Homoventures Chapter 3, Part 9

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Summary

Xan and Justen go to Kalman's house in the city, where they once again speak to him and César, and relate what they have learned about Father Willem's goals. They make plans to attend a party where they will be able to speak to members of the city's council, particularly Coramance Silv'era, about their concerns.

Session

Session date:

Diablotin date:

[DiablotinNarrator] So, you want to go to Kalman's... I forget what exactly he told you, but I assume it included some directions on how to find his place [Xandhil] (yes) [Justen] (walking there, or teleporting?) [Xandhil] we'll tell him what we have to and as little else as we can [Justen] (I mean to the surface... obviously we can't go straight there, we don't know the location) [Xandhil] (I don;t think we have enough info to teleport?) [Xandhil] (oh, heh) [Xandhil] (may as well tp that far :) [DiablotinNarrator] (ok) [Xandhil] (also in case anyone follows us ;) [DiablotinNarrator] (indeed)

• Justen will meet you on the surface, then

[Justen] Is there anything we definitely shouldn't tell him? [Xandhil] if it goes that far - as little about our world as possible, I think? [Xandhil] I don't know, otherwise [Xandhil] you can let me do the talking if it comes to that [Justen] okay

• Justen seems slightly relieved at that

[Xandhil] unless you have any thoughts on the matter? [Justen] well, if I do, I can interject I guess... [Xandhil] okay [Xandhil] I meant now :) [Justen] But partly I'm trying to think in a language I don't know as well anyway, and then sometimes I'm not sure how much to say anyway... [Justen] oh

• Xandhil squeezes your hand

[Justen] I think that's probably a good idea [Justen] I mean, not telling them too much about home

• Justen says, squeezing your hand back
• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] okay [Xandhil] or about us [Xandhil] I mean [Xandhil] I don't think it is relevant

• Xandhil says rolling his shoulders slightly
• Justen nods

[Xandhil] ready then? [Justen] Yeah, I guess. [Justen] I'm not going to trust any rats I see from now on, though. [Xandhil] good call [Xandhil] lets get out of here

• Xandhil will poof away!

[Justen] (really, that's the only way he can go ;)

• Justen too

[Xandhil] (hee) [DiablotinNarrator] Okay, you can make your way towards Kalman's house, following the directions you have

• Xandhil tried not to be too anxious as we make our way there

[DiablotinNarrator] The more wealthy part of the city is ... let's say, heavily guarded. Most houses have large walls and personal guards. A few show signs of having been ransacked or burned. [Justen] [q] I guess their guards weren't good enough. [Xandhil] :/ [DiablotinNarrator] Some of the guards give you suspicious looks as you pass by, but as long as you're not messing with things, they don't stop you just walking down the street. [DiablotinNarrator] Eventually, you manage to track down the vak'Andres estate. [DiablotinNarrator] It also has guards, who stare at you as you approach. [Xandhil] (were we told to give any particular code or... anything? or just show up and say we were invited by Kalman) [DiablotinNarrator] (let's say he told you if you give your names they will know to let you in) [Xandhil] (okaY) [Xandhil] Hello.

• Xandhil will address one of them with a nervous smile

[Xandhil] We were invited to visit by Lord vak'Andres [Guard] Names? [Xandhil] Xandhil and Justen

• Guard consults briefly and will allow you to enter within the gates, but accompanies you up to the door.

[Xandhil] (cool)

• Xandhil glances at them, and will knock?
• Cesar will answer the door.

[Cesar] Oh, it's you :) [Xandhil] hi!

• Cesar 's reaction seems sufficient to reassure the guard that you actually are known to them.
• Xandhil smiles in relief a little

[Cesar] Come on in. [Cesar] I know it's a bit much, but ... times are tough.

• Cesar sends the guard back to his post.

[Xandhil] no, tha's fair [Xandhil] we passed some of the other houses...

• Xandhil looks around the house, shamelessly curious

[DiablotinNarrator] It's a very nice, fancy house - more tastefully decorated than Pavo's ;) [DiablotinNarrator] A mix of SK-style art and furniture and more human-style. [Xandhil] (how similar is the SK art here to in the actual sp?) [DiablotinNarrator] (hmm, good question... probably more similar to old-fashioned SP arts/styles that you might be familiar with than to newer stuff) [Xandhil] (okay) [DiablotinNarrator] (certainly similar in the colour scheme ;) [Xandhil] (yes ;) [Cesar] Is everything all right?

• Cesar asks as you walk further into the house

[Xandhil] ....no, actually

• Xandhil decides they need to be honest

[Xandhil] We were down in the undercity [Xandhil] We heard about father Willem [Xandhil] did you? [Cesar] That he's been captured and scheduled for a date in the arena.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] We looked in to things a little bit.

• Xandhil says seriously

[Xandhil] at his temple.

• Cesar nods, listening with concern

[Xandhil] we found some people there [Xandhil] well... "people." [Xandhil] ...Is Kalman around? [Xandhil] You might both want to hear this [Cesar] Sure, he's around. [Cesar] I'll take you to him. [Xandhil] thanks.

• Cesar escorts you upstairs, to a large study where Kalman sits, writing in a notebook.
• Xandhil gives a bit of a bow, not really sure of the protocol but figuring it is at least ;polite
• Justen as well

[Kalman] Oh! How unexpected.

• Kalman smiles a bit though

[Kalman] I honestly wasn't sure if you would return.

• Xandhil smiles at that, but seriously

[Xandhil] Well.. [Kalman] Please, sit down. Can I get you anything?

• Xandhil glances at justen

[Xandhil] Thank you [Xandhil] something to drink would be very welcome. [Cesar] Of course.

• Cesar will actually get the drinks, Kalman instead comes to sit across from you

[Kalman] So... what brings you here? [Xandhil] It is good to see you both again, but I'm afraid we've come to you with a serious matter

• Kalman assumes by the look on your face it's not a purely social call

[Xandhil] It's Father Willem [Xandhil] he let himself be captured [Xandhil] he's planning something at the Arena [Kalman] Ah... yes, I had heard something about that. Well, about his capture, anyhow.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] We went to his temple, to see what was left, and his seer was there

• Kalman nods, listening

[Xandhil] he has a daughter, with her, Channel

• Xandhil pauses, as saying the name aloud helps him make the connection

[Xandhil] . o O ( AHHHHHHH )

• Kalman gives you a quizzical look, but doesn't interrupt
• Xandhil continues, sounding a hint more concerned

[Xandhil] he is going to use her to take over the dream [Xandhil] to become a new dreamer [Xandhil] Father Willem... in charge of this place? [Kalman] for him to become this... dreamer? [Xandhil] I don'r know, if he will do it himself, or just use...Channel [Xandhil] but she's been raised by him [Xandhil] and her mad mother [Xandhil] She's a seer as well

• Cesar returns with drinks for the lot of you

[Kalman] So... is being captured somehow part of this plan? [Xandhil] yes [Xandhil] I don't know how exactly but.... the arena is part of it [Xandhil] part of his plan

• Cesar sits down with Kalman, listening

[Xandhil] I don't know if it is the...blood he needs, or the audience or... all of it [Cesar] He's accused of dozens of murders - they'll have a big execution planned. [Xandhil] yes

• Cesar looks worried

[Xandhil] it isn't going to go how they expect, I can tell you that much [Xandhil] I found some notes at the temple - they'd been all torn up, but they could be fixed, with a simple enough spell...

• Kalman furrows his brow, thinking hard.

[Kalman] We can arrange that, of course, if it might provide any insight.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] When's his date set for?

• Xandhil pulls them out
• Kalman asks anyone who might know
• Xandhil shakes his head

[Xandhil] we didn't wait to look into that before coming here [Cesar] I think it's soon. They wouldn't want to hold him long, it just risks more chances for a break-out, or for other things to go wrong. [Cesar] But they would need the time to arrange a satisfactory opponent. [Cesar] I can find out, if they haven't announced it yet. [Xandhil] Is there any way it can be delayed? [Cesar] At the arena level? Sure, minor delays happen a lot. [Cesar] But it would only be temporary. [Xandhil] how long?

• Xandhil wonders

[Cesar] Technical problems can hold up a show for a few hours. Something bigger like... problems in the pit, those could stop things for a day or two, maybe. [Kalman] For a more permanent change of plans, we'd have to get the Irrdin'errin to change his sentence, somehow. [Xandhil] is that possible? [Xandhil] that would be better [Kalman] Maybe. [Xandhil] what would it take? [Kalman] Convincing at least one of the council members that it's a good idea... more than one would be better, but that might be pushing our luck.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] My aunt is among their number, so it's easy enough for me to speak to her... and I know a few of the others, socially. [Xandhil] who do you tihnk would be the easiest to convince? [Kalman] not necessarily... warmly, though.

• Xandhil nods
• Kalman says with a dry smile.

[Xandhil] well :/

• Xandhil says as if that's a given considering local politics

[Kalman] I'm willing to speak to Thumire - my aunt, as I mentioned. It's possible you, as relative newcomers, might have more luck than I would in addressing others of their number, if I can put you into situations where you may encounter them.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] we can try [Xandhil] if you tell us who we might best bother with

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] I'll consider the question. [Xandhil] okay

• Xandhil considers as well

[Kalman] Not Loch. Not Antjri, she's too closely allied with him. Not Pheria, she's ... unpredictable. [Xandhil] hah [Kalman] Coramance is a possibility, she at least doesn't hate me.

• Kalman says with a slight chuckle.

[Xandhil] (ahhhh ha ha ha) [Xandhil] (that ones all for you, Justen ;) [Kalman] The newest member is not especially well-known to me, but he may also be more accomodating, if his position and alliances on the council are still uncertain. [Xandhil] who is that?

• Xandhil asks, realizing immediately he should probably know ].]
• Kalman looks a bit surprised that you aren't aware

[Kalman] Theron, of course...

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] right

• Kalman thinks a bit more, sipping his drink
• Xandhil also considers

[Xandhil] I know someone else who might be able to help, if I can get ahold of her [Kalman] Oh?

• Xandhil says hesitantly

[Xandhil] Someone I have worked for before [Xandhil] if I could get ahold of her.... [Xandhil] but she's hard to reach. I would probably need to use sending. [Kalman] All right... if we're getting a Mending spell, we can probably also arrange that at the same time.

• Cesar looks a bit ambivalent, but clears his throat.

[Kalman] What is it? [Xandhil] okay

• Xandhil looks at him

[Cesar] If we need someone who won't tell anyone... we could ask my sister to cast the spells. [Xandhil] well... she can't cast the sending

• Kalman frowns slightly

[Xandhil] but the other [Xandhil] I could do them myself with the scrolls [Kalman] I hesitate to involve her...

• Xandhil admits

[Cesar] She's probably already involved. She might even know things, things going on in the undercity, or with his plans, that we don't know. [Cesar] I don't think there's much that goes on down there she doesn't know about.

• Kalman sighs

[Kalman] That's.. probably true.

• Xandhil eyes Cesar curiously

[Kalman] If you can convince her to come here, anyhow. [Kalman] Or are you here right now?

• Kalman asks, somewhat loudly, glancing around.
• Xandhil tries to remember if MA has truesight

[Cesar] I asked her not to spy on us, remember ].] [Kalman] Yes. I remember that you asked.

• Xandhil gives them a confused look
• Cesar looks over to you, apologetically.

[Cesar] Sorry. My sister, she's, uh... not alive. [Xandhil] okay....

• Xandhil considers that

[Justen] like, undead? [Cesar] Something like that. [Cesar] It means she has ... access to places most people might not. Among other things. [Xandhil] right [Cesar] She tends to be protective of me, and she really dislikes most shadar-kai ].]

• Cesar says, putting his hand over Kalman's.

[Cesar] But I think in this, she might be on the same side as us. I hope so, anyway. [Xandhil] I can't imagine anyone thinking it is a good idea to let Willem go through with this [Cesar] Yeah. [Kalman] Well.. let's wait and see how things go with the Irrdin'errin. If we fail there, maybe she can be a last resort.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] Upon further reflection, there is a ... social gathering tomorrow, where several of the council members are likely to be in attendance. I hadn't planned to go, but I could obtain access for you. [Xandhil] okay.... You might have to give us some etiquette pointers @_@ [Xandhil] but the sooner the better

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] Hopefully that is soon enough. In the meanwhile, we can probably arrange for that Mending spell some other way.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] Will you stay here until then? I can also provide some more... suitable clothing for the event, perhaps. [Kalman] (~makeover makeover makeover~) [Xandhil] thank you, that's very generous @_@ [Xandhil] (heee)

• Xandhil tries to imagine what it might be like

[Justen] What sort of an ... event... is it going to be? Like, is it a sit-down dinner, or dancing, or what?

• Kalman gives him an 'oh that's cute' look.

[Xandhil] five course orgy? ;p [Kalman] More like that, yes. [Kalman] There may be some entertainment provided, in the form of dancing or mock combat, and no doubt there will be refreshments served. [Kalman] If you've never attended such a party, I can provide some instruction in what may be expected. [Xandhil] we haven't, I don't think @_@

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] In essence, there are few rules, so it should be relatively simple in terms of etiquette at least. [Kalman] Since you're new, you can probably expect a fair bit of attention. If you're not interested in said attentions, just be.. diplomatic about it. [Kalman] "My boyfriend gets jealous" might provide a good excuse if you need one.

• Justen nods
• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] I would also say, be cautious about leaving the main room with people. [Kalman] You can do anything you have to there. [Xandhil] okay [Kalman] But being alone with someone... could be risky. I don't know, but it's better not to risk it if you can. They're less likely to try anything with an audience there. [Xandhil] right [Kalman] well... try anything that might be dangerous to you.

• Kalman amends.
• Xandhil says, not sue he necessarily wants you to elaborate on that
• Justen is sort of smirking a bit as he listens
• Xandhil eyes him
• Justen just winks at you
• Xandhil rolls his eyes

[Kalman] Slaves at the gathering will be fair game for anyone, with one exception. [Kalman] Well, possibly two. [Kalman] Belldancers are the exclusive property of their owners, unless of course the owner offers them to someone else.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I know about them, but I've never seen one [Kalman] You'll know them if you see them. [Kalman] Any gladiators present are also likely slaves, but they're sort of .. in a different category than others. They can refuse an offer from a guest if they want, although most of them will go along if they're in a good mood.

• Kalman says with a little smirk to Cesar at that

[Cesar] Why refuse? that was the best part of the deal.

• Cesar says with a smirk back

[Xandhil] heh

• Justen chuckles

[Xandhil] well, we won't be going to take advantage ].] [Justen] No... [Kalman] I understand, of course. [Kalman] But I ought to be clear - you will be expected to...well, join in to some extent. [Kalman] Going as an observer is not going to earn you any trust. [Xandhil] right

• Xandhil considers
• Xandhil eyes Justen

[Justen] Hm? [Xandhil] we'll work something out ^-^ [Justen] Oh. yeah, that should be no problem.

• Cesar smiles

[Cesar] If you're interested, we can practice ;)

• Cesar teases
• Xandhil smiles and eyes Justen
• Justen smiles back

[Kalman] Perhaps after dinner, then.

• Kalman says, sipping his drink

[Cesar] Oh, you want to play dress-up first? ;)

• Cesar teases him

[Xandhil] that could be amusing... [Kalman] It would make sense to evaluate any outfits for their comfort and ease of removal.

• Kalman says smoothly
• Xandhil smirks

[Xandhil] and fit ;) [Kalman] Indeed. If any alterations are required, it would be best to know that ahead of time. [Xandhil] very wise

• Xandhil concurs

[Cesar] Some of my stuff might fit you, Justen [DiablotinNarrator] (skip ahead to after dinner then? ;) [Xandhil] (sure :) [DiablotinNarrator] After dinner, Cesar will take Justen off to his rooms to find him some suitable clothing, and Kalman will deal with you ^-^ [Kalman] (with plans to rejoin a little later, of course ;)

• Kalman takes you to his room and throws open his wardrobe.

[Kalman] Actually, first thing might be to get you clean... I imagine your hair could use a wash, too. [Kalman] If you want to wear it down, anyway. [Xandhil] oh, yeah @_@

• Kalman shows you to the bathroom, then.

[Kalman] (literal bathroom, with large bathtub :)

• Kalman will give you your privacy to get cleaned up
• Xandhil is vaguely surprised and wonders if he would have if he was Justen ].]

[Xandhil] . o O (maybe we are each other's present to the other though ;p) [Kalman] (aww ;)

• Xandhil will get cleaned up then

[Xandhil] (I meant Kalman and Cesar ;) [Kalman] (I figured :) [Xandhil] (I made this boy prettier for you!_ [Kalman] (heee) [Kalman] (I think he would have left either of you alone to get cleaned, unless you asked him to stay. he's not going to be intrusive ;)

• Kalman does pop back in momentarily to hang a robe there for you when you get out.

[Xandhil] thanks

• Xandhil 's hair is probably dripping everywhere, even if her tries to squeeze it out well
• Kalman nods, smiling
• Kalman has a few different outfits lying on the bed when you emerge

[Kalman] Oh, your hair... here, may I help? [Xandhil] um, thanks

• Kalman will do a little prestidigitation to dry it
• Kalman also has a brush he can use to smooth it out once it's dry, and make it all pretty, if you'll let him ^-^
• Xandhil will do!

[Kalman] [q] it's very beautiful

• Kalman runs his fingers through it a bit more than is strictly necessary ;)

[Xandhil] thank you

• Xandhil says, blushing a bit
• Xandhil isn't used to pretty boys playing with his hair *really*

[Kalman] Rare here, this colour... [Xandhil] Yeah... [Kalman] well. would you like to see some clothes? I wasn't sure what you would like, so I pulled out a few choices.

• Kalman is sort of endearingly shy and formal and polite.

[Xandhil] sure!

• Xandhil is very curious
• Kalman leads you over to the bed, then

[DiablotinNarrator] The first outfit he has set out is sort of what you might consider elfy-formal. Dark blue silk, heavily embroidered, a tunic and fairly loose pants. [DiablotinNarrator] (it would be quite covering, not showing much skin)

• Xandhil smiles

[Xandhil] would they think I was a prude? its very handsome...

• Xandhil feels the silk

[Kalman] They might - but they might also be intrigued and want to see what's underneath ;)

• Xandhil would wear it in a heartbeat though

[Xandhil] that's true, hmmmm....

• Xandhil consider

[Xandhil] what else did you pull out? [DiablotinNarrator] The next outfit is more revealing - a long sleeveless silvery-grey vest, and a pair of more snug trousers in leather. [DiablotinNarrator] The third outfit is the most revealing of all - the 'top' is really just some bands of almost-translucent red fabric that presumably get wrapped somehow, and the bottom is a...well, you'd call it underwear if you were back home, and rather skimpy underwear at that ;) [Kalman] We could switch things around too, if you like the top from one but the bottoms from another, say.

• Xandhil nods, considering

[Kalman] Or if you hate all of them, we can try something else. [Xandhil] no, i definitely don't [Xandhil] I'm just considering

• Kalman nods
• Xandhil keeps eying the first one though, because pretty @_@

[Xandhil] I wonder... [Xandhil] do you think the tunic would work with the tight pants?

• Xandhil holds it up over

[Kalman] I think it could, yes. We might want to belt it then.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] if they fit, anyway!

• Kalman nods, smiling

[Xandhil] shall I see? :) [Kalman] I was a little thinner when I wore those, so I thoughy they might be all right for you ;) [Kalman] Yes, please.

• Xandhil will see if he can squirm into them

[DiablotinNarrator] They're actually quite good on you :) [Xandhil] ooh :D [Kalman] Those are... very nice ^-^ [Xandhil] they are!

• Xandhil seems quite happy with them anyway
• Xandhil will try with the vest, and with the tunic, to see which he likes better

[Kalman] They both look good...

• Kalman considers

[Kalman] We could try belting and see how it looks like that.

• Xandhil considers trying the red top, but he doesn;t really like red

[Xandhil] okay

• Kalman will go to his wardrobe again and returns with a thick silver sash, as well as a wide leather belt/waist-cincher kind of thing, so you have options ;)
• Xandhil probably opts for the leather

[Kalman] That looks...amazing.

• Kalman comes over to admire you closer up

[Xandhil] I think we have a winner, yes

• Xandhil is happy to be admired
• Cesar and Justen will return about that time...
• Xandhil looks up, curious to see how little Justen is wearing ^-^
• Justen is in a tarty, strappy leather number that shows off his muscles very nicely.

[Justen] Is this too much? ;) [Xandhil] no [Xandhil] mmmm

• Xandhil goes to feel up said muscles

[Justen] mmm...I brought something else too, but... we weren't sure. [Xandhil] I like it

• Justen shows you the well-worn collar in his hand.

[Xandhil] oooh...

• Xandhil considers

[Cesar] I didn't think it would be right for me to put it on him. if you decide to wear it at all. [Xandhil] I don't know - I don't want anyone thinking he is 'fair game'

• Justen smiles a little at that

[Cesar] That's fair. [Cesar] They would probably be polite and ask first... probably ;) But maybe it's better not to risk it. [Xandhil] yeah... [Xandhil] I mean, it wouldn't really help, would it? [Justen] Probably not... I just thought you might like it ;) [Xandhil] ].] [Xandhil] not here [Justen] okay

• Justen sets it aside then

[Justen] You look gorgeous [Xandhil] so do you

• Xandhil says, blushing
• Cesar grins

[Cesar] Success, I think :D [Kalman] Mmmhmm. [Xandhil] so, now we practice taking them off? [Xandhil] was that the idea? ^-^ [Cesar] It was ;)

• Cesar will come over to you and offer his assistance with that just in case you need it ^-^
• Kalman will do likewise for Justen

[DiablotinNarrator] Is Xan liable to snooze for a while after that?

• Justen certainly is @_@

[Xandhil] (yes) [DiablotinNarrator] After some indeterminate amount of sleep, Xan, you wake up. Justen and Cesar are still all sprawly and snoring slightly, but Kalman is awake, just lying quietly and watching [Kalman] so, yours snores too

• Xandhil smiles sleepily

[Xandhil] yeah

• Kalman says with a slight smile when he sees you're awake

[Xandhil] are they keeping you up? [Kalman] no... other things are. [Xandhil] oh?

• Xandhil sits up a little

[Kalman] concerns.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] you all did a nice job driving them away for a while, though.

• Xandhil smiles a little at that too

[Xandhil] Justen is very good for that [Kalman] mm, I noticed. [Xandhil] is it just.... the stuff with Willem? [Kalman] ...no, not just that.

• Xandhil keeps his voice low, though he knows Justen is unlikely to wake up

[Kalman] sometimes I wish I could take Pavo's outlook and just try to enjoy as much as possible before ... [Kalman] ... before it all ends, one way or another. [Xandhil] :| [Kalman] ... where are you from, really?

• Kalman asks after a moment's pause

[Xandhil] where do you think?

• Xandhil asks, curious rather than saucy

[Kalman] I think you're from a different world.

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] Why did you come here? Why would anyone come here if they had the choice? [Xandhil] I'm from.... the place the queen was from, before she made this place. [Xandhil] our worlds used to be connected, through her [Xandhil] there's still.... echoes.

• Kalman listens
• Xandhil considers what to say next

[Xandhil] There are people who feel sort of... responsible for what's happening here, maybe? [Xandhil] or at least for the people [Xandhil] but its hard to know what is really going on

• Kalman nods, listening

[Xandhil] there's also people who are just more....academically interested

• Xandhil admits

[Xandhil] But there is a woman, a princess, who is a powerful... wizard, sort of [Xandhil] She was having dreams about Willem [Kalman] What sort of dreams? [Xandhil] dreams about him killing, filling a channel with blood...

• Kalman looks unsettled at that, but nods, still listening

[Xandhil] that's about all, other than that she felt he was up to no good - clearly [Xandhil] killing more than usual, I should say [Kalman] right... [Xandhil] She wanted someone to come and investigate, to see what was happening [Xandhil] so, we came [Kalman] are you going to try to stop it? or just... investigate, observe... [Xandhil] I don't know - it depends what we *can* do

• Kalman nods

[Xandhil] Willem is a lot stronger than us [Xandhil] but, if we can contact the pribcess.... she might be able to help, or send someone else who can [Kalman] That's why you need a Sending?

• Xandhil nods

[Kalman] well, we'll get that sorted out tomorrow if we can. [Xandhil] okay [Kalman] obviously I don't think we should just allow him to do whatever he's planning. but I'm concerned that, not knowing precisely what that plan is, we may misjudge the situation. [Xandhil] I know [Xandhil] Its hard, with his seer, to know what he might have planned for [Kalman] yes... [Kalman] maybe those notes will have something useful in them [Xandhil] I hope so [Kalman] ... I appreciate that you're trying to help, even though... this isn't your world, and you could just leave.

• Xandhil nods.

[Xandhil] Justen's really not the type to walk away from things like this

• Kalman gives a little chuckle at that

[Kalman] But you are? ;) [Xandhil] I don't know [Xandhil] I've never found myself in these situations without him before ;p

• Kalman nods, more seriously
• Xandhil glances at his sleeping lover [3
• Justen snores

[Kalman] If things do go bad... I mean very bad... I hope you'll get out while you can.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] we'll try [Kalman] all right

• Kalman seems to accept that as an answer

[Kalman] you should try to rest some more, if you can. [Kalman] you won't get much at the party. [Xandhil] I imagine not @_@ [Xandhil] is there anything else we should know, or expect there? [Kalman] it's difficult to say [Kalman] ... do either of you have sex with women? [Xandhil] ... [Xandhil] He does.

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] well, you can probably avoid any unwanted offers if you're diplomatic about it. but you should expect to get such offers, and maybe more forceful gestures.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] right [Kalman] I don't know precisely who is going to be there. I don't attend such events very often anymore.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] as long as some of the people we need are there [Kalman] They ought to be. [Kalman] The party is at the El'ziior estate. [Kalman] His close circle of friends will almost certainly be there, at the least, but more than likely there will be a large number of guests.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] is there anyone we should be particularly careful of? [Kalman] I would be shocked if Loik Talav'era didn't proposition you.

• Kalman says a bit dryly.

[Kalman] He's not necessarily dangerous himself, but he's fickle and untrustworthy. [Kalman] Fedra Ar'seni - Pavo's daughter - if she's there

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I've heard of her [Kalman] Even in other worlds? [Xandhil] echoes

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] Pheria and Marel Kizer

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I've heard of them, too @_@ [Kalman] Livianne and Menard Kizer aren't quite so ... unpredictable. If you need to deal with the Kizers for some reason, they're a better bet. Well, he's a bit dim, but she's the one running the show anyway.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] ...

• Xandhil frowns

[Xandhil] Leonien Kizer [Xandhil] used to have a magic item

• Kalman looks over at you

[Xandhil] that would let him hear anyone who spoke his name [Xandhil] his grandson may have that now [Kalman] ... that's good to know. [Kalman] I hope the wards on the house would prevent such ... eavesdropping, but it's best to be careful in future regardless I suppose. [Xandhil] I don't know for sure... but it is possible

• Kalman nods

[Kalman] Finally, you should be cautious of anyone from the Embassies. They have their own interests and ambitions, which may or may not coincide with ours, but either way, their loyalties are to each other first. [Kalman] ... such as they are.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] How many embassies are there? [Kalman] Two... of a sort. One has more or less... absorbed the other. [Xandhil] oh? [Kalman] .. it's complicated.

• Kalman says with a bit of a sigh.

[Kalman] But the Cozovode embassy is the main one. The emissary from .. from... [Xandhil] right [Kalman] ... you know, I can't remember where she was meant to be from. that seems like the sort of thing I used to know, but maybe it was never real. [Xandhil] ..right.

• Xandhil nods, that seems reasonable, strangely

[Kalman] in any case... Dozilve and whatever staff she has left have been drawn into their orbit. [Xandhil] ...

• Xandhil freezes for a second

[Xandhil] okay [Kalman] ... [Xandhil] We'll avoid them @_@

• Kalman glances over at you

[Kalman] ... all right. I don't know that they'll even be present, but I thought it worth a mention at least. [Xandhil] okay [Kalman] but you should rest now... you can ask more questions tomorrow

• Kalman strokes your sweat-tangled hair gently

[Xandhil] heh [Xandhil] I'll try :p [Kalman] and another bath, too ;) [Xandhil] that would be a good plan, definitely [Kalman] I'll try to rest too. I promise.

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] we could probably all use baths ;p

• Kalman nods
• Kalman settles down, curled up against Cesar
• Xandhil crawls over and limpets carefully on Justen, who is probably well used to it by now.
• Justen snuffles slightly and rolls over to cuddle you better, still sleeping

[Xandhil] ([333 boys)

• Xandhil will try to sleep, even though *his* mind is now all worked up

[DiablotinNarrator] You might manage a light doze? [DiablotinNarrator] But Cesar getting up and going to the bathroom is probably enough to wake you again.

• Xandhil 's eyes flutter open for a moment, and he sees that Kalman is sleeping at least

[Xandhil] . o O (crap, now I have to pee ].])

• Xandhil carefully disengages from Justen
• Xandhil slips carefully from the bed, trying not to wake up anyone else
• Cesar is just coming out of the bathroom by the time you get there
• Xandhil looks sleepy and utterly dishevelled

[Cesar] oh! [Xandhil] sorry [Xandhil] Just.. [Cesar] sorry - not used to other people in here at night :)

• Xandhil points at the bathroom

[Cesar] oh, right

• Cesar steps out of the way for you

[Xandhil] thanks

• Xandhil will pee and do some other basic cleaning @_@
• Xandhil comes out once he feels a little less sticky
• Cesar is standing by the bed when you come back, because Kalman has sprawled over his side of it ;)

[Xandhil] heh

• Cesar goes to sit in an armchair instead

[Cesar] I don't want to wake him up, he doesn't get enough rest anyway

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] I bet he sleeps better with you, though [Cesar] yeah...

• Xandhil says, maybe projecting a tad ;)

[Cesar] although he says I snore

• Xandhil nods

[Xandhil] yeah

• Cesar says with a smile and a shrug
• Xandhil smiles down at justen, who is also sprawled, snoring quietly, sleeping like the dead as usual

[Cesar] ...listen, uh... can I ask you a question? [Xandhil] okay [Cesar] Who was your father? [Xandhil] No one you'd have ever met.

• Xandhil says

[Cesar] ... are you sure? [Xandhil] yes. [Xandhil] Positive. [Cesar] because there's... [Cesar] okay [Xandhil] why?

• Xandhil asks, though, curious as to what he was going to say

[Cesar] ... because you remind me of someone. and if you meet him at the party, I thought... even if he *might* be your father... you'd want to know that. [Xandhil] I think I know who you mean [Xandhil] but... I know who my father is, and it isn't him [Cesar] all right. if you're sure.

• Cesar doesn't sound completely convinced, but is willing to let it go.
• Xandhil wonders if Kalman will tell him anyway

[Xandhil] My parents aren't really....from around here [Cesar] fair enough. [Xandhil] Kalman told me to avoid people from the embassies anyway

• Cesar considers that for a moment

[Cesar] they're not all bad... not necessarily, anyway. no more than anyone else.

• Xandhil nods

[Cesar] and because they're sort of separate from stuff, sometimes they get a better view of it.

• Xandhil nods
• Cesar sounds a tiny bit defensive of... someone.

[Xandhil] we'll be careful

• Xandhil curiouses but also doesn't want to know @_@

[Cesar] okay, good [Xandhil] but I'll keep in mind that they might be useful

• Cesar nods
• Cesar stands up again, stretching

[Cesar] hm... I could just go to my room, but ... I'd rather stay.

• Cesar considers for a moment, then goes over to the bed to try gently moving Kalman enough without waking him so he can slide back in beside him
• Xandhil climbs carefull on top of sleeping justen
• Xandhil puts his head on justn's chest and curls up
• Cesar winds up with enough bed to sleep on, at least, even if Kalman is still sprawly
• Cesar manages to get Kalman sprawled on/beside him, though, and that's good enough [3

[Xandhil] (awwww) [DiablotinNarrator] ([33333 boys) [Xandhil] (yes!) [Xandhil] (leave them there then?) [DiablotinNarrator] (sure) [Xandhil] (or is there more you want to do?) [DiablotinNarrator] (nope, that was all I had in mind. the Mending and Sending will take a little more thought :) [Xandhil] (okay :)