Center Stage

[LadyGlutter]

If you could blow up the world, with a flick of a switch,
Would you do it?
If you could make everybody poor just so you could be rich
Would you do it?
If you could watch everybody work while you just lay on your back
Would you do it?
If you could take all the love without giving any back
Would you do it?
And so we cannot know ourselves or what we'd really do...

With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?

If you could make your own money and then give it to everybody,
Would you do it?
If you knew all the answers and could give it to the masses,
Would you do it?

No no no no no no!

Are you crazy?
It's a very dangerous thing to do exactly what you want!
Because you cannot know yourself or what you'd really do...

With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?

(The Flaming Lips, "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song")

[LadyGlutter]

Zoey and Mohan fade and disappear.

Mohan realize just a second to late that he shouldn't have put his hand there. http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/smilies/smallstick/smallwink.gif Instantly as Zoe completes her spell you both feel a strange tug on your bodies. Zoe is not at all flying. In fact it doesn't really appear that you have moved, but it has somehow almost become night. Well not quite, it is definitely dusk though, and the darkness seems to be playing tricks on your eyes...

Mohan: Zoëy, what did you do with the sun?

Zoë: I told it to quit bugging me. http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/smilies/smallstick/smallcool.gif Let's see what's going on.

Mohan - Crap - I start mumbling to myself, setting up a series of protective spells for me and the sun-killer.

(casting the following spells - Low-Light Vision, Longstrider, Contingent Energy Resistance [on both of us], and Forestfold

What did that spell do, seriously?


Zoë: I grace Mohan with probably the longest speech he's ever gotten out of me, beaming at him, though I can't see him well.

"FINALLY, a little interest in something worthwhile. See, the nature and the beauty of the type of magic is that it is as chaotic as the universe itself. My goal is to become one with and control the chaos, to flow within and without it. It was a surge of power, I am getting better at controlling them, but this particular spell is pretty random. It's the one I usually end up disintegrating things with. Useful spell, it listens to what I want really, even if not always what I instruct it to."

[LadyGlutter]

Okay Von, you take out the level 2 thug. Most impressive. http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/smilies/smallstick/smallwink.gif He's wretching in a trough nearby. But the crowd liked that little dramatic touch. They back off from you as you make your way across the street.

She stole purses from three people, in the amount of time you distracted the crowd. She waits the half second long enough to see if you are still looking at her. When you look at her, she smiles and winks. "Thanks" you can see her mouth and she makes her way in the other direction into a side street.

VON/LIGHTBRINGER: I'll go into the inn and look for the other guy who might be the guy I'm looking for.

GM: Von, you walk towards the other pub and realize the other guy has stood there waiting on you as soon as he saw you walking that way. He is holding the door open for you, indicating he wants you to come in.

VON: I smile and nod in thanks as I enter the building.

GM: Von, your man follows you inside, saying, "Thanks for not making too big a scene, Mr....?"

Von: "Hawkins, ...Von Hawkins." http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/smilies/smallstick/smallcool.gif "No problem. So are you Monshoon ?"

GM: "Yes, I am he." He heads towards a table and offers you a seat, sits down himself.

Von: After sitting down, "Good, I was informed you would be able to help me. I have been gone for some time and need to refamiliarize myself with the surrounding areas."

GM: He looks at you with even more surprise, "To whom did you speak? I'm sorry, sir, but you have been misled. There are people in this town who like nothing more than to treat me as their errand boy, but I'm not a trail guide, and my men have more important things than showing tours of the countryside." Yes, his speech is that precise. Polished, careful. Very little accent. Not unfriendly, perfectly civil and polite in his manner.

[LadyGlutter]

GM: Okay, so it's getting close to the early show (just before lunchtime), and there are a number of people sitting on split log benches, waiting for the show to begin. Firstly, where would you like to sit?

Ezmerelda: Sitting wherever the best view of both the crowd and the show is, I suppose. Towards the middle but off to one side somewhat.

[LightBringer]

"It's not that I need a tour of the countryside. I have just returned from an extended trip, and I'm looking for information on the area. Who's in charge of whatever new providences? Where there are any wars or disputes. That sort of thing."

[Chris Chandler]

Ezmerelda, the show begins with the announcer, a short, heavyset man with a pageboy wig and the dress of a courtier -

Dearest friends. Closest enemies. Step back with me to a tale of love and betrayal of the most foul sort. With daring duels and courtly love, find hope in the honor of nobility. Let us travel to the heart of the Flaeness, to the time of ancient kings, in the story of the "Battle of a Fortnight's Length"!

He bows among polite applause, and recedes off the stage. The curtain opens and a man in archaic armor behind a wooden replica of a chariot stands at the ready -

Great Heironeous, hear my plea!

And the play takes off, with the soon-to-be king of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy beseeching the lord of honor and valor before he rides out to the fields of war. It's a popular historical play, which you know well. The actor, surely this Keirgan you've heard of, is loud and overbearing in the part of the king, but he's getting his lines solid and has good control of the stage. As the other actors filter through the play, it's clear that he's the only trained thespian. Each of the others - the player of Hextor, the Queen, the other warriors of the Aerdy and the Nyrondese, all sort of follow Kerigan's lead, even with delievering their own lines. It works for the small stage, though you can see why this company has got the Bandit Kingdoms betwee itself and the real Aerdy, or any cultural center.

The play continues through the three acts, with plenty of fighting and contrived romance. It ends on the note of the King walking offstage, crown on his head, queen on his arm, into a sunset crowned kingdom. The people clap loudly, and get ready to head off. All of the "lesser players" spread out quickly with hats and baskets, for the collection. Keirgan, though, stands on the stage, eying the crowd. His eyes fall briefly on you, Ezmerelda, then he continues on, but you'll note that he returns his gaze at least twice more.

[LadyGlutter]

Monshoon quirks his smile at you slightly. "Not much has changed in the last decade or so."

[LightBringer]

"I never said I was gone for a decade." give him a look, but it passes quickly. Then continue, "So everything in the area has remained the same? What about this little town? Where did it come from? Who is running it?"

[LadyGlutter]

Monshoon raises an eyebrow. He turns to wave over a woman watching nearby for a signal. When he turns back, he says, "Nor did I claim you did. I wouldn't presume to put words in your mouth. I simply answered the question. Nothing has changed. The last border dispute of any significance was about 12 years ago. Things have been the same for a little over a decade.

This 'little town' came from where most towns come from, I guess. We're here because of a favorable location, a green spot near an intersection of water and a trade route. We run it ourselves." He smiles.

The serving wench approached during his speech and smirks down at him. "You're soooo modest. Yes, we do. Feeling adventurous, or you going to bore me?"

"I would like my usual, Rose. And Mr. Hawkins, I'm sure, already has his brunch paid for?" He smiles at you again.

Rose outright grins. "Yeah, whatever you want, sir. An admirer has definitely paid for it. Just one admirer this meal, I promise, Mr. Protector of the Peace. It was tempting, if you hadn't been sitting there I mighta been bad." She winks at Monshoon, then turns back to you. "I expect, though, you could eat here free for a week if you wanted, Mr. Hawkins. Or at least til that thug's bruises fade. What'll it be?"

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda~

(YES, but was I actually ENTERTAINED!? :P That's important to know! This will hold til you answer that question.)

I reach into my pack and pull out a piece of parchment, on which I write I.O.U. and put in the hat as it is passed. I smile broadly at Keirgan. I'm sure he's just seeing a new face in the crowd, so I'm not going to get all worked up.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I wait a long moment, and then decide Mohan's not going to answer me. I sigh with disappointment. I walk forward, foot in front of foot, waiting to see what I can.

[Chris Chandler]

Ezmer -

Keirgan's not bad really. The whole production was decent enough. I'd say that yes, you were entertained.

Zoë -

That's totally my bad - the conversation (not the text, the gist) got lost in the shift over. However... a roll of the eyes from Mohan wouldn't be innapropriate in this instance.

Mohan follows closesly, on her right.

[LightBringer]

"I'm feeling rather adventurous today. I'll have what my friend here is having," motioning to Monshoon, while giving Rose a smile and a wink.

Then returning to the conversation, "It isn't that you are putting words in my mouth. I have been gone for 10 years, so the amount of time you used, 'a decade', was suprising." I'm looking around keeping my eyes and ears open.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~

Mohan/Zoe

Actually you appear to be in the same spot. It just seems darker now.

[LadyGlutter]

Rose rolls her eyes good naturedly. "Fine, help him bore me straight to death. Not a difficult order at least. It'll be right out."

Monshoon looks at you as you wait. "Right now the only real shakeup has been at your manor, Mr. Hawkins, and of late it has cleared up. I assume you have retaken control of your keep? Right, anyway, I wasn't going to mention that particular change of lordship, but since you are being so candid with me.... a lady from your castle used to bug me on a near constant basis with descriptions that match you perfectly, and your name. I never found you, obviously, and gave up looking years ago."

[LadyGlutter]

EZMERELDA

(Ah, you give me detail after detail sometimes, but when I am trying to gauge the town's folks attitudes, you give me nothing! How ribald was it? You promised smut, so I want to know if that was just her self-righteous Beory (?) loving outlook or was it really actually smutty.)

My IOU is for a decent amount, and chargable to a Mr. Von Hawkins. I wait as the crowds die down, watching everything in general before I file out.

[LadyGlutter]

ZOEY

I turn and walk back into my tower then, looking for supplies and my staves.

[LightBringer]

Of course I give Rose the 'Sorry' smile, and continue, "Yes the keep is mine again. I have a few loyal servant's there, and am going to arrange new accomadation's for deliveries. I like to know what's going on around me though. From what you're saying, not much is going on. I still have quite a bit of wanderlust left so I'm sure I'll find something to entertain me." Keep my eyes open the girl while talking. I don't need her to try and 'prove' her worth by snatchng my coins.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoe and Mohan seem to be exactly where they left from. The only differences is that it's darker, and the keep doesn't quite look the same.

When you go back towards the gates they are shut, and a small man looks down at you. "Halt!! State your business!"

[Chris Chandler]

Mohan -

State yer own, tiny. Who in Obad-Hai's name are you, and answer quick. I am not in a particularly good mood.

I clutch my spear menacingly and stalk up over to him, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Ezermelda -

My IOU is for a decent amount, and chargable to a Mr. Von Hawkins. I wait as the crowds die down, watching everything in general before I file out.

You see that the main player is speaking to a youth, who bobs his head in eager agreement to everything Keirgan has to say, then heads of, as your thespian heads up the street.

It doesn't take long for the newly invested page to arrive at your feet, then silver peice still clutched tightly in his tiny hand - he's all of eight years old, and pretty clean for a not-quite farmhand.

Missus or Miss -

He bows, for the first time in his life -

He stands up, then picks up his cap, as it had fallen from his head.

Master Keirgan of th' Far West Company would like t'exten -

He shakes his head, then extends his hand, holding a folded piece of paper -

Extends his invitation for lun-chee-on dis, er day.

He smiles - his hand stuck out, then he blinks -

Er, lun-chee-on at th'home of th'Master's, er... um... patron! Patron, Lady Dyvers. Um... She lives just up der, mum.

He points to a detatched home near the town square, pretty close to the temple of Beory you had already visited. It is a small structue, but is made of cut stone and is walled. It is the home of someone comfortable, if not wealthy, but it is rather understated.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoe:

I hold my ground and wait for Mohan's "diplomacy" to work its magic.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Von:

Monshoon smiles. "Mostly just small time bullies who're too big for their britches, like Kevin there. You know... there is one thing, if you mean you just want to get into trouble. The small fey are riled about something. I don't know what the deal is, but they've been causing real harm, not just mischief for travellers and huntsman. They usually just steer clear or play small pranks or small kindnesses at most."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EZZIE

I ruffle the boys' hair. "Lead the way." I smile at him.

[LightBringer]

Mohan clutches his spear menacingly, but since he is up on the wall, you'll have to fly up. Looking down at you, and in a high cracky voice, "I'm the fripping guard you dolt. What do you think I'm doing up here. Now I don't know where you two popped in from, but you need to be moving along."

[Chris Chandler]

Mohan -

*pop*

Oh, there will be flying indeed...

NOW I will shift to great big eagle form and zoom up to the wall. I'll let my beak get uncomfortably close to the guard's eye.

Ezmerelda -

The boy takes you by the hand and pokes his chest out as he escorts you through the town to the walls of the home.

'Ave a good day, mum!

And he runs off.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë -- I continue to watch the fool. He's always entertaining at least.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda -- I walk up to the front door. *Knock knock*

[LightBringer]

"Really? Where are these small fey located?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The small man, barely 3 feet in height, steps back obviously not wanting to get pecked in the eye. "Are you dafted? Is..there..something.. wrong..with..your..brain?", he asks slowly. "You are not welcome here gooooo awayyyyy."

He appears to be the only person up here. He is wearing what appears to be leather armor, and he carries a 4 foot spear. From this vantage point you can see inside the walls. You see the main house, and a tower, but all the other buildings, and the garden are gone.

[LadyGlutter]

"Where pixies and dryads and faeries always are. Damn I can never get those straight. Anyway, they're all riled up anyhow. In the forest."

[Chris Chandler]

Ezmer -

The door opens, and a very young girl, plainly attired in a simple dark dress, her blond hair tied back in a severe bun, answers -

May I help you, mum? The lady is entertaining Master Kiergan right now.

---

Mohan -

I screech a protest (not really saying anything in eagle) and swoop past him, flying into the keep proper. I'll do a very quick survey of the interior of the keep - other differences, number of folks here, anything else that might be out of place.

My sense of sight is greatly improved in this form, and... right now, I'm trying to not get in trouble, but rather assess the situation. As soon as any sort of threat materializes, I'm out and over to light near Zoë - the last thing we need is to get needlessly separated.

[LightBringer]

I smile, "I know they are in the forest, but in which direction in general, or do they have the town surrounded?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You swoop into the main area. The keep in it's entirety is lightly smaller. There's is only the main house, it looks the same, and the tower, it looks different. There are no external markings running up the walls, and there are more windows. The grounds are.., wel ground. There are no bushes, no grass, no anything. As you can over the main house some more little people see you and start shouting, "food!! food!!", and start pulling arrows to notch.

[Chris Chandler]

...and the second part of the plan goes into action, and I get out of dodge, landing near Zoë.

((AC is 19))

[LightBringer]

You easily glide up and then back down the wall before they even really get ready to shoot. You land by Zoe and you see the guard look back over the wall. He doesn't say anything, he just watches you two.

[LadyGlutter]

Rose comes up and sets down two tankards of what looks to be fresh milk in front of you, along with a plate of various fruit and walks off.

Monshoon grabs an apple and while polishing it says, "Well, the forests around the town, mostly the east side, but some to the south." Chomp.

[Chris Chandler]

EZMERELDA

(Ah, you give me detail after detail sometimes, but when I am trying to gauge the town's folks attitudes, you give me nothing! How ribald was it? You promised smut, so I want to know if that was just her self-righteous Beory (?) loving outlook or was it really actually smutty.)



The play that was mentioned by the priestess (the smutty one, that is) was definitely not what you watched. It wasn't the same play at all. You'd be familiar with both of them, and, there's not confusion. They are different plays, not interpretations, or anything like that. You saw a dry historical drama, not a smutty comedy. Either the priestess was wrong or Kiergan pulled a fast one.

[LightBringer]

I'll smile and take my time. Smell the milk. Taste it, but don't swallow. Then when I'm sure it's not poisoned, I'm drink some. Wipe the fruit off, and follow the same procedure. Obviously, I'm trying not to just be rude, but niether do I want to be poisoned.

Inbetween bites, "Sounds interesting. I may go give it a look. I'll be in town for a couple of days, so I'm sure I'll need something to help pass the time."

[LightBringer]

While we decide we should try to make a few post so the main thread isn't terminated.

Von is so paranoid look at that goob, but then again.....

[LadyGlutter]

Ha, not paranoid enough.

""What you do not smell is called iocaine powder. It is odorless, tasteless, dissolves instantly in liquid, and is among the more deadlier poisons known to man."

Oh yeah, and razorblades in the apple. You didn't check for that either.

[LightBringer]

"Ahhh, but what you don't know is that I have spent years developing a resistance to iocaine powder."

Razorblades, HA! That is why I have diamond caps on my teeth. My dentist is most excellent!!

[LadyGlutter]

You just think that, that's what's so funny! I bribed your dentist to use zirconium caps on your teeth just to fool you into complacency! The food seems delicious, even though you keep seeing pink in your milk (Eeewwww, I'm gonna drop that right now. I concede by gross out factor alone. No blood in your milk, you're immune to the poison, there wasn't any in the first place. These people LIKE Von, so far.)

~~~~~~~~

Monshoon nods. He's no nonsense, chewing and swallowing like he's got somewhere to be. In fact, he says, "Well, that's great. I'd love someone to take a look at it, because I'm swamped with daily chores and stuff, keeping things running. It's not exciting or NEWS, but someone has to keep things going.

I hate to cut this short, but I'm easy enough to find. Right now I've got to get to work."

He nods at Rose and settles up.

~~~~~~~~~~

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

"You see anything interesting?"

~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

"Master Keirgan invited me to luncheon, so I suppose if you could let them know I've arrived? Unless this would this be an imposition on Lady Dyvers?"

[LightBringer]

Von

I'll just finish, and sit there watching people for awhile. Perhaps someone may want to talk, perhaps not.

~~~~~~~~~~~
(For GM sanity sake)
Whatever happened it seems to have only lasted a very short time, As Zoe and Mohan shift back to the prime material.

[Chris Chandler]

((Placeholder for tonight))

[LadyGlutter]

(Ugh, I had a decent post for Von's rest of his meal, but Dunk pressed a button when I stood up for a moment. Here, I'll try and recreate it.)

Von, you get a grizzled old man come up and clap you on the back and laugh heartily about you giving old Kevin the 'what-for'. He's interested in talking to you if you want, mostly asking about your strange clothes and where you're from, and do you know... a bunch of folks you don't know. But he's very friendly and cleary has all morning to talk if you want.

There is also a table of three women who come in halfway through your meal who are giving you the eye from time to time, and very well may be talking about you, but none of them come up to you.

Likewise, there's a couple of urchins who sneak out of the kitchen to peek at you, but when you look their way they scamper in all directions, giggling.

Rose continues to be very flirty in a businesslike manner -- in other words, she expects a tip, even though your meal was already paid for. And she's been certainly earned it by being pleasant enough to look at and talk to, off and on, throughout your meal. If someone wants to be left alone, she's pretty good at reading those cues and making herself busy elsewhere.

Most everyone else, either nods and smiles, or grunts and moves past you. They are mostly fairly busy, eating and being on their way. It's not a very busy morning here, anyway.

[LightBringer]

I laugh with the old man and answer his questions in a general manner. Don't want to give away too much, but I'll certain talk with him. I find it quite interesting to be on the liked side for now, so I'll enjoy. Give flirty glances and smiles at the women, the wild crazy nut look to the kids, and my normal flirty charm to Rose. I'm in no rush, so I don't mind people watching, and enjoying the day. Maybe by afternoon I'll be ready to see some more of the city. When I leave, I'll wait for Rose to be able to stop for a moment. I'll take her hand bringing it up in a proper civilized kissing manner. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, and enjoy your company." Making sure to turn her hand and close it as I release, so that the smallish emerald I leave in her palm doesn't fall, "A small leaf for a lovely Rose," as I turn and head out.

(I'll leave the definition smallish to you.)

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

"Huh. Well, I guess it doesn't matter if you see anything interesting.

For future reference, it's most unwise to touch me when I'm casting a spell."

[Chris Chandler]

Zoë

"You see anything interesting?"

"Huh. Well, I guess it doesn't matter if you see anything interesting.

For future reference, it's most unwise to touch me when I'm casting a spell."



Patient much? I... Well I guess it didn't really matter what I saw. Where were we, do you think?
~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda



"Master Keirgan invited me to luncheon, so I suppose if you could let them know I've arrived? Unless this would this be an imposition on Lady Dyvers?"

Ah. Well, so then. I'll inform the Lady that her guest has a caller, follow me please.

The house is large enough that there is a small sitting room. The young woman offers you a seat and bid you wait for a moment. She returns quickly enough, asking for you to follow.

You enter the adjacent room and see Keirgan playing a game of bones with a middle-aged woman in a dressing gown, her long grey hair down about her shoulders. She makes her roll, frowns, then stands up to greet you.

I apologize for my state - I wasn't expecting real company, you see. Keirgan here is an old friend. I am the Lady Dyvers, Baroness Dyvers' youngest daughter.

She phrases her statement so that she expects you to know this Baroness Dyvers, and then bows her head with an informal greeting.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

Shrug. "I don't know. Some kind of alternate Oerth? (:fun:) That was a new one for me.

Now, was I supposed to be finding Von for some reason, or what? I got distracted with all that. Oh yeah, we wanted to make sure we got our fair share of the cut if he sold Ezmerelda as a slave. Right?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

"Oh, don't worry. I'm no one you need to dress up for. I am Ezmerelda, no relation. A pleasure to meet you Lady Dyvers, Keirgan."

I bow, returning the greeting, and look at Keirgan with a look of confusion and curiosity.

~~~~~~~~~~





((Von, your post is next on my agenda.))

[LadyGlutter]

Well, Rose smiles and blushes ever so slightly at your kiss, but takes it in stride with a big smile, "Nice to meet you as well." However, when you give her the emerald, she makes no answer at all, and if you look at her before walking on the street, she is frozen with a look of ... not really pleasure or displeasure. It's pure shock on her face as she's staring into her hand.

You make your way out onto the street, and it's fairly busy with people coming and going. No one seems to notice you one way or the other, as they mind their own business, wrapped up in their own worlds.

[LightBringer]

I smile to myself at her response, and her shock. As I will of course glance over my shoulder as I leave.

Once on the street, I can't help but smile again, "Ahhh just the way I like them...oblivious." I'll walk around the town just looking and watching. Eventually heading towards the east side of town, and the forest.

[LadyGlutter]

(For clarification -- you said afternoon, I'm assuming early afternoon, right? You didn't spend all day there did you? Just mostly through when the lunch group would be dying out? Or longer than that? For reference, I'd say it was... oh 10ish or so when you went in. Brunch time.)

[LightBringer]

(You are correct. I would have headed out at the end of lunch, and no more than 30 minutes after.)

[Chris Chandler]

Zoë

Shrug. "I don't know. Some kind of alternate Oerth? (:fun:) That was a new one for me.

Now, was I supposed to be finding Von for some reason, or what? I got distracted with all that. Oh yeah, we wanted to make sure we got our fair share of the cut if he sold Ezmerelda as a slave. Right?"



Mohan glares at Zoë.

No, we aren't going for a... She is not going to be sold as a slave! Would you quit that already. Good grief! Now then, you were looking for Von, so that we could keep tabs on him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

"Oh, don't worry. I'm no one you need to dress up for. I am Ezmerelda, no relation. A pleasure to meet you Lady Dyvers, Keirgan."

I bow, returning the greeting, and look at Keirgan with a look of confusion and curiosity.


Keirgan smiles knowingly, and Lady Dyvers returns to her seat. The young woman who greeted you initially brings in a short bench for you. Lady Dyvers gestures -

So, care for a game of bones?

[LadyGlutter]

Oh, you want me to cast another spell? That one was interesting, but brief. I might can do something cooler.

I grin at Mohan.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hmmmm, depends. I'm not up for any high bidding at the moment. If you're actually wagering, I'll just watch." I smile and find a seat.

[LadyGlutter]

Von, you wander around a while, and get the lay of the town. It's not very big, and you see most all there is to see in short order. You see what's already been mentioned to Ezmerelda, a temple to Beory, the stage with the emptying audience, though there's a few picnickers. You see out of the corner of your eye that girl from earlier one time, but she's got her back to you and walking off. Eventually you decide to head east. This was the end of town you came in on. You're seeing a lot of the same sights, and a few faces are familiar already. You see the guy you spoke with earlier. He's fairly busy and will give you a nod and a smile, but won't trouble you unless you want him.

[Chris Chandler]

Of course you could. Look, can't you just scry on the man?




---

Oh, dear Miss Ezmerelda, we've long since stopped wagering with coin. This is a friendly game. Please, I insist.

She sets out a row for you, and continues play -

Now then, I can't help but wonder why I've not seen you before, my dear? A lovely face like yours would stand out most anywhere, but definitely here.

Say, I often visit this town - it's part of my circuit!

Please - Keirgan, you come here because the farmers don't know you aren't famous. No need to put on airs. You aren't that pretty, either.

She rolls her eyes toward you -

He fancies you, and I only mention it because he's a dishonorable cur, and is likely to try and get you to lose your knickers.

I wouldn't dream -

Have already dreamt, put forth a whole plan, and then invited her over. She's not the type, methinks, and that would be a good thing for you. Don't you have enough children in this town?

He has no reply -

Your turn dear. Now then - where are you from? Those features are familiar, but I can't place the accent.

[LightBringer]

I'd had rather messed with the girl than talk to the guy, but that would delay me from whatever it is I'm doing.

Oh yes, pixies and such. I'll just continue on. I skirt the edge of the woods just having a casual look and listen, then move a little deeper in. I'll not go more than a total of 30 paces in though. Keeping those eyes and ears open.

[LadyGlutter]

(If you wanted to go back and mess with her that's fine. She just was there is all and you had headed straight out of town. You wouldn't have missed her even if you were on a mission.)

You leave the border of the town and come back towards the forest. You walk on the trail, this is the same woods you were in last night. You find a decent spot to take a gander in, and though you weren't in this section really, but you see nothing immediately out of the ordinary yet.

[LightBringer]

(No, I'm sure I'll have time later to mess with her.)

I'll leave the trail. There aren't going to be any interesting things going on by the trail. I'm going into the woods, just not so far I lose my way. I'll walk around the whole town in the surrounding wood.

[LadyGlutter]

(Chris correct me if I'm wrong on the geography, but I think I've got it straight...)



Von, you run across some animal paths and burrows here and there. It's quiet, and feels normal to you. Nothing is messing with you, anyway, right now. You hike around, get a general feel for the lay of the land. The wildlife is fairly sparse compared to your walk over, but that very well may just be proximity of the town. 30 paces isn't far. You can keep your bearings without being on the main drag pretty easy.

Not sure if you're heading clockwise or counter clockwise, so I'll give you the generalities of both directions. The forests are much thicker to the east and south of the town. As you round up towards the west, you realize there is water here. Or, if you go to the north, it just requires you a long long walk to get around to the river. It'll take you all the rest of the day to run into the river going counter clockwise (north then west) and til late afternoon if you go clockwise.

[LightBringer]

Let's just say early evening, and I'll just use magic to cross the river. :)

[LadyGlutter]

Ok. Well the river is the western border of the town. There's docks and stuff towards town proper, and a fairly decent amount of traffic up and down past where you are. As you look back at the size of the town, it really seems like you should have been to this point sooner, that it's just not that big. You didn't dawdle or anything, and the woods, while they had a decent amount of undergrowth and stuff, weren't super dense or anything.

You cross the river and there is more of the same. There's less signs of people, more of wildlife.

Are you staying 30 paces to the side of the river and just going to walk full circle around the town?

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda

I'll sit down and play the game which I'm sure I'm well acquainted with, and smile at the banter. "I'm from Greyhawk City. My features are partially elven."


~~~~~~~~
Zoë

I stare at Mohan.

"No. Didn't I just tell you that? Listen. Like I said, I can cast another of those spells, intending to scry on him, but if you want me to 'just scry' you'll need me to have time to prepare that spell."

[Chris Chandler]

Keirgan smiles, but the Lady Dyvers nods -

Yes, a daughter of Hanali Celanil, I can see from your brow that the fair race touches your heart. I'm surprised, though, at your willingness to claim that... place as home. But perhaps my old age has -

No, dear, you've always hated the place -

Well, with a man like Nerof Gasgal running things -

He's hardly been a real influence these last few years -

Miss Ezmerelda - the Mayor... Well, the city - is it still under the thumb of the Guild?*

Oh, you've won this round.
---
* You'll recognize the name of the mayor (at least the mayor when last you visited the city), and you'll know, too, that he was the Guildmaster of the Thieves.
---


The blank stare contest ends now -

Alright... Alright. Look, I suppose that's fine. You just know he's going to cause trouble. Wait, I don't know why I'm even telling you that there is trouble that could even potentially happen.

[LightBringer]

Ahhhhh, so they are messing with me. Sure I don't want to let them know, I know, so I'll continue on around to the point I think I came in whistling a fancy tune. From there I'll head back into town, and find a place to stay for the night. Also, I'll keep my eyes open for the girl, and Ezzie.

[LadyGlutter]

"Honestly, I've no idea. Just because I'm from there, doesn't mean I really call it home or anything.... I've not been to Greyhawk in over a decade.

Shrug.

"So, you're a travelling show, Kiergan? I was told to expect a moral tale that didn't quite match up with what I saw."

[Chris Chandler]

The Lady Dyvers nods -

So, you're "from Greyhawk City", but it isn't home. Where might that be, dear?

She smiles -

Please, I know I'm being nosy. It's my job - I'm the judge here, and, honestly, I've found that if I take a little time to get to know someone, then I don't see them in an official capacity - well, not often anyways. I can assume that you aren't simply traveling through, that you've settled nearby?

Keirgan laughs -

It's a bit of a joke, you see. I usually don't play what I bill. It's all part of -

Part of being a hack, Keirgan. You bother to play what people expect, you might get better turnout in a real city.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I shrug. "Ok. What's your point? He's a big boy, he's fine without us. If you don't think he's selling that stick in the mud, then she's probably being his 'moral compass' even as we speak. You know how he has taken to humoring those types. Weak in his old age if you ask me."

[Chris Chandler]

That stick-in-the-mud's my friend, Zoë. I'd rather not see her killed again. Von's "humoring" or getting "weak" is just another game of dice, painted up nice. He'll find a way to cause trouble, and you'll either end up helping him because it'll be fun or something else insane, or you'll be inspired to go and try something completely different; either way, I'll get to clean it up. I know how it works.


I shake my head and can't help but laugh -

besides, Ezmer doesn't like Von. If she was able to get away from him, she's done it. There's no compass coming from her, I'll tell you that straight.


I look back at Zoë -

So, well, if you really don't care to find Mr. Hawkins, then what would you propose we do?

[LadyGlutter]

"Duh. Help me find Eli's claws. Or something else fun. I'll even go chase Von if I'm not supposed to be babysitting him. Wuit appealing to my sense of duty. I don't have one."

[Chris Chandler]

Fair enough - so, where have you looked for the claws?

[LadyGlutter]

"Around. In his drawers and stuff, all through his castle, all through this tower. I think that it's nearby. I doubt he'd just get rid of something like that. He's just got it sheilded from my detection somehow. I thought maybe you were helping to do some landscaping or something? If so he coulda tricked you into helping hide them. Unless you're in on it, but I don't think he trusts you that much."

~~~~~~

I keep playing, and smile, only slightly irritated. I am not in the mood for this, so I'm going to TRY and cut through some of her BS. Let's see if it works.

"Oh, Lady Dyvers, but you're ever so pleasant. You know, if this is how you are towards your old friend, I'd hate to burden you over much with my acquaintance. I told you, I'm no one of consequence, and I don't plan on bothering you in any OFFICIAL capacities. I'm a good upstanding law abiding girl. So you must understand my point of view, this is more than a bit obnoxious, the way you are talking down to me. If, indeed you think soooo much of me based solely on my outward appearance, that is. My home is where my feet take me, which may make me a hack too. I woke up one day found myself a ... guest of a local noble. And I do NOT want to go into the personal details of how I wound up there, because, it is personal.

And Kiergan didn't seem like a hack to me. More like someone who was purposely laying low."

~~~~~~

Von, where are you heading to find a place to stay for the night? Back to Rose's place, or somewhere else? That place did look to have some rooms, but there was one other public house.
~~~~~~~

[LightBringer]

I was heading back to Rose's, but I'll check out the other public house first. I'll have a more unpbvious look around then I'll go in and see who is there. Still keeping my eyes open for either girl.

[Chris Chandler]

Von wouldn't trust me with his bedroom slippers, not since I wagered his enchanted ring on bringing you back from the brink. Landscaping, eh? Do you think it's in the keep grounds, buried somewhere?


---

It's Keirgan's turn to laugh -

Oh, y'hit it right on the nose, my dear. I told you that being so nosy'd get yer nose bit, Gretch!

The Lady Dyvers recovers from her blanch and turns toward you fully. She's still smiling, but you can tell that your statement bit. She breathes in slowly before continuing.

That is true, dear. I tend to give my friend a bit of a hard time, but you must understand that there isn't any malice behind it.

Not much malice anyways -

Oh, hush up, now, I've gone and made her upset -

And that's my fault how?

Dear, we've had a number of individuals arrive in town and then leave, and we also have many return visitors. Your appearance isn't really anything unusual... It's just... there have been some incidents as of late, outside of town, and I'd just as soon know who has not been causing any trouble when the time comes to actually deal with whatever is brewing to the south of us.

She seems quick forthright with this statement. It's clear she's trying to build a bridge now.

You mentioned being the guest of a local noble? Who?

[LadyGlutter]

(weibert? )

"Does the name Von mean anything to you? I'm not sure of the surname."

~~~~

"Yeah, possibly. Or bricked up into the wall of his castle, or my tower, or... I also think it might be in your grove somewhere. Any of those things would be plenty crafty of him. But that's ok. I've got time, I can just get a sledgehammer if I need."

~~~~~~~~

You don't see the unnamed girl. Since I'm not positive about Ezmerelda, dangit, I really do have to pause. She planned on singing for her supper, so I think she'll be at one place or the other. Is there anything that you've done today that you'd want more detail on while I'm stalling? ;)

[Chris Chandler]

Von... No I can't say as I do. Is he the noble? Hmm... Where are his lands? That might go a along way toward me being able to narrow down somet things.


---

He wouldn't have been able to hide it in my grove, but the other places are possible.

[LadyGlutter]

"You know what, Kiergan, it was nice meeting you. I think I'll take my leave now."

~~~~~~

"Ahhhh, see, therein lies the beauty of hiding it in your grove. It'd be a very slick plan.

So what do you want to do now, like I said? I hardly think you want me to find the claws."

[Chris Chandler]

The Lady Dyvers smiles, but her lips are pursed. Kiergan though, he smiles and stands -

Let me walk you out. Pardon me a moment, Lady.

Of course. My pardon, Miss Ezmerelda. Have a good day.

As you head out he speaks, but quietly -

Perhaps we can continue more civil discussion during supper? There's not much about, but I might could arrange something. Please.

---

No, I don't really, but you aren't going to stop until you find them. It isn't like there's a lot going on right now, either, so boredom wins over sense. What is most different about the keep between when were here first and when we arrived most recently? Maybe we can think through where he might have hidden it.

[LadyGlutter]

Oh, as I leave the Lady Dyvers I am civil. "You have a good day too. I may be more disposed at a later time."

As Kiergan escorts me out, I lower my voice as well.

"I don't know, I feel pretty ambushed with what just happened here, and I do have a fr... someone that I am supposed to meet back with. What do you have in mind?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~


GM? What is the answer to Mohan's question? :P

[LightBringer]

ROFL do you really think? I'm sure there's some rolls to be made. I'll let the other 2 gm's figure out what would be the best attr/ability to roll against. Let me know how it turns out.

[LadyGlutter]

Grrrr.....

Well hell, I think IQ then. I think I should get positive modifiers for GMing myself too. Seeing as how I don't KNOW the answer, I don't know what attributes/skills/whatnot would be helpful, do I?

EDIT:

You are talking about Mohan's question, right? Since you flat out ignored the one I made to Von.

[LightBringer]

Yes, I'm talking about Mohan's question.

My 'flat out' ignoring means I don't have any question, or need any more details about what has passed. I'm quietly awaiting Von's return to town, which was being held in relation to Ezzie's positioning.

As far as me telling you which attribute to use, you have mentioned masonry, (tearing down walls), capentry, (smashing furniture), landscaping, (digging up the grove), so yeah, I'm defaulting to you two to figure out what Zoe actually wants to do, and what would be the best way to determine if she would notice anything. On the other hand I could just say Zoe, and Mohan haven't noticed any difference what-so-ever.

[Chris Chandler]

That wasn't Mohan's question. Mohan's question was:

What is most different about the keep between when were here first and when we arrived most recently?

That's something for the DM to describe, not something requiring a skill check. The only thing that I could think that might need an Int check would be for memory. What looks different from when we were here back a decade ago? I don't need a knowledge (engineering) check, I need a description, please.

[LadyGlutter]

Well, I messed up and opened my mouth on RS and he says we don't see any differences.

[LightBringer]

Actually there are quite a number of differences. After all it has been 10 years. There's bricks in the wall that are different colors and wear than the original bricks. There are a couple of spots that look like a whole section of wall has been replaced. There are a number of bushes and shrubs that weren't here before. Zoe's tower has been altered, Von's training building was altered, and Mohan's garden area has been altered. There were a lot of changes made while we were away.

I'm sure this will drive Zoe as crazy as if nothing had changed, so is she still going to tear the whole keep down?

[LadyGlutter]

Lol, nope.

Zoe is averse to physical labor.

And thanks. ;)

I'll think on it and post in the morrow.

[LadyGlutter]

"Well... I have all those theories, but I do have one more, which is that he mighta dumped it in the ethereal. I don't see any need to break a sweat digging up the whole keep if you don't see anything standing out that is different. Like I said, I have all the time in the world. Eventually my power will be so great that I'll overcome whatever protective magic he has on them, anyway. Just hope for him he'll have broken down and given them up willingly by then. Oh, and don't repeat that, he'll think I'm threatening him." Big fat huge grin.

"So for the time being, we can do something else. If you're bored, you wanna go piss off some of those druids that have been messing with you? Or just explore the countryside?"

[LightBringer]

(After trying to remember everything that was altered, and, how it would be perceived, this is the only way I feel I can answer the question.)

When the question of change is presented to Zoe, and after little things, like the ones mentioned above, Zoe would believe that the biggest alterations/changes are the ones that were done to her tower.

Mohan would see the small changes already mentioned, with the exception of Von training area. (To my memory Mohan never went there.) The original garden area however was changed drastically. The grounds in the garden were altered, and that statue of Von was set in there.

Otherwise most of the other changes could be related to traditional wear and tear of 10 years.

[Chris Chandler]

Sure, they've been encroaching the northwestern perimeter. I really haven't had the opportunity to really visit them directly.

[LadyGlutter]

Just to remind you...

Oh, as I leave the Lady Dyvers I am civil. "You have a good day too. I may be more disposed at a later time."

As Kiergan escorts me out, I lower my voice as well.

"I don't know, I feel pretty ambushed with what just happened here, and I do have a fr... someone that I am supposed to meet back with. What do you have in mind?"

[Chris Chandler]

(I knew there had been a response, yesterday I was rushed - sorry!)

Just a simple meal. We can talk about Lady Dyvers and what's on her mind, if you like.

[LadyGlutter]

"Well, yes, I actually meant when and where. I have someone I'm supposed to meet back with."

[LightBringer]

(I am confused. Are Zoe and Mohan debating going after the rogue druids?)

[Chris Chandler]

(Yes, yes they are)

How about later this afternoon? An early supper, if you like. My friend at the temple of Beory has let me use the gardens as a picnic area. It's quiet and peaceful, at least.

[LadyGlutter]

EZMERELDA

"It sounds lovely. I will try to be there later this afternoon." With that, I take my leave, and try to head back where Von was. I'm unsure of the time of day, to be honest.

~~~
ZOEY

"I don't get it. Is it just some border dispute? I mean, why do you care about what each other does? I thought druids were like supposed to be about free love and not properly bathing and eating mushrooms and being at one with the spirits of the universe ... you know, you're not very mellow for a druid. You got the stinky part down though."

[Chris Chandler]

I will see you there, then. Good day.

---

Being a druid... Look, being a druid isn't like being some lotus fiend, or some blind prophetess breathing the gasses from a volcano. We work, we were always supposed to work toward ensuring that the cycle of life, the natural order, the way Obad-Hai, and to some extent Elhonna or Beory if you like, set down. The way that the rabbit and the wolf, the sparrow and the cricket, the pine cone and the flame - they all work together to keep this land... alive. It's men - all people really, Man's cities, dwarven logging and mining, your kin's clearcutting, the whole lot of us, are outside of the natural order. We don't give anything back. I'm trying to give back, but I understand that, as a member of the creatures that are the problem, I have to choose my battles, and I understand that the natural order precludes the... supernatural... the otherworldly. The Shadow Circle, they have cast off that understanding. They work through any means necessary. It isn't sustainable, and it's not going to happen here.

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda spends a good part of the afternoon looking for Von, having no luck, and seeing the sights of the town then. If anything of interest shows up, then go ahead, but I'm going to assume that in the bar he spent a goodly part of the morning in and that end of town she'll hear about the little mini adventure and Von's popularity. Any other gossip, rumors, etc, could be maybe summed up to expedite things?... (hint)

~~~~~~~

ZOE

I know this is gonna piss Mohan off but I really don't understand the distinction he just tried to make. Mohan gets a look of absolute fascination and curiosity to that speech. "Oh, so you mean the shadow druids are intelligent and realize that what you do as a druid is supernatural and not really all that different than what I do as a mage. I don't see the problem."

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, Von, we'll put you up at Rose's for the night, which means that Ezmerelda would have to talk to a few folks first before she discovers that. To make things easy, Rose would not have a spare room ready, but the public house would have a nice, small private room for a female... that is unless you wouldn't want a private room. I'm not suggesting that Ezmerelda has to take a room, btw, just that those offers would have been made during the course of her inquiries.

---

Stop doing that. Why do you do that on purpose - that... that thing? I bugs me to no end.

[LightBringer]

Rose's is fine for me. I'll mostly hang around in the bar/dining area anyway.

~~~~~~
GM watches on in amusement.

[Chris Chandler]

So, what would Ezmerelda like to do?

[LadyGlutter]

Hmmmm.... Ezmerelda puts a room on Von's tab. Does that mean there's nothing else that goes on til time to go back to the picnic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zoë

What thing? The talking? Yeah, I do it on purpose. I haven't mastered full time ESP yet. Or do you mean, challenging your beliefs? Isn't it your job to overcome mere tests like these? I'm simply trying to ascertain the what it is that apparently separates you from these shadow druids. Your stance, while fascinating, doesn't make sense to me. So I just asked for more information. You both follow Obad Hai, right? That dude grants you both favor, right? So.... help me out here.

[Chris Chandler]

The afternoon doesn't dredge up any problems for Ezmerelda, no.

---

No, what you do as a mage is, indeed, alot closer to what the shadow druids do, that is, tap into whatever is necessary to provide power, for one. They don't venerate Obad-hai, not at all. If my research is correct, they've allied with elder lords - that is powers that are separate and apart from our reality. They aren't even like Demon Princes, because at least those powers follow concepts like up and down and inside and outside. Worshipers of powers like Graz’zt or whomever can't venerate this world any longer, because they follow beings that don't adhere to what we would consider sane, much less how we see is the natural order of things. This ball of rock and steam we call Oerth is... more like food to them than anything else.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

Full fledged grin now. Hmmmm... to not be bound by concepts like up or down.... Elder lords is what you call them? Graz'zt is one of them?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

I shall show up at the temple of Beory at the appointed time then. I'm not doing anything special in preparation. I'm just killing time after all. I'll walk up and look around.

[Chris Chandler]

Why do I do that?! By Obad Hai, you're going to be the death of me. So, by any means, what's your proposal?



---

The temple gardens, where you initially went, are unchanged, with the exception of a stiff mat on the grass near the dominant tree, a large water oak. Upon the mat you see two baskets, neither of which betray their respective interiors, and some cushions.

You do not see Kiergan.

[LightBringer]

Gm: LOL , oh wait, :worry:


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let me know when everything is caught up to Von please.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I just continue to smile, walk inside and get my adventuring gear together. On the way though, I make a few notes in a notebook.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

If no one is around, I'll just stand around looking at the gardens and enjoying my alone time some more.

~~~~~
(I'll make sure Von's not neglected, don't worry. ;))

[Chris Chandler]

I throw my hands up in frustration, following the elf wench.

The last I saw any evidence of Shadow Druids was to the West-Northwest of here.

---

You'll actually have a very peaceful period where you don't hear or see anything not in the garden. The drone of the bees harmonizing with the flutter and song of the birds is so tranquil that when you realize that Keirgan is standing nearby, it takes you a bit by surprise.

Quite a lovely scene, Miss Ezmerelda. I hope that you like good wine and good cheese.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I collect Marcel, and walk out the front gate. I'm going... left. Unless of course Marcel has an objection. :D


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hello Keirgan. Of course I do."

I greet him with a smile. I'm going to let him take the lead in directing me where to sit, etc. He is the one who wanted the meeting after all, so I'll let him set the tone before making any judgements.

[Chris Chandler]

Mohan -

I suppose I'll follow, if only because of the far-fetched assumption that this movement is somehow related to, as far as I'm concerned, our current discussion about the Shadow Druids.

---

Keirgan offers to set you down on a corner of the mat, and sits himself down at the opposite corner, close enough that he can handle the baskets. True to his question, he produces a bottle of wine, which he hands over to you to inspect, then he looks through the other basket

The handwritten label is from a winery in southern Urnst, the Trigol Vineyards - A nice, full-bodied red from an ancient stock. He puts out a variety of soft, flavorful cheeses, all regional. He also puts out some nice slices of smoked salmon. It's certainly not a meal, but a very nice diversion.

He offers to pour for you, as he hands you a glass -

There we are. So, what interests you, my lady? What puts your feet down the wanderer's path?

[LadyGlutter]

Zoey

I smile and follow my feet, enjoying being out of the tower for a change. I was bored, and the spring has my feet wanting to move. But, I am not looking for anything in particular, or talking all that much either. I let Marcel take the lead.



Ezmerelda

I'll take the drink glady, and enjoy his display. I ponder his question a moment, and then say wryly. "Well, a good many things interest me. I find it hard to narrow down. Adventure, song, dance, people. And I am interested in myself, of course, what great performer isn't? I wander because I can."

[Chris Chandler]

Great, now I'm following a freaking monkey, yet I don't know it.

---

Keirgan laughs, sincerely laughs - not the affected laugh from Lady Dyvers' home - to the point where he wipes the tears from his eyes.

So, I can't agree more. The road beckons, doesn't it? I've never felt at home anywhere. I mean, I'll revisit places, like here, but... I've never been able to stay anywhere for long.

[LightBringer]

(I'm still a little fuzzy on location, but I believe 'left' is towards Rookroost?)

[LadyGlutter]

(Yeah, that's exactly what I'd say. Now to narrow it down even better, are you seeing "left" as South? I am, but if you're seeing east, then we need to iron it out sooner than later.)

~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

I nod in understanding, though not really total agreement. "So, that being said, what's the deal with Lady Dyvers? I doubt that answer would have sufficed for her, even though it was true."

[Chris Chandler]

There's been a bit of turmoil in the past months. Crops destroyed, a few hunting lodges smashed apart. One or two lads gone missing. Nothing really serious, except that this is a pretty quiet village. Things like that don't happen 'round here. The locals don't like to discuss it, so don't be surprised if they're closed-lipped.

All that to say that this place is the Lady's responsibility. She's never really had to deal with more than trade issues - money, you know. This is new to her. She's taking it a bit heavy-handed, too.

[LightBringer]

(Yes, left is East to me. The gate of the keep faces south. On that note, The keep is supposed to be in the fork of the river. Is that where we have it now?)

[LadyGlutter]

(I'm glad I asked that question then, because that's a big fat NO. I didn't think the keep was on the water.

You know what, that whole thing with Von in the town? Let's just readjust him to having walked around it still, but the water would have been to the south, and any time I said mountains I definitely meant smaller older mountains, almost hills, like the Smokeys. I think all that stuff was before we had a map of a definite location though, so it should be fine to work with.

As LONG, that is, as that will still work with Mohan.)

[LightBringer]

(Well, the reason I asked was thats where I wanted the keep, in the fork with the forest to the north. Seemed like the most defensible position to me, but I could never get a direct answer from Kyle. So I'm looking for peace of mind, I guess.)

[Chris Chandler]

((I never understood that the keep was on the water. It was definitely near a river, but it was backed against the forest, not in the fork of a river. That would definitely change a few things. If I'm looking in the same area as you (West-Southwest of Rookroost), that puts us on the wrong side of the Fellreev from most everything that's transpired so far. We established the keep as begin where the Cold Run enters the Felreev Forest.

You know, we asked these questions a year ago. Why did this not come up then? I don't want to have this be a contention - I'm really confused how we can be so far diverged, especially when a. at the time you gave little input and b. the locations, discussion about specifics of the keep and town, and geographic movement are all on record. Yes, LG and I have some discrepancies also. I think we all need to look through the OOC and lay it out. Let's move this discussion there, in fact.))

[LadyGlutter]

"Oh, alright then, if that's so she has my sympathy, but ... I have a hard time seeing her techniques as likely to oust whatever is going on. Have you looked into it?"

[LightBringer]

(Okay, so Left for Zoe and Mohan is toward RookRoost.)

Mohan follows Zoe, and Zoe follows Marcel. After crossing the bridge to the other side of the river, instead of following the trail to the main road Marcel continues left to stay along the tree line. Zoe follows Marcel, and Mohan follows Zoe.

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, I just arrived yesterday. Actually -

His face twists into the smirk of conspiracy -

You know, she really could use a hand, at that. Do... do you think you could help me? I won't lie - I'd appreciate the company of a beautiful well lettered young lady, but I think that what is going on is a bit bigger than something I could address alone. I know that you have another engagement this evening, but I'd like you to consider it.

Keirgan continues with his spread, and offers you some more wine.

[LadyGlutter]

(That first line ["I just arrived yesterday"] is supposed to be Kiergan's speech too, right? Just doublechecking because I spent about ten minutes not understanding it. I know, I know.:tsk: But since I'm that confused, better to make sure now.)

[Chris Chandler]

Why, of course it is. Whatever do you mean?

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I'll follow Marcel happily until something of interest stops me. If I get hungry first, then I'll turn to Mohan. "Hey you gonna feed us or what?"

[LadyGlutter]

"Sure, I'll think about it. You got any ideas?"

[Chris Chandler]

Listen to you, all ready to conquer, but not before snacktime. Sure, I'll rustle up something - any requests?


---

I think that we might want to speak to a few of the merchants first, simply because they keep their ears open. We may have to travel the open country, though.

[LightBringer]

Marcel follows the edge of the forest, as I said allowing him to play as you go. Rook Roost looks to be at least a day away, so yes you are going to need food before then.

It is a beautiful day, and nothing disturbs you, or the birds songs, other than Marcel, of course.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I grin. "Not really. Marcel's the picky one. You can surprise me."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

"Well, sure, of course, if I agree, we might have to do all sorts of things. I think your Lady Dyvers will need some convincing to let me in on the helping anyway, and I don't want to have her try to force me to account for my last two decades. So I guess that will be on you, if we get to that point." I smile.

"Would you like to set up some sort of time to meet? And I have an associate who might be interested as well.... it's up to you if you'd like to talk to him."

I get a little sidetracked in my thoughts at that last sentence, and probably look a good deal confused and angry. But I remember myself and try to stifle that train of thought and look back at Keirgan again, smiling. "Was this why you sent me an invitation to play at Lady Dyvers? Because I looked like a dupe that was smart enough to help you adventure but dumb enough to cheat out of her share of the reward?"

I wink at him, laughing, but hell if that's not what I think. I don't trust my own shadow. So I'm sure that rings a bit true even though I tried to take the sting out of it.

[Chris Chandler]

Nuts and berries it is, then. I'm not picky, either.

Here you go Marcel, fresh berries!




---

Sure, I'd be glad to meet your associate, if you'd like. We can meet in the morning, if it's convenient.

He ponders for a moment -

I sent you an invitation because I liked the flip of your hair, and your... manner. I won't lie. I was hoping for a nice meal with a pretty young lady. I didn't know you from anyone, and I didn't know that Lady Dyvers would react so strongly. Our conversation is what has spurred my proposition.

He smiles -

I'm a rake, to be sure, but I'm not a cheat.

[LightBringer]

No problems, Mohan finds plenty to feed the group, and Marcel seems to like the meal. In fact a little to much. He helps himnself to some of Zoe's and some of Mohan's, then passes out for a nap.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I scoop up Marcel, put him in his place in my backpack, and continue the way we started. "Thanks Mohan!"

~~~
Ezmerelda

I laugh, "Well, you'll be the first rake I've met that wasn't a cheat if that holds true. Tomorrow's fine for that. So, how long is your show on?"

[Chris Chandler]

I'm glad to feed hungry monkeys. Now then, where is this path headed, ma'am?

---

Keirgan laughs -

True, true. I'll be here 'till month's end, weather permitting... so two more weeks.

[LightBringer]

Just a note for Zoe. You do know that this 'path' leads in the direction of Rookroost. It's really more of an animal trail, and a short cut from the keep to Rookroost, rather than go south to the main road and then back north.

[LadyGlutter]

That's cool. Rookroost is as good as anywhere. I'm happy in the woods too, but Rookroost will be people and town, and I know how Mohan needs civilization to make him happy. :P. I'm being selfless!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright, back to the whole false front for your play. I'm curious, how does that work?"

[Chris Chandler]

What do you mean, false front?

[LadyGlutter]

"Advertising it as one tale, and actually showing something entirely different? What I was asking about when I tried to keep the conversation polite earlier?"

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, it's tradition. When I first came through here, years ago, an understudy in the theatre company I now own we had planned on presenting The Bride of the Forest King a traditional lay. Alas, when we arrived to where you saw our stage now, we found that some maledictor had cursed us with the misfortune of losing an entire trunk of costumes, all associated with the Forest King. We were forced, therefore to perform Roll Y're Leg Over and other Wholesome Hymns.

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda

Ezmerelda

I blush full force.

"You were forced... to... well I suppose that speaks for itself! Not a lot of costuming needed for that. So that... tradition is special just for this town then?" I change the subject before he can answer. "So what about this mystery you want me to help investigate... do you often freelance that way?" Hmmmm... at least it's an option. Frying pan into fire though probably....

~~~~~~~~~~

Zoë

I'll keep walking and flying as necessary to keep myself amused and check out the scenery. "You ever been to Rookroost Mohan? What is there to do?"

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, I've found that freelancing, as you say, pays a good bit better than town to town playacting. Besides, the story's always better when you are the protagonist, wouldn't you agree?

---

Rookroost? Meh, it's a hub town for farmers, hunters, and merchants. There's stuff to buy, if you like, but I really don't know much more than that. Is that where we're headed?

[LightBringer]

Walking will put you arriving tomorrow. Flying will get you there late in this evening.

[LadyGlutter]

"Sure, why not? Got anywhere better to go?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I guess... as long as the protagonist doesn't end up dead." With that I really kinda lost what it was I was going to say next.

[Chris Chandler]

Of course not. That's why I'm watching a monkey's butt heading to some riverfront town.

---

Keirgan laughs, and finishes his wine. He offers you more, of course, but understands that it's getting on time for you to leave.

Can I escort you anywhere, m'lady? Or would a cool evening walk alone be preferable. I know that would be my choice on a night like tonight, were it not for your very agreeable company.

[LightBringer]

Marcel looks at you and says something in monkey, then sticks his tongue out at you.

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda

I consider for a brief moment. "Actually could you show me towards the local inns? I'm not entirely sure which one I am supposed to meet at, or if there is more than one, for that matter."

~~~~~~~~~

Zoe

I assume we're walking... unless Mohan offers his services. ;)

[Chris Chandler]

Of course, my lady.

Keirgan will take you to the Mercantile, and will offer to wait with you if you like, or will head out if you dismiss him.

---

Walking is fine with me. I'm not carrying your skinny butt.

[LightBringer]

After many hours of walking, and Marcel leaving the pack several times, and then returning, night begins to claim domain over the land. The sounds of insects, and nightly wanderers begin to fill the air.

[Chris Chandler]

Ah, nighttime is so lovely.

[LadyGlutter]

So you want to camp? I mean that sucks for you but I'm cool with it. I guess you're on first second and third watches, right? I grin.

~~~~~~~~

(I am yet again confused. Your last Ezzy post -- A merchantile is a general store, right? So, did Keirgan not take her where she wanted or is teh bar named something weird or am I just confused?)

[Chris Chandler]

That's fine with me. I'm ready to rest.

I'll look for a nice spot.
---

Yes, the mercantile also has a taproom and a common room for guests upstairs. It's all one building. He took you where you wanted to go.

[LightBringer]

Mohan can easily find the most comfortable spot in which to make camp.

[LadyGlutter]

I fall asleep. No one ever lets me have a watch anyway, why should tonight be different? Maybe Marcel will take one.

~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm going to the taproom to look for Von, and pretty much leave it up to Kiergan what he's going to do. :)

(While I know I dont' find him, what DO i find?)

[LightBringer]

I'm sure Mohan sets up a complete watch, or just goes to sleep himself. Either way the night is uneventful. There aren't any bandits running around tonight.

After breakfast you guys head out again, and will arrive at Rookroost early the next afternoon.

(I'll look into the city tonight.)

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda

I immediately see that Von isn't here, so I leave. Of course I hate myself for looking for Von, but on the other hand, well, it is what it is, right? I quickly find the place Von would more likely be at, and go in. Even though I don't immediately find him, I know he'd more likely be here than the other place. There's plenty of people about, and as I get flirted with more and more, I take the opportunity to perform. He'll find me, or he won't, but I'm not the one who didn't live up to my word.

Von, you'll arrive here in about an hour of Ezzy's social mingling and then starting to be coaxed into some storytelling and singing. She's up on stage when you show up. She gives you her patented stare of hate I mean I'm not that bad a person how can I hate him but it's von so yeah I really do but he raised me uggggh I'm telling a story here.

~~~~~~~~~~~


ZOE

WAKE UP!!!!! DAMN you humans with your sleeping! LETS GO ALREADY!!!

[LightBringer]

Von

I of course return the 'stare of hate' with a trademark 'you'll never really know' smile.

Then I'll mingle myself, and listen to Ezzie's story.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mohan and Zoe

The morning air is crisp, and the dew is light.


((I forgot what is the date and season?))

[LadyGlutter]

((Pssssh, you call seats of your pantsing it? The link on Giant is dead to the very very beginning, so we'll have to just do what feels right. I know it's a full moon because Zoe thought it was a good time to get going, that her time at the keep was done. There was a harvest of grapes Von bought, too.

And I'll be back in a bit.))

[LightBringer]

((Sounding like fall to me. Also is Ezzie trying to make money or just be entertaining and passing time?))

[LadyGlutter]

((Fall is good.

That's why I wanted to find my character sheet, but right now money is secondary, though. She'll accept it, but she's not soliciting it. She's getting used to being outside.))

[LightBringer]

Well then........Ezmerelda

You spin a tale that easily captures the imagination of the inn patrons. For almost a full hour, all that take the time to listen, for even mere moments, are wrapped into the sweet tone of your voice, the undeniable wide-eyed gasps of the details, and the rolling tides of the story in whole. When you have finished the applause is breath-taking. Being a small rural town, very few patrons are able to gift you money, but all give you thanks for an awe inspiring performance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[LadyGlutter]

Von

These are the same folks you won the heart of earlier this morning. You have anything you want paid for, and girls giggling still whispering about you. You hear the positive reaction to Ezmerelda's story, and the story itself. Ezmerelda hasn't performed many times in front of you, but she is good at it. She loses herself in the story and virtually ignores you, though every once in a while, since you're mingling, she does catch your eye, especially when she's playing the part of the villain. You see her face light up at the applause, as if she is truly shocked that they were listening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoe

I head to Rooksroost, not worrying with Mohan. :) Once there, I look for anything interesting at all. Books, people, big buildings, whathaveyou. Something's gotta happen around here somewhere besides provincial life.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

With a good bit of confidence that my decade old style of storytelling hasn't lost its touch, I beam at the patrons of the bar. I decide that a story is more than enough time, anyway, and head towards the bar. I'm thirsty, and Kiergan's snack is starting to wear off.

[Chris Chandler]

Sounds like she's going to need supervision. I mean, I know that Zoë likes books, but she likes fire, too. What's going on in Rookroost?

[LightBringer]

Zoe/Mohan

Unfortunatly for you Zoe Rookroost is a small timber town, though it appears to have been larger. The most interesting building is the mayor's mansion. There are half a dozen or so store fronts, and more than a dozen bars/inns. There is a larger road that heads in the direction of the river. There are several very large horse drawn carts headed in that direction now. They are of course hauling large trees to the river.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

Drinks are on the house for you. The bartender and many others will be happy to pay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Von

Once I finish applauding along with the others, I make my way toward Ezzie. Stopping short, I wait for her to motion me closer, not wanting to disturb her moment.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

"Oh no. Look at all the bars and inns! That means all these poor bored people have to do for fun is drink and copulate. Which one you want to pick, Mohan?" I laugh.

[Chris Chandler]

With whom?

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda


I've already been drinking wine tonight, so I go with whatever the house offers, taking it gladly. Flushed with both the wine and pleasure at my success, my mood has mellowed. I grin at Von. "Hi Von! What are you standing around for?"

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

"With me! I mean I thought you were tagging along for a reason....OH!!! No, it wasn't an offer, I meant which bar. Besides, I don't do that. You know that! Hey, neither do you, that's weird. I know why I don't... but you probably should. Aren't all you earthy types into that kind of thing anyway?"

[LightBringer]

Von Hawkings

Moving closer, I smile a genuine smile, "I did not wish to impose, but I wanted to congratulate you on an excellent telling. It was very impressive. I'll be around if you need anything." Order two ales.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

The house and most of the patrons will buy you ales. A few glasses of wine will find their way to you though.

[LadyGlutter]

"Oh. Thank you." A confused look passes over my face, but I quickly recover. "Uh... I thought we were supposed to meet up. Why would you be imposing?"

Von's drinks come up very promptly.

[Chris Chandler]

Zoë

"With me! I mean I thought you were tagging along for a reason....OH!!! No, it wasn't an offer, I meant which bar. Besides, I don't do that. You know that! Hey, neither do you, that's weird. I know why I don't... but you probably should. Aren't all you earthy types into that kind of thing anyway?"

Well, that's a bit better of a response. Who says, beside you, that I don't? There are a few initiates that have caught my eye.

I'll smile.

This is a logging town, so any one of the bars is going to be... a bit rough around the edges. I say the flat broke-downiest dive in this place. That one right there looks like it'd do the trick.

[LightBringer]

"We were, but I simply didn't want to assume you were ready to talk. You are having quite a bit of fun. Enjoy yourself. I'll be over there when you're ready." I point out a table, with several people sitting at it.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoë

I smile wider than is possible and bound into the bar Mohan sent me to.

~~~~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

I look from the drinks to the table, and consider for a minute, puzzling over something. My face brightens into a laugh, and I playfully say, "Alright. You let me know when I'm done having fun and I'll come talk to you."

(not sarcastically, because I know it could be read that way and it's totally not)

[LightBringer]

Von takes the drinks and returns to his table. Sitting and chatting with those who wish. I keep an eye on Ezzie. She hasn't been out in awhile, and I wouldn't want anything to happen to her.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ZOE

You rush into the bar, and it is exactly the dive Mohan was describing. There are several tables occupied by some loud mouth boasters, as well as a couple empty tables. The bartender looks as if he hadn't shaved or bathed in several days. Right now he is moving some bottles around, but as you bound in he and the others stop what they are doing and look at you slightly confused.

[Chris Chandler]

I'll take an empty table and let Zoë do her thing. I fully expect that this will end with the bar on fire, and take note of my exits. I honestly hope that some fool comes over here, even. Life's been a bit boring as of late.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoe:

I'm just cooled out that I'm getting to do the talking. This should be fun. "Hello, everybody! What's going on?"

~~~~~~~~~

((Chris -- did Keirgan follow Ezmerelda here? I started to write things for Von and realized I didn't know that, so I also probably should wait a minute on Ezmer too.))

[Chris Chandler]

((No, Keirgan left Ezzie to her own devices.))

[LadyGlutter]

(kay -- remind me to post to this if I haven't by 4 today)

[LightBringer]

((Hey you're supposed to post here. :P))

[LadyGlutter]

((Thanks! How'd I know I'd forget? I blame your godsword. :fun:))

Von, your table is fine, just like you expect. Ezmerelda's stories give people plenty to talk about, and one up, and you get lots of curious questions since you are a new face. These people are pretty bored, and the new faces are nice and open to you, for the most part. Do you have anywhere specific you'd like to lead the conversations?

A few men actually saw the exchange between you and Ezzy and put things together and ask you about her. (She's doing fine, by the way. Not getting into any trouble that you see -- no one gets that "drop dead" glance that would grab your attention, anyway.)

~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

I buzz on the great reception and the atmosphere. I do ask around about Keirgan and the show today, generally teasing people saying they already have a show in town, what's the big deal? Feeling folks out to see what I can about him, and also about the Lady Dyvers. I don't outright ask about crops being destroyed or hunting lodges being wrecked, just feeling out for the general truth of the stories I got.

[LightBringer]

Mohan you are able to slide in pretty much unnoticed because everyone is looking at Zoe.

Everyone stares at you for several moments Zoe. It's not stares of hatred or rage, but mild confusion, possible attraction, and/or utter disbelief before the bartender manages a weak, "Hello. Can I help you?"

[LadyGlutter]

Ah, people of good taste. Interesting. :D "I sure hope so. What's the specialty of the house?"

[LightBringer]

He smiles still looking confused, "We serve mostly beer and ales. Everyone seem to like Gruger's ale fairly well."

[LadyGlutter]

"What's so confusing? And one Gruger's ale, please."

[LightBringer]

"Oh nothing," he smiles again and pours you an ale in the glass he was just cleaning.

[LadyGlutter]

I raise an eyebrow, but "oh nothing" means I'm about to find out usually. Maybe the Gruger's ale is trouble too! I can only hope...

I pay him and taste the stuff.

[LightBringer]

The ale is very strong at first, but settles in with a sweetness. It is actually quite good. Marcel comes through the door quickly and jumps onto your shoulder. A couple of children follow close behind. They stop short when they see you, and looked slightly stunned.

[Chris Chandler]

Mohan -

Now, I'm pretty sure I know why folks are surprised at Zoë, but just to be clear. Is there anything other than a human in this place?

[LadyGlutter]

(Ha, they're reacting to me the same way everyone does. In shock that their life does have meaning after all. They never really believed that their ordinary life would be so touched by greatness as to see someone like me. My power permeates the room... lol, I can't keep going, but needless to say, I'm not really surprised. I rock, and I would if I were human too. So why wouldn't they be surprised? :D)

"Hello!" I say brightly to the children. I've not experienced children much, I wonder why.

[LightBringer]

Mohan, there is nothing but humans, in the room.

Zoe, Once you speak the children seem become less timid, "I..is that a mon..monkey", asks, the little girl. The boy remains quite.

[LadyGlutter]

"Sure is! His name is Marcel."

~~~~~~

Ezmerelda

After trying rather unsuccessfully to find out anything about Lady Dyvers or Keirgan, I make my way towards Von once his table starts to dwindle down in numbers. I beam at the scoundrel, "Well, I'm done having fun now."

[LightBringer]

The children look at each other and positively beam. Almost in unison, "CAN WE PET HIM!!!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Von

"Well look there. I didn't even have to come tell you, you were done having fun." I reply jokingly. "Have a seat."

[LadyGlutter]

"Hmmmm, I don't know. Let me ask him how he feels about it. Marcel?"

~~~~~~~~

I take a seat. "How was your day?"

[LightBringer]

Marcel is basically neutral to he idea. It seems the children scared him more with their squeals and pursuit. He is fine with the idea of petting with you here.

The children watch on, once again with a look of amazement, while you talk with Marcel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It was very interesting. There is more to this town than first perceived." I look around, "How about you. How was your day?"

[LadyGlutter]

"Marcel wants you to be gentle, but okay."

~~~~
"It was definitely... full. I visited a temple of Beory, met a priestess, went to a play, met an actor, went to this lady's house who was utterly rude to me, walked out on her, went to the temple park again, had a sort of picnic, and then you saw the evening part." I chew on my lip, and also look around at the dwindling crowd. Best wait til folks are gone to tell him about what Keirgan wanted.

[LightBringer]

The children smile real big, "Okaywepromise", as they come closer. Marcel hops down by your feet.The kids start slow petting him on the head, but quickly move to petting him, and touching his hands, and feet. They are as gentle as their excitement will let them be. Marcel doesn't seem to mind to much, and pets them on the head back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sounds like a full day. What was the play about?" The crowd thins out slowly, but surely.

[LadyGlutter]

I continue to drink my drink, utterly fascinated and absorbed by the kids as much as they are with Marcel.

~~~~~~

"It was an action adventure type of story, with a little splash of romance thrown in. The actor I met, Keirgan, he was the lead. He was good, but a bit over the top. Not sure if he was playing to his audience or that was just him. He seems nice enough, though a bit of a rake. Oh, and you'll be getting an I.O.U. soon, I'd expect, for my respects to the actors. I was... well, of course, I'll pay you back." I wince slightly as I remember that, but then I smile again as I recover.

[LightBringer]

The children laugh and play, as Marcel makes noises at them, and climbs on them.

The men seem to have relaxed as well, and begin talking among each other again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mohan, the bartender looks over at you, "What'a ya drinking bub?!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I smile, and chuckle, "No problem, I'll take care of it. Consider it your tip for the entertainment." I motion towards where you gave your performance.

[LadyGlutter]

"Oh. Well thanks, because it would have been a while! I didn't really make a lot of coins tonight. Just a little. But it was pretty good, if I say so myself. You didn't do any playing though. I thought you were going to. Course I didn't sing much either. So, where are we staying?"

[Chris Chandler]

Mohan -

Eh? Oh, just a bit of rainwater - I'll pay as if it were ale - and... anything to eat? I've been on the road a bit with my companions, there. Some stew or even some bread would be nice.

---

((I'm letting this conversation resolve before I horn in))

[LightBringer]

The children and Marcel continue to play, Zoe watching on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The bartender nods to Mohan, and fetchs some water, bread, and jerky. "No, stew today. That's all I've got for meat right now." He waits to see if you want it or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
((I'd answer Ezzie, but I don't remember if Von arranged for a place to stay or not.))

[Chris Chandler]

((I believe that Von did arrange for a place to stay, nearby.))

Mohan -

Many thanks.

I'll continue my meal while Zoë continues playing.

[LadyGlutter]

Heck, just because I haven't in a while, I detect magic. (Zoe.)

[LightBringer]

The bartender nods, and leaves the food with you Mohan. Occasionally you glance around to see the regulars have returned to their own conversations, occasionally looking at you and Zoe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoe there is no magic in the bar, other than what you and Mohan have.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Von

I smile at Ezzie, "I have arranged some rooms for us. Would you rather talk there? I believe it has thinned out enough we can have a private discussion, but if you would rather absolute privacy." I shrug in a which would you prefer manner.

[LadyGlutter]

Ezmerelda

I smile in a little more than intoxicated manner and glance around. "What you talking about, I have been talking! Oh, you mean the other stuff? All business no chitchat huh? It's not that big a deal, but yeah... room's good I guess. You're awfully funny, don't you know folks are watching us?"

~~~~~~~

Zoë

As the kids continue playing with Marcel, I get another drink. I had considered doing a little pyrotechnics to amuse them, but that off chance is too great. Interesting, since when am I concerned about other people? But they're so... fragile looking. I grin at Mohan, just to make him worried, though.

[LightBringer]

Von

I smile back, "Of course they are, but I've learned to live with it. I'm in no rush, if you wish to stay awhile longer I am fine with that."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoe and Mohan

The kids will be content playing with Marcel for some time. Zoe you finish your second ale, and Mohan you finish your lunch. No one bothers either of you, and you both catch snippets of conversation, as no one is trying to hide what they are talking about. The men are mostly discussing the recent slack in work, and the lateness of the supply barge.

[Chris Chandler]

Well, that's likely unusual (the barge), if they're talking about it, especially if work is slacking. I'll wait for Zoë to head back over, then ask her if she heard anything different.

[LadyGlutter]

Zoe:

"Anything different than what?"

~~~~

Ezzy

I laugh, and at the same time roll my eyes so far back I see my brain. "No, no. I'm the one in no rush! I want to leave only if YOU'RE ready! I won't be the one to make a decision. Aw, hell, yes I will. Let's go."

[Chris Chandler]

... Than what I just told you I heard. You could have just said, "No, Mohan, I haven't", but you've got to be all obtuse. So... was the beer any good?

[LadyGlutter]

"I wasn't listening to that stuff. Why would I? It holds no relevance to me. I didn't try the beer, but the ales were quite good. How was your rainwater and crust of bread?"

[Chris Chandler]

*Sigh*

Glad you enjoyed your drink. The only reason I mention it is that the folks around here are connected to the keep, at the very least indirectly. If there's trouble here, you'll be affected, sooner or later, and I know how you like to be proactive about things.

[LadyGlutter]

"If you say so, though I question the soundness of your logic a bit. What do you suggest?"

[Chris Chandler]

Perhaps talk to the teamsters. I'm not really sure at this point. I mean, I know we weren't looking for trouble, exactly, but you never know.

[LightBringer]

Zoe and Mohan hear a call from outside the building. The children look at each other, "uh-oh", they look to Zoe, "Thanks for letting us play with your monkey. Bye!" Without waiting they scamper to the door, "Coming Ma!!"

Some of the men chuckle, and then return to their drink, and conversation.

[LadyGlutter]

"Ahem. I don't know where we're going..." I stand and look at Von bemusedly, and a little confusedly also, ready to sit down again in fact.

~~~~~~~

"Bye!! Who says I'm not looking for trouble?"

(Ha, when do Ezzy and Zoe use such similar techniques to attract trouble? Though, actually, Ezzy has an excuse and doesn't mean to attract trouble.)

[Chris Chandler]

Fair enough. Well, what do you propose then?

[LightBringer]

Von

I chuckle, standing, "Come on, I took the liberty of arranging a place for us." I drop some gold on the table and head out, heading for our lodging.

[LadyGlutter]

Huh, you're right... I don't know. Let's go see what I propose. I pay the man, stand up and walk outside.

~~~~~~

I don't sit down after all, but instead follow Von out.

[Chris Chandler]

Von and Ezzy -

You head across town to the room that the lady procured for you, the upstairs loft of her cottage. It is nice enough, and there is the promise of two warm beds and a big breakfast. The price was just a few silver, to boot.

---

Mohan -

I'll observe the town, looking for anything that looks like where folks might bring in lumber, or at least an office for a logging guild. I'll keep my ears open, as well, hoping to pick up any more rumors.