Putting a Ring on It

Log Info

• Title: Putting a Ring on It
• Emitter: Cryosanthia
• Characters: Paenitia, Sabina, Cryosanthia, Barclaiigh, Shalethiste, Stjepan
• Place: A03: The TarRaCe
• Time: Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 3:33 PM
• Summary: The TarRaCe is witness to the acceptance of two proposals, one formal, one informal. Rupi, slumming succubus, returns to the TarRaCe to meet with Sabina and see if she's come to a decision. They talk and have tea, the topic being honesty and how tired Sabina is. Unexpectedly, the Tarienite agrees to the succubus' offer, catching Rupi off guard. Unwilling to let an opportunity pass, and while clever being also not particularly wise, Rupi agrees and decides she'll figure out the fine print later. The two get to discussing what form the pact will take, settling on themed tattoos on the lower back, instead of rings. Cryosanthia and Lily sweep through and into the kitchen to look for bones and do the books, and Sabina must check on things so Rupi goes to the baths. Paenitia had been in there earlier, but now there is no sign of her. Coincidentally, a dark-skinned Lucht with black hair is helping out in the kitchen and as a server. Some time later, Barclaiigh, then Shalethiste and Stjepan arrive. Barc shares his story regarding Tanith, before Porter, his bear interrupts him and he must go. This leaves Stjepan and Shalethiste along, and the Jotun asks after the gift he left for her in the Temple. She received it and loves it. The two make a toast to never worrying about the expense.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A03: The TarRaCe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Inside, this two-story structure has been almost completely opened up. Generous windows on both stories allow daytime sunlight and cooling night breezes to flow in as needed, while the brick walls have been whitewashed - contrasting with the dark-stained beams and supports, and the rich polish on the wooden floor. A broad strip of stone runs from the entrance to a framed doorway set into the opposite wall, with a sign above the lintel declaring that the baths are to be found that way.

The ground floor is sprinkled with tables and chairs of assorted sizes, offering welcome to guests both large and small. One whole corner of the building - into which guests are not permitted entry - has been given over to the kitchen, which serves as the domain of the famed monster chef Ligum Serforus. Mundane meals are available, but the chef delights in offering up obscure dishes made from the freshest of monster ingredients.

Opposite the kitchen a small bar runs in front of an array of shelves, displaying a broad selection of beverages (most of them alcoholic). The bar-top has been fashioned from what looks to have been old pieces of armor, fused and welded together before being polished to provide a near-smooth finish. Set above it, three human-sized statues have been built into an alcove in the wall: Tarien, Rada and Ceinara jointly keep benevolent watch over the room and its occupants.

To the right of the entrance, a small stage offers a platform for a handful of performers at a time. To the left of the door, a spiral staircase of wrought iron winds its way up to a balcony dining area, that is chiefly reserved for special events and parties.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Paenitia     3'0"     34 Lb      Halfling          Female    A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery.
Sabina       5'4"     130 Lb     Human             Female    Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes
Cryosanthia  6'9"     291 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Barclaiigh   4'5"     202 Lb     Mountain Dwarf    Male      A thick tree-trunk of a dwarf. Wavy auburn hair, traveling clothes
Shalethiste  4'6"     96 Lb      Shadow Elf        Female    A copper maned elf maiden, hued in the night sky.
Stjepan      8'0"     534 Lb     Giantborn         Male      Big, blonde jotun.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=  NPCS of Note   =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Rupi                             Succubus          Succubus  A plain, middled aged, human with a broken nose.
Little Fang 'Lily'               Kobold            Female    A pinkscale youngling in a leather dress, Cryo's daughter.
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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=  As the GM   =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Cryosanthia  6'9"     291 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
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It's a hazy and hot day. A small Red Knight has been braving the amazingly good weather and come to the Tarrace. It is a blessed place for her, and there are baths.

She clanks her way in and checks the door to the bathing hall. It seems empty, at least empty enough for a Knight who has vowed to never show her face to disrobe and anonymously take a swim. Something that might not be possible without some knowing assistance; perhaps that has been arranged.

Satisfied, she vanishes into the pleasantly humid air.

A little later, another soul steps through the front door. A middle-aged human woman, plain of feature and dress, barefoot, with dirty feet. She's not a beggar, but she is unkempt and rough around the edges. Politely she asks the Maitre-D, "Would the owner be about?"

Bina comes out of the kitchen to hear the question. The post lunch hour is often slow and the heat of the day often makes the Tarrace oppressive. To fight this the windows have been thrown open and air circulates the best it can. The shade allows for a noticeable difference, thank the gods.

"She's here for me, Claudia." Bina tells the Maitre-D. There is a wave to the barefoot lady and a motion towards Bina's normal table by the kitchen. "Would you care for something to drink, Rupi?"

"Of cours!" The woman says, moving to the indicated table, offering a smile to Sabina as she pulls in her own chair and sits, "It was peach tea I believe, last time, is the same or a different offering?"

The edges of her mouth curl, "not that sort of 'offering', I'll pay, of course."

