Mummy's Mask

Game Master Samy

Frowning and mumbling to herself, Well that's not fair. Taking a sip of her nearly drink, The earth singing sounds like a change.

Turel smiles at her, his eyes twinkling in good spirits. "Yes Deseri, it is definitely a change. As you well know the shifting sands define change yet it does require the desert winds to swirl and blow for such change to occur. Maybe the winds are quiet for me." He squeezes her hands once again before releasing them, somewhat reluctantly. "Thank you for keeping me company."

Is that your way of saying you are done with me? ;)

I was right you should smile more often. And I was happy to keep you company. Thank you for dealing with my momentary panic. Lacing her freed fingers together and spending a moment lost in thought with the frown still in place.

Grabbing her drink and finishing it off then looking back at Turel. I am going to get another one. Do you need more of whatever it is you are drinking.

"Des, Turel, Everyone.... Have you met my friend, Meehr?" Harmose drags the elegant dwarf to the rest of the party, making especially sure to introduce Meehr to Ra-Khefer. "Meehr, this is Ra-Khefer of the Pahmet! He's unbreakable! Just ask him!"

Is that your way of saying you are done with me? ;)

Turel is not telling her to leave, no not at all...but then again he DOES have a low CHA score :P

Grabbing her drink and finishing it off then looking back at Turel. I am going to get another one. Do you need more of whatever it is you are drinking.

Turel nods in reply, "Please...just hot tea for me, thank you." As she hobbles away, his eyes linger over her form a bit longer than is proper.

When Harmose brings Meehr over, he rises to his feet and bows to her. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance."

Startled, Ra stood up to greet this new dwarf female.
"Yes of course. I am Ra-Khefer, son of Mosir, and am honored to make your acquaintance." He said, bowing formally.
"Harmose exaggerates. 'Unbreakable' is my Regiments motto." He said, curious as to who this well dressed woman was.

"Exaggerate? Me?" Harmose asks, in an exaggerated fashion. "Horus forbid! No... Ra-Khefer may be slightly breakable of body, but is certainly unbreakable of will and purpose! He is a lion in battle, charging all kinds of horrible undead. Meehr, he saved my life too many times to count."

Trying for a hookup?

Spotting Qari once she has her drink Deseri meanders over to poke the Teifling on the shoulder and grin at her. Sorry to interrupt. Once you are done with your conversation myself and the others are over there. Though I haven't seen Aleris yet so there is no rush. Pointing at the table with Turel at it.

Limping back with the drinks she sets Turels tea in front of him and smiles at Harmose and his friend Meehr. It is a pleasure to meet you. Harmose only seems to associate with the most entertaining of people.

Grinning at the exchange between Harmose, Ra-Khefer, and Meehr. That seems an unlikely match I wonder if Harmose can pull it off? You are one of the most modest people I have ever met Harmose. The cheshire grin clearly indicate the falsehood in that line.

Anyone who converses with Meehr Zet and inquires about her background finds out that her father is rich and influential in Wati. She avoids giving more detail than that unless pressed with some good wordplay.

Why Meehr Zet is so reluctant to discuss her background isn't clear, but one may make educated guesses from the sort of topics she avoids.

Meehr Zet happily enough pays for everyone's food and drink, telling Farhaan to invoice it all to her father, and she drops around some gold coins to the staff as tips like they were coppers.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Turel is polite to Meehr Zet and yet soon his natural reserved nature comes to the fore, understandable after his rare moment of openness with Deseri earlier. As he contemplates the beautiful Garund woman more, he finds the details of Meehr Zet's background of little importance to him.

After giving it some thought, Aleris finally settles on a plan of action regarding Panhet.

Yeah, it would be a little strange for a foreigner to come knocking out of the blue. I'll pen a message for her and send it tomorrow whether we head back into the Necropolis or stay in Wati for the day.

So satisfied is she with her plan and all the other interesting rumors and information she's picked up that she very nearly forgets the time. Suddenly looking up at the window she realizes that the afternoon shadows are nearly gone; twilight is almost upon the city.

"Oh, I let time get away from me!" she exclaims, jumping up from her seat at the bar. "I've got to get back, the others are all probably wondering where I'm at! ThanksforeverythingTehtI'llseeyousoonbye!" she gasps as she races out the door.

*******************************

For any and everyone sitting inside the Tooth and Hookah the doors suddenly fly open with a bang and a rather disheveled Aleris staggers in, panting. "Sorry...I'm late...lost track...of time..." she gasps. As she catches her breath, the realization that she's just made a bit of a ruckus slowly dawns on her. Looking around the tavern, she can see that it's packed.

There's Harmose with a dwarven...woman...oh. Oh no, is that Meehr Zet!?

Her face reddens.

And I'm such a mess right nowwww!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Wanting a distraction Deseri diving into the conversation. Content to be nosey with the new person. Not sure why Meehr dances around certain subjects but once Deseri notices that Meehr is uncomfortable she moves on the others subjects. Specially wanting embarrassing tales about Harmose.

Grinning So you two are good friends I take it? I have only know Harmose a short while and he is a very creative person. But I lack any, what is that term.. Soil! That is the one where you tell us stories that about Harmose that will make us laugh and him blush.

Throwing a friendly smile at Harmose, All in good fun though. Not to hurt his.. Twisting around in her chair to see a blushing and disheveled Aleris. Hmmm, Harmose is a lucky man. That look is good on her.

Giggling and then calling out. You look as panicked as I did the other day when I woke up late. You almost have the look right but you should be missing your shoes!

Not sure if Velriana has anything to add to our conversation Samy?

Did I have any further success in influencing Farhaan in my last post, Samy?

Knowledge: Local: 10 + 10 = 20
Sense Motive, +Thera: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

When Harmose brings Meehr over to meet her, Kito smiles and introduces herself.

"My name is Kito, and this" gesturing to the thrush on her shoulder "is Thera. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Will still get back to Polux and Qari, and Ra-Khefer as well, ran out of time last night.

Trying to muster up what dignity she can, Aleris attempts to straighten her hair and smooth out some of the wrinkles in her clothing before taking a deep breath and making her way over to her friends. However, she can't help but smile sheepishly in response to Deseri's teasing. "I actually nearly did lose one while I was running, so you almost got your wish."

Turning to Meehr, she offers her hand. "You must be Meehr Zet. Harmose has told us all sorts of things about you - all of them good!" Deciding that honesty is probably the best policy, she adds, "And I'll be honest - I was visiting my friend Teht over at the Whispering Stone and almost lost track of time, which is why I'm out of breath and just barged in here like I did."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

It quickly becomes apparent to Aleris that Meehr, much like Ra-Khefer, is something of a tough nut to crack when it comes to opening up to others. Dwarves are so...different...from most others. I don't think I've ever seen a more private people. Hard to get a good read on them. She shoots her fiance a nervous look. I hope I've not made too bad of an impression. I know her opinion means a lot to Harmose.

Trying to muster up what dignity she can, Aleris attempts to straighten her hair and smooth out some of the wrinkles in her clothing before taking a deep breath and making her way over to her friends. However, she can't help but smile sheepishly in response to Deseri's teasing. "I actually nearly did lose one while I was running, so you almost got your wish."

Grimacing at the idea, But the roads are so gross in the city. Don't do that.

Turning to Meehr, she offers her hand. "You must be Meehr Zet. Harmose has told us all sorts of things about you - all of them good!" Deciding that honesty is probably the best policy, she adds, "And I'll be honest - I was visiting my friend Teht over at the Whispering Stone and almost lost track of time, which is why I'm out of breath and just barged in here like I did."

Smiling again, Yes and now I am hoping that it will be Meehr Zets turn to tell us stories about Harmose.

Polux

While you feel that you have made some progress with Velriana Hypaxes, your answer to her religious inquiry seems to ice over the atmosphere considerably. It appears that atheism or whatever was intended by Polux's reply does not seem to receive favorable "vibes" from the leader of the Scorched Hand. Though she does not turn Polux away, any remaining conversation will be terse and somewhat awkward. Still, even that much is better than he's managed previously with the wide-hatted woman.

(All three need be rolled separately.)

Polux can't get any further with Velriana tonight.

Qari

Farhaan and Qari discuss the nuptials. "Well, it really depends on what sort of a ceremony your friends want, right? Are they Pharasmin? Abadaran? Mixed? Since it's a religious ceremony for the gods' eyes, the couple needs to think about which god they want to dedicate their marriage to. They won't have any trouble finding a place to do the ceremony under Pharasma or Abadar, but if they want to honor some other god, they may have to do some digging." He looks thoughtful and adds, "Having said that, I personally believe the prettiest place in Wati are the steps leading down to the river at the shrine of...of...well it's one of the old gods of myth, not sure which one."

With Meehr

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Harmose has always been gifted at teasing information out of people. This is something he's practiced, over and over. However, for the first time, he realizes something about Meehr he's never known before. “Remember that first party where we met, Meehr? You taught me so much about Wati, and you made me laugh. But what makes us important to each other has nothing to do with our parents, money or titles... We just click. We always have.”

He hugs her. “Darling, you’ve never cared when you met me that I had barely 15 gold to my name. Why would I care that your dad earned his fortune through hard work, guts and determination? I wish my family had that kind of gumption.”

Know. Religion 1d20 ⇒ 1

Qari had a pleasant time sitting with her friend, Farhaan, but when he started talking about the various gods, she had no real answer. "I've never been terribly religious myself. But if important to them, I can deal with it. Thanks for your suggestion. I'm sure hey will love it."

Swamped... Should be able to post during my break in a few. I hope :P

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Polux senses the cold reaction to his response, but only smiles - "I see..." - and nods - "I think I understand, and I will not pretend to be something I not, at least not today" - he chuckles - "Still... Those that follow 'no one'" - the man adds with a discreet glance at Idorii - "Are they never worthy of your company, or your word?" - then holds Velriana's stare for a moment, before turning to leave with a small bow - "The gift is yours nonetheless. I hope you enjoy it"

---

Back at the table

"Next round is on me people" - he pipes in the middle of the conversation as he joins the others - "Oh, I am Polux" - he introduces himself to Meehr, noticing the new arrival - "Well met, and you are obviously included in the round" - he smiles.

Finally, I get to the one person I haven't addressed yet, and that would be Ra-Khefer's invitation of the city guardsman Tarouk to have some drinks. While chatting, Tarouk expresses some religious concerns that Ra-Khefer may or may not have something to say about. "...it's just lately, I've felt increasingly disconnected. I mean, what are the gods? Just some all-powerful entities with pettiness and failings like the person at the street corner? Why do we honor them, and are all of them worthy of being honored? Take Pharasma, for example...so very important here in Wati, but she is not all that charitable -- most of her clergy go about their esoteric business, tending to graves and stuff, and don't care one whit about the problems in the real world. Does Pharasma care about people as little as her priests do? If she is so selfish, should the people of Wati venerate her as much as they do?" Tarouk goes on about concerns like this for most of the evening, and though he's mostly sitting with Ra-Khefer, others may pass by and partake of the conversation as well if they so desire.

Meehr Zet feels a little awkward at Harmose's kind words, and quickly shifts the subject to spending more money and drinking more wine, although he can sense that she did find his words pleasant to hear.

Eventually, however, the evening begins to wind down, and the participants begin to head off to wherever they're sleeping that night. Meehr Zet pays the bills of whoever doesn't insist on paying themselves. Let's also have a little bit of "fun" (depending on your perspective) with the end results of the evening:

* Unless your character is a teetotaler and ideologically opposed to the consumption of alcohol, roll a Will save to see how in control your drinking stayed. If your result is 5 or lower, you completely lost track and/or control of your drinking and passed out at the Tooth and Hookah.

* You have the purely optional possibility of a drunken sexual encounter with a specific pre-chosen character. This may not be who you are actually the most interested in. You may check inside the spoiler below for who is interested in your character that night, and if you choose, you may have an "encounter" with them of your own description. (Maybe a quickie in a Tooth and Hookah broom closet, maybe waking up next to them in the morning, maybe sneaking back home in the early hours of the morning, whatever.) If you partake of the encounter, you gain +4 Relationship with said character.

The story next moves to the following morning. Roll your Will Saves if applicable and feel free to describe how you feel when you wake up. Do note in your post if you partake of the available optional encounter so I will know to adjust your Relationship. Other than that, feel free to post getting ready in the morning and preparing to head back to the Necropolis. I think it's due that we get back to work on finishing up the House of Pentheru!

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Harmose enjoys the engagement celebrations but does not drink to excess. In fact, he watches over his colleagues the way Aleris had watched over him, prepared to help guide anyone that gets too sloshed back to their own quarters.

When Khelru comes on to him, Harmose buys him a drink and says gently, "You have no idea how flattered I am, but I'm a newly engaged man whose absolutely besotted with my betrothed."

He smiles warmly to take the sting out of the possible rejection.

I looked at everyones! Two ladies seemed like Deseri was going to be encouraging Turel until I got to the twin part. And sure why not. Lets have a random encounter.

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

In the friendly environment of the Tooth and Hooka Deseri slowly loose track of the amount of drinks that she has. Happy to move about as her group begins to wind down. Dancing and flirting with various people. This includes the her group. As she drinks more feeling emboldened Dereri leans in next to Qari and mumbles, Can I touch your horns? I want to know what they feel like. Please?

Never one to care about age Deseri spends some time chatting with Farhaan. He has stories and the alcohol. Deseri opts to spend the night with Farhaan. Older men while not as spry as the younger ones tend to know more tricks after all. And she has a little longer before she can conceive a child. She deserves to get to indulge.

Sleeping peacefully though what is left of the night. Once the sun has begun to shine into the room and Farhaan begins to wake up. Deseri grabs her head with a whimper. Digging deeper into the bed Deseri lays there for sometime. Leave me. Go on live your life. I am done. You sent me off well.

If let she will remain in the bed deeply regretting her over indulgence and possibly need to be fetched. Otherwise will slowly crawl out of bed and go down stairs to hide in a corner away from the light.

Qari was also deep in her cups. She was in a much better mood this time, no sobbing for her. When the cute little aasimar inquired about her horns, Qari was all too happy to assent and allow her to touch them, as the tiefling's little tail quickly darted from side to side apparently with a mind of its own.

As the Evening stretched on, Qari noticed several of her friends leaving, but she wasn't quite ready to turn in for the evening just yet. She looked around and didn't see any of that awful group that had hurt her feelings so deeply before.

She noticed a handsome guard sitting by himself, a stark contrast to the revelry around them. "Aren't you Ra's friend? Tarloop maybe," she giggled as she butchered his name. Upon his correcting her, she sat down beside him at the empty table. Surprisingly, she hit it off with the deep thinking guard. "Is it just me, or are we really connecting...". Or is it the tasty wine?.

No matter the reason, the tiefling followed the guard upstairs and spent the night with him. Similar to most of the others, she imagined, she woke at the early light, with a pounding headache, and a flushed cheeks from embarrassment. "Um, this hasn't happened very often. I'm not that kind of girl. Oh goodness, that sounds so cliche doesn't it? Well, it was fun no matter heat," she says, leaning in and kissing the guard on e cheek. She gathered her items and rushed out of the room, heading off to bathe, and completely sober up before meeting the others.

I have played Turel as a teetotaler throughout the campaign, and I see no reason to change that now, he he.

Turel nursed his tea drink and watches the party degenerate into a morass of drunken debauchery with his usual detachment. He watched the members of his team move off onto their own paths. While dealing with the rowdiness and mayhem (which seems to be the norm in Wati) was not his favorite thing in the world, he felt duty-bound to make sure none of his family members suffered any harm.

As the party wound down he prepares to head off to his room, the sudden appearance of the twin mystics is a surprise to him. Despite his lack of social skills he is perceptive enough to pick up their interest in him. The fact it was BOTH of the sisters who wished to keep him company nearly broke his customary facade.

Still Turel knew his own body better than anyone...and he knew what it needed...what HE needed...

However, he also knew of the path laid before him...and the difficulties following it. Looking off into the distance he leans down and places his hand on the stone floor, listening for an answer...a sign...a song...

Yet there is no answer. Which, in and of itself, was an answer...

Extending an arm to each of the twin sisters, he escorts them up to his room. As before he allows the ladies to take the lead and respects their wishes to be veiled. As the morning arrives Turel rises early as is his wont, willing the fatigue from his body. Gathering his equipment he bids farewell to the twin sisters and joins the others, a bemused look in his eye.

Aleris auto-saves on the 'don't pass out' check but let's see what we get just the same...

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Although she'd never much of a drinker, Aleris decides to indulge herself a little more than usual - after all, it's not every day that a person finds themselves engaged. Unless you're one of those...those...rogues, or a sailor, like in the stories. A woman or man in every town, she thinks to herself as she takes another drink from her glass.

As the evening of drinking, dancing, and celebration wears on, she can't help but notice that her companions seem to be slowly disappearing...some arm-in-arm with company. There goes...uh, Qari, right - isn't that Ra-Khefer's friend that he was talking to earlier? And Deseri disappeared ages ago...huh, so did Farhaan, she giggles to herself. It wasn't her thing, but she couldn't really blame the others for finding some company for the evening. The mood was right for it, not to mention they'd all had a pretty stressful day...

Out of the corner of her eye, she catches of sight of something that nearly makes her drop her glass in shock - Turel heading up the stairs with one of the twins on each arm. To her surprise, she's not really sure how to feel about this new development and she turns away, back towards the bar. I meant to talk to him about earlier...but this is good, right? Maybe he's not that upset about the engagement after all. As she turns back to her drink, she spots Falto on the other side of the bar. Their eyes meet for an instant.

Heh. I'm surprised Harmose hasn't said anything; Falto's been watching me for most of the evening now. They really should talk more, they'd get along well...and he's rather handsome...Harmose would probably like that too...

She glances back at Falto again but this time when their eyes meet, he holds her gaze. With the barest of movements, he inclines his head towards the exit and then raises an eyebrow. Instantly, she feels her face begin to flush again...but this time, it's not just from embarrassment. She'd been looked at that way before, but this was the first time an invitation had been made. For a brief instant, she finds herself tempted...it'd be nice to be as carefree and freewheeling as Deseri, or as Harmose had once been...but no. She'd made a promise, to Harmose but also to herself. She gives Falto a gentle smile and shakes her head. If she went anywhere it would only be with her betrothed.

Harmose also watches, amused, as Deseri and Qari flirt with each other and then go off with different men. But when Turel accepts the invitation of the twins, he's floored. Good. Everyone should have someone.

He watches with a slightly tense interest as Falto flirts with his betrothed, and then sighs with relief as Aleris sent him away. It's not that he'd deny her the touch of others if she wanted it... it's that he wants to be in her arms more than anything now.

He taps her on the arm. "Aleris, would you like to join me and Wenet? It's a cold desert night. If you want, we don't have to do anything but sleep." He wants her so badly he's aching for her, but he knows he can wait until she's ready. "I just want to wake tomorrow morning with you in my arms, and Wenet hopping all over both of us."

Will save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Tarouk expresses some religious concerns.

Matching Tarouk drink for drink, Ra jabbed a finger in Tarouks' general direction (one of the three anyway).

Next morning, Ra blearily opened his eyes. He found himself in a strange bed and no idea how he got there. He became conscious of a warm figure nestled next to him.
Uh-oh...

Qari was also deep in her cups. She was in a much better mood this time, no sobbing for her. When the cute little aasimar inquired about her horns, Qari was all too happy to assent and allow her to touch them, as the tiefling's little tail quickly darted from side to side apparently with a mind of its own.

Letting out a rather loud Yay! accompanied by a broad smile. Spinning her chair around to face Qari. Seeming far to excited Deseri reaches up and runs her fingers around the horns. Leaning in closer and continuing to fiddle with Qari's horns for far longer than she probably needs to but the other girl doesn't seem to mind. They are so tiny. And they fe.. Cocking her head to the side and keeping her hands on the poor drunk Qari's head Deseri stares at the moving tail.

Giggling, I like cat. Letting her gaze linger and her hands come back down. That thing could have so many uses. Deseri stands up abruptly, My drink is empty. Thank you Qari. Wavering a little and leaning down to hug the Teifling. Almost falling on to her when standing back up Deseri wonder off to get another drink.

Anyone want to come drag her out of bed in the morning. Also Ra that amused me so very much. Where is Wati is he?

Ouch Samy, you hit me on my Sonja's heel :D

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Polux noticed the night dwindling away sitting from his corner - his offer for a round of drinks hadn't even been acknowledged, so he simply decided to recoil to a tip of the table where everyone sat, and watch.

It was with a mix of amusement and surprise he noticed most, if not all of his companions, had somehow find some sort of companionship for the evening - he actually laughed out loud at how some of them were drinking way too much - "What the heck. We deserve it" - he shrugged it away, and returned to his own drinking.

Sigrun's touch on his arm startled Polux from his own musings - jumping as if almost spring loaded, he immediately reached for his longspear to find her there, smiling at him. Probably one of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, her red hair cascading down her shoulders, as if framing her strong and well chiseled face, and those amazing green eyes - "Polux isn't it? Mind if I sit?"

There it was, completely unexpected for him - she sat, they drank and they talked - he was completely clammed up at first as usual, but her casual behavior, the occasional touch, and the shared laughs about the current state of things in Wati, and each of their individual groups made him relax like he hadn't relaxed in a long time.

He wasn't stupid enough to think this stunning woman would just stroll over to him because she wanted to have a drink - so he just kept on patiently with the conversation waiting for it, for whatever it would be she had to ask of him. Yet, she never did... Instead singing softly to him a certain tune, because she simply was reminded of it by something on their conversation. Or smiling openly to the fact that he was being so rigid in their conversation. And all the time her eyes just took him in, swallowed him whole.

She seemed genuinely interested whenever he did decide to recount something of his own life, and had no qualms in asking for more - he found himself wanting to tell her more, but again, always measured his steps. She just laughed it away, and Polux realized how long it had been since he had a straightforward conversation with anyone... In fact, did he ever have one..?

He hesitated so much before leaning forward and just kissing her right there - too used to being rational his mind shouted there was something wrong, his senses told him she would scold his behavior, but the white wine spoke also, and so did those eyes... He just leaned forward to her, and again she surprised him, meeting him halfway and returning his kiss passionately.

He stared with eyes open wide at her when they managed to pull apart from each other - the woman's smell was intoxicating, a bittersweet sweat with a slight perfume, and something else... Like the smell of mountain fresh air... She stared back at him, always smiling - "Come" - and led him by his hand to her room.

-----

Polux woke up stupidly early the next day - his body ached from the sheer passion of that strong woman sleeping next to him. He stood there, staring at the wooden beams on the ceiling, then rolled over and smelled her hair - Sigrun slept soundly, casually, relaxed, like she always seemed to be. Standing and sitting naked on the side of the bed Polux did something he hadn't done in a long time - he smiled a honestly felt smile.

He packed his things and got ready to leave, but his feet dragged, and he found himself stuck at the door looking back at her - taking off the black scarf from around his neck, he placed it on the pillow next to her. Then he leaned in to smell the back of her neck once again - her skin reacted with goose bumps, but Sigrun did not wake.

Polux smiled, and left.

-----

Anyone paying attention the next morning will notice a smirk on Polux's face, and somewhat of a 'spring' to his step.

Qari heads back downstairs to the gathering spot for w nibble of breakfast and some super hot coffee. "Is everyone okay this morning? I seem to have developed a bit of a headache. Remind me to never drink again, please," she blushed a bit as she sat down. She didn't quite raise her eyes to look anyone in the face just yet.

"Perhaps, I can get you some tea for now Qari." Turel smiles at her. Seeing the shyness shown by her he respects her wishes and looks away in a show of respect.

Will I control my drinking?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Good!

Kito slowly sips at her drinks, watching the revelry around her.

Samy, I'll let you decide if this is partaking of the encounter. At the very least, it lends itself to plenty of speculation and whispers by others.

She notices one of the Dog Soldiers is drinking rather deeply. She goes over to talk with him, introducing herself and finding out his name is Diago. He is in mourning for one of the fallen dogs. Imagining how she would feel if she were to lose Thera, she offers her sympathy and coaxes stories from him about the dog. She carefully times her questions to interrupt his drinking, so that he doesn't get too drunk.

She accompanies Diago out of the Tooth and Hookah. Thera perches asleep on her shoulder. They wander the streets for a bit, Kito carefully guiding them away from the more dangerous parts of the city. Eventually, they part in front of his Inn where she wishes him a good night.

It is still a few hours before sunrise when she finally makes it back to her own bed.

---

She is in no hurry to begin the next day. Unless awoken by another, it is nearly noon by the time she comes down to the main room.

That Night

As Falto gives her a shrug and turns his attentions to another nearby woman, Aleris sighs with relief. She was glad that he didn't cause a scene; not that she was worried for her own safety but it would've made for a black spot on an otherwise joyful and pleasant evening. So focused is she on what just happened that she jumps with surprise when Harmose taps her on the arm.

"Oh! Sorry...my mind was somewhere else for a moment," she responds, a slightly guilty look in her eyes. "This has been fun, but next time I'd probably better go a little easier on the drinks like I normally do..."

Come on Aleris, quit stalling. You've promised everything to each other - why wait any longer?

"It...is cold tonight, isn't it?" she finally adds, with a slow and easy smile. "Yes, I'd like that. I'd like that a lot. Let's go to bed, my love."

Heart fluttering excitedly, she takes her betrothed's hand and heads toward the stairs...

A few hours after the sun has risen Deseri stomach pulls her from her sleep. Should drink so much. Farhaan has a nice bed. I want a nice bed. Wondering off to quickly rinse off and gathering her clothing from random places in the room. Grabbing a sheet from the bed, To bright! and wrapping it around herself so that her eyes are shaded.

Meandering down and hearing her companions the mobile cocoon that is Deseri walks over and silently sits down. Movement under the sheet and then coins are set on the table. Laying her head on the table and mumbling, Please make food appear.

There is silence from her after that. Unless poked she has fallen back asleep until food appears.

Turel looks over the tousled hair of Deseri as she slumps over the table struggling to keep the bright light from her face. Nodding once to himself he pulls a white scarf from his belt pouch and, lifting her sheet up, proceeds to tie it around her eyes. "Here Deseri. This will keep the sun from blinding you too badly. You can wear this until we reach the Crypt." He gives her arm a reassuring squeeze. "Are you hungry? May I get you some fruit?"

"You are very kind, Turel. And chipper. I'm betting you avoided the demon juice? Very clever you are. Yes, food would be great. I wonder what Farhaan has today," she spoke, making sure to keep the noise level down at the table. Even her tail just drooped by her side, no energy to wave about just yet.

Whimpering when Turel pulls the sheet away and mumbles a thank you when he is done. Laying her head back down. Money on table, summon food please. Farhaan has food I hope. I should have grabbed a pillow too...Qari did I molest your face?

Harmose realized something odd as he climbed the stairs with Aleris, his heart racing. He was nervous. When was the last time he’d been nervous about a social encounter before? His fearlessness was part of his mental makeup. He enjoyed the dance of seduction, the tease, and all the shared interplay. But this was different...

This was Aleris. This was her first time. This was a woman who was brave and fierce and endlessly kind, but also skittish and full of self-doubt. He would have to take it slow, and try not to push if she wasn’t ready. Maybe let her set the pace? Listen to her signals so carefully because he didn’t want to betray her trust, as wonderful and fragile as a butterfly held in his palm.

On the other hand, he did have to let her know that she was beautiful, desirable, didn’t he? Worthy of every attention, every effort.

Perhaps he was overthinking this. He turned and kissed her on the stairs. He felt almost drunk as their lips touched, and he felt an electric thrill down to his toes. When had he last felt this way about anyone? “Thank you for coming up with me.” He muttered a word, did a gesture with his hand, and filled his palm with conjured water, sprinkling it gently, teasingly, on her. Writing ‘I love you’ on the inside of her arm with the last bits of the moisture left on his fingers. “Shall we talk, and share a glass of water?”

Aleris felt a warm, tingling sensation spread over her body as Harmose turned and briefly joined his lips to hers. It wasn’t her first kiss, but it was the first that had left her wanting more and she actually feels the briefest flash of disappointment as Harmose breaks the kiss and pulls away.

Is this what love is? This longing…

"You’re welcome," she whispers, eyes shining in the dim light. "And I love you too," she shivers with delight as his fingertips trail the words over her arm - nearly a perfect mirror of the date they’d shared only days ago. "I’d love to share a glass of water...and everything else...with you."

“Everything?” A delighted smile comes to Harmose’s lips, and he touches Aleris’s cheek. He didn’t ask if she was sure, as he might have with a different lover. When he looked into her eyes, he knew. “Alright.”

Harmose was good with words. Excellent, even. But there are times when a different vocabulary was required. He opened the door to his room, almost as spare and monkish as Turel’s. He had bought no knickknacks, no decorations. But Aleris was a creature of light and air. Did they need anything else? He smiled, and spun her gracefully. “May I have this dance, milady?”

As Harmose spins her around Aleris laughs, feeling positively giddy. She’s not sure whether he wants to actually dance or if he’s teasing again but it really doesn’t matter - she now knows that she’ll dance every dance with him for as long as he wants her. She can figure things, and her lover, out as they go. "I’d love to," she smiles as she winds her arms around his neck. "And this time it’s your turn to take the lead…"

And so he does. Slowly, carefully. He writes an epic of his love on her skin, with his fingertips and well, other things. How many ways can one share a glass of water? He has no idea, but this was the sort of question not answered by numbers, but by discovery. Their discovery. Together.

And in the morning, when Wenet hopped on him, he automatically shielded the still sleeping girl in his arms. “Let her rest, little one.”

"Not that I remember, Deseri. Nothing unwelcome, as I recall...but I don't remember all the details of last night particularly well," she quickly adds, still blushing a bit, grabbing for the mug of tea that Turel had sat in front of her earlier.

Sense Motive DC 20

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Turel raises an eyebrow as Qari grabs the tea meant for Qari, but says nothing. Instead he returns back to Farhaan for a replacement mug.

It seems as if both ladies...overindulged last night. Perhaps it was for the best. I believe I needed the company as well.

Great stuff everyone! Let's move on out back to the House of Pentheru. Kito, I'm'a meet you halfway with a +2 Rel. ;)

Some of you may or may not have unsaid things or wonderings left after last night's events, but the group gathers up and starts moving, and if you had something you wanted to say, it's packed up in the corner of your mind for now. You travel through the Midwife district later than you had planned on, because not everybody (without pointing any fingers to anyone in specific) managed to get up early. The sun isn't high noon yet, but neither is it in the early morning horizon, it's somewhere in the middle, decently high up to well illuminate the city as you walk through it. The shopkeepers and vendors are well set up with their stands by now, shouting and busking offers eagerly as you travel by. It will be trivial to pick up anything you might have forgotten on the way to the Necropolis gates.

Once you pass the gates, the bustle of the living city falls behind with almost supernatural alacrity, as if there was some kind of magical muffling effect in the walls surrounding the dead city that made the surrounding world fall away. Silence descends upon you, but the well risen sun illuminates many places that would still be in shadow earlier in the morning, and you see no movement on your way back to the House of Pentheru.

You are now at the gates to the House of Pentheru, with no incident. How do you wish to get started?