We'll start OOC. Are you bringing anyone with you to Mineral, Moore?
If there's anyone who would like to go they're welcome to. He'd ask around but not press gang anyone.
"Moore."
It is Morniel you pass and ask, a slight nod to this. "This meeting is an important one? What are your goals for it?" Thet wo of you talk quietly in a hallway, a moment of reprieve from Aurora's preparatory busyness.
"Important...?" Moore looks to be considering. "Well, I understand that Tryll and Surraruthru have some sort of plan involving a great deal of adamantine. I thought that Crystalle would be familiar with where to find some, or we may be able to trade with them for it. Beyond that, I wanted to further deepen our relationship if at all possible, though that was a secondary goal. I don't know how much the Archomentals would be aware of our... issue with Bel."
"To cleave to the point, are you looking to establish more support from Mineral?" Morniel says, "Beyond the adamantine."
"Yes, but I'd expect them to want something from us as well." Moore says.
"It is only natural, but Lord Crystalle knows the touch of kindness." Morniel says, turning his attention to the portal at the end of the hall. "Alien as he is, he is known to righteousness and righteousness is known to him. Perhaps in this we he will answer the call."
"We'll be in a better position to help them once Lifasa is freed anyway." Moore says with a smile. "So we can use that, I think. Are you ready?"
"I am ready," Morniel agrees. "Are you?"
"One can be as prepared as they want and never be truly ready." Moore says with a smile and a shrug. He casts a few spells on them before they go.
Shared Talents, CL27 (lasts for 270m), Tyche's Touch (CL27, 24h), Greater Improvisation on himself (CL27 270m), Divine Insight (CL16) for himself. He'll hold Surge of Hope for when they get closer.
You appear once more in the caverns of Mineral. Untold wealth glitters around you, rich veins of diamonds and platinum woven together like braided hair. Great heaps of gem quality quartz lies on the ground, bulging out from the floor.
"This way, I believe," Morniel heads to the north, "Are we expected?"
"They always seem to know when we're coming." Moore says with a smile. He casts one more spell on them as they go.
Surge of Hope, CL27 for 27m.
You advance as always. The palace is alight as you come. Shining, white and blue crystals growing out of everything. They shed a gentle but encompassing light over everything, a blanket of soft colors as you approach the gates.
"Hm, they changed the musical stones since the last time." Moore observes. He will fly up to the gates and wait patiently.
You arrive at the gates with Morniel. They open as you approach, the courtyard ahead. "Come, come, come," Voices sing in the light, a gentle whisper to your ears.
"...I think he's heard." Moore says with a smile at Morniel. Moore will fly forward and on!
Deeper in. Into the palace, into realms of wealth you can barely see, let alone proper comprehend. Diamonds the size of boulders lie about, single gemstones carved into vast chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The walls are nothing but precious metals, occasionally dotted with gemstones that form mosaics of scenes from Mineral.
"Come, come, come," The same voice bids you, to a stairway going straight up higher than you can see.
"I've always been curious what would happen if a Waukeenite came through here." Moore says with a laugh as he continues along.
"I suspect they'd pass out in sheer greed," Morniel chuckles as you walk up.
Up.
Up.
Up.
A vast cavern is at the end of the stairs. Riches beyond understanding are here - ingots of precious metals as large as houses. Gemstones bigger than wagons, stacked on each other into pyramids. Giant statues of creatures made of precious materials, perfectly wrought. Hundreds of them, like toy soldiers left about by a titan prince.
Ahead on this, amid all of it, is a throne covered in light. A figure sits there, too bright to see, and yet the outline of it is visible. A humanoid, only a little bigger than Hanna. Or something in the shape of a humanoid, anyway.
Take 10 on K:P for 74, or K:L (Mineral) for 57 if more appropriate. He did meet Crystalle before, or maybe it was just one of the people standing in for him -- is this the real deal?
This looks to be Crystalle, or at least an incarnation or aspect of him. Details on him tend to be sketchy since Mineral's isolated. At that point it's picking nits, though - this is Crystalle, even if it's only an aspect or avatar.
"To meet with us directly is a great honor." Moore says as he offers a proper bow. "I hope you find yourself well this day, Lord Crystalle." Moore adds with a touch of respect in his voice.
Morniel kneels and in Celestial says, "I offer you the light of my soul, Lord of the Riches. May all the gems of Mineral shine brighter."
Crystalle laughs - a beautiful, crystalline sound like a large gem being tapped and vibrating. "You've continued to make a reputation for yourself, Moore. Few visit this realm and acquit themselves so well."
Moore switches over to Terran OOC: I'm guessing Terran is the language of earth elementals anyway. and rises, only to offer another bow. "Such humbling words from the Lord of Mineral." Moore says with a smile as he rises yet again nonetheless. "I have my many allies to thank for that. Morniel was very specific when I first wished to broker diplomacy with You and Yours. I am glad to hear You still regard me in such high esteem."
"Yes, and you now come with a rumbling of urgency," Crystalle says, "The spirits of the gems speak of a disturbance, of a shift of changing times. What has happened?"
"Bel has decided to interpose himself in Aurora's desire to see Lifasa freed from Hell's grasp." Moore explains. "He came himself to the prime to try and personally thwart us and stop Aurora. I can't say I completely understand the... unspoken divine rules, as they are," He adds with a smile in Morniel's direction, "We were given very clear directives from Selune, Lathander and Erathaol to stand against this. It's my further understanding that this has... upset a rather delicate balance, I think is fair to say. Did I miss any of the salient points, Morniel? I was kind of paying attention when I was being borrowed." He looks to Morniel with a small grin for any further clarification.
"You have the core of it," Morniel says, "Lord of Riches, Bel has set foot on Lifasa and attempted to personally engage us."
Crystalle stirs on his throne, standing up, "Bel has gambled much. The Competition will not be so callously abused. Is there still hope for your realm?"
Ah, so it does have an official name... well, that makes sense.
"Yes. As of now, we have 88 days before it dies. We are making preparations now to go and drive Hell off of it forever." Moore says.
Crystalle sits back down, quiet after those words. "You come for aid to save your world? Mineral rarely shares its treasures and then only grudgingly. Tell me why I should share them with Aurora for this."
Moore clears his throat. "Lord Crystalle, I come to you both as an ally from Aurora and as someone who wishes to see a prime saved from the clutches of Hell. We do not seek to steal the riches of Mineral, nor do we wish to have you give them to us with no recompense." At this, he turns to gesture at the lavish halls around them.
"Many would see only the wealth in these halls, but in my dealings with you and those of this fine plane, I have come to understand the denizens and how you see this as opposed to those of us who live outside of it. You see the beauty in each of these treasures not because of their monetary value, but because of the splendor and the harmony that they offer to the land itself. You and everyone who lives in this place are constantly reminded of the sheer beauty that can grow from the earth itself." He turns his attention back to Crystalle himself.
"Of course, I need not lecture you on this, Lord Crystalle. I only say it so that you understand that I am not here seeking to add to Aurora's coffers by selling Mineral itself. We have always wanted a two-way diplomatic endeavor with you and I hope we have delivered on that. Whatever you give to us will be returned in kind, in whatever manner you see fit. I cannot speak for Lifasa itself and offer you land there, but I can assure you that when we save it, we would come to seek your blessing for the earth and the soil so that it can once again prosper. Again, I do not ask for your aid lightly, nor do I ask for it to be given freely. Whatever terms you wish to bind Aurora to for your aid I think we would gladly pay." A smile at Morniel at that.
"Pushing back against Hell gives you more clout with the other Elemental Houses as well, I would think. If your assistance reaches the ears of those who support Hell within the Terran halls, just think of the fear that would run through their veins (Oh Moore, you're so clever) when they learn that you had a hand in the defeat of Bel himself?" Moore says with a bright smile that he sweeps into another bow.
"It would benefit both Mineral and Aurora for us to find agreement in this, I think. Your aid for our aid. If you have matters you would wish for us to investigate on your behalf, I admit that our time may be limited, but if it is of import to you, then you have my word we will look." Moore says as he rises.
Make a Diplomacy check with a +7 bonus.
Take 10 for 101, using Divine Insight here and some of my Improvisation points.
Morniel begins to speak, but a soft tinkle of crystal silences him.
Crystalle merely says, "Countless are those who come here to steal Mineral's wealth, more precious then all the gems are those who come as friends. Tell me what you need, Moore."
"We have allies who are looking for a large supply of adamantine. If you would be willing to trade with us for it, that would be appreciated. Beyond that..." Moore looks to Morniel. "Morniel, you are much more familiar with our soldiers and their needs, what do you think we could use?"
"We need many things - soldiers, resources, supplies, morale." Morniel picks up without missing a beat. "We face Bel, who is no longer holding back. Were countless legions endlessly devoted to holding back the demonic tide, there would be no hope. As it is, we face a splinter, but a splinter that can still pierce our hearts."
A pause, Morniel meeting Crystalle's gaze. "Lord Crystalle, it is a more accurate statement to ask what we do not need."
Crystalle merely listens and asks, "How much is a large supply of adamantine?"
"As much as you would be willing to trade with us for." Moore responds. "If you want specifics... whatever two million gold could buy."
"Gold?" Crystalle laughs, "I care nothing for gold."
The archomental's laugh is like crystals jangling, echoing amid the cavern. "I require deed instead. When you have freed Lifasa, I will send you on a task that may take decades, if not centuries or longer. A task for the pace of the stones, not that of mortal creatures. That is the currency I will accept."
He was just using it as a reference point for the amount!
Moore nods and gives him another bow. "I think a timeless task is one I am rather uniquely suited for."
"Then tell me what you wish of me. Tell me how much adamantine you need and two more requests," Crystalle says, as you feel a weight settle inside of you. A glimmer of light dances around you, before sinking into your flesh.
K:A.
Take 10 for 85. Using some more inspiration points.
"Enough adamantine to create a golem that can best the forces of Bel himself. Perhaps even enough to create a golem that can -best- Bel himself." Moore says. "As for the other requests... your best soldiers. Whatever you can spare for us that we can rely on to hold points like a mountain against the rain. Finally..." Moore shakes his head. "My final request is only that Aurora will continue to have your support and that we continue to work together for a common goal of defeating evil." Moore smiles. "You may interpret it as you wish, Lord Crystalle."
"You will have those," Crystalle says, gesturing back the way you came. "Go. The adamantine awaits outside, take as much as you need. The soldiers will soon arrive to Aurora."
The light and the feeling? You've just entered into a pact with Crystalle. Assuming he holds up his end of it, you're bound to aid him after this.
Moore bows again. "Call on us whenever you have need." One final bow before he turns and heads back!
You exit out and to the gates. Just beyond them is a portal to Elysium, Aurora in the background. Sitting just before the portal is a massive pile of adamantine. It's in great, polished blocks two feet tall and two feet wide, stacked on top of each other.
"Would you have handled things any differently?" Moore asks. "That was my first major... diplomatic act for Aurora, I think. I hope I didn't overstep myself."
Moore will throw whatever he can into his 20ft deep portable hole but try and keep track of exactly how much there is. Well I say throw and I mean carry because I'm guessing a 2 ft x 2ft block of adamantine is really freaking heavy. For my own reference and I guess his as well how much is this exactly? I guess a good question might be "how many blocks would be used in a standard adamantine golem" and then "how many blocks are there"
In the ballpark of 2 tons per cube. That's back of the envelope math so that could be wrong, but we'll roll with it.
That impact your action at all?
He is -assuredly- not strong enough to carry two tons of anything! He'll have to pull out his Limited Wish Shrink Object trick and then put all of it in his portable hole. We can evaluate how much we actually need and then return whatever goes unused.
Does your portable hole have a weight limit?
I don't think portable holes have weight limits, at least in my cursory glancing. I think the limiting factor is just space.
Huh.
You slip a bunch of blocks in and...there's more. It's like you never took any in the first place. Yet they're still in your portable hole after a check.
"...As befits the Lord of Gems." Moore says quietly.
In that case, let's take... jeez, I still don't even know, when you're dealing with an infinite number of things. Well, let's circle back for a second -- how many of these blocks would it take to make one standard golem? If that's a K:A&E check or something I can do it.
K:A, actually.
Take 10 for 76.
Depends on the golem.
An obvious answer, of course, but most take many tons of material, especially as they get larger. The number blooms higher rapidly, only magic helping bridge the gap and make larger ones affordable.
Okay. One final question, how much is each of these blocks worth? He can do an appraise if needed.
Appraise away.
Take 10 for 51.
Around 10,000 gold on a quick estimate, perhaps more depending on how it smelts down.
Okay. Final question, is it reasonable to think that Crystalle can probably just... create adamantine, considering his station? I can do a K check if necessary.
K:P, yes.
Take 10 for 76
Deities can create materials ex nihilo when needed, or so the stories say. The fact that Crystalle can potentially create adamantine from nothing would fit within his portfolio, too.
Moore nods and, with Morniel's help and some magic, intends to fill his portable hole, or as best as he can tell, anyway.
I'm not a math wiz here, but if each block is 2 feet, and the bag has 20 ft of capacity, that sounds like 10 blocks high and 10 blocks wide, which I believe would end up being 10x10 for each layer,
so I believe that's a total of 1000 blocks. If this is too much / too greedy please let me know and I will revise the number.
That sounds right to me. I presume the hole's otherwise empty?
Yes, that is correct.
You load up the portable hole. The blocks reappear each time, the same number there as there were at the start, even with 100 in your portable hole.
"How many is too many?" Moore asks Morniel. "I mean... he said to take as many as we needed, but at the same time, I still feel guilty about this."
"Take what you feel Aurora needs, not what greed tells you to," Morniel says, "There is no shame taking in need what is freely offered. Understand what is need and what is greed, and act with wisdom."
Moore nods and continues to work with Morniel, but pauses for a moment to speak quietly towards one of the gem walls. "Lord Crystalle, whatever we do not use will be returned to you. Thank you."
He is going to take 400 more blocks, for a total of 500 blocks. This in total is 5,000,000 gold worth of adamantine.
Okay, if your bag is full, how are you transporting them?
The bag can hold up to 1000, so he still has half the bag worth of space.
There's no reply to your words and soon you have 500 total blocks of adamantine in your portable hole.
Moore bows again at a random gem wall. "Thank you again." Moore repeats as he looks to Morniel. "Shall we?"
Post the number of blocks you took in loot, would you?
The two of you return to Aurora. The portal closes once you're gone, and from there...
Next move?
Aurora gate back to Brightwater to pick up the folks who were interested in joining.
Going to do anything with the adamantine first or just drop it off there? Serious question since that's a hell of a lot to carry with you.
Ah, you make a good point. Since Afina is out he'll find Gold and see if there's a good place to store all of them!
"How much adamantine?!" Gold looks up from his forging sharply, fast enough to send a gust of hot wind your way. "You accomplished that fool's errand?!"
"Well, I figured even if they don't intend to make the actual golem, we could still use it for something else." Moore says with a smile.
"That's..." Gold goes silent a few moments, "How much did you say each block was worth?" He puts his half done sword aside, a word of arcane power twisting out of his mouth and reducing the blade to molten iron.
"I estimated about 10,000 gold per block." Moore says. "I could've been a bit off, I was a little awestruck at the time."
"Bahamut's hoard," Gold breathes, "How? Why? How?!" He sputters, "That's enough money to buy a demi plane!"
"I don't think Lord Crystalle sees it in the same way that others do." Moore says with a small shrug and a smile. "He respects us for treating with Mineral for no monetary gain, only because of our wish to do good. He did more or less tell me that I'm going to be doing some errands for him for the next few thousand years, but I think that's a small price to pay."
Gold's eyes narrow, "Ah. I understand now. Was a pact made?"
"Yes." Moore nods. "He should be sending some soldiers to us as well. I didn't mind entangling myself with him and his plane, they've only been good to us thus far."
"I only hope you sold yourself preciously enough," Gold says, "You will be busy for a long, long time."
"I know. But better to be busy toiling for a good cause than to be dead or worse." Moore answers. "At any rate, where can I store all these blocks? I'm sure we've got somewhere..."
"There's a valuables storage room," Gold says, "I'll take you there."
Dropping them off and then looking for people to go with you?
Yes sir.
Had you decided on who?
He'll ask around if anyone wants to go, otherwise he can just go himself, it isn't going to be a long trip.
We'll just do it solo in this case, since it's safe territory and a quickie. What's your goal here?
Just collect the folks who agreed to come, then make sure Elena has them all vetted so we're not just accepting criminals who are going to betray us and so on.
Huh.
You end up seeing about three dozen people waiting for you, of all stripes, races, types and more. One, a semi-transparent humanoid with dark green skin and empty eyes, merely looks at you and says, "The time, it is at last here. The will, it is now ready."
...That's a lot more people than he was expecting!
Take 10 for 76 for the guy who kinda looks like a ghost!!
What skill are you taking 10 on?
Sorry! K:P
You aren't sure what the hell it is. Some sort of unique outsider? Possibly something related to a ghost? It's far from normal, and if you had to guess, you'd guess unique outsider. That's basically a catch-all for any outsider that doesn't fit the norms of their race's various castes.
Wow, well, uh... ...huh. Maybe Tepen or Vul'lath will know... or want to find out??
How did this thing even get into any debt?! That's an even bigger question!!
Moore smiles and gives everyone a bow. "Before you join, please understand that we will be making sure everyone here is honest and willing to work with us. You may have to wait to get assigned anything specific, but we'll work it out as we go."
He will open a gate for them (with his handy-dandy magic flute) and get them all there!
Just getting them over and getting that sorted then?
Yep, if the Silverbrow Consortium needs anything they know how to get ahold of Moore so he isn't going to bother them right now. He'll help get people sorted and placed (and ask Tepen and Vul'lath about this weird ghost outsider)
Sorting them takes a few hours. Nothing interesting, just the mundane work of being an officer overseeing things that have to be done. Thereafter you manage to catch Vul'lath in the library, looking up over top of his book as you fly in. "Moore," he greets quietly. "You look as if you have yet another question."
"You've figured me out." Moore says with a small shrug and a smile. "Better to ask questions and receive wisdom than stay stupid forever, right?" He smiles and clears his throat. "I met an interesting individual in Brightwater... I've never seen something like him and couldn't place it at all." He will give Vul'lath a brief summary of his characteristics!
"I can safely say that I have no idea," Vul'lath says promptly, "He is likely a mongrel or unique creature, the simplest course of action is to ask him."
Huh. That wasn't the reaction he was thinking he was going to get at all.
"Very well, If I happen across him again I will do so. Thank you." Moore gives a tip of his invisible hat and will leave him to his studies.
If he happens across Space Ghost he'll ask, but otherwise the next thing on his list was to go to Mount Celestia for adamantine. Technically speaking he has no need to go there for adamantine now, but he's fine going if just to see what wisdom the mountain has to offer.
Fair warning that you know from previous trips: Trips to Celestia aren't short and can run into the multi day. Are you okay with this?
Yes. He'll let Elena know where he's going to be if anyone needs him.
Once again you are on the beaches of Lunia. The gentle, wine-dark waters lap against your ankles as you stand at the very edge of the water. Before you is the illumination of the holy mountain, gleaming bright in the light of far away Chronias.
"I'm pretty sure we have enough adamantine." Moore says aloud to no one in particular, though he glances up as he talks. "But if you think we may need more... or something else, well... you know how to show me."
With that, he picks a random direction (that isn't towards the ocean, but maybe one day) and heads forward.
Make an immediate spot check, +7 sacred bonus.
Take 10 for 70 with the included bonus
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=29 ]{29}
You fly along for an hour or two - two, on reflection. Simply traveling the beaches, before you see something ahead. Dozens of aquatic blue elves are on shore, simple tables set up as various mortals and celestials peruse them.
Moore will fly over to see what's going on!
What languages do you speak?
Literally all of them! I have Polyglot, for your reference.
It's a cavalcade of languages, but Elven, Aquan and Celestial dominates.
"Fresh fish here!"
"Fine pearls from the River Oceanus!"
"Smooth lodestones from the ocean, right here!"
Trading goes on, both for coins and for goods, or sometimes nothing at all.
Hmm, Simmer did ask him to get some jewelry for Illsenine, didn't she?
He'll look around for something that matches her style -- or as best as he can remember. Something regal, maybe a pearl necklace or something like that?
Easy enough. You find a lank blue-skinned elf with an array of pearls and pearl jewelry, "A pearl necklace? Yes, here," he sgestures to several. "Which one do you like?"
Moore taps his chin as he appraises them.
Take 10 for 41, which one looks like it's probably in the 2500~ gold price range at a glance?
You find one. It is a necklace of pink and white pearls, well polished and connected by a single thread of silk. The pearls are large and smooth.
"Ah, this will be perfect, I think." Moore says. "How much would you like for it?" He reaches into his bag to get the correct amount.
"2,645 gold," The elf says, tapping one of the pearls, "Beautiful, aren't they? My son harvested the pearls himself."
Moore takes out the money and hands it over!
"Do you all make it a business to harvest from Oceanus?" Moore asks. "I never considered Lunia to have any sort of marketplace, but I suppose you can find anything here if you look hard enough."
Post the expense.
"We harvest from the lands we live in, which is Oceanus," The elf replies, "We stop here every so often."
"Well, if you ever pass by or feel like visiting Aurora, you're more than welcome. I'm sure you'd get some buyers there." Moore says with a smile and a small bow.
Make a raw Charisma check.
[14:26] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+12
[14:26] <Rei-chan> Nephrite rolled : 1d20+12 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{24}
"I will," The merchant promises, and...
Anything else to be done here or are you moving on?
Just movin' on!
> roll 1d100
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d100 --> [ 1d100=16 ]{16}
You fly for another hour or two, not much of note happening. It's peaceful here, gentle and quiet. It soothes your mind, even as you don't immediately find anything notable.
It's good to relax and and get away for a little while. Maybe that's all he's to see here this time? A calm before the storm?
He stretches out a bit and decides to continue on for now. Maybe he'll take a break in an hour.
You fly for another hour. Just as you're growing tired, you see a little lean-to of driftwood against the mountainside. No one's around and it has no door, free to walk into if one cares to.
Moore takes a look around for any signs of anything or magic, before he flies on in to take a rest!
Spot.
Take 10 for 63. If there's magic, then Take 10 for 66 on spellcraft
There's no magic and no one's around.
Moore will go inside and settle down to take a break, then!
How long?
Hour or so.
You drowse into sleepiness, resting and recovering. It's a pleasant rest, and by the time an hour has passed, you feel better.
"Thank you." He says to no one in particular as he gets up to resume his wandering!
Spot check again.
Take 10 for 63.
You don't see anything, but you have an odd sense you're being watched.
He looks around. "You have me at a bit of a disadvantage." He says as he slowly continues on. Perhaps the thing will follow him? Who knows.
"Whoops! Didn't mean that," A voice is heard from outside the shack, "C'mon, I'm out here." Sounds like a woman's voice, fairly young.
Moore blinks and heads out to meet the voice!
The person waiting outside is a sea elf. The same as the ones you passed a few hours ago, wearing a bikini of shells and seaweed. She blushes, "Hi...Mr. Moore, right?" She looks down, pale green hair falling to hide her face. It's long, long enough to go past her shoulders.
He blinks. "Yes, that's right. It's good to meet you, Miss...?"
"Queyla," The female elf introduces herself, flushing even more. "I've heard of you, you're the silver tongue that works for the Aurora, aren't you?"
Moore can't help but laugh. "I guess Morniel has the diplomat role locked up so I have to have something else. Yes, that's correct." He nods.
"I heard you beat the devils up all the time, and you talked down one of the big blue ones that's called a gelugon, then you kicked a bunch of the bearded ones off a cliff!" She says that in one burst of words, tumbling out one after another. "That's the best!"
"Um..." He blinks. "Well, at some point Aurora has done all of those things. Are you seeking me out because you'd like our help with something?"
A deeper blush and Queyla looks down again. "I was h-hoping you'd take me to Aurora and I could learn from all of you. I have a good reason!" She speaks normally until the last sentence, which she just blurts out. "A really good reason!"
"And that reason is...?" He asks, trying not to pressure her too much.
"I lost a brother to the devils," She says, shoulders stiffening and fists balling up. "He was called as a paladin and traveled to oppose them. He...never made it back home."
"Don't throw your life away fighting devils for revenge." Moore says with a small frown. "I'm happy to bring you to Aurora nonetheless. What do you do?"
"I'm a trader like the rest of the family, plus I can manage 1st circle magic," Queyla adds the latter part quickly. "I'm not much of a warrior, but not everyone has to sling spells or swing swords to fight!"
Moore nods. "So you'd want to open a shop there?"
"I could help someone with that," Queyla says quickly, "I can pull my own tree, I promise!" She kneels down to be on eye level with you, "Please accept me, for my brother's sake, so I can help his soul rest easier."
He blinks a few times and then smiles. "Far be it from me to deny the wisdom of the mountain. Filbrez could probably use your help, I bet."
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Queyla blurts out, "I'll be ready to go as soon as I go back and get my things!"
"I'll go with you." Moore says. "Shall we?"
Going to mostly go along with this or take any sort of active role?
He'll follow along with her for now.
Another hour or two back, then Queyla hurries off, "Just wait right there, Sir Moore," she calls, hurrying off.
And so he waits!
He does turn back to the mountain while he does so. "I admit, this wasn't what I was expecting, but it usually isn't. I'll come back on the 77th day before Lifasa dies." He says quietly.
It takes about twenty minutes before she returns, a huge, heavy backpack worn. She also carries a sack, "H-here," she says, "For Aurora."
"You don't have to give us a tithe to come work there, you know." Moore says with a smile. "Are you ready to go back?"
"Yeah, but I'm helping," Queyla says, offering you the sack, "Please, and yes, I'm ready."
Moore takes the sack as requested. "All right, let's go back."
Greater Plane Shift back to Elysium with her! Once they're back he'll look inside.
Loot post for that.
As you check the sack, Queyla looks around. "It's better than I thought," she says, "The stories were true!"
Moore smiles and closes the sack. "Let me show you around. I'll get you to meet Filbrez after all that."
It's getting later in the day when you finally wind around to taking Queyla to Filbrez. The mercane is siting in his shop, sipping water as he listens to Elena. "....and then what about the honey?" Elena asks.
Moore will wait politely until they're done! Or Filbrez makes his punchline, anyway.
"Accounted for," Filbrez says, glancing over at you. "Ah, Moore, someone would show up when I finally have ten minutes to myself. What do you need?"
"I'm here to offer you some assistance. Filbrez, this is Queyla. Queyla, Filbrez. I met her while I was visiting Lunia. She has some expertise in trading, so I thought she might be a good person to have give you some assistance."
Filbrez gives the young elf a long look, "You aren't on borrowed time until you return to water, are you?"
Queyla blushes but shakes her head, "No, our clan's fully amphibious, Sir Filbrez. I'm here to help out with any of the shops that I can, sir."
Moore smiles. "I have faith that she'll be able to help you out, Filbrez."
Filbrez turns and gives you a long, wry look. "Do I have a choice?" He says it dryly, "Oh well, I could use the help. Come on, I'll familiarize you with things and why theft is completely impractical here. I'll introduce you to Elena on that note, too."
"You always have a choice." Moore corrects him. "If there are any issues, please let me know. If you need anything Queyla, just come find me."
It's getting late in the day for you. Next move?
There is nothing left on his agenda at this point, so he can be available to help out in other threads / around Aurora for preparations.
Okay, more on this tomorrow, since it's fairly late in the evening session.
As you settle in and rest a few, Elena pops in, "Mooooore," Elena sing-songs, dressed up like Afina down to her hat. "Jetina and Lucy are reading together in the library."
Jetina and... .... ....who?
Moore turns slowly to look over at Elena. "Jetina and... whom? Lucy...?" He says slowly.
"Yeah," Elena says, "She's a succubus like you, can't remember anything. Her and Jetina seemed to know each other, so I figured you did too?" Elena tilts her head to the side. Not every fantasy is reality. Not every reality is fantasy.
There's a moment where Moore lingers after Elena finishes talking, then he nods. But what is she doing here? ...'her' -- 'you don't want to die until you've met her'... that's right.
"Yes, you're right." Moore says. "The library, right? Okay. I'll go meet them there."
But is it always the same her?
Is that why, the reason that...? Her? Light and...
"Have fun," Elena says, popping out of there a moment later.
Moore takes a breath.
Even if it isn't the same, that's fine.
Right?
He flies off to the library.
Merging threads, so head on over to Lucy's thread.