"Oh wow," Sasha whispers, quiet for once in her life, yet only for a moment. "LISSI, she exclaims, "you can't SELL it! It's the same color as your eyes, you have to keep it!"
Looking at Lureene, she whacks her in the arm and hisses, "Go on, tell her El!"
As Lureene watches Alis being comforted by Priyya, she did not completely understand the reasons by it, but it was easy to determine the cause of her emotional reaction...
She replies to her bosom buddy in a low voice, "Sash, I don't think we are going to have to worry about that..."
She then turns her attention once more upon the Prince...and says...
Tyralor does nothing to conceal his growing admiration for the diminutive yet dynamic princess and the princess can clearly see that her compliment causes a slight flush to suffuse his fair skin while his eyes shine with a joyous light. As she continues to share, the prince finds himself gently caressing her delicate palm in a calming manner.
Tyralor smiles at the mention of the paradoxical succubus,"I do not find it all improbable that Lureene could offer you support and transcend the circumstances of her birth. Illuvatar knows the potential of all beings and, though at times trials and sorrow can make resolve uncertain, He places all of us in the very place we are meant to do the most good or can learn the proper lessons your heart is meant to uncover." He pauses, his voice resonating with an energy at once soothing and yet sensual, "'Tis clear to me each moment we continue to connect that Heaven intended for our souls to meet."
As the princess speaks the very last, the prince is silent and respectful but the kindness or warmth in his eyes does not fade, nor does the princess sense any censure in his demeanor. The interruption prevents him for saying more but he knows that there will be time enough to discuss these matters after dinner and in privacy.
The import of the circumstances regarding the stone are driven into his heart as he hears the words spoken by the other paladin. He could not help but note she had spoken them in a language only the trio could understand, and felt this moment was one of the deepest significance for not only Alis but himself as well: A transition in both of their lives readying them for new chapters to unfold. And thus, as the princess weeps, the tall prince remains at her side his warm, reassuring hand gently stroking her flaxen tresses.
Time: 1:00et (evening, 7:00pm)
Darkshoal: Waning Gibbous
It's not long before the aroma of food, and a breath of fresh air from the open windows help to clear mind and soul... The ding of a bell from the dumb-waiter in the bottom of the cabinet in the center of the ready room's forward bulkhead signals the arrival of your supper. Mal is only too happy to heft the massive platters of seared swordfish steaks the ship's cook had prepared. True he wrinkles his nose a bit at the cool compote of dice tropical fruits picked during shore leave, and doesn't have much use for the fluffy, sugar-topped rolls that are hot from the oven, but he does enjoy the Prince's wine. In fact, he would later lose out on fourths when Aerys and Sasha dive at the last of the swordfish with their knives.
Shaking her head at the the gusto with which everyone dives into their meal, Alis says with a wink, "You might imagine they had been fighting real dragons all day. Honestly I can't get rescued anywhere with them!"
MAP: The Zephrys - Executive Cabins, (1:00et)
"Speaking of rescues," Priyya chimes in, "Tyralor, if you plan on accompanying her royal fancy pants on a shopping spree, I would advise an armed escort of no fewer than ten of your best men. And be prepared for losses!"
Aerys frowns a bit as she wrings out a lemon wedge and waves off a bottle that Ieana offers her, nodding to Priyya instead. "Might be laughin' if it weren't the truth..."
Alis' eyelids flutter a bit as she rolls them at the commentary, rolling the wine in her glass as she takes a breath of its bouquet. "Ha. Ha. Don't mind them, the legends of my shopping exploits are greatly exaggerated."
When Lureene nearly chokes and Sasha starts giggling uncontrollably, the princess raises a pinky finger and says, "Well that last time wasn't my fault. I seem to recall that band of cultists was after a certain redhead and not this little old lady."
Looking up at Tyralor, Alis simply shakes her head and says, "Long story"
Lureene giggles as she helps herself to another helping of the fruit (and a sweet pastry), "Like Alis says, if Sash and I are going to be along for the trip, I think twenty fully armed knights might be sufficient!"
"So." Gelik says pointedly, ignoring the girlish banter. He adds a precise dash of salt with a single tap of his finger to a succulent piece of sword-fish, eyeing it intently. "A burglary of a temple to some cult of the feline persuasion, a murdered jeweler and his last great masterpiece, and a curious payment from a possible power-broker in Malatesta to a shadowy figure in the pirate haven. Quite the collection Captain Quellig amassed for himself. He even murdered all of his assistants after-the-fact if the bodies in that pit were any indication."
"Now even if that diamond voids all reason, the robberies I can at least wrap my head around. Yet it's that payment of gold bullion that intrigues me most!"
Following the emotionally charged atmosphere between Priyya and Alis, the prince does not touch his food but instead gazes off silently and seems somewhat distracted. Deep in thought, his hand rests upon his chin rubbing it at intervals as his coppery brow is furrowed.
It is quite obvious to an observer that the Prince seems to be overcome by emotions. While the princess speaks he regards her countenance with an intense scrutiny as if willing himself to see beyond some obscuring veil.
Deep in his heart he ponders, What has been done to you to cause such sorrow dear Alis? You hint of violations at the hands of your so-called spiritual mentors? I feel such intense anger now at the mere thought of it that I wonder how I shall comport myself if should she reveal the cause of her pain...and yet... to have these feelings, thoughts, passions swirling within me like a maelstrom. So new ... Is this the turning point of which my mother spoke so long ago? So many things coinciding at once I would be a fool not to notice the signs as they manifest before my very eyes.
Though introspective he listens to the interchanges between those assembled and at Gelik's comments he intones, "Indeed. My thoughts have been on that as well regarding the significance of it and what bearing it have upon our current endeavors."
Lureene glances at the Prince but the turmoil in his heart completely escapes her. She turns to face the gnome, looking at him with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Sooo, Gel, Tyralor, what do you think we should do with this discovery? Should we try to track down where this deposit is located?"
"By 'deposit' do you mean the mine where that purple diamond was unearthed?" Gelik asks, savoring yet another bite of swordfish with a blissful expression on his face.
Lureene looks at Gelik, a peculiar look on her face.
Is he making fun of me AGAIN?
"Why, of course Gelik! What else would I mean..." A dawning look of embarrassment grows on her face as she realizes Gelik was referring to the bullion. "Ohh...uhh...well we should look into both the mine location and the bullion, right?"
"That should be quite a feat I would think," Alis responds, knowing quite well that Gelik was calling Lureene on trying to track a deposit that was never... well... deposited.
The situation with the Major must really have him annoyed to mince words like that. Not surprising though. First she snubs him on the Falcata in front of everyone, then she completely ignores him once we make it here. I know that snippiness...
She takes another sip of wine, pinky curled against her ring finger. "The notary mark on that certificate was dated Gaiens 3, 4170. Even if we do know that it came from Colottina and was bound for Razor's Edge, it's been 40 years... If both parties were human, they are likely old and dottering by now. I certainly wouldn't want any of you to go poking around that den of villainy at any rate..."
While the princess doesn't refrain from enjoying the first good meal she's had in weeks , the fact that the Prince is not eating doesn't escape her.
"I must say, the Zephrys' chef is quite talented, my Lord. It's quite a pity that some are not here to join us. I pray it's not on my account..."
Mouth still full, Sasha perks up. "Ohf, it wazh fwom–"
After quick draught of wine and she continues, "It was from Colottina?! Well that's where I'm from! Not a whole lot of people there, well unless you count the plebs who work the fields or bring in the fish I guess. No giants though, probably too cramped I guess."
Still holding her wine glass and bobbing as she shakes her leg beneath the table, the huntress twitches a finger at Tyralor's plate and offers, "Say, if you're not hungry I can finish that for you..."
Blue eyes threatening to pierce her thru, Aerys growls, "Saaashaaa!!!"
Isaac can't help but be quiet while they all chat amongst themselves. Green eyes watching with interest.
The Major is currently content with eating, since its the first thing he's probably had to eat all day and is rather focused on that, as well as his thoughts.
Lureene shakes her head, a chastened look on her face. "I guess not, 'Lis. It was silly of me to think we could find out who that bullion was intended for!"
Wishing to avoid embarrassing herself any further, she looks first past Sasha, her gaze lingering first over Gelik then is almost drawn to Isaac who has been strangely quiet. She notices him enjoying the fine faire.
He must really be hungry...
Isaac's sudden downturn in his mood is obvious to nearly everyone save Lureene and Aerys. His little sister glances between Isaac and the succubus who had been flirting with him and says cheerfully, "Well I'm just glad that Isaac and I aren't going to end up there now. Thank you again for the your brave rescue your Highnesses!"
She leans forward and looks at Isaac, "What a wonderful turn of events from this morning, wouldn't you agree, brother?"
Bluff Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
While the princess doesn't refrain from enjoying the first good meal she's had in weeks , the fact that the Prince is not eating doesn't escape her.
"I must say, the Zephrys' chef is quite talented, my Lord. It's quite a pity that some are not here to join us. I pray it's not on my account..."
The prince noticeably gives a start as the princess speaks as if being wakened from a deep reverie. Amber eyes widen and brows raise in bewilderment for but a moment, swiftly dissembled behind a convivial smile. His tone is honeyed and affable, "Indeed! I consider myself rightfully blessed to have such a cook in my entourage. Having such a long and potentially arduous journey to Wildethar, I was at pains to ensure the morale of those accompanying me did not flag due to anemic and tasteless culinary concoctions. I firmly believe one can think, fight and work better for longer periods in harsh circumstances when one's palate is pleased. I will admit that long before we set out, I was keenly possessed of the feeling there would be reason to celebrate and therefor employed a cook worth of preparing a suitable feast."
Tyralor rises from his seat, gaze passing over all assembled but lingering on Isaac and Lilyana. Raising a glass for a toast, his mellifluous voice rings out," In light of the victory we have won, new found comradery and united purpose, I believe this to be an occasion to rejoice. This is most especially so since Heaven has honored us with the light of Lilyana's grace returning to us. I think it only fitting, if it be your pleasure, that you and My lady Alis perform for us in honor of such an auspicious moment." His golden eyes are alight and a tender smile is upon his lips as he turns his gaze to Alis."Grant me this boon, My lady. I long to hear such harmonies again from a maiden so brave and yet fair."
As everyone else rises to their feet, glasses held aloft, Lilyana smiles demurely, blushing at the sudden attention of the gorgeous prince. In a meek voice, she says, "Isaac was also returned, but that's very kind of my Lord."
It is only then that you realize the girl must not realize her life was briefly ended by Ozyrankhus' necromancy only a few brief hours ago.
Sense Motive Checks:
Darvesch stood for a time looking out over the Zephrys from the curved balcony outside the hallway leading to the ready room. The ship was anchored perhaps a few hundred yards west of the lighthouse where he could just make out a lone lookout from the Lancer keeping watch.
Looking north, he could make out the receding running lights of the Harrier, Avenger, and Falcata. While the shallow draft of the lightly-built elven corvette and the galley could safely pass thru the channel south of Reaver's Shiv, that was not a risk either Captain Fingel or Lieutenant Aldarien were going to risk with the heavily armed human warship.
Just as the dwarf wonders where he might put up his boots to grab some shut-eye, the admonishment of a woman reaches him. "Typical dwarf, completely lost without rock beneath his feet or a skull to crack."
When the sturdy warrior turns to see who it is, he finds a not unattractive woman leaning against a railing below and to his right. She is perhaps an inch or two shorter than himself. Her long black hair is pulled back into a neat braid while her straight bangs have been chopped at the level of her brow. She is dressed simply in a sleeveless leather jerkin that reveals smooth yet toned arms. A stained apron hangs from her squared shoulders, tied about the taper of her waist. From her broad hips hangs a belt with several knives and other implements on one side; on the other, a pair of spoons are seated in iron rings the way Darvesch carried his axe.
Grinning a bit at surprise evident in Darvesch's eyes at getting ribbed by a fellow dwarf, the woman pushes herself off the railing and jogs up the steps. When she approaches the warrior a moment later, she nods and extends her fist to him in greeting*. "Torwold, Graesha Torwold. You must be one of the Princess' companions."
She grins and asks, "You standing guard, or just not like my cooking?"
Snapping out of his slight daze, he turns to look at his sister as she speaks. Putting a smile on his face, he puts a strong hand on her shoulder and gives her a good squeeze and a light shake, "Yes, it is most certainly a wonderful change of events. Thank you again, all of you." He says thanking all those who were on the ship through out most of the fight.
His sister trying to cheer him up, even if she doesn't remember everything, he is thankful she is still there with him, still able to smile again. Holding his cup to the prince, he glances down at her and nods, "Yes, both of us have been returned..." He said, going to let his sister continue to be mildly ignorant to what had happened to her. If she questioned him about it later in private, he would try to inform her as to what happened.
"May we stand strong through many more hardships." He says to everyone with a smile on his face.
Just as the dwarf wonders where he might put up his boots to grab some shut-eye, the admonishment of a woman reaches him. "Typical dwarf, completely lost without rock beneath his feet or a skull to crack."
When the sturdy warrior turns to see who it is, he finds a not unattractive woman leaning against a railing below and to his right. She is perhaps an inch or two shorter than himself. Her long black hair is pulled back into a neat braid while her straight bangs have been chopped at the level of her brow. She is dressed simply in a sleeveless leather jerkin that reveals smooth yet toned arms. A stained apron hangs from her squared shoulders, tied about the taper of her waist. From her broad hips hangs a belt with several knives and other implements on one side; on the other, a pair of spoons are seated in iron rings the way Darvesch carried his axe.
Grinning a bit at surprise evident in Darvesch's eyes at getting ribbed by a fellow dwarf, the woman pushes herself off the railing and jogs up the steps. When she approaches the warrior a moment later, she nods and extends her fist to him in greeting*. "Torwold, Graesha Torwold. You must be one of the Princess' companions."
She grins and asks, "You standing guard, or just not like my cooking?"
Darvesch extends his fist and meets her knuckles with his own. "I'm Darvesch, honour-cousin to the Princess." He sighs, "I was looking for an excuse to get out of that room. I'll have some of your food at some point, just not at the moment. The air was thick with.. well.. food wasn't the only thing, let's just say." He gives a sarcastic look to Greasha.
"And what of you? You didn't really come up for just me.. did you?"
Lureene sips her wine politely, all too aware the effect alcohol had on her. Apparently, her demonic resistances did not extend to getting drunk. She echoes the toast given by Isaac, "Yes, there will be many hardships ahead, but nothing that we cannot overcome together!"
Setting her wineglass down, she wonders if there were any more of those tasty pastries left. As she looks across the table, she catches Isaac's expression noting his expression in his eyes does not match his smile.
I wonder what is troubling him so? He seemed happy earlier. Maybe he is still worried about Lilyana. I think if I had a sister like HER, I would be concerned about her.
Greasha juts her jaw a bit as she nods, clearly impressed. "Frændi and Frænka, huh? Well good on you! Truth is, mother kicked me out of the kitchen when she heard there was and I quote, 'a strapping dwarf lad' aboard."
She gives a hearty laugh and shakes her head. "The men should have told her you were cousin to royalty. I'd have doffed my 'armor'," she waves a hand at her apron, "for something a bit more impressive." She flips a ladle into her hand and raps on Darvesch's breastplate with the handle.
As the sound of singing wafts from the aft hallway, she snickers a bit. "So dragons and pirate captains hold no terror for the hero but the Prince's parties?" She gives a knowing nod, "Yeah, I can can see it..."
Darvesch can't help but chuckle at her last comment, "You know, I'm not one for formalities, and all the platitudes that accompany royalty." He smirks to her, "I think you look impressive enough as you are."
Greasha smirks at Darvesch's compliment and comments, "Frændi to an elf, and he's still impressed by a kitchen wench in all her regalia. Now that's a lad with both feet on the ground!"
"Well Darvesch, I'd best get back to help mother with the pastries — uppity-ups will be expecting desert after they get done singing. When you get hungry, the kitchen is at the back of the boat and a level down from the main deck. I'll fix you up something else if fish doesn't suit you. Come down and give me a holler if you like."
Before she turns to go, the straight-forward woman squints at the workmanship of the warrior's pauldrons and gives them a rap with her knuckles. She gives a long, whistle, and nods approvingly. "Nice kit, my man! Nice. Kit..."
"Many hardships? Psha!" Priyya scoffs. "You're just saying that because of the company you keep."
After taking a draught, the feisty cleric looks towards Alis and wags a finger, "You laugh now, but you know that it's only funny because it's true. Now then, what's this about being serenaded by elves while we repose with bellies full? That sounded rather enjoyable."
With a wink, she tinks her glass against Mal and Aerys' and says, "To living according to our callings."
Alis laughs inwardly, Priyya truly had a talent for saying whatever she damn well pleased. With a tip of her head, she too clinked her glass against Tyralor and Lureene's. "To our callings..."
Glancing up at the tall prince beside her, eyes sparkling, she said, "Sated as I am, an opera is out of the question, but perhaps something a bit more subdued..."
Walking over to Lilyana, the princess whispers something in her ear and the younger woman nods enthusiastically. Alis flashes a smile and says, "It seems Lilyana spied a mandolin in Nimniel's room a bit earlier, and I seem to recall having a flute stowed somewhere in my trunk. We'll be just a moment!"
With a trill of laughter, the two quickly hurry out the door and down the hallway, Lilyana chattering away excitedly in Sylvan while Alis rattles off the names of songs and various arrangements they might play. After a minute or two, they reappear, and take up position near the head of the table as the rest of you adjust your seats.
After testing the tuning on Nimniel's mandolin and making a few adjustments, the princess says to her accomplice, "Let's try this: 'Queen for a Day'..."
Theme: Queen for a Day
"Mmm!" Lily nods her head eagerly and places lips to flute as Alis begins to strum her own instrument.
"A feeaatherbe-edd to re-est my head
On roooses woouuld I laaay
A fu-ull moon would glow every niiight
And summer would be every daaay
We'd daaance and si-ing all aaafternoon
And rain would wash troouubles awaaay
Every wish would be granted for me
If I could be Queen for a Daaay..."
"The finest horse, the co-lor of night..."
Lilyana harmonizes with Alis, "The liiikes you ne-ver did seeee!"
"Silver sta-ars and fi-i-irelight
and candles would burn just for meee
We'd daaance and sing all aaafternoon
And ra-ain would wash troubles awaaay
Every wish would be granted for me
If I could be Queen for a Day..."
Aaah-aaah oh what to beee the goooldeeen o-oone
Aaah-aaah just for one moooment iiin the su-uun.
"And when the niiight grew co-old and daaark
and wooorries ran too deeeep
Angels would surro-ound my bed
and carry me off to sleeeep
We'd daaance and si-ing all aaafternoon
And ra-ain would wash troouubles awaaay
Every wish would be granted for me-e
If I could be Queen for a Daaay...
Every wish would be granted for me-e
If I could be Queen for a Da-a-ay...
If I could be Queen for a Daaay...
If I could be Queeeen for a Daaay..."
As her voice trails off, the princess winks at Lilyana before showing off with an impromptu jam on the strings that the rest of you can't help but clap your hands to.
Time: 2:30et (eventide, 8:30pm)
Darkshoal: Waning Gibbous
Until half-past the next bell, the two muses derive as much delightment as they give serenading the intimate audience. All the while, Greasha and her mother put the finish touch on a batch of freshly-baked turn-overs, drizzling icing over the fruit-filled pastries.
The two are just quietly discussing what to sing for their fourth song when the jingle of a tiny bell and the sound of the dumb-waiter being cranked causes the princess' eyes to go wide with child-like anticipation. "Dessert?"
When she sees that it is not only dessert, but pastries, she shakes her head at Tyralor and scolds him playfully, "Someone has been well-paid and it was for good information."
Her eyelids flutter as she daintily bites off one corner of the turn-over the prince offers her. To her slightly tipsy retainer she winks and says, "Lureene, if you sell-out any more of my deep, dark secrets we shall have words you and I!"
Lureene claps loudly on the rendition of the song by Alis and Lilyana. She thinks wistfully, I wish I could SING like they can!
When the Princess winks at her, she laughs playfully and returns the wink, "Reeally, 'Lis. I think it is just a case where your reputation for LOOOVE of the sweeter things in life precedes you!"
She then gives the Prince a conspiratorial wink and softly whispers to him, although clearly intended for Alis to overhear "Ohhh, I fear our hidden plot to discover what the Princess truly desires has been foiled. Curse my loose tongue!" She then giggles uncontrollably for a few seconds, before finishing up, "I guess you will just have to ASK her next time, my Prince!"
As Lureene statrs to devour her pastry a flushed feeling runs through her body as the potent mix of sugars runs through her body. She wolfs the succulent pastry down, washing it down with another glass of wine and holds it out for a refill, vaguely noticing how the crystal goblet wobbles in her hand. As she sets it down, a feeling of headiness washes over her.
I think I need some fresh air...
She rises to her feet a little unsteadily and murmers to Alis and Tyralor, "Excuse me for a moment, I think that food was a mite too RICH for my blood, I think I need to get some fresh air..." As she heads towards the door, her gaze lingers over the Major and she feels another flush rising on her face.
By the Gods, his eyes are SOOO beautiful....maybe he would be a gentleman here, and not leave me unescorted...
Isaac felt relaxed, clapping his hands along with the melody as his sister and Alis preformed together. It calming and enjoyable to listen too, and it up lifted his mood by leaps and bounds.
His charming smile back on his face as the pastries were brought out for everyone to enjoy. Isaac's eyes glanced up and he caught the look on Lureene's face. Fresh air did sound good, and what kind of gentleman would he be if he didn't escort her so she didn't have to stand alone.
"My Lady, let me escort you out. I could also do with some fresh air as well." He said standing up and patting his sister on the top of her head, ruffling her hair a bit.
Green eyes smile at Lureene as he held his arm out to her. "Hopefully you don't mind my accompanying you, My lady." He said sweetly too her.
"No, Major, not at all."
Lureene allows Isaac to take her arm and guide her to the upper deck where the cool evening breeze helps to mitigate the effects of the drink. She is silent for now, allowing the wind to clear her thoughts. She did enjoy the feel of the Major's body next to her.
I wonder if Sash or anyone else noticed this, I hope this doesn't reflect on me in a shameful way.
After a few moments she speaks up softly, a wistful tone in her voice, "Your sister is quite talented, Isaac. I wish I could sing like that, however my talents run to other areas."
Finally outside, Isaac let go of her arm, just in case he was pushing some kind of boundary tat Lureene might have put up in her attempts to change her ways or something.
Leaning against the railing, he looked over her once, then to the night sky with a soft sigh. "Thank you, I'm very proud of my little sister, even if she can be a pain in the ass." He smiled at her. "Being unearthly beautiful isn't a talent my lady, its a gift." He said in a teasing tone.
Lureene feels a sense of relief, mixed with a pang of disappointment when he lets go of her arm. She glances away from the handsome Major for a moment trying to calm the surge of emotions she was feeling now. Having her beauty called a gift brought all of the lessons her Mother had taught her, the fact her beauty was indeed a GIFT bestowed on her by her demonic heritage. One of the main lessons she tried to teach her daughter was how to use her gift to get what she wanted.
I do not WANT to use my gift like that, as weapon or tool anymore....I just don't know HOW...
She turns to face Isaac, and her eyes are calm, an intense shade of blue. "Isaac, you are fortunate to have a sister. I have never had a sister before, I think 'Lis is as close as I have gotten to having one."
Lilyana is nearly too pleased by the treat of good pastries to care when her brother excuses himself in order to escort the tipsy succubus out of the room.
Dabbing at the corners of her mouth, she looks about the room and notes that the gnome keeps looking towards the door in irritation even as he speaks with Ieana and Sasha regarding field research and the dangers involved. Although the ranger's lack of mental prowess would normally place her at a disadvantage, the fact that she ate more heartily than the others and has a higher tolerance to intoxication helps to even the field. Her natural enthusiasm for adventure and knack for engineering solutions doesn't hurt either.
The young lady places her hands upon the table and gives a contented sigh. "My but what a grand feats, my Prince! Until now I had imagined the banquets at the late governor's to be quite exquisite. I pray that is to the credit of your chef and does not mark me as a provincial."
"Your Highness," there is a query to her tone when she looks to Alis, "if it should not be discourteous, I too should like to get some air. Perhaps Master Aberwhinge might deign to stretch his legs and walk with me a while in order to regale me with the tales of your exploits?"
Sense Motive Checks:
K:Religion
Poor Lureene, you certainly have a knack for bringing out the 'best' in people. Well, I suppose Lily's concern isn't totally unfounded. And poor Gelik...
Alis pats the hand of the younger Sister and nods once. "Gelik?"
"Ah, yes!" Gelik shakes his head as if to free himself of idle thoughts and return to the present. "Why it would be my honor to escort such a lovely young flower about deck on this fine spring evening."
He stands up and pats both Sasha and Ieana on the shoulder. "A most engaging theory on the best practices for securing a dig site, but alas duty calls. Do carry on without me, I should very much enjoy hearing your conclusions a bit later."
