“And in the end, the debaucherous method wins after all. Well, don’t hold out on us. What did you discover?”

Nikolai nods from behind his cup. "Well done, Shivala, well done. By all means, tell us what you learned. Make sure not to leave out all the luscious details for our little Ling here." He winks and smiles wickedly at Ling. "I am sure Astrid might appreciate them as well."

Shiva chuckles at the enthusiasm of her comrades. "Yes, I'm more than happy to describe all that occurred in vivid color. But, business first I guess. It would seem that someone close to the Morgenstern family, possibly Father Morgenstern himself, is well-versed in the studies of fiends and demons. That is likely why Clarissa was able to identify our origins. Speaking of which, that ***** is apparently as vile as they come, the real creme de la creme of sadistic ********. I was strongly advised to avoid her whenever possible, a bit of council that I think we should all follow. Father Morgenstern was described to me as an influential and ruthless psychopath, and it seemed that the apple didn't rot far from the tree. Also, Mistress has agreed to help me to understand my heritage, as long as it will keep me away from the Morgensterns. I'm sure that she would also be willing to help Nik and Ling, as well as provide assistance with our visitor  problem."

Caio’s eyebrows raise at the wellspring of information. “Is your Mistress giving us all of this assistance out of altruism? Certainly she’s benefiting from you.. carnally, but is there another price for the help? She is offering quite a bit.”

      Astrid wakes early enough to finish her morning prayer rituals and still finds she is one of the first down to the table. She gives each a polite nods as they join the table. She sits quietly as the others join. "I'm glad someone found some answers last night."

Nikolai nods from behind his cup. "Well done, Shivala, well done. By all means, tell us what you learned. Do make it quick though, Alaris and I have a meeting to attend here shortly at the library." His eyes sparkle a bit at his mention of the library.

    Astrid feels her ears get a bit warm at this comment and smiles awkwardly. "So... uh... What did this all cost you?" She points to her neck to indicate the bite marks on Shiva, and so as not to delve into the other particulars of the tiefling's night. 

Shiva shrugs at Caio's line of questioning, "I'm sure that a price will come as we begin to rely on her for more information, but as of now, she has voiced a need for nothing more than to ensure my general safety by keeping me away from the Morgensterns." 

Looking to Astrid, she smiles with a satirical expression of complete innocence, "Well, I would say nothing. An evening in the company of my Mistress is always a gift. Perhaps she trusts me. Perhaps I'm just a little heartier than her usual quarry, and she's become comfortable with me. Either way, I'd say that we're both happy and satisfied."  

Caio shrugs. “Fair enough.” He turns his attention to the rest of the group. “If that’s sorted then, is there anything else planned for the day?”

"Well, if we'll be travelling soon, I'll want a bit of time to go back to The Laughing Lauda. But apart from that, I hadn't planned anything."

Shiva then takes advantage of this shift in focus to dig into her food.

Nikolai takes note of the bite marks on Shivala's neck and opens his mouth to speak, but closes it. That would be a conversation for later, between just the two of them and no other prying ears. "Do not take any favors out for my knowledge of my ancestry, Shiva. I care not that much where this blood came, but I do worry about you taking out too many favors with a vampire. You should not trust her implicitly. Do not forget what we do."

As they tuck into their respective breakfasts, Nikolai watches the others carefully. "I do not believe we have anything planned for this day, perhaps we could help Alaris with their orc problem?"

Quote from Lyrel >>

As they tuck into their respective breakfasts, Nikolai watches the others carefully. "I do not believe we have anything planned for this day, perhaps we could help Alaris with their orc problem?"

Alaris Forien sips a rich morning tea and picks at hot bread. They listen with trepidation, unwilling to interject and perhaps offend Shivala, but they share Nikolai's concern. The Life, the Light is in the blood and Darkness ever seeks to consume it, so said The Lady. Where the Light, the Life flourishes, stand against what would render it barren.

They shudder at the thought of returning to the Laughing Lada, before replying to Nikolai. "I can show Caio and Shiva where I lost them, but I'll need some good meat from Andrei. I owe somebody a good meal." They smile, a glimmer innocent with aasimar radiance refreshes everyone who sees it. For just a moment, the weight of suffering and fear and anxiety and bitterness is lifted.

Shiva smirks and rolls her eyes at Nikolai's warning, "Yes, I haven't forgotten. We are undesirables who kill other undesirables. But I see your point, and will proceed with caution."

Shiva opens her mouth to ask more about this orc problem, but the sight of a sincere smile from Alaris stops her short. For a few seconds, she feels the warmth of the sun in her chest, and a feeling of safety and happiness releases the bit of tension that perpetually sits in her muscles. She inhales deeply, then exhales slowly, then speaks with a soft smile on her face, 

"You think that the three of us would be enough to take care of this orc problem?"

      "I'm not going to sit around here and do nothing," Astrid replies. "Especially, when it come to shooing away some orcs!"

     She stuffs a forkful of breakfast potatoes into her mouth and then turns to Caio. "I've been wanting to ask you something since that meeting with Fransec... What is this 99 Hundred that he mentioned? I ask, since it sounds like they are in the area where my grandmother went missing."

Caio nods back at Alaris “I can find them.” A grim smile crosses his face in response to theirs. Even in his lightest moments his expressions convey darkness.

This shadow grows as Astrid brings up the  99 Hundred. His brow hardens, and his jet eyes burrow into hers intently. “They’re a band of occultists and necromancers. Many conflicting philosophies and approaches, lots of infighting, but when their purposes align they are a blight upon Arden. None can be trusted.”

    Astrid's concern is apparent at the description of the group. "Hmm... Well, I sure hope they aren't the cause of Gran's recent visits to my dreams, or her disappearance," she muses aloud. "Why are you looking for them?" she asks of Caio as she continues to work through her breakfast. "... if you don't mind me asking."

Caio is deathly quiet for a moment. The others know that he is typically tight lipped when it comes to this topic, and only Nikolai has heard more details than he is about to give. “Truthfully I only seek one of them. I need answers.” 

     "Oh... uhh... Sorry for prying..." Astrid sinks back into her chair having apparently touched on a sore subject with the elf. "Know that I'll be willing to give you a hand when we can make our way there." She finishes her breakfast quietly and waits for the others to determine what their next destination is for the day.

"Why only three of us? Unless someone has other things planned, we shall all join Alaris' in checking out this orcish problem." He says to Shiva.

He turns and glaces at Caio at the topic is brought up, curious to see what the shadar-kai would reveal to their newest companion. He nods to Caio, indicating he still has never violated the trust between them. "Worry not, Astrid. Caio would not be Caio if he spoke openly about anything." He winks at Caio and laughs jovially.

“It’s true.” He responds flatly, though the glance he casts at Nikolai is one of silent appreciation. “I suppose we should be off soon then.” As if to punctuate the statement, Ghoul flaps off the table and up to the rafters near the door. The bird turns back to the table and gives his signature impatient squawk.

"Oh, we're heading out already?" Shiva says before beginning to scarf down her food even faster.

Noticing the absence of her voice, Shiva looks to Ling. "How are you feeling, hun? You've been quiet this morning." 

Glancing up from her tea, Ling shakes her head. " I think that I drank a little too much last night. That noxious ***** Clarissa just talked us in circles, and I needed something to help me forget her hideous outfit. I'll stay here and get some rest while you guys handle the people-snatchers." 

Frowning at her companion, Shiva reaches out and rubs her shoulder sympathetically, "I'm sorry that you aren't feeling well. You just hang out here then, and we'll tell you all about it when we get back."

Nikolai frowns at Ling. "Are you sure you aren't just using this as an excuse to meet up with your half-elven crush?" He grins as Ling turns towards him and sticks out her tongue. "So, Alaris, what exactly seem to be the issue? We have some people going missing from Bednik after orcish raids? Is that the gist of it? Seems easy enough."