Feline
** spoiler omitted **
Sanna laughed unpleasantly.
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Feline
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She looks up into Issac's eyes. Her lips grow closer and she plants a soft kiss on his lips"Perhaps I need to take the first step in opening our culture to new things. Would you do me the honor of spending the night with me? I don't want to be alone, and I would hear more of Sigil and the planes."
Feline
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Sanna laughed unpleasantly.
** spoiler omitted **Feline
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She smirked.
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Seph frowns
Back at the Banquet Merle frowns.
Back at the Banquet Merle frowns.
"Is something wrong Merle?"
"....Seph is talking to your not better half."
Seph sighs
"....Seph is talking to your not better half."
"I'm pretty sure she won't hurt him. She has a very complicated system, sort of an internal ledger book of social obligations. He helped her when she was hurt before so that should buy him a good amount of leeway....would you like me to intervene?"
Seph lowers his head
"....Seph is talking to your not better half.""I'm pretty sure she won't hurt him. She has a very complicated system, sort of an internal ledger book of social obligations. He helped her when she was hurt before so that should buy him a good amount of leeway....would you like me to intervene?"
"Nah I'm sure he knows what he is doing. Although why he bothers with her is beyond me."
"Nah I'm sure he knows what he is doing. Although why he bothers with her is beyond me.""....Seph is talking to your not better half.""I'm pretty sure she won't hurt him. She has a very complicated system, sort of an internal ledger book of social obligations. He helped her when she was hurt before so that should buy him a good amount of leeway....would you like me to intervene?"
She smiled. "Because he's a good person. And he sees the good even in her. Not that I'm sure there's as much there to see as he thinks, but I admire the effort."
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Grinning Rhiannon accepts Nermerin's offer to join him in a nighttime ride, making her way with him out to the grounds before summoning Thunderhead alongside her escort's steed, the mighty charger rested, his usual battle saddle replaced with one designed to accommodate her riding sidesaddle.
She winks at the dashing lord as she accepts his assistance onto horseback.
"Shall we?"
Ekuur watches the others as he quietly eats and drinks. He found Justin's performance quite good, although he wondered if it was natural talent or the ephemeral beauty and grace of his companion. He was still unsure what to make of the noblewoman Rhiannon; her activities tonight seemed far different than the warrior he was used to seeing.
Ekuur paid only partial notice to the conversation of Nari and Merle, but found it interesting that the catfolk boy, Seph, would go after Sanna. The elf was not to Ekuur's liking, was abrasive and aggressive; quite the opposite of the boy. It was a dynamic the four had that he didn't understand, and so left it alone.
What really peaked his interest, however, was Karrin and Isaac. When Isaac excused himself, not so long after Jena left the gathering, Ekuur assumed Karrin would be quick to follow. When she continued her repast instead, apparently blissfully unaware of their leader's departure, he debated whether he should say anything. He decides, for the sake of the group's cohesion and the good will of their hosts, to let it be for now.
Ekuur finishes the last of his drink and rises. Bidding a good evening to everyone still in the hall, he takes his leave. He makes his way back to the garden where Lauralia now roots. Along the way, he requests a small vial of lamp oil from a servant and (assuming they give him some) makes his way in.
Greetings, Lauralia. If it is alright with you, I should like to take my evening prayers here, in this place. Although not consecrated to the Sacred Flame, no place here is and I cannot think of a more suitable location. Assuming no objection, Ekuur begins walking among the garden, gathering dead leaves and plants, especially any that were killed during the earlier battle. He piles all those he gathers in the scorched, dead space left from Crookneck's fireball, and pours most of the lamp oil over . He begins his prayers:
"Fire is the destroyer,
Destroying the dead and dying,
Melting the ice and snow,
And clearing the way for the new."
Ekuur then uses his fire bolt to ignite the small pile. He continues his recitation, while using the remainder of the lamp oil to coat his skin and armor:
"Fire is the destroyer,
The enemy of the beings that hide in night,
Chasing the darkness
And feeding the light."
At that point, Ekuur grows silent for a moment as he focuses inward, confident in his mind and faith. A slight shimmer envelopes him, and he steps directly into the fire.
"Fire is life!" he intones, raising his arms to the night sky and stars as the flames surround him and he becomes a living pyre.
Jena trembles in Issacs hug. She smells of lavender and girl, a heady brew
"There is much to what you have said, Issac. We have been isolated here for many ages, beset with enemies and closed off from the multiverse. Lauralia's arrival marks the beginning of a new age for us, as does your heroic destruction of the Morkarthau."
She looks up into Issac's eyes. Her lips grow closer and she plants a soft kiss on his lips
"Perhaps I need to take the first step in opening our culture to new things. Would you do me the honor of spending the night with me? I don't want to be alone, and I would hear more of Sigil and the planes."
Isaac's breath catches for a moment at the soft touch of Jena's lips.
How long has it been, since saying a hurried goodbye and getting hipped in Acheron? The weeks of darkness, fear and the lash? Finding his way out, with only a crude iron ring to cling to? A span and a half, at least? Two? Three? Hard to tell between all the planes crossed back and forth between The Cage and here. Between the nights spent pining, longing, wishing... pounding iron into shape and feeling like a berk. For all he knew, he's dead and buried to Allie and she's cussin' out some other lovestruck sod with that lovely tongue o' hers. But here it is, a perfect night, an elven princess (or close enough) fit ter make a sod to go addle-coved... and he can't help but feel sad.
Isaac remembers a woman with wild red hair and eyes that flickered with fire and mischief, skin rough with scales at her shoulders and her elbows and a tail that had a penchant for curling itself round his calf during an embrace. A night in a tavern, one o' The Cage's hundreds, some berk in red pajamas walked right up teh their table during a snog.
"Disgusting! Perversions of humanity, both of you! Without even the proper shame for your filthy blood!"
"Relax, cutter.", he said,"Just consider that it's the human half o' me kissin' the human half o' her and ye won't have a problem, neh? But if yer gonna watch, it'll be a stinger- well worth the cost, since ye'll pick somethin' up teh use on all those boys waitin' round back for ye-"
A punch to his throat from Mr. Red cut off the rest, but by then, Allie had tossed their drinks on 'im and thrust a lit candle into the mess with her bare hand. The berk howled and beat at those silk pajamas as they ran into the night; Isaac wheezing and Alessa throwing rude gestures unique to several languages but still universal enough to be understood. Not exactly a perfect night like this... but bein' with someone he loved made it perfect to him. And somehow, as picturesque as it all was tonight, it just didn't feel as real or as passionate or as urgent... and Jena was about to take a long walk off that perch, it seemed, which is enough to say this is a lesson in culture he's got to keep at a surface level. At least that sounds like better reasons to give himself than "I'm stuck on her, still".
Isaac colors... well, a bit more.
"It would be my pleasure teh lann ye the Chant on what's out there, cutter (that's Cant- "I can get you up to speed or give you the news").", he says, letting the hoi polloi slip back into his speech,"And we can spend as long as ye want rattlin' our boneboxes (talking)... but just so we're clear..."
Slow down, give her some flattery to wash it down, now, ye don't want this to sting at all.
"... you're a beautiful woman- probably one o' the most beautiful I've set eyes on and I've gone far. And ye are waaaaay out o' my league. But I'm promised teh someone and I couldn't face myself teh go back on that, even for a perfect night with you. So I'm happy teh be a shoulder teh cry on and we can talk all night about anythin' ye like- but that's as far as it can go. Alright?"
Justin makes a final bow, and all but staggers to the side of the dance floor as once again the musical voices of the people replace the voices of the musicians' instruments.
How many turns about was that now? Three? Five? He had quite lost count. He was lucky he could remember to breathe at times. Particularly when the dance steps brought him in close contact to his primary partner. He still hadn't a clue whether her charismatic aura was natural or spell-enhanced. And when he was staring into her eyes from about a fingertips distance away, he didn't really care either.
Justin flopped bonelessly into a chair and gratefully accepted the drink from a servant that appeared like magic, his tray holding two chilled glasses of something. Justin downed the first half in a gulp, then realized that it was GOOD. He couldn't tell if it was some local exotic fruit juice, or mildly alcoholic bubbly, but it was way too good to gulp! He forced himself to sip it and enjoy the taste. It must have had restorative properties, because he felt better almost immediately. Still tired, but no longer about to fall down and pass out.
He forced himself to stand once more as the Lady glided up and accepted her own glass from the servant, who promptly vanished like magic.
"This is most fun I've ever had wearing myself out." Justin says with a bow, tapping his glass to hers lightly.
"But unless you have a stamina spell handy, I'm going to have to sit out the next one. Or three." He adds with a grin, finishing his drink.
He starts to say something else that seemed fairly clever when he thought of it, but when he glanced up he found himself looking straight into Lady Merindiel's eyes. Once again all conscious thought flew out the window, and promptly hopped a portal to another plane far, far away. Fortunately it only took a few seconds to remember to breathe.
"But then I'll be ready to go again. Unless my Lady has had enough dancing for the evening, and wishes to continue the discussion we started earlier?" Justin says sincerely and without a trace of the flirtatiousness he had originally planned.
"Well, it looks like Justin is enjoying himself immensely. I keep feeling like I'm in the wrong place, like I ought to be standing on the sidelines holding a tray," she admitted sheepishly. "If we're not going to rescue Seph from my evil twin, would you like to dance?" she asked Merle. "I think I know the steps...at least I've watched them often enough. And I think I can not think about those things more easily if I'm moving...It's alright if you'd rather not. At first I thought maybe I should step outside, that finding a quiet nook would be better, but I've seen too many people stepping outside already. I have a feeling I would find more than I wanted to see in any quiet nook I could find," she said with an apologetic smile.
"A dance is fine with me." Merle responds standing
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Feline
Isaac remembers a woman with wild red hair and eyes that flickered with fire and mischief . . .
"... you're a beautiful woman- probably one o' the most beautiful I've set eyes on and I've gone far. And ye are waaaaay out o' my league. But I'm promised teh someone and I couldn't face myself teh go back on that, even for a perfect night with you. So I'm happy teh be a shoulder teh cry on and we can talk all night about anythin' ye like- but that's as far as it can go. Alright?"
Karrin pushes away her eighth plate, finally feeling the unnatural hunger abate for a while, and the tiefling suddenly realizes that she's the only one still sitting at the table! Karrin quickly scanned the room: Merle and Naridre were dancing, as was Rhiannon! No correct that, she was leaving with someone. Justin was dancing as well. Very nice footwork Karrin mused. Karrin couldn't spot Ekuur, Seph, or Isaac. Karrin couldn't spot Naridre's old body either. Karrin wasn't worried, they were smart, and with the possible exception of Seph, weren't likely to be led off or trapped. Merle didn't seem worried so Seph was likely safe and healthy but Karrin couldn't help but worry about the others. They likely told the others were they were going, perhaps they'd even said something to her, but Karrin could sometimes go into a whole other state of mind when she was eating.
"Hey Justin," Karrin asked the mage when he and the lady had returned from the dance floor, and when she spied a lull in the conversation, "Did you see where Isaac, Ekuur and seph got too? I'm not worried or anything but I think we'd better not wonder too far till our mission is finished. Oh nice dancing by the way. Very graceful and stuff. I wonder if Isaac would like to try dancing or something before we leave?"
Justin blinks in surprise as Karrin's voice penetrates the blur of the Lady's powerful charisma. Justin pulls hie eyes away with obvious reluctance.
"Hm? Oh, Thanks." He manages to get out with a slight blush that could be the flush of exertion. "But I have to give my dance partner all the credit here. She has enough grace for me, and the next five generations!" He grins.
"The others? I think they're still here,... somewhere. I don't think they wandered off too far. I think Ekuur went to pray?" He shrugs.
Justin gives Karrin a thoughtful look. With a hint of his usual smirk tucked in for good measure.
"I'm, fairly certain that Isaac would probably be a good dance partner. The trick will be getting him to TRY it. He doesn't seem like the kind to 'cut a rug' unless he needed to make a snare. But if anyone could convince him, I'm sure you could. Your very convincing." He adds with a straight face.
Justin turns his attention back to their hostess, but manages to keep (most) of his wits about him this time.
"My lady? Your refreshments are truly invigorating. I feel quite ready for another turn if you like. However, Before I pass out completely, I believe you offered to show me your library?" He asks with a grin,...
"Well I am quite a bit stronger then him," Karrin muses, "If I wanted him on the dance floor I don't think he'd have much say in the matter. I mean he's pretty wiry and all but I got this one secret move that can really take the fight out of him quick, just a little bit of pressure and then it's good night Irene! The problem is making him move his feet and stuff afterwards. People get a little groggy and aren't sharp and stuff afterwards."
:)
Karrin notices that Justin is a tad preoccupied and she quietly excuses herself to go look for Isaac.
Justin is blatantly UNaware of Karrin's departure as he smiles at the Lady.
So I'm happy teh be a shoulder teh cry on and we can talk all night about anythin' ye like- but that's as far as it can go. Alright?"
Jena nods, eyes shining in the faint light of a glowing stone set into the tower's masonry.
"I understand, Issac. I likely shouldn't have asked, but I have never felt more alone than I do now."
She backs off of the embrace, turns and looks out across the darkened skyline of Hanalindali
" I appreciate your sympathy, but I think I need a little while to myself to think things through. Fare well on your travels, and come visit if you have a chance."
"A dance is fine with me." Merle responds standing
Nari and Merle join the whirl of Hanalindrim nobility as they spin across the dance floor. They see medusae, Koska goblins and what look to be Avariel with splendid snow-white wings joining the dance as well.
"My lady? Your refreshments are truly invigorating. I feel quite ready for another turn if you like. However, Before I pass out completely, I believe you offered to show me your library?" He asks with a grin,...
Lady Meralindiel smiles back at him, one with a liberal sprinkling of mischief
"Come then, Ser Justin, and I will show you my collection."
She leads him out and farther into the temple. They travel through a large corridor that turns upwards. After a few turns of the incline she approaches a large iron door at the end of the hallway. The door is a black slab of metal inlaid with silver runes of a strange nature. There is no handle that Justin can espy, or even a crask where the door would swing open.
"Here we are."
She gestures and sets her hand on the door. The huge black-metal door literally turns into liquid, falling neatly into a depression in the lintel revealed when it changes state. She tugs at Justin's hand.
"This way."
The two enter what is obviously the inside of a tower. The door reforms behind them, the liquid metal leaping up and freezing into the rune-graven door once again in a matter of moments.
The walls of the tower are stacked with books, scrolls, and other, odder, artifacts. Every ten feet a narrow metal landing circles the stacks. The center part of the tower's base is equipped with several overstuffed pieces of furniture and a few well-made tables. A scattering of books and scross litter one long low table, as does an expensive-looking quill and ink set..
Lady Meralindiel lets go of Justin's hand and saunters over to a chair near the book-laden table.
"Here you see the collected wisdom of the Hanalindrim. "
She plumps herself in the seat, and rearranges her gown a bit. She stares up at Justin with the hypnotic eyes.
"Is there anything you'd like to sample?"
Seph feeling he has settled up best he can heads back to the party.
Merle does her best to dance with Nari making up in enthusiasm what she lacks in experiance.
Can I assume Karrin finds Isaac after all the smooching?
So I'm happy teh be a shoulder teh cry on and we can talk all night about anythin' ye like- but that's as far as it can go. Alright?"Jena nods, eyes shining in the faint light of a glowing stone set into the tower's masonry.
"I understand, Issac. I likely shouldn't have asked, but I have never felt more alone than I do now."
She backs off of the embrace, turns and looks out across the darkened skyline of Hanalindali
" I appreciate your sympathy, but I think I need a little while to myself to think things through. Fare well on your travels, and come visit if you have a chance."
Isaac nods.
"Sure, I understand. And I do hope you'll be here the next we visit... or should you wish, find us in Sigil.... well, good night."The half-elf descends back toward the main hall, in a much less celebratory mood.
Can I assume Karrin finds Isaac after all the smooching?
Karrin catches sight of Issac emerging from a door into the main space of the temple. The crystalline walls here catch the starlight of a clear Prime Material evening, so different from the fogs of Sigil. A few guests talk in various corners, but for the most part the area is deserted. Lauralia's courtyard lays just beyond the other side of the crystalline narthex .
The image of Hanali Celani smiles from statues and elaborate carved screens that throng the worship space.
Ekuur watches the others as he quietly eats and drinks. He found Justin's performance quite good, although he wondered if it was natural talent or the ephemeral beauty and grace of his companion. He was still unsure what to make of the noblewoman Rhiannon; her activities tonight seemed far different than the warrior he was used to seeing.
Ekuur paid only partial notice to the conversation of Nari and Merle, but found it interesting that the catfolk boy, Seph, would go after Sanna. The elf was not to Ekuur's liking, was abrasive and aggressive; quite the opposite of the boy. It was a dynamic the four had that he didn't understand, and so left it alone.
What really peaked his interest, however, was Karrin and Isaac. When Isaac excused himself, not so long after Jena left the gathering, Ekuur assumed Karrin would be quick to follow. When she continued her repast instead, apparently blissfully unaware of their leader's departure, he debated whether he should say anything. He decides, for the sake of the group's cohesion and the good will of their hosts, to let it be for now.
Ekuur finishes the last of his drink and rises. Bidding a good evening to everyone still in the hall, he takes his leave. He makes his way back to the garden where Lauralia now roots. Along the way, he requests a small vial of lamp oil from a servant and (assuming they give him some) makes his way in.
Greetings, Lauralia. If it is alright with you, I should like to take my evening prayers here, in this place. Although not consecrated to the Sacred Flame, no place here is and I cannot think of a more suitable location. ..
Ekuur's mind floods with the presence of Lauralua
::I would be honored Bearer::
Ekuur conducts his fire prayer, and the throb of divine energy from the small tree swirls around him like a sirrocco wind from the dry plains of Athas
Grinning Rhiannon accepts Nermerin's offer to join him in a nighttime ride, making her way with him out to the grounds before summoning Thunderhead alongside her escort's steed, the mighty charger rested, his usual battle saddle replaced with one designed to accommodate her riding sidesaddle.
She winks at the dashing lord as she accepts his assistance onto horseback.
"Shall we?"
The Hanalindrim lordling helps Rhiannon onto her courser, then vaults onto his mount, a sable-feathered hippogryph. The winged mixture of eagle and horse snorts and looks at Thunderhead with a beady avian eye
"follow me!"
Nemerin leaps onto his mount and digs his heels in. He tears off into the cobbled streets, the hippogryph 's horseshoes striking sparks as he races towards the main city gates
"Hey Isaac," Karrin shouts when she spies him, "There you are, did you get your fill and stuff? We got to hit the road pretty soon and there's no telling when we can get grub this good again. Lots of folks are dancing as well but I figure you wouldn't be up for something like that cause you're one of them tough as nails mercenaries and don't go for dancing . . . that's why you're in the hallway right?"
Justin obligingly sticks out his arm for the Lady to take, and willingly follows her through the halls. He nods politely at the few people who greet them, (or more appropriately, HER), but for the most part they are ignored as they travel, the magic of the party having rendered even the leader of the Hanalindrim socially invisible.
He tries not to look over-suitably impressed with the magic of her personal door, but pretty much gives it up as a lost cause once he steps inside. He does manage not to gawp like a landed fish, (he did enough of that when he first arrived in Sigil.)
"Nice place. Cozy." Justin says as he gazes up at the stacks, his voice bouncing almost merrily back to him.
"Here you see the collected wisdom of the Hanalindrim. "She plumps herself in the seat, and rearranges her gown a bit. She stares up at Justin with the hypnotic eyes.
"Is there anything you'd like to sample?"
Justin turns slowly back to Meralindiel.
"I see a couple of items I'd love to get a closer look at." He says straight-faced. "With my Lady's permission, of course." He adds with a slight bow and a grin. He's not looking at the bookshelves.
Justin steps over to where Meralindiel is sitting, his fingers idly gliding over the sturdy tables and their seemingly random collection of books and scrolls. He stops in front of her chair and makes a full, fluid bow.
"My Lady. Meralindiel." Justin says in his best elvish accent, managing not to mutilate the pronunciation too much.
"This is, wonderful. Nothing short of amazing, truly." He says, waving an arm at the tower. "And I am grateful, no, honored, to be allowed to see it. Thank you."
Justin gazes full into the large, beautiful, hypnotic eyes. He knows he is being affected, but he is also sure that his decisions are his own.
"But as tempting as the wealth of knowledge in this room is, I have a lifetime ahead of me to study and learn. I have not the gift of the elvish to not need sleep. But on this magical night, I find that I have no desire to sleep, and miss a moment of your company."
Justin gently lifts the lady's hand from where it rests on the arm of the chair, and lightly kisses the back of it. ,...
"And if you tell Issac or Karrin I said that, I'll deny it. I have a reputation as an information-obsessive to maintain." He adds, his eyes glittering merrily. He doesn't let go of her hand though,...
With but a word, the shadowy destrier launches into a thunderous gallop, Rhiannon laughing as the wind whips through her hair,the difference of riding at full speed while in a silk gown thrilling, a flush of enjoyment speading.
As they race towards the gates the two powerful steed draw almost even, their riders' excitement infusing them with spirit.
"But as tempting as the wealth of knowledge in this room is, I have a lifetime ahead of me to study and learn. I have not the gift of the elvish to not need sleep. But on this magical night, I find that I have no desire to sleep, and miss a moment of your company."
Justin gently lifts the lady's hand from where it rests on the arm of the chair, and lightly kisses the back of it. ,...
"And if you tell Issac or Karrin I said that, I'll deny it. I have a reputation as an information-obsessive to maintain." He adds, his eyes glittering merrily. He doesn't let go of her hand though,...
Lady Meralindiel smiles a wicked smile
"I do confess I had ulterior motives to inviting you here."
She stands and moves closer to Justin, her scent enfolding him
"I know that human cultures have many idiosyncratic taboos about lovemaking, and I don't want to offend, but I am attracted to you Justin."
She looks into his eyes
"In our culture when there is a period of sorrow and death, it is customary to balance this with the joy of physical contact. I would be pleased if you would consent to join me this evening."
She smiles wider
"As a proxy of the Lady Hanali, I am well-versed in the arts."
She backs up a bit, and looks at Justin frankly
"I understand I am hard to resist, so I will will give you a choice that you can make of your free will. We can sit here tonight and peruse the books and chat if that is your wish, or ..."
She runs her fingers along her slender neck
"We can celebrate our victory and the start of the Age of Lauralia with a physical communion."
With but a word, the shadowy destrier launches into a thunderous gallop, Rhiannon laughing as the wind whips through her hair,the difference of riding at full speed while in a silk gown thrilling, a flush of enjoyment speading.
As they race towards the gates the two powerful steed draw almost even, their riders' excitement infusing them with spirit.
The two race though the postern gate of the large main gate and gallop down the winding roadway that leads down from the pinkish quartz hill that Hanalia sits upon. They race into the surrounding countryside, dark fields and starlit groves flashing by.
Nermerin reins his mount when they reach a small village a few miles away from the elvish city. A large inn sits at the crossroads, alight with light. The inhabitants seem to be celebrating the victory the same as their urban fellows. A raucous sound of song and shouts eminate from the slightly open inn door.
"Shall we stop for a refreshment?" Nermerin inquires
As the flames enveloping him begin to die and his intonations to the Sacred Flame end, Ekuur lowers his arms. He spies a small flowering plant nearby, sporting orange and yellow blossoms the color of flame. Sprinkling some ground gemstone powder over and saying one last prayer, the small plant suddenly is engulfed in flame. Strangely, however, the fire gives no heat, nor does it consume the vibrant plant.
A gift, and memento of our journey. Farewell, Lauralia, it has been an honor. We shall see each other again, I am certain. After his farewell, Ekuur leaves the garden and begins heading back to his room.
Seph arrives back and sits down content to watch the dancing for a while. Although also kind of looking like he wants to join in.
