This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arthur had looked to Kuro unable to really gain any real insight, he hadn't tried to hide (Deception) that he was looking at Kuro. He had offered the young boy another radiant smile before turning back to the rest of the party.
Arthur couldn't find much more than what he already had before returning to the group. It appeared Zahira and Trick made better use of the evidence anyway. Zahira was finding everything while Trick was able to make sense of what was handed to him. Zephyro had than mentioned maybe.. Someone was controlling these gremlins? They looked tied up and rather peaceful, sadly Arthur couldn't heal any of them awake.
"If only we could ask them.. Than again I don't really speak goblin or gremlin? Is it the same?"
Arthur smiled at Zahira's positive attitude to growing stronger together and as an individual.
"You're right Zahira, I'll keep training my best! Heh, now I feel bad for saying how cute or pretty you were so often. I really should have paid attention to how smart you are! Heh heh.. I'll work harder. Not just for you all but so my new party doesn't have to worry about anyone getting past me."
(Arthur's insight on Zahira)
10
(To notice her feeling "off")
She had asked Mr forthright if he could fix them all up with the aid of a simple cantrip. He had raised his robes ready to do so before seeing that Kuro was able to clean himself off. He had chuckled lowering his own arms for a moment.
"Perhaps you're comrade could? Master Ryuzan I'm sure is a talented sorcerer. Is what I'm supposed to say yes? You're father is determined but between you and I? Half the fun of growing up is the mistakes."
He had chuckled, deciding that the practice for Kuro would do him good and that the team bonding perhaps would serve them well. And with that? He had begun to leave the room, however before he had done so he had looked to Zahira. He had drawn a pearl from his robe before placing it on her forehead for a moment. After a light glow she could feel a slight.. Restoration? The pearl had lost it's color as he placed back in his robe. (Can roll arcana on what it was.) He had smiled toward her before pursuing over the gremlins a moment. Zahira could feel one of her spell slots returned! After that he had made his way out of the cafeteria.
Arthur had walked over to Zim and Kuro, he couldn't help with the investigation so at least maybe he could check on these two? Zim had begun to apologize but also he was thanking Kuro. Before Arthur could open his mouth to thank them both Kuro had said they got lucky. Arthur looked at the boy, he couldn't get a read on him but.. Something seemed off. He had frowned for a moment a rare sight for the paladin.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Kuro.. I think you did great. You did too Zim, I'm not sure when we'll all fight together but feel free to message me if you ever need anything. Oh! Trick doesn't have my number does he?"
Arthur had went on over to give Trick his number and to anyone else in the party who may not have had his number. He had offered them all one last gleaming smile before looking to the palm of his hand. He seemed lost in thought in a moment before looking back up.
"Half Tabaxi? I see! Well you're adorable!"
Trick's tail had begun to wag as Arthur chuckled slightly.
"Aww! Zahira look it's too much! You're killing me here Trick!"
Arthur however had begun to calm down when Trick began to speak of what he had found with the group. Arthur had taken a somewhat serious look but he was clearly confused by all of this speech. By the time Zahira and Trick came to a conclusion he saw Trick take a step back.
17
(Arthur's insight but now on Trick lol)
Arthur didn't seem like it but emotionally he cared for others, it was the only time he tried to be insightful. Seeing Trick take a step back he wasn't sure why?
"You okay?"
As time passed and the investigation went on Arthur had lounged about stretching and yawning before standing up.
"Well! I'm no good here! I'll see you all later friends! It's an honor to have met you Trick! Thank you Zim.. Zahira and you too Kuro. You all shown me I have much to learn."
And with that Arthur had begun to leave the cafeteria as well.
Zephyro had taken the time to look at the religious aspect of the tomes, it seemed connected with Clara and her angels? It was hard to make sense of the religious scribes at this point for him but it did seem strange.
Trick was able to decipher one last thing in the scrolls.. Something about storing and transferring magical energy was it?
With that the party would be running out of time as the police and knights came to the door talking with Silas in the hall.
OOC You all can choose to keep certain things or place them back where they were, the tome for example and such ^~^
OOC I forgot to add one thing for Arthur to Zephyro before he left!
RP
Arthur had looked to Zephyro as the group had taken a short rest (healing up) Arthur was able to bandage his own wounds a bit before sitting beside Zephyro
"You say it was reckless but I saw you stand back up, and you did some damage before you went down I'm sure. It was valiant, you're spirit is strong and in time I think you're body will catch up!"
Kuro gives an almost unnoticeable start when the principal says that maybe he could do it. He clenches his right hand--the one he'd cleaned with magic...Had the old geezer seen him use the spell on himself even with his hand hidden in his pocket? ...this guy... He keeps his face hidden behind his hood as the old man talks, a very blank and passive expression barely visible within the shadow of his hood. He lets out a quiet huff and waits until the principal leaves before glancing at everyone else.
Sighing, he turns to where everyone is within his field of vision and removes his hand from his pocket. Slowly, he moves his hand in front of him as if to wipe the fog off of a clouded window. As his hand passes in front of each person, the blood on their cloths pulls away, collecting as if pulled by an invisible force. The last person to be cleaned is Zim, since the bard is standing the closest to Kuro. After he's done with everyone, he lowers his hand slightly and shakes it a little as if getting rid of excess water after washing his hands. The cloud of red dissipates and it is as if the blood was never there.
He gives Arthur a blank look, unsure of what to say to that... why were they all giving him compliments? So, he decidedly stays quiet and is relieved when the paladin moves to go give Trick his number.
Unless someone comes to ask him something, he'll just stand there until everyone decides to leave. Depending on how long this takes, he might sit down to take a short rest.
After thanking Kuro for cleaning the blood of him, Zephyro fell silent for a while as he went through the tome then started contemplating everything the group had discovered. The only people he remembered seeing with Letterman jackets were the two who had tripped the young goblin, but just because they were bullies wasn't enough proof to accuse them in his opinion. However, he will consider them minor suspects. He listens to Trick's explanation thoughtfully. This, and the fact that the tome was connected to Clara and her Angels just made things even more confusing to him. Religious books, spells similar to revivify, a magically infused piece of a Letterman jacket, and the huge possibility that someone used these things to control these gremlins. They just don't have enough information to come to any conclusions. On top of that, his head hurt. Closing his eyes, he puts a hand to his head and sighs. Perhaps he'll be able to think about this more after he's rested up.
Doing his best to store the little information they found in the vaults of his memory, he tries to give his mind, as well as his body, a break while he and his companions take a rest. He opens his eyes when Arthur comes to sit next to him. "Thanks, that-- That means a lot to me." He smiles, as the paladin stands up and leaves.
During this downtime, he decides to text his sister. He's not sure when she has downtime, but he hopes he can trust her not to text when she's in class.
Hey sis, how are things going? I hope you are making some friends. Boy have I got a lot to tell you when we get home.
After a few moments, he stand back up as well then looks to the group. "Well, unless you all want to be questioned by the authorities, I say we should leave this place." Dusting himself off and straitening his coat, he asks, "We still have a bit of time before school is out, and I for one don't want to go home early. I seem to recall someone wanting to go get ice cream?" He smiles at Zahira, "You still want to do that?"Then he looks to Trick, he has a feeling this feline boy was unable to join a party earlier due to the fact that he has stuck around rather than leaving like Arthur did. "Care to join us?" He asks, "And also, we have room in our party if you'd like to join. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we'd be glad to have you."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC:
IDK which is Arthur passive Insight, but I imagine is higher than a 7, and it think it would be pretty easy for anyone to notice Zahira's not feeling ok. (I say this because I don't really know if I'm expected to roll anything? She's not thinking of hiding it)
Arcana roll for Forthright and the pearl thingy: 8
While resting, Zahira gets her crystal and sends a three of messages. One is for her brother, the other for her uncle and the last one ... and this last one is specially hard to send, to her mother.
To Tobey
"I've just decided that I'll be visit you soon, instead of waiting till your birthday, ok? Today has been, let's say, taxing. Big sis really needs one of the magic hugs that only her little bro is able to provide. I'll tell you when I'll go visit asap. I love you tons Tobias."
To uncle Plash:
"Hi... I don't mean to worry you, but something bad happened today at school. I'm okay. Just ... shaken. I'll tell you everything when I get back home, ok? Just ... can we maybe have one of those uncle/niece evenings? The two of us in the couch just watching tv and eating popcorn or something like that? I'm really... really going to need it ... By the way, I've told mum and Tobey that I want to visit in a couple of days, instead of waiting two weeks for Tobey's birthday."
To Ayama:
"Hi, mum. Just wanted to check quickly on dad and you. I just wanted to say that I love you both, that I hope everything is ok at home and that I will be probably visiting in a couple of days, ok?"
She realizes that she sounds worrying the second she sends them. She hasn't even included her usual emojis. Well, that's how she's feeling right now anyway, and sometimes it's better to just be straightfoward about things, right?
After she sends the messages, she watches Arthur and realizes he's about to leave. Of course! He has to get back to Himari and the rest of his team. The genasi girl realizes that she hasn't even responded to all his obvious attempts to calm himself, to calm her and also the rest of her teammates. He just doesn't deserve to be ignored by her after all that has happened. So she reaches him before he exits the cafeteria while the rest of the group is still checking on their findings.
- Mmm, Arthur. I'm sorry. I haven't been feeling that well after the fight ended. I'm still not ok, I will be at some point. But I just didn't want you to leave without me saying anything else. So .... well ... thank you for everything. It was a very complicated situation, and I dread to think what would have happened if Kuro hadn't brought you.- she pauses for a second and looks at his emmerald eyes, which fortunately have recovered their usual joyful spark, and then she just ... hugs him. She doesn't linger too much, as she doesn't want to make the whole situation too awkward, and then she says - ... I ... sorry ... I just... I needed that... Well, be seeing you, ok? Tell Hima to take care and that I'll be texting her, ok?
With that, she just returns to he innermost part of the cafeteria, and talks to her companions.
- Guys, I seem to have recovered a spell slot after the Principal casted something on me with that pearl on my forehead. But I'm not sure if he did this so I could use it here? Trick, I think you suggested that I cast Detect Magic to gather more info. After all we've been through today I have a feeling I'm now able to master that spell. But I'll need to sleep on it before I can do it, sorry. Also, Arthur mentioned something about healing one of the gremlins so we can try and get more info on who controlled them. I could use Cure wounds on one of them. But I'm not sure if we'll be able to understand anything he speaks. I mean .. I do speak Gnomish! But I'm not that sure that Gnomish has anything to do with Goblin or whatever language they speak!
She pauses for a moment, allowing them to speak, before she adds:
- What do you think ... should I try anything or should we just leave the scene as it is? Also, do you think we could take some pictures of the notes and the book in case we could study them after we leave the cafeteria? This way, we would leave the evidence for the police, and at the same time we could try to dig out some more out of this.
Whatever their decission is, she looks at Zephyro:
- Well, if I'm being honest, I was thinking of getting the hell out of here, going home and just spend the rest of the afternoon lying in my bed. But I have feeling that is not going to help me at all. So yes, let's go for that ice cream. We've more than earned it, damn it!
In that moment she retrieves the ponytail holder, which is still shedding bright light, and with a touch of her hand, the effect stops. So she just ties her hair again in the loose low ponytail she had before everything happened. The slight breeze that usually envelops her seems to have come back and is again tousling her hair and also her shirt.
- Ah! By the way, I believe Trick is now part of the group, right? - she goes to the half tabaxi, asks him for his crystal contact, and adds it to the "KZZZ" group - There. Now we are all connected. Welcome to the party! I think I'll modify the group title, wait a minute .... - she writes something and now the group title is changed to "KZZZT" - Done! We can think on a better name while eating ice cream. Oh ... I hope they have coconut ice cream, it's my favourite.
I do love coconut flavour :D IMHO there are two kinds of people: those that love coconut, and those that are just plain wrong xDDD
Hearing the knights outside of the cafeteria, Zim realizes their time is up. To everyone he said, "I say we take the stuff with us. I will be able to read anything we have gathered once I get some rest. That fight really took a lot out of me." Turning to look at Trick, he continues, "I agree with everyone else. Welcome to the team." Shrugging to everyone again, he groaned, "I still have to sign up for my classes, but I'm down to do whatever gets us the hell out of here. I've personally had enough orientation for one day."
"I say leave the Gremlins as they are. I don't think any of us can understand them, and based off the fact that they were yelling at us in whatever language that was, I doubt that they can understand us." Zephyro replies to Zahira then turns to Zim, "I say we take the tome, and some of the scroll pieces. Leave the Letterman piece here. I know the principal was acting like we should take care of this, but I don't want to take to much evidence away from the police. I might also suggest letting Zahira take the scroll pieces so she can study them later. ...If you all don't mind, I'd like to take the tome and study it more later. We could even take turns with it." He smiles at Zahira, "Taking pictures is a good idea, but I would prefer not to have that kind of evidence on my crystal. Besides, once we are done with it, we could always try to turn it in anonymously, or just give it back to Forthright."
He laughs at her next comment and watches as she retrieves her ponytail holder. "Is that what she used to help me?" He thinks, still not sure exactly how that whole thing worked. Somehow she had called him out of the abyss...with a ponytail holder?
He pulls out his crystal to add Trick to his contacts and chuckles at the group name again. "Now it sounds even more shocking."
He puts it away and looks back up at Zahira, "Coconut Icecream? That sounds...interesting. I've never tried that before."He smiles, "I'm more of a plain vanilla guy myself. Drizzle some caramel on there and you've got the perfect icecream."
Lol I guess I'm one of those just plain wrong people then. XD I can't stand coconut. My favorite icecream is almond praline. :D
Kuro can't believe that everyone is fine with taking stuff from the crime scene. Wasn't that illegal? If the cops found out, then they were going to be in a world of trouble. He lets out a long sigh, but doesn't say anything. More then likely he'll be ignored, so what was the point? He'll just have to settle for turning the blind eye, if they want to take stuff, then they can take it home with them.
He isn't really too keen on walking all the way to get ice cream, really, he wouldn't mind going home right now. However, if Father is home... well he doesn't really feel like dealing with him. If he shows up early he'll have to explain the whole situation, and then he'll probably get yelled at for not 'adventuring' better by Father, and then lectured by Mother about how he needs to spend more time with people. Ugh. Well, it is what it is.
"Lets hurry up and get out of here then," he says in a low tone. He doesn't want to talk to the knights, or anyone else for that matter.
- Yeah, let's get out of here. And I hope they don't check if we are carrying anything we shouldn't. Let's just put our best "But of course, officer! I didn't take any evidence. Why would I even do that?"face, okay?
The genasi girl agrees with Zephyro's suggestions, takes the scroll pieces and stores them in her backpack carefully, making sure they are under the rest of the backpack contents. In case the police tries to check.
Talking about ice cream seems to be the final piece that takes Zahira back her cheerful personality, which she shows up joking with Zephyro:
- You've never tried coconut? Really? Oh lord, we have to fix that! And I guess you know by now that I take "fixing things" very seriously! Also, please ... vanilla? - she facepalms - Is there anything more boring than vanilla ice cream? Really, Zeph, don't go saying those things aloud. They are worrying.
She takes a glance at Kuro, Trick and Zim and asks:
- And you guys? What's your flavour? Please Kuro, don't give me the - she imitates Kuro's voice - "now it's not the time to talk about ice cream, Zahira" look. Nothing less guilty looking than students talking about ice cream on their way out of the school, don't you think?
I respect almond praline! A lot! But hating coconut is an issue... Rynn, we cannot be friends anymore! :'(
Bemused by the question, Zim dropped his other thoughts for a moment and said dreamily, "For ice cream, I'm a fan of turtle all the way. Pecans with hot fudge and caramel over vanilla ice cream is a melody of deliciousness I can't ever pass up."
Kuro blinks when Zahira tries to imitate his voice... is that really what she thinks he's thinking right now? Huh... He looks down for a moment, "I... don't really pick favorites." He hesitates, realizing he should probably add more. "...But my Mom makes homemade ice cream sometimes. It's not always the same, but she likes coffee flavored ice cream, so that's what she makes most of the time." He diverts his gaze, shrinking further into his hood as he realized that he brought up his mother... that was on the list of 'uncool' things to do as far as he knew. It was the kind of thing that could get him made fun of. Of course, his unwillingness to get involved in the illegal act of stealing evidence was also on that list, so he was already a lost cause. Might as well embrace it at this point.
lol, caramel is always good :D. My favorite ice cream is mocha almond fudge. :)
- "Pecans with hot fudge and caramel over vanilla"- the genasi girl meditates thoroughly about this - ...that actually sounds pretty good! You should learn from Zim, Zephyro. Don't that just sound waaaay better than "plain vanilla"?- she laughs.
Then she looks wide-eyed at Kuro:
- What? Your mom makes ice cream? Wow, I envy you! I mean, my uncle makes a lot of cool things but I can't eat any of them! Haha ... Ah, sorry, artificer joke! Anyway, you should let us try some of that one day...!
Zephyro shrugs, "Well, I'll try anything." He grins, "Boring? That's what the caramel is for! Nuts are always nice too, but sometimes simple is better. Especially for someone constantly subjected to the exotic deserts that nobles seem so fond of."
If the others allow it, Zeph will take the tome and hide it inside one of his binders, which he then puts back in his shoulder case.
Lol This is not the first time I've lost a friendship over food...last time it was about pineapple on pizza. Yuck XD
But I also respect peoples food tastes....I just don't have to agree with them XD
Lol we shall see if Zeph likes the coconut if he's allowed to taste it. Maybe i'll roll a strait d20. Even he likes it odd he doesn't :D
(Just realized that I missed all the posts between this and Zahira's last post. So I edited it slightly :'D)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Trick had flickered his ears upon the conversation "ice cream." What is this iced cream? He knew of chocolate and caramel and coconuts but he had never heard of this treat they had spoken of. With a wag of his tail he smiled toward Zim with a chipper grin from the small tabaxi.
"Thank you! So umm.. Is Arthur going to be okay? He said I was killing him?"
There was talk of taking evidence or taking pictures, either way he would follow this party. Since he could gather from Silas's wordless exchanged that he would probably be joining this party officially. He now had Arthur's "number." He and his family were getting used to these "Crystal's" and learning to function one was no simple task. The other students however seemed quite comfortable with these devices he had curiously looked at Zephyro and Zahira typing away. A sincere curious gleam in his hazelnut eyes, he was eager to avoid the "authorities" were they like the wardens and rangers back at Starkwood? The term police was rather foreign to him.
The party had finished a rest and Zahira hugging Arthur farewell. He was ready to escape with the rest, and to attract as little attention as possible from any authorities that may be in the looping halls. He had no clue where one would find the iced of the cream shop. So he had decided to stay closely behind Zahira following her for the meantime.
Zim caught the naiveté in Trick's question and grew a little more interested in the newcomer. "There's nothing to worry about with that one. Well, except getting on his bad side I would suppose. Arthur appears to be very emotionally driven. Your cat-like appearance seems to be even more exciting to him than staring death in the face. His response is typical of true animal lovers. I wouldn't take offense, he truly seems to be a big ball of love just trying to give its expression to all in his path." Zim cocked an eyebrow with cautious intrigue, "If you don't mind my asking, are you new to city life?"
The high elf also takes an interest in Trick's lack of understanding, but doesn't ask about it just yet opting to let the cat-boy answer Zim before pressing any more.
"Well, shall we?"He says motioning towards the door. After a moment's hesitation, he walks to the door opens them and looks out. If he sees no one, he will hold the door open for his companions.
When Zahira listens to Zim talking about Arthur she says:
- Getting on his bad side? I don't imagine Arthur having a bad side at all! I mean, I wonder what would need to happen for him to show something like that. While in my case... - she falls silent. In her case, she had already displayed it, hadn't she?
She then smiles at Trick:
- I have to admit I also love your aspect. I happen to love cats, so ... yeah... I understand Arthur's reaction to you, Trick. I hope that you don't think we are creepy! Hahaha. I didn't say anything when Arthur mentioned it because I wasn't feeling that good after the fight until I stopped and rested. Anyway. Ice cream. Have you ever tried it, Trick? If you haven't, I think you might like it!
Hearing Zephyro, she answers:
- I see, that sounds logic. My family is also noble, but ... not as much as yours and Arthur's. I guess we Etesians don't have that specific desert problem- she smiles and then hesitates for a moment, thinking wether to ask Zeph what she has in mind. She finally does - Hey, I am curious about something, but don't answer if you don't want ok? I really thought you were going to sign up for Wizard classes. Do your parents support your studying to be a Monk? Because, you see, my parents don't want me studying to be an artificer. If I am doing it is just because I'm too stubborn to not follow my own wishes - specially when I believe it can bring good to our family - and because my uncle - who is an exceptional artificer - has been very supportive on that matter.
Pineapple pizza hater here. Friendship restored, Rynn! :D (Nah, it was never lost to begin with!)
As Arthur had begun to leave he heard Trick's statement causing a slight chuckle to arise from his soft lips. Before he could leave however Zahira had hugged the young paladin, at first he was stunned in silence. However he had reached out to hold her into a tight embrace. As his hands brushed past her arms she could feel that his hands were gruff from the constant training one gained perhaps from his grip on a blade. Though she was careful to prevent an awkward social encounter Arthur had not done the same to avoid such an outcome. When she had retreated from the hug he had tightly held onto her for a few moments longer before sputtering out a bit of laughter.
"Heh.. Sorry about that, I guess I needed that more than I thought?"
He had let go slowly with his pale cheeks a soft rosy red as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Jeez, you're just.. Honestly you're just the cutest Zahira. Sweet and funny too! I.. Know you're not feeling a hundred and ten percent right now, heh I can't blame you. I'm frustrated I couldn't protect you all. If it was my dad out here.. even at my age I bet he woulda mopped the floor with those small fry and protected everybody! I need to study on my magic harder.. My shield work too if I'm going to protect anybody. I need a stronger mind to resist that kinda magic and.. Heh I'm just rambling now huh? I won't mope about being useless, I'll train and keep positive! I look forward to working with you all I really do! I'll pray for you all, and.. I hope I see you soon Zahira."
And with that he had given a slight bow before leaving, now the party was alone to discuss matters of both ice cream and evidence.
With that Trick and Zephyro had managed to sneak through the halls and Zephyro's perception helped guide the others (lowering stealth DC) making it easier for the party to traverse. They do however see Arthur talking to knights and police alike the heavily armored paladin probably couldn't stealth around or simply was too honest to try too.
Tally Forth
As the party moves forward from the school they hear a loud fall, comical almost such as a prat fall could be. It was... Sakimoto? The junior detective before and he was clearly trying to keep tabs on these kids. He however was rather clumsy in watching them. He had stood up blinking looking toward the party, before he had awkwardly placed his hands in his jacket pockets before slowly walking away. Offering a somewhat nervous whistle trying his best to avoid the party at this moment.
With that the party has a free chance to look at the maps on their crystals and head to the ice cream shop or follow after Sakimoto
Ice Cream
(If they choose Ice Cream)
As the party goes across the town, walking it would seem across the ice cream shop appears to be an abandoned warehouse. The weather had begun to take a turn with soft thunderstorms and water beginning to drizzle upon Spiral's surface. Just in time for the party to take cover in the building! Inside soft jazz was playing with brightly painted white walls and bright red stools. Many posters of bands coming to Crystal Meadow and Bards coming to play in Crystal Meadow. Behind the counter was a friendly air genasi with a white furled mustache. He had curled his mustache with the tips of his fingers, his hair gelled back and though Genasi had a strange age range he appeared middle aged. His accent was clearly foreign as he was singing a song softy to himself. His smile appeared rather sincere as he had turned to the would be customers.
"Ahh friends welcome to the flurry shop come in come in! What can I interest you in? I've a snowstorm blizzard with you're name on it!"
In the corner of the store is a young pixie woman, around the age of the party with thick round glasses curly red hair and freckles upon her cheeks. She looks up only to hide her face with a menu suited to her stature. Her shoulders slumped low as she had done her best to avoid eye contact with the newcomers.
OOC Everybody roll me a stealth ^~^
I shall write to you all a text for later! Since Zephyro and Zahira both gave a text ^~^
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: Leaving the stealth check for Zahira. At disadvantage because she wears Scale Mail. Sorry in advance... I'm used to a ranger/rogue and I know these rolls hurt hahah 7)
Arthur had looked to Kuro unable to really gain any real insight, he hadn't tried to hide (Deception) that he was looking at Kuro. He had offered the young boy another radiant smile before turning back to the rest of the party.
Arthur couldn't find much more than what he already had before returning to the group. It appeared Zahira and Trick made better use of the evidence anyway. Zahira was finding everything while Trick was able to make sense of what was handed to him. Zephyro had than mentioned maybe.. Someone was controlling these gremlins? They looked tied up and rather peaceful, sadly Arthur couldn't heal any of them awake.
"If only we could ask them.. Than again I don't really speak goblin or gremlin? Is it the same?"
Arthur smiled at Zahira's positive attitude to growing stronger together and as an individual.
"You're right Zahira, I'll keep training my best! Heh, now I feel bad for saying how cute or pretty you were so often. I really should have paid attention to how smart you are! Heh heh.. I'll work harder. Not just for you all but so my new party doesn't have to worry about anyone getting past me."
(Arthur's insight on Zahira)
10
(To notice her feeling "off")
She had asked Mr forthright if he could fix them all up with the aid of a simple cantrip. He had raised his robes ready to do so before seeing that Kuro was able to clean himself off. He had chuckled lowering his own arms for a moment.
"Perhaps you're comrade could? Master Ryuzan I'm sure is a talented sorcerer. Is what I'm supposed to say yes? You're father is determined but between you and I? Half the fun of growing up is the mistakes."
He had chuckled, deciding that the practice for Kuro would do him good and that the team bonding perhaps would serve them well. And with that? He had begun to leave the room, however before he had done so he had looked to Zahira. He had drawn a pearl from his robe before placing it on her forehead for a moment. After a light glow she could feel a slight.. Restoration? The pearl had lost it's color as he placed back in his robe. (Can roll arcana on what it was.) He had smiled toward her before pursuing over the gremlins a moment. Zahira could feel one of her spell slots returned! After that he had made his way out of the cafeteria.
Arthur had walked over to Zim and Kuro, he couldn't help with the investigation so at least maybe he could check on these two? Zim had begun to apologize but also he was thanking Kuro. Before Arthur could open his mouth to thank them both Kuro had said they got lucky. Arthur looked at the boy, he couldn't get a read on him but.. Something seemed off. He had frowned for a moment a rare sight for the paladin.
"I'm sorry you feel that way Kuro.. I think you did great. You did too Zim, I'm not sure when we'll all fight together but feel free to message me if you ever need anything. Oh! Trick doesn't have my number does he?"
Arthur had went on over to give Trick his number and to anyone else in the party who may not have had his number. He had offered them all one last gleaming smile before looking to the palm of his hand. He seemed lost in thought in a moment before looking back up.
"Half Tabaxi? I see! Well you're adorable!"
Trick's tail had begun to wag as Arthur chuckled slightly.
"Aww! Zahira look it's too much! You're killing me here Trick!"
Arthur however had begun to calm down when Trick began to speak of what he had found with the group. Arthur had taken a somewhat serious look but he was clearly confused by all of this speech. By the time Zahira and Trick came to a conclusion he saw Trick take a step back.
17
(Arthur's insight but now on Trick lol)
Arthur didn't seem like it but emotionally he cared for others, it was the only time he tried to be insightful. Seeing Trick take a step back he wasn't sure why?
"You okay?"
As time passed and the investigation went on Arthur had lounged about stretching and yawning before standing up.
"Well! I'm no good here! I'll see you all later friends! It's an honor to have met you Trick! Thank you Zim.. Zahira and you too Kuro. You all shown me I have much to learn."
And with that Arthur had begun to leave the cafeteria as well.
Zephyro had taken the time to look at the religious aspect of the tomes, it seemed connected with Clara and her angels? It was hard to make sense of the religious scribes at this point for him but it did seem strange.
Trick was able to decipher one last thing in the scrolls.. Something about storing and transferring magical energy was it?
With that the party would be running out of time as the police and knights came to the door talking with Silas in the hall.
OOC
You all can choose to keep certain things or place them back where they were, the tome for example and such ^~^
OOC
I forgot to add one thing for Arthur to Zephyro before he left!
RP
Arthur had looked to Zephyro as the group had taken a short rest (healing up) Arthur was able to bandage his own wounds a bit before sitting beside Zephyro
"You say it was reckless but I saw you stand back up, and you did some damage before you went down I'm sure. It was valiant, you're spirit is strong and in time I think you're body will catch up!"
Kuro gives an almost unnoticeable start when the principal says that maybe he could do it. He clenches his right hand--the one he'd cleaned with magic...Had the old geezer seen him use the spell on himself even with his hand hidden in his pocket? ...this guy... He keeps his face hidden behind his hood as the old man talks, a very blank and passive expression barely visible within the shadow of his hood. He lets out a quiet huff and waits until the principal leaves before glancing at everyone else.
Sighing, he turns to where everyone is within his field of vision and removes his hand from his pocket. Slowly, he moves his hand in front of him as if to wipe the fog off of a clouded window. As his hand passes in front of each person, the blood on their cloths pulls away, collecting as if pulled by an invisible force. The last person to be cleaned is Zim, since the bard is standing the closest to Kuro. After he's done with everyone, he lowers his hand slightly and shakes it a little as if getting rid of excess water after washing his hands. The cloud of red dissipates and it is as if the blood was never there.
He gives Arthur a blank look, unsure of what to say to that... why were they all giving him compliments? So, he decidedly stays quiet and is relieved when the paladin moves to go give Trick his number.
Unless someone comes to ask him something, he'll just stand there until everyone decides to leave. Depending on how long this takes, he might sit down to take a short rest.
After thanking Kuro for cleaning the blood of him, Zephyro fell silent for a while as he went through the tome then started contemplating everything the group had discovered. The only people he remembered seeing with Letterman jackets were the two who had tripped the young goblin, but just because they were bullies wasn't enough proof to accuse them in his opinion. However, he will consider them minor suspects. He listens to Trick's explanation thoughtfully. This, and the fact that the tome was connected to Clara and her Angels just made things even more confusing to him. Religious books, spells similar to revivify, a magically infused piece of a Letterman jacket, and the huge possibility that someone used these things to control these gremlins. They just don't have enough information to come to any conclusions. On top of that, his head hurt. Closing his eyes, he puts a hand to his head and sighs. Perhaps he'll be able to think about this more after he's rested up.
Doing his best to store the little information they found in the vaults of his memory, he tries to give his mind, as well as his body, a break while he and his companions take a rest. He opens his eyes when Arthur comes to sit next to him. "Thanks, that-- That means a lot to me." He smiles, as the paladin stands up and leaves.
During this downtime, he decides to text his sister. He's not sure when she has downtime, but he hopes he can trust her not to text when she's in class.
Hey sis, how are things going? I hope you are making some friends. Boy have I got a lot to tell you when we get home.
After a few moments, he stand back up as well then looks to the group. "Well, unless you all want to be questioned by the authorities, I say we should leave this place." Dusting himself off and straitening his coat, he asks, "We still have a bit of time before school is out, and I for one don't want to go home early. I seem to recall someone wanting to go get ice cream?" He smiles at Zahira, "You still want to do that?" Then he looks to Trick, he has a feeling this feline boy was unable to join a party earlier due to the fact that he has stuck around rather than leaving like Arthur did. "Care to join us?" He asks, "And also, we have room in our party if you'd like to join. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we'd be glad to have you."
OOC:
IDK which is Arthur passive Insight, but I imagine is higher than a 7, and it think it would be pretty easy for anyone to notice Zahira's not feeling ok. (I say this because I don't really know if I'm expected to roll anything? She's not thinking of hiding it)
Arcana roll for Forthright and the pearl thingy: 8
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
While resting, Zahira gets her crystal and sends a three of messages. One is for her brother, the other for her uncle and the last one ... and this last one is specially hard to send, to her mother.
To Tobey
"I've just decided that I'll be visit you soon, instead of waiting till your birthday, ok? Today has been, let's say, taxing. Big sis really needs one of the magic hugs that only her little bro is able to provide. I'll tell you when I'll go visit asap. I love you tons Tobias."
To uncle Plash:
"Hi... I don't mean to worry you, but something bad happened today at school. I'm okay. Just ... shaken. I'll tell you everything when I get back home, ok? Just ... can we maybe have one of those uncle/niece evenings? The two of us in the couch just watching tv and eating popcorn or something like that? I'm really... really going to need it ... By the way, I've told mum and Tobey that I want to visit in a couple of days, instead of waiting two weeks for Tobey's birthday."
To Ayama:
"Hi, mum. Just wanted to check quickly on dad and you. I just wanted to say that I love you both, that I hope everything is ok at home and that I will be probably visiting in a couple of days, ok?"
She realizes that she sounds worrying the second she sends them. She hasn't even included her usual emojis. Well, that's how she's feeling right now anyway, and sometimes it's better to just be straightfoward about things, right?
After she sends the messages, she watches Arthur and realizes he's about to leave. Of course! He has to get back to Himari and the rest of his team. The genasi girl realizes that she hasn't even responded to all his obvious attempts to calm himself, to calm her and also the rest of her teammates. He just doesn't deserve to be ignored by her after all that has happened. So she reaches him before he exits the cafeteria while the rest of the group is still checking on their findings.
- Mmm, Arthur. I'm sorry. I haven't been feeling that well after the fight ended. I'm still not ok, I will be at some point. But I just didn't want you to leave without me saying anything else. So .... well ... thank you for everything. It was a very complicated situation, and I dread to think what would have happened if Kuro hadn't brought you. - she pauses for a second and looks at his emmerald eyes, which fortunately have recovered their usual joyful spark, and then she just ... hugs him. She doesn't linger too much, as she doesn't want to make the whole situation too awkward, and then she says - ... I ... sorry ... I just... I needed that... Well, be seeing you, ok? Tell Hima to take care and that I'll be texting her, ok?
With that, she just returns to he innermost part of the cafeteria, and talks to her companions.
- Guys, I seem to have recovered a spell slot after the Principal casted something on me with that pearl on my forehead. But I'm not sure if he did this so I could use it here? Trick, I think you suggested that I cast Detect Magic to gather more info. After all we've been through today I have a feeling I'm now able to master that spell. But I'll need to sleep on it before I can do it, sorry. Also, Arthur mentioned something about healing one of the gremlins so we can try and get more info on who controlled them. I could use Cure wounds on one of them. But I'm not sure if we'll be able to understand anything he speaks. I mean .. I do speak Gnomish! But I'm not that sure that Gnomish has anything to do with Goblin or whatever language they speak!
She pauses for a moment, allowing them to speak, before she adds:
- What do you think ... should I try anything or should we just leave the scene as it is? Also, do you think we could take some pictures of the notes and the book in case we could study them after we leave the cafeteria? This way, we would leave the evidence for the police, and at the same time we could try to dig out some more out of this.
Whatever their decission is, she looks at Zephyro:
- Well, if I'm being honest, I was thinking of getting the hell out of here, going home and just spend the rest of the afternoon lying in my bed. But I have feeling that is not going to help me at all. So yes, let's go for that ice cream. We've more than earned it, damn it!
In that moment she retrieves the ponytail holder, which is still shedding bright light, and with a touch of her hand, the effect stops. So she just ties her hair again in the loose low ponytail she had before everything happened. The slight breeze that usually envelops her seems to have come back and is again tousling her hair and also her shirt.
- Ah! By the way, I believe Trick is now part of the group, right? - she goes to the half tabaxi, asks him for his crystal contact, and adds it to the "KZZZ" group - There. Now we are all connected. Welcome to the party! I think I'll modify the group title, wait a minute .... - she writes something and now the group title is changed to "KZZZT" - Done! We can think on a better name while eating ice cream. Oh ... I hope they have coconut ice cream, it's my favourite.
I do love coconut flavour :D IMHO there are two kinds of people: those that love coconut, and those that are just plain wrong xDDD
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hearing the knights outside of the cafeteria, Zim realizes their time is up. To everyone he said, "I say we take the stuff with us. I will be able to read anything we have gathered once I get some rest. That fight really took a lot out of me." Turning to look at Trick, he continues, "I agree with everyone else. Welcome to the team." Shrugging to everyone again, he groaned, "I still have to sign up for my classes, but I'm down to do whatever gets us the hell out of here. I've personally had enough orientation for one day."
"I say leave the Gremlins as they are. I don't think any of us can understand them, and based off the fact that they were yelling at us in whatever language that was, I doubt that they can understand us." Zephyro replies to Zahira then turns to Zim, "I say we take the tome, and some of the scroll pieces. Leave the Letterman piece here. I know the principal was acting like we should take care of this, but I don't want to take to much evidence away from the police. I might also suggest letting Zahira take the scroll pieces so she can study them later. ...If you all don't mind, I'd like to take the tome and study it more later. We could even take turns with it." He smiles at Zahira, "Taking pictures is a good idea, but I would prefer not to have that kind of evidence on my crystal. Besides, once we are done with it, we could always try to turn it in anonymously, or just give it back to Forthright."
He laughs at her next comment and watches as she retrieves her ponytail holder. "Is that what she used to help me?" He thinks, still not sure exactly how that whole thing worked. Somehow she had called him out of the abyss...with a ponytail holder?
He pulls out his crystal to add Trick to his contacts and chuckles at the group name again. "Now it sounds even more shocking."
He puts it away and looks back up at Zahira, "Coconut Icecream? That sounds...interesting. I've never tried that before." He smiles, "I'm more of a plain vanilla guy myself. Drizzle some caramel on there and you've got the perfect icecream."
Lol I guess I'm one of those just plain wrong people then. XD I can't stand coconut. My favorite icecream is almond praline. :D
Kuro can't believe that everyone is fine with taking stuff from the crime scene. Wasn't that illegal? If the cops found out, then they were going to be in a world of trouble. He lets out a long sigh, but doesn't say anything. More then likely he'll be ignored, so what was the point? He'll just have to settle for turning the blind eye, if they want to take stuff, then they can take it home with them.
He isn't really too keen on walking all the way to get ice cream, really, he wouldn't mind going home right now. However, if Father is home... well he doesn't really feel like dealing with him. If he shows up early he'll have to explain the whole situation, and then he'll probably get yelled at for not 'adventuring' better by Father, and then lectured by Mother about how he needs to spend more time with people. Ugh. Well, it is what it is.
"Lets hurry up and get out of here then," he says in a low tone. He doesn't want to talk to the knights, or anyone else for that matter.
Zahira nods towards the rest.
- Yeah, let's get out of here. And I hope they don't check if we are carrying anything we shouldn't. Let's just put our best "But of course, officer! I didn't take any evidence. Why would I even do that?" face, okay?
The genasi girl agrees with Zephyro's suggestions, takes the scroll pieces and stores them in her backpack carefully, making sure they are under the rest of the backpack contents. In case the police tries to check.
Talking about ice cream seems to be the final piece that takes Zahira back her cheerful personality, which she shows up joking with Zephyro:
- You've never tried coconut? Really? Oh lord, we have to fix that! And I guess you know by now that I take "fixing things" very seriously! Also, please ... vanilla? - she facepalms - Is there anything more boring than vanilla ice cream? Really, Zeph, don't go saying those things aloud. They are worrying.
She takes a glance at Kuro, Trick and Zim and asks:
- And you guys? What's your flavour? Please Kuro, don't give me the - she imitates Kuro's voice - "now it's not the time to talk about ice cream, Zahira" look. Nothing less guilty looking than students talking about ice cream on their way out of the school, don't you think?
I respect almond praline! A lot! But hating coconut is an issue... Rynn, we cannot be friends anymore! :'(
xDD
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Bemused by the question, Zim dropped his other thoughts for a moment and said dreamily, "For ice cream, I'm a fan of turtle all the way. Pecans with hot fudge and caramel over vanilla ice cream is a melody of deliciousness I can't ever pass up."
Kuro blinks when Zahira tries to imitate his voice... is that really what she thinks he's thinking right now? Huh... He looks down for a moment, "I... don't really pick favorites." He hesitates, realizing he should probably add more. "...But my Mom makes homemade ice cream sometimes. It's not always the same, but she likes coffee flavored ice cream, so that's what she makes most of the time." He diverts his gaze, shrinking further into his hood as he realized that he brought up his mother... that was on the list of 'uncool' things to do as far as he knew. It was the kind of thing that could get him made fun of. Of course, his unwillingness to get involved in the illegal act of stealing evidence was also on that list, so he was already a lost cause. Might as well embrace it at this point.
lol, caramel is always good :D. My favorite ice cream is mocha almond fudge. :)
- "Pecans with hot fudge and caramel over vanilla" - the genasi girl meditates thoroughly about this - ...that actually sounds pretty good! You should learn from Zim, Zephyro. Don't that just sound waaaay better than "plain vanilla"? - she laughs.
Then she looks wide-eyed at Kuro:
- What? Your mom makes ice cream? Wow, I envy you! I mean, my uncle makes a lot of cool things but I can't eat any of them! Haha ... Ah, sorry, artificer joke! Anyway, you should let us try some of that one day...!
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Zephyro shrugs, "Well, I'll try anything." He grins, "Boring? That's what the caramel is for! Nuts are always nice too, but sometimes simple is better. Especially for someone constantly subjected to the exotic deserts that nobles seem so fond of."
If the others allow it, Zeph will take the tome and hide it inside one of his binders, which he then puts back in his shoulder case.
Lol This is not the first time I've lost a friendship over food...last time it was about pineapple on pizza. Yuck XD
But I also respect peoples food tastes....I just don't have to agree with them XD
Lol we shall see if Zeph likes the coconut if he's allowed to taste it. Maybe i'll roll a strait d20. Even he likes it odd he doesn't :D
(Just realized that I missed all the posts between this and Zahira's last post. So I edited it slightly :'D)
Trick had flickered his ears upon the conversation "ice cream." What is this iced cream? He knew of chocolate and caramel and coconuts but he had never heard of this treat they had spoken of. With a wag of his tail he smiled toward Zim with a chipper grin from the small tabaxi.
"Thank you! So umm.. Is Arthur going to be okay? He said I was killing him?"
There was talk of taking evidence or taking pictures, either way he would follow this party. Since he could gather from Silas's wordless exchanged that he would probably be joining this party officially. He now had Arthur's "number." He and his family were getting used to these "Crystal's" and learning to function one was no simple task. The other students however seemed quite comfortable with these devices he had curiously looked at Zephyro and Zahira typing away. A sincere curious gleam in his hazelnut eyes, he was eager to avoid the "authorities" were they like the wardens and rangers back at Starkwood? The term police was rather foreign to him.
The party had finished a rest and Zahira hugging Arthur farewell. He was ready to escape with the rest, and to attract as little attention as possible from any authorities that may be in the looping halls. He had no clue where one would find the iced of the cream shop. So he had decided to stay closely behind Zahira following her for the meantime.
17
Stealth roll if needed >-<
Zim caught the naiveté in Trick's question and grew a little more interested in the newcomer. "There's nothing to worry about with that one. Well, except getting on his bad side I would suppose. Arthur appears to be very emotionally driven. Your cat-like appearance seems to be even more exciting to him than staring death in the face. His response is typical of true animal lovers. I wouldn't take offense, he truly seems to be a big ball of love just trying to give its expression to all in his path." Zim cocked an eyebrow with cautious intrigue, "If you don't mind my asking, are you new to city life?"
The high elf also takes an interest in Trick's lack of understanding, but doesn't ask about it just yet opting to let the cat-boy answer Zim before pressing any more.
"Well, shall we?" He says motioning towards the door. After a moment's hesitation, he walks to the door opens them and looks out. If he sees no one, he will hold the door open for his companions.
Perception: 22 (nat 20)
Stealth: 18
When Zahira listens to Zim talking about Arthur she says:
- Getting on his bad side? I don't imagine Arthur having a bad side at all! I mean, I wonder what would need to happen for him to show something like that. While in my case... - she falls silent. In her case, she had already displayed it, hadn't she?
She then smiles at Trick:
- I have to admit I also love your aspect. I happen to love cats, so ... yeah... I understand Arthur's reaction to you, Trick. I hope that you don't think we are creepy! Hahaha. I didn't say anything when Arthur mentioned it because I wasn't feeling that good after the fight until I stopped and rested. Anyway. Ice cream. Have you ever tried it, Trick? If you haven't, I think you might like it!
Hearing Zephyro, she answers:
- I see, that sounds logic. My family is also noble, but ... not as much as yours and Arthur's. I guess we Etesians don't have that specific desert problem - she smiles and then hesitates for a moment, thinking wether to ask Zeph what she has in mind. She finally does - Hey, I am curious about something, but don't answer if you don't want ok? I really thought you were going to sign up for Wizard classes. Do your parents support your studying to be a Monk? Because, you see, my parents don't want me studying to be an artificer. If I am doing it is just because I'm too stubborn to not follow my own wishes - specially when I believe it can bring good to our family - and because my uncle - who is an exceptional artificer - has been very supportive on that matter.
Pineapple pizza hater here. Friendship restored, Rynn! :D (Nah, it was never lost to begin with!)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
As Arthur had begun to leave he heard Trick's statement causing a slight chuckle to arise from his soft lips. Before he could leave however Zahira had hugged the young paladin, at first he was stunned in silence. However he had reached out to hold her into a tight embrace. As his hands brushed past her arms she could feel that his hands were gruff from the constant training one gained perhaps from his grip on a blade. Though she was careful to prevent an awkward social encounter Arthur had not done the same to avoid such an outcome. When she had retreated from the hug he had tightly held onto her for a few moments longer before sputtering out a bit of laughter.
"Heh.. Sorry about that, I guess I needed that more than I thought?"
He had let go slowly with his pale cheeks a soft rosy red as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Jeez, you're just.. Honestly you're just the cutest Zahira. Sweet and funny too! I.. Know you're not feeling a hundred and ten percent right now, heh I can't blame you. I'm frustrated I couldn't protect you all. If it was my dad out here.. even at my age I bet he woulda mopped the floor with those small fry and protected everybody! I need to study on my magic harder.. My shield work too if I'm going to protect anybody. I need a stronger mind to resist that kinda magic and.. Heh I'm just rambling now huh? I won't mope about being useless, I'll train and keep positive! I look forward to working with you all I really do! I'll pray for you all, and.. I hope I see you soon Zahira."
And with that he had given a slight bow before leaving, now the party was alone to discuss matters of both ice cream and evidence.
With that Trick and Zephyro had managed to sneak through the halls and Zephyro's perception helped guide the others (lowering stealth DC) making it easier for the party to traverse. They do however see Arthur talking to knights and police alike the heavily armored paladin probably couldn't stealth around or simply was too honest to try too.
Tally Forth
As the party moves forward from the school they hear a loud fall, comical almost such as a prat fall could be. It was... Sakimoto? The junior detective before and he was clearly trying to keep tabs on these kids. He however was rather clumsy in watching them. He had stood up blinking looking toward the party, before he had awkwardly placed his hands in his jacket pockets before slowly walking away. Offering a somewhat nervous whistle trying his best to avoid the party at this moment.
With that the party has a free chance to look at the maps on their crystals and head to the ice cream shop or follow after Sakimoto
Ice Cream
(If they choose Ice Cream)
As the party goes across the town, walking it would seem across the ice cream shop appears to be an abandoned warehouse. The weather had begun to take a turn with soft thunderstorms and water beginning to drizzle upon Spiral's surface. Just in time for the party to take cover in the building! Inside soft jazz was playing with brightly painted white walls and bright red stools. Many posters of bands coming to Crystal Meadow and Bards coming to play in Crystal Meadow. Behind the counter was a friendly air genasi with a white furled mustache. He had curled his mustache with the tips of his fingers, his hair gelled back and though Genasi had a strange age range he appeared middle aged. His accent was clearly foreign as he was singing a song softy to himself. His smile appeared rather sincere as he had turned to the would be customers.
"Ahh friends welcome to the flurry shop come in come in! What can I interest you in? I've a snowstorm blizzard with you're name on it!"
In the corner of the store is a young pixie woman, around the age of the party with thick round glasses curly red hair and freckles upon her cheeks. She looks up only to hide her face with a menu suited to her stature. Her shoulders slumped low as she had done her best to avoid eye contact with the newcomers.
OOC
Everybody roll me a stealth ^~^
I shall write to you all a text for later! Since Zephyro and Zahira both gave a text ^~^
(OOC: Leaving the stealth check for Zahira. At disadvantage because she wears Scale Mail. Sorry in advance... I'm used to a ranger/rogue and I know these rolls hurt hahah 7)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra