001. Well met, travelers!

[Yuthirin]

[18:03] <@Kotono> --------------------------------------
[18:04] <@Kotono> For all of you, the story begins when you take the ethereal woman's dreamish hand. Your dreams part away into whiteness, doves flying away, unseen until this moment. Each of you awakens in an oversized bedroom, lying on soft, thick quilts. The room is painted white, white so white as defy simple description. Awareness and awakeness comes to each of you, as...OOC: Okay, go ahead and react, all.
[18:07] * Thyan blinks a few times, clearing his vision before slowly sitting up, taking the room in... only to pause as he sees the others in the room, hand drawing and arrow, but not knocking it.
[18:08] * Aleira drowsily opens her eyes, eying her surroundings dreamily. Sitting up, she runs a hand through her short, flame-red hair, and yawns. "My dreams usually are not as relaxing as this, though I could certainly get used to it." She tenses slightly as she notices the others in the room; she's ready for fight or flight.
[18:09] <Iris> Fact registered: Iris has not awoken within her own bedroom. Surely a unique occurrence! The bed feels too real to be a dream, so it probably isn't. Also apparently there are other people here, which prompts an immediate response of scrambling off the bed and getting a safe distance from everyone. Who knows who they are or what could've happened while she was asleep?
[18:10] * Thyan subtly calls for Aaliyah, his companion, hoping that where he is, the bird is with him..
[18:10] <Kotono> The bird swoops down, resting on his shoulder.
[18:11] <Iris> Immediate and important factcheck: is Iris dressed appropriately for company? The others are dressed and equipped for trouble, so hopefully this circumstance is uniform.
[18:12] * @Morana looks at peace with the situation, rather than concern with the unknown surroundings and the other people, she merely stares at the others with curiosity as she sits up on the quilts. "Hello, humans," the half-orc greets with a toothy yet pleasant smile.
[18:13] <Iris> "Where are we and who are you?" is Iris's unfriendly query to the room in general.
[18:13] <Kotono> Iris finds herself clad in her normal traveling and studying gear. The others are likewise clad as they normally travel. At this, "Welcome..." A woman's voice, like the strumming of a harp, "Come to me, my dreamers..." Light. Light comes from ahead, the wall melting away into a white walkway suspended over a chasm. This chasm is swirling - countless images are born for a split second before
[18:13] <Kotono> fading. Magnificent images and terrible ones, nightmares and phantasmal joys.
[18:14] <Thyan> "... I'd like to know the same. "
[18:14] * Aleira shrugs at the others. "I have no quarrel with you so long as you have no quarrel with me. Myself, I've decided to enjoy this rather lucid dream."
[18:15] * Aleira hops off of the bed and strolls to the walkway!
[18:15] <@Morana> "I am Morana Sunfang," she supplies readily. "I am here because the Red Knight commands me to be here, as she commands you all. I know not her reasons, but as strategy is her domain, surely there is a reason for all us being here," Morana explains. "And as she now summons us..."
[18:15] * @Morana likewise stands, heading towards the voice.
[18:15] * Thyan eyes the strolling one..
[18:16] * Iris checks her pack to make thorough inventory and, satisfied she's not missing anything of major importance should trouble await her up ahead, decides there's no news to be gained from loitering in this room. She heads with the others towards the walkway, a lizard poking its head out of her backpack and casting a disdainful glare at the others as she walks.
[18:16] <Thyan> ".. I am Thyan Aldcar. Guide and wanderer.. I recognize that voice from a dream.."
[18:17] * Thyan cautiously follows the others, but keeps his arrow ready.
[18:17] <Iris> "Iris Darabont," Iris says. "No knight that I know is responsible for my being here. I too accepted a stranger's hand in a dream. I could not say why. It seemed an attractive thing to do in the logic of a dream."
[18:17] * Aleira calls over her shoulder as she traverses the walkway, "Call me Aleira Vedon. I'm lover *and* a fighter!"
[18:18] <@Morana> "Yes. I saw hints of her as she called upon me. And you as well, it seems," Morana says with a nod back at the human male, confirming that she too heard the voice in a dream.
[18:18] <@Morana> "You will not find much love in here, girl...except for, perhaps, Sir Aldcar," Morana says with a snort at Aleira's declaration.
[18:19] * Thyan raises an eyebrow at Morana.
[18:20] <@Morana> "You -are- the only male here, Sir Aldcar," Morana points out.
[18:20] <Aleira> Unbeknownst to the party, she waggles her eyebrows in a roguish manner. "Who said that love was confined to one gender? Or one species, for that matter?"
[18:20] <Thyan> "No offense, M'lady.. But I'd rather find a way out of.. here.. Before anything else."
[18:20] <Kotono> Ahead, the walkway continues on. It is broad enough to walk three abrest over the whirling images below. Ahead you see light - glorious, all consuming white light. Doves fly about in the radiant sky, as ahead you see the walkway comes to an end. Floating just past the end of it is the woman of your dreams. She seems like mist and light and clouds all together, her face hazy and yet beautiful to look at. Her voice strums to each of you, "Welcome, my dreamers. I am sure you have questions, but allow me to introduce myself first. I am the Lady of Dreams, sovereign and protector of the land of dreamscapes and nightmares."
[18:22] * Aleira bows elegantly. "Pleased to meet you, my Lady. Your realm is quite beautiful."
[18:22] * @Morana is startled at that declaration. "...You are not the Red Knight," she declares, somehow both thoughtfully and accusingly. "Given that case, I now feel obligated to ask...Might I ask why you called upon us?"
[18:23] * Iris takes this at face value because, well, it is a dream. "I echo this inquiry. Why are we here?"
[18:23] * Thyan eyes Aleira at her reaction, then figures courtly manners might be appropriate for a Goddess (?).. Or at least, OTHER.
[18:23] * Thyan bends knee to the Lady.
[18:25] <Kotono> "That will require more than a few simple words. Please allow me the time to explain this and why I have brought you here," The Lady speaks, a smile coming to her face - you cannot see it, but you can feel her happiness as Thyan kneels, "Thank you for the honor you give me. My duty is to watch over dreams and rule them. One month ago, the Sphere of Dreams, which holds the will of every dream to
[18:25] <Kotono> ever be dreamed, shattered by unknown forces. The shards...these dream shards...were cast out by the force of everything, scattering to the wide Planes."
[18:27] <Iris> "Do you propose for us to assist you in recovering from this disaster?" Iris asks. No obeisance in her tone, just business. "What are the potential consequences of this event?"
[18:28] * Aleira raises an eyebrow. "And if we *were* gathered together to fetch these shards of yours, what makes us so uniquely suited to do it?"
[18:28] <Thyan> ".. And why us? I am unsure about the others, but I am no one of consequence, title, or power. I am only a Wilderness Guide."
[18:28] <@Morana> "You wish us to find these shards then. It sounds like a noble quest...but why us?" Morana also asks, looking slightly more comfortable. Dreams are important, and this sounds like something the Red Knight would approve of likely, even if her coming here was based on a misconception.
[18:29] <Kotono> "You are correct. If the Sphere of Dreams is not restored, dreams will become the free reign of all. Fiends will seek to turn dreams into nightmares, and celestials will protrude into them to oppose them. Law will seek to order and control dreams, while Chaos seeks to destroy any meaning they have." The Lady speaks, "The realm of dreams will not be what it is now, but an endless battlescape for the forces that war within all the planes for all time. Mortals will know not rest or solitude even in their dreams." Nodding, "Allow me to continue then, and I shall tell you why I have chosen each of you."
[18:30] <Iris> "This would be unfortunate," Iris concludes. "The planes are sufficiently riven with empty conflict already."
[18:30] * @Morana nods briskly, and awaits for the explanation.
[18:31] <Kotono> "Few have the ability to perceive the Sphere of Dreams, or the resulting dream shards created by its destruction," The Lady of Dreams says, "But each of you does. Understand this is a task that will take you across the many Planes, to the highest and lowest points. It will not be an easy task, nor a safe one.  You may well meet your end seeking the dream shards. I can offer you but three things in exchange."
[18:32] * @Morana is slightly disappointed that it is only mere chance that has brought the four of them together, rather than ability, wisdom, power or anything of the sort. Still, she nods again, motioning for the Lady of Dreams to continue.
[18:32] <Iris> Iris and her lizard companion wait quietly for elaboration. One could almost swear they blink in unison.
[18:33] * Aleira grins slightly at the thought of an adventure. Finally, something to get her out of that dusty old monastery!
[18:34] * Thyan notices his companion staring unusally intently at the lizard before he flicks her beak to break her attention.
[18:35] <Kotono> "First, you will be doing the right, brave thing. You will be protecting every man that dreams of a better tomorrow, every child that dreams of happiness. Second, I will teach you how to use the dream shards to your own benefit and power. You will not be cast to the Planes defenseless. Third and finally...once the Sphere of Dreams is restored, I can help each of you realize your own dreams. If you choose to decline, you will awaken and remember none of this, or the dreams of the past week. You will return to your normal lives, none the wiser to the looming disaster."
[18:38] <Iris> "I see no reason to decline a mutually beneficial offer," Iris says, "and I am not averse to undertaking a journey for knowledge. There is only so much one can learn in libraries."
[18:38] * Aleira doesn't even hesitate. "Sign me up, my Lady. I was raised to the right thing, no matter the cost, and I can't turn away from someone who needs me."
[18:39] * Thyan stares at Lady of Dreams for a few moments before sighing and speaking up with a wry grin.
[18:39] * @Morana snorts slightly at the mention of the first thing, though it's fair to say she would have acted even for just that. Still, to call it something of exchange seems rather silly to the half-orc. The other two things are slightly more enchanting to think of, and she can imagine what it could mean for her world. "I accept," is all she says. "So long as you do not ask of me to betray my faith, you'll have my blade at your service."
[18:39] <Thyan> "'Tis a new path and a new journey. The brothers await me on the horizon, no?"
[18:41] <Kotono> "Each of you...thank you." The Lady curtsies deeply, "It is not easy for me to seek your kind, you of the Waking Dreams, without the Sphere of Dreams. Your bravery gives the best chance for calamity to be averted. Each of you, stand before me. I shall give you a blessing."
[18:41] * @Morana steps forward, staring at the Lady's face as best she can, standing true and ready.
[18:41] * Aleira steps forward, eager to receive the Lady's blessing!
[18:42] * Thyan steps forward as well, shifting his shoulder to be more comfortable with the bird..
[18:42] * Iris steps forward having unvoiced questions about whether this Lady can really help her accomplish what she ultimately seeks, but deciding this blessing may be a sign one way or another.
[18:43] <Kotono> "My chosen of the Waking Dreams, I bless you." Her voice is softer now, like the gentle repose of a flute's last note before going silent, "Never again shall you fear the magic of slumber or dreams. The path to the dream shards shall be yours." OOC: More in #elysium.
[18:46] * Thyan winces slightly, bringing his palm up and watching as a white circle forms on it.
[18:47] <@Morana> "How do we traverse the planes?" Morana asks. "You said they were scattered throughout them all. Will we be safe from the hazards of some planes which were not meant for beings such as us? Or must we find our own protections?"
[18:47] <Aleira> With a soft flash of light, a white circle appears on the back of Aleira's right hand! "This is quite a gift, my Lady! You have my thanks."
[18:47] <Thyan> ".. My Lady.. Your blessing.. Will it anger the brothers? The Dweller and the Far Strider?"
[18:47] * Iris rests one hand over her belly, about where her navel should be, raises an eyebrow in curiosity. Glances at the others and draws a conclusion. Nods simply.
[18:53] <Kotono> "It will not. I am not a deity, demanding worship," The Lady says, gently yet, so gently. "As for the dream shards, when you find one, you will know of its power. Beware, for a dream shard, while granting benefits, brings drawbacks. No dream is free of that, for one person's dream is another's nightmare. Further, you may not yet be strong enough to gain the full benefits of the shards, though  there is training to overcome that."
[18:54] <Iris> "You said this disaster was brought about by forces unknown," Iris says, "but have you any theories at all? As your agents, an adversary responsible for this may seek us out to thwart your request."
[18:55] * Aleira nods in understanding. "My Lady, can you also give us an idea where to seek out the first shard? The one closest to us would be preferable."
[18:56] <Thyan> "And.. If these shards are scattered across the Planes.. How do we shift from one Plane to the next?"
[18:57] <Iris> "Planar travel is often facilitated by portals," Iris suggests to Thyan. "For those without the power to create them, natural ones might be found."
[18:58] <Kotono> "I do not know...but I will seek to learn, and you may find the answer yourself as you find the dream shards," The Lady replies, stepping back in the air a single step. "You will be able to sense the closest shard with your blessing, as long as it is on the same plane as you are. As for travel, Iris is correct. You will need to seek portals...Iris, are you familiar with the planes?"
[18:58] <Thyan> "I have studied them a bit.. I was simply hoping for a slightly easier way than hunting down portals."
[18:59] <Iris> "I have extensive academic knowledge," Iris says. "It has been in my interest to understand their workings. This will be my first journey from my homeland, however."
[18:59] * Aleira slaps Thyan on the back. "But that would take all the fun out of the adventure! What kind of a journey would we have if everything was handed to us on a silver platter?"
[19:00] <Thyan> "'Everything?' Portals are places of power. They're not likely to be simply 'out there.'"
[19:02] * Iris turns to Thyan. "Portals are oft visited by interplanar travelers. Planar residents will likely be aware of any such gateways in their vicinity, should we consult with them. Of course, perhaps not all lands we visit will contain trustworthy residents."
[19:02] <@Morana> "In the primes, maybe not, but I believe they are more commonplace outside them, Sir Aldcar," Morana says with an agreeing nod at Iris' observations.
[19:04] <Thyan> "Well, I suppose we shall see."
[19:04] <Aleira> "If nothing else, there have to be maps of the more popular portals."
[19:05] <@Morana> Turning back to the lady, she asks once more... "Alright, portals covers travel. What of protections? Will we have to handle those ourselves as well?"
[19:06] <@Morana> "And is it just us four seeking the shards, or have you found others to search the planes besides us?"
[19:07] <Kotono> "You will have to," The Lady confirms, "For now, it is best if you stay to natively safe planes, ones that are not hostile to mortal life," The Lady explains, "As you become more experienced, you will be able to widen your searches into those realms."
[19:08] <Kotono> "There is another already, awaiting you," The Lady says, "I will continue to search, and in time others may join you."
[19:09] <Iris> "There are spells which can ease our travels to hostile planes," Iris adds. "I will need to learn them. In the meantime, I agree that we should hew to more temperate climes."
[19:09] * Thyan nods.
[19:09] <Kotono> "Are there any other questions?" The Lady asks.
[19:09] <Thyan> "Aye. In the more normal planes, I can guide us fairly well. I will have to study a bit more on the planes to do so for the more hostile ones."
[19:10] <Iris> "Have you a recommended locale for us to begin our search?" Iris asks.
[19:11] <@Morana> "Are there rumors that we should pay mind to that might point us towards planes where these shards lie?" Morana asks one last question.
[19:11] <Kotono> "Yes," The Lady replies, "The heaven of Arcadia is a peaceable, ordered place. It is a fine place to begin your search, and the natives should be helpful as long as you are not hostile. In time, seek out portals to the Astral Plane, for from the Astral one can go anywhere."
[19:11] * Aleira shrugs. "Perhaps we just point our bodies in different directions until our marks appear?"
[19:11] * Iris nods. "This is a reasonable suggestion, yes."
[19:12] < 04Kotono > "Unfortunately, I do not know of rumors - but your blessing should help with that, regardless."
[19:12] * Aleira nods. "Is there anything else we should know, my Lady? If not, we had best begin our search as soon as possible!"
[19:24] <Kotono> "I will be able to contact you in your dreams periodically, when it is needed," The Lady says, "Do not be alarmed if I do."
[19:27] <Aleira> "Of course not, my Lady." Aleira grins happily, raring to go!
[19:27] <Iris> "I have rather become accustomed to it of late," Iris notes.
[19:28] <Kotono> "Turn and walk back the way you came. The last of your number awaits you there," The Lady commands, "Go with my blessing. I will watch over you and pray you succeed in your quest."
[19:28] * Iris turns and does precisely as instructed, no further questions or comments to exchange.
[19:28] * Aleira bows once more and immediately turns about. "Come along, friends. Let us begin our journey together!"
[19:29] * Aleira follows Iris.
[19:30] * @Morana starts to turn and head back, though before she leaves the presence of the Lady, she turns and gives a deep bow. "We'll protect everyone's dreams," she says as she draws back to her full height before turning again and following after the others.
[19:30] <Kotono> On returning the way you came, you find the bedroom empty. Now it is instead a simple, open space. A wagon is here, as well as a twisting gray portal! OOC: Go ahead and intro yourself and your cart, Hamish.
[19:32] <Hamish> Before you stands a man, leaning against the side of a dusty and road-worn carriage. His clothes are brown with caked on road dust, and his skin is heavily tanned. He wears a wide-brimmed hat with a purple sash on his head, and the hat is pulled low over his eyes. Even so, he smiles at the group as two horses paw boredly at the empty space in front of the carriage. It's obvious that they've been  here for a bit to be so calm. "Hello, friends. I'm Hamish. Accepted the lady's offer, huh?"
[19:33] <Iris> "That is correct," Iris says. "My name is Iris."
[19:33] * Aleira gives the man a cautious nod of greeting. "We have. Who are you, friend? An ally of the Lady?"
[19:34] * Thyan nods to the man.
[19:34] <@Morana> "I am Morana Sunfang," Morana introduces herself with a short nod of her head towards the new guy. "I assume you came before us, part of a group where the rest of your companions declined, or some such?"
[19:34] <Hamish> "Same as you, I'd reckon." He peers at them from under his hat, smiling cheerfully. "I suppose that means I'm your transportation 'round these planes."
[19:34] <Thyan> "I am Thyan Aldcar. Guide and wanderer, sir."
[19:35] <Hamish> "A guide! Good to know we'll be safe on the roads then. If I'd had a guide half the times I got jumped by bandits..." Hamish shakes his head.
[19:35] * Hamish looks at Morana. "Dunno, really. She gave me the talk, then stuffed me in here."
[19:36] <Hamish> "I'm just happy to be traveling, really."
[19:36] <@Morana> "Ah, I guess not then. Had the impression the Lady had some bad luck recruiting before us," she comments with a shrug.
[19:37] <Hamish> "If she did, she didn't mention it to me. I was hooked when she said 'planes.'"
[19:37] <Aleira> "Travelling is a joy of its own, Hamish!" Aleira walks foward to pet the horses. "I'm Aleira Vedon. Call me Al and you'll die!" She smiles cheerfully.
[19:37] <@Morana> Looking towards the portal, then the others once more... "So Arcadia then, was it? Anybody here been exploring outside their world before? I've heard tales, but it's not a quest I have undertaken myself before."
[19:38] <Iris> "I have not," Iris says.
[19:38] <Hamish> Oh that's tempting! But he restrains himself. "Sure thing, girlie." Barely.
[19:38] * @Morana then snorts. "Honestly, all I've ever known was the desert, if I'm being honest. Forests, oceans, the heavens themselves, never seen except in pictures and my dreams."
[19:39] * Hamish shakes his head at Morana. "You hear the bards in the taverns sing and tell tall tales and whatnot, but you've gotta take what they give you with a grain of salt, right?"
[19:39] <Iris> "Should we perhaps brief one another on our collective skills before venturing forth, so we know better what challenges we are capable of accommodating?" Iris suggests.
[19:40] * @Morana grins widely and raises her sword, tapping the hilt against her forehead. "Aye! But a girl can dream well when a bard tells his tales, liar that he might be!"
[19:40] * Hamish smiles in return. "We'll see what's real and what's not for ourselves soon enough, I'd reckon."
[19:41] <Aleira> "I've never travelled abroad myself, but I've always wished to!" Aleira swings herself up into the wagon, uninvited. "Imagine! So many worlds to explore! It'd take you a lifetime to explore just a handful!"
[19:41] <Hamish> "I can use magic of a sort, figured it out on my own back in the day and I've been workin' on it for years. Otherwise, I got my horses and my cart. I'm good enough at that." Hamish says to Iris and the group at large.
[19:42] * Iris frowns at finding herself mostly ignored, and climbs onto the wagon.
[19:42] * @Morana nods to Iris's proposition. "Smart of you, Miss Darabont. As you can well imagine from my introduction previously, I am a follower of the Red Knight. If you know anything about her ladyship, then you can imagine my skill set. In my world I was a leader, and I shall be again when I return."
[19:42] * Aleira pats the seat next to herself. "Sit here, Iris! Let's get to know one another better."
[19:43] <@Morana> "I've little talent with magic, I'll have to warn though, despite my faith being amongst that most true."
[19:43] <@Morana> "If need comes to worst, I can do a small amount of healing at least."
[19:44] <Iris> For her own part, Iris adds: "My training is primarily in the arcane arts. I have some proficiency in manipulating matter, and perhaps more in setting it on fire. I am also at the least literate in almost every language I can name, should we ever require an interpreter." She shrugs and takes the suggested seat.
[19:44] <@Morana> "That'll come in handy out there," Morana says with a nod, gesturing towards the twisting portal.
[19:45] * Aleira smiles brightly at Morana. "Come now! 'Don't borrow trouble when there's already plenty to go around!', my grandfather always says. We've enough fighting prowess between us two to keep the rest safe!"
[19:45] * Aleira fairly radiates youthful naivete.
[19:45] <Thyan> "I am a simple Guide and hunter with the bow. I typically do best in the Forests, but my wanderings have given me experience in nearly all terains. I have studied the planes a bit, and should be able to help us survive in nearly any 'normal' areas. As far as combat ability.. I am a simple archer, though I have some training in the more 'shadowed' arts."
[19:45] <Hamish> "I can speak a fair few languages myself. You pick it up driving all over creation." Hamish nods.
[19:49] <@Morana> "We've introduced each other then, shall we move on then?" Morana asks, as she looks towards the carriage, checking how many can fit outside on the driver's side. She would not be comfortable being stuck within the carriage should a fight break out, and having the archer outside as well would certainly be handy.
[19:49] * Aleira throws an arm around Iris. "Onwards and upwards, noble steeds!"
[19:50] <Hamish> "All aboard, then. We'll get moving." Hamish levers himself up into the driver's seat with practiced ease, holding the reigns.
[19:50] * Iris casts an awkward look at Aleira and squirms away before nodding in agreement. "Let us go foth and seek our destiny."
[19:51] * Thyan swings up into the back of the wagon and settles in, Aaliyah settling in on his shoulder.
[19:51] * Aleira frowns slightly at Iris' shyness, but shrugs it off. There'll be plenty of time to make friends with the group!
[19:53] * @Morana jumps and climbs up onto the driver side next to Hamish. She offers no explanation for her chosen travel spot.
[19:54] <Hamish> All aboard? Great! Hamish grins as he snaps the reigns. "Hyaa!"
[19:56] <Kotono> Thus does the party pass into the portal! The swirling depths of grayness spread out into white! As it does, you hear the Lady's voice, "My Waking Dreams, go forth and prosper. Bless you!" Then all is lost into a fluttering of doves and a flash of white. The soft clip-clopping of the horses on cobblestones. You stand on a road. A road stretching on ahead, past ordered fields of grain and corn. The sky above is a rich, deep blue, the clouds flowing in smooth lines of geometric patterns - squares, triangles, rectangles, pentagons and other such things. The air is warm and the scent of nature is strong. Men work in those perfectly tilled fields, laboring away.
[19:58] * Thyan glances at the clouds.. Then shifts his shoulder and whispers to Aaliyah and sends her aloft for some exercise and hunting.
[19:58] * Aleira sighs happily at the beautiful scenery...but blinks and frowns when she notices that the lines in the fields are a little *too* perfect and that even the clouds are unnaturally straight!
[19:58] * Iris nods in evident satisfaction at the aesthetics of the place thus far. She immediately focuses her mind on the Lady's mark to try and discern whether one of their targets might already be in range. Not she knows *precisely* how this ability works...but presumably the knowledge should be avaiable with the gift.
[19:58] * Hamish frowns momentarily, like he just found an unpleasant morsel of food stuck between two teeth; persistent and irritating. He holds it for a moment before his face smoothes over and he's all smiles again. He hikes the reigns and urges the cart on.
[19:59] <Aleira> "Umm...I know that things work differently here, but are clouds *supposed* to look like that?"
[20:00] < Kotono > After a few moments, all of you can feel a sensation - behind you, a gentle tug behind your backs.
[20:00] <Thyan> "Here they are, apparently."
[20:00] <Iris> "Very neat and precise clouds, I say," Iris observes. "You disapprove?" She almost cuts off midway to turn back and look behind her.
[20:00] * @Morana looks around, just observing her surroundings pleasantly. "It is pleasant to have something other than just sand and rock beneath my feet," the half-orc comments to the driver besides her.
[20:00] * Aleira leans over the side of the cart and aims the mark on her right hand behind them, wondering if the pull they felt was a shard!"
[20:02] * Hamish turns and peers over the top of the cart behind the group. "I'm gonna haveta turn this thing around, aren't I?"
[20:03] <@Morana> "You make it sound as if it would be difficult," Morana says with a snort as one of her hands snakes upwards and claps roughly onto the driver's shoulder. "Surely it is well within your capabilities, Sir Hamish!"
[20:03] <Thyan> "Aye. Seems that way. Unless we want to talk to some of those farmers and get an idea of the lay of the land, first."
[20:03] <Iris> "That seems likely," Iris confirms. She takes a moment to search her memory with respect to exactly what kind of temperament they can expect of the planar locals.
[20:04] <Iris> roll 1d20+13
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 and gets 31." 12 [1d20=18]
[20:04] * Aleira comments to Iris, hand still outstretched, "It's not that I disapprove, precisely, it's just that...you don't think that straight lines on *clouds* of all things are unnatural?"
[20:04] <Hamish> "'course it is!" He says to Morana, rolling with the clap and tugging on the reigns to the left. "C'mon, Blue!"
[20:04] <Thyan> roll d20+11 (K: Planes)
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11 (K: Planes) and gets 24." 12 [d20=13]
[20:04] <Thyan> roll d20+11 (K: Geography)
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11 (K: Geography) and gets 19." 12 [d20=8]
[20:05] <Thyan> roll d20+11 (K: Nature)
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11 (K: Nature) and gets 21." 12 [d20=10]
[20:05] <Hamish> "Clouds are clouds. Who cares how straight they are? You think this is home? This place ain't natural, I'll tell ya that." Hamish says with a grin as the cart turns.
[20:06] <Iris> "What is 'natural' may prove subject to local whim," Iris responds.
[20:06] <Hamish> "True enough!"
[20:06] * Thyan nods at Iris.
[20:06] <Thyan> "Indeed."
[20:06] <@Morana> "Seems natural enough to me. Just...different from home," Morana observes with a smile, waving pleasantly at some of the men working on the fields, as if they were all old friends.
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: Iddy, what precisely are those rolls working towards? You didn't say much guiding it, you just tossed 'em.
[20:07] <Thyan> OOC: Trying to figure out the lay of the land, local fauna, and see what specifics of the Plane I can recall.
[20:08] * Aleira lowers hand, shrugging. It seems that everyone was headed in the direction of the tug anyway. She leans back into her seat next to Iris. "I know that it's different...I guess I didn't really *get* how different until I saw it for myself."
[20:09] <Iris> "No doubt we have far stranger than this awaiting us," Iris says. She sits placidly in her seat as the cart maneuvers around, scratching the neck of her surly-looking iguana.
[20:09] <Thyan> "This seems to be one of the more tame planes.. Some of the things I've read about are truly.. Strange. Alien."
[20:09] <Iris> "We should have no trouble with the locals as long as there is no wild misbehavior," Iris adds.
[20:10] <Hamish> "That's a shame, misbehavin's something I enjoy!" Hamish says as he hikes the cart on in the direction they came.
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 25." 12 [1d100=25]
[20:11] * Thyan stands up in the cart to get a bit of a better view and squints his eyes, surveying the area..
[20:11] <Iris> "Well, make sure you do it in a socially acceptable manner."
[20:11] <Aleira> "Well, they'll have no trouble from me." Aleira leans back. "Hamish, you strike me as a rogue of sorts. I trust there'll be no 'misbehaving' around us ladies?"
[20:12] * Aleira smiles pleasantly to take the sting from her words.
[20:12] <Thyan> "Hmm.. The land 'round here should be typical farm land, I think.. Typical animals.. Fox, sheep. Normal hills things.."
[20:12] <Hamish> "I'm makin' no promises, girlie." Hamish grins at Aleira.
[20:13] * Thyan sits back down in the cart, but keeps an eye out, scanning, and occasionally checking the sky for his hawk.
[20:13] <Kotono> You travel a few hours through the woods, as noon passes and the afternoon sets in. Past perfectly tilled fields, meadows that go on just far enough and meet orderly borders with more fields, and the occasionally circular spring or flawlessly straight brook. Ahead you can see them - about two dozen well muscled men in armor and carrying pikes and swords. They're advancing this way in four lines of six, a steady, ground eating march.
[20:14] * Thyan eyes them.
[20:14] <Thyan> "I suggest we move out of their path and let them pass. Maybe flag them down and talk to them?"
[20:14] <Iris> "Best edge the cart to the side, out of their way," Iris agrees. "Most unlikely they are interested in us."
[20:15] <Aleira> "I don't think it wise to bother a group of armed soldiers. Let's just move aside, shall we Hamish?"
[20:15] <@Morana> "Avoiding them is best. We know where we're going to some degree anyway," Morana says.
[20:15] * Hamish nods, already steering the cart off to the right.
[20:17] <Kotono> The party goes aside. The soldiers pause just before passing you, "Company halt!" One black bearded man with a silver-headed pike declares. He turns to you, ruddy faced and robust, "I am a Patrolsman," he states, "In accordance with the laws of Arcadia, I enquire to your business in this realm."
[20:19] <@Morana> "Greetings, patrolsman," Morana greets politely with a nod of her head towards the speaker, and a second broad one towards the rest of the soldiers. "My name is Morana Sunfang. We have no specific business in the realm in particular. We are merely explorers, searching for our dreams."
[20:19] <@Morana> It's a fairly honest reply after all.
[20:20] * Hamish hails the patrolsman cheerfully.
[20:20] * Aleira smiles as well, inwardly nodding at Morana's truthful reply.
[20:20] * Thyan nods from his place, a pleasant smile on his face.
[20:21] <Kotono> "Your dreams, eh?" The man rubs his chin a moment, pike held in one hand, "Interesting answer. You can find your dreams here, if you but know the road to take. Wisdom and acceptance of the natural order will see you well here."
[20:21] <Aleira> "Thank you, Patrolsman." Aleira responds politely. "Perhaps you can tell us where this road leads?"
[20:22] * @Morana laughs. "You are a dreamer as well, I can tell!" she says with amusement. "I'd ask if you'd care to join us, but you seem to have your own hands full with your own business. Though as to knowing the road we take, I admit to be quite clueless! Can you tell us if there's any particular things of interest in the direction we are heading, patrolsman?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "Two miles down is Riverfork Hostel," Gesturing with his pike, "Two more miles further is a small farming village, Aelas. Past Aelas is Cuthburt's Remorse, the Oak Bluffs and Thousandmill."
[20:25] <@Morana> "Hrm..." Morana rubs her cheek as if in deep thought before shrugging. "Well, can't say I've heard of any of those, so they should be interesting enough in some fashion, I imagine. And where might you and your company be headed, Patrolsman?"
[20:25] <Thyan> "Hmm.. What's the capital of the area?"
[20:26] * @Morana laughs as she turns to the back of the carriage. "Sir Aldcar, are you asking what's the capital of one of the heavens?"
[20:26] * Aleira nods thoughtfully. "Cuthburt's Remorse sounds like it has a story behind it..." She trails off, waiting expectantly for the Patrolsman's response.
[20:27] <Thyan> "I am!"
[20:27] * Thyan grins at Morana.
[20:27] <Kotono> "We head north to Aransburg, about six miles north," Gesturing, "We night there and then repeat this trip the next day inr everse." Nodding to that, "Ah, the local administrative focus? That would be Angel's Rest. It's several hundred miles from here to the north."
[20:28] <@Morana> "We may meet again on your return perhaps then," Morana comments.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Ah yes, it's an old tale that St. Cuthburt grew furious one day and struck the earth. A great chasm remains there, the mark of his anger. In his regret at this action, the bottom of the chasm has several healing springs."?
[20:30] <Iris> "A point to remember should we find ourselves ill or wounded," Iris observes, "though no doubt there is little chance of that in this realm."
[20:30] <Aleira> "Hmm. Well, at least anyone who should fall won't find a nasty death awaiting them at the bottom." Aleira remarks.
[20:31] <Thyan> "Depends on what you hit on the way down."
[20:31] * Thyan grins an Aleira, twirling his mustache.
[20:31] * Hamish snorts at that, laughing aloud.
[20:32] * Aleira grins ruefully and sticks her tongue out at Thyan. "Men! Rogues, the lot of you."
[20:32] * Thyan grins at the younger girl.
[20:33] <Kotono> The patrolman grins, waving his hand, "Continue on," he says, "May you find your dreams."
[20:34] <Hamish> "Well many thanks, patrolman!" Hamish clicks the reigns again as the conversation finishes, starting the horses to moving again.
[20:34] <@Morana> "And may you find yours, patrolsman! Have a good journey, and may the gods watch over you," Morana says with a wave of her own and a smile.
[20:34] <@Morana> ooc: over you all,"
[20:34] * Thyan nods and waves at the Patrolman.
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Ready to move on a bit?
[20:34] <Aleira> OOC: Sure thing.
[20:34] <Iris> OOC: sure
[20:34] <Hamish> OOC: Ahyup.
[20:35] <Thyan> OOC: Yarp.
[20:35] <Kotono> About a half hour of travel passes. At this point the tugging you feel is stronger now - it feels more like an insistent pull.
[20:35] <Hamish> "Everyone else feelin' that?" Hamish says, looking about at the others.
[20:36] <Aleira> "Yep. We're obviously headed in the right direction!"
[20:36] <Iris> "Quite," Iris confirms.
[20:36] * Thyan slowly nods.
[20:36] <Thyan> ".. I imagine this will get quite annoying, eventually."
[20:37] <@Morana> "Aye, I most certainly do. A bit annoying, if I might say so," Morana says with a small snort.
[20:37] * @Morana laughs. "Sir Aldcar, you have read my mind!"
[20:37] <Iris> "Incentive to complete our tasks in timely fashion," Iris says with a shrug.
[20:38] * Hamish nods, looking ahead. "It'll be what it'll be. We all took our offers."
[20:38] <Thyan> "It seems so, M'Lady Knight. Quite a good sign for our travels, no?"
[20:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 25." 12 [1d100=25]
[20:38] <Aleira> "I wonder if the pull is physical or spiritual?" Aleira wonders as they continue.
[20:38] * Thyan grins at Morana again, twitching his mustache.
[20:38] <@Morana> "Something to ask the Lady of Dreams if it becomes enough of a bother," Morana muses. "Let's simply carry on and do the best of the situation for now."
[20:38] <Aleira> "It'd be rather...inconvenient if we were literally pulled off of our feet!"
[20:39] * Aleira grins at her nonsensical suggestion.
[20:39] <Iris> "Are you able to control your hand or is it drawn directly by the sensation?" Iris asks. "It should be quite simple to determine."
[20:39] * Aleira shrugs, having not thought of it. She sticks her hand up in the air and waits for some kind of reaction!
[20:40] <Kotono> You continue on. The pull becomes stronger and stronger...and ahead. The pull is towards it. A four storied building, all sturdy stone. A sign hanging above the door reads 'Riverfork Hostel'. The stone is gray fieldstone, plain and homey looking. Out front you can see a pair of human children running around, fencing with wooden sticks and laughing.
[20:40] <Iris> "Well, there we are then. No doubt the Lady would no better than to saddle us with marks that would prove in inconvenience during times of stress by tugging us about of their own specific gravity."
[20:40] <Iris> OOC: *know better
[20:41] <Aleira> "Ah, well. Could have been fun to experiment with though!"
[20:42] <Iris> "Shall we stop and perhaps seek lunch?" Iris suggests. "This does appear to be our destination anyway.
[20:42] * Aleira lowers her hand. "Sure, why not? I'm a bit hungry, actually."
[20:42] <Thyan> "Sounds like an excellent plan, Iris."
[20:42] * Aleira hops out of the wagon on impulse and trots alongside it.
[20:42] * Hamish pulls the cart around to the side, looking for a stable or tie-off pole.
[20:43] * @Morana shrugs. "Might as well," the half-orc says, waiting until the carriage has come to a stop to jump off.
[20:43] <Hamish> "I'll see ya all inside, if ya wanna get off now."
[20:43] * Thyan lets out a call for Aaliyah, holding his arm out for her to alight on after a few moments.
[20:44] <Iris> Iris, of course, waits until the wagon has come to a complete stop.
[20:44] * Thyan hops out of the cart, the hawk hopping her way up his arm to settle on his shoulder.
[20:45] <Kotono> There's a stable to the side. A burly man comes out - and immediately all eyes go to him. You feel an inexorable tug towards him, strong, strong, strong! He has big, broad features and a faintly coppery tint to his skin. HE wears plain, homespun tunic and pants, "Good day, travelers! Stable use is four copper coins - the Arcadian Penny is accepted, as is any standardized coin."
[20:46] * Thyan shifts his eyes around to the others.
[20:46] * Aleira catches Thyan's eyes subtly and nods.
[20:46] <Thyan> "... What about non-standard coins? Would you happen to have a weight set to change coin?"
[20:47] * Hamish pulls the cart to a halt and pulls out four copper coins. "These do ya?"
[20:47] * Iris dismounts from the wagon, shoes the lizard into her backpack and walks forward to examine the man closely. Something he's wearing, or carrying perhaps might be drawing her attention in this strange way?
[20:48] * Aleira winces from the side of the cart and tries to shoo Iris off without drawing attention to herself!
[20:49] <Kotono> The coins are taken and hefted, "They look about right," he says, "If the coins are too big or too small, we'll change the rate to match, friend," Smiling now, as the pulling becomes a veritable storm towards you, "Come on, I'll put your horses and cart to stable. Missy's got a roast goat cooking, if I don't miss my guess. Sound good?"
[20:50] <Iris> "I believe it should prove adequate," Iris agrees.
[20:50] <Thyan> "Sounds good, sir...?"
[20:50] * Aleira smiles brightly, sauntering forward. "Goat is one of my favorites!'
[20:50] * @Morana jumps off the cart as Hamish pays the man. "I've no money on me at the time, so barring you letting me pay for my meal or one of my companions offering, I shall wait out here," Morana says.
[20:51] <Hamish> "Sounds mighty fair." Hamish says, clearly ignoring the pull and grinning cheerfully at the man. "So tell us about this place. We're not from 'round these parts, y'see."
[20:51] <@Morana> ooc: work for my meal*
[20:51] * Thyan claps Morana on the shoulder.
[20:51] <Thyan> "I'll pay for your meal, but only if you drink with me, M'Lady Knight!"
[20:51] <Kotono> "Sir Mallan," He grins, "Mal's fine." He offers his hand out to the party. "We'll talk over our food."
[20:52] * Hamish takes the hand, shaking vigorously!
[20:53] * Iris shares a perfunctory handshake before heading inside.
[20:53] * @Morana laughs. "You -do- read my mind, don't you Sir Aldcar? I'll gladly accept!" she says as she wraps an arm around Thyan's neck and pulls him closer while leading the way to the hostel, dragging the archer along. "To the drinks then!"
[20:54] * Thyan stumbles with her for a step, used to the soldiering rough housing from the times he worked as a guide for soldiering parties being redeployed to a new camp or fort.
[20:55] <Kotono> The handshake makes Iris and Hamish stop. The dream shard is within reach, they can just feel it in their bones. Their white circles begin to pulse with the beating of their heart.
[20:55] * Hamish throws a lanky arm across Mal's shoulder. "Let's go grab some grub, m'man."
[20:56] * Iris frowns, and resolves to ask whether anything strange has been found in these parts lately. No doubt he's carrying the shard...somewhere?
[20:56] * Aleira raises an eyebrow at Morana. Not to be outdone, she reaches out to Hamish--only to be foiled when the man embraces the innkeeper. Her lips turn down in a pout for a few moments. She's not used to not being the center of attention!
[20:57] * Aleira eyes Iris and brightens! "Say Iris! Why don't you sit next to me and we'll talk about your favorite books or something?"
[20:57] * Aleira scurries ahead to Iris' side.
[20:57] <Iris> "If we must," Iris says, remaining visibly more intrigued by their host.
[20:58] * @Morana meanwhile is happily ignoring the throbbing pull, more interested in the promise of free drink and food.
[20:58] <Hamish> "Say, I don't suppose you come across any odd things out here on this here plane? We're not from 'round here, as I said, so oddities could be interesting y'see." Hamish chats away. "I tell ya, I came across this one crystal thing that some wizardy man left behind in my cart once. Started makin' all sortsa noise until it set itself on fire, y'know."
[20:59] * Aleira casts about something that would draw Iris' attention as they head inside! "Soooo. Um. How about that lizard of yours?"
[21:00] * Thyan straightens up and looks over his shoulder... And Morana's arm, at the innkeeper for a moment, assessing him, before turning back and slipping out of Morana's grip with a slap to her rump, getting revenge for the headlock.
[21:00] <Iris> "His name is Barnabus. Mind your fingers. He bites people who aren't me."
[21:01] * Thyan grins at Morana and points at the hawk, now resettling herself on his shoulder after the rough jostling from Morana's headlock and glaring at her with beady little bird eyes.
[21:02] <Aleira> "Barnabus, eh? Where'd you get him? How'd you come to be friends?" At least Iris was speaking! This was progress, at least.
[21:02] <@Morana> Being in full-plate, Morana barely feels the slap...though she still feels it. "Ah, so that's why you protested my commented before!" she teases with her eyes shining with amusement. "Half-orc girls more your type than pretty little young human girls like Miss Vedon?"
[21:03] <Thyan> "Depends on the half-orc, doesn't it?"
[21:04] <Iris> "He was meant to become a variety of spell components for my old master but proved more useful for eating the roaches and crickets," Iris adds, still distracted by their host. "It is a mutually beneficial arrangement."
[21:04] * Thyan grins at Morana and twirls his mustache.
[21:04] * Aleira glances at Thyan at Morana's comment. Before the man can say anything, she wrinkles her nose and says, "I don't date men who let dead animals live on their face."
[21:04] <Kotono> Lost a few moments in all the talking, "Odd things? Funny you should mention that."
[21:05] * Aleira perks her ears up. "Go on, Mal."
[21:05] * Thyan raises an eyebrow at Aleira.
[21:05] * @Morana turns to look at Aleira incredulously, then at Thyan, then back at Aleira. A snort escapes her lips and then a stream of giggles as she slaps a hand against the bar top repeatedly. "...dead animals, hehehehe! dead animals!"
[21:05] * @Morana looks at Thyan again, and his mustache and breaks into giggles again.
[21:06] * Hamish nods on cheerfully at Mal, silently thanking his companions for providing background noise.
[21:07] <Thyan> "Ah, youth shines through. A burly mustache is a sign of strength! Of Intrigue! It speaks to your fellow man! It says, 'I am man enough to grow one and -hah!- you are not!'"
[21:07] * Thyan grins triumphantly and curls his mustache at the ends.
[21:08] <Aleira> "No woman wants to feel like she's kissing the fur-lined rump of a badger when she kisses a man, old man." Aleira smirks.
[21:09] * @Morana wipes a tear from her left eye as she slowly gains control of her giggles. "I...I apologize, Sir Aldcar. That was horribly uncalled for," she manages with a straight face. "Orcs generally are not known for facial hair, so her comment caught me by surprise and I imagined her comment entirely too literally."
[21:09] <Kotono> A little distracted by the ongoing interplay, "I found a strange shard of glass a few weeks ago," he finally says.
[21:10] <Thyan> "Ah, and no man wishes to kiss a child just off of her mother's apron strings, either. So I suppose we are both out of luck!"
[21:10] * Thyan turns Morana and bows.
[21:10] * Iris immediately snags on this and tunes out her companions. "Is that so? How did you come across this? Might we see it?"
[21:10] <@Morana> If Morana had ever seen a badger before, she might have been caught imagining things again, thankfully for Sir Aldcar's dignity, she has not, and she continues to resist the urge to giggle some more.
[21:10] <Thyan> "Your apology is humbly accepted, M'Lady Knight! Had I not thick skin, would we not be getting along in the first place?"
[21:12] <Aleira> "Shave that horrid thing off, grandpa! Maybe you'd find the ladies a little more willing to accommodate you if you didn't have that bristly thing on your face!"
[21:12] * Aleira giggles slightly, enjoying having fun at Thyan's expense.
[21:13] <@Morana> "Eh, I'm easy to bribe with food and drink," Morana says with an amused shrug. "I've lived in the blazing desert all my life. When one fights for their survival every day, gifts of that caliber are generally well taken."
[21:13] <Thyan> "Ah, if I'm a grandpa, that would mean at some point, a lady was a little more than willing, no?:"
[21:13] <Aleira> "No doubt after you'd drugged her wine." Aleira retorts with a sly grin.
[21:14] <Kotono> "You're a rowdy bunch..." Mal mutters, "I found it in a nearby field," he finally says, "If you really want to see it, hold on." He rustles into his pocket a bit, a crystalline TIIING echoing about in each of your heads. In his hand is a six inch long shard of glass, curved gently. In it you can see a sea of images, much like below the walkway in the Lady's realm.
[21:15] <@Morana> "...please do not suggest such things, Miss Vedon," Morana says with an admonishing look as she focuses her eyes on the youngest of the group, her eyes almost narrowing. "It is a terrible thing."
[21:15] <Thyan> "The tricks of youth. And your comment shows how dirty your mind is. I should watch my drink, else I wake in bed, naked of body and face."
[21:16] * Aleira waves off Morana, "Ah twas only jest, Morana. And really, call me Aleira. This 'Miss Vedon' thing is getting old!"
[21:16] <Iris> "This is not a usual thing to find in your fields, is it?" Iris presumes. "Would you mind greatly if I examined this? I am naturally curious about unexplained phenomena."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Sure," he says, offering it to Iris.
[21:17] * Thyan moves into the inn room and leads the group to a table, pulling out chairs for both Morana and Aleira.
[21:17] * Iris takes the shard!
[21:18] * Hamish leans forward, peering at the shard in Iris' hands!
[21:18] <Thyan> "Sir Mal, would you care to join us for a break? You're surely a hard worker what with the wonderful inn, and with us being newcomers, we would enjoy your company and any information about the local area while we eat."
[21:18] * Aleira ignores the tug of the shard, trying not to appear too interested before taking the offered chair with a nod of thanks to Thyan.
[21:19] * @Morana waggles a finger in the negative. "Until we've fought side by side, we are all still truly strangers to one another. It's unbecoming to act close before such a day, for it would merely be an act. When we have tested our steel and blood against those we might call enemies, you can ask again then...Miss Vedon."
[21:20] <Thyan> "Well said, M'Lady Knight. Camp banter is fine, but affection and trust only comes with time and experience."
[21:20] <Kotono> Within you find the inn to be warm - a big fireplace, a long table, that sort of thing. The smell of cooking meat permeates the air. As Iris holds the shard, she feels a resonance within her! If she just presses the dream shard into the white circle on her body...!
[21:21] <Iris> Along with a show of examining the glass shard in the light and from every angle, Iris just happens to pass the object across her midsection, where her mark is hidden beneath her clothes.
[21:22] <@Morana> "I'll drink to that statement. Speaking of which, I've still not had my promised drink!" Morana exclaims, slamming a palm against the bar top at that.
[21:23] * Thyan chuckles and motions to the barkeeper/maid for some food and drink.
[21:24] <Kotono> OOC: Pressing it in, Iris, or just passing it over?
[21:25] <Iris> OOC: whatever seems to provoke a response! If not the latter, then the former thereafter. Even if I start to look like a crazy person. This is SCIENCE.
[21:26] <Kotono> Iris presses the shard into her stomach! At this there is a momentary flash of white running across Iris's body, before knowledge fills her mind! The shard passes into her body, and she knows she can remove it with a thought. This is the Shard of Mighty Dreams. Her mind dims, even as her body gains muscle and might!
[21:28] * Iris blinks. Rubs her forehead, frowns. "I appear to have absorbed your discovery, Sir Mallan. Do you require some recompense for this event?"
[21:28] * Thyan pauses, staring at Iris.
