Tarrace Tabletalk
Log Info
- Title: Tarrace Tabletalk
- Emitter: Ashes
- Characters: Sabina, Irshya, Thurid, Un'eth, Merek, Strike
- Place: A03: The Tarrace
- Time: Saturday, October 02, 2021, 11:20 AM
- Summary: Irshya confronts Sabina, wanting to know who Rupi is, and why she thinks she works at the Tarrace and can ask Irshya to stop hitting the chefs. Also, when was the wedding and why wasn't she invited. Sabina explains, there was no wedding, Rupi is a succubus, and she's in a blood pact with her. Sabina adds that she's missed Ygraine and Irshya a lot, and running the Tarrace without them has been a challenge. Irshya says she doubts a demon would improve, or be safe to have around, and Sabina reveals there are a lot of escape clauses in their pact, and if Rupi is misbehaving, she's hiding it really, really well. The Tarienite goes on to catch her business partner up on the latest happenings, involving Cryo, Lily, and the return of Eclavdran. The next Day, Sabina is depressed and decompressing, after her Guild mission the night prior went wrong. Rupi appears to console her, and then she is joined by Thurid and Un'eth, women who strain the seats of the Tarrace. Thurid speaks about being away, and fighting demons, and Un'eth adds some details of her trails the night before. Sabina explains the sacrifice Aya made to rescue Lily, her current torment, and the peculiarities of Cryo being a (rather small) dragon. Rupi serves. Irshya appears, invites everyone to the baths, suggests Cryo probably could get throught the streets to the Tarrace, if she was acting normal, and that a bath might do her good. Then the gobbo goes to mind the baths. Sabina must depart, and Un'eth and Thurid drift off. Merek arrives and sits by himself, Strike joins the picked over table and speaks with Rupi for a little bit, then leaves, bidding farewell to Merek and saying his name. This prompts surprise from the succubus, who thought the Unbreakable One would be... more impressive, and coughing up less blood. She swiftly busses things into the kitchen and vanishes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* 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.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sabina and Irshya -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sabina 5'4" 130 Lb Human Female Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes, Tarienite. Irshya 3'0" 35 Lb Goblin Female A small, blue-skinned Goblin in sea-green robes, Radan. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi and Frenimies -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Thurid 7'1" 249 Lb Giantborn Female Bright-eyed, muscular, blond Giantborn woman. Un'eth 6'2" 275 Lb Sith-Makar Female An ebon-scaled female Sith-makar. Merek 5'10" 215 Lb Human Male A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes. Strike 5'11" 155 Lb Half-Elf Female A dusky grey half elf girl in grey and black clothes. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dish of the Day -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi Human Female Dark hair, sultry expression, full lips, athletic. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Popped in for Takeout -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Aryia 4'8" 110 Lb Shadow Elf Female A heavily scarred mul with a resolved look about her. Ashes 5'11" 177 Lb Hobgoblin Female A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face. Wu 5'6" 155 Lb Human Male Elderly Xian male with a drifting eye and cataracts -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Sabina and Ishya
A chilly, grey day, with muted sounds, and colours barely seen. There are few customers so far today, and so the Tarrace is quiet.
From the door leading to the baths, comes a wee Gobbo. Wet and wrapped in a white towel, the blue one heads towards the kitchen, with wet footprints following behind her. A short time later, she returns, carrying a tray laden with cheese, bacon and a half loaf of bread. An increasingly popular breakfast choice of Goblins everywhere. Or so they say.
With a huff, she settles down at one of the tables midway from the door and the Kitchen.
Bina comes down the steps with a yawn covered by a hand. Her mask is in place and clothing as usual is in perfect placement, yet the woman herself seems tired. Worn.
At the bottom of the steps she spies Irshya and stills and then squeees! She runs up to the gobbo and plucks her from her seat and into a hug. "Irshya! I've missed you!"She places a kiss upon gobbo cheek.
The Gobbo looks surprised at Sabina's arrival, and goes to say something, but ends up squeaking as she's lifted up. She clings to her towel and Sabina, and she flushes a faint purple at the little kiss to her cheek. "Eee, Sabina!" She squirms and giggles. "Where have you been?!"
Bina snorts and then laughs. "Isn't that what I should be asking you?!" More laughter as she hugs Irshya tightly. "I've missed you, you know." She says much more quietly. "A lot has happened around here and I often wished you and our third were about more often." Another kiss is given before she places Irshya back into her seat.
Irshya giggles and pulls her towel in closer, and shrugs. "Irshya has been around, here and there. Tending to shrines, mostly, which means travelling to some out of the way places." She cants her head slightly. "Irshya has not seen Ygraine in some time." The Gobbo's expression turns a little sad. And then she looks a bit cross. "So how did the wedding go?", she wonders.
Bina pulls out a seat and places herself into it. She blinks at Shya as she asks of a wedding. "Wedding?I'm not sure what you're speaking of. I think we've had a few wedding couples have their party here with us after the ceremony but we've not had any weddings here in the Tarrace." She waves at one of the crew working and motions for a cup of tea.
She pauses mid-chew, the slice of bacon hanging out of her mouth. It's quickly inhaled and swallowed, and she leans closer to Sabina. "Rupi.", she says softly. "Says she's your partner. Also, is pretending to work here. And thought she might tell me how to handle the Chef."
Bina grins and then giggles, tossing her head back. "Ahhh! Rupi. Yes. She does work here after a fashion. She /is/ my partner after a fashion. I'm in pact with her so.. yes, partner is a term that works and one that she's fond of using. It's misleading after all."
"Yeeees. Irshya already guessed that she likes to do that. Is she a demon? She smells like one. And it might make sense if you have uh pacted? with her." The Gobbo rubs at her cheeks and sighs. "Irshya not like her."
Bina nod slowly and continually. "Yes. I assumed that would be the case if you two met." She sighs. "Shya, listen, please. I believe that there can be redemption for Rupi. She's not acted like a demon might since I've met her. I won't pretend she's a good being but I truely think she can be brought closer towards Tarien's embrace. All I ask is that you remember that when interacting with her."
"Irshya not liking her does not mean Irshya will be cruel." She fusses with a few strands of her hair, twirling them in the tips of her fingers. "But Irshya does not think this is a good idea. Demons are not redeemable." Irshya sighs lightly and nods. "Irshya will deal with it, though."
Bina tsks. "It's as I told Seldan. If an angel can fall, then why can't a demon rise? There are no absolutes in this world. Do I think it's unlikely? Do I think it would be extremely rare? Yes. But to not try would be lazy...and part of me thinks it would be evil as well. Rupi knows what I'll do if things go badly. If I loose my connection with Tarien. If she harms my friends that are my family. She knows that many of those that know me or care for me are powerful enough to see her taken care of." Bina smiles and shrugs as the tea she asked for is delivered.
"Oh, there is always chance. But. Well, not just any old soul, no matter how good, can become an angel. Just as not any old soul, no matter how bad, can become a demon. It is for exceptionally good or bad people. Irshya has been good, in her estimation, but does not expect to become an angel." She fusses with an ear. "So is unlikely a demon will rise, or an angel to fall. A chance, yes."
Bina smiles at Shya and nods. "Even if this does not work out between her and me then at least I have tried. Failing is an option, but one I do not like. SO! I will put all my effort into redemption and pray that Tarien will find enough amusement in the endevour to assist me."
Irshya will hop down and then attempt to wiggle into Bina's lap. Once there, she will snuggle up to the other woman. "So what else have you been up to, BinaBina?"
Bina welcomes Shya to her lap and chuckles. "I have been very busy with the Tarrace. I've learned much but it always seems like an endless job. There have been bad things that have happened in the city to those I care about. The demon Duke is back. He even stole Cryosanthia's child for a time. And Aya traded herself for the child." She sighs..
The Gobbo growls in her chest, baring her teeth. "Irshya will bite him.", she says firmly. "On the ankle. While he is looking elsewhere." Her eyes widen. "Did she get Little Fang back?"
Bina nods slowly and strokes Shya's tresses with a hand. "Yes. But, as I said, Aya gave herself over to the Duke for Lily's return. Now we aim to bring back Aya. That reminds me I need to check on how Cryosanthia is doing. She's still mending from her time in the mana wastes." Bina shivers. "It's a horrible place, Shya."
Fade to story
Rupi plus Frenimies
Early morning the day after the 'incident' in the noble quarter. Sabina had not returned that evening at all. Instead she appears, as in magically appears, in the predawn time and takes up her normal seat by the kitchens. Before her are a glass and bottle of wine. The bottle half empty. Besides the bottle is her mask. Her face set into an uncharacteristic frown. Vibes from her are most certainly unhappy.
The Tarienite's appearance triggers another's. This one a little more discrete, a teleport in behind the Tarrace's stage door. Her presence appearing so close is something her partner would be aware of. The dangerously attractive woman in a rather plain Tarrace uniform exits stage left and immediately moves over to Sabina's side.
She crouches beside her chair, touching her on knee and shoulder. The contact prompts an almost static spark, as if she was about to do something, and halted. Her intense expression switches to something softer. "'Bina-beans. Sabina. What happened? Talk to me."
Bina drains the dregs of her glass and sets it back down. "I cast the wrong spell first. I spoke the wrong words first. If I had to do it over again I'd change them and perhaps a man might be alive still." She shrugs her shoulder, not trying to throw of Rupi's touch. "There will be things said about yesterday, I'm sure. Blame to go around for all. But those two things will eat at me for some time, I'm sure."
Un'eth enters the unfamiliar place, snout panning to allow survey by sight and scent. Food is a necessity, her stomach reminds her. With her collection of bacon vanished in the claws of another, she must seek alternatives. Her preference is to hunt her own fare, yet it was ... strongly suggested that she not vacate the city just yet. This may or may not be related to the prior day's 'incident.'
Making her own rather more jubilant way into the TarRaCe is Thurid, ducking the doorframe as she makes her way inside, she glances about. Having been traveling for some time- on another Mission for the temple, spreading the word and where required hammer of Angoron where it is needed, she has returned to the city just recently. Aptly timed to miss any grim tidings from the noble district, and so the dour mood comes as a shock to the Angorite. Nevetheless, she lifts a hand in greeting to the proprietress, "I believe this is the first I've seen you without the mask." she offers.
Rupi leans closer at Sabina's shrug, slipping her arm along, across those shoulders to side hug her. She's potentially comforting as a presence. A warm body that is there. "You should tell me first everything, this will help."
The woman pauses, "then, if you want lies that make you feel better now, or truths that make you feel worse but better in the long run."
Un'eth's arrival, Thurid's, is almost completely ignored. A quick set of glances to check for danger. Neither register as such for the Tarrace, although Rupi looks up at Thurid with wide eyes as she addresses Sabina. Fear, then a scowl, followed by a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. Protectively she says, "There's a reason."
Bina lifts her eyes and takes in who's entered. There is a slight smile and she gently boops Rupi on the nose. "Be nice, please?" She asks the woman and then offers a wave to Thurid and then one as well to Un'eth. "Greetings and welcome to you both, Thurid and lady sith. There's food to be had I'm sure. Breakfast makings. Make yourself welcome." She nods then and continues for Thurid. "There is a reason. Even I can not smile all the time. A weakness I try to remove daily."
Thurid nods her head, her expression becoming slightly more solemn at the sting in Rupi's words. She does, however, invite herself closer and make herself welcome as offered. "I expect there is." she agrees, though, with the fact there's a reason for it. "Aye, and my shoulders are not yet broad enough to carry all the worlds woes." she adds then. She settles into a seat nearby, "But they are broad enough to share the burdeon, if you wish." she adds after a moment.
Un'eth notes the wave, the waver, then the drink and mask on the table. Some combine into a mote of mild familiarity. "Peace on your nest," she offers in return to Sabina, expanding it to those nearest her. She then turns her attention, for the moment, to the counter, approaching it to survey the offerings. Several meats, and varied preparations, are requested.
"Okay." Rupi says, leaning her forehead against the side of Sabina's head. A moment passes and then the woman rises. She's all smiles with what seems like genuine warmth, a pleasant expression turned towards Thurid. "I'm sorry."
A glance towards Un'eth, and a friendly beckon, "Please sit. Here, let me help." Thurid has found a seat but a bench can be moved closer for the Sith'Makar.
She makes a little bow, "Anything you like, I'll get the chefs working on it. Drinks too, if you like." A glance towards Sabina, her half bottle, the single glass. She pouts, "Is it okay if I have some of yours, 'Bina-beans?"
Bina manages a chuckle. "Yes, Rupi, you may. I should eat something too. Something not too greasy? I trust you to order for me if you want."
Bina then nods to Thurid. "A guild quest yesterday. Protection for a man from his home in the noble quarter to the temples. Fear of a demon attack. All was well, and then it wasn't. Aya, she who gave herself over to a demon duke so that a child might be returned, was used to attack the man. A man she knew. She killed him." Bina shrugs again, unsure of what to say after this.
"He was delivered to the temple all the same," Un'eth points out. The offer of seating makes further sharing of words all the easier. While the 'service' of the food is not something she is wholly accustomed to, she realizes that it is part of the establishment. So she steps towards and accepts the chair, reversing it before settling onto it. "He is in their hands." A truth on perhaps multiple levels, though she appears anything but tormented by the situation.
Thurid nods her head slowly at the explanation, "Bread and cheese, for me." she calls out her own breakfast order, and then settles back into the seat to listen to Bina's explanation- to the seats creaky protestation. When nothing more seems forthcoming, she leans forwards again. "I see." she finally offers. "Aya did what she could at the time, to save that child, this is right?" she wonders. "And you- you did what you could to save the man, as well. Yes?" she wonders.
A pause, to allow for answer- or not, before she continues. "There are times in this life we are not strong enough, not quick enough, not clever enough to see things end the way we would. There are times when even if we are all these things, there is nothing more that can be done." she offers then. "It is in these times that we are forged. We will be stronger, quicker, cleverer next time. If there are no options, we will strike a new path." she says then.
"Okay, wait till I'm back with my glass so we can drink together." Rupi says, pushing Sabina's wineglass a few inches further away from her with a lean and long outstretched arm. She nods, regarding the orders, then listens at the summary. She is like a statue. A few words are mouthed across her full lips, no breath: Eclavdran. Lily. Her cheerful expression slips, turning into something severe, visible only to Thurid and Un'eth. Like a mask, it flickers between welcoming openness and a blankness that might be anger.
It doesn't seem deliberate. Perhaps she isn't even aware. It might be real concern. The cheerful smile reappears, beams at all, "Okay! I'll get them. A nice surprise, Bread and Cheese, and the meats for you." She open hand gestures towards Un'eth, pointing at lizards is rude, plus they might snap off fingers. "Back in a moment."
She bounces for the kitchen.
Bina nods to both the other women. "That is good to know, lady sith. I found him and he was wisked away from me after. After that I walked the city in reflection. I found that I wished I had cast one spell first before another. And had been more clear in my words. As you say, Thurid, there is no other choice but to make better and faster choices next time. But it still stings."
She eyes her glass but leaves it where it is.
Thurid nods her head once more, "Aye. It's good to reflect, but not to be drawn into the pool of the past." she tells Sabina. "Unless you have a means to wind back the sun and the moon, and do things differently, all we can do is learn and do better next time." she offers. Another pause, and a deep breath, before she continues, "And it's good that it stings. Always should." she adds, finally.
"I am Un'eth, Shaman of the Tyrranik," she introduces as an alternative to 'lady sith.' "You did as you would, others did the same. As this one said," claws gesture at Thurid," you can only account for what you would next do, not change what was done. These times are very ... unusual." She is learning more details of the specific history, and it is quite strange to her. Un'eth knows well the kobold child. She also knows well the vile horrors that are the mul'niessa.
Rupi returns with a truly Jotun sized platter of breads and cheeses. Cheddar, Gouda, Havarti, Gryuere, Blue, swiss and goat cheese, several little blunt nosed knives with a horn tip. Breads like Rye, Ciabatta buns, Banana, Focaccia and wheat. This is slid in front of Thurid with an expert swoop.
A meat tray is in her other hand, balanced then deftly deposited in front of Un'eth. There are sausages, meat slices of prosciutto, pepperoni, mortadella, salami, ham and beef. Bread chicken slices are in a bowl, and there are smaller bowls of dipping sauces. She indicates them, "Hot. Sweet. Hot and Sweet. Spicy. Mustard, Honey."
This is followed by a quick hug of Sabina, "getting yours next. It'll be Ok. These two say things you need to hear, listen to them 'kay?"
Bina gives Rupi a grin and nods as she leaves. "You're both right. I know that. Yet as I said its the sting that bothers me. And the loss of a life. I told Aya to fight his control of her. And for a moment her face changed into complete pain and suffering before reverting to controlled. She's still in there. He's torturing her in a way. Making her kill people she cares for. Leave it to a royal demon."
She reaches out but instead of her glass she picks up her mask. Both hands put it in place with her head bowed and it's swiftly tied secure. When her head raises her smile is in place. "Ah..alas. Things will go on."
Thurid nods her head once more, "Then there is but one thing to do." she says then, "To drive the demon out of her. Pact be damned." she says then and shrugs, as though it were that easy. "Cast the demon back to the hells that spawned it, or better yet, destroy it entirely. The how of it, I'm less certain on, but you've my hammer should you need it." she offers. She peers at the rather fancier-than-she's-used-to board, usually she just gets a stale loaf and a half wheel of whatever's about to go mouldy. "It's good to be back in Alexandria." she muses, loading up a slice of bread with some cheese and popping it into her mouth.
"Ssa," Un'eth agrees, at least in part, "all goes on. The sun rises and sets, the seasons change." All regardless of individual lives or deaths, successes or failures. With the platter of meat now available, she plucks several hunks from it to chomp hungrily down. Irshya has connected.
Rupi returns! A platter is slide in front of the Tarienite. Sabina's surprise is confectionery, almost all the deserts in the Tarrace. There are two types of cheesecake, a cherry topped one, and a chocolate top. There are several pies, apple, cheery again, pumpkin, pineapple. As well are bowls of jellies, really fruits cooked down to a sweet, sticky mass. There is some blander fare, in the form of rice pudding, sponge cake, shortbread cookies. There is a selection of sugared orange slices.
"You'll be on salads for a month if you eat all of these, but you need something to cheer you up." She points at a covered plate, "There's also a surprise."
With that said she slips into her chair, jumps it closer to Sabina's and produces a wine glass which she fills, and then fills Sabina's. Some of the conversation was caught, perhaps all, who knows how sound carries to the kitchen. The woman nods to Thurid, "There's a plan. Sabina has been meeting with others. Best not to speak about it where it can be scryed."
Bina blinks and then laughs as the platter of sweets is produced. "Yes, yes I would be on salads for a month!" She clasps hold of Rupi's hand and then reaches for a fork, digging into a more 'breakfast-like' fruit pie and takes a bite. A second fork full is taken and then offered to Rupi as Bina continues to speak. "There was a plan. Aya knew of some of it if not all. I hope she is able to keep that information away from the duke. If not we may be in trouble. Still, there is hope as always. And I do not any will be turned away that desire to assist."
Thurid nods her head again, "Wouldn't be the first demon to feel the bite of my hammer, either. Mayhap that whitescale had the right of it when she said she thought I'd be suited for the demon hunting business." Thurid muses then with a gap-toothed smile. She grabs another bit of bread, another bit of cheese, and then a thought seems to strike her. "Forgot to order a drink. I don't suppose you have any Kvass on hand?" she wonders.
A small form in sea-green robes patters out of the baths area, wet footprints following close behind. The blue-skinned Gobbo leans heavily on her trident, with her holy symbol hanging around her neck in full view. She pauses and eyes the Tarrace's eating area, and then makes a beeline for Sabina. "BinaBina!", she shouts.
Un'eth swallows and pauses long enough to add, possibly in assurance, "Fiends on Ea will not be tolerated. All know they bring destruction, and would stand against them." Her claws then return to shoveling prey into her maw. One must eat, afterall.
Rupi eagerly takes the forkfull of fruit pie, smiling, closing her mouth around the fork and slowly pulling it off, followed by a demure smile while she chews. She picks up her own fork, takes the end off the chocolate cheesecake and when she has swallowed, has that as her second mouthful. It is followed by forking another slice and holding it towards Sabina. Now their forks are crossed.
Thurid gets a wary glance, a slow nod. "The white lizard... there's only one, yes? Cryosanthia? She's injured badly and at the Temple of Daeus. Also she's a dragon."
Nudging the fork of cheesecake towards Sabina, she adds, "A small one. Person sized. Talks. Herself. I'll get you the Kvass." As Irshya arrives, the woman smiles hopefully at her, then at Sabina again and gets out of the gobbo's way. She nods at Un'eth's expressed thoughts as well. "Drinks I think for everyone. I'll get Kvass for everyone."
She moves quick.
Bina finds herself eating a bite of cheesecake and chuckling. "Ahh.. if only we could eat this way every day we wished without becoming as round as a house." She then turns towards Irshya and offers the small one her smile. "Hello, Shya. You're looking ready for more blessings of shrines. Are you leaving so soon again?" Bina pouts briefly at the gobbo before grinning again. "Everyone here knows Irshya I hope?"
Thurid turns to spy the approaching gobber, and she smiles and offers her a little wave of greeting, though she seems rather distracted by Sabina. She turns her attention back and offers a nod of her head, "Cryosanthia. Wounded, you say? I'll need to visit. I'm sure the Deusites are doing their best..." she says- her being a dragon going over the jotun's head, for the time being. Priorities, after all.
Irshya slows, eyeing Rupi suspiciously, and then glancing at the desserts on display. The Gobbo cants her head slightly, "Are you eating all of these?", she wonders of Sabina. "Isn't it... a little much? Irshya means... desserts are good, but not so many at once." The Gobbo rubs her cheeks, and stands on tiptoe to sniff at the different desserts on offer. "Why so many?"
She grins at Thurid then, offering a wave in return. "Hello Thurid. It has been a while since you've visited us. Is everything well?"
"Her condition is greatly improved," Un'eth speaks up after her latest gorging. "Her cihuaa healed her completely. She is still a dragon and works to resolve her form." While Sabina and her friend indulge in sweets, the shaman is quite content with lessening the burden of meat on the other tray. "She will succeed, in time."
Bina perks up. "The spell blight is gone? That is very good to hear. I should have been there more." She sighs and shakes her head. "So many things to do and need done in a day." She then gently pokes Irshya in a ticklish spot. "Rupi was trying to lighten my mood, Shya. Yesterday was.. a rough day. I won't be eating all of this. Or even half. If you'd like some you're welcome to have some."
"Yes, she's the Gobbo of the Baths." Rupi calls from the kitchen. Soon after she has reappeared, meeting Irshya's suspicious eyeing with a hopeful smile. A Kvass carafe and cups for all are placed in front of Sabina, Thurid, Un'eth and Irshya, although the jotun's and the sith'makar's is more like a bowl with a handle.
It's a big carafe.
"Sabina was on a mission, Irshya, and the person she was trying to protect died." The woman explains, "So it's for everyone, so she doesn't have to think about choices too much." Or perhaps, think about them more. Rupi giggles slightly.
This is followed by a head-bob towards Un'eth, "Oh. that's great! Well we've got two months worth of books for her to do now. Won't she be pleased?"
"Yes, have some, everyone have some." She sits beside 'Bina again.
Thurid continues for her part working on her cheese and bread, and then turns her attention to Irshya. "I've been away, on a Mission with the temple." she tells the little goblin. "I have been looking forwards to paying the baths a visit again, though, now that I'm returned." she adds. She settles back again, and ponders a moment, "So her dragon form is not by choice?" she wonders then- apparently she did take it in, just didn't comment on it previously. "I admit, I'm not all too familiar with the Sith'makar, but I believed they strived for closeness to dragons. Is it such a curse to become one?" she wonders.
The Gobbo squeaks at the poke to her side, and swats lightly at Sabina's hand, grinning broadly. Her expression changes when Rupi returns with kvass. Frowning, Irshya shakes her head. "No, thank you though," she says to the cup set before her. "Sabina, perhaps a nice bath afterwards will help distract you from your mind for a little while?" When Thurid makes mention of considering a bath, the Gobbo grins and gestures, "See, you might have some company. Thurid may have stories to tell of her mission."
The large woman is eyed curiously by the diminutive one, "Good ones, I hope? A successful mission?" She slowly strays to where Un'eth sits, eyeing the meat that the Sith-makar indulges on, her nose working lightly. "And perhaps we should see if Cryosanthia wouldn't like a visit? Or even better, see if we can't get her to come here. Maybe a nice bath would aid her in her recovery!"
Un'eth snorts, snout and eyes shifting to Thurid. "It is not a curse, but a privilege to manifest The Blood so! She did not change by intent and cannot revert by choice. This city is not built for dragons." This she can state with confidence.
Bina chuckles at Irshya and takes another bite of pie, patting the seat for Rupi to sit back down as the others talk. "All good ideas. I approve. I wonder if Cryosanthia is well enough to travel. Though we'd need a covered wagon should she still be stuck in dragon form. No gawkers wanted and no more rumors of serving dragon steaks here on the menu."
"That's what happened the first time she was here. Sabina rescued her from the wilds. 'Bina was so amazing!" Rupi says, "then her husband took her to the Temple of Daus, and ... ah... I don't know what's happened since, and well, the Lady Sith knows more."
"Plus, a dragon in the streets might cause a stir, adventurers hitting her with hammers, no chance to explain." Her words are very sympathetic as she says this. Irshya gets several nods, "Baths are a great idea!"
"That's a good idea too 'Bina."
Thurid ahs and nods her head, then, at Un'eth. "Aye, That is true enough I suppose. It'd be much like if I were trapped in my giant form. I'd be pressed enough to find a privy what could accommodate me, much less somewhere to board." she muses with a chuckle. She takes a swig from her mug of Kvass, then. "And that's even with otherwise humanoid features. And aye, I suspect heads would turn an' all." she muses. She chuckles as topics turn to the baths, and she offers the gobbo a wink, "I swear you've a plan to have us all shrivel up like prunes in those baths." she accuses.
The Gobbo is now focused on the platter of meat, and when Un'eth looks away for even a moment, a choice section of roast beef is quickly snatched and delivered to Irshya's maw. "Irshya will go and visit Cryosanthia to see how she is feeling. And perhaps arrange her visit here, if possible.", she says after a quick swallow. Rupi is eyed curiously. "Irshya not sure if that is so, honestly. The citizens might be used to ... things always happening here. If Cryosanthia wasn't attacking anyone, and escorted, they might only just stare."
The Gobbo giggles at Thurid, looking away. "Irshya not know what Thurid is talking about. There is no plans to get everyone into the baths."
"Yet."
Un'eth gestures to the east with claws. "The Tornmawr is within a stone's throw. There is ample water and room for bathing. Why do so here?"
Bina chuckles at the conversation and again at Un'eth's question. "Because we can do things here that one can't out there. Like heat the water. Dry off without mud between our toes or sand. Use oils and soaps to scent ourselves differently. We wouldn't want to pollute the waters if we can help it, yes? The waters here are magically cleaned and refreshed. Irshya helps with that."
Rupi eyes Thurid's hammer again. She maintains a vacuous smile, says, "That would be absolutely terrifying. You, much bigger, and pruned."
It's followed another slow nod towards Irshya, "They might. A lot are on edge lately. Lots of fiends about, and that Demon Duke. People are jumpy."
She laughs suddenly, "But it's the spooky season, maybe they'll think it's a costume! We should think of costumes, what do you want to try 'Bina-beans? How about... a peacock, well peahen, you don't want Lord Emp to get jealous." She considers her suggestion.
"Actually they're not all that interesting as a bird. Bird of Paradise? A parrot! Oh you could be an Nor'xian Blue." The sultry woman looks over at Un'eth, "there's also a drink service, and masseuses."
"And I didn't do much of anything Rupi. Aya was the one that knew where to go and get Cryosanthia. And combatted the foes there."
"You cared 'Bina-beans. Everyone thought she was okay." Rupi stares back, "thought she was safe in Am'shere, getting treated. No one would have known something went wrong if you hadn't decided to go look."
Thurid laughs, "Well for one the water here is hot." she points out. "I don't mind a nice bracing dip in the Tormwar, myself, but a hot bath does wonders for aches and pains and wound up muscles." she muses, though she lets Sabina extol the rest of the bath's virtues while she takes another swig of her drink. She offers a grin at Rupi, "Aye, I suppose that depends on perspective. If you're behind me, it's reassuring I'd like to hope. If you're in front of me? Well, best consider if it isn't wiser to get out of the way." she muses.
The Gobbo seems pleased as Sabina and Thurid chime in on the baths. "The baths here are more about relaxing and feeling nice than getting clean. Though that happens too." Irshya pats her stomach. "Irshya doesn't mind the Tornmawr, but then, she is protected by thicker skin. But the baths here are much nicer, in a way. Sadly, no fish to catch, though, so some of the fun is lacking."
Bina looks to Rupi and chuckles. "If I dressed as a peahen then I'd likely cause a fight between Emp and Ramirez all over again. The thought of another bird is nice. I'd need a new mask though.. or a spell to disguise." She hmms softly in thought and then takes another bite of pie. Thurid gets a chuckle and a nod. "Large and in charge woman with a hammer. Get out of her way."
"That's my plan, stay out of her way." Rupi nods, smiling widely at Thurid, "Anywhere you want me, behind, that's fine, just let me know."
She forks herself another piece of pie, slips it in her mouth and turns the fork over before withdrawing it. "We should go shopping. Oh! For boots, you promised boots. The mask is a great idea."
She bites her lip, "No plague doctors, I've seen too many of those around lately. Something... with a lot of beads. Have you considered True-Sight goggles too? Those could be really useful."
The bite of cake is followed by a sip of wine, a large sip that almost drains her glass. "Maybe you could make illusionary fish in the baths, then they could be chased but never caught."
"Aye, I've been a plague doctor too recently to find that particular getup amusing." Thurid replies to that sentiment. She grins again at the talk of the Tormwar, "No fish to catch, true, but mischievous goblins swimming about what you can nab if you're quick enough." she muses. She pops more bread and cheese into her mouth, making her way through the platter admirably, and washes it down with another glug of Kvass. "As for dressing up, not sure what I could go as. Mayhap Angoron." rather predictable, "There's that fable of the time he appeared as a woman. Could be amusing, a woman dressing as a man dressed as a woman." she chuckles.
The Goblin is seriously considering one of the pie slices that Rupi brought out, but she looks away when Rupi speaks of illusionary fish. "But where's the fun in that? If you can catch a fish, it should be real, at least. It should be yours to eat!"
Irshya snorts at Thurid then, and shakes her head. "No one can catch this Gobbo in the water. Irshya have unfair advantages. Least of which is the blessing of Rada!"
The group is sat down at the table nearest the kitchens and the table is littered with food and drink now. Bina tsks amussedly at the talk and the talkers. "Come now, Shya. It would look pretty at the very least? And it would be tiny illusory fish. Too small to be worth eating but fun to watch?" She nods to Rupi then. "Yes.. you need boots for the Winter. And I wish I could afford such a thing as true sight goggles but that is far outside my ability to purchase I think."
Merek walks along and into the TarRaCe, while he takes the time to adjust that scarf which he wears along the face, and will find a place to settle in at one of the tables, while he writes a note for his order, it looks like the man will be taking fish and a nice whiskey. Then he places a few coins on the table.
Rupi laughs at Thurid, grinning, "That seems very awkward, but if anyone could pull it off, you could!" Wait... is that meant to be a compliment? The woman maintains her smile. Noticing Irshya gaze, she pushes a plate towards the gobbo, "Here. This one is untouched. Pineapple pie."
Her suggestion of fake fish rejected, she concedes to the modified version, "They'll just have to settle for trying to catch you, and I think little ones to watch would be nice too."
Another fork of cheesecake, the cherry version this time, held temptingly towards Sabina's mouth, "I'll do my best with hunches then."
Thurid laughs boisterously, seemingly taking it as a compliment, "Aye, I've been told I have a passing resemblance as it is!" she says. "They say Angoron appears to women during childbirth, and my mother swears she saw him there. Mayhap the Mountain's blessed me with his looks as well as his might." she muses then.
"As for true sight... that'd be a real boon for anyone, I'd wager. I can dispell lies and illusions, by calling on Angoron to show the truth, but to be able to see through them at a glance would be a tue godsend." she says, nodding her head absently.
Irshya hmmphs, and turns her head at the offered pie. "No thank you.", she says quietly. "I am off to rededicate some shrines, and to tend to their care." She steps in to hug Sabina, and then Thurid, before offering a wave to everyone. The Gobbo turns then, and heads for the door.
While waiting for the food, Merek will notice Irshya and waves that way, then he smiles. The man relaxes a little bit into the seat while he takes the time to watch people mill about.
"I didn't put my fingers in them. I touched just the plate." Rupi says, pouting to Irshya's harrumph. She glances around the room against, nothing to worry about jumps out.
It's back to a winning smile to Thurid, "So he's there to shock them into delivery? Boo! Baby?"
There's another glance towards the door, no one is there, her smile flickers briefly back to the blank gaze. "At best it might be an early warning but they would be helpful."
"Ha! More to give them the strength they need." Thurid retorts, "Althea might be the mother, but there's only so far gentleness gets you in life. So Angoron is there for when the time for gentleness is over, and it's time to push with all yer might." she says then and nods sagely. She follows the gaze towards the door, and frowns a bit, "Worried 'bout unwelcome visitors?" she wonders. I could put down a circle for you, if you like. "Ward the entrance 'gainst evil." she suggests.
Merek will take the time to wait for his food and drink. When it arrives, the man takes a bite of fish, then chases that with whiskey, while relaxing in the seat and checking the small device in his pocket to begin working with a little artifice.
Strike, much less blotchy than her previous visit now that the new skin has managed to properly grow in, deigns to return to the TaRrAcE for some(hopefully) unburdened culinary experimentation.
Last time turned into conspiracies and work while waiting for some Veyshanti cooking.
With her usual methodicism, the half-mul enters the establishment and gives it a lookover, seeking a place to settle in for phase one of her sinister plan.
Rupi nods, following Thurid's explanation of Angoron and Althea's roles in deliveries, with the attentiveness of one who hasn't gone through any of it nor witnessed any doing so. Her head turns to look at the door as the jotun's does.
In time to see Strike stride through. Ill timed, but a good demonstration. "Yes, and yes. She's ok, I've seen her here before. There are a bunch of ways in and out, but a circle on the door, that would help a lot."
Sabina's sultry companion is seated at a table with an ebon-scaled Sith'Makar, and a jotun woman in Angorite garb. The table is laden with platters of bread and cheese, meats, and confectioneries. Some servings not completely devoured. There's also an absolutely giant karaft of kvass, and some wine.
Thurid nods her head again in confirmation, "Right." she says, pausing a moment, she glances up towards the prominent iconography already on display, "-though, Mayhap a priest of one of them'd be better for the task." she admits, nodding her head towards the combined shrine to Tarien, Rada and Ceinara. "Angoron is mighty as he is magnanimous, but he aint so good at sharing a space." she admits and then shrugs. "Broad shoulders." by way of explanation. For her part, she seems to be working on single handedly demolishing the board of bread and cheese, and is just draining the last swig of her two-pint flagon of Kvass, reaching for the caraffe to pour another.
Strike isn't devoid of actions that could be judged... subjectively, but is neither Outsider as esoterics consider such things, nor a conjuring.
The halfbreed continues her traversive survey, noting the uncommonly acute symmetry of the TaRrACe's newer greeter looking her direction and grants her, and by extension, those companions looking the grey woman's way, a nod.
Rupi waves at Strike as she progresses through the room. She pats the seat beside her, and moves her own chair away from it a few inches, "Come sit, there's plenty untouched, and if you take from what's in front of me I won't bite."
She has a wide grin, "Not sure about the Lady Sith or the Lady Giant, they still look pretty hungry. Your skin is clearing up, you look good."
She rubs at the seat some more, "It's still warm..."
Invitation issued, she nods to Thurid, "I'll suggest it to 'Bina Beans. It's a pretty big space, but the three.." a gesture over her shoulder to the statue of the gods, "might feel a little squeezed."
Merek will wave a little bit along to Strike, while he takes the time to eat the fish and take a drink of whiskey, a bit content to relax. He does watch the place, and also orders a dessert cake with the menu.
Thurid nods her head, "Aye, you know what they say. Three's a crowd, four is just ridiculous." she muses. "Sabina's got some skill with the divine, herself, as has Irshya. If need be, I'd be happy to provide the silver powder. But warding the doors might put your minds at ease, at the very least." she comments then. She swigs her drink once more, and adjusts her seated position, the chair giving a pained creak at the large woman's motions.
On the topic of skin clearing up, her attention goes back to Strike once more. The Jotun has her fair share of scars, too. One of which in her hairline, interrupting the growth there, others too. "You were hurt?" she wonders.
Strike waves back toward Merek as he makes his presence known, looking him over as her course carries her along that way with a quiet, "Hello, Merek."
He seems to be enjoying his repast, and so the invitation from the welcoming woman takes her attention for the moment.
The seat patting puts a bit of an upcurl into a brow after the renewed appraisals of the woman's hungry companions, and she notes dryly on her approach, "I'm less tasy than I look."
The question from the large woman warrants a nod as her hand settles on the back of the proffers chair, "We beat a demon to death and it left an acidic miasma filling the room. It took us some time to get the innocents out."
Up close, there are subtle discolorations; a slightly paler, rosier hue to the half-mul's smokey skin with signs that magical treatment was applied very quickly, if in repeated treatments for those of properly trained eyes.
Merek nods a little bit to Strike, smiling. The mage takes the time to lean back into his seat, and when his cake eventually arrives, then he takes a bite of that while he keeps working with that artifice. "I really enjoy the food and drink in this place."
Thurid grimaces at that, "Aye, demons are nasty bastards. Even their blood is foul ichor, full of disease at best and hellish toxins at worst." she says then. "Had a couple of run-ins, myself." she adds, and thumbs towards her hammer- a massive thing, leaning up against a wall. It's decorated with a number of trinkets tied to and dangling from the haft. An ogre's tooth, a bit of goats horn, a drake's scale. "Horn come off a demon what was turning innocents into disease carrying, flesh eating sheep, of all things. Till I caved its ruddy skull in."
Rupi, by contrast, seems perfect. Symmetrical as Strike has observed, without blemish. Of course, most of her is covered by her plain waitress uniform, a buttoned down shirt, straight slacks, although they complain of her curves. Her feet are bare, mildly odd but not unusual. Her hairline is immaculate.
She's smiling pleasantly as the mul'niessa approaches, casually answering Thurid, "yes, they are. All terrible."
"Wait? Flesh eating sheep? That's... that's a new one. Where was this." The horn has her attention now, but she doesn't move to touch it, or any closer to Thurid.
Strike finally settles in and nods, "That's.... different?" she observes, brows furrowing slightly at the odd visual that presents, glancing toward the indicated weapon and it's collection of tales.
The half-mul nods, "We had to fight our way through a swarm of Dretches, once, with dozens more rushing in through portals, trying to reclaim an artifact from their master. My only souvenir was a better understanding of the frame's capacity for generating vomit." And getting clawed all to hell.
She glances toward Merek, "It's good food."
Thurid scowls a bit, "I thought it sounded amusing, when I first heard talk of man eating sheep. But when we actually went to investigate it was... less so." she says then. "They harbored all manner of disease, their wool was matted with decay. It was like doing battle with a charnel house on a warm summer day." she says then shaking her head a bit. "We were able to destroy their master, though, so all is good in the end."
She picks up her mug, draining what remains in a few quick gulps, "For now, I think I'll take that bath." she says, and stands from her chair, which creaks in relief at being divested of her considerable mass. "Well met, both of you." she offers, and then makes her way towards the entrance to the baths.
Rupi listens, then becomes lost in thought. Too late she calls after the jotun, "Wait! Can you mark it on a map? That would be good to know." Yet Thurid is already in the baths.
"I'll catch her when she comes out." The woman says.
"I imagine that might have smelled like the Dretches." Strike replies, nose wrinkling cutely at the memory, "Have a good day." she offers as the large woman takes her leave.
She looks to the hostess with the mostest, then, "What kind of bread is this?"
"That is ciabatta, it's a dense bread which is good for dipping and sandwiches." Rupi replies, she gestures at the meat tray, "There are various meats, in original form and salami versions, like prosciutto, and the cheeses of course. The Lady Sith and the Jotun ate through most of it, but there's enough for you still."
That said, she stares at Strike with a somewhat blank smile, "So, healing. That's good. Do you want to hear news?"
Merek will take the time to gently eat that cake while he watches the place and relaxes, looking about.
The dark eyes of the half-mul roam across the selection as the host explains before her hands reach out to start coposing herself a bit of a sandwich.
The question prompts a measured pause before Strike seeks the woman's face and answers, "Sure."
She sounds sure.
"Well, the white lizard, Cryosanthia, she's fine now, her mate healed her. Her child is back. The Mul'niessa Aya is a tortured soul owned by a demon. She killed a man who was trying to get to the temple for safety. There was a huge green dragon in the streets last night." Rupi rattles things off.
"No, there aren't green dragon steaks or other dishes on some secret menu." She gestures towards Merek, "Mr Tall, Dark, and no longer coughing blood did something extraordinary in the Sea of Mana, he can tell you about it."
The woman bites her lip, "Hmmm... Ah! There's a Lord Altay that some people are going to talk to, his Lady died, and his unborn child, at a party. Very tragic."
"Oh! Lord Altay also ran a chili contest which had meat from intelligent mortals. The nice kind, like humans, Sith'Makari. Everyone ate it unexpectedly."
She makes a small shudder which is clearly pantomime, and adds an "ick."
"So always check your meat. And there's a bunch of fiends around. All sorts."
Strike nods thoughtfully, slight flickers of emotion touching the corners of her expression as the hostess cycles through the week in review.
A glance toward Merek as he's indicated, and she nods, then back to the hostess, "There's always a fiend, somewhere."
There are enough ups and down in the accumulated news that it balances out her mood with a subtle tint to the negative, but she nods, "Thank you for the update."
"Glad to help." Rupi smiles, "Also the baths are great. There's a goblin in them to catch. Also a jotun. Whom you saw."
There's an unfinished bottle of wine. The woman works on resolving that.
Merek does look to Rupi, and doesn't comment about all the blood. Probably because that would not be resolved. All the same, he nods a bit to Strike, "Ya, I... Well, it's a story. I don't know, I merged with the Sea of Mana, and you know."
The half-mul nods, "It sounds like a perplexing experience." she replies softly, then a considering sigh, before she rises, "I have some things to consider, have a good day, miss."
With a few steps over toward Merek, she gently pats his shoulder in passing, "Take care, Merek." and she carries on out to other venues to ends anyone is free to guess.
Rupi sputters, choking on her wine, coughing then spraying it. "Merek? That's Merek? That's the Unbreakable One?"
She stares, wide eyed, "I was expecting someone taller, and in more white." She jumps to her feat.
"Great story. Sounds well, you know. Gotta go." The nearest tray of empty stuff is grabbed and heaved towards the kitchen. There is much clattering.
