The Hunters Return

Log Info

• Title: The Hunters Return
• Emitter: Seldan
• Characters: Acedia, Seldan, Malik, Zeke, Cryosanthia, Kira, Rocky
• Place: A10: Temple District
• Time: Monday, May 25, 2020, 4:14 PM
• Summary: Zeke, Malik, Seldan and Acedia are sitting around the Temple District fountain, relaxing and speculating how long it will be before it is destroyed again. Cryosanthia arrives and listens in. Some of what happened on the trip is mentioned, mostly camel stables, and the main topics are how Acedia's new armour is fitting. Or not fitting and causing injuries, which the gobbo is tolerating instead of healing. This leads into a debate about readiness, resources and risk. When should healers heal themselves first. Zeke's living arrangements are also discussed, with everyone agreeing that the stone walled room in the Temple was a nice gesture on their part, but it isn't helping. Other options, like huts out in the farmlands, apartments near the rivers, or something close to the Temple of Daeus are considered. Rocky, the grey granite-scaled sith-makar arrives and is introduced, and his return from the dead explained. A potion of kobolds is brought up by Cryo, Malik explains why they are expensive and Cryo upsets him by responding to the information, but not him. Although, the mage is hungry and Reunion has been criticizing him and Seldan heavily while they're attempting to relax, so there are things to be upset about. Kira gets to speak to Zeke for the first time in a month, then everyone breaks into separate groups to eat.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The air of solemn, heavy divinity in the area is often broken by laughter. The dual presence of the deities Althea and Daeus, man and wife, stand towards the center, with their children and their children's temples positioned around them. The presence of the divine is felt not only by their temples, but also by the actions of their worshipers. The great plaza is as a social center, paved in brilliant, white flagstones and covered in benches and sitting areas. Priests, acolytes, and servicefolk of all stripes roam the plaza, going from one task to the other.

At the front of the temples of Daeus and Althea, at the Plaza's centermost point, rests a great fountain, the cheerful waters reflecting the Sun during the day, and the Moon and Stars at night. The fountain is strategically centered, and is oft a place for wisdom and lesson-giving. It is not uncommon for a priest of some stripe or the other to stand there, surrounded by the curious and faithful, delivering messages of hope or contemplation. At other times, it and the plaza become a landscape of celebration of the holy holidays.

Few vendors are seen in the plaza--the nearby temples provide most food or services. Towards the west, the great Bridge stretches across the river, and towards the east, the Redridge mountains. The plaza rests in the midst of it all, the temples massive and grand on the Alexandrian scale.

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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  Appearing, in Order  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Acedia       3'4"     39 Lb      Goblin            Female    An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor.
Seldan       5'11"    187 Lb     Human             Male      Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol.
Malik        6'2"     195 Lb     Human             Male      A sandy-haired tsuran with blue eyes.
Zeke         6'8"     239 Lb     Sith-Makar        Male      A blue-scaled sith-makar in white Daeus vestments
Cryosanthia  6'9"     267 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Kira         5'0"     120 Lb     Human             Female    Blonde woman in simple robes with an eye patch.
Rocky        6'8"     460 Lb     Sith-Makar        Male      A grey Sith in armor, bit like a statue.
=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Despite it being a cloudy day, the Fountain is ever the gathering place of the district. Fewer people make their way by, and a small group as settled around the edge of the Fountain. Malik and Seldan, the newly joined Zeke, and the blue-robed Acedia.

Acedia sits up suddenly in Malik's lap, and gasps. "Zeke!", she cries out, happily. She hops down to approach the Sith, and eyes him up and down carefully. "You are looking better. Happier. Has the time away helped, do you think?" She fold her hands behind her, and grins up at the blue-scale. She glances, then, over her shoulder at the two men.

"So it is true, then? You have sealed the covenant?" The Gobbo nods to them both, "I have spoken up about it, and they are tending to my armour. But I will let you look at it, if you would, to make finer adjustments, yes? It has been embarrassing to have someone else tend to the wound."

Zeke wags his tail at Acedia, clearly pleased to see her. "Thisss one made hasste. Thisss one findsss that the ssstone room isss... no longer to thisss onesss liking." His tail gives a gentle flick and he shakes his head gently. "The time away wasss very nisce. Thisss one enjoyed the sssun and the company of kin. Thisss one... Thisss one hass not had the chansce yet to thank you Ascedia. For coming to resscue thisss one, and for your ssacrifisce."

The small group is soon joined by another, Cryosanthia, arriving from the Temple of Daeus. Her clothing today is rather uninspired, primarily a long white shirt that covers her mail shirt, along with her boots and gloves. Despire the nightshirt resemblence, she seems awake and alert and quietly shows up and listens.

Malik sits up a bit as the gobber bounds off his lap and over to Zeke, offering a pleased smile. "I had a feeling that the stone room might be the last place that you wanted to be after your -- experiences." He won't call them an 'ordeal'. "But if if's sun and warmth that you want, perhaps we should head to Tashraan when next we can?" He holds up a finger before Seldan can object. "And yes, I'll properly account for the precession this time. So I -probably- won't land us in the camel stalls." There's a story there, for sure.

Seldan had been about to open his mouth, clearly, but merely laughs as Malik interrupts him. "I shall trust you, Mal. I am certain that you have no desire to land us in a camel stall again, thouggh I am uncertain that Zeke would enjoy Tashraan." He sits with the others by the fountain, and looks up as Cryosanthia joins them. "All is well, Cryosanthia, and her light fall upon your path," he greets politely. "I had had that feeling as well, Zeke. Perhaps a place to live outside of the temple walls, does the Temple permit you such?"

A diffident half-smile comes to his features as he answers Acedia. "Even so. I have ... come to realize much in these past weeks."

Acedia turns back to Zeke when he speaks, her expression quite happy mixed with pride. There is a brief moment of unhappiness, a quick revisit to that terrible day banished with a flick of her head, the smile returning. "That is good, Zeke. I wish you a speedy recovery." She pauses, the sadness returning briefly, and she fidgets, very close to Zeke yet no touching. Restraint. "You are most welcome. I alone do not deserve all the praise, there was a small number who went into the tower, who helped effect your escape. But I would do so again, even if I knew that my death lay at the end of it."

Her ears twitch, and she glances to Cryo, offering the icy-scale Sith a wave and a toothy smile. "Hello Cryo! Look, Zeke has returned, as have Malik and Seldan!"

The Gobbo turns around and looks to Malik, a very wistful look in her eyes. "Tashraan?" There's something more there, but she falls silent.

Zeke turns his attention on Cryosanthia as she joins them, humming at her low in his throat. "Peassce Cryossanthia, thisss one did not sssee you in the temple." He seems more lucid now, or perhaps simply more accepting of his current reality. His green eyes slip toward Malik and he wags his tail. "Thisss one hass never been to Tashraan. It might be nissce to ssee it, thiss one isss conssidering that thiss one might want to find quartersss outsside the temple. They will allow ssuch, thiss one isss welcome to sstay there, but it is not necesssary. Thiss one only hass becausse it iss convienet but... It iss no longer pleasssant."

Cryosanthia listens, following the conversation and nodding at moments. A curious glance is drawn by the mention of camel stables, but she already knows as much about those as she wishes. She nods at the greeting, "Peace on your Scabbard, Sir Seldan. Hello all."

She was watching Zeke, to see if he was disbelieving her. Acedia's annoucement and his direct address enliven her, "I was recopying some documents. Turns out some things I burned weren't mine. As to quarters, I agree, I hate that room. Anywhere else would be better."

Malik leans backwards, resting against Seldan as he gets comfortable, looking over his shoulder at the paladin. "Realized some things this week?" he teases. "I see that you've been paying attention after all." Though he turns back to Acedia, shaking his head. "Not -that- small a number," he assures Zeke. "There were, in fact, quite a few of us." And then, to Zeke, "It can be a bit of a -- dangerous place. Their customs are not like the customs here. But it's beautiful. And you can find almost anything there." Though his attention goes to Cryosanthia as she talks about needing to replace documents after what seems to be a fire, mouthing 'burned?' to Acedia and Seldan. Curious, this one.

"It is not only to you that I listen, at times," Seldan answers, turning himself and wrapping arms around Malik's waist if the man will let him. "Mind your ego, that it not explode from the fountain." Still is there a slight smile there, an affectionate one, but he turns his attention to Zeke and Cryosanthia. "I do not fault you, kin, and would bid you seek a place as different as may be from those quarters, that one might cook for oneself as one has done on our hunting trips. But ... you burned documents? I knew naught of this."

The Gobbo looks up at Zeke, and then Cryo, nodding slowly. "Those sorts of rooms are meant for rest, and rest alone. They do not evoke contemplation, or inspire one to read, or any sort of quite pastime. Perhaps, since you two are to be married... perhaps you should consider finding a place you can call home. Something comfortable, quiet, modest." She smiles then, before turning, moving back to the fountain, to stand by Seldan's side this time.

To Malik, and his mouthed question, she shrugs, but nods in response to Seldan's asking of the question. Then, "Seldan.", she says quietly. "I would know what realization you have come to, if you would share. Who is it that you find yourself listening to? Your father, perhaps?"

The blue-scaled sith blinks in surprise at Cryosanthia, then nods. "Thisss one will sssee about finding a new plasce, if you will." Zeke wags his tail softly at Cryosanthia, then looks at Acedia. "Thisss one hass not heard much of Sseldan'sss nesst-father. Only that he hass been ssending lettersss."

Cryo waves her hand, a brushing away motion, "My notes, they weren't helping. When I was staying at Mikilos'. Some things that weren't mine were mixed in. They're fine, fine enough with mending. The Temple wanted non-singed copies. It's not important."

"This one would Zeke, yes. I like this idea of finding someplace else. I don't think it's even a meditation room Acedia, I thought it was storage or a repurposed barracks. All our stuff is packed up we can go anytime."

"You -- burned your notes?" Malik looks rather puzzled at that. "I suppose that's one way to vent frustrations." Looking to Acedia and Seldan, he seems curious as well -- though he makes a noticeable face when Acedia suggests that it's Baram that Seldan might be listening to, the thought seeming foreign to him. "Finding your own place is nice," he agrees. "If you just need space and privacy, I know of an innkeeper in Goblintown that's looking for a tenant. I can put in a good word."

"I do not commend to you that inn's food, Acedia." Seldan seems about to explain more, but a quick look at Zeke, and he adds instead, "If indeed it is not yet rubble." He nods his understanding to Cryosanthia, but says nothing more, allowing the matter to drop. "No, nothing from Father. Say rather that I have come to understand that Eluna does not demand that I deny myself that which gives me joy and strengthens me, so long as it does not deny or breach the vows that I have spoken, and in so doing, I do not serve Her ends." He chooses his words carefully.

The Gobbo blinks at Seldan, looking him in the eyes at length, her expression thoughtful. "It did hurt, you know.", she says at length, before she moves to carefully attempt the occupation of Seldan's lap. And where she would usually lay on her back, to be able to see him, she instead ends up on her stomach. "Your pardon. The wound is enough that it hurts to lay on my back. My pillow, ever uninteresting, has been thoroughly inspected by me over a few days of sleep. And so... you and Malik have shared vows. This is good. You two make a good pair, it is good to see that such a natural match is made more so by solemn vows."

Zeke shakes his head slightly. "Thiss one would perfer not to live in an inn. Thisss one may look into a sssmall hut of ssssome kind. Perferably sssomething clossse to here." The sith wags his tail at Seldan. "The godsss are kind in that they give usss the joy of care asss well asss the joy of sservisce."

The whitescale glances at Acedia, then Zeke, then back to Malik. "Aren't Goblintown apartments... goblin sized? And prone to exploding and occasional transformation plagues? I've been in airships, we have a lot of horns for low wooden ceilings." She makes another sort of wave, "Wherever you wish to go is fine Zeke. I've slept over in the Fernwood and I agree, I would'nt want to live in an inn either. I've set the bar as not like the room we have, so surprise me. A hut sounds great."

Cryo follows this up with a small bow in Seldan and Malik's direction. "Congratulations on your vows."

"I lived in Goblintown for years," Malik answers, a small smile there. "It's not so bad as the stories. The people are friendly. They rarely ask questions. And while explosions are more common, they're rarely uncontrolled. You could do worse, starting out on your own," he laughs. "But if you prefer a hut somewhere, I'm sure that we can find you something. Perhaps..." He searches his memory, looking to Seldan. "That small village in the west. With the shop, that sells the sealed bread, with the meats and cheeses..." The name of which is clearly escaping him. As Acedia climbs into his lap once more, he lets out a bit of a grunt. "You must be working more. You're getting heavier," he teases, the tone clearly not serious.

"One cannot always identify the food," Seldan points out to Malik with a squeeze of his arm and not a trace of a smile, looking down at Acedia. "Perhaps such a village would suit. We are promised only," he tells Cryo absently, "but what is this of a wound? You are hurt, and did not speak? You have been at the least seen to, have you not?" Concern colors the Myrrish-tinted words.

The Gobbo glances over at Cryo and Zeke. "Gobbo-town has some normal sized places. It's just the stuff that Goblins built themselves that is small. They have built a few things for everyone to use, and those are more normal sized." Acedia reaches out a hand to prod Malik. "I have lost two pounds, by sweating it off." To Seldan, she says. "Multiple wounds, and some are not healed by magics, for they are in the mind. As to the particular wound I am griping about, it is one made by the armor... wearing me in places. Where it straps in along the back, and I could not reach it properly. I have been given an ointment to see to it, rather than healing magics used."

"A ssmall village ssssoundss nice. Thiss one prefersss plascess with fewer people." Zeke looks at Cryosanthia. "Would you like to look for a plasce with thisss one? Thisss one would like for you to have a plassce where you too are comfortable."

Acedia's words draw Zeke's attention as well however and the sith moves toward her slightly. "Thisss one can heal you Ascedia. Ssuch wear on the body isss uncomfortable, and you ssshould not forsce yoursself to bear it."

Cryosanthia watches Malik, listening to the explanation about Goblintown, then turning her attention to Acedia. "Well, enduring injuries is good practice but you shouldn't have to if it was from ill-fitting armour. You should take Zeke up on his offer, maybe get a massage too." She holds her hands in the air, making some clenching motions.

She has a smile for the bluescale, and her tail swishes hopefully, "Of course. This one would enjoy picking out places with you. Will you be serving the Dragonfather in the village? I didn't think any were close... oh right."

"I always made sure that ours was -actually- chicken," Malik protests. "Paid extra for it as well!" But he's not putting up too much of a fight. It's clearly a discussion that they've had before. To Zeke and Cryosanthia, he offers, "There are farms, between here and the village. Fairly spaced out, I believe. The number of people is rarely a problem. Though I think you'll find it rather lonely. And somewhat more vulnerable when by yourself." And then, over to Acedia, a look that suggests he has an opinion on this 'ointment' theory that probably is best not heard in public, from the frown. "A wound from ill-fitting armor is the fault of the armorer," he insists. "And you should not be bearing that burden."

Acedia dozes lightly upon Malik's lap, only the cant of her ears might indicate that she is listening to the conversations at hand. At length, she sighs lightly. "It is fine.", she says lightly. "I will endure." Her eyes remain closed, but her grin is rather devious. "It is likely intentional, however, I will endure. I would gather they expect new adherents to cave to the irritant quickly and be healed magically. And then immediately have to get back into the armor."

Zeke seems to consider for a moment. "Perhapsss thisss one can find a plassce here in Alexandria then. It would be nissce to be clossse to the temple." He rolls his right shoulder in a soft shrug. "We will have to look into it and sssee what isss available. Ass to you Ascedia, thisss one will not heal you without your conssent, but you ssshould not allow sstubbornessss to be the reassson you are in pain. If they intentionally harmed you, then thisss isss unacceptable asss well."

"Is this a squire pranking thing? Where new knights are given ill fitting armour to see if they'll complain?" Cryosanthia asks Acedia, with a small grin.

The whitescale female shrugs, "I'd prefer not to live between farms. I don't think there's much for either of us to do on a farm. We would be better off in the caste tents in Mictlan. Why not something beside the Tormrawr? We can watch ships go by and it's not that far a walk to the Temple." And there would be swimming. "Amythyst lives under the bridge. Deep under the bridge. I'm sure there are apartments nearby, if there aren't some in it."

Seldan has only been listening to the conversation, letting Zeke take the fore in healing, but now he steps in. "Consider this, Acedia - do you think yourself safe, within the city walls? Do you yet aid those with the plague? This much may I say to you for certain - you do not wish to be touched by a plague bubble, should you have an open wound. It is for you to choose, but can you best aid others, when you have not seen to yourself?"

"I believe the lesson is... stubbornness is the reason we are all in pain.", the Gobbo says, simply, in answer to all. She opens her eyes then, and looks to Seldan. "You yourself foreswore aid in order to continue aiding others, despite exhaustion and pain. You would deny me this same sacrifice?"

Malik looks down at Acedia, shaking his head. "Or," he adds, "it could just be that the Seers are testing you. Eluna is a goddess of wisdom. One that experts her people to use the resources available to them. Such as healers when hurt. If they don't do that, then they suffer -- effectively punishing themselves," Malik notes. "No need for anyone to step in. The test seems to me more likely to be one of knowing when to seek aid, and how to find it." Though he does smile a bit at her counterpoint, looking briefly over his shoulder to Seldan in a 'well?' sort of gaze.

The conversation between Zeke and Cryosanthia, however, seems to get his attention. He glances up, looking between the pair, and then looking to Zeke. "And what would you prefer?" he asks the blue-scaled man. "What would you choose?" There seems to be some emphasis on that last word.

Zeke looks at Acedia firmly. "Thiss one agreesss Ascedia. You ssserve no-one by allowing yourssself to be hurt." Though, the sith's eyes do flicker toward Seldan curiously, clearly wondering what Acedia is refering to.

The mage's question causes a burst of embarassment to float from Zeke. A curious reaction, but thankfully one that only Cryosanthia is likely to notice. Given that only sith have the keen sense of smell that allows them to notice such things. Zeke glances at the ground and rolls his right shoulder. "Thisss one would prefer a plasce near the temple, here in Alexandria. There issss much to be done here, and thisss one hass little desssire to be far away when thisss one might be needed."

Another day, and other chores to attend to. Maybe? Kira exits The Healer's House and is without her ubiquitous basket for a change. The sight of the replaced fountain and resurgence of people in the temple square is a pleasing reminder of life rebounding more towards normal.

It is noticed, Zeke's scent of embarassment, althought Cryo doesn't react and doesn't understand. She's happy enough he's come back from the wilderness where any number of things could happen, and this time her cihuaa seems to believe she exists. It's an improvement on the week prior to the weekend even if it feels like a soap bubble that might pop if she looks at it too hard. "Any of those places sound fine."

Cryosanthia makes a small curtsey to Kira as she arrives, dipping her head afterwards, finally asking. "Zeke, is there something wrong with your shoulder? You keep moving it strangely."

"Deny you your sacrifice?" Seldan fixes Acedia with a level stare. "Naught do I deny you, I but ask you what your sacrifice achieves. It is given to all who would serve the Seeress to perhaps lay down their life in pursuit of Her ends, but do you sacrifice without achieving Her greater good, you but rob Her of your service. In so doing, I hoped to inspire others, to use what resources I had to continue Her fight, as best I may. What end do you achieve?" There is no anger in the question as he waits.

He does look up briefly at Cryosanthia's question. "A good question, your cihuaa asks."

"How have I robbed her of my service? I am still here, able and willing to serve. I served others in the Soldier's Defense against the oozes without knowing the dangers, and I would do so again. A wound I may have, but it is still far more likely that the ooze would get inside my mouth than the wound." She huffs. "If it were needed, one could simply heal me before sending me on my way to face the plague once more. What do I achieve? If there is a lesson to be learned, shouldn't I learn it on my own?"

Malik listens to Seldan's question, face growing pensive. But instead of looking at Acedia -- he instead looks to the approaching Kira, as if contemplating something there as well. But at the questions to Zeke, that pensive look seems to disappear. He gives a slow, careful nod. "If that is what you would choose." Neither agreement or disagreement there, but his tone remains strange nonetheless, Zeke's smell probably only adding to the confusion for those who can sense it.

Moving to stand, he picks the gobber up lightly, setting her back down on the stone. "I should return," he tells the others. "We still have many things to prepare, yet. And I have a small bit of work to do still." To Seldan, a most mundane question -- "Should I get something for dinner, or are you picking something up?"

Even with more pedestrians out, a few familiar forms are still conspicuous. Cryosanthia, for one, as she's a head or shoulders taller than most. Kira's smile widens and she lifts a hand to wave to her, though it freezes in the air as she notices Zeke shortly thereafter. He's almost as tall, and blue, afterall. Her steps halt, too, and she inadvertently becomes a momentary Sentinel statue.

Whatever words Zeke might have been about to say, whatever thoughts he might have offered to Acedia seem to fly in the face of Kira's appearance. His scent fades, his tail grows still, his eyes dim somewhat. The sight of her steals the comfortable height of his shoulders and rounds them as if the sith thinks that he might be able to disappear though... being as tall and broad as he is, that's clearly impossible. "Peassce on your nessst Kira." He says the words softly, his head dipping very low to her.

Cryo remains confused, watching Zeke and his movements closely as he reacts to Kira. Questions that seem to stem from conversations and considerations she wasn't a part of are ignored in the new situation she at least has some clues about. Her words are carefully spoken, but have some hesitation to them. "Peace on your nest, Kira. Zeke has been away this weekend, hunting with Seldan and falling in camel stables. It seems to have done wonders." She gestures at the three, the bluescale, the paladin, the mage.

"Zeke, Kira is... uh here! Without bread. You asked about her a few times last week, and this one never found time to find her. We can... postpone things, if the group is getting too large?" The whitescale moves, casually leaning so she can look at Kira, moving between her and her mate. Enough that he can still see her, but if seeing her is a problem, he's not seeing too much of her. Seldan looks up as Malik frees himself and stands, all trace of smile gone. He sits just a little straighter, eyes darting around the square, but nods. "I shall provide, although do I not return after evensong, you will know where to seek me."

The sword at his hip, which to this point has been silent, finally pipes up, the irascible old man's voice that is so often the first to speak. "Seldan, you need to find a good woman to cook for you. I keep telling you...."

"Kanian, one need not be a woman to cook, now hush." Seldan's attention goes to the interplay between Zeke, Cryosanthia, and Kira, and something in his bearing goes guarded. He stands slowly, weight carefully balanced on his feet.

Kira lowers her hand and dips in a curtsey. "Peace on your nest, Cryosanthia, Zeke. Hello, everyone." She's polite, and her smile is still present for all, but her eyes flick between the blue and white sith. The smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, either, leaving them more worried or curious or pained. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." Now she seems able to move again, and steps rearward.

The Gobbo huffs at being lifted out of a comfortable lap, and holds onto Malik long enough for a hug. Seldan, to, is hugged, should he allow it. "Will you come and find me later, when you've time? To talk, yes? I should get back, for they should have duties for me." She smiles brightly at Kira, offering a wave, and then moves to offer Cryosanthia a hug. Zeke is given a bright grin. "I look forward to seeing what your place looks like, when you have decided." With that, Acedia turns, and makes her way towards the Temple of Eluna.

Malik allows the hug, laughing. "Go find a healer," he teases her. "Or I'll leave a bootprint on your bottom to match the sore on your back. If we're to be running in full armor in the morning," he half-threatens, "then you'll need to be at your best."

It seems like he's about to leave. But then, of course, the sword speaks. "I can spend the rest of my days as a woman," Malik offers, spinning on his heel as anger creeps back into his voice. It's the sword that has his particular ire this time, though he keeps his tone faux-pleasant. "And if you keep this up, I'll make good on my threat to have you spend your days in the bottom of an ocean ravine so deep the light of the sun has never seen it, blade."

Catching Seldan's eye, he tenses a moment, then bites it back, offering the paladin a genuine smile. Maybe he's staying after all. "Let's get something together, later," he says. "We have nothing to hide."

Zeke shifts subtly so that he can see Kira better. "You are not interupting Kira. Thisss one isss... glad to sssee you." The slight hesitation might make it seem as though he doesn't mean those words, but he does. He slides his gaze toward the paladin's gaze and his tail flicks behind him. "Thisss one hass never heard your sssword ssspeak ssso Sseldan. Thisss one dissslikesss itsss wordsss, it ssspeaksss ass though it expectsss you to have posssesssion of a female." His eyes blink twice and then turn on Malik. "Why would you need to change ssso Malik? Maless can cook jusst asss well ass femalesss."

"Actually that reminds me of something I've been curious about. Is it possible to get a Potion of Kobold? One that lasts at least an hour and doesn't cost as much as an apartment? I'd like to take Faran swimming, really swimming, and that would help a lot." Cryosanthia flings another topic on top of the awkward questions like she's attempting a wrestling suplex maneuver.

Kira halts again after a step and her smile softens some, though she remains hesitant and concerned. "It's good to see you, too, Zeke... but I don't want to make you uncomfortable. You're feeling better, I hope?" He hasn't gone silent or elsewhere, at least, and she hopes that is a good sign. Cryosanthia's question causes her to blink. "A potion of what?" That's not something she's heard of, before. not that she's a potions expert.

"He needs to find a good woman, settle down, and raise children." The irascible old man states stubbornly, which leaves Seldan rolling his eyes. "Start with a woman who can cook. I didn't, and look at me now."

A gruff, male voice chimes in. "You're a sword, Kanian. You don't need to eat."

"No, but I sure do miss it, sometimes."

A third voice chimes in, this one deep and resonant and with the same accent as the irascible old man. "That, I believe."

Malik rolls his eyes at the sword as well, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not even going to interrupt them," he sighs. "The sensible old woman will put her foot down sooner or later, as she usually does. Remind me to find a way to get her something nice." Though the situation with the other three now has his attention. "Transformation into another creature requires expensive reagents. You're always going to be looking at something that costs as much as a house. Some of them are -- notoriously difficult to get into the ports. It seems they've been used in the past for malicious purposes. If you're simply looking for something to help you swim, there are more efficient, cheaper options. Something that costs maybe half as much as a decent sword. Cheaper if you find someone that likes you to craft them."

Zeke sniffs at the paladin, mostly by habit. "Thisss one doess not undersstand Reunion. A female isss not necessary for thessse thingsss." He sniffs again, but swords have no scent. Nothing to help undserstand. He shakes his head once and then turns his attention on Kira. "Thisss one isss feeling much better yesss. Thisss one... Iss not uncomfortable. Thisss one hasss been worried about you. Are you well?"

"Oh," Cryo says, as that bubble pops, "I guess they don't Kira. It wasn't just swimming, it was her having a tail, and scales so we could polish each other's and similar eyes so I could talk about colours and darksense and if she turned into a sith she'd be distracted by being bigger so I wanted her to concentrate on the differences at her normal size. It was meant to be fun." She ends up shaking her head, as if she's trying to dislodge the thought from her mind.

Seldan's scabbard gets a glance, but she keeps her mouth shut. Her tail coils from side to side and her attention is on Zeke primarily, and Kira, things seem to be well between them. She relaxes and steps back, her tail coiling around her legs. She's curious about the answers as well.

"Oh! That does sound like it would be fun," Kira agrees with Cryosanthia and her smile broadens, though her attention remains on Zeke. She steps towards him, albeit slowly. "I was worried about you, for you, too. I'm very glad you're feeling better. I'm ...feeling better, too. Thank you."

Rocky is not the quickest nor most nimble Sith, but he moves fast enough once he gets going. Momentum, if nothing else. And so the grey scale enters the Plaza at a decent clip, leaned forward with his tail out behind to balance, headed for the temple of the DragonFather, Daeus. But, spying a group including Sith, he shifts direction, chuffing a greeting as he gets close enough to be sure it's Cryosanthia he sees.

Seldan seems content to stay out of the interaction between Kira and the sith-makar, although he continues to watch warily. Instead, he turns his attention to the sword at his hip. "Kanian, might I remind you that the Padaryn line will continue through my father's brother Adelan and his children? There is no need. I have heard enough."

"Nonsense, boy, that's not a reason not to do your duty by the line," the irascible old man's voice begins again, which occasions a cacophony of argument from a half-dozen voices, the majority of whom seem at some levels to agree with the old man's voice, until that deep, resonant voice cuts in. "Enough, all of you. Most of you did not do your duty by the line, either. You got yourselves killed, instead."

Dead silence follows that, and finally the gruff, khazadi-sounding male voice piles up. "That is why it is important that he do his."

Finally, an old woman steps in. "Is it? Think you that with the fae woman still living, that he should be seeking to raise children that she may take from him?"

Malik sighs, looking relieved as the old woman's voice chimes in. For about two seconds, until the words start to sink in. He finally looks over at the sword. "Enough. All of you. We can debate the finer points of duty and child-rearing some other time. Somewhere less public."

Glancing over to Zeke, Kira, Cryosanthia, and the newcomer, Malik isn't entirely sure where to even start. It's Cryo's statement that seems to get his attention the most. He looks -- well, exasperated. He opens his mouth, as if to say something. Thinks better of it apparently. And then starts once more before stopping, finally just planting his face in his hand and looking tired.

Zeke seems on the verge of saying something else to Seldan's weapon, but Malik's words come and he acceeds to the man's request to let go of the topic of conversation. He doesn't understand it, but he has long since learned that he will never understand all the reasons that his kin might ask something of him, will never understand softskins entirely. What is important is respecting their strangeness. "Thisss one isss glad that you are feeling better Kira. Now that we are free of the tower..." He looks at Cryosanthia. "Now that we are free of /her/... That isss what iss important."

The blue-scaled sith nods politely to the newest arrival, a sith-makar that he does not recognize. Zeke hums in reply to the other male's soft noise. "Peassce on your nesst."

Fast moving things in the Temple District immediately get Cryosanthia's attention, and she reacts by dropping into a ready stance, her right hand already moving through casting gestures. The rest of the information catches up with the danger trigger, and she relaxes. She resumes a normal posture and the casting becomes a wave as she calls, "Rocky, over here," which then becomes a different graceful movement, a trickle of light, and her voice sounding like a tiny whisper beside his head, where she repeats, "I'm at the fountain, hi!"

Cryo smiles at Zeke, nodding, followed with a glance at Seldan, and the scabbard. Free or not free. She's not about to bring her confusion out so she agrees, nodding strongly. "Yes, free! Soon as I get the Tower out of my head I'll feel so much better."

Her physical reactions, to the grey sith's arrival, thoughts of Salina are over so quickly her scents didn't change. They remained calm, and now her are a lot more pleasant. As the grey sith male approaches she supplies an introduction. "Zeke, everyone, this is /River Stone/, 'Rocky', Warrior-Caste. He is clutch-mate to this one. We grew up together in Am'shere. He was a part of the hunting party that went to Charnath... and he died. And now he's back." His actual name is spoken in draconic, though she uses tradespeak for his nickname and the rest.

Cryo moves proudly over beside Zeke, grinning at Rocky, "Big brother, this is my cihuaa."

Kira's smile finally migrates all the way to her eyes, which brighten and become more shiny. "It's so good to see you better, Zeke." She then nods twice and also agrees, "We're free of it." It is true, in many ways, but she and Cryosanthia are in unspoken agreement on not confusing things, so her glance to the white sith is brief and she keeps her smile up.

Then there is a new introduction. "Oh, hello! Peace on your nest, ...Rocky." She barely starts trying to at least repeat his proper name, but quickly gives in so that she doesn't butcher it and insult him. "It is good to meet you."

Rocky nods politely to those gathering, making a point to look each in the eye. 'Peaccce unto yuor nesssstssss.' he intones, sibilant accent strong. At Cryo's introduction, he goes still for several moments before moving towards the blue scale, not quite agressive, or looming, but... accessing. "So you are the Zeke of whom Little Sister has spoken. I have been looking forward to meeting you." He pulls back slightly, looking the other over. "Interesting arm and leg you have. How did you end up with those, if you don't mind my asking?" <draconic>

Seldan draws a breath and shoots a sharp look at Malik, possibly at the sword's comments, and possibly at other comments. He and Malik, however, were not introduced, and he turns his attention to Zeke as the sword threatens to chime in again. "Enough, Reunion. We will discuss it in more private company." He inclines his head politely, but is suddenly tense, and some of that reserve has returned. "Perhaps we should find you at a later time. Peace upon your nest," he adds to Rocky.

Zeke's eyes flicker over 'Rocky', but he wags his tail at the other male until... He speaks and Zeke glances down, to the side toward Seldan. "Do you ssspeak trade-ssspeak?" He looks uncomfortable, smells it too. That he can not hide from the other sith. He doesn't want to be rude and speak another language with so many others present, but speaking something other than draconic to Rocky would be rude as well, so he repeats himself in draconic just to be on the safe side.

Malik looks over at the glance, nodding, and then turns his attention back to the other four. "I think that would be best," he offers. "We did have a long journey. And food would be -- most welcome at this point." The wizard's stomach growls, and he gives Seldan a bit of a nod. "Peace on your nests. But I think it's time that we were on our way."

"Peace on your nests," Cryo says quickly, distracted by the interplay between Rocky and Zeke. Something she now has to manage, which she wasn't expecting to. There were a couple things she wanted to ask about Zeke without him overhearing, but couldn't think of ways to ask without it sounding as if she was talking like he wasn't there. So she ends up rushing a comment, "Seldan, Malik, thanks. Seems like it was a good weekend, whatever you did, enjoy your dinner."

"Rocky, that's a story for another time, with lots of drinking." Cryosanthia says, smiling really intently, her head bobbing. He can answer the tradespeak question on his own, no need to say anything about that. "And that's Kira, Seldan and Malik. They're fellow adventurers, and I think we're splitting up to get food now. This one is not sure."

Kira turns her attention attention and smile to Seldan and Malik now. "Enjoy your meal, and may The Healer's Grace be upon you." With the possibility of her having interrupted other's dinners, and not having meant to ignore anyone previously, she's apologetic. She curtseys again to Rocky as she's introduced specifically. Also, she may not have a sith nose, but she can suspect Zeke's discomfort from body language, if not what it's from. With the two men excusing themselves, that leaves her as not-scaled and not family. "I should let all of you get back to your business, and tend to my duties, but I'd love to speak with you again when you're able."

Rocky nods, still close. "Yessss. Poorly. Thissss One would be clear in meeting chiuua of Little Ssssisster." His stance and scent are active, alert, but not anxious. He doesn't seem too concerned about appearing rude.

At Cryo's words he nods, and takes another half step back, not quite relaxing. He nods to Kira. "Thank you. Issss good to meet you."

Zeke nods politely to Kira, and to the departing figures of Seldan and Malik as they leave. "This one understands. This one is better with this language as well. Cryosanthia, would you like to invite your nestmate to join us for a meal? Seldan and Malik were right, it is time for something to eat." <draconic>

Cryo gives a nod as the paladin and mage head off, then turns towards Kira and responds with a short curtsey, her smile awkward and quick. "This one would, yes. Acedia said I should get with you and Halani. And Faran. Maybe not all at the same time. Have a weekend like Zeke and the others did."

The whitescale smiles at her cihuaa, "This one is interested in hearing what you did this trip. I slept the weekend. If you are not so tired from getting back, we can go to eat. Whatever, where-ever you wish. This one would enjoy." Which is true, seeing Zeke eat will calm her a lot. It's great that he's even suggested it.

"Rocky, if you would like to join us for a meal."

<OOC> Kira says, "That was a whole lot of rainbows!"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Draconic is full of rainbows?"
From afar, Kira saw this: Rocky nods politely to those gathering, making a point to look each in the eye. 'Peaccce unto yuor nesssstssss.' he intones, sibilant accent strong. At Cryo's introduction, he goes still for several moments before moving towards the blue scale, not quite agressive, or looming, but... accessing. "hiss chomp sizzle rainbow chomp sizzle hiss chomp chomp chomp sizzle growl rainbow click growl growl growl roar roar" He pulls back slightly, looking the other over. "rainbow hiss roar growl rainbow click sizzle rainbow chomp sizzle click roar roar hiss sizzle roar chomp rainbow chomp" <unknown>
<OOC> Rocky hehs, half wishes could see both what others see and what he actaully wrote.