better books. I can't go far wrong by not trusting anything to do with the whole situation, though.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We have no idea what these things' motivations are. <br />
<br />
<Zola> What worries me, is that Tits seems so certain she can vouch for him... and if you think he's lying about Berthillion, is he lying to her too?<br />
<br />
<Zola> And why lie at all? Why turn us against Klara?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if she's not even the leanan sidhe? What if she's something else?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What do you want me to say, Zola? Any of those things could be true. All the more reason not to trust Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, shouldn't we find out? What if Tits is in danger? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Tits has her father to look out for her. I think I was clear as day at our audience that I don't see any reason to trust any of them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not saying we trust anyone...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm saying we find out for sure.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or at least try<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Even if it puts us at risk? Maybe we should just go back to our jobs, Zola, and stay far away from this.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure we're going to be able to do that, short of leaving the city.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They're here already, and it seems like things are only going to get more ... messed up.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Sure, but we don't have to draw more attention to ourselves by meddling, do we?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just thought... well, maybe if we talked to Klara she'd just confirm Jonas' story and we could be a little less ... unnerved?<br />
* Zola says that like she knows it's not entirely sensible.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And you think you'd believe her over him? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I meant if she just said the same thing as Jonas. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Of course if she says something different we don't really know who is lying anyhow -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Or else they're actually working together.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't think this is a good idea, Zola. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then why would he rat her out?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't see what we have to gain from this.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Either one is lying, or the other, or both, or neither, and we have no way to verify other than by asking. And we have good reason to think that both of them are part of a conspiracy whose nature and goals remain unclear to us.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They're already in our house, Hugo, is hiding in the closet really any safer?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Yes, but we're not bothering them, so they have no reason to kill us.<br />
* Zola frowns, obviously not satisfied with that<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if they try anyway, and we aren't prepared? Or if they're using Tits? What if she's been dominated or something?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Then there's certainly nothing you or I can do about that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't believe that. <br />
<br />
<Zola> You're so smart, we should be able to figure something out.<br />
* Zola strokes your cheek.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Will you try to think of some way, for my peace of mind?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If I think of something, I'll let you know.<br />
* Zola purses her lips.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That didn't sound very much like commitment<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm commitment-averse, Zola darling. You know that.<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> You jerk!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Joking when I'm all upset -_-<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just wanted to make you laugh. And succeeded, I might add.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just hate this uncertainty. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> We all do.<br />
* Zola sulks anyway, as is her prerogative<br />
<br />
===Hettie gets a visit from her brother, Alain===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hettie, having a few extra performers around just makes it that much busier for you - you can delegate some things to your asssistant Flavia, fortunately :)<br />
* Hettienne buzzes around the backstage area.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You've just sent a bunch more dancers out the door, and as they hustle off, you see your brother Alain standing there (definitely not admiring them as they go past...)<br />
<br />
<Alain> Hey, sis <br />
* Hettienne looks up, surprised.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alain!<br />
* Hettienne shakes a couple of stray sequins off her cuffs and comes over to see him.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I know you're busy - but I was here anyway, so I thought I'd drop by and say hi<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What brings you to the club?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Needed to have a word with Ander Suterre.<br />
* Hettienne fronws slightly.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Ander? What for?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You in some kinda trouble?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Nothing bad. <br />
<br />
<Alain> He asked to talk to me, actually.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Nothin' *bad*?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Nah, he's just lookin' at gettin' into the newspaper biz.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Wanted some words of wisdom.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Which of course I have.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well that's... interestin'<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> O_o<br />
* Alain shrugs<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Wonder what made him decide on that particular career move<br />
* Hettienne is just a bit nonplussed<br />
<br />
<Alain> Well, I don't know that he wants to do it himself, so much as get it done.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Some kinda local neighbourhood paper <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Huh, well how d'you like that<br />
<br />
<Alain> He had some complaints about the way the big papers report on Rat stories. Or, you know, don't.<br />
* Hettienne nods.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I can see that, for sure.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I think it ain't a bad idea, but it'll take some doing.<br />
<br />
<Alain> And it might not make everyone real happy.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> The other papers?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Them, an' maybe the government. Not sure.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Enh... fuck 'em.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Other underground papers have managed in the past, so no reason it couldn't happen again.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You just be careful though/<br />
* Alain nods<br />
<br />
<Alain> Like, The Sentinel - that ran for years and years, and the folks behind it never got busted.<br />
<br />
<Alain> An' they ragged on the government plenty.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Right...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Anyway - how's things?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh good, yaknow. Busy.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We got some extra talent in on account o' that fire at the place in Shade,<br />
<br />
<Alain> Right, I heard about that. Folks don't know whether to blame the fey or the Colour Guard. Or the Shadar-kai themselves, I guess ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I half think if it was faeries, we'd know about it... They don't seem much bothered about bein' subtle now.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Any more fey sightings around here? Seems like they like it here.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well... not *this* week :p<br />
* Alain chuckles<br />
<br />
<Alain> well, if anything crops up, feel free to give me the scoop<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You know it! ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> How about you?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> HOw's things?<br />
<br />
<Alain> Busy, too. Can't complain I guess.<br />
<br />
<Alain> Dee came by to see me the other day, that was nice.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh yeah? That's good t'hear :)<br />
<br />
<Alain> ... she asked if I had any of Georges' old clothes that maybe I could give up. <br />
<br />
<Hettienne> ...Oh. :/<br />
<br />
<Alain> I know some of 'em you made, so I didn't want to just give them away in case there was anything you wanted to keep, like...<br />
* Hettienne hesitates.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I.. I dunno. If it ain't all wore out... maybe we could keep it in the family. >.><br />
* Alain nods<br />
* Hettienne is ambushed by unexpected feels<br />
<br />
<Alain> Some of 'em I want to keep... that red sweater he used to wear a lot.<br />
<br />
<Alain> they mostly all fit me anyway.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Oh, that were real nice. <br />
* Hettienne smiles wistfully.<br />
* Alain smiles too, sadly<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> C'mere honey...<br />
* Hettienne hugs him.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I still can't believe he's gone.<br />
* Alain hugs back<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I know, sweetie.<br />
* Hettienne sniffs a bit.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You gotta come around more and eat some o' Den's cookin'.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> You're too skinny...<br />
<br />
<Alain> Okay. I'll try to.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I don't wanna keep you, I'm sure you've got work to do.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But I mean it, come by whenever.<br />
<br />
<Alain> I will.<br />
<br />
<Alain> It ain't good for me to be alone so much >.><br />
<br />
<Hettienne> That's right...<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> We'll talk soon, yeah?<br />
* Alain nods<br />
* Alain will give you another hug and head off, then<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> As he heads off, you realize Flavia is sort of lingering nearby, like she does when she has a question or something but is worried to ask you about it<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> What is it, girl?<br />
<br />
<Flavia> Oh, um... nothing, really. ...Is that your brother?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Yeah, why?<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (sense motive)<br />
<br />
<Flavia> (go ahead :)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 16 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 25 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> !roll 1d20+9<br />
* Zola rolls for Hettienne: [ 1d20+9 ] getting [ 15 ] which, after the modifier [ 9 ] totals [ 24 ].<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (25 it is)<br />
* Flavia is blushing, and looking more embarrassed than just her usual shyness<br />
* Flavia probably thinks he's cute ;p<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (HMMMM what house is she)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Bear)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> (HMMMM)<br />
* Hettienne cracks a little grin.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> 'S name's Alain. <br />
<br />
<Flavia> Oh. I just, uh, hadn't seen him before.<br />
<br />
<Flavia> @_@<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Well, he works for the paper, so he's pretty busy. Don't come around here much.<br />
* Flavia nods<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> But with all that's happening, I guess he's lookin' for a scoop from his big sister ;)<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> He might be hangin' around a while tonight, just sayin'.<br />
* Flavia smiles<br />
<br />
<Flavia> Okay.<br />
<br />
<Flavia> ...I should get back to work, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> Alright then, shoo! ;)<br />
* Flavia will shoo<br />
<br />
===Denise overhears a conversation wherein Guillame Rionet attempts to convince Ander to run for political office=== <br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Denise, Ander is pretty busy tonight with people wanting to talk to him. Alain comes by, as he had promised, and they talk for a while about newspaper stuff. Some old war buddies of Ander and Ralf's stop in to chat. And then that old guy who's been around before comes in.<br />
* Denise prepares to be bored >.><br />
* Ander welcomes him politely, and the old guy sits down, glancing around the club but not seeming too terribly interested in the show<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I hope you've been considering our previous discussion, M. Suterre.<br />
* Denise fiddles with her coaster<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (blah blah blah)<br />
<br />
<Ander> I been thinkin' on it, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Ander> It'd be a pretty big change.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> It would. But you seem to be making some changes of your own in any case.<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' what guarantee would I have that it'd even work?<br />
* Old_guy gives him a bit of a Look, like "seriously?"<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Do you mean, could we ensure that it would happen, or would it be effective?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, the second. I know you got the strings to pull for the first one.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (bah what are they even talking about :p)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> That's up to you.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> But you don't strike me as the type of man to take a position like that, and then not use what he's been given.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> If you were, we wouldn't be having this conversation.<br />
* Ander looks pensive, and a bit concerned<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> You could do a great deal of good for our community.<br />
* Denise glances at him, mildly curious<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, 'our' community >.><br />
<br />
<Old_guy> We do have that in common, at least. I won't pretend that it wouldn't benefit my goals as well.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Having more Rats in positions of power can only help our people.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, I get that.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'm just not sure I like the rest of the burdens that come with it.<br />
* Old_guy nods<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I understand that, believe me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (is ralf here?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (no, he isn't)<br />
<br />
<Denise> ('kk)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> In any case - leaving aside this issue for the moment. I have a small donation to make, for your efforts.<br />
* Old_guy passes Ander an envelope that you feel sure has a wad of cash in it.<br />
* Denise makes mildly disgruntled faces into her beer, wishing it was closer to enmpty so she could wander off...but eyes the envelope<br />
* Ander takes it, a bit awkwardly<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's gonna go right into the school.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> That's fine, of course. I trust your judgment as to where it can best be used.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (wjat school? do I have any idea what *that* is, at least?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (well, there's a school in your neighbourhood, the one that Yvie goes to. I don't think you know much about how it's funded necessarily?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (fair >.>)<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> We could do this more straightforwardly, though, if you were to take me up on my offer.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (Things not to mention to Pa ;p)<br />
<br />
<Ander> I'm thinkin' on it.<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> Elections come up in six months - there isn't too long to think.<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (whut?)<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> What if it weren't me? Maybe someone I know, like...<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I'd need to review your suggestions for candidates, if so. I'm willing to back this plan because I have confidence in you - not in 'someone you know'.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Well, I'll think about it.<br />
* Old_guy nods<br />
<br />
<Old_guy> I require a decision soon. <br />
<br />
<Old_guy> And now, if you'll excuse me, my son just arrived, and I'm sure he doesn't want to bump into me here.<br />
* Old_guy shakes hands with Ander, nods politely, and will get up to leave<br />
* Denise waits for him to go<br />
* Ander swigs his drink with a sigh<br />
<br />
<Denise> boss, what does that guy even want?<br />
<br />
<Ander> ...He wants me to get elected to the Great Council.<br />
<br />
<Ander> One way or another.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Government stuff?<br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah<br />
<br />
<Ander> Politics<br />
<br />
<Denise> . o O (no wonder he sounds so boring :p)<br />
<br />
<Ander> more Rat votes<br />
<br />
<Denise> that..... doens't sound real fun >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> well... <br />
<br />
<Denise> but i guess that's good, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Ander> he's right that it would be good for us. for our folks, I mean.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> I just dunno if I wanna be the one to do it. if I *oughta* be the one.<br />
* Denise doens't know much about this stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, prolly lots of folks would vote for you, though<br />
<br />
<Ander> Mm.<br />
* Ander says noncommittally<br />
* Denise says with great certainty<br />
<br />
<Ander> An' then I'd get to vote the way someone else wants me to.<br />
<br />
<Denise> would you have to?<br />
<br />
<Ander> I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Ander> I don't even know if he'd ask for things I don't agree with. It's just that he could.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like what?<br />
<br />
<Ander> well... he's got one big reason for wantin' me - an' whatever other Rats he can get in <br />
<br />
<Ander> 'Cause the Emperor ain't gonna live forever.<br />
* Denise looks blank<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, yeah...<br />
<br />
<Ander> an' his plan - his dream - is to get a Rat on the throne.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> him?<br />
<br />
<Ander> nah, I don't think so. Too old<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's got kids, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Ander> hahahah<br />
<br />
<Ander> no!<br />
<br />
<Ander> .. d'you know who he is, Dee?<br />
* Ander realizes you might not<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> who?<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's Guillame Rionet. The Lord Chancellor.<br />
<br />
<Denise> o_O<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh. Huh.<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well.... like... I dunno, then. I don't know anything about politics stuff :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> It's okay. Ain't anyone can make the decision for me, anyway.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> Just somethin' I gotta figure on my own.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what would it mean if you say yes?<br />
<br />
<Ander> .. you get to be the bodyguard to a Councillor? ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> an like.... what about your bosses? >..<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds posh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
* Ander smiles<br />
<br />
<Ander> Oh, well - they'd like me to do it, I'm sure.<br />
<br />
<Ander> but on their terms.<br />
<br />
<Denise> would they be wantin' you to vote certain ways too?<br />
<br />
<Ander> that's part of what I worry about.<br />
* Denise can figure that much out at least :V<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... but like still lookin' out for folks, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Sure, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Ander> but what our folks need an' what Rat nobles want ain't always the same.<br />
<br />
<Ander> even if we're all Rats<br />
<br />
<Ander> say, how 'bout you get me another drink?<br />
* Ander says, finishing the one he has<br />
<br />
<Denise> that I can do<br />
<br />
<Ander> Thanks.<br />
* Denise can hop off to do so<br />
<br />
===Zola introduces Bright to a chilly-seeming Rikkah===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Zola, you're just getting ready for the set you're performing with Rikkah, when you spot Bright and his usual entourage coming into the club<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> His Shadar-kai bodyguard seems to have given him some fashion tips for the evening, as he's dressed in some leather straps that have to be a bit on the chilly side ;p<br />
* Zola waves happily to get his attention, and blows him a kiss<br />
* Bright waves back<br />
<br />
<Zola> (If there's time before the set, I'll go over, if not, I'll see him after?)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (it'll have to be after - so I can make you roll for your performance ;)<br />
* Zola is in a sleek black bustier/dress in SK style with SK accessories, aside from the low front and slits on the side, she's positively modest in comparison to Bright :P<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> heh<br />
* Zola turns her attention back to Rikkah and making sure she's memorized all the words @_@<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> <w> it'll be fine :)<br />
* Rikkah assures you<br />
<br />
<Zola> Thank you :) <br />
<br />
<Zola> I just haven't really sung in Shadar-kai before... it was all very boring things we learned in school :)<br />
* Rikkah smiles<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, at least this won't be boring<br />
<br />
<Zola> :D<br />
* Rikkah lets you lead the way onto the stage<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hopefully we'll make a good impression so there's even more in the crowd tomorrow :D<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> I hope so!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (feel free to roll your performance :)<br />
* Zola offers Rikkah her arm and escorts her onto the stage<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 13 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 26 ]<br />
<br />
<Zola> (or I could roll per song :P)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh. 13 is adequate ;)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you did fine)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The crowd seems to enjoy your performance!<br />
* Zola will bow with Rikkah, shares the love<br />
* Rikkah also seems pleased with how it went<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did well :) Now to outdo ourselves tomorrow!<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Yes, quite!<br />
* Rikkah has a few small suggestions of things to improve for tomorrow, but nothing huge<br />
* Zola considers them all.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> After that, do you want to slip off to see Bright?<br />
<br />
<Zola> What're you doing now? You could come have a drink and meet some friends of mine, if you'd like :) <br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Oh, that would be lovely :)<br />
* Zola offers her arm and will lead Rikkah over to meet Bright and his friends<br />
* Bright stands to give you a hug and kiss<br />
<br />
<Bright> That was a marvellous show - I'm glad I was able to get here in time to see it :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm quite pleased to see you too, darling :)<br />
* Zola tickles her black fingernails along his exposed skin<br />
* Bright grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're missing something though<br />
<br />
<Bright> Do you like this? It was Calix's idea...<br />
<br />
<Bright> oh, I am?<br />
* Zola reaches up and turns his head a little to plant a big black kiss on his cheak<br />
<br />
<Zola> There. <br />
* Bright smirks<br />
<br />
<Bright> How could I have forgotten that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bright, this is Rikkah sel Andis.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Rikkah, Bright Rionet, a good friend of mine :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> Pleased to meet you<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> And you<br />
* Rikkah seems a little ... frosty?<br />
* Bright orders more drinks for you two<br />
* Zola will order something from the special additions for herself.<br />
* Zola is maybe a little distracted taking in Shadar-kai tarty-Bright<br />
<br />
<Bright> So, is it Shadar-kai night every night this week? :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Yes?)<br />
<br />
<Bright> (yes, presumably)<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's the plan, to help Rikkah and her folks get back on their feet. You heard about the fire? :(<br />
<br />
<Bright> Yes, it's so awful... <br />
<br />
<Bright> So once I heard about the theme, I couldn't resist ^-^<br />
<br />
<Zola> Tell all your friends, so tomorrow's even busier :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> I certainly will!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe if I do well enough, Rikkah will have me in to visit after they reopen :)<br />
* Zola gives her a smile<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, we don't usually have human performers. But who knows? There's a first time for everything.<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> People come there expecting to see Shadar-kai, after all.<br />
<br />
<Bright> It's a marvellous place - have you ever been, Zola?<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'm thinking at least a few times if Tits goes?) <br />
<br />
<Zola> (She'd certainly be curious)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sure - you certainly could have gone before)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, I've been just a few times, mostly with Tits.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you go often?<br />
<br />
<Bright> Once in a while. You have to be in the right sort of mood, you know?<br />
<br />
<Bright> You might get exotic dancing, or else an hour of poetry you can't understand ;)<br />
* Rikkah finishes her drink rapidly<br />
<br />
<Zola> They still haven't figured out who set the fire have they, Rikkah?<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> No... it was in the early hours of the morning. Fortunately no one was badly hurt.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, fortunately :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> I imagine on top of getting everything set up again you'll need to pay for extra security too.<br />
* Rikkah nods<br />
* Rikkah glances up as Aubrienne and Jed are just coming on stage<br />
<br />
<Rikkah> Well, I should be going. Thank you again - it was good to sing with you, Zola.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you! <br />
* Rikkah bids a polite good evening and departs<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Do I need an SM roll to tell if she was annoyed a Bright in particular :P)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (I'll roll anyhoo)<br />
* Zola rolls [ 1d20+13 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 13 ] totals [ 31 ]<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (You think she was annoyed at Bright, yes.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Have you met Rikkah before?<br />
<br />
<Bright> No, but I've seen her perform at the Penumbra before.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She seemed a little cold... I wonder what that's about. <br />
* Bright shrugs<br />
* Zola strokes along his chin<br />
<br />
<Zola> You don't misbehave in her house, do you? :)<br />
<br />
<Bright> Do I look like the kind of fellow who misbehaves? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, you look like a very naughty fellow.<br />
* Bright chuckles<br />
<br />
<Bright> If you have time, maybe we can go back to your dressing room for some suitable punishment? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm not sure a proper punishment can be done so quickly... <br />
* Zola laughs a bit<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who am I kidding<br />
* Zola gives him a kiss on the cheek<br />
* Bright smiles<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose I could fake it, being a mean punisher, if I had to <br />
<br />
<Bright> No, you're far too kind ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least to nice boys like you. <br />
<br />
<Bright> You'd cave in after about two minutes of being cruel ^-^<br />
* Zola tugs him close for a kiss using some of his straps<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could go longer than that!<br />
<br />
<Bright> .... prove it? ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd just need some inspiration. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I might have to read some of those kinky novels for a day or two first :)<br />
* Bright laughs<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (are you going to drag him off to your dressing room, or make him wait until closing time? ;)<br />
* Zola will scoot in close and put her arm around his shoulders to stroke his hair, and watch Jed & Aubrienne<br />
* Zola practices her cruelty using his exposed flesh and the passing of time<br />
<br />
<Zola> Though you might want to ask Calix why Rikkah was so chilly, maybe he'd know?<br />
* Bright shrugs<br />
<br />
<Bright> Maybe<br />
* Bright seems more interested in you ;)<br />
* Zola is generally OK with this!<br />
<br />
===Hugo advises to Thera===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Hugo, you are sharing MC duties tonight with Fintel, so you do get a bit more free time than usual<br />
* Hugonel will definitely try to enjoy the opportunity to watch the show and hang out while being paid<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (do you want to stay backstage, or mingle in the crowd?)<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> (I'm happy to mingle around)<br />
* Hugonel is wearing a grey and silver scarf in honor of our thematic evening, and a nice suit with a grey cummerbund.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You are mingling around, then, and you see that Thera is there, sitting off alone in a corner.<br />
* Hugonel will stop at the bar to grab an extra glass of wine and then go over to her table.<br />
* Hugonel sets the glass down and takes a seat.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Oh, hello, Hugo.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Thera, my dear, what a lovely surprise to see you here.<br />
<br />
<Thera> You don't seem too surprised - or was that extra glass of wine for whoever you happened to meet? ;p<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You've discovered the dark secret to my romantic success.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Wander around with alcohol until finding a beautiful woman to share it with.<br />
<br />
<Thera> heh<br />
* Thera accepts it, anyway<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How have you been?<br />
* Thera gives a slight shrug<br />
<br />
<Thera> Things are... odd.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's the matter?<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't know that I can explain it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Try me. I've seen a lot of strange things over the years.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> And I care.<br />
<br />
<Thera> >.><br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I don't mean to pry. But I do care.<br />
* Hugonel says honestly.<br />
<br />
<Thera> What if you had a marvellous opportunity, and you weren't sure whether you should take it or not.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm. It depends on what kind of opportunity, and what I'd have to give up to get it.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> If it's a romantic opportunity, I'd probably just take it and not think too much about it.<br />
* Thera sort of chuckles at that<br />
<br />
<Thera> No, I'm not sure 'romantic' is the correct word.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Marital?<br />
<br />
<Thera> no...<br />
* Hugonel looks into Thera's eyes.<br />
* Thera looks back, frowning slightly<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> What's going on?<br />
<br />
<Thera> I have a gentleman who is interested in me, Hugo. Wealthy and powerful. I don't know that I am interested in him, as such, and there would be other repercussions, outside of my own desires. But it would be very... <br />
* Thera fumbles for the right word<br />
<br />
<Thera> ... ambitious.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right. Well ... first of all, as I'm sure you are aware, you could have almost any wealthy and powerful gentleman you desire. What does this one provide - given that it's not a marriage - that others might not?<br />
<br />
<Thera> well... I should say, I don't know for certain that it's not marriage. The subject hasn't been raised, but it's not ... impossible, at any rate.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Maybe impolitic.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> All right. What do you gain out of it?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Wealth, influence, maybe a title... having half my family hate me...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The curiosity is eating me alive, Thera - just who is this mystery man?<br />
<br />
<Thera> <q> The Emperor.<br />
* Thera sips her drink<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Hmm. Well. That's something, isn't it. <br />
* Hugonel considers.<br />
<br />
<Thera> it's something.<br />
* Thera agrees<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You can do better.<br />
<br />
<Thera> oh? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The Emperor is, by all accounts, a good man. But he's got to be, what, seventy years old. So you trade your youth spent as the paramour of the most powerful man alive followed by ... what, exactly? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Decades as 'the former consort of the former emperor'?<br />
<br />
<Thera> A title, enough money that I could live comfortably for the rest of my life, no need to marry unless I choose to...<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not denying that there would be some appeal. But let me ask you this: what's in it for the Emperor? <br />
<br />
<Thera> o_O<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'm not saying that you're not an extraordinarily beautiful, alluring, wonderful woman. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Only a fool would deny that. <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But ... why would he want a public consort now? Or are you to be hidden away?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Oh, well... he isn't married, so I don't suppose there would be any strong reason to keep me hidden. But he's fairly private - I don't think he'd want to parade me around to parties.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> But - he would presumably ask for exclusivity, yes?<br />
<br />
<Thera> Yes.<br />
* Thera says quite definitely<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> So your next decade or more will be spent with a wrinkly old man, possibly with smelly feet, who just happens to wield unchecked power over us all?<br />
* Thera wrinkles her nose<br />
<br />
<Thera> I'd assume he bathes at least ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> One would hope.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> My point is, I suppose, if I must say it, although it pains me to do so, is that there are any number of titled single men out there, your own age, some of whom are themselves very wealthy, who would marry you in a heartbeat.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't think there are quite as many of these marvellous prospects as you imagine.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Men my own age are in rather shorter supply since the war.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I had noticed rather less competition over the past few years. I had supposed it was because I was becoming handsomer. <br />
* Hugonel sighs.<br />
* Thera sighs as well<br />
<br />
<Thera> Look... I could end up married to a wrinkly man with smelly feet regardless. At least this way, I can get out of it if it becomes unbearable.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Can you?<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How do you know how easy or hard it would be to ... extricate yourself?<br />
<br />
<Thera> It isn't as though he hasn't had other mistresses before.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> A mistress is one thing ... what you are talking about is more ... contractual.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I'm not signing anything ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Then you shouldn't expect anything in return. Men like that don't have any cause to keep to unsigned promises.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> This wealth and title you refer to could be nothing more than a mirage, the sly words of a cunning old dog.<br />
<br />
<Thera> My mother wasn't noble. My father gave up a great deal to marry her. I don't have a lot to fall back on, and there are plenty of Wolf girls with more money and less questionable pasts.<br />
* Hugonel nods.<br />
<br />
<Thera> you think I should hold out for marriage? ;p<br />
<br />
<Thera> Empress Thera? <br />
<br />
<Hugonel> You know that this story is not unfamiliar to me, Thera. I'm nobody, like you. A man with a big name and many friends, playing a game. I don't know what you should do, but I do know the ways of the palace and politics. It's always complicated.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Gods, then Aunt Zivia really would murder me in my sleep.<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Murdering the empress is, I believe, treason punishable by death.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I half wonder if he doesn't like me because I remind him of her when she was young ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Possible, but an unnecessary hypothesis. You are a very striking woman, and any man would be lucky to have you, as consort or as wife.<br />
<br />
<Thera> Well, young-ish, anyway. I'm getting close to thirty, Hugo. maybe this is my best chance for... something better.<br />
<br />
<Thera> I don't know :/<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Have you talked to Tristan about it?<br />
<br />
<Thera> is it the sort of thing you'd talk about with your sibling? ;p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No. No, I suppose not.<br />
<br />
<Thera> He'd tell me I should follow my heart. He's romantic that way.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I'd suggest that you talk to Sirris, but I worry that he is too far removed from the sorts of day-to-day human concerns that bother us.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> The conversation might start with parables and end in tears.<br />
<br />
<Thera> heh<br />
<br />
<Thera> I suppose it can't hurt to talk to him.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> He's always been a stable force in my life when things were ... odd.<br />
* Thera nods<br />
<br />
<Thera> Maybe I could learn to like him. He's not ugly, or ... smelly, despite your claims ;p<br />
* Hugonel laughs.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> No, indeed. I was only saying that out of rank jealousy. With an emphasis on the 'rank'.<br />
<br />
<Thera> And since he's old, maybe his demands wouldn't be too frequent :p<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> Perhaps he's as flaccid as his foreign policy initiatives.<br />
<br />
<Thera> ew.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> See how helpful I am?<br />
* Thera rolls her eyes<br />
<br />
<Thera> come on, Hugo... take me away from here and show me a good time - maybe it's our last chance.<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> How can I say no to that? After all, last chances only come along once.<br />
* Hugonel downs his wine and takes Thera's hand.<br />
<br />
===Aubrienne tells Titania about her dream encounter===<br />
* Aubrienne will be decked out in SK attire for the show, certainly much more risque than her usual suit.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Aubrienne, your performance with Jed taking the lead goes well, you think!<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The audience certainly seems to appreciate it - or maybe that's the costuming choices ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Do I need to roll or anything? I'll take 'well' :))<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (I'll assume it's Jed's roll, you're just supporting him :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (I think I can manage that Aid Another roll)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (indeed)<br />
* Aubrienne will try to track down Tits at some point when she's not so busy, so maybe not til later in the evening.<br />
* Titania can be tracked down later, sure<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> (Office, I assume?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (yeah)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (that's the easiest place to get some privacy with her, anyway)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well hey there, pretty lady.<br />
* Aubrienne says from the doorway.<br />
* Titania smiles to see you<br />
<br />
<Titania> Your act was great tonight - say congrats to Jed for me too :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks, I'll be sure to.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Everyone was on their game tonight. The crowd seemed really into it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> definitely<br />
<br />
<Titania> Maybe we should do collaborations more often<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's nice we could offer the folks from the Penumbra a place to perform.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Quite thoughtful of you.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well... we've had our share of troubles too lately.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I felt like it was the least I could do.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Since at least our building is still standing. For now ;)<br />
* Aubrienne will shut the door, then close for a kiss.<br />
<br />
<Titania> mmm :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm sure it will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
<Titania> and I have to say, your outfit looks gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I had been hoping to do a private premiere for you, but time kind of got away from me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I am fond of encores...<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> can I offer you some refreshments? ;)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Always. :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, I have a possible strange question for you.<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh?<br />
* Aubrienne will take a seat on the couch.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You don't happen to know what the plans are in regards to the fey, do you?<br />
* Titania gets you a drink and will come to sit with you<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know a bit about what's going on. I can't say I'm involved in high-level planning meetings, but I hear a thing or two.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I think the top priority at the moment is to deal with the ones that are causing immediate trouble in the city. They've issued cold iron weapons to the guards, for instance. That sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Titania> But more broadly, they're still trying to figure out what's going on, why this is happening in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Aren't we all?<br />
* Aubrienne sighs<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know there was at least one proposal to go to the Shade and chop down those trees, but after Seda Grove, it was felt that might not be ... diplomatic.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Like burning an embassy or something, I guess.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Something like that.<br />
<br />
<Titania> If there's some greater power behind this, then I think they want to talk to it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> or attempt to, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That might be good, if there was a way to negotiate.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, I don't mean to bug you about this, or take advantage for information, I just...something happened the other day.<br />
<br />
<Titania> oh? what happened?<br />
* Titania takes your hand<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Lathra has a client I've been helping with, and we brought your aunt to see him, and she took us into his dreams.<br />
<br />
<Titania> ... I was going to ask which aunt, but that answers that.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Which was a bizarre experience on it's own, but...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> My brother was there.<br />
<br />
<Titania> In the dream?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think it was actually him.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere said she thought the dream was more than a regular dream.<br />
* Titania nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It had one of those trees, like we think was at Seda Grove, the portal tree things.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And Jean-Faust came through it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We spoke for a moment, but he said he had to get back.<br />
<br />
<Titania> huh<br />
<br />
<Titania> so he's alive?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I believe so, yes.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I...I want to try to go get him back.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere said it would be possible, at least to travel to where he is.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Of course you must try.<br />
* Aubrienne leans forward to give Tits a hug.<br />
* Titania hugs you back<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thanks for understanding.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I know it probably all sounds a little crazy, but I just couldn't not try.<br />
<br />
<Titania> if it was one of my brothers, I'd do the same thing. I don't see how you couldn't try.<br />
* Aubrienne takes Tits' hand again and gives it a kiss.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You're the best boss ever. ;)<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> I know ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> you're not going by yourself, are you?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Jed said he'd come with me.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We'll probably need more help, but I don't want to put anyone in danger.<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> I wish I could go too. But I'd probably be more of a hindrance than a help.<br />
<br />
<Titania> But surely there must be some people you could ask?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It means a lot that you would want to go.<br />
* Aubrienne has a happy, slightly odd look on her face.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well... I love you.<br />
* Titania says, as if a bit surprised herself<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...I love you too.<br />
* Aubrienne responds somewhat quietly, squeezing Tit's hand.<br />
<br />
<Titania> didn't expect that, huh?<br />
* Titania says gently<br />
* Aubrienne smiles, somewhat awkwardly, slowly growing to a big grin.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, I don't think I did.<br />
* Titania leans over to kiss you<br />
* Aubrienne kisses back, putting her arms around Tits and sighing contentedly.<br />
<br />
===Lathra provides Orlan with a safe refuge from admiring fans===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Lathra, with more Shadar-kai present than usual, including some of your acquaintance, you're kept quite busy tonight<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (any that I work with? Or mostly people from the temple that I might know casually?<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (Aunisstra is there, she's one of your clients)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> (kk)<br />
* Lathra brings a medical kit around with her as she socializes.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> You do notice another of your little flock - it's difficult to miss when Orlan shows up at the club, as he tends to get rather swarmed with fans<br />
* Orlan will seize the opportunity to escape from them by talking to you ;)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Hi there - could we go backstage, or somewhere more private anyway? <br />
* Orlan is a little bit frazzled<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well of course we can dear! Here, I'll show you the way, hold this.<br />
* Lathra passes him a full drink as she picks up another from the bar.<br />
* Orlan accepts it gratefully<br />
* Lathra takes him to the green room, since it's comfier than her storage area.<br />
* Orlan will follow you<br />
<br />
<Orlan> this is much better @_@<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Everybody thinks you're used to it by now, I expect!<br />
* Lathra has probably discussed crowds of fans with Orlan a bunch of times<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Well... I am, in a way, but it's just impossible to go anywhere incognito.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Anyway... thanks for the rescue :)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I was hoping I'd get to see you<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well, no problem at all, dear. I'm afraid I may not be able to stay indefinitely - I *am* on duty, after all - but if I'm called away and you want to stay here, I can let the staff know.<br />
* Lathra pats her medical kit at "on duty"<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Oh, no, I entirely understand. I might just slip out the back when I get the opportunity.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I wanted to let you know, though... Bella left her fiancé<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh! That seems for the best - does she know what she'll do next?<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It's all a bit up in the air at the moment.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I thought, if it was all right, maybe I could suggest she could talk to you for advice. You're so good at it, after all, and have been so helpful to me.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> But I didn't want to just volunteer you, if you're too busy.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> She is *always* welcome to come to me for advice! Yes, yes of course.<br />
* Orlan smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I don't guarantee that it'll always be advice that *you* like, but I'll try to make it *good* advice if I can.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Wonderful, thank you so much<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I... I just want her to have the help she needs. I don't expect that she's going to fall into my arms now. <br />
<br />
<Lathra> Good.<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
* Orlan sips his drink<br />
<br />
<Orlan> how are you doing? we don't always need to talk about me and my problems :)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, well I'm ok dear. I must admit I'm rather worried about the rash of magical assailants that has been plaguing the city, but I think I'm doing as much as I can to help with that.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> I got to meet Princess Ilphere and her children recently, that was delightful!<br />
* Lathra chuckles happily<br />
<br />
<Orlan> That sounds interesting!<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Oh, she is! She's VERY intelligent - you can tell.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I don't know what I'd do if I met the Imperial family - probably stand there and stammer ;)<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Yes well I'm afraid I did rather stare at my feet at first, but they were lovely and I got over it.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I mean... other than Titania. She doesn't quite have the same effect, maybe just because I've met her lots of times ;)<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It's easy to forget that she's a princess<br />
<br />
<Lathra> They're all really just people too, aren't they? I imagine those throngs that won't leave you alone suffer rather the same effects when they meet you.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Some of them, yes.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Some of them are a bit more... assertive.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Maybe I need a bodyguard ;p<br />
* Lathra nods<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Maybe you do! It couldn't hurt to have some some help escaping who is more... frequently present.<br />
* Orlan nods<br />
<br />
<Orlan> But Shadar-kai bodyguards are so trendy right now ;)<br />
* Orlan teases<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Haha! Oh my, I'd have to give up all of my other clients, and this job too!<br />
<br />
<Orlan> oh, I suppose<br />
* Orlan smiles<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I'll see about finding someone - it might be just what I need.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> for now, though, I think I'll try and slip out the back alley and avoid the crowds if I can.<br />
<br />
<Orlan> It was good to get to see you, though. Thank you, as always.<br />
<br />
<Lathra> Well you're most welcome, and it was delightful to see you, too! Would you convey my regards to Bella?<br />
<br />
<Orlan> Of course<br />
<br />
<Orlan> I'll give her your information, and maybe she'll pay you a visit too.<br />
* Orlan will give you a hug before he sneaks away (or at least attempts to)<br />
<br />
===Argent discovers Evil in the Cabaret===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Argent, you're kept busy with your tables, as the club is more full tonight than it has been in a while<br />
<br />
<Argent> (everyone running away from the cold and worries)<br />
<br />
<Argent> (I need good tips to buy some more cold iron bullets :))<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (heh)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> One of your tables is particularly ordering a lot, so hopefully they'll tip well. There's a woman with three men - you don't recognize them.<br />
* Argent recommends the bestest of wines to pad the bill and make them more willing :)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She's a bit older - maybe late 20s? while the men all seem somewhat younger. And they're all fawning over her.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Arguing over who gets to buy her the next drink, etc.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> Just something about the whole situation gives you a little bit of a weird feeling.<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yeah... does feel a little off)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> She's attractive, but not *that* attractive.<br />
* Argent will descretely cast detect magic... maybe a charm?... and if that does nothing, detect evil.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> There's definitely magic active on the woman - she's wearing a headband that radiates moderate transmutation<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> still want to detect evil?<br />
<br />
<Argent> (Yes)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> One of the men gives off an overwhelming evil aura - the kind that's enough to stun you for a round. <br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The woman also radiates evil, but less powerfully, you can tell once you regain your composure<br />
* Argent is a little staggered by the whole thing internally but keeps his composer.<br />
* Argent will head over to the bar to see if Neva might recognize the group<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The man in question is tall, quite thin, with wavy brown hair. He doesn't seem especially strange-looking or anything. The woman is slim with brown hair to her shoulders.<br />
* Orlan is now known as Neva<br />
* Neva is busy at the bar, but can spare a moment for you<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hey Neva... see my table... you ever seen them before?<br />
* Neva glances over to the group<br />
<br />
<Neva> Azarea vak Andras and some of her latest boy toys. <br />
<br />
<Neva> Are they giving you trouble? You need me to have a word?<br />
<br />
<Argent> ive heard the vak Andras name before... what about the tall thin one?<br />
* Neva checks him out in particular<br />
<br />
<Neva> Haven't seen him before.<br />
<br />
<Neva> should I know him?<br />
<br />
<Argent> there is something very off about him.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Off how?<br />
<br />
<Argent> he just makes me feel... like everything around him and that he touches feels dirty... its not but I just feel that way.<br />
* Neva frowns at that<br />
<br />
<Neva> You want someone else to take over the table?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll keep the table, but if you could have someone who may have some skills to check them, especially him, I would appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Neva> I mean, we all get someone sometime that makes you feel dirty just to wait on them. I don't want you to put up with that if he's doing anything weird.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Skills, huh?<br />
* Neva casts something discreetly behind the bar, looks over in their direction again, and drops the glass she was holding<br />
<br />
<Neva> ... shit :o<br />
<br />
<Argent> You ok?<br />
<br />
<Neva> <q> what the hell?<br />
* Neva cleans up, still a bit shaken up<br />
<br />
<Neva> You don't need to go back to that table, kid. I'll see them off.<br />
* Neva says firmly<br />
<br />
<Argent> Ok<br />
<br />
<Argent> but let me see if I can get a name before you do so.<br />
* Neva looks reluctant<br />
<br />
<Neva> <q> Whoever, or whatever, he is - do you really want to mess with him?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'll be fine<br />
<br />
<Argent> <q> no... but I can't just let him walk away either without trying to find out more.<br />
<br />
<Neva> :/<br />
<br />
<Argent> <q> just swoop in if you see me in trouble.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Okay, but I'm right here, keeping my eye on you. Don't hesitate to get out of there if anything happens.<br />
* Argent will head to the table with the next drink order... but will do a circumstant route to try to listen on what he can for clues as he approaches<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (you can make a Listen check)<br />
<br />
<Argent> !roll 1d20+17<br />
* Zola rolls for Argent: [ 1d20+17 ] getting [ 18 ] which, after the modifier [ 17 ] totals [ 35 ].<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> They're talking about you, as you circle around through the crowd.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (sec, I need to nick in a way that will identify who's talking ;)<br />
<br />
<Dark_blond_guy> Pretty hair - watch out, Tom, or he'll take your job!<br />
* Blond_guy 's name seems to be Tom, and he sort of chuckles in a not-very-amused way at that<br />
<br />
<Azarea> There's something about him... no, not just the pretty hair ;p<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> What's a sweet little aasimar doing in a place like this? <br />
<br />
<Azarea> No, you can't take him home, Val :p<br />
* Azarea says to the guy with the evil aura<br />
<br />
<Azarea> You don't want to make me jealous ;)<br />
<br />
<Argent> There you go Lady and Gentlemen... my bartender has a few specialities she could recommend if you wanted to try something more exotic.<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Well, we do like ... exotic ^-^<br />
* Argent says arriving with the drinks, totally composed as if nothing was amiss<br />
* Azarea sort of nudges him under the table and accepts the drinks gracefully<br />
<br />
<Azarea> Thank you so much, angel :)<br />
* Azarea gives you a generous tip<br />
<br />
<Argent> It's just Jean.<br />
* Argent smiles<br />
<br />
<Azarea> Jean? Such a plain name for a pretty face :)<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> I don't suppose you'd like to join us after you get off work, Jean? <br />
* Evil_guy offers with a wink<br />
<br />
<Argent> Why thank you for the offer... mr?<br />
* Argent fishes<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Val is fine.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Mr Val, but its not very proffessional of me to accept such an offer, but it is appreciated.<br />
<br />
<Evil_guy> Maybe another time, then. When you're not being so .. professional.<br />
<br />
* Neva is watching the situation carefully<br />
* Argent will swing by the bar<br />
<br />
<Argent> I survived<br />
<br />
<Neva> Good.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Now I'm going to ... strongly suggest that they leave. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Val, from what I could gather is staying with Azarea.<br />
* Neva nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> Oh and I mentioned you might drop by with some drink specials for them.<br />
<br />
<Neva> hah<br />
<br />
<Neva> That blond one looks like the weakest, so I'll suggest it to him.<br />
<br />
<Neva> and hope that he can convince the rest they don't really want to spend their whole night in a boring place like this.<br />
<br />
<Argent> You could spike the Val's guy's drink... that might be a little too aggressive though.<br />
<br />
<Neva> I don't wanna piss him off- just get him out.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you want me to let anyone else know?<br />
<br />
<Neva> Let Geff know in case there's any trouble.<br />
* Argent nods<br />
<br />
<Neva> But I hope there won't be.<br />
* Neva takes up a bottle of whiskey and casts her spell on the way across the room<br />
<br />
<Argent> so do I, business was just picking up.<br />
* Argent will head off to warn Geff<br />
* Neva offers them the bottle, has a few words, and leaves<br />
* Neva is now known as DiablotinNarrator<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> After a bit more discussion amongst themselves, the group take their things and head off.<br />
* Azarea is now known as Neva<br />
* Neva breathes a sigh of relief<br />
<br />
<Neva> Take five.<br />
* Neva instructs you<br />
<br />
<Neva> You probably need a drink after that, too.<br />
* Argent nods and follows her instructions<br />
<br />
<Argent> I am curious though... where did you learn your casting skills?<br />
<br />
<Neva> My mother.<br />
<br />
<Neva> Sometime, you an' me are gonna have a little talk about how you knew what that guy was. But it'll have to be sometime when we're not working. <br />
<br />
<Argent> Sometime<br />
* Neva pats you on the shoulder<br />
<br />
<Neva> Good job.<br />
<br />
<Argent> You did the hard part<br />
* Neva shrugs<br />
* Argent enjoys the break and a drink<br />
* Neva gets back to work<br />
<br />
==Solos==<br />
===Denise suggests to Mikel that he could move in with Uncle Alain===<br />
<Mikel> (what's our setup? :)<br />
<br />
* Denise will pop by home in the late afternoon and hope for good luck ;p<br />
* Mikel will fortunately be there<br />
<br />
<Denise> (CONVENIENT :V)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Hey Mickey<br />
* Denise says after going to check on her mom<br />
<br />
<Mikel> hi :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I weren't sure you'd be home :3<br />
<br />
<Mikel> (Mom is asleep, let's say)<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's thing's workin' out, with the helper?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> pretty good - she comes in three days a week, so that gives me more time to take care of my own stuff, get out of the house an' that<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> how 'bout you?<br />
<br />
<Denise> doin' okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's Yvie?<br />
<br />
<Denise> They got enough heat at the school now?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah, it's doing' all right now<br />
<br />
<Denise> good<br />
<br />
<Mikel> THey're keepin' the kids inside at lunch, not allowed to go out an' play<br />
<br />
<Mikel> but that's prolly for the best<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeha, too cold 'an prolly it ain't safe<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, like, that'sw somethin; I wanted to ask you about<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, see, I was talkin' to Ander<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout maybe settin up some kinda... I dunnno. Like a neighborhood watch, maybe?To help our folks out <br />
* Mikel nods, listening<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' I thought too maybe that's something the channels would wanna help with, or some of 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> but you're the only one I know ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> ah, heh<br />
<br />
<Mikel> what sorta thing were you thinkin' of? like patrols?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he said you might know if there's other might be interested, maybe at least givin' some advice and the like<br />
<br />
<Denise> patrols is what I'd like, yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just feel like - there's some really nasty stuff out there what could really hurt someone<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus like, I dunno - maybe we could find out what they're even after there >.><br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, I think it sounds like a swell idea<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I knew I coudl count on you at least :)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> as long as the folks who're doin' the watchin' are trained an' all. or at least, have some idea what they're doin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> see, I figured there's folsk with the Mala Tajna, and also like there's lots of vets around now<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' if they need special trainin' fort fey stuff, maybe the Channels could help<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, we could try, yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I been talkin' with folks about that, some<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, like, 'bout what we know about that sorta thing, an' what we might be able to do <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> well?<br />
* Mikel sighs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, it ain't like there was lots of trees down in the old city<br />
<br />
<Denise> no<br />
<br />
<Denise> but Enver says there's lot of other fey down there now too<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah - there were back in the old times too, I guess, but not as many as now<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he says he's trying to find out more about 'em too<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Like those little mushroom fellas<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> But Channel Silvia knows about more sorts, too<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Denise> did she ever go look at them trees?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah, she went an' looked at 'em<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Honestly, I think they gave her the creeps<br />
<br />
<Mikel> It ain't natural<br />
<br />
<Mikel> An' they're sick, too. diseased or somethin'.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, all the mushrooms on 'em<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' the whisperin'...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but she didn't say nothin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout why or what or anythin'?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> She communed with it. With the trees an' stuff I mean. <br />
<br />
<Mikel> it don't usually work in the city, 'cause of too many buildings an' all, but there's enough trees there that it did, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> ..'kay...<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Anyway, she sorta... talked to it?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> But I don't think it went too good<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> what did the...trees... say?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I dunno. but after, she said it was like talkin' to the Arch. she usedta do that when she was a kid, you know?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> that's what it reminded her of<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> that can't be no good<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mikel> she told us all to stay away from 'em for now. she was gonna talk to some higher-ups I guess.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....higher where? :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well prolly that's smart anyway<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Like the Emperor or whoever, I guess? An' Sirris, an' whatever other Arch folks she knows?<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Mikel> like, her brother's the Lord Chancellor an' I guess if anyone can get to talk to the Emperor, he can.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well - you tell me if you hear more, okay?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Yeah, I will.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I keep forgettin that >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess i met him though :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, a buncha times<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> he comes to the club to talk to Ander<br />
<br />
<Mikel> he does? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> yep ^_^<br />
* Denise sounds perhaps a little smug ;)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> what for?<br />
<br />
<Mikel> maybe he just goes to look at the dancers? ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, he never pays 'em no mind<br />
<br />
<Denise> mostly they talk about borin' stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> i guess he wants Ander to some some politics thing, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Mikel> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he didn't seem real keen on it, though<br />
<br />
<Mikel> Ander, you mean?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think he fancied havin' folks tell him what to do<br />
<br />
<Denise> something' about votin - you know I don't follow that stuff real well<br />
* Mikel nods with a shrug<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ander for Emperor, that's what I say ;)<br />
* Mikel laughs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> that'd be somethin' all right<br />
<br />
<Denise> it'd be the best ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway, so, speakin' of other things what would be the best<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was over talkin' to Alain the other day<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh, yeah? how's he?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well...he's okay.... you know:/<br />
<br />
<Denise> workin' a lot<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> he was in to the club an' Aunt Hettie saw him for a bit too<br />
<br />
<Denise> and then *we* were talkin' like, and had an idea<br />
* Mikel gives you a quizzical look<br />
<br />
<Denise> so like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I kno you wanna get out of the house an' all<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like - what about movin' in with Alain?<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Mikel> oh, huh <br />
<br />
<Denise> Da couldn't say nothin' 'bout *that*<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, no, but like... would it be weird for him? <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't talked to him about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> but i figured if you thought it sounded good maybe you could?<br />
* Mikel nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I know he was used to sharin' with Georges, is all... I dunno if it'd be like I was tryin' to butt in?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well it'd be different<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe that'd be good, ya know? :/<br />
* Mikel nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just feel like.... maybe it be good for him to have some company<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, I can talk to him<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt hettie said she thought it's be good<br />
<br />
<Denise> an she knows best, when it comes to Alain<br />
<br />
<Mikel> would he care if sometimes Romain stayed over with me, d'you think?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Alain grew up livin' with Serges Yves :p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well...yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you just got *one* boyfriend - I dnt think he'll give you no trouble ;p<br />
<br />
<Mikel> but I dunno if Serge Yves brought guys home a whole lot...<br />
* Mikel shrugs<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I guess all I can do is ask.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe it would be weird<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I figure not having Georges around is weird already, so at least it would b weird but less lonely :/<br />
<br />
<Mikel> yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Mikel> it's not a bad idea<br />
<br />
<Mikel> like you said, Da couldn't say nothin' about it<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> I'll drop by an' talk to Alain.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'kay, good<br />
* Denise gives you a hug<br />
* Mikel hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> we're a family, we oughtta all be able to take care of each other<br />
<br />
<Mikel> well, we can do our best<br />
* Denise grins, because of course our best is good enough<br />
<br />
<Denise> (done?)<br />
<br />
<Mikel> (seems like a good stopping point :)<br />
<br />
===Dorien introduces Misery to Titania===<br />
* Misery will hang out with you at the bar, Dorien, keeping an eye on what you do, getting to meet some of your regular customers<br />
* Dorien will be my normal shmoozy self, buttering up customers as best I can, introducing her around and generally helping her get a handle on how it works.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Is it usually this busy?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Sometimes. Tonight we have a bunch of the crowd from the Penumbra as well while they're rebuilding, so it's more packed than usual.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Misery> So there aren't usually this many Shadar-kai?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> No, not nearly. Usually only a handful. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> I can't help wondering if the Penumbra burning had something to do with the general fae weirdness that's been going on.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Maybe. Or maybe just the usual racists.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> :/<br />
<br />
<Misery> but I could ask around a bit, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Misery> maybe the fey just really like nightclubs<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Couldn't hurt, I guess. <br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hah<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well then they should stop destroying them.<br />
<br />
<Misery> you know how it is when a party gets out of hand...<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, well ussually heating up the party is a figure of speech.<br />
* Misery smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> When the show starts and things quiet down a bit I want to introduce you to my "boss", Tits. I annoy her too, so you'll have that in common.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Okay. <br />
<br />
<Misery> What's she like? Do I need to suck up to her?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Nah, she'd probably hate you if you did. She's surprisingly down to earth for a royal.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Just be your normal, charming self. <br />
<br />
<Misery> I can do that.<br />
* Dorien grins.<br />
* Dorien will try to flag her over if I see her mingling around during the show<br />
* Titania can be waved over at some point<br />
<br />
<Titania> Hey Dorien, how's business?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Going like gangbusters. It's packed tonight.<br />
<br />
<Titania> That's what I like to hear :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Boss, I wanted to introduce you to my apprentice, Misery. Misery, this is my boss, the Princess Titania, or as we call her, Breasts. I mean Tits.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Hi Misery - do they call you that because you have to put up with this guy?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Not... exactly, but it doesn't hurt.<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Titania> So, are you going to be around most nights now?<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yeah, it seems that way.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Actually, I, um... wanted to let you know that I may not be able to work here much longer. I'm looking into other avenues of business. If that happens, I was <br />
<br />
hoping that you could maybe keep Misery on in my place.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'm showing her the ropes<br />
<br />
<Titania> Oh, yeah? Is everything okay?<br />
* Titania asks you, looking a bit concerned<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, yeah. Nothing bad. I'm just... trying to branch out. You can only really play this game for so long, you know?<br />
* Titania nods<br />
<br />
<Titania> Well, I hope it goes well for you, and that we'll still see you around sometimes.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Oh, definitely. Who would drive you to drink if I wasn't here?<br />
* Titania smiles<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I'll still be around. Checking up on Mis if nothing else.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Oh, there are plenty of options...<br />
* Dorien grins<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Anyway, I'll be bringing her along for the next few weeks to get used to things, if that's ok. I figure with the extra business it's good to have another pair <br />
<br />
of hands at the counter anway<br />
<br />
<Titania> Sure - we'll see how it goes.<br />
* Dorien nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Thanks.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Speaking of which, can I get two vials of vodare and a couple grams of dreammist?<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I owe you one.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Of course!<br />
* Dorien will pull out his special reserves from under the counter.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Planning on having a party of your own tonight?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Ah, you never know - just want to be prepared :)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (Is aubrienne/Tits common knowledge, or still under wraps?)<br />
<br />
<Titania> (still under wraps)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> (k)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, don't party too hard. That's powerful stuff. Not that I need to tell you that ;)<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yes, Dad ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hey, if I was your dad, I wouldn't be working here.<br />
<br />
<Titania> heh<br />
<br />
<Titania> That's very true. He's never been here.<br />
<br />
<Titania> ... that I know of, anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not his scene, I imagine.<br />
<br />
<Titania> I sincerely hope not.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Hah<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, that might be a little awkward, huh?<br />
<br />
<Titania> It's weird enough when my brothers come by - I don't need to think about my father too ;)<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, you never know. We do get all types in here.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Even transdimensional fae, apparently :P<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah, I've had about enough of that.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> You and me both.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Rude little bastards.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Have you looked into upgrading the wards yet?<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah, it's being taken care of. But it's expensive.<br />
<br />
<Dorien> I can imagine. <br />
<br />
<Titania> I didn't think that a cabaret would need security as tight as the Treasury ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Well, if it keeps them out, it'll be worth it.<br />
<br />
<Titania> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Titania> well, thanks for the refreshments <br />
<br />
<Titania> Nice to meet you, Misery<br />
<br />
<Dorien> For you? Any time. Have fun tonight.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Ah, you too. I guess I'll see you around.<br />
* Titania will head off, then<br />
<br />
<Dorien> See? Told you she was down to earth. She's good people.<br />
<br />
<Misery> Yeah. I had to remember that when she talked about her father, that means the Emperor ;p<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Yeah, it's weird at first, but you get used to it.<br />
* Misery nods<br />
<br />
<Dorien> Not all wealthy pink folks are total asses.<br />
<br />
<Misery> heh<br />
<br />
<Misery> I'll take your word for it ;)<br />
* Misery will get more comfortable with serving some of the customers as the evening goes on<br />
* Dorien will make sure she takes home half the profits for the night as well, since she helped make and sell it.<br />
<br />
<Misery> (aww :)<br />
<br />
===Zola and Denise chat about the unequal distribution of economic resources in Diablotin, and about boys===<br />
* Denise is sorta bumming arund the bar trying not to bug whoever is on duty<br />
* Zola will approach the bar a short time after her set and order a drink.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hey kid, how's things? <br />
<br />
<Denise> pretty okay, I guess, 'cept for all the fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> you?<br />
* Zola lights her cigarette with one of the table lighters and gives it a few puffs.<br />
<br />
<Zola> 'bout the same :)<br />
* Zola slips Neva some coins<br />
<br />
<Denise> how's your knittin' goin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> keepin' your cat warm?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah... I admit I haven't practiced much... but I did bury him in yarn a few times.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Wanna come sit with? I'm not keen on a stool today :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, uh, sure, I got some time :)<br />
* Zola leads Denise to a free table, drink in one hand, cigarrette in the other.<br />
* Denise picks up her beer and follows<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'd better make another date with your auntie soon or I'll forget all she told me... <br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah, you oughtta come by for sure - last time was lot of fun :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I still been workin' some on that shawl some<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might bring Bastien by, let you meet him. Not that he usually has much to say.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that'd be swell!<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain' never had no kinda pet, or animal friend like that, not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> My sister Yvie's got a little kiutten now though<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww...<br />
<br />
<Denise> Fluffly little orange'n white critter called Spark :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good name for a familiar, is she so inclined? :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aw, ain't no one in my family got that kinda thing, not so far as I know<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figger we're big enough that we'd'a run into it by now ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yvie's real smart though<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hmm, not sure how House Rat figures into all that stuff they've learned about bloodlines. <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno. Ander's gotta though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's a sorcerer<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he hasn't got a familiar<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe unless you count ralf ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ha! <br />
<br />
<Zola> If you ever catch them talking in their own language, that might be a sign.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I bet there's gotta be some potential in your family anyhow, coming from such a small population? <br />
<br />
<Denise> heh, nothin' other'n commo or rat that I heard ^-6<br />
<br />
<Denise> ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maybe, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess there's folks who keep track of all that sorta thing though<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, they use to keep reacl close track back when folks were livin' in the undercity<br />
<br />
<Denise> and there's some old folks who still do a little of that I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, huh... like a registry of who's inclined to sorcery or to being a priest?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we didn't have priests, an' I dunno if it is in families for Channels, or if it was back then<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think they just kept track of all soerts of stuff like who was marryin' who<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> even now if someone has a baby prolly one of the old folks 'll come around to meet it an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> like my baby cousin Avionne :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> That might be a little creepy, y'think? Suddenly this wisened old crone you don't know shows up at your door to lay her peepers on the child. <br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> At least if you aren't used to keeping in touch with them<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> That's just how it goes, it don't seem so weird<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> lots of folks come 'round to meet a new baby<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess if they're subtle about it :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I just don't know many people who're having kids these days :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I guess that ain't somthing a lot of folks who'd be workin' here might be wantin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't have much family in the city... and.. yeah, exactly<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I sure ain't ready for any of that<br />
<br />
<Denise> My friend maisie just had a little boy though<br />
<br />
<Zola> It might not be so bad if you've set your mind on it, but who wants all that when you're not expecting it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's more how it goes with folks I now<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I guess Uncle Thierry and Aunt Rosemary were wantin to have a baby<br />
<br />
<Denise> Maise weren't<br />
<br />
<Denise> She's doin' okay though<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess that's natural, though... <br />
<br />
<Denise> he fella's still around, at least<br />
<br />
<Zola> She's got family to help out?<br />
<br />
<Denise> not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> she ain't ever got on real well with her folks<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a shame :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's why she was with the swarm<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, her da ain't ever been around much an her mam's a drinker<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oughta get those snoopy old folks to lend a hand <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, there;s so many folks liek Maisie, ya'know? :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> C'mon in, evaluate her mystical capacity and change some diapers :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, they got friends, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> I been over thee some to help out, an I know mam said she'd help her how she could too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, maybe the city ought to set up a fountain for morning after potions.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ain' no one gonna spend money like that on the Shambles :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might not be so shambly if they did.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> they don't care really<br />
<br />
<Denise> see<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause they need folks who ain't got nowhere else to go if they're gonna find folks to take all the shit jobs out there<br />
<br />
<Denise> Workin' in the factories an all<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well...<br />
* Denise makes a face<br />
* Zola bites her bright red bottom lip<br />
<br />
<Denise> ain't no one gonna help out out 'cept ourselves<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not *nobody*... <br />
<br />
<Zola> There've got schools and stuff set up... it's not like everyone who has is trying to keep everyone who doesn't from getting ahead<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's just enough selfish assholes in the world to make it look that way sometimes, I guess :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, but they don't gotta *try*, do thay>?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that just how it is<br />
<br />
<Denise> an sure there's schools, if you can go to 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> just 'caiuse they're free don't mean it's something you can afford<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't go most of the time 'cause Mikel an I had to look after Yvie when she was little<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause mam had to go work when she could<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Mickie is smarter'n me so it made more sense anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus like<br />
<br />
<Denise> the money for 'em ain't all comin' from the government, if you know what I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
* Zola isn't really sure what to say...<br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just how it is, anyway<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> But it ain't like there's no one lookin' out for folks, neither<br />
<br />
<Zola> I wish I had a good idea to fix it all.<br />
<br />
<Denise> UI figure it's more like.... lotf of folks doin;' little things, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I got this friend Swinney, an' he ain't even 15 an he's not really got no one to look after him always. An I can't fix that but I cam make sure he's got <br />
<br />
warm mittens, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you'd think in a city like this he shouldn't need to worry about mittens. <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know much 'bout other cities<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's just so much here, you'd think it'd ... smooth out a bit more<br />
<br />
<Denise> but we got them stupid ice fairies :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they just need mittens<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well they ain't gettin' 'em from me ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't mean to bring all that up :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's alright, kid. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that it isn't a downer :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> But that's life too, right? It can't all be song & dance.<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... I'm not rolling in bills or anything, but if someone's really in need, I could probably help you out?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Or maybe try to convince one of my boys to talk to their folks :)<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think prolly we got some ways of gettn to some of them types, anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> Who says my ways aren't more ... influential? <br />
<br />
<Zola> :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I ain't gonna say no if you wanna put in some words<br />
<br />
<Denise> or whatever >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Speaking of... I've been learning a bit of Rat.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mostly naughty things, so far, but also some of the basics.<br />
<br />
<Zola> <r> Hello, my name is Zola, and I am a singer.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> And some other more indecent things :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> <r> that's pretty good ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> <r> you been learnin' that from Bright?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... yeah, and my other boy, Noren.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Makes learning a little more fun :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> you got another Rat boy? :o<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just hoggin' ;p<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, now, Bright's hardly hogged :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's not much for being stationary.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Noren and I used to be madly in love ... but his parents weren't too pleased about how he chose to invest some of their money and they made him leave the city.<br />
<br />
<Denise> awww<br />
<br />
<Denise> is he back, or do you like.... send him letters?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, it was all quite tragic at the time.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes, he's back in town after the end of the war and we've been ... getting to know each other again :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's been checking in on his investment :D<br />
* Denise nods as though she totlly followed that<br />
* Zola holds up her index fingers and gives her boobs a tap with them<br />
<br />
<Denise> But if you're in love with Noren, how come you're still seein' Bright?<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know what I want right now, kid.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not the same kind of love with Noren as it was, y'know? That was ... fierce. Right now it's more... like an old friend... that you fuck?<br />
* Denise blinks<br />
<br />
<Zola> I love him lots, but I'm not sure it's the only kind of love I have to give?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I don't know nothin' 'bout love, I guess, not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aw, you'll find out soon, Gods willing :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I hope it swallows you like a flood ^_^<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds scary @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh it is! But it's a glorious scary!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like bein' in a tough fight?<br />
<br />
<Zola> You're a rough 'n' tough gal, right? You get into f- YES<br />
<br />
<Zola> EXACTLY<br />
<br />
<Zola> Exhilirating and scary all at the same time<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Zola> You could lose yourself to it, and you WANT to lose yourself to it, but there's no guarantee it'll end well.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hm.<br />
* Denise tries to imagine feeling that way about Enver<br />
<br />
<Zola> But of course you don't get the brass ring by holding onto the ride with both hands.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...I dn't knwo what that means >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, on a carousel? <br />
<br />
<Zola> They dangle a brass ring and if you grab it, you win a prize?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, I guess I ain't ever seen that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't been on that many carousels<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well maybe you and your boy have something to do on your next outing :D<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe :)<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Zola> I do have to figure out what I'm going to do soon though... or talk to Noren :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Don't want him to get hurt or anything.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.... you ain't worried about bright though? On acount of him... movin' around more?<br />
<br />
<Zola> About hurting his feelings?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... I just don't think that's his thing... expecting me to be his girl, and vice versa.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ahh.<br />
<br />
<Zola> He might be disappointed if I decided to settle down with Noren... but hurt? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless I've read him all wrong.<br />
<br />
<Denise> My friend Mireva's like that - she just wanst some fun, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> But she don't get all put out about mostly mostly<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> These days I'm worried I want both, you know? To be free and chained at the same time. <br />
<br />
<Denise> ...an I bet you don't know how that'd work?<br />
* Denise sure doens't :V<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not really, kid. At least not with someone who isn't just like me... I don't think that's Noren's style :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> aw, yeah :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I didn't mean to get us on another downer though :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, at least thinking about the last topic is a good way to keep perspective about my own problems -_-<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> I do recommend you stick to one gentleman for now.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, that don't seem too hard :)<br />
* Zola laughs<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you think I went out of my way to pick up two lovely gentlemen?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, maybe... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure you got lots more to choose from<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's always guys gogglin' after you when you're singin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> Bright DID introduce himself after a show >_><br />
* Denise grins<br />
* Zola looks over your shoulder briefly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Looks like your boss and his familiar are back in their spots :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh! I gotta run then<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> It were nice to chat though, even if it weren't all cheery<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, nice talkin', kid. Next time you'll have to tell me about your trip down in mushroom land.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh, yeah, sure I will, if you wanna hear it, an about getiin' turned to ice too ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> o_O<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'll catch you later ^-^<br />
<br />
===Denise and Zola talk fey and boys===<br />
<Denise> do we have a set up?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe nothing special again? :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> or maybe after the turned to ice comment Zola'd tell you sometime to come by her dressing room when you're free?<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure<br />
* Zola is in her dressing room a good bit before her set, then.<br />
* Denise feels totally out of place backstage, especially with all the performers and stuff, but will fine her way to your door and knock<br />
* Zola answers the door shortly. "Hey kid! C'mon in."<br />
<br />
<Denise> hwy Miss Zola..<br />
* Denise looks around<br />
<br />
<Zola> You have got to tell me about what happened. <br />
* Zola gestures to the divan she has along one wall.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Go ahead and take a seat if you want.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I've just been putting on my face.<br />
* Denise looks a little dazzled with all the shiny things in here, but will sit, careful ot to squish anything<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wanna hear 'bout the ice thing?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, what's that about? @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, you heard how them fey are gettin all over the place, right?<br />
* Zola sits back down at her lit vanity to continue her work<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it's in all the papers.<br />
<br />
<Denise> we was all over at Dorien an' Argent's after work one morning, and a bunch of the little ones were landin' on the roof<br />
<br />
<Denise> this was when it was just first startin' up, so we didn'ty knwo what was happenin, so we all went to look<br />
<br />
<Denise> there was a bunch of 'em, an' one had a fiddle that was makin' people dance - some kind of magic thing<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got caught by that pretty hard, but other folks took out the fiddler, an it was good nighht to the rest pretty quick after that<br />
<br />
<Zola> Aww<br />
<br />
<Denise> other folks were Argen and Dorien and Mis, and Dorien's cousin, Gen<br />
<br />
<Zola> Shame I wasn't there... they teach us bards how to try to counter that sort of thing<br />
<br />
<Denise> She was stayin; there ;cause her place had no heat<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? That'd be handy<br />
<br />
<Zola> Gen from here? Sad-face Gen?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, she does tables here<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway, they were cleainin' up the rest of the little ones, and this other fey comes 'round the corner<br />
<br />
<Denise> not little little like the flyin' ones, but still short. like so tall<br />
* Denise demonstrates with her hand<br />
<br />
<Denise> and with a big poiinty beard of ice, and carrying an hammer an' chisel<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sounds kinda familiar. Was his beard all bloody? <br />
* Denise thinks<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, I don't think so, but it was real sharp<br />
<br />
<Denise> had to be careful not to get cut on it<br />
<br />
<Denise> but he said this little rhyme when I came up an' whalloped him<br />
<br />
<Denise> an it turned me into, like, living ice<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like a statue?<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could still move an all<br />
<br />
<Denise> but if I weren't careful...<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> like when I punched him again, little bit of my hands all flaked off @_@<br />
* Zola stops in the middle of applying eyeshadow D:<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure it coulda been worse'n that though, if I weren't more careful @_@<br />
* Zola shudders visibly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh just the idea @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> it weren't real swell<br />
<br />
<Zola> You got yourself fixed up right though, yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> had to get a priest to fix me up, after<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was a curse, I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awful. Did you get it? Or did it get away?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, we got it alright. it melted.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'll have to get you to try to tell me more about what all those things looked like... maybe Hugo and I came across something about them in our readings.<br />
<br />
<Zola> When there's some paper handy, I mean.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you been readin' up a bout fey?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, we had a bit of a run-in ourselves... wanted to know if we were crazy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo was all out of sorts after that first attack here. What with Eirini just up and vanishing after charming him into bed with her. <br />
<br />
<Denise> ...that Psyrene dame?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, the "songbird".<br />
* Denise tries to remember<br />
<br />
<Zola> Then he met this other woman who sortof reminded him of her, or of the same woman as she did... and someone was talking about his "songbird" and how much he loved her... then he up and died... author by the name of Bouthillion, so we went to his funeral. <br />
<br />
<Denise> okay...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Eirini didn't show up, if she was his songbird, but we got invited out to a dinner party by the other red headed dame, and we decided to go. <br />
<br />
<Zola> It was likely nothing right? And who wouldn't want to go to a dinner party?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it was something after all... we're not sure what exactly, but we were the only two humans there, I figure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...they were all fey?<br />
<br />
<Zola> We left disoriented and confused and at least for me, feeling a little violated... so we decided to look into things.<br />
* Denise looks concerned<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I think so, all six of them.<br />
<br />
<Denise> they didn't hurt you or nothin', did they miss Zola?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't think so... exactly... but I got the feeling maybe the host uh... fed off us somehow? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo got all scratched up, though. <br />
<br />
<Denise> that don't sound good at all<br />
<br />
<Zola> The wine we drank was no ordinary wine, and the woman who owned the vinyards that made it is something called a handmaiden... I guess they can go into these rages if they drink their own wine?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not sure she meant harm exactly, but it took the hostess to calm her down. I barely remember noticing it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But when we left his jacket was all torn and his arm scratched.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> so what're you gonna do about it?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, when we went with Hugo's uncle Loick to get some books from the Imperial Library, they were already taken out by this fellow named Xandhil Orecalo, who was researching things for Aubrienne and Lathra. So we talked with them, and Aubrienne talked to Tits about it.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well then she tells her father and he wants to talk to us about it @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> So we told him what we learned... I'm not sure they're really related to all of what's going on though. Some of them have been here for years.<br />
* Denise nods to the first part because she knew about Aubrienne and Lathra and then stops<br />
<br />
<Denise> the Emperor :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, not just him even, Princess Ilphere, the Warlord, and a Reverend Mother too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> If telling that group isn't going to help, I don't think telling anyone will @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - that don't sound like no fun<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got Mickey to talk to Channel Sylvia about the trees in the shade<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly she's gonna talk to them too<br />
<br />
<Denise> them folks can sort ot all the stuff 'bout like... arches an' whatever.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It wasn't so bad. Tits was there. And it was good to know that we didn't have to dwell on whether all those fey had bad intentions or not... since they could instead.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just worry 'bout regular folks<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, you gotta tell me about those trees.<br />
* Zola finishes with her makeup and fishes around in a drawer for a tin of losenges before popping one in her mouth.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well if you been talkin to miss Aubrienne an'...miss.... Lathra, I figured you musta hear 'bout them<br />
<br />
<Denise> cause it was on account of 'em we went to look at 'em in the first place<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was lookin' to tell 'em 'bout what Mickie said too, but I don't know 'em so well, to track 'em down when they ain't busy :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I heard some, yeah, but not your telling of it :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Mickey, that's your brother yeah? Cousin?<br />
<br />
<Denise> brother, yeah. Mikel.<br />
<br />
<Denise> He's learnin' to be a Channel too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Right, he's got the pet... but not the kitten?<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's a neice? <br />
<br />
<Denise> my sister, Yvie :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> for Yvonne, after my gran.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometimes if I haven't met people it's like keeping a bag of pencils in order.<br />
<br />
<Zola> -_-<br />
<br />
<Zola> What'd he have to say about the trees?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, Channel Sylvia went to talk to 'em I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> she said that it felt like the Arch did<br />
<br />
<Denise> talkin' to 'em<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Arch talks? o_o<br />
<br />
<Denise> she was a Guardian when she were little<br />
<br />
<Denise> so I guess maybe she talked to it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess this didn't go so well though, but I don't know how<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I guess it were like.... sick or somethin' too<br />
<br />
<Denise> when we was there we saw these big mushrooms growin' all over the trees<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess thery were like, evil<br />
<br />
<Denise> so that can't be no good<br />
<br />
<Zola> Huh, see anything else below?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think they went down<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, um, my, um, boyfriend's down in the undercity a lot, an' he says there'slot of fey down there too, just like up here<br />
* Denise does blush a little when she talks about her boyfriend :3<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess something important of theirs might have been destroyed at Seda Grove... so maybe they're here because they were pushed out or ... they're here for revenge, I don't know >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> an I guess the channles are lokkin' into that some too<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I were thinkin' maybe we could catchone an find oout what they want<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was gonna tlak to Argent 'bout that<br />
<br />
<Denise> (talk)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Some of them might just be drawn here by other forces though... from what I read.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Zola> Like if one of the powerful ones, like a hamadryad or something.<br />
<br />
<Denise> bt I bet the'll know somethin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah... <br />
<br />
<Zola> We talked to one of the party guests about things and he made it sound like something big is coming...<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek that thing what came out from here?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I think he meant bigger.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Told us to be careful.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...who was this?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess he's been around here all his life. Tied to some buried river nearby, and can't leave.<br />
<br />
<Zola> >_> <br />
* Denise asks for No Reason >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh, well, I don't know that I should say exactly...<br />
<br />
<Zola> But Tits vouches for him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...what river?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know. I guess it's all walled up underground.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You'd think it'd be near here though? <br />
<br />
<Denise> theres' lots of rivers run through the sewers still<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it surely still does, or he'd die, I think... but it might not be easy to find.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And you might not want to... <br />
<br />
<Zola> What I read about his kind didn't make them out to be the friendliest.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kind?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, who knows if it's true, right? Old folklore. Maybe the only person to get their story to paper made one legitimately angry.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe.<br />
<br />
<Zola> The story is they can tempt you into the water by making you think they're a big pile of treasure... and then their kiss can drown you.<br />
<br />
<Denise> but, like, part of what the channles did, before, is dealing with stuff like this<br />
<br />
<Denise> so they might know more, ya know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, surely they'll tell Channel Sylvia about the ones we met, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got no idea<br />
<br />
<Denise> you said there was a reverend Mother, but I don't figure the church makes too much of the Channels<br />
<br />
<Zola> You wouldn't think they'd pass up on the experts when the city's crowded with flying menaces <br />
* Denise shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't got no idea how they all think<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if it worries you, maybe you can tell Mikel and if his folk want to come ask me some questions it'd be fine?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't want to spread names around when those I met might just be trying to get along with their lives?<br />
<br />
<Denise> right<br />
<br />
<Zola> One of them made me a dress! I have got to show you!<br />
* Zola stands and goes to her wardrobe<br />
<br />
<Zola> Before the wierd stuff started happening, he said I should drop by and maybe we could come to some arrangement, seeing as I'm on the stage... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Seemed like a smart plan, right? <br />
<br />
<Denise> mmhmmm..<br />
* Denise sounds dubious<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, until the wierdness at least... <br />
<br />
<Zola> But I checked with the other guy and he didn't say there was any sort of harm from his dresses, right? So I stopped in...<br />
<br />
<Zola> He took my measurements and all, and he made THIS.<br />
* Zola pulls it out and holds it up to her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> In just a few days @_@<br />
<br />
<Zola> I saw the fabric before he started working, not a thing on it!<br />
<br />
<Denise> did you show aunt Hettie?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not yet >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> It feels a little bit like cheating on her, with all the good work she's done <br />
<br />
<Zola> I figured I could just try to mention her to Vernel, but...<br />
<br />
<Denise> un huh >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> Who needs a second pair of hands when you can do this in THREE DAYS.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That's their thing though... making clothing, so it's like cheating, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (it is or it'sn not?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (It's like Vernel is cheating.)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oops)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, prolly<br />
<br />
<Denise> it is real nice though<br />
* Denise grudgingly admits<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, for now I'm saving it for a special show or something >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> But I bet aunt hettie xcould do somethin' like that too - maybe not in just days though<br />
<br />
<Denise> but she's been workin on some stuff for her friend Mrs Korisse<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, that's the thing right? She doesn't have time to put that much work into one thing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> if she were paid right I bet she could<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, maybe there's still opportunity with him, like he might be able to point to someone who's not quite so fast >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> And needs an apprentice to help her get into the door for fancier clients?<br />
* Zola goes to put the dress back in the wardrobe.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can't figure aunt hettie bein' no one's apprentice<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hah, true... but sometimes you have to put in your time as second fiddle just to get some credibility.<br />
* Denise doesn't loookn convinced >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> proilly if she did ckothes for one of miss Korisse's shopws she'd be doin' okay<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well it's all optional anyhow, she's doing a great job here... she might not even want to deal with snooty clients in the first place.<br />
<br />
<Denise> (mrs Korisse, ugh that was terribel typing)<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of shows does this Mrs. Korisse do?<br />
<br />
<Denise> She does movies, I guess<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh yeah? Costumer like her?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but they're all like... real sad, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> No, she makes 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> Korisse Severin?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aunt Hettie worked with her an' miss Aubrienne at the Hesperage afore the war<br />
<br />
<Zola> She knows Korisse Severin :o<br />
<br />
<Zola> Fancy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> they're real good friends<br />
<br />
<Denise> that how she got the job here, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Sometimes you need to be in the right mood for a sad movie, but they can be some of the best ones. <br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't been to see any >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't get to the movies too much, mostly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe you should take Enver to one, and then he can be there to comfort you when it gets all teary :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> ww?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (oh no, I'm in the ww ;p the heh was a ww though)<br />
<br />
<Denise> we been to one before, but it were a funny one<br />
<br />
<Denise> at a real nice theater, up in the pav<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oooh, a real date then :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, sorta<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was our first date, an' we went with Argent an' Mireva<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh yeah? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Argent, he's not bad to look at >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> he's been' seein my frined Mireva a few times since then<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if you're looking for one that's still playing and is sure to draw a few tears, try The Nurse, it's a story of love during wartime and it's just so sad and so happy ;_;<br />
<br />
<Denise> hh, well, I'll try an' remember that :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (huh)<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's guaranteed to get you some cuddle time in :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't figure we need a movie for that <br />
* Denise says, looking a little red faced<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe not :D<br />
<br />
<Zola> But sometimes boys think of petting awful quick... <br />
* Denise gives you a somewhat confused look<br />
<br />
<Zola> You know, you're just cuddled up, enjoying being close, and they start to get a little frisky.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> We just been.... goin' slow with stuff, anyway >.><br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've got plenty of time :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure there ain't no rush<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cept I gotta get goin' to check on the boss :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, my set should be up soon too. Catch y' later kid :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> ---<br />
<br />
<Zola> I am vaguely sad I haven't had the opportunity to pay Denise to punch someone<br />
<br />
<Denise> alas!<br />
<br />
<Denise> not on screen anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Someday >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> :)<br />
<br />
===Argent, Denise, Zola and Aubrienne share information at a booth in the cabaret===<br />
''Denise asks Argent to see if Aubrienne is free to share information about fey, one evening at the cabaret''<br />
<br />
* Denise will tell Argent to see if Aubrienne wants to know what she heard back via the channels about the trees in the shade<br />
* Denise assumes he does :V<br />
* Argent does<br />
* Argent will ask Aubrienne if she is interested<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... at worst, it will at least be an interesting way to pass the time... and we can tell you about the fight with the fey in the streets we had too.<br />
<br />
''Aubrienne can't make it right away but will join Argent and Denise as soon as she is free''<br />
* Denise will be waiting in a booth, then :3<br />
* Argent will let her know where we'll be and she's welcome to join when she can<br />
* Argent heads to the booth<br />
* Denise has a fresh beer and permission to slack :V<br />
<br />
<Argent> Aubrienne will come join us if or when she gets a moment<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> welll....<br />
* Argent sits down opposite Denise<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly i can hold off on the gates stuff, but there's some other stuff I found out from Miss Zola<br />
<br />
<Denise> what I think she already knows anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like - Hugo an Zola went to this crazy party after this writer guy dies and they're pretty sure like everyone there was fey of some kind<br />
<br />
<Denise> they got all wacked out on the wine and don't remeber it all, but one of 'em clawed up Hugo's arm<br />
<br />
<Denise> and Miss Zola says she went an' talked to one of 'em after an he told her a bit more - said something big was comin', but wouldn't say what<br />
<br />
<Argent> so, this was before the antler guy<br />
<br />
<Denise> Um, I think the party was for sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't sure 'bout the rest<br />
<br />
<Argent> did she mention any names?<br />
<br />
<Denise> she seemed to think that antler guy weren't it though, whatever he was talkin about<br />
<br />
<Denise> No >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> She woudlnt say in case, like, they're fey but also they're just folks trying to live here<br />
* Denise doesn't sounds satisfied<br />
<br />
<Denise> She said the kind of fey this guy was was linked to one of the rivers under the city<br />
<br />
<Argent> hmmm<br />
<br />
<Argent> well to be honest I don't know much about fey other than the cold iron part.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, well, me neither<br />
<br />
<Denise> Enver said there's more down in the undercity now too<br />
<br />
<Denise> an he's been tryin' to learn more about 'em<br />
<br />
<Argent> they could be just trying to live or not... but the whole quickling in the club and the antler guy makes me feel a little less live and let live.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> an, like, clearly this guy knows *somethin* right?<br />
<br />
<Argent> that ice guy left a hammer and chisle behind... im trying to see if someone can identify the workings, since they were fine made, but im not having much luck.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe he brought it with 'im from wherever they came from :p<br />
<br />
<Argent> probably true but I though it might be worth a shot.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so more underground too...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yup<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess it ain' a surprise after the mushrooms<br />
<br />
<Argent> nope<br />
<br />
<Denise> Miss Zola said they've been talkin' to, like, the emperor an' all @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, she had to go an tell him all about what happened<br />
<br />
<Denise> an Mr. Hugo an' Miss Aubrienne and...miss Lathra<br />
* Denise still doesn't know what the term for a SK cleric is<br />
<br />
<Argent> guess things are getting that big, and it is Tit's place, maybe just worried about family.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, with the anthler guy an' the stabbin' and all that mess form back a fewe months, yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> well, we can ask Aubrienne about it when she gets here.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
* Denise looks around<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean I guess it's good that folks like that are lookin' into things, but I feel like if I really wanna know what's goin' on I don't wanna just leave it for someone else<br />
<br />
<Argent> from what I dug around about that incident back then with the staff, I think, Jonas, the musician was involved... there is something odd about him, but I cant figure it out.<br />
<br />
<Argent> Yeah, I agree<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno, I ain't ever talked to him<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, 'odd' is relative, now isn't it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hi Aubrienne, Zola<br />
* Aubrienne will slide into the booth<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh hey :)<br />
* Argent scoots over to make room<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey kids.<br />
* Denise also scoots<br />
* Zola slips in beside one or the other<br />
<br />
<Zola> Afternoon kids.<br />
<br />
<Denise> We ain't really kids, though, I'm almost seventeen now an Argent is older'n me :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I have to agree with Denise. I'm increasingly unhappy with waiting for others to take care of this whole fey mess.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Didn't mean to offend.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Void, spend enough time with the shadar-kai, we all seem like kids.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I guess...<br />
* Argent shrugs<br />
<br />
<Argent> Hey no offence given.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Anyway, as to Jonas...I don't *think* he's a problem.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you're saying you think Jonas was involved with that first attack?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Wait, really?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I think he was involved in rescuing the staff from Tit's vault<br />
* Aubrienne frowns.<br />
<br />
<Zola> What makes you say that?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But Tits seems so sure of him.<br />
<br />
<Argent> He was seen carrying a staff leaving one day, and when he was questioned about it, he denied every having it... its not something he normally carries.<br />
* Denise looks at the other girls<br />
<br />
<Zola> Did anyone ever figure out what kind of staff it was?<br />
<br />
<Argent> never had a chance, did we<br />
<br />
<Argent> its circumstantial, I know, but with the other oddity about him, and all the strangeness, it does make you think.<br />
* Zola looks to Aubrienne, "You tell them?"<br />
<br />
<Argent> ... so what don't we know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well now, that could take a bit.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'bout Jonas though<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Though this particular tidbit is more your secret than mine, Zola.<br />
* Denise waits<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it's not like a dozen people don't know by now anyhow... <br />
<br />
<Zola> You two just be discreet, because Tits vouches for him, and if someone goes and says something to someone who's angry for all the chaos the fey've been causing and he gets hurt, it'll be on us.<br />
* Zola says to Denise and Argent<br />
<br />
<Zola> He's the one I said was tied to a river nearby, Denise. Been here his whole life I imagine, can't go too far either.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so he's a fey.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, but like I said, Tits vouched for him before her father and everyone else at the meeting.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so she knew before<br />
* Aubrienne cocks her head to the side, and you think you can hear faint whispers for a moment.<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe he put a spell on her, like that fiddler what makde folks dance :p<br />
* Aubrienne looks around spotting Jed just at the edge of the stage.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh for...I'll be back in a second.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well... it seemed like not that long before, but she wasn't surprised when she learned.<br />
* Zola frowns<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> he even playes the fiddle :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess I'm a bit worried about that, but you'd think that her father would be looking out for her in that, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't know how that all works<br />
<br />
<Argent> enchanting leaves signs.<br />
<br />
<Argent> traces<br />
<br />
<Argent> of the magic<br />
<br />
<Denise> well maybe someone oughtta have a look :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'course straight up lyin' don't leave no traces >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> well, not like that<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose, but that'd just be like checking the teacher's work, right? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Princess Ilphere's a powerful sorceror, and there was Reverend Mother Alma too. <br />
<br />
<Denise> (the Emperor is also a ppowerful sorcerer ;)<br />
* Zola taps her cigarette anxiously and puts the holder back into her lips<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well, I ain't got a great track record with teachers ;p<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Oops... he is? o_O)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Argent> seems unlikely something like that would go unnoticed<br />
<br />
<Zola> The Reverend did ask for us to try to score some possessions from the fey... but I don't know if that could tell us if he has anything bad in mind for the club, or Tits >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> she wants.... their stuff?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess she must use it for divination? <br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, anyway<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I oughta swipe a page from his music or something and send it her way.<br />
<br />
<Denise> even if she vouches for 'im if he knows more 'n he's saying than someone oughtta have more of a chat<br />
<br />
<Zola> But how do you know that before you have the chat? <br />
<br />
<Denise> yo're the one who said he said somethin' big was comin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, I guess... but what if the Emperor's already had a chat?<br />
<br />
<Argent> could make him more inclined to talk to you<br />
<br />
<Argent> if he's already had to spill his guts once<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose... <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah - what the emperor knows ain't helpin' us.<br />
* Zola looks pretty wary<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, it will in time, right?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Once they know what's up, they'll try to stop it, or... figure it out at least?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, but, like, meanwhile things ain't so great for folks who aint powerful sorcerers and who don't got no guards around 'em all the time<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'm not the person to sit by and let others fix things for us, neither is Denise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> What sort of choice do we have about that? It seems like something big is happening, and we barely know anything. <br />
<br />
<Denise> that's just circles though, 'specially if yo don't wanna ask folks who might know more<br />
<br />
<Argent> and there are folk who are willing to go out and try to fill some of the holes in what we do know<br />
<br />
<Argent> we just need to get aligned.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Isn't that the Emperor's job? The guard?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah well<br />
<br />
<Zola> What're we going to do, gumshoe about the place and hope none of the fey we find try to murder us?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo's already got his head stuck in the sand. <br />
<br />
<Denise> the Emperor's job lots of "jobs" he don't always do so well when it comes to some folks, and the guard too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just from meeting a half dozen fey who didn't do anything more than have dinner with us and scratch up his arm.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you don't think thats the right attitude.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I mean... not if Tits is in danger. I just don't see that any of us know anyone better at figuring this out than the folks we told in the meeting with the Emperor.<br />
<br />
<Denise> there's already plenty of fey who are hurtin' folks<br />
<br />
<Zola> But we don't know prying into Jonas' life is going to help with that :/<br />
<br />
<Zola> And what if Hugo's right? Some of the fey I read about... they're not said to be kindly.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Some of the fey I met ain't kindly<br />
<br />
<Denise> either he doens't know anything, in which case, whatever, he don't know nothin'<br />
<br />
<Argent> or it can help<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> seems like its at least worth askin'<br />
<br />
<Argent> If Tit's has some arrangement or trust with him, maybe she can help<br />
<br />
<Argent> nobody is talking about using hot iron pokers or anything<br />
<br />
<Argent> (yet)<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess it couldn't hurt for us to know more about what he think's coming... <br />
<br />
<Denise> We ain't like.... evictors or nothing :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you need to promise that you'll be careful with what I tell you, is all.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> of course<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just because you've got the right idea doesn't mean others will.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So... what's the plan? <br />
* Zola asks somewhat cautiously<br />
<br />
<Argent> did anything else come out of your big meeting? About the trees or anything else fey-wise?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I got more on the trees bu I wanted to tell Miss Aubrienne too<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, mostly it was us telling them, but I guess they were going to look into something with people having dreams and visions but Aubrienne knows more about that, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't really know much, I just went to a dinner party and read some books :/<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Tell miss Aubrienne what about the trees?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I did get a gorgeous dress out of it, though >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> it is a nice dress <br />
* Denise admits, still someone grudging ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> but so, like with the trees<br />
<br />
<Denise> I already told Miss Zola when we were talkin' befpre<br />
<br />
<Denise> But Channel Sylvia went to like.... talk to 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> An, so, right, she was an Arch Guardian when she was younger<br />
<br />
<Denise> she said they kinda felt like that - like talkin' to the arch<br />
<br />
<Denise> only not real friendly<br />
<br />
<Denise> but also that, like, they were sick<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like a big, mean, sick tree-arch<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I wish I could say that was surprising.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, Aubrienne did say that whatever happened at Seda Grove might have destroyed a gateway to their world... <br />
<br />
<Argent> so they bring sick gateway trees here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe its the other way, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, maybe not intentionally? Maybe when the gateway... they're these giant trees called Irminsul... when they're destroyed, something goes wrong?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, Princess Ilphere thinks the destruction of the tree at Seda Grove might have, ah, seeded other places.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Including some folks dreams.<br />
<br />
<Denise> eh?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And apparently the Shade?<br />
<br />
<Argent> people have trees growing in thier dreams?<br />
* Argent seems a little incredulous<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> At least one person that I know of, a client of Lathra's.<br />
<br />
<Denise> how is *that* a thing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> How up are you on planar mechanics?<br />
<br />
<Denise> uh.....<br />
<br />
<Denise> @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I mean, a lot of this is somewhat new to me, and it was theoretical knowledge for me just a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<Denise> looks, okay, trees in dreams, I got it<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think anything else you say is gonna stick, so that's okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> trees in dreams<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Trees in dreams indeed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But, equally importantly, those trees are gateways.<br />
<br />
<Denise> like the one in the shade?<br />
<br />
<Denise> are they sick too?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, in the dream they were feeding off people, which seems pretty sick to me.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like the one in the shade's got all them gross mushrooms on 'em<br />
<br />
<Denise> eww<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah that ain't good<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So far as we know, the ones in the Shade aren't doing that, but the mushrooms had certainly grown on their dead farmer.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if they're liek gates, maybe its like.... whatever's on the other wise is all sick too an that's why they're all comin' here? :p<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think the fey might be fleeing something?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I think I read something that suggests some fey just follow the power of the Irminsul or the hamadryad... I forget... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno but they gotta have some reason for comin; here?<br />
<br />
<Zola> So they might just be coming here because they're drawn here, not because of some plan?<br />
<br />
<Argent> hamadryad? Is that what that antler guy was?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or lik e- maybe whatever is makin' the gates sick - I guess if they ain't always like that, i dunno - mayeb that's what is comin'<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, Aubrienne pegged that as a Cold Rider<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No, a hamadryad is a tree spirit, and we think that one was attached to the Irminsul at Seda.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And she survived the destruction of her tree, and is pretty pissed at us.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Us being the empire, not us specifically.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Though someone does seem to have a grudge against the club...<br />
<br />
<Argent> and this being the capital seems a good target.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, there could be that as well, a more... personal reason.<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that why that guy got killed then?<br />
<br />
<Denise> the officer that no one liked?<br />
<br />
<Zola> No doubt.<br />
<br />
<Argent> he was the officer at the burning of the seda grove<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, we think they're targeting the people who were there.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I didn't manage to figure out if that was Eirini or not.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if who was Eirini?<br />
<br />
<Zola> The one who stuck a knife in his back.<br />
<br />
<Argent> she disappeared when it happened and hasn't been seen since, so she is either the killer or involved in some way, I would suspect.<br />
<br />
<Zola> She might be behind the death of Luc Berthillion as well... or not >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> Jonas blames our party hostess for that.<br />
<br />
<Argent> live and let live...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Someone's not sticking to their side of that bargain...<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Argent> so we have the party fey and we have sick trees... thoughts on where to start on either?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, I guess we want to make sure he doesn't have Tits enchanted or something?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Aubrienne coughs<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You think she's enchanted?<br />
<br />
<Argent> its not likely, but just to be sure.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> just liek though<br />
<br />
<Argent> if she's not, we thought she might be able to help speak with Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if Jonas is involved in suff like takin' the staff or whatever<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not exactly, but the books don't paint a nice picture of Jonas' type, and she seemed so certain she could vouch for him when she'd only just learned what he was?<br />
<br />
<Denise> and he's got her vouchin' for him<br />
<br />
<Denise> seems a bit fishy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, yeah, I guess it makes sense.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Not that the books are necessarily accurate...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they only wrote down the things that scared them >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> what did you say them kind of fey were called?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Best guess is something called a fossegrim. <br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...Damn it.<br />
<br />
<Denise> if he's got a river in the undercity maybe there's old Rat lore about it<br />
* Zola looks at Aubrienne?<br />
* Denise says that to herself<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just realized...Tits has been concerned about her wards.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But clearly Jonas can get through them.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess, depends on how they work?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So they must be designed to let him in, somehow.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, or maybe they just stop harmful action? Maybe her daddy's got the resources for that sort of thing?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not so big on abjuration, but I'd be curious to see how their constructed.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe I can get someone to come take a look at them, someone with more experience with that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Anyway, the fossegrim are said to lurk in waterfalls and tempt people into them by appearing to be a pile or treasure, or playing enchanting music, and then drowning them with a kiss. <br />
<br />
<Zola> So uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> You might want to be careful...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sweetie, I'm beginning to think paranoia is the smart ticket right now.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So careful may be a few steps back.<br />
<br />
<Zola> That sure is Hugo's take on things...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Then again, I'm hoping to go charging off into their world, so what do I know?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yo are?<br />
* Aubrienne sighs.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> It's...I was about to say "It's complicated," but it's really not.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The fey have my brother.<br />
<br />
<Zola> D:<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm going to get him back...somehow.<br />
<br />
<Zola> How'd you find out about this?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The dream, with Lathra and Ilphere and the rest.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You... shared a dream?<br />
<br />
<Denise> if they had my brother I'd go after 'im to, no matter what<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> The tree there, the gateway, my brother came through it, but he said he had to go back.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Sorry, yes, sort of.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Lathra has a client who's been having nightmares.<br />
<br />
<Denise> is this the tree in dreams guy?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They seemed related to this whole mess, so Princess Ilphere took Lathra and I along with her into Lathra's client's dream.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, the tree in dreams guy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ....they ai'nt feedin' off your brother, are they :o<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, not that I saw, but I don't know what they're doing to him there.<br />
<br />
<Denise> :|<br />
<br />
<Argent> so you're going after him. How?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Through the ... fragment of the Irminsul?<br />
<br />
<Zola> seed?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> That what we think, though I'm looking into some other options.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Ilphere...the Princess seemed to think it might be dangerous to follow through there, because we can't be sure what's on the other side.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Something like Plane Shift would work if you knew the right materials, but... that'd dump you out anywhere... you'd likely arrive in the right spot if you entered through the dream again @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, there are some options, it's just, you know, finding someone who can and will help.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Is the Princess going to help?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, if you need help with gettin' him bak, yo let me know. Rats gotta look out for each other.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I think so.<br />
* Aubrienne smiles at Denise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I know how it is with family an all<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> <rat> Thanks, Denise.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Ooh! I know that!<br />
* Denise nods seriously<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> On a similar note, I have a possibly weird question for you?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> These attacks...are your bosses doing anything?<br />
<br />
<Argent> I'd help too if I can<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I thought maybe they might organize some watches or something.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, they're gettin' on it<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Good to know.<br />
* Denise says, FULLY CONFIDENT<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Thank you, Argent, I appreciate it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I just...I don't want anyone else to get hurt.<br />
<br />
<Denise> exactly<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' there's places the guard don't go much, ya know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I thought about coming to your aunt, Denise, as she's the toughest person I know, but, like I said...<br />
* Zola sighs<br />
<br />
<Argent> going in eyes wide open Aurbrienne. No guilt on your part if someone gets hurt.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think she's kinda sick of them little fey fuckers messin' with her work ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, I already been turned to ice so... bring it<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'll let you know if and when things go down, then.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know how you all have such confidence @_@<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And you can do the same. I'm not some battle sorcerer like some, but I think I can be of some assistance.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> They're young and I don't have much of a choice.<br />
* Aubrienne winks at Zola<br />
* Zola smiles sadly<br />
* Argent chuckles<br />
<br />
<Denise> well okay sometimes maybe I can be a little *too* confident >.><br />
* Denise eyes Argent<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I'm workin on that, an plus I do know what all I can do<br />
<br />
<Denise> and it ain't knothin', ya know?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And, at least a little, it's a Rat thing. Or a Shambles thing. Like Denise said, some places the guard won't go.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So we take care of things ourselves.<br />
<br />
<Denise> the Shade, too<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Argent> if we free your brother, it may also give us a clue on how to deal with the sick trees.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I... I'd like to help, I just don't know what good I'd be. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, I could have helped with that fiddler, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I'm not a fighter, really.<br />
<br />
<Zola> All I've got is this dinky toy.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, if nothing else, it seems like the fey have an appreciation for music.<br />
* Zola reaches into her cleavage and pulls out her little pistol to flash it around.<br />
* Denise grins<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'd really prefer it if all this could be settled without a fight, but I'm less and less idealistic about that being possible.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Oh, that reminds me, I need to pick up a piece.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I got Hettie and Kori to give me some pointers.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well, if the Princess can't fill your ranks with a better bard than I, I can't say no to something so important, right? <br />
<br />
<Argent> at the very least, its song material.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Honey, I'm not sure there'll be much loving to sing about...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Hey, there may be a bard with more spells or something, but I don't think there's a *better* bard than you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Awww, you flatterer :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> If you need me, though..<br />
* Zola says, pretty sure she won't >_><br />
<br />
<Zola> And I could go around with you maybe, Denise? If you want?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Unless you think I'd get in the way >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> for what now?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Weren't you talking about going on patrols?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah!<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could probably find a better pair of shoes and tag along in case you find another fiddler >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly any help with that'll be good.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think there's more of 'em for sure, from all the stories<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> We could cover more ground in my car, if you want some extra backup...<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh that sounds so much better than what I was imagining, trudging through the snow...<br />
<br />
<Denise> well there's places you can't take cars, so, maybe some of both, I dunno<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm wondering if it's something where we might take turns, and we could probably use Dor and Argent's place as a base.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So we could bring reinforcements if someone sees anything.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> ...that rather sounds like the guard, huh?<br />
<br />
<Zola> If we had some radios or something, we could get word to people where to go...<br />
<br />
<Denise> mm, maybe - I'm gonna see what the bosses get set up <br />
<br />
<Zola> That way there might be warmer feet >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, that's a good idea!<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe headquarters could be in a bar, and I could sing until you actually need me :)<br />
<br />
<Zola> C'mon in from your rounds, boys! I'll sing you a few songs...<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I can't imagine there's a bar that wouldn't welcome you.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe talk to your bosses, Denise? We don't need to duplicate efforts if we can just join in on things they're already doing.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Will do :)<br />
* Zola is pretty sure some bars might not be fond of her beyond a cetain point >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly if they're workin' out fo a bar, it'll be the cellar >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> it ai;nt really a place for singin' in<br />
<br />
<Zola> Why the cellar? <br />
<br />
<Denise> bt we'll see :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> It's kinda.... our place<br />
* Denise is briefly surprizede Zola has to ask this, but only briefly<br />
<br />
<Zola> Might not only be your boys who want to help out though, maybe you aren't thinking big enough :)<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, they're other folks we can talk to.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I could sing upstairs anyway, and they could come up for a drink :V<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe coordinate with.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, we'll see<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess I could tell you more about the others at the party, and just leave out names for now... until we need them... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Then after that yuo've got to tell me all about the mushroom farm.<br />
<br />
<Denise> alright<br />
<br />
