Alabaster Assembly
Log Info
- Title: Alabaster Assembly
- GM: Riptide
- Place: Northern Gates - Alexandria
- Summary: An unexpected visitor comes to Alexandria, all the way from the Mythwood Forest: a handmaiden named Luco'lann, in service to Lady Fionnuala, a fey noblewoman of the forests deep within the Mythwood who is known to some adventurers for having saved her from the hands of hunters some months ago. Luco'lann and her Mythwood half-elf attendant, Joffey, enlist the aid of Aelwyn, Lucius, Patch, Slixvah, and Telamon, to walk them to the Adventurers' Guild. Along the way, Luco'lann explains that Lady Fionnuala's parents, the Baron and Baroness of the Pale Plume, have fallen to some sort of mysterious sleeping disease, and the Lady requires aid from the adventurers of Alexandria that she has become so fond of.
Northern Gates, Alexandria, evening.
The cold wind chases away Daeus's light from the noble city of Alexandria, sending His rays away from the sky to be replaced by the dark clouds of a winter night. Peals of breath rise from the mouths of strangers passing by the northern gates, the people traipsing along the road and going about their nightly needs at the businesses that prop themselves up on being the first and the last thing you see on a traveler's way to and from Alexandria...
And there is a traveler indeed on this strange evening. A traveling horse-drawn wagon, to be exact, clears through the Gates and makes its stop in front of an inn in the area. From the driver's seat, a half-elf young man, no more than twenty summers, descends and looks nervously around before he goes to open the door of his wagon--
Before the wagon door slams open. An ebon-skinned woman, appearing to be of elvish form on account of her graceful features and pointed ears, glares at the half-elf man with red eyes. "You. Are dismissed," she says in lightly accented tradespeak. "I can make my way through this city of men without you."
"Ma, Ma'am," the half-elf man eeks out. "Please, no, I was instructed specifically to escort you--"
The red eyes bore holes into him as she steps down from the wagon. The woman's form is clad in gracefully shaped dark leathers, accented with dark feathers and strips of red that match her eyes. A rapier hangs from her belt that shines keenly in the light. "Men and women of this city," she demands in a loud tone, "where is the Adventurers' Guild?" Totally ignoring the poor man trying to help her.
Slixvah, an egalrin woman (usually) is currently partaking in one of those businesses just inside the city gates. The good grub is always right before one leaves on trip!
Ergo, it comes as no surprise that said egalrin with a long scarf has an arm full of fried foods, one hand with a stick of something and a beak tearing into it. The yelling draws her attention, and she tottles on over there with a curious expression. "Wot you think all tha' is?" she muses to an elven woman beside her.
She raises her voice. "Yo! It's deeper in the city! Why?"
Patch walks with that Egalrin woman whom is collecting her meal, eyeing her as she paces and lets the other woman shop. She'd already settled with her treat, watching as the pile of snacks mount with a curious expression "Honestly, I think you have two stomach's at times." she says, pausing as the other woman seems to notice something afoot.
"Not a clue what that's about. Not yet." The bard admits, tucking her wrapped and baked meat pastry up in its wrapper, and pocketing it in her coat. Her next words are lower, more because Slix already called out. "It's always something, isn't it?"
There's no snow, but the wind's still stout enough to make flying a bit chancy. And so Telamon's boots carry him down the streets, his pace steady, dressed in his heavy leather and fur frostrider coat and his broad-brimmed hat over a deep blue tunic, black trousers, and boots. His expression is pensive, thoughtful, but not unaware.
At the demanding voice, his head comes up, starry eyes fixing on the dusky-skinned elven woman, before his stare flicks to -- oh, that's Patch and Slixvah. Smoothly, the half-sil glides over to them, offering both a slight smile. "Someone looking for some doughty doers of derring-do?" He coughs. "Sorry, I've been playing with writing poetry again in my downtime." His eyes twinkle. "Lana says hello, by the way."
A hooded rider passes through the city gates and emerges from behind the wagon before halting in front of the commotion. Lucius hesitantly raises one hand to his chin, his jade-green eyes dancing with curiosity. His thick grey cloak flaps around in the winter winds, but if the chilly climate is bothering the young adventurer, there's little sign of it yet. Thunder, his faithful companion, paws the ground with one hoof. After a few seconds, Luke dismounts, and together, the two slowly make their way forward, observing quietly for the moment.
Having trailed the wagon for a time since its nearing of the gates, a horned figure quietly steps around the wagon and the its demanding occupant - clad in a tarp like cloak and holding a glaive, he calmly steps past, tugging up his scarf. He had a distinct step to him; a casual roll that was not slowed down any by the red-eyed, elven woman.
"Group," The tall horned, red-ribboned and well-tucked away Aelwyn greets with a bow of his head. It was obvious something was turning up in his head - but finally, with a slow tilt of his head, he asks, "... waiting for the wagon?" His orange eyes turn towards the treats for a moment, until he turns his attention towards Telamon. A brief look towards the wagon and its owner - then back at Telamon. "... for few mouthfuls of bread, he took the Bard and Ribbon to the show?"
Slixvah's proclamation catches the red-eyed woman's attention. "Oh no," the half-elven man grumbles as the woman steps over to the ribbon-clad egalrin.
"I have business to enroll with the Adventurers' Guild of this city of men," the woman explains, stopping short only a foot of Slixvah. There's a startling inscrutability in her eyes and face that make it difficult to discern much of anything besides the somewhat bossy manner in which she speaks--enabled further by the lilt of her accent.
She pauses only for a moment. "You will escort me to the Adventurers' Guild, and I will promise your currency of men in exchange. Joffey."
Joffey--apparently the poor young man--sighs deeply. "Guess I was needed after all," he says, jogging over to stand by the woman's side. "Yes, we can pay--"
"Cygnets should not negotiate." The woman's voice is crisp as she reprimands Joffey into silence.
Slixvah raises a shoulder to Patch. "Lotta flying mean a lotta food!" she giggles before turning to Telamon with a snort. "Ya gettin' there, shug. Keep at it. Soon enough, you'll be dropping sick bars."
The others arriving begets a wave from Slixvah from the hip, but she gives a perplexed glance to Aelwyn. "... wot."
She shakes her head, focusing on the red-eyed elvish woman approaching right up on her. The bird woman blinks. Glances to Joffery before rolling back to the woman. "... aight," she squawks. Doing some quick maths and this-looks-like-a-business-lady, she quickly blurts out, "Three fiddy." The exact denomination is vague.
A side glance is given to Patch, as she's a half turn towards just showing the woman the place to get her out of her face.
"Mmm, a lot of this smells of Mythwood, and something else." Patch says to Slixvah, her eyes flicking to Telamon. "But, yeah. I imagine flying is a lot of energy." having to get her comment in.
"Anyways, shall we graciously help this Lady find what she seeks?" A sigh coming from Patch's lips, turning to Telamon with a shrug as the woman closes on her and Slixvah. A little unnerving, really. <Sylvan>
"And, what's this talk of swans? Is it a station, a position? Is he just young and not mature?" some of the others who have drawn close earning a glance, but Joffey now has earned Patch's quizzical eye. Well, and Slix. What was 'Fiddy'? An ear twitch following.
Telamon stares calmly at the pair, the dark-skinned elf and the hapless half-sil young man. Then he removes his hat, making a bow. "And a good evening to you as well, ma'am and sir." Straightening, his face showing nothing but placid calm, he offers a slight smile to Slixvah and Patch, before continuing.
"Indeed, the language of the First World might be more expected," Tel remarks, slipping from Tradespeak to Sylvan without so much as a bobble. "But ah, my manners. I am called Telamon Lúpecyll-Atlon -- might you have a preferred name we could call you by?"
"Currency of men?" Aelwyn asks with a curios tilt, as he lets his eyes wander between the two new elves. Joffey gets a longer look, before his attention returns towards Telamon and Patch. "This was not aware men could be such a currency." He'd probably be grinning widely at Joffey, if it weren't for the scarf. Tail swaying behind him, he glances over the elven woman and her attendant. "Yet Signet is a strong offer." Hopeless.
Meanwhile, his orange eyes turn towards the rider approaching, gripping his glaive tighter around himself.
As Luke follows the exchange, his gaze turns toward Slix and the other adventurers. He waves back and heads toward the group, among them faces both known and unknown. Keeping a few feet of distance from the unknown visitor, he nevertheless decides to address her. "Welcome to Alexandria, ma'am," he greets. "I hope the Adventurers' Guild is able to deliver what you seek." Luke nods sympathetically to Joffey, though he doesn't remove his gaze from the half-elf woman.
Only when Thunder snorts at the Sith-makar does Lucius finally turn away. "Sir, I don't believe I've had the pleasure," he ventures, offering a hand to shake. "I'm Lucius, and, uh, this is Thunder," he says, patting the warhorse's mane with his other hand.
GAME: Telamon rolls perception: (19)+23: 42 GAME: Slixvah rolls alertness: aliased to perception+2: (1)+13+2: 16 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aelwyn rolls perception: (4)+1: 5 GAME: Lucius rolls Perception: (9)+6: 15 GAME: Patch rolls Perception+3: (4)+17: 21
The red-eyed woman takes in the words of all assembled. The way she observes the group of people in front of her is almost statuesque--if statues had eyes that moved from side to side with completely inscrutable emotions.
"I did not come to this city of men to be talked to in my mother's tongue," she states at last. Finally, she turns to Joffey at Aelwyn's observation. "Men are not currency, no. He is a cygnet because he is awkward and cute like one who has hatched from the egg."
"Wh--" Joffey blinks several times, shaking his head. "Ma--Ma'am??"
"And noisy," the woman adds. Finally, she measures the whole group for a moment.
"You are all acceptable. You will all escort me, and I will explain the purpose of my visit along the way. Joffey will pay this sum of 'three fiddy' for your troubles. I am called Luco'lann, handmaiden of Lady Fionnuala, acting regent in the stead of her noble parents, Baron Cygnu and Baroness Antida of the Pale Plume."
She picks a direction to start walking in, assuming that one of the group will start to lead her down the path to the Adventurers' Guild.
Slix, seemingly busy with her fried foods, doesn't particularly catch anything of interest. Though Patch's and Telamon's words get her to shape up quick. More in the terms of choosing her words carefully.
That is, she would, if it wasn't for a barely contained guffaw of bird chirps hidden behind a hand. "Bwahaha, oh gods, that's rich...!" she comments idly to herself with a grin in a chirp. <Auran>
She rolls her shoulders. "Aight. Ya'll heard the lady, we got stuff ta do," she voluntells everyone. "Right this way Lady Luco'lann- WOAH WAIT. Lady Fionnuala? You mean that really nice dainty lass that has that swan cape thing??" she almost chokes on her food just as she starts walking. "I remember her!"
Patch had been fixated on the strange situation, Aelwyn's voice finally finding it's way to her selective ear. "Oh, it's a regular party." she says in a softer tone, grinning as Luke is noticed when he introduces himself to the Makari. "At least we have witnesses." winking towards the Makari.
Patch raises a brow as Slixvah almost chokes at some revelation. "That makes the swan thing make a whole lot more sense." she says, bobbing her head as she motions between Slixvah, and Telamon. "I am terrible with the 'leader' thing. Thank you, Slix." happy someone else made the actual offer.
Slixvah earns a glance at some language she uses, the woman's native tongue surprising her, even if she doesn't understand it. "That surprised?" she asks, waiting on the others.
Well. There's a name Telamon hadn't expected, but his lips curve upwards in a warm smile. "A surprise indeed, but a pleasant one, Lady Luco'lann," he purrs. Deftly, he gestures for Joffey to relax, eyes twinkling, as he responds. "I hope the Lady Fionnuala is well and in good spirits."
Tel easily falls into step, a casual gesture beckoning the others on to move as a group. "Though I cannot fault you for seeking out the Guild, since there are many there who will aid -- some for coin, some for glory, some because, well, they're idiots." He grins. "I shall let you speculate which we are."
Aelwyn takes a closer step towards Lucius and his mount, eyes pointedly looking down at the man's clasp. A finger even reaches out towards it. "A fine look, Clasp." He bows his head, red ribbons falling a touch. The horse gets another look, but he turns away to return to the group.
Or as the introductions are being made, he glances over the demanding half-elven woman. Barely giving her a look - beyond a narrowing of his pupils - he instead turns towards Joffey. "Cygnet," The draconian bows in his distinct fashion, then introduces himself, "Aelwyn, a Dragoon. A pleasure." Slowly, he leans in over. "... how much is a tree fiddy?"
As the group walk, his attention slips towards Patch, amusement obvious in his eyes, and soon upon his snout as he pulls down the scarf from his face. "Why, to prove we did not do it?" He gestures towards the lady, and turns to lean in closer. "Gold coin if she is led to the Ox."
Following Aelwyn's gaze, Lucius looks down at his gold dragon clasp and blinks. "Why, thank you," he replies after a moment's pause. As Aelwyn turns away, he raises his eyebrows and adjusts the clasp with one hand.
At Lady Luco'lann's request, Lucius joins the chorus of assent. "It would be an honor, my lady," he replies, swinging onto the back of Thunder. Urging the warhorse to the front, he begins clearing the way for the rest of the group to follow.
Indeed, the people of Alexandria part for the warhorse in front of the group. Nobody really wants to find out what it's like to have hooves as big as that planted into the back of the head--especially when the cold means the ground is tougher than usual to dig graves in. Luco'lann walks just as nobly as the airs she puts on, Joffey tailing behind her.
"It appears that the memories of fireflies are long enough to remember my lady," Luco'lann says in her dry manner that, by now, is fairly self-evident as her normal way of speaking. "Her happy memories of the people here are precisely why she has sent me here."
Joffey interjects, albeit nervously (as is his usual fashion). "Ma'am, would you like for me to pay three gold and fifty silver? As the good mister Aelwyn requested?"
"I believe that is what is meant by 'three fiddy', so yes," Luco'lann replies. "You know better than to question an oath I have sworn, cygnet."
She crosses her arms as the group walks. "Now that the question of payment is settled. The Lady Nuala has requested the aid of adventurers, and asked me to travel to this city of men to enlist such. She is acting as the regent, as her father and mother, the Baron and Baroness, have fallen ill, and none can determine why they do not awaken from a still sleep."
Slixvah, knowing what she's dealing with now, is more focused on walking forth and walking astride Luco'lann. She gives a wink to Patch. "'course," she hums. A brief glance up to Luke is afforded, him on his horse. "Remember that stuff 'bout adventurin' and the like, Luke? Well, here it is. Best ta roll wit' what's happenin'."
The egalrin snorts. "I'll take fireflies ova' mayflies. Thankies fo' tha three fiddy. This is an acceptable trade." But her brows furrow along the way. "Lady Nuala's parents have fallen ill? Hrm. Tha's... gonna be a doozy ta figure, but I'm sure some folks at tha' Adventurer's Guild might be able ta suss out wha's goin' on!"
Patch had been counting on her fingers, this negotiation almost sending her into a laugh, but she manages to keep her cool. She flashes eight digits to Slixvah, shaking her head at something as he amusement doesn't cease. "I guess if that would be the bargain, per word. Yes."
Aelwyn earns a cheeky grin, Patch shaking her head. "No, to prove that we actually did it." which is the opposite, but the Makari seemed close enough to satisfy her, but something in the talk of sleep draws her back to the escorted Luco'lann. "Normally adventurers are not permitted in the lands where Fey talk of titles. Are things so dire? Many here would answer that call. Some likely will when it is made formal," she notes, going back to business. "
Telamon furrows his brow. "I daresay this is more than mere illness. While I won't pretend to be an expert, the nobility of the First World does not typically fall victim to those woes which pursue mortals." He pauses, then adds, pointedly, "Usually."
He folds his hands behind his back, nodding at Slix and Patch with a small grin. "It's not a question of 'permitted', Patch. Think more 'one does not set foot there lightly'. I have walked in Quelynos, and it is the sort of place you need to be prepared for. After all, it's terribly embarrassing to wind up in a bargain with a fey unintentionally."
Aelwyn thwips Patch's calves with his tail, that sneaky little thing. "For the common good, Bard, they'll sing songs." At the offer of three gold and fifty silver he makes an audible click of his tongue and teeth - but then again, he was only being paid to walk to the Guild. On the other hand, he had to walk with this extremely likeable lady of somethings of somewhats with some words and his attention was already wandering over towards Lucius.
"With a mount like that, looking for adventure?" The ruddy sith-makar flicks his tail, "No wonder Clasp's eyes are so green." Teeth exposed.
Glancing backward periodically at the others, Luke dips his head toward Slix and smiles. "This commission sounds like one the Guild would most certainly be willing to undertake," he agrees, echoing Telamon's remarks. He bends down to accept his payment from Joffey with thanks.
Aelwyn's words catch his attention next. "I'd be more than happy to partake in such an adventure," he responds cautiously, "and to make my skills available where needed. However, with little experience or knowledge regarding the fey courts, I don't know the extent to which I'd be able to help in a meaningful way."
"My Lady has exhausted her means," Luco'lann replies to Patch's question. "She is younger compared to her siblings, who seem to offer little in the way of aid. And it is natural for those who are young to lean on those that they hold in good esteem--such as the mortals who once helped Lady Fionnuala return to her home when she was stolen from it by hunters." The dry method of speaking she has becomes rather... restrained.
"Lady Nuala is a wonderful woman," Joffey says with a beaming smile. "She will not deceive nor trick you, if that's your concern. I've met her and she is truly kind."
Luco'lann turns to Telamon as he speaks, in the meantime, and she... sniffs. Then she nods, like she's just confirmed her suspicions. "You're in a bargain yourself," she says. "You struck me as a consort, and it appears I was right."
That last remark puts the faintest shadow of a grin on the fey woman's face that lasts for the duration of the walk... Which is long, but eventually, your group gets there. Luco'lann stops in front of the building.
"Joffey," she announces. "Pay them the three fiddy."
Joffey snaps to attention. "Yes ma'am," he replies, and he pays the rest of the group their due. "Thank--"
"Do not acknowledge an oath unsworn, cygnet," Luco'lann replies tersely. Her red eyes turn on the group... and she nods again. "I will set up contracts with the Guild. I hope to see you and the rest of the adventurers in this city of men come to help my lady."
Slixvah listens to the others, her nodding along and casting Aelwyn a glance. There's a quiet snort. "Smart, Luke. You'd be privy ta read up on fey courts and tha' like. Mind ya words. Tho' I feels as if our Lady here holds no maladies."
She glances to Telamon from Luco'lann's olfactory gatherings and.. blinks. Huh. Well, that makes sense. She turns to Joffery, accepting the eight gold with grace. "I express my thanks fo' honorin' tha' exchange," she intones, bowing slightly before turning towards Luco'lann. "I look forward to tha' contracts ya post. Hopefully we can give tha Lady Nuala reprieve."
She gestures grandiosely towards the Explorer's Guild. "Welcome to tha' Adventurer's Guild, Lady Luco'lann."
Patch had not expected a wagging tail, the strike causing her to near yelp ass he bites at a lip and makes more a gasping sound as she bites a lip. Yes, a GLARE is cast at the Makari. A hand waving low, and not so discreetly, but not brazen. A firm hand waves for him to knock it off. She's shocked, and amused, but mostly, she was working! There doesn't seem to be any true offense, her look softening before going back to Luco'lann.
"I understand. A lot seems to have happened, and I apologize for bringing up hard topics. We will be on the lookout, awaiting your call to aid." Patch assures, an apology offered as she hears that change in tone. "I will leave you and your swanling to conduct your business." something about 'cygnet' making her want to laugh.
"I think Slix is right. Perhaps reading up on it will do us all some good." looking then back to the rest of the party with her, ending her glance on Telamon. "If you're going to relay this to the missus, let her know that her sister says hello." she offers. "And, I guess those preparations need be made. When there is call, a bard will travel."
Telamon actually laughs softly at Joffey's near faux-pas. "Careful, lad. Measure your words. It'll keep you from trouble, and you'll learn in time." His starry eyes glint at Luco'lann's perceiving. "Indeed. But, 'twas a bargain freely entered, with no falsehood or trickery. And I have never been happier."
As the Lady Luco'lann approaches the sprawling building, Telamon allows her to go ahead, before turning to the others with an arched brow. "Well," he comments. "This is going to be interesting. If you have questions, though... I suppose we should sit down and talk at some point. Perhaps over wine and snacks." He tilts his head slightly, as if listening to something. "Perhaps in a day or two, when we've learned more about what tasks might lie ahead."
"Hmm, this one does not either - but the mannerisms of the high are the same everywere, are they not?" The ruddy sith-makar responds to Lucius, completely nonchalant about the whole fey business. Aelwyn makes the kind of 'what?' gesture with his eyes. Or mostly with his tail, that coils as if caught in the act. Eyes flit down, but there was obvious amusement in his mannerisms.
Turning to 'Cygnet' once more, he bows his head deeply as he accepts the coin. "Gratitude." The coin disappears under his cloak as he looks around the area, eyes finally turning towards Telamon. "Wine and snacks, the noble solution."
"Welcome to Alexandria, my lady," Luke echoes, as the group arrives at the Guild. His eyes follow Lady Luco'lann as she departs. "It'd be my pleasure to share food and drink with you all," he replies to Telamon. "I look forward to it."