Quickly, he finishes is glass of wine then jogs around the table before extending his hand to Lilyana while he bows, "Right this way, my Lady!"
Looking to Alis for a moment, he gives a knowing nod before bowing to Prince Tyralor. His voice trails off as he leads Lilyana down the hallway, "So it was aboard a doomed vessel known as the White Pearl whereupon I first made the Princess' acquaintance, though at that time, all in her retinue did travel incognito by way of clever disguises It would be weeks yet before their true identities were revealed."
Malandraenas frowns a bit at the iced pastry that had been placed before him, still untouched. Priyya and Aerys had finished theirs and looked about ready to bust, but the thought of eating sweets himself just didn't appeal in the slightest. As it was, he'd scraped most of diced fruit topping off his swordfish steaks and finished the portion that had gone cold waiting for Darvesch to return. Even he was done.
Damn, how late is it anyway?
The big man gave a satisfied grunt, sounding almost like a lion that wanted to have its belly rubbed. Looking to the white-haired woman beside him, his nose could tell him that something was different about her, something was changing. Her bust and hips had been getting fuller, and she was starting to get a bit of a tummy.
Huh, that dryad's fruit did a number on Sash' and Alis, but whose seed is she carrying, mine or Felmor's?
His brow furrowed a bit wondering at what sort of repercussions it might have either way. The woman had said she didn't need a mate, just a lover, but part of him could help but feel responsible. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him, puzzles pieces falling into place
Wait a– is this why Alis wanted to reassign me? I've not said a thing and I don't think...
With a bit of a groan he rakes a hand thru his coal-black hair, chagrined at his own thick-headedness.
"Excuse me," the ranger says with awkwardness evident in his tone. He holds his dessert plate up and gestures toward his employer. "Just realized the hour. Snow-Mane and I are holding you up from getting underway. Figured probably about time I quit gorging myself. I should go and get your trunk moved to a better spot. You want my... uh, dessert, Alis?"
Sense Motive Checks:
Well this certainly isn't like Mal.
"Oh my," Alis feigns dread, "this must be the part of the tale where you reveal your secret feelings for me and I'm forced to decide between two rivals." She throws her head back, the back of one hand to her forehead, the other to her bosom and cries out, "OOOH CRUEL FATE!"
With all conversation in the room silenced, and all eyes upon her, she chimes, "Only kidding," and magics Mal's turnover to her hand with a flick of her wrist.
Even as her bodyguard sighs and shakes his head slowly, looking to Priyya for vindication, Alis says to Tyralor, "Mal does have a point, the hour grows late and there is no doubt a great deal to be done in Port Eldarion. This should only take a moment, my Lord..."
With a curtsy, she hurries off, pastry still in hand, and Mal only a few steps behind her. As they proceed down the hallway, she asks quietly in Sylvan, "Something was on your mind, Mal?"
Knowing full well that beating around the bush was pointless with Alis, he asks a question in a low tone.
Priyya watches the two depart with more than a hint of interest. Throughout dinner, she had refrained from drinking any spirits, drinking only water, and juice.
It can't be about his orders. No. This is something more... personal.
Idly, Priyya glanced down, one hand resting on her abdomen as if having eaten too much, but she knew precisely what was going on.
Not like I actually needed a goddess to tell me I was pregnant, but it does tend to mitigate any uncertainty in the matter. Aycenia's fruit really got things marching double time though, that's for certain. Over a month late but I've skipped before when things have been... hectic. There's no telling what effect that hair pin had on me. Whose is it?
"Regrettin' what you did?"
Aerys' inquiry hits the priestess like a hammer and she starts. Beside her, the pretty, young half-elf (who admittedly was born before Priyya) gives a short laugh and thumps her friend's plate. "Dinner, Priyya, what were you thinkin' I meant?"
Priyya holds her hands up as if helpless. "First the hair goes white, then the memory follows... next thing you know, Miss Sarah will look like a spring chicken next to me!"
"Tch!" Aerys rolls her eyes and shakes her head, amused but not buying it. "Uh huh, and you'd still be terrorizin' any fool what deserves a reckonin'! You're too much."
She picks up her glass of water and gives it a shake toward's Priyya's. "Thanks for stickin' by me. Still ain't always easy, you know."