Mummy's Mask

Game Master Samy

"I like seeing you and Isa together." Harmose grins at Tam. "It's good that you know you're family."

Turning back to Isa, he says, "You know what this means, don't you? It means you can choose how old you are. This is a golden opportunity. Now, it probably might not do you any good to claim that you are ninety. Most people won't believe you. You probably can't even claim to be as old as I am; I'm eighteen, though I'll be turning nineteen next month."

Harmose blinks. "Why, you can even pick your birthday! But I'd think hard on this decision, and wait until you have just the right day picked out. Birthdays are important."

He smiles at Tam and Isa as they roughhouse, and then says, "Isa, I think we need your help. We're playing a cardgame, and I think that your big brother feels a little baffled by it. You look like a sharp lad. Can you help him out?"

Harmose shows the boy the deck of cards, and explains the rules for firing cannons again. "We were about to fire the cannons in honor of new players. I've played a ten. Do you have a nine? Then we can see if Desi has an eight."

Harmose studies the boy. He's smart. Even if he can't read, I bet he knows how to count...

Turel nods in acknowledgement of her story. "I would say he did impart some useful knowledge to you before the desert claimed him for its own. Finding and trapping lizards before they bury themselves in the sand is quite a challenge." He chuckles softly to himself, as he remembers a fond childhood memory. "Be fortunate, Deseri, you were not required to hunt desert scorpions for sustenance. They have a STING to them!"

Arrgg! I failed to spell. Why cant the names be easy like Bob or Daisy? Do you people know how many time I have misspelled Deseri? And I made it up. I hate words sometimes. This is why I am no longer an English Major, I can not spell. Anyways..

Deseri nods though mostly to herself Oh I learned that those little critters sting hurts when I was quite young. But if prepared correctly they are quite good, though not sustaining. Snake is much better. Oh he also taught me how to dissemble a lock and about various traps the ancients used in their buried tombs. A sad look rolls over Desiris face only to vanish moments later while looking at the child.

Moments later with the masked man looking at her does Deseri realize he must have spoken to her. She tries to recover by answering to Harmose But I have no eight! Deseris cheeks are growing darker Way to go! Get the sand out of your head Deseri! That man does not deserver to be ignored. Foolish girl.

With dark cheeks and a sheepish look Deseri speaks to Tam I am terribly sorry and beg your forgiveness but did you ask med something? You see I...well I... My mind is easily distracted today and...

I am going to assume Tam or someone takes mercy and tells Deseri the question proposed to her. Such a simply question it is too.

Oh yes I am. I arrived shortly before you Tam. Though if you all are looking for potential new clan members should I leave? with a little sadness at the last of her words Deseri looks around at those seated

Do I have to remind Desi about blowing a kiss? What if Aleris takes that the wrong way?

"If you have no eight, you need to do two things," Harmose says, heart racing. Don't mess this up with Aleris. She's only just agreed to date you.

"The first is you have to blow a kiss to someone. Let me demonstrate."

Harmose blows a kiss to Aleris. He takes his time about it, looking Aleris in the eyes as he does so. See, Miss Aleris? You're the one I'm looking at right now.

Not this gorgeous desert girl who's spilling out of her cleavage...

...this is going to be a long game, isn't it?

"It can be anyone at all, so long at they're at the table. Then, you have to forfeit a lentil into the pot."

Then, remembering how eager Desi had been to earn a few dried lentils, he hastily added, "But don't worry, you still have plenty!"

"Now Turel has to play an eight. If he can't, he'll need to blow two kisses and forfeit two lentils into the pot."

"Though if you all are looking for potential new clan members should I leave?" with a little sadness at the last of her words Deseri looks around at those seated.

There's pain in her voice. That pain arrests Harmose for a minute. "Desi," he says softly, "why do you think we'd want you to leave?"

Deseri look confused at the demonstration of the blown kiss [i]That is strange.[i] Her eyes widen at he mention of lost lentils and smiles when told there will be plenty later.

She awkwardly blows a kiss to Turel then replies You are looking for new clan members and I am taking up your time.

Turel looks at his hand, sighing heavily as he realizes there is no eight card in his hand. Has Harmose been shuffling these cards behind my back?

He rises to his feet and turns to face the two women, one he has called Sister and the other a newcomer. Who to blow a kiss to first? I had better get the tougher challenge out of the way...

He turns to gaze at Aleris, again caught by her eyes, grey and mysterious. He starts to clumsily blow a kiss to her, mirroring his motions as best he can when movement out of the corner of his eye stops him.

He turns to face Deseri and catches her eyes with his own. She is...lovely. A desert flower in full bloom... He finishes the motion, blowing the kiss back at her before pivoting on the balls of his feet and repeating the kiss at Aleris. His eyes linger over Aleris briefly, caught by her grey eyes, mysterious and enchanting.

Such two lovely beauties...opposites yet the same, reflections from the same cloth.

He then replies to Deseri, "You are not imposing anything on us we are not also willing to share." He motions her to sit back down. "Please, join us."

A small smile comes back but uncertainty still lingers in Deseris eyes. IF you insist I will be happy to linger longer you all are very interesting people and this city is vast and foreign. What is the purpose of the blown kiss?

As the game proceeds, Aleris looks at Deseri, a melancholy expression flitting across her face as the young woman struggles with the rules of the game and with speaking to the men at the table.

She seems even more sheltered and unworldly than I am, somehow...and just as lost, if not more so.

Almost immediately, she can hear Nella's voice in her mind, as if her dear friend were sitting next to her at the table rather than being half a world away.

So be her friend, Aleris. Like I was to you. You remember, right?

Yes...I remember...

"Turel is right," Aleris smiles at Deseri. "Stay with us as long as you'd like. As for blowing kisses..." she smiles at Turel, shoots a mischievous look at Harmose. "This is supposed to be a silly game with silly rules...since we've been playing we've had to randomly change seats, blow kisses, and sing songs. And I'm still not sure of how you're supposed to keep score," she giggles.

She then looks to the newcomers Tam and Isa, smiling at the bond they obviously share.

They seem like they need friends too...whether Tam will admit to it or not. We're all quite the group of lonely souls, aren't we? Maybe...maybe the five...six of us can be a family, like Turel spoke of.

Maybe, Aleris...but don't try to force it...

"I think you would be a great asset to our group as well, Tam," Aleris says quietly. "Turel is the only one of us who has any large degree of skill in tangling with foes up close and personal. I prefer to rely on my bow and Harmose his magic."

Aye, I can stand well enough lady. And make those who want to pass earn the right. Tam says without pretence.

Isa, deciding he wants to be 10, takes up Tam's hand and begins playing in his place.

I like this game. he says, slapping an 8 down on the table.

Blowing a kiss does seem silly. Thank you Aleris. You three are very kind people and Tam you are very lucky...Oh an eight am I swapping seats or is Lord Harmose?

"It's me who'll swap seats, Desi," he says, getting up to swap with Isa, even though it puts him next to Desi.

He turns to look at the desert girl, and struggles to keep his eyes squarely on her face. "No one calls 'Lord Harmose'...", he says gently.

No, they call you, 'Sirdar.' You might as well level with her, with all of them. Otherwise they'll hate you when they find out.

...though I do have a title. I just don't use it very often. Please, just call me, 'Harmose.'"

He looks up brightly. "Aleris, do you have a seven? We haven't finished shooting the cannons yet!"

Deseri looks at him with her head cocked to the side He seems uncomfortable. Way to go Sand Brain. Nice stranger feeds you and lets you spend time with his clan and you bother him. ARRGGG!!Of coarse Harmose.

With a determined look Deseri looks at her cards and clearly her mind starts to wander within moments. I wonder if I can manage to not irritate this clan if I could stay. I have spent time in tombs and that seems to be their primary goal. Then I wouldn't be alone and hungry. And I could keep my Beasty. I should check on her soon no telling what these city dwelling fools have done to her.

Whatever you say my Lord

We interrupt this role play to bring you a very important message:

"Happy International GM Day, Samy!"

Aleris scans through her cards for a moment before her eyes alight on the card that she's seeking. "As a matter of fact, I do!" she smiles, placing a '7' on the table with the rest. "Now...I think it's...er...whose turn is it?" she wonders, looking slightly confused. "Harmose, is it your turn now or are we back to Turel again? Or is it Deseri's?" She shakes her head as she waits for further instructions. "Definitely the strangest game I've ever played," she chuckles. "But memorable."

She then turns to look at Tam and Isa once more. "I don't doubt it," she nods in reply. "And as I'm sure you can tell, I'm not exactly a native to this land either - so you're not alone in that regard. We've met a few others from different groups that have also found themselves here after a long journey; the leader of the group Daughters of the Desert hails all the way from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings! And I here thought that it was a long journey from Varisia," she adds with a wry smile.

Fizzbin?

Starting to look through Tamhas and Deseri now.

Uh oh... Are you two wearing your pretty-pretties? (Regina's term for lingerie.) Samy's inspections are very thorough...

"I believe we're back to Turel! Turel, do you have a six or will you blow another kiss?"

Harmose grinned at the table, and then realized that someone was bumping his leg.

* Hero points can be taken out (at least three locations; name and class, stats and special abilities), we don't use them.[/ooc]

* If you're not using a shield (since you don't have one in your inventory) then I believe you can use your longsword two-handed, getting the same damage bonus as with the bardiche.

* Berserker of the Society trait necessitates past membership in the Pathfinder Society. At which point in your history were you a member?

* Your special abilities list "Superstitious" -- I assume that's something lingering from an earlier version, since your traits don't list that?

* Shouldn't your CMB be +5 (+1 BAB +4 Str)? And CMD 16? What am I missing?

* Foreign Opportunist is a good call for a trait. I recommend that the party try to sell all relics through Tamhas when possible. If you RP finding that out about Tamhas, I will allow for the first foray's loot to be done that way.

* You can't have both Berserker of the Society and Threatening Defender traits, as they are both from the Combat category, and you can only have one trait per category.

I'll check skills later, need to hop off for a few hours now.

Turel looks down at his cards, already resigned to the fact he would be forced to blow another kiss...

Well...ok I don't see a six here...WAIT A MIN...ohh that is an eight, of all the...

He stands up again and travels across the table, looking for the next recipient of his kiss. His eyes linger over Aleris a tad bit too long before he reluctantly shifts his gaze over to the desert lady who seems to enjoy the attention.

Blowing a kiss at her, he gives the lady a reassuring smile before taking his seat. "Deseri, it is now your turn. Do you have a five? If not then you need to bow to the partner to your...right." He smiles at Harmose knowing his Brother would certainly enjoy the attention.

Next time I blow a kiss, it will be at YOU, Harmose!

Drat I have no five. Why do these cards despise me so?

Deseri smiles at the traveling kiss then frowns at the new rule. She shifts her gaze to the cards in her hands and looks disappointed The rules shift that easily? Well I have no five but I have a four and will trade it for a five. Deseri casts a hopeful look around the table. [

Harmose smiles. "Trades normally shouldn't be allowed. However, I will agree to a trade provided she can make Isa, our ten year old guest, laugh."

Harmose turns to Isa. "You can't let her off easy. Make your face stern and grumpy, like this." Harmose draws his eyebrows together and assumes an exaggerated, ridiculous looking frown.

Untrained Perform (Acting): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Yeah, that should be enough to make a ridiculously silly grumpy face.

He looks at Isa's face. "No, you need to look grumpier still. And remember, no laughing. You're our judge and you're supposed to make this a challenge for her!"

Tamhas is glad to sit back and watch the boy enjoy the game. It hadn't been too much fun the past week and even if this were a temporary distraction from the hardships they faced every day, it was a welcome one.

Hero points are just selected by default on Hero Lab for me so when I output the hero statblock to paste here it includes them. Removed now.

Indomitable faith and superstitious (regional trait of Realm of the Mammoth Lords which borders Irrisen) taken as traits

CMB is +4 because it takes into account power attack which is switched on by default

While waiting for Deseri's attempt to amuse Isa, Harmose takes some water, prestidigitates it to ice, and slowly forms and refoms it until it becomes a soft yet firmly packed snowball. He hands it to Tam. "I always liked snow as a boy, the few times it fell in our home near the mountains. I don't think it ever snows in Wati. I miss it sometimes... Do you?"

Then he turns back to Isa. "If you can keep from laughing, I'll happily make you a snow ball of your own that you can throw at me, Tam or Turel. It's not nice to throw at ladies unless they're armed with snowballs, too. Otherwise, you'll just have to share some of Tam's snow. It's nice when it melts on the tongue."

Though if Desi makes him laugh, I'll give him a snowball of his own anyway, and just tell him that the joke was so good there was no defense against it, so I owe him... Or maybe I'll just let him pet Wenet?

He looks again at Isa, and thinks, Ten, huh.... Good choice. At ten, I was learning how to be human again. I finally had learned to laugh, myself. Which is better than being an undead monster like I had been at age nine...

Come on, DAA, you can do this...

Okay, Tamhas, looks good, consider yourself approved. I'll be moving on to Deseri and hopefully won't take as long to get around to finishing up with her review. :)

Ten is an age bracket with I am wholly unfamiliar with. The go to is fart jokes at that age :) My delayed reply is due to a friend surprise visiting from Japan which was interrupted by a sever migraine. Well enough with the excuses.

A shocked look consumes Deseri's face at the ruling and she watches Isa while Harmose is talking. What am a supposed to do with a city child of his age. The children I dealt with were half that...What do city children find amusing. Clearly lost in though Harmose takes it on himself to entertain the child and creates snow which Deseri stares at in wonder as much as the child dose.

I would like a sense motive to see if the kid was amused at the super serious faces
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 9
And I notice nothing I assume?

Thanks Samy. Can't wait to do some dungeon delving!

Huh. Tamhas grunts at the snowball. Neat trick. Though while his tone is not so much unimpressed, more unappreciative.

Though where I come from the snow drifts so thickly it covers the ground like a frozen blanket. Or it drives down like shards of icy daggers. Sometimes the snow that falls looks so clear it is like blue crystals in the morning.

The Skald language has nearly a hundred words for snow but it doesn't matter how beautiful or majestic it can be, every one of those types of snow will hurt you if you are unprepared. though it is difficult to tell under the mask, he shoots a glance toward Isa who, though he simply raised a quizzical eyebrow at Deseri's serious faces, seems delighted by the snowball and takes it from Harmose to throw between his hands, quickly switching it when one grows to cold from holding it.

But despite that, yes, I miss the snow. It is... honest. The weather here is just relentless and the waves of heat are like illusions. More than once those shimmers caused me a scar in the arena.

Isa. he gestures to the boy to put the snowball in his empty glass. Then, reaching into a pocket, he withdraws a few pitiful coppers but enough to get some orange juice from the bar which he then pours over the snowball to create an amazingly delicious and refreshing drink that the boy gleefully tucks into, bearing his teeth as the unfamiliar cold settles on them.

Tamhas chuckles. That's the best use for snow.

Not Deseris faces. The sense motive was to know if the kid was amused at Harmoses serious faces.

Well damn he is not going to pay attention to me now. I could bribe him but that would be like cheating and even though Harmose did it I will not do so.

Deseri sighs Sadly I can not think of something that a boy Isa's age would find more interesting and also amusing that what he has right now. She shoots Harmose a dirty look I do feel bad though. She places a few copper coins on the table in front of Tamhas to pay for the icy.

Deseri gets up and walks over to stand in front of Harmose. She drops to her knees, lowers her torso, and extends her hands along the ground. She maintains this prostate pose for a few seconds then sits up on her knees. Without getting up she asks Was that sufficient?

Ah, misread apologies

That is perfectly fine. I have done that plenty.

Tamhas offers Desi his big, gnarled hand to help her up.

He didn't like the gesture of supplication, it was too similar to those the slaves performed in respect if their Dominus.

More than adequate, I'm sure

Sorry for the lack of posting guys, I lost one of my favourite ever characters this week and it's put me in a funk lol. Looking forward to getting into this properly

Harmose stays frozen for a moment, completely unable to respond until Tamhas steps in.

"Desi..." he says softly, "while that bow more than fulfilled the requirements of the game, can I teach you a different one? That bow... is not appropriate here in Osirion. At least, not for a free woman like yourself."

He looks apologetically to her. "My family... they once owned slaves, you see. They don't anymore, thank Horus. I am not proud of this."

All of a sudden, he'd lost his taste for the game, but he did not want to disappoint the others in their fun.

Untrained Bluff to Hide Feelings: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Belting the bedsheet firmly around the waist, he made it swish like a dress. "No, the look's not right... Farhaan, some grapefruits please?" He stuffs two of them down his shirt, bats his eyelashes at the entire table (especially Aleris) and does an elaborate courtesy, spreading his mock skirts gracefully.

"You should do that one, Desi. Though you won't need the grapefruits."

_________________________________

Oh I messed up! Why didn't I respond to this one earlier? @JZ: I saw Polonius's epic death scene yesterday. If a character has to go, that's the way to do it. It was simply lovely.

Woot making people uncomfortable quickly. I have skills.

Deseri stands up with Tamhas's assistance
Sense motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20 I notice things
clearly noting the discomfort of some of the people at the table. She looks rather sheepish now. And offers a smile at Harmoses attempt to lighten the mood.

I am terribly sorry. That was the only way I knew to bow. I will not do so again.

Deseri looks back at the door as she speaks.

Harmose sighs.

"Desi... You keep looking towards the door. Is there someplace you want to go, or are you doing so because you believe you are unwelcome? If it's the second, that's not true. Turel, Aleris and I are looking for another teammate. We're already hiring Tamhas. Would you like to join us?"

As Turel watches the display from his Brother accentuating his...feminine attributes, his mind wanders back to a time back during his childhood when his rite of manhood was fast approaching...

"Sooo...Turel? Are you ready for the...test?"

I nod in reply to my fellow warriors (in training), glancing nervously at the darkened hut. I wonder what will I need to do inside...all I was told his there is something I need to do in there to show what MAN I will become.

"Then, by all means, enter and prepare..."

Nodding quickly, I slip inside the hut, closing the canvas flap behind me. Darkness greets me, but a quick search produces a candle. Lighting it quickly, I look around for what objects must be inside. The place appears empty at first, but underneath one of the mats is a small chest. Opening it I discover...

'What is this, a joke?', I mutter to myself. Inside the chest is a dark red silk robe, a long black silk dress (with a matching scarf), and a pair of high heeled boots. All designed for a woman's body...

A dawning realization falls on me as the meaning of their words become cruelly clear. Knowing there was no way to sneak out of the hut, I take the silk robe and slowly start donning it on...

Harmoses' words jar the memories loose as the Hookah's surroundings come back into focus. He stares at Harmose as he prances around and as he curtsies in front of Deseri, his gaze shifts away suddenly trying to hide his discomfort by staring down into his soup bowl, lost in thought.

Bluff check (to hide his feelings from Harmose): 1d20 ⇒ 18

I am an amazing mood killer it seems. And I am not sure if I should be curious or fearful of how that memory ends. Of coarse I want to join pending a reply from Samy but I will give Deseri's reply.

Deseri looks at Harmose with wide eyes and word begin to tumble out of her mouth. It is a bit of both. I do not know these people and how well they will take care of my horse. She got me here and I love her for that. I keep doing things wrong and I was forever in trouble for that in the past. I want to stay I truly do. I traveled the desert to be here. I just don't want to be a problem. I do things that are not appropriate all the time. The Elders called me a menace. But I hate to be alone and you all are so friendly and feel ri... I am rambling. Deseri stares down at the table.

Untrained Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Entirely missing his friend Turel's discomfort with his cross-dressing, Harmose turns to Desi. "Not appropriate? Desi, I'm the one wearing a pair of grapefruits down my shirt!"

He starts to laugh. "Look, Farhaan's staff is good. But go check on your horse if you need to do so. Then come back, okay? Promise that you'll return in a few minutes, or we'll have to go out and search for you. We're already doing one interview. We might as well do two."

As Desi leaves to check on her horse, Harmose turns to Turel and Aleris. "What do you think about adding her to the interview docket?"

Deseri looks a little confused but happily goes to check on her horse. Its silly but why is grapefruit inappropriate? Deseri quickly limps out the door and goes to check her horse, lavishing the beast in affection.

Aye I think you'd better run on too Isa, got business to discuss and you'd just be bored. Take your snow drink and I'll see you some time tobight.

Ok, Mr Tam. Al Fazeed throws the mouldy bread around this time anyway, I said I'd go with some of the other kids to take a look. the boy replies.

Good boy. That Amira girl going to be there?

Isa doesn't reply but blushes furiously earning a chuckle from his big friend.

Stay safe, kid. Keep that knife I gave you handy.

He claps the boy on the back as he runs out of the inn. Tamhas looks after him for a while and then turns his attention back to the table.

when do you plan on returning to the necropolis?

You are a night owl, I like this. Deseri will return pending a positive vote from Samy.

Before the boy disappears on his errands, Harmose asks, "Isa, can you return in two hours, here? We may have a job for you, too later, if Tam agrees."

After the boy disappears, Harmose shoots an apologetic glance at Tam. "I don't mean to interfere, but I did say that I was a rather eccentric employer, remember? I don't want my employees sleeping rough on the streets tonight. Or being poorly clothed. Crazy, I know, but I insist on these small details."

He gestures to where Isa just retreated. "That boy knows the city like the back of his hand, correct? Do you think he would like a job as a messenger? I could use one, and if Isa is earning his own money, he won't be stealing as much. What do you think, Tam?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Initially rendered incapable of speech due to laughing at Harmose's antics with the grapefruits, Aleris seems unaware that anything is amiss. However, she does catch Turel looking away from Harmose and down at his soup, clearly uncomfortable with the sorcerer's antics for some reason.

Another culture difference or just one of personality? Turel does seem...reserved about many things, a complete opposite of Harmose. Maybe I'll ask him about it later.

Rather than draw attention to where it might be unwelcome, she turns her focus back to Harmose and Deseri. Once the young woman meanders outside to check on her horse, Aleris turns to her two companions.

"I think that would be a grand idea," she nods to Harmose's question. "She seems a bit lost here...and I'd hate for something to happen to her. What we're doing certainly isn't safe, but I'd feel better about her being with the three-" she suddenly remembers Tamhas and smiles, "The four of us, than on her own. As for returning to the Necropolis, I'd guess as soon as everyone is rested, stocked, and good to go. Probably within the next day or two, if all goes well?"

When Harmose makes his offer of employment for Isa, she smiles and nods at the two men encouragingly but says nothing for the moment, clearly waiting to see what Tam's response might be.

Turel pulls himself out of his reverie as Harmose poses his question.

It was in the past...a long time ago...Why do I still feel shame over it?

He rises to his feet and faces his new-found family. "I think Deseri has a place among us...I believe her path crossed ours for a reason." He says matter-of-factly, leaving little doubt as to his opinion.

She needs guidance I feel...as we need that from her...

"As for Isa," he adds thoughtfully, "I believe Tam has set the lad on the right path here. We should offer him trust."

Tamhas shrugs, I don't speak for the boy, I'm not his father. Children grow up fast on the streets or they don't grow up at all. He makes his own decisions though I daresay your proposal is more attractive than risking the loss of a hand.

He lifts the mask a fraction and scratches at a scar beneath as he thinks

The sooner we begin the better. I feel... thin, having been idle so long. It is not my people's way. Back home I would have walked the mountain paths and wrestled an oxen into her pen before breakfast, just to get my blood flowing.

Heard from Samy -- She's been infernally busy, but plans to return on Monday -- She hasn't fully reviewed Desi yet, but expects to approve.

"Wrestling oxen?" Harmose asks, amused. "We'll have to see if we can find you some."

Then Harmose blinks, thinking of something. "I said that my employees don't sleep rough, but with the lottery on, I doubt that there's a spare room available for rent in Wati."

Harmose visibly comes to a decision. "Tam, you and Isa shall have my room. It's large, with a decent window so Isa will not feel too closed in. When I was his age --"

-- You were an undead monster, and you ate souls. Are you REALLY going to tell Tam that? Right now? --

"-- I was not well. Windows, and sunlight, and air... They all helped me readjust. Eventually."

He turns to Turel. "Brother, do you have space for me and Wenet? We're slight, and don't take up that much room."

Turel smiles warmly, "Of course, my Brother. You shall have my bed and I will sleep on my mat. It will be just like being back home for me."

"Actually, I was thinking that the floor would be mine..." He grins. "It would not be my first floor. I've slept on others."

Especially after some of Meehr's wilder parties...

Turel shakes his head. "No I insist. As your host, it is my duty to provide you the best. Anything less would be an insult to the host."

Harmose sighs.

"I've just completely lost this argument, haven't I?" He bows his assent to Turel, and one of the grapefruits falls out.

Harmose starts to laugh.

"Well, I guess that's a sign that it's time to end this costume..." He pulls out the other grapefruit, and hands it to Aleris. With magehand, he retrieves the other grapefruit as it rolls on the floor. "Anyone want some grapefruit juice? This one looks a little banged up..."

Aleris blinks at the grapefruit in her hands. What am I supposed to do with this? I don't even like grapefruit...

"I hadn't even thought about all of the rooms being booked up," she comments, idly passing the grapefruit back and forth between her hands. "If Deseri hasn't already found somewhere to stay, she can share my room if she likes."

Maybe Deseri likes grapefruit?