041.2 "In the name of Selune and the Moon"

[Ebiris]

[19:20] <@Kotono> Dawn Pointe Inn. It's quiet, the right sort of inn for a pair of brothers. They're getting settled into their rooms, off the road at last! OOC: Do a line each of setting yourselves up, describing yourselves and all that intro stuff.
[19:23] * Orval unshoulders his pack, removing a small stone altar from it and placing it on one side of the room. He kneels and mouths a quick silent prayer to it before standing and brushing off his robes.
[19:25] <Orval> "Well, brother, I know that your travels have brought you out from the mountains. Have you ever been to this city? It's very...open." Orval grins.
[19:27] <Whurric> After divesting himself of his armor and resting his weapon at the side, Whurric rotates his arms to work the kinks off them and jumps onto the bed, stroking his beard as he looks at his brother. "Ah, I've been here the once or twice on some odd errand," Whurric says.
[19:27] <Whurric> "What exactly are -we- here for? You weren't very clear on that, Orval."
[19:29] <Orval> "I don't know. The ways of Dumathoin are ever inscrutable. I was given a vision of this place, and felt a great sense of urgency. We shall have to wait and see." Orval says, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I do look forward to finding out, though."
[19:29] <@Kotono> As the two talk, there is a shudder! The door into the room flies back off it's hinges, slamming to the ground! She strides in - wearing splint mail and shield, with a mace at her side. Her hair is like spun silver, her skin having a metallic tint to it. Her face is completely focused as she steps in, looking about!
[19:30] * Orval turns slowly. "Here now, what's this about?"
[19:32] <@Kotono> The woman draws her mace, pointing it head first at the two dwarves, "In the name of Selune and the Moon, I demand you identify yourselves! There are innocents in danger!"
[19:33] * Orval sighs. "A simple knock or urgent pounding would have sufficed, and we wouldn't have to replace the door. That was rather rude.
[19:33] <Orval> "
[19:35] <Whurric> "The hell is your problem, woman?" Whurric demands, a little rude himself. But the woman did just knock the door down!
[19:37] <@Kotono> "No time to explain," she retorts right away, "You two don't look like the trouble I saw...this must have been another false image." Shaking her head and turning away, "I have to hurry. Innocents are in danger!"
[19:37] * Orval peers closer at the woman. "...is she made of metal? Brother, do they make humans out of metal in this city?"
[19:38] <Whurric> "Wait a second, lass! What's the trouble, maybe we can help?" Whurric says as  he goes for his armor.
[19:40] <Orval> "Now there's an idea. If people are truly in danger, we would be remiss in sitting here and drinking." Orval stands.
[19:43] * Whurric laughs at his brother's observation about the woman as he starts putting his armor back on as best he can in a hurry. "There's a lot of interesting things out in the world, aren't there, brother? That's why it's good to get you out more! But yes, let's find out what's got this girl in such a mood first, then get to the drinking!"
[19:44] <@Kotono> The woman gives both of them a long look, "Neither of you are tainted with evil," she confesses, "Maybe this is Selune's guidance, and the rest is a warning?" So pondering it, "I'm Balyss of Moonholm. You are?"
[19:45] <Orval> "I am Orval Bofjyr of Dumathoin, out of Irongates. With me is my brother." Orval gestures.
[19:46] <Whurric> "Whurric!" the other dwarf says simply, still more focused on his armor. "Any idea what the problem is at all?"
[19:48] <@Kotono> "I prayed to Selune and saw visions - of innocents being kidnapped and harmed," Balyss explains, "All I know is that I have to follow the images I saw and stop it before it's too late."
[19:49] <Orval> "Hmm." Orval rumbles. "Well, time is wasting, as they say. Shall we?"
[19:49] <Whurric> "Ah, well lead the way. Let's avoid breaking doors though? You have anything that can help with finding the problem, brother?" Whurric asks of Orval as he finishes donning his armor.
[19:53] <Orval> "Nay, I do not. I'd not prepared an appropriate divinations during my last commune with Dumathoin." Orval shakes his head. "We'll have to be about it the old fashioned way."
[19:54] <Whurric> "That works for me," Whurric says as he hefts his axe. "Lets find some heads to kick in!"
[19:55] <@Kotono> "I know the next location - it's Silver Star Books. Follow me!" Balyss ays, hurrying along! OOC: Going toj ust follow along?
[19:55] <Whurric> ooc: yeah
[19:56] * Orval perks up visibly as he heads out the door. "Books?"
[19:57] <Orval> As they leave, Orval waves at the innkeeper. "I'll fix your door when we return, don't worry!"
[20:00] <@Kotono> The innkeeper just gives you a long suffering look, the two of you hurrying out! Silver Star Books is in the New City, people bustling and hustling about. Balyss nods as you stand before it, "Follow my lead in here."
[20:03] <Whurric> "Your town, your rules, lass! Just point me at what you want hit, and it'll be a splatter on the wall," Whurric replies.
[20:03] * Orval nods slowly. "Try not to kick in the door this time. I may want to come back here some day."
[20:10] <@Kotono> With another nod, Balyss merely flings the door open! Inside is a vast library, row after row of books! A half elf sits at a table within, feet up as he reads. Balyss steps in, looking about rapidly! She points her mace at the half-elf, "In the name of Selune and the Moon, I demand ou identify yourself!"
[20:11] <@Kotono> The half-elf takes one look at the three and shrugs, cupping his hands to his mouth, "HEY DACOTE, YOU GOT SOME LUNATICS AND DWARVES TO SEE YOU!"
[20:12] * Whurric scratches his beard and turns to look at his brother. "This is not what I was expecting out of this little trip," he confesses.
[20:12] * Orval chuckles and looks at Balyss. "Do you do this often? He doesn't seem surprised to see you."
[20:12] <Whurric> "Are you -sure- this is the right spot, lass?"
[20:12] <Orval> "I didn't quite know -what- to expect, Whurric."
