Jade follows Millicent's lead with a palpable discomfort. She likewise doffs her boots and cloak (why hadn't she thought to offer it to Eila?) and stands holding them somewhat awkwardly while taking in their surroundings.
"Do you suppose that way then?" she asks, indicating what looks like a curl of steam escaping from under a door.
Eila remains at the doorway and looks to the two scholars, nodding inward to invite them inside first too. "I don't know enough about Warforged to understand if it's wise for you to bathe too Ozlem, with um, all the metal, but do join us if you wish. After you, Elliðaey."
"Bathe? No, but they do have certain things that I might use for respite. This is where we part I'm afraid. I thank you for your aid and wish you all a safe journey. Elliðaey I hope your quest to Vermeillon proves uneventful," the warforged adds looking at Elliðaey now and giving both Eila and his fellow scholar a slight bow.
"We should be in the stacks in the morning Oz," Elliðaey replies smiling. "If you need anything I'm not far," she adds as the warforged again bows and leaves the regular bathing areas.
Elliðaey turns to Eila.
"I...I don't like to fight but I will to protect myself and my friends," Elliðaey begins. "I am trying to understand your calling to help others even...." she sighs before beginning again, "even those who I struggle to deem worthy of aid. I should seek to know better and that mercy isn't meant to be shared sparingly," she explains. "I would very much like you and Jade to continue with Millicent and I south to Vermeillon. Passage through the Cloud Peaks can be treacherous. That is if I haven't proven myself an unworthy leader," the monk adds her tone solemn.
OOC we'll move on if there's not any other discussion y'all would like to have.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
OOC we'll move on if there's not any other discussion y'all would like to have.
(OOC: Jade was still hoping to have a private conversation with Millicent, if Damian_May is willing? I suppose it could take place outside of the main thread rather than hold up the group? Also, may I get a call from the DM regarding wether or not Jade knows anything about Revered Sister Vestra? It was a 14 on the religion check, original post is above)
Jade hangs her cloak on a convenient hook and sets her boots underneath. She then begins the process of removing her chainmail shirt, jerkin, and doublet; grateful for the delay as she surreptitiously watches Millicent for cues as to the proper etiquette.
"So how does one become an apprentice to the Scholars of Allsight?"
Jade hangs her cloak on a convenient hook and sets her boots underneath. She then begins the process of removing her chainmail shirt, jerkin, and doublet; grateful for the delay as she surreptitiously watches Millicent for cues as to the proper etiquette.
"So how does one become an apprentice to the Scholars of Allsight?"
" Oh.", said Millicent stripping down and looking about for a towel apparently unbothered.
" By accident. I always had my head in a book, wrote a lot of letters asking questions and pestering my teachers....apparently somone put in a good word with the Scholars and I was packed off to join them."
" Part of me suspects it was to get me out of everyones hair."
" Hmmm.....theres usually a rack of towels. Oh, well. We'll just go without. Come on.", she opened the steamroom door.
" Boss-Lady kinda took me under her wing and well...eventually I ended up here."
:"How about yourself?", Jade could not help but notice she took the tightly bound satchel into the sauna room with her.
Jade follows suit. For a trained and experienced warrior she has surprisingly few scars, and those that exist tell only of minor cuts and scraps to her arms and legs. More frequent, but no worse than what one might expect of any active youth.
Her back however, tells a different story. A story of a lash administered, sometimes deeply and not altogether infrequently, with vertical strokes.
"Eila and I...Painbearer Forthall and I, though she hadn't yet earned the honour, traveled together to the Temple of Ilmater in Balder's Gate. I chose to stay on as a supplicant. I suppose that, like you, I was recommended to the order by another..." She gives a bit of a grin, "or maybe it was just that so few Ilmateri show up at the temple bearing a longsword."
Millicent utterly failed to hide her shock at Jades back scars, " Who did this?", she said angrily, looking down at her own self which had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises and the occasional paper-cut.
"I...I don't like to fight but I will to protect myself and my friends," Elliðaey begins. "I am trying to understand your calling to help others even...." she sighs before beginning again, "even those who I struggle to deem worthy of aid. I should seek to know better and that mercy isn't meant to be shared sparingly," she explains. "I would very much like you and Jade to continue with Millicent and I south to Vermeillon. Passage through the Cloud Peaks can be treacherous. That is if I haven't proven myself an unworthy leader," the monk adds her tone solemn.
[OOC: sure - I'll just respond, then all's well]
Eila steps into the bathhouse after Oz leaves so they needn't stand in the bitter chill of the evening while they talk. "A willingness to understand proves your worth as a leader," she says, pausing briefly to tug off her gloves with her teeth so she can grip the wet leather of her muddied boots and at last remove them, "I can't speak for Jade, but I would imagine she'd be of the same mind. I will certainly follow you to Vermeillon. Millicent seemed... afraid, during the battle on the way here, and I worry for her. I couldn't very well sit by in the safety of Candlekeep knowing the two of you are off to the mountains."
After wrestling out of the soaked surcoat that covers her chainmail, she tucks the bundle under her arm and gives Elliðaey's hand a firm shake. "You have me, for as long as you need aid."
Jade seems confused at first, as if there were nothing unusual about her appearance, "What, these? I did."
A look of understanding and then she casts her eyes downward, lowering her head, shamefaced.
"A cleansing ritual. I suppose I have had a great deal to cleanse."
Millicent feels a lump in her throat, she is unsure whether she is going to throw up or weep, she just stares at the wall for a long time. The torches and the fire all dimmed and turned slightly green for a moment and a sussuration of feminine whispers crept around the walls.
" No.", she whispers to herself then sits down on the wooden bench and rests her face in her hands, she uses her feet to pull her satchel close and tucks it between her ankles.
" I'm so sorry. Anything you need just ask and I will do all I can.", she said through her hands.
"I...I just wanted to apologize...for myself and for Ei...Painbearer Forthall. We spoke out of turn last night."
Jade stops herself from backing away, forcing herself to stand firm despite her obvious discomfort.
"And I wanted to tell you that...I know what it's like to feel trapped by a secret...to be bound to someone so far above you that it's like," she pauses a long moment, a bittersweet smile playing across her face "...reaching for the sun."
"If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you."
She turns to leave, pausing briefly at the door and casting Millicent a mournful look.
"If you're going to be hurt regardless, why not risk the burn?"
OOC we'll move on if there's not any other discussion y'all would like to have.
(OOC: Jade was still hoping to have a private conversation with Millicent, if Damian_May is willing? I suppose it could take place outside of the main thread rather than hold up the group? Also, may I get a call from the DM regarding wether or not Jade knows anything about Revered Sister Vestra? It was a 14 on the religion check, original post is above)
OOC I think thus is best answered by Hayredd. Technically it's an NPC but I think it should be explained by them since I haven't the foggiest clue where they're going with it! Ha!
Eila steps into the bathhouse after Oz leaves so they needn't stand in the bitter chill of the evening while they talk. "A willingness to understand proves your worth as a leader," she says, pausing briefly to tug off her gloves with her teeth so she can grip the wet leather of her muddied boots and at last remove them, "I can't speak for Jade, but I would imagine she'd be of the same mind. I will certainly follow you to Vermeillon. Millicent seemed... afraid, during the battle on the way here, and I worry for her. I couldn't very well sit by in the safety of Candlekeep knowing the two of you are off to the mountains."
After wrestling out of the soaked surcoat that covers her chainmail, she tucks the bundle under her arm and gives Elliðaey's hand a firm shake. "You have me, for as long as you need aid."
OOC Apologies seems that the replies got away from me...
"Yes, of course," Elliðaey replies. "Millicent is a true scholar. I do hope that the dangers of intelligence gathering doesn't dampen her devotion to her craft," the monk worries aloud looking at Eila with concern. "I...I thank you for your continued aid and call myself lucky to hear your counsel. I do hope Jade will feel likewise," she offers moving into the bathhouse to get cleaned up.
