Katrina comes to the dinner party with Kevros on her arm. She offers a bouquet to Larina. She happily greets Larina, as Tristan is busy cooking, with a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then entering she happily hugs Cleo then Quince. She sits next to Cleo and waits for the subject of the conversation to draw her into it. Then she looks at Kev and asks seriously, "Where is the item you were bringing," if he brought something she is pleasently surprised otherwise she breaks the serious face and laughs, pulling out a nearly scalding plate of honey cakes, which are basically honey soaked biscuits.
"Hey, you know I dont get to laugh very often. Let me enjoy it. What it seemed like no one liked you in this whole country and yes you weren't looking for it. But the irony that you have someone showing interest and then you have two of them is too good!"
"Cleonora it looks like you have two more friends. Sure they are both male and show interest. Well Journe professed his love for you, so when you are ready he is there for you. Sulvanii can change his shape so that wouldn't be a problem. It is up to you to act now. It sounds like the ball is in your court with either of them but in different ways."
list holds a number of wishes not all but some.
1- I wish for my physical strength to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
2- I wish for my physical strength to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
3- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
4- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
5- I would seek to achieve mastery over my fox features being able to under my full control turn from human-kitsune, to vulpine-kitsune, and fully fox-kitsune. (The Fox Form Feat)
He nods and offers, those wishes are easily handled. Perhaps a wish for a bountiful feast to be laid out in the tavern for all to partake of for your last wish, just using the spell bountiful feast or even heroes feast?
Cleonora allows Katrina to hug her, giving her a pat on the back as a return hug. Which was something as Cleonora wasn't a touchy person.
"But I didn't even want the ball!" Cleonora said as she threw up her arms. Then let out a long sigh. "I'm just... Not the person they think I am... And no matter what I choose they're going to get hurt... That's how it works.." She said as she crossed her arms.
As you continue to talk about the others he merely says, "Interesting." He just nods his head at the rest.
"Yes, so our not date or date?" he asks lilely for clarification.
She noticed how Quince was acting. "Quince, are you alright?" She asked obviously worried. "Did something happen?"
"Huh me, happened no nothing happened." He looks over Cleo's shoulder toward the door. He realizes his nervous energy and places a hand on his stomach just above his belt. "No Bearik I expect is resting, I have not seen Saren since the meeting . . ." He takes a drink as if the sentence was done.
He centers himself and looks toward Cleo, "I know that the last day has spun round more than once on you. I hope that we can all move forward. To happier times." He smiles wide and speaks loudly hoping to increase the cheer, "Happier times like the upcoming wedding." He raises his glass inviting others to drink to Tristan and Larina.
"I wouldn't have picture our man Tristan going in for a large affair . . .you clearly make him happy Larina. That is a rare thing . . . especially with red-heads." The charming wink toward the couple is delivered in an endearing way.
Cleonora gave him a curious look that consisted of narrowed eyes, but she leaves it at that.
"That is putting it lightly. I just want that creature to stabilize and leave then maybe I can fine a since of normality and move forward." Cleonora said very simply with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Oh that's right! Congratulations you two!" Cleonora said as she raised as glass as well.
Kev sighs, "I need to get a secretary!" He grabs some writing materials from stock and jots down what he would like his wishes to be;
1- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
2- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
3- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
4- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
5- I wish to safely shoot without provoking an attack when making ranged attacks with any bow during melee combat around me.
6- I wish each time I nock my bow, Bow of Erastil, a single non-magical arrow is spontaneously created by magic, so I never have to load my weapon with ammunition and when I decide to I can use my bow normally.
Kev slides his list to Sulvanii ...
"Here you go Sulvanii and thank you! In addition, is it in the budget to hire Ranger Shire Reeves for our rural areas or should we ask for volunteers?"
In the days that followed Quince visited the various wardens that he closely worked with often. Spending time when he could with Bearik at first it was an attempt to smooth any issues over but he had in the last few weeks wanted to learn more about the mysterious man. He enjoyed the company and he wanted to reconcile his mind with how Bearik could both bless the wardens with power but also consider a coup. His fear was growing less but he wished if he could get a better sense of the man. Why had things changed?
Katrina comes to the dinner party with Kevros on her arm. She offers a bouquet to Larina. She happily greets Larina, as Tristan is busy cooking, with a hug and a peck on the cheek. Then entering she happily hugs Cleo then Quince. She sits next to Cleo and waits for the subject of the conversation to draw her into it. Then she looks at Kev and asks seriously, "Where is the item you were bringing," if he brought something she is pleasently surprised otherwise she breaks the serious face and laughs, pulling out a nearly scalding plate of honey cakes, which are basically honey soaked biscuits.
** spoiler omitted **
Kev smiles back at Katrina, and pulls out a cloth covered wooden serving dish from the basket he was carrying and sets it on the table. Whatever is under that cloth smells good! "Of course my dear, here is a nice savory Wild Boar Roast to go nicely with your honey cakes." Kev lifts the cloth off and before you is a nice roast to feed you all well. Not as good as yours would be my love but still very palatable." Katrina knows Kev can not cook so where did he get it from but she is thankful that he saved her some time and effort from having to cook it.
Kev raises his glass and teases Tristan ...
HUZZAH! And we thought Tristan would marry a bear instead of a human red head, who would have thought?
The next morning after Tristan's dinner party. Quince made his way to check on Bearik, and those living with him which as far as he knows includes Elizabeth. He makes a point to bring a selection of fruit and breakfast snacks.
"Good morning, I hope all is well here." He smiles and offers the food.
HUZZAH! And we thought Tristan would marry a bear instead of a human red head, who would have thought?
"Huzzah!!"
"Oh really?" Cleonora asked with a small smirk. "Well either way you two seem happy enough!" She added with a slight shrug. "So, to a bright future for your both!"
ev sighs, "I need to get a secretary!" He grabs some writing materials from stock and jots down what he would like his wishes to be;1- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
2- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
3- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
4- I wish for my hand eye coordination and agility to be increased by 1 with no detriment to my self or others.
5- I wish to safely shoot without provoking an attack when making ranged attacks with any bow during melee combat around me.
It is an Archer archetype feature at 9th level and I am asking for it sooner
6- I wish each time I nock my bow, Bow of Erastil, a single non-magical arrow is spontaneously created by magic, so I never have to load my weapon with ammunition and when I decide to I can use my bow normally.
Endless Ammunition Weapon Special AbilityKev slides his list to Sulvanii ...
"Here you go Sulvanii and thank you! In addition, is it in the budget to hire Ranger Shire Reeves (Sheriff Deputies) for our rural areas or should we ask for volunteers?"
"Kev, you can only use a boost to one stat three times at most. As I can only cast wish three times a day. I don't think I can confer that archer archetype feature either at least not without risk. So you have two wishes to come up with. Oh yes we have a good budget for that you can either get 10 for each hex for double pay, or 20 for each hex."
In the days that followed Quince visited the various wardens that he closely worked with often. Spending time when he could with Bearik at first it was an attempt to smooth any issues over but he had in the last few weeks wanted to learn more about the mysterious man. He enjoyed the company and he wanted to reconcile his mind with how Bearik could both bless the wardens with power but also consider a coup. His fear was growing less but he wished if he could get a better sense of the man. Why had things changed?
Yes you would be able to find Bearik. He is normally in his office. Walking in you notice that everything seems to have been enlarged or just, no enlarged. As it as the same chair and desk.
"Hello there Quince I am still on the mend but that doesn't stop me from writing a few things down. How can I be of help?"
Larina is not used to such attention and blushes but she puts her glass up with the rest of you and lets it all out, "Huzzah! Thank you all for being here tonight and with such good company and food we should a wonderful meal!"
"To be fair this is only the second group thing I've ever been invited to so... I wasn't going to pass it up." She said.
Yes you would be able to find Bearik. He is normally in his office. Walking in you notice that everything seems to have been enlarged or just, no enlarged. As it as the same chair and desk.
"Hello there Quince I am still on the mend but that doesn't stop me from writing a few things down. How can I be of help?"
"Glad to hear. I know that this has been hard few days. I hope Saren and Elizabeth are well. Its interesting in all my years I have never met one of my own. In the last three days I have met one and two men who were family to two others." He smiles "I have hoped to learn something more of my people."
Seeing that you are having a tough time drinking the alcohol he takes the cup from your hand and finishes, then he smiles at you. "Next time I will bring something else, tea perhaps?"
She allows him to take the cup and nods. "Tea I can do any day. Sorry you wasted good drink..."
He nods but then says, "Saren has been putting on a good front. Katrina sees him each day using all her spells just to keep him awake. I think he gave too much. That is my boy. He never had enough in his past life and always took care of others before himself, still here. Elizabeth is mending in her own way, hopefully she gets what she wants but with your lack of drive we will see what happens. You do know you are the only kitsune for leagues. Anyways, if you want to offer some more help she is sleeping in my chambers, just holding her hand might be enough. The problem is we don't know. The prison is gone. Likely folded in on itself or shot back up into the sky for all we know. I can tell you lots about kitsune. I loved one until she died protecting her daughter and I love her still. What do you want to know?" He keeps level throughout the conversation even though he said some words that could have practically been punches.
Quince mouths the words silent, "Lack of drive?' He looks at the big bear of a man, "You said when you were a god you knew Erastil. I am devout or at least try to be." He holds out his hands as if to say it is what it is. "My father, the man who raised me," He smiles, "Big bear upon our banners. House Medvyed. He spoke of it as spine. Holding to principal. I have my view of things I won't easily abandon it." He holds out his hands, "If you wanted a suitor for your daughter would you want one easily swayed by the whim or would you want one who would hold course?"
"You are a mystery Bearik. When we first met I thought you some fey touched power. When we heard your tales and saw your temple to Imodea we whispered among ourselves if Aroden himself walked among us. You blessed us with gifts and power. We aren't sure why? I had a serious moment of doubt when Katrina compelled our honesty. But I thought of all you have done for us. All you still do."
He looked quizzically at Bearik, "When Sulvanii, Saren and Sota were rambling on about the ritual that would bring us a star fallen to earth. When we learned that it had something to do with your family I knew you were trusting us with something." He waved a hand to gather attention and looked Bearik in the eye with a serious but playful stare, "Even if you had not shared your intentions first. You trusted that we would help. I am glad for it."
When Bearik brings up helping Elizabeth, "I will help her. She is quite lovely."
When the big man shares stories of his wife and Kitsune he listens empathetically, "She sounds a remarkable woman. I have met her daughter, I imagine she was beautiful. I have known so few Kitsune you say that we are few. Do I need to worry that we might be related." He chuckled but it was clear the idea had crossed his mind. He looked at the man giving him a chance to say something if it needed to be said. I see you have a bear like form. Are there more like you?"
He looks concerned. "You seem worried that the 'prison' is gone. Was it needed more? Elizabeth spoke of using it somehow at the meeting with Cleo." He leaned forward, "I told Elizabeth I would help. I am happy to spend time with her. I will check on her. Do we need to make more room for your household or provide some additional furnishings. I would hope you both are comfortable. Someone has told great things about me. I will need to thank that person." He winked at the big bear, as if to say it must have been him.
[spoiler=Bearik]
When she stirred. He spoke softly, "Good morning, forgive the intrusion. Your father said you were here and suggested I come help your recovery. You seemed at peace. I did not want to stop that." He squeezed her hand gently.
"I missed you at dinner last night. Just as well. Probably would have caused a scandal. I hope you are feeling well. More yourself." He put the journals down and offered some breakfast to her.
"Yes, tokens as I have been told." A bit more red covers his cheeks than just the alcohol.
He smiles with a shake to his head putting the cups away. With a bit of a higher pitch in his voice of happiness he offers, "There are far more wastful ways it could have been used. At least I know not to bring alcohol on our meetings. Do you want to go for a swim or just continue down the shore?"
He listens and points out, "I don't care if my daughter has a suitor, she needs physical contact to take on the racial traits of the other, at least that is what it seems. I suggested to her to use her wiles to get that physical contact. Otherwise she would just become human, like Journe."
"Yes my 8th wife was special and only a mortal. No there is no chance you are related enough to make any problems. If Elizabeth was not banished she would be about 400 years old. If anything she would be your great great great aunt, or something like that."
"I am an Old God, I take what forms I have seen in my days. This one is after one of my close allies of days long past, a were bear. There are still many of my kind that wander the world, most you would probably recognize as spirirts. If they don't have a curse or a following we slowly fade away to nothing."
"The prison was our main plan in how to repay, Elizabeth's drain. We are comfortable but Elizabeth is very independent and I think Sulvanii has plans in store for her accommodations." he winks back at Quince with a knowing look. He also turns back to his old giant form slowly.
With you still holding her hand or holding her close to you she falls asleep quickly.
"Come to think of it if it doesn't involve magic, writing, or killing... I'm not very good at it... Oh! Unless it's baking. I love to bake."
He sets aside his cloak and other extra gear. He moves next to her and puts an arm around her. "I spoke with your father. He spent some time in the form of a Bear." He chuckled. "We are trying to get you Kitsune. Perhaps I should follow suit." Quince shifts into his kitsune form. His red-gold fox tail twitching. He moved next to Elizbeth and snuggled in with her. "Your father thinks I lack desire. . . .I don't expect you to defend my . . . strength of urges. But I hope its not lost on you that I am stuck. Between what I may want . . . a lot . . . and my beliefs." He realizes at this point that she is asleep. Probably had been for awhile. He smiles holds her close, rubbed her back and tried not to poke her.
Then he just enjoys the silence of skipping rocks.
Well according to my timeliness, Tristan had dinner the same day after the meeting, the same day Quince tried to help Elizabeth who was half naked and got a massage and a few kisses.
Right so the day after all the drama you would check on her.
I totally understand wanting clarification. My apparent little rant above is based on you wanting answers to something that I thought you really hadn't asked about before.
---
He seems pleasant enough. He doesn't seem to be hiding anything. Asking directly about the kingdom he looks at you strangely, he points out, "You and the people her have made this my home, do I like it? Yes."
He appears a bit frazzled that you didn't spend time with her.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This is the bit I was trying to make sure we were on the same page about. By the time we had this conversation. Quince met with Liz after the meeting at Cleo's for a few hours. And then was back the next morning when I thought that conversation was happening. The purpose of the visit was to check on him but mostly her. Its not a big deal I just wanted to make it clear to him that Quince wasn't FAILING to try an help. He was failing to give it to her rotten, if you know what I mean. *Wink* *wink* say no more.
Let me spell out the order of events.
Meeting with Cleo 3pm
Massaging Liz 5 pm
Dinner with Tristan 6 pm
You may have checked on her after dinner but the door was locked. Bearik's guards would have told you that they were sleeping.
The next morning is when the conversation is happening about 6-8.
Oh Bearik knows knows you have been trying to help shy the grand home run! Well technically not even past 1st base.
Then she took and deep sigh and ran her fingers through her hair and laid them against the back of her neck. "I'm the evil one and I'm yelling at them... there is a irony here...
"She is doing fine, all healed up except for the drain. I know she has been making herself extra busy with her duties." She offers.
Mixed feelings can be seen on her face then she explains, "Cleo won't understand, she wanted her dead. I think that is way too much for a draining assault but normally it would be a vampire or other undead. Then we would kill it anyway. I dont condone the action but understand the situation. I saw an interest in the two of you from the beginning, two kitsunes, duh."
He frowns, "She told me. Expecting death for an unwelcome spell. No willingness to hear the matter out. I can't expect everyone to sign up to make a sacrifice but to demand death when magic, mental strain and who knows what else is in the mix." He frowns deep, "She has know much pain for this to trigger so much. I can see it. I want to help. Killing is not gonna help." He softens "Elizabeth's offer to restore and repay I could never give Cloe a better judgment than that. Whipping or banishment would not have set the scale even. Some of our wardens fought against us at Oleg's. We caged and crossed the land to cure werewolves. But this requires a life? D
Am I missing something?"
He sighs. "Its more than she's a kitsune. I loved Angeus Elizabeth she's . . .well. When you loved Kevros before you changed did it matter he didn't have a tail."He winks at Kevros, "He would would shagged you furry tail ot not."
In his free time Quince makes his way to a local potter, Jergen, an aging man who makes stoneware and has a potters wheel. Quince commissions a tea set. He spends some time with the crafts man showing him sketches from the Journals given him from Gao. The potter is able to craft the general shape well enough. The struggle is glazing and details. Quince confers with the potter. He chuckles when the potter mentions he is not versed in Tian techniques. "Well yes I know there is a Tian man working at the academy." He puts his finger to his lips, "This is for him. I can't consult the person we are making the gift for." He smiles, "Well if you could get started I will see if I can find out more on the glazing and finshing."
He returns the next day with a bit of info he has been able to scrounge up. Jergen seems a bit nervous. Quince puts a hand on the mans shoulder, "I came to you Jergen because you know something I know little of I can hardly be angry with you for trying something that I could not even begin."
After a few days. Quince returns and thanks Jergen for his efforts. "Well Jergen thank you if you were an archer you struck the bullseye with this thank you."
He packs the tea set and raps the parcel in a soft does skin.
Quince makes his way to the academy seeking Gao. He smiles when the old man approaches, "I hope you are well. I wanted to thank you for giving me a glimpse at my own people. Your former wife seems a remarkable woman." He lifts the doe skin wrapped parcel.
"I had something made. Our local artisans are not widely versed but we wanted to give you something of Elkheart that I hope my stir found memories for you."
Quince smiles as the doe skin falls away and nestled tightly in the straw is a set of 6 stoneware tea cups and a tea pot the glaze and finish are easily recognized as distinctive of Brevoy pottery and its Taldan roots. But the placement of the spout and handles is off and the shape is foreign. The teacups are but small bowls without the handle that has grown in fashion in the region. The color of the pot and the cups faded from a blue-tinted purple to a rosy-gold. The soft curves of the set giving off the look of clouds on the far horizon from the sunset. When Gao looks up. Quince opens to a page in one of the journals Gao had shared. Its a simple sketch of a tea set of similar shape and color. No doubt the set here had many differences from the model that the sketch was made from but it was a good likeness of the sketch. "It is but a copy of a copy. But I hope it makes a connection. If I am not imposing we can enjoy some tea. I would love to give the set a run through its paces. Thank you for what you shared with me. Perhaps the headmistress and some of the others would like some tea as well if they are about and free."
Moving to the next subject as we started to walk back he offered, "I practice with a longsword and shield mostly in the style of the red falcon. I exercise a lot to keep in shape using calisthenics and strength training. What do you train with? I know you work on magic but what about your physical side?"
"No you are not, and her request is absurd. I was merely supporting her as a friend not that I believe what she wanted was right. I didn't know what to say at the meeting to make both happen so I said nothing." she says passionately.
Then her face screws up hearing your last words, nervously she explains, "I am not sure if those words are what you wanted to say but I know what you mean. I was a catfolk before, and I loved Kev. I changed so we may have a chance at children one day. It also helped that I was originally running from my family for reasons. But it didn't matter I loved him and still do." She grabs Kev's hand and squeezes it.
Quince would notice Saren's greatsword is still in the ground where he placed it before the meeting.