The Gobbo of the Baths
Log Info
- Title: The Gobbo of the Baths
- Emitter: Ashes
- Characters: Seyardu, Irshya, Aryia, Jinks, Strike
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe
- Time: Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 1:33 PM
- Summary: A variety of people congregate in the TarRaCe. It is the first encounter between Priestess Irshya, and Rupi, its succubus server and sucky busser. She pulls in others to soften the encounter as she hopes for Sabina to arrive, and keeps her secret. Seyardu arrives, wearing a strong perfume to cover her seasonal state, and she explains Rupi and Sabina's relationship. Aryia arrives, with Jinks and Strike close behind her. She is briefly greeted before Djusco, the youngest half-orc noble bastard arrives looking for Jinks. He is not well received, but apologizes for his father, offers to buy dinners for all, and explains his worries. Largely, his eldest brother, who remains fully fiend tainted and possiblye violent. Some approaches are considers, and Djusco reveals the fiend gave them statues of Taara with a sacrifical bowl they were supposed to bleed in. All of the brothers destroyed theirs, but Tran's might have been left behind, and he also has an apartment in the city. The adventurers resolve to follow up on this. They also get the Erinyes' name: Ariavine.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* The TarRaCe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Inside, this two-story structure has been almost completely opened up. Generous windows on both stories allow daytime sunlight and cooling night breezes to flow in as needed, while the brick walls have been whitewashed - contrasting with the dark-stained beams and supports, and the rich polish on the wooden floor. A broad strip of stone runs from the entrance to a framed doorway set into the opposite wall, with a sign above the lintel declaring that the baths are to be found that way.
The ground floor is sprinkled with tables and chairs of assorted sizes, offering welcome to guests both large and small. One whole corner of the building - into which guests are not permitted entry - has been given over to the kitchen, which serves as the domain of the famed monster chef Ligum Serforus. Mundane meals are available, but the chef delights in offering up obscure dishes made from the freshest of monster ingredients.
Opposite the kitchen a small bar runs in front of an array of shelves, displaying a broad selection of beverages (most of them alcoholic). The bar-top has been fashioned from what looks to have been old pieces of armor, fused and welded together before being polished to provide a near-smooth finish. Set above it, three human-sized statues have been built into an alcove in the wall: Tarien, Rada and Ceinara jointly keep benevolent watch over the room and its occupants.
To the right of the entrance, a small stage offers a platform for a handful of performers at a time. To the left of the door, a spiral staircase of wrought iron winds its way up to a balcony dining area, that is chiefly reserved for special events and parties.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Seyardu 5'6" 150 Lb Sith-Makar Female A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint. Irshya 3'0" 35 Lb Goblin Female A small, blue-skinned Goblin in sea-green robes. Aryia 4'8" 110 Lb Shadow Elf Female A heavily scarred mul with a resolved look about her. Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry. Strike 5'11" 155 Lb Half-Elf Female A dusky grey half elf girl in grey and black clothes. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi Human Female Dark hair, sultry expression, dangerously attractive. Djusco Half-orc Male Youngest, honest, least corrupted. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Far, Far away =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ashes 5'11" 177 Lb Hobgoblin Female A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
It's just after lunch in the Tarrace. Most of the patrons have left, with only a few lingering. The staff has cleared tables and is sweeping up, some will be taking off for a few hours or the rest of the day.
A dangerously attractive woman with dark hair, lush lips and a rather stark serving uniform is languishing against the podium, drawing circles with a finger on the seating plan.
Seyardu had business in the western wing of Alexandria, and suh closeness often gave an excuse to stop by the tarrace while in the area. So she did, stepping into the establishment as she had so many times. The less than stellar server gets a wave, before she sits down at a table that was cleared to reach for a menu.
A sleepy, wet and betoweled Gobbo, with blue skin and greenish hair, wanders in from the bath's area. Wet footprints follow along behind her. She heads into the kitchen, and after a few moments, there's shouting and then a gong-like sound. The wee woman returns presently, hefting a tray laden with slices of cheese, small chunks of what look like bacon and sausage, and a half loaf of freshly baked bread onto the bar. Where she settles at after pulling herself up onto the stool. Blinking sleepily, she starts into a few of the meat pieces.
