You're Free to Go

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Log Info

  • Title: You're Free to Go
  • Emitter: Cryosanthia
  • Characters: Mikilos, Cryosanthia, Valadhiel, Bannon, Braelnoir, Merek
  • Place: A01: Jail Cells,
  • Time: Thursday, March 11, 2021, 9:38 PM
  • Summary: Mikilos is rotting in his cell. Actually, he's doing taxes which we all should at this time Oh Gods they're going to be late! Ahem. When he's visited by a dear friend, Valadhiem. Also Cryosanthia, the scaley friend. The two Dawn Elves reunite and catch up while Cryo attempts to determine if this is the elf Mikilos told her he was sweet on, then to drop a few hints that while she did live with Mikilos for a while it was for Adventuring reasons and she wasn't trying to steal her boyfriend. The witness statements Cryo collected earlier appear to have had a positive effect, as a guard arrives to tell Mikilos his bail has been set and he's free to go. Bannon interjects and asks what his fate is, and discovers he has a bail, but it's not been paid. The adventurers work it out, then teleport to Mikilos' Shop, where he is happy to be home and lets everyone know with a sky high glowing advertisement. Braelnoir, was waiting for Cryo at the shop as part of their shell-game, and comes inside. Merek, still in Alexandria but with some disguise, also joins. Bannon tells how his fight with the guard nicked his blade, and Mikilos repairs it using magic. Lily pesters Braelnoir about food, happy to have adult attention. Cryo speculates about magic tests that could be done on a Shard, -if only they had one-, and fills people in on the Death Orb situation Fallon described. Mikilos postulates that each Shard may be different, and respond differently to spells in an attempt to protect themselves, if they respond at all. Cryo agrees that is a possibility, that the Death Orb might not be their best subject, but were they to find a friendlier one, she had the following thoughts. First, start with a message cantrip, then protective spells, working gradually up the circles. Finish with a 'polymorph any object', and turn the Shard into a person, who should be capable of speech, and if it possesses any will and intellect, hopefully able to guide them. As it becomes late, Cryo, Lily and Braelnoir go to sleep in Cryo's old room, while the others depart.

At the Jail

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A01: Jail Cells *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The cells at the Watch are often often full with various people: the usual, returning drunks, the occasional shifty halfling, and then a few Korites who appear to have a rotating door policy. One cell in particular is labeled, 'Sandy.' Visitors may stand outside the cells to speak, while being overseen by an officer.

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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing in Jail Cells  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Mikilos      6'8"     180 Lb     Dawn Elf          Male      Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.
Cryosanthia  6'9"     291 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Valadhiel    5'11"    137 Lb     Dawn Elf          Female    An elfmaid with dark auburn hair.
Bannon       5'9"     195 Lb     Human             Male      A shorter man of Tsuran heritage, with a thin moustace and goatee.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Joining at Mithralla Merchandise  =-=-=-=-=
Braelnoir    5'11"    146 Lb     Human             Female    A tall, pale Acanian woman, branded in silver.                               
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Mikilos rots quietly in his tiny cell, lost in the damp and dark. Well, not really lost, the door's been left open. And the cells are actually quite well lit and try. Quite comfortable, all things considered. And of course there's hte swirling mix of glowing runes hovering in the air, in case anyone forgot this is a powerful wizard who could probably disappear in an instant if he wasn't polite enough to respect the law.

A large number of texts and scrolls suround the elf, referanced in turn as adjustments are made to the complex matrix of runes.

A day inside jail is very much like any other. The routine the same. Interruptions make the difference, and a whitescaled Sith'makar has come to ensure her friend isn't rotting away. She's accompanied by a guard, who watches her and waves politely to Mikilos, and her pinkscaled youngling, who dashes straight into the open cell and hugs the dawn elf's leg, squealing a high pitched, "Peasss Miksoss."

"Peace on your ... Nest Mikilos." Cryosanthia says, "This one collected some witness statements, got official copies and handed them over. Hopefully this will accomplish something. Are you well?"

"You know, when we talked about getting away from it all, this isn't exactly what I had in mind." The voice is definitely familiar, as Valadhiel appears at the door of the open cell, following the guard and Cryosanthia in. She glances over at the lizardfolk, and gives her a slight smile, "And thanks for that, it's much appreciated."

Mikilos chuckles, returning the youngling's hug before looking to the whitescale. "Thank you. Am well enough, just working on my taxes. Used enough dried fennel this year to bump me into a new bracket." Well, regular taxes are near sorcery, so wizardly taxes are... complex.

The wizards eyes light up in a regular sort of way as he smiles, recognizing the voice. "Val! Great to see you again, though not exactly the best circumstances."

His eyes sometimes light up in a very magic sort of way, so have to be clear.

Two sets of lizard faces turn and gaze at Valadhiel. The smaller carnation-scaled one hides behind Mikilos' skirts, or dress, or robes, like she would her mother's. If her Sith'mom wore skirts, that is. The pink kobold blends effectively into Mikilos' painfully neutral robes, while the Sith'mom wears a long-sleeved shirt, shorts with suspenders, and a flat cap. It is entirely un-seasonal and a little bit strange.

The whitescale makes introductions. "Hello, this one is Cryosanthia, Speaker of the Sith'Makar, and this is Lily, you would call her my daughter. Mikilos is a dear friend, and ... you are too?"

Her head snaps towards the male dawn elf now, "Oh! Is this the one you were... keeping a room free for? And, it is the time for Taxes. I helped a Devil that was working on taxes for a fraud scheme... ah... not anywhere near here, Mr. Guard, and he asked us to kill him. It's good you're staying busy Mikilos."

Valadhiel snickers softly, sauntering over towards Mikilos and planting a light kiss on his cheek, "Yes, I've gathered. Though taxes... oof, now you're making me glad I tend to stick to the wilderness more than the city." She looks moderately amused, though somewhat concerned, "Guessing this isn't an audit that has you here, Miki."

She grins over at the whitescale, "Well met, Cryosanthia, and Lily. I'm Valadhiel, though my friends call me Val." She pauses, then adds with a cheerful smile, "And since you're friends with Miki, I'd be glad to consider you friends as well. I'm a wizard as well, though I focus a bit more on exploring the wilderness and the forests around here." She glances at Mikilos, "Though, if you're going to make a habit of getting incarcerated, I might have to stick around to keep you out of trouble."

Mikilos smiles, blinking innocently at Val. "*You* keep *me* out of trouble? Are you sure that's the way that arrow points? But yeah, was a bit of a jailbreak, something of a riot, and some people in power not happy about how I dealt with the situation. 'Reckless discharge of dangerous magics' and the like. The guardsmen have been very polite about the whole thing."

Lily paws at Mikilos's leg, prompting Cryo to take an odd toy out of her haversack and hand it to her foundling. It's a butterfly, comically inflated and balloon like, with large eyes. Lily immediately digs her claws in, and it pops, spraying droplets of essence about, then slowly reforming in her grip again.

Cryosanthia says, "Well met Val. This one is a little magical, but no where near as capable as Mikilos and I suspect, you." She smiles widely, her nose dipped a little so her teeth aren't fully on display, "This one sings and dances, and tells jokes, and if you need someone to slip on a banana peel, that will be me."

The whitescale bobs her head, looking between the two dawn elves, "He's been very busy also, curing diseases and adventuring and involved with the Resurrection society. This one only found out about the riot after it happened, and it sounded very chaotic. You weren't so reckless as the one throwing lightning bolts around."

Valadhiel gives Mikilos a long-suffering look, tinged with affection, "Love, considering which of us has been arrested, I'm pretty sure." She smiles slightly, looking at Cryosanthia, "Well, those are all magic of their own, and needed in the world moreso now than ever I feel." She smiles warmly at Lily, too, and nods, "I heard snippets, but I hadn't really gotten to know too much of what was happening." She gives Mikilos a curious glance at that.

Mikilos shakes his head. "I don't know the full of the story myself. A nobelwoman killed, the accused maitaining innocence. I can't say I know any of the involved really well, but what little I've picked up seems there's a lot more going on." He considers a few moments. "Mostly that the captain in charge of the whole thing comes across as a villain more than a hero. Hardly proof, I admit."

"It isn't very clear. Some of the guards shot other guards. There are rumours a few were paid off, suggestions that a corrupt noble was involved." Cryosanthia says, shifting her weight more into the cell and avoiding the eyes of her escort. Her tail is a slowly swaying pendulum behind her.

>POP< Lily bursts her toy again, squeals and waits for it to reform.

"There are wanted posters." Cryo reaches for her haversack again, but brings her hand back without taking any out, "This one is mostly concerned about Mikilos. I want him out, in case something bad happens. There are a bunch of incidents. Do you know a Cesran? He was imprisonned in Merkabah, he's out now, Merek, Toha and Un'eth freed him. Also, yesterday I heard about a Death Orb. Which also is... possibly related. Except, not to the Execution. Pretty sure."

Valadhiel hrms, "Sounds like a fair amount to sort through, and I'm pretty concerned too." She glances over at Mikilos, smiling slightly, then looks back at Cyrosanthia, "And there's definitely going to be more bad things happening, so best that we get Mikilos out of this situation. But it seems like there's a lot happening to connect the dots with."

Mikilos perks slightly. "'Death Orb'? I'd not heard anything about that. And while I am technically imprisoned, if something massive comes up it's not like I can't get out. They've been very generous in their trust. I mean, I -could- run away... but where would I go? I'm not going to leave my shop and house behind, and the magic to move one or the other, let alone both, is beyond my means."

