Tal brings Ermolos home and introduces him to his wife Lily. Even though it is very late there is still a snack available to settle the stomach before heading to bed. In the morning after sleeping in late Tal will check to see if Mera needs him. If not he goes about telling Lily thathim and Ermolos are going ot clean the sewers near the safe house to make the place safer for all there.
Monday actually stops her fondling of her boss at the tiefling's outburst. Smiling serenely as they finish she turns her face back up to Janiven? "Anymore questions for Prasha and Quayzy?"
Janiven thinks for a moment staring at the tiefling couple. Not that I can think of. Our ‘revolution’ is too make Westcrown a better place for all of its inhabitants. I’ll be honest. We did not think about or include tieflings, and that is a position we will truly have to revisit.
@GM: What does Raveen know about the mayor's daughter?
I assume Arael said nothing.
While Arael is grateful for the information, he is definitely not happy with each moment Palaveen draws breath.
We agreed to abstract this down to the dice rolls, right? Tell me if I actually need to say something to justify this...
What is the Council's goal, so far as you assessed and know about them?
As I told you before! To get coin! With coin, you can do anything!
Why are you obeying them? Do you believe they will advance your cause? What makes you think that?
I obey them so they will invite me to join them. While I do not think their goal is to seek revenge on those that have wronged us, I believe being a part of their organization will allow me to become quite wealthy. A wealthy man can find other ways to get revenge.
If I wanted to be contacted by the Council--what must I do? How long did you work to get their attention?
Do what I did. Stand in front of Vaneo Arvanxi with a sign that says ‘Will join Council of Thieves’. He looks at you seriously before breaking into a grin. The council contacts you, not the other way around. How long I had impressed them, I cannot say. Can you grant a dying man a request and tell Arael to go hold out the sign? I’d like to see him in hell sooner rather than later.
What kind of people are they interested in, and what have you specifically done to get their attention? What kind of people are dangerous to them?
Bring some of my Bastards back to life or help me recruit more and I’ll let you know when I get in!
By your assessment--what does the Council want from people who wish to join it (ruthlessness, contacts, cause, etc.)?
I assume those that can earn. I do not think they are a broke organization so their members must be earners!
When were you contacted by them? Do you have any other letters of theirs left? Do they drop of messages at any pattern you noticed (day of the month, cycle of the moon, etc.)?
I was contacted by them a few weeks ago and I destroyed any other letters of theirs. I wanted to show I was trustworthy. There was no discernable pattern, some days there would be a note, some days there wouldn’t be. Like I said, I am sure they already know that the Bastards of Erebus are no more.
How have they aided you? Only by giving you skeletons?
Those and some coin. Feeding an army of tieflings can be costly!
Ermolos wakes early and starts sharping his blade like his Da used to do so long ago. He is both scared and excited and wondered if Tal felt the same way. Looking at the well-armored warrior, Ermolos doubted anything scared the man. He was glad when Lily set down a hot breakfast in front of him and wolfed it down even though it had only been a few hours since his snack. He notices Lily staring at him and he wipes his mouth with his sleeve. I’m sorry Miss Tal. I have forgotten my manners. This sure is a tasty breakfast!
Monday lets a squel of joy before hugging Janiven, almost lifting her off her feet in the process. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!"
"Now," she says through nuzzling against the warrior tightly before raising her head. "What's say I help you relax some while waiting for the boys to finish their game of twenty questions, hmm?"
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As I told you before! To get coin! With coin, you can do anything!
I obey them so they will invite me to join them. While I do not think their goal is to seek revenge on those that have wronged us, I believe being a part of their organization will allow me to become quite wealthy. A wealthy man can find other ways to get revenge.
The council contacts you, not the other way around. How long I had impressed them, I cannot say. Can you grant a dying man a request and tell Arael to go hold out the sign? I’d like to see him in hell sooner rather than later.
Bring some of my Bastards back to life or help me recruit more and I’ll let you know when I get in!
Raveen wrote:I assume those that can earn. I do not think they are a broke organization so their members must be earners!
I was contacted by them a few weeks ago and I destroyed any other letters of theirs. I wanted to show I was trustworthy. There was no discernable pattern, some days there would be a note, some days there wouldn’t be. Like I said, I am sure they already know that the Bastards of Erebus are no more.
Those and some coin. Feeding an army of tieflings can be costly!
The rogue waited until the tiefling answered every last question. He then rose quietly, and headed to the next room. Interviewing Vethamer briefly, he concluded no information whatsoever.
Leaving Vethamer's room, he passed by Arael, and nodded back to Vethamer, hissing, "Give this Bastard his reward, Captain."
Leaving Arael to finish off Vethamer, he entered Palaveen's room. Avoiding his look, he approached the Bastards' leader slowly.
A foot away, he drew his shortsword, and placed it on Palaveen's throat.
"Last word. Make it mean something."
Lily smiles at ermolos to show that there is no reason to apologize. Think nothing of it. It took me months to get TAl to even know what a napkin was let alone how to use one. Just take care of yourself and listen to Tal. That will be repayment right there knowing that both of you are safe.
Packing up a small loaf of bread and some hard cheese Lily wraps it in a towel before placing it in Tal's pack. Just in case it gets to be a long day and you need something to tide you over. Also if you are going to be out adventuring with Tal then you will need a pack of your own. You can use mine as the straps can be lengthened to accommodate you.
Finished with her duties she turns and gives Tal a peck on the cheek. Keep him safe and yourself as well. I plan on having a hearty broth stew tonight.
Tal gathers his gear and makes ready to leave himself after the breakfast. Nodding appreciatively to his wife he helps clean up before getting his armor on. Rolling his shoulder and neck to get the armor situated TAl feels little of the nerves that ermolos shows. Don't worry. I will look after you down there. Once we are done with today and you have had some practice swinging that sword you can the others how you helped clear the sewers. I see your ready to go cleaning your gear. That is a good step as a properly maintained weapon and armor won't fail you at the wrong time. Until we get to the sewers though just keep your sword stowed and peace locked. We don't want to be getting into any trouble with this. If anyone asks questions let me talk to them and you are my apprentice learning from me in case I am sick for my regular duties.
The rogue waited until the tiefling answered every last question. He then rose quietly, and headed to the next room. Interviewing Vethamer briefly, he concluded no information whatsoever.
After Raveen moves on to his next victim, Naberius gently closes the door behind him. He sits down on the chair opposite to Palaveen, leaning foward to look the tiefling in the eye.
He says, "If you do not mind, I have one last query for you. Please, indulge my curiosity..."
"Why do you suppose the Lord of Hell still deems to grant you power? You are acting against Cheliax, are you not? His chosen mortal realm, such as it is. You are obviously not working as part of his His appointed hierarchy. The Church does not send priests to disrupt the law of the land for their own gain. Do you think He is not satisfied with Westcrown? If so, why? You seem quite cognisant of the fact that fiends have no more love for tieflings than us mortals do, so their relative position in mortal society is hardly relevant..."
"Now," she says through nuzzling against the warrior tightly before raising her head. "What's say I help you relax some while waiting for the boys to finish their game of twenty questions, hmm?"
A smile comes across Janiven's face. That sounds nice! While her face is relaxed, her eyes never leave the tieflings.
"Give this Bastard his reward, Captain."
With pleasure! Arael says with a cruel smile. There is no scream and in a few moments, Arael emerges with his sword bloodied. I do have to give that tiefling credit. He did die well. May his victims rest easy tonight.
"If you do not mind, I have one last query for you. Please, indulge my curiosity..."
"Why do you suppose the Lord of Hell still deems to grant you power? You are acting against Cheliax, are you not? His chosen mortal realm, such as it is. You are obviously not working as part of his His appointed hierarchy. The Church does not send priests to disrupt the law of the land for their own gain. Do you think He is not satisfied with Westcrown? If so, why? You seem quite cognisant of the fact that fiends have no more love for tieflings than us mortals do, so their relative position in mortal society is hardly relevant..."
Palaveen ponders the question. Perhaps it is a favor to my father that I have these powers or it could be that Asmodeus favors the strong and despises the weak and we had set out to prove that we were not weak but strong! Besides, we never killed any of his followers, just silly followers of those like the whores Serenrae and Iomedea, that good-for-nothing gypsy Desna or those that still foolishly worship Aroden. Asmodeus has no love for any of those. Tell me, did I not see the symbol of Iomedea on your beloved Arael? And you wonder why Asmodeus granted me power against you?
Leaving Arael to finish off Vethamer, he entered Palaveen's room. Avoiding his look, he approached the Bastards' leader slowly.
A foot away, he drew his shortsword, and placed it on Palaveen's throat.
"Last word. Make it mean something."
Palaveen is silent for a moment. So it is time, eh? I still can't entice you to kill Arael and start a new band with me? Very well. Please make it a clean kill. By the way, Boy, You never told me what lofty ideal caused you to attack us if not for the hopes of fattening your pockets?
Ermolos listens to all that Lily has to say and when she mentions a hearty broth, his mouth starts to water even though he just ate. I wonder if she has a sister! he thinks to himself, and he almost asks her, but does not know how the formidable warrior might take that question to his wife.
After Tal gives him his instruction, Ermolos tries to keep it all straight. Do I tell people that I am your squire? he asks. He had heard of knights having squires and Tal sure looked like a knight! Although some might wonder what a knight was doing going down into the sewers! I will do all that you tell me to do, and keep out of the way! he says to 'Sir' Tal.
A smile comes across Janiven's face. That sounds nice! While her face is relaxed, her eyes never leave the tieflings.
"Good!" she purrs, almost growls, as she shoves the taller woman down into a chair and clambers on, straddling her. Smiling evilly at her distractedness she turns to the fiendish paramours. "I think she's stil interested in you two as wel, why don't you show her your specialties?" she cooes viciously before gripping the back of Janiven's head and attacking her neck.
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Palaveen ponders the question. Perhaps it is a favor to my father that I have these powers or it could be that Asmodeus favors the strong and despises the weak and we had set out to prove that we were not weak but strong! Besides, we never killed any of his followers, just silly followers of those like the whores Serenrae and Iomedea, that good-for-nothing gypsy Desna or those that still foolishly worship Aroden. Asmodeus has no love for any of those. Tell me, did I not see the symbol of Iomedea on your beloved Arael? And you wonder why Asmodeus granted me power against you?
Naberius is silent for a moment, letting his gaze wander to the boarded-up windows of the room. When the wizard speaks, his tone his that of disappointment. "Yes, there is certainly a lack of strength in this city..." he says, more to himself than the tiefling. "For centuries, this was a place of great influence. A proud capital of a proud nation. There is still remnants of that power here, but no one with the resolve to use it..."
Turning his attention fully back to Palaveen, he drops the last modicum of respectfulness from his voice. He sneers, "Certainly not you. As much as you claim to hate those in power, you are the very personification of everything that is wrong with Westcrown. You have let your greed blind you, and revelled in pride that you have not earned. Whatever legacy you might claim to have or might have built is squandered, due to your shortsightedness. Arael is a fool, but he may yet learn. You have proven yourself unworthy of the power you wield. Weak."
After spitting out the last word of admonition, the conjurer gets up and exits the room, leaving the tiefling to his fate.
Tal laughs lightly at the notion of him being a knight. No Ermolos I am no knight for you to be a squire to. But a master to an apprentice I think is more realistic and the truth as well. We would to well to tell the truth, the truth as we see it anyhow, to any one who questions us. Rest easy as I have been seen numerous times escorting Mera and my former boss before that. I have not been questioned much before and see no reason that I would draw suspicion now.
