"A shame, because she really would have appreciated your flirting. Anyway, it's been a pleasure doing business with you. But its time for me to go and change into something more appropriate for this latitude."
With that she gets up, pops the remainder of the frozen fruit into her mouth, and asks Aebin for the keys to her room.
"I'll see you around then, it was a pleasure Princess Anastasiya Elvanna, Have a good day." Jaduf bows in his chair and starts eating again.
"And Jaduf is referred to as a compliment said far too late." Sanriel states with a half interested air " Not terribly far up the list on the 'times Jadus has been insulted in an amusing manner' list but still something to mark down for casual flair."
Aebin arcs a brow at the gear put in front of him. Well, I suppose she'll learn soon enough.
While waiting for the keys to her room, Ana walks over to Sanariel, tilts her head and says:
"Do you know that you have the most beautiful eyes?"
The obvious part is that she is flirting with Sanriel to tease Jaduf. But less obvious, she really is very intrigued by those gemstones.
Jaduf smiles
Davi nodded to the woman when she entered. When the stranger handed Aebin her bag Davi had suppressed a laugh. Few patrons had looked at the heavily muscled half-orc and thought 'bell-boy'. With a twinkle in her eye she'd pushed herself to her feet and gone to get the woman a room key.
Davi pulled down the key for 201 and went to sign it out. She wrote 'fancy lady with treasure; thinks Aebin does room service.' Ms. Crimson has gotten on her before about writing those kind of descriptions down instead of names. Davi kept on doing it, hoping to make the inn's proprietress laugh. Pulling that off would be an excellent victory.
Davi returns to the group in time to hear Ana compliment Sanriel's eyes. She raises an eyebrow at the woman. "Your key Miss. You're in 201; that'll be the room closest to the staircase. There will be complementary breakfast in the morning. Checkout is at noon. " Davi holds the key out to Ana.
Ana turns to Davi and smiles as she receives the key.
"Thank you. How much does the room cost for a week?"
Then she turns to Aebin and waves her room key.
"You can already bring my bags upstairs. It's room 201. I'll follow you in a moment."
Nudges Aebin, "I think she just wants you in her bedroom... Go for it big guy" he teases with a grin
Aebin casts a curious glance at Anastasiya at Jaduf's tease. It's been a long time. He gives a grin and shakes his head though. He stands and slings the bags over his shoulder. As he passes Davi he winks, knowing full well the kind of sarcastic things she must have put on the woman's key. She'll figure it out. Aebin goes upstairs and drops the bags off.
Sanriel looks at the human for a few moments, considering what he might share. If I share too little the human would likely press further, she has a look in her eye like one of my sisters did when they saw something shiny. Hrmm... how to phrase it.
The druid snaps at an idea and speaks
" Suffice to say that while they might be objects of beauty they are emblems of duty heavier than the mountain that birthed them. They represent the culmination of a ritual I participated in, that bound me to the duty of seeing the corruption of Sarkoris driven back into the pits." The druid states with a weary tone looking to the firelight again.
"Like many things born of natures extremes these partiuclar gems are best appreciated at distance. Like the tiger or the Wildfire the danger carried in them is as much the reason for their beauty as their natural form. As it is now though you are welcome to look while I will abide the hospitality of this place"
A sour look flickers over Davi's face before she quickly snaps back into a smile. "Well, if any of you need anything more just wave at either me or Cyrielle." She ducks in a brief curtsy before moving off.
Davi walks over to the kitchen counter. She leans on it and gives Vincent big puppy dog eyes. "Hey Vin. Take pity on a poor, hardworking barmaid? I accept charity in the form of cookies."
Vincent is busy chopping some carrots and celery for the stew on the menu. He doesn't hear her at first, but once she asks him for "charity", he is quick to respond.
You want some cookies huh? I don't give charity, he says with a small smirk followed by a smile. I will make you a deal, you convince old creepy-bones man to order some food for himself and I will make you a batch of fresh sugar cookies, with a hint of mint and fresh apple brandy like my mom made. Deal kiddo?
Cyrielle returns to the conversation in time to hear the last of Sanriel's words. "So you're an adventurer too? I bet you've got better trinkets and tales than the other one. Someday, I'm gonna be an adventurer too. I even bought a sword today. If there's anything I can get you or your monkey, let me know; I love hearing about adventures!"
" Suffice to say that while they might be objects of beauty they are emblems of duty heavier than the mountain that birthed them. They represent the culmination of a ritual I participated in, that bound me to the duty of seeing the corruption of Sarkoris driven back into the pits." The druid states with a weary tone looking to the firelight again.
"Like many things born of natures extremes these partiuclar gems are best appreciated at distance. Like the tiger or the Wildfire the danger carried in them is as much the reason for their beauty as their natural form. As it is now though you are welcome to look while I will abide the hospitality of this place"
Having no clue whatsoever of history or the planes, Anastasiya is thoroughly puzzled by Sanariel's response.
"Hmm, never heard of this Sarkosis or its corruption. But if it has mountains filled with gemstones like these, I am very interested in learning more about it. Do you actually see through these stones? Or are they just a decorative symbol?"
"I am a wanderkin of a kind small one, but just as a story has a hundred tellings to go a-viking there are a hundred paths to travel for each destination. Hold fast to the path you take as you travel such roads, for if you do not you may find that the home your travel so far from gone. To live lost is not much a life at all." The gem eyed skeleton informs with a gravely tone.
"But, you do not ask me this so I will grant you three boons. First, know that the greatest blade you will ever wield is never made of steel. Second, Know that the glitter of far off gold has taken many a fool to the siren's grasp. And third, fear the words of old wise ones for they say much and tell you very little beyond how little you know."
With that the druids heavy gaze shifts to the inquisitive sorceress
"Suffice to say you have not heard of Sarkosis as it was destroyed long ago, but if I am fortunate in my quest perhaps you will hear tell of its beauty reborn in your lifetime. I know little of the particulars behind the gems I carry. They are foci for the ritual which recreated me as I am now, the only being who knows those secrets are the Grand Heirophant of my order. As for my seeing through them I suppose it is subjective in the end. Do I see through them or does my magic simply have me see from the eye sockets I once used for that same purpose, much as the reason my words comes from my mouth yet I have no lungs to carry them there."
"You could take the gemstones out, then see if you still see through your eye sockets or from the another perspective. That way you could answer that question objectively." Ana offers, trying to be helpful.
And then, recognizing the Ulfen term: "You are from the linnorm kingdoms? Is that where Sarkosis was? Was it conquered by Irrisen - is that how it was destroyed?"
Suddenly she seems alarmed, almost afraid.
You're not an agent of my family, are you?
"Or perhaps I discover that like the Tian fisherman or the Feyborn deer to probe too deeply into things I need not proves my downfall. The Stone druid states
"It can be said that since I was born and before that I carried a bit of Sarkosis with me. For all that it matters I am Sarkosis, memory that it is so it could be said it exists where I am." Sanriels monkey companion turns and seems to give him a look, saying noting audible.
" But I am waxing philosophical, regardless I promised to be a guest of merit you have nothing to fear of me today. As I said I seek rest and idle conversation today, and I have no interest to mix that with intrigue regardless the source." The druid follows unhelpfully, providing no real answers beyond what he had already said. Frustratingly it is difficult to tell if he is being roundabout on purpose or simply showing his age. The skeletal monkey makes a rude gesture before scampering off to examine the bar further.
Oh yes this skeleton is being indulging in one of the ancient pass times of the old and bored. Toying with the frenetic nature that the youthful live their lives. there is no bile hidden in his tone, he has no interest in this woman outside the sport of prodding her paranoia serves.
Sanriel is referring to the Pathfinder equivalents of Urashima Taro as the Tian fisherman and Oisin whos name translated to young deer as the feyborn. old and well known folk tales that one who has traveled much of the world might know.
"Deal!" Davi slaps a hand on the counter in enthusiasm. "You can start making those cookies now!" Davi winks at Vincent before heading back to Sanriel. As she walks up she quips "The management would like to request that you please keep your eyes in their sockets at all times."
She clears her throat before continuing. "I'm very pleased to say that our wonderful cook is preparing his famous stew for tonight. You are all in for a treat." She offers Sanriel a sad smile. "I know that undead don't eat. But maybe I could bring you a bowl anyways? The smell alone is worth it. She looks thoughtful "Can undead still eat anyways, even though they don't have to? Because really, it tastes amazing."
Jaduf drinks his tea, snorting into his cup after hearing the conversation
Sense Motive
"I think I'll retire to my room...Once I get one, anyway." Jaduf gets up and heads for the sign-in book
"I might come back for some of that stew later, but time to check out my room first. Excuse me for now."
Anastasia suddenly seems very eager to bow out of this conversation and get to her room.
Very weird things going on. I don't understand a word of what that skeleton is saying. The waitress might be trying to poison him. Nothing of this makes sense. Maybe it will start to make sense after a night of rest. It's been a long trip after all.
After a very rushed farewell she rushes upstairs, casting a few puzzled looks back to Davi and Sanrieal as she leaves.
On her way upstairs, if she encounters Aebin she thanks him and offers him a gold piece (still taking him for a bell-boy).
....The waitress might be trying to poison him...
Pushing the oaken door open, Jezalane stepped into the Hopscratch. She’d only been back for a day but already it held an aura of safety for her. Casting her eye about the common room, she smiled. Part of that smile was for the number of clients sitting about but part of it was for the pleasure of being back.
“Good afternoon Aebin. How are you this afternoon?” She inquired as she took in the new clientel. When she caught sight of Cyrielle offering a bowl to Sanriel she stops. The Siabrae‘s presence obviously disturbs Jezalane and she pauses to compose herself. She lower’s her voice and whispers to the large half -orc. ”I see that we have a rather powerful, demon possessed undead being offered lunch. Is there anything you wish to share?”
to be honest your first impression that this creature is some manner of lich. The skeletal appearance and stone body is new but being an intelligent undead its either that or a skeletal champion. However your knowledge of history and tidbits from some other bardic friends who travel closer to that area would give you a much better understanding of things. There is one place that has legends of creatures like the one you look at now, the world wound. Formerly the Kellid nation of Sarkosis that fell to the depredation of demons. The nation was famous for its druidic population and there are many legends of the Arch-druid who stayed in that doomed place, calling all others who might abandon their great temples traitors. Years later the first appearances of Stone boned skeletal casters trickled through the ranks of the first crusaders. They are Refereed to as Siabrae, undead druids who ceaselessly fight the demons of the world wound for control of their sacred lands. They are assuredly monsters as much as the demons though, undying horrors who can ghost through the earth as though it didn't exist. Immune to fire along with retaining their druidic power and extending those abilities to the dead as well as the living.
From what you've heard of them it seems exceptionally strange one of them would be outside the Worldwound.
There is a beat as the wood groans on the bar, Sanriel looks down and releases the grip he had on the surface a few new dents added to the wood. The skeleton sighs and looks to Davi "My apologies, for the damage. I will repair it given a few moments to summon the power. I thought I heard a dire insult against me, the likes of which might inspire me to circumvent the hospitality this fine establishment grants to inflict a creatively slow death on the wielder of such slander."
The skeleton states with a patient slowness to his words, a rising aura of danger coming off the skeleton
" Fortunately for such a hypothetical person that was not the case and as such I am not required to act in a way contrary to a guest ought. Is that not fortunate?" With that said the oppressive aura that seemed to be flowing off the druid like fog vanishes.
"As for your offer of food, while I am able to smell the magic that sustains the ability does not do much for detecting flavors. Never minding the fact that were I to attempt to consume soup it would end up on your floor. I can change that though for a small time were you to truly believe I 'must' try such things. Though in such a case I would also desire something to follow it. A dessert of a sort, perhaps something with mint?"
The druid replies with a twist of his head near the end of his words. there was absolutely no way he could have heard that though so perhaps the undead thing just likes mint?
After having separated in a huff the unnamed monkey skeleton had clambered up a wall and began examining things. Careful to avoid damage but curious all the same, at least until it saw the fruit bowl through an opening to the kitchen. It glances about before cautiously reaching toward the fruit bowl with a skeletal hand. Seeking a rather plump looking plum
"Oh, um, no problem" Davi looks at dented table. "You're not the first to ding the furniture and most people can't fix it when they do. So I'll get that order in. I'm sure we can find you some kind of mint dessert thing." Davi bows to the skeleton before walking off.
Instead of heading to the kitchen she heads for the sign in desk. 'We could really use an actual bell boy/front desk clerk'
"Hi again" she waves at Jaduf "Are you staying just the one night or are you here longer?" She grabs a room key before opening the book and writing 'Hero* *(Does not slay dragons or rescue princesses)' in the space for 205
Well it would be odd if I was a heroine with this face..." After a brief chuckle he answers
"I have no idea, just put me down for a couple days." A couple of clinks and he takes the key, heading for his new room.
Aebin looks up from his book as Jezalane comes in. "Ah, hello Jezalane. Don't worry, if there was anything to be concerned about I wouldn't be just sitting here. As far as your curiosity you'll have to ask him any questions yourself." He arcs a brow at the monologue. Quite the long winded fellow.
Jezalane look over to Aebin. "I wasn't concerned. I have no doubt that if someone," she paused "or something was to present a threat that you would deal with it posthaste. I was merely noting the unusual variety of some of the customers this evening and wondering if there was a story to be told.
She flashed him a grin. "In the trade we call it gathering background information. Don't worry though, I'll give you another chance later on."
"In the mean time, is Hal around?"
When the Sibrae spoke up, Jezalane felt a chill run up her arm and suddenly her leg felt like collapsing. She made a mental note that beyond all the abilities she had heard of, they apparently possessed extraordinarily good hearing. Someone should instruct him, her, it? that basic courtesy held that while it was one thing to eaves drop (an activity she often practiced in), it was another to insert yourself into conversation you were not meant to hear.
She slowly turned back to the gem eyed undead as she lost her cheerful smile and slowly walked over to him. "Master Druid, I assure you that that no one offered you any insult. I am well aware of what you are and what you have sacrificed for your cause. I merely made and observation of your nature to my friend as few of your kind are seen this far from the worldwound."
"If any of what I said was inaccurate, amend my knowledge as I meant no offence and of greater import, I merely echoed whats is reported in Byriden's most famed tome, The Tragic Rise and Fall of Sarkosis. A book as I'm sure you are aware, is held to be the most accurate and complete in it's discussion of the Worldwound and the war to hold the hoards of hell at bay. If it's discussion on your nature is in error, advise me so and I will spread the word so that neither you nor your fellows are slandered nor misunderstood in days to come."
"In the mean time, given you appear to partake in neither drink nor food, by way of apologie, might there be a song, story or verse from your days of flesh and folly that I might perform to restore you spirits and assure you of the welcoming hospitality of this finest of Inns?"
"And rather than take those words as warning as one might a firepelts growl or serpents hiss you decide to prod the topic. Such arrogance I was young once as well though."
The skeletons gemstone eyes reflect little facing the human bard. Several uncomfortable seconds of silence pass before the skeleton deems to speak again. "So, rather than drag you into the stone to die with enough air to starve while insects eat your flesh like my less worldly brothers might I will explain. Put simply what you imply is a grievous insult. I do not know the writer you speak of but I would make my guess that he fled our land as many others. Were he to have actually been a name of import in the Coven of the green he would have known. In the area of land commonly known today as the Stonewilds there once stood a temple. the greatest temple to the true green faith before or after, and one of the greatest collections of Leylines on Golarion. It was in this font of power our apotheosis was made, abandoned by those cowards who dare to yet still call themselves followers of the green. The remainder of that circle made the decision to tap the sacred power of the earth below."
The druid states in a quiet voice as his gaze shifts to his own hand
"The power changed us and charged us with a duty from the land itself. To seek the corruption above and undo it, we chosen would not see rest or relief until that duty was complete. We could not die while on land still cursed"
The druid lectures as he removes what appears to be an old animal skin from his cloak, removing grime with a finger
"Were we demon possessed then in one day the fortress cities your civilization is so proud of holding those creatures at bay with would fall, and the world unmade. The peace granted by actions like ours shattered. So to say such an ignorant statement would incense one of my kin is a great understatement."
Aebin growls from his quiet corner. "Be rude all you want, but next time I hear a death threat you'd better be ready to follow up on it."
"And rather than take those words as warning as one might a firepelts growl or serpents hiss you decide to prod the topic. Such arrogance I was young once as well though."
The skeletons gemstone eyes reflect little facing the human bard. Several uncomfortable seconds of silence pass before the skeleton deems to speak again. "So, rather than drag you into the stone to die with enough air to starve while insects eat your flesh like my less worldly brothers might I will explain. Put simply what you imply is a grievous insult. I do not know the writer you speak of but I would make my guess that he fled our land as many others. Were he to have actually been a name of import in the Coven of the green he would have known. In the area of land commonly known today as the Stonewilds there once stood a temple. the greatest temple to the true green faith before or after, and one of the greatest collections of Leylines on Golarion. It was in this font of power our apotheosis was made, abandoned by those cowards who dare to yet still call themselves followers of the green. The remainder of that circle made the decision to tap the sacred power of the earth below."
The druid states in a quiet voice as his gaze shifts to his own hand
"The power changed us and charged us with a duty from the land itself. To seek the corruption above and undo it, we chosen would not see rest or relief until that duty was complete. We could not die while on land still cursed"
The druid lectures as he removes what appears to be an old animal skin from his cloak, removing grime with a finger
"Were we demon possessed then in one day the fortress cities your civilization is so proud of holding those creatures at bay with would fall, and the world unmade. The peace granted by actions like ours shattered. So to say such an ignorant statement would incense one of my kin is a great understatement."
Jaduf stops halfway up the stairs as he hears this and sprints back down to the main room. "SANRIEL!" he shouts as soon as he is in sight, "Sanriel, hold your temper. I do not care about your peoples history, I do not care how angry you get. This is a place of respite and you said you would 'abide the hospitality of this place.' Does your word mean nothing to you?"
Jaduf's voice is full of venomous judgement, and his whipcord arms are held before him in a basic grappling pose, as he moves toward the druid. "You know that 'she' will be angry if we fight, so calm yourself.
Having tilted his head down slightly, most of his face is cloaked in shade, but Sanriel's eyes can pierce the shade and determine his expression.
The druid in question pauses for a few moments and considers.
"you are correct, her ignorance is undeserving my ire. Had I any intent to act on such things we would have issue. But I have made no moves from my chair, I have not raised my voice and I have given the young one information to fill her ignorance with. Both verbal and
not, were it my brothers she encountered she would already be dead. "
The druid responds in his unnaturally calm voice as he looks up to the rogue in question
" Frankly an unkind conversation is much more likely to be remembered than saccharine words it would be unkind of me to not impart knowledge in a memorable way."
The druid in question pauses for a few moments and considers.
"you are correct, her ignorance is undeserving my ire. Had I any intent to act on such things we would have issue. But I have made no moves from my chair, I have not raised my voice and I have given the young one information to fill her ignorance with. Both verbal and
not, were it my brothers she encountered she would already be dead. "
The druid responds in his unnaturally calm voice as he looks up to the rogue in question
" Frankly an unkind conversation is much more likely to be remembered than saccharine words it would be unkind of me to not impart knowledge in a memorable way."
"Sanriel, You know as well as I that you possess tact. I suggest you use it. Your unkind conversation is as much of a death threat as it is an informational speech, and you know this as well as I do." Jaduf stands at the end of the table and rests his palms on the wood as some of his tense form relaxes.
"Ignorance is not a crime, and I know that people everywhere are unfamiliar with the story of your people, Right now, that doesn't matter one bit, because I know you don't sit in a schoolhouse and teach the masses of the ways of your secretive people. If you want people better educated in the ways of your people, maybe you should become a teacher. Teach the world the ways of your people, and have them all spread the word. Then maybe people will be better educated about your people... The people who go through great pains to keep their secrets, secret." Jaduf explains the ridiculousness of Sanriels' ire in his normal, flippant manner.
Giving Aebin a look to let him know all is good she addresses Sanriel and Judaf. "Gentles, gentles, I beseech you, be calm. I by ignorance insult our guest and wished not but to make amends. In doing so I hoped to bring light to where my minds library lies in darkness."
With half a grin she acknowledge Judaf's humor. "Unlike Master Sanriel, one of my missions is to teach and I will take measures to pass on this wisdom and insure that any soul who encounters a less restrained member of the Siabrae will not imperil their lives through ignorance."
With a grin she turned back towards her protector. "Aebin, I assure you that our guest meant no threat but rather a stern but well deserved chastisement. I have no doubt that if he had intended harm, he would have acted rather then threaten. I for one am most grateful that he choose the gentler path. As he has already acknowledge the shared boundaries of hospitality, I would expect he will honor them."
Finally she again addressed the skeletal druid. "Master Sanriel, I am grateful for your restraint and honored by your tutorage. Please name me a song or verse that would please you and allow me to make amends."
The pressure Sanriel had been giving off as he spoke seems to evaporate with the conversation pressing on. The druid looking to Jaduf for a few moments. " I shall save the explanations for another day Jaduf but with my abilities I wonder why you think I had not tried exactly that."
With that said the stone boned skeleton turns his attentions back to the bard. " I have few preferences, but the Travel songs of Desna remind me of home." The skeleton responds somewhat unhelpfully unsure of the bards repertoire. Taking a few coins out and placing them on the table next to him as he waits for his ordered meal. The coins themselves being an Orisani scarab of gold, three silvers minted in galt and several coppers bearing the jolly roger of the shackles.
Aebin grunts from his corner of silence. "I like Desna's songs as well."
Please mark me as inactive as well. Thanks.