[20:15] <@Kotono> "I'm sure of it!" Balyss returns, face reddening, "This is just another stop at worst!"
[20:16] <@Kotono> Dacote comes out. He chuckles as he emerges, "Okay, I'll ask - what do you want? Is something the matter, or is there a book here that's worth all this commotion?"
[20:16] <Orval> "We're looking for kidnappers, I think." Orval nods.
[20:20] * Whurric looks around, spreading his senses to look for evil. (ooc: Detect Opposition/Evil)
[20:21] <@Kotono> OOC: No evil detected.
[20:22] <@Kotono> Dacote just smiles, "Well, if you're looking to stop something..." He pauses, snapping his fingers, "Go visit Whimsical Sweets. They're troubleshooters who can solve almost any problem."
[20:23] <Whurric> "I'm not sensing anything like you're worrying about, lass," Whurric states. "What's the next place to try?"
[20:25] * Whurric pauses as he realizes what was just said and turns to look at Dacote. "Wait a sec...troubleshooters? At a...sweets shop?" he asks, not sure how that works out, and turns to look at his brother questioningly if he has any idea about how that works out.
[20:26] <Whurric> "How the deviltry does a sweets shop go into the troubleshootin' business?" he asks, looking rather baffled.
[20:26] <Orval> "No idea...but it sounds interesting!" Orval says with a grin.

[Ebiris]

[18:20] <@Kotono> "They're something," Balyss shakes her head, "I know them."
[18:21] * Orval turns to Balyss "So if you had a problem, why not go to them first? It's probably a lot less exciting than kicking down doors, for sure, but you make less enemies I'll bet."
[18:22] <Whurric> "Ah, I'm sure the lass will get it right the third time, brother!" Whurric says, trying to cheer up Balyss as he turns to look at her. "Isn't that right?"
[18:23] <@Kotono> "I didn't seem them in the vision..." With a thought, "Though if I'm so readily directed there, perhaps that was the point of coming here."
[18:24] <Orval> "That's the spirit
[18:24] <Orval> OOC: Striiiiike
[18:25] <Orval> "That's the spirit! If we're to be guided by the gods, let us be open to receiving their mysteries!" Orval cheers.
[18:26] <Whurric> "I don't see why things have to be so complicated! Just say 'There is evil afoot in this place, go kick its ass!' instead of making the poor lass kick in doors and making her redder than a ripe tomato!" Whurric snorts.
[18:27] <Orval> "The ways of the gods are mysterious indeed. IT takes a mind greater than my own to understand them." Orval nods.
[18:27] <@Kotono> Balyss sighs, "Selune help me," she says, "Fine, let's go to Whimsical Sweets!" As you chat another woman comes out. A regal woman of great bearing, clad in black from head to toe, including a black veil. She glacnes at you but seems utterly disinterested, before returning back the way she came.
[18:31] * Whurric is too busy discussing the mysterious mysteries of the gods with his brother to pay any mind to any regal women, though he does toss a nod of confirmation to Balyss before continuing on with his brother. "But they clearly told her it involved kidnappings and innocents! Why so much trouble with giving an address?"
[18:33] <Orval> "Well, if the gods handed everything to us without delay, I'm sure everything would get done a lot faster, yes, but I doubt we would truly learn anything but to depend on them. It's better this way, I'll bet." Orval says. "It could be worse, they could tell us nothing."
[18:34] <Whurric> "Ah, you may have a point," Whurric concedes.
[18:35] <@Kotono> "Indeed. Selune's visions are often difficult to decipher, but they inevitably mean something," Balyss says, "Whimisical Sweets is in the Commerce Quarter, so we'll need to do some walking.{
[18:37] * Whurric nods again and starts walking in the general direction of the commerce quarter, at least familiar with that much. "Alright, let's go see these candymen!"
[18:38] * Orval nods and heads along.
[18:39] <@Kotono> Your trip is uneventful enough. The Commerce Quarter is full of humans mostly, humans of all types and shapes getting gold and selling things. There's a sprinkling of elves, elemental blooded genasi, golden skinned aasimar and stranger things yet. But perhaps the strangest is Whimsical Sweets! It's a nice two story building...freshly painted candy cane white and red. Balyss eyes it a moment,
[18:39] <@Kotono> "You'll have to excuse Josa. He owns Whimsical Sweets and his taste in decorations leave much to be desired."
[18:41] * Whurric roars in laughter. "If they have earned a reputation as troubleshooters in spite of it, they must be quite the dangerous sort! Would take a great deal of might to get over -that- hurdle!"
[18:42] * Orval nods slowly.
[18:46] <@Kotono> "They're something," Balyss agrees, going to see the front door closed. She gives it a good knock, a pause before it slowly opens! A silverhaired little thing in a bright red dress opens the door. She'sonly a foot tall or so, gossamer wings fluttering. "Oh hi, Josa's too busy wondering if his ass looks to fat in his new pants to open the door. Hint: It does. So," clapping her tiny hands
[18:46] <@Kotono> together, "What can I do for you?"
[18:48] <@Kotono> Balyss puts on a brave smile, "Why don't you fly upstairs and get Josa. It's important."
[18:50] <@Kotono> "Well..." With a smile as she looks over the two dwarves, "Why not? It's boring today. C'mon in."
[18:51] <Whurric> "Into the candy den, then!" Whurric says cheerfully as he accepts the invitation.
[18:52] <Orval> "What a strange little woman." Orval says, entering and looking around.
[18:53] <@Kotono> Within are great displays and rows of candy. Gingerbread houses dominate one table, full of tiny gingerbread men going about on business, as if alive. Another table has loaves of elf bread, yet another has honeyed drinks with catchy colored bottles.  Crystallized sugar candies are in another, expensive. The entire place has a bright and playful color theme, images of candy all over. "Oh,
[18:53] <@Kotono> help yourself to a bit if you're hungry! Josa won't mind!" Silver calls, going to the back and stairs, heading on up.
[18:55] * Whurric looks around for some sort of alcoholic candy! Wouldn't that be grand if such a thing existed?
[18:56] <Orval> "How interesting!" Orval looks carefully at the gingerbread men.
[19:00] <@Kotono> Oh, one case has 'wine candies' and 'super candy mead', notably. The gingerbread men look semi-realistic, cute and going about the same actions over and ove rand over. Balyss glances at all of it, "By Selune's light, you do realize Silver was lying? If you eat anything do be prepared to pay for it."
[19:02] <Orval> "Oh yes, we'd assumed as much. Nothing in a shop is ever truly free." Orval says absently, gently tapping one of the gingerbread men on the head.
[19:03] <Orval> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft to see what's animating them!
[19:04] <Orval> OOC: Hatbot?
[19:04] -castleheck.tx.us.lunarnet.org:@#evildunes- Janson invited Hatbot into the channel.
[19:04] * Joins: Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-24-28-0-36.austin.res.rr.com)
[19:04] <Orval> roll 1d20+13 spellcraft to see what's animating them!
[19:04] * Hatbot --> "Orval rolls 1d20+13 spellcraft to see what's animating them! and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[19:04] <Whurric> "She did seem quite the troublemaker, with how she spoke of this Josa," Whurric admits, having been a bit more trusting of the little creature, and resolves not to trust small things so readily in the future as he looks at the price tag on those two candies. "Still, I'm sure the price will be worth paying if the sweets match their name!"
[19:09] <@Kotono> The price for the candies are 3 marks each. Asy ou look he coems down. Josa is a rather plump, pink cheeked elf wearing dapper black clothes covered in candy patterns. He wears a rapier at his side, "Ah welcome, welcome, welcome!" he proclaims, "Welcome to Whimsical Sweets, fair Balyss and friends!"
[19:12] * Orval blinks and looks at the man for a moent, then grins widely. "An elf! Running a candy shop! Marvelous!"
[19:12] * Whurric lets loose a low whistle at the price tag. "Then again, what do I know!" he exclaims as he steps away from the wall, shocked, turning to look at the man that would charge such a thing for a mere candy!
[19:16] <@Kotono> "Ah, dwarves! The great smiths of the lands below, the stewards of stone, the caliphs of crafting! I humbly welcome you to Whimsical Sweets!" He approaches and offers a hand out to each of them, "Truly this is a day revered by fair Tymora, for our meeting shall surely be a beneficial one of the highest order of profit, gain, and mutual satisfaction."
[19:19] <@Kotono> "Right." Balyss smiles gamely, "Long story short, I'm chasing visions to help an innocent and the path took us here."
[19:19] <Whurric> "After breaking down our door at the inn, and surprising a book shop's patron," Whurric adds helpfully.
[19:20] <Orval> "The bookstore's man suggested we come speak to you." Orval says.
[19:21] <Whurric> "And your little friend suggested we help ourselves to some candy. We refrained from following the latter's suggestion!"
[19:28] <@Kotono> "Ah, outstanding all around," Josa's smile doesn't slip, "So you're looking to prevent some manner of calamity, yes?"
[19:28] <@Kotono> "Yeah," Balyss goes on, "I saw visions of the Dawn Pointe Inn, of Silver Star Books and the docks."
[19:30] <Orval> "The docks?" Orval looks up.
[19:35] <@Kotono> "Uh huh," Balyss says, "You know, where boats are and the ocean is?"
[19:35] <Orval> "Remarkable! I've read many things about the ocean."
[19:38] <@Kotono> "Yes, well, let's go," Balyss says, though Josa steps forward.
[19:38] <@Kotono> Clearing his throat, "If there is a matter of inoncents, allow me to come with you. I know not what is going on, but let us endevour to solve this mystery effectively and successfully."
[19:41] <@Kotono> "At this point, the more the merrier," Balyss says, "If Selune's point was to gather my party before going, I suppose I've fulfilled that much quite well."
[19:41] <Orval> "More help couldn't hurt the cause." Orval nods in agreement.
[19:47] <@Kotono> With that the foursome heads to the docks! It's quite busy as you go, the mid-afternoon hectic. As you step around several sailors lugging a huge dark cage, you can see the docks proper. The green waters of the Bay of Sparkling Stars are full of foam. Balyss looks about, "Now we just need to find something - an innocent or some other sign."
[19:49] <Orval> "Much easier said than done!" Orval rambles. "The idea od an innocent changes from person to person. Indded, who can say that any of us are innocent? Would a murder destroy innocence, or a simple white lie told as a child?"
[19:50] <@Kotono> "Exactly," Balyss says, "So I assume itw illb e something obvious or something we can deduce situationally. How about we split up and ook around in the meantime? I fyou find something, call the others."
[19:50] <Whurric> "Philosophy for another day. Today, I'd say it's whomever is unconscious, struggling or caged, don't you think?" Whurric suggests.
[19:51] <Orval> "I'd say so."
[19:53] <@Kotono> "Close enough," Balyss says, "You two go explore the grog houses, say? I'm going to look around on the docks, and Josa can check the ships?"
[19:54] * Orval nods. "Grog it is!"
[19:56] <Whurric> "Any way to signal each other if we find each other? Some spell of yours, brother?"
[19:57] <@Kotono> "I can weave a spell known as message, if none other can," ojsa says, "We can stay in contact with it."
[19:57] <Whurric> ooc: if we find something* (how'd I get each other from something? >.<)
[19:57] * Orval nods.
[19:58] <Whurric> "Then off we go on our way and you on yours! Come, brother!" Whurric says as he starts moving towards the grog houses.
[19:59] * Orval heads off!
[20:08] <@Kotono> The first grog house you go into is like any other. Lots of sailors about, swilling, laughing and gambling. It smells of piss and beer, the barkeep giving the two dwarves a look, "Oh, we got a pair of real drinkers here, eh? What can I get you?"
[20:11] <Orval> "A pint for me and me brother!" Orval says, hamming.
[20:13] * Whurric nods at the order as he looks around the grog house, checking to see if anything feels out of place or is just fairly noticeable.
[20:14] <@Kotono> Pints are produced! One person looks out of place! She's a pretty blonde, wearing leather and with a scythe on her back. She's even coming your way, all smiles. "Like, hi there!"
[20:15] <Whurric> "Well hello, lass! Joining us brothers for a drink?" he asks as he raises his mug in her direction.
[20:15] <Orval> "Hello. That's a...mighty fine farming implement you have there." Orval observes, drinking.
[20:16] <@Kotono> "Welll..." With a happy smile as she sits down next ot them, "Like, I thinkt hese are better than that scythe," she says, puffing her chest out, "Don't you agree?"
[20:18] <Orval> "Much less likely to be sharp, yes." Orval grins.
[20:19] <@Kotono> With her own smile, "Mmm-hmm. Though since you're so smart and observant, I wonder if you can help me? I'm, like, totally looking for a woman named Balyss. You wouldn't happen to know her, would you? I've been looking all day but no one knows who she is!"
[20:20] <Orval> "Saw her earlier today!"
[20:20] <@Kotono> "Oh wow!" Now smiling even more, coming over closer to Orval, "That's so manly of you! It would be even manlier if you could tell me where to find her!"
[20:21] <Orval> "Well, I don't precisely know where she is right now. I did see her at Silverstar books earlier today, though."
[20:22] <@Kotono> "Ew, bookstores," Making a face, "I hate reading too much since it gives me a headache! No wonder I haven't found her!"
[20:22] <Orval> "What are you looking for her for, anyhow?"
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Oh um, well, like, I need to talk to her!" In a whisper and with a wink, "We're special friends. Like if you help me, maybe we'll let the two of you watch us being special friends tonight?"
[20:26] * Whurric just snorts and goes back to his alcohol. "Perhaps you'd have better luck at a temple of Selune's. This Balyss follows that goddess, doesn't she?" Whurric suggests.
[20:26] <Orval> roll 1d20+4 sense motive?
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Orval rolls 1d20+4 sense motive? and gets 13." [1d20=9]
[20:26] <Orval> "Oh yes, she mentioned that earlier when she broke in our door, didn't she?"
[20:28] <@Kotono> "Oh she does? Really?" Frowning at that, "I thought..."
[20:29] <Whurric> "Thought you were special friends, lass! How could you -not- know?"
[20:29] * Whurric laughs.
[20:30] <@Kotono> "Um, well, like..." Reddening deeply, "I mean, I used to know her and um...." She fumbles, "Oh not again!" Groaning, "Wait a minute, are you going to like totally say she's a good person after all and not a disloyal monster?"
[20:31] <Orval> "She seems pretty good, and if you're not sure about, i doubt you know her that well." Orval nods, taking a pull from his beer.
[20:34] <@Kotono> "Aaargh! How come this keeps happening!" She groans, "First the one stupid Whiterose turns out not so bad and that Aaeru is all like, she's really a good person, and now this Balyss isn't a defector that followed General Olburt?" Her head goes into her hands, "Wait, does that mean he lied to me?!"
[20:34] <Orval> "Sounds like your source is feeding you bad intel."
[20:35] <Whurric> "Who's this General Olburt fellow? I have no idea about any of those names, but he does seem to be the one at the root of all this mess?"
[20:36] <@Kotono> "Oh no, he's like an old servant of King Ferdi who defected sorta and vanished back around twentysomething years ago! Like he was totally loyal and then disloyal and it got completely complicated! But that means...Oh MY MAJESTY! I offered to do the job for free when he told me that! WAit, if someone lied to me to get me to do something for free, does that mean he took advantage of me?"
[20:39] <Whurric> "Go talk to these Whimsical Sweets fellas, down in the merchant quarters. I hear they specialize in these sorts of disputes," Whurric suggests, not entirely what else to say. It seems like she's not involved in this kidnapping stuff?
[20:40] <Orval> "I suppose he did, girl. I don't suppose he had you kidnap anyone, did he?"
[20:42] <@Kotono> "Well um...you see..." Pushing her fingers together, "I was supposed to kidnap Balyss, and like...you k now."
[20:43] <Orval> "What is 'you know?'"
[20:43] <Whurric> "Well the important thing is that you didn't, lass!" Whurric says with a laugh as he claps the girl on the shoulder. "And as long as you didn't kidnap anybody else either, it's all alright with this dwarf!"
[20:44] <@Kotono> "Um well...like it's better if I don't tell you, since it's really sort of illegal, so...um..." Hesitating again, "Thanks for the information, I think I need to talk to my source again! With my scythe sitting in!"
[20:45] <Whurric> "Now lass, sounds to me like you might feel better if you get things off your chest if you suspect them to be wrong! Otherwise you might get in trouble you can't get yourself out of!"
[20:46] * Orval nods along with his brother. "We may be able to help you, after all. It'd be rather nice to get some friends out of this, wouldn't it? Besides, you're here now. Have a drink!"
[20:47] <Whurric> "Another round of drinks, barkeep!" Whurric nods in agreement with his brother as he summons the bartender. "Add a third drink for the lass!"
[20:49] <@Kotono> "Um well when you put it like that, I'll have some Apple Ale," she orders, getting it and drinking! As drinks ar eslid down your way and sampled, "Well you see, um, my last job didn't go so well thanks to someone...and well, I'm sorta broke, so I looked for a job. This nice, smooth guy...oh, he's dreamy..." A longing sigh, "His name's Alain..." Another sigh, "Like he has this face that's
[20:49] <@Kotono> carved out of stone, and eyes like King Ferdi! I'd totally date him..er, I mean, he's really cute! He offered me a joba bout Balyss, and well...I accepted and even did it for free when he told me that she served with General Olburt but went traitor to Malmuth!"
[20:50] * Joins: Cidward (~Melanchth@pool-71-178-103-66.washdc.east.verizon.net)
[20:52] <Whurric> "Ah, broke. Worst state a person can find himself in," Whurric says sympathetically. "No money to buy drinks with! Horrible, quite so! What were you supposed to do with Balyss for this Alain then, when you found her?"
[20:53] <Orval> "He sounds like a real charmer." Orval nods.
[20:54] <@Kotono> "Well..." Lowering her voice, "Take her to him and..." Drawing a line over her throat, "Well, if she IS a traitor and failure to Malmuth, she totally deserves it! The Empire collapsed because of people like her!"
[20:58] <Orval> "Well, while we certainly haven't known Balyss for that long, she strikes me as a good person. Even if she did do these things, isn't it worth hearing her side of the story before simply executing her?"
[21:00] <Whurric> "Should we help her find Balyss, brother? We do have other things to do, after all..." Whurric asks, assuming if his brother thinks the kidnapping scheme is related to this girl, he'll want to accompany her, otherwise let her go on her own way.
[21:01] * Orval nods. "I suppose we should." He turns to the barkeeper. "How much for the drinks, man?"
[21:02] <@Kotono> "Well, if she did, that's why the empire collapsed!" With a growl, "All that beautiful authority...King Ferdi died because of stinking rebels that got lucky and defied his lawful authority! That is totally, like, wrong! King Ferdi should hav etotally united the Baronies with Malmuth again but instead all that happened! Now there's no authority left and no real guidance!"
[21:02] <@Kotono> The barkeep shakes his head, "Quite honestly, these are on the house." With a sly grin, "Best drunk story I've heard in a few years."
[21:03] * Whurric laughs. "And we aren't even drunk yet!" he points out. "But I'll agree to that!"
[21:03] * Orval chuckles and pushes two gold coins at the barman. "A tip, then. Thanks for the drinks."

[Ebiris]

17:47] <@Kotono> Balyss is found with a little bit of searching. Her and Josa are just off the docks, chatting away as you approach. "Hey, how'd you two do," she calls, giving Yuria a glance, "Friend of yours?"
[17:49] <Orval> "Kidnapper, actually. You're her victim." Orval grins. "Or at least that's how it was until we talked her out of it."
[17:51] <@Kotono> "Hi, I'm Yuria," Introducing herself with a blush, "Like, I think I was totally misdirected. It's kind of a long story."
[17:52] <@Kotono> To this Balyss blinks once and then again, "Okay, back up." Holding her hands up, "How the hell did you find this out?"
[17:54] <Whurric> "We were gathering information, like we were supposed to! Just came up with a different sort of information!" Whurric answers, honestly.
[17:54] * Orval nods.
[17:56] <@Kotono> "Like, I came up to them to find you," Yuria goes on with a slight, stammering blush, "So I asked them and it turns out they know you! Small world, right?"
[17:57] <@Kotono> This gets Balyss to rub her temple with her hand, "O...kay. So you're trying to kidnap me? Why? What in the name of Shar's saggy black teats is this about?"
[17:57] <@Kotono> "A curious corundrum," Josa opines, "Truly it is a mystery that defies the grasp of simple logic, that speaks to the otherworldly motivations of the actors on stage."
[17:57] * Orval raises an eyebrow at Balyss.
[17:59] <@Kotono> "Um," Yuria pauses again, "Well, Alain asked me to find you since you were a traitor ot the Empire! BUt apparently that was a lie? I mean, if it's really a lie could you tell me?"
[17:59] <@Kotono> "Empire?" Balyss echos, "I've never been to Malmuth, unless you count Valandia, and most people don't these days."
[18:00] * Orval nods. "I thought so. The man has been lying to you, lass."
[18:00] <Whurric> "So, out of curiosity, was perhaps the 'innocent' that was getting kidnapped in your vision you yourself, lass?" Whurric asks Balyss, scratching his beard. "Cause I can't say I've found any other word of kidnapping!"
[18:01] <@Kotono> To all this Yuria's shoulders sag, "Again? First it was Whiterose and now this! I knowt here have to be real traitors here, too!"
[18:01] <Orval> "Granted, we've only tried the one bar. We should check them all!"
[18:01] <@Kotono> To that Balyss blink-blinks before she laughs. She laughs long and pure, "Oh, that's what it meant! Of course! I look around, gather allies and they prevent the kidnapping!"
[18:02] <@Kotono> To that Josa shakes his head, "Certainly and perhaps drink has a time nad a place for us today, but our wits should be undulled until that time."
[18:04] <Orval> "Glad we sorted it out at least." They can indeed drink later.
[18:05] <Whurric> "Your goddess plays a mean prank, all things considered, lass," Whurric notes.
[18:07] <@Kotono> "Selune guides us in ways that aren't immediately apparent," Balyss says, "Okay, where can we find this Alain?"
[18:08] <@Kotono> "Well, um..." Blushing darkly, Yuria looks away, "Do you have to? Can you let bygones be bygones? He's really cute! I was hoping..."
[18:08] <@Kotono> "No." Balyss' smile turns to a stony look, giving all her attention right to Yuria. "Someone wanted me kidnapped. Being cute doesn't get you off the hook for kidnapping."
[18:09] <Orval> "He's no doubt up to lo good if he keeps trying to get you to hurt innocent people, girl."
[18:10] <Whurric> "And he might get someone -else- to kidnap this lass otherwise! You don't want that, now do you?"
[18:11] <@Kotono> "Aww." Yuria slumps even further, "He's staying in the Commerce Quarter. I'll take you...since I guess I, like, owe you."
[18:12] * Joins: Zeph (~zephisawe@65-119-133-149.dia.static.qwest.net)
[18:13] <Whurric> "Well, we can always beat him up so bad that he's no longer 'cute', and then you won't feel so guilty! How about that?" Whurric offers, feeling bad for the girl.
[18:14] <@Kotono> "Indeed, we can make his face match his blackguard heart," Josa vows, "Such craven brutality is only worth of the barbarian trolls and giant sof the Barbarian Lands! It is an affront to all the good and just people in Pallanth and the Baronies that a man such as this preys on innocents! By the Elf-Father, he must be punished!"
[18:16] <@Kotono> Balyss nods, a hand on Yuria's shoulder, "You don't seem so bad. I'll get you a date with someone to make up for it if you take us there? Heck, if you like dwarves, why don't you date Whurric or Orval?"
[18:16] * Orval turns to look at his brother and says, "Wordy, isn't he?"
[18:17] <Whurric> "It's the elf blood, brother," Whurric answers.
[18:17] * Orval nods, then perks. "Wait, what?" he turns to Balyss.
[18:19] <@Kotono> "Wait, what?!"  Yuria turns at the same time as Orval, "Date a dwarf? I mean, like, even if I don't mind being taller than him, isn't it all proportional, even down there? Like, isn't that a problem?"
[18:20] <@Kotono> Josa crosses his arms, "I am not wordy! I merely use the art of language and communication to properly express myself!"
[18:20] <@Kotono> Balyss stops, facepalming without a word.
[18:20] * Whurric just shakes his head. "Human cities sure are...interesting, aren't they, brother?"
[18:21] <Orval> "Proportional?" Orval's voice rising. "Lass, I'll have you know that...this is a conversation that I will most likely regret. Yes brother."
[18:22] <@Kotono> Yuria starts to reply, but Balyss reaches out and covers her mouth. "I'm sorry about that entire idea." Bowing her own head a moment in regret, "Let's just go find this damned Alain."
[18:28] <@Kotono> With a silenced Yuria leading on, you are taken to the Commerce Quarter. The Dancing Dragon is a big, fancy inn with a red dragon motif. Heading inside through it's faux mouth, Yuria takes you inside. Up to the third floor you go, one of the rooms at the end. "He's staying here," she says dutifully, "Like, try to at least be understanding, okay?"
[18:30] <Whurric> "He gets same chance you gave the lass here, I suppose," Whurric offers.
[18:31] <@Kotono> "If he cooperates, certainly," Balyss murmurs, "There's no need for bloodshed if it can be avoided."
[18:32] <@Kotono> With that Yuria knocks on the door! "Alain? Are you there?"
[18:33] <@Kotono> The door soon opens! He's a middle aged man, square jawed and with deep, alluring eyes. His face speaks of mystery and excitement, amoment's smile gone as soon as he sees Yuria and company. He looks to them a moment, "...well, damnation and blast. This is awkward."
[18:36] <Orval> "Hello." Orval nods. "Might we come in?"
[18:43] <Whurric> "We have been kidnapped. Help. Help," Whurric adds in a dry voice.
[18:46] <@Kotono> Balyss draws her mace, smacking it into her gloved hand, "Whatever will be do about being kidnapped? Lunarock, why don't you tell me?"
[18:46] <@Kotono> "Sorry!" Yuria reddens deep as can be, "Um, they kind of got it out of me and things fell apart."
[18:47] <@Kotono> Alain sighs deeply, "Please, come in," he steps aside, going to a chair by a desk. "So I suppose we can be civilized about this?"
[18:47] <Whurric> "For the time being!" Whurric says cheerfully.
[18:48] <Orval> "I don't see why not." Orval says.
[18:49] <@Kotono> Holding up his hands, "I'm what you might call a facilitator. In other words, I take jobs and get people to do them. None of this is my idea, it's just business."
[18:50] <Whurric> "And your business, it involves the kidnapping of young maidens?"
[18:51] <@Kotono> Clearing his throat, "I don't normally take religious disputes, but she paid very well. Plus it's a well known emnity, so really, it was going to happen one way or another."
[18:52] <Orval> "Oh? A religious dispute?"
[18:52] <Orval> "Between whom?"
[18:52] <@Kotono> "Who?" Balyss says, mace still drawn as she stands.
[18:54] <@Kotono> "Well, it was the strangest thing. Beautiful elf, called herself Senaril. We met a few months ago, she wanted me to take care of the Lunatics when I went back through Balmuria. She knew who I was like that and paid well enough...who am I to say no? Someone comes up with all my secrets and wants me to kill a Selunite? I don't need a lot to put one and one together."
[18:54] <@Kotono> To this Josa bows his head, "Indeed, I can verify you are correct. I can take great, malicious joy in informing you that your contract is null and void - Senaril is deceased."
[18:55] <Orval> "Well, that settles that then." Orval nods.
[18:56] <@Kotono> Balyss exhales, "Shar." It's a single word, spoken like a vile curse.
[18:57] <@Kotono> "Ah well. She paid a lot up front, so..." With a shrug, "Tell you what. I leave Balmuria, you go back to your life and we call it even?" Alain says with a dapper smile, "M'lady, it seem swe have no reason for a fight now."
[18:57] * Orval blinks. "Ah, yes. I've heard of this Shar. Nasty bit of business there. Some sort of problem with everyone?"
[18:57] <@Kotono> "I'll explain later," Josa says, "But she is the most vile of darkness and evil."
[18:58] * Whurric looks to Balyss. "You were the one to be kidnapped, I figure you get to pick what happens with this man. Gonna let him go?"
[19:01] <@Kotono> "Not a chance under Selune's light." She rises, "You say you don't take religious disputes? Well, you broke your own rule so I'm going to treat this like one. If you want to walk away from this, you're going to atone for consorting with that black bitch. You're going to come with us to Moonholm and you're going to be given a Quest. You complete that and you can walk away.""
[19:03] <@Kotono> Alain looks about to all, "I see my choices are less and worse," he confesses, "Not much of a choice, is it?"
[19:04] <Orval> "Could be worse, she could haul you to jail." Orval says.
[19:04] <@Kotono> To this Alain merely nods, "I know when I'm beat." He stands, voice growing bleak, "I'm not going to run. To Moonholm."
[19:05] <@Kotono> "Excellent, justice is served," Josa claps his hands together, "Shall we all guide Alain to Moonholm? Then I would like to offer the three of you dinner, on me, for I would like to get to know all of you better.
[19:05] <@Kotono> "
[19:05] <Orval> "Sounds great!"
[19:06] <@Kotono> "I'll be busy with this, sorry," Balyss calls as the party starts to go.
[19:07] <@Kotono> "Ah, I didn't mean you, fair Balyss. I understand too well what you go through, and we have indeed met before. I meant Yuria," she smiles, "Fair lady, we did not get off on the best foot, but Aaeru spoke of you and spoke that you are a reasonable soul if confronted by fair evidence. Perhaps you too have been mislead in this entire affair, another victim of lies. Let us meet again, as friends."
[19:07] <@Kotono> Yuria looks up from her reflective melancholy, "Huh, me?"
[19:07] <Whurric> "He's hitting on you, lass," Whurric translates, or attempts to.
[19:09] <@Kotono> "Oh!" Yuria blushes again, "Well, like, you're kinda cute if overstuffed, like an elf plush toy."
[19:09] * Orval snorts.
[19:09] <@Kotono> "Nonsense!" Josa shakes his head, "While you are a beautiful lass, I have another affair on my mind. Shall we?" He offers. OOC: Good with skipping along a bit?
[19:11] <Orval> OOC: Yar
[19:11] <Whurric> ooc: sure
[19:14] <@Kotono> Once Alain and Balyss are back at Moonholm, you head for a fancy restaurant in the Commerce Quarter. It is named Otherworldly Cornucopia, promising delights from beyond this world. You are seated at a large table with two other places set, "Please, sit," Josa invites, "I sent word to a few compatriots who will join us shortly."
[19:15] <Whurric> "More of your troubleshooters?" Whurric hazards a guess.
[19:16] <@Kotono> "Precisely," Josa says, as Yuria sits as well. "I would like you to meet Janson and Sylvie, they're both fine people."
[19:16] <Whurric> "You only have two people working under you? Or those two just your best?" the dwarf asks curiously.
[19:17] <Orval> "It does seem like a small group." Orval nods.
[19:17] <@Kotono> "Ah." Pausing to bow his head, "Aaeru is out of the city right now on personal business, though Yuria has met her. Three others...'tis dangerous work we do, for we defeated the vile Sharran nymph Senaril. Andrea, Wayland and Simmer gave their lives to sto pher evil, and prevent a scheme that could be ruination to the entire city."
[19:18] * @Janson arrives shortly with the considerably more intelligent blonde of the group in tow. "Afternoon, Josa," he gives the fat half-elf a nod while pulling out a chair. "Who're your friends?" he asks with a look over the dwarves and more mentally challenged blonde.
[19:18] <@Kotono> Sylvie goes to sit and smile, "Evening," she greets.
[19:19] <Whurric> "Ah, I could taste the venom in your words earlier when her name came up, I can see why now," Whurric says understandingly, before nodding towards the newcomers. "Hullo there! You must be the Janson and Sylvie our new friend was telling us about just now!"
[19:19] * Orval inhales sharply. "My apologies for your loss. We meant no insult."
[19:20] <@Janson> "That's us," Janson smiles, before his expression flattens upon picking up the subject of conversation. "That one keeps coming up today, seems like."
[19:20] <@Kotono> "None is taken," Josa says, "They died as heroes, securing their places in the hereafter with uncommon valor."
[19:20] <@Kotono> Sylvie's smile darkens a ltitle bit, "Yeah...still hitting a bit close to home."
[19:22] <@Kotono> Raising a water glass, Josa declares, "A toast to them then, gone but not forgotten." After amoment for others to follow if they wish, "You three seem like decent folk of fair moral character. Whimsical Sweets would be richer for having you with us, if you are interested."
[19:23] * Orval raises his beer mug and looks at his brother. "What say ye?"
[19:23] <@Kotono> Doing the same, "Like, Aaeru's kinda pushy but she's not bad. Um, how good is the pay? I keep ending up poor and having to earn money any way I can."
[19:24] * @Janson takes a glass and raises it, before blinking and casting an appraising eye over the other three. "It's a quick way to get rich, if you live long enough to spend it. I just bought a huge mansion out in the reaches a few days ago with what we got from taking down Senaril."
[19:24] <Whurric> "Ah, well, about that...You seem like a fine sort and all, but my brother here is on some quest of his own like that lass this morning," Whurric says at the same time as his brother. He turns in surprise at his words though. "Eh? You interested? Won't this interfere with whatever it was you were sent to do?"
[19:24] <@Kotono> "Equal shares to all," Josa says, "Our last mission made us all several thousand marks. The money is superb, matching the danger."
[19:25] <@Kotono> "Quest?" Sylvie murmurs after raising her own water glass, "What sort of quest?"
[19:26] <Whurric> "Heck if I know, lass, I just followed him here to Balmuria from ol' Irongates."
[19:26] <Orval> "We've come to this city, and were immediately pulled into heling someone. I've not received any more secrets from Dumathoin, so I beleive we may be here to help people. Perhaps more will be made clear in time. PErhaps not. I don't believe this is mere happenstance at work here." Orval says.
[19:27] <Orval> OOC: Heling = helping
[19:27] <@Kotono> "Ah!" Josa says brightly, "Much of our work is helping people! Truly, this is more than mere coincidence!"
[19:28] <Whurric> "You think? Hrm, well, I can't say I ever had my door broken off the hinges before and had the experience lead to a free dinner, so perhaps you have a point, brother."
[19:28] <@Janson> "If nothing else it'll give you practice and money for when you do your real quest. But I really can't overstate the danger," Janson looks across the dwarves and Malmuthian, "We've only been at this a few months and five of us have been killed. Don't just jump in lightly."
[19:31] * Orval nods. "The world is a dangerous place, or so I've heard. I can keep ye alive though, if that helps."
[19:31] <@Kotono> "Any help with that is quite welcome," Sylvie speaks up, "I'm working on learning some healing, but I haven't quite mastered it yet."
[19:32] <@Kotono> "Dangerous? Well um, I know some magic so I can make due, and if it pays good? It's better than what I was doing for money," Yuria says, "Like, if someone like Aaeru can do it, I can do it."
[19:32] <Whurric> "I'm a pretty tough one, lad, and my brother is quite gifted with patching my wounds," Whurric agrees. "I'm not one to stand aside in the face of danger, but I won't throw my life away heedlessly either, so don't you worry."
[19:32] <@Kotono> "It sounds like we have easy agreement," Josa smiles ear to ear, "Shall I take this from all of you as a yes?"
[19:33] <@Janson> "What experience do you have, anyway?" Janson asks Yuria since she keeps mentioning what she's been doing previously. Hopefully more than harassing poor Sinnah!
[19:34] <@Kotono> "To make money or my real quest?" Yuria asks back, "I'm really doing this to catch disloyal traitors that caused the collapse of the Empire!"
[19:34] <Whurric> "S'long as we're able to work on whatever my brother's supposed to do if it's not meant to be this, I don't see why not," Whurric answers Josa. "I'll be wanting a discount on those alcohol candies you've got if they're any good though!"
[19:35] <@Janson> "Yeah, I heard how that quest has been going," Janson replies flatly, turning now to the dwarves rather than letting the mood turn more unpleasant. "You two sound confident, at least."
[19:36] <Orval> "I have magic fingers." Orval nods.
[19:36] <Whurric> "Success is at least fifty percent confidence, I always say!" Whurric says cheerfully. "If you don't think you can win, you got no business getting into a fight!"
[19:39] <@Janson> "We'll see how you all handle a real job... although if nothing comes up we can practice and make money at the same time with a shocker lizard hunt," Janson suggests, not rising to the magic fingers bit. It's funny how such idioms can cross language barriers.
[19:39] <@Kotono> "Cheers to that," Josa says, "May our new partnership bring wealth and success!"
[19:40] <Whurric> "UGH! Shocker lizards! Disgusting things!" Whurric mutters, making a face.
[19:41] <@Janson> "Scary, too!" Janson nods. "But all the more satisfying to kill them. And they bring in a nice bounty here in the city."
[19:42] <@Kotono> "They are if you don't mind the shocking, or can stop the lightning," Sylvie says, "I heard a blue dragon named Kondrux used to control them, but now they're all causing trouble."
[19:42] * Orval frowns. "They creep into the caves sometimes. They can cause many problems for us too."
[19:43] * Whurric nods at his brother's words. "A pest, the whole race of 'em."
[19:43] <@Janson> "It's best to kill them at range if you can. Getting close to a group of them is no fun at all," Janson adds sagely.
[19:43] <@Kotono> "Nothing but electric cockroaches, and I hate cockroaches!" Yuria makes a face, "Like, one time I was getting out of the bath and trying off, and one of them crawled up my foot and leg!"
[19:44] <Orval> "You had a shocker lizard in the bath with you?"
[19:44] <@Kotono> "No, I meant a cockroach!" Yuria retorts, frowning, "Like, I'm not even that stupid!"
[19:44] <@Janson> "You need to spend your money on better living conditions," Janson grimaces and makes a fervent suggestion to Yuria.
[19:45] * Orval frowns and grumps.
[19:45] <@Kotono> "Oh, it was in some village inn awhile back," Yuria waves a hand, "It was that or the road."
[19:46] <@Janson> "Buy yourself a nice house. They're amazingly cheap around here. Servants, too! I couldn't believe it!" Janson enthuses momentarily. "If I'd known no way would I have spent so long in that dumpy little cottage!"
[19:47] <@Kotono> "It's really nice! Say, if you two need a place to stay for a little bit, I'm sure we have rooms," Sylvie says, preening, "You won't believe how nice it is there! Some noble died and his family sold it or some such."
[19:48] <@Janson> "Not in the house," Janson feels compelled to add, "He was in Tauret or something. He didn't die in the place we live now. It's not haunted."
[19:49] <Orval> "If it were, I'd ba happy to drive out the spirit and lay it to rest." Orval nods.
[19:49] <@Janson> "You could as well, Yuria, if your inn is really bad," he offers the blonde since Sylvie neglected her. "But once we do our first job you can probably afford a nice place of your own easily."
[19:49] <@Kotono> "Oh, free rooms? Like, sure!" Yuria adds.
[19:50] <Whurric> "We're pretty good with our inn, I think, so I see no reason to trouble you, though the offer's most kind," Whurric answers, before laughing. "Well, not unless they kick us out after this morning!"
[19:51] <Orval> "Bah, we still have to go back so I can fix the door!"
[19:52] <@Janson> "We've got lots of spare room if anyone needs a place, so it's no imposition," Janson gives Yuria a momentary smile, hoping she can be socialised enough to stop harassing nice people like Sinnah.
[19:52] <Whurric> "Still say we shoulda made that lass pay for the repairs, brother! You're just too softhearted, you know?" Whurric says with a shake of his head.
[19:53] <Orval> "I can repair it with a prayer to Dumathoin, brother." Orval shakes his head.
[19:56] <Whurric> "So?" Whurric asks, blinking, not getting the point. "The lass still broke it."
[19:57] <Orval> "Pick and choose your battles, brother. I'm sure the innkeeper would rather had the door back today than within the week."
[19:58] <Whurric> "I suppose. It'd certainly be a mite drafty in the evening too, if we left it up to her," he admits.
[20:00] * Orval nods. "Faster this way."
[20:00] <@Janson> "If you can fix something easily yourself you might as well do it rather than inconvenience yourself out of principle," Janson agrees with that sentiment.