Priyya gives him the once over, clearly envisioning what he'd look like in just a loincloth. "Works for me, Mal. I think Her Eminence might have an objection or two... and given Lureene is supposed to be atoning not receiving new temptations, I'm thinking you wouldn't be helping out much."
Felmor leans in and says softly, "I t'ink I be worried more 'bout ye own control, rather than Lureene's, he he."
Alis gives Lureene a sly look and says, "Some of us are more than a handful, El."
Hoping to distract the Princess from her inward musings, Priyya feigns outrage, "Oh, sure. Rub it in, why don'cha?! First - being blonde. Now - being top-heavy. Fine!"
Felmor leans in and says softly, "I t'ink I be worried more 'bout ye own control, rather than Lureene's, he he."
Priyya's eyes widen. "Oy! Any more talk like that, Captain, and I'll speak with my friend, the Princess, about having you demoted to Cabin Boy and keel-hauled for good measure!" She adds breezily, "I am a pure and chaste vessel of the Church."
"Anytime El," she whispers, "don't mention it..."
At Priyya's feigned outrage, Alis laughs says, "Aww, I don't think blonde hair would suit you, Priyya. Still, I suspect that between Lureene and I we've got enough cleavage to share some with you if you need it." With a laugh, she skips on ahead with Lureene before the feisty cleric can whap either of them with her scabbard.
After more than a few hours out, Yvonne sees all of you safely back to her mansion. She and Alis stay up for quite some time talking about the day's events, politics, and other affairs. Long after the rest of you have gone to bed, the two finally finally each retire to their own chambers.
For some time after changing into her night clothes, Alis stands by the window, gazing up at the stars, fondling the necklace. Unfortunately, she's unable to figure out exactly what Alis is up to before she puts the piece of jewelry away again and then slips quietly into bed.
Everyone sleeps soundly thru the night, although when you awaken for the day, you find that Alis slipped out of the estate before the rest of you rose. Just as Priyya and Felmor are about to lose the battle to keep Mal from bursting a blood vessel, Alis walks back in the front door of Yvonne's mansion, a plain, hooded grey cloak about her shoulders and a small, wrapped package in her hands.
"Good morning everyone, is Lureene up yet?"
Not seeing her in the vicinity, she says, "Nevermind, I'll go get her."
With that, she bounds up the stairs offering no explanation as to where she's been.
Slipping back inside. Alis finds her winged friend still fast asleep. Walking over to the bed, she casts off her cloak and sits down beside her, brushing the hair out of her face. "Wake-up sleepy head..."
With a bit of a groan, Lureene opens her eyes to see Alis smiling down at her. "Good morning beautiful, I picked up a little something for you this morning..."
She holds out a long, flat, slender package wrapped in silver paper with a purple ribbon tied around it to form a bow.
"Whew!" Mal announces melodramatically as Alis goes inside, "I'm sure glad my a$$ isn't on the line if that girl - who's life has been threatened multiple times in the last couple of months - gets killed." His voice grows in volume, following her up the stairs,
Then he turns back to Priyya and Felmore, "Hey, at least she's rich. Maybe once she's dead I can loot her body and have a nice comfortable stay in whatever moon-forsaken country i draw sentry duty in." Though you notice that he's grumbling more out of habit at this point than actual frustration… a good sign, given his charge's temperment.
Oddly enough, for once Alis doesn't react to Mal's jibes. She simply enters Lureene's and her room without reply.
Smiling at Lureene's questioning eyes, Alis says, "A lady should never have to buy her own prayer beads. These are a gift from your sponsor..."
Priyya claps Mal on the shoulder. "That's what I like about you... always looking for the silver lining."
While everyone is gazing up the stairs, they hear a familiar voice from behind, "The girl went not alone. Accompanied she was by me."
Turning, you find Yvonne handing a simple grey cloak to a servant in the foyer. "Come, our fast we should break while they ready themselves..."
After helping herself to a wake-up hug, she says, "Alright, well we will both be fasting until after the ceremony is over, but we should go ahead and start getting ready. Nothing fancy today, but I picked out a nice white dress for you, and something a bit more reserved for myself. Come on, up, up, up!"
She looks up suddenly, biting her lip a bit and says with greater focus, "I'd say, think on the things about yourself that you dislikes, the things about yourself that you admire, and on the woman you would like to be. No one is perfect, but if you can acknowledge that and return to grasp the hand that is offered to you from above, then perhaps it can help you to pull yourself up to where you want to be..."
Once again, Alis drifts of into silence for a minute or so before looking up with her usual smile and declaring, "Well Miss Ourson, how about we get going, shall we?"
It is not a long walk to the cathedral, but with Priyya following along, the three of you take your time walking the church grounds admiring its lofty construction, the flowers, trees, and landscaping. Priyya regales her friends on tales of Alíta and the other deities of Elsemar until such time as a pair of acolytes come find you and guide you within.
Once inside, Lureene is certain that she has never seen so vast a building. Great marble columns flanking walls made of glass rise to a dizzying height. She marvels that so large a building seems as free from supporting structures as this and her eyes cannot help but follow its construction upward towards heaven.
Upon entering, Lureene is led into a side chamber where a pair of young priestesses help her to change out of the dress she was wearing and into a simple white robe without embroidery, seams or adornments. With the smell of incense wafting from censers, they clean away the make-up she was wearing, set aside her belongings, and bind her hair with a simple white ribbon. A pang of nervousness fills Lureene when they remove the hairpins that keep her wings transformed into their more angelic feathered form, but the women seem neither alarmed nor judgmental.
At last, Lureene finds herself blindfolded, but as the anxiety builds up within her again, she feels the prayer beads given to her by Alis get draped around her neck. So attired, with bare feet upon the cool marble floor, Lureene is led back out and helped into a kneeling position in a dark alcove where she can make out only a distant point of light thru her blindfold.
A long time seems to pass as she kneels there in uncertainty until her worries finally subside as she focuses on the light and the words of her father, Abandon your fear, move forward and never stop...
The realization strikes her that her fear, fear of becoming her mother, fear of never finding her father, have been a weight holding her down. Perhaps those are among greatest demons within her, the ones she would most like to abandon to free space in her soul for the woman she wishes to become...
While all hint of the passage of time seems to vanish as she kneels in the darkness looking towards the light, eventually she comes to realize that there is someone else nearby. Even though her sense are nowhere near as sharp as Mal's, it takes Lureene only a moment to realize that Alis is nearby and she can hear the faint whisper of her praying in some tongue she cannot understand.
Almost instinctively, Lureene reaches forth with her hand to find Alis' waiting. With a gentle squeeze, your friend and sponsor helps you back to your feet and the two of you return to the great open space of the cathedral's main hall where you are led forward, the sound of censers being swung on gilt chains nearby, and the occasional sprinkle of holy water from an aspergillums.
Just when Lureene is starting to get used to walking blindfolded, she stumbles a bit having to rely upon Alis for balance as they begin to ascend some steps before the altar. However, Alis doesn't allow her to fall and she easily recovers learning to step more carefully on her own even though she cannot see.
Finally, they come to a stop and Alis helps her to kneel upon a small pad, while remaining at her side, hand resting upon Lureene's right shoulder.
The blindfold is finally removed and Lureene finds herself kneeling before an marble altar behind which is an immense stained glass window portraying a beautiful woman with olive skin and long dark hair. On one arm she bear the blazing sun as a shield while in the other she clutches arrows formed from rays of sunlight. Flanking the central window are others depicting angels, her retainers, who bear her sword, spear, bow, and sceptre.
Standing before the altar, kneeling in worship, Lureene recognizes Bishop Tredônia garbed in a white robe inlaid with golden patterns resembling the rays of the sun. She is herself attended by four acolytes after the same fashion as the goddess in the radiant windows. After a few minutes, the ageless elven woman rises to her feet, bows low to a golden representation of Alíta in the center of the altar, takes two steps backwards and then turns to face you.
In a voice as clear as a bell, she asks, "For what purpose do you bring this woman into the house of the Shield-Bearer?"
Lureene realizes that Priyya had been walking behind her and to the left when the Surya-ka-Vahaak answers, "For atonement, and the relief of the weight of burdens upon the soul."
The Bishop asks, "And who shall stand by this woman's side as her guide and sponsor? Who also might bear witness to this woman's renouncement of that which burdens her soul?"
"I, Alissariel Kirmoon, Priestess of Súmalya shall sponsor this woman and be her guide. Though I know not the way, I shall open my heart to hear the way as it is called to us..."
Lureene feels a slight tremor in Alis' hand as her friend reveals the fact that she herself is a priestess.
From the left, Priyya answers, "I, Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak, shall bear witness."
The Bishop nods to each in turn before shifting her gaze to Lureene. "And woman, how shall you be known in the house of Alíta Alcarienne?"
Lureene pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts. This is it. This is who I am. I have no fear.
She responds in a voice soft at first, but gaining in strength, and conviction, "I am Lureene Ourson, daughter of Richardson Ourson."
The Bishop smiles gently and says, "Welcome Lureene daughter of Richardson."
Tredônia steps forward and motions for the gathered acolytes along with Priyya and Alis to form a circle around herself and Lureene. "Lureene, Alissariel, Priyya... know that there is no spell, ritual, or offering that can remove the burden of sin or feelings of guilt that a soul does not freely offers up in contrition. Know that before the eyes of the gods, even the greatest works of the living: resplendent cathedrals, grand cities, song and poetry are but as the simple efforts of unsteady children."
"Yet like a father looking upon the loving works of a daughter, who yearns to earn his love and approval, so too do the gods look kindly upon those who truly love them and strive to emulate them. So it is that we living souls are not made worthy in the eyes of the gods no matter our own works and deeds, but rather by taking the hand of the gods who would love us and call us to them when that hand is offered to us."
"It is by taking that hand that we are made worthy. It is by proclaiming how we have fallen short and desire to get back up and walk again that we grow in faith and draw closer to the divine. For we are made as imperfect reflections of perfect beings not to feel shame for being born, or to despair in our inadequacies, but to realize that no man, no woman is complete by themselves. It is only thru our faith and love in a cause greater than ourselves that we can reach our potential."
"Lureene," the Bishop says softly, "you have carried a greater burden than most. You are born of two worlds, haunted by a lineage of pain that conflicts with a gentle heart. Know that whether princess or pauper, man or woman, no one who is living chooses the circumstances of their birth. Yet for however much we benefit or suffer from those circumstances, it is up to each individual how they deal with their lot in life. Whether they squander or enrich their gifts, whether they use their gifts to raise others up or tear them down."
"Reflect now on that which burdens you heart, mind, and soul. Offer those worries, those dark marks on your soul up and bare them in prayer that they may be lifted... cleansed by the holy light of the Shield-Bearer... For the gods love a contrite heart, and only a soul that is genuinely repentant can gain atonement..."
The cathedral falls silent for nearly two minutes that Lureene might pray and focus.
Lureene thinks and prays...
How did I get to this point? I was raised by demonesses to love the demonic blood i was gifted with, coupled with the blood of a powerful, and handsome mage. Certainly, there were few demons who could match me in carnal beauty. And I was taught to use these gifts, use these dark gifts to satisfy my own pleasures. It was right, and just I do so. So Mother told me. Mother was Passion and Lust Incarnate, so she told me, and Father had fallen easy prey to her charms. That is what her Mother had been created for.
When did this change, when did I become compassionate and caring? She recalls the time, not long after she had escaped from her planar home, and started on her youthful quest to find her Father. The place where she had started her quest was Khaledrun, which started with her capture by one of the multitude of petty crime lords, where she was at first used for pleasure by him, then used for diplomatic purposes, and then ended with her escape. She had discovered a child's doll, and seeing it in that room, far beneath the city, in the endless catacombs, and realizing that doll had belonged to someone, a young girl like herself. She could not let that child suffer so, like she herself had suffered. Although her search for the child had failed, it could be said she had tried her best. She still carries that doll, treasuring it above all her other possessions, reminding her what she strove for.
Then Limbo, where she met two men she loved, Ravarath, and Straehan one by her human side and one by her demonic side. She shudders in recollection as she nearly lost her humanness, and nearly became her Mother, when she nearly killed Straehan while in the throes of her passions. This drove away one of them, and yet solidified her love for the other.
Now, she finds herself here, trying to bare the crimes of her soul for atonement. She needed a lifetime for such a venture. Still, she reflects, it all boiled down to one thing, her demonic blood which is a part of her, no natter how hard she tried to pretend otherwise.
Tears stream down her face, but she says nothing.
Finally, after what seems like an eternity, she recalls the story of Ariel in the plays Epica and Black Halo and recalling his trials, she wonders if perhaps it is possible for redemption for her, as it was for him. Indeed, feeling the love coming from Aliisariel, and Priyya, she feels she could make that leap of faith.
She then speaks, her head bent down, almost in a whisper, "I have many crimes that stain my soul, crimes of passion, and I cannot use my blood as an excuse, I enjoyed them. I wanted to do them...I wanted to be passion incarnate! I feel no matter what words I say, or what prayers I utter, they mean nothing."
She then looks up at Bishop Tredonia, her tear smeared face focused on her, "I have nothing to offer you to show my desire for atonement, except my apologies to those I have encountered and those I have hurt with my actions. I beg for forgiveness."
She then bends her head down, and waits.
When Lureene finishes, Bishop Tredônia places her hand on Lureene's shoulder in compassion and says quietly, "Child, know that on this day, that desire speaks louder to the gods than any clarion." She then steps back, raises her arms and calls out, "Let us pray!"
All around Lureene, Alis, Priyya, and the acolytes kneel and bow their heads. "Great Ilúvatar, it is thru You that all things have their genesis, all thoughts, inspiration, are but refrains unto Your eternal Song. Thank You for sending into this world the Valar whom we call gods, for Janus and Keva, the father and mother of Alíta, and for Olcán who crafted the Sun to serve as noble Alíta's shield from which we draw warmth and life."
"Bless these gods, their angels, their living servants, and those who rule in their name with wisdom, understanding, compassion, and courage."
"Great Alíta, Alcarienne... reach out with love and kindness to embrace those who yearn for your warmth and strength. Lend them your courage and banish the darkness from their souls that they need not fear being consumed to stand in the presence of your blazing glory. Set alight their souls with the Secret Flame guarded by Hiro that they may be as shining lights, beacons in the darkness."
The Bishop stands directly in front of Lureene and the gathered acolytes step forward. One of the altar girls holds Tredônia's sceptre for her, another holds a golden dish while the remaining two offer up anointing oils and sacred herbs. The Bishop first takes the herbs and breaks them over the dish releasing their aroma before pouring the anointing oil over them. The Bishop then dips her thumb in the mixture tracing a starburst pattern first on her own forehead, then Lureene's, Alis', and Priyya's before marking the acolytes.
As she traces Alíta's symbol, the Bishop speaks the words, "By the providence of Ilúvatar the All Father, and Alíta Alcarienne the Shield-Bearer, thru your repentance your soul has become whole again."
The strong fragrance of the cured leaves and costly oils makes your eyes water, and tears unbidden begin to stream down your faces as if a dam of pent-up angst and worry were suddenly released. Feeling as though a great yoke was lifted from you, your breathing becomes freer and even your eyesight seems clearer for it. Above you, the noon Sun streams thru a round skylight in the center of the cathedral basking you in its warmth and glow.
Tredônia indicates for all of you to rise. "By helping one another with our burdens, so might each of us repeat and emulate how the gods reach out to us hoping to ease our yoke. Go now, relieved of your burdens. For because you have been sanctified by the holy, so to are you become holy and all the works that you do shall glorify the gods. Therefore be just and move forward fearing not. Amen."
With that, the atonement ceremony is concluded and for perhaps the first time in her life, Lureene no longer feels the burning call of her mother's blood in her veins. For the first time in many years, there is a certain peace in Alis' bearing, and even Priyya is disarmed to see a side of her goddess' healing power that she had seldom seen before...
Lastly, as per the atonement spell, Lureene has the option of changing her alignment to good if she so chooses.
As the trio head out of the temple and into the noonday Sun, Alis does a double-take when she looks at Lureene. "Priyya... is it just me, or do Lureene's natural wings look like they are turning golden in the sunlight?!"
Priyya smiles. "Her wings do seem to be glowing. Alita's favor is upon you, Lureene."
Lureene looks up at the sky, shielding her eyes from the bright noonday sun. "I feel...free...for the first time in my life, I feel free." She bursts out in laughter, a joyful laughter of one who is happy to be alive, and who takes joy in her greatest treasures.
Her friends.
"I cannot thank you both enough, for being there for me. I promise, I will be there for you."
Lureene notices her wings changing color in the sunlight, and turns to Alis and Priyya, a twinkle in her eyes, ”Do you like it, I think this golden color suits me!”
She notes there is still plenty of time left in the day, and remarks, ”I don’t know about you but I am sure hungry! Why don’t we pick up the others, and head for a late lunch. Once we have eaten, I want to go see Immerstal, and Mon Shea!” She giggles again, quite giddy, although you are not sure if it is due to the atonement ritual;, or due to lack of food.
Priyya nods and gives her a small smile, recalling her own experiences when brushing against the divine. It can be a powerful emotional experience. "Thanks aren't necessary; we did very little. It was all you and the Goddess." She walks a bit further, considering the Bishop's words to her the night before. "Food is probably in order for you two and I'm curious to see Immerstal's wares as well."
"I cannot thank you both enough, for being there for me. I promise, I will be there for you."
”Do you like it, I think this golden color suits me!”
Alis takes a deep breath of the fresh air outside and initiates a group hug between the three of you. "No need for thanks, I'm just happy we can all be here for one another. I think I needed that every bit as much as you."
When Lureene gives her a questioning looks, Alis smiles and blushes slightly, "I'll tell you later on today, I'm hungry and this will take a while!"
"I must say though, these new golden wings of yours... I don't think I own any outfits that will be able to top that! They look great, El!"
Outside you find Yvonne waiting for you, resting in the shade beneath a tree and strumming a song upon a sitar. Not too far away from her, Mal and Felmor are practicing some weapon plays while a group of young ladies stop to admire them.
Upon seeing you, Yvonne waves and suggests, "By now surely you are hungry. Come, sit." She motions to a wicker basket beside her and says, "The day is beautiful, let us break your fast together here in this place..."
With that, Yvonne opens the basket revealing a picnic brunch she has prepared. Suddenly reminded that the last time they ate was around midnight, Alis and Lureene eagerly dig in while the rest of you enjoy your second meal of the day.
As you are finishing, the gypsy woman says, "The lady friend of the wizard Immerstal, Mon Shea, earlier she came by. Apparently, there is some credit you have to spend in the shop she runs for him..."
"I think I needed that every bit as much as you."
Priyya casts a glance at the Princess, weighing the comment, but saying nothing.
Later...
Priyya and Mal huddle in a corner of Immerstal's shop whispering conspiratorially. They emerge smiling and plunk down their combined 'credits' as well as the money made from various sales, a grand total of 2500 GP, and purchase a set of Eyes of the Eagle.
For fun, and despite warnings of the vertiginous aspects of the magic item... they each pop a single lense into their respective eyes just to see how bad the effect is. The disorientation is passable but the stunning effect is far less pleasant.
After a few moments they escape the effect, shaking their heads, not really worse for wear but also having no desire to repeat it.
On your way to Immerstal's tower by the city market, you first stop back at Yvonne's mansion. There the girls get changed into some clothes more suitable for shopping, and make certain to grab a few items that might be of interest to the eccentric mage and his exotic companion.
The 6-story, rose-granite tower stands out amongst the two and three story brick and clapboard shops in the vicinity. Although you can't be certain from in the crowded streets, it appears that the top floor might actually be an open-air garden of some sort.
Equally odd, you find that there are no doors and windows on the tower's first two stories. Instead, you have to climb a rickety wooden stairway that winds up around the exterior to a landing on the third floor. As you ascend, a series of permanent magic mouth spells regale you on the various services offered by Immerstal including equipment enhancements, loremaster services, petrification-based funerary memorials, alchemical services, sundry spellcasting, and the tightening of loose women.
By the time you reach the landing, there is a small fireworks display being shot off by programmed illusions, complete with fanfare. "Well I guess thieves and zombies at least would have a tough time breaking into this place."
Lureene stares about wide eyed at the sites near the city market, her golden wings glistening in the late afternoon sun. She really was going to miss Valehaven. Certainly she would never forget this place, that much was certain!
She starts the climb up the staircase, which has clearly seen better days, she thinks, Wow, doesn't he want to attract customers to his shop? On second thought, maybe he only wants those dedicated customers, not to mention those who know how to cast 'feather fall!'. She raises an eyebrow on the tightening of loose women, wondering what the specifics were behind that service.
On hearing Alis's comment, she laughs, "Well, I don't think either one of those groups would be high on his clientele list." She was eager to see what magical trinkets he had available for a budding enchantress like herself, she just hoped the old lecherous mage would eventually let her leave, she had places to go and things to do with Alis!
Inside, the shop seems to take up the entire third floor, yet it seems far larger than should be possible based upon the tower's external dimensions. Upon seeing Lureene, Mon Shea squeals like a school girl and practically tackles the golden-winged woman, knocking Lureene's backpack off when she dives off the top of a massive bookcase where she was resting. she shouts,
From Lureene's pack, you hear muffled cries of indignation and it rocks back and forth on the ground all on its own.
"Uh oh," the young sphinx says, "I think your bag has an upset tummy. What did you feed it?"
When Lureene reaches inside, she finds Majeff the skull glaring at her and spewing a steam of strangely eloquent profanities at her before his eyes land on Mon Shea.
"Well goodness gracious me!" his jaw hangs agape for a moment before clattering up and down with bluster, "You silly bat-winged floozie, why didn't you tell me we were in the company of such a goddess!"
Never taking the glowing green eldritch orbs that pass for his eyes off the felinesque beauty he says, "Weeell, helllllooooo!"
Mon Shea's eyes are nearly as big as saucers and she waves hesitantly before asking:
Before Lureene can answer however, the talking skull replies:
Clearing his throat, he begins to serenade the new object of his obsession with a crooning voice.
SONG: I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire
Amidst his singing, Immerstal walks down the wall from the 4th floor in what appears to be a burgundy satin bathrobe with a black fur collar whilst smoking a pipe. "Ah, welcome, welcome! What is that beautiful singing I hear? Oh and what's this? Someone just got back from the cleaners, didn't she?"
The sage old greybeard struts up to Lureene, practically ignoring everyone else and leads her over to a sitting area at one side where he magics up a piping-hot tea kettle and a pair of cups that remain floating where ever they are released. "Mon Shea! Take care of the customers, would you? I have a guest to entertain..."
With that the sphinx smiles at Majeff, and places him gently atop a good vantage point so he can see everything going on as she helps the rest of you.
"Now my dear planeswalking vision of perfection," Immerstal begins, "what is that curious contraption you brought with you? That's not the skull of Vecna by any chance is it?"
Once she has handed the skin-tight glove over to Mon Shea, Lureene walks with Immerstal to his sitting area and accepts the seat graciously. In response to his query, she laughs at Immerstal, and gives him a wink, "No that is not Vecna, although his ego may claim otherwise! He calls himself Majeff, or that is what the gnomish merchant I purchased him from calls him. It sounds like he is clearly taken with Mon Shea! He never paid much attention to me...although he did help me on searching for my Father."
She leans back in her chair, and realizes Majeff probably would not want to leave, and furthermore, it would be wrong to keep him a prisoner any longer. She speaks to Immerstal, "Excuse me a moment" and calls out to Majeff,
Mal's curiosity sets in heavily after he and Darkmane finish with the purchase of the perception-boosting goggles, and he ranges within the deceptively large store. His interest ranges from weapons more mundane items, but he keeps an eye out for any items that seem capable of boosting his feral-focused combat style.
At one point, he spots Darkmane around a corner made by an intersection of two shelves full of what appear to be different styles of exotic boots (one of them with what appears to be a firefly constantly buzzing around it). Good. She's wearing the goggles... let's see if they work.
Felmor stares at the contents of the shop with a look of nearly child like amazement on his face. Will wonders neveah cease? Not having anything he needed to purchase (unless Immerstal has a corvair in a hidden room somewhere), he is content with browsing some of the more nautical, and other mundane items.
Priyya watches the mystical firefly with fascination as she tries to get used to the strange sensation of having cusps sitting directly on her eyes.
Out of the corner of her eye she notes Mal's stealthy approach. Without turning her attention from the firefly she says, "No matter how good the boots are, I'm not sure I'd want a firefly buzzing around them all the time. What about you, Mal?"
"Damn. Guess the glasses work, huh?" He picks up the crazy boots in question, "Could be worse, I guess... they could have glowing goblins buzzing around them." He idly swats at the apparently illusory firefly once then puts them down.
"It is well known in religious circles that if you see glowing goblins, you are either drinking too much or too little. So saith the Gods." Priyya's attempt to appear pious comes out looking impious.
"Wanna try these things on? They should be great for scouting... but they take a little getting used to." She offers them up if he doesn't want to try sneaking up on her again in the store.
If he wants to continue their game...
Mal nods and takes the goggles, taking a spin around the shop wearing them.
Priyya pounces! She sneaks around the shop trying to catch Mal by surprise...
... tripping over a box in the process.
While Mal has claimed the goggles from Priyya, Fel takes the opportunity to slip behind Priyya and give her a hug...
...and trips over his coat.
Even still, Priyya senses the wily sailor's approach. She attempts to play possum.
VS
Despite the comedy of errors, Felmor quickly realises that Priyya did in fact hear him but is trying to pretend like she isn't aware of him at all.
"No that is not Vecna, although his ego may claim otherwise! He calls himself Majeff, or that is what the gnomish merchant I purchased him from calls him. It sounds like he is clearly taken with Mon Shea! He never paid much attention to me...although he did help me on searching for my Father."
"Excuse me a moment"
"Majeff hmm?" Immerstal stares off into space (which space I won't say), while he thinks upon the name, "I once recall hearing of a great loremaster by that name, but they couldn't possibly be one and the same... or could they?"
Finally he snaps out of it and catches Lureene's hand saying, "Well I suppose there is no accounting for taste, now is there? "
Mon Shea pops her head up from where she was tailing Malandraenas and says, "He has a very nice singing voice, don't you think? He seems funny too! Do you like him, master?"
"Nevermind that now, just keep helping our angel's friends..."
Immerstal chuckles a bit and comments, "That poor girl would be quite lost without my direction. Very well, we can take care of this Majeff for you, perhaps I can fashion him a collar that creates a permanent unseen servant... Then he could move about, help Mon Shea in the shop, and not be stuck on that little velvet pillow you have him on. How's that sound?"
"You there, Majeff with the pipes, pay Lureene some heed for a moment and answer her question if you know what's good for you!"
Majeff groan's a bit at the sound of yet another voice besides Mon Shea's calling his name. In a weary voice he says, "Yes o' keeper of the backpack of solitude?"
""Would you like to stay here? It is wrong for me to hold you prisoner any longer."
When Lureene summarizes indicating that Majeff would indeed like to stay, Immerstal thinks for a moment, his eyes touring Lureene's curves as he does. "Well buying an selling sentient creatures is a bit frowned-upon in these parts but he's more magic than man. Still, it would go against my principles to give or accept anything for free... Give someone a sword without even a penny in recompense, and you're liable to cut the relationship and all that..."
"Ah HA!" his eyes suddenly light up behind the spectacles sliding down his nose and his raises a finger. "I'll be right back!"
With that the batty old mage goes running up the wall again disappearing up a hole in the ceiling. You hear a tremendous amount of crashing, swearing, and the moving of objects so heavy that the entire tower shudders. At one point, you even hear what sounds like an explosion and a cloud of pale white dust sifts down from the plastered ceiling. After a few minutes, Immerstal returns walking back across the ceiling, hair standing on end like he received a shock. He stands above Lureene for a moment, seemingly Dstracted before exclaiming, "Oh right, I found something for you!"
He holds out his hand presenting a small silvery chain with a clever clasp on it. The moment, Lureene's fingers touch it, Immerstal gives a cry and falls from the ceiling landing heavily at her feet. "I'm all right! I'm aaaall right!"
"Translocation!" he says with a smile, as he gets to his knees. "Just let me clasp that about your ankle here..."
He bites his lower lip in excitement as the winged-beauty hikes up her skirt a bit revealing her shapely calves. She's pretty sure that the old man has started sweating. After a good deal of fumbling, he finally gets the piece of jewelry clasped about Lureene's ankle. "As I was saying, translocation! Twice a day, this will let you pop into a new spot within 10 feet so long as you have line of sight and line of effect to where you want to go. We'll just call it a gift in exchange for... the gift of Majeff's singing. How's that sound?"
he yells out, "be sure to give my goddess and her friends a discount whenever they visit so long as she graces us with her radiance!"
Still allowing no chance for Lureene to actually speak he takes her hand, planting a kiss on the back and asks, "Does 20% sound good, my dear? No, no, I know I'm too kind, but you shan't talk me out of it! Although if there are other things that we might get talked out of," he winks knowingly, "simply say the word..."
Slot: Feet
Caster Level: 7th
Aura: Moderate (DC 18) Conjuration
Activation: Swift (command)
Weight: —
Reference: Magic Item Compedium pg 71
A small chime hangs from this simple mithril ankle-band.
When activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10-ft. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creatures, nor can you teleport into a solid objectl if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weighing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.