Since no one seems to object Merle goes to see Skrint.
While the others discussed the fate of the Thief of Charms, Merle slips out and heads down to the Guildhall Ward.
The last few moments of Afterpeak fade into the beginning of Before Antipeak as she heads out the rain-slicked cobbles of Copper Court onto the main thoroghfare of Copperman's Way.
The crowd is in transit. Peaktime workers like bakers and drovers head home to their suppers and perhaps an ale at the local. Antipeak workers like touts and jinkskirts stretch and yawn as they emerge from their kips, gulping mugs of hot-brewed coffee or iced jumpberry juice.
Merle travels on, threading the crowds with her innate feline grace. The rain is negligable now, but the fog is thickening as it often does in the Cage during the Antipeak hours.
Guildhall Ward is on the other side of the Great Bazaar where Copperman's Way terminates. Merle walks through the mazes of tented stalls and covered wagons, letting the cries of the merchants wash over her.
"Savory pork pies, 3 Greens a piece!"
"Threads! fast dyed, guaranteed to remain vibrant! "
"Knives! Getcher dwarf-forged knives here!"
"Soap! Many scents, many styles! Special brands for differing skins and scales!"
Eventually she makes her way through the ocean of stalls and the surrounding blocks of taverns and shops into the neighborhood of the Guildhall Ward known as the Forest.
The Forest is a haven for those of a more sylvan nature. The buildings are festooned with carefully-tended potted plants. A few anemic trees line the roads here, kept alive through judicious applications of manure and magic. The crowd gets furrier and often quadruped.
Merle's paws lead her back to the inn she had inhabited when first she and Seph had arrived at Sigil: The Red Stag.
Skrint had been staying here whenever he was in town. His work often took him to Krigala as a guide. She enters the homey common room, looking about.
Immediately she sees Skrint and Swiftfang sitting close to the fire. The large green-furred plains cat seems asleep at Skrint's feet as he sips an ale and reads a copy of The Lady's Sharper Eye, a tabloid broadsheet published bi-weekly.
The rest of the Red Stag's common room is filled with catfolk, fauns, wooodelves and forest goblins. The air is warm with a crackling fire, and there seems to be a pixie dance going on at one of the larger tables, the diminutive fey using the table's surface as an ersatz dance floor.
When there is a lull in the conversation, Renkar feels a gentle tug on his sleeve. "Excuse me, Mr. Renkar?" Nari asked shyly. "Umm....I have something to ask. It seems that without Sanna sharing my body anymore I have some err...unexpected holes in my mental defenses. I need to find a teacher, someone who can help me learn how to protect my mind...and maybe how to better control my mental abilities as well. I...ummmm.....that is, I was hoping you could maybe help me find a teacher?"
Renkar takes a look at Nari
"Hmm. I am not too familiar with the psionic community, but didn't you folks know some sort of odd goblin that was psionic? He was like one mind with five bodies? I seem to recall him, ummm ...Quint I believe. I would wager he'd know some of the psionic community."
When there is a lull in the conversation, Renkar feels a gentle tug on his sleeve. "Excuse me, Mr. Renkar?" Nari asked shyly. "Umm....I have something to ask. It seems that without Sanna sharing my body anymore I have some err...unexpected holes in my mental defenses. I need to find a teacher, someone who can help me learn how to protect my mind...and maybe how to better control my mental abilities as well. I...ummmm.....that is, I was hoping you could maybe help me find a teacher?"Renkar takes a look at Nari
"Hmm. I am not too familiar with the psionic community, but didn't you folks know some sort of odd goblin that was psionic? He was like one mind with five bodies? I seem to recall him, ummm ...Quint I believe. I would wager he'd know some of the psionic community."
Nari looked puzzled. "No, I don't recall anyone like that. I'm sure I would have remembered....perhaps he is an acquaintance of some of the others? I can ask them."
"I know Quint," Karrin says, "He totally helped us out on a case a few months back. Course that was before you joined up. Kind of a cool fellow but a little bit creepy as well, he inhabits like five bodies and he talks one word at a time using each of his bodies. Maybe I can introduce you?"
