AWRR2 Chapter 8

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Summary

Session date: 2025-12-03

Euphrastus has a clandestine meeting with Zanne Machel about his recent business with his drow client, and the goings on at Simmerwater. Saiya brings fritz rto meet the family, including Roscoe,and arranges a researrch internship in Shom. Norn and raveni FINALLY go on a freakign date, to the local art gallery, where they makeout until they are interrupted by Kitty and an oblivious Trev. Fritz asks Euphrastus over to ask if he is willing to get involved in the Shom research, which he expresses reserved interest. Then, a surprise - Nik shows up! Norn takes Mol for a followup meeting with Jeremyn, who gives him an assignment ans some dangerous bugs!

Session

Euphrastus has a meeting about some shifty business

<Narrator> About a week after the excitement at Stillwater, Euphrastus will receive a request to meet at Tellard's (the gentleman's club) with a Mr. Westrom Abbott.
* Euphrastus is always one for business, whatever that business may be, so will show up on time, dressed well.
<Narrator> The staff will take you to one of the smaller private rooms, where a remarkably unremarkable human man seems to be waiting.
<Euphrastus> Ahh, Mr. Abbott?
<Narrator> Mr. Tinnane, I take it?
* Narrator is now known as Abbott
<Abbott> Mr. Tinnane, I take it?
* Abbott stands and offer his hand.
<Euphrastus> Quite so.
* Euphrastus shakes the gentleman's hand, and then will sit.
<Abbott> A pleasure to make your acquaintance. You come very highly recommended.
<Euphrastus> I see. If I may ask, by whom?
<Abbott> Ah, well, I'm rather not the person to answer that, actually. I'm something of a middleman in this instance. Your actual meeting should be along shortly. Drink?
<Euphrastus> Certainly, red wine, please.
<Euphrastus> I will admit that I am intrigued at all this. Of course, I can certainly offer your ... employer? colleague? ... discretion, on whatever this matter is.
* Abbott nods and will go pour a glass of wine for Euphrastus.
<Abbott> They wouldn't have arranged this otherwise, I'm sure.
* Abbott hands the glass to Euphrastus, when a knock reverberates from a door that wasn't noticeable the moment prior.
<Abbott> Ah, that'll be my cue. Good luck, young man.
* Abbott exits out the door Euphrastus was shown in through.
* Abbott is now known as Strange_Woman
* Strange_Woman enters through the opposite door, dressed in sedate Highmarker finery. She's human, in her early forties, and nods politely.
* Euphrastus stands as she enters.
<Euphrastus> Good day.
<Strange_Woman> Apologies for the theatrics, Mr. Tinnane, but privacy and discretion were a paramount concern.
<Strange_Woman> Please, sit.
* Strange_Woman gestures, and then does so herself.
<Strange_Woman> I don't believe we've been introduced before. My name is Zanne Machel.
* Strange_Woman is now known as Zanne
<Euphrastus> It is my pleasure, Lady Machel.
<Zanne> Likewise.
<Zanne> I don't mean to take up too much of your time at the moment, but I needed to clarify a few things that have happened to or around you recently.
<Zanne> What can you tell me about Stillwater?
<Euphrastus> What do you want to know?
<Zanne> You recently visited the estate there, yes?
<Euphrastus> I did.
<Zanne> May I ask what occasioned the trip?
<Euphrastus> I was invited by friends.
<Euphrastus> Given the social season, it seemed rude to decline.
<Zanne> Yes, Mr. Braalk recently came into possession of it, by way of Daven Estor-Maesby Scrye, Sr.?
<Euphrastus> If you say so.
<Zanne> Mr. Tinnane, let me assure you, neither you nor your friends are in any trouble.
* Zanne pauses.
<Euphrastus> Might I ask then, why you are speaking to me, rather than to Mr. Braalk directly?
<Zanne> Ah, an insightful question, sir, and one which brings me to the other line of questioning I have. You met a few weeks ago with a Mr. Erelna, I believe?
<Euphrastus> My success in my business is not normally aided by discussions about my clients.
<Euphrastus> I am afraid, Lady Machel, you will need to give me more than your assurance that I am not in any trouble before I start discussing private matters.
<Zanne> I should amend my prior statement. You are not in any trouble with *me*, nor, so far as I am aware-and I confess I'm aware of rather a lot-are you in any trouble with the government of Nerath.
<Zanne> You may, however, be in some trouble with the government of Scaermar, trouble which I hope to both sort out and shield you from.
<Euphrastus> Of *Scaermar*? How could that be?
<Zanne> Mr. 'Erelna', as he identified himself to you, is an agent of said government.
<Euphrastus> All right, then let's back up here just a moment. You started by asking about my trip to Simmerwater. Why?
<Zanne> There's something of a connection between the estate and what we think Mr. Erelna is seeking here in Nerath.
<Euphrastus> Well that, if so, is a strange coincidence.
<Zanne> Simmerwater has gone through multiple hands over the years, but the important prior owner for our discussion here is Olmarc Widukind. Is the name at all familiar to you?
<Euphrastus> I don't believe so. Who is that?
<Zanne> A necromantic researcher and priest of Vecna. He purcased the estate from Lord Antonine Falkirk. Perhaps you've run across it in your research for Mr. Erelna?
<Zanne> (Sorry, should be 'perhaps you've run across that name')
* Euphrastus nods.
<Euphrastus> I'm familiar with the name
<Zanne> So now you know at least the tenuous connection, but we think it was significant.
<Zanne> Have you ever heard of the Blood of Vol?
<Euphrastus> I'm afraid not.
<Zanne> It's an Akhasic and Scaermari...philosophy, I suppose, but is structured more like a religious cult.
<Euphrastus> Sounds delightful.
* Euphrastus sips his wine.
<Zanne> The empress of Scaermar is an adherent, though politically its...a bit dicey for her. That latter part isn't immediately pertinent, I suppose.
<Euphrastus> All right, Lady Machel, just be out with it and tell me what you really need from me.
* Euphrastus is trying not to be peeved at this very important lady.
<Zanne> In any event, my understanding is Mr. Erelna has engaged you and some others in attempts to track down a certain cup or chalice?
