As the canticle ended, the slightest change occurred in the Dragonborn's eyes. They opened more, and while her expression remained blank, it was clear the music had touched her somehow. She seemed slightly less bitter. Of course, peace was an alien concept to her that only ever seemed to last about five seconds, for as the nervous human child fumbled over her the quiet storm returned.
"For the love of the goddess, what," she spat at the poor wretch. It was at this moment, the little tyke dropped the invite at her feat. She breathed in and out a few times, eyes closed. When she opened them, she hissed something in the tongues of her people. Profanity had a way of crossing language barriers, so even those who didn't know her lingua franca could tell that what she said of the boy was far from kind. A clawed hand snatched up the invite, and her eyes scanned it. "Hmmmp," she vocalized, her tone much softer than the previous utterance.
The canticle had just ended, and it didn't seem complicated to get there. The Dragonborn considered the request for a few minutes. If she rejected it, she might be asked to leave, and therefore wouldn't be able to finish her work. She could just steal the books, and make a break for it. There were perks to people being afraid of you. However, she knew that would be wrong, and give people untrue assumptions about her species. She had no choice. Her greatest fear would have to be faced. She would have to participate in the dreaded task known as....
small talk!
"Bugger this," she hissed quietly, but then began to slowly pack up her things into an animal skin bag. Her weapons were properly and safely stowed away. Last but not least, she returned all the books she'd been using except one. A large dusty tome was carried between her arms as she trudged along the floors, slowly working her way towards the office of the dean.
A small, young gnome, who was certainly not there a moment before, pops up in front of the Dragonborn and says in a quick voice “ I’ve never seen a Dragonborn up close! They call me Pox! Welcome to the library and Nice to meet you!” He gives a quick little bow, then nimbly jumps back a bit- as if expecting an attack. He is clad in mismatched garish colored clothes, has tanned skin, large brown eyes, and a friendly, mischievous grin.
Dean Tobius smiles at the two of you. He has always been the older father figure of the order. You have seen him wield some of the most powerful of Clerical Magics in public ceremony and there is little doubt that he is close to Deneir.
This morning I received a dire message sent magically from a wizard colleague of mine. Its source was our neighbors to the West, the elves of Shimistra Forest.
The message stated that Prince Ebberon of Shimistra would be traveling here with urgent and dire tidings. The prince traveled with only one other companion - the Druid Newander - as his guide. I request of both of you - Merai and Cadderly on behalf of this institution and our shared God that you head up this task. I need you to travel to the Gates of Kowledge and set up base camp and act as a welcoming party for them as they will be weary from their journey.
OOC - It is common knowledge that the Gates of Knowledge are the unofficial start of the library grounds and signify to travelers that their journey is nearing its end. Once through the gates a well maintained road leads easily to the Library and is exactly 5 miles long.
Normally I would ask more senior members of our order for something of such significance, but Newander requested you by name Cadderly. Apparently when he visited the library in your youth you left a lasting impression. Merai - as one of our few elves in the order I thought wise to have you along as well and since you and Cadderly work together. You may each have a companion along - I would assume that you would bring Miss Danica, (looking to Cadderly, referring to his girlfriend a young human woman monk studying at the library) and your little friend Pox (looking to Merai).
I am sure that you saw the newcomers earlier today. I am meeting with two fo them after this discussion in hopes of purchasing their assistance to go along with you. I don't think a little extra muscle would hurt, especially after the warning we received. It is hard to say when the Prince will arrive at the gates it could at any point in the next week. I will have your travel preparations made and your party shall leave at noon tomorrow, fully supplied of course.
May Deneir bless you with his harmony. In advance thanks for taking on this task.
He puts two gems in front of each of you - each worth 75 GP. Cadderly goes to refuse, but is silenced with a wave of the Dean's hand.
Merai says “thank you for this offer, I am most honored to accept. As for Pox, I will gladly bring him with, although I think I’ll be doing everyone a favor by getting him out of this place for a while!” She smiles and accepts the gem. “This will help with my studies”.
Dean Tobius chuckles at your remark.
"Quick whit is one the hallmarks of a promising Deneirian. Now both of you get some rest, the tome of Fungi can wait until your return. I must prepare for my tea with hopefully your two new companions on this journey. You shall leave immediately after tomorrow's Midday Canticle."
He dismisses you both with a wave of your hands. Cadderly is grinning from ear to ear. His assistant, Rufo, guides you to the exit ladled with Tea supplies.
MERAI - You are a bit relieved others will be joining you. You are surprised that Cadderly would be joining as he is more Scholar than Cleric. You have witnessed that his attempts at clerical magics rarely produce results and it's known about the library that he has lived a sheltered life within the walls of the Edificant Library - basically - he is not what you'd expect of the adventuring type.
OOC: Going to give our other player a chance to get in there before replying to Pox. Don't want to lose them in the shuffle. BTW: While I'm a deadly and beautiful Dragonborn for this campaign, in real life my name is Billy. I got a husband and a dog. Matty is great. Blah Blah Blah, personal intro stuff. :)
OOC: Going to give our other player a chance to get in there before replying to Pox. Don't want to lose them in the shuffle. BTW: While I'm a deadly and beautiful Dragonborn for this campaign, in real life my name is Billy. I got a husband and a dog. Matty is great. Blah Blah Blah, personal intro stuff. :)
OOC - Billy is the best!! Good idea waiting for Little Iron to catch up ;)
Short and stocky, pointed ears droop dramatically from beneath a thick head of brown hair, a wry smile causes the handle bar mustache to dance under his slightly upturned nose. Little Iron, so called due to his steel grey eyes (and the simple fact that NO ONE likes being called Millet), was a familiar site among the library on a seasonal basis. Being a cleric of Oghma the aasimar was welcome to come and go freely. He looked forward to the spring opportunity to check in and enjoy the summer months in the cooler mountain climate.
"Just my luck," Millet thinks to himself, "Just in time for canticle."
Little Iron drops in amongst the crowd, scanning for a way to get back out of the chamber without being noticed. These canticles could go on for prolonged periods of time depending on the brother leading them.
"Is it me or are there more people here than usual? Especially for this early in the season?" Millet felt irritated that he could barley squeeze through. There was no way he was getting out. He decided to line up with some of the priests of Eldath, who always spent ceremonies like this in a semi-trance like state. At least he could close his eyes and catch a little sleep until this was over.
Unnamed Dragonborn and Little Iron are both approached by a library messenger, a human boy of no more than ten. He cowers before the Dragon-borne, his knees shaking. He slips an ivory notecard into Little Irons Hand and goes to do the same to the Dragonborne, but out of fear drops into a low bow and places the card at her feat. He runs off from the Great Hall.
The card reads.
Welcome to the library. I am Dean Tobius, head of the Denerian order and would like to invite you to afternoon tea, one hour after the midday Canticle and welcome you personally.
At the bottom of the card there is a little map guiding you to the Dean's office.
Millet was just remembering that sweet maiden he had met a week before while passing through Caradoon. His thoughts interrupted by the feeling of rough paper being pushed into his hand. He opened his eyes to see a small figure scurrying away. With a quick glance about he realized that he had drifted off, the canticle over, the Eldath clergy moved on. Millet scans the room to see if anyone noticed, "Was that Dragonborne smiling at me?" It's always so hard to tell with them.
Looking at the paper in his hand he sees it is from the Dean asking him to tea. "Great!" he barks, startling himself at how loud he said it.
"Was that my outside voice?" he asked himself. "I can't seem to catch a break today. Take a trip to the mountains, they said, You'll have a nice time, they said, You'll get the chance to take a break from your duties, unwind, relax, they said." Grumbling the whole way in his head Little Iron makes his way to Dean Tobius's office.
"I wonder if Tobius will remember me this time. I swear if that guy asks me what my name is one more time..."
Merai heads off to try to find Pox and give him the exciting news, and finds him in the hall talking to the Dragonborn. She is a stunningly beautiful high elven girl with purple eyes and long golden hair. She wears deep purple scholar’s robes, walks with a staff, and has a tiny elf owl (owl the size of a sparrow) on one shoulder. She approaches with a smile.
(OOC nice to meet you Billy, and play again with these two guys! I’m a dad with two little girls so keep a busy schedule, but PBP fits with my life. I usually post on my phone, so won’t be getting creative with fonts or anything. Looking forward to fun times!)
The dragonborn almost stepped right on the gnome. She was so much taller that even tilting her head to a lower position didn't reveal the quixotic figure before her. She had to crane her neck to the point that her scales separated slightly at the base of her head. She didn't know what to with enthusiasm. Well, she would normally mock it, but she was being on her best behavior to appease the library overlords who summoned her to tea. She formulated a reply, reptilian eyes scanning the tiny fellow for weapons, or a surprise attack waiting to happen based on how he jumped back. (investigation or insight check maybe?)
"My name isn't something I share with new people," she admitted. Her voice had a surprisingly pleasant quality to it, when it wasn't hissing or shooing away children, a velvety contralto. "You can call me Ash," she supplied, aware that she certainly couldn't be 'the Dragonborn' to these people.
She made no effort at a shake, and her puzzled expression betrayed her lack of knowledge on how to proceed in this social situation. "I-. Ugh. I have to go have tea now." She noticed the approaching elf, and nodded politely. She tried to think of a nice conversation starter. "I like your tiny bird," she managed, and then started to shuffle towards the dean's office, one eye on Pox and his mischievous grin. She hadn't noticed Little Iron yet.
Merai says to the Dragonborn,, “thanks, my owl’s name is Quill. Welcome to the Library. I’m known as Merai. I see you have met Pox. Let me know if you are missing anything and I’ll make him give it back.” She smiles broadly, clearly joking.
Pox, flustered, says “I would never.. I mean even if I did those things… , I wouldn’t to Ash. I never met a Dragonborn before”. (Trying to change the subject) “Anyways Ash is going to have some tea so… (here he notices her smile and realizes where she was heading from) “ Hey! Did you just talk to Dean Tobias? I didn’t do it! It was an accident and I’ll put it back…”
Merai laughs and says “no no- for once, it wasn’t you in trouble. He has a task for us- I’ll tell you all about it later.”
The dragonborn almost stepped right on the gnome. She was so much taller that even tilting her head to a lower position didn't reveal the quixotic figure before her. She had to crane her neck to the point that her scales separated slightly at the base of her head. She didn't know what to with enthusiasm. Well, she would normally mock it, but she was being on her best behavior to appease the library overlords who summoned her to tea. She formulated a reply, reptilian eyes scanning the tiny fellow for weapons, or a surprise attack waiting to happen based on how he jumped back. (investigation or insight check maybe?)
"My name isn't something I share with new people," she admitted. Her voice had a surprisingly pleasant quality to it, when it wasn't hissing or shooing away children, a velvety contralto. "You can call me Ash," she supplied, aware that she certainly couldn't be 'the Dragonborn' to these people.
She made no effort at a shake, and her puzzled expression betrayed her lack of knowledge on how to proceed in this social situation. "I-. Ugh. I have to go have tea now." She noticed the approaching elf, and nodded politely. She tried to think of a nice conversation starter. "I like your tiny bird," she managed, and then started to shuffle towards the dean's office, one eye on Pox and his mischievous grin. She hadn't noticed Little Iron yet.
Ash can Roll for Insight to get more information re: Pox.
OOC - (After any convos are completed) I assume Ash and Little Iron make it for their appointed Tea Time with the dean.
You are both ushered into his office by his assistant. There is an elaborate tea spread with delicate china, rare herbs / teas, colored sugars, exotic fruits and tarts. There are already cups of steeped water in front of the empty seats on opposite side of him on the desk.
I appreciate you both answering my summons. I will cut to the chase - I have a proposition for the two of you. I have a small delegation of my order and their companions set to meet Prince Ebbaron of Shimistra Forest at the Gates of Knowledge. They are two of our brightest - Merai and Cadderly - Merai has shown quite an aptitude for both the Divine and Arcane arts, however, they both are young and inexperienced. I ask that you join them and round out their group so to speak. I wish for the weary Prince and his traveling guide to arrive at the gates to some semblance of comfort and then have them escorted back the remaining distance. I must warn I believe him to be carrying tidings of an ominous nature.
I don't expect you to do this for free.
He drops two coin bags in front of each of you containing 150 GP each.
Take this as a small token of my favor. Additionally if you need library assistance (scribe, researcher, scholar), I will assign Cadderly to take on any of those tasks upon your return if that helps sweeten the deal.
You would leave tomorrow directly after the Midday Canticle - so what do you say?
"Well, I appreciate you cutting to the chase." Little Iron slowly stirs his tea. "The offer is...." loudly slurps the hot liquid, "Generous."
The aasimar carefully reviews the selection of delicacies his fingers hovering over them, as if magically conjuring them. Finally settling on a butter cookie he stood up and began to wander the dean's office. Munching on the cookie he mumbled, "In addition to the payment I suspect anyone who were to participate in your delegation would earn a certain reputation. He might even be able to call in a few a favors at a later date." Little Iron finishes his cookie and smooths out his mustache, circling back to his seat. "Dean, you can count me in."
Finishing his tea he tucks the pouch into his belt, looks over at Ash with a grin and a raised eyebrow, "Partner."
Turning back to grab a small stack of butter cookies, he nods to the dean, "See you after the Midday Canticle tomorrow. Thank you for the hospitality!"
The Dean fidgets a bit as you wander the room and your slurping - he hides his annoyance well.
Of course you would be held in high regard - some would even consider it a personal favor to our allied Gods.
A pained look twist his features for a moment, but he composes himself before the two guests.
I will level with you both - I am not sure what tidings the Prince brings, but I do know that the trip from Shimistra Forest to here is a treacherous one. The whole of the mountain range is gushing with snowmelt. The trails are crisscrossed with new streams and the journey must be taken on foot. He could have sent his message via wizard, but rather chose to bring it personally.
He grows quiet for a minute.
This library has stood for 600 years and is no stranger, especially in it's early days, to attack. It is the beacon of knowledge and harmony in the region. I will not let that change while it's under my stewardship.
Brother - I believed the gold was quite generous and I have offered library help from Cadderly. If you need additional "favors" we can discuss that after your successful return. I appreciate your acceptance Little Iron. I will have all preparations taken care of.
The dean looks to Ash alongside Little Iron when he asks "partner"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
9 Insight
Ash was perplexed by the rapid fire nature of all the conversations surrounding her. She didn't seem to notice much of anything about the gnome, for she'd been too busy staring at the elf. Once pleasantries were finished, she moved towards the office, a sneaking suspicion her tea time had something to do with whatever meeting had just taken place. Her face was generally pretty stone like and unchanging, but a certain bewilderment betrayed itself from behind her eyes.
This feeling only doubled upon seeing the spread. She assumed tea meant some dirty leaves in some drinkable water, but now there were crumpets! She didn't understand any of the social etiquette expected of her, and so copied the other guest as much as possible. She did take a little fruit tart that smelt of elderberry and fresh flowers. It tasted buttery and sweet. She listened to the tale, understanding this was far from social nicety after all. It was an offer of work.
She considered how this Dean person had selected her. Was it his habit to send random Dragonborn who came to the library on dangerous missions? She concluded that was an unfair assumption, at least for now. This was something of an opportunity though, and she considered the second offered reward far more valuable then the gold.
"I want to find my mother," she declared to the Dean, trying her best to look dainty as she sipped the tea. "That is my price. I think your library has the answer, and if you can help me find it, I'll do as you ask."
She debated returning the gold to show the importance of her request, but that much gold was always useful so she left it on the table for now. "Do we have a deal... boss?"
She turned to Little Iron now, looking over the man before her. She'd never seen one of his kind before. "I guess that would make us partners.... for now," she added, not liking the unknown that rested in this man.
The Dean is taken aback for a moment by your forwardness regarding your mother.
I am glad to hear that you will join. If anyone can help you find the answers you seek - it would be Cadderly. He was abandoned here as a boy and has grown up along the shelves - I swear Deneir himself guides him on his pursuit of knowledge.
You can hear the admiration in the Dean's weathered voice.
Very well. You should rest. The library will be sending you with the basics. There is a general and alchemical shop if you need anything more specific for your journey. May Deneir and Oghma bless you both.
A small, young gnome, who was certainly not there a moment before, pops up in front of the Dragonborn and says in a quick voice “ I’ve never seen a Dragonborn up close! They call me Pox! Welcome to the library and Nice to meet you!” He gives a quick little bow, then nimbly jumps back a bit- as if expecting an attack. He is clad in mismatched garish colored clothes, has tanned skin, large brown eyes, and a friendly, mischievous grin.
Dean Tobius chuckles at your remark.
"Quick whit is one the hallmarks of a promising Deneirian. Now both of you get some rest, the tome of Fungi can wait until your return. I must prepare for my tea with hopefully your two new companions on this journey. You shall leave immediately after tomorrow's Midday Canticle."
He dismisses you both with a wave of your hands. Cadderly is grinning from ear to ear. His assistant, Rufo, guides you to the exit ladled with Tea supplies.
MERAI - You are a bit relieved others will be joining you. You are surprised that Cadderly would be joining as he is more Scholar than Cleric. You have witnessed that his attempts at clerical magics rarely produce results and it's known about the library that he has lived a sheltered life within the walls of the Edificant Library - basically - he is not what you'd expect of the adventuring type.
OOC: Going to give our other player a chance to get in there before replying to Pox. Don't want to lose them in the shuffle. BTW: While I'm a deadly and beautiful Dragonborn for this campaign, in real life my name is Billy. I got a husband and a dog. Matty is great. Blah Blah Blah, personal intro stuff. :)
OOC - Billy is the best!! Good idea waiting for Little Iron to catch up ;)
OOC okay here goes. I think the character is all set, equipped, feats and spells. Chose Oghma for deity.
Short and stocky, pointed ears droop dramatically from beneath a thick head of brown hair, a wry smile causes the handle bar mustache to dance under his slightly upturned nose. Little Iron, so called due to his steel grey eyes (and the simple fact that NO ONE likes being called Millet), was a familiar site among the library on a seasonal basis. Being a cleric of Oghma the aasimar was welcome to come and go freely. He looked forward to the spring opportunity to check in and enjoy the summer months in the cooler mountain climate.
"Just my luck," Millet thinks to himself, "Just in time for canticle."
Little Iron drops in amongst the crowd, scanning for a way to get back out of the chamber without being noticed. These canticles could go on for prolonged periods of time depending on the brother leading them.
"Is it me or are there more people here than usual? Especially for this early in the season?" Millet felt irritated that he could barley squeeze through. There was no way he was getting out. He decided to line up with some of the priests of Eldath, who always spent ceremonies like this in a semi-trance like state. At least he could close his eyes and catch a little sleep until this was over.
Millet was just remembering that sweet maiden he had met a week before while passing through Caradoon. His thoughts interrupted by the feeling of rough paper being pushed into his hand. He opened his eyes to see a small figure scurrying away. With a quick glance about he realized that he had drifted off, the canticle over, the Eldath clergy moved on. Millet scans the room to see if anyone noticed, "Was that Dragonborne smiling at me?" It's always so hard to tell with them.
Looking at the paper in his hand he sees it is from the Dean asking him to tea. "Great!" he barks, startling himself at how loud he said it.
"Was that my outside voice?" he asked himself. "I can't seem to catch a break today. Take a trip to the mountains, they said, You'll have a nice time, they said, You'll get the chance to take a break from your duties, unwind, relax, they said." Grumbling the whole way in his head Little Iron makes his way to Dean Tobius's office.
"I wonder if Tobius will remember me this time. I swear if that guy asks me what my name is one more time..."
Merai heads off to try to find Pox and give him the exciting news, and finds him in the hall talking to the Dragonborn. She is a stunningly beautiful high elven girl with purple eyes and long golden hair. She wears deep purple scholar’s robes, walks with a staff, and has a tiny elf owl (owl the size of a sparrow) on one shoulder. She approaches with a smile.
(OOC nice to meet you Billy, and play again with these two guys! I’m a dad with two little girls so keep a busy schedule, but PBP fits with my life. I usually post on my phone, so won’t be getting creative with fonts or anything. Looking forward to fun times!)
The dragonborn almost stepped right on the gnome. She was so much taller that even tilting her head to a lower position didn't reveal the quixotic figure before her. She had to crane her neck to the point that her scales separated slightly at the base of her head. She didn't know what to with enthusiasm. Well, she would normally mock it, but she was being on her best behavior to appease the library overlords who summoned her to tea. She formulated a reply, reptilian eyes scanning the tiny fellow for weapons, or a surprise attack waiting to happen based on how he jumped back. (investigation or insight check maybe?)
"My name isn't something I share with new people," she admitted. Her voice had a surprisingly pleasant quality to it, when it wasn't hissing or shooing away children, a velvety contralto. "You can call me Ash," she supplied, aware that she certainly couldn't be 'the Dragonborn' to these people.
She made no effort at a shake, and her puzzled expression betrayed her lack of knowledge on how to proceed in this social situation. "I-. Ugh. I have to go have tea now." She noticed the approaching elf, and nodded politely. She tried to think of a nice conversation starter. "I like your tiny bird," she managed, and then started to shuffle towards the dean's office, one eye on Pox and his mischievous grin. She hadn't noticed Little Iron yet.
OOC - wow awesome everyone I am so excited. Just an FYI I won't be posting until tmrw as I am camping for my birthday!!
Happy birthday!
Yes! Yes! Happy birthday!
Merai says to the Dragonborn,, “thanks, my owl’s name is Quill. Welcome to the Library. I’m known as Merai. I see you have met Pox. Let me know if you are missing anything and I’ll make him give it back.” She smiles broadly, clearly joking.
Pox, flustered, says “I would never.. I mean even if I did those things… , I wouldn’t to Ash. I never met a Dragonborn before”. (Trying to change the subject) “Anyways Ash is going to have some tea so… (here he notices her smile and realizes where she was heading from) “ Hey! Did you just talk to Dean Tobias? I didn’t do it! It was an accident and I’ll put it back…”
Merai laughs and says “no no- for once, it wasn’t you in trouble. He has a task for us- I’ll tell you all about it later.”
Ash can Roll for Insight to get more information re: Pox.
OOC - (After any convos are completed) I assume Ash and Little Iron make it for their appointed Tea Time with the dean.
You are both ushered into his office by his assistant. There is an elaborate tea spread with delicate china, rare herbs / teas, colored sugars, exotic fruits and tarts. There are already cups of steeped water in front of the empty seats on opposite side of him on the desk.
I appreciate you both answering my summons. I will cut to the chase - I have a proposition for the two of you. I have a small delegation of my order and their companions set to meet Prince Ebbaron of Shimistra Forest at the Gates of Knowledge. They are two of our brightest - Merai and Cadderly - Merai has shown quite an aptitude for both the Divine and Arcane arts, however, they both are young and inexperienced. I ask that you join them and round out their group so to speak. I wish for the weary Prince and his traveling guide to arrive at the gates to some semblance of comfort and then have them escorted back the remaining distance. I must warn I believe him to be carrying tidings of an ominous nature.
I don't expect you to do this for free.
He drops two coin bags in front of each of you containing 150 GP each.
Take this as a small token of my favor. Additionally if you need library assistance (scribe, researcher, scholar), I will assign Cadderly to take on any of those tasks upon your return if that helps sweeten the deal.
You would leave tomorrow directly after the Midday Canticle - so what do you say?
"Well, I appreciate you cutting to the chase." Little Iron slowly stirs his tea. "The offer is...." loudly slurps the hot liquid, "Generous."
The aasimar carefully reviews the selection of delicacies his fingers hovering over them, as if magically conjuring them. Finally settling on a butter cookie he stood up and began to wander the dean's office. Munching on the cookie he mumbled, "In addition to the payment I suspect anyone who were to participate in your delegation would earn a certain reputation. He might even be able to call in a few a favors at a later date." Little Iron finishes his cookie and smooths out his mustache, circling back to his seat. "Dean, you can count me in."
Finishing his tea he tucks the pouch into his belt, looks over at Ash with a grin and a raised eyebrow, "Partner."
Turning back to grab a small stack of butter cookies, he nods to the dean, "See you after the Midday Canticle tomorrow. Thank you for the hospitality!"
The Dean fidgets a bit as you wander the room and your slurping - he hides his annoyance well.
Of course you would be held in high regard - some would even consider it a personal favor to our allied Gods.
A pained look twist his features for a moment, but he composes himself before the two guests.
I will level with you both - I am not sure what tidings the Prince brings, but I do know that the trip from Shimistra Forest to here is a treacherous one. The whole of the mountain range is gushing with snowmelt. The trails are crisscrossed with new streams and the journey must be taken on foot. He could have sent his message via wizard, but rather chose to bring it personally.
He grows quiet for a minute.
This library has stood for 600 years and is no stranger, especially in it's early days, to attack. It is the beacon of knowledge and harmony in the region. I will not let that change while it's under my stewardship.
Brother - I believed the gold was quite generous and I have offered library help from Cadderly. If you need additional "favors" we can discuss that after your successful return. I appreciate your acceptance Little Iron. I will have all preparations taken care of.
The dean looks to Ash alongside Little Iron when he asks "partner"
9 Insight
Ash was perplexed by the rapid fire nature of all the conversations surrounding her. She didn't seem to notice much of anything about the gnome, for she'd been too busy staring at the elf. Once pleasantries were finished, she moved towards the office, a sneaking suspicion her tea time had something to do with whatever meeting had just taken place. Her face was generally pretty stone like and unchanging, but a certain bewilderment betrayed itself from behind her eyes.
This feeling only doubled upon seeing the spread. She assumed tea meant some dirty leaves in some drinkable water, but now there were crumpets! She didn't understand any of the social etiquette expected of her, and so copied the other guest as much as possible. She did take a little fruit tart that smelt of elderberry and fresh flowers. It tasted buttery and sweet. She listened to the tale, understanding this was far from social nicety after all. It was an offer of work.
She considered how this Dean person had selected her. Was it his habit to send random Dragonborn who came to the library on dangerous missions? She concluded that was an unfair assumption, at least for now. This was something of an opportunity though, and she considered the second offered reward far more valuable then the gold.
"I want to find my mother," she declared to the Dean, trying her best to look dainty as she sipped the tea. "That is my price. I think your library has the answer, and if you can help me find it, I'll do as you ask."
She debated returning the gold to show the importance of her request, but that much gold was always useful so she left it on the table for now. "Do we have a deal... boss?"
She turned to Little Iron now, looking over the man before her. She'd never seen one of his kind before. "I guess that would make us partners.... for now," she added, not liking the unknown that rested in this man.
The Dean is taken aback for a moment by your forwardness regarding your mother.
I am glad to hear that you will join. If anyone can help you find the answers you seek - it would be Cadderly. He was abandoned here as a boy and has grown up along the shelves - I swear Deneir himself guides him on his pursuit of knowledge.
You can hear the admiration in the Dean's weathered voice.
Very well. You should rest. The library will be sending you with the basics. There is a general and alchemical shop if you need anything more specific for your journey. May Deneir and Oghma bless you both.