<Zola> The fellow I got my new dress from is something called a spindler, they're said to accost people and make them wear their clothing. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Honestly, that dress is gorgeous, I can't imagine how he'd need to force anyone @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...what happens to folks when they wear the clothes?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess sometimes they do things to those who see the wearer, but Jonas just looked at me funny when I asked if his dresses were dangerous.<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Zola> There's an opera singer who's a rusalka, who I'm hoping is better than advertized. <br />
<br />
<Denise> what do they do?<br />
<br />
<Zola> They can use their hair like a limb or something... and apparently like to charm people and other creatures to defend them and also to treat cruelly before they tire of them and kill them >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> uh, real nice :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> There was a faerie seer. They are ... wierd. <br />
<br />
<Denise> what do they see?<br />
<br />
<Denise> like, the ftre?<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's like they're not tied down by time like we are, and see all possibilities at once? I guess sometimes they go crazy.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, that don't sound fun<br />
<br />
<Zola> I sat to his right at the party, and he was quite friendly, but it was like ... everything rippled when you were close to him.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> I guess he'd be easy to find ...<br />
<br />
<Zola> The hostess seemed like she might be something called a leanan sidhe. They're patrons of the arts, I suppose? Except they also offer you the ability to become more than you are, at the price of your vitality.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Eirini might be that as well, or instead of? I'm not sure...<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> But it seems pretty likely that Luc Berthillion was being "inspired" by a leanan sidhe and paid for his last masterpiece with his life.<br />
<br />
<Argent> you've managed to learn quite a bit <br />
* Argent is impressed<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I did a fair bit of reading after the party >_><br />
<br />
<Denise> they got books and stuff and they like, hired some guy to help with that?<br />
* Denise contributes helpfully<br />
<br />
<Argent> did any of this reading indicate any other vulnerabilities other than cold iron that we know of?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, Aubrienne and Lathra did. Hugo and I went to see his uncle, and when we went to find the books that might help us, he had them all.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Uh... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I wasn't really looking for that...<br />
<br />
<Zola> But we took notes, so I guess it wouldn't be that hard to look over the books again.<br />
<br />
<Argent> might be worth checkin', just saying<br />
<br />
<Denise> which is the one who scratched up M. Hugo?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, yes... a handmaiden, they used to be associated with some of the pre-Wheel faiths in Psyra. <br />
<br />
<Zola> They make a special kind of wine, which is why we were so ... out of it during the party and all the strangeness.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But I guess when they drink it they eventually fly into a rage and try to kill people... men first? Though Hugo was sitting right beside her.<br />
<br />
<Zola> They go all beastly too, when this happens.<br />
<br />
<Denise> huh<br />
<br />
<Zola> It seems strange that they'd drink a wine that'd make them blow their tops like that... and especially wierd that they'd bring it to a party.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Hugo and I tried some of the wine from the night of the first attack, and it's not the same.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe she's got different kinds, 'cause it weren't nothin' normal :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, it could be...<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did wonder if maybe she was a part of all that... which is why we tried the other wine... :P<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' maybe they like rippin' folks up >.><br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Argent> some things are just evil<br />
<br />
<Argent> that simple<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Do you really believe that?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Well there's demons and such... their very essence is evil... <br />
<br />
<Argent> unfortunately I do.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I'm not sure I believe either of those things, that some things are just evil with no good in them, or that is a simple matter.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> But I suppose I don't have experience with such things.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Just because there's a sliver of a chance doesn't make it a safe bet, though.<br />
<br />
<Argent> and were not talking about people<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Of course we are.<br />
<br />
<Denise> what the fey?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Maybe not like us, but still people.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just 'case somethin' ain't human don't mean it ain't *people* Argent<br />
* Denise says pointedly<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Exactly.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I mean, most of the Shade isn't from this plane..<br />
<br />
<Denise> But all kinds of folks can be good or bad or a little of both<br />
<br />
<Denise> An maye things like Demons are different<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I read elves are maybe from the same plane as all these other fey.<br />
<br />
<Denise> an' they're really just evil<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like, we don't now that 'bout the fey<br />
<br />
<Denise> though, like, for sure some of 'em are right little bastards >:|<br />
<br />
<Argent> I didn't really want to swing the conversation this way, I appologize.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Remember, you agreed to be careful with what I told you... <br />
* Zola looks a little concerned.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> No need to apologize, and I didn't mean to put you on the spot.<br />
<br />
<Argent> so back on topic, we got some organizing on the patrols to happen, an expedition into the dream to save Aubrienne's brother, and some more research on the fey from the party, and check on Tit's make sure she is good and talk some more with Jonas.<br />
<br />
<Argent> full plate it seems<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> You aren't kidding.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Were you in the war, Argent?<br />
<br />
<Argent> no... I just like to keep things organized in my head or I forget.<br />
<br />
<Denise> he weren't old enough, but he's got a good head for plannin'... stuff >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly how he can keep all them folks orders straight :p<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah, just seems a bit wasted bussing tables.<br />
<br />
<Denise> Lots of folks who were in the war are doin; worse :|<br />
<br />
<Zola> I suppose there's not as much need for take-charge, after.<br />
<br />
<Argent> speaking of tables, I need to head back and get ready for some.<br />
<br />
<Denise> a'right<br />
<br />
<Denise> I can tell Miz Zola 'bout the mushrooms<br />
<br />
<Argent> ok<br />
<br />
<Denise> Though Miss Aubrienne was there too<br />
<br />
<Argent> ill catch up later<br />
<br />
<Denise> later!<br />
* Zola gives a little wave.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Bye!<br />
* Argent slips out and heads to work<br />
* Zola looks from Aubrienne to Denise<br />
<br />
<Zola> He was here with your friend, right?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'll offer what I can, but I got hit pretty bad by those screaming ones on the way in.<br />
<br />
<Zola> So you're sure he's not one of those rainbow band assholes?<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Argent?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> I wouldn't think so.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Denise?<br />
* Zola eyes Denise a bit as she waits for a response<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yes >:|<br />
<br />
<Denise> he ain;t<br />
<br />
<Zola> Alright.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't hang with that type<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's just ...kinda sheltered 'bout some kinds of things<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's just his apology seemed a bit like "Sorry for saying my mind" rather than "Sorry for putting my foot in my mouth".<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, he ain't like that.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Good... <br />
<br />
<Zola> It'd be a shame. He's pretty cute.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I'd hate to have to warn off that opera singer only to find out she really is eating babies or something.<br />
<br />
<Zola> :P<br />
<br />
<Zola> I didn't read they do that, I mean... I'm just saying.<br />
<br />
<Zola> There was this kind of fey that would steal the skin of the dead though, that was awful gross :|<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Yeah, there seem to be a lot of unpleasant types.<br />
<br />
<Zola> There were some nice ones though... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Hamadryads are supposed to be nice ... when they aren't angry or insane. <br />
<br />
<Zola> If we're lucky maybe the Emperor and all can find a way to fix the seeds of the Irminsul and make it up to her.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Well, I'd be pretty upset if someone burned down my home.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And I'm not even mystically linked to it.<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> So, while I want to stop her, I kind of see her point.<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not like we knew it was there... right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> well like though - *that's* when the rainbow guard are like<br />
<br />
<Denise> blamin' follks who are inviolved for stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> so some asshole burned down their tree, - yeah that's real bad!<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like - it aint the fault of everyone who's in the city<br />
<br />
<Denise> an that's who's payin' for it all<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yeah... <br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> we are gonna figure some of this out<br />
* Denise says, re-mustering her determination<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> Let me know if you need me... I'll try to chip in.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> I will :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I prolly oughtta go check in too though<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> And we should probably get backstage.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You still owe me the full mushroom story<br />
<br />
<Aubrienne> Jed might have gotten himself entangled in something again...;)<br />
* Zola peeks out<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you're right<br />
<br />
<Zola> Next time<br />
<br />
===Denise asks Ander about the possibility of citizens' patrols to protect helpless humans from fey===<br />
<Denise> (when should we set this? Could it be right after the big convo with Argent and Zola and Aubrienne?)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (sure)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (Okay then :)<br />
* Denise returns after her general conference :V<br />
* Ander is at his usual table I guess?<br />
* Denise returns with fresh drinks!<br />
<br />
<Denise> hey boss<br />
<br />
<Ander> hey Dee<br />
* Ander takes one of the drinks gratefully<br />
<br />
<Denise> how was your meetin?<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, you know - lotta talk, not much action :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah....<br />
<br />
<Denise> speakin' a action though<br />
* Ander arches his eyebrows at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was wonderin' if you knew if there was any news on maybe gettin' organizes too look out for folks, with the fey around?<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah - Evard's takin' that in hand, gettin' folks who're interested to join up<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? i should go an see him, then, I guess :3<br />
<br />
<Ander> Yeah, if you wanna volunteer, he's the man to talk to<br />
<br />
<Denise> I do! An maybe some of the other folks I was talkin; to<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, Argent for sure<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Ander> that's good<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Aubrienne too, that was kinda a surprise<br />
<br />
<Ander> huh<br />
<br />
<Ander> well, the more the better!<br />
<br />
<Denise> But she's a Rat, after all, and she's got soem personal reasons and such<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Zola said we oughta use radios or somethin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> she gonna buy us some radios to use? :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> prolly not >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I though maybe after the war there's be lots of that sorta thing around<br />
<br />
<Ander> that might be, I suppose<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I guess that don't mean we could get 'em >.><br />
<br />
<Ander> yeah... it's a thought, though. Maybe Evard's already got it in mind, I dunno.<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I guess I'll find out :)<br />
* Ander nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu think we still gotta look out for that Aigel guy, with the arm?<br />
* Ander sighs a bit<br />
<br />
<Ander> I think we oughta be careful in general. He was a good warning to step up our precautions an' all, but I ain't sure where he's at or if he's comin' back.<br />
<br />
<Denise> right...<br />
<br />
<Denise> YOu ain't heard more about him?<br />
<br />
<Ander> He's layin' low, it seems like.<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, or he toook off somewhere maybe<br />
<br />
<Ander> maybe, yeah<br />
* Denise shrugs, then, and sips her beer<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...<br />
<br />
<Denise> (nope can't not!)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
* Denise fiddles with her hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> So, I gues that means prolly you ain't gonna be goin' out with any of the patrols or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, heh. No, I'm gonna, least a few times.<br />
<br />
<Ander> Prolly the safest place to be ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah? :D<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> I was thinkin', maybe, on account of you being a officer an all ;3<br />
<br />
<Ander> Gotta pitch in an' help out, right?<br />
<br />
<Ander> hey - you pickin' up that shit from Ralf? ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> what shit?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just meant like - even if Evard's runnin' things prolly it'd be good to have folks who've done that sorta thing before<br />
<br />
<Ander> oh, I thought you meant I might sit it out 'cause I was an officer ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, the opposite!<br />
<br />
<Denise> Ralf wouldn't say that 'bout you anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Ander> ah, he might if he was jokin'<br />
<br />
<Ander> he's allowed<br />
* Denise looks dubious<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well I *suppose*...<br />
* Ander smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, you gotta let me know, anyway, if you're gooin' out ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> On patrol<br />
<br />
<Ander> sure, 'course I will<br />
<br />
<Ander> heh<br />
* Denise clarifies<br />
<br />
<Denise> (for reasons)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I think I'm done!)<br />
<br />
<Ander> (okay)<br />
<br />
<br />
===Denise takes Enver on a movie date===<br />
<Denise> So, what do you wanna see?<br />
<br />
<Enver> Hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mlle Zola was tellin; me I should take you to go see 'The Nurse'<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh yeah? what's that one about?\<br />
* Denise says, but sounds a bit dubious of the 'sappy romance' genre<br />
<br />
<Denise> Some kinda love story, I guess?<br />
<br />
<Enver> if you want<br />
* Enver says<br />
<br />
<Enver> Or there's one I saw the poster for called The Beast From The Sea, that's a monster one.<br />
<br />
<Denise> ooooh!<br />
<br />
<Denise> that sounds more fun :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> do you wanna take a cab, or you okay walkin' there? it's pretty cold.<br />
<br />
<Denise> where's it playin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> (i.e. how far is it? >.>)<br />
<br />
<Enver> The Glory, in the Pav.<br />
<br />
<Enver> (so, not across the river, but a bit of a walk)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, lets start walkin', an if we see a cab we can see how we feel >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> all right<br />
* Denise will tooootally hold hands though<br />
* Enver can wear those nice mitts you made him :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I oughtta make you ones with real fingers <br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, these ones are real nice <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah but I don't want you getting your fingers frostbit :p<br />
* Enver seems happy to hold hands, not just because it helps warm up his fingers ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> So I guess Evard is puttin' something together for patrollin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> I heard somethin' about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, folks were talkin' about it anyway. sounded like a lotta folks thought it was a good idea<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, yeah! :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> It was your idea ^-^<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> you got it goin' though<br />
<br />
<Denise> not really<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just mentioned it to the boss :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> that counts :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> I, uh... maybe we can do some patrols together, like, if you wanted<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'd like that<br />
<br />
<Enver> I kinda wanna see you punch stuff :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, maybe you should come down to the gym sometime when I'm trainin' ^-^<br />
<br />
<Enver> but, it'd be better if we don't find nothin' I guess >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> 'course that's got a lotta me gettin' punched too<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, yeah? would I be allowed?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Yeah, you'd just have to keep out of the way some, but other folks come an' watch<br />
<br />
<Enver> that'd be swell, then<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva came once but she ain't got a taste for it<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> would it be weird if I was there?<br />
<br />
<Denise> why would it?<br />
<br />
<Enver> like, I don't wanna distract you when you're trainin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> no, prolly that's good practice too ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'specially if we're gonna go on patrol :D<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> well, okay then :)<br />
* Enver squeezes your hand<br />
* Denise squeezes back<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh - there's a cab!<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh, good :)<br />
* Enver will wave it down<br />
* Enver gets us headed to the theater in slightly warmer conditions<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you want some popcorn?<br />
* Denise can snuggle surreptitiously<br />
* Enver asks once we're there<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure!<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> we could share one?<br />
* Enver will get us one, plus a couple of sodas<br />
<br />
<Enver> wanna sit up in the balcony?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was fun last time, yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> keen<br />
* Enver will find us some seats - it's busy, but not toooo crowded<br />
* Denise follows along, feeling vaguely guilty for being tall and large when we do sit<br />
* Enver settles in beside you, wedging the popcorn between us so that we can share<br />
<br />
<Enver> this okay?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
* Enver leans closer once the lights dim for the movie to begin<br />
* Enver wraps his hand around yours<br />
* Denise smiles but also remembers what Zola was saying about some boys :V<br />
* Denise laces her fingers through yours though<br />
<br />
<Enver> (The movie is a pretty high-budget effort, with effects for ships in storms and a mysterious monster from beneath the waves terrorizing the sailors, although rather over the top at points)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (there is also, maybe to make Zola happy, a little bit of a love story with the lady captain of the ship and a lighthouse keeper ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Aww, she was great!<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> The end were kind of a let down though, how they just ran over it and then it was gone<br />
<br />
<Denise> after all the rest of it<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe they wanna leave it so they can make a sequel<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'd see another one<br />
<br />
<Enver> Revenge of the Beast From The Sea or whatever :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> anyway I thought it was good<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, me too!<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> I wonder what it'd be lile, to really have to fight somethin' like that<br />
<br />
<Enver> somethin' that big?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah... or I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe not size big, but like, um... threat big?<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> prolly pretty scary<br />
<br />
<Enver> but like... if you didn't fight it, it'd just get you anyway, so you gotta do it<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> that kinda thing<br />
* Denise is thinking about Stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> i dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe things are kinda like that now<br />
<br />
<Enver> with all the fey stuff?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe, yeah. I hope it ain't that bad.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess those trees up in the shade are like some real serious shit<br />
<br />
<Enver> you can't really fight a tree, though.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh say<br />
<br />
<Enver> hm?<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ever heard of a kind of fey that, like were attched to rivers?<br />
* Enver thinks about it for a moment<br />
<br />
<Denise> or if any of the rivers underground got fey attached to 'em?<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's some, yeah.<br />
<br />
<Denise> some real nasty kind?<br />
<br />
<Enver> stuff like kelpies an' nisps an' that. I dunno if they're *attached* to rivers, but they could live in 'em.<br />
<br />
<Denise> this kind is like.... the river ain't doin' well so he ain't doin' real well<br />
* Denise tries to remember what Zola called it<br />
<br />
<Enver> kelpies are pretty nasty<br />
<br />
<Denise> fosss.... something?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or moss?<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh! fossegrim?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :D<br />
<br />
<Enver> I know there's some stuff, like... with the old rivers under the city.<br />
<br />
<Denise> you ever heard anything 'bout one of them 'round here?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> In the old times we left offerings an' like that sorta thing for the spirits<br />
<br />
<Enver> there's stories 'bout how if you don't do that, then they might pull you in an' drown you<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> bt nothin' 'bout any of em bing especially nasty?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I dunno if there's anything to it, but I know I don't like to cross them little streams without at least sayin' some right words.<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh there's somethin' to it >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> well - nasty if they ain't treated right, maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> at least for one of em <.<<br />
<br />
<Denise> what kinda offerins?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or right words?<br />
<br />
<Enver> I dunno what the old folks used... Georn usually pours a bit of wine<br />
<br />
<Enver> but maybe that's just 'cause he's got some booze on him usually anyway ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> hmm, okay then<br />
<br />
<Enver> for the words, I just do somethin' like "I'm crossing over here, don't mean no disrespect, thanks" or whatever<br />
<br />
<Enver> in Rat, 'course<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, there is one, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> not underground, but the river is<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno which one, or if there's only one, but there's at least one real one<br />
<br />
<Enver> one real... spirit?<br />
* Enver tries to parse that<br />
<br />
<Enver> fossegrim?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> you wouldn't know it to look at 'im<br />
<br />
<Enver> you seen him? what's he look like?<br />
* Enver seems intrigued<br />
<br />
<Denise> yup<br />
<br />
<Denise> I ain't supposed to go spreadin' around who it is though :p<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh<br />
<br />
<Denise> he just looks like a guy who maybe ain't real healthy<br />
<br />
<Denise> it ain't no one you know<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you think he ain't healthy cause of the way the river is, all full of shit an' the like, or 'cause he ain't get those offerings anymore, or some other reason?<br />
<br />
<Denise> hmmm<br />
<br />
<Denise> way it was put to me was 'cause of how the river is<br />
<br />
<Denise> liek<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figure, if he were healthier prolly he could make sure he wqas still gettin' offerins if he wanted >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> I guess so, yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> that's pretty neat that you met him<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, I know who he is an I seen hm<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain' really *met* 'em<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> not to talk to or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> an there's other fey in the city too, I guess, just livin' maybe<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you wanna come in an' have some tea, get warmed up maybe?<br />
* Enver offers hopefully<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, I got some time :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> to stay for a bit...<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay :)<br />
* Enver is happy to help with warming up >.><br />
* Denise as well ^-^<br />
<br />
<br />
* Enver had invited you in and offered tea, I believe?<br />
* Denise will accept your offer to come in for some tea to warm up after the trip back from the theatre<br />
* Enver will put the kettle on for the tea, once he's out of his coat and boots and all<br />
* Denise finishes stashing her suff as well and will go make herself comfortable while you do that - probably aslo in the kitchen since that's where the fire is currently<br />
<br />
<Enver> it should warm up in here after a bit<br />
* Denise nods, but is glad she wore a sweater uner her coat for now<br />
<br />
<Denise> we'll just have to sit close, is all<br />
* Enver is also well-layered with sweater + shirt :)<br />
* Enver smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Enver> that sounds like a good idea<br />
* Enver comes over to sit with you while the water heats<br />
* Denise snuggles up close<br />
* Enver puts his arm around you<br />
* Denise puts her arm around you too, since she is generally larger<br />
<br />
<Enver> man, the only bad thing about that movie was that it was good enough that I wanted to pay attention to it ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, but it was still nice to watch it together<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> I wasn't really complainin'<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess I don't watch so many movies that I like to not pay attention anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> but it is nice to have time with just us<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like gettin' to talk to you an' hang out, just us<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean, talk an other stuff too...<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Enver> is there any other stuff you ... you wanna try?<br />
* Enver asks a bit shyly<br />
<br />
<Denise> ummm...<br />
* Denise blushes<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Mireva's always tellin' me things >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I....<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm afraid of gettin' to accried away, maybe <br />
<br />
<Denise> But...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like you, and I like... doin' stuff, with you<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like you too<br />
<br />
<Denise> is there stuff you wanna try?<br />
* Denise kicks the ball back to your court :V<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' I don't wanna get all carried away until... unless... you want that too.<br />
* Denise hesitates, but shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Enver> but umm... we could try some more... like, touching? maybe ... under clothes if that was okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...okay....<br />
* Denise bites her lip nervously, but then leans in to kiss you<br />
* Enver kisses back<br />
* Enver also seems nervous/excited<br />
* Denise wonders under which clothes you mean @_@<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay, uh, well, do you still want the tea? or ... maybe later?<br />
<br />
<Denise> um...<br />
<br />
<Denise> it miht be nice to have for after...<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe we can just do some more usual things, and then have a break to make it and then...try some new things?<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure<br />
* Denise hopes that will help her feel more excited and less nervous, anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus like<br />
<br />
<Denise> then it will be warmer in here >.><br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> that's true<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you wanna go in the sitting room?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Enver> I can turn on the little heater in there so it'll get warmer<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> sure<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I figure he has the main stove in the kitchen, and then basically like kerosene or equivalent heaters in the other rooms that he can turn on as needed)<br />
* Enver will light the little heater in the room, which has the added benefit of giving a romantic glow ;)<br />
* Denise will follow him in and then sit on the couch and offer you her hand<br />
* Enver comes to sit beside you, taking your hand<br />
* Denise pulls you close<br />
* Enver 's furniture is, I assume, largely of the 'someone was throwing this out' variety, but at least the couch isn't too bad ;)<br />
<br />
<Enver> (college student apartment ;p)<br />
* Enver touches your hair gently before leaning in for a kiss<br />
* Denise 's hair frames her face in thick loose waves, these days<br />
* Denise still feels all shy and nervous and excited whe we first start making out, but will loosen up as we get going<br />
* Enver takes things slowly at first<br />
* Enver runs hands over your shoulders, arms, sliding down to around your waist to hold you close<br />
* Denise snakes her arms up around your back, holding you against her<br />
* Enver 's heart is beating hard, even through several layers of clothing ;)<br />
* Denise 's is too, definistely thinking about later >.><br />
* Denise teases the back of your neck with her fingers<br />
* Enver 's hair is getting a little bit long and the waves in it are more noticable than when it's really short<br />
* Denise plays with it a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> prolly need a hair cut soon<br />
* Enver says a bit shyly<br />
<br />
<Denise> its fun now though<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> you like it a little bit longer?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I like it when its short too<br />
<br />
<Denise> like...<br />
<br />
<Denise> this is more fun to like... play with<br />
<br />
<Denise> but then it is more fun to pet<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like your hair too... it was nice when it was longer too, but this way I can run my fingers through it more<br />
<br />
<Denise> sorta, anyway >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> it's pretty thick :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> I should get you to brush it first<br />
<br />
<Denise> :p<br />
* Enver smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'd do it if you like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh yeah?<br />
<br />
<Enver> sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> I could brush yours too<br />
<br />
<Denise> I always find it feels real nice an relaxin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> that'd be nice ... like, takin' care of each other<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus like<br />
* Denise blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Denise> The you could like, lir there wth your head in my lap an' that might be nice<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh :)<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, uh, that'd be real nice<br />
* Denise has certainly not thought about this scenario before >.><br />
<br />
<Enver> I got a hairbrush, you want me to get it? or like... do you need a special one for girl hair? <br />
<br />
<Denise> uhhh... I think its pretty much the same :p<br />
<br />
<Denise> well some girls do more fancy things<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I ain't one<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
* Enver gives you another kiss before disentangling himself to go fetch the brush<br />
* Denise has seen Mireva's mind boggling array of beauty products<br />
* Enver pretty much runs to get it >.><br />
* Enver returns and offers it to you<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Enver> uhh so... d'you want me to lie down?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> or i guess you could sit in the floor, I dunno :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> we could try that first?<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay<br />
* Enver will sit down on the floor in front of you, then<br />
<br />
<Denise> (facing away?)<br />
* Denise will position herself so he can lean back between her legs<br />
<br />
<Enver> (yeah, facing away)<br />
* Enver leans back against the couch/your legs though<br />
* Denise will run her fingers through his hair fist then, to get a sense of it actaully needs real brushing or not<br />
<br />
<Denise> (plus also it is fun)<br />
* Enver 's dark brown hair is pretty thick, wavy rather than curly - probably doesn't *really* need brushing, other than maybe from hat-hair<br />
* Denise will brush it out then, making sure to run the bristlesall across his scalp, and alternating brush striles wth raking her fingers through it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Is that nice?<br />
* Enver sighs pleasurably, leaning his head back<br />
<br />
<Enver> real nice, yeah<br />
* Denise finds it relaxing mayeb more than sexy, except that you do have youre head right therr @_@<br />
* Enver traces his fingers along your calf while you brush his hair<br />
* Denise is definitely still thinking about Hands though, especially when you start doin' that :3<br />
* Denise 's calves are pretty thick and solid - not very "ladylike"<br />
<br />
<Enver> (I assume you're in pants, not a skirt?)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (yes)<br />
<br />
<Denise> (I don't think she actually owns any skirts, and certainly doesn't wear them)<br />
* Enver keeps his hands over the pants, then <br />
<br />
<Enver> (that's what I figured)<br />
* Denise also combs her fingers up through your hair from the back of your neck<br />
<br />
<Enver> mmm<br />
* Denise smiles down at you, though probaby you can't see<br />
* Enver rests his head against your knee<br />
<br />
<Denise> mm<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, um - is that the kettle?<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh.. yeah<br />
<br />
<Enver> I'll get it<br />
* Enver stands, a bit awkwardly, making some slight adjustments as he goes to make the tea >.><br />
* Denise blushes a bit<br />
* Denise bruses her own hair sort of distractedly<br />
* Enver takes maybe a bit longer than it should take to just make 2 cups of tea, but he brings it back to the sitting room after a few minutes<br />
<br />
<Denise> (heh)<br />
<br />
<Enver> here... <br />
* Enver passes you your cup, setting his down as he sits down beside you again<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
* Denise push the brush aside and takes the cup<br />
<br />
<Enver> did you want me to brush your hair too? maybe, uh, while we drink our tea?<br />
* Denise takes a little sip, but pus it aside and makes room for him to sit with her again<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay :3<br />
* Enver takes the brush, then<br />
* Denise will move down to the floor then, unless he stops her<br />
<br />
<Enver> d'you want a cushion?<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh, um, sure<br />
* Enver offers one from the couch<br />
* Denise will sit on it<br />
* Denise scootches up beweeen his legs @_@<br />
* Enver tries an experimental brush stroke<br />
* Enver takes a few tries to find a good amount of force to use to actually get it through your hair, but without tugging too much ;)<br />
<br />
<Enver> is that okay?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, my head's pretty tough<br />
<br />
<Denise> unless its real tangly you ain't gonna hurt me or nothin'<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Enver> no, it's not ... it's nice an' soft<br />
* Enver strokes back from your temple with his free hand<br />
* Denise smiles contentedly<br />
* Enver rests his hand there, rubbing gently behind your ear as he brushes the other side of your head<br />
<br />
<Denise> that feels real nice<br />
* Denise leans into your touch a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
* Enver tries it some more, then<br />
<br />
<Enver> it feels good to me too. maybe that's weird, 'cause I ain't the one gettin' touched, but ...<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like makin' you feel good<br />
<br />
<Denise> well... I like brushin your hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> and yeah.<br />
* Enver takes a moment to have a sip of his tea, then goes back to rubbing your head and brushing your hair<br />
* Denise will sip her tea too, vaguely thinking complicated things about her relationsip with care giving and receiving<br />
* Denise is mostly thinking about how it feels to be touched like that though<br />
<br />
<Enver> do you wanna ... talk more about stuff? or like... anything?<br />
* Enver asks uncertainly<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm sorry, I was just thinkin' about some stuff, I guess...<br />
<br />
<Enver> okay<br />
<br />
<Enver> if you don't wanna talk, that's okay too <br />
<br />
<Denise> Like.... the difference between lookin' out for someone, an' takin' care of someone<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh...<br />
<br />
<Denise> does that make sense?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
* Enver tries to put it into words<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just what you said before<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'but takin' care of each other<br />
<br />
<Denise> it made be think of that<br />
<br />
<Enver> like, if you're lookin' out for them, then you ain't necessarily helpin' them, or they don't know about it?<br />
<br />
<Denise> welll... sorta<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like<br />
<br />
<Denise> Lookin; out for someone is like... makin' sure they can take care of themselves, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> that they got what they need, and you can help if that's what they need<br />
<br />
<Enver> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> But like if you're takin' care of someone, maybe theres a lotta stuff they can't do<br />
<br />
<Denise> or now they don't gotta do<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause you're doin' it<br />
<br />
<Denise> cause that's stuff's on you instead<br />
<br />
<Enver> that makes sense<br />
<br />
<Enver> but you can take care of someone just 'cause it's nice, too. 'cause it gives them a break, or a chance to relax an' feel special.<br />
<br />
<Enver> it don't mean it's gotta be ... like, work<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, so yeah.<br />
<br />
<Enver> maybe that's more like... takin' care of each other<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> 'cause you can take turns<br />
<br />
<Enver> like this :)<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like this<br />
<br />
<Enver> me too<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just made me think like.... I got lots of folks who're lookin; out for me, an that's real nice<br />
<br />
<Denise> But also it makes me feel like its been a long time that I had to be takin' care of myself, and other folk<br />
<br />
<Denise> But I guess you know what that's like even more<br />
<br />
<Enver> I guess. <br />
* Enver shrugs<br />
<br />
<Denise> well, you've been more really on your own, I mean<br />
<br />
<Enver> it's good to be able to take care of yourself... like, it's useful. but it's real nice to have someone else to share it with too.<br />
<br />
<Enver> I was lucky.<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause you found folks to take you in?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or 'cause you had your mam afore that?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah, both of that, an' just 'cause... I dunno. <br />
<br />
<Enver> I made it okay. <br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm glad<br />
* Enver nods<br />
<br />
<Enver> me too<br />
<br />
<Enver> I never thought I'd have all this<br />
* Denise sets down her mostly empty tea cup<br />
<br />
<Enver> a place, a job, folks who care what happens to me... a girl...<br />
* Denise smiles<br />
* Enver says, bending down to kiss the top of your head<br />
* Denise leans back to look up at you<br />
* Enver gives you an awkwardly-angled kiss, then :3<br />
* Denise will break that off before she gives herself a crick in the neck<br />
<br />
<Enver> heh<br />
<br />
<Denise> Can I come back up on the couch, though? :3<br />
<br />
<Enver> please<br />
* Denise will do that<br />
<br />
<Denise> so can I ask a maybe dumb question though?<br />
* Enver can give you better kisses that way<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh... sure<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like.... why did you wanna go out with *me*?<br />
<br />
<Enver> well... there ain't a lot of girls who'd think messin' around in the sewers is a good time. <br />
<br />
<Enver> that was one thing<br />
<br />
<Enver> an' then... you're so kind, an' always tryin' to do good for folks.<br />
<br />
<Enver> plus, uh.... <br />
* Enver blushes a bit<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like that you're strong, an' I think you look real hot.<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cause I'm strong?<br />
<br />
<Enver> well... yeah. not just cause of that.<br />
<br />
<Enver> but ... I like that about you, for sure.<br />
<br />
<Denise> okay.<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
<br />
<Enver> I like how strong your arms are, an' your shoulders, your legs... they look like you could sweep me off my feet if you took it in your head to do that >.><br />
* Denise smiles<br />
<br />
<Denise> Oh I way could<br />
* Enver smiles back<br />
<br />
<Enver> I bet<br />
<br />
<Denise> jus' like...<br />
* Denise will reach over and scoop you up in her arms<br />
<br />
<Enver> oh!<br />
* Enver gasps, holding on tight<br />
* Denise sets you down in her lap<br />
<br />
<Enver> @_@<br />
<br />
<Denise> is that okay?<br />
<br />
<Enver> better'n okay<br />
* Enver kisses you<br />
<br />
<Enver> amazing<br />
* Denise kisses back<br />
* Enver is breathing harder<br />
<br />
<Denise> ...did you wanna ....try things, like we talked about?<br />
<br />
<Enver> yeah<br />
***fade to black***<br />
<br />
===Zola and Noren: Is this The End?===<br />
<Noren> (what's our setting?)<br />
* Zola was thinking she might be inclined to bring it up while they were cuddling in bed >_><br />
<br />
<Noren> (okay)<br />
<br />
<Noren> (in his bed, or yours?)<br />
<br />
<Zola> (Her place, I think)<br />
<br />
<Noren> ('k)<br />
* Noren is good at cuddling ^-^<br />
* Zola is cuddled up against him after some more energetic activities have been completed.<br />
* Zola is on one hand doing her best to try to put off any serious talk, and on the other upset with herself for leaving it so long in the first place...<br />
* Zola has as a result gotten a little quiet, just tracing her nails across his chest.<br />
<br />
<Noren> sleepy?<br />
* Noren inquires, wondering if he's about to be trapped with an arm under you ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> A little... <br />
* Zola sighs<br />
* Zola bites her lip<br />
* Noren kisses your cheek<br />
* Zola smiles<br />
<br />
<Noren> I can get going and let you get your beauty rest if you want<br />
<br />
<Zola> No... <br />
* Noren says, although maybe a bit reluctantly<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm just... wondering... what this is...<br />
<br />
<Zola> What we're supposed to be?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Us?<br />
<br />
<Noren> or is this a broader philosophical question?<br />
<br />
<Zola> Yes... what we are now, or... what our next step is?<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... what do you want us to be?<br />
* Noren takes the path of the chicken >.><br />
* Zola says a little plaintively, "I don't know, that's what worries me..."<br />
* Noren rolls so that he can look at you better<br />
* Zola gives him a half-hearted smile<br />
* Noren smiles back<br />
<br />
<Zola> What... what if you need something I can't give?<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... I'm not sure what that would be. My parents do expect grandchildren at some point, but ... it's not something I feel a pressing need for myself.<br />
* Noren tries to see if that's what you're getting at<br />
<br />
<Zola> It's not just children, they want you to have a nice wife along with the children, so carry on your family name. <br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> And I don't blame them, I guess... your House is still so small... <br />
<br />
<Noren> they want that, yes. it doesn't mean I have to do what they want.<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, I know... <br />
<br />
<Noren> Sometimes I worry that maybe I'm not giving you what you want.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I know I'm busy a lot, and I'm not the sort to go to a lot of parties...<br />
* Zola is a knot of emotions about that and it plays out in her face...<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't even know what I want right now...<br />
<br />
<Zola> What if I'm not ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> ... ready? To settle down... I don't know. It sounds so stupid saying it out loud.<br />
<br />
<Noren> ... do you need ... do you need some time, some space, to figure things out? <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know... I like this... us, even when you're so busy.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't know if that's enough.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I hope it won't be like this forever. Once I'm more established at work<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe it is, but what if it isn't? <br />
* Noren nods, looking a bit sad<br />
<br />
<Noren> Zola... there's something I've tried to find the right way to say, and I haven't managed yet, so I should just ... say it.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I love you. You were the first person I loved, and it's never stopped, even when we were apart. <br />
<br />
<Zola> Oh, Noren. <br />
* Zola reaches up to stroke his cheek tenderly<br />
<br />
<Zola> I love you too, I truly do. That's what makes this so wonderful... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I just ... it seems different than before.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I've been trying not to ... not to expect too much. if that makes sense.<br />
* Zola nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> to just let this be what it is, like you said when we started again...<br />
<br />
<Noren> you have your life, and I have mine, and I ... well, I didn't know how much you wanted, or what it would look like...<br />
<br />
<Noren> I didn't want to scare you away.<br />
* Zola smiles a little.<br />
<br />
<Zola> You've done a good job of showing me once again what a lovely gentleman you are.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But you've heard my songs haven't you? <br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Zola> I want to know what it is you want... where you see us, your dream... <br />
<br />
<Zola> Not just because it's beautiful, but because I need to know if I can be that for you.<br />
* Noren thinks about that for a moment<br />
<br />
<Noren> If it could be whatever I wanted... I'd marry you. I'd keep working, and you'd keep singing, and eventually we'd have enough to buy a nice house in the Pav and a vacation place at the coast. Maybe that's not very exciting... but I'd be happy with that.<br />
* Zola starts to tear up at that. "Oh, Noren... it does sound beautiful..."<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just don't know if I can do it... I like the nightlife, and parties and... <br />
* Zola begins to cry in earnest<br />
<br />
<Zola> I feel so selfish<br />
<br />
<Noren> I know. and I don't want to ask you to give that up for me.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But how will you be, if I'm out about, doing whatever with whoever? <br />
<br />
<Noren> (the 'I know' was inrelation to the liking parties, not being selfish ;)<br />
<br />
<Zola> I just... I thought maybe you might be buying into your parents' plan... and so you'd need a proper respectable wife and we could just be there for fun.<br />
<br />
<Zola> And then it wouldn't matter...<br />
<br />
<Noren> is that what you'd prefer?<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't know ;_;<br />
* Noren holds you close<br />
<br />
<Noren> I mean... we could make that work. maybe it wouldn't be exactly perfect, but nothing ever is. <br />
* Zola presses her face into the sheet against his chest.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't want you to settle, Noren.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm here for you, Zola. I'm not going away again, or going to find someone I like better somewhere just because they're more convenient or more suitable.<br />
<br />
<Zola> But ... maybe you should. <br />
<br />
<Zola> ... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't say this to hurt you but... I've been with other men since we started seeing each other again... <br />
* Noren nods slowly<br />
<br />
<Zola> It was stupid of me, I should ... I should have known that you might have wanted more from the beginning, but I thought we would just see how things progressed.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I wasn't sure... I mean, we hadn't talked about making what we have exclusive...<br />
<br />
<Noren> and I know I can't be there for you every night, and there are plenty of men who can >.><br />
<br />
<Zola> I don't even know if that's it... <br />
<br />
<Noren> do you love someone else?<br />
* Noren asks gently<br />
<br />
<Zola> No, not... exactly. I just... spent so much time these past few years, talking about love & passion with Valeen... <br />
<br />
<Zola> And thinking of myself as free to share them with anyone I want... <br />
<br />
<Zola> I thought maybe love might strike again like lightning, like we had, and that might change things for a while...<br />
<br />
<Zola> ... but us, now, it's not the kind of craziness I was expecting.<br />
<br />
<Zola> We did some really stupid things... and now we're barely staying out late ...<br />
<br />
<Noren> well... we were younger then, and ... I have more responsibilities now. I know maybe that makes me ... boring for you.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I ... thought it was a good thing.<br />
<br />
<Zola> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm sorry too.<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe ... I do need some time.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I meant what I said, though - I'm not going anywhere. <br />
<br />
<Zola> I've fuCked this all up good enough already, I ... need to sort out myself before I twist it up any more.<br />
* Zola gives him a kiss on the cheek.<br />
<br />
<Noren> You can take the time you need<br />
<br />
<Noren> just... let me know what you decide?<br />
* Zola nods, rubbing her eyes and likely smearing some makeup<br />
* Zola sits up in bed with a sigh<br />
* Noren sits up as well<br />
<br />
<Zola> Do you want to stay here? <br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe ... I should sleep on the couch.<br />
<br />
<Noren> no, it's fine... I'll go home.<br />
* Zola nods.<br />
* Zola gets up and slips a night gown on, and will see him out<br />
* Noren gets up and will retrieve his clothes from wherever they got thrown<br />
<br />
<Noren> I love you. Whatever happens, that won't change.<br />
* Zola gives him a hug before he goes<br />
* Noren hugs you back<br />
* Zola wants to say she loves him back but doesn't know which way to say it.<br />
* Zola will then try to go find Bastien to bawl into<br />
<br />
===Gen undergoes interrogation===<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> So, did you want August to accompany you (at least as far as he's able?)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Hmmm... I figured the only person who'd be allowed in with me would be Noren, so I assumed that Gen would just have made sure August and Lathra knew where she was going to be today.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And of course I would have had to ask for the day off, probably.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> August couldn't go in with you, certainly, but he could theoretically wait for you outside or something, if you wanted<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> okay<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> In theory that would be nice, but Gen doesn't know how long this will take and wouldn't want to put anyone out by making them wait for hours on hard wooden benches.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> well, he would insist he doesn't mind, but they could also agree that they'll talk later or whatever<br />
* Genevriel would maybe have asked where she might find him later in the day, if she needs to talk after the interrogation? (Supposing she is let go after the interrogation, and not imprisoned to await trial, which she can't know)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> he'll let you know that you can come to his house if you want, and give you the address<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (okay, she will be happy with that.)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (or maybe you already have it - anyway, he'll be home until work time, and if your hearing goes until then, that's worrying!)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (indeed!)<br />
* Genevriel probably asked to not work the night before, either, so that she could be well-rested for today.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (In theory... :P )<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (In practice, she probably didn't manage to sleep much out of anxiety)<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> (fair)<br />
* Noren will meet you ahead of time to make sure you're doing okay<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you have any questions about what's going to happen?<br />
* Noren also brought coffee for each of us<br />
* Genevriel is plainly not really doing okay, but she is trying to put on a brave face about it all.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you.<br />
* Genevriel accepts the coffee and sips it carefully.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Questions, yes... what can I expect?<br />
<br />
<Noren> The tribunal will consist of three justices - all military officers. They'll ask you questions, and you will answer them, to the extent that you can. <br />
<br />
<Noren> They may ask about specific events you witnessed, or people you served with, orders you were given.<br />
* Genevriel 's experience with military interrogations to date has, of course, included torture, but she realizes that is probably not going to happen today since the inquiry has to do with said torture. Still, it is hard to shake off that niggling doubt.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm there throughout, to make sure that you're being treated legally and fairly.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Noren looks a bit tired himself, and drinks his coffee quickly<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you have to intervene, what should I do?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Just keep quiet, in that case.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Are... you all right?<br />
* Noren smiles slightly<br />
* Genevriel picks up on his tiredness and starts worrying a little more.<br />
<br />
<Noren> It was a late night last night. <br />
<br />
<Noren> But I'm fine. Thanks for asking.<br />
* Genevriel nods, a little uncertain.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Are you up for this today?<br />
<br />
<Noren> Yes, definitely.<br />
<br />
<Noren> There are several possible outcomes from the inquiry today. They could decide that based on what they've heard, there is no reason to question you further, in which case you're free to go. They could decide that there's evidence of a crime or crimes being committed, but not by you - in which case you might need to serve as a witness against someone else.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Or they could decide that you need to stand trial for something you've done.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> . o O (I had ascertained as much for myself.)<br />
<br />
<Noren> If that's the case, you'll be taken into custody to await trial.<br />
* Genevriel doesn't want to undermine Noren's confidence since her future might depend on it, so she listens like she is not an intelligent person. ;)<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Whatever happens, I'll continue to represent you - unless of course you want to engage someone else.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If I am taken into custody, can you please notify my aunt and uncle, and M. August Merrion and Mlle. Lathra Scales? They've all been helping me through this.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Certainly.<br />
* Genevriel will provide you with names and addresses for everyone. Is he surprised to see Jerard Voclain is my uncle? ^-^<br />
* Noren might recognize the name, but doesn't comment on it<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Any last advice?<br />
<br />
<Noren> I'm sure you'll be respectful and polite to the justices, of course. If they ask you a question that you don't know the answer to, it's better to say that up front than to try and come up with something.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
* Genevriel can think of nothing more to ask about at this time.<br />
* Noren will head into the building with you, then<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The room where the hearing is being held is not a large, ornate courtroom, but a fairly simple room with chairs and tables for you and the others to sit at. The three justices are dressed in military uniforms, and there's also a court secretary present to record the proceedings.<br />
<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> The justices are Ivern Berral, a man of about his mid fifties, Aeda Surwin, a woman in her mid-thirties, and Elange de Villemer, a younger woman, maybe only late twenties or so.<br />
* Berral seems to be the senior officer present, and will ask you to state your name for the record<br />
* Genevriel is on her best behaviour, but she looks pale and anxious as she takes a seat/stands up, whatever she is told to do.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Genevriel Doucette, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Do you hereby swear to tell the truth throughout this inquiry?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do, sir.<br />
* Berral lets you know you can sit down, then<br />
* Genevriel does so.<br />
<br />
<Berral> With which squadron did you serve during the war?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The 5th Squadron, Princess Tessera’s Royal Infantry, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Also known as the Red Squadron?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ... Yes, sir.<br />
* Berral will ask you some basic questions about your time in the army - where you were stationed, specific battles or events you were present for, that sort of thing (we don't need to go through it all :)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (Sounds good, as I'd have to make a lot of that up on the spot. I did make some notes, but not of that type. ^-^)<br />
<br />
<Berral> (yeah, I figured it would be a lot of making stuff up, so we won't worry about it too much. mostly they just seem to want to establish a sort of outline of Gen's service during the war)<br />
* Genevriel will explain that she enlisted at Leoniel, did her three months' basic training at Carn Eige, then went for three weeks' advanced training for scouting at Brissarthe before being sent to the front and assigned to the 5th squadron.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Were you present at Beykal, on [date]?<br />
<br />
<Berral> (that is the farm where Gen rescued the boy from the burning building, or at least the nearest village to it)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I was in that area on that date, yes, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What orders had you been given at that time?<br />
* Genevriel 's knuckles are probably white as she grips her armrests... Traumatic memories. :/<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Our orders were to seek out Psyrene rebels and their bases, sir. If the rebel forces were small enough for us to eliminate them, we were to do so; if not, then we were to report the location back to our commanding officer.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What did you find, during your mission?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We found a group of armed Psyrenes, sir. We followed them to a farm where they secured some supplies.<br />
<br />
<Berral> What happened then?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We observed them for a while to see if the armed individuals would leave. They seemed to be friends with the farmers; the boy soldier might have been a son. The woman at the farm embraced him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They had not left by nightfall, and their numbers were small, so our squadron attacked.<br />
* Berral and the other justices listen intently<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We disabled or killed several; Vell was wounded in the exchange of fire, but not mortally. We subdued them all and... and herded them into the farmhouse, which we set on fire.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I couldn't stand it anymore, so I... I broke, and ran into the building to try to save them.<br />
* Genevriel is becoming increasingly agitated; her eyes look haunted.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The boy soldier especially, he reminded me of... of my brother.<br />
<br />
<Berral> You disobeyed your orders and aided an enemy combattant.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir.<br />
* Genevriel whispers.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> Were you able to save him?<br />
* Surwin interjects<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't know? I got him out, and a woman. She died. I prayed for the boy to be saved; his burns closed. I then carried him to the temple in Beykal and left him there. He was alive when I left him.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Where did you go after that?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I think I ran into the woods. Everything hurt and I could barely see. I don't really remember much, after that. I'm sorry, sir. <br />
<br />
<Berral> Do you have anything else to add that might explain your actions?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, sir... I just couldn't... couldn't kill anyone, anymore.<br />
* Genevriel has tears trickling down her cheeks.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Our records indicate you received medical treatment, and did not return to combat, is that correct?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir. Someone must have found me, and I regained consciousness under the care of our medics. I was told that I had been out for days. They would not let me return to combat because my arms wouldn't heal.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And then the peace was signed and I asked to be released from military service.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> The medical records from those who tended to you indicate that in your troubled state, you spoke of something called 'The One'. Can you explain what this means?<br />
* Noren looks at you, then back to the justices<br />
<br />
<Noren> Your honours, is this relevant to the issue at hand?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I-<br />
* Genevriel waits since Noren told her to be silent if he intervenes.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Surely a soldier's ramblings in a state of pain and crisis are not evidence to be brought forward in court.<br />
<br />
<Surwin> Let us say, then - does 'The One' you spoke of have any impact on your actions at Beykal?<br />
* Noren nods to you that you can answer that (if you're able, anyway)<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The One is what I call the divine power that healed the boy, when I begged the stars to do something. I didn't know of it before that night, nor, I think, until I woke in the medical facility. It's been with me ever since.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> So, to answer your question sir, I think it cannot have impacted my actions, not consciously, anyway.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I still don't really understand what it is.<br />
* Surwin nods, seeming satisfied (?) with that response<br />
<br />
<deVillemer> Have you or members of your squadron carried out attacks against unarmed civilians, or engaged in violence or torture beyond the scope of what was necessary? <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't believe we attacked any civilians, sir. We were always careful, I think, to ascertain that our targets either were enemy combatants or were supplying them, before we attacked. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Herding them into buildings and burning them alive instead of offering them a clean death by gunshot - that was part of what I couldn't stand anymore. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> That wasn't necessary.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> As to torture, yes - I believe that - certain members of our squadron went beyond the scope of what was - necessary - to learn about enemy locations and - movements.<br />
<br />
<deVillemer> Which certain members?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Sergent Larache, often aided by Sergent Thovas. Although I do not believe that Thovas was ever as extreme as Larache.<br />
* Genevriel is openly crying now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I could speak Psyrene the best, so I was always there...<br />
<br />
<Berral> Thank you for your testimony today, Mlle. Doucette. Please take a moment to compose yourself while we retire to determine how we will proceed from here.<br />
* Berral and the other two justices will withdraw, and the court reporter goes to take a break as well, leaving you with Noren<br />
* Noren offers you a handkerchief<br />
* Genevriel takes it absently, but doesn't do much with it, lost in bad memories.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Do you want... some water or anything?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They didn't ask - enough questions.<br />
<br />
<Noren> What did you think they should have asked?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The burning - that started with me.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> There were - these Psyrenes - we'd captured. Leading them back to camp - for questioning.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They figured out - that I understood what they were saying - so they started - saying things.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> To rattle me, you know? Make me angry. It worked when they started - insulting my family.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I snapped, and herded them into a shed, and threw one of Pol's fire grenades at it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It should have been - one time only - but some of the squad thought it was - fun. So we started doing it more often...<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I never said anything because I was just so glad to have fit in, just a little.<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But every time... more and more empty.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Well... I can say that they've already questioned other members of your squadron. It's very possible they've already heard that story from them. <br />
<br />
<Noren> Maybe they didn't consider it worth pursuing at this point.<br />
<br />
<Noren> ... Is it something you want to tell them?<br />
* Genevriel hesitates, then nods.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right.<br />
<br />
<Noren> When they come back, I'll ask that you be allowed to make a concluding statement.<br />
* Genevriel nods, and tries to compose herself as ordered, but it isn't easy.<br />
<br />
<Noren> For what it's worth, I think you've done very well so far.<br />
* Genevriel laughs a little hysterically.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> It doesn't take much effort - to just tell the truth.<br />
<br />
<Noren> As a lawyer... I can safely say that for some people, it does.<br />
* Noren will get you that glass of water<br />
* Genevriel can't do much but accept it, but her hands are shaking so much she probably sloshes more than she drinks.<br />
* Berral and the other justices will return after about another 15-20 minutes<br />
<br />
<Noren> Your honours, my client has asked to make a final statement before you deliver your opinion.<br />
* Berral looks a little cross about this, but says "Proceed, Mlle. Doucette."<br />
* Genevriel will tell them about how the burning started with her. It obviously troubles her a great deal that she never said anything to put a stop to it.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> (But telling some authority figures seems to be somewhat cathartic for her.)<br />
* Berral looks to the other justices, maybe in a 'do we need to go talk about this some more?' kind of way, but they seem to reach some kind of agreement quietly and do not withdraw again.<br />
* Genevriel waits expectantly, although she doesn't really know what she expects. She mops her eyes with the handkerchief occasionally.<br />
<br />
<Berral> Mlle. Doucette, it is the conclusion of this tribunal that your actions in this regard do not fall outside the scope of what may be expected during warfare. While showing greater mercy might have been to your credit, the deaths of soldiers in war is an unfortunate necessity.<br />
<br />
<Berral> We were concerned at your apparent failure to obey orders, but your testimony today, combined with your medical records, suggests that you were undergoing a mental breakdown. A mitigating factor was that your breakdown did not further endanger your squadron, or cost any of them their lives as a result.<br />
<br />
<Berral> The testimony of others in your squadron, and the young man whose life you saved that day, reflects your general strength of character and purpose, and does not reflect poorly on your time in service.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> ...<br />
<br />
<Berral> As punishment for your actions, your military pension will be revoked. However at this point, we recommend that no charges be laid against you. <br />
<br />
<Berral> We ask that you remain in the city, in case you need to be called to testify in further proceedings.<br />
* Genevriel takes a moment to digest the fact that the boy is still alive, then to wonder how she'll survive on her busboy earnings alone.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, sir.<br />
<br />
<Berral> You are dismissed.<br />
* Genevriel looks to Noren, and will head out in a state akin to shock.<br />
* Noren will thank the court for their decision, and lead you out<br />
<br />
<Noren> Are you okay?<br />
* Noren asks once you're both outside again<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I... I don't know.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is there anywhere I can take you? A friend's, or your aunt and uncle's?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> M. Merrion's.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Of course.<br />
* Noren will take you there by cab<br />
<br />
<Noren> Is there anything else I can do for you? <br />
* Genevriel seems stunned and has little to say during the trip. Just as she's exiting the cab, she remembers her manners.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, thank you.<br />
<br />
<Noren> All right. Obviously if there are any further hearings that you're needed for, I'll be there. <br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And thank you for representing me.<br />
<br />
<Noren> You did most of the work.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> The boy... he's still alive.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Do you think it would be possible, or even advisable, to meet him some time?<br />
* Noren nods<br />
<br />
<Noren> I think it could be possible. Whether it's advisable... you would need to decide for yourself.<br />
* Genevriel nods absently.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I don't think I can decide anything right now.<br />
<br />
<Noren> I have his name in my records, if you do decide to pursue the matter.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All right...<br />
* Genevriel nods and starts heading up the walkway to August's doorway, but pauses to turn and thank Noren again for his trouble.<br />
<br />
<Noren> Good luck, Genevriel. Please don't hesitate to contact me again if you need help.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Yes, I will...<br />
<br />
===Genevriel tries to make sense of things with August's help===<br />
* Genevriel rings the bell for August's home, highly befuddled.<br />
* August is waiting for you when you arrive<br />
* August opens it at once<br />
* August ushers you in out of the cold<br />
<br />
<August> How did it go?<br />
* Genevriel breaks down immediately upon seeing him, and attempts to hug him.<br />
* August will hug you back, of course<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They aren't going to execute me.<br />
* Genevriel sobs.<br />
<br />
<August> good!<br />
<br />
<August> and I take it since you're here, they didn't have you arrested either<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No - yes.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They shouldn't have done that...<br />
* August brings you in to sit down<br />
<br />
<August> Gen... they heard what you had to say, and made their decisions. You'll have to live with that.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I can't - I don't know how to!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And they took away my pension so I will never be able to pay you back!<br />
<br />
<August> Don't worry about that now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> But the boy's still alive.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And oh, I don't know how to *be*!<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I should be dead, and instead all I see are all the long years of nothing opening up before me...<br />
* August nods<br />
<br />
<August> You're not alone.<br />
<br />
<August> You took tonight off from work, right?<br />
* Genevriel nods, angry and sad beyond words.<br />
<br />
<August> Let me make you dinner - you must be hungry. It's been a long day.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You can make me dinner, but I don't know how much I'll be able to eat.<br />
<br />
<August> that's fine<br />
* August will prepare a simple meal of lamb stew and bread<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Aren't you happy?<br />
* Genevriel fires the words out as he prepares the food.<br />
<br />
<August> I'm relieved that you aren't in jail. I'm worried for you, though.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> You seem happy. You can't possibly feel like I do, or... or you wouldn't look like you are so happy with living forever after whoever you lost.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm not going to live forever, or I hope not; that's the only good thing I can think of right now.<br />
<br />
<August> I'm able to go on because I feel that I have a purpose. It doesn't mean I don't miss people... I miss them very much.<br />
<br />
