| Logs |
2001 February 02
| Oloth |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Oloth Logs |
In The Beginning
It is the first night of gaming in Oloth, but the place to start is rather nebulous, because of Oloth's long history on FurryMuck. We begin with someone who seems to be a new arrival, but, following true to the grand traditions of the Olothii, she is perhaps, more experienced than she appears.
Dakini walks into the inn with the bat and the huge dire wolf. There's a nicely engraved leather leash on the wolf's collar. She heads for a table, still talking, "-think a frisbee would be wonderful! He ate the last one... by accident, of course." She gives the big wolf an amused grin.
Hati follows along, alertly. At the mention of a frisbee he gives Dakini a sort of curious look, cocking his head to one side. He follows her to the table and settles next to her chair.
Keesha skrees, "Of course." She winks at Hati. "Of course he wasn't tired of playing."
Dakini grins again as she unclips the leash, tossing it and her jacket onto one of the benches.
Dakini looks around, absently pushing her sleeves up, nodding to the few folks she recognizes.
Hati remains seated by Dakini, looking around curiously.
Dakini glances at Hati, "You hungry, Hati?"
Kern sits in a highbacked chair by the dark fireplace, with a goblet in one hand. He looks, at first glance, tired his face glistening slightly with sweat. He turns his head as he hears the entry of other patrons...
Keesha settles onto a perch over Dakini's table and settles her wings into place. "I might even have a frisbee in my cargo somewhere. Just in case, you understand."
Alois wanders out into the bar and scans the faces in the room, looking for someone.
Hati looks up at Dakini, and yips once to her question, wagging his tai, too.
Dakini grins up at Keesha, "Oh, of course... just in case." She giggles, then adds cheerfully, "So, what's your poison, Keesh? I'll get you one if you like?" She nods politely to the proprieter when he comes out, should he meet her eyes.
Keesha skrees, "Mead is always good."
Dakini grins and pats Hati, "No sweat... one rothe joint coming up!"
Kern is vaguely looking in the direction of the strangers curiously, and doesn't notice Alois's entry.
Alois slides into the chair across from Kern, nodded slightly to Dakini as he passes her. "Evening.."
Kern's eyes alight at Alois joins him. "Well met," he says with a smile, leaning forward slightly...and then wincing as he does, leaning back. He does not quite look in pain, but it is clear all is not well.
Dakini replies politely, "Good eve." She grins at the watching man, then heads for the bar, where she orders a whole haunch of rothe, a side of steamed veggies, a large bowl of water, and two meads. She'll return to the table with them (taking one trip *just* for the heavy rothe haunch), handing up one mead to the upside-down bat (plus a drinking straw!), and carving a few slices off the rothe haunch, which she lays on the veggies. The bowl of water and the rest of the rothe haunch go on the floor next to Hati, "Now don't wolf your food this time, okay?"
Alois frowns. "Still not feeling any better?"
Keesha chirrips into her mead, getting some of it on her nose. "Umm.. right." She looks at Hati rather dubiously.
Hati chuffs at the adminition, and stands up, taking a moment to sniff at the haunch of meat before he begins to eat it.
Dakini grins and pats Hati's back affectionately, then starts on her meat and veggies, with gusto.
Kern smiles weakly but warmly at the drow. "Yes and no, my friend. My body is whole, but things are...not as they used to be. As I started to...reteach myself to cast spells, I discovered that now, like other mages, my body becomes more exhausted as I cast greater and more potent spells. Unfortunately, I discovered this while practicing combat magery and pulled a few muscles. :>"
Alois leans to one side slightly, glancing over Kern's shoulder at the wolf on the floor. He 'hmms' softly, expression betraying nothing then turns his attention back to his friend.
Hati's ears follow conversation around him.
Alois chuckles, "I'm starting to think you enjoy martyrdom, Abbil." He winks at Kern. "Drink?"
Kern hoists up a flagon of fruit juice he aquired. "Got one. But this has nothing to do with Martyrdom. With the bulf of the EIF gone...I cannot do a disservice to myself by not trying to be in peak condition. Not to mention the possible attack of enemies that might wish to take advantage of my...weakened position. Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean someone is *not* out to get you, as they say."
Dakini coughs into her mead in amusement at that comment!
Dakini wipes her mouth, grinning, "Pardon me."
Alois looks suspiciously at the fruit juice. "If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were becoming an old man. Prunes next?" he grins, "Paranoia is a lifestyle.. and an art."
Hati pauses in his meal, looking up from the chewed-upon haunch, and licking his chops, watching people for a moment.
Keesha chitters laughter at that comment herself, though she's been trying not to make it obvious that she can't help overhearing.
Dakini laughs softly again.
Hati decides nothing as important as food is going on, and resumes eating.
Kern arches an eyebrow as he turns his head to look at Dakini curiously. "Pardoned." he says, somewhat unececcarily.
Dakini goes back to neatly devouring her veggies, fastidiously using eating dagger and fingers... although her gaze meets Kern's for a moment. Her eyes dance with amusement at his comment.
Alois peers at the other table. "One can't be too careful these days, Kern. One never knows what innocent facade hides a spy."
Dakini grins cheerfully and unrepentantly, "It's good to see you again too, Alois."
Kern blinkblinks, and feels his face flush slightly as his gaze unexpectedly meets hers. He hrms, and looks back at Alois with a wry grin. "Yes well, I learned that even since moving here. How many have there been? Illyara? Kovan? Ever since I've come to Oloth, many of my old ghosts have come back to haunt me..."
Kern looks into the dank hearth. "Not to mention Lord Marcus and his assault on the Guild..."
Alois says, "There are spies from one end of Oloth to the other. Everyone reports to someone."
Hati chews at the last of the meat on the haunch, as neatly as a wolf ever could.
Alois looks at Dakini, "Who do you report to?"
Kern nods, placing his goblet down.
Keesha turns to look at Alois. "She reports to me, and I report back to her. Keeps things simple."
Kern blinks, and then stifles a laugh.
Alois laughs. "Well, that's the smallest spy ring I've ever seen."
Dakini smiles up at the bat, pushing her shades up so her green eyes can be seen, "Of course. Makes it easier to keep secrets, don't you know."
Kern arches an eyebrow at Alois. "You're in good humor, old friend. :>"
Hati licks idly at the rothe bone, pondering it.
Alois says, "Why shouldn't I be? I don't have the Admirals breathing down my throat.."
Kern purses his lips wryly. "That's right I hear....'business'...is booming."
Dakini laughs softly again.
Dakini grins, "Surely turn about is fair play, Alois of the Wandering Path. Who do you report to?"
Kern smiles thinly, but not unkindly. "That would be telling."
Dakini raises an amused eyebrow at Kern... then grins at Alois, "Which is what makes the game so interesting, of course."
Alois grins at Dakini, "The Gods Themselves."
Dermott arrives from Erythyn Street.
Kern barks a laugh! and pounds the arm of his chair.
Dermott wanders through the doorway. "And a good evening to all...!"
Dakini grins at Kern, then looks interestedly at the new arrival, nodding politely to him.
Keesha waves a wing from her perch over Dakini's table.
Kern swivels to look around his chair. "Dermott! Come join us, old wolf. ;)"
Alois says, "Good evening, Dermott! How is our Dread Pirate this evening?"
Hati hears "wolf", looks up, realizes it's someone else, and then goes back to pondering his rothe bone.
Dermott laughs quietly as he comes by the table. "Doing well, thank you, Alois! The crew, though, are eager to be back aloft at some point." He doesn't stop short at the sight of Hati, having seen the dire before, but does look to the wolf with interest. "And how is everyone this eve?"
Keesha skrees, "Thirsty and pensive."
Dakini glances down at Hati and smiles, rubbing a booted toe lazily along his ribs in a gentle stroke, "Be careful of the splinters this time, okay?" She looks up at the other wolf-type and adds politely, "Quite well, thank you."
Kern chuckles wryly at Dermott. "Sore muscles. But well enough...in comparison to before..."
Dermott smiles, inclining his head politely to the elvin lady, then looks to Keesha inquisitively. "Pensive? Why so?"
Hati carefully, wether or not it is at his mistress' cue or not you can't tell, takes the bone between his teeth and bites down. As he picks it up, there is a mild clunking, followed by a huge *CRACK!* which echoes through the taproom, as he breaks it open.
Alois says, "Quite well, thanks."
Dermott grins to Kern. "And what have you--" He gives a bit of a start as the bone *cracks*, then composes himself. "Ah, what have you been doing to warrant sore muscles?"
Dakini, who expects the noise, doesn't flinch, leaning her chin on her hand and watching the others in the room.
Alois flinces just a little at the sound.
Keesha skrees, "Debating what to do now that we're stuck here." She lets go of her perch to flutter over to the table where the wolf, drow and mage are sitting. She nods to Alois and addresses Kern. "I do have a favor to ask, actually.""
Kern doesn't react. But then, his ears aren't as good as those of elves and wolves. ;)
Hati licks and gnaws carefully at the exposed marrow, pausing occasionally to crack away a smaller piece of bone.
Kern looks to Dermott first. "Trying to get back in shape, physically and magically. It's been...difficult, these past weeks. But I have no choice but to be...ready."
Kern finally looks at Keesha, whom he had not gotten a close look at before. "Yes....milady? How can I be of service?" He asks curiously.
Dermott nods slowly to Keesha. "Hmm. I can see how that would be... disconcerting. I imagine that my crew and I are in much the same situation, though we've come to consider Oloth our home."
Keesha skrees, "I need training as a mage. Enough to run a helm here, at least, and maybe more. The last few times I've been here I've noticed some odd things, a little bit of telekinesis. And .... I don't have the fuel reserves to run Chirikh for long without converting her to a spelljammer."
Dakini smiles quietly as she listens to Keesha, idly playing with a runestone on a thong about her neck. One booted toe slowly and lazily strokes along Hati's side, in an absent-minded caress, as she sips her drink.
Kern folds his hands together. "I see." he says, looking from his fingers to the bat. "Yes, I suppose you do have a bit of a quandary...I don't suppose you've already petitioned the Master of Studies at the Guild?"
Dermott leans back in his chair, thoughtfully considering Keesha and listening rather attentively.
Safix arrives from Erythyn Street.
Keesha chuckles wryly. "To be honest, you're the only person I've met that I knew could point me in the right direction. Is that what I should do?
Collie_Admin says, "Ah, I see you swapped them. Good... and yes, just viewlog will do it for you. I'll be quiet while you do that, so that my comments don't end up in your copy of the file. ;)" Dakini glances up at the new arrival, nodding and smiling politely. She's sipping honey mead, seated at a table with a huge wolf lying at her feet, contentedly decimating an innocent rothe leg bone.
Alois looks up at the new arrival, quickly examining her from head to toe with his eyes.
Kern purses his lips. "No. Probably not. I know the Master of Studies, and he's not especially tolerant of....other species. More than likely, he'd politely offer to kick you out the door."
Safix looks around the room warily, then finds a table by herself and sits quietly, watching.
Dakini rolls her eyes in faint amusement at Kern's words... then goes back to curiously watching people.
Dermott looks over to the arrival, and nods politely in friendly greeting. He glances to Kern, a little in surprise. "Oh, dear. That's not going to make Auntie very happy."
Keesha skrees, "This would..... not be encouraging, no. How to get around the problem?"
Alois says, "Who's the Master there now, Kern?"
Safix remembers to nod politely back at Dakini and Dermott.
Hati finishes gnawing on his bone, and leaves a broken pile of shards on the plate. He sees that new people have arrived, and stands up to investigate.
Dakini glances down, murmuring, "Don't scare anyone, Hati'ya."
Kern glances at Alois. "Guildmaster, you mean? No one at the moment, just the council. There will be a vote soon, since the old guildmaster was killed in the attack."
Kern glances at Dermott. "Auntie?"
Alois says, "Who's the Master of Studies?"
Dakini says, "The healer on th- um..." she pauses, then ends a little lamely, "-on his ship."
Kern smiles at Keesha. "The obvious solution would be...if I taught you myself. But I will warn you...it will not be easy."
Dakini sips her mead, studying it thoughtfully.
Hati hrrfs once to Dakini as if to say, "Of course not!" and pads about the room. He starts with the other wolf, padding up to him, and sniffing curiously.
Dakini grins quietly, watching Hati's progress a little warily.
Dakini nods politely to Dermott, smiling as he glances at her.
Keesha chirrips, flashing a grin. "I didn't expect it to be easy. If it were easy, more of the locals would be mages."
Dermott grins over to Dakini, and inclines his head. "Exactly, madame. And the ship is the--" He blinks, suddenly noticing the large Hati sniffing at him. "Ah, the ship is the Misery." He looks to Hati, and tries to remember his childhood in the dens. "Ah... hello there," he says, pleasantly, trying not to show any teeth.
Dakini lowers her shades long enough to smile at Safix also.
Alois looks at the Dire Wolf again then grins at Kern. "Bronwyn will be horribly jealous."
Dakini asks curiously, "Whyso?"
Safix eyes the dire wolf rather wistfully, as if she's dying to investigate but terribly shy.
Hati gives the biped wolf a looking over and then moves on to meet and sniff at Kern.
Alois says, "She's a Dire Wolf from time to time.. She'll think he's trying to usurp her spot by the fire."
Alois grins.
Kern makes an indelicate sound. "The Master of Studies is a gold elf named Kythanarastan Hyshaanth."
Dakini laughs! -then grins wickedly, "He is indeed a hearth-hog! You have to really push sometimes -- or sit on him."
Kern chuckles at Alois's comment.
Alois makes a face. "Ahh, excellent a gold elf with one of /those/ attitudes."
Dakini smiles, tracing quiet runes in the dampness her mug has left on the table, "Oh... they're not all bad..."
Kern studies Keesha. "Not that this will make or break a deal to teach but....how hardy are you?"
Dermott grins to himself, looking a very little bit relieved, as the dire meanders on to Kern. He turns his attention back to the topic at hand.
Kern sighs at Alois. "Indeed. Makes me miss Rennyn. One wonders why Hyshaanth even lets me teach."
Hati looks curioulsy at Alois when he says this and cocks his head curioulsy.
Safix eyes Dakini after her last comment and blushes slightly.
Keesha mutters something under her breath in a glass-breakingly high pitch. "How hardy? I went through Top Gun and retired from the Aerospace Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. I think I'm still fairly tough."
Dakini tilts her head curiously at Safix... then smiles, patting one of the chairs at her table and raising an inquiring eyebrow at the smaller woman.
Dakini winces slightly at Keesha's mutter.
Alois says, "It's a wonder the school isn't populated by nothing but Gold Elves.."
Safix looks almost afraid, but jerks her chin up and walks over to take the seat Dakini indicated.
Hati finishes investigating Kern and then moves on to Alois, sniffsniffing curiously.
Kern looks curiously at Hati. As he meets the wolf's gaze, he shudders slightly, as if afraid of something he sees in the dire's eyes. He quickly looks back up a Keesha. "I mean no offense. But training one's body to hold magic is easier for those who had strong, healthy constitutions. But if you say you are capable, I will not naysay you."
Dakini smiles curiously at the young woman, "Hello. Are you new here? Would you like a drink?"
Dermott says cheerfully to Keesha, still wincing slightly from the paradoxiacally high-pitched mutter, "I would imagine that the pilot instructors did not lob balls of fire at you while you practiced Immelmians, madame.
Safix says quietly to Dakini, "Thank you for welcoming a stranger... my name is Safix, and yes, please. What do you recommend here?"
Kern smiles wryly at Alois. "Just because he is master of studies, does not mean he holds all the power. There are moon elves and drow in positions of power greater than his, and he does not dare offend them. But I know his mind as well as anyone."
Alois snorts, "We need more Gold Elves like the Admiral."
Keesha chuckles. "Well, technically, no. Although plasma repeaters are quite similar. But you have to be tough to take the accelerations in a space fighter."
Dakini chuckles softly, glancing at the remains on the plate on the floor, "The rothe is excellent. They also have a very nice selection of drinks. I'm particularly fond of the honey mead... for mostly sentimental reasons." She nods towards the drow, "That's Alois of the Wandering Path... this is his place." She waves the bartender over, so Safix can place an order.
Dermott glances over as the stranger speaks up, and smiles. "The Ko-San ale is quite good. And since the rift's closed, there's not likely to be any more coming in soon."
Kern grins crookedly at Alois. "So you *do* miss him...." he says mock syruply. ;)
Alois looks up at Dakini at the mention of his name.. "Hmm?
Alois grins at Kern, "Only because he is the most drow gold elf I've ever met."
Hati finishes sniffing around the odd-smelling drow and pads around the edge of the room, smelling what is to be smelled.
Safix blinks. "I'm afraid I don't drink much... uh, I'll try the honey mead as the first recommended but thank you, sir.
Kern nods. "Point taken, milady. Very well, I will teach you then. Is it just your intent to learn for spelljamming reasons, however? Or are there....other considerations?"
Dakini explains politely, "I was pointing out to er..." she glances at the young woman, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name, young lady?"
Dermott inclines his head. "Certainly, madame. And the honey mead is an excellent choice."
Kern snickers and shakes his head. "So what you really want, Alois, is a bunch of drow to put gold face-paint on, hmm? ;)"
Safix tells Dakini, "It's Safix. I don't believe I caught yours, either..?"
Dakini hms, then smiles, standing and bowing gracefully to Safix, "Your pardon, I indeed did not introduce myself nor my companions. I am Dakini Skydancer, formerly zu Lucifer's Shadow, now of Dammerung. Hati is the large wolf over there, and Keesha Ski'irish is a long-time friend."
Alois glares at Kern. "I didn't say /that/.. Stop twisting my words, human." He winks.
Safix smirks at little at Kern's comment.
Kern hides a smile.
Dakini seats herself gracefully, then grins quietly at Kern's comment.
Alois smiles faintly at Safix, "Nice to meet you.."
Dakini corrects herself, "Pardon me, Keesha Ski'irish zu Chirikh."
Hati makes his way back over to Dakini's table, and pauses to sniff curiously at Safix.
Safix whispers in Dakini's ear, "I'm afraid I can't help but see them covered completely in gold paint... I think I've been out of a joking gathering for too long."
Alois motions to Kern, "This is Kern Denseran, Safix."
Dakini gently rubs the base of Hati's tail, where it feels nicest, and grins at Safix.
Kern nods to the gathered people. "Well met, all of you."
Keesha thinks about that. "Other considerations... such as? My primary intent is to be able to helm my ship, but I think I may have a talent for it and I'd like to learn as much as I can."
Kern strokes his chin. "You say you are a starfighter? Are you trained in hand to hand combat as well??
Dakini grins quietly, adding to Safix, "The drow is actually Alois Teken'duis... I didn't give you his last name before."
Dakini curiously studies the young woman as she drinks her mead.
Safix confesses to Dakini, "I doubt I'll remember everybody tomorrow-- terrible with long names. Everybody in my family has short ones."
Dakini grins, "It's okay... if I recall correctly there's a pleasant informality to those that gather here usually." She adds dryly, "Downright rowdily informal on occasion, in fact..."
Keesha shrugs. "The basics. I wasn't a hand-to-hand specialist, and we Keero have much different techniques from you non-fliers anyway. I can handle myself in most of the fights I'd likely get into.
Safix nods very politely to everybody who said hello to her, belatedly, lookinng a bit guilty at the delay. "It's very nice to meet all of you."
Hati returns to Dakini's side, looking at the new person she's talking with. He sits next to his mistress and appears to be following the conversations.
Safix eyes the wolf thoughtfully.
Dermott chuckles softly, and stands, half-bowing to Safix. "Then hopefully, mine and my wife's name would be easy to remember, madame. Dermott Leannan, of the -- well, slighlty formerly of the Misery."
Dakini rests her chin on her fist, still curiously regarding Safix. One hand, with the accuracy of long practice, reaches out and starts rubbing the huge dire wolf's ears.
Alois chuckles, "Rowdily informal.. I like that."
Dakini glances with a cheerful grin at Alois.
Kern nods curiously. "Will you permit me to cast a spell on you, Keesha? I swear, on Xandros's Vortex, that it will not harm. I only wish to examine your potential."
Keesha skrees, "Sounds so much more encouraging than 'bar fights'..."
Safix asks Dakini, "Um... may I pet him? If he doesn't mind?"
Safix giggles at Keesha.
Dakini returns her gaze to Safix, smiling, "Oh, he's quite sentient. Feel free to ask him, if you'd like."
Dakini adds, with idle curiosity to Kern, "Who's Xandros?"
Keesha is taken a bit aback, but then nods determinedly. "I accept your word, sir. Should I get comfortable first?"
Safix turns red under the thick shaggy forelock. "Uh, sorry."
Kern smiles at Dakini. "The God of Wild Magic. And my patron diety." He juts his chin down at the vrotex decorating his surcoat. "This is is symbol."
Dermott tilts his head to the side. "That explains the name of the order you're in, now."
Kern shoots Alois a quick look.
Dakini grins at Safix, "It's all right. We're both used to it. It's why we have the leash -- so people don't assume instantly that he's dangerous." She gestures to a runically decorated, short leather leash lying on her jacket next to her.
Dakini eyes Kern curiously, "Don't the local deities object to a um... a new one moving in, so to speak?"
Alois says, "Father doesn't seem to mind."
Safix gets down on one knee on the floor. "Hati? Nice to meet you, sir. Would you like your ears scratched by a stranger, or not?" She holds out a small, long-fingered hand with soot under the fingernails. Well, some of them. She's not gross. =)
Kern shrugs at Dakini. "As I hear it, Xandros and Vhaeraun have an...understanding."
Dakini chuckles at both comments to her, "Interesting."
Kern nods to Dermott. "Never expected to know a 'knight', hmm? ;)"
Kern nods to Keesha. "Relaxation would be preferred."
Dermott chuckles softly as he sits back down. "Actually, no, I hadn't Kern. Surely it's a tale worth telling one night!"
Kern chuckles at Dermott. "Perhaps, sometime soon."
Dakini idly inquires, "Wasn't there another deity here for a while too? Loki, wasn't it? Has he been around here much recently?"
Hati stands and takes a couple of steps over to Safix, and sniffsniff at her fingers, wondering where the soot is from. He seems to accept the offer with a cheerful nuzzle, carefully not knocking her over.
Kern frowns. "Actually, I haven't seek Loki in...a long time. I'm not sure what side of the Rift he was caught on..."
Dakini sighs softly, then nods, "I see. Ah well... thanks anyways."
Keesha nods, and takes a quick look at the roof. Ah, there's a likely spot. She spreads her wings and does a bizarre mid-air turn, ending up hanging head-down from a lighting fixture. "Go ahead."
Dermott blinks to Dakini at the mention of Loki's name. He smiles, a little oddly and inscruitably. "Yes, Grandfather -- that is, Loki was around here, for a time." His smile falters. "I'm... not sure where he is now, however...."
Dakini nods to Dermott, also looking a little dispirited.
Kern stands then, facing the upsidedown Keesha. He murmurs soft words of magic, and suddenly his eyes alight with a soft glow, emitting a rainbow hue to anyone who cares to look....\
Safix devotes all her attention for a bit to obligingly scratching Hati's neck and ears, not making eye contact with anybody talking about being related to gods.
Dakini watches quietly, still idly playing with the runestone on the thong about her neck.
Kern clenches his left and in a fist, and his ring...his *new* ring, glows as well. He reaches out and touches Keesha's head, staring into her eyes....
Alois says, "I don't know where Loki has gone.. Maybe we'll see her again someday. I hope so."
Dakini nods quietly at Alois' words.
Dakini blinks, glancing at Alois, "Oh... was he more a her while he was here?"
Dakini blinks again, "Er... my, that was convoluted sounding..."
Dermott grins a little, quietly. "Only a little, madame."
Alois says, "A little of both.. "
Dakini chuckles quietly at Dermott, not wanting to distract the mage at work, "Oh, I'm no wise woman... I'm just a valkyrie, not a seithr."
Safix is starting to go a little white around the eyes from all this talk of gods, but keeps scratching Hati diligently.
Dermott tilts his head to the side, blinking. "A... valkyrie?"
Dakini nods relaxedly, "Yah... one of the warrior class." She grins, "Not the originals, no."
Kern Hmmms with a smile, no longer speaking with words of power, just gazing into Keesha's eyes with his own orbs swirling with colors...
Hati takes a half step slightly closer to the smaller woman who is so nicely skritching. He looks quite pleased by this.
Dakini smiles at Hati, then at Safix, "He says thank you."
Keesha shivers a little under the gaze, starts to open her wings, and then resettles them again.
Dermott chuckles softly, nodding to Dakini. "I'm afraid I'm only passing familiar with the 'originals,' madame. But the name has come up in our legends before."
Dakini looks interested, "Is that why you called Loki 'grandfather'? Where are you from?" She smiles, "I'm pretty sure you're not from my Midgaard."
Kern's eyes slowly return to normal as he lowers his hand. "You are fit. More than fit. I would be slightly worried were you more trained in psionics, but your mind is fresh, and able. Who knows, the teaching may even allow you greater focus in psi. After all, wild magery is all about adaptation to serve needs."
Dakini grins up at Keesha, "Hey, congratulations, batbatty!"
Alois blinks, "Your Midgaard?"
Dakini nods to Alois, "The planet called Midgaard by its inhabitants, and Wagner by the original star mappers, ja."
Keesha stretches her wings out, trying to get the odd tingling feeling out of her bones. "That's a relief. I'd hate to be unable to fly my own ship." She smiles then, resettling her wings a third time. "When do I start learning how to be your apprentice?"
Dermott chuckles softly, "Oh, no, madame. To hear the pack's elders talk, though, one would think that the MacFenrii prowled accross the length and breadth of the Empyrean! Yes, I call Loki 'Grandfather' because he was the parent of Father Fenris, who was in turn sire of the wolves. That, at least, is how the pack elders taught us." He grins quietly. "I'm sure there are many, many variations on the theme."
Dermott looks to Kern and Keesha, smiling, "Indeed, congratulations, Keesha..."
Keesha skrees, "Thank you, all of you." She grins, then. "Barkeep! Another round for the house, on me!""
Dakini grins, "I'll drink to that!" then gets a slightly more wicked grin, "Aw, c'mon, Keesh... it had to be said!"
Kern winces as he sits back down. "Not...today, Keesha. Tomorrow, perhaps. I need agood meal and a good rest after today's catastrophy..."
Dermott ohs! "Well, I'd certainly not be one to turn down a round offered by a lady! A Ko-San ale for me, Talabrina, please, before the stock is gone...." He arches an eyebrow to Kern, frowning. "What happened?"
Kern raises his voice. "Zzar for me! My stomach's settled now." He glances at Alois and grins. "Besides, I wouldn't want people to think I'm getting old... ;)"
Keesha chuckles. "Today is not necessary. But thank you."
Keesha skrees, "Another mead for me, and a slab of that roast. I'm hungry all of a sudden."
Dakini grins at Keesha, "What, no crickets to celebrate?"
Kern rubs his shoulder as he looks at Dermott. "Pulled a few muscles in re-training. After casing Kaleph's Greater Malison on my oponent, I found I did not have the strength to properly dodge a swung mace. Ended up with some pulled stomach muscles, a turned ankle, and a sore pride. ;)"
Dakini gets two more honey meads and a refill on the big bowl of water, for her table's part in Keesha's celebrating.
Alois props his feet up on the chair next to Kern and stretches out a bit in his chair.
Dakini covers a grin at Kern's commentary.
Keesha pulls the bag out of her pocket. "They're for dessert. Unless you'd like one now?"
Dermott ohs! "Good grief, a mace? I'd hardly call that re-training. It would have been easier if I had Qoloc come over and bench-press you a few times...."
Kern grumbles as he sits back in his chair. "Freedom, apparently, has its drawbacks. Once I could have cast a spell like that and somer saulted over a dragon's tail..."
Hati looks up and sniffsniffs at Safix again, nuzzling her gently. He seems to like her. Or the skritchies, hard to say from here.
Safix eyes Keesha's bag. "Um... can I ask what's in the bag?"
Dakini raises a thoughtful eyebrow at the tense woman sitting at the table with her, and pushes one of the honey meads over to her, "Here... to let your hair down a bit, eh?" She glances up at Keesha and grins, "Far be it from me to steal any of your beloved honey roasted crickets from you, my dear... considering they're a limited supply now!"
Kern looks warily at Dermott. "Qoloc?"
Dermott gets a twinkle in his eye as he looks to Keesha. "Oh, yes. Especially since the crickets here are six feet long, severely dislike honey, and quite, quite sentient...."
Keesha turns the bag so Safix can see the label. It says Eagle Brand Honey Roasted Crickets...
Safix says thank you, seizes the mead gratefully as a diversion, and makes that OH-my-this-is-stronger-than-I-thought-now-I-can't-breathe-for-a-second face. =)
Dakini laughs! "Those aren't crickets, captain!"
Keesha skrees, "Haven't met any quite that big. The local moths are quite nice, though."
Dakini grins, wrinkling her nose and sticking her tongue out at Keesha!
Dermott nods cheerfully to Kern. "Oh, you'll remember him. He was the six-and-a-half-foot-tall coyote lobbing grenades at you aboard the Fang'd God's Retribution....
Keesha sticks her little pointed tongue out at Dakini in return. "Well, they are."
Dermott blinks to Safix. "Are you all right, madame?"
Safix looks serious-faced at Dermott. "Did you say six /feet/ or six /inches/? Ones in my town don't get much over six, eight inches. Hate to visit where you're from." (after she recovers from gasping, that is)
Dakini laughs at Keesha's reaction, then glances a tad worriedly at Safix. "Ah... breath deeply, Safix."
Kern facepalms. "Oh, god, not him....I remember that....I was scrubbing the scorched walls for days after that...he's lucky I could teleport so quickly..."
Dermott glances to Dakini, and winks. "They certainly are, madame. Just very, very large. And you should see the praying mantises, they go after bats...."
Safix breathes. Deeply. She stops turning purple. =)
Keesha skrees, "They try that, they'd better do a lot of praying..."
Dakini looks idly curious, "Wait... I thought the praying mantis style individuals were the sentients, nein?"
Safix says cheerily to Dermott, "Oh, /those./ We do have those. Do yours spit poison, too?"
Dermott seems mildly, but cheerfully, disappointed in Keesha's reaction. "I'm sorry, Keesha, madame Safix, I was just joking. Though, Keesha, I'm sure such a find would be quite a feast for you!"
Safix grins briefly.
Safix says, "S'ok, so was I."
Keesha chuckles. "I thought as much. Never saw any that big in all the runs I made here."
Alois chuckles softly.
Kern points at Dermott. "You are not to let Qoloc anywhere near me. I don't feel like dodging incendiaries as part of my reflex training."
Dakini hms... "There are some... I can't remember what they're called, now, but they look like giant praying mantises from an earth-style world. Those are big enough to ride, practically... if you felt like potentially insulting one." She grins.
Hati looks over at Dakini, startled.
Dermott laughs! "Of course, Kern, of course. He's still an excellent trainer, though a bit straightforward. SOmeone tried to show him how to use karatedo to break a board with his hand. He broke it... with his head."
Dakini grins at Hati, "Yes, sorry, they're noticeably taller than you. Taller than me too. I've only seen them in books though."
Safix goes back to scritching Hati between tiny sips of mead.
Dakini snickers at Dermott's comment.
Kern winces!
Safix giggles shyly.
Kern's ring pulses with a soft light. Kern hrms. "Scuse me, be back in a moment..."
Dermott arches an eyebrow. "Certainly..."
Kern leaves the tavern a moment...
Hati relaxes at skritching, and settles down next to Safix, quietly pleased.
Kern leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.
Dakini smiles quietly at Safix over her mug, "I think he likes you."
Keesha has been quietly working at her dinner, looking cheerful for the first time since the Rift closed. It's going to work. It's actually going to work.
Safix's pointy little face fairly glows at the praise.
Dermott stretches slightly, smiling to Safix, Dakini, Hati, and Keesha. "In all seriousness, though, have you been in Oloth long?"
Dakini smiles again at Safix, then gently inquires, "Do you have a place to stay?"
Dakini glances up at Dermott and grins, "From shortly before the Rift closed, ja."
Alois says, "Are you from beyond the rift, then?"
Safix looks possessively proud. "Yes, thank you. I'm new, but not helpless. My shop is close by, and I live above it." She smiles. "Grand opening's tomorrow."
Dakini says, "Although I passed through about um... what, 10 to 15 years ago? Based on the years here, I think..." She frowns, trying to calculate and muttering to herself, "-all right, how long is an Olothi year again..."
Dakini gives up on trying to calculate year comparisons in her head, and looks up at Safix, smiling, "We'll have to stop by then."
Dermott grins and nods to Dakini. "I'm still surprised at the number of people who found themselves trapped here."
Dermott says, "Excellent, madame, I'll be certain to stop by there tomorrow, then! What are your wares?"
Keesha skrees, "And I've been in and out once a week for the past couple years on the mail run."
Alois grins at Keesha. "Well, I'm glad that my fanmail got through before the rift closed."
Dakini glances up at Alois at his question, "Ja. I'm not native to Oloth Sphere... or any of the local spheres either." She grins, "I'm a spacer brat."
Safix smiles at Dakini and Dermott. "I work silver, mostly; jewelry and dagger hilts, mostly. I have an arrangement with a dwarven metalsmith for the blades."
Dakini laughs softly at Alois' comment.
Alois nods at Dakini, "Ahh, I didn't think you were quite the same as 'them'."
Dakini looks inquiringly at Alois "'them'?"
Safix grins a little at Alois' comment but smothers it quickly as if afraid he'll notice.
Alois says, "The majority of those who called themselves 'furryspacers'.."
Dakini snorts amusedly, then says with a grin, "Dankeshein, malla Alois."
Dermott says, "Oh! My lady very much likes silver and blades. I'll be doubly certain to visit your store then, madame Safix.""
Keesha chirrips amusement. "She hasn't got any fur, for one thing."
Dakini says with amused dignity, "I have a lot of fur, Keesha!" She points at Hati with a grin, "It's all over the place during shedding season!"
Hati yawns widely.
Alois mirrors Safix's grin back at her. "I don't bite, Lady Safix."
