Justice and Vice
Log Info
- Title: Justice in the Tarrace
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Cryosanthia, Sabina, Aryia, Un'eth, Mercy, Culix
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe
- Time: Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 11:01 AM
- Summary: Cryo comes down from her temporary room at the Tarrace and encounters Rupi, who is cordial. However, a demon asking after her youngling, considering recent events, is too much for the white sith'makar. She threatens to kill Rupi if she goes near her, and Sabina interrupts, asking the ladies to be nice. Rupi suggests they don't have to be friends, but as they do work together and share a friend, a professionalism would be nice to maintain. The doors open and the Tarrace is flooded, first with Aryia, then Un'eth and a large number of worshipers. The Temple District restrictions are driving faithful to other sites with statues of the gods, such as the Tarrace. The restaurant is flooded to standing room only, with worshipers outnumbering eaters and making it impossible for the orders to get to them. Inquisitrix Mercy enters, and demands everyone confess, startling many into doing so. She clarifies, she's only looking for demons. Sabina requests the Inquisitor stop disrupting her restaurant and search as she please, and has Rupi organize getting the statues down to the ground, and offering bins set up in front of them. Rope cordons too, to help the line that's happening. Cryosanthia speaks obliquely with Aryia and Un'eth, asking the Mul'niessa to come with her for a private talk. After she checks on Lily, and so she departs. Culix arrives, doubts she'll be able to get to the baths, and gets an explanation of what is going on. She and Aryia end up in a discussion with Mercy regarding her past, her idolization of Justice, her plans and how she judges 'sins'. The Inquisitor explains how she fought against bullies, and had a vision to become not a Paladin, whose temperament she has, but an Inquisitor. She also explains the tokens and confusing tasks she's been given. Aryia and Culix decide they want to avoid 'The Law' more.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* 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.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Morning Rush -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. Sabina 5'4" 130 Lb Human Female Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes. Aryia 4'8" 110 Lb Shadow Elf Female A heavily scarred mul with a resolved look about her. Un'eth 6'2" 275 Lb Sith-Makar Female An ebon-scaled female Sith-makar. Mercy 5'5" 150 Lb Human Female A platinum haired Aesir woman, in flamboyant black. Culix 3'2" 36 Lb Goblin Female Beady-eyed goblin female in leathers and hood. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Totally not a Demon -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi Human Female Dark hair, sultry expression, full lips, athletic. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's a grey day, with the tide high and rising and a chilling rain outside. Bleak, raw, it reminds everyone winter is coming.
From the East.
Although winter is already here, in the form of a white-scaled sith'makar woman who has been taking advantage of her friend's benevolence. She descends from the upper area.
The TarRaCe is just getting ready to open for the morning rush. Servers are setting up. Sitting casually near the entrance to the kitchen is a dangerously attractive woman in a slim, server's uniform. She's taking advantage too, of the momentary lull before the customers rush in.
The whitescale halts on the last step, stares at the woman. She doesn't sound pleased. "Oh. You. Well Sabina was right about your appearance."
"Yes, me!" The woman smiles wolfishly, turning to gaze at the sith, "Morning Big White! Up early? How's Pinky?"
There's a flash in Cryosanthia's eyes, an unbidden growl in her throat and a snarl in her words. She moves fast for her size, very fast, and is suddenly looming over the other woman, her hands curling. Not quite claws, not yet. "Do not! Do not look at her. Do not touch her. Do not speak to her. I've had enough of demon threats to my nest. I will end you."
Rupi is actually shocked with the sudden ferocity and leans away from the angry momma. Several expressions flicker across her face, fear, anger perhaps, an attempt at a smile, a less aggressive one. Her eyes are wide, her hands up, "Hey, hey, okay, just... it's okay, was just being friendly."
"I'm not going near her. How everyone rallied for you, for her, I'd have better survival chances running naked, screaming and on fire through the Temples. Should have realized you would be... concerned." The woman sounds apologetic.
Cryo relaxes, a little. She lowers her hands and stands out of her fighting crouch. There's a long exhale of cold air that mists in front of her. She doesn't sound cheerful, "Fine."
Rupi slowly edges back into a normal seating position, letting the whitecale have the power position of standing over her. She knows the sith is a viable threat, could likely take her all on her own. Cautiously she says, "Okay, so... you're Sabina's friend and you work here. And I'm Sabina's partner and friend, and I work here. We don't have to like each other, or even get along, but we are co-workers and should have at least a cold, professional relationship and not cause problems for the Tarrace."
"Do you think that's possible?" She smiles and tilts her head at the whitescale.
Bina comes to the railing up above the main room and peers down. "My my...It's too early for raised voices, Ladies." She gives them both a warm smile while taking in the two and the atmosphere. "I've already talked to Rupi about behaviour and whith whom, Cryosanthia. If you think it's going to be an issue we can certainly talk about things." She grins then at Rupi. "Good morning. Is there anything left for a light meal?"