<August> But the pain does fade with time, I suppose you could say. It never goes away, and sometimes certain things bring it back very strongly indeed.<br />
<br />
<August> But... this is going to sound foolish, I imagine... there is still a lot to enjoy in the world. <br />
<br />
<August> I know it's difficult for you to see that now.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> If you're a normal person, maybe.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm not. I've been wrong - broken - all my life.<br />
<br />
<August> What makes you believe that?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> All sorts of things.<br />
<br />
<August> Perhaps it's the lens you're using to reflect on your past that's broken, not you.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm using the lens everyone else sees me through. Everyone can't be wrong.<br />
<br />
<August> Everyone?<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<August> I don't believe you're broken.<br />
<br />
<August> So 'everyone' can't be right.<br />
* Genevriel frowns.<br />
* August serves you up a bowl of the stew and a couple pieces of bread and butter<br />
* Genevriel stares at it blankly.<br />
* August sits down across from you to eat<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm ugly. Too tall, too masculine to ever be desirable. Everyone's always told me that. Even Maman used to tell me that it would take a special sort of person to appreciate my qualities. But even if that special person did materialize, I can't be what he wants.<br />
<br />
<August> How do you know what he might want?<br />
<br />
<August> this hypothetical person<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> What does any man want? Someone sexy, and being sexy means wanting to do the things he wants to do, to crave those things, even. I don't. That's how I'm broken.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And this is making everything way too simplified. It's not the only thing that troubles me, but it feels like an important thing.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> My parents and my brother loved me, and they're gone.<br />
* Genevriel cries.<br />
<br />
<August> It's certainly important to feel like there is someone who cares about you. But it doesn't necessarily need to be someone who desires you, if that isn't what you want.<br />
<br />
<August> You don't need to be alone.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I do want it, though - but on my terms. And my terms won't be enough.<br />
<br />
<August> You seem very sure of that.<br />
<br />
<August> Out of all the men in this world, you think that none of them would love you as you are?<br />
* Genevriel nods blindly.<br />
<br />
<August> I think you shouldn't decide it's hopeless.<br />
<br />
<August> Give people a chance to decide for themselves, hm?<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I must sound so stupid to you - so young and... and wrapped up in myself to notice the world around me.<br />
<br />
<August> You do sound young, and very hurt and sad. That doesn't make you stupid.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I just want a little hope, that's all. But I don't know where to find it, and I don't know if I'd recognize it, even if I did.<br />
<br />
<August> You said that the boy you saved was still alive. That might be a place to start.<br />
<br />
<August> I hope that without the tribunal hanging over your head, maybe you'll be able to take some time to recover and heal, and find those things in the world that are worthwhile to you again.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Maybe... but I don't know if I did him any favours by saving him. I just made another me.<br />
<br />
<August> You don't know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> No, I don't.<br />
<br />
<August> And even if you did - maybe at least you wouldn't feel alone, knowing he's in a similar situation.<br />
<br />
<August> But you can't know that unless you speak to him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm his family's murderer. One of them, anyway. I wouldn't want to talk to me if I were him.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> They weren't doing anything so bad, M. Merrion...<br />
<br />
<August> You need to let people make their own minds up. You can offer - he can refuse. But deciding that he's going to refuse before you even try is ... self-defeating.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> We're the bullies...<br />
<br />
<August> Now we're getting into geopolitics. I don't have the energy for that tonight, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
<August> And you could probably use a rest as well. It's been a long day, and a stressful one.<br />
* Genevriel nods.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I'm sorry.<br />
<br />
<August> nothing to apologize for.<br />
<br />
<August> try to eat a little of the stew, anyway? You're free to stay here tonight if you want, although I won't be home.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> I lashed out at you. That requires an apology.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> Thank you... Lathra might wonder where I am, though.<br />
<br />
<August> If she's at the club, I can let her know.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> And on my own I will probably drink myself into oblivion.<br />
<br />
<Genevriel> With no army pension I definitely can't do that anymore.<br />
<br />
<August> maybe it's a good thing, then.<br />
* Genevriel shrugs listlessly, and sorts out with August where to spend the night/how to let Lathra know what's going on.<br />
<br />
===Denise spills all to Mireva===<br />
* Denise will come by her best friend's place :3<br />
* Mireva is lounging and leafing through a fashion magazine<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh hey :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> can I come in?<br />
* Denise sasks as she comes in<br />
<br />
<Mireva> sure<br />
<br />
<Mireva> not like I'm real busy :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well you coulda had a date or soemthing I dunno >.><br />
* Mireva shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what's up?<br />
<br />
<Denise> wellllllll<br />
<br />
<Denise> so, like<br />
<br />
<Denise> I had a date yesterday....<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ooh?<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> we went to a movie<br />
<br />
<Denise> that was fine an' all<br />
* Denise fidgets with her hair<br />
<br />
<Denise> Prolly you'll thik I'm silly anyway :p<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what happened? come on, spill :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, we were foolin' around an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> and we talked about it and we thought maybe we could try some more ther stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> nothin' even real serious, even!<br />
* Mireva 's eyes widen and she smiles encouragingly<br />
<br />
<Denise> Just maybe some under the clothes sorts of things<br />
<br />
<Mireva> mmhmm?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but things just sorta all went a lot faster from there<br />
<br />
<Mireva> did you do it? >:D<br />
<br />
<Denise> no!<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it were a close thing >.><br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I was gonna ask if we needed to get you a potion, but I guess prolly not... yet?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, I wanted it really bad<br />
<br />
<Denise> I thought i could hold...off<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I don't know :|<br />
<br />
<Denise> It just made my head full of crazy ideas<br />
<br />
<Mireva> like what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well >.><br />
* Denise fidgets<br />
<br />
<Mireva> c'mon... you can tell me :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like, I just really wanted it, like... You know, it was feelin' real nice an' all to start and then just like I dunno <br />
* Denise shakes her head, trying to think about it with some more distance<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean I ain't even ever done it but it sure felt that that was.... <br />
<br />
<Denise> I ...wanted him inside me, right away<br />
* Denise admits, blushing<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that's good! <br />
<br />
<Denise> is that how it goes, normally?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I mean... like, if it's going good, yeah - you should definitely want it :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> It felt like I weren't even thinkin' straight<br />
<br />
<Mireva> because you wanted it a lot?<br />
* Denise feels like she is missing something in her explanation, because Mireva doesn't seem to think this sounds terrifyingly overwhelming<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> not like... because he slipped something in your drink or whatever, right?<br />
<br />
<Denise> No. He wouldnt' do that.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> okay<br />
* Denise says firmly<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's been real patient, and nice.<br />
* Denise says, blushing more<br />
* Mireva smiles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like it was good... maybe just more, or faster, than what you expected?<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was scary, comin' on so sudden like that!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> was there somethin' he did that... flipped on the switch, so to speak?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess, maybe >.><br />
* Denise squirms a bit, thinking about it<br />
* Mireva nudges your knee with hers<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you ain't gotta be embarrassed! I tell you all sorts of boy stuff.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I know :(<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> is that why? <br />
<br />
<Mireva> I won't think it's silly, I promise.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> Okay I mean he was doin' a thing an' that's when it happened. But I dunno if that's why or if it's just that's what he was doin' when it hit?<br />
* Mireva nods but looks a bit puzzled<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you'd been doin' things for a while at that point? an' maybe it was just all the everything catching up at once?<br />
<br />
<Denise> mmmaybe >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I said, things started all goin' kinda fast<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like first it was just like... hands under the shirt and stuff, but thaat seemed sort of not too different I guess, so then the shirts came off, and it ewas just the under stuff but that's still clothes an' we said under >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> uh huh...<br />
* Denise sighs<br />
<br />
<Denise> it just got real confusing real fast :/<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> he smelled so nice @_@<br />
* Mireva smiles at that<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe that were part of it<br />
<br />
<Denise> Anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> Comin' on so strong like that an.... iut was hard to think about all the reasons I had for not doin' it<br />
<br />
<Denise> 'cept I knew that I had 'em and it was somethin' important an I just couldn't hold it all in me<br />
<br />
<Denise> So I started cryin' real hard -_-<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> An he wanted it real bad too<br />
<br />
<Denise> well<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno what he wanted or if he knew either <br />
<br />
<Denise> but he wanted it real bad to an' then I started cryin<br />
<br />
<Denise> So then we were both real confused -_-<br />
* Mireva puts her arm around you<br />
<br />
<Denise> :(<br />
* Denise leans against her friend<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it's okay to be confused.<br />
<br />
<Mireva> sometimes, when you want someone real bad like that, it can feel like you're goin' crazy<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
* Denise agrees empatically<br />
<br />
<Mireva> what did he do? when you were cryin' I mean.<br />
* Mireva prepares to Judge Boyfriend based on this information ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> He just held me an was all apologizin'...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I think he was scared >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh, that's okay. I mean, not okay you guys were havin' a tough time, but he acted nice about it anyway<br />
<br />
<Denise> He told me it was okay<br />
<br />
<Mireva> didn't get all standoffish or annoyed?<br />
* Denise shakes her head<br />
<br />
<Denise> just like... worried maybe?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that sounds like a good guy, then<br />
<br />
<Mireva> he wasn't just thinkin' about how now he wasn't gonna get his rocks off ;p<br />
<br />
<Denise> He ain't like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> Plus I thik he ain't afraid to get his own uh, rocks off, if he's gotta >.><br />
* Denise says, thinking about how long he took to come back with the tea earlier >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> heh<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well most guys do that anyway ;)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah<br />
<br />
<Denise> But he tries real hard to not be pushy<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> that he's okay to wait for things, so they can be special<br />
<br />
<Denise> For us both<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :3<br />
* Denise smiles a little<br />
<br />
<Denise> he's real sweet<br />
<br />
<Denise> I really like him a lot<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I'm glad for you :)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> you deserve a sweet boy like that<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I asked him why he asked me out <br />
<br />
<Mireva> what did he say?<br />
<br />
<Denise> He said 'Cause I'm nice, plus I'm big and strong, I guess<br />
<br />
<Denise> he likes that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> oh yeah? ^-^<br />
<br />
<Denise> Like I could pick him up<br />
<br />
<Mireva> aw :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> well I guess it ain't what everyone wants<br />
<br />
<Denise> but I like hangin' out and talkin' wkth him, too<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh also he said 'cause I don't think runnin around in the sewers is too gross<br />
* Mireva chuckles at that<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well *that* is weird ;)<br />
* Denise says, more pointedly<br />
<br />
<Mireva> maybe it's not what everyone wants - but if it's what he wants, then you two sound good for each other.<br />
<br />
<Denise> There's all kinds of cool stuff down there!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> uh huh<br />
<br />
<Denise> and he knows about it too<br />
<br />
<Denise> like there's old writin' on the wall from when people used to live there<br />
<br />
<Denise> more like marks than writin, maybe<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> anyway<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like he really gets your motor goin' too :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah...<br />
<br />
<Denise> I just gotta figure out what to do about it<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I told you there's other stuff you can do, right? <br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah... >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> that feels almost just as good <br />
<br />
<Mireva> or even better, sometimes <br />
<br />
<Denise> <.<<br />
<br />
<Denise> maybe<br />
<br />
<Denise> but it weren't what I wanted<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> he said that too though<br />
<br />
<Denise> I dunno<br />
<br />
<Denise> He seemed real happy with other things >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> yeah?<br />
<br />
<Denise> Wellll<br />
<br />
<Denise> after all that, an we talked some more an stuff<br />
<br />
<Denise> I said I wanted to help him out >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> :D<br />
<br />
<Denise> so I did...<br />
<br />
<Denise> plus I got to see him all naked<br />
<br />
<Mireva> eee!<br />
<br />
<Mireva> how was he?<br />
<br />
<Denise> real nice to look at @_@<br />
<br />
<Mireva> good :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> all that walkin' an climbin' an haulin' stuff I figure >.><br />
<br />
<Mireva> what about... you know :)<br />
<br />
<Denise> Well, I thought it was nice :3<br />
* Mireva grins<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I bet.<br />
<br />
<Denise> it was like..<br />
* Denise gives general dimensions with her hands<br />
<br />
<Mireva> that *is* nice!<br />
* Denise smiles, pleased, though she was perfectly happy already<br />
<br />
<Denise> I been thinkin' about it a lot @_@<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> its nice to think about<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ~thiiinkin'?<br />
<br />
<Denise> but also there's part of me that just wants really dumb things<br />
* Mireva tilts her head<br />
<br />
<Mireva> like what?<br />
<br />
<Denise> babies @_@<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ohhh<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah, real stupid<br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't want a baby!<br />
<br />
<Denise> not now<br />
<br />
<Denise> an I know he doesn't either!<br />
<br />
<Denise> this is why I didn't want start doin' it - I feel like I can't trust myself to be smart about this stuff :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> I mean<br />
<br />
<Denise> I figured I would like *forget*<br />
<br />
<Mireva> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> not that I'd be thinking about just.... not being' careful >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> I don't think I really would<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but you're worried about an accident?<br />
<br />
<Denise> I guess?<br />
<br />
<Denise> or that maybe I am that dumb :(<br />
<br />
<Denise> An thinkin' I'm not is just another trick >.><br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Denise> I bet you don't gotta worry 'bout that though <br />
<br />
<Mireva> well... I had a couple scares before<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well, just... you get worried sometimes, even if it ain't too likely?<br />
* Denise nods<br />
<br />
<Denise> :/<br />
<br />
<Mireva> but it worked out okay<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's good<br />
<br />
<Mireva> the potion works even if you take it a few days after<br />
* Denise tries to remember if you ever told her about any of those times<br />
<br />
<Denise> a few days?<br />
* Denise sounds cautiously optimistic<br />
<br />
<Mireva> well... they say it gets less good the longer you wait. so it's best if you take it the next morning, but it still works - most of the time - even if you use it the next day, or the next... even a week later, maybe?<br />
* Denise looks dubious about that<br />
<br />
<Denise> that's a real long time<br />
<br />
<Denise> but like<br />
<br />
<Denise> a day.... probly I wouldn't keep bein' stupid that long, right?<br />
<br />
<Mireva> yeah<br />
<br />
<Mireva> ... I don't think you'd be stupid, sweetie. but sometimes you don't have one right on hand, or it slips your mind for a bit.<br />
<br />
<Denise> I gotta think about it more :|<br />
* Mireva nods<br />
<br />
<Mireva> it sounds like your fella will wait for you to figure it all out<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :3<br />
<br />
<Mireva> and when you do... I bet it's gonna be amazing :3<br />
<br />
<Denise> yeah :)<br />
* Mireva hugs you again<br />
* Denise hugs back<br />
<br />
<Denise> thanks<br />
<br />
<Denise> I'm glad I got you to talk to <br />
* Mireva smiles<br />
<br />
<Mireva> I'm glad I got you too<br />
<br />
<Mireva> now... tell me which of these dresses would look better on me <br />
* Mireva says, pointing to two pages of her magazine<br />
<br />
<Denise> oh!<br />
* Denise comes and looks<br />
<br />
<Denise> I like the blue one....<br />
<br />
<Denise> (and so on ^_^)<br />
<br />
<Mireva> (etc. :)</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11270Quotes2015-08-09T20:06:04Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br>Did St. Ratrick banish all the Serpents from Diablotin?<br />
==Ratteventures==<br />
* Lannie (GM): Alvin will take a shit in the dark<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Zola&diff=11255Zola2015-07-17T00:04:53Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Zola''' is a Castalia-educated bard, currently a regular performer at [[Titania's Cabaret]]. <br />
==Vitals==<br />
:Player: [[User:BalthCat|BalthCat]]<br />
:Race: Human<br />
:Gender: Female <br />
:Age: 24<br />
:Birthday: 2256-03-16<br />
:Class: Bard <br />
:Alignment: Chaotic Good<br />
<br />
==Biography==<br />
'''Zola''' grew up '''Micholas Torvalle''', in [[Ariège]], child of [[Allaude Torvalle|Allaude]] and [[Mylène Torvalle]]. Allaude's clever ideas and social charm helped reimagine and popularize the family chain of retail stores ([[A. Torvalle & Family]]), and Mylène's fierce management skills brought them to profitability. They saw opportunity in Diablotin and moved to the city in In 2271, opening an upscale retail store in the [[Place d'Iena]] ([[Torvalle's]]). Zola has an older sister, [[Éliane Torvalle|Éliane]] who remains in Ariege. <br />
<br />
Zola's parents are good people, but they were both busy and not particularly attentive. Much of the mundane business of child rearing was delegated to nannies, and no small amount to Allaude's sister [[Estrelle Torvalle|Estrelle]]. Through misadventures in the ladies' wear department and some polymorphing experimentation with her aunt, Zola came to view her birth gender as at odds with her identity. During the holidays from her school in Ariege, she would visit with her aunt, a sorcerer. Here she learned a more relaxed outlook on life, learned of arcana, played with her familiar [[Bastien]], and likely first experienced what it is like to be a female, with the assistance of her aunt's magic.<br />
<br />
She came with her parents to Diablotin to attend the more prestigious Castalia. Here she came in contact with more affirmed alternative thinkers, and embraced her womanhood. She took to jazz and the flamboyant style of cabarets as she pursued her training as a performer, and met and became friends with Tits. Before she opened her own venue. <br />
<br />
For the better part of 2275, she and a young man of House Rat named [[Noren Errazuris]] spent their days smitten with each other, culminating in a somewhat awkward situation in 2276 when Noren's loving birthday gift of permanent cleavage was paid for with funds pilfered from his parents. After this was discovered, his furious parents shipped him out of the city and away from bad influences. <br />
<br />
During the war, Zola, performing as Micholas "Mico" Torvalle emerged as a popular, but reclusive, new radio crooner. In early 2279, Estrelle was killed. She had left [[Bastien]] behind in the city for his safety, and he survived the mystic trauma of her death. After Estrelle's death, "Mico" frequently performed special broadcasts for the troops in the Psyrene War. Zola, with the support of her agent (and the insistence of her mother) keeps herself separate from the Mico persona, and the connection is known to few at Tits'. Her fame as Mico, and the tantalizing nature of his reclusiveness, may make that hard to maintain.<br />
<br />
==Playlist==<br />
===Zola's Hits===<br />
* Love is a Madness<br />
* Under Your Spell<br />
* Diamond in the Rough<br />
<br />
===Mico's Hits===<br />
* Luck's On My Side (2277)<br />
* No Magic Like Love (2277)<br />
* At the Mouth of the River (2278)<br />
* Lover in the City (2278)<br />
* With Love From Dee (2279)<br />
* Ring Ring Ring (It's Love Calling) (2280)<br />
<br />
===Zola===<br />
* I Must Increase My Bust: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1jzVJjk32E Lords of Acid]<br />
* Lola: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVXmMMSo47s The Kinks]<br />
* Whatever Lola Wants: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcaSBN82ns Sarah Vaughan]<br />
* Freaks Don't Come for Free [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdhsaChXxMM Julien Love]<br />
<br />
===Love to Lust===<br />
* La vie en rose: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0feNVUwQA8U Édith Piaf]<br />
* Nature Boy: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuqKHvyOhUc David Bowie], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL6PpneVNoo David Bowie & Massive Attack],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQerH4nRTUA Nat King Cole]<br />
* Love Is the Drug: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlRmTKuEAG4 Sucker Punch],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n3OepDn5GU Roxy Music]<br />
* It's Oh So Quiet: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEC4nZ-yga8 Björk]<br />
<!-- Bjork: Possibly Maybe? I Miss You? --><br />
{{d}}{{pc}}{{d3}}{{cat}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Quotes&diff=11237Quotes2015-07-12T17:09:09Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
==Needed==<br />
<br />
We need butox, poop baby<br />
==[[Diablotin]]==<br />
===IC===<br />
{{quotebox|* Belden: We have a job to do, which does not include flirting with prostitutes.|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
(Boden) IF YOU MAKE ME CHASE YOU FAR...I'LL HURT YOU MORE!!!<br />
<br><br><br />
[Kalman] I volunteer not to be linked to Boden, mister I CAN'T NOT YELL IN TELEPATHIC CONTACT ;p<br><br />
[Boden] Hey, I've been doin' better.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
(Esmena) Would you like a drink? Compliments of the house.<br><br />
Boden) Yes, of course.<br><br />
* Boden needs to wet his whistle before he wets his whistle.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
[Marcelyn] . o O ( kissing girls ain't so bad neither :o )<br />
<br />
<br />
[Loch] and I take the rod.<br> <br />
[Belden] You sure do Loch... You sure do.'<br><br />
<br />
<br />
[Pavo] I've got a part in a play!<br><br />
[Phorien] Oh yes?<br><br />
[Phorien] Congratulations :)<br><br />
[Pavo] Yes, Adrius told me about it... <br><br />
[Pavo] I got in pretty easy... it's his sister who's putting it on... but I'm excited to be involved anyway.<br><br />
[Phorien] What is it?<br><br />
[Phorien] The part, I mean.<br><br />
[Pavo] It's a bawdy story called My Memory is Bad and the Log Isn't Posted Yet <br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Kalman can't help but groin, though this isn't ecxactly the conversation he meant to be having... oh well<br><br />
(Kalman) (GRIN)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Narrator_) Kalman and Loch, you take the worst of it. You take 3 points of damage each, and you are at -4 AC and -2 attack due to itching, until I let you know otherwise ;)<br><br />
(Kalman) (yay :p)<br><br />
(Belden) (MALE ITCH)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Boden is quite relaxed around these two...after all its Kalmans sister and some guy I've seen get a hand job...<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(Boden) (Rob)OOOOHHHH YEAAAH!!!! TAKE THAT YOU IZZAGUIRES CUNT BITCH! BOOOYA!!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Creature eats cats for breakfast <br />
* Pavo replaced Creature's cats with Folgers Crystals, lets see if he notices. <br />
(Diablotin_Narrator) Pavo, you claw the creature's groin!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo will go pull grass if there is nothing else. [For burning a demon corpse]<br />
(Pavo) (If I have trouble, I'll use a sickle)<br />
<br />
<br />
* Pavo barks at a farmdog...<br />
* Kalman looks at Pavo<br />
* Pavo arfs at Kalman too.<br />
<br>(Pavo) Just uh... communing with nature, you know.<br />
<br />
<br />
(Jolande) Some large men to see you, sir. <br />
(Kalman) ... * Kalman blinks <br />
(Kalman) How large? <br />
(Kalman) Do they have names? <br />
(Jolande) Very large, and they didn't say.<br />
<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(BaronJennie) "To be slutty, or not to be slutty, that is the question"<br />
(Elanya) ahh<br />
(BaronJennie) The quest for butt prevaled!<br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2==<br />
<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] I met her there on my trip this past fall<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Hmm, interesting. A very isolated place, I don't believe I've ever had the chance to meet anyone from Mirithene before.<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] Well, she must have made quite an impression on you, that you brought her from Mirithene for the wedding :)<br />
* Sanadhil smiles at her<br />
* Dozilva smiles.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] She is quite charming.<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] And we are fucking.<br />
* Dozilva adds helpfully.<br />
<br />
[Sanadhil] .........<br />
<br />
[Prof_Storms] o_O<br />
<br />
[Dozilva] Oh, I'm sorry. That is the impolite term. We are 'sleeping together'.<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
* Emoune chats cheerfully the rest of the way through dinner, and doesn't embarrass her son tooooo much, apart from maybe some stories about things he did when he was little.<br><br />
[Guillame] (I will need you to prepare a detailed account of those stories during the next downtime) <br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
[Narrator] :Hungry. Hungryhungryhungryhungryhungryhungry: <br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] Hungry for what?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sustenance:<br><br />
[Sanadhil] [sk] ...sustenence?<br><br />
[Narrator] :Sacrifice:<br><br />
* Sanadhil frowns slightly<br><br />
* Sanadhil eyes Seth <br><br />
[Sanadhil] hrm. <br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
<Ilphere> San: you failed the will save, you are now gay. Welcome to Diablotin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Seth> Most people come for the sex and stay for the evil, but for you it's the other way around, eh?<br><br />
<Ilphere> more like come for the evil, put up with the sex<br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Aahhhh who am I going to vote for ! D:<br><br />
<Guillame> Whoever you'd feel better about killing if they're a crap emperor :P<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> "Don't worry - uncle Pavo swang that way."<br><br />
<Narrator> swang? :o<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Alma> Oh those elves! So funny, those elves.<br><br />
<Narrator> They talk funny and have funny clothes!<br><br />
<Sanadhil> heee<br><br />
<Alma> Too bad they're all going to BURN IN HELL<br><br />
<Narrator> it'll be a funny hell<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Boden> D2 gives me an erection.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* Sanadhil forms the 'elven bastards' club<br><br />
* Sanadhil is president on account of being doubly qualified<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ilphere> there's faults like having a mullet or being friends with Seth and then there's faults like being a rapist is all I'm saying<br />
<br />
<br />
<Vess> gay sex with Seth... how could I resist<br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthCat> Alma is not having a threesome. <BalthCat> Especially not with some houseless girl and a midget!<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> I have been looking at gay bondage all afternoon instead of working. (see: [[Sendhel]])<br />
<br />
<br />
<Elanya> * Loinien hires Sendhel? ;)<br><br />
<Elanya> Leonien<br><br />
<Debbie> lol<br><br />
<Debbie> And Loinien is probably not a bad nickname for him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
* lan-store is now known as Sendhel<br><br />
* Etir tacks a 'p' on the end of lan's name<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Sanadhil> I'm saying that her child will have heritage from both aspects of the serpent <Sanadhil> and tits true blood<br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Learn What This Former Tribe Chief Does to Avoid Divination. Almas Hate Him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<Guillame> It is impious to have too many shenannigans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Guillame> So what do you call that act? The Antiquarians!<br />
<br />
<br />
{{quotebox|<@Alma> I would totally do Loick sometime if you're amenable Julie :)|align=left}}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br><br><br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 2.5: Homoventures==<br />
{{quotebox|<Xandhil> maybe I will go for the ring of mind shielding<br />
<DiablotinNarrator> I'll assume that's from Alma... she probably hoards them<br />
<Xandhil> she just buys them up so no one else wioll have them ;p|align=left}}<br />
<br><br><br><br><br><br><br />
<br />
[Xandhil] (Xan probably shapeshits to get dressed most of the time ;)<br><br />
[Xandhil] (shapeshiFts!)<br />
<br><br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> things that are wrong: Homos in Andusk - no items match your search ;p<br />
<br />
<br />
Mister Cat: How'd she get the air domain, is she stealing from Owl? >:| [referring to [[Mother Raina]]]<br><br />
Mister Cat: oh druid<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: yeah I was gonna say<br><br />
Mister Cat: maybe that<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: druid<br><br />
Mister Cat: She's no MOTHER then >:| <br><br />
Nary R. (GM): she had a kid ;) that's more that you did, BITCH<br><br />
Xandhil Orecalo: hah<br><br />
Mister Cat: I have many children. None of which are rats<br><br />
Nary R. (GM): none of which were squeezed out your ghostly cooch<br><br />
Mister Cat: Making my motherhood all the purer<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Xandhil> I should tell my father to come here just for the food @_@<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps it would remind him of his home - he is Cozovode, is that correct?<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> Half, anyway<br><br />
<Sotiris> There are some similarities in the cuisine, I understand, although of course they do not eat meat. But olives, lemons, peppers.... these things are more difficult to grow in Diablotin.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> maybe I can bring him something back :)<br><br />
<Xandhil> the olives here are delicious<br><br />
<Sotiris> Perhaps some preserved lemons and olives. They would travel well.<br><br />
* Xandhil nods<br><br />
<Xandhil> he would love that<br><br />
<Xandhil> ("This is why you are the favoured child, Xan")<br><br />
<Justen> (heh)<br><br />
<Justen> ("all Taz brings us is knocked-up girls") <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> this dungeon is loaded with treasure they can't take ^-^<br><br />
<BalthNote> WHY CAN'T THEY<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> ARCHAEOLOGY<br><br />
<BalthNote> lol<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "yup these certainly are a bunch of magic items. leave 'em there, so we can document and photograph them in situ"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_desk> Steve did say that every D campaign has to end with one more god than the previous one<br><br />
<Fishmalk> Can we have Sloth join? I like Sloth.<br><br />
<Fishmalk> I feel like Sloth would be a god I can get behind.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> I feel like maybe Sloth was not the best totem to follow when you were fleeing your demon-ravaged homeland in a hurry >.><br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it would definitely be a god you could get in front of<br><br />
<Fishmalk> heee<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> Horse, very effective ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> yup<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> apparently they actually managed to flee further ;)<br><br />
<Lan-werk> that's why they made it farther away :V<br><br />
<Lan-werk> gmta<br><br />
<br />
==Diablotin 3==<br />
===IC===<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> ... SO yeah, I dunno what it was doing.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Like ... a snaggle toothed midget elf... thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> Hey Geff... who's been down here recently?<br><br />
<@Geff> By reports, a "creepy little elf".<br><br />
* @Geff says dryly.<br><br />
* @Dorien raises an eyebrow<br><br />
<@Geff> Yeah, I don't know either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Ralf> like, I've had wine plenty o' times, and this is some next level wine.<br><br />
<@Denise> is that....good?<br><br />
<@Ralf> shit yes.<br><br />
<@Denise> okay!<br><br />
<@Ander> It's all good, sweetheart :)<br><br />
* @Ander pats you affectionately on the shoulder, except misses by about six inches.<br><br />
<@Denise> You okay boss?<br><br />
<@Ander> huh?<br><br />
<@Denise> Maybe they gave us some of Dorien's wine ^-^<br><br />
<@Ander> 'sall good....<br><br />
* @Denise eyes ralf<br><br />
<@Ralf> I think I'm gonna go dance<br><br />
<@Denise> no..<br><br />
* @Ralf is, let us say, not usually the 'dancing' type, unless it involves knives.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
@Dorien> ...fuck this. I don't even really work here.<br><br />
* @Dorien heads for the stairs<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> As you head to the stairs, something darts past you and ... stabs you in the leg, or tries to anyway<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> 1 is the minimum damage, so it's really just like a crappy little scrape on your leg<br><br />
* @Dorien screams like a schoolgirl.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Aubrienne> Uh oh...looks like we might be bringing down the house.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lan-werk> "The headline read 'TITS SAGGING AFTER SHOCKING SHOW', and there was a grainy photograph of the cabaret with its entrance cordoned off, and several city guards milling about."<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> Can't leave you damn kids alone for TWO FUCKING SECONDS.<br><br />
<Ophira> She started it<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't give a flying shit!<br><br />
<@Hettienne> You don't fuck with MY work, unless you want me to make you look like a gods damned SAUSAGE<br><br />
<@Hettienne> not that you need much help<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hettienne> I lost years off my life in the worst place in the world, an' you're sorry.<br><br />
<Nycki> Well, a bit. You seem like you made it out okay. Better'n gettin' drafted, huh?<br><br />
<Hettienne> Are you fucking kidding me?!<br><br />
<Hettienne> I had to keep a SHIV up my goddamn snatch for YEARS<br><br />
<Nycki> Hope you remembered to pull it out, baby. You sound a bit touchy. <br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Argent> . o O (what in the V' just happened)<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Field trip? Where to?<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain says as he takes a bite of a pastry<br> <br />
<Misery> The Shade. There's something weird I want to show you.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> ...Define weird.<br><br />
<Misery> "Adjective: Unexpected, unfamiliar, unsettling."<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Has anyone ever told you you're a smart ass?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Hugonel> I just don't understand why she'd kill him, and not me? Not that I'm objecting, mind you.<br> <br />
<@[Zola]> What if she's some sort of... vampire muse... ensnaring brilliant minds and then draining them of their energies ;_;<br><br />
