Nikolai stuff a bite of sausage into his mouth as Astrid comes over to join them for breakfast. "Of course. That would be an excellent idea, Astrid. It is always good to have a contingency plan. I am unsure who all is remaining behind, but once we know I could speak to perhaps Ling or Shiva to accompany you."
The exuberance is a bit much for Caio to handle this early in the morning, but he'd much rather have Nikolai in a good mood than a sour one. Besides, he is looking forward to the visit himself as well. "Yes, that's a good idea," he responds to Astrid as she joins. "You should take whatever you need from that gold to purchase them, it will benefit us all. Perhaps Elodia can help you with finding the gems too, seems like her forte."
Meanwhile, Ghoul flaps down from the rafters to where Nimue is oddly sitting apart from the group. The precocious cormorant pecks at a crumb of bread next to the woman's plate, then gives her a little squawk as he stands there staring at her with his bright teal eyes.
Yawning and stretching as they talk between themselves, Shiva and Ling descend the stairs into the common room, taking a seat among the group and gathering their breakfast onto plates. While it takes a bit more convincing for Ling, the two agree to pooling part of their cut for Astrid’s spell component.
Nikolai's enthusiasm is infectious, putting Shiva in high spirits. “I wasn’t planning on going to the library, if you needed someone to go with you, Astrid. Could we go while it’s still morning, then? I have something that I wanted to do in the early afternoon.”
"Well, it would seem that we are all one big happy family." Nikolai forces a grin as he watches Shiva closely while she embraces Elodia. "It would seem some of you have some selling to do. I shall remain here, there is something I want to check into and it requires someplace quiet and undisturbed. I will be indisposed for the foreseeable future, should you have need of me just knock on my door. If I do not answer immediately, please be patient."
Before Nikolai breaks off upstairs and the rest of the group settles into their various exercises and entertainments, Alaris lays a warm and friendly hand on his shoulder and speaks to the group. "I have official business to attend to," with a roll of the eyes on official. "So I will gather my things and rest at the Temple tonight, so I can report on the orcish activity in the morning. Meet me in the square outside Vida's Temple before moonset tomorrow morning - we're supposed to be there early. So don't dawdle at breakfast, Ghoul!" They point at the cormorant with a grin. "Enjoy yourselves, and I will see you then."
Less than five minutes later, they come back downstairs with their glaive and a large sack over their shoulder and wave to whoever remains. At the Temple, it is the work of a few moments to check in with the guards.
"Bogatyr Alaris Forien! It is late for you, yah?" "A little - I have reporting to do in the morning, so I decided to rest here if there's any space in the barracks?" "For one of the Volkfelder? By all means! It is whispered that there was some interesting activity in that run-down old shrine to the Warrior in Petrowsky district... someone said they saw wings?" Alaris gives the guards a little play-by-play, but edits the action to emphasize the work of the rest of the group. "I have to get some sleep, fellows - long days and pleasant nights to you both."
Next morning, Alaris rises with the call to dawn prayer and makes their way to the Shrine to Frej. Purple and gold stained glass surrounds a depiction of the goddess dancing across snowdrifts, with crocus and snowdrops and winter jasmine bursting forth in her wake. Alaris hangs their simple robes at the entrance to the shrine and bathes themselves in the font of blessed water before entering nude to commune with Lady Frej. Silence and meditation calm the nerves and breathing, before the first dawnlight kisses the glass.
Lady, through your acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, let me kindle the light of hope in the world, and beat back despair. This is my oath.
Lady, let me stand against the wickedness that would swallow good and beauty, love and laughter; against the forces that would render flourishing life barren. This is my oath.
Lady, kindle in my heart delight in song and laughter, in beauty and art. Preserve the light in me. This is my prayer.
Lady, make me a beacon for all who live in despair. Let the light of your glorious joy and courage shine forth through my deeds. This is my prayer.
The paladin rises, refreshed, and shrugs back into their simple robes, before making their way to the mess for a quick bite before setting out to meet with the guards captain.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The flapping of wings alerts Nimue to the presence of...….she looks up. "Of course it's you. You want my breakfast?" She looks over at the table, now filling with the group she'd met the previous day. She looks back into the cormorant's bright eyes. She sighs, a small smile growing on her face. "Okay, fine. You got me." She stands up, and offers her shoulder to the bird. With a squawk, he lights on it, pecking her on the top of her head.
"Nature can tell you many valuable things, Melda. This bird is wise, perhaps wiser than you. Or me." Nimue can hear the good-natured chuckle of her grandmother. She walks over to the table, dropping into a chair amongst the strangers who were quickly becoming familiar. She raises an eyebrow at Caio. "Ghoul seems to think I spend too much time alone," she says as she offers another piece of bread to the bird.
Ghoul greedily gobbles down the food and sits down, quite content with his perch. "He is quite the opinionated little bird. It does seem that he's taken a liking to you though. Ready for our riveting excursion to the library?" Caio asks.
The smile that lights Nimue's face is perhaps the most genuine to have graced her face in the short time Caio had known her. It's almost giddy. "This is the closest to the next clue I've been in years. I was born ready." She leans forward, her elbows on the table. "Table manners, Melda." The disapproval in her grandmother's voice only serves to lighten her mood, the previous grumpiness disappearing like morning fog.
She receives a slight peck on her head. "The bird agrees with me." "Not a kid anymore, Grandmama. I don't need table manners anymore." The sigh that follows is deep, but also a little wry. "Always were a spitfire."
Nimue absently eats another piece of bread. Another peck. Oh alright. She passes another piece up to the bird on her shoulder.
Nikolai's enthusiasm is infectious, putting Shiva in high spirits. “I wasn’t planning on going to the library, if you needed someone to go with you, Astrid. Could we go while it’s still morning, then? I have something that I wanted to do in the early afternoon.”
"Well... I was planning on joining them at the library. I'd like to see if they have information on that lost city where my grandmother was heading towards - Karaz Ungor." Astrid gives the tiefling a warm smile. "I think I will be able to manage after we go to the library. Thank you for the offer to help though."
"Ah, yes, you did mention something about joining us at the library!" He shakes his head slightly. "I apologize, Astrid, there has been much going on recently. I do not believe Alaris had any issues with that. I say the more the merrier! We should leave soon to make our meeting time!"
The early morning streets of Piotrgrad are lined with frost as the residents of the Black Sheep make their way across town to the temple of Vida. The front court is sequestered from the open streets with a fountain carved as an effigy of the Lady in the centre.
On the steps to the right, what appears to be a lean and lanky acolyte in simple grey robes sits on the stone gazing up at the morning sky. A bit of ragged reddish-blonde hair peeks out from under their hood, along with a neat and simple nose. A quiet song, too soft for the words to be understood, floats on the cold breeze.
As the group approaches, the acolyte turns their way and they recognize Alaris as the paladin gives them a smile, draws their hood back, and stands. Their face appears rested, as if they've caught up on a week's worth of lost sleep.
"Welcome to my Lady's temple, my friends. Come, the library is this way."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Alaris guides their charges down the candlelit passages of the temple of Vida, tracing a winding path to the library of the Volkfelder order. Hanna sits waiting at the front desk, just as the paladin left her not two days ago.
"Alaris!" The librarian declares in greeting with a beaming smile. "I do hope you've brought MacNeill with you?" She chides teasingly.
Nikolai beams as Alaris greats them. "Please, my friend, lead the way." He follows behind, his eyes trailing all over the building and appreciating the architecture and appeal of the building. To some libraries were simply places to find lore or someplace to find a good book to read to Nikolai they were the same thing to him no matter which one he entered. They were home.
Alaris guides their charges down the candlelit passages of the temple of Vida, tracing a winding path to the library of the Volkfelder order. Hanna sits waiting at the front desk, just as the paladin left her not two days ago.
"Alaris!" The librarian declares in greeting with a beaming smile. "I do hope you've brought MacNeill with you?" She chides teasingly.
