Oloth -- Logs

Wandering Path - Taproom
This place doesn't look nearly as bad as it did from the outside. In fact, it's quite nice. The room is very dark and has been made to look like a cave. There is a large fireplace on one wall, filling the room with flickering light and providing the only source of warmth outside of the kitchen. There are tables scattered around the room, seemingly in random order, and a fairly large bar at one end. All of the tables and the bar are made of dark wood, most likely ebony and are deeply scored and marked with use. On each of the tables and scattered around the walls are lanterns lit with magical faerie fire, blue on the tables and green on the walls. A section of the room, in front of the fireplace, has been cleared out and a number of couches have been set up. There are stairs, leading up and a doorway that leads to the back rooms. There is a guard posted by the doorway and no one seems to be getting in without his permission. There is a sign hanging above the bar. It reads simply: Assholes will not be tolerated, they will be shot and fed to the Rothe herd. Thank you --The Management.

Dermott enters the Path, pausing at the doorway to tiredly hang his cloak upon the hook by the door. He reaches up, rubbing his neck a little, and sighs, quietly.

Kern sits in his high-backed chair by the fire with a book in his lap. He seems to do that often, these days. All that's missing is a pipe and some robes, rather than armor, and he could tell stories to children on a regular basis.

Safix looks up from where she's sitting alone at a table. "Heya, Dermott."

Ophelia eyes Dermott as he approaches, already having ordered a light meal for him. Gesturing to the table, she gives a light airy wave of her arm and purrs, "Come and seat yourself, my dear. Have a bite to eat."

Dermott waves to Kern if the Knight of the Vortex looks over, and nods to Safix. "Good evening, madame." He smiles to Ophelia, walking slowly over to her, and bowing slightly. "Thank you, milady. Urgh... I think I can use it." As he sits, he chuckles softly. "Remind me not to play 'tag' with an umber hulk...."

Kern smiles at Dermott. "Evening, Captain."

Ophelia rises from her seat and lays warm palms upon the lupine's shoulders. "I could remind you a dozen times each moment up until the battle was at hand. It would perpetually be the same outcome."

Dakini arrives from Erythyn Street.

Hati carries Wanre with him.

Dakini brings Keesha and Hati with her, holding hands.

Dakini walks in quietly with Keesha, Hati, and the new slave. She's grinning at Keesha, "Well, what did you expect of groundlings, mm?"

Kern chuckles. "True enough. The nature of battle is chaotic. Is it any wonder I worship the god I do."

Keesha chirrips. "Well... better sense than that."

Xarlen slips inside, after the convoy of people. Making his way quietly over to his seat, as normal, the elf settles down comfortably, placing his cane to it's spot.

Dermott smiles wanly, looking upward to Ophelia. "You're right. I probably would, milady. I had forgotten that they were so tough...."

Dakini smiles and nods to those she knows, then heads over to Safix' table, "Heya, Saf. May we sit with you?"

Hati comes in with his mistress, and the new slave. The boy walks in front of him, with Hati guiding by a hand on his arm.

Dryx offers a quiet nod from his corner table, then goes back to brooding. Or sleeping. Or whatever it is he does back there.

Safix looks up from where she's been sitting alone at a table. "Eh? Oh, hi. Sure." She waves a little absently at the empty seats.

A few of the tablecloths flutter as Keesha sweeps her wings to reach her usual spot over the table. "Evening, all."

Dakini grins faintly at Dryx' (non)reaction, then pulls out a chair, seating herself comfortably, with a slightly weary sigh. She smiles at Safix, "So... how're things going for you?"

Wanre looks around the room, silently and at little wide-eyed at the room full of people. When Hati nudges him forward, he goes quietly.

Safix shrugs, smiling half-heartedly back at Dakini. "Business as usual, I guess. Things are fine at the store."

Hati murmurs something to the light-haired boy, who nods, and moves over to Dakini. Hati himself takes a chair at Dakini's table, leaving a space next to him.

Kern absently watches Hati and the slave boy, not belligerently, but with a quiet curiosity.

Ophelia returns her husband's smile, her own touched by empathetic sentiment. The feline's fingers and palms work on his shoulders, attempting to ease out residual stress. "And now that you know, I still would wager to say that it's not deterrent enough if the same threat would befall."

Dakini tilts her head a touch curiously at Safix, wondering at her unusual diffidence, but just nods politely to her.

Wanre timidly approaches Dakini, and asks, "Can I get you anything, mistress Dakini?"

Dakini smiles at the boy, "Some tea and dinner, please. Um... steamed veggies, medium rare rothe, enough for us all, please."

Safix narrows her eyes as she hears the slave boy speak and really looks at him for the first time. She says very, very softly, "...oh. I see."

Dermott chuckles softly, wincing slightly as he lowers his head a bit. "Only if the neogi bring a few less umber hulks next time. Still, it ended well.... