Blushing, Inam turns away from Kallik. "I know. I didn't mean to...A bite to eat would be good."
"What do you mean food-less? We had lunch with Egret and Eo outside the...Oh yeah. You weren't...I bet you are hungry."
"Bian, how certain are you the wards will keep others out of here?" she asks, pointedly looking at her companions recently dressed wound. "It wouldn't do us any good trying to keep this quiet if someone randomly found a few dead bodies."
Bian tries to smile at Kallik, but it looks more like a grimace. "Umm, I'm sorry?" She does not look the oread in the eye, and backs away a step at her tone.
Gratefully turning to Inam, she says, "Well, it was just bad luck that the previous occupant forgot to lock that side door. Simple following good practices will help us out there. Aside from that, the ward will give a nasty jolt to those who aren't suppose to be here, and let fellow Temple-goers know it is in use. There are a multitude of these type of buildings - no one will come in here out of dark water ." She shrugs. "It's the best I can do, especially without drawing undue attention."
Reluctantly, she turns back to Kallik. "Am I welcome among you for dinner?"
Sighing and trying to force her muscles to relax, "I was shot in the stomach. My anger is not towards you. ."
Reaching down to collect her things while continuing to speak, "Please do not think that it is. You are one of us so as far as I am concerned you are."
Ibinu replies to Bian, "no undue attention is ideal. After all, they are just 4 bodies being prepared for rites so they are in the correct place. I'm comfortable leaving them here at least tonight."
Putting his kit away and slinging his backpack over his shoulder he asks, "any of you know a place to eat that won't care what type of elen they serve and also has decent food?"
Bian smiles. I'm assuming you're asking for a place that's outside the Temple. Eo knows the city far better than I do."
Bian locks--and double-checks--both the doors as you take your leave of the place. With her index and middle fingers, she traces a small triangle on the front door of the featureless obsidian cube. She murmurs a few words in High Ifrit, and nods to herself.
As Bian leads you back across the vast courtyard of the Temple, Volcano's light is slowly beginning to fade into a sleepy shade of rose. The cold wind of the coming winter, absent for most of the day, is starting to pick up. Elens hunch against the chill as they try to finish their business before nightfall. The crowds clamoring for bread have dispersed, but here and there priests can be seen handing out food to solitary mendicants.
Back at your quarters, Eo is reading a large book at the writing desk, while Egret is jumping rope with two robes that have been knotted together. She turns as the door opens and charges at Kallik with wide-open arms. Joyfully, she calls out, "Sissy!!" The small sylph stops short, however, when she sees the blood on Kallik's clothing. Instantly, her happy mood is shattered. With tears in her eyes, she looks up at the oread and says, "Are you hurt? I thought you promised to stay safe."
Smiling widely at Egrets enthusiasm and quickly kneeling down after Kallik sees the shift in emotions. Reaching out to wipe away any tears, "I am fine Egret. I might get hurt but I will always come back."
Gesturing with her head towards Inam and Ibinu, "These to are really good at healing. So I am perfectly fine, just dirty."
Eo places a silk bookmark into his tome, and closes it. He stands up and wipes the front of his robe. "So, uh, what happened? What were those guys guarding?"
Averting her eyes as they walk, a slight shiver creeps into her spine. 'No, don't show it! You are better than that.' The sylph shakes it off and trudges along.
"So, we going for fancy ashbread tonight?" she asks with a grin.
Raising an eye at the young elen, Inam can't help but let out a short Ha!. Nodding at Kallik's words, she offers "Truthfully, I'm not that skilled. It's the Warrior that grants me the ability to mend the wounds of the righteous. Perhaps you could be of the flock when you get older."
"They were gu..." begins Inam, before stopping short. Having spotted the youngster in Kallik's arms, and recalling where they currently stood, she quickly adds "Not here, Eo."
Ibinu almost blushes at Kallik's praise... I did not expect that.
After Inam throws credit as usual to the 'Warrior' he replies with a shrug, "oh I'm not that skilled either. It's just basic first aid stuff that anyone could learn. And the more advanced things just take more time to figure out. I'm happy to teach anyone if interested."
He looks around the room, "I believe we were headed to dinner if all would like to go."
Inam's thoughts drift back to her earlier searching of the temple and how she found Biann as they discuss their plans.
"Oh! Uh...I might already have plans for dinner..." She exclaims, blushing. Quickly summarizing her search for Bian, she frowns. "I wouldn't know what to say to him. Should I inquire if he knows anything about the troubles in town? It wouldn't be proper to not show up entirely."
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Eo smiles at the mention of dinner. His smile remains frozen in place as Inam tells her story. "Well that's great! Hope you have a good time! Anyway, the rest of us better get going if we're going to find a place that's not packed!" Still smiling in a slightly odd way, Eo walks out the door without another word.
Breaking the moment of silence that ensues, Egret pipes up, "Sissy, I am very glad that Ibinu and Inam are here to heal you. You should look into getting some potions," she pronounces this pot-shuns, "too. We should talk about more ways to help your owies on the way to dinner."
Turning back to Ibinu, Egret says, "Ibinu, you know alchemy and stuff, right? How many legs does a cat have?"
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A little taken back at the question, Ibinu looks briefly at the little one with a questioning gaze. "That uh... might fall under the 'and things' part... unless you well... I guess you could probably trigger some sort of extra growth to make more legs or disable growth to reduce the legs but that sortove goes against the natural order of things and would probably be a detriment. I mean, most animals use the four legs in perfect concert to both balance and gallop. So it would probably really mess them up if they had more or less than four. Now, if you wanted to recreate a cat I would probably add more tails and some sort of prehensile grip with those tails. They would gain extra balance and improve their climbing, which is already pretty good." He looks down at Egret and stops talking...
"Be careful out there. I'll see you tonight." acknowledges Inam with a curtsy as her companions leave.
Sitting on the edge of her bed, she pulls out her pamphlets and begins looking for passages that may guide her in the upcoming evening. Turning to Etrah, she asks "What should I expect to happen? Is he one of the ones we're searching for? I'll have to see if he's evil..."
The fowl rolls his eyes at the sylph and hops up onto the bed. Laying down on her pillow, it answers her with a soft Zzzzzz....phhhttbtbtbtbt....zzzzZZ
Ha, suffer stupid questions for being a problem. Grinning as Ibinu rambles an over long answer for a simple question.
Moving next to Inam and keeping her voice low so Egret won't overhear, "You two were suppose to accept the praise and Egret would not have to worry, you know"
After the rambling answer Ibinu remembers that Inam is heading out on her own. As she curtsies he replies with a knowing smile, "enjoy yourself and stay safe as well. You don't know anything about this guy."
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"But...I'm not skilled in such arts." she whispers back to Kallik. Her confusion increasing, she turns to Ibinu and holds up her blade. "Between this and The Warrior I doubt a single elen could harm me."
"You have healed wounds with a touch Inam. And are you sure you want to go now? You could eat with us and then we all can go."
Ibinu's eyes widen slightly in surprise at Inam's response, he opens his mouth to clarify then realizes the company may not warrant that and for once doesn't say anything.
"I suppose we could just wait for him and then go. He did ask for me to join him for dinner." she replies. "Though I'm not sure where it is we are going. And not sure if he would be one we can speak freely around."
Thinking a moment longer, she sighs. "No, it's fine. You go and I'll catch up later with whatever information he wishes to share with me."
A few minutes later, a bold knock sounds at your door. As you open it, Edoardo gives you a bow. He is dressed in a casual but very well-tailored suit. Though he wears no armor, his sword is still by his side, and he notes your own sword with a nod of approval. His coal-black hair, now freed from his helmet, drapes in loose curls around his shoulders. He offers you his arm and smiles. "Ready?"
