Stone Calzone

Log Info

• Title: Stone Calzone
• Emitter: Asmli
• Characters: Aetheras, Asmli, Cryosanthia, Kira, Konstance, Sasha, Acedia
• Place: A06: The Soldier's Defense
• Time: Thursday, March 19, 2020, 12:44 PM
• Summary: Aetheras is visiting Asmli, who is recuperating outside the Soldier's Rest. Cryosanthia arrives with some food, followed soon by Kira, Konstance, Sasha and Acedia. Asmli explains his injuries are the result of an Explorer's Guild mission gone badly. People leave and re-join, and the sith-makar helps the dwarf inside where he can sit by the fountain and eat his meal. The Stone Calzone is shared, and Cryo turns out to be a messy eater and somewhat self-aware as well as unconcerned. She agrees to ask the Guild about moneys owed to Asmli, as well as take a letter to his family in Redridge, to inform them of his accident.

------- A06: The Soldier's Defense ---------------------------------------

The entrance to the hospital is guarded often by Sunblades, its interiors tended to by the Hearthguards. Older Hearthguards tend to patients and oversee its operation, while for the younger it is an opportunity to practice their skills and hone their trade. The servants garb themselves in Althea's colors, with a stole representing the City of Alexandria on the outside, to recognize their service to both.

The building itself is quite large, though built in a way to make it appear to be a collection of smallar buildings rather than one large one. The Soldier's Defense is known for its ability to feel "like home." While it is still a hospital, it arguably accomplishes this feeling of peace and serenity better than many counterparts, with the benefits passed on to its patients. Across one of the walls are a series of paintings depicting the hospital's many benefactors over the years. The first in line is the painted face of an unknown soldier, who the hospital was first dedicated to.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Aetheras     5'9"     150 Lb     Shadow Elf        Male      Vast-touched: obsidian eyes, deep bronze skin, dreads.
Asmli        4'2"     178 Lb     Storm Dwarf       Male      Blonde khazad with a dwarven urgrosh.
Cryosanthia  6'7"     245 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, lithe white lizardgirl with tattoos.
Kira         5'0"     120 Lb     Human             Female    A young blonde woman wearing simple robes.
Konstance    6'2"     240 Lb     Human             Male      A human with blonde hair and blue eyes
Sasha        6'4"     245 Lb     Human             Female    Huge Blonde Woman
Acedia       3'4"     39 Lb      Goblin            Female    An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor.                                   
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

"A donation is more than welcomed, and may be provided to the Temple of Althea, on the other side of the Tornmawr." The Hearthguard is quite clearly tickled by Aetheras' response, and by the entire situation. Before he can say or do more, a young acolyte runs up and tugs on his sleeve. "Hearthguard Khalas, you're wanted inside, Sheillie needs help."

The man sighs and turns to Asmli. "I am sorry, and I should not leave you, but ... can you manage your way back? Ask anyone if you find yourself feeling weak, or lost." At Asmli's nod and brief, "I'm fine. Go," he nods one more time to Aetheras, and follows the boy back inside, leaving the khazad and the mul in the shade near the entrance to the Soldier's Defense.

A bright and cheerful spring day, and the flowers are beginning to bloom in the gardens just outside the Soldier's Defense, carefully tended by loving hands. A few walk here, some in need of help, but two in particular seem to have nowhere especially to be. Asmli leans heavily on a pair of wooden crutches, his right leg missing entirely at the hip, the breeches leg folded and pinned around the stump, and the breeches on his remaining leg very loose indeed in a pair of relatively new-looking boots that seem to have been made for him. The shirt is a little big, and cut in the way of a khazad merchant.

A white-scaled sith-makar enters the garden area, stopping first to speak to one of the Sunblades. She then heads inside the hospital. A minute or two later she emerges and stands on the steps, adjusting her hat to shade her eyes and carefully scanning the garden. It's then that she spots Asmli and Aetheras, in the shade by the entrance.

So perceptive!

She heads towards the two with somewhat of a smile, her tail coiling slowly behind her. She's carrying a basket, and stares at the dwarf's legs as she gets closer. "Asmli? Atheras, Peace... on your nests?"

Kira approaches the Defense from the east. A large basket is slung over one shoulder, and a number of towels and cloths are draped over the opposite arm. The scents of fresh bread waft along with her.

Konstance makes his way along the tavern and he has a pipe in his mouth, smoke coming from the bowl of the pipe. He inhales and exhales a plume of smoke around the people. He then looks to the sith makar and nods at the woman. "Seems with a portal to am'shere close by we get alot of dragonfolk." He says as he pulls the pipe out of his mouth to talk and looks to the dwarf. "Sorry about your legs." He says sincerely, his voice possessing a faint alexandrian accent mixed with some sort of language.

Aetheras is standing near the one-legged dwarf, and is holding a very bloody handkerchief. His chest is covered with blood but he appears uninjured. "Asmli, did I hear your name correctly?" he offers, and smiles as Cryosanthia shows up and interrupts with her friendly greeting, greeting her back in return, though he mangles her name.

"My own damned fault," Asmli tells Konstance. "Stirling Ironheel's working on something, but it will be a bit, I suppose. May as well strengthen the other in the meantime." He blinks several times at Cryosanthia. "Ain't mean to be rude, but have we met, or is my memory as bad as my balance?" He grins at her, the wild mop atop his head combined with the expression giving him a roguish look. His hands and forearms are covered in new, pink, shiny skin as well.

"Good day," Kira greets all she sees with a smile, "I hope everyone is well?" After this rhetorical, optimistic question is when she notices Aslmi's missing (and extra surrrogate) limb(s). Her smile shifts to concern. "Oh! I'm sorry for your injuries. Are you receiving treatment?"

"It's true, I did fall out of the Am'shere Portal." The white-scale sith says with a laugh, making room as others appear. She maintains a smile, switching between showing her teeth and not, overall making it seem forced. The blood on Aetheras' chest gets a look from her, but the longer one is for the man in Elune's robe, with the strange Alexandrian accent.

"It's ... Cryo is fine..." She remains vigilant, manages a quick nod to Kira, still seemingly distracted.

Suddenly, she looks very relieved, "Oh Good! You've forgotten! Oh Scales! Now I have to remind you how we met. The Hand of Adtan guard duty, the demon monks, running ... sorry... through the forest. The box that knocks you out when you touch it? I'm the Distraction?"

Aetheras falls quiet, being new in Alexandros, and at least half the things people say sound made up, the other half prove unintelligible, so he just balls up the kerchief and listens to the people. He looks a lot at Cryo, obviously not familiar with Sith.

Recognition lights up Asmli's brown eyes. "Blast, now I remember. Sorry. Good to see you again, did the Guild ever pay us? Hadn't paid yet when I ended up in here," he nods to the front door of the Soldier's Defense. "Yeah," he adds to Kira. "First time outside since it happened. Nice to get some fresh air, but I'll be here for a while yet. Hearthguard had to run," he adds by way of explanation.

Kira nods to Asmli and returns the one from Cryosanthia. "If anyone is hungry, or needs anything, please let me know." Her smile returns in force.

"Had to run for what?" Says a voice from the back. Apparently there's another hearthguard here, and she's heading her way over to Asmli. "I am Sasha, Hearthguard of the Blessed One." She looks over to Kira and smiles. "Still trying the way of peace, I imagine?"

"Nothing wrong with more dragon folk. Just hope your less like your chromatic cousins and more like your metallic cousins." He says as he takes another drag from his pipe. He looks to the dwarf and then to the man with a bloody shirt. "I may not have healing magic, but I know most non magical medicine. I can suggest a brew which can help you with the pain." He says as he shrugs. "otherwise I wont bother you with your injuries.

Kira didn't notice Sasha until she speaks up. She dips in a curtsy of greeting and respect as her smile broadens more. "I am, Hearthguard, of course. I don't think that I'd ever do otherwise."

Aetheras perks up when Sasha speaks and heads over to address her, "Oh most excellent, look at my teeth!!!" he says, showing perfect teeth, "SPLENDID!" he says, slapping his chest with one hand while digging in a pouch with another.

Cryosanthia is tall, lean, with long proportions. A decent lizard snout, a crest of scales mostly hidden under her wide brimmed hat. She has a certain bouncy energy to all her movements. She has brilliant white scales, where they are visible, although they're mostly hidden by her flat white leather armour. It's deceptive, on her own she seems something of a lightweight, but in comparison to others she's bigger. She has to be heavier. Her feet have tremendously sized toes in comparison to other races, with big claws. She moves and stands in ways that make her seem shorter, even though she's the tallest present. She nods as Aetheras examines her for a while.

"I think so Asmli. I got a payment from them, but it was for several jobs so it was hard to tell." Cryo ends up at the back of the crowd, still able to crane her neck over so she can see the dwarf.

"Yes... I'm... rrr... trying to be better than a white dragon. Thanks." She awkwardly replies to Konstance, "Um, peace on your nests everyone, I'm Cryosanthia. I worked with Asmli a while ago... Elleandra said something happened... I don't mean to interrupt so much..."

"I am John Konstance. Former demon summoner turned inquisitor for Eluna. Now I am a good guy. Honest." Konstance says with a smirk as he looks to the lizard girl and smiles. "I didnt think alexandria was cold enough for a white dragon." He says as he watches the women now. "So

Asmli, as might be expected, does not move much, limping sideways a pace to make room and looking up at Sasha. "Hi, HEarthguard Sasha. Something about Sheillie needing help inside. He left me out here, but I don't mind, I'm just glad to be out of that bed for a little while." He does look around the area, though, as if looking for something. "No sweat, Cryo, you're not bothering me none, it's good to see people. But ... you know? If you've got the time...you think you could get the Guild to have mine sent here? Owe me at least two jobs' worth, and I could make some good use of it."

Aetheras places some coins on Sasha's palm if she'll let him and then he runs off into the city, singing the Alexandros equivalent of ZippadyDooDaa!

As introductions are being made around, Kira dips again. "Kira, Sentinel in service to The Healer. I came to tend to the wounded and sick. The plague has left so many in need of aid..." Her smile dims greatly, but doesn't entirely fade.

John's greeting draws some notice, and a re-growth of smile. "I'm glad that you aren't around demons anymore. From what little I know, they aren't very nice and can be very troublesome."

"Just because you have the scales of a white dragon, does not mean you are one." Sasha says to Cryosanthia. "Silver Dragons breathe cold, so...you could always go by their example." She says as coins are placed in her palm.....and she just puts the coins in the donation box for the Soldier's Defense. "I would let too many people know you were formerly a demon summoner, Mister Konstance. Some are very closed minded and think people can't change, which they certainly can." She then looks to Asmli. "What happened to your leg?"

"Oh they can be very troublesome." John says with a smirk before Konstance looks to the others. He takes another drag of his pipe. "You arent the only one who think people cant change. Most of the elves in llyranost was convinced I would bring demons into their shining temple." He says with a smirk and he looks to his pocket watch. "I better head back to the temple. No rest for the wicked, eh?" He says as he nods to everyone and begins to leave.

"I'll take care of that Asmli, I'll head over as soon as I leave. Two jobs worth. I'll let them know." Cryo bobs her head, making a mental note, finally succeeding with an actual smile which still takes some getting used to. She has a lot of teeth. She wobbles her head in a friendly way, her hat flapping.

"I've been quite enjoying the weather, I went swimming in the Tornmwar, and... oh... that was a trick observation. Farewell!"

"I do try to keep that in mind," Cryo answers Sasha, then eagerly bounces in place, "Yes! Yes! This one wants to know the Leg Story! What happened Asmli?"

Sasha says, "I mean I know people can change....there are some that are slow to believe it though. I'm just saying to use caution."

"Took a job on the Plane of Fire," Asmli explains, most of his smile fading, his eyes returning to Cryosanthia and to Sasha as he does not seem to find what he is looking for. "We were negotiating with an elemental to give a wizard's belongings back, but there was a magma snake in the lava river that we kept waking up. Finally it got mad and wanted to fight, I charged it but tripped on a rock and fell into the river." He shudders. "Ain't remember much after that, they must have gotten me out." A nod to Sasha as he adds, "They managed to save the one leg, but it's pretty weak, trying to work it back up. The other one," he nods to the stump, "was hopeless."

"So....you need a new leg?" Sasha says as she looks the leg over.

"You are alive," Kira points out the obvious to Asmli. "You look to be getting stronger. There are others to help you. There is always hope."

Cryosanthia stares. And stares. Her mouth opens. Closes. She blinks. "Plane of Fire? A Wizard? Fire? I'm glad I wasn't on that job. I've been worried going to the plane of water. How were you not on fire the whole time? A lava snake? I guess it's a snow snake, for lava."

She laughs suddenly, cutting it off quickly, then decides to share the thought anyhow. "Soooo... the foot that tripped on the rock, was it on the leg that got burned off? Because I'd be pissed if I was your other leg and got burned up because my partner tripped. Actually, I'd be ashed. But I'd be pissed before I was ashed. But y'know, was just thinking..."

The sith-makar smiles awkwardly again. "Yay teamwork and getting pulled out. Guildies came through."

Asmli stares, then bursts out in a hearty laugh. "You know? I ain't never think of askin' em. Doubt they'd talk to me at this point if I did," he laughs. "I like you, Cryosanthia, you know something? I was on fire plenty enough, I'll say. And you're damned right about wizards. Elemental probably took it for a reason, that one was a right bastard to begin with." He nods to Kira and Sasha. "Arvek artificer came to see me. Says he's on it, and he'll not charge me except if I want it fancy. Ain't seen him since, but he's probably busy."

"Arvek Artificer. That must be Stirling. He's good at prosthetics." Sasha says softly. "I know of some that had some made, and Stirling made them. He'll make it chrome though, cuz he likes chrome." She then chuckles. "If you need any help, give us a shout. I'm just glad to get back to the 'normalcy' of the Soldier's Defense."

The white-scaled lizard girl looks a lot more relaxed, bobbing on her feet, and slipping around to where she can see Asmli a little better, and be seen. "Oh! You want it fancy! You definitely want it fancy, and you should buy your other leg something nice too, so it doesn't get jealous. A really good boot. There's a blue-scale I know, he... lost an arm and a leg as a hatchling, he's got ones made out of sapphires now! They're these amazing translucent things, catch the light very well, compliments his scales. So beautiful, so expensive!"

"Cost him an arm and a leg, obviously..." She winks, "but worth it!"

"I brought some food," Cryo looks over at Kira's basket. She easily scents the lovely bread, "... if you need some more. I think it'll keep."

Sasha nods and stands. "All right. You keep going on your leg. I'll see to the other patients. Stirling won't be long with your leg, I'm sure." She then starts to back away. "Like I said, if you need help...give a shout." And she steps out to head to the next room.

"Sapphires? Man, if I did something like that..." Asmli gets this faraway look, like such a delightful idea hadn't previously occurred to him but is now getting plenty of entertainment. "The clan would love it. Ain't really useful for fighting, I guess, but it'd sure look impressive. Maybe I can put armor over it." His eyes positively glitter. "If I can just get some money..." He nods to Sasha. "I'll be fine, go on."

"Oh you should!" Cryosanthia's eyes are a sapphire blue, and they glitter like cold gems when the light hits them right. She is clearly very taken by the concept. "I will be sure to tell the Guild you need the money. Now. And, you could do other things if you don't choose that, like... have it be able to split into eight thin spider legs, and then you can go climbing around on walls and ceilings and ships. Or... it's a Thunder belcher, and you point your foot, big toe goes boom."

The sith sways her tail hopefully, "I wouldn't want to lose or trade any bit of me, but if I was going to, I'd trade up, for sure. I brought this."

Cryo flips the cloth off her basket, revealing what looks like a large stone. She's either a lot stronger than she looks, or the 'stone' is lighter than it should be. "So I brought you a Stone Calzone from Stoneworks Calzones. It's Khogh's restaurant, out neat the Redridge Mines. She said this is traditional Khazad Miner food, that you can drop it down a mineshaft, it will be fine. Do you need a pick-axe to eat it? I've never had one."

Asmli peers into the basket, and immediately lights up as he sees what is inside. "Course I know those. Ain't need a pickaxe, but you'll need to give it a good whack, there's beef and gravy and vegetables inside." He eyes Cryosanthia's talons. "Those claws of yours ought to go right through it, if you give it a good blow."

He leans more heavily on his crutches, peering at the stone calzone.

Cryosanthia grins, "Allright then." Her hand transforms into a wicked set of claws, poised to stab and strick.

"Wait, you wanted it open now, right? To eat? This is for you."

Asmli hesitates, and looks around again. "Can't really eat right now, unless there's a place to sit." He looks down at his hands on the crutches. "If I can find a place to sit..."

Cryosanthia looks around. "Hmm. There was a fountain inside the foyer, and it had benches. Not too far a walk. You'd have to give up the fresh air. I'd say sit on the ground, but it's too cold for that, not to eat and enjoy yourself."

She smirks, "I mean, you're probably done with 'too warm', but I'm not sure you're ready to leap over to really cold."

"Not rightly sure I could get up on my own, not with these things," Asmli nods down to the crutches. "Ain't that far along with the squats yet. "It's all right, I'll make it back out here in a little, and that looks awfully good." Clearly, he's well familiar with what is on offer. "Ain't sent word to the clan yet, not sure they know."

"This one will assist if you need it." Cryosanthia says, formally, "I hope you don't have an oruch's stoicism and would consider even the offer an insult. I'd like to know I'm needed before say, someone falls flat over. Come to think of it, some of the oruchs I know would consider that showing too much weakness, enough they don't deserve any help at all. This is hard. Tell this one if she is hurting your feelings."

She walks slowly, watching Asmli, the basket hanging off the crook of her arm, attentive to his speed. "I'm still curious what was in that box. I'm sure I would have gotten it open if they'd let me try two or three more times."

"Do you need a message to your clan as well? Are they far?"

"My family lives around the mines," Asmli nods to the stone calzone. So he really is very familiar with them, most likely. He turns and, very slowly and carefully, begins to make his way in the direction that Cryosanthia indicates, towards the bench and the fountain. "I..." he looks down. "I ain't rightly know if they'd care, or if they'd just think it served me right. Maybe it does. I really done screwed up this time." He sighs. "Nah. You're trying to help, but I'd better strength myself if I'm to be of any use to anyone."

"This one is Speaker-Caste, bringing messages is what I do. It's my job. I can find them and tell them. I hope... the would care? Accidents happen in mines too? Do miners blame each other for mistakes, I guess they would, if they didn't brace a ceiling properly..." The sith-makar trails off, thinking about mine accidents. She nods her head.

"Endure, push yourself, grow strong, this is a good plan. I've made a lot of mistakes too. I say, don't worry about them, but they stick with me. I'm not sure how to let go of them. It is a struggle, you have to keep struggling." She walks with Asmli, keeping an eye, observing his leg, the crutches.

Asmli says, "That's what the priests of the Adamant Tower always say," Asmli agrees, using the khazadi name for Angoron. "They're right. I'll be fine." Slowly, the muscles in arms and shoulders bunching, he is making progress towards the bench. It's just slow. "M'family always told me that I needed to stop being so reckless. Suppose I really got myself into it this time." Clump. Clump. Clump. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, though.""

"That's what the priests of the Adamant Tower always say," Asmli agrees, using the khazadi name for Angoron. "They're right. I'll be fine." Slowly, the muscles in arms and shoulders bunching, he is making progress towards the bench. It's just slow. "M'family always told me that I needed to stop being so reckless. Suppose I really got myself into it this time." Clump. Clump. Clump. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, though."

The white-scale tilts her head, "Stronger? I thought it was stranger. Can it be both? It is grevious and an unsettling wound, this one agrees. You must not despair, there are options."

Cryo grins widely, her tail flicking behind her in a teasing manner, "And opportunities. Now you can be the one legged Man in the Ass kicking contest!"

She winks, "I hear they are often very busy."

The sound of wooden sandals precede the arrival of a very wee orderly. Her ebony skin contrasts with her white uniform, which covers everything but her face, and she wears a mask which leaves her eyes and forehead showing. And the barest wisp of red hair. She enters slowly, so her hidden sandals don't make so much noise. Her interest seems to be the linens and bandages, which she will studiously fold or compact into the wooden basket she bears.

"Who said anything about being strange?" Asmli protests. He and Cryosanthia are just entering, the sith with a basket over her arm, the khazad moving very, very slowly and leaning heavily on a pair of wooden crutches. Why is immediately obvious to look at him - he is missing his right leg entirely from a handspan below the hip, his breeches folded neatly and pinned around the stump, and those same breeches wrap very loosely around his other leg before disappearing into what look like new boots. His light voice bears the sound of the Alexandrian khazad miners.

Clump. "A one-legged -khazad- in an arse-kicking contest, thank you very much," he corrects her with mock-sternness. "And I'll kick all the arses you want, once Stirling is done."

"Of course. That's even rarer. You'll be in high demand." Cryo replies, sounding equally serious, or perhaps, deadpan. "I may have a list for you, I'll get back to you on that."

Once inside and on floors, her movements are very clicky-clicky as her talon tips strike lightly on the rock floors. She moves carefully around the orderly, essentially the sith is walking sideways, sometimes backwards, so she has an easier time watching Asmli. She transfers her basket over to her other arm and adjusts her hat, tilting it back so she's getting more light on her face. "I don't think I've met Stirling. He's an Artificer, craftsman?"

The wee orderly strightens and stares at Cryosanthia a moment, before she takes a few quick steps to hug at Cryosanthia's leg. "Hiiiii Cryo!", she says, "How are you?"

Aetheras makes his way back to the area, smiling as he sees the gregarious dwarf and the elegant Sith-Makar--two rather unstereotypicaj representatives of their races.

"Hallo!" he says, full of vim and vigour as ever, "I've manage to misplace the second favourite possession I've acquired since arriving here--has anyone seen a pair of Artificer-like goggles?"

"Acedia!" Cryo says, looking all the way down at the ebon one attached to her leg, "Hello, I am well, Peace on your Nest. You work here?"

She shakes her head at Aetheras's question, "This one has not."

Asmli stops quite short as the gobber runs up to grab Cryosanthia's leg, but manages to avoid any mishaps in so doing, most likely because he is moving as slowly as he is. When Aetheras returns, though, he shakes his head at the question. "Can't say as I have been much of anywhere lately." A weak grin accompanies that.

Aetheras paces around the area, looking thoroughly, even behind a pot near where he was sitting. "All I'm finding is drops or larger drops of my own blood. Shame...it was well crafted and the only thing of value other than Trailsong (that presumably being the silver-tipped eagle feather interwoven into his dreadlocks, which he fingers as he says its name)."

He lets the loss go, perhaps having either so much or so little that it makes little difference.

"How were you injured?" he asks of Asmli.

Cryo bobs her head at Aetheras, "We have been at the gate, and moving back here. Asmli has a Stoneworks Calzone to try when we get to the fountain. We have been discussing professional options, and things."

She has a limp now, from a goblin cast.

"Oh! You missed the story. Yay! This one would like to hear it again." She also gets a very odd expression. On a humanoid, it might be termed impish, on her it looks like the expression of a crocodile that's decided to eat its plover bird.

"Took a Guild job on the Plane of Fire," Asmli explains, his words slow as he stumps along if the direction of that bench. "Elemental stole a wizard's toy, and we were trying to get it back, but there was a magma snake in the lava river that we kept waking up. Finally it got mad and wanted to fight, I charged it but tripped on a rock and fell into the river." He sighs. "Ain't rightly remember much after that. Elleandra and Nels know the rest." He is slowing down, and is clearly wearying. "Hope I can go back to the Guild, Stirling says I ought to be able to once he's done."

Cryosanthia moves her free arm, the one without the basket, and wriggles her finger through several arcane gestures. The tattoos on her arm glow balefully. She waves behind Aetheras.

Sounds! Ghostly Sounds, punctuating Asmli's story. At first, the sound of a roaring fire, followed by a sizzling and swishing which sounds like a combination of scales on stone, and the blorp of burning magma moving. Behind it, next, a gurgling scrape of fire and hissing. Then! A crack like thunder! Because a scream might be too much, but a good surprise is still necessary.

GAME: Asmli rolls will: (17)+3: 20

Aetheras again glances between those present, not quite sure if his leg is being pulled.

"The Elemental Plane of Fire....? Soundscapes to go with stories! And I'm worried about sunshielding goggles." He grins.

"Everyone but me seems to be able to find wizards," he adds, turning to smile at Cryosanthia, "That's very good. A month ago I would have jumped behind Asmli here..." He winks.

It is a very good thing for them all that the stalwart Asmli does not frighten easily, because while he takes a sharp look behind him at the ghost sounds, he neither jumps nor loses his balance, instinctively steadying himself with one moved crutch, then back to the balefully glowing tattoo on her arm. "Whoa. Where'd you learn to do that?"

"I'm sorry!" Cryo sounds horrified, holding up her hands towards Aetheras, "this one is not a wizard. It's an amusement trick, meant to be more immersive."

She smiles awkardly at Asmli, "From... a wizard. Indirectly. It's just sounds. I can make Ice too."

Aetheras can't stop smiling. "It's a wonderful trick. All magic is...especially when one is not submitted to it unwillingly."

He pauses and looks around, but is now just using it as a way to not have to say more.

"Mm," Asmli grunts as they finally reach the fountain, and with a weary effort, settles down on the human-sized bench and leaning his crutches next to him. He seems to have nothing to say on the subject of magic.