<Hugonel> Then my question is even more pertinent, don't you think?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> So why am I here exactly?<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> For the subtle part.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I think you can probably manage walking into a parking lot<br><br />
* @Hettienne eyes him.<br><br />
<@Hettienne> Probably.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Sylvise> Do you have a *lady friend* visiting, Dorien?<br><br />
* Sylvise asks with a smile<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> I... yes?<br><br />
<Sylvise> Well. You can bring her, if you want! <br><br />
* @Genevriel would facepalm if she could without giving her location away.<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Oh, I don't know if that would be a great idea...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Hello there, dear! You don't have to hide, I'm not going to bite.<br><br />
* Sylvise calls around your shoulder<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Mom, really... it's not...<br><br />
<Sylvise> Oh goodness, I'm not as sheltered as all that. You're a grown man, you can have *lady friends* if you like.<br><br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
[@Denise] although her fishs can be enchanted as natural weapons<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> I am absolutely nuking those colons<br><br />
<@Curtana> is that a gay sex thing? <br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana_work> if you touch an elf and an SK together, they explode<br><br />
<Curtana_work> SCIENCE<br><br />
<malk-work> hee<br><br />
<malk-work> Now we need to have nuclear elf accelerators where we shoot tiny bits of various elves together at high speeds to create energy.<br><br />
<Lan-werk> ...<br><br />
<BalthCat> hahaha<br><br />
<Curtana_work> particelf accelerators?<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@BalthCat> Maybe the Jewels launched a man branch<br><br />
<@BalthCat> Precious Metals<br><br />
<@BalthCat> orsomething<br><br />
<Forthright> the Man Jewels?<br><br />
<@Curtana> lol<br><br />
<@Curtana> Cat's idea is clever, yours is horrible<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Maybe they're twins<br><br />
<Zola> Brass and Bronze<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> twins you say<br><br />
<Lan-soupthief> red heads perhaps?<br><br />
...<br><br />
<Zola> Man, Alma's face if she found out<br><br />
<Zola> Just one long sigh<br><br />
<@Curtana> DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD:<br><br />
<@Curtana> that is the face<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<BalthNote> In D modern liberals aren't going to use the phrase "moral grey area" for fear of seeming racist<br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Also being tight lipped around Shady Shin over there *points to San* is hardly unreasonable :P<br><br />
<@Elanya> racist<br><br />
<Zola> Shady isn't a race... oh hahaha<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> ...huh. that is an error.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I have Ruchard's profession down as 'princess'.<br><br />
<@Curtana> I mean unless there's something I don't know about him.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
(on Eloi Sallembier)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> I don't think he is necessarity evil<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> but if he is just a noraml human with nothing else weird gong on I'll be surprised >.><br />
<br><@Curtana> heh<br />
<br><@Curtana> that's fair<br />
<br><@Curtana> I mean he does have red hair.<br />
<br><@Curtana> ergo, something weird is going on ;)<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> exactly :V<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> unless<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> ...<br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> it's <br />
<br><Lan-cleaning> a RED HAIRING :V<br />
<br />
<br />
* @Gen secretly hopes for a pothead sorceror who goes by the name Dude Chillmage and buys product from Dorien.<br />
<@Gen> Well 'pothead' - whatever the D3 equivalent is for pot<br><br />
<@Hugonel> it's pronounced doo-day shillmazh<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Dorien> The part of Eirini tonight will instead be played by a giant boiler explosion<br />
<br />
<br />
<@Denise> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat#mediaviewer/File:Dorothy_Levitt_driving_the_Napier_motor_yacht_1903.jpg<br><br />
<@Denise> motor boats are go :V<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> "driving the napier motor yacht" seems like a good euphemism<br><br />
<@Denise> all the better for boating accidents<br><br />
<@Hettienne> hee<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> HIGH SPEED boating accidents :D<br><br />
<@Argent> im sure they are highly reliable :)<br><br />
<@Hettienne> I don't think there are any boating accidents in this crop<br><br />
<@Hettienne> amazingly<br><br />
<@Gen> YET.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Lathra> And tonight's "Person most likely to get fired" award goes to...<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still Dorien.<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> Dorien all "hahah you can't fire me I don't work here!"<br><br />
<@Hugonel> doesn't matter.<br><br />
<@Hugonel> Still fired.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Gen> Some Psyrenes *are* terrorists.<br><br />
<@Gen> But then, so are some Aveyronnais.<br><br />
<Hugonel> #notallpsyrenes<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Zola> because you are ginormous<br><br />
<@Zola> Denise shops at Ladies of Gouge<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Curtana> someone asked what Serpent services are like for kids and ... I'm scared to think about it.<br><br />
<@Longpig> suggestive balloon animals<br />
<br />
<br />
<Lan-flopped> what does a soul really do for you, anyway<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> I mean<br><br />
<Lan-flopped> really? :V<br><br />
<Curtana_desk> it's your star-substance/godfood ;)<br><br />
<malk-desk> It lets you play jazz.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Zola> Zola informs everyone that her boobs are fantastic.<br><br />
* Dorien_Voclain seconds Zola's statement<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> though to be fair, as a scientist, I should do some hands-on testing before I declare the hypothesis sound.<br><br />
<Zola> Scientist my butt<br><br />
<Zola> no wait<br><br />
<Dorien_Voclain> That too<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@[Zola]> What're they talkin' about?<br><br />
<Denise> your mom<br><br />
<Aubrienne> Likely not<br><br />
<Denise> and how she "worships serpent"<br><br />
<Denise> if you know what I mean<br><br />
<@[Zola]> I'm pretty sure my father's serpent hasn't been worshipped in more than a decade.<br><br />
<br><br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Craft (Buttocks) is a skill I feel like most people don't have points in.<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Dorien_Voclain> Alright, Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<[Zola]> Just burn all the trees down, and if you start getting horrible nightmares, you know it's related.<br><br />
<Denise> *snerk*<br><br />
<Argent> I like her plan, except for the risk of burning the city<br><br />
<[Zola]> <[Zola]> that's what they get for being poor and not building with brick<br><br />
<@DiablotinNarrator> call it an urban renewal project<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Curtana> one of the most severe shortages they face in the undercity<br><br />
<Curtana> vowels<br><br />
<br><br />
<Curtana> really Diablotin Heritage Minutes would have like... 1 minute about House Ratte ;)<br><br />
<Lan-home> :/<br><br />
<Lan-home> They Came Out of the Sewer and are Weird! Moing on...<br><br />
<Curtana> hee<br><br />
<Lan-home> to house ox, apparently ;p<br><br />
<Curtana> 1 minute on The Arch too, though, so don't feel too bad ;)<br><br />
<Curtana> Soul eating - a part of our heritage<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<Fishmalk> "We're having chicken tonight. Is that something you people can eat, or do you only do grey foods?"<br><br />
<Fishmalk> "Do you keep Shadar-Kosher?"<br><br />
<br />
<br />
<@Hettienne> k: history why did I eat so many tootsie rolls<br />
<br />
===Channel Topics===<br />
<br>Shanked by a fairy<br />
<br>Fine Like This<br />
<br>a RED HAIRING<br />
<br>Hey baby, you wanna come back to the jedquarters?<br />
<br>Kwisatz Raterach<br />
<br>CONSTANT VIGILANCE!<br />
<br>Operation Mushroom Penetration is a go!<br />
<br>what's a little ass biting between friends<br />
<br>Titness me!<br />
<br />
==[[Faust]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
(on Stjepan)<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; he doesn't like anything!<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; that's not truwe<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes swords<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; we could have hot lesbo sex and he would be cranky<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes fighting<br><br />
&lt;Stjepan&gt; he likes Sarcha<br><br />
&lt;Ya-Akove&gt; well, I guess I could dress up like Sarcha, and Cynara could dress up like a sword, and we could have lesbo sex<br><br />
<br />
==[[Five Kingdoms]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Taharqa&gt; (conflict only brings us closer together) <br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; (yeah because most of us don't have reach weapons)<br />
<br><br><br />
&lt;Jola&gt; you suck cocks in hell Cat :p<br><br />
&lt;Xavier&gt; I was comfy.<br />
<br />
==[[Legacy of the Ancients]]==<br />
<br />
===OOC===<br />
<br />
&lt;Shul&gt; this combat is like an allegory for all of exia <br><br />
&lt;Shul&gt; fumbling for hours on end towards a place we don't even really want to go<br />
<br />
==Legend of the Five Rings==<br />
<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi takes out the map<br />
* @Shiba_Tsukimi pees at it<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I can't believe I forgot about horse stabbing, that used to be my favourite thing<br />
<br />
&lt;@Hida_Nari&gt; I r queen of crabz<br />
<br />
==Generic==<br />
<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Elanya&gt; threesomes are complicated!|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;Narrator&gt; Steve is playing the recorder in the bathroom -_-|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|&lt;@BalthCat&gt; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_mass_units_graph.svg<br>&lt;Etir&gt; Fuck yeah<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; That's why you people threw the tea overboard.<br>&lt;@BalthCat&gt; Sick of all the units<br>&lt;Etir&gt; "So, how do we measure this?" "Well, we.. uh... ok, this spoon.. then.. er.." "You have no idea do you." "'''We measure it by the harbor'''."|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Elanya> it is actually harder for me to get off with a woman on top<br>...<br><@Elanya> >_<<br><@Elanya> meN|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Legend> I love voice recognition<br><@Legend> "I'm really impressed" becomes "I'm rolling in Proust"|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Ilphere> let me tell you<br><@Ilphere> when I heard about the rape fields of England I was a little concerned|align=right}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<Nary> ~living underground/eating from a can/you've been running away/from what you don't understand/BEANS.|align=left}}<br />
{{Quotebox|<@Hettienne> Ian is like 'Maze is meowing a lot... does he miss Heather?<br><@Hettienne> I'm like no, he misses food|align=right}}<br />
{{ooc}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11230Diablotin 32015-07-03T21:01:55Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Details==<br />
*GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
*System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
*First session: October 5, 2014<br />
*Last session:<br />
*[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
*[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
===Supporting cast===<br />
<br />
====Notable Supporting Characters====<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
====Notable Organizations====<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
====Others====<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
==The Annals==<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==D3 creations==<br />
===Fiction===<br />
*[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
===Artwork===<br />
*[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
===Playlists===<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11229Diablotin 32015-07-03T21:00:07Z<p>BalthCat: /* Playlists */</p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
===Supporting cast===<br />
<br />
====Notable Supporting Characters====<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
====Notable Organizations====<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
====Others====<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
==The Annals==<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==D3 creations==<br />
===Fiction===<br />
*[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
===Artwork===<br />
*[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
===Playlists===<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]<br />
*[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11228Diablotin 32015-07-03T20:59:48Z<p>BalthCat: /* D3 creations */</p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
===Supporting cast===<br />
<br />
====Notable Supporting Characters====<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
====Notable Organizations====<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
====Others====<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
==The Annals==<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==D3 creations==<br />
===Fiction===<br />
*[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
===Artwork===<br />
*[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
===Playlists===<br />
*[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]]<br />
*[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11227Diablotin 32015-07-03T20:59:13Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
===Supporting cast===<br />
<br />
====Notable Supporting Characters====<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
====Notable Organizations====<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
====Others====<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
==The Annals==<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==D3 creations==<br />
===Fiction===<br />
<br />
[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
===Artwork===<br />
[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
===Playlists===<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]]<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11226Diablotin 32015-07-03T20:58:30Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
===Supporting cast===<br />
<br />
====Notable Supporting Characters====<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
====Notable Organizations====<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
====Others====<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
=The Annals=<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=D3 creations=<br />
==Fiction==<br />
<br />
[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
==Artwork==<br />
[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
==Playlists==<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]]<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11225Diablotin 32015-07-03T20:57:49Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
=Characters=<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
==Supporting cast==<br />
<br />
===Notable Supporting Characters===<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
===Notable Organizations===<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
=The Annals=<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=D3 creations=<br />
==Fiction==<br />
<br />
[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
==Artwork==<br />
[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
==Playlists==<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]]<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Diablotin_3&diff=11224Diablotin 32015-07-03T20:57:19Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>= Details =<br />
<br />
GM: [[Curtana]]<br />
<br />
System: Pathfinder Modified<br />
<br />
First session: October 5, 2014<br />
<br />
Last session:<br />
<br />
[[Diablotin 3 character creation rules]]<br />
<br />
[[Questionnaire of Doom!]]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Game Tools==<br />
* [https://app.roll20.net/join/506826/QZhp5A Diablotin 3 roll20 gameboard]<br />
* [http://scionbcs.forumotions.net/ RP and OOC forum] - scroll down slightly for Diablotin 3 board.<br />
<br />
=Setting=<br />
<br />
* [[The Aveyrone Empire]]<br />
**[[The Past Thirty-two Years]]<br />
* [[Diablotin]]<br />
* [[The Houses]]<br />
** [[House Bear]]<br />
** [[House Lizard]]<br />
** [[House Ox]]<br />
** [[House Wolf]]<br />
** [[House Owl]]<br />
** [[House Cat]]<br />
** [[House Rat]]<br />
** [[The Houseless]]<br />
* The outsiders<br />
**[[Cozovodë]]<br />
**[[Seventh]]<br />
**[[Demons]]<br />
**[[Shadar-kai]]<br />
**[[The Cyst]]<br />
* [[Languages]]<br />
* [[2280s Fashions]]<br />
* [[D3 Political and Religious Climate]]<br />
* [[Diablotin 3 timeline]]<br />
<br />
=Characters=<br />
<br />
*[[Argent Lundi]]<br />
*[[Aubrienne Romilly]]<br />
*[[Denise Murodea]]<br />
*[[Dorien Voclain]]<br />
*[[Genevriel Doucette]]<br />
*[[Hettienne Murodea]]<br />
*[[Hugonel Silveira]]<br />
*[[Lathra]]<br />
*[[Zola]]<br />
<br />
==Supporting cast==<br />
<br />
===Notable Supporting Characters===<br />
*[[August Merrion]]<br />
*[[Ander Suterre]]<br />
*[[Briony de Jazet]]<br />
*[[Loick Silveira]]<br />
*[[Korisse Severin]]<br />
*[[Mireva]]<br />
*[[Sirris]]<br />
*[[Syrez Rhlandar]]<br />
*[[Titania Trueblood|Titania "Tits" Trueblood]]<br />
<br />
===Notable Organizations===<br />
*[[Titania's_Cabaret#Employees|Employees of Titania's Cabaret]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members|Member's of Sirris's Church of Serpent]]<br />
*[[Serpent#Known_Members_2|Members of the Shadar-kai Church of Vrag]]<br />
*[[Mala Tajna|Members of the Mala Tajna]]<br />
*[[Red Squadron|Members of the Red Squadron]]<br />
*[[Fey#Known_or_suspected_fey_in_the_empire|Known or Suspected Fey]]<br />
*[[Members of the Kizer Imperial Family]]<br />
<br />
===Others===<br />
*[[Alea Pervenche]]<br />
*[[Annyck Duployé]]<br />
*[[Bella Demarn]]<br />
*[[Bright Rionet]]<br />
*[[Dasra Neherin]]<br />
*[[Enver Raspail]]<br />
*[[Mikel Murodea]]<br />
*[[Misery]]<br />
*[[Noren Errazuris]]<br />
*[[Raimond Neherin]]<br />
*[[Silvia Rionet]]<br />
<br />
=The Annals=<br />
:Logs of game sessions and solo scenes.<br />
<br />
{| style="width:100%" valign="top"<br />
| valign="top" halign=right |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|1}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|2}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|3}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|4}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|5}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|6}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|7}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|8}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|9}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|10}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|11}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|12}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|13}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|14}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|15}}<br />
|-<br />
| valign="top" |<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|16}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|17}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|18}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|19}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|20}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|21}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|22}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|23}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|24}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|25}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|26}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|27}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|28}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|29}}<br />
| {{sessionlink|Diablotin 3|30}}<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=D3 creations=<br />
==Fiction==<br />
<br />
[http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Diablotin/works The Diablotin tag on AO3]<br />
<br />
==Artwork==<br />
[[Diablotin 3 avatars]]<br />
<br />
==Playlists==<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOO56EvpnmHKon7XX683ZZjC Diablotin 3 Giant Playlist of Doom]]<br />
[[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Mcpz4nWMOP6CnYhqYz1LZ_JtDoJpYpI Diablotin 3 Characters, places, and themes]]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{d}}{{d3}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Spokesman&diff=11223Spokesman2015-07-03T20:34:23Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Religion in Aveyrone</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Religion in Aveyrone]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Tazenir&diff=11222Tazenir2015-07-03T20:33:57Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Tazenir do Baru</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Tazenir do Baru]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=The_Guards&diff=11221The Guards2015-07-03T20:33:48Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Diablotin 1#Characters</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Diablotin 1#Characters]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=The_arena&diff=11220The arena2015-07-03T20:33:30Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Andusk</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Andusk]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Timeline&diff=11219Timeline2015-07-03T20:33:01Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Diablotin timelines</p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[Diablotin timelines]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Taz&diff=11218Taz2015-07-03T20:32:48Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Tazenir do Baru</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Tazenir do Baru]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Tazenir_Orecalo&diff=11217Tazenir Orecalo2015-07-03T20:32:45Z<p>BalthCat: Redirected page to Tazenir do Baru</p>
<hr />
<div>#REDIRECT [[Tazenir do Baru]]</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Alma_de_B%C3%A9ziers&diff=11216Alma de Béziers2015-07-03T20:31:55Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
* '''Campaign''': [[Diablotin 2]]<br />
* '''Player''': [[BalthCat]]<br />
<br />
* '''Race''': Human<br />
* '''House''': [[Owl]]<br />
* '''Class''': Cleric (Order of the Owl)<br />
* '''Alignment''': Neutral good with lawful tendancies<br />
<br />
* '''Gender''': Female<br />
* '''Age''': 23 (Birthday 1 Eighthmonth)<br />
* '''Stature''': Average<br />
* '''Build''': Soft<br />
* '''Eyes''': Hazel<br />
* '''Hair''': Curly red hair<br />
* '''Complexion''': Fair to rosy<br />
<br />
* '''Affiliations''': [[House Owl]], [[Nobility of Aveyrone]], [[Comté de Béziers]], [[Order of the Owl]], [[Rhenean Antiquarian Society]]<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<br />
Alma is a young woman in her early twenties. She has a hazel eyes in the middle of a rosy complexion and soft ginger curls which are often pinned in a bun with delicate combs. She stands at average height for a woman her age, with a soft build, not quite chubby. She usually wears clean, pressed purple robes of the Order of the Owl, with her silver Wheel hanging from her neck, and her signet ring on her finger. <br />
<br />
== Public image ==<br />
<br />
Alma has been the Countess de Béziers for only a few years following the death of her father Julien. The Counts de Béziers have long taken advantage of the Comté's favourable trade situation to become quite wealthy, and while she does not exactly flaunt the wealth she has inherited, it is shown by her home in the Grand Vallon, the quality of her dress and the servants who often accompany her.<br />
<br />
She has recently finished training to become a priest. It was the death of her mother, about a decade past, and the role the priest played in counselling her and her family in their grief that lead her to chose the path of a cleric. Since then she has finished her time in the seminary, and her calling has drawn her from Béziers to the Castalia for further study, leaving her estate and affairs in the trusted hands of a steward. <br />
<br />
At the Castalia, she seeks to learn more about the history and people of our Empire, and to understand the nature of our world and of death itself. Her interests also include ethics, metaphysics, the Houses and the Houseless, and foreign cultures, especially death rituals and after-death beliefs. <br />
<br />
As a priest, Alma does not have a home church, chosing to assist at several in Diablotin, and volunteers in other areas, including tending to those on their death beds, and assisting with funerals. It is known that Alma is a moderate Pasithian.<br />
<br />
It is rumoured that the Contesse de Béziers claims a special gift. The rumour is true, though Alma does not seek to flaunt it. She is sensitive to impressions left behind on objects by their owners, and to the emotional events which have occurred in certain locations. It is this gift which has lead her to an interest in the Rhenean Antiquarian Society, in the hope of being able to examine old objects which have had few owners since their discovery.<br />
<br />
==Family==<br />
<br />
*Julien de Béziers: The late Count de Béziers, father, deceased <br />
*Analise de Béziers (née Desrosiers): The late Countess de Béziers, mother, deceased<br />
*Marise (née Rackley) & Claude Desrosiers: maternal grandparents who live in [[Caulderon]]<br />
*Paternal grandparents Anton and Noémi (née Arguelles)<br />
<br />
===Diablotin===<br />
<br />
*Ser [[Danyel Rackley]], husband<br />
*[[Adélise de Béziers]], daughter<br />
*[[Pasith de Béziers]], daughter<br />
*[[Sacha de Béziers|Sacha]] & [[Vidal de Béziers]], sons<br />
<br />
*[[César de Béziers]]: younger brother<br />
<br />
==Friends and acquaintances==<br />
===Béziers===<br />
* [[Juneau Pelletier]]: House Owl. Steward of Béziers. Uncle to Marielle.<br />
* [[Marielle Pelletier]]: House Owl. Alma's maid from Béziers, who has travelled to the city with her. Niece of Juneau.<br />
<br />
===Diablotin===<br />
* Sister [[Beatrix Arguelles]]<br />
* Set [[Danyel Rackley]], fiancé <3<br />
* [[Sagesse Rozier]]: House Owl. A local to Diablotin, hired as housekeeper.<br />
<br />
===At the Nine Elms Church===<br />
* Brother [[Sarigan Annesley]] of the [[Order of the Ox]]<br />
* Sister [[Megith Asterine]] of the [[Order of the Bear]]<br />
* Brother [[Obern Pell]] of the [[Order of the Owl]]<br />
* Brother [[Phineas Strauch]] of the [[Order of the Wolf]], ranking priest<br />
<br />
===The Imperial Antiquarian Society===<br />
* [[Theodore Sleyght]]<br />
<br />
===Other persons===<br />
* [[Silana Arguelles]], Duchess of [[Marignane]]<br />
<br />
== Other ==<br />
<br />
* Alma subscribes to several [[Newspapers of Diablotin|Diablotin broadsheets]], including The Imperial Herald, The Oracle, The Pole-Star and The Mercury, though it is only the Herald and the Pole-Star she endeavours to read when her schedule is busiest.<br />
<br />
== Images ==<br />
* Alma: [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q233a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q224a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q249a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q240a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q245a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q264a.jpg], [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q243a.jpg], [http://summertownsun.com/lunagirl/Neoclassical-pics/alma-tadema/Ask_Me_No_More-SummertownSun.jpg]<br />
* Marielle : [http://www.zeno.org/Kunstwerke.images/I/76q229a.jpg] <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[A short Ritual for the Joining of an adult into one of the Seven Houses of Aveyrone (draft)]]<br />
*[[De Béziers-Rackley wedding invitation list]]<br />
<br />
{{pc}}{{d2}}{{owl}}{{das}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Fey&diff=11215Fey2015-07-03T20:30:00Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tocright}}<br />
<br />
The fey are creatures of extraplanar origin. While fey creatures can exist on our plane, the [[First World]] (ancestral home to the elven races, including the [[Shadar-kai]]) is their true home. <br />
<br />
==Fey on the Material Plane==<br />
<br />
Some fey creatures that live here may have been exiled or cast out from their original home, for reasons unknown to us. <br />
<br />
The link between the elves and the fey is still mysterious - perhaps the elves are descended from the fey, or are themselves fey, though this is debated. Elven traditions speak of them coming from an ancient 'woodland home', and being expelled from it long ago. Some elves, particularly the [[Austvagoy]] in the north, believe that their dead return there and exist as ancestral spirits whom they can contact. This may also be true of fey creatures, although we don't know enough about them to be sure.<br />
<br />
The fey don't worship any deities that we know of and some scholars speculate that they do not have souls, and therefore are cut off from the divine. <br />
<br />
There are gates to the First World, powerful artifacts? entities? called the [[Irminsul]]. They take the form of massive, ancient trees. The wood is considered very useful for creating magic items or casting powerful spells, and so many have been destroyed over the years. It's very likely that there was one at [[Seda Grove]]. <br />
<br />
Certain types of fey are powerfully linked to trees - [[dryads]] and [[hamadryads]] in particular. Hamadryads are the more powerful of them, bonded to entire forests, and do not necessarily die when their trees are cut down or they are separated from their forest - although it can enrage them or drive them mad.<br />
<br />
Dryads are weaker, linked to a specific tree, and will typically die if their tree is destroyed, although the power of a hamadryad can aid them to bond to a new tree and survive.<br />
<br />
[[Hugo]] and [[Zola]] witnessed a number of suspected fey repeat the following toast at [[Klara Dannan]]'s strange dinner party: "From the exiles, to the missing and the dead."<br />
<br />
===Known or suspected fey in the empire===<br />
<br />
*[[Eirini]], ???<br />
*[[Jaida Misain]], handmaiden<br />
*[[Jonas Steinrenne]], fossegrim<br />
*[[Klara Dannan]], leanan sidhe<br />
*[[Peladan Allais]], faerie seer<br />
*[[Tiazi]], rusalka<br />
*[[Vernel Nicandor]], spindler<br />
*[[Nysha]], dryad or more likely hamadryad (?)<br />
<br />
==Angels in disguise==<br />
<br />
When [[Serpent]] was imprisoned, and [[the gods of the Wheel]] came to power, the [[angels]] were nearly wiped out. Some escaped and survived by taking on other natures. Some became demons. Some became the [[djinn]]. Some may have become fey. They likely retain their memories of what they were before. But in order to blend in, they will have had to truly become whatever they were attempting to imitate.<br />
<br />
{{d}}{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Category:House_Rat&diff=11214Category:House Rat2015-07-03T20:28:36Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div><:3 ) ~ ~ ~<br />
<br />
Best House!<br />
{{d}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Legacy_of_the_Ancients&diff=11213Legacy of the Ancients2015-07-03T20:27:03Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>Terry hates us! ;_; Now in D&D format!<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
* [http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t50/rocksfallwiki/legacy%20of%20the%20ancients/?action=view&current=Map_of_Anistyre_jpeg.jpg Map of Anistyre]<br />
* [[Lindal]]<br />
* [[Frey-ohani]]<br />
* [[Half-Bloods]]<br />
* [[Magic (Legacy of the Ancients)|Magic]]<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
<br />
* Literacy is high, around 70% thanks to the church of the maker<br />
* Technology varies in strange ways. Some buildings and constructions are close to 17th century technology, but in other areas, are centuries behind.<br />
* The year is 817 TF ([[Temple Fall]], referring to the destruction of the [[Temple of the Phoenix]] during the [[Second Dark War]]). There are 12 months in the year, named numerically with 30 days each month, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.<br />
* Magic and the supernatural exist and are a part of life, but not such a great part that people are not wary of them. In the more civilized areas of the land, monsters are a rarity, and those who have never left the major cities have probably never seen one. <br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
* [[Elorim Amanodel]]<br />
* [[Shul Grol]]<br />
* [[Anyaveh Jarl]]<br />
* [[Edris Poldark]]<br />
* [[Ro]]<br />
* [[Siranah Thalinehe]]<br />
<br />
===NPCs===<br />
<br />
* [[Willow Garrell]]<br />
* [[Carline Havelock]]<br />
* [[Armo Whitelock]]<br />
* [[Vylor Trinshen]]<br />
* [[Patrice Olvier]]<br />
* [[Harmon Senden]]<br />
* [[Enrica Martin]]<br />
* [[Dorel Alberet]]<br />
* [[Arben Quorellar]]<br />
<br />
==OOC==<br />
<br />
* [[Legacy of the Ancients OOC]]<br />
* [http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t50/rocksfallwiki/legacy%20of%20the%20ancients/ Rocksfall Wiki Photobucket - Legacy]<br />
* [[Spells (Legacy of the Ancients)]]<br />
<br />
==Logs==<br />
<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 01]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 02]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 03]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 04]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 05]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 06]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 07]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 08]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 09]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 10]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 11]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 12]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 13]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 14]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 15]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 16]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 17]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 18]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 19]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 20]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 21]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 22]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 23]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 24]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 25]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 26]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 27]]<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{lota}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Legacy_of_the_Ancients&diff=11212Legacy of the Ancients2015-07-03T20:26:26Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{tidy}}<br />
<br />
Terry hates us! ;_; Now in D&D format!<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
* [http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t50/rocksfallwiki/legacy%20of%20the%20ancients/?action=view&current=Map_of_Anistyre_jpeg.jpg Map of Anistyre]<br />
* [[Lindal]]<br />
* [[Frey-ohani]]<br />
* [[Half-Bloods]]<br />
* [[Magic (Legacy of the Ancients)|Magic]]<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
<br />
* Literacy is high, around 70% thanks to the church of the maker<br />
* Technology varies in strange ways. Some buildings and constructions are close to 17th century technology, but in other areas, are centuries behind.<br />
* The year is 817 TF ([[Temple Fall]], referring to the destruction of the [[Temple of the Phoenix]] during the [[Second Dark War]]). There are 12 months in the year, named numerically with 30 days each month, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.<br />
* Magic and the supernatural exist and are a part of life, but not such a great part that people are not wary of them. In the more civilized areas of the land, monsters are a rarity, and those who have never left the major cities have probably never seen one. <br />
<br />
==Characters==<br />
<br />
* [[Elorim Amanodel]]<br />
* [[Shul Grol]]<br />
* [[Anyaveh Jarl]]<br />
* [[Edris Poldark]]<br />
* [[Ro]]<br />
* [[Siranah Thalinehe]]<br />
<br />
===NPCs===<br />
<br />
* [[Willow Garrell]]<br />
* [[Carline Havelock]]<br />
* [[Armo Whitelock]]<br />
* [[Vylor Trinshen]]<br />
* [[Patrice Olvier]]<br />
* [[Harmon Senden]]<br />
* [[Enrica Martin]]<br />
* [[Dorel Alberet]]<br />
* [[Arben Quorellar]]<br />
<br />
==OOC==<br />
<br />
* [[Legacy of the Ancients OOC]]<br />
* [http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t50/rocksfallwiki/legacy%20of%20the%20ancients/ Rocksfall Wiki Photobucket - Legacy]<br />
* [[Spells (Legacy of the Ancients)]]<br />
<br />
==Logs==<br />
<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 01]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 02]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 03]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 04]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 05]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 06]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 07]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 08]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 09]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 10]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 11]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 12]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 13]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 14]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 15]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 16]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 17]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 18]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 19]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 20]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 21]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 22]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 23]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 24]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 25]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 26]]<br />
*[[Legacy of the Ancients session 27]]<br />
<br />
{{game}}{{lota}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Janelle&diff=11211Janelle2015-07-03T20:22:28Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>Janelle Rionet coudl refer two two people:<br />
<br />
* [[Janelle Rionet]] - Dutchess of Coindeliere, mother of [[Guillame]] and [[Sylvia Rionet]].<br />
* [[Janelle Rionet II]] - daughter of [[Guillame Rionet]] and [[Portia Larache]].<br />
{{d}}</div>BalthCathttps://rocksfall.org/rfwiki/index.php?title=Nysha&diff=11210Nysha2015-07-03T20:22:02Z<p>BalthCat: </p>
<hr />
<div>A beautiful woman who appeared to Andri Doucette in the family's olive grove in 2275. She told him that she was grateful for the work his family was doing with the trees, and then she disappeared into an olive tree.<br />
{{d3}}{{fey}}</div>BalthCat