Dioe/Logs/spinning-yarns2

[Acenamacra, The Village Tavern] (108013)

An aroma of tar and salt underlies a strong smell of fish inside the dim tavern. Apart from a few kegs for use as chairs, the only piece of furniture is a trestle table made from boards laid across empty casks. A sign and some bottles stand on the makeshift table. You also see an open door.

Also here: Alchemy Guru Lilustra and Desert Blossom Zersha who is enveloped in a cloud of iridescent glitter.

Obvious exits: none.

Lilustra gets a circular short augmenting loop from inside her backpack.

You smile at Zersha.

Zersha curtsies gracefully to you.

You sweep a worn ebon-hued leather tricorn hat off your head and in front of you in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Zersha at the same time.

Lilustra puts her loop in her backpack.

Zersha takes a tiny bite of a massive sugar-dusted deep-fried sandwich drizzled with strawberry preserves and chews daintily on it.

Zersha finishes off her deep-fried sandwich.

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "It is good to see you again... Zersha, I believe? An elf who appreciates literature, as I recall...?"

Zersha nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

You smile.

You get a silverwillow picnic basket festooned with a riot of colorful blossoms from inside your brown backpack.

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "That's correct. I came to tell another story since I had fun last time."

You pull a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms out of your picnic basket, setting the basket aside as you spread the cloth out on the ground.

You say in a nautical accent, "I look forward to it."

Knight Templar Davrion came through an open door.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "It's a love story."

Zersha hums cheerfully to herself.

Davrion begins to lecture Zersha on the proper use of the Athletics skill.

Zersha smiles at Davrion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zersha begins to listen to Davrion teach the Athletics skill.

Davrion begins to lecture Lilustra on the proper use of the Athletics skill.

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "Thank you again."

Lilustra begins to listen to Davrion teach the Athletics skill.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Love, eh? I am curious how it will turn out."

Lilustra nods to Davrion.

You begin to listen to Davrion teach the Athletics skill.

Davrion quietly asks, "Sorry for the interruption. where were we?"

Lilustra gestures at a basalt heron bead.

You say to Davrion in a nautical accent, "Good to see ye again, mate."

Davrion shakes your hand.

Lilustra puts her burin in her backpack.

You shake Davrion's hand.

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "I was just asking if different knights didn't take different oaths."

Lilustra puts her fount in her backpack.

Davrion quietly says to you, "Greetings friend."

Lilustra puts her bead in a heavy silk backpack.

Lilustra puts her brazier in her backpack.

You ask Davrion in a nautical accent, "Ye've been well, I hope?"

Davrion quietly says, "The oaths vary amongst Knights but certain ones are set in stone."

Ershta Zehira came through an open door.

Zersha asks Davrion in a Velakan accent, "Which ones would you say are set in stone?"

Zersha tilts her head, clearly curious about something.

You smile at Zehira.

You say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Welcome, Zehira."

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Thank you sailor."

You get a pear-shaped glass of dark whiskey from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

You say in a nautical accent, "Drinks are on the cloth if ye have a thirst."

Davrion quietly says, "Protecting the weak from predators like the nobility, honorable combat, upkeep of your horse above yourself."

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Davrion.

You glance at Lilustra, a female Human.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "I suppose a glass of wine won't hurt."

You ask Lilustra in a nautical accent, "I don't believe we've met. I'm called Dioe. Will ye share your name?"

Zehira gets a fluted glass of sparkling white wine from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "I do agree you should take care of your horse, and anything else under your...well, care."

Zersha giggles a little oddly.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "If so, someone take me to my treehouse."

Zehira puts her wine in her deathfiber carryall.

Davrion quietly says, "Also protecting your comrades even at great personal cost."

Zehira gets a thin silver cigarillo case from inside her deathfiber carryall.

A small *click* followed by a whirring of gears can be heard as Zehira opens her cigarillo case.

Zehira gets a long silvery cigarillo printed with glittery shooting stars from inside her cigarillo case.

Lilustra says, "I am Lilustra a simple craftswoman. Pleasure is mine I am sure."

Observer Amailia came through an open door.

Zehira snaps the top of her cigarillo case into place.

You smile at Lilustra.

Zehira puts her case in her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira gets a diminutive tin magma viper from inside her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira points her tin viper at a long silvery cigarillo and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the cigarillo quickly catch fire.

Zehira puts her viper in her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira gets a fluted glass of sparkling white wine from inside her deathfiber carryall.

Zersha takes a sip of her cider.

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

You say to Lilustra in a nautical accent, "It is good to make your aquaintence, Lilustra."

Lazy curls of smoke drift off of Zehira's silvery cigarillo.

Lilustra smiles at you.

You take a sip of the whiskey. The woody-flavored liquid warms your throat.

>look lilu

You see Alchemy Guru Lilustra Dementar of Elanthia, a Human.

Lilustra has a round face, almond-shaped jade eyes and a classical nose. Her strawberry hair is shoulder length and wavy, and is worn arranged in an intricate Elven braid. She has pale skin and a thin figure.

She is average height for a Human.

She appears to be mature.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing some flowing heliotrope robes, some soft black lace stockings and some riding boots.

You glance at Amailia, a female S'Kra Mur.

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

Zersha smiles at Amailia, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

Zehira casually flicks some ashes off the end of her silvery cigarillo.

You ask Amailia in a nautical accent, "Come to share a drink with us, and hear or share a tale perhaps?"

Davrion quietly asks Zersha, "When is the last time you saw one of the nobles out proteecting their town or citizens? and yet how often do you see their taxmen?"

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "As far as I'm concerned, this is neutral ground, and all are welcome."

Amailia flatly says to you, "I see. Well, I am mostly here to interview you with questions anyhow."

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "I don't think I've ever seen a noble at all, but up until not that many years ago, I lived in the desert and it's mostly Elves, and lost people."

Zersha grins at Davrion, her dimples flashing into view.

A young girl bustles in, straightening the items on a trestle table and adding some new things to the array. With a pleasant nod in your direction, she hurries back to work.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "And a few wanderers."

Zersha nods to Davrion.

You chuckle.

Davrion quietly says to Zersha, "I envy you, the tribes do things the right way."

You ask Amailia in a nautical accent, "Interview, eh? Aye, but let me drink a bit first, eh?"

Amailia says to you, "As you wish."

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Grab one yourself, if ye like."

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "I don't know that I agree with you completely on that. At least, not all the things they do."

Amailia gets a snifter of Milene's brandy from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Amailia inhales deeply of the drink.

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "What brought you from the desert to these lands?"

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "Your people lived there, no? Those who cared about you?"

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "I ran away rather than agree to an arranged marriage. Which is one of the things I disagree with in terms of Sand Elves anyhow."

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "I just got tired of the sand."

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "Ye could not prevail on those who sought to arrange it?"

You chuckle at Zehira.

You say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Aye. I much prefer the water."

Zersha asks you in a Velakan accent, "You don't know Sand Elves, do you?"

Zersha chortles softly at some secret joke.

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Davrion quietly says, "Ok acknoweleged. every society has room for improvement and changes."

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "I do not, nor even my own, so called 'celestial' Elves."

Zersha nods to Davrion.

Zersha gives you a slight nod.

Fire Priestess Aemaranth came through an open door.

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "Some more than others."

Zersha pulls Aemaranth to her in a tight hug.

Aemaranth hugs Zersha, getting a smile in return.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Mer'Kresh and the sea are what I know best. May it ever be so."

Aemaranth gets a booklet bound in black and white from inside her silk longcoat.

Aemaranth offers Zehira a booklet bound in black and white.

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "You might read up on them but in simple terms, they tend to marry the girls off fairly young. We don't have much of a say in our lives until we're sixty and that's only if we're somehow not married at that time."

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "And sometimes when you leave the desert you make sure you don't look anything like when you were there."

Zehira puts her wine in her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira accepts Aemaranth's booklet.

Zehira puts her booklet in her deathfiber carryall.

Aemaranth says to Zehira in a melodic accent, "As promised."

Zehira gets a fluted glass of sparkling white wine from inside her deathfiber carryall.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Ye did right by freeing yourself."

Zehira nods to Aemaranth.

Raising your dark-hued whiskey to Zersha, you give her a toast. Cheers!

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "I agree, but I do miss the desert and my family at times."

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha leans on Aemaranth.

You smile at Zehira.

Zersha teasingly asks Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Do I get a book?"

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Zersha looks at Aemaranth, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

Firehawk Casari came through an open door.

Zehira casually flicks some ashes off the end of her silvery cigarillo.

Zehira says to Zersha in a regal accent, "I wrote it. It."

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Is about me."

You say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Aye, travel is good for meeting folk. Many are interesting. A few are loathsome."

Zersha says to Zehira in a Velakan accent, "I imagine that is an interesting tale."

Casari hands the sales clerk some coins.

The sales clerk hands Casari a flask of Rissan brandy.

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "She let me read it. Said it would help me understand."

Casari moves a flask of Rissan brandy to her left hand.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "It is a tale yes."

Zersha asks Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Did it?"

Zersha cocks her head at Aemaranth.

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Casari takes a sip of her brandy.

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "It did."

Zersha searches around for a moment.

Zersha giggles.

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "Got you!"

Zersha points at Sofina, ruining her hiding place.

Zersha flails her arms about.

Nvalia came through an open door.

You hear someone chortling.

You grin.

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "Get out here and get your hug!"

Sofina gives Zersha a gentle poke in the ribs.

Zersha pulls Sofina to her in a tight hug.

Zehira takes a sip of her wine.

Sofina hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Sofina with a warm smile.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Better."

Lilustra glances at Zersha.

Sofina says, "Hello."

A tiny white dove hops on Amailia's shoulder, ruffling its feathers quickly before settling down.

Zersha grins at Lilustra, her dimples flashing into view.

Davrion bows to Sofina.

Aemaranth hums to herself.

Sofina gets a knitted wool towel from inside her scavenger's pack.

Sofina vigorously rubs her feet with a knitted wool towel, drying herself off as much as possible.

You say in a nautical accent, "Welcome, mates. Drinks are on the cloth if ye have a thirst."

Sofina waves a damp knitted towel, drying out the last few drops of water.

Sofina playfully snaps a knitted towel at the air, causing a crisp *CRACK*ing sound.

Sofina puts her towel in her scavenger's pack.

Zersha says to Lilustra in a Velakan accent, "I'm allowed, she's my best friend."

Zersha gets a black velvet box tied with multi-colored ribbons from inside her multi-strapped carryall.

Zersha exclaims to Sofina in a Velakan accent, "Happy birthday!"

Zersha offers Sofina a black velvet box tied with multi-colored ribbons.

Zersha giggles a little oddly.

Sofina accepts Zersha's velvet box.

Sofina beams at Zersha!

Sofina unwraps her box quickly, tossing scraps of paper haphazardly in reckless abandon.

You raise an eyebrow in Sofina's direction.

Sofina says, "Oh, interesting."

Davrion bows to Nvalia.

Sofina examines a zombie bone-handled scalpel with a notched blade covered in black veins.

Nvalia nods to Davrion.

Nvalia smiles.

Zersha says to Sofina in a Velakan accent, "Don't get into too much trouble with it."

Zersha winks at Sofina.

Nvalia sits down on the keg.

You ask Sofina in a nautical accent, "Is it truly your birthday?"

Aemaranth says to Zehira in a melodic accent, "Thank you for letting me read it."

Zersha raises her voice in merry laughter.

Zehira says to Aemaranth in a regal accent, "Of course."

Lord Knight Hebion came through an open door.

Sofina says to Davrion, "With a friend like Zersha, everyday is your birthday."

Zersha pulls Hebion to her in a tight hug.

You laugh!

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Davrion grins at Sofina.

Sofina puts her scalpel in her scavenger's pack.

Hebion gently kisses Zersha on the forehead.

Zersha gently kisses Hebion on the cheek.

Zehira gets a glass of rest tea from inside her deathfiber carryall.

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "Ye tend to spoil your friends, eh?"

Zersha smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "I try to."

You smile.

Zehira winks at Nvalia.

Zersha asks in a Velakan accent, "And who wouldn't want to spoil Sofina?"

Zersha rubs Sofina's head.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Hardly a better use for wealth."

Nvalia grins at Zehira.

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "As for Sofina, I know her not, save through reputation - but that reputation is promising."

Nvalia pets a Ratha sewer monkey adorned in an elaborately plumed black tricorn hat.

The sewer monkey sewer monkey backs up a few paces and runs into Nvalia's leg over and over again.

Amailia glances outside a moment.

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "It's good to help people and treat them with kindness when you can."

Zehira takes a sip of her tea.

Aemaranth whispers something to Zersha.

Zersha nods at Aemaranth, obviously agreeing with her views.

Zersha stands near Aemaranth.

Zersha giggles.

Sofina says, "I have a reputation? I imagine its all lovely things."

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Certainly, though some must be also be dealt with mercilessly."

You take a sip of the whiskey. The woody-flavored liquid warms your throat.

Amailia stares outside for a few long moments.

Aemaranth says to Sofina in a melodic accent, "You do look better than Zithri."

Nvalia says to Zehira, "Another lovely tutu."

Aemaranth giggles.

Zersha bursts out in a sudden snort of laughter.

Zersha covers her mouth with her hand.

Sofina snickers.

Zehira smiles, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Sofina says to Aemaranth, "Its not hard to do."

Zehira shows Nvalia her tutu dress.

Sofina looks herself over.

You say to Nvalia in a nautical accent, "Good to see you again, mate. Drinks are on the cloth, if ye wish."

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "I don't know that I'm in any position to judge that."

Davrion quietly says, "Anyone looks better than Zithri even smelly cat."

Davrion chuckles.

Forest Watcher Damoone came through an open door.

Zehira makes a grunting noise.

Zersha giggles at Davrion.

Nvalia whistles at Zehira.

Nvalia nods.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "He's an idiot."

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Fair enough, but when ye know, do not hesitate."

Zersha says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "He is very fond of his abs."

Nvalia smiles at you.

Zehira grins at Nvalia, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha rolls her eyes.

Nvalia gets a mug of Boar's Head ale from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Raising her Boar's Head ale to you, Nvalia gives you a toast. Cheers!

Sofina grins at Zersha.

Swamp Shaman Jorvand came through an open door.

Davrion quietly says to Zersha, "Thanks for that info, that's where i'll aim my spear then."

Zersha giggles at Davrion.

Zersha looks at Aemaranth, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Zehira gasps!

Zehira exclaims in a regal accent, "I have on the wrong shoes!"

You ask Amailia in a nautical accent, "You said you wish to ask questions. I wish to share a yarn or two, and I know that Zersha also has a tale for the company. Do you wish to ask your questions now, or will you wait?"

Davrion chuckles.

Davrion pats Zehira on the back.

>look Zehira

You see Ershta Zehira Al'thor, Breaker of Chains of Velaka, a Human.

Zehira's body is wreathed in an impressive series of whitened ridges that press up from beneath her skin and gleam with comforting black energy, augmenting her ability to absorb damage.

Zehira has a glimmering spider's web ensnaring the left side of a gaunt face with an ugly and jagged scar across the neck, delicate ears, an oversized pair of sunglasses with dark geometric lenses mostly obscuring her veiled achromatic eyes, a disdainfully scrunched nose and dimples. Her void black hair is hip length and extravagant with grizzled streaks of grey throughout, and is worn in a tousled arrangement of upswept locks held in place by an eerie blackened moonsilver crown fused with sinuous demonbone and deathfiber. She has a ghastly mixture of chalky white bone ash streaked with soot smeared across her ghostly white skin with an ethereal radiance and a pair of void-black demonbone wings fit with moonsilver and silvery Velakan pearls arching back from a slim figure.

She is puny for a Human.

She appears to be in her prime.

A dark headdress of eerily twisted demonbone spikes studded with abyssal quartz is resting lightly on Zehira's brow, the dusky blue stones glinting darkly upon the malevolently contorted blued moonsilver spirals rising over her head.

Her left palm has a tattoo of a sewn-shut mouth with a multitude of slender tongues pushing through the stitches.

The skin on her face has been turned into an ivory mask, reshaping her bone structure in a way that grants insight into aetheric structures.

Zehira's right eye gleams with reddish-green light, casting a lurid shade over the tiny enhancive cysts clustered in and around her left. The cysts empower her to surpass her mortal Human sight.

Her body is covered in a web of reddish-black lines in the shape of an advanced nervous system. The lines pulse with an enthralling glow from beneath her skin.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a glass of rest tea in her right hand.

She is wearing a pretentious shadowy black deathfiber cape fastened by a vengeance ruby and demonbone clasp, a blighted gold and crimson moonsilver wedding ring set with a vengeance ruby, a charred bone ring bearing obscurely carved symbols, a splendiferous tulle tutu dress shimmering with eerie blackened moonsilver, a raven-black scalene hex bag with an inky blue wildlace overlay, a dark oilskin butcher's bag with "Parts" spelled out in stained demonbone beads, a heretic's sack adorned by barbed wire horns tipped with vengeance rubies and a pair of tacky inky black dancing slippers splashed with blackened moonsilver.

Aemaranth says to Zehira in a melodic accent, "Oh, that won't do."

Sofina stares fixedly at her black shoes, studying them intently.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Well."

Sofina whirls in place on the soles of her black shoes.

Davrion quietly says to Zehira, "You look stunning as always wrong shoes or no."

Zehira smiles at Davrion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Thank you."

Zersha asks Sofina in a Velakan accent, "Are you wearing the right shoes?"

Zersha leans on Sofina.

You say to Jorvand in a nautical accent, "Good to see, mate. Drinks are on the cloth."

Sofina says to Zersha, "I'm just glad I have a pair on."

Sofina studies the faces around her.

Davrion shakes Jorvand's hand.

Zersha giggles at Sofina.

Zehira nods to Jorvand.

Zehira nods to Damoone.

Amailia says to you, "Up to you."

Jorvand nods.

Jorvand smiles.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Let us hear some yarns as we drink. I'm sure the answers will be more interesting when I've gone through some whiskey."

Amailia nods to you.

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "Don't drink too much I can't carry you to my treehouse."

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "Do ye wish to share your tale, or shall I begin?"

You laugh!

Damoone snickers at Zehira.

Hebion asks Zehira, "You're claiming that one?"

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "As host, I think I should let you go first, it seems only right."

Forest Watcher Damoone went through an open door.

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Lilustra takes a seat.

You laughingly say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Ye could, as ye know it! You've the strength of a giant, but ye will leave me as I deserve."

Zehira says to Hebion in a regal accent, "The treehouse? My treehouse is in a secret area."

Zersha leans on Sofina.

Hebion says, "I meant the sailor."

Zersha chews on Sofina's shoulder. Weirdo.

Zehira exclaims in a regal accent, "Oh!"

Nvalia nods to Davrion.

You nod to Zersha.

Sofina chews on Zersha's shoulder. Weirdo.

Sofina hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Sofina with a warm smile.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Well I mean, he's not bad looking so we'll see."

Zersha giggles at Sofina.

Sofina says to Zersha, "I think I forgot your hug."

You recite:

"Lend an ear, and I'll tell ye of a man named Finch - a right villain if ever there was one."

Davrion leans on his pilum.

Zersha cocks her head at you.

You recite:

"Not the slash-yer-throat sort, mind, but the kind that smiles as he's robbin' ye blind, then sells ye back your own boots with a grin and a bow."

Zersha softly says to Sofina in a Velakan accent, "You can always give me more hugs."

You recite:

"This was years back, in a salt-streaked town on the outskirts of Hara'jaal called Bitterbay. Miserable little place, full o' roiling jetties, crooked priests, and fishfolk who'd gut ye as quick as a mackerel if ye looked at 'em sideways."

Sofina leans over and scratches Zersha's back.

You recite:

"Finch rolled in with nothin' but a threadbare coat, a deck of' marked cards, and more nerve than sense."

Zehira takes a sip of her tea.

Sofina casually observes the area.

You recite:

"He wasn't in town more'n a day 'fore he'd sold a load of dockside swill to the mayor as "blessed tonic water," pinched three purses in the temple, and set up shop as a rat-catcher - which, far as I could tell, meant he loosed rats into the inn at night and charged coin to "banish" 'em come morning."

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Zersha blinks.

You recite:

"Now, one afternoon, he was makin' a swift exit out the apothecary's back door - where he'd swapped the leech-jar labels to cover a debt - when the town square up and caught fire."

You recite:

"Some say it was a tipped lantern, others mutter about naphtha and someone's third-best nephew who could never hack it as a Warrior Mage. In any case, smoke thick as bilgewater filled the air. Folk screamed, and ran every which way."

Zehira joins Davrion's group.

Nvalia chuckles.

Zersha furrows her brow.

You grin.

You recite:

"Finch, seein' flames and confusion, figured it was a fine time to vanish. But no sooner had he ducked down an alley than he blundered into the orphan house, smoke pouring in, beams groaning above."

You recite:

"Finch didn't stop to think, he just grabbed two small 'uns by the scruff, bellowed like a bosun's mate, and barreled through a back wall that wasn't much sturdier than parchment. There he came stumblin' into the square, blackened like a burnt biscuit, orphans trailin' behind him like ducklings."

Zersha raises an eyebrow.

You recite:

"Well, the townsfolk nearly wept. "A hero!" they cried. "Saved the wee ones!" They wrapped him in blankets, fed him stew, and called for an artist to capture his likeness 'fore the soot faded."

You recite:

"Finch tried to explain - honestly, the fool tried - but every time he opened his gob, someone handed him a bun or called him a gift from the gods."

Amailia takes a sip of her brandy.

You smirk.

You recite:

"He even got a key to the town, the large, gaudy kind the cursed silks like to bestow upon their puppets."

You recite:

"For the next week he couldn't lift a single coin without someone noticing and shouting, "Look! The hero buys his bread like us!""

Nvalia laughs!

You recite:

"A lesser man'd have been touched. Finch? He was miserable. Couldn't con, nor thieve, nor swindle. Every time he tried to nick something, folk'd smile at him like he were blessing their boots."

Zersha chortles softly at some secret joke.

You recite:

"So he took his leave in the dead of night, pocketed a few trinkets on the way, and was never seen again. But to this day, there's a statue of him in Bitterbay - standing proud, cradling a soot-streaked child, chin lifted like he's hearing Fortune thank him."

Zehira takes a sip of her tea.

You recite:

"They call him Finch the Fearless now: patron of orphans, fire, and rat-catchers, but if he'd stuck around, he'd have sold that statue for scrap."

Zersha laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

You smile.

Zersha looks at you and applauds!

Raising her Boar's Head ale to you, Nvalia gives you a toast. Cheers!

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

You sweep a worn ebon-hued leather tricorn hat off your head and in front of you in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Davrion chuckles.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Accidental hero."

Lilustra laughs!

Davrion applauds.

You say in a nautical accent, "Just so."

Zehira smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zehira takes a sip of her tea.

You ask Zersha in a nautical accent, "Would ye honor us with your story, Zersha?"

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "Sure!"

(Zersha skips forward and waves to everyone with a grin.)

Zehira gets an apple streusel cupcake with a candy wolf perched high on a mound of crunchy topping from inside her book bag.

Nvalia gazes at Zersha.

Zehira takes a bite of the cupcake.

Casari takes a sip of her brandy.

You stand near Davrion.

You take a sip of the whiskey. The woody-flavored liquid warms your throat.

You finish off the rest of it, and set the glass aside.

Davrion leans on you.

Zehira stands near Davrion.

You get a whiskey-laced cigar from inside your brown backpack.

Zehira takes a bite of the cupcake.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "This is one of the many stories that my sister would tell me when I was little. While she never gives them titles, I've decided to call this one 'A Whiff of Roses, A Hint of Bone'."

You get a small golden crocodile from inside your brown backpack.

