Curious Critters- A Tal'dorei Tale.

Quote from DandDSince1973 >>

Dev gives Balaran a genuine sunny smile, plainly glad to see the older painter. A slight flush comes into his cheeks as he remembers what Jerry had said about Balaran’s fame. Dev had no idea, and Balaran had been so remarkably friendly to him since the moment he fell out of the tree observing him. In fact, considering his fame, Dev now wonders if he was not even the first person to stumble when meeting Balaran. And that would explain the way the artist took it in stride. These thoughts rush like a galloping steed through Dev’s mind, and he takes a deep breath, laughing self-consciously. But like weather in springtime, his features quickly move from sunshine to overcast as he remembers the promise he made or implied – indeed, profited from – in exchange for a magic scroll.

“Hello, Balaran.” The teen's smile returns of its own accord as he says the tiefling's name. “It’s nice to see you. It was a little… rough this morning. But we’re all fine… and… it’s turning into a really nice day, isn’t it?” The fact that Dev is holding back the question he wants to ask is evident to anyone. His eyes even seem to bulge, pressed outwards by the unspoken words...

Balaran studied Devs face carefully, his features betraying a look of concern.....

Quote from Culuril >>

Lokilia gives a laugh as Balaran greets them. "Now is that we are some of your favorite people? Or that some of us are your favories?" 

She quiets, watching Dev as his thoughts are mirrored on his face. As he switches to small talk, she steps up next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We did come to ask you something. A bit of a favor actually."  She then hesitates. She hopes she didn't overstep as it's probably Dev's question to ask. She just wanted to help broach the subject. Make it a little easier for him. 

.....he turned at Lokalias words, " Well....that would be telling wouldn't it.", he winked.

" A favour? How intriguing.....well, I would need to know what it was before agreeing.....but I'm probably going to say yes."

Quote from Engineered_Beard >>

Quote from Damian_May >>

Werhann considers the future while visions of Miss Kitty Fantastico dance in Progos head.

 Progo isn't scattered brained, he's activated his anti-mind reading measures!

( And a fine job he is doing at that.)

“It’s just…,” Dev hesitates. Lokilia had broken the ice, and that had made it easier to begin, and Balaran likewise seemed open to whatever he might ask. But the teen tiefling was not accustomed to asking favors.

More than that, Dev half expected the response to be laughter in his face, which was the standard reply from storekeepers when he had asked for a few extra crumbs for his parents and him, or from the mean kids on the streets of Drynna when he pleaded with them not to throw him into the dumpster.

As these memories flash past, he gulps, takes a calming breath, and opens his eyes, which he didn’t realize were closed. And what he sees is the kind painter who had never yet said a harsh word to him, street urchin or not. And Lokilia, whose steadiness, with the older painter’s warmth, gives him the courage to plow onward.

“It’s just, we needed a scroll…” He tells Balaran about what Normont used the scroll for, and how it helped them to find out crucial details in their search for the mystery of the Nameless Ones in Whitestone – leaving out the words “nameless ones” to protect Balaran. He’s better off not knowing too much.

“So, it was really important. But to get it… I made a promise to ask you a favor. Because the person who had the scroll, the one who sold it to us?... he loves the arts… and I didn’t mean to, like name drop, but I mentioned that I knew a painter, and that it was you. And he knew your name. Like, he’s a big… fan…?” This feels so strange to say. To Dev it is almost as if he is living someone else’s life in this moment, speaking someone else’s words in a play. His voice drops to a penitent quietness. “I said I’d ask if… if he could see your studio? Like, what you’re working on?”

The lad’s eyes rise, degree by degree, from the floor to meet Balaran’s as he awaits his response.

Quote from DandDSince1973 >>

“It’s just…,” Dev hesitates. Lokilia had broken the ice, and that had made it easier to begin, and Balaran likewise seemed open to whatever he might ask. But the teen tiefling was not accustomed to asking favors.

More than that, Dev half expected the response to be laughter in his face, which was the standard reply from storekeepers when he had asked for a few extra crumbs for his parents and him, or from the mean kids on the streets of Drynna when he pleaded with them not to throw him into the dumpster.

As these memories flash past, he gulps, takes a calming breath, and opens his eyes, which he didn’t realize were closed. And what he sees is the kind painter who had never yet said a harsh word to him, street urchin or not. And Lokilia, whose steadiness, with the older painter’s warmth, gives him the courage to plow onward.

“It’s just, we needed a scroll…” He tells Balaran about what Normont used the scroll for, and how it helped them to find out crucial details in their search for the mystery of the Nameless Ones in Whitestone – leaving out the words “nameless ones” to protect Balaran. He’s better off not knowing too much.

“So, it was really important. But to get it… I made a promise to ask you a favor. Because the person who had the scroll, the one who sold it to us?... he loves the arts… and I didn’t mean to, like name drop, but I mentioned that I knew a painter, and that it was you. And he knew your name. Like, he’s a big… fan…?” This feels so strange to say. To Dev it is almost as if he is living someone else’s life in this moment, speaking someone else’s words in a play. His voice drops to a penitent quietness. “I said I’d ask if… if he could see your studio? Like, what you’re working on?”

The lad’s eyes rise, degree by degree, from the floor to meet Balaran’s as he awaits his response.

Balarans face ran from concern to deep concern and then relaxes into a broad smile.

" Well, who am I to disappoint an avid fan.....and one with such excepional taste?"

" May I know who my caller will be?"

The smile slipped away.

" Are you alright?", he lifted his eyes to include the other two. " It seems your lives are far more dangerous than I had believed."

" I know your journey here was eventful....though not the details. But it seems even within Whitestone you're neck deep in intrigue....most interesting."

Lokilia had laughed at Balaran's initial remark. And she looked touched that he had shown concern. "We're ok. But we'll definitely get a little rest before delving into any more possible trouble."  She waits for Dev to respond about the visitor he'd mentioned, though she does gives him an encouraging smile if he happens to look in her direction. 

Normont finally closes the distance to the group at the Sun Tree, and he offers a weary but respectful nod to Balaran. Maggie follows a few paces behind, whilst Amber perches on his shoulder looking almost as good as new.

He glances at Dev and Lokilia, offering them a small, reassuring look before turning his attention back to the painter.

"Nuts and bolts, that is an understatement, but it’s true enough that we’re still in one piece", he adds with a chuckle.

He directs Maggie to act as sentry on one side of the companions, and he takes the other, whilst he sends Amber up into the branches of the Sun Tree itself to keep watch. If Balaran notices the precautions, he merely shrugs.

An expression of grateful relief explodes across Dev’s features. 

“Oh gods! Boy! Thank you Balaran! I’m so relieved!” It might be obvious that the teen tiefling was more concerned about his relationship to Balaran than he was concerned about the Nameless Ones. 

“His name is Jerry. I was thinking, I could be there to like chaperone him? So if you want him to leave at any point I’ll take care of that. But he was actually… nice. So I don’t think it will be a problem in that way. Just tell me what time works for you, like maybe in a few days or next week? And I’ll handle everything.”

“Oh… intriguing?” Dev had not thought of his present life in that way at all. “I guess so. I’m really just glad I can make a difference somehow.. and especially, with my… my friends.” The word comes out with difficulty, and Dev looks at Lokilia and Normont when he says it, gratefully, yet also unconvinced that they truly don’t mind him referring to them in such amiable terms.

Balaran smiled and nodded to Lokilia and Normont before replying to Dev, " Shall we say next week on Whelsen*?"

" I'm sure it will be fine, I've dealt with ' overly invested' folks before.  "

" You are of course free to accompany."

* The 7 days of the week in most of Exandria are named Miresen, Grissen, Whelsen, Conthsen, Folsen, Yulisen, and Da'leysen.

Dev expresses his gratitude to Balaran.

“Next Whelsen… yeah, that’s great.” He smiles warmly but his expression quickly fades to a more serious caste. “I wish I could just relax here for a bit. I was thinking of some song lyrics and I thought I’d ask what you think?...”

His eyes dart to Normont and then flit haphazardly around the surrounding rooftops, really only noticing a few of them. He’s just not that good at reconnaissance.

“But… I’d probably better get back. We have… work to do.” His eyes find Balaran’s again in quiet thanks. The teen tiefling then takes a deep breath, offers a cheerful “Bye!,” and heads back to the Lavender Inn with Normont and Lokilia (unless they have other plans).

Normont throws Balaran a smile and a nod by way of a goodbye.

As they begin the walk back toward the Lilac Inn, he settles into his familiar rhythm. He sends Amber aloft as an eye in the sky and has Maggie flanking the group like a silent sentinel. He keeps his pace measured, and his eyes never stop moving, scanning the windows and alleyways.

"That was nice of Balaran. He obviously sees you as a good friend, Dev", he offers, his voice steady and warm against the backdrop of the city's sounds.

The companions all rejoined back at the Lilac Inn not spotting any watchers or interested parties on their way through town.

They arrived back with time to spare.

( Feel free to fast forward to leaving unless theres anything else any of you wish to do.)

Lokilia had thanked Balaran before making their way back to the Lilac Inn.  Once back, she spends whatever time remains resting until it is time to go. 

Dev eats a “healthy” teen meal — the Tal’Dorei equivalent of Doritos and CocaCola — before carb-crashing on the sofa, his head lolling back in an almost noiseless snore. 

Normont has nothing more to do before they leave, and spends the time keeping busy by cleaning his tools and other equipment. He is obviously a little impatient though.

Gathering themselves towards dusk the companions make their way to the disused theatre, finding entry at the rear as they follow the directions of two Hunters concealed within the shadows of the side street.

Within the theatre they met with Klarron and six other Hunters dressed in dark grey dappled cloaks with both rifles and longbows slung over their shoulders.

" Ah, there you are."

" I feel we can take care of any watchers on the exterior before they are able to raise an alarm....but how were you planning on getting your strike team inside.....also did you want me on the inside with you?"

" I have a plan to breach the front door....but if you have a better way in I'm not adverse to trying it."

Normont shifts his weight as he looks at the gathered Hunters, and then back to his companions. They are not infiltrators that is for certain.

"A breach at the front is... direct", he begins, rubbing his chin as he visualises the layout of Glinnick’s Store. "If we were to do that, we would need a distraction", he muses.

"What about underneath? Do we know if there is a cellar connected to sewer system?", he asks, a little disappointed in himself that he didn't follow that lead during the day.

He looks back at Klarron. "As for you coming inside, there are already more than enough of us I would think, and we need someone to lead the cavalry if things go awry".