T’bitha curiously reacts to Ozemon’s historical claim of the city of the first elves. “I’m unsure what you mean the city of the first elves, Ozemon. Do you mean all elves? Including Drow? If that is the case, now I’m interested in knowing how it is we all ended up so diversified and migrating everywhere. Depending on what is in store for us all next, I’d like to peruse the library for historical texts regarding the city and the migration of elves.”
T’bitha looks to everyone else and makes an observation, “I don’t know about all of you, but a hot bath and meal sounds good tonight. I would also like to take some time to prepare some new spells. I feel that I was taken off guard to help. Ozemon, do we have an evening to ourselves or do you require us for a task?”
"Not the drow themselves, but dark elves are believed to reside within A'yeth Taersi. Drow are direct descendants of the dark elves, however. You have access to the library, T'bitha. The estate is still your home. Of course you have time, I have no further use for anyone at the moment, but I would like it if you all would stay in town. After I have time to study the urns I may very well need your assistance again, and if I can use you all instead of hiring new adventurers-- that would be ever better. On that note, T'bitha will you hang back a moment after everyone else leaves? I'd like to have a word with you."
Tristan scowls and steps forward. He seems about to say something, then thinks better of it and stalks away, heading outside. Ozemon DID know. He knew that the crypt was built by my people, he knew whatever was in there was locked away for a reason, and he still kept it from me. If he wasn't holding me at knifepoint with his promise to try and cure me, I would have never gone in there. Wouldn't I?
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“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
T’bitha nods understandingly to Ozemon and patiently waits after he is finished with everyone. She takes a seat in one of the plush, high-backed chairs and crosses her legs and goes through her component pouch taking inventory of what she needs stock up on.
She quietly observes that something triggered Tristan as he sneaks away, but patiently waits for Ozemon to talk to her.
"Father is coming?"Hadi says, clearly a bit disappointed. "Well, perhaps he will be satisfied that I've finally found something to study. Until then though I'll find some ways to entertain myself."Grinning to himself thinking of the entertainments of the city he then adds on his way out, "Ah, and the mist in the forest... we... may have set it ablaze."
..."As some of you may already know, my name will get you almost anywhere within these city walls." Ozemon looks at you Khessa"I do believe I offered you unlimited access to the city, so there you are"...
"The 'unlimited access to the city' you offered me is both very welcome and very important, Ozemon, thank you" Khessa smiles brightly. "But I think I still need to talk briefly with you, because you see... I come from a tiny provincial village. Maybe I could really find the information I need in this city; but alone I wouldn't know who to ask, where to start... I'm afraid I'd really need your guidance. I don't think it will take you long. I'm used to fend for myself when I can. Once you advise me, I won't bother you any more. And I'll be very grateful".
..."Ah, and the mist in the forest... we... may have set it ablaze."
"Set ablaze?!" Khessa sends the most innocent and amazed expression she can muster "I really believed it has been lightning! Wasn't it, Dimitri?" she turns her incredulous blue eyes to the masked man. "Anyway yes, a fire did indeed develop - but I doubt it could have consumed the entire forest. It would be curious to see how this affected the fog and its veil effect... It will still be active even in the parts where the forest has burned? Or will the fog (or its effect) disappear there? But at the time we were leaving the forest, we were busy running for our lives, so we had to postpone any investigations for a better time".
"He is indeed, Hadi. Though he left roughly a week ago. It's been many a year since I've visited, but if I recall it's roughly a month long journey, so you've a few weeks until he arrives." As you seemingly confess to lighting the forest up in flames Ozemon speaks up. "Interesting. If the forest truly did go up in flames, surely word would have arrived already. Perhaps I'll send Malekith to take a look, see if he sees anything different. Though, seeing as I have not heard of this until now, I'm will to wager you're safe on that front."Khessa, as you ask for additional guidance; Ozemon once again speaks up "Let's see if I can be of any more help. What exactly are you looking for at this time? Perhaps I know someone I can point you to."
Upon Ozemon's willingness to help her, Khessa instinctively hugs him: "Thank you! You don't know how important this is to me!"
Finding his composure again, she resumes distance and explains to him: "I'm looking for information about my family, kidnapped by drow during a raid in which my village was destroyed. The village was called Twardens, it was tiny, nothing more than about five farms built not too far from each other on the top of a small, low, lone hill. It was about a two week walk from the Whiteridge - Rivenis territory borders. At first I was also captured. We had been taken to the Underdark. I managed to free myself before we reached our destination, but I could not free my family as well. Finding them and freeing them is the most important thing for me at the moment. I don't dare to think about what they may be going through... They could still be slaves in some underground city. Or being sold. Or..."
She stops for a moment, unwilling to think about more 'ors', then she speaks again, looking at him carefully with her deep blue eyes: "I wish I could find information about them. How could I do that? You not only are an influential person, you also seem... quite in touch with the drow. You have at your service, at least Malekith, the first time we met you there was even the baby half-drow with you, you have given hospitality to T'bitha... Also for this reason I really hope you can advise me on how to start looking for the information I need. Every bit of information about this subject or help in this matter will be more worth than gold, for me. I'll be glad to try whatever task you wish in exchange for this".
T’bitha looks up from the chair and her component pouch, listening to Khessa. She gracefully stands up, her dress bunched up after sitting now falls. She approaches the warrior and looks up to her and Ozemon, ”Try to not fear the ‘what ifs’, Khessa. I know that is easier said than done. Your concerns are valid. Depending on what Ozemon has in store, I know of several different ways to return to the Underdark. It has been some time since I left, so perhaps my presence may not be immediately noticed if I returned.”
T’bitha turns to look at Ozemon, “Of course, I wouldn’t want to overstep any boundaries. I just know how important this is to Khessa.”
“Perhaps he will know some of the ancient city we visited then,” Hadi says, thinking of how his father is likely to react when they next meet. “It will be good to see him again I guess. And maybe he will give me some more allowance,”he adds with a grin. “Until then though, how can we be of assistance here?”
"At this exact moment, I have no task for you. Perhaps take the day, explore the city. It's been a while since you've been here last. Once I get some time with these urns, I'm sure I'll have a new job for all of you."
"It would seem what I wanted to talk to you about may also help Khessa here" he looks at you T'bitha, now ready to speak with you. "As you know, Malekith is an escapee just like you. He has noticed a sharp increase in drow shadowhunters in the city and has heard rumor there are a few priestesses here as well. He's worried they may be here for you, but there are a couple other drow in the city, and perhaps they're here for Khessa. Either way, if you choose to walk the streets, please, keep an eye out and be cautious."
He then turns to you, Khessa "T'bitha will be a great resource in learning the information you need. She's had first hand accounts. Malekith will be invaluable as well, if you happen to catch him quickly enough, but he and his are leaving the city temporarily to avoid the potential trouble the shadowhunters will cause."
T'bitha
You know drow shadowhunters are elite task force drows that specifically track down and capture drow that flee the graces of Lolth, where as a drow hunter would be a drow who hunts anyone who escapes imprisonment, like Khessa did.
"T'bitha" Khessa's blue eyes stare sweetly into those of the drow "I can never thank you enough for the help you have already offered me and are now offering me again. I'll be forever grateful to you also, Ozemon," she turns to her employer "and to Malekith - for I'll try to catch him right now. I can accurately describe the members of my family, as well as Xen'farya, the priestess of Lolth who led the slave expedition and who may have survived. Who knows? She might even be one of those 'few priestesses here' you just spoke about".
The tall warrior-mage had stopped talking, but she realizes in retrospect that the phrase 'who may have survived' might not be so clear, so she explains: "You see, during my escape, I managed to push that damned cleric, without her holy symbol, into a ravine (it was shortly after that I had 'taken care' of the drow wizard, as I had told Dimitri and all of you not long ago - yes, I know, the day of my escape had been a very busy one for me). By the way, it is only thanks to this that I was able to escape and even free the slaves I had near and take them away with me (although unfortunately none of the my family was among them)! I had many drow already coming at me all around, but seeing her 'beloved' leader roll over the precipice, most drow have been concerned with plotting either to save her and gain her favor, or to size the chance to eliminate her. Plus, nobody was sure anymore who should be considered in charge. She had be the only one with full authority on all. So, all of a sudden, me and the handful of slaves that I had managed to free we had become a non-priority problem and thanks to this we actually managed to escape. I doubt the fall alone could have killed Xen'farya, but I have no idea if she has been either saved or murdered by the others, in the end. She may have survived. So informations about her might be searched, if it is easier than getting informations about my family. If Xen'farya lives and I can get to her, I'll make her talk".
With that, the blonde arcane warrior quickly tries to find Malekith and ask him for informations (or rumors) - about her family or about Xen'farya and the drow slaver's raid she had led.
”Shadowhunters?” T’bitha quietly gasps as she says the word, alarmed. She looks across the room at one of the large mirrors that sit atop a mantle. She has not changed since she left. Same wardrobe, same long, silvery white hair. If shadowhunters really were in the city… ”Ozemon, I think a change is needed, to help throw anyone off that remembers what I looked like… I’ll return within a couple hours.” She pulls the pouch of gold and squeezes it gently and heads out the door.
She looks to see if Tristan is still nearby or if he went out for a walk. She heads in the direction of a hairstylist and clothing shop. Upon finding a stylist, she cuts her hair and styles it into a bob. Her bangs are cut straight across. The back is cut short along the nape of her neck, with the sides angled longer towards her cheeks. She no longer carries a sophisticated look, typical of a priestess and instead appears more youthful. After paying, she heads to a clothing shop, where she swaps her priestly gown for a form fitting and stunning crimson bodice. She matches it with a crimson mid-thigh skirt that flares out at the bottom and a pair of knee-high boots with low heels.
She returns to Ozemon’s estate, looking like a very different T’bitha that everyone remembers.
Khessa, you make your way to the place Malekith has been staying, not noticing anything interesting or out of the ordinary on your way. As you approach the house, you don't immediately see Malekith or the human who was with him when you first met them. Instead, you spot a young blue skinned elf carrying a small chest and placing it on the back of a carriage.
(OOC: So, what is everyone doing now that Ozemon has set you free to terrorize Whiteridge? Tristan, where are you storming off to after learning Ozemon is keeping something from you? Dimitri, you're from the city, what are you off to do at this moment? Also give me a perception check with your next post, if you leave the estate. T'bitha >>> The haircut is a simple enough thing. It only costs 3 copper. As for your new outfit, you can get it in a few different tiers. You have common, moderate, or extraordinary. Common clothes will run you 5 silver, the moderate set will run you 2 gold, and the fine set will run you 15 gold. The common is what you see on most folks, so because you specifically said stunning I'm assuming you would at least got with the moderate set, but the extraordinary set very much shows off wealth.)
Khessa, you make your way to the place Malekith has been staying, not noticing anything interesting or out of the ordinary on your way. As you approach the house, you don't immediately see Malekith or the human who was with him when you first met them. Instead, you spot a young blue skinned elf carrying a small chest and placing it on the back of a carriage...
Khessa did not notice anything interesting - and she knows she has been quite vigilant, after the warning of drows likely on the hunt... However, two seemingly insignificant clues, such as NOT seeing either Malekith or Khashana and seeing an unknown 'blue skinned elf' nearby put her on alert.
'That blue skinned elf is a drow. A drow I DON'T know. And that small chest ... I don't want to be paranoid, it might contain things for a journey, that's for sure... but it might as well contain a drow baby, a baby like the one I saw with Malekith and Khashana the first time...'
The blonde arcane warrior looks for a moment who is driving the carriage (if there is already a driver).
If there is a driver and Khessa recognizes him, she simply walks over and asks about Malekith.
But if there is NO driver or if the driver is also unknown to her, the tall warrior-mage, walking with indifference, approaches the carriage from a blind spot, a point from which those who are possibly inside or driving cannot see her immediately, then, as a precaution, she undoes the buckles that tie the horses to the carriage - so if someone tried to start... he would get the HORSES to start (and perhaps he would be dragged by the bridle), but the carriage would stay where it is. She then she looks who is in the carriage.
You see no one at the front of the carriage, Khessa. As you approach and attempt to unbuckle the horses, make an animal handling check to attempt not to startle them.
(OOC: You're A-OK T'bitha! I was just giving you a few options.)
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T’bitha curiously reacts to Ozemon’s historical claim of the city of the first elves. “I’m unsure what you mean the city of the first elves, Ozemon. Do you mean all elves? Including Drow? If that is the case, now I’m interested in knowing how it is we all ended up so diversified and migrating everywhere. Depending on what is in store for us all next, I’d like to peruse the library for historical texts regarding the city and the migration of elves.”
T’bitha looks to everyone else and makes an observation, “I don’t know about all of you, but a hot bath and meal sounds good tonight. I would also like to take some time to prepare some new spells. I feel that I was taken off guard to help. Ozemon, do we have an evening to ourselves or do you require us for a task?”
"Not the drow themselves, but dark elves are believed to reside within A'yeth Taersi. Drow are direct descendants of the dark elves, however. You have access to the library, T'bitha. The estate is still your home. Of course you have time, I have no further use for anyone at the moment, but I would like it if you all would stay in town. After I have time to study the urns I may very well need your assistance again, and if I can use you all instead of hiring new adventurers-- that would be ever better. On that note, T'bitha will you hang back a moment after everyone else leaves? I'd like to have a word with you."
Tristan scowls and steps forward. He seems about to say something, then thinks better of it and stalks away, heading outside. Ozemon DID know. He knew that the crypt was built by my people, he knew whatever was in there was locked away for a reason, and he still kept it from me. If he wasn't holding me at knifepoint with his promise to try and cure me, I would have never gone in there. Wouldn't I?
“I will take responsibility for what I have done. [...] If must fall, I will rise each time a better man.” ― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer.
T’bitha nods understandingly to Ozemon and patiently waits after he is finished with everyone. She takes a seat in one of the plush, high-backed chairs and crosses her legs and goes through her component pouch taking inventory of what she needs stock up on.
She quietly observes that something triggered Tristan as he sneaks away, but patiently waits for Ozemon to talk to her.
"Father is coming?" Hadi says, clearly a bit disappointed. "Well, perhaps he will be satisfied that I've finally found something to study. Until then though I'll find some ways to entertain myself." Grinning to himself thinking of the entertainments of the city he then adds on his way out, "Ah, and the mist in the forest... we... may have set it ablaze."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"The 'unlimited access to the city' you offered me is both very welcome and very important, Ozemon, thank you" Khessa smiles brightly. "But I think I still need to talk briefly with you, because you see... I come from a tiny provincial village. Maybe I could really find the information I need in this city; but alone I wouldn't know who to ask, where to start... I'm afraid I'd really need your guidance. I don't think it will take you long. I'm used to fend for myself when I can. Once you advise me, I won't bother you any more. And I'll be very grateful".
"Set ablaze?!" Khessa sends the most innocent and amazed expression she can muster "I really believed it has been lightning! Wasn't it, Dimitri?" she turns her incredulous blue eyes to the masked man. "Anyway yes, a fire did indeed develop - but I doubt it could have consumed the entire forest. It would be curious to see how this affected the fog and its veil effect... It will still be active even in the parts where the forest has burned? Or will the fog (or its effect) disappear there? But at the time we were leaving the forest, we were busy running for our lives, so we had to postpone any investigations for a better time".
"He is indeed, Hadi. Though he left roughly a week ago. It's been many a year since I've visited, but if I recall it's roughly a month long journey, so you've a few weeks until he arrives." As you seemingly confess to lighting the forest up in flames Ozemon speaks up. "Interesting. If the forest truly did go up in flames, surely word would have arrived already. Perhaps I'll send Malekith to take a look, see if he sees anything different. Though, seeing as I have not heard of this until now, I'm will to wager you're safe on that front." Khessa, as you ask for additional guidance; Ozemon once again speaks up "Let's see if I can be of any more help. What exactly are you looking for at this time? Perhaps I know someone I can point you to."
Upon Ozemon's willingness to help her, Khessa instinctively hugs him: "Thank you! You don't know how important this is to me!"
Finding his composure again, she resumes distance and explains to him: "I'm looking for information about my family, kidnapped by drow during a raid in which my village was destroyed. The village was called Twardens, it was tiny, nothing more than about five farms built not too far from each other on the top of a small, low, lone hill. It was about a two week walk from the Whiteridge - Rivenis territory borders. At first I was also captured. We had been taken to the Underdark. I managed to free myself before we reached our destination, but I could not free my family as well. Finding them and freeing them is the most important thing for me at the moment. I don't dare to think about what they may be going through... They could still be slaves in some underground city. Or being sold. Or..."
She stops for a moment, unwilling to think about more 'ors', then she speaks again, looking at him carefully with her deep blue eyes: "I wish I could find information about them. How could I do that? You not only are an influential person, you also seem... quite in touch with the drow. You have at your service, at least Malekith, the first time we met you there was even the baby half-drow with you, you have given hospitality to T'bitha... Also for this reason I really hope you can advise me on how to start looking for the information I need. Every bit of information about this subject or help in this matter will be more worth than gold, for me. I'll be glad to try whatever task you wish in exchange for this".
T’bitha looks up from the chair and her component pouch, listening to Khessa. She gracefully stands up, her dress bunched up after sitting now falls. She approaches the warrior and looks up to her and Ozemon, ”Try to not fear the ‘what ifs’, Khessa. I know that is easier said than done. Your concerns are valid. Depending on what Ozemon has in store, I know of several different ways to return to the Underdark. It has been some time since I left, so perhaps my presence may not be immediately noticed if I returned.”
T’bitha turns to look at Ozemon, “Of course, I wouldn’t want to overstep any boundaries. I just know how important this is to Khessa.”
“Perhaps he will know some of the ancient city we visited then,” Hadi says, thinking of how his father is likely to react when they next meet. “It will be good to see him again I guess. And maybe he will give me some more allowance,” he adds with a grin. “Until then though, how can we be of assistance here?”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"At this exact moment, I have no task for you. Perhaps take the day, explore the city. It's been a while since you've been here last. Once I get some time with these urns, I'm sure I'll have a new job for all of you."
"It would seem what I wanted to talk to you about may also help Khessa here" he looks at you T'bitha, now ready to speak with you. "As you know, Malekith is an escapee just like you. He has noticed a sharp increase in drow shadowhunters in the city and has heard rumor there are a few priestesses here as well. He's worried they may be here for you, but there are a couple other drow in the city, and perhaps they're here for Khessa. Either way, if you choose to walk the streets, please, keep an eye out and be cautious."
He then turns to you, Khessa "T'bitha will be a great resource in learning the information you need. She's had first hand accounts. Malekith will be invaluable as well, if you happen to catch him quickly enough, but he and his are leaving the city temporarily to avoid the potential trouble the shadowhunters will cause."
T'bitha
You know drow shadowhunters are elite task force drows that specifically track down and capture drow that flee the graces of Lolth, where as a drow hunter would be a drow who hunts anyone who escapes imprisonment, like Khessa did.
"T'bitha" Khessa's blue eyes stare sweetly into those of the drow "I can never thank you enough for the help you have already offered me and are now offering me again. I'll be forever grateful to you also, Ozemon," she turns to her employer "and to Malekith - for I'll try to catch him right now. I can accurately describe the members of my family, as well as Xen'farya, the priestess of Lolth who led the slave expedition and who may have survived. Who knows? She might even be one of those 'few priestesses here' you just spoke about".
The tall warrior-mage had stopped talking, but she realizes in retrospect that the phrase 'who may have survived' might not be so clear, so she explains: "You see, during my escape, I managed to push that damned cleric, without her holy symbol, into a ravine (it was shortly after that I had 'taken care' of the drow wizard, as I had told Dimitri and all of you not long ago - yes, I know, the day of my escape had been a very busy one for me). By the way, it is only thanks to this that I was able to escape and even free the slaves I had near and take them away with me (although unfortunately none of the my family was among them)! I had many drow already coming at me all around, but seeing her 'beloved' leader roll over the precipice, most drow have been concerned with plotting either to save her and gain her favor, or to size the chance to eliminate her. Plus, nobody was sure anymore who should be considered in charge. She had be the only one with full authority on all. So, all of a sudden, me and the handful of slaves that I had managed to free we had become a non-priority problem and thanks to this we actually managed to escape. I doubt the fall alone could have killed Xen'farya, but I have no idea if she has been either saved or murdered by the others, in the end. She may have survived. So informations about her might be searched, if it is easier than getting informations about my family. If Xen'farya lives and I can get to her, I'll make her talk".
With that, the blonde arcane warrior quickly tries to find Malekith and ask him for informations (or rumors) - about her family or about Xen'farya and the drow slaver's raid she had led.
Ozemon provides you with directions to Malekith's location, but give me a perception check as you attempt to make your way there, Khessa.
”Shadowhunters?” T’bitha quietly gasps as she says the word, alarmed. She looks across the room at one of the large mirrors that sit atop a mantle. She has not changed since she left. Same wardrobe, same long, silvery white hair. If shadowhunters really were in the city… ”Ozemon, I think a change is needed, to help throw anyone off that remembers what I looked like… I’ll return within a couple hours.” She pulls the pouch of gold and squeezes it gently and heads out the door.
She looks to see if Tristan is still nearby or if he went out for a walk. She heads in the direction of a hairstylist and clothing shop. Upon finding a stylist, she cuts her hair and styles it into a bob. Her bangs are cut straight across. The back is cut short along the nape of her neck, with the sides angled longer towards her cheeks. She no longer carries a sophisticated look, typical of a priestess and instead appears more youthful. After paying, she heads to a clothing shop, where she swaps her priestly gown for a form fitting and stunning crimson bodice. She matches it with a crimson mid-thigh skirt that flares out at the bottom and a pair of knee-high boots with low heels.
She returns to Ozemon’s estate, looking like a very different T’bitha that everyone remembers.
(Let me know how much gold that cost me, please!)
Perception: 6
Khessa, you make your way to the place Malekith has been staying, not noticing anything interesting or out of the ordinary on your way. As you approach the house, you don't immediately see Malekith or the human who was with him when you first met them. Instead, you spot a young blue skinned elf carrying a small chest and placing it on the back of a carriage.
(OOC: So, what is everyone doing now that Ozemon has set you free to terrorize Whiteridge? Tristan, where are you storming off to after learning Ozemon is keeping something from you? Dimitri, you're from the city, what are you off to do at this moment? Also give me a perception check with your next post, if you leave the estate. T'bitha >>> The haircut is a simple enough thing. It only costs 3 copper. As for your new outfit, you can get it in a few different tiers. You have common, moderate, or extraordinary. Common clothes will run you 5 silver, the moderate set will run you 2 gold, and the fine set will run you 15 gold. The common is what you see on most folks, so because you specifically said stunning I'm assuming you would at least got with the moderate set, but the extraordinary set very much shows off wealth.)
Khessa did not notice anything interesting - and she knows she has been quite vigilant, after the warning of drows likely on the hunt... However, two seemingly insignificant clues, such as NOT seeing either Malekith or Khashana and seeing an unknown 'blue skinned elf' nearby put her on alert.
'That blue skinned elf is a drow. A drow I DON'T know. And that small chest ... I don't want to be paranoid, it might contain things for a journey, that's for sure... but it might as well contain a drow baby, a baby like the one I saw with Malekith and Khashana the first time...'
The blonde arcane warrior looks for a moment who is driving the carriage (if there is already a driver).
If there is a driver and Khessa recognizes him, she simply walks over and asks about Malekith.
But if there is NO driver or if the driver is also unknown to her, the tall warrior-mage, walking with indifference, approaches the carriage from a blind spot, a point from which those who are possibly inside or driving cannot see her immediately, then, as a precaution, she undoes the buckles that tie the horses to the carriage - so if someone tried to start... he would get the HORSES to start (and perhaps he would be dragged by the bridle), but the carriage would stay where it is. She then she looks who is in the carriage.
(Yes, moderate clothing. My apologies for the confusion)
You see no one at the front of the carriage, Khessa. As you approach and attempt to unbuckle the horses, make an animal handling check to attempt not to startle them.
(OOC: You're A-OK T'bitha! I was just giving you a few options.)