Merle approaches Skrint "Hi there miss me?" She says to announce her presance.
"I know Quint," Karrin says, "He totally helped us out on a case a few months back. Course that was before you joined up. Kind of a cool fellow but a little bit creepy as well, he inhabits like five bodies and he talks one word at a time using each of his bodies. Maybe I can introduce you?"
"Yes, thank you. I would like that," Nari says cheerfully. She already felt better knowing she was taking steps to fix things. And perhaps Ekuur would stop glaring at her soon.
Merle approaches Skrint "Hi there miss me?" She says to announce her presance.
Skrint looks up, smiles and gets to his feet. He enfolds Merle ina hug and rubs noses in a friendly greeting
Feline:
Swiftfang also rises and stretches
Feline:
Karrin quickly links arms with Naridre.
"To Quints!" She says, then there is a low growl from somewhere near Karrin's midsection, and Karrin frowns, "But first to the Copper Cauldron!"
Karrin eats and eats and eats till her belly stops complaining, complements Bess and Ramona on the food, and then she leads Nari to Quint's house. Karrin stops at one of the local markets along the way to buy a small barrel of mushroom ale that she remembered the goblins drinking last time she met them and anything else she thinks might be a nice gift for five goblins to snack on. Then she walks Nari over to the goblin's house.
"Hello Mr Quint," Karrin says after knocking, "My name is Karrin kind, I'm a friend of Greep's, we met once before. I don't know if you remember me but I was wondering if you'd be willing to meet a friend of mine who also has mind powers."
Karrin quickly links arms with Naridre.
"To Quints!" She says, then there is a low growl from somewhere near Karrin's midsection, and Karrin frowns, "But first to the Copper Cauldron!"
The two head over to the Copper Cauldron, along with whomever else is hungry. Renkar walks with them, Mercutio on his shouldder.
A large dinner crowd is in evidence at the Copper Cauldron's common room. However, their normal table looks blocked off. Perhaps Renkar sent word ahead?
A cheer rises from Ramona and Bess when they see the group enter. They are immediately seated and served smoking platters of roast pork off a suckling pig that Bess' youngest is rotating in the enormous hearth.
Flagons of homebrew ale and mulled cider are passed about, along with heaps of fresh greens for the more vegetative-leaning. A savory steakberry pie is whisked onto the table, the elfin-bred fruit giving off a smoky scent as the pie crust cools.
Renkar discusses their journey in more detail, combing their narrative for details. While they eat, Mercutio and Chee Chowk manage to overcome the monkey's fear. They end up in a corner sharing an apple pie with gusto.
After the repast Renkar lights his pipe and sighs contentedly.
"I am sure you all will need a bit to relax. I'll call tomorrow a holiday, and we can return to the mysterious property of Ser Jad'Hammet the peak after tomorrow."
Ekuur polishes off a large meal rather quickly. After Renkar lights his pipe, Ekuur slowly stands and says, "Please excuse me, but I must tend to my flock. If I am needed, please come get me, else I will see you the day after tomorrow."
With that, Ekuur will make his way back to the temple district to see his acolytes.
Merle Returns the embrace before apoligising for not bringing any meats and then sitting down and telling Skrint everything.
Nari peers curiously from behind Karrin, giving a shy wave as she kind of almost sees Quint.
Justin tucks in with gusto. It's amazing that the tall man can eat so much and stay so skinny. When commented on, he mumbles between mouthfuls, "Running. I do an ungodly amount of running!" With a smirk.
Of course, he still comes in a far second to Karrin, but he puts up a good effort.
Justin waves to Ekuur as he takes his leave, and lights his own pipe. After smoking it a while and enjoying the company, he taps the ashes out and rises wearily.
"I have a few errands to run. After sleeping in late tomorrow!" He says to the rest as they start to break up and go their own ways. "See you the next day. Good night." He thanks the hostesses kindly for the meal, and makes his way home to his apartment. So happy is he to be back that he is far too relaxed, and almost falls prey to one of the most Berk of street-thief moves. With a capitol 'B'. Fortunately his recent adventures have heightened his natural paranoia, not lessened it, and a simple flashy spell convinces the would-be muggers to find less dangerous prey.
He gives a small tight grin, actually happy to see his old apartment again. He lets himself in and calls "Hey Skyy! I'm home! You wouldn't be-LIEVE the day I've had!" he says laughing. "Skyy?"
Skrint listen's to Merle's tales with attention
"It sounds as if you are a full-fledged adventurer now!"
He buys her a drink as she talks
"Would you like some dinner? My treat."
Ekuur polishes off a large meal rather quickly. After Renkar lights his pipe, Ekuur slowly stands and says, "Please excuse me, but I must tend to my flock. If I am needed, please come get me, else I will see you the day after tomorrow."
With that, Ekuur will make his way back to the temple district to see his acolytes.
Ekuur heads back to the Temple District, slipping onto the Antipeak crowd headed towards the Lady's Ward.
The crowds jostle the Athasian cleric as he makes his way towards the more opulent end of Copperman's Way. As always, he marvels at the variety of sentients making their way blithely through the foggy night.
The Market Ward fades into the Lady's Ward gently, Copperman's Way becoming faced with more opulent and exotic shops. Harmonium troops are more prevalent, as are the repairmen of Sigil, the Dabus. These odd creatures scrub the cobbles clean of grime here, the space above their heads a kaleidoscope of flashing pictograms. They seem to know when they are in someone's way, and pirouette gracefully to let passersby walk by them unheeded.
The Court District is now quiet, just the comings and goings of Mercykiller and Harmonium squads about on their business. Ekuur gets the occasional scowl, but no one bothers him. The massive marble govermnetal buildings loom over him, seeming to eye him as he walks by.
The Temple District begins with the top-shelf powers' temples. Zeus' glittering pile rears up, cheek-and-jowl with Odin's marble-clad longhall. Ekuur travels through the evening worshippers, heading for his familiar temple.
The Temple of the Sacred Flame looks the same. A bright flame burns in a tripod urn at the front door, lighting the entry in a ruddy glow. A low murmur can be heard insode.
Karrin eats and eats and eats till her belly stops complaining, complements Bess and Ramona on the food, and then she leads Nari to Quint's house. Karrin stops at one of the local markets along the way to buy a small barrel of mushroom ale that she remembered the goblins drinking last time she met them and anything else she thinks might be a nice gift for five goblins to snack on. Then she walks Nari over to the goblin's house.
"Hello Mr Quint," Karrin says after knocking, "My name is Karrin kind, I'm a friend of Greep's, we met once before. I don't know if you remember me but I was wondering if you'd be willing to meet a friend of mine who also has mind powers."
The five blue goblins look up and smile in unison. They speak, each saying a word before another speaks up
"Good ... Afterpeak ... Miss ... Kind ... Of ... course ... I ... remember ... you ... How ... is ... my ... friend ... Greep? I ... have ... not ... seen ... him ... for ... months."
He/they look at Nari
"I ... we ... are ... always ... happy ... to ... meet ... fellow ... mind ... folk. come ... in!"
Justin tucks in with gusto. It's amazing that the tall man can eat so much and stay so skinny. When commented on, he mumbles between mouthfuls, "Running. I do an ungodly amount of running!" With a smirk.
Of course, he still comes in a far second to Karrin, but he puts up a good effort.
Justin waves to Ekuur as he takes his leave, and lights his own pipe. After smoking it a while and enjoying the company, he taps the ashes out and rises wearily.
"I have a few errands to run. After sleeping in late tomorrow!" He says to the rest as they start to break up and go their own ways. "See you the next day. Good night." He thanks the hostesses kindly for the meal, and makes his way home to his apartment. So happy is he to be back that he is far too relaxed, and almost falls prey to one of the most Berk of street-thief moves. With a capitol 'B'. Fortunately his recent adventures have heightened his natural paranoia, not lessened it, and a simple flashy spell convinces the would-be muggers to find less dangerous prey.
He gives a small tight grin, actually happy to see his old apartment again. He lets himself in and calls "Hey Skyy! I'm home! You wouldn't be-LIEVE the day I've had!" he says laughing. "Skyy?"
As a matter of fact, Skyy is there this Antipeak. The girl wraps Justin in a hug.
'I am soooo happy to see you! Where have you been? Your landlady was looking for the rent! nasty old prune."
Skyy looks to have been in the middle of preparing herself for an evening dancing. The rickety washbasin and mirror Justin owns id cluttered with a collection of makeup pots
Skrint listen's to Merle's tales with attention
"It sounds as if you are a full-fledged adventurer now!"
He buys her a drink as she talks
"Would you like some dinner? My treat."
"Sure thing." Merle happily goes with Skrint
The five blue goblins look up and smile in unison. They speak, each saying a word before another speaks up
"Good ... Afterpeak ... Miss ... Kind ... Of ... course ... I ... remember ... you ... How ... is ... my ... friend ... Greep? I ... have ... not ... seen ... him ... for ... months."
He/they look at Nari
"I ... we ... are ... always ... happy ... to ... meet ... fellow ... mind ... folk. come ... in!"
"I got you some of that beer you like and some nibbles," Karrin says setting down the barrel, "And lucky for you guys I can't really snack with this big old barrel on my shoulder so there's still lots of eats left!"
Karrin smiles, "Nari needs someone to practice with," Karrin says, "You know, with her mind powers and stuff, and I figured that you'd be the best choice. Oh I suppose I should ask, is it impolite to call you guys as in plural or should I call you guy as in the singular. Like I wouldn't want to address you in a way you find offensive or something. Like some folks call me hell spawn or demon spawn and I guess technically that's sort of correct . . . er, well, one of them is correct but I sill wouldn't want to be called that and I don't want to make the same sort of mistake with you. You really helped us out with that case a while back and I really appreciated your skill and stuff. And I know a lot of the goblin folk are kind of shunned even here, and even the regular goblins are kind of nasty to each other, but I kind of know what it's like being different and basically good but also sort of shunned. Nari is a good friend and she went through some tough times and I guess what I'm saying is that I trust you enough to help my best friend and I want to make sure I'm addressing you properly Mr Quint. I mean even if you don't have time to help my friend. Also if there's anyone who's been bothering you I could maybe beat them up for you. I'm not so smart but I'm really good with my hands."
"Oh and I haven't seen Greep since he went home for that emergency," Karrin says, "I thought maybe he'd have kept in touch with you. I was kinda hoping to hear about him actually. I miss the little guy."
Ekuur polishes off a large meal rather quickly. After Renkar lights his pipe, Ekuur slowly stands and says, "Please excuse me, but I must tend to my flock. If I am needed, please come get me, else I will see you the day after tomorrow."
With that, Ekuur will make his way back to the temple district to see his acolytes.
Ekuur heads back to the Temple District, slipping onto the Antipeak crowd headed towards the Lady's Ward.
The crowds jostle the Athasian cleric as he makes his way towards the more opulent end of Copperman's Way. As always, he marvels at the variety of sentients making their way blithely through the foggy night.
The Market Ward fades into the Lady's Ward gently, Copperman's Way becoming faced with more opulent and exotic shops. Harmonium troops are more prevalent, as are the repairmen of Sigil, the Dabus. These odd creatures scrub the cobbles clean of grime here, the space above their heads a kaleidoscope of flashing pictograms. They seem to know when they are in someone's way, and pirouette gracefully to let passersby walk by them unheeded.
The Court District is now quiet, just the comings and goings of Mercykiller and Harmonium squads about on their business. Ekuur gets the occasional scowl, but no one bothers him. The massive marble govermnetal buildings loom over him, seeming to eye him as he walks by.
The Temple District begins with the top-shelf powers' temples. Zeus' glittering pile rears up, cheek-and-jowl with Odin's marble-clad longhall. Ekuur travels through the evening worshippers, heading for his familiar temple.
The Temple of the Sacred Flame looks the same. A bright flame burns in a tripod urn at the front door, lighting the entry in a ruddy glow. A low murmur can be heard insode.
Ekuur enters his temple, gripping his symbol in reverence. He does not speak, as he does not want to interrupt services (not sure what time he exactly arrives and whether that's what the murmur would be or not).
With everyone else dispersed to deal with their own business, Isaac heads out into Sigil on his own after stowing his gear and reminding Chee-Chowk that he would return shortly. He returns to the Lower Ward and the Foundry to check in with his Godsmen superiors and give them the Chant about the illithid Power.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Nari said, doing her best to bow to all five of Quint at the same time. "Karrin thinks highly of you, and I know she's a good judge of people, so that means I can trust you. I...I hope that you can teach me. My previous teacher....well, Majeed has gotten old and has a mind sickness. He's already lost a lot of his memories to it."
"Oh and I haven't seen Greep since he went home for that emergency," Karrin says, "I thought maybe he'd have kept in touch with you. I was kinda hoping to hear about him actually. I miss the little guy."
Quint ponders
"No ... he ... did ... not. He ... was ... a ... good ... friend"
Ekuur enters his temple, gripping his symbol in reverence. He does not speak, as he does not want to interrupt services (not sure what time he exactly arrives and whether that's what the murmur would be or...
Ekuur enters the temple, his tall frame ducking over the low lintel. It looks as if his acolytes and parishoners have not been idle. The fusty smell is gone from the interior, and a new coat of orange and red paint coats the walls.
In front of the altar a red-robed acolyte leads about a dozen parishoners in prayer. Another fire burns in a large brass urn.
The acolyte finishes his invocation to the Sacred Flame and stands, turning to face the congregation. His eyes widen as he sees Ekuur
"Master Ekuur! You have returned to us! May the Flame be praised!"
With everyone else dispersed to deal with their own business, Isaac heads out into Sigil on his own after stowing his gear and reminding Chee-Chowk that he would return shortly. He returns to the Lower Ward and the Foundry to check in with his Godsmen superiors and give them the Chant about the illithid Power.
Issac leaves his trusty monkey sound asleep on his bed in the Copper Cauldron. The small monkey is exhausted after fending off the advances of Mercutio during dinner. He stows his traveling bags and heads off into the foggy night air of the Cage.
Slipping into the crowds as easily as an eel into a seaweed bed, Issac heads down Copperman's Way into the Lady's Ward.
The glittering facades of the various mansions are lit by many lights, mundane and magical. Coaches pull up to the gates, disgorging crowds of primped and perfumed dandies. Issac steers clear, eyeing the many scowling guards with a Cager's innate distrust.
The Court District is a sobering contrast to the Nobles District, the iron fist behind the velvet glove of high society. As Issac skirts the monolithic Prison, he idly wonders about the fate of Talismin. Another pretty face hiding a pile of rot. A lot like the dandies he just saw, actually.
The Temple District looms out of the fog as Issac quickly passes through the leafless forest of Petitioner's Square. The worshippers are out in force this evening, crowds of fervent zealots celebrating half-a-hundred festivals interspersed with dilletants and Clueless wandering about observing the carnival atmosphere. Issac ducks a Vrock herding several humans in leather restraints towards the Temple of the Abyss with a small shudder. The worst thing was the squeals of joy the bound folk made as the vulture-headed demon struck them with its lash.
The temples become packed closer together and constructed of meaner and meaner materials as Issac gets to the border of the Lower Ward. At the edge of Swordhold, the priests are holding court to beggars on altars made of packing crates and vestrys of dank cobbles.
Swordhold is alive with Doomguard namers and packs of drunken mercenaries. Issac fades into the background with practiced movements and elicits no attention from either group. He trundles down Alehouse Row, the hundreds of taverns fully ablaze and packed. The smell of roasting meat from the kitchens is underlain with the tang of urine, neither smell pleasant to Issac's nose. He manages to elude the agressive touts lining the avenue and makes his way into the dark labyrinthine complex of the Great Foundry.
The Great Foundry is never silent. Even at this time of night, the blast furnaces howl and the giant triphammers sing a cacophanous gottdammerung song into the sulfur-tainted air. Issac wends his way to the billets of the Factors of the Godsmen. A few cutters hail him as he passes, but most are focused on their tasks. Young apprenticies run to and fro, fetching tools, coal and the occasional pint of ale for their smithing masters.