You quickly flick the switch on the back of the crocodile, pointing it at a whiskey-laced cigar as flames shoot out the creature's mouth, making the cigar quickly catch fire.

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

You put your crocodile in your brown backpack.

You puff on the whiskey-laced cigar.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Now hush your chatter and settle in, for I bring you a tale of unlikely love, questionable tailoring, and the eternal power of flower petals and plush horrors."

Zehira takes a sip of her tea.

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Zehira takes a bite of the cupcake.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "There once lived a Rakash Cleric, bright as a midsummer dawn and twice as unpredictable. Her hair tumbled in wild red curls, the kind that refused to be tamed by braid, bonnet, or divine intervention. She sang her prayers in lilting tunes, and once banished a ghost with a glare and a garden trowel."

Zersha appears to be trying hard not to grin.

You take a long drag off of a burning whiskey-laced cigar.

Zehira takes a bite of the cupcake.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Not far, though perhaps through a veil of mist and questionable decision-making, there lived an Elf. She was a Necromancer, tall and willowy, with eyes like glinting emeralds and a wardrobe that never met a color lighter than despair. Her talents were many: reanimating bones, raising the dead, and sewing delightfully creepy stuffed animals that giggled when no one was looking."

Smoke rolls from between your lips, building a depiction of a proud brigantine ship. One by one, the sails drop open from the yardarms, billow with wind and the ship sails off over the waves.

Roundtime: 4 sec.

Zersha gazes at her fingernails.

You grin.

An image of a sailing brigantine ship dissipates into the air.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "One fog-choked afternoon, in a graveyard claimed by ivy and half-forgotten sighs, the Cleric came searching for a misplaced hymn book. What she found instead was the Necromancer, cross-legged atop a crypt, stitching a tiny plush dragon with button eyes and a suspiciously stitched-up grin."

Davrion chuckles.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "'Necromancer!' the Cleric exclaimed, scandalized."

Zersha gasps!

You glance at Zehira, a female Human.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "The Elf looked up and promptly forgot how to speak. '...Your hair is like fire!'."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "From that moment on, things were, well, odd."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "The Elf began to appear in temple gardens, lurking behind hedges and pretending to admire the begonias. She brought gifts: strange little stuffed animals sewn from velvet and mystery, with too many limbs or not quite enough. There was a plush bat with one fang and a stuffed spider that wore a tiny silk hat. Some of them giggled. One of them whispered the names of flowers in its sleep."

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

Zehira looks at you and shrugs.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "In return, the Cleric brought offerings of her own. Flowers, mostly, wild and bright, growing in joyful rebellion from every crack in the cobblestone. She'd weave them into crowns, wreaths, or simply tuck a single bloom behind the Elf's ear when she wasn't looking (or when she was as both had their charm)."

You take a long drag off of a burning whiskey-laced cigar.

In rapid succession, you puff out a series of lines that form an unfinished web. A smoky spider on the edge of the web quickly completes it, then crawls to the center awaiting its prey.

Roundtime: 4 sec.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "They spent hours debating matters of theology and necromancy over lukewarm tea, rescuing confused ghosts, and replanting graveyard moss into topiary animals shaped like hedgehogs. The Necromancer, for all her gloom and doom, began to smile more. Just a little."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "One evening, as stars blinked lazily awake and the air smelled faintly of rose and bone dust, the Elf turned to the Cleric and asked, 'Do you think the Immortals would let me try again?'."

Jorvand gets a snifter of Milene's brandy from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Jorvand takes a sip of his brandy.

Zersha hums cheerfully to herself.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "The Cleric, without hesitation, took the plush bat from her lap, crowned it with a daisy, and said, 'Of course. They love a good redemption arc.'."

Zersha softly says in a Velakan accent, "And a good pun."

Zersha giggles.

Jorvand snickers.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "And so the Necromancer tried."

Sofina grins at Zersha.

You grin.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "She studied ancient scrolls and made very polite offerings. She unlearned curses and relearned hymns. She even returned a borrowed soul with a heartfelt note and a crocheted apology owl."

Zehira wrinkles her nose.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "The Immortals, being wise, patient, and occasionally whimsical, welcomed her back. Not with trumpets or fanfare, but with a gentle breeze that carried the scent of forgiveness and lavender."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Now, should you wander near the edge of the wilds, you might stumble upon a cozy little cottage nestled between a shrine and a graveyard. In its garden, violets and bone lilies grow side by side, and from the windowsill hang a row of stitched creatures, all smiling slightly too wide."

You puff on the whiskey-laced cigar.

Lilustra frowns.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Within, a Cleric hums as she presses fresh blossoms into a book. A former Necromancer sews a new plush creation, this one with wings and a tiny clerical robe."

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "They say love can conquer anything. Especially when flowers are involved."

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "The End!"

You laugh!

You applaud.

Davrion chuckles.

Sofina looks at Zersha and applauds!

Zersha sinks into a deep curtsy.

Hebion looks at Zersha and applauds!

Davrion applauds.

Zehira applauds.

Lilustra blinks.

Umron came through an open door.

Zersha looks at Sofina, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Raising her Boar's Head ale to Zersha, Nvalia gives her a toast.

Zersha giggles a little oddly.

Umron gestures.

Davrion shakes Umron's hand.

Aemaranth lets out a hearty cheer for Zersha!

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "I might have written something, not about any one person but you know a little thing."

Your whiskey-laced cigar glows faintly as it burns down.

Umron says, "Oy serry me be late."

Zersha sticks her tongue out at Sofina.

Umron says, "Got meself lost."

Sofina laughs!

You smile at Zehira.

Gardener Ellywen came through an open door.

Zehira winks at you.

You ask Zehira in a nautical accent, "Will ye share it with us?"

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "A very wonderful story."

Zehira beams at Ellywen!

Zersha beams at Aemaranth!

Zehira nods to you.

Ellywen waves to Zehira.

Ellywen smiles.

Davrion quietly asks Umron, "Can blind men even GET lost?"

Zersha exclaims to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Thank you!"

Sofina giggles.

Umron says, "Easy."

Umron nods to Davrion.

Umron says, "Spin me in a circa."

Zersha smiles at Sofina, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Davrion chuckles.

Sofina grins at Zersha.

Nvalia whispers, "I've got one as well, if we find ourselves with enough time."

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Ye did tell a love story, and quite fantastic. I hope they found what they were looking for."

Nvalia leans back.

Sofina sticks her tongue out at Zersha.

Zersha giggles at Sofina.

Umron asks, "Any willin tuh teach a bit o parry?"

Zersha just tickled Sofina, who laughs and returns the favor.

You nod to Nvalia.

Sofina squirms.

Ellywen begins to listen to Davrion teach the Athletics skill.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "She is beauty sharpened into a weapon, vanity stitched into flesh and bone, and she knows it, adores it. Her reflection is a worshipped idol, her voice a spell sweeter than any incantation she casts. A necromancer of terrifying grac."

Zersha says to you in a Velakan accent, "I think they did! I like a little happily ever after, even if it is just in a story."

Zersha smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

Zehira coughs.

You whisper to Nvalia, "We certainly will, and ye honor us by telling it."

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Grace."

Davrion quietly asks, "Does anyone object to my changing class to parry?"

Zersha shakes her head at Davrion.

Davrion stops teaching.

Davrion begins to lecture Umron on the proper use of the Parry Ability skill.

Umron begins to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

You take a long drag off of a burning whiskey-laced cigar.

Ellywen begins to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

You cast out a line of smoke that spreads out to form the image of a large pond. Suddenly a large-mouthed fish leaps through the surface of the "water" to catch a wispy fly and splashes back into the pond.

Roundtime: 4 sec.

Nvalia begins to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

Davrion begins to lecture Zersha on the proper use of the Parry Ability skill.

A Halfling citizen came through an open door.

Davrion begins to lecture Lilustra on the proper use of the Parry Ability skill.

You begin to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

A Halfling citizen gazes about with a calm look on his face.

Zersha begins to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

A Halfling citizen gazes about the area with an intent look, watching the goings on.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "She doesn t just raise the dead she commands them with the elegance of a queen and the entitlement of a goddess. In her eyes, the world exists only to kneel or be remade. Every life taken is a brushstroke."

An image of a splashing fish dissipates into the air.

A Halfling citizen gazes about with a calm look on his face.

Nvalia gazes at Zehira.

Zersha leans on Hebion.

(Dioe's emerald eyes fix upon Zehira as she speaks.)

Amailia takes a sip of her brandy.

Hebion smiles at Zersha.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "On the grand canvas of her legend, every soul a stepping stone toward the eternal throne she believes fate owes her. She isn t evil, not to herself."

Amailia begins to listen to Davrion teach the Parry Ability skill.

Sofina puts her lenses in her haversack.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "She s simply right. Always. Flawless. Destined. And if the living fear her or the dead serve her, it only proves what she already knows: she was born to be worshipped."

You puff on the whiskey-laced cigar.

Sofina gets a cherry-trimmed eye-shaped lens from inside her thigh pouch.

A Halfling citizen went through an open door.

Sofina went through an open door.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Ok maybe it was about someone."

Sofina came through an open door.

Davrion chuckles.

Sofina puts her lens in her thigh pouch.

You laugh!

A Halfling citizen came through an open door.

Zersha glances at Sofina.

Sofina says, "Never seen that fella before. Was taking a closer look."

Sofina gestures at a Halfling citizen.

Zersha nods to Sofina.

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Who is it."

Sofina says, "Qizhan."

Zersha quietly says to Sofina in a Velakan accent, "At least he's dressed."

Zersha just nudged Sofina.

Davrion quietly says, "Good and evil are subjective. just a matter of perspective."

Sofina grins at Zersha.

Sofina says, "Mine dont live long enough to bother with clothing."

You ask Zehira in a nautical accent, "It was poetically told, and full of the promise of power. I would guess ye speak of yourself. Am I wrong?"

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "I normally talk about myself so yes."

Sofina snickers at Zehira.

You laugh!

Nvalia chuckles.

Sofina says, "Talking about oneself brings the most satisfaction."

Sofina whistles a merry tune.

Zehira exclaims in a regal accent, "I mean I wrote a whole book about me!"

Zersha just tickled Sofina, who laughs and returns the favor.

Nvalia glances at a Halfling citizen.

Sofina squirms.

Nvalia glances at a Ratha sewer monkey adorned in an elaborately plumed black tricorn hat.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "I actually enjoyed your book."

Aemaranth nods politely to Zehira.

Zehira nods to Aemaranth.

You say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Your story balances that of the beauty from the desert. Both are about a sort of love."

Davrion ponders.

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "I would say the story is a tradgedy. But still enjoyable."

You gaze at Aemaranth.

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "Well if you can't love yourself, love well whoever you take home from the bar."

Davrion quietly says, "I've not seen this book, i'll have to find it and give it a read."

You say to Aemaranth in a nautical accent, "Ye probably have the right of it."

You laugh!

Zehira says to Davrion in a regal accent, "It's in my bag."

You say to Zehira in a nautical accent, "Not for me, but for many, that is good advice."

Your whiskey-laced cigar goes out and crumbles away.

Zehira says to you in a regal accent, "Me either. But I imagine for some."

Davrion quietly says to Zehira, "One day you'll have to loan me your copy. i love a good book."

You nod to Zehira.

Zehira says to Davrion in a regal accent, "Of course I will."

You say in a nautical accent, "Love is lost to me forever, though I do not resent those who find it."

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "She told me if I didn't remember to return it that she would stab me in the throat."

Zersha grins at Hebion, her dimples flashing into view.

Aemaranth giggles.

Zersha blinks at Aemaranth.

Zersha says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Tough library system."

Zehira says in a regal accent, "Yes I did say that."

Zersha looks at Aemaranth, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Zersha beams at Hebion!

Aemaranth says to Zersha in a melodic accent, "Right?! Makes sure there are no lost books."

Davrion grins at Aemaranth.

Zersha nods at Aemaranth, obviously agreeing with her views.

You ask Nvalia in a nautical accent, "Nvalia, ye had a tale ye are willing to share with us?"

Nvalia smiles.

Zersha grins at Nvalia, her dimples flashing into view.

You get a fluted glass of sparkling white wine from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Amailia inhales deeply of the drink.

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Davrion gets a mug of Boar's Head ale from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

(Umron taps around the room finding a place he could lean back and listened to the group)

Davrion takes a sip of his ale.

Nvalia says, "I have one that I think is appropriate, given the company."

Nvalia appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Zersha cocks her head at Nvalia.

You grin at Nvalia.

You take a sip of the wine.

The eyes of a Halfling citizen become bright as he carefully looks around the area.

Nvalia leans forward.

(Davrion guides Umron to the bar to lean comfortably on)

Nvalia hauntingly says, "Some laughs echo louder than cannon fire. The ghostly kind, the kind you hear when your ship's gone still."

Umron smiles.

You nod to Nvalia.

Umron says, "Tank ye lad."

Nvalia hauntingly says, "They say that laugh belongs to Bonny. She loved a man once. Watched him talk big and die small."

You pat Umron on the back.

You whisper to Umron, "Good to see you again, mate."

Nvalia says, "The story goes like this."

Davrion quietly says to Umron, "My pleasure."

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Umron whispers, "I say duh same ting...buh me be blind"

Nvalia recites:

"Jack was a clever captain who ran his ship like a theater stage: velvet coats, silken flags, showy raids. He liked wine. He liked songs. He liked being famous. But Bonny wasn't built for show. She was a fighter who didn't flinch when the cut came close, didn't blink when blood hit her boots. She stood with Jack, never behind."

Umron chuckles at you!

You laugh!

You smile at Umron.

Zersha grins at Nvalia, her dimples flashing into view.

Nvalia recites:

"Their crew carved their name on noble hulls, raided silk-laden sloops under moonlight, slipped through blockades like ghosts in the rigging. They hit ships that were meant to be untouchable, and laughed loud enough to carry on the wind."

Nvalia winks at Zersha.

You whisper to Umron, "Enjoy some drinks and some yarns, eh?"

Raising your white wine to Nvalia, you give her a toast. Cheers!

Umron whispers, "I tink I ill. Tank ye"

You take a sip of the wine. A crisp flavor and a clean finish. Delectable.

Davrion takes a sip of his ale.

Nvalia recites:

"Then came the night the navy caught up. Jack was drunk on stolen rum, bragging loud enough to wake the dead. The sea was slick with fog and gunpowder. Cannon fire cracked like thunder, and the first broadside took the color off half the deck. In their drunken stupor his men screamed, dropped their blades, scrambled like rats. Some dove, some prayed, most ...soaked their trousers."

Zersha furrows her brow.

Nvalia recites:

"But not our bold Bonny. She stood barefoot in the blood, smoke curling in her hair, carving her name into anything that moved. The ship didn't fall til she did. They say it took the whole navy to drag her down."

You laugh happily.

Firehawk Casari went through an open door.

Nvalia recites:

"When they took her to the gallows, she didn't beg. Didn't pray. Just stood there, boots muddy with blood, hands steady.

They asked if she had words for him, her captain, who clung to rum and railing while she held the line alone. She said, 'If he had fought like a man, he needn't have died like a dog.' and laughed. Not loud, but clear enough to carry to every man who'd dropped his sword that night."

You nod to Nvalia.

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Nvalia leans forward.

Davrion quietly says, "I like this story."

Nvalia recites:

"The rope snapped tight.

The laughter didn't stop."

You nod at Davrion, in complete agreement with his views.

Zersha gasps!

Nvalia recites:

"They say it still echoes. You hear it in the rigging on windless nights, in the last moment before a ship turns wrong. It's a warning. That someone aboard ain't worth the rope."

Nvalia hauntingly says, "I don't believe in ghosts. But I believe in cowards. And I believe the sea remembers every one of them."

You nod to Nvalia.

Zersha grins at Nvalia, her dimples flashing into view.

Nvalia waggles her fingers mystically at you! Ooh! Scary!

You exclaim in a nautical accent, "Aye!"

Nvalia grins.

Zersha looks at Nvalia and applauds!

Raising your white wine to Nvalia, you give her a toast. Cheers!

Davrion applauds.

You take a sip of the wine.

Zersha says to Nvalia in a Velakan accent, "A good story and well told."

Lilustra nods.

Ellywen laughs at Zehira.

Zehira looks at Nvalia and applauds!

Umron says, "I ate tuh say buh I ken neva rememba a face."

Umron nods.

Davrion chuckles at Umron.

Nvalia says, "A good moral about the strength of women."

Zehira grins at Ellywen, her dimples flashing into view.

Nvalia chortles softly at some secret joke.

You say in a nautical accent, "Well told indeed. Swear you told stories from my own life, lass."

Zersha nods at Nvalia, obviously agreeing with her views.

Amailia glances outside a moment.

Nvalia says to you, "I suspect there are some overlaps..."

Nvalia nods.

You laugh!

Davrion quietly says, "Woman or man makes no difference. strength is strength."

You nod to Nvalia.

Amailia stares outside for a few long moments.

You say to Nvalia in a nautical accent, "It was a good tale, and well told. Thank you for sharing it."

Zehira asks Davrion in a regal accent, "Yes yes I..was it me..was it me that won our spar?"

Zersha softly says in a Velakan accent, "Strength is important but it should be balanced and tempered."

Zersha shifts her weight.

Jorvand puts his brandy in his backpack.

Sofina giggles.

Swamp Shaman Jorvand went through an open door.

Davrion nods to Zehira.

Zehira grins at Davrion, her dimples flashing into view.

Davrion quietly says to Zehira, "Until the next one you hold the crown."

Davrion grins at Zehira.

You ask in a nautical accent, "I have another yarn to spin, if there is no other who wishes to share first?"

Zehira adjusts her moonsilver crown into place.

Nvalia says to Zersha, "Being on a ship for long enough will teach you balance and how to mind your temper."

Nvalia nods to Zersha.

Zersha giggles at Nvalia.

Zersha says to Nvalia in a Velakan accent, "I can only imagine."

You whisper to Nvalia, "Ye really must join us, love."

Zersha quietly says to Nvalia in a Velakan accent, "There aren't a lot of ships in the desert."

Zersha ducks her head.

Amailia inhales deeply of the drink.

Nvalia whispers, "It was a bit of a warning, as well"

Nvalia grins mischievously.

Nvalia nods to you.

You grin at Nvalia.

A Ratha sewer monkey adorned in an elaborately plumed black tricorn hat gambols playfully about the area, completely oblivious to the threatening presence of a Halfling citizen.

You recite:

"There was a lass named Lottie, and a right puffed peacock of a lord called Bramble - may he forever burn in the Spiral."

You recite:

"Bramble was the sort who treated a village like a coinpurse - often squeezed and jealously guarded. Thought himself untouchable, he did. Sat in his high manor over the village, pressing the folk for tolls, taxes, and tithes to every god he'd never prayed to, and many he didn't."

You recite:

"He'd shut the school, turned the orphanage into a kennel, and once taxed a child for skipping stones on his lordly pond."

Picnic Basketcase Allye's group came through an open door.

You recite:

"But what he had in coin, he lacked in sense. And that's where Miss Lottie came in."

Zersha hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Allye hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

You recite:

"Lottie weren't nobility, but she knew how to play the part. Sharp-eyed, sweet-voiced, and quicker with her plans than most are with their prayers."

Davrion bows to Illiya.

Allye grins at Zersha.

Illiya smiles at Davrion, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You recite:

"She could've taken Bramble for a pouch of coin or a fine ring, easy enough - but she aimed higher."

Aemaranth hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Aemaranth, who wraps her arms around Illiya with a warm smile.

Zersha curtsies gracefully to Illiya.

You recite:

"One day, she came by a band of actors passin' through - a scrappy lot with a good false beard and a better falsetto - and paid 'em for a special performance."

Illiya hugs Zersha, getting a smile in return.

Zersha blushes, the tips of her ears turning a delicate scarlet hue.

Zersha hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Zersha beams at Illiya!

You recite:

"The next night, as Bramble's sittin' lazy and smug in his study, in storms a herald in royal blue, puffin' and proclaimin':

"Make way! Make way for His Grace, Baron Jeladric III, ruler of Therengia, First Lance of the Realm, Light of the North!""

Zersha grins at Illiya, her dimples flashing into view.

You recite:

"And in walks the baron - tall, regal, with a voice like polished brass and a frown sharp enough to geld a horse. (Truth be told, it was an actor named Lemmy, who played tree stumps in tragedies - but by the abyss, he did shine in silk.)"

Umron grumbles.

You recite:

"Bramble," said the baron, "I've come to reckon accounts."

You recite:

"Now Bramble near choked on his brandy. "Accounts, Your Grace?""

You recite:

"Aye," says Lemmy-the-baron. "Treason. Misrule. Cruelty to orphans and abuse of toll laws. The Court's had complaints."

You recite:

"Bramble babbled, broke out in a sweat, offered coins and casks of wine."

Davrion quietly says, "Ok really like this one too."

Zersha nods at Illiya, obviously agreeing with her views.

You recite:

"Oh no," said the baron. "This is baronial business. I'm here to seize your lands, and your head besides. At dawn."

You recite:

"At which point, in swept Lottie, all in shadow and silk, sayin':

"My baron - spare the man's life. He's a fool, not a traitor. Let me spirit him away before dawn. Let him vanish, and let the land be put to better use."

You recite:

"And the baron, after some noble hummin' and hawin', said:

"Fine. But the lands must be signed over to someone fit. Say, a village trust for communal farmland. In perpetuity. Or the axe it is."

Zersha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

You recite:

"Now Bramble was too frightened to think, much less argue. Lottie handed him a parchment - already drawn, sealed, and witnessed - and he signed it so fast he near broke the quill."

You recite:

"Come dawn, he was smuggled out in a cabbage cart, still wearin' his slippers, and last anyone saw of him he was headed for Langenfirth in a monk's robe, mutterin' about divine punishment and "the baron's demon courtiers.""

You recite:

"Of course, the baron turned back into Lemmy, who got a free tankard and the lead role in the next town's play."

Nvalia gets a mug of Boar's Head ale from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

You recite:

"And Lottie? She stayed just long enough to see the deed registered, the land put in trust, and the first seeds laid in the freshly tilled soil. Then she vanished, too - some say to the Zoluren, some say to sea, but most agree she left laughing."

Davrion chuckles.

You smile.

Davrion looks at you and applauds!

You take a sip of the wine.

Zersha looks at you and applauds!

Raising her Boar's Head ale to you, Nvalia gives you a toast. Cheers!

Zehira looks at you and applauds!

Illiya applauds.

You sweep a worn ebon-hued leather tricorn hat off your head and in front of you in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Davrion takes a sip of his ale.

Allye looks at you and applauds!

Zersha whispers something to Hebion.

You exclaim in a nautical accent, "Ye are kind. Thank you! And please grab a drink from the cloth if ye have a thirst!"

Zersha exclaims in a Velakan accent, "Lots of fun stories!"

Hebion grins at Zersha.

Zersha grins, revealing her dimples.

You nod to Zersha.

Lilustra nods.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Aye, and well told, all."

Zersha nods at you, obviously agreeing with your views.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "And all very different, which just makes it more fun."

Davrion quietly says, "Every story has been great and very well told. impressive."

You nod to Zersha.

You say in a nautical accent, "If there are any others who wish to share a tell, ye are most welcome."

Amailia gets a snifter of Milene's brandy from atop a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms.

Amailia inhales deeply of the drink.

Zersha leans on Sofina.

Zersha rubs Sofina's head.

Nvalia raises an eyebrow.

You say in a nautical accent, "If not, Amailia wishes to ask some questions, and I am at her service now that I am in my cups, and in a better mood than I deserve."

Zersha laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Nvalia takes a sip of her ale.

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "That sounds like it could be a story all its own."

You grin at Amailia.

Zersha grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

(Umron pats along the bar for a drink)

Nvalia offers Umron a mug of Boar's Head ale.

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "Questions are dangerous."

Nvalia just touched Umron.

Amailia glances at you.

Aemaranth giggles a little oddly.

You say to Zersha in a nautical accent, "Aye. I'm not certain what she wishes to ask... but my mood makes me wish to conceal nothing."

Amailia says, "Very well."

Zersha says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "Questions are important."

Umron accepts Nvalia's Boar's Head ale.

Umron says, "Oy tank ye."

Lilustra stands up.

Lilustra dusts herself off.

Sofina whistles a merry tune.

Amailia says, "One moment.. apologies."

Observer Amailia went through an open door.

You grin.

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Umron.

Lilustra whispers, "Forgive me. Other matters call to me. Perhaps we can talk another time?"

You say to Davrion in a nautical accent, "One day I hope ye will speak of the path ye walked, mate."

You nod to Lilustra.

Lilustra curtsies.

You sweep a worn ebon-hued leather tricorn hat off your head and in front of you in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing to Lilustra at the same time.

Sofina hitches up the waistband of her leather skirt.

Sofina examines a flared black leather skirt with batiste panels.

Davrion quietly says to you, "Perhaps, tis not a story I am proud of."

You whisper to Lilustra, "Farewell for now."

Aemaranth runs her finger along the neckline of her sleek corset, giving a soft smile.

Zersha smiles at Lilustra, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You say to Davrion in a nautical accent, "My own story is not one in which I can take pride, but ye are strong and reliable, and your choices ye should take pride in."

Lilustra waves.

Alchemy Guru Lilustra went through an open door.

Observer Amailia came through an open door.

Amailia coughs.

Zersha grins at Amailia, her dimples flashing into view.

You grin at Amailia.

Amailia says, "Right then."

You take a sip of the wine. A crisp flavor and a clean finish. Delectable.

Davrion quietly says to you, "Where i am now and what I do I take pride in. what it took me to get to this point nothing but shame."

Zersha gazes thoughtfully at Davrion.

Aemaranth gets a thick-bladed fan of everdusk damite fitted with carved grimwood slips from inside her leather baldric.

With a practiced flick of her wrist, Aemaranth snaps open her thick-bladed fan, fluttering it gently. Oddly enough, you spy a gleam of sharpened edges as it moves.

Aemaranth shifts her thick-bladed fan to a medium edged grip while quietly uttering the names of the war gods.

Zersha softly says to Davrion in a Velakan accent, "Now you're making me curious too."

Aemaranth surveys her surroundings with a keen eye, absent-mindedly fluttering her thick-bladed fan as she does.

You nod to Davrion.

Zersha nods at Hebion, obviously agreeing with his views.

Amailia asks you, "First question. Do you care to explain yourself to the citizens of Riverhaven on why you set fire to their city?"

You say to Davrion in a nautical accent, "That makes ye even stronger, mate."

Nvalia leans forward and rests her chin in her hand and directs a thoughtful expression at Amailia.

Zehira gets a thin silver cigarillo case from inside her deathfiber carryall.

A small *click* followed by a whirring of gears can be heard as Zehira opens her cigarillo case.

Zehira gets a long silvery cigarillo printed with glittery shooting stars from inside her cigarillo case.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "I set fire to the buildings that support the parasitic nobility. I wish to destroy them, and empower the people."

Zehira snaps the top of her cigarillo case into place.

Zehira puts her case in her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira gets a diminutive tin magma viper from inside her deathfiber carryall.

Zehira points her tin viper at a long silvery cigarillo and a flame shoots from the creature's mouth, making the cigarillo quickly catch fire.

Davrion takes a sip of his ale.

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Hebion raises an eyebrow.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

Amailia asks, "I believe the Empath guild was also impacted, am I right?"

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Not by my hand, nor that of my crew."

Umron takes a sip of his ale.

Amailia nods.

Zersha softly says in a Velakan accent, "There were also orcs. I don't think they were working together."

Zersha glances at you.

Zersha shrugs.

Amailia says, "Yes, unfortunately they took advantage of the chaos."

Davrion leans on his pilum.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "We have no quarrel with those who seek to live by their labor, only those who seek to take while contributing nothing, who have power, and priviledge without earning, and those who commit the foulest deeds with no justice served upon them."

Davrion takes a sip of his ale.

Nvalia whispers something to Zersha.

Zersha giggles at Nvalia.

Nvalia winks at Zersha.

Davrion quietly says, "Well said."

Zersha looks at Nvalia and shrugs.

Amailia asks, "And your crew responded with that by... fire. Are you associated with the former goblin Krenze?"

Zersha raises an eyebrow.

Davrion frowns.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "I am not. Fire is a means to and end: the destruction of that which was taken, rather than earned."

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "If I could destroy the nobility with ice, I would use it, but fire is a tool easier for me to employ."

Zehira casually flicks some ashes off the end of her silvery cigarillo.

Aemaranth ponders.

Amailia asks, "So you wish to not only destroy what they have "stolen", but the people themselves as well?"

Nvalia appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Aemaranth says to you in a melodic accent, "You speak like a Cleric of Ushnish."

Zersha leans on Aemaranth.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Every last one of them who claim titles, land or aught else for which they don't lift a finger to improve, nor have any claim to, save by tradition or so called 'birthright."

You spit on the floor.

Aemaranth surveys her surroundings with a keen eye, absent-mindedly fluttering her thick-bladed fan as she does.

Hebion asks, "How much work makes them entitled to their lands and titles?"

You ask Aemaranth in a nautical accent, "They also make use of fire, no?"

Aemaranth says to you in a melodic accent, "I do."

Umron takes a sip of his ale.

Zehira takes a long drag off of a burning silvery cigarillo.

Aemaranth smiles at you, revealing the dimples in her cheeks.

You nod to Aemaranth.

Zehira exhales reverently, easing the fragrant smoke through her lips so softly, you think she might be praying. The tantalizing scent of fresh purple iris emanates from the cigarillo as fragile tendrils fill the area with an airy, inviting aroma.

Amailia asks you, "And you feel this way with all nobility, no matter the province?"

You say to Aemaranth in a nautical accent, "If ye seek to employ it against a lazy and useless enemy, or to free good people from tyranny, I hope ye will reach out."

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Aye, no matter what the province."

Umron scratches distractedly at his beard.

Amailia asks you, "And if you reach your goal..." Amailia takes a breath, almost shuddering at the thought of it, then steadies herself. "What next?"

You say to Hebion in a nautical accent, "How much? Any would be a start. If a noble inherited a title and an estate and servants and wealth, and they squeeze the people they can with no consequences, they should not rest, because I will kill them in due time."

Aemaranth asks you in a melodic accent, "The strike of the Viper causes pain, despair, and decay. It also causes falsehoods to be torn down. Maybe you should seek his assistance if you believe the North is so corrupt?"

Nvalia stands up.

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "The people will form ways of governing themselves. They will work together, help each other, or not - but there will be no class of rich nobles oppressing them, and I will study magic far away, and trouble no one."

You shake your head at Aemaranth.

Hebion says, "That's a threadbare argument."

You say to Aemaranth in a nautical accent, "I cannot, but if ye do, and have wisdom to share, I will hear it gladly in the service to my mission."

Aemaranth ponders.

(Amailia makes some notes.)

Aemaranth gazes at you intently, clearly scrutinizing your aura.

Aemaranth grins, revealing her dimples.

Nvalia carefully lifts a Ratha sewer monkey adorned in an elaborately plumed black tricorn hat and then holds it gently in her arm.

Nvalia glances at a Ratha sewer monkey adorned in an elaborately plumed black tricorn hat.

Aemaranth says to you in a melodic accent, "Even for you, his forgiveness is there. But I will not waste breath beyond that."

Hebion says, "There are very few if any in the nobility that don't do any work at all. Who decides what is considered work just puts a slant on their view of justice."

Amailia says, "You're suggesting that people will get rid of a class system after this? That's quite optimistic."

Aemaranth nods politely to you.

You say to Hebion in a nautical accent, "Not to me, not to my mother, nor to the countless people who suffer at the hands of those who feel they are untouchable, unkillable, and entitled to power without limit. I will send them all to the Spiral, however long it takes."

Umron emphatically raps the tip of his flamewood cane upon the ground.

Hebion says, "So it's just a personal grudge you want supported."

You say to Amailia in a nautical accent, "Courage is required to change the world, mate. I have found companions who share that courage, and we are determined in our task."

Davrion quietly asks, "Aren't all such movements begun with a personal grudge who others with like minds attach themselves to?"

Hebion says, "No, not all."

(Amailia takes more notes. "I suppose that is all. I'll give the rest of the floor to whoever else needs to ask anything.")

You ask Hebion in a nautical accent, "Is it? Am I alone in finding the nobility above the common law? In having things taken from me I'll never get back? In hating those who subsist like leeches on the labor of those they scorn?"

Zersha shifts her weight.

Hebion says, "Justice cares not for personal loss or gain."

Allye smiles at Amailia.

You say in a nautical accent, "Justice cares much for cruetly, lies and suffering beyond measure, and it's going to be levied a thousand fold on those who deserve it most."

Hebion says, "One would argue you are above common law, as am I."

Zersha nibbles her lip thoughtfully.

You laugh!

Davrion quietly says to Hebion, "Justice is blind and all in the eye of the beholder. what you see as justice others may see as tyranny and vice versa."

Zersha quietly says in a Velakan accent, "True justice doesn't have a point of view, it just is."

Zersha fidgets nervously.

Hebion says, "I think you should be vary careful arguing justice with me."

Umron says, "Ifin ye all ponden me."

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "When the Immortals give us what we see as justice, someone, somewhere has injustice put upon them."

Umron says, "I tink duh stars be callin me name."

Hebion says, "I've found beside those nobles you claim do nothing but subjugate those below them."

You ask in a nautical accent, "Aye. Those with favors or powerful magic are not common, but even we must bow to the law of the nobility. Who among us has not been arrested? When as the last time the Prince, the Baron or the Ferdahl was arrested?"

Umron says, "If ye need a pouch sold please leh me kno."

You say in a nautical accent, "They laugh while all others dance on their strings, but no more."

Umron says, "I dun care if ye rich er poor, or if ye good er bad, coin be coin."

Davrion quietly says to Hebion, "I will argue whatever I wish and if you disagree that's your perogative but i will not be disrespected or threatened. fair warning."

You say in a nautical accent, "They will rot, and I will send them there."

(Umron taps his way towards the exit)

Aemaranth ponders.

Hebion snickers.

Umron went through an open door.

Hebion says, "I have yet to see one of the nobility pick pocket or murder in the streets without cause."

(Amailia takes several steps back toward the wall, just in case it gets interesting.)

Aemaranth says in a melodic accent, "If I was on some crusade of justice, I would do my upmost to stay out of Ilithi."

Nvalia gazes silently at Hebion.

Zehira grins at Ellywen, her dimples flashing into view.

Ellywen smiles at Zehira.

Davrion quietly says, "You see it every day."

You laugh!

You nod to Davrion.

You say in a nautical accent, "Every single day."

Hebion asks, "How?"

Amailia takes a sip of her brandy.

Hebion asks, "Are you skulking in their council chambers?"

Nvalia says to Hebion, "Why would nobility need to pick pockets to get coin? They're far more blatant when they steal."

Aemaranth just tickled Zersha, making her laugh.

Zersha leans on Aemaranth.

Nvalia blinks.

You say to Hebion in a nautical accent, "Taxes, prisons, servants who barely have the coin to feed their families, who are manipulated and coerced by those with more power than themselves."

Hebion says, "They protect their people and enforce laws to prevent these things as well."

Davrion quietly says, "Do the nobility not tax the commoners almost to the point of not being able to feed their own families? and what do they give in return? nothing."

Hebion asks, "So you set the people on fire?"

You say in a nautical accent, "Aye. The nobles will burn."

Hebion says, "No, the poor will burn."

Hebion says, "The nobles will be no where near the places you have access to."

You say in a nautical accent, "They will rise from the ashes, and be poor no longer."

You say in a nautical accent, "We shall see."

You say in a nautical accent, "Time is on my side."

You smile.

Aemaranth says to you in a melodic accent, "You sound more like a Cleric than I."

Aemaranth grins at you, her dimples flashing into view.

You smile at Aemaranth.

Sofina glances at Aemaranth.

Sofina asks Aemaranth, "You're a Cleric?"

Zersha giggles at Sofina.

Aemaranth says to Sofina in a melodic accent, "Sometimes."

You ask Amailia in a nautical accent, "Is there aught else ye wish to ask?"

Sofina says, "I see."

You take a sip of the wine.

Aemaranth sprinkles some holy water on Sofina.

Aemaranth giggles.

Sofina gasps at Aemaranth!

Amailia says to you, "No, I am done."

Hebion says, "When you actually wish to learn about justice, we can speak."

You nod to Amailia.

Davrion quietly says, "And unfortunately many will stand to protect them out of a sense of duty and they too shall fall. it's regretable but the one language everyone understands is violence. and change of this scale by nature is violent."

Zersha softly asks Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "How can one sometimes be a Cleric?"

Sofina asks Aemaranth, "And what if I burst into a flame?"

Aemaranth grins, revealing her dimples.

You say to Hebion in a nautical accent, "If ye wish to serve justice, we should speak. Join us. Destroy that which oppresses many."

Nvalia leans on Sofina.

Nvalia quietly says to Sofina, "Then you'll get a lecture for endangering us innocent bystanders."

You take a sip of the wine. A crisp flavor and a clean finish. Delectable.

You finish off the rest of it, and set the glass aside.

Hebion says, "Justice isn't about destruction."

Nvalia says to Sofina, "So keep the fire to a minimum, please."

Hebion says, "That's vengeance which is not the same thing."

Zersha says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "But you're still a Cleric, I don't always hug trees, but I'm still a Ranger."

Zersha looks at Aemaranth, obviously trying not to grin, but the dimples in her cheeks give her away.

Zersha softly says to Aemaranth in a Velakan accent, "A bad one, but still."

Zersha giggles a little oddly.

You say in a nautical accent, "Ye have been good company, and spun many interesting yarns."

You smile.

You say in a nautical accent, "Fair winds, mates, until the next time we meet."

You gather up the food spread out on a broad picnic cloth dyed with a vibrant array of blossoms, bundle it all into a silverwillow picnic basket festooned with a riot of colorful blossoms, and close the lid securely.

Davrion quietly asks, "Truly? take for example this current problem with the heralds. is not all of your answer to destroy them? is that then not justice?"

Zersha says in a Velakan accent, "Speaking of hugging trees, I think it's about that time."

You put your basket in your brown backpack.

Zehira nods to you.

Zersha hugs Illiya, getting a smile in return.

Zersha pulls Sofina to her in a tight hug.

You nod to Zehira.

Zersha pulls Aemaranth to her in a tight hug.

Zersha hugs Allye, getting a smile in return.

Illiya hugs Zersha, getting a smile in return.

Zersha pulls Hebion to her in a tight hug.

You sweep a worn ebon-hued leather tricorn hat off your head and in front of you in a large arc, fluidly stepping backward and bowing at the same time.

Aemaranth pulls Zersha to her in a tight hug.

Zersha gently kisses Hebion on the cheek.

Allye hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Allye with a warm smile.

Illiya grins at Zersha, her dimples flashing into view.

Sofina hugs Zersha, who wraps her arms around Sofina with a warm smile.

Hebion gently kisses Zersha on the forehead.

Zersha curtsies gracefully.

Hebion nods politely.

[go2]>go door

[Acenamacra, The Village Path] (108005)

The grandest house in the village lies at the end of the path, the apparent social center of the settlement. For one thing, it has mullioned windows, not just wooden shutters. And there are signs that it was painted at one time -- although in several different colors, if the flakes can be believed.

Obvious paths: east, south, southwest.

You go southwest.