Volcano's Land - Unknown Depths (Inactive)

Game Master Miner Cotren

It is very strange to hear from Yen that the past few moments do not seem amiss to her.

"Are your silkies still ruined in your sight?" she asks--trying to judge whether she was under enchantment or something else. Supposedly this has been happening for three weeks.

Nempura this time bows in return to her elder and then looks to Novalie, who in a way looks familiar to a girl she used to play with up in the north when visiting her family, though much stronger and more threatening.

"Greetings Novalie," she says with an ambassadorial smile despite the flat looks that are opposite to any kindness in meeting someone new. It is odd to be stared at with so much intensity by the two newcomers from the North.

"Di, was he not from your village, and what questions did he ask you?"

Novalie's expression loosens up as she realizes she doesn't recognize any of the undines, "It is nice to meet all of you as well. I apologize for the momentary hesitation, I'm not used to meeting people who aren't shouting at me to do martial endeavors or some mindless physical exercise. I forget what polite company is."

While Nempura asks the seamstress questions, Novalie steps back a bit, casts detect magic and scans around the area.

I'm assuming zero like the prior post but she doesn't know those results.

When there is a pause, she'll ask, "You said he has robes and glasses. Can you describe him a bit better so that we would recognize him if we saw him?"

Are glasses something that "normal" people have if they have bad eye sight or are there only magical glasses? How common are they, as in no one else around here has them, rich people have them, or common people have them?

Nempura, all the black cocoons are gone.

Novalie - yes, no magic detected now

The seamstress replies, "Yes, of course my silkworms are dead and their cocoons ruined! You know this, mistress, please do not confuse an old ele!"

She turns to Novalie. "Umm," shaking her head, trying to remember more, "The glasses were quite large, distorting his eyes. His robes were fine, but not silk. They were black and red, could have been fingers, or palm trees, or flames perhaps, but that would be an odd choice for an undine."

Novalie and Freya, you recognize this as a description of an inquisitor of Volcano, though you don't think you have ever met this particular undine she is describing

"As for the questions he asked, mistress, they were of a personal nature. Asking if I had ever..." her voice catches for a moment, "lost any children. I don't know how he knew, or if it was some awful joke..." She swallows, trying to clear her throat. "I'd rather not say anymore."

Like the others, Iryani listened and had her own thoughts about what was going on here. She didn't feel like sje could help the old lady in any way. Feeling helpless was neither a good feeling, nor one she was used to.

Freya listened carefully to the others, trying to piece together what might have happened. "Strange, it's rare for an inquisitor to be so far (south?). Still, it is the time of year for all manner of travelers. As for your lost child... I don't mean to intrude, but is it possible for us to hold a small ceremony? I may only be a Valiant, but I know the rituals of passing as well as any other."

The paladin is well aware that her offer might be a faux pas, but it is all she can do at this point. If I'm correct, the spirit of this ele's child may not have moved on properly. Perhaps it is taking it out on her other 'children', the silkworms."

Nempura takes in a steady breath as she tries to ascertain Madam Yen's mental state. She seems perfectly serious, and that is something that Nempura can not help. A peaceful hand reaches out to Madam Yen's and Nempura nods.

"I am sorry. I was trying to instill hope that some may yet live if you checked them again. I was not trying to be cruel."

At Freya's offer, there is a slight smile that comes over her lips. "So they aren't just tough, but have a touch of sensitivity. Perhaps with Madam Yen's mind at ease and some rest, she too will see things as they are..." In continuation of the offer of Freya, she will pipe up "...and I think we'll take our leave of you for a time. Get some rest." She would look to the other to confirm.

Madam Yen looks at Freya, squinting, trying to ascertain the nature of her offer. "You worship the Volcano I suppose, being an ifrit? You speak our tongue quite well, and your offer is kind. Maybe your rituals of fire and destruction will fix whatever is wrong with this place. Not tonight though, I'm too tired."

She bows deeply in acknowledgement to Nempura. Then, holding up a finger asking you to wait, she goes into the hut, shuffles around for some minute or two, and comes back out bearing a garment bag. "Here. I made this an age ago for my..." she clears her throat, "for my...daughter...but the sickness took her soon after. I believe you and she are of a size, and this is one of the finest I've ever made." She waves away any protest, saying, "Please, please, you have been so kind, giving me coin even when you expected nothing in return. It would do my heart well to see it worn by such a beauty."

Novalie's tone shifts into that of polite condolence, "I'm sorry to hear of your child I hope we didn't upset you. I thank you deeply for your time and the description of the man."

As they leave the seamstress, Novalie will walk close to Freya and in a lower, quieter voice ask, "An undine inquisitor of Volcano? That's interesting. It should definitely narrow down the field of who we are looking for. And why would he ask such a question of a seamstress here in an outer village?"

Slightly relieved at Madam Yen's refusal, Freya brings her fist to her chest and bows slightly. "Very well, madam. I'll return in the morning."

As Novalie pulls Freya aside, the ifrit is lost in thought. Her friend's voice pulls her to the realm of the waking and Freya nods. "I think he'll be fairly easy to find, though I'm not sure what he's doing here. The only undine Inquisitor that I know is my mother, maybe she'd know more about this guy. I could try writing her a letter... but it'd be a while before we'd hear anything."

Iryani stood silent at the side and was about to just leave. But she felt sorry for the old lady, even though she didn't know her at all. The others could see her debating with herself in her head.
Then she started walking away.
Ten steps later she turned around. "I wanna help. I can help. I'm a good tracker. I'm a hunter, you know." She presented the bow slung around her back to prove her point. "Maybe this problem is bigger than just some silkworms. But maybe it isn't. Maybe it's just helping an old lady make a living. Let's meet back here tomorrow, as you suggested. What time?"

Madam Yen was right. The Ifrit did speak their tongue well. Perhaps she was the one she had heard about a long time ago? Such tales probably weren't good to point out as being observed though. She bit her tongue.

A slight blush spreads over Nempura's cheeks at the thought of the pure compliments of Yen--not only that she thinks of Nempura as beautiful, but worthy to wear such a garment. "Your gift is a grand one," she consoles as she brushes her hands lightly over the silk--exploring the beauty of it. "I know that you are tired, but when you wake up, you will see that your kindness has restored everything to you." There is no way she could convince the elderly woman that she was no longer sitting in the muck that she had sat in for three weeks being tormented, so perhaps fresh eyes could see it, and that meant rest.

"I will try to bring honor to your daughter through my actions. I will treasure it," Seeing the others leave, she would bow one last time, and a deep one in thankfulness, before heading out. As she closes the door, she stands listening to the others speaking about helping find this villain.

"Pardon me," she peacefully, and almost quietly declares. "I can help too, and this is personal." With that, she will lower her heavy pack to the ground and carefully place the noble outfit inside.

At Iryani's interjection, Freya smiles warmly. "You sharp eyes would be a great help. Let's meet here around Seventh Candle."

However, when Nempura makes her will known, the ifrit struggles not to roll her eyes. "That won't be necessary, ma'am. Novi and I are trained professionals and if we do find trouble, that silk dress is best kept far away." Last thing I need is to be babysitting some noble on the job.

letting the conversation continue for the moment, it is all excellent and I don't want to interrupt, just letting you know I am here

Novalie nods at Freya's statement, "Yes, I wish we could seek your mother's advice too. But it appears we will have to handle this ourselves. Finally something a bit more interesting than marching and drilling all of the time."

Looking at the others and smiling, "We have someone who is eagle-eyed to aid us and someone who has a great way with words and many contacts we can consult. This'll be over in no time. More's the pity."

She looks over to Freya and takes a deep breath. "I shall see you in the morning and I hope you have a pleasant time with your family. Now, I need to go spend some time with mine. I will see you all tomorrow."

She'll turn around, take another deep breath, and go off to where her family's house was. She will stop at the door, knock politely, and wait until it opens.

"I thank you for the concern over this treasure I've just been given. It is safe in my bag for now. I too will be here at the seventh candle."

She wouldn't take no for an answer it seems. Yet in slippery fashion she volunteers herself. She will do it with or without them, but she figures she might as well try it with them first.

"Thank you," she kindly replies with a matching smile to the offer so graciously given by Novalie. "I also have been trained in the arts of combat, watersinging, and much more. I hope I can be of some use to you kind professionals."

Her eyes trail to Freya's to confirm, not that it is her right to stop Nempura. Nothing in her tone is anything but kind and sweet. Without a doubt, others of the Swem would be less than cordial with Freya at times, and it wasn't like she deserved Nempura's kindness. Yet she got it despite her offensive behavior.

Novalie, as is customary, your mother answers the door when no visitor is expected. She wears a proper robe for her station, neither too fine nor too coarse. Her hair is pinned properly, neither too long nor too short. A proper face, showing neither happiness nor sadness, only politeness.

She looks at you; her face does not change. "Your father is out. Will you have tea?" After all the years, this is all she has to say.

Freya, are you going to your own family now?

Nempura, I imagine your father rented the best inn for you in the village ahead of time. Let me know if that's where you are headed.

Also heading home Iryani?

Freya is heading home, yes.

Freya, in a stilt house not so far away from Novalie's family you find a very different welcome. Your aunt--your mother's younger sister--spots you coming from an open window, and rushes out the door and down the ladder to greet you. Her aqua hair is done up in a messy ponytail, and her robe is has pieces of tatsoi greens on the front - she is no doubt cooking one of her savory stir fry recipes.

"Freya! Mother and Giant, you grew up. So strong! Come in, we're just about to eat!" She grins widely, showing the laughter lines the years have gifted her. She waves you in, motioning a gentle reminder to take off your boots before entering.

I only put the hour on the last page, not the date, so for reference:

It is Ashday, Giantrites the 17th.

Novalie nods to her mother, "Yes mother, I would appreciate that. It has been a long journey and your tea would be a welcome refreshment."

She removes her dirty shoes and leaves her travel soiled gear outside. Entering her old home she sits at the table and quietly waits while her mother makes the tea.

Looking around the room, she notices that many things have changed a little and many things are unchanged. The changed things look odd and out of place, mismatching her memories. The unchanged things remind her of happy times in her youth. She tries to suppress the unhappy memories wishing to focus on the good.

When her mother returns with the tea and sits at the table, Novalie takes the cup and sips from it and says, "The tea is excellent mother, thank you."

The two sit in silence looking at each other. Novalie tries to not fidget. Eventually, the weight of the silencing pressing on her, Novalie asks, "Will father be out long?"

As the other eles disperse, she heads toward the inn that her father had established a room for her. She knows it will not be grand, as this was a small village compared to her city. Part of her is tempted to abandon it all and go camping, but she doesn't want to slight her father's kindness. For safety sake, she decides it is better to err on caution. She wants to complete her southern pilgrimage after all.

Nempura walks up to where the sign over the door indicates an inn and looks around before opening the door. Her heart still hurt for Madam Yen, and part of her hopes that the purveyor of the dark magic was still in town. Given what she just witnessed, she believes he is, so she watches her back to make sure she isn't followed. If everything seems safe, she will open the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 To make sure she isn't followed.

Iryani took another detour on her way home, knowing, nothing interesting awaited her there. She went through the landscape her trail forming a long arc, before she reached the other end of the town, which was close to her home.
"Nothing, mother. As I said. Everything's sold out. Probably by yourself." Then she returned to her brother and awaited dinner and sleep.
She couldn't sleep very well, though. She was thinking about the people she met and the slikworms...

A smile spread slowly over Freya's face, this is what she'd been looking forward to. Spending time with her family. She take her aunt in big hug and follows her inside, catching the scents of fresh cooked food in the air. As she removes her boots, Freya asks the question that's been on her mind all day. "How's Illiya doing? It feels like it's been forever since she left Hearth."

Freya looked around her aunt's home, partially to take in the sights and partially to find somewhere to take off her armor. Nothing felt better than taking that weight off at the end of the day.

Novalie, your mother almost smiles. In that all too familiar tone, she says, "Well, you know your father is busy. Fishers need their nets, just as he would say. You of all elens should know-"

I didn't see anything specifically about the parents, so I'm taking liberties if you don't mind. Your father is a master netmaker who also owns a modest netmaking business in town. Your mother comes from a family that has one or two watersingers in its history, but not a wealthy family (fallen on hard times)

As if on cue, your father walks in the door, well-dressed but smelling of leather nets and sweat. His face is still but a moment, then trembles, then breaks. He runs over to you, clutching you tightly, making sure you are alive. "I prayed to the Giant not to take you. Not to let you die without coming home."

But then a hint of the anger that has always been in him, erratic and unfair. A lined brow, slightly clenched fists. "You never sent a WORD! that you were alive! How dare you-!"

Unable to speak, walking away, breathing heavily, stopping. Regaining control, he turns to his wife and says, "Minh-em, have you not fed our daughter?"

"myself", intimate way to refer to spouse

you see no evidence of being followed, all seems fine

Nempura, the inn is right on the border between charming and quaint, depending on your point of view: traditional rice paper walls inside, the smell of flat noodle soup from the kitchen. The middle-aged couple that greets you--obviously the proprietors--are dressed much more formally than the small inn requires. They bow once due to your wealth, and a second, deeper time when they realize you are a watersinger. The warm, effusive ele inquires after your health, whether you are hungry, and if you will be requiring a bath, and your preferred water temperature.

Freya, your aunt shrugs at your question. "Illiya only tells me of all the work she dislikes, precious little of what she likes. I know she has vowed to never again try," she begins counting items on her fingers, "weaving, farming, hunting, or healing ever again." She laughs, a bit raspier than you remember, "So she is trying fishing today. I am sure she will let us know all the details when she returns for the day."

She takes you by the shoulders, looking fondly at you. "And she will be delighted to see you. Her big sister. And tell me Paladin-cháu, what have you been up to these years? I heard the occasional news from you and your brother of course, but I would love to hear more."

roughly Miss Paladin or paladin-child, said in a friendly familiar way

Iryani, your mother clucks and makes a few half-hearted scoldings in your direction, but she sees something in your eyes, still haunted by the darkness of the seamstress' hut, that tells her to leave you be. The meal goes quickly, and the succor of sleep awaits.

With no apparent threat to her, Nempura's heart settles and she closes the door behind her. The inn is actually more appealing to her than she initially thought and she respectfully bows to return the kindness of her innkeepers.

She inquires after her host's names, probably a behavior less common among nobility and then would go about making sure her desires were met.

"I would enjoy some bread and whatever fish was caught today," she confers--an actually easy, humble meal for a noble. "A warm bath would be lovely. Also, do you have a full-length mirror available in the room? If not, that's fine, but I'd like to use one if on hand."

Nempura will follow the innkeeper to the room, and once left in peace with her food, she will eat and then she will begin to unpack and to prepare for her bath. If there is a mirror provided, afterward, she wants to try on the noble outfit. As expected coming from Madam Yen, a perfect fit. Before she undresses for bed, Nempura uncoils her hair from how it was done up, brushes it for a long while. She grooms her eyebrows, puts a balm on her lips, and sets her jewelry under her pillow all before heading to bed.

Freya laughs at the news of her sister. "Yes, that sounds like her. Sometimes I think she's secretly a sylph. Maybe she should try pursuing music or dancing, Illiya's always been lighter on her feet than me."

The ifrit takes a moment to stretch her weary muscles before slumping leisurely into a chair. She was tempted already to nod off, but the promise of food and seeing her sister kept the paladin awake. "Ah, well, I've mostly been hard at work with my studies. The last couple months have been tough, just alternating between scripture and drills with barely time sleep. I even had to stop playing brutbreve for a while! But this made it all worth it."

Freya pulls out a small silver medal, the holy symbol of the Order of Swords. It's plain with no additional markings, denoting her to be the lowest rank, but a paladin nonetheless. She couldn't help showing it off to all of her friends and family.

"Mother has been busy as well, trouble in the Dims, I think. She sends her best, but couldn't come down this year. And you know how Dad is, they're basically glued at the hip. You should have seen him after I made Valiant, you'd think I'd just been given key to the city!" Freya has difficulty stifling her laughter at the thought. However, her mood sinks as she brings up her brother.

"Valen's been distant for a while now, though I'd been so busy that I didn't really notice it until recently. We've barely talked. He's always struggled to find his path in life, but I thought he'd really turned around when he started working as a silversmith. I was planning to get my blade silvered. But he's been quiet ever since then. I hope he doesn't think I've abandoned him." She considers going for a cigarette, but decides not to in front of her aunt.

I didn't see anything specifically about the parents, so I'm taking liberties if you don't mind. Your father is a master netmaker who also owns a modest netmaking business in town. Your mother comes from a family that has one or two watersingers in its history, but not a wealthy family (fallen on hard times)

Take whatever liberties you wish, I generally thought of her as having parents who had a reasonable home with reasonable income - not destitute and not rich. You're spot on.

Novalie takes a deep breath and hangs her head, all of the bravado and pride gone from her voice, "I deserve every bit of your ire. I can only imagine what you have gone through all these years because of me and what I did. I know there is no way I can ever make sufficient recompense."

A few tears roll down her face and drip into her lap from her downturned face as her voice shakily continues, "I have no excuse for my actions for there is none sufficient for their magnitude. You should not feel obliged to observe customs. I have not earned that privilege."

Her voice chokes a few times as she adds, "I thought of you everyday and I wanted to send a message everyday. Every time I went to write one, I feared what you thought of me and your disappointment. I did not come home before because I could not contemplate seeing the pain written on your face. The longer I put it off, the larger the magnitude of the delay weighed on me and the deeper I loathed my actions."

Her voice steadies and she sounds very matter of fact, "The only word that encompasses me is 'coward'. And I was a coward to the very people whom I love the most."

She becomes silent, her head hung in shame, tears slowly running down her cheeks; the proud and fearless warrior looking shrunken and vulnerable.

Nempura, the innkeepers seem surprised and delighted that you take the time to inquire after their names, and other small niceties you show. Their names are Binh and Bian. Bian brings a full length mirror in a darkwood-and-pearl frame while Binh heats the water for you. They apologize that they must check on their other guests, and assure you to ask for anything you need during the evening and night. After your travels, the bed is wonderfully soft.

Freya, your aunt listens, both to the good and the bad. She gives you another hug, bursting with pride, when you show her your silver medal.

After a satisfying stir fry nicely spiced with lemongrass and ginger, your aunt clears the dishes and yawns. "I'm surprised Illiya isn't home yet. You can stay up if you wish, but bright (dawn) seems to come far too early for these old bones, even in the winter months."

She smiles and kisses your cheek, bidding you goodnight.

Novalie, more silence greets your words, though you cannot gauge the mood of it. Both their faces are unreadable now. Your mother is the first to speak. Clinging to propriety, she says, "You will stay the night, of course? How long can we expect you to stay?"

And the unspoken admonition: when are you leaving us again?

and I believe that takes us to "night time" for everyone, so feel free to narrate yourselves to bed. What thoughts enter your mind as you recall the events of the day?

I will plan on updating with a new in-game day tomorrow.

Bihn and Bian will receive from Nempura kind interest in their room capacity, the inspiration of decorum, and how they conceptualized the name "The Lucky Coral Inn." She legitimately cares about their place of business and inquires sincerely after it as they ready her room for the evening.

"Thank you for your hospitality," she offers to them as they seem set to depart to their other customers. "I will be up quite early and will be departing the inn temporarily for some personal errands around the seventh candle--if you could please hold my room," she informs. She isn't sure how long her father's payment will last, if it is for the one night or longer. "Also, I do not expect it, but if you are awake a little before that, any sort of breakfast you could make would be splendid. Otherwise, I have some of my own food. Please, do not trouble yourself by waking early on my account. However, if you are normally up that early, I typically eat very light in the morning. Anything will do."

Darkness comes and not long after her bath and trying on the outfit, she is asleep in her comfortable cotton robe bound at the waist. Nempura is one of those types who falls asleep immediately. After feeling the bed, she finds it somewhat adequate. No thoughts go through her mind that night except the tormented pain of Madam Yen. Like normal, she commands her mind to be silent and falls asleep quickly. She will be up early; as she has every day of her life. It has been trained into her by her military father. She can't sleep in if she wants to at this point. While the common or poor ele may be able to sleep in until it is time to work, Nempura grew up forced to be presentable even by the time of breakfast. That often meant waking up by the fourth or fifth candle without fail. The only reason she is able to sleep where others may not, is because she has trained her mind to think about what happened the previous day when she wakes.

Iryani goes to bed quickly, but doesn't sleep well.
not much more to RP here. Skipping to the morning.

Novalie replies to her mother, "Thank you mother, you needn't have offered that although I will stay and I am very grateful for the hospitality."

The holy warrior continues. "Freya and I recently graduated and we are here for the festival. I do not know exactly when we will be called upon, but I will stay as long as I can. The fight against the Dark never ends."

She eats the food in silence and when done, she cleans up the kitchen area. When her mother goes to protest, she smiles and says, "I will do it. No, I'm wrong, I need to do this." and continues on cleaning the food preparation area until it is spotless.

When it's time for bed, she wishes her parents good night, "You may not believe it, but I love you both. Good night, sweet dreams. I will see you in the morning."

She doesn't sleep much. Laying on her back in bed, she looks up at the shadows on the ceiling and thinks a lot about what happened back when she was young and what she's learned in the ensuing years.

Not for a minute does she believe leaving was wrong. Her parents forced her too hard to do what they wanted rather than what Volcano had set as her path. She almost wishes she'd left a note for them and messaged them, but she wanted to prevent them from stopping her or finding a way to have her sent back. She couldn't risk it her way forward was too important.

She rubs her volcano birthmark and silently speaks with her god, "This is the hardest task you have given me, Lord. I pray that I am up to the challenge."

As soon as it is light enough and before her parents are fully awake, she rises and goes into the rest of the house. She grabs the scrub brushes and soap and begins to scrub the floor on her hands and knees. When she hears them begin to rise, she will stoke the stove and brew the tea, then return to scrubbing the place from top to bottom.

When they enter the room and see her, she turns her head to look at them and jokes a little with a hesitant smile, "I've fallen behind on my chores."

She motions for them to sit at the table, she brings the tea and whatever food they are used to eating as breakfast.

Returning to the floor and continuing to scrub as only a military recruit can she'll say, "I've done this many times at the behest of people I don't care about, I will gladly do it here."

Freya enjoyed the meal, thinking on how different it was compared to food in Hearth. It certainly was better than rations though! After saying goodnight to her aunt, the ifrit takes a moment to indulge in an old habit. Taking a moment outside, Freya takes in the nighttime scenery of the undine village.

It was meditative in a way, letting her thoughts slowly drift through her mind. Silently, as she watched the smoke rise, Freya prayed for her friends and family. Satisfied, the young paladin finished her cigarette and retired to her room. Freya slept a restful but dreamless sleep.

Freya, you are surprised when your sister does not return home even candles later, but your travels were not easy and sleep claims you.

the next morning

In the morning, you find Illiya sleeping at the kitchen table, face down. At some sound you make, she starts awake, then holds her head tenderly, obviously hungover. "Ooooo, not so loud..." she moans.

you are surprised to see her this way. Your father is a famous drinker, and your mother absolutely hates the habit. You know your brother is no stranger to the drink same as you, but you somehow thought your baby sister stayed away from the stuff

Iryani, your entire family is caught up in hanging decorations, practicing songs, cooking food, and preparing offerings for the family shrines. If you wish not to be noticed, it is simple to do so.

Nempura, Bian is up at a very early candle as well, the kitchen already smelling of broth, cinnamon, and ginger. Bowing with as just as much deference as yesterday, she sets the pho in front of you, along with a cloth napkin cleverly folded to resemble a seashell. Unlike last night, this morning she wears a very simple homespun robe and no makeup. She smiles good day to you.

The breakfast soup is delicious, with transparently thin slices of tender meat among the rice noodles.

"That smells wonderful. Good morning," she offers kindly to Bian as she walks into the main room, looking as if she is ready for some high-class, adventuring event; with weapons at her side. No tiredness is in her eyes and she glows with radiance and beauty. "I slept well. It is a very comfortable room, and I thank you for rising and making this," Nempura comments towards the pho being scooped into a bowl for her. As he delivers it to where she sits, her hand traces over the seashell-shaped napkin, appreciating it before unfurling it to be used in proper fashion. A moment's hesitation brings forth an additional question to Bian before he leaves. "I was wondering, would you happen to have had anyone from out of town come in a few weeks ago? Specifically an el with a large set of glasses and black and red robes?"

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Novalie, you can tell your gestures touch both your mother and your father. Though neither of them is willing to admit it yet, you can see in a small smile here and an emotional brow there.

Your mother speaks first. "This was...well done, dear." A hesitation, the words difficult. "Thank you."

Your father, looking at the floor, seeing far back in time to a daughter he never thought would grow up, can only nod. The door closes behind him as he goes out for the day to his nets.

Novalie looks at her mother with kindness and love on her face, "You're welcome mother, I have much to repay."

"Freya might be around in a while, we arranged to meet up today and go out and see the festival. We also encountered a seamstress who had a strange visitor and afterwards all of her silkworms died. We'd like to see if we can help her. I will be back later today to see what more I can do around here." advises Novalie as she continues to clean around the house. She wants to prepare her mother for her going out as well.

Iryani was kept awake for quite some time, thinking about the dead slikworms and haunted by the dark feeling that overcame her. Something was not right.
Someone should lookt into this. Probably not me. Unless some boars raided the seemstresses house, I'm not particularly qualified...But those others looked really ready for the job. Weird people. Ifrits. Strange that they come to our festivities. Well, good for them to travel that far. I'd like that, too.

While she was rambling, she packed her things and stored them near her open window, easy to grab from the outside. Then she went to breakfast, only to notice that everybody was already done and busy with preparations. With her mother not in sight, she grabbed it and some more and sneaked out of the house into the hinterland.

@Novalie, are you really an Undone warpriest?

Nempura, Bian wrinkles her brow. "Glasses? Why would someone wear drinking glasses..." Then she understands. "Oh, yes yes, that sylph invention, like telescopes" she uses the word in Common, "yes? Seeing far away? Hmm...I have not seen such an el, but it is funny - there was an angry young ifrit asking a very similar question, about robes and glasses, a few weeks ago. He wore a strange, skinny sword, like a needle. Is this robed el a friend of yours?"

It is seventh candle.

narrate yourselves to Madam Yen's as you gather for the morning

Kindly she nods with a slight chuckle toward Bian at the comment of the glasses. "Yes, like telescopes," she responds and then listens. A puzzled look spreads over her face at the content given and she wonders who this mystery Ifrit is.

"Friends? No, but he may be connected to a family friend. All the same, if you recall where this Ifrit went, I would love to talk to him, as it seems we are both looking for the same person. I will be back hopefully later today if you remember anything."

The young watersinger then would begin to eat her breakfast, albeit a bit heavy for her for morning food. Typically some light rice or a slice of bread was sufficient for her. Lunch is generally her bigger meal of the day. As it nears the 7th candle, she looks down at her bowl. Although she worked on it for some time, she still has not eaten much of it.

"I'm sorry, I have no time left to finish this. I have somewhere to be by the Seventh Candle." With that, she would stand and would seem apologetic, and would return her napkin on the table. Not a drop was spilled on her. If Bian watched her eat at all, she moved with grace and proper etiquette the whole meal.

As she readies to leave, she offers, "May the Whirl Mother bless you," in thanks as she headed out to the meeting spot. She will try to be there a bit early, as she didn't want the others leaving without her just because she was a noble.

The sight of her sister hung over was a pretty funny to Freya, she remembered a time where Illiya was the one scolding her. With the shoe on the other foot, it was time for a little fun. "Hey there Illiya, never thought I'd see you like this. Guess you really are part of the Argento family, huh?"

Chuckling to herself, the paladin pours the beleaguered undine a shot of whiskey, making sure to set it down a little louder than she needs to. "Here, this should help you recover enough to crawl into bed. Get some rest sis, and I'll see you later, ok?"

It was going to embarrassing for illiya to explain herself to her sister, and Freya couldn't wait. It was probably going to be the funniest thing all day. But it was time to get going. The ifrit made her way back to the seamstress's place, though she stopped to grab breakfast first. Freya finally made her way back around a quarter after seventh candle.