Cryosanthia slips onto the end of the bench, curling her tail close to it. She sets the basket down between her and Asmli, "Do you want me to find utensiles? A plate, or break it open." Her hand is held, ready for the task.

Aetheras clasps his hands behind his back. "Well, I will leave you to it and continue my search for the goggles!" He offers a melodramatic bow with a flourish and all but pirouettes to head back toward the seawall.

"Break it open, a good tap or two with a claw ought to do it," Asmli suggests. It will take a bit more than the _tap or two_ he suggests, but eventually, it cracks open rather like an egg, to reveal piping hot beef, potatoes, vegetables, and gravy inside, with the inside rather like a thick bread bowl that can be torn out and used to scoop up the mixture.

"Peace on your Nest, good luck in your quest!" Cryosanthia calls after Aetheras as he leaves. She rocks in place where she's sitting, looking over at Amli, looking at the basket and the Stone Calzone, and then it is broken open. The sith-makar grins as steam rises from it, "Still warm! Still cooking. This is wonderful." She eagerly watches Asmli, to see how he will eat it.

Asmli digs in with real delight, splitting the goo evenly between the two halves and handing her half. It's clear he's eaten these before, although a little gravy spills right when it cracks open, it's not too bad, and he shows her how to tear off a hunk of the inside of the bread, firm enough to scoop and not too hard to eat, and scoop up the tasty contents. "This is one of the good ones," he agrees, happily cleaning a bit of gravy off of his chin with a finger and licking it.

"Ah! It is. Very tasty." The sith-makar works on her half, eating carefully but still being messy. The shape of her mouth, her lack of grinding teeth and therefore chewing means she primarily shovels in the chunky bits and gravy, licks them clean with her tongue, then swallows. She seems good at swallowing, her neck sometimes bulging when she does. However the gravy does get everywhere with her, even if she slurps, so soon it's all over her snouth, on her fingers, and she's got some on her armour too. "This is great I love it!"

Asmli, too, eats with real appreciation, even if much more neatly, and soon his half has only the rock-like outside left. He looks over at her, and laughs good-naturedly. "I hope you have a spell to clean up with, Cryosanthia."

"Yuff. I do!" The sith-makar says cheerily, trying to crunch down a piece of the shell. So, bite after bite poking holes in the crust, hoping it eventually shatters. She's a little slower with her half, but eventually has devoured it all. She wipes at her lips, which doesn't clean anything, only spread the gravy around some more.

"Oh that is nice, like a TurtleDew melon, a little softer, with edible rinds. I shall have to get some more." She sits happily with gravy on her face, chest, lap, arms. Dainty eating, does not appear to be one of her skills.

Asmli simply ... stares at the mess Cryosanthia made, quite frankly amazed, his current predicament forgotten amid laughter, good food, and friendship. "You look like one broke over your head."

Cryo looks up, "Oh no, my hat would have protected me then. It would all be down my back."

Her eyes glitter, "I do have a solution." She stands up, her hands flick through arcane gestures, and her gloves begin to glow white. She makes circular washing motions at herself, starting at her head, working all the way down her front, then one arm, then the other. It's a pantomime shower, except all the dirt, gravy, and food bits on her vanish. She is pristine afterwards. One way to keep clean. "Ta-dah."

Asmli watches this process, the shell still in his hand. He's forgotten to put it back in the basket, so bemused is he. When it's done, he simply grins at her. "If you ate more neatly, you'd get more of the gravy, you know." He doesn't seem to mind, though, his demeanor amused, not annoyed. "Thank you so, so much. You know..." He looks down at the shell. "I guess I really ought to tell them what's going on."

"This one has certain mouth challenges." Cryo explains. She also flicks her tongue out, wraps it completely around her snout and licks the underside of her chin, "This one also might get more gravy when the company is not mixed. I strive to avoid seeming too alien and understand sith-makar may not be pleasant to observe for some things."

She sits back down on the bench, leaning down and nodding. "I think they would want to know. They may or may not come, but at least you will have performed the formality."

The khazad, clearly unfamiliar with the sith-makar, stops, regards Cryosanthia for a moment, and nods. "Huh. Hadn't thought of it that way." Another moment of silence falls. "Yeah, I guess I probably should. Clan Stonesmasher, up in the mountains. We're more traders and guards than miners. It's all right to tell them however much you think is best." _I'm going to regret this,_ his body language says.

Cryo grins, showing off lots of teeth. Her nose is dipped, so it's more an endearing display than a threatening one. "It's okay. I'll gradually build up your comfort levels. Soon you'll be fine around all sorts of big smelly lizards." She winks.

"So, Clan Stonesmasher, traders, guards, miners up in Redridge. Let them know what seems appropriate. Okay. Got it!" She taps the side of her head.

"Do they have me sized beds? If I decided to stay over. Well sleeping on the floor could be ok, if there's a me sized room. Is there an Inn? I don't know how long it will take to find someone in the town."

"Ask for Clan Stonesmasher among the khazad up there and they'll point you right." Asmli lets his hands fall in what is left of his lap, thinking. "Fact, I'll send a letter, and you can explain the details. They might not listen to you without the letter, but it won't take me long." He set the shell in the basket, reaches for his crutches to stand, and pushes himself to his feet with a weary effort, nearly slumping over. Clearly, the dwarf is tired. "Took longer than I thought," he mutters. "I'll get ink and paper and have that for you tomorrow." He looks like he needs to lie back down.

"This one will be by tomorrow. I apologize for not coming sooner, I only found out a few days ago. I will go by the Guild tonight and inquire about your money." Cryosanthia stands, moving carefully around the dwarf, "You will be good to get back to your room? Do you need me to assist, or ask for someone?"

"I - think I can make it that far." Slowly, Asmli begins to limp his way back towards his room, in the back corridors of the hospital. He pauses a few steps away, though, and looks back. "Cryo? Thanks." There's a lot packed into that word.

"This one is glad to assist. Very much." Cryo bows her head, but does not bow or curtsey, deciding the gesture wouldn't have the correct meaning. "I shall call for the letter. Things will improve, they will take time. You have assistance. Think of shiny chrome and sapphire, and peace on your nest!"

Dramatis Personae

Asmli
This khazad-mornir is a muscly ball of fire, snarl, and good humor. His head is shaven across sides and back, leaving a loose topper of straight blonde hair atop his head to do as it will. The beard, however, is much more carefully trimmed and cared for, being braided into several smaller braids and with each held in place with multiple metal cuffs and beads. These hang down nearly to his waist, over the breastplate and leathers that make up what is clearly the outfit of a khazad warrior without much coin to spare. Strong and craggy features of the khazad are covered with skin that runs on the fair side for a khazad, and hold sharp, twinkling brown eyes as well. Leather boots with hard soles cover his feet. Over his back, on a leather harness, is slung a dwarven urgrosh, one of the legendary khazad double weapons.

Aetheras
An atypical member of his race, this relatively large and martial-looking Shadow Elf stands out as much for the marks of time all over his body as for his unusual build and features.
His eyes are entirely obsidian, though they sparkle as if there are star-motes within. His dreadlocks are gathered up in a high pony-tail, and decorated with feathers, bones and beads, their tone and sheen reminiscent of thick copper wires.
His unusual dark bronze skin shows scarring, random burn marks, and most importantly, a large slave-mark on his right pectoral.

Konstance
The man before you looks to be physically strong. He has bright golden blonde hair and blue eyes, fair skin. He looks as if he trains himself physically and his own hands seem to be soft from time spent as a wizard, handling books and magic instead of actual labor.
He wears a long robe with Eluna's symbol on it. Under it he wears scale mail armor, dark blue. Along his back was a large crossbow with a drum cylinder where bolts can be seen. Along his hip was a star knife. He carried his belongings with him in a large pack.

Kira
This young woman is of average to slight stature, and her quiet poise doesn't make her appear any larger. What skin is exposed shows some weathering from sun and wind, but is relatively smooth. Blonde hair falls to past her shoulders, though it is generally pulled back and gathered together by a simple leather thong at the base of her skull. This exposes prominent ears that are only overshadowed by the brightness of her blue eyes. Her remaining facial features are pleasant, but subdued, from button nose to full lips and cheeks.
If the woman seems mostly unremarkable, her clothing is entirely so. She wears a simple travelling robe of light gray cloth with a stylized rose dyed blue on the breast. A similar cloak worn overtop in inclement weather. Well worn boots and the bottoms of tan breeches are visible at times below the hem of the robe. The only visible possession is a large duffle carried over her right shoulder.