"You've seemed distracted lately. Maybe frustrated is a better word. I normally wouldnt' intrude, but a distracted hunter is a hungry hunter. Not to mention the danger of an unfocused warrior. Is there something I can do?"
Priyya gives Mal a slight smile, "Not unless you can change the nature of our mission. I'm not a diplomat. Hell, I'm barely polite. All this politicing isn't my way. I find evil, I run it to ground, and I smash it until it stops moving - end of story. Having to worry about stepping on the toes of local nobility... it is new to me and really puts a burr under my saddle."
In an attempt to lighten up, Priyya teases, "Ya know, I didn't realise you were carrying such a torch for me, Mal. Don't get me wrong, the whole growling delivery about me being a 'distracted hunter' was very convincing but I can read between the lines. You've got a bit of a crush on me. Yep. I'm sure while you're looking all fierce and rending limbs from people you are humming that ol' ditty: 'Mal and Priyya, sitting in a tree - K I S S I..'" She bursts into laughter at the look on his face.
She nods her head slowly in thought and muses, "That would explain a few things... Well, that being the case, I'd say that your dream is partially worry about having to navigate the strait, and partially anxiety over not feeling like you have the freedom to choose your own path right now."
Felmor nods slowly in agreement, but Alis can see there is still some doubt in his eyes. Continuing in Elvish, he responds, ”Aye, I suppose yer right, but I dinnae recall ever bein’ this worried before a voyage before. I still be a young man, ‘n I hate ta think I be losing my courage.”
He lapses into silence for a minute, and then adds, ”As fer not havin’ freedom ta choose me path, I’ t’ink I lost that when I walked into th’ Silver Hart ‘n met ye, Princess.”
Mal laughs along, "I didn't realize I was being so obvious. I'll have to sing my little song quieter next time."
Priyya leans conspiratorially towards him, "You are being quite discreet in your all-consuming adoration for me. But I have detected it with the honed instincts of a harlot. Sadly, all men fall under my thrall... even with my less than ample bosom." She sighs dramatically at the burden of being too beautiful for this world and chuckles. "Thanks, Mal. I needed a laugh. I'll try to stay on my toes despite the recent distractions." She goes quiet for a moment then asks, "Just out of curiosity - how would you have preferred to deal with the Tar Dogs?"
"That lot of trash deserved to die. If you take up a blade against someone, your life is fair-game, in my mind. Just as I expect my opponents would be glad to see my heart beat it's last." He shrugs, "I realize some of those people had been duped, but at some point you get held accountable for your actions, and I think most of them got off easy." He looks over at Darkmane, "Why? What do you think?"
Priyya nods at his assessment, clearly in agreement. "I come from a more savage, maybe even a 'blood-thirsty', culture. If I'd have had my way... we would have killed every single Tar Dog, dragged their bodies up to the street level, decapitated the lot, and put their remains on display as an object lesson for anyone else who thought to cause trouble in Dunwaar. I would have liked to see their whole nest burned to ashes. For good measure, it would have been smart to track down every 'front' business they used and burned THOSE down, too. The Dogs were hip-deep in some despicable dealings with some rather evil people and they ought to pay the full measure for befouling the city."
Priyya damps down her fanaticism and smiles ruefully. "It's probably better, I'm NOT in a position of authority, eh? Hopefully, the Dogs that are alive and being questioned yield more information about the architects of this debacle. I'd still like to settle accounts with them."
”Aye, I suppose yer right, but I dinnae recall ever bein’ this worried before a voyage before. I still be a young man, ‘n I hate ta think I be losing my courage.”
"Well, it is only one of the most perilous waterways in the whole world, I'd say you have every right to be apprehensive. Don't let it worry you though, neither of us will have to worry ourselves about captaining that ship. Navigating Light's End is strictly the purview of veteran captains." She winks, "Recent disguises not withstanding, I think you and I are both a bit too young to qualify for veteran status just yet."
”As fer not havin’ freedom ta choose me path, I’ t’ink I lost that when I walked into th’ Silver Hart ‘n met ye, Princess.”
Alis' eyes narrow a bit at Felmor's comment and her warm demeanor chills noticeably, "Yes, I suppose that not all of us are born having the freedom to choose our own paths in life. If you would rather go your own way, then I shall relieve you from service when we arrive in Malatesta. Do let me know before we set sail, won't you?"
Priyya damps down her fanaticism and smiles ruefully. "It's probably better, I'm NOT in a position of authority, eh? Hopefully, the Dogs that are alive and being questioned yield more information about the architects of this debacle. I'd still like to settle accounts with them."
"I don't know, there's a certain simplicity to that way of making decisions. One that I find surprisingly easy to understand. Things tend to be much simpler in nature as well, if you can believe it."
Alis' eyes narrow a bit at Felmor's comment and her warm demeanor chills noticeably, "Yes, I suppose that not all of us are born having the freedom to choose our own paths in life. If you would rather go your own way, then I shall relieve you from service when we arrive in Malatesta. Do let me know before we set sail, won't you?"
Felmor blanches as he realizes his faux-pas. Oy, kin me mouth get me any deeper into trouble? "Ach, Cap'n, it not be you that I be referrin' to, it be someone else, not you. I not be abandoning my oaths lightly, Princess."
He finishes quietly, "I think I jes not be used ta bein' loved by another."
Alis nods and chews her lower lip a bit. She purposefully avoids using Priyya's name or title so as not to let on to the topic of their conversation to Lureene or Yvonne.
More Elvish: "Well, that would seem to make two of you then. It's not very often that someone like our warrior-priestess lets others get close. Opening your heart to someone means exposing a very vulnerable part of yourself. That's something that requires a great deal of trust. Given how vigilant and guarded a member of her order must be not only to do their goddess' work but to survive... well, that's not something that comes naturally to her either."
"If you like being loved by someone, and you want to be able to keep on loving them, you have to watch yourself so you don't injure their trust. When was the last time you grabbed her rear and kissed her like that? If your acting is more convincing than the real thing, a girl might wonder if what she's getting really is the real thing."
"Oh, and just a friendly tip, try not to admire a certain someone's new armor too much when your lady is around." She gives Fel a wind, "Even if we still haven't made you a proper gentleman quite yet, if you act like one for long enough then after a while you won't have to act anymore."
For a while Alis sips on a glass of wine she's been nursing before a lurch of the carriage makes the box beneath her feet clank again. "Hey El, Fel..." she says switching back to Estorian, a mischievous flame in her indigo eyes, "You know that saying 'worth your weight in gold'? Ever wonder exactly how much that would be...?"
Felmor is quiet for a while, as he digests this piece of advice. Memories of Armandia flit through his mind like little sparrows, but he chases them away. "Aye, you give good avice, Cap'n. Let me try ta explain meself a little bit better. I be in love wit her" again he avoids mentioning her name for Lureene and Yvonne's benefit, "but she be walking two paths, one of her heart, and one of her goddess's will. It be easier ta be close with the girl who walks the first path, than the second one. It be difficult ta explain further...especially wit' needing the goddesses tool recently. I fear she may be forced ta choose between me and her goddess sooner than I like."
He shoots a sidelong glance at Lureene, still engrossed in her studies. Judging by the look on her face, her studies were not going that well. "As fer bein' a gentleman, I t'ink I agree wit' you, jes sometimes it be more difficult ta be one, at certain times, than at other times. I must admit, 'Cap'n, she is a fascinating young lady, but I remember the love 'n devotion she shows fer her beau. I not be doin' anything ta git in th' way of that."
For a while Alis sips on a glass of wine she's been nursing before a lurch of the carriage makes the box beneath her feet clank again. "Hey El, Fel..." she says switching back to Estorian, a mischievous flame in her indigo eyes, "You know that saying 'worth your weight in gold'? Ever wonder exactly how much that would be...?"
Lureene tries to block out the quiet conversation between 'Lis and the Knight-Captain, but she finds herself getting frusrated at the lack of progress she was making in studying her new spellbook. She wished Sertieren was there, or Princess Alexis. She made it sound so easy, but Lureene knew she was not as intelligent as Alexis (of course few people were.)
When 'Lis breaks her concentration with her question, she sighs and gives her sister a tired grin. "That sounds like something we need to find out, although I know all of you are worth far more to me than a few bars of gold."
She giggles, "It is certainly lots of fun to find out though!"
Elvish: "Just remember, she can't split herself in two. Love one and respect the other. That includes not oogling hot blondes, not matter how fascinating. Or at least not when she is around anyway. That's just rude."
With her and Felmor's conversation concluded, Alis smiles slyly at Lureene and says, "Well there's no time like the present, right?"
The princess kicks the pillow off the box at her feet and intones, "Open says me!"
Instantly, the lid of the box flies open and a golden radience fills the interior of the carriage. Inside, you find four bars of gold, two layers deep for a total of eight.
"Let's see here," she muses, "Fel, you're about 170 or 180 right? You'd weight about as much as seven of those. Lureene or I? We'll saaaay... four!"
Elvish: "Just remember, she can't split herself in two. Love one and respect the other. That includes not oogling hot blondes, not matter how fascinating. Or at least not when she is around anyway. That's just rude."
"Aye, it certainly be rude, 'n not proper of a gentleman like me."
"Let's see here," she muses, "Fel, you're about 170 or 180 right? You'd weight about as much as seven of those. Lureene or I? We'll saaaay... four!"
Felmor could not remember the last time he weighed himself, certainly he prided himself on being in fine shape, although ever since he had started traveling with the Princess and her retinue, he did notice his belly starting to get a bit more noticeable around the edges.
He mutters, "Actually, I'd say it be closer ta six bars, not seven."
"Actually, I'd say it be closer ta six bars, not seven."
And in the next moment, Felmor was set upon by Alis who delivered unto his skull the royal noogie. In elvish she shouts out, ""
Given how loudly Alis shouted, Mal should be able to understand her from outside. Priyya can see thru the windows that Alis has one arm around Felmor's head and is grinding her knuckles into his head with the other hand as the carriage lurches back and forth.
Felmor is surprised by Alis’s action on giving him the ROYAL mark of disapproval. He tries to wriggle out of her grasp, without also entangling both Lureene and Yvonne. He is able to break free of the embrace finally, and wrenches the carriage door open, tumbling out of the carriage with at least some dignity intact.
Noting Priyya staring at him, he blushes slightly and mutters, ”Xcuse me, I gotta take care ‘o somethin’”. He then hurries off before she can ask him what happened.
Ach, I hope me make this a good song, afer this be a LOONNGG trip.
Priyya marks the strange goings-on in the carriage and turns to Mal as if trying to form a theory that explains the odd behavior, "Titled nobles... it's all the in-breeding that makes them crazy."
"Hm… or something like that. Our little crew seems to have an extra share of it, anyway."
Felmor dives from the moving carriage and rolls to his feet evading both hoof and wheel as he does so. After a brief nod to the others, he hops up in the back of the supply wagon that brings up the rear finally finding himself a bit of peaceful solitude.
Although it escapes Lureene's notice, the rest of you note that Felmor had in-hand the journal in which he's been practicing his song-writing. After his dramatic exit, Alis pokes her head out the door and waves to Darya, "It's alright, Sir Traker simply wanted to change seats without slowing us down."
Overhearing Priyya's comment, she laughs and retorts with a wink, "Hey, nothing says loving like marrying your cousin."
"Besides," she winks, "what's your excuse Priyya?"
Perception Checks
Sense Motive Checks:
Felmor breathes a sigh of relief and starts to concentrate on his song writing, trying to win back the heart of the woman he loves.
In his zeal, he fails to notice a pair of reptilian eyes watching him from the top of the supply wagon...who even now is informing his mistress of this turn of events...
Priyya sees Mal's poorly hidden reaction and debates what to say. Did I offend him? I'll ask him later. He obviously doesn't want to talk about it here.
"Besides," she winks, "what's your excuse Priyya?"
Priyya pulls Saija's head up so that she prances while Priyya looks haughtily into the distance - looking more like a monarch's statue than herself - and says, "I am as UTTERLY sane as one could expect... from a woman who grew up with a Deity whispering in her ear from childhood and who charges into danger that others wisely flee. Clearly, I am a pillar of rationality." Priyya's attempt to keep a straight face fails.
Lureene turns her attention briefly from her pet's report on Felmor's actions, and pokes her head outside the carriage window. "Yes, Priyya, you are as sane as I am!" She laughs lightly, the first time in a while she has enjoyed a good laugh.
Mal smiles to Priyya and moves away to continue his circuit of the traveling group. She can still catch the ghost of those fleeting emotions in his eyes as he calls out to Talvyra.
He whispers his rustic words of power, scratching her ears, and she sprints off at an alarming speed.
"Hunt well and return, Little Sister." you hear him mutter.
For three days you ride south along Sawng's Way as the gypsy road cuts across the southern reaches of the Iri-Thunin Steppes. At least two or three times a day, vigorous spring storms sweep across the plains dousing everything in their path. On more than one occasion, lightning strikes one of the infrequent trees that were planted to mark the roadway, the thunderclaps making the horses skittish.
As the level plains transition into foothills on your third day out of Dunwaar, Alis frowns at the schedule Yvonne had planned out.
"We have been riding for longer each day than before we arrived at Dunwaar, but it seems to be taking us longer to cover ground, why is that?"
Yvonne regretfully informs her that while strong, Count Ayer's horses are simply not as swift as those bred by the Golden Drakes. Only by riding for an extra hour each day are they able to cover even two-thirds the distance.
While the princess' mood is soured by the ongoing delays in reaching Malatesta and the Silver Sea, you are all glad to have put Dunwaar and its strife behind you. By the time you make camp at the end of the 3rd day out, Mal and Priyya at least seem to be in relatively good spirits. The Surya-ka-Vahaak gets a certain thrill out of spurring Saija to great speed across the plains, working with Malandraenas and Talvyra to bring down fleet-footed antelope for your evening meal, and a rogue bear that attempted to roll Alis and Lureene's tent in search of something sweet-smelling in one of their packs the night before.
Felmor looks over his journal and nods in satisfaction at his handiwork. It had taken longer than he had anticipated composing it, but now after the last couple of days, he feels as ready as he will ever be. So far neither Lureene, nor Alis have let on concerning his love sonnet, but he did notice Lureene giving him several clandestine winks, when no one else was looking. (No doubt, she was clued in due to the presence of Grak, who has attached himself to the sailor for some reason.)
Now, on this fine evening, he is ready to give the performance of his life. Trying to quell his nervousness, he runs through the performance in his mind one more time. Waiting for the right time proved tricky, as Priyya was not one to be surprised easily. Still, his perseverance has finally paid off, and now as the moon Brightpool rises up in the sky, he approaches Priyya’s tent, and starts his sonnet…
”Aye, my heart be full of Soul…”
By late afternoon on the 28th, the air becomes noticeably colder. Not only has your elevation increased steadily throughout the day, but just a few minutes prior, the swiftly approaching peaks of the Drakedowns finally blotted out the sun. Within another two hours you begin to see patches of hard-crusted snow on the ground and tiers of icicles draping down nearby cliffs from where melt-water has refrozen.
Near the end of the day, you round a bend in the road to find that you are finally approaching your next milestone. Up ahead, the old road passes thru a natural cleft in a sheer cliff. Spanning the gap, is a checkpoint consisting of nested walls looking towards the northern approach from Elsmyr Dale and the steppes.
While you initially thought the gate was only perhaps two hundred yards away and the cliffs perhaps a few hundred feet away, it takes you nearly twice as long to approach as you first though. As you do, the fortifications and mountains continue to loom larger and larger until you realize that they have been built not to the scale of men but of giants!
When you are but 100 feet from the yet-closed gate, Atish brings your small caravan to a halt by a freestanding trellis with the same dimensions as the actual gate. By the side of it is a large green-tinged bronze gong. He dismounts and hefts a striker as large as a great club that is chained to the base of the trellis and delivers three resounding strikes. After he has done so, he approaches up to a stone marker half-way in between the trellis and the gate. There he waits until about two minutes later, a deep horn blows and the might doors swing inward allowing a towering man, at least 12 feet in height, to exit. Under a great robe burgundy linen lined with the fur of great brown bears, you can make out the gleam of banded armor. The plumed helm he wears is nearly as big as a barrel, and the spear he carries at his side could easily spit a horse.
Inside the carriage, Alis hums softly seemingly unconcerned about the walking siege engine not far away. At some point during the ascent, a coat, hat, scarf and gloves found their way onto her person. She even changed her boots to a warmer pair.
She is bedecked from head to toe in an outfit of plush red velvet. White fur, soft as mink trims all the edges. A motif reminiscent of snowflakes sweeping about on curling wind currents is embroidered along the length of triangular sleeves. The fitted torso is quilted in diamond-shapes with small pearls gleaming where the silver threads cross. As the quilting proceeds past her hips, the lines diverge and curve forming a pattern of silvery ivy leaves. Around her tiny waist, is tied a sash seemingly spun from gold. Inside a broad, collar of white fur, a scarf of the same gold material encicles her neck, trailing behind her shoulders.
The high-gloss black boots and gloves that she wears, are secured with gold clasps, their openings trimmed in the same white fur that lines them. As she sits, quietly reading a book by the light of a spell, you get the sense that no winter storm natural to Elsemar would intrude upon her thoughts while so attired.
When a clattering sound that has been increasing in volume finally becomes difficult to ignore, she looks up to see Felmor huddled in the corner looking three shades of pale too blue. Pouting a bit at the sight, she cries, "Oh Fel... don't tell me you forgot to pack a winter coat for the mountians!"
Setting her book next to Lureene, whose extraplanar heritage made her insusceptible to both natural heat and natural cold, she retrieves a thick fleecy blanket from her backpack and tucks it in around him. "You know, Priyya tells me that even in the desert it can become bitterly cold at night. You'll do well to remember this should the two of you sail back to Xerech after we're done in Dafar. Don't worry though, by the looks of it we should be stopping for the night in just a little bit, hang in there Captain!"
"Thhh....aaannn...kkkkeee....much, Caaapppnnn..." Felmor responds through his chattering teeth, grabbing the blanket and wrapping it around his body. Growing up in a marine environment had left Felmor unused tot he bitterly cold and dry conditions he found himself in.
Ach, teaches me not to be prepared...
"Aye, my heart be full of Soul"
Priyya lies in the dark tent debating whether to be moved or mortified by Felmor singing outside. Well, I'm sure everyone is awake now and listening... She sighs inwardly and gets up, wrapping herself in a blanket. She opens the flap and waits for Fel to finish his sonnet before saying quietly, "Sailor, have you quite lost your mind? It's the middle of the night and people are abed. Who put this silly idea in your head?" Her enhanced vision enables her to clearly see his crestfallen expression.
Pity moves in her, softening her tone. "I appreciate the gesture but this isn't your way back into my graces. I'll make this easy for you. I don't need flowers, candy, or soft words. All I want is your respect. When you eye every pair of swishing hips in front of me - you are being disrespectful. When you grope another woman in front of me - you humiliate me and make me question your integrity. I don't care what you do when I'm not around. Stare at women all you like. But when I am there, if you put on a display like that, I'm going to assume you either lack common sense OR you are purposefully trying to hurt me. I won't stand for that."
"So if you want back in my graces, the answer is simple - STOP doing those things. When I see that you can control your impulses, then you'll find yourself in my favor again." She retreats back into her tent and just before closing the flap she adds, "For what it's worth... I enjoyed your poem. It was beautiful. Goodnight."
After making certain that Captain Traker doesn't have hypothermia just yet, Alis notes that Atish is walking back to the carriage and that the towering guardian has walked back inside and is giving orders to others of is kind. the carriage rocks a bit as the gypsy hops back up onto the driver's seat and a moment later there is a lurch when you resume your forward progress.
"When we stop for the night, I'll be certain to prepare a spell that will help you to endure the cold better. I'd cast it on myself, but I'm rather fond of this outfit."
Elvish: "Oh, I meant to ask you, Fel," she looks up with a hopeful look in her eyes, "I heard the song you wrote last night. I thought it turned out pretty well. How did she take it?"
"When we stop for the night, I'll be certain to prepare a spell that will help you to endure the cold better. I'd cast it on myself, but I'm rather fond of this outfit."
Elvish: "Oh, I meant to ask you, Fel," she looks up with a hopeful look in her eyes, "I heard the song you wrote last night. I thought it turned out pretty well. How did she take it?"
Felmor nods in thanks for the spell. He really was not used to this weather and elevation.
In response to her query, Felmor grins at her,
Elvish: "Aye, I be 'ere in one piece, right? She did like it a lot, but I t'ink she jes needs more time ta learn ta trust me again. I guess if ye LOVE someone like that, ye cannae expect instant results. Trust takes time ta build up again."
Your caravan passes without interference thru the immense gates guarding the mountain pass and proceeds up to a second set of gates further in. Once there, Yvonne exits the carriage and ascends a tall podium to converse at eye-level with the commander of the outpost, a clean-shaven giant with pale white skin standing head and shoulders above the others. He is dressed in a flowing toga trimmed in red and seems little phased by the cold winds that blow thru the pass.
Sense Motive Checks:
At a bit of a loss for what's going on since he cannot understand their language, Felmor looks to Alis with a worried look in his eyes. She also notices Mal looks rather edgy in his saddle. The princess just smiles and waves a hand dismissively. "It seems that the commander of this fortress, Roshen, was just recently promoted and will soon be taking up a new commission. Yvonne is congratulating him and asking if his wife, Laani, is excited at the prospect. It looks like he has ambitions to make his way into the senate..."
As the two continue to converse, Roshen waves for the the inner gates to be opened. The two wait until Atish, the knights and your supply wagon have pulled up to an inn for traveler on the far side before following.
When Roshen approaches, Count Ayer's knights stand in formation alongside Alis' carriage. At this, Alis smiles at Felmor and Lureene, pulls a red cap lined with white fur over her silken blonde tresses and comments, "A few more formalities I'm afraid. Fel, go ahead and get the door for Lureene, and I'll follow after the two of you have exited."
As an afterthought, she adds with a wink, "It will be cold but try to endure for just a few minutes. It wouldn't be stately if you greeted our large friend while wrapped in a fleece blanket."
"My friend," Yvonne says loudly enough for anyone inside the fortress to hear, "introductions are in order to Knight-Captain Felmor Traker, and the enchanting lady, Lureene Ourson. Riding with us also, Priyya Surya-ka-Vahaak of Alíta, and Corporal Malandraenas Tylalaes. Retainers, friends, and protectors are they of the charge of the Golden Drakes: Alissariel Kirmoon, Princess of Silverwake, gateway to Ilmarond."
Felmor sighs, but on a look from the ladies, quickly divests himself of the blanket, and thinks, Well, it not be getting’ any warmer sittin’ here…
He opens the carriage door and slowly disembarks, holding the door for Lureene, who on seeing his discomfort quickly exits the carriage. He holds out his arm for her in a courtly manner, and Lureene takes his arm in hers, while using her wing to help shield the chilled sailor from the worst of the wind.
He leads her over to Roshen, and then bows formally to him. Lureene follows with her own curtsey.
He hopes his chattering teeth was not too noticeable.
The white-robed giant nods his head to acknowledge Felmor and Lureene, and again when Yvonne introduces Priyya and Mal. Upon hearing Alis' name, he puts his right knee to the ground and extends his open hand, large as Felmor's torso, to the door of the carriage.
Mal stiffens a bit at the gesture, though he calms a bit when he notices that Alis is unperturbed and giving her best and most regal smile. In a smooth tone that is powerful yet not booming, the pale giant says, "Greeting of the Senate and the People of Malatesta, o' wise and beautiful Princess. I am Roshen, son of Vorenus, captain of this gate. It is my great honor to welcome the distinguished royalty of fair and distant Ilmarond in this humble place."
Alis smiles and nods, the mithril circlet on her forehead sparkling in spite of the cold, overcast skies. "The hospitality of your great nation, its people and senate is appreciated Captain Roshen. Ilmarond regards Malatesta with all due respect and would request passage through your lands unto your capital city for the purpose of diplomacy."
"Then it shall be my solemn duty to personally see to it that your highness and her retinue are conveyed to the city of Malatesta with all due haste and courtesy as befits our valued elven allies."
Alis nods in gratitude and places her tiny left hand on Roshen's fingertips to allow him the honor of helping her to the ground.
"Highness..." Roshen bows, then rises and takes two steps back before turning and heading of to prepare for a journey to the capital.
Still smiling, a satisfied twinkle in her eyes, Alis claps her hands and says, "Alright everyone, let's move inside and take our rest for the night. I thank you all for seeing me safely to this point, you shall all be well-rewarded upon our arrival at the embassy in Malatesta."
Without another word, she takes Mal's arm and the rest of you follow them and the knights indoors into a blessedly warm common room where the smells of the coming dinner greet you.
Felmor smells the food wafting from the common area of the tavern, and his mouth starts watering. He could imagine how that roasted meat would taste washed down with some ale. He abruptly realized he was starving, having not eaten well for the last few days. Ever since his spat with Priyya, his appetite has deserted him. Still, he concentrates on being a gentleman for the lovely lady Lureene, and averts his gaze at the proper times, when her cloak swishes to one side, showing her curvaceous body.
Ach, Priyya me Desert Rose, I kin be a perfect gentleman!
He guides Lureene over to the table, already reserved for the group, and pulls out her chair for her. She acknowledges his attention with a smile and a demure nod of thanks. Once Priyya has entered the tavern, he waits patiently for her to arrive at the table, and also pulls out the chair for her. As she looks over to his face, she can see there is a look of challenge in his eyes, almost daring her to object to this treatment.
Lureene is unbothered by the cold climate which has affected Felmor so much. Still she does sympathize with the sailor, and what he is going through. She remembers when Rath-hun threatened to leave her after her own infidelities, and how she had violated his own trust. She felt somewhat guilty about doing that to Felmor, as he was a good man. However, she could not deny who she was, and whose blood flowed in her veins.
Gods, she missed him SOO much!
She does note the giants presence, but she actually knew little of them. From what 'Lis had said previously, Malatesta was ruled by the giant race. She guessed Roshen was a Frost Giant, as they were at home in the frigid mountains, but she knew little else.
One thing stayed on her mind throughout the dinner, which she enjoyed immensely, but just not as much as she would have liked. The Coil, and their agents were still out there, and also someone in Malatesta was bankrolling the Tar Dog activities in Dunwaar. She resolved not to let her guard down while the others enjoyed themselves.
I kin be a perfect gentleman!
...As she looks over to his face, she can see there is a look of challenge in his eyes, almost daring her to object to this treatment.
Priyya sees the challenge. Is he angry with me, to dare me in such a way? Does he feel ill-treated? So much for his sweet words and sincerity. Priyya accepts the chair to avoid yet another scene and sighs, "Thank you." This is going to be a long evening.
Mal sheds some of his brooding looks when he eyes the monstrous portions of warm meats on the tables. "Now this is a spread I can appreciate." He looks over at the others, "What'll you give me if I can out-eat even one of these giants?"
Sense Motive Checks:
Whether heedless or ignorant of the ongoing drama between Felmor and Priyya, Alis turns to her bodyguard with a bemused look on her face. "How about some mint tea and a lot of space?"
Priyya looks to Mal, noting his stature against the giants that are almost twice as tall, "Unless you can eat your body weight (or one of these fellows is a vegetarian) I think you are going to lose that battle."