"Mhhm, let's leave that to our resident bookworm." She nods at Caio while patting Nikolai on the head and then heads over to Shivala to sling her arms around her next. After drinking with everyone to Shiva's birthday, especially the "love and liberation" part, she spots Astrid. Leaning in close, she rests her chin on Shiva's shoulder and whispers in her ear: "Don't look now - don't! But that woman over there is kinda staring at us. What do you think, interested? If so, you better hurry or Caio may beat you to it." She moves a piece of of azure hair behind Shiva's ear and nods her chin in Astrid's direction. It may seem like Ling is idly wondering about the dwarven woman, but being close as sisters, Shiva can feel Ling's unease in the way she squeezes her shoulders. Her eyes follow Caio closely. Being watched without her hood on to hide her horns still makes Ling uneasy - one can never be quite sure, even in The Black Sheep, what people will make of tieflings.
Alaris sent a wide grin and a wink to Caio, reading his expression perfectly. That hadn't always been the case; being the government's de facto leash on a pack of wild hunters did not, in and of itself, generate a deep affection -- especially when that leash came with a not insignificant cut of the pack's earnings. Their gaze eases over towards the actual Trio Infernale and the grin becomes a more heartfelt smile. Despite themselves, Alaris had come to love these lovely, passionate hunters. They had not always loved the flame-haired paladin, however. Alaris still remembered the first time they all met.
The knight walked into the prison complex where the foursome were being held, fully armored and with Hope's Edge ringing off the stonework. Alaris dismissed the guards so they could speak frankly to the group. They each stare daggers at the paladin, varying from disdain to disgust to pure loathing.
"I am Alaris Forien, of the Volkfelder Order of Freya. I've got three things to say, then I'll let you get back to your busy day. First, I've got a deal for you. Second, you're not going to like it. Third, you're going to like NOT taking it even less. You're the Trio Infernale, and your reputation has grown enough to make people way above my pay grade... let's say uncomfortable? Yeah, that will work. Uncomfortable. So here's the deal - from where I stand, you've got three choices. Sit in here and rot; break out and have squads of folk like me hounding you from behind and before until you get buried in another hole deeper than this or get dead; or you can take my deal -- be on your merry with a new member of your troupe that gives you official sanction to hunt. It won't be cheap - temple takes its fat bite out of contracts. But think about it - it's better than the alternatives, right? Think it over - talk it out - I'll be back in an hour."
Banging the butt of Hope's Edge off the floor as they walk away, the knight shakes their head. I love Anatoly, but he is crazy -- they'll never take the deal.
A year and a bit later, how things have changed.
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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...
Shiva takes Ling's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze to comfort and reassure her
"Yes, Caio and I clocked them when they sat down, and Alaris has been eyeing them from the corner. Normally I'd be more cautious, but this person doesn't read as someone looking for a fight, and Caio already seems to be assessing the situation."
Taking another swig of her drink
"This wine is also helping to calm my nerves. Don't worry hun, if someone wants to start trouble, I'd be happy to finish it.
"Oh! Manners...yes. I'm Astrid Silverscar," she announces a bit embarrassed. "As to your question... That is something I'm trying to figure out as well. You see, I have some small control over the flow of time around me - granted to me by Brightmantle," she begins to explain. "However, when something occurs that may have altered time on a grander scale those of us that are in tune with the flow of time can sense those disturbances. I had experienced my first such sensation just before coming here and it led me here."The cleric quickly takes up her ale and slowly drinks, sinking behind her mug for fearing of sounding like a mad woman.
Nikolai lowers the mug from his lips and slips over next to Ling and Shivala as they whisper conspiratorially. He nonchalantly puts his arms around their shoulders and leans in. “Who wants trouble?” He grins slightly, showing the tips of his ‘fangs’. “No one in Schaf causes trouble when we are in.” He finally glances over and spots Astrid. “The dwarf? She’s no trouble.” He waves dismissively, then drunkenly takes another drink from his mug. “If she does cause trouble, we will handle it.”
“Well Astrid, I’m Caio Cypherien. You seem benign enough, if you’ve come seeking me and my friends, might as well take some initiative and come have a seat.” The elf turns and immediately grins as he catches the eyes of the trio, huddling like a clique of teenagers. “She’s friendly, I think.” He calls out and makes his way back to the table, expecting the dwarf to follow. “Astrid, this is Shivala, Nikolai, and Ling. And that’s Alaris over there. They’re a friend too.” Then he turns to his companions and takes a big swig of his wine. “Apparently, we have ‘disturbed the flow of time’.” He says, half-joking.
Alaris makes their way over, reverses a chair, and sits down, propping their arms on the back of the chair. "That's not the first time one of our parties has had that effect. Remember that time in Roslovsk? I woke up and it was three days later." Alaris grins and takes a sip of their little mug of brandy. "Welcome, Astrid. Long days and pleasant nights to you." Their red hair has a burnished copper glint to it in the flamelight illuminating the tavern, and their grey-silver eyes are surprisingly lustrous for the lanky human they appear to be at first glance.
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...
Nikolai winks at Astrid and smiles as he waves her over. “Come. Join us, friend Astrid. Well, Caio when you are- Wait. What did you just say?” His eyes lose focus as he seems to withdraw into himself and a thought process. “Yes, that makes sense… less temporal… more… planar disruption.” He mutters quietly to himself, a trait his friends would know that shows he is deep in thought.
His eyes widen as his snaps a finger. “The ring! Ling, please if you would be so kind.” He holds his hand out, palm up ready to receive the object. “I experienced something... some strange dissociative thoughts as if someone had intruded my mind, but it was me. As clear as this mug is in my hand, I know the thoughts I had came from me, but from a different me. As if there was some sort of planar disruption. I think this ring is the cause of that disruption, that it came from somewhere else and carried with it a fragment of the other plane. I did not like the feeling me that came with that ring. I will examine it to see if I can determine more about it. Did any of you experience any strange discomfort or confusing thoughts around the same time?”
"THAT'S what I felt!"Alaris exclaims with a gape, pointing at the ring. "Incalculable power... sagging into slumber..." They blush a bit before continuing, "Y'all know I don't know much about arcane business, though. But there was a voice in my head... shrieking at the top of its lungs... and I think it was worried about YOU," Alaris continues, turning their silvery gaze towards Ling.
"Something about... I don't know. The memory's fading so fast now that I'm trying to recall it..."
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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...
Nikolai spins to smile at Alaris. “Likewise! The same feeling was fear for Ling, but not our Ling. A different one. I felt like I had failed and you were suffering some sort of consequences for my failure.” He rubs his hand along his jaw. “Magical indeed? Mayhaps I can delve further into this mystery and find your secrets little ring…” he glances to Astrid. “You have some powers over time and space? What are your thoughts? What was it that brought you to us?”
Shiva spreads her arms wide with a big, drunken smile "Astrid! Nice to meet you on this fan-TASTIC evening."
After Nikolai explains the planar disturbance; "That's what that was? I had a moment of disorientation earlier, but I figured it was just the wine. Now that I think about it, I had a moment of a strange feeling, but it passed so quickly that I didn't pay it any mind. It was something close to resignation, solemn but not sad."
Shivala leans in, but she's still a little too tipsy to give her full attention
Astrid approaches the group of revelers at the invitation. "Thank you for the hospitality. And happy birthday!"She gives each a friendly nod as they are introduced. "I must say I did not expect to find such a... diverse group that The Scribe would have me find to help me restore honor to my clan - Clan Silverscar."
She allows her gaze to pass over them all as she pulls up a chair. She sits back and listens quietly, not sure if they are poking fun with all their talk. When her eyes fall upon Nikolai her expression sours a bit. "Well that is surely something I didn't expect to find either on this journey," She says with a curious tone, indicating the dwarven weapon he carries.
Reassured as always by Shivala and Nikolai, Ling inspects Astrid more openly. She nods at Caio, his approval of the newcomer enough for her to welcome the dwarf. "We always seem to disturb things wherever we go, but I think 'the flow of time' is a new one." She stands upright and raises her mug to Alaris: "Oh we had such fun, take my word for it if you don't remember! First time you really showed us you're not as rule-bound as you appear. I remember exactly actually, there were you and there was this young -"
Ling is interrupted by Nikolai and hands him the ring. "I think you're supposed to say 'I do!' and swear your eternal loyalty first, but here, have it." Her cheeky smile falters slightly as he explains. "I felt nothing like that... are you sure someone put something in our drinks?" She holds up her mug and squints at it, as if asking it to answer for itself. "I mean I'm glad to hear you're all thinking about me, of course, but maybe happier thoughts next time? I've certainly been known to inspire some." She sticks out her tongue as if not at all taking this seriously. Liar! The voice in the back of her mind hisses. You had a weird feeling about the ring too, and you can hardly blame it on the little bit of port you've had.
She sits back down between the other two tieflings, slouching and propping her elbows up on the back of the chair. Her eyes remain on Astrid as she waits for Nikolai's reply. Well this should be fun, she doesn't seem at all pleased about his pistols. At least Caio and Alaris aren't too wasted yet and I guess Shiva is fine defending herself even if she won't remember tomorrow. Despite her relaxed posture, she is quietly calculating her odds against the stranger who just joined them. Trusting new people, at least those who don't seem to be outcasts themselves, does not come natural to Ling.
Nikolai waves off Ling’s teasing distractedly as he examines the ring closely, moving it around in his hand, testing its weight, looking for any markings in or around the band… He laughs as he does. “You know I’m hopelessly devoted to you already Ling.”
When he looks back up he notices the sour look Astrid is fixing him with and is about to speak up when he notices her gesturing at his pistol. He fixes the dwarf with a nonplussed look and scoffs. “This?! This is the thing of which you choose to raise a ruckus? I have just told you about a ring that has appeared from nowhere amidst a planar disruption during which all of us,” he gives Ling a dubious look. “Experienced some sort of intrusive thoughts and you are concerned about this?!” He gestures angrily towards the shoulder rig as he stares at Astrid. “Not that my possessions are any of your business, but I will tell you the same thing I have told every single dwarf before you so that this issue can be dropped and we can focus on the important thing. I am no thief. I found this relic abandoned in the wilderness far from any Dwarven settlements, near no Dwarven corpses, nor a live dwarf, and there sure as hell were no dwarves within a hundred miles searching for it! It was in such a state of decomposition that I used magical means in which to repair it to its present state. Given that the rightful owner has never come forth in years to claim this I reserve the right, based upon any common law in existence, to claim it as my property. Should you not agree with my claim, then you are welcome to try and take it from me by force; however, I can assure you that myself nor my companions will take kindly to such actions. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend.”
He turns towards a table and sets the ring upon the wooden top and begins opening the tooled leather pouches on his shoulder rig opposite the Dwarven pistol. He carefully removes the ancient looking deck of cards from their protective wrappings sets it near the ring. He fishes a hunk of incense from another pouch and spends a moment lighting the pungent material. He takes several deep breaths through his nostrils of the acrid smoke as he begins to form a geometric pattern around the ring, moving slowly and methodically with each draw. Once the pattern is complete, Nikolai lays a final card atop the ring, face down and his touches his index finger to his forehead with his right hand and his left index finger rests upon the overturned card...
Caio cringes ever so slightly at Nik’s defensive tirade. He’d been there first hand to witness some of the volatile reactions other dwarves had had to the striking gadget. But Astrid didn’t seem to be so aggressive, and Caio can’t help but feel bad for her hearing the harsh explanation. As Nikolai dives into his ritual, Caio takes it upon himself to nip those tensions in the bud. “Yes, Nik is quite the collector of odd trinkets. Ah, you mentioned restoring honor to your clan? What’s all that about?”
Astrid sits up straight in her chair and the mildly sour look turns to daggers that flare slightly with a silver radiance as the warlock goes into his ritual. She fidgets with the winding stem on the large pocket watch around her neck as she contemplates interrupting his casting, though she knows all well the frustration of being interrupted during a ritual. After a moment she lets out a long breath and mutters, "Hrmph...You haven't seen a ruckus yet from me... It's just old junk from the northern kingdoms anyways."
"Ahh, that's a bit better,"she states as she finishes the rest of her ale and signals for another from the waitress. Turning to the pale elf then with a smile, "Yes, that is a bit of a story... maybe more of a tall tale. I'm in search of my grandmother, or what likely remains of her, and the vestiges of my clan. She disappeared out this way a few centuries ago try to track down the legend of a ancient dwarven city in the Eazim Forest. Considering that she never made it made to Kazad Azgaraz I fear for what she did manage to find."
Shiva lets out a wine as she sits back in her seat
"All this tension and heavy shit going around when we're suppose to be having fun! Hell, guess it can't be helped if we've got some unknown forces invading our minds."
Entirely disregarding the awkward moment that arose, Shiva asks "So Astrid, if I am following you, you believe that we'll be able to help you find your clan and an ancient dwarven city? Sounds fun enough."
"Oh dear! I've done it again haven't I," Astrid says waving her hands and dismissing the question politely. "We can discuss my matters a latter time. This night should be about you!"She looks over to the ring Nikolai is studying, then back to the others. "I'm sure we can talk more of all this in the morning... or whenever you happen to wake." She raises her mug and chuckles knowing the celebration may well extend to the dawn.
Ling glares at Astrid for upsetting Nikolai and plays with her dagger for a moment, but quickly forgets about it as she watches him work his card magic. Even though she has been able to observe this ritual many times over the years, she is still fascinated by it and waits eagerly to see what the verdict is. Then Shiva speaks and Ling's thoughts take a new turn yet again. She pushes back in her chair and balances on the hind legs, resting her feet on the table. "We are! Let's drink to that! Looking for an old woman? It sounds like there's no blood in that, I don't see the point!" Emptying the rest of her wine, she loudly bangs the mug on the table and announces: "Time to get into the catacombs then? I know just the party for tonight, you'll love it!" Having already moved on from the earlier affront, she looks over to Astrid: "You coming?"
"The catacombs! Hell yeah, that sounds like a good time." Shiva yells, putting her arm around Ling's shoulder and finishing the rest of her drink "So who's coming?"
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"Mhhm, let's leave that to our resident bookworm." She nods at Caio while patting Nikolai on the head and then heads over to Shivala to sling her arms around her next. After drinking with everyone to Shiva's birthday, especially the "love and liberation" part, she spots Astrid. Leaning in close, she rests her chin on Shiva's shoulder and whispers in her ear: "Don't look now - don't! But that woman over there is kinda staring at us. What do you think, interested? If so, you better hurry or Caio may beat you to it." She moves a piece of of azure hair behind Shiva's ear and nods her chin in Astrid's direction.
It may seem like Ling is idly wondering about the dwarven woman, but being close as sisters, Shiva can feel Ling's unease in the way she squeezes her shoulders. Her eyes follow Caio closely. Being watched without her hood on to hide her horns still makes Ling uneasy - one can never be quite sure, even in The Black Sheep, what people will make of tieflings.
Alaris sent a wide grin and a wink to Caio, reading his expression perfectly. That hadn't always been the case; being the government's de facto leash on a pack of wild hunters did not, in and of itself, generate a deep affection -- especially when that leash came with a not insignificant cut of the pack's earnings. Their gaze eases over towards the actual Trio Infernale and the grin becomes a more heartfelt smile. Despite themselves, Alaris had come to love these lovely, passionate hunters. They had not always loved the flame-haired paladin, however. Alaris still remembered the first time they all met.
The knight walked into the prison complex where the foursome were being held, fully armored and with Hope's Edge ringing off the stonework. Alaris dismissed the guards so they could speak frankly to the group. They each stare daggers at the paladin, varying from disdain to disgust to pure loathing.
"I am Alaris Forien, of the Volkfelder Order of Freya. I've got three things to say, then I'll let you get back to your busy day. First, I've got a deal for you. Second, you're not going to like it. Third, you're going to like NOT taking it even less. You're the Trio Infernale, and your reputation has grown enough to make people way above my pay grade... let's say uncomfortable? Yeah, that will work. Uncomfortable. So here's the deal - from where I stand, you've got three choices. Sit in here and rot; break out and have squads of folk like me hounding you from behind and before until you get buried in another hole deeper than this or get dead; or you can take my deal -- be on your merry with a new member of your troupe that gives you official sanction to hunt. It won't be cheap - temple takes its fat bite out of contracts. But think about it - it's better than the alternatives, right? Think it over - talk it out - I'll be back in an hour."
Banging the butt of Hope's Edge off the floor as they walk away, the knight shakes their head. I love Anatoly, but he is crazy -- they'll never take the deal.
A year and a bit later, how things have changed.
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...
Shiva takes Ling's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze to comfort and reassure her
"Yes, Caio and I clocked them when they sat down, and Alaris has been eyeing them from the corner. Normally I'd be more cautious, but this person doesn't read as someone looking for a fight, and Caio already seems to be assessing the situation."
Taking another swig of her drink
"This wine is also helping to calm my nerves. Don't worry hun, if someone wants to start trouble, I'd be happy to finish it.
Shiva momentarily leans her head against Ling's
"Oh! Manners...yes. I'm Astrid Silverscar," she announces a bit embarrassed. "As to your question... That is something I'm trying to figure out as well. You see, I have some small control over the flow of time around me - granted to me by Brightmantle," she begins to explain. "However, when something occurs that may have altered time on a grander scale those of us that are in tune with the flow of time can sense those disturbances. I had experienced my first such sensation just before coming here and it led me here." The cleric quickly takes up her ale and slowly drinks, sinking behind her mug for fearing of sounding like a mad woman.
Nikolai lowers the mug from his lips and slips over next to Ling and Shivala as they whisper conspiratorially. He nonchalantly puts his arms around their shoulders and leans in. “Who wants trouble?” He grins slightly, showing the tips of his ‘fangs’. “No one in Schaf causes trouble when we are in.” He finally glances over and spots Astrid. “The dwarf? She’s no trouble.” He waves dismissively, then drunkenly takes another drink from his mug. “If she does cause trouble, we will handle it.”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
“Well Astrid, I’m Caio Cypherien. You seem benign enough, if you’ve come seeking me and my friends, might as well take some initiative and come have a seat.” The elf turns and immediately grins as he catches the eyes of the trio, huddling like a clique of teenagers. “She’s friendly, I think.” He calls out and makes his way back to the table, expecting the dwarf to follow. “Astrid, this is Shivala, Nikolai, and Ling. And that’s Alaris over there. They’re a friend too.” Then he turns to his companions and takes a big swig of his wine. “Apparently, we have ‘disturbed the flow of time’.” He says, half-joking.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Alaris makes their way over, reverses a chair, and sits down, propping their arms on the back of the chair. "That's not the first time one of our parties has had that effect. Remember that time in Roslovsk? I woke up and it was three days later." Alaris grins and takes a sip of their little mug of brandy. "Welcome, Astrid. Long days and pleasant nights to you." Their red hair has a burnished copper glint to it in the flamelight illuminating the tavern, and their grey-silver eyes are surprisingly lustrous for the lanky human they appear to be at first glance.
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...
Nikolai winks at Astrid and smiles as he waves her over. “Come. Join us, friend Astrid. Well, Caio when you are- Wait. What did you just say?” His eyes lose focus as he seems to withdraw into himself and a thought process. “Yes, that makes sense… less temporal… more… planar disruption.” He mutters quietly to himself, a trait his friends would know that shows he is deep in thought.
His eyes widen as his snaps a finger. “The ring! Ling, please if you would be so kind.” He holds his hand out, palm up ready to receive the object. “I experienced something... some strange dissociative thoughts as if someone had intruded my mind, but it was me. As clear as this mug is in my hand, I know the thoughts I had came from me, but from a different me. As if there was some sort of planar disruption. I think this ring is the cause of that disruption, that it came from somewhere else and carried with it a fragment of the other plane. I did not like the feeling me that came with that ring. I will examine it to see if I can determine more about it. Did any of you experience any strange discomfort or confusing thoughts around the same time?”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"THAT'S what I felt!" Alaris exclaims with a gape, pointing at the ring. "Incalculable power... sagging into slumber..." They blush a bit before continuing, "Y'all know I don't know much about arcane business, though. But there was a voice in my head... shrieking at the top of its lungs... and I think it was worried about YOU," Alaris continues, turning their silvery gaze towards Ling.
"Something about... I don't know. The memory's fading so fast now that I'm trying to recall it..."
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...
Nikolai spins to smile at Alaris. “Likewise! The same feeling was fear for Ling, but not our Ling. A different one. I felt like I had failed and you were suffering some sort of consequences for my failure.” He rubs his hand along his jaw. “Magical indeed? Mayhaps I can delve further into this mystery and find your secrets little ring…” he glances to Astrid. “You have some powers over time and space? What are your thoughts? What was it that brought you to us?”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Shiva spreads her arms wide with a big, drunken smile "Astrid! Nice to meet you on this fan-TASTIC evening."
After Nikolai explains the planar disturbance; "That's what that was? I had a moment of disorientation earlier, but I figured it was just the wine. Now that I think about it, I had a moment of a strange feeling, but it passed so quickly that I didn't pay it any mind. It was something close to resignation, solemn but not sad."
Shivala leans in, but she's still a little too tipsy to give her full attention
Astrid approaches the group of revelers at the invitation. "Thank you for the hospitality. And happy birthday!" She gives each a friendly nod as they are introduced. "I must say I did not expect to find such a... diverse group that The Scribe would have me find to help me restore honor to my clan - Clan Silverscar."
She allows her gaze to pass over them all as she pulls up a chair. She sits back and listens quietly, not sure if they are poking fun with all their talk. When her eyes fall upon Nikolai her expression sours a bit. "Well that is surely something I didn't expect to find either on this journey," She says with a curious tone, indicating the dwarven weapon he carries.
Reassured as always by Shivala and Nikolai, Ling inspects Astrid more openly. She nods at Caio, his approval of the newcomer enough for her to welcome the dwarf. "We always seem to disturb things wherever we go, but I think 'the flow of time' is a new one." She stands upright and raises her mug to Alaris: "Oh we had such fun, take my word for it if you don't remember! First time you really showed us you're not as rule-bound as you appear. I remember exactly actually, there were you and there was this young -"
Ling is interrupted by Nikolai and hands him the ring. "I think you're supposed to say 'I do!' and swear your eternal loyalty first, but here, have it." Her cheeky smile falters slightly as he explains. "I felt nothing like that... are you sure someone put something in our drinks?" She holds up her mug and squints at it, as if asking it to answer for itself. "I mean I'm glad to hear you're all thinking about me, of course, but maybe happier thoughts next time? I've certainly been known to inspire some." She sticks out her tongue as if not at all taking this seriously. Liar! The voice in the back of her mind hisses. You had a weird feeling about the ring too, and you can hardly blame it on the little bit of port you've had.
She sits back down between the other two tieflings, slouching and propping her elbows up on the back of the chair. Her eyes remain on Astrid as she waits for Nikolai's reply. Well this should be fun, she doesn't seem at all pleased about his pistols. At least Caio and Alaris aren't too wasted yet and I guess Shiva is fine defending herself even if she won't remember tomorrow. Despite her relaxed posture, she is quietly calculating her odds against the stranger who just joined them. Trusting new people, at least those who don't seem to be outcasts themselves, does not come natural to Ling.
Nikolai waves off Ling’s teasing distractedly as he examines the ring closely, moving it around in his hand, testing its weight, looking for any markings in or around the band… He laughs as he does. “You know I’m hopelessly devoted to you already Ling.”
When he looks back up he notices the sour look Astrid is fixing him with and is about to speak up when he notices her gesturing at his pistol. He fixes the dwarf with a nonplussed look and scoffs. “This?! This is the thing of which you choose to raise a ruckus? I have just told you about a ring that has appeared from nowhere amidst a planar disruption during which all of us,” he gives Ling a dubious look. “Experienced some sort of intrusive thoughts and you are concerned about this?!” He gestures angrily towards the shoulder rig as he stares at Astrid. “Not that my possessions are any of your business, but I will tell you the same thing I have told every single dwarf before you so that this issue can be dropped and we can focus on the important thing. I am no thief. I found this relic abandoned in the wilderness far from any Dwarven settlements, near no Dwarven corpses, nor a live dwarf, and there sure as hell were no dwarves within a hundred miles searching for it! It was in such a state of decomposition that I used magical means in which to repair it to its present state. Given that the rightful owner has never come forth in years to claim this I reserve the right, based upon any common law in existence, to claim it as my property. Should you not agree with my claim, then you are welcome to try and take it from me by force; however, I can assure you that myself nor my companions will take kindly to such actions. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend.”
He turns towards a table and sets the ring upon the wooden top and begins opening the tooled leather pouches on his shoulder rig opposite the Dwarven pistol. He carefully removes the ancient looking deck of cards from their protective wrappings sets it near the ring. He fishes a hunk of incense from another pouch and spends a moment lighting the pungent material. He takes several deep breaths through his nostrils of the acrid smoke as he begins to form a geometric pattern around the ring, moving slowly and methodically with each draw. Once the pattern is complete, Nikolai lays a final card atop the ring, face down and his touches his index finger to his forehead with his right hand and his left index finger rests upon the overturned card...
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Caio cringes ever so slightly at Nik’s defensive tirade. He’d been there first hand to witness some of the volatile reactions other dwarves had had to the striking gadget. But Astrid didn’t seem to be so aggressive, and Caio can’t help but feel bad for her hearing the harsh explanation. As Nikolai dives into his ritual, Caio takes it upon himself to nip those tensions in the bud. “Yes, Nik is quite the collector of odd trinkets. Ah, you mentioned restoring honor to your clan? What’s all that about?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Astrid sits up straight in her chair and the mildly sour look turns to daggers that flare slightly with a silver radiance as the warlock goes into his ritual. She fidgets with the winding stem on the large pocket watch around her neck as she contemplates interrupting his casting, though she knows all well the frustration of being interrupted during a ritual. After a moment she lets out a long breath and mutters, "Hrmph...You haven't seen a ruckus yet from me... It's just old junk from the northern kingdoms anyways."
"Ahh, that's a bit better," she states as she finishes the rest of her ale and signals for another from the waitress. Turning to the pale elf then with a smile, "Yes, that is a bit of a story... maybe more of a tall tale. I'm in search of my grandmother, or what likely remains of her, and the vestiges of my clan. She disappeared out this way a few centuries ago try to track down the legend of a ancient dwarven city in the Eazim Forest. Considering that she never made it made to Kazad Azgaraz I fear for what she did manage to find."
Shiva lets out a wine as she sits back in her seat
"All this tension and heavy shit going around when we're suppose to be having fun! Hell, guess it can't be helped if we've got some unknown forces invading our minds."
Entirely disregarding the awkward moment that arose, Shiva asks "So Astrid, if I am following you, you believe that we'll be able to help you find your clan and an ancient dwarven city? Sounds fun enough."
"Oh dear! I've done it again haven't I," Astrid says waving her hands and dismissing the question politely. "We can discuss my matters a latter time. This night should be about you!" She looks over to the ring Nikolai is studying, then back to the others. "I'm sure we can talk more of all this in the morning... or whenever you happen to wake." She raises her mug and chuckles knowing the celebration may well extend to the dawn.
Ling glares at Astrid for upsetting Nikolai and plays with her dagger for a moment, but quickly forgets about it as she watches him work his card magic. Even though she has been able to observe this ritual many times over the years, she is still fascinated by it and waits eagerly to see what the verdict is. Then Shiva speaks and Ling's thoughts take a new turn yet again. She pushes back in her chair and balances on the hind legs, resting her feet on the table. "We are! Let's drink to that! Looking for an old woman? It sounds like there's no blood in that, I don't see the point!" Emptying the rest of her wine, she loudly bangs the mug on the table and announces: "Time to get into the catacombs then? I know just the party for tonight, you'll love it!" Having already moved on from the earlier affront, she looks over to Astrid: "You coming?"
"The catacombs! Hell yeah, that sounds like a good time." Shiva yells, putting her arm around Ling's shoulder and finishing the rest of her drink "So who's coming?"