AWRR2 Chapter 6
Summary
- Session date: 2025-10-08
Fritz invites the boys (including Raveni) to a night out at Tellard's, a gentleman's club, to celebrate. Everyone arrives and the group discusses Euphrastus's mysterious client, and the sordid history of one of the club chairs, before Fritz reveals that his older brother and his husband are having a child. This elicits further discussion and speculation as to how this was made possible, before the group breaks up for other entertainments. Raveni and Mhireen continue the discussion, as Mhireen can provide some details from his own family. Meanwhile, Mol wins an estate and cards! After some time in the billiards table, Firrin asks Mol for a private discussion, which turns into a locked door passion session.
Session
Guests arrive
* Fritz has semi-reserved a part of the club for him and his guests
* Fritz just hopes anyone comes :3
* Molgrin will arrive at the appointed time, dressed in a handsome teal suit with a floral waistcoat.
<Molgrin> Good evening, Lord Fritz - thank you for the invitation!
<Fritz> oh hello mr. Braalk! I'm so glad you've come :)
<Molgrin> I wasn't sure what to expect, but it's quite lively here.
<Fritz> I have a bottle of rice wine here already but they will bring anything you like!
<Fritz> and yes, very lively, and its still quite early!
<Molgrin> Oh, that will be just fine, thank you.
* Fritz will pour you a little cup and pass it over
* Molgrin takes a sip
* Molgrin 's eyes widen somewhat
<Molgrin> Very nice!
<Fritz> oh yes, they only have the best quality here
<Molgrin> So, what is the special news you have? Or must you wait until the others arrive? :D
<Fritz> oooh hmmmm.... should I wait? I don't know! :D
* Fritz looks around
<Fritz> maybe it will be like, hmmm, rreleasng the pressure a little to tell just *one
* person and then wait until there is a bigger crowd?
<Molgrin> perhaps!
* Raveni walks in and looks around. He is immaculately dressed in dark crimson and black in a more masculine style than he usually sports
* Raveni spots Fritz and Molgrin and walks toward them, smiling
<Molgrin> oh, good evening! So good to see you!
<Fritz> oh!
<Fritz> hello :D
<Raveni> Hello!
<Molgrin> I'm sorry again for having to run off the other day.
<Raveni> It's alright, I didn't mind. How did your meeting go?
* Fritz is wearing a russet coat and breeches with a forest green waitcoat embrouidered with gold
* Euphrastus enters, wearing a long dark blue cape with a coppery-bronze clasp, a loose-fitting shirt open at the chest, tight trousers, a grey brimmed hat, his second-best monocle, and an ebony cane inlaid with turquoise.
<Molgrin> Well enough, I think. Lord Valacirca seemed to feel it was positive. Lord Callais asked me to produce some specific drawings to his specifications, so I've been working on those for the past while.
<Raveni> That sounds promising!
* Fritz waves to Euphrastus
<Molgrin> I hope so...
<Fritz> what are his specifications, if you don't mind me asking?
* Euphrastus sees you, waves, and comes on over.
* Fritz pours a few more small cups of the rice wine, then looks up at Euprastus, frowns, and waves oen of the servants to get anotehr bottle and a larger cup
* Euphrastus makes sure to find a good stout chair that will hold him, touches it, frowns, then chooses another one.
* Fritz gives one ofvthe cups to Raveni, though
<Molgrin> Oh, he wanted very detailed renderings, from specimens. I am normally a bit more ... naturalistic, I suppose? but I'm doing my best to try and produce what he's looking for. He did also say I could do a version in my usual style too, for comparison.
<Fritz> ohhh hmmm
* Fritz offers a tiny cup to euphastus as well but loks a bit dubious
<Fritz> They're birnign another bottle... and a larger cup...
<Euphrastus> Oh-ho, so that is the kind of evening it is going to be, is it?
<Fritz> but that was wrong with the chair?
<Euphrastus> Oh, the chair? Oh ... nothing.
<Fritz> oh, I wondered if it had some sordid history :V
<Euphrastus> Hmm, an interesting question.
<Euphrastus> Who else are we expecting? We can leave it there for them if you like.
* Raveni watches Euphrastus curiously, not having had much opportunity to speak with him yet
<Fritz> Mr. Malassar and Mr. marceador, I believe, plus Lord Callais - the younger one, and his brother? Mr. Harrowden?
<Fritz> so a few others :)
<Fritz> Mr Braalk was just telling us about his meeting with... one of the other Lords Callais
<Fritz> Riversedge?
<Fritz> I think that's his title
<Molgrin> Um, yes, that's correct.
* Norn will enter, scanning for the group. He's wearing Highmark fashions tonight, a dark blue suit with a patterned purple waistcoast.
<Fritz> oh there's Valancirca :)
* Norn notices them and will nod amicably, heading over.
<Norn> Good evening, everyone. I hope I'm not terribly late.
<Fritz> not at all!
* Raveni tenses a little as Norn joins the group
<Euphrastus> Welcome, welcome!
* Euphrastus downs his tiny cup and sets it on the table.
<Fritz> I'm still hoping a few others will be joining us
<Molgrin> Good evening :)
<Norn> Excellent. It's very easy to lose track of time in the gardens. Have I missed anything important? :)
<Fritz> I have some rice wine here but they will bring you something if you please!
<Fritz> not yet!
<Fritz> Mr. Braalk *almost* induced me to share my news prematurely, but the arrival of Colmacil Mëoirista preserved my integrity :V
<Raveni> Sorry Molgrin, I'd have delayed a little if I'd known
* Raveni says with a grin
<Euphrastus> Ah, have no fear, I'm sure there will be multiple opportunities to lose that over the course of the evening!
* Molgrin gives a little chuckle
<Molgrin> I will just have to be patient, then :)
* Firrin will enter, look around, and approach the party.
<Norn> Another welcome face.
* Molgrin is a little nervous when Firrin arrives, but gives a hopeful smile nevertheless
* Firrin is dressed in a deep plum ensemble with a burgundy waistcoat of a shade veeery carefully chose to look well with his rosy tones
<Firrin> good evening all :)
<Fritz> good evening Mr. Malassar! please, have a drink!
<Molgrin> Hello :)
* Firrin gives Mol a real but nervous smile
* Raveni salutes Firrin with his cup
<Euphrastus> Lord Frederick here is in the process of corrupting us all.
<Norn> And here I thought he was trying to maintain his integrity. ;)
<Molgrin> He's a very gracious host and has drinks ready for us :)
<Fritz> well I'm trying very hard to refrain form sharing my news, though I'm not sure it will be as exciting to everyone else as it is to me!
<Norn> Good news for a friend is good news for all.
<Fritz> I should wait for the Lord Macen and Mr. Harrowden, I suppose....
* Raveni has been subtly drinking faster than is probably polite since Norn joined the party
* Fritz is surprised that the bottle is already empty when he tries to pour a drink for Firrin
<Fritz> oh :o
<Fritz> well another should be along soon :)
<Fritz> (A servant can indeed bring more wine and a larger cup for euphrastus)
<Fritz> there, perfect!
the group discusses Euphrastus's mysteriousus client
<Fritz> oh, everyone is dressed so well tonight!
<Firrin> Thank you.
* Firrin will take the drink
* Norn smiles at that.
<Euphrastus> (so, who is sitting in the chair that Euphrastus did not sit in? just curious. Firrin? Norn?)
<Norn> (Norn can sit there)
* Euphrastus smiles to himself.
<Fritz> oh! and there are many entertainments to be had here as well, almost anythign yuou can think of! Well, that is suitable for gentlement, in any case
<Fritz> I hope you will all avail yourselves
* Raveni raises an eyebrow at Fritz
<Raveni> What kind of things do you like to do here?
<Euphrastus> Sometime I should tell you about my third-best cane. Depending who you ask, it is either deeply unsuitable or highly suitable for gentlemen.
<Raveni> Oh, now you have to tell us
<Fritz> well I'll be honest I have only been a few times.... And usually, I come in the mornings when it is much less lively, because there is good light in one of the halls for drawing
<Fritz> but yesm the cane story is much more interesting
* Euphrastus takes a drink.
* Firrin will settle inot a chair near Mol
<Euphrastus> Well, then. If there are no gentle ears here, I will share.
* Euphrastus looks about to see if anyone looks like they would be scandalized.
<Euphrastus> Seeing no objection, then...
<Euphrastus> It has a false top, that when removed, reveals a delight, a nude figure. But, and I cannot speak from experience but I can attest to its use as such, it also serves a very useful function for reaching those difficult-to-reach places where one gentleman might go with another!
* Euphrastus smiles, taking another drink.
<Euphrastus> Or a lady, I suppose.
<Molgrin> goodness :o
<Fritz> :o
* Raveni has not picked up the obvious euphemism and is trying to figure out what Euphrastus meant
* lanpc seems bemuded but maybe not quite so shocked
<lanpc> (lol - rando eavesdropper ;p)
* Firrin seems bemused but not shocked
<Molgrin> wouldn't that be kind of uncomfortable?
<Molgrin> well I suppose you said you cannot speak from experience. but ... imagine :o
<Fritz> I'm not sure I'm envisioning thid correctly
* Euphrastus uses his hand to sort of show.
<Euphrastus> You see, it's sort of like ... this ...
* Norn tilts his head, trying to figure it out.
<Euphrastus> But enough about erotic canes.
<Euphrastus> How has everyone been.
<Fritz> Well!
* Raveni finally gets it and blushes
<Firrin> yes, quite well, thank you.
<Fritz> and yourself?
<Fritz> again other than... well.
<Norn> Hmm?
<Fritz> well, other than the cane, I mean!
* Fritz blushes slightly
<Euphrastus> Well, I did have a very interesting conversation the other day, whose import I am still trying to discern.
<Norn> Oh? How so?
<Euphrastus> A job, I suppose.
<Euphrastus> I can't say too much about the specifics, I think. A request to locate an ancient item. The client, a drow - a group with which I have precious little experience, regrettably.
<Euphrastus> The whole conversation was unsettling in a way I can't quite put my finger on.
<Fritz> unsettling?
<Fritz> oh no!
<Fritz> did yo agree to the business then? :o
<Norn> Were they Mag Turean? Something lost in the, ahem, previous conflict?
* Euphrastus nods.
<Euphrastus> I don't suppose any of you know the name Shah Hal-Sherai of Hazzaren?
<Raveni> (Is there any reason Raveni would know it?)
<Norn> (It's history from halfway around the world, so I wouldn't think so?)
<Fritz> is that... akhasic?
<Norn> (But, like, folks are free to make stuff up :P )
<Norn> Hazzaren is, at least.
<Norn> So some Ahkasic noble?
<Euphrastus> I suppose so, yes.
<Euphrastus> Anyway, it's not every day that a stranger invites me to meet with them about a long-lost treasure.
<Euphrastus> So I took the job, despite the strangeness of it all, simply because I cannot imagine letting such an opportunity pass me by.
<Fritz> that's so intruguing, I can understand who :o
<Fritz> (why)
<Raveni> Is that your speciality, Euphrastus? Treasure hunting?
<Molgrin> If you find out what it is, do let us know! I'm so curious now :)
<Mhireen> Oh, what treasure are we hunting?
<Euphrastus> Well, I appraise and evaluate items of various sorts. I do sometimes do this sort of work, where I find an object of interest to someone, as a commission.
* lanpc follows along with his brother
* lanpc is now known as Macen
* Macen follows along with his brother
* Mhireen will have appeared abruptly, still is his great coat.
<Fritz> oh, hello!
<Mhireen> A little like adventuring then, eh?
<Fritz> welcome! would you care for some rice wine?
<Euphrastus> In this case, I am really not sure I should say more, though.
<Euphrastus> Clients normally get cranky when one goes around talking about their business, understandably.
<Mhireen> Sorry to interrupt, and for being late it would seem.
* Mhireen nods.
<Macen> Sorry -_-
<Mhireen> We had more than a bit of that on the Sword Coast.
<Mhireen> Having to keep client secrets, I mean, not being late.
<Fritz> oh - tell Mr. Harrowden the name, maybe he'll have heard of this person!
<Fritz> I mean... because you've spent time in Akhas
<Fritz> it might be more familiar
<Euphrastus> Well the object belonged to one Shah Hal-Sherai of Hazzaren, long long ago.
* Mhireen considers.
<Macen> (While you are talking, the soju bottle will animate itself to pour into an empty cup, which will then grow legs and toddle carefully along its way to Macen's waiting hand)
<Macen> That's a question for the Council of Adventuring Fathers
<Mhireen> Well, I know the Hals are the royal line of Hazzaren, so that tracks. Sherai though...? Not sure how far back that is.
<Macen> one of them has probably heard of this person. Is Shah a name or a title?
<Mhireen> Title. It's their usual term for a city ruler.
<Mhireen> Also, we could ask our personal council of adventuring fathers. :)
<Mhireen> Is two a council?
* Raveni is deeply unnerved by the cup with legs and involuntarily jerks back as it walks to Macen
<Mhireen> (to Macen) Showoff. :P
<Macen> what?
* Macen drinks
<Macen> It's been a long day -_-
<Norn> Oh no. What's the trouble?
<Macen> but that *is* who I meant. I think they count
<Mhireen> Ada spent time in Hazzaren, right?
<Macen> nothing's really the trouble
<Mhireen> Before he joined the Union?
<Macen> I think so?
<Macen> He travelled a lot with uncle Merlyn
<Mhireen> Yeah, I'd ask him if, you know, I knew where he was at the moment.
<Macen> right?
<Macen> Like he'd *definitely* know, or he'd be able to find out
<Macen> but you have to find him first
<Mhireen> (to Euphrastus) What sort of object is it?
<Macen> although with everythig going on in Yeshual, he might be there
<Mhireen> If you can say in a general sense.
<Euphrastus> It's a chalice.
* Macen drinks his wine, the little legs haveing disappeared again
<Fritz> interesting
<Mhireen> On the plus side that doesn't sound like a weapon or anything.
<Norn> But you said the person hiring you seemed off somehow?
<Euphrastus> The client wanted to meet me at a tavern called Worker's Respite, in Fallsedge.
<Firrin> could you, hmmm - I'm not well acquainted with your mark, but could you not get some sense of their motive from touching something of hos?
<Firrin> (his)
<Firrin> well, theirs
<Euphrastus> Hmm ... the only thing I have of his is a bag of coins, and unless his coins were used in some sordid or emotionally charged way ... I wouldn't learn anything.
<Euphrastus> It's not like I can learn all of your secrets simply by picking up your drinking cup.
* Euphrastus reaches out for Firrin's cup, smiles, and then withdraws his hand.
<Norn> Is that usual? I imagine it would be very distracting if money carries a significant impression.
<Euphrastus> It would be very unusual.
<Euphrastus> I suppose ... hmmm ...
Norn sits in a shitty chair
<Euphrastus> Say, Valacirca, is that a comfortable chair?
<Firrin> so, it woudln't necessarily show if he was feeling, hmmm, manipulative or somethign like that
<Norn> ...yes?
* Fritz will pur soem wine for Mhireen and pass it to him thr normal way
* Norn looks down at his chair and then back to Euphrastus with a concerned face.
* Euphrastus nods approvingly.
<Fritz> oh he didn't want to sit in thzt one before and didn't say why!
* Mhireen takes the drink and lifts it towards Fritz in salute for a moment before taking a drink.
<Fritz> you *must
* tell us why!
<Euphrastus> Must I, now? Isn't it more fun if you guess?
<Raveni> Yes, why did you decide not to sit there earlier, Euphrastus?
<Norn> What have I sat upon?
<Euphrastus> I will permit you to ask me questions, and I shall answer them 'yes' or 'no'.
* Euphrastus smiles slyly.
* Norn gives the chair a look similar to the one Raveni gave the walking cup.
<Fritz> is it a positive association?
<Euphrastus> No.
<Fritz> oh no :o
<Raveni> Did something sordid happen involving that chair?
<Euphrastus> Yes.
<Fritz> its not where someone has sat plotting angrily against some rivak, is it?
<Euphrastus> No.
<Fritz> (rival)
* Raveni forgets about studiously not paying attention to Norn and gives him a wide-eyed look
<Firrin> it wasn't something violent, was it?
* Euphrastus considers.
<Euphrastus> No.
<Macen> was it sex -_-
<Euphrastus> No.
<Norn> Oh!
<Raveni> Was someone murdered there?
* Norn lets out a thankful breath at the "it's not sex" news.
<Euphrastus> No, it wasn't violent.
<Fritz> that would be violent, woudln't it?
<Fritz> although I suppose
<Raveni> Oh, right
<Molgrin> not if they were poisoned or something...
<Norn> Poison isn't necessarily...exactly
* Raveni takes another long drink
<Fritz> woudl something liek poinson count as violent? not that it matters here...
<Mhireen> A breakup, perhaps?
<Raveni> It’s a valid question
<Euphrastus> No.
<Mhireen> Or someone falling in love?
* Fritz smiels that we all thought the same thing :V
<Mhireen> Hmm. It has to have a strong emotional resonance, right?
<Euphrastus> Yes, that's right.
<Fritz> it is a negative association?
<Euphrastus> Yes.
<Raveni> Did it involve an argument?
<Fritz> did they learn or somethign distressing?
<Euphrastus> No, and no.
<Mhireen> Did someone mess themselves in the chair?
<Raveni> Wait, did someone die there??
<Macen> gross Mhireen
<Euphrastus> Indeed! You've got it just right! Both of you in fact.
* Norn gives Mhireen a look like, "Come on, man"
<Mhireen> Wait, really?
<Mhireen> I was joking.
<Macen> ewww
<Raveni> Well, if they died there then Mhireen probably isn’t *wrong*
<Euphrastus> It was a long time ago. I'm sure it's been reupholstered since then.
<Euphrastus> I think the death came first, if that makes it any better.
<Norn> Someone *died* in this chair?
<Fritz> well... I'm not going to check :x
<Norn> I guess this *is* an old club...
<Fritz> it's very old!
<Fritz> and...
<Euphrastus> Shitting oneself to death is more embarassing than dying in the chair and then just ... letting go.
<Fritz> hmmm
<Fritz> well I can't follow *that* up with my news, can we discuss something else -_-
<Fritz> (we)
<Euphrastus> Oh no, I have been waiting to hear this news!
<Raveni> If you think about it, the chances of someone having died in almost any room you’ve ever been in are high
<Norn> Wait. *Did* they, ahem, shit themselves to death in this chair?
<Mhireen> Raveni makes a fair point.
<Euphrastus> Would I make such a thing up, Valacirca? You've known me a long time, I may be many things, but I do not toy with prophecy.
<Molgrin> Doesn't prophecy predict the future? maybe someone in the future is going to die there?
* Norn chuckles and shakes his head with a sigh.
* Euphrastus finishes his drink and gets another.
* Fritz just looks a bit distressed at this whole conversation
<Norn> It feels silly to switch from this admittedly perfectly comfortable chair, but...
<Euphrastus> My eye sees only backwards, never forwards.
<Raveni> You can have mine, if you’d like. I don’t mind sitting on that one
<Euphrastus> Well, I'm sure the owners of the place don't know. And I'm disinclined to tell them.
* Norn smiles at Raveni.
<Norn> I'm fine, I promise.
<Norn> But thank you.
<Norn> I'm being foolish.
<Macen> oh no, I'm sure they have got a catalogue and some porter can tell you which illustripus member doed on each piece of fancy furniture goign back at least a hundred years
<Macen> (died)
<Mhireen> You think that's true, hanno?
<Saiya> Maybe they had the old seat framed, as a tribute.
<Mhireen> (Elduar for "brother")
<Saiya> ww)
<Molgrin> Maybe they had the old seat framed, as a tribute.
<Mhireen> That'd be something, eh? A gallery of death cushions?
<Norn> Sounds Thantopolitan.
<Macen> I'm pretty sure there's at least one person who works here who has the enrire history of this place memorized
<Molgrin> What an interesting job that would be...
<Firrin> hmm
<Molgrin> How do you get to be a member here anyway? Is it just a family connections thing?
* Molgrin asks Fritz mainly
<Fritz> yes, but I think you can also be sponsored by a member in good standing
<Fritz> and of course there are fees...
* Molgrin nods
<Fritz> but I believe the Allards have been members long enough to have someone commemorated in the cushion gallery :p
<Molgrin> It seems a very enjoyable place! Thank you for having us as your guests :)
<Fritz> also I'm not sure I believe hyou, Mr. Tinnane, how could a dead body leave an emotional impression of their...postmortem... releases
<Euphrastus> Well, the whole episode had witnesses.
<Raveni> Knowing they died there is enough to make the deduction at least
<Euphrastus> It's not the body, it's the object.
<Norn> Lord Frederick, you had news to share?
<Fritz> I suppose so
* Norn is totally not trying change the subject from the death shit chair he's sitting in >.>
Fritz's news!
<Molgrin> oh yes, please do tell us, I've been curious since I got your invitation :) we're meant to drink a toast, do we all have enough wine?
<Fritz> yes *and* mr. Braalk kindly tried to redirect the conversation and I am the one who brought it back around, but really maybe it is superstitions but I woulsd rather not taint good news with bad so can we discuss something else first?
<Raveni> I could use a top-up
<Fritz> oh, yes of course!
* Norn nods.
<Fritz> anyone else?
* Fritz will top up everyone else who needs it as well
<Euphrastus> Certainly!
<Molgrin> Has anyone been to any enjoyable events recently? I attended a talk about beetles although perhaps that's not SO much better than the previous topic...
* Norn slides his cup over for more wine.
<Firrin> oh, yes... Paiza mentioned that she ran into you there...
<Firrin> she said it was quite good it somewhat niche!
<Molgrin> Oh, yes, I didn't know she was interested in such things, it was very nice to see her there :)
<Firrin> she said the same.
<Firrin> I heard something a about a book reading next week that sounded interesting?
<Norn> Oh? What book?
<Macen> Oh, is that the one about the explorers union team that disappeared in Shom?
<Firrin> yes!
<Firrin> and all the investigations - it doesn't try to 'solve the mystery', but rather its more about the personalities and party conflicts and so on I think?
<Firrin> Written by the woman who was their GM at the time
<Norn> That sounds fascinating.
<Norn> On a tangentially related note, I wonder where Mr. Marceador is.
<Fritz> I'm not sure, but I never received a confirmation from him, and I know he is quite social, so perhaps he was otherwise occupied....
* Norn nods.
<Fritz> In any case I really can't contain myself any longer but! I'm going to be an uncle :D
<Norn> Congratulations!
<Euphrastus> Oh-ho!
<Mhireen> Yeah, hey, that's great news!
<Molgrin> Oh, that's wonderful! many congratulations :D
<Raveni> That's wonderful news!
<Norn> A blessing upon your House.
<Firrin> Congratulations, yes! Is that, ahh...
* Norn raises his glass towards Fritz.
<Euphrastus> May the child's eye grow wise. Ahhh ... eyes.
* Fritz grins widely
<Fritz> thank you all!
<Fritz> and it's my brother!
* Mhireen 's expression falters slightly.
<Molgrin> Your brother's having a baby?
<Fritz> which is such a surprise, as my sister both married recently as well!
<Mhireen> He's over in Yeshual, isn't he?
<Fritz> No, my brother in law :o
<Molgrin> oh! the gentleman in the portrait we saw?
<Fritz> and yes, I know, he said it was dangerous but that things weren't lookign to get better
<Norn> It is better to celebrate life, even with its risks. :)
<Fritz> yes, Lord Evenor, the elf with the white hair :3
* Raveni falters, being unfamiliar with how that might be possible
* Molgrin ponders that, trying to figure out the logistics
<Fritz> I am not quite sure what they've done, Monty said that Nik is really bearing the child?
<Mhireen> How'd they go about it? Our parents had to get creative as well.
* Mhireen ponders.
<Mhireen> Shapeshifting?
<Fritz> he didn't think I wanted to hear the specifics
<Fritz> and well...
* Mhireen chuckles.
<Norn> Perhaps a wise course.
<Fritz> oh that would be clever.... it would need to be maintained the whole time, though, I expect?
* Mhireen nods.
<Mhireen> Changelings can do it, I've heard.
* Firrin looks thoughtful
<Fritz> well, Nik isn't a changeling!
<Mhireen> Though the one who told me about it said they don't usually like to.
<Mhireen> No, of course not. I'm just saying it's possible.
<Fritz> and yes it must be!
<Fritz> I'm so happy for them though, however they've done it :)
<Raveni> Forgive my ignorance. Is that... common? I'm afraid I've not heard of that kind of... um... arrangement?
<Fritz> which sort?
* Raveni is trying very hard to not blush intensely as his brain to mouth filter seems to be malfunctioning
<Raveni> Well... I guess unless one of them is... like me, but in the opposite sense?
<Raveni> I've not encountered two born-male people able to have children that way before
<Fritz> No they're both men... Well Monty has always been a man and I believe Nik has as well? But there's rituals I know some couples avail themselves of but Monty specifically said they didn't take that route'? But they're more common, as much as its common at all.
* Raveni is now *very* red and their spots and tail are definitely showing
<Fritz> so it must involve some other kind of magic and - oh dear, are you alright?
<Raveni> Fine!
* Raveni squeaks
<Norn> Perhaps something else to drink might help?
<Fritz> I *could* ask for details.
<Euphrastus> This is all wonderful news! And yes, drink is greatly needed!
<Fritz> yes we must toast! to their health *and* safety :3
<Mhireen> Here here!
* Fritz will report the last of the wine so that we can all toast
* Molgrin will drink to that
<Firrin> here here
<Macen> to their heath and safety :)
* Norn lifts his glass and takes a drink, but gives Raveni a look to check in.
<Macen> it must be a bit of a relief for you, too?
* Raveni is studiously pretending not to see Norn looking at him
* Firrin gives Macen a curious look
<Fritz> Oh, Yes, some, but mostly I'm very excited to be an uncle!
<Molgrin> And you said your sisters were married recently too? so maybe you'll have other nieces and nephews in the future as well :)
<Fritz> oh yes, I expect so!
<Fritz> No one ever expected Monty to be the first though!
<Fritz> Though I do think Mother has known. They did wait, of course, to be sure?
<Fritz> I understand that's the done thing
* Norn nods.
Fritz talks about his date, and people break into smaller groups
<Fritz> anyway, that's my news :D
<Fritz> thank you all for coming to celebrate with me!
<Fritz> we should avail ourselves of some of the other club entertainments, though!
<Norn> What would you suggest?
<Raveni> Yes, what are our options?
<Fritz> well there are cards, and billiards?
<Fritz> there is a library as well, and of course plenty of space for conversation
<Molgrin> I think I saw some people playing other games as well, darts and maybe dice as well?
<Fritz> oh yes, any kind of games I would imagine!
<Euphrastus> I would be very happy to take anyone's money who would care to stake it.
<Fritz> that's the spirit :D
<Mhireen> Oh, I'm in for darts.
<Norn> (to Euphrastus) Does you 'mark help at cards? o.O
<Macen> >:)
<Molgrin> Is it considered polite to simply join in with other people in a game?
<Macen> I'd play darts... or billards...
<Euphrastus> Not at all. If you let me touch your cards, I suppose, it might.
<Fritz> I believe so? you can ask if there is an open seat
<Norn> Surely we've enough to make a table.
<Norn> Should we desire.
<Macen> Oh Fritz I am meant to tell you that Saiya is Very Cross at being excluded from your party, and that you will have to make it up to her, somehow
<Fritz> oh dear - is she really cross?
* Fritz seems distressed
<Macen> Your cousin is over there for a house party tonight, and we're all kicked out of the house so - ask her?
<Macen> But I think she' just angling for another date
* Mhireen laughs.
* Macen looks at Mhireen for his opinion
<Mhireen> Yeah, I'm sure she's fine, but she's going to tell *you* you need to make it up to her. :)
* Fritz blushes
<Molgrin> *another* date? :D
* Fritz blushes more
<Raveni> Oh? Do tell, Fritz.
<Molgrin> well it seems like you have some other news you hadn't mentioned! :)
* Euphrastus laughs.
<Fritz> we went to see a performance
* Fritz says, very red
<Fritz> it was very nice
<Mhireen> What performance was that again?
<Fritz> Temptations in the Depths
* Fritz says, even more red
<Firrin> ahhhh....
<Firrin> I've heard of that one
<Euphrastus> Oh my! How ... interesting.
<Norn> I'm missing the reference...
<Fritz> yes it was very interesting
<Fritz> there are some, well, more... mature... aspects of the performance....
<Macen> As long as everyone had a good time
<Molgrin> It's somewhat ... risque?
<Raveni> ohhhh it's *that* kind of show
<Fritz> very... interesting dancing..
* Fritz has flushed so hard he's come right around to pale
* Norn chuckles.
<Norn> Ah, now I understand.
<Euphrastus> So, whose idea was it to go?
<Macen> pfft, guess
<Euphrastus> Well, it's not for me to say or judge.
<Fritz> it was her suggestion, I'm just... not very knowledgeable about such things....
<Molgrin> I'm glad you had a good time :)
<Norn> ...Would you say you're more knowledgeable now? >.>
* Mhireen snort laughs.
<Fritz> well. I can recommend one performance only -_-
<Raveni> knowledgeable about which things?
* Molgrin clears his throat
<Molgrin> Well, I won't ask a gentleman to kiss and tell :) assuming there was any kissing involved at all, of course, which there might not have been!
<Mhireen> I think perhaps I hear that dartboard calling...
<Molgrin> I think I might go try my luck at cards. Will anyone care to join me?
<Euphrastus> Absolutely!
<Raveni> I wouldn't mind trying my hand at darts
<Molgrin> Excellent :)
<Firrin> well, if you are looking for somewhere else ... educational, in the same vein, and are willing to venture a bit downslope, there are regular performances at the Cherry Blossom Tavern in Upslope....
<Firrin> a bit less of a formal setting though...
<Fritz> oh, hmm, Upslope.... Thank you! I will look into that.
<Firrin> just, ahh, I suspect the Watersday performances would *not* be to your tastes
<Firrin> but the other performances should be suitable :)
* Molgrin can't help but perk up his ears a little at that, but will go with Euphrastus (and anyone else who wants to join!) to the card tables
<Firrin> But I think I might go join the card party :)
<Fritz> of course! please do!
* Norn waffles, but will ultimately go with Mol and company.
<Saiya> (do we want to split the party here and some people go in room 2?)
* Macen will stay and hang out with fritz
Raveni asks Mhireen some questions about same sex couples in the nobility
* Mhireen will head towards the dartboards.
* Raveni follows Mhireen towards the dart boards but casts a somewhat regretful look at the cards group
<Mhireen> I wouldn't take it as an insult if you decided you wanted to join them instead.
* Raveni flushes
<Mhireen> Though I did want to say, since you seemed interested before, one of Macen's and my sisters is biologically from our dads.
<Mhireen> Our mother carried her to term, but they did a ritual so she's theirs.
<Raveni> Oh? I've never really heard of that being possible before today
<Mhireen> Yeah, I think we tend to take it for granted, but it's both expensive and somewhat rare.
<Mhireen> One of our dads and our shared mom are both noble, and both our dads were adventurers, so they kind of had it to spare.
<Raveni> I'm assuming it takes a certain amount of magical ability too, then?
* Mhireen nods.
<Mhireen> Usually some church hierarch or another is necessary.
<Mhireen> My dad-you met him at the zoo-he's one of Sehanine's clergy, and they have a few who can do it.
<Mhireen> I think I heard some of Yondalla's faithful can as well.
<Mhireen> A few others here and there.
<Raveni> It certainly is something to consider...
<Mhireen> I take it you have some family pressure to produce a 'trueborn heir'?
<Raveni> Unfortunately, yes. My grandfather went so far as to find me after his sons, including my father, had both passed. My father had been disinherited before his death for marrying my mother, but as I'm apparently the last of his direct line he chose to overlook it.
* Mhireen winces.
<Raveni> He's a little... intense, shall we say
<Mhireen> Yeah, I think Mace gets some of that pressure from his mom.
<Mhireen> I don't envy you.
<Mhireen> Luckily, Saiya and I get to mostly avoid that whole issue.
<Mhireen> Macen and our other siblings...it's at least a concern for the broader family, if not our parents exactly.
<Raveni> It's to his great displeasure that I'm not particularly interested in women, but this has given me some hope of not being trapped in a purely political match. Thank you for telling me more about it.
* Raveni almost unconsciously glances over his shoulder at the card table
* Mhireen will follow Raveni's gaze.
<Mhireen> Did you...have someone in mind, maybe?
* Raveni 's tail flicks and his cheeks darken in embarrassment of being caught looking
<Raveni> P-perhaps
<Raveni> I may have just been imagining things...
* Mhireen smirks.
<Mhireen> My father would say that love, in whatever form, is worth exploring, though there's never any guarantee it will be easy.
<Mhireen> Sehanine's blessing can be mixed, and she can have a...strange sense of humor.
* Raveni glances at Molgrin and Firrin at that remark
<Raveni> You can say that again.
<Raveni> Sometimes I just wish things could be easy
<Mhireen> Sorry to say, that's unlikely if you plan to stick with the nobility.
* Raveni laughs
<Raveni> You're probably right
<Mhireen> Though it has its perks.
* Mhireen takes an appreciative sip of his drink.
* Raveni cheers with his cup and takes another drink
<Raveni> Perhaps you can assist me with something else that's been on my mind. If I *were
* interested in courting someone, what's the most correct way to express my interest to the other party? With my grandfather breathing down my neck I'm wary of making an unintentional faux pas
<Mhireen> Oh, that's a good question. I mean, to some degree it depends on the person.
<Mhireen> But I think, in general, among society, maybe invite them on an individual outing? Like my sister did with Fritz?
<Mhireen> Though not necessarily an outing like that.
<Raveni> I suspect I could not make it through an event like the one he described without combusting into flames in front of someone I am pursuing romantically, especially not on the first outing
* Raveni says, blushing
<Mhireen> Something simple, like a picnic or a carriage ride?
<Raveni> Oh, that could work. Thank you for the suggestion!
<Mhireen> Happy to help.
<Mhireen> And, hey, in general, I know what it's like to be an outsider to a lot of this. If you ever need to talk about anything, I'd be happy to listen.
<Mhireen> I wasn't born to all of this, and my dad still thinks a lot of it is dumb or useless. :)
<Raveni> That means a lot to me, Mhireen. I'll be sure to take you up on that at some point
* Mhireen smiles, and will happily play some more darts.
* Raveni is glad to play darts with his new friend
Euphrastus, Mol, and Firrin find a group to play cards - Mol wins some land :o
* Euphrastus sits down, apparently in a chair that meets his discerning eye.
<Molgrin> (oh and Firrin, if you're with us :)
* Firrin can really only afford to lose one hand, but will try his best
* Molgrin plays pretty well, mostly by setting people at ease and seeming unassuming and a bit naive, which prompts them into overconfidence.
* Fritz has a pretty good poker face but its :)
* Molgrin winds up, on one hand, getting the gentleman he's playing against to bid higher (perhaps aided by the influence of alcohol and/or Mol's dragonmark?) until he winds up putting into the pot not additional funds but a piece of paper, which he claims is the deed to some property.
* Euphrastus looks on, intrigued.
* Norn raises an eyebrow at that.
* Molgrin is nervous but stays the course and eventually takes the pot, and the paper, to the other man's annoyance.
<Molgrin> (I assume he probably flounces at that point and leaves us be)
* Molgrin takes the piece of paper and peers at it curiously.
<Molgrin> Is this really what it seems like?
* Fritz has been out since the second round of this game but was watching with great interest
<Fritz> (ww)
<Firrin> has been out since the second round of this game but was watching with great interest
<Firrin> what does it say, Mol?
<Molgrin> Well, it looks like a deed to some land holding. Someplace called 'Simmerwater'. I have no idea where that is.
<Euphrastus> Fascinating!
* Molgrin holds it over to the others to let them look at it, since it's a lot of legalese
<Fritz> that looks like an authentic seal...
<Euphrastus> It ... looks legitimate.
<Fritz> (ww)
<Firrin> that looks like an authentic seal, yes
<Norn> Simmerwater? Is it a full estate?
<Firrin> its just the property,,, right?
* Firrin reads it more closely
<Molgrin> I guess so? It doesn't really seem to say anything about an estate or similar. just the land holding?
<Molgrin> but I'm not an expert on such things.
<Firrin> Show it to Dovah Aeilndar
<Firrin> he;'ll know
<Molgrin> oh, that's a good idea
<Molgrin> I didn't really think he would put something like that in...
<Molgrin> I thought maybe a ring or a watch or something once he ran out of cash, not ... this :o
<Molgrin> why would someone just be carrying this around anyway? ;p
<Molgrin> Euphrastus, can you get anything off of it? I mean I don't know what you would, but... it feels strange.
<Euphrastus> I mean ... I can try.
<Euphrastus> It's a deed ... so if there were emotions that he attached to the place, it's possible.
<Molgrin> (I feel like the emotions here are probably like... hm, I'm guessing, but like ... relief to get rid of it or something like that? like he used to want it but now is just like 'get it off my hands')
<Euphrastus> (yeah, makes sense)
<Euphrastus> It's ... well, it's a place that did have some attachment to him, at least once. But now ... he's mainly glad to be rid of whatever connection that it had. Or ... it's complicated, surely.
<Molgrin> Hm.. how odd.
<Euphrastus> Like, however he came into this land, he doesn't want that association anymore?
<Molgrin> Well, thank you... that's curious indeed!
<Firrin> what do you think you'll do with it?
<Euphrastus> Congratulations, Lord of Simmerwater!
* Molgrin looks surprised and gives a laugh at that.
<Norn> Yes, congratulations.
<Molgrin> I'll ask Dovah Aelindar more about it, as you suggested. Perhaps if it really is what it appears, I could go and see it in person. Maybe it is worth something, after all?
<Norn> Will we need to call you Simmerwater now? :)
<Molgrin> I don't think that's necessary!
* Molgrin says with a blush
<Molgrin> Owning some land - if I even do own it - is hardly the same as being a lord, is it not?
<Euphrastus> Well, I was teasing, a bit. It is still a very nice prize!
<Molgrin> The money is probably more useful, but it's interesting at any rate...
<Molgrin> but since I did win, the next round of drinks are on me :)
* Molgrin says, scooping up his winnings and tucking the deed into his pocket for later consideration.
<Molgrin> Maybe I should switch to another pastime, in any case - people might get annoyed if I take too much money off them ;p
<Molgrin> perhaps billiards?
<Euphrastus> As long as you're buying drinks, I assure you very few people will be annoyed. But sure!
* Molgrin chuckles and will get another bottle for the group
Firrin asks Mol for a private word as the billiards game breaks up
* Firrin will wait until we've finished a game and folks are maybe breakign (ha ha) for refreshments or discussing what to do next
* Firrin will sidle over to Mol
* Molgrin has taken his coat off for billiards purposes and is in his waistcoat and shirtsleeves (rolled up slightly).
<Molgrin> oh, hello!
* Molgrin says, turning towards you
<Firrin> Mol... do you think, ahh, could I have a word, perhaps, in private...?
<Molgrin> Certainly! Where is, uh, private around here?
<Firrin> i beleieve there is a side room, just on the right a door past thr card room..
* Firrin says, not that eh scoped this out earlier (he scoper this out earlier)
* Firrin is still holdng his cue, even though the game has broken up for the moment
<Molgrin> All right, sounds good!
* Nemnosti-GM (~Forthrigh@d24-57-67-2.home.cgocable.net) has joined #awrr
* Molgrin remembers to grab his coat off the chair where he laid it down and will follow you to the other room
* Molgrin is just a little bit nervous because he isn't sure what this is about...
* Firrin just about remembers to return the cute to the rack, and will lead you onwards
<Firrin> (cue, >.>)
<Firrin> ah, right.
* Firrin gives the door a quiet tap to make sure it is unoccupied, and then holds it open for you
* Firrin has also shed his coat, but apparenlty forgot it down the hall...
* Molgrin enters the room, a small sitting room with a handful of chairs and a circular table, as well as some little decorative touches like paintings on the walls and a bookshelf with a few leather-bound volumes.
<Molgrin> Oh, this is quiet compared to the rest of the club!
* Firrin smiles and will close the door behind us
<Firrin> its a rowdy time of night...
* Molgrin nods
<Firrin> ahh, anyway....
* Molgrin waits expectantly
<Firrin> well. I just... I wanted to let you know that ... I spoke with paiza...
<Firrin> well, she spoke with me.
<Molgrin> oh?
<Molgrin> is everything all right?
* Molgrin asks, concerned
<Firrin> She... clairified some matters
<Firrin> I think so?
<Firrin> I hope so
* Molgrin nods, listening
<Firrin> about her... expectations and... she said she had spoken to you as well?
<Molgrin> She did, yes.
* Firrin just looks at you for a long minute, not really knowing how to go about this
<Firrin> She is so kind, and we get on extremely well
<Molgrin> She was very kind.... She said she would try to, uh, allay your concerns.
* Molgrin says cautiously
<Firrin> I'm so grateful for all of her grace and understanding
<Firrin> She has.... at leasyt, I am not concerned that... that she bwill be hurt, if, well...
<Firrin> she accepts my inclinations, and is happy to let me indulge them, I suppose, in the pursuit of happiness
* Molgrin nods, smiling a little shyly
<Molgrin> She said something similar to me, although I wasn't sure what you would think of such an affair. I mean... not an affair, exactly! But what you would think of ... that.
* Firrin has to look away for a moment
<Firrin> ...I can think of nothing else.
<Molgrin> ...oh.
<Molgrin> I have been anxiously hoping for that...
* Firrin risks a glance back at mol, feelign like his facde is burning
* Molgrin looks hopeful and open to whatever might follow
<Molgrin> Firrin... can I kiss you?
* Molgrin asks nervously
<Firrin> oh... please @_@
* Molgrin takes a step closer and wraps his arms around you, kissing you gently
* Firrin kisses back, trying to match your gentleness, but its ....difficult
<Firrin> Mol...
<Molgrin> hm, yes?
* Molgrin asks, drawing back just enough to talk
<Firrin> I'm... I'm still afraid
<Firrin> I don't know how to.... conduct something like this
<Firrin> But... I want it, so very much.
<Molgrin> Neither do I exactly. But Lady Paiza... I mean, Paiza.. is not going to make things difficult, and surely it is her opinion that matters most of all, when it comes to .. society, and so forth?
<Molgrin> We can figure it out.
<Molgrin> And.... well.
* Molgrin hesitates for a moment, thinking something through.
<Firrin> hmm?
* Firrin just leans against you
<Molgrin> I think that because we are both men, that it might be ... easier in some fashion? No one needs to chaperone us if we wish to spend time together. I could invite you to Dovah Aelindar's house and we could... have privacy there. He wouldn't object or say anything about it, I'm quite certain.
<Molgrin> For the... the immediate purposes, perhaps .... there's a lock on the door?
* Molgrin says, glancing around you to check
* Firrin will break away to go and check more carefully
* Firrin will go lock that door, then
* Molgrin follows you and will press you up against it for a more vigorous kiss once it's locked
* Firrin can easily reciprocate *that*, and will proceed to demonstrating some of the things rthat have been playing through his head all evening
* Molgrin is enthusiastically willing to participate in that demonstration