The woman nods at the silverscale as she enters, but generally ignores her. She seems to be watching the street... for something. The gobbo exiting the bath gets her attention, and a raised eyebrow. She follows her with her eyes, startles when there's the gong sound, then smiles a terrible grimace.
Reluctantly she pushes herself off her support, drifts into the establishment. She halts where Seyardu has taken a seat, "Heeeeeeey, Silver. Want to meet one of the other Owner-Priestesses here?"
"Oh, hello, Rupi. Peace on your nest." She greets after turning her head to to commotion and sighing. "There are, three here, if I know correctly, but I have only met your partner Sabina."
She looks around and sees few there. "Are you speaking of her? I thought she wandered into the kitchens by accident."
The silverscale, on approach, smelled strongly. In the general area around her, was a near overpowering scent of various wildflowers.
The Gobbo is oblivious to their conversation, whether willfully or being distracted by her impromptu 'breakfast' is hard to tell. The cheese and meat are eaten quickly, greedily, while the half loaf of bread is saved for last. She takes this in one hand, and then suddenly goes stock still. Irshya sniffs daintily at the air, and slowly turns around, her nose working at something...
Rupi halts when she hits the wall of wildflower scents, inhaling, then tilting her head towards Seyardu. She has an odd sort of smile, almost cruel, "Oh my. Well, I think we should just share my secret... carefully."
She nods, gesturing towards Irshya, "She is one of Sabina's other partners, of a different kind. She follows Ra..ack." The woman gestures up at the statue of Rada, overlooking them all, "that guy. Anyhow, come on Silver."
Without waiting for the silverscale, Rupi drifts over to the bar and leans backwards against it, supporting herself on her elbows. She smiles at Irshya, "Hi there. I'm Rupi. You're Irshya, yes? The gobbo of the baths?"
Seyardu blinks, and looks away with a shake of her head. "If she is a partner of Sabina, then it is only fair to let her know, since you are staying and working here."
She leaves her seat and follows Rupi to the bar.
"Peace on your nest, Irshya? Rupi said you may be one of the owners. If that is the case, thank you for running this establishment."
Irshya is still sniffing at the air curiously, when Rupi walks over and introduces the silver-scale to her. "Rada.", she offers, helpfully. "Irshya not know who Ra-ack is." Her eyes narrow suspiciously at the woman, her nose working overtime. "Irshya not know who you are. How do you know Binabina?"
When Seyardu walks over, Irysha's nose goes back into overdrive. She slowly approaches the silverscale, and then giggles brightly. "It is you! You smell as if a whole meadow of flowers and grasses are just... right there." She gestures to the seating area. The Gobbo then marvels at the silvery-glow of her scales. "Irshya not know that the dragon peoples came in such a colour." Irshya gestures with a hand, "Oh, you no need to thank me. Enjoy your time here, that is thanks enough."
"Yes, that's who I meant." Rupi responds, looking around, "Well, I was hoping 'Bina-Beans would be here to tell you."
Really hoping, quite a lot.
The woman maintains her wolfish smile, and leaps onto the alternate conversation, "You can see yourself in her scales, the well polished ones. It's like a hundred little mirrors. Look close. She does smell like a whole meadow, doesn't she?"
Rupi giggles, ever so slightly.
"Rupi is Sabina's cihuaa." Seyardu offers in explanation. Though seeing the goblin closer, and the comment on the perfume, the Silverscale shifts uncomfortably, with no small hint of embarrassment.
"Ah, sorry, this one is not used to wearing it, apologies if it is too strong. I know a silver scaled one in Mictlan named Durrankar. And the silver empress, of course."
She squints at Rupi. "Just what are you trying to do?"
Irshya's eyes narrow at Rupi, and she squints at Seyardu. "Her what?", the Gobbo wonders. "Irshya does not know what that word means." She does get closer, peering at the silvery scales. Taking the corner of her towel, she huffs on one of the larger scales she can reach, and attempts to polish it further with her towel.
"Killing time. Hoping Sabina comes by to explain I got the maitre'd job because I'm such a terrible table clearer." Rupi leers at Seyardu, then adjusts it to a grin, finally a smile.
"Oh! It's the Sith'Makari word for soul-mate, life mate, partner. That sort of thing." The woman says casually, "What's the phrase? Joined at the butt. No, hip! Hip. We're joined at the hip. Now."
