A Tea Cart
Chardev Summary (Svarshan): Late in the evening, a group of people gathered around a tea cart...only to run witness to a bout between Jibbom and Sandy, over their forbidden love. I enjoyed playing the character, though think I've hit a limit on the slowness of his speech. Enjoyed the people here ver' much.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* Castle District - Feren Road *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- The Noble District of Alexandria is a mixed bag as many of the nobles are nobility in name and title only and exert little influence over the politics of the city with the exception of a rare few. When Altima descended upon the city most nobles fled or were killed and during the Myrrish Occupation Era, only a few retained or regained any semblance of their title. Now with the new parliment in place, the remaining noble families wield most of their power where commerce is concerned and the ports of Alexandria have rewarded them well. Famous estates such as The Estates of House Telenil and House Alexandros can be seen here. Tall and graceful trees have been planted regularly along the well-kept sidewalks here, throwing shade on the lovingly tended lawns and pristine flowerbeds that bloom with exuberant color. The entire area screams wealth and sophistication, though the current economic boom has enriched more than a few tradesmen and guildmasters, allowing these commoners to move into certain vacant estates. Local rumor has it that this trend of the nouveau riche does not please the remnants of the old nobility. The bustle of air traffic has been kept to a minimum although it's hard to go anywhere in Alexandria and not see at least one or two Airships. Part of the Noble District is built into the Inner City Walls now with bridges and openings connecting the district with the upper class atmosphere of Theater Row. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- Contents --=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Jibbom Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night. 42s 5h Azog A huge male orc with long black hair in a topknot. 4s 3h Svarshan Be a brightscale! Chomp a demon! 0s 1d Mikilos Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. 17s 37m Sandy The HIPpest elf ever. Practically a HIPpy. 1m 23m -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= Exits -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Lady Sandiel's Manor <LS> Theater Row <W> Mountain Road <E> Feren Road <S> -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
It's Korday, Callem 23 19:45:15 1014. The full moon is up. The tide is high and rising.
Everything is half-hidden, nothing clearly seen in the dark fog. It's warm and still.
Lumina has arrived.
Mikilos whistles absently thru the fog, paused to purchase a bit of tea from a vendors cart. The elf peers absently towards the nearby manor, not that much can be seen thru the mists, and frowns thoughtfully.
A foggy day, where the thick white shroud conceals the activities of innocent citizen and devious evildoer alike. But no fog can hide injustices from the watchful gaze of Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night! Nor can it hide delicious ice cream. Which is what he's devouring as he skips along the street, coming across Mikilos. "Good day to you, book noser."
Savannah has arrived.
"Oooohhh...ooooooohhh..." The sound rises and falls beneath the fog, and is accompanied by the shake, rattle, and roll of chains. Slowly, a cart of a sort emerges from its depths. The cart is tall and draped in cloth and colors--its height marks it a Moving Stage, of those seen from time to time around the city.
"Carnivuuuuus...the Oruch! The last oruch to stand against the demon hoarde, now back to tell his tale..."
"OOooooohh...!"
"From the DEPTHS. OF THE GRAVE!!!" the small gnome's voice booms with the last as he leans out from the traveling stage. He wears bright colors, bright costumes, and other gnomes walk with the cart, making noise and attempting at least, to gain what notice they can this late in the evening.
"PERFORMING THIS GILDAY AT THE--"
And the rest is lost to moans and chains as the cart moves onwards, past the tea cart vendor who had just served the sildanyari. ...and past them, a slow-moving reptile, atop a tall, lean raptor whose head leans close to the ground, the two moving in a slow fashion through the fog. The sith'makar atop the raptor draws to a stop, and nods to the sildanyari, asks, "Isss there any more of. That?"
+ Lumina is STARING at you! +
Lumina comes skipping along the road, happily enough. As she sees the gnome and the stage, she goes wide eyed, and watches them, curiously, her hand rubbing her chin. When the gnome and his crew wander off, she bounces on her toes, then starts moving again. She gasps when she sees the raptor and its rider, her eyes going wide as saucers now. She doesn't mean to stare at Svarshan, but, she totally does.
Mikilos mmms, turning to smile at Jibbom. "Hello Steel. Good to know some things remain the same." For some things have changed. Height, hair, outfit all remain, but the elf's voice is a good octive higher, the hips a little wider, and the presence of cleavage pressing out the shirt's laces would likely be remembered. If you're the sort to notice that sort of thing. "Hello BrightBlade, Pretty Princess; I believe there's plenty of tea left. How are you all today?"
To be clear, the elf was speaking to the raptor there as well.
Jibbom turns to watch the stage proceeding along the street, smiling brightly. "Ah. It is good to see the fine art of theater flourishing in this city, is it not?" He remarks, having a little bite of his delicious gooey ice cream. Why one would eat ice cream on a cold foggy day might be a bit of a mystery, but Steel Von Ironblood was never one to bow to convention. "Wait a minute... I think I've seen that fellow before." He narrows his eyes at the Sith'Makar a bit. "Yes, that's the one! The Demoneater. Good chap."
Svarshan leans forward, the swift's mecate in his fist. The same mecate glint, clink as they move. He inhales the quietness of the tea cart nearby, and pauses. Pauses, and then points awkwardly towards one of the illustrations on display. "One's thanks. ...Myrrissssh," he says then, and "Gray," to the elderly lucht who runs the cart. He nods slowly to Jibbom, not being very good with words. But, manages a slow, "Sssa. Father's Wings. Above you."
The cart, accordingly, is not very tall. It's built in a way that allows it to be propelled by two small goats, who stand there placidly, as goats might who've had a long day. One of them takes a tired swipe at Mikilos's robes for taste, though it's half-hearted.
At the address, the swift perks up. She too, looks tired, but turns her head to the side, just-so. And when she sees Lumina staring, she...well. Poses a bit more. Glitter. Glam!
Azog rides up as all this is happening, and tries to figure out what's going on. To guess from his perplexed expression, he has failed. He continues to ride forwards none the less, watching the goings on with a critical eye, in case there is a barbarian invasion or demonic attack.
Lumina ooohs when the swift seems to pose, her head tilting to the side as she stares at it. She slowly grins, then shakes her head, glancing around at the others gathered. She waves to Jibbom, happily, still glancing curiously at Svarshan.
Mikilos tsks absently, stepping away from the goat and checking her blouse is alright. Or maybe it still qualifies as a shirt. It was a shirt yesterday, but never been clear the diffrences. "Svarshan and Srassha, yes." A polite nod towards Lumina and the arriving Azog.
Savannah is standing a little ways down the road, watching how things unfold. Especially with jibbom causing trouble.....so she thinks.
Jibbom isn't causing trouble!... yet. Probably only a matter of time. Right now he's speaking to Svarshan between spoonfuls of melted ice cream. "Y'know Demoneater, I think somebody might be trying to muscle in on your market. This lady gave me some jerky that tasted suspiciously similar to your demon meats. Only she said it was owlbear. I'm thinking it's a deception to rope in less adventurous eaters and corner the market." Catching sight of the wave, he returns it with a grin. "Ah, Lumina! How's it going? Still sticking it to the man?"
Srassha snorts suddenly, and swings herself around. The sudden movement has her rider grabbing for the mecate--and missing. He scowls at her as she comes full circle, her head coming up to show off...so pretty. I am so pretty, that says. She poses in front of Lumina, or preens is more like it. Yes, that seems to say. Yes. I am here. I am gorgeous. Yes, yes.
...and her rider scowls at her, before it settles into an expression that looks something like indigestion. He raises a pair of claws then, in wry in salute to the half-sildanyari before glancing over to Jibbom. And his mouth opens then. And closes. And he just has nothing to...say. This never happens around Jibbom. EVER.
The lucht, oblivious to them all, hurries around, and the sound of steam, whistling water is soon heard. "Tea! Tea of all varieties, good sirs! Made fresh! Myrrish Grey, Veyshanti Plum...flavors from around the world, right here in Alexandria!"
Lumina blinks at Jibbom, "Still...wha--?" And then, "Oh, well, no, it's, I'm, umm. I think that's more your particular crusade, my friend." And then she beams. Her eyes get really wide now when she sees Srassha posing for her. She giggles a little, then, tilts her head, eyes flicking around the little group. "Good evening! I'm Lumina, it's nice to meet you all." And she bobs a little curtsy.
Savannah has left.
Mikilos offers a small bow and a smile in return greeting. "Mikilos Mithralla, Builder Arcane. A pleasure to meet you as well, miss Lumina." She glances again towards the manor. "Anyone happen to know if Sandy is in residence this eve?"
Moonshadow has arrived.
Jibbom grins brightly at Lumina. "Good to hear! Keep the dream alive!" He responds, as if entirely mishearing or misunderstanding her reply. Perhaps it's because he's distracted by giving Svarshan unsolicited business advice. "What you need is a catchy jingle, a slogan, and a colorful storefront to attract loyal customers. I'm thinking Big Lizardman's Demon Meats - Hot Meats from Hot Hells. Whaddya think?" Fortunately, he is further distracted by Mikiklos' question. "Hmmm? Oh, not sure. She hasn't really kept me appraised of the comings and goings since the divorce. Oh, that reminds me, if you see her, ask if we're still married, would you? I've been trying to puzzle that out. Alexandrian marriage law is so baffling."
Srassha bobs one back, which has her rider giving her the Grumpiest of Grumpy Faces before grasping the saddle, and hoisting off of it. Svashan lands with the click of toe-claws on the cobbled surface, and then stretches... "Ssssa. It is...good to meet you." He looks up to Azog then, and offers a half-smile, that has all the: 'I've had a long day' to it in the world. "Felwood Patrols," he tells the scarred oruch, as though it might explain the world. And then looks at Jibbom, long and hard as though not sure what to make of the man, if he ever well, was. And opens his mouth. And closes it. Again.
As people mill about, talk, converse, another cart slowly makes its way past. This one is quieter, though well-dressed. As it passes close by, the fog parts enough to show a well-dressed carriage instead of a cart, likely from one of the houses in the Noble District.
Moonshadow walks down the street and tilts her head at the small crowd gathering here. Of course, in all of this, she spots jibbom. She walks up to Jibbom quite casually and puts her hand on top of his head. "Causing trouble again, shorty?"
Azog offers a sympathetic nod in return to Svarshan, turning to watch the excitement and strangeness that is Alexandria. His own expression is primarily Heavily Puzzled, with a hint of Not This Again. He remains mounted, his shaggy horse as calm as he despite carnivous beasts roaming the streets. And Srassha.
Lumina knits her brows at Jibbom's response, and she murmurs, "I'm starting to think he doesn't hear anything anyone else says." She hmms, then smiles at Mikilos, "It's nice to meet you!" She arches her brows at Svarshan as he greets her, rubbing her chin as she eyes him. Clearly, she's not met a Sith'makar before.
Mikilos chuckles softly, and nods. "Von Steel lives in his own little world, which only crosses with ours on the briefest of occasion." No pauses given that Jibbom is standing right there. A slight pause and a lowered voice nodding towards Svar. "BrightBlade is a good person, but not the best with words. Speaks better with actions."
"Steel Von Ironblood sees all. Wherever there is danger to the innocent, he swoops in to deliver from evil and vanquish peril!" Jibbom declares, which would sound better if he wasn't eating more ice cream as he says it. He winces. "Mmmph. Brain freeze." The emptied container is chucked into the nearest recepticle, and he licks melted ice cream from his fingers at he answers Moonshadow. "Ah, hello there, Bendy. Just doing my duty to the citizens of this fair city, same as ever."
After a while, the lucht pops back up. An older specimen of his kind, he's starting to bald, and his once-auburn hair is fading swiftly to grays. He comes around the small goat-and-tea cart with a platter and a cup. "Myrrish Gray!" he announces, advertising his wares even as he hands it up to the sith. The cup he hands the sith is of plain-but-decent pottery, a thing to be used in the streets and with vending-carts. His cart smells of different teas, different spices--faintly of orange, cinnamon on one side, and something more brisk on the other.
Svarshan takes the cup in rough hands, and cups it. He stares at it a while before he seems to notice that someone's spoken. And then, he looks at the half-sildanyari, as though he had to replay the last few moments in his mind, to catch what was said. And then... "Yes," he says to her, regarding Jibbom. And tilts his head towards the youthful lucht of the bunch. "But brave." Pause, where he doesn't add the other adjective, which might be 'foolish.' And towards Mikilos, a nod, "Talksss too much." But the words are said like a joke, as though expressing one.
Lumina ohs, and glances at Mikilos when he speaks of Jibbom, nodding, "I am glad it's not just me, then." She then flicks another glance at Svarshan, before she wonders, "He is named BrightBlade?" She grins at Svarshan when he agrees, then nods, "Oh, I wouldn't doubt that." When Moonshadow sets her arm on Jibbom's head, she quirks a grin, then bobs a little curtsy in greeting.
Moonshadow grins at Jibbom. "yeah yeah. You keep your jokes up and all that." However, she sees the curtsey from Lumina, which makes Moonshadow bows deeply to the half-elf. "Hello there, ma'am." She says in a soft voice, just before she baps Jibbom on the top of the head. 'my name is not bendy."
Jibbom makes a little 'owww' sound when he gets bapped on the head, peering up at Moonshadow with hurt confusion. "What was that for?" He asks, with genuine disbelief.
Mikilos smiles, and shakes her head. "No, title, a bright warrior servant of The Sun Lord; paladin. Name is Svarshan." She grins at Moonshadow. "Not your proper name, but an apt nickname, I believe."
"Talks too much," Svarshan echoes, solemn, with slow humor. He points at the sildanyari with his cup. ...and then drains it, to hand it back to the patient-looking, older lucht. The small man smiles, and bows once to them all before hurrying back to his goat cart, intending to take off down the road once more. As he does, the goats shuffle, and one of them eyes those there. It looks to the just-arrived Moonshadow, in its goatish way, and makes a half-hearted nab at part of her leggings.
"Sssa. Father Dragon." Serves Daeus, that is. "...and one thought you were Moonssshadow Punccch-Ogre," to Moonshadow, and his features are solemn, so solemn when he says this, right over Jibbom's pointy-eared head. Yes. Dry humor. A hint of a smile shows at the correction.
POP!
There is an elf appearing in the air, suddenly, and she falls to the ground right in front of the gates to her manor. She lands right on her bottom. Sandy sits there for a moment, then scowls, "Oh, bloody *hells*," she says, "I hate it when I do that."
Lumina oohs at Mikilos' answer, and she nods quickly, "How interesting." Then Svarshan speaks, and she quirks a bright smile at him, "It's truly nice to meet you, I myself am one of Althea's servants." She grins a little more widely. When Sandy arrives, she goes wide eyed, tilting her head to peer at the elf woman. "Hello!" is chirped, happily.
Azog has disconnected.
Jibbom goes wide-eyed, looking mildly alarmed when he sees Sandy falling on her bottom in front of the manor. "Oh, no. I was afraid this might happen..." He walks over, watching her with a deeply sympathetic, pitying expression. "Now look here, former wife. I understand you're going through some tough times right now. You were married to Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night, hero to all the peoples of Alexandria. And now, that's over. Depression is understandable. But life is full of highs and lows. You've got to get back on your feet. None of this falling down drunk in public streets in the middle of the day. It's just not ladylike."
Moonshadow chuckles at Lumina's answer to everyone, but she then looks to the elf as she suddenly pops in. "That's the way to make an entrance.......suddenly." She says before looking to Svarshan. "Moonshadow is my name, yes. But Gnoll puncher is one I can live with." She says with a chuckle.
The tea cart salesman jumps at the sudden implosion, and looks over at the...the...
He takes a breath, and begins, more rapidly, to put his things away. Clink, go the cups, and shuff goes the bags of tea as he hurriedly locks them away.
"Sa," Svarshan replies, meaning likewise, of a sort. And he reaches up to claim Srassha's mecate as the sildanyari makes her appearance. And he clears his throat, once. And says gravely, to Sandy: "Paperwork." Just the one word. And grins at Moonshadow.
Mikilos blinks, mildly susprised at the sudden arrival, but only mildly. Stepping over, the altered wizard offers a hand up. "Ah, there you are. Was starting to think were actually avoiding me." She glances towards Jibbom. "...though an alternate avoidance occurs."
Clearly, what Mikilos is blatantly implying just sails straight over the halfling's head. Jibbom has no response, just watching Sandy with incredibly deep pitying sorrow, obviously feeling quite sad for having caused her descent into alcoholism.
Swiftly, the lucht with the tea cart is hurrying down the way. Svarshan looks after him a while, and then looks a while at Jibbom. And clears his throat again, once, before leaning down where the younger lucht can hear, and says, "I can offfficiate. Weddings." And he nods once, looking seriously then at Sandy's features. Not. Once. Cracking. A smile. Before he, too, begins to head down the road again.
Sandy does not even look at Jibbom. Instead, she says, "Get lost, halfling," and she wiggles her fingers at him, utters an arcane word or two, and the halfling just...vanishes. She stands up and says, "That's better!"
Meanwhile, Jibbom finds himself in a maze. A MAZE THAT MUST BE CONQUERED BY STEEL VON IRONBLOOD... BANE OF THE NIGHT! *thunder lightning boom*
Jibbom really should make some kind of connection between the way he was behaving and the predicament he suddenly finds himself in. But he doesn't. Mysterious mazes popping out of nowhere to challenge his powers? Why, that's just the sort of thing that happens when you're Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night! Nothing to do but conquer it using his AMAZING POWERS!
Mikilos blinks again, hesitates, and dares to inquire. "Ah... just where did you send him?"
Svarshan goes OOC.