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"Shahid Ranbhir, it is possible that I misunderstood, but while we searched Brinewall, I got the impression that you choose to listen to conversations, perhaps even after the point where it would be clear they were private. I feel as a traveling companion, I can request an truthful explanation for your rudeness."
Hrithik nods to Melinda. "Please, always feel free to ask. In return, though, I will reasonably expect an answer to the same query."
Bluff (nonchalance):
Diplomacy:
Perception (Melinda's Chelish behaviors):
Hrithik's hands move to his face, each index finger momentarily pointing to one of his eyes. "My area of useful operational tactical expertise and training is noticing important facts amid endless details, analyzing them, and then reporting relevant information to those who need to know in a timely manner. Thus, hostile threat reports upon identification. Thus, uncensored estimations of potential dangers. Thus, advocacy of standards and practices that raise the likelihood of squad survival."
Hrithik looks meaningfully at Melinda. "My social background prior to that also taught watchfulness, and wariness, and endless observation of everything. You appear to be precisely tilting your head at a perfect angle of regard, and holding your breath exactly in pattern to breathe when I blink or gesture, and shifting your posture to maintain balance between us. All of that is done so that it will be noticed."
"Watchfulness and deep scrutiny on the part of everyone around you is not rude in Cheliax, it is the baseline social expectation. You are on display, every minute of every day. If one wishes to be unobserved, one must make it impossible to be observed."
"Away from Cheliax, I have generally endeavored not to be "on" all the time during social situations. While I easily and often see and hear things, naturally and without deliberate effort, I can turn away and engage in something else when I notice it move to analyzing. If people are talking about me, however, or backbiting about others, and can't be bothered to do so in a sequestered space, I will hear what I hear and resolve not to spill the secret gripes of others, however careless they may be at keeping those gripes hidden."
Hrithik points to where the women's and men's wagons rest. "I had expected to apply the same standard to our expedition, randomly overhearing things but turning focus away as I caught details, until convinced otherwise by two people very close to you."
"The lynchpin was catching your beloved, standing not more than ten feet away from me, at first apparently muttering weirdly to himself in the Brinewall town square, but actually communicating with you: "first, Hrithik is an ass ..." ... feeling no restraint nor compunction about sowing social poison at the very beginning of an expedition, and doing the opposite of what I imagine his philosophy of reconciliation would have of him."
Hrithik looks angry and ashamed at himself. "I will admit, after hearing his cold, unmoved callousness to Mr. Tollin's breakdown later, that I began backbiting him in turn, while still on mission. After ten minutes of his apparent condescension and aloofness, I no longer had any benefit of the doubt to give. It is not an excuse, but it is an explanation for why I acted shamefully, unprofessionally, and unacceptably in my Thassilonian speech "
Hrithik nods to Melinda . "I would ask your aid in apologizing to the gentleman, except that he made it crystal clear by the end of the first expedition that he will do nothing but ignore me, loudly curse me, and backbite me in exchange. I am given to understand that his philosophy doesn't do apologies, which would square with the observed behavior."
Hrithik shrugs, "The sheer amount of offense apparently involved on his part might move me, if it weren't for the calm and rational and unopposed argument of the other person close to you. Our entire Thassilonian conversation on the way into Brinewall, spell-shrouded and clearly private, was nonetheless completely overheard and reacted to by your Ancestor, without any offense at violated privacy on your part. Your Ancestor subsequently made a loud and convincing public case that she hears what she hears and makes no apologies for it, which continued to elicit no pushback from you nor anyone else."
Hrithik nods to Melinda more deeply . "I do not expect to adhere to your Ancestor's professed standard in common social situations ... that is simply too Chelish for my tastes. But during an active expedition where combat, shapeshifters, and mind control can all potentially be in play, I expect to fulfill my role as Spotter and Analyst unless convinced there is good reason I should not. I have not widely shared what I perceived of anyone I did not consider a potential combat foe, nor do I expect to - combat and desperation can bring out the worst in us, and I can respect that more than most."
Hrithik smiles warmly at Melinda . "I did vent unprofessionally to your Ancestor, but given how much more perceptive she is than me, I imagine she picked up far more of the conversations than I did. And unless I am mistaken, she is not the only other person in our group who was willing to eavesdrop for a minute at a time while on the expedition."
Hrithik's smile broadens as he bows respectfully to Melinda . "Tell me true, have you eavesdropped on any of the quiet conversations of your teammates? Rudely or otherwise?"
As the third test continues and a possible drunken singing event may or may not be in process, Myri sits with a slightly thin silver haired wolf, staring at the stars. She looks over, pats Silmemir on her far shoulder and asks, "So...why are you here? Kind of out of the way from your normal haunt isn't it?" Obviously, she doesn't really expect an answer.
since grappled... DC 17
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She is still finding wonder in soft kisses, returning them shyly at first. When the kisses become more passionate, her own passion matches his. Her kisses are deep, tasting the citrus on his tongue, as her hands wander down his back, around his sides, and trail over his chest. Breathing heavily, she begins to undress him, alternately pulling off pieces of her own clothing if he does not act fast enough to in turn undress her. In short order, she shows him just how far she is willing to take consent. She is not dominating, yet she is insistent and impatient. There are not nearly as many caresses as there were the first time they got to know each other.
Hrithik matches her insistence, devouring her with kisses while he begins hungrily kneading her flesh and roughly exploring her hair. All thoughts of restrained demonstration of skill are lost, and he immediately moves to novel and daring ways of loving and knowing her, stimulating all of her senses in ways she has never known were possible.
Craft (Love):
Teasing and ravishing her in alternate measure, he arranges her first moment of cherished bliss to segue almost immediately into a tender, vigorous tease that wrings forth her second. He seems to have assigned himself the task, this night, of seeing how much pleasure he can craft for her before becoming spent himself.
The result of that task is ... a great deal of pleasure.
After wandering away from the main crowd, Kalimac sees Myri and the new wolf. He comes up to Myri and sits down after nodding respectfully to the wolf.
"Myri, I was wondering if I might pester you for some advice," he says with some uncharacteristic trepidation.
** spoiler omitted **
After wandering away from the main crowd, Kalimac sees Myri and the new wolf. He comes up to Myri and sits down after nodding respectfully to the wolf.
"Myri, I was wondering if I might pester you for some advice," he says with some uncharacteristic trepidation.
"Oh. Hi Kalimac. Of course! ...but, why me? I mean, isn't this a bit reversed? You're the level headed, smart, centered, maybe even undeclared leader of this rag tag team of ours. What in the world could I give you advice on? ... ...Oh and I'm not sure I introduced you, this is my friend Silmemir, Silmemir this is Kalimac. सम्मान.वह पैक नेता है."
As the third test continues and a possible drunken singing event may or may not be in process, Myri sits with a slightly thin silver haired wolf, staring at the stars. She looks over, pats Silmemir on her far shoulder and asks, "So...why are you here? Kind of out of the way from your normal haunt isn't it?" Obviously, she doesn't really expect an answer.
Silmemir wags her tail.
Lio nods at the cat. Gives him a look in turn, much friendlier than the significant gaze the cat turned to her. A little smile.
Has the Myri twolegs offered any explanation for her actions?
Hrithik takes a different route than Ameiko, and departs a minute after her, but he eventually catches up to Liothonae.
"It wasn't anything dire. She was just making fun of me in front of the group. Teasing for the sake of team building. Please don't be upset."
Ameiko is indeed in conversation with Liothonae when Hrithik arrives.
"Hey there," she says as he approaches and speaks. "I just explained the, the nature of the items in question to Liothonae. I think we've cleared up any, uh, misapprehensions. And no need to be concerned on my behalf," Ameiko says to Liothonae. "If I say something intending for people to mistake my meaning, it's pretty much my own fault if they do."
Her smile for the two of you is warm.
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Liothonae is perfectly content, possibly for the first time in her entire life.
1) Sometime during post-coital sweaty entanglement, Hrithik whispers, "Your new hairstyle is beautiful, Liothonae. May I keep what you have shorn off?"
2) Sometime much later still - morning?
"Liothonae, I am sorry to bother, but another favor, even larger, has come to mind, if I may ask it. I am given to understand that if I wish to understand the military and command structure of our Caravan, I should talk for a long time to Ms. Shalelu. Would you be willing to formally introduce us as army grunt and military leader? We've met, obviously, but a fresh start with new circumstances and your blessing might go a long way toward making progress."
"Arright," she says. "Well. It's a funny world. Succubus can be a paladin. Spivey tells me the demon-worshipper is really jes' a sad girl what's lookin' for her way in the world, while the blond damsel what was bein' help captive mebbe got a mean streak on 'er. Mebbe a devil can become a hero."
"Here's my concern, and what I take to be yours. You ain't no hero yet."
"I'm gonna throw this back at you for a moment. Ain't saying I'm gonna take yer answer as gospel truth, but I surely do think it might shed some light to hear yer own thoughts on this."
"What do you think you need, to get you someplace better than where you is? You need someone to tell you what to do 'til such time as you can do it yerself? You need yer mind broken and built back up from the foundation? You need a new religion what don't hold you so close to the chain? Somethin' else?"
"Lessee what comes out when you tell me."
** spoiler omitted **
She lies on her side, watching him as he speaks, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patters on his chest. "You are hardly a grunt." She smiles. "You are very special."
Mel swallows, "Honestly, not sure. Of course..." it takes her a minute to pull the amulet from her shirt, but when she does she show it to Koya. Mel touches the flayed, broken body depicted on the item. "This is how Makoa died. Before he did, I think he had a close relationship to Curchanus." A pause, "He's said a few things about... well, I'm not quite sure, which is why I'm here." She looks at Alaric, "A few nights ago... He said I that I needed to understand what had been, through him. I needed to understand what is, through Lio. All in order to shape what will be." She looks back at Koya, "So... delusions of grandeur? Neapolitan complex?"
"I think a Neapolitan complex," Koya says seriously, "is an obsessive likin' for a certain kind of ice cream. Can't rightly judge iff'n you got that."
"As to the rest ... you just done broke into a mysterious vault what been sealed for thirty years and done found a amulet with yer family crest on it lyin' around. I ain't no great shakes as a thinker, but that might as well got 'Titanic Forces In Motion' written on it in big black letters. Don't know yer role, don't know the reason, but somethin' sure as heck is goin' on."
Throughout the following her Chelish mannerims are constant, if not the exacting ones that Hrithik was raised with. Still correct, but proof that not all things can be regemented. Perhaps it would be rude in the Egorian court, but not in the vast majority of the country.
Her voice starts with a bite of anger, which she doesn't bother to hide, "For someone who professes a trained skill at noticing details and analyzing them you are exceedingly poor at understanding what is said around you and the reasons behind."
The anger is still present in her, and obvious, but it fades from her voice, and her mannerisms, "First, you were behaving like an ass. Second, he was trying to keep me from attempting to hurt you. I promise you, that would have been much worse for the group than an insult. And... his philosophy? Have you ever actually had a conversation with him? Or are you just assuming that you know what he believes from half-heard conversations and filling in your own blanks?"
"And his reaction to Mr. Tollin... Tollin first started to break down because the group chose to NOT murder Buttersnips. Since she later saved the life of someone you care for, you might want to reconsider exactly why Alaric was disturbed by him in that moment. Compassion for someone broken is one thing, not choosing to sympathize with someone whose world view is anathema to you is another. And considering Tollin had just said that those of us who didn't jump on the 'Buttersnips is evil and must die' bandwagon were effectively immoral and willling to allow innocents to suffer? Or do people who agree with you get to say insulting things without reproach?"
"The conversation we, you and I, were having? Not personal. Not something that I hold dear and private. Many of the conversation I have with Alaric? None of your damn business. And, frankly, if Lio was listening to those, and continued to do so when she realized they were private, I will have this same talk with her."
"And finally, no. I did hear the beginning of a conversation between yourself and Lio. I stopped listening. Why? Because it was a personal conversation between the two of you. And unlike you, I don't believe in invading people's privacy."
She stops, breathes, "It's not the hearing the beginning of a conversation. That happens, and is acceptable. The choice to continue listening when it is obvious that doing so will invade your allies, the people who you want to consider you a friend, is not acceptable. Choosing to do so and then throwing the information out in petty anger? Frankly, far below the standards I thought you lived by."
She stops, waiting for his response. Obvious from her stance that she is still listening. Also obvious that she knows that he doesn't respect her enough to ever allow her the final word even if she wasn't still engaged in the conversation.
Hrithik takes a different route than Ameiko, and departs a minute after her, but he eventually catches up to Liothonae.
"It wasn't anything dire. She was just making fun of me in front of the group. Teasing for the sake of team building. Please don't be upset."
Ameiko is indeed in conversation with Liothonae when Hrithik arrives.
"Hey there," she says as he approaches and speaks. "I just explained the, the nature of the items in question to Liothonae. I think we've cleared up any, uh, misapprehensions. And no need to be concerned on my behalf," Ameiko says to Liothonae. "If I say something intending for people to mistake my meaning, it's pretty much my own fault if they do."
Her smile for the two of you is warm.
Liothonae almost smiles, the look she manages is bashful. "Ah ken ah mestaike ah lott uf meanengs. Ahm sorrey ah kaused ah sceane." She meets Hrithik's gaze, "Ahm naught, ups't annemoare.: She looks like she has something to add. She thinks about it for a moment. "Rita?" She asks, trying to come up with the question. "Sh' saw ye?"
Lio nods at the cat. Gives him a look in turn, much friendlier than the significant gaze the cat turned to her. A little smile.** spoiler omitted **
Lio nods at the cat. Gives him a look in turn, much friendlier than the significant gaze the cat turned to her. A little smile.
I believe we must clarify what she meant regarding how she was taught. With such a vague response, it is difficult to tell whether she was behaving foolishly, or had some intention in mind that is, perhaps, wise but opaque.
As the third test continues and a possible drunken singing event may or may not be in process, Myri sits with a slightly thin silver haired wolf, staring at the stars. She looks over, pats Silmemir on her far shoulder and asks, "So...why are you here? Kind of out of the way from your normal haunt isn't it?" Obviously, she doesn't really expect an answer.Silmemir wags her tail.
Myri hugs the wolf around her neck and shoulders. She rubs the right side of her face on Silmemir's neck and face before noticing Kalimac approaching. Her head cocks up, questioningly at the halfling, then listens as he speaks.
"Oh. Hi Kalimac. Of course! ...but, why me? I mean, isn't this a bit reversed? You're the level headed, smart, centered, maybe even undeclared leader of this rag tag team of ours. What in the world could I give you advice on? ... ...Oh and I'm not sure I introduced you, this is my friend Silmemir, Silmemir this is Kalimac. सम्मान.वह पैक नेता है."
Kalimac gives his best canine be welcome to our pack body language. "Well met, Silmemir."
Kalimac looks around for potential eavesdroppers before talking to Myri in a lowered voice.
Lio nods at the cat. Gives him a look in turn, much friendlier than the significant gaze the cat turned to her. A little smile.** spoiler omitted **
Myri gives Silmemir another hug before turning her attention fully to Kalimac.
"Oh. Hi Kalimac. Of course! ...but, why me? I mean, isn't this a bit reversed? You're the level headed, smart, centered, maybe even undeclared leader of this rag tag team of ours. What in the world could I give you advice on? ... ...Oh and I'm not sure I introduced you, this is my friend Silmemir, Silmemir this is Kalimac. सम्मान.वह पैक नेता है."Kalimac gives his best canine be welcome to our pack body language. "Well met, Silmemir."
Kalimac looks around for potential eavesdroppers before talking to Myri in a lowered voice.
** spoiler omitted **
"My friend, I wish I did. I like to give things to people I care about. Maybe that's why you're asking me. But I'm pretty much out of ideas, at least for the moment. She stops and considers for a few seconds, her gaze wandering up to the stars...at which she stops, shudders..and comes back down to earth. "Well, let's see. We know she likes to play her samisen...and is good at it too. We know she had an Inn called the "Rusty Dragon" in Sandpoint. We know that she likes adventuring. We know that she's ummm..nobility. And we know that she at least likes some feminine things." Myri colors just a tinge. "...I'm sorry, nothings coming to me at the moment. ... ... Hey. I know who you should ask. When Melinda's um,..available..." colors deeper, "You should ask her. Mel grew up in Sandpoint, and she has a really good relationship with Aunty Ameiko. I bet she's got plenty of ideas." Myri looks hopeful at the suggestion...and sorry for not being more constructive herself. "If I do think of something, I'll let you know. Promise."
"Umm. How's Attatoq, by the way? I'm not sure if he's been avoiding us since Silmemir got here or if it's just me."
** spoiler omitted **
"Speaking to Shalelu on your behalf is not a favor; you do not have to ask for favors. I will gladly do as you request. I do not expect recompense. Favor implies compensation at some future date. ...Hair, hair implies control, thus much bigger, gesture, on my part." She says the last a bit shyly. For a girl who has experienced so much pleasure in Hrithik's arms, you'd think the shyness would be gone by now.
Lio nods at the cat. Gives him a look in turn, much friendlier than the significant gaze the cat turned to her. A little smile.
Myri gives Silmemir another hug before turning her attention fully to Kalimac.
Kalimac manages to not look terribly disappointed.
"Attatoq's fine. But there is some four-footed politics going on, between Attatoq and Xanderghul, that is still playing out. I think Attatoq needs to prove himself before he can associate with Silmemir."
"I think a Neapolitan complex," Koya says seriously, "is an obsessive likin' for a certain kind of ice cream. Can't rightly judge iff'n you got that."
Mel looks at Alaric. "Who was the short Taldan man who tried to take over the world?"
When Alaric finally emerges from the wagon after the third test, he looks like he's been through a war. Exhausted, hair sticking up, and his shirt appears to be on backwards. He looks own at Reta, waiting patiently by the wagon and gasps: "She passed."
When Alaric finally emerges from the wagon after the third test, he looks like he's been through a war. Exhausted, hair sticking up, and his shirt appears to be on backwards. He looks own at Reta, waiting patiently by the wagon and gasps: "She passed."
Reta throws her hands into the air. "She am passed!" she shouts. "She am survived the horrible tortures what she am been put through tonight! Let the joyous celebration begin! In 'bout an hour, when we am hitting town. Reta go look for torch."
After the caravan has stopped for the night, and before Rhost has dinner prepared, Kalimac sets out a little ways out from the camp. He sets up jousting lists, then starts to put himself and Attatoq through their paces. With the new equipment from Brinewall, Attatoq is much faster and Kalimac needs to adjust his charge timing.
You arrive in the mining town of Kopparberget in the evening. The town has sprung up near the base of the range containing the dwarven mine of the same name, a vast open-pit copper mine in the Western Kodar Mountains. The mine, which has been in existence for centuries, provides a significant portion of the Land of the Linnorn Kings’ wealth. Over the years, it has changed hands many times between one Linnorn King and another. Currently, although the mine is closest to the kingdom of Jol, which is ruled by Opir Eightfingers, it is under the actual control of Sveinn Blood-Eagle, the Linnorn King of Karlsgard. The fact that dwarves allied to Karlsgard now work the mine has doubtless contributed to that city’s prominence.
Many of the dwarves live up in the mountains where they work, rather than down in the trading town at the base. So while there is a goodly number of dwarves there, the number of Ulfen humans is significant. The town is a peculiar mixture in some ways ... vast quantities of wealth pass through the hands of rough-hewn miners and traders, sometimes with remarkable speed. The town has a ramshackle, unvarnished quality, but it would be unwise to underestimate the power and wealth of those who work and trade there.
The Caravan arrives in an open field on the outskirts of town, reserved for traders from Varisia. (In the Lands of the Linnorn Kings, sometimes little attention is paid to the difference between honest Varisian traders and Sczarni con artists and thieves, and there is a certain lack of trust that is occasionally in evidence.)
Since repairs to the Caravan will be made tomorrow, the plans are to spend two full nights in the town.
As soon as the Caravan stops moving, Ameiko strikes up a tune and Sandru breaks out the wine.
Reta throws her hands into the air. "She am passed!" she shouts. "She am survived the horrible tortures what she am been put through tonight! Let the joyous celebration begin! In 'bout an hour, when we am hitting town. Reta go look for torch."
An exhausted Alaric holds out a hand to stop her: "Wait, Reta..." which is when he realizes that walking is quite impossible. "Can... um... can someone else keep her away from the fire?"
As soon as the Caravan stops moving, Ameiko strikes up a tune and Sandru breaks out the wine.
As soon as Mel sees Ameiko bring her shamisen out from the wagon, she is nearby. And settles near where the bard decides to play, her eyes watching the playing with rapt attention.
An exhausted Alaric holds out a hand to stop her: "Wait, Reta..." which is when he realizes that walking is quite impossible. "Can... um... can someone else keep her away from the fire?"
Shalelu intercepts Reta and begins what appears to be a quiet talk with her.
An exhausted Alaric holds out a hand to stop her: "Wait, Reta..." which is when he realizes that walking is quite impossible. "Can... um... can someone else keep her away from the fire?"Shalelu intercepts Reta and begins what appears to be a quiet talk with her.
Alaric slumps in the doorway, waving a breathless thanks to the elf.
Myri gives Silmemir another hug before turning her attention fully to Kalimac.Kalimac manages to not look terribly disappointed.
** spoiler omitted **
As soon as Mel sees Ameiko bring her shamisen out from the wagon, she is nearby. And settles near where the bard decides to play, her eyes watching the playing with rapt attention.
The rage has returned to the source, but Alaric is unwilling to leave her. He traces the bloody bite mark in her collarbone, gazing in wonder at the green blood. Then, he leans down and kisses the wound, but does not close it. He moves from it to her mouth.
"You're mine and I'm yours," he says simply.
"You are aware of what happens when you channel my strength into another, surely?"