The front door was open, after all. And if there wasn't enough trouble already, Trouble walks in. Clad in a green dress that flares out at the shins with matching sleeves that go up to the wrists, a scarred mul'neissa's brows pinch together at the sight before her. She carefully removes her green cloth gloves and puts them in the pocket of a heavy grey cloak.
Shimmery eyes glance from the looming whitescale, to the host, to Bina. A slow hand raises, a thumb jabbed over Aryia's shoulder with a white brow held up high. As if saying 'uh.... should I go?'
Cryosanthia gazes down at the other woman, carefully reviewing her words, searching for some hidden deal like the one that trapped Ezil. It's not offered like a bargain. It is frustrating, she wanted some orange juice and now she's negotiating and still hasn't woken up fully. A thought strikes, if her question is answered with a question does it count as accepting a contract?
And then Sabina interrupts, Cryo looks her way, shaking her head, "This one may not be staying long in Alexandria anyhow. We can talk later."
To Rupi, "Sure? I guess we'll see? I can be cold." It's practically Cryo's defining feature.
"Awesome! Oh customers!" Rupi slides her chair back, jumps to her feet and moves about the table while keeping it between her and the whitescale. She waves at Aryia, all smiles."Hey Trouble, we're opening. Come in!"
Finishing her circuit, the woman gives Sabina a warm hug, "Yes, there are a bunch of things, I'll get you a surprise."
The jabbing thumb finds itself pointing at gray scales as Un'eth enters several strides behind the currently paused mul'niessa. She halts at the doorway and her snout pans as she takes in the sights and scents.
Bina sighs and shakes her head. "No Aryia. Come in and have a seat. Tempers seem to be on the rise today is all." She gives a smile and a wave to Un'eth. "Welcome. Come on in. Have a seat please."She moves to join Cryo and gives the cold-scale a familiar hug. "It's good to see you up and about, you know. I thought for sure you'd be in bed a year with the wounds you had."
Aryia's brows smooth out as whatever tension had been present goes away. She could put two and two together, judging between Cryosanthia's stance and Rupi's disarming smile. She gives a slight nod and a thumbs up and takes a seat close by.
A glance is stolen over to Un'eth, the mute woman's features smoothing out to a light smile. "Peace on your nest," she motions with familiar gestures to her, as well as to Cryosanthia.
Oh! Right, the whitescale. She flutters her hand to get her attention, Aryia pointing to the Speaker, to herself, then pantomiming a talking head with her head as she tilts her head to the side. <Handspeech>
Un'eth notes the whitescale first, Sabina with her greeting, then the sucky busser moving to buss suckily, and, of course, Aryia before her. "Peace on your nests." After Aryia moves, she does, herself. She might otherwise step on or over a mul, and may have, but now isn't the time, place, nor even mul to do so. Aryia is indirectly followed as Un'eth also moves in Cryosanthia's direction, though she does not claim a seat.
Cryo returns the hug. Her embrace is firm and her body is cold. There's a shudder, a quiet noise, a vibration that is felt more than heard. A shakey inhalation of breath. The sith's pupils are wide, a recognizable sign she's distressed and pushing things down. Her tail hangs against the back of her legs.
Her words come carefully, with a happy lilt that doesn't match what she feels, nor the Tarienite feels, "Zeke. Healed me. Very effectively. His attention was magnificent, almost to his detriment. We had to beg him to take care of himself."
"Then things happened. We shared words. This one is not a cihuaa." She manages to say this sounding perfectly happy. Well, cheerful.
Cheerful isn't Happy.
"I'll tell you later." Cryo releases her embrace and steps back.
Rupi watches the interaction with an intent stare. She tilts her head, looking at Sabina, but some instructions have sunk in. She says nothing, she's being 'nice'.
"Oh, oh hello Aryia. Peace on your Nest Un'eth." The whitescale offers greetings.
The dark elf and the dark makari aren't the only ones to enter. The Tarrace is filling up, startlingly quickly. Not everyone is taking seats. They are walking up to the three statues that govern the establishment, halting a respectful distance away, and start to pray. One of the faithful looks at Sabina, "Is there a place we can leave offerings?"
"Um..." Rupi says, having withdrawn during the sith's hug, "'Bina-beans...?"
GAME: Mercy rolls intimidate: (9)+12: 21
The door is flung open, black dragon emblazoned cape behind her, platinum blonde hair flipping in the resulting wind, An unusually slight and short for an Aesir woman poses heroically in the doorway and looks sternly with a piercing gaze at all the breakfasters. She rattles a little as she steps forward, trying to move gracefully despite the collection of repeating light crossbows under her and spare longsword.
