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"Yet such creatures have powers beyond the lot of mere mortals. To slay such creatures with steel alone all tales claim to be false; for only weapons enchanted, blessed - or cursed - by great power can hope to overcome such a threat..." she added, as if unsure.
She looks hard at you.
"I fear you may not have not have slain the creature at all. For unless your weapons had the help of some benign sorcerer or some powerful god, I do not believe it was destroyed..." she adds.
She enjoyed the priestess' company; yet Tairin was tired, both from the long hours of studying and having to speak in courtly tact in this city of Zul-Bazzir. Tairin leaned back against the mosaic tile of the private bathing pool and closed her eyes for a mere moment; letting the warmth of the scented water fill her nostrils and senses.
Opening her eyes, the dark orbs settled on the mother priestess opposite her and she began speaking again in low voice, "I will profess to you that we had at our disposal such sacred weapons, granted within the temple of the Moon god. We wounded the foul creature and it retreated back into its cold, dark, endless pit. I, too, do not believe it is dead, yet I wish to know how to keep it from returning to this realm - I wish to seal this portal between worlds for good, yet such insights belongs to wiser people than I. I would not venture into said portal for I reasoned the descent was endless and I would not see myself driven to madness at the hands of the creature. I am a newcomer to this city and I wish I knew more of the pitfalls that await me, if I step unwittingly. I seek guidance from those more learned than I and that is why I have come to you. Have you heard of such a creature having been summoned to this land before now? Are the Yadaran faithful settled in this city, waiting to bring forth such a being? And for what purpose? Do they wish to destroy their adversaries and take power by force? I do not wish to be embroiled in such practices, yet at every turn it appears I find myself and my people in the middle of some great mystery - some darkness that wishes to end our lives. This is the first night I have ventured from the manse and my arduous undertakings so I may find some ease and respite. I wish for us to be trusted friends, for I have little of those in the city. I admire you - for many reasons and for the fact that you are a woman who wields both influence and knowledge with delicacy and grace. Power does not always have be to loud. I have only seen eighteen summers and wish to find a mentor or tutor to open my mind and steel my convictions. And, I have chosen you, if you would take me as friend and pupil and guide me. Is there an elder learned man or woman in Zul-Bazzir who may know of this Shoggoth and what its presence portends? I am making a home in Zul-Bazzir and I would not see it brought to rubble or held captive by the whims of others." Tairin arched her supple back; trying to flex and soothe her sore muscles at her neck and shoulders. In doing so, her rounded, pert breasts broke the surface of the soapy water; the cool air teasing their tight peaks. It was not an entirely practiced move to seduce; for such movements had now become instinctual. The woman across from her was certainly a beauty and the fact had not been lost on Tairin. yet, she needed Jelah's help and hoped the lady would provide her with some direction. A smile played across Tairin's lips as she looked upon the naked head priestess and waited to hear what Jelah had to say. "Do we have an accord, Jelah?" The accented, sultry manner in which Tairin pronounced the priestess' name lingered on the warm, moist air between them.
Patenemheb tries to hear any sort of audible response to Sabiha's call over the din of fighting.
Then he urges on Bjoern:
"Strike him down swiftly! Our time here is surely limited!"
Bjoern quickly moves into the bodyguard and attacks him.
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Jelah smiled as she watched Tairin, yet the smile was one of a sly, predatory animal – clearly impressed with her sexuality and presence, Jelah seemed to be interested in enjoying the young delicacy before her. Even so, her own manners and professionalism overcame her lust and she leaned back and seemed to think.
”You speak of the death of this being? I tell you truly, if it were a dark god or demon than your company should have surely perished, methinks. That you lived suggests at the least to me that it was slain, or at least, brought to some dark end in which – rising again – we should be long dead from age alone.”
”Thus I think you may have destroyed it, or at least defeated it so that we should not see it again. Yet it may be there are others…” she says after a moment, as if thinking, then shrugs.
’You have asked me of the condition of the priests of Yadar within this city? I say to you that they are well-established enough, yet not overly powerful here.”
”Their faith is looked upon with a veiled set of respect, only inasmuch that they are not able to discount the value of priests of Death and how they regard such things as the corpses strewn about this city.”
”These folk are mostly silent type, yet there is a man within the city limits who is more versed in such matters, if you would speak to him, then you might learn more. His name is Darius; you may find him in a small temple to Yadar not far from here,” she adds with a wave of her hand.
”Now, as for the rest of the accord you wish to lay before me…” she adds with at throaty voice which trails off somewhat as she stares at Tairin with a thoughtful expression which suddenly blossomed in to a more intent mien of lust.
”If you wish to be my pupil, then you must first do what you will to convince me of how well you wish to serve me…” she added, then slides across to Tairin and moves before her, staring down at the young girl.
]
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”These folk are mostly silent type, yet there is a man within the city limits who is more versed in such matters, if you would speak to him, then you might learn more. His name is Darius; you may find him in a small temple to Yadar not far from here,” she adds with a wave of her hand.
Darius, she uttered his name silently in her mind, duly remembering it. Looking to the priestess, she inclined her head, "I will pay a visit to this Darius. You have given me much to think on and I thank you, Mother Jelah." I will ask Farrokh to take me to this temple in the morning.
”If you wish to be my pupil, then you must first do what you will to convince me of how well you wish to serve me…” she added, then slides across to Tairin and moves before her, staring down at the young girl.
The lustful expression on Jelah's face was one Tairin was accustomed to; yet the beautiful older woman would be a lovely challenge to conquer. The elder woman's nearness made her pulse quicken and her skin begin to thrum.
Pressing back against the marble stair at the rim of the pool, Tairin gracefully picked up the pewter ewer filled with the warm fragrant lotus oil. With her eyes on Jelah, Tairin spoke in low husky whisper, "I would dance for your pleasure to begin, if it pleases you, Mother Jelah"
Lifting her supple body from the water, so her full, ripened breasts with their pert nipples and her narrow waist could be on brilliant display, Tairin arched her long neck back some and began to pour a little of the fragrant oil down her neck and chest/body; shivering charmingly at its silky touch. Then returning Jelah's gaze, Tairin began to slowly rotate her flared/shapely hips, pivoting them nimbly and provocatively to some wonderful melody she hummed in her mind. Tairin's dark, kohl-rimmed eyes took in the beautiful Jelah in the water before her and she began to raise herself higher on the step and turn, arms moving like twin, coiling snakes, even as one hand still held the small ewer filled with oil aloft. Tairin's burnished skin shimmered beautifully under the candlelight and the water droplets now coated with oil slid down her body to rest and dip into the juncture between her thighs/legs. Tairin was smooth as marble - Yar-Ammonite noblewoman kept their bodies hair-free and silky-soft - making them quiet desirable to their lovers.
Tairin's free hand moved down the side of her body until the fingers brushed her hip and then moved ever-slowly and deliberately toward her feminine mound as she "danced" for Jelah. Her other, free hand tilted the ewer and poured more of the oil - this time down between her breasts, stomach and mound. A purr escaped Tairin's pretty mouth and she gave the priestess a dreamy, sultry smile. Sabra sat on the side of the bathing pool; tail swishing back and forth as she watched her mistress' gambol.
Tairin rotated the hand by her thighs in a slow fashion so Jelah would look at the place which held and hid her sacred, unplundered centre.
In a silky voice, Tairin whispered; skin now teased pink with awakened desire, "I am virgin, yet I would do all that I can to convince you of my worthiness...Mother Jelah," Once again the accented voice played with the priestess' name as if stroking it.
Tairin dipped a finger into the ewer and coating the tip with oil, she placed the ewer down upon the ledge and ran the glistening tip along her lips, starting from the top and moving below. She then walked down the marble step and began to immerse herself in the warm water, until she waded before Jelah. Drawing her head/face to the priestess', Tairin paused/hovered before Jelah's mouth before gently pressing her oiled, fragrant lips to hers. The temptress bard slid her mouth against Jelah's before quietly pressing the tip of her tongue to the juncture between the other woman's lips and pushing it in; rubbing her tongue against Jelah's; coaxing it to play. Tairin gave a small; yet real moan as she deepened the kiss. Jelah's mouth was warm and wet and she enjoyed the contact very much. Breaking the contact slightly and drawing her mouth inches from Jelah's; a delicate, yearning smile crossed Tairin's lips. In breathy whisper, Tairin said, "I am certain you would be a fine teacher, if you believe I am up to the task of diligent student." Tairin's hand moved up to Jelah's face; to her mouth and lazily traced the woman's tender, sumptuous lips.
=====
Seeing the battle over - for now - and Bjoern wracked with poison, Patenemheb rushes to the Tharagian.
"I will do what I can against the poison.", the scholar says as he gets to work.
To treat poison means to tend to a single character who has been poisoned and who is going to take more damage from the poison (or suffer some other effect). Every time the poisoned character makes a saving throw against the poison, you make a Heal check. If your Heal check exceeds the DC of the poison, the character receives a +4 competence bonus on his saving throw against the poison.
Action/Time: 1 standard action.
Retry? Varies. Generally speaking, you can’t try a Heal check again without witnessing proof of the original check’s failure.
As the company seems to relax a bit and consider options they hear a strange noise coming from the entrance to the tomb.
It sounds like a group of voices accompanying the sound of booted feet and what appears to be a company of armed men moving down the hallway you were in a moment ago.
This entire state of affairs seems shocking.
While it is possible that someone might have heard the late Sabiha's scream, it is impossible to believe that - given the area that you are in - that anyone would have elected to investigate the sound of a woman screaming, dying or otherwise.
Further, even if someone DID come to investigate, it might be a random rogue looking to pick clean the corpse of a fresh kill. It would not be a group of well-armed men marching into an all but deserted temple in a slum simply because someone screamed.
Indeed, you saw no one around the area before you moved in, so where they could have come from remains a mystery.
However, it is possible that - perhaps - a group of men were waiting in hiding for a signal, and hearing the scream, decided to investigate on their own.
In which case, you do not know what to expect, but it seems like trouble is coming.
** spoiler omitted **...
Yasala quickly drags the woman's body behind some of the rubble and searches it for clues as to what her true intent was. "If we get ourselves and these bodies out of sight it will give us some advantage when dealing with whoever these people coming are"
Yasala quickly drags the woman's body behind some of the rubble and searches it for clues as to what her true intent was. "If we get ourselves and these bodies out of sight it will give us some advantage when dealing with whoever these people coming are"
Talar turns quickly, baring his teeth at the sound of more people coming. He makes his way up to the high ground, hiding behind the same cover that the previous archer was using. He ducks down and waits.
Patenemheb tries to find a shadowy area to hide in.
But first, he quietly says to Bjoern:
"Seek the shadows, if only for long enough to catch the wretches off guard."
With that, the scholar follows his own advice.
As you stand there, you believe you can hear voices.
You are free to make a Perception Check to see if you can recognize them...
You believe that there is one louder individual speaking to subordinates. You are not sure who they might be, but you are certain that you recognize the voice, strange as it is.
It is, in fact, the very same guard officer who you have had multiple run-ins with before; your last meeting with him was right outside the temple earlier.
He will be in the chamber in one round...
Patenemheb softly intones:
"That voice is that of the guard captain from in front of the temple."
As he moves behind Bjoern, pulling out his accoutrements in a last-ditch effort to save Bjoern.
As Paten moves to study the wound on Bjeorn he is able to deduce it is indeed poison, and gather the best ways to help Bjeorn take the poison when it starts to effect him and does his best to prepare for that eventuality.
Even so, the guard captain strides in to the chamber with three of his flunkies and they spread out in a wide arc at the opening of the chamber.
The guard captain eases his legs into a easy stance and his lip curls into a pugnacious smile as he assesses the situation.
"By the gods! It is fortunate that I and my men were patrolling the streets with such vigilance, else we would not have discovered this blatant murder!" he says with a condescending voice as he appraises your company.
"You are the ruffians who have recently accosted the folk at the temple of Belit-lil and most recently at the houses of the dead, eh? he adds.
While it is clear that there was some altercation at the temple of Belit-lil, there was certainly no issue at the temple of Yadar - it's clear he's enlarging on, or making stories up outright, about how dangerous your party is so he can use them as an excuse to take action against you.
You do not know his motive at this time, likely he was allied to the woman and planned on taking you in as soon as you delivered the information about the killing you were contracted to do so she would not need to pay you. However, given that she is dead, you can guess no reason he would likely remain loyal to her, at least, not yet...
"I did some investigating with your company - it seems you have taken possession of a home belonging to a former tenet of our fair city, a wealthy home it was - but then, you know that..." he adds with a sneer.
"You should all be on crosses by daybreak, unless you are prepared to pay the appropriate... fine... for your transgressions?" he adds.
It's clear that the man is now trying to sequester a bribe. That he has enlarged on your crimes and mentioned your wealth is a clear indication that he is likely looking for a large sum, though he has not spoken of the figure quite yet.
We have limited time before the poison weakens - or fells - Bjoern.
Patenemheb says:
"Slay this corrupt fool!"
With this words said Bjoern attacks the captain. Whirling his blade at the corrupt officials head.
Talar pops out from behind his cover and fires off two arrows, targeting the man to the far right side as well as the leader. However when the arrows get close they erupt into a bubbling chemical adhesive!
Moving forward draws his blade and attacks the master.
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The morning bells of the city had long tolled, yet the party – but for their servants – had slept later than the rising of the dawn. All of them had difficult and dangerous tasks which they had performed the night before, and after the accomplishment of those goals they rested.
It was then roughly nine of the clock when there came the somewhat innocuous sound of servants bustling about the grounds of the mansion below. While each person was quartered in a room they could not help but notice the smells of cooking and the sound of footsteps padding about the hallways. Each awoke with a cautious examination of the noise but discovered that it was merely the servants moving about and preparing breakfast to be served in the chamber below.
While each member of the party prepared themselves for the day, they soon found the smells of the morning meal too tempting and made their way down into the dining hall. There they discovered that Farrokh was overseeing the servants in a somewhat unctuous way, as if delighted to demonstrate his worth to you all. Plates with dates, figs and slivered almonds were arrayed; but what drew your attention was the scent of the flat bread that was lying to cool upon the bronze plates. Small bowls of honey and cream were near to it, and in the blue glass of the goblets you saw fresh wine.
Glancing around you notice that there is no sign of Samir; whether or not your somewhat roughish ally was still in bed or on some other errand you are not certain. Your mind instantly tacks to a sudden thought; while the fresh bread and other fruits were not uncommon in a city such as this, for the time and effort to have been spent preparing your breakfast – rather than simply offering you cold breads and some other gathered oddments – suggests that your servants must have recognized your success and wish to vie for your attention by demonstrating their worth to you on your obvious success.
As you sit yourself down the small, black cat Sabra has taken it upon herself to leap upon the table by the chair at the table’s head and there curl up in a small ball, as if waiting for Tairin to sit herself at the chair by Sabra’s side.
You notice also that all your servants are assembled just outside the doorway to the dining area as if they are awaiting your notice. You can see that they are dressed well; as if they have put on finer clothes than normal, so that they look more presentable for either you, or possible guests, though you do not notice any guests at this time.
Farrokh smiles broadly at you all, and nods to you as you take your seats.
”Greetings, honored lords and ladies,” he says with a deep and almost overly polite voice, the patch around his missing eye having been replaced with one that looks finer.
”All of your servants are assembled and ready for what assignments you may have to offer them this day. All of us know of your various successes in the night, and we each look forward to how we may help you best. For now, enjoy this modest chance to break the night’s fast and then – when you have had time to refresh yourself properly – provide us with the duties that you deem should be best fit and we shall each act upon them to the best of our abilities, no doubt,” he says with a somewhat grand voice.
Kara ben, your party’s formal Major Domo, looks a bit put out that Farrokh seems to be orchestrating the meal, but says nothing at this time. Instead, it looks as if he is waiting to see what your orders might be.
However, as he waits for your command, he watches you all and then turns directly to Tairin and bows low.
”Whatever orders you have for us, noble born; speak, we are yours to command,” he says.
Tairin walked down the staircase in careful, measured steps. The night had felt overly long even though she had not come home very late. There was much on her mind and she had not gotten used to her "gift". As she moved steadily into the formal dining room, her long sapphire blue skirts swished against the stone floor. Her long hair, which she wore down most of the time, was now coiffed in small braids and then bound together in one thick, single braid at the base of her spine. She was dressed in a light, sapphire blue shirt matching her skirt and silve-white veils loosely tied about her waist. Tairin's dark eyes were darker than usual.
"Greetings to all."
She placed a smile on her face when she saw the fine fare laid across the table to break their fast. She looked upon the servants and at Farrokh; her fine dark brow quirked in questioning surprise at their finery. Tairin took her place beside the lounging Sabra and reached out to tickle the kitten's ear. The gesture and general motion made her catch her breath a little, yet she covered the gesture well enough.
"It is good that we have such food to break our fast and I am well pleased. However, when were such purchases made for it is still early in the day and the food is fresh and hot. Also, where is Samir? I've noted his absence since our return yesterday. I am worried he has gotten himself into some messy situation." Her dark gaze travelled across her fellow companions now congregated around the table; taking their own seats.
She gestured for the major domo to pull out her chair and with a slow, overtly "graceful" motion, Tairin sat down and picked up a plump date from her plate and toyed with it by her lips.
Once answers were given to her questions regarding the food and Samir, Tairin smiled and gestured for the servants to leave them, for now.
”Whatever orders you have for us, noble born; speak, we are yours to command,” he says.
"Once the meal is done, we shall speak of such matters. For now the servants may return to their usual duties. Farrokh, you may join us at the table, if you have not eaten."
Taking a small bite of the honey-sweet date, Tairin, with small smile fixed, continued speaking; her voice soft and without ire, "During my own undertakings last eve, word reached my ears of the death of six people at the hands of certain members of this household. The little birds of this city do not sleep much and I am concerned at who else may have witnessed this meeting and whose ears it has reached. I hear Captain Hassan Sadi is one of the dead, along with three of his most loyal soldiers. The man was not to be taste, that is for certain, yet even I would not dare put to death the nephew of the Governor of this fine city without true, just cause. For if it is discovered, it would mean certain and immediate troubles for us and we do not desire such attention. Did you learn anything valuable from Sabiha before her death? Something that may aid us or Osan bey? And, what of the six bodies? I hope they were disposed of promptly. I am eager to hear of your news before I share some of mine with you all." Tairin's voice had remained steady and soft throughout her dialogue and she carefully dipped some of the hot flatbread into the dark-gold honey by her plate; waiting eagerly to hear what her companions had to say on the matter before them. Then, they would have time to discuss other matters and undertakings.
Bjoern woke up, feeling each and every slash, stab and strike from the day before. His whole body was a mess of freshly sewn cuts and bruises.
Slowly standing up, he began his morning routine of pushups, squats and pull ups until his whole body was coated in sweat and the pain was gone.
For the moment. It would come back later, but for the moment he was fresh.
Filling a copper basin with water he started to wipe the sweat from his body to clean himself, even adding some of the essence to the water found from the previous owner of the mansion. And why not, he wouldn´t need it anyway anymore.
Carefully dressing in breches and a tunic he added some sandals and made his way downstairs, keeping his iron in his hand.
Smelling the divine odor of freshly baked bread he quickly sat down and after a shy smile to Tairin started to wolf down bread and honey and cold cuts. After the exercise and yesterdays battle he was famished and his body craved for food.
Hearing the bustling of servants, Yasala decides that for her first real appearance in the mansion should be a good one. She takes her time bathing, and dresses in her nicest clothing; these clothes are what she would normally only wear when attempting to pass herself off as visiting gentry.
She enters the dining area and nods to the others, sitting quietly and absorbing what she can from the conversation.
When Tairin asks about the activities of last night, she whispers out of the side of her mouth [/smaller]"I have heard these rumors that you speak of, but the story was slightly different. I was given to understand that the good Captain and his men were to be found slain near the bodies of Sabiha and her bodyguard. It seems that they had a falling out and came to blows with each other in some isolated ruin."[/smaller]
Returning to her meal, she waits for the rest to speak. Although there were some things she wished to take care of, she did not yet understand the workings of this household and wanted to make sure that all was in order before beginning her personal tasks.
Smelling the divine odor of freshly baked bread he quickly sat down and after a shy smile to Tairin started to wolf down bread and honey and cold cuts. After the exercise and yesterdays battle he was famished and his body craved for food.
She understood well enough that Bjoern was more adept at fighting than speaking and she returned his smile yet wondered at his lack of discourse. She tilted her head as she watched him devour the repast set before him when she heard Yasala's whispered words by her ear.
"I have heard these rumors that you speak of, but the story was slightly different. I was given to understand that the good Captain and his men were to be found slain near the bodies of Sabiha and her bodyguard. It seems that they had a falling out and came to blows with each other in some isolated ruin."
