AWRR Chapter 10

AWRR Chapter logs Previous Chapter Next

Summary

Session date: 2026-01-14

In Game date:

Session

UNPROCESSED

* Nary is now known as Saiya
* Ifa (uid133455@id-133455.uxbridge.irccloud.com) has joined #awrr
* Ifa is now known as Galatea
* Zari (~Zari@98.97.165.69) has joined #awrr
* Zari is now known as Trev
* Euphrastus (~Euphrastu@d24-57-67-2.home.cgocable.net) has joined #awrr
* Firrin will knock on Mol's door
<Molgrin> come in!
* Firrin slips inside
<Molgrin> this place is so great :D
* Firrin gives a little huff of a sigh, but nods
<Molgrin> oh, um... how are you doing?
<Firrin> oh, I'm just...
<Firrin> everything is so much @_@
* Molgrin nods
<Firrin> so fancy, so many guests...
<Firrin> I still feel liek any moment someone is going to come up and tell me it's all a mistake
<Firrin> but, at least the staff have been very patient with Mother. I think is really is feeling better, beeing here
* Molgrin takes your hand.
<Molgrin> We only have to get through the next few days and then it will be all over and you'll be able to finally relax.
<Firrin> will it be over?
<Firrin> won't it just.... be sgtarting?
<Molgrin> well... the wedding will be, anyway. the rest is less... I don't know. less public?
* Firrin nods
<Firrin> I think I will feel... well. I don't know how I'll feel, I suppose
<Molgrin> Are you feeling nervous about the wedding, or more about the people and how fancy it is and all that?
<Firrin> but Paiza *wants
* to marry me and that's all that matters, right?
<Firrin> oh... all of it, Mol
<Molgrin> well I don't think anyone can stop her. So even if, I don't know, someone in her family or your family or whoever made a fuss at this point, it's too late to stop it.
<Molgrin> and she does want to marry you.
* Firrin nods
<Firrin> And I want to marry her.
* Firrin reaches out for Mol
<Molgrin> It'll be okay.
<Firrin> I'm so glad you're here
<Molgrin> of course I am. I mean... where else would I be?
* Molgrin asks with a bit of a smile
<Firrin> I don't even want to think about that
<Molgrin> it's not like I would miss your wedding :)
<Firrin> I don't know
<Firrin> some people might think it was too much to ask....
<Molgrin> those people don't know me
* Firrin nods against you
<Firrin> help me relax?
<Molgrin> so whatever they think doesn't matter
<Molgrin> oh, ok :)
<Molgrin> I know there's all the pools and stuff outside but they have some nice things indoors too. massages and stuff like that?
<Molgrin> or did you mean, just stay here in my room and relax :)
<Firrin> mmm... maybe that one.
<Firrin> unless you want to go explore.....
<Molgrin> we can explore after
<Firrin> okay. Good.
* Firrin will Get Relaxed with Mol ;)
<Molgrin> but I do want to go look for what kind of bugs and plants and things live around these pools... but later. maybe tonight when it's getting dark, that might be a good time....
* Molgrin will allow himself to be not distracted by the prospect of interesting bugs ;)
* Norn (~joshu@2605:59c0:58f0:8108:6106:de3d:564a:82cb) has joined #awrr
* Galatea will have made her way to one of the warm pools to test the water.
* Raveni is already there, basking in the warmth with their eyes closed
* Saiya is now known as Nik
<Galatea> Oh! Hello, Raveni. I'm not intruding, am I?
* Raveni keeps their eyes closed as they reply
<Raveni> Not at all!
<Galatea> How is the water?
<Raveni> Gorgeous.
<Raveni> I've never been to a hot spring before but I might never leave.
* Galatea laughs.
<Galatea> That's a ringing endorsement. I've never been, either.
* Galatea heads over to the set of steps into the water, slowly walking into the pool in her dark blue bathing dress.
<Galatea> Oh, it is nice...I'm glad we've tested these in water before.
* Lan-PC is now known as Kitty_O
* Raveni opens their eyes to see what she's talking about.
<Raveni> Oh! You have clothing just for swimming?
<Galatea> Oh, I meant the prostheses, but, yes, I do. I know it's not exactly in fashion *here*, but...
* Galatea rotates the joints of her hand nervously.
<Raveni> Ah, that makes more sense, I can see why you'd be concerned. I do love your dress though, it's a beautiful colour.
* Galatea smiles.
<Galatea> I would return a compliment, but that might seem untoward. ;)
* Raveni laughs.
<Galatea> This is certainly warmer than home. And Highmark right now. It's nice.
<Raveni> I'm a cat, I'm always a fan of warmth.
<Raveni> Highmark is chilly a little too often for my tastes.
<Galatea> Mythragal is usually pretty high up, so I'm used to the cold, but I could get used to this, too.
<Galatea> Did you come by airship or ride in from Thantopolis?
<Raveni> I rode in, I'm afraid airships and I don't get along.
<Raveni> You?
<Galatea> Airship. We sailed one of the smaller ones down for the occasion. It's quite the view.
<Raveni> I wish I could get the view without the accompanying nausea, it really was extraordinary the last time I was on one.
<Galatea> Oh, you should talk to Curiate Amathalis. I'm sure they have something good for nausea here.
<Raveni> I might just do that, thank you.
* Nik will approach the pool with his much smaller companions
<Nik> hello! I hope we're not bothering your peace and quiet :)
<Galatea> (Do you think we've met Nik by this point?)
<Kitty_O> oooh hello everyone!
<Nik> (some people met Nik because they were at Fritz's house when he got there, but I forget who all that was. but if this is after people have been there a day or two, it would make sense they have met him :)
* Kitty_O waves and will slip into the warm water with a sigh
<Kitty_O> that' *much
* better. Why did hyou have to remind me of my back, Trev :V
* Nik will also de-robe and get into the pool
<Raveni> Hello! You're Kitty, right? I don't believe we've actually been formally introduced yet.
* Raveni squints at her suddenly.
<Raveni> Hang on, you were at the museum recently with Trev, weren't you?
<Trev> Oh yes, Kitty is my bestest friend in the whole entire world
<Trev> but don't let that put you off her ;)
<Firrin> yes!
<Firrin> (ww)
<Kitty_O> I am too good for him really >:)
<Raveni> Thanks for dragging Trev away before he could out us to the curator.
* Kitty_O giggles
* Raveni says with a blush.
<Kitty_O> oh I *thought
* you looked familiar?
<Galatea> Out you?
<Kitty_O> Where's that mountain of a man you were with? is he here?
<Raveni> He's here somewhere, I haven't seen him yet today.
<Kitty_O> anyway I don't thik the curator would care about *that
* unless you were doign it *in
* the exhibits :V
<Kitty_O> or with them I suppose....
<Raveni> His name is Norn, I'm Raveni--
<Trev> Wait, is THAT what was happening?
<Raveni> NO.
<Raveni> We weren't being *that
* naughty.
<Galatea> Wait, *what
* were you doing *where*?
* Raveni facepalms.
* Nik is just listening to this entire conversation with delighted curiosity
* Euphrastus wanders in, just absolutely naked except for his monocle and cane.
<Trev> Ha! That's the spirit, old chap
* Kitty_O giggles
<Raveni> Norn and I were, um. Getting a little carried away in the museum a few days ago. *Not
* to the extent that Kitty is implying, though.
<Kitty_O> Oh Hello :o
<Trev> You know what, don't mind if I do
* Trev begins undressing for the pool
<Euphrastus> Hello everyone!
<Euphrastus> You know, there was a theory once, I forget the author, that while cyclopes only have one eye, they were gifted by the gods with two cocks to compensate.
<Euphrastus> It would be a devil of a thing for tailoring, were it so.
* Galatea blushes fiercely and looks away.
* Raveni can't resist checking if he does or not and looks mildly disappointed.
<Nik> Are you sure that was a theory and not a romance novel? :D
* Euphrastus laughs.
<Trev> I'd imagine it would make the tailoring *easier
* -- just put one to either side
<Kitty_O> I mean it may as *well
* bw two form whwre I'm sitting!
<Euphrastus> Well, I am considered small among my people ... in height, that is.
* Kitty_O giggles
<Raveni> It certainly would be a way to make an entrance in a place like this.
* Kitty_O also giggles at 'entrance'
* Raveni grins at her.
<Kitty_O> so Nik why *are
* you here? Tell me you didn't miss *my
* wedding but came all the way hoem for this one? Do you even know the parties?
* Trev harrumphs quietly to himself at not being the center of attention
<Kitty_O> I suppose lady paiza *is
* Thantopolitcan but even so
* Kitty_O pouts
<Galatea> You're assuming they would be side by side.
<Galatea> They could be vertically aligned.
* Kitty_O pats Trev's hand and then grins in delight at galatea and laughs again
<Raveni> Wouldn't that just make one really long one then?
<Kitty_O> one on each side
<Kitty_O> like a tail ^-^
<Nik> My family and the bride's are well-acquainted, for many centuries. I'm sorry I didn't make it for your wedding though! Lamont made me come home for a bit.
<Kitty_O> made you! The nerve!
<Galatea> I thought it was a safety thing?
* Trev looks thoughtful
<Galatea> You coming home, not, um, cyclops'...
<Trev> Vertically aligned *would
* have some significant advantages
* Raveni snorts.
<Nik> He was worried the situation was too unstable, and then my parents were worried about my 'condition' and wanted to make sure everything was all right, so it seemed easier to just go along with it. I'm sure once things settle down I'll go back.
<Galatea> Is it likely to anytime soon?
* Nik shrugs
<Kitty_O> well i'm sorry Nik, I don't like it.
<Nik> either it will, or Lamont will miss me too much ;)
<Galatea> I'm sure it's just temporary.
* Galatea does not sound at all convinced of that.
<Nik> he can't insist I stay here forever
* Nik says stubbornly
<Kitty_O> he shuldn't be teling you want to do at all!
<Kitty_O> and, well, youb look lovely, darlong but even so!
<Trev> blink twice if you need us to break you out, eh?
<Kitty_O> what *is
* this?
<Nik> well he has the excuse that it's about the baby... and I do understand that but...
<Kitty_O> but?
* Raveni stares at Nik, eyes wide at the realization.
<Nik> but I don't like it :p
<Kitty_O> well there we go.
<Trev> Well, who would?
<Kitty_O> *Obviously
* I'm delighted to see you, but don'e let him *os
* hyour parents push you around!
<Kitty_O> Just because you're pregnant, please
<Nik> I think if it's dangerous for me it has to be dangerous for him too :/
<Kitty_O> ugh
<Kitty_O> That's all very.... sentinel of him, isn't it
* Nik nods
<Kitty_O> it's always so strnage to think of *you
* with somone so stuffy :V
* Nik giggles
<Kitty_O> an doens't even read anythign fun :V
<Nik> He's not really *that
* stuffy
<Kitty_O> oh no?
* Nik considers saying something else but also Galatea is there so it might be awkward ;)
<Nik> Not when we're alone.
<Kitty_O> pfft
* Kitty_O waves dismissively
<Kitty_O> so he's a caoward then :V
<Galatea> Monty's not a coward!
* Galatea looks stricken that she spoke up so loudly.
<Nik> He's really not.
* Nik agrees
* Trev slips into the water while folks's attention is elsewhere
<Galatea> He's...been through a lot.
<Nik> If anything I wish he was a bit less brave sometimes ;p
* Galatea says quietly.
* Nik nods
* Euphrastus dips his toe in the water very daintily.
* Euphrastus seems a little unsure.
<Kitty_O> ¬.¬
<Kitty_O> well. he *shoud
* treat you better, regardless.
<Nik> Kitty I promise - I'll tell you more later on, but I really am happy with him. Even if we disagreed about this, it's not the end of the world.
<Kitty_O> all right, Nik, I will hold hyou to that talk. But you *do
* look radiant
* Nik smiles
<Galatea> I concur.
<Norn> Not a swimmer, Euphrastus?
<Euphrastus> Is the water all right?
<Kitty_O> oh its *beautiful*
<Raveni> It’s beautiful!
* Kitty_O shimmies her shoulders
<Euphrastus> When I was a child, we never had anything like this.
<Nik> I'm looking forward to being a ... a father? I don't know what to think of it all yet, but I'm looking forward to it :3
* Norn will have approached quietly.
* Raveni laughs at the accidental echo
* Kitty_O grins at them again
<Galatea> It really is quite nice.
<Trev> It's hot and full of, you know, healthful minerals and suchlike
<Kitty_O> and beautiful poeple :D
<Trev> Well, I do try
<Norn> I couldn't agree more.
* Trev bats his lashes coquettishly
* Norn smiles over at Raveni.
<Kitty_O> which *I
* say is also very healthful ^-^
<Norn> How deep is it?
<Kitty_O> depends!
<Kitty_O> over here, not so deep - I'm sitting :3
<Galatea> It's stepped. I think the middle is fairly deep?
* Euphrastus steps in all the way up to mid-ankle.
* Kitty_O is submerged up to her shoulders
<Nik> so are people here mostly friends with the groom? or how do you all know the happy couple? :)
<Euphrastus> Well, that first step is not too bad.
<Norn> Not so much for diving, then. Alas. :)
* Raveni smiles back at Norn a little shyly
<Kitty_O> I on'r know if any of the pools are *that
* deep
<Norn> Pity. They still seem nice, though.
<Kitty_O> and I don't actaully know either of them, I'm Trev's guest
* Raveni is lounging on a shelf built into the pool, water up to their neck.
<Kitty_O> since I'm respectable married woman now. it leave him free to play around ^-^
<Trev> I can manage just fine without a chaperone!
<Trev> ... and even better than fine when my chaperone is you, Kitty dear
<Kitty_O> >:D
<Norn> We've all sort of bonded over this season...and mortal peril, of course.
<Nik> well I hope there's no mortal peril here! ... this time....
* Galatea frowns at that.
<Norn> This time?
<Nik> oh it's just, uh... nothing to worry about I'm sure, but the last time I was here with a big group of friends, there was a tiny little ... incident...
<Raveni> We'll tell you our tale of mortal peril if you tell us yours?
* Euphrastus laughs.
<Euphrastus> All right, you've reminded me that there are more dangerous things than a little hot water.
<Kitty_O> ugh I can't believe you haven't heard, it wasn't so long ago!
* Euphrastus steps into the pool.
<Nik> they've put in extra security measures since then >.>
<Raveni> Come on, what happened?
<Raveni> You can't just tease us like this!
<Nik> Oh, there were some demons >.> just like. a few.
<Trev> Ah, demons, of course. And all we had to contend with were a few mindless zombies!
<Raveni> I think there were sufficient numbers of zombies to officially qualify as "a lot", actually
<Kitty_O> ugh it was awful
<Galatea> It seemed like quite a lot, definitely.
<Norn> But we managed well enough, I think.
<Kitty_O> they managed here too with the demons, but really
<Kitty_O> actually the worst part was the company
<Trev> Nobody died, all limbs intact that started that way, nothing more you can really ask for, what?
<Norn> (to Kitty) How so?
<Kitty_O> I got stuck hiding in an pooutbuilding with the most obnoxious man ever born
<Kitty_O> (outbuilding)
<Raveni> (to Norn, with an eyebrow waggle) We managed admirably well, I'd say
<Kitty_O> I'm glad none of you were hurt!
<Nik> Yes, definitely :o
* Norn grins at Raveni's comment.
<Galatea> (to Kitty) Who was it?
* Raveni pats the seat beside him and gestures to Norn to join him
<Kitty_O> Prince of Aethrennar! That whole state is *doomed*
<Kitty_O> awful man
* Norn will come sit by Raveni.
<Galatea> You were trapped with Calar Brescia?
* Kitty_O makes a face
<Kitty_O> You knwo the stories might make you thkng getting stuck with a pince could be quite a pleasanr experience, but let me tell you!
<Kitty_O> No!
* Kitty_O nods to Galatea though
<Trev> Princes in the novels are always *much
* better, I've found
<Kitty_O> I think he took greater offence at being trapped with a mere lady than being attacked by demonds :p
<Kitty_O> absolutely
<Norn> What other princes do you know, Trev?
* Kitty_O says to Trev
<Galatea> What? He sounds awful!
<Kitty_O> and when I mentioned his couisn, who is *lovely*, he was even worse!
<Kitty_O> trash that whole branch of the house I say and make Coifare prince :V
<Kitty_O> or.... whatever the leid euivalent of a prince is
<Nik> Coifare would probably hate that....
<Kitty_O> hmm, that's true
<Kitty_O> I woudln't do that to them
<Trev> (to Norn) Absolutely none, but I've read scads of novels, and there's just no way they could compare
<Kitty_O> who elese even *has
* real princes?
<Norn> There's some in Morro, I think
<Norn> ?
<Kitty_O> hmmmm
<Kitty_O> on which side?
<Norn> Oh, not in our current conflict, I don't think. But the kimbari have princes, don't they?
<Norn> And doesn't Ahkas have equivalents in some of the cities?
* Kitty_O looks at Nik to confirm that one
<Nik> I guess so, equivalents anyway?
<Kitty_O> well. send *him
* over there :p
<Norn> Like an exchange program? ;)
<Kitty_O> only if their princes *are
* liek the ones in the books ;)
<Nik> I think the situation is unsteady enough without inflicting that on them ;)
* Galatea is now known as Paiza
<Raveni> You never know, they all might get along if you forced them into each other's shoes for a while.
<Norn> Gods know other solutions haven't worked.
<Nik> Sort of like being forced into a poolhouse by demons?
<Kitty_O> well *that
* didn't work!
<Kitty_O> I thuvht the issue was that everyone wanted to be in Yeshual's shoes though
<Norn> I don't know. I'm pretty happy right here in this pool. :)
* Nik smiles at that
* Norn leans into Raveni for a moment.
* Raveni puts his chin on Norn's shoulder and smiles softly at him.
<Kitty_O> ^-^
<Raveni> 3
<Raveni> ww
<Norn> Where's the happy couple, by the way? I feel like I haven't seen them since we arrived.
<Norn> I imagine they're fairly busy, though, of course.
<Kitty_O> oooh, sneaking off somewhere private maybe? ^-^
<Nik> There's plenty of options if they do want somewhere private :)
<Raveni> Oh?
* Raveni is trying to look innocent.
* Norn smirks and glances at Raveni, not trying too hard to look innocent himself.
<Nik> Well, let's say I know lots of locations around the grounds where someone could have a quiet interlude if they wished :)
* Euphrastus laughs.
<Trev> What if one wanted a rather loud interlude?
<Euphrastus> One imagines the staff here have stories to tell.
* Nik chuckles
<Nik> They are very discreet, of course.
<Euphrastus> It would be bad for tourism if they were not, I'm sure.
<Nik> Indeed
<Norn> Good for broadsheet sales, though, I imagine.
<Kitty_O> that would be mor of a short term investment I imagine!
<Raveni> I suppose it depends how juicy the gossip is.
<Norn> What would compare to these hot springs?
* Raveni whispers something *extremely
* suggestive in Norn's ear.
* Euphrastus is now known as Kosiru
* Norn coughs.
<Norn> Ahem. I take your point.
* Kitty_O giggles at the shade that Norn has turned
* Norn can't help grinning.
* Raveni is grinning smugly

<Kitty_O> Niiiiiik!
<Kitty_O> I ahve MISSSED YOU SO MUCH!
<Kitty_O> TREEEEEEV come over here!
* Nik will give Kitty a big hug
<Nik> Kitty! Guess whaaaaat!! :D
<Kitty_O> ummm....
<Kitty_O> my tits are nicer?
<Trev> Coooooming!
<Kitty_O> >:D
<Nik> probably! but that wasn't it :D
<Trev> Ooh, what's this about tits?
<Kitty_O> well, what!
<Trev> I heard someone mention tits
<Kitty_O> I was Asdmiring Nik's, he...???
<Kitty_O> Didn't have them last time I saw him
<Kitty_O> is it still he?
<Kitty_O> or is this...
* Kitty_O gestures at him
<Kitty_O> I mean I *hope
* it's all voluntary ant that man of yours ddn't make you :x
<Nik> still he, just temporarily providing guest accomodations :D
<Kitty_O> oooh!
* Nik points to his general stomach area
<Trev> Oh, congratulations!
* Kitty_O 's stomach area is actaully quite large at this point
<Kitty_O> :D
<Nik> you too? :D
<Trev> I imagine you'd both like some water time, then? All I know of pregnancy is it's absolute murder on one's back
<Kitty_O> oh it *is*, the worst, this is yhr *best
* timing for a spa trip
<Nik> definitely
<Kitty_O> I'm reaquainting myself with all the masseurs.
* Nik is not really very visible yet except that he's so thin so probably he just looks like he swallowed a grapefruit or something ;)
* Kitty_O grabs her tits
<Kitty_O> well Mine have gotten bigger so there's hope for you yet ;)
* Nik laughs
<Kitty_O> annnyway, Nik, theis is trev marceador, he's a good friend :3
* Trev bows
<Nik> It's a pleasure to meet you, welcome to my humble abode :)
<Kitty_O> trev, this is ~Lord evenor, Nikession Amathaliis.... or is it Allard?
<Kitty_O> and yes he's one of our hosts though it is *techncially
* his father's estate
<Nik> Whichever is fine :)
<Trev> well I definitely appreciate the invitation, you don't get pools like this out in Shom
<Nik> It's definitely something I've missed while I've been away
<Nik> even if I didn't REALLY want to come home, I might as well take advantage of if while I'm here, I figure
<Trev> Which would you recommend for mixed-height groups? I don't mind being up to my neck in water, but I'd prefer not to need a booster seat
<Nik> oh! well, there's a lovely pool that has different depth levels, just this way...
* Nik can guide you to the aforementioned pool
<Kitty_O> oooh yes I remember this one
<Kitty_O> there is a nice little ledge on this side!
<Kitty_O> (Should we join up with the AWRR group?)
<Nik> (sure)
* Firrin (~Firrin@lns5-pool7-088.adsl.user.start.ca) has joined #awrr2

Session Start: Wed Jan 14 22:26:55 2026 Session Ident: #awrr2
* Now talking in #awrr2 Session Close: Wed Jan 14 22:26:58 2026
* Galatea is now known as Paiza
<Kitty_O> (Are we doing this scene?)
* Euphrastus is now known as Kosiru
* Firrin (and Paiza?) are having lunch with Kosiru on the Therma Alba grounds the day before the wedding
* Kosiru has been very awkward since arriving, just kind of standing about, nodding approvingly where it seems appropriate.
<Firrin> Are you settling in well enough, father?
<Kosiru> Hmm? Oh, yes, well enough, I suppose.
<Kosiru> Lovely setting.
<Paiza> It is at that.
* Kosiru nods approvingly.
* Firrin nods
<Firrin> I'm glad
<Kosiru> Are we expecting any stragglers to come late?
<Firrin> I've gone over - rather we've gone over - everything for tomorrow, with the staff
* Kosiru nods.
<Kosiru> The good thing about Therma Alba is they know how to host an event.
<Kosiru> It's not for everyone, of course.
<Firrin> oh?
<Paiza> How do you mean?
<Kosiru> Oh, well, I just mean the country air is lovely, of course.
<Kosiru> It is the right venue for us, and that's all that matters.
<Kosiru> And, of course, the summation tomorrow of a lot of effort, will be all worth it.
* Paiza tries to remain smiling.
<Firrin> are you looking forward to getting back to the city?
* Kosiru considers.
<Kosiru> I am. But more than that, I'm looking forward to some new ventures I've been thinking about.
<Firrin> ...what new ventures?
<Kosiru> Well, I can't say too much, but I'll give you just two words: Real estate.
<Firrin> that's.... good for you, I'm sure
* Firrin looks over to Paiza for support
* Paiza will put her hand on Firrin's.
<Kosiru> Risky, if not done well. But I intend to prevail.
<Firrin> I hope that you've found some ways to leverage your new connections....
* Kosiru smiles.
<Kosiru> You could definitely say that.
<Firrin> that's good.
<Kosiru> And as for the two of you? I'm sure you have some plans in mind.
<Firrin> I, ah... wanted to talk to you about that. and about.... after the wedding
<Firrin> I think.... it will be better for.... this "family".... for us each to , focus on our own paths, atter tomorrow.  :)
<Kosiru> Do you now?
* Kosiru seems intrigued, more than upset.
<Firrin> yes.
<Firrin> I... I appreciate.... everything you've done for me, of course.
<Firrin> But it will have run ts course, won't it?
* Kosiru stares at you, looking over for just half a second at Paiza before returning his gaze.
<Firrin> :)
<Kosiru> If you think that's to everyone's advantage, I can envision a ... very quiet agreement, to simply move forward.
<Paiza> Please elaborate, Mr. Malassar.
<Kosiru> I would never want to do, or say, anything, to interfere with your happiness, Firrin, my boy.
<Kosiru> I'm sure you agree.
* Kosiru stares straight at you.
<Firrin> of....of course.
<Kosiru> There's nothing to prevent all of us from agreeing to a peaceable, *gentle
* future. Amidst other alternatives.
* Paiza smiles, though it does not reach her eyes.
<Firrin> I'm sorry, I don't follow....
<Paiza> Mr. Malassar, I believe your future is secured, if you can manage it. It will not, however, hinge upon any connection to *this
* family.
<Kosiru> Ah, that explains so much.
* Kosiru says, as if he has figured something out at last.
<Kosiru> Lady Paiza, I am honoured by your kindness and your frankness.
<Kosiru> Firrin here has much to learn from you.
<Paiza> Firrin has much to offer anyone capable of learning.
<Kosiru> Your kindness is matched by your cleverness.
<Firrin> Thank you for lunch. We will see you at the ceremony tomorrow.
<Kosiru> Naturally. And thank you for the edifying conversation.
* Firrin will stand and help Paiza out of her chair
* Paiza smiles genuinely to Firrin.
* Firrin will escprt her away from the table
<Firrin> Thank you.... and I'm sorry
<Paiza> *You
* have nothing to apologize for.
* Paiza squeezes his hand.
<Firrin> I can see what he is and, I still can't stand up to it on my own....
<Paiza> You don't have to do anything on your own.
* Firrin squeezes back
<Firrin> I don't want his name
<Paiza> You can have mine if you like.
<Firrin> thank you
* Firrin will try not to just collapse against her for a bit
* Paiza will get him back to his room so he can collapse fully.

Rumor and Scandal

(include only every second chapter)