As member of the Church of Ixion (one of the larger churches in Brun), it continued to tickle Shi's sense of humor that the largest shrine in Sandpoint was to Dezna, not Ixion. Although there were some more dour members of the Church of Ixion who lamented this, Shi always gave them a bit of grief about it when he could.
Ixion and Desna were not enemies, nor allies. The two Immortals were of different houses in the heavenly realms, and had little direct contact. So it was not seemly to act so, at least in Shi's opinion.
Not needing to sleep, the creature had gone home after discussing things with Hemlock, Tesarani, and Ynja. It had taken a long bath, cleaned it's fur, combed it and oiled it with scented oils. Then it had put on it's best silk overlay over it's annointed armor, the one that it had purchased ahead of time that had swallowtail butterflies flying around Ixion's sun symbol. Putting it's holy symbol on full display for the celebration, Shi was at the square early, volunteering wherever needed.
As the celebration started, Shi was playing 'wrangler' for the smaller children, keeping them entertained before the start at the early hour. The creature always fascinated children, and it had plenty of history of dealing with youngsters. This was it's 16th festival, and so as the ceremony got under way, the creature quietly whispered what each bit of the ceremony meant to the small gaggle of kids that were under it's watchful eyes and ears, explaining what the priest was saying in the foreign (to most) language, it's voice never raising above a soft whisper that only the nearest could overhear.
As member of the Church of Ixion (one of the larger churches in Brun), it continued to tickle Shi's sense of humor that the largest shrine in Sandpoint was to Dezna, not Ixion. Although there were some more dour members of the Church of Ixion who lamented this, Shi always gave them a bit of grief about it when he could.
Ixion and Desna were not enemies, nor allies. The two Immortals were of different houses in the heavenly realms, and had little direct contact. So it was not seemly to act so, at least in Shi's opinion.
Not needing to sleep, the creature had gone home after discussing things with Hemlock, Tesarani, and Ynja. It had taken a long bath, cleaned it's fur, combed it and oiled it with scented oils. Then it had put on it's best silk overlay over it's annointed armor, the one that it had purchased ahead of time that had swallowtail butterflies flying around Ixion's sun symbol. Putting it's holy symbol on full display for the celebration, Shi was at the square early, volunteering wherever needed.
As the celebration started, Shi was playing 'wrangler' for the smaller children, keeping them entertained before the start at the early hour. The creature always fascinated children, and it had plenty of history of dealing with youngsters. This was it's 16th festival, and so as the ceremony got under way, the creature quietly whispered what each bit of the ceremony meant to the small gaggle of kids that were under it's watchful eyes and ears, explaining what the priest was saying in the foreign (to most) language, it's voice never raising above a soft whisper that only the nearest could overhear.
[dice=Perception]1d20+18
All matters appear to be in good order.
Shi'Vatha observes the chief officiant of the imminent ceremony, Abstalar Zantus, a western convert to the veneration of the Immortal Desna, enter the sacred cordon of the shrine, a religious border defined by the ritual enclosure called the ita-kuroki-no-kaku-kakugōshi-sujikaigōshi-tatehigo-sukashigaki-tamagaki, a term which, translated from the language of Minkai, means the "unbarked vermillion lumber, squared-board timber lattice see-through bamboo fence."
Abstalar's station as the chief priest-caretaker or kannushi of the shrine is evident from his unusual vestiture. Today, he wears the unusual fashion of pointed hat known as the eboshi, as well as the voluminous ceremonial wrapping known as a kariginu. His particular kariginu is a died a bright, deep purple and is ornamented with stars in iconographical deference to the celestial portfolio of the Immortal Desna.
He first passes by the small shrines of the Immortals Abadar, Sarenae, Sheyln, Gozreh, and Erastil which stand before the prayer hall of Desna's sanctum sanctorum. In the previous incarnation of this structure, the these other five Immortals had enjoyed an equal status with Desna, each possessing a small chapel in the cruciform basilica that had been erected from the joint funds of a foundation established under the instigation of House Deverin, but drew support from all of the Four Founding Families. However, the greater financial involvement of House Kaijitsu ensured that the new structure would prioritize the veneration of the Immortal Ama-tsu-mika-boshi-Ame-no-kagase-o-no-Kami, called Desna in the lands of the west. Thus, the other Immortals have been relegated to minor shrines within the sacred enclosure, while Desna's image has been honored with the elaborate new structure being dedicated during the autumnal Swallowtail Festival.
Waking to the morning sun, Vincent limbers up with some morning exercises before breaking his fast at the communal tent. After several morning chores and a rinse, he heads into the town proper to see the Festival. He gives a friendly nod to anyone he recognizes from the night before.
Early during his morning perambulations, Vincent encounters Ameiko, the gracious innkeeper to whom he had been introduced in the course of the previous night's entertainment at the Rusty Dragon.
In stark contrast to her practical outfit from the preceding evening, Ameiko today wears a ceremonial kimono dyed with a deep midnight azure, and decorated with hundreds of tiny glinting objects which appear to be diamonds sewn directly into the luxurious fabric in deference to the celestial portfolio of the Immortal Desna. It is to this enigmatic celestial being, a divine important from far off Minkai, that the impending festivities are performed in grateful deference.
Catching sight of Vincent, Ameiko flashes him a ready smile and approaches with a stride that is both quick and sure, quickly closing the space between the two in the ceremonial enclosure which surrounds the shrine.
"Good to see you again, friend" she begins before having arrived alongside Vincent, "you came into town at just the right time. You're in for a real treat today. In the homeland of my family, far to the east, the shrines have tens of festivals that occur throughout the year, but today is still one of the, and, according to some," she winks in a jokingly conspiratorial manner, "the greatest of the sacred festivals."
|
In contrast, Vincent's attire is simple white linen, long, loose pants and a vest that leaves the tattoos on his muscular chest and arms readily visible. His clothes are clean and unwrinkled. With a gracious bow and a flourish, he produces a still dewy flower, presenting it to the innkeeper. "Miss Ameiko, a pleasure to see you again. Please accept this humble token of my appreciation. Tens of festivals, you say? Sounds like a traveling carnival's dream. However, with respect to your homeland and the illustrious Immortal Desna, I suspect that you are the loveliest sight I will behold this day," he says with a cheeky grin.
The one thing that Ynja made clear at the meeting the night before was.
If she was seeking to attack sand port with a strike force. Today would be the
best day to do it. Maximum confusion and minimum readiness.
While the music starts outside she sits and reads. She looks up at Vincent as he comes in. Her clothing is cleaner and smarter than the night before, but sill All in black, but now with long black boots polished and black gloves. Her black duster looks as new now.
As member of the Church of Ixion (one of the larger churches in Brun), it continued to tickle Shi's sense of humor that the largest shrine in Sandpoint was to Dezna, not Ixion. Although there were some more dour members of the Church of Ixion who lamented this, Shi always gave them a bit of grief about it when he could.
Ixion and Desna were not enemies, nor allies. The two Immortals were of different houses in the heavenly realms, and had little direct contact. So it was not seemly to act so, at least in Shi's opinion.
Not needing to sleep, the creature had gone home after discussing things with Hemlock, Tesarani, and Ynja. It had taken a long bath, cleaned it's fur, combed it and oiled it with scented oils. Then it had put on it's best silk overlay over it's annointed armor, the one that it had purchased ahead of time that had swallowtail butterflies flying around Ixion's sun symbol. Putting it's holy symbol on full display for the celebration, Shi was at the square early, volunteering wherever needed.
As the celebration started, Shi was playing 'wrangler' for the smaller children, keeping them entertained before the start at the early hour. The creature always fascinated children, and it had plenty of history of dealing with youngsters. This was it's 16th festival, and so as the ceremony got under way, the creature quietly whispered what each bit of the ceremony meant to the small gaggle of kids that were under it's watchful eyes and ears, explaining what the priest was saying in the foreign (to most) language, it's voice never raising above a soft whisper that only the nearest could overhear.
[dice=Perception]1d20+18
The eidolon's attentive oversight of the settlement's most diminutive residents is arrested by intrusion of a familiar, brusque tone,
"I suppose propriety demands that I at least make an appearance, noble one, but duty does not always lead acquiescence, in this as in so very many of our mortal endeavours."
Brother Theodore Saturnius, the local chaplain of the Basilica of the Immortal Ixion assumes a relaxed stance beside Shi'Vatha. His glistening white toga and brilliant gold-cloth tunicle comprise the standard vestitutre of local adepts of Ixion. He gestures lackadaisically at the small shrine with the cockatiel effigy which represents the Immortal Sheyln, another important from distant Skothar. It is said she is a patron of the Imperial House of Minkai.
"Did you know that some believe Ixion and this foreign interloper to be one and the same numinous entity? The audacity of our modern philosophers astounds me some times. I attended the academy in Thayatis city, but some times I still feel at a loss for the slant of mind of my urban counterparts. It's as if they have forgotten the sure words of their fathers and traded them for the shiniest bauble that can be plucked from the tottering shelf of the present." He shakes his head in resignation. "May the Immortal pardon their errors."
In contrast, Vincent's attire is simple white linen, long, loose pants and a vest that leaves the tattoos on his muscular chest and arms readily visible. His clothes are clean and unwrinkled. With a gracious bow and a flourish, he produces a still dewy flower, presenting it to the innkeeper. "Miss Ameiko, a pleasure to see you again. Please accept this humble token of my appreciation. Tens of festivals, you say? Sounds like a traveling carnival's dream. However, with respect to your homeland and the illustrious Immortal Desna, I suspect that you are the loveliest sight I will behold this day," he says with a cheeky grin.
Ameiko receives Vincent's impromptu botanical offering with a comically exaggerated affectation, deftly effecting n obviously-rehearsed burlesque caricature which mimics both the posture and cadence of a blushing maiden,
"Oh noble sir, I am indeed overcome!
She quickly resumes her conventional inflections, grinning mischievously as he half-whispers the following to Vincent:
"However, if I was to live up to my duties of offering sound advice to my patrons, I'd avoid such comparisons in the presence of the kami's image. Though she may at first appear thoroughly domesticated, there are esoteric traditions in Skothar, some of which have been preserved among my family, that suggest the Immortal Desna is in fact a much older, stranger, and even, dare I say it, a more terrible entity than many of her divine fellows."
"Consider the commonly-recited myth that recalls her expulsion from the dark vault by the oni Lamashtu -- if you think about it, that suggests Desna's native territory is the Dark Tapestry, Nightmare Realm, or one of the infernal regions, perhaps even the same cosmological locality as the well-known story's antagonist. And we was then expelled to our corner of the cosmos, but perhaps her true nature remains... somehow still other?"
In any event," he mischievous smile increases, "You never know what trouble you might stir up by unwittingly attracting the ire of such a being."
Takes another sip of coffee, folds her paper and starts writing on another page.
Takes another sip of coffee, folds her paper and starts writing on another page.
Kaye Tesarani, the elegant mistress of the local bordello, known as the Pixie's Kitten, approaches Ynja in the common room of the Rusty Dragon. The flame-haired vixen saunters with an air of unmistakable confidence to Ynja's table, waiting until her baroque vestiture casts a bizare shadow on the lady gun-slinger to speak any form of greeting,
"Well, there, how'd you sleep after your little nighttime adventure?"
She yawns slightly, effecting a preternaturally-acurate imitation of a languid vupline,
"I could scarcely get back to sleep after all the excitement, and now I fear I'm going to pay dearly for it today by nodding off during the Festival. With my luck, one of the colorful little insects end up landing on me, and everyone will know my secret shame!"
Ynja notes the shadow and then looks up to hear the woman speak.
After she slowly puts her note book and pen away, then looks up at the woman.
Meeting her eyes.
"Before we get to more pleasantries, would you mind terribly if I ask for your name. "
She says this with a smile.
Ynja picks up her coffee and takes a sip.
"I am Commander Ragnavold by the way"
Ynja picks up her coffee and takes a sip.
"I am Commander Ragnavold by the way"
The elegant lady pauses for a moment, her mouth slightly agape, as if taken with an unexpected surprise. Then, a small chuckle escapes her plump ruby lips,
"Oh, you'll have to pardon me, I do sometimes get ahead of myself, you see. It's just that your curious little friend described you to Belor in such detail that I felt like we'd already met. He's a peculiar little fellow, that Shi'Vatha, though, isn't he?"
"In any event, my name is Kaye, Kaye Tesarani, and I am a local entrepreneur of this delightful little town."
"I am delighted to make your aquaintence, Madame Commander, especially since we now seem to have some rather unwelcome company in our midst, if the little one's report about the Heldann's nocturnal activities is anything upon which to weigh the truth."
Kaye then leans in and half-whispers in a conspiratorial fashion,
"You'd be wrong, however, to take those louts on their faces. Shi'Vatha told me all about their apparent disinterest in your womanly charms. But, lady friend, I'm here to tell you as something of an expert on the, how shall we say, rather more tangible matters of the heart, that the Heldanns are by no means ascetics of any kind or sort."
She snorts derisively,
"I tell you, small parties of their self-righteous conventicle have been making brief detours in Sandpoint over the last couple of months, and several have availed themselves of the company offered by the courtesans and escourts who contract with my humble establishment. I think we may have even entertained the loud-mouthed one Shi'Vatha mentioned on a previous expedition. His tastes were... exotic, to say the least, and the smallest part of that was that he selected one of my finest male companions, a handsome gentleman of mixed heritage, the father being a Nuar of the Pearl Islands, far to the south of these frigid reaches. And I rather doubt the blustering youth's superiors, or his fellow knightly brother, would be pleased to receive news of his assignation with a companion of such origins."
Kaye snorts again,
"They're just like all the rest of the Immortals' devotees -- say one thing, and do another, and expect the thinking ones of us to have the good manners not to notice the discrepancy."
The eidolon's attentive oversight of the settlement's most diminutive residents is arrested by intrusion of a familiar, brusque tone,
"I suppose propriety demands that I at least make an appearance, noble one, but duty does not always lead acquiescence, in this as in so very many of our mortal endeavours."
Brother Theodore Saturnius, the local chaplain of the Basilica of the Immortal Ixion assumes a relaxed stance beside Shi'Vatha. His glistening white toga and brilliant gold-cloth tunicle comprise the standard vestitutre of local adepts of Ixion. He gestures lackadaisically at the small shrine with the cockatiel effigy which represents the Immortal Sheyln, another important from distant Skothar. It is said she is a patron of the Imperial House of Minkai.
"Did you know that some believe Ixion and this foreign interloper to be one and the same numinous entity? The audacity of our modern philosophers astounds me some times. I attended the academy in Thayatis city, but some times I still feel at a loss for the slant of mind of my urban counterparts. It's as if they have forgotten the sure words of their fathers and traded them for the shiniest bauble that can be plucked from the tottering shelf of the present." He shakes his head in resignation. "May the Immortal pardon their errors."
Shi looks toward the image of Ixion as the immortal is known in the lands of Minkai, and chuffs softly. "Now now, Brother, it is unseemly to be upset in front of children. They are a blessing from Ixion, for his glory is reflected in their bright eyes and beautiful smiles." The eidolon reproves him mildly, but with obvious humor. "Let us not be dower on any occasion that allows him to show so much of his essence, for even in the rituals of other Immortals, it is Ixion's essence that shows in the laughter and joy of the children."
The creature turns back to the children for a bit, explaining how Shelyn is the sun goddess of Minkai, and how her teachings parallel Ixions, although he doesn't go into detail. With a suppressed chuff, it tells the children loud enough for Brother Theo to overhear. "And don't be concerned children, I'm very certain that Lady Shelyn is not at all irritated to be called Noble Ixion on occasion."
ARE YOU, 'LADY SHELYN'? I'VE ALWAYS WONDERED, IS IT CONFUSING WHEN YOU HAVE TO BE TWO PEOPLE AT ONCE AT THE SAME TIME? It thinks toward it's patron, unsure if it will get through, or not, the odd dual existence, with most of itself in a state of grace in the upper realm leads to oddness all the time, which is both refreshing and annoying by turn, and sometimes it's heard and ignored, sometimes it's heard and answered, and sometimes it's not heard, but it has no way of knowing which is which. It's mental voice is however filled with gentle amusement.
Vincent's grin expresses that he knows he is being a bit corny, but doesn't mind at all. "Fair enough, though I may risk it for another of your smiles. Is it not peculiar to venerate one with such... questionable origins?"
Ameiko winks winsomely at Vincent,
"Well, who says the Kajitsu's are so respectable anyhow? Maybe Ama-tsu-mika-boshi-Ame-no-kagase-o-no-Kami is just the perfect Immortal for scoundrels like us?"
Ynja suspects that If she had got a such a detailed description off her lover, then she would know Ynja was a mind reader. Ynja wanted to see the womans reaction. If Ynja can deduce something about her with out reading her mind.
All Ynja Kn skills are +10, so I will take 10 for 20 on all Kn skills.
what can her inspection of her tell Ynja about her.
With that she will do a
In the mean time she will keep the conversation going.
Ynja chuckled along with Tesarani and shows no recognition at her name when she gives it.
"That is the way with such types, 'the stricter the collar that slacker the pants' as they say. Men then, just finding relief from the stress of work."
She looks around the room and back at Tesarani.
"You must have a lot of such knights come your way, I bet you have a tale or too about the proclivities of such men. You know I know a Nobel here about's who like to have his..."
She stops as if remembering that her visitor was standing, Ynja points to a seat, and places a coffee mug in front of Tesarani, pouring some.
"If you have the time, I could tell you. I love a good gossip about the odd things men get up too"
She smiles a conspiritus grin as one girl to another.
Henric wakes from his rest, washes, and sets about exploring the festival. He is constantly in motion, walking around, through, and between all the physical bounds of the festival. He does not have an explicit purpose, but is simply curious about everything. He pauses for a while to listen to Shi'Vatha's explanations to the children finding them enlightening.
Aleister arises an hour before dawn, and spends time in quiet contemplation, mediating on his goddess' teachings. He uses this time to shift his normal spiritual focus to a more martial one. He often did so when in a new town or city, as they are often places of trouble. Best to be forearmed and forewarned.
He then heads down to the common room in time for breakfast and looks for his fellow brother monk.
** spoiler omitted **
Ynja chuckled along with Tesarani and shows no recognition at her name when she gives it.
"That is the way with such types, 'the stricter the collar that slacker the pants' as they say. Men then, just finding relief from the stress of work."
She looks around the room and back at Tesarani.
"You must have a lot of such knights come your way, I bet you have a tale or too about the proclivities of such men. You know I know a Nobel here about's who like to have his..."
She stops as if remembering that her visitor was standing, Ynja points to a seat, and places a coffee mug in front of Tesarani, pouring some.
"If you have the time, I could tell you. I love a good gossip about the odd things men get up too"
She smiles a conspiritus grin as one girl to
...
The newcomer's interest appears to be genuine -- Shi'Vatha's description of the tattoo-covered warrioress who accompanied him on his nocturnal excursion was apparently detailed enough that Kaye was able to pick out Ynja from the crowd in the Rusty Dragon.
Kaye daintily seats herself besides Ynja, rolling aside the voluminous folds of her elaborate dress with practiced ease. She gratefully receives a cup of the steaming caffeine from Ynja, and then proceeds to flavor her coffee with a stream of rose-water scented cream. As it progressively lightens the tincture of Kaye's coffee, Ynja increasingly wonders if Kaye's administrations will abate. If she continues at this pace, the liquid will be ultimately transformed into a uniformly dairy compound, the coffee having been forgotten in a sea of enriched milk additive.
"Well then, isn't that the truth Ms. Ynja -- it even applies to my sweetheart Belor. He was a thoroughly buttoned-up shoanti warrior when we first met, and I've been working diligently to relax that characteristic grimace of his ever since."
Her expression shifts to a wistful close-lipped smile,
"But enough about me, sweetie, what brings a dashing figure like you to our humble little settlement?"
Ynja nods as she talks and is astonished at the milky drink her companion is now sipping. She herself likes it strong and black, She leans back mug in hand.
"Well that is a long story, and a tragic one, I wan't go into the details of when and where's but you see. Not long ago I was decommissioned from the army, after fighting long and hard for a number of years. Well early on in the fight I meet a dashing young half elf captain from a Nobel family. Younger son seeking to make his name. Well at and officers ball we meet and well the moon was bright the stars twinkling the gardens extensive."
She took another sip, and looked up at the celling as if back in the moment.
"A happy few mouths, then disaster, he was ordered into my unit. Well of course there could be no fraternisation with in the ranks as officers in the same unit. And as his commanding officer I could show him no favouritism. Then came the day a battle where I was given the order to send unit into a perilous position. But O how I did not want too, but all the other units where underman and had been fighting most of the day. His was a full strength and fresh. He came to be and pleaded saying that no matter our feelings for each other, that the lives of the common trooper counted for far more. If we could not halt the push of the enemy attack well.. So I ordered into into the main fighting, I know it was a forlorn hope attack but. He went. He blow me a kiss as he rode in front of unit charge."
She looked down as if sad,
"Hours passed and the battle ranged around the command post. I wanted nothing more than to run and find a mount. To charge off and find my love. But I could not. Duty bound me to that spot. As night feel word came that the enemy had called a retreat. Our clerics where out picking up those on our side who could be revived. They found him, dead, but I would not rest. There is an art in the cleric craft that and bring life to the resent dead. I used all I had to bring a high ranking healer to our death tent, and give him life once more. Hanging by a thread and hurt terribly. I had him sent back to his Noble family on the next flyer out."
She looked back up as sad look on her face.
"But I had taken on an indenture to the army as part of the payment for his life. So I had to fight on. We are not talking a few mouths, I signed away 5 long years. When I could I sent letters back asking after my love. And got letters back from his family saying he was still gravely ill. So I did my time, fighting in some of the most bloody battles of late. Then a few weeks ago, My time was up, my duty done. At once I packed and rode like a Devil to my loves estate. I could not wait to send a letter saying I was coming for my ride would have me pass it.So one bright day I arrived and went to the manner house door. Banging on it hoping to be rushed up to my loves sick bed. The door opened and to my shock there was my love, himself with a look of shock on his face. Beside him a tall elf, holding a child. "
Ynja, looks away and talking out from her sleeve a small favor, wipes away a tear. She dabs both eyes and then slips it back. Then as if regainer her composer, she looks back.
"Lies, all lies. His family had lied to him, told him I was dead. They had stopped every letter I had sent getting to him and set me back what they felt would keep me away, thinking I would be killed and then their lie would never be found out. Why lie? greed that's why. A rich elf family with a daughter seeking a husband. A dashing war hero just back and recovering, but by wounds and lost love. All they had to do was get her to nurse him back to health. Marriage and a child came soon after."
She gritted her teeth.
"It all came out that day with anger rage and shouting, I walked out after an hour. I felt empty, it was not the lies, not the lass. It was the fact I had kept myself throughout five years of bloody soul grinding horror, seeing countless beings perish in terrible manners alive with hope of being with him once more. That day I lost all hope, and just rode until my mount failed, then I walked, and walked some more. Until here. Where you find me now."
She seemed to relax now, seemingly having put voice to feelings. She took another sip of coffee, shifting around to better face Kaye .
"Well now you know, it's all so painful, so let's change subject. How about yourself, how did you arrive at this in this fine town, and end up doing what your do?"
She ask enquiringly. seeming to very much to put pain behind her.
|
Having been robbed by an invisible thief the evening before in one of her favorite tea houses, Pai Song went to bed quite angry.
Seemingly times had changed, nobody even trying to help a bard and entertainer in a place like that! Luckily she didn't have that much gold in that purse, or at least she didn't remember. Maybe she had a bit too much Sake.
The next morning she did her morning dressing and washing routine, as a representative of Shelyn there were some expectations to be met, cast the usual spell to stay clean and fresh all day on herself and then went for breakfast, steamed dumplings and a big cup of a matcha green tea almond milk shake.
She then left for the festival grounds, to see what was all going to unfold on this day. She had fond memories of centuries of festivals and always enjoyed them, looking forward to another wonderful time.
Wondering, wether she would meet any of those new faces in town she spend the last evening with, but also a bit worried that invisible thief would show up again.
Morgan growls from in bed as people keep banging and stomping their way down the hall, as if there was a fire. There wasn't, though, other than in his head. "Egrmph..." he mutters to himself, as he stirs and begins the process of trying to get up. Looking briefly at his weapon and armor, neatly stacked up and cared for despite his inebriated state last night, he considers whether or not to don it before breakfast. He considers leaving it in his room, but looking at his hammer he quickly decides against leaving it behind. New town, and he had no real idea what the locals were like. He hesitantly begins the process of re-donning his armor, and finishes by lovingly placing his hammer in it's place strapped to his back. The weight of it all makes him feel much more comfortable.
He then slowly makes his way out of his room and hobbles down to the common area, making a straight line for an empty spot at the counter. When he gets the attention of someone, he'll growl out "coffee, and food, whatever's warm..." As soon as the coffee is delivered, he lifts it to his lips, drinking despite the scalding hot temperature of it. He grimaces just a little, but then immediately goes for another drink. He finishes the first cup before the food arrives, and motions for a refill before tearing into the food. Starting to feel slightly more human with a full belly and a couple of cups of coffee down, he finally begins to take in the rest of the common room.
He notices the odd woman from the previous night, Ynga? Yana? Something like that. Too bloody early for names..., but she seems deeply involved in a conversation with another woman he doesn't recognize, so he'll simply nod if she notices him. Then there was the monk fellow, engaged with his own morning meal. He didn't immediately recognize anyone else, but he kept his eyes open while he nursed his third cup.
She leans back and whats to see what the other woman says. but seeing
Morgan's she tips her finder to her forehead in greeting.
Unseen and Under the table her hand slips to her gun, resting on it.
She leans back and whats to see what the other woman says. but seeing
Morgan's she tips her finder to her forehead in greeting.Unseen and Under the table her hand slips to her gun, resting on it.
Though she listens attentively to Ynja's narrative, Kaye's reply to Ynja's invitation to share her own history is surprisingly terse, and more than a little disappointing,
"Oh, well, that's a long and not very interesting story, I'm afraid."
Clearly anxious to change the subject with the greatest possible speed, Kaye cocks her head gracefully in the direction of Morgan,
"Who's he, a friend of yours?"
Shi looks toward the image of Ixion as the immortal is known in the lands of Minkai, and chuffs softly. "Now now, Brother, it is unseemly to be upset in front of children. They are a blessing from Ixion, for his glory is reflected in their bright eyes and beautiful smiles." The eidolon reproves him mildly, but with obvious humor. "Let us not be dower on any occasion that allows him to show so much of his essence, for even in the rituals of other Immortals, it is Ixion's essence that shows in...
The eidolon's attentive oversight of the settlement's most diminutive residents is arrested by intrusion of a familiar, brusque tone,
"I suppose propriety demands that I at least make an appearance, noble one, but duty does not always lead acquiescence, in this as in so very many of our mortal endeavours."
Brother Theodore Saturnius, the local chaplain of the Basilica of the Immortal Ixion assumes a relaxed stance beside Shi'Vatha. His glistening white toga and brilliant gold-cloth tunicle comprise the standard vestitutre of local adepts of Ixion. He gestures lackadaisically at the small shrine with the cockatiel effigy which represents the Immortal Sheyln, another important from distant Skothar. It is said she is a patron of the Imperial House of Minkai.
"Did you know that some believe Ixion and this foreign interloper to be one and the same numinous entity? The audacity of our modern philosophers astounds me some times. I attended the academy in Thayatis city, but some times I still feel at a loss for the slant of mind of my urban counterparts. It's as if they have forgotten the sure words of their fathers and traded them for the shiniest bauble that can be plucked from the tottering shelf of the present." He shakes his head in resignation. "May the Immortal pardon their errors."
After a pregnant pause, a booming voice answers Shi'Vatha's inquiry, reflecting, if he is correct, a slight tone of amusement,
"IT IS A MATTER ABOUT WHICH NOT ONLY YOU BUT MANY OTHERS WOULD BE GLADDENED TO KNOW THE TRUTH."
Though she listens attentively to Ynja's narrative, Kaye's reply to Ynja's invitation to share her own history is surprisingly terse, and more than a little disappointing,
"Oh, well, that's a long and not very interesting story, I'm afraid."
Clearly anxious to change the subject with the greatest possible speed, Kaye cocks her head gracefully in the direction of Morgan,
"Who's he, a friend of yours?"
She looks back over at the guy at the bar.
Slowly Ynja pulls the revolver out of its holster under the table and points it at the woman's mid-drift.
"Him?, o his a great hero and leader of a band of fighters come to town to see the festival."
She moves her free hand to get the coffee mug.
she stakes a sip.
"His men should be here today I think they are camping at..."
She put the cup back down, then fixed the woman with a gaze.
"O, You where doing so well, but then you rushed it. I must hand it to you. What ever your real name is, setting yourself up as the local madam, seducing the law officer. Really very good work. But it was the meetings that let you down. Good cover but someone was going to notice and they did, just that one slip and your undone, news girl, your burned."
She says that last part with relish.
Shi gives a loud chuff, and seems cheered by something, and then waggles it's eyebrows at the children and makes it's tongue form a loop around it's muzzle while staring in two directions at once, garnering a round of giggles from the kids. Fortunately the mirth is covered up by the continued chanting of the lead priest.
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Pai Song mills about the festical, entertaining the crows with some music herself. She searches out a good spot and then begins to sing a song about the grace and beauty of Shelyn and how people should enjoy themselves on a festival, which would please the godess and bless them, then follows up with a lively tune on her shamisen.
Though she listens attentively to Ynja's narrative, Kaye's reply to Ynja's invitation to share her own history is surprisingly terse, and more than a little disappointing,
"Oh, well, that's a long and not very interesting story, I'm afraid."
Clearly anxious to change the subject with the greatest possible speed, Kaye cocks her head gracefully in the direction of Morgan,
"Who's he, a friend of yours?"
She looks back over at the guy at the bar.
Slowly Ynja pulls the revolver out of its holster under the table and points it at the woman's mid-drift.
"Him?, o his a great hero and leader of a band of fighters come to town to see the festival."
She moves her free hand to get the coffee mug.
she stakes a sip.
"His men should be here today I think they are camping at..."
She put the cup back down, then fixed the woman with a gaze."O, You where doing so well, but then you rushed it. I must hand it to you. What ever your real name is, setting yourself up as the local madam, seducing the law officer. Really very good work. But it was the meetings that let you down. Good cover but someone was going to notice and they did, just that one slip and your undone, news girl, your burned."
She says that last part with relish.
Shi gives a loud chuff, and seems cheered by something, and then waggles it's eyebrows at the children and makes it's tongue form a loop around it's muzzle while staring in two directions at once, garnering a round of giggles from the kids. Fortunately the mirth is covered up by the continued chanting of the lead priest.
Brother Theodore regards the eidolon with an expression something like exasperation as he continues to observe the proceedings from the edge of the ceremonial enclosure.
It had worked, Kaye was shocked and could not help but regress to her upbringing and arrival here. Shock would do that.
She bright her hand up and slapped the table.
"HA! had your there for a moment, the look on your face..sorry, I know, bad joke. It's my sense of humor. Come on its a festival."
She leans in again.
"You know if I was to tell my fellows from last night about your establishment, I have a feeling they would want to come and sample your wares."
She said with a grin.
"And all I ask is a free one for me as commotion"
She winked at Kaye, and called over to Morgan.
"Hay! Morgan!, come over here, I want you to meet someone"
Aleister finishes his breakfast quietly, then makes his way outside. However, as he does so, he pauses as Ynja slams the table. Looking at Kaye, he asks "Everything okay here?"
She looks over at the surly monk from the night before, she looks back at Kaye.
"Mr happy himself, trust me Kaye, he's not the type to become a customer."
She winked again with a half smile. Then back across the room.
"Morgan, your more the type to like what this lady has to offer."
Shi chuffs softly, a bit of exasperation is good for the soul, it makes one question ones self, and confirm ones beliefs.
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Shamefully aware that her Shamisen performance was quite off and did not please the crowd, Pai Song makes a break.
Seeing a face familiar from the night before, she approaches the monk.
@Brother Ionacu:
Hello there! I saw you in the rusty dragon inn last night, isn't that right? Did you enjoy the performance? I know the shamisen was a bit off, i beg forgiveness. Are you here for the festival?
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I've been in Sandpoint for quite some time now.
She hints at her slightly longer ears.
You see, my kind lives a bit longer than most humans. Thanks for the compliment.
She smiles knowingly, but then gets a bit more serious.
No i didn't personaly witness any more peculiar things, but it seems there were some lately. I'm no stranger to Thassilonian lore, it is a very interesting subject. Koi are wonderful though. Did you see the pond nearby at the temple? We can go on a walk and i show it to you, it isn't far.
** spoiler omitted **
Aleister nods his head in greeting to Ynja "Well if it isn't the young lady who ran away from the conversation last night. Tell me, how is that mere words frightened and offended you so?"
Ynja looked at the monk now.
"Tell me, are you the celibate monk type?"
She asks him.
"What do you know of the seven virtues of rule and the seven sins of ruin?" He asks in reply.
She looked at the opulence of his dress, the pride in his stance, the symbols on his skin. Here was a man from days long gone. The demanding tone of his words, From the night before and today. Sanding there, as if a lord. Pour arrogance, she had seen many just like him in the 'school' wars as they where known now. Could he be that old, their where still a few left. And her, the same designs on her skin, symbols from a long forgotten world. In a time before a star fell. She knew his type too well, she could not see into him, his mind was locked shut like a wall off.... She shot back.
She winked of her mind read.
"Which one did you fall to monk, was it your pride or your wrath?"
Then she stood, looking down at Kaye she said.
"I am sorry Kaye, I suddenly found the air in here a little too oppressive. I do not wish to miss the main event of the festival so I bid you a good day and hope to visit your establishment soon."
She then walked to the door to leave.
"Neither, as I the balance between them." And then she is off again, running away from a conversation. He calls after her "Why do my words scare you so? I have met many who have run from battle, but never met a coward who keeps fleeing a discussion."