Ombidias occupies a small room near the polishing yards where he supervises namers beginning their journey on the Path to Apotheosis. Issac knocks and after a moment the door opens and the vodyakin's
homely seamed brown face peers out.
"Issac! What a pleasant surprise! Please, come in and refresh yourself. I was just sitting down to a pot of Elvish Star Valley tea if you have an urge for a cuppa."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Nari said, doing her best to bow to all five of Quint at the same time. "Karrin thinks highly of you, and I know she's a good judge of people, so that means I can trust you. I...I hope that you can teach me. My previous teacher....well, Majeed has gotten old and has a mind sickness. He's already lost a lot of his memories to it."
Quint frowns, a wave of grimaces passing over his five faces
"That .. is ... too ... bad. My ... condolences. I ... would ... be ... happy ... to .assist ... you ... if ... I ... can"
"Nari needs someone to practice with," Karrin says, "You know, with her mind powers and stuff, and I figured that you'd be the best choice. Oh I suppose I should ask, is it impolite to call you guys as in plural or should I call you guy as in the singular. Like I wouldn't want to address you in a way you find offensive or something. Like some folks call me hell spawn or demon spawn and I guess technically that's sort of correct . . . er, well, one of them is correct but I sill wouldn't want to be called that and I don't want to make the same sort of mistake with you"
"Never ... fear ... Miss ... Kind. It ... is ... confusing ... to ...me ... as .well! I ... consider ... myself ... 'singular' ... as ... I ... am ... one ... soul ... with ... five ... bodies. They ... are ... no ... more ... individuals ... to ... me ... than ... your ... arms ... and ... legs ... are ... to ...you."
"Sure thing." Merle happily goes with Skrint
Skrint listen's to Merle's tales with attention
"It sounds as if you are a full-fledged adventurer now!"
He buys her a drink as she talks
"Would you like some dinner? My treat."
Skrint takes Merle to a nearby local eating establishment, Oberon's Bower. As the name suggests, it seems to be run by some members of the Sidhe faerie clan. They are seated at a nice table under a forest of hanging tropical plants. Their waitress, a diminutive winged lass with violet hair and large golden eyes, brings them menus.
Merle sees a lot of exotic fare on the menu, mostly elvish and faerie in influence. There are carnivore options as well, a full listing of meats served tartare. Skrint orders a rare aurochs steak with a steakberry compote.
"Nari needs someone to practice with," Karrin says, "You know, with her mind powers and stuff, and I figured that you'd be the best choice. Oh I suppose I should ask, is it impolite to call you guys as in plural or should I call you guy as in the singular. Like I wouldn't want to address you in a way you find offensive or something. Like some folks call me hell spawn or demon spawn and I guess technically that's sort of correct . . . er, well, one of them is correct but I sill wouldn't want to be called that and I don't want to make the same sort of mistake with you""Never ... fear ... Miss ... Kind. It ... is ... confusing ... to ...me ... as .well! I ... consider ... myself ... 'singular' ... as ... I ... am ... one ... soul ... with ... five ... bodies. They ... are ... no ... more ... individuals ... to ... me ... than ... your ... arms ... and ... legs ... are ... to ...you."
"Got ya," Karrin nods, "So the offer stands, or if there's anything else you need with in my power you got it."
"Sure thing." Merle happily goes with Skrint
Skrint listen's to Merle's tales with attention
"It sounds as if you are a full-fledged adventurer now!"
He buys her a drink as she talks
"Would you like some dinner? My treat."
Skrint takes Merle to a nearby local eating establishment, Oberon's Bower. As the name suggests, it seems to be run by some members of the Sidhe faerie clan. They are seated at a nice table under a forest of hanging tropical plants. Their waitress, a diminutive winged lass with violet hair and large golden eyes, brings them menus.
Merle sees a lot of exotic fare on the menu, mostly elvish and faerie in influence. There are carnivore options as well, a full listing of meats served tartare. Skrint orders a rare aurochs steak with a steakberry compote.
Merle orders the same as Skrint.
Ekuur enters his temple, gripping his symbol in reverence. He does not speak, as he does not want to interrupt services (not sure what time he exactly arrives and whether that's what the murmur would be or...Ekuur enters the temple, his tall frame ducking over the low lintel. It looks as if his acolytes and parishoners have not been idle. The fusty smell is gone from the interior, and a new coat of orange and red paint coats the walls.
In front of the altar a red-robed acolyte leads about a dozen parishoners in prayer. Another fire burns in a large brass urn.
The acolyte finishes his invocation to the Sacred Flame and stands, turning to face the congregation. His eyes widen as he sees Ekuur
"Master Ekuur! You have returned to us! May the Flame be praised!"
"All praise the Sacred Flame!" Ekuur responds. "Pray continue, Charred Disciple Thelnarin. Do not allow me to detract from the glory of the inferno," he tells the young half-orc. Ekuur takes a spot near the urn, and allows his acolyte to complete the services, although when Thelnarin finishes his sermon, Ekuur steps to the front in order to tell the congregation of the great victory won over the Winter Queen and her servants.
"The glorious Sacred Flame now illuminates the garden of Lauralie, spawn of the Tree of Life, my faithful! Once again the cold of death has been defeated and warmth and heat begin to bring a world of darkness back to the light. Always remember that the elves of that world are our friends and allies, as are those who are friends of the Tree of Life. Praise be to the Sacred Flame!" With that, Ekuur steps back aside and allows his student to complete the services. Once the parishioners have left, Ekuur tells Thelnarin to gather the others in an hour, as he'd like to refresh himself but has much to discuss.
At the appointed time, Ekuur begins by commending them on the work they have done on the temple, and then giving his charges the full story of his last few weeks. He will then ask his acolytes to fill him in on whatever may have occurred in his absence.
Justin is pleasantly surprised at Skyy's welcome home hug. He manages not to topple over. Apparently the last couple of weeks have done him some good in the strength department. After returning her hug he sets her down with a laugh.
"Well don't worry about her. I actually have enough to cover rent for a change. And enough for a nice dinner, if your interested." he winks.
"Heh, the stories alone of the things I've seen lately, well, let's just say I shouldn't have to buy any drinks for at least a few days! I'll bore you with details later, you get ready! I want to see you dance!" He grins without leering. Almost.
As Skyy finishes putting on her makeup Justin fills her in on the basics of his travels. Leaving out a lot of details for later. (He's not certain how much of their travels they want public, or what details about things like the Illithid Power dying they want to broadcast. yet.)
"Sorry to leave for so long without warning you. The trip took a few detours. How about you? ANything exciting happen while I was gone?"
"Got ya," Karrin nods, "So the offer stands, or if there's anything else you need with in my power you got it."
Quint nods in unison
"Thank. .. You. Now, ... Shall ... We ... Eat ... And ... I ... Will ... Ask ... Nari ... A ... Few ... Questions?"
Quint seats them at a worn table. He sends four of his bodies to serving and concentrates in discussing Nari's past training and her goals
"Sorry to leave for so long without warning you. The trip took a few detours. How about you? ANything exciting happen while I was gone?"
Skyy shrugs as she applies a bit of glitter dust to her blue skin
"Not too much. I've been working steady, but there's a lot of creeps. The good thing is the creeps usually tip well to compensate. I was almost going to move over closer to work, but you showed up in the nick of time!"
She pauses and snaps her fingers
"Oh! I almost forgot! Some Hardhead came looking for you. Smurfy? Turfy? Little halfling woman, she was quite rude when I said I didn't know when you'd be back"
She straightens up and twirls, letting the wispy blue silk dress float around her legs
"I'm game for a bite to eat, if you want. You can come watch me work if you are in the mood."
Merle orders the same as Skrint."Sure thing." Merle happily goes with Skrint
Skrint listen's to Merle's tales with attention
"It sounds as if you are a full-fledged adventurer now!"
He buys her a drink as she talks
"Would you like some dinner? My treat."
Skrint takes Merle to a nearby local eating establishment, Oberon's Bower. As the name suggests, it seems to be run by some members of the Sidhe faerie clan. They are seated at a nice table under a forest of hanging tropical plants. Their waitress, a diminutive winged lass with violet hair and large golden eyes, brings them menus.
Merle sees a lot of exotic fare on the menu, mostly elvish and faerie in influence. There are carnivore options as well, a full listing of meats served tartare. Skrint orders a rare aurochs steak with a steakberry compote.
"So whats been happening round here since I was away?" Merle asks as they wait for there meal
"Sorry to leave for so long without warning you. The trip took a few detours. How about you? ANything exciting happen while I was gone?"
Skyy shrugs as she applies a bit of glitter dust to her blue skin
"Not too much. I've been working steady, but there's a lot of creeps. The good thing is the creeps usually tip well to compensate. I was almost going to move over closer to work, but you showed up in the nick of time!"
Justin sits back in his one overstuffed chair, and snorts at Sky's comments.
"They NEVER tip enough to make up for being creeps! What you need is a better class of customer! It so happens that I'm free tonight,..." He grins, appreciating the view of the free-spirited woman's back as she artfully applies sparkly makeup to places to he hadn't considered. Like her, shoulders.
She pauses and snaps her fingers
"Oh! I almost forgot! Some Hardhead came looking for you. Smurfy? Turfy? Little halfling woman, she was quite rude when I said I didn't know when you'd be back."
Enjoying the company, Justin is almost relaxed for the first time in weeks, then Skyy's mention of the visitor makes him almost jump out of the overstuffed chair. Actually, it was more of a frantic clambering motion.
"You mean Murphy'?" Justin grins, eyes wide in mock fear. "Don't let HER hear you call her 'Smurfy'. She's at least 20 pounds of Harda$$ in a 5 pound bag. I'll see what she needed tomorrow. If it was important she would have left a message." Justin thinks aloud, inwardly relieved to hear that Murphy is, apparently, alive and kicking.
She straightens up and twirls, letting the wispy blue silk dress float around her legs
"I'm game for a bite to eat, if you want. You can come watch me work if you are in the mood."
Justin stands up to tower over the slight dancer. "Oh, I'm in the mood!" he grins happily. He picks up his new coat from where he draped it over the chair.
"But let's try someplace new to eat. I can't eat that Infernal food again. That curry is WAY too spicy!"
"Got ya," Karrin nods, "So the offer stands, or if there's anything else you need with in my power you got it."Quint nods in unison
"Thank. .. You. Now, ... Shall ... We ... Eat ... And ... I ... Will ... Ask ... Nari ... A ... Few ... Questions?"
Quint seats them at a worn table. He sends four of his bodies to serving and concentrates in discussing Nari's past training and her goals
"Well....I used to have two souls in one body. It was more than a bit crowded. And there was a lot of conflict. It's complicated. Anyways, I have my own brand new body now thanks to Lauralia. Which is great. Really wonderful. But I've gotten so used to sharing that there are some....errr....unfortunate gaps in my mental defenses. I need to fix that. And also...well, I've gone as far as I can on my own really. I'm a kineticist. And my teacher was a seer. So he did the best he could, but our approaches weren't always compatible. Even if it's just pointing me to the right books to read, I'd really appreciate any help you can give. I especially prefer ways to use my powers that give me options other than outright killing things. I do not like to use lethal force or really cause more harm than absolutely necessary. And I'll answer any questions you think might help," she said, watching fascinated as Quint's bodies moved around the room. "Having so many bodies...I can't even imagine having so much space. And I bet it's nice especially for research and stuff having so many hands." She blushed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."
Quint laughs, an amusing sound as it erupts from all five of his mouths simultaniously, like a mirth choir
"You ... seem ... to ... have ... had ... the ... opposite ... issue ... psionically ... than ... I"
He grins at Nari
"You ... are ... being ... curious ... not ... rude. Curiosity ... is ... a ... good ... quality ... especially ... in ... mentalists"
Quint finishes fussing around and sets out the ale and tidbits Karrin provided
"Please ... eat ... friends"
Over a meal on his rickety kitchen table Quint discusses Nari's relationship with Sanna and what training she has had.