"I am Redeemer Mercy Hjarlhundr of the Order of the Radiant Sun. I am here on Temple business and in the name of JUSTICE! I beg you all to co-operate with me and serve JUSTICE! to the best of your ability. -- as she takes another step forward she drops her stern act and bows and flourishes her hat to those she knows. To the Sith-Makar she says in Draconic "Peace be upon your nests" to the others she offers a more generic greeting. Her eyes sharpen a little as she Greets Sabina and Rupi. "I don't believe we have met I'm guessing the honoured Sabina and one of her staff?"
Bina takes in the cheerful look and her smile saddens but remains. "I'm sorry to hear that, Cryosanthia. May you find happiness in other ways, places and people." She's about to say more when she's asked about places to leave offerings. She blinks, caught off guard, "You wish to leave offerings here?" And then it hits her that the temples are closed. "We will make a place for them if you like. And I'll make sure they go to the temples as best I can."
And then... a grand entrance made by one she's never met before. Some more blinking and then a wry smirk. "I am Sabina." is all she says before leaning over to Rupi. "Please get three small crates, my dear. We'll have to bring the three statues down to floor level as well." She then turns back to Mercy. "Is there something I can assist you with Redeemer?"
Aryia does not understand the significance of makari culture. To her, such things come and go. So she makes a little 'ah' sound, despite those words probably not being meant for her. Those long ears hear practically everything.
She gives a little nod to Cryosanthia, knowingly and willingly giving up the fact she overheard that.
The people filling in to pray to the statues was odd. But... not out of the ordinary, considering the temples were closed now.
Conversation was light, it was a calm morning, things were going great and- JUSTICE!
There's an audible thud of a knee against the underside of a table, as well a chair toppling over. A flash of something base, anxiety induced panic, goes across her features. Fists raise and eyes settle on...
Mercy
She heavily pouts, picking up her chair and uprighting it with a clang. She pulls out a notebook, scribbles an order down, and gives it to one of the staff as they pass by.
Coffee with a shot of anything.
The whitescale's words may spark a number of questions from Un'eth, but her snout and eyes are diverted by the stark entrance. Her head tilts, then a bit further as a more polite and familiar greeting is made. "Ssa, peace on yours, Redeemer."
A blink follows at the thump and topple in her immediate vicinity. Un'eth now eyes Aryia for a moment before she suggests, "More meats, less sweets."
The ash-blonde Inquisitress flips a stray lock of her hair back over her should to fall behind her back. Her stern but somehow friendly and cheerful gaze passes over the clientele who hadn't been present last night. "I ask your pardon as invade a bit of your privacy. But I am investigating the possible presence of Evil. And I intend to know who will obey the law and answer me honestly when I question them." Her eyes begin glowing with eldritch energy and she stalks among the people not at Sabina's table looking all the while like she's sniffing at their auras.
The arrival of Justice with the Redeemer and her demand for help is heard. Everyone notices. The faithful praying turn, and randomly confess things to her. "I've been unfaithful." "I've spread rumours." "I've been skimming a little off the top for months, how did you figure this out?" "I did not have relations with that woman." "It's totally ineffective as a cure, it's just sugar, water and some glowing salt-powders."
Rupi's eyes go wide for the second time this morning, a sinking feeling at her core. Another credible threat. She steps into Sabina's shadow.
Cryosanthia whips her head around to stare at Mercy, her tail lashes once behind her, curling into a protective arc around Sabina's calves. Rupi gets a bit of shielding too, accidentally. The white sith's breathing is steady, she's a pillar of calm and ice.
The instructions get through to Rupi, finally. "Okay, three crates. Statues down. Should I set ropes so there's a corridor along the wall and we separate diners from worshipers?"
Aryia gets caught in Mercy's sweep, the well dressed mul'neissa's aura getting picked up along the way. She radiates an adherence to some kind of structure, but of what kind, no one knows. Especially since she has a reputation of breaking the law.
She sips on her spiked coffee, watching as a deluge of confessions spill out to the just woman. Might as well add to the confessions, even if no one understands.
"I killed someone who was fleeing and I don't regret it," she motions with her right hand. Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip.
The elf gives a soft sigh and reaches out to Cryosanthia, her patting their leg to try and calm them. <Handspeech>
GAME: Mercy rolls sense motive: (8)+10: 18
Mercy bows again to Sabina. "Forgive my abruptness Lady Sabina, please let me know how you wish to be addressed, I will be with you in just a moment." She makes a patting gesture at the crowd. "Now now easy. QUIET. I have just one Question. 'Are any of you a demon?' She eyes watch the ones she believes will be truthful weather due to Alignment or Intimidation. She continues smiling calmly even as she uses her inquisitors 'piercing gaze' on them.
Bina's smile slips into a frown as Mercy starts asking if patrons are demons. "Redeemer Mercy. Please refrain from pestering my guests with questions of demonic status. If they were demons they'd not tell you the truth. And even via spells a demon might not be caught in a lie. I've had enough inquisitors traipsing through the Tarrace in the last few days that I really /could/ be running a temple rather then what this places is... a eatery and bath house. Now. Either deal with me and leave my patrons alone or get out. I'll tell you what I told the others. Feel free to inspect every nook and cranny of the Tarrace.. but leave my underclothing drawer alone. I'm already missing two nice pieces as it is."
Un'eth is not keen on many of the happenings in the city, in general, though moreso as of late. Most specifically in the context of fiendish infiltration and poor city planning. Still, the direct inquisition is somewhat surprising. Not necessarily wrong, just unexpected.
"I am not, they are not," claws motion to those at the table. Cryosanthia and Sabina she is certain of, and she is willing to give Aryia the benefit of doubt. Even if she is a mul. Her snout then gestures to Sabina. "Ssa. A fiend would speak false."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+27: (9)+27: 36 (Rupi bluff)
"Okay! Got it 'Bina." Rupi chirps, following with a peck on Sabina's cheek and a firm press of her hand against the Tarienite's lower spine. A glance is shared with the whitescale behind her back as well, something with a smirk as she lifts her hand away, as if to say 'mine'. Carefully she steps around the lizard tail and heads towards the kitchen to organize. "Nope! No demons here! We checked!"
The TarRaCe is filling up with worshipers. There are a few people here to eat, sitting at tables in a sea of humanity as the faithful congregate and wait for their place at the informal line. Servers are having to hold their trays high, and slowly weave through the throng.
Cryosanthia simply nods, remaining where she is beside Sabina and watching the redeemer, not responding to the other woman's glance or the other-other woman's demands. Her ear fins cycle and fold beside her head, her crest is down. She rubs down her front, leaving her right hand resting on her belly. She chuffs, exhales properly, then drags a short bench over beside Aryia and settles onto it.
She's a little spot of cold in a room that is warming up with bodies. The Mul'niessa gets a long, uninterrupted gaze from the white reptile. Her eyes have returned to normal it would seem.
Aryia gives a slight sigh of relief as Bina puts her foot down. The elf may not be a demon, even if Un'eth's good graces somehow extended to her. But she was certainly not free from sin at all.
The mute woman returns the look to Cryosanthia, her shimmery eyes blinking a few times as they have a silent stare off. A light smile cracks across her features, and she raises a hand in greeting once more, almost as if resetting the whole debacle back to a fresh start.
The dressed pugilist's scent is vaguely mingled with someone else's, Cryo could tell.
The Black and Platinum clad inquisitress is blithely unaware of Aryia's hand signed confession. Her sharp eyes notice the motions but she has no idea what they mean. She nods to herself and her eyes stop glowing. She nods to herself in satisfaction. Then she turns to Sabina. "Lady Sabina I apologise for this interruption. It is not my intent to harass you but rather to END this unJUST disruption of your business with firm proof and convince my colleagues to cease this and redirect their efforts toward the REAL calls for JUSTICE! in this strife filled city. Their incompetent efforts are never going to clear this place."
She waves at the crowd. "It's VERY clear that nearly everyone who visits your place is exactly what they same or so well concealed that a cloak and a fake nose will not reveal them. I have further ideas that should be LESS distruptive to do a truly comprehensive investigation but I will speak to you in private about them."
The woman frowns severely and says darkly "If you find out which of my colleagues stole your underwear let me know... I intend to have... words... with them." she then bows her head again. "Sorry for the speech. I will end my investigations for today. BUT... I would like to speak with you when it is convenient."
She sighs. "Understand. I myself am not worried about demons per se. I merely wish to determine if any are a credible threat... but enough of that. I hope wouldn't be unwelcome, now that I am off duty, to share drinks and a meal with my acquaintances here." Her hat comes off again and sweeps around to include Cryo, Vaera Aryia and Un'eth.
Ladders appear, and ropes, and the few strong servers the TarRaCe has. This is not a job for Luchts, bringing the gods down to earth. Rupi is directing, but shoots a quick look towards Sabina and gestures around the room, "Should I call all the staff in, to try and make this manageable?"
Bina's smile slowly returns and she nods. "I thank you for your concern but, the most sure fire way to stop the interruption and trouble would be to ...stop the interruption and trouble rather then continue it. However you are most certainly welcome to relax and have a drink with friends here." She checks visually on the small mass of folks trying to worship and those trying to eat. She gnaws at her bottom lip before moving over to the seated Cryo and placing gentle hands on her shoulder. she whispers into the Sith's fin, "You need a head massage. Do you remember the one I gave you months ago?"
She looks up at Rupi's question and shakes her head. "Just a line to cordon off the area will be enough. These people just want a place to worship and we shall give them one."
Un'eth watches, listens. It is some of the most pro-active measures taken by softskins here she has witnessed. She, herself, did warn many of the city about a vast demon horde infiltrating the walls. That was two or three winters past. Perhaps the softskins merely take longer to gain momentum. That, or this could be completely unrelated.
Her snout turns to Cryosanthia, one far more familiar with the world contained within the walls than she. "Is this what is called... a meal and a show?"
Cryo raises her hand and presses the palm against Aryia's, misunderstanding the gesture. She has gloves on, which smooth out the sensation of her scales. She's solid, unmoving, smells strange. Another sith'makar would understand the cues, they are likely lost on softskins.
There's a snort, her nostrils flare. Cryo leans closer and directly inhales Aryia's scent. Now she comes alive, there's a shift in her posture, curls at the edges of her mouth, her head tilts just so. "I'm surprised you didn't confess that." Followed by, "Wait, was that what you hand signed?"
The touch on her shoulders is welcomed, and she whispers back to Sabina, "this one forgets much lately, this one would want one."
"Usually the show is on the stage." Cryo answers Un'eth, waving a hand, "Ceinara's domain. This one should pray too, really. The show we're seeing here is... not planned."
Focusing on Aryia again, Cryo asks, "So, is..." a gesture, murdering, "the act of intimate embrace? I thought..." another gesture, fucking, "... was the sign for that." <handspeech>
Aryia blinks, her snickering from the miscommunication and shaking her head as she pulls her book closer to herself to make it easier to write soon. Lily wasn't around to translate, but the atmosphere was more calm, so it'd be easier to get a point across. Doubly so since Bina seemed to have a grasp on things. Cryo's actions go right over her head.
However, the mul'neissa freezes. Slooowly turns towards her makari friend. And blinks owlishly. Her mouth opens a few times, some retort dying at the back of her throat as a rubor slowly trickles into her features.
Sc... scr... scribble?
"You are correct. That is the sign for 'fuck'. I swear a lot. The other one is 'kill'. 'Murder' sometimes."
A long pause as her face grows more crimson. In small letters, she writes just for Cryo.
"Why would I confess that?"
The inquisitress nods to Sabina "If you insist -I- can stop. I was hoping to convince -others- that their energies would be better spent elsewhere. I thank you for your welcome. But I would not presume to claim friendship with anyone here. I hope I become worthy of the appellation but for the moment we are just friendly acquaintance's. having only met once or twice before"
With that she puts her hat down in some unoccupied place and takes a seat for a smile all around. "Oh and please, just call me Mercy. my names are all I need for my own ego. and I try not to read too much even into Hjarlhundr which in my mother tongue means "Shepherd Dog".
She smiles at Un'eth. "well it wasn't intended as entertainment but if it made your day brighter in any way then I am happy." She adds to Cryosanthia. "Pale Mistress. perhaps it's my bias towards Dragons but I must say you are a beautiful person."
The woman then tries to flag down Staff for her order.
Bina chuckles. "Don't get me wrong. The inquisitors are welcome to come in and look all they wish. It's the glares and general feeling of 'hunting' that bothers me. This is a place to relax, eat and have a bit of fun. Not worry if the person to your left intends to shank you before your meal."
She then places her fingertips upon Cryo's head and begins to massage the scales. She uses more pressure then she would on a 'soft skin' in order for Cryo to feel it. Yet she has to stop from time to time to warm her fingers.
"I take it you've not been in the city for too long then, Mercy?"
Cryosanthia is normally amused by the colour-changing capabilities of softskins. Teasing Seldan and watching his reaction was a source of joy. The visible shift in Aryia brings her sadness now, "I'm sorry. This one erred. Forgive me."
The unexpected compliment makes her look up, "Oh, ah, oh. Thank you Mercy. This one has had... ha..." She laughs, sounding only a touch frantic, "... has had many transformative experiences."
The massage starts, and the white-scale's attention is dragooned away. Yes. More firmly. This is good. "Ssaaaa."
Aryia's staggered self turns to confusion. With ruby still on her cheeks, she scribbles down:
"Sorry for what? All I said was that I killed someone without remorse. It was a slaver running away."
She glances away, to Mercy as they sit down, then writes in the same small text for Cryo only:
"Besides, to borrow a phrase from the Crimson Pen, I don't kiss and tell. Do all sith-makar just pick up on that?"
"Okay! Ropes! Worshippers to this side please." Rupi starts directing, she may not be a shepherd dog but she can move a flock up against a wall. She stalks in a way that would be perfected by a whip or cat-o-nine tails but her only encouragement is a friendly smile. "I'll set a cordon up outside."
Meals start to arrive, as well as servers to ask for meal orders.
The door opens, jostling an unfortunate individual on the rump, and a certain beady eyed goblin elbows her way into the establishment. "Bloody hell, this place is busy today." she mutters to herself- never one to visit the temples often, anyway, she's not been particularly affected by the lockdown. Nevertheless, she begins making her way through the crowd, slipping around and when necessity demands between legs to make her way deeper in. "Maybe i ought to just give up on a bath for today..." she mutters to herself.
Cryosanthia shakes her head, only a little, so as to not dislodge Sabin'a hands. She looks over at Aryia, "the would not understand the scents. This one recognizes you, and the other, and..." She doesn't finish the sentence.
There's a bump near Bina's thigh and some muttering. She looks down to spy the goblin who enters. "Give up on a bath?" She tsks at Culix. "Never give up on that. The folks here are just looking for a place to worship. I think I have the largest statues of the three divines outside of rich manors and the temples themselves. So here they are to worship. You could wait a bit and see if things die down."
She continues to massage Cryo's head and then into the neck area. Kneading /hard/ on the scales there where she knows Cryo likes to carry her stress.
Now that unfinished sentence got the embarrassment Cryo likes out of Aryia. She squirms a bit in her chair, fussing with her dress as a hand writes hastily,
"There is NO sugar involved."
She looks over, spying the gobbo filtering through and sighing in relief. A scapegoat. A blushing mul'neissa waves over at Culix, and beckons them to join.
Mercy nods to Sabina. "Hardly a month. and most of that spent outside the walls answering calls for JUSTICE! -- Defending against an undead horde was my most recent fight. Lately I have been helping rebuild the Noble Quarter and of course coming here."
She smiles as Cryosanthia's mood seems to improve then casts a friendly and welcoming smile at the newcomer. She nods and turns back to her newly arrived pile of Roast Red MEAT slices of bread and a bowl of various citrus fruits.
The whitescale is like a statue herself, solid with tension, covered in scales which seem even thicker than they were a few months ago. The same with her midsection. Her neck muscles flex beneath Sabina's massage, hard, unyielding. Cryo hasn't had a lot of chances to relax.
"Redeemer, have you knowledge of what is going on in the temple district?" Cryo asks, because the best way to eliminate stress is to keep focusing on all the things causing it.
The Mul'niessa's note is read, that brings a genuine smile. She coos softly to Aryia, "Well, there's always next time."
"You can beat with your fists if you think it will help, 'Bina." The whitescale suggests.
Culix oofs as she bumps into a thigh, "Oh, they aren't waiting for the baths?" she says, ears perking at the good news. "Well that's a relief." she says. And then spies Aryia, and the beckoning motion. She grins over at her taller (Not that she's often called that) friend, and then gestures to her. "Hello! Nice dress." before working her way over towards Aryia at the table.
She switches back to speaking outloud, then, "From the look of you, someone's got you talking about your missus." she observes. "'least, that's the only thing I've seen turn you red as a beet." she adds.
Bina looks from Culix to Aryia and grins. "Ahh.. young love? Tis a nice thing to see in the city even with all the strangeness that goes on. You should bring in your ..lady?" She looks to Culix for conformation. "I'll set you up a nice table for two upstairs. Keep things private."
She nods to Cryo's words but doesn't use fists. Rather she brings up her elbow and works it against Cryo's scales. More leverage and a harder surface. She looks at Mercy and hmms. "You have a way of saying that word. Justice. It's strange and yet appealing too."
The ropes are set up, the worshippers are behind them. The statues are being lowered, one by one. Meals are getting out. The separation of church and dinner plate is just about complete.
The palescale's light teasing makes Aryia squirm in that 'I'm too fucking embarrassed to say anything further but I like talking about this person so I'll bear it' manner. The reprieve from Culix is welcome, her gesturing back a, "Thank you! I really like wearing i-"
Blink blink. Oh no. Not Culix too. And... Sabina?!
Even Aryia's long ears gain a shade of ruby. Despite this, she scribbles down something in her journal on a different page. She makes no effort to hide it as she nods to Bina-beans to confirm things.
"Date idea: Sabina said she can set up a private table for two." <Handspeech>
Culix chuckles a bit at Aryia's response, and she elbows the mul in the side of the thigh from her position standing nearby- "Hey that's not a bad idea..." she muses, and then smirks a bit continuing in hand speech; "And then the two of you could sneak off into the baths after, eh?" at least she's not speaking aloud so everyone can hear her teasing. That's better, right?
She glances around to try and find an unoccupied chair, drags it over and hops up into it. Back to speaking outloud, "So did I overhear something about the temples being closed? Wrong season for spring cleaning, aint it?" she wonders.
The Redeemer smiles broadly at Cryo after whipping her rare roast meat sandwich dripping face with a napkin. "Just Mercy please, and tell me how you would like to be addressed. As for the temple..."