<Euphrastus> Yes, that's right.
<Zanne> We believe, or at least Mr. Erelna seems to believe, this chalice to be an important religious icon, as well as a powerful magical artifact.
<Zanne> If you're willing, I would like to engage your services in providing him with a counterfeit.
<Zanne> I believe the trouble you and your friends had at Simmerwater were related to the research Widukind was conducting, which we're fairly certain involved said artifact.
* Euphrastus frowns.
<Zanne> So it will be believable that you discovered something, and we have this chance.
<Euphrastus> I suppose I should not be silly enough to ask too much about the "we"?
<Zanne> That depends. You have knowledge and abilities that could be of use to "us", but if you'd prefer not to pursue this and other opportunities, it might be best if "we" and you maintain plausible deniability.
<Euphrastus> Quite right.
<Euphrastus> My concern with this counterfeit business is, naturally, that an antiquarian who traffics in one fake, that will stay with them, the stigma.
<Zanne> I think it's unlikely Mr. Erelna will be making much public knowledge of your association; your professional reputation should remain intact.
<Euphrastus> I can see that; I am nonetheless obliged to think of the consequences.
<Euphrastus> Anything that would require me to testify, for instance.
* Saiya is now known as Nik
<Zanne> None of this would be in any way official; nothing needs to be recorded publicly. You would merely provide for him an entirely reasonable facsimile of what he's looking for, which will have every appearance of authenticity, included the added provenance of your recent trip to Simmerwater.
<Euphrastus> What would you want me to tell him, exactly?
<Zanne> Mostly the truth. That your friend Mr. Braalk invited you on a trip to his recently-acquired estate. You can embellish slightly by saying you jumped at the chance because you had discovered its connection to Falkirk. While there, you found the chalice in question and persuaded your friend to part with it.
* Euphrastus nods.
<Euphrastus> Right, but here is the tricky part.
<Euphrastus> What experiences or associations am I meant to have picked up from the chalice?
<Euphrastus> If this is a necromantic artifact, then I need to plausibly be able to portray ... whatever it is that I would have been likely to have experienced.
<Zanne> Ah, yes. Your ability, is it more strongly tuned to intensity or chronology?
<Euphrastus> Intensity, most definitely. Chronology matters, but even a very ancient artifact associated with ... oh, let's say, some dark blood magic involving human sacrifice ... would be the sort of experience that would require some explanation.
<Euphrastus> I don't know exactly how much Mr. Erelna knows about my powers, but I came recommended to him by a friend of mine who certainly knows them well.
<Zanne> Yes...Mr. Kircher, I believe?
* Zanne frowns.
<Euphrastus> Yes.
<Zanne> I can't really say more unless you do wish to collaborate further, but I would caution you to be wary in your interactions with him. I think he was more aware of what he was getting you into than would speak well of him.
* Roscoe is now known as Trev
<Euphrastus> Thanny's ... yes, I take your point.
<Euphrastus> So, overall, then, you would say that a reaction of horror combined with a general sense that I am thrilled to be passing this object out of my hands and never want to speak of it anymore ... would that be appropriate?
* Zanne nods.
<Zanne> The reason I asked about chronology is that we think its recent experiences were rather more gruesome than the more significant prior ones.
<Euphrastus> Ah, I see.
<Euphrastus> Well, I would not get fine details, in any case.
<Zanne> As a religious object, it would have been used in rituals, which I would imagine had great significance to its handlers, but Mr. Widukinds research...well, that would have left the more upsetting impressions, we think.
<Zanne> But, yes, you should be able to remain relatively vague and pass it along.
<Euphrastus> Honestly the main value of my power, for collectors, is that it tends to verify authenticity and provenance, along with providing confirmation of stories passed on through family and such.
* Zanne nods.
<Euphrastus> I do not learn, for instance, specific names and dates, usually.
<Zanne> All the better in this instance.
<Euphrastus> So I can surmise.
<Euphrastus> Is there anything else that you are able to share that would be useful to me when I provide the object to him?
<Zanne> We can provide you with everything we know of the item's provenance since it came to Nerath, much of which I'm sure you would have been able to have tracked down yourself. You can recount it as such to Mr. Erelna.
<Zanne> We would, of course, be happy to compensate you for your trouble, and you'd of course be doing a great service for Nerath.
<Euphrastus> And naturally, I would need to accept the remainder of my payment from Mr. Erelna. To do otherwise would be highly suspicious.
<Zanne> Precisely.
<Zanne> And since you already mentioned your dedication to discretion, I have no need to state this must all be held in the strictest confidence.
<Euphrastus> I think you can see how my discretion in this matter is beneficial to everyone, especially me.
* Zanne nods.
<Euphrastus> I have no interest in engendering mistrust in future clients, or malice from angry necromancers.
* Zanne smiles at that.
<Euphrastus> Also, if it is relevant. Mr. Erelna specifically told me not to expect the object to be magical, or at most, to have some sort of residue.
* Zanne nods.
<Euphrastus> So whatever duplicate you provide me, ought not to have anything special in that regard.
<Zanne> It's people with different skills handling that, but I know they're aware. I'll make sure they're reminded, though.
<Zanne> I appreciate your time and consideration, Mr. Tinnane, and I hope we can be of aid to one another in the future.
<Euphrastus> I am pleased to be able to be of assistance in this important matter.
* Fritz is now known as Jeremyn
<Zanne> Mr. Abbott will remain in contact for the specifics.

Saiya takes Fritz to meet Roscoe

<Saiya> (I assume this is a few days or whatever after we get back from the bog trip)
* Saiya will invite Fritz over to dinner at her house for some 'meet the rest of the family' stuff
* Fritz will try not to be too nervous :x
* Saiya will greet him and bring him into the parlour before the meal so we can chat a bit.
<Saiya> Now, don't mind my siblings, they will be annoying I'm sure
* Saiya says with a slight eyeroll
<Fritz> Oh, the younger ones?
<Fritz> I was gong to say, I have met your brothers but I forgot? There are more?
<Saiya> Yes, there's Edric, Edith, Roland, and Violet.
<Saiya> They're little :p well Edric and Violet are dragonborn so I suppose they aren't really LITTLE but they're younger.
* Fritz nods uncertainly
<Fritz> I will try to keep them all straight
<Fritz> I always thought I had a large family btu now I think perhaps it was a cozy size!
* Saiya giggles
<Saiya> Well Roland and Violet are twins, it's not like they could have predicted that I suppose. But yes.
<Fritz> although... I think it was similar in number, but mine was more split up?
* Saiya nods
<Fritz> so yours feels bigger
<Fritz> well, it *is*, but, you know what I mean!
* Saiya smiles and suppresses a 'that's what he said' because Fritz would probably get embarrassed.
* Fritz goes a little red anyway
<Saiya> Oh, and my Uncle Roscoe is visiting. Would you like me to introduce you to him?
<Fritz> my *family* >:x
<Fritz> oh :o
* Saiya smiles brightly
<Fritz> oh, goodness, what would I say? :o
<Saiya> Oh don't worry, he's quite talkative. He'll probably ask you questions.
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> well... alright.... please...
* Saiya grins and will take Fritz to wherever Roscoe is hanging out.
* Roscoe is in, of course, the library
* Saiya comes in, leading Fritz by the hand.
<Roscoe> Oh, hello Saiya!
* Fritz tries to smooth his hair back a little and make sure his clothes are all on straight
<Saiya> Hi Uncle Roscoe! This is Lord Frederick Allard, Fritz - my boyfriend :3
* Roscoe hugs her tight, floating a couple inches off the ground
* Saiya hugs him back
<Roscoe> Hello! Do you prefer hugs or handshakes? And can I call you Fritz, or would you like Lord Allard?
<Saiya> (Allard-Scrye I should have said ;)
<Roscoe> Oh, a Scrye! Well, get in here then, cousin!
* Roscoe goes to hug Fritz
<Fritz> Um, hello, your... Holiness?
<Fritz> oh!
* Fritz will accept a hug
* Roscoe chuckles somewhat awkwardly
<Roscoe> You can just call me Roscoe, I still feel weird around titles
<Roscoe> Ioun says I'll get used to it eventually, but so far it's still weird
<Fritz> oh, of course! Fritz, then, please
<Fritz> it's an honour to meet you
<Roscoe> And to meet you, naturally! Saiya says you're studying architecture?
<Fritz> yes, at [academy]
<Roscoe> Ooh, fancy! I'd offer you a scholarship, but I'm still setting up my own schools, and I... don't think any are architecture yet? Or not the stuff that we make, I know some folks are studying the stuff in Shom
* Roscoe opens his hand and a notepad and pencil appear. He writes something down, nods, and they vanish again.
<Roscoe> So I remember to look into that later :)
<Saiya> He goes to school with Macen
<Fritz> oh, I heard everything in Shom is quite Sameish? Everything s just white squares - is that true?
<Fritz> the buildings I mean
<Roscoe> There's SO many squares! Everything's built with the same heights, chairs and doors and everything, like there was only one size of people!
* Paiza is now known as Norn
<Fritz> how strange... I find, well, a lot of historical architecture so interesting , but honestly it sounds disappointing
<Fritz> though I'm sure there are lots of other things to study
<Roscoe> and the roads are just EVERYWHERE, like nobody did any walking! All the houses are together, then all the shops and such together somewhere else, there's so much transporting of people and things that it all required just to do basic things like feeding people!
<Saiya> I wonder what would happen if you touched it.... like what you could learn from it.
* Saiya says to Fritz
<Roscoe> Oh, yes, you do the -- what IS it called -- the history-seeing? from touching things? Or was that another of your friends, Saiya?
<Fritz> that doesn't seem very efficient - unless they had ways to move everyone around easily?
<Roscoe> Sorry if I seem a little scatterbrained tonight, I'm experimenting with limiting my memory when visiting Arth, so I don't accidentally tell people things that aren't supposed to be out there yet
<Fritz> and no, that's Mr. Graeae
* Saiya nods
<Fritz> you're...what?
<Roscoe> Oh, um, how to explain.
<Fritz> is it.... God? Things?
<Saiya> Fritz's 'mark is more about... knowing how things are made? or how they work? I'm SURE he can explain it better than I can though.
* Roscoe goes and sits a careful inch above a chair
<Fritz> oh - yes, my mark.
<Fritz> it tells me the properties of things, when I touch them
<Roscoe> That is *fascinating*, and I would LOVE to see what you make of things in Shom
<Fritz> oh, yes, I would too, honestly!
<Fritz> maybe there is something to learn form so much conformity - it must have some application?
<Roscoe> as far as my memory goes, basically Ioun said that a long time ago when people would ask her things that folks hadn't discovered yet but she knew, she would just tell them, right? But it all went TERRIBLY, just really horribly bad, something about them not having the grounding in the underlying principles and knowing how to deal with, like, the issues that would come up?
<Fritz> maybe it would give some insight to know what they were making all these structures from, what resources they had, at least...
<Fritz> oh, hmmm....
<Roscoe> so now she really limits what information she gives out, mostly stuff like if it was discovered *somewhere
* on Arth she's okay with it, even if it wasn't somewhere near whoever's asking, you know?
<Fritz> that must be complicated to keep track of....
<Roscoe> and I tend to be, ah... I tend to basically talk peoples' ears off, really, so I figured if I put most of my post-Ascension memory in, like, a box before I come visit, then the things I can spill will be things that are okay to talk about!
<Roscoe> (to Saiya) I do keep all the visits and such out of the box, or I try to, so you don't have to worry about me forgetting how old you are or anything
* Saiya giggles at that
<Fritz> is it an *actual* box?
<Roscoe> No, it's more like...
* Roscoe makes vague gestures in front of him
<Saiya> Don't worry, lots of my uncles and aunts are always saying things like "oh you got so much bigger" so I don't think it's just you who forgets sometimes that time does actually pass :D
<Roscoe> like a multi-dimensional ... storage.... yeah, honestly, it's pretty boxlike
<Roscoe> like if a box was also a book
<Roscoe> and the book was also cross-referenced with itself all over the place
* Fritz looks thoughtful
<Fritz> hmm...
<Fritz> does... is Ioun looking after it for you?
<Roscoe> It stays in our... house? If this version of house was about as houselike as the box is boxlike
<Roscoe> The place where most of our *us* is, most of the time
* Fritz nods
<Roscoe> She's *way* better at being in more than one place at a time than I am, but also more people are talking to her at once than me, so
* Roscoe shrugs
<Fritz> I'm glad its more.... metaphysical? or I'd be afraid someone might try and steal it :o
<Roscoe> Well, when I visit I usually leave Sparky guarding it
<Roscoe> (that's my dog)
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> that's reassuring!
<Roscoe> but yeah, any time you want to come visit Shom, let me know, I'd love to see what you find out!
* Fritz glanced at Saiya for encouragement
* Saiya smiles
<Saiya> I'm sure that would be a very interesting trip for you :)
<Fritz> I would.. well... actually, Your, um... I mean, Roscoe, I am supposed to do some sort of internship for my program, to get practical experience....
<Fritz> (practical)
* Roscoe claps his hands excitedly
<Roscoe> Can I volunteer? Or throw my hat in the ring, at least?
<Roscoe> or Shom's hat, anyway
<Roscoe> my church's had?
<Roscoe> Someone's hat
* Roscoe pats his hips like he's checking his pockets
* Roscoe pulls a calling card out of the air
<Fritz> That would be wonderful :D
* Saiya grins and looks delighted
<Saiya> Thank you Uncle Roscoe, you're the best :3 don't tell my other aunts and uncles I said so though!
<Roscoe> You're in Mythragal, so here's the name of my agent there -- they're part of the Church of Ioun, so they should be easy to find -- and I'll let them know to expect you. Anything you need, let them know, and if they need anything they don't have, they'll let me know!
<Fritz> oh, wow, thank you so much!
<Fritz> This is so exciting :o
<Fritz> I am goign to touch so many things @_@
<Roscoe> You know, if we get you AND your other friend - Mr. Graeae you said? - (brb joy)
<Fritz> I will be certain to let him know of the opportunity!
<Fritz> I think he has been working a little with Mr. Marceador? or something?
* Saiya nods
<Roscoe> (back) Oh yes, that would be a fantastic paper, especially with both of you working together!
<Fritz> Hmm, yes!
<Fritz> I believe he is working as an antiquarian but perhaps....
<Saiya> We can certainly ask if he'd be interested!
<Fritz> absolutely!
* Saiya will eventually draw Fritz away to leave Roscoe to his reading, and whispers "see, I told you he's nice!"
* Fritz is a little overawed and very excited!

Norn and Raveni go on a date :3

* Norn will have arranged to pick up Raveni for a mid-morning trip to the art gallery, when it will be the least crowded.
* Norn shows up in a family carriage, dressed very carefully in Highmark fashion, trying to impress
* Raveni opens the door to his family's hall. He has combined a more masculine outfit with a sedate black corset for a more delicate look than is his usual, and is sporting golden hoops all down his left ear. He looks very nervous, but excited.
* Norn stares a moment before he is able to speak, and coughs ever so eloquently to poorly attempt to cover.
<Norn> Wow, you look...amazing.
<Raveni> We are well matched, then
* Raveni says with a grin
* Norn grins back.
<Norn> Do we need to step in to let anyone know we're leaving?
* Raveni 's grin fades a little and he glances behind him.
<Raveni> No, we can just go, if that's alright.
<Raveni> (quietly) I would not subject you to his grouchiness beforehand, it's enough to put anyone in the foulest mood.
<Norn> Of course, whatever you like.
* Norn offers his arm.
* Norn frowns slightly.
* Raveni takes it, his smile returning.
<Norn> (q) How you share a bloodline with him remains difficult to fathom.
* Raveni waits until they are in the carriage before replying.
<Raveni> More's the mystery how he is related to my father, who was his polar opposite.
<Norn> Not that we need dwell, but I don't believe I've heard you speak about your father much. What was he like?
<Raveni> He was kind to everyone and everything he met, above all else. He could barely stand to help my mother slaughter livestock or to hunt because he hated inflicting suffering on others.
* Norn gets a strange look on his face.
<Norn> He sounds like a good man.
<Raveni> What's that look about?
<Norn> It struck me that...well, let us say my own father and I would likely disagree on my assessment.
<Raveni> How so?
<Raveni> If you don't mind me asking.
<Norn> My father is a celebrated general, *the* Valacirca, the Great Bear, the honor and glory of my House. He would...disapprove of your father's kindness, while I find it commendable in a way my father oft has trouble recognizing.
* Norn tries not to sound *too
* critical of his father, but it's there.
<Raveni> Then I am glad that it is your good opinion that I find value in and not your father's.
* Raveni smiles a touch cheekily at Norn as the carriage comes to a stop.
* Norn smiles at that.
<Norn> I don't mean to give you a poor impression of him.
<Norn> I think my time in Highmark has made it clearer to me that I am not the son he would have preferred.
<Raveni> Forgive me for saying so, but I think your father is rather shortsighted if that is the case. You have a great many praiseworthy qualities, I think.
* Raveni blushes suddenly.
<Norn> Not quite so short-sighted as your grandfather, I'd wager, but I take your compliment.
<Raveni> I apologize if that was too harsh an assessment. I'm sure your father has praiseworthy qualities despite his apparent attitude towards you.
<Raveni> I tend to jump to the defence of my friends even when they don't actually need it. I'm told it's one of my less endearing quirks.
<Norn> No, I took your meaning. I'm just becoming more aware that his and my priorities for my life differ.
<Norn> Really? I find it rather charming, and I hope I've demonstrated I can take care of myself. :)
* Raveni looks him up and down with a wry grin.
<Raveni> (deadpan) No, really?
* Norn grins.
<Norn> I hope a trip to the Municipal Gallery still sounds good?
<Raveni> It sounds wonderful, I'm glad you suggested it.
<Norn> I'll admit I haven't spent much time there, but its collection is supposed to be very good. Lord Callais has donated quite a few pieces from his personal collection, so they were happy to accommodate us.
<Raveni> Is there a particular theme to their collection?
<Norn> They have works from across Nerath, and even some old Imperial pieces. Did you have a preference on where to start? Medium, period, subject matter?
<Raveni> Ah, this is the point where I have to admit that I haven't visited many galleries before and I'm not entirely familiar with how these things are typically organized. Are there any exhibits devoted to creatures of the natural world?
<Norn> There's a the hall of natural history. That one I *have
* been to. It's quite fascinating.
<Norn> Come to think of it, it's a bit like the zoo, but sadder, really, because all the animals are either stuffed or bones.
* Norn looks contemplative at that.
<Raveni> They’re contributing to education and collective knowledge, I don’t think that’s too sad an ending. Why don’t we start there and wander our way through whatever takes our fancy afterwards?
<Norn> That sounds quite enjoyable.
* Raveni offers their arm to Norn this time
* Norn will chat more idly with Raveni for the duration of the carriage ride to the museum, a grand marble structure of relatively recent construction.
* Norn smiles and takes Raveni's arm, directing them towards the natural history hall, which proves to be quite enormous, with many displays, dominated by an ancient dragon skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
* Raveni ‘s jaw drops at sight of the enormous skeleton.
<Raveni> Gods, what a beauty they must have been in life. Even just their bones are incredible…
* Norn nods.
<Norn> There's a plaque around here somewhere with their history. Died back in Imperial times, I believe? Some Arkhosian senator or general or something.
<Raveni> Do you think I might be allowed to visit again in the future and sketch some of the exhibits? This is incredible
* Raveni is clinging tightly to Norn’s arm in their excitement.
<Norn> I believe its encouraged. My connections for this trip were more for having the place as much to ourselves as possible. I thought you'd prefer less crowds.
* Raveni practically whips his head around to look at Norn’s face, eyes wide.
<Raveni> You did that… for me?
<Norn> Did I overstep?
<Raveni> Not at all! Thank you. I… I don’t think anyone has ever made that kind of effort to accommodate my anxieties before.
<Norn> I'm sorry to hear that, but glad to have been able to make the gesture.
* Raveni looks a little self conscious, but mostly just very genuinely touched.
* Norn will try to draw Raveni's attention to a nearby display on bird species across Nerath, with numerous taxidermied examples.
<Norn> (In hopes Raveni won't dwell on said self-consciousness.)
<Raveni> (Raveni is dwelling on finding an inconspicuous spot to kiss Norn again)
* Raveni watches the only other people in this hall out of the corner of his eye until they walk out of the room. As soon as they do, he pulls Norn between two displays, out of direct line of sight of the doors. He puts one hand around Norn's cheek and pauses, waiting for permission to kiss him.
* Norn happily (perhaps hungrily?) leans in to kiss Raveni.
* Saiya is now known as Nik
* Raveni meets him with more passion than is likely wise for a public setting, lost in their kiss. Even their remarkable surroundings fail to distract him from what he's wanted for so long now.
* Trev strolls around a corner, whistling
* Norn does not immediately hear him.

Trev and Kitt blunder across the date

<Trev> I tell you, Kitty, you don't know what it's like to be ALIVE until you've faced death
<Trev> (as I have)
* Raveni is far too intent on Norn to notice the noise.
<Kitty_O> oh I *know*!
<Kitty_O> that whole incident at Therma Alba was so *dreadful!
<Kitty_O> but the worst part was, ugh, the company i got suck with while hiding out
<Kitty_O> I hope you fared better than I did!
<Trev> Well, I ended up a bit scuffed, but I certainly gave those zombies what for!
<Kitty_O> I was happy to let the tallfolk take care of all the demons - the one benefit to being stuck with a price, is that at least he had *guards
* around and - oh *my*
* Kitty_O grabs Trev and shushes him
* Norn does register Trev's raised voice, finally.
<Kitty_O> (q) look. oh dang they saw us, free show's over
<Trev> What? What is it? Are the dragon's bones falling or something?
* Raveni freezes, before thunking his head down on Norn's chest with a small, irritated noise.
<Kitty_O> so sorry, don't mind us, didn't mean to intrude gentlemen - please... enjoy the exhibits! ^-^
* Kitty_O waves at them and will start to drag Trev away
* Norn smiles, a mix of self-consciousness and frustration.
* Trev lets himself be dragged, looking warily at folks who could correct his version of events
<Raveni> (quietly)...Well, I think it's safe to assume that everyone will have heard about this by nightfall
* Norn watches Trev and Kitty retreat, then looks down at Raveni.
<Norn> If it's only amongst our friends, would that be the worst thing?
* Norn 's smile is much more genuine now.
* Raveni looks up, smiling shyly.
<Raveni> Not at all. I kind of want to shout it from the rooftops.
<Trev> (from just around the corner) they were WHAT?
* Raveni snort-laughs
* Norn can't help laughing as well, probably a decent fit of such.

