..."Miss Martha, I am enlightened beyond belief that we were able to reunite you with your beloved. And Dobbian, it is a pleasure to meet you finally. I hear you can write quite the song? I would be honored to play it and many others at your marriage ceremony if you will have me."
Dobbian laughs heartily: "Did you hear the guy, Martha? 'If you will have me'? You must come, my friend! I counted you as a guest, so as not to force you to work... just in case for once you wanted to experience the thrill of being the audience instead of the attraction... you know, being able to shout, protest, whistle or clap... things like that! But if you prefer to work there that day too, the place is yours! You can perform as and as much as you want!"
"Yes, when it comes to songs I'm lucky..." he nods his head at Martha "I always have the one who inspires me close... But I'll be happy to hear your songs too! Who knows what a wonderful ballad you'll write about the feat you've accomplished part, culminating in something so incredibly important… or at least incredibly important to me!”
Clas can't help but be touched by Thia's enthusiasm and the warm hug around his leg. He looks down at her with a fond smile, his hazel eyes reflecting the sunlight that dances in her eyes. He dismounts, hugs Thia and then places his hands on her shoulders.
"Hahahaha! Thia, you have a heart full of courage and kindness," Clas replies, his voice brimming with admiration. "I'm excited that you want to join me on my travels. Talk to Mistress Martha, and I'll make sure she knows you're in good hands. After we've saved Daisy's husband and accomplished our heroic deeds, I'll be back for you, ready for new adventures together. Hahahaha!”
With a pat on her shoulder and a wink, Clas conveys his approval, fully appreciating the sunshine in the young half-elf's spirit, even on the darkest of days.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Never underestimate the power of a finely crafted barrel, my friend! It is both a vessel of strength and a symbol of resilience.
As Clas escorts Thia back into the warmth of Starnshield Manor's dining hall, he couldn't help but notice the peculiarities of the company around him. His eyes first rested on Ardana, her tiefling horns cruelly removed, a testament to her past ordeals. He didn't utter a word, knowing that some wounds run deeper than what can be seen.
Then, his gaze shifted to Zentromya, the miniature celestial who had performed the miraculous feat of bringing a man back from the dead. Clas scratched his beard, pondering the possibilities. He decided to give it a try, mentally reaching out to the celestial with all the charisma of a man caught in a whimsical thought spiral.
Hey there, Zentromya, you there, how does this work, knock knock, Clas began telepathically, unsure if celestial beings even listened to such musings. I was just thinking... you know, since you can do amazing things like bringing people back from the dead, have you ever considered growing back Ardana's horns one night while she's asleep? I mean, it'd be a great surprise for her, and she'd look fantastic with them. But, of course, I don't want her to know I had anything to do with it, because, you see, I have this sword named Ale, and I'm rather attached to my body, and I'd prefer to keep it in one piece, not cleaved in two by a greatsword. Hahahaha!
Clas paused for a moment, furrowing his brow, and then realized he might be pouting while thinking. He shook his head, amused by his own peculiar thoughts. See, this is why I usually don't think too much, he concluded with a mental chuckle.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Never underestimate the power of a finely crafted barrel, my friend! It is both a vessel of strength and a symbol of resilience.
Tarysaa also accepts 2 PP and 4 GP ( knowing half will be sent back to the University as loan repayment *groans* ) and thanks Sharnshield Manor for it's hospitality and well wishes. Going out to the stables, she tries to find a horse that is 'agreeable' with her. "This one," she says as she pats and strokes the horse's neck. "This one is Chestnut." Slowly mounting the horse, she looks about, seeing the world from a new vantage point.
She also see Ardana striding over to look over the horses offered. "If you still plan to accompany me to the Harpell's mansion, we can now make it in a brief ride. And perhaps, we can catch up with Daisy and her cohorts as they ride south."
Tarysaa will inform Daisy of their intention to 'catch up' once they are done giving the messages to the Harpells.
Looking about, she tries to send a telepathic message to the small, flying elephant - Zentromya. 'My Lady, I know not what your plans are now that you are free and have done such miracles already. You are always welcome to accompany us if you so desire although, I can understand that you have 250 years to 'catch up on' and your own 'reporting' to do in the upper planes. Bless you for your gifts. We are grateful for all you have done.'
Giving a little tug on the rein, Tarysaa guides the horse out of the grounds and heads south into Longsaddle to Harpell Mansion to give a full report of their adventure -- meeting the goblins; the goblin encampment on the hill; the white marble arch and the burrow; the Zhentarium (taking random slaves, using the burrow as an outpost, etc.); and the discovery of their ancestor's secret(?) dungeon / laboratory -- with captured beings still alive after 250 years... AND that active portal.
And to Daisy: "I would ride with you to find Gare, or if you need depart before I return from the Harpells, I will ride after you if you leave word on your first destination."
(( OOC: You just leaned it up against a wall at Sharnshield Manor... *facepalm* a weapon from the plane of fiends... that gives off 'bad vibes' just being near it... in the middle of a village FILLED with magic users... I **think** I know where the adventure after 'Finding Daisy's Brother' will be..... # WEDDING CRASHERS ))
(( OOC also: Did anyone make a move on the Amazon's Shield? ** side eyes Ardana with a raised eyebrow ** ))
As Clas escorts Thia back into the warmth of Starnshield Manor's dining hall, he couldn't help but notice the peculiarities of the company around him. His eyes first rested on Ardana, her tiefling horns cruelly removed, a testament to her past ordeals. He didn't utter a word, knowing that some wounds run deeper than what can be seen.
Then, his gaze shifted to Zentromya, the miniature celestial who had performed the miraculous feat of bringing a man back from the dead. Clas scratched his beard, pondering the possibilities. He decided to give it a try, mentally reaching out to the celestial with all the charisma of a man caught in a whimsical thought spiral.
Hey there, Zentromya, you there, how does this work, knock knock, Clas began telepathically, unsure if celestial beings even listened to such musings. I was just thinking... you know, since you can do amazing things like bringing people back from the dead, have you ever considered growing back Ardana's horns one night while she's asleep? I mean, it'd be a great surprise for her, and she'd look fantastic with them. But, of course, I don't want her to know I had anything to do with it, because, you see, I have this sword named Ale, and I'm rather attached to my body, and I'd prefer to keep it in one piece, not cleaved in two by a greatsword. Hahahaha!
Clas paused for a moment, furrowing his brow, and then realized he might be pouting while thinking. He shook his head, amused by his own peculiar thoughts. See, this is why I usually don't think too much, he concluded with a mental chuckle.
Zentromya does not immediately seem to 'hear' Clas' thoughts, but seeing the warrior looking at her she probably senses his need to communicate and establishes contact. After that, in fact, silent dialogue takes place.
The winged miniature she-elephant replies: "Yes, I realized that someone must have tortured that poor thing... I have heard of many ignorant people who persecute tieflings only because the origin of their lineage is the work of the evil devil lord Asmodeus ... But it is not the tieflings who are to blame! And above all... the mark left on their appearance by the devil lord does not at all undermine their ability to decide about their lives - and therefore also to turn towards good! In fact, look at Ardana It helped to free me and therefore bring happiness back to this house..."
"But," she mentally sighs "even if I can heal truly terrible wounds, I cannot make whole what has been maimed. I cannot give Ardana back her horns, Clas... but your interest in your fellow adventuress is admirable! You have a good heart Clas, I am sure that we will meet again in Elysium, in a long time, when you have exhausted your mortal life... and are ready for the wonderful adventure of eternal life".
...Looking about, she tries to send a telepathic message to the small, flying elephant - Zentromya. 'My Lady, I know not what your plans are now that you are free and have done such miracles already. You are always welcome to accompany us if you so desire although, I can understand that you have 250 years to 'catch up on' and your own 'reporting' to do in the upper planes. Bless you for your gifts. We are grateful for all you have done.'...
Zentromya does not immediately seem to 'hear' Tarysaa's thoughts, but seeing the elf wizard looking at her she probably senses her need to communicate and establishes contact. After that, in fact, the silent dialogue takes place.
"Can I really accompany you again?" Zentromya seems pleasantly surprised "It will make me very happy! You know, in Elysium I usually talk to so many hero souls... and you have no idea how much these heroes have suffered and fought, during their adventures and, more general, of their life. It is... in a certain sense it is unfair that people who have given so much have in turn received so little help. So I thought that, since, for now, I have no way of return to Elysium... I could join heroes like you and try to help a little here, in the Prime Material Plane, the cause of good! When I return to the heroic souls of my friends, I will have a lot of things to tell them and I'm sure they will be happy with what I have contributed to do! I too will have become a little heroic, like them! I will gladly stay with you".
...To Lady Zentromya: "Are you staying for the party? I would look forward to continuing our conversation of last night."...
"Can I really continue to stay with you?" Zentromya seems pleasantly surprised "It will make me very happy! You know, in Elysium I usually talk to so many hero souls... and you have no idea how much these heroes have suffered and fought, during their adventures and, more general, of their life. It is... in a certain sense it is unfair that people who have given so much have in turn received so little help. So I thought that, since, for now, I have no way of return to Elysium... I could join heroes like you and try to help a little here, in the Prime Material Plane, the cause of good! When I return to the heroic souls of my friends, I will have a lot of things to tell them and I'm sure they will be happy with what I have contributed to do! I too will have become a little heroic, like them! I will gladly stay with you".
OK, so I guess Zentromya accompanies Ardana and Tarysaa on their rapid expedition to the Harpells.
In the meantime, if Daisy wants it, she can leave immediately at the head of the group of Sharnshield amazons and knights to track down the slaver - or if she prefers, she will wait for the return of Zentromya, Ardana and Tarysaa.
Clas is waiting to ride at Daisy's side.
Nim... will post if he wants to do join one of the groups or if he simply waits at Sharnshield Mansion or does something else.
Ilwythe takes his share of coins then he says goodbye to everyone, wishing you good luck, and, without many words, he leaves on his own, towards a mysterious destination (perhaps mysterious for him too).
In the meantime, remembering that some of you wanted to visit the Harpells, Thia provides Zentromya, Ardana and Tarysaa with some directions: "You'll need to cross Hill Stream to reach Harpell Mansion! To do that, remember to use the Underbridge. It is an apparently ordinary bridge, but it is called Underbridge or Overbridge, depending on whether one walks over it... or under it. It is a somewhat puzzling phenomenon, as practically all phenomena concerning the Harpells - the bridge can be walked both over and under (a spell prevents falling... under the bridge, it's as if the world were upside down and you don't fall). And one can only walk under to enter Harpell territory - and only over to exit.Do you feel more at ease if I accompany you in person?"
"You as a guide will make our journey that much swifter.""Are you certain you can pull yourself away from Clas for this side trip?" She asks with a teasing smirk and a twinkle in her eyes. "This bridge sounds as confusing as this whole village of colorful and magic touched peoples. How do you keep your bright disposition when faced with such constant chaos?"
Tarysaa reaches out a hand and lifts the half-elf girl behind her in the saddle. "Lead on, Mighty Way Finder." She smiles at Thya/Thia as they canter forward toward this impossible bridge.
(OOC: Lol! You're right! In the last posts i wrote Thia's name wrong. This will teach me posting from mobile and in a hurry! )
Thia lets out a hearty laugh, hearing Tarysaa mention Clas: "It's so obvious that I... well... that I'm not indifferent to his charm? Surely you understand me, anyway... he's such a jovial and vital hero... Well, now that it comes to mind, maybe he's a little too much jovial for elven tastes? But, hey, I'm only half elf... And, well..." she lowers her voice a little "have you seen his athletic body? He looks as if he is sculpted..."
"Oh, 'constant chaos', you say?" the young half-elf girl does not lose her smile "Maybe I just got used to it! I was born and raised here, after all... And we must not forget that it is a 'chaos' that comes with many benefits... the Harpells undoubtedly bring chaos, but without them Longsaddle would never have reached the importance it has - and perhaps would never have even existed. Considering this..." she shrugs "it seems to you that crossing a bridge from below instead of above is an excessive price to pay? If you accept that it's magic and don't think about it too much, it's even fun! I sometimes enjoy bouncing downwards, promptly pulled back up from the altered gravity, while going through the Underbirdge! You'll see!"
While riding with Tarysaa, Thia also responds to Ardana: "No one goes to the Harpells really many times. They are still the lords of this place....it would be neither respectful nor wise to disturb them without having good reasons. But sometimes Mistress Martha and I we went to them - and sometimes, more rarely, Mistress Martha sent me alone".
While the conversation goes on, you follow a steep road which climbs a hill in the west of Longsaddle and arrive without difficulty in sight of the mythical residence of the Harpells, the Ivy Mansion.
There is an ever so faint metallic taste of electricity in the air, thrumming with magical potential. Two barns seem tremendously out of place when compared to the third, a massive structure with no coherent plan or architectural style. It consists of sharp, angled rooms expanding outward and three dozen spires protruding from it at different heights and angles. The Ivy Mansion is truly a whimsical sight to behold!
And it is there, that mansion, just across the river. The Hill Stream river, that flows upwards. Crossed by a bridge without a handrail or other lateral protection.
"That's the Overbridge/Underbridge!" Thia confirms what you were supposing already.
It is a strange sensation, for all of you, as soon as you hop under the bridge: you feel yourself turned upside down... but then all appears to be normal for you - you feel like you are walking on an inverted bridge... watching all around, an inverted world. Then, when you hop out at the end of the Underbridge, the process inverts and you are back on the ground, ready to enter the mansion.
Entering through the door, you find yourself in a domed, circular hall. In the center is a hearth and chimney that winds in a peculiar path up toward the ceiling. Walls are covered in an eclectic mix of arcane trinkets, framed spellbooks, stuffed heads of monstrosities and portraits of stuffy wizards. The thrumming of arcane and scents of conjured drinks fills the air. A few feet from the hearth is a curved bar that extends out into a curiously placed conductor podium. The rest of the room is filled with a vast array of feasting tables, where guests await translucent blue disks to hover near, teetering with food and drinks.
You have the distinct impression of having entered a sort of magical inn.
"This is the 'Fuzzy Quarterstaff'!" Thia explains "It is a tavern run by the Harpells personally!"
You quickly notice another peculiarity of the inn: nobody comes to ask for orders. When a patron wants something, they hit a sort of green gem in the center of the table (each table has one) then tell to the gems what they want - and after a while one of the self-moving blue energy disks comes with what has been ordered. The gem then tells the patron how much they must pay, and they put the coins on the disk. And that's it!
"Look!" Thia points you to a table where a half-orc in a flamboyant star-quilted wizard's tunic is sitting alone "There is Blinn Harpell there! And since he is in this tavern, he is not busy. You could speak to him!"
On the way over Ardana asks Thia: "How did you come to work for the Sharnshields? You seem too young to have travelled, you were born in Longsaddle?"
And once in the tavern, "Is one Harpell the same as another? Is Blinn the best to bring news of what we found in the white archway? Thia, maybe you could introduce us?"
Tarysaa makes note of the odd nature of Ivy Mansion. 'Of course, magic users and not an architect among them,' she smiles faintly.
Entering the structure, she is immediately bombarded by the magic energies that saturate the 'tavern'. She has to steel herself to not be pulled into the workings of the Weave here and lose sight of their mission.
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Dobbian laughs heartily: "Did you hear the guy, Martha? 'If you will have me'? You must come, my friend! I counted you as a guest, so as not to force you to work... just in case for once you wanted to experience the thrill of being the audience instead of the attraction... you know, being able to shout, protest, whistle or clap... things like that! But if you prefer to work there that day too, the place is yours! You can perform as and as much as you want!"
"Yes, when it comes to songs I'm lucky..." he nods his head at Martha "I always have the one who inspires me close... But I'll be happy to hear your songs too! Who knows what a wonderful ballad you'll write about the feat you've accomplished part, culminating in something so incredibly important… or at least incredibly important to me!”
Clas can't help but be touched by Thia's enthusiasm and the warm hug around his leg. He looks down at her with a fond smile, his hazel eyes reflecting the sunlight that dances in her eyes. He dismounts, hugs Thia and then places his hands on her shoulders.
"Hahahaha! Thia, you have a heart full of courage and kindness," Clas replies, his voice brimming with admiration. "I'm excited that you want to join me on my travels. Talk to Mistress Martha, and I'll make sure she knows you're in good hands. After we've saved Daisy's husband and accomplished our heroic deeds, I'll be back for you, ready for new adventures together. Hahahaha!”
With a pat on her shoulder and a wink, Clas conveys his approval, fully appreciating the sunshine in the young half-elf's spirit, even on the darkest of days.
Never underestimate the power of a finely crafted barrel, my friend! It is both a vessel of strength and a symbol of resilience.
As Clas escorts Thia back into the warmth of Starnshield Manor's dining hall, he couldn't help but notice the peculiarities of the company around him. His eyes first rested on Ardana, her tiefling horns cruelly removed, a testament to her past ordeals. He didn't utter a word, knowing that some wounds run deeper than what can be seen.
Then, his gaze shifted to Zentromya, the miniature celestial who had performed the miraculous feat of bringing a man back from the dead. Clas scratched his beard, pondering the possibilities. He decided to give it a try, mentally reaching out to the celestial with all the charisma of a man caught in a whimsical thought spiral.
Hey there, Zentromya, you there, how does this work, knock knock, Clas began telepathically, unsure if celestial beings even listened to such musings. I was just thinking... you know, since you can do amazing things like bringing people back from the dead, have you ever considered growing back Ardana's horns one night while she's asleep? I mean, it'd be a great surprise for her, and she'd look fantastic with them. But, of course, I don't want her to know I had anything to do with it, because, you see, I have this sword named Ale, and I'm rather attached to my body, and I'd prefer to keep it in one piece, not cleaved in two by a greatsword. Hahahaha!
Clas paused for a moment, furrowing his brow, and then realized he might be pouting while thinking. He shook his head, amused by his own peculiar thoughts. See, this is why I usually don't think too much, he concluded with a mental chuckle.
Never underestimate the power of a finely crafted barrel, my friend! It is both a vessel of strength and a symbol of resilience.
Tarysaa also accepts 2 PP and 4 GP ( knowing half will be sent back to the University as loan repayment *groans* ) and thanks Sharnshield Manor for it's hospitality and well wishes. Going out to the stables, she tries to find a horse that is 'agreeable' with her. "This one," she says as she pats and strokes the horse's neck. "This one is Chestnut." Slowly mounting the horse, she looks about, seeing the world from a new vantage point.
She also see Ardana striding over to look over the horses offered. "If you still plan to accompany me to the Harpell's mansion, we can now make it in a brief ride. And perhaps, we can catch up with Daisy and her cohorts as they ride south."
Tarysaa will inform Daisy of their intention to 'catch up' once they are done giving the messages to the Harpells.
Looking about, she tries to send a telepathic message to the small, flying elephant - Zentromya. 'My Lady, I know not what your plans are now that you are free and have done such miracles already. You are always welcome to accompany us if you so desire although, I can understand that you have 250 years to 'catch up on' and your own 'reporting' to do in the upper planes. Bless you for your gifts. We are grateful for all you have done.'
Giving a little tug on the rein, Tarysaa guides the horse out of the grounds and heads south into Longsaddle to Harpell Mansion to give a full report of their adventure -- meeting the goblins; the goblin encampment on the hill; the white marble arch and the burrow; the Zhentarium (taking random slaves, using the burrow as an outpost, etc.); and the discovery of their ancestor's secret(?) dungeon / laboratory -- with captured beings still alive after 250 years... AND that active portal.
(( OOC: And what did Nim DO with that damned (literally, an infernal weapon!) GLAIVE !?!?!?!?!? ))
Ardana smiles at Dobbian and Martha, and gives a quick bow.
"I shall return for the festivities of course, but I take your leave now to ride with Tarysaa, there is news that we must convey to the Harpells."
To Lady Zentromya: "Are you staying for the party? I would look forward to continuing our conversation of last night."
To those who have known Ardana for a day, she seems more confident this morning, more sure of her own abilities. (OOC: feat ability score increase)
When these conversations are done, Ardana collects her coin and horse, and joins Tarysaa on the short ride.
8. HP roll for level 4
And to Daisy: "I would ride with you to find Gare, or if you need depart before I return from the Harpells, I will ride after you if you leave word on your first destination."
(( OOC: You just leaned it up against a wall at Sharnshield Manor... *facepalm* a weapon from the plane of fiends... that gives off 'bad vibes' just being near it... in the middle of a village FILLED with magic users... I **think** I know where the adventure after 'Finding Daisy's Brother' will be..... # WEDDING CRASHERS ))
(( OOC also: Did anyone make a move on the Amazon's Shield? ** side eyes Ardana with a raised eyebrow ** ))
(OOC: Lol! No, nobody claimed the shield yet... maybe it looks less cool than an infernal weapon from the lower planes 😉)
Zentromya does not immediately seem to 'hear' Clas' thoughts, but seeing the warrior looking at her she probably senses his need to communicate and establishes contact. After that, in fact, silent dialogue takes place.
The winged miniature she-elephant replies: "Yes, I realized that someone must have tortured that poor thing... I have heard of many ignorant people who persecute tieflings only because the origin of their lineage is the work of the evil devil lord Asmodeus ... But it is not the tieflings who are to blame! And above all... the mark left on their appearance by the devil lord does not at all undermine their ability to decide about their lives - and therefore also to turn towards good! In fact, look at Ardana It helped to free me and therefore bring happiness back to this house..."
"But," she mentally sighs "even if I can heal truly terrible wounds, I cannot make whole what has been maimed. I cannot give Ardana back her horns, Clas... but your interest in your fellow adventuress is admirable! You have a good heart Clas, I am sure that we will meet again in Elysium, in a long time, when you have exhausted your mortal life... and are ready for the wonderful adventure of eternal life".
Zentromya does not immediately seem to 'hear' Tarysaa's thoughts, but seeing the elf wizard looking at her she probably senses her need to communicate and establishes contact. After that, in fact, the silent dialogue takes place.
"Can I really accompany you again?" Zentromya seems pleasantly surprised "It will make me very happy! You know, in Elysium I usually talk to so many hero souls... and you have no idea how much these heroes have suffered and fought, during their adventures and, more general, of their life. It is... in a certain sense it is unfair that people who have given so much have in turn received so little help. So I thought that, since, for now, I have no way of return to Elysium... I could join heroes like you and try to help a little here, in the Prime Material Plane, the cause of good! When I return to the heroic souls of my friends, I will have a lot of things to tell them and I'm sure they will be happy with what I have contributed to do! I too will have become a little heroic, like them! I will gladly stay with you".
"Can I really continue to stay with you?" Zentromya seems pleasantly surprised "It will make me very happy! You know, in Elysium I usually talk to so many hero souls... and you have no idea how much these heroes have suffered and fought, during their adventures and, more general, of their life. It is... in a certain sense it is unfair that people who have given so much have in turn received so little help. So I thought that, since, for now, I have no way of return to Elysium... I could join heroes like you and try to help a little here, in the Prime Material Plane, the cause of good! When I return to the heroic souls of my friends, I will have a lot of things to tell them and I'm sure they will be happy with what I have contributed to do! I too will have become a little heroic, like them! I will gladly stay with you".
OK, so I guess Zentromya accompanies Ardana and Tarysaa on their rapid expedition to the Harpells.
In the meantime, if Daisy wants it, she can leave immediately at the head of the group of Sharnshield amazons and knights to track down the slaver - or if she prefers, she will wait for the return of Zentromya, Ardana and Tarysaa.
Clas is waiting to ride at Daisy's side.
Nim... will post if he wants to do join one of the groups or if he simply waits at Sharnshield Mansion or does something else.
Ilwythe takes his share of coins then he says goodbye to everyone, wishing you good luck, and, without many words, he leaves on his own, towards a mysterious destination (perhaps mysterious for him too).
In the meantime, remembering that some of you wanted to visit the Harpells, Thia provides Zentromya, Ardana and Tarysaa with some directions: "You'll need to cross Hill Stream to reach Harpell Mansion! To do that, remember to use the Underbridge. It is an apparently ordinary bridge, but it is called Underbridge or Overbridge, depending on whether one walks over it... or under it. It is a somewhat puzzling phenomenon, as practically all phenomena concerning the Harpells - the bridge can be walked both over and under (a spell prevents falling... under the bridge, it's as if the world were upside down and you don't fall). And one can only walk under to enter Harpell territory - and only over to exit.Do you feel more at ease if I accompany you in person?"
"You as a guide will make our journey that much swifter." "Are you certain you can pull yourself away from Clas for this side trip?" She asks with a teasing smirk and a twinkle in her eyes. "This bridge sounds as confusing as this whole village of colorful and magic touched peoples. How do you keep your bright disposition when faced with such constant chaos?"
Tarysaa reaches out a hand and lifts the half-elf girl behind her in the saddle. "Lead on, Mighty Way Finder." She smiles at Thya/Thia as they canter forward toward this impossible bridge.
(( Thia? Thya?)) #NAMES *facepalm*
Ardana replies to Thya: "Please guide us to the Harpells, you have been there many times with Martha? That sounds like a complicated approach."
(OOC: Lol! You're right! In the last posts i wrote Thia's name wrong. This will teach me posting from mobile and in a hurry! )
Thia lets out a hearty laugh, hearing Tarysaa mention Clas: "It's so obvious that I... well... that I'm not indifferent to his charm? Surely you understand me, anyway... he's such a jovial and vital hero... Well, now that it comes to mind, maybe he's a little too much jovial for elven tastes? But, hey, I'm only half elf... And, well..." she lowers her voice a little "have you seen his athletic body? He looks as if he is sculpted..."
"Oh, 'constant chaos', you say?" the young half-elf girl does not lose her smile "Maybe I just got used to it! I was born and raised here, after all... And we must not forget that it is a 'chaos' that comes with many benefits... the Harpells undoubtedly bring chaos, but without them Longsaddle would never have reached the importance it has - and perhaps would never have even existed. Considering this..." she shrugs "it seems to you that crossing a bridge from below instead of above is an excessive price to pay? If you accept that it's magic and don't think about it too much, it's even fun! I sometimes enjoy bouncing downwards, promptly pulled back up from the altered gravity, while going through the Underbirdge! You'll see!"
While riding with Tarysaa, Thia also responds to Ardana: "No one goes to the Harpells really many times. They are still the lords of this place....it would be neither respectful nor wise to disturb them without having good reasons. But sometimes Mistress Martha and I we went to them - and sometimes, more rarely, Mistress Martha sent me alone".
While the conversation goes on, you follow a steep road which climbs a hill in the west of Longsaddle and arrive without difficulty in sight of the mythical residence of the Harpells, the Ivy Mansion.
There is an ever so faint metallic taste of electricity in the air, thrumming with magical potential. Two barns seem tremendously out of place when compared to the third, a massive structure with no coherent plan or architectural style. It consists of sharp, angled rooms expanding outward and three dozen spires protruding from it at different heights and angles. The Ivy Mansion is truly a whimsical sight to behold!
And it is there, that mansion, just across the river. The Hill Stream river, that flows upwards. Crossed by a bridge without a handrail or other lateral protection.
"That's the Overbridge/Underbridge!" Thia confirms what you were supposing already.
It is a strange sensation, for all of you, as soon as you hop under the bridge: you feel yourself turned upside down... but then all appears to be normal for you - you feel like you are walking on an inverted bridge... watching all around, an inverted world. Then, when you hop out at the end of the Underbridge, the process inverts and you are back on the ground, ready to enter the mansion.
Entering through the door, you find yourself in a domed, circular hall. In the center is a hearth and chimney that winds in a peculiar path up toward the ceiling. Walls are covered in an eclectic mix of arcane trinkets, framed spellbooks, stuffed heads of monstrosities and portraits of stuffy wizards. The thrumming of arcane and scents of conjured drinks fills the air. A few feet from the hearth is a curved bar that extends out into a curiously placed conductor podium. The rest of the room is filled with a vast array of feasting tables, where guests await translucent blue disks to hover near, teetering with food and drinks.
You have the distinct impression of having entered a sort of magical inn.
"This is the 'Fuzzy Quarterstaff'!" Thia explains "It is a tavern run by the Harpells personally!"
You quickly notice another peculiarity of the inn: nobody comes to ask for orders. When a patron wants something, they hit a sort of green gem in the center of the table (each table has one) then tell to the gems what they want - and after a while one of the self-moving blue energy disks comes with what has been ordered. The gem then tells the patron how much they must pay, and they put the coins on the disk. And that's it!
"Look!" Thia points you to a table where a half-orc in a flamboyant star-quilted wizard's tunic is sitting alone "There is Blinn Harpell there! And since he is in this tavern, he is not busy. You could speak to him!"
On the way over Ardana asks Thia: "How did you come to work for the Sharnshields? You seem too young to have travelled, you were born in Longsaddle?"
And once in the tavern, "Is one Harpell the same as another? Is Blinn the best to bring news of what we found in the white archway? Thia, maybe you could introduce us?"
Tarysaa makes note of the odd nature of Ivy Mansion. 'Of course, magic users and not an architect among them,' she smiles faintly.
Entering the structure, she is immediately bombarded by the magic energies that saturate the 'tavern'. She has to steel herself to not be pulled into the workings of the Weave here and lose sight of their mission.