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Kikinnin takes his instructions from Jenya, and gets to work, giving himself a reason to enjoy his brew at the end of the day, his body purged of most of its hydration, requiring a balancing that always satisfies.
His days up to and including the Demonskar Ball begin pre-dawn, as he navigates the streets of the lower districts. He wears a simpler set of armor, for ease of removing and re-donning, as he feels naked in the streets in simple clothing. The family armor has its comforts, which gives him yet another reason to look forward to day's end, when he returns to clean his equipment, and ready it for the next team foray into and likely below Cauldron.
He enjoys the different personalities of the different housing units to which he gains access, both the buildings, and the people. Letter in tow, and a little glow from the Watchers' growing reputation, Kikinnin makes sure to reassure, before tripping around the water-sodden floors of each domicile.
Ever the catcher, he keeps a mental tally of the Flood's work, which far exceeds his own when it comes to purging the city of its rat denizens. Every so often, he ponders a rat's ability to sense when a ship is going down, and what it must look like through black, beady eyes when an entire city looks like it's sinking below the waves.
The damaged furniture, the soaked walls, all break easily enough to his axe-work. Makes it easier to get the discarded items through the doorway, piece-by-piece. Every so often, he hands his axe to a young member of the household, and lets him or her take a swing of their own, letting them feel a part of the purge. More times than he cares for, he catches his axe in the backswing of a runt's attempt, the momentum carrying the kid into reckless arc, so needing a stronger arm to prevent damage to the better items or floorboards.
Never rude, Kikinnin takes whatever drink or food is offered, taking a break from the back-breaking breaking of chair backs and backboards. He never takes his gloves off, and is glad when it's never questioned, for the calluses the pair is sure to prevent. The city's carpenters and smithies appear poised to profit from the destruction, so their place in the pecking order of business is guaranteed, come each Flood Season. He can't fault the craftsmen and women for the role they fill.
Each night, the black-beard returns to the Church, where he enjoys cleaning up, wolfing down a competent meal, then tripping over to the Tipped Tankard, where he joins in games of darts and cards. Not a betting dwarf, he never wagers, but he does seek out the bragging rights to defend, the next time he wanders back in.
At evening's end, he calls upon his Far, energizing his axe, and settling in to a brief, but concentrated discussion regarding the work he does, the friends he keeps, and the duty he keeps as he grows stronger by the day in his service to Abadar and His. He gets pretty good at understanding how little time he has to talk with his dearly departed dad, and times it right to make sure he tells his Far that his continued presence in his life is cherished, however little time it may be. He doesn't say it in as many words, but the sentiment is properly conveyed, as dwarves go.
As he works in the lower quarters of the city, Kikinnin gets in touch with multiple citizens. All of them look poor and have lost everything. A part of some sporadic cleric though, he only gets to see a rich citizen. Maavu assists in person a couple of families on two different days. Where Kikinnin's axe helps evacuate the broken furnitures, Maavu seems happy to work fixing doors, windows and wardrobes. On the second day, the old merchant offers a wide grin to the dwarf "What should be of Cauldron without its people solidarity?"
During his conversations with his father Kikinnin has been never replied before. This time though, a strange warmth covers his hands, and weird enough he starts feeling agitation in his chest.
:
Having been less than positive about the whole shindig until his Uncle's persuasions, Maxim eyes the Spellmason with quizzical eyes.
God's be damned. No idea who that fella is... Got to be mindful an not rock the boat fer Adrick!
The demon responds to psudo-Surabar's challenge with a mocking laugh;
"It is you who will be homeless Spellmason when we demons oust the petty nobles and do-gooders of this city. We will empty the Cauldron and boil up a feast for all the Abyss!"
Once again Maxim-Nabthatoron turns to his demonic legion;
"Should I defeat this fool so we can dine on Founders Flesh?!"
He spins and extends a crab like claw in the direction of a jug-chugging JJ;
"When I do. Eat the water lover for our fish course!"
JJ directs a menacing snarl at Nabthatoron.
"You'll find founders flesh tougher than your teeth can tear!" he taunts back.
Gesturing with his staff, the young "wizard" babbles a spell at the horrid demon.
"שעד זיין ניטאָ
Shensen seems to become sad after Juraan's questions.
The conversation is interrupted by the display.
Then after Maxim's-Narbathoron speech she talks frankly:
"In fact I know what being an outcast means. I was kicked out of a monastery myself some years ago"
"Since we're both outcasts, we have that much in common."
"At least the fates caused our paths to cross.""Truly, there must some consolation in that."
"Even so, I am sorry for your sadness, Shensen."
"What happened at that monastery?"
… if anyone sees Juraan, it's painfully obvious he's oblivious to anything or anyone else but Shensen.
Ryan enjoys the back and forth, spotting a group of five he believes to be the Stormblades. Sketching a bow towards who he believes to be Annah when he catches a glimpse of red behind one of the ladies' mask, thinking that one to be Cora, while shooting an imaginary arrow at Todd.
As the taunts go back and forth, "A moment sir wizard, how to do know the spell you're aiming is for his head? It appears this devil might be blowing smoke out his rear. I'm afraid I can't tell which end is which." he calls out with a smirk.
"Yes! Kill him Nabthatoron! Kill the petty pompous human!" snarls the demon multitude behind Maxim.
When Maxim approaches to Surabar Spellmason, he delivers a fake hit towards his legs "Here! Take this!" and the founders start roaring with joy!
Shensen keeps an eye on the party but keeps her conversation with Juraan "As a child I was risen in a monastery. The Order of the Silver Dream was a pleasant place as a child." she makes a pause to drink "But then, when the elders turned away a wounded bard who sought protection from wrongful punishmnt at the hands of an angry mob, I went against the wishes o my elders and let the bard into the monastery through a secret door. When my actions were discovered, the monks turned the bard over to the mob" her face changes to that one of disgust and sadness "I was then exilied. I understood then the overly ordered and detached lifestyle of the monks was not made for myself. Instead, I became an explorer and wandering storyteller. Eventually, I encountered..." she makes a pause to look at Juraan and smile "Sorry, I am sure boring you" The half-elf takes the professor's hand and pulls him towards the group of founders.
When Ryan delivers his own taunt, all the founders and some of the demons too start laughing.
Maxim-Nabthatoron takes the hit with mock aplomb; leering through toothed maw at the strike;
"Call that a strike Spellmason? I am not one of your assembled bed warmers who will break like cheap china..."
The demon-mage snaps his claws either side of Surabar's ears;
"Perhaps you would prefer a succubus to teach you the art of hand to hand! Har!"
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JJ smiles as Maxim settles into his role.
He's getting to say all the things he has wanted to say to the nobles. I suspect he is enjoying himself more than he expected!
The youngster glances over to Sara. "I imagine there will be dancing later on. I have no idea how long this trading of insults is expected to last."
He spies a portly looking man dressed in a fancy devil outfit, complete with pitchfork.
"It's a sausage that brought its own fork!" he mocks.
"You're not boring me at all, Shensen."
"I would've done the same as you."
"I doubt I'd last a week in a monastery."
"Especially with some of the hilarious pranks I've pulled!", Juraan muses.
He gladly holds Shensen's hand follows her to the founders.
"It h-helps you r-remember...okay, I s-see," Marigold nods solemnly. "Are they b-bad dreams, T-Terrem? You d-don't have to t-tell me wh-what's in them if you d-don't want t-to but if they're sc-scary then m-maybe I c-can help."
_________
At the party, Marigold watches with delight as the founds and the demons trade insults and barbs back and forth. "Th-this is f-fantastic!" she whispers to Lyssa. "I f-feel like a ch-child again," she laughs. Though she can't immediately come up with any good lines of her own, she still happily joins in cheering for the founders and offering boos and hisses at the demons.
Surabar is surprised when Maxim snaps his ears "Time to finish this" he raises his staff and all of a sudden it starts to glow with an intense light "This is your end Nabthatoron!"
People start to make loud surprise sounds as the action unfolds, then when the staff goes down it flashes on striking Maxim's head. It pains a bit, but the strike was not too strong.
Everybody holds breath expectant to see the end of the performance.
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As Maxim-Nabthatoron gets his bell rung, the demon reels theatrically:
"NO! I am ended! Curse you Surabar! CURSE YOU ALL!"
...then collapses to the ground.
As it ebbs, wisps of smoke drift from his nose and mouth of the fallen demon-king. Clearly "dying" it utters its defiant last;
"(Hack) You may have won Spellmason... but know this I return to the Abyss to plot once more... (Wheeze) For a millennia I will stew, and scheme! (Gurgle) While you and the fair nobles of this Cauldron will fade in power... (Gasp) Then I will have my reven..."
Nabthatoron lies still.
The attendants roar with enthusiasm and start to clap after Nabthatoron's collapse.
Surabar removes then his mask revealing Lord Zachary Aslaxin I himself. The man offers silently his hand to Maxim to make him on foot. Once the dwarf's accepts, he nods making him now it is time to reveal whom he has chosen to play the Nabthatoron role this year.
"My boy Zachary has told me plenty of you" he cautiously observes Maxim without adding more. The lord's eyes look straight at the dwarf's eyes, they seem calculating, like assessing the dwarven true value.
At that point the music raises and people start to move to the center of the ball. Some of them remove the uncomfortable masks. You discover the Stormblades in one side of the room, dressed as demons. Also at that side, Celeste is revealed. Other known faces like Lord Major Servent Navalant, Lord Ankhin Taskerhill or Lord Vhalantru are at the side of the founders.
Sara pushes JJ to the center to dance, as well as Shensen does the same with Juraan. Lyssa proposes to Marigold "We should dance too Marigold, let's have some fun!"
A woman masked in white and black approaches Ryan "Does the mini lord not dance today?"
After rising Maxim meets the lofty nobleman's eyes with an equally steely gaze;
:
"I trust your son's words did me justice Lord... My Uncle; Adrick Garthûn, has spoken of you too."
Bereft of his heavy mask for the time being, the gun-mage also scans for any waiting staff bearing drinks;
"Hell's Teeth being demonic is thirsty work!"
A waiter approaches with white and dark wines. Lord Aslaxin picks one cup while keeping his eyes on Maxim.
"You have been the best Nabthatoron in years sir" suddenly continues Zachary "It is certain you have guts. Is it true you are also a merchant with contacts in Sasserine?"
You do feel Aslaxin's words are true despite his coldness. You do feel also the uncomfortable sense that he is assessing you, trying to calculate upon your personality and deep self.
JJ happily follows Sara into the middle of the dance floor.
"I'm not really the best at this he admits."
While he doesn't make a complete fool of himself, JJ all too often ends up one step behind everyone else on the floor. Sometimes he cuts left when everyone else cuts right.
After the first dance he checks Sara;s expression, hoping she at the very least is enjoying herself.
And look Celeste. I should talk with her as well.
However he holds off making a light straight for the woman, aware that Sara is his partner for the event, and ditching her for the enigmatic woman might turn this from being a treat for her into a sore point.
Ryan sketches a bow to the approaching lady as she addresses him.
"Alas, my dancing of late has been has been restricted to the field marshal, and the is a grim dance indeed mi 'lady; yet perhaps I may remember the ones taught be before my church studies began."
Hand outstretched he'll lead the lady to the floor and try to remember the dances of his youth. Should she agree, of course the conversation will continue whether alone or amongst the other dancers.
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Kikinnin doesn't have a bad run at his games, even after several mugs of beer, managing to keep his scores respectable, and his trash talk reputable.
When he's done, he excuses himself from the Tankard's festivities, and returns to the Church, where he offers Abadar praise for his cycle. A good day's work deserves a good night's rest, following a good night's relaxation, of course. The business of the city rewards those who take to it with zeal, but sleep is key, in order to renew one's energy for the day ahead.
Kikinnin checks in with other Church occupants, inquiring where he may regarding any unexpected conflicts in the city that might prioritize themselves higher than the menial work of clean-up. Not that he minds the axe-work, seeing as how it all must get done, one hand or another.
The next morning, the black-beard aims to inform himself of the previous night's escapades, sensing an opportunity to tie knots in Maxim's beard for having played into the celebration.
"Oh! Dancing sounds like a good idea," Marigold agrees as the performance end and people begin unmasking. She too removes her mask and joins her friend in the dancing.
Juraan joins Shensen in the dance floor:
"This is new to me. Forgive me if I'm not the best"
… at which point Juraan proves that a decidedlydancer!
"If I spent more time practising with you, I'm sure I'll improve."
… says juraan, trying to save some face.
Everybody dances reasonably, without standing over the group. Juraan though seems to be very nervous about Shensen proximity and cannot stop poorly hitting people around. Shensen smiles and dedicates patience to the man.
Todd Vanderboren profits the opportunity "Look! A sea-sick duck!" Annah and Cora laugh next to the man.
On a corner, you observe Adrick Garthûn approach a very well dressed woman and discuss with interest.
At the center of the room, Major Navalant and Lord Vhalantru climb up to a small podium and seem to prepare for a speech.
Ryan does not recognize the woman, is definitely not the one that took his attention before. Even if not a top dancer, she seems a skillful one "This is more fun than studying at the church and you actually get to meet very important people"
Kikinnin seems to enjoy some darting fun with some regular patrons.
While heading back home at night, he stumbles with an elven maid. She starts crying at the sight of the dwarf "Help! Help me!" she ascertains to shout "The tiger-man! And the giant! They-they are attacking the Bluecrater's Academy!" she looks around "The guard!"
As the dance comes to an end, Ryan bows...
"Much more enjoyable than the studies I assure you, Ryan Taskerhill at your service and may I inquire as to your name mi'lady?"
Maxim also takes a cup of dark wine, then raises it in a reply toast for the compliment regarding his demonic depiction;
"Much obliged Lord Aslaxin. Can't comment on yer own role as this is my first Demonskar Ball... but something tells me you don't do things by halves, regardless o' the occasion."
The gun-mage takes a deep draught of wine as he mulls the noblemen's question;
"Am indeed Lord, a merchant and demon impersonator both. As for fair Sasserine, my Uncle knows the place better than I, but contacts we do have."
Juraan ignores Todd's comments.
For now, at least.
"Some day, that Todd will get one of my moreherbal remedies!",
he thinks briefly before giving Shensen his undivided attention again.
At a break in the dancing, JJ guides Sara over towards Marigold and Lyssa for a rest and a nibble.
"Have you ever seen so many over dressed people?" he asks happily. After making sure Sara is comfortable with the other two women, he makes his excuse and does a quick tour around the room greeting people he knows. He stops at each for a quick chat and to make sure people realise his has been here.
It might be, just coincidentally, that is route steers him past Celeste.
"My lady Celeste! I was hoping I might see you again."
The mysterious woman laughs behind the mask "Very pleased to meet you again Sir Taskerhill" the 'Sir' springs with a funny tone "My name is Jil and it has come to my ears that you have recently lead the group that recovered the so needed wands of control weather. It seems you then fought the waters the whole night" one hand takes Ryan's back neck and starts to skillfully massage his hair while the other comfortably sits over the cleric's armor breast "Aren't you ever resting from your service to the city?"
Lord Aslaxin smiles for the first time, if only slightly, at Maxim's returned compliment. His face expression quickly recovers "You probably know we are art dealers. It happens I would like to extend my business to far away cities, because things are getting more and more difficult in Cauldron. Wouldn't you be interested on looking for potential sellers and buyers, as well as transport art to Sasserine, Redgorge and other cities?" the man seems to ignore comment on Adrick Garthûn.
The Stormblades wait expectant for Juraan's reply and seem a bit deceived on the lack of return.
Sara jiggles on JJ's comment. She starts a dressing etiquette conversation with Marigold and Lyssa, moment JJ profits to excuse himself and greet other people in the room. When he reaches Celeste, the mysterious blond woman smiles "It is a pleasure to find you once again." the woman looks at the young boy for a while "Your spirit is even stronger by now than during our first meeting. How are your days going JJ Surabar?"
JJ grins at the lovely lady, basking in feeling good just being near her.
"We've been busy. My friends and I. The inn that we met at was attacked and many within in slain. My friends and I managed to save the inn keeper wife and daughter, along with a few others. "
He points across the room to Sara.
"Unfortunately we couldn't save everyone. I thought that taking her to the ball would help take Sara's mind off her troubles. Oh yes, and the wands that are used each year to keep Cauldron safe from flooding were stolen. We managed to get them back too. You wouldn't believe how many caverns there are below Cauldron. We've found at least three so far, each with creatures worse than the previous one living... or in many case existing rather than living there.."
Realising too late that this was perhaps not party conversation he asks
"And how are you doing? Where do you stay when in town? I was hoping we might have a chance to talk at some stage. Somewhere a little less busy."
A pleasurable chill cross Ryan's shoulders as Jil massaged the back of his neck, placing one hand on her hand upon his chest he guides her back onto the floor following the slow waltz the orchestra had begun in the background. Laughing lightly.
"My life I have given to the church, and the church's responsibility is to those she guides. I would be a poor guardian of the masses if I slept while they lost their livelihood and homes." pausing a moment before continuing " I believe though a thank you is long overdue for a little bird's warning outside Orek's bathhouse. Seems perhaps I am not the only one with the city interest close to my heart. And I must say this is a much more enjoyable meeting than our previous two."
As the dance comes to an end once more.. "If you would ask my uncle, rest is for the wicked; but an evening away from the stresses of life, I believe, to be good for the soul."
"Your group has been busy it seems." Celeste looks at some other members she can recognize "You have a peculiar attraction to troubles. Not surprising I guess" the woman nods and whispers "Indeed it would be better to have a talk at a quitter place" she looks around and points towards the balcony.
It is difficult to tell because of the mask, but you would say Jil is smiling "It was nothing. Vampires are a bit narcissist. An out of control one is a problem to business and there are large wallets willing to pay money to see those kind of things removed from root" the woman's poney tail jumps from one side to the other as Ryan and her dance through the room. When Ryan realizes the couple is next to the exit door. Jil attempts to take Ryan by hand and exit the ball room.
Meanwhile the halfling waiters and waitresses keep feeding the party with wines and canapés.
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JJ is more than happy to slip out to the Balcony with the lovely Celeste.
He pauses for a moment, the chill of the night air a pleasing contrast to the heat of the ballroom. Still, his eyes are drawn to the magnificent view over the city. His home.
"It's a true wonder, living here.." he says, basking in the joy of her company. "I just wish there were more that we could do for the people who live on the lower tiers..."
Reaching out a hand he counts rows of roads and then swings his arm around until he is pointing at where the Lantern street orphanage would be. "That is where I grew up. Lantern Street. All in all not a bad place, although not one that I appreciated at the time."
He turns to look at her "Where did you grow up Celeste?"
Although the dancing was fun, Marigold is quite happy to take a break after a short time and have a seat with Lyssa and Sara. "T-times like these are p-perfect for p-people-watching too," she says softly between bites of canapés. "N-not like, in a b-bad way or anything...it's j-just interesting to watch p-people while they're g-going about their b-business or enjoying themselves. S-sometimes you can really l-learn a lot about s-someone that w-way!"
And so as she and Lyssa and Sara discuss their own ideas and opinions on lady's fashion and marvel at some of the finery being worn by the high-society women, Marigold also keeps a general eye on the crowd itself as people come and go.
Juraan continues dancing with Shensen, ignoring the Stormblades
"I think I'm starting to catch on!"
"They're probably not a bad lot, those Stormblades", Juraan tells Shensen during their dancing,
"… although that Todd there does think too highly of himself."
"Help! Help me! The tiger-man! And the giant! They-they are attacking the Bluecrater's Academy! The guard!"
Kikinnin staggers under the loudness of the cry, hardly expecting an alarm. He centers himself, identifying both 'tiger-man' and 'giant' as two separate causes for concern. In his inebriated state, he nods vigorously when the elf mentions the Guard. This possibly gives him time to look the elf woman over.
Presuming he sees nothing evil or deceptive in the elf's words, he continues. "Let's get to it, then! We need to head in the direction of the Academy, but also need to raise the attention of any Guard who can join the investigation of the attack. We need numbers. I'm not so full of myself to think I'll be all that's required here."
He thinks on the path to Bluecrater, and Guard stations along the way, expecting he'll need to stop and share the elf's concern with others. Then he gets moving.
Maxim mulls the question further, draining his glass and procuring another from the passing waiter;
"I'll be frank Lord Aslaxin. I know little of art nor its value... but I reckon I know people an' what they are willing to purchase."
The dwur furtively eyes the room, scanning for both his companions and his Uncle.
"In my other capacity as a Cauldron Watcher we do seem to journey to some interesting places and meet interesting folk. Reckon it would make sense to mix business into that pleasure..."
Maxim nods to himself, continuing to consider the opportunity...
Celeste observes the Lantern Street Orphanage from afar "It surely was tough for such a free spirit as yours to be closed during years on that place..." The blond woman takes JJ's hand and observes it "I felt very confused when I first met you JJ... I could sense a strong celestial aura in you"
"Now I know, your veins carry the blood of an angel ancestor... a deva most probably" she observes the young boy's reaction with concern "Your grandmother I would venture to tell..."
The woman seems to ignore the question about her own origin.
It takes your attention a couple of things, Maxim's uncle talking with Lady Thifirane Rhiavadi, and Lord Vhalantru discussing something with Major Severen Navalant on the room's podium.
A sudden crack gets your attention to your side, Sara is clenching the bank with terrible strength. Her eyes are stabbed at the balcony. Focusing your eyes on the night exterior you seem to see JJ's familiar figure, his hand hold by a long haired woman figure.
Shensen seems to enjoy your advances on dancing "Tell me Juraan, have you ever considered to place your skills to something more than teaching in the Bluecrater Academy? The fields around Cauldron are dangerous and there are some... people pursuing to protect them who would like to count with the like of yours"
Lord Aslaxin nods to Maxim "If you wish so I would be interested into hiring your services as a full-time merchant. The bulk of my family's fortune is tied up in shipping art and furniture, both simple and exotic, and I have a position open for our Northern import-export's department"
Kikinnin does not detect evilness on the elven female. "Sorry, my name is Losriel Tanaas" the woman then answers "Thanks gods for your presence!" she looks in the direction of the Academy scared "I... I will go to have the guards and Terseon Skellerang to know about the event" she waves the dwarf very fast and starts running the way of the barracks.
The Bluecrater Academy is not far, and as Kikinnin reaches the building he finds out an academy's guard fallen next to the gates, and the gates open wide. Past the gates the floor is battered in the path that directs to the Eastern block building. The night darkness falls over what seems the Library of the Academy.
Huh...I guess it makes sense for people to use this as a chance to broker trade deals and the like...
Marigold's musings are cut short when she hears the sound of nails digging into wood and glances over to see Sara staring very intently up at the nearby balcony. The halfling follows the woman's gaze until she spots JJ...accompanied by another woman holding his hand.
Nonono JJ you fool! What are you thinking? And who is that with you???
"Um...S-Sara, that's p-probably not what it l-looks like...m-maybe that's j-just someone that JJ used to kn-know..." Marigold whispers quickly to the woman, though she's well-aware of just how flimsy her proposed excuse really is.
_______
JJ feels a rush of warmth as Celeste takes his hand. "I admit I chaffed a bit at the rules...." he sighs. "But I know that Gretchen had our best interests at heart. If the city was not so dangerous it would have been better to be able to run free though."
His eyes glaze slightly as he looks back into the distant past. Some of what the lovely Celeste says is lost on him, but when she talks of his grandmother.
"My grandmother was Lisa of Sasserine..." then memories of the picture in his grandfathers tomb come back to him.
"Or I thought she was...Grandfather had a picture of someone else buried with him. I have it at home. Obviously I never met either of them, but uncle Alek was pretty sure the woman wasn't my grandmother."
He looks into her eyes, as the lights from the city reflect from her hair. "How do you know these things Celeste?"
"Me and my friends have been spending rather a lot of time protecting cauldron lately."
"Including that sorry episode at the Lucky Monkey."
"Working at the academy is a convenient distraction."
"You and your friends spend a lot of time looking out for Cauldron too?"
"Oh dear, oh dear! It seems JJ is living dangerously, as we speak"
"The kind of game game he's playing, flitting between Sarah and Celeste, is far too dangerous for my liking!"
"Facing orcs blindfolded, while armed only with a fruit knife issafer!",
Juraan concludes with a friendly chuckle.
As Jil motions towards the doorway, Ryan follows her through it "Some fresh air would be good. And perhaps you could be persuaded to talk a bit about who was wanting to rid the town of it's local vampire issues " he says with a wink and a smile.
Ryan follows her through the door aware the first time they met was under less than flattering circumstances but perhaps things would improve.
"She. Is. Holding. His hand" says the girl stern. Then stands up and marches angrily towards the exit door.
Celeste looks at JJ "We can feel other celestials, and... I was back at then here in Cauldron. That is how I know..." explains the blond woman "Beware JJ. If demons or devils cross their paths with you, they will feel too. The Surabar name is marked"
Shensen nods "I have a couple of good friends here in Cauldron itself, as well as my boss" she is commenting off something when Juraan starts to alert about what is going on with JJ "You should probably have a talk with my boss any... uh how?" the dusk half-elf looks around to see Sara leaving the room.
As Ryan and Jil get out of the room, she removes her mask revealing her young and terse face, as well as her almond eyes. Then, she attempts to push the cleric behind a statue and quickly places a kiss on his lips while rubbing his ass. She then keeps pushing Ryan towards another room's door "We can treat vampire affairs here more calmly" she looks at Ryan's neck with a naughty smile.
Ryan caresses the side of her face, momentarily enamored with her almond colored eye, feet going exactly where she was pushing him. With a look of mock seriousness though he stops, looking a bit sideways at her "Mmmm, Should I inspect for fangs before we move continue?" an arched eyebrow and mischievous smile of his own "Or after?"
Unaware of the worry he is causing his friends, or the hurt he is inflicting on the one he was trying to help, JJ finds himself enthralled in in presence and words.
"Does that make you descended from a celestial being as well?" he asks, not at all surprised given the woman's beauty. "And what do you mean, you were here? " his puzzled face tries to piece the mystery that is Celeste.
Still, in her presence he finds concentration wavering, his face filling his vision. "Oh, don't worry about demons. I've been studying them. Well, maybe we should worry, but not just at the moment. My friends and I have met a few. And I was glad to not meet them alone, I can tell you. Horrible things."
His passion for the subject engaged, he loses focus for a moment on her face. "If only my greatest grandfather had driven them all back to the Abyss. Then everyone here could live in peace." His eyes drift again over to the torch-lit city below.
Ever keen on knowing more of his history, and demon lore, he suddenly asks. "If demons can sense me...does that mean I could learn to sense them?"
With a sigh, Juraan says:
"JJ is on his own there, I'm afraid."
"His heart is mostly in the right place. "
"And he is an excellent swordsman."
"But as a paramour, he does not seem to … inspire confidence."
Then, getting back to what she was talking about:
"We met two of your friends at the Lucky Monkey, didn't we?"
"Fario and Fellian, if I remember rightly. That day was blur."
"With the notable exception of meeting you, of course!"
And with that, Juraan bows to Shensen.
Then, after a brief pause:
"Who is your boss, if I may be bold enough to ask?"
"I have not had a large circle of friends in Cauldron. As yet."
"So I know fewer notables in Cauldron than I would like."
Maxim sips and mulls some more, then answers his words careful and weighted;
"A generous offer Lord. However I have my ties to both adventuring companions and kin to consider."
The dwur tips his goblet in a salute toward his friends and Uncle.
"'Not sure I am ready for the quiet life just yet. Have unfinished business in Jzadirune, perhaps into the Darklands even. Once that is conducted perhaps I would indulge your cordiality once again?"
Kikinnin notes the elven woman's name and face, committing it to a deeper memory, should it prove necessary later. He nods as she speaks her intention, setting off himself towards Bluecrater.
The Bluecrater Academy is not far, and as Kikinnin reaches the building he finds out an academy's guard fallen next to the gates, and the gates open wide. Past the gates the floor is battered in the path that directs to the Eastern block building. The night darkness falls over what seems the Library of the Academy.
Having done nothing substantial in Abadar's service, other than to toil physically, Kikinnin doesn't feel too unprepared, as he brings his axe to hand, and examines the guard for signs of life.
If the guard looks to be retrievable, he uses his Healing to bring the man back from the brink. If not, he takes measure of the man's injuries, to size up what trouble he might be getting into if he presses into the Academy all alone.
He feels decidedly alone, feeling phantoms Juraan, Marigold, Ryan, Maxim, and JJ in the shadows, and knowing that he's pressing a luck here that he doesn't have the measure of.
He moves through the gates, towards the Eastern block, quietly. His traveling leather armor is much quieter than his full family plate, but he still feels naked, a turtle without its shell.
Jil follows up with a mischievous smile "You can both check now and after" she opens up what seems a dressing room and enters inside with Ryan closing back afterwards.
Celeste smiles kindly at JJ "That's a secret of mine I hope you know how to keep up" the woman then explains a bit of her own business "I was sent here to investigate some ill omens about the city. Although I have found nothing specific I can share with you, there are reasons to worry" she looks inside at the party "It is still difficult to know in whom to rely upon" she looks back at JJ "I am not sure about your group yet, but I feel I can rely on you"
The woman laughs at JJ's last question "That, my child is most probable. Demons have powerful evil auras we are all attuned to feel when close by"
"Fario and Fellian... they are great companions to me indeed" she looks through the balcony "They are currently checking the party from the roofs. They were very concerned about me coming here alone"
Shensen nods "My boss is Meerthan, although he lives in Cauldron concealed under a different identity I should not reveal to you in this place" the half-elf looks around and touches Juraan's ears with her soft hands in a sign of hearing.
Lord Aslaxin nods to Maxim "Sure" he makes a pause before continuing "Just, if you happen to stumble with a relevant piece of art during your adventures, please think of me"
"There is one last thing" the lord looks towards the direction of Ankhin Taskerhill "Although we are well in control of most non-obsidian art, the old weasel still has the monopoly over obsidian extraction in the Cauldron region." Zachary averts his eyes while looking back at Maxim "I would pay a well reasonable amount for access to any new source of obsidian in the region"
Lord Vhalantru makes a sign and calls the attention of all the attendees to the ball "Good night everyone" he turns towards Lord Aslaxin "And thanks a lot for this lovely event another year"
After turning the body Kikinnin discovers the guard has been brutally assassinated by a massive slashing weapon.
As Kikinnin enters the Academy Library, he finds out the entrance all messed up in chaos. Books and papers are scattered all around the floor. Standing in front of a desk there are a bipedal tiger in an ornate girdle and loincloth and a heavily armored giant with black skin, red hair, and a massive greastsword.
The tiger points out a medium sized book opened over the desk "Motruk. This is the book the elder was talking about" the tiger closes the book and picks it up from the desk while the giant responds with a nod and a guttural voice "That's been pretty easy Zaur Sza. We should now have some fun"
The tiger says no with his head "There was no need to kill the guard. We do not need unwanted attention. We should leave straight"
"Tsk! He was weak... how should I know?" the giant negates with the head "You should have let me kill the elven crone"
The two seem pretty concerned about their book and discussion and have not paid attention to Kikinnin who have been able to cover himself behind a library fifty feet afar from the strange couple.
"Fario and Fellian are watching over us as we speak?"
"I didn't even notice. And I'm usually perceptive."
"You're not entirely alone right now."
"But it is good to know someone's watching over you."
He touches her hand on his ear and smiles at her.
"Now that the festivities are over, we can talk elsewhere."
"More private, of course."
"Um...S-Sara, wait! You sh-shouldn't leave b-by yourself," Marigold calls as she hurriedly rises from her seat at the table and moves to follow the angry young woman. "It c-could b-be dangerous walking b-back to the inn at night! At l-least let me g-go with you?"
"If you are staying in Cauldron, I'd love to meet up with you tomorrow." says JJ. "Perhaps we can have a talk about what my friends may do to earn your trust."
Then when lord Vhalantru calls the revel to order he returns to the main room. "I'd best find Sara. he pauses for a moment.
"Do you think you know who my grandmother may have been?"
The youngster pauses for an answer before hurrying off to meet up with the others.
"I guess it is time to leave." he says regretfully. He looks around, making sure there are no Stormblades close by.
"At least the Stormblades didn't cause a fuss. I guess they were instructed to be on their best behaviour." after a moment he adds
"Where is Sara? The ladies?"