Dermott says dryly to Alois. "Oh, but Alois! Playing merry chaos with the whitehats was my favorite passtime...."
Safix manages to bow from her seat to Dermott. "You are most welcome! If you see someting you like, I promise you a special deal."
Dakini laughs, patting Hati's head, completely unfazed by the huge teeth going past her hand, "Showoff!"
Alois laughs, "Dire wolf shed.. I believe my dear brother much prefers Bronwyn in her elven form when she's shedding."
Dakini grins wryly, "As do I for Hati, I assure you."
Alois grins at Dermott, "Play with the EIF.. They'll play along, I'm sure."
Alois raises an eyebrow curiously at Dakini.
Safix catches Alois' look in her direction and the comment, and looks like she very much does not believe him. "Of course not, sir."
Dakini tilts her head at Alois inquiringly, not entirely sure what he's asking.
Safix tries to unobtrusively hide in her seat.
Dermott grins, "I'd not want to take Misery against them, I'm afraid. Far too unsporting, and besides... she won't last much longer without a steady supply of spare parts and fuel...."
Dermott smiles, and bows in return to Safix. "Thank you indeed, madame! You certainly honor me."
Dakini adds as an aside to Safix, "Do you do scabbards also? Hati does some really beautiful leatherwork. He did my belt and his collar, in fact."
Alois tilts his head at Dakini, "Lythari?"
Alois winks at Safix. "No need to fear me, I assure you."
Dakini says, "Hati? Yes, indeed. I found him in the bazaar last I came by here." She smiles a bit proudly at the huge dire wolf, "He... didn't deserve that, and was smart enough to know it."
Hati looks directly at Alois, eyeing him keenly.
Safix looks startled, then sheepish, at Dakini's comment. "I didn't realize you weren't always four-footed, I'm sorry. That's lovely work; I don't know how to do leather, but I'd be honored either to show your work, or work with you if you wish metal on your leather."
Dakini smiles, lightly stroking the heavy fur along Hati's back, "It's all right, Safix... we're both used to it, and don't mind."
Alois nods at Dakini..
Hati looks from Alois to Safix and wags once at her.
Keesha skrees, "He seems to like four-footed better for some reason."
Safix manages to look straight at Aliois. "Yessir." For a moment, anyway. She tries to smile and does pretty well.
Alois says, "Bronwyn prefered it at the start of her time with Gala'madred."
Dermott grins quietly.
Dakini eyes Safix a touch worriedly, noticing she's shivering, "Here... why don't you borrow my jacket? It's quite warm, and hooded... it was designed for extremely poor weather. Put the hood up... it'll keep you warmer." She'll shift the heavy leather jacket around Safix' shoulders, unless the small woman objects.
Dakini nods to Alois after she's given the jacket to Safix, "Well, Hati's the cautious type... and he's new here." She grins, "And... he's heard the stories about the Rule of Five here."
Safix huddles gratefully into Dakini's jacket and tugs the hood up. "Thank you, ma'am, I was cold."
Hati rrrrfs quietly at the comment about rules of five.
Dakini smiles at Safix, "Not a problem. I'm sure it'll be warmer once they light the fire."
Alois says, "Was that a hint?"
Safix looks curious. "Rule of Five?"
Dermott arches an eyebrow. "Yes, we seem to have exceeded five, haven't we? And seeing as the young lady is cold, I was about to suggest, Alois, that the fire should be lit. If I may?"
Dakini giggles at Alois' comment, "What, for the fire or the Rule of Five?"
Safix looks confused...
Alois grins at Dakini as he stands up and walks towards the hearth. "Both."
Safix decides to go with Hati's approval and asks Alois shyly, "Is there a story, sir?"
Alois says, "The Rule of Five, Safix, is something of a joke among the old-timers here.. It goes like this."
Hati stands and lets Safix move to the fire. He shakeshakes, sheddng dire fur a bit, and returns to Dakini.
Dakini glances at her wrist, "Erk... I must go, all. Safix, feel free to keep the jacket for now, and I'll get it back tomorrow at your grand opening." She stands, collecting the leash, "Hati, we'll need to dash..." She smiles and waves, heading for the door, "Later, all!"
Alois says, "Any time there are more than five people within the Wandering Path, someone's personality doesn't mesh with another's. By the time all is said and done, the ensuing brawl has usually involved nearly everyone, physically or verbally."
Dakini leaves, taking Hati with her by the hand.
Alois kneels down in front of the hearth and gets a fire started.
Alois says, "It doesn't always work out that way, but more often than not..."
Dermott shifts to a seat closer to the fire. "It does certainly make for interesting times!"
Safix stares wistfully after her departed tablemates, then turns back to the gathering, clutching the jacket around her.
The quiet moment in the bar is shattered by a blood-curdling male scream from outside.
Dermott rubs his hands a little, warming them by the fire. "Ah, it'll be different... now?" He blinks, and stands hurriedly. "What? What? There aren't five people here...?"
Keesha skrees, "Uh-oh... someone try to hit on Dakini without Hati's permission again?"
Alois looks at the door. "Well, that was.. unexpected."
Dermott moves quickly towards the door, one hand upon his schiavona. "I don't think so....."
Safix says, "Uh... we should help?"
Kern arrives from Erythyn Street.
Dermott blinks, halfway to the door, as Kern enters. "Kern!" he exlaims. "What happened?"
Alois says, "Kern, where was the scream from?"
Kern aburptly bangs the door open, his face like a thundercloud. His surcoat splattered with blood, but it doesn't look like his.
Kern says, "From a fool cutpurse who decided to have some fun with his mark."
Safix's eyes are huge.
Alois says, "Oh?"
Keesha snorts and goes back to her mead. "Idiot. He didn't try for you, did he?"
Dermott looks Kern up and down slowly, twice. "Well," he comments dryly, "funny, we were just talking about the Rule of Five, and Kern makes Five." More seriously, he frowns. "'Fun?' A smart cutpurse takes the money and runs, not tries to do something silly."
Safix whispers to Kern, "Did you kill him?"
Kern says, "Yes well, the mark happened to be an attractive young woman from the local gem shop."
Kern says, "And no, I didn't kill him. But I may as well have. He won't be doing that anymore."
Safix says, "Is she ok?"
Safix gulps and looks paler.
Kern he tosses something in Alois's direction. It looks like, on first sight, a bloody mass of flesh. But, on closer inspection, it looks like...well, a man's genitals.
Safix stares at Kern with someting like worship.
Kern says, "*She's* fine."
Kern looks at Alois meaningfully...as if something unspoken was passing from the human to the drow.
Keesha skrees, "Ah. That kind of fun. Good riddance."
Safix says fiercely, still quietly, "You did leave him alive to suffer and hurt, yes?"
Dermott blinks. "Uhm... right. Well, then. I wasn't in the mood for an evening meal, anyway...."
Alois looks down distastefully, then scoops it neatly into the fire, before going to clean his hands at the bar.
Kern arches an eyebrow at Safix, but then nods curtly. "He'll live. I meant to send a message to the Velkyn....theivery is one thing, but I despise rape."
Dermott does, however, wince as he sits. He grimaces, then. "That doesn't usually seem the Velkyn's style. No profit at all in it. Unless I'm mis-reading the Velkyn."
Alois says, "I'm /sure/ the Velkyn don't condone this sort of activity."
Dermott nods to Alois.
Keesha nods. "No profit at all, and it upsets folks enough to get serious about hunting criminals. I suspect he won't mind at all, in the circumstances."
Safix says with fervor, "I wish everyone was like you in that. I know you didn't do it for reward, and I swear I mean no insult, but if you see something you like in my shop, it's yours."
Kern grunts at Alois's comment, sitting back down.
Safix says much more calmly, "Who or what are the Velkyn?"
Alois shoots Kern a look.
Alois says, "The Velkyn are the local Thieves' Guild."
Dermott remains quiet, glancing between Alois and Kern and wondering which of them will answer the lady's question.
Safix says, "Oh."
Keesha skrees, "Most of them are just that. Occasionally one of them steps out of bounds, like that. The nice thing about a Guild is that they do have standards."
Kern smiles wryly at Safix. "No insult was taken, milady. And...perhaps. If only as a good man accepting a token of your...support."
Safix says, "Why do they call themselves the Velkyn?"
Kern says, "It's drow. It means 'Hidden'."
Alois nods at Keesha, "And rules."
Alois says, "Velkyn is the word for Hidden in my tongue."
Safix grins slyly aside at Kern. "I could make you a *special* pendant in honor of the occasion, but somehow I doubt it would go over well even with the ladies."
Dermott nods quietly to Keesha. "After the first two or three incidents, so many years ago, we didn't have any of... those sorts of problems."
Kern scratches his chin. "Could there be, perhaps, some entrepenuers trying to take advantage of the absence of the EIF?
Safix listens to Alois. "Oh," she says, again.
Keesha skrees, "Heh. If there are, between irate ... umm... customers, and annoyed Velkyn, they won't last too long."
Kern doesn't looks at anyone when he says this,.
Dermott grins a little to Kern. "Some might say that you're suggesting I'm one of said entrepenuers, old friend."
Alois says, "Presumably those in charge did what they had to to stop those incidents. I'm sure though that the absence of the EIF has caused some rogue elements, pardon the pun, to take initiative."
Kern chuckles at Dermott. "You're an offical entrepenuer, my friend. ;)"
Safix asks Alois tentatively... "Why does the organization take a drow name?"
Kern arches an eyebrow at Safix. "Depends on what you depict on the medallion, milady. ;)"
Dermott glances to Alois. "I'm afraid my letter of marque and reprisal only covers attacks on spelljammer shipping. Anything I or my crew can do to... cut down on said rogue elements, we'll gladly do, but it wouldn't be official."
Alois shrugs at little, looking thoughtful, "I don't know for certain, but the rumours say that the Masters of the guild are Drow."
Alois grins at Dermott, "That letter of Marque can always be expanded if the need presents itself."
Kern's gaze lingers on Safix, taking her in for the first time this evening.
Safix notices and draws the jacket hood over her hair.
Dermott nods to Alois. "If the governor chooses to do that, he should realize that he's deputizing privateers -- not that there's anyone to complain to him anymore, of course....
Alois grins at Dermott, "Oh, I don't think he'll mind."
Alois stands, "If you'll excuse me. I have business that must be attended to."
Kern smiles kindly at Safix. "Don't do that. You have lovely hair."
Dermott chuckles, "I'd always wished that there'd been more hue and cry raised when he gave us that letter....."
Kern nods. "Good night, Malla Abbil."
Dermott nods, "Of course, Alois. Good eve...."
Alois says, "Shadows keep you, Kern."
Safix says, "Good night, sir."
Alois says, "Good night."
Alois tries to go into the back, but is stopped by the guard.
Keesha salutes with a wing. "Evening."
Safix adds, "Thank you for tehe fire. It was very kind."
Alois passes by the guard and into the back room of the Path.
Alois arrives from the back room.
Alois passes by the guard and into the back room of the Path.
Safix smiles somewhat forcedly at Kern. "Oh, thanks-- I'm just chilly."
Kern purses his lips. "As you wish. I did not wish to offer *you* offense with my...interest."
Dermott settles back into his chair. "Well, what do you think, Kern. Myself and the crew of the Misery. Become deputies of the constabulary for Arcana City, or try to find ourselves a spelljamming corsair?"
Kern grimaces down at his surcoat. "Time to perfect a spell that washes out blood..."
Safix looks a little wary, but says with a better smile, "None taken, sir."
Kern hmmms and scratches his chin. "It depends on your current desires, Dermott. And, I suppose, Ophelia's as well. :>"
Dermott says, "Well, yes, Kern. A good laundrer does seem to be in order...."
Dermott chuckles softly, "This is true. SOmething she and I and my crew keep talking about and wondering about.
Kern says, "Taking a position here would allow you to stay...close at hand to solid ground. "
Keesha chuckles. "Solid ground? What's so great about that?"
Dermott chuckles, "Nothing wrong with solid ground, when you've called a corsair home for the better part of a decade.
Kern smiles wryly at Keesha. "Those without wings or sea faring experience tend to prefer it. ;)"
Kern says, "I can *fly* when nececarry, but I don't care to be on board spelljammer save when nececcary."
Safix volunteers quietly, "I don't know... I'd give a lot to be able to fly like Keesha can."
Keesha grins. "It does have advantages... I don't have to worry about cutpurses very often."
Kern says, "There's one advatange, yes. ;)"
Dermott chuckles. "That's another point, Kern. Of us all, only Auntie would come close to being able to fly it, and she's not keen on the idea."
Keesha skrees, "And the exercise helps me keep my girlish figure...:)"
Safix giggles and says "Keesha, it's done wonders."
Kern says, "Well, it's your and your crew's decision, Dermott..but I'd say you definitely have a viable option to learning spell jamming now. :>"
Safix leans in closer and whispers, "Keesha, were you always a bat?"
Dermott says, "Oh, isn't that the truth! But unless Miranda, Tal, or Tomas suddenly develop magery....."
Keesha chirrips in amusement and whispers back. "Yes, I've always been a Keero. I'm from the other side of the Rift."
Kern says, "You could hire a new crewmember with spell jamming experience."
Dermott says, "This is very much true.... hmmm..."
Safix whispers to Keesha, "Oh... I didn't mean to offend, I just wondered, what with all the magic-people in here... I thought... well, I'd love to fly, and I wondered if maybe you'd had a spell cast on you." She grins a little sheepishly.
Safix confesses quietly, "I've dreamed about flying since I can remember."
Kern listens to Safix's tiny voice thoughtfully...
Keesha smiles gently at Safix, or at least as gently as one can with a mouthful of fangs. "No offense taken. It's not like I'd be upset that you like me."
Kern says, "How is Ophelia anyway? I haven;t seen much of her since...you know...the Event."
Safix grins shyly at Keesha. "I truly appreciate the offer, but I wouldn't dream of depriving you of a treat."
Dermott says, "She's doing well, I think, Kern. Still exhausted, and she seems to have caught a cold or such."
Kern nods, looking worried. "She didn't look well...afterwards. I've been...worried about her."
Dermott nods quietly, and a bit uncomfortably. "Yes, well... she's doing well, as I said, but she does seem to need rest and recouperation time.
Safix stays quietly out of the conversation on family matters and piracy, and watches the fire dance.
Kern says, "Yes...I suppose so. You will let me know if there's anything I can do, right>:"
Dermott bobs his head, "Certainly, Kern, you'll be one of the first to know, and the first that I go to."
Keesha sips her third mead, celebrating a bit. She doesn't usually drink too much at a time - though her metabolism is outrageous, her body mass is low.
Rokhan arrives from Erythyn Street.
Rokhan looks around carefully as he enters. peering into the dimness from outside. His ears wivel a bit.
Dermott glances to the doorway, then does a double-take, and takes on a look of shocked surprise. "Rokhan?" he asks, blinking, then stands. "Rokhan! By the guns of Teach, is that really you?"
Kern blinks, and turns out of his chair to look back at the door...
Safix blinks but the mead and former occupants have put her... at ease, shall we say, rather than tipsy. =) "Hii!" she calls.
Rokhan's ears snap in the direction of the sound,and then he looks.He takes a step.. "Ja It is I.."
Rokhan takes a few ginger steps, leaning heavily on a glossy, polished cane.
Dermott blinks again, then he shakes his head, chuckling softly. "Oh, dear. So you've been trapped by the closing rift, as well...." He looks up, and blinks, his eyes going to the cane. "What happened...?"
Keesha wingwaves from her perch over one of the tables. "How are you doing, Rokhan?"
Kern blinks, finally recognizing the name and face from Council meetings.
Rokhan takes a few moments to find a seat, and settle. Once settles he straightens a little, and a bit of his forer bearing returns, "The rift closure seems to be yet the latest in a string of bad luck, starting with (gestures to the cane) A small accident.
Safix is getting sleepy from the mead and keeps blinking her eyes back open.
Kern absently looks at Safix, and then refocuses on her. "You okay?"
Dermott blinks and finally realizes Rokhan's condition. Oh, Grandfather.... He sits, slowly and heavilly. "May I ask," he says, a bit hesitantly, "what happened? You do not have to answer if you do not wish, of course...."
Rokhan says, "I returned home, to allow Lord Grey to cool off after a disagreeent on policy we had, and was unforunate to be there when my homeworld was attacked. I had just settled some outstanding property issues, when I was recalled back into the Bayersche Sternwaffe."
Safix says to all, "I have truly enjoyed meeting you, and regret not having spoken with you sir--" to Rokhan--"but I think I must take myself to bed. Good night to you all."
Kern nods. "As you wish, lady Safix."
Rokhan looks over to Safix, "Oh, quite alright, Milady, I did not mean to keep you. Safe Journeys."
Safix gets up, bows elegantly (alcohol seems to help that shyness thing) and takes her leave. "Good night, sirs and good lady."
Dermott nods pleasantly to Safix. "A good night, madame, and I will be to your store on the morrow."
Dermott looks back to Rokhan. "Under attack? By whom?"
Safix says, "I shall look forward to hosting you, Dermott-- and that goes for the rest of you too. Please stop y if you can."
Safix says, "er, that's stop BY. =)"
Rokhan says, "To make a long story short, We won, though... not without some losses. I sustained... wounds.. and spent the better part of a year recovering, which I am sorry to say has not as yet been sufficient. Nanite therapy is working though... I was on my way back to Stormhaven. I was late enough that I didn't think stopping by Oloth to pay my respects to Lord Gala'maDred, and Lady Sylune would make anything worse..."
Safix leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.
Keesha winces. "Oy."
Dermott winces slightly, and sighs. "And of course, that was when the rift closed...."
Rokhan pauses for a moment and drums his fingers... then lifts his arm to the barkeep "A Marzen, if you would please.?"
Rokhan says, "Exactly, so I wait, until this delay is rectified like the last."
Dermott bites his lip, and glances to Kern. "Delay...."
Talabrina nods with a grin and dissapears behind the bar a moment. She comes back after several seconds with the proffered drink and sets it before Rokhan.
Rokhan smiles , "Ah, thank you, Miss, I do remember you, and remembered you did have some fine local brews."
Kern hems. "Lord Rokhan...I should warn you...I, along with several of the best that Arcana has to offer have studied the site where the Rift used to be...as far as the mages can determine, the closing of the Rift may well be...permanent."
Rokhan fixes his flat, glassy gaze on Dermott, "Do.. you know something of the nature of this... "effect" that I am as yet unaware of?
Talabrina smiles cheerily at Rokhan, not perturbed by the subject matter at hand.
Dermott says, "Erm... well... not I myself, but, as Kern said...." His voice sort of trails off after that.
Rokhan's ears perk, and he leans forward a little, "Yes? do go on?"
Dermott takes in a quiet breath. "As Kern said... it doesn't seem likely that the rift will be open again. Ever."
Rokhan takes a moment to "Check his Six" and his neck makes a slight "pop" before he turns and focuses back on the other wolf.
Kern sighs, "Well, I suppose you've heard the phrase, 'nature abhors a vacuum?'"
Rokhan turns to follow the new voice, and gazes flatly at Kern, though his ears are perked in interest, "I have heard it, yes, though it is not entirely accurate, but i understand the saying. how does this..?"
Kern says, "Well do be precise, the Rift was always somewhat of an anomaly. Like a structural flaw in the universe. As, as near as we can tell, the Rift was...for lack of a better word, repaired. We don't know why...exactly...now of all times, but it is unlikely that, now that balance is restored, that the Rift could be reopened, as we don't know what occurance created it in the first place."
Kern says, "This is not like, say, a valve being closed or opened. The conditions that allowed the Rift to be in the first place...no longer exist."
Rokhan's ears flick, he pauses for a moment, and then nods..."I see... So... The dimensional conduit is .. how shall we say, "walled off" yes? That I /does/ make things difficult, though not impossibe."
Keesha skrees, "Might be possible to send us back with a powerful enough magic spell. I'm not sure I'd want to risk it just yet, myself."
Kern says, "No, perhaps not. Powerful enough magics to cross over from this Prime to the FurrySpace Prime does exist...but first, we would have to locate it. And that will take time."
Rokhan flicks his ears.. "Magic?"
Rokhan sighs, and looks around the room, remembering exactly where his is... Ears lowered.
Kern blinks. "What?"
Keesha skrees, "Manipulation of the local energy states if you prefer. But yes, magic."
Rokhan says, "Ah yes.. I had... fogotten that little .. eccentricity of te local environment..."
Kern hmmms. "I take it you disprove of magic?"
Dermott says quietly, "I can't say I was every comfortable with the concept of magic either, Rokhan... but it seems to be the one physical constant here...."
Rokhan says, "My opinion is of little consequence. A Soldier must adapt his tactices to the vagaries of the local terrain.", he rallies and sits up straighter, "Well then, I have a better idea of the timescale of this delay then. It looks like i will have to settle in, and find some sort of way to maintain myself and gather resources."
Rokhan nods over at Dermott , "Strong Lutheran upbringing, I am not the most comfortable with it either, but when in Rome.. find Roman subcontractors."
Kern looks wryly at Dermott. "I had no idea you felt that way..."
Dermott blinks a little. He's handling this better than I thought he was. Then: Of course he is. Could I expect anything less? He grins quietly. "None too long ago, I saw some construction in the residential district. I believe someone is building an housing complex there."
Dermott looks over to Kern, equally wryly, "Well, 'comfortable' is probably too strong a word. It's... just something I've never been able to understand too well."
Rokhan takes another draw of his Marzen
Kern says, "I see. "
Kern absently wonders then, if Dermott has equal trouble understanding *him*...
Rokhan says, "I have already secured some living quarters. Right now, i need a way to ensure that I can pay my rent."
Dermott grins. "Come on, Kern, for the past ten years we've had a thin metal skin between us and cold vacuum. It's taken a little time to get used to the fact that, here, we don't even need that much."
Dermott says, "We break habits as we need to, but some things we just get used to needing...."
Rokhan says, " So... what sort of trades are in demand?"
Kern says, "Yes, well the phlogiston is not more forgiving than vaccuum, Dermott. Don't be too unwary. ;)"
Rokhan says, "Yes, the damnable stuff is flamable."
Dermott shakes his head, "And as for understanding -you-... you're a person. You're a friend. If I can't understand just what it is you do in magic, that doesn't get in the way of calling you 'friend.'"
Dermott nods to Rokhan, then remembers. "A good point. That is, about sustenence. Erm, to be honest... I'm not entirely sure. Up until a couple of weeks ago, we were still living aboard the Misery. This is one of the few times I've been out and about in Arcana City.
Rokhan nods, "Ah yes.. the Misery. Tell me, is my old "Spiess" still serving with you?
Dermott says, "Oh, yes. Fire good, fire plus phlogistion extremely bad.... We've had a few rather incendiary lessons in that."
Kern says, "If either of you are worried about immeciate needs, I can help provide for you till you get back on your feet."
Rokhan bows deeply to Kern, "You are more than generous, Sir."
Dermott sighs quietly and wanly, and it carries in his voice. "If you mean Sergeant Tsurukh and Papagallo... We were conducting some dispersed operations at the time of the... the event, and... we don't think they were among those on this side of the rift. They're resourceful, they'll be perfectly fine over there, but... I still miss them greatly. Them and about a quarter of Misery's crew at the time.
Kern says, "Not at all. I'm no miser, and I've sufficient wealth and friends at my disposal to help those I see fit without making me a pauper." He winks.
Keesha nods. "I think we exiles should look out for each other. We all have technical knowledge that could be useful here in the long term, but in the short term things could get sticky."
Kern says, "Have to do *something* with the gold I've collected on Toril..."
Dermott grins to Kern. "And thank you, as well, my friend, on behalf of my crew and myself. We just need to find out what we'll be doing, now.
Rokhan nods, and sighs, "Ah well, she would have been useful. Captain, Keesha, you are correct. We, being the exile comunity should meet, and plan out our, strategy. Also figure out how to maintain ourselves, and if possible our equipment."
Keesha nods. "I'm working on that. I'm going to convert Chirikh to a spelljammer. Already working on it, in fact."
Kern says, "That's right! No Rift, no spare parts. Although recharging power supplies might be possible with the proper application of....ah...spells...at least, certain forms of necessary fuel."
Dermott nods quietly. "Useful, and another trusted hand certainly wouldn't have been unwelcome, either!" He chuckles quietly. "But, though I'm not a native Olothian, I can't say I'm much of an exile, what with our letter of marque being issued out of Oloth. What remains is an experienced privateer crew in need of a ship that doesn't require spare parts or fuel that simply don't exist here."
Rokhan nods, thoughtfully. "If it is wise, Captain, please do so. Myself, I think I will "mothball" my little yacht, until such time as we can leave. Power? Hmm.. that is going to be a problem, though i wouldn't say insurmountable, there are always ways to get electricity.
Keesha skrees, "True, but you can't use them in the phlogiston space... you'd be restricted to moving around within this Sphere."
Dermott listens to the conversation quietly and interestedly, his ears flicking slightly.
Kern says, "Not that there's reason to leave it unless the Rift reopens..."
Rokhan says, "Depends on the drive, though..... Well we have planty of time to experiment. "
Rokhan says, "What is the definition of Sphere? what we are standing on? or is it a political boundary."
Keesha skrees, "Physical boundary... the more or less normal space around a solar system here. At the edge it transitions into the phlogiston material that constitutes local interstellar space."
Kern says, "Couldn't have said it better."
Dermott says, "And we're standing on... I believe it's a very large shard of rock, or an asteroid with an atmosphere."
Rokhan Nods, "So.. somewhat like a clear stellar bubble in a Nebula, although this Nebula is flammable... Interesting...."
Kern says, "Correct again."
Keesha skrees, "Bingo."
Dermott quips, "Really and truly amazingly flammable, in fact. And fortunately, none of it can exist within the Sphere. If it's tried to be brought in, it just... evaporates."
Rokhan nods and smiles" Ah. good.. Oh.. " he pauses for a thought..." How... how is the local political situation, speaking of political boundaries..?
Keesha looks to Kern for that one...
Kern sighs. "That's a little more...fragile, at the moment."
Rokhan nods... "Same old Local Space..."
Kern says, "The Admiral and the bulk..well, nearly all, really of the Elven Imperial Fleet is gone, returned to the sphere of Abeir-Toril, where a war has broke out. That leaves us with a dearth of law enforcement, and no military force or advisors to speak of."
Keesha skrees, "I've got a laser for as long as my fuel holds out and a few missiles."
Dermott glances outside, then stands, clearing his throat. "I'm afraid, lady and gentlemen, that I should return home, and see how the Lady Ophelia is faring...."
Rokhan quirks his muzzle and his ears semaphore in uncertainty, "oh dear... well I do carry a rather large sidearm, but from what I remember from before, The Law was tenuous at best, Subjective, at most, and well, guided by custom rather than code."
Kern says, "The Velkyn...the local theives guild....has been taking advantage of this outrageously. Moreover, the Arcana Mage Guild is currently without a Guildmaster, thanks to a recent attack that destroyed the tower....though the tower itself is rebuilt, now..."
Rokhan stands painfully and bows, "Do not let us keep you, Herr Dermott."
Kern nods. "Of course, we understand, Dermott. Give her my regards."
Dermott inclines his head to Rokhan. "Thank you. And... well, for what it's worth, it -is- good seeing you again, Rokhan, though for your sake I do wish that it hadn't been under quite these circumstances. If you ever find need of a fencing partner, to learn to keep in practice, please feel free to ask."
Dermott nods to Kern, grinning. "I certainly will, Kern, and thank you again."
Rokhan looks over towards Dermott , "Fencing?" My dear boy I I was a Sabreur.
Rokhan says, ".. though awful at it, i ust admit."
Dermott grins. "Then you won't mind crossing blades in practice, sometime. It's been too long since I've parried steel, and I'm thinking it would be a most useful art to rekindle. In, perhaps, both of us. A good night, lady, gentlemen...."
Rokhan nods curtly to Dermot as he leaves...
Keesha skrees, "When in Rome, be a Roman candle..."
Rokhan snorts and looks back at Keesha... Ears at odd angles.
Keesha grins unrepentantly from the ceiling...
Dermott leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.
Rokhan turns his attention back to the room, and painfully resumes his seat.
Rokhan says, "So.. you were apprising us of the current law enforcement situation, which is to say it is a situation ithout law enforcement."
Kern says, "There are, perhaps a dozen EIF personnel left, and some offical guard troops for the local nobility. Nothing in force. And I wouldn't trust the guards for complete....reliability."
Keesha skrees, "Is there a system government, or is it just local authorities without the EIF?"
Rokhan nods grimly, "Well we'll just have to rely upon the exile comunity for mutual support then. as much as this place has a certain "Old World charm" I have come to regard their politics as the worst excesses of any Banana republic, and swap "drug revenues' for "Slave revenues". Now in the interestes of ful disclosuie, I have had run ins with Slavers, and some of you may reember a rather spectacular incident involving one of alois' relatives aboard dreamstar a few years back.
Keesha rolls her eyes.
Keesha skrees, "That's one way of saying it..."
Kern says, "Oh yes, *him*. What's his name....Natirsh?"
Rokhan chuckles, "Corruption as the local social contract.. I forget the old Spanish term for it, but it translated out as "The Bite" there may be a bit of financial friction of we try to build anything here.
Rokhan says, "No Not Natirsh, I'm thinking of the one Grey and I, uh.. Killed, recusing the children."
Kern says, "Whatever, I can't remember the name, but I know who you're talking about."
Keesha shrugs. "We paid taxes back on the other side. As long as everyone gets the same bite, it's tolerable.
Kern says, "What do you mean precisely by 'system government', Keesha?"
Keesha chuckles. "I gather there isn't one. There isn't a ruling body that has authority for the entire collection of planets and floating rocks?
Kern says, "Oh! You mean system as is 'solar system'. No, this outpost was formed by the elves, and it is truly separate from the rest of the system in terms of ruling body. And the military doubled as police, so without them we're really up the proverbial creek."
Rokhan says, "It's Citystates, here, isnt it? the closest thing to "extraterritorial Authority would be an Ecclesiastical authority within the temples, but they would have no secular authority, is that accurate?"
Rokhan says, " about the best advice I could give then, is be polite and helpful to your neighbors, and don't look conspicuous, though, even with my pointed ears, I could hardly pass for a Sylvan."
Kern says, "Well, not precisely. The only god openly worshipped here is Vhaeraun, but...well lets just say he's more on the side of the criminals. Or at least, his clergy is. "
Keesha skrees, "Rokhan... Dakini might be able to get away with inconspicuous. Dermott and you and myself? No chance."
Rokhan rolls his eyes and sighs, "yes, I do remember that, and .. Alois.. I believe is his Avatar.. Well that's one person i will have to avoid if I can help it. he and I... are oil and water.
Kern says, "And he doesn't have any 'public' temples. The only other clerical order represented here is my own, the Knights of Xandros."
Kern blinks at Rokhan, and then chuckles. "Alois is no avatar, sir."
Rokhan nods, "So then there is not authority. he looks over to Keesha, "You have a point, though.. you could paint your self a speckeled grey and perch on granite buildings, perhaps :-)
Kern says, "The only authority is the Governor and the respective councils. But without the military to back up the Council's will....
Rokhan says, "Not.. an avatar? Last I had heard there was some touch of a base divinity about him that rendered him able to manifest in any shadow anywhere."
Keesha coughs, tries to suppress a laugh, then gives up. "Touche. I still think that it wouldn't work...heehee..."
Rokhan nods to Kern, "And Moral Authority here...well.. might as well be trying to push a rope uphill.."
Kern says, "He does have powers beyond normal ken, it's true. But he is more a...powerful servant than avatar. I've seen Vhaeraun's avatar before."
Rokhan nods slowly, "And there is one of the pillars that supprt my discomfort with "Magic".
Rokhan says, " .while I am a fragile ammal easily dispatched by a fall down a short flight of stairs, at the moment."
Kern chuckles. "Well, the Knights are more a fightinmg force than Moral Authority. But they have been of aid in recent events, such as the rebuilding of the Guild Tower.
Rokhan nods.
Keesha skrees, "Magic is a tool. The fact that some can use it for ill is not different from loonies with weapons back home."
Kern says, "Xandros has, for the moment, not seen fit to tell us if he plans to...set up shop here, as it were."
Kern says, "After all, while not quite oil and water he and Vhaeraun are not...shall we say..cut from the same cloth. ;)"
Rokhan nods to Keesha, "true.. though i see it as more of a paintbrush. it just feels too "subjective.. Imprecise.. and artistic for my tastes. Give me the cold certainty of math.
Kern hmmms at Rokhan. "You know, I could have a priest from my order have a look at your injuries...."
Keesha skrees, "Now that I can appreciate. I'm going to be looking into it myself... Kern says he thinks he can teach me the techniques."
Rokhan smiles and bows open handed to Kern, "I thank you for the gracious offer, but that will not be necessary. I assure you my condition is temporary. I just have to eat and sleep a lot until the nanites repair my body and give me back the faculties I had before the accident.
Kern says, "Ah! So the healing process is already under way. Forgive me, I was under the impression it might take a while for your body to knit itself back together..."
Rokhan says, "So. what do we do. I think we should take a few daysto think up some options, and then we should meet again and discuss them."
Keesha skrees, "A very good idea."
Rokhan says, "Agreed then? can we bring in a few more of the Exiles? the more the merrier."
Keesha skrees, "I've got to head back to the shipyard."
Rokhan says, "and it is time for me to take some medicine."
Keesha finishes off her last drink, then lets go of the ceiling and flutters out the door.
Kern says, "And for me to get this blood out of my surcoat. :P"
Rokhan says, "Well this has been productive. hank you all, and I do hope to see you soon."
Keesha skrees, "Goodnight!"
Rokhan finishes his now somewhat room temperatuure arzen and inverts it.
Kern nods. "Fare well, lord and lady.
Kern goes to speak with Talabrina about some cleaning fluids...
Rokhan leaves a few Stormhaven notes on the table and gets stiffly to his feet, leaning heavily on his cane. Ones upright ne takes small steps to the door. Unsnapping the strap on his holster, he pauses for a breatth, and steps outside.
Rokhan leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.