Jonathan leads Ling out onto the eaves and up atop the ridge of the Black Sheep's roof. It's a clear night and the dark sky hangs above them like a diamond-studded sheet of midnight-blue silk. They perch amongst the thatch with their feet nestled in the valley, and he places one arm about her shoulders against the cold.
"So, I believe I owe you some answers," he murmurs in her ear.
Ling shivers slightly in the cold night air. "You do indeed, stranger." Taking a strand of Jonathan's hair between her fingers, she twirls it absentmindedly. "For example..." she yanks it hard, pulling his head down as if he is a naughty child, "why did you suddenly disappear on me? That's no way to treat a girl! Explain yourself!" She lets go of his hair and crosses her arms, glaring at him.
"Why, did you snog his wife or something? That's not enough of an explanation to get you off the hook! What is it between you? And what did you mean by it being fate that we met?" Ling keeps her other arm folded against her chest, but her posture relaxes. "Actually, I think you promised to come find Alaris." She laughs, "I would pay to see that!"
"No, nothing so... mundane. Francesc likes to present himself as a lord, or a king even, but you'll find that few men in this world truly answer to no one. We all have our masters, and I am looking for his."
He reaches forward and brushes Ling's hair back behind her ear with a smile.
"I've heard of you and your friends. You have a certain reputation, and when I discovered that you were in the city I'd hoped to enlist your help... and then there you are, falling right into my arms. That sounds like fate to me, if ever there was such a thing."
Ling kicks off a few loose bits of thatch. "Why are you looking for his master? What's it to you? And why can't he see you?" She looks at him, trying to read his face, before looking back at the stars. "We don't all have our masters. Shiva and I, we answer to no one. We're free like leaves in the wind." Leaning into his hand she adds coyly: "So what kind of job is that? Maybe I'll give you a discount."
"Well, you and Shiva aren't men, now, are you?" Jonathan retorts with a wink. He pauses, withdraws his hand and takes a breath, before continuing to talk. His eyes gaze off into the distance, across the starlit rooftops of Piotrgrad.
"The man Francesc answers to is very powerful indeed, and very evil. He also knows my name, and my face, which makes it difficult for me to act against him. Francesc would recognise me and undoubtedly try to curry favour by passing this information on. I already stayed too long in Temnitsa tonight. Longer than was sensible, anyway."
Jonathan turns back to face Ling, resting his hand atop hers and looking her in the eyes.
"There's something I need found. Something that I need in order to destroy him, but it's hidden far from here, and I must not appear to be hunting for it. I think you are up to the task, if you're prepared to accept it."
He's clearly dodging my question, but he seems honest..."Who is that man? I'd rather know who I'm getting in bed with, metaphorically speaking." She winks at him, "although moonlit strangers also have some allure. What do you need found, now that you've already found me again?" Threading her fingers through his, she observes him with a different kind of interest. Earlier in the club, he was just a hot guy to dance with, but now, his story has her intrigued. Half-elf, clearly comfortable in Temnitsa, but he answered to Alaris with refined manners. Most likely high born, maybe someone's illegitimate son? His hands are certainly soft enough for a noble and those boots look expensive. She smiles at him again and continues to flirt, as if she were checking him out for different reasons. Leisurely trailing her fingers over his, she feels for the symbol on his signet ring. A star. Maybe Nikolai will know what crest that could be, if it's one of the noble houses.
"The less you know about him, the better," Jonathan replies with a hapless shrug.
"I know it's cryptic, but the less you know, the harder it will be for him to discover you, and the safer you are." He squeezes her hand where she has threaded her fingers through his.
"There's a scholar in Five Towers. They call themselves 'Six'. They'll be able to tell you what you need to know."
"You like your ladies ignorant, hm? I don't think anyone is safer not knowing, at least I feel that's what Nikolai would say and he's the smartest person I know." She rolls her eyes, annoyed at being kept in the dark. "You know, none of us are going to go all the way to Five Towers when we don't even know what we're in for - or what the reward would be?" She leans towards him and trails a finger along his jawline. "What are you offering?"
"Ever the mercenary," Jonathan chuckles teasingly, bringing his face close to Ling's.
"I expect promises of great wealth will not suffice? When he is defeated, there will be plenty to go around. For now, let us say 1000 Mark each? Payable upon delivery."
He runs a gentle thumb along her jawline. The warmth of his skin in the cold air of the night makes Ling shiver.
"For what it's worth, I truly mean it when I say that knowledge is dangerous. He has power over the mind. Limiting who knows what is often the best defence."
Resting the tip of her nose against Jonathan's, Ling whispers: "That sounds fair, come find us here at sunset. Shouldn't be too hard for you to convince the others." Her breath forms little clouds in the cold air and she is beginning to feel decidedly too cold sitting up on the roof. Power over the mind, I wonder what that's about. I don't think he's going to tell me though - yet. She leans in for a kiss, softly brushing her lips against the corner of his mouth. Jonathan pulls her closer, but gasps when she rests her icy fingers on his neck. Using this moment to pull away, Ling repeats "At sunset!" And lightly walks across the roof, back to her window. Closing it carefully behind her, she rubs her hands for warmth and shrugs off her clothes again. She climbs into bed, sighing in pleasure as she slides her cold limbs under the covers. Ling lays her head on the pillow and watches Shiva's easy breathing for a few seconds, until she can't resist any longer and snakes her cold toes across and digs them into her friend's legs. When Shiva startles awake, she giggles: "Guess who just came to visit me!" She quickly fills her in, before drifting off to sleep again until the morning.
"AH!" Shiva jolts back to consciousness "Ling, you know I hate that!" She angrily whispers. "What's up?"
After being filled in, Shiva stares at the ceiling for several moments "So much happening at once. Our weird mind visitors, that prick Francesc and his favors, and now we're part of some scheme to bring down the leader of some underground group?" Closing her eyes, her voice trails off as she sinks into sleep once more "We can think....tomorrow..."
As she drifts off, her own voice comes to her "Remain vigilant, for the darkest night to some is the brightest day to you. Protect those you love."
Late the next morning the smell of scrambled eggs wafts up from the kitchen, waking rumbling stomachs amongst the hungry sleepers and stirring them from their beds. Downstairs, Andrei can be found, half asleep himself as he oversees a buffet of bread, sliced meats, eggs and cottage cheese.
About half an hour after Nikolai goes to his room, Alaris makes their way upstairs and knocks at his door. Nik sits up and walks over to the door, Astra Furora in his hand.”Who is it?”
"It's Alaris, Nikolai... May I come in for a minute?"
”Of course, come in. Everything okay?” Nikolai places the old relic down and opens the door to allow Alaris into the room.
When the door opens, Alaris is leaning against the doorjamb with their arms around their glaive. A bemused smile appears as the door opens and they push themselves upright and walk in. "What a night, huh?"
Nikolai chuckles dryly as he steps to one side and gestures to the lone chair in the room. ”Indeed. Have a seat, speak your mind.” He takes a seat on the bed and watches the aasimar closely for any indication as to the purpose of the late night visit. Alaris natters on for a few minutes about different things that happened over the course of the evening. Nikolai nods along, then replies, ”Yes, the young ones were a bit too brash this night. Normally I care not if they indulge in such frivolity, but something happened tonight. Something that could be far-reaching and dangerous. Is that what you can to speak with me about?”
"I don't know." Alaris sighs and rubs their face. "I am just concerned about you - you haven't been yourself and I don't know how to help."
Nikolai opens his mouth to reply and finds himself at a loss for words. He closes his mouth and rubs hand across his face, sighing as he looks at Alaris. ”Ever the white knight.” He pauses as he stares at his hands for a few moments. ” I do not know how to explain it. I feel as if there is this other me that has invaded my consciousness. Whoever this other being is, whether it be a future me or a me from another dimension, I do not know. However something weighs very heavily upon them, a failure of some sort. A failure regarding all of you. And those powerful emotions seem to be invading my thoughts. I am afraid, Alaris. Afraid of failing you all and allowing harm to come to each of you.”
Alaris listens with keen attention, not interrupting or looking away. After Nikolai falls silent, the paladin thinks for several long moments, then swallows and begins to reply. "I know that fear. I won't pretend to understand the rest -- dimensions, voices from another time -- but I know that fear. Every morning when I wake up, I remember that I am nothing but a filthy street rat from Tanemburg. I see my reflection and my armor and all the rest, but I know the truth. I'm no hero." They fall silent, radiant gaze gentle upon Nikolai. "When the time comes, you will stand and be true. Perhaps we will fail - perhaps our strength will be broken under the wheel - but as long as we remain true to one another, we will not have failed each other. You are loved, Nik, not because you have power and wisdom but because you are Nikolai, and damn whatever voice makes you doubt that."
Nikolai nods and smiles. "Thank you, Alaris Forien. You are a hero, though, whether you choose to see it or not. I have seen you stand up for the downtrodden like me and my companions. It is no secret I have no respect for your establishment. They use their position to continue to oppress those that are different instead of protecting them as you do, but you I do respect. A great deal in fact. I may not always show it, but I do. You have given me a lot to think of this eve, thank you."
"I know how you feel, and I won't say you're wholly wrong. But remember that that same establishment picked me up off the street and gave me the opportunity to be your friend." The paladin stands and stretches, yawning, then claps Nik on the shoulder. "I won't say you think too much... because it makes me want to crack skulls when people tell me that. But get some rest, my friend." They amble out the door, equipment slung over their shoulder, and head to their own rest.
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...
Having slept in deliciously late, Ling finds her way downstairs. With no signs of a hangover, she tucks into her breakfast and waits for the others to arrive, ready to fill them in on Jonathan's offer. Reviewing the events from last night, her thoughts return to the strange voice she heard - or had it been her imagination? She had not drunk too much, but one never knows with those droplets in Temnitsa... She puts down her fork for a moment and thinks. No, it was different, it was something else. There were words I didn't even know the meaning of. Shifting uneasily in her seat, she makes a mental note to ask Nik what it could mean once he gets downstairs. It must be some kind of magic. Oh there won't be any saving the poor soul who has cast this on me when I find them!
As Caio returns to his room after collecting his equipment, there is an exhausted smile on his face. Such raucous nights were cathartic for him in one sense, and nostalgic in another. He finds sleep easily, and before long alien dreams find him.
The night sky glows warm, a color that matches the muggy soup of air that now sticks to his skin. It is lit by what seems to be a metropolis at first, but as the details pop in this place is grungy and haphazard. The multicolored slums stretch down over steep terrain, carrying the sound of loud voices and strange music. Someone rushes past on a... what is that? Like a one person carriage with its own propulsion, two wheels, bright blue paint chipping off, must be some sort of gnomish construct. But as Caio looks around he only sees humans. Brown skin, dark curls here, impossibly long and blonde there. Sarameians? “Caio! Vamos!” He turns to the impatient voice and sees a teenager waving him along down the street, deeper into the city. This one is odd though. His skin is pale white, and despite the heat he is mostly covered in a black hoodie and joggers. Joggers? The boy gives a fanged grin and somehow Caio isn’t surprised, in fact now he remembers that the party they’re headed to will be filled with more like him... downworlders. He’s already moving along as all of this information begins to crystalize in his lucid mind, but just like that the surreal vision is fading as Caio drifts deeper into his own compromised subconscious.
”I suppose that was one for the books.” Caio looks a bit worse for wear than Ling as he joins her at the table, but not bad considering what he went through the previous night. He orders a citrus rind and pine needle tea and a big hearty breakfast to aid his recovery, and a biscuit for Ghoul too of course. “I didn’t get a chance to ask, Ling, what was the deal with the silver haired beau?”
Shiva awakens to an empty room, with soft morning light spilling in from the adjacent window. Her sleep was dreamless, which was a relief. Her dreams tend to be haunted and torturous, when she's not dreaming of the strange plane and the voice that speaks to her. So many voices in her head lately. And how did that half-elf get past her without her waking up? "Nothing will come of worrying. I'm sure that answers will come eventually. I just need to make sure I don't lose my edge."
Getting dressed, she makes her way downstairs, stacks a plate high, then sits down next to Ling. "Morning guys." She smiles brightly at Ling and Caio "How are we feeling today?"
Just the sound of her father's voice in his reply to her message provides some amount of comfort and a wave of relief falls over Astrid as she prepares for bed. Before laying her head down, the cleric removes the watch from around her neck . She begins to idly trace a thumb around the face of the nonfunctioning device and recalls something one of her elders had said: "Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new… but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design?"
She shakes her head with an amused look and thinks how this evening has very much been like a whirlwind. One that she resolves herself to ride out and see where it takes her. With that thought, she rests her head on the pillow as dwelling on the matter will do little at this point. Rest is needed now as the next day will likely hold even more surprises.
The next morning she takes her time getting down for breakfast. She takes some time to conduct her ritual of preparing her abilities for the day. With that completed, she takes a quick breakfast at the Three Candles before grabbing all of her belongings and makes her way back to the Black Sheep.
"Right then...," she says to herself before pulling the door open. She peeks through the crowd hoping to find one of the others. To her surprise, she spots the Trio already awake. She approaches their table. "Hello again. Did everyone sleep well?"
Ling greets Caio and Shiva when they come down, joking that she's happy to see they both walking steadily after last night. With a sly glance to Shiva, Ling fills Caio in on what Jonathan has told her about Francesc and the possible job in Five Towers, making sure to mention the 1000 mark each. She leaves out the small detail about his nightly visit, however. "Honestly, he was being pretty mysterious about what's between him and Francesc, so I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't think he was trying to mislead me, but you never know. He didn't want to specify what he meant by Francesc's boss having 'power over the mind'..." She shrugs, scratching patterns into the cottage cheese with her knife. "I told him to make his case to everyone this evening, so you can judge for yourself. The payment sounds pretty good though, so I'm inclined to take it once we're done here."
Seeing Astrid approach, Ling becomes a little more reserved. "We certainly did, how about you? What did you make of Temnitsa? It seemed our playground had you a little uncomfortable, mh? Not used to seeing so many undesirables in one place?" She leans back and grins, folding her hands behind her head.
Jonathan leads Ling out onto the eaves and up atop the ridge of the Black Sheep's roof. It's a clear night and the dark sky hangs above them like a diamond-studded sheet of midnight-blue silk. They perch amongst the thatch with their feet nestled in the valley, and he places one arm about her shoulders against the cold.
"So, I believe I owe you some answers," he murmurs in her ear.
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
Ling shivers slightly in the cold night air. "You do indeed, stranger." Taking a strand of Jonathan's hair between her fingers, she twirls it absentmindedly. "For example..." she yanks it hard, pulling his head down as if he is a naughty child, "why did you suddenly disappear on me? That's no way to treat a girl! Explain yourself!" She lets go of his hair and crosses her arms, glaring at him.
Jonathan laughs wryly and rubs his head as he straightens from where Ling has yanked at his hair.
"It's better if Francesc and his cronies don't notice me, I'd already strayed closer than I should finding Shiva with you."
He takes her hand and caresses her the backs of her fingers gently with his thumb.
"Besides, I did promise to come find you here."
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
"Why, did you snog his wife or something? That's not enough of an explanation to get you off the hook! What is it between you? And what did you mean by it being fate that we met?" Ling keeps her other arm folded against her chest, but her posture relaxes. "Actually, I think you promised to come find Alaris." She laughs, "I would pay to see that!"
Jonathan snorts in amusement at Ling's proposal.
"No, nothing so... mundane. Francesc likes to present himself as a lord, or a king even, but you'll find that few men in this world truly answer to no one. We all have our masters, and I am looking for his."
He reaches forward and brushes Ling's hair back behind her ear with a smile.
"I've heard of you and your friends. You have a certain reputation, and when I discovered that you were in the city I'd hoped to enlist your help... and then there you are, falling right into my arms. That sounds like fate to me, if ever there was such a thing."
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
Ling kicks off a few loose bits of thatch. "Why are you looking for his master? What's it to you? And why can't he see you?" She looks at him, trying to read his face, before looking back at the stars. "We don't all have our masters. Shiva and I, we answer to no one. We're free like leaves in the wind." Leaning into his hand she adds coyly: "So what kind of job is that? Maybe I'll give you a discount."
"Well, you and Shiva aren't men, now, are you?" Jonathan retorts with a wink. He pauses, withdraws his hand and takes a breath, before continuing to talk. His eyes gaze off into the distance, across the starlit rooftops of Piotrgrad.
"The man Francesc answers to is very powerful indeed, and very evil. He also knows my name, and my face, which makes it difficult for me to act against him. Francesc would recognise me and undoubtedly try to curry favour by passing this information on. I already stayed too long in Temnitsa tonight. Longer than was sensible, anyway."
Jonathan turns back to face Ling, resting his hand atop hers and looking her in the eyes.
"There's something I need found. Something that I need in order to destroy him, but it's hidden far from here, and I must not appear to be hunting for it. I think you are up to the task, if you're prepared to accept it."
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
He's clearly dodging my question, but he seems honest... "Who is that man? I'd rather know who I'm getting in bed with, metaphorically speaking." She winks at him, "although moonlit strangers also have some allure. What do you need found, now that you've already found me again?" Threading her fingers through his, she observes him with a different kind of interest. Earlier in the club, he was just a hot guy to dance with, but now, his story has her intrigued. Half-elf, clearly comfortable in Temnitsa, but he answered to Alaris with refined manners. Most likely high born, maybe someone's illegitimate son? His hands are certainly soft enough for a noble and those boots look expensive. She smiles at him again and continues to flirt, as if she were checking him out for different reasons. Leisurely trailing her fingers over his, she feels for the symbol on his signet ring. A star. Maybe Nikolai will know what crest that could be, if it's one of the noble houses.
"The less you know about him, the better," Jonathan replies with a hapless shrug.
"I know it's cryptic, but the less you know, the harder it will be for him to discover you, and the safer you are." He squeezes her hand where she has threaded her fingers through his.
"There's a scholar in Five Towers. They call themselves 'Six'. They'll be able to tell you what you need to know."
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
"You like your ladies ignorant, hm? I don't think anyone is safer not knowing, at least I feel that's what Nikolai would say and he's the smartest person I know." She rolls her eyes, annoyed at being kept in the dark. "You know, none of us are going to go all the way to Five Towers when we don't even know what we're in for - or what the reward would be?" She leans towards him and trails a finger along his jawline. "What are you offering?"
"Ever the mercenary," Jonathan chuckles teasingly, bringing his face close to Ling's.
"I expect promises of great wealth will not suffice? When he is defeated, there will be plenty to go around. For now, let us say 1000 Mark each? Payable upon delivery."
He runs a gentle thumb along her jawline. The warmth of his skin in the cold air of the night makes Ling shiver.
"For what it's worth, I truly mean it when I say that knowledge is dangerous. He has power over the mind. Limiting who knows what is often the best defence."
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
Resting the tip of her nose against Jonathan's, Ling whispers: "That sounds fair, come find us here at sunset. Shouldn't be too hard for you to convince the others." Her breath forms little clouds in the cold air and she is beginning to feel decidedly too cold sitting up on the roof. Power over the mind, I wonder what that's about. I don't think he's going to tell me though - yet. She leans in for a kiss, softly brushing her lips against the corner of his mouth. Jonathan pulls her closer, but gasps when she rests her icy fingers on his neck. Using this moment to pull away, Ling repeats "At sunset!" And lightly walks across the roof, back to her window.
Closing it carefully behind her, she rubs her hands for warmth and shrugs off her clothes again. She climbs into bed, sighing in pleasure as she slides her cold limbs under the covers. Ling lays her head on the pillow and watches Shiva's easy breathing for a few seconds, until she can't resist any longer and snakes her cold toes across and digs them into her friend's legs. When Shiva startles awake, she giggles: "Guess who just came to visit me!" She quickly fills her in, before drifting off to sleep again until the morning.
"AH!" Shiva jolts back to consciousness "Ling, you know I hate that!" She angrily whispers. "What's up?"
After being filled in, Shiva stares at the ceiling for several moments "So much happening at once. Our weird mind visitors, that prick Francesc and his favors, and now we're part of some scheme to bring down the leader of some underground group?" Closing her eyes, her voice trails off as she sinks into sleep once more "We can think....tomorrow..."
As she drifts off, her own voice comes to her "Remain vigilant, for the darkest night to some is the brightest day to you. Protect those you love."
Late the next morning the smell of scrambled eggs wafts up from the kitchen, waking rumbling stomachs amongst the hungry sleepers and stirring them from their beds. Downstairs, Andrei can be found, half asleep himself as he oversees a buffet of bread, sliced meats, eggs and cottage cheese.
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
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...
Having slept in deliciously late, Ling finds her way downstairs. With no signs of a hangover, she tucks into her breakfast and waits for the others to arrive, ready to fill them in on Jonathan's offer. Reviewing the events from last night, her thoughts return to the strange voice she heard - or had it been her imagination? She had not drunk too much, but one never knows with those droplets in Temnitsa... She puts down her fork for a moment and thinks. No, it was different, it was something else. There were words I didn't even know the meaning of. Shifting uneasily in her seat, she makes a mental note to ask Nik what it could mean once he gets downstairs. It must be some kind of magic. Oh there won't be any saving the poor soul who has cast this on me when I find them!
As Caio returns to his room after collecting his equipment, there is an exhausted smile on his face. Such raucous nights were cathartic for him in one sense, and nostalgic in another. He finds sleep easily, and before long alien dreams find him.
The night sky glows warm, a color that matches the muggy soup of air that now sticks to his skin. It is lit by what seems to be a metropolis at first, but as the details pop in this place is grungy and haphazard. The multicolored slums stretch down over steep terrain, carrying the sound of loud voices and strange music. Someone rushes past on a... what is that? Like a one person carriage with its own propulsion, two wheels, bright blue paint chipping off, must be some sort of gnomish construct. But as Caio looks around he only sees humans. Brown skin, dark curls here, impossibly long and blonde there. Sarameians? “Caio! Vamos!” He turns to the impatient voice and sees a teenager waving him along down the street, deeper into the city. This one is odd though. His skin is pale white, and despite the heat he is mostly covered in a black hoodie and joggers. Joggers? The boy gives a fanged grin and somehow Caio isn’t surprised, in fact now he remembers that the party they’re headed to will be filled with more like him... downworlders. He’s already moving along as all of this information begins to crystalize in his lucid mind, but just like that the surreal vision is fading as Caio drifts deeper into his own compromised subconscious.
”I suppose that was one for the books.” Caio looks a bit worse for wear than Ling as he joins her at the table, but not bad considering what he went through the previous night. He orders a citrus rind and pine needle tea and a big hearty breakfast to aid his recovery, and a biscuit for Ghoul too of course. “I didn’t get a chance to ask, Ling, what was the deal with the silver haired beau?”
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Shiva awakens to an empty room, with soft morning light spilling in from the adjacent window. Her sleep was dreamless, which was a relief. Her dreams tend to be haunted and torturous, when she's not dreaming of the strange plane and the voice that speaks to her. So many voices in her head lately. And how did that half-elf get past her without her waking up? "Nothing will come of worrying. I'm sure that answers will come eventually. I just need to make sure I don't lose my edge."
Getting dressed, she makes her way downstairs, stacks a plate high, then sits down next to Ling. "Morning guys." She smiles brightly at Ling and Caio "How are we feeling today?"
Just the sound of her father's voice in his reply to her message provides some amount of comfort and a wave of relief falls over Astrid as she prepares for bed. Before laying her head down, the cleric removes the watch from around her neck . She begins to idly trace a thumb around the face of the nonfunctioning device and recalls something one of her elders had said: "Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new… but who can understand and measure its sharp breath, its mystery and its design?"
She shakes her head with an amused look and thinks how this evening has very much been like a whirlwind. One that she resolves herself to ride out and see where it takes her. With that thought, she rests her head on the pillow as dwelling on the matter will do little at this point. Rest is needed now as the next day will likely hold even more surprises.
The next morning she takes her time getting down for breakfast. She takes some time to conduct her ritual of preparing her abilities for the day. With that completed, she takes a quick breakfast at the Three Candles before grabbing all of her belongings and makes her way back to the Black Sheep.
"Right then...," she says to herself before pulling the door open. She peeks through the crowd hoping to find one of the others. To her surprise, she spots the Trio already awake. She approaches their table. "Hello again. Did everyone sleep well?"
Ling greets Caio and Shiva when they come down, joking that she's happy to see they both walking steadily after last night. With a sly glance to Shiva, Ling fills Caio in on what Jonathan has told her about Francesc and the possible job in Five Towers, making sure to mention the 1000 mark each. She leaves out the small detail about his nightly visit, however. "Honestly, he was being pretty mysterious about what's between him and Francesc, so I'm not sure what to make of it. I don't think he was trying to mislead me, but you never know. He didn't want to specify what he meant by Francesc's boss having 'power over the mind'..." She shrugs, scratching patterns into the cottage cheese with her knife. "I told him to make his case to everyone this evening, so you can judge for yourself. The payment sounds pretty good though, so I'm inclined to take it once we're done here."
Seeing Astrid approach, Ling becomes a little more reserved. "We certainly did, how about you? What did you make of Temnitsa? It seemed our playground had you a little uncomfortable, mh? Not used to seeing so many undesirables in one place?" She leans back and grins, folding her hands behind her head.