Mercy shrugs. "It's all a mystery to me and very hush hush." She pulls a brass icon on a chain out from under her shirt and shows. "We're given these to allow us to come and go. and those of us who can get... strange... simple... gathering missions. We don't know who wants what, what it's for, why it's sought, where it goes after we turn it in, or even when we are supposed to be done. I've been concentrating instead on the inJUSTICE! in the city. which hasn't gone away"
She nods eagerly to Sabina. "It has been part of my identity since my earliest memories, my little gang would thrash bullies, embarrass unJUST adults and get up to all kinds of what others called mischief in the name of righting wrongs and protecting the innocent. The Platinum Dragon has been my god ever since I learned of dragons. I longed to become his Paladin but that was denied me due to my ... unorthodox... methods, solutions, and attitudes. The law must bend for mercy and compassion. Wrongs done take precedence over wrongs contemplated. Few are irredeemably evil. However, when I was at my nadir, a ceremony granted me a vision of a path I COULD take in the service of Daeus and I have since been an inquisitor for a few years.
Not entirely consumed with telling her own story she looks at Aryia. Wondering what she's missing that is so deeply embarrassing to the shadow elf.
Unff. Oh! Cryo's mouth opens in a happy hiss as Sabina's elbow works its magic. A hand is held to shield the view of her open maw, a politeness, but her snout is large and the gesture is more of intent than a success.
"This one... can recommend a private bath with... another." It did go well. What happened after had nothing to do with the baths. Her eyes glitter as she focuses on Aryia, "recommend it very much."
The whitescale's mood switches as the Temple situation is further discussed. She did ask for it. She bitterly comments, "Perhaps the Temples finally install protections to prevent demons and vampires and fey queens waltzing in whenever they feel like. Now if only Paladins came when called for, many problems would be resolved."
More questions. What to be addressed as? "This one is Cryosanthia, Speaker of the Sith'Makar. Cryosanthia is fine, Cryo is fine for emergencies. It always seems to be an emergency lately, so perhaps Cryo."
"This one may go for baths soon." She murmurs.
Aryia blinks at Culix. Her ungloved hand raises and she motions briskly, "Yes I know that's part of the plan." <Handspeech>
She rubs at her face, trying to regain the grey tint to it underneath all the scars and using Mercy's life story as a means to deflate that embarrassment.
The Redeemer could see that there was some hastily written conversations in Aryia's journal. Something about another person, and dates, and sugar, and- ah. Must be about Aryia's sweetheart. Such conversations did come up last night.
Thinking for a spell, she flips to a new page, her scribbling down something on large letters. She holds it up for Mercy to see. It reads:
"I have a question. JUST-DIS one. If I committed sin, what would you do."
She snickers silently at her own joke, pretending she didn't hear Cryo's quip, but her ear flicks as if she did. She does nod though, hoping such protections were being put in place. It was getting quite annoying such creatures could walk among freely.
GAME: Culix rolls knowledge/the planes: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL)
"I'll join you," Rupi offers teasingly as she swings by table once more.
She gets a hard pass from Cryo, "No."
"Okaaay." The woman heads up to the front, to set up rope lines outside. It's much more manageable now. Worshippers enter, pray, leave an offering, and leave. Sometimes they take a drink away in a paper cup.
Culix scratches behind her ear, "I mean... it'd be nice, but I'm pretty sure demons are attracted to holy sites, aren't they?" she says then, and shrugs. "Least, I think I read that. Something about desecration." she adds then, scratching her cheek absently. "Either way, guess it's a pain in the arse for the pious sorts." she says then.
She wrinkles her nose a bit at Mercy's story. Lots of justice-ness. "I mean... it's all well and good to say you're compassionate and whatnot, but still seem kinda stuck up to me." she grumbles.
"'sides, half the time it aint even about evil. Thievin' and scammin' aint evil most of the time." she grumbles to herself.
Aryia reaches out after the hard pass, her patting Cryo's arm and pointing to herself, a brow raising. 'How about me?' she asks without writing or signing with just a look.
The mute woman puts her book down as Mercy formulates a response to that, her regarding Culix with a shrug. "Fuck if I know. I just punch them. And yes, I agree." <Handspeech>
She glances to Cryosanthia, then to Culix, her giving a small sigh and flipping to a new page. On it, she writes small just for the two of them.
"So. I was talking to one of the slaves we rescued the other day. And- well- They- And-. Well, apparently, my old owner caught wind of that. Now they're upending Aby'ssa looking for information on me."
She looks to Cuxlix, and adds.
"I may need some help with that stuff you offered me."
The Temple Servant nods sadly "Honestly Cryosanthia, though it is probably not my place to say, I find my superiors, siblings and colleague's responses to MANY things in this city to lack JUSTICE! or even competence. I don't know WHAT they are doing. and it irks me.
Reading Ariyia's question she frowns thoughtfully "That is honestly too vague a question. My response would depend on weather I thought it was my business, a vocal fight between lovers for example, would not be. Making a friend cry, might be. The second factor would be of harm, feelings I'm sorry to say are mostly the individual's responsibility. although some mental abuse can be sufficiently egregious to warrant action. Physical harm, harm to one's honour those are more actionable.
She pauses to take a sip of her drink and continues. "Harm can be mitigated by the threat offered one harmed. Personally I would not pursue the murder of a serial killer or slaver. to my mind JUSTICE! has already been done."
"As to what I would do. it depends on all of the above. I would be GUIDED by the law and authority but would reject authority that was incompetent or corrupt and challenge laws I considered unJUST! ",
The inquisitress smiles apologetically. "Sorry for the dissertation in response to what seems a simple question. but. the answer is unfortunately complex. JUSTICE! GOOD trumps LAW, and punishment must be tempered with compassion and mercy. Thoughts and feelings are not actions. and real and Present threats to the innocent MUST be dealt with."
She shrugs to Culix "Perhaps it would be hubris to consider myself the sole arbiter of JUSTICE! and I DO try to listen to other voices. especially those that have reason and logic on their side. Thieving and 'scamming'. It would depend on the harm done and weather the victim was harmful to others themselves. In general though I assume the Law to be good and JUST!"
She arches an eyebrow. "I would hope you do not participate nor consider such acts. USUALLY they are indeed unJUST! the person deceived or stolen from deserves to hang on to the fruits of their labour. and most common folk are innocent of any crimes that would justify their losing their produce or coin purse. The indigent can seek the help of the temples and philanthropists. and if given a chance many can bootstrap themselves up through honest work."
She mops her brow and digs back into her dinner. again shrugging apologetically for her long speech. She philosophizes a lot on her life mission and it has evolved from her simple childhood convictions.
She squints at Aryia's further tiny writing but seems unable to read it.
"That is... a lot of thoughts on Justice." Cryosanthia says, listening, filing it away for later, nodding slowly. "Well, I'm glad you noticed."
She stands, turning to hug Sabina, then rubbing lightly at Aryia's shoulders. "You, yes. This one wishes to share thoughts. Perhaps now."
The whitescale makes a small bow to the table, "apologies, this one only came down for juice and was not expecting to socialize. I must check on my youngling now, it has been some time."
With that said, she heads upstairs.
Culix does her best to look innocent as Mercy goes on, "Me? No, never." she insists, clearing her throat after a moment. "Although, you know, you're making it sound like thieving is easy." she adds then- not quite able to let it go, despite her best interests.
However, she is drawn out of it by Aryia's scribbled note. She nods her head, "I'll ask around." she says, without hesitation, at the request- vague though it might seem.
GAME: Culix rolls bluff: (4)+9: 13 <OOC> Culix totally doesn't do any thievery >.> GAME: Mercy rolls sense motive: (20)+10: 30 GAME: Aryia rolls sense motive: (15)+14: 29
Aryia was mostly just cracking a joke at the inquisitor's expense. But then she gets a deluge of information. She blinks. And blinks again. Scribble scribble. Hold up to see.
"I agree with Culix. Daeus is a bit too bright for my eyes."
She looks down to Culix. Looks over to Mercy. Looks back down to Culix. And quickly stands and gives Culix a side hug. "Can't have justice if you steal all the crossbow bolts," she quickly gestures to her friend. "Thank you. And good luck. I might start a fist fight if I stay."
Removing herself from the situation, Aryia deftly ducks out of the way and follows Cryosanthia up and away. <Handspeech>
Mercy pops the last of her sandwich plate into her mouth she puts her hat back on and gives Culix her inquisitor's trademark 'piercing gaze' "Just because it isn't easy doesn't mean it isn't wrong. However, I have faith in the guards and the merchants own security. Such crimes would only become my business if I was confronted by them... That said. I'll be watching you." She adds to Cryo's departing back "Peace be upon your nest" in draconic. To the departing Aryia she nods. "The pursuit of JUSTICE! is not for everyone. It is my mission not necessarily your purpose in life. we can agree to disagree unless and until the disagreement leads to you harming an innocent."
Culix returns the side hug, but then she huffs a bit, "Yeah, well. Some of us had to scrape by." she says then and sniffs. "Didn't have the luxury of only doing what's right." she adds then and pushes off her chair. "Reckon I'll go take that bath, now." she adds. "Try not to get your knickers in a twist in the mean time." she offers Mercy's way with a finger wiggle wave.
The inquisitress speaks "there is always a choice. it may be a hard one but there is always a choice. but at any rate I wish you well."
