Paddy purchases 2 of the potions from Flamel, careful to mark them with an "H", so he doesn't mistake his flasks with a "W" on them...
Chimerian
Hisao buys a Hat of Disguise and two potions of healing as well as two alchemist fires to replace the ones he used on the goop of the Parisian sewers. He fits the non descript dark cap closely over his head to obscure even more of his features than previously.
Perhaps a discount on other items for.. heroic.. men such as ourselves? As well we may be travelling to other places, would a man of learning have some tasks we could accomplish for payment?
Flamel discounts the price of Hisao's hat of disguise down to 1,500 gp instead of 1,800 gp, and considers the ninja's inquiry about tasks....
Hmmm.... You say you might be traveling to other places? Where, if I may inquire?
If you should happen to be traveling through The Black Forest in the future, I know how you might turn a goodly profit.... A regular customer of mine, a gnome named Rumplestiltskin, will purchase my Elixer of Life for 1,000 gold marks per flask.... I normally sell them to him at this price on annual visits to The Black Forest, but I am getting weary of making the trip, and Rumplestiltskin refuses to come to Paris for various reasons of his own.... My expenses during the journey to and from the Black Forest often come to as much as 300 gold francs.... Rumplestiltskin usually purchases three Elixers of Life per year, which sustains him at his current age indefinitely.... Although I would be taking a slight loss this year, it would still be worth it to me to sell you gentlemen three of my Elixers of Life for 2,400 gold francs.... You could then make the journey to Rumplestiltskin's home in The Black Forest, a journey of twelve days, and sell the Elixers to him for 3,000 gold marks--a 600 gold piece profit for you. Being adventurers, you could surely live off the land during the journey, or at least spend somewhat less than I do when I make the journey.... What say you? You may find that some of Rumplestiltskin's magical wares for sale or trade are worth your while to make the journey alone.... He is renowned for wondrous items and magic beans that create colossal bean stalks that grow toward the cloud islands of the cloud giants, which is the only method for reaching those lofty realms without a flying steed....
Nacht seems to go through the variety of enchanted weaponry the smart being has and settles on a strange blade. Its serrated edging seems to call to his soul.. raising it into the air and swinging it speaks volumes to him. As if it could easily cut flesh. It amused Nacht.
He shows the blade to the smart being. Clearly to ask how much or to tell what the weapon is.
"We might head there on our travels, though it could yet be a while. Is that acceptable to you?"
Nacht seems to go through the variety of enchanted weaponry the smart being has and settles on a strange blade. Its serrated edging seems to call to his soul.. raising it into the air and swinging it speaks volumes to him. As if it could easily cut flesh. It amused Nacht.
He shows the blade to the smart being. Clearly to ask how much or to tell what the weapon is.
"We might head there on our travels, though it could yet be a while. Is that acceptable to you?"
Flamel nods.
Fair enough....
Nacht grips the blade and with his other arm lays the gold objects the beings used to barter on a table.
Nacht grips the blade and with his other arm lays the gold objects the beings used to barter on a table.
Oui, Monsiuer.... That blade seems to fit you well....
The old alchemist grins at Nacht....
Having heard rumors of a man of legendary wealth and extraordinary long life dwelling here in Paris, Kiyu has arrived at this local celebrity's house at an auspicious moment, determined by minor astrological divinations performed during her recent sea voyage....
By dint of her arcane forecasts, Kiyu knows that she will meet other young adventurers, brave and daring, which she might be able to manipulate into helping her acheive her ambitious goals....
The captain of the Desert Prince flung himself to the ground and begged Kiyu to pay him in her wrappings.
She made a pained expression, as if giving them up was something she'd really rather not, "Are you certain you'd rather not just receive coin like we originally agreed, esteemed captain?"
This only served to double the captains efforts of begging.
Kiyu smiled, "Very well then." she said as she tossed the man a lace wrapped box.
She could still hear his many thanks as she stepped off the boat and into Paris proper, Poor fool. she thought.
She had warned him on her voyage that mummy wrappings were only be enjoyed occasionally, but the captain had paid her no heed and insisted on being treated to them daily by the voyage's end.
Kiyu had played the quasi drug up of course, she had hoped to be rid of her stock of it as it had become quite unpopular in Cairo due to its horrific effects from continued usage. So she rarely sold any nowadays and her stock was still high.
Selling half her stock to the captain for spare coin and free voyage had been about as good of a deal as she could have managed.
She briefly wondered how long I to his return voyage he would make it before his transformation into a ghoul, she could already she the rot beginning it's gruesome work at the corners of his face as she left.
There was no doubt that in less than a fortnight, the crew of the Desert Prince would be in for a very unfortunate surprise.
But enough dwelling on unimportant matters she decided, Kiyu had come to Paris with purpose, and she intended to see it through.
The first step was locating Nicholas Flamel, a task that didn't prove too difficult with a little questioning of the locals, though the use of a language as preposterous as French did annoy her.
Nevertheless, she soon found herself outside the abode of the famous alchemist.
She stopped for a moment outside the door to collect herself and put on her best face, before opening the door to the shop.
"Hello there, am I correct in this being the residence of Sir Nicholas Flamel?"
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In French: Bonjour, Madame.... I am he.... You look a long way from home, if you'll pardon my saying so, Madame.... Welcome to my humble abode! How may I be of service?
"Ah!" says Kiyu rushing to take Flamel's hand and shake it.
"It is good to meet you Master Flamel."
"You are quite right, I'm a long way from home. I wonder, do you perhaps speak any other tongues? I must embarrassingly confess that French is perhaps my least studied language, I'd hate to make a poor first impression in front of you." says Kiyu bowing low.
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In English: I happen to have some English guests here as well.... As, perhaps, fortune would have it....
Kiyu smiles brightly and speaks in English, "Oh wonderful! I am far more practiced in English. Thank you for your willingness to accommodate me, I know how uncomfortable speaking other tongues can be."
Bowing again Kiyu says, "I apologize for my tardiness in introducing myself, I am Kiyu Amunatus hailing from Cairo of Egypt, self-styled alchemist, and priestess of the old ways."
Kiyu also bows to the others gathered around the shop, and speaks again in English, "A pleasure to meet your acquaintances."
Before repeating herself again in French.
"I am Alphonse Veritas, warrior of the Lord. Pleased to meet you." he says and smiles.
"Ah, Christian, yes?" says Kiyu extending her hand.
"Your faith and especially that of Islam has begun to make itself known in Egypt."
"I must confess that I somewhat resent it, not the faiths themselves or their practioners, they seem like good, honest people."
"Rather, it seems that Egypt has begun to lose its identity, so much of our culture extends from the worship of our own deities. Their weakening influence is discouraging."
Kiyu shakes her head, "Not that you were asking for the most recent goings on of a faraway land." she laughs.
"Excuse me, it's just something I think about from time to time."
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"No, I find it interesting. I have little knowledge outside of Europe."
"And rather much less than I wish I had inside of it, if we're being honest."
Kiyu smiles to Alphonse and nods her head to him before turning her attention back to Flamel, "My apologies Master Flamel I was momentarily distracted."
"I had come to your abode for two reasons, the first is I was hoping to resupply my stores of alchemical ingredients." she hands Nicolas a note with a list of alchemical ingredients.
"I'm uncertain how rare some of these are here in Europe I confess, if any are beyond your reach perhaps you can suggest to me a quality substitute?"
"Procurement of such materials usually runs me one hundred gold pieces in Cairo, but I am more than willing to pay more if you require."
"In addition I was able to divine some figures of import would be stopping by here on this day and I thought I might come and meet them. I believe this group you're assisting to probably be the bunch."
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I think Madame will be pleased with my stock.... My art began in your homeland, and it has been faithfully translated through the ages.... I can see already that I have plenty of everything that is on your list.... But I think your true purpose is to be united with your new company, Madame....
Flamel smiles strangely at The Lusty Fools....
May I introduce The Lusty Fools, Madame? I give you my word that they are not as uncouth as their company name might suggest.... In the short time that I have known them, I have seen no sign of lust or foolhardiness....
Kiyu smiles, "I'm sure such a name comes with an interesting story."
Kiyu bows again and repeats her pleasure at meeting the group.
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Hisao bows shortly. Hamid. he says shortly.
Paddy bow slightly...
Pleased to make your acquaintance, ma'am. My name is Paddy. The name for our group came about due to our meeting in a tavern, methinks. But that is besides the point. If you came to this area for something to do, you have come to the right place. Lots to do! Adventure! Intrigue! Suspense! We've got it all, that's a given.
Nacht simply looks at the new being that had presented itself before him. his hidden arms along the inner linings of his coat and the piercing yellow eyes from the hood of the cloak narrowed as he looked it over many times.
Mandibles clicking very slowly as to imitate being-speech. He did not understand most of what it was saying they all seemed to speak something alien.
" Ich bin Nacht "
Nacht's yellow eyes flash open for a time before narrowing again.
" Wie bewerten Sie diesen Sprach wissen? Sie sind ein dunkles Wesen. Ich habe nicht mehr rund um die Oberwelt zu sehen. Was willst du? "
Nacht was becoming less... careful small clicks and clacks were heard in between speech.
"Ich weiß, viele Sprachen , sammeln sie uns ein Interesse von meinen. Sind solche mit dunkler Hautfarbe nicht vertraut , von wo Sie leben?"
"I know many languages, collecting them is an interest of mine. Are those with darker skin tones unfamiliar from where you live?"
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" Shades waren dunkel. Es gab nicht viele Wesen. Ich lebe in der Dunkelheit. "
"Diejenigen von uns, die noch folgen die alten Wege in Ägypten rufen so ein Ort Duat, die darkman, die jede Seele muss durch reisen, um vor Anubis gebracht werden, und ihre Seele zu beurteilen. Vielleicht haben Sie haben eine solche Reise unterzogen und nun zu beurteilen sind Sie."
"Those of us who still believe in the old ways in Egypt call such a place Duat, the darklands that each soul must travel through to be brought before Anubis, and their soul to be judged.
Perhaps you have undergone such a journey, and it is now that you are in your period of judgment. "
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In English, Kiyu turns to Master Flamel, "I'm suddenly reminded Master Flamel, do you by chance have any untranslated texts here that are for sale? Perhaps in Latin?"
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Yes, Madame Kiyu, I have many untranslated manuscripts that I've collected over the years, intending to translate them myself when I had the time.... Never seem to get around to it.... I also have some in Greek and Sanskrit, if you're interested....
The Lusty Fools spend a few pleasant hours at Flamel's house, becoming better acquainted with him and with one another, selling off their unwanted treasures, and buying various items Flamel has for sale....
As the hour grows later, the bells of Notre Dame can be heard ringing five-o'clock in the distance....
Well, my friends.... My clockwork chef will soon be preparing a fine dinner for this evening.... Would you care to join me? I will instruct him to make extra, it's no problem, really, and I rarely have dinner guests these days, ever since my dear wife, Perenelle, went to join our Lord some thirty-two years ago....
A devout Catholic, when her health began to fail, Perenelle Flamel instructed her husband not to have her resurrected, as she was looking forward to the bliss of Heaven, and said she would await him there.... He has prolonged his own life with the Elixer of Life, which he discovered after Perenelle's death in 1398 BC.... Nicolas Flamel explains this to The Lusty Fools during their visit with him....
Not that I don't look forward to being reunited with my lovely Perenelle in Heaven.... It's just that as an alchemist, I have felt compelled to delay my own death until I have finished my extensive alchemical studies.... Now that I have done so to my satisfaction, I have ceased imbibing the Elixer myself, and will allow nature to take its course with this old body.... Of course, I still distill the Elixer for several favored patrons, such as Rumplestiltskin....
If you would take me as an apprentice, I would translate any scrolls you have.
Flamel regards the young Norseman for a moment....
Hmmm, an apprentice? You are a disciple of alchemy, eh? Let us discuss this possibility further over dinner, shall we, Monsiuer? Your activities as an adventurer might interfere with your study of alchemy.... But then again, you seem very intelligent, and might be capable of handling the responsibilities of both paths....
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Dinner is served at 7:00 PM in the dining room, a well-appointed chamber lit by a crystal chandelier and decorated with rich tapestries.
Clockwork servants serve the meal on silver platters: roasted duck and lamb, rubbed with garlic and other herbs, mushroom soup, grapes, cheese, warm bread, and a fresh salad, served with a delicious dry red wine.
Bon appetite, my esteemed guests!
The meal is delicious and satisfying, and the conversation stimulating. Flamel reveals a few interesting rumors:
The catacombs beneath Istanbul in Turkey are said to be filled with ancient treasures, guarded by golems, undead, and other ageless guardians....
The Romanian knightly Order of the Dragon is protecting the eastern borders of Christendom from Turkish invaders in Wallachia....
A French lord with a castle outside Narbonne has been cursed by God, and transformed into a monstrous beast for his callous treatment of the serfs on his land. According to the folk thereabouts, his servants have all been transformed into animated household objects.
Rumplestiltskin tells tales of a beautiful maiden trapped by her wicked foster mother in a high tower with no visible entrance.... It's said the maiden has incredibly long hair that has magical properties, and goes by the name Rapunzel....
After dinner, clockwork servants clear away the platters, and Flamel offers after dinner victuals--strong brandy....
What will The Lusty Fools be doing now?
"You've given us a lot to think about. There are many more strange goings on than I'd thought."
"But I believe first we should go to England and deal with this 'Witch of Eye', though as it seems we have no dearth of evil to fight, I am not against going somewhere else if my companions would prefer...?"
During the meal you could see sneaks of Nacht grabbing food and it disappearing into the cowl.. the sounds of something being eviscerated coming from the 'man' Every so often Kiyu would get the set of yellow eyes upon her in varying levels of openness but Nacht did not seem to wish to speak much longer. He actively ignored most everyone during the meal.
Nacht looks to the Holy-being and simply blinked. He could not understand him.
Kiyu observes the group at dinner, seeing how they react to all the different goings on in the world.
She occasionally looks to Nacht with curiosity as he eats, but says nothing.
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So The Lusty Fools return to The Cave to sleep that night.
On the morning of June 5th, they have breakfast in the common room of the inn, say their farewells to the innkeeper and wenches, and walk north through the streets of Paris to begin their journey to the British Isles....
Leaving Paris by the north gatehouse, they hike through the French countryside on a warm but breezy day....
Around noon on the first day of their journey, they catch up with a group of pilgrims on the road to Normandy.... There are a dozen men and women, ranging in age from teens to middle age, and they are flogging themselves with barbed cat-o-nine-tails whips, and chanting in Latin: Kyrie elision.... Christe elision.... Kyrie elision.... Begging Christ to have mercy on them for their sins....
The Lusty Fools, being young and capable adventurers, overtake these penitent pilgrims and pass them on the road at a quicker pace....
Lookong to the pilgrims, Kiyu asks everyone in French, "What is going on there?"
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