Kickball and Catching Up
Log Info
- Title: Kickball and Catching Up
- Emitter: Mikilos
- Characters: Mikilos, Cryosanthia, Tenoc, Braelnoir, Seldan, Liadra, Stjepan, Morgan
- Place: A15: Mithralla Merchandise
- Time: Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 9:10 PM
- Summary: Cryosanthia and Mikilos are hanging around out front of Mithrallas Merchandise, with Tenoc keeping company, when Braelnoir arrives. The courtyard is full of Mikilos' kin, who took his spring update letter as an invitation to visit and bring their children. Lily goes to join the tall elves in playing kickball. Brae explains how she just got back from an adventure, which Lars had charmed her into. Seldan, then Liadra arrive, and a discussion on the extents and limits of the Charm Person spell are discussed. There aren't a lot of protections, and the ones that are don't last long. This is a difficult subject, considering Cryo's domination by Salina for so long, and Seldan carefully talks around it while the whitescale watches her foundling. Liadra asks Mikilos for work, which he'll consider, and the Explorer's Guild is discussed. Stjepan arrives, and he and Braelnoir discuss a few other things they've been doing. As Liadra is a Mul'niessa new to Alexandria, they clarify some of the rumours she may have heard, and ask if she's had any from Charn. They discuss a few other upcomign threats, like dealing with Asummit, and then everyone goes their separate ways.
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Here, a large wooden structure has been built. Its somewhat eccentric yet elegant design suggests its owner may be of the arcane persuasion. To the side of the main structure is a small corral to for horses or wagons. Before the central building, a massive sword emerges from the earth. A sign upon it reads: "MITHRALA MERCHANDISE."
Inside is a small seating area with several comfortable chairs. To the back, an unobtrusive but businesslike sales counter, and two large signs. One asks patrons to please wait here and not disrupt those inside the lab. The other offers a lab rental at a very reasonable rate.
To the left and right are a large set of doors. The doors on the right lead to a large room which takes up most of the building. Several long tables are scattered about, many with small tool racks. A small forge sits off to the side. Unlike the average workshop, maps of celestial bodies and guides to the elemental planes line the walls. Large frameworks of brass, silver, and crystal occupy space between the tables. A large shelf dominates the far wall, the containers upon it sporting such labels as "wyvern bile," "sulfur," "tiger's tears," and other exotic items. A glass-covered hole in the roof, set with mirrors, offers direct sunlight, or moonlight, to shine upon various projects.
The doors to the left lead towards the direction of the mountains and what is reported to be a sildanyari-style ball room. Wizards.
During regular store hours, a young Llyranesi man, Belhan Mithralla, keeps an eye on the shop and the lab. When not cleaning or helping a customer, he can usually be found reading some book from the library.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Mikilos 6'8" 180 Lb Dawn Elf Male Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith'Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. Tenoc 7'0" 280 Lb Sith-Makar Male Tall, green-scaled Sith'Makar hunter Braelnoir 5'11" 146 Lb Human Female A tall, pale Acanian woman, branded in silver. Seldan 5'11" 187 Lb Human Male Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol. Liadra 4'2" 55 Lb Shadow Elf Female Tiny Mul'niessa woman Stjepan 8'0" 534 Lb Giantborn Male Big, blonde jotun. Morgan 4'10" 79 Lb Half-Elf Female Short pixy like half elf with fair skin -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Little Fang, 'Lily' Kobold Female A carnation-scaled youngling, Cryo's foundling -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's evening at Mithrallas Merchandise. The day was bright with fair weather clouds, there is no moon and the tide is low. The store isn't closed for business but it's getting close; adventurers and wizards do tend to keep odd hours, so it doesn't hurt if the propriotor and friends want to linger out front of the shop.
Mikilos lounges in the shade outside the store, seated upon a bench. A dozen or so youngish elves play in the courtyard, the majority involved in some sort of kickball game, while a few play with a jumprope. Fiddle music drifts down from the balcony/overlookset higher up the mountainside.
Cryosanthia is also there, recently arrived and moving to sit on her own bench, watching the game. With her disguise down her partial wings are visible, two spars, each sixteen feet that fold in the middle, but not enough actual wing-features to be useful. They stick up behind her like a flagpole and she has them wrapped up and lightly bound so they don't do too many things on her own.
Her foundling, Little Fang, the carnation-scaled Kobold immediately runs to play with the youngish elves. She's very happy to chase after the kickball even though she doesn't get close to it often.
"Be careful Lily, don't get kicked!" Cryo calls out, watching vigilantly. She looks over at Mikilos, "Are any of the younglings related to you, or are they all from the surrounds?"
Tenoc follows close behind Cryosanthia, warden and watcher for the Speaker, the Foundling-- and the growing spars of wings. He steps behind, settling to watchful rest as his eyes gaze around balefully, grimly....
...a stoic act completely betrayed by the thump of his tail, a twitch of bemusement as Lilly skitters off to join the game. More or less! "How could they be?" the green-scaled Makar remarks. "They are soft-skins. They do not even come from proper-- ssssk. Proper eggs!"
Shudder.
Mikilos laughs softly. "Oy, I am sorry, havn't had a chance to introduce you around. They're -all- cousins. Well, third cousins twice removed or some such, a few technically inlaws, but all kin. That letter I sent out for the Spring Equinox? Seems was viewed as an invatation to come visit. I've been busy trying to sort rooms for everyone. Most just passing through, but still has been a bit of chaos." He quirks a brow at Tenoc. "We still have blood relations, though not proper clutch mates. Class mates are near the same, but typically not so strong a bond."
Tenoc broods over the Mysteries of Softskins and Lack of Egg-laying Practices. Brood!
Brae'd intended to visit Mikilos's shop for a few reasons, but now.... now she has a rekindled fire under an old one. The Korite trails some time behind her sister's party, and perhaps just as well the wind is blowing toward her, considering her mood. Her stride is weighed down by her ire, and the silvermaned merc walks with her scythe gripped close to the head rather than the more casual, against the shoulder posture she typical bears it with. Her hair, and under her nails, are caked with rusty brown, as are some of the detail work of her armor and weapons, though her Anygarment outfit is impeccable beneath. She sees Cryo and the others gathered up ahead just in time for the pink missile to streak off toward the game.
"Ah, congratulations then for the success of your relations." Cryo says with a grin, settling herself and carefully folding her arms. Her movements suggest she's still having some discomfort. "This one still has hopes for you and Valadhiel."
She looks at the group, "that is a lot. This one will appreciate introductions but it will be a challenge to retain all those names. When they are done."
Then, "Lily! Careful."
The whitescale looks at the latest arrival. She's expected, but not her mood. Nor the battle readiness and dried blood. "Braelnoir? What happened, are you okay? Come, sit. We are making tea, or there can be something stronger."
The cogs turn in Tenoc's head, almost visibly. And eyes widen-- Boggled! "Ssssk..." he remarks quietly, another thump of his tail brushing the ground beneath. "This one did not mean different. Otherwise. Ssstill-- strange to learn of such things. One did not imagine softskins bearing so many young." He pauses, considering with a long thought.
"...Is sssuch why softskin wizard of Dark-Charn want our blood?" he asks, non-plussed. Disturbing thought! He shakes his head witha a chuff; flame flickers drift in tiny sparkles, come and gone swift as whisps. He rumbles in quiet consternation, sighing with weary solemnity. "...softskin thing," he amends, grumbling gravely. Quick eyes track Lily as she scampers about the field of play. Growing fascination!
And a swift, sharp glance toward Braelnoir in turn. Instinctive stiffening-- friend? Foe? He rumbles anew as the Speaker exhibits welcome to the silvery newcomer. Friend!
Mikilos mmms, nodding to Cryo. "The adults are mostly on the terrace with Belhan, a few out in the city or wherever. Traveling with children, most welcomed the break." To Tenoc he quirks a brow. "I understand little the motivations of Charn, but I doubt it." As Brae comes into view, he stands up, alert, but not alarmed. "Everything alright?"
"Son of a bitch got me, again." she replies shortly in return to Cryosanthia's hail, a peculiar edge in her tone as the haft of the weapon creaks softly. The comments, in particular a repetitive phrase, from the other Sith gets a low, "Still hate that fuckin' word." That he may not know that is entirely beside the point.
Up close, she smells like she swam in a Dragon, though some of that is the undertone of anger tickling at her Draconic rage, "Me an' star, and a Mul'. Made us fight some shit an do a damned play about some big deal wizards." Honestly, it's no one here's fault, but she's clearly three tonnes of 'Ima kill me a motherfucker' stuffed in a hundred and fifty pound package pickled in scab. "Need a way t'protect against charms an' I need it fuckin' NOW!"
The setting sun over the courtyard draws the eye of another passerby, as does the distant sight of Braelnoir. Seldan knows ire when he sees it, even from this distance, and so when she turns towards Mithralla Merchandise, he is quick to divert his returning path from the depths of the mountains to follow. As he strides closer, the guise of ornately runed and decorated plate armor vanishes into simple shirt and trousers, and a quick incantation cleans the sweat and dirt of the day's exertions from him.
Thus it is when he comes into view, he is simply enough dressed, as is his usual wont, the black celestial runes written across his fair skin only just beginning to fade as evening approaches. His eyes are mostly on Braelnoir, but rove the others present as well. "Peace upon your nests, and fair greeting to you," he greets softskins and sith-makar alike. "Is something amiss?" He means Braelnoir. That's obvious in the way he watches her.
Tenoc nods to Mikilos' words, brooding still-- or briefly, before his attention is stolen again. Game, and ball! Though more aware than he lets on-- he chuffs briefly, a whisp of smoke drifting from his nostrils in assent. He glances briefly at Cryosanthia, the silver-clad Braelnoir. Another glance for yet more as other passing by steal a longer glance at the Whitescale's growing wings-- and get the same in return from Tenoc, if much more readily! And toothily-- though he absently pats the pouch at his belt, its carefully-hoarded supply of fruits. Satisfaction-- mango!
Cryo jumps up now, and instantly regrets it. She halts, standing stiffly before moving towards Braelnoir. "Scales. Maugrim Resurgent. You are safe now, among friends, we can break enchantments if there are any on you."
She looks over at Mikilos, as this is something she probably can't do. Looking back, she sees another arrival, Seldan. "Peace on your Nest. Yes. Something may be. There is a Charmer about."
She puts her hands on her scale-sister's shoulders, "Braelnoir, what did Lars do this time? A... play? Can we hear from the beginning?" The whitescale visible sniffs, scenting dragons, but does not comment.
Mikilos blinks. Blinks again. "I feel I've missed a few chapters to this tale. If you've any lingering magics, can remove them well enough but protection is somewhat trickier."
Braelnoir is a knot under Cryo's grip, but she takes a moment to try and relax, "I don't... I ain't mojo'd now. I think." She sets the butt of her scythe on the ground at her side, blade pivoted away from anyone, and continues, looking about to them all in turns, "I run inta Thurid an' a Mul named Zaxx outside the guild hall with Firestarter. Immediately smelled a rat when sh'mentioned Lars. I warned them how he played, but everyone jus' went on in and I followed after'm. Then things get fuzzy, cuz everyone's about ta teleport, an I go along ta try an spring 'Star."
There's a glance to between them again and, "He had a plan fer some kinda play relatin' somehow ta the Animus thing. Something happened back around th'fall of the Millenium Empire." She pauses, sniffs herself when Cryo does and, a bit ablush, "Can someone hit me w'some o'that cleanin' whammy?" She turns her face to Cryo, looking almost apologetic, "We got jumped by three false Reds. Big bastards. I killed two of them...." she holds up a hand, "One wi'my bare hands."
Seldan listens without comment, his usual quiet, reserved self, eyes flicking occasionally from face to face, but never leaving Braelnoir for long. "If I might ... I fear that I, too, have missed something of great import." The quiet voice carries with it a lilt typical of the Myrrish. "Who is Lars?"
Liadra trudges wearily in, the petite Mul woman wears what was once a very fine dress, a little worn now, and certainly sized for someone with a sturdier build than her, though her tight bodice helps conceal that a little. The woman paused briefly as she sees the small crowd gathered, lingering to cast a Prestidigitation spell to clean away travel dust and neaten up a little.She examines the various people here carefully, appraising.
"Not real dragons?" Cryo says, relaxing a little. She steps back and works a well practiced motion that causes her gloves to glow. She almost wipes down herself, such is the habit, but she turns it around and makes scrubbing motions. The magical cleaning washes warmly across Braelnoir as she works from head to toe.
The whitescale glances to check on Lily. She hasn't been kicked or hit by a ball yet. Good. She looks around at the small group, answering Mikilos but turning her head as she speaks, so everyone is addressed.
"Remember when those Artifice pegs were turning people into things. Braelnoir became a mermaid, and this guy Lars got a hold of her and was giving her away as a prize in the Colosseum. I didn't find out for weeks. It was when we were dealing with ... Her. A lot of things got lost in the shuffle. She met Firestarter then, and we ran into her later at the Ox Strength. And Lars."
"There was kind of a brawl... I mean there usually is, but Lars kicked it off. We compared notes and figured out he is using a 'Charm Person' spell, and making adventurers come with him on expeditions. He's a bard. He split up Terry and 'Star, and Brael's, well the both of us, have been trying to deal with him but he's both hard to find and fast with that Charm spell."
She finishes magically wiping down Braelnoir, then gives her a hug, "I'm glad you made it back."
Tenoc clamps his muzzle into silence. Watching the game, watching ther surroundings-- listening to the others. If he had sharp ears, surely they would perk at attention! The green-scaled Makar stands rugged, silent sentinel over the group, watching with studied, lazy care...
Watchful!
Mikilos listens intently, nodding as the name Lars refreshes his memory a little. "Charm is sadly a difficult spell to counter. Usually harmless enough, but is nothing that outright protects from it. Wards to stop evil magic, but if the caster isn't outright Evil... can boost natural defenses, offer some resistance to magic in general. But we ran into a similar problem with Kol Demontry, the horribally charming vampire." Liadra's arrival is noted, and met with a direct nod of welcome, but other matters have priority for the moment.
"Even so?" Seldan crosses his arms across his chest, his tone cool and even with a shard of ice through it, a note that both Mikilos and Cryosanthia have heard before in the quiet, unassuming blonde man, who to all appearance is clad in nothing more than a swordsman's short, trousers, and boots with an open-front blue robe over it. "I am certain that this will displease Guard and Guild alike. I would bid him pray that I do not find him in the course of such an act. Would you have my aid in locating this one?"
That tone of Seldan's is known, Mikilos and Cryosanthia have hear it, although not often. One that means: 'I'm going to kick someone's teeth in.'
Oh yeah...
She skipped that part, didn't she?
A sigh and Brae brings her hand to palm her face, "He's a bastard...." then she lowers it to regard Seldan, "Member back when I's all silver?" She makes a somewhat more contented sounding sigh as the warm sensation of the magic washes over her, getting rid of the chafing grit, leaving her shiny clean once again. She looks to Cryo as she takes the Korite's distraction to take over and nods at certain points in the story. She does chime in with, "He likes usin' it on girls." She returns the hug with a little peck, then, "Got a couple claws, wasn't sure you'd want'm, but..."
The merc straightens up from the hug and, notably calmer now, "Anyway, we 'ported out ta... where I guess these mages first tried ta work out a fix ta the magic problem back then." She snaps her fingers a couple of times, "Names like Jaenvo o'the Mercurial Form... ahhh Inkurgru, ummm.. Akalis."
The sound of footfalls manages to catch her ears between her narration and she looks thattaway to regard the approaching Mul'niessa. Uh, "Hi!"
Liadra is late to the conversation, the tniy Mul woman making her way closer to Mikilos and others, dipping a fairly deep curtsy, the motion somewhat belies her dress. "Charm person? A Protection from Evil spell is for you there, though I am not sure if it is infallible." Her Charn accent is very strong, the Mul speaking slowly, picking her words. "Uh, I can.... not cast it myself." Somewhat nervously the Mul woman looks about the gathered people. "I am sorry, Liadra, humbly at your service."
Tenoc steps closer to the game of Kickball, out of the conversation. Grrf! Stands dutiful guard. DUTIFUL. Watching.
Liadra has fairly demure mannerisms, like a lower-class woman of Charn, though her dress is richer than her mannerisms.
"Claws? Oh nice." Cryo sounds cheered by that, and it's swiftly swept away when she recognizes the demeanor behind Seldan's words. "We would appreciate your assistance Seldan..."
She's a little more hesitant when Liadra speaks. The whitescale looks over the Mul'niessa, assessing her, then nods. "Peace on your Nest. This one is Cryosanthia," she points at herself, then gestures introductions around, "Mikilos, Tenoc, Seldan, Braelnoir, my Lily. Mikilos' many cousins."
Another glance at Seldan, "This one can cast Protection from Evil. I learned it from Seldan. It doesn't last long and doesn't always work, like Mikilos said, if the caster targetted isn't evil. Although I expect Lars is."
She glances at Braelnoir again, "Is that one of the 'Pact' things, that the Resurrectionists are assigning? There's a bunch more. We haven't even had time to deal with the cysts on the Leylines."
"Anyhow, Lars is human, Stormgardian. Blond. He's a bard, he's pretty and charming without the spells. Worse with them."
Mikilos nods to Liadra. "Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, Lord of Estranillia, Arcmage and Builder Arcane, owner of this establishment, and at your service. A pleasure to make your aquaintence, miss Liadra. You are correct, such a protective spell is a solid defense from Evil charms, but less so from the Good but misguided. And only works when active. Which sadly, by the time you know you need it, is often too late. In any case, how might I be of assistance this day?"
"I ain't much a caster." Brae replies with a shrug. Well, to the point, she hasn't casted, yet, though supposedly she can. She bow her head to the curtsey an, "Thanks fer th'advice, luvvie. Braelnoir." she says with a thumb toward herself, then turns to Seldan, "I'd appreciate it, luv. He's a slippery one." But, not wanting to gild the lilly, "I really really wanna kill'm though. An' I gotta make sure Firestarter's ok. He's been yankin her leash with magic fer months."