Elliðaey seems more subdued than usual. She listens to conversation but doesn't join them as usual. It seems the day's events are weighing heavy on her mind.
After the party is clean and refreshed they find they've been left robes while their armor and weapons have been spirited away, cleaner and dried, to their quarters in a communal room devoted to their party alone within the House of Rest. This information is delivered by a small gnomish man who's robes are a pale blue nearly white who seems to be dressed in the colors of the staff of the bathhouse too. He explains he's a devotee of Candlekeep and is humbled to serve the party while they are here to research the library. He name, the party discovers, is Kelynn Birdsong.
Kel, as he perfers to be called, shows the party to their room. It's a fine communal space with eight beds and chests at the end of each. The party's gear is left out on the beds and weapons show signs of peace-ties made with a small silvered cord that none of the party seem to be able to remove. The only weapon per say that did not get this treatment is Elliðaey staff but the staff bears a note regarding how it's enchantments will be inert while Elliðaey remains inside the walls of the Keep. Kell lingers as if waiting for any task or to answer any questions that the party might have of him but it's abundantly clear the party is free to move about.
Meanwhile in the Hearth, the tavern and gathering space at Candlekeep, from the outside it looks intimate and peaceful. Logs and stone beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's difficult to see through the large, ornate, stained glass windows that depict various scenes of the curators of Candlekeep's valor throughout the ages. The bustling from within however can be felt outside!
As you enter the tavern through the heavy, oak door, you're welcomed by aromas of roasted meats and the hum of enthusiastic scholarly conversation.
The bartender is a little preoccupied, but still manages to welcome you with a friendly nod. He's a big man, a firblog by the look of his bovine features and grey fur. He's finely dressed in green robes and a few pieces of gold jewelry. He is leaned on the bar nearest a decidedly small figure and the bartenders expression seems to show his amusement with his current conversation.
It's as lovely inside as it is on the outside. Hardwooden beams support the upper floor and the candles adore serveal candelabras illuminated with the same arcane glow as the torches outside. The walls are crowded with portraits of all manner of species that represent the vast folk of Faerun. Each expertly rendered as if the living subject, regardless how ancient, is alive within the frame!
The tavern itself is packed. Seekers and staff of the Keep seem to be the primary clientele here, which is probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be one large group of people. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who who seem to be strangers to each other, all sitting here because there are no other seats. Though they all clearly enjoy each other's company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Here we find Zaphi the kobold....
OOC Weathervision that's your cue! NOW we're moving forward...
The pensive mood that's been hanging over Jade is little improved by the change in venue. In fact, it spurs her to action. She reaches out and takes hold of Eila's forearm, leaning in so as not to be heard.
"Painbearer, the initiate requests..."
She stops and sighs, when she continues the formality is gone.
"I'd like to talk, privately, this evening if at all possible."
Millicent had watched Jade leave feeling equally guilty and angry at the unnecessary suffering she had endured for no reason to Millicents way of thinking.
She slipped out and dressed following Elliðaey to the tavern despite a rather strong urge to curl up in bed and do some.........reading........
She bellied up to the bar and ordered a round equal parts elderberry wine and water for her companions.
Eila is quite enamoured by the welcoming air and humble appeal of the tavern - quite a far cry from the visions her imagination had painted of Candlekeep as a stoic fortress of dry and joyless pedagogues. She thanks Milicent for buying the first round and raises her glass to her, "Next ones on me, Millicent."
She then turns to her companion, and her mood is cooled a touch by the unexpected change in Jade's usual tone. "Of course. You'll alwayshave my ear," she murmurs back, "Is something wrong?"
Zaphi loves the crowded tavern as it reminded him of home in the Misty Forest. In his mind the more the merrier. He thinks back to the scholar Menos and although he has delivered the book to Candlekeep he feels a restlessness in his heart. Out of habit he scans the room for marks who may have items worth stealing, but internally he chides himself out of that idea. It is so tempting, but no I have learned my lesson and its time to use my skills for better purposes. He sees the party enter and immediately recognizes Elliðaey an old acquaintance.
Zaphi takes a moment to dust off the dirt from his travels and heads on over to where the party is sitting. A shyness overcomes Zaphi as he approaches these big people, but it would be nice to reacquaint with is old friend. He takes a breath and says
"Greetings Elliðaey, I know its been some time since last we met, but I hope you remember Zaphi. May I sit with your party?" in a somewhat high pitched voice
Jade looks down at the small scally creature and slides out a chair with her foot, not even needing to look at Elliðaey or Eila to anticipate the answer.
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Jade follows Millicent's lead with a palpable discomfort. She likewise doffs her boots and cloak (why hadn't she thought to offer it to Eila?) and stands holding them somewhat awkwardly while taking in their surroundings.
"Do you suppose that way then?" she asks, indicating what looks like a curl of steam escaping from under a door.
Eila remains at the doorway and looks to the two scholars, nodding inward to invite them inside first too. "I don't know enough about Warforged to understand if it's wise for you to bathe too Ozlem, with um, all the metal, but do join us if you wish. After you, Elliðaey."
"Bathe? No, but they do have certain things that I might use for respite. This is where we part I'm afraid. I thank you for your aid and wish you all a safe journey. Elliðaey I hope your quest to Vermeillon proves uneventful," the warforged adds looking at Elliðaey now and giving both Eila and his fellow scholar a slight bow.
"We should be in the stacks in the morning Oz," Elliðaey replies smiling. "If you need anything I'm not far," she adds as the warforged again bows and leaves the regular bathing areas.
Elliðaey turns to Eila.
"I...I don't like to fight but I will to protect myself and my friends," Elliðaey begins. "I am trying to understand your calling to help others even...." she sighs before beginning again, "even those who I struggle to deem worthy of aid. I should seek to know better and that mercy isn't meant to be shared sparingly," she explains. "I would very much like you and Jade to continue with Millicent and I south to Vermeillon. Passage through the Cloud Peaks can be treacherous. That is if I haven't proven myself an unworthy leader," the monk adds her tone solemn.
OOC we'll move on if there's not any other discussion y'all would like to have.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
(OOC: Jade was still hoping to have a private conversation with Millicent, if Damian_May is willing? I suppose it could take place outside of the main thread rather than hold up the group? Also, may I get a call from the DM regarding wether or not Jade knows anything about Revered Sister Vestra? It was a 14 on the religion check, original post is above)
( Ready and Willing. Wherever DM prefers.)
Jade hangs her cloak on a convenient hook and sets her boots underneath. She then begins the process of removing her chainmail shirt, jerkin, and doublet; grateful for the delay as she surreptitiously watches Millicent for cues as to the proper etiquette.
"So how does one become an apprentice to the Scholars of Allsight?"
" Oh.", said Millicent stripping down and looking about for a towel apparently unbothered.
" By accident. I always had my head in a book, wrote a lot of letters asking questions and pestering my teachers....apparently somone put in a good word with the Scholars and I was packed off to join them."
" Part of me suspects it was to get me out of everyones hair."
" Hmmm.....theres usually a rack of towels. Oh, well. We'll just go without. Come on.", she opened the steamroom door.
" Boss-Lady kinda took me under her wing and well...eventually I ended up here."
:"How about yourself?", Jade could not help but notice she took the tightly bound satchel into the sauna room with her.
Jade follows suit. For a trained and experienced warrior she has surprisingly few scars, and those that exist tell only of minor cuts and scraps to her arms and legs. More frequent, but no worse than what one might expect of any active youth.
Her back however, tells a different story. A story of a lash administered, sometimes deeply and not altogether infrequently, with vertical strokes.
"Eila and I...Painbearer Forthall and I, though she hadn't yet earned the honour, traveled together to the Temple of Ilmater in Balder's Gate. I chose to stay on as a supplicant. I suppose that, like you, I was recommended to the order by another..." She gives a bit of a grin, "or maybe it was just that so few Ilmateri show up at the temple bearing a longsword."
Millicent utterly failed to hide her shock at Jades back scars, " Who did this?", she said angrily, looking down at her own self which had suffered nothing worse than a few bruises and the occasional paper-cut.
Jade seems confused at first, as if there were nothing unusual about her appearance, "What, these? I did."
A look of understanding and then she casts her eyes downward, lowering her head, shamefaced.
"A cleansing ritual. I suppose I have had a great deal to cleanse."
[OOC: sure - I'll just respond, then all's well]
Eila steps into the bathhouse after Oz leaves so they needn't stand in the bitter chill of the evening while they talk. "A willingness to understand proves your worth as a leader," she says, pausing briefly to tug off her gloves with her teeth so she can grip the wet leather of her muddied boots and at last remove them, "I can't speak for Jade, but I would imagine she'd be of the same mind. I will certainly follow you to Vermeillon. Millicent seemed... afraid, during the battle on the way here, and I worry for her. I couldn't very well sit by in the safety of Candlekeep knowing the two of you are off to the mountains."
After wrestling out of the soaked surcoat that covers her chainmail, she tucks the bundle under her arm and gives Elliðaey's hand a firm shake. "You have me, for as long as you need aid."
Millicent feels a lump in her throat, she is unsure whether she is going to throw up or weep, she just stares at the wall for a long time. The torches and the fire all dimmed and turned slightly green for a moment and a sussuration of feminine whispers crept around the walls.
" No.", she whispers to herself then sits down on the wooden bench and rests her face in her hands, she uses her feet to pull her satchel close and tucks it between her ankles.
" I'm so sorry. Anything you need just ask and I will do all I can.", she said through her hands.
"I'm sorry, I've upset you."
Jade starts to back out of the room.
"I...I just wanted to apologize...for myself and for Ei...Painbearer Forthall. We spoke out of turn last night."
Jade stops herself from backing away, forcing herself to stand firm despite her obvious discomfort.
"And I wanted to tell you that...I know what it's like to feel trapped by a secret...to be bound to someone so far above you that it's like," she pauses a long moment, a bittersweet smile playing across her face "...reaching for the sun."
"If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you."
She turns to leave, pausing briefly at the door and casting Millicent a mournful look.
"If you're going to be hurt regardless, why not risk the burn?"
OOC I think thus is best answered by Hayredd. Technically it's an NPC but I think it should be explained by them since I haven't the foggiest clue where they're going with it! Ha!
OOC both however remember OOC only belongs in the PMs.
OOC Apologies seems that the replies got away from me...
"Yes, of course," Elliðaey replies. "Millicent is a true scholar. I do hope that the dangers of intelligence gathering doesn't dampen her devotion to her craft," the monk worries aloud looking at Eila with concern. "I...I thank you for your continued aid and call myself lucky to hear your counsel. I do hope Jade will feel likewise," she offers moving into the bathhouse to get cleaned up.
Elliðaey seems more subdued than usual. She listens to conversation but doesn't join them as usual. It seems the day's events are weighing heavy on her mind.
After the party is clean and refreshed they find they've been left robes while their armor and weapons have been spirited away, cleaner and dried, to their quarters in a communal room devoted to their party alone within the House of Rest. This information is delivered by a small gnomish man who's robes are a pale blue nearly white who seems to be dressed in the colors of the staff of the bathhouse too. He explains he's a devotee of Candlekeep and is humbled to serve the party while they are here to research the library. He name, the party discovers, is Kelynn Birdsong.
Kel, as he perfers to be called, shows the party to their room. It's a fine communal space with eight beds and chests at the end of each. The party's gear is left out on the beds and weapons show signs of peace-ties made with a small silvered cord that none of the party seem to be able to remove. The only weapon per say that did not get this treatment is Elliðaey staff but the staff bears a note regarding how it's enchantments will be inert while Elliðaey remains inside the walls of the Keep. Kell lingers as if waiting for any task or to answer any questions that the party might have of him but it's abundantly clear the party is free to move about.
Meanwhile in the Hearth, the tavern and gathering space at Candlekeep, from the outside it looks intimate and peaceful. Logs and stone beams make up most of the building's outer structure. It's difficult to see through the large, ornate, stained glass windows that depict various scenes of the curators of Candlekeep's valor throughout the ages. The bustling from within however can be felt outside!
As you enter the tavern through the heavy, oak door, you're welcomed by aromas of roasted meats and the hum of enthusiastic scholarly conversation.
The bartender is a little preoccupied, but still manages to welcome you with a friendly nod. He's a big man, a firblog by the look of his bovine features and grey fur. He's finely dressed in green robes and a few pieces of gold jewelry. He is leaned on the bar nearest a decidedly small figure and the bartenders expression seems to show his amusement with his current conversation.
It's as lovely inside as it is on the outside. Hardwooden beams support the upper floor and the candles adore serveal candelabras illuminated with the same arcane glow as the torches outside. The walls are crowded with portraits of all manner of species that represent the vast folk of Faerun. Each expertly rendered as if the living subject, regardless how ancient, is alive within the frame!
The tavern itself is packed. Seekers and staff of the Keep seem to be the primary clientele here, which is probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be one large group of people. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who who seem to be strangers to each other, all sitting here because there are no other seats. Though they all clearly enjoy each other's company. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Here we find Zaphi the kobold....
OOC Weathervision that's your cue! NOW we're moving forward...
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
The pensive mood that's been hanging over Jade is little improved by the change in venue. In fact, it spurs her to action. She reaches out and takes hold of Eila's forearm, leaning in so as not to be heard.
"Painbearer, the initiate requests..."
She stops and sighs, when she continues the formality is gone.
"I'd like to talk, privately, this evening if at all possible."
Millicent had watched Jade leave feeling equally guilty and angry at the unnecessary suffering she had endured for no reason to Millicents way of thinking.
She slipped out and dressed following Elliðaey to the tavern despite a rather strong urge to curl up in bed and do some.........reading........
She bellied up to the bar and ordered a round equal parts elderberry wine and water for her companions.
Eila is quite enamoured by the welcoming air and humble appeal of the tavern - quite a far cry from the visions her imagination had painted of Candlekeep as a stoic fortress of dry and joyless pedagogues. She thanks Milicent for buying the first round and raises her glass to her, "Next ones on me, Millicent."
She then turns to her companion, and her mood is cooled a touch by the unexpected change in Jade's usual tone. "Of course. You'll always have my ear," she murmurs back, "Is something wrong?"
"Later," Jade's expression softens a bit, "I just...need us to be on the same page."
"Thank you Millicent," Jade says, raising her glass in salute before taking a sip.
"Mmmm, that's very good."
Zaphi loves the crowded tavern as it reminded him of home in the Misty Forest. In his mind the more the merrier. He thinks back to the scholar Menos and although he has delivered the book to Candlekeep he feels a restlessness in his heart. Out of habit he scans the room for marks who may have items worth stealing, but internally he chides himself out of that idea. It is so tempting, but no I have learned my lesson and its time to use my skills for better purposes. He sees the party enter and immediately recognizes Elliðaey an old acquaintance.
Zaphi takes a moment to dust off the dirt from his travels and heads on over to where the party is sitting. A shyness overcomes Zaphi as he approaches these big people, but it would be nice to reacquaint with is old friend. He takes a breath and says
"Greetings Elliðaey, I know its been some time since last we met, but I hope you remember Zaphi. May I sit with your party?" in a somewhat high pitched voice
Jade looks down at the small scally creature and slides out a chair with her foot, not even needing to look at Elliðaey or Eila to anticipate the answer.