Astrid steps out from behind Caio, who seems to be lost scanning the crowd. "Uh, yes, there is..," she turns to confirm their number, "nine - ten - eleven. Yes, eleven of us."
The dwarf then gives Caio a nudge in the hip with her elbow. "Is Grace here?"she asks in a low voice.
Hunching over as they all now stand in the Little House, Shiva drinks in the lively spirit of the establishment. She nods her head along to the fiddle playing as Caio sorts out their lodgings, coming to be so relaxed that she attempts to fully stand and lodges one of her horns into the ceiling. With a quiet curse, she dislodges it and yields to a seat on the floor.
When Caio points out the older gnome woman to her, Shiva just barely catches a glimpse of silver hair that disappears into the crowd.
Alaris groans in mock aggravation at another miniature inn. They knew, in a merely cognitive way, that the high-ceilinged open spaces -- those places that made the aasimar feel at home -- would generate in the smaller folk an unsettling discomfort very like what Alaris felt now, but at least the little folk didn't have to dodge the rafters too!
Their eyes follow Caio's indication, and the gnome woman vanishes so neatly that the aasimar reaches out instinctively with their senses to seek any fiendish residue. Their silver eyes glimmer and for a moment, their angelic essence feels more substantial. What sort of place is this?
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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 lays a gentle arm across Caio's shoulders and murmurs near his ear. "This place radiates with wyld fae energy... be ready."
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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...
Caio nods at Alaris’ assessment. “When am I not?” he responds with a playful tone.
Once they have deposited their belongings in their room and made themselves comfortable, Caio returns to the common room for his usual: a dark ale and whatever bracing, herbal spirit the establishment can provide.
Alaris elbows him in the ribs and follows, pausing to confer with the brothers about the safety of the relic before returning to the common room.
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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...
Following Caio back out into the common room, Shiva takes the seat with the best view of the fiddler at their table. Ordering a shot of whatever herbal spirit the inn has in store for them, she's captivated by the exuberant fiddle playing that fills the space. "You know, I've always wanted to be able to play an instrument like the folks we see in taverns. With everything that's happened recently, I think now is as good a time as any to start learning..." Her expression briefly sours as she pauses in thought. "...but I don't think I'd want to play like this. Maybe something a bit more somber."
“Anything to fill your idle talons. Perhaps there is a craftsman you could purchase an instrument from here in town.” Caio offers. While they relax and enjoy the festivities, Caio and Ghoul keep their eyes peeled for any sight of the silver haired woman.
Alaris elbows him in the ribs and follows, pausing to confer with the brothers about the safety of the relic before returning to the common room.
The priors lug the crate through the common room, drawing the attention of many a patron on their way to the back room that they and their entourage are shown to. Much like the Hearthstone, it is dominated by one very large bed.
Out in the common room, neither Caio nor Ghoul can find any trace of the mysterious, elegant halfling.
Alaris leans back and stretches with a sigh of relief. "This is so great... I mean, except for the height of the ceiling." The simple playing, so different from the oppressive throbbing soundwave that was music at Temnitsa, catches something in the aasimar's soul and they begin humming and swaying to the song. After a long moment they pop to their feet, ready to begin dancing, only to thump soundly into a rafter beam. Like a bucket of icy water, reality intrudes on Alaris' moment of fancy and they sit back down.
"I'm screwed, Caio. I can't figure it any other way. I'm screwed."
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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...
Tensing at the sound of Alaris's head bumping into the rafters, Shiva looks to their angel companion with concern as they lament some unknown folly to Caio. "Ari, what are you talking about? How are you screwed?"
Alaris looks from Caio to Shiva, then shrugs and gestures towards the empty spaces around the table.
"We're kinda friends now, right? So it's easy to forget what our arrangement is supposed to look like from the outside... I'm legally responsible for the Trio Infernale, as it were. Now I've lost two of you... two of us. The next time I have to report to a temple, it's going to be very awkward and I don't know what will happen. I could be imprisoned like you were when we first met. I could lose my powers... I don't know."
The aasimar looks pleadingly up through the ceiling, but there are no answers.
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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...
“Well, Alaris, you’re nothing if not compelling.” Caio responds cooly, pausing to take a sip of his liquor. “Convince them. Tell them that you trust these fiends with your life, because you do, and tell them you are confident you made the right choice in letting them go off on their own quests. In the best case scenario they’ll both return happy and fulfilled, and in the worst case they both get themselves killed. For your order it’s a win-win.”
Shiva nods along with Caio, though she winces at the mention of Nikolai and Ling getting themselves killed. "Caio is right. The Order already thinks we're unpredictable pains in the ass, so insistence on some unreasonable quest on the parts of Nik and Ling shouldn't be a hard sell. You could even take me with you when you report to a temple, they'll likely question me or chastise me, either way they'll be getting a big middle finger." She leans back in her seat and crosses her arms defiantly. "Anyone trying to imprison you is going to have to go through us, Ari. Because we are friends now, you angelic ass."
Astird reaches over and gives the aasimar's hand a reassuring pat. "Hopefully, it won't come to anything like that. Maybe those two will figure out what their missing and find their way back to our little family before we make it back to Pitrograd, like Caio said."She gives them a smile before taking drink of her ale. "We have some time to figure that one out still."
Alaris grabs an ale off the table and turns it up, draining it. Then they laugh, a merry tinkling sound that carries across the room.
"You're right - thank you. Caio, you're a genius. That's exactly how I'll play it. Shiva, love, you're not getting interrogated on my account - I won't allow that. And anyway, Astrid's right - we've got quite a while before this is an issue. Shadowfearing; that's all I'm doing."
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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 travellers take their evening meal and generally bask in the opportunity to put their feat up and enjoy the creature comforts that the village has to offer. Eventually, the hour grows late and the local patrons slowly trickle out of the door towards their respective homes. Eventually, only Caio is left, long after the halfling innkeeper has also retired for the night. The elf is sat reading his book at the same table where he'd been socialising with his friends earlier the same evening, when he hears an unexpected creak of the floorboards somewhere behind him.
Astrid steps out from behind Caio, who seems to be lost scanning the crowd. "Uh, yes, there is..," she turns to confirm their number, "nine - ten - eleven. Yes, eleven of us."
The dwarf then gives Caio a nudge in the hip with her elbow. "Is Grace here?" she asks in a low voice.
Hunching over as they all now stand in the Little House, Shiva drinks in the lively spirit of the establishment. She nods her head along to the fiddle playing as Caio sorts out their lodgings, coming to be so relaxed that she attempts to fully stand and lodges one of her horns into the ceiling. With a quiet curse, she dislodges it and yields to a seat on the floor.
When Caio points out the older gnome woman to her, Shiva just barely catches a glimpse of silver hair that disappears into the crowd.
Alaris groans in mock aggravation at another miniature inn. They knew, in a merely cognitive way, that the high-ceilinged open spaces -- those places that made the aasimar feel at home -- would generate in the smaller folk an unsettling discomfort very like what Alaris felt now, but at least the little folk didn't have to dodge the rafters too!
Their eyes follow Caio's indication, and the gnome woman vanishes so neatly that the aasimar reaches out instinctively with their senses to seek any fiendish residue. Their silver eyes glimmer and for a moment, their angelic essence feels more substantial. What sort of place is this?
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's argent eyes find no trace of fiends, but the shimmering golden dust of the fair folk's touch lines surfaces all around the inn.
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
Alaris lays a gentle arm across Caio's shoulders and murmurs near his ear. "This place radiates with wyld fae energy... be ready."
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...
Caio nods at Alaris’ assessment. “When am I not?” he responds with a playful tone.
Once they have deposited their belongings in their room and made themselves comfortable, Caio returns to the common room for his usual: a dark ale and whatever bracing, herbal spirit the establishment can provide.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Alaris elbows him in the ribs and follows, pausing to confer with the brothers about the safety of the relic before returning to the common room.
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...
Following Caio back out into the common room, Shiva takes the seat with the best view of the fiddler at their table. Ordering a shot of whatever herbal spirit the inn has in store for them, she's captivated by the exuberant fiddle playing that fills the space. "You know, I've always wanted to be able to play an instrument like the folks we see in taverns. With everything that's happened recently, I think now is as good a time as any to start learning..." Her expression briefly sours as she pauses in thought. "...but I don't think I'd want to play like this. Maybe something a bit more somber."
“Anything to fill your idle talons. Perhaps there is a craftsman you could purchase an instrument from here in town.” Caio offers. While they relax and enjoy the festivities, Caio and Ghoul keep their eyes peeled for any sight of the silver haired woman.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
The priors lug the crate through the common room, drawing the attention of many a patron on their way to the back room that they and their entourage are shown to. Much like the Hearthstone, it is dominated by one very large bed.
Out in the common room, neither Caio nor Ghoul can find any trace of the mysterious, elegant halfling.
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
Alaris leans back and stretches with a sigh of relief. "This is so great... I mean, except for the height of the ceiling." The simple playing, so different from the oppressive throbbing soundwave that was music at Temnitsa, catches something in the aasimar's soul and they begin humming and swaying to the song. After a long moment they pop to their feet, ready to begin dancing, only to thump soundly into a rafter beam. Like a bucket of icy water, reality intrudes on Alaris' moment of fancy and they sit back down.
"I'm screwed, Caio. I can't figure it any other way. I'm screwed."
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...
Tensing at the sound of Alaris's head bumping into the rafters, Shiva looks to their angel companion with concern as they lament some unknown folly to Caio. "Ari, what are you talking about? How are you screwed?"
Alaris looks from Caio to Shiva, then shrugs and gestures towards the empty spaces around the table.
"We're kinda friends now, right? So it's easy to forget what our arrangement is supposed to look like from the outside... I'm legally responsible for the Trio Infernale, as it were. Now I've lost two of you... two of us. The next time I have to report to a temple, it's going to be very awkward and I don't know what will happen. I could be imprisoned like you were when we first met. I could lose my powers... I don't know."
The aasimar looks pleadingly up through the ceiling, but there are no answers.
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...
“Well, Alaris, you’re nothing if not compelling.” Caio responds cooly, pausing to take a sip of his liquor. “Convince them. Tell them that you trust these fiends with your life, because you do, and tell them you are confident you made the right choice in letting them go off on their own quests. In the best case scenario they’ll both return happy and fulfilled, and in the worst case they both get themselves killed. For your order it’s a win-win.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Shiva nods along with Caio, though she winces at the mention of Nikolai and Ling getting themselves killed. "Caio is right. The Order already thinks we're unpredictable pains in the ass, so insistence on some unreasonable quest on the parts of Nik and Ling shouldn't be a hard sell. You could even take me with you when you report to a temple, they'll likely question me or chastise me, either way they'll be getting a big middle finger." She leans back in her seat and crosses her arms defiantly. "Anyone trying to imprison you is going to have to go through us, Ari. Because we are friends now, you angelic ass."
Astird reaches over and gives the aasimar's hand a reassuring pat. "Hopefully, it won't come to anything like that. Maybe those two will figure out what their missing and find their way back to our little family before we make it back to Pitrograd, like Caio said." She gives them a smile before taking drink of her ale. "We have some time to figure that one out still."
Alaris grabs an ale off the table and turns it up, draining it. Then they laugh, a merry tinkling sound that carries across the room.
"You're right - thank you. Caio, you're a genius. That's exactly how I'll play it. Shiva, love, you're not getting interrogated on my account - I won't allow that. And anyway, Astrid's right - we've got quite a while before this is an issue. Shadowfearing; that's all I'm doing."
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 travellers take their evening meal and generally bask in the opportunity to put their feat up and enjoy the creature comforts that the village has to offer. Eventually, the hour grows late and the local patrons slowly trickle out of the door towards their respective homes. Eventually, only Caio is left, long after the halfling innkeeper has also retired for the night. The elf is sat reading his book at the same table where he'd been socialising with his friends earlier the same evening, when he hears an unexpected creak of the floorboards somewhere behind him.
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
Caio remains motionless, black eyes still fixed to the page, but Ghoul watches from above like a gargoyle. “Alaris. I thought you’d gone to bed.”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Alaris's boots continue to clop along the floor towards Caio, but they don't answer him or otherwise speak.
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