Alaris freezes and pales, trying with all their might to remember who in all the Hells MacNeillmight be. "Mac-who?" they murmur, face screwed up with concentration.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Nikolai glances at Alaris with a bemused expression as he reaches into his backpack to remove the tome that they had given him only two days prior. "MacNeill , Alaris. Surely you recall the tome you lent me the other evening to peruse?" He carefully passing the book to the librarian with a genuine smile. "Thank you for lending us this volume. It was quite enlightening on the area to where we travel...if a bit dry. Which is a bit surprising coming from one of the folks of Littlewood. But in any case, come now, Alaris, introductions are in order I do believe?" Nikolai smiles and winks as he slides the book towards Hanna.
Astrid steps out from from behind Alaris and Nikolai and towards the counter as well. "Thank you for allowing us access to your archives," she says to the librarian with a deferential tone. "I imagine there are few more of us than you originally expected and I think we all have different subjects we are looking for information on... For me, do you know if you have any information on Karaz Ungor, an ancient dwarven city found in Eazim Forest?"
"Oh, um, well, thank you..." Hanna begins as she carefully take the book from Nikolai, stumbling over her words in the face of the tiefling's confident manner. "I'm sure that Master Gul can tell you all about Eazim forest," she continues, latching onto Astrid's question. "I can show you to his office, although I don't think that it will fit all of you..."
"I'm sorry, Hanna - forgive me. This is Nikolai Rasputin, my friend and teacher. He dreams of retiring to the life of a librarian. Nikolai, meet Hanna." Alaris thinks of many jokes to rib the warlock, but none that would not play into too many stereotypes. So the paladin resists the urge, and instead speaks earnestly and with affection for the tiefling. "I apologize for surprising you - I might have brought more questions than you were expecting - my friends don't get close to as many libraries as they would like." They step back, finding a spot to be out of the way and enjoy the atmosphere.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Nikolai smiles as he is introduced to the attractive woman. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Hanna." He glances back at Alaris with a strange look, a mixture of confusion and pride at the descriptors they chose to use. "I was raised in the Imperial Archives of Tanemburg, so I have a love---" he stops with a slight chuckle. "Perhaps infatuation would be a more apt descriptor, of books and knowledge. Worry not about all of us fitting into the office. I am more interested in seeking out esoteric lore. Anything that you might have on fleder would be greatly appreciated. I also would not mind sharing a bit of new knowledge that your own repository might be lacking on the subject should you be keen on an exchange, Hanna."
Nikolai stuff a bite of sausage into his mouth as Astrid comes over to join them for breakfast. "Of course. That would be an excellent idea, Astrid. It is always good to have a contingency plan. I am unsure who all is remaining behind, but once we know I could speak to perhaps Ling or Shiva to accompany you."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The exuberance is a bit much for Caio to handle this early in the morning, but he'd much rather have Nikolai in a good mood than a sour one. Besides, he is looking forward to the visit himself as well. "Yes, that's a good idea," he responds to Astrid as she joins. "You should take whatever you need from that gold to purchase them, it will benefit us all. Perhaps Elodia can help you with finding the gems too, seems like her forte."
Meanwhile, Ghoul flaps down from the rafters to where Nimue is oddly sitting apart from the group. The precocious cormorant pecks at a crumb of bread next to the woman's plate, then gives her a little squawk as he stands there staring at her with his bright teal eyes.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Yawning and stretching as they talk between themselves, Shiva and Ling descend the stairs into the common room, taking a seat among the group and gathering their breakfast onto plates. While it takes a bit more convincing for Ling, the two agree to pooling part of their cut for Astrid’s spell component.
Nikolai's enthusiasm is infectious, putting Shiva in high spirits. “I wasn’t planning on going to the library, if you needed someone to go with you, Astrid. Could we go while it’s still morning, then? I have something that I wanted to do in the early afternoon.”