"See how reflective she is?" Rupi returns to distracting, "like a real silver mirror. She might even be real silver, if you have a way to test for that. Do you tarnish, Silver?"
"It could be joined there. Rupi said they got matching tattoos that they would not share." Seyardu notes. "But I believe that expression is more a figure of speech."
She squints as the goblin begins polishing one of the scales. They really were quite reflective, but it only makes the makari more uncomfortable. "Yes, they are at least partially silver, but please do not go pulling at any, or dropping chemicals upon them to check."
Then, she looks to Rupi. "Yes, they can tarnish. But this one takes care of them on the regular, so that is never a concern. It seems I need more perfume for you though, if I am not mistaken."
The Gobbo seems amazed by the silvery scales, and ohs at learning they are, in part, real silver. "Oh, Irshya wouldn't use chemicals... she only wished to see if they were really silver." She stares then at Rupi. "You are Sabina's husband then?", she wonders curiously, peering at the woman, before suddenly noticing she still had a half loaf of bread. It is inhaled in one go, the Gobbo's cheeks stretching as she begins to crunch on it.
"Oh Silver, I'll _always_ be able to tell no matter what you do." Rupi says ominously, flipping her hand over and over in the air. She purrs, "I might even be able to turn it off and on for you, but you'd have ask nicely."
In a quieter voice she adds, "... and it would hurt..."
"Yes Irshya, I am, when she needs me to be, although we're more partners in spiritual goals. I'm helping her with..." The woman points up at the statue of Tarien, "him, and she's helping me with him too. It's an equal and wide street."
"Oh, do you want more from the kitchen? I could get you something."
"So I will need to deal with this whenever I am around you." Seyardu grumbles. "I will be fine. I will deal with it. And pain does not seem worth it."
"Yes, that would be a fair comparison, Irshya. If you need more food though, perhaps I could place an order, so there is not more of a commotion in there while they prepare for dinner."
One brow raises. "You are seeking help from a god? That sounds strange to me."
Irshya continues to crunch on the bread, and seems to swallow it whole after a few moments. "Why does Sabina need help with Tarien?" The Goblin's expression is filled with skepticism at this point. "And why do you need help with him?" Irshya rubs at her face a little, and gives her head a shake, a light splattering of water flung in many directions.
"No, Irshya can get her own food. Irshya does the serving, she is not served to."
"Ah, more of a 'please don't smite me', and 'if you could dial down the burning sensation, that would be great'." Rupi says offhandedly, then nods to Irshya, "Well, Chef Ligum asked me to ask you not to hit him any more. He's capable of filling an order without a beating."
The woman looks around, somewhat anxiously, "Well, Sabina really should explain. I'm helping her fulfill her goals, of making everyone happy. Very happy."
"Also, I suck at clearing tables."
"I did not realize that was a problem." Seyardu sighs, glancing to Rupi. "I really don't have an offer of how to help with that. If I am going to be trouble around here, perhaps I should not be."
"Anyways, I understand, but by being served, you are serving others by causing less trouble in the kitchens. It is more good in another way." She offers to the gobber.
"Sabina is being smited or burned by her God? Or, are you the one being burned?", the Gobbo wonders, her eyebrows arching upwards. "And Chef Ligum wouldn't get hit if he would stop arguing with Irshya.", she offers to both Rupi and Seyardu. "The chef is well paid, and is able to give a good tongue lashing. He is good at his job." She glances to Seyardu. "Is my kitchen."
It's been a long day.
Now that the tedium of dealing with a boorish merchant who apparently had no need to breathe was over, a weary soul of some acquaintance ventures into the TaRrAcE for a new culinary experience to reward herself for her... professional forbearance on beating silence out of him.
It could border on saintly, but Strike doesn't quite follow that trail of thought to that particular end.
She looks the place over, brushing her hair back over her shoulder as she takes in the decor whilst seeking a place to sit.
There are many places to sit, a lot of empty tables, single diners at a few of them. The stage is empty. At the bar are three people, some of whom are familiar to the half-mul. A silver-scale, a gobbo and a dangerously attractive human woman.
It's almost the start of a joke, but it is really a fellow adventurer, one of the owners, and one of the other owner's partners.
"Me." Rupi says, "and he argues with everyone. Chefs do believe their kitchens are theirs. Anyhow the message is delivered."
The woman stops to peer at Strike as she enters, getting a strange expression. "You know, I'm thinking of getting some true-sight goggles."
"I ah, nevermind. It is your kitchen." The silverscale relents. She waves to the familiar face. "Peace on your nest, Strike."
She squints more to Rupi. "And why are you thinking about getting that? I thought you had a good sense of people as it stands."
The Gobbo curtseys to Seyardu. "Peace on your nest.", she says softly. Irshya glances to Rupi. "We can talk more later. I am going to go back to the baths." She smiles and waves to Seyardu, before waddling back towards the doorway leading to the baths.
Strike gives the human a curious look, before the hail from Seyardu draws a polite smile and bow of her head, "Peace on your nest, Seyardu."
She affords the goblin a little bow as she departs, drawing up herself near the silverscale and the curious human.
"I can sense when things are off, but I can't see through disguises. There's something wrong with her." Rupi ominously warns Seyardu as Strike approaches. She's all smiles however, as the half-mul draws near, "Hi there! Welcome to the Tar-Ra-Ce! What's your poison?"
Irshya is given a wave as she departs, and the woman relaxes a little, "'Bina-Beans, that will be a fun conversation."
"And you're no trouble, Silver. Trouble is someone else." Rupi grins wolfishly at Seyardu, "I'm the one that has to make sure I'm not scaring off customers."
Jinks arrives with his own glow, soft-colored jade tadpoles of streaking light twisting in a loose sphere over one shoulder to combat the oppressive fog. Another concession to the weather is a heavy longcoat of uniform grey-green with offset brass buckles and a tall collar. He moves through the portal with a steadying breath, standing to one side and holding the door with his heel even as he cranes his neck to have a look around.
Striding into the TarRaCe in her regular, simple attire is a scarred mul'neissa with a set of shades resting on her colalr. She holds herself up with a bit more pride than usual. Her skin aches, were the faint pinkish tint of healing burns anything to go by. She sidesteps the gnome at the door, her almost passing him entirely without caring before she does a double take. Her purposeful strides slow, and she raises her hand in a neutral greeting.
She scans the area, sees the menagerie sitting together, and she snaps a finger gun in their direction.
Jinks starts a bit in confusion himself, clearly expecting someone else on his heels. Damned fog.
Strike shrugs her shoulders and eyes the human for another moment, but gives a little bow of her head, "Thank you. I've been curious about Veyshanti cuisine if that's available. A full course meal, with a suitable wine, please."
Her attention returns to the silverscale of recent partnerships and wonders, "How have you been doing since I last saw you?"
LIke the fullblood, the half-Mul is somewhat dotted with patches of skin more pinkish than others, though, with her back doorward, she doesn't realize at first that Aryia has arrived, nor Jinks, until the snap of a finger prompts her to turn. A certain uncertain look touches her expression on sight of the Gnome, given his state the last time they'd encountered each other, but she affords them both a polite, "Hello, how are you fairing?"
"Ah. Well, that is expensive." Seyardu offers. "And I do not think you need to be concerned about Strike."
The silverscale at the small gathering had an overpowering scent of wildflowers around them. But she waves to Aryia and Jinks now.
"I have been well enough, I hope you have been Strike. There has not been too much going on since our return."
"Hey Trouble, good to see you." Rupi calls, noting the new arrivals, fixing her gaze on Jinks, "Oh you. I've got news for you."
"You two get burned together?" She asks Strike and Aryia, noting their skin blemishes, and waves for them to come over to the bar.
There is another on Jinks' heels, a half-orc teenager in expensive clothes, and an olive complexion. Djusco walks quickly towards the gnome, little people aren't hard to catch up with. "Hey man."
Jinks was readying to gesture out towards the fog with one hand, the sphere of lights already pulling back in preparation for exploration. Instead he closes his hand into a fist the the lights twinkle down as rapidly-fading motes. "Good evening, Djusco. I appreciate you making time for me." His smile is cordial if a bit forced-- when he looks to Rupi at her comment it dies entirely. "If it's bad I think I already know."
The gnome steps fully inside and lets the door swing closed behind the oruch-blooded pugilist, pulling furlined gloves from his small hands and gesturing along the bar. "Djusco. You've met Seyardu and Aryia before. Next to them is Strike and opposite the bar is... Ruby?"
Aryia strolls up to the gathering, her giving a downward nod of her head as she approaches. Though, she stops, sniffs, then glances at Seyardu. She gives her friend a confused look as she stops just a few steps away from the bar. "Why?" is all she asks.
Shaking her head, she addresses Strike and Rupi. The latter with a wave and answering her question with a nod.
"I'm alright, doing pretty good after all that, all things considered," she gestures with a smile towards Strike.
She turns to see who approaching with Jinks. And Aryia freezes. She crosses her arms, and leans against the bar with a touch of a frown on her face. <Handspeech>
The assuagement of concern from Seyardu is heartening, and the Half-mul nods, then, "I have, thank you. I've been keeping busy, since."
Jinks' introductions warrant another nod to his companion, though the hostess' query draws Strike's attention first, "Occupational hazards." she shrugs offhandedly, then turns to her fellow purveyor of deep tissue knuckle massages.
She reads the mute declaration readily and gives a little smile in return, "I'm glad to see you're well." though the sudden change in the Mul's humor arches her eyebrow.
With a glances to Seyardu, she gives the sith a light elbow nudge, and from the angle of her body, what she hopes is a veiled sign of, "Should I be concerned?" <handspeech>
"Ruby works," Rupi says, glancing at the half-orc accompanying the gnome. Little more attention is spared as she delivers her message. "Well, good news, for you. The Kobold is restored. 'Bina-beans nearly traded her soul to make that happen, but... well someone else beat her too it."
"Uh, hello ma'ams." Djusco says, nodding to all lined up at the bar. He crouches to aside to Jinks, "should I tell them I'm not my dad? They look kinda... pissed."
Seyardu sees the two monks messaging her about similar questions. She just sighs, and brings her hands up. "It is alright. I am just trying to stay approachable to kin. While I sort things out." she signs.
The other comers give pause. "Ah, yes. I was not expecting this."
She looks to Rupi, and squints. "A bit more tact please, but ah, wait."
"What is this about trading souls for them?" <Handspeech>
"Aya." Jinks sighs, popping another piece into the unpleasant puzzle. He looks between Rupi and Seyardu wondering how quickly this is all going to spiral out of control. Ultimately deciding to stuff the gloves into a coat pocket, then unbuckle and take the coat off, too. The outfit below has something of a military vibe to it; epaulets, wide pockets, knee boots. Maybe he was playing at airman again. Maybe it's just the fashion somewhere.
"You're fine; the shorter of two lightnings rods. Not that you'd know it to look at us." The gnome pats the noble scion on a shoulder after draping his coat over an arm. For Aryia and the others' benefit, "I'm the only one here Djusco's punched and he remained remarkably clearheaded when his brothers were lost to their baser impulses. He wants to help."
Aryia gives a thumbs up to Strike and a quirk of a brow at Seyardu before she settles into watching the half-orc. She nods at the mention about of the Kobold, but the little addendum at the end makes her frown deepen, and her shimmery eyes lose their luster. A sigh leaves though her nose. A look growing more forlorn as the topic remains. She ignores the nobleson for the time being, as the pugilist turns away, and points at a random spirit on the wall to partake in.
Strike nods, processing that and returns a quiet, "A mixed blessing, then." before her attention returns to the awkward scene playing out before her. She sidelongs as Aryia decides to explore the wine selection, but she isn't entirely sure what to make of things.
"He tried to make a deal with 'Bina-beans. She refused, asked too much, or wasn't serious, Silver." Rupi explains, looking at Seyardu. "We talked about it after."
"If Aya is still walking around, he must have asked for her services. Usually he wants 'a favour'. She must have offered him a pretty big favour then. I might be able to tell you more if I see her, but I haven't."
The woman stands, "I'll... go see if the kitchen needs me, and whether we've got any tact in the pantry." There's a lingering glance at Jinks, followed by one at Aryia. She seems lost in thought, and then heads into the back.
The noble scion follows beside Jinks, a half step behind, and makes a little bow towards Seyardu, Strike and Aryia, although he also seems to be trying to shrink down to the gnome's size. "Should we order food first? Anyone want food? I can pay for it." He offers awkwardly.
"I do not know if she is walking around or not. But still, I am glad Sabina is alright." The silverscale sighs. "Apologies, I am not intending to scare you off, it is just, some topics are sensitive."
With that though, she turns to the others. "Yes, it should be alright, but I can pay for my own food. That is fine."
"I was hoping to come here to relax, but so be it. This is business that needs attending to."
Strike glances tither and yon between the assembled, noting to Seyardu, "I did as well."
She looks to the half-orc, a quick, unveiled sizing up of the man, then she pivots in place, "I can leave you to handle your business without my muddying the waters. Enjoy, and good luck."
"I'll tell you about my last trip to the baths here, sometime." Jinks smirks humorlessly to Seyardu, stepping back and waving Djusco towards an open table. "I'm sorry to rush this but I expect I'm working from a limited window of opportunity. If you'd prefer to stay here and relax I can relay the information to you later."
The gnome produces a small handful of coins and sets them on the bar, pointing out a bottle for the barkeep before making his way after Djusco and settling at the table. The drink will arrive at its leisure. "I'll never pass up a free meal."
Rupi nods to Seyardu as she departs, vanishing into the back.
"No," Djusco objects firmly, actually sounding a little like the elder Swadling when he does. It's followed by adolescent uncertainty, "I mean, I'd rather. You all helped out, a couple times. It wasn't fair what Father said. I've got... only money to make things better, and it's not much of an allowance."
He calls after Strike, "Uh, you don't have to go, if you want to eat with your friends. I'm the intruder here." He's watching Jinks intently, perhaps taking behavioural cues for later.
"It's umm.."
"If you are certain then, and doing so would be some comfort, then I will accept." Seyardu nods as she follows them to the table. "Your presence is welcome, but if you would rather not, I understand as well, strike. And you as well, Aryia."
"It is not a problem for you to be here Djusco. But it is just, difficult matters."
Strike frowns a little and considers the reassurances of welcome. Her posture remains steady, though the look she shoots amongst the gathered has questions, still.
A few beats pass, then, "Some business is more personal than others." she muses.
Jinks secures a taller stool with extra rungs for climbing and carries it awkwardly to the selected table, sliding it into place, tossing his coat up to drape, and eventually mounting it. "No shortage of those to go around." He mutters after settling and taking a breath. "Difficult matters, that is."
"Reginald is in a difficult position. One that he doesn't properly appreciate. You being here helps the Swadling name more than he's likely to appreciate immediately, Djusco."
Aryia returns with a tall glass of come amber liquor, her having waited for the conversation of a particular topic to pass as she wipes away a fleck of shadow off her cheek. She joins where the half-orc is, though she is standing and resting on her back foot.
She sips on her drink. Watching with candleless eyes.
"Yeah, I'd uh.. yeah like that." Djusco says, sitting at the table and clenching his fists in a nervous way that a fellow pugilist might recognize. "So, uh, yeah, order anything."
He nods to Jinks' observations, "Uh, yeah, Father is... it's not good."
"Tran almost killed him. He's only alive because of you guys and your friends." He admits, talking to the table, "I mean, thanks."
Then, "I'm afraid he'll come back."
Seyardu looks around to find a waiter to place an order for some of the curry she enjoyed a few times, and some apple cider to go with it. With that out of the way, she turns her attention to the table.
"He did not take no for an answer at the party. And he may not realize his actions will accomplish nothing. So I would not be surprised for him to come back. He is a threat while still out there. I just hope when found, he will listen to reason."
Strike frowns a little more, glancing to Aryia as she returns with her libation before glancing to Rupi quizzically. There's a shrug, as she takes in what's being said, remarking, "Do you have any clues to make you believe he would?"
Jinks is happy with a meat pie. Though he insists on a tallman's portion. The gnome sits back and sighs with relief when his bottle and glass arrives, setting quickly to knifing through the wax seal and freeing the cork.
"Some creature has Tran's ear. The same that spoke to your brothers and... soiled your training room." The gnome's nostrils flare in mild disgust at the memory. "Your father seems content to provoke him, quite secure in his perceived indestructibility." He inhales from the neck of the bottle before pouring two fingers for himself. "What do you know of the woman from our first meeting, Djusco? Or where Tran might be keeping himself."
Aryia's brows knit, her now a bit more interested in this conversation. The last time she and the ashwings crossed had been some time, and those fiends had some surprises coming for them the next time they ran into the mute woman. She imbibes more of her drink, leaning against the table and watching Djusco. Jinks, loathe she admit it, was better at inking out information from people than her. So she let him, and the others, do the talking.
"Well he is being... it's ok if I say it. He's being an oruch." Djusco admits. He has also ordered the meat pie, and looks with some anticipation at Jinks and the drinks. He cuts himself a slice. "He doesn't want to admit he's wrong, and he's stubbornly convinced he's doing the right thing."
He takes a forkfull, eats it. "Father... he knows his days are numbered. Oruchs don't usually live past forty, and he's two summers past that. Father also kind of shrugged succession questions off."
"He's instructing Priori on how to run the estate, the deals, the pass-codes." Djusco looks at the bottle again, worried tones creeping into his voice as he faces the unthinkable, that all must go through. "They're spending all their time together. He's insisting we do the atonements, checking."
"That woman is... I think her name is Ariavine." The half-orc stares at his meat pie. "She wanted us to call her mother."
"Tran has... had... there's an apartment I'm not supposed to know about, where he and my older brothers would take women they picked up. Although... that seems kind of an obvious place to look."
"And in his stubborness, he is letting other things be overlooked." Seyardu notes after she pauses to take a mouthful of the curry. She had come to have something to eat. "Such as letting this, Ariavine do what they did in the bunkhouse. Or ignoring the concerns of Tran."
"It is, I understand this is likely a difficult time for everyone, but it cannot excuse some actions. Thank you for coming to speak about this with us. Even if he is not at this, apartment, it may have information in regards to where they did go."
Jinks leans back and plucks a clean glass off of a tray making its way from the kitchens to the bar, thwarting the perturbed look of the staff with his winningest smile. Or, at least convincing himself as much and not glancing back to confirm. He lifts the bottle and quirks an eyebrow across the table at Djusco before pouring half the portion he'd given himself, then slides the glass to the boy. He listens as Seyardu comments and nods in agreement. "Your eldest brother is nothing if not self-confident; obvious might be the very best place to look."
"Something tells me Reginald will remain a terror for years to come. Your average oruch doesn't have half the tales told of them your father does." He takes his glass and lifts it in toast.
"Now, Ariavine. Has she ever gifted you or your brothers-- especially Tran-- things? Trinkets? Baubles? Trophies? Small statues?" It might be thin but the confluence seems worth exploring.
Aryia mouths the word into her cup. Ariavine. There's a power in names, especially those from beyond. And putting a name to a face made it all the sweeter to crush it with. She drinks deep. Jinks was getting all the questions she was wanting to ask. "I'll help with whatever you guys find out about this," she motions, face reddening a bit as the drink takes hold. <Handspeech>
Strike settles into a seat, her arms folding loosely in her lap as she watches the conversation flow around her. Her eyes flit from speaker to speaker, face to hand as the case may be, absorbing information to consider in case this ends up being a more direct matter of being her business.
Djusco bristles at Seyardu's comments. The silverscale may be right, but he's an oruch, a half-oruch, and doesn't like accusations even when they're accurate. Jinks' words, and the offered drink cut off any undiplomatic outbursts. Instead, he grumbles, "Well Father isn't acting like the parties will go on forever, anymore."
"She did. These little statues with a bowl in front of them. We were supposed to bleed into them, after our training, whatever injuries we had. She'd check them each time she visited, give us an equal amount to drink."
He grabs the glass and takes a huge swallow, "I filled mine with pigs blood, and only pretended to drink her blood. I still had it in my mouth."
He stares at the table, "Once I accidentally swallowed, and had to throw it up."
"Tran's bowl was always full. She gave him a bunch more things."
"And they did not think this strange?" Seyardu asks, one brow raised. Perhaps drinking sentient blood was more common among softskins, or less dangerous.
"The statues sound familiar. Like the ones we have seen." She says with a nod to Aryia. "It was a good idea not to."
Jinks actually laughs a bit at Djusco's misdirection, doing nothing to disguise being impressed. "Clever boy. More clever than any of your brothers. If Priori is meant to take to take the seat as Lord after your father he would do well to have you as an advisor." He scoops up the bottle and refills the half-Oruch's glass. "If you still have your statue-- or can acquire one of your brothers'-- it would help. If Coyote laughs with us Merek can put his divination magics to work with that as a focal component." He raps his knuckles on the table twice for luck.
The gnome drains his glass before refilling it again, his mood bolstered considerably. "Do you three think you could pursue this while Lysos and I look into Altay?" Apparently Strike has been volunteered to the cause.
Strike doesn't seem particularly comforted by the expanded explanation of their sanguinous gift-giving. It's not a custom she's taken any liking to in any of it's aspects, be it mingling the blood of opened palms, nor swilling back the vitae of an enemy.
It's too... Meaty.
The look Jinks warrants on assuming the half-Mul's involvement in this can best be described as 'flat', but.... they have been comrades before, though separated by a span of years. It's enough of a tie to the reforged war machine, that her response is mere annoyance rather than an outright denial, "I'll see what I can find." with an understatedly grudging enthusiasm.
Aryia raises a brow. Damn. That was pretty clever. She leans in, a touch sloshed but focused on the ideas at hand. "We found a bowl filled with a tongue before. Might be a similar thing to the Betrayer Bitch." Yes. Loose ends were being tied up. This was good. <Handspeech>
"I... threw mine out." Djusco admits. Actually he borrowed the family heirloom hammer and smashed it into powder. Reginald did not ask, nor seem to care, that it had been put to this use. Perhaps he'd even approve, "once Father told us how dishonourable it is."
"I think my other brothers did too." The teenager looks up, "I'll check the rubbish tip, and Tran's room. I don't think he packed before leaving."
Djusco glances sideways at Seyardu, "She promised power. And delivered."
He takes hold of his refilled glass, and exercises some discipline by not drinking it immediately, "She was very persuasive. I can search Tran's room, give you the address of the apartment." He seems eager to help.
Jinks tilts his head at Strike, considering. "Reginald isn't the most inviting of lords but he has been generous with his rewards in the wake of a job performed. If you want the work." The gnome smooths his goatee and nods his head at Djusco. "My thanks, again, Djusco. I won't divorce myself of this entirely but I have other things I've committed to. Speaking of," he scoots forward, leaning over the table. "Has you father ever had dealings with a Lord Erik or Morgan?"
"They can have a way of being so. Perhaps you could show us the room instead. There may be dangerous artifacts in it, and the less involvement you have, the better it may be." Seyardu nods. "But perhaps there can be something done for your brothers that are willing, to purge this demonic influence from the blood. I will look into it."
"It is power, at a price not worth it."
Then, she sighs, thinking for a moment. "What I am curious about as well, is why she may have wanted this blood. Did she ever mention? Or did you see what she did with it?"
GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/religion: (15)+7: 22
Aryia moves to put her drink down and pull our her journal, taking notes with a frown on her face.
Strike nods to the Gnome as she meets his look, a brow arching slightly, "I'll let you know what I come up with." she reaffirms. There isn't a reason to deny compensation if it comes along, though her acquiescence was of a different initial motivation.
With the other women presenting more familiarity with the particulars, she imagines there will be more detailed information at her fingertips as things proceed.
"She collected it. She would drink it." Djusco stares at his wine glass, then takes a sip. "Not all of it."
"She liked the smell... the state of the dojo. She liked to watch them fight, push them to be cruel." As the youngest, he might have been the punching bag. It's unlikely they went easy on him, as anyone who has brothers might know.
He nods to the silverscale, "Well, I can wait for you. They'll... accept help. I think. Let's um... eat for now."
He's at his limit for weighty conversations it would seem.
"She drank it, I see. This is not that much of a surprise." Seyardu offers after pausing to eat some more of her food. "It may be used as a connection, to make magics for controlling others easier. Which may mean Tran is still being controlled, as they had the most. Perhaps with all of you, perhaps even to reach your father."
"The rest, may be reserved for other purposes. So we will have to stop that."
"I do not mean to worry, but understanding is important. And knowing this, we can better prepare against it. So thank you, for what you shared. It has been a help, Djusco."