---
You find Eo, arms crossed, slumped against the obsidian wall in the hallway outside. "So, we're looking for a place to eat?" The twisting, monotonous corridors go by as he considers. He snaps his fingers. "Got it! I know a place right by the west docks - authentic undine food, best in the city."
Outside, Egret skips while holding Kallik's hand. Eo attempts to separate Ibinu from the group somewhat, and quietly asks, "Something really bad down at the arena? Inam didn't seem like she wanted to talk about it around Egret."
Startled out of his mind wandering over the concept of improving upon the already impressive beast commonly known as a feline, Eo's question puts a frown on his face.
He quietly responds, "terrible things had been done to four poor souls. We brought it to the attention of someone we trust and at this moment are planning to wait to do anything further to allow them time to investigate. I don't think we want to pull more elen into this as the implications appear to be quite dangerous to anyone who knows anything. I am afraid your association with us may have already put you in danger, so please stay on high alert."
Letting the subject drop and watching Inam leave with a confused look on her face but not bothering to ask. Taking a quick moment to try and get as much of the blood off her as possible.
Ignoring the confusion and simply focusing on the feeling of Egrets tiny hand in hers, "I always wanted a sister you know."
Stealing a glance to the ifrt's hair, though making sure to avoid his eyez, she smiles. Offering a curtsy in reply, Inam answers with a soft "Yes, s-ir."
Her voice cracking just a tad betrays her inner confusion. 'Why isn't he wearing armor? Shouldn't we be ready at a moments notice? I mean, the dark spawn breached the temple once already...'
Stepping out into the hallway, she waits a moment for Etrah. Snoozing soundly, the bird fails to move. "Uh-HUM-uH" Inam clears her throat. With a snort in reply, the bird sits up abruptly.
Rolling it's eyes at the pair, Etrah flops out of the bed and flutters over, quite obviously annoyed by the intrusion. Once he makes it to her shoulder, Inam closes the door.
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---
The two--make that three--of you step out of the Temple, into a rapidly cooling evening. Edoardo lifts his arm for a moment, as if to put it around your shoulders, then seems to think better of it. "So Inam," his ifrit accent stretches the vowels of your name, "how do you like our city, eh? The Temple, the Obsidian Mansions, all beautiful, no?"
---
Eo gives Ibinu a flat look. "Look, I know you and the others probably don't think that highly of me - I know I'm not that smart. But I've already been in danger for you and the rest. I sucked poison out of Inam's face. So if you think I'm worthless or dumb, at least have the decency to say it." He mutters to himself. "I already know Inam doesn't think much of me."
Egret looks at Kallik for a long, long moment with deep golden eyes. "Sissy, why did you look so sad when you said that?"
Ibinu looks a little taken back at the anger behind the words, "woah there!"
His soft spoken words gone he continues, "we aren't excluding you from anything nor do we think you dumb. I'm sorry if you think what I was saying was dismissive, but we will certainly be sharing more with you when we find an appropriate time to do so as a group. Which at that point we can actually discuss a plan of action, I merely wished to warn you to be wary until then."
He considers Inam's last comment a moment before resuming in a calmer tone, "as for what Inam thinks of you, it is of no business of mine. However, I have learned that she is often less aware of certain things than might be expected. I would suggest if you have something to say to her that you do so and not leave things up to assumption."
"Always felt like something was missing," Grinning down at Egret, "Apparently I found it. It is a happy kind of sad." There is that ache in her heart again though it is much easier to ignore with a small child around.
Letting her gaze move around the area they are walking in, hoping nothing seems amiss. Though it looks like Ibinu has managed to upset Eo.
Egret nods at Kallik's words. "I know that kind of sad. Like when moms cry sometimes." She makes no further comment, and goes back to humming softly under her breath.
Eo looks at Ibinu with narrowed eyes, assessing for sarcasm. Glancing down, he says, "Hey, uh...sorry. Just a little stressed out and I guess I took what you said the wrong way. Sorry."
The young ifrit leads you south, away from the Temple. The wide, well-cobbled street is populated with smiling ifrit couples, groups of laughing, well-dressed ifrit men, and the occasional groups of sylphs that dress similarly to the ifrits. The shops and restaurants here are clean, tall, and full of expensive-looking wares. There are entire stores dedicated to a single article of clothing, such as hats, or shoes.
You see a middle-aged ifrit, skin black and grey. He is bare-chested, despite the cold, juggling five torches. The bright light leaves red streaks across your vision, and the stink of pitch and smoke fills your nose. Every once in a while, a passer-by flips a copper cloud near the juggler's feet.
Egret tugs on Kallik's arm. "Can we stop for a minute and watch, Sissy?"
"Certainly is, sir. When I first arrived, had to take a moment to absorb the beauty before I could continue in. Eo took me up to the top, that day we met? To let me see it proper. So much better than my home." she replies, looking down.
"Where I'm from? Well, I come from the same place as most lowly sylphs...at least where they come originally. Had some family struggles, as most do. I had all but resigned to my nothing existence when The Warrior presented himself to me. Sending me a guide to change my life." she answers, with a bit of nostalgia in her voice. Motioning to Etrah, she finishes "Volcano brought me here through him. His divine servant."
"And you, good sir? Lived here your whole life? What lead you to the join the guards?"
Biting back the need to ask. Simply nodding in agreement, crying parents she gets.
Glaring at the stores as they move by. What a grand waste.
Looking down, "Of course." Raising her voice so Eo and Ibinu can hear her, "Will the two of you wait a moment." Coming to a stop and waving the two of them over.
He waves his hand at your mention of Eo. "Yes, the boy. He has good manners. Lucky he thought to bring you up that day, eh?" He smiles, his teeth white and straight.
Edoardo confidently takes you through clean, well-lit streets. This is a district you have never been to before - Edoardo calls it the Western Shops. As the early evening progresses, you see crowds of ifrits draped in dresses and suits, wearing golden jewelry; the conflagration of elens becomes a blur of red, orange, and gold as they burn past you. Your escort hardly seems to take notice of them - he points out popular sights of the city, such as statues of the Warrior and the Lady, fountains that glisten in Volcano's waning light, and small parks filled with trees (though most of these are bare now).
"Si, born and raised in Hearth. My family's ashes have graced this city for generations. As for joining the guards..." he rolls his hand in a searching gesture. "Let's just say I understand about family struggles and expectations, eh?"
Ibinu replies to Eo with a smile, "apology accepted, no need to worry more about it. It seems we are all stuck in this mess together anyway."
He looks around, paying a little more attention to the surroundings. When he sees the flame juggling he pauses to watch as well, mumbling to himself quietly. "Fire is dangerous, obviously. I wonder if one could create a burning flame that was a lower risk of harm. I guess if you found a material that had a lower combustion point. Oooh, alcohol burns cooler. Probably use that, but it would burn out quickly. Maybe a 'torch' with a feeder system, but then it would have to still work while spinning... but of you had the alcohol under pressure instead of just gravity fed it should negate that. Some form of pump... but would that defeat the purpose of the show? Isn't it the danger that makes it entertaining? Hmmm..."
At this last thought he pulls out a gold piece and looks at it intently before tossing it in the pile of coins and gives a brief half bow to the juggler, "a braver man than I for sure. I throw anything burning far far away from myself."
Nodding, she remarks "It was a beautiful sight. Worth the climb."
With a whistle, the sylph smiles. "Such pretty clothes." One particularly impressive statue claims her attention, and without a second thought, she sprints up to it. "Look at the exquisite craftsmanship! Such detail! And the blade....its actually sharp!"
Catching herself, Inam calms down and rejoins her escort as they continue on. "Did you feel the call to serve?" she asks, slightly embarrassed by her 'tourist' reactions. "Or was it forced on you?"
Rolling his eyes periodically, Etrah paddles along behind the pair.
Edoardo smiles at your undisguised enjoyment of the sights. "I must say, Inam, you are a breath of fresh air compared to ifrit ladies from this town." He waves his hands back and forth. "Take them to the opera, they say it too loud. Take them to the park, they say it too quiet. Never...eh...happy, you know?"
He strokes his chin as he ponders your last question. "Funny to say, but I don't know the answer to that. If, ah, you are told something since a baby, how do you know where 'you want' ends," he holds one of his palms up, "and where 'they want' begins?" He holds up his other palm.
He shrugs. "Enough philosophy though, sounds too much like mio fratellino."
Gesturing expansively with his left arm, he indicates a large brick-and-timber building across the street. Glass lanterns underscore the carved wooden sign, Leonardo's written in elaborate cursive. Edoardo gives the doorboy a coin as the young sylph holds the door open for the two of you.
The interior of the restaurant is pleasantly warm after the chill outside. Your eyes take a moment to adjust to the dim, intimate lighting. Smoked-glass lanterns of various colors hang above each table, making them seem like private islands in a twilit sea. The smell of baking bread, pasta, and tomatoes makes your stomach rumble.
He leads you to a table draped with a clean white cloth. There are two chairs, two napkins, and two sets of silverware. He pulls the chair out for you and motions for you to sit. "Do you know fritan cuisine, or should I order for you?"
---
The ifrit throws all five torches high into the air. As they come hurtling down, he tosses them quickly, one by one, into separate buckets of water where they splutter and hiss. He returns Ibinu's bow. "Generoso!" He points to Egret. "May I teach the small one a bit of juggling to return the favor?" He catches Kallik's instinctual scowl and throws up his hands. "No fire, I promise!"
Egret looks up at Kallik with pleading eyes.
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"That's too bad." replies the sylph, obviously distracted by her own thoughts momentarily. "Will all the horrible things in the world...one must find ways to be happy."
Thinking back to her own family, 'I'll have to check in and see how the 'Smithrock' goods are these days. Wish I could see them again...perhaps just let them know I'm ok...as if they'd care'
Shaking her head violently, she forces herself back to the present. 'I still don't know why he's asked to speak with me in private. Perhaps I'll find out when we eat...though, the standard Ashbread is back at the temple. Where are we goin?'
"Meeeoww..Mee...sounds good to me." she answers sheepishly.
Stopping as he holds the seat for her, she glances around, though with the number of ifrits here, she finds herself staring at the floor primarily. 'I guess it's customary?' she considers as she awkwardly accepts the chair from Edoardo.
"Oh, I don't know...let me take a look." Flashing a nervous smile, she burries her face in a menu. "Are--reee...Hmmm...Lean me...Pie-Mea-Sco..." Her face as read as the hearth, she sets the menu down. Folding her hands over the piece, she succumbs to the man. "Uh...if you don't mind that is...."
Edoardo smiles at you reassuringly. "Inam, no need to be embarrassed, eh? You speak sylph, si?" He points to himself, then you. "I no speak sylph, you no speak ifrit. Why worry about it?" A waitress in a somber black uniform comes to your table. In the dim lighting, she almost appears to be a floating head and pair of hands gliding toward you.
Edoardo speaks rapidly in ifrit, gesturing to you, himself, and the waitress. It seems like he uses far more words than could possibly be necessary just to order some food. The waitress smiles dazzlingly at Edoardo, then gives you a slightly more subdued smile. She gives a quick glance toward Etrah, then walks toward the kitchen.
"You're gonna love what I ordered, I think. Now, eh, if you don't mind me asking...why so nervous? I say something wrong?" He tries to make eye contact with you, and likely fails.
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Listening as he orders, she tries to pick out a word or two, but fails miserably. 'I should probably learn their language, if I'm to stay here. I suppose it'll be up to Volcano ultimately.'
"I'm sure whatever you ordered will be quite enjoyable." she offers. Thinking a moment on his query, she ponders how to answer. "Not at all, sir. You have done nothing to offend in any way. This evening has been quite enjoyable so far. I..."
Quickly searching her brain through the social protocols she remembers, she fails to find the appropriate response that doesn't seem harsh. Giving up, she just dives in head first. "I'm sorry, but I don't understand this evening. You being an ifrit guard...I assumed there was some temple related matter you wished to discuss. But...the pleasant stroll, this fine restaurant...your lack of armor..."
Lowering her voice to nearly a whisper, she leans across the table and asks "Are you courting a sylph?" As the words leave her lips, her pale features immediately flush to nearly a pure white. "If so...is that allowed? What would your superiors think?"
Inam's eyes dart around the room, trying to see if anyone had overheard. 'Volcano, please protect us!' she silently prays.
Keeping her scowl at the ifrit though her expression softens when Kalik looks down at Egret. Resisting the urge to groan when she finds her head nodding. Moving a hand behind Egret and gently pushing her towards the juggler. Staring at him intending and just watching the impromptu lesson.
Edoardo's eyes widen in sudden understanding. "Ahhh! I see now, you said you grew up like so many sylphs...you come from that kind of village, I see. Well, you going to find that there are plenty sylphs here that carry themselves with pride, 'specially the, eh, alchemists. As for me? I once save the Ember's life, so I'm not gonna worry about a little thing like that. I just know, eh, I want to get to know you better, si?"
He smiles, and holds his hands up in a small shrug. "I, eh, didn't know I wasn't clear before. Is this o-k, or is this no good?"
---
Egret squeals and jumps up and down. The juggler takes out two smaller pins from his satchel and hands one to Egret. From the way the young sylph handles the pin, they are very light.
"Ok, give it a good twirl, get a feel for it, ok?" Egret complies, flinging it high into the air. She flinches as it comes hurtling back down, but the juggler reaches over and catches it well before it reaches her. She peeks up, and claps her hands. "Yay!"
The ifrit laughs, and says, "Maybe not so high, ok?" He and Egret practice for a few minutes. By the end, she can throw the pin such that the handle consistently lands back in her hand. They even throw the pins back and forth a few times, though she often drops her pin during these exchanges. She giggles and says "Oops!" each time this happens.
Eventually she runs back to Kallik and gives her a big squeeze. "Did you see me?" She grins and waves to the juggler, who gives one last bow farewell.
After a few more minutes, Eo says, "We're almost there! Umm, have any of you had undine food before? It might sound weird if I tell you the ingredients. Do you want me just to order?"
Ibinu's eyes grow wide as Eo mentions weird ingredients, "oh please let me know what is in the food. Cooking is pretty much like Alchemy. It's crazy what can mix with what to produce something spectacular! I am very intrigued." He smiles as they enter, already looking forward to new things.
Grinning at Egret, "I never took my eyes off of you so I saw it all."
Now that the youth is back near her again Kallik looks over at the juggler and smiles, "Thank you." Taking a moment to offer him a gold coin before leaving to follow Eo again.
Shrugging, "I have no issue with you ordering."
"It's fine. I don't understand it, but it's not a problem. I would like to get to know you as well, sir Edoardo. The ifirts I've met have proven...hmmm." Trailing off, she twirls a hand about as if searching for the words.
"Lets just say one of them has proven to be quite loyal, while the one I didn't expect to be a problem....leaves some concerns in my mind. I hope this doesn't offend you, I've just never been involved in a courting before. At home, though we were all lowly sylphs, I was viewed as below the rest."
Avoiding his eyes, but flashing a smile his way, she offers "You seem nice. Shall we see what evolves as we become friends? Oh, and what pray-tell should I be expecting for dinner?"
Edoardo smiles broadly. "Very good! I can agree to that. As for what we are eating..." He starts counting off courses on his fingers. "First, little bit of cheese as the antipasto, then minestrone for the soup, then some really nice fish, fresh from River, then coffee and cake." He winks. "I let you choose the cake, o-k?"
---
Eo regales Ibinu with the smattering of details he knows regarding snails, shrimp, octopus, fish sauce, lemongrass, curry, rice dishes, and various noodle soups.
You leave behind the well-to-do Western Shops, and head toward the west bank of River. To the north, you see the huge billowing clouds of steam coming off of River that cover the Steam Slums. There are several bridges that span the water - some are made from stone, while the ones closer to the steam are made from sylph-ceramic.
To the south are the docks. Even at this time of evening, there are several undine trading ships being unloaded by ifrit and oread dock workers. You can hear snatches of singing and yelling from the workers.
Between the bridges and the docks, you eventually come to a middle-class undine community. Though not as poor as the Dims, these residences are clearly not part of the Shops proper. Most of the houses are simple wood-and-thatch constructions. Closer to River, you start to see stilt houses, which are seen more often in the far south, where River floods regularly.
Eo motions you toward one of these stilt houses. In the space below the house itself, there are very low tables and chairs arranged in symmetrical circular patterns upon woven grass mats. A moment after you enter, an ancient undine matron, face full of wrinkles, hobbles over with arms wide open. "Eo! Thật tuyệt vời khi gặp bạn!" She gives him a loud kiss on each cheek.
The young ifrit laughs, slightly self-consciously, and responds in kind. It is strange to hear your stuttering companion speak what sounds like passable Undine. "Một niềm vui. Đây là những người bạn của tôi." He gestures to all of you as he speaks.
The matron smiles widely, showing a few missing teeth. She waves energetically to the seats, and walks toward an assortment of pots, kettles and pans, talking to herself.
Ibinu's mouth waters as the foods and ingredients are all described working together. He adds one comment to try to contribute to the discussion, asking about weird fish dish he has only heard about that doesn't even use fire, just a form of mild acid to 'cook' the meat.
As they enter and Eo responds in Undine, Ibinu listens closely. After he takes his seat he asks in wonder, "you know how to speak Undine? Can you teach me some of it? I really like how languages work, there is a... sortove science to how they have developed." He whispers this part, "I think there may have been a common ancestor language to all of them."
Eo looks to Ibinu, his gaze interested but creased with concern. "Sure, I can teach you a bit. I wouldn't talk too loudly about that idea you have, though. The Temple teaches that language come from the gods. So, saying there's a common language..." he pauses, thinking, "kind of makes it sounds like there's a common god."
Ibinu considers Eo's words a moment. "Oooh! Yeah. I can see how that could get me in trouble. I shall... keep my thoughts on that matter more discreet. Thank you!"
DAILY PLANS
Ibinu needs more clothes and maybe some sort of actual 'going out' clothes. So... he needs money. Most of his days will be spent crafting items to sell and selling his alchemical healing elixirs (CLW: 1d8+3). But, for every one he sells he gives one away to a local health clinic that doesn't discriminate who it treats.
In the evenings he will regroup with his allies and discuss events of the day and anything they are planning to do. He will be a friend to Eo and also try to learn Undine.
Frowning at the table but leaving the topic alone, she had heard much of the same in her youth. "Thank you for bringing us here Eo. The food is different but very good."
Edoardo is very friendly, and tries his best to bring you out of your shell a little more, but in the end he is largely unsuccessful. The looming specter of your mother's disapproving face hangs over you like a thunder cloud. You can almost hear her talking to Edoardo:
"I have to apologize for my daughter, sir. She doesn't know her place."
"Sit up straight! You can keep your eyes down and still keep a good posture!"
The meal is excellent - you've never tasted fish as good as this before, and the rest of the courses are light and delicious.
Edoardo brings you back to your quarters and gives you a slight bow. His tone is slightly reserved as he says, "A pleasure, Inam. I hope to see you around the Temple."
---
The smiling undine brings you several dishes. As promised, there is a variety of seafood--including octopus--and a variety of colorful sauces. The meal ends with a sweet soup that tastes distinctly of bananas and coconut milk. Egret slurps this noisily and asks for seconds, which causes the matron to laugh in delight.
When you return to your quarters for the night, Eo looks at your door and says, "Yeah, well, have a good night guys." His smile contains a trace of sadness as walks back down the hall.