032. "Looking forward to tonight?"

[Corwin]

[21:26] <Kotono> -------------
[21:28] <Kotono> A few days pass. The moon above becomes fuller each night, until at last it is the day of the full moon. As Whimisical Sweets closes up for the night, "So," Sylvie says as everyone is upstairs, "Isn't it about time for that Lunatic festival?"
[21:29] <Wayland> "It is! I for one plan on going."
[21:29] <Andria> "Is it? I wasn't really keeping track of it," Andrea notes with a little surprise. "It had sounded a bit interesting though..."
[21:30] <Aaeru> "I did keep track, in fact!" Aaeru says excitedly. "It would be a great opportunity to see how they celebrate!"
[21:31] <Janson> "You just have to look at the sky," Janson points out for Andrea, "The moon's nearly full. I'm gonna pick up some booze and head along for sure - it sounds a lot like the big celebrations that the daughters of Jannath have that I never got to go to, but everyone always told me were really really fun and meaningful."
[21:32] <Andria> Andrea laughs. "I don't make it a habit of looking up at the sky at night though, hence why I lost track."
[21:33] <Aaeru> "Why not?" Aaeru wonders out loud. "It's really beautiful. Maybe you should try that more?"
[21:33] <Wayland> "You know Janson, I've been wondering for a while, what's up with that? Why are men looked down on so much back in Aralla?"
[21:37] <Janson> "Women are closer to Jannath, more wise and in tune with nature, they get to have children... pretty sure we did go over all this when we visited," Janson shrugs. "It's common sense, really, but I can't help but prefer living here in Balmuria. It's nice that it's not such a big deal here."
[21:39] <Kotono> "It's funny," Sylvie murmurs, but shakes her head. "So Janson, you're going to go off and get some booze? Want some company?"
[21:40] <Wayland> "Yeah, funny." Wayland gives Janson a long look before shaking his head. He looks at Aaeru. "Are you bringing anything?"
[21:41] <Janson> "Sure," Janson smiles at Sylvie. "Balyss said you have to bring either drink or entertainment, so I can grab enough to cover us both easily!"
[21:44] <Aaeru> "I was thinking of bringing someone," Aaeru muses in response. "But I don't really have anything to bring, if you meant it that way."
[21:46] <Janson> "Didn't you say you could bring entertainment when we first heard about it, Aaeru?" Janson asks the neat hobo.
[21:47] <Aaeru> "Oh, Neve is very entertaining," Aaeru asserts.
[21:49] <Kotono> "Well," Sylvie doesn't linger, "Let's go ahead and go. It sounds like fun!"
[22:16] <Kotono> Janson and Sylvie go off, refreshments procured. As you head into the New City, down the well lined paths, you meet back up with Aaeru. With her is a pink haired woman, clad in a gray and white dress. Her eyes are big, full of unshed, hopeful tears.
[22:17] <Aaeru> "Neveril, meet Janson and Sylvie," Aaeru introduces them. "Guys, this is Neve."
[22:18] * Wayland blinks at the pink-haired woman. "Hello."
[22:18] * Aaeru snaps her fingers. "And Andrea, Branna, Noel and Wayland! Didn't see you guys!"
[22:19] <Andria> "Hello," Andrea waves politely, looking at Aaeru questioningly about the tears and perhaps a little worriedly.
[22:19] <Janson> "Hello, Neve," Janson smiles, surprised for a second by the pink hair but compared to Simmer's burning forest hairdo it's hardly the strangest hair he's seen lately. "Looking forward to tonight?"
[22:19] * Wayland looks at the new girl with concern. "Are you alright? You look like you're about to cry."
[22:20] <Kotono> "Hello," Sylvie says with a pleasant enough smile, "Nice to meet you?"
[22:20] <Aaeru> "That's... not really a very nice thing to say," Aaeru says, frowning at Wayland.
[22:20] <Kotono> "Oh, it is," she says, staying close to Aaeru. "You're Aaeru's friends, it's good to finally meet you."
[22:21] <Kotono> "I'm fine," She smiles to Wayland, eyes radiant. Her voice takes on an almost musical quality, as if singing as much as speaking, "It's just how I look."
[22:22] <Aaeru> "And she looks just fine!" Aaeru adds immediately afterwards, looking at Andrea for support.
[22:22] * Wayland relaxes and nods. "Okay then. Good to meet you." He grins.
[22:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 25." [1d20=12]
[22:25] <Janson> roll 1d20+12
[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+12 and gets 24." [1d20=12]
[22:31] <Janson> "I take it you'll be singing to entertain people tonight, Neveril?" Janson asks. "I don't doubt you'll be really popular, for the chance to hear a sirine sing."
[22:32] <Kotono> "You could tell?" she asks, a blush quickly coming to her cheeks.
[22:33] <Andria> "A sirine?" Andrea asks, not even bothering to ask how Janson knew the girl was...whatever a sirine is.
[22:33] * Wayland looks quizically at Janson.
[22:34] <Aaeru> "I'm sure you'll be a hit tonight, if you decide to sing," Aaeru agrees, squeezing her hand. "Trust me!"
[22:34] <Janson> "Your voice is a giveaway," Janson grins. "Don't worry, it's a good thing."
[22:36] <Kotono> "An aquatic fey," Sylvie speaks up, "They can sing beautifully and bewitchingly." She looks to Aaeru, "How'd you meet her?"
[22:38] <Aaeru> "We found the same place beautiful, I guess?" Aaeru responds, shrugging. "Neve was there first, but she's a bit shy so I didn't know that until much later. And it's really large enough for both of us."
[22:39] <Kotono> Neveril squeezes Aaeru's hand back, "It's our cove now."

[Corwin]

[19:55] <Kotono> "Uh huh," Sylvie murmurs, "Well, nice to meet you." She starts walking again, "Come on, let's get on over there."
[19:56] * Wayland nods slowly, eyeing Aaeru and her friend speculatively.
[19:56] <Aaeru> "Let's go!" Aaeru enthusiastically agrees, catching up with Sylvie.
[20:01] <Kotono> Advancing ahead to the Western Reaches, the party sees that the gates are open. HEre people celebrate, several dozen spread out and around, more gathering. Under the light of the rising full moon, abnormally radiant and glowing above, you can see wild celebration. People dance under this moonlight, others holding hands. Clusters of people drink and talk about.
[20:03] <Janson> "Looks like things are already going," Janson observes, looking ahead. Unless there's anyone at the gate to take 'donations' for the party they might as well head on in, so he continues onwards.
[20:05] * Aaeru shrugs. "At least we're not too late," she voices, searching for a friendly face.
[20:05] <Wayland> "Wow, it's a lot more lively than I expected!" Wayland says, looking around.
[20:11] <Kotono> Looking about as you wander in, you do see one. Balyss is amid the people, wearing her armor with a friendly smile. She's going about with a tankard in hand, chatting away between groups. More people are coming - a bard with a lyre is setting up, a spread of food is being put out. Near one wall of Moonholm, a fat man in golden clothes is setting a table up.
[20:13] <Aaeru> "We could ask Balyss about where we could help the most?" Aaeru suggests, deciding to make the armor-clad woman her first stop.
[20:13] <Janson> "I guess I'll just put my bottles over with the food and then we can help ourselves?" Janson suggests to Sylvie, unsure on etiquette but it sounds reasonable to him.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Sure," Sylvie smiles and goes with him, "How about we get some food and drink and go sit down somewhere, Janson?"
[20:16] <Kotono> As Sylvie does that Aaeru apparoaches Balyss. She looks over, "Oh, Aaeru, isn't it," she snaps her fingers, "Welcome, welcome, we're just getting started!"
[20:16] <Janson> "Probably should've gotten a barrel of ale or something instead, but... well, two bottles is reasonable anyway," Janson shrugs, putting down the supposedly vintage wines down where all the food and drink is being set up. "What do you want to drink?" he asks Sylvie as he looks for either ale or mead for himself.
[20:18] <Aaeru> "Thanks! We're all happy to be here!" Aaeru responds, gesturing towards the table being set up off to the side. "Janson and Sylvie brought drinks, so they're putting them over there. Is there anything else we could do?"
[20:22] <Wayland> "Yes, if there's anything we can help with, please tell us."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Have fun," Balyss says as she takes a drink, "Go, mingle," she waves, but pauses just a moment. "Actually, Andrea, isn't it?" With a look to her, "Could I borrow you a minute?"
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and hop into #evil, Janson.
[20:24] * Aaeru sneaks a glance at Sylvie before giving her a thumbs up sign. Hoping she makes the best of the evening, Aaeru focuses on the bard with the lyre next. "Maybe we could go and see about entertainment?" she suggests to the others.
[20:27] <Andria> "Sure, what do you need?" Andrea asks, as she moves closer to Balyss.
[20:27] * Wayland nods. "I'll bet we can find something interesting. Maybe we could even put on womething of our own."
[20:28] <Kotono> Balyss puts her arm around Andrea, speaking low and guiding her away from the others. As she does(#terror for a moment, Andrea), "Ah, perhaps I can sing something?" Neveril suggests.

[Corwin]

[20:22] <Kotono> ---------------
[20:23] <Kotono> <Janson> "Probably should've gotten a barrel of ale or something instead, but... well, two bottles is reasonable anyway," Janson shrugs, putting down the supposedly vintage wines down where all the food and drink is being set up. "What do you want to drink?" he asks Sylvie as he looks for either ale or mead for himself.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Wine's good," Sylvie grabs some and gets some food at the same time. "I want to get something in my stomach before I have much to drink anyway."
[20:25] * Janson pours out some of the wine they just brought for Sylvie. "Grab something for me? So long as it's not meat, anything's fine," he asks her as he gets their drinks sorted before looking for a place to sit as she suggested.
[20:27] <Kotono> As Sylvie works, Janson can see there's grass to sit down pretty mcuh anywhere. Some people use the outer wall of Moonholm to sit again, others just sit down where ever. A few people have blankets dotted about.
[20:29] * Janson never thought to bring a blanket, but he's not used to needing one when the bare ground serves just as well. "You know, I never got a chance to ask you again what happened with that altercation you were in while the rest of us were out troll-hunting."
[20:32] <Kotono> Sylvie sits down on the grass, putting a plate in front of Janson before popping a bottle of wine. She takes a drink from it, "Oh, some shopkeeper got overexcited and violent. Fortunately with help and with the training I've been getting, it wasn't any danger."
[20:33] <Janson> "A shopkeep? Come on, there has to be more to it than that," Janson prods, "What set him off? And how'd you deal with him?"
[20:37] <Kotono> Sylvie drinks again, "It's not that interesting, your forest stories were better." Putting down the bottle, "Though...did you notice how the Sirine and Aaeru looked?"
[20:39] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 retroactive sense motive, did I notice what Sylvie is implying from either party?
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 retroactive sense motive, did I notice what Sylvie is implying from either party? and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[20:43] <Janson> "Aaeru seems to be as nice to Neveril as she is to everyone, but I guess how Neveril looked when she said it was both of theirs cove..." Janson shrugs, grabbing a sweet potato and biting into it, swallowing before he continues. "Hard to tell with fey, though. They don't really share our mores."
[20:46] <Kotono> Sylvie grabs a few grapes and pops them one into her mouth. "Really?" she considers, giving Janson an eye. "It makes sense, but I wish Aaeru had just told us. When I asked her about a boyfriend once or twice, she sort of dodged the question. I hate when people keep stupid secrets like that."
[20:48] <Janson> "I dunno," Janson shrugs, leaning back and glancing over at the other blonde and her pink-haired friend. "Maybe it's nothing? Most of the signs are coming from Neveril rather than Aaeru... she feels like she's married to Ilmater more than anything else."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Yeah, but Ilmater can't come down to take care of THAT. Can he?" Sylvie blinks at that, but her answer is to take another quick drink of wine.
[20:58] * Janson chokes on a bit of potato going down the wrong way, thumping his chest for a moment and giving Sylvie an accusing look. "Hadn't thought of that before and I wish I hadn't now," he makes a face. "Anyway, Aaeru's a pretty girl, I'm sure she can take care of herself."
[21:05] <Kotono> Sylvie grins ear to ear, "You're cute when you look like that," she says, patting Janson's nose. After that she leans back and looks up at the bright moon.
[21:07] <Janson> "I'd say you're cute when you're like that too, but that'd just encourage you to keep up with that kind of talk," Janson chuckles, taking a swig of his ale and looking up at the moon as well. "Feeling enlightened and closer to Selune, yet?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Are you," Sylvie challenges back, half smiling as she drifts. The song of Neveril can be heard over here, a beautiful crooning that seems to melt your hearts...OOC: Make will, both of you.
[21:10] <Janson> roll 1d20+6 (+3 vs enchantment)
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 (+3 vs enchantment) and gets 20." [1d20=14]
[21:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[21:19] <Kotono> The song is pretty, Sylvie going quiet as she listens. She sits up, "Oh...Mystra..." she breathes oud, "She's a wonderful singer!" She rises, starting to head that way.
[21:19] <Janson> "She is... want to go listen?" Janson shrugs as Sylvie is already getting up and leaving him. Grabbing a bite to eat but leaving their plates and drinks behind, he gets up and follows Sylvie.

[Corwin]

[20:31] <Kotono> Balyss guides Andrea away, keeping her voice down to a whisper, "So you look like you know how to fight."
[20:31] <Andria> Andrea blinks. "Uhm, thanks?" she says, not sure where this is going.
[20:36] <Kotono> Tapping her holy necklace, "So you're a holy warrior for her and I'm a holy warrior for her," she looks up to the moon, "Right?"
[20:37] <Andria> Andrea nods, continuing to agree.
[20:43] <Kotono> "So," she pauses to straighten up, "There's usually a few good natured or not so good natured fights later on, as drink takes many of the festive-goers. A few of us make sure nothing gets out of hand, breaking up trouble. Since you all offered to help, are you interested?"
[20:46] <Andria> "Oh! Well, I certainly don't mind helping," Andrea replies before looking at Balyss curiously. "Why'd you ask me instead of one of the others though? I mean, I'm sure they'd be happy to help with that too."
[20:52] <Kotono> As she walks, "Your Goddess is a goddess of war, righteous battle and all of that. Her type don't sound like the type to get drunk like that."
[20:54] <Andria> Andrea laughs. "Well, I do drink a little, but I didn't plan on getting drunk. I'll keep an eye out for people that do drink a little too much and feel a little antsy afterwards though."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Great!" With a smile, You do your Goddess proud!" With a thump on her back, "Go out there and keep an eye out, alright?"
[21:05] <Andria> Andrea stumbles a little at the thump, not having expected the slap on the back. She smiles back at Balyss looking amused and nods. "I'll go catch up with the others first then," Andrea says as she looks around for Aaeru or any of the others.
[21:08] <Kotono> Andrea can see Aaeru and Wayland, as well as Neveril. They're around a bearded lyre player, the latter starting ot sing. Menawhile you can spot Sylvie and Janson some way aways, sharing a meal.
[21:09] <Andria> Andrea heads towards Aaeru first, more interested in hearing this song stuff from Neveril that Janson had talked about than tasting the food.
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC: Roll will in #dunes, I'll integrate you in.

[Corwin]

[20:28] <Kotono> Balyss puts her arm around Andrea, speaking low and guiding her away from the others. As she does(#terror for a moment, Andrea), "Ah, perhaps I can sing something?" Neveril suggests.
[20:31] <Aaeru> "I know it would be a hit with everyone," Aaeru readily agrees. "Maybe we could sing the chorus, then?"
[20:32] <Kotono> "Oh!" Neveril look sto Wayland, "Can you sing too?"
[20:33] <Wayland> "Not really." Wayland grins.
[20:37] * Aaeru coughs. "Right! Let's see if the bard can play a song you know, Neve?" she asks.
[20:38] <Kotono> Neve frowns to Wayland, but quickly brightens to Aaeru. Her face returns to a smile, "Anything will do, I can sing to most things."
[20:42] <Aaeru> "A little song, a little dance...I wonder what else people do here," Aaeru muses, slowly making her way to the bard as she looks around and takes everything in. "Some people look like they came just to watch the stars together. It's a strange celebration, isn't it?"
[20:44] <Wayland> "It's one of those primal things, I suppose."
[20:44] <Kotono> The bard is a tall and beareded man, muscled. He nods once to Aaeru and company, pausing at Wayland. "...Whimisical Sweets, right?" He snaps his fingers, "I heard a story about the blue man and the Queen just last night." Around other people are celebrating. There's some din coming in from Moonhol proper, while the gold garbed man is setting up a table. Looks like a roulette wheel, some cards,
[20:44] <Kotono> that manner of thing.
[20:46] <Aaeru> "Got it in one!" Aaeru agrees. "Speaking of the Queen, could you help us put something on for her? Something romantic, but not sugary sweet? Neve has a great voice, and we all could help in some way!"
[20:46] * Wayland laughs. "Something like that. The queen's here too, somewhere."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Romantic?" He strokes his beard, "I mostly do battle and war hymns, but I can make something up," he says.
[20:48] <Aaeru> "Well yes. This is why we want to play something for her," Aaeru tells Wayland quietly. Brightening up at the bard's words, she smiles at him. "Thanks! I'm Aaeru, and it's nice to meet you!"
[20:48] * Wayland nods.
[20:48] <Wayland> "I'm Wayland, by the way."
[20:53] <Kotono> "Aaeru and Wayland Biaway," he says smoothly, strumming his lyre twice. "Jorge." AS he says that his fingers start to work, making a song! At the same time Neveril takes a long, deep breath as she seems to prepare...!
[20:57] * Wayland lets the mistake slide and waits for the show to start.
[20:58] * Aaeru prepares as well! There's little she could possibly do, but she'll try to support Neve as much as she can, be it as a one person chorus, repeating her lyrics at times of lull, or just by being there for her.
[21:06] <Kotono> With that, Neveril starts to sing! Her voice is loud and warming, yet impossibly alluring as...OOC: Make a will save, Wayland? No need for Aaeru to, since I presume she's already more than friendly towards her.
[21:08] <Wayland> roll 1d20+7
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21." [1d20=14]
[21:08] * Wayland nods along, enjoying the song and looking around to see if others are too.
[21:09] <Andria> roll d20+12
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+12 and gets 27." [d20=15]
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 37." [1d20=19]
[21:18] <Kotono> The song is ethereal, a sound so lovely it seems to cause the party to slow. As one people turn to her, approaching and surrounding her song! With Aaeru's support the song is incredible!
[21:18] <Kotono> Andrea is one of those people who cme this way, her mind unclouded though it is a stunning song.
[21:23] <Kotono> As the song goes on you can note Sylvie and Janson approaching as well. As it ends you find yourselves surrounded by dozens if not a hundred people, staring with utter, open captivation. Neveril looks about with a blush, "Aaah..."
[21:23] * Aaeru is the first to clap!
[21:24] <Andria> Andrea smiles and joins with the clapping.
[21:24] * Wayland claps as well. "Very nice!"
[21:25] * Janson joins the applause, not particularly spellbound but still having found it to be a well sung song. "Knew she'd be popular," he nods to Sylvie.
[21:25] <Andria> "It certainly was. The reputation for your songs was certainly well deserved," Andrea adds to the compliments.
[21:26] <Aaeru> "Did you enjoy the performance, My Queen?" Aaeru asks Sylvie with a courtly bow, smiling at her fellow blonde.
[21:32] <Kotono> The clapping that follows is a stormy thunderclap of noise, cheers following! Neveril looks between everyone, turning redder and looking down. "Aaah...aaaah...."
[21:34] <Janson> Seeing the sirine's shyness, Janson turns to Sylvie, "We probably shouldn't crowd her, or she might not sing again," he murmurs, starting to back off.
[21:39] <Kotono> "Aaah...celebrate," Neveril is quite read, "G-go and celebrate!" At this the crowds do back off a little, Neveril exhaling. But many still look to her and linger, openly allured.
[21:40] <Aaeru> "And we should join them," Aaeru tells Neve, giving Sylvie a strange look but then shrugging it off. "Let's get you a drink, first, and then we could dance? If you'd like to, I mean."
[21:44] <Kotono> Sylvie just blushes at the entire display, "Oh, I did!" She manages at last, "I very much did!"
[21:47] <Aaeru> "Good luck," Aaeru whispers to Sylvie as she passes by her. "I'm rooting for you!" And part of that is making herself scarce, which should be easily achieved by going for a glass of wine. "Coming?" she asks Wayland and his duo of followers, while Andrea gets a slight nudge.
[21:47] <Kotono> Neveril just manages to nod, "Alright, let's have a drink," she says. Sylvie takes Janson's arm and tugs it, leading him off. OOC: Back to #evil, Janson.

[Corwin]

[21:47] <Wayland> "Yeah." he says, giving Janson and Sylvie a grin. "Let's go have some fun."
[21:48] <Andria> Andrea nods as she follows along with the bigger group, helping herself to a drink.
[21:52] <Kotono> AS the rest get a drink and the party resumes, a fat man approaches. A fat man in clothing covered in lucky symbols, all gold. He smiles, a mouth full of golden teeth. "Ah good day," Dolomir says, a moment's nod to Wayland, "That song was divine!"
[21:54] <Aaeru> The teeth really look like it hurt to put them in, but Aaeru decides not to mention it. "That's because it's sung from the heart!" she is all too happy to praise Neve instead.
[21:58] <Kotono> "Thank you," Neveril smiles and demurs.
[22:06] <Wayland> "Hello again, Dolomir. Did you find anyone to take a change on your game yet?"
[22:08] <Andria> "Friend of yours, Wayland?" Andrea asks.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Ah, no such fortune!" He says, "Few have the true gambling spirit so far, I am afraid." He looks to Andrea at that, "Young lass, do you possess a true gambling spirit?"
[22:09] <Andria> "I'm not one for gambling, sorry," Andrea declines.
[22:09] <Aaeru> "I gamble if it seems fun," Aaeru volunteers. "Ah, but not with money, of course."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Ah, alas," With a drawn out sigh, "For you see this gamble involves your very life essence! One can grow or decline in a single spin of the wheel! It is a mystical artifact, one that is without a doubt the greatest stakes and possible reward!"
[22:15] <Kotono> Neveril shakes her head, "That sounds so very dangerous."
[22:16] * Aaeru grins. "Not any more dangerous than jumping into a vortex of earth and wind. Sometimes, you come across something strange and fun and you just have to jump right in!"
[22:17] <Andria> "Yes, well, I'm not sure I'd count on our luck to keep pulling through if we try more stunts like that regularly," Andrea says drily, though her eyes do look somewhat amused.
[22:18] <Aaeru> "It's all about intuition!" Aaeru insists, gesturing about them. "That's something Aralla got right! Sometimes, you feel that if you jump, even if it looks impossible, you'll come out alright! Better than alright!"
[22:19] * Wayland nods. "It felt right to go into that vortex."
[22:24] <Kotono> "A vortex?" Dolomir asks, "What is this vortex?"
[22:25] <Aaeru> "It was actually a natural disaster. Earth meeting air and... crashing together?" Aaeru furrows her brow. "Not really my expertise."
[22:25] <Wayland> "An elemental fortex of Earth and Air. We found them near Aralla when they had some ley line issues."
[22:33] <Kotono> "Does any of your intuitions want to gamble," he asks, "I'm going to get games going in a minute, sirs and madams!"
[22:35] <Aaeru> "What can I place as a bet?" Aaeru wonders. "Some of my time? My help with something?"
[22:36] <Andria> "I'll just watch for now," Andrea says. "I might consider it later though. How long do you plan to run your games?"
[22:40] <Kotono> "All evening, and if you wish to partake of the great gamble I have proposed..." he says, "You need only come."
[22:40] <Aaeru> "Do you mind?" Aaeru asks Neve. "I'm sure just one game wouldn't take all evening."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Okay," Neveril says, "One game's fine."
[22:43] * Aaeru grins. "I'm coming along, then!"
[22:46] <Kotono> "This way, this way," Dolomir leads the part along, as more music sounds. Around you people drink and talk, yet more people coming. On one side of the wall of Moonholm you can see people piling up what looks to be pillows in a great heap. A few people are coming to the gambling table, "What's your game," he asks.
[22:47] <Aaeru> "I don't really have one," Aaeru admits. "It's just about luck, isn't it? We all have an intuition, so it's a very good way to test it. Anything you would suggest to fit with that?"
[22:50] <Kotono> "Ah," He takes a deck of cards and shuffles, "Do you know 21?"
[22:51] <Aaeru> "Ah, counting to--?" Aaeru asks with a measure of confusion.
[22:53] <Kotono> "Ah, it's a card game. You get dealt two cards. Number cards are worth that number, face cards are worth ten, aces are worth 1 or 11. The goal ist o get 21 or close to it without going over. If you beat the dealer's number without going over, you win."
[22:53] <Kotono> As you talk, one can notice something. A few people are slinging ropes by the walls near the pile of pillows, starting to climb up atop the wall. They balance there, looking down.
[22:54] * Aaeru nods seriously as she takes that all in. It takes her almost a minute to be certain that she gets the rules, and she gives another nod. "I get it. Let's play!"
[22:54] * Wayland watches the people climb up the wall. "Some kind of show?" he mumbles.
[22:59] <Andria> Andrea shrugs at Wayland's question, and just splits her attention between Aaeru's game and the people on the wall for now. They can compete for her attention!
[23:00] <Kotono> Cards are dealt to Aaeru - a king and a four, while Dolomir shows a nine up and another card down. "Want another card or to stand there," he asks smoothly, while you watch the wall. It's a goodly pile of pillows as people around them start to chant, "Jump! Jump! Jump!"
[23:01] <Aaeru> "Yes, please," Aaeru asks, focusing solely on the game to the exclusion of all else.
[23:02] <Kotono> The next card is a two! "Sixteen," Dolomir says quite smoothly, "Hit or stand?"
[23:02] <Aaeru> "What about you?" she asks curiously. "Are you standing?"
[23:04] <Kotono> "The dealer resolves after the players," Dolomir explains, "They have to hit on sixteen or lower and stand on seventeen or higher, no matter what."
[23:05] <Aaeru> "I think I should stay with my sixteen," Aaeru responds. "Best of luck to us both!"
[23:09] <Kotono> He flips over his other card - 3. 12. "Hit," he says, as he takes another card! A ten, "Which means 22, the player wins." he takes out a single gold coin and slides it to Aaeru, "See? Easy at that to win money gambling. It's after Tymora's own heart, it is!"
[23:10] <Andria> "Good thing I wasn't playing. I would have asked for another card," Andrea comments idly.
[23:11] * Aaeru studies the cards intently afterwards. "I think I made a good guess," she says at last, once satisfied with her examination. "I'm glad Tymora agrees." Accepting the golden coin with a polite bow, Aaeru seeks out Balyss with her eyes.
[23:11] <Kotono> "Ah, but perhaps you can play again," Dolomir says, "How about double or nothing?"
[23:11] <Aaeru> "Oh, I'm sorry," Aaeru says, slightly distracted due to her search. "But I promised Neve only a single game, and I cannot break my word to her."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Oh," Dolomir says with a frown, "Ah, perhaps again then."
[23:19] <Aaeru> "Yes! This was very fun!" Aaeru is more than happy to agree, before setting off to find Balyss and donate the golden coin to her for any future revels.

[Corwin]

[21:49] <Kotono> -
[21:50] <Kotono> Sylvie returns to where you were sitting, a dreamy smile on her face as she sighs. "...Aaeru's lucky, isn't she? Neveril's amazing!"
[21:52] <Janson> "Oh... she's got quite a voice, yeah," Janson nods. "You've changed your tune a bit since hearing it, too."
[21:53] <Kotono> "I was obviously uninformed," Sylvie sighs deeply, "I can sing a little bit, but not that good. Sirines are so gifted at the performing arts!"
[21:55] <Janson> "Famous for it," Janson nods. "I wouldn't mind getting a chance to hear you sing sometime, though - you've got a nice voice so I bet you could put on a show if you tried," he encourages.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Really?" Sylvie says, "How nice is my voice?"
[22:06] <Janson> "Uh, you'd probably have to ask Andrea for the technical terms, but it's a nice womanly tone and you've got good diction," Janson shrugs embarrassedly, "Really, you're pleasant to listen to just talking, so I figure that'd translate into singing as well."
[22:09] <Kotono> That gets Sylvie to smile and inch closer to Janson. "You're right." She says, with a half fading smile, "It's funny 'cause of why I learned to sing."
[22:09] <Janson> "Why'd you learn?" Janson mirrors that inch, "It wasn't just for fun?"
[22:14] <Kotono> "There was this girl I knew, her name was Missah. Missah Auluth," she says, "Valandian family that moved up here. She wasn't very fast...hell, she was an idiot." Sylvie says, "She always tried to find ways to outdo me but failed. Naturally, I'm not an idiot and she is. Hah." With a drawn smile, "One day she came up and challenged me to singing. She won handily. She laughed and danced around,
[22:14] <Kotono> saying she finally found something she was better at than I was. Ooooh, that burned up. Little idiot...so I found a book about singing and taught myself, then outdid her the next time. I danced like she did and said I was still the best." A moment's beat, "She ran home crying, her mother nearly got into a fight with my mother and I never played with her again. Pleasant, huh?"
[22:16] <Janson> "Ohh... yeah, I feel really bad for her," Janson admits, blushing. "Jannath, you don't like to lose, do you?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "Yeah, pleasant," Sylvie repeats, "I'm the golden child, I'm the best, I'm the smartest. Took me a few days to beat someone at her natural talent. All to soothe my ego on the shards of her broken heart." She then looks to Janson, "I try not to do that now. Imagine if I did it to Andrea or Aaeru."
[22:22] <Kotono> Sylvie's look is a faint smile, but one that doesn't reach her eyes at all.
[22:24] <Janson> "Do you really think you could?" Janson asks, glancing over at the two ladies mentioned. "Those two aren't just little girls with gifts."
[22:28] <Kotono> "Yeah, if I applied myself and outmanuvered them." She admits with with her own little look, "You know, my first thought after walking away from that song was that I should study that and learn to do it better? 'cause I knew she was a better singer than I was after that."
[22:34] <Janson> "Confident... I'm not sure I can honestly relate," Janson admits with a shrug, pulling back on his ale. "Back in the village, a few people were jealous that I can talk to animals. It's something they have to pray to Jannath for, and even then only for a few minutes at a time. I can do it as easily as we're talking now. But that aside, they ended up learning to turn into animals themselves,
[22:34] <Janson> channel Jannath's will into dozens of different spells. You mentioned nature lore when I started at Whimsical Sweets? Yeah, I know that, and I'm good at hiding, arcane lore, mechanics... I'm good at lots of stuff, but I'm not the best at any. That's the phrase, 'Jack of all trades, master of none'?" He reaches over and helps himself to one of Sylvie's grapes. "Always figured it was a truism,
[22:34] <Janson> till just now. So how much do you hold yourself back every day?"
[22:41] <Kotono> "A lot. I knew she was a Sirine almost immediately, for example," Sylvie says, "Aaeru's sweet, wonderful and kind...and I could outthink her with both arms tied behind my back, with a hangover and with a flaming giant chasing me. For example...though she is more perceptive than you could give her credit for."
[22:46] <Janson> "Wasn't till I heard her speak that I figured it out," Janson admits. "But Aaeru's handicapping herself since her religion keeps her from owning any books at all - she's sharp as a tack from what I've seen, and can speak with as much conviction as anyone I've ever heard. I think you're underestimating her." He then cocks his head at Sylvie, "But you know, with as fantastic as you say you
[22:46] <Janson> are at everything... I have to wonder how you ended up so thoroughly under Josa's thumb. Not wanting to trample over others' feelings is admirable, but even with that surely you could be doing more?"
[22:49] <Kotono> "My Mom wanted me to go to Lord Salman's Academy and join the Crimson Guard. Oh, I dodged it by getting set up with my bundle of joy," she pauses to grab a few more grapes and eat, listening to music as people pass you by. She takes a few glances, then back to Janson, "I think I could cut it if I wanted to. I could have Josa's role or more, but..." she pauses, "One Missah's enough, thanks.
[22:49] <Kotono> Besides, my passion is reading the books and learning."
[22:53] <Janson> "That's really sad," Janson opines with a morose nod. "You can be good at something without doing a silly little dance and singsong about how the next best person is no match for you. Leaving aside any though of what your mother or your son or Josa or me or anyone else want - is this the life you'd have chosen for yourself? Just in a perfect world, for you and you alone - what would you be doing with your life?"
[22:56] <Kotono> "Doesn't matter. I have what I have." Sylvie says, with a half smile as she goes for the wine. After a drink she scoots a little closr to Janson, less than a foot away. "Say," she says. "Is Balmuria your perfect world?"
[23:02] <Janson> "It's pretty close, I guess," Janson smiles and lets her get away with changing the subject for now. "I loved the forest, growing up - always so much to explore and see. It just lacked people, and I never really realised it until I went back there recently, but most people in the village really didn't like me. Here I've got the sea and the forest and the mountains all in easy reach, and the
[23:02] <Janson> city's full of new faces and people to meet, with none of the baggage from back home. Yeah... I think I could spend the rest of my life living here, easy," he nods contentedly. reaching for another grape and scooting the rest of the way to Sylvie in the process. "Plus I've got a fun job with great people," he grins at her.
[23:04] <Kotono> "Cheers," Sylvie takes a few more grapes, "On the downside, you probably have less women who need a man, any man around, hm?" she says, "Are the Jannath cultists as...hungry as I read?"
[23:10] * Janson makes a face. "It was alright when me and the other girls my age were just starting to figure that stuff out for ourselves, but once I was a man... Don't misunderstand, they're not crazed, if that's what was in that book I bought for you, but I did end up feeling used a couple of times." He takes another swig of his drink. "I'd rather a woman didn't see me as 'any man' anyway," he smiles at the blonde.
[23:12] <Kotono> "Used? Really?" Taking a long drink as she puts an arm around Janson, "Here I thought any warm body would make a man happy, not feel used." She looks to Janson and half smiles, "You know...you sort of think like a woman."
[23:18] <Janson> "Oh, now that's a huge compliment where I come from!" Janson laughs and slaps his thigh. "Not so much here, I've gathered that, but I'll still take it." Leaning into her arm and sliding his own around her hip, he looks up at the moon. "Besides, I don't think Jannath really 'gets' love. It's not something you see animals care about, is it? That's the difference, I think."

[Corwin]

[20:49] <Yulia> Balyss is found ont he outskirts, more people coming. She's laughing and holding a tankard, drinking up. "....in the light of the moon I leapt down!" Balyss exclaims!
[20:50] <Aaeru> "It sounds like the start of a great story, not the ending to one," Aaeru greets her with, giving the other woman a friendly wave.
[20:54] <Yulia> "Uh huh," Balyss smiles warmly to the party as they approach, "Oh hey," Turning away from a tall, gaunt man and a normal sized man with an eyepatch, "I meant to ask more about what you asked about when we met."
[20:56] <Aaeru> "We found the man, and he was cursed. Then we got him cured, with Ilmater's help!" Aaeru briefly summarizes it, not going into any deaths to avoid ruining the celebration, before she presents the gold coin to Balyss. "Here, a donation for the next full moon celebration!"
[21:03] <Yulia> "Ah!" She takes the coin and pockets it, "You're good people, you know that?" With a sloppy smile, "You're doing good work I think, too."
[21:04] <Aaeru> "We can only try," Aaeru responds, lowering her head at the praise.
[21:08] <Yulia> "You two too, you three," she waves at Andrea, WAyland and Neveril. "Good people." She takes a long pull from her tankard.
[21:09] <Wayland> "Thanks! Nice party." Wayland grins.
[21:10] <Aaeru> Slightly concerned at Neve's continued silence and not all that comfortable with all the needless gratutude going on either, Aaeru decides to surprise Neve by executing a flawless curtsy, extending her hand smoothly as she straightens up afterwards. "May I have this dance, Milady?" she asks, hoping to pull her away towards a crowd of other dancers for a few minutes together.
[21:11] <Andria> Andrea just looks at Balyss with some amusement. And after all that warning about rowdy drunks, if Balyss turns into one of them... she shakes her head in amusement but doesn't say anything.
[21:20] <Yulia> Neveril blinks and takes Aaeru's hand, as the two go to dance amid others! Balyss looks to the two and shrugs, then back to the others. "You're welcome. Sooo..." she takes another drink, "You know, things are starting to run themselves. C'mon, lemme show you something!"
[21:22] <Wayland> "Sure! What'cha got?"
[21:23] <Andria> Andrea follows Balyss, also curious.
[21:28] <Yulia> OOC: #terror, Cor.

[Corwin]

[21:37] <Yulia> --------------------
[21:38] <Yulia> In your arms Neveril is held, the two dancing. She clings closer to Aaeru as they begin, yet manages to dance with a natural, awing grace.
[21:40] * Aaeru spends the first dance doing her best while studying the women swaying to the music around her. Once she knows more, Aaeru starts to relax, no longer feeling the need to consciously direct her body in what was probably looking like unnatural twitching. "Are you happy you came?" she asks Neve, smiling at her.
[21:51] <Yulia> "It's so much," she murmurs back, "So many people."
[21:55] <Aaeru> "People like to celebrate?" Aaeru says, her smile widening into a full-blown grin. "I think it's a very nice custom. I'm sure we could have one too, if it didn't sound weird to invite people to party at the House of Suffering."
[21:59] <Yulia> With a faint smile as she dances, "There's just so many of them..." she murmurs as she listens, "Too many here, really."
[22:04] * Aaeru puts Neve into a twirl she copies from a couple she had seen earlier, pulling her back even closer than before afterwards. "Is it too much for you?"
[20:23] <Kotono> Neveril follows Aaeru's lead, "Yes," she says in a low voice, "They won't hurt me or you after my song, but..."
[20:24] <Aaeru> "Why would they hurt us?"
[20:26] <Kotono> "....." A longer pause as Neveril dances, "Amid my kind, the sirines are known for grace and ability. Legends say that mortals covet these abilities, wanting to imprison us or use us to try and find our secrets."
[20:32] * Aaeru doesn't respond right away herself as well. "I don't think these people would do it," she finally says. "Look at them, having a party and inviting everyone. We just came by one day for maybe all of ten minutes, and we were still welcome. You saw that. Just because some people are bad it doesn't mean everyone is, or even most of them."
[20:32] <Aaeru> She smiles, then. "We even met a dryad that became a fire elemental somehow, so she's always on fire. She's probably one of a kind. And she can go anywhere she wants in Balmuria without people trying to steal her away to find out her secrets. Why don't you try to relax a bit around the guests here, Neve? I'll watch over you. You might have a lot of fun!"
[20:37] <Kotono> "I know they aren't bad," Neveril replies without a whole lot of emotion, "All it takes is one bad apple, one person who's heard the whispers of avarice and envy."
[20:40] <Aaeru> "It sounds a bit sad, living life like that. It's not fear, but...." Aaeru shrugs helplessly, not coming up with the right words. "You want to leave?"
[20:45] <Kotono> "Aaeru," Neveril nods, "I've had enough for today. Let me slip away into the ocean, and we'll see each other when you return to the cove? Or do you want to come home?"
[20:47] <Aaeru> "Of course I'll come," Aaeru instantly responds, stepping slightly away from Neve and taking her hand. "Do you even need to ask? We can have our own party for two, or go swimming. Whatever you like."
[20:52] <Kotono> "It's the full moon. We can go swimming and watch the full moon shine on the water and ourselves," Neve says as she starts to walk now, "Selune is gorgeous tonight."
[20:54] <Aaeru> It only takes a few moments for Aaeru to spot Andrea and wave at her to indicate that she's leaving. "This party was fun, but I can't find a better way to celebrate than yours," she agrees with Neve, walking alongside her.
[21:04] <Kotono> As they head off and walk away into the night, "You're a strange human. Humans want to live with humans, not fey." Her smile is in place as she walks, "Even elves hardly want to live with fey anymore."
[21:05] <Aaeru> "It's not like any fey would do. It has to be you." Aaeru tilts her head, glancing at Neve. "That makes me strange?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "Yes." There's not even a pause as Neverils ays this, though her smile doesn't break. "I've heard from others that the elves are more like humans than elves anymore. Yet here's a human with me. The cycle continues."
[21:11] <Aaeru> "It's because others worry too much about what people are instead of how they live." Aaeru shrugs. "Does it matter how the first human or the first elf was created ages ago by the Gods? The important thing is if they're kind to their neighbors, if they raise their children well, if they work together even if there's no immediate money in it for them."
[21:23] <Kotono> "The cycle of life endures in kindness?" Neveril half-asks as you walk past a small farm.
[21:26] <Aaeru> "It sounds nice. Sure?" Aaeru is quiet for a bit as they walk. "I didn't tell my friends anything about you before you all met. I didn't want them to jump to conclusions. Just get some sort of version of you instead of meeting who you really are. I don't know if it makes sense, but I wanted them to meet Neve, who happens to be a fey, and who happens to be with me. Not someone who is with me or someone who is a fey, and happens to have Neve as a name. Did you mind?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "Your friends aren't bad people." Neveril says, "Janson reminds me of a fey. Wayland is closer to nature than a human, too." She looks on, "Did I mind...no, not in this case."
[21:35] <Aaeru> "Do you mind meeting them again? I could take you to the sweets shop where I work some time, then. It's not very crowded, though we shouldn't tell Josa that."
[21:38] <Kotono> "One day," Neveril says, "Getting closer to the city..." A longer pause, "Nature is weak there. Man and its civilization are stronger. The call of the ocean is silent, the whisper of the wind muddled. It's difficult to be there for me, it's disorienting."
[21:41] <Aaeru> "It can feel too much for me, too."
[21:43] <Kotono> "Man is not evil. Some fey believe so, such as they can only feel Good is Nature." Neveril says, "But they are alien to us in subtle ways. Civilization...a concept that has no equal in the words of the fey."
[21:44] <Aaeru> "Don't you live in a village?" Aaeru wonders. "I've been hoping of visiting it with you, when I learn to transform myself the same way you can."
[22:05] <Kotono> "What you would call a village...is not a village of Sirines. Mostly, we prefer a certain solitude and freedom from one another."
[22:06] <Aaeru> "That's a no to me visiting, then?"
[22:12] <Kotono> Neveril shakes her head, half smiling despite it. "You don't have to put it like that," she observes.
[22:15] <Aaeru> "Don't mind me. Just being a silly human with her silly jokes." Aaeru laughs, lacing her fingers together behind her head as she walks. "I just want to spend time with you, and I don't want you to get bored with just always being at the same place all the time."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Yes," Neveril agrees, looking out in the bright, moonlight night as she walks.
[22:20] <Aaeru> Luckily for her, Aaeru is used to confusing conversations like this and doesn't try to puzzle over her words too much. "Do you want to go somewhere once in a while then, Neve? With me?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "Yes," Neveril says with some thought and a nod, "Didn't I already say that?"
[22:26] <Aaeru> "I was wondering if you had anything in mind, actually!"
[22:30] <Kotono> "There's a sea elf youth a ways north of the Bay of Sparkling Stars," Neveril says, "We can go that way, stop by Chyral and then go on. The youth is a seer, or so I've heard. Among other things."
[22:32] * Aaeru brightens up visibly, saying, "I'm looking forward to it already."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Until then," Neveril says cheerfully.

[Corwin]

[20:48] <Yulia> "Women are...it's complicated here," Sylvie murmurs, "Most of us are wives, maidens, mothers, waitresses, seamstresses. 'Feminine' jobs." She says, "That's changed some with magic and the success of the Crimson Guard, but..." A moment's pause, "What about Chauntea? Does she get love?"
[20:53] <Janson> "The way the daughters of Jannath talk, Chauntea's something like a distorted and false image of the real Jannath," Janson shrugs, "I don't understand how it works. Chauntea doesn't sound half bad to me, and I bet there's people who follow her that just look puzzled at the whole Jannath thing. Chauntea seems to have more emphasis to homes and families than Jannath does, I think." Tilting
[20:53] <Janson> his head to look at Sylvie, "You ever thought of being a sage? I had to pay one at Mystra's temple a hundred gold the other day, so they must get good money, and it fits right in with your love of books."
[20:59] <Yulia> "It's called a schizm; it's when a church splits into two or more sects based on differing beliefs." Pausing a few moments to take another drink, as she looks to Moonholm? A few men jump off the walls, landing into piles of pillows. Sylvie shakes her head at it, "Anyway, a sage?" Sylvie stops, a curious half smile warring with a blink.
[21:00] <Janson> "You'd get paid to hang around a library reading books and answering difficult questions all day, what's not to love?" Janson grins, following her gaze to the pillow-diving.
[21:07] <Yulia> That gets an elbow nudge from Sylvie, "So you think it's best if I stay in a library and read all the time?"
[21:13] <Janson> "Well, so long as you keep wearing the fancy dresses and I can come visit you," Janson chuckles in reply. "You can't really argue with getting paid for what you'd do anyway, but if you prefer being a mascot and sweet seller and troubleshooter, that's up to you. I like this work, myself."
[21:19] <Yulia> "It's the dresses that get your attention, hm?" Sylvie bats at Janson's arm, laughing, "I'm not ready to quit. Besides, at this rate we'll find the lost treasures of Waukeen on a job and be rich for life."
[21:23] <Janson> "I probably wouldn't have even talked to you that first day if I hadn't been so intrigued by your outfit," Janson readily admits. "You do fill them out very well, it goes without saying," he adds with a chuckle, giving her leg a pat. "You're probably right about the treasures, too. I've already made enough in a few weeks that I really wouldn't need to work for a year. 'Course, that's if I
[21:23] <Janson> just live simply like I'm doing now. With that sort of money it's more tempting to splash out on fine living."
[21:31] <Yulia> "You know," Sylvie rests closer to Janson, a little smile on her face as she looks up, "If you want to be nice," she starts to play with his hand with her own, "You could buy me some books, which is plenty of fine living."
[21:34] <Janson> "You're pretty shameless, you know that?" Janson chuckles, shaking his head. "Which books are you interested in, now?"
[21:48] <Yulia> "All of them," Sylvie says without hesitation.
[21:49] * Janson blinks, having expected a lot but that being just a bit beyond what he was prepared for. "Even the bad ones?"
[21:52] <Yulia> "There are no bad books, only bad people who try and ruin good books," Sylvie's reply is quick.
[21:53] <Janson> "I dunno, I've read some stinkers..." Janson mutters. "Anyway, though, I think all of them might be a bit outside of my budget for the moment. I'll tell you what, though... can you read Gnomish?" he asks speculatively.
[21:56] <Yulia> "Do I look like I can't," Sylvie answers, "Why?"
[21:58] <Janson> "Well, how about I lend you my favourite book, then?" Janson offers. "I found it years ago when I was exploring this ancient ruin deep in the forest. It's what led to me discovering the power in my blood - even today I still refer to it often, and learn something new each time."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Really?" Sylvie does look up at that, "A book of pact magic?"
[20:26] <Janson> "That's what most of it's about," Janson nods, "How the ancient gnomes would forge pacts with devils for arcane power. But it also mentions similar power coming through hereditary from gnomes with fiendish blood. The most interesting part for me was when I found references to gnomes with fey blood who could gain power in more or less the same way. That let me see a connection with my ability
[20:26] <Janson> to talk to animals and mom's stories about some of my ancestors, and so I worked on adapting the techniques for myself," he concludes with a proud smile. He might not be a genius, but he still thinks it was pretty damn clever work.
[20:27] <Kotono> "Mmm..." Sylvie half closes her eyes, "Let me see it, Janson." she says, "You have it at home?"
[20:30] <Janson> "Yep. I take it with me when I'm travelling - never know when something in it might be handy, plus it's kind of a good luck charm. But I don't carry it *everywhere*, and don't mind lending it to you for a little while. We can grab it later, after the party," he suggests, clasping her hand in his own.
[20:32] <Kotono> Sylvie smiles a little bit, "We? As in both of us at your house?"
[20:36] <Janson> "Well yeah, it's convenient to pick up that way for you to take home with you," Janson replies, nudging his body against hers. "You don't need to make it sound sordid or anything," he adds lightly.
[20:42] <Kotono> Sylvie nudges back, a little slap against his arm. "Mmm-hmmm." She looks on at the partygoers, "Do you still worship Jannath now that you've left Aralla?"
[20:46] <Janson> "Yeah, it's pretty much engraved into me," he taps the side of his head with his free hand. "I dunno if you could ever call me devout, but it's like... whenever I think of praying, She leaps to mind. Hard to get past that, and I do identify with what She's all about." He shrugs afterwards, "Still, gotta admit I've been curious about all the other deities since I came to Balmuria."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Well,"S ylvie says, "I went through a period where I liked Mystra, another where I liked Sune, then I fell in with Oghma for a few weeks, then Seira, then..." She ticks off fingers and giggles, "Balmuria's like a banquet. You can sample and choose so many choices. So...what do you want to know about them?"
[20:51] <Janson> "You get around," Janson laughs, giving her another nudge. "Since we're here though, what do you know about Selune?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "She's the Moon," A devout look up, "According to legend she is the light of the moon and Shar is the darkness of the night. They are twin sisters, forever entwined in battle. When the moon is new, Shar is winning. When the moon is full, Selune has the advantage. The moon and night show the eternal battle. She herself is the Goddess of the moon, stars, lycanthropes."
[21:02] <Janson> "Alright, go Selune! Kick her ass!" Janson waves a hand up at the currently full moon with a grin. "I don't really care about lycanthropes, and the moon and stars are nice but pretty distant," he adds, settling back down. "Hmm... what about Mystra, Sune, Oghma, and Seira? What do they all have in common?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "Mystra? I studied her when I was on a magic kick thanks to Mom," She makes a face "She's old and wise, the mother of all magic. Personally, she sounds rather boring to me. She's like who my Mom would worship if she were a wizard. She's just...sounds...old!"
[21:07] <Janson> "But it was her name on your lips when you were blown away by Neveril's singing," Janson teases. "'Course with the mother of all magic stuff I bet she and Jannath get on like a house on fire."
[21:09] <Kotono> "I prefer to scream Sune," Sylvie says, giving Janson another elbow, "I started worshiping Sune just before I got my bundle of joy." She makes an open face now, "That relationship didn't work out, so I figured Sune wasn't all she was cracked up to be. Goddess of love? Eh. Goddess of Passion? Sure, but look where that got me. Men," she sniffs, "Experience passion and move on. Women experience
[21:09] <Kotono> it and then wonder if passion leads to motherhood."
[21:13] <Janson> "If you could go back and undo it, would you?" Janson asks carefully, this being the first inkling that she's unhappy with being a mother.
[21:21] <Kotono> The answer is for Sylvie to take another pull from the winebottle. After that she glances at Janson out of the corner of her eye, then up to the moon. "Do I want Calley?" She shrugs, "He's my boy. On the other hand, do I want him now?" She swishes the bottle a bit, liquid heard sloshing within. "If not for Mom I'd spend most of my free time taking care of him.  I don't know," she shakes her
[21:21] <Kotono> head back and forth. "I don't resent Calley, I resent having him now. I guess. Does that make any sense?"
[21:23] <Janson> "Wish it had been a few years down the line instead?" Janson guesses.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Yeah." Sylvie takes another long drink, "Got any kids of your own running around singing about Jannath?"
[21:40] * Janson returns to his own ale and shakes his head. "No. The daughters of Jannath are good at knowing their own rhythms, and have other measures too. We try to avoid having children except when the time is right, it's part of being in harmony with nature rather than spreading out as towns and cities do. If the time had been right... well, I never knew my own father. Jannath doesn't much go for the traditional family unit."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Ooooh. Just doing it for pleasure then!" Sylvie starts to giggle, "I figured it was all 'breeding for nature' up there. Oh Jannath, let us grow fruitful and multiply!"
[21:48] <Janson> "There were a lot of kids in my generation, so I figure our parents got really busy," Janson chuckles himself, "But the forest can only support so many before you start needing farms and such, and that's not Jannath's way. Instead the elders want us to wait until so many people have died or left, then relax things enough for a few children to be born around the same time before going back
[21:48] <Janson> to normal." He allows a smile, patting the blonde's leg, "For the rest of the time, people still have needs and they're not shy about slaking them."
[22:06] <Kotono> Sylvie's hand goes to layo ver Janson's, "Hoping to slake your needs tonight," she asks, a curious little smile on her face.
[22:10] * Janson pauses a moment as he turns to meet Sylvie's eyes. "No," he concludes with a smile. "This is nice, and I'd like to see where it goes. But I want to try building things up slow instead of being dragged straight to bed and then kicked out after." Twining his fingers around hers and squeezing, "What do you say?"
[22:21] <Kotono> "Well, there's some sense in you," Sylvie snorts, leaning into Janson, "Wasn't I talked about Sune and the other Gods before we got sidetracked?"
[22:23] <Janson> "Oghma's next on your journey of self discovery?" he nods, shrugging off that she was testing him.
[22:26] <Kotono> "Oh, he's the god of inventions, creation and progress. He was fun, but I didn'tw ant to spend my life in the manual arts," she looks down at her hands, "Besides, I got one glance at that temple and decided to pass on the entire experience."
[22:28] <Janson> "Oh? What was wrong with it?" Janson asks curiously, wondering what sort of temple would scare off a prospective worshipper at a glance.
[22:31] <Kotono> "Explosions," At that Sylvie takes more wine, starting to laugh, "The wrong kind of them. Then it was Seira...mostly I thought a golden dragon was impressive. They're not bad people, but too...motivated, I suppose? They're all running around trying to get rich and help people. Seira's one of the Crimson Guard, or was. I think you've seen a bit of her faith, haven't you??"
[22:34] <Janson> "You'd just rather put your feet up with a good book, huh?" Janson chuckles, reaching over her for a few grapes. "I visited Seira's temple when we were following up on those people who came her through a portal, didn't learn that much, though. Weren't you and Aaeru working for them on that bodyguard job, though? How'd it go?"
[22:35] <Kotono> "Okay. That kid's...something. Literally so," Sylvie rests against Janson, against his warm chest. "Mmmm. Some stupid power-draining or something like that. Who cares about that?" Settling for that she rests, "So I know you spent some time with Simmer."
[22:38] * Janson pops a grape into his mouth and offers one up to Sylvie as he rubs her side. "Yeah, looking for the lost cat. She's really interesting, it's like she completely reinvented herself after becoming connected to fire. Wonder what she was like before..." he muses, following up with a swig of ale.

[Corwin]

[21:28] <Yulia> Balyss has a steady gait for the most part, though there is a bit of a sway. She leads the away from the party a ways, "So have either of you heard of the Paskan Grove?"
[21:30] <Wayland> "Can't say that I have, no." Wayland shakes his head.
[21:43] <Andria> ooc: I don't know! Have I? =p
[21:43] <Andria> Andrea thinks about it and shakes her head as well. "No, why?"
[21:51] <Yulia> "It's haunted," Balyss says, "That's the rumor!"
[21:54] <Wayland> "Really!"
[21:55] <Andria> "A haunted grove? Wonder why that would be. Not the sort of thing one typically thinks of when thinking of something haunted," Andrea notes. "Any reason for that, you think?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "People come in and they don't come out," Balyss keeps her voice low, "It's a mystery to everyone. I've seen no taint of evil there, nor of magic. Yet..."
[20:39] <Wayland> "Maybe it's just really nice inside and they don't want to leave?"
[20:43] <Kotono> You come deeper into the Western Reaches. Here is open field, around ten perfectly circular trees. In the looming moonlight, you can see the outlines of animals within. Dogs, cats, deer and squirrels can be glimpsed inside.

[Corwin]

[20:39] <Wayland> "Looks rather harmless to me." Wayland says.
[20:40] <Kotono> "So? Does every werewolf wear a sign on them that says 'evil wolf monster?'" Balyss snarks away, draining her tankard and tossing it aside.
[20:40] <Wayland> "Our last one did."
[20:41] <Wayland> "Kind of, anyhow. He was really hairy and bestial and we alrerady knew he was a werewolf."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Got lucky that time," Balyss says, smiling all too sweetly at Wayland, "Anyway! There's the grove," she gestures, "Under the full moon, we can solve it's mystery. I'm sure of it."
[20:44] <Wayland> "Hopefully, anyhow. Coming Andrea?" Wayland says as he walkes toward the copse of trees.
[20:44] <Andria> "Of course!" is all Andrea says as she also moves towards the grove, ready to explore its secrets!
[20:50] <Kotono> Thus the three pass into the grove, Balyss leading the way! As you do...OOC: Would all of you make charisma checks?
[20:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[20:50] <Andria> roll d20+4
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 20." [d20=16]
[20:52] <Wayland> roll d20-1
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls d20-1 and gets 9." [d20=10]
[20:54] <Kotono> The grove smells of grass, dewy mornings and flowers. Within animals lie about, rabbits next to foxes and a large dog next to a rat. More are about as you look around...
[20:57] * Wayland looks around for any sign of the missing people.
[20:57] <Wayland> roll 1d20+1 roll search!
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+1 roll search! and gets 6." [1d20=5]
[20:59] <Andria> "...Do you guys hear anything?" Andrea asks with a small frown, looking around, trying to find somebody hiding or such amongst the trees.
[21:00] <Andria> roll d20+2 spot?
[21:00] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3 Listen?
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+2 spot? and gets 7." [d20=5]
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 Listen? and gets 7." [1d20=4]
[21:02] <Wayland> "No, I don't hear anything strange...and I don't see any sign of the people who came in here." Wayland says, eyeing the animals as he proceeds in further.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Hm?" Balyss looks around, as Wayland doesn't find anything. Then you hear it - tinkling laughter, like bells ringing. For a moment everything grows squiggly, twisting, moving! You now stand in sunlight. Above the sun shines in a purple sky. You stand surrounded by hedges, a single passage leading on. The hedges are tall, going up 15 feet high.
[21:05] <Wayland> "What?" Wayland looks around quickly. "What the hells?"
[21:05] <Kotono> "...shit." Balyss looks around and up and down, "I think we just stepped in it."
[21:06] <Andria> "Let's say we stepped into it willingly and find whomever's responsible for this..." Andrea says after a moment of shock at the changes.
[21:07] <Kotono> The tinkling laughter is heard yet more, coming from somewhere ahead of you. "Oh, pretty pretty pretty Princess," they call, "Come into our foyer, Princess!"
[21:08] <Wayland> "Yeaaaah, that's not creepy." Wayland says. "You girls think that this is where the missing people went?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "Yeaaah," Balyss rubs her eyes and the bridge of her nose, "Either of you got some water? Might help me sober up."
[21:10] <Andria> Andrea just stares at Wayland, with a very clear 'that's kind of obvious, isn't it?' look. "I didn't bring any. I figured I'd just get drinks from the festival when I got thirsty, sorry," she replies to Balyss.
[21:10] <Wayland> "I didn't think to bring any, no."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Well, oh well," Balyss starts to walk, drawing a mace as she does. "Let's go see what's at the bottom of this. Maybe they'll have some more mead."
[21:14] * Wayland nods.
[21:14] <Andria> Andrea agrees as well, drawing her own weapon as she steps in sync by Balyss' side.
[21:16] <Kotono> You walk along the hedge-hall for a little bit. Ahead the passage continues, but to the left and right are further passages, as if you're entering a hedge maze.
[21:19] <Andria> "...climb the hedge, you think?" Andrea suggests.
[21:20] <Kotono> "Can you climb this,"B alyss gives it a poke with her foot.
[21:22] <Andria> "I'll give it a try. If not, could just try to give each other a lift or..." Andrea starts to suggest before pausing and looking at Wayland, as if remembering something.
[21:24] <Andria> "...or we could do this the easy way and have Wayland float up and take a look," she finishes lamely.
[21:27] <Wayland> "I can do that." Wayland says. After concentrating for a second, he kicks off the ground and floats upward.
[21:30] <Kotono> Wayland flies up above the hedges! Beyond them he can see a vast network of hedges, going far and wide to the horizon and beyond...save to straight ahead. Far ahead you can see a vast pedastool. On it sits a pink, egg shaped thing the size of a mansion.  Thousands of tiny things fly around it, indistinct to the eye this far away.
[21:32] <Andria> "See anything useful?" Andrea calls out as she arcs her head upward to look at the floating blue body up in the sky.
[21:33] <Wayland> Floating back down, Wayland shakes his head. "Wherever we are, it sure isn't Balmuria anymore. Hedges everywhere except straight ahead. Up there, there's a giant pink egg on a pedastal with stuff flying around it."
[21:34] <Andria> "Hrm...Which way should we go?" Andrea asks this time, looking in both directions of the hedge's paths.
[21:34] <Kotono> "Towards the egg or to wander," Balyss says and then lightly shrugs her shoulders, "I say we go towards what's unusual."
[21:35] * Wayland nods. "I agree. Right now, all we have is shrubbery and a giant egg."
[21:35] <Andria> "Oh! Did you see any of the missing people, Wayland?" Andrea asks.
[21:36] * Wayland shakes his head.
[21:42] <Andria> "Well, if you didn't see anything else, I guess the only thing we can do is try to head towards that egg thing you mentioned?" Andrea suggests, agreeing with Balyss about the unusual.
[21:44] <Kotono> Balyss starts to walk, "May as well," she says after some thought, walking along.
[21:46] <Wayland> "Alright then." Wayland keeps step with the drunken armor-clad woman!
[21:49] <Kotono> You walk further along for a few minutes. As you do..."Heee! Hah!" Laughing voices sound around Andrea! Happy voices, "Welcome home, welcome home Princess," they call to her!
[21:58] <Andria> "What is up with all this princess stuff?" Andrea wonders outloud as she keeps moving along with Balyss and Wayland.
[21:59] <Wayland> "I have no idea. Are you, or have you ever been, a princess?"
[21:59] <Kotono> "We're all Princesses here," The voices claim, "Princess Andrea, come with us!" There is a jerk, Andrea pulled ahead by an unseen force! "It's time to get ready!"
[22:00] <Andria> "Ack! What the hell?" Andrea exclaims as she first tries to plant her feet on the ground and resist that force. "S-stop that!"
[22:01] <Wayland> "Hey!" Wayland cries, grabbing at Andrea to hold her back.
[22:03] <Kotono> With Wayland's help Andrea comes to a complete stop! She feels a tugging, then voices call, "Princess Andrea! Please, we need your help!"
[22:04] <Andria> Andrea pauses a second in resisting at that. "Wait, help?" she asks hesitantly.
[22:07] <Kotono> "We need you to help wake up the Phoenix!" They call, "Please!
[22:07] <Kotono> "
[22:08] <Kotono> Balyss eyes Andrea as she goes to hold her other arm, "Selune's light, slow down. Explain this."
[22:10] <Andria> Andrea frowns as she calls out to the voices. "The missing people! What happened to them?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "The other Princesses," The voices insist, and there is a shimmer in the air. They are about two feet tall, each one a vibrant woman. One has blonde hair, another has green, a third has violet. "They've been helping awaken the Phoenix too!"
[22:13] * Wayland peers at the small women suspiciously. "What's the Phoenix?"
[22:13] <Andria> roll d20+9 sense motive to tell if they're lying and stuff?
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+9 sense motive to tell if they're lying and stuff? and gets 15." [d20=6]
[22:14] <Kotono> "The bird of flame, the symbol of the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth," One of the pixies says. "But it's trapped asleep in it's egg and it can't wake up without our help!"
[22:20] <Andria> "I think I believe them..." Andrea says, as she decides to step forward and keep going, trusting in the pixies for now. "Just watch out in case I'm wrong or something...?"
[22:22] <Kotono> As Andrea steps forward the pixies fly down to her feet! Dozens more appear all around, joining them! As a great swarm of them they lift Andrea up, up off the ground and starting to fly off with her! A swarm is at her feet, another swarm at her back to keep her upright!
[22:25] * Wayland scratches his head. "Alright then...let's go!" Wayland takes off at a run to keep up!
[22:25] <Andria> Andrea looks a little uncomfortable with how she's being carted off, but doesn't fight the pixies.
[22:30] <Kotono> Balyss follows at a run as well, clamoring along! The pixies fly along about fourty feet up, zipping along at a good pace! Not so much that you can't follow as you run...until the path ahead ends! A tall stone wall rises up out of the ground, twenty feet high! The pixies and Andrea fly right over it, as it looms to stop Wayland and Balyss cold!
[22:31] <Andria> "Hey! What about my friends?" Andrea calls out to the pixies.
[22:32] <Kotono> "Don't worry about them, they aren't Princes or Princesses," The pixie swarms carol, "They can rest back there!
[22:35] <Andria> "Why am I a princess? Why not Balyss?" she asks, looking back with a bit of worry at her companions.
[22:36] * Wayland stops and glares at the wall. "Some people ask me why I hate the fey so much." he casually remarks to Balyss. "I can't imagine why they would wonder."
[22:43] <Kotono> They fade in the distance as the pixies carry off Andrea! "You have the force of personality to," they say, even as...OOC: #terror, Andrea.

[Corwin]

[14:49] <Kotono> Flying along, the pixies keep Andrea moving, "Don't worry, just relax," they call to her as they fly past the stone wall.
[22:49] <Andria> Not having much option but to keep trusting them now that she's thrown herself into this, Andrea just nods.
[23:04] <Kotono> On and on Andrea flies! In the distance you cans ee it now - a vast pink egg sits on a giant pedestool. You fly onward towards it, a great swarm of pixies dancing and singing around it. The song of the pixies drowns lower as you approach. Before the egg stands an elf. He is ten feet tall, hair honeysuckle and baby's breath. His skin is a pale green with tinges of yellow. He wears  great
[23:04] <Kotono> leaves twisted into clothing, a crown of hummingbirds atop his head.
[23:06] <Andria> "...and who might you be?" Andrea asks curiously.
[23:07] <Kotono> "The Phoenix Keeper," He replies with utter seriousness, before kneeling before Andrea. At the same time the pixies put her down gently. He rises after that.
[23:08] <Andria> "Where are the other, err, 'princesses'?" she asks as she looks around.
[23:26] <Kotono> The Phoenix Keeper merely looks up at the pixies. He comes forward to Andrea, "May I have your hand a moment?"
[23:28] <Andria> "Hey, you could at least answer my questions if you want my help, you know..." Andrea admonishes the elf, though she does offer her hand.
[23:32] <Kotono> Andrea touches the hand. In a moment she is overwhelmed, dazzled, lost. She is one of many. A thousand minds mix with hers. Security, love, attention, happiness all pour over her. Thousands of kin, pulling at her...OOC: Make a will save?
[23:33] <Andria> roll d20+12
[23:33] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+12 and gets 13." [d20=1]
[23:35] <Andria> "Oh, wow...what was that?" Andrea asks in awe.
[23:37] <Kotono> "The other Princes and Princesses." The Phoenix Keeper smiles now, "Give me your other hand and you'll join them again."
[23:38] <Andria> Andrea gives a brief glance in the direction where she left Wayland and Balyss behind, but doesn't hesitate much past that to give her other hand.
[23:40] <Kotono> "One closer..." The Phoenix Keeper murmurs, as Andrea glows. Her clothing and armor grows...or is she getting smaller. Her body shrinks down as she feels them, calling. Andrea's armor and weapons fall away, as a pixie laughs and flies up to join the thousands around the Phoenix Egg. OOC: You're paused for the moment.

[Corwin]

[22:44] <Kotono> Balyss growls and hits the wall once, "I don't hate fey, but I hate how they're treating us.
[22:45] * Wayland growls and starts looking for a way over, around, or through the wall.
[22:53] <Kotono> There's now ay around - it connects to the hedges on either side. It's 20ft tall and fairly smooth - climbing wouldn't be easy. As it's made of stone, going through it would require quite the feat of strength.
[22:57] <Wayland> Attempting to wedge himself in between the corner where the hedge and the wall meet, Wayland tries to climb up the wall.
[22:57] <Wayland> roll 1d20+5
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10." [1d20=5]
[23:05] <Kotono> No good on that first try - the wall's not easy to climb and the hedge offers bad support.
[23:05] * Wayland tries again!
[23:05] <Wayland> roll 1d20+5
[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11." [1d20=6]
[23:06] <Kotono> Again no good. As you do, "Ahem," A voice behind you clears it's throat.
[23:08] * Wayland spins!
[23:12] <Kotono> Behind you is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. Her voice is sweet honey, her body unclad. Everything about her is right, from her honey blonde hair to her lithe figure to her warm, round...you know.  She bows before both of you, "Sirs," she begins, "If it pleases you, can we talk?"
[23:14] * Wayland Looks ad Balyss momentarily confused before eyeing the new woman critically and suspiciously. "What do you want?"
[23:27] <Kotono> Balyss shrugs. "If it pleases you," she comes up to Wayland and looks him in the eye, "You knew one Princess. Perhaps friends you have are other Princesses, and can aid in the rebirth of the Phoenix."
[23:32] <Wayland> "How about you get us around the wall instead?"
[23:34] <Kotono> She shakes her head, going to caress her fingers across Wayland's jaw, "Sir, please be at peace. It's best this way. Your friend will help resurrect the Phoenix and continue the cycle of life. It's best if you don't interfere.""
[23:35] <Wayland> "Furthermore, if you think I'm giving you more of my friends to abduct, you're off your naked little head."
[23:35] <Wayland> "Also, don't touch me." Wayland slaps her hand away.
[23:38] <Kotono> The beautiful women scowls at that, "You...!" She glowers, "You dare? You dare reject me!?"
[23:40] <Wayland> "I'll do more than reject you if you don't either help me or go away." Wayland growls, his fists clenching.
[23:41] <Kotono> AT that the gaze of the woman falls on Wayland, a look of angry wrath! OOC: Make a fortitude save?
[23:42] <Wayland> roll 1d20+7 fuckfuckfuck
[23:42] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+7 fuckfuckfuck and gets 24." [1d20=17]
[23:43] <Kotono> Wayland feels his eyes burn at the otherworldly beauty before him! Yet he shakes off that burn, squiting as his vision goes only hazy!
[23:45] <Wayland> "Alright, I warned you, bitch." Wayland says, hauling back and taking a hard swing at her face!
[23:46] <Kotono> OOC: Make an attack roll.
[23:46] <Wayland> roll 1d20+8
[23:46] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
[23:46] <Kotono> Wayland misses by a bare inch, as the woman manages to step back! OOC: Let's roll init, this is going dowhill.
[23:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 nymph
[23:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 nymph and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[23:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Balyss
[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Balyss and gets 18." [1d20=18]
[23:47] * Kotono changes topic to 'Balyss(18)>Nymph(12)'
[23:47] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[23:48] * Kotono changes topic to 'Walyand=Balyss(18)>Nymph(12)'
[23:48] <Kotono> "Damn! Selune, aid us!" Balyss intones quickly, a prayer blessing the two! OOC: Bless on both of you.
[23:49] <Kotono> OOC: Youreu p, go.
[23:49] * Kotono changes topic to 'Wayland=Balyss(18)>Nymph(12)'
[23:50] <Wayland> Taking the advantage, Wayland swings again!
[23:50] <Wayland> roll 1d20+8+1
[23:50] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+8+1 and gets 26." [1d20=17]
[23:50] <Kotono> OOC: That be a hit, captain.
[23:52] <Wayland> roll 1d8+1d6+3 YARRR MATEY!
[23:52] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d8+1d6+3 YARRR MATEY! and gets 10." [1d8=6][1d6=1]
[23:52] <Kotono> Wayland's fist slams into her...and it feels like hitting steel! She barely flinches, only the lightning making her jerk! She stares a moment in complete shock, before levelling her full gaze at Wayland! "You...hit me?!" OOC: Fort.
[23:53] <Wayland> roll 1d20+7 Concieted much?
[23:53] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+7 Concieted much? and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[23:53] <Kotono> Wayland resists a terrible urge, as the nymph turns and runs into the hedge itself, seeming to pass through with eae! OOC: You can AoO her if youw ant.
[23:55] <Wayland> "Oh no you don't!" Wayland grabs at her, hoping for a tackle!
[23:55] <Wayland> roll 1d20+7 Grapple go go go!
[23:55] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+7 Grapple go go go! and gets 26." [1d20=19]
[23:56] <Kotono> OOC: Melee touch attack first to connect with the grapple, then the grapple mod is rolled.
[23:56] <Wayland> roll 1d20+8 touchhhh
[23:56] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+8 touchhhh and gets 13." [1d20=5]
[23:57] <Kotono> But Wayland's grasp is literally deflected away, as if a force intervened! She's gone into the bushes, out of sight! OOC: Free act.
[23:59] <Wayland> "Dammit!" Wayland kicks at the ground. "I had her! What the hell is going on here? First they take Andrea, then they send some nymph to scramble my mind?"
[23:59] * Wayland checks the bushes where the woman vanished.
[00:00] <Kotono> The bushes hide no bush...or the rest of the nymph. It's a hedge, ou can't get far or see anything of note in there. Balyss shakes her head, "I doubt we can catch up wth her if she can do that here," she says.
[00:11] * Wayland sighs. "Probably not." he says, looking about. "I think I might try the wall again."
[00:12] <Kotono> As Wayland looks about, the laughter of children is heard. In a whisper at the back of your ears, "Begone! Leave now! Princess Andrea has joined her sisters and brothers. Return in peace to your world."
[00:13] * Wayland blinks and looks over at Balyss. "You hear that?"
[00:17] <Kotono> "I did," Balyss looks around. The voices continues, "Go now, turn back the way you came and return to your world, for your own safety."
[00:21] <Wayland> "I don't expect you to stay." Wayland nods to her. "You can go back if you like. I won't look on you poorly for it. I'm not leaving without Andrea, though. I suspect foul play here, and I know the fey are behind it now."
[00:22] <Kotono> "So do I," She takes a breath, taking Wayland's arm. She whispers into her ear, "We're also in enemy territory without support. A tactical retreat can let us come back with the means to pass through, be they force or arms or mobility, or whatever else.""
[00:26] <Wayland> "As little as I like it, you raise a good point. Returning with more men would be a good idea." Wayland nods.
[00:26] <Kotono> "Let's fall back," Balyss says, "We can come back when I'ms ober and we have reinforcements," Whispering back, she starts to walk the way you came.
[00:31] * Wayland nods and walks with her.
[00:31] <Kotono> As the two head back, the realm around them blurs, shifts, twists...OOC: Make a will save, both of you?
[00:32] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[00:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[00:32] <Wayland> roll 1d20+7
[00:32] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[00:33] <Kotono> Wayland feels himselfd rifting, forgetting. He feels the memories slip away, memories of Andrea, of the hedges, of the pixies...but with a superhuman burst of pure discipline, he mentally resists, drawing them back to him! Then...he lies on the ground under the full moon. Balyss is next to him, sitting up and holding her head in her hands.
[00:34] <Wayland> "Hey! Did you feel that!? I almost forgot what we were doing in there! Do you remember?!" Wayland jumps to his feet.
[00:36] <Kotono> "I...yeah, I do!" Balyss sits up, "It was like a hand was ruffling into my head, trying to pull them out." She looks about, "You know any good mages or druids offhand?"
[00:41] <Wayland> "I do. I know some people good at lots of things." Wayland's expression darkens. "When I get back in there, I'm gonna kill all of them. Gods help them if they hurt those people they're holding from us. They tried to make us forget! I need fire. Lots of fire." He offers his hand to Balyss, helping her up.
[00:42] <Kotono> "We'll get the calvary," Balyss agrees. OOC: With the 'go get the calvary notion, let's pause here and resume Monday.

[Corwin]

[20:37] <Kotono> Sylvie swallows Janson's grape, "Probably a shy, tender and emotive dryad that could charm the bark off a tree?" Sylvie says, "From what I've read, most dryads tend to fall into that."
[20:43] <Janson> "Mmm... maybe. I'd only met two before her, and they both fit that mould more or less, but they weren't exactly copies. I heard the type of tree impacts their temperement as well, but oaks seem to be the most common by far," he muses, leaning into Sylvie and looking around. "Still, she seems to have come to terms with things in her own way. I was worried she'd snap early on."
[20:44] <Kotono> Drunkenness and song fill the air, people mingling and celebrating. "Oh sure, if adjusting is wanting to set everything on fire. Still..." A moment's thought before she does cluck her tongue, "That is better than average for a force of fire."
[20:47] <Janson> "Yeah, basically. She can walk around and function with everyone else, so that's good enough. You wanna do anything?" he asks, changing tack, "Dance, try one of the games, anything like that?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Games sound good," Sylvie rises on wobbly feet, shaking her head with errant giggles tossed in. "Did you see that fat guy with the gold clothes?"
[20:52] <Janson> "He was talking to Aaeru and the others earlier, wasn't he?" Janson nods, pushing off the ground to stand alongside Sylvie, although sadly no longer leaning into her. "Looked like gambling - feel lucky?" he grins, starting to amble that way.
[20:55] <Kotono> The tables are busy at this point, games of chance being played. Sylvie stands on tiptoes a few rows back, as Dolomir flips over his cards, "Twenty one! The house wins!" he proclaims aloud, sweeping up a small stack of sterlings.
[20:57] <Janson> "Lets see if we can win a few new books?" Janson grins, finding a space in the crowd for the both of them and patiently waiting for a chance to try his luck.
[21:00] <Kotono> Up and up and up you go, about ten minutes of it. By the time you reach the front Dolomir is smiling, "Ah, more gamblers after Tymora's spirit! Welcome, welcome, welcome!" he bids, "The game is twenty one. Lay your wager out."
[21:01] * Janson has seen the game played enough times to get an idea of the rules, and plonks down five marks in a neat little stack atop the table. "Lets see if Tymora's smiling on me tonight, then!" he grins eagerly.
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 2d14
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d14 and gets 7." [2d14=1, 6]
[21:04] <Kotono> "Deal up, deal up!" Dolomir says, as Janson is dealt a 2 and a 7. "Player shows nine," He proclaims! Sylvie wrinkles her nose and leans on Janson's side, "That's not even close to a good number."
[21:06] <Janson> "Means whatever card I get I won't go bust, though. Hit me," Janson nods confidently to the dealer.
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 1d14
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d14 and gets 2." [1d14=2]
[21:08] <Kotono> A 3 for a total of 12. "Well, 11's a good number to hit on again." Sylvie says, "Not quite the best, but not bad." Meanwhile the house shows a 6 on it's visible card.
[21:09] <Janson> "If I get a ten we're golden," Janson smiles optimistically and squeezes Sylvie's waist. "Gimme another."
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d14
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d14 and gets 11." [1d14=11]
[21:10] <Kotono> A queen is dealt! "Twenty two, player busts," The dealer announces, scooping up Janson's coins, "Bet again, bet again!"
[21:10] <Kotono> Sylvie's face falls, "That's a devil's own luck," she mutters.
[21:11] <Janson> "Hmm... think we should?" Janson turns to the blonde, deferring to her wisdom.
[21:11] <Kotono> "It's fun," Sylvie says, "Try again and win some back!"
[21:12] <Janson> "Lets lay it all out, then!" Janson nods decisively, two neat little stacks of marks appearing now for a total of ten! "I'll win back my money and more besides!"
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 2d14
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d14 and gets 21." [2d14=13, 8]
[21:15] <Kotono> Janson is dealt a king and a 9 for a total of 19! House shows a nine. "Oooh, that's good, don't hit," she says quickly, "You'll bust!"
[21:16] <Janson> "Wasn't planning on it," the redhead chuckles, waving his hand over the cards. "I'll stay."
[21:17] <Kotono> Dolomir flips over a jack, showing 19! "Push," he says, "Want to let the bet ride and try again?"
[21:18] * Janson grimaces, starting to think Tymora is looking out for her own. "Yeah, deal a new set," he nods.
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 2d14
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d14 and gets 19." [2d14=14, 5]
[21:20] <Kotono> An ace and a six is dealt! "Seventeen or seven," Dolomir says as a cheer begins from the crowd, cut off when the six joins the ace. He meanwhile shows a 4.
[21:23] <Janson> "Hmm..." Janson chews his bottom lip a moment. Seventeen's a reasonably safe place to stick. But if he gets a low card it'll make a win more likely, while a high card just lets him work off the seven and avoid going bust. "Hit me," he nods at last.
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d14
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d14 and gets 6." [1d14=6]
[21:24] <Kotono> A seven rolls! "Fourteen," Dolomir says, as Sylvie sighs, "Nowt hat's a danger number. It's not safe to hit or stand on it, so pick your poison."
[21:25] <Janson> "Yeah, maybe should've stayed after all," Janson deflates. "Well, nothing for it. One more," he invites.
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 1d14
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d14 and gets 12." [1d14=12]
[21:25] <Kotono> A king comes! "Twenty four," Janson's coins vanish, "House wins! Sir, sir, sir," he snaps his fingers, "Ah, you have a gambler's spirit, even if Tymora's smile did not find you. Perhaps a greater gamble is in order."
[21:27] <Janson> "Yeah... fat lot of good you are," Janson mutters and pulls out his lucky golden rabbit's foot with the four leaf clover, dinging his finger on it. "I think any greater gambles will put me in the house of suffering," he then replies to Dolomir.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Ah, trust in the Lady Tymora," he says, eyeing that rabbit's foot, "Sir, how much ist hat worth?"
[21:30] <Janson> "This thing?" Janson pauses, "Well that depends who's asking, wouldn't it..." he goes on speculatively. "It's a potent symbol of luck that had been left to steep in a nexus of elemental ley lines for who knows how many centuries? Some people might figure that makes it worth a lot more than its weight in gold..."
[21:32] <Kotono> "Well now, perhaps we can work out a trade," Dolomir gestures, a cute woman in tight clothes coming to take his place, "Sir, walk with me."
[21:33] * Janson glances at Sylvie with a shrug and a smile before heading after the Card King.
[21:35] <Kotono> Once to the side Dolomir lowers his voice. Sylvie gets closer, but doesn't really linger. "Sir, perhaps I can trade you that rabbit's foot for a spin on a magical game of chance, one that can bolster yourself forevermore."
[21:37] * Janson keeps his arm around Sylvie so she can come along as well, not wanting her to be left out. "So it's a trade and not a wager? What are the odds, then?"
[21:39] <Kotono> "There are twenty normal spaces, half of the effects good and half bad," he says, "Then the golden square and the black square."
[21:41] <Janson> "Bad odds so far... what do the coloured squares do?" Janson asks, mulling it over.
[21:44] <Kotono> "The golden one is a great blessing, improving yourself greatly. The black one...is the opposite," he says, "Trus tin Tymora and you will find yourw ay to the golden square!"
[21:46] * Janson raises his gaze to the heavens, Selune shining down brightly, trying to figure out some sort of inspiration as to whether he should take such a wager. "Well, Tymora, think my luck's been bad enough on the cards for you to show me a smile on this one?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Surely it is," Dolomir says, "Tymora rewards the brave with good fortune!"
[21:49] <Janson> Not seeing any heavenly signs, he looks back down at Dolomir. "You're paid to say that," he counters offhandedly. "But you know what? I think I'll do it. It's time my luck turned around."
[21:52] <Kotono> "Really?" Sylvie blinks, "You're going to take the gamble?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "Yes, yes, yes!" Dolomir takes Janson's hand, "Let us go," he says, "Test the waters of fortune! Follow me!"
[21:53] * Janson nods resolutely. "I've got a good feeling... and besides, aren't you a bit curious how the whole thing'll go down? If it's anything like that elemental nexus... brrr!" he shivers and grins, following Dolomir.
[21:55] <Kotono> As Sylvie chews on that you m eander back to the Old Quarter. Here a garish building is entered, the two lead into a back room. Here a single roulette wheel sits, a heavy steel locked box besides it. Dolomir approaches and murmurs a few arcane words. Within are three ivory balls, one reverentally picked up, "Give me the rabbit's foot to complete the trade," he says.
[21:56] <Janson> That was a long walk! "Probably missing most of the party, now... well, hopefully this'll be worth it," he steels himself and hands over the good luck charm, not before kissing it for luck on his impending gamble.
[21:59] <Kotono> Thus Dolomir goes to the wheel. It's plain enough looking - slots numbered 1 through 20. 21 is a golden slot, seeming to throb with energy. 22 is bland darkness, as if an image into oblivion. The ivory ball is handed to Janson, "Put the ball in play and the wheel will do the rest," hei ntones.
[22:00] * Janson rolls the ball around in his fingers for a long moment, as if trying to will a part of himself into it and give it enough guidance to do him a solid. Then, without drama or fanfare, he holds his arm straight above the inner curve of the wheel, and lets it drop.
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC: roll 1d22. 21 is the golden slot and 22 is the black one, just making sure that's clear here.
[22:04] <Janson> roll 1d22
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d22 and gets 4." [1d22=4]
[22:06] <Kotono> The ball spins and spins and spins around the wheel! It dances, almost falling into a dozen slots as it whirls! Round and round until it lands in...4! Janson feels light headed a moment as the ball cracks in twain!
[22:08] <Janson> "Oh!" Janson sways for a moment at the light-headedness before it clears up and he snaps his fingers. "I think that was a good one..." he mutters, rubbing his head with one hand as he adjusts.
[22:09] <Kotono> "So it is!" Dolomir says, "Truly so that Tymora blessed you!" He clasps Janson's shoulders, "Two balls still remain. Perhaps if either of you have a gambling spirit even greater...it is 500 marks fora ntoher ball."
[22:10] <Janson> "Eh, that's a lot of money, and I think I'd probably be taking advantage of Tymora to push my luck further," Janson shakes his head, smiling. "This'll do me for tonight, I think."
[22:12] <Kotono> Sylvie does eye the roulette wheel a moment, "Too bad, I can't afford it," she says, "Did it really work, Janson?"
[22:14] <Janson> "Think so..." he waggles his fingers a bit, studying them thoughtfully, before abruptly flashing his hand out and then back through the air in a lightning-fast chop. "Yeah, I'm faster... I think. The ale might just be making me think I am, but I haven't drank that much and the walk over was pretty sobering. You really want to give it a go as well?"
[22:15] <Kotono> Sylvie blinks a moment at Janson, then smiles and takes his hand, "Well, if you want to pay," she bats her eyelashes, "I would be pleased."
[22:17] <Janson> "Sure? You won't get mad if you lose something important?" he asks her back.
[22:18] <Kotono> This gets a moment's pause, "Oh, why not? It's fun," she says, "If it worked for you it'll work for me!"
[22:20] <Janson> "Then I'll spot you, sure!" Janson grins, squeezing her hand and turning to Dolomir. "I don't have that money on me, but could we do the wheel now and we can stop at my house for me to pay you on our way back? It's just a couple minutes down the road from Moonholm."
[22:21] <Kotono> "House credit," He frowns at that, "But...for a gambler of such boldness..." He at last nods, "Very well sir," he taks a second ball out, handing it to Janson.
[22:22] * Janson then hands it right to Sylvie! "Good luck!" he encourages earnestly.
[22:22] <Kotono> Sylvie looks on, and with a shrug of her shoulders, tosses the ball out!
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d22
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d22 and gets 2." [1d22=2]
[22:26] <Kotono> The ball spins and spins and spins around the wheel! It dances, almost falling into a dozen slots as it whirls! Round and round until it lands in...2! Sylvie wobbles on her feet, as the ball cracks in twain!
[22:27] <Janson> Four was good, so if it's an alternating pattern... "How do you feel? It took me a minute to figure out what changed - is it good?" he rattles off, keeping hold of her hand as she wobbles.
[22:31] <Kotono> "My head." Sylvie shakes it, "It's clear." She stands up straight, "It was good."
[22:32] <Janson> "Alright!" Janson gives her an impulsive hug, beaming, "Tymora was just testing my resolve with those cards earlier, that must have been it!"
[22:33] <Kotono> Dolomir claps his hands, "See what blessings Tymora gives to the worthy? Perhaps then you would risk the last ball?"
[22:34] <Janson> "Couldn't afford it even if I wanted to," Janson shakes his head amiably as he parts from Sylvie. "Come on, lets head back to the party and I'll pay you on the way?"
[22:46] <Kotono> The trip back to Janson's quarters are without incident. As you return the party is even bigger, much of the Western Reaches in festival. Sylvie procures a bottle of of something brown and strog, taking Janson's hand. She goes to sit underneath a tree, "C'mon," she says, "Let's have a few more drinks they go find somethin' fun to do."
[22:49] * Janson is up for that, very pleased with the direction of the evening even if he is five hundred and fifteen marks worse off. "The night's still young, and thanks to Tymora we're even better able to enjoy it!" he agrees brightly, sitting next to Sylvie and taking a swig of the drink she procured before offering it back to her.
[22:56] <Kotono> Sylvie takes her own draught of it, the booze burning down his throat. It's strong, Sylvie plopping back against the tree as she passes the bottle. "Hahaha, I haven't had this much to drink...in years. Books cost too much, can't waste it on drink, you know?"
[22:57] <Janson> "Hope you can handle it then, I don't wanna have to carry you home," Janson laughs and nudges her amidst another swig, leaning happily against the trunk and handing it back. "Strong stuff though, I'll give it that."
[23:06] <Kotono> Another swig as it's passed back, "Mmmm," she passes it back before she really says anything else, "Mom would get the wrong idea, I bet.
[23:06] <Kotono> "
[23:09] <Janson> "Well, better make sure that doesn't happen," Janson nods deliberately, swirling the bottle around but eschewing an immediate drink, letting what he's had settle a bit. "Jannath... we were pretty lucky there, weren't we? Think you'll be able to go through your books even quicker than before with a clearer head?"
[23:12] <Kotono> "Uh huh," she says, and after a moment, "...I almost wish Aaeru had gotten it instead. She told me how long it takes her to read a book. That's not fair."
[23:15] <Janson> "Mmm... you know she wouldn't though, even if I offered to spot her," Janson responds after a moment himself. "Anything at all that involves money or commerce, she just won't touch it. Remember she wouldn't even wear one of the princess costumes because they were too fine? She probably has a hard time reading because she's never let herself own or borrow a book."
[23:28] <Kotono> "Mmmm-hmmm." Sylvie has one more nip and puts the bottle aside, "She's too busy chasing Sirines anyway!" That gets a lopsided smile.
[23:29] <Janson> "Where are those two, anyway?" Janson looks around the crowd. "Think they might've snuck off while we were off gambling our lives away?"
[23:33] <Kotono> "Sure," Sylvie says, giggling, "I wonder if they're saying the same thing about us right now?"
[23:34] <Janson> "Well, if they saw us leave it was with Dolomir... hopefully they won't read anything into that!" Janson guffaws and slaps his thigh. "Want to get up and have a look around for them? Andrea and Wayland, too... can't see them from here either."
[23:37] <Kotono> "Hahahhaa," Laughing as well to that, "Sure," Sylvie gets up, a little unsteady. "Letsa look around."
[23:40] * Janson clambers up as well, offering the blonde a hand to keep her steady. "Even if we don't find them, we might find something else that's fun anyway," he adds good naturedly, setting to roam around the lunatic revel.
[23:42] <Kotono> "Sure," Sylvie grins ear to ear, "C'mon, let's wander."
[23:45] * Janson is happy to pick a direction at random, heading off into the festivities with a beautiful and horrendously intelligent but just a bit drunk woman on his arm. Nothing can go wrong tonight!
[23:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 9." [1d100=9]
[23:48] <Kotono> You wander for a bit, coming to a bonfire. Here several pigs are being roasted, people feasting and chatting away. Sylvie giggles, "I haven't had pork in awhile. Oh, do you smell that?" The scent of smoked pork fills the air, Sylvie licking her lips.
[23:49] <Janson> "We've just been snacking, something proper to eat'll do us good," Janson nods and pats his belly, looking for where they can get a serving.
[23:50] <Kotono> There's plaes and plates of the stuff being cut up and doled out. Sylvie grabs one and a fork, taking a big bite. "Oooh, it's sweet," she says, "Sweet and smoky."
[23:53] * Janson belatedly remembers that he's a vegetarian! If there's any potatoes or other sides around he can snag he'll settle for that. Not that he begrudges other people eating the porker, he just can't stomach it himself.
[23:54] <Kotono> There's some sides about. Sylvie gets sauce all over her face as she eats, "Oh wow, this is really good!"
[23:55] * Janson heaps up some veg for himself. "You're making such a mess," he laughs at Sylvie as he tucks in. "You should see your face!"
[23:56] <Kotono> Sylvie leans in and gives Janson a quick kiss, licking her lips. "See? Now you should see YOUR face."
[23:58] * Janson laughs, licking his lips as well - it's just sauce, and even if some of the pig's juices are in it he's not *that* strict about his diet. "Well, for that I think I can put up with a little mess," he laughs, using some potato to wipe the rest before biting into it.
[00:02] <Kotono> Sylvie just laughs and grins, flicking a bit more sauce at Janson's face. "God, it's good to have some meat. I never thought I'd get sick of candy, but now? Blech. At least for awhile."
[00:04] <Janson> "I hardly get to eat any when I'm at the shop anyway," Janson grouses, wiping the back of his hand on his face. "Someone always stops me," he gives her a little glare and a poke in the ribs.
[00:05] <Kotono> "I don't want you getting fat on me," She retorts right back, "Imagine being like Dolomir! Josa's bad enough, but at least he has a reason."
[00:08] <Janson> "Like me just the way I am, eh?" he pats his belly, munching down some carrot before he reaches for Sylvie's bottle to chase it down with a drink. "Don't worry, though, I get plenty of exercise!"
[00:10] <Kotono> "Really?" Sylvie asks, "With who?"
[00:12] <Janson> "With Aaeru and Andrea," Janson grins, letting that hang for a moment, "And Wayland. But I bet I had you going for a second there!" he laughs.
[00:13] <Kotono> Crossing her arms and managing ot keep a grio on her plate at the same time, Sylvie has a purely sweet smile, "You didn't say Simmer, did you?"
[00:15] <Janson> "I guess we did get pretty active in Torm's ruins... yeah, toss her in as well," Janson nods, beaming.
[00:17] <Kotono> "...." No reply from Sylvie, before a punch lands on Janson's shoulder. She glares at him with a hooded gaze, "Uh huh."
[00:18] * Janson just laughs. "Come on, it was obvious I was talking about work, but that setup was too blatant to ignore."
[00:19] <Kotono> "I'm sure Jannath would love a you to find a nice, nature oriented girl to make a bunch of half fire fey children with," Sylvie mutters, reddening.
[00:22] <Janson> "Or she might just get so caught up in things and burn off parts of me I'd rather not have burnt," Janson replies with a theatrical wince, setting his mostly cleared plate aside and throwing an arm around the blonde, leaning in for a quick kiss on the cheek. "Besides, I'm more interested in looking out for what I want than what Jannath wants."
[00:23] <Kotono> "Good," Sylvie throws an arm around his back, "I'm pretty sure I don't get that hot down there. That's one over her."
[00:26] <Janson> "Start counting and we'll be here all night... I mean, I want to be here all night, but partying not talking about Simmer. Lets wander some more?" he suggests, giving her a squeeze and starting to amble away from the barbecue.
[00:27] <Kotono> "Sure..." She sighs and leans on Janson, "You know what?"
[00:28] <Janson> "What?" is returned amiably.
[00:29] <Kotono> "You should've been born a woman and I should've been born a man. Would've worked out better for the both of us, you know?" She starts to laugh despite it, loose, drunken infectuous laughter.
[00:33] * Janson laughs as well, carried away by Sylvie's mirth. "If I was a woman I'd prefer Aralla way more than Balmuria, though. Nah... I think things'll work out just fine this way," he nods up and down slowly, a smile on his face.
[00:37] <Kotono> Sylvie slows down and matches that smile, "They will..." she holds Janson's hands with her own.
[00:38] <Janson> Squeezing her hand back, "Want to go over where everyone's dancing and try it ourselves?"