Ling's smile falters as Nikolai expresses his disapproval. She averts her face and tries not let it show as she gets back up. With everyone watching Caio being transformed back to his old self, she has time to compose herself. When he turns to leave, she appears back to her old self and shouts after him: "Walk of shame!" Ling laughs and watches him run off to find his clothes. Now that was some first rate entertainment. I hope that redhead was worth it! Kinda liked him as a cat, shame it didn't last.
She turns back to Jonathan and nods her head towards the edge of the dancers, where they were previously headed to hear all about fate and such. You're really going to go off snogging with him when Nikolai told you not to? Shame on you! Ling hears what appear to be her own thoughts, but in that same hostile tone as before. She shakes it off as a side effect of the psychedelic droplets and tries to clear her head.
Alaris rubs their hand after Morgenstern's energy crackles across the paladin's fair skin. Before they can sort out whether the figure is speaking to Ling or to someone else, Nikolai interjects with bitter vitriol.
How am I going to change things when both groups view each other so reductively?they sigh.
"As you can see, Mr Morgenstern, not all of us find such appellations either amusing or honoring. Please consider that when you meet us this afternoon at the Black Sheep. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." With a curt nod to Jonathan, Alaris follows Nik and Caio towards the guest rooms. Turning back for a moment, Alaris calls over their shoulder to Ling, "Keep an eye out for Shiva - there are dark creatures about that are NOT interested in celebrating her life."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Mistress purrs the words as her lips brush the soft skin of Shiva's cheek one last time. There's a faint click, and when Shiva looks down she sees a bracelet that her lover has deftly clipped about her wrist. It's of small silver links and a tiny charm in the shape of a capital A hangs from the middle.
"So that I'm never far, sweet thing. Perhaps, one day, I will need your help, and if you yourself are in ever in need, you need only call for me."
Mistress gives Shiva one last dusky look, and then she is gone through the curtain, leaving the tiefling dazed from the roller-coaster of sensations, both physical and emotional. The blankets enveloping her are warm and soft, but the longer she lies there, the more aware she becomes of her own nudity and the throng of dancing strangers on the other side of the velvet drapes.
Jonathan chuckles and holds up his hands in acquiescence.
"Truly, I meant no offence," he assures. "Quite the contrary, in fact. Please forgive my careless tongue."
The half-elf smirks down at Ling with hooded eyes.
"Shall we see if your friend can find his clothes, or did you have other plans?" He asks, arching an eyebrow as he places a hand over each of the tiefling's hips and pulls her into him.
Shiva lays in her heap of blankets, drinking in the peace and happiness that has been left by Mistress. But before too long, she stands and begins dressing, realizing just how much time has passed since she last heard from Ling or the others. As she gets her pants on, she stops to inspect the bracelet that had just been given to her. "Beautiful and elegant" she smiles to herself as she holds it to her chest, the memories now connected to the accessory adorning her wrist. "I bet this is probably magical, I'll have Nik give it a look over. Hopefully it can bring Mistress and I together again soon."
Seeing how restricted the access is, he will slip back towards a secluded corner and cast disguise self again. Now he appears as a human usher as he heads back towards where he left his clothes.
As Caio approaches the curtained alcoves, a burly, yet buxom woman dressed all in black pops out of a nearby service door. She's carrying a silver tray bearing a crystal pitcher full of dark red liquid, and a single goblet.
"You there, boy!" She stage-whispers in tone that is clearly not used to being ignored. The force of her rasping voice makes the curly grey hairs lining her upper lip quiver.
"Bring this to his Lordship!"
The tray and its contents are thrust into Caio's hands before he can object, and as quickly as the woman came she is gone again.
Curious, the (still naked) Elf simply does what he is told, and approaches the dais. At first, Señor Francesc doesn't take any notice of the servant approaching with his refreshment. He's occupied 'hearing' a business proposal from a pair of excited gnomes, although his face is a singular mask of boredom. However, when he looks up to take the goblet, his eyes linger a moment on Caio's face and he pauses.
"You're not the usual boy," he observes, and Caio hears a high pitched ring overlay the pounding sounds of the club.
“Caio, my lord.” There is a blatant look of surprise before his eyes shoot down to the floor. He’d been about to say Dimitri. Why didn’t I just turn invisible? he mentally scolds himself. He steels himself for a moment and then looks up to meet the man’s gaze. “Since it seems I’ve no choice, I’ll be honest with you, my lord. I was in that alcove over there a moment ago and left some items of mine. When I went back to retrieve them, it seemed the staff would not allow me in. So I cast a simple illusory disguise hoping to blend in and get my things. That’s when I was commandeered into coming to serve you. If you would be ever so gracious as to allow me to go gather my clothes, I’d be in your debt and out of your hair.”
Astrid jumps back from the lynx as it morphs back into a naked Caio. "Oooh!" she averts her eyes and turns back to the others in the group while Caio marches off to the alcoves. "So, do you all get up to this sort of business often?" she asks running a hand through her hair, not sure if she wants to hear the answer. "I think I may need another drink... upstairs though. Yes, a bit better up there I think."
"What other plans could I possible have?" Ling smiles sweetly as Jonathan pulls her close. "I think they can handle themselves." She follows Jonathan through the crowds as he leads her towards the alcoves. The presence of so many non-humans makes her feel safe and carefree, allowing her to let her mind drift and let go. Enjoy yourself while your friends might be in danger, that's just like a demon-blood.Ling almost stumbles over her own feet as the icy voice cuts through her happy, clouded thoughts and Alaris' words come back to her. Shiva, oh no, Shiva! Where is she? She looks around, but all of the velvet curtains suddenly look the same and she can't remember where her sister in arms went. An icy knot forms in her stomach and she pulls Jonathan's sleeve so she can shout in his ear: "Can you help me find my friend? She went into one of those alcoves with a pale woman, but I don't know which, I'm worried she might be in trouble!" Jonathan nods. His soft smile turns serious and he entwines his fingers with Lings as he looks up and down the curved row of curtained chambers. His eyes pulse a bright gold colour for a moment as he glances about."There,"he says, tilting his head down to murmur in Ling's ear as he points at one of the rooms."She's alone."
Ling pushes the heavy curtain aside and immediately spots a blue, half-dressed tiefling. "SHIVA!" She exclaims in relief and throws her arms around her. "I was getting worried, but..." she holds her at arm's length by her shoulders, "you seem to be perfectly fine, birthday girl." Ling relaxes, calmed that nothing sinister has happened to her friend and happy that she seems to have thoroughly enjoyed herself on the night of her birthday. "Oh, by the way, meet Jonathan." She turns to smile at him now, gratefully.
"Ah, the infamous 'blue beauty'," Jonathan observes, taking Shiva gently by the hand and lowering his head to it, although he does not kiss her. His eyes flicker briefly across the bracelet adorning her wrist.
"Your reputation precedes you."
He glances towards the curtain as the conversation from outside seeps through.
"Shivala here might be starbound, but it seems your elven friend might be in rather more trouble..."
Señor Francesc smirks like the cat who got the cream.
"Ah, Mr Cypherien! Yes, I've heard of you and your friends. Do come and stand out front, rather than hovering besides me like a common servant."
He gestures to the strip of carpet in front of him, usually used for granting an audience.
"Oh, and you may release your illusions."
Francesc's smirk broadens further still.
"You see, now I must hold you to that debt, for your services are very valuable indeed. Are we in agreement, before I allow you to reclaim your dignity?"
The olive skinned man glances over Caio's shoulder to where Alaris and the others are gathering.
"Do invite your colleagues to join us."
He claps and calls for an array of refreshments for all.
Caio goes to roll his eyes, but he recovers with a forced smile. “Respectfully Sir, I’d like to make it clear that I would be in your debt. Not my friends. But if you seek our services, I can absolutely agree to do my best to negotiate for a discounted rate on your behalf.” Caio turns and waves his companions over as well, before turning back to Francesc. “And if it’s alright with you, my lord, I intend to maintain this guise until I am no longer in the nude.”
"You have to tell me all the details later, leave NOTHING out!" Ling nudges Shiva affectionately before returning to Jonathan and pulling him along again, her happy mood quickly drowning out the strange voice from earlier. "White beauty and blue beauty, we could do a lot worse for nicknames, don't you think? Why would Caio be in trouble, last I saw him he was a pwetty kitty cat. Let's go and tease him about it Shiva, I'll fill you in on the way!"
