No sooner had the first skeleton dropped before the Phantol charged the second in order to aid his sister.
Tal follows Tuesday's lead as he charges forward hammer raised. Naberius was resourceful but it was still too much to ask him to face the skeleton on his own. Tal did admire the fact that he had done this well alone though.
Charge Power attack two handed warhammer for
In his haste though Tal misplaced himself and left him open to retaliation by the skeleton.
Monday hits the skeleton again with her longsword and again does not damage it as much as she thought it would.
Tuesday and Tal rush over and finish the monster. The audience erupts in applause as the curtain falls.
Vestus comes up to a wounded Naberius. Excellent work! I thought for sure you had me with the pit. What would it take for someone of your talents to come be my apprentice?
Thesing just stands off in a corner fuming.
Tal saunters over to Thesing not wanting any healing at the moment. I think that the bet is in the bag for me. So sorry you had to fail at that like you do acting. Perhaps next time you will be on the winning side. Content having said his peice Tal then returns tot the group to see how they all fare health wise.
Mera mumbles to herself, "Yay, we win again." Once the curtain is down, so is Mera. She collapses to the floor in complete exhaustion. And pain. And anger. Anger later, pain now.
Her costume is completely ruined. RUINED! Covered in blood, ripped to shreds, burned, blackened and singed. Moving her hand to her side she grimaces with the pain and pulls her palm away, bloody. She tries to take a deep breath but winces in pain from the internal injuries. Grimacing she pulls her wand out from under her costume and with the flick of her wrist she restores some of the damage done to her, but not all of it.
Laying on the floor she stares up at Tal as he approaches. She closes her eyes and attempts another deep breath. Not as bad as the first, but still pained. She mumbles, "I am done with these gladiatorial games and ready for a glass of wine."
Regardless of the priest there Monday takes a moment to give Naberius a tight hug, followed by giving one to her brother. "You both were awesome!"
Naberius staggers backstage feeling like he has been ran over by a cart. Multiple carts, to be more exact. He groans in pain as he is hugged, undoubtedly nursing multiple fractured ribs from his encounter with the undead troll. He felt like his performance had been less than 'awesome' by his own standards, but he was not in the mood to argue.
As Monday moves on to embrace Tuesday, he finally turns to Vestus. Standing as tall as he can in his present state, he makes direct eye contact with the priest.
"I do not need the Devil-God's blessings," he says with a measured tone. "My power is my own, and so is my soul."
Raising a hand to the side of her mouth Monday will say to Vestus in a bit-quite whisper "He's also a maestro when using his wand too."
Thesing smirks, We will see who gets the loudest applause when this is done. Besides there is still one more act. He pats Tal condescendingly on the shoulder.
Vestus smiles knowlingly, Oh! But you will need him, young Naberius Belthrune, you will!
Tal looks for a stage hand and grabs him by the back of the shirt. Turning him around he tells him, Grab something to drink for Mera and be quick about it. Have it ready as soon as the next act is over. Tal did not need Mera to pass out right now and so heads over to her and rest a hand on her her to steady her. Hang in there Mera it is almost over. Just keep an eye out on Thesing once it is done as I would not put anything past him. You outperforming him rankles him as much as him losing his bet to me.
Mera sighs heavily as if she is carrying the burden for the entire party. She nods slowly and remarks, "Sage advice. I can't imagine what monstrosity of horrors he intends to unleash on us should we not fall in the next act. His shortsighted stupidity knows no bounds."
Tal nods his head in agreement. It is the stupid that worry me more than the smart ones. The stupid you never know what they think is a good idea until you stumble into it.
Garrald looks at Tal and eagerly says, Anything for you sir! I'll also have one ready for you too!
Weather it is due to the exhaustion of the play, or that her rival is still thriving, Delour's performance is not as spectacular as it has been and the applause shows it.
The curtain rises as Thesing strolls out with renewed confidence. We will see who gets the loudest applause indeed! With gravity in his voice he says, The final trial is at hand. Your souls shall be quenched at long last.
Mera steels herself for the final act. A deep breath and a few seconds later she resumes her role of the tiefling. When Thesing speaks she returns his statement with a fire that burns inside of her, driving her out do him. She points to him as she says, "This trial is yours, Magistrate Maleficarum. Asmodeus is the only true judge here. Bow before him."
perform check
As Mera speaks Tal draws nearer to her and makes sure he is within arms reach of her should Thesing try something in the final act. Thesing was crafty but hopefully Tal was quicker and could interpose himself between the 2 of them should anything happen.
perception check watching Thesing.
Thesing, matching Mera's anger bellows, Insolent dog! Asmodeus shall scour your soul as sauce from a pan. Ash for bones, and waxen souls melted by the dark lord’s flame to puddle at his taloned feet.
The audience is silent as this drama unfolds.
It is here. Time has come.
Mera wants to smirk at Thesing and rub her next line in with as much salt as possible, but she stays in character instead. Raising her voice near to the point of yelling, speaking loudly so that all in the theater can hear her she exclaims
Robahl in his guise as the Prince of Darkness roars Choose. A true heart shall beat strong for all eternity at my side, a false one burns to cinder in an instant.
Staring hard at Thesing, Robahl shouts, Treacherous magistrate who lords false justice over true souls. Your soul shall burn for all eternity—an everlasting torment awaits you.
With that the curtain falls and the audience erupts in applause, whistles and the stomping of feet. As the curtain rises again, you see that the stage is now being littered with brooches, chains, coins, gems, and other pieces of jewelry. Of course flowers are also being tossed onto the stage, some singular and some in bouquets. As you make your final bow, each of you get a standing ovation. As Thesing and Delour take their bows, you can see that neither is happy that certain members of the troupe did not become casualties. Calsenica looks like she is in a daze. As Mera takes the final bow, some members of the audience rush the stage and start hoisting each of you aloft carrying you out into the street. Soon from one end of the street to the other can be heard The crowd carries you to the nearest tavern and several drinks are thrust in each of your direction.
"Treacherous snake who hath betrayed your own foul master, I smite thee by the grace of Aroden!" Monday announces as her sword hovers above her hand before she makes a throwing motion as if she was tossing a javelin, sending the levitating weapon spiraling towards the pompous ass.
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As Thesing is taking his bow, none too happy that Mera and her merry band had survived, when suddenly he feels a sharp pain in his buttocks. He yelps and the audience roars with laughter. He turns arround and sees that Monday's scabbard is empty. His eyes narrow and his fist clenches and he is about to take a step when Robahl whispers sharply, Move out of the way! It is time for our Larazod to take her bow!
Later as the audience hoists him up, you can hear him grunt as those supporting his backside ebb and flow with the crowd.
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As the curtain rises again, you see that the stage is now being littered with brooches, chains, coins, gems, and other pieces of jewelry.
Vasco dives down from the rafters, landing admidst the all the glittering valuables. The raven hops around in the sea of precious baubles, beside himself with bliss. He intermittently picks up this or that shiny thing, only to drop it as he finds something better mere inches away.
Naberius side-steps the crowd, quickly getting rid of his costume to go unnoticed in the celebrations. With everyone's eyes on Mera, this proves not to be too hard a task. As the others are carried away, the wizard stays in theater to collect the groups' share of the audience's 'donations'—along with his awe-struck familiar—and heads back to the base, hopefully before getting noticed by the devil-priest.
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It had been a long, hellacious day, but time had come for Mera to shine. Mera can't help but smile ear to ear when Robahl's last words on stage have Thesing consumed. How poetic.
When her loyal paladin smites Thesing's buttocks, Mera makes sure to twist the arrow on her way up past him. As she rotates the shaft of the arrow she whispers, "Pain in the ass, eh?". She casts him aside and moves to center stage to bask in all of her glory. As the presents, flowers, cheers and chants rain down upon her she can't help but forget about all of the fatigue and pain. She offers kisses and waves to all those in the audience before eventually stepping back into line to let the others take their places.
Mera doesn't head directly back to the base after the show, nor does she head back after the party. The star of the show spends the time with her fans and others who wish her siganture or get a word in with her. Mera drags Tal along with her, for her protection of course, and keeps him up all night long with her partying. When dawn arrives and the end is near she falls into Tal's arms and groans, "Take me home now."
At the end of the performance Tal stays transfixed on stage as the gifts and wealth are showered upon them all. Never before had he seen such wealth as this freely given or discarded by others. The thought of it made his stomach turn but a larger oart of him was willing to take advantage of such an act. Picking up one of the less garish items thrown on stage he pockets it to give to Lily.
When Monday gives Thesing his due Tal claps her on the back and then hoists her high in the air. Wonderfully done. setting her back down he avoids the throng of people as he looks for Areal. Finding him about to leave he gives him the bracelet, Please let Lily know I am alright and that we all made it through. Some wounds were taken but nothing a day of rest and relaxTion can't cure. I will be home in the morning when it is safe to travel.
His focus on Lily and the message passed on Tal relents and let's the crowd sweep him to the nearest tavern. Drinks are pressed up against him as his continuous protestations go unheeded. Even declining 2/3 of the drinks leaves him foggy as the party continues into and through the night. uncomfortable in his armor he stows it and his shield in a safe place at the inn. The rest of the night passes in a blur and he doesn't realize it is morning till Mera falls into his arms wishing to go home.
Fort save
Head pounding at the drink and lack of sleep Tal meekly nods his head as he grabs his gear and trudges slowly along with Mera draped alongside him. As you wish Mera. The sooner the better so I can find a bed to lie down in.
As the drinks are being thrust into your hands you see Janiven and Ailyn try to approach you but the throngs of people keep them at bay.
Naberius, sneaking back into the theater sees the stage hands collecting the baubles and placing them into a box. The box is then brought to Robahl, who is busy counting the night’s take. He still wears his make-up although his costume has been replaced with a comfortable robe. As he sees Naberius he beams. Well done my boy! Well done! I can’t believe you all survived! We made history tonight! Oh yes we did! he pauses for a moment and thinks, what did I have to tell you? Oh yes! Vestus was looking for you! He wanted me to tell you that he’ll be in touch! Looking over the neatly stacked rows of coin, Robahl says, You and your fellow thespians come back tomorrow first thing and I’ll have your share.
The next morning as you all head to the theater you hear many people singing a new song called ‘The Sixfold Survivors’ which is credited to a local bard and jester of some renown named Ivan the Insufferable. People stop you on the street and ask for autographs. After much delay you reach the theater. Thesing and Delour are there sulking while Calsenica is busy chirping away. When Robahl sees Mera he coos, There she is! My Larazod! He begins clapping and everyone joins in-everyone except Thesing. He stands up abruptly and with anger in his voice says, This was a farce! She is no special talent! Haanderthan is just as much as a star of this play as Larazod! You are all falling over this wretch like she is the second coming of Usisterus! It is not true! She is a hack! She only survived because her cousin here had it good with the priest! He turns to Robahl, keep my share of this mummery! He then storms out of the theater. Delour looks slightly amused while Calsenica looks downright confused!
Robahl waves his hand in the air like he was dusting furniture. Tut! Tut! Good Riddance! He cannot dampen the joy I feel today! He then opens a box and produces several sacks and distributes one to each of you. Here is your share of the admissions and the valuables tossed on the stage. Each of you discover that your sack contains about 500gp worth of coin and gems. He holds on to Thesing’s sack just in case the hot-headed actor changes his mind. He then gives each of you an extra 500gp in gems as his own personal thanks. I think I am done with murder plays, but the thought of working with any of you in a more traditional play does not make me retch! He laughs hardily at his jape. Now be off! Enjoy your fame!
Tal arrives at the theater eyes blood shot and half open. The lack of sleep was telling on him as he paid little attention to those around him. He all but ignored Delour and Calseneica. It wasn't until Thesing spouted off that he opened his eyes fully for the first time. The drink the night before combined with the lack of sleep set his nerves on edge as he lays verbally into Thesing. You pompous ass. Only and insignificant prick would want the death of a fellow human for nothing more than entertainment. Tal marches over and helps to escort Thesing out giving him a shove spilling him outside on the street. If you know what's good for you, you won't come back or ever bother her or any of us again. Oh and bye the way you lost the bet. Tal then slams the door back and returns to the more festive attitude of the group.
Naberius, sneaking back into the theater sees the stage hands collecting the baubles and placing them into a box. The box is then brought to Robahl, who is busy counting the night’s take. He still wears his make-up although his costume has been replaced with a comfortable robe. As he sees Naberius he beams. Well done my boy! Well done! I can’t believe you all survived! We made history tonight! Oh yes we did! he pauses for a moment and thinks, what did I have to tell you? Oh yes! Vestus was looking for you! He wanted me to tell you that he’ll be in touch! Looking over the neatly stacked rows of coin, Robahl says, You and your fellow thespians come back tomorrow first thing and I’ll have your share.
Naberius approaches the director, leaning wearily on the staff that was part of his costume during the performance. Liberating a gilded brooch from the claws of his familiar, the wizard sets it down on table amongst all the other baubles. He tries to not look directly at Robahl as he makes his answer—the sight the Lord of Hell himself grinning at him did little to put him at ease.
"Hm. Of course," he says as matter-of-factly as possible. "I will inform the others. I am also glad to hear that I made an impression, though I admit that I am at the disadvantage of not knowing the priest previously. What is his position in the church, exactly? Do you happen to know if he will be present in the Lord-Mayor's celebrations later on?"
Here is your share of the admissions and the valuables tossed on the stage. Each of you discover that your sack contains about 500gp worth of coin and gems. He holds on to Thesing’s sack, just in case the hot-headed actor changes his mind. He then gives each of you an extra 500gp in gems as his own personal thanks. I think I am done with murder plays, but the thought of working with any of you in a more traditional play does not make me retch! He laughs hardily at his jape. Now be off! Enjoy your fame!
Naberius flatly ignores Thesing's outburst, not willing to lower himself to the level of some spoiled, lower-class mummer. He receives his payment with a gracious commendation for Robahl's expertise, and listens thoughtfully to the director's declaration of returning to less bloody subject matter. All things considered, he had been surprised at how much he liked being on stage. That is, the acting itself had been surprisingly enjoyable, even given the poor quality of the script. Bodily discomfort and the constant mortal danger aside, he had quite enjoyed the diversion.
The conjurer clears his throat and says, "I am glad to hear you are returning to more respectable material. Please, do let me know when you are planning a production of a more traditional nature. I am fully fluent in Azlanti, and well versed with the classics..."
Tal then slams the door back and returns to the more festive attitude of the group.
The wizard sighs as Tal goes after the actor, and shakes his head disapprovingly when he returns. "Why must you seek to antagonise him further? He is undoubtedly a pompous fop, but apparently a vindictive one. I doubt this is the last we will hear of him..."
Tal shrugs away NAberius's concern. I agree that we will see him again but I do not take lightly to others belittling those I associate with. Besides if we do see him again I will nettle him more about losign the bet and see if he falls into a rage and acts out rashly.
Naberius scoffs and taps his cane on the floor restlessly, glancing after their histrionic antagonist.
"I am not concerned about him individually," he says. "But whether you like it or not, people like him have money and influence. He has already shown he has no issue with witnessing our untimely demise. The last thing we want is assassins and hitmen hounding our every step. We do not need more enemies!"
Tal shrugs his shoulders as what Nverius fears is actually commonplace to Tal. Ironically I am not as worried over that as other things. My living has been made preparing for such instances. Now that the play was over Tal does not worry about talking more about himself with others around. That and the drink might still have a lingering effect on him. There is a reason I was hired as a guard. I can protect myself and those around me. Any confrontation involving him I see ending with his defeat. That is not an idle boast, it is simple fact.
As for hiring assassins, if so then they will be very well paid and will know the risks before undertaking such a task. We are the stars of Westcrown and, need I remind you, hopefully the darlings to the mayor.
"Is that so?" Naberius deadpans. "Well, I am certain your past employers would be thrilled to learn of that attitude."
With that said, the wizard throws up his arms in resignation. What was done was done, and they would have to deal with the consequences...
As you exit the theater, there seems to more people then there was before. Shouts of Larazod! Drovalid! Tybain! Dentris! fill the air along with the new tune! Naberius trying to get some distance from the crowd is approached by Morosino who palms a note into his hand and says loudly.
The rest of the day is your to go shopping, take in the crowds, etc.
Tal moves up next to Mera and whispers in her ear hoping that she will do him a favor with the crowd present.
Any chance you could promote that rapier you are holding. Might give my business a jolt if you tell them the only place to get a replica is at my smith.
Once Tal hopefully answers questions as to where replicas can be made of Larazod's sword then Tal hurries home to soend the day with Lily and finally head to a bath and bed.
Since he had no errands about town, Naberius quickly shares the contents of the note with the others, and makes his way straight back to the hideout—or at least, straight after making sure he was not being followed. As paranoid as he had become, the attentions of a powerful Asmodean were a good enough reason tread even more lightly...
Robahl stops counting and slowly looks up at Naberius. Not sure what his position is. Truth be told, after I left the military and took up with an acting troupe, I became more of a Desna man myself. Especially when I took up with an elven actress who followed her. Boy! She sure could sing and she had legs up to..well, never mind! Robahl stares wistfully into space for a few moments. I assume he is a big deal in the temple, weather that is due to the Lord-Mayor's influence, I cannot say. At any rate, he would be a good friend to have and an even worse enemy! The red-painted director continues his counting. I, myself, have never been to one of the Lord-Mayor's feasts, so if I am invited, it would be a first. I don't know who 'the regulars' are.
As Naberius enters the hideout he is greeted with many claps and whistles. Ailyn gives him an exaggerated bow and Janiven tips her cap. Tarvi rushes forward. Master! I am glad you weren't hurt! I know you have been busy this last week, but..I was..uh..hoping we could continue my training? She says with a sheepish smile.
As Naberius enters the hideout he is greeted with many claps and whistles. Ailyn gives him an exaggerated bow and Janiven tips her cap. Tarvi rushes forward. Master! I am glad you weren't hurt! I know you have been busy this last week, but..I was..uh..hoping we could continue my training? She says with a sheepish smile.
Naberius acknowledges the rebels with a slight nod, turning to assess his pupil with a stern look.
"That depends," he says in response. "I trust that you have not been disregarding your studies in my absence? I have no use for an apprentice that has no initiative of their own..."
Mera smiles at Tal, "Of course. It is the least I can do for saving my hide in there. I didn't think I was going to make it out of that ridiculous acid contraption truth be told." With a wink she adds quietly, "I won't tell Lily where you had to put your hands to help me out, we'll keep that our secret. Hmmm?
She breaks away from Tal before he can respond and holds her rapier aloft to her fans. Silencing the crowd she thanks them for their patronage, her fellow cast, and her brilliant director. She makes note to point out that the authenticity of character would not be possible without the beautiful craftsmanship of her her blade from a local smith. She utters the pertinent information, urging the crowd to look into their fine wares.
Mera wanders into the hideout shortly after Naberius and watches Tarvi rush toward the Belthrune. She waits patiently for him to finish addressing his student, but makes it known that she is waiting to talk to him about something.
As Mera finishes her sales pitch, you see some in the crowd leave suddenly in the direction of the smithy hoping to get their orders in before the others.
As Mera enters another round of applause errupts from those gathered. Tarvi is distracted momentarily by the commotion. No! I haven't, Master! she says slowly turning her attention back to Naberius. She realizes he will be unhappy with her being distracted-after all, if she lacks concentration, how will she cast her spells while there are distractions. She looks down at the floor expecting the rebuke that will surely be coming.
Mera is never one to shy away from applause and attention. She turns towards the group and performs an elegant curtsy. With a flourish of her hand and a warming smile she coos, "Thank you, thank you. All in a days work."
She continues on with the group until Naberius frees up. She has no intention of letting him slip away from her until certain matters are discussed.
As Mera enters another round of applause errupts from those gathered. Tarvi is distracted momentarily by the commotion. No! I haven't, Master! she says slowly turning her attention back to Naberius. She realizes he will be unhappy with her being distracted-after all, if she lacks concentration, how will she cast her spells while there are distractions. She looks down at the floor expecting the rebuke that will surely be coming.
Naberius keeps his eyes on Tarvi and lets the girl squirm for a moment, knowing full well what it was like to be in her position. She never would have made it in the Acadamae, he thinks. Mere months ago the he would have been ready to dismiss her, but something gives him pause. The wizard was still uncertain of his part in the rebellion, and the future seemed full of nothing but tribulation. Yet, he was not the same man he had been at Acadamae, or even the same man that had arrived in Westcrown not so far ago. As much as he dreaded the change, he could not keep running forever. There had to be something worth fighting for...
"That means we will have to work twice as hard to make up for lost time," he finally says. "Cancel any prior appointments you might have had. I will see you in my study in one hour's time."
Mera wanders into the hideout shortly after Naberius and watches Tarvi rush toward the Belthrune. She waits patiently for him to finish addressing his student, but makes it known that she is waiting to talk to him about something.
The conjurer waits for Tarvi to depart, and then turns to face Mera with a somber look on his face. What was it that Raveen had told him?
"You'll need more than that one mask."
Well, it seems you were right, my young friend...
Tal stutters and stumbles over words as Mera gets the best of him once again. Before he can fully articulate any type of response though she is off catering to the crowd. He is only partly mollified as Mera tells everyone where she got her blade and the extra revenue that is should generate for the smithy. AS Mera is keeping everyone's attention Tal slips out and laves to go home to Lily.
Eventually after he has rested and recuperated with the help of Lily he finds his way back to the hideout with Lily as well. Not wanting to make an entrance Tal simply knocks the code and finds a quiet spot in the corner waiting to see what Ariel and Janiven have planned next.
Lily enters along with Tal but unlike her husband she does not make for a quiet corner and wait. Instead she jions the crowd near Mera waiting for some time to talk to her. Arms folded she leans against the wall tapping her foot with a small scowl on her face directed at the diva.
Mera recounts various lines and moments from their play to the crowd, playing into their enthusiasm. As Naberius turns to face Mera she intends to break away to confront him but instead catches sight of Lily's scowl and tapping foot. Seriously, now? What have you gone and said Tal. Mera finishes her story and moves towards Mrs. Mainz. She dimples her cheeks with a smile and throws her hands up in the air, angled toward Lily as she moves in to embrace her. She plants a soft kiss on her right cheek and holds her by the shoulders. She lets her body relax in a sign of comfortability when in fact she knows in her mind that all of the words she is about to spew are complete and utter lies.
With a soft exhalation she says in an excited tone as if speaking to a long lost friend, "It is so good to see you again! I wanted to personally thank you for allowing Tal to participate in the play. While I soak up the limelight, I believe it is his steady hand and expert blade that have delivered us our overwhelming praise. Without his guidance we are all truly lost."
"I see you got my message, thanks for coming to see me - I know you are a busy woman with her own life but I thought this was important." She let's go of Lily's shoulders and removes a necklace her neck and slips it into her hands. The gold necklace with a pendant in the shape of a dove, lined with various sparkling gemstones most noticeably diamonds glimmers in the light. She purchased this morning for herself with some of her payment from the play and definitely had no intention of giving it to Lily when it was procured. She adds, "We all wanted to express our gratitude to you and let you know how important you are to us here Lily. You are the guiding light that holds the line for our brave and trusted shield. Without your encouragement and blessing we would not have Tal to protect us from the shadows. The group all agreed that without your backing we would not be able to be as successful as we have. To that end we agreed a token of our appreciation was in order."
She slips the necklace over Lily's shoulder and admires it by putting her hand over her chest. Outwardly she coos in admiration of the jewelry while she sighs in her head. It's a damn shame, I really loved this one. "It's looks amazing on you!"
Lily waits and watches as Mera talks to the crowd gathered there. Eventually Mera dismisses them and turns her way. Returning the smile that Mera gives her Lily accepts the embrace and kiss on the cheek but does not return the affectionate greeting. She listens carefully to the words of praise about Tal nodding along but frowns slightly at the mention of receiving Mera's message. Yes Tal does have a steady hand and a steady personality as well. It is one of the many characteristics that I love about him. Once he has committed himself to a course of action it is not easy to sway him and he is determined enough to see it through to the very end. It is nice that you notice and can appreciate such traits in him.
I am sorry though as I did not get any message from you. I got the message from Tal after the play that all was well and that he would not be home due to the lateness of the hour but I had no summons from you.
As Mera offers the necklace Lily looks at it with another questioning look. It is so kind of you to say that. I am flattered, honestly I am . The gems sparkle and shine like nothing I have seen before. I have touched something so costly let alone had it offered to me freely.When Mera slips it over Lily's head though Lily backs a step away. No really I appreciate the offer but this is too much. Thank you Mera and Monday and Naberius as well for the offer but I can't accept this. I would look silly wearing something so grand. I wouldn't know what to do with it and would feel awkward if others see me with it. She unclasps the necklace and hands it back to Mera.
I do not wish to offend you by not accepting it but all it would do is sit I the house and I would never wear it. It would be better instead if it graced your neck as the necklace and you seem to better suited to each other. Raising up her arm Lily reveals a dainty charm bracelet made of silver and only 3 small semi precious gems. Tal had already gotten me a bracelet that seems more my style.
The offer of the necklace seemed to have the desired effect that Mera was going for as Lily had switched from being more aggressive verbally to apologetic. Speaking of Tal he told me what you said to him this morning about his hands. He seems a bit put off by it so I came here to speak to you about it. I want to apologize for him as I know he meant nothing untoward in his actions. He did what he had to do in the situation to see that all survived. He told me how he literally threw Calseinica from the device to save her and I would imagine that he would do more to save you. Again, please accept our apology for any discomfort that such an action may caused to you. I can't say he would not do the same thing again if the situation demanded it but know that he thought it was for your best interest to do what he did.
Lily looks almost ashamed now as if talking about Tal touching Mera in such a sensitive way would get them both in trouble. After all Mera is nobility.
Naberius stands at the edge of the conversation, spending every inch of his willpower to not flee the display of... whatever this was. He instead uses the distraction to procure a some wine, sipping it anxiously as he awaits his fate.
Mera doesn't possess tremendous strength like Tal, the intellect of Naberius or versatility of Monday. What she does have in spades however is magnetism. Pizzazz. Charisma. Her way with words are the true talent that Mera hides underneath the performances on stage.
The diva admires Lily's charm bracelet by reaching out to gently touch the charm when she offers it, appraising it as if it were a priceless artifact instead of the simple item worse less than a halfway decent bottle of wine. She remarks, "Simple, yet elegant and decisive in its context. I absolutely love it on you! You're right of course, our gift is outlandish and simply will not do at all."
Mera offers a conciliatory silent double nods as she offers the necklace back, appearing as pained in the process as possible. She places the item in her left palm and then gently closes her right over top of it as if holding a small bird inside. "Say no more, I understand your concerns completely. I will see this returned and we will find another token to express our gratitude." She will protest of course, but Mera will hush her and shake her head silently insisting before moving on.
When Lily talks about the 'rear end incident' Mera is confused at first where this is going. Anticipating a hostile reaction she is completely caught off guard when Lily actually apologizes for the incident.
Oh you poor, simple woman.
Quickly grasping what is happening here she shifts the necklace to her left hand and slides her right hand onto Lily's shoulder. She slowly closes her eyes leans in toward Mrs. Mainz ever so slightly as her body slouches in mock defeat. She is silent for a moment and then takes a long inhaled breath before exhaling just as long. She whispers, "I understand. I recognize of course that sometimes in the heat of the moment one must do whatever it takes to achieve the one's goals."
She takes one more deep breath and when it looks like she migh ttear up on this incident she wipes the sadness and deep thoughts away with clap of her hands. "It is forgotten. I shall dwell not on this incident a moment longer. Come now. Would you be so kind to share some tea with me while you tell me the tale of how you and Tal met."
Walking away Mera pointedly shoots Naberius a beady-eyed look out of the corner of her eyes. Locking gazes for nore more than a full second, she seems to silent say. We're not done you and I. as she disappears into the kitchens.
Naberius stares on in confusion, not sure if he should be glad for the delay or frustrated at seeing the confrontation postponed. He sighs deeply, refills his cup, and heads back to his study to prepare Tarvi's next lesson.
Tarvi sees Naberius head to his study and smiles. She had spent all morning ensuring the Master's study was clean and organized. She then goes to a corner next to Tal and starts practicing her cantrips. The warrior seems to be focusing all his attention on the exchange between the two women and does not even notice her. Tarvi is glad as she won't have an audience while she practices.
Janiven and Ailyn also watch the exchange with deep interest while Arael pours over some papers on a table he has set up as a desk not at all interested in the scene taking place before him.