Dash in the garden.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mistress Polgara, my name is Master Kai," Dash says, somewhat mocking Polgara's tone. "I can't help but notice that you didn't actually answer my questions," he continues in a slightly harsher tone. "What did you mean by expected?"
"That's very true."She replies "but not all answers are simple ones. I take it you do not know who Master Gannis is?" She asks Rhetorically as she continues without waiting for a response. "Master Gannis is a powerful diviner. That's his tower there. (she points)" After a brief pause her tone changes slightly. " Walk with me, Master Kai. Ask your questions and I will answer what I can. I may even have a few of my own." She motions next to her on the path she stands. If you join her she will leisurely walk the garden paths with you.
"So far I've just seen the dormitory and my room and now this place. It's been a long trip here and I decided to grab a bite to eat first before sight-seeing. Though I suppose at some point I should find out what my classes are and when they start.
This guy seems really nice and not at all bothered by my appearance. I am really going to love it here if no one cares about my heritage.
The Founding Father:
Presented with stew, Lorth is not one to refuse - and begins to slowly grind his way through the bowl. Chewing somewhat sullenly despite the flavors, he remains introspective throughout.
After the shock of being seen while invisible wears off, Dasheel is able to process a little bit of what is going on. "So, this Gannis is a diviner, and that's what you meant by 'expecting me,' but I still don't understand why. I mean, sure, if he can see the future he might see that I would be here, but why is that of any consequence to you?"
"What is this place?" Dash asks, while gesturing vaguely to the garden and the tower.
"And what exactly are those moving statues?"
Hemmick flashback
The halfling snorts in derision, "I most certainly am not. I am assigned to work the desk and keep the mortuaries records in order. If it wasn't for the incident I'd have made it much closer to the white tower by now." He catches himself. Clearly he said more than he meant to and stopped himself from going on a tirade of some sort. He continues in a calmer tone, "Hemmick you say? You were expected, though I didn't think you'd be here until tomorrow. Aren't you the eager pupil?" he flips through some papers. Examines one then looks up at you before writing something on it. "Master Hanibil is out for the day. I think most of the students and workers are. Geoffery should be in there. He's supposed to be working on some project or other (the halfling visibly shivers a second) Go on in, just don't touch anything."
He waves at the door dismissively.
"Ah yes, I was just...hum...excited...no, that seems a bit strong...no, I guess excited IS the word and wanted to at least see where I'd be working before tomorrow. I'd hoped to show Hanibil my work but I seem to have left it in my room in my haste anyways."
Getting just a little flustered, I'll just nod goodbye to the halfling,"Thanks for your time." and head into to meet Geoffrey.
I'll head in and look for Geoffrey in order to present myself and see if there is some way I can help. I'll also be sure to inquire about whatever event the halfling is referring to and to get his name since he didn't seem to give it.
Dash in the garden
After the shock of being seen while invisible wears off, Dasheel is able to process a little bit of what is going on. "So, this Gannis is a diviner, and that's what you meant by 'expecting me,' but I still don't understand why. I mean, sure, if he can see the future he might see that I would be here, but why is that of any consequence to you?"
"What is this place?" Dash asks, while gesturing vaguely to the garden and the tower.
"And what exactly are those moving statues?"
You didn't say you were willing to walk with her, but she will politely insist.
"Master Gannis can only glimpse possibilities. The stronger the possibility the easier it is to see. But even then some things in time can be changed or change themselves simply by knowing. He's not all powerful, but he does have a powerful and useful talent. He tries to make sure the right people are where they need to be. It's part of what has kept the Academy running for as long as it has. Master Gannis tries to make sure that the right resources are in place to prevent certain catastrophic events. He has thus far managed to avert or at least mitigate the larger accidents. Many of the small ones don't make enough ripples to see. As to why you are of consequence I do not know. He thinks your important in some way, but cannot say how. "
"This place?" She motions to the garden, "It is an oasis for the current Grand Master. For the last hundred years that has been Master Gannis." Pointing to the lake "That is the city's water source. The combination of those two things means the summit plateau is generally off limits to all but a few. You may have noticed the big closed gates." She look at you incredulously. "The alarm actually went off as soon as you got here and had you not been expected those statues would have swarmed you. Even the plantlife itself have defensive measures about it. It's rather complicated and I don't fully understand the magics involved. The caretaker of this place is a powerful druid. He tells me that many of the plants and animals are sentient, though I have difficulty with the application of such magics. It's a druid specialty for a reason I suppose."
"The statues? They are mostly what they appear. Animated stone. The school uses them for a number of tasks, but when not otherwise occupied they serve as extra eyes and ears for the city watch. Rather expensive to make, but they last for eons with minimal maintenance. I think a few of them are proper golems, but it's difficult to say what's what. Now if you mean the three eyed dogs, those are another matter entirely. SImilar in vein to golems, but with a special purpose. They are enchanted to suppress and contain magic as instructed. Their construction is a closely guarded secret, but they are sentinels to guard against wayward spells and malicious practitioners. I am not privy to details more than that."
The hour is getting late and she ends your walk just inside the gate that you've seen before. She motions for the guards to open the gate. "Master Gannis seems to think you have some sort of destiny and he is curious as to how it will play out. As such if you wish you are welcome to stay at the school with full scholarship." She hands you a writ to that effect and a closed envelope."However, the plateau is off limits in the future. Do not confuse this one kindness for weakness. Should you attempt to sneak onto the grounds in the future your visit will not be as pleasant as this one. There are less dangerous places in the city proper that are also off limits for you to sneak. I'm sure you'll find them in time. (she smiles) Take this writ to your father and talk to him about your future here should that be your desire. The envelope contains details of your lodging, etc should you choose to stay. The orientation ceremony is tomorrow morning at the colosseum. I believe they are planning to have festivities as well. Mage sparing matches if I remember correctly. Should be quite the sight."
WIth that she motions you to exit.
"Ah yes, I was just...hum...excited...no, that seems a bit strong...no, I guess excited IS the word and wanted to at least see where I'd be working before tomorrow. I'd hoped to show Hanibil my work but I seem to have left it in my room in my haste anyways."
Getting just a little flustered, I'll just nod goodbye to the halfling,"Thanks for your time." and head into to meet Geoffrey.
I'll head in and look for Geoffrey in order to present myself and see if there is some way I can help. I'll also be sure to inquire about whatever event the halfling is referring to and to get his name since he didn't seem to give it.
Past the doors the morgue is clean and sterile. The decor is mostly stone, metal plates,and tile. A few other things that you're not entirely certain of the function yet, such as a set of tracks on the ceiling and a few odd metalic nozzles that stick out of the stone every ten feet or so. A short way in you hear music. It's rather obnoxious really. Cymbals and bass drums and some sort of wind instrument following a pattern, but not a particularily pleasant one.
The music echoes off the walls, but you are able to follow it down a couple hallways. You find the source is a small operating/embalming room. A curly red haired gnome stands on a stool at the far end of a stone slab. He leans over the head of a corpse looking closely through a set of multi-lensed goggles. He holds delicate instruments with thick rubberized gloves to the corpses eye. A small contrption holds open the lids while the gnomes instruments appear to be holding back the cornea. Despite his stable upper body performing a delicate operation his lower body seems to be dancing to the music. His legs kick out to the side in time with the bass drums.
You can quikly locate the source of the "music" as a small box sitting open on a stool in the corner. Either the box contains a band of 1/4 inch players or it's magic.
Completely ignoring the halfling's advice NOT to touch anything, Hemlock reverently runs his hands along the cabinets and dissection tables as he comes in thinking to himself what a fine place this will be to do research, and then he hears the music and thinks otherwise.
He comes to stand on the other side of the head from the gnome and presents himself, "Master Geoffrey? I am Hemmick Rand, I guess we will be working together... At this point normal folks would offer a handshake but as Hemlock isn't that type, the gap just falls into silence which lingers for a moment more before Hemlock bends down just a wee bit to look into the cornea of the deceased fellow eye.
"What are you investigating?"
Completely ignoring the halfling's advice NOT to touch anything, Hemlock reverently runs his hands along the cabinets and dissection tables as he comes in thinking to himself what a fine place this will be to do research, and then he hears the music and thinks otherwise.
He comes to stand on the other side of the head from the gnome and presents himself, "Master Geoffrey? I am Hemmick Rand, I guess we will be working together... At this point normal folks would offer a handshake but as Hemlock isn't that type, the gap just falls into silence which lingers for a moment more before Hemlock bends down just a wee bit to look into the cornea of the deceased fellow eye.