Bina chuckles, genuinely amused and waits for Rupi to come near the table. But rather then moving away or assisting her with the seat, bina steps in closer. Only a few inches separating the two. Rupi can likely see herself distorted on the surface of Bina's mask.

Bina's volume drops to bedroom tones and her smile curls to match Rupi's. "Such a bad girl. A quip like that draws attention. Tsk tsk. Seldan knows what you are and why you are here. Seldan being the holy knight that you saw pass by the Tarrace the last time you were here." She raises her fingers up to trail down a seem in Rupi's tattered shirt. "Do you still want a pact knowing I'll be watched by one such as he?"

Rupi smiles back, perhaps amused by Bina's words, or the distortion she sees in her mask, of her already lumpy and uninteresting face. Perhaps she's admiring how close she can get to uninteresting or ugly, without becoming hideously memory.

She closes her eyes, inhaling, nudging her mouth closer as if she's about to kiss the silvery mask. Her voice becomes low and throaty, "You're right, I am the Bad Girl, but you are the temptress. You smell so lovely."

She manages to pull herself back, and nods, "I do. I still do. I'm tempted to speak with him, so tempted. Would you know why he didn't kill me outright?"

She stays close so that volume of voice can remain soft. "He was making sure you were doing no harm. Likely the public place kept him from pulling blade or spell. He is intelligent and a calm thinker. Try to match him for cunning and you may end up dead. But that is to be expected of a hero of Alexandria." Bina pauses, head lilting to one side in thought. "Also to see how far your influence extends and if you were alone or not. He takes few rash chances." She hold up a finger to pause and walks over to the window of the kitchen and takes up a pitcher from there and pours a cup, bringing it back over and handing it toward Rupi.

"I see." Rupi breathes, she also has an interesting smell, a dragonblood incense mixed with sage. A thick, intimate odor. She does not pull back, she waits for Sabina to fetch the tea, then continues, "Mmmm, you're telling me more than I've told you. He does sound like the interesting challenge. I want to speak to him even more."

"I could answer those worries, but it might all be lies." The cup is raised to her lips, uninteresting, unadorned lips. She takes a sip, "Did he find answers to his satisfaction without me?"

She laughs, "this is oddly delightful, it's like having a secret admirer, or a stalker that might kill me a back alley. Do I make you feel that way?"

Sabina tilts her head the other way and looks Rupi over after she asks her questions. "Hmm.. How do I put it? Lets see. I feel wanted. Desired after a fashion. But I know you should be skilled in making others feel such things." Her head rightens and her smile grows. "And such could be said of wolf or large cat stalking something to eat. Do you desire to consume me and be done or do you desire /me/? The person and personality that is me? So many many questions brought up by yours."

She moves to take a seat chuckling like a whisper. "As for Seldan.. he found my truthfulness refreshing and the reason for you being here both relieving and worrying at the same time. It seems demons of many type are walking the streets of the city recently."

A casualness comes over her at the comparisons, but there is a hunger in her eyes that suggest they are apt. She adjusts, unconsciously perhaps, arching her chest up, squirming in her seat. Motions that would be much more alluring if she was attractive and not blocky as she is now. Her voice has a husky rumble, "I desire you."

"To know you, to watch you struggle, to trip you when you aren't expecting it, to catch you when you fall. To wrestle with our minds, so close, and press my body against yours. To tease, to satisfy, to taunt, to trick. To find out, could you care for me?"

"What would you do if you did." She smiles ravenously.

There's a dip of her head, her eyes closed, a slight wave of her hand. "You might ask next, what of consuming you and being done? Some things are not to be wasted. I have walked these streets for many months and can say, yes, there are others, demons and devils, and yes I have torn through lesser prey."

"I can contain myself, but not completely and not indefinitely."

There is a longish sigh from Bina and a slight shaking of her head. "To watch me struggle is easy. Come along any day and you can see it. To wrestle minds sounds exhausting but the meeting of two separate minds and learn sounds wondrous. Body to body has ...me questioning your will not to consume me and leave me a husk despite the desire not to waste." She leans in closer, peering through her mask at the place she guesses Rupi's eyes to truely be behind her magics. "And I wonder what would happen if you were to truely care for me. I wonder if you could even find love with me or another. Love.. not sharing of bodies but love." Her smile returns. "And I want to see you. The real you with a carefree smile that speaks of friendship rather then barter. Are such things even possible?"

Rupi glances to look at the rest of Tarrace dining space. It's not completely empty, but there are patrons. Her gaze returns to Bina's, in-as-much as her illusion eyes are real, they meet hers. She opens her mouth, about to answer, and close it again.

And thinks, or mimes the appearance of thinking, then says, "I don't know."

"Simplest to harder, I will drop my illusions when you ask, you will see what you see."

"Can I love? I can pretend to love. I can make it believable. I have many talents and abilities to persuade. Is it real? If I pretend long enough, will it become real?"

"Is there anything to me except lust..." She looks down at the table, scratching at it with a finger nail. Lightly, so she won't gouge a mark, "... I don't know."

She raises her head, "if this is all because one of my victims wanted a more intellectual stimulation, and once the door was opened it would not close. If the raw carnality got so... samey... new possibilities arouse."

"I don't know if I'm safe for you to be around, any assurances otherwise would be a lie. You know the safest thing for you, would be to lure me into letting the Silverguard have an opportunity and a reason to take it."

She reaches her hand out, to touch, then withdraws it. "You sound tired, you look tired. Do you want me to come along any day, and help?"

Bina chuckles. "I work here much of my days. I haven't been out to adventure for the guild in months. And while I am grateful for the offer there are those that come to dine and bath here that would not stay their hand if they learned about you. And multiple visits may tempt even Seldan after a time. You're the tempting sort, you know." A smile at her own light joke.

She leans back slowly, eyes firmly on Rupi and she stays that way in silence until it draws out to near uncomfortable. "I'll take your pact. But there are things that need saying first. And I need to see the real you as well."

Rupi blinks, sits up, pulling her feet underneath her chair. The last statement seeming to genuinely surprise her. "Yes, and yes, and? Now? I'm listening." She also nods, "And thanks, I will be careful about tempting... fate."

The priestess lifts a hand up to her mask and pulls it free. As it comes down it covers her mouth and when it's past that point it reveals a most serious looking Bina. She sets the mask down lovingly on the table and leans in towards Rupi again. As close if not closer then before. Tempting a kiss? It's hard to know. But her eyes at this range are vivid in color and, yes, show she is tired. It also shows more. A touch of insanity for those who have seen such before and understand what they're looking at.

She whispers, moving her lips closer and closer to Rupi's ear. "I wish to be nothing but truthful with you. I swear to you to try my hardest never to knowingly lie to you. Lies can be useful or fun but the truth is often so much more fun to tell. So here goes what I have to say."

"First... my soul belongs to Tarien to use or not, however he see's fit. If I find that you plan on taking it or that it is somehow forfeit from going to him due to the pact, I will end the pact. Second. If your influence blocks me from his blessing and his divine spark of spells, I will end the pact. Third. If you refuse to let me go from the pact when I ask I will find a way to break it...or kill you. I will even throw myself at the feet of Seldan or another like him, eat my pride and offer penance to Tarien and my savior if they will save me from the pact or you should you betray me more greatly then I expect. Fourth. I fully plan on showing you the greatness of being human despite our weaknesses. I plan on wooing you. Tempting you in return. Perhaps one day to bring you to Tarien by your own wish. If these things do not meet your liking I will not take your pact." She leans back to stare Rupi in the eye once again.

Rupi listens, and listens, and stares. Can a succubus be overwhelmed? The insanity in Sabina's eyes does not frighten her. She's a demon, she's seen many wild looks. Her passion though, sudden, unprompted, intense. She may be used to be in control, or manipulating feelings to such an intensity. Springing up so unexpectedly, when she anticipates caution, a guardedness, takes her by surprise.

There's a lot offered, and a lot held back, and nothing asked. Well... nothing directly asked.

It is perhaps in this moment she reveals the main difference between a devil and a demon, how one prefers the structure of law, and the other the confusion of chaos. She could pick it apart for hours, looking for loopholes, evaluating who has the upper hand in the end.

Or...

She can embrace temptation and seize the chance.

In a blink of an eye, Rupi vanishes and Rupi appears. Her eyes were in the same place. The rest of her in slightly different places. She's a rather attractive woman, well formed and shapely, with small horns and bat wings.

In a rough-spun tunic and breeches, with dirty feet, "Yes. I accept. This is me."

Bina smiles! It's a glorious smile. True happiness even as she takes in the real Rupi. But for the others in the room she bursts into laughter, raising her voice so it can be heard. "Oh my! What a wonderful disguise!" She says speaking of the former version of Rupi but to those taking more then a tad bit of notice of the succubus in their midst she obviously means Rupi's true self. "Yes.. I can see how that might scare away those looking to do you harm or unwanted attentions." More doublespeak. "Oooo! Let me join you." more and more.

Her hands come up and she casts a simple spell, taking time to allow Rupi see what she's doing. With a thought the clothes she wears reforming to match Rupi's as does the outer immage of Bina herself. In a swift moment Bina mirrors Rupi from the other chair. Only she's laughing.

Rupi watches, a glance to the dining room but her eyes are on Bina and she seems happy, at her reaction, at her duplication of her 'disguise'. She has a tail too, a long whip-like thing that is thinner than it looks like it should be, and currently coiled around one wrist.

On display now, she lets it unwind as she leans towards Bina and examines her 'self'. It's better than a mirror. She giggles, now they are both laughing, "Careful now, your Silverguard would go on a rampage. I want to hug you! Oh Sabina, you've made me happy. Yes. Actually. I can't promise I won't lie, but you're right, the truth is much more fun."

One of the halfling cooks comes out to see what the sudden fuss is and blinks. For a moment he seems startled and then he realizes Bina's mask and what's going on. A roll of his eyes he turns about and goes back into the kitchen.

Bina, laughing, leans forward and wraps her arms about Rupi She's careful of the wings and tail. Careful also to keep up both their disguises. But the hug is warm and tight and true.

Rupi returns the hug, a firm embrace, she is soft in the right places and the muscles of her back are interesting. She likewise, is mindful of Bina's wings and tail, though entanglement of the tail would involve some very low stroking. In deference to an audience, she doesn't, although she does stick her tongue out at the halfing and his eye-roll.

She smells delightful, and dangerous, enticing. "Thanks." She says, and holds on, her tail bouncing like a spring.

She'll think up some mischief, any moment now, when the hug ends.

Bina squeezes Rupi again and then leans back, letting the spell fade away and her clothing return to normal. Her smile is still large and true. She seems more relaxed now and she reaches over and takes up her mask and places it back were it belongs upon her face. She, however, takes hold of Rupi's hand as she leaves the warmth of the hug. "What now?" She asks the demon.

"I really hadn't thought beyond this moment," Rupi admits, squeezing Sabina's hand, then holding it, "I thought you would take more tempting, convincing. I thought you would say no. I thought... I thought a lot of things."

"I thought you'd ask me to come to your temple, or talk to the Silverguard, or... make promises about things I wouldn't do."

She seems relaxed in her own skin now, with the illusion dropped, though that skin is drawing a lot of attention. Casual glances, that appreciate the attractive 'illusion' she represents. Her rough clothes, something apparently bought in the nearby market, make the rest of her infernal self more of an enigma. Why is such a beautiful thing dressed down. She smiles, "or have more questions."

"I could give you a gift. We've both agreed, so that should do it, the gift would be like putting a ring on it." She grins.

Bina chuckles. "Oh I'm sure I'll have questions. But why put you or others in danger by forcing you to talk to the Silverguard or walk into the temple? I've told you the truth of what I will do and what I expect, such as it is. And you repeatedly tell me to not trust what you say. Yes?" She shrugs lightly. "I love a good story. Most Tarienites do. And this has the promise of a good story in the making, doesn't it?"

She smirks at the talk of a gift. "You could give me a gift or it's required? Do I sign a contract or something? And I'm married to Tarien so you'll have to find another place on me to put a ring." She wraggles her brows.

"There's a really good one that lets me talk in your head," Rupi says, smiling at Sabina, "give advice, see what you're up to, prevent someone taking over your mind."

She winks, "the last part, mostly by fighting someone else for control over you. I'd let you go..." She teases, then sounds a little more serious, "I would. If I was going to do that I'd have tried it already. I'm not know for... holding back."

She wiggles on her seat, and this time the movement is a lot more alluring. Especially when she winds her tail back around her wrist.

And then leaves it there. Perhaps she's gotten in the habit of having it tucked away. "This telling the truth is interesting. I'll see how it goes."

Rupi leans so she can gaze on more of Sabina, "I can think of a few places for a ring."

A giggling chuckle from Sabina as she tilts back her head to briefly look up at the ceiling and then back. "Oooh. I bet you do. I just best you do know. Likely a lot more then myself. No.. I take that back. More then myself. Must be truthful to myself too."

She sighs as a new patron steps in and freezes at the door. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to remove your disguise, Rupi. I'm sorry to have to ask but not everyone can accept things as they are." She motions to the new person. An older man who's agog at the sight of a succubus in the Tarrace.

Bina raises a hand and finger waves to him with a grin, trying to calm him.

"I do...." Rupi purrs, lingering her gaze on Sabina before smiling and waving at the newest customer, "I got a magic hat, was trying something out for the upcoming fall Spooky season."

She makes a mini production of adjusting something around her head, then the succubus is gone. No more wings, tail. The same clothes, the same eyes, and a much more rough, uninteresting appearance. This seems to satisfy all observers, and they go back to their meals. There are murmurs about not expecting that kind of show, or perhaps there should be, or that you can find better at Ma Rosie's.

Rupi snorts quietly, she's much better than a goblin cabaret dancer, and waves cheerfully at the man. "Interesting sorts, all around."

She leans back, "So, stories, would you believe I wrote one?"

Bina's brows rise up behind the mask. "Oh? Do tell me what it's about. But don't think I didn't note you didn't tell me about securing the compact between us." A grin is given as she rests her chin in her palm and waits to hear about this story. This new pose ruined for a time as she flags down one of her staff and asks for wine. She then returns her head where it was, giving Rupi her full attention.

"Well, it is a blood pact so there will be blood. It doesn't have to be a lot." Rupi says, leaning forward and resting her arms on the table. "We could kiss, bite each other on the lips, just a little."

Her eyes wander, "I could bite you in other places..." Another thought interrupts her, "One second thought, you might need a cold iron knife or a really good one, lest you end up chomping on my tail for a while."

She traces her fingertip on the table, "Well they say write what you know... so I wrote a story about a succubus and an elderly man. It's in the Crimson Pen."

Bina ahhs softly and nods as well. She reaches into a well concealed pocket and withdraws a dagger already bared. It's blade is of the type she mentioned, cold iron. She then slips the dagger away where it came from and smiles for Rupi. "That part is covered then. And I would rather you not take from.. tender spots. That's not my style." She nods to the waiter and takes her wine as well as a sip from it before setting down the glass. "I shall have to investigate the crimson pen you speak of and admire your writing."

"Nice." Rupi is impressed with the sudden appearance of the dagger. If she was aware of the concealed pocket, there was no sign, but also no surprise. Trust, perhaps, skill at hiding her reaction. She nods slowly, "Well, how about this, you can make your mark anywhere you want on me, I don't mind if you pick a tender spot, and then I'll make one of my own on you, about the same size, wherever you think is best."

"Although, I'd say, anywhere on the face for either of us should be out. I mean," Rupi grins, pointing at bland visage, with the wide cheekbones, heavy jaw and broken nose, "you can't improve on perfection like this. Plus, people might think my mark was the reason for your coyote mask."

She pours herself another cup of tea, "the old man died." Stirs a cube of sugar into it, "in my story."

Her head jolts up suddenly, "Oh wait, does knowing the end ruin it?"

Bina shakes her head. "Normally it might but to be honest I expected that he would? It makes me wonder if he did in the original actions. But I won't ask about that. Right now we have a clean slate, you and I. And so I hope it remains between us."

She hmms softly and taps a finger tip to her lips. "How about my back between my shoulderblades? Ohh.. wait. Better. The small of my back. Then I'd have to wear a truely revealing dress to reveal it." She smiles impishly.

Rupi brightens up, eagerly stating, "Oh, I like that. I'd enjoy mine in either place... well, no, the small of my back would be pleasing." She looks wistful, gestures at herself, "should I keep this look? It's your pleasure."

A pause, "What would dirty the slate?"

Another smile, she has so many different smiles and they all express emotion of different type very well. This one is warm and welcoming. "The small of the back it is then." She takes a sip of wine and allows her smile to slip some as she speaks of negative things. "The things I spoke to you about, of course. Lies just to lie. Causing smiles to be lost continually with little to no hope of their return. Making me loose standing that allows me to bring happiness to others. That being a wrecking of trust I've already built with my customers, friends and church. I'm sure there are others which I'll be sure to tell you if they happen."

"Oh..." Rupi nods, clinking her spoon in the tea-cup again. The spider-web of obligations looms up in front of her, and while she is no slouch intellectually, nor regrets her hasty agreement, it is dawning on her that she will need to pay attention to the stipulations.

The pact with Sabina isn't so much one-and-done, as a continuing challenge that might slip out of her grasp at any moment.

"I might need some... clarity on that. Not trying to wiggle out, just, some things I might do could trespass that and I'd to do them deliberately instead of accidentally." She smiles, changing the topic again, "Are you artistic? Do you have a good idea for your mark?"

"Oh I'm an artist, what do you need?" A tall white scaled person interrupts, "Peace on your Nest, Sabina, Sabina's other dockworker friend. I was going to check the books and for some bones, if that's okay 'Bina."

"Peassce." A carnation rider on top of the white-scale adds.

Bina nods to Rupi in understanding. "The slate is not like my first words. Not do or die. The slate is a measure of.. trust and agreeability?"

The are inerupted by Cryo and Lily and Bina's smile returns and she turns it towards them as they near. "Ahhh! Hello your two. Peace apon your nests as well. You may of course seek bones from the kitchen if you like. And check the books, please. I was glaring at our last shipment of vegetables. Something in the numbers seems off." She then gives Lily some focus too, speaking Draconic. "Greetings Lily-fang. Your color is bright today and very lovely."

She whispers to Rupi. "We'll speak of that later? But I do like feathers and wings."

"I'll think of something." Rupi smiles, giving a short nod to Cryosanthia and Little Fang, but otherwise ignoring them and watching Sabina.

"Thankss. Ssassa mixed white and red scale polisssh." Little Fang says, leaning over her Sith'Mom's shoulder, and since she has adult attention, launches into a long explanation,"Tia Ay-Aaayss give me shadow rides. Everyone unhappy at the Templesss and I played in the yard. You sssmell funny..."<draconic>

"Lily, softskins don't like knowing that." Cryosanthia cautions, and nods to 'Bina, "Okay, check the vegetable shipment numbers. We'll get right on that. This one is hungry and..."

She glances at Rupi, then back to Sabina, "... things are going on, that I wouldn't want to trouble normal people about. This one will explain later."

Then with a swirl of her tail, the pair of lizards are gone into the kitchen.

Bina laughs aloud as Lily tells her many things including the last bit. And then they're off into the kitchen where halflings greet and or grouse at the pair.

Bina, still chuckling, turns back to Rupi and winks. She then stands, still holding the demon's hand and leans back into that close space and brushes a chaste kiss on the blocky woman's lips. "I must see to things. And I believe Cryosanthia itches to ask you questions you won't like to answer. Go on to the baths or return to me later?" She squeezes Rupis' fingers lightly and then lets them go, withdrawing while waiting for Rupi's response.