* Fritz will write a note to Euphrastus asking if they can meet and discuss a possible venture, and offering his home as a place unless Euphrastus would rather meet somewhere else
* Euphrastus will happily accept the invitation to visit Fritz at his home, at some time that suits them both.
* Euphrastus will come over at that time, dressed highly flamboyantly in purples and silver, with his very best cane and monocle.
<Fritz> Oh hello!
* Fritz will meet with you in the sitting room once you've been shown in
<Euphrastus> Lord Frederick, so good to see you again!
<Fritz> you as well Mr. Graeae! I hope you've been well?
<Euphrastus> Well enough, after our little adventure.
* Fritz gestures for you to sit
* Euphrastus takes a seat after ensuring that it is suitable for him.
<Fritz> yes, that was somewhat more excitement than I had expected, but I'm glad it all turned out well in the end, with no one harmed
<Euphrastus> Probably 'bog' will not be on the list of events for next year, I suspect.
<Fritz> (heh yes, I assume there is suitable furniture ;p)
<Fritz> I suspect so, unless Mr. Braalk makes a great deal of improvements to the estate! Or at least one or two quite significant ones.
<Fritz> would you care for some tea?
<Fritz> or coffee?
<Euphrastus> Thank you, yes, tea would be lovely.
<Euphrastus> My great-aunt was a tea-reader, I am told. I only knew her briefly, in my childhood.
<Euphrastus> A victim of the war, unfortunately.
* Fritz can pour us each some for a large pot, and a large cup for Euphrastus, though is does match the rest of the set
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> I'm sorry for your loss
<Euphrastus> It was a long time ago.
* Fritz nods, though it wasn't *so* long ago that he doesn't remember a few summers milling around Stillmarch while the soldier were using it as a staging ground for... attacking Mag Turath >.>
<Fritz> (attacking)
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> Was it a Mark? or simply a skill she possessed?
<Euphrastus> A mark. Typically Graeae.
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> how fascinating!
<Fritz> I suppose that is something of a good lead into what I had asked you here to speak about, actually!
<Euphrastus> Oh, I see. And what is that?
<Fritz> Well... I had the occasion to visit Miss Harrowdwen and meet her family the other day, including some of her expended, well, family of choice, I suppose!
<Fritz> (extended)
<Fritz> and one of those people was... His High Holiness Roscoe?
<Euphrastus> How fascinating! I had no idea.
<Fritz> well, her father was one of the Thunderbolts, and the impression I have is that the team mostly all treat each other as family, including Roscoe, despite his ascention
<Euphrastus> What is he like?
<Fritz> very chatty!
<Fritz> and personable
<Euphrastus> How interesting! I would not have suspected.
<Euphrastus> But then, that is probably my lack of knowledge speaking, more than anything else.
<Fritz> Well, he was also very interested in your mark!
<Fritz> in regards to Shom, and the explorations there
<Euphrastus> Oh! Yes, well, I suppose that makes some sense. Or should I say "Shom Shense"?
* Fritz grins at that
<Fritz> yes! And mine as well - in fact he offered to let me do my practical internship working for him! Or his church, I suppose :3
<Fritz> but he said it would be interesting for us to combine our different approaches to see if it would allow us to learn even more in combination
<Euphrastus> Well, it is certainly true that while the origins of our marks are quite different, they do have a certain synergy.
<Fritz> yes!
<Fritz> Would you be interested in some kind of collaboration to that end?
<Euphrastus> Are you proposing - or rather, is he proposing - a trip to Shom?
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> I understand that you have a business here, though
<Fritz> and this is just... preliminary? I told him, Roscoe, that i would ask and see what you think of the idea
* Fritz is trying not to vibrate with excitement, but does have to put his cup down
<Euphrastus> Well, it is an experience that few ever would get the chance to have. All the ... all the touching of things, just imagine!
<Fritz> I admit I am *very* excited but also feel some trepidation!
<Fritz> my mark can be quite tireing, especially when dealing with a lot of unfamiliar materials, which would be, well, pretty much everything in Shom
<Euphrastus> When would this be planned?
<Fritz> but even so - it is a quite special opportunity!
<Fritz> and I'm not sure. as I said this is very early planning, so if there are time that would work better or worse for you, we can certainly plan around that
<Fritz> he, Roscoe, basically said to go to his temple and sort things out there?
<Fritz> (basically)
<Euphrastus> Would we be going as ... guests of His Holiness? Would it be just the two of us, or some larger group? And not to be too crass, how would we be compensated?
<Fritz> I believe as His guests, in some sense? And then I'm not sure about the rest of it, but if they are not forthcoming *I* would be able to provide some compensation, at least.
<Fritz> For myself, the professional potential is simply invaluable. But as His Holiness used to be an adventurer, and certainly there are many of them employed in Shom, including Mr. Marceador's family I believe? I think they would understand the request!
<Euphrastus> Well, I have learned much from my mother not to give away my services too freely to those of power and wealth. No matter how interesting the results might be to me of what I might discern, they would be even moreso to the owners of the objects.
