031.2 Aaeru and Sylvie

[Corwin]

[20:29] <Kotono> ---
[20:31] <Kotono> As the people talk and settle, Josa listens in. "Very well then. Aaeru and Sylvie, get going to that church. The exact details and your bodyguard will be discussed there."
[20:32] <Aaeru> "Alright!" Aaeru responds eagerly, and takes Sylvie's hand. "We're off, then. Good luck with your jobs, guys!"
[20:32] <Janson> "You too," Janson wishes the blondes well in their work.
[20:32] <Kotono> "Good luck!" Sylvie calls as they go off!
[20:39] <Kotono> Once outside Sylvie turns to Aaeru, "So this should be easy enough," she goes on, "Balmuria's not that dangerous and it's just showing some out of towner around?"
[20:41] <Aaeru> "If there's any danger that's not self-inflicted, it would be from other out of towners," Aaeru agrees. "We'll just have to show him all the good spots. Do you think he would want the standard tourist attractions, or something more focused? Maybe he's a mage, or maybe he's a merchant...."
[20:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 85." [1d100=85]
[20:46] <Kotono> "We can make it up once we get there. There's plenty here," Sylvie hurries along, "Say, Aaeru. I'd been meaning to ask..." she lets it trail a moment, "Do you like Janson?"
[20:47] <Aaeru> "Of course! I like Janson, and I like you. I like everyone in Whimsical Sweets!"
[20:52] <Kotono> Sylvie has a stupid grin for a moment, smothering a snicker. "No no!" She gently thwaps Aaeru's arm, oddly precise and quick. "I mean, do you like-LIKE him?"
[20:53] * Aaeru rolls her eyes. "I knew that. Can't you see I'm dodging the question?"
[20:58] <Kotono> Sylvie rolls her eyes. "I knew that! Can't you see I'm pressing the question?" After a moment she crossly smiles, "Look, Aaeru. I'm thinking about getting him to ask me out for dinner. Maybe do it myself depending on how far that Jannath stuff runs."
[21:01] * Aaeru laughs, raising her arms in mock surrender. "Alright, I give! Don't worry about it, I'm quite happy as I am right now. I'll even prove it by helping you score that date, how about that? You really need to make the first move, though. Trust me on that!"
[21:05] <Kotono> "I was afraid of that," Sylvie smiles as she grumps, crossing her arms. She stops and leans against a stone building, as the masses travel past you. "It does run that deep?"
[21:09] <Aaeru> "I went to Aralla," Aaeru responds as she faces her, lacing her fingers behind her back. "Some considered Janson demonic for daring to do something only a woman could through certain nefarious means, and others praised him despite being only a man. It's a nice, quaint place in the woods, but it's not exactly balanced in any reasonable way." She shrugs, then. "Besides, what's wrong with asking someone you like out yourself? That's what I do."
[21:13] <Kotono> "It just is." Sylvie half-smiles, "Don't you want a beautiful man to sweep you off your feet?" She lets her body relax, eyes half shut, "A rich man with glasses, a great carriage ride away from a grand castle full of servants, wealth and a huge library?"
[21:13] <Aaeru> "I'm sorry, you lost me at 'rich'," Aaeru says apologetically.
[21:15] <Kotono> At that Sylvie lets out a long sigh, "I forgot that. How do you do it? What's so holy about being poorer than a goblin?"
[21:21] <Aaeru> "You just compared me to a goblin, didn't you?" Aaeru asks, waggling her finger in front of Sylvie's nose. "That's where you're wrong. The comparing part. It's not like you get closer to the divine the less you own. It's just that I believe in Ilmater, and I try to follow him, and then I'm just as happy with not having riches as someone with a castle full of servants. As long as you keep an open mind and a giving heart, it doesn't really matter to me what path you take in life. Just as long as you have one and work towards it... that's enough, and it's where you'll find the holy."
[21:23] <Kotono> "Mystra's nose," Sylvie rubs the bridge of her nose, a slightly perterbed smile, "Aaeru, when did you start sounding like a philosophy book? For that matter, when did this turn from asking about Janson to a philosophy lesson? You'd think we had nothing better to do!"
[21:26] <Aaeru> "You asked." Aaeru grins. "Now you're the one deflecting. Still, you asked if I would want to be swept off my feet. I suppose it would be nice, but I don't really think it would happen. People either think me as something I'm not or are intimidated by me. Either way, I haven't met your beautiful man in glasses who tried to sweep me off my feet just yet, and I doubt I would."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Yeah." Sylvie just shakes her head back and forth, "Even if you do," A half smile shows on Sylvie's face a moment, another shake. "Sometimes it turn sout it's fool's gold, too."
[21:29] <Aaeru> "Personal experience? Are we good enough friends that I can pry here?"
[21:31] <Kotono> Sylvie starts to walk again, "It's where my little bundle of joy came from. Mort's married to some merchant's daughter now, they have a disgustingly nice manor home to the west."
[21:32] <Aaeru> "He left you at the altar?" Aaeru asks, catching up to walk by Sylvie's side.
[21:34] <Kotono> "It didn't get that far." Sylvie shrugs once more as she picks her way up the street, amid the people coming and going, "He came, he saw, he conquerered, he left once he found out he needed to take responsibility and I wasn't so well off for money."
[21:35] <Aaeru> "That's terrible," Aaeru says quietly.
[21:38] <Kotono> "That's life," Sylvie banters back, heading along. She goes quiet after that, letting it drop.
[21:40] <Aaeru> "Can I help you with him?" Aaeru asks her, placing a hand on Sylvie's forearm to halt her. "In a friendly way that doesn't hurt your chances with Janson. I don't really know much about raising children or caring for them, but I learn these things quickly!"
[21:44] <Kotono> "That's sweet," Sylvie half smiles, "Mom takes care of him most of the time. He's 3 now and so full of energy..."
[21:45] <Aaeru> "Maybe we could stop by after our job is done?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Let's see how it goes?" Sylvie says, hurrying along, "Come on."
[21:54] * Aaeru certainly has no issues keeping up with Sylvie!

[Corwin]

[20:05] <Kotono> Coming to Seira's temple is without incident. You are escorted inside once your purpose is stated, leading to the room of Gustival. He waits here solemnly enough, offering his hand out to Aaeru once she enters.
[20:06] * Aaeru shakes it with both of her own, inclining her head in greeting.
[20:09] <Kotono> "Hi!" Sylvie settles for a smile, "You need escorts?"
[20:10] <Aaeru> "We know a lot about the city, and we can make any trip pretty safe!" Aaeru echoes her.
[20:12] <Kotono> "I do," Gustival says, "A friend has just come into town...an escort and bodyguard are desirable." A short nod to both of them, "He's not skilled at arms or defense, but she has a distinct knack of getting into trouble."
[20:12] <Aaeru> "It is a he or a she? Or both?" Aaeru inquires. "Not that it matters for the job, of course!"
[20:15] <Kotono> "He," Gustival rubs his temple a moment, "I misspoke."
[20:17] <Aaeru> "It's alright!" Aaeru is quick to reassure him. "Does your friend have any preferences? Food he doesn't like, something he really wants to see while in town, any areas of expertise that interest him?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "He likes swords, magic, dance," He goes over each, "He wants to be a mage-knight one day, much like the Golden Dragon practiced."
[20:21] <Aaeru> "Just how old is he?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "Fighting and magicking?" Sylvie says, a slow smile showing on her face, "Reminds me of the Crimson Guard and the stories about them. When you get really good, it seems like everyone learns magic and how to fight at once."
[20:22] <Aaeru> "Both sides of one's education are important," Aaeru easily agrees.
[20:26] <Kotono> "Seventeen," Gustival answers, shaking his head. He pauses to rub his temples again, "He's a flightly young man. Seeing the big city from far away may help him settle on a devotion and to focus his energies."
[20:27] <Aaeru> "I'm sure we can draw his focus between the two of us!" Aaeru reports brightly, winking at her companion. "Isn't that right, Sylvie?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Sure!" Sylvie replies, "We'll keep him out of trouble while we do it, too!"
[20:30] <Aaeru> "Let's meet him, then, unless there are any other instructions?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "He's prideful, so don't insult him directly, no matter what." Gustival says, "His name's Gracel, follow me."
[20:34] <Aaeru> That's one instruction that should be easy enough to fulfil, Aaeru muses, following.
[20:39] <Kotono> You are taken 'round the back, upstairs. To the second floor of the temple. The back section of the second floor has a golden wall in the back, covered in strange runes. Several open braziers of fire shed light over it, a few golden robed sorts or armored warriors reading. Off to the side is a young man, arm crossed. He wears a breastplate and greaves, a longsword hanging from his belt. The
[20:39] <Kotono> breastplate looks a bit loose on him, hanging. By him is Seke, pointing at one bit of th ewriting and talking to him quietly.
[20:41] <Aaeru> Spotting Seke, Aaeru gives her a quick wave!
[20:44] <Kotono> Seke answers that with a nod, looking up. The youth turns, a faintly disinterested look on his face. He sniffs as you approach, "Hey, who're they? More theologists?"
[20:44] <Kotono> "No." Gustival's voice is heavy, face steady, "They'll be escorting you and showing you around Balmuria. This is Aaeru and that is Sylvie."
[20:46] <Aaeru> "I'm Aaeru," she introduces herself as her name is called. "And this here is Sylvie. We're from Whimsical Sweets. It's a shop that sells sweets and helps people, all wrapped up together."
[20:48] <Kotono> "Whatever," The youth gives both of them barely a glance, stretching, "You two gonna show me a good time? Let's go."
[20:52] <Aaeru> "We're not that sort of escort," Aaeru responds brightly. "But we do have a really exciting plan for today! Sylvie and I will take you on a tour of the city, following the Golden Dragon's life here. Lots of people visit the temple and other important spots, but it's way better to just do it all in order to really experience her life, don't you agree? Oh, of course you do, following her and all! Doesn't he, Sylvie?"
[20:54] <Kotono> "Oh, absolutely!" Sylvie says quickly, falling in step with him, "I can tell you all about her works if you want and show you all the places!"
[20:55] <Kotono> "Yeah, like the wall there," He jerks a thumb back at it, "All the lore's there in draconic. Sacred wall or something." He pauses to stretch, "Eh, Seira's about getting shit done, not reading a bunch of old stories. 'sides, I'm a hero."
[20:57] <Aaeru> "Yeaaaah I'm not really one for reading Draconic either, myself," Aaeru all-too-quickly agrees, offering him her hand. "Let's go, Gracel?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Yeah, sure," Gracel says, as Sylvie falls back a bit to whisper to Aaeru, "How much of Seira's dogma and deeds to you know, Aaeru?"
[21:02] <Aaeru> "The basics," Aaeru whispers back, leading them all to the old city's gates at a leisurely stroll. "Came to the old city, so we'll cover where she actually first stepped through. Garrison would be a great bet afterwards, for all the training. Her inn is right by the best magic shop in town, so they're probably related and we'll hit them next. Temple of Waukeen too, later. It's weird, though, didn't it move? I don't actually know where the old one used to be...."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Sure, lead on," Sylvie whispers back.
[21:21] <Aaeru> "Is this on that wall of Draconic?" Aaeru asks as they finally arrive at the Old City's gates. She steps past them, a meaningless exercise considering the city continues past them. "Think about how much we've walked, and how none of that was there." Her eyes carry skywards, and Aaeru adds, "Neither was that, of course. It was a much smaller city, and it had no powerful mages to depend on for certain protection. How did that city look like? And how did a traveler from another land feel, stepping past the gates here for the first time? Looking up at the battlements? Greeting the guards?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "Dunno," Gracel shrugs as he looks around, the old gates kept open and pinned back. People come and go, the old city's stone buildings ahead. "Sorta like going into any other town?"
[21:31] <Aaeru> "So how do you get from this," Aaeru asks, knocking on the heavy gates and being rewarded with a dull thud, "to that?" She points up into the sky, where the Mythal's protection can easily be seen with the naked eye. "I don't think it's just something that happens one day. You wake up, realize you have too much power than what you know to do with, and just erect an artifact for fun. It can't be like that, so there had to be a purpose. From the very start, the Golden Dragon had to have a plan, something that lead from where she started and to where you can last see her touch here on this world. If you don't try to think like her, and try to understand what it was like for her, back in the recent past, how can you truly follow in her footsteps? Scripture can be distorted, and it can't really cover everything, so the best way to understand someone you admire is to try and live out their life through their eyes, even if only a little bit."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Gracel listens to all of this, "Well, I know she kicked a lot of ass and cast a lot of magic, so I figure I can do those and get the rest right."
[21:46] <Aaeru> "So did Alicia," Aaeru mentions innocently. "And it only took me a moment to think of that. I can go through the rest of the pantheon if you'd like, see how many deities kick a lot of ass and cast a lot of magic. And if we look below that level for other inspiring figures, I bet we wouldn't be done by sunset. What do you think, Sylvie?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "Oh, absolutely," she nods along, "Anyone who practices enough can fight and cast magic, well most people. That's not everything."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Ah, whatever," Rolling his eyes to Aaeru, "I'll have you know I'm the baddest, coolest fighter this side of Sanaxt. I could take down a vampire with one sword stroke!"
[21:50] <Aaeru> He should just follow Lathander, a stray thought insists and refuses to go away. "So what's that got to do with Seira?" she asks in genuine curiousity. "I don't recall her ever fighting one, ever." A glance is sent Sylvie's way for quick confirmation. "Don't think she had vampire minions either."
[21:52] <Kotono> "Seira was liches mostly, I think. Liches and the walking dead." Sylvie supplies this, "Liches, Sharrans, wraithes, demons, devils, a flying titan-island one time. There's probably more I'm forgotting, but with so many, how can you keep track?"
[21:53] <Aaeru> "I think it says a lot that someone so smart can't recall a prominent vampire amongst all that. A flying titan? Really?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Sylvie says, "No bloodsuckers I can think of. Strange when the rest of all the old horror stories came out. Well, except a ghost."
[21:55] <Kotono> "Well, I can take a lich or a demon then," Gracel snorts, "Come on, they're just big, scary looking things."
[21:57] <Aaeru> "I never actually met a demon," Aaeru muses, starting to lead them towards the garrison. Her step is hesitant, and she looks up at the city she passes with a sort of fascinated wonder she can still remember from the first time she stepped foot in Balmuria. "How do they look, beyond big and scary?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "It depends on the type of demon. Tana'ri tend to be humanoid but not always, generally nasty and traditionally demonic. Big, nasty painful hitters. There's other types like obyriths but that's more complicated." She recites that, "The planes aren't my strong suit, though I've read a bit about them. About the Cauldron too, and about Alicia's realm."
[22:01] <Kotono> "Yeah, guess," Gracel says, "Come on, He suddenly grins at Aaeru, "The hero always is gonna win, and I'm the hero. He draws his sword, grasping it with both hands. He takes a slow, overdrawn overhead swing, "Just like that!"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Sylvie mutters right back, "Wonder why resurrection magic exists then?"
[22:03] * Aaeru just smiles through this display, seeking out the city's garrison!
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 64." [1d100=64]
[22:19] <Kotono> OOC: Do you mean the old garrison or the new garrison?
[22:20] <Aaeru> OOC: New garrison. I don't know where the old one was, so Sylvie can take us there after.
[22:21] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[22:34] <Kotono> Highwatch Fortress stands tall in the sky as you approach it's hill. The white fortress gleams in Lathander's sunlight, a few pegasi and riders aloft int he air above it. Gracel takes a look, mostly skyward at the riders.
[22:42] * Aaeru gives the beautiful winged steeds a glance of her own, though she quickly directs her attention to the guards standing by the entrance. "Do you think you could entertain Gracel with a story about Seira and a pegasus, if you have any?" she asks Sylvie quietly, before approaching those on duty.
[22:42] <Aaeru> "Excuse me," she says brightly, gaining their attention before introducing herself. "I am Aaeru, currently in the employ of Whimsical Sweets. We are on a pilgrimage of sorts for Seira Aryn, trying to visit the places important to her during her mortal life. Could you help us, here? Perhaps we could visit and see the training soldiers, or trouble someone who served with her once upon a time and listen to a story of her life?"
[22:52] <Kotono> "Oooh," One nods, a young man, "You're interested in that sort of thing?"
[22:56] <Aaeru> "The pilgrim's actually a rash young man we're with," Aaeru confides to the guard quietly. "But I would certainly love to learn more about her, too, and so would Sylvie." She points out the other blonde, winking at her, before dazzling the guard with her smile. "How about it, in the spirit of cooperation?"
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC: Make a quick diplo check?
[22:59] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+14 pretty please?
[22:59] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+14 pretty please? and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[23:01] <Kotono> At the pretty ladies the guard can't seem to help but smile, "Wellll..." he glances around, whispering to another guard. The two of them nod, "Come on, just for you.'
[23:02] * Aaeru waves Sylvie over, happy to go in before the other woman runs out of pegasi-themed stories.
[23:32] <Kotono> You are lead into the fortress. It's straight and well ordered halls are all well kept, able to seen as you're escorted into a visitor's room. It's pleasant enough, if uncomfortable. The guard smiles at Aaeru, "Jack," he says, "So...what's your name?"
[23:34] <Aaeru> "Aaeru?" she gently reminds him, returning the smile.
[23:54] <Kotono> "Aaeru right," He goes along with it, "So want anything while you wait, like some water?"
[23:55] * Aaeru shrugs. "Sure thing, if it's no trouble! We would all appreciate it after walking this way!"
[00:01] <Kotono> "Sure!" The guards go off! Meanwhile Gracel kicks back in a chair, yawning. "So we're sitting around some fortress?" he says, "Booring."
[00:02] <Aaeru> "Oh, ye of little faith!" Aaeru tells him. "This is not some fortress! This is where guards, like Seira was, train! It is a place to test your mettle against other heroes!"

[Corwin]

[21:09] <Kotono> "Yeah? Then how come I only see guards?" Rolling his eyes, "Boooring."
[21:11] <Aaeru> "So how did you ever gain your skills with the blade?" Aaeru inquires.
[21:12] <Kotono> "I taught myself," Gracel smirks at this, standing up. "I'll show you. I don't need some teacher to become a hero!"
[21:13] <Aaeru> "Let's ask to participate in the training!" Aaeru suggests eagerly. "It will be great to train and fight in the same place as the Golden Dragon!"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Hmph. It's a waste of time..." Gracel looks away, "Soldiers can't hope to keep up with my swordsmanship. I suppose I could show them how a real hero fights..."
[21:15] <Aaeru> "That's exactly it!"
[21:20] <Kotono> "Fine," Gracel crosses his arms and yawns, "I can spare that much time."
[21:20] <Kotono> Sylvie pauses to slightly rub her temple, muttering something unheard.
[21:21] * Aaeru waits calmly for the guards to return. She picks up the pitcher of water, fills in a glass and approaches Sylvie, offering it to her with a smile. "I'd like to test myself as well," she tells her quietly. "Can I trust you to look after the other test?"
[21:26] <Kotono> Sylvie takes it, "Sorry, my thoughts wandered a moment. Other test?"
[21:27] * Aaeru glances towards Gracel briefly, before returning her gaze to Sylvie. "I know it's not part of our job description, but let's consider this a little bit of extra service?"
[21:38] <Kotono> "Alright," Sylvie agrees, "I'll keep an eye on him."
[21:38] <Aaeru> "I wonder what the guards train with..." Aaeru muses out loud, trailing off as she waits to see if her plan would be successful.
[21:43] <Kotono> Jack returns soon, "So," he begins, "You wanted to see the soldiers train and talk to people who served with Seira?"
[21:46] <Aaeru> "Most certainly!" Aaeru responds. "And, if at all possible, participate in the training afterwards? See the difference between guards like Seira was, starting out, and heroes?" She gestures towards Gracel with her eyes. "It is a precious opportunity for us to do that. If you can help us with this, we would appreciate it very much."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Sure. C'mon, third regiment is about to go through weapon drills."
[21:49] * Aaeru perks up! "Thank you ever so much!"
[21:57] <Kotono> Heading out to the main courtyard, you see a regiment of guards lined up. There are about 50 here in total, in armor and with weapons. In front of them is a grizzled old man with a bushy beard, arms crossed. Jack lingers, "It's okay, just fall in line in the back," he whispers.
[21:58] * Aaeru nods at him with a smile, and leads the way. "A chance to experience the same training!" she whispers back excitedly to Gracel and Sylvie, falling in line.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Attention!" The beareded old man calls. Meanwhile Gracel just shrugs, "He sounds like a blowhard."
[22:03] * Aaeru spends a moment to observe how the soldiers respond to the command, before following it herself to the best of her ability.
[22:19] <Kotono> "Present Arms!" The man bellows, as soldiers draw their swords and hold them at attention! Gracel slowly does the same, getting it close to how they have it.
[22:21] <Aaeru> A shame that she lacks a sword, so Aaeru resolves to stand at attention and observe the proceedings.
[22:23] <Kotono> "Forward slash!" The man then commands, Gracel taking a swing! It's slow and clumsy, while the soldiers swing faster than he does, generally in the same way.
[22:23] * Aaeru mimicks the actions, calling upon her own memories of her training. When you have so little, falling back on your imagination is easy enough.
[22:31] <Kotono> With this the basic actions are gone through, a long series of these. Soon enough the instructor calls, "Break into pairs and spar now," he commands.
[22:32] * Aaeru seeks out a a soldier she can charm into fighting with her, trying to keep them next to Gracel and Sylvie.
[22:34] <Kotono> A soldier turns to Aaeru readily enough, "Saw you joining in," he says easily, "Wanna give it a try?"
[22:35] <Aaeru> "Certainly," Aaeru responds. "Would it be possible for me to get a sword just like yours? I would like it to be a fair fight. Oh, the simplest one would do, of course."
[22:40] <Kotono> A practice sword is easily enough procured, given to Aaeru. "We fight for non-contact, pull your blows."
[22:41] <Aaeru> "I understand. It would not be a problem," Aaeru responds, testing the weight of the practice sword before facing off the soldier she is to spar with. "My name is Aaeru. Good luck to us both?"

[Corwin]

[19:51] <Kotono> The soldier nods, sword at the ready! OOC: Roll init?
[19:52] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 4." [1d20=2]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[19:53] * Kotono changes topic to 'Soldier(5)>Aaeru(4)'
[19:54] <Kotono> The two clash with swords, the soldier taking a testing slash at Aaeru's defenses!
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 AC?
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 AC? and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[19:54] <Aaeru> OOC: 15 flat-footed
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3 nonlethal
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 nonlethal and gets 10." [1d8=7]
[19:55] <Kotono> The blow that hits Aaeru ish eld back, barely felt but still a solid connection to her side! OOC: Go.
[19:56] * Aaeru responds with a jab of her own!
[19:56] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+7
[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[19:57] <Kotono> Aaeru's jab is parried away as wooden swords meet! For a moment the two press together, before the guard takes another slash to press his advantage!
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[19:57] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3 nonlethal
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 nonlethal and gets 6." [1d8=3]
[19:58] <Kotono> Aaeru gets a thrust in the ribs, held back and nothing more than a tickle! Meanwhile you hear the clash of wood on wood, as well as a loud cry fro the side! "Aaaah!" Gracel yelps!
[19:58] * Aaeru chooses to fight more conservatively for now, slapping the flat of her practice sword against the guard's wrist.
[19:59] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 fighting defensively
[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 fighting defensively and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[20:01] <Kotono> Aaeru makes a good, quick thrust, but again the guardsman parries! A moment later he tries to sweep aside Aaeru's blade from her hand! OOC: Provokes an AoO if you wanna go for it.
[20:02] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 and gets 20." [1d20=17]
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC:Hit.
[20:03] <Aaeru> roll 1d8+3
[20:03] * Aaeru punishes the overly-eager guard with a bump on the noggin, smiling to take any lasting sting from it.
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d8+3 and gets 11." [1d8=8]
[20:03] <Kotono> This time Aaeru's quick counter-thrust manages to fend the guardsman back, a thwack to his head! OOC: Go Aaeru.
[20:04] * Aaeru presses her advantage, now, lunging into and past her opponent's guard with a forward thrust!
[20:04] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+7
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+7 and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[20:08] <Kotono> Aaeru overesimates, her swing gong erratically to the side! A split second later the guard tries to thwap Aaeru in the ribs as she overexposes herself!
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3 nonlethal
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8+3 nonlethal and gets 8." [1d8=5]
[20:08] <Kotono> This gets her, a tickling, momentary pain.  As it does, "You're not bad...but that's not your preferred weapon, is it?"
[20:10] <Aaeru> Taking her punishment for forgetting herself in her eagerness, Aaeru steps back and lowers the tip of her borrowed longsword. "This match goes to you," she says, inclining her head. "I am fully trained in the longsword, but I prefer to fight without one, yes. Thank you for allowing me to see where I place against a soldier of the Guard."
[20:21] <Kotono> "You're welcome," he rubs his head with a wry wince, offering a hand out, "Nathaniel of Balmuria."
[20:23] <Aaeru> "Aaeru," she repeats, taking his hand and concentrating briefly to heal much of the bruise, shaking it firmly afterwards. "So this is how training normally goes here? Drills, forms, practice and dueling?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "Aaah!" His eyes open wider, "Damn, you got a paladin's hands." His handshake grip is good and firm, "Yeah. Lots of it."
[20:25] <Kotono> Meanwhile, "Aaeru," Sylvie calls, "Could you come here a second?"
[20:25] <Aaeru> "Sorry, that's my cue," Aaeru apologizes, giving him another smile and then heading over to join Sylvie and Gracel.
[20:28] <Kotono> Gracel is splayed out on the ground. He's utterly out, a huge bump rising atop his head. Sylvie cradles his head on her lap, a soldier looking down at him. "Sorry," he shakes his head, "But he fell right forward into my slash! It's almost mpossible to really hurt someone with one of these!" He waves one of the practice blades.
[20:29] * Aaeru reaches out to heal that nasty bump, but then halts at the last moment. "To avoid asking this when he wakes up, what level of skill would you say he has?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Um..." Sylvie shakes her head back and forth, "Weellll...." Patting the side of his head with a little sigh, "I wouldn't bet the library on him for a fight, let's put it that way. I wouldn't bet a single book on him, as a matter of fact. Not even a stray page."
[20:31] * Aaeru smiles at her, and places her hands over Gracel's cheeks, using the remainder of her healing energies to revive him!
[20:32] <Kotono> The healing makes the bump go right down! Gracel groans and stirs, sitting up, "What the hell..." he says, rubbing his head.
[20:33] <Aaeru> "You must have tripped," Aaeru says gently, "and right into your opponent's strike. Terrible luck, but it happens. Can you stand up?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Yeah, that's what I thought..." he manages to stand up, still rubbin ghis head, before sharply kicking the ground, "Stupid ground! You'd think soldiers could have better practice grounds!"
[20:37] <Kotono> "Legendary hero, defeated by bad practice grounds," Sylvie murmurs, "A title of a thrilling book in the future, I'm sure."
[20:39] <Aaeru> "Blaming the ground like that as if it has a mind of its own is often considered unseemly," Aaeru mentions neutrally. "Tymora, now, there's someone one can blame for not having the proper luck. What do you say we move on to talking to those who served with the Golden Dragon, once upon a time?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Yeah, yeah," GRacel mutters, rubbing his head more. "Whatever."
[20:40] <Aaeru> Smiling once more, Aaeru seeks out their guide Jack!
[20:44] <Kotono> Jack is found hanging back and watching, as the trio approaches. "So Aaeru, enjoy that?"
[20:45] <Aaeru> "Oh yes!" Aaeru responds. "Tell me, is that the level where those in the guard would enter active service?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "A little above - those soldiers there have been drilled awhile," he answers, "They're pretty good."
[20:53] * Aaeru chooses to take that as indirect praise. "Would it be possible for us to move on, now? We've experienced the training first hand, so if we could listen to a few anecdotes of Seira Aryn's own experiences from those who served with her...."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Sure," Jack says, "I know a few people who served with her."
[20:57] <Aaeru> "Great!" she exclaims, looping her arm through his. "Tell us about them on the way?"
[21:02] <Kotono> Jack grins at Aaeru, "Her name's Gwenn...just don't call her Lizard Lady. She has one of those shocker-things as a familiar, she's a sorcerer who helps out with the guard. She went to a school Seira started and met her a few times. There's also Captain Wedge, who knew her for her entire stay in Balmuria."
[21:04] <Aaeru> "We already had a taste of the martial, so how about we look at the sorcery next?" Aaeru suggests after a moment's pause. "Might and magic, just what a proper hero needs, right?"
[21:09] <Kotono> You are lead up and up Highwatch Fortress. You climb one of the many towers, coming atop it. Here the entire city of Balmuria can be seen, a slow, steady breeze beating off the heat of summer.  Ahead, at the edge of the tower, is a woman. Her head has super-short cut brown-ish hair. Her back is to you, wearing light, loose clothes. Atop her head sits one - a shocker lizard. It sedately turns
[21:09] <Kotono> your way, staring at the group as they approach. "Ma'am," Jack calls.
[21:12] * Aaeru gives the woman a wave, observing her curiously.
[21:13] <Aaeru> "Ah, but where I my manners? I am Aaeru, and this is Sylvie," she says a moment later, catching herself. "Jack took us along with Gracel to see you, so it's very nice to meet you! You like to be called Gwenn, I heard?"
[21:23] <Kotono> She turns, the lizard on her head doing the same to keep watching you. "Gwenn's good," she says in a chipper voice, smiling ear to ear, "You're Aaeru, Sylvie and Gracel? Nice to meet you!"
[21:25] * Aaeru certainly appreciates someone who sensibly dresses in as few clothing as possible! "Gracel is on a pilgrimage of sorts after Seira Aryn, so we were all hoping to learn more about her life here. Would you mind terribly taking the time to talk to us?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "Hi," Sylvie smiles back.
[21:26] <Kotono> "Yeah, whatever, something like that," Gracel mutters. To this Gwenn's face lights up, "Oh sure," she goes to lean back against the edge of the tower, "I met her when I was a little girl, first finding out I was a natural sorcerer."
[21:27] <Aaeru> "That must have been terrifying, if you were that young when your powers appeared," Aaeru sympathizes. "What happened next?"
[21:38] <Kotono> "It was special," Gwenn says, "Then I was told there was as pecial school for people like me. Seira started it, and I met her ethere. She was always energetic and talking about the future, achieving this or that."
[21:38] <Kotono> Gracel listens to this, "Yeah, changing the future, being a big hero."
[21:41] <Aaeru> "Did you have a chance of meeting all sorts of people back in school?" Aaeru asks Gwenn, "How did Seira Aryn deal with situations like this? Or, as a graduated big hero, how would you advise us to proceed?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Oh yes, all sorts," Gwenn says, tapping her chin with a finger, "A situation like this? Go about, meet people and make bonds. That's what she did."
[21:50] <Aaeru> "Was that what she held in highest regard, then? Connecting with other people? Not the fighting with the Abyss, Hell, liches, Sharrans--" Aaeru glances at Sylvie for help. "I think you mentioned flying titans?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Sylvie nods, "Things like that."
[21:59] <Kotono> "Yeah, she said that once," Gwenn replies, "It's more about friends and connecting with people."
[21:59] <Aaeru> "Why?" Aaeru asks, catching Gwenn's eyes and then glancing subtly Gracel's way.
[22:11] <Kotono> Gwenn glances at Gracel, "Anyone can stand alone, but no one is a mountain. Real strenght comes from working with people and being stronger by it." Half smiling, "Seira told me about her friends - Amaryl, Donald, Alicia, Demedais..." A trail off there.
[22:11] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Gracel reddens at this, "But what about being a hero?"
[22:12] <Aaeru> "Lone heroes sometimes trip and have no one to offer them a helping hand," Aaeru voices.
[22:17] <Kotono> "Stupid tripping," Gracel mutters, "I could've taken him!"
[22:18] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Sylvie murmurs, "I think the point is that a single hero is a fallacy. What happens if you slip and fall in real combat, and no one's there to help you?"
[22:19] <Aaeru> "The floors of the mansions liches keep might well be maintained perfectly, but I would not expect it to be the same while traveling the lower planes. Plus, I somehow think that this real combat Sylvie is talking about often happens somewhere out in the country, where people are poor and the Guard is not around to help if something goes wrong. Just being a little less lucky once, and it's all over if you're on your own. And then who will help the people who were counting on you to save them?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "Yeah, why do you think everyone fights together instead of alone? It makes more sense," Sylvie says, "No one's perfect."
[22:23] <Kotono> Gracel turns away and mutters, "Yeah, I guess...hmph." His back stiffens as he looks out, "I guess anyone can get unlucky..."
[22:25] <Aaeru> "The moment you think you're perfect, you get... what's the word, you relax and then you slip up. And that's just where you always get get. It would probably be from the back, too, since a fight is not a duel. Sylvie's here to watch mine, and I do the same for her."
[22:32] <Kotono> "Complacent," Sylvie supplies, "And you got it."
[22:34] <Kotono> "Yeah," Gracel grumps, as Gwenn smiles, "There's all sorts of hazards out there. Shocky here tells me about them sometimes," she holds the lizard in her arms now, almost like a doll. "Most of Shocky's brothers aren't as nice as he is, so there's danger from them."
[22:35] * Aaeru grins at Sylvie. "Do you think you have a story that really shows this, Gwenn?" she asks, wanting to fully make their point memorable with a tale of Gracel's hero figure.
[22:38] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Gwenn says, "Back in the Crimson Guard, when it first started, there was a woman named Shamal. She helped Demedais and Seira defeat Kondrux the blue dragon. Then they went hunting for the dragon's horde. On the way they ran into some shocker lizards...surely anyone who could survive a dragon could survive that. But she underestimated about five of them and they shocked her." Gwenn
[22:38] <Kotono> frowns, "She was dead before she hit the ground from the shock. Life and come and go so easily...without support it's even easier to lose."
[22:40] * Aaeru nods solemnly. "You would expect it to be the dragon, wouldn't you? If anything happened to a real hero like that."
[22:50] <Kotono> "Danger's everywhere," Gwenn says with her own solemn agreement, "I think Seira understood that, too."
[22:52] <Aaeru> "The school you mentioned isn't here, is it?" Aaeru asks. She certainly never heard of it, living in the city. "We probably can't visit it, if so. Could you tell us about what Seira wanted taught in it, and maybe about other places important to her here in town?"
[22:58] <Kotono> "It's off to the west," Gwenn says, "There's her inn, the old garrison..." A trail off for a few moments, "The shop of Countess Stronger..." She ticks off fingers as she thinks, "Most of the people who really knew her are gone. Her lover Amaryl Gaial is with her in the Realms Beyond, so is her bodyguard Donald. Alicia and Demedais are both gone as well...I think the only one left who might
[22:58] <Kotono> know her well is Commander Oberuth."
[23:00] <Aaeru> "No one in the clergy of Waukeen?" Aaeru asks in surprise. "Or, well, even her own? I hear some deities like to be personal like that."
[23:01] <Kotono> "I don't know," That gets a little admittance, "I've never gotten to know much of Waukeen's clergy, though surely there's a few, or her own worship that much."
[23:04] <Aaeru> "Thank you," Aaeru says, and glances at Gracel. "Like I said when we just started the tour, the fancy foreign-named inn and the magic shop are right next door to each other, and we should visit them too. Want to go do that now, or do you have any questions for Gwenn?"
[23:10] <Kotono> "I'm good," Gracel turns and walks on down. As he goes, Sylvie smiles, "Thanks," she keeps her voice quiet, "He's just a teenager and an idiot. It's a bad combination!"
[23:12] <Aaeru> "You're too harsh," Aaeru chides her lightly. "Many people have these bursts of pride if no one does anything about it long enough. Thanks again, Gwenn! If there's any way I could repay the favor, stop by the Whimsical Sweets or the House of Suffering?"

[Corwin]

[20:38] <Kotono> "You have the tolerance of a saint," Sylvie shakes her head, as Gwenn smiles and waves.
[20:40] <Aaeru> "I have faith," Aaeru responds with a grin, waving back at Gwenn and heading outside after Gracel. Seira's Inn awaits!
[21:05] <Kotono> The trip to the Old City is one without incident.  Gracel keeps to himself as you climb up the hill, Luna Del Stronger passed. Ahead waits a building cunningly designed like a dragon, it's mouth the entrance within. People come and go, chitter-chatter about.
[21:07] <Aaeru> "You really think about how huge dragons are when you enter, don't you?" Aaeru mentions, raising her head to look up at the masonry dragon's tooth-filled maw. "Sylvie, do you know why she built it that way?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Oh, that's a good question, isn't it?" Sylvie smiles winsomely, "Why don't you tell us, Aaeru?"
[21:13] * Aaeru actually doesn't know! She could guess, of course, but she also reasons that a place built like this.... "One of the reasons has to be to stand out," she states, and seeks out someone clearly affiliated with the establishment. It must be a question that gets asked a lot!
[21:16] <Kotono> Inside is a warm common room and bar. Here people chat and drink, a few bards singing songs of valor and love. A great fire roars in one corner, keeping everything warm. The walls are decorated with tapestries of dragons and other such legends. Just by the door inside is a muscular man, black haired and with a friendly smile. He looks Aaeru, Sylvie and Gracel over, "Have fun and keep your
[21:16] <Kotono> noses clean," he says.
[21:20] <Aaeru> "No problem!" Aaeru responds brightly. "I'm sorry to trouble you, but this man is on a pilgrimage in Seira Aryn's name," she says, gesturing to the teen by her side. "His name is Gracel, and we're taking him to see all the places important to Seira. Do you get many people like that? We were hoping there might be all sorts of things he could learn from stories of how this inn was built, or hear about all the important guests it had over the years, or even just some tidbit about Seira Aryn's mortal life!"
[21:28] <Kotono> "Oh stories?" He starts to smile, offering his hand - no, taking Gracel's hand and giving it a shake. "Young man, come with me." he offers, "Ladies, feel free to go have a drink at the bar, on the house. Tell the barkeep I sent you."
[21:30] <Aaeru> "Thank you kindly!" Aaeru waits just a bit to confirm that it's not some sort of strange joke being played on the customers. Once she is certain Gracel is in good hands, she takes Sylvie's and gravitates towards the bar!
[21:32] <Kotono> Sylvie goes right to the bar. The barkeep is a pretty woman, wearing a silken red dress and serving drinks. "One on the house, right?"
[21:34] <Aaeru> "So it seems. I'm Aaeru and this is Sylvie," she says, talking animatedly. "It's a real shame I never visited before. Walking past the entrance like that, I bet everyone gets chills the first time, don't they? It's so lifelike! Why is it actually a dragon? Is there more to it than just to stand out in a crowd? Can there be a crowd of inns?"
[21:36] <Kotono> "Something strong, please," Sylvie orders, sitting down. Once situated and a small shot of something brown is slid over to Sylvie, "Thanks."
[21:37] <Kotono> The woman winks at Aaeru, "Seira always took the dragon as her totem, as her symbol. As to the rest, well, this is a special place. If you keep an eye on it, you might get an inkling...perhaps you've heard the rumors about the dragon being alive?"
[21:39] * Aaeru blinks as Sylvie asks for a drink first thing. "Ah, of course. This is the ordering process." Aaeru is briefly embarrassed, but her excitement doesn't let that take hold. "There was that rumor," she agrees, latching onto the barkeep's words. "And it seems it's more than a rumor? And, umm, can I have something Seira would drink but which wouldn't kill me if I tried it, please?"
[21:40] <Kotono> A glass of wine is poured and produced for Aaeru. "It is what it is." With a mysterous smile, "You're from the church of Ilmater?"
[21:42] <Aaeru> "Oh yes," Aaeru says, bringing the glass to her lips and sipping at the wine within. "Did we meet there? I'm sorry, I'm just bad with faces sometimes."
[21:44] <Kotono> It's smooth but with a spice to it. "Oh no, your garb and your bracelet," she says, "They're giveaways."
[21:45] <Kotono> Sylvie is content to sip her drink, sighing as she closes her eyes. "Mmm, the grain that went into this died happy." She leans on the bar with one elbow, propping up her head. "They are if you kn ow what to look for, yeah."
[21:46] <Aaeru> "I suppose they are," Aaeru says, raising the glass in compliment. "So I have this question. When you hear about the 'House of Suffering', what immediately comes to mind?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Ilmater's worship," the barkeep's answer is easy as she smiles to them, pausing a moment to slide a few stools over and pour a drink for another customer. Once back, "Before my mother developed her talent, we lived not far from the House of Suffering. Sir Croger was the kind face I saw whenever I fell sick with childhood maladies."
[21:51] * Aaeru is silent for a moment. For the imposing, scary Croger's face to be the nicest, oh what a frightening childhood that must have been! "Talent? You mean you're a sorceress, too?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "My mother is. Dweomerkeeper Shankar came to us, preaching. When he passed by my mother, he detected the traces of sorcerous potential in her. With guidance she came to harness it and joined Mystra's church. With magic came money and prosperity, and we moved to the New City." She pauses to smile, shaking her head, "I have a little magic in me, but ti's only dregs."
[21:55] * Aaeru finds it easy to smile back. "How many people work here, aside from you?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "A few dozen." She answers, "It was less when Seira was still here, but in time she left this place behind.  Occasionally her servants still come by, but...we mostly tend the inn now."
[21:57] <Aaeru> "And you're all from here? Balmuria, I mean?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "Most of us are from here or live here now, I think," she answers, and then with a little msile, "Why all the curiosity about us?"
[22:00] <Kotono> Sylvie chuckles, "Aaeru makes it a hobby to ask about inn staffs. Apparently a pattern of suffering can be found amid them." She finishes her drink off, smiling.
[22:03] <Aaeru> "You probably heard why we came in, didn't you?" Aaeru asks her back. "And even if you didn't, you'd guess-- hey!" She rounds on Sylvie. "She was a customer, not the staff! And there was no suffering involved!" Aaeru slowly finishes her drink. "That came out really wrong but would take too long to explain. The right answer is that if I'm leading someone around on this pilgrimage after Seira Aryn, I have to do it seriously. You have to put your all into a job, since you can't just do it halfway. So I'm trying to learn all I can, too!"
[22:04] <Kotono> "Something like that," Sylvie chuckles, considers, then reluctantly puts a mark down on the bar. "Give me a double of what I just had?"
[22:05] <Kotono> The money vanishes, shot glass refilled. Once that's done, "Well, I do know a lot of stories about her, if you want to hear them?"
[22:06] <Aaeru> "Of course! We can always retell them to Gracel later, too!"
[22:09] <Kotono> Sylvie starts on her next drink, "Sure, 'specially if it keeps him quiet."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Ah, let's start with the story of Seira and the Crimson Guard versus King Ferdi of Malmuth..." The story begins, being told. Sylvie goes quiet and listens, taking sips. It goes on for a good ten minutes, telling the tale of a battle that stopped an all out war in it's tracks. Near the end Gracel emerges, coming to stand behind Aaeru.
[22:14] * Aaeru grins. "What do you know, dragons." She looks up as Gracel returns, asking him, "Was it helpful to learn more here?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "Yeah, I guess," Gracel looks away, "Yeah."
[22:20] <Aaeru> "Why don't you get a drink since we walked a lot today, something light, and then we'll stop by Luna Del Stronger before calling it a day?" Aaeru suggests. "We can cover more ground tomorrow, and if you'll have any requests by the morning, we could try to help you with them."
[22:32] <Kotono> "I'm okay," Gracel says, "Let's just call it a day here, thanks Aaeru." he starts to go out, walking out altogether.
[22:34] <Aaeru> "We'll see you back, then," Aaeru says, hopping to her feet. A wave at the nice bartender, and another at the bouncer if she can spot him before she leaves, and she catches up to walk by Gracel's side. "You know, Gracel, I've been thinking. I'm self-taught, too. If you're not interested in seeing the city that much, we could just spend time training together. I bet I know a few tricks that could help you!"
[22:38] <Kotono> Gracel stops and turns, face tight. He stares, "You don't understand! You don't understand anything!" he says abruptly, before turning and running off down the hill! Meanwhile Sylvie meanders behind, catching up to the two as Gracel takes off.
[22:40] <Aaeru> And she's not going to understand when he just runs off, too! Giving Sylvie a helpless shrug, Aaeru takes off after Gracel. Being a bodyguard is still part of the job, after all.
[22:43] <Kotono> Sylvie just rolls her eyes, "Ah angst," she mutters, "The changer of young heroes into disillusioned blackguards." Sylvie keeps up with Aaeru as the two of you chase, Sylvie generally a few steps back. Down the hill you run, Gracel heading south. Short pursuit shows that he's heading for the gates back to the Commerce Quarter.
[22:45] * Aaeru wouldn't push the teen any more today, just seeking to ensure that he returns to the temple safely. Although she should really have a talk with her employers and try to understand just why someone rich enough to travel like the way Gracel had was allowed to keep his dangerous delusions.
[22:46] <Kotono> Luck is with Aaeru - he returns right to the temple, going inside. Sylvie's breathing heavily by this point, slowing down to a walk. She bends over, hands on her knees, "..whew. Hold on a...minute!"
[22:47] <Aaeru> "His endurance is decent," Aaeru notes, offering Sylvie her shoulder as she waits for her to catch her breath.
[22:50] <Kotono> Sylvie takes it, huffing in and out. After a good minute of this she looks up, wiping sweat off her face. "He's not in bad shape. Okay he's back, let's go home." With a look to the temple, "Honestly, he strikes me as a rich kid who needs a good dose of reality to get over himself. Bitter medicine."
[22:53] * Aaeru does find herself agreeing for the most part, and she nods. "Before we do, why don't we stop by? Even rich, angsty kids could have actual problems that trouble them, too. Maybe if we learned more, we could help him better, or actually get through to him altogether."
[22:54] <Kotono> "Eh sure, why not," Sylvie says at last, "Maybe we can get them to talk about him now?"
[22:55] <Aaeru> Saying "We lose nothing by trying!" Aaeru steps inside, intending to seek out their employers.

[Corwin]

[19:40] <Aaeru> "Yes, we made sure he made it back safely," Aaeru responds. "He did yell that we don't understand anything and take off towards the end, so we just wanted to... well, understand, I suppose."
[19:43] <Kotono> Gustival turns, shaking his head all the while, "He's a lucky, sheltered child coming into contact with the world. He's not past those manner of reactions."
[19:45] <Aaeru> "I just wanted to make sure he doesn't have a dark and terrible past, like being the only survivor to a cursed monarchy. Or something." Aaeru shrugs. "Why has he been so sheltered all his life? He really can't be allowed to go outside on his own, as he is now. If he comes across a thug, he might really lose his life!"
[19:47] <Kotono> "His family's well off," Gustival continues, "Blessed with money and security. No, his life has been a good one so far. He's far more fortunate than most." After a moment he turns to look back out the window, a slight sigh. "That's one reaosn he's here, to grow in a more forgiving setting."
[19:48] <Kotono> "Which means the other shoe is that we're the babysitters and the insurance he comes back without a neck-smile?" Sylvie says, rubbing the bridge fo her nose. "So this is his kiddie pond, where he splashes around until he's grown up, and we're the lifeguards?"
[19:49] <Aaeru> "That makes perfect sense to me!" Aaeru chirps. "We'll come back tomorrow morning to show Gracel more of the city! Have a pleasant evening, you two."
[19:53] <Kotono> Sylvie eyes Aaeru out of the corner of her eye, but follows her out once Gustival nods. Once out in the hall, "You seem accepting of this."
[19:57] <Aaeru> "Let's see," Aaeru says, counting with her fingers. "There is a teenage boy that no one treats seriously, but who needs guidance. There is us two, helping him with that and learning more about the city we live in. There is Josa, happy with being paid, and the House of Suffering, which would be served by the donation. And there are our friends, here, whom we can help by helping Gracel on the path to greatness, if he chooses. What's not to like?"
[19:59] <Kotono> "The fact that we didn't negotiate a higher fee for this entire thing?" Sylvie starts ticking off fingers, "That dealing with a pile of spoiled angst is a good reason to spend most of the next work days tipsy? That..." Sylvie stops and stretches, "And that no matter how I bitch, a job is a job and I need one."
[20:00] <Aaeru> "It's not a terribly difficult or demanding job," Aaeru points out. "I even thought one of the pluses was to prepare you for the future!"
[20:02] <Kotono> "Meh," Sylvie's reply is followed by another shrug, "Let's go and tell Josa this is going to run awhile, then call it a day?"
[20:04] <Aaeru> "Works for me!" Aaeru agrees. "Can I come with you afterwards? I was hoping to meet your son."
[20:06] <Kotono> "If you like," Sylvie says, but pauses, "You know, where do you stay, anyway? If I remember, didn't you say something about a cave?"
[20:07] <Aaeru> "Cove," Aaeru instantly corrects her, as she often has to. "It's confusing because there is a little cave nearby, I suppose. If you'd like, I could show it to you tomorrow evening?"
[20:08] <Kotono> "If we aren't all implicated in the homicide of a teenager, certainly." With that Sylvie and Aaeru head back to Whimisical Sweets...