Right on cue Lily does indeed deny wanting or needing anything from the group. If it is too much of a problem then don't even concern yourself with going out of your way to find anything for me. I am quite happy with what I have and Tal more than provides anything that I could want anyways. I was in doubt when he first mentioned joining this group but I have come to see that he is more alive when helping the 'cause' and he worries less about money as well. I mean look at it from our perspective. Not in 20 years did we think that we could save enough money to start Tal's blacksmith business and yet here we are with one already just a few short weeks into joining. Add to that is the fact that Tal believes that real change can be made with the group for the betterment of the whole city. It is really quite exciting when you think about it that way.
Nodding in agreement to the idea of tea and talk Lily gladly accepts Mera's offer. That sounds lovely although I really don't think you want to hear about how we came together. Not at all that interesting for you. How about I tell you our story and you can tell me about your first time on stage?
Tal spies Lily and Mera talking and tenses up for a moment wondering how the talk will go. It is with some surprise then that he sees them go off amicably like sisters for a long talk leaving him more perplexed then ever. Something must have been said to smooth over ruffled feathers. I am glad that Lily is better with people and relationships than I am.
He stays int he corner for a little bit before finally getting up and seeing if Ermolos is about.If so then he quietly checks on the lad seeing how his apprenticeship is going along. Tal declines any thought of swordplay though for the time being. Sorry lad, not today. I am still getting over the play and the anguish that caused. Perhaps tomorrow I will be up for it or a quick trip in the sewers again.
Trailig away from Ermolos Tal sees Areal, Janiven and Ailyn and moves over to them. Drawing up a chair he sits down heavily. So everything still going to plan I presume? Thanks for coming to the play again. Just in case anything happened it was nice to know you were there to offer what aid you could.
Arael looks up from his paperwork. With a smile he says, It could not have gone better! My spies have told me that the Lord-Mayor has commissioned a party. Invitations should be going out shortly. We will move into the office when Monday and Tuesday get here. I see Mera and I thought I saw Naberius...
Ailyn and Janiven giggle. We think Naberius and Mera have some unfinished business! Ailyn says.
Arael looks questioningly at the two women, shrugs and looks back at Tal. Yes, there were a few moments that seemed touch and go there for a moment. Fine job you all did!
Tal gives a rueful smile at the Mera and Naberius line. Actually I think it is Monday and Naberius that have unfinished business. What Mera may need Naberius for I don't quite understand it myself. I may be good with a sword and shield but when it comes to Monday adn Mera I am lost more often than not. Normally I am ok with that.
As for Monday and Tuesday I think I saw them sidle in just a moment ago. You know how quiet Tuesday can be and then he just shows up with Monday not far away. I can wait easily enough for the private meeting to start but it is good to here that it seems the play was worth the effort and the pain. At least I hope it was.
Mera goes into grandiose detail with Lily about her first performance, The Plane of Despair, and her role as a djinn. When twenty minutes have past she closes her story and thanks Lily for her time before parting company in search of Naberius, eventually tracking him down in his study.
Listening to the final discussion around Tarvi's lesson, Mera pokes her head in so that she is seen by the binder but does not verbally interrupt. Once he takes note of her presence she withdraws and waits patiently for him to wrap up. Once his student has been dismissed she enters and takes a seat before him, folding her hands and looking at him expectantly. After an awkward moment of silence she remarks with a completely neutral face, "So."
Once his student has been dismissed she enters and takes a seat before him, folding her hands and looking at him expectantly. After an awkward moment of silence she remarks with a completely neutral face, "So."
Naberius examines the dregs of his wine, slowly swirling his cup in the silence following Mera's entry. Trying and failing to collect his thoughts, he sighs and finally raises his eyes to meet hers. At that moment, the wizard seems much older than his years, with a haunted look drawn across his narrow face.
"So," he says back. "Here we are. As much as I have been dreading this moment, I still find myself at a loss for words. I presume you want an apology? Or maybe an explanation would suffice?"
She she shifts her position to make herself more comfortable. Pursing her lip she seems to genuinely ponder his response before settling on her decision. She offers her right hand, palm up towards him in a gesture to begin. "Let's start with the explanation first, shall we? I often find the beginning is an excellent place to start."
The conjurer leans back and sets down his cup, steepling his fingers on the table.
"Very well," he says after another moment of contemplation. "What do you already know, if I may ask? I assume you do not wish me to recite my entire family history..."
Mera studies Naberius's demeanor. The steepled fingers. The placement of his cup. The posture of his body. She decides to back up a step. "Why have you been dreading this moment Naberius Belthrune? Is your shame such a burden?
Tarvi hears someone enter the room but does not dare take her eyes off Naberius. When Naberius dismisses her she runs out of the room almost crashing in to Mera. She returns to her corner wagging her fingers the way she had just seen her teacher do.
When Tuesday enters the room behind Monday, Amaya rushes over to him. I had heard that the play was fraught in horrors I am so glad you are all right! She rises on her tip-toes to kiss the specter, but then remembers there's an audience around when she hears the giggles and cat calls. She lowers herself back onto her feet. I also heard your bagpipe playing was...uh...interesting!
A tip of a smile peaks out from under the Phantom's scarf as the singer runs over to him.
The translucent skin on his face darkening as the small woman leans up he also starts to lean down on impulse, but then backs away while also shooting an annoyed look at the source of the cat calls.
At her comment he sheepishly shrugs and moves a hand in a so-so motion.
Mera studies Naberius's demeanor. The steepled fingers. The placement of his cup. The posture of his body. She decides to back up a step. "Why have you been dreading this moment Naberius Belthrune? Is your shame such a burden?
Naberius frowns.
"My shame?" he says, with bitterness creeping into his voice. "Up until recently, my only crime was having been born with a certain name. To my misfortune, that is something I am unable to change. However, the way I have chosen to conduct myself in my current predicament—as beneficial as it might have been for my continued survival—is far more disgraceful. Not a day goes by that I consider turning myself in, if only to put an end to the indignity of having to abscond like a common criminal..."
The wizard shakes his head. "Yet, I cannot. I will not. My flesh and blood might have doomed our once noble house with their acts of treason, but I refuse to go down with them. Betrayal, treachery, exploiting trust... that was their way. To have stooped to such lows weighs heavy on my soul. Lying to you, that is my shame."
Mera remains stoic as he begins to talk. She isn't surprised by the bitterness in his voice. Having already heard his unfortunate story, the diva has sympathy for his situation. Naberius had proven himself numerous times over in their time together and she had no reason to hold his feet to the fire on something as trivial as this.
And yet, he lied to me.
"Your plight is clear before me, I understand what circumstances have brought you make your decisions. Had I been in your unfortunate shoes I cannot say my decisions would have been any different. While I wish I had known what lay under the mask from the beginning, I can't say that my actions would have been different."
She stands suddenly and places a gentle hand on his shoulder. With emphasis on the last word she says, "I forgive you cousin."
Naberius' first reaction is shocked silence. When he finally tries to answer, he seems to choke up slightly before finally composing himself.
"Thank you," he says with the utmost sincerity in his voice. "I knew from the moment we met that we were kin, you and I. Not just in blood, but in spirit..."
Naberius quickly scrambles up from where he is sitting—not a small feat in the cramped space of the study—and bows deeply. "I am twice in your debt: for your aid and your understanding. If there is anything I can do to repay you, do not hesistate to ask. From this day onwards, I swear to withhold nothing from you."
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She waves her hand dismissively and draws out a long, "Oh that's nonsense! I will hear none of that." Mera makes a mental note in her to squirrel this comment and moment away for later use. Being in ones debt is not something that you just let slip away. Don't you worry, I won't.
Standing she closes the gap between them in a few short strides. She puts her arms around him and embraces him tightly with a squeeze. Letting go she places a quick peck on his right cheek before take his face in both her hands so that their gazes meet. "Let us rejoin our companions, eh? If we stay isolated much longer Monday will either begin to grow jealous or conjure up some terrible ideas in her head, no?"
Arael is busy studying various notes in front of him scrutinizing each one. Janiven and Ailyn are making small talk over a glass of wine. As Mera and Naberius enter, Arael looks up from his documents. Ah! Everyone is here. Let us begin. First I have mentioned this to several of you already, but great job on the play. We were worried several times throughout, but you not only survived the play but made it entertaining! He begins to clap and is joined by Janiven and Ailyn. Now I have it on good authority that the Lord-Mayor is planning one of his parties to celebrate, well, you! We think he will send the invitation to Robahl since he doesn't know about this place-thank the gods! When he does you will search his manor for the Asmodean Knot and the Chelish Crux within.
Since previous parties usually last until the revelers pass out from too much drink and food, you should have plenty of time to search. So now I need all of you or some of you to return to the Nightshade theater and await the invitation. By the way, do you think we can recruit any of your fellow actors?
Standing she closes the gap between them in a few short strides. She puts her arms around him and embraces him tightly with a squeeze. Letting go she places a quick peck on his right cheek before take his face in both her hands so that their gazes meet. "Let us rejoin our companions, eh? If we stay isolated much longer Monday will either begin to grow jealous or conjure up some terrible ideas in her head, no?"
Taken aback—either by the sudden physical contact, Mera's implication, or both—the wizard blushes bright red and blinks blankly at the singer.
"Um... no, she would not..." he says as he tries to collect himself. "Ahem. Well, yes. I suppose she would."
Arael is busy studying various notes in front of him scrutinizing each one. Janiven and Ailyn are making small talk over a glass of wine. As Mera and Naberius enter, Arael looks up from his documents. Ah! Everyone is here. Let us begin...[/b]
Naberius goes directly for the wine, immediately pouring himself another cup. He takes his time finishing it before taking part in the conversation, still trying to calm his nerves. The conjurer was quite unused to experiencing such a turbulence of emotions, and even more unwilling to display them openly in front of others...
Now I have it on good authority that the Lord-Mayor is planning one of his parties to celebrate, well, you! We think he will send the invitation to Robahl since he doesn't know about this place-thank the gods! When he does you will search his manor for the Asmodean Knot and the Chelish Crux within.
Since previous parties usually last until the revelers pass out from too much drink and food, you should have plenty of time to search. So now I need all of you or some of you to return to the Nightshade theater and await the invitation.
"Excellent," says Naberius. He seems less than enthused.
"Perhaps Ailyn could make herself useful and fetch us those invitations," he adds, glaring at the Pathfinder. "We have been running back and forth from that damned theatre for the past week, not to mention putting our lives on the line for her cause. I feel like our time would be best employed by trying to find a passable tailor. As much as a loathe such trivial functions, I have enough experience to know that we need to look the part, lest we be laughed out..."
The wizard glances sullenly at his once fine clothes, pulling at a loose thread on his sleeve.
By the way, do you think we can recruit any of your fellow actors?
Naberius glances at Mera to see her reaction.
"Miss Calseinica was quite taken by our Larazod," he says cautiously. "Whether she is sympathetic to your—our cause or not, I cannot say. We did not discuss her politics..."
Monday simply offers the nobles a smirk as they enter, letting the expression longer towards just long enough. Interacing her fingers she sits her elbows on the table and her chin on her locked fingers, apparently locked in some thought.
"I think you look better without clothes." Monday responds, the smile never leaving her face.
"I nominate Thesing to be the official Checker-For-Traps." she hums, her eyes unable to help glancing over to the Thrunes.
Tal grins at Monday's suggestion of Thesing but declines to answer anything about her comment to Naberius. I don't know Monday. The last time I saw him there was a fresh puddle at his feet and his trousers were wet as well. I don't think we would be so lucky to find him to even ask. The mere sight of us might make him run in the opposite direction.
Turning serious towards other matters Tal moves to the discussion of the party. And how are we suppose to attend this party and go searching through the mansion? We are guests and I don't think that they are going to let us show up with picks and shovels and crowbars to ransack the place.
What are we looking for anyways. What does this Asmodean Knot look like so we know if we are even looking in the right place. What does the Chelish Crux look like as well for that matter. A lot of good it does us to get invited after risking our lives if we do not even know what it is we are looking for.
Monday giggles a bit at Tal's comment, but quiets down a little as he continues on. "Yeah, we need to be very careful with this, otherwise the fallout could could be very bad for Mera and Calsenica's careers."
Tal throws up his hands as Calseinica's name is brought up. I did not spend any time with the naïve starlet to know if she would be interested or not. I would be doubtful of her joining our cause though based on the little I did interact with her. Anyone that blind to what is happening around her during a play specifically designed to torture its participants is not someone that would see the larger picture of the plight of Westcrown. If she can not see or care about her own fate in the immediate future, how can she care about the fate of a city for the next how many years?
Settling down a bit though he looks at Monday and Mera. You two have spent more time with her though and maybe I am wrong in my assessment. Is there any chance she would be sympathetic to our cause and keep it a low profile?
"She kept to the illusion of the play being safe because we kept encouraging that train of thought." Monday let out, her smirk finally dropping.
Leaning back in her chair she a throws a leg up onto the table while slumping down a bit, her chair swaying gently back and forth on its hind legs. "She seems nice and innocent, but I don't know how much help she would be to a resistance, if she would even offer said help."
Arael takes in all the comments, thinks for a moment before saying. Well it might be worth it to at least approach her. Even if it is nothing more than keeping an eye and ear out for gossip. What about the singing fat lady or Robahl?
Ailyn can no longer hold her tongue and lashes out at Naberius. So you expect me to walk into the Nightshade theater, go up to a man I have never met and claim your invitation? She taps her foot impatiently waiting for an answer.
Janiven tries to diffuse the situation by saying, I am sure Aiyn and I can do some research on what you are looking for. As far as getting caught, I have heard that the 'goal' of the party is live it up until you pass out so I don't think you have to worry. As for tools, I am sure the Lord-Mayor keeps his vault somewhere where it can easily be accessed.
"Affer putting us through that freakshow from hell? That, or you could hop into either Nabe's or my lap, not that picky though I wouldn't mind seeing you bouncing up and down on his wand. It can draw the devil out of you." Monday replies curtly to the pathfinder, not even bothering to look at her.
Tal sighs with frustration at the politics present in the room. Enough already. WE are past the play and the trials. No need to harp on it any longer. If going to the playhouse is that big of a deal then I will go and claim the invitations myself. Then Ailyn, Janiven, and Areal can research what it is we are looking for.
Anything else of note that we should concern ourselves with until we get the invitation and prepare for the feast? If not then I promised Ermolos another trip into the sewers to clear out anything that might intrude on our hideout. the last thing we need is a goblin to discover us by accident.
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Arael takes in all the comments, thinks for a moment before saying. Well it might be worth it to at least approach her. Even if it is nothing more than keeping an eye and ear out for gossip. What about the singing fat lady or Robahl?
Naberius refills his cup, and earnestly ponders the question for a moment.
"The soprano—I struggle to remember her name—is as petty and vapid as most of her ilk," he muses. "Not to mention her eagerness to see Miss Calseinica face her untimely demise. Robahl, for his part, seems irreverent towards the powers that be, and claims faith in the Song of the Spheres. However, though he expressed distaste in murder-plays, he still had no moral qualms about participating in one. As a director, he directly benefits from the patronage of people such as the Lord-Mayor, so I do not suspect he will be quick to turn against them without appropriate compensation..."
The wizards shrugs and sips his drink. "Make of that what you will."
Ailyn can no longer hold her tongue and lashes out at Naberius. So you expect me to walk into the Nightshade theater, go up to a man I have never met and claim your invitation? She taps her foot impatiently waiting for an answer."Affer putting us through that freakshow from hell? That, or you could hop into either Nabe's or my lap, not that picky though I wouldn't mind seeing you bouncing up and down on his wand. It can draw the devil out of you." Monday replies curtly to the pathfinder, not even bothering to look at her.
Naberius scoffs derisively into his cup—that, or he accidentally snorts some wine at Monday's response.
Janiven tries to diffuse the situation by saying, I am sure Ailyn and I can do some research on what you are looking for. As far as getting caught, I have heard that the 'goal' of the party is live it up until you pass out so I don't think you have to worry. As for tools, I am sure the Lord-Mayor keeps his vault somewhere where it can easily be accessed.
The conjurer puts down his cup and crosses his arms, a look of worry passing over his face.
"Anything we can find out about this 'Asmodean Knot' will be essential to the success of our mission," he says. "I have reason to suspect that there is a powerful devil—a pit fiend, in fact—that has been bound somewhere on the property. As I understand, it is not being used as a guardian, which is what leads me to think that we have a chance in the first place. However, even if its soul energy is being siphoned to power the defenses of the vault—as I suspect—we need to be armed with all the knowledge we can muster. Anyone who is powerful enough to call forth one of Hell's generals would no doubt be able to conjure forth other fiends as protectors, and craft devious traps to guard their treasures... we must not underestimate them."
Anything else of note that we should concern ourselves with until we get the invitation and prepare for the feast? If not then I promised Ermolos another trip into the sewers to clear out anything that might intrude on our hideout. the last thing we need is a goblin to discover us by accident.
Naberius sniffs the air with obvious distaste, looking at Tal appraisingly as he speaks. "As I said, some new clothes would be in order. Or mayhaps a cape and a tabard, in your case... new paint on your shield... a darkwood sheath for your weapon, with some ivory embellishments... you would need to match Mera, obviously..."
Tal turns to Nabe and Monday as he is choking on his wine. Really you two. I think we have more to worry about than Nave's devils. As for my presentation at the party I tha in yiu for the ideas but none of those personal effects represent me and are frankly a waste of effort and money. Perhaps the best recourse is to show up wearing my armor with fresh blood on it. After all I played the part of Drovalid so why not continue that charade at the party.
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The wizards shrugs and sips his drink. "Make of that what you will."
Arael ponders for a second and nods in agreement. Good points. Sounds like it is a bust for recruitment.
"Affer putting us through that freakshow from hell? That, or you could hop into either Nabe's or my lap, not that picky though I wouldn't mind seeing you bouncing up and down on his wand. It can draw the devil out of you." Monday replies curtly to the pathfinder, not even bothering to look at her.
At Monday's quip, Janiven spews the wine in her mouth with a burst of laughter. Ailyn, trying hard to look angry., can't continue the facade with Monday's quip and Janiven laughing uncontrollably and she also starts to laugh.
Arael just shrugs.
"Anything we can find out about this 'Asmodean Knot' will be essential to the success of our mission," he says. "I have reason to suspect that there is a powerful devil—a pit fiend, in fact—that has been bound somewhere on the property. As I understand, it is not being used as a guardian, which is what leads me to think that we have a chance in the first place. However, even if its soul energy is being siphoned to power the defenses of the vault—as I suspect—we need to be armed with all the knowledge we can muster. Anyone who is powerful enough to call forth one of Hell's generals would no doubt be able to conjure forth other fiends as protectors, and craft devious traps to guard their treasures... we must not underestimate them."
More good points Arael says nodding approvingly.
Really you two. I think we have more to worry about than Nave's devils. As for my presentation at the party I tha in yiu for the ideas but none of those personal effects represent me and are frankly a waste of effort and money. Perhaps the best recourse is to show up wearing my armor with fresh blood on it. After all I played the part of Drovalid so why not continue that charade at the party.
Arael looks over at Janiven and Ailyn who are both still giggling before turning his attention to Tal. Since you all would be the guests of honor, I think you could wear what you please...
Somehow Mera avoided joining in the back and forth, though she had to bite her tongue several times in the process. She let the others do the planning while she mentally drew her fingers over her ornamental headpiece.
Since you all would be the guests of honor, I think you could wear what you please...
"Ah, yes. Speaking of wearing things." Mera pulls down the gift she received from the Pathfinder and holds it in her hands. "I do believe this was offered to us in good faith. I return it to you now and thank you for it's use during our performance. I was quite fond of the softness it added to song as well as the additional grace in my step across the stage. Thank you."
She holds the item out to be returned but slowly withdraws it back into her possession. She tilts her head and tries to muster as much genuine curiosity to her statement as possible. "I don't suppose ... Yes, perhaps it's continued use in fulfilling this new objective would prove useful, no? I mean, surely you want us to have all of the possible tools at our disposal, hmmmm?"
Ailyn finally stops giggling. Keep them for now. It is the least I can do for putting you throgh so much trouble! She says while smirking at Naberius. I believe you are correct. The more the Lord-Mayor likes you, the easier it would be to roam his house.
Sighing in resignation to the fact that he had to go through another charade Tal hopes that Mera does not think that she is the reason for his sigh. If that is the case then I shall have to spend most of my time at Mera's side as I am afraid I would offend most of the lot there. Perhaps she can cover for me speak for me as well. Sorry Mera, looks like you will have to shine again to keep the attention off of the rest of us.
Tal pulls the circlet from his pack, If you insist then I will continue to wear it. I don't know how much good it actually does me as I still got rotten food thrown at me during the play but every little bit helps I guess.
Naberius brings up some good points and questions and I have 1 to add to the mix. Who else should we be expecting there? If Naberius is worried about pit fiends are we concerned about other devils present as well?
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Naberius shakes his head at Tal and sighs. Perhaps the bodyguard was right. Such finery would surely be wasted on a man of his stature...
"Suit yourself," he says. "Or not, in this case. I, for one, intend to not draw too much attention to my person."
The wizard finishes his wine and takes a step towards the door. "If that will be all, I will attempt to find a passable tailor..."
He makes eye contact with Monday, raising his eyebrows quizzically.
Monday has about dozed off in the position she had slumped into but willed herself as she heard the infernalist's chair move. Catching his eyes back she smirks before hopping to the floor, making the chair rock back and forth and almost fall over.
"This I have to see. Granted I don't really get the fixation aristocrats like you and Mera have in regards to expensive clothes, you look so much better out of them." she muses as she saunters along.
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"This I have to see. Granted I don't really get the fixation aristocrats like you and Mera have in regards to expensive clothes, you look so much better out of them." she muses as she saunters along.
Naberius wrinkles his nose, displaying his distaste for the whole affair as the two walk out of the meeting and head towards the exit. "Depending on whether or not the rumours about the Lord-Mayor and his parties are accurate, you might very well see more unclothed aristocrats than even you are prepared for... in fact, that might be our cue to slip away from the celebrations."
"As for... accoutrement," he adds in a more neutral tone. "I suppose it depends on the person, but personally I do not dress in finery out of vanity. It is a show wealth, and by extension, power. If you show up at a noble ball dressed like pauper, it will be perceived as a sign of weakness to be exploited. Think of it as... armour."
The conjurer casts a meaningful look at Monday. "Mayhaps you should give it try? I think you would look ravishing in a proper evening dress..."
Naberius wrinkles his nose, displaying his distaste for the whole affair as the two walk out of the meeting and head towards the exit. "Depending on whether or not the rumours about the Lord-Mayor and his parties are accurate, you might very well see more unclothed aristocrats than even you are prepared for... in fact, that might be our cue to slip away from the celebrations.""Aw, really? I'm hating this job more and more."
"As for... accoutrement," he adds in a more neutral tone. "I suppose it depends on the person, but personally I do not dress in finery out of vanity. It is a show wealth, and by extension, power. If you show up at a noble ball dressed like pauper, it will be perceived as a sign of weakness to be exploited. Think of it as... armour.""So there's a hierarchy to what clothes you wear at a noble's party... but then, how many paupers do you know of that have gone to such an event?"
The conjurer casts a meaningful look at Monday. "Mayhaps you should give it try? I think you would look ravishing in a proper evening dress..."
Monday stops for a moment, her face reddening a bit. "... really? You think so?"
Grinning she adds "Okay then! Let's go get a dress you'd want to ravish me in!" before locking an arm around Naberius' own before continuing their walk.
As Monday and Naberius leave Arael just shakes his head while Ailyn and Janiven giggle. Looks like Mera and Tal are going back to the theater. I am sure the invitation is not long in coming. Take Amaya with you.
As Tal and Mera enter the theater and enter Robahl's private office, he rises from his desk. [b]Mera! My starlet! How are you this fine day! You are the talk of the town you are! I think you are the most famous actress in all of Westcrown!...Oh! hello Raveen Robahl says with a nod to Tal. I have been reading plays all day. It seems that every playwright in Westcrown has submitted a play for me to direct. I will be quite busy for a few years I fear! He points to a stack much larger than the stack he is reading. Those are the murder plays that have been submitted. Most are...uh...quite imaginative to say the least. I think I am going to discard those unless the Lord-Mayor wants to see one in particular. Have you got your invitations yet? I heard the party is already being organized!
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Tal stifles any comment as Monday and Naberius walk off until they are out the door. It is nice to see them finding comfort and happiness in each other. How or why I don't understand but sometimes matters of the heart are nor to be truly understood or rationalized.
As for returning to the theater I think that is easily accomplished. Let me make a small detour home though to drop Lily off so she is not seen at the theater in my company. the less she is seen to be involved in such matters the better.
Pending the approval from the group Tal does indeed drop off Lily and then proceeds with Mera and Amaya to the theater. Once there Tal is quite comfortable with Mera taking full attention from Robahl and says. Afternoon Robahl. Glad to see you doing well and enjoying the accolades of the play. As for invitations, no I have not received any that I know of.
"You two have spent more time with her though and maybe I am wrong in my assessment. Is there any chance she would be sympathetic to our cause and keep it a low profile?"
Mera listens to Monday speak before saying her bit. "I concur. She will definitely listen to me and likely could even be swayed to our side if I so inclined it, but I have not yet come to a conclusion that is a wise choice. I will feel it out if I see her again at the theater."
Sorry Mera, looks like you will have to shine again to keep the attention off of the rest of us.
Mera agrees completely with this statement. "Of course, I'd have it no other way."
"for returning to the theater I think that is easily accomplished. Let me make a small detour home though to drop Lily off ..."
Mera nods her head in agreement, "A very wise choice my friend. I shall accompany you along the way and we can plan our discussion on the way to the theater."
"Have you got your invitations yet? I heard the party is already being organized!"
Mera pecks the cheek of Robahl briefly followed by a quick emabrace. She smiles warmly at his description of having too much work. But when he asks about her invitation she frowns. "Why Robahl, I gave very specific instructions that I would be accepting everyone's invitation from no other person than you! It's truly your guidance , direction and unmatched skill that have produced that priceless performance. Are you to say that they have not been delivered here as of yet? That is ... disappointing."
Robahl blushes at Mera's praise. No, not yet! I have been wringing my hands restlessly! Robahl states with an air of the melodramatic.
About an hour later, two men in finery enter the theater. One asks, Mr. Robahl I assume? Robahl responds in the affirmative. The other man blows a few notes of a bugle-mostly in tune while the other unrolls a piece of parchment.
Here Ye! Here Ye!
Let it be known to all that our magnificent Lord-Mayor, Aberian Arvanxi, Noble son of House Arvanxi, governing as Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II true delegate in Westcrown and third of his name invites the cast of the recent production of The Six Trials of Larazod to his modest home to take part in the social event of the year-The Cornucopia!
Please arrive in costume an hour before sunset on the morrow.
With that he rolls up the parchment while his companion again blows his bugle and departs.
Robahl, never one to be without words just says, Wow!
Covering his ears from the bugle blast Tal scrunches up his face as the man pompously announces to everyone present (all 3 of them) about the invitation. After he leaves Tal can't help himself. A bit melodramatic and over the top wasn't that?
A bit melodramatic and over the top wasn't that?
Have you seen our Lord-Mayor? That was...absolutely...perfect! Robahl says. You can almost make out a tear streaming down his cheek. The cornucopia! Robahl says dreamily. If you want to stop by the theater three hours before sunset tomorrow, we can apply your make up and get you into costume. I must let Delour, Calsenica and Thesing know!
Mera smiles throughout the performance and is quite pleased with the deliverance. When Tal poopoos on it she waves him away, "Nonsense. That's exactly what it needed to be!"
Mera looks over to all of the papers Robahl has in front of him and frowns. "My dearest friend, with all that work ahead of you I should think you have neither the time nor energy to waste on such things as deliverance of invitations!"
She reaches out and takes all of the invitations. "I wanted to speak to the others about other matters anyway, I will deliver these for you myself. "
Mera smiles throughout the performance and is quite pleased with the deliverance. When Tal poopoos on it she waves him away, "Nonsense. That's exactly what it needed to be!"
Really? I had no idea that such fanfare was necesssary for such matter as a simple invitation. Turning to Robahl Tal inquires, You seem to know a lot of this cornicopia. I plead ignorance. What can you tell me of it?
She reaches out and takes all of the invitations. I wanted to speak to the others about other matters anyway, I will deliver these for you myself.
If you are able to take it upon yourself to deliver the rest of the invitations then I will head home myself. I will see you tomorrow evening here to prepare for the feast.
"My dearest friend, with all that work ahead of you I should think you have neither the time nor energy to waste on such things as deliverance of invitations!"
Why! Bless you my child! I do have so much to get ready for! Please let Thesing, Delour and Calsenica know!
You seem to know a lot of this cornicopia. I plead ignorance. What can you tell me of it?
I actually have no clue. I was never considered important enough to be invited to one. I just know that each party is given a unique name-almost to make each one memorable and this one is called Cornucopia! Robahl sings the word cornucopia and does a little dance.
Now get along you too and great ready for what should be the most memorable nights of your life!
Tal nods his head to Robahl in understanding, Thanks anyways for trying to enlighten me. Looks I will just have to come prepared for anything and everything. Perhaps some additional shopping will be necessary tomorrow before the big event.
turning to Mera, Are you good to handle the invitations yourself? I could at least escort you to Thesing's before I depart for home.
Mera graciously takes the invitations. "Absolutely. It's my pleasure, don't you fret over it at all."
She puts her arm around Tal and escorts him out of the room before answering his questions. Once they are clear of the building she begins to stroll leisurely down the street with Tal. As they approach a small bridge that passes over a stream she accidentally let's Thesing's invitation slip from her fingers. She watches it twirl and twist in a gust of wind that carries it down to the water, washing it away. She puts her hand to her mouth and gasps, "For shame! Of all the luck. However will Thesing attend our momentous occasion now?"
With a heavy sigh she shrugs it off, "Oh well then. I suppose I won't need your accompaniment to deliver these other two. I would like your thoughts on whether we should push for a recruitment as previously suggested."
Tal impassively watches as the invitation 'slips' from Mera's fingers. I don't know if that was the right move or not. While I don't begrudge your action I wonder if we would not have benefitted from his presence at the dinner. He draws people to him and makes a spectacle of himself distracting others and letting us free to do what we must.
Contemplating the rest of Mera's comments Tal walks in silence for a moment. I do not trust Delour. She is too corned with her own sense of self worth and cars not who she tramples to get what she wants. Calsenica is ignorant of life here in Westcrown. If she would wake up to the realities of life here she might prove usefulness but not at this time. Continued talks and interactions with her would give you a chance to slowly change her perspective and then perhaps we can she if she is more in line to our goals.
Mera seems unmoved by Tal's comments regarding the present location of Thesing's invitation. "Is it so much to ask for an evening's peace without that hack? It's bad enough we had to publicly endure him trying to kill, torture and main us is it not? He may yet find his way to the party regardless, but I am certainly not making it easy for him to do so."
Ms. Wist-Thrune agrees with Tal's comments and discusses them for a few moments with him as they continue their stroll. When it comes time to part ways she remarks, "I'll see what I can glean from her without tipping my hand. I'm quite hesitant to bring more into the fold on this, I feel like we already are too exposed as it is."
She bids him farewell and sets off to deliver both of the remaining letters.
After Tal departs and Amaya decides to stay at the theater in the hopes of impressing Robahl, Mera delivers the invitations. Delour accepts her's sullenly as many thought her singing meant she did not face any real dangers. When discussing Delour, the words 'cowardly' and 'safe' are thrown around a lot. As a result her standing in the theater world has diminished.
Calsenica chirps when Mera delivers her invitation. I have never met a Lord-Mayor before! What do I say? Do I bow or kiss his feet? She dances around her humble boarding room clutching the invitation to her breast singing happily.
The next day dawns with dark clouds in the sky. The threat of rain hangs in the air. You all gather at the hideout before making your way to the theater. Arael sadly says, Due to the short amount of time, we don't have a lot of information for you. All we have is that the Asmodean Knot is its own demiplane built from raw material drawn from the Plane of Shadow. The only thing we know about the Chelish Crux is that it is a wooden and metal dodecahedron. I am sorry we were not able to gather more information. Is there any other way we can help you before you leave?