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> Of course.
<Fritz> I'm sure we can work out something appropriate, if you *are* interested. I think the next step would be to visit the temple and work out some of these details?
<Euphrastus> Make no mistake, I am very interested. But I ask you not to convey that interest in quite as much excitement as I hear in your voice.
<Fritz> oh :x
<Euphrastus> You could say that I find it a very interesting business proposition and would look forward to hearing more from His Holiness or his emissaries.
* Fritz nods.
<Fritz> So... I should go to the temple myself them? And have them contact you?
<Euphrastus> I would be happy to join you, as an ... interested party willing to hear more. I would simply ask that you ... in whatever dealings you would have between now and then ... ahh, be as neutral as you can muster.
<Fritz> I understand. I will try to restrain my self
<Fritz> woudl you want to make it part of a larger expedition?
<Euphrastus> You mean, larger as in longer? Or larger as in involving more people?
<Fritz> well, either, really...
<Euphrastus> A longer trip takes me away from my other clients longer - and would require more consideration for me. And as for a larger group, I'm amenable to that but it's not up to me.
<Euphrastus> Make no mistake, Fritz. I am interested. I just can't ... pick up and leave without thinking of my situation.
<Fritz> no, As I said, I do understand
<Fritz> which is why wanted to speak to you, so that I could have a sense of your constraints
<Euphrastus> I do have a client or two I'm looking after at the moment, but frankly, nothing so urgent that it would prevent me from taking this on.
<Euphrastus> And, I am sure you can imagine, a client such as His High Holiness would potentially open new doors in the future.
* Fritz nods
<Fritz> yes, exactly!
<Fritz> But I understand that this is a perk, and not compensation
<Euphrastus> Precisely so.
<Fritz> I did have a question for you, about your mark, though, please feel free to simply say if it is too prying - I am just thinking about potential outlooks for this project
<Fritz> can it work on things like... structures?
<Euphrastus> Yes and no.
<Fritz> to get the sense of emotions in a general sense at least?
<Euphrastus> It can work on, say, a door, or a window.
* Fritz nods
<Euphrastus> But something as complex as a whole building normally has far too many conflicting memories associated with it.
<Fritz> that makes sense
<Fritz> alright, well - I have some notion of how to proceed, and the approach to take, so thank you!
<Euphrastus> You are most welcome. Hopefully this trip will not have quite the same sort of excitement as the last one!
<Fritz> I will go to the temple and have them arrange a meeting, I think that is the next step. and I *shan't* Oversell your enthusiasm, but emphasises that you are a man of buiness!
<Fritz> and yes hopefully not, but if it does at least we will have a god on our side?
<Euphrastus> An excellent plan.
<Fritz> fantastic ^-^ Then - let us turn to more social matters!
<Fritz> (And we can chat for a bit? I'm goof there unless Julie wants to bring in Nik)
<Euphrastus> (you are a goof, there)
* Saiya is now known as Nik
<Fritz> (I'm a goof everywhere)
<Nik> (you can probably hear the door open and someone coming in with, perhaps, a lot of luggage and some servants to carry said luggage.)
<Nik> You can just take all that upstairs, thank you!
<Fritz> oh!
* Fritz glances at Euphrastus apologetically
<Fritz> Excuse me a moment...
* Fritz pops his head out.
<Fritz> Hello?
<Nik> Oh, Fritz, hello!
* Nik is perhaps not immediately recognizable, being currently a human female, though with an uncanny resemblance to Nik ;)
<Fritz> ...
<Nik> Oh, right, it's me, Nikession - sorry I didn't send word I'd be coming back, but it was a bit of a sudden trip.
<Fritz> OH!
<Fritz> is everything alright? Is Monty here?
<Nik> No, he was so busy with everything happening right now that he couldn't spare the time.
<Fritz> oh, alright.
<Nik> Everything is all right but people did INSIST on having me come home for a 'proper' medical examination 'due to my condition' blah blah blah.
* Nik says with a wave of his hand
<Fritz> I'm sorry I just with a guest, but I believe mother had your room refreshed after we received your letter...
<Nik> oh, splendid - I won't be in your way too much, I hope?
<Fritz> oh, no!
<Fritz> it is *your
* home :3
<Nik> Oh, but I don't want to cramp your style, you know, if you're having friends over :D
<Fritz> Oh we're just having tea! would you like some?
* Fritz says, obliviously
<Nik> Well, perhaps just a little cup, thank you :D
<Fritz> of course, we're just in the parlour
* Fritz will Bring you back in and beam happily at Euphrastus
<Fritz> sorry for the interruption, but my bro...
* Nik waves cheerfully.
* Fritz looks back at human female Nik and looks distressed
<Nik> Brother-in-law is fine!
* Nik says, picking up on your discomfort
<Fritz> Oh good ^-^;;
<Fritz> My brother in law, Lord Evenor has just come home.
* Roscoe is now known as Trev
<Euphrastus> Lord Evenor, my pleasure. Euphrastus Tinnane Graeae.
<Fritz> Nik, this is Mr. Graeae
* Fritz fumbles that introduction
<Nik> It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Graeae.
<Euphrastus> You also.
<Nik> I'm just home for a short visit, I won't be in your way for too long, assuming all goes well.
<Fritz> Oh, its no trouble! I will try not to disturb you too much :)
<Fritz> but please, join us, we were just discussing some of the season....
* Nik will gladly sit and chat about the latest goings on in Highmark

Norn brings Mol for a meeting with Jeremyn

* Norn will have arranged to go retrieve Mol for his second meeting with Jeremyn.
* Molgrin will be ready, if nervous
* Norn does seem a bit lighter than normal, and smiles reassuringly to Mol.
<Norn> I'm sure it will go well.
<Norn> You're very talented.
* Molgrin takes a deep breath and nods
<Molgrin> Thank you... I hope you're right.
<Molgrin> I mean... not that I hope you're right that I'm talented... I just hope you're right about it going well :)
* Norn nods, and claps Mol on the shoulder.
* Norn will bring Mol through the house proper this time, not needing to detour to the gardens except to get to Jeremyn's office. (I'm sure the house has its own grandeur, and probably still plenty of plants)
<Jeremyn> (entirely possible that in placdes its hard to tell the difference...)
* Molgrin is a bit too nervous to take in too many of the finer details
* Jeremyn is waiting in his office, lookign over some samples
* Norn knocks politely at the door at the appointed time.
<Jeremyn> Come in
* Norn opens the door for Mol.
<Molgrin> Good morning, Lord Callais.
<Jeremyn> Mr. Braalk, good day.
<Jeremyn> Thank you for sending your work ahead
* Jeremyn nods to Norn, the presumable delivery man in this case
<Jeremyn> I have a commission for you.
<Molgrin> ... oh! Thank you, my lord! What would you like me to do for you?
* Norn bows politely and appropriately.
* Jeremyn nods to the terrarium on a side table
<Jeremyn> These are wheat sheaf beetles
* Molgrin looks at them with interest
<Jeremyn> there are at least two species represented. Carefu observation should reveal the differences. if you require text references, Valacirca can provide them.
<Jeremyn> the green variety - you will have to look closely, it is a subtle variation - are relatively new, or newly observed variety
* Molgrin nods
<Jeremyn> there are deceased specimens as well, in the jars.
<Jeremyn> I need detailed anatomical drawings of each of the life stages, as well as a series of life cycle drawings and depictions of behaviours that can differentiate the two species.
<Molgrin> Of course, Lord Callais, that should be no problem. Do you have a preference about the size, number of illustrations per page, or anything like that?
<Jeremyn> I have provided a detailed brief. We will keep you on retainer for three months, which I believe should cover the full life cycle of the captive specimens
* Molgrin nods excitedly
<Jeremyn> send me an initial brief of your observations and progress in three weeks.
<Molgrin> You won't be disappointed, my lord. I'll do my best to provide as much detail as I can.
<Jeremyn> Very good. We will have them delivered to your address.
* Jeremyn looks at you directly
<Jeremyn> Please note, Mr. Braalk, that these are a major agricultural pest, and release of breeding specimens into this ecological niche could have devastating effects on the city
<Molgrin> I understand, my lord.
<Molgrin> I'll be very careful.
* Jeremyn nods
<Jeremyn> you will.
<Jeremyn> That is all for now. make arrangements with Valancirca.
<Molgrin> Thank you, my lord.
<Norn> My lord.
* Norn bows again, then can show Mol out.
* Jeremyn returns to examining his other samples
* Norn will grin broadly at Mol when its just them.
* Molgrin lets out a sigh of relief
<Molgrin> thank you so much for helping me get in touch with Lord Callais.... I really appreciate it.
<Norn> I'm very happy I was able to do so.
<Norn> But, make no mistake, this is your work and talent that won his patronage.
* Molgrin blushes a bit
<Molgrin> Thanks. I can use the money to help my family out.
<Norn> That's very admirable.
<Molgrin> Well... it's why I'm here, really.
<Molgrin> so, tell me all about these beetles!

Rumor and Scandal

(include only every second chapter)