Ovonda pouts as Theo spoils the pair’s fun, ”No matter. It’s dreary pretending to be human all the time. And no you wouldn’t know, only a few of them realize their condition.”
Ultor looks at Dervak demurely, ”You’re so strong and handsome. Could you? Would you allow me to steal a kiss?”
Ovonda's gaze lingers just too long on Ci Ci and she winks at the sorcoress.
Minutes to midnight: 226
"I might have a kink or two, Sweetie," Ci Ci says to Ovonda, "but exsanguination isn't one of them. I'm more of a pyromaniac."
Dervak looks at Ultor blankly.
"Uh, no. You might be a vampire and not know it.
But then, why would you be disguised?"
He isn't entirely sure what is going on.
He asks point-blank, "Are you a vampire?"
Theo smiles warmly at the disguised not humans.
We were actually about to further venture forward. Care to join?
The gentleman offers his arm and continues their route.
The pair look disappointed but both take Theo’s arms. ”Blegh, no. We’re not vampires.”
Ovanda asks, ”Where are we going?”
Minutes to midnight: 226
Theophilus looks a bit nervous as he is now sandwiched by the pair.
We are exploring these upstairs in search of Dalmaria, with whom we have an interview.
Theo looks to his companions.
Shall we?
Mara explained to the disguised party guests,
"We understand the young lady is reluctant to come down and join the other guests."
As they continued on she asked, "Can you tell me more about the Bleeding Moon? Lord Alvaric hinted that something impressive might happen tonight."
Ultor comments condescendingly, "Reluctant or does she have the good sense to descend to the ballroom at the precise moment everyone has arrived?"
Ovonda smirks and tells Mara, "That would be telling. You'll just have to wait and see for yourself."
Minutes to midnight: 225
Theophilus takes advantage of Mara's distraction, and the Witch steps closer to the door to look in over, before opening it accidentally.
The gentleman and White Rabbit look positively surprised by the sudden opening of the door....
Theo is utterly shocked to find indoor plumbing.
At the center of this octagonal room are two immense, white, claw-footed tubs. Along the south wall behind them is a shelf laden with glass bottles, powders, and other toiletries. A smaller chamber fills the northeast corner, separated by a door, while a double door opens in the north wall. A set of steep stairs on the west side descends to the floor below.
"Look, are you willing to show us to Delmaria? Or should we look for her ourselves?"
Dervak is not quite sure what to do about these two probably-vampires. He will refrain from destroying them for the moment, but neither is he going to be best friends with them.
He does convey impatience, as well as some frustration at this odd situation.
Frustrated (but not needing to poddy), Theo orders Frederick to start opening doors. He starts clockwise from the privy....
Theo grins.
Mara didn't know what to make of the the room. Do they have running water in here? She had heard rumors of that sort of thing, but had never seen it herself.
She looked at the tubs with keen interest.
Sadly Frederick only reveals an empty disused privy.
At Dervak’s demand the pair take a too long look at each other and Ultor suggests, ”The stairs are this way. No need to get testy. First hallway on the left.”
They must eat a plentiful amount of chili in this manor.
Theo nods in gratitude to the directions. He heads upstairs, having Frederick take the lead to open the left hallway door, as instructed.
Ci Ci follows along behind Theo up the stairs, using the magic from her Overland Flight spell to hover just barely above the steps, rather than tread on them.
This hallway runs east to west and divides the top floor of the manor. Two doors lead to the south, while another corridor branches to the north.
A pair of vampiric guards block your path, they hold their hands to their scabbards and say, "Please turn back. This area is off limits to guests."
Dervak does his best approximation of a charming gentleman.
"I see. We wish to speak with the Lady Delmaria. Can you kindly tell her that she has callers?"
It's... not outstanding.
Theophilus steps up next to Dervak, patting the bloodrager on the back.
What you meant to say was, that Lady Delmaria is expecting us, as we traveled far and wide to be presented to her by her own request. If you two fine gentlemen would pass along our call.
The White Rabbit is seen wearing an attendant outfit.
"Lord Alvaric informed us she was upstairs. How do you think he will react to his wishes being thwarted?" Ci Ci asks, pointedly.
Mara added, "Lord Eldarius asked us to send her his regards, since he is unable to attend tonight. We really should deliver the message in person."
The guards stand aside, relenting and say, "Yes of course. Please forgive us."
Fitting Room
Running along the west side of this room is a freestanding clothes rack lined with dresses and gowns, and with an assortment of shoes underneath. The pale light of the moon streams through the window just behind it. A dressing table and vanity sit along north wall, opposite a pair of dress forms.
An attractive young looking vampire of shorter-than-average height sits in this room. She wears an expression of naivete that does not betray what must be her great age. You have found the newly formed vampire Delmaria.
Minutes to midnight 220
Mara stood by the window so she had a good view of the stars, and introduced herself to the not-so-young woman, "Hello, you must be Delmaria; I am Mara. That dress really suits you!
We recently met your father; he asked us to check in on you, and see how you are doing."
Theophilus swoons at the sight of her wardrobe!
Dervak makes a note to try to learn the ways of Diplomacy better, after his failed attempt earlier.
He stands near the door and looks handsome.
There is a vanity mirror, it does not show Delmaria’s reflection.
Delmaria brightens visibly at Mara’s complement, ”Oh! Thank you. Lord Avaric and his household have treated me very kindly. Papa does not need to worry about me but I miss him dearly and the rest of my family.”
She pauses, ”Perhaps I should write him a letter.”
How were they going to convince Delmaria to come with them and leave the manor? She didn't seem particularly distressed at the moment.
She replied, "He misses you too. I'm sure he would love to get a letter from you!"
She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Lord Avaric was hinting that something exciting was going to happen later tonight. I'm not terribly familiar with the Bleeding Moon festival; Do you have an idea about what he might be referring to?"
Dervak checks to make sure he still has a reflection in the mirror.
"Delmaria, your father does miss you dearly. He remembers making clockwork toys for you as a child, and was just thinking about the armadillo.
I think paying him a visit would be more suitable than writing a letter. He was hoping you could come by this evening."
Theophilus and the White Rabbit are seen making funny faces behind Dervak's back in the mirror.
His reflection is gone!
Don't let him know, or he will f@!*ing freak!
Ok, Rabbit. Just smile at him. He always finds our smile reassuring.
They both smile at Dervak reassuringly....
Dervak sees his own reflection which only partially blocks out the antics of Theophilus and White Rabbit.
The vampire smiles making it hard to ignore her elongate canines, ”Arnie! Isn’t that a strange name? He would roll up into a ball.”
She picks at her dress fitfully, ”Would that be alright? Maybe I can make it back before midnight. I don’t want to insult Lord Avaric. The Bleeding Moon is supposed to be important but I don’t remember what happened last year, I think I feel asleep.”
"Do recall dancing with Lord Avaric just before Midnight?" Ci Ci asks speculatively.
"I am sure Lord Avaric will have plenty to keep him occupied with the festivities. There are so many guests here. I do not believe he will be insulted even if you happen to not make it back in time.
We also seek the musician Erich Zann. Your father regrets his anger, and now seeks to free the man. Do you know where he is?"
You seem to have made Delmaria’s day, ”Alright. Shall we head out presently?”
But her expression quickly sours as Erich Zann is brought up, ”I met Mr. Zann before I came here. Papa had him play the most beautiful and sad music I’ve ever heard. I think it was a viol. Papa was so angry afterwards, but I don’t know why.” She furrows her brow as if trying to remember something. Delmaria bites down on her lip drawing a single drop of blood, ”I’m sorry I don’t remember.” She looks disturbed.
She gets up and prepares to follow you out the door.
Theophilus nods at Dervak.
Perhaps, a more discreet exit than the main hall?
The White Rabbit nods to Delmoth, reaches into his bag o' wardrobe, and voila!
Dervak nods sympathetically to Delmaria.
"Never mind about the musician, then. I am sure it will all work out.
Let us get you back to your father for a visit. He will be so happy."
He turns to Theophilus.
"A step through space?"
Theophilus winks at Dervak, gathers around the group and begins a group hug.
In an instant you find yourselves outside of the manor house. Delmaria's eyes go wide with wonder, "Wow!"
Ci Ci keeps an eye out for trouble. She suspects Lord Avaric will not allow his prize to be removed from the premises without a fight.
Ci Ci only hears the sounds of revelry within the mansion.
"Let's get her back to her father's place, then come back and look for the Musician."
Theophilus and the White Rabbit are seen doing stretches for the trek....
Lord Eldarius is overjoyed to see his daughter again, although the fact that they are unable to embrace causes Delmaria no small amount of confusion and discomfort. He suggests, "Avaric will have imprisoned Erich somewhere. Perhaps it is hidden beneath his mansion? "
Minutes to midnight 150, aka 9:30pm
Mara tried to explain to Delmaria that her father was now incorporeal and not able to interact with solid objects, reassuring her, "His love for you is undiminished."
She nodded at the man's words, "We will have to search the basement."
She conferred with her comrades, "We should get back to the manor before we're missed."
”Should we place some sort of protection around the home, in case Avaric or some of his enforcers come looking for her here?” Ci Ci suggests.
Theophilus looks at CiCi. He points at the White Rabbit.
The White Rabbit is seen wearing a shaman's outfit (complete with skull face paint). He is seen walking around the premises, offering incense and muttering nonsensical utterings.
He returns to the group. He gives her a thumbs up!
When Mara tries to explain the truth about Demaria and her father’s undeath, Eldarius gives Mata a cold stare and says to her daughter, ”Don’t listen to her dear, she’s clearly not right in the head.”
You return to the mansion with the party still in full swing. Outside a human servant is dragging a body away, it looks like they died of a combination of a knife wound and severe acid burns.
Theophilus just shakes his head at the sight.
These party games are really getting a bit serious.
The White Rabbit seems to be agreeing.
"Mara... think you can convince that servant to help us?
We could use direction in the manor.
And I imagine that as a human he doesn't like the Bleeding Moon party."
"Oh dear!", Mara fussed as she went over to the servant. "Let me help you with that! Perhaps we could move the poor departed into the basement? Less upsetting to the other guests that way."