As Vasu lowered herself into what appeared to be the basement of the tower with the woman, she began to slowly open a few of the larger crates that were stuffed full of hay. Some sort of magic in the area kept them warm enough to maintain-
Eggs??? Vasu observed.
The woman grinned with another weezy laugh at Vasu's expression
We... Collect all sorts of items. Hippogriff. Griffin. Giant Eagle. The Master... he loves...
The woman laughed for a moment as she put her two hands together and "flapped" them- she had forgotten the Sylvan for birds, most likely in her nervousness of the pitch.
The woman clearly means loves as in respect, not eats. Whoever the Master is, they clearly have an extremely high regard for whatever they sell, based on the condition and status of the crates along the basement, as well as how few contain an egg or two, raised off of the cold cellar like floor.
After a minute, Telula decided to get to work. Looking towards the others. "Please excuse me." Quickly, she took off after Gogrin, and reaching the Dwarf, she asked, "So, what are these scrolls you need help with?"
Vasu slowly made her way across the floor towards the eggs, eyes widened. These were obviously no ordinary eggs, they were huge.
She looked toward one of the largest eggs in the batch and extended a careful talon toward its shimmering shell.
A different voice rang through the cell, one that Vasu was almost certain she had not heard before. It was a man's voice, slightly deep, slightly high. Vasu might even almost call it charming- he was most definitely the "master of stealth" the woman had brought up
That, my new friend, is a hippogriff egg. I was planning on using that one myself, actually. He laughed as he took off his overcoat and set it on an empty hay straw filled crate, slapping the dust off of his thighs Regina- how many times must I tell you not to let anyone down here? Up up up you go my lovely helper. Ensure Ernie is rewarded for his speedy back and forth!
After a speedy sigh and the clink-clank of "Regina" going back up the tall ladder with a frown, Aram resumed Welcome to the black market! Unfortunately, you aren't supposed to remember this place. Normally what I do with others like you is knock you out, rewind your memory to before you entered here, and then you think you just had an on set of deja vu. But.... You....
You are special, and, I know your alignment- a very evil aura sits about you. I'm betting that you know how to keep a secret. You'd have to, working for the Dominorum Empire and all that, wouldn't you?
Aram gave an "expecting an answer"/ "play with me" look to Vasu with a grin and a raised eye brow.
Gogrin waved away the other remaining stragglers of the communal with a sigh I'm not entirely sure I'm ready for this.
Taking quick notice of Telula right after, he stood aback OH! Telula. Yes you will be helping me with my research, won't you? The scrolls and the bank, mind you. But I think you'll find you are up to task on both. Now, the scrolls are for research on 42, Matthias, Revelation, Morte de Manu- we have to start with a wide spread net in order to find out what these people may be up to.
We are also going to need to amass gold, and lots of it, without taxes.
A group of commoner humans, cheaply dressed, walked by with an almost snarl at Father Gogrin They have never had this happen, before. They are confused, upset. No, raising taxes would be an extremely terrible idea at this point.
Gogrin stroked his red beard as he led Telula along to his actual home, where dinner was to be hosted. Fitting Gogrin's style, it was a massive and thick walled, one level structure, almost as if it were a messy fusion of a fort and a hovel.
Inside were almost all stone everything, except the furniture, which was a wonderful red-oak color. It was simple, small, but with good lighting by Gogrin's own hands.
Welcome to my residence, Telula. We are only a few feet away from the 42nd Vault, so if you should find you want to rest here instead of an inn you are free to do so. OH- did you have any suggestions as to where we should begin all of this research?
Vasu raised an eyebrow back at the man.
"Evil? Vasu is not a devil creature, she worship the great lord of the skies." She nodded confidently. "But Vasu does be helping Empire. She wishes for bird to aid her in this mission. Tell Vasu, what is this hippogriff creature? Of this creature, she knows not."
Aram put a hand out, sensing about Vasu. He stopped after only a moment with a wink You are, in fact, exactly a devil in your ways. BUT, no matter. I no longer exist to judge- though I find it interesting that you worship "the great lord of the skies"- I'm assuming that's your phrasing for angels where you are from? As Aram spoke he picked up the egg very, very carefully and cradled it with a
Sssssh.
He now spoke in a whispered hush A Hippogriff, oh, they are mighty beasts. Great wings, head of an eagle, body of a horse yet with talons at their feet instead of hooves. Easier to train then griffons, yet almost just as powerful. Of course, they are rare here in Terra Nix, but oh so very helpful.
Aram put the egg back in the crate gently, then folding his arms as he leaned up against the cold cellar like wall of the tower's basement Now, you came here for the birds, I'm guessing?
Vasu twitched slightly at Aram's blunt words, but let the subject drop. Once again, angering a man who quite possibly had an entire army of trained birds at his side was not the brightest idea. Instead, she changed the topic back to the intriguing creature of which she had just learned.
"Sir," Vasu mused. "You say that hippogriff be a powerful bird, yes? And that the young can be trained...?" She trailed off, realizing that having possession of such a large and unusual beast might be a cause of alarm for some of her... comrades. "Never mind Vasu, sir. She muses words that could bring her agony. Forget that she uttered them." At that, she roused her neck feathers and shifted her wings into a more elegant position. "She is here for bird, yes. Bird to train, bird that can serve as her eyes around this city. Must be smart, must be loyal. You have bird such as this?"
Aram laughed as he gave a quick slick back of his jet black hair, his blue eyes giving a flash at Vasu with excitement We have a deal- I knew you were the secretive type. Oh yes, we have a deal!
Go ahead- make an offer for the hippogriff. Appraise it, if you must. Don't worry about the details I can take care of that quite simply for you. I am the Spy Master of 42, Vasu- there is nothing you and I can't work out.
Gogrin nodded his head as he moved on to most likely the largest room in the entire place This is where The Father of 42 apparently now hosts his guest. I can seat up to twelve people in this room. Normally I use it for a needed congress of my associates at the 42nd Vault, but for you and your group, I think this will do nicely.
The table was red oak like everything else, but the seats were not of wood but a rich, gold leather that complimented the red oak table quite well. Gogrin sat at the head of the table with a sigh I am of... Mixed emotions right now. You will have to forgive my lack of professionalism. I still worry about the Communal, and my role in 42. The Mother as Consort, the people unsatisfied... Changing the guard, building the wall. All of these people look to me for it, and I cannot decide if I should be the role of a loving Father, or a stern one.
Gogrin gave a faint smile at Telula You and I will end up spending quite a lot of time together- what do you see, Telula?
"Vasu does not know if she can currently house hippogriff, if they be as large as horses. Besides, would the others question where Vasu obtained such big creature? You have other intelligent birds, yes?"
Throughout the entire home Telula could tell there was a great amount of magical aura- but it was becoming difficult to tell through her Weave what was the left over auras of the inoperable Angel-Oak, and what might be Gogrin, or even Gogrin's home itself.
Aram gave a bright and wide laugh Well, there are always ways around that my dear Vasu. BUT, if you are set on something more within reason, well, I have almost any variety of bird you could imagine, or I can normally get my hands on them for an up fee. Nothing else, unfortunately. This mess with The Revelation has my operations at almost a full stand down unfortunately. What kind were you looking for?
The Mother bent down to Lord McGibel once more- her voice was much different than the previous days. Every syllable was filled with a tone of guilt and sorrow Lord McGibel... I only met him but a few times... And yet... His life was the cost of Gogrin resisting The Speaker's proposal to The Communal. I must do something for him. A funeral, but- something special. He is Fay... Does anyone know of rites for a funeral the Fay prefer before burial?
Vasu looked at Aran with a hint of unease. "Vasu just make little purchase from you this time, but Vasu knows of you now. She may come for hippogriff one day, but that day not be today." With that, she turned toward the ladder in a swift spin, her feathers flowing with the force of the action. She put a talon on the ladder and continued chattering. "Vasu will buy two ravens, common birds. Common, but smart." Once Vasu reached the top of the ladder, she threw open the ceiling hatch with a quick thrust of her hand. She looked back to make sure that Aran was still following her. "Get two smart ravens, Vasu give five gold. If you have small cage and training harness, Vasu pay for them as well."
As Telula began to focus, she could hear a faint glimmer of magical texts to the door just left of Gogrin, who was still sitting and stewing in his own thoughts.
Telula pushed open the cedar door to find a neat, quiet study room filled with not magic, but scented candles and grandeur chairs and fainting sofas. It was nearly half the size of the dining hall Gogrin had just show cased, and to the ceiling surrounding her were shelves and shelves of books with piles of scrolls near the bottom two shelves of each one.
A vast majority of the scrolls were illusion and conjuration. Squaking as she entered sat Gogrin's raven, Archimedes.
Gogrin, after asking what she was doing, came up behind Telula with a frown How rude of me- this, on days I do not need to aid the 42nd Vault, is one of our few studies I have here in 42.
Gogrin gently walked past her, his arms spread wide to further emphasize the amount of books and scrolls he had Histories of Terra Nix! Scrolls of Summoning and Darkness! Yes before I came to run the 42nd Vault I was quite the adventurous young dwarf. Time has increased my knowledge, but, I'm afraid, has also stilled my hand in adventure.
Aram gave a sigh and a shaking of his head in disbelief Funny- Gogrin was partial to Ravens too. Of course, he did not buy them from me, but the market. Yes the market sells basic animals, pets- You... You seem like you'd want more, Vasu.
How would you feel about a slight up charge for a trained Raven? Not much, maybe... 20 GP?
Aram rubbed his hands together, showing their slight roughness from extensive training of animals- most likely some were "soldiers" for 42's all animal army It's been a long time since I had something... fun to do. Depending on how you wanted it, it'd take two weeks at the most.
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A specific book catches Telula's eye- "Forms of Lightning: A Guide for Sorcerers, Wizards, and Experts" - Telula knows this as the book that teaches an Arcanist both of the spells "Lightning Bolt" and "Sheet Lightning".
As this draws Telula's attention Gogrin continued to grin As I said- you are welcome to stay here. Unlike the others in the group you seem... Yes. You seem almost like me- only clearly you have a tad bit more of a need for an adventure in you.
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Sense Motive:
Gogrin is being quite warm and welcoming, and it dawns on Telula that he has a bit of a harmless crush on the Arcanist before him.
OH? In secret? I'll admit I started off on the wrong foot- Before I become proficient here in 42 I was... a trader of sorts. A necromancer, actually. Switching to conjuration was an easy fix- but stopping myself from resurrecting people's loved ones... That was hard.
As Telula reached for the book Gogrin grabbed it himself to hand it to her politely Of course of course! It has been quite some time since we had someone, other than The Mother, to discuss the arts with hasn't it, Archimedes? Archimedes gave an agreeable chirp as Gogrin threw a bit of feed to it from his pocket.
A! The Forms of Lightning! A good read- I'm afraid it just didn't quite catch my interest. Very informative of manipulating other elements, though.
It was strange, here was someone she just met last night, and already Telula could feel as though she could talk to him about her gifts, and not be judged. "I only had to keep it a secret because my father didn't approve of magic. He said the Dark Weave is what made my aunt go crazy."
Realizing what she was saying, the Arcanist quickly changed the subject, "Is there a place I can sit for a moment? I have a thought on a couple of spells I'd like to write down before I forget."
Gogrin gave his own blush in his dark dwarven face as Telula took the book from him No worries- that book is quite outdated for a magician such as myself! You may keep it as long as you like.
In regards to a place to sit, there is a fainting sofa over there in the corner of the room, very comfortable. I've fallen asleep to multitudes of the books here being in my hands too long there. There is also- Gogrin gave a small whistle, and Archimedes hopped off the desk it was on and flew to Gogrin's hand of course my old study desk. You'll notice I have almost no magic in here aside from the books and scrolls themselves- I find that sort of thing makes it much easier to concentrate in a room this size.
As Telula moved towards her choice of writing, Gogrin gave a gentle grab of her arm as he looked into her eyes And, Telula... Well. You don't have to keep anything secret here. Not anymore. Feel free to experiment as you will.
He let go of her arm in a nervous relief as he let Archimedes nuzzle into his neck once more WELL, if that is all at the moment I should... Yes. I should go prepare dinner! Or rather have my new entourage do it. This was followed with more nervous laughter and a couple of strokes of his red beard.
Aram's eyes became wide as he excitedly offered a handshake to Vasu Oh I can absolutely do that! REGINA!
Regina, who was still upstairs with Aram and Vasu, yelled at Aram for his volume in common tongue Oh no need to SHOUT I'm right here! I heard! I'll get it!
Aram returned to Vasu with a gleaming smile I believe three weeks should suffice for such a thing. I've gotten quite good at training them, actually. 20 GP and it, along of course with the feed and cage you may need, is yours! Ah, payment now, though, of course. A formality of my business, and an establishment of trust!
(If Vasu doesn't detect anything, then) Vasu bowed to Aram with a nod, and pulled several gold coins out of her backpack, handing them to Aram. "Sir, Vasu thanks you. Should she take leave now?"
Vasu senses nothing off about Aram, or the price, aside from what she could see in him knowing Sylvan and running a black market.
Unless you have something else you are looking for, no reason to stay my new friend! I'll see you around. OH, of course- this never happened. You'll know when and where to pick up the raven, I promise. By the way, last little tid bit here- boy or girl for the raven? You have a preference?
Vasu shrugged. "Vasu cares not. Good bird is a good bird. One gender without the other really make no difference, as female does not lay eggs without male." She ruffled her feathers and spread her wings. "Vasu be off. She does remember nothing about this place. Not one soul will hear from Vasu's beak."
And with that, she took off into the evening sky.
"I do not. I do know he wanted to buried deep within the roots. So all may know where he is. I am guessing he is planning on having a gravestone like many humans."
Once Gogrin left, the Majar wasn't sure how to feel. Not only could she practice her magic unconcealed, but talk about it with someone who seemed to care about her. Shaking the thoughts loose, the pulled out her spellbook, and added to two spells that came to her when she awoke in the hospital. Once those were done, she cracked open the book he gave her, and looked over it carefully.
It didn't take her too long to figure out the arcane writing of the book, learning to read it and understanding it were two different things. Telula spent the next hour trying to do so.
After about thirty minutes of reading, the Arcanist's eyes began to blur. Leaning back she rubbed her eyes and thought, Maybe I'm not as recovered as I thought. I'll try again tomorrow. Setting the book aside, she went to see if dinner was ready.
The Mother picked Lord McGibel up in her arms and nodded to the Angel-Oak door with her head Very well. We should honor his request. I'm already in trouble with the locals- burying my hero couldn't do me any worse.
Sealith nodded quietly and would move towards the door opening it, if that is what she was indicating.
"He knew what he was doing when he stroked the Speaker's Ire. It was his choice to do this. He will be happy you are respecting him." She would follow quietly after that.
Vasu saw the sun beginning to set on 42- so much had happened that day, it was no wonder the city was tired. Sounds started to die off as some gambling and dancing could be seen below while merchants closed up shop.
As Telula left the study, closing the door behind her as Archimedes landed on her shoulder, she could hear Gogrin slurping down something just outside the dining hall and to the right.
Walking into a beautiful stone and marble kitchen, she could see a pot of a delicious looking red liquid, some sort of dumplings, and some sort of kebab, all lined up neatly on well polished slabs of what looked like cold iron.
Gogrin turned, offering a taste of the red soup to Telula with a grin- some of it was on his red beard, almost blending in Taste, taste! You are a guest, after all. It would be rude of me to not offer!
Yes, well... My position... I failed in my duties to protect a visitor. That will not happen a second time. Speaker, or no.
As the Angel-Oak door opened, Suzume and Sealith were almost bull rushed by Chelya and Binsk as they circled the mother with cat-wide smiles, purring as they arched up and along her legs, making her giggle away a few of her tears. Oh my pretty things. I missed you!
The Mother walked around the trunk of the Angel-Oak as Chelya and Binsk continued to purr Come now, boys. We must pay our respects.
The Mother passed Lord McGibel gently to Suzume as she then directed Chelya and Binsk to begin digging furiously at the root of the Angel-Oak.
The court as packed, all around the bright ways opened up.
There where fey from all the realms, they where in there representative groups. In the center was the King Under the Hill. He ageless and beautiful youthful face turned to an old crone. Beside him his queen she looked pail and upset. Her ladyship said nothing but wanted to the thrown.
Her ladyship was small, as most fay, here, in he kings lands she was added with his magic to be such. He turned to her, eyes that had seen the birth of the world looked at her. He spoke in a youthful voice, but unlike most times where is works where full of joy and jokes, now they where grim and sad.
"My Lady, it is good to see you are will. The willow park finds you tenders well."
She bowed low.
"Your majesty the whipping ways are gander than ever."
He waved his hand so she could straiten.
"That is good, your work in my realm dos you credit. But this is not way you are her my lady, this is not the subject of out conversation today."
The fey around Murmured all around.
"No it about your lover, I wish to talk to you about. I am sorry my lady but I must inform you that your lover, Our most trusted Lord Perpireen McGibel had passed into memory"
He said this in a soft voice, She stood still a moment and then Staggered, Some of the fay around moved to help her but she waved them back with a fast flick of her hand. Decorum meant she must not show her feelings here, no matter how hurt. Standing again strait she looked at her king.
"That is sad news to hear my lord king"
He looked at her checking she was alright to here the rest.
"He has been placed in the ground, our see'er felt it. I wish to know why is lays in the ground may lady and I want you to halt your work and find out what lead to this. I wish to know where his body is now and the how and why of his end."
He stood then, and talking to all the Fey there said in a voice that went to every ear.
"HE was our Representative to the bullying Speaker and power mad Queen, I want to know what part they had in your lovers passing, who, do I make myself clear my lady?"
Her head bowed she nodded,
"You do my lord"
He nodded.
"There will be a price to pay, fear you not my lady."
Head still bowed she back her way out of his presence, then ran to her privet chamber.
Behind she could hear the hold court talking.
Tasting the soup, the Majar could feel it warming her very core. "Mmmmm, that's delicious. A little spicy for my palate, but I could deal with it."
Gogrin took another sip, letting Archimedes hop over to his shoulder and tap its beak in a funny fashion on the ladle Ah, yes. Nothing quite beats Borsch, does it Archimedes?
Gogrin then ran a finger down Archimedes head, and, in an instant, it fluttered out of the kitchen and soared through the front door.
Well, I imagine dinner will be held quite soon. I believe the others are most likely with The Mother... Although oh that's right... Vasu, that owl-like creature- she took off didn't she?
Gogrin gave a shrug Oh well. I can't understand what she was saying, but she seems to be a bit more of a grumpy creature. Now- how did you like the study?
That's very sweet, Suzume. It is such a shame... I wish there was more I could do. The Mother plucked a single string of her emerald green hair and cast it into the now finished hole dug by Chelya and Binsk; both of the sabers knowingly nuzzled their noses into the sides of the grave as their own sign of sorrow.
Sealith- if you would do the honors of lowering him?
Sealith picked up McGible's body and would stroke his wings to lay down his back. One, already twisted from the damage he took broke off into her hand. Seeing this she would lay his body within the hole that was dug but keeps the piece of wing.
Turning to Suzume she would hand him the piece of wing. "Hold onto that for me. I have nothing to carry it in. We may need it in the future."
She was walking, to her rooms in the fay gate tree when she felt it.
She staggered again, the feeling came up from the ground. she know then he was passed, his body in the earth as the see'er had said. Time moved in strange ways in the realm of the king, but it was linked deeply to the earth of this word. The life with in it, now that link told her.
Was this the kings doing, did he wish her to 'feel' the moment.
She stood still and let the feeling of pain and loss pass over her.
then setting off once more she made for her rooms and to pack.
"As for the study, it's a far cry better then trying to read magical texts under your blankets with a light spell cast."
As he came to her chambers a small Dragon like form came to the inner hall, flying fast it landed on a statue. It cocked its head at her.
"Yes its true Nex, his lordship has entered memory."
The tiny Dragon come cat like creature bowed its head.
She stopped.
"He requested me, sorry US, to make our way to 42 and find out what happened to his lordship. So start packing, I will need a mount, find one. We will be using the Willton bright gate, I think the gate will take us close to there if we ask it nicely."
She looked around the room at the unseen servants.
"Have them over everything, I don't want dust when we get back... yes my things, we will not be taking much I don't expect to be there long."
She walked passed him into her inner rooms.
Nex followed.
"Nex, tell Porickock we want be going on the hunt this week, She will understand. Now I want to be left alone come back in an hour."
And with that she closed her rooms doors on him. He looked at the doors for a short while then went off to get things ready.
Sealith nodded. "Thank you." Kneeling she would sweep the dirt over his dead body and fills in the hole. Once done she nods to the others and would step back. "Let us let his soul rest. Suzume, you had wanted to speak to the mother before. What was it about?"
Thank you for helping me with this. Sealith, Suzume. We are often so wary of outsiders, and yet you all have been so kind. I.... apologize for my dishonesty earlier.... I feel that you all were affected more than almost anyone else in my... Gogrin's... entire kingdom. I am thankfully still consort- if you have a need, please, ask and I will do my best to help you. OH!
The Mother put her hand to the soft soil and whispered a few words, and from it sprouted one large, red carnation that was nearly as tall as Lord McGibel. So close to the angel-oak tree, I imagine this Carnation may outlive it. Thank you for your sacrifice, Lord McGibel.
Gogrin grinned as he started moving trays and trays and bowls and bowls into the major dining hall How terrible. I can't imagine learning under such restrictions- especially with my disposition in my younger years. You have quite an honorable spirit to try and follow misguided things to such a degree, Telula.
He laughed and yes... Vasu seems... Unusual. I would imagine with her disposition something else is in play- perhaps there is reason to feel bad for her.
She was in her rooms, her clothing was laying on her bed, her bag close, she picked out the things she needed. Her bow, a good dagger, She looked over her swords and picked one she liked. Then her Armor, something light but finely made. Things to use when in the trail. Most of her noble clothing and things would be no use to her so she left them. The house would be closed while she was away. She stopped a moment thinking on her plans. Then went back to packing, the last thing she put away was a small painting of lover Lord McGibel and letters of reference from the kings office. She was ready not to find Nix and the mount he was suppose to get.
She was just putting the last items away when Hex came in.
She looked over at him.
"A elf trained riding house, good send the bill to the kings office, no I will not be riding you, you know I will become human size once I leave the halls of the king. I would not want to brake your back Nex. When I expect us there, tonight if I ride hard from the gate. I do not want to be outside 42 for long, the gate will be in place if the king wills it. It seems he dos very much. I will be sending you back with a report as soon as I can. We will eat then set off. If any one comes other than someone from the king tell them I am indisposed. "
He went out again, she placed her bags ready to be taken to the stalls.
She looked around once then went off the the dinning room.