"What are you investigating?"
AHHHH!!! The gnome screams as he falls off the footstool he was standing on. One of the probes he was holding is firmly embedded in the corpses eye as the other flies across the room to bounce off a wall and land on the floor. It rolls a moment before coming to rest in a groove of tile. He curses in gnomish as he turns to close the music box even as he pulls himself to his feet. The rather loud music stops abruptly as he slams the lid. The room is silent except for his voice now. "एक पुत्र का झुंड नेवला पेश आ रही है । 1959-60 में नकली नरक है!!!"
Pulling himself to his feet he looks at you more than a little annoyed. "एक पुत्र का झुंड नेवला पेश आ रही है में नकली नरक है!" He says in gnomish. Then he seems to realize he's slipped back into his native language. He starts again. "You scared the life out of me. You don't just sneak up on people in this building! Folk's are a bit edgy around here as it is. Who are you and what are you doing in the mortuary science building anyway?!?"
"Classes are registered for tomorrow at the colosseum. It is pretty easy to find. We can run by there after we eat to see what is available." He turns to the dwarf specifically. He might as well be a bit more friendly to someone he will be sharing a room with. Oh, I hope he doesn't snore. I have heard stories about snoring dwarves... "You are called Lorth, right? If you are taking classes, there should not be much of a reason not to accompany us."
Noticing that his companions seem to be a little shy of talking at length, Alabaster keeps up pleasant conversation concerning weather, the journey there, some of the sights he had seen so far and some stories he blatantly made up. It was pretty obvious he was used to keeping parties lively. When they were finished eating, Alabaster polished off his stew in seconds, reached over the bar and grabbed a loaf of bread and left some coin on the bar.
"Let us go take a look around. I am sure that there are a few good things to note before we make it all the way to the colosseum."
At the suggestion he's a student Lorth scoffs "Heh, not student... work here now." without looking up from his bowl.
Alabaster's attempts at conversation are met with little more than grunts and the occasional single-syllabic word.
"I can't wait to see all the interesting classes we sign up for. Maybe we will end up in some of the same ones? Oh, I completely forgot to introduce you to Rae." Rae proves to be a small, fluffy young bat that she brings out from under her cloak. During the meal, Circe will discuss the weather and the journey here, though she admits her trip was a bit rushed and she didn't get to see much along the way. At Lorth's comment that he works at the school, Circe asks, "What do you teach at the school?"
Finishing of her own food, Circe leaves money for the meal on the bar and prepares to follow Alabaster. A little more comfortable now, she will leave her hood down so that she can get a good look all about her and note any interesting land marks.
Allowing himself a wry smile Lorth answers the girl "P.E."
Lorth doesn't follow the others into the city, instead ordering a skein of wine to take with and heads towards where he has been billetted.
At the suggestion he's a student Lorth scoffs "Heh, not student... work here now." without looking up from his bowl.
Alabaster's attempts at conversation are met with little more than grunts and the occasional single-syllabic word.
To the coliseum
The pair find the colesium easily enough. It's a rather massive landmark. Much to your suprise a small crowd of students seem to be walking the outer perimeter looking at a number of scrolls attached neatly around. After a brief inspection you realize that they are class titles with brief desctiptions, under which there are a number of lines, many of which have names on them. Some of the names are actually glowing (Knowledge arcana or spellcraft 1 reveals that it's arcane mark). The classes are organized by diffiulty and area of interest.
"Now P.E. sounds like a class I would like." When the dwarf decides not to come with them, Al is a bit relieved. He knew he would see him later, and he didn't seem like a bad sort, and it gave him more time to hang out with the pretty tiefling.
As they made their way to the Colosseum, Al picked up a different line of conversation. "I am a sorcerer, or at least that is what they tell me. I can do a little force magic, although it seems flavored with cold. My tutor told me my dragon blood is at fault for that. I much prefer running about or swimming to classwork though. So, what kind of magic are you into?"
"Hmm, I wonder if P.E. is mandatory?"
Listening to Alabaster talk as they make their way to the Colosseum, she stops at stares at him for a moment before being able to continue when he mentions having dragon blood. "But you look so normal?" Realizing that may not sound nice, she blushes bright red and looks down at the ground as she tries to apologize, not wanting to offend her first friend at school.
"I'm sorry if that sounded rude. I just never met anyone else with "other" blood in them. And I may be a bit jealous that it isn't as obvious as it is with me."
Finally looking back up him, she rushes back into the previous conversation and answers his question. "I'm not entirely sure what kind of magic I'm into yet. I can sometimes charm people and put them to sleep. My mother thinks I may be a witch, which is unheard of in her family which only has a wizard and couple summoners. I'm afraid I'm quite an embarrassment to them."
Looking a bit sad at the way the conversation has gone, she tries to change the subject. "I've never been swimming before, so I have no idea if I'd like it. Maybe you could teach me sometime if there is a place to swim around here."
Al laughed at her musing about P.E. "From what I understand, there are not many mandatory classes here."
"Well, I will not always look normal. When I get stressed out, this happens." He gestures to his arms and his arms flinch like flexing a muscle quickly. The pale peach of his skin turns to pure white scales with a thin line of black edging. His fingers turn into claws and a spiny ridge appears along the outside of his forearm down to his elbow. He flexes his claws for a few seconds and then his arms return to normal.
He turned back to her and said, "It may not seem like much now, but I have been told if I pursue my magic and use it often, eventually I will see more permanent changes that will make me far less normal than I am now. Scales for certain, possibly my bones and muscle structure will change as well."
"To be honest, I am a bit excited about it all, but I am dreading it at the same time. My father wants me to pursue martial capabilities for better use on the battlefield. I do not share his ambition though, and would rather solidify my holdings and securities and live a peaceful life in some desolate place far away from meddling people like him."
Noting her discomfort, he moved on. "I love swimming, mostly because it makes me feel like I can fly. Flying is why I am interested in magic in the first place. I would love just to soar above it all, seeing the world vanish beneath me as I check out new horizons." And with that he fell silent for a while.
When they reached the Colosseum, he started checking out some of the classes. "I guess we had better get signed up too. Any here that look good to you?"
Circe looks at Al's claws with great interest. "That's a lot neater than my nails." Circe will hold up her hand, showing off her long, sharp nails. "I used to try to keep them trimmed down, but they always just grow right back."
As they walk, Circe removes her cloak so that her small, batlike wings are visible. "I'd love to be able to fly someday too. The sense of freedom to go wherever I want would be wonderful. Unfortunately, my wings are too small right now to lift me. I'm hoping to one day learn enough magic that I can make them grow."
When they get to the Colosseum, Circe looks over the classes listed. "Uhm, that one there looks interesting. It's on other planar studies. Ooh, and here's one on familiar training." She continues looking over the board, trying to decide on what all classes to sign up for.
At this point Dasheel is somewhat stunned and lets himself be ushered out the gate. It isn't until he is outside and Polgara has left that he says "But I can hardly do any magic. Why would they want to give me a scholarship?" However, upon realizing that the woman is gone he bolts back to the Falling Founder.
Once Dash arrives at the inn he tells his father what happened. He does not tell his father that he used his powers to sneak into a highly off-limits garden, but he does tell him that the headmaster is a diviner and that he has offered Dash a full scholarship, as well as some of the other details of the conversation. "I'M GOING TO BE A WIZARD DAD!"
Circe and Alabaster
On your walk to the Coliseum a rail think dark skinned humanoid runs past you at breakneck speeds, paying you no heed.
At this point Dasheel is somewhat stunned and lets himself be ushered out the gate. It isn't until he is outside and Polgara has left that he says "But I can hardly do any magic. Why would they want to give me a scholarship?" However, upon realizing that the woman is gone he bolts back to the Falling Founder.
Once Dash arrives at the inn he tells his father what happened. He does not tell his father that he used his powers to sneak into a highly off-limits garden, but he does tell him that the headmaster is a diviner and that he has offered Dash a full scholarship, as well as some of the other details of the conversation. "I'M GOING TO BE A WIZARD DAD!"
Your father is visibly stunned and he sits to look over your papers. Still holding them he looks at you, "That's quite a story. I take it that this is something you want to do? It's an amazing opportunity."
"Absolutely! This place is incredible, and I can learn some real magic!"
Dash suddenly loses some of his excitement and a small frown crosses his features. When his father asks him what's wrong Dash looks back up at him and says "The semester starts tomorrow. I won't have a chance to go back home first."
"Absolutely! This place is incredible, and I can learn some real magic!"
Dash suddenly loses some of his excitement and a small frown crosses his features. When his father asks him what's wrong Dash looks back up at him and says "The semester starts tomorrow. I won't have a chance to go back home first."
"That's true." his father says throughtfully. "You brought a couple of spare sets of clothes and I can give you some of mine. I've got some spare coin i'll give you just in case, though i imagine the school will provide a lot of what you need." Realizing that his son is probalby not just thinking of logistics. "I'm sure they take breaks. You can always come home then. Just remember to have enough coin to pay for passage through the portal." Then he smirks, "Though i'm sure a clever lad like you could get through without coin if he put his mind to it." He hugs you. "Its alright. I got the contract to deliver plenty more loads of blackstone. I'll be through here a few times a year as it is. I'm sure even yer Ma will join me on some of those trips, but you know how she hates the road." Releasing you and patting your shoulders. "You should stay. Become a wizard then you can just flash yourself home whenever you want. " He makes a "magical" gesture when he says flash.
Whether intended or not, there was definitely something about when a woman shows off something you have never seen before. His mind was spinning a bit from the experience when a young man raced by, which helped bring him back to his senses. "I wonder where he is off to?" he asked absentmindedly, which of course, he was.
By the time they reached the colosseum, he had regained his wits. "I don't see Lorth's name on any of these scrolls. There is a self defense class, I think I will take that." He peeked over her shoulder at what she was looking at which was currently planar studies. "Maybe I will take that too, then I will at least know someone in there."
"Hmm? Late for something I suppose."
"A self-defense class? Maybe I will try that one out too. I don't really care to learn much in the way of offensive magics, but one should always be able to defend oneself. This is all rather exciting for me you know, it's the first time I've been off on my own. I hardly know what to do with myself."
Thinking ahead to their classes, Circe keeps on talking. "Do you think they have a book store near here? Maybe I could go ahead and pick up some books that might be useful for the classes I want to take. Plus it'd give me something to read when I'm in my room. I'm actually kinda disappointed I don't have any roommates to talk to."
"Hmm? Late for something I suppose."
"A self-defense class? Maybe I will try that one out too. I don't really care to learn much in the way of offensive magics, but one should always be able to defend oneself. This is all rather exciting for me you know, it's the first time I've been off on my own. I hardly know what to do with myself."
Thinking ahead to their classes, Circe keeps on talking. "Do you think they have a book store near here? Maybe I could go ahead and pick up some books that might be useful for the classes I want to take. Plus it'd give me something to read when I'm in my room. I'm actually kinda disappointed I don't have any roommates to talk to."
SInce you thought about it you look at one of the papers more closely. It does have a book and suggested reading.
Al had to chuckle at that one. "I wish I had no room mates at all. They gave me three and a bed that is too short. Want to trade?" With that he laughed at his own joke, but then got suddenly very serious and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Seriously, we should do it." And then he laughed even louder, turning back to the scrolls.
After a minute, he looked at his class list closely. "It goes to figure that even a self defense class would have required reading. I think we can find a bookstore on one of the standing maps around here."
Smiling and shaking her head at his joke, she offers: "Well, if your roommates get on your nerves too much, you're welcome to come by my room to study or talk. Now, let's go get some books. Aside from the class books, there is certain subject that I really want to read up on that I wasn't allowed to back home."
Circe then studies on of the maps, trying to locate what looks like a book store.
AHHHH!!! The gnome screams as he falls off the footstool he was standing on. One of the probes he was holding is firmly embedded in the corpses eye as the other flies across the room to bounce off a wall and land on the floor. It rolls a moment before coming to rest in a groove of tile. He curses in gnomish as he turns to close the music box even as he pulls himself to his feet. The rather loud music stops abruptly as he slams the lid. The room is silent except for his voice now. "एक पुत्र का झुंड नेवला पेश आ रही है । 1959-60 में नकली नरक है!!!"
** spoiler omitted **
Pulling himself to his feet he looks at you more than a little annoyed. "एक पुत्र का झुंड नेवला पेश आ रही है में नकली नरक है!" He says in gnomish. Then he seems to realize he's slipped back into his native language. He starts again. "You scared the life out of me. You don't just sneak up on people in this building! Folk's are a bit edgy around here as it is. Who are...
I'll wander over and pick up the enoculared instrument off the floor and blowing a bit of dust off will offer it back to Geoffrey. Responding back in gnomish
Switching back to common, "I was asked by Master Hanabil to come and attend the university here and as I have a proclivity for ..." I make a motion towards the corpse between he and I. "...I guess he felt I would make a good addition to the mortuary staff. "
I'll give him a moment to compose himself and if he seems amenable to questions, I'll ask about the recent events that have he and the halfing in the other room so on edge. If he doesn't or seems prickish I'll just bid him a good day in gnomish and leave to get ready for tomorrow.
He composes himself and collects his probe off the ground. He then steps on the stool to examine his other probe sticking out of the corpse. He looks at it from a couple of angles as he speaks to you. "It was a combination of the music and my concentrating." He sighs at the probe. "I suppose I'm done here for today." He gingerly tries to pull the probe out of the eye and it wobbles a bit, but doesn't come out. It seems to be stuck in bone. "Well, I'm not Hanibil. I'm Geoffery. You might say I'm an advanced student." He says as he hops down and pulls out a small doctors bag from under a counter. He opens it and retrieves a pair of pliers. climbing back on the stool. Continuing "Though you'd never know it from the way I'm treated. I have to wait until the place is nearly empty just so I can get some proper...' As he speaks he grabs the probe with his pliers"...work...". Gripping tightly he puts his leg on the slab for leverage and cranes his whole body back, gripping the pliers with both hands. "...Done." He says the last word in a strained voice as the probe pops free sending a weak spray of clear fluid from the eye to land on the cadavers face with a slight *splork* sound. The Cadaver doesn't seem to mind. Geoffery examines your face closely as you see his handy work. "Now then." He continues speaking even as he cleans his tools in a nearby sink. Water runs freely from a small tube in the wall when he moves a rather large lever on the wall. " Well, you didn't get all green when I pulled that out of Mr. Smith's eye, so you may not be completely in the wrong place. I suppose you'll have some questions?" He continues his work as he talks over his shoulder to you.
Edit: added a few lines.
"You're right, pop. I'll see you guys often enough, besides, Zacarias* has been getting on my nerves at home. It'll be nice to have a break from him," Dash says with a smile. It is clear that he is somewhat reticent still, but he sets his shoulders and hugs his old man. If you can afford to stay another day you could join me for orientation. It's set in the colosseum of all places, so I'll bet it will be interesting."
"You're right, pop. I'll see you guys often enough, besides, Zacarias* has been getting on my nerves at home. It'll be nice to have a break from him," Dash says with a smile. It is clear that he is somewhat reticent still, but he sets his shoulders and hugs his old man. If you can afford to stay another day you could join me for orientation. It's set in the colosseum of all places, so I'll bet it will be interesting."
"I gotta get heading back. On a bit of a tight schedule. You're old enough to watch after yourself though. I trust you. You'll have to tell me all about the Orientation on our next trip through. I'm sure you'll have plenty to tell me about. "
To all
He composes himself and collects his probe off the ground. He then steps on the stool to examine his other probe sticking out of the corpse. He looks at it from a couple of angles as he speaks to you. "It was a combination of the music and my concentrating." He sighs at the probe. "I suppose I'm done here for today." He gingerly tries to pull the probe out of the eye and it wobbles a bit, but doesn't come out. It seems to be stuck in bone. "Well, I'm not Hanibil. I'm Geoffery. You might say I'm an advanced student." He says as he hops down and pulls out a small doctors bag from under a counter. He opens it and retrieves a pair of pliers. climbing back on the stool. Continuing "Though you'd never know it from the way I'm treated. I have to wait until the place is nearly empty just so I can get some proper...' As he speaks he grabs the probe with his pliers"...work...". Gripping tightly he puts his leg on the slab for leverage and cranes his whole body back, gripping the pliers with both hands. "...Done." He says the last word in a strained voice as the probe pops free sending a weak spray of clear fluid from the eye to land on the cadavers face with a slight *splork* sound. The Cadaver doesn't seem to mind. Geoffery examines your face closely as you see his handy work. "Now then." He continues speaking even as he cleans his tools in a nearby sink. Water runs freely from a small tube in the wall when he moves a rather large lever on the wall. " Well, you didn't get all green when I pulled that out of Mr. Smith's eye, so you may not be completely in the wrong place. I suppose you'll have some questions?" He continues his work as he talks over his shoulder to you.
"Oh no I find the dead make pretty good company, they usually don't interrupt or try to nick your lunch from you." Smiling to Geoffrey, I will assist him where I can, if he wants or needs help. "But no I don't mind working with cadavers, part and parcel of my field of study.
"I've actually got a fully dissected kobold hand back in my room, work I am most proud of, I believe my dissertation of it is what caught Master Hanibil's eye. I'll bring it by tomorrow."
"I'm pretty unassuming so you shouldn't have to worry working around me."
Scratching the corner of my eye, "I would like to know a bit more about my duties here? What's expected of me? Who I report to? Where is the privvy? That kind of thing? Oh and is there a hall of wonders?"
The first day there Al found a great place to swim and got an open invitation to a girl's room. This was definitely the best choice he could have made. Of course, so far, it was hard to see how he would be forced to learn discipline here. But, he hadn't gone to any classes yet and he hadn't really met his roommates either, so it wasn't necessarily ideal.
"Thanks for the offer, I will probably take you up on that. A certain subject you weren't allowed to read about? I never had that problem, or at least I did everything I wasn't allowed to do at home. That is actually why I am here, so I can learn discipline.
"The more I hear from you, the more it seems like we have had the exact opposite experiences with just about everything. It is actually quite fascinating to me."
"Oh no I find the dead make pretty good company, they usually don't interrupt or try to nick your lunch from you." Smiling to Geoffrey, I will assist him where I can, if he wants or needs help. "But no I don't mind working with cadavers, part and parcel of my field of study.
"I've actually got a fully dissected kobold hand back in my room, work I am most proud of, I believe my dissertation of it is what caught Master Hanibil's eye. I'll bring it by tomorrow."
"I'm pretty unassuming so you shouldn't have to worry working around me."
Scratching the corner of my eye, "I would like to know a bit more about my duties here? What's expected of me? Who I report to? Where is the privvy? That kind of thing? Oh and is there a hall of wonders?"
Geoffery motions to a sheet folded neatly in the corner then to the body while you're speaking.
"A hall of what?" He shakes his head then continues "I tend to agree about working with cadavers. They're great listeners." He jests "The Kobold hand could be interesting to see. I guess if it was enough to impress Hanibil I might like to see it. So your duities will be mostly assisting initially. Depending on how well you do here and in your classes you might be assigned more responsibility. You'll report to ..." he thinks "I guess that'd be me, but since you're at the the proverbial bottom of the totem pole at the moment you'll report to just about everyone. Except that little snot at the desk. He's not appreciative of our work. I'm pretty sure he's here as punishment of some kind. I'm trying to get him replaced, but apparently Mortuary Sciences is considered to be the lowest office job." He gets increasingly irritated as he says the last part then calms himself. "And the privy is to the left just as you come in the door. If that's all you should probably go get some food and rest. Tomorrow's a big day for you new people or so I'm told. I'm not personally a big fan of crowds, but I understand that most people like that sort of thing. "
"I gotta get heading back. On a bit of a tight schedule. You're old enough to watch after yourself though. I trust you. You'll have to tell me all about the Orientation on our next trip through. I'm sure you'll have plenty to tell me about. ""You're right, pop. I'll see you guys often enough, besides, Zacarias* has been getting on my nerves at home. It'll be nice to have a break from him," Dash says with a smile. It is clear that he is somewhat reticent still, but he sets his shoulders and hugs his old man. If you can afford to stay another day you could join me for orientation. It's set in the colosseum of all places, so I'll bet it will be interesting."
You and your dad spend some time together as his hired men load his wagons with goods to carry back. The two of you pack your bag from the wagon, have a bite, and he helps you find your room. You two have a pleasant heartwarming goodbye.
Now Circe looks a bit confused at Al. "They let you do everything that you weren't supposed to do? I've always had to do exactly what I was told. I was never even allowed outside by myself like this before. That's why I was so excited to get to come here. For me this a chance to experience some freedom. Honestly, I'd be happy if I never had to go back home again."
{b]"You were definitely right when you said that we have had the exact opposite experiences with just about everything. The only thing to complete the differing experience would be if your father actually cared about you."[/b]
"It would not be accurate for me to say they let me do the things that I did, I just did them whether I had permission or not. So those in charge of me eventually gave up on giving me boundaries because they knew as soon as they told me not to do something, that would be the exact thing I would do. I am sure that my father sent me here because he knew that those who would be in charge here would definitely be able to find some punishment for me here that I might actually fear."
"Now, I also could not say that my father cared for me, but he treated me as a valuable asset or a piece of property. But when the return on his investment seemed in jeopardy, he put me out of sight. So what is freedom for you is a prison for me. Even if I decided to escape, I would probably be captured and returned here. Although, if I make it difficult on them, they would eventually buckle. Everyone has a breaking point. Even me, I suppose. But, usually other people break first."
They arrived in the bookstore and Al took a look around.
"I get the feeling that you would be viewed as being a bad influence on me. So I hope you don't mind if I prefer that you not try to escape."
Following Al into the bookstore. "Ok, now to find some books on different planes, the abyss and incubi." Circe begins looking about the shelves for the books she wants for both her classes and for her personal reading.
Alabaster looks over Circe's book choices and smiles. "You call me a bad influence and look up books on the Abyss? I could not even tell you what an incubi is, but even I know that place is bad news. I am not one to hurt someone if they are not in my way, or at least a challenge. I like Gorum a bit more than Rovagug. A certain amount of destruction can be fun, but destroying innocents just because you can gets boring rather quick."
The tall man takes a look at his class requirements and frowns. "I cannot believe they have a book for self defense. Certain things can only be taught through experience, they should know that."
Circe takes her attention off the bookshelves to look up at Al with a faint frown upon her face. "I'm not trying to destroy anything and I happen to vastly prefer Shelyn over either Gorum or Rovagug. As for incubi, it's plural for incubus and if the fights I've heard between my mother and stepfather are correct, it's what my true father is."
Turning her attention back the bookshelves, Circe continues talking. "Just want to know what my heritage is. It's not something anyone back home cares to discuss with me."
"Well, leave it to me to make a mess of things by bringing up religion. To be honest, I pay more attention to Cayden than anyone and I do not believe anyone has a problem with Shelyn. Do you have a hidden artistic talent?"
Following her lead, Al nods respectfully at her pain. "My great grandfather on my mother's side is a white dragon by the name of Alkaxuntatarion, which roughly translated from Draconic means "Demon of the White Darkness." He is a terribly old dragon who got bored and lonely one night and went on a bender in Riddleport a few dozen years ago. Grandma came from that cold night and went when she found him in his lair some thirty years later. She was swallowed whole." Al looked at Circe gravely. "You be careful, okay?"
Geoffery motions to a sheet folded neatly in the corner then to the body while you're speaking.
"A hall of what?" He shakes his head then continues "I tend to agree about working with cadavers. They're great listeners." He jests "The Kobold hand could be interesting to see. I guess if it was enough to impress Hanibil I might like to see it. So your duities will be mostly assisting initially. Depending on how well you do here and in your classes you might be assigned more responsibility. You'll report to ..." he thinks "I guess that'd be me, but since you're at the the proverbial bottom of the totem pole at the moment you'll report to just about everyone. Except that little snot at the desk. He's not appreciative of our work. I'm pretty sure he's here as punishment of some kind. I'm trying to get him replaced, but apparently Mortuary Sciences is considered to be the lowest office job." He gets increasingly irritated as he says the last part then calms himself. "And the privy is to the left just as you come in the door. If that's all you should probably go get some food and rest. Tomorrow's a big day for you new people or so I'm told. I'm not personally a big fan of crowds, but I understand...
With a tip of my head and a nod, I'll respond, "No, crowds aren't my thing either. If there was any way around it.... The thought lingers for a moment then drops. "Anyways, I look forward to working with you Geoffrey, see you tomorrow then and I'll be sure to bring the hand along with me."
I'll leave out making a mental note that when I'm in charge around here there will be a hall of wonders cause it sure sounds like there isn't one.
On my way out, I'll wave to the surly halfling, "See you tomorrow!" in the chirpiest voice I have.
For the rest of the afternoon and evening I'll wander around and get to know the grounds better, stop by the dining hall if there is one and eat, then off to my room to continue studying.