[21:28] <Thyan> "That.. Was not what I expect to happen."  Thyan admits.
[21:29] < Kotono > "Ah. Well." Blinking at that, "Yes, that would be good," Staring at Iris, "What the heavens happened?"
[21:29] * Hamish blinks at Iris in momentary surprise. "...well that'll put a burr in your britches. Magic." Hamish rolls his eyes. The effect is somewhat lost under the hat.
[21:29] * @Morana stops her conversation and turns to look at Iris. "Wait, what did you just say?" she asks, looking incredulous. "You...-absorbed- it? What kind of freaky mage are you?"
[21:29] * Aleira blinks curiously from the table. "That's what I'd like to know."
[21:30] <Iris> "I am uncertain. This is not a regular occurrence." Iris fishes in her coinpurse and hands over a coin. "Will a gold coin be sufficient apology?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "A single gold coin? Miss, I'm no wizard, but I know magecraft goes for more than that." Mallan remarks, "Really now."
[21:32] < Kotono > The moment Iris absorbed the shard, the throbbing stopped.
[21:33] <Iris> "I confess that I do not know the proper price range for mysterious shards of glass that embed themselves in other people's bodies. Please make me an offer for the arcane object that sank into my body, sir."
[21:33] * @Morana just eyes Iris, and deciding she looks to be alright, just more muscular, returns to her drink. She raises another hand as if weird dream magic hadn't just happened. "Another drink!" she demands as she slams her empty mug against the bar top. She'd slam it into the ground and let it shatter, but somehow she imagines Sir Aldcar would not be amused in paying for the damaged mug.
[21:33] * Aleira shrugs and leans back, letting Iris handle the negotiations.
[21:35] * Hamish heads to the bar as well. Now that that's settled, it's time to get properly drunk for the night!
[21:36] <Kotono> "How about one hundred?" Mallan offers back.
[21:36] * Hamish proceeds to choke on his beer!
[21:37] <Iris> "I will have to confer with my companions," Iris says. "I lack sufficient coinage myself." At this, she glances to the gang at the table.
[21:38] <@Morana> "I said I was broke," Morana says as she raises both her hands, and points towards the archer. "Ask the guy paying for me."
[21:38] * Aleira makes a negative motion with her hand. She spent her savings on a nice new belt!
[21:38] <Thyan> "Ah.. Sir Mal, while we have some money, we are fairly simple travelers.. We are willing to give you fair payment, in our ability to do so."
[21:39] * Hamish has it but really!
[21:39] <Kotono> "Well then," Rubbing his chin, "What's fair payment for you?"
[21:39] <@Morana> "Or work it off!" Morana adds, acting like a cheerful drunk. "I can help then!"
[21:39] <Thyan> "Perhaps.. 20 gold is more in the realm?"
[21:40] <Iris> "I have thirty-four gold in my possession," Iris says. "Failing this being sufficient..." Another glance at her companions. "I wonder if any of you have skills to pay our way? Something to entertain patrons for an evening?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Twenty!?" Staring now, "Friend, twenty is barely enough to buy a fine cow! I could go as low as 90, I suppose."
[21:42] <Thyan> "Indeed? As we said, we are new to this area, so pricing is unfamiliar to us.. Perhaps there is something we can help with in fair trade?"
[21:43] <Kotono> "Hmmm..." Pausing to think, "Are you familiar with Cuthburt's Remorse?"
[21:43] <Iris> "We have heard of it, yes."
[21:43] <@Morana> "Vaguely so, because of a patrolsman," Morana replies as she pushes an empty mug aside and devotes her attention fully to Sir Mallan.
[21:44] <Kotono> "There's a herb that grows down there, Ilasaum. It costs a lot down there, since the Cuthberites don't let anyone pick it freely, so you have to buy it from them or force your way down. They challenge those seeking the healing springs," he explains, "You look like a sturdy sort."
[21:45] <Iris> "We will have to fight a religious sect to obtain this herb?" Iris says skeptically.
[21:46] * @Morana grins widely. "You have no idea, Sir Mallan," the half-orc woman says as she jumps off the barstool, sharing a glance with Aleira. "Miss Vedon, if he's right, you might earn first-name basis soon enough."
[21:46] <Kotono> "They view it as training and St. Cuthburt looks well on those who fall bravely defending it," Mallan explains.
[21:46] * Aleira shrugs, cracking her knuckles. "I'm up for anything."
[21:46] <@Morana> "Why not, Miss Darabont? I've had to fight daily just to earn my keep, seems things don't change that much even in the other realms."

[Yuthirin]

[21:46] * Hamish shrugs. "You want us to go rob some religious nutjobs? I'm game."
[21:47] <Iris> "So it would be a formal challenge, not mere brigandry? Well. I suppose that is not unacceptable."
[21:47] * @Morana makes a disappointed sound. "It's not robbing if they approve, Sir Hamish."
[21:48] <Hamish> "We can pretend, can't we?" He grins.
[21:48] <@Morana> "As a paladin, it would be against my code to resort to petty thievery. Exceptional thievery in the name of all that is good, perhaps, but petty thievery? Pffftttt....!!!" Morana says while making a dismissive gesture.
[21:48] * Thyan chuckles at Morana.
[21:49] <Thyan> "What would you use this herb for, Sir Mal?"
[21:49] <@Kotono> "It would be formal," Mallan agrees, "It's good in poltices, healing brews and in roast goose," He answers, "If you aren't so keen on it, I'll go as low as 75 gold otherwise. I mean, you look sturdy and all, but it is a risk."
[21:50] * Hamish shrugs. "I'm all for blastin' the boys apart if it's all in good fun."
[21:50] * Aleira nods in agreement. "I want to put my skills to the test as well!"
[21:51] <Thyan> "If it is a thing that is agreed upon, then I don't see a problem."
[21:51] <Iris> "As I said, I am in possession of thirty-four gold. I would consider a fee to be a more reasonable payment than bludgeoning innocent strangers into submission...but if the rest of you cannot scrape together forty-one coins, well."
[21:52] <@Morana> "I already said I can work for it, but beating up some guys that welcome challenges sounds a fair proposition, and helps our group bond more, I say," Morana says with a shrug. "My heart's on the battlefield."
[21:53] <Hamish> "And if they welcome the challenge, what's the harm I say?" Hamish says.
[21:54] <Thyan> "I'm willing to cover the difference.. Though I'm willing to fight if the monks agree, I don't see fighting being one of the first things we do in this area as something that'll endear us to the locals.. 75 gold, you said?"
[21:56] <Iris> "Since the object is presently lodged in my abdomen, I think it most sensible to resolve this issue before we leave the hostel." With a nod: "Thyan, thank you."
[21:56] * Thyan counts out 40 gold to add to Iris'.
[21:57] <@Kotono> "If you're interested anyway," Mallan takes the gold and shakes Iris' hand, "You can go anyway. The herb you pick is worth good money outside of Cuthburt's Remorse."
[21:57] <Iris> OOC: 41!
[21:58] * @Morana grins. "I'll be sure to challenge them then, Sir Mallan. I have a full stomach, and untested companions in battle. What say the rest of you to that?"