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"Last word. Make it mean something.""So it is time, eh? I still can't entice you to kill Arael and start a new band with me? Very well. Please make it a clean kill. By the way, Boy, You never told me what lofty ideal caused you to attack us if not for the hopes of fattening your pockets?"
"In truth, it doesn't matter to me if you were tieflings or aasimar," the masked man said quietly ( "Everyone has their prejudices--but to me, choosing your gang was strictly business, not personal: you made the most noise, and we needed a deed to establish ourselves.
"As for why I myself do this...I will answer: Like you, I owe someone something. I am to liberate this city from the curse upon it, and in exchange for my deed, I will master something I could never do before."After saying that, he jerked the shortsword up Palaveen's exposed neck, silencing any cry into a blood-choked gurgle. "Sadly, at this rate, I am as close as achieving my goal as you are to yours."
Once the tiefling's death throes stopped, he reached to Palaveen's jaw and cheekbones with both hands, and twisted his hands, cracking them.
Leaving the room with the tiefling in it, he said to the two in the hallway, "There is nothing more to do here. We are finished."
He turned to Naberius, and said, "You asked him your question, correct? I presume he had nothing useful to say for himself."
After which, he led the rest out of the house, and stood in the cold night air. "News of our deed will spread by tomorrow, and be the talk of the city if we engineer our propaganda correctly."
He turned to Arael, and asked directly, "What do you think of the two tieflings that want to join us?"
He turned to Naberius, and said, "You asked him your question, correct? I presume he had nothing useful to say for himself."
Naberius shrugs. He says, "It was an insightful little exchange, in a fashion."
After which, he led the rest out of the house, and stood in the cold night air. "News of our deed will spread by tomorrow, and be the talk of the city if we engineer our propaganda correctly."
The wizard frowns behind his mask.
Am I wrong to hope we remain in obscurity? I am not at all sure anymore...
He turned to Arael, and asked directly, "What do you think of the two tieflings that want to join us?"
Are you asking me personally or as the leader of this organization? Personally I think kobolds would make better recruits. As the leader of the organization, I guess we really cannot exclude anyone who allies themselves with us. I am reminded of those two sayings 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' and 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. I for one will be keeping an eye on them and if I see any dishonesty or signs of betrayal, they will meet a death worse than Palaveen and Vethamer!
Tal went home and the next morning will be cleaning out the sewers with Ermolos.
Janiven and Arael will offer to take the tieflings to the base (blindfolded of course) where they can be kept an eye on and their skills can be assessed.
perception check
As Tal walks Ermolos through the town he can't help but hear a few townsfolk chatting amongst themselves. While Tal didn't want to be seen eavesdropping he heard enough to know that word of the Bastards was out already. Not much information was exact which was just fine as anonymity was still something to be desired at this moment.
Easily making it to the sewers Tal has a good time of it with Ermolos as they discover a large nest of giant rats not 2 turns away from the hideout. Setting his shield to prevent being swarmed by the vermin it allowed Ermolos to face the rats 1 on 1. Ermolos was a quick study and handled himself well. Only once when a rat fell into the sewage and ended up flanking Ermolos did Tal give any real assitance. Ermolos was bit twice but niether were deadly and it would be a constant reminder to the lad to always be on ones guard.
After the rats were disposed of Tal went to the hideout proper and asked Areal if he could heal Ermolos' wounds and check him for any diseases. Luckily the bites were not infectious and Ermolos had his first combat under his belt.
Naberius follows Arael back to the base, and goes to crash in his little makeshift study.
The night is as restless as ever, filled with sprawling hellscapes and other indescribable forms of otherwordly terror.
While haunted by the fear of persecution, the wizard does slink outside very briefly in the early hours of the next day, to purchase some more special inks and other supplies for writing down new spells...
As usual, Naberius is too preoccupied with his thoughts to pay much attention to his surroundings (aside from glancing back periodically to make sure he is not being followed). His faithful familiar, however, does his best to point out the various discussions going on around them. This does little to dissuade the conjurer's growing paranoia.
After getting back, he does his best to immerse himself in his studies. He sits in the office doing just that, until Tarvi shows up for more lessons. Content with her earlier display, Naberius moves on to other cantrips, starting with prestidigitation. This is accompanied with admonitions about how she should have started with that spell to begin with, as it is the traditional cornerstone of wizardry.
Naberius also has his apprentice take a look at the jewels the group retrieved from the Bastards, and tasks her with finding out who they might belong to. That is in addition to her homework, of course.
Janiven blushes a deep red while the recruits look on amused. Now, now, we are supposed to be finding what skill sets these two bring to the table, other than the erotic ones of course. I think I hear Naberius coming. Why don't you go see?
Arael looks at Ermolos' wound and shakes his head. I'm afraid those bites are diseased. I think we are going to have to remove your arm! Arael winks at Tal from an angle the youth can't see. Ermolos turns as white as a ghost. But..but..I need my arm... he stutters. Arael can't bear to see the youth that scared and ends the joke with a laugh. You'll be fine, Ermolos. Tal has trained you well. The priest will ask for Iomedae's healing for the young fighter.
Tarvi is glad to see that Naberius is unharmed from the fight with the bastards and starts pestering him with all types of questions on what spells did he use until a stern look from Naberius sets her back to her task. She promises to take the jewels to her parent's shop to see if they can be identified as she goes about the hideout using her new prestidigitation spell.
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Wealday, 29 Lamashtan, year '08:
It was a chilling early morning, as Lamashtan days in Westcrown oft are. Reddened leaves fell into the open canals of the city, as the crisp coastal air burned lungs accustomed to more stagnant air.
The general seasonal autumn fell over the city as Raveen headed to the Children's headquarters, lost in thought, wrapped in his cloak. As markets opened, and people spoke their oaths, and signed their pacts on the new Oathday, he overheard many talking about the events he partook in yesterday night.
'There was some sort of fight in the old part of town last night.'
'A group of tieflings were killed last night. I say good riddance!'
'Some group took out the Bastards of Erebus! Hopefully it is not a group that is taking their place and will be worse!'
'I heard it was the same group that attacked the Hellkights, I think someone is standing up for us common folk!'
'The Hellknights have been embarrassed again as it seems that this group has done something they were unable or unwilling to do. Shanwen vows to find this group!'
Something within him pined to check his pack for a wig and a fake mustache, and begin talking--but the urge died soon after, with nothing but a sigh.
He continued on, sticking to the shadows of the steadily rising sun, he made his way to the base--as quiet and unnoticed as he always did.Entering the patron-less (and mostly empty) temple of Aroden, he moved up to the same bust he once examined with Naberius, straightening it up again.
Something must have tipped it off.
He looked up sharply upon hearing a distant caw: so lost was he in thought, for thinking it was Vasco's. It seemed, however, to be but a common raven outside. Something in the sound, and the bust made him grin internally.
"No offense has been taken, I assure you. I had the feeling you were more than you claimed you were."
As are you, lord Belthrune.
He headed to the priest's office, checking if someone was there. It was empty.
Arael and Janiven are away.
He placed a letter on the table, and turned, observing the room, eyes lingering on his recruitment posters for a bit, before leaving.
"What makes you think we are going to let anyway walk away from this? As previously was mentioned, each of knows valuable information and who we are."
At the common room, he noticed the stack of carved wooden masks, and reached for his own, placing his hand on it reassuringly.
"When times get tough and the path ahead looks bleak we all revert to who we truly are, the good and the bad."
He stood outside the makeshift study of the wizard, dropping a folded-up note written in Infernal, before leaving.
Leaving quietly, he returned to the bright outdoors of the city, heading to the docks, applying a disguise midway.
Anna emerged from the alleyway, fidgeting as she often did, and headed to the docksman, giving him a ready pass. Dragging a large travel bag, with a strange-looking potted-plant under an arm, she looked a tad comical.
"Absalom. My papers are included," she said breathlessly.
Boarding the early outgoing ship, Anna/Raveen looked a moment at the city, before going inside the ship.
The strange-looking plant rustled, and let out a hidden laugh.
"I'll be back one day," the rogue said to it, away from prying eyes, once the ship began to leave. "I'll be back, and I will set this place free--but not yet."
"It's okay. While most spirits staying in this world are malevolent it is not a universal truth."
The End
Notes:
It is my very sincere hope that you succeed in your task and you (of of you) realize your true potential and measure. Take care of each other, and remember: a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
-Raveen"
I have done some investigations not soon after we met. As a last service to a friend, I record here everything I know, and I hope you benefit from this.
-Raveen"
Switching to her normal grin she slides off of her boss' lap and starts to head to the door before craning her head ever so slightly, just enough to show a hint of viciousness in her smile. ... or maybe Arael would like to play?"
Waking up alone always aggravated the Spiritualist, who promptly released her brother into the world of the living before heading over for breakfast at the main. hall
... or maybe Arael would like to play?"
Janiven laughs at the thought. I don't think Arael likes to use his..uh..longsword..for those purposes, at least not that I know of.
Arael enters the office followed by Janiven and sees the letter on the desk. Funny, I don't remember leaving anything out. He sits down at the desk and looks over the letter. He then reads it a second time more carefully. Janiven sees the seriousness on his face. What is it? she asks. He says not a word and hands her the note. She likewise reads it twice.
hmmm...I thought we had a keeper with that one. she muses.
We are bound to be wrong sometimes. Arael replies matter-of-factly Hopefully we are not making one with your tiefling friends.
She smiles at the stern man. I've tasked Monday to keep an eye on them. It seems to be a task she is rather enjoying! Janiven says with a mischievious smile Looks like we need to find a replacement for Raveen.
"Then what does he like to use that really longsword of his for?" Monday asks as she turns around, a predatory and inquisitive grin now spreading across her face.
Happily waking up snuggled in between two Tieflings Monday lays still and soaks their warmth and intimacy in. She'd just get up when they did.
Tal sees the look that Areal gives him and has to clap a hand over his face to avoid giving away Areal's fun. At his pronouncement Tal gives a low moan playing along, Really Areal, he must lose his whole arm? At least let him keep half of it. that way he can still atrap a shield to the stump.
After the joke has been played and Areal gives Tal will clap Ermolos on the shoulder. Sorry about that. Call it initiation if you will but I think that you have done well for yourself and if your pa was here he would tell you the same thing. I would not worry at all on your ability to hold your own in a fight, to keep yourself safe, and protecte those weaker than you. While I would still not venture into the sewers by yourself I would think that on a regular basis you and perhaps 2 others could continually work to cleanse this part of the sewers to make it safe for new recruits. Excellent work Ermolos.
"Then what does he like to use that really longsword of his for?"
I don't know and any conjecture would be a stab in the dark, which might be what he likes to do with it. Janiven then groans as soon as she utters it.
Excellent work Ermolos.
At the compliment from his mentor, Ermolos beams. When can we go down to the sewers again! He asks eagerly.
Monday actually tilts her head to the side in bemusement. "Odd... or sad... I thought you two were an item."
Patience lad. I appreciate your exuberance but I must see to other matters at the moment. On top of the list is spending some quality time with Lily. I promised her that I would take the next day off to help with some chores around the house. AFter that I must go shopping as there is some items that I wish to have should we Areal call upon us. On top of that I must make sure I am available to escort Ms Mera if she deems it necessary to have a bodyguard somewhere. We will return to the sewers again I promise you that.
Tal ruffles Ermolos' hair, I will be around as well to help with any more instructions or to answer any questions you may have about certain techniques. I will not let my oath to help fade away. You can count on me.
As it becomes apparent that there is not going to be another operation for a while, Naberius keeps laying low and focusing on his studies. He continues to to tutor Tarvi, but unless someone bothers him, he prefers to stay in solitude. He actively avoids the tieflings, but does nothing further to dissuade them from being in the base.
Raveen's sudden departure does little to improve the wizard's sour mood. He had come to believe that the young man had potential, and his dissappearance was a rude awakening to reality. For a little moment Naberius had allowed himself to believe that this rebellion might lead to something else than inevitable doom, but now that childish hope had been crushed.
Again, his main focus was on survival...
blood money - 15 gp
feather fall - 15 gp
mount - 15 gp
see alignment - 15 gp
alter self - 60 gp
burning gaze - 60 gp
detect thoughts - 60 gp
glitterdust - 60 gp
levitate - 60 gp
resist energy - 60 gp
locate object - 60 gp
1 scroll of monkey fish 12 gp 5 sp
1 scroll of comprehend languages - 12 gp 5 sp
2 scrolls of mage armor - 25 gp
2 spring-loaded wrist sheaths - 10 gp
1 wand of infernal healing (10 charges) - 150 gp
"Oh Nabeeeeeeeee~" Monday cooes when she spies the infernalist in his study one morning.
Naberius looks up from his notes with a slight frown. "I suppose it would not matter if I told you I was busy?" he asks, dipping his quill in a vial of red ink.
"Nope!" she says brightly then adds ", but it is nice to know that you come out of your studies to acknowledge me."
Naberius taps the quill on the edge of the vial to get rid of the excess ink. He mutters, more to himself than Monday, "Do I have a choice? There is hardly any privacy in this place..."
The wizard sighs. "You might as well sit down, if you are not going to stop bothering me," he says, and gestures over to the seat on the opposite side of the table. "Can I help you with something?"
"Actually, yes." she says as she picks up the chair and moves it around to sit next to him. Placing an elbow on the table and propping her head with her hand her voice takes on a slightly serious and sultry tone. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out for food or wine?"
The conjurer raises an eyebrow. "Do we have any particular reason to celebrate?" he asks. "What is there to drink to?"
"You usually do the celebrating after the date." she responded, starting to gain a rather cattish grin as the talk went on.
"Ah. A date." Naberius winces. "I see..."
"Forgive me, but I am not accustomed to such informal outings," he explains, clearly putting a lot of effort into articulating his discomfort. "Such things are quite unheard of in the social circles I am used to. There is very little room for spontaneity in terms of where you might be frequenting and with whom. My family would likely have disowned me if I had been seen in a tavern with some Varisian girl..."
Not that it matters now...
"Well I could just bring some wine back here to help you relax while you work, we don't have to go out." Monday continues. "And I'm Ustalav. There's as much Kellid in me as there is Varisian... though I wouldn't mind having some Chelish in me either."
The wizard smiles shortly. "Well, I am certain they would have appreciated that subtle differentation..."
Naberius sighs, glancing annoyedly at the now dried ink on his quill. After a moment of studying the blood-red pigment, he finally relents. "I suppose a cup or two would not hurt," he says, putting down the pen and retrieving another from his supplies. "Well then... Is there any fine Ustalavic vintage you might recommend? The cheap swill they have stored here at the temple is scarcely better than vinegar..."
Monday smiles at him for a moment. "As much as I like wine back home I was never part of the circles that drank red. Those with pulses however prefer whiskey. Or plum brandy."
Naberius shifts in his seat, testing the sharpness of his new quill with his finger. "I see..." he mutters.
After a brief moment of awkward silence, the conjurer clears his throat and says, "Brandy sounds satisfactory, if you know where to find some."
Monday claps her hands together in satifisfaction as she stands up. "Excellent, I will return shortly then."
Turning to leave she gives Naberius a wink. "Don't go anywhere..."
"Finally! Wine! Wine everywhere! But brandy? More of a ghost than Tuez, you Chels are friggin teetotalers." she bombastically announces upon her return to the wizard's study, along with an archaic bottle of reddish-purple liquid and a set of glasses. "Well then, ready to relax?"
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Mera makes her way back to the hideout, needing some time to herself after the rather trying experience with the evil, no strike that, the cursed tieflings.
They are all evil cursed beings.
Mera kept her thoughts to herself previously, not wanting to get into it, but she was definitely not excited about the two newest recruits. Monday seemed to, well, get off with them rather well so she tolerates it in silence.
Returning to the hideout she begins a search for Tal, wanting to get his thoughts on the matter. She walks in on him ruffling Ermolos hair and leans against a column for support, not wanting to intrude on their conversation. As she waits for a break she smirks, admiring how much of a role model Tal has become.
He is of sound of mind and a true heart, Lily is lucky to have him.
She cocks her head at a slight angle and admires the man, temporarily lost in thought. But, does she? More than one bodyguard has fallen for a beautiful woman this way I imagine. What would it take, do you think? I bet I could take a few hints from Monday in this department, she seems to exhale pheromones...
And like that, a terrible, terrible seed is planted in her mind as her focus glosses over and she gets lost in thought staring in the vicinity of Tal.
While Tal is busy with Areal and Ermolos he is still aware of his surroundings and notices Mera come quietly in. Seeing that she is waiting quietly Tal nods his head in her direction indicating he has seen her. Turning his attention back to Ermolos he continues a bit further with some instructions. You did well down in the sewers lad and have learned much. However there is still more that I can teach you about wielding a sword and shield together. First though I must ask what your preference is. Do you prefer a lighter shield that protects less but allows for greater utility with your non weapon hand, do you want a larger shield that grants more protection but requires the entire use of your arm or do you prefer like me to use a towershield. The towershield grants the most protection but it is unwieldy and makes striking at foes more difficult. Once we determine your preference then we can work on honing your skill set even further.
When Tal is done with Ermolos and the agree to set up another training session Tal makes his leave and strides over to Mera. Hello, Mera. I wish to thank you for granting me some leave this morning to help train Ermolos more. Pardon my smell as we went down to the sewers to clear out a rat infestation. The lad handled himself well. Well enough in fact that should I ever be laid up after an outing with the group he could do ok in being a stand in bodyguard.
Do you have need of my services? If so let me go clean myself up to get rid of the grime and I will then resume my duties.
By the Gods if he doesn't smell like something crawled out of Pharasma's boneyard!
Mera stomachs the smell and waves her right hand in a dismissive gesture."Think nothing of it, I quite enjoyed watching you with him actually. It made me think of our experiences previously and how I felt less than useful with a blade in my hand. While I've trained the basics of martial skills with the master, I think it would be wise if you would provide some one on one with me. I've seen you in action many times now and I consider your skills to be superior."
A brief pause brings a half smile and a wink. "Besides, I would be easier to protect if I possess some additional capabilities to defend myself until you arrive, no?"
"Finally! Wine! Wine everywhere! But brandy? More of a ghost than Tuez, you Chels are friggin teetotalers." she bombastically announces upon her return to the wizard's study, along with an archaic bottle of reddish-purple liquid and a set of glasses. "Well then, ready to relax?"
As Monday returns, Naberius seems to have paused working for the time being. A crumbled piece of parchment in the corner of the room serves as a testament to his inability to regain his concentration in her absence. He does make some attempt to look like he was doing something when she comes in, but moves his papers aside for the moment.
The wizard takes a glass of brandy when offered, whirling it around for a moment in his hand before smelling it, first at chest height and then closer to his face. These motions seem rather awkward, as if Naberius is trying to remember some half-forgotten liquor etiquette. Finally he moves on to taking small sips, never quite moving on to bigger gulps. Tears in form in the corners of his eyes as he tries to not sputter.
Between pained sips he manages to get out, "It is... cough... rather sweet...?"
Monday smirks at Naberius' liqueur procedures before pouring herself a glass and downing it as fast as its poured. "It'll also knock you on your ass. You like?"
Pouring herself another glass she sidles up next to the wizard, eyeing him predatorily. "It also gives your kisses quite a kick."