The tiefling leads the way past the curtain back into the club where they immediately spot Francesc sitting on his throne. She slows down a little as the approach and whispers to Jonathan: "Now, he looks like he's in charge. Who's that human? You sounded like he was bad news?" Unconsciously, she reaches behind her to feel for Shiva's hand.
"That," Jonathan begins, keeping his voice low, "is Francesc the Bull. He's a Breannian exile with spurious claims to nobility. He came to Piotrgrad several years ago as a merchant and has been very successful in embedding himself amongst the upper class. Nobody knows exactly what he deals in. Be careful, he's a dangerous man."
The half-elf hangs back for the moment, seemingly waiting to see what Ling and her friends decide to make of this.
"Oh, there's so much to tell, I don't know where to begin." Shiva exclaims through a deep sigh filled with longing as she holds onto Ling's arm. "Seems like there was no shortage of mischief though, Caio was a cat? Shiva scrunches her face in confusion
As they spot Francesc "Breannian nobility and human, I dislike him already. And I don't have patience for him giving our friends any shit."
Shiva takes Ling's hand as she begins to approach the throne.
Alaris Forien arches an eyebrow as they approach the throned figure and speak in a respectful but not obsequious tone.
"If you will, his dignity has little to do with his clothing and far more to do with the love and loyalty of his friends. Now, my lord, is this truly how you wish to enter into business with us? Hostilities and hubris? Surely in your own sanctum, grace and respect will season our bargaining better than those?"
Alaris lays a reassuring hand on Caio's shoulder and gazes with an inquiring smile up at Señor Francesc.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Hostilities?" Francesc echoes in amusement, gesturing to the fine platters of confectionary and pitchers of warm, spiced wine being served all around them.
"Please, you are my guests! Come, eat, drink, talk with me. Avail yourselves of the hospitality. Tell me of your exploits. The city is awash with stories of the Trio Infernale and friends."
His face is all smiles, but his eyes watch Caio and Alaris with sharp focus and attention.
Ling raises an eyebrow at Jonathan's explanation and tries to get a better look at Francesc, but she cannot see his face well from where they stand. Turning to Shiva, she quietly says into her ear: "I know, but don't chop his balls off straight away. He runs this club, chances are he'll be willing to pay us a good amount for our work. You can still decapitate him once we've gotten paid, right?" She gives Shiva a sly grin, then clears her face of any mischief and adjusts her clothes before stepping forward. "Don't mind Alaris, they need to loosen up a little. I don't blame you for appreciating our elven Mr Dark and Handsome here." She winks at Caio. "So, what kinda job do you have in mind? I must warn you, the famous five don't come cheap. At least, professionally." Ling smiles playfully at the nobleman, trying to gauge his reaction.
Looking a bit shell-shocked, Astrid sits at the bar on the top level. A few gears and springs are scattered about in front of her. Between sips from a fresh mug of ale she absent-mindedly spins one of the cogs like a child's top. As it spins, her head lolls from side to side while quietly muttering to herself and tossing the occasional glance to Nikolai and the passage back below.
So what are you doing up here?! You've seen worse stuff than this, right? They're just people having a little fun. It's not like your wading through hordes of kobolds and orcs again... yet. The Scribe has sent these people to you, so that can be ALL that bad. Just a little rough around the edges. Besides, are you just going to sit around up here and tinker with things you're not very good at.
With a light sigh, she slumps into her seat and continues to quietly sip her ale.
Francesc beams back at Ling, though the smile never quite seems to reach his eyes.
"First pleasure," he declares, "then business. I was just offering 'Mr Dark and Handsome' here some of these fine Breannian treats."
Attention is immediately drawn to Caio, who is in the midst of slinking away to dress himself. One of the servants comes forward and presents the group with a platter of unusually exquisite looking sweets to sample.
Ling's smile falters as Nikolai expresses his disapproval. She averts her face and tries not let it show as she gets back up. With everyone watching Caio being transformed back to his old self, she has time to compose herself. When he turns to leave, she appears back to her old self and shouts after him: "Walk of shame!" Ling laughs and watches him run off to find his clothes. Now that was some first rate entertainment. I hope that redhead was worth it! Kinda liked him as a cat, shame it didn't last.
She turns back to Jonathan and nods her head towards the edge of the dancers, where they were previously headed to hear all about fate and such. You're really going to go off snogging with him when Nikolai told you not to? Shame on you! Ling hears what appear to be her own thoughts, but in that same hostile tone as before. She shakes it off as a side effect of the psychedelic droplets and tries to clear her head.
Alaris rubs their hand after Morgenstern's energy crackles across the paladin's fair skin. Before they can sort out whether the figure is speaking to Ling or to someone else, Nikolai interjects with bitter vitriol.
How am I going to change things when both groups view each other so reductively? they sigh.
"As you can see, Mr Morgenstern, not all of us find such appellations either amusing or honoring. Please consider that when you meet us this afternoon at the Black Sheep. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." With a curt nod to Jonathan, Alaris follows Nik and Caio towards the guest rooms. Turning back for a moment, Alaris calls over their shoulder to Ling, "Keep an eye out for Shiva - there are dark creatures about that are NOT interested in celebrating her life."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Such a good girl. Happy Birthday."
Mistress purrs the words as her lips brush the soft skin of Shiva's cheek one last time. There's a faint click, and when Shiva looks down she sees a bracelet that her lover has deftly clipped about her wrist. It's of small silver links and a tiny charm in the shape of a capital A hangs from the middle.
"So that I'm never far, sweet thing. Perhaps, one day, I will need your help, and if you yourself are in ever in need, you need only call for me."
Mistress gives Shiva one last dusky look, and then she is gone through the curtain, leaving the tiefling dazed from the roller-coaster of sensations, both physical and emotional. The blankets enveloping her are warm and soft, but the longer she lies there, the more aware she becomes of her own nudity and the throng of dancing strangers on the other side of the velvet drapes.
Jonathan chuckles and holds up his hands in acquiescence.
"Truly, I meant no offence," he assures. "Quite the contrary, in fact. Please forgive my careless tongue."
The half-elf smirks down at Ling with hooded eyes.
"Shall we see if your friend can find his clothes, or did you have other plans?" He asks, arching an eyebrow as he places a hand over each of the tiefling's hips and pulls her into him.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Shiva lays in her heap of blankets, drinking in the peace and happiness that has been left by Mistress. But before too long, she stands and begins dressing, realizing just how much time has passed since she last heard from Ling or the others. As she gets her pants on, she stops to inspect the bracelet that had just been given to her. "Beautiful and elegant" she smiles to herself as she holds it to her chest, the memories now connected to the accessory adorning her wrist. "I bet this is probably magical, I'll have Nik give it a look over. Hopefully it can bring Mistress and I together again soon."
Seeing how restricted the access is, he will slip back towards a secluded corner and cast disguise self again. Now he appears as a human usher as he heads back towards where he left his clothes.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
As Caio approaches the curtained alcoves, a burly, yet buxom woman dressed all in black pops out of a nearby service door. She's carrying a silver tray bearing a crystal pitcher full of dark red liquid, and a single goblet.
"You there, boy!" She stage-whispers in tone that is clearly not used to being ignored. The force of her rasping voice makes the curly grey hairs lining her upper lip quiver.
"Bring this to his Lordship!"
The tray and its contents are thrust into Caio's hands before he can object, and as quickly as the woman came she is gone again.
Curious, the (still naked) Elf simply does what he is told, and approaches the dais. At first, Señor Francesc doesn't take any notice of the servant approaching with his refreshment. He's occupied 'hearing' a business proposal from a pair of excited gnomes, although his face is a singular mask of boredom. However, when he looks up to take the goblet, his eyes linger a moment on Caio's face and he pauses.
"You're not the usual boy," he observes, and Caio hears a high pitched ring overlay the pounding sounds of the club.
"What's your name?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
“Caio, my lord.” There is a blatant look of surprise before his eyes shoot down to the floor. He’d been about to say Dimitri. Why didn’t I just turn invisible? he mentally scolds himself. He steels himself for a moment and then looks up to meet the man’s gaze. “Since it seems I’ve no choice, I’ll be honest with you, my lord. I was in that alcove over there a moment ago and left some items of mine. When I went back to retrieve them, it seemed the staff would not allow me in. So I cast a simple illusory disguise hoping to blend in and get my things. That’s when I was commandeered into coming to serve you. If you would be ever so gracious as to allow me to go gather my clothes, I’d be in your debt and out of your hair.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Astrid jumps back from the lynx as it morphs back into a naked Caio. "Oooh!" she averts her eyes and turns back to the others in the group while Caio marches off to the alcoves. "So, do you all get up to this sort of business often?" she asks running a hand through her hair, not sure if she wants to hear the answer. "I think I may need another drink... upstairs though. Yes, a bit better up there I think."
"What other plans could I possible have?" Ling smiles sweetly as Jonathan pulls her close. "I think they can handle themselves." She follows Jonathan through the crowds as he leads her towards the alcoves. The presence of so many non-humans makes her feel safe and carefree, allowing her to let her mind drift and let go. Enjoy yourself while your friends might be in danger, that's just like a demon-blood. Ling almost stumbles over her own feet as the icy voice cuts through her happy, clouded thoughts and Alaris' words come back to her. Shiva, oh no, Shiva! Where is she? She looks around, but all of the velvet curtains suddenly look the same and she can't remember where her sister in arms went. An icy knot forms in her stomach and she pulls Jonathan's sleeve so she can shout in his ear: "Can you help me find my friend? She went into one of those alcoves with a pale woman, but I don't know which, I'm worried she might be in trouble!" Jonathan nods. His soft smile turns serious and he entwines his fingers with Lings as he looks up and down the curved row of curtained chambers. His eyes pulse a bright gold colour for a moment as he glances about. "There," he says, tilting his head down to murmur in Ling's ear as he points at one of the rooms. "She's alone."
Ling pushes the heavy curtain aside and immediately spots a blue, half-dressed tiefling. "SHIVA!" She exclaims in relief and throws her arms around her. "I was getting worried, but..." she holds her at arm's length by her shoulders, "you seem to be perfectly fine, birthday girl." Ling relaxes, calmed that nothing sinister has happened to her friend and happy that she seems to have thoroughly enjoyed herself on the night of her birthday. "Oh, by the way, meet Jonathan." She turns to smile at him now, gratefully.
Shiva is startled as Ling bursts through the curtain and throws her arms around her, but relaxes when she sees that she was simply worried about her.
"Hi hun, yeah, I'm fine. ******* interstellar, actually. How's everyone doing?"
As Jonathan approaches, Shiva reaches out a hand "Nice to meet you, Jonathan. I'm Shivala."
"Ah, the infamous 'blue beauty'," Jonathan observes, taking Shiva gently by the hand and lowering his head to it, although he does not kiss her. His eyes flicker briefly across the bracelet adorning her wrist.
"Your reputation precedes you."
He glances towards the curtain as the conversation from outside seeps through.
"Shivala here might be starbound, but it seems your elven friend might be in rather more trouble..."
Señor Francesc smirks like the cat who got the cream.
"Ah, Mr Cypherien! Yes, I've heard of you and your friends. Do come and stand out front, rather than hovering besides me like a common servant."
He gestures to the strip of carpet in front of him, usually used for granting an audience.
"Oh, and you may release your illusions."
Francesc's smirk broadens further still.
"You see, now I must hold you to that debt, for your services are very valuable indeed. Are we in agreement, before I allow you to reclaim your dignity?"
The olive skinned man glances over Caio's shoulder to where Alaris and the others are gathering.
"Do invite your colleagues to join us."
He claps and calls for an array of refreshments for all.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Caio goes to roll his eyes, but he recovers with a forced smile. “Respectfully Sir, I’d like to make it clear that I would be in your debt. Not my friends. But if you seek our services, I can absolutely agree to do my best to negotiate for a discounted rate on your behalf.” Caio turns and waves his companions over as well, before turning back to Francesc. “And if it’s alright with you, my lord, I intend to maintain this guise until I am no longer in the nude.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"You have to tell me all the details later, leave NOTHING out!" Ling nudges Shiva affectionately before returning to Jonathan and pulling him along again, her happy mood quickly drowning out the strange voice from earlier. "White beauty and blue beauty, we could do a lot worse for nicknames, don't you think? Why would Caio be in trouble, last I saw him he was a pwetty kitty cat. Let's go and tease him about it Shiva, I'll fill you in on the way!"
The tiefling leads the way past the curtain back into the club where they immediately spot Francesc sitting on his throne. She slows down a little as the approach and whispers to Jonathan: "Now, he looks like he's in charge. Who's that human? You sounded like he was bad news?" Unconsciously, she reaches behind her to feel for Shiva's hand.
"That," Jonathan begins, keeping his voice low, "is Francesc the Bull. He's a Breannian exile with spurious claims to nobility. He came to Piotrgrad several years ago as a merchant and has been very successful in embedding himself amongst the upper class. Nobody knows exactly what he deals in. Be careful, he's a dangerous man."
The half-elf hangs back for the moment, seemingly waiting to see what Ling and her friends decide to make of this.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Oh, there's so much to tell, I don't know where to begin." Shiva exclaims through a deep sigh filled with longing as she holds onto Ling's arm. "Seems like there was no shortage of mischief though, Caio was a cat? Shiva scrunches her face in confusion
As they spot Francesc "Breannian nobility and human, I dislike him already. And I don't have patience for him giving our friends any shit."
Shiva takes Ling's hand as she begins to approach the throne.
Alaris Forien arches an eyebrow as they approach the throned figure and speak in a respectful but not obsequious tone.
"If you will, his dignity has little to do with his clothing and far more to do with the love and loyalty of his friends. Now, my lord, is this truly how you wish to enter into business with us? Hostilities and hubris? Surely in your own sanctum, grace and respect will season our bargaining better than those?"
Alaris lays a reassuring hand on Caio's shoulder and gazes with an inquiring smile up at Señor Francesc.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Hostilities?" Francesc echoes in amusement, gesturing to the fine platters of confectionary and pitchers of warm, spiced wine being served all around them.
"Please, you are my guests! Come, eat, drink, talk with me. Avail yourselves of the hospitality. Tell me of your exploits. The city is awash with stories of the Trio Infernale and friends."
His face is all smiles, but his eyes watch Caio and Alaris with sharp focus and attention.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Ling raises an eyebrow at Jonathan's explanation and tries to get a better look at Francesc, but she cannot see his face well from where they stand. Turning to Shiva, she quietly says into her ear: "I know, but don't chop his balls off straight away. He runs this club, chances are he'll be willing to pay us a good amount for our work. You can still decapitate him once we've gotten paid, right?" She gives Shiva a sly grin, then clears her face of any mischief and adjusts her clothes before stepping forward.
"Don't mind Alaris, they need to loosen up a little. I don't blame you for appreciating our elven Mr Dark and Handsome here." She winks at Caio. "So, what kinda job do you have in mind? I must warn you, the famous five don't come cheap. At least, professionally." Ling smiles playfully at the nobleman, trying to gauge his reaction.
Looking a bit shell-shocked, Astrid sits at the bar on the top level. A few gears and springs are scattered about in front of her. Between sips from a fresh mug of ale she absent-mindedly spins one of the cogs like a child's top. As it spins, her head lolls from side to side while quietly muttering to herself and tossing the occasional glance to Nikolai and the passage back below.
So what are you doing up here?! You've seen worse stuff than this, right? They're just people having a little fun. It's not like your wading through hordes of kobolds and orcs again... yet. The Scribe has sent these people to you, so that can be ALL that bad. Just a little rough around the edges. Besides, are you just going to sit around up here and tinker with things you're not very good at.
With a light sigh, she slumps into her seat and continues to quietly sip her ale.
Francesc beams back at Ling, though the smile never quite seems to reach his eyes.
"First pleasure," he declares, "then business. I was just offering 'Mr Dark and Handsome' here some of these fine Breannian treats."
Attention is immediately drawn to Caio, who is in the midst of slinking away to dress himself. One of the servants comes forward and presents the group with a platter of unusually exquisite looking sweets to sample.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva