He leans in close to get a good look at the baby. "So small," he says. "To change everything."
Then more to Rhost, "And... I am decidedly glad she wasn't any bigger," her tone earnestly quiet. Again the delighted smile of pride, "And she'll get bigger." A pause, "Not as big as your Uncle Rhost, though, okay little one?" One hand shaking the babies little fist.
She shakes herself out of the hypnotic reverie that the offspring seems to hold over her, "Thank you for making food, Rhost." She smiles more, "And for managing food cravings over the last few months."
"Thank you for letting me meet little Milena. I know you must be exhausted, so I won't take up any more of your time right now, and there are a number of people who'd like to say hello... I think Myri is very excited to check in on you. So... I'll be going... and... I'm very happy for you two." Lio says, quietly.
Lio nods. She had been close to Shalelu for over a year before she had trusted the other elf enough to open up to her. Some things couldn't be rushed.
"Can Ameiko ride? If not, a riding lesson and a meal sound like a fun thing to do with someone you're trying to get to know better. Too bad she's too tall to ride double with you on Attatoq... I wonder if I can make him bigger somehow..." Wait, did she just say that outloud? Lio feverently hopes that wasn't overstepping her bounds of friendship, her momentary paniked expression making her thoughts pretty easy to read.
"She managed to change absolutely everything and nothing at all."
Rhost squints at Alaric, then grins big. "Sucker," he says quietly.
She shakes herself out of the hypnotic reverie that the offspring seems to hold over her, "Thank you for making food, Rhost." She smiles more, "And for managing food cravings over the last few months."
Rhost nods to Melinda. "An adventure," he says. Then reaches his hand out to the baby. "Hi Milena," Rhost says quietly. "Don't crush your daddy's spirit too soon."
Lio nods. She had been close to Shalelu for over a year before she had trusted the other elf enough to open up to her. Some things couldn't be rushed.
"Can Ameiko ride? If not, a riding lesson and a meal sound like a fun thing to do with someone you're trying to get to know better. Too bad she's too tall to ride double with you on Attatoq... I wonder if I can make him bigger somehow..." Wait, did she just say that out loud? Lio fervently hopes that wasn't overstepping her bounds of friendship, her momentary panicked expression making her thoughts pretty easy to read.
Lio's panicked expression catches Kalimac off guard, and he can't quite stifle a laugh. "Lio, you don't have to worry about offending me. I may be small, but I'm not fragile!" He pauses to catch his breath. "I mean, if you were being deliberately hurtful, that would be one thing. But being helpful and friendly? How could that ever be out of bounds?"
"I hadn't thought of teaching Ameiko to ride, to be honest. But as I'm finding out today with you, it's definitely a bonding experience." Kalimac smiles affectionately at his friend the elf.
The look she gives him is one of relief. She clearly expected him to be angry or offended. She smiles, only a little sadly. Her words soft, quiet. "I seem to be especially skilled at overstepping my bounds. " She says... and then tries to explain without actually specifically describing anything, not wanting to say the wrong thing or say names of mutual friends, because a small part of her was very hurt by whatever was going on that made her think Kalimac might be upset by her words, " I'm not sure if it's because as an elf my long livedness makes it particularly hard to relate to those with shorter lives, or because it somehow provokes them because they feel cheated that I got to spend several decades as a teenager rather than the traditional seven years, or maybe it's just that I grew up in a place totally devoid of humanity so sometimes I say or do the wrong thing without realizing it, and instead of letting me know what I'm doing wrong and letting me correct my mistakes, I am attacked as a lunatic seductress who cannot be trusted, and to add insult to injury, am treated no different by the person in question, in public. So any change of behavior on my part because I'm hurt by their actions clearly means that I'm the villain and they the victim." a breath, more quietly, "even Shae is at her wits end, so maybe its just us elves who don't understand." She had never really considered herself an elf, really, she had always lived with shorter lived people which perhaps made this so confusing.
I'm sorry. she says. I don't mean to vent to you two. I think even if Ameiko is a skilled rider, you'll still have fun together. After all, if you're not teaching her, you can do other things, like talk while taking in the countryside, or maybe conducting a friendly race."
The look she gives him is one of relief. She clearly expected him to be angry or offended. She smiles, only a little sadly. Her words soft, quiet. "I seem to be especially skilled at overstepping my bounds." She says... and then tries to explain without actually specifically describing anything, not wanting to say the wrong thing or say names of mutual friends, because a small part of her was very hurt by whatever was going on that made her think Kalimac might be upset by her words, "I'm not sure if it's because as an elf my long livedness makes it particularly hard to relate to those with shorter lives, or because it somehow provokes them because they feel cheated that I got to spend several decades as a teenager rather than the traditional seven years, or maybe it's just that I grew up in a place totally devoid of humanity so sometimes I say or do the wrong thing without realizing it, and instead of letting me know what I'm doing wrong and letting me correct my mistakes, I am attacked as a lunatic seductress who cannot be trusted, and to add insult to injury, am treated no different by the person in question, in public. So any change of behavior on my part because I'm hurt by their actions clearly means that I'm the villain and they the victim." a breath, more quietly, "even Shae is at her wits end, so maybe its just us elves who don't understand." She had never really considered herself an elf, really, she had always lived with shorter lived people which perhaps made this so confusing.
"I'm sorry," she says. "I don't mean to vent to you two. I think even if Ameiko is a skilled rider, you'll still have fun together. After all, if you're not teaching her, you can do other things, like talk while taking in the countryside, or maybe conducting a friendly race."
"'Salright. I don't mind you venting," says Kalimac. He seems to want to say something about her problems relating, but can't seem to find what to say. In the end he seems to decide that he doesn't have anything helpful to contribute, and so he should move on.
"I do like your riding idea. While we were crossing the Crown of the World, I didn't think that a leisurely ride through the monster-infested wastes was a terrifically romantic idea. But now... not so bad. Hmmm. Maybe a picnic...."
Kalimac pulls himself back into the present. "And really, what you're suggesting is what Ameiko and I have been doing. Just replace 'riding' with 'telling stories'. I picked up a few books of Halfling stories, plus a famous Tien book. With Ameiko's help I've been getting better at storytelling and she's been learning the tales of my people. But really, that's all just an excuse for us to spend pleasant time together." Kalimac gets a far-away, happy look on his face as he tells Lio of him and Ameiko.
"I do like your riding idea. While we were crossing the Crown of the World, I didn't think that a leisurely ride through the monster-infested wastes was a terrifically romantic idea. But now... not so bad. Hmmm. Maybe a picnic...."
Kalimac pulls himself back into the present. "And really, what you're suggesting is what Ameiko and I have been doing. Just replace 'riding' with 'telling stories'. I picked up a few books of Halfling stories, plus a famous Tien book. With Ameiko's help I've been getting better at storytelling and she's been learning the tales of my people. But really, that's all just an excuse for us to spend pleasant time together." Kalimac gets a far-away, happy look on his face as he tells Lio of him and Ameiko.
Lio finds reason to smile at Kalimac's happy expression.
ride check
She rides in companionable silence for a bit. Finally getting the hang of riding again and figuring out how to move with the horse.
"I should 'ave brought carrots." she muses. Wonders if carrots are even part of the local cuisine.
"I'm glad things are progressing for you two. Even if they are progressing slowly." Lio's smile turns a little mischievous. "And for an elf to complain about the speed of things, that's probably a sign." Her expression shows she's just teasing.
Lio finds reason to smile at Kalimac's happy expression.
She rides in companionable silence for a bit. Finally getting the hang of riding again and figuring out how to move with the horse.
"I should 'ave brought carrots." she muses. Wonders if carrots are even part of the local cuisine.
"I'm glad things are progressing for you two. Even if they are progressing slowly." Lio's smile turns a little mischievous. "And for an elf to complain about the speed of things, that's probably a sign." Her expression shows she's just teasing.
Kalimac nods appreciatively as Lio gets the hang of riding.
At the teasing of the speed of his and Ameiko's relationship, he simply sticks out his tongue.
And to the kami, |And we were planning on traveling through the forest first to avoid the oni minions of the Minkai tyrant and, secondly, because we were asked to meet with the kami of the forest.| She smiles, |We know it is dangerous, but what lies at the end of our journey will not doubt be harrowing, so the experience is a necessary one.|
The little kami nods and moves out of your way. |You welcome then be. Rewards great call risks indeed great for.|
Melinda looks at Ameiko with a question, then at Miyaro, "Last time we talked about it as a group the obvious candidate didn't have any desire to become Regent so, no." She shrugs, "And frankly while a beneficial dictator or emperor is preferable to a tyrant, if we are going through the effort of overthrowing a corrupt government it makes far more sense to set up an independent form self-governance where the people in the country have the ability to determine their rulers. And remove them, so this doesn't happen again just because you slaughter the 'proper' people." She smiles at Alaric, "You are far better at being precise."
As you move into the Forest of Spirits, Miyrao ponders your words and purpose.
"I believe that what you propose is possible in Minkai, and perhaps even achievable within a shorter time than it might be elsewhere," she says slowly. "But I think to rally the people to such a cause, you may need to move forward by steps. And ... interim stages may be a necessity."
Hrunndalf asks Miyaro, "So is the fox shape your true form?"
"Yes," she answers, somewhat warily.
Hrunndalf nods. "Where I come from, it is considered a blessing from the spirits of nature to be able to assume an animal shape."
Lio nods in rare solidarity with Hrunndalf. It is the same for her people.
She stays by Shalelu, putting her head against the much taller Elf's shoulder.
After a slight pause, Miyaro ducks her head in acknowledgment, her wary expression vanishing.
"That is ... not the case here."
"Nice job," she says at length.
Pyonna nods. "Very well. How much were you planning to invest?"
|We're looking at an investment of two-thousand-one-hundred gold pieces.| Lio says honestly.
Pyonna nods. "That is a reasonable sum. If the journey goes without hazard, you should see a good return on your investment, but of course I cannot guarantee its success. Such a venture is never without risk."
He shakes his head. "Don't know when I was born," he says. "Winter, sometime."
Lio smiles supportively. "Me neither." A small pause, as she thinks, her hand absently tracing the Koi tattoo on her neck. "Coulde 'ave summeunne devine et fer ye." She suggests.
He considers the possibility for a moment. "You going to find out when yours is?" he asks.
"I love it deeply," Shalelu says of the ring that has caught your eye. "For you, or for me? Or shall we get a matched set?"
Lio smiles at your reaction. Happy she noticed something you'd like so much. "Matched... would be nice. Unless there's something else you see that you like better, or would prefer to see on me." She adds the last quietly. She loves the ring, but wants you to be happy. And your happiness is more important than any object.
"I would prefer a matched set," Shalelu says. "It seems appropriate."
At some point on your journey through Hongal, Zaiobe approaches you.
<Myriana, would you mind taking charge of Shalelu and Lithonae's bridal shower? It's probably simply a matter of letting everyone know a date, which should be sometime before we reach the forest or just after, ideally. I'm finding myself ... a little short of time, unfortunately.> She is smiling, but it seems slightly strained.
Myri looks up, she appears slightly startled, <Sure, of course, Zaiobe. I'd be happy too.> She pauses, apparently noting the beautiful half-human's not quite natural demeanor and her expression becomes a bit concerned. <Is something wrong? You seem a bit..tense. Is there anything else I can help out with?>
sense motive if necessary:
Myriana approaches Shalelu and Ameiko, of course Lio would likely be there as well. She appears just a trifle nervous. "Hi Shae, 'meiko, Lio . Um, some quick questions, I think? I mean, I thought bridal showers were for like people who might have trouble providing or because the brides father didn't approve and withheld the dowry or something, and you're both obviously like uber capable, so um, what am I really doing here? I mean, do you guys like, just want a caravan party or is there anything in particular I can do to make you happy?"
Pyonna nods. "That is a reasonable sum. If the journey goes without hazard, you should see a good return on your investment, but of course I cannot guarantee its success. Such a venture is never without risk."
Lio nods, she understands the risks. She's taken them before. Her expression probably shows the same.
"I am willing to take the risk." She says simply, waiting for instructions on how to proceed with the details.
He considers the possibility for a moment. "You going to find out when yours is?" he asks.
"Thinking about it. Seems... to mean something to my family and friends." She shrugs, trying to wrap her head around the idea. "I think... I'm almost afraid to find out." She admits.
"I would prefer a matched set," Shalelu says. "It seems appropriate."
"You should always get what you want." She says with all seriousness. Softly spoken words which she means with all of her heart.
Myriana approaches Shalelu and Ameiko, of course Lio would likely be there as well. She appears just a trifle nervous. "Hi Shae, 'meiko, Lio . Um, some quick questions, I think? I mean, I thought bridal showers were for like people who might have trouble providing or because the brides father didn't approve and withheld the dowry or something, and you're both obviously like uber capable, so um, what am I really doing here? I mean, do you guys like, just want a caravan party or is there anything in particular I can do to make you happy?"
Lio is probably busy working on scouting with Jorun, when Shalelu and Ameiko are hanging out.
knowledge nature
survival:
diplomacy for teaching:
Myriana approaches Shalelu and Ameiko, of course Lio would likely be there as well. She appears just a trifle nervous. "Hi Shae, 'meiko. Um, some quick questions, I think? I mean, I thought bridal showers were for like people who might have trouble providing or because the brides father didn't approve and withheld the dowry or something, and you're both obviously like uber capable, so um, what am I really doing here? I mean, do you guys like, just want a caravan party or is there anything in particular I can do to make you happy?"
Ameiko blinks. "I ... don't think that's been the purpose of bridal showers for a while now."
"I believe the intention was simply to have a party," Shalelu says.
Myri looks up, she appears slightly startled, <Sure, of course, Zaiobe. I'd be happy too.> She pauses, apparently noting the beautiful half-human's not quite natural demeanor and her expression becomes a bit concerned. <Is something wrong? You seem a bit..tense. Is there anything else I can help out with?>
<No, no, I'm fine,> Zaiobe replies.
She is clearly not fine. Something is upsetting her a great deal.
"Shhhh, it's ok. You didn't do anything terribly wrong." Lio holds you, rocking slightly in a very comforting and maternal way, mutters softly that it's going to be alright, that everything will work out. "I was angry because I was afraid. Not because you were doing anything wrong. I don't know why they were upset. Maybe if you can tell me what they said, I can try to sift through it. I only know humans are strange and sensitive in ways that make no sense. I know that Alaric has a problem with intimacy when it relates to me. I don't really understand why, but it seems to have something to do with the fact that I'm Melinda's great grandmother. I've talked to Shalelu about it, who is much wise and older than I am, and she too is unable to figure out what goes on in his mind. Maybe he was hurt by a lover in the past. Maybe he is bigoted against elves, but because he must preach freedom for all, he cannot admit that and finds some other reason to hate me. Maybe he doesn't like the color of my hair. Whatever it is, it means he gets upset when he thinks about me." She's still keeping you in a careful embrace, her words very soft and non-threatening.
<I don't understand,> Zaiobe says numbly. <I don't understand any of it.>
<He ... he wants me to stay away from you.>
"Thinking about it. Seems... to mean something to my family and friends." She shrugs, trying to wrap her head around the idea. "I think... I'm almost afraid to find out." She admits.
"Hm," he says.
"I'll do it if you will."
Ameiko blinks. "I ... don't think that's been the purpose of bridal showers for a while now."
"I believe the intention was simply to have a party," Shalelu says.
"Really? Are you sure? But I thought... Myri looks a little pained and confused, then shakes her head, "Sorry," she snorts, and stares accusingly somewhere off in the distance towards the West, "guess that's what happens when you get taught human stuff by pixie's." she sighs, "Okay, party then. Do you have any particular day in mind that would make a diff' for you?"
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Myri looks up, she appears slightly startled, <Sure, of course, Zaiobe. I'd be happy too.> She pauses, apparently noting the beautiful half-human's not quite natural demeanor and her expression becomes a bit concerned. <Is something wrong? You seem a bit..tense. Is there anything else I can help out with?>
<No, no, I'm fine,> Zaiobe replies.
She is clearly not fine. Something is upsetting her a great deal.
Myri's brow furrows and her mouth tightens just a touch, <Give me a minute, 'kay?> she squeezes Zaiobe's hand before releasing and moving quickly in the direction of the cook's wagon.
Myriana heads purposefully across the caravan and towards the cooks wagon. If she sees Rhost, Kalimac, Sandru or Buttersnips along the way she stops in her tracks and greets them.
Myri enters without knocking (rather uncharacteristic for her) and begins to look for something strong to drink. Hopefully something that she actually recognizes.
Returning to the spot she left Zaiobe, Myriana appears in her normal traveling gear(like just about always), and leading one of the white Arabians the caravan was gifted with. She reaches towards Zaiobe, offering her hand. (& assuming it is taken) <I know you can fly. Doesn't matter. You're coming with me. 'kay?> and unless she resists Myri lifts (or helps) her into the saddle, mounts up after her and rides out of camp. Myri keeps her left hand on Zaiobe's exposed (thigh or waist?) so she can talk if she decides she would like to say something as they move away from the caravan.
Myriana heads purposefully across the caravan and towards the cooks wagon. If she sees Rhost, Kalimac, Sandru or Buttersnips along the way she stops in her tracks and greets them.
Kalimac and Attatoq greet her happily and in good spirits. "Hello, Myri."
Finally with a half smile at Koya, "I'm guessing the actual challenging part hasn't started." Her smile grows as she adds, "So you find her an acceptable grandchild?"
Myri stops in her tracks, perhaps just a hint of relief in her face. She speaks quickly though, one sentence running into the next. "Oh, hi Kalimac Um, can you do me a favor? I know you normally have something strong to drink can I buy one off you? Please? Bottle, two, small cask, anything?"
Myri stops in her tracks, perhaps just a hint of relief in her face. She speaks quickly though, one sentence running into the next. "Oh, hi Kalimac Um, can you do me a favor? I know you normally have something strong to drink can I buy one off you? Please? Bottle, two, small cask, anything?"
This is not exactly what Kalimac was expecting, but he seems to roll with it well enough.
"I don't have a lot left; been spreading it around during the feasts." Kalimac pauses to think about what he still has. "I still have brandy left, if that will do. How much do you need?"
A baffled expression crosses Myri's face, "Um..I really don't know. But on the off chance, how much does it take to reach forgetfulness? For um, maybe two people?" She looks at Kalimac hopefully.
<I don't understand,> Zaiobe says numbly. <I don't understand any of it.>
<He ... he wants me to stay away from you.>
Lio nods, she doesn't understand either.
"Well, at least I'm not crazy after all." She says, a little sadly, as to Zaiobe's last comment.
"What are you going to do?" She asks quietly.
"Hm," he says.
"I'll do it if you will."
Lio smiles, amused. "What's the worst that can happen?" She quips. "Why not." She nods her head, agreeing.
A baffled expression crosses Myri's face, "Um..I really don't know. But on the off chance, how much does it take to reach forgetfulness? For um, maybe two people?" She looks at Kalimac hopefully.
"Alaric's brew makes you forget other troubles," Rhost offers.
"Alaric's brew makes you forget other troubles," Rhost offers.
"That sounds perfect, Rhost, could I get some right away? Please?" Myri looks at him hopefully.
A baffled expression crosses Myri's face, "Um..I really don't know. But on the off chance, how much does it take to reach forgetfulness? For um, maybe two people?" She looks at Kalimac hopefully.
"It depends on the person, really. For Sandru it takes a lot. Same with Rhost. Others can forget on only a few drinks."
"Alaric's brew makes you forget other troubles," Rhost offers.
Kalimac nods. But he seems to think of something that bothers him about this conversation. "Uh, Myri? Why do you need something that makes people forget? Is something wrong?"
Myri's expression suddenly changes as she realizes she may have just started a rumor...and for something that is quite likely her own imagination. "No! I mean. Probably not. I don't know? Um, no, I'm sure it's just a drink between friends, but...maybe? Sorry, if there actually is something I need help with I'll ask, 'kay?" Myri is feeling a little hot, "Um, okay, change the question to "I don't really know what the situation is, and I don't really know for sure if there is something wrong, what should I do to feel things out and be prepared?"" She again looks at Kalimac and Rhost expectantly, almost like she's looking for advice from her older brothers.
Crawling back into bed near dawn after making sure that Milena is warm, fed, and soundly asleep. Mel, shivering slightly from the night cold, cuddles into Alaric's side. When her body is tucked against his length of his, she looks at him and smiles, delighted and pleased.
The little kami nods and moves out of your way. |You welcome then be. Rewards great call risks indeed great for.|
Mel waves at the little kami, or at his signpost if he has disappeared, as the caravan enters the forest.
As you move into the Forest of Spirits, Miyrao ponders your words and purpose.
"I believe that what you propose is possible in Minkai, and perhaps even achievable within a shorter time than it might be elsewhere," she says slowly. "But I think to rally the people to such a cause, you may need to move forward by steps. And ... interim stages may be a necessity."
"Especially if the hard times under the oni tyrant have been making people idealize the ruler from before." Mel shrugs, "I'm not exactly one of the people who knows how to motivate a group of people and change there thinking." With a smile, "In general I leave that manner of planning to Kalimac and Alaric. I'm much better at the immediate 'how do I keep those I care about from getting slaughtered' plans."
A bit later, "What interim stages make sense to you? After all you are the only one here that knows what it is like in Minkai."
Mel shrugs, "I'm not exactly one of the people who knows how to motivate a group of people and change there thinking." With a smile, "In general I leave that manner of planning to Kalimac and Alaric. I'm much better at the immediate 'how do I keep those I care about from getting slaughtered' plans."
Alaric snorts, replaying his litany of errors, screw ups, and mistakes through his head.
"Really? Are you sure? But I thought... Myri looks a little pained and confused, then shakes her head, "Sorry," she snorts, and stares accusingly somewhere off in the distance towards the West, "guess that's what happens when you get taught human stuff by pixie's." she sighs, "Okay, party then. Do you have any particular day in mind that would make a diff' for you?"
Ameiko blinks. "I ... don't think that's been the purpose of bridal showers for a while now."
"I believe the intention was simply to have a party," Shalelu says.
"If not, how about in three days? & um, are we excluding the guys? I kinda hope not, since I much prefer Rhosts culinary skills to mine. Sorry, I don't really know what I'm doing if that wasn't already painfully obvious." she smiles a little abashedly.