Before Nikolai breaks off upstairs and the rest of the group settles into their various exercises and entertainments, Alaris lays a warm and friendly hand on his shoulder and speaks to the group. "I have official business to attend to," with a roll of the eyes on official. "So I will gather my things and rest at the Temple tonight, so I can report on the orcish activity in the morning. Meet me in the square outside Vida's Temple before moonset tomorrow morning - we're supposed to be there early. So don't dawdle at breakfast, Ghoul!" They point at the cormorant with a grin. "Enjoy yourselves, and I will see you then."
Less than five minutes later, they come back downstairs with their glaive and a large sack over their shoulder and wave to whoever remains. At the Temple, it is the work of a few moments to check in with the guards.
"Bogatyr Alaris Forien! It is late for you, yah?"
"A little - I have reporting to do in the morning, so I decided to rest here if there's any space in the barracks?"
"For one of the Volkfelder? By all means! It is whispered that there was some interesting activity in that run-down old shrine to the Warrior in Petrowsky district... someone said they saw wings?"
Alaris gives the guards a little play-by-play, but edits the action to emphasize the work of the rest of the group. "I have to get some sleep, fellows - long days and pleasant nights to you both."
Next morning, Alaris rises with the call to dawn prayer and makes their way to the Shrine to Frej. Purple and gold stained glass surrounds a depiction of the goddess dancing across snowdrifts, with crocus and snowdrops and winter jasmine bursting forth in her wake. Alaris hangs their simple robes at the entrance to the shrine and bathes themselves in the font of blessed water before entering nude to commune with Lady Frej. Silence and meditation calm the nerves and breathing, before the first dawnlight kisses the glass.
Lady, through your acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, let me kindle the light of hope in the world, and beat back despair. This is my oath.
Lady, let me stand against the wickedness that would swallow good and beauty, love and laughter; against the forces that would render flourishing life barren. This is my oath.
Lady, kindle in my heart delight in song and laughter, in beauty and art. Preserve the light in me. This is my prayer.
Lady, make me a beacon for all who live in despair. Let the light of your glorious joy and courage shine forth through my deeds. This is my prayer.
The paladin rises, refreshed, and shrugs back into their simple robes, before making their way to the mess for a quick bite before setting out to meet with the guards captain.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The flapping of wings alerts Nimue to the presence of...….she looks up. "Of course it's you. You want my breakfast?" She looks over at the table, now filling with the group she'd met the previous day. She looks back into the cormorant's bright eyes. She sighs, a small smile growing on her face. "Okay, fine. You got me." She stands up, and offers her shoulder to the bird. With a squawk, he lights on it, pecking her on the top of her head.
"Nature can tell you many valuable things, Melda. This bird is wise, perhaps wiser than you. Or me." Nimue can hear the good-natured chuckle of her grandmother. She walks over to the table, dropping into a chair amongst the strangers who were quickly becoming familiar. She raises an eyebrow at Caio. "Ghoul seems to think I spend too much time alone," she says as she offers another piece of bread to the bird.
Ghoul greedily gobbles down the food and sits down, quite content with his perch. "He is quite the opinionated little bird. It does seem that he's taken a liking to you though. Ready for our riveting excursion to the library?" Caio asks.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The smile that lights Nimue's face is perhaps the most genuine to have graced her face in the short time Caio had known her. It's almost giddy. "This is the closest to the next clue I've been in years. I was born ready." She leans forward, her elbows on the table. "Table manners, Melda." The disapproval in her grandmother's voice only serves to lighten her mood, the previous grumpiness disappearing like morning fog.
She receives a slight peck on her head. "The bird agrees with me." "Not a kid anymore, Grandmama. I don't need table manners anymore." The sigh that follows is deep, but also a little wry. "Always were a spitfire."
Nimue absently eats another piece of bread. Another peck. Oh alright. She passes another piece up to the bird on her shoulder.
"Well... I was planning on joining them at the library. I'd like to see if they have information on that lost city where my grandmother was heading towards - Karaz Ungor." Astrid gives the tiefling a warm smile. "I think I will be able to manage after we go to the library. Thank you for the offer to help though."
"Ah, yes, you did mention something about joining us at the library!" He shakes his head slightly. "I apologize, Astrid, there has been much going on recently. I do not believe Alaris had any issues with that. I say the more the merrier! We should leave soon to make our meeting time!"
