It has been a little over two weeks since the thugs deposited Airk’s corpse in the sea cave and it did not take long for the crabs to make significant headway on their feast; the veteran Pathfinder is now a mass of
bones and picked-over flesh. Resting in the middle of his remains is his broken wayfinder; the name Airk is engraved on the back in Common.
Argor takes the way finder and looks it over. "We should return this to Hestram. The remains should be properly tended to as well."
Argor then travels with the others on the return trip to the Lodge with the remains of the fallen Pathfinder, and presents the way finder to the Venture Captain. "I trust Ms. Velorryan informed you of his fate. This is all that was left that was able to identify him. Giant crabs did a number on the rest, though we brought the man's remains for proper care to be given them."
Cladissa left Hestram alone to his business affairs after it appeared that the others were going to take some time returning. She wandered a bit through the great lodge, idly musing on the notion of preparing a grand feast for everyone for when they returned.
Then a lyrical voice can be heard. "Phew! Did someone leave a dead fish out in the sun?" Cladissa recognized the voice instantly, and noted her own damp odor from the seawater with chagrin.
"Oh, it's just you!" exclaims Auronee as she steps into the sitting parlor where Cladissa had been waiting. She looks her step-sister up and down. "I see you grew your wings," she comments flatly.
"Yes, I did," Cladissa confirms with a smile. Ever since excising that self-destructive portion of her mind, she had been concerned about Auronee rebuilding that doubt so she stayed wary.
The beautiful Pathfinder sniffs and crinkles her nose. "And is that stink another mutation? It's as bad as a troglodyte's. I suppose that's... nice, if that's what you were going for."
Cladissa's ears flatten. "No, I just got back from a mission in the Flotsam Graveyard. It's just a bit of eel viscera. I hadn't had the time to get cleaned up."
Auronee smiles and nods politely, showing on her face that she's not convinced. She looks around the empty room. "Oh! Well, I suppose you'll need your privacy then," she smirks.
Rather than being mortified, Cladissa is disgusted. "Gross! What a revolting concept."
"Why? It's what animals do. In fact, I suggest you get started on it."
"I don't think so. Get out of here."
Auronee looks surprised for a moment, then restores her saccharine smile. "I was only trying to--"
"Don't finish that sentence," Cladissa interrupts, a low rumbling growl emanating from her chest. "Go."
Auronee plants her hands on her hips, then spins on her heel and strides out.
A current of fury runs through her core as she watches her stepsister walk away. She fumes until her companions return.
As they walk back through the streets of Absolom, Nyugusk stops twice to heave onto the paving stones and shudder.
When they arrive at the lodge, the captain informs them that Cladissa is in a sitting room down the open hall. "Argor, you can continue your report. I'll get her."
At first Nyugusk feels fine but when he snakes out his accordion-arm to open the door, suddenly, once again, his vision doubles and he misses the large brass handle; instead he scrapes his pincer clumsily across the old oak door before finally finding purchase. He looks down in the hopes that noone saw or heard his clumsiness, takes two slow breaths to calm the blur in his eyes, and then finally manages to open the door.
As he mumbles to Cladissa that they've returned and walks back to the captain's desk, his mind is racing. This is terrible. Unacceptable. What's happening to me?! I fear my self-experimentation is starting to--No! This may be change, but change is nothing for the Transmogrifying Lotus to fear. No, I'll embrace it. I'll--Suddenly the report to the venture captain feels interminable--I to get back to my lab. Continue my investigation in refining the essence of the serum in and from my own bodily humors. I will not fear change, I will embrace it. Now though!
He starts to sweat and twitch as might a caged animal. Interrupting, he says. "Excuse me, captain. Companions. I...I have to go right away."
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The Tian motioned to Nyug after the crabs that were left were scurrying for the corners of the cave, longing for refuge. He tapped a odd-looking brooch on his jacket. "Swarm bane, not too expensive for what it does. Saved my life a half dozen times now. I'd recommend it for anyone who doesn't have magic at the ready for such things."
He picked up the body, and put it on his back. Someone had to do it, and it sure wasn't going to be Argor. As they made their report, Mettera was a bit self-conscious of their smell. It wasn't the first time that he'd smelled something rank in the lodge, but it was the first time it was him. However, having a bath before delivering the body seemed a bit odd, as he'd just have to do it again. Idly, he wondered what kind of infernal magic Argor used to keep himself smelling like he just left a perfume shop.
Nyug seemed nervous as he left, probably anticipating his lab. He was quite excited about the idea of looking at everyone's blood, he hadn't gotten any new samples that Mettera had seen. Something felt a bit off about that, but he supposed he could ask him later if it continued to be a problem. One didn't want those who were to watch their back to be otherwise occupied.
Cladissa, having dealt with the ghosts, seemed a bit perturbed. She seemed somewhat interested in a social call earlier, but he wasn't about to ask a girl to dinner when they both reeked of raw seafood. It did not do much for the appetite. Perhaps, tomorrow.
When her fellow mutated allies arrive looking like they've been through a war and both Nyug and Mettera covered in crab guts, her black mood lifts somewhat in favor of concern.
"Oh my! I'm sorry I wasn't there; you look like you've been through a terrible time," she says when she looks them over.
Then her ears droop when she sees the skeletonized remains of Airk. "Oh. Not much left of him."
Then, lowering her voice so only the others could hear, she whispers, "Hestram didn't react when I mentioned that Dargo was part of the Alliance. Maybe you four could learn something?"
When the Pathfinders finally return with Airk's body, Hestram receives them again. "Well done with the Sniper," he grunts. He promises to take care of Airk's body, and thanks the Freaks for doing their duty in recovering a downed comrade.
After cataloguing the team's finds, he gives them notes of payment for the mission.
"You are free to go. Thank you for informing me of what Dargo said, Cladissa. It has been noted."
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Mattera didn't really trust anyone, least of all an employer. He sifted through the words being spoken, the undertext, the body language, the subtle distance between words and the things spoken between them. Cladissa had a suspicion as well, which made his focus especially keen.
After the meeting is over, the Tian man clicked his heels in militaristic fashion and walked out the door. He replayed the response in his head a few times. He might have to dwell on it for a moment. Regardless, he had to visit Aaqir al'Hakam, and soon. A particular leather book as well as the location of a certain skiff were of interest to him. He would receive such shortly, and likely a heavy dose of scrutiny as well. How did he know about the Iron Tide, after all?
Mattera didn't really trust anyone, least of all an employer. He sifted through the words being spoken, the undertext, the body language, the subtle distance between words and the things spoken between them. Cladissa had a suspicion as well, which made his focus especially keen.
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+22
After the meeting is over, the Tian man clicked his heels in militaristic fashion and walked out the door. He replayed the response in his head a few times. He might have to dwell on it for a moment. Regardless, he had to visit Aaqir al'Hakam, and soon. A particular leather book as well as the location of a certain skiff were of interest to him. He would receive such shortly, and likely a heavy dose of scrutiny as well. How did he know about the Iron Tide, after all?
[dice=Fort Save]1d20+5
[dice=Fort Save]1d20+6
Argor simply nods and departs when Hestram dismisses them. "I need to acquire some things from the manor, and then I intend to go check on Mr. Newblossom. Make sure his experiments are not proving too large of a toll on his body, given the serum's interactions with his physiology. I trust I will be safe enough in his company, so if you would like, feel free to tend to whatever personal affairs you desire in the mean time," he says to Mettera before flying off to the manor to recollect his scrolls and spellbook.
He then flies straight to Nyugusk's lab, , and makes his presence and purpose known as he awaits invitation.
Cladissa had hoped to discuss Hestram's response further, but everyone seemed in a rush to get out of the Lodge. Nyugusk especially was distressed.
"Are you sure that's what it was? You know how hard he is on himself. Were there any setbacks in the cave?" she tries to ask Argor, but he flies away before she could get his attention.
After giving his retreating form a sour look, she shrugs her shoulders and turns to the patch of mineral-scented shadow lurking nearby. "Well, Hrim. Did you observe anything? Or do you need to go see Ms. Batbongle?"
Hrim silently follows along the group to the Lodge and audience with the Venture Captain. Nyug's behavior greatly concerned him, especially with Argor's reaction. The deep gnome stays with Cladissa and Mr. Black and clears his throat.
"There were lots of crabs, big and small. Argor made some cannibalistic comments about them and Nyug, but I don't remember anything that might have caused Nyug to react that badly," the deep gnome replies to Cladissa.
"Yes, I need to go see Madame Batbongle, but there's no urgency. Not like Nyug. Let's return to Jaberwocky to ensure that he is returned to his finest, inquisitive health." He would fly with Cladissa toward the manor.
Cladissa makes a small, disgusted sound in the back of her throat when Hrim reports Argor's comments.
She unfurls her wings and steps into the courtyard, ready for flight. "I agree. Let's see if there's anything we can do for him. And if he's all right, I really need a bath."
"Yes, we all need a long, hot bath," the deep gnome says with a smile in his small, thin voice. Then, he follows Cladissa to the manor.
"Hear, hear," she says as several powerful beats of her wings take her aloft. After soaring the short distance from the Lodge to the manor, she alights in the tree near her window and clambers down to meet Hrim at the front of their home.
Stepping inside, she takes a deep breath to see if Nyugusk has started his next round of chymical experiments. "Nyug? Do you have a moment?" she calls out if she detects him. Then she directs Ms. Fecht to begin baths for everyone if she hadn't already begun.
Nyug scuttles back to the townhouse as fast as his four legs will allow, considering and then discarding ideas for his next experiments the entire way.
Back in his lab, he begins scratching equations on slate, and then starts a chymical fire to power his experiments. He's just about to crumble some atropa belladonna into the beaker, he hears Argor outside his door.
"Ahh, what? Oh yes, come in. Did you bring that Numerian fluid that you collected from the Silvermount collection?"
He enters, looking about the facilities appraisingly. "As a matter of fact, I haven't. I came so quickly for two reasons. Firstly, out of concern for the manner in which you departed. You seemed both distraught and ill. Given our record of alchemists and the serum, I wanted to make sure you were alright, and should things begin to turn for the worse, try and prevent any harm to come to you."
He then turns his gaze to Nyugusk, "The second reason, however, is more self serving. Should things in fact be turning within you in such a fashion that cannot be prevented or reversed, I want to be present, so that I can try and understand the cause, in order to prevent its further repetition."
Rutai flits from Argor's shoulder and casually looks over Nyugusk's notes as Argor speaks. "I don't mean to sound callous in this regard, mind you. I would prefer to keep you alive and well, make no mistake about that. You, as is Mr. Black, are a rare combination of strength and intellect. While I make it no secret that I do not share your excitement in your own personal modifications, the fact remains that you have managed to shape and guide them to your desires for nearly as long as I. And such control of willpower is to be respected."
He has a seat on a stool near the lab table and asks, "So, speak honestly with me. Are you alright?"
”Hmmm. Perhaps you can send Rutai to fetch it then? Hold on, I have to add this belladona soon or else this batch will spoil. Four...three...two...OK. Good.”
Nuyusk steps back and squats (folding four legs beneath him) and then looks Argor in the eye. “As to my condition...I may as well be honest. Something wasn’t right back there. I’m sure you noticed how difficult a time I had with those crabs. Even the large ones. I’ve been finding my vision going double at awkward times recently. Not just in the cave, it...it happened again when I was at the lodge. I’m sure it’s nothing that applied chymistry can’t overcome though, so lets get to work.”
He points to a vial containing a couple ounces of greenish fluid. "This here is some of my resynthesized serum, purified from my own blood. I think I'm making progress on it. At any rate, the color's getting much closer to the original...but I'm afraid that it's still quite unstable.
"I was making such rapid progress for a few weeks there--as you can see from my new ability to grow wings and fins--but I confess I've hit a wall recently. According to my calculations, this should enable even more transformative transmogrifications." Nyugusk hands the arcanist a stack of papers to read over. "I'm not sure why this wouldn't work, but perhaps there's a postulate off here. I'm extrapolating as much as I can from the data I have, but I think I need more. That Numerian fluid perhaps? Or your own blood, and the blood of our comrades?
“I mentioned earlier today while we were on business, but I can’t help wondering...are the changes I see in my refined serum due to errors in my own calculations--I can’t discount the possibility, of course--or due to something more significant, like perhaps our own unique humors altering the serum itself within us."
Argor looks to Rutai and nods.
"Be right back," the imp says before lifting off. He pauses and turns and claps Nyugusk on the shoulder before leaving, adding, "You know I was only playing around back there, right? Just some friendly teasing and banter."
Argor looks over the half-orc and asks, "You are aware of the fate of the previous man who dabbled in mixing the serum with alchemical concoctions, are you not? Having been there first-hand, let me assure you it was not a pleasant fate. Obviously your skill in the alchemical arts are more refined than his, but I want to make sure you are aware of the risks you expose yourself to."
He then turns back to Rutai and adds, "Retrieve Cyrill's remains as well."
Once Rutai departs, he turns to Nyugusk again. "Are you certain you feel up to pressing the matter this very moment? Perhaps a days rest before delving the matter. If you would like, we could continue your experiments at the Sanctum, I promise you my alchemical facilities there are top of the line, and my supplies of reagents are vast, including some too delicate to travel even the interim distance from there to here."
To the imp, Nyugusk nods. "Yes yes. Banter, very well. Please come back quickly with the fluids though. And carefully, it's not recoverable."
To Argor, "Yes, Cyrill's fate was unfortunate, but I've looked over the catalog of his remains as well as the notes he turned in to the lodge about his experimentations, and of course your own notes on the event. His ideas were extremely...rough, unsubtle. I'm quite confident that I understand and have accounted for his errors. Just to begin, if you'll remember, I took the serum while under the influence of my own mutagen. That was a lesson I learned from his fate. I believe the serum has done far better at coexisting with the mutagen in my system due to that one change alone. Still..." He pauses. "...I've improved my craft so rapidly over the past few months, a new examination of his remains could lead to interesting discoveries. Or cautions, of course...but really, in the hands of a skilled alchymical transmogrifist I don't think there's any serious cause for concern.
"Hold on one moment."
Nyugusk turns to focus on a beaker that has reached its boiling point. His accordion-arm unfolds to a shelf across the chamber, grabs a metallic-looking powder, and pours it in--or attempts to. At just the wrong moment, his vision again blurs and the alchemist finds himself collapsing onto the table with a loud thwack!, spilling and breaking several vials in the process.
Frustration and shame battle on his face as he says, "Ignore that," and quickly drinks down two potions in succession. In as natural a tone as he can manage, he says, "I'm fine. Shall we start extracting and refining your own blood while we wait for Rutai? Or would you rather read over my papers first?"
Argor stands and takes the papers, and puts a hand on Nyugusk's shoulder. "I will review your work first, but I openly admit, my own studies in Alchemy are minuscule. But for now, rest. You know as well as I your studies will be of little use if you are beleaguered in either body or mind."
He takes the documents and folds them carefully as he exits. "Get some rest. I will see you tomorrow an hour after the sun passes its zenith at the Sanctum."
Blushing, the Transmogrifying Lotus nods. "Yes, of course. Do give my papers a read though, please. There's...I'm very close, I know I am!"
At Argor's departure, Nyugusk heads up to bathe the sweat, saltwater, and crab flesh from his body. He stops once to lean on a side table as he walks.
Cladissa and Hrimnagel arrive back to Jabberwocky Lane just in time to see Argor leaving.
As he leaves Jabberwocky Lane, Argor nods to his fellow Pathfinders politely. "It would seem Nyugusk is a but under the weather. Do keep an eye on him. I told him to get a good evening's rest in hopes it rejuvenates his stamina."
As they move closer together, he inquires, "Any idea what has Hestram so perturbed, beyond the betrayal of his friend?"
Cladissa shakes her head. "I hope it's just that. I don't know if that man was being purposefully busy so as to avoid any further questioning, or if he's just that overburdened with work."
She looks in the direction of Hrim's scent to see if he has any additional thoughts.
When their suspicions -- or lack thereof -- are shared, she waves to Argor. "I'll check on Nyug and make sure he gets some sleep. But unless you're willing to stoop so low as to apply your cleansing magics to us, the first thing I need to do is take a bath."
Argor arches an eyebrow at Cladissa's snarky comment, before waving a hand and bestowing them both an air of lilacs. "I know not what I've done to earn your ire this time, but I would suggest a hot bath all the same."
"Hey, hey. Something we all agree on! A bath. That's definitely going in my journal." The deep gnome adds to the snark.
"So, did Nyug tell you what's going on with him, Argor?" the small inquisitor asks.
Cladissa's own eyebrow raises. "I seem to recall you voicing your disdain for your mastery over the arcane being used for simple laundry."
But she deflates a bit. "And it's not you; I had another encounter with my stepsister before you got back from the caves. It's put me in a mood."
"Indeed, I did, as I did not want it to become habit," Argor replies.
Argor turns towards Hrim's voice and says, "I would not assume his desire to speak to everyone on his behalf. If you continue to be concerned regarding his welfare, I can only suggest asking him directly. I believe he was on his way to draw a bath as well."
He then begins to levitate into the air. "My condolences on your continued troubles with your sister. But if you will excuse me, I need to go write up the chronicle of this venture and then check on my enterprises, as well as review some thesis papers of my students."
Argor flies off towards Verde Heights, intercepting Rutai on the way and having him return home with him. After checking in with Imrizade and filling her in on what he had encountered, as well as their results, he kisses her on the cheek before retiring to his office to tend to his paperwork. He sends Rutai off to check on his various business ventures as he does so.
Once he concludes his work, he scribes a couple more spells into his spellbook from times borrowed from the Society. As he finishes, he smiles as the last page of his spellbook is filled. He closes the black leather tome, and waves a hand over the cover, his personal rune appearing in glowing red on its surface. Along the spine and beneath the rune, he waves his hand again, and the words "Volume: 1" transcribe themselves into the leather.
As the freaks converse, there's a loud rapping on the front door. Mrs. Fecht answers it and (after a few moments) escorts in a tall, slim fellow with Chelaxian features, but whose amethyst eyes suggest an aasimar heritage. He is dressed in a flowing tunic of cream and deep purple, but a breastplate is visible under his loose clothing.
"Why hello there," he smiles and extends his hand. "Gianluca, servant of Arshea. I've been on assignment in Jalmeray for just over a year, just back yesterday. I asked at the Lodge and they said Nyugusk lives here now.”
Gesturing to Mrs Fecht, he adds, ”Your butler says he’s taking a bath after a long day. Last we saw one another, he mostly just did research for the society, but I gather they have him doing field work now. I’ve been looking forward to seeing Nyuggy for ages. Do you mind if I make myself comfortable here while I wait?"
Taking a bite of a flaky cheese pastry from a platter that Mr Goodpies brings out he says, "Mmmmm, delicious. The food in Jalmeray is wonderful, but not like home and one always misses familiar tastes, eh? Speaking of which, do you have any wine? And if you'd be so good as to satisfy my curiosity while I wait, whatever got Nyuggy to leave his lab behind and start taking on fieldwork?”
Cladissa's tail twitches back and forth as she watches Argor float away. She is about to head inside when the newcomer arrives.
She follows Gianluca inside, nodding mutely to his questions. She finally finds her voice after Mr. Goodpies brings out the tray of pastries.
"Nyuggy? Well, it's a long story, but I suppose the short version is that he himself had become his own experiment, and that he isbniw participating in field trials."
She extends a hand. "I'm Cladissa. And perhaps you could satisfy my curiosity and tell me how you know Nyug?"
"Of course, I will ask Nyug, Argor. It just appeared that you shared our concern with Nyug's health." the shadow that stinks of seafood replies in a small, thin voice.
After Argor departs, Hrim follows Cladissa inside. "Cladissa, perhaps we should not linger in the living area for a conversation at the moment. The fish stench may last here longer than our baths. Whomever he is, I'm sure his nose would appreciate our delay in greeting. Despite the interesting Nyuggy introduction." With that, the shade of fish stench floats into the basement for a not bath and change of clothes.
"We'll have an hour before the perfume wears off. I'd still like to hear from Gianluca. Then I'll be taking my own bath," she tells Hrimnagel, then looks to the guest.
Gianluca accepts Cladissa's hand and kisses it with a warm, easy smile. "Enchanted."
Then when he hears Hrimnagel's thin voice his eyes go wide. Gianluca squints his amethyst eyes to see the shadow-gnome and breaks into a deep, surprised laugh. "Whoa ho ho ho ho! I didn't see you there. Well met!"
Looking Cladissa in the eyes, he says, "And yes, it would be my pleasure to satisfy you.
"Nyugusk and I met as boys. My mother enrolled me for a few years at the Lotus Academy, just at the age where we were starting to notice people, if you know what I mean. His big sister Jurlas and I were the only aasimar there and we hit it off right away. Everyone loved her, but for Little Nyuggy she was the stars and moon. She took to Iroran meditation like noone I've ever seen--such mastery of her own ki--and of course he did nothing but compare himself to her and find himself lacking. I do hope he's learned to have a bit of slack for his own imperfections? That boy's standards have always been adorable but exhausting!
"Ahhh, and of course he hasn't gone by Nyuggy for years, he'll kill me for that." he grins. "Our secret?"
"By the way, I can't help but notice your wings. In fact, do both of you have them?" Gianluca squints into the shadows where Hrimnagel is standing. "Do you two have celestial heritage too, then?"
Cladissa laughs lightly, feeling somewhat flustered by the man's turn of phrase. "Of course! Nyuggy is obviously a term of endearment to be shared only by those of intimate personal relationships or the familiarity that comes from early development." She quickly realizes her mouth is running away from her. She tries to recover with another laugh, and noting that Ms. Fecht is arriving with a bottle of wine and several glasses, she adds, "Or perhaps significant inebriation."
While she accepts a glass and waits for it to be filled, she runs her mind around what she's heard about Arshea.
Oh, gods. Another one, she thinks as she realizes his flirting is probably genuine.
She shakes her head at his question about her heritage. "Oh, no, nothing like that. It's a... long story, and it does have something to do with Nyug's decision to venture into the field. And yes, he is still quite hard on himself -- striving for that concept of perfection that Irori teaches. But he is always reliable when we face the dangers of our job. He's saved my life many times over."
She hoped that returning his attention back to Nyugusk would get him to quit that smoldering gaze of his.
- (Macavity's) Hrim's not there.
Noise of a bath can be heard in the basement. Magic perfume is not the same as cleanliness...
Gianluca nods to Ms. Fecht as she pours. "Thank you. Oh, and can I see the label? Ahhh, a Galteaux Cramoisi, eh? You know how to treat a guest, I'm in your debt!" He focuses intently on the glass as he swirls the wine around and then breathes in the bouquet. Taking his time, he enjoys his first sip, and then another. "Remarkable."
He again meets Cladissa's gaze as the wine wets his lips--clearly enjoying Cladissa's reaction to his attention--and appears completely at ease in the conversation. "A long story, eh? Well by all means, if you don't mind?" He leans over to pour her another glass.
Before Cladissa can answer, Nyugusk comes scuttling in, wrapped in a bathrobe and still distractedly drying his wiry white mane with a towel. "Gianluca! What are you doing here?!", the alchemist exclaims.
Gianluca's eyes go wide and his jaw drops, as he slowly recognizes and makes sense of his friend's face in a thoroughly transformed body. "Nyuggy...?!?
"You...um...wow! Come here and give me a hug!" The tall, lanky visitor leaps across the room to squeeze the Transmogrifying Lotus tightly. Laughing, he says, "Now what the f&#k have you done to yourself? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's marvelous," Gianluca says, looking Nyug up and down, "What a piece of manhood you've grown into...but you still better start explaining. This looks to be quite the tale!"
Nyugusk seems (at least for the moment) genuinely happy, perhaps even a bit relaxed for the first time in weeks. Together they walk off toward the Transmogrifying Lotus's chamber, laughing and interrupting one another with questions and exclamations. As they leave, Gianluca turns back to Cladissa, briefly, saying, "It was a pleasure to meet you, Cladissa. I look forward to more."
The next morn, Argor immediately arises and prepares his magics for the day. It had been a long time since he had totally expended his potential arcana in a single day, and it was not a sensation he enjoyed. As such, it was quite a relief to have his magic once again readily at his disposal.
He joins Mettera and Imrizade for breakfast in the dining hall, gladly taking part in casual discussion with the two of them as the house servants tended to their every need.
As they finish their meal, Argor turns to them both and asks, "So, what plans do you each have for the day? That is, of course, once Mr. Black and I conclude our rounds of my enterprises. Nyugusk has requested my aid in his his alchemical research, and I told him I would meet with him at the Sanctum an hour into the afternoon to do so. But I doubt that those studies will take up the remainder of the evening."
He dabs at his mouth with a cloth napkin as he awaits their reply.
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Mattera walked through the city after delivering the required information to his faction, ever cryptic about their information. There were rumors of course that the leader of the exchange dabbled in divination, and it was distinctly possible a good amount of the strange and eclectic facts that showed themselves in their briefings was due to that. Regardless, there was certainly a fair amount of success that The Exchange had since he took over, so one could hardly question his methods.
The Tian often would go down some of the more crime ridden areas, hoping someone would try to mug him, or pickpocket him so he could let off some steam. But even the criminals were staying away from him today, probably on account of the smell. This left him time to think. Which was a bit of a problem.
An off-handed comment meant to comfort and support a coworker had stirred up the pond of memories that had recently become clear. Mae loved him, but she wouldn't allow that to disrupt her business or her philosophy.
It would have been easy to become bitter. But he could hardly blame her though, as he understood things much better than anyone. Hundreds, possibly thousands of people relied on her acumen. Because of the way she ran her business, gold exchanged through so many hands. So many mouths were able to be fed because of the business she brought to the area. He saw first hand the families brought out of poverty, the welfare of the city, the children growing strong. If she were selfish, if she neglected her path, all of that became susceptible to chaos and ruin.
Could one choose happiness over the welfare of so many? He longed for it regardless. Since coming to the city, his faith in the Prophesies of Kalistrade had started to wane. Perhaps that's why she had gotten so cold. Perhaps that was why she had gotten so distracted from her work.
As he wandered, he found himself drawn to her estate, oddly enough a scant quarter mile from Argor's mansion. Feeling a solid amount of homesickness, he wondered how his men were protecting things, and moved into the requisite patrol zone. Within a minute he was confronted by Plebin, one of the Ulfen he'd trained since coming to the city. "Sir!" he nearly trumpeted. Knowing he was doing exactly what he needed to do, and that he had passed a surprise inspection, he was fairly confident in his address. Not letting the details of his dried silver blood and the stench of the sea pass him by, he looked a bit concerned. "How is your leave going? I trust you've been keeping yourself busy?"
"Ah, Maggot." he badly feigned surprise. Using his training name playfully as he sometimes did when he was in a good mood, even though he really wasn't. It was at least good to see him. "I was just out for a little stroll. Fancy running into you here. How's business?"
Mattera's friendly tone confused the Ulfen, as his commander was not really known for chit-chat. He looked a bot more concerned. "It's not been the same since you've left, sir. You wouldn't by any chance be coming back any time soon, would you?"
The tian smiled, which set his former employee further from ease. "I took a temporary position for another resident in the area to help ease the cashflow from the deep investments I've made with my previous wages. I'm living comfortably there, and I'm having to train a whole new set of recruits..." and he stopped there, realizing the issue. "It's that bad, huh?" One look at the Ulfen's face told him that things hadn't improved one bit since he took his leave, and likely business was actually quite worse. Mattera began to doubt his decision, now having actual evidence that it very well could have been a bad one.
"Look, sir. I respect you and all you've done for me and the other guys. But you gotta do what you gotta do. Find yourself a girl or something. Get out of town. Don't come back here looking weak. Leave before someone else sees you."
The words stung a bit. But they were exactly what he needed. He'd trained them well, he could at least be proud of that. "You and I well know it's too late for that." the tian said cryptically. He turned and walked back away from the estate, throwing a half-hearted wave over his shoulder as a way of saying goodbye.
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As the Tian sipped his green tea at breakfast, he considered the Arcanist's topic of conversation. It didn't seem at all unusual for Argor to begin this line of questioning. Undoubtedly he knew of the exchange between Mattera and Cladissa and was interested in what might develop between the two of them for his own sake. Tensions between the cat-lady and the aristocrat were not at acceptable levels, and it would behoove the group to come to some sort of understanding. Mattera also knew that, and since they were likely to be put into further difficult situations where their lives were in danger, it only made sense ton have a chat and attempt to make bridges.
"I believe I'll be spending some more time getting to know my teammates. I have a fair amount of inexperience with the way all of the rest of you think, and while some are fairly straightforward, others are not. The sooner I feel acclimated the sooner we'll have better synergy." He took another sip of his tea, waiting for a reaction, if any.
Cladissa sips her wine quietly while she watches the reunion of the two friends. She is glad that Gianluca is lifting Nyug's spirits, considering everyone else's concerns about his earlier behavior. When they move to his room, she waves goodbye and forces a smile. "Yes, indeed," she responds, not sure what she could say that Gianluca wouldn't take as an invitation to more brazen flirtation.
Finally, she pads off to that bath she'd been desiring. After being cold and damp for most of the day, the hot, clean water was heaven. She soaked for what seemed like hours, letting her mind wander and forcing her cares away.
The next morning, she slinks out of the estate and heads out shopping. She realized she missed Jannicke, and didn't feel like trying to banter with Gianluca.
Eventually, she remembers her promise to speak more with Mettera. She sends a runner to invite him to a luncheon at Le Fleur de Galt, since she'd been meaning to go back to that establishment.
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As the Tian sipped his tea, the message arrived at the mansion. He gave a look to Argor, fairly smug at the convenience of it, but also fairly pleased that his plans thereof were working so seamlessly. He'd have to thank Cladissa for her thoughtfulness later. Possibly Master Constantine had known the messenger was coming and was giving his permission, and he would likely be taking that tactic regardless of whether or not he knew. Mattera found such things tedious, but perhaps he'd be surprised. "Return to your mistress, tell her I shall be there."
Later, after Argor's business and having him safely dropped off at the Laboratory, the bodyguard found his way to the Galtan restaurant. Most Galtan food seemed presumptuous to him, but they did a few things he enjoyed. Well, at least that was before his tastes had changed. He might have quite a bit of experimentation to do himself. "Excuse me, I have a reservation? I'm meeting a Miss Velorryan for a meal today."
The maître d' leads Mettera to a private dining area -- an elegant outdoor courtyard with bubbling fountains and crawling ivy on the walls. Cladissa is seated at a small table looking severely uncomfortable.
She does brighten when she sees Mettera arrive, and the relief is evident in her voice. "Thanks so much for joining me. I was at first worried when I extended the invitation that they wouldn't have a table, but then it turns out they know who I am, so they insisted on this private table, which I did not ask for, because I didn't want you to get the wrong impression, and then I was worried you wouldn't show, so I'd have to sit here and eat alone."
She shakes her head, realizing her mouth is again running away from her. "Sorry," she finishes with a smile. "Do sit down, and please say something because I'm obviously doing all the talking. How are you adjusting to the serum?"
After a hot bath and meal, the deep gnome crept out of his basement sanctuary. He could hear the noise of Nyuggy and his old friend catching, but otherwise Jabberwocky was silent and ready for night. He slipped out the door and headed toward the shrine of Count Ranalc.
His trip to the Precipice District was comfortable without the oppressive sun in the sky. He floated on wings of shadows through shadows. Down the narrow path along cliff face, the booming surf hundreds of feet below seemed to match his heart rate.
Past the curtain of magical darkness, the narrow cave to the altar was relatively busy. Several gnomes reverently sat on the small stone benches. There was movement and some noise beyond the altar. They had expanded and connected the warrens that the badgers had dug to make habitable rooms. There now were door-sized openings, access to neighboring caves or water, adequate ventilation, and a latrine.
He made his obeisances to the altar and found a seat to commune with his divine patron.
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He sat"I appreciate your thoughtfulness for the invitation. I'm sure we'll be much better company today than yesterday. I for one, did not wish to eat a fine meal without some vigorous scrubbing." Rather than any purplish scars or healing wounds from the day before, the blemishes in his skin from such things were silvered instead, almost looking like expensive body modification despite the magical healing he'd received.
He was definitely much more relaxed than usual, draping one arm over the back of his chair behind him as he fiddled with his napkin. There was a particular Galtan way of handling it, but he couldn't remember what it was and then just tossed it in his lap as he put one ankle over his knee. "The serum is still fairly painful, and although it's subsided by at least half, and I believe it will continue to do so, I haven't been sleeping well. But I've lived a life that is well acquainted with pain, so the bigger problem is at the moment how my appetites have changed. I've developed a taste for metals. After my tea this morning, I ate several copper coins like biscuits and thoroughly enjoyed my tea spoon. Argor hasn't said anything, but I've kept a ledger and I'll make sure it's replaced." His eyes showed a bit of annoyance at the inconvenience of it, but it didn't take a large amount of insight to see he was doing his best attempt at fairly dry humor.
Her eyes go wide and she leans forward, listening intently to his description of his changes. Her mind worked furiously on the new variation that the serum has displayed.
"Fascinating. Three who have taken the formula have demonstrated purely biological alterations. Argor's started out as biological, but he seemed to have shifted his effects to some sort of inherent magical power. Hrim's was always shadow-based, surrounding himself inside a light-devoid aura. And now you are exhibiting a metallic physiology?"
She shakes her head, pondering. "Unless each individual syringe contained a separate type of liquid, I have to agree that the fluid does interact with the recipient. But how, and why, is still unknown."
The arrival of a light watercress salad snaps her out of her concentration. "I do believe I will share my blood with Nyugusk. I think there's much we still have to learn. But let's save that topic for later. I hope there's something here for you that you will enjoy."
As the luncheon progresses, she lets Mettera pick the next topic for discussion.
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"There are several biological creatures that use and eat metal in their physiology, the most notable of which are dragons. Several outsiders also use it in their physiology, from what I've heard. It seems the changes are suitable, with the one exception, to the the person's identity and skill set. I am slightly pleased to find that my blood doesn't tarnish anymore when exposed to the air. Which means it's likely not silver, but platinum, at least now. When I expressed my discontent on it's value, there may have been some kind of negotiation with it on a visceral level. As you say, it is quite interesting."
The tian ate his salad mechanically, obviously not enjoying it, but it wasn't repulsive enough to ditch entirely. "Perhaps after our meal we can head over to the laboratory and donate to the research. If I can adjust things through meditation, I wouldn't be terribly upset. So far, I don't really have any complaints. My lifting strength has nearly doubled, and I'm a fair amount more resilient to damage. But my senses are also sharpened, so I can actually do my job even better than ever before. Are you fairly pleased with your changes as well?"
Cladissa sits back, blinking at the question. A smile slowly grows on her face, then she nods. "I am, actually. It took a bit of time, and I almost lost total control. But I do like it."
A bit of uncertainty crosses her face, as if she is deliberating something, but then she comes to a decision. "I'm not sure if you knew this, but we -- well, Argor, Hrim and I -- were Pathfinder washouts. Failed our trials. The formula was a last chance that we all took to stay within the Society." Her eyes grow distant as she recalls those early days. "No one knew what the formula would do; Cyril was another washout who melted into a puddle on our first mission. Over time, we slowly grew more accustomed to our changes. Argor sought to assert control, while Hrim and Nyug seemed to just accept whatever happened."
Cladissa frowns. "I resisted. I was afraid. And for a time, I regressed, physically and mentally."
Then she shrugs, and her wings flutter once. "I got better. There's definitely a way for your mental state to affect the serum, but the opposite is true, as well.
"But I'm in a good place right now."
Argor nods, "A wise decision."
Once he has completed his rounds in the morning hours between the Docks, the Raven, the Arcanamirium, and a review of various missives from the office of the Third Spell Lord, Argor makes his way to the Sanctum to check on things there as well as prepare the alchemical laboratory for their research.