After some scrubbing Zev put on his best and only outfit and then heads out with Ada to meet up with the others. ”So not only do you take care of books, you make them too? Neat!”
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Dressed in a simple, yet dazzling white dress that drapes over her statuesque frame like a piece of art, Ryn looks both relaxed and in an excellent mood, her stride one of radiant confidence as she walks in with Azura on her arm.
"I know, it's nice to just enjoy life once in a while, it makes constantly risking it worth more."
"Maybe recording our adventures might be good practice. I heard someone once describe writing as being the same as dancing or fighting. Most people aren't that great at it when they start, a few have a spark of talent, and the ones who keep at it are the ones who become great. I'll be the first in line to buy it when you do!" the gladiatrix says to Ada as they wait to be seated.
”That sounds like a good idea. And me too, I bet your words would look lovely.” Zev adds while smiling. He considered himself the luckiest wolf in the world right now, going to get something to eat while surrounded by nice and beautiful friends.
"I think that's true. The more you do something the better you get at it."
"Ulfr how did the music training go today?"
Ulfr breaks into a huge grin. I'm pretty sure is exactly what I've been looking for. Everything is just clicking into place like it's speed to be there! It'll take some very focused work, but I think this will really lady of in the end, even if the end result is very different from what I thought it would be a few days ago. It's like I can feel the spirits around me! He exclaims.
"Yeah, Ulfr's drumming flow was damn spectacular." Mach quips as he emerges from behind Ulfr.
He blinks a few times, then grins when he sees the many women & Zev. "Ulfr! Buddy, you didn't tell me you hung out with so many beautiful ladies!" He slings his axe-lute-hybrid onto his back and gives the ladies a little bow. "Mach Star, of the Seekers of Secrets company. A pleasure to make your acquaintances."
"Oh, and a hello to you too, sir." He says to Zev.
Ulfr shrugs. They're good allies and capable warriors. What more can one ask?
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Star," says Azura with a brief dip. "Ulfr, I'm really glad to hear that your music is coming along so well. We do a pretty good riff while we're in the thick of things."
Mach blinks at Azura.
"Are you a skald too?"
"I'm a singer," says Azura. "I mostly studied hymns as a child but I've branched out into other music as well in recent years."
Our musics blend well. I drive the body. She inspires the mind. Ulfr explains.
Mach's eyes start to sparkle with enthusiasm. The news that Ulfr & Azura perform together causes him to twitch with energy.
"Really? What sorts of music?" His hands reach for his axe-lute and sling it around to his front.
"Oh, all kinds. I usually do celestial hymns because I find them inspiring, but I've learned a few shanties, a couple of ballads, and more than a few bawds," says the bard with a smile.
"I can personally attest to the fact that being under the effects of both their music at the same time.... it's amazing. I feel unstoppable when they do their thing." Ryn says with a grin, giving Azura a little hip bump.
Azura shuffle-steps as she takes the hip-check, grins, and bumps Ryn back. "Hey, when you do your thing, I don't ever wanna stop!" she says cheekily.
"They do make beautiful music. It's quite inspiring." Ada gives Ulfur a grin. "It's been known to cause fights in public."
"What brings you out this evening Mr. Mach?"
"What can I say? You're very invigorating." Ryn quips back with a wink.
"Oh, and a hello to you too, sir." He says to Zev.
"Hello!" Zev happily replies.
When the talk flows to Ulfr and Azura's music he nods. "It's very uplifting."
"I wanna hear more about Ada's writing, though," says Azura. "Are you working on any stories at the moment? Or do you stick strictly to nonfiction or historical essays?"
Ada looks surprised someone is asking about her writing. "I've been working on an essay recently. It's an essay about the arena. It follows a young man trying to make his way there. Since my family has a history of working there, I have knowledge of the inner workings." She warms a bit to her subject.
"I've also been using the library to do research on the history. You know one of those stories that takes actual facts, and weaves fiction into it. Makes for a much more interesting essay in my opinion."
Realizing that she's been talking for a while she looks to the other's.
"Do you all read much?"
”Today was the first time I got to look at the inside of a book. It was fun, the words and pictures were really pretty.” Zev blithely replies.
"I like reading too," says Azura. "I'd love to read one of your pieces when it's done, Ada. I read all kinds of things - historical fiction, travelogues, philosophy, whatever I can get my hands on."
Ulfr shrugs. I prefer oral traditions. I've red a few books and they didn't feel... Whole... to me. I look forward to Ada proving me wrong.
"I don't always have a lot of time to read, but I definitely enjoy a good story, especially one with action!" Ryn says with a smile.
"That's what I want to write. Stories with action, but based on true events. If you know what I mean." she starts to warm to the subject a bit.
"So working with the Pathfinders will be great for your writing. Finding a bunch of ancient stuff, lots of fighting, lots of exploring," Zev remarks as he tries to think on the type of stories Ada wanted to tell.
Mach sidles up next to Azura. "Hey, where are you all going? I was going to meet up with some friends, but I'm pretty sure I'd like to tag along with you--we might be going to the same place."
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"We're headed to dinner," says Azura as she still holds on to Ryn's arm. "Quality time for us! We just got out of an expedition into one of the old ruins in the city and this is a nice change of pace from spelunking in dirty old rubble, looking for ancient bits of history."
She gestures to Ulfr with her free hand and says, "Ulfr's been a big help in that department, whether it's slaying oversized spiders or rousing everyone to action when danger threatens."
She pats Ryn's arm and says, "Ryn here is my shield-maiden, keeping the foes from surrounding me while I'm singing, and smashing anything wicked with her shield. Also she's a great kisser."
"But I want to hear more about Ada's story! Ada's not only a good scrapper thanks to her family's history with the arena, she's a scholar and a gentle soul at heart. Ada it sounds to me like all these experiences are great ways for you to make new fantastical stories to tell." The bard glances back at Ada and Zev with one of her signature dazzling smiles and then looks up at Ryn and leans her head briefly on the gladiatrix's shoulder.
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Ryn flashes a delighted grin as Azura sings her praises, her smile warming as talk of kissing reminds her of their bath. "I give as good as I get." She says with a wink as the bard looks up at her, inclining her head to meet Azura's for a moment. "We figure a nice quiet evening somewhere nice makes for a good change of pace." she adds.
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"Being a Pathfinder is very interesting. Having access to the library is great for my personal research. Going on actual missions is going to help with the action scenes in my books. I'll have to ask you what it feels like to hit someone as hard as you do Ulfr. Though I have a pretty good idea from that brawl the other day." She laughs.
Maybe my next book with have a wolf in it. Not that I've been published yet. I have hope."
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”Really?” Zev starts in response to her last comment. ”And I have hope too, I bet your stories will be grand.”
The dinner party group (and Mach) stroll down the streets of the Alabaster district, turning into the Naos district before too long. It isn't long before the Gilded Mare comes into view on a side street, a shingle depicting a horse's head etched in gold hanging above its stately maple-wood doors. There's an external patio along one side of the building, with several flower gardens around it.
"Oh, it's pretty!" says Azura happily. "Ryn, should we dine inside, or on the patio? Which is better?"
"Inside is cozy, but I really like the patio, especially at this time of year!" Ryn says, breathing in the scent of the flowers wafting their way.
The interior of the Gilded Mare is well-decorated, albeit not as spacious as the patio outside. Several tables are filled with patrons already.
Mach breaks off from the group. "Ah--there's my pals, over there. I should introduce you to them once we've had some dinner!" The tiefling starts to walk over to a table with a strange group--a handsome (if hungry-looking) man in black full plate mail, its edges gilded with gold; a dwarf with dark blue robes embroidered with violet threads, a serious burn scar shearing off half of his ginger beard...
...and a long-haired blonde woman dressed in tight leather pants and a brown jerkin, bearing a golden-edged wasp token on a lanyard around her neck. She looks oddly familiar to the party.
Before too long, a waiter comes up to the party. "Welcome to the Gilded Mare--how may we serve you today?"
Wasn't her name Terisha? I seem to remember beating a couple of thugs she hired to a literal pulp. He asks the group discreetly.
Ryn glances over at the other table, recognizing the woman. "Ugh...let's hope she exercises better judgment tonight. We haven't even ordered yet."
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Azura glances over at the rival group, then turns to the host and says with a dazzling smile, "Oh, we're here for supper! Seating for... seven, please?"
She looks back to Ryn and Ulfr and says, "While Calistrians may be revenge-minded, I would think she would not be so gauche as to start something physical in here. This is a classy establishment." She rubs Ryn's arm soothingly. "Besides, if she did, you and Ulfr and Zev and Ada would give them second thoughts."
Ada looks startled at being included with the fighters. "I'd do my best. Let's hope they wait to mug us until we leave. Then we won't get kicked out of someplace really nice." she looks around at the restaurant. "This is one of the nicest places I've eaten in."
Ryn visibly relaxes at Azura's touch, grinning at Ada's comment. "Yeah, I'll probably be nicer to them on a full stomach as well." she says with a chuckle.
"It really is lovely isn't it?" she turns to Azura, "And they have the absolute best chocolate cake on their dessert menu!"
"Do you think she'd try something now that the Tower Girls aren't a thing anymore? Or would she know about that yet?" Zev asks without thinking.
"Yeah, this place looks wonderful, I can see why your parents liked it." he adds, though he makes a face at the mention of "best chocolate cake".
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Ulfr settles into one of the chairs facing the group. He couldn't sit with his back to a possible enemy. His club very obviously rests against the table.
Azura says, "They actually managed to get cocoa imported all the way out here? I guess that's not too surprising, this is one of the biggest port cities around. We'll have to try it!"
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"Oh we definitely will." Ryn says eagerly.
"Let's get down to it, then," says Azura, standing by her seat and waiting for her friends to likewise assemble around the table. "Usually I like leafy greens and fresh fruits but for this occasion I'll make an exception and try a cut of the beef, or perhaps a pot roast."
The waiter is happy to lead the group over to a nice table at a location of their choosing.
Once the group has seated themselves, he takes out a notebook and charcoal, expectantly waiting for them to order. The menus at the table are well-decorated and carefully written in an elaborate, cursive hand.
Ada examines the menu. "I'll take the salmon and rice please. With a cup of the soup. A glass of wine please." she looks to Azura. "What do you suggest?"
"With salmon and rice? White wine, a Yanmass vintage. Leaping Stag or Tandashan River Queen, I think. Nothing too old unless you have hundreds of gold pieces burning a hole in your pocket," suggests Azura. She gives Ada a grin. "Or you could try a rose if you want something sweeter. White will be dry and tends to pair well with smoked salmon."
"Sliced medium slow-cooked beef with leafy greens for me, please," says Azura to the server.