[21:19] <Kolunch> Seira's inn is bustling this evening! Gathering her friends there: herself, Amaryl, Mia, Donald, Gilartal, Jessica, Commander Oberuth all show up. There's some others as well, mixing and chatting. Mia and Donald are chatting away about something - alchemy and weapons comes up a lot. Jessica's laughing, on the arm of a familiar young man to Seira. Roald, she believes, memories of at ime long ago coming to mind.
01[21:23] <Seira> Feeling nostalgic, Seira leads Amaryl over to those two. "It is a pleasure to have you here, today," she says, smiling pleasantly. "Amaryl, you've met Jessica briefly before, I believe, but not Roald, right?"
[21:24] <Kolunch> There's something about Jessica. A radiance, an appeal. It makes Seira blink and look twice at her. "Thanks," Roald grins, "Seira, how have you been? It's been ages! You should drop by more often...you know your money's no good at our bakery."
[21:24] <Kolunch> Amaryl smiles politely. "It's an honor," she says.
01[21:27] <Seira> "I should, but like Elle says, once you have the teleport spell it's hard to stay in one place for long," Seira agrees, before studying Jessica openly. She mulls it over before stating bluntly, "You look very radiant and overall prettier than usual." She eyes the two of them. "Are congratulations in order?"
[21:30] <Kolunch> A hot blush goes to both their cheeks! "Aaah!" Jessica waves her hands, "N-no! I mean..." As she sputters, Roald tries to say something amid his redness. "She went b-beyond the w-world...I mean..." The two look to each other.
01[21:31] <Seira> Must be the sex, then. "Okay. I won't allude to what we're all thinking," Seira offers magnanimously. "How are your families, then?"
[21:33] <Kolunch> ""SEIRA!" JEssica blushes even hotter.
06[21:34] * Seira is the very image of innocence!
[21:34] <Kolunch> "Oh...well..." scratching the back of his head now, "Mom and my brother are doing well. The bakery's doing so well with more people in Balmuria."
01[21:34] <Seira> "You're keeping up with all the demand with no problem?" Seira asks Roald curiously.
[21:36] <Kolunch> "Well, we sometimes go short of flour or grain, but the Baronies make so much food that it's never a long shortage. Plus we usually sell out these days. There's almost no waste. We've hired a few more helpers and may even buy the building next to us."
01[21:37] <Seira> "How about opening another store altogether?" Seira wonders out loud. "Like in Valandia or the capital? Today, the Baronies. Tomorrow, the world!"
[21:40] <Kolunch> Clinging closer to Roald, "MAaaybe." She smiles at that, "Roald's taught me how to bake well too. Maybe we'll open a shop together some day?"
[21:41] <Kolunch> Roald laughs and blushes hotter, "W-we'll see..."
01[21:42] <Seira> "If starting capital is ever a problem, Waukeen will guide your way!" Seira says brightly. "Don't forget that!"
[21:43] <Kolunch> Roald smiles at that. "I'll remember that. Say, Seira," With a murmur of something to Jessica, "Can we talk a moment?"
06[21:44] * Seira frowns. "We are talking. But. Do you mean the two of us, in private, kind of talking? We can do that, too."
[21:44] <Kolunch> Blushing a little more, "Yes. Why don't your friend and Jessica get to know each other?"
01[21:45] <Seira> "Okay! Amaryl, I'll be back before you know it!"
[21:47] <Kolunch> As you go you can hear Amaryl say, "He looks so enthralled with you!" to Jessica, as the two go a bit away, to aquiet corner. Once there, "Seira, I wanted to ask you. How much money can the temple loan out at once? Is 500 gold too much?"
01[21:49] <Seira> "There are special rules for me," Seira tells him. "It's because I can cover much greater sums even if my entire investment tanks. Even a couple thousand would not be a problem with my recommendation, and you'll get a very reasonable rate."
[21:49] <Kolunch> "Oh, thank you. I...need a bit of money to buy something soon." Smiling now, "If it's not too much trouble, could I get that recommendation?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "Sure. I'll stop by next morning and come along with you, or drop off a note, depending on the situation," Seira offers. "Got anything special in mind?" She can guess, but it's more effective to just ask.
[21:53] <Kolunch> Another blush comes, "Well...it's a secret, but...I want to make Jessica an honest woman," he says.
01[21:55] <Seira> "Good luck!" Seira pats Roald on the shoulder to congratulate him. "I favor the so-called living in sin approach myself, but I've been told I have some strange views at times."
[21:58] <Kolunch> As his blush mellows down and out, "Just don't tell anyone. I want to surprise her, and I'll bet Jess will want to surprise her sister and friends."
01[22:00] <Seira> "I deal with secrets regularly, I'm sure I'll manage," Seira tries to reassure him. "Now, let's get back before they think something fishy's going on?"
03[22:02] * Kolunch is now known as Kotono
[22:02] <Kotono> As you return, you find Amaryl and Jessica laughing. "Oh, Roald, there are you are!" Going back to his arm, "Let's go get some wine and mingle?"
01[22:04] <Seira> "And we should say hi to the Commander," Seira adds, offering her arm to Amaryl in a similar fashion. "Did I ever tell you how I first met him?"
[22:05] <Kotono> "How," Amaryl gently holds onto Seira. "He's such a big man too. He's kind of intimidating."
01[22:07] <Seira> "He saved me from bandits," Seira whispers to her, leaning over slightly. "I know, I know. Hard to believe, right? But I was really just a kid back then. All I had was this acid spell and a crappy dagger that was more dangerous to me than anyone around me."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Oh." As you approach, Amaryl whispers back, "He could certainly scare off and rout bandits from the looks of him. But yes, hard to believe."
01[22:13] <Seira> "He is incredibly manly," Seira agrees, before waving happily. "Hi! Commander! Are you having fun? Do you need anything? A drink? A better drink?"
[22:18] <Kotono> Commander Oberuth is standing ab it apart from everyone else, drinking a mug of ale. "I'm fine, Seira. Lady Gaial," he lifts his mug to Amaryl. "Welcome to Balmuria again."
01[22:21] <Seira> "Yes!" Seira exclaims. "Welcome, Amaryl! Because it's your welcoming party!"
[22:35] <Kotono> "Thank you," Amaryl laughs as she colors red, "Thank you, Commander."
[22:36] <Kotono> "Enjoy it. If you have any problems, come to Seira o rmyself." he says before he drinks again.
06[22:39] * Seira is both amused and touched by the offer, but embarrassment over her behavior takes precedence and she scrambles to change the topic. "How has Balmuria been?" she asks. "It feels that even when I am around lately, most of the time is taken with preparations for all sorts of trouble abroad that have to be dealt with. I didn't even have much time to drop in on the recruits to the Guard, sadly."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Relatively peaceful. Relatively." Jerking a thumb at Mia and Donald, "Ask Mia about exploding alchemical weapons sometime."
06[22:43] * Seira laughs at that. "Sounds like a fun story! I'll be sure to do that later today. So just the usual suspects stirring up trouble, then?"
[22:46] <Kotono> "For now," Oberuth agrees. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
01[22:49] <Seira> "You know me," Seira says, smiling broadly. "Peace is not my thing. Just gets me to travel." A contemplative expression comes over her. "Speaking of traveling, I would like to finally visit our capital. It has to be the only one I've never been to, strange as it sounds. But if I happened to come by, and Lord Salman happened to be present, just what is the procedure one might follow to secure an audience?"
[19:54] <Kotono> * Seira is both amused and touched by the offer, but embarrassment over her behavior takes precedence and she scrambles to change the topic. "How has Balmuria been?" she asks. "It feels that even when I am around lately, most of the time is taken with preparations for all sorts of trouble abroad that have to be dealt with. I didn't even have much time to drop in on the recruits to the Guard, sadly."
[19:54] <Kotono> > "Relatively peaceful. Relatively." Jerking a thumb at Mia and Donald, "Ask Mia about exploding alchemical weapons sometime."
[19:54] <Kotono> * Seira laughs at that. "Sounds like a fun story! I'll be sure to do that later today. So just the usual suspects stirring up trouble, then?"
[19:54] <Kotono> > "For now," Oberuth agrees. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
[19:54] <Kotono> <Seira> "You know me," Seira says, smiling broadly. "Peace is not my thing. Just gets me to travel." A contemplative expression comes over her. "Speaking of traveling, I would like to finally visit our capital. It has to be the only one I've never been to, strange as it sounds. But if I happened to come by, and Lord Salman happened to be present, just what is the procedure one might follow to secure an audience?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Go to Lord Salman's offices and request one. Your presence alone should do so," Commander Oberuth says, "Without any problem at all."
01[19:59] <Seira> "I sometimes like to do things the normal way," Seira responds. "Keeps my head from the clouds, I think. I'd hate to become really conceited and take shortcuts wherever I go."
03[20:00] * Celenu (WinNT@user-54426731.l6.c2.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:02] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[20:05] <Kotono> Laughing now, "Be that as it may, you're one of the greatest heroes out country has. Getting an audience should be the height of simplicity."
01[20:07] <Seira> "It's settled, then. I'll stop by when I get a chance."
[20:07] <Kotono> Amaryl whispers at that, "You're held in that high a regard, Seira? I mean even with your King, lik ea member of the Elven Council?"
03[20:09] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:09] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[20:09] <Seira> "I guess, if the Commander says so," Seira whispers back, frowning. "I really should check on the rumors they have about me. Most of it is bound to be pointless hero worship, which is a bit sad. It would be far better if people just listened closer to what Waukeen is trying to teach them instead."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Well..." Blushing at this, "If they'd ever seen you, I could s-see why?"
01[20:18] <Seira> "That's... very sweet of you." Seira can't help but color a bit as well at the compliment.
[20:19] <Kotono> Giggling at that, "Isn't that true, though?"
01[20:22] <Seira> "I suppose I try to be memorable for the people I fight with," Seira allows, giggling herself. "Want to say hi to Mia? I think you know her best here, and it sounds like she's got a funny story to tell."
[20:25] <Kotono> "Sure," Amaryl says as the two go over to Mia. Her and Donald are chatting as they approach, "...It cost enough to make in the end." Mia sighs. "It's totally unbelievable that it workedo ut that way, yes."
01[20:28] <Seira> "What's totally unbelievable?" Seira asks loudly, standing behind Mia.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Oh, Seira!" Donald and Mia speak at the same time, voices overlapping. Then Mia scowls, "Oh, just some unfortunate business over in the temple of Gond. Tell me, how useful does this sound: A weapon that has a hidden compartment fo ra payload of alchemical material?"
06[20:33] * Seira smiles at the two. "I'll ask how much you're willing to pay for one."
[20:36] <Kotono> "
[20:36] <Kotono> "Hey, Seira," Donald smiles, "Hi Amaryl."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Well, it depen...wait, what? What do you mean by that?" Mia looks righ tto SEira, "Did you beat me to it?!"
06[20:38] * Seira laughs in amusement. "Tempting as that is, I'm afraid not. Think about this. Your product must cost less to make than people would be willing to pay for having it, right? Everything is possible, and I have two ideas already of how to accomplish such a weapon, but their actual implementation depends on the restrictions we're working with concerning pricing."
[20:44] <Kotono> "Well, I tried once. It didn't go so well," Mia sighs, "The explosion was rather magnificent for a failure."
01[20:47] <Seira> "Did you try to use magic?" Seira queries. "I suppose we could make it the hard way, but if what you're going for is a... half an enchantment, I suppose, then we could cook something up quite easily."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Well, no. I was going for something more mundane at first," Going on at this, "That idea was to make it so that it could be done and done cheaper than magic. Undercut the market, you know?"
01[20:54] <Seira> "There are quite a few mages still in their infancy as far as their power and skill is concerned, yet that would be able to craft a device suitable to your needs," Seira points out. "And the designs would not be easily copied like with a mundane sword, unless no one you sell it to would ever lose it in combat. Still, I must return us to the question at hand. How much do you intend to charge?"
[20:55] <Kotono> "I was hoping for a few hundred gold," Going on, "Something affordable compared to amagical weapon."
03[20:56] * tai-evilmaylurkandsodoi is now known as tai-offtomemorial
06[20:56] * Seira frowns. "That's flat out impossible. Don't forget that any weapon made with a shred of skill already costs a few hundred gold. You would want to at least double that and aim for a range of six, seven hundred."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Yes well...I'm getting that idea." Mia sighs, "I'm still working on various prototypes anyway. There's a lot of money to be found in this if it works out1"
[20:58] <Kotono> Donald smiles a little as he listens, "Oh hey, Elle..." he murmurs, promptly going straight for the front door.
01[21:00] <Seira> "I'm serious. You don't want to be working at cost, do you?" Seira asks, not really paying attention to Donald as he leaves due to the interesting discussion. "And don't forget that alchemical substances take a really long time to make, and have a non-trivial price as well. Unless you intend to do all the work yourself, materials and work hours will have to be financed somehow."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Yes, yes, I've been looking at that," Mia rubs her temples, "I'm starting to wonder if this is even going to work out as a return on the seed money. It seemed like a good idea at the start."
01[21:08] <Seira> "It actually is," Seira tells her. "Your bottleneck is actually the ammunition. Unless you can mass-produce cheap alchemical...." She trails off, blinking. "Maybe you could get the goblins to do it for you? If you order in bulk, it might work."
[21:10] <Kotono> "Goblins?" Blinking again, "Why goblins...oh yeah, goblin alchemy!" Snapping her fingers, "What a perfect stupid labor market!"
01[21:11] <Seira> "I heard there's been some changes in leadership, so that might work in your favor if you bargain smart," Seira adds. "In any case, I have access to the most brilliant metal crafter in existence. Or, at the very least, on our world. Come get me tomorrow morning, and we'll take a look at your sword designs? If there's a nonmagical trick to this, he'll find it."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Sure," Mia smiles brightly at that, "Thanks Seira!"
01[21:12] <Seira> "No problem! Ten percent consulting fee is fine, right?" Seira's smile is even brighter, if that were possible.
[21:14] <Kotono> Mia's smile turns into a whimper as she slumps. "Aw damn! I guess I can't fualt that, though. How about 5%?"
01[21:15] <Seira> "It's really in your best interests to have me as a junior partner," Seira tells her casually, her own smile staying on. "I travel past the borders of the known world, and I meet influential people at every point. Marketing is what you really need to get things off the ground, isn't it?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "Well, that's true. When you put it that way..." Mia then smiles once more, "10% it is. You weren't going to take any less anyway, where you?"
[21:17] <Kotono> Meanwhile, one can notice a few more people entering. Elle is there, Donald coming to 'escort' her in. Alicia's following not far behind. The inn's party continues onward, epople drinking and talking. Manly bardsong fills the air in the background.
01[21:18] <Seira> "Not really," Seira admits. "But I might have helped for free. It really depends on my whims. But don't feel too bad! With that ten percent, you get my commitment to the project, which alone should worth it!"
[21:18] <Kotono> "True. Okay, work it out tomorrow...oh, I wanted to catch some other people and the Commander. If I can get the garrison interested as well...!" Looking about and seeing Commander Oberuth, "SEe you, Seira!"
06[21:19] * Seira waves happily, before her eyes widen. "Hey, Alicia's here after all, Amaryl!" she exclaims. "Let's go say hi!"
[21:20] <Alicia> Having heard Seira was back in town, Alicia made her way to the inn to catch up with the colonel. Briefly looking around it takes her a moment to spot her currently disguised superior, but she approaches soon enough. "Hello, Seira, nice to see you again," she greets the half-dragon with a smile, before curtseying to Amaryl. "Lady Gaial, also a pleasure."
[21:20] <Kotono> Amaryl, having been quiet and watching, "Certainly," she says, "That Mia...she's so excitable. Money keeps her running around like a hummingbird."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Oh, Alicia," Smiling to her, "It's nice to see you again.:
[21:21] <Kotono> "
01[21:22] <Seira> "Excitable and funny, yes!" Seira agrees, smiling at Alicia's greeting. "It's great that you could be here today for Amaryl's welcoming party. I didn't think your schedule would allow it, so the surprise is really pleasant!"
[21:22] <Kotono> "Thanks, Donald," Turning away from him, "Oh, glad I finally made it," Elle says, "The two of you look so happy together."
01[21:23] <Seira> "It's because so many people came to celebrate with us!"
[21:23] <Alicia> "Well, I heard you were in town and it's been a while," Alicia begins before her eyebrows head upwards. "Welcoming?" She wonders if that's some elven euphemism Taldeer never shared...
[21:24] <Kotono> "I'll be around more now," As her cheeks color, Amaryl smiles winsomely as she clings close to Seira. "Thank you for coming. All of you seem so kind and interested. I keep finding that humans arne't what many elves thought they were at all."
[21:26] <Kotono> "But..." Elle looks around, "I'll talk later, I'm going to get a drink first. You know," With a chuckle, "Before devils and horrors come calling. Speaking of, how was your trip, Alicia?"
[21:26] <Alicia> Seeing the way Amaryl clings to Seira seems to bear out Alicia's suspicion. "Well, we do try," Alicia demurs in response to what's probably a compliment. "So, you two are making it official? Congratulations, then," she gives them both a quick hug before turning to Elle. "Nothing bad happened, but nothing good either - we can talk about it some other time, though, rather than spoil the mood."
06[21:27] * Seira startles. "We have devils coming? Are there devils coming? Why, why are the devils coming?!"
[21:27] <Alicia> "There aren't any, no," Alicia quickly shakes her head. "Don't worry about it, really."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Don't worry about it," Elle echos, "I'll explain what I meant later."
[21:28] <Kotono> Amaryl frowns, before she laughs a little. "Oh, that was an attempt at humor, was it not?"
[21:29] <Kotono> "Oh, sister!" Jessica calls from over at the bar, "You're here!"
06[21:29] * Seira laughs herself.
[21:31] <Alicia> "Hello, Jessica," Alicia waves over to her sister, then adding, "Hello, Roald," to her companion. "I heard Seira was back in town so I thought I'd catch up - I didn't know there was a special occassion, though."
[21:32] <Kotono> Going over and getting a glass of wine, Elle departs for a bit. Amaryl looks to Alicia, "You look so radiant as always. Your sister looks well also."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I just had this thought," Seira admits. "Of Demedais and Pollyanna exchanging vows, as a devil teleports in to wreck the ceremony. And with the guest list they'll have, being blown to little, tiny bits. I bet those two would be annoyed at first, but it'll become a funny memory before long."
[21:32] <Kotono> Roald grins, the two lovebirds sharing a glass of wine, occasionally having the other sip from it. They're blushing and laughing, giggling away.
06[21:33] * Seira pauses at Amaryl's words, and looks closer at Alicia, examining her from several angles.
[21:33] <Alicia> "Thank you," Alicia beams at Amaryl, "Actually we really do look a lot better than normal," she leans closer, "Have you ever heard of Evergold?"
05[21:35] -batcave.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:35] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[21:35] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[21:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19." [1d20=10]
01[21:37] <Seira> "Evergold?"
[21:39] <Alicia> "It's a sacred spring in Brightwater where goddesses such as Sune, Liera, Sharess, and sometimes Hanali," she nods to Amaryl while mentioning the elven goddess of beauty, "All bathe. We visited it a few days ago." She then adds, "Before you ask, we never actually met any goddesses."
01[21:41] <Seira> "That might have been awkward," Seira agrees. "Are you supposed to stay in the water if a goddess decides to show up?"
[21:42] <Alicia> "I imagine if they didn't want you to stay you wouldn't have much choice in the matter," Alicia decides after a moment thinking about it.
01[21:42] <Seira> "True enough. So in essense, you bathed and got radiant? I cannot describe in mere words how utterly cool that is!"
06[21:44] * Alicia smiles. "It felt wonderful beyond words - and it healed all my scars as well!" She tugs down the shoulder of her dress to show off her left bicep, "Look - I used to have a really long one up here from a barbazu's glaive, but now it's as smooth as the day I was born!"
06[21:45] * Seira reaches out, stopping herself at the last moment with a questioning glance, seeking permission.
[21:45] <Kotono> Amaryl looks, "Oh, that's lovely. That's so smooth and soft looking, your skin, that is."
[21:45] <Alicia> "Go ahead," Alicia nods, not minding. It's just her arm not someplace intimate, after all, even if she does almost show off some other areas by pulling down her garment in this fashion.
06[21:46] * Seira runs her finger down, not feeling any scars marring the skin. "It must have been wonderful, yes."
[21:48] <Alicia> It's soft skin, although the hardness of dense muscle packed beneath shows very little give to Seira's finger. "It was. And better yet, as lovely as it was for us, I understand it would be extremely hazardous to devils - so I've got two barrels of water from it in the house," Alicia goes on, refixing her attire afterwards.
[21:49] <Kotono> "Oh, that's just a superb bonus," Elle says as she comes back, a glass of wine in hand. "What a lovely spring."
06[21:49] * Seira perks up. "Do you think it could--" She stops briefly, debating it, before asking, "Do you think it could be used to speed up regeneration, too?"
[21:51] <Alicia> "Well, it would probably work for cosmetic issues certainly. I'm not sure if it would heal a true maiming, though," Alicia hazards. "On that note, I actually picked up some scrolls of powerful regeneration magic from Dweomerheart, so those men we rescued from Halla have all been healed, now."
06[21:52] * Seira clasps her hands impulsively. "That's great news, Alicia!"
[21:53] <Alicia> "They were all happy - although how the two lovers of Giselle are doing in competing for her affections now, I wouldn't speculate..."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Two of them?!" AMaryl colors at that hotly, "That sound so scandalous!"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Well, isn't she a Princess?" Drinking her wine down, Elle smiles lopsidedly, "Princesses have the authority."
01[21:54] <Seira> "I don't see a problem," Seira says instantly. "It's not my thing, but consent is all that matters here."
06[21:54] * Seira does wonder whether Giselle is at a stage where she can give it, however.
[21:55] <Alicia> "Queen now," Alicia corrects. "Considering how many kings have mistresses I suppose it's a royal perogative. Whether the men can stand sharing, though..."
01[21:56] <Seira> "I could understand them," Seira muses. "I'm not big on sharing, either. But they all know what they'll be getting into from the start, so...."
[21:56] <Kotono> "If it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander," Elle concludes. "Oh, I'm going to go mingle. This will be so much fun. Oh, there's that stuffy head of Waukeen's church. He wanted to buy some talismans, too."
06[21:57] * Seira laughs. "Gilartal would only be stuffy next to Elle, I swear."
[21:58] <Alicia> "Anyway," Alicia speaks up, "What about you two? What have you been up to this past while - I heard you were either in Pallanth or Malmuth, but no one was sure."
01[21:59] <Seira> "Well, we clearly started in Pallanth, and then we went to Malmuth to mingle and travel and sightsee. We also got an audience with Queen Tant at the end, before we had to return in a hurry."
[21:59] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes here, though holds her peace.
[22:00] <Alicia> "Why'd you have to return in a hurry?" Alicia asks, deciding that's probably more pressing than what the audience entailed.
06[22:01] * Seira looks around to ensure that no one is close by aside from Alicia, first. "Well, in a way, you could say we had to receive King Lorthan's blessing."
[22:03] <Kotono> Amaryl blushes even more, staying close to Seira.
[22:04] <Alicia> "Oh?" Alicia looks between the two of them, deciding it must be some formality of the elven feudal system. "That'd make it official, I suppose," she nods. "I'm not that up on elven culture, so sorry if this is a stupid question, but will one of you be taking the other's name?"
[22:04] <Alicia> As far as she knows Gaial is the more important family, but Seira's father isn't a nobody, either, and there could be all sorts of intricacies she's missing.
[22:05] <Kotono> Amaryl turns even brighter at that, sputtering a few times. "U...uh...uh...A-Alicia..."
01[22:06] <Seira> "Do you want to?" Seira asks Amaryl, turning towards her.
[22:06] <Alicia> Ooops, she just commited a faux pas! "Er, sorry, was that impolite? The only elf I really know well is something of an oddball..." she tries to explain her transgression, blushing herself.
[22:07] <Kotono> "Um..." As red as a fire unchecked, Amaryl tries to speak a few times. "I mean...just...um....it was about...I think what you mean isn't entirely what...it was about family matters..."
06[22:08] * Seira looks a bit upset at that. "Yes, that's one family that won't be throwing any parties. Some of them had this crazy idea I abducted Amaryl against her will!"
[22:09] <Alicia> "It... wasn't?" Alicia becomes even more embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I think I may have misunderstood..."
[22:10] <Kotono> "What did you..." Amaryl begins to ask, "I...kind of...wlel...ran away from my duties at first."
[22:12] <Alicia> "Nevermind what I thought," Alicia shakes her head, smiling pleasantly. "So, you ran away from your duties so King Lorthan approved you leaving the council and now we're welcoming you because you'll be living in Balmuria?" she neatly summarises her new understanding of things. And wonders if it still merits congratulations.
[22:12] <Kotono> "More or less," Amaryl now smiles a little, "I think that covers the general idea of it."
03[22:13] * tai-offtomemorial is now known as tai-blaum
01[22:14] <Seira> "He approved of you living with me, didn't he?" Seira asks, frowning again. "Because if I misunderstood that part, I'll have to return and just ask him directly."
06[22:15] * Seira crosses her hands in front of her chest. "He told me to care for you and never hurt you and everything! Did I really misunderstand?"
[22:16] <Alicia> This looks like a good time to discreetly leave them to it. "Oh, I think my sister needs me - I'll talk to you both later?" Alicia offers before retreating.
[22:16] <Kotono> Now blushing again, hotly, "Seira...um...I think I meant....Just..." Taking her arm, "Let's go have ad rink and see what's going on? I didn't mean ti like that, jut that..."
06[22:21] * Seira breathes out. "Alright. It's probably some pointless misunderstanding, again. But just so the most important person doesn't misunderstand, I'll say it as clearly as I can.
01[22:21] <Seira> Amaryl, I want you to stay here with me, and not because I want to hire your maids. I want you to travel the world with me until we both get tired of it and find another occupation. If you want to do the name-changing ceremony, I'll get a last name just for that. Alright? Was that clear enough, just now?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "I know," Smiling a little, "I get the idea, Seira. It's very clear."
06[22:26] * Seira looks a little embarrassed. "That's great, then. Let's catch up to Alicia so she doesn't have to feel awkward anymore at the party?"
[22:27] <Alicia> Alicia is currently learning all about how to bake bread! So much she never knew...
01[22:29] <Seira> "I think we worked out the misunderstanding," Seira brightly announces, whispering to Alicia as she comes closer, "You no longer have to seek refuge in bread and its intricacies."
06[22:32] * Alicia decides to move along rather than draw further attention to her faux pas, "It's actually interesting. I used to do a little bit of baking myself, but it was always so plain compared to what Roald here can do," she smiles. "So, what was that you were saying earlier about visiting Queen Tant?"
[22:33] <Kotono> Roald and Jessica are laughing as they chat with Alicia, drinking up. "Oh Alicia, it's like you never seem to see him," Giggling, Jessica touches her sister's arm. "Roald, you should make sure Alicia gets more of your bread. It really is good."
01[22:34] <Seira> "She is a very kind person," Seira is happy to inform her. "The Queen is also very practical, and seems to hold both peaceful coexistence and us in high regard. She thanked us for dealing with her predecessor, and I got the feeling it wasn't just because it landed her the job."
01[22:35] <Seira> "I have discussed greater cooperation with Queen Tant. Any cooperation, to be honest, as well as opening up communication channels to Malmuth. We haven't had that avenue ever since Claris joined us."
[22:36] <Alicia> "Well for some reason we always have so much bread in the house that I never need to go shopping for it..." Alicia remarks innocently, before nodding to Seira and feeling a bit awkward at the two conversations at once. "Well, it's good to know she's reasonable. Not been much of that going around in royalty we've encountered lately."
06[22:38] * Seira nods briefly. "Yes, sadly." She leans closer still, whispering, "Any chance I could talk to you in private before I leave tomorrow morning?"
[22:39] <Alicia> "You're leaving? Well, sure - where do you want to meet up?" Alicia asks, likewise lowering her voice.
01[22:39] <Seira> "It wouldn't take long, I think. Whenever and wherever is convenient to you."
[22:41] <Alicia> "I can come by after dawn?" Alicia offers, wondering what this could be about.
[22:44] <Alicia> The next day, Alicia arrives at the inn bright and early, currently all geared up since she intends to go and see how badly the guards have slacked off without her regular training sessions after this. For now, however, she's all Seira's...
06[22:46] * Seira leads Alicia to the backyard, which is suitably out of the way and private for her needs. "It is a bit embarrassing, but I need some advice. I don't really know who to ask. I mean, I can't ask Dad! And I don't have any other family...." She trails off helplessly.
[22:47] <Alicia> "If it's anything I can help with, I'll do what I can," Alicia replies with an encouraging smile. "Is it about Lady Gaial?"
01[22:48] <Seira> "Yes. Umm. You don't have to call her that if you don't want to. I'm sure she would like more people to treat her closer, like a friend." She sighs suddenly. "See? It's even things like that. She sometimes sounded sad when she talks about not being allowed to have friends, but does it mean she actually wants more people to treat her normally and call her Amaryl like I do?"
[22:51] <Alicia> "Well, if you think she'd prefer informality - I suppose since she's left her family... have they formally disowned her? Actually, wasn't she the head of the family, so can they even do that?" Alicia asks, puzzling it over. "From what you were saying last night, it sounds like there's some bad blood in there."
01[22:54] <Seira> "Yes. Her family doesn't like me. I'm fairly certain they don't really like her, either. Would you try to run away from a place you were loved? From your own family?" Seira scowls.
01[22:54] <Seira> "The only thing the King took from her was the position and title of Scion, so at least they won't be able to hurt her again the way you suggested. And even that... there seem to be all sorts of status even for ex Scions... and we're getting off topic. Anyway. I don't understand Amaryl sometimes. Maybe if I did, she wouldn't feel like her only option was to run away with me."
[23:01] <Alicia> "Well, you know her better than I do - the most time I've spent with her was actually when we first met, the first time in Pallanth," Alicia begins. "The impression I got was that she's rather impressionable - she seemed to be taking all her cues from Lord Highsun, but was also very receptive to what I said, even if it was mostly diplomatic niceties."
[23:01] <Alicia> "I don't doubt that she's also very attentive towards everything you do, Seira, and is using you as an example of someone who lives their life on their own terms and comes out better for everything she does." She leans against the wall surrounding the inn's garden, "Have you actually advised her on how she should handle her problems or is she just copying you out of instinct?"
06[23:05] * Seira snorts. "She handled it differently than how I would, even after I voiced my contradicting opinion. Or both Lord Highsun and King Lorthan. Amaryl's changed quite a bit, and I'm very proud of the way she's standing up for herself. We'll just have to work on the blushing part next." The amusement does not last long.
01[23:05] <Seira> "But leaving your home is painful, and I feel that it's my fault. I wasn't observant enough, I didn't see how bad things were for her. What if I make that mistake again?"
[23:10] <Alicia> "Well, realistically Seira - how much did you actually see?" Alicia asks. "She lived on the other side of the continent and you only ever had quick visits - that's a world away from being with someone day in day out. Any time you appeared would've been a break in her natural routine, giving you a far different picture than you'd get if your presence was taken for granted."
01[23:12] <Seira> "I suppose I'll see her more, now," Seira allows slowly. "She-- it wouldn't be a problem if Amaryl came along sometimes, would it? Training only gets you so far, and I would be really worried about her adventuring alone."
06[23:14] * Alicia blinks, the thought of Amaryl fighting and killing horrific monsters really not meshing with her image of the girl from previous encounters. "She actually wants to do that?"
01[23:15] <Seira> "She actually wants to do that," Seira confirms. "She's been working really hard, too."
[23:20] <Alicia> "I see... well, if you think she's up to it," Alicia replies slowly. "That's surely a big if, though. I mean, the sort of things we face these days can kill an unprepared foe with horrifying ease. I'd want to see for sure where she stands before going along with something like that."
[23:20] <Alicia> She takes a breath, "Anyway, that's a tangent, we were talking about her decision to run away. Did you ever have much interaction with her family yourself?"
01[23:23] <Seira> "They always looked at me like I was beneath them, and Amaryl was always very tired after 'talking' with them," Seira says, making air quotes. "And a bit down, too. But she would always tell me it's nothing and not to worry about it. Even this time...." Seira looks upset. "I think I'm a shallow, selfish person. In the end, there is something that bothers me even more, and it's all centered on me."
01[23:30] <Seira> "Amaryl told her family that she wanted to live with someone she loved. And she called me a friend in the same breath. It's like... it's always like this. I should just be happy to have her, but sometimes I wonder if there's a part of her that's embarrassed about being with me. I don't know what to do about this! I feel bad just for thinking about it!"
[23:34] <Alicia> "It does sound like perhaps you should have pressed on the subject of her family," Alicia admits. "Instead of confronting her problems she saw you as representing an escape which she's eagerly leapt upon." Pushing off the wall, she puts a hand on Seira's shoulder, "But it's obvious you care about her a lot, and she cares about you - I saw how she was hanging off you last night."
[23:34] <Alicia> "Even if her words and blushes convey uncertainty, her other gestures show a lot of comfort in your presence. I don't know her well enough to really speculate on her motivations and feelings, but there's definitely something there. Have you asked her directly? How - forgive the bluntness - how intimate have you gotten?"
03[23:40] * Carthrat (Mokou@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) has joined #dunes
06[23:43] * Seira colors at that. "I really, really shouldn't worry about how she feels. I should know that. It's just... when we're not in private...." Seira pauses. "I know I didn't misunderstand, back in Pallanth, and neither did she. Should I propose? Is that what people do? Is she waiting on me to?"
02[23:45] * Nao (Mokou@c122-107-246-130.eburwd9.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:46] <Alicia> That sounds like confirmation, so Alicia accepts it as such. "That depends on how serious you are - do you see yourself spending the rest of your life with her?" she asks firstly.
[23:46] <Alicia> "But in my opinion you should hold off on something like that until she's truly comfortable - if she has issues with having your relationship 'on display' as it were she's probably going to get cold feet over something so formal."
01[23:51] <Seira> "Maybe that's it," Seira agrees, mulling it over. "I-- it's not like I want to display anything." She looks away. "But the denials hurt, even if they're softly-worded and roundabout. She keeps on telling me that... and that she's sure. And that I shouldn't worry. And I try not to, most of the time. But the few times I do, it's really lonely because I don't know what to do, or who to ask for advice."
[23:53] <Alicia> "I'm here for you," Alicia offers with a smile. "You could try asking Marie as well since she has more experience with these kinds of relationships than I do, but personally I'd take it with a large grain of salt. Although..." she hums for a moment,
[23:53] <Alicia> "It sounds like she's denying there's any problem between you in the same way she used to deny there was any problem with her family - does that sound right?"
01[23:55] <Seira> "Without the tired and upset part," Seira says hesitantly. "I'm really not forcing her into being a person she doesn't want to be, into doing what she doesn't want to, like they had for fourteen years, at least, and who knows how long before."
Session Time: Fri Feb 27 00:00:00 2009
06[00:00] * Alicia nods. "Okay," she accepts that. "I think next time you talk about why she's so hesitant in front of others you really need to force the issue and not let her give you a vague or non-answer. Until she clears things up you're just going to be fumbling in the dark."
[00:00] <Alicia> "It could be she's just not used to these kinds of relationships, or it could be she's looking for something different than you are - but it's no good guessing."
01[00:03] <Seira> "I'm... not used to it, either," Seira admits. "Or at all. And I don't have the heart to force it. Every time I tried, I just couldn't."
[00:08] <Alicia> "You really have to," Alicia suggests, adopting a more instructional approach since Seira could perhaps benefit from it. "It might even lead to a fight, and that's fine - I know when you're young it's easy to think a fight can doom a romance because everything has to be perfect, but nothing could be further from the truth."
[00:08] <Alicia> "Love requires work, and sometimes it hurts, but in the long run it's necessary - think of it like pulling out a splinter. Sure it's a sharp shock, but if you don't then problems can fester and grow far out of proportion."
06[00:11] * Seira nods seriously. "I'll have to do it. I'll need to ask Amaryl again." With a pleading look, she adds suddenly, "But you don't really think she wants something else, do you?"
[00:12] <Alicia> "I'm sorry, Seira, I really don't know her well enough," Alicia shakes her head apologetically. "Certainly she seems to enjoy your company a great deal, that much is plain to see."
01[00:17] <Seira> Seira's expression is unreadable for a few moments, before she says, "I hope that when we'll return from the second trip to Malmuth, you could congratulate us again, and this time, Amaryl would accept that with a smile. At least with you. With my closest friends. At least there I want her to be confortable enough with this."
[00:19] <Alicia> "I hope so too," Alicia gives Seira a hug, although her armour makes it less enjoyable than it might otherwise be. "Good luck, Seira."
06[00:25] * Seira returns it. "Thanks, Alicia. I'll trust in Amaryl's words to me. And I won't forget this."