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."
Her seething eyes lock onto the male tiefling. Her pupils drag slowly up and down. Measuring. Hate turns to calm. "Yes I am a Priestess of Urgathoa. You may call me mistress." Her hand reaches out and touches his face. "What pleasures can I entice you with, Thanton Sirov?"
The smile flickers across Thanaton's face again, but he seems uncomfortable at Aranda's touch. "Mistress Urgathoan is clearly in jest. This is a time of mourning for friends and employers - hardly the time for revelry." He bows, motioning towards the buffet table and the others he had been conversing with - though he does take the opportunity to step back from the singer. "Would Mistress care to meet some of the other guests attendant? Most of us served the late Vanderborens in one way or another - translators, guards, stevedores - but we mourn their passing as keenly as any other. They were most benevolent and generous employers. If you would follow me?" Towards the banquet table - and away from the explorer and his strange companion! I am sure he has many fascinating stories to tell, and I am sure that removing this woman from his presence will avoid... incidents that might make him reluctant to speak.
As Thanaton reaches the banquet table, he introduces his fellow guests to the large priestess. "Mistress Urgathoan, these are the fellow employees of the Vanderborens." He gestures to each in turn as he states their names. "Master Pertinax, Mistress Khalazza, and Master Culexis. We were until recently joined by Mistress Shikki, but she has been called away to speak with our august explorer guest and his unique and irreplaceable verdant companion." At this, he gives a significant glance at the skeleton that recently attempted to destroy said plant-like being. After a moment, however, his gaze returns to Aranda. "As I said, most of us served the Vanderborens at some point or another, and I for one hope to serve their children as faithfully. I myself was an interpreter in Lord Verik's archaeological expeditions. What of yourself? Are you a relative of our late benefactors?"
Pertinax smiles at Nathrae’s remark, but doesn’t say anything.
Kora brings Shikki to the gnome that has just entered.
Miss Shikki, This is Professor Urol. He has been an advisor to the Vanderborens regarding flora and fauna of the Surface world. he has been a valuable asset to the house, especially in the crafting of poisons
Urol, I believe you wanted to meet one of Telderist's few Ratfolk. You have been inquiring Lady Larrisa for some time. Might I present to you Miss Shikki
Once itroductions are complete, Kora bows I have an iportant task that needs attention, if you will excuse me and Kora turns to leave.
Urol seems very excited to meet Shikki, This is most exciting, please you must tell me of your experiences here in Telderist, what is it like being one of your kind in such a place
The plant creature ducks behind Urol seemingly very shy, or very afraid not wanting to cause a scene of perhaps even be seen
Trevor inclines his head at Aranda. Charmed. The Vanderborens were generous in their patronage and entering their employ was something I was considering. A shame that is no longer and option.
"Dark blessings." She says at the introductions. "You may call me mistress." She eyes Thanaton. "Mistress Slade."
"No noble blood runs in my veins. I was employed to sing them praises before Urgathoa." She pauses while noticing Thanaton's glances. "Would you like to see it?"
She gestures at her companion. The skeleton partially opens the robe to show his armored frame. A Morningstar resides in a holster on it's right side, and a scimitar is sheathed on his left. It's face is still hidden beneath the hood, but he can finally make out the lowly glowing red eyes.
"Thank you Kora. Perhaps we can talk more later, if you have the time?" Shikki's mind is racing. Did Kora mean anything when she said Professor Urol was an expert in poisons or was it just a random fact? If Urol had been asking to meet a ratfolk 'for some time' why hadn't Larissa ever introduced them?
Was she being overly paranoid or was everyone really out to get her?
Doing her best to keep the nervous tail-twitching to a minimum Shikki smiles at Professor Urol. "It's not easy. There's a social hierarchy among the Darklands races and ratfolk are near the bottom. We'd probably be at the very bottom if goblins didn't exist." (She's never met a goblin personally but she's heard the jokes.) "Most races don't like rats and so our appearance unnerves them. They assume we're dirty, diseased, thieves, beggars...the usual stereotypes. Which makes it difficult to find honest work, which means most ratfolk in Telderist end up in Shadowshore doing dishonest work, which adds to the stereotypes, and so the cycle continues. It took me a long time to find a ship captain willing to give me a chance and I wouldn't have my current position if the Vanderborens hadn't vouched for me."
"Kora said you were an expert on the surface world. Have you spent time up there?" She eyes the tiny creature hiding behind Urol. Not being sure how intelligent it actually is she addresses her next sentence somewhere between the two. "Cloaks do wonders to hide unusual features, if you want to walk around without being stared at. Get one sized for a gnome child and people would draw their own conclusions."
"...of course." Nathrae nods.
No idea who Urgathoa is. But evidently she doesn't mind the twice-dead.
Thanaton nods at Aranda's greeting, but speaks up at her demonstration of her animate skeleton. "As a matter of fact, Mistress Slade, I was more interested in the new arrival and his uplander companion. Your cadaverous friend seems to harbor distaste for the vegetative being, and most skeletons' actions reflect the desires of their creators. What grievance do you bear against that creature?"
Thanaton nods. "On an unrelated note, as you are affiliated with the Urgathoan religion, I would like to ask you a question. I had heard of a subsect of Urgathoans known as the Order of the Tempered Scythe, those who believe that the hunger associated with your faith is more metaphorical and who live an abstemious lifestyle. What is the Church's position on such beliefs? Do you feel that there will be a schism?"
Thanaton nods at Aranda's greeting, but speaks up at her demonstration of her animate skeleton. "As a matter of fact, Mistress Slade, I was more interested in the new arrival and his uplander companion. Your cadaverous friend seems to harbor distaste for the vegetative being, and most skeletons' actions reflect the desires of their creators. What grievance do you bear against that creature?"
"The abomination deserves to be carved up and served with the other mushrooms." She says.
Thanaton nods. "On an unrelated note, as you are affiliated with the Urgathoan religion, I would like to ask you a question. I had heard of a subsect of Urgathoans known as the Order of the Tempered Scythe, those who believe that the hunger associated with your faith is more metaphorical and who live an abstemious lifestyle. What is the Church's position on such beliefs? Do you feel that there will be a schism?"
If what you say is true, then the heretics should be crucified, flayed, and salt ground into their skinless bodies." She says angerly.
If violence must be inflicted upon such a creature, I would like the corpse intact for examination. Perhaps I can find out more about it and seek out others of it's kind, if they exist.
Nathrae gives the others an incredulous eye as talk of murdering the plant-like creature circulates around the table.
"...can we at least save the talk of *ahem* 'harvesting' until after the funeral is over? Let's try to show a bit of self-control, shall we?"
”Quite right. Let us honor the lives of the Vanderborens today. There will be plenty of time for violence later.” he says, glancing malevolently toward the Kellani across the room.
"I do not see any bodies. Are you certain that they are dead?" Aranda pauses for effect. "I for one see this as an opportunity to find new employment. Not to mourn lost employers."
Thanaton nods at Nathrae's words as the conversation shifts to killing the arboreal being. "Perhaps there does not have to be violence at all, Master Culexis. We have no compelling reason to kill the creature, and many more convincing reasons not to. An explorer who has seen the surface is likely to be protective of a companion from the overlands, and he is certain to have the patronage of the powerful."
Aranda's callousness regarding the Vanderborens' death, likewise, draws an incredulous look. "Mistress is surely in jest. The Vanderborens were most benevolent employers - the least we can give them is a day of mourning. Matters of business can wait until the morrow - today, we should remember those who gave us aid. This is customary."
Aranda's callousness regarding the Vanderborens' death, likewise, draws an incredulous look. "Mistress is surely in jest. The Vanderborens were most benevolent employers - the least we can give them is a day of mourning. Matters of business can wait until the morrow - today, we should remember those who gave us aid. This is customary."
Aranda gives a groan of repulsion. Her companion blocks visual contact between Thanaton and herself.
Nathrae rolls her eyes at Slade and shakes her head.
"...you remind me of my old CO, ma'am."
Urol seems very excited to meet Shikki, Why yes I have been to the surface, it was a part of my research for the Vanderboren's. For some reason they wanted to know about surface vegetation. I really never asked why of course.
Oh, I am sorry, this here is Nari. She is a leaf Leshy. I met her during an expedition to the surface about a year ago. she took a liking to me so I let her travel with me. she is such a great companion.
Nari peeks out from behind Urol and waves a shy hello.
Anyway, i was interested in meeting you because I was searching for another of your kind that I lost contact with a little over a month ago. her name was Churtle, she was a wonderful cook and I really enjoyed her company. I used to help her and her children financially since her husband was killed by some thugs down by the docks.
The next to arrive in the garden would be an athletic Drow woman. She's dressed in a pure white silken shirt with ruffled cuffs, over which a black surcoat stitched with silver thread is worn. The coat has a hood, which is currently down. The ensemble is belted at the waist with a black sword-belt, from which a silvered scabbarded scimitar hangs. The scabbard is ornately made and engraved with motif of crescent moons. Despite the state of her weaponry, the young woman carrying it seems decidedly disarmed.
Minuè takes a few tearful steps into the space, where she then approached Kora, the Vanderboren's Major-domo and offers a graceful curtsey. "I simply couldn't believe it, it had been nigh half a century... it feels as if it were yesterday when I was just speaking to them." The drow offered Kora the letter as she rose from the curtsey in a graceful maneuver. Minuè surveyed the gathering as she straightened up, scanning the crowd with her tearful eyes.
Her gaze dallied on a few people, namely the human slaves, and the leshy. IT had been a lifetime since seeing such people. Couldn't imagine how they're handling all this. Should make an effort to check in on them discreetly... she thought, while pulling a small kerchief from her sleeve daubing her eyes gingerly.
Thanaton's empty gaze turns to the newcomer as she enters. He moves over towards Nathrae and addresses the former soldier. "Mistress Khalazza, there appears to be a new arrival. By your leave, I would like to see if she would care to join us. I will be back momentarily."
The young necromancer walks across the courtyard to the new arrival, the measured clacking of his hooves against the stone floor punctuated by the rustle of his high-collared mantle and an occasional clang as the iron ferrule of his staff strikes the selfsame material. Seeing Kora speaking to the new guest, he waits for a moment until she finishes, bowing his head in deference to the majordomo as she leaves, then approaches Minuè. The corners of his mouth twitch upwards in his best approximation of a friendly smile, and the solid black orbs of his eyes seem to bore into the drow as he speaks. "Greetings, mistress. Several of the other mourners have gathered to discuss the life of the late Vanderborens. Would you care to join our eulogizing?"
Though he tries his best to act in a friendly manner, his behaviors come across as more than a bit eerie.
"Oh, of course." Nathrae nods at Thanaton. She watches the mage as he approaches the new arrival--
--and her train of thought gets knocked askew a little when she sees who he's approaching.
Well. She's well-fit. To be fair, Slade's also quite attractive if you're into Urgothoans, I suppose... and especially Pertinax... and Shikki has an honestly adorable charm to her...
"Greetings, mistress. Several of the other mourners have gathered to discuss the life of the late Vanderborens. Would you care to join our eulogizing?"
Minuè offered a ladylike hand to the Tiefling, doing her very best to avoid staring too hard at his horns and wings. This was easy enough as she daubed once more at her eye with the kerchief. "Thank you kindly for thinking to include me, sir." The Drow in turn offered a genuine smile, however weak, in response to the demonspawn's own attempt. Minuè also couldn't help but notice the silver amulet, presumably a holy symbol hanging about his neck. She wracked her brain to determine if she's come across such an emblem.
"Though, sir, do me the courtesy of simply calling me Minuè." Again, she offered another smile. Her gaze followed from the direction in which the Tiefling came and noted the soldierly lady-drow appraising her. Minuè inclined her head in greeting from across the room.
Nathrae abruptly stiffens a little when she notices the newcomer's returned attention.
Oh f+++ was I staring? I was staring. F&%#. F+%~ f*%# f*&~. Now she thinks I'm weird.
She returns the newcomer's nod and turns to busy herself with deciding on another dish to sample.
Trevor keeps watching the plant, doing a long range examination to see what he might know about it.[/b]
Thanaton smiles again at the newcomer's words. "Of course, Minuè. If you would follow me?"
As he walks across the garden, he tries to make small talk, giving the new arrival a brief overview of the current guests. "The death of the Vanderborens was such a lamentable accident - they were faithful employers and good people." Looking around to ensure he is not overheard, he whispers to the drow woman. "Of course, there are some rumors that say the tragedy at Delvingulf was no accident. If this is so, I should like to be present when the killers are executed." Returning to his normal volume, he continues speaking, motioning to the various attendants as he says their names. "I see that you have already noticed Mistress Khalazza. She was once a soldier, and she is an excellent conversationalist. I think you will like her. Over there is Master Culexis, who was sponsored in his studies by the Vanderborens, and Master Pertinax, who was a soldier in their house guard. Regrettably, Mistress Shikki was called away, but she was also an excellent conversation partner when she was here."
He looks with a degree of confusion at the skeleton actively blocking his view of the remaining guest. "Somewhere behind that skeleton is Mistress Slade. I have known her for only a handful of minutes, yet we are already not on speaking terms, though I do not know what it was that I said." He realizes himself and glances at Minuè. "Of course, I should introduce myself as well. I am Thanaton Sirov, guildsman of Witchwarden Tower." As he rejoins the group with the new arrival, he addresses her so the entire group can hear. "Most of us have served the Vanderborens in one way or another, but what of yourself, Minuè? Were our late benefactors your employers? Friends? Relatives?"
The Drow would wrap an arm around Thanaton's, playing the act of the lady with her chaperone. She stayed in step with the man, her footsteps making little noise in comparison to the click-clack of hoofbeats.
"The death of the Vanderborens was such a lamentable accident - they were faithful employers and good people."
Minuè hummed a sad tone, though she didn't quite agree with the whole premise. Sure she knew them briefly and they had presented as kindly and accepting, but there was still much about them or their dealings that she scarcely knew. As for it being a 'lamentable accident'? Well, it was certainly sad, as any needless deaths were tragic... but accident? Yet to be seen. As if telepathic, Thanaton then leaned in to whisper conspiratorially saying the key phrases of 'rumor' and 'killers'. Such clandestine proclivities were deeply entwined with the Drow society she had embedded herself in. Luckily, she was just as sneaky.
"My word, those kind of accusations must be aired carefully, sir. Men have lost their heads for smaller talk than conspiracy." Minuè whispered back, in an airy tone of her own. After saying this she would give the man's arm a slight squeeze, as if to say 'careful'.
"I see that you have already noticed Mistress Khalazza. She was once a soldier, and she is an excellent conversationalist. I think you will like her."
Allowing herself to be lead over, Minuè releases her tiefling chaperone's arm and approaches Ms Khalazza. Much in the same way that she introduced herself to Thanaton, the Drow curtsies then offers a dainty hand in greeting saying,
"My! Don't you cut the gallant figure, Ms Khalazza! It's a pleasure to meet you, you may call me Minuè." She would get a closer look at the woman in question and take in the detailing of her uniform, namely her rank insignia, and the gladius on their hip. Quite the warrior, indeed."Of course, I should introduce myself as well. I am Thanaton Sirov, guildsman of Witchwarden Tower."
She'd once more bow her head in greeting with the Tiefling, now having a name with the face. "I was wondering if the bold man had manners." she teased. "Marvelous to meet you as well, Mr Sirov."
"Most of us have served the Vanderborens in one way or another, but what of yourself, Minuè? Were our late benefactors your employers? Friends? Relatives?"
Minuè considered a moment on how to answer. Fiddling with her kerchief, as if trying to wring the right explanation from it's fabric, she finally explained "Well, I was a traveller at the time. Much like other young women at that age, I was trying to strike it out on my own... Long and short, I found myself on a ship traveling the Dying Sea." A passing waiter walked past with a tray of drinks, and Minuè deftly plucked one off for herself, taking a well deserved sip before continuing. "The Vanderboren's were also passengers as fate would have it. Though, fate being fickle, our chance meeting turned sour, and corsairs attacked. I may have helped to resolve the issue," The Drow would tap the hilt of her scimitar "... and they felt indebted to me. They found me my job, my calling, and I owe them a great deal. Though I can hardly repay them now..."
Minuè trailed off, taking a longer drink from the dry martini, garnished with a pickled weevil.
Stepping back to the coversation after a brief trip the the table for some plesiosaur blubber dip and chitin chips, Pertinax returns and inclines his head to the newcomer. "Pertinax Islaran, late of the Vanderboren house guard. pleased to make your acquaintance." Shifting his plate around, he frees a hand to extend.
"I'm afraid I don't know who that is, but I could ask around, see if any of my friends know what's happened to her. Where did she live?" There were a lot of reasons why a ratfolk might go missing in Telderist. Maybe she wanted to find someplace new after her husband's death. Maybe she'd run afoul of thugs herself. Maybe she was tied to a table with ice being injected into her veins.
Shuddering, Shikki tries to focus on something else. The weird plant creature is a good distraction. "It's nice to meet you Nari. It must be very different for you down here." She tries to imagine being up on the surface. What would it be like, living with a giant ball of fire over your head all the time?
Hot. Definitely too hot.
"So how long have you known the Vanderborens? Do you think you'll continue advising Vanthus and Lavinia?" Shikki still hopes to tease out some information from the guests; see if anyone else is as suspicious as she is about the sudden deaths. "They must need trustworthy advisers now more than ever."
Nathrae blinks and feels a bit of blood rushing to her face, turning it a slightly darker shade of unnatural blue-black. "A pleasure. Yes."
She takes Minuè's hand for a moment and shakes it.
A good day to you. Trevor inclines his head. Please indulge in the bounty here. The grilled fish is quite nice.
Thanaton notices the other guests eating, but refrains from doing so himself. Instead, he attempts to remain with the group and continue his conversation. Noticing the intricate detailing on the new arrival's scabbard, he addresses the drow woman. "Mistress Minuè, I could not help but take note of the detailing on your scabbard. Are those symbols of religious significance?"
The tiefling peers closer at the crescent symbols. "If I am not mistaken, those symbols represent the moon of the surface. Have you visited the surface? Did you take your blade from an overlander?" The young mage seems quite intrigued by the possibility that the new guest is an explorer.
He pauses for a second, however, looking quizzically at Minuè. "Mistress, if you will forgive my query, you had mentioned that the Vanderborens had helped you find a position. Might I ask what that position was? Surely a warrior, with such a fine blade, yes?"
Minuè in turn would offer polite responses to each new person who introduced themselves, acting the budding socialite. She couldn't help but notice how flush how Ms Khalazza got, to which she made a mental note, for reasons.
"Mistress Minuè, I could not help but take note of the detailing on your scabbard. Are those symbols of religious significance? If I am not mistaken, those symbols represent the moon of the surface. Have you visited the surface? Did you take your blade from an overlander?"
Tapping the blade she offered a well practiced guffaw, "As if I'd leave our paradise. No, my family procured it for me before I left home, purchasing it off a dealer who specialized in 'oddities' I'm -quite- sure it held some religious significance to it's previous owner. Some good it's doing them in the afterlife."
Minuè didn't enjoy playing the heel, but dammit all if she hadn't gotten very good at it in fifty long years of having to keep it up. Still, internally she cursed Thanaton for having such keen eyes.
"Mistress, if you will forgive my query, you had mentioned that the Vanderborens had helped you find a position. Might I ask what that position was? Surely a warrior, with such a fine blade, yes?"
"Oh it's a battle every day, to be sure. Though if I fought it with this fancy uplander blade, I'd be rather quickly out of the job, Mr Sirov." A genuine laugh now punctuated the air, and Minuè quickly explained "I work as a matron-mother in the Twilight Orphanage, right across the street here in this district." Minuè looked rather proud admitting as such, as she straightened up after sharing this.
"Think of me as a sculptor, but not of clay or stone. I work the souls of these young forgotten ones, and shape them into future paragons of the Darklands."
Nathrae looks at Minuè's sword as well. "Looks like it's more suited for cavalry than infantry. The curve of the blade allows for a smoother swing while mounted--it follows the rider's arm more easily than a conventional arming sword would."
She taps her own gladius. "Mine's a bit more practical. Ideal for close-quarters combat--a well-sharpened tip and short-length blade for thrusting, but with its edges sharpened to such a degree that it can be used for cutting if needed."
”And mine is but a simple longsword. Unremarkable, but it serves well enough.” Pertinax says, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword. ”Perhaps I’ll get something fancier eventually, but I’ve had other priorities.”
-Great-, more sword talk. Roll with it, Naniro.
Inclining an interested brow, Minuè listens to Ms Khalazza's and Mr Islaran's sword takes, nodding politely. "Ah, well you're not wrong about the idea about the mounted theory. Though I've never ridden nary a giant gecko or spider, nor had the inclinations to do so either." Finishing her drink with one last gulp, she set it down on another passing waiter's tray. "That gladius there seems like quite the trick, handy for fighting close with your allies to your left and right. A real team-players blade. I like team-players." Minuè winked.
Addressing Pertinax's comments on unremarkable blades, Minuè says "Unremarkable or not, sharp is sharp. Don't sell yourself short, fight well and you could kill someone with a butterknife." The Drow laughed again, in better spirits now that she's talking with decent enough folk. Minuè daintily stuffed her kerchief discreetly into her ruffled sleeve.
"So as Mr Sirov told me, Mr Islaran, that you were a Household guard of Vanderborens? What was that like?" she asked, finding a seat on a lovely carved stone bench.
Pertinax shrugs. ”I find that armed service is similar everywhere: often boring, but with occasional excitement, usually accompanied by violence. The Vanderborens had few particular enemies, but there are always thugs who see rich nobles and hope to take wealth for themselves. The mere presence of guards is often enough to intimidate such types.” he pauses and smiles at the two drow women ”I can say this for certain: rarely did I have the pleasure of such pleasant company as yourselves.”
Narrowing her eyes at Pertinax a moment, Minuè carefully asks "This is by no means an accusation, but if you are a member of the Vanderboren's guard, where were you when they passed?" Again, she wasn't convinced that the late-nobles had no enemies. Ships aren't in the habit of spontaneous combustion. "... and if you -weren't- there, perhaps you know the other soldiers who were there?"
There was quite a few things that needed to be sussed out, and perhaps this Mr Islaran could clear some of these things up.
Nathrae blinks when Minuè winks at her.
...did some dust get in her eye? Must have. She wouldn't be interested in a grunt like me.
She rubs her eye.
Narrowing her eyes at Pertinax a moment, Minuè carefully asks "This is by no means an accusation, but if you are a member of the Vanderboren's guard, where were you when they passed?" Again, she wasn't convinced that the late-nobles had no enemies. Ships aren't in the habit of spontaneous combustion. "... and if you -weren't- there, perhaps you know the other soldiers who were there?"
There was quite a few things that needed to be sussed out, and perhaps this Mr Islaran could clear some of these things up.
Pertinax narrows his eyes in Minue’s direction. ”I assure you that I and my comrades are professionals. Investigation is ongoing. I will assist with it if requested, but until then I will trust my comrades. To do otherwise would be to impugn their competence, and insults like that are often settled with steel. As for myself, I am not a machine. I had been on-duty during the previous night*, and was asleep at the time of the incident. Should I question your location at the time?” he asks, eyebrow raised.
Thanaton listens to the discussion about the various types of swords, but his limited knowledge of martial pursuits means he quickly loses track of the conversation as it delves into gladiuses and mounted combat. However, something Minuè had said had caught his attention, and he recognizes the tension between the orphanage worker and Pertinax. At the earliest available opportunity, he interjects, trying to defuse the situation between the two guests. "Forgive my digression, Mistress Minuè, but you said that you worked in the Twilight Orphanage? Have you worked alongside the various guilds at all? I know from personal experience that the guilds will sometimes take in orphans or foundlings and train them as apprentices. It gives them an applicable skill set and a good position in life - I myself am an orphan, yet I am entirely content as a journeyman necromancer."
The tiefling shakes his head sadly. "It is not right that the children should suffer..." He smiles at Minuè before continuing. "...but it is good that the kind-hearted like you and your peers are helping them gain a better future." The young mage extends a hand to the swordswoman. "I know many in the Witchwarden Tower Arcanists' Guild - I would be overjoyed to help you in any way I can. This endeavor is important to me."
At the glances that pass between Nathrae and Minuè, Thanaton raises an eyebrow but says nothing.
Biting her tongue, she bristles slightly at the rather terse response from her targeted question. Phew, strong convictions and strong sense of duty. That could be an angle to push. Minuè offered a slight tight-lipped smile and nodded a brief apologetic nod. "This was not an attack on you, or your honor sir, I assure you. Forgive me if you took it as such." The Drow would fold her hands on her lap, smoothing out the billowy fabric of her trousers. Again, Thanaton would chime in to cut the growing tension in the air.
"Forgive my digression, Mistress Minuè, but you said that you worked in the Twilight Orphanage? Have you worked alongside the various guilds at all? I know from personal experience that the guilds will sometimes take in orphans or foundlings and train them as apprentices. It gives them an applicable skill set and a good position in life - I myself am an orphan, yet I am entirely content as a journeyman necromancer."
Nodding she says "The other Matron-Mothers and myself have many contacts in the Darklands to help find homes for these poor children, yes." The sad fact that there are -so- many orphans in the Darklands was all due to the harsh and violent nature of day-to-day life here. She isn't so impressed with Mr Sirov admitting to be another Necromancer. That's two, if we're counting the Urgathoan woman as well.
Then to prove himself a walking contradiction, Sirov then goes on to say
"It is not right that the children should suffer..."
Smiling softly at this, she nods too and takes the man's hand and gives it another shake of the hand. "The children and I are fighting an uphill battle, any help we can get, we'll take. Thank you."
"I'm afraid I don't know who that is, but I could ask around, see if any of my friends know what's happened to her. Where did she live?" There were a lot of reasons why a ratfolk might go missing in Telderist. Maybe she wanted to find someplace new after her husband's death. Maybe she'd run afoul of thugs herself. Maybe she was tied to a table with ice being injected into her veins.
Shuddering, Shikki tries to focus on something else. The weird plant creature is a good distraction. "It's nice to meet you Nari. It must be very different for you down here." She tries to imagine being up on the surface. What would it be like, living with a giant ball of fire over your head all the time?
Hot. Definitely too hot.
"So how long have you known the Vanderborens? Do you think you'll continue advising Vanthus and Lavinia?" Shikki still hopes to tease out some information from the guests; see if anyone else is as suspicious as she is about the sudden deaths. "They must need trustworthy advisers now more than ever."
Urol smiles and grabs a pair of drinks, he hands one to Shikki, I was asked by Lady Larrisa to join them on an expedition to the surface as they were investigating some creatures they claim to have discovered here in the Darklands that most likely originated on the surface. Some sort of bipedal meat eating lizard. don't know much about such creatures, however the flora and fauna is much more my specialty. Anyway they never did discover what they were looking for but I did discover that there are old ruins here in the Darklands that wonce belonged on the surface probably eons ago. I find them most facinating. I was researching them and wnated to report to the Vanderboren's my findings when I heard of their demise. So sad, well I am sure Lady lavinia will be most interested.
Urol takes a sip of the wine and makes a face, wine is definitely not his thing, but it is obvious that he drinks it to be polite.
Well I am sorry to think that you would know my friend, I am sure she will turn up soon enough.
later as the evening progresses a new person arrives, he is a rather flamboyant well dressed Damphir.
He has a conversation with Kora that make Kora a bit uncomfortable but eventually she reluctantly nods in agreement. Kora then turns to the rest of the party. Presenting the Lord Zebula Meravanchi, Lover extraordinaire this last part it is obvious that Kora is repulsed at even speaking those words.
Zubula step past Kora The Meravnchi's are here, ladies beware.
Kora definately has a look of disgust on her face as he walk past her.
The Kellani's stop their argument as ubula enters, they appear to have history with the Meravanchi's
Zubula has had a thing for the younger Rowyn Kellani and was rather public about it, however Rowyn has ignored his attempted advances for several years.
Trevor is a bit puzzled at the talk about the orphans. Are they being sarcastic? Such talk amongst the drow would no doubt sound like weakness with the way they are phrasing things. The children could indeed be potential investments but such coddling would be disasterous.
Pertinax nods his acceptance of Minue's apology, but says nothing.
Nathrae was about to remark on the suspicious generosity of Minuè's orphanage when the new arrival to the funeral makes their presence known.
"The Meravnchi's are here, ladies beware."
The ex-soldier scratches her head. "...Meravanchis? Who are they, exactly?"
"The ex-soldier scratches her head. "...Meravanchis? Who are they, exactly?"
Minuè couldn't help but stifle a laugh at this embarrassing display. In a voice low enough for just the few standing nearby to hear she mutters "I don't know, but they're certainly the kind of tone deaf people who comes to a wake bragging about how many people they bed."
Pertinax snorts, very nearly spraying wine from his nose. ”Quite. No one worth knowing, clearly.” He says, before turning away to wipe his nose.
Thanaton looks with a moderate degree of disdain on the Meravanchi scion as he sweeps into the garden. What a contemptible hedonist. At the comments of Minuè and Pertinax, he smirks before whispering in the same tone, ensuring his voice does not carry beyond the cluster of people. "I heard rumors of Lord Meravanchi's exploits during my studies in the Noble District. I understand he made untoward advances towards the Guildmistress. I am unsure of what exactly she cursed him with, but I understand it was quite embarrassing and persistent, and that it apparently required the ministrations of three doctors, seven Urgathoan priests..." The necromancer frowns distractedly and furrows his brow. "...and a fishmonger, for some reason. I do not think I want to know the specifics." Thanaton shudders at the thought of the unbridled wrath of his guild's eerie leader.
Struck by an idea, he moves over to the skeleton blocking Aranda from his sight, knocking on its shield with his knuckles as though it were a door before calling out to the priestess beyond. "Mistress Urgathoan? Unless I am greatly mistaken, your brother-in-faith has arrived."