"Yes. And this one would be much happier discussing the dots elsewhere." Cryo says, glancing at the guard in the hallway again. "A few things I'd like to discuss in your Mansion."

The whitescale Sith'makar straightens up, is a smidge taller than Mikilos and more massive although in a lithe way. She has enough of a presence to make the jail cell seem smaller. She looks at Vaadhiel, "This one lived with Mikilos, when the Fae Queen was hunting me. We talked about you, I think. In case you hear from others and wonder about gossip."

She looks at Mikilos once more, listening and tilting her head to the side, "Those are good points. We are vulnerable through our ties. Fallon explained about the Death Orb at the Explorer's Guild. It could be a demonic trick, or an extra-planar being, but the consensus is that it is a Shard of Animus. It was offering a pact, and could compell people who looked at it to approach. They were then slain. A group of miners died, and Fallon's party barely managed to get away. Anti-Mind control spells would be necessary..."

Cryo glances at Lily, her tailtip is in her hand, "I'm not sure I should go. A bunch are going soon. I'd want you along, because... you know how weak my mind is."

Val smiles, "Well, I'm glad that he had company while I wasn't around, Cyrosanthia." She nods, "And that seems like something we can brace for, at least, and have the proper protection spells." She hrms, "Not sure we should put all our eggs into one basket, but Mikilos, I do think you should be ready to go and commute your sentence given the situation." She smiles slightly, "And not /just/ because I'm in town for the moment."

Mikilos frowns sternly, glaring at the whitescale. "Your mind is -not- weak. Yes, you've had your reason overpowered... BY SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL CREATURES IN THE WORLD. Bad luck, maybe, but NOT the trait of a weak mind. You've shown time and time again you possess a strong will and a clever head." He sighs, and considers. "Demon, Shard, or something else, mind shielding magics would be wise. But what sort of protection is needed may vary with whatever sort of control it's using."

He nods to Val. "I'm sure something will sort out soon. enough pressure they can't just keep me here forever."

Cryosanthia is transfixed by Mikilos' gaze. She even backs away from him at the force of his words. She wills herself, let it sink in, believe it, his opinion is sound, and some of her self-doubts melt away. She exhales carefully, lowering her head, eyes closed. "Thank you Mikilos. I will remember. You are right and a dear friend."

>Pop!< Lily is not paying attention to this exchange at all.

There is movement in the hallway, and a senior jailor arrives. His voice is gruff and polite. "Archmage Mithrallas, a judge has set your bail and the bail has been met. You're free to go."

A stern warning is added, "It's very high. So make sure you appear for your court date."

Mikilos holds the gaze a moment more. He maintains her will is strong, but his own is hardly lacking. As the message sinks in, if only a little, he relaxes, and nods. "You're hard on yourself. Not an entirely bad trait, but sometimes you take it too far."

As the jailor delivers his message, the wizard blinks in surprise, but nods. An evening release? Well, paperwork follows it's own schedule. "I'll be there... or fighting supernatural forces to save the city... could go either way, honestly."

Bannon buttons back up, kicking the bucket away from himself but in such a way that keeps it from being knocked over. That wouldn't do for anything. He turns around, walking up to the door and hanging his arms through the bars. He cranes his head to look towards the senior jailer and then Mikilos. After a moment, he asks, "Hey, did they set a bail for me too?"

"Yes. Yours is set. No one came to pay it." The senior guard says, peering into Bannon's cell. His actions didn't earn him any friends, even if the guards who know Godswin personally aren't fans.

"We'll... we'll pay it." Cryosanthia says, "This one has funds."

The whitescale nods once more to Mikilos, "This one will try... to be less hard and to forgive herself. Thank you, again. I will not forget."

She crouches down, scooping up her youngling and placing her on the saddle above her haversack. Lily continues to pull and play with her pop-toy, exploring the limits of its elasticity and trying to get right on the verge of it exploding, then backing off. Mikilos has provided a useful lesson for her also.

"Let's get all this sorted out, then we can go to your home, Mikilos. This one had a few more things to discuss." Cryo says, and then details are worked out.

Mikilos waves vaugely. "We'll get it sorted. Will take a minute to gather up my things and tidy up, but can head back to my place or somewhere else." Stepping out, Mikilos turns his focus to Bannon. "Do you have a place to go tonight? you're perfectly welcome to join us, if you like. We'll have plenty of food and some drinks, so is no bother."

Bannon looks towards Cryosanthia and nods his head, "Thanks. Sabina has my bail money. We'll get it from her and pay you back." He then shakes his head, "It's a long walk to where I'm staying from here, with too many bars." With a quick shrug, he adds, "If I don't come with you, I risk ending up back here anyway."

"You're friends with Sabina! I saw her today. She's doing well. I help with her bookkeeping for the Tarrace. She's a great friend. Lord Emperor Overwhelming is also in fine spirits." Cryosanthia has been set to babble, and does so excitedly. "Yes, let's get you out of her and to Mikilos'! It will be great."

"Lily, this is Sabina' friend, say hello."

"Peassss." Bannon is given a disinterested wave.

Cryo remains in happy spirits as the minutae are dealt with, and then it's off to the mountain and Mithralla Merchandise.

At Mithralla Merchandise

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A15: Mithralla Merchandise *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Here, a large wooden structure has been built. Its somewhat eccentric yet elegant design suggests its owner may be of the arcane persuasion. To the side of the main structure is a small corral to for horses or wagons. Before the central building, a massive sword emerges from the earth. A sign upon it reads: "MITHRALA MERCHANDISE."

Inside is a small seating area with several comfortable chairs. To the back, an unobtrusive but businesslike sales counter, and two large signs. One asks patrons to please wait here and not disrupt those inside the lab. The other offers a lab rental at a very reasonable rate.

To the left and right are a large set of doors. The doors on the right lead to a large room which takes up most of the building. Several long tables are scattered about, many with small tool racks. A small forge sits off to the side. Unlike the average workshop, maps of celestial bodies and guides to the elemental planes line the walls. Large frameworks of brass, silver, and crystal occupy space between the tables. A large shelf dominates the far wall, the containers upon it sporting such labels as "wyvern bile," "sulfur," "tiger's tears," and other exotic items. A glass-covered hole in the roof, set with mirrors, offers direct sunlight, or moonlight, to shine upon various projects.

The doors to the left lead towards the direction of the mountains and what is reported to be a sildanyari-style ball room. Wizards.

During regular store hours, a young Llyranesi man, Belhan Mithralla, keeps an eye on the shop and the lab. When not cleaning or helping a customer, he can usually be found reading some book from the library.

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Mikilos tends to keep a Teleport spell memorized, it's useful in all sorts of ways, and makes travel ever so easy.

Arriving in the courtyard outside the shop, the wizard opens up the front room and takes a few moments to duck into the back to let his cousin Belhan what's going on. With the shop lit, tea perking, and chairs for everyone, the mage takes a moment to just sit and enjoy being free.

After the affects of the teleport spell wears off, Bannon takes a look around to reorient himself, and then takes his first free breath in a few days. He reaches down to his newly reacquired sword belt, drawing the blade and taking a look at the edge. With an exasperated sigh, he returns it to the scabbard and mentions, "I knicked my rapier on that guard's armor. I'll have to get that fixed..."

He trails off, and as he's introduced, Bannon nods his head to Lily, "Hello." He then follows the others into the shop, finding a seat not too far away.

It's an interesting thing when a rendevoux ends up just popping into sight.

Brae, who had been laying low about the area to await Cryo's arrival for the next part of the game, opts to slip out of her cover once the group's gone inside. Bag slung by the straps over the shoulder not propping up a scythe, she preceeds her arrival with the rapping of a knuckle against the door, then steps in with a, "'ello, 'ello!" She seeks the wiz at first, giving him a nodded, "Hey Mikilos, 'ow ya keepin, luv?" before smiling to the Sith family and throwing a curious look to Bannon, "Hey."

Cryosanthia sets Lily down, and the youngling runs off to bother Belhan and investigate things on shelves in the shop. "Lily don't... Belhan, keep an eye please. Lily sometimes pockets things to make me come back to places she likes."

Lily gives her clutch-mom a -stare- for giving away her game, hisses and vanishes between the shelves.

The whitescale takes a moment to concentrate. Her 'newsie' gear switches to a simple robe, layered to accomodate her reptilian build and tail, but otherwise similar to what Mikilos is wearing. Hers is a stark white, with glacial blue piping and embroidery on the hems.

She picks a seat she can sink into and recline without breaking her tail, and lounges back with a firm exhale, "This one has been walking all day. Tea will be wonderful."

"Mikilos, I just have to know! Valadhiel, she's the one you are sweet on, that you've been saving a room for? You said it was a woodsy elf with red-brown hair? I swear I won't write her in a Crimson Pen story." Her toes curl.

Sitting up a little more, she waves at Braelnoir and pats a seat beside her. She's got a grin, "I had an idea. A couple ideas."

Mikilos perks slightly at Bannons blade. "Here, allow me. Weaponsmithing is my core focus, and knicks are easy enough to repair, even ones well earned."

The magus smiles to Brae, stepping out the doorway a moment to murmur a quick spell. The giant glowing sword outside makes for a good landmark, but the purple 'OPEN' runes floating above it are temporary. Help get the word out that Miki is back in business... not that he truely ever stopped. "I'm well enough. Ahvn't been in bad shape, but is nice to be home again."

He laughs at Lily's antics, and nods to Cryo. "That's her. I thought you'd met before, but I may be mistaken. I tried to do some dedicated sonnets to refocus the Pen, but didn't pan out. Poety is not one of my talents."

It would be when the glowing landmark will all come about into the skies, that Merek would notice it from the mountain path. He was on the way back to what he was doing, then he notices that. Well, he has teleports to spare, the man taking a moment to begin shimmering in blue light, then he begins to appear in front of the Mithril Merchandise. The man walks along into the place, he wears dark attire, and still wears the shemagh, he's still cautious about that a little.

The man looks to Mikilos, "Ah, you are alright! I was told a few people were taken in. I wanted to apologize about that." A look then to Cryosanthia and Lily, as well as to Bannon and Brae, smilling, "Nice to see you all. And you Brae."

Bannon glances towards Braelnoir and offers a quick nod before he turns his head back to the others. He seems to be working to follow along with the conversation until Mikilos says something he somewhat understands. With a quick grin, Bannon nods, "That would be fantastic." He reaches down and across, unlatching the swordbelt from his waist, wrapping it, and offeirng it to Mikilos, "I appreciate it."

Braelnoir ventures closer to Cryo and pulls a decent sized hunk of jerked venison from one of her belt pouches and she hunkers down to offer it to the little kobold, "Hello, LIttle Fang, have you been a good hatchling?" <draconic>

The Korite looks between the gathered folk, twisting some and resting the point of a greave against the floor as Merek makes his way in and she upnods his way, "Hey, luv. Get around, dontcha?"

Braelnoir ventures closer to Cryo and pulls a decent sized hunk of jerked venison from one of her belt pouches and she hunkers down to offer it to the little kobold, "Hello, LIttle Fang, have you been a good hatchling?" <draconic>

The Korite looks between the gathered folk, twisting some and resting the point of a greave against the floor as Merek makes his way in and she upnods his way, "Hey, luv. Get around, dontcha?"

Cryo simply stares at the giant sword. She giggles and pulls her knees up, covering her grin with both hands. She gives Brealnoir a meaningful glance and rocks her head. Still struggling to stop laughing, she says, "Mikilos! People will... oh never mind. She seems sweet, I can help you with sonnets if you like, later."

She examines Bannon's weapon. "That's a nice rapier. I prefer something shorter and wavier... I'm sorry, I'm sorry! This one can't talk about blades without inuendo right now. I need some tea."

Jerky appears to be the magic summoning device for Kobolds. Lily appears at her aunty's feet. "Yess. Little Fang is very good. Helping Ssassa." She takes the jerky. <draconic>

Cryo is still grinning, until Merek arrives. She uncurls her legs and puts her feet on the ground. "Merek... never mind."

Looking over at Mikilos, she says, "So, I had some ideas, about that Death Orb. Or really any Animus shard, if we could get our hands on one." She stares at the mage impassively, her reptilian features showing little, "I thought maybe we could try the message cantrip on one, see if it talks back. I know this didn't go well with Salina, but I don't have to worry about Yukia anymore."

From afar, Aya corrects: Rather, I submitted that I had idea, not the details of it.

Merek looks to everyone and nods a bit to Cryosanthia. "... I have a lot of things while in Alexandria to put right. And, I don't want to keep on running for eternity. It's safe, don't worry." The man looks to Brae, then he smiles while he begins to adjust that shemagh, a nod offered. With that, he then takes a look along to Mikilos, I might shop while I'm about."

There's something about him, and he seems to be a bit distant, taking a moment to draw a hand to a book which he keeps with him.

Mikilos accepts the offered blade, looking it over a moment before murmuring softing and running his hand along the edge, magicly filling in the knicks and burrs of use. Not just sharpening them out, but actually replacing the metal. A very handy spell for someone who plans to use the same blade for a few centuries. Of course, he also enchants blades to do this sort of thing on their own, perk of magical weapons. "Not a problem. Very nice blade. Not my perfered style, but well made. Do you happen to know who forged it?"

Looking to the latest arrival, he nods to Merek. "You heard correctly. Was just now released on bail. Not that I was overly confined to start with. The officers in charge are one thing, but the day to day guards actually doing the work were quite polite and accomidating."

Turning focus to Cryo, he considers. "I do think some, if not all, of the Shards have a level of Will... but i hadn't given much thought about trying to communicate with them... I have no idea if mortal magics will even work on them." He ignores the innuendo, but might flush a little. Hard to be sure in this light.

