223.1 Seira and Amaryl's Vacation

[Corwin]

[20:01] <Kotono> ----------(Rabbit Ko)--
[20:04] <Kotono> After rest and recovery, Seira is ready to head to Pallanth and the Gaial estate. It's a pleasantly cool day in the fall when she arrives, the sun tricking down through the leafy foliage. The servants about don't jump or start at her apperance, looking and a few bowing to her as she arrives.
01[20:06] <Seira> Part of this is, no doubt, as she'd taken to using her elfin disguise again. Seira returns the greetings, proceeding inside. She knows the layout well enough, and if she's allowed to head inside, she wouldn't bother one of the servants asking for directions she knows by heart.
[20:08] <Kotono> A servant at the front door, a lithe female elf wearing dainty maid clothes, curtseys to Seira. "Can I help you," she asks.
01[20:11] <Seira> Ah, a maid. "If Amaryl is here, I would like to surprise her," Seira responds with a smile. "And if she's not, I would like to wait inside... and surprise her. One might say that my plan remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Lady Amaryl is meeting with family," Bowing her head to Seira, "If you'd come this way to wait? She won't be available until after that."
01[20:15] <Seira> "Okay. Anyone in particular, or the whole family?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "Family matters," Shaking her head, "Some of the family."
01[20:20] <Seira> "Fun." There is no way Seira can say it without sarcasm seeping in, wondering if they're harping about her. "As long as it's not something I have to rescue Amaryl from, I'll just wait patiently."
[20:24] <Kotono> Seira is taken to a pleasant, airy, sunlight room. Here wine and fruit is provided for her, servants catering to her whims for about two hours. At last the maid does return, bowing. "Lady Amaryl is free now," she says with a slight smile, "She's resting in her room if you want to go see her unannounced."
01[20:24] <Seira> "Thanks!" she returns, stretching out after loafing around for hours. "I know the way."
[20:26] <Kotono> Thus Seira goes! Amaryl is sitting in her sitting room quietly. She's staring ahead at nothing at all, eyes half closed. A scroll rests in her lap, hands clasped around it.
01[20:28] <Seira> "You know, if every family meeting gets you this exhausted, maybe something should be done about that," Seira notes, closing the door behind her. "I have a radical suggestion, which includes inviting me to the next one, for I have fire and the will to use it."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Ah!" Amaryl starts, eyes opening wide as she eeps out! She turns to Seira before breathing a long sight, "S-sorry, you startled me!" Tucking the scroll away into her clothes, she comes over to Seira. "Don't worry about my family. How are you?"
01[20:32] <Seira> "To be perfectly honest, I'd rather worry about your family, really," Seira responds. "What's on the scroll? Is it bad, or really bad?"
02[20:32] * Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-69-168.washdc.east.verizon.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[20:33] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles a little, her cheeks pale. "It's...just...foolishness," she shakes her head. "Don't worry about it, Seira. It's just family foolishness."
01[20:33] <Seira> "Oh, come on!" Seira pouts. "You're asking the impossible, you know?"
[20:35] <Kotono> "It's..." Amaryl looks down and away, "It's nothing important at all. They're mad at me, but...I don't care." A wan smile shows on her face as she looks up, "Please, don't worry about it. I'm not going to, either."
01[20:37] <Seira> "I'll take my cues from you, then," Seira relents. "Just... don't hold it in if it gets bad, alright? And if there's anything I can do... you know that I could buy some title, if that's the problem." Seira smirks. "I'll just ditch Donald with the actual responsibility!"
[20:38] <Kotono> Blushing, "Thanks..." murmuring that, she takes Seira's hand and leads her to a comfortable divan. "But, how are you? Have you been hurt since last time?"
03[20:38] * Ebiris (WinNT@user-5af0b1d6.wfd106.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:38] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
01[20:40] <Seira> "I finally met my match and almost died, although they clearly failed in that," Seira responds, allowing herself to be easily led to the couch. "I got some time off as a result. A lot of time off. Pretty much indefinitely, in the absense of a major cataclysm back home."
03[20:41] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:41] <Kotono> Sitting down next to her, "I'm glad you're safe." Looking Seira over before blushing a little, "
[20:41] <Kotono> OOC - GAaaaah.
[20:42] <Kotono> Sitting down next to her, "I'm glad you're safe." Looking Seira over before blushing a little, "Are you going on your vacation now?"
01[20:44] <Seira> "That really depends on you," Seira responds with a shrug. "I remember how you wanted to go out into the world, and mentioned having some downtime yourself. Going somewhere far away would be nice. Staying here and annoying your relatives by existing also has certain merit, though not nearly as much."
[20:45] <Kotono> "If you're ready..." Smiling now, smiling even as her hands shake, "Let's go. I can be ready by the morning."
01[20:46] <Seira> "If we sneak out before dawn, we could even achieve both goals," Seira suggests with a smile of her own. "You could leave a note?"
03[20:48] * Sierra_Mikain (~Melanchth@pool-96-231-69-168.washdc.east.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
[20:50] <Kotono> "Maybe...maybe." Amaryl squeezes Seira's hand. "I've been training fairly hard like you asked." Her eyes darken a little, "It's hard work even when you get better at it. There hasn't been a point where it breaks and becomes simple, but I'ms till making progress."
01[20:53] <Seira> "Things would get boring if such a point existed. Plus, it doesn't feel right, not working for one's reward." She smiles brighter. "Progress is good, though! We'll probably even put it to the test, since there are lots and lots of bad people and they are overwhelmingly stupid! A mere warning is rarely ever effective."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Does that mean killing people," Amaryl asks, looking Seira in the eye. "I know there are times when it's acceptable to kill, but sometimes I wonder if I can do it when I need to."
01[21:00] <Seira> "In a war, yes," Seira responds, returning the look. "When negotiations fail, you can't wage war by being nice to the other side. In fact, the best thing to do is end it as swiftly as possible, and that's just not something you can do without striking at the enemy's leaders.
01[21:00] <Seira> With fiendish invasions, the choice is even easier. And with law enforcement... there, it becomes a more difficult choice that depends on the circumstances. It is my belief that if we can contain the criminals by other means, we should try to do so.
01[21:00] <Seira> If not, if we lack these means, then should they escape, their future victims's blood will be on our hands, and we should not allow those people to survive."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Yes. That sounds like the arguments my philosphy instructor would give me," With a faint smile to that, "There are times when you have to kill, like war. Those rare creatures of pure evil...there's no other choice. But...what is it like to do that, Seira? Does ite ver bother you to have taken another's life?"
01[21:07] <Seira> "There was one time, and though I didn't strike the blow, I share the responsibility fully," Seira responds slowly. "We had several sources all suggesting an inevitable attack on our population by a crazy, reclusive mage. That he was crazy and reclusive was true enough, but the attack was actually planned against a would-be Malmuthian invasion.
01[21:07] <Seira> It would have likely endangered our own forces as well, but still, it bothers me that things went down that way." She frowns. "But inaction in that situation was unacceptable, and I don't believe I was ever involved in another deadly fight that didn't involve a person who truly deserved to die."
[21:12] <Kotono> "I'm glad," Amaryl murmurs, squeezing Seira's hand again. "Even if it's needed, I don't like having to have blood on anyone's hands."
01[21:14] <Seira> "There are times," Seira tells her quietly, "where people exist that not only deserve to die, but you wish you could have killed them yourself. Or more than once. Terrible people. I hope you'll never come across them."
[21:17] <Kotono> "Like King Ferdi or his henchmen?" Amaryl says that as she looks up at Seira. "Those sort of horrible people?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "He was plenty horrible, but the only hench -- more of an ally, really -- he had that warranted that was Irenes," Seira says with a grimace. "There're... the omnicidal maniacs that need to be put down like rabid dogs, and then, there are those who go farther, much farther. If you ever have the misfortune of coming across such monsters, you'll know instantly."
[21:24] <Kotono> A slight nod, Amaryl licking her lips, "You have?" she asks softly. "
[21:24] <Kotono> A slight nod, Amaryl licking her lips, "You have?" she asks softly. "I hear that demons are like that."
01[21:28] <Seira> "I've yet to see a fiend as vile as some very special mortals, though I'm sure they exist somewhere," Seira says, sounding subdued. "It's... probably a bad topic." She smiles suddenly. "We really should be talking about lighter things, like how I missed you, or how I could visit more often or just stay in touch now that I have both teleportation and sending as part of my usual magical repertoire!"
[21:32] <Kotono> "That would be nice...though if we're going off on a vacation, we don't need to worry about that right now," Amaryl promises. "You're growing in skill. TEleportation is difficult magic, from what Scion Celebrimbor has said."
01[21:33] <Seira> "One day I'll even manage it without the occasional mistake!" Seira boasts, before coughing. "I mean. Without the occasional diversion Waukeen sends me on."
[21:35] <Kotono> With a warm laugh, "Is that common for mistakes to happen? Still, if you can travel hundreds of miles in a few seconds...that has to be more than worth it?"
01[21:36] <Seira> "Only happened twice, I swear! You're totally safe traveling with me!"
06[21:37] * Seira coughs again. "And it's over a thousand miles, now."
[21:38] <Kotono> "That's even more impressive! Speaking of, that reminds me of what I heard of your victory in the frozen reaches of Lord Kortan's domain. Did you truly defeat a dragon twice, back to back?"
01[21:41] <Seira> "Well, I guess I kinda defeated it once, but really, the honors fall on the others. I did bring down another dragon recently, though! It was very bad and had to die." Seira suddenly seems very shifty. "Celebrimbor was bringing it back as a sort of gift. Any chance you know how that went? I've been kinda worried."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Oh yes, that." Nodding, "I wasn't there but the Council was discussing it later.  King Lorthan says it's a gift for the entire incident with the ring...well, no, but that's what Lord Ambrose said is the case when you read between the lines."
01[21:44] <Seira> "It's not like I needed the subterfuge!" Seira protests. "But Celebrimbor was also involved, and I just had to leave the handling up to him-- and did you just say entire incident with the ring?"
[21:44] <Kotono> A nod there, "It came out in council while Celebrimbor was gone. There was some discussion about it, but the ring was returned soon after, so it went nowhere."
01[21:45] <Seira> "Umm. What exactly came out?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "That the ring was lost, but it was recovered, so it's okay." Amaryl says slowly. "Lord Chillander and myself both said it would be fine. Scion Silverleaf was more caustic, but..."
01[21:47] <Seira> "I'm really sorry about that," Seira says sadly. "It's like that saying, no good deed goes unpunished. I only wanted to help a few stranded people...."
[21:47] <Kotono> "It's fine." Taking Seira's hand again, "You proved myself and Lord Chillander right, so there wasn't any harm."
01[21:49] <Seira> There was plenty of harm, but she's not particularly keen of going there. "If a dragon-shaped apology is enough to smooth everything over, then it's alright. I've been worried about this, and about a lot of other things. That was not a good week for me."
[21:49] <Kotono> "It was fine. The Council didn't make a big deal about it and King Lorthan looked happy at the end of it."
01[21:53] <Seira> "There is something else you should know," Seira all but blurts out. "There are demons going around spreading lies about me. Like how I'm sending them out or commanding them. The only truth in that is that I once bargained with a balor so I could live long enough to escape him and save my father. Waukeen helped me in the aftermath, but it sounds like he wasn't too pleased about that...."
[21:55] <Kotono> Blink-blink. Amaryl stops there at the abrupt change of supbject, "Oh. Well. Um." Biting down on her lip, "If we see any demons we can set them straight about it?"
01[21:58] <Seira> "I don't want you to think that I'm... well... someone who sends demons to kill people." Seira shifts, looking uncomfortable. "I was pretty... well, upset wouldn't begin to cover it. And we had the Malmuthian war to worry about. So I didn't really advertise it.
01[21:58] <Seira> But in the end, some of my friends ended up hearing about this from the demons who put their spin on things. And when I think that you might end up finding out like that... I don't want that."
[22:00] <Kotono> "Seira, I don't think you'd summon demons." Putting her hands on her hips, "That's just...stupid and silly!"
01[22:01] <Seira> "I... I guess it is, isn't it? I could, you know! But I won't."
[22:08] <Kotono> "Alright." Smiling now, "That's like the equivalent of malicious gossip and ruining your reputation on a grand scale, isn't it? Nothing else?"
01[22:10] <Seira> "That's what it seems," Seira agrees. "It was timed for when I mysteriously disappeared, and I can't help but wonder if that was planned. Probably not, and just bad luck overall. I always thought it would take something pretty powerful or a numerous force to really bring me down, and I still do. That sort of demons wouldn't be able to achieve it."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Good!" Brightening with a smile, "Seira, were are we going exactly?"
01[22:15] <Seira> "You're going to decide." Seira smiles back fondly. "But I was going to propose Malmuth for a start. Things are still bad there, and there would be plenty of chances to right wrongs and help out. At the same time, we could see for ourselves if Queen Tant is managing it well, or if she's getting overwhelmed by the treasonous elements within. And I've been meaning to travel more through that land.
01[22:15] <Seira> After that? Demedais and I have been wishing to visit our capital at last for... has it been months, already? We might do that, too."
[22:18] <Kotono> "Those are fine!" Amaryl smiles warmly there, "I'm more than happy to follow you there."
01[22:19] <Seira> "They seem to really hate me in those parts, so I'll use these full time," Seira says, tapping her right earring. "People expect to see the dragon me, so even though I look pretty much the same where it counts, no one really connects the two appearances. Kinda weird, but I guess that's how people are."
[22:20] <Kotono> "People expect tos ee a well dressed elf surrounded by wealth and honor when they think of Lady Gaial, not a woman travelling in human lands..." Amaryl murmurs. "That's how it'll go as well, won't it?"
01[22:23] <Seira> "Probably," Seira agrees. "We could masquerade as humans, if you want to. You would make a pretty human woman and no amount of cheap clothing is going to hide that, though."
[22:31] <Kotono> Another blush colors Amaryl's cheeks, "Thank you," she says.
01[22:32] <Seira> "For saying the truth? Any time!"
[22:35] <Kotono> Reaching over to hug Seira, "We'll see the world, have adventures and come home safely in the end?" she asks, whispering to her.
03[22:37] * emotoro-WAHLOOKATME-slp is now known as emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah
01[22:38] <Seira> "That's the plan," Seira says, easing into the hug with a contented sigh. "There's a lot of the world to see, Amaryl, much more than any of us ever expected. And I want to see it all with you one day."
03[22:39] * emotoroWAHLOOKATMEblah is now known as TOROTOROTOROKO
[22:40] <Kotono> "I can't wait," Amaryl says fondly. OOC - Seira, are you good with skipping ahead now? Also, if so, was there anything you wanted to do in Pallanth before you guys leave in the morning?
01[22:40] <Seira> OOC: Nothing I need to do IC. I assume she's on break, basically?
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC: Basically.
01[22:57] <Seira> OOC: Let's go, then. Human template go?
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.

[Corwin]

[18:15] <Kotono> --------------------(Arrow Ko)--
[18:18] <Kotono> The next morning starts early, well before dawn. The two meet under the cover of night, the Gaial estate nearly silent. Amaryl stands before Seira, wearing a finely polished chain shirt, a quiver of bows on her back and a longbow over them. A plain gray cloak covers her shoulders as she shifts, the clink of glass bottles coming from a bag tied to her side. "So...how do I look?"
01[18:21] <Seira> "I was right. You still look pretty," Seira returns, eyeing the chainshirt appreciatively. "But I think it's missing something." She fishes around her pack, before offering an amulet to Amaryl. "Our, well, our family is pretty young since Dad's an orphan and everything, but if we had stuff like heirlooms, this would be it. I think it'd look great on you. If you want it. It's okay if you don't."
[18:25] <Kotono> Looking over the amulet, Amaryl takes it in her hand. "I like it...is it magic?" Peering down at it, "What does it do?"
01[18:27] <Seira> "It uses the power of bad dragons to keep you safe! There was that one that used all sorts of shadowy stuff, and one that really liked lightning... and now, so could you! But in a good way."
[18:28] <Kotono> Slowly draping it around her neck, "Thank you, Seira," she embraces her briefly, "I'll tell you how much I like it once we're gone from the Citadel. How fast and quietly can be leave here?"
01[18:31] <Seira> "Unless your house recently acquired wards against dimensional travel, and I mean within the last few hours, we can leave right now. My ring should take us far enough, and it's pretty quiet!"
[18:33] <Kotono> "Let's go," Taking Seira's hand quickly, "Let's go far away and not worry about anything in Pallanth, Seira."
06[18:37] * Seira adjusts her disguise to appear as she would have, having been born a human, and thinks about Valandia, the next best thing to Malmuth. "One day you'll trust me enough to share those worries," she says, activating the ring.
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 1d100
05[18:38] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Alicia invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[18:38] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[18:38] * Alicia sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[18:38] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[18:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 26." [1d100=26]
[18:41] <Kotono> OOC: Where in Valandia?
06[18:42] * Seira pictures an area next to the summer home Claris promised for her.
[18:46] <Kotono> Under the blanket of late night, Seira and Amaryl appear! Ferdi's palace in Valandia is quiet - a few guards are about at the door in the distance, but nothing is awry otherwise. To a glance in the darkness, this part of Valandia is asleep until dawn's first light.
01[18:48] <Seira> "I don't believe the Waukeen temple here is anywhere near completion," Seira says sadly, "but there are caravans going to and from Malmuth all the time. We could just join one of them. Want to go look around as the city wakes up in the meantime?"
[18:50] <Kotono> "Sure," Amaryl says cheerfully, taking Seira's hand in her own still. "Can you show me aroudn the city...it's so different from the Citadel or other elven cities. It looks different, smells different...there's so few trees, just like Balmuria."
01[18:52] <Seira> "Of course I can!" Seira agrees readily. She had been there before, which is as good as knowing all the good spots to visit. "Let's start with a tour to the temple of Lathander, because they'll be the first ones up, and given Claris goes there it's the most impressive temple here. Until ours gets built!"
[19:05] <Kotono> Valandia is well patrolled, that much is obvious. Regiments of guards walk the streets, though Seira's words and identity are enough to deflect any stoppages. You reach the Temple of Lathander just before dawn. It's doors are closed for now, two white robed priests standing and peering at the horizon intently, waiting.
01[19:08] <Seira> "Let's wait and see what happens?" Seira suggests to Amaryl. "I've never actually seen it for myself before."
[19:16] <Kotono> As the two hang back, the two robed priests wait. As the night begins to fade, they stare ever more intently at the horizon! As dawn approaches, they abruptly move! With swift actions they open the door to the temple! It's timed flawlessly, opening just as a ray of sunshine peeks up over the night sky's end. The light spills into the temple inside, a large, golden sun engraved into the floor. It catches the light there, glowing like a secondary
[19:16] <Kotono>  It catches the light there, glowing like a secondary sun coming to life. Music begins to play from within, a melody of awakening and growth from a flute.
[19:18] <Kotono> Amaryl watches it raptly, smiling by the end. "How pretty!" she stares at the sun coming to life.
01[19:19] <Seira> "Very nice," Seira agrees. "They should charge admission."
[19:24] <Kotono> One of the door openers smiles, a young man who sighs as the sunlight becomes to rise from the night. "That would be heresy. Lathander gives his gifts of renewal to all that ask. Dawnbringer Claris will be intoning the morning sermon, if you'd like to attend."
06[19:25] * Seira glances at Amaryl. "He's pretty cool. Wanna come in and take a look?"
[19:28] <Kotono> "Yes! It sounds fun." Amaryl looks inside, peering. You can see stained glass windows of fine construction, showing scenes of the sun rising and a youthful man holding a baby in his hands up to the sun's light.
01[19:29] <Seira> "Then it's settled!" Seira agrees. "Maybe Claris would point us in the right direction afterwards, too, so we'll have time to tour the rest of the city without worrying about a caravan contract."
[19:32] <Kotono> Thus the two come inside. Inside has no pews or chairs or anything. It's all open space around the sun and a single altar of wood, the scent of the morning air ciruclating in. Within minutes the room is as well lit as noon, people starting to file in. Mostly lay people, some waiting, while others are talking amid themselves. A pair are even discussing something and signing some papers.
06[19:33] * Seira finds a spot in what passes for the first row. It has to have the best view!
[19:41] <Kotono> Within ten minutes the church is filled. Coming from the back is Claris, wearing robes of white and gold, carrying a single vibrantly red rose in one hand and a holy symbol of Lathander in another. He places both down on the altar and clears his throat. Silence sweeps over the hall as he looks about, gaze lingering on Seira for a little time.
06[19:43] * Seira gives him a little nod when he looks her way, smiling.
[19:46] <Kotono> "Another day has come, the promise of renewal realised for all. Today, I'd like to talk about the renewal of Valandia. It has been some time since the end of the war." There's some light murmurs there, an undercurrent that drowns back down once Claris pauses a few moments. "When things look the darkest, like the time just before the dawn, it is easy to lose hope. Valandia had lost much at the end of the war. Many of our friends gave their lives
[19:47] <Kotono> Valandia had lost much at the end of the war. Many of our friends gave their lives in defense of the city, or in the seige aftewards with the loyalist forces of General Olburt." (More)
[19:49] <Kotono> "It was a time when many despaired, when the dawn looked as if it would never come." He pause shere, looking over the gathered worshippers. "Yet today, I bring this to you - Valandia has reached that dawn. The scars of war have begin to heal and vanish. Prosperity has begun to return, trade and bounty restoring what was lost. The walls are repaired, the buildings restored. While nothing can bring back those who have left our company, new lives
[19:49] <Kotono> While nothing can bring back those who have left our company, new lives are born every day in Valandia." (More)
[19:51] <Kotono> "In this morning light, I ask you to ponder and see how our fair city rebuilds and is rewened. In this promise the light of Lanthander willl eternally blossom. No matter the darkness that comes over us, there will always be another dawn. So it is written by the hand of Lathander and so it shall be forever more." After, there is clapping from the assembled.
06[19:53] * Seira claps herself in approval. "I've been worrying about this," she whispers to Amaryl. "If Valandia was going to recover any time soon. Hearing Claris talk, it sounds like we're on the right track."
[19:54] <Kotono> "It was uplifting," Amaryl whispers back as she joins in the clapping. Claris steps away from the altar, a short nod to Seira as he approaches. "It's good to see you. We can talk in length within the hour in private quarters, but for now, my duties call to the faithful."
01[19:55] <Seira> "Sure thing," Seira agrees, keeping her voice low. "I'll stop by in an hour or so, then? We can do introductions properly then, too."
[19:56] <Kotono> "You can stay here if you want, I won't be on official duties until af ew hours into the morning," he says back. "Meet me here and ask one of the priests to take you back, or meet me at work."
06[19:58] * Seira nods, turning towards Amaryl as Claris moves on to the faithful. "Back when Valandia joined the Baronies, there was a lot of bad blood towards us. But the worst part were the lies and rumors, most of them having to do with King Ferdi. You sometimes have to fight fire with fire, so I arranged for our own propaganda to counter theirs.
01[19:58] <Seira> It isn't too early in the morning to go and check up on that, if you'd like."
[20:07] <Kotono> "It's not open yet," Glancing back, "It doesn't open for an hour or two, but I can have that waived if you'd like a tour." Claris says. "You'll have it all to yourselves.":
01[20:08] <Seira> "How about it?" Seira suggests. "A private tour sounds fun, too!"
[20:15] <Kotono> "Sure," Amaryl smiles a little to Claris, "Thank you very much."
01[20:16] <Seira> "Thanks!" Seira echoes her.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Let's go then," Amaryl says brightly, "I want to see what this is now."
06[20:21] * Seira is quite excited herself to see the show!
[20:26] <Kotono> The trip in the early morning is without incident. People are rising and going to work in Valandia, a backdrop as they arrive at Ferdi's old palace. M uch of the damage has been restored. at least from the outside. A set of guards stay at the front door, parting to let the two in. One eyes Seira long, "The bulk of it's up the stairs and in the repaired room. I think you know the way."
06[20:27] * Seira does, as a matter of fact. She nods in thanks, and leads the way up. It's strange, but she hadn't been back ever since that day. And she didn't think herself especially prone to nostalgia, too.
[20:30] <Kotono> The door inside lead to the front stair. The side passages are cordoned off with rope, making it essentially a one way path. An engraved plaque has been placed on a small stone pedestool next to the stairs.
01[20:30] <Seira> That certainly looks like a nice touch. Seira pauses before the plaque to read it.
[20:33] <Kotono> In Common it reads the following: Ahead lies the pride of one man and the ruination of a country. Ponder well the follies of pride and the downfalls it leads even mighty men to.
06[20:36] * Seira reads it aloud, finding herself nodding to the words. "I do hope it doesn't make me a hypocrite to agree," she mentions to Amaryl, "since I'm not quite at that stage I'm willing to let go of my own pride. But hey, it hasn't lead my nation to ruin yet, right?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Right," Amaryl smiles to Seira, starting to walk up the stairs, "I gathered this is where you defeated King Ferdi?"
01[20:43] <Seira> "His final moments were pretty funny," Seira responds with a smile of her own. "But still, what a waste. We all went out of our way to accomodate him, and he just struck at us for no reason that could be considered good. If we hadn't done this, how many soldiers would have lost their lives? And how many of our citizens, from their idiotic firebombing runs?
01[20:43] <Seira> And the Valandia siege... we caved in again to outside pressure, because Queen Tant wanted to make a point. I wonder how many could've been saved had we just taken down Olburt ourselves."
[20:52] <Kotono> "There's a saying Lord Ambrose taught me...that politics are about compromising while still doing what's right," Amaryl murmurs as they crest the top of the stairs, the door leading into Ferdi's old improptu throne room ahead.
[20:53] <Kotono> "I don't know how true it is, but...which is more important? That sounds llike what you're getting at."
01[20:55] <Seira> "I think that's true," Seira agrees. "And it certainly gives us a good result in the end. But sometimes, I wonder. What if things could be different? Better? I think... I think that one day, I will be powerful enough to see if I could make a change in the entire way this game of politics is played."
[21:00] <Kotono> "I don't know..." Amaryl murmurs, "That's a lot to do. Lord Silverleaf...he didn't say it to me, but it stuck anyway. 'Politics only reinforces our base nature.' Can that really be changed?"
01[21:05] <Seira> "I think it can be," Seira states with the utmost conviction. "That's what I'm trying to do when I'm spreading Waukeen's word. If one's nature could not be changed, then I'm plainly wasting my time. But I've seen too much to believe that. Plus... we're all given a choice the outsiders lack, aren't we?
01[21:06] <Seira> The ability to decide right from wrong, to choose our path in life? We're not devils, or angels, or animated clockwork golems from Mechanus. We have our will. If that's so, it's just a matter of showing people a better way of life."
[21:06] <Kotono> Amaryl nods you come up to the door. She's quiet for a little while, then, "The ones that choose not to listen...they're the enemies and the horrible men?"
01[21:08] <Seira> "The ones who choose not to listen are the stupid ones, really," Seira responds. "It's those that weigh everything and choose the wrong path that are inevitably our enemies, more often than not."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Yes." Amaryl merely nods to that, then, "Shall we go in?"
01[21:14] <Seira> With a curt nod, Seira pushes the door open.
[21:18] <Kotono> As you enter inside, magic is woven! Images form in the air! Here you can see King Ferdi, General Olburt, Alicia, Seira, Claris and Demedais! It's more or less like that confrontation is unfolding again, albiet with slightly exagerrated lines.
01[21:20] <Seira> Ferdi's guard was clearly edited out to refocus the scene into what must amount to a battle of ideas between their sides, with Ferdi's fate being sealed in the end. Seira approves of the change, observing the reenactment and Amaryl's reaction to it.
[21:23] <Kotono> Everyone is quite wordy - it's a descontrution of Ferdi's ideas, with the king's arguments being rebutted with good arguments. As it unfolds, "You look so majestic..." Amaryl gushes.
06[21:26] * Seira barely stops herself from laughing. But cheesy or not, this had to have been effective in helping turn the mood of the populace and, perhaps, even trickled back to Malmuth proper to counter the old guard's lies. She has trouble believing Claris would've allowed it to proceed otherwise.
03[21:33] * taisick is now known as taisicker
[21:38] <Kotono> Then the battle begins! It's an epic one, with Ferdi and Olburt slowly losing! They're outmatched but fight hard, until at a dramatic point, the dragon comes! The ceiling seems to vanish, the vast golden wyrm seen above! It roars as it passed judgment on the corrupt regime!
06[21:38] * Seira cheers!
[21:46] <Kotono> Amaryl watches as the dragon obliterates Ferdi into ash! As it finishes, "How lovely! It was like watching a real event!"
01[21:48] <Seira> "Yes! The dragon was the best part!" she comments brightly. "He was a bit longwinded and stuffy, but that's okay because he set Ferdi on fire until he died from it!"
[21:54] <Kotono> As the images fade, you see that there are several plaques on the throne and walls now. Amaryl steps forward, "It must have been a difficult battle."
01[21:57] <Seira> "And as all truly difficult battles, it was very brief," Seira murmurs, going to the plaque on the wall to her right, intending on circling the room to read them all in order. "Ferdi cheated. You don't really see it here, but in a single move he took most of us out before we even had a chance to strike.
01[21:57] <Seira> He wasn't very thorough, however, and even while not in our right minds, we were capable of bringing him down. That was his mistake, I suppose."
[22:03] <Kotono> "You were still impressive," Amaryl says as her face splits with a smile, "It was inspired to make that. Surely it's shown many about the truth of the matter?"
01[22:04] <Seira> "I hope so!" Seira agrees, smiling back. "It's a step in the right direction."
[22:07] <Kotono> "Shall we go see Claris now?" Amaryl asks, "He seemed like a nice man. You fought with him here?"
01[22:08] <Seira> "Yes," Seira affirms, starting to head back downstairs. "It made him question his faith, facing a man he thought highly of, a monarch he once swore allegience to. We fought together in the desert wasteland, too, against demons and the forces of Irenes. Claris is one of a select few I trust without question."
[22:10] <Kotono> The plaques have more details and lessons about King Ferdi's crimes. Interesting stuff, though Seira's familiar with it on a firsthand basis already.
06[22:11] * Seira is curious whether there is a journal of some sort where the visitors could leave their impressions. If certain questions, doubts or counter-claims exist, it might be prudent to adjust the presentation to address them.
[22:15] <Kotono> No such luck there, as far as Siera can see.
01[22:16] <Seira> Then that would have to be her suggestion for improvement, when she sees Claris. And Seira sees no reason to delay the reunion any further.

[Corwin]

[19:16] <Kotono> <Seira> "And as all truly difficult battles, it was very brief," Seira murmurs, going to the plaque on the wall to her right, intending on circling the room to read them all in order. "Ferdi cheated. You don't really see it here, but in a single move he took most of us out before we even had a chance to strike.
[19:16] <Kotono> <Seira> He wasn't very thorough, however, and even while not in our right minds, we were capable of bringing him down. That was his mistake, I suppose."
[19:16] <Kotono> > "You were still impressive," Amaryl says as her face splits with a smile, "It was inspired to make that. Surely it's shown many about the truth of the matter?"
[19:16] <Kotono> <Seira> "I hope so!" Seira agrees, smiling back. "It's a step in the right direction."
[19:16] <Kotono> > "Shall we go see Claris now?" Amaryl asks, "He seemed like a nice man. You fought with him here?"
[19:16] <Kotono> <Seira> "Yes," Seira affirms, starting to head back downstairs. "It made him question his faith, facing a man he thought highly of, a monarch he once swore allegience to. We fought together in the desert wasteland, too, against demons and the forces of Irenes. Claris is one of a select few I trust without question."
[19:17] <Kotono> > The plaques have more details and lessons about King Ferdi's crimes. Interesting stuff, though Seira's familiar with it on a firsthand basis already.
[19:17] <Kotono> * Seira is curious whether there is a journal of some sort where the visitors could leave their impressions. If certain questions, doubts or counter-claims exist, it might be prudent to adjust the presentation to address them.
[19:17] <Kotono> > No such luck there, as far as Siera can see.
[19:17] <Kotono> <Seira> Then that would have to be her suggestion for improvement, when she sees Claris. And Seira sees no reason to delay the reunion any further.
[19:21] <Kotono> Atop the third floor of the Temple of Lathander, there is a wide open glass view to the east and west. It lets in the gushing morning sunlight over a personal office. Here Claris sits at a table near the window, eating breakfast and looking out as the sun begins to ascend into the sky.
01[19:23] <Seira> "We're back!" Seira announces brightly, stepping over to Claris's table. "Thanks for the pass, having the place for ourselves was great!"
[19:24] <Kotono> "Help yourself to the morning bread if you're hungry," Claris gestures easily as Amaryl follows Seira. "I'mg lad you liked it. Opinions on it vary quite sharply."
01[19:26] <Seira> "It's a bit overdone, to be honest," Seira admits, waiting for Amaryl to sit down before taking a seat next to her. "But it's a really good step in the right direction. In fact, I was thinking we should keep a scribe to note down all those opinions so that we could improve the presentation even further."
[19:28] <Kotono> "We erred on the side of being direct," Claris agrees as he eats his breakfast. "In all truth, it may win the undecides, but the true loyalists aren't going to be budged. At least the openly militant ones have nearly ran their course."
[19:29] <Kotono> Smiling as she takes a few small tears of bread, "I heard there were quiet problems with partisans on occasion?"
01[19:30] <Seira> "It was never really going to erode the loyalists, but it might make them quieter and less effective if their arguments could be countered by everyone," Seira notes.
[19:31] <Kotono> "They whisper it's lies and propaganda. But yes, there were partisan problems but they're fading. There's no evidence of Malmuth supporting them that we've found, which is a blessing unto itself."
01[19:32] <Seira> "They probably don't want to give us another barony," Seira states rather bluntly. "That aside!" She turns towards Amaryl. "I don't believe you've ever been formally introduced, right?"
[19:33] <Kotono> Rising up, "Dawnbringer, I am Amaryl Gaial, of House Gaial," she makes a delicate curtesy, "I'm honored to meet you."
[19:34] <Kotono> Claris smiles, "Claris, govenor of the Barony of Valandia," He nods back to her, "That's enough formality."
01[19:35] <Seira> "Yes," Seira agrees. "Claris is a really great priest. He kicks much evil ass."
[19:38] <Kotono> "That's...a way of putting it. Though I punish paperworks and governing more now," As he eats a bit of buttered bread, "How has your end of things been, Seira?"
01[19:39] <Seira> "Pretty horrible. Thus my vacation." Seira frowns. "Although that's not quite right, either. I was going to go on vacation anyway."
[19:43] <Kotono> "I've heard murmurings here and there about problems with outsiders and devils. Nothing concrete...I don't get all that much gossip from Balmuria." With a certain wry amusement as he eats, "At least not about those matters."
01[19:44] <Seira> "If you really want to stay up to date on the gossip, I could arrange it," Seira offers. "If you mean you're actually not getting informed on our moves, then that's pretty horrible and you can be damn sure I'll arrange for a change in policy."
[19:46] <Kotono> "It's fine." Claris shakes his head, "Between my duties here and Valandia, I hardly hav etime to invest myself in Balmuria's going ons. But do go on if you wish."
01[19:47] <Seira> "Since some of our actions must affect Valandia, I'll work on this once I return," Seira promises. "Hell, we're even informing our allies! It's downright uncivil to keep a governor on our Malmuthian border in the dark."
[19:51] <Kotono> With an ever so slight smile, "If you're bend on it, a few quiet word to my aides would be most effective, I think. They're admirably dedicated to their duty, to the point of being cloying in certain matters, such as this."
06[19:56] * Seira blinks. "They're fat?"
[19:57] <Kotono> Claris simply blinks at that. "What?"
01[19:57] <Seira> "Cloying, you said?"
[19:58] <Kotono> "Nevermind," Claris shakes his head. "So you're going to vacation? Where are you going?"
01[19:59] <Seira> "Malmuth," Seira responds with a glance at Amaryl. "We're sorta going in disguise. What do you think? Is it a good disguise?"
[20:04] <Kotono> "Good enough. Can you adjust it in case someone makes a connection or gets lucky?" Pushing away his cleaned plate now, "Even if Queen Tant is friendly, I doubt all of Malmuth will be."
01[20:05] <Seira> "Do we need papers to go there? Legally, I mean?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "No. I can arrainge for an easier border crossing, though. You shouldn't have any problems with that."
[20:06] <Kotono> As Amaryl nibbles on bread, "I-I have a question about this," she murmurs.
06[20:07] * Seira pauses as she's about to thank Claris. "What is it?" she asks, giving Amaryl her attention.
[20:09] <Kotono> "I heard all about how humans are too barbaric to unite as one race. Well, in my studies as a child, that is." Putting aside the little nibbles of bread, "You two talk about it like it's accepted and normal in your eyes. Borders, papers, wars...why? All of the humans I've met here or in Balmuria don't seem barbaric in word."
01[20:12] <Seira> "We have good rulers. Some of this is due to leading by example, some of that trickling down," Seira responds. "I'm not really sure why it's barbaric to have borders. It's the same thing as how our baronies are banded together under a single banner, but are pretty autonomous in most things, just on a bigger scale."
06[20:14] * Seira considers the situation in Pallanth, which might be easier for Amaryl to understand, before adding, "You have land, right? Lots of it? And you respect Sir Ambrose, agreeing with him on many things. But does it mean you would hand over your land to him if he asked?"
[20:17] <Kotono> "No, but he's not the King. I understand the point, still," Smiling a little to Seira, "I think I do."
06[20:19] * Seira smiles back. "It's just one answer! I bet others would have their own. Maybe we could ask as we travel?"
[20:21] <Kotono> "That would be fun to find out," Amaryl smiles right back, thinking. "I'd love to find out."
[20:25] <Kotono> OOC: Skip ahead?
01[20:26] <Seira> OOC: Sure
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC: How far ahead do you wanan go?
01[20:30] <Seira> OOC: We would like to go with some caravan to the nearest Malmuthian town, so until something happens. Something doesn't have to mean combat, either.
03[20:38] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
Session Close: Mon Feb 09 20:38:52 2009

Session Start: Mon Feb 09 20:38:52 2009
Session Ident: #dunes
02[20:38] * Disconnected
02[20:39] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[20:39] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[20:39] * Topic is 'Seira>Demedais>Albert Kesse>Alicia>Celebrimbor>Antenora>Allt he rabble'
03[20:39] * Set by Kolunch on Sun Jan 25 20:49:59
03[20:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
03[20:39] * taisick is now known as tai-cls-woomphwoomphwoomph
[20:44] <Kotono> The trip to the Malmuthian border is without incident. The countryside is quiet and normal enough in the cooling fall breeze. Without much in the way of the ocean to moderate it, it feels chillier down here, winds from the northeast bringing light shivers. Nonetheless you travel on. The caravan you go with is pretty unremarkable - a bunch of traders stationed in Valandia, who go as far as Purinn to Arad depending on how business takes them. The
[20:44] <Kotono> who go as far as Purinn to Arad depending on how business takes them. They're not much for talking, though. (More)
[20:48] <Kotono> On the third night travelling, as the caravan breaks for the night, "Seira," Amaryl slides close to her, "I think some game would compliment the trail rations tonight, don't you think so?"
06[20:50] * Seira freezes. "Well... yes," she agrees with a wince. "Umm. Remember how I'm bad with letters and stuff? I'm also kinda bad with games like that, so you'll have to teach me."
[20:54] <Kotono> "You don't know how to hunt?" Amaryl blinks. "Oh, well, I suppose it's easy when you can just magic up food."
01[20:58] <Seira> "Oh!" Seira exclaims. "That sort of game!" She looks abashed. "And actually, no, I don't really know how to do that, either. I'm pretty horrible at the whole survivalist deal. Hence me always traveling with a group or a guide?"
[21:00] <Kotono> "What did you think I meant, then?"A maryl blushes at that, "But..um...I can teach you! You know how to shoot a bow and have a lot of experience fighting, don't you?"
01[21:02] <Seira> "I'm out of practice but I don't have to keep on practicing to put an arrow through game," Seira confirms, nodding. "And I was thinking... you know, games? Campfire stories? Ghost stories? Dancing, maybe?" She looks uncomfortable. "See, I read about this stuff! But I never got to do it. I don't know how normal people travel and keep entertained."
03[21:10] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[21:11] <Kotono> "Maybe after we have dinner?" Amaryl suggests, "That's what bards are for, but maybe we can wing it?"
01[21:12] <Seira> "I can fake being a bard," Seira agrees. "I spend enough time around one and everything."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Really? Can you sing?" Amaryl asks, blushing a little, "Can you?"
01[21:20] <Seira> "I'm somewhat proud of my voice," Seira confides in her. "But it feels like people in my position aren't expected to do that, so I don't, usually."
[21:21] <Kotono> Taking Seira's hand as he cheeks color darkly in the fading sunlight, "Why don't you sing as we go out to find some game, then?"
06[21:28] * Seira can't help but think it incredibly cute, and finds her resistance crumbling. "Well, alright," she concedes, ducking her head. "An elven song is alright, isn't it?" Without waiting for an answer, Seira begins singing the lyrics to Whisper of a Flower.
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: Make a performance(singing) check?
01[21:29] <Seira> OOC: I'm fine with 10 for 20? I rarely go out of my way on skills.
[21:31] <Kotono> As you walk into the fading day, Seira's song fills the air! Amaryl listens ot it and by the end claps. "Oh, that's good," she says, "You have a good voice, Seira! You should've become a bard!"
01[21:33] <Seira> "It's really the song, not me," Seira responds. "It's melancholic, but strangely uplifting at the same time. And it's quiet, but without lulling you to sleep. Something about it draws you out."
[21:37] <Kotono> "I really liked it. Do you know any others like that?" As dusk falls on the plains, Amaryl's eyes are sweeping about.
05[21:39] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:39] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[21:39] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[21:39] <Seira> "I know all sorts, but I've only ever really sang children's songs before, so it might not be the same without some practice," Seira admits. "I do know of a song with a more powerful impact! It feels like it drives you onwards-- I think that without the accompanying music it won't really be the same, but there's only one way to find out."
01[21:39] <Seira> And no better time to do that than now!
01[21:40] <Seira> roll 1d20+10
06[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30." [1d20=20]
01[21:43] <Seira> roll 3d6
06[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 3d6 and gets 15." [3d6=6, 4, 5]
[21:44] <Kotono> This time Seira hits it way out of the park! She sings like she's never sung before! Amaryl stops and listens, her scanning for possible prey coming to an abrupt stop! "Oh...oh..."
01[21:46] <Seira> "It's, well, it's about a chance meeting turning into destiny," Seira starts to babble as soon as the song fades away. "And gazing, and letting go if I have to, but really wanting to hold someone with both hands, and a loneliness otherwise, and about dreams...."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Oh..." Amaryl's eyes sparkle as she stares right ahead at Seira. "That was so gorgeous...I..."
01[21:51] <Seira> "You're the inspiration," Seira blurts out. "Because it was for you."
[21:52] <Kotono> Glomp. Seira finds Amaryl hugging her tightly, wordless but pressed against her.
01[21:56] <Seira> That means she liked it, Seira thinks, but finds herself at a loss for words. Maybe singing more often would be a good idea.
[21:59] <Kotono> She stays this way for a little while, before turning fire red and breaking away. "Oh! I nearly forgot about hunting!"
01[21:59] <Seira> "It was worth it," Seira voices.
[22:04] <Kotono> "Yes..." Blushing hotter again, "That song was so...so...Seira." Taking a moment, "Do you know any romantic songs at all?"
01[22:06] <Seira> "Not from start to finish," Seira says regretfully. "I mean. Not something bards would call a romantic ballad. I know a few verses here and there. But I could learn, if you'd like."
[22:08] <Kotono> "That would be...good." Her blush turns hotter, and abruptly Amaryl turns away. "Yes...yes...but let's fine some game a-already?"
01[22:09] <Seira> "Let's," Seira agrees, drawing her bow. "It's your show from here, Amaryl," she says warmly.
[22:11] <Kotono> OOC - Spot checks both of you then?
01[22:11] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 30." [1d20=16]
[22:15] <Kotono> Seira has no luck, but after about ten minutes Amaryl stops. "Shhh, there's a few rabbits low onthe ground, about 70 feet away," she whispers, "A pair or three of them would suffice."
06[22:17] * Seira has no problems whatsoever with following Amaryl's lead, waiting for her to point them out clearly and prepare herself. Surely, her eyes would not fail her then!
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Move silent checks, both of you?
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 35." [1d20=15]
01[22:25] <Seira> roll 1d20+24
06[22:25] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+24 and gets 41." [1d20=17]
[22:32] <Kotono> The two creep forward with ease, a clutch of four rabbits within sight! Amaryl carefully draws her bow! "Ready?"
01[22:33] <Seira> Her bow already drawn, all that's left is for Seira to notch an arrow and give Amaryl a cocky grin and a nod.
[22:42] <Kotono> "On three...one...two...three!" Amaryl quickly fires an arrow that splits into two!
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30." [1d20=19]
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 2d8+2
06[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+2 and gets 9." [2d8=4, 3]
01[22:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+16 whee~
06[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+16 whee~ and gets 25." [1d20=9]
01[22:43] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+5d6 splat
06[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8+1+5d6 splat and gets 24." [1d8=7][5d6=4, 3, 2, 1, 6]
[22:45] <Kotono> Two rabibts are impaled by arrows! Both are slain instantly, the other twor unning off. "That should be enough," Amaryl murmurs, and then, "See? It's simple enough. Rabbits are a small target but if you catch them by surprise they're easy prey."
06[22:46] * Seira nods. "I would've just used magic on them, which is overkill. This was more fun!"
[22:47] <Kotono> Hurrying over, "I practiced on rabbits when I was training." Going to check thet wo over, "They're good practice."
06[22:48] * Seira catches up at a more sedate pace, stowing the bow away. "Did you have to practice on your own, or you managed to find some help?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "I found some help," Kneeling as she starts to work the rabbits, "I was able to get some and spend plenty of time with him...Sir Ambrose helped me." A faint pause here, Amaryl looking down at them. "It worked out okay."
01[22:55] <Seira> Ambrose seemed like a pretty okay guy but Seira can't help but hate him a little. "You know how you can have two conflicting emotions at the same time?" Seira says, kneeling by Amaryl to help out however she can. "I'm really happy for you, but I'm also pretty jealous. The worst part is that it's not really rational at all, too, and I know it."
[23:04] <Kotono> "Really?" Amaryl blinks there, "...oh, you mean...?"
01[23:08] <Seira> "He's pretty great all around, and you spend most of your time with him," Seira says with a shrug. "You know? That's really the worst part. I sometimes wish I had some reason to dislike him!"
[23:11] <Kotono> "Oh." AMaryl turns really bright, "Seira, I...don't worry about Sir Ambrose, alright? I mean, just....Well...I'm here with you. I don't want to go back to Pallanth anytime soon. Let's not worry about any of that."
01[23:16] <Seira> "I'm running out of things to worry about," Seira grumbles good-naturedly. "Okay. I just. There are things, not a lot of things, but there are things I lack confidence in. That's all. But the longer I'm with you, the less I let them bother me." She throws her hands up in annoyance. "Oh, I must be explaining it badly!"

[Corwin]

[16:03] <Kotono> <Seira> "He's pretty great all around, and you spend most of your time with him," Seira says with a shrug. "You know? That's really the worst part. I sometimes wish I had some reason to dislike him!"
[16:03] <Kotono> > "Oh." AMaryl turns really bright, "Seira, I...don't worry about Sir Ambrose, alright? I mean, just....Well...I'm here with you. I don't want to go back to Pallanth anytime soon. Let's not worry about any of that."
[16:03] <Kotono> <Seira> "I'm running out of things to worry about," Seira grumbles good-naturedly. "Okay. I just. There are things, not a lot of things, but there are things I lack confidence in. That's all. But the longer I'm with you, the less I let them bother me." She throws her hands up in annoyance. "Oh, I must be explaining it badly!"
[16:04] <Kotono> "A-a little," Still colored q uite red, "L-let's just take these back to camp now? I'm getting hungry."
01[16:08] <Seira> "A camp is good," Seira agrees, accepting the change of topic. It's the best she can do until she can find the right words to express herself, anyway. "So how is it so far, just traveling like that?"
[16:09] <Kotono> "My feet hurt," Amaryl gathers up the rabbits, "All the walking and riding leaves me sore." Making a face at that, "I didn't imagine that part at all."
01[16:10] <Seira> "I can help with that!" Seira offers. "Even without magic! This happens to be one of my skills."
[16:12] <Kotono> "Can you?" As you start to walk back into the dawning night, "I'm getting blisters on my feet."
06[16:15] * Seira grins. "Sure! That's a promise."
[16:27] <Kotono> Thus the night and then the next day continues on. Soon the Malmuthian border is passed without incident, the caravan being waved through without any overt difficulties. Once you pass through, Amaryl lingers towards Seira. "You wanted to visit the first town past the border, didn'tyou?"
01[16:29] <Seira> "See the mood, check if there's anything they need, learn more about what's going on in the rest of the country," Seira agrees. "These things always take time, unless you take unethical shortcuts, since you can't just show up in Queen Tant's throne room and demand to know what plagues her country."
[16:31] <Kotono> "I heard there was one a few hours from here. The caravan master said it's called Perseph. Shall we," Starting to continue along, "We'll make it there by noon hopefully."
06[16:33] * Seira nods. "I've never been there, so it sounds perfect. I do hope they treat random visitors better than they did me last time I was in Malmuth, though."
[16:34] <Kotono> "Really? What happened?" As you travel under the cloudy sky, a chilly wind gusting in from the northeast, Amaryl shivers.
03[16:36] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
06[16:37] * Seira comes a bit closer, sharing her cloak with Amaryl. "I came across two soldiers who were extremely rude, and I was... in a really bad state. They were lucky that I kept my cool, and the sad part is that they did not even realize it until I've left.
01[16:37] <Seira> I really hope my troops aren't like that when I'm out of earshot, all filled with anger to the point it blinds them to their duties and the best interests of their country."
[16:42] <Kotono> Huddling into the cloak for warmth, "Did you do anything to anger them, or was it because of the war?"
01[16:43] <Seira> "The war, really," Seira says, frowning, "but it seems the anger was there even before it. It's funny, how I came to represent the secession of the Baronies from the Empire, even though I was nowhere near the human lands at that time."
[16:48] <Kotono> "Maybe you're just covinent, being a big symbol of the Baronies in the last war?" Amaryl hazards, "It's not really fair."
01[16:50] <Seira> "Better me than someone else, then," Seira says with a shrug. "But just for a while, I'm taking a vacation from that me."
[16:51] <Kotono> With that, the two continue on! Perseph is a moderately sized village clustered around a small lake and hill. Trade roads connect to it, caravans passing through on the way to Purinn or perhaps taking the long way towards Tauret. The buildings are sturdy ones, many of them looking older.
01[16:54] <Seira> Purinn, Tauret... Seira doesn't really have a preference for their next destination, and decides to just see where the road takes them. "We could try to find an inn and listen to all sorts of exciting rumors before staying for the night," she offers. "Sounds good?"
[16:55] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl agrees to that. Your travels take you to a well kept - if run down anyway - inn called the Silver Foolsmith. OOC - Do you want to try to seek out info with RP or roll a gather info check, Seira?
01[16:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 this time
06[16:57] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 this time and gets 29." [1d20=18]
[16:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 trying to aid
06[16:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 trying to aid and gets 16." [1d20=15]
[17:04] <Kotono> Seira finds out the following:
[17:05] <Kotono> Armas the leatherworker died last week in a drowning accident in the lake. Services were today and the entire town is still reflecting on the misfortune. (More)
[17:07] <Kotono> The town is becoming prosperous lately. Being near the new border and the changes it engenders means more traffic passes through this town. A few new merchant shops are looking to open within a few weeks.  (More)
[17:10] <Kotono> Jerek One-Eye recently came into a considerable sum of gold as a result of finding a large cache of treasure. An old adventurer who's lingered around Purinn and Malmuth for ten years, he's looking to settle down in this town. This ties in really well to the prosperity thing, adding even more money into the town as he has a dream house/fortress constructed a few miles away. (More)
[17:12] <Kotono> A few townspeople wish and reflect that the rest of Malmuth - one says ALL of Malmuth, with a dirty look northward - was doing so well. Queen Tant's been consolidating power and slowly starting to pare back the military because of all the expenses. (More)
[17:14] <Kotono> The latest rumor from Purinn says that Queen Tant's doing as huffle of town and city govenors and military generals. Less charitable folks say it's a purge, but only in soft whispers.
01[17:16] <Seira> "Purinn it is, then," Seira tells Amaryl quietly in their room at the end of a day spent listening in and chatting up people for the latest news from Malmuth. "Where there's a purge, there are lots of disgruntled people plotting to rebel and all that nasty stuff. I don't know if we could be there at the right time, but we'll certainly be going to the right place."
[17:23] <Kotono> Amaryl lies in the bed, her armor, bow and arrows put carefully down ont he floor. She lies in a soft green tunic and long skirt, eyes half closed. "Purge is such an ugly word. We would never do it like that in Pallanth." After a pause to yawn, "It reminded me of the Council. No one really agrees with each other, but the Queen does what she wants after listening to them. Except, it's being played out over an entire country instead of over a few
[17:23] <Kotono> played out over an entire country instead of over a few scions."
01[17:26] <Seira> "We don't really have purges, either," Seira agrees. For her part, she's by the window staring outside, her cloak keeping her warm. Once in a while, her gaze travels over to Amaryl.
01[17:26] <Seira> "But there's no sense in sugarcoating the truth, here. Sometimes, bad people seize power. Corrupt people. And they become so entrenched they are a phenomenon the rulers have to deal with, and no longer just a bad seed or two."
[17:33] <Kotono> "Human kingdoms are so strange at times." Amaryl marvels, "How can someone become entrenched in such a short period of time. Even a long serving human would not go more than thirty years, and that would be a rare one?"
01[17:33] <Seira> "Easily. Think in terms of dynasties."
[18:09] <Kotono> "Mmm." Amaryl isn't noisy for a little bit as she considers that. "You mean that corruption begets more corruption?"
01[18:12] <Seira> "The children of the corrupt, raised in that atmosphere and never knowing any better? Witnessing first hand how genuine reform is punished?" She closes the window, making her way to the bed to sit upon it. "It's all too easy to see how this might happen."
[18:12] <Kotono> Craning her neck to look to Seira as she does, "Oh?"
01[18:15] <Seira> "Most of us have role models," Seira elaborates. "But not all role models are good ones, and children are very impressionable."
[18:16] <Kotono> "So you blame it on customs and parents?"
03[18:19] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@pix050-144.pix.wmich.edu) has joined #dunes
01[18:22] <Seira> "Teachers. Older siblings. When everyone around you is like that, pretty soon...." Seira pauses. "Power has a lure as well, and unless your upbringing teaches you proper values it would be pretty easy to just give in."
[18:27] <Kotono> "Mmmmm. I wonder..is that why I have so many teachers and so many lessons?" Amaryl ponders.
01[18:29] <Seira> "It's probably because you're really, really rich," Seira tells her with an amused smile. "But it might account for the quality of your teachers!"
03[18:30] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
[18:38] <Kotono> Smiling at that a little, "I suppose it might...say Seira. You've never talked about how you grew up. There was the business with Filetta and SAul, but...what was your childhood like?"
03[18:47] * Sierra_Dreaming is now known as Devourlord_Sierra
01[18:48] <Seira> "What little I can remember was okay, with Dad teaching me little things. A bit of magic, a few tricks like that? Nothing fancy." She settles more comfortably on the bed. "Then he was tricked by Irenes and I was shuffled off to this boarding school, sort of. Once Filetta took over and stole Dad's cash, life got pretty damn bad and eventually I ran off to look for Dad."
06[18:48] * Seira frowns. "It was pretty upsetting to learn that he didn't have a real reason to not check in on me."
[18:54] <Kotono> "From all I know, your Dad seems to care about you. Why didn't he checkin on you, then?" Turning so she can easily look to Seira, "In the first place I mean."
01[18:59] <Seira> "Oversight?" Seira sighs. "The smartest of people can make the stupidest mistakes. He claimed he didn't want to get me involved in danger, and I get that. I would try to keep you safe from the worst parts, too, but cutting someone you love off like that? It feels wrong. Maybe... maybe Mom's death affected him a lot, and he didn't know how to deal with me?"
[19:06] <Kotono> "Maybe." Amaryl considers that, "Maybe he did just make a mistake. Sorry."
01[19:10] <Seira> "You... really don't have anything to apologize for, believe me." Seira shakes her head. "And that school wasn't too bad. I even had friends! Though only one stayed that once I didn't have money anymore."
[19:11] <Kotono> "She's a true friend?" Amaryl smiles a little there, "And you're fabously rich now, too."
01[19:14] <Seira> "I'm pretty rich now, yes," Seira agrees with a little smile of her own. "And she's a good friend, yes. But I didn't hear back from her despite writing, so I'm a bit worried. Maybe it's because I'm bad at writing letters?"
[19:16] <Kotono> "Say...where does she live?" Amaryl asks.
01[19:19] <Seira> "Elfsander. Maybe we could stop by for a brief visit later?" Seira offers.
[19:24] <Kotono> "We can go check on her." Amaryl agrees with a smile, on ethat splits into a yawn. "Tired...traveling leaves me wanting to sleep like a log."
01[19:29] <Seira> "There's that," Seira agrees. "Hey, if you'd like, I could conjure up comfortable cabins for us to rest in for the rest of our trip."
[19:34] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. You're going to be travelling towards Purinn?
01[19:35] <Seira> OOC: I was thinking it might be fun to talk to that Jerek guy, but after that, pretty much. Does this work?
[19:36] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[19:39] <Kotono> The next morning you go hunt around. A few miles out of town a large stone fortress and house combination is being build. Workers lug heavy stones into place and polish them, the start of a home in progress. Overseeing them is a man with grey-white hair, arms crossed and wearing well worn leather armor. "Yeah?" He asks with a glance back as Seira and Amaryl approach.
06[19:44] * Seira checks whether this man has only one eye!
[19:44] <Kotono> He indeed only has one eye! He has an eyepatch over his left eye and a wicked scar running down from his hairline to the top of his neck.
01[19:46] <Seira> "I hope you don't mind," Seira tells him, smiling pleasantly. "We've been passing through Perseph and heard that an admirable adventurer decided to settle here, and it seemed like a good idea to pay our respects."
[19:47] <Kotono> "You two in the business? You look it," Eyeing both of them intently, "Only way two women travel alone like this is if they can take care of themselves."
01[19:49] <Seira> "You could say that!" Seira agrees. "So are we in the way? If not, it would be nice to hear a story or two!"
[19:52] <Kotono> "Eh, why not?" He looks the two over, "Jerek One-Eye. Lost it at the hands of a really pissed off troll." Sticking his hand out to Seira, "You two are?"
01[19:56] <Seira> "Trolls are nasty," Seira agrees with a sympathetic wince. Losing an eye leads to bad thoughts, and she hurriedly introduces herself as she takes his hand. "Seira and Amaryl! We're traveling to Purinn together."
[19:58] <Kotono> "Seira, eh?" Taking the hand and shaking it with a firm grip, "Far from Balmuria, aren't you?"
01[20:00] <Seira> "Can never be too far with teleport," she responds. "Maybe I should introduce myself under an assumed name, since I'm on vacation. Am I really the only Seira in the world?" She glances at Amaryl. "It never seemed like that unique a name."
[20:04] <Kotono> "Yeah. Lotta people I know wouldn't spit on you to put you out if you were on fire." With a cracked smile, "Well, you're famous around here. When at raveller named Seira is mentioned, you were the first thing I thought of."
06[20:06] * Seira frowns. "I'm actually fireproof, but that's not a nice thing to hear. I like Malmuth, at that, so it's pretty sad."
[20:07] <Kotono> "Yeah, well..." He rubs his face, "Ah hell, I'm not up to talkinga bout this without something to drink. C'mon, tents are on the other side. We'll sit downa dn talk there." Starting to walk, "Your last name isn't Gaial, is it?" he asks Amaryl.
01[20:08] <Seira> "Assumed names, or the vacation won't get anywhere," Seira mutters.
[20:10] <Kotono> "...yes." Amaryl blushes hotly, "You know about us? I've gotten the impression most humans don't."
[20:11] <Kotono> "I survived this long because I made a point of knowing as much as I could," You go around the construction site. IN back are several tents, large and spaciously spread out on the plains. Going into one, you find a bed and table there, as well as af ew casks in the back.
01[20:12] <Seira> "I got the impression most elves didn't," Seira says in surprise, opting to stand as she looks around the tent. "Judging by Celebrimbor, anyway."
[20:14] <Kotono> It's pretty plain, though a few sets of clothes are also about. "It's good ale, if that's good enough for a hero and a noble elf." Tapping one of the casks and pouring a glass, "Either of you want?"
01[20:15] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees, extending a hand.
[20:18] <Kotono> "I'm alright," Amaryl demurs, as two mugs are poured. Going to sit down at the table, "But yeah. You got the people who hate you because you killed King Ferdi, then you got the people who hate you because you and your Baronies tore Valandia away as war booty. Oh,a nd there are those that hate anything from the Baronies for breaking away from the first place.
[20:18] <Kotono> "
01[20:22] <Seira> "It was not just spoils of war," Seira says, accepting the mug. "Before all else, it was designed to send a message to the Olburts of the world. He sent what amounted to demands for our surrender even as the rightful monarch, Queen Tant, was demanding his." Seira snorts, trying the ale.
01[20:22] <Seira> "It was a bad idea, and we got a buffer zone in case of another surprise attack as a result. I suppose it is a bit complicated to just spread around as the official version, though."
[20:29] <Kotono> It's pretty goods tuff, though very mild. "I'd say it was a good idea. You won, you made sure they'll have a harder time of it next time around." Drinking his own, "Just that you're on the Empire's shit list now, no matter how many soothing noises Queen Tant makes."
01[20:30] <Seira> "So you know all sorts of things, right?" Seira says. "How is the Queen, really? I've never got a chance to meet her, since emergencies kept on popping up, but maybe I will have the chance on this trip. Is she one of those who'd rather set me on fire and watch me burn, too?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Nah. She's pretty even keeled from what I've heard. Talked to a few people who have met her. Really doesn't like Ferdi and wants to pull things back together. She's also smart as a whip."
01[20:33] <Seira> "I suppose she didn't like him having purges through his own family, yeah," Seira mutters, drinking more of the ale. "Unpleasant business, that. Still. Even though we're not here in any official capacity and all that, if there's anything we could do for the Malmuthians while just passing through...."
[20:35] <Kotono> "Suit yourselves. You're right, don't go blathering your identity to every and anyone. Some peasants might not get it, but anyone smart enough to be dangerous will. There are some people in Malmuth who would be happy to see your head on a pike, Seira." Drinking down more ale, "Which would be a shame for the both of you, you're both young and pretty."
01[20:36] <Seira> "They will find that to be very difficult and leading to tears," Seira says with confidence. "I've recently acquired a vengeful streak and an almost paranoid caution against ambushes." She glances at Amaryl again. "Say, you look like an Amy to me. What do you think?"
[20:51] <Kotono> With a faint blush and smile, "Amy? That would be acceptable."
01[20:52] <Seira> "You can name me if you'd like!"
[20:57] <Kotono> After a few moments of thought, "I have two ideas. Xerandalla or Sarah."
01[20:58] <Seira> "An easy choice. Xer-something or other it is!"
[21:00] <Kotono> "Xerandalla," Amaryl smiles, "It's such a pretty name!"
06[21:01] * Seira doesn't want to admit she was kidding, in case Amaryl is actually serious. "On second thought, I've never heard a human called like that, which is bad for my disguise. I will have to reluctantly settle for Sarah."

[Corwin]

[20:23] <Kotono> > After a few moments of thought, "I have two ideas. Xerandalla or Sarah."
[20:23] <Kotono> <Seira> "An easy choice. Xer-something or other it is!"
[20:23] <Kotono> > "Xerandalla," Amaryl smiles, "It's such a pretty name!"
[20:23] <Kotono> * Seira doesn't want to admit she was kidding, in case Amaryl is actually serious. "On second thought, I've never heard a human called like that, which is bad for my disguise. I will have to reluctantly settle for Sarah."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Oh. Well...Sarah isn't bad, either," Amaryl says at last.
06[20:27] * Seira avoids wincing by a truly heroic effort. "I could use that other name when we go visit some other plane?" she offers.
[20:31] <Kotono> "Oh, that would be nice," Amaryl smiles then a little.
01[20:34] <Seira> Doesn't she know that names like that belong to evil people, Seira wonders briefly, before dismissing the thought, having dodged that problem for the time being. "So that takes care of our disguise, pretty much," she muses. "And if we're going to get back to the subject of sharing some tales, would you mind if I asked you just what exactly is being told about us in these parts?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Eh," Jerek shrugs, "You mean the gossip about the dangerous and deadly Seira of the Crimson Guard?"
01[20:37] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees with a shrug of her own. "I like to check it from time to time. It's quite amusing!"
03[20:37] * taiphoon is now known as taiclsarrrrrrgh
[20:38] <Kotono> "Most of it in Malmuth isn't so nice. You got away with putting a sword into Ferdi's guts and helped break away Valandia. You're talked about as both a conquerer and a monster in these parts. Oh, some listen to Queen Tant about peace and all, but..."
01[20:39] <Seira> "And Amaryl?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "Not much. The elves get some nasty comments on occasion, but any bad will is towards what they did, or maybe the opportunistic King Lorthan." Answering that after drinking down deeper, "The Elven Council isn't well known to casual gossips here."
06[20:43] * Seira is somewhat confused, but decides not to press it. "Ah," she says, before changing the subject.
01[20:44] <Seira> "And if we revisit the topic of Queen Tant, again, what would be the best way to secure an audience with her?" Seira asks. "If there is a loyal, trustworthy servant of hers that I could contact towards that goal, it would probably go much more smoothly than the alternative."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Dunno. I haven't been to Malmuth much since the transition of power. I might be able to direct you to someone in Malmuth who would know, though."
06[20:48] * Seira smiles. "That would be great. Any recommendations to visit nice places in Malmuth would also be well-appreciated!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "I'll be glad to...but you know how it goes. I need a favor." Looking to the two, "It should be a really simple matter for someone as powerful and charismatic as you, anyway."
01[20:53] <Seira> "Depends on the favor, of course," Seira responds, not particularly bothered, as she waits for him to elaborate.
[20:56] <Kotono> "There's a woodworker in Perseph by the name of Drenan. I'm having a long argument with him for how much he'll charge for a special table I'm having him make. I want to get him down to 500 gold, but he won't go past 750. It's a lot of work and material, but I know it's not worth that much."
06[20:57] * Seira blinks. "Sure. We can, uhh, go and talk to him sternly." She glances at Amaryl to see if she minds the brief detour.
[20:58] <Kotono> Amaryl smiles and shrugs.
[20:58] <Kotono> "Just get him off his high horse. The money's not that important, it's the moral of it."
06[20:59] * Seira laughs. "Waukeen knows I've done my share of pointless deeds just to teach people a vital life lesson. Alright, you've got yourself a deal."
[21:03] <Kotono> Sticking his hand out to shake, "G'luck. Just tell him you're here on my behalf to get in to talk to him if he's busy."
06[21:04] * Seira accepts it, still amused. "We'll be back, then."
[21:08] <Kotono> As you walk out and away, Amaryl looks to Seira. "...how it goes? What did that mean?"
01[21:10] <Seira> "Jerek thought that what I was asking for was in the area of a favor, since we're pretty much strangers who share a profession at most," she tells Amaryl without missing a beat, looking back at her. "Therefore, it was well within his right to ask us for a favor of the same caliber.
01[21:10] <Seira> Personally, I like the way this works, since it allows two parties to lay the foundation for a successful, profitable working relationship in the future."
[21:11] <Kotono> "I understand that...oh, I see." Nodding as you travel back out, "You scratch his itch, he scratches yours?"
06[21:13] * Seira laughs. "Yes, except for the actual scratching part. That kind of favor is a bit too intimate, don't you think?"
[21:15] <Kotono> "Ah!" Amaryl blushes, "I-i-i didn't m-mean...!"
06[21:17] * Seira laughs anew. "I know," she admits, wiping off a stray tear out of the corner of her eye. "I was being selfish and wanted to your you blush prettily. Forgive me?"
[21:22] <Kotono> "Seiraaa!" Protesting as she blushes hotter, "You're really making me blush now!" Indeed, her cheeks are like freshly set spring fires.
06[21:23] * Seira would feel guilty if she didn't enjoy herself immensely. "Mission accomplished?" she suggests teasingly.
[21:29] <Kotono> Thus the two continue on! Casting Heroism safely, Seira finds the shop in question. It's a big one story building at the edge of town, sprawling out with lots of space. There's several piles of wood stacked on the sides of the woodwooker's shop.
06[21:30] * Seira peeks inside to see if Drenan is in!
[21:32] <Kotono> Inside you find two young men hefting a large cabinet of wood out towards the door. "Hey, move!" one calls to Seira as she looks in. "Taking this outside!
[21:32] <Kotono> "
01[21:33] <Seira> "I'm looking for Drenan!" Seira calls over to them, moving out of the way obligingly, and then stepping away from the route she estimates the wooden cabinet would be taken through.
[21:36] <Kotono> Once they're past, "He's in the back. Call for him from the front room," one grunts, still taking the time to give the two women an eye. A smile starts on his face, "Tell you what. HEY BOSS! CUSTOMERS!" he bellows.
06[21:38] * Seira raises an eyebrow, otherwise content to wait and see what this loud yelling might accomplish.
[21:41] <Kotono> After a few moments, a middle aged man in a tanned leather apron comes out. Wood chips and shards cling to his boots, callused hands with a few small cuts here and there. "Drenan," he nods to them. "What can I do for you, travelers?"
01[21:43] <Seira> "Hi!" Seira smiles pleasantly. "We're actually friends of Jerek's, and he told us all about a special table of exceptional craftsmanship he commissioned from you. Could we impose on you just long enough to see the masterpiece for ourselves?"
[21:46] <Kotono> Wiping his forehead with his forearm, "Yeah, sure, I guess. What's that old codger doing sending cute girls like you here, though?"
06[21:50] * Seira giggles. "Oh, it just seemed like it would be a fun trip! Right, Amy?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Oh yes, Sarah!" Amaryl blushes lightly as she giggles back. "It's just about having fun!"
06[21:59] * Seira smiles at her briefly.
[21:59] <Kotono> "Whatever suits you." With an easy shrug, "C'mon this way." Drenan invites.
01[21:59] <Seira> Taking Amaryl's hand, Seira is quick to follow!

[Corwin]

[19:07] <Kotono> > After a few moments, a middle aged man in a tanned leather apron comes out. Wood chips and shards cling to his boots, callused hands with a few small cuts here and there. "Drenan," he nods to them. "What can I do for you, travelers?"
[19:07] <Kotono> <Seira> "Hi!" Seira smiles pleasantly. "We're actually friends of Jerek's, and he told us all about a special table of exceptional craftsmanship he commissioned from you. Could we impose on you just long enough to see the masterpiece for ourselves?"
[19:07] <Kotono> > Wiping his forehead with his forearm, "Yeah, sure, I guess. What's that old codger doing sending cute girls like you here, though?"
[19:07] <Kotono> * Seira giggles. "Oh, it just seemed like it would be a fun trip! Right, Amy?"
[19:07] <Kotono> > "Oh yes, Sarah!" Amaryl blushes lightly as she giggles back. "It's just about having fun!"
[19:07] <Kotono> * Seira smiles at her briefly.
[19:07] <Kotono> > "Whatever suits you." With an easy shrug, "C'mon this way." Drenan invites.
[19:07] <Kotono> <Seira> Taking Amaryl's hand, Seira is quick to follow!
[19:08] <Kotono> Once inside, the two women are taken to the back. Here a finished table lies. It is carved with the images of a falcon, a panther, a shocker lizard, a harpy, a dragon and a stereotyped demon or devil. It's made of a light wood, polished and shiny. "It's a piece of work, isn't it?"
01[19:12] <Seira> "Shocker lizards." Seira pouts. "Evil little things." She steps around the table in an attempt to briefly appraise it. Bullying craftsmen is one thing, but she prefers it when they actually deserve it.
01[19:12] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[19:12] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 13." [1d20=2]
[19:17] <Kotono> "Isn't it a beauty, though?" Drenan crosses his arms, "It's worth every bit of gold and sweat and wood I put into it.
[19:17] <Kotono> "
01[19:18] <Seira> "Why devils instead of angels?" Seira asks curiously, nodding at Drenan's appraisal.
[19:22] <Kotono> "I don't know. I just did the commission." Drenan says. "You'd have to ask Stubborn One-Eye."
01[19:27] <Seira> "I probably will," Seira agrees. "Stubborn, though? Jerek is always so pleasant and agreeable when he talks to us."
[19:30] <Kotono> "He's a stubborn son of a b-of a sword." Coughing there, "We've been arguing over the final price."
01[19:31] <Seira> "Awkward," Seira says sympathetically. "Didn't you agree on one ahead of time? You did mention it's a commission, after all."
[19:33] <Kotono> "We did, but it's since degenerated somewhat in principal." Scowling now, "So the table's sitting here."
01[19:36] <Seira> "Hey, I could buy it!" Seira offers with a smile. "What was the original price?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "A thousand. He's been trying to get it down to 500."
01[19:44] <Seira> "That's not very nice," Seira muses. "I certainly never heard that from him. Did Jerek give an actual reason besides... well, not wanting to pay the full amount?"
[19:49] <Kotono> "He threw around some crap about relative prices and how much it should be worth. But if you want to buy it..." Giving Seira a looking eye, "I could go as low as 800 to such a lovely lass as yourself."
01[19:53] <Seira> "It's a shame, but I don't have that kind of cash," Seira says with regret that isn't even feigned.
[19:55] <Kotono> "Ah well. Pity. Unless..." Looking Seira and Amaryl over, "ARe the two of you adventurers, by chance?"
01[19:56] <Seira> "That's how we know Jerek, actually," Seira agrees. "But it doesn't mean we carry hundreds in gold around, sadly, you know?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "Well...there is something I need done," Rubbing his chin thoughtfully now, "Maybe if you two do it for me I'll give you the table as a reward."
01[20:03] <Seira> "How about it?" Seira asks Amaryl, quite amused by this turn of events.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Why not?" With a half smile, and in a much lower voice, "Are we fetch servants now? This is the second time this has happened in an hour."
01[20:05] <Seira> "We're enjoying the randomness of life," Seira whispers back, smiling herself. To Drenan, she says, "So what's got you down? How could a pair of adventurers help you out?"
[20:10] <Kotono> "Well...several days to the west the Galkass mountains. There's a little grove of a unique tree I use for special projects there. It's a bit dangerous thanks to natural hazards, so I can't just send anyone and I haven't had time to go harvest some wood lately."
01[20:14] <Seira> "Shocker lizards," Seira says dourly. "Are you looking for wood from any particular tree, or any spot that you have in mind? Or is it more that general area?"
[20:20] <Kotono> "Okay, see...you have to travel to the edge of the mountains straight west, then find a small stream that's mostly stopped up by a big green, moss covered boulder. You go northwest of that for an hour and find a cave. Pass through that and you'll come into a small valley with the grove."
06[20:22] * Seira listens, mentally taking notes, and nods at the appropriate times.
[20:23] <Kotono> "That's not so hard at all. If it's just some lizards, it shouldn't be any problem," Amaryl smiles winsomely.
01[20:27] <Seira> "Lizards are dangerous," Seira says with a wince. "Alright, though. How much wood would you need?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "Take one tree's worth, that should be enough." A nod to that.
06[20:33] * Seira takes out an empty scroll and quickly notes down the terms of Drenan's agreement with the lovely two adventurers visiting him, accurately summarizing the deal. "When a written contract exists," she says, presenting it to the shopkeep, "people don't waste time jumping through hoops to avoid it later. Isn't that better?"
[20:43] <Kotono> "Sure," He reads it over and nods, "Wood in exchange for the table."
[20:43] <Kotono> OOVC - Gah.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Sure," He reads it over and nods, "Wood in exchange for the table." On finishing a slow reading scan of it, "No objections to it." He goes and gets a n inkpot and pen, signing it.
06[20:46] * Seira pockets the signed contract with another smile. "Then we'd best be on our way. Have a nice day!"
[20:47] <Kotono> Once you're outside, Amaryl stretches back. "I still feel like a page, but...it's rather fun. Go off into the unknown and brave danger to retreive an exotic good?"
01[20:54] <Seira> "And you never know what could happen!" Seira agrees. "Plus, there is a very key difference. We're choosing to do this, unlike pages who pretty much have to accept the task as part of their job. Not that there's anything wrong with that."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Someone has to do it." Looking up, "Maybe we can start in the morning with the trip? My feet are still sore. Seira, can we take the rest of the day off and rest in an inn? I'd love a bath right about now."
06[21:00] * Seira was about to suggest she teleport them over to their destination, but Amaryl's offer easily beats shocker lizards. "It's not even a contest," she mutters, and nods solemnly. "If that is the sacrifice we must make, I am willing to do so."
[21:07] <Kotono> OOC: Skip a long a bit then?
01[21:07] <Seira> OOC: Sure
01[21:08] <Seira> OOC: I have secure shelter, so we'll stay in cabins throughout!
[21:11] <Kotono> OOC: Link me in #elysium to tha treal quick? Just need to scan it.
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 1d100
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 80." [1d100=80]
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 1d100+20
06[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100+20 and gets 81." [1d100=61]
[21:18] <Kotono> The trip begins uneventful. Each day the two travel long, resting each night in a secure shelter. This forms a comfortable pattern after a few days, the plains alternating with magical protections. On the fourth day, about halfway between noon and duskfall, you see dust on the southeastern horizon. At this distance and flat ground, it's easy to detect that something's coming for you. From the dust it's kicking up, it's likely mounted riders.
[21:18] <Kotono>  From the dust it's kicking up, it's likely mounted riders.
01[21:20] <Seira> "We'll have a difficult time of getting away if the riders are coming after us," Seira notes, "except for the use of the teleport ring. And I figure we could always use it in a pinch, later on. Let's prepare and see what these people want?"
[21:21] <Kotono> "Right," Amaryl takes a breath and checks over her bow. "Do you think they'll be friendly? They aren't human bandits, are they?"
01[21:24] <Seira> Heroism is cast without waiting for the riders to get any closer, although shield and draconic might would wait until later, to avoid being wasteful.
01[21:24] <Seira> "No idea, I'm afraid. We haven't heard any reports of bandits in these parts, but it's certainly possible." She tilts her head. "The way I see it, if these are bandits, it is a good thing they have decided to come after us, since we would make sure they won't have a chance to pray on helpless travelers ever again."
[21:34] <Kotono> As they gt closer, Amaryl peers ahead! OOC - Both of you make spot checks?
01[21:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
06[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 26." [1d20=15]
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
06[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 34." [1d20=20]
[21:37] <Kotono> Seira can see it's ten riders and horses. Scruffy men in light armor and with bows, arrows and longswords. Amaryl takes a step back, "Seira, they have weapons and they're ready to use them..." she says worriedly.
01[21:41] <Seira> "We're good," Seira assures her, putting a hand on Amaryl's shoulder as she turns halfway towards her to address her. And if that conceals her casting, that's just another bonus. "I have just the spell in mind. And one for you as well, just in case."
01[21:41] <Seira> Unlike her previous plan, Seira casts Draconic Might on Amaryl as a precaution, before giving the other girl a wink. "We won't attack first. We don't need to."
01[21:45] <Seira> roll 1d10+10
06[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d10+10 and gets 15." [1d10=5]
[21:48] <Kotono> As Amaryl's eyes go wide, "The power..." she whispers! Meanwhile the riders come closer! They're within 200 feet now! Seira can see that some of them indeed have bows and arrows readied! OOC - Goa head and react, yout wo?
01[21:51] <Seira> "You're a dragon, now!" Seira tells Amaryl, giving her a thumbs up, before turning to face the riders exuding confidence. "Hey there!" she calls over to them, waving. "What's the hurry?" And if the answer is not to her liking, well, those men are not the only ones who are ready, and her summoning spell would do a lot more harm to them than a few arrows to her, even should those find their marks.
[21:58] <Kotono> No reply! The nasty men are readying their bows and advancing! One does take the time to bark back, "Surrender or die!"
[22:03] <Kotono> The men wear generally mismatching armors and clothes. They don't fly any banner of note that SEira can see.
01[22:03] <Seira> "Hey, that's a good one!" Seira agrees, raising her hand to the skies, palm up, as midnight-black tentacles rise out of the very ground the riders are passing, ensnaring the helpless archers and the speaker. "How about mine? Surrender or be violated!"
01[22:03] <Seira> OOC: 20ft radius, let's grapple~
[22:07] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, we'll say you get five of them with it. Roll grapples.
01[22:07] <Seira> OOC: Cool. I'm favoring the archers
01[22:07] <Seira> roll 5#1d20+21
06[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5#1d20+21 and gets 129." [5#1d20+21 = 22, 24, 26, 29, 28]
[22:10] <Kotono> roll 5#1d20+6
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5#1d20+6 and gets 89." [5#1d20+6 = 20, 20, 11, 17, 21]
01[22:10] <Seira> roll 5#1d20+21
06[22:10] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 5#1d20+21 and gets 164." [5#1d20+21 = 34, 37, 37, 22, 34]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 5#1d20+9
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 5#1d20+9 and gets 98." [5#1d20+9 = 11, 20, 16, 22, 29]
[22:11] <Kotono> The five riders find themselves pinned down, horses and all, utterly held by the black tentacles! With a scream, the other five riders promptly wheel and retreat! "It' sa fucking mage! RETREAAAAT!"
01[22:13] <Seira> "Hey, no fair running away!" Seira calls after them angrily. She gestures at the nearest escapee. "Let's shoot him and get the rest to surrender!"
[22:15] <Kotono> "Why? They're running away...no need to hurt one now," Amaryl says.
01[22:18] <Seira> Giving chase, Seira cuts off their escapse, conjuring up a wall of shifting darkness ahead of the riders remaining free, its very appearance inspiring fear within the mind of the common man! "Surrender at once, or the next attack is a lethal one!" she demands forcefully. "Immolation is a bad way to go!"
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 will saves
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 will saves and gets 15." [1d20=12]
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 will saves
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 will saves
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 will saves
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 will saves
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 will saves and gets 8." [1d20=5]
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 will saves and gets 14." [1d20=11]
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 will saves and gets 5." [1d20=2]
06[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 will saves and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[22:24] <Kotono> The other five horseriders stop cold at the wall of gloom! One of them screams in utter terror, while another turns back! "S-spare us!"
01[22:26] <Seira> "Throw your weapons away, dismount, lie on the ground!" Seira commands, intending on dismissing the spell holding the archers captive once the others have complied with her orders. "Follow my orders, and earn your lives back."
[22:27] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check? +6 circumstancial bonus.
01[22:27] <Seira> roll 1d20+32
06[22:27] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+32 and gets 43." [1d20=11]
03[22:27] * Sierra_DEAD is now known as Cidward
[22:28] <Kotono> This happens with remarkable speed! Weapons are thrown down, horses abandoned as they lie on the ground, "Don't send our souls to the Abyss," one man blubbers. "Have mercy on us, magus!"
06[22:30] * Seira waves Amaryl over once all ten of the men have surrendered and disarmed themselves. "You," she calls over to the one who demanded their surrender. "When I greeted you, the response I got was surrender or die. Explain what you meant by that to me, if you will. I am looking in truth, not pointless groveling."
[22:32] <Kotono> The man looks up, a week's worth of beard scraping against the ground. "You..." he gulps, "Looked like easy marks alone."
01[22:33] <Seira> "Well, that's clearly wrong," Seira states calmly. "What if we were, though, easy marks as you've suggested? What was to be our fate?"
[22:35] <Kotono> With a gulp, "Well...." He shivers all over, "Unmarked grave."
[22:36] <Kotono> Amaryl hangs back, her bow readied just in case.
01[22:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+7 let's practice sense motive
06[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 let's practice sense motive and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[22:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
06[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19." [1d20=15]
01[22:38] <Seira> "I suppose that makes us lucky," Seira muses. "I've seen worse fates planned by bandits for innocent travelers. Now, then, would you mind enlightening Amy here as to what those of you not caught by my first spell would have done, if allowed to retreat in peace?"
[22:39] <Kotono> Shivering, "W-we'd have shot you full of arrows and taken anything valuable."  Looking to 'Amy', "S-sorry."
06[22:41] * Seira snorts. "I was thinking they would have preyed on other travelers less capable of defending themselves, not learning anything from this encounter," she muses out loud. "Turns out they've learnt even less." Seira glances at Amaryl. "Still, do you understand why I thought it was important to stop them in the here and now?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "I do," Amaryl nods very slowly, "What are we going to do with them, then?"
01[22:47] <Seira> "We're going to get this tree, right? Well, I figure our new friends would be happy to carry it back. Maybe we could even get several. As bandits go, they are actually rather nice, what with not intending to rape us to death." Seira begins the process of tying up her prisoners's arms behind their backs, as well as binding their ankles securely.
01[22:47] <Seira> "We'll sadly have to frogmarch them to our destination, but I don't think they would complain since it's legal to just execute them on the spot for what they tried to pull." This may well be false for Malmuth, but Seira doubts any of the dimwitted bandits is a barrister.
03[22:48] * Cidward is now known as Sierra_Blugh
[22:50] <Kotono> "No objection," Amaryl smiles a bit, "They can make our trip back a lot less bothersome. Do we have enough food to feed them, though?"
01[22:51] <Seira> "They had to have enough for a day or two, unless--" Seira pauses, and looks down at the talkative bandit once more. "Are there more of you? Or do you have... what do you call it, a secret lair?"
[22:51] <Kotono> With a slight sigh, "We have a lair with plenty of food."
01[22:53] <Seira> "Neat! Is it far? We're already taking a detour, we could do this. Oh, and Amy, darling, think you could get their horses to come along? No sense in just abandoning them in the middle of nowhere like that."

[Corwin]

[18:53] <Kotono> > "No objection," Amaryl smiles a bit, "They can make our trip back a lot less bothersome. Do we have enough food to feed them, though?"
[18:53] <Kotono> <Seira> "They had to have enough for a day or two, unless--" Seira pauses, and looks down at the talkative bandit once more. "Are there more of you? Or do you have... what do you call it, a secret lair?"
[18:53] <Kotono> > With a slight sigh, "We have a lair with plenty of food."
[18:53] <Kotono> <Seira> "Neat! Is it far? We're already taking a detour, we could do this. Oh, and Amy, darling, think you could get their horses to come along? No sense in just abandoning them in the middle of nowhere like that."
03[18:57] * taihover is now known as Demedais
[18:57] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl - Amy rounds up the horses in the meantime. Once that's done, bringing them over, "To that lair then? That's so exciting, it's like a storybook when the heroes defeat the horrible unwashed human bandits!"
06[19:01] * Seira laughs. "Isn't it? Yes, the lair it is!" The horrible, unwashed bandits will get tied on to another, which should make their escape even less likely.
[19:02] <Kotono> OOC: So you're gonna bind 'em all up and have them lead you back to their lair?
01[19:02] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[19:03] <Kotono> OOC: Make a use rope check?
01[19:03] <Seira> OOC: They're already tied individually, and sure
03[19:05] * Kobot (~dunefar@ip68-99-109-25.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
03[19:06] * Kotono sets mode: +v Kobot
[19:06] <Kotono> OOC: "You can take the ten or roll, whichever floats your boat now.
01[19:06] <Seira> OOC: 10's fine
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:08] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{16}
[19:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[19:08] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[19:09] <Kotono> The bandits march along largely without incident. A few struggle on occasion, but not much comes of it. You are lead to a dilapidated farmstead about ten miles away, tucked away in the open plains. To the old farmstead several creaky wooden shacks have been attached.
01[19:11] <Seira> "Any of your friends here?" Seira asks cheerfully.
[19:13] <Kotono> "Two wounded," One of the men answers. "They're in the main farmstead, first floor. One's got a bum leg and can't run, other's probably asleep."
06[19:15] * Seira nods. "Amy, want to watch this crowd while I get those two?"
[19:15] <Kotono> 'Amy' looks to them, "Okay, Se-Sarah." She has her bow at the ready, "Careful in case they turned into a devious trap to catch us."
01[19:16] <Seira> "Sure thing! As my own piece of advice, I offer this! It's okay to shoot bad people. As long as it's not in the head, I could patch them up later."
[19:17] <Kotono> "Or in the heart?" Keeping her gaze on them and swallowing, "Okay, Sarah. Got it."
01[19:17] <Seira> "Aim for the groin, then?" Seira offers with an amused snort, heading inside.
[19:21] <Kotono> "Aaaah!" A few of the bound men whimper aloud as Seira heads in! The old front room of the house is a wreck now, broken furniture and an intact but filthy couch noted. On the couch lies a man with bandages all over his elevated left leg. Lying against a dirty wooden wall is another bandit, this one with bandages wrapped around his head. He snores softly.
06[19:25] * Seira draws her silvered backup weapon, and taps the slumbering bandit on the head with the hilt lightly. "Hello!" she announces to the two. "I'm here to dispense justice! Please don't resist and bleed all over my nice boots!"
[19:25] <Kotono> "Ugh...fuck," the couch bound one grunts, unmoving. "Caught and I can't even fucking run or defend myself." The snoring ones tirs, blinking and rubbing his eyes. "The hell?"
01[19:27] <Seira> "Hello, Mister Unwashed Bandit," Seira greets him. "We've caught all your little friends, and now we've decided to collect the set! Please don't resist," she repeats. "It would end in tears."
[19:27] <Kotono> He gropes around, finding nothing useful like a weapon. Looking up at Seira's silvered sword, he sighs. "SHIT! Don't stab me, you got us."
01[19:28] <Seira> "Smart bandits, my favorite kind!" Seira pauses briefly, and peers down at him. "Well, actually, wealthy bandits are my favorite kind, but don't tell Amy. Is there a remote chance you bandits are wealthy, what with your ill-gotten gains and such?"
[19:33] <Kotono> Even as his eyes clear, "Will it do anything for me if I tell you where the loot is," the sleepy one asks quickly.
01[19:35] <Seira> "Sure," Seira agrees. "Your fate will be better than that of the others, if I have any say in it." She shrugs. "I'd wager I have plenty of say in it."
[19:36] <Kotono> "Second floor, master bedroom. Panels under the bed are fake." he says quickly, "That's where the good stuff is."
01[19:38] <Seira> "Nice!" Her mood even better than it had been, Seira uses this chance to tie the remaining two bandits up before ensuring they really don't have anything useful as a weapon nearby, and searching the house.
01[19:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 search traps on the master bedroom
[19:38] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+19 search traps on the master bedroom --> [ 1d20=14 ]{33}
01[19:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+19 search said bedroom
[19:39] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+19 search said bedroom --> [ 1d20=16 ]{35}
[19:40] <Kotono> They don't, really. Searching the bedroom, you find it's not trapped. Under a few false panels is a few bags of gold coins, small gemstones, and bits of jewelry. It's highly mismatched and assorted.
06[19:43] * Seira returns to Amaryl, pretty pleased with her findings. "So I'm thinking," she says, "that we'll get our friends to carry their wounded buddies along, get our tree -- or trees -- and head back. Unless you want to see what a bandit's hideout looks like? Excellent chance for that, if so!"
[19:51] <Kotono> "I'll pass. The smell's nasueating from here." Waving a hand in front of her face, "Why don't bandits bathe more regularly?"
01[19:54] <Seira> "It's an image thing. Hard to present yourself as menacing if your nails are perfectely tended to, and if you bath in scented water," Seira responds with a shrug. "Anyway, let's get going once these guys have grabbed the other two."
01[19:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 sure
[19:58] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+9 sure --> [ 1d20=5 ]{14}
[20:11] <Kotono> "They haven't dealt in politics then," Amaryl cracks a hesitant smile, as the bandits have themselves in order. With that, the party continues towards the mountains! OOC: Skip along?
01[20:12] <Seira> OOC: Sure!
[20:16] <Kotono> With these many trailers, travel slows down a bit. Still, days pass and you come closer to your destination. But one early morning, just after an hour's travel, youc ome to the edge of the mountains. The plains become rocky, the Galkass Mountains starting to infringe on the horizon.
01[20:19] <Seira> "Change of scenery!" Seira cheers, before asking Amaryl in a more quiet voice, "You're wearing the amulet, right?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "Yes," Amaryl whispers right back, "I've been wearing it"
01[20:25] <Seira> "Underestimating swarms of the nasty lizards that live here is always a bad idea," Seira tells her. "Alright. Might as well proceed. We're pretty close, I think."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Are we going to go alone and leave them? Our band of men isn't so merry, surely." A look back to them can show that the bandits are holding upw ell enough, though they certainly don't look happy. Oh now.
01[20:29] <Seira> "We'll take them along," Seira decides. "Just keep an eye on them. We're taking them back to the authorities once we return, so I don't want to risk any of the bandits running away."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl checks over her bow again, "We're supposed to find a stream with a mossy boulder in it now, I think?"
01[20:31] <Seira> "Think so," Seira agrees. "Then, a cave which we'll need to pass through. Worst case, I'll just fly around to scout."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Right." Thus, the two continue on! Finding said stream isn't too hard, then traveling northwest isn't killer, either. The mountain starts to rise, a small path leading up to a cave. It's a fairly small cave entrance, but goes farhter on than Seira cna see - it may be small, but it's deep.
06[20:39] * Seira can see in the dark! "I'll go first," she offers. "Want to round up the bandits and follow them in?"
[20:48] <Kotono> Amaryl does just that as Seira heads in! The cave is dark and fairly narrow. Only about ten feet across, staying roughly that way for 200 feet. Here the passage widens out a bit and twists to a slightly more westerly course.  OOC - Make a spot check, Seira?
01[20:48] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[20:48] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{18}
01[20:51] <Seira> roll 1d10+10 FL
[20:51] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d10+10 FL --> [ 1d10=6 ]{16}
01[20:52] <Seira> One Seira becomes several, before all of her double's hands ignite!
01[20:52] <Seira> roll 1d4+4
[20:52] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d4+4 --> [ 1d4=2 ]{6}
[20:54] <Kotono> OOC: Burning hands? What are you firing at, some of the lizards you glimpsed?
01[20:55] <Seira> OOC: Yes, was just waiting to see if it's my go
01[20:57] <Seira> The cone of fire would be a pathetic one compared to what Seira could truly command, but it should be enough to sear a few of the closer lizards and get the rest of them to back off while she, Amaryl and their prisoners cross the tunnel.
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: Rolld amage and goa head and resolve it.
01[22:25] <Seira> roll 5d4 FIRE
[22:25] <Kobot> Seira rolled 5d4 FIRE --> [ 5d4=12 ]{12}
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:26] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:26] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{7}
[22:26] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{9}
[22:27] <Kotono> The fire hisses out into the tunnels as the lizards retreat! Three of them are badly burnt as they scurry away down them and out of sight! OOC - Go ahead and act for now.
01[22:28] <Seira> "Shoot a lizard if you see one," Seira calls back to Amaryl, proceeding at a quickened pace through the dark cave, her own eyes on the small tunnels to the sides.
[22:30] <Kotono> Amaryl does likewise! But the lizards seem to have given up the ghost! The party proceeds through a long passage about 600 feet long, sunlight at the end of it! Outside of it is a small valley, several tall, massive trees growing here. A few deer lie amid them, rabbits and birds about as well. There's a thin layer of grass, despite the relatively rocky ground.
06[22:32] * Seira eyes the trees, estimating how many she can get away with making the bandits carry in addition to already hauling their two wounded comrades along.
[22:33] <Kotono> A fair bit of it, certainly. The trees are rather big, though, so it's likely everyone would need to carry some unless you use alternate means. The prisoners look at the trees and the area, while Amaryl steps forward. "What huge trees! Beautiful."
01[22:35] <Seira> "It's a nice place," Seira agrees. "Would be a shame to take more than a couple."
[22:37] <Kotono> "He wanted just one, didn't he," Amaryl says, "It'll be a fair bit of work to cut it down and put it into pieces to carry."
01[22:39] <Seira> "Yeah, but it's a bit dangerous for a carpenter to travel through bandit and shocker lizard-infested land, so I figured I'd toss in a bit of service. Doesn't really cost us anything, does it?" She smiles. "And you could spend a bit more time here. One of the perks of adventuring!"
03[22:40] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[22:40] <Kotono> "That's true," With a pleasant smile, "Let's get to work then?"
01[22:44] <Seira> "I'll just let a few of our friends do the work," Seira muses. "It might not be very pleasant for them, still being tied at the ankles and all that, but that's certainly better than the alternative. I could watch them on my own, so if you want to look around, go ahead. Or you could just sit in the shade next to me. Whatever you prefer."
[22:45] <Kotono> "Let's sit. My feet are killing me," With a slight grimace, "All this walking is still giving me blisters."
01[22:49] <Seira> "We could ride on our way back? Going slowly enough to not push the bandits past their limits, it might even be pleasant," Seira offers, going to untie two of the bandits from the rest. "See that tree?" she asks them, pointing in the direction of the nearest one.
01[22:49] <Seira> "I need it cut down. But I don't need it so much I would hesitate setting it ablaze along with you two and the rest of your friends if you decide to get smart. Well, get stupid, really. Angering mages? Bad idea."
[22:49] <Kotono> OOC: MAke another intimidation check? +5 bonus since these poor saps have been worked over and scared by the scary mage.
01[22:50] <Seira> roll 1d20+29
[22:50] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+29 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{37}
[22:52] <Kotono> The bandits gulp and sweat, quickly getting to work! As Amaryl and Seira settle into watch, the held men doing a frantic job of chopping down the tree, "This isn't quite what I expected. I mean, I thought bandits and magical beasts would be more dangerous."
06[22:54] * Seira repeats the same instructions with another pair of bandits, and a second tree away from the first, before rejoining Amaryl. "Well, they are, but I'll admit that being alert makes a lot of difference. So is being with a really great mage! And I'm sure nastier critters and people will come across our path soon enough!"
[22:55] <Kotono> "Mmm." Leaning against Seira and yawning, "I'm okay with this for now...let's learn slowly and carefully. Besides, I'm really tired."
06[22:56] * Seira puts her arm around Amaryl. "It's a really nice spot for a rest. Go ahead, if you're tired. I'll watch over you."
[22:59] <Kotono> Amaryl falls asleep quickly. Her breathing is very quiet and regular, a faint little exhale and inhale of breath lost over the sounds of woodchopping. With a TIMBER! the tree goes over, then the bandits get to chopping it up. As they do...OOC: Seira, make a spot check.
01[23:00] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[23:00] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{17}
01[23:03] <Seira> Yawning herself, Seira uses her free hand to gesture at the cave, willing a fireball to explode within. Shocker lizards merely need reinforcement from time to time, that's all.
01[23:03] <Seira> roll 10d6 SP FIRE~
[23:03] <Kobot> Seira rolled 10d6 SP FIRE~ --> [ 10d6=33 ]{33}
[23:04] <Kotono> roll 25#1d20+5 this isn't really relevant
[23:04] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 25#1d20+5 this isn't really relevant --> [ 1d20=13 ]{18}, [ 1d20=7 ]{12}, [ 1d20=10 ]{15}, [ 1d20=12 ]{17}, [ 1d20=11 ]{16}, [ 1d20=6 ]{11}, [ 1d20=1 ]{6}, [ 1d20=12 ]{17}, [ 1d20=16 ]{21}, [ 1d20=5 ]{10}, [ 1d20=10 ]{15}, [ 1d20=15 ]{20}, [ 1d20=1 ]{6}, [ 1d20=11 ]{16}, [ 1d20=17 ]{22}, [ 1d20=6 ]{11}, [ 1d20=8 ]{13}, [ 1d20=12 ]{17}, [ 1d20=20 ]{25}, [ 1d20=13 ]{18}, [ 1d20=7 ]{12}, [ 1d20=6 ]{11}, [ 1d20=2 ]{7}, [ 1d20=9 ]{14},
[23:05] <Kotono> A flash of fire explodes inside of the cave! The scent of burnt lizard wafts out and a bit of black smoke follows! Amaryl doesn't stir, though the bandits stare and gape! The electric sparks seen in the cave seem to fall back again, out of sight.
06[23:06] * Seira presses her index finger to her lips to indicate to the bandits that they should stay silent. Or else, naturally.
[23:10] <Kotono> The bandits shiver and shudder and go back to work! Soon the wood is chopped upa nd put on the horses, the work done! Amaryl is still asleep on Seira's side. Nos ign of more shocker lizards, either.
06[23:13] * Seira leaves the less restricted bandits to tend to the loaded horses, and picks Amaryl quietly, trying not to wake her, gesturing for the bandits to proceed outside. She's certainly had plenty of time to study the area, and they can always visit it alone later on.
[23:17] <Kotono> Amaryl's still out. She's snoozing away very peacefully. Loading up the horses, the bandits and wood are ready to go on Seira's leave.
06[23:18] * Seira indicates for them to proceed. She still has plenty of fire and other options to deal with any lizards, should they show up, and that gets the majority of her attention. At least until they've left through the cave.
[23:19] <Kotono> OOC: Carrying her on foot or on a horse?
01[23:19] <Seira> OOC: On foot for now.
[23:23] <Kotono> Going back into the cave, you find many a charred shocker lizard corpse on the ground. The stench of cooked meat is in the air, fried scales blasted about. No sign of your electric friends at all...
06[23:24] * Seira shrugs lightly. Perhaps they've learnt their lesson for now. All that's left is to get out of the cave to not tempt the little fiends.
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100+9
[23:25] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100+9 --> [ 1d100=93 ]{102}
[23:27] <Kotono> OOC: MAke a listen check?
01[23:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+1
[23:28] <Kobot> Seira rolled 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}
[23:29] <Kotono> Seira and company have traveled about halway down the shocker lizard tunnel infested part of the caverns. 300 feet down, 300 to go.
06[23:31] * Seira gestures for the bandits to pick up speed, watching out for any traces of electricity or movement and ready to teleport away in case of an attack.
[23:32] <Kotono> 200 feet! Still nothing! 150 feet! Nothing! But Seira can hear the sounds in the wall, growing ever louder! It's note ven easy to miss now - a steady, stone scratching, rapid fire sound. The bandits look about, "The damned hell, more of those stupid lizards?"
06[23:34] * Seira scowls, shifting Amaryl slightly to summon an opaque wall of darkness to cover the left wall. Even should the critters come out into the open, that should hopefully cut their numbers down in half.
[23:35] <Kotono> "Mmm...Seira?" Amaryl stirs at that shifting, as a Wall of Gloom appears! "What's going on...are we in the cave again?"
01[23:36] <Seira> "Unfortunately," Seira agrees, proceeding onwards. With the wall's appearance, she can focus more on the right, as well as glance behind her and upwards from time to time. "They're really stupid, and it stings when they swarm you, but we're almost out."
[23:39] <Kotono> 100 feet! The sound from the left wall goes quieter, as the right wall picks up noise! "Can we do that to the other wall?" Amaryl asks.
01[23:42] <Seira> "Not that effectively," Seira responds, though she reaches into her pocket for a copper coin. "I'll toss a globe of darkness at the lizards to disorient them, if I have to."
[23:43] <Kotono> "Right!" 50 feet! At this point, the tunnels start to glow electric blue! You can hear a crackling electric sound from within!
[23:44] <Kotono> *The right side tunnels.
[23:47] <Kotono> The bandits are just about out of the tunnels.
[23:48] <Kotono> *the shocker lizard tunnel part of the caves. Bleh.
06[23:48] * Seira waits for the bandits to fully leave! She can't teleport away before that happens, and when it comes to that, Seira believes in her chances. Not so much that she passes on a chance to imbue Amaryl with draconic might again.
[23:55] <Kotono> OOC: Not moving, just casting?
01[23:55] <Seira> OOC: I can do both!
[23:59] <Kotono> 20 feet away! As Amaryl is filled with Seira's dragon might, the tunnels on the right glow bright blue! The smell of ozone is drifting out of the tunnels!
Session Time: Sun Feb 15 00:00:00 2009
06[00:00] * Seira can travel faster than usual at certain times, and this seems like one such time. Given the alternative is being electrocuted, she picks up speed, intent on putting this tunnel behind her!
[00:01] <Kotono> Seira and Amaryl race out of the tunnel! As they escape, af ew moments later it is filled with lightning! The tunnels burst out with massive bursts of electricity, careening out and turning the corridor behind you into a deathtrap! But you're past it, safe and sound!
01[00:02] <Seira> "Nasty things," Seira remarks, looking back, and then down at Amaryl. "Comfortable?"
[00:04] <Kotono> Amarly looks behind her, "....I...I'm very glad we didn't try and stay behind," she manages.
01[00:06] <Seira> "I could probably avoid it," Seira muses, sending a fireball into the tunnel, specifically towards the wall uncovered by her shadowy spell. "Now you believe me that they're dangerous in swarms, right?"
01[00:06] <Seira> roll 10d6 burn~
[00:06] <Kobot> Seira rolled 10d6 burn~ --> [ 10d6=39 ]{39}
[00:09] <Kotono> A burst of fire hits as the lightning rain ends it's course! Afterwards, the tunnel is dark and quiet again. The walls are burnt, with cooked lizards on the far end where the grove is found.
06[00:10] * Seira shrugs, and makes way towards the bandits. "Well, let's get back, then."
[00:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[00:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=45 ]{45}
[00:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100-10
[00:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-10 --> [ 1d100=11 ]{1}
[00:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100-10
[00:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100-10 --> [ 1d100=51 ]{41}
[00:12] <Kotono> The trip back is about a week but it's completely without incident. Perseph awaits you one afternoon, the bandits following along with you, quietly in line by Seira's mystic force.
06[00:13] * Seira decides to head to Jerek's home. The settled down adventurer should know where to find the local authorities, and might even turn the bandits in himself for her, if she asks really nicely.
[00:18] <Kotono> Jerek's home is still being built. Jerek is there, casting a long eye on the lot of them as they approach. Crossing his arms, "Bandits from the looks of it. Bandits and wood, why now?"
01[00:20] <Seira> "Now's as good a time as any," Seira says. "In any case, you said you were willing to pay five hundred gold for that table?"
[00:22] <Kotono> "
[00:23] <Kotono> "That's right," Jerek eyes the motley lot of bandits, "That was what I wanted to pay that stubborn old mule."
06[00:24] * Seira nods. "If you're still interested, I'll happily accept that fee of five hundred and bring you your table now."

[Corwin]

[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > Jerek's home is still being built. Jerek is there, casting a long eye on the lot of them as they approach. Crossing his arms, "Bandits from the looks of it. Bandits and wood, why now?"
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> <Seira> "Now's as good a time as any," Seira says. "In any case, you said you were willing to pay five hundred gold for that table?"
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > "
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> > "That's right," Jerek eyes the motley lot of bandits, "That was what I wanted to pay that stubborn old mule."
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> * Seira nods. "If you're still interested, I'll happily accept that fee of five hundred and bring you your table now."
[19:22] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah," Going back to his tent and coming back with a bag of heavy coins, "That should do it. We'll talk when you bring the table back."
01[19:24] <Seira> "Sure thing," Seira agrees. "Oh. A few bad people tried to attack us and kill us and bury us in a shallow, unmarked grave. They seem to be bandits. What should I do with them?"
[19:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "There's a garrison outpost in Perseph. Take them to it, they'll deal with the rest," he jerks a thumb back in the direction of town.
01[19:25] <Seira> Then that's where Seira will go!
[19:26] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The garrison outpost has a few Malmuthian soldiers standing guard outside of it. It's a stone building, sturdy and time weathered, with a sprawling side yard and stables. The soldiers on duty eye the group as they approach, "Troublemakers? Bringing them in for a bounty?" one of them asks, "About a dozen?"
01[19:28] <Seira> "Amy and I would appreciate one," Seira agrees. "Bandits. Chose the wrong people to attack. Won't be making that mistake again any time soon, eh?"
[19:33] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A soldier runs off, bringing back several more of his friends. They go to the bandits, cataloguing them and checking them over. "Come back tomorrow for the bounty, once we figure out what these ones have done. Anything special to say about any of them?"
01[19:36] <Seira> "Yes, actually! One of them cooperated." Seira points out the bandit with the bandaged head. "He seems smarter than the rest. Why, he'll probably tell you everything about his buddies if you treat his sentencing better than you do with the others."
[19:36] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> There's some quiet, deadly looks thrown at the bandaged bandit by the others, while the guards drag them along. "Alright. Thanks...oh yes, and your names?"
[19:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Amaryl, staying quiet and listening for the majority of this, "Sarah and Amy."
06[19:38] * Seira nods at Amaryl's words. "Sarah, here."
[19:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Sarah and Amy. Right." Going off,t he guards and soldiers haul these bandits off into captivity! Once they're gone, "I can be thankful that nothing bad happened," Amaryl says with a hesitant smile. "I don't know if I would have done so well if I'd been alone. Your magic's so strong, Sarah."
01[19:43] <Seira> "My magic, your archery. I'm sure that if they decided to fight despite the odds, those bandits would have realized that every mage's reserves are finite and they just need to outlast them. That's where you would come in to turn the tide back in our favor!"
[19:48] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Y-yes..." A fierce blush comes to her at that, "L-let's go get the table?"
01[19:48] <Seira> "A table will be gotten," Seira agrees, leading the way!
[19:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Getting table for trees goes without incident. On hauling it back to Jerek, his eyes light up. "Ah, you came through. Great, I figured you'd be a person of your word with all the fame you've gotten."
01[19:55] <Seira> "I believe in following though on deals," Seira agrees. "But even beyond that, if I can help and it doesn't take me too far out of my way, why not do it?"
[19:59] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Yeah, c'mon,"W ith a hearty nod at that, "Oen of you quit working and haul this table somewher einside," he bellows, as crafters come to his command. He leads Seira and Amaryl to his tent again, putting his feet up and drinking. Once comfortable, "Better than being a cut-purse who lies and runs. Had to deal with more than a few of those and they usually have sad, lonely ends. Anyway, you wanted information?"
01[20:00] <Seira> "Yes! But first, can I ask a question? Why demons and not angels?"
03[20:01] * Celenu (WinNT@user-514fa75d.l2.c4.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[20:01] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "On the table? No real reason." As he drinks down, "I wanted something that looked impressive."
01[20:01] <Seira> "Fair enough."
[20:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Amaryl sits gently down on a chair, hands in her lap. "So you know most of Malmuth well?"
06[20:09] * Seira waits on Jerek's answer, curious to learn more.
[20:10] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I know these regions well, yes. I spent long enough travelling them," Drinking deeply, "I know a bit about Balmuria - I was in the area a few times in the rebellion, but I never got too invovled."
03[20:11] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:11] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[20:11] <Seira> "It's changed quite a bit since," Seira comments.
[20:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "It has. You've turned that backland into a real power. Never would've believed it myself." Drinking down further, "It was that then the desert. Before it all got bad, who cared? It was Malmuth's little backyard."
01[20:23] <Seira> "We have some very talented, very determined people working on making life better for everyone," Seira responds with a smile. "It is my hope that Balmuria, nowadays, is a place where anyone would want to live."
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Must be." Raising his mug to that, "Which means you're gonna go muck around Malmuth and Purinn?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "Please don't misunderstand," Seira insists. "If I'd had any desires whatsoever of ruling Malmuth, I would have given it a try long ago. I'm just hoping the two of us could give Queen Tant the help she can't officially ask for."
[20:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Aye. Hope that works out for you. So anyway, you wanted names and information to aid along on that?"
01[20:32] <Seira> "Pretty much!"
[20:43] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "So you need to see someone in Malmuth proper that can get you in touch with someone who can get Queen Tant's attention. There's a woman who can help you: Mariweather of Faran. She runs a quiet boarding house in Malmuth called the Silver Apple. She'll help you along."
01[20:44] <Seira> "If I might ask, do you know of her by reputation, or is it a personal acquaintance?"
[20:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I know her. I did a few jobs for her back in the past. She's reliable if you say that Jerek sent you."
01[20:47] <Seira> "That's reassuring," Seira tells him. "What about Purinn? Is there anything you've heard about the trouble rumor suggests is taking place there? If we can't really find anything out, I might be tempted to just seek out Queen Tant through an intermediary first."
[20:55] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Purinn's dealing with being the new Valandia," With his feat up and arms behind his head, "No matter how well you get along with your neighbor, your biggest city close to the border is gonna need fortifications and garrisons, just in case."
01[20:57] <Seira> "A healthy approach," Seira agrees. "But some of the incumbents didn't welcome a change to the status quo?"
[21:00] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "You're not going to please eveyrone all the time." Another shrug there, "Things are upset and people are unhappy, or dealing with what they didn't have before. So essentially yes."
01[21:02] <Seira> Not wishing to decide on her own, Seira glances in Amaryl's direction. "So should we go to Purinn, as was our original plan, or try the capital first?" she asks her. "Both approaches have merit."
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "I want to see the capital," Amaryl says after bowing her head, "If you don't mind, Seira."
01[21:06] <Seira> "Whatever makes you happy, I'm going along with," Seira says with another smile. "I thought we've established that already. Why would I possibly mind?"
[21:08] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Well..." Casting her eyes down and coloring brightly, "I didn't want to take you from what you wanted to do here, either..."
01[21:09] <Seira> "I'm sure we'll get our chance," Seira reassures her.
[21:14] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Then...let's go in the morning and start to travel?" Amarly says, "We hav ea ways to go."
01[21:15] <Seira> "If it's the capital, I can actually take us by teleport," Seira muses, standing up. "But it's sensible to rest in advance. Jerek, it's been nice meeting you!"
[21:24] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Ready to hop along now? GImme a few to do a quick note review on the capital if your'e TPing htere.
01[21:25] <Seira> OOC: Sure. I'll teleport to that same out of the way alley I used for when we went to get Claris.
[21:37] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The next morning Seira and Amaryl rise. On getting their gear together, "We need to stop by the garrison first for that bounty," she says, "Then we can teleport quietly to Malmuth?"
01[21:39] <Seira> "We can teleport more quietly if we use invisibility," Seira responds. "I'll try to get us over there without issue, anyhow. We'll just need to leave the town normally on the way to Purinn to avoid unnecessary suspicion."
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Thus the two go to the garrison! They're taken inside to a man with a sack of coins in front of him. This older soldier is missing a leg, sitting heavily in his chair. "Sarah and Amy? The bandits you got had caused enough trouble to get a bounty. Since you captured the entire band of them, and they're 20 gold a head, that's 240 gold. If you'd sign your names here?" Sliding a sheet of parchment towards Seira, "You'll get your payment."
[21:45] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Seira, "You'll get your payment."
06[21:47] * Seira writes down her assumed name, using much of Elle's handwriting as basis.
[21:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Amaryl does the same, writing Amy down. The bag is passed over, "Queen Tant thanks you for your service to the Empire," he says, "Safe travel."
01[21:50] <Seira> "Thanks! Did the smarter one cooperate?"
[21:57] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "He is. It won't be settled right away, but he is,
[21:58] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "He is. It won't be settled right away, but he is." Leaning back, "Be couple of days before it's dealt with."
01[22:00] <Seira> That's all she promised, really. To put in a good word and help with his fate. Considering the matter closed, Seira nods and glances at Amaryl. "Ready to get going, Amy?"
[22:07] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Right," Getting up and walking with Seira out of the garrison, "Lead on them, Sarah?"
01[22:08] <Seira> With a wave back at the soldier, Seira heads out of the garrison, intent on leaving town towards Purinn. Traveling for an hour's time should be enough to make sufficient distance from the town, before she could try to teleport into the capital.
01[22:11] <Seira> First, Seira imbues Amaryl with Heroism in case of a misdirected teleport into a battlefield, which seems to happen more often than one would think. Then, she makes the two of them invisible in quick succession, just to be on the safe side. And then, that alley beckons!
01[22:11] <Seira> roll 1d100
05[22:11] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[22:11] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[22:11] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[22:11] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 15." [1d100=15]
[22:20] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The city is bright with morning. IT is a massive city and massive alle you appear in! Walls six times as tall as Seira loom about her, endless expanses of stone buildings looming! You can see a gate ahead, large enough to pass a dragon through! Malmuthian soldiers and a mass of citizens and travelers pass through it, coming and going along in a large throng.
01[22:22] <Seira> "I'll drop the spell when we have a good chance of stepping outside without being noticed," Seira whispers to Amaryl, studying the crowd outside. It would not do to head into the main street only to get separated by the throng of travelers.
[22:32] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> The crowd is pretty busy, but slackens off and has slow parts once in awhile. AS Seira watches, "So much stone...so many humans. The city is as tall and vast as the forest1"
02[22:35] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) Quit (Hatbot)
01[22:35] <Seira> "It's pretty nice," Seira agrees. "A difference kind of nice than the Citadel, but still...." She shakes her head. "Anyway, just remember not to gawk too much at the people. That would probably fare badly for our disguises. Let's just enjoy a tour of the city for no-- I think there's a lull right now, so we could blend in if we hurry!"
[22:41] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Let's," Amaryl gulps and nods, following SEira's lead! The two go out into the city! OOC - Are you going to do anything in particular or just take in the sights of MAlmuth?
01[22:43] <Seira> Since it's pretty early in the day, Seira is content with just walking around seemingly aimlessly, much like travelers from the country might, but not so much so that she and Amaryl would be picked up by the soldiers for loitering or something equally unsavory. They would surely find a decent tavern to have lunch at, and see how things are.

[Corwin]

[19:06] <Anastasia> <Seira> "It's pretty nice," Seira agrees. "A difference kind of nice than the Citadel, but still...." She shakes her head. "Anyway, just remember not to gawk too much at the people. That would probably fare badly for our disguises. Let's just enjoy a tour of the city for no-- I think there's a lull right now, so we could blend in if we hurry!"
[19:06] <Anastasia> > "Let's," Amaryl gulps and nods, following SEira's lead! The two go out into the city! OOC - Are you going to do anything in particular or just take in the sights of MAlmuth?
[19:06] <Anastasia> <Seira> Since it's pretty early in the day, Seira is content with just walking around seemingly aimlessly, much like travelers from the country might, but not so much so that she and Amaryl would be picked up by the soldiers for loitering or something equally unsavory. They would surely find a decent tavern to have lunch at, and see how things are.
[19:06] <Anastasia> Thus, the two take to wandering the city! Malmuth proper is warm today, not a cloud in the sky or  hint of the coming winter. Malmuth proper is largely composed of stone on stone on stone and in vast  quantities. The scale of the city is massive, yet with all the citizens, it barely seems like  enough. People fill every niche and hole, coming and going in waves and throngs.
[19:06] <Anastasia> Malmuthian soldiers, clad in blue and with armor and weapons well kept, are about. They keep things  moving, spread out and often standing out from the rest of the rabble. As the city folws under their  watchful gazes. The city is sprawling on an oversized scale. A typical street can take up to ten  minutes to walk. Street stalls are rare, everything taking place inside the stone buildings.
[19:06] <Anastasia> The first thing of note you pass is a park. It's well tended and kept, criss-crossed with paths.  Statues stand just off the paths, many of them covered by small domes. They all seem to be of old  Malmuthian rulers. You don't see one for Ferdi offhand.
[19:06] <Anastasia> You then wander into a vast building of stone. The entire interior is made of color glass, from  tables to chairs to wall pieces to windows. People wander it, mostly traveling types or children  with parents. Amaryl spends time staring and smiling at the glass, marveling. The main attraction is  of a glass reproduction of a man being crowned Emperor. Emperor Malmuth the First, according to the  plaque.
[19:06] <Anastasia> Moving on, the two pass through an inter-city gate, a gate dedicated to a long ago triumph. Sarah  and Amy wander into a quiet restaurant. It's here that the two break for lunch, sitting in a tucked  away courtyard and drinking sweet wines as you wait for you foot. Amaryl puts her feet on another  chair, "It's so huge, Sarah. Everything here is sized like the forest."
01[19:10] <Seira> "The people here really love stone," Seira comments, resting her elbows on the table, while her head finds purchase on her arms in turn. "It felt a bit strange at first, but now, I think I'm getting used to it. And having a fire-proof city of this size is a good idea, probably."
[19:16] <Anastasia> "A stone city lasts a lot longer than wood, doesn't it? Well, deadwood, anyway." Closing her eyes as she leans her head back, "I think we saw enough people to man an entire army. It was sobering, I've never so many living beings before. So many, completely countless."
01[19:18] <Seira> "It was a first for me as well, to see so many in one place like that," Seira agrees. "Just maintaining the peace must be a daunting task at times."
[19:22] <Anastasia> "I'm surprised they had the attention to look outside of their borders. Then again..." Thoughtfully drinking down her wine, "Maybe we're lucky that we were able to get an easy out of that war. I'd heard about the hordes of Malmuth, but this...this makes it reality."
06[19:25] * Seira lowers her voice. "The lucky ones are these people," she tells Amaryl. "Because no matter how many people they threw at us, the result would have been the same. We couldn't exactly negotiate when they sought our dissolution at best. In the end... in the end, all of us might have been forced to do terrible things."
[19:28] <Anastasia> "What if they'd broken through Balmuria, though?" Amaryl lowers her voice, "If you couldn't stop Ferdi or...nevermind, that's horrible to think about. No. I won't."
01[19:31] <Seira> "I remember being really angry those days. Frustrated, to be more exact. The situation seemed to be like you described, and all those in leadership positions seemed like zealots or fanatics." Seira sighs. "And at my back were the civilians I was sworn to protect. I don't think I would have remained in my post past the war, but until it was over... I don't know.
01[19:31] <Seira> I think I would've fought until the moral of the common soldier on the enemy side finally broke."
[19:37] <Anastasia> "Thank everything that is that it never went that far," Amaryl takes Seira's hand into her own. "I can't imagine how many would have died."
01[19:40] <Seira> "We were lucky that the tide turned, that someone like Queen Tant was around to negotiate with," Seira agrees. "But I don't want to rely on luck anymore. I think it's better to become more active, and to make sure conflicts of that scale are prevented before they can even truly start. When we return, I hope to convince Lord Salman of that."
[19:43] <Anastasia> As you talk, Amaryl doesn't reply. A woman comes with your food, fresh deer and salad. It's put down before she saunters off. "I hope you do. Even at best, another war would devastate Valandia and Purinn."
06[19:46] * Seira smiles. "Thanks." She starts with the salad.
[19:47] <Anastasia> It's pretty fresh and good for a salad. "I think I see now why you need to be so strong. If it's not devils or monsters, it's countless soldiers and a catastrophic war."
01[19:48] <Seira> "And I'd like to advance Waukeen's cause in this world and others I travel to, while I'm at it," Seira adds, her smile widening. "My schedule is quite booked."
[19:54] <Anastasia> The meal goes without incident. Thereafter Seira and Amaryl go to hunt up Jerek's friend. You find the Silver Apple partially because it's secludedly obvious, standing out in the shadows. It's down several side streets, a four story building with wooden shutters and painted to have a silvery sheen. This catches the sunlight, making the entire thing earn it's name. A sign of a well painted apple hangs over the door, which is sunken into the g
[19:54] <Anastasia> well painted apple hangs over the door, which is sunken into the ground and reached by a few steps.
06[19:55] * Seira heads inside ahead of Amaryl, intending to secure a room for them to stay in, first of all.
[20:00] <Anastasia> Inside you find that a women in a silk dress waits just inside. "Good afternoon. You two are here early," she raises an eyebrow. "What can I do for the two of you?" The insides of this room are lush, silks and softness everywhere. A fire burns in af ireplace, incense and vanilla filling your noses. "
01[20:01] <Seira> "Early?" Seira asks curiously. "Why do you figure that?"
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03[20:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:02] <Anastasia> The woman has blonde hair with af ew streaks of gray in it, tied back into a bun. Her nails are perfectly manicured. "We don't get most of our clients until the evening hours. You don't look like our normal clients...more like...adventurers. You look and smell like it, too."
03[20:04] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
01[20:04] <Seira> "Hey, we took a bath last night," Seira grumbles. "That smell remark really makes me sad."
[20:05] <Anastasia> Amaryl colors really brightly red  at that.
[20:05] <Anastasia> "Apologies. Now then, what are you here for," she continues.
01[20:08] <Seira> "First, a room," Seira announces, nodding at the apology. If only they weren't here on business, she'd tease Amaryl a bit, but it would really be counter-productive if this woman is Mariweather. "Let's make it two days, and see how it goes from there?"
[20:10] <Anastasia> With raising an eyebrow, "Well. Isn't that fascinating," With a droll smile as she nods, "20 gold for two days. Do you have any preferences about your service?"
01[20:12] <Seira> "Only an aversion to the cryptic and the vague," Seira responds, smiling back at her. "Wouldn't we first need to know about the available services before we could choose?"
[20:13] <Anastasia> With her own smile growing, "You don't know, do you? This is a pleasure house, girl. If you're merely looking for an inn room, you'd best come to another place."
[20:13] <Anastasia> Amaryl colors crimson, "Pleasure house. You mean...?!" A sputter follows this, "Seira, I thought this was just a boarding house!"
06[20:14] * Seira laughs. "It makes much more sense, now! Would you happen to be Mariweather?"
[20:14] <Anastasia> "The very same." She agrees to this, "I presume you have some manner of business for me?"
01[20:16] <Seira> "Oh yes," Seira agrees. "Jerek said that if we stopped by, you might be able to help us. He also said this was a boarding house. I bet he is laughing his ass off right now, that bastard."
[20:18] <Anastasia> "Oh yes. I thought it was something like that. I was going to have to charge you extra if it wasn't." Smiling smoothly now, "Come, sit down. Aribetha, come in here and bring us some refreshments." Raising her voice to call, "What did Jerek send you here for?"
[20:18] <Anastasia> Amaryl tries to speak a few times, but only blurbles of uncomposed words leak out.
06[20:19] * Seira loops her hand through Amaryl's, pulling her over to find a spot to sit down together. "Do you aprpeciate people who are direct? And sometimes blunt, but not really offensive in their own right?"
[20:21] <Anastasia> "There are times and places fo rit. In this sort of business, it's an asset. In my primary business, it's a liability." A pretty young teenage woman in a silken dress comes out, "Mother, guests," she comes, a tray of dainty, sweet finger foods and crystal clear purple wine presented.
[20:22] <Anastasia> "So since I presume this is my secondary business, be blunt, by all means. I don't expect subtlety from someone old Jerek sent anyway." Resting her hands into her lap now, a big gold and ruby ring standing out on her finger, "How is he doing? I heard he was going towards Purinn again last I saw him."
06[20:22] * Seira waves at Aribetha, smiling once more. "I suppose I could dance around this for a while. Diplomacy is not beyond me," she responds. "Jerek actually settled down in Perseph. Built a house there and everything."
[20:24] <Anastasia> "Hahahahah. I knew he was getting old, but I thought he was too stubborn to settle down." Taking a little sponge cake and nibbling on it, "Now then...Seira, was it? That's a fascinating name."
01[20:27] <Seira> "Isn't it? It's really a large part of the reason I think being straight and to the point would suit us both best, but the choice is, as always, the host's." Seira takes a similar cake, abstaining from the wine for now.
01[20:27] <Seira> "I wouldn't presume to deny you the pleasure of conversation about old friends, and I have quite a few travel stories to share. If you would prefer that option, then I must inform you that you heard it wrong. It's Sarah, which sounds a lot alike, I must admit, and surely was the reason for the confusion."
[20:28] <Anastasia> "OF course it was. My apologies, my ears aren't what they used to be. Age is something no one can outrun, sad as it is. So tell me about Jerek then." As Amaryl continues to not do much besides glow a merry red, your hostess focuses her gaze on SEira.
01[20:35] <Seira> "I wouldn't blame it on age," Seira responds, sounding reasonably honest. "Both you and your sister are still very young and beautiful. Jerek, then, was it? He's quite the amusing person. With all his wealth, he had decided to commission furniture suiting his new home, but refused to pay the full price once it was done.
01[20:35] <Seira> So he haggled and haggled for weeks over several hundred which must surely be small change for him. Not to mention that the table alone should be worth about as much as the house he built. It was very strange."
[20:37] <Anastasia> "Jerek is stubborn as the rocks are old. When his mind wraps on something he's unyielding as a dwarf. You did some service relating to him for it? Jerek so loved saving himself busy work when he could help it. Favors for favors."
01[20:39] <Seira> "It was a fun way to pass the time, and we discovered a very pretty, out of the way grove together in the process," Seira says, nudging Amaryl lightly. "We really should visit it again, don't you think?"
[20:40] <Anastasia> "Y-yes..." Amaryl gulps, grabbing a little glass of wine and swallowing most of it down.
01[20:42] <Seira> "That must have been quite the shock," Seira says, shaking her head. "Your family will hate me even more for this, won't they?"
[20:43] <Anastasia> "Marvelous fun. I remember Jerek's stories when hw as drunk. The ones that weren't all meaningless bloodshed were amazing." Nibbling again on a cake, your hostess doesn't press it.
[20:43] <Anastasia> "I-I'm not going to tell anyone that you took me to a pleasure house!" she yelpw, "I mean, it's a misunderstanding and it sounds so degenerately horrible and scandalous1"
06[20:44] * Seira laughs, disguising it as a cough as she turns away.
[20:44] <Anastasia> "Degenerate, Scandalous? This is a pleasure house, not a cheap whorehouse. There is quality, restraint and refinement here, young lady."
[20:44] <Anastasia> "Aah..." Another few sputters from Amaryl, "Sa-sarah, c-can't we just talk about what we came here for," she says, looking into her eyes. "PLEASE."
06[20:46] * Seira is still amused, but she's hardly cruel. She gives Amaryl a light nod, and then directs her attention back to Mariweather. "Jerek, drinking heavily? You'll be pleased to hear that it's one habit he hadn't parted with, then, since it does lead to quite a few amusing stories."
06[20:46] * Seira sighs theatrically. "I wish I could go into them, but perhaps another time. I can't really refuse a plea like that, can I?"
[20:48] <Anastasia> "That would be inhospitable of you. So tell me, what is your business here," Leaning forward now, "Looking for work?"
06[20:49] * Seira covers Amaryl's mouth in advance.
01[20:49] <Seira> "Tempting, but no. In fact, we would like to pay our respects to Queen Tant."
[20:54] <Anastasia> "Really now?" With a slight smile on her face, "Jerek sent you to me to guide you along, I presume?"
01[20:57] <Seira> "One would think so," Seira agrees. "I will be frank and admit that I don't know whether you have that much clout, or if you could merely point us in the right direction. Instead, I will add to my original request that I am very determined, and since I'm just seeking a brief off-the-record audience I believe my goal is within reason."
[20:58] <Anastasia> "I can arrainge that, given adequate time and compensation. Doing so requires certain wheels to be greased and favors to be called in."
01[21:01] <Seira> Thinking it safe by now, Seira removes her hand from Amaryl's mouth, brushing her fingertips against the elf's lips briefly before letting it settle on her shoulder. "With compensation, you would be seeking out something similar to Jerek? A favor in return?"
[21:03] <Anastasia> "Money or a favor, it depends on if I need a favor done. Hm..." Very thoughtfully looking the two over, "Are you two..." she twists two fingers around each other.
01[21:05] <Seira> "I suppose money is also an option," Seira agrees, choosing to answer that part of the question as she stalls, observing Amaryl. As red as she is, could she get away with pushing her a bit more?
[21:06] <Anastasia> Amaryl blushes even hotter at this, trying to speak and generally not succeeding at all.
[21:06] <Anastasia> "Money is an option. If it isn't, that means you aren't offering enough," With a narrow smile at that, "I was thinking...for this great service, 500 gold is sufficient."
01[21:07] <Seira> "I could cover it, if the favor you'll ask doesn't catch my fancy," Seira assures Mariweather. "This only leaves time, doesn't it?"
[21:10] <Anastasia> "Time is everything, isn' tit? You can never buy any more." Looking to Seira now, "As for the favor?"
01[21:11] <Seira> "Just so we're on the same page, is my request clear?" Seira asks in an attempt to clarify things. "We would like to meet with the Queen of Malmuth unofficially, but the entire point is that Queen Tant herself knows who is asking for this audience."
[21:13] <Anastasia> "I'll make sure it's understood crystal clear." A short nod to that.
01[21:13] <Seira> A matching nod is the response. "Then, the favor in question?"
[21:20] <Anastasia> "I need you to find someone. His name is G'lem. It's short for Gallem, Gallem Thurua. He got drunk and hurt one of my girls a few weeks ago and seems to have made a getaway. You understand that I can't allow that to happen to them and let him get away with it."
06[21:22] * Seira considers the request. "I will question him to get his side of the story. That said, however... would you like this man delivered to the garrison?"
[21:23] <Anastasia> "To me. Don't worry, I'm not going to kill him. I just want to pass him over to a particular official. It's cleaner that way."
03[21:24] * Demedais is now known as tai-study
01[21:26] <Seira> "I'll need a description and some background information, but that can probably wait for tomorrow," Seira tells Mariweather. "We were planning on spending the day on sight-seeing, since it's our first time in the capital. Speaking of that, do you think you could point us towards a few tourist spots?"
[21:31] <Anastasia> "Go to the Silver-Arch Masoleum. An old nobleman had his entire fortune spent on a resting place. It's breattaking to wander through. Oh yes, and one other matter. My business relies on a certain...discretion. I trust you understand that?"
01[21:32] <Seira> "Naturally," Seira agrees, standing up and offering her hand to Amaryl. "Thank you for your hospitality today."
[21:33] <Anastasia> Amaryl manages to rise, blush finally starting to retreat. "You're welcome. Enjoy Malmuth."
06[21:33] * Seira smiles. "We will."
[21:40] <Anastasia> Thus the two exit out! Amaryl is still tongued tied and faintly blushing when you come back outside into the sunshine.
06[21:42] * Seira finds the directions for the mausoleum while Amaryl regains her composure. Only once they're on their way does she ask, "Amaryl, would it have embarrassed you if I answered back there?"
02[21:44] * tai-study (~ferixstad@141.218.228.208) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:44] <Anastasia> Gulping down air, "I -I don't know. I was so embarrassed anyway. I can't believe he didn't tell us it was that sort of place! What was she thinking about us at first?!"
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01[21:47] <Seira> "To be honest? Probably the same thing she was thinking about us as we left," Seira responds with a snort. "If it helps, the only time she was looking down on us was where she entertained the possibility that we just went there accidentally, instead of being set up. I doubt she seriously believed we were there for the services, or she wouldn't be smiling so much at the start."
[21:48] <Anastasia> "I hope so...just..." Sighing, "I'm so embarrassed, and shouldn't I have been composed instead?"
01[21:51] <Seira> "I think it's alright to be embarrassed in that situation," Seira tries to reassure her. "I'm just weird and nonconformist that way."
[21:55] <Anastasia> "Thanks.." Amaryl looks ahead, down the sunnys treet, "What was that tomb she mentioned gonig to visit?"
01[21:56] <Seira> "The Silver-Arch Mausoleum. Some nobles go for extravagant tombs to leave behind... a legacy, I suppose. It's worth a visit, even if we end up finding the thing in bad taste."
03[22:01] * Taishyr is now known as tai-test
[22:03] <Anastasia> OOC: Skip along to it?
01[22:03] <Seira> OOC: Okay
[22:10] <Anastasia> The Silver-Arch Mausoleum is massive! The silver arch that is the entrance towers over the buildings of it's area, as tall as any mage's tower. Beneath it is a pristine green lawn, a wide door big enough to fit thirty abreast leading into it.
06[22:11] * Seira raises an eyebrow. "I wonder if this noble was also a mage," she comments to Amaryl, her eyes trailing the arch.
[22:12] <Anastasia> The arch is made of what look sto be maintained, polished silver. "Oh wow..." Amaryl gasps, "He must have been to create that!"
01[22:12] <Seira> "Or hired one."
[22:14] <Anastasia> Starting to walk ahead, "This is just the outside, too. What's the insides of the tomb like?"
06[22:15] * Seira certainly hopes it's not a mummified corpse on grisly display, tagging along.
[22:20] <Anastasia> Walking into the inside, you find that the floors are expensive, polished white marble. The walls are veined with silver. It's massive here, stone pillars supporting the ceiling.  Fountains flow and statues of one man dominate. Dozens of them about, many cast i pure silver. People wander about, looking and gawking.
06[22:22] * Seira idly wonders how they keep the more unsavory types from stealing all the silver. "The fountains and the marble really contribute to the atmosphere," she chooses to say, finding the mausoleum a pleasant place.
[22:25] <Anastasia> There are soldiers about on watch here and there, casting a careful gaze over all of it. Amaryl slows down to admire a fountain, as Seira can see ahead. Stairs lead downward, stairs of marble as people climb up and down them. "The stonework is so nice. Is it dwarven? I think it might be."
01[22:32] <Seira> "I'd bet money on it," Seira affirms, before subtly pointing out a small group climbing up the stairs. "Let's follow them and see where it takes us?"
[22:35] <Anastasia> "Sure," Amaryl and Seira go up! The stairs are long and easy to climb, coming out in a grand room. Here a coffin sits in the far back, mounted on a pair of twin statues of angels. Everything here is gold, the walls written with a vast story on them. It looks to be a book's worth in this gigantic hall, starting on one end fo the wall and ending dead opposite it.  A few people are reading it, slowly walking along as they do.
06[22:36] * Seira chooses reading a story written in gold over glancing in a coffin!
[22:37] <Anastasia> *Silver, nto gold, oops. Had the wrong channel in mind for theme.
[22:41] <Anastasia> It's the story of a nobleman's life, told in rosy and complimenting tones. It tells of his battles, his riches, his loves and so on. Not a flaw to be seen in it, either.
01[22:43] <Seira> "Perfection lacks a certain... flavor, don't you think?" Seira asks Amaryl. "It's like salt. It can hurt like hell if it gets in a wound, and too much of it would ruin your entire meal. But without it, you just don't feel satisfied." Seira frowns ever-so-slightly. "I think this story lacks in salt."
[22:46] <Anastasia> "It's artificial...the writing glazes over any flaws. Still, it's impressive." It's taken some time to read it, slowly pacing the chamber. "The scale and overindulgence of it is enthralling."
01[22:47] <Seira> "I think I'd prefer a simple plaque of 'She saved the world a lot'," Seira mentions with a snort.
[22:50] <Anastasia> "Hehehehe. Have you truly saved the world before," Whispering now lower, "I mean from a complete apocalypse?"
06[22:53] * Seira considers. "Well, not single-handedly. But a duke of hell manifesting himself on our world definitely qualifies as an apocalyptic event, doesn't it?"
[22:55] <Anastasia> "Yes it would, I suppose," Amaryl brights again at that, "I think you told me that, now that I think about it."
01[22:58] <Seira> "I tell you most things," Seira affirms. "That time had a really dramatic and timely resolution. Nothing else I've faced so far was really as immediate a threat to the world, but I'm still pretty young. I'm sure it'll happen again."
[23:01] <Anastasia> "I hope not." Amaryl whispers, "One time was dangerous enough."
01[23:02] <Seira> "There would be at least one more time," Seira reminds her, her own voice kept suitably low. "You remember my ultimate obligation, don't you? It would make that failed apocalypse pale by any comparison."
[23:08] <Anastasia> "That bad? How bad do ou think it would be," Amaryl's color drains, "You always say it's so erious."
01[23:11] <Seira> "I could bend the truth a bit, if talking about it makes you uncomfortable," Seira says, shifting awkwardly. "I mean. It's serious, alright. But I wouldn't be pressing on forward if I thought it was hopeless, so I clearly have a chance to bet on. And hey, I take shocker lizards seriously, too!"

[Corwin]

[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "I tell you most things," Seira affirms. "That time had a really dramatic and timely resolution. Nothing else I've faced so far was really as immediate a threat to the world, but I'm still pretty young. I'm sure it'll happen again."
[19:21] <Kotono> > "I hope not." Amaryl whispers, "One time was dangerous enough."
[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "There would be at least one more time," Seira reminds her, her own voice kept suitably low. "You remember my ultimate obligation, don't you? It would make that failed apocalypse pale by any comparison."
[19:21] <Kotono> > "That bad? How bad do ou think it would be," Amaryl's color drains, "You always say it's so erious."
[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "I could bend the truth a bit, if talking about it makes you uncomfortable," Seira says, shifting awkwardly. "I mean. It's serious, alright. But I wouldn't be pressing on forward if I thought it was hopeless, so I clearly have a chance to bet on. And hey, I take shocker lizards seriously, too!"
[19:29] <Kotono> "Heh..." Blushing now, "I heard Scion Celebrimbor cursing them in passing recently. Apparently they have something of a reputation for being bothersome."
01[19:30] <Seira> "They cheat! With... with their hordes, and their twitchy noses, and the lightning!"
[19:36] <Kotono> Giggling at that, "They're quite dangerous then,a ren't they?"
01[19:37] <Seira> "It boggles the mind, but enough of those pests could rival a dragon's breath," Seira mutters.
[19:39] <Kotono> "They live in the Galkass Mountains? Are they any sort of danger to Balmuria and the BAronies?" Keeping her voice low in the tomb, "I mean, we ran into them, didn't we, but they weren't a serious problem then."
01[19:42] <Seira> "Well, we've encountered them elsewhere as well, but that's probably the closest to home," Seira responds, thinking about it. "There was a time in my life where I just wanted to destroy them all, but I'm over that now."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Why do you hate them so much?" Amaryl glances bakc, seeing no one that close to the two of you. "They are just lizards, even electric, aren't they?"
01[19:46] <Seira> "They killed one of my few friends," Seira tells her quietly. "We thought they were just lizards, too."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Oh." Amaryl bows her head, "Sorry."
01[19:51] <Seira> "The smallest, most insignificant-seeming thing could be deadly," Seira says. She nudges Amaryl's shoulder. "So that's why we're not taking any risks while traveling all over, alright?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "I get it. Nothing can be overlooked, since one mistake can do it?" Amaryl looks around, "I don't want to have anyone worry about building something like this for me any time soon"
06[20:03] * Seira won't let Amaryl die. It's as simple as that. "Want to go look at the palace before we'll find us an inn for the night?" Seira asks her, changing the subject.
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[20:11] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl smiles. OOC - Move along?
01[20:12] <Seira> OOC: Sure
03[20:18] * tai-wenchiestcornerofmysoul is now known as tai-jwrgoiwe
[20:18] <Kotono> There's no luck on going into the palace. No tours are available today, they seem to do them once every couple of days. By the time you find that out and get out, dusk is slinking along and it's time to rest. OOC - Going to go rest or do anything else before you go see Mariwether again
[20:18] <Kotono> There's no luck on going into the palace. No tours are available today, they seem to do them once every couple of days. By the time you find that out and get out, dusk is slinking along and it's time to rest. OOC - Going to go rest or do anything else before you go see Mariwether again?
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: We'll try meeting her next morning
03[20:22] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:22] <Kotono> After another night's rest, you return to the Silver Apple. Sitting down with Mariwether again, "Ah, so how did you like the Masoleum?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "It was very ostentatious," Seira responds. "But well worth the visit! You seem to know some nice dating spots, so we'll probably stop by for more advice again, if that's alright."
[20:25] <Kotono> "Ah, of course." Smiling at this as her hands rest in her lap, "Now then, to business at hand?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "Sure thing."
[20:29] <Kotono> "You need information on Gallem Thurua. Tall man, a little over six feet tall. No distinguishing characteristics. Brown hair, brown eyes. He's like a hundred other people in any given town, it's made finding him bothersome by mundane means."
01[20:30] <Seira> "What about personal connections?" Seira questions. "Family, friends, workplace?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "None in the area. He has some money of his own and is a traveler by all accounts. He was canny enough to get away before he was captured, too." Folding her hands together, "I'm hoping that you'll be able to warm up the cold trail he's left. I do know one thing: He likes the Rising Cockatrice bar."
01[20:38] <Seira> "Since I know nothing about him, the best way would be to try learning as much as possible about this man before attempting a scrying," Seira muses, although a frown develops almost instantly. "However, I am not in the habit of traveling with prohibitively expensive mirrors, access to which I would need to cast that spell."
01[20:38] <Seira> She briefly details the requirements for such a mirror, before asking, "Would it be possible to gain access to one for an hour? That should be enough."
[20:41] <Kotono> "Magic isn't my forte. I can look into finding someone who can perhaps be convinced to loan you one. It'll take a few hours to make the needed contacts."
01[20:44] <Seira> "It would be for the best. Should my scrying attempt succeed, I could either retrieve him in a flash, which would be... flashy, pun unintended, or have the means of tracking this Gallem down without anyone being the wiser," Seira informs her.
01[20:44] <Seira> "It's hardly my only option, however, merely the fastest one. We could also check out that bar while you see about the mirror, instead of committing to a single course of action just yet."
[20:45] <Kotono> "That's agreeable to me," she says, rising then. "Come back here after lunch."
06[20:48] * Seira nods, standing up herself. "You seem to be getting used to it," she whispers to Amaryl on the way out. "Since you're overcome this hurdle, want to try going to a seedy bar with me next? I bet the Rising Cockatrice is one!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Seedy bar?" As her blushes return in full force, "It must be seedy to be open this early in the day, but..."
01[20:54] <Seira> "I won't force you if you don't want to go. You know that, right?"
[20:56] <Kotono> Coloring even more, "I don't want to hold you back, either," she whispers back. "I...I...what do you think I should do, Sarah?"
01[20:59] <Seira> "I've been hoping you'd come to the same realization I did, but maybe it's a bit mean of me?" Seira muses. "Amy, it's not like there's anything wrong in going to places like that, is there? The stigma is from some of the things that might be going on in such places, but as long as it's not what you're there for, what's the problem?"
06[20:59] * Seira winks. "Weren't you the one who said your family's opinion didn't matter? It's the same thing. As long as you're not doing anything wrong, does it really matter what people might think?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "Well...yes, ?I suppose...that does make sense." Amaryl's words are soft and for Seira only, as your hostess cracks a little smile and scoots back and away. "But there's really nothing wrong with going there?"
01[21:04] <Seira> "You just need to be prepared so no one gets the jump on you or steals from you. Happened to me once." Seira snorts. "Amateurs."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Did you catch them?" Now straightening herself up, "What happened/"
06[21:12] * Seira laughs. "It was in Arad. So they ran, right? I caught them with that spell I used on the bandits. Then I got them to become acolytes to atone for their actions. We could actually visit them later and see how they've been progressing in their training."
01[21:12] <Seira> Looking amused, Seira adds, "I was a bit angry at the time and used all sorts of fire spells to intimidate that pair. The guards heard the witnesses's accounts and were on guard combing the city for a demon. It was pretty funny and we all had a laugh about it after I sorted things out."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Oh. Yes, I suppose magic makes it easy," Amaryl agrees, before nodding, "Okay then, I think I can do it. When you put it all lik ethat..."
01[21:15] <Seira> "Magic also put the entire city on guard, since they already had a curfew at the time, so we'll try to avoid it this time," Seira mutters. "Just keep your eyes open and stay alert? It's the same as hunting, really, from what you've taught me."
[21:15] <Kotono> "On target and focused. I'll do that," Amaryl stands up now, "I won't let anyone slip one past me."
01[21:17] <Seira> With Amaryl onboard, all that's left is getting decent directions and they can proceed to that wretched hive of villanry!
[21:20] <Kotono> The Rising Cockatrice is the third floor of a huge stone building. On enterin ginside, you find the ceiling has several 'cockatrices' hanging from it. The scent of beer and booze fills your nose, only one or two people here right now, as well as a barkeep and barwench.
01[21:23] <Seira> The counter is where Seira leads them, ordering a drink. It never seems right to try and gain information in a bar or tavern without sponsoring the establishment.
[21:24] <Kotono> The coins are taken and a mug is put in front of Sarah and Amy. "New 'round here? You're not regulars, and w eonly get regulars at this hour," the barkeep, an ancient man with a slow limp, presents the drink.
06[21:25] * Seira makes a show of glancing around the bar, in part to make certain no one fitting Gallem's description is present.
[21:25] <Kotono> Nope. One of the barflies is too old, and another is a man without an arm and quite the gut. Neither fits.
[21:26] <Kotono> Amaryl keeps her eyes moving methodically, on each one a few seconds intently.
02[21:26] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Ping timeout)
02[21:27] * NeremWorld (~AriD@pool-72-64-83-206.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
01[21:28] <Seira> "We're new, alright," Seira agrees with a pleasant smile. "When does it start to fill up, then?"
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03[21:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[21:30] <Kotono> "Near dusk, after everyone gets off work or duties," A shrug there, "Like every other bar in the city."
02[21:30] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Killed (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net (Nick Collision)))
03[21:31] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[21:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[21:34] <Seira> Figures, really. And it might be for the best that they're starting small; it should be easier on Amaryl to adjust. "Makes sense," Seira agrees, drinking from the mug. "But at least the regulars are around," she comments. "Most of them, anyway."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Not really. This is just the few who aren't at work or don't have anything to do." The barkeep coughs, turning his head away. "WE get a few more during lunch, and then not much until everything ends."
01[21:43] <Seira> "That would make even more sense," Seira comments, before deciding a reasonably straight-forward approach might be sufficient for her task. "I must admit I am particularly interested in a certain mutual regular, and came here in hopes of chancing upon him."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Got a name?" The barkeep asks. "I know most of 'em."
01[21:52] <Seira> "Gallem Thurua," Seira supplies, her smile growing as she continues to speak. "A mutual regular, as I've said. It would make me extremely happy if I could get in touch with him."
[21:53] <Kotono> The barkeep starts to polish the bar. "Good luck. He skipped town. I don't knwo where, sorry."
01[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 orly?
05[21:54] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:54] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[21:54] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
01[21:57] <Seira> "That's very unfortunate." Seira's smile drops somewhat, even as she discreetly checks whether anyone is listening in, or in range to overhear them.
[21:59] <Kotono> No one seems to be in range besides the bar wench, who lingers by the bar and yawns. She looks quite bored.
01[22:00] <Seira> "You don't mind if I talk to myself, do you?" Seira asks the barkeep. "I do that sometimes when I drink."
[22:01] <Kotono> The barkeep shrugs. "I don't mind." He leans back and sits down on a stool nearby, rubbing his lower back.
01[22:04] <Seira> "I hear all sorts of things," she says, drinking from the mug again. "Things about Gallem, and how he is a rowdy, violent sort. How he crossed the wrong kind of people." Seira waits for some sort of reaction from the man, but if he doesn't take the bait, she'll just keep on talking to herself.
[22:07] <Kotono> The barkeep keeps his gaze on anything but Seira. He plays with the hem of his shirt and nods a few times withou tlooking.
01[22:07] <Seira> "I hear about how there are two ways that sort of thing can play out. Nicely, where everyone gets along, and where loyalty to the right people would be remembered." She returns her mug to the counter with a bit more strength than necessary, the suddenness of the act designed to startle him more than the dull thump. "Or not so nicely. That would be unfortunate indeed."
[22:08] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check? +2.
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 44." [1d20=18]
[22:10] <Kotono> The barkeep's gaze whips to the slammed down mug, his eyes widening as he tears them away to look at Seira! Amaryl jumps at the noise, a soft, "eeep!" coming from her lips.
[22:11] <Kotono> "Oh...well...in that case..." Licking his lips, "I mean that...well...He really did split town. He got in some trouble with a rented girl."
01[22:13] <Seira> "So he did," Seira agrees. "And that trouble will only keep on growing, I'm afraid, and getting all his acquaintences involved in that unfortunate mess. Really, the best for everyone involved is for Gallem to come in... or for someone to find him."
[22:16] <Kotono> "I really don't much. All I know is that he talked about going north. He was pretty rattled." Looking away now, "He wouldn't tell me where, I even asked. Said it would be stupid to tell someone stayind behind."
01[22:18] <Seira> "I suppose so." Seira nods. "Did he leave on his own, then? And is there anything up north he might have? An old girlfriend, a family?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "I don't know. He never talked about himself much." With a cautious look to Seira, "Never had anything but rented girls. Always had money, though."
01[22:20] <Seira> "That's strange, see," Seira muses, tracing a circle on the bar lazily with her index finger. "If you don't know anything, and Gallem just up and left, then why all the worry earlier?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "Had a bad run in with a bounty hunter who thought I was holding out. But look, I'm not holding out anything! I told you everything. Just...go. Don't even worry about anything else here. Just go!"
01[22:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
01[22:32] <Seira> "There's no need for that," Seira tells him, her smile appearing once more. "That bounty hunter you mentioned? If he or someone like him ever has a... bad run with you, let's say, look me up. I think you'll know where to go to leave me a message. Like I said, certain things are remembered."
[22:33] <Kotono> Amaryl stands up, "Sorry," she murmurs to him, half bowing. The barkeep just shakes his head, hands shaking as well. "I have an idea."
06[22:34] * Seira finishes her drink, returning it to the bar with a gentle tap, and starts heading outside.
[22:36] <Kotono> "Wow," Amaryl follows Seira out, "You made him shake with fear just like that!"
01[22:37] <Seira> "It's really because he didn't know I wasn't going to follow up on the threat," Seira responds once they are outside and well out of hearing range. "Sorry about not warning you in advance."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Is that how you deal with people like that? Scare them into cooperating?" Amaryl blinks in the watery sunshine, the fall change of weather gradually filtering down.
01[22:40] <Seira> "There are really only three main approaches, here," Seira muses. "Intimidation, bribery, and stealth. Magic could be used to cheat as well, of course. I don't always know just what I'll use until I am in a certain situation. I feel it's best to leave things open to be able to adapt."

[Corwin]

[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "I tell you most things," Seira affirms. "That time had a really dramatic and timely resolution. Nothing else I've faced so far was really as immediate a threat to the world, but I'm still pretty young. I'm sure it'll happen again."
[19:21] <Kotono> > "I hope not." Amaryl whispers, "One time was dangerous enough."
[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "There would be at least one more time," Seira reminds her, her own voice kept suitably low. "You remember my ultimate obligation, don't you? It would make that failed apocalypse pale by any comparison."
[19:21] <Kotono> > "That bad? How bad do ou think it would be," Amaryl's color drains, "You always say it's so erious."
[19:21] <Kotono> <Seira> "I could bend the truth a bit, if talking about it makes you uncomfortable," Seira says, shifting awkwardly. "I mean. It's serious, alright. But I wouldn't be pressing on forward if I thought it was hopeless, so I clearly have a chance to bet on. And hey, I take shocker lizards seriously, too!"
[19:29] <Kotono> "Heh..." Blushing now, "I heard Scion Celebrimbor cursing them in passing recently. Apparently they have something of a reputation for being bothersome."
01[19:30] <Seira> "They cheat! With... with their hordes, and their twitchy noses, and the lightning!"
[19:36] <Kotono> Giggling at that, "They're quite dangerous then,a ren't they?"
01[19:37] <Seira> "It boggles the mind, but enough of those pests could rival a dragon's breath," Seira mutters.
[19:39] <Kotono> "They live in the Galkass Mountains? Are they any sort of danger to Balmuria and the BAronies?" Keeping her voice low in the tomb, "I mean, we ran into them, didn't we, but they weren't a serious problem then."
01[19:42] <Seira> "Well, we've encountered them elsewhere as well, but that's probably the closest to home," Seira responds, thinking about it. "There was a time in my life where I just wanted to destroy them all, but I'm over that now."
[19:43] <Kotono> "Why do you hate them so much?" Amaryl glances bakc, seeing no one that close to the two of you. "They are just lizards, even electric, aren't they?"
01[19:46] <Seira> "They killed one of my few friends," Seira tells her quietly. "We thought they were just lizards, too."
[19:47] <Kotono> "Oh." Amaryl bows her head, "Sorry."
01[19:51] <Seira> "The smallest, most insignificant-seeming thing could be deadly," Seira says. She nudges Amaryl's shoulder. "So that's why we're not taking any risks while traveling all over, alright?"
[20:00] <Kotono> "I get it. Nothing can be overlooked, since one mistake can do it?" Amaryl looks around, "I don't want to have anyone worry about building something like this for me any time soon"
06[20:03] * Seira won't let Amaryl die. It's as simple as that. "Want to go look at the palace before we'll find us an inn for the night?" Seira asks her, changing the subject.
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03[20:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Ebiris Ebiris
[20:11] <Kotono> "Okay," Amaryl smiles. OOC - Move along?
01[20:12] <Seira> OOC: Sure
03[20:18] * tai-wenchiestcornerofmysoul is now known as tai-jwrgoiwe
[20:18] <Kotono> There's no luck on going into the palace. No tours are available today, they seem to do them once every couple of days. By the time you find that out and get out, dusk is slinking along and it's time to rest. OOC - Going to go rest or do anything else before you go see Mariwether again
[20:18] <Kotono> There's no luck on going into the palace. No tours are available today, they seem to do them once every couple of days. By the time you find that out and get out, dusk is slinking along and it's time to rest. OOC - Going to go rest or do anything else before you go see Mariwether again?
01[20:19] <Seira> OOC: We'll try meeting her next morning
03[20:22] * Ebiris is now known as Alicia
[20:22] <Kotono> After another night's rest, you return to the Silver Apple. Sitting down with Mariwether again, "Ah, so how did you like the Masoleum?"
01[20:24] <Seira> "It was very ostentatious," Seira responds. "But well worth the visit! You seem to know some nice dating spots, so we'll probably stop by for more advice again, if that's alright."
[20:25] <Kotono> "Ah, of course." Smiling at this as her hands rest in her lap, "Now then, to business at hand?"
01[20:26] <Seira> "Sure thing."
[20:29] <Kotono> "You need information on Gallem Thurua. Tall man, a little over six feet tall. No distinguishing characteristics. Brown hair, brown eyes. He's like a hundred other people in any given town, it's made finding him bothersome by mundane means."
01[20:30] <Seira> "What about personal connections?" Seira questions. "Family, friends, workplace?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "None in the area. He has some money of his own and is a traveler by all accounts. He was canny enough to get away before he was captured, too." Folding her hands together, "I'm hoping that you'll be able to warm up the cold trail he's left. I do know one thing: He likes the Rising Cockatrice bar."
01[20:38] <Seira> "Since I know nothing about him, the best way would be to try learning as much as possible about this man before attempting a scrying," Seira muses, although a frown develops almost instantly. "However, I am not in the habit of traveling with prohibitively expensive mirrors, access to which I would need to cast that spell."
01[20:38] <Seira> She briefly details the requirements for such a mirror, before asking, "Would it be possible to gain access to one for an hour? That should be enough."
[20:41] <Kotono> "Magic isn't my forte. I can look into finding someone who can perhaps be convinced to loan you one. It'll take a few hours to make the needed contacts."
01[20:44] <Seira> "It would be for the best. Should my scrying attempt succeed, I could either retrieve him in a flash, which would be... flashy, pun unintended, or have the means of tracking this Gallem down without anyone being the wiser," Seira informs her.
01[20:44] <Seira> "It's hardly my only option, however, merely the fastest one. We could also check out that bar while you see about the mirror, instead of committing to a single course of action just yet."
[20:45] <Kotono> "That's agreeable to me," she says, rising then. "Come back here after lunch."
06[20:48] * Seira nods, standing up herself. "You seem to be getting used to it," she whispers to Amaryl on the way out. "Since you're overcome this hurdle, want to try going to a seedy bar with me next? I bet the Rising Cockatrice is one!"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Seedy bar?" As her blushes return in full force, "It must be seedy to be open this early in the day, but..."
01[20:54] <Seira> "I won't force you if you don't want to go. You know that, right?"
[20:56] <Kotono> Coloring even more, "I don't want to hold you back, either," she whispers back. "I...I...what do you think I should do, Sarah?"
01[20:59] <Seira> "I've been hoping you'd come to the same realization I did, but maybe it's a bit mean of me?" Seira muses. "Amy, it's not like there's anything wrong in going to places like that, is there? The stigma is from some of the things that might be going on in such places, but as long as it's not what you're there for, what's the problem?"
06[20:59] * Seira winks. "Weren't you the one who said your family's opinion didn't matter? It's the same thing. As long as you're not doing anything wrong, does it really matter what people might think?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "Well...yes, ?I suppose...that does make sense." Amaryl's words are soft and for Seira only, as your hostess cracks a little smile and scoots back and away. "But there's really nothing wrong with going there?"
01[21:04] <Seira> "You just need to be prepared so no one gets the jump on you or steals from you. Happened to me once." Seira snorts. "Amateurs."
[21:08] <Kotono> "Did you catch them?" Now straightening herself up, "What happened/"
06[21:12] * Seira laughs. "It was in Arad. So they ran, right? I caught them with that spell I used on the bandits. Then I got them to become acolytes to atone for their actions. We could actually visit them later and see how they've been progressing in their training."
01[21:12] <Seira> Looking amused, Seira adds, "I was a bit angry at the time and used all sorts of fire spells to intimidate that pair. The guards heard the witnesses's accounts and were on guard combing the city for a demon. It was pretty funny and we all had a laugh about it after I sorted things out."
[21:13] <Kotono> "Oh. Yes, I suppose magic makes it easy," Amaryl agrees, before nodding, "Okay then, I think I can do it. When you put it all lik ethat..."
01[21:15] <Seira> "Magic also put the entire city on guard, since they already had a curfew at the time, so we'll try to avoid it this time," Seira mutters. "Just keep your eyes open and stay alert? It's the same as hunting, really, from what you've taught me."
[21:15] <Kotono> "On target and focused. I'll do that," Amaryl stands up now, "I won't let anyone slip one past me."
01[21:17] <Seira> With Amaryl onboard, all that's left is getting decent directions and they can proceed to that wretched hive of villanry!
[21:20] <Kotono> The Rising Cockatrice is the third floor of a huge stone building. On enterin ginside, you find the ceiling has several 'cockatrices' hanging from it. The scent of beer and booze fills your nose, only one or two people here right now, as well as a barkeep and barwench.
01[21:23] <Seira> The counter is where Seira leads them, ordering a drink. It never seems right to try and gain information in a bar or tavern without sponsoring the establishment.
[21:24] <Kotono> The coins are taken and a mug is put in front of Sarah and Amy. "New 'round here? You're not regulars, and w eonly get regulars at this hour," the barkeep, an ancient man with a slow limp, presents the drink.
06[21:25] * Seira makes a show of glancing around the bar, in part to make certain no one fitting Gallem's description is present.
[21:25] <Kotono> Nope. One of the barflies is too old, and another is a man without an arm and quite the gut. Neither fits.
[21:26] <Kotono> Amaryl keeps her eyes moving methodically, on each one a few seconds intently.
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01[21:28] <Seira> "We're new, alright," Seira agrees with a pleasant smile. "When does it start to fill up, then?"
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03[21:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[21:30] <Kotono> "Near dusk, after everyone gets off work or duties," A shrug there, "Like every other bar in the city."
02[21:30] * Alicia (WinNT@user-5af124c2.wfd104.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (Killed (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net (Nick Collision)))
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03[21:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
01[21:34] <Seira> Figures, really. And it might be for the best that they're starting small; it should be easier on Amaryl to adjust. "Makes sense," Seira agrees, drinking from the mug. "But at least the regulars are around," she comments. "Most of them, anyway."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Not really. This is just the few who aren't at work or don't have anything to do." The barkeep coughs, turning his head away. "WE get a few more during lunch, and then not much until everything ends."
01[21:43] <Seira> "That would make even more sense," Seira comments, before deciding a reasonably straight-forward approach might be sufficient for her task. "I must admit I am particularly interested in a certain mutual regular, and came here in hopes of chancing upon him."
[21:49] <Kotono> "Got a name?" The barkeep asks. "I know most of 'em."
01[21:52] <Seira> "Gallem Thurua," Seira supplies, her smile growing as she continues to speak. "A mutual regular, as I've said. It would make me extremely happy if I could get in touch with him."
[21:53] <Kotono> The barkeep starts to polish the bar. "Good luck. He skipped town. I don't knwo where, sorry."
01[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 orly?
05[21:54] -atarians.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[21:54] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[21:54] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[21:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[21:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
06[21:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 13." [1d20=7]
01[21:57] <Seira> "That's very unfortunate." Seira's smile drops somewhat, even as she discreetly checks whether anyone is listening in, or in range to overhear them.
[21:59] <Kotono> No one seems to be in range besides the bar wench, who lingers by the bar and yawns. She looks quite bored.
01[22:00] <Seira> "You don't mind if I talk to myself, do you?" Seira asks the barkeep. "I do that sometimes when I drink."
[22:01] <Kotono> The barkeep shrugs. "I don't mind." He leans back and sits down on a stool nearby, rubbing his lower back.
01[22:04] <Seira> "I hear all sorts of things," she says, drinking from the mug again. "Things about Gallem, and how he is a rowdy, violent sort. How he crossed the wrong kind of people." Seira waits for some sort of reaction from the man, but if he doesn't take the bait, she'll just keep on talking to herself.
[22:07] <Kotono> The barkeep keeps his gaze on anything but Seira. He plays with the hem of his shirt and nods a few times withou tlooking.
01[22:07] <Seira> "I hear about how there are two ways that sort of thing can play out. Nicely, where everyone gets along, and where loyalty to the right people would be remembered." She returns her mug to the counter with a bit more strength than necessary, the suddenness of the act designed to startle him more than the dull thump. "Or not so nicely. That would be unfortunate indeed."
[22:08] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check? +2.
01[22:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+26
06[22:08] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+26 and gets 44." [1d20=18]
[22:10] <Kotono> The barkeep's gaze whips to the slammed down mug, his eyes widening as he tears them away to look at Seira! Amaryl jumps at the noise, a soft, "eeep!" coming from her lips.
[22:11] <Kotono> "Oh...well...in that case..." Licking his lips, "I mean that...well...He really did split town. He got in some trouble with a rented girl."
01[22:13] <Seira> "So he did," Seira agrees. "And that trouble will only keep on growing, I'm afraid, and getting all his acquaintences involved in that unfortunate mess. Really, the best for everyone involved is for Gallem to come in... or for someone to find him."
[22:16] <Kotono> "I really don't much. All I know is that he talked about going north. He was pretty rattled." Looking away now, "He wouldn't tell me where, I even asked. Said it would be stupid to tell someone stayind behind."
01[22:18] <Seira> "I suppose so." Seira nods. "Did he leave on his own, then? And is there anything up north he might have? An old girlfriend, a family?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "I don't know. He never talked about himself much." With a cautious look to Seira, "Never had anything but rented girls. Always had money, though."
01[22:20] <Seira> "That's strange, see," Seira muses, tracing a circle on the bar lazily with her index finger. "If you don't know anything, and Gallem just up and left, then why all the worry earlier?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "Had a bad run in with a bounty hunter who thought I was holding out. But look, I'm not holding out anything! I told you everything. Just...go. Don't even worry about anything else here. Just go!"
01[22:26] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
06[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
01[22:32] <Seira> "There's no need for that," Seira tells him, her smile appearing once more. "That bounty hunter you mentioned? If he or someone like him ever has a... bad run with you, let's say, look me up. I think you'll know where to go to leave me a message. Like I said, certain things are remembered."
[22:33] <Kotono> Amaryl stands up, "Sorry," she murmurs to him, half bowing. The barkeep just shakes his head, hands shaking as well. "I have an idea."
06[22:34] * Seira finishes her drink, returning it to the bar with a gentle tap, and starts heading outside.
[22:36] <Kotono> "Wow," Amaryl follows Seira out, "You made him shake with fear just like that!"
01[22:37] <Seira> "It's really because he didn't know I wasn't going to follow up on the threat," Seira responds once they are outside and well out of hearing range. "Sorry about not warning you in advance."
[22:38] <Kotono> "Is that how you deal with people like that? Scare them into cooperating?" Amaryl blinks in the watery sunshine, the fall change of weather gradually filtering down.
01[22:40] <Seira> "There are really only three main approaches, here," Seira muses. "Intimidation, bribery, and stealth. Magic could be used to cheat as well, of course. I don't always know just what I'll use until I am in a certain situation. I feel it's best to leave things open to be able to adapt."

[Corwin]

[16:53] <Kotono> > Going outside, the two find someone waiting for them. He wears plain clothes, a middle aged man with a wooden cane. He has a neatly trimmed beard and short white hair.
[16:53] <Kotono> * Seira gives him a smile. "Hello," she says. "Would you be Cendi?"
[16:53] <Kotono> > "I would be," Presenting a smooth hand out to Seira, "You would be Seira? You would be Amaryl as well," he then turns his attention to Seira's girlfriend.
[16:53] <Kotono> * Seira takes the offered hand, shaking it without squeezing it overly. "It is a pleasure," she responds, leaving it to Amaryl to greet Queen Tant's messenger if she so chooses.
[16:53] <Kotono> > Amaryl repeats this, adding a bow to him. Once that's done, "Likewise. Queen Tant is expecting you in about an hour. If you'd come with me then?"
[16:53] <Kotono> <Seira> "Of course," Seira agrees, more than willing to follow. Still having her teleportation ring in reserve does wonders to calm her in preparation of meeting another royal far away from home, as does going to see her with Amaryl by her side.
[16:54] <Kotono> The trip through Malmut is a quiet one. Surprisingly, you don't go for the palace at all. You stop well before it, going into a plain stone building's rear, a stairway leading into a basement. "This way. Don't be alarmed, we're taking an indirect route."
06[16:56] * Seira is not one to be alarmed so easily, merely nodding at this. She'd really prefer to cast a spell or two going in, but that would surely be in bad form.
[16:59] <Kotono> The stairway is fairly long, leading to a heavy door that is opened as you approach. Inside this basement are a six set of guards, as well as a heavy metal door on another wall. It's opened as you approach, showing a torch lined and soldier manned tunnel. "All things told, it's an honor to meet you face to face. The stories are often so distorted or exaggerated."
01[17:02] <Seira> "So I've learned," Seira agrees with a crooked smile. "It seems some people both praise and blame me for things that happened before I was even born at times. That gets a bit awkward."
[17:08] <Kotono> "Oh yes. Unless you're far more than human, then it's merely damning by faint praise." Guards salute as you pass into the tunnel, the smell of dry earth strong. "Queen Tant speaks well of you."
06[17:10] * Seira nods at the guards as she passes them by. "Really?" she asks. "I've been wondering about that. For our part, we see the Queen in very high regard back home."
[17:13] <Kotono> "Ah yes, it's good we have agreement on that matter. Our recent relations under past rulers have been turbulent. Such high opinions will do much to calm it."
01[17:17] <Seira> "I sometimes wonder whether there's anything we could do aside from leading by example, here," Seira muses. "Some of the problems are so daunting it's easy to give up and wait on a new generation to come, which won't have the same prejudices."
[17:22] <Kotono> "There's no guarantee of that," Cendi remarks as you travel along, Amaryl examining the corridor as you pass down it. "Grudges can foster and grow in the dark places of the heart, and transfer down the generations."
01[17:26] <Seira> "True enough. Maybe, though, we'll find a way to change this. If Queen Tant has some ideas she would like to try, I could easily see myself going along with them."
[17:30] <Kotono> "We'll see soon enough. Come." Cendi leads you along the tunnel. It's a fairly long walk. Twenty minutes, perhaps? It's a little hard to tell underground. At last you come to a stairway leading up, into an empty, large stone room. Guards stand aplenty here, some with weapons out. They salute Cendi and allow you to pass, down into a dim, sparsely lit corridor. "This way."
01[17:32] <Seira> There's hardly a need for this many guards, but Seira does not comment on that, content to follow Cendi to their destination, whatever it might be. At least the darkness is hardly a disadvantage for either she or Amaryl.
[17:37] <Kotono> You travel down several corridors, taking many a split path and hurrying along. This part of the palace is dark and quiet, little of note about it or much splendor.  Eventually you come to a simple, unobtrusive door. The only thing th at makes it stand out at all is two guards in heavy golden armor and with enough muscles to wrestle a vrock. Cendi stops here, "Queen Tant will see you inside. Shall we?"
01[17:38] <Seira> "Certainly," Seira agrees, letting him open the door, as she is but a guest here.
[17:38] <Kotono> Amaryl quickly checks herself over, "I wish we'd though to clean ourselves up before this," she murmurs to Seira.
01[17:39] <Seira> "We could," Seira voices. "If that would be alright with our hosts, a simple spell takes care of that."
[17:40] <Kotono> "By all means," Cendi agrees, waiting. "Go on."
01[17:40] <Seira> Prestidigitation is a very handy spell, and as such, Seira has it ready!
[17:42] <Kotono> Using this magic, Amaryl and Seira are cleaned up. As it finishes, "Are the two of your eady now?"
01[17:42] <Seira> "Sorry for the wait!"
[17:56] <Kotono> "Come." Cendi opens the door! Inside, you see a short hall, perhaps fourty feet long. It is decorated well and richly, lit by two braziers int he rear, on either side of a throne. Here the ruler of Malmuth sits. Her face is round and weathered, her hair a bunned up mass of black and gray.  She wears a noblewoman's rich clothes. "Seira of the United Baronies." Her voice lacks the defining, enthralling timbre of her predecessor. It's an old woman
[17:56] <Kotono>  enthralling timbre of her predecessor. It's an old woman's voice, delicate and precise.
01[17:59] <Seira> "Your Majesty," Seira says, approaching the throne, dropping into a curtsey an appropriate distance from it. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice."
[18:00] <Kotono> Amaryl follows and does the same as Seira. "I thank you for this honor, Majesty."
[18:04] <Kotono> "You did Malmuth a service in stopping Ferdi's mad ambition. Rise." Queen Tant commands. "You wished a private, discrete audience with me. You have it."
02[18:05] * xorntoro (~ferixstad@141.218.228.98) Quit (And now I get to go for a thirty-minute walk in a blizzard.)
01[18:07] <Seira> "A situation most Malmuthians sadly don't see that way, Your Highness," Seira responds, straightening up. "It is encouraging to hear you say it."
[18:11] <Kotono> "Most don't understand anything beyond the simple desire to return to what was. The dual losses pained Malmuth, both seemingly against a foe that should have been easily crushed. By the numbers, the Baronies are hardly a match, and few can see past that."
06[18:16] * Seira can't really argue with that. "And because the current leaders are cut from a different cloth, they can see past that, as you have said, Majesty." She pauses briefly. "What I would like to learn is whether the most our countries could ever be is uneasy neighbors locked into a perpetual state of armistice, and nothing further."
[18:20] <Kotono> "Right now...It is difficult to say. Many view the loss of Valandia as a crippling blow that must be remedied. Old guards from Ferdi's regime that still have power, nationalists, or those who simply resent the loss or have suffered from it. My view is that the main healing factor will be time and patience, augumented at the right time by actions."
01[18:23] <Seira> "That would probably be right, in the absense of a common enemy to unite against, and I wouldn't wish such a so-called solution on anyone, Majesty," Seira agrees. "It is my hope, however, that lines of communication could be opened with this visit.
01[18:23] <Seira> Time, patience and education are important; actions made at the right time, however, may not go far if they are not coordinated or reciprocated on the other side."
[18:31] <Kotono> "Yes, I have no objection to this. One of the few successes of Ferdi's reign was the Kondrux affair and it's quick resolution." A nod to Seira there, "Contact would best established in Valandia for mundane matters, obviously."
01[18:35] <Seira> "Claris is a good choice for that, yes," Seira agrees once more. "And unless I am mistaken, our trade took a serious hit shortly before the war, and never truly recovered. Valandia's temple to Waukeen should be nearing construction soon, however, and would respond most favorably to any attempts to revitalize this avenue."
[18:38] <Kotono> "This is agreeable. Prosperity brings peace in it's own time," Tant does stop here, looking to Seira. "What of your own realms? I hear that Balmuria prospers."
01[18:42] <Seira> "It does, as a result of advances in trade, magic and better relations with our neighbors," Seira responds honestly. "It is my hope that one day we might recapture the glories of the past without the accompanying arrogance that lead to our ancestors' downfall, and then, surpass them altogether."
03[19:07] * Taishyr (~ferixstad@adsl-76-235-223-71.dsl.klmzmi.sbcglobal.net) has joined #dunes
[19:11] <Kotono> "It is a dream that Ferdi had in his own twisted way. With the right touch, it is a good dream to have."
01[19:20] <Seira> "I believe there are plenty of wonders to be discovered," Seira comments. "Certainly enough for everyone, without having to fight over them."
[19:20] <Kotono> "
[19:20] <Kotono> "Agreed," Amaryl speaks up here, "King Lorthan shares the same view."
[19:22] <Kotono> "This is a wise stance to take. It's quite markedly opposite Ferdi's, so that's usually true." With the faintest, regal smile crossing her face, "Do you have any specific s to that, or merely sentiment now?"
01[19:23] <Seira> "I do, Your Majesty," Seira responds. "But first, might I inquire as to how Malmuth is adjusting to the somewhat-recent influx of magic in the world? The wards holding us isolated from the other planes are slowly coming undone, and the first time it has happened wasn't pleasant to either of our countries."
[19:26] <Kotono> "We are doing well enough with it. There are...disturbances. A necromancer arose far in the south, only put down with concentrated effort. There have been hints of deviltry as well. There are also religious movements forming, scattered here and there."
01[19:33] <Seira> "Much like in our lands, except for the necromancy." Seira nods. "There are many things I wish to see, but without a focus, none is likely to be realized. So what I would like to offer is to work together on restoring the lands that had been ruined by the carnage of the gnomish war.
01[19:33] <Seira> We have already made some headway into studying the wastes past the Desert Fiefdoms, and the once-impenetrable jungle bordering on Kelara had finally been traversed. But that is only a beginning, and our efforts might benefit from a fresh perspective and from capable mages and researchers alike."
[19:35] <Kotono> "To the west, as the Galkass Mountains end, is the waste as well. Over the years various souls have tried to survive it, but none have survived. A solution to it would be a bounty to all our nations."
03[19:37] * Taishyr is now known as Demedais
01[19:38] <Seira> "Since we have been working on this for a while, we managed to make headway. But the progress is just too slow for my tastes, and even should we succeed, I fear we will have to start all over again for each damaged spot on this world. Having more effort put into solving this problem will surely be a step in the right direction."
06[19:38] * Seira gives Amaryl a brief smile, before returning her attention to Queen Tant. "Besides, we want to see what lies past the edge of the world. Wouldn't you, Your Majesty?"
[19:40] <Kotono> "Perhaps. Malmuth is kingdom enough for me." To that she smiles faintly, "There is enough land in it for me to worry about every day."
01[19:44] <Seira> "We happen to be on vacation right now, Your Highness," Seira says lightly. "If there is a particularly troublesome spot where it would be inadvisable for the Crown to exercise its influence due to the circumstances on the ground, we might just pass through it. Accidentally, of course."
[19:46] <Kotono> "Of course." With the faintest smile again, "There is not at the moment, though I will keep your offer in mind in the coming weeks. Well no...actually, there might be one." Stopping there, "There might just be one."
06[19:47] * Seira waits patiently, projecting an image of casual curiousity.
[19:51] <Kotono> "Far to the east of Tauret, in the Enaldis Mountains, is a small town, Catamact. There's been reports and hints of a religion taking shape there, but finding out which is proving elusive."
[19:51] <Kotono> "If it's an innocent religion, I would rather not antagonize them by direct action if avoidable. If they're not...well..."
01[19:54] <Seira> "Yes," Seira says, her demeanor changing in an instant. "If they're following one of the evil gods, that is something that needs to be nipped in the bud."
[19:56] <Kotono> Amaryl nods as well, "That's close enough to the Barbarian Lands to be a concern for Pallanth as well."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Then go and see." Tant says, "Carefully. If they are foul and evil, it will not be an easy task."
06[20:01] * Seira bows. "And yet, a task that must be completed, lest evil have a chance to grow and fester." She straightens up. "It is my hope, of course, that the religion is innocuous, but we've been burnt with such things far too much to merely let it go without an investigation."
[20:04] <Kotono> "Yes. I'm glad to see you understand this," Tant says.
01[20:06] <Seira> "And speaking of evil...." Seira doesn't really want to go into this, but Queen Tant did mention devils earlier. "There is a devil going by the name of Esthan, seemingly helping people out of the goodness of his heart. Knowing what we do of devils, things are not as they seem.
01[20:06] <Seira> Though we've yet to determine his goal, we do know that he seeds discord subtly wherever he goes, and that he is the most powerful mage on our world, without question."
[20:12] <Kotono> "I see. I know nothing of this devil or that name, but...It must be remembered then," she says, "Has he been in Malmuth?"
01[20:13] <Seira> "I don't have knowledge of Esthan appearing outside of Pallanth, although a devil of that caliber and magical know-how would be able to appear anywhere he wished. If we manage to discover more specific information pertaining to him, it will be shared via a Sending spell straight away."
[20:17] <Kotono> "That would be appreciated, thank you," Queen Tant nods to that.
06[20:20] * Seira nods herself. "I believe it is time for us to proceed with our vacation, then, Your Majesty," she says, glancing at Amaryl briefly. "I've always wanted to visit Tauret, after all."
[20:25] <Kotono> "You're dismissed. Enjoy Tauret." As Queen Tant says this, Amaryl bows again. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your time and graciousness."
01[20:26] <Seira> This time, it is Seira who follows Amaryl's lead.
[20:26] <Kotono> Thereafter, the door leading in here opens. "This way," Cendi can be heard.
06[20:27] * Seira backs away from the throne, before turning towards the sound of Cendi's voice, ready to be led outside.
[20:28] <Kotono> Once outside, "I'll take you back. Any questions before that?" Cendi asks.
[20:28] <Kotono> Amaryl breathes out a sigh, and quietly to SEira, "That went well."
01[20:30] <Seira> "Far better than my expectations, though I've learnt to keep those low," Seira responds quietly, before raising her voice. "Just one, I suppose. Would we follow the same protocol if we were to return, say after our vacation to Catamact?"
[20:31] <Kotono> "Contact Meriwether, she can pass ont he approriate signs," he agrees, "We'll be expecting you in due time."
01[20:32] <Seira> "Have you been to Tauret?" Seira asks Amaryl. "I haven't, so it would be a long trip. Although I suppose I could get us part of the way over."
[20:33] <Kotono> "I've never been," Amaryl agrees to that with a shake of her head, "Should we leave in the morning then?"
01[20:35] <Seira> "I could take us as far as the Gulnan Basin," Seira suggests. "It should be far closer. If you'd like to spend another night here, we can wait until morning. It doesn't really matter either way."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Let's just get an inn room and rest? It feels strange to leave late in the day," Amaryl admits, "A day of rest before travel would be pleasant, too."
01[20:42] <Seira> To be perfectly honest, Seira is not very eager to return to the spot where she was demeaned shortly after escaping from hell, quite literally at that, and the prospect of coming against an evil cult is likewise offputting. Spending the day with Amaryl in their inn room, once suggested, quickly takes precedence, and she finds herself nodding to the suggestion. "Sure thing. We can afford it."
[20:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20-9
05[20:52] -sebben.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Kotono invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:52] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:52] * Kotono sets mode: +v Hatbot
[20:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20-9
06[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20-9 and gets -4." [1d20=5]
[20:55] <Kotono> That night, sleep has come. As Seira rests in her bed, there is a very soft knock on her inn room door.
01[20:56] <Seira> People waking her up in the night, never a good sign. Seira comes over to the door, asking quietly, "Who is it?" so as to not wake Amaryl.
[20:57] <Kotono> AMaryl is quite fast asleep. In a very quiet voice, "Celebrimbor. Come out, we need to talk."
01[20:58] <Seira> Seira's eyebrows climb all the way into her hair, it seems. She grabs the Resort, and only then opens the door, slipping outside.
[20:59] <Kotono> Celebrimbor is in the dark hall, wearing a hood that he pushes back as Seira opens the door. His face is quite composed, not a hint of a smile on his face at all.
01[21:00] <Seira> "I would say it's a very pleasant surprise, but you don't look happy to see me," Seira says, leaning against the door. "What's wrong?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "We need to talk about Amaryl. Come with me," he says, starting to walk down the hall.
01[21:02] <Seira> "Let's talk here, then," Seira tells him. "She's asleep, and you know where we are. I can't just leave her like this."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Fine." Going to rest against the opposite wall from Seira. "Was it her idea or your idea for her to abandon Pallanth and her family?"
01[21:05] <Seira> "What do you mean by that?" Seira asks in surprise. "The council is on a break. We're just using that chance to go and see the world."
[21:05] <Kotono> "It was hers," he nods, "Are you familiar with the note she left behind when the two of you left the Citadel?"
01[21:08] <Seira> "I told her to write one," Seira says. "Her family... is there a problem with them? They always seemed so nasty to her, so leaving without saying goodbye in person seemed like the right thing to do." She frowns. "In fact, I was going to try and see you soon, perhaps by using a Sending to invite you over.
01[21:08] <Seira> Celebrimbor, just how badly is Amaryl treated back home? Whenever we talk about it, she just looks away and tells me not to mention it."
[21:11] <Kotono> "By any normal standard, she's treated well. She's rich and the head of a noble family. She has an apex of power at a very young age. If you're thinking outright abuse in that manner, no." Quietly now, "Does Amaryl talk about her family much to you?"
01[21:13] <Seira> "No. In fact, she claims everything is fine. But I... I don't know, I don't buy it. The way she looks those times makes me uneasy. And then, there is Sir Ambrose. She thinks the world of him, but at the same time, wouldn't talk about him either. Is there some grand secret I'm being kept from? Should I push? Should I back off? I just don't know. But you can help me make sense of things, can't you?"
[21:15] <Kotono> "This is more or less accurate, with gaps filled in by my listening and ob servation. But have you ever wondered how Amaryl became scion of the family when she's obviously so ill suited for it?"
01[21:15] <Seira> "They wanted to control her. It's either that, or there is some subtlety of Pallanth law that made her the only possible applicant."
[21:20] <Kotono> "Well, no. Lavandear Gaial, the last Scion, died unexpectedly and swiftly. The family was ill prepared for it, with no clear successor. The summary of the entire affair is that through a lot of internal struggling, Amaryl became scion. It was partly a compromise and partly an accident."
01[21:21] <Seira> "Sucks to be all those schemers," Seira says, not particularly caring. "Except they made her life crap, and I take it Amaryl decided to just run away from it all?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "I think the blame lies solely on Lavandear's untimely death. In better circumstances this would not have happened the way it did. But yes, I suspect that's the ultimate result of the situation. As for Ambrose?" Stopping now, "It's easy to tell that Amaryl thinks the world of her. But...you needen't worry. From what he's said to me, he thinks of her as a daughter to nurture."
[21:28] <Kotono> *world of him
01[21:28] <Seira> "I only worried for her," Seira admits. "Well. After the first time she told me not to worry about him. Amaryl was very convincing. Umm. But that doesn't really matter." She shakes her head. "Anyway, it's a huge relief that the man she practically worships isn't mistreating her. Really. Huge. Enormous! I was really worried, because I like him. Not as much as I like you! But--"
06[21:28] * Seira stops herself a second time, taking a deep breath. "Let's start over. So the problem is solely with Amaryl's family, and nothing further? There are no wider issues with the Council or King Lorthan?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Not that I'm aware of. She's only ever been polite to me. Until very recently and your influence, she's been so soft spoken that it's difficult to imagine her provoking anyone like that, or being provoked." Stopping here, "However, the family is a concern. Her note was well meaning and very polite, but various members have gone form reading between the lines, to inventing entire stories of subtext based on nothing."
01[21:31] <Seira> "I think I will need to ask you to tell me what the note says, first, Celebrimbor."
[21:40] <Kotono> Reaching into his robes, a sheet of paper is flicked towards Seira.
06[21:42] * Seira unrolls it, giving the paper a glance.
[21:46] <Kotono> It reads the following: 'Dearest Family Gaial: 14 years ago I became the scion of this house. It is a great honor...but not one I can live to. My heart yearns to go where it feels love and where I can feel alive. I am going with my closest friend, one who will keep me safe from all harm. I am sorry if my recent trainings or this leave has offended any of you. But...I will follow the path that I wish to with all my heart, not the path that I mus
[21:47] <Kotono> not the path that I must.'
01[21:48] <Seira> "This reads like she's abdicating," Seira notes in surprise, her eyes rising to meet Celebrimbor's.
[21:48] <Kotono> "It doesn't say so in so many words, but it does, doesn't it? It leaves a lot to be inferred."
01[21:50] <Seira> "This is too much to deal with on such short notice," Seira mutters. "Especially with Amaryl not present for it. Which brings us to my next question. If this is contained to Amaryl's family, why did you come instead?" She frowns. "In fact, and please don't take this the wrong way, but what is the purpose of this visit? To inform us of the problem, or to try and take her back against her will?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "I wouldn't dream of it. It's really not my business." With the faintest smile, "I'm being a meddling old elf. I caught wind of this and gathered the needed information. I had a suspicion that you m ight be at least partly in the dark."
06[21:53] * Seira snorts. "You really are a great friend. I'm sorry I doubted that for even the briefest of moments." She smiles wryly. "I'm afraid that any subtext Amaryl's nasty family is reading into is probably true, as long as it doesn't involve me using my magic on her or anything likewise distasteful."
[21:56] <Kotono> "It's your business. For my two coppers, it's to be expected. I'm glad this rebellion is only this and not something self destructive. However, while they owuldn't do something so odious as hurting you or Amaryl...they might send someone to find her by various means, or even deal with you if they suspected foul play. Scion or not, if they suspect someone's possibly kidnapped a member of the Gaial family, they won't let that go unopposed."
[21:56] <Kotono>  they won't let that go unopposed."
01[21:58] <Seira> "Do you think we can take this indoors?" Seira asks. "Much as it pains me to disturb her rest, I would like to... oh, I don't know what I'd like, but it involves talking. And a tiny bit of annoyance for not relying on me enough to tell me about her problems."
[22:04] <Kotono> "You can. I'd rather keep my role in this affair between you and me." With a nod of his head, "While I can handle it, being accursed of meddling in a private family affair will needlessly antagonize whomever takes the Gaial position in the Council."
01[22:05] <Seira> "It might help if she thought she could have support," Seira argues. "You know. From you, and from others. It doesn't have to go beyond that room."
[22:06] <Kotono> "She needs your support, not mine." Shaking his head now, "Be there for here, if she matters that much to you. That will mean mroe to her than anything I could ever do."
06[22:07] * Seira nods. "It might well be that I'll need your help, then. Are you staying at this inn as well?"
[22:08] <Kotono> "No. I'm planning to return to Pallanth as soon as this is done," he replies, "I can return if you'll need me, as long as it's kept quiet."
01[22:10] <Seira> "I think I might," Seira says, sighing. "This would be simple if it only involved me. I would instantly know what to do, I feel it! But in this situation...." She shakes her head. "So I think I might need to rely on you, discreetly. If you can't wait while I talk things over with Amaryl, do you think you could return tomorrow?"
[22:11] <Kotono> "I can. Scrying on Amaryl is simple enough," he says, "Evne if you're not here."
01[22:12] <Seira> "Ah. About that. Please, erm, don't scry on us," Seira requests, sounding embarrassed all of a sudden. "A Sending is fine. We'll be here for the next day."
[22:13] <Kotono> "Ah, of course. I had no easier way to find you." Smiling at that, "Good luck."
06[22:14] * Seira rolls her eyes. "Thanks. I mean it. This way, we have a chance of doing something about the problem, rather than have it come after us when we least expect it." She turns around, opening the door to their room, and steps inside.
[22:14] <Kotono> Amaryl looks to be still asleep. She's wrapped up in blankets and quite comfortable looking.
06[22:16] * Seira was comfortable, too, and there's no way she can fall asleep now. An application of faerie lights illuminates the room, and then Seira shakes Amaryl awake, leaving the Resort on the nightstand.
[22:23] <Kotono> "Hm?" Amaryl sits up easily, "What is it, Seira?"
01[22:25] <Seira> "I'm going to be talking about things you don't like me to broach, so I'd like to apologize in advance and tell you that I love you," Seira says bluntly, sitting down on the bed next to Amaryl. "Just remember that, alright?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "Huh?" As she blinks and stares, "W-what's going on now? Did something happen?"
01[22:30] <Seira> "It seems your family believes that you abdicated and then eloped with me, although some of them feel that I've kidnapped you and might be sending people after us to bring you back," Seira says, although her speech begins resembling a rant as she rambles on.
01[22:30] <Seira> "That would be bad. But I'm also troubled that you didn't tell me just how bad things were. And while we're on the subject of things troubling me, wouldn't I qualify as more than a friend, however close or special? I thought it was a necessity of your post to be vague about that, since we're not married and all that, but if you're giving up your old life like that, does that really matter?"
[22:38] <Kotono> "Seira...how..." she begins, before coloring and looking away. "I...I didn'tw ant to think about any of that. I just wanted to go. I wanted to go with you and forget all about Pallanth."
01[22:41] <Seira> "Of course--" Seira rubs her forehead. "Of course you can go anywhere you want. And I'll be there with you. But it won't be very pleasant if a bunch of bounty hunters are tracking us down, would it?" She sighs. "And you can't run away from your problems. Forgetting about them? That never works. What you can do is put them behind you, one way or the other.
01[22:41] <Seira> Do you know what you want, beyond all doubt? If so, let's go and make them all understand! I'll be right by your side the entire time, I promise."
[22:45] <Kotono> "Seira..." Sniffling now, "I wnat to keep going with you. I know that. I've known that since I started. I don't have to worry about anything like what I had to when I was there in Pallanth."
01[22:49] <Seira> "So the hardest part is over," Seira tells her with a smile, putting her arm around Amaryl's shoulders. "I want to be with you, too. But are you certain that you want to leave your home country altogether? If you want me to, I could move in with you, and no one would bother you again.
01[22:49] <Seira> Even if you don't want to serve as a Scion anymore, do you want to turn your back on Pallanth itself? It's... it's not a simple choice between merely existing back home and abandoning everything to live with me. There are a lot of ways to have the latter without cutting all ties with your past."

[Corwin]

[18:58] <Kotono> -------------------(Bazooka Ko!)--
[18:59] <Kotono> <Seira> Do you know what you want, beyond all doubt? If so, let's go and make them all understand! I'll be right by your side the entire time, I promise."
[18:59] <Kotono> > "Seira..." Sniffling now, "I wnat to keep going with you. I know that. I've known that since I started. I don't have to worry about anything like what I had to when I was there in Pallanth."
[18:59] <Kotono> <Seira> "So the hardest part is over," Seira tells her with a smile, putting her arm around Amaryl's shoulders. "I want to be with you, too. But are you certain that you want to leave your home country altogether? If you want me to, sI could move in with you, and no one would bother you again.
[18:59] <Kotono> <Seira> Even if you don't want to serve as a Scion anymore, do you want to turn your back on Pallanth itself? It's... it's not a simple choice between merely existing back home and abandoning everything to live with me. There are a lot of ways to have the latter without cutting all ties with your past."
Session Close: Mon Feb 23 19:07:05 2009

Session Start: Mon Feb 23 19:07:05 2009
Session Ident: #dunes
02[19:07] * Disconnected
02[19:07] * Attempting to rejoin channel #dunes
03[19:07] * Rejoined channel #dunes
03[19:07] * Topic is 'Jessica>Balor>Pollyanna>Donald>Antenora>Oberuth'
03[19:07] * Set by Kolunch on Thu Feb 19 20:38:31
03[19:07] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Seira
[19:07] <Kotono> "I thought about this a long time after I visited you in Balmuria," Amaryl begins, "Seira, Balmuria and the outside world was alive. There wasn't the same routine and same endless obligations just beceause of who I was. PAllanth is like a suffocating cage. I don't want to be caged in there anymore. Let someone who wants and appreciates the power have it."
01[19:14] <Seira> "You are in a position to change it," Seira says, after a brief pause. "If you wish it, it should be possible to leave and explore the outside world. To learn from it. And to return one day, even if it's years later, to break the cage for everyone who couldn't get away."
06[19:14] * Seira sighs. Is it wrong to see Amaryl's move as right and applaudable, and still expect more from her? It is one question Seira doesn't know the answer to.
01[19:15] <Seira> "At first I thought you were giving up, but that's not it, is it? You're leaving everything behind, and it's a very brave choice. I'm sorry I didn't see it right away. But what if you'll be strong enough to challenge Pallanth's ways one day in the not-too-distant future, but won't be able to make a difference, as you'll have become an outsider?
01[19:15] <Seira> What if your family uses this chance to put another innocent girl as the new head of family?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "That won't happen." Amaryl murmurs, "I can't imagine it will again. But...I don't want to change PAllanth, Seira. I just want to get away from it. I know I can't change Pallanth."
06[19:24] * Seira sighs again. "I can't blame you. I did the same thing myself, after all." When she was much younger. "Alright. Alright. Balmuria would love having you, and you already know my friends there. They like you, too. It would work."
[19:29] <Kotono> "Thank you," Amaryl sighs as well, relief filling her face. "I just..." she hesitates here, then embraces Seira without another word.
06[19:31] * Seira laughs, though it comes off forced. "Don't thank me yet," she tells her, letting her chin drop lightly on Amaryl's shoulder. "We have to return immediately. Unless we leave Pallanth properly, making a clear cut with your past, it will always keep on haunting us. We can't let that happen, Amaryl."
[19:36] <Kotono> No reply at first, Amaryl resting against Seira. "What about Queen Tant's request?"
01[19:39] <Seira> "Teleport. If I bug Celebrimbor about it, he might help us get to our destination even faster than I could take us. Unofficially and all that." She smiles crookedly. "I'm glad you're going along with this. The next plan best thing to a plan the Guard has is another try at the elven wards holding Pallanth's Resort. Taking you along on that without settling things properly... heh, awkward's too tame."
[19:51] <Kotono> "Well..." Blushing hotly at that, "When will that be?"
01[19:53] <Seira> "There were... problems. With our last campaign." Seira shudders in Amaryl's grasp. "Probably a few weeks at the earliest. Possibly several months still."
[19:54] <Kotono> "..S-Seira?" At those shudderings, "Seira? What's wrong?" Holding her, "You're shaking!"
01[19:56] <Seira> "Badness. Let's deal with the badness ahead of us, first." Seira closes her eyes. "Can you promise me that you won't regret it? Going with me?"
[19:59] <Kotono> "Yes," Amaryl says instantly, "I can. I don't regret it and I won't."
01[20:02] <Seira> Elves live pretty long lives, but Seira decides to trust in that promise. "We'll leave with first light," she says, brushing her hand through Amaryl's hair. "We'll put things in order, and then we'll be free to go on wherever we choose."
[20:06] <Kotono> "Alright," Amaryl says, resting against Seira. "Until the morning...?"
[20:14] <Kotono> Night passes in a restful sleep thereafter. Amaryl falls asleep against Seira. With morning's light the day returns...OOC - Ball's in your court at the moment.
06[20:15] * Seira will memorize the teleport spell and a few others that should help them afterwards, before stirring Amaryl from sleep.
[20:17] <Kotono> Amaryl gets up and puts her gear on. She looks about the room, shifting and quiet as SEira prepares.
01[20:18] <Seira> "Are there any precedents for what you're about to do?" Seira asks her, done with her own preparations. "Do we go to the crown? Or is it settled more privately?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "It's a family matter, but I..." Amaryl looks down, hand held at her chest. "King Lorthan has domain over all. Perhaps...perhaps he could help too."
01[20:25] <Seira> "I'll get us to the Citadel. Then, how about we seek out Sir Ambrose?" Seira proposes. "If we approach the King with him, it might be the best possible solution, and any spies your family might have in place would be fooled and caught off guard, too, unable to meddle effectively."
[20:27] <Kotono> Blushing at that, "Ah...Sir Ambrose..." Gulping down, "O-Okay."
01[20:29] <Seira> "Hey," Seira says, catching her attention. "You've made a difficult choice, and now you're struggling to make it work. I'm sure he will understand and support you, Amaryl."
[20:30] <Kotono> "Okay." Breathing in and out for several breaths, she look sto Seira. Her smile wavers and shakes, "I can do it. WE can do it. Okay?"
06[20:30] * Seira smiles at her. "Right!"
03[20:34] * Celenu (WinNT@user-5af08953.wfd103.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
01[20:34] <Seira> roll 1d100 Cel
05[20:35] -betamax.dejatoons.net:@#dunes- Seira invited Hatbot into the channel.
03[20:35] * Hatbot (~Hatbot@cpe-66-68-88-203.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
03[20:35] * Seira sets mode: +v Hatbot
01[20:35] <Seira> roll 1d100 Cel
06[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 Cel and gets 49." [1d100=49]
03[20:38] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:38] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:48] <Kotono> Woosh! Celebrimbor's estate is quiet irght now, appearing in his rear gardens. Not an elf is to be seen, only well kept and weaved nature.
01[20:49] <Seira> "Let's sneak outside," Seira whispers, perhaps needlessly. "We can pay him a visit when we're not pressed for time. You'll need to lead the way."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Okay..." Amaryl pulls the hood of her cloak up, hiding her face and keeping her head bowed. "This way, Seira."
06[20:52] * Seira follows, herself adjusting her features to appear yet another elf. Her human disguise might not fit so well here, after all.
[20:54] <Kotono> The Citadel of Light is a peaceful place, a chilly breeze rustling through the leaves and buildings. Winter's breath comes closer and closer to the forest as the two approach the abod eof the Highsun family. It is a large building in the shape of a disk, golden as the sun itself at it's zenith. Amaryl lead syou to the entrance, pulling up her hood as you knock on the door. To the servant there, she says, "Could you inform Sir Ambrose that Amary
[20:55] <Kotono> she says, "Could you inform Sir Ambrose that Amaryl Gaial is here to see him? Quietly."
06[20:56] * Seira studies the location quietly while Amaryl handles this part. It seems like her old place would not be quite so hospitable to her appearing there in the future.
[20:58] <Kotono> The grounds around it are denuded of trees, tall grasses growing. It lets the sun's watery fall light shine right on the golden building. The servant bows, "Ah, Sir Ambrose left instructions if you came. This way, please," the elf bows deeply.
06[20:59] * Seira gestures for Amaryl to step ahead, following her after resetting her disguise to what it normally is, her preferred form of dealing with people she is not particularly close to.
[21:05] <Kotono> The mansion has a theme of noon and the sun. The floors are often engraved with the sun's light, sunroof windows letting plenty of it in. You are lead down halls towards the center of the building. Hoewver, midway down one bright hall, Ambrose comes out of a door. He nearly double-takes, before approaching. "Ah, Amaryl! Seira of the Baronies as well?"
01[21:06] <Seira> "It is nice to see you again," Seira responds, nodding in greeting, "though I wish this could have happened under better circumstances."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Yes," Meanwhile the servant bows and departs, Ambrose locking eyes with Amaryl. "Amaryl, your family depended on you. Why then? Why run off like that?"
06[21:13] * Seira will let Amaryl answer that. As long as she doesn't falter or rely on Seira of her own initiative, Seira is content with letting her see her decision through.
[21:14] <Kotono> "Sir Ambrose..." Looking down and away again, holding her hands to her chest, "I...I'm sorry. You'll say that I let my family down and you're right. But...my family let me down. Scion? Me? You know how bad an idea that was!"
01[21:15] <Seira> "I don't know the full story yet," Seira adds. "But Sir Ambrose, if I might ask, what sort of family would drive Amaryl away from her birth country altogether? This is hardly some whim of hers."
[21:22] <Kotono> Ambrose Highsun listens to this, then, "Amaryl, you have the potential to be a fine Scion. You've been showing it as you've begun to take your first steps to maturity. You've always had the talent in you, just not the confidence to use it. Lavandear spoke well of you many a time before he passed from this world." (More)
[21:28] <Kotono> "Amaryl, I taught you that strength comes from in there," Pointing to her heart, "Nothing truly forces you save your own heart. It is a stout heart of a brave woman. Is running away truly the wish of your own heart, or of your fears?"
[21:30] <Kotono> Looking down further, "Maybe if this hadn't happened, you'd be right someday. Maybe you even are anyway. But...I don't care anymore. I don't care if it means I'm a coward or weak. I want to run away. My family can have the power and authority and influence."
01[21:32] <Seira> "I offered to find some way and make this work," Seira voices. "Like... like moving in, or finding a regent or something, if that's possible, while taking a long vacation to make up her mind." She shrugs. "But I believe in Amaryl, and I know she'll shine just fine wherever she chooses to be. Since she's so intent on making a life for her in Balmuria with me, could you support her?"
[21:32] <Kotono> "What about the rest of your family? Another struggle for succession will erupt, and this one will play on the fractures you know exist within your family. It could take centuries for those cracks to repair, in which time your family's power will be steadily eroded." He stops here, an unreadable look to Seira. "Amaryl...is that what you truly want, no matter the consequences?"
01[21:34] <Seira> Nice family. It takes quite an effort for Seira not to voice her thoughts.
[21:36] <Kotono> "I..." Here she stops. She looks down at the floor, hanging her head. "Si-....Se....yes." she says in a little, tiny voice. She whispers it a few times, looking up. Raw fear is on her face, fear and utter, stark terror. "I'm so sorry I let you down."
06[21:38] * Seira takes Amaryl's hand, giving it a squeeze.
[21:41] <Kotono> "In a way, you've made a mature choice by choosing to follow your heart. If ou've chosen to run, then why are you back in Pallanth?"
01[21:43] <Seira> "Seems like we've made a mess of things the way we left." Seira gives him a wry smile. "While I wouldn't mind starting a war over Amaryl, Commander Oberuth back home would yell at me for it. Not to mention that any unpleasantness could be averted by returning and setting things straight.
01[21:43] <Seira> After all, I would never try to influence Amaryl's decision unfairly, even if I happen to disagree with her, as you can see."
[22:00] <Kotono> "I need to talk to King Lorthan at least...and I wanted to say how sorry I am to you, Sir Ambrose." Clearing her throat now, "Seira's right, I need to at least settle this."
01[22:07] <Seira> "The people who love you won't be disappointed in you," Seira whispers to Amaryl. "You don't need to worry about that. Because it's a choice you made yourself, they will be proud."
[22:11] <Kotono> "I'll make the arraingements," Ambrose says after a short pause. "Discreetly."
06[22:12] * Seira looks uncertain. "Should I be there with you? Can I even be there with you?" she asks Amaryl.
[22:14] <Kotono> "I'd like you there," Amaryl says back. Ambrose simply agrees to that. "Yes, I don't see it being any more of a problem."
01[22:15] <Seira> "Great!" Seira exclaims, feeling relief.
[22:22] <Kotono> The two of you ar eescored to a quiet room to wait briefly. This goes without incident, giving you af ew minutes to rest or do anything if you wish. OOC: Doing or want ot say anything, or skip along?
01[22:24] <Seira> "Even if we settle everything, Amaryl," Seira tells her quietly, "we still won't be coming back for a while. Do you need anything picked up from your old home?" She winks. "We too can be discreet when necessary."
[22:25] <Kotono> "No. I took all I wanted to," Amaryl answers, shaking her head. "I already made my peace with that place."
01[22:26] <Seira> "I always got the sense that your maids liked you," Seira voices. "I mean, they always played along when I wanted to surprise you, and were nice to me. And they spoke well of you. Unless you think they were only pretending?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "They were nice, but I left them a note, too. Privately." Smiling ever so little at that, "As well as a secret pension for the services they gave me."
06[22:31] * Seira laughs. "Let's leave them another note. In about three weeks a Baronies ship is scheduled to arrive at Elfsander. It's chartered by the temple of Waukeen, and anyone looking for fun, gainful employment could be given free passage upon it."
[22:41] <Kotono> "O-okay," Amaryl nods that slowly. "You want them?"
06[22:43] * Seira laughs harder at the question. "Not the way you make it sound, but yes. It'll be great fun for all involved!"

[Corwin]

[19:27] <Kotono> > "No. I took all I wanted to," Amaryl answers, shaking her head. "I already made my peace with that place."
[19:27] <Kotono> <Seira> "I always got the sense that your maids liked you," Seira voices. "I mean, they always played along when I wanted to surprise you, and were nice to me. And they spoke well of you. Unless you think they were only pretending?"
[19:27] <Kotono> > "They were nice, but I left them a note, too. Privately." Smiling ever so little at that, "As well as a secret pension for the services they gave me."
[19:27] <Kotono> * Seira laughs. "Let's leave them another note. In about three weeks a Baronies ship is scheduled to arrive at Elfsander. It's chartered by the temple of Waukeen, and anyone looking for fun, gainful employment could be given free passage upon it."
[19:27] <Kotono> > "O-okay," Amaryl nods that slowly. "You want them?"
[19:27] <Kotono> * Seira laughs harder at the question. "Not the way you make it sound, but yes. It'll be great fun for all involved!"
[19:29] <Kotono> OOC: Skipping ahead, yes? Right.
[19:35] <Kotono> The three of you take a quiet, back route into the palace. Here you wait for King Lorthan to admit you into the throne room. Nervousness settles in as you wait, but at last...Your names are called as you enter the seat of elven power, finding the King sitting on his throne. Seira and Amaryl approach...
06[19:36] * Seira curtsies respectfully, staying slightly behind Amaryl. She can't help but reflect on how much this mirrors the visit they paid to Queen Tant, down to the swapping of their respective roles.
[19:38] <Kotono> Amaryl bows deeply to the King. There is a pause before she speaks. "Your Majesty," she begins, "I...I trust you have heard of my recent actions?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "I have," he speaks now, the hall quiet of the normal council members, voices echoing lightly. "I bade you to explain yourself."
01[19:41] <Seira> As with Ambrose, Seira only intends to intervene to support Amaryl or directly in response to the King, should he choose to address her. A part of her hopes that Amaryl manages to get through this trial on her own.
[19:43] <Kotono> "Your Majesty, I...I cannot fulfill the role my family has taken for me. I wish to step aside and allow another to take this power. King Lorthan, I know that you know the events of my ascendance to this position and the death of Lavandear Gaial. My appointment was a fluke of circumstance that must be corrected."
[19:46] <Kotono> "Amaryl, you will leave your family in turmoil, and part of Pallanth in turmoil as well." King Lorthan is reserved as he speaks. "As long as you understand the consequences, I will make no move to interfere in this business of the Gaial family." (More)
[19:48] <Kotono> His attention then shifts to Seira, "One does not travel lightly with a scion or former scion of Pallanth. Considering your position as well, it would be devastating if tragedy befell Amaryl under your guidance. Many of the Gaial clan would see you as little better than a reckless murderer. Do you understand your responsibility here as well, Seira?"
[19:48] <Kotono> "I have thought of them and had them shown to me," Amaryl bows again, "Your Majesty, my mind is determined."
01[19:50] <Seira> "I won't say something corny like 'I'd die for her', Sire," Seira responds, bowing herself. "Instead, I'll repeat something I've told Amaryl once. Those who wish to come against us better not even bother without an army."
[19:54] <Kotono> "You have proved resilient, even when you lose something valuable," His Majesty merely addresses that point. "Pallanth wishes you no ill will at all, Seira. It only asks you to protect it's wayward child as she goes out into the world."
06[19:56] * Seira smiles genuinely. "It heartens me to hear you say that, Your Majesty. Please rest assured that there won't be a moment where Amaryl and her safety would escape my thoughts, even if this over-protectiveness embarrasses her to no end."
[19:57] <Kotono> "Thank you," Amaryl bows again.
[19:58] <Kotono> "Seira..." she breathes a moment after, coloring.
01[19:58] <Seira> "Like now!" Seira adds brightly, smiling even wider.
[20:00] <Kotono> "Go then," King Lorthan says, "Be safe in your travels."
01[20:02] <Seira> "Thank you, Your Majesty," Seira repeats after Amaryl. "And for what it's worth, I disagree with Amaryl. I think she was a good Scion, and would only have gotten better with time. It just wasn't in the cards."
03[20:07] * Celenu (WinNT@user-54461c6e.lns1-c12.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:13] * Taishyr is now known as asdgsdfasdflkjgkjhlkjh
03[20:32] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:32] <Kotono> "It is my opinion that this may have been so, or not. But it's irrelevant now," King Lorthan says, "Go, and travel with the grace of Pallanth on you."
01[20:35] <Seira> That certainly went better than she expected, and Seira decides to quit while she's ahead, completing the ritual by a respectful curtsy and a retreat from the throne. Once far enough that she can get away with it, she takes Amaryl's hand and smiles at her. "This is it," she says quietly. "We're really leaving."
[20:40] <Kotono> Taking Seira's hand at the same time, "Say the words and take us away from here," Amaryl says. "Let's go and see the world!"
01[20:44] <Seira> "The word will have to wait until we're out of the palace," Seira returns, smiling at her. "It's bad form to teleport on the grounds."
[20:45] <Kotono> "Seira...this one, the hell with it," Amaryl says, "Please, let's just go!"
06[20:46] * Seira snaps her fingers, thinking of her inn! And really hoping she doesn't run into an ancient defense system that horribly disfigures them in the process.
01[20:46] <Seira> roll 1d100
06[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 and gets 7." [1d100=7]
[20:51] <Kotono> Wooooosh! The two appear in Seira's backyard, just as planned!
01[20:52] <Seira> "We didn't die horribly," Seira says cheerfully. "I think that calls for a celebration!"
[20:54] <Kotono> Looking around, "Yes," Amaryl agrees, sighing deeply, "Let's celebrate today!"
01[20:56] <Seira> "I'm tapped out as far as teleports go, anyway, so just let me leave a few instructions for Donald to set things up and we'll go invite Elle?" Seira suggests.
[20:59] <Kotono> OOC: You wanna chat with Elle, basically?
01[21:00] <Seira> OOC: Yes!
[21:01] <Kotono> Elle is found in her shop as usual. Alice is manning the desk as Elle is in conversation with a dashing elf. The two are whispering back and forth to each other, secluded away, half hidden by a standing suit of magical armor.
06[21:02] * Seira decides to approach Alice instead, in this case. "Hi!" she says, trying not to raise her voice so much that she would interrupt Elle's fun. "Who's Elle's friend?"
[21:03] <Kotono> With a faint smile, "A messenger from the elven mission. They seem to be getting along well. Can I do anything for you today, Seira?"
01[21:05] <Seira> "Sure! Just help me with a couple transactions while Elle does her getting along well thing? I have a cloak I've outgrown and a Mystra-blessed sword that stabbed many a Sharran!"
[21:07] <Kotono> "Certainly," As this goes down, Amaryl looks about. She raises an eyebrow, scooting closer to Seira. She doesn't speak yet, however. "How exactly do they work? Have they been previous identified?"
01[21:09] <Seira> "Oh yes! Elle made me the cloak, and I simply fell in love with the simple effectiveness of it, but now I believe that I am ready for something new." Seira grabs a hold of the cloak she wears and shows it to Alice. "So I've tried out this purchase, and it fits me well. I don't really feel too guilty about switching one of her works for another, so...."
01[21:09] <Seira> Rather than trailing off at that point, Seira lists the properties of the cloak, before laying the silvered holy longsword on the counter. "And I realized I didn't really need two backup melee weapons, either."

[Corwin]

[20:00] <Kolunch> <Seira> "Oh yes! Elle made me the cloak, and I simply fell in love with the simple effectiveness of it, but now I believe that I am ready for something new." Seira grabs a hold of the cloak she wears and shows it to Alice. "So I've tried out this purchase, and it fits me well. I don't really feel too guilty about switching one of her works for another, so...."
[20:00] <Kolunch> <Seira> Rather than trailing off at that point, Seira lists the properties of the cloak, before laying the silvered holy longsword on the counter. "And I realized I didn't really need two backup melee weapons, either."
[20:01] <Kolunch> "Ah." Taking them and giving them a brief once over, "What's the other end of the transaction?"
01[20:03] <Seira> "I can't quite replace my old diadem just yet, but I have enough for a reduced version," Seira responds. "Then, there are those boots I talked to Elle about before. And finally, I've actually been wondering...." Seira takes off her shades, placing them on the counter before Alice. "How hard do you think it would be to let me see bad people with those?"
[20:06] <Kolunch> "Bad people?" Alice raises an eyebrow as she takes the shades and looks at them.  Meanwhile Elle's laughter is heard tinkling out, Amaryl craning her neck to get a good view of the elf with her.
06[20:06] * Seira nods. "The world's full of them!"
[20:08] <Kolunch> "Do you mean evil?" Alice holds the shades up to the light, peering at them.
01[20:10] <Seira> "Pretty much," Seira agrees. "If it's possible, I might have another request further down the line, but this is really the crucial point. Because they can appear nice and then they stab you in the back, so it's always good to be prepared."
[20:15] <Kolunch> "Mmm. I'll talk to Elle about it," she promises, discreetly looking over. After a moment, "Countess, there's business here for you," she calls.
06[20:16] * Seira glances over at that, curious whether the elf is the same one she had seen with Elle before.
[20:17] <Kolunch> He looks familiar, yes. Elle looks up and nods, whispering something to the elf before coming over. "Alice, why don't you go take a break?" she says sweetly to her, then turning to Seira. "So Seira! Here on business today?"
01[20:18] <Seira> "Business and pleasure, as it so happens. How have you been?"
[20:20] <Kolunch> "Oh, very very good. Money keeps coming and coming. Oh, and you brought Amaryl today? What's the occasion?"
06[20:21] * Seira glances at Amaryl, before smiling tentatively at Elle. "She's going to be living with me from now on. We're actually kinda here to invite you to her welcoming party."
03[20:26] * Celenu (WinNT@user-5442398a.l6.c1.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
03[20:31] * Celenu is now known as Alicia
03[20:31] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Alicia Alicia
[20:31] <Kolunch> "Oh!" A moment of surprise passes over her openly, "Oh. Oh yes, certainly. I'll be over there in a little bit. I'll need to deal with Alice first."
01[20:33] <Seira> "We can invite her, too!" Seira offers. "It's not like we're snubbing her or anything, we just came to see you first."
[20:35] <Kolunch> "We'll see." With a too broad smile, "I'll see you over there? We can talk about the business later?"
01[20:37] <Seira> "Yeah, most of it wasn't too serious, so I just gave Alice the details. I'll leave everything here, and we can sort it all out afterwards." Seira shifts, before hugging Elle briefly. "Thank you for letting me stay till now."
[20:38] <Kolunch> "It's fine. I think Donald's lonely, he's been spending a lot of time here helping out lately." Smiling to that now, "He probably  misses you."
06[20:39] * Seira laughs, rubbing the back of her head. "I think I can deal with him better, now, and he surely learned something. Maybe? Ah well, one out of two ain't so bad...."
[20:42] <Kolunch> "Well..." Elle laughs as well. "Maybe one day?"
01[20:43] <Seira> "Maybe," Seira agrees, smiling. "So who else is in town? You were our first stop and all."
[20:51] <Kolunch> "Alicia's been in and out. I think she's out right now, off challenging Hell. Demedais has been busy...Donald's around, I ran into Pollyanna a few days ago..." Ticking off her fingers, "That's about it offhand,b ut people can leave in such a hurry now that teleportation is becoming more common among us."
01[20:55] <Seira> "True enough," Seira agrees. "I think I saw Donald briefly, but it wasn't the right time to talk to him yet." Pretty much because he's bound to find some way to insult or embarrass Amaryl and her own visitors-filled inn is the worst possible place for that. "We'll hit the temples and see if the Commander is around, then. Hope you'll be free by the time we're done!"
[20:57] <Kolunch> "Right." A short nod there, "See you then!" Amaryl smiles as well at this.
[21:16] <Kolunch> OOC: SKipping along right.
01[21:17] <Seira> OOC: Yep