Rupi squeezes Bina's fingers, returning a kiss that strives to be less chaste than it is. She nods, inhaling strongly as she stands up, "Baths it is, and I will return. Take care of what you must take care of."

At which point the woman heads towards the bathing part of the establishment.

Some time later

"Something else from the tap, please and thank you. Dark if you have it." Bar is at the, well, bar pushing the battered mug he carries everywhere back towards the 'keep. He's a big fella, wide even if he isn't the tallest, and half-stands on the stool he occupies to inspect the pour as it happens with a craftsman's eye. His wide lips form a small "o" of appreciation.

"Where's this one from? Local?" He eases back to sit properly and drums his sausage fingers on the bar in excitement. He listens to the barman's explanation with a bobbing of the head before sampling the drink and issuing a "pt-pt-pt" of smacked lips while sorting through the flavors.

Shalethiste slips into the Tarrace from beyond, one arm draped casually across the hilt of her longblade as she looks over the decor, sampling the colors and expansive space with equal delight. She smiles, heedless of whatever looks a Mul'niessa would warrant, and glides along to try and find a place to sit. With the crowd, it appears the bar is the place to be, and so, on footsteps like mouse whispers betrayed by the subtle rustle of her other equipment, she approaches a stool to claim for her own with a polite, "Sky Dancer's light upon you."

Barclaiigh blinks at Shalethiste for a moment before lowering the mug and offering a smile, his mustache even more voluminous with a lazily bubbling layer of foamy head. His eyes dart down and he opens his mouth, devouring the mustache and sucking noisily before freeing the clean (if moist) auburn caterpillar. "Well, that's a fancy way of saying 'hello!' Which one is that. The Dancer? Oh, and hello to you too, miss. The stout's good," he lifts the mug indicatively, "and it's from Cheery Valley." He licks his lips, "Some kind of berry and a bit of nut butter coming at the end here. Wonderful."

Shalethiste blinks with mostly veiled amusement at the foamy two-tone of the dwarf's mustache, but she bows her head without missing a beat, even as he takes his particular steps to correct the escaping beer.

"Sorry, I err on the side of formality sometimes. She is called Eluna in these parts." And, sure enough, for those in the know, the dark elf is clad in the Moon Goddess's branding.

She muses thoughtfully, "That sounds rather nice, actually, thank you." then offers a dainty, if sword calloused hand and, "I'm Shalethiste, it's nice to meet you, sir."

Stjepan ducks in under the lintel of the door. He straightens, and looks around, eyes searching out the specials board and the stage both out of habit.

Barclaiigh drinks and nods as he listens, watching the elf intently and thinking to suck at his mustache before lowering the tankard this time. He mouths 'Shalethiste' to help commit the name to memory before setting the mug down, dusting his palm against the front of his tunic and taking the enveloping the hand in a cool, calloused, and meaty grip. He gets overexcited and squeezes a bit too hard before lifting his eyebrows and loosening his hold with a silent 'oops.'

"Barclaiigh Stoutbrew!" He returns, a rolling sort of cough justifying the extra letters sneaking in the backdoor on his naming day. "Of the Redridge Stoutbrews; fields, brewers, and waystop. You can call me Bar if you like, miss Shalethiste. This is Truffles," he pats the tusks on his necklace, "and Porter would say 'hi' to but he's a bit too big for this sort of place."

The whirlwind of scales that is Cryosanthia on a mission comes out of the kitchen. She's wearing her swashbuckling gear, a haversack with a saddle, and a carnation-scale rider on top of that. Her partial wings are bound, and both she and Lily have some sort of ham-hock bone in hand which they are chewing on.

A curiosory glance is cast about the room, looking for people she recognizes. Several are spotted, and she changes course. "Tanith's perch! So your real name is Barclaigh! Peace on your nest. To you also, Stjepan, and Shalethiste."

"Peasssce." Lily adds, then 'crunch'.

Shalethiste winces some as the grip is more.... vigorous than she'd anticipated, and after it's release, she subtly massages the one hand with the other.

"Bar, then..." she replies smoothly, "Sometimes my name can be... a mouthful, Shelly will also do, if it's easier." Then, there's... Truffles? And Porter, "I see you have... friends, then?"

Very, very smooth.

She misses the arrival of Stjepan for his relatively sedate entry, while the arrival of Cryosanthia is much closer and lively. "Ah, hello!" she offers, then on the greeting to Stjepan, she looks about to lay eyes on-there he is! A hand comes up, freshly massaged, to wave the Jotuns way.

Stjepan looks up, and grins. "Hey! Good evening, Cryosanthia! Lily!" The smile grows slightly. "Shalethiste!" (show-off) He ambles over, smiling broadly. A smiling nod for the dwarf. "Good evening!"

Barclaiigh mutters under his breath ('elves may be pretty like statues, Bar, but they're not carved from stone. Use your head, man') and reaches into a pouch, pulling out a handful of harvested berries, sprouts, and fungi. He pushes them around in his palm until he finds an especially juicy looking currant and offers it out with a look of awkward apology, "Wilds magic, miss Shelly, it'll ease the ache."

He looks up and waves at the Sith-makar, memories of excitement causing his face to flush. He opens his mouth to say something to Shalethiste but bites it back. What if she doesn't believe him? He turns back when folks greet Stjepan and his eyes widen further. He leans back in his chair and looks up, and up, and up. "Your folks found right-good soil where they planted you, sir. My goodness."

"Do you believe the types of people you meet here?" He marvels at Shalesthiste, shaking his head in disbelief.

Shalethiste smiles in return, "Stjepan! You look well! Niss Cryosanthia, miss Lily, you're both looking radiant, tonight!" she returns, giving the greetings accross the board ere Bar's offer is noted. She turns his way with a benign smile, looking to his eyes as she politely accepts the offering, "Thank you, Bar, but it's quite alright." His appraisal of the crowd gets a bit of a grin and she notes, "Surely do, you get all kinds here. Mister Barclaiigh Stoutbrew, this is Stjepan, Stjepan, Mister Barclaiigh. And the ladies, of course, seem to need no introduction."

"Thank you Shalethiste, that is kind to say! I have..." Cryosanthia announces with a large sigh, "... so many things to tell you. This one does not know where to start, or what you can help with."

She leans a little, a tall, slender tower of Sith'Makar, to pat Barclaiigh on the shoulders, one hand on each, "This man, has the most incredible story to tell. This shoulder here, is practically Holy ground."

She focuses on Shalethiste, "Ser Seldan may have words for you, but look to the Temples," then Stjepan, "And... you are caught up on what is being undertaken."

The whitescale looks around at all assembled, "So, my good news, is this one is back with her mate."

Stjepan grins towards Shalethiste. "As do you, as always." He nods to Barclaiigh, a flicker passing across his face and the smile no longer quite reaches his eyes. "Barclaiigh Stoutbrew. Well met." He nods towards Cryosanthia, curtly. "I am."

So much is going on and little Khazadi eyes are flitting back and forth like a will-o'-the-wisp trying to keep track. He does take a moment to commit Stjepan's name to memory (head bob, mouthing the word) and makes that curious "o" with his lips with ominous undertakings are mentioned. He tries to keep it cool, though, and has a long pull to drain the tankard in an attempt to not vomit out the story of meeting the little gold storm, bringer of fish. When Cryosanthia mentions her 'mate' he blushes and issues a quiet giggle in spite of himself.

Shalethiste purses her lips as it seems there are things of greater import, lingering in their shroud of enigma. Her path is lit in a new direction, it seems, but she nods, "I'll look for him, thank you." She spares a look to Bar about 'holy ground', but she smiles and reaches out to gently touch Cryosanthia's arm with a smile, "That's good news, indeed, congratulations!"

"It is, very good, and through no effort on my part." Cryosanthia smiles cheerfully, spreading her hands, "Truly a gift out of the blue, a wonderful surprise, for once."

There is a certain bounce to her step, and while Makari scents can be a mystery to the non-Sith, her are currently pleasant. She looks around. "This one would love to stay, but must make a late meeting. I'll sit and chat properly with you all sometime soon."

She leans towards Barclaiigh, teasing, "Tell your story." Then switches into a bouncy step that carries her between the tables as she calls back, "Peace on your Nests! Soon."

"Peassce." Lily adds with a wave, in the same tone as when the pair arrived. Then they are gone.

Stjepan waves, then looks for a chair. He starts ordering -- he's big, he needs a substantial amount of food.

Stjepan ... Sitting down, he turns towards Barclaiig. "So, what is your story?" A little shake of the head to Shalethiste. "It is okay... I think."

Shalethiste waves after the ladies as they take off, calling an abridged, "May her light shine on your path!" as it seems they're in a hurry.

She rolls the tiny berry between her fingers as she turns back to her lingering companions and demurely pops it in her mouth to chew. A soft, happy sigh as she chews, swallows, then as the bartender comes up, she waves a finger between they three, "A bowl of Uriahn, and a round of this Cheery Valley stout I've heard about please."

Barclaiigh turns back from the bar with his tankard topped off, mouth open in an excited smile. He sets the drink down and lifts his hands up to prepare his audience. Then lowers his hands and shifts forward on the stool, leaning conspiratorially forward-- and almost falling off the stool. He catches himself on the bar but bumps his tankard causing it to slop. He clearly doesn't have much practice as a storyteller. Distracted, he lifts his forearm and sucks some of the spilt beer from the hair on the back of it. "OH!" He snaps a finger and points between Shelly and Stjepan, "I met a dragon! It made fish fall from the sky. Spoiled a lizard tea party. Sea-fish, lake-fish; all kinds of fish! He was a wee fella, like a house cat or a small badger," and up come the sausage fingers to indicate the tiny dragon's size. "His name was Tanith Ari-Ari Sicksel and now we're friends."

"Only drawback is Porter expects a salmon the size of a pony anytime I come into the city without him," he has the best story and leans back smugly on the bar. He grabs the beer and goes to make a toast motion but slops into his lap ('oh, shite!'). And now he's lifting up the bottom of his tunic and sucking beer from the cloth.

Stjepan huhs. "That's a little dragon you met -- how did it get all the fish? Did the magic grab them from somewhere?" He waits for the food to arrive patiently. Very patiently. His eyes aren't tracking the servers at all.

Shalethiste doesn't think she's even heard of anything quite like that, before. Her eyes do widen some, at the mention of the dragon, albeit a teeny one, but she nods with a little smile, "That's a rare honor, I understand Dragons don't just associate with anyone. I hope no one was hurt in the rain of... fish?"

Food arrives, on a very large tray that appears to be floating along on it's own, although a keen eye and a good angle would glimpse the hairy fetlocks of a Lucht Siuil underneath, bearing it along.

A second circulating server moves to intercept, meeting the tray at Stjepan's table. This server, a regular human of average height, makes some room and sets down the plates like a jig-saw, filling up the space in front of Stjepan.

Once he is done, he takes the now empty tray and turns it on its side and holds it under his arm. The dark skinned Lucht who carried it already vanishing back into the kitchen.

"Got a puffer-fish in the back!" Bar responds, dropping the tunic and tossing a thumb over his shoulder. "Pokey little fella got me right between the shoulders; lady had to pull it out for me. I think they said she owns this place." Which is why he came. So he'd have an excuse to talk about the dragon.

"And I asked him that!" Barclaiigh tells Stjepan with another toss of the finger. "You know what the little dragon said? 'Magicmake.' All fast like that. 'Magicmake.' He was hungry, too. Put away enough fish to feed an army fast as a lad can gobbles sweetcake. And then--"

SLAM! The Khazad-aul's story is interrupted by a big, furry paw knocking the Tarrace's frontdoor wide. A black bear head pokes in and begins swaying around, sniffing and snorting at all the intriguing scents of the building. It's not the most exotic thing found in Alexandria but it's enough to give people paws. Pause.

"What? Porter? No! Outside! I said I'd -bring- you a fish! You're embarrassing me! I was telling a story!" Bar is off the stool and rushing towards the door, holding his mug aloft and trying not to spill.

Shalethiste blinks, canting her head a little bit as the tale continues to unfold, "What's a puffer fish?" she inquires, not ashamed to admit some... inexperience with piscean fauna, it seems.

"That's.... quite a story, are you.." she leans back to consider the area between the dwarf's shoulders, "Alright? I have some small healing gifts if it's still troubling you...?"

SLAM!

The Mul is off her stool like a shot as the door is slammed open...

Blink. Hmmm...

She turns to Barclaiigh as he clambors out to settle his hungry friend, then holds out her hands to try and assure the guests that, "Everything is fine, ladies and gentlemen, our friend was simply curious, everything is under control!"

Barclaiigh meets Porter at the door and walks under the probing nose, putting shoulder to shoulder and leaning into the animal. "Let's go, friend. We'll go to that stream you like and find dinner. I know it smells good but you're a bear. I didn't see any other bears in there. Just about everything else but no bears! And it's not my restaurant. I don't make the rules." It's slow going and the dwarf's voice is strained by the effort of pushing against the bear but eventually they're back out through the door and into the night.

Stjepan looks over towards Shalethiste. "I think they're okay." A pause, shaking his head. "That was a lot of excitement in a small space." A pause. "And little dragons -- that was neat." He looks at the door. "That door just needs to be bigger."

"I don't think there's a big enough door for some Dragons." Shelly replies with a wry little smile, turning back to the bar to slip up into her stool once more, "How've you been, Stjepan? It's been a while."

Stjepan blinks a little. "A giant-blood can dream," turning a wry smile back at Shelly. He sips on his drink, "I've been well- enjoying a certain lack of contracts, Shalethiste. It has -- I didn't want to intrude or be a bother. Did you get the gift I left at the temple? I hope that was the right combination."

Shalethiste's cheeks dip further into midnight and she bows her head, "It was... thank you." she says softly. She looks his way and wonders, "How did you find it so quickly?"

Stjepan looks away a little, studying the rim of his glass. "It's amazing what asking nicely and not asking about the price will get you." He looks back at her. "I'm glad you liked it."

Shalethiste reaches out to gently touch his arm, "It was lovely, thank you..." she says softly. She glances at her drink and takes it up, offering a toast, "To price being no object!"

Stjepan glances over again, and smiles. "Good." He laughs, and grins down at her, saluting her. He catches her gaze. "Now, that is a profoundly dangerous toast. To prince being no object!"

Shalethiste laughs at that and takes a swig, demurely seeing to her resultant mustache as she considers the flavor of her libation. Interesting, this may take more sampling to rule on.

Stjepan takes his swig, puts it down, and leans back a little, trying not to tower so much with his posture. "More?"

perhaps more to come