Braelnoir smiles and fondly rubs along Lily's headscales with a smile, "Very good. Enjoy." and lets the little one enjoy her treat as she pushes back up to her full height. She glances over the weaponry on display with only partly subdued curiosity, though her attention is drawn to Cryo as she makes herself know, "OH? Reconsider m'idea, luv?" she teases. She dims on mention of the Endless Winter and her pet, but aside from a brief touch to the sith's arm, she is otherwise nonreactive to them. She glances back to Merek, "Ain't overfond o'running, either." then turns back to see Mikilos repair Bannon's sword. Thaaaat's a nice trick. Have to see if she can get some of this new magic going, herself, but, to the conversation at hand, "Could give't a go."

Bannon watches the magic with interest, nodding his head as the blade is restored. He reaches out, accepting the blade back. As he goes about returning the belt to his waist, he begins explaining, "I never thought it would be my style either, if I'm honest. When and where I grew up, honest fencing schools weren't really a thing." He then gestures back to the rapier, "This one was given to me by the person who taught me how to use it once I proved I could avoid poking my eye out with it in my endeavors to poke other people's eyes out with it."

"Merek..." Cryosanthia exhales, and then sits there, not inhaling again, counting off several heartbeats. "You are going to do what you are going to do and normal concerns no longer seem to bother you, so this one is going to stop saying things and stop worrying about you. This one's plate is very full, this one is vulnerable. If someone tries to get to you through me using Lily, I will betray you for her. You aren't protecting people by endangering yourself while associating with them. The consequences of your actions can spread larger than you."

Lily meanwhile, shows off her hand crossbow to Braelnoir, which at human scale is nicely sized for her. Of course, her aunt has seen the weapon before, but the little kobold wants to get in showing something off like the others. "SsaSsa talkss everyone today. Thiss one wass guard at the gate! Beansss says I have good taste in soup." <draconic>

Cryo sits quietly, taking a sip of tea. She flips her right hand through a strange gesture, almost a spell. A wavy looking dagger which seems all the world to be an icicle made out cold iron appears in her hand. It has a strange gleam. "Morgan enchanted this a little more for me. I can throw it at invisible things." It's not as long as a rapier, but she moves it through the air like one.

Turning to Mikilos, Cryo continues, "Well, I figured it is worth a try. My other idea, it's a little weird. At first I was thinking, the Death Orb seems able to talk, it would be nice if there was some other way. Like, Shards are kind of alive, but not, maybe it could be made into an egg, and then hatched, and grow up. Except that would take a lot of work, and time, which we don't have."

"Then I remembered some spells I was researching. What about 'Polymorph Any Object', and turn the Animus Shard into something that could take. Even rock-to-person lasts a few minutes. If they have will, it could say something, could talk, tell us where other fragments are, or what we should do."

Mikilos blinks at Cryo, falling still and silent for a long moment. "Powerful magic, but one I recently aquired. I don't know its limits. So many possibilities I've yet to document them. I question if spells can impact the Shards at all. Or if they react violent to protect themselves. And if they'd have real memories or thoughts when transformed. A rock, as you say, can be turned into a person... but not a very smart person. I'm not sure, but i don't think they remember their time as a rock. But, the idea certainly holds merit, and is worth testing."

Merek seems to think about it for a moment, then he takes a look to Cryosanthia. "And what person in this place doesn't have enemies just like me that could do all of that. You seem to see me as something else besides a person. I do care, and I apologize," he notes. Then he nods to Lily, and to Bannon along with Mikolos as well as to Brae, "You all be well." Any other emotions, the man doesn't really show, while he finds a place to begin a spell to teleport away.

There's an almost girly giggle from Brae at Lily speaking of 'Beans', but she nods approvingly, "I believe you did very well!" <draconic>

She does throw an oddly quizzical look to Cryo to wonder about, "Soup?" But, as Cryo elaborates on things, she takes that in and nods, "Has anyone tried castin' anything on these things? We know they ain't gonna gouge a crater outta th'land like a spell cannon?"

Wait....
Polymorph...?
Hmmm....

Wait, what?"Hey, now..." a look back to Cryo, then Merek, "Mer... she's just sayin' there's things you don't seem ta recognize, anymore. Things're hot, now, an' there's trouble lookin' for ya." That said, she looks quizzically back to Cryo as if to say, 'right?'.

Cryosanthia bobs her head, watching Mikilos, "That's why I think, the cantrip first. Even if that gets massively enhanced, it.. it's a cantrip, it shouldn't have that much consequence. Perhaps, protective spells next, see if it will accept them, like a Bless or a Mage Armour, working up. See if 'friendly' spells are okay. Then, if we can get big enough, use the big spell. The Shards aren't really rocks, so, they might turn out smarter if turned into a person."

She presses her lips together, "Do you think intention matters? Like it can sense ours. Or if we talked to one, or felt concerned about it?" Or wrapped it up in an emergency egg-basket and carried it around for days, worried with an overactive maternal instinct attaching to it.

And then the Seer prepares to vanish. Cryo exhales and sits forward, staring at her teacup on the table. She spins it with a finger and the tea rapidly skins over with ice and then freezes solid. She speaks to the cup, "This one is endangering others too, Merek, this one is endangering others too, and it is as Brae says, things are hot. You're banned in this city and it's like nothing to you. After Eclavdran, it probably is. You said you were going to stop adventuring, and ... well. I haven't. You haven't a lot more than me. I'm sorry if you're upset but I have a lot going on."

"Hydra cheek ssoup! 'Beanss makes it, I like it.." Lily ignores the adults, tries to continue her conversation with Braelnoir. <draconic> Mikilos nods to Merek. "Fare well, and take care of yourself."

Turning focus back to Cryo, he nods, considering. "There's also the traits of the Sahrds themselves. What works on one, or what one allows, may be utterly different with another."

Merek looks between the three, thinking about it a little bit. "I apologize, you are right. Though I am trying to be mindful when I'm in Alexandria. I am trying to put things right." The man sighs, while he nods to Mikilos, then he seems to think about it while answering Cryosanthia, "I did not mean to say anything about anyone else in a way like that. It's the nature of what we do. With the Shards, I thought that it'd all be finished for a fair while, after the Duke."

Then to Brae, "I know, I want things to be like they were way back when we all met."

Braelnoir has half an ear for her niece, chin turning some that way as she sinks down to one knee, "I ate Manticore soup once. It had fire, but it was most pleasing."<draconic>

For the most part, however, her eyes flit between the adults the kobold is ignoring, trying to stay the unit from unravelling further.

Her missing sister.

"Me too, luv.... me too. Wan'us ta have a proper damn revelry..." Brae replies thoughtfully, "Want a lotta things. But we got things ta sort out, first."

"I don't think that's possible. I have eighty years of being in Her basement box I'm still working through, and my second child, that I'm not going to lose like my first, and I want my own eggs one day. This one is not the twenty year old youngling-adult. These horns don't grow fast." Cryo says, running her hands up her brow and along her sweeping horns. "Good luck with your things Merek. Thanks for being careful."

A revelry would be nice. She used to dance and sing and make fireworks. Perhaps Valadheim is right, that's her magic and she should use it more. Cryosanthia rubs at the back of her left hand, through the glove she's wearing on it.

"Manticore Soup is pleasing? I will ask for that. Worg steaks are great!" Lily is happy to have attention, and keeps talking. <draconic>

"Well..." Cryo looks at Mikilos, "The Death Orb probably isn't friendly. I have no idea about the quarterstaff Stjepan found. I guess no one has further insights on Giggles. Griva has the Merkabah one, so... yeah. Academic really."

Mikilos glances to Little Fang and Braelnoir, idly curious. "Manticore soup? I've not had a soup. I've had manticore tail, which is much like lobster, and the main body is similar to beef, making a one stop Surf n' Turf, but soup is a novel suggestion." Turning focus again, he nods to Cryo. 'Not exactly a lot around to test upon. Which may be for the best, as the tests could prove dangerous.' <draconic>

Merek thinks about it a moment, then he draws a cigarette from the pack in the pocket along the hip. He lights that with a magical cantrip, then he nods to Cryo and Brae, "Well, that's true. I don't know. After all that I went through, well... I'm not sure I am even supposed to be." The man looks to everyone, from Mikilos to the two, "We will get to celebrate eventually. I know the way to cook, if anyone would like anything before I need to be about my way."

Braelnoir shakes her head, "Ain't been gettin' much scuttle about'm."

The Korite strokes Lily's scales gently and looks to Mikilos, "Munch come by the Fire Lodge one night, brought the tail a'one he took down. They made stew out of it."

She looks then to Lily and replies, "I'll ask for that when I get the chance." <draconic> before looking between the others, "Then we make a new way."

"Oh! Thiss one wants to hunt manticore now, surprise Tenoc, Mictlan. Sounds like a wonderful dish to cook. They are hard to hunt? One could come near Alexandria, get a posting. Thiss one shall look." Cryo hisses, jumping into the food conversation.

Which absolutely delights Lily! "I will eat all the foods. Do they lay eggs?" She heard eggs come up, believes it to be related.

The Whitescale watches the Seer light his cigarette, "That's your Mountain to climb. This one doesn't need anything. Thanks." Her mate, her youth, her first foundling, her people that go with the scales in the bag around her neck; there's a lot she wants she'll have to live without.

Although the Seer could probably ressurect some. It's still not something to ask for over a cup of tea and the apocalypse. She shelves that for now. "Did you keep my old room Mikilos? Could I stay there tonight. It was nice Braelnoir, really solid. Could close the door and it felt like nothing could get at you."

Merek looks then to Cryosanthia with her words, taking a moment to consider it. Well, it's not something he wants to comment about, he nods a bit to the woman, then to Brae, "You all be well." Then he begins to teleport while the blue shimmer circles begin to spin around to transport him. That which is left looks like black and golden angel wings that shimmer in light. They lay upon the floor, where he was.

Braelnoir snorts at Lily's stated objective, "I have some stories fer you, li'l missy!" she chortles with another fond stroke of pink scales, then looks to Cryo on her suggestion about the sleepover.

Hmm. Sounds secure.

She starts to step toward Merek as he begins his incantation again, with a soft, "Yeah, Mer, take care o-!" Poof!

Her hand flexes back from the sudden absence in the air, fingers curling half closed as she stares toward the place he'd stood and sighs. A slow shake of the head, and she turns to start ushering the gals along, "C'mon, luvs, let's have us a right sleepover, huh?"

Then there is a quiet poof as Merek sends back a little written note that is written with the word 'Hugs!'. Looks like he noticed before he went and disappeared. Meanwhile, the actual man needs to be back to business, while he begins to adjust his scarf, walking along the mountains to keep teleporting along back to where he needs to be.

Cryo laughs as the note appears, then shakes her head, "Thanks Mikilos, for the hospitality. See you in the morning."

"Come Little Fang. Ssassa will show you a safe room. We'll be so crowded it will remind you of home!" Which hopefully will be a good thing.

Cryo leads the pair upstairs, to bed.

Ghoulish cp line.png

Dramatis Personae

Mikilos
Mikilos is a slender male Dawn Elf, freakishly tall by elven standards, standing a full head over the average human. His ivory skin and long blonde hair hold a rosy warmth, as if dappled in spring sunshine, even when such light is not present. His hazel eyes are deep set, and spark with curiousity. His hands are long and nimble, but hold callus and stain from long use in craft.

He is dressed in a simple Grey robe, of a simple cut, unadorned with decoration. It is however a strange, almost painfully Neutral Grey. His waist is defined by a simple leather belt, from which a scroll case hangs upon one side, a well-used scabbard on the other. Both trousers and boots are simple, black, and practical. An occasional cloak guards against the weather or dust. Upon his brow sits a simple circlet of silver, set with a small stone which shifts from blue to violet, depending on the light.

Valadhiel
This maiden stands just under six feet tall, with the delicate features common to the elves. Her build is slender, and her dark auburn hair is tied back, braided elaborately so that it stays out of her face. Her skin is lightly tanned, and it appears she doesn't go under the sun all that much. Her eyes are a vibrant hazel color, at times almost seeming to reflect the light, or possibly shine with their own. Upon her left cheek is the gleaming silver ink of a crescent moon, trailing down from her eye almost as if it were a teardrop from the heavens.

Currently, she wears a blouse of dark blue color, silver thread embroidering the fabric. The top button is undone, revealing a golden locket set against her slender neck. Her leggings are black, fitting rather snugly against her waist and legs. Her feet are covered by a pair of black boots, the material there going up to just above her ankles. She wears a longsword off her right hip, the belt about her waist securing that as well as numerous pouches. A sturdy bow and quiver rest comfortably upon her back.

Cryosanthia
Cryosanthia is an elegant sith-makar woman in the first year of her second century. She radiates confidence, a deep power from within. Her scales are a brilliant white, highlighted by ones which are the palest of glacial blues. These pale scales trace out the scars she used to bear, her hide is restored. She bears two fantastic patterns of these, one on her chest, the other completely covering her back from crest to tailtip. When the light hits right, one sees the dragon within. Her bearing is intense, her motions minimal grace. Two horns sweep back from her brow. Her eyes are like glittering saphhire gems, and when she blinks her eyelids have the glacial blue to them as well. She carries no weapons, and still keeps a tiny bag close to her heart.

Her clothing is various ensembles. At times she wears a layered robe, a mithril swashbuckling outfit, kilted leather, a loincloth, or nothing. The colours inevitably mirror her own. Brilliant white with shimmering blue highlights, piping and whorls. Snowflakes and dragon-eyes are a common motif.

Cryo has been changed, physically and fundamentally by her experiences. She grew into herself under the Queen of Endless Winter, and struggles to reconnect with herself, her body, and friends she hasn't seen in decades. Alien at times even to the sith-makar, her heritage is written on her scales, along with her spells.

OOC Convos

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "The guards appreciate Merek showing up to put himself in a cell though."
<OOC> Merek says, "That WOULD be pretty apt would it not. Merek just teleports directly into the jail, and into a cell."
<OOC> Merek says, "That's some Hancock shit."