Adventurers Verik and Larissa Vanderboren died one month ago, their ship tragically burning to the waterline in the harbor of Delvingulf, killing all on board. Now a grand wake is being held at the Standing Stone Park in the city’s Midnight District to celebrate the life and achievements of the two Drow nobles. Perhaps you’ve been invited because of your association with Verik and Larissa, perhaps you heard the revelry and wanted to see what the occasion was, perhaps you just hope to find some free food or even help yourself to someone else’s gold – regardless of the reason, you’ve found your way into the celebration.
A couple of banners adorn the entrance to the wake they each are of a crimson red bearing the crest of the Vanderboren family
As you enter, you pass a Strange-looking Gnomish woman wearing mourning clothes at the entrance to the park (Kora), greeting all who enter. Various well-dressed people wander the park, talking in hushed tones. A young drow noble woman, her long white hair pulled back into a ponytail, stands talking to an older woman – clearly her mother or some other relative – her eyes scanning the assemblage as she sips from a viper designed goblet. The young Drow woman hold a chain that is attached to two human slaves that she seems to like to flaunt around as a status of power.
Elsewhere, near a table with various Darklands plants and fungi delicacies and a centerpiece of a Giant beetle shell serving as a large bowl of various fire roasted vermin on sticks heavily seasoned, a Drow woman, a couple daggers adorning her hips, talks to her three companions, a drow male, a duergar, and a pale skinned half-Drow, all dressed somewhat less finely than the bulk of the guests.
Currently, Lady Lavinia Vanderboren is not present
Kora
the Young Drow lady
the young drow lady's relative
the drow woman with daggers
the Drow male
the duergar
the pale skinned half-Drow
Each of you have had connections with the Vanderboren family, you know of their Daughter, Lavinia and her older brother Vanthus. You are also familiar with the Major Domo of the house, an apparently bleached gnome by the name of Kora.
Huh. Good thing I decided to wear my dress blues today.
Nathrae walks into the park, her gladius belted to the side of her recently-cleaned uniform. The uniform itself is rather plain--it's a deep blue dress coat with a pair of gold-coloured chevrons stacked on the left shoulder, gold-coloured buttons running down the front and completed with a white belt, white gloves and matching deep blue trousers. Her black boots *clop* across the park's cobblestone paths.
Her hair looks to have been recently combed, even as it hangs down to her shoulders. It serves to contrast sharply with the decidedly unnatural blue-black hue of her skin. Her silver eyes take in the gathering, feeling slightly out of place amidst all the revelry.
Some more clicking on the cobblestones announces the arrival of another guest.
Anyone gazing at the newcomer sees a tall and skinny drow that is on the paler end of ebony and has not a hair on his head. He is adorned in neatly pressed light coat and trousers along with a wide brimmed hat. His hands wear simple black gloves and boots of the same color move across the cobbles.
Gazing about, he stands apart for now, taking in all of those present.
Aranda arrives. Her body is covered with a black spider silk robe. The Priestesses head is at least 6" higher than the next tallest person in the park.
Her companion is dressed in blackish brown robe. The attached hood covers his boney face.
As she arrives, Kora touches her arm. "Thank you for coming. I humbly request that you bless us with song."
Aranda bristles from the touch of a gnome. She resists the urge to cut Kora's throat and watch her bleed out on the ground. She smiles at the her, "How can I refuse such a gracious request?"
Kora smiles and then greets the next mourner.
The cleric steps into the reception area. Her companion helps remove Aranda's cloak. Her blackened suede bustier is strung with pearls on it's edges. Underneath, A white spider silk dress covers the rest her sizable body's frame. On her right arm, a silver arm cuff that looks like a grasping boney hand, pretends to seize her arm. A silver brooch of Urgathoa's unholy symbol covers her heart.
She listens to the soft music playing. Aranda looks from left to right and observes the band. The priestess glides to the orchestra. Most people step aside and give a respectful minor bow while saying the prayer, "Blessings from The Mother."
Aranda quietly talks to the band. She then sings a song about death and filling the flesh with pleasure while we live.
Noticing the male following her into the park, Nathrae sniffs.
"...quite a crowd. I didn't realize they were so well respected." She says, her voice a smooth contralto.
...indeed. I wonder how many will be sizing up potential rivals to their estate. Trevor's voice is low and smooth as he cocks his head at the singing.
A tall, muscular tiefling walks in, slowly scanning the area for threats. He nods to the majordomo, who nods in return, but he says nothing. While he has visible horns and is clearly a tiefling, he also appears to be drow-descended, with purplish skin, white hair, and elven features. He wears a tabard with the Vanderboren arms over black-lacquered banded mail, apparently polished for the occasion. He appears to be here for the wake, but also prepared for trouble, with a sword peace-bound in its sheathe and a shield strapped on his back. He checks the location of several guards, exchanging eye contact and nods with most of them.
"If it's anything like Zirnakaynin, all of them, I wager." Nathrae replies, a familiar chill starting to worm its way up and down her arms.
In an alleyway across the street from the park lurks a small figure covered by a tattered hooded cloak. Shikki waits for a while, carefully observing the people going inside, then fiddles with her sleeves to change her own clothing to better fit in. The Sleeves of Many Garments had been a gift from Larissa. "Better than having to carry an entire wardrobe around," she'd said with a wink. From her extremely brief glimpse into how the nobility lived Shikki was pretty sure carrying entire wardrobes around was part of how they showed off, but the Sleeves were useful for someone like her. She folds up the less-appropriate cloak and stashes it, hoping it will still be there when she returns, then heads for the gates.
Anyone watching as she arrives would see a young female ratfolk dressed in a high-necked, long-sleeved black mourning dress. A black hat is perched on her head. At a little under four feet tall and approximately 65 pounds she's significantly smaller than most of the guests. Her fur is an unremarkable dark grey, her eyes as black as her clothes. Her only distinguishing feature is a scar running down her face and across the bridge of her nose. That and the fact that she's a ratfolk; the only one currently in attendance.
She nods at Kora but doesn't stop to talk to the gnome. Kora's busy greeting guests so now is not the time to attempt a conversation. Instead she eyes the crowd for a moment before heading straight towards the food. Drow expect ratfolk to be greedy bastards. The more they believe she's just here for free food and a party the less likely they are to pay attention to her. Plus it helps her get close to the small group chatting nearby and covertly listen in.
She'd liked Verik and Larissa Vanderboren. They'd both treated her like a person, not a rat. She also doesn't believe for a second that their deaths were accidental. Were their killers the same people that had captured her and Verik before? Or someone completely different? It didn't matter. Whoever they were Shikki was going to find them and make them pay.
Nathrae can't help but tilt her head at the arrival by the buffet table.
...the Vanderborens moved in decidedly different circles from mine, didn't they? Then again, that'd be true of everyone else here, I wager.
The ratfolk lady in the mourning dress had the right idea, though. When trying to fit in at a social gathering, heading to the food table was a reliable strategy for either ice-breaking or conversation evasion.
She steps up to the buffet table--and for a fleeting moment a sharp chill runs up her leg and causes her to drag her foot. She stumbles slightly, catching herself on the table with a wince of annoyance.
"...dammit..." She grunts before taking a skewer of some manner of fried spider and munching on it.
Aranda's companion grabs a stylized silver plate with gold plated edges. Anyone paying attention can see the fleshless hand holding the plate with reliefs of fornicating drow. The companion fills the plate with food, and takes a bottle of elven wine with a glass. He returns to his mistress who continues to sing.
Pertinax also heads for the buffet. As the drow woman in front of him stumbles, he reaches out a hand, but pauses when she catches herself. Few in these circles would wish to be seen as weak, or accept aid. Still, though... "Ma'am, are you alright?" he says, pitching his voice not to carry beyond them. As he awaits an answer, he takes a glass of serpent wine from the table.
Nathrae’s head snaps up when she hears a male’s voice—this one decidedly different from the previous one—addressing her. Their eyes meet.
…well, isn’t he a handsome one? Something whispers in her ear. She nods in response to both questions.
”Yes, I am. Thank you.” She says before taking another bite of her spider. ”Enjoying the party so far?”
Seeing the others head for the table, Trevor moves over as well and takes a glass of wine for himself. Those that are inclined to observe him throughout the part notice that he only takes small sips and perhaps he partakes of the drink as a courtesy to others as they mingle.
Good evening. Alas we are meeting at an unfortunate time.
Kora continues to make her way among g the guest, she moves with little effort among so many taller than herself. And so silent, we're it not for her occasional greeting wod never realize she was there.
The armed group of four pause thier conversation as the ratfolk approached the table. They looked as though they were to make a move but as they turn to approach, Kora intervenes. Without a word spoken, they move back among the crowd looking for others that might be present to cause trouble.
Kora glances back at yhe table where several are starting to mingle,she smiles and moves on with her duties disappearing in the crowd.
The drow family squabbcontinues as their voices get softer and they now co verse in the secret sign language of the drow. The younger one clearly not likeing what the older one has to say.
Nathrae’s head snaps up when she hears a male’s voice—this one decidedly different from the previous one—addressing her. Their eyes meet.
…well, isn’t he a handsome one? Something whispers in her ear. She nods in response to both questions.
”Yes, I am. Thank you.” She says before taking another bite of her spider. ”Enjoying the party so far?”
Pertinax shrugs ”As much as I can, given the occasion, I suppose.” he pauses to take a sip from his goblet as he gestures toward one of the guards. ”Mostly I’m glad I didn’t draw duty today.” he extends a gauntleted hand ”I’m Pertinax, by the way.”
Shikki freezes as the group of four start to move towards her. She's not wearing her armor, she's not obviously armed...were they suspicious of her approach just because she was a ratfolk? Probably. Fortunately Kora intervenes and the group leaves.
So much for overhearing that conversation.
Although other conversations are coming to her. Initially she worries that these new arrivals are also planning to throw her out, (or worse), but it seems they're here for the food and to mingle. Should she leave or stay? Say something or be quiet? What's least likely to cause offense?
Maybe attending this party hadn't been a good idea after all. But damnit, she'll never learn anything if she doesn't take a few risks. "An unfortunate time indeed. I didn't know the Vanderborens for long and yet they left quite the impression. Their loss must be felt even more keenly by those who knew them better." She pours herself a glass of wine, trying to act casual even as her muscles tense. Time to see how these particular drow react upon being spoken to by a ratfolk.
The next to arrive is a tall, gaunt figure in the high-collared red mantle of the Witchwarden Tower Arcanists' Guild. Like the warrior in Vanderboren garb, he appears to be of mixed drow and... extraplanar blood. Beneath two small horns buried in his neat hair, a pair of eyes like empty pits look out onto the room, surveying the attendant guests. An emaciated hand extends from the mantle, clutching a long staff of bone in a death grip. His movements are quick and jerky, and any close enough to him smell faint whiffs of blood and embalming fluid.
At the sight of the squabbling drow, he grimaces briefly before his face resumes its usual dour expression. Nobles. Best not to meddle in their affairs without cause.
Noticing the knot of guests around the table, Thanaton moves in that direction himself, arriving just in time to hear the ascetic man's comments. His voice is a flat monotone punctuated at irregular intervals by strange inflections. "Indeed. The late Vanderborens were most generous and trustworthy employers, and they will be sorely missed."
He looks around at the other guests. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Thanaton Sirov. I frequently worked with Lord Verik in his archaeological pursuits. May I inquire as to your relation to the Vanderborens?"
"...Nathrae Khalazza. Ex-Corporal, formerly 2nd Company of House Volatexia." She introduces herself, her posture subtly straightening into military attention as she shakes Pertinax's hand.
The ratfolk speaking up causes her to tilt her head--even more so when it turns out the other male drow stepped up to the buffet table to speak to them.
Then the arcanist stepped up and spoke.
"I..." Nathrae clears her throat. "...I owed the Vanderborens a debt. They..." She wrinkles her nose and looks down at her covered arm. "...I was a guest of theirs in the wake of a military incident. They offered me employment, I decided to take them up on the offer." She sighs. "Should've gotten here sooner."
As the ratfolk speaks, Thanaton turns to her, nodding in assent at her statement. "This is so. The Vanderborens were good friends to my guild, and Lord Verik was a most forthright and honest man. He looks at Shikki for a moment. "Shall I assume, then, that you were in the Vanderborens' employ? If so, may I inquire as to your area of expertise?
The mage listens intently as the ex-corporal speaks, bowing his head briefly and stiffly once she finishes. "I was honored to serve Lord Verik as a translator, and I am sorry you did not have the chance to do the same. It is my hope that the surviving Vanderborens are amenable to a continuation of my employment, and I would welcome the chance to serve their house."
"That is my hope as well." Nathrae shrugs. "Otherwise, I'd have to make the trek back to Zirnakaynin and explain to my old employers that I'm not actually dead."
Pertinax regards the rat folk levelly. He has only small experience with their kind, but he’s hardly surprised to see one here. The Vanderborens had a wide network of friends, employees, and associates. Their majordomo was a gnome, after all. He blinks a couple of times, but before he can say anything, the other tiefling approaches. After his new acquaintance says her piece, he speaks up. ”My story is similar. There was an…incident, in which I assisted Lady Larissa in dealing with some unpleasant duergar, but I repeat myself,” he says, smirking briefly, ”and she offered me a position in her household guard.” he says, gesturing to the insignia on his tabard.
Nathrae snickers before taking another bite of fried spider.
Aranda is awarded with a few enthusiastic claps. She bows deeply and then leaves the stage. The cleric searches for Kora in the crowd. She gives quick greetings with nods of respect. That damn gnome. Where is she? the priestess thinks.
Aranda sees evidence to her prey by the moving bodies of the crowd. She finds and stops Kora. "I hope my singing brought you comfort in this sad time." She says reminding the gnome that she just did her a favor. "I humbly request that you would introduce me to the Young Drow lady." She says casting her eyes to the lady.
Trevor Culexis. Trevor inclines his head. The Vanderborens were my patrons and funded my education in alchemy and sciences such as anatomy. I made assurances that my skills would be available if needed and used my education to find employment within the city that has been quite fruitful.
Trevor's mentioning of being educated in anatomy causes Nathrae's head to swivel towards him, her eyes slightly wide.
"...I suppose I should be grateful that they were skilled enough in their field to teach it to others." She jokes, her lips breaking into a patently false and strained smile.
Well they didn't attack her and the newest arrival even talked directly to her. A promising start. "I'm Shikki. I met Lord Vanderboren by chance when I was in a position to do him a favor. He paid me very well for it." Technically true if lacking in the more gruesome details. "Afterwards he continued speaking with me from time to time. I'm a sailor by trade and he was interested in learning about the plesiosaurus industry from someone who actually gets their hands dirty aboard a ship." Also technically true, although that wasn't the only set of skills Verik had been interested in. "It's a rare thing in this city for a drow noble to talk to a ratfolk. It meant more to me than I suspect he ever knew."
She takes a sip of her wine, carefully curling her too-long claws around the stem. "I doubt the younger Vanderborens will have any interest in sailing, particularly after how their parents died. Strange, that the ship caught fire in the harbor yet no one made it to shore." Was that too obvious? Her tail wants to lash from side to side in anxiety and she has to concentrate on keeping it still. She needs to bait people into talking about the Vanderborens' mysterious deaths if she's ever going to learn anything, but saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could get her killed.
Dagon help her, she'd rather face a dozen sea monsters than try to navigate a social situation with drow!
Nathrae looks over at Shikki, her expression puzzled. "Oh, is that how they died?"
She finishes her fried spider and snatches up a glass of serpent wine, knocking it back like it's a shot of whiskey.
”It is surprising how many sailors can’t swim. By Dagon’s blessing, that’s not something I’ve ever had to worry about.” Pertinax says, unconsciously reaching back to touch his shield, which bears Dagon’s unholy symbol.
The mention of many sailors not being able to swim causes an unwelcome--but not unfamiliar--chill to run up Nathrae's spine and throughout the rest of her body.
Darkness bubbles into the corners of her vision for a moment before she forces them back. "...lucky you." She mumbles before taking a flat-capped purple mushroom from a nearby bowl and popping it into her mouth.
Trevor must have missed any sarcasm or attempts at humor from Nathrae, Oh no, no particular skills. But having a healer in their employ can be quite beneficial. Plus, there are others in need of such skill such as the Kuthites.
Nathrae looks over at Shikki, her expression puzzled. "Oh, is that how they died?"
"You didn't know?" Shikki thought everyone knew that. Although it sounded like Nathrae had just arrived in Telderist, so she might have been on the road for the past month. "Yes, their ship burned in the harbor of Delvingulf. While it's true not all sailors can swim, I'd have expected someone to make it to shore. Even when such an accident happens out at sea there's often a lone survivor or two who manage to cling to debris until they're rescued."
She's intrigued by Pertinax's mention of Dagon. She's rarely known anyone outside Azure District who worshipped him. "Were you also a sailor before you were a guard?" She decides to follow Nathrae's example and picks out a nice juicy maggot to slurp down. The food really is quite good. She should take advantage of it while she can.
Thanaton is mildly confused when Nathrae's mood darkens, one eyebrow slightly raising as he considers the situation. Why would the Vanderborens' academic background matter? Does this have something to do with the corporal's "military incident?" While he's perfectly happy to wait until later to question Nathrae, he does speak up in defense of his employer. "Master Culexis merely stated that the Vanderborens were his patrons, not his teachers. All I know of my employers' academic credentials is that Lord Verik was interested in history, but I doubt that they were healers." He leans in and whispers in a low voice to Nathrae, attempting to ensure her privacy. "Mistress Khalazza, whatever injury you recieved, I am sure the Vanderborens did all they could. They were loyal to their employees."
As the conversation shifts to sailors' inability to swim, Thanaton nods at the words of Pertinax. "This is so. My youth was spent in the Azure District, and the sailors there stated that drowning is less risk than certain other hazards. Many do not learn to swim - if a sailor falls overboard, it does not matter whether she drowns or is killed by an aquatic animal."
Shikki's speculation gives him pause for a moment, however. "Your point is compelling, Mistress Shikki. Even so, I cannot imagine that Lord Verik and Lady Larissa would have had personal enemies. I know for certain that they were generous to the trade guilds - Guildmistress Seoni spoke most highly of Lady Larissa. If any bore a grudge, it must be against the whole family. Perhaps their children need loyal servants now more than ever."
He turns to the four others at the banquet table. "What of yourselves? I do not know you. For what purpose have you come to mourn the Vanderborens?"
Nathrae winces. ”…they did. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful—I wouldn’t have made the journey otherwise. It’s… the circumstances of our meeting were less than pleasant.”
Pertinax looks quizzically at Nathrae for a moment when her mood sours, but lets it pass as Shikki and Thanatos carry the conversation. Speaking to the rat folk, he says ”I’ve never been a sailor professionally, no, but my family have lived and worked in the Azure District for generations. My…ancestry” he says, his prehensile tail twitching involuntarily ”was considered to be something of an embarrassment to the family, and when I showed interest in religion I was packed off to Dagon’s church to apprentice there. I took to the martial side of the faith more than main-line priestly duties. The training certainly involves time spent at sea, but sailing was a means to an end, never the job itself.”
Thanaton addresses the other armed individuals that appear to he some sort of adventuring party
The half drow begins to speak, but is silenced by the drow woman, apparently the leader.
I am liamae, Lady of the Blood Marquis, and these, <indicating the others> are three Jade Ravens. We have been in the employ of the Vanderboren house for several years now. We... take care of things that need to be done She says with slught grin hoping you understand the implications.
The duergar greets you as well, and I be Kaskus, Kaskus Kiel, and there ain't a cave, tunnel or cavern in these parts that I ain't familiar wit. he adds with a bit of bragging
The half drow follows with a laugh, and quite a few you forgot you knew as well, Name's Zan, he chimes in offering a hand.
Liamae indicates the silent drow male, keeping watch over everyone and really paying attention to the conversation, That's Tolin, he doesn't say much
Tolin looks at you, n9ds and goes back to his duties.
Shikki stares at Thanaton in shock, tail twitching. She's not sure what startles her more: being called "Mistress" or the idea that a drow noble might not have personal enemies. Wasn't backstabbing each other a primary form of entertainment for drow? Although there was probably significant overlap between "personal enemies" and "people with a grudge against the whole Vanderboren family."
Where are Lavinia and Vanthus anyway? I thought they'd be here.
She shrinks back a little when he starts talking to the other group. She hasn't forgotten the way they looked at her when she arrived. Best not to draw any more attention to herself than she already has.
While I have never been to sea and so cannot really comment on the disaster, I am keenly aware of the proximity of said waters and found that having a basic knowledge of keeping my head above water may very well be useful. He gazes off towards the harbor thoughtfully.
Thanaton listens intently to Pertinax's words as he describes how his family influenced his religious upbringing. His hooves clack against the tile floor as he shifts his weight. "I have heard such sentiments as well, Master Islaran. I cannot of course say what my mother thought of my nature, as she perished in my youth, but many nobles feel that 'my kind' is unworthy of learning magic." A smirk flashes across his face and is gone in an instant. "Few who have met Guildmistress Seoni articulate such statements within her earshot."
As Liamae and the Jade Ravens introduce themselves, he smiles briefly, taking Zan's offered hand in a handshake. "A great pleasure to meet you all. I hope we will have the opportunity to work together in the employ of Lady Lavinia and Lord Vanthus."
The young guildsman recognizes Shikki's unease, addressing the ratfolk next. "You are a professional, are you not, Mistress Shikki? As you are not of my own guild, I address you as I would a senior guildsman. This is customary, yes?"
In a lull in the conversation, Thanaton listens to the singer's message of revelry and excess, a frown on his face. "A most short-sighted sentiment. Master Culexis has the right of it - true pleasure is only attainable through asceticism." He takes a spiced segment of giant millipede from the bowl on the banquet table. "I have eaten nothing else today, so I derive greater satisfaction from this food than I would have if I had glutted myself on such fare since waking. Those who wish to enjoy life must practice both discipline and self-denial."
Indeed, anticipation of an experience can heighten the sensations. If one wishes to take a more...practical view, a mish-mash of hastily partaken food will blend together until the sense of taste is overwhelmed and the subtilties lost. Trevor shudders delicately, I have often been witness to fine salads spoiled by globs of dressing.
Aranda is awarded with a few enthusiastic claps. She bows deeply and then leaves the stage. The cleric searches for Kora in the crowd. She gives quick greetings with nods of respect. That damn gnome. Where is she? the priestess thinks.
Aranda sees evidence to her prey by the moving bodies of the crowd. She finds and stops Kora. "I hope my singing brought you comfort in this sad time." She says reminding the gnome that she just did her a favor. "I humbly request that you would introduce me to the Young Drow lady." She says casting her eyes to the lady.
Aranda thought that Kora had forgotten her, but almost out of nowhere Kora seems to just appear right behind Aranda, Your singing was wonderful Kora says actually startling Aranda. I am sorry I did not approach sooner, there were some things to take care of.
Kora pauses for a moment at the original request That lady is the first in line to inherit House Kellani, and she isn't to happy with the way her mother, Lady Heldrath Kellani, is getting involved with. What that is, I cannot say.
Kora glances at the argument going on, though it has calmed down quite a bit. I didn't think the time was appropriate to make introductions at this time. I can tell you this, that Rowyn can be rather abrasive and self centered.
About this time, another guest arrives. A dread gnome enters and the strangest creature you have ever seen seems to tag along side.
The strange little creature seems to be a walking plant. something practically unheard of here in the Darklands, Whoever this fellow is probably spent some time on the surface.
Kora turns to Shikki, Come, I would like you to meet someone Kora says indicating the Gnome and his little plant companion
Kora awaits Shikki's response
The young guildsman recognizes Shikki's unease, addressing the ratfolk next. "You are a professional, are you not, Mistress Shikki? As you are not of my own guild, I address you as I would a senior guildsman. This is customary, yes?"
"Not when addressing a ratfolk, no." Shikki casts another glance at the four guards sharing the table. "It's appreciated, just...rare." More like nonexistent, although she was rapidly understanding that Thanaton was a very unusual drow. Tiefling. Whatever.
When Kora comes over she starts mentally preparing an excuse to talk to the gnome alone. Not that it's vitally important, but if anyone has an idea of who might have wanted the Vanderborens dead it would be her. She's not expecting to be asked to meet someone else and has to shift gears. "Of course, please lead the way. It was very nice talking with you all. Perhaps we can talk more later?" To her surprise she actually means it.
As Shikki follows Kora she murmurs, "Anything I should know?"
Nathrae's eyes narrow at the four.
And before she can even consider the wisdom (or lack thereof) in them, the words have already left her mouth.
"Huh. The Vanderborens really were open-minded folk--they even let their janitors attend the funeral."
"Nice to know even a grunt like me can be appreciated." She adds, popping another mushroom into her mouth.
Pertinax smiles at Nathrae’s remark, but doesn’t say anything.
and his strange companion
The large cleric has an overwhelming feeling of hate rush through her. She had to crush that herbage into a green paste of pulpy fiber with which she would stain the floor. Aranda's companion moves aggressively towards the plant.
"Stop." She says softly while gritting her teeth.
Her companion stops.
Seeing the new arrival and his verdant companion approach the table, Thanaton stares in curiosity but not hostility, interested in this new arrival who has clearly seen the surface. As Kora approaches with the new guest, he bows his head and steps out of the way of the Vanderborens' majordomo. At Shikki's statement, he nods to the diminutive ratfolk. "I hope for much the same outcome, Mistress Shikki."
Watching the small group leave, he makes a comment to those he had been talking to, pitching his voice so it can only be heard by those near him. "We had best leave matters of 'blood purity' to the highborn. Tradesmen like ourselves need only concern ourselves with whether our peers are competent or incompetent. Irrespective of her ancestry, Mistress Shikki seems most competent. I wish more understood this."
At Nathrae's comment, a smirk flashes across his face and is gone just as quickly. "This is so. As I said, the Vanderborens were most generous employers. I am sure their open-mindedness is represented in their surviving children." He smiles, not the brief, friendly smirk he has had until now, but a lengthy, menacing smile that shows off far more fangs than should fit into an ordinary mouth. "If there was indeed foul play in their deaths, I would like to find those who killed them. I doubt the killers will like it, however."
He notices Aranda's minion move towards the plant-like being and stop. His empty eyes take in the skeletal limbs of the hooded figure and the portly singer who gives it commands, and he moves towards the priestess. "Greetings. I gather from your fleshless companion and your singularly hedonistic worldview that you are an Urgathoan?" He extends an emaciated hand in greeting. "I am Thanaton Sirov, journeyman of Witchwarden Tower."
Trevor focuses on the small plant creature as it ambles in. What a fascinating entity. He thinks as he tilts his head. Is it a construct or an actual living being? Sentient or instincts? I wonder if I would be able to inquire about being able to study it for a day.
Nathrae finds herself nodding in agreement with Thanaton on all counts.
The small plant-like being doesn't attract much of Nathrae's attention. Her eyes are focused more on the skeleton approaching it--and its handler.
Her posture tenses up greatly.