Avati
Novice
Sweet Talker
Posts: 62
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Post by Avati on Dec 18, 2006 19:04:26 GMT -5
The hustle and bustle, while unnerving, was vaguely comforting. She was puzzled, if not still amused as a tiny creature rushed past the gentleman beside her, the maid, and herself into the house, the chuckle that started was cut with a soft, “Oh.” and jump as the Romari followed his creature in suit, a smile and quick words before he had disappeared within. Avati began to grin again; it was going to be an interesting day.
And as if to verify that, a woman, petite, and lovely in a recognizable way, proved it, she flirted and spoke in such a mischievous manner that was also familiar to her own that Avati had to grin at the prospect of this companionship, a thought it appeared, to be firmly echoed from the smaller woman.
"R-right this way please," The maid had finally gotten a chance to speak, and quickly adjusted her hair, in a manner Avati was finally decided was little more than nervous habit, to each their own the deus thought as she smoothed the line of her cloak reaffirming her security beneath it.
"The others are in the parlor and Messir Thistlefoot ought to be home from his errand shortly."
Avati made a soothing noncommittal sound following the maid, but the woman glanced back over her shoulder to the other two and flashed an impish grin. Before looking back as they were led to the parlor.
A group had already gathered, no surprise by the voices that carried, or the creatures’ interest by something within, but the strangest thing, had to be the Apertaine Horse in doors.
“Does this mean, we’ve arrived too late for all the formal introductions?” She felt at ease, voice of teasing laughter as she followed the stalwart maid, perhaps it was the shorter womans’ presence, or simply a personality she could see her own akin to.
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Post by Nicolae on Dec 18, 2006 22:59:46 GMT -5
Nicolae was surprised his head hadn't spun! He had been standing at the door of this house, talking to this exotic woman, and the smile she gave him seemed to hold some promise unless he missed his guess.
When suddenly a wolf rushed past him with, what appeared to be it's distraught owner following close behind. All the while another, equally provocative woman came and began flirting. Then the maid finally brought them in to the room, promising her master would be back soon.
Nicolae drifted near the two women who had come in with him. "Am I the only one who finds this situation a little overwhelming?" he asked them.
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Raivont
Novice
Delightfully Bitter
Posts: 20
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Post by Raivont on Dec 18, 2006 23:50:03 GMT -5
In all reality, Raivont had little idea what was going on, aside from that Iry, the adorable wolf pup in his lap, seemed to enjoy this new playmate. As it was indeed a custom for rear-sniffing in greeting among their canine companions, Iry turned and sniffed Grr in return, tail wagging with such enthusiasm that his entire rear end swayed.
Raivont chuckled, the softest of smiles gracing his often stern, frowning lips, before he lifted Iry and then set him down on the floor so that he could play. He did not care for many people, this was a fact, but Gristle's appearance did not seem to surprise him as much as it should have.
"Well, Gristle," he said, before nodding to Grr and Nibbles as well. He liked animals far more than he would let on. It wasn't good for his tough-guy image. "I am Raivont, and this is Iry."
He gestured to the pup who was now playing excitedly, yipping on occasion and trying to jump on Grr in his youthful play.
So many people.. Well, he'd just given his name. If they wanted it again, they'd have to ask. Besides, some of them seemed too young for his interests. Too young and too reckless. Ah, the joys of being a self-proclaimed bitter old man..
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Post by Trianna A'rymquil on Dec 19, 2006 9:43:59 GMT -5
Trianna followed the delectable maid - watching her legs as she walked. But she was very aware of her 'companions' as she made her way into the room. Tho' she put forth her charm and oozed sexuality, these were all skills she'd learned to keep people disarmed by her, so that she could stand back and make appraisals.
However, she was pleasantly surprised that her 'companions' were beautiful people. One thing Trianna adored was sex. She could not get enough of it. With men or women, she cared little. The pleasures in the bed were what kept her edge; without it - she felt as though her skills would go flat.
Nicolae had asked, "Am I the only one who finds this situation a little overwhelming?"
Trianna offered a grin, "Overwhelming? No, my dear -- peculiar perhaps .. but in the company of such lovely people - what does it matter. We must only be patient and wait and see what is to come of us... in the meantime," She put her arm around his, and grinned up at the handsome man, "Let us just see where this takes us, hmm??" she offered a wink, and rubbed the man's arm with her finger.
As she walked beside this specimen of a man, she took in the layout of the house. She examined her companions' demeanor and focus on the situation. And as she entered the Grande Room - and marvelled at the enomity of it - she looked for their host. She did not see anyone that had fit the description she'd been given by the crusty ol' dwarf back in Trevalen.
Following the lead of the man at her arm, she walked in in silence; watching.
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 19, 2006 10:52:04 GMT -5
Sevian, somewhat happy that he was no longer the center of attention, decided to finally check his pack like he'd been meaning to before this whole thing with the wolf and the wolf-man happened. His posessions were somewhat meager. A flask of water, dry rations, a loaf of bread he'd been gracioudly given by an old lady in Cyrra, and some slightly warmer clothes. All in all, a standard adventurer's bag.
Two more people came in. One of them was human, a woman and a ruffian by the looks of her. The other was a Nymandine, though there was something off about the way the man looked. He couldn't have been older than Sevian himself, though he seemed wiser, more mature somehow. But the woman... it wasn't anything personal, but Sevian had a mistrust for humans rivaling that of any normal Nymandine. What it really was, was a hatred for his father, but having never met him, he decided that any human would do. He stood and pretended to examine something in the fireplace.
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Avati
Novice
Sweet Talker
Posts: 62
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Post by Avati on Dec 19, 2006 14:48:13 GMT -5
Avati allowed her eyes to rove the pallor and its occupants, she took much in, her mind counted each like a slow blink, seven, several people requested to search for some bramble, a bramble worth 3500 ka, the woman was beginning to feel grossly misinformed.
Stepping forward, listening to the soft sounds of her soles upon the hard, cool floor. “Humble greetings to all, my name is Avati, it is pleasurable day, to meet so many new faces.” A moment passed, as the woman weighed her words before voicing the question that began to weigh upon her mind.
“Please, don’t read anything into this inquiry, but, is it common, to send for so many, for the mere recovery of a bramble? If those who received the summons, are all to be hired, if all answer, the fee is a small fortune amount. I for one, am feeling just a tad… misled. Can anyone else shed some light, or are all the summons received identical?”
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 19, 2006 15:05:30 GMT -5
Sevian blinked at the winged woman and once again fished out the letter. It was handwritten, the ink clear and neat upon good-quality parchment, so he never assumed it to be a copy of another. If they were all indeed summoned by identical letters, his must have been the first one written, he thought with a silent giggle. Then again, she had a point. Even if this was a dangerous job, would it not be wiser to only send a few as opposed to many? Less of a risk, if anything, he though.
Though, as much as he would have liked to answer, he was truly at a loss. Glancing around, he did indeed count seven people... "Milady, I'm sure there is a fair explanation for this." He said to the woman. "The matter of pay and numbers will likely be resolved when our employer makes his entrance." He said, in a manner which suggested a carefully masked impatience. He had no choice but to be here, but as long as he was, he liked to know just what he was here to do.
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Post by Nicolae on Dec 19, 2006 20:28:15 GMT -5
Nicolae looked down at the beautiful, and fascinating, woman who had taken his arm. She was obviously not shy at all, and Nicolae liked that. He didn't have the arrogance to believe he was irresistible, but he believed she just might be interested.
"My name is Nicolae," he whispered to her with a smile.
At the same time, Nicolae fished his message out of the his pocket, just in case anyone got around to asking him directly about it. After all, the other woman he entered with had just asked if they all had the same invitations and he thought it best to be ready with an answer if necessary.
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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 20, 2006 10:33:44 GMT -5
(ooc: for sake of argument, and because a bit of chaos ensued I will be making the assumption that the maid has gotten all characters names at some point in this insanity)
"Perhaps the sum is not so great to one who could afford to purchase and maintain such a house as this one," Eldarion offered. He knew little of 'houses' and their worth in the strictest sense--most Zhoan were well content with a canopy or roof of some kind, a few walls and a lock to dissuade thieves of anything they left behind--which was seldom much, but he imagined a grand work of stone like this must certainly be rather expensive. He didn't bother fishing out his own letter. It had been brief and clear, involving the "recovery of a trinket" I believe was the term used or something quite close to that. Regardless, I imagine we will all know the nature of things rather soon. I can't imagine many more people--and animals--can fit into this parlor."
"Aye, that'd be true enough," a deep and somewhat rough voice said from the doorway as a dwarf wobbled inward. He had a firm, round ale-belly protruding from under a rich blue jacket--his beard tucked within in what he must certainly have thought was a rather fashionable. A large emerald ring was worn on one finger and an embroidered kerchif poked out of his breast pocket. His thick, dwarven mane, he somehow managed to slick back into a ponytail at the nape of his short neck and he held a pipe in his right hand, packed and ready to smoke, but not yet lit.
In short, it was a rather laughable little ensemble but he obviously thought he looked dashing.
The maid smiled wanly and cleared her throat for silence, Messir Thistlefoot--these are the adventurers you requested letters sent to: Messir Eldarion, Messir Raivont, Messir Sevian, Messir...ah..." she struggled a moment as she'd had to learn so many names so quickly. "...Nicolae. Messan Avati and Messan Trianna, and Messir...ah...Messir Gristle just stumbled upon us. I do not know whether he wishes to join the adventuring party or not. Messirs, Messans, this is Messir Palledon Thistlefoot, who requested the message sent to you." She turned to the dwarf and bent over slightly--and the pervert apparently took the opportunity to peer at her cleavage. "Messir Thistlefoot, it would appear in some cases the adventurers you requested were not able to come, but have sent others in their stead."
The dwarf nodded, a hand rising as if to tug his beared, but he just let a stubbly hand run over it, as the better length of it was tucked away. "A pleasure, I'm sure," he said in that grizzly voice of his. "Well, to business than. A damnable bunch of pirates has stolen from me a small mirror of certain enchantments, an' I want it back." He tried to speak in a high, aristocratic manner, but it seemed he was won't to slip into something of a country brogue--he was a dwarf, after all, and all the pomp and finery just wasn't really dwarven nature.
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Post by Trianna A'rymquil on Dec 20, 2006 11:56:23 GMT -5
Trianna, on Nicholae's arm, returned the favour and introduced herself as Trianna A'rymquil... she offered a smile, which told him she was enchanted and pleased to be at his side. She saw a genuine interest in his eyes for her. And that could come in handy. Of Course, he was handsome, and if he were to bed her this night, she would say nothing of it.
Having never seen the invitation of which everyone spoke, she was slightly abacked by the fact that their host was a dwarf. The heat that had begun to rise in her nethers by being next to Nicholae grew cold as she set eyes on the hairy stunted merchant as he entered. Leave it to Gromlick to commission to steal from this .... she shuddered. Gromlick knew of her eversion to dwarves. This was his payback for all of the times Trianna had turned down the dwarf's advances.
As her name was announced, Trianna curtsied, and smiled at her host, eyeing the left breast of the dwarf's tunic. Thistlefoot was so fat, that the tunic was pressed tightly to his person. If the 'gem' was in a pocket there, picking it would be nearly impossible.
Inwardly, Trianna groaned. She would have to seduce the dwarf if her goals for Gromlick were going to be fullfilled. She looked up at Nicholae's face so that she may be reminded that there were still beautiful things left in the world to come to. Over the next day or so, she would have her face within grotesque proximity of a dwarf's hairy face - and she did not relish the thought.
It was ironic that she was being hired to retrieve a stolen thing. A mirror was it? Whatever it was did not matter. It was Ka in her pockets, and with the added bonus from Gromlick, perhaps her dream of seeing some other part of Edarin would be realized.
Looking throughout the room, surrounded by what looked like bountymen, a mintrel, and - yes - even a paladin, it was clear that she had no true allies among her companions. The theft of Palledon Thistlefoot's gem would be solely by her hand. So be it.
For now, she sat back and enjoy Nicholae's company.
"I wonder if our host will profide us with some drink. I do long for a good wine." she whispered to Nicholae with as soft and velvetty a voice as she could muster. She made her eyes smile for him, and only slightly cornered her lips upwards for Nicholae's benefit.. Perhaps, together, we can find a bottle and drink over stories of the past.
The job was outline in a way only a gruff dwarf could put it; bluntly, and Trianna excused herself from nicholae for a moment, and stepped forward, "Forgive me for being as equally blunt, Messir Host," she bowed, "But if you have invited all of ... Us," she swung her arm about sweeping the room, "What kind of pirates exactly, are we up against?" she bent down before the dwarf, and winked to him seductively. It sickened her, but she maintained her composure for the sake of her own life.
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Post by Gristle on Dec 20, 2006 14:09:59 GMT -5
Gristle's abrupt entrance had caused some confusion among those already in attendance, but the furry giant seemed oblivious to it himself. While the hustle and bustle of the market seemed maddening to him, the more private setting of the large parlor seemed perfect for a friendly get together for wine, laughter and tales of adventure. That no one had demanded he and his animal friends depart immediately struck him as a good sign that at least some of the hairless understood the meaning of hospitality. And what a diverse group of hairless they were!
Some of dark skin, some of light, men and women, young and... well, it was hard to say how old an elf was, in truth, but that was beside the point. They even had a variety of animals within their walls, which scored some more points with Gristle. People couldn't often be trusted, but animals? If the horse and the wolf cub were both content with this group then they had to be good people. Or mostly so, at least. Nibbles didn't trust them, but he didn't trust anyone. That was probably a result of being born to the bottom of the food chain.
He took the offered introductions in turn as best he could, smiling and giving nods of greeting to those who spoke up. "Edarion and Yago, a pleasure to meet you both." He even nodded to the horse, seeing no reason to treat the magnificent beast as anything less than an equal within this unfamiliar hall. "Nibbles is quite fond of biting and kicking himself. I'm sure they'll get along famously!" He grinned, reaching up one large hand to stroke the rabbit's fur. Nibbles seemed to enjoy the comforting touch, relaxing a bit, but his eyes remained ever watchful.
Raivont seemed to share Gristle's understanding that animals, while they weren't generally able to communicate with bipeds very well, were no less worthy of respect. And he had a clearly happy wolf cub with him, which spoke well for the man. "An honour to meet you and Iry as well. He and Grr seem to be hitting it off." If anything, that was an understatement, the two canines already wrestling on the floor. Grr's tendency to be a complete pushover (at least until he was truly angered) was showing through as he flopped over on his side, allowing the pup to take the upper hand. Those watching closely enough might've caught Nibbles rolling his eyes at the sight. Could rabbits really do that?
With the trio entering behind him, Gristle took the moment to look at them minus the blur of his hasty arrival. The two of them seemed to be coupled, cozying up together like young lovers should and apparently more interested in each other's presence than anything else. The winged woman appeared quite a bit more open to the rest of them, offering her name before asking something about feeling deceived and them all being summoned. It was quite confusing, though the previously silent Nymandine boy spoke up to assure her that all would be explained by their employer. Employer? They were here for work then?
"Ah, so you have gathered here for more than drink and comradery then." There was a bit of disappointment to his tone, as he was always up for a good celebration, but he recovered quickly. With a thoughtful nod before speaking again, he cast his eyes around the room to encompass all of them. "If there is any way in which I may assist you in your endeavour, I would be more than happy to do so." To Gristle, the thought of compensation for doing a job was as simple and straightforward as having the task completed. Any work that would benefit the tribe was done, if only because it needed doing. Similarly, any work that would benefit a friend was simply done. Why would you not do it?
It was then that the Zhoan spoke up, assuring all that answers would be soon forth-coming. No sooner had he done so than a dwarven fellow made his entrance, apparently the owner of the fine home. He was an odd looking dwarf, dressed in peculiar fashion, but he spoke plainly enough — a trait appreciated by the Romari. The exact nature of the problem confused Gristle, though. These pirates apparently took a magic mirror from the dwarf, which wouldn't seem a problem if they needed it for something, but if he needed it back and they refused to return it, well then that was just rude. He supposed they did indeed need to be taught a lesson in courtesy.
The elven girl moved forward then, requesting more information on those who held the mirror from him, though that hardly seemed to matter to Gristle. They were just pirates, after all. They sailed around on boats, killing people for no reason, getting drunk and smelling really bad because they only bathed once a year or so. They were only dangerous in large numbers, he figured, and they had enough people here to equal the odds rather handily. There was one question that Gristle felt might be a useful thing to know, however. Well, two actually. "Excuse me, but... how big is this mirror? And what does it do, exactly?" The second one was more for personal curiosity, but he'd hate to look into a mirror that did something bad to you. Magic was tricky like that. Mostly though, he was hoping it was small. A big mirror would be difficult to carry without breaking it.
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Post by Nicolae on Dec 20, 2006 20:14:59 GMT -5
Nicolae smiled down at Trianna, she was quite beautiful, and her offer to share a drink certainly piqued his interest. He found himself responding to her seductive smile.
However, before Nicolae could untie his tongue to respond to Trianna's offer, she stepped forward to introduce herself to Messir Thistlefoot. And if Nicolae's eyes didn't deceive him, she seemed to be flirting with Thistlefoot. Nicolae got a brief stab of jealousy, not so much feeling possessive of Trianna, as much as feeling slighted for a dwarf.
An unattractive dwarf at that.
Nicolae mentally chided himself on feeling like that. He had no claim on Trianna, and if she were attracted to the dwarf, then that was her business.
Nicolae decided to turn his mind to the matter of this magic mirror.
"What sort of magic does this mirror do?" he asked the dwarf.
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Sevian
Novice
The proberbial "gray area"
Posts: 16
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Post by Sevian on Dec 22, 2006 2:28:22 GMT -5
Sevian had to stifle a giggle at the big wolf-man's question. While he didn't exactly grow up in the lap of luxury, everybody had to have seen a mirror at least once in their life. He wondered if he should explain, but something warned him against it. In the meantime, he studied their employer. While this wasn't the first time he's seen a dwarf - a few would visit the mines from time to time, strictly on official business of course, as few would go into Iodar willingly - This one was definitely dressed in a peculiar fashion. It was hard to tell if he was putting on airs or simply had a strange way of speaking. Pirates, huh? He couldn't remember ever meeting any, but their kind wasn't exactly easy to identify. He could only hope that someone - the tall Zhoan perhaps - would offer to protect him during the course of this endeavour.
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Avati
Novice
Sweet Talker
Posts: 62
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Post by Avati on Dec 28, 2006 12:56:24 GMT -5
Avatis’ eyes lit for just a moment, before the thought quelled and the light dimmed, pirates, perhaps, but not likely she could be of some service, probably not however. She sighed inwardly, she hated to pepper people with questions, at time it could put one sorely out of favor, instead she allowed her eyes to drift upon those in the room, there were none you couldn’t meet, at port or among the towering trees. All with most curious faces and airs.
But back to the matter of pirates, different groups had different levels of skills, and preferences, in location, skills, numbers, and type of treasure they looted. Unless they had recently banded together in the last centenary or so, then the little Pomira Deus was much out of the loop. But that was regardless, as long as they secured the mirror, who was to say if given the opportunity to, were they not to help the pirates lighten their load?
Patiently, she waited for the dwarf to answer the already voiced questions, she wanted to hear his reply to Triannas’ question before voicing her own. Who said she needed people skills.
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Post by Eldarion Kildare on Dec 30, 2006 13:02:47 GMT -5
"It's about 's big as a baby dragon's paw," he answered before being rather distracted by the pretty elf who began to flirt with him. Ah! It seems he hasn't lost his touch after all! Well, Palledon wasn't a fool, it was probably only his money that enticed the lovely female, but whether it was his money or his charm or his good looks, in the end it was all the same, now wasn't it? So long as he could surround himself with beautiful things, that is.
'A baby dragon's paw,' Eldarion thought. He'd never actually seen a dragon up close--he'd seen them flying about during birthing season, yes, but that was way above head and their true size couldn't really be gauged from that, but he'd heard stories and thought 'that would make it, what...about the size of an ordinary vanity mirror, no? Not so large that it can't be easily carried, I suppose.'
He did note that the dwarf didn't mention the enchantments, and though it might have been that he was distracted by the deus female, Eldarion thought it might also be that he didn't want to say, so he supposed he'd better prompt him once again. "And the enchantments?" he asked.
Palledon frowned a bit at being distracted and turned his head to where the Zhoan stood. "They're nothing that kin harm ya. Beyond that ya don't need to know." His proper speech apparently degenerated to typical dwarf when distracted.
Eldarion raised a brow elegantly, but said nothing more on the subject, not actually reading Sevian's mind about protetction, but just so happening to look at him at just about that moment and giving a sort of 'well, whatever' shrug. After all, they may not worship the same deity, but Eldarion knew a fellow paladin when he saw one and imagined the nymandine would be the easiest for him to get along with. It was better to make friends for a long journey, wasn't it? "If you don't want to say, we'll find out soon enough anyway," he answered. It really didn't matter. They'd know what the mirror did when they retrieved it whether he wanted them to or not. It was just bound to happen that way, so on that matter he wasn't so concerned. "But you still need to tell us about the pirates. At the very least, what direction they were going in, if we're expected to catch up to them."
The dwarf sighed in irritation. He just wanted to flirt with the pretty Trianna and there were all these annoying questions! "Bandits, brigands, land pirates, the usual kind--dirty and scruffy and irritable and sneaky," he retorted in annoyance. "Headed southwest through the mountains before me agent lost track of them."
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