Her attention was immediate diverted by the Azimban member of their party. She is more cunning than I first believed. The passing, unvoiced thought was more a compliment than a offhand rebuke. It is good she has elected to remain among us.
In quiet voice, Tairin responded, "Well, that is a sound perspective. I do hope all the little birds, whom may have seen this altercation, will tell it as you have said. It is a shame we did not have the opportunity to learn more of Sabiha's motives regarding Osan. Perhaps, when we are in town this day, we can quietly allude to a burgeoning dispute between Sabiha and Captain Sadi to ensure the rumour begins to take deep root." She smiled at Yasala and then looked back to Bjoern, Paten and then Talar.
In a general speaking voice she asked the males around the table, "Was your evening constructive at least? Did you come across any information of import?" And after a brief pause, she asked her bodyguard, Bjoern, "Will you be purchasing new armour, soon?" in hopes the topic would excite him enough to speak.
Finally finished Bjoern looked up and nodded at his mistress.
His grumbly voice replied to the beautiful woman in front of him.
"Yes. You fight with words,"and you do it with such grace that if your words were movement you would make a leopard flush in envy "I with iron! My old armor is broken."And I can´t guard you as good anymore. I gladly step in blade and claw for you, but I am better at it with armor!
"Please maybe help with the bargaining!"
You will get it for a trifle for what those dogs would want from me.
"Yes. You fight with words..."
A small laugh escaped Tairin's lips, however the motion sent an instant jolt through her and she stayed the giggle; opting to smile instead. "Indeed, I do," she responded thoughtfully and quietly. Sabra turned her dark head to look upon her mistress; the kitten's emerald eyes full of understanding.
"Please maybe help with the bargaining!"
Tairin inclined her head and replied to Bjoern, "After breakfast I will accompany you, Bear. I would see you armoured well and not swindled out of your coin." Then more quietly, she continued, "I will then proceed to the small temple to Yadar for I wish to speak with a priest named Darius Turan."
To all the party in the room, she added quietly, "I was told he may be able to help me uncover the true nature and motive of the dark creature which attacked us out of the pit in the Moon temple, and, it would be good to learn more about the Yadaran faithful in this city. I would like to secure an ally, even a tentative one, among their flock. I have asked Priestess Jelah to help us with deciphering the scrolls; yet that task may take her trusted acolytes days to translate. I will keep you apprised."
Talar was awake earlier than most, practicing his archery in the early morning twilight (a regular exercise that helps to keep his eyes sharp) and making sure Ramul gets the exercise he needs to stay in fighting shape, riding him sharply about the grounds. As he hears the servants up he frowns with curiosity. They normally don't get up this early. He spies on them for a moment, but when it appears they're just being more productive than usual he puts it aside and continues his exercises.
Talar enters into the room from outside, dabbing sweat from his brow as Farrokh begins his short monologue. He cleans up his sweat and changes his shirt, not adding much to the conversation but nodding and grunting at appropriate intervals to show he's listening. Once he seats himself and Tairin talks about the violence, he breaks his silence. "Well, I can tell you he definitely deserved it, but I can also advise you that it would be pretty hard to prove to outsiders, particularly ones biased towards the city." He says to Tairin. But as Yasala adds her peace he nods; they were careful when it came to violence within city limits.
Talar takes a couple hasty bites, although he slows down on the third when he realizes how good this morning's breakfast is. He moves to Bjoern, unceremoniously lifting the back of the big man's shirt to check one of his wounds. "This healed very nicely. I think you won't need a fresh bandage today, and we can probably take the stitches out soon."
In response to Tairin's suggestion of rumor spreading, Talar frowns but says nothing. Tairin knows that he has a strict code for himself and will not lie, but he does not hold his companions to that same code and will do nothing to interfere with their interests, but he will not help in this regard either.
Talar snorts with sudden laughter at Bjoern's quip. He is not one to laugh much, and not at what other people normally laugh at, but Bjoern's blunt worldview and timing caught him off guard.
Talar nods to Tairin's last update. He finishes a bite, wiping his mouth before speaking (a new polite thing he has learned recently). [smaller]"I still would see the rescue of my sister, above all else. I fear I may be at a dead end again."[smaller]
Talar nods to Tairin's last update. He finishes a bite, wiping his mouth before speaking (a new polite thing he has learned recently). "I still would see the rescue of my sister, above all else. I fear I may be at a dead end again."
Enjoying the casual conversation at the table, something she was not at all used to, Yasala glances over at Talar after his last comment. This might be yet another way to strengthen my bond with this group. "My previous employer sent me here to facilitate the movement of some cargo. I broke ties with them when I discovered that they were supporting the capture and movement of free women as slaves. I must take some time to discover how involved they are in this area and whether they are hunting me as a deserter. There is a chance that during my investigation I might hear news that aids you."
Talar stops mid-bite and stares at Yasala like she just told him she has his sister in a caravan outside. He stands quickly, clattering his plate down, then stops himself. "That...is excellent to know. Let me know anything I can do to help. Anything." He stares a moment longer, then slowly sits down.
Seeing how much her comment affected Talar, Yasala looks slightly abashed. "I do not want to get your hopes up too much. My main goal is to investigate how much danger I might be in for abandoning my contract. In order to do so, I will need to obtain information on slavers in the area and their ties to my homeland while remaining incognito. I doubt that I will obtain any concrete information on specific women, but at the very least I can share with you any information I gain about local slavers and their activities so that you can better target your own search."
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Perceiving that this day would not be akin to others before it, Patenemheb leaves his travelling clothes and does not miss his ruined silken armour.
He has bathed and now he withdraws silken *robes* from his luggage, long stowed away from the dust and grime of far journeys. The silks are accentuated by a chest adorned with pectorals of gold.
Akin to a proper noble of Amenti once again.
Satisfied with his appearance, Patenemheb ventures towards the delightful scents.
***********************
The scholar is quiet for some time, taking the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy the pleasures of this feast.
"The Jairanian, either a thief or an assassin most likely, given word of the strength of poison that was found on her, was often seen in the company of an archer, also rumoured to have perished in last night's affairs. Such rumours of them dying against town guards would make for salacious gossip indeed."
He takes a bite, and a sip of water.
"A man entered town earlier, around the seventh hour, selling quite a number of camels and horses. The Yar-Ammonite quarter was in uproar. To the point of rudeness to passers-by. However, that Darius Turan, priest of Yadar, sounds like a possible worthy ally, particularly with what revelations translation may have revealed. "
He pauses for a moment, then darkly notes:
"Neither have I forgotten the words of Ankhtifi Dedi. We should all recall what was said and its import."
Brightening, he raises his voice:
"I believe that the skills of Talar and Yasala will prove a grave detriment to the bandits. I aim to mainly remain in the manse for the time being but am most willing to provide aid such as financing or surgery as necessary. I intend to make inventory of the words in this place and understand their import in entirety."
I"I aim to mainly remain in the manse for the time being but am most willing to provide aid such as financing or surgery as necessary. I intend to make inventory of the words in this place and understand their import in entirety."
Upon hearing Paten's endeavours regarding the library, Tairin responded to him, "I began work in there yesterday and there is certainly much to do. I wish to continue this undertaking during my days, when there are not more pressing matters to attend to. A second set of eyes and pair of hands will possibly make the cataloguing less arduous, if you are happy with the arrangement? I will not get in your way, Paten; I merely wish to gain more knowledge and determine what valuable resources we have at hand." She gave a gentle nod. Tairin's hand reached out to continue stroking Sabra's soft, furred ear.
Tairin then turned her gaze to Bjoern, "I will come to the market with you this morning, attend my meeting and then return to the manse to work in the library. I am uncertain if we will find the exact match of the armour you are accustomed to, Bear; yet we can still find you practical armour in the city, to meet your immediate needs." Her Northman companion certainly took the brunt of the blows in the party and needed to be fitted for armour forthwith. She did not wish to see him needlessly endangered, for danger seemed to be a ready part of their lives these days.
Patenemheb nods to Tairin approvingly at her words.
"I am not opposed to assistance, especially not from a learned scion of the Kingdom."
He thinks briefly.
"If my time ends up being freed up by your assistance, I may attempt to garner a more reliable handle on temple politics in this city. I am disgusted by a certain other scion of the Kingdom and would see his influence curtailed - or ended."