Bad News, Good News
Log Info
- Title: Bad News, Good News
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Sabina, Seldan, Seyardu, Mkilos, Jinks, Cryosanthia, Aya
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe
- Time: Thursday, July 29, 2021, 11:21 AM
- Summary: The Bad News, Rupi, is waiting outside the Tarrace for Sabina to talk and catch up. She is invited inside and Seldan follows in disguise. Seyardu arrives soon after, and joins the Tarrienite and the woman, and conversation ensues. Topics wander, covering how the business is going and run, whether Sabina is happy. Mikilos soon joins, with a device he hopes to test out on Little Fang. A sphere of anihiliation, that doesn't anihiliate, only turn colour. Disguised Seldan joins them at the table, as the conversation turns to trust and friendship, along with warnings that some people who seem 'nice' aren't. Dockworker-Seldan leaves, Mikilos follows, and Rupi goes to the bath to wash off. The Good News, Cryosanthia and Lily, arrive. The whitescale is running late but happy to see everyone. Lily is preoccupied with Jinks and Aya, until Mikilos gives her the concentration toy. Seyardu asks what the happy news is, and Cryo relents and explains. She and Zeke were estranged, now they're not, and things are going so well she may very well have actual nest soon. In any case, she's much more positive about the future even if it remains troubled. She slips off to work on the books, leaving Lily with Mikilos, as the mage and the silverscale discuss ways of reversing petrification.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* The TarRaCe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Inside, this two-story structure has been almost completely opened up. Generous windows on both stories allow daytime sunlight and cooling night breezes to flow in as needed, while the brick walls have been whitewashed - contrasting with the dark-stained beams and supports, and the rich polish on the wooden floor. A broad strip of stone runs from the entrance to a framed doorway set into the opposite wall, with a sign above the lintel declaring that the baths are to be found that way.
The ground floor is sprinkled with tables and chairs of assorted sizes, offering welcome to guests both large and small. One whole corner of the building - into which guests are not permitted entry - has been given over to the kitchen, which serves as the domain of the famed monster chef Ligum Serforus. Mundane meals are available, but the chef delights in offering up obscure dishes made from the freshest of monster ingredients.
Opposite the kitchen a small bar runs in front of an array of shelves, displaying a broad selection of beverages (most of them alcoholic). The bar-top has been fashioned from what looks to have been old pieces of armor, fused and welded together before being polished to provide a near-smooth finish. Set above it, three human-sized statues have been built into an alcove in the wall: Tarien, Rada and Ceinara jointly keep benevolent watch over the room and its occupants.
To the right of the entrance, a small stage offers a platform for a handful of performers at a time. To the left of the door, a spiral staircase of wrought iron winds its way up to a balcony dining area, that is chiefly reserved for special events and parties.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sabina 5'4" 130 Lb Human Female Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes Seldan 5'11" 187 Lb Human Male Ginger-blonde human in armor wearing Eluna's symbol. Seyardu 5'6" 150 Lb Sith-Makar Female A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint. Mikilos 6'8" 180 Lb Dawn Elf Male Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry. Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. Aya 4'7" 105 Lb Shadow Elf Female Mul'niessa. Braided hair. Simple clothing. =-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi Succubus Succubus A plain, middled aged, human with a broken nose. Little Fang 'Lily' Kobold Female A pinkscale youngling in a bathing suit, Cryo's daughter. =-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's a still day, warm and humid, with a portentous mist lingering on Alexandria. Mostly dispersed in the streets by sunlight and traffic, it's thicker in the less-used corners.
From the outside, the Tarrace is pretty plain. There are lots of windows. It resembles a warehouse that lets in a lot of light. There's a simple sign, and a couple benches that are never used.
Almost never.
Seated on one of the benches is a middle-aged human woman. She's on the stocky side and her 'curves' mostly aren't, she's built blocky and the loose, hessian pants and tunic are sartorially uninteresting. She has a plain face, a jank in her nose, and straight, shoulder length hair the colour of mildewed straw. She's easily forgettable, seated with one leg crossed on her knee. Barefoot, her soles are dirty and showing them off in this manner is insulting in some lands.
She's unremarkable and forgettable, reading a very cheap Crimson Pen publication. A single story on newsprint, that oft gets a second life as a food wrapping. One would pass her without notice, except for one unusual feature.
The street is occupied by a sense of unspeakable evil, to those sensitive to such things. Drawing near the woman, it vanishes, but at a certain distance from her it reappears again. She's either the source, or causing an unusual dead-zone in the midst of some other's presence.
Bina steps out the front with a broom in her hands and her mask apon her face. Below that mask is a large smile as she takes in the day before waving to a few familiar faces as the pass by.
She herself is not able to sense the evil present but she does know the woman. As she turns to start sweeping she spies the woman and stops again. "Well, well. Rupi. How are you, my dear? Not still in pain I hope?"
"Hello Sabina!" The woman, Rupi, brightens up with a smile and folds her lurid pamphlet up. She sets it on the bench beside her, "Would it be rude of me to invite you to sit on your own bench?"
She flips her hand over, "I haven't burst into flames. It's a manageable level, not entirely gone but I'm used to it. How have you been?"
It isn't unusual to see gladiators and fighters of all sorts in this area of the city, coming or going, even when there is no bout, for physical training is a daily thing. Drenched in sweat, a plain black cap covering the ginger-blonde hair and keeping it out of his eyes, plain, unbleached shirt and loose linen trousers, a beaten leather sack over his back, Seldan sets off for his better-known haunts, wiping sweat from his brow as he does so. He moves slower than is his normal wont, eyes roving the streets without really seeing, and not especially looking for trouble.
"Busy. Very busy. I had no idea how much work it was to run a business. I've learned and still learning all the small things that makes it work and work well." She leans lightly on the broom and then spots the semi-familiar face that hides under a hat and non familiar armor. Her smile widens and she lifts a hand in greeting. "Good morning, S..." She pauses knowing the paladin likes to keep himself low key when able. "Morning. You look well worn."
"Oh..." Rupi watches Seldan with a certain wariness, although she remains seated and seemingly casual in her presence. Turning back to Sabina she smiles again, "Well, busy is good. Idle hands, you know what happens."
She makes squeezing, tickling motions in the air. "You're enjoying it, I'd guess. There's an enticing energy about your place, lots of happy people."
A pause, "I am happy you remembered me. I don't want to frighten your customers off." Another glance at Seldan, "I can leave if you need me to."
GAME: Seldan rolls sense motive: (11)+19: 30
There's something up with this one. She's scared of Paladins, though she hides it well.
Bina shrugs to Rupi and shakes her head. "You won't scare the off I don't think? You've been in before. Just for drinks...right?" She asks the other woman. "So no harm done." She starts to sweep slowly. "I try to make this a place where all can come in to enjoy themselves. Find their smiles and keep them as long as possible."
"It seems that I might be the one frightening Mistress Sabina's customers off," Seldan answers with a very small smile, although there is something abruptly cool and reserved in his demeanor, and he straightens. "Good day to you." A change of greeting, but a seemingly casual one. "I am well enough, but keeping fit is no small task, and you look well indeed. I should be about my business, if you will forgive me."
With that, he makes to continue on, towards a path that will take him out of sight.
Rupi nods, "Just for drinks. The last time was when we talked, didn't want to pressure you by taking up space. No harm done here." She shrugs a little, smiling oddly and looking upwards, "I have other haunts. Girl's gotta eat."
"I can hear the music when I pass in the street. And the food smells delightful. Both are good advertizing." She's facing the Tarienite, but the Silverguard remains in the corner of her vision. She's turned away, a deliberate 'overlook me' posture as she sits on the bench. Both of her feet are on the ground. As he seems to be passing, she calls after, "Of course, a pleasing day to you too."
Bina's smile grows even wider. "Running off so soon, Seldan? Perhaps you'd like to partake of the baths? Free of charge, of course. Nothing like a long soak in a hot pool of water. Perhaps a massage too. And today we have basilisk eggs for breakfast." She offers to the retreating paladin. Then to Rupi, "Thank you. I'll tell the chefs that. I'm sure it'll make their heads swell that much larger. Three Lucht in a large kitchen and hardly enough space for them to work."
The woman laughs, "I imagine you can walk across them like stepping stones. Are Luchts oft that egotistical? There is a certain, stubborn crazed nature in their heads. Nothing like gnomes though."
She purses her lips in thought, "Basilisk Eggs? Sunny side up is out, I'd guess?" She stretches, pressing on her knees, saying nothing about a soak and a massage though clearly interested by her posture.
Seldan keeps going as if nothing is wrong, until he has disappeared entirely from sight, in remarkably expeditious fashion, but now out of sight, does anything but disappear. He turns down the next street, then down a nearby alley, and from that shadow, he puts his hands together in a near-silent whisper. "Holy Seeress, something is amiss. Show me the presence of Your enemies, if they be about." That done, he looks up and around with keen eyes, all business now.
Bina laughs. "You're welcome to come in for an omelet or scramble if you wish. There is also freshly made juice from peaches. It's very light and yet sweet. Almost a tea." She takes a few more sweeps of the area before the doorway.
Something is amiss. Something is revealed.
No new presences, but the woman, Rupi, speaking with Sabina is anything but plain and unremarkable. With her veil lifted she is strikingly attractive, her hair a strong red fading into dark brown hues, with full lips and long eye-lashes.
And small bat wings, tiny horns, and a long sinuous tail that is looped over one wrist. Oddly, she's still wearing the rough spun pants and tunic, although they hint at a more appealing form, and her feet remain bare.
She stands, picking up her pamphlet, "A scramble and the peach juice sounds lovely. I had an alcohol made from peaches, it was quite enjoyable."
She casts a glance in the direction the Silverguard vanished, then confirms, "With your permission then, inside for a brunch?"
Oh. _Oh._ Almost at once, Seldan withdraws into the safety of the alley, well out of sight, and drops his pack to the ground. Bright hair spills from the cap as he fairly rips it off of his head and stashes it unceremoniously in the center of the pack, his expression suddenly set into tight lines as he works in silence. From the pack he pulls a different hat, this one red velvet with silver arcane stitching along the brim, and a scroll case from the side pouch.
He squats down, balancing on his heels and laying the hat across his knee while he thumbs through the scrolls, and tracks down a specific one, pulling it in a rasp of parchment from its roll. A quick read, and he pauses to glance out the alleyway, to see if hey've gone inside yet.
Bina set the broom against the Tarrace nodding to Rupi. "Of course!" She opens the door and holds it for the woman. "I wonder if we have any dire boar baccon left still. That was last weeks breakfast of choice. It was heavily smoked in hickory and dry rubbed in chef prepared spices."
"You have the most amazing menu, it's truly astounding." Rupi says, slipping past Sabina and giving a little tap on the door with her folded story. Just managing to get inside as the Silverguard checks. He'll see a sultry sway of her hips, although she's careful to avoid touching Sabina, almost using the folded paper as a spacer.
Everyone else glances towards the door, finds nothing interesting and goes back to their meals as Rupi shuffles between the tables and finds one in the corner near the bar. She has her head down through most of this traverse, only turning at the end to watch for Sabina as she sits.
GAME: Seldan used a Scroll of Undetectable Alignment. GAME: Seldan casts Prestidigitation. Caster Level: 16 DC: 18
Satisfied, Seldan ducks back into the alley and reads from the scroll, quickly casting the spell on the scroll. As the scroll crumbles to dust in his hands and the silver glow settles around him, then vanishes, he casts one more quick and simple spell, just a sigil really, cleaning the sweat and dirt off of him with the most basic of cantrips. That done, he settles the hat on his head, and instantly, his visage shifts. Again, a simple shirt and trousers such as any dockworker might wear, but the features sharpen, the hair pales to ash blonde, with a pale yellow rag tied over it, and when he emerges from the alley, he strides out of it with a lazy, rolling gait.
Bina says a few quiet words to first one guest and then a second on her way to Rupi's seat. "So.. What shall it be? The basilisk eggs and whatever baccon I can scrounge up? Or something else? The chefs make a very nice breakfast potato dish as well."
"Oh, the basilisk eggs and the fully committed bacon, plus the peach tea." Rupi says, settling into her chair and leaning back against the wall. She glances around the Tarrace, curious but not lingering on any one patron overly long. The door to the baths briefly hold her attention as well. Primarily though, her attention is on Sabina, whom she watches carefully.
Seyardu usually began her days with a swim through the Tornmawr, but for a change of pace to the usual schedule, and an attempt to treat herself, the silver sith-makar had instead decided to stop by the TarRaCe instead, and make use of their heated pools to prepare for the day. She had lingered much longer than planned however, and so it was slightly hurriedly that she left the back rooms, and found herself a seat at one of the tables in the building. Despite everything, it was still important to have a proper meal in the morning, however small it might be.
When the ash-blonde young man ambles through the door, he looks around at all the patrons, and quietly settles himself into a chair, leaning back in it and watching people. Sabina. Rupi. Seyardu. Rupi. Sabina. He doesn't say anything yet, though, instead dropping that old pack at his feet.
Seldan in disguise, a magical disguise. That makes two.
Aya may be considering a meal, soak, shade, or some combination thereof. She enters into the familiar establishment, though loiters after clearing the entryway. She could be considering what combination or order of options is best.
Bina nods and moves to the kitchen to the window and dips her head in. She speaks quietly in Lucht, ordering Rupi's meal. She turns around to see Seyardu and offers the bather a smile. "Good morning. I hope the bath was a good? Did you have a massage as well?"
Rupi continues her casual observation of the Tarrace, mostly focusing on the kitchen and Sabina. The pack of the newcomer gets a glance, more than the ash-blonde man does himself, and then she's drawn to observe Sabina speak with Seyardu. She shakes her head slightly and laughs quietly.
"Ah, yes, thank you, I have not tried the massages yet, but the bath was nice. I was a bit concerned I would be sent out of there sparkling more than usual, but I am glad that was not the case." The silver sith-makar nods, with a forced, but genuine smile. "Would it be possible to place an order for something to eat? I have not been here around breakfast time before, so I know not what is available."
She looks around, not seeing much, and not thinking of much, though she does catch Aya nearby, who gets a wave, and the others who were present.
Rupi remains seated at her table, which is near both the bar and the corner. She's a middle-aged, blocky human wearing rough tan clothes, a tunic and slacks. She has callouses on the backs of her knuckles and broken nose, resembling a wuxian of some sort. She nods towards Seyardu, and Aya, once Sabina addresses them, then opens up a small folded booklet she has and starts to read. Apparently it's a cheap Crimson Pen publication.
Bina nods to the silvery one. "Of course you can. We serve a variety of things. Simple plate of meat and cheeses or with fruit if they are in season. But we also serve more exotic things. Today we have basilisk eggs to make into pomlets or scramble. Which is what Rupi here has ordered. And we happen to have a few slices left of dire boar bacon too. Breads and jams. Also a peach tea." She steps closer to Rupi's seat while talking. "Let me know what you desire and we can see about sating your hunger."
Rupi looks up at Sabina as she moves closer, shifting her shoulders in a slight lean towards the woman, although she maintains her distance. She folds her booklet around, so she doesn't lose her spot, and looks over at the Silverscale, "a friend of yours?"
"You should try the dire bacon, I think you'd enjoy that."
The ash-blonde straightens up a little - not completely - but a little, enough to make it look like a wriggle to get more comfortable. He hasn't called for food or drink yet, just sat quietly and watched, and the look is unassuming enough.
GAME: Seldan rolls sense motive: (5)+19: 24
Rupi remains a succubus sitting there, in a plain human guise, looking relatively casual about it. The game here is _what does she want_. She doesn't seem to be paying much attention to anyone in the place that isn't directly engaging Sabina. All of her attention is on Sabina.
"Ah, exotic foods, while it does sound good, they are likely a premium." Seyardu sighs, shaking her head just a bit. "I will have some of the bread, with perhaps a bit of jam or meat dripping? if that is an option."
She looks to Rupi, and shakes her head again. "Peace on your nest, I am not a friend of theirs, but I have been to this place several times at this point."
The paladin is ready. If she makes a move to harm Sabina, or casts a spell that Seldan spots, he'll intervene.
What does the succubus want?
Bina pauses at Seyardu's sigh and looks the sith over and hmms softly. "Adventurer, yes? I think we can do a tad better then that for you. Please, come have a seat and I'll put in your order." She motions to a table nearby and turns about to go back to the window to the kitchen. More words of Lucht are passed back and forth and Bina gives those in the kitchen a warm smile and a nod.
She makes her way back towards Rupi's table the long way. Stopping by several other tables and speaking quietly to patrons. Inquiring about their meals and their happiness. She then sits down across from Rupi.
Could Rupi have Sabina mind-locked or charmed in some way? The benefit to controlling her is clear. Sabina doesn't seem to be acting any different from how she normally does, but charms can be very subtle. Rupi has a strong interest in Sabina, that's clear.
Best to be sure before laying down any accusations.
Rupi looks blankly at Seyardu, and then laughs. "You really mean that? You do! I don't have a nest. What a delightful concept. Well, I'm not a friend either, I don't think. That's really up to Sabina to declare, but I do enjoy being here."
She gestures at a chair, "You can sit if you want," she makes no move to push a chair towards the Siverscale. Instead, she leans forward to look at Sabina as she settles across from her.
"Really, it is no trouble." *The sith-makar replies quickly, shaking her head, but the were already off. She sighs, and after a moment, sits down at the offered chair. There was a pause, and the silverscale chuckles. "It is a figure of speech usually, though it is still not uncommon to have not heard of it. Much like how one might wish blessings upon one they just met. It is a pleasant place, I agree."
She is using a masking spell, something that suppresses her aura for a small radius. Outside it, she's clearly evil, a strong Outsider, although something is 'off' about that. She's weaker than the Erinyes the Silverguard encountered in the Market. Not a lot, but she'd lose in a straight up fight.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+21: (20)+21: 41 (Rupi Perception) GAME: Seldan rolls disguise+15: (3)+8+15: 26 GAME: Sabina rolls perception +4: (9)+5+4: 18
Quietly off in the corner, the ash-blonde man shoves his pack between his feet, in the way of one making sure the contents will not be stolen, and he watches the proprietress and her companion carefully, but makes no move to interfere. Not yet.
"Oh, I never wish blessings but I will say I hope you have a pleasurable day." Rupi says with an odd smile. She shifts away from Seyardu, even briefly looking under the table to check where the Sith'Makar's feet are. She looks around the Tarrace again, glancing at but not lingering on the ash-blonde man. Other tables get a similar quick review, then she focuses once more on Sabina.
"So, where did you find the Lucht chefs? Especially ones so oddly trained."
Bina chuckles at the question and leans back into her seat. "Well it's an interesting story. I was still planning out this place and out researching special things like herbs and oils to use in the baths. The weather was bad. Raining hard enough for me to seek shelter. And wouldn't you know I happened across the trio of Lucht chefs hiding out under a bridge from the storm. They were down on their luck at the time and looking for a new place. Tarien's smile was warm apon us all that day. Soon enough I had them in my employ and got them a place to stay until things were ready here. Worth every copper. Well.. except for their bickering they sometimes do."
"That is, is that not a blessing?" The silverscale asks one she looks under the table, trying to figure out if there was something wrong with how she was sitting. Aside from the chair being backwards, though that was by necessity.
She listens to the story, and nods along. "I did not realize there were oils and herbs in the baths, but that sounds pleasant. And I am glad that you were able to help those in that way, as well as benefit your own business at the same time. It helps the whole, as well as yourself."
Rupi listens as Sabina describes the employment history of her chefs, nodding. She leans her head to the side at the bickering comment, "Well, can't solve every inter personal issue easily. Still, it worked out well for you."
The woman looks at the silver sith'makar, "I suppose it might be seen that way, but I've never called it that. Oh, don't worry, I don't want to bump your feet. So, Sabina tells me the baths are nice, how would you describe the experience."
Bina smirks lightly at Rupi but then turns to Seyardu and listens intently for her answer. "Yes, please. Posative or negative your asnwer assists me in making this place better. And yes we managed to assist each other. It was and is a good trade."
"Have you not been to them? They are open to all for the most part, and quite nice. There are sides for men and women to bathe with less restrictions, and a general pool as well, though one must wear bathing garments in there. And the pools are heated somehow, which makes them quite nice on occassion." The silverscale explains, turning to Sabina before continuing. "There is little I could say negative about the place, even if I do not understand the purpose of all the rules. Following along with them, it is quite nice, and the provided towels and such are really quite good. I am surprised you do not charge for the service, really."
"Oh rules, those spring up like weeds whenever someone sits still." Rupi laughs, and shakes her head, "I haven't been."
She looks towards Sabina, "Free? Really, how can you manage? It must be a huge expense. Tell me more how you make trades without transactions work."
Bina begins to chuckle and then to outright laugh. "OH there is a charge. It's a few coppers per person though. And I do not often make a point of charging each person every time. The price of the baths is fixed after it's cost for creation. Magical means included. The thing is.. I enjoy /not smelling/ guests. If some one 'steals' a bath I do not mind. The laundry person charges for cleaning peoples belongings and hands me a small cut each day. Massages are paid for to the masseuse and cover the oils and such used. And people speak word of mouth to others about this place and so I gain more patrons that come here to eat. I do not make anything from this place. Most of the money covers the loan I took out to make the place and to make the place better. But I am paid in food and drink and a place to bathe as well as the smiles of my patrons."
"There is... a charge?" The sith-makar asks, seeming surprised. "Forgive me, I did not know, and it was not present on anything I have read, though I am sorry. I can pay for the times I have used it, if that is the case."
They were already reaching into a bag as they spoke. "You should try it, they are quite pleasant. Though not smelling, still seems strange. Softskins seem to avoid it often."
Mikilos wanders his way in the front, peering around idly for a few moments. A pale blue sphere the size of a large grapefruit follows behind the wizard, hovering near shoulder level. For him. About eye level for most people. After a few moments looking about, the elf slowly heads towards the front tables.
Rupi laughs, watching Seyardu, then tells Sabina, "I'll be sure to pay if I use them. I understand the arrangement now, very clever. Smiles are good too. Smells, well, depends on the occasion. Certain things will turn a person right off."
The woman glances at the stage, "What about the performances, how do those work?"
The elf and his wizardly sphere get her attention briefly, then she looks away again.
Bina turns to note the new arrival out of habit. Smile given to Mikilos as he enters as is a small wave of greeting. "Hello! Welcome back to the Tarrace." She says as well.
Bina turns back to her table and makes a motion at Seyardu to keep her coins. "All is well. Trust me. If you've made mention of this place to others or brought someone here to din then the bath is paid for. And it is a sad but true statement that many peoples do not like to bathe regularly. Another reason to turn a blind eye to costs." She then fields Rupi's question. "Ahh the musicians. We offer them time apon the stage if they want it. Free. If they're good and patrons like them and we see a rise in coins for the evening then we pay them more then a small bit of coin and a free meal and bath. If they don't we feed them and bathe them and ask them to return when they've polished their craft a touch more. All in honor of our three patron gods, you see." She points to where the statues of the gods in question are above the bar.
Finally, the ash-blonde man stands up and, grabbing his pack, ambles purposefully over in the direction of the proprietress and her friends. "Ain't nobody lookin' anywhere but here, ma'am," he begins, in an accent that sounds like it might be meant as light Tsuran, but ends up sounding a little slurred. "Mind if I join you?"
GAME: Seldan rolls disguise+15: (12)+8+15: 35 GAME: Mikilos rolls perception+8: (7)+25+8: 40 (+8 Close Friends)
"I suppose I have brought a few people here indirectly, as it seems a few I know feel comfortable with the place." Seyardu sighs, relenting and pulling her hand out of the bag. "Cleanliness is important when dealing with injured people, and people in general, it is true. But there are many ques that others seem to miss. And in return, it can be difficult for others to understand myself. But it is how things are."
"The musicians on stage, they have been good, when I come by. I am not used to music such as it, but generally, it is quite nice when here for an evening."
Mikilos smells of clove, spice, and ink, with just a hint of sulfur, smoke, ozone, and musty books. A wizardly scent. Smiling to Sabina, he nods politely to those present. 'Ladies, sir.' The elf blinks a moment, giving the man a second look, before turning his focus to the silver-scale. "Peace unto your nest. Have you seen the Little Fang today?" <draconic>
"The Trickster, the Drama Queen and the Water Bucket?" Rupi asks, feigning innocence as she irreverently names Tarien, Ceinara and Rada. She looks up, but actually avoids looking directly at the statues. Almost as if she expects to see them looking back. "Well, that seems like a good arrangement with the performers, and I do enjoy hearing the music from the street."
"That would be up to Sabina," she answers the ash-blond man, standing to make some room and move her chair closer to the proprietor.
Mikilos's scent, something about him, catches her attention and a long stare. She eventually replies, "Hello."
Rupi very clearly doesn't want to be surrounded, or blocked off from Sabina's side.
Bina blinks once as the ash-blond man inquires about sharing the table. Her smile brightens then and also when Mikilos arrives to the table as well. "I see no harm in it. Come.. sit all of you. Just no playing footsie or biting." She turns to Rupi and playfully adds. "I'm looking at you, my dear. No biting." She chuckles.
One of the servers comes over bearing a tray with the ordered food for Seyardu and Rupi. The steaming food is placed in front of those two and then the server leaves. Rich spices and savory smells fill the air. Rupi gets her basilisk eggs and dire boar baccon. Seyardu gets bread with jam and on the side several cuts of the baccon too.
"I got it, no biting. I wasn't planning to, not even a nibble." Rupi laughs pleasantly at Sabina, "nor footsie. My feet are terribly dirty. I'd leave a stain. You've convinced me to walk through your baths though, perhaps take a dip, with your permission, of course."
She bites at her lip, one tooth denting the skin, a playful flirt that would be more attractive if she was. "I doubt I could get through her scales, or... what is that blue ball?" She finally asks Mikilos.
Then, food is in front of her! Eggs that remind of mortality and bacon of life's ferocity. There is an eagerness to her voice as she picks up the utensils, "I am going to enjoy these."
"Ah, my thanks." She says to the server, though she blinks a few moments after seeing the bacon as well. She was growing more confused. "You are welcome as long as the others are alright with it, and I do not mind. I know not about what you speak with feet, and the only thing bitten will be food. I am not sure why that is a concern, truly."
She turns to Mikilos, and nods, though now seems a touch concerned. "Peace on your nest, this one has not seen Little Fang out or not today. Is she missing? It would be no trouble to assist, and I would do what I can, if that is the case." <Draconic.>
"Thank you kindly, mistress." The ash-blonde worker settles down in a chair, making no attempt to come between the two, that same lean evident. He offers no evidence of understanding the other conversation, but instead tucks his feet under the chair as indicated. "I don't want nobody bitten either. Couldn't help but overhear. Guessing you two are longtime friends. How'd you meet?"
Mikilos makes a show of pouting for a moment. "No biting? Well, I'll try my best." A glance sends the hovering ball to rise up towards the ceiling where it could easily be overlooked, before taking a seat and looking between Rupi and Seyardu. "It's a training device, or toy, I've been working on. I was hoping to let Lilly try it out, but I havn't bumped into her today." He nods politely to the ash-blonde, before turning at the question, curious to the details of the answer himself.
Rupi also looks at Sabina, waiting for whatever she might say.
All faces looking to her. Ahh this she seems to know well. Bina shrugs. "This is .. the second time I've spoken to Rupi? We had a long chat the first time though." She says to the others. "But you must realize that I'm friendly with almost everyone. Just ask my regular patrons here or my friends. I try to follow Tarien's teachings buy being the smile. The infectious smile?" And she gives one of her better smiles to the table. "And this rough woman sailor sitting beside me here is filled with mischief, thus the playful warning."
"Ah, that is the case, I was concerned she may have run off, but I shall let you know if I see her or Cryosanthia out in that case." She nods to Mikilos. "You have the shop, yes? If that is the case I will stop by there to let you know, or leave a message."
"Being friendly, it is a good thing in most cases. Tarien's teachings, they are good usually, when people are not hurt by them. What does the device do? I am curious what the purpose would be, as training, and toys often intersect back home."
"I'm overflowing with mischief. You've been warned." Rupi says, taking Sabina's cue for her answer and sounding unusually serious. Her gaze lingers on the Tarienite, possibly she's examining her reflection on the mask, or gathering thoughts. "We've been acquainted for several months, did talk about a lot of deep things that first time. I wouldn't mind being infected by that smile but saying we're friends would be going too far. Yes, I think."
She grins at the table, "A little like being the first to say 'I love you', right? Don't want to say it too soon, if you aren't sure you'll hear it back. It's nice to visit here."
"Anyhow, I hope you find your teeth." Rupi tells Mikilos and Seyardu, after which she stares up at the blue ball for a moment.
"I don't doubt that for a minute, mistress." The worker flashes a warm grin gesture meant to take any sting from the words. "Friends are a good thing to have." He leaves it at that. "A lot of people you think are friends aren't."
Mikilos smiles. "Not a worry, is no rush. It's based loosely on an artifact I've read about but hope to never see, and a contest I took part in several years ago. It moves when you think at it. The direction you want if you focus well, but towards you if you focus poorly. The artifact is deadly, this just turns red and buzzes for a moment if it touches something. It's detection grid is also a lot tighter, needs a drop of blood or saliva to detect a user." He frowns a moment, and shrugs. "There's also use of language. How well do you need know someone before you call them friend? For some, a few moments is enough. For others, years are needed before one is truly a friend."
"A object moved with your mind, though it resists the movement with poor focus? Sounds like an interesting way to train ones control of thoughts." The silverscale nods, glancing up to the ball, chewing on a bit of bread to think.
"It is, a complicated thought, is it not? One may fear not being the one to speak first, but by doing so, the thought never gets acted upon, even if both feel one way. I did not have friends before coming here. There is one, we have agreed to be friends, which is good, and others who I do not truly know the state of, but hope."
Years ago there was a contest with a waterbaloon version. Mikilos is, despite appearances, quite wise, has a powerful personality, and almost unmatched in intelligence. For him, might as well be on rails. His control is unparalleled.
Bina's eyes look upwards at the blue orb briefly. "That's impressive, Mikilos, truely. And I'll take your word for it that it shant go amuck and cause issues. Thought that could prove fun on certain levels of entertainment." She smirks and then nods to all the those gathered. "Friendship can be hard, sadly. I for one wissh to see far more friendship in the world. That usually allows for more smiles, you see. And what a triumph it would be to have the entire world smiling at once." Her own smile softens just thinking about the pleasant idea.
"I'll avoid spitting at it then, or getting bopped and a nosebleed." Rupi says, still staring up at the blue sphere. She rubs at her formerly broken nose. Next, she cuts a piece of basilisk egg and watches how the yoke spills on her plate, and wipes some bacon through that as her next mouthful.
This is chewed thoughtfully while she watches Seyardu. It's followed by a sip of tea, "Well, there is waiting too long. You want to strike when the iron is hot, but you want to be sure the iron is hot before striking."
"And the language can be tricky. Some friendships can't hold much sunlight. Some fall apart the moment a wrong word is said. Others can survive the strongest tests. Neither do you know ahead of time."
She takes another fork of egg, waves it briefly before biting and swallowing. After, she twirls the fork a little, "Do you all define friends the same way? Are they people you work with, people you've known for a while, people you understand? On your wavelength, aligned with your own goals?"
Rupi nods her head in Sabina's direction, "I like her goal, for example."
The dockworker's eyes drift to the blue sphere, staring at it for a moment, and turns away, back to the others. "I'd be content with people who had my best interests in mind. Lots of people say they do and damn near nobody does."
GAME: Seldan rolls bluff: (19)+13: 32 (Sending a coded message) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (11)+13: 24 (Rupi perception) GAME: Sabina rolls sense motive: (7)+8: 15 GAME: Mikilos rolls sense motive: (3)+12: 15 GAME: Seyardu rolls sense motive: (14)+7: 21
The message is clear: Rupi doesn't have anyone's best interests in mind.
Mikilos smiles innocently at Bina. "Weeeeell, it's -not- fully tested yet. I'd be surprised if it does worse than break into a few scraps of silk, even that is pretty unlikely, but I won't know for certain until it's been tested many times." He looks to Rupi, considering. "I'm willing to use the term freely. Too many situations of friend or foe, so anyone who doesn't draw blade on me. But a GOOD friend is far more rare." He glances to the other man, considering a moment, but takes the words at face value. "Am sure are many who believe themselves honest and considerate of others, only to find themselves surprised at their own selfishness when pressed."
"What does friendship mean to myself? That is something I do not know if I wish to share too much about." The silverscale admits once her attention is taken away from the orb, and back to her plate, some of the bread torn and soaking up some of the jam to chew thoughtfully. "I agree, seeing others smile is a noble goal, or happy in general. Though one can't be happy always, it is true."
She nods to the man, and sighs. "It is true, and bizarre at times, some try to hide the fact that they care, but it is clearly there, even if they try not to show it or even deflect from it. And others, well, some would lure you in with injury only to use the opportunity to stick a dagger in your stomach."
Bina sort of shakes herself out of her day dream and grows her smile back to normal and quickly returns to the conversation. "Ahh.. Then I can say there are layers to friendship? The stronger the bond the deeper the layers?" She asks of thos gathered. "And there of course are times when one feels they can not smile. Yet people do in the most stressful of times. A smile appears upon their face and they grow in strength to face the obstical they face. The happiness grows afterwards, when they've done what they set out to do. So it is not a one way action. Rather smiling can bring happiness and happiness can bring smiles."
"I'm not a fan of weapons," Rupi says, hunching in a mock boxing stance and making a light punch-punch motion over her plate as she rolls her shoulders. Her hands are open, not fists, more like miming claws. Also, she's got a fork in one of them, kind of sticking off in a random direction.
Which she gets under control, then points at Mikilos and the ash-blond dockworker. "I agree with both. The only one that cares the most about you, is you. If you don't, no one else will, and don't believe anyone that says they care more. It's always a trick."
Rupi smiles at Sabina, thinking over her answer, what was said and what she should reply. She sets her fork down and taps at her teacup, apparently in thought. Finally, the woman nods, "Layers make sense. Smiling and happiness, are they directly connected? Don't some smile who aren't? And wasn't a smile originally a threat?"
Rupi looks over at Seyardu, "Like when you smile, it looks like 'I'm gonna eat you', then others smile back, 'please don't eat me', and you keep smiling as if, 'ok, maybe next time'."
"Plenty who smile and act kind aren't." This time, there's a warning tone in the dockworker's words. "You've got to be careful who you trust." This time, he fixes his gaze on Sabina, the message more direct. "If you'll excuse me." The Tsuran accent is starting to fade, take on more precise tones. With that, he stands, grabs his pack, and begins to make for the door.
"Weapons, there is something that is for everyone." Seyardu nods. "Not everyone is suited to the same things. There is truth to that, both things. I do try to smile, but it seems to concern as much as it puts at ease at times, even if it is genuine."
There is a pause however, and a sigh. "I do not agree entirely with that, however, but it is not ideal. Someone can care more about others than themself, but that is due to other circumstances, and it is not ideal. Perhaps, with ones Cihuaa, or partner, it may be alright, for them to value their happiness so highly. Even then, I do not know."
Mikilos frowns thoughtfully at Rupi. "In general, I agree. Normally is no one who knows you better than yourself, no one better qualified to care for you. But exceptions happen. Have met far too many who no longer care about themselves." The elf frowns again, watching the dock-worker depart. "...did any of you catch his name?" After a moment more of hesitation, the elf starts after him.
As if conjured by the dockworker's words, Jinks slides in through the Tarrace's doors with a smile threatening to split his head in twain. He's clean, perfumed, and as jewelry-laden as ever, with lace cuffs spilling out the sleeves of his fine coat. The gnome pops his walking cane up to snatch from the air mid-haft and practically dances his way to the bar. He's far too pleased with himself to be up to any good at all.
Bina is about to speak when the unknown dock worker speaks directly to her and gets up and leaves almost as fast as he came into their discussion. She blinks after him and then shakes her head to Mikilos. "No, I didn't. I was about to ask too. Interesting thoughts he had to share. And he's right. You have to take care in who to trust. Also take care of yourself while leaving room to accept and or care for others. It's a fascinating juggling act that we do every day with everyone we meet as well as ourselves." Spying Jinks she raises a hand in greeting. "Welcome back to the Tarrace."
"Well, it's been my experience," is Rupi's answer to Seyardu regarding altruism. Not denying, not confirming the silver Sith'makar's statement.
She's nearly finished her bacon and eggs, consuming each equally, and rounding up the last bits. The woman makes a side glance at Sabina, then addresses Seyardu and Mikilos, "I wouldn't want to make any bargains or promises I can't keep, and I don't 'work' the Tarrace, but I will say I'm always open to talking especially if it comes down to daggers and swords."
Her last mouthful swallowed, she points her fork at the departing dockworker's exit, and ends up metaphorically stabbing Jinks as he arrives. She does a little parry around with the eating implement, "He had your interests in mind. I think he hopes you'll follow." She sucks on the fork tines, gazing at Sabina with a slight smile, "I wonder which you would see through more, if I said you could trust him or you couldn't trust him."
"Well, I'll say he's trustworthy and leave it up to you to determine."
"Well, I will keep that in mind, yes." Seyardu nods, finally trying some of the bacon, and clearly enjoying it, but taking it very slowly, each piece sliced into multiple bits to chew. She glances to Jinks, waves, before she returns to her meal and conversation, the words seeming confusing.
"I am not sure, as if you said you trusted them, but they were trustworthy, it is confusing. If you said they weren't and they were, then that casts doubt. And if they aren't and you say they aren't, it is good for you."
The silverscale sighs. "I trust the one who went out to seek them out. Perhaps, I should join them."
Mikilos waves to Jinks as he passes, disappearing out the front door. He'll be back, he left his ball.
Drinks. Rhymes with Jinks. There must be drinks. You don't need a medium for spirits when you have a good barkeep. The gnome claps down a small family of coins and conjures two flutes of something dark (with an assist from the fellow on the opposite side of the counter). He tips back the first so fast there's fair argument to be made that he didn't taste it, the second he carries with him as he abandons the bar.
"Coyote laughs!" He calls when he finally does spot the familiar faces, taking a long step and spinning to avoid colliding with a passing tallman. He seems especially excited to see Seyardu, clearing his throat and offering in stilted Draconic, 'Pieces above they are nesting.'
Bina turns and gives Rupi a look with a raised brow included. The brow just barely making it over the top of her mithral coyote half mask. She turns to watch the door where the dock worker left and then followed by Mikilos. A thoughtful look passes over her face and then a shrug.
Jinks calls out his blessing from Tarien and Bina is then all smiles once again. "My.. people come and go so quickly here." She murmurs to herself and then laughs at Jinks' greeting, but not unkindly so. /Peace apon your nest./ She says in Draconic.
Rupi laughs, as she's sipping her tea and ends up snorting some through her nose. This seems painful, her eyes go wide, and her janked nose does not seem at all suited for that kind of accident. She rubs at her face with a napkin, asks in a sultry tone, "Hello little man, fancy a climb?"
Which she immediately follows with waving her hands dismissively, "Sorry, no. I didn't mean it."
She leans to whisper to Sabina, "Their minds are crazy! I'll behave. I'll behave." Addressing the table, the woman stands, "All, it's been fascinating. I'll avail myself of the baths now, wash a little of the city off and out."
With her intention declared, she carefully counts out some coins to cover the meal, and pennies for the bath. No tip. She raises her brow at Sabina, mirroring what she could see of her expression past the mask, "he would have interesting things to say. I won't be gone, I'll be... over there."
Bina gives Rupi her attention and her smile as the woman whispers at her. "You should try mine." She states to the rough hewn woman. And then a slow nod with a semi-puzzled look at Rupi's last statement.
"Oh 'Bina, don't tempt me, you know I will." Rupi says teasingly, heading for the baths. As before, heads turn then wonder why they turned to watch a middling woman in a bag go by.
The silverscale only grew more confused by the greeting, but she nods back, and smiles. "It is a good attempt, but you need to be more, sssibilant with your words, and it is a quality bestowed, not a location." They chuckle, but she falls silent after a moment, occupying it with more bread and jam. "This was, odd. You know that woman somewhat, miss Sabina?" She asks.
"A madwoman who thinks a rose would seek to fertilize an oak," Jinks laughs. He nods, pointing between Sabina and Seyardu, "Of course, yes. I remember having incredible trouble with parts of speech learning the first time. And one so honest is hard-pressed to speak the language for wnat of forked tongue." He pantomimes the briefest look of angelic innocence. He bounces a pinky against his drink glass, the ring tink-tink-tinking as he mutters to himself, "(second time I've missed Micky in as many days...)"
Mikilos returns a minute later, frowning thoughtfully to himself as he retakes his seat. Glancing around, be blinks, nodding to Rupi's abandon seat. "Where'd she go?"
'Bina refocuses as Seyardu asks her question. "As I said, my second time speaking with her. She's interesting and odd. I like odd though, because it's more interesting that way." She chuckles. "And yes our conversation seemed to be confused and muddled at times."
She blinks as Jinks speaks his opening line. "Sort of like that." She motions to Jinks. "Your Draconic is growing well enough, good sir. Come have a seat." She says, offering the taller one to him.
When Mikilos returns and inquires about Rupi she motions again. This time towards the baths. "Went to use the bathing pool. Have you tried them out? The heat does wonders for sore muscles."
"Does it look like I have a forked tongue? Perhaps you best not answer that, perhaps. Maybe you haven't been looking at me properly when I have been talking in the past." Seyardu sighs. "The man from before, is he gone? I thought you went to seek them out to speak, She seems to have been quite cryptic about him, as was he about her. I think there is some truth to things, you should be careful, miss Sabina."
Jinks places his drink on the tabletop and mounts the stool with an ease born from years spent among the tallfolk. "I thought it was a funny joke but then I'm a fool... not a jester," he answers Seyardu as he retakes the flute. "I beg a thousand pardons and would be happy with but one." He looks between everyone, trying to piece together the questions and glances after coming in at the end of the conversation. "The Tsura? He seemed intent on being elsewhere. You have to be careful around them; they cheat at games."
Cryosanthia arrives, entering the Tarrace and gliding between the tables like a shark, or a tall white ship. Her bound spars trail behind her like sails, and her carnation-scale youngling rides her shoulders and steers like she's on the tiller. It's good she picks where her Ssassa already intends to go, or the illusion of control might be shattered.
The white Sith'Makar's destination is the far table with Sabina and other friends. She sweeps up, "Peace on your Nests. Mikilos, 'Bina, Seyardu, and Jinky, isn't it?"
Lily hisses a hello at the gnome, pointing at him. She sees him. She knows he cheats at games! She's watching!
At some point previously, Aya had chose water over food. Water of the soaking type. She now emerges from the bath section, looking revitalized. Her relaxed expression perks as she notes the unexpected presence of her arch-nemesis, the Carnation Carnivore.
Mikilos rises as he sees elder and youngling arrive, waving to both with a smile. "Was hoping to see you this eve."
"Ah, apologies, but it did not seem funny to me, given previous comments." Seyardu sighs. "This one does not understand jokes that well at times. And what feels like an insincere apology does not help, but I may be misunderstanding, as well."
It was interrupted by the arrival of Cryosanthia, and Seyardu waves to the two of them. "Peace on your nests, Cryosanthia and Lily. Mikilos was looking for you, so it is good luck to find you both here. I will let him continue, however."
The masked Tarienite tilts her head to one side as Seyardu gives her warning and then hmms softly. "I shall be as careful as I can be. Have faith in that and I give you thanks for your concern." She telsl the silvery one. Then to Jinks. "And thanks for your warning as well. I shant play games with him. Even though I like some types of games." She too rises then as Cryo and Lily arrive. Both brows rise up as Cryo's wings are noted. "Oh my!" And then in Draconic. Peace apon your nests and welcome! It is good to see you both again.
"Tia Ay-ays." Lily waves, having spotted her arch-nemesis also. The joy has been doubled! She is without weapon though, and starts digging in Cryo's haversack. At least until a chance glance upwards reveals a floating blue ball, at which point she's captivated.
"Mikilos. This one is always happy to see." Cryo says, embracing the elf in a cool hug and a firm squeeze. She seems unusually happy and smells. A Sith'makar would recognize pleased scents, most others, she's very lizardy today.
She stands near Seyardu's chair, and while her smile may not be infectious, some of her emotion might be. The whitescale wobbles her head at Sabina, "I'm sorry I'm late, I got so caught up. I can help with the books as soon as you need. Have you had a good day otherwise?"
"What was it Mikilos?" And a wave for Aya.
Jinks opens his mouth to respond to Seyardu but lets the comment fall away into silence when Cryosanthia arrives, narrowing his eyes instead at Lily. He sets the glass down once more and pushes his palms together, rotating them opposite directions at the heel, and then pulling the hands apart with a flourish. His left hand sports a carved icosahedron between pointer- and middle-finger. His right a trio of much more average-looking dice between pointer-, middle-, ring-, and pinky-fingers. He waggles his eyebrows at the little pink devil.
Aya steps towards Lily and her mighty majestic white steed. "Peace on your nests. Her eyes shift from Lily to Cryosanthia and then to the ball that has ensnared the pink one's attention. Aya may be making notes for the future.
Mikilos returns the hug, making a mental note of the scent but as yet unable to translate. Back a step his points up to the blue orb, which after a few moments focus begins to desend. "A gift for the Little Fang. A training device I've been working on."
There was much on her mind, but the emotions of Cryosanthia did make the other sith-makar relax some, tail swishing just slightly behind her. "Yes, a toy that trains as well, he said."
There is a pause, and Seyardu seemed to be lost in thought, before she just swishes her tail again. "You are in good spirits again today, Cryosanthia. I am glad to see that it has not diminished in several days. I hope it will continue to be so."
Bina steps close and hugs the white one. "No need to worry, Cryo. Your help is appreciated and your time your own. Come have a seat. You can take Rupi's vacant chair. She's just headed off to the baths. But first may I say your wings are becoming lovely. You look more draconic every time I see you." She then reaches up to poke gently at Lilly. "And you! Have you grown more? Hmm?" SHe looks around at the others. "Everyone is ready to take you on it seems, Lily! Who shall be your first foe?"
"What does it do?" They both say. Cryosanthia in well accented tradespeak, Lily in more a long hissing drawl that sounds like feedback on her Ssassa's voice.
The Pinkscale's attention is fully divided: Blue Orb, Shadow Elf, bone icosahedrons and normal dice. Up, over, around and down, back up again.
"It doesn't look like a toy." Cryo comments, and then it starts to descend. Both she and Lily are watching it now. "Okay Little Fang, listen carefully to Mikilos, he'll explain how it works."
Cryo is going to cold-hug Sabina. So strong, so solid, and not quite cool enough she feels like she's made of ice, but enough to get one thinking of it. The whitescale laughs, "Thank you, I am hoping to get the last third of them sometime. And Lily has gotten heavier."
"Yaaassssssss." Lily agrees. She's never going to be anything but small, but she is approaching normal kobold size.
Jinks rolls his fingers and the quartet of dice disappear back into whatever hidey-holes they been plucked from a moment ago. He returns to his drink and idly scans the crowd. Something does occur to him and he offers a "Jinks" correction for the large Sith with a bit of a laugh.
"Is that something of friends?" The silverscale asks quietly from her seat, watching the hug for a moment before returning to her meal after giving the dic a glance. "I am not used to magical artifacts being used for toys, so it is something strange to myself. I hope they will come in fully, so they will cease being sore."
Mikilos smiles. "It moves when you think at it. If your thoughts aren't clear, it moves towards you to hear better, but if you clear clear where to go, it will move as you tell it." The wizard pulls a small glass vial from one of his pockets, holding it out to Lilly. "But first it needs to be told you're someone to listen to. Need either a few drop of blood, or most of the vial full of clear spit."
There's a strange splash and commotion in the baths. Sabina says, "I am very sorry, I need to check on that. Back in a moment."
She goes to see the waterworks.
"Oh Mikilos has made some wonderful magic toys. He made a butterfly that exploded if you scratched it too hard. This was helpful for Lily learning not to carve up softskins." Cryo explains. "Okay Sabina."
"Yassss." Lily concurs, and thinks over the requirements. Bite her lip and bleed into the vial, or drool. She holds her little claws out and takes the vial, looks at the remnants of the meal on the table. Drool it is. 'Luuaaaaaagh'.
As she's occupied with this, Cryo moves over to the vacant seat. She looks at it for a moment, sniffs, and then loops her hands through a few quick motions. Her gloves glow and she magically wipes the seat down before sitting. "Well, I hope they come in too and stop hurting. I'd be able to fly, that would be fun. See you soon Sabina, and Jinks. Right. This one will remember."
She looks over at Aya, "how have you been?"
"Flying would be interesting," Aya agrees and offers Cryosanthia a partial smile. "Take care to practice over soft surfaces. I am well, though you seem to be utterly delighted in comparison."
"As long as they work properly, that would certainly be something, to be able to soar through the air like a bird, or a dragon." Seyardu nods slowly. The happiness of the whitescale was conflicting, but Seyardu still seemed relatively happy. "Other toys? I suppose it would be dangerous for a young one to climb onto non kin if they are not careful, yes. Or, not physical kin, I mean."
"Are you working on anything at the moment, now that the ball is finished Mikilos? You have a shop, do you not?"
Mikilos nods seriously. "And don't break a wing. Conjured ones hurt like fire, and I can't imagine real ones to be more plesant." He glances towards the ball, making sure it stays some three feet above his head. For now. He nods to the silver-scale. "I have a comission I'm still working on now in the shop. This is a work in progress I've been fiddeling with in my spare time." He nods to Lilly. "It's not properly finished, still working on it. So it may break. That's okay. If it does break, let me know what happened, so I can make the next one better."
Jinks has caught sight of a she-gnome stepping from the back half of the Tarrace and completely forgotten the conversation at the table. His head cants to one side and he seems almost confused as he follows her movements.
"I've done some levitating. I've tried being pulled along by Torrent, that was different. Jozi suggested I use my Anygarment sleeves and make a giant wing between the parts I have and see how that goes. I haven't tried that yet." Cryo says, satisfied that her seat is clean, reversing it and sitting to instantly cool it down. Her tail waggles happily behind her as she leans. "I was going to practice over water. With any luck, it's like swimming."
She grins widely, dipping her nose, "And this one is utterly delighted. I..."
'glarrrrrrg.' Lily interupts, working on her drooling, forcing it and getting saliva everywhere.
Cryo restarts, "This one and..."
'Aluaululual', Lily tries much louder. So much spit. She asks, "breaksss how?"
"Wings need bones to function, and muscles, just like any other limb, Lily." Seyardu explains, swishing their own tail just a bit. "And like one could break a leg or injure muscle, they too could be injured. That is understandable, your work is likely in demand in a city such as this, I thought it would be worth asking, perhaps."
"Ah! I received the sleeves the other day from Merek, and they seem to work quite well, with colors I recognize. Though anything I do not remember, it does not work properly."
"Is it time to share reasons, or do you wish to keep the happiness explanation for another time? This one understands, as it has improved my own mood these past few days."
Mikilos reaches up as the ball lowers further down. "Well if it touches anything..." The ball turns red as the elf touches it, and emits a distinct buzz. As he pulls back, it turns blue and silent again, then red once more as the wizard garbs it. A twist, a turn with both hands, and the ball turns to a contraption of curved sticks and white silk, painted with red and blue symbols. Still very much a ball, but not quite so smooth. "It might not sound an error, or might no stop. Maybe floats off on it's own, or starts to follow something. Maybe avoid something. For a while it went towards iron like a magnet. I don't know everything it might do, I haven't tried everything yet." Looking at the vial, he nods, and holds out a hand. "That should be enough."
Aya's attention drifts back to the small scalled saliva supplier, then to Mikilos. "I would hope so, else she becomes jerky..."
"Okaaaay." Lily hands the vial back, full of clear saliva and covered in it. Thus the mage is marked as hers. "Sso, sstaress? Thinks?"
Cryo tilts her head, then noses the pinkscale, "This one is going to tell them, and it is good new for you too."
The whitescale inhales, then exhales, her voice steady. "I thought it impossible. We had been together through so much, with Salina, that when we were free I thought everything... would be great. Nothing would break us apart."
"Except... we did. Zeke and I were both too injured from the experience and we drove each other away. She had manipulated us so much, left damage in our minds. I lost my foundling, my first foundling and my cihuaa within weeks of each other."
She stares at Seyardu, "This one did not ever expect to see him again. Nor that he would want me if he did see me. It seems like tempting fate to say it, but we are together now. Very together. With an actual possibility of a nest and family."
Seyardu sat up a bit, watching the whitescale as she spoke. They were happy, and happier as it goes on. Though she glances to Lily a moment, and smiles for a brief second. "It was a surprise to see them, and this one did not know them, but saw how it affected you. If being together makes you this happy, then it is a wonderful thing, Cryosanthia. It seems you have both grown much. Sadness, and pain happens, but to move past it is good, yes. There is already a family though, now. It is not tempting fate if you both agree on such matters."
Mikilos nods to Lilly. "Think in your head, push with your mind. It's hard to do, will take time to learn. That's why I made it, to help people learn to focus." Taking the saliva, the wizard pours a little on his finger, scribing rapidly over some of the symbols. He glances to Cryo in mild surprise, but resumes his scrawling, his own focus pretty solid. Using up a good bit of the vial, the wizard finishes his scrawling, and focuses. And arcane phrase, and the ball turns to a blue sphere again, rising up into the air before moving over to hover above Lilly.
Aya pauses at the series of revelations, a large portion of which (perhaps nearly all) she was unaware. Both brows arch. "All of that becomes you," she offers. "Do not fear fate that it could threaten what you have; fight against it to keep that and more."
Cryo caught Mikilos' glance, and gazes back at him, head tilted and watching as he works through his ritual.
Lily makes an awed noise as the ball hovers in front of her. Tail out straight behind, hands balled up, she leans towards it and stares!
The blue ball rises, and rises, then halts. It starts coming down.
"Thank you Aya, all. Yes. He makes me very happy. He does not flinch at my touch, finds it pleasing." She sighs happily, "There are things this one hasn't told him, and he has things he would keep from me, but that's adventuring. That doesn't need to be shared."
Jinks blinks and shakes his head, snapping back to reality when the gnome woman finishes meandering across the common room floor and passes out into the night. He frowns in consternation and drains the last of the drink from his glass before looking between the tallmen and attempting to catch up on the conversation.
"There was, a goblin, this one saw with Zeke, Seldan knew them as well, and they gave them a hug, it seemed quite significant." Seyardu noted after a moment, watching the ball floating up and down . "Keep your focus, Lily, if it falls, return to what you were doing before which worked." She suggests to the smaller kobold. "Not everything has to be said, yes. This one hopes it is something understood in the future for themself. The acceptance of that is important."
Mikilos watches the ball of blue and the ball of staring lizard, content to let them be for now. He nods in agreement with the larger lizards. "Details can be just extra baggage. Sometimes you can use someone else to help carry the load, sometimes you don't need to weigh them down. Up to you which burdens are which."
"Oh! Acedia! This one has not seen her in a long time." Cryosanthia says excitedly, distracting Lily. The pinkscale hisses and re-focuses on the ball, balancing and managing to make it levitate upwards. She vibrates in place.
"Acedia... she sacrificed herself so we could save Zeke. It was a terrible encounter." Cryo rubs at a brow ridge. "This one should stop thinking about those times. They are done."
"It has been much, much better since Little Fang, and all your help Mikilos, and Zeke... being my mate, my cihuaa again. It gives me hope, despite everything. There's a lot going on, not time seems a good time, but this is much better than alternatives I was considering and I wasn't going to miss it." She rocks on her seat, tail swaying.
"Acedia, yes, do not think of it. She was just happy as well, to see them back, and be able to hug them." Seyardu nods. "The times are passed, the time for taking care of family and yourself is the important thing. They are a good person, this one knows things will work between the both of you."
They were happy, but confused for a moment. "Alternatives? They likely would not have been as good, you are correct, as this seems to be what you wanted."
Jinks just sighs and slips out of his chair, taking up his cane and heading to the door; too distracted for farewells.
Aya shifts her attention to Lily's efforts and training. She shared her thoughts on Cryosanthia's news, and is quite obviously pleased. Topics of family, hearth, and home are not topics she can contribute experienced advice upon, however.
Mikilos smiles to Cryo. "I'm glad to have been of assistance." Turning back to Lilly, he nods, murmuring quietly. "Good. You're doing very well. Let youself relax. It's all in your head. Not in tensing up, but in staying focused."
Lily relaxes a little, accepting Mikilos' advice. She's still in a pounce position, although it's one aimed upwards. She leans, a little, the ball starting to move across the ceiling, away, her hands waving in the air.
"More than you can imagine Mikilos," Cryo says happily, "I treasure our friendship. You too Aya. This one has heard of rings that allow people to change places, or teleport to a safe spot. I may ask for something like that when you have more craft time available."
"A way to reach a safe spot like that, ah! That is a good idea. Sorry if this one is out of place at the moment, not knowing as well." Seyardu seems to nod for a moment, and she looks to the bar, seeming to be lost in thought. "Yes, it is for the best, though if this one can be of help at all in the future, just ask."
Mikilos nods to Cryo. "Charm bracelet, I believe it is? Saw one used, but didn't have a chance to examine it. I'd have to read up on how exatly they work, but a targeted teleportation focus seems easy enough."
"I might need you to egg-watch Lily, or help her actually egg-watch, should unavoidable adventure call. Though this one usually asks Braelnoir, Mikilos, Faran or Aya. Sabina and Irshya have offered to as well." Cryo admits.
Lily looks at her, and the ball reverses course and starts rushing towards the youngling.
"Lily, Lily, on, focus on." The whitescale cautions and the youngling snaps her attention back. The ball halts a few feet in front of her.
"I think that sounds right."
"This one is always willing to help whenever able, to do some good for the world." Seyardu nods with a swish of her tail. "This one may be young, but in my travels, learned much about such matters."
She watches the ball float down, and the attention lost, but she chuckles as it stops at the last moment, and she looks to her own small plate of food, mostly empty. "This one hopes you are eating well, Cryosanthia."
"Yes. This one has a strong desire for bones now." Cryo says, standing and looking towards the kitchen, "Actually, let me check."
She sighs, "I should get to Sabina's books too. Can you watch Lily while I deal with those?"
She leans, nuzzling her carnation-scale youngling, and distracting her enough the ball comes dangerously close to the pair. "I'll get you some steak chunks. I won't be long."
She bounces off, "Peace!"
Mikilos nods. "A simple message scrollcan have the same effect with a friend who can teleport anyway. Just have to let me know here I'm going." He considers. "And I'd need the spell ready, so not a certain method."
"Animal fat is important as well, if the bones still have marrow, the better. Peace on your nest, Cryosanthia." The silverscale calls out to her as she is taking off. The happiness lingers, as she watches Mikilos and Lily as she tries to keep the ball afloat. Perhaps torn between the thought of the food, and the game.
"This one knows little of teleportation, save for the gate which was taken from Am'shere to Alexandria. I am sure there is some safe practices which can be established. But also, happy. There has been much strife in short time here, and this one, they have always taken solace in helping others."
"This one just hopes they will not cause trouble with their presence."
Mikilos grins. "You try. That's really all anyone can ask. And while we havn't adventured together, I've heard tale of a few guild jobs in passing. Sounds like you're quite able to hold your own. Everyone has their weaknesses, it's just being aware of what they are and not allowing them to become problems."
"This one, I am not surprised, Mikilos." Seyardu nods, keeping an eye on the Kobold. "I have been trying to make sure that everyone will be safe on the jobs, and it is going well, for the most part."
She seems lost for a moment, and she sighs, looking to Mikilos. "Do you, know of how to deal with petrification? It has been on my mind, and I know not the solution despite discussions with several. Specifically, for those who a spell to return stone to flesh would be a significant risk."
Lily buzzes quietly, a thrum of concentration coming from her throat as she stays focused on the ball.
Mikilos frowns and nods. "I know the spell to return flesh from stone. It was part of a plan when people were wracked with the plague. Stone doesn't get sick. But i do not know a way to make certain the change back is safe."
"There are, yes, many for which the change may be dangerous." Seyardu sighs. "I have been discussing it much, trying to think of a solution. This one does not know if magic for dispelling curses, disease or magic may work at this point."
She reaches into her bag, and pulls out a book and pen, and quickly scrawls a note to show Mikilos. The ink was much more reflective than usual, picking up the light of the tavern quite a bit. "Boxes at the dock warehouses. Kin, other Makari, turned to stone likely by cockatrice. Young included. If no solution is found, we can revive them immediately after the stone reversal, but anything to avoid that ordeal would be ideal. Advanced restoration spells are too costly for the scale necessary." The paper reads.
Mikilos blinks, and frows thoughtfully. "Balisk blood servers as a cure, but i don't know if it works on cocktrice, or if it's a certain method. Powerful disenchantments I'm certain could break the spell, but again, not positive would be safe." He considers. "Perhaps something to enchant the people while they are statues, fortify them so that they are better able to survive the shock of turning back to flesh."
"If that is a safe possibility, it will be considered. As will alternative spells, if it is a possibility." Seyardu nods. "You can understand that this is important. Whatever I can do to make this easier on them, I shall do."
"Thank you for your insight, Mikilos, it is a matter that is important to this one, and the less time spent, lost, the better."
Seyardu sighs, looking to the door. "But it is for another time. This one needs to think about Cryosanthia, for a while. If the growth of wings during the same time period will affect matters, though she is likely making sure to figure out, herself."
Mikilos nods. "I do wish I could help more with that, but growing wings is well outside my range of experience."
"It is not something in most people's experience, which is why outside information is so valuable for the matter." Seyardu sighs. "So this one will check books, after speaking with her again, perhaps I will go to Am'shere for a trip, and consult with those I trust, who are knowledgeable on matters with her agreement.
And the silverscale sighs again, mostly speaking to herself. "This one just hopes a return would not force a guard upon themself."
Lily turns to watch as the silverscale exits. The ball descends and bops her on the head, turning red.
Mikilos hisses, patting along her back, That's it Little Fang, try again. <draconic>
OOC
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Also, amusingly, this is Cryo TB log 666"
<OOC> Mikilos says, "https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/sphere-of-annihilation/"
<OOC> Aya suddenly fears that Lily will be the next Yondu...
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "ooooooo"
You paged Sabina with 'So how do you think Rupi is? Interesting? Suitably succubussy?'
Sabina pages: I think she's very interesting. I don't think of her as the 'classic' suck your face off while trying to ravage you at first sight type. Far from that. She's more like shes much older then she should be and in things for the long game which most succubi aren't known for.
Long distance to Sabina: Cryosanthia nods! "Cool. Thanks. Very much -she has a plan- and is working a long game on it."
You paged Seldan with 'Zsofi flipped out when I was driving. It was late at night, in winter, snowing heavily. I was trailering, and I'd never done that before, had Florida summer tires, and a slightly larger trailer than I should have. It kept getting worse and worse, low visibility to no visibility, wind, drifts so deep on the off ramp I didn't think I'd make the turn.. in the middle of nowhere. Then one of those rest stop facilities with a Dunkin Donuts came up and I pulled in and took the cats inside where it was warmer. Met a trucker, and he asked if I was driving the pickup, he told me it was a good idea I pulled over. Slept there, in a chair, staff kept trying to get me to leave (esp with the cats) and I'm 'where am I going to go?'. Next morning I head out after the plows come through, see semis blown over and in the ditch on the side of the road. Continuing would have been suicide, my kitty freaking out made me stop when I wasn't going to because I'd gotten locked into a 'get through this' mindset.'
From afar, Seldan nods! Good for her, and glad you're all right.