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
The early morning streets of Piotrgrad are lined with frost as the residents of the Black Sheep make their way across town to the temple of Vida. The front court is sequestered from the open streets with a fountain carved as an effigy of the Lady in the centre.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
On the steps to the right, what appears to be a lean and lanky acolyte in simple grey robes sits on the stone gazing up at the morning sky. A bit of ragged reddish-blonde hair peeks out from under their hood, along with a neat and simple nose. A quiet song, too soft for the words to be understood, floats on the cold breeze.
As the group approaches, the acolyte turns their way and they recognize Alaris as the paladin gives them a smile, draws their hood back, and stands. Their face appears rested, as if they've caught up on a week's worth of lost sleep.
"Welcome to my Lady's temple, my friends. Come, the library is this way."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Alaris guides their charges down the candlelit passages of the temple of Vida, tracing a winding path to the library of the Volkfelder order. Hanna sits waiting at the front desk, just as the paladin left her not two days ago.
"Alaris!" The librarian declares in greeting with a beaming smile. "I do hope you've brought MacNeill with you?" She chides teasingly.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Nikolai beams as Alaris greats them. "Please, my friend, lead the way." He follows behind, his eyes trailing all over the building and appreciating the architecture and appeal of the building. To some libraries were simply places to find lore or someplace to find a good book to read to Nikolai they were the same thing to him no matter which one he entered. They were home.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Alaris freezes and pales, trying with all their might to remember who in all the Hells MacNeill might be. "Mac-who?" they murmur, face screwed up with concentration.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Nikolai glances at Alaris with a bemused expression as he reaches into his backpack to remove the tome that they had given him only two days prior. "MacNeill , Alaris. Surely you recall the tome you lent me the other evening to peruse?" He carefully passing the book to the librarian with a genuine smile. "Thank you for lending us this volume. It was quite enlightening on the area to where we travel...if a bit dry. Which is a bit surprising coming from one of the folks of Littlewood. But in any case, come now, Alaris, introductions are in order I do believe?" Nikolai smiles and winks as he slides the book towards Hanna.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Astrid steps out from from behind Alaris and Nikolai and towards the counter as well. "Thank you for allowing us access to your archives," she says to the librarian with a deferential tone. "I imagine there are few more of us than you originally expected and I think we all have different subjects we are looking for information on... For me, do you know if you have any information on Karaz Ungor, an ancient dwarven city found in Eazim Forest?"
"Oh, um, well, thank you..." Hanna begins as she carefully take the book from Nikolai, stumbling over her words in the face of the tiefling's confident manner. "I'm sure that Master Gul can tell you all about Eazim forest," she continues, latching onto Astrid's question. "I can show you to his office, although I don't think that it will fit all of you..."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"I'm sorry, Hanna - forgive me. This is Nikolai Rasputin, my friend and teacher. He dreams of retiring to the life of a librarian. Nikolai, meet Hanna." Alaris thinks of many jokes to rib the warlock, but none that would not play into too many stereotypes. So the paladin resists the urge, and instead speaks earnestly and with affection for the tiefling. "I apologize for surprising you - I might have brought more questions than you were expecting - my friends don't get close to as many libraries as they would like." They step back, finding a spot to be out of the way and enjoy the atmosphere.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Nikolai smiles as he is introduced to the attractive woman. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Hanna." He glances back at Alaris with a strange look, a mixture of confusion and pride at the descriptors they chose to use. "I was raised in the Imperial Archives of Tanemburg, so I have a love---" he stops with a slight chuckle. "Perhaps infatuation would be a more apt descriptor, of books and knowledge. Worry not about all of us fitting into the office. I am more interested in seeking out esoteric lore. Anything that you might have on fleder would be greatly appreciated. I also would not mind sharing a bit of new knowledge that your own repository might be lacking on the subject should you be keen on an exchange, Hanna."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
“I also seek knowledge of Eazim, though my focus is more on contemporary events. I am Caio Cypherien.” He adds from the back of the group.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger