Welcome Warden
Log Info
- Title: Welcome Warden
- Emitter: Corey
- Place: Lower Market District, Alexandria
Market District, early afternoon.
It's a fair-weather day in Alexandria. The Market District is happening, to put it bluntly. People are hawking all sorts of goods rather aggressively in the wake of the holiday of Coyote's Laugh, and leading up to the holiday of Star's Shining. Discounted pranks and masks are changing hands at rapid rates, and little games that promote family togetherness are on prominent display at multiple stands.
One sildanyar man is standing near a game. He's rather pale for an elf, sticking out prominently with his dark hair and silver eyes that almost match the gleaming of his mithral armor. "How is this played, exactly?" he asks in a lightly accented Tradespeak. It's clear he's spent most of his life speaking Sildanyari.
"It's simple, sir," the halfling merchant who's standing by the long board with a hole in it replies. "You're trying to score the most points between yourself and your friends who are playing. Stand a distance away and then toss a bag at the board. If it goes in, 3 points. If it lands on the board but not in the hole, and it stays there, 1 point. And if it lands on the ground or bounces on the board, 0 points."
The armored man strokes his chin in thought. "Hmm. I wonder if Karasu would find this game of interest..."
Fair weather days means lots of time outdoors in the sun. The recent shenanigans bring some mirth, and already one has had to deal with the gag fight in the Colosseum. Free for all gladiators with large fish as weapons and pies as projectiles. It was a very messy affair.
One of the organizers for the said madness waits in line at the other end of the game's matching board, overhearing the explanation. A heavily scarred mul'neissian woman with a green buckle jacket shoulder robed, arms crossed, eyes obscured by shades.
She stoops briefly to pick up one of the bags, tossing it in the air to test the weight.
Fun times require fun supplies! Not everyone is playing games, so that others can play.
THUMP THUMP THUMP
A wooden barrel is rolled out from storage towards a cart. The lucht woman, not even as large as the barrel and having rolled out with and hugging said barrel, then hoists it up to place on a cart. Next to three others. "Six!" she calls out loudly. "Done!"
At the other end of the cart is a rather large lupine. The propulsion for said cart, judging by the large rope in his jaws. A rope that is spit out with a snort as he looks to the lucht. He then proceeds to scratch at the ground with one paw. Slowly. Once. Twice. Thrice... and then twice more.
There may be an audit of this accounting discrepancy.
Under normal circumstances, Rune would have treasured moments like these, when the Market is bustling with people and the excitement is something hard to avoid seeping in beneath your skin. There's something that looms over her, though, like the shadows that occasionally seem to cling to her feet as she walks underneath the awnings of various shops and stalls.
It's ends up being the pawing of lupine feet that draws her attention, one pointed ear twitching in the direction of the creature, her head tilting. "By now, I should just accept that Alexandria is a place for the strange and unusual, but did that creature just count?"
Then, the light glints off of Mithral nearby, causing her to squint, her eyes spotting the armored individual as well as the more familiar face of the scarred woman nearby. To the later, she raises her hands and offers a greeting in hand-speech.
The approach of the half-sil and the heavily-scarred mul'niessa women are not unnoticed by the armored llyranesi man. He gives inquisitive, curious looks with those silver eyes of his at the lucht woman and the large wolf that trails by her.
"My nightingale was right," he breathes, and it's almost a laugh. "Alexandria is a diverse place."
He gives a small smile to all, lifting his hand. "Good day, and blessing of the Lord of Rangers' tamed paths to all," he says. He regards the mul'niessa woman in particular with a light nod. "I was just learning of this game. Is it local to these parts? I have never played it before."
GAME: Aryia rolls ranged: (14)+26: 40
The Goblin runs along at full tilt, her progress marked by a veritable racket, for she is outfitted with a monstrosity known politely as a "one man band". Bells, whistles, and tambourines are attached at various point on the small woman, as well, two drumsticks operated by the movement of her legs pound against a drum on her back, and two sets of cymbals play as she runs.
While one might run at a specific pace to get some semblance of a beat and tune, Murder just runs along, laughing at the cacophony that follows in her wake.
Aryia gives a look over, spying the lucht and their wolf. They get a dip of the head in greeting, having worked with them in the past, before her attention shifts to the half-sil. A flick of a hand returns the hello as she shifts her head towards the other board with the pale, armored dawn elf.
A snowy brow quirks over the shades at his comments, but she nods once at the question, gesturing towards the merchant. Lucht based, perhaps.
But barely a moment passes before the bag in her hand is shot forth, closing the distance and going straight through the hole on the board, before skittering off into the crowd. "OW! My foot!" someone yelps.
The mul'neissa holds up three fingers, smirking. Three points.
The oncoming racket makes a long ear flick, her attention shifting so the other brow meets the raised one.
"Gurr count wrong! Rhar know number!" the lucht points out. Mostly to the wolf of unusual size, but it's still an answer to Rune. "Need six!" She holds up a full hand of five fingers to accentuate her point. With another snort and roll of eyes, Gurr decides it is not worth arguing. Instead, he turns to lumber into the building to retrive a barrel or two himself.
Meanwhile, Rhar decides its not worth the effort to try and convince him otherwise. Instead, she stick out her tongue at his retreating tail and them looks around. Where she spots others. Followed by energetic waving of hands. "Hi!" Her eyes follow the flying of bag, then to the yelp. "Need ale? Beer?"
"It's still quite impressive." Rune replies, one brow raised at the argument between wolf and Lucht. "Are they a familiar of some sort?" She's making guesses there, since the few creatures of any significant intelligence she has met have all been associated with those tied to deep magics.
Then, the lilt of the armored man's voice draws her attention with a familiarity that reminds her far too much of home. She catches the comment about 'diversity' and there is a brief hint of wariness in her eyes.
"Good day." She returns the greeting, but there is hesitation there. Thankfully, she is saved from having to speak further by the absolute racket of Murder announcing their presence. Rune raises her hands to cover her sensitive ears, the half-sil all but staring at the Goblin. "Little loud, there." She calls out.
GAME: Corey rolls Sense Motive: (14)+18: 32
The man seems to catch wariness in the half-sil's greeting, and he has the grace to be bashful. "My apologies," he says. "I didn't mean to cause offense. I've arrived very recently from Llyranost; I'm earnestly delighted to experience new cultures and customs." He offers a small smile to the gathering group. "Growing up among Llyranesi nobility leaves one with a rather narrow view of the world--which is why I left with my beloved to explore the world. The death of a mind is to close it, after all."
He offers a small bow. "I am called Cor'ethil Cari'thana. But that's rather a mouthful--so call me Corey--"
And then there's the one-man band, and he cringes a little, too. "Oh. That is rather... boisterous?" He's smiling broadly, but it's the very poor smile of someone trying to present a front--his comments from before are far more genuine.
Murder is rather enjoying herself, but slows a little at the sight of the large lupine, and the noise falls to a dull racket as she begins to approach said lupine. She blinks at Rune then, squinting. "WHAT?!", she wonders loudly. "I can't here ya because of the..." The Goblin reaches up and pulls something small out of her ear. "I can't hear ya because of these ear plugs... what'd you say, Rune?"
Aryia gets a brief wave, before the Gobbo peers at Rhar. "Hi! Is that a wolf, by any chance? It's pretty big!", she says with a toothy grin.
Corey catches her attention then, "Yeah, that's a word alright! It's for Coyote's Laugh!" The Goblin offers up her wee hand for shaking, palm down, a golden ring on her finger. "I'm Murder, nice ta meetcha!"
GAME: Corey rolls Sense Motive: (10)+18: 28
Aryia can't help but snort at the squabble between Rhar and Gurr. She holds up a finger to Rhar, followed by a drinking motion. She'll take a drink. Anything to dull the slow building grimace in her face from the loud music.
Sighing in relief as it ceases, she scoops down to pick up another bag-- only for several people in line to raise a fuss. "That's cheating!" "C'mon, let the kids have a turn!" The scarred mul rolls her eyes, underhand tossing it to the next person before getting out line, only to approach the building group. She looks down at Murder. Aside to Rune. Then leaning back to look up at Corey. She peers over her shades, a glowy gaze sizing him up. "Wow. Llyranost can be sensible, for once," she gestures bluntly with a flat expression, the gist understood even if the motions are not. <Handspeech/Tongues>
Rhar nods to Rune. Twice. "Gurr family yep!" she smiles widely. Speaking of, Gurr emerges with a pair of barrels: one in maw and the other rolled along the ground with his nose. Both get put into the cart, filling the floor of it at a convenient six total.
"Gurr wolf," she confirms to the not-as-noisy-now gobber. "Big stubborn wolf." Then she pats her own chest. "Rhar. Smaller, not stubborn wolf." Much more polite; she notices Aryia's gesture and grabs a barrel to bring it over to her. "Drink!" This also brings the cart load down one to the (Rhar)six they were supposed to get.
The fact that an appology is offered seems to surprise Rune as her brows raise, head tilting slightly as she regards the armored Llyranesi with some curiousity. "No, it's okay. I... should be the one appologizing." She shakes her head, "I grew up in Ylvaliel, and not everyone is quite so accepting and curious." She explains. "Especially among the nobility."
She shares a momentary look with Aryia, lifting her shoulder slightly. So, when he bows, Rune offers a slight one in return, her blue-tipped hair strands falling forward across her face. She doesn't offer her full name, but rather what most know her by, "Most call me Rune." If he is from the nobility, her name may fall all too familiar, so she keeps it to that.
Then, there is a Goblin shouting, "I said you're a little loud. One might even say it is Murder on the ears." She explains once the aptly named Goblin has the ear plugs out.
To Rhar, she offers a small smile, "I think all family is stubborn, in some way or another."
Corey's smile becomes a much more modest and genuine expression with Aryia's greeting. He even signs back. "Occasionally we can be. My nightingale is quick to remind me if I am falling into assumption. He is human and keeps me in check. Might I know your name? It'd be sensible to know the name of someone who can throw so well." <Handspeech>
He looks at Murder's outstretched hand and offers a little nervous laugh. "I mean no offense to the Singer's faithful," he says, "but... I do recognize that little prank. It's what the vendors are trying to offload, yes? Coyote's Laugh has come and gone two days ago. Nevertheless..." He holds out his hand. "It would be rude of me to turn down a greeting. Do not buzz me too hard."
Finally he smiles broadly at Rune. "No, really, it's all right. I understand. My house is a minor one, all things considered; I am well aware of how nobility can be."
The Goblin snorts at Rune, shaking her head. "You've completely Rune-d puns for me!" She does a little hop and shake, and the monstrosity on her back plays, "BAH-DUM-TISS!" She gives another little wave to Aryia, "How's tricks?"
Rhar gets a nod from her, "Well, it's a lovely looking pupper. Nice and strong too, to be able to pull the cart. Are you giving out free beer?"
The Sil's hand is taken and shaken boisterously, and the telltale rattle and buzz of joybuzzer can be heard. Murder laughs uproariously, and plays a smart little victory drum solo. She grins up at the man, "Tanks for being a good sport!"
Aryia meets eyes with Rune, her shrugging both shoulders in response, but doesn't bother bowing or anything formal of the sort. But then a barrel of ale is plopped right in front of her!
She looks down at it. To Rhar. Back down. Welp. She dug her hole. Aryia fishes out a few appropriate coinage before handing it over to Rhar. A water skin is produced, emptied, then the barrel lid is popped open with a quick bap of a fist and the container is filled. She takes a large swig before offering it to the group.
She Stares at Corey, mild surprise flicking across her face as he matches her proverbial tongue. "Humans do tend to be rather on the nose on that front," she signs back, a heavy dose of empathy laden in there as her visage relaxes some. It helped she was being complimented. "A-R-Y-I-A. Aryia," she answers with a letter 'a' smacking into an open palm.
She shrugs at Murder, wincing after the instruments blare. "Fine. Ran a crazy match in the Colosseum. Can't get the fish smell out of the seats." <Handspeech/Tongues>
It's hard not to overhear, or in this case, oversee the words spoken to Aryia, but Rune doesn't comment on them. It's only polite. The fact that Corey's partner is human may just earn a few points, though. Her nose wrinkles at the idea of a fish smell lingering in Colosseum seats, though.
There is a beat of a pause as Rune seems to weigh her options, but then, she decides that nothing is gained if nothing is risked, "My father is also minor nobility. He and I don't agree on a great many things. Which is part of the reason I'm here, and he's there." She offers a hesitant smile, "Alexandria is... a colorful place. You'll learn to love it."
Then, looking to Murder, "You're welcome. Always glad to Rune someone's day." The antics seeming enough to put a few breaks into her somber mood. "Wish a few of the Makari were around for the belated celebration, I think they'd be so confused." She murmurs, as if 'confused' is also 'hilarious' in this case.
"Aryia," Corey responds verbally with a wide smile. "Glad to meet you. Ah... I'm curious as to how fish are involved at the Colosseum?"
He gives his hand a little shake at having been buzzed by Murder and offers a little laugh in turn. "I decline your oath," he says. And then he clears his throat. "Err, just in case."
Rather quickly, he looks to Rune and smiles. "I think I will," he says cheerfully. It's a warm expression he wears in those silver eyes and on that pale face. "I'd like to go to Xian at some point. But the world's my stage to travel with my beloved. But Alexandria seems to me to be a good 'home base'. I'm sorry to hear about your father. I'm blessed to have caring and understanding parents, but then again... My Mother would do anything for me."
There's a little weight on that last phrase before he gives a little shrug and a gesture at the game that had been demonstrated. "So, is this the local game of choice?" A very poor segue in conversation topics.
With so many gathered enjoying games and casual socialization, it is relatively easy for Karasu to blend in with the crowd and draw closer to those who are enjoying those things. In fact, the only thing that might have made him stand out somewhat is the darkness of his clothing, but the flash of red which he allows to show as he moves from the lining of his coat helps him along his way. Certainly the black-winged raven upon his shoulder does not draw him undo attention. Such a thing is perhaps unusual but not enough to mark him out. So many wizards, sorcerers, and the occasional interested party have familiars and pets after all.
Thus he steps rather closely indeed to the elf who has identified himself as Corey in relative obscurity. "Xian has little of interest within it, and travel there would be unwise... at least with my company." His voice is soft and gentle, holding a distinct accent for the part of the world which once he called home. Namely Xian. His dark eyes take in those gathered with interest without betraying much else of his thoughts.
The Goblin squints at Aryia. "UH. What? How are the seats stinking of fish... and how do you know this?" Her nose wrinkles. "Didja win?"
Murder peers at Rune, "Stabitha, you've only ever Rune'd the bad guys' days! By simply saying, KNIFE to meet you!" She cackles and does another BAH-DUM-TISS.
Murder pauses then, going silent as she stares at Corey. She wrinkles her nose again. "I'm not some fey beastie t'twist yer words. Also.." Her grin fills with teeth. "I didn't say thanks..." A quick wink. "I said tanks."
Murder blinks at the other man who steps in closely to Corey, and peers.
Rhar grins at Aryia for having a skin handy. Rhar didn't bring any mugs with her for this. "Ooh, shinies!" Those get stuffed into her furs before she puts the barrel back on the cart. She also takes a minute to count all of them again. Just to make sure. And she's proven correct that they always had the right number! Or at least they do now.
Gurr gets a big pat and scritch and then both of them wander back to the others. "Hi more!" She waves again. It isn't clear whether it's all for the new person or just re-greeting everyone.
Aryia tilts her head at Rune revealing minor noble origins, but the punning back and forth elicits a small chuff of amusement. She glances up to Corey, "Gag match for Tarien's day. I didn't fight in it, but I handled the logistics," she signs, answering questions. "Gladiators fought with fish as clubs and pies to throw."
She stares at Corey at his word choice. Frowns. "Words are not law here, relax."
Seeing as no one takes the offer, she drinks again, only to pause at seeing the Xian man join the group quietly. She glances between the two. Raises a hand in greeting. Drinks. At least her barrel was paid for. <Handspeech/Tongues>
"So would mine." Rune offers in response, though the words bring with it a ghost of that sadness that looms in her at the moment. "Unfortunately, she died a long time ago." Pause, "Sort of. It's... complicated."
As for her other nickname, so used by the Goblin, Rune rolls her eyes with amusement, "I only stab the people who deserve it." Thankfully, that smile remains as she hears more about the colloseum fight, "Okay, now I'm a little sad I missed it. Seeing two fighters all serious and then thwaping each other with fish." That gets a laugh.
With the others seeming to assure Corey that there is no need to be careful of his words, Rune actually stands in opposition, there. "Honestly, there's enough Fey Bullshit (tm) in these parts, it's probably better safe than sorry."
Her eyes find Karasu as he approaches, her head giving a slight tilt. "I've only known one person from the Jade Isles, and she was very serious. Proper sword forms and honor and clans..." It is a fond memory, it seems. "Guessing... by your say of it, your experience being from there wasn't quite so idyllic."
Corey blinks at the description of people smacking each other with fish. And pies. "That had to have been messy," he comments.
He might have a more pressing comment, but then Karasu appears, and the llyranesi's silver eyes light up in absolute joy. "There's my nightingale," he says, closing the small distance between them and wrapping his arm around the taller man's waist. "And our Wuya! Hello Wuuu~" The raven on Karasu's shoulder gets an affectionate finger-nuzzle on the beak before he kisses Karasu's cheek. "Find anything useful in the markets?"
He looks back at the group with a little sense of bashfulness to him. "I was raised to be careful," he says. "Err... There's a lot of fae activity in these parts?"
Karasu - nightingale - allows himself to be drawn in by Corey. Wuya - the raven on his shoulder - bends to the affection readily, letting out a happy whirr that has Karasu rolling his eyes subtly. "Not nearly careful enough Cor'ethil." The assassin nods politely to those that offer him greeting. "I know little of the Jade Islands, but the markets were plentiful in their information today. If little else."
Murder waves to Rhar, and peers at the cart behind her. "Are you selling drink or giving it away?", she wonders of the4 Halfling. "Or are they all empty now?" There's a hint of disappointed frown in the Gobbo's expression.
SHe snorts at Aryia, "I bet that really smelt! Hey, ya know the different between a piano, a tuna and a pot of glue?" Her grin is broad and toothy. Hopping from foot to foot gently, the drumroll begins to build. "You can tuna piano, but you can't piano a fish!" Her guffaw is drowned out by the thudding of the drum and crashing of cymbals.
She offers a shaky bow to Rune then, nodding her head. "I am sure they all had it coming! For if they find you upon their doorstep, they've certainly done something to bring you there." Corey's question has her giggling again. "Fae, demons, idiots summoning fey AND demons, fire... yessss fire my pretty. Uh yeah, this place is a nexus of sorts... where good and evil often collide. Wooops, there goes the city up in flames again!"
"It was very messy, very smelly, and very not my job to clean it up," Aryia signs, closing that sentence with a hand running through her hair. "It was funny. Never seen a swordfish used like a sword." She raises a brow at Murder as she brings forth a set up. Punchline. The mute quietly groans in pun pain, ears flicking in annoyance at the instruments.
She rolls her eyes at the mention of the plague of fae. "There is too much of that. Reminds me too much of pussy footing around in snobby circles. Have to pick and choose what half meaning word fits the bill without actually saying what you mean. Rather just be done with it after calling someone a bit-'" The uproar of a crowd cheering for a kid tossing a bean bag into the hole distracts her slightly. "Anyways, sort of, yes. Murder has the right of it. Lot of good, lot of bad. Bads tend to be fiends and fey, with a uptick in the latter as of late."
The affection between the two garners a small distraction from her; a hand fingers a brass ring on her belt with a handful of keys looped onto it. "Jade Islands are interesting, always wanted to go there, but every time I make plans to sail there, the world wants to explode." <Handspeech/Tongues>
"Enough that it's worth being wary, if you don't know the people you're speaking to." Rune smirks, "Which, being new to the city would mean most everyone." The rogue folds her armsa cross her chest, "I have some... connections to the Fey, both through family and friends, but I can vouch for Murder and Aryia not being out to steal your name and make you their eternal servant." She pauses, looks at Rhar, "As for Rhar, the jury is still out on that one." She's probably joking. Right?
"Murder's right, though. It's a big, central city, so there's a fair amount of good and bad that shows itself aorund here. If you have the coin, investing in a cold iron blade." She pats one of the two short swords strapped along her back, "...or your weapon of choice."
"In any case, welcome to the chaos, both of you." It seems genuine enough, a softer smile shown for the affection between the two. "If you ever need a hand with anything you can ask for me at the Fernwood. I'm deft at going unseen, dealing with pesky locks or traps, and stabbing things that need stabbing." Which likely explains Murder's nickname for her. "It's a talent."
With that, there is a moment where she looks at the sky, as if gauging the time. "And... speaking of that, I have a few errands to attend to. Nice meeting you both." She gives a small wave to the others before continuing on her way through the market, a woman on a mission.
Corey nods and smiles at Rune's departure. "May you travel the Stag's paths in safety," he says, although it's clear he's still mulling over her words about fey connections. "Suppose it's a good thing I invested in the cold iron rapier before we left then." He gestures to the blade hanging from a belt on his hip.
He looks at Karasu and smiles much more brightly, like the man is the sun itself. "Oh, you know a bit of love for Wuya will not hurt the poor boy," he says. This has the tone of a recurring bit between the two. He even offers Wuya a little wink. "I'm very curious about what you've heard, but we'll discuss your treasure trove of information later. I'm afraid all I've found are new connections... and some kind of game where you throw little bags into a hole." He gestures broadly to the game nearby that's being played.
Then Cor'ethil gives a small sigh as he looks between Aryia and Murder. "I am charged, as a paladin sworn and oathed to Gilead, to rid the world of abominations and to protect the pathways. Should there be demons in my path... I will endeavor to rid the world of them. Fae are a different story. If they are not harming anyone... That is one thing. But if they are malevolent..." There's more than an ounce of weight on the last word.
Karasu gives Corey what can only be described as a long-suffering look. "Connections at least can prove to be useful at times. They have the look of adventurers about them, so perhaps you will see them again should you find trouble or it you." The dark-eyed man pokes his raven in the forehead with a finger and the raven gives him a long-suffering look as well. Seems that it's going around. "You know my opinion on the matter of Wuya, Cor'ethil."
He glances at Aryia here and his lips thin just a little bit. "Any specific threats? Or is it simply... business as usual in a place that attracts such attention?" There's a subtle shift in his stance that suggests that his question is not as idle as he makes it out to be.
"Let it explode, Aryia.", the Goblin says quietly. "Shouldn't be held back by what could happen while you're away. And also... did you get stuck on the pot of glue?" Her grin is practically ear to ear. Another helpful BAH-DUM-TISS. She offers another bow to Rune as the woman vouches for her, and waves as she makes her way deeper into the market. "Take care, Rune, say hello to th'ol'heater fer me!"
The byplay between Karasu and Corey is watches with some curiosity, "It's kind of like the game of horseshoes, but there's slightly less danger when someone accidentally whips one of the beanbags into the crowd." Murder's glance goes to Aryia, and she winces. "I can only imagine if you slipped while tossing a horsewhoe." She looks back to Cor'ethil. "Uhm, generally the good fey have tended to avoid this city. I don't blame them, it's smelly, muddy, too many people... but evil fey? They tend to mess stuff up when they come 'round."
Aryia concedes that to Rune by way of gesturing a hands towards her. Snorting at the jab at Rhar. The same hand flips up and over, giving the half-sil a parting wave as she heads off on whatever task she had in mind. She turns to the couple, quirking a faint smirk towards Corey. "If you want a culture shock, go to Goblintown." No more is gestured.
The mute just stares at Murder. "... I don't get it." Her ears twitch back as she winces from the drum and snare. "Besides, it's my world exploding."
She shifts to Karsu, giving a fair bob of her head. "Your assessment would be correct. Adventurers would be the best, loose fitting term." Her lips purse slightly, hands pausing before answering slowly, "A handful of personal threats with those I care about, as well as some that are... bad. But those are under control at present. Usually it is some kind of Charneth fuddling or some overzealous soul making deals. Spires in the Greatwoods appearing, weird artifacts popping up. Check in with the Explorer's Guild for the current happenings."
She takes a half step away, lidding her barrel of ale only to heft it with ease afterwards one armed. "Your work would be cut out for you here, Warden. You are familiar-" she points to Karasu, "-but despite that, welcome to Alexandria you two. Need to go reward the staff."
With a wave, Aryia vanishes into the crowd before another pun can harm her ears. <Handspeech/Tongues>
Murder offers the Mul'neissa a wave as she makes her way into the crowd, the Goblin playing a rousing, if out of tune, triumphant march as she does so. She glances back at Corey and Karasu.
"Don't let it colour your impression of the city. She may be stinky and too full of people at times, I've never regretted coming to live here. The people are what makes the city the best place. The common folks, and not-so-common adventurers. If you wanna see the world, and make a difference in it, here's the best place to start. Good luck!"
With a cheeky smile, Murder runs off into the crowd, the cacophony of noise rising up once more, trailing along in her wake.
Corey offers a parting wave to Aryia as she leaves, taking in both Aryia's comments regarding fae and other threats. Spires in the Greatwoods. Weird artifacts. Both odd things that make Corey's dark eyebrows rise.
"Noted, then," Corey says, but he offers a small smile at Murder's farewell. "May you both travel safe on the path."
He watches the goblin run away before he looks to Karasu, arm still wrapped around the other man's waist. "So... Shall we find some nice treats for Wuya? Or maybe nice treats for ourselves? I did have to leave my nice chess board behind..."
Corey's silver eyes sparkle with mirth as he says, "Or is that not being careful?" Who said that adherents of Gilead were only stoic and serious?
Karasu's lips curl into the barest hint of what might almost be considered a smile. "It might be wisest to secure lodging first. Unless you wish to spend another night in the wilds. Paladin of the wilds you might be, but roughing it in the wilderness..." His lips twitch a little. "Besides, it seems like we might be here for at least a little while. Once we have that taken care of, I know a nice little place where we can trust the food at least somewhat, and find a bath..."
Karasu's voice trails off as he leads his elvish companion toward their next destination. If he remembers correctly, there are a few other connections around here to reacquaint himself with as well, but he has his priorities.
As all men do.