To Cryo's question she nods, "Yeah.... yeah I think it is. We had a... feather winged serpent show us what really happened then, while we were doing th'play." She sighs, "I... got a medallion from Morg ta help ward off charms, but it didn't work... I's hopin' maybe there was somethin' else, but..." a shrug.
"Protection from Evil is of no use, unless the caster truly be of evil intent, and then it must be in place ere the attempt is made, or else it is but temporary." Seldan glances aside to Cryosanthia, eyebrows raised, then turns his attention to Liadra. "Her ... fair evening to you, mistress," he returns, politely enough. "Then my aid shall you have." Again, that cool, even tone, with a shard of ice through it. "I will not countenance the abuse of Her gift in such a fashion, although," and here he turns to Braelnoir. "He bids you act in plays for his benefit? I shall leave it to you, if that be your wish. I have the ability to break such compulsions, although I carry only a few of those. I shall have more scribed."
A Mul from Charn will almost definitely recognize the symbol Seldan is wearing. He wears openly the crescent and sphere of Eluna, the deity directly opposed to Taara. Not a popular one, in Charn.
"A pleasure indeed to meet you all." Liadra has practiced some phrases, this sounds a little clearer than her other speech. "I had heard that there was a mage... uh... shop up here." The fumbles for the correct words. "I had hoped that a sorceress might find employment here, aqu... uh, procu... getting magical resources on demand." The Mul explains her presence here, then turns back to the more interesting matter at hand. "Surely there is some manner of ward that could be created against such magic. Or better yet, to reflect it against the caster. Anyway, it takes a silver tongue to make a charm spell work. This Lars fellow might be able to make me know that I am his friend, but making me go on an adventure with him?" The Mul shakes her head dismissively. For some reason the tiny Mul is frowning slightly as she examines Seldan.
Cryosanthia is nodding along, as Mikilos provides a better explanation and Seldan further clarifies things. She crosses her arms again, to keep her shoulders from moving, and maintains her stiff posture. There is some levity in her voice, as she grins a little at Braelnoir, "A winged serpent. You aren't teasing me are you? You know I like plays. I will look for that report at the Guild. So, I guess Lars was ready for you?"
She glances at Liadra, "Well... going on adventures with total strangers is somewhat common for members of the Explorer's guild, actually knowing someone and their capabilities is a bonus."
She pauses, "Um... you haven't recently come from Charn, have you? Heard... any rumours." The whitescale glances at Seldan, "Were... you still planning to go?"
Cryo quickly adds, "If you don't need her, of course, Mikilos. This one doesn't want to interfere with whom you employ."
Mikilos waves vaugely. "I source most of my materials thru the Society, but am open to new options." He looks to Liadra. "If a different language would be easier for you, I can switch. I speak all of them. But recent news of Charn is of no small interest."
Braelnoir blinks, "Well... we did it, but the play didn't line up with what happened... the serpent tol' us how to get access t'what really happened back then. A summon, but I.... didn't get much heads or tails out've it. Thurid probly did, though." she says to Seldan. She sighs, "I'm powerful fond o'bein free ta make m'own decisions, even under' threats an' the like. Slavin' a mind with magic, though... that's evil ta the bone."
She looks to Cryo on her question and nods, "Honest, luv. Big big rainbow feathered wings an' she talked... in our heads, I guess. Had a bunch o'big damned snakes fer friends. We got a floatin' island flyin' again, disturbed their nest." There's a knuckle nudge against Cryo, "I pulled a you an' talked us out of a fight." Ahem, "Mebbe. I wish ya coulda seen'er." She runs her hand back through her hair and nods, "Yeah... Thurid was on'm, an I figger he ain't gonna take any chances around me, anymore."
"So it is." That shard of ice in Seldan's tone does not disagree in the slightest with Braelnoir's assertion, but it is Liadra to whom he turns, with a small smile. "Fear not." If he spotted the side-eye, he's ignoring it. "It is not so very unusual to take a Guild job with those one does not know well, or at all, and yet those of similar skill levels and compatible skillsets and temperament will oft be paired together, and so it is that those who oft do work for the Guild get to know some of their fellow Guild members, and those in the adventuring community at times become acquainted perforce." His ice-blue eyes darts to Cryosanthia for a moment.
"The trouble here lies in the use of magic to enslave the mind, to compel against one's will." This time, he carefully does _not_ look at Cryosanthia. "Such an act is indeed both evil and blackest blasphemy. Yes, I do mean to travel to Charn, as soon as quiet transport can be arranged. I may well have to do it myself."
Liadra shakes her head. "I fear I an not in this guild. I heard that joining the guild means that... uh... I would have to help defend if told to. And coming from Charn, forgive me if I do not trust those in power."
She shrugs now. "But as to rumors from Charn, I can not much help. There are always a thousand different rumors. It was getting very tense. The rich were suddenly spending like money was going out of fashion, and the streets got much more... dangerous. People were just vanishing. And I mean, that always happens, but it was a lot more." She shivers. "I was lucky to get out alive."
"I wish I could have seen it, her, it sounds amazing. I'm glad you made it back." Cryo carefully hugs Braelnoir, again moving stiffly. She is very carefully not looking at Seldan as he explains things. Her carnation-scale youngling has her attention, a vigilance she doesn't have to feign.
Lily is only about two feet tall, surrounded by dawn elves who have a significant advantage in height and reach. She has however, played kickball with Sith'makar younglings, who are rougher and more compact. She has several close calls where she just ducks under a kick or dodges a ball, and has yet to manage to catch up with it.
Cryo rejoins with a comment, "I've seen a lot more Mul'niessa from Charn around lately." She shakes her head slightly, "One so scarred she can't speak. Sweet person, Aryia."
Cryo is addressing everyone again, "If you wish Seldan, I will send some your way, so you don't have to go alone. I was going to see if I could meet with the Raven Lords ambassadors here."
Mikilos nods. "I've an interest in traveling to Charn myself, but admit is not a trip I look forward to." Turning focus to Liadra again, he says "I reccomend joining the Guild of Explorers. The vast majority of their efforts are voluntary. If you don't want to take a specific job, youdon't have to. What requirements they have is mostly about not doing anything illegal that would make the Guild look bad, and some specifics on jobs you DO accept. Don't open the box you're delivering, or what ever."
Braelnoir looks to the Mul'niessa at that and she nods, "Makes sense. Unnerstand there's some right bastards out thattaway." She pivots the grip of the scythe as she folds her arms, keeping the relative facing of the blade more or less in line during the movement and looks to the others, "Was... meanin' ta look up them casters Catacaustic showed us. When I calmed down."
Ahem.
She returns the hug gently and looks up at the spars protruding from Cryo's back, arching an eyebrow as she softly growls a query, "Do they still bother you, sister?" <Draconic>
She gives a look toward the game with a little smile at the little kobold so energeticly chasing the ball. As the conversation deepens, the glances between the fellas, "Hit Charn as fast as I'd hit Bludgun, again. I'm not quite so good at covert, though..."
"It is as Mas..." Seldan's quick glance at Mikilos, and a very small smile, are a sheepish if tacit admission as he corrects himself. "Mikilos said. Not all Guildmembers will defend the city, although many do. The Guild's reputation is of greater importance." His gaze levels on her nonetheless, but he leaves that be, and instead turns his attention to the others, Cryosanthia first at the stiff movements. "If I may be of aid, speak." He says no more, then, seeming content that his message is clear. "Those whose faces are unknown, or who might go unnoticed in Charn," and Liadra is the subject of a dart of the eyes, "would be welcomed. As for the rumors ... it is well that you did. Rumor has Abyss'a a dangerous place, right now."
Liadra shivers once more. "I should need to be much richer before going back to Aby'ssa. A girl can simply vanish from the street if she does not look like she is worth too much to give trouble. But perhaps you are right. Perhaps I should consider this guild more carefully." The young woman looks between Seldan and Mikilos curiously. "If you do go to Charn, I think that you should all look very out of place. Tensions are running high, and a mob might easily be convinced to go for an outsider. Claims of spies and the like, and accurate claims from what I hear."
"They hurt, this one endures. It is fine." Cryo answers Braelnoir quietly, hissing. "It is not time, so it will be some extreme of emotion or magic." <draconic>
She nods at the Silverguard's offer, grinning widely and sounding strangely cheerful, too much so. "I'm growing wings! Isn't it great? Two more strange limbs and I can pretend to be a spider for Faran."
A soft exhale of breath, "There is no injury. The Paladin's Mercy helps with the pain but then I'm in danger of wrenching them. It would be better spared for someone it would truly benefit."
The whitescale nods to Liadra, "This one is selective with her adventuring now, and couldn't manage a trip of that magnitude. There is too much still to do here. The Leylines, the Pact, something with Asummit too."
She straightens, "Merek! Is Merek still in jail after... what happened? I totally forgot. I should visit... maybe."
Mikilos sighs, and grins. "Very true, there are very few places where i could be said to 'blend in'." He frowns mildly, glancing to Cryo. "I think that's been resolved, but I'm honestly not certain."
Braelnoir nods with unveiled concern for Cryo, then gently pats her arm. "Need to meet this Faran person y'an Ezee keep goin on about." she murmurs, then looks to the others. Word on Merek makes her straighten, narrowing her eyes a moment, "He's still in th'clink?"
Then, the ire seems to melt and she palms her face again.
"Very well. I have wrenched a wing, and it is most unpleasant," Seldan agrees. Except he doesn't appear to have wings? But, the other topics are broached, and his expression goes sober and just a little impassive. "I am bound to defend him before the magistrate." He does not explain further. "I, too, should speak with him. But ... on the matter of Charn, I shall heed your words." He turns more fully to Liadra. "I had no thoughts of going openly, as myself. I am far too conspicuous in too many lands, for many reasons. I would hear your recommendation."
Liadra frowns, polite enough not to pry about this Merek person. "In any case Mikilostravia... I am very sorry, I cannot remember the rest of your name. Uh, if you are seeking to employ a sorceress for magical aquisition, or possibly other reasons then I should very much like to speak with you more, when you have not got all your friends here of course." The Mul steps back a little, letting others speak while she looks on.
Stjepan arrives, walking around the kids and missing the adults.
Stjepan ducks under the lintel as he enters the shop, straightening up afterwards. He pauses, as there are People here. He takes a moment to assess.
Stjepan comes out into the courtyard, honest. He still pauses to assess.
"I'll look into it tomorrow." Cryo tells Braelnoir and Mikilos, nodding also at Seldan, adding a "Thanks."
She bites at her lip, "That's all I can think of. Oh, there's some new Sith'Makar from Am'Shere. A silverscale! She's a Sentinel. She got waylaid and poisonned on the road between here and Mictlan, so, don't go slow if you go alone."
The whitescale waves as the Jotun draws near, "Peace on your nest Stjepan."
Mikilos smiles and waves vaugely to Liadra's apology. "Just Mikilos is fine. I'm usually around, or cousin Belhan can let you know where to find me." He smiles to Cryo. "I -almost- feel sorry for anyone waylaying people between town and Mictlan. Golem Munch travels those roads, and enjoys hunting bandits." He raises a hand in greeting to Stjepan.
"You are welcome, Cryosanthia. If I may be of aid, you know where I may be found, but evensong nears, and I must be gone. Peace upon all of you, and Her light upon your path." With an incline of the head to all present, and somehow including the arriving Stjepan in that, he turns and makes his way back to the mountain road by which he came.
Stjepan looks over, nodding towards the whitescale. "Cryosanthia, be well." His head traverses further. "Mikilos,Brae -- be well." And ends with Liadra. "Liadra.'I see you've landed well." He glances around. "You're all well, I trust." He pauses. "That's a dangerous road to be a bandit on. Seldan -- good eve."
The Silverguard departs.
Braelnoir sighs and pats Cryo again before she looks to Seldan on his own physical compaints. Mebbe her... situation isn't so inexplicable. She brushes her hair back, nudging the ornament on her ear, "Ain't sure what kinda rep I got out that way." The story about bandits perks her ears a touch. There's usually bounties on those, without needless guilt.
Bonus!
"Heh. Munch is a tough act ta follow." she remarks with a grin. she waves after Seldan as he takes off with a, "Have a good one!"
Stjepan gets a grin and a, "'ey, luv, how ya been?"
Liadra's lips purse. "People here in Alexandros certainly are nicer and more forgiving than back in Charn. I saw a noblewoman back in Charn flay the skin from the back of a street vendor who mispr... said her name wrong." The Mul moves to stand beside Mikilos, should he allow it, dipping her head politely to the jotun. "Stjepan isn't it? It is good to see you."
"Yes... they do that." Cryosanthia says, doing her best to maintain an even tone. The Sith'Makar experience with Charn is quite the tragedy and many of the lizard folk can go on in great detail. She doesn't indulge.
Somewhat obliquely, she says, "Currently Alexandria is graced with a Charnese Delegate, the High Priestess of Taara, perhaps even her choosen, Akoniril. You may even feel at home when you see her fill the street with her retinue of guards, and the Alexandria guards needed to buffer the lot from the citizens."
"She's remarkably pleasant."
"Hopefully none, Brae, hopefully none." Cryo moves beside her scale-sister, repositionning so Stjepan has a spot in the circle. Also so she can keep an easier eye on Lily.
Stjepan grins back at Brae, "Good. Knitting after the last round of fun. Everything works, more or less!" He nods to Liadra. "It is. You found your way well." He steps up, nodding to Cryo. "She is, isn't she. She makes me profoundly wary."
Mikilos tries not to loom. It can be hard to remember, hanging out with Sith. And jotun. And family. "Public flayings are desidedly uncommon... private are rather rare as well. Seem to recall one, but there was a demon involved. Most matters tend to go through the Courts. Not exactly a perfect system, but it at least tries to treat all people as equals."
"Yeah... had a little fun m'self." Brae notes to the Jotun, "Wan't my mission, but the fight was good." Hrm, "Well... a little short, really." Korites.
She looks to Liadra then and nods, "Sounds like the sorta cake eater entertainment they had out'n Bludgun, too." she says with a shrug.
As far as false rumours go, there are many in Charn regarding Alexandros and Alexandria. Some still believable after visiting. That it's full of decadent hedonists with no discipline, Nobles that exploit the lower classes, worse than they do in Charn. A host of undead in the sewers, never fully eliminated so that adventurers can continually charge to clear them. The city was twisted when it disappeared into the Mists of Time for a few years, and remains so. Vigiliante justice occurs in the streets, and when the guards aren't paid to look away, they pay private contractors to do their dirty work. Vampires, demons, disappearances everywhere, and the magic plague that nearly destroyed Ea, originated there and still remains. People turning into demons, dragons, mariliths and cows. Incubi everywhere.
So many rumours.
Liadra shudders. "Well flayings were not an everyday thing on the streets of Aby'ssa, but still they were common enough. I just had to make sure it wasn't me getting it, nor could I help the victim, or else I was likely to join them." She glances up to Mikilos. "I almost did not come here to Alexandros, back in Charn they were all sure that this was a depraved city of wanton harlots, with necromancers grabbing people and dragging them into the sewers. I'm sorry that at least some of those rumors are false."
Stjepan nods to Brae, grinning broadly. "That's too bad -- win slower next time." He looks over at Mikilos. "It's pretty rare, isn't. I mean, until a necromancer grabs someone -- it's been a while since that wight-incursion."
"The Necromancers are in the swamps," Cryo says confidently, "and they drag off Kobolds, not Alexandrians. That's another of the many things on my list."
She sighs and shakes her head, "I'm never going to get the house."
She looks at Stjepan, "That happened before this one's time. There are demons, quite a lot."
She spreads her hands, waving down at the city, "There's a giant summoning circle beneath the whole city. There were efforts to break it, but I don't know how successful. At least two cults down there, which haven't appeared in a while. White Masks, and some working with the Big E. Also the Spell Canon does... things that weaken the fabric of reality. It shoots by ripping holes between planes. And stuff comes through."
"It hasn't been fired in a while, but, is has been fired."
Mikilos frowns midly. "Necromancy is quite firmly frowned upon by the Society. Are a few decent spells of the School, but far more with no valid use. As for wanton harlots, I suppose that's a fairly subjective viewpoint, but Rosie's in GoblinTown can get a bit lewd by most any standard." He considers a few moments. "Need to make sure cousin Mitch stays out of it..." he forwns again, nodding to Cryo. "I have no fondness for the Planar Disjunction Cannon, but admit overall it's done more good than harm for the city... so far."
Braelnoir lifts her chin with a 'hmmph!', "I resent that, I ain't no necromancer!" she retorts in mock ire.
Let's that percolate for a couple seconds..
Then grins.
Anyway, she looks to Stjepan, "I didn't expect ta one-shot the first one. I'bout climbed inta the second one." kinda overlooking that he wasn't here for the important part of the 'what'.
Back to Liadra, though, she shrugs, "Seriously, though. there's been some troble, yeah. Cultists tryin' ta murder folk, magic slime, some asshole makin' people shapeshift without their say-so. Good, clean fun. That's been cleared up, though." Mostly.
Liadra raises an eyebrow. "GoblinTown you say? That does sound like the rumors I heard. I shall have to stear clear without an escort. What with stories of slimes and otyughs or whatever they're called..." She shakes her head. "But please Mikilos, if you would like to employ a sorceress, I should very much like to prove my worth if you would grant me an interview sometime." The Mul flashes the much taller man a smile.
Stjepan nods to Cryo. "It's been a while since I was down there, but yes, there are some nasty cults down there. I missed most of the demons, though." He laughs for a moment towards Brae. "/What/ did you climb into? I've had some bad experiences with that, lately, though most of that was tryin' to grapple a red-hot dragon to grab its eye."
"It was a faux-dragon, I think?" Cryo looks at Stjepan, "You, encountered a dragon too? And Mikilos. His was dead though, not sure that counts. I am missing out on all the dragons. Did you get it's eye?"
She's both fascinated and appalled.
Mikilos gets a glance, "Oh, that is its proper name? I never knew."
"Oh just a minute." She strides away from the group, towards the kids, "Lily, no hands. When you get the ball you kick it, not bite it."
Mikilos shakes his head. "Don't mind the otyugh, the locals are quite friendly. Just stay upwind and don't let them touch you. Some stains even magic can't fix. As for an interview, I'm sure we can arange something. Most of my business is comission based, and between the Guild, Society, and various Temples, there's always some work to be done."
Braelnoir hmmm's and eases back on the volume as Lia starts to look for work, but looks to Stjepan, "Three false dragons. Red ones. Pretty damned big, too." she says matter-of-factly. She nods, asiding, "Never seen cleaner sewers. It's kinda disturbing." to tack onto Miki's notes on the local Oties, "There's wild ones out there too. If they're drunk, sing really really badly, they'll follow ya like ya's a mama duck an they're yer chicks."
Stjepan nods. "The eye was a key, and we got it -- had to crush the orbital bone." He nods to Braelnoir. "Sounds like a fun fight, after all." Nodding to Brae, '"It's the damnedest thing."
From the mountain area a small figure comes flying but lands in the general area. Now in the light the short Loremaster most here knows but the name of Morgan can be seen better "hello all." said pleasently.
Liadra dips into a curtsy once more. "I look forward to meeting you once more Mikilos. But now I fear that I should be about my business. It is a long way back down the mountain." She looks back to the gathered crowd. "Farewell to you all."
Cryosanthia sorts out the kickball, with only a few meaningful stares at the taller elves. Do not kick my child. She manages to intimate this without turning into a dragon mom. Leaving them to their game, she returns enough to catch the commissions comment.
"Oh, that reminds. I need a cloak, for diplomats, and shoulder pauldrons, and maybe another dagger. I wanted that amulet that Braelnoir gave me enchanted as well, maybe a necklace of adaption." The whitescale laughs, "Sorry, I have a backlog list of things I've been wanting to buy too. We can discuss that later."
She looks at Braelnoir, "Huh, singing? ok."
The white scaled sith'makar bows slightly towards Liadra, "It was nice to meet you. Peace on your Nest." She waves as Morgan flies in, "Peace on your nest, also Morgan. Hello."
Mikilos nods politely as Liadra departs, and chuckles at Cryo's list. "I understand. There's always some new something to try and give a little assistance..."
Braelnoir waves, "Take care, Liadra!" as the Mul'niessa goes to make her exit, then finds herself drawn to arrival of, "Morgan!"
She steps closer and gives the little woman a hug, "Been a bit, luv, how ya been?"
Cryo's question makes her look over her shoulder, "S'truth! Ask Sel about it, sometime, he's there, too."
Morgan returns the hug and any one saying hi to her "Much better when not doing travling work for the guild... Mean people keep me away from you." she gives a smile and says "but I did get to study many items and that was fun."
The whitescale nods, to Brealnoir, then to Mikilos. The mage gets some more details of her wish-list, "Well, the necklace is so Lily can hide in my Haversack safely. The Amulet, well it's made of Braelnoir's scales, so I was thinking it could increase my scale toughness, or my claws, and I'd like an adamantine dagger because it can't be that expensive and could be useful for punching through things."
She leans back a little, "I was thinking something on the boots, or, that third eye idea you had, on a headband that makes me more clever."
She holds a finger up, "Oh, and maybe a teleport scroll, and a plane shift scroll, for emergencies in case I get stuck." She laughs, "I'm not making an order, I swear!"
"Any interesting or useful items Morgan?"
Stjepan looks over, waves to Liadra. 'Be well!" He grins and waves to Morgan. "Morgan!" Then, he settles down to grin at Cryo. "Oh, just a few things."
Braelnoir hmmm's softly and nods, "Them bastards.." she returns with a grin, then, the talk of scales brings a certain thoughtfulness to her eyes. Hrm. That's a conversation, perhaps, but for later.
Mikilos chuckles, and nods to Cryosanthia. "All of that is possible. The dagger shouldn't be too expensive, but Star Metal is far from common. I'll have to double check with my sources, but shouldn't be a problem."
Morgan gives the big man a wave and a wink to Brae "come by my house tonight if you want." she looks to Cryo "If you want I can make the scroll and for you I will charge cost. But star mettl if you find a good amount let me know Mikilos." she gives a hopefull sound to that.
"Oh thank you, I will follow up when I check my funds." Cryo says, sounding very happy, "this one didn't mean to turn it to business. I'm very impressed you broke a dragon's eye-socket Stjepan, and we'll have to go over everything in your fight Brae, when I can buy you some drinks. I want to know everything. Was there a script for the play?"
The whitescale looks thoughtful, "I think that's all the news I've run across lately. There are some minor things happening at the guild, but mostly hunting rats, that kind of stuff."
Braelnoir hugs Morgan again and nods, "Think mebbe I will." she says softly, then looks back to the conversation at hand.
"Yeah, got my copy in a pouch with my souvenirs. Just bearin' in mind, the play didn't quite match up ta the vision." She shrugs, "I run inta that guy I tol' ya about. Got me with a charm, again."
Stjepan nods, grinning at Cryo. "Played rough. Scary thing was, that was the easiest part of the trip." He nods, hooking his thumbs into his swordbelt.
Mikilos mmms. "Wights and undead guards and trapped treasure rooms and ghosts and magic orb we still aren't sure what it does..."
Morgan sighs "I would love to find a forgoten place with tons of old magic items. You know the kind of loot that will keep me busy studying every thing for about a year."
Cryo swishes her tail, letting it sway her body while she remains still at her shoulders and above, "I hope you get your wish Morgan."
"I'd like the world to stay saved for more than a few months." She grins. "Give things time to hatch."
Another sigh. Oh eggs...
Stjepan pauses. "If we're fantastizing now, I'd like to find an arena with new opponents available for me at will, and a fine feast every night." A pauses. 'Eggs?"
Mikilos hehs. "I'd be pretty happy with the world staying safe for a couple months. The city doing the same would be even better."
Braelnoir frowns, "Only place with a lotta mojo in't I ever been to was Merkabah." Everyone loves Merkabah. She shrugs a little, then looks to Stjepan, but doesn't remark. She expected even false dragons to be significantly.... tougher. She thinks back to the House, and the little trip they took.
She doesn't mention her little fantasy.
Stjepan shivers. "Fucking Merkabah." He doesn't love it, at least not now. Damned Kulthians didn't even have a safe word.
Morgan thinks on what Stjepan said "well I have a idea on the arena idea but the eggs I have no idea." She then gives Braelnoir a sly look "oh do partake on the fanisty you have my love."
Cryo blinks! She's that obvious? Did she say it out loud? "Ahhh..."
She looks at Little Fang, and all the cousins. She coughs, "This one... was hoping for nestlings, at some point. The last... appropriate season was in Salina's tower and I don't know when the next one will be. The timing is terrible and ... there are other stumbling blocks."
She waves her hands, "Forget I said anything about it."
Mikilos mmms quietly. "All the little cousins around, have the grown up cousins asking when I'll have some of my own..."
"That takes m'last fight, luv." Brae says distantly, then looks to Cryo. She gives that a moment, going back over what was said, then lightly touches the sith's arm.
Stjepan nods, looking around. "That's somethin' people don't ask me about. But I'm far far away from my family." And others? Well, they value their pelvic bones.
Morgan looks concerned to her lizard friend "Well if you want a nice calm place to stay for a while I have room at my house you are welcomed there any time." she looks to the time and then adds "But I need to go now so be well every one." with that she flys off.
"Thank you Morgan, this one appreciates that." Cryo says, waving as the witch flies off. She looks at Mikilos, Braelnoir, "You are my family. I've not said how important you are to me in a while. This one values your friendship and company."
She grins at Stjepan, "Still getting there with you." She wobbles her head, "I'm kidding. You have also been a great support."
She exhales happily and stares at Lily, her tail coiling slowly from side to side.
Mikilos grins and considers. "For me Family has always been blood and duty. But if Friends are the family you choose, then I think I've chosen well."
Stjepan nods slowly. "Wise words. Friends are the ones who keep you alive in shard universes."
Braelnoir waves after Morgan as she takes off, "Seeya, luv!" Cryosanthia's familial remarks brings a warm smile to her face and she embraces the Sith with a kiss, "Love you too, sis." then looks to Mikilos, "family's never been blood with me." she says with a shrug. Then, Stjepan is getting deep and she gives him a curious look, "Iiii have never thought of it that way."
"Well, you have that sword from the Mithril elves." Cryo grins, "Did I ask you to bequeath that to me if you don't have kids? I'll get all the swords. Reunion, with Seldan in it, and Darius' sword with the dragon. Have a proper little dragon horde, to remember my friends."
She pauses, "It's a Crimson Pen story idea I'm working on. I'm not serious."
Another pause, "That serious. But I agree. Friends keep you alive in other planes, other places, and I'm very glad to known you and have done things with..."
"Lily No! No biting!" Sith'mom mode engaged.
Stjepan goes deep. It's a risk around him. Even when it's accidental. "A dragon horde is a great idea."
Mikilos mmms. "I'm content with a warm home and an extensive library... though pricy as some books get, cost a fair horde to put together."
Then it's Cryo's turn to get an odd look, but she doesn't have anything in particular to say on the matter for the moment. Blink.
The Jotun waves and heads off.
Cryo returns from separating Little Fang from the small cousins, with Little Fang, who waves at everyone. She holds her pink kobold in crossed arms.
Lily continues explaining, "... and then Lolilyu kicked the ball to Koselvia and she pass to Meildasrol and he won't give it so Irol takes and then I run past Mer and Miam takes from Irol...." <draconic>
"Yes. Yes." Cryo nods, listening. "This one enjoys your library too, sitting and reading, the quiet inside the mountain."
She looks at Braelnoir, "Do you want to go for food, or to see Morgan, or stay here? Mikilos has set the mansion for me, there is food inside too."
"I should get this one to bed."
Mikilos hehs quietly. "-A- mansion. There's lots of cousins to feed as well."
"And the cousins!" Cryo adds quickly, "but there is a nest for me."
Braelnoir hugs Cryo gently, then reaches up to gently stroke LIly's headscales, "Hey, squirt!" she croons fondly, before looking to the Sith again, "Tol' Morg I'd swing by. I'll come by tomorrow, figger ya'll still be around. stuff we prolly oughta talk about." She leans in then to kiss her niece, then sister, "Night, loves." That done, she draws back to look at Mikilos, "Have a good night, luv, thanks fer lookin' after'm for me."
Mikilos smiles. "My pleasure. Good night."
Lily squeals happily, rubbing against Braelnoir's hand. Cryo dips her head in a slow bow, "I'll be here, you can tell me all about it."
She turns, swaying a little, her partial wings still interferring with her balance. "We will head into the mansion for now, so I can get Lily settled before the others come."
She winks, "Good luck with the job interviewing."
Dramatis Personae
Liadra
Before you is a young Mul'niessa woman, extremely petite and small in build, she is about four foot two tall. Her skin is dusky grey, without blemish. Her features are delicate, from her chin to the tips of her pointed ears. Her almond-shaped eyes have deep blue irises, flecked with silver. Long, thick lashes accent her eyes. Her nose and mouth are small and pert. The young woman's hair is white, silken smooth, with a crown braid, turning into a partial braid that falls with the rest of her hair to her knees in a cascade of snow. A coiffure has been braided into her hair. Silver pins with gossamer starbursts tipping each pin hold her braids in place.
The young woman's figure is lithe and graceful, her muscles those of a dancer, with barely a spare ounce to her. The perfect dark elven woman is a wearing knee-high white leather boots with a six inch heel, though this does little to offset her short height. She wears an ankle-length silken dress of dark purple, slit up the sides to her hip, over it she wears a dark leather bodice, tightly-laces and trimmed in silver thread. About her waist a black leather belt is buckled. From her left hip a long rapier hangs with a silver basket hilt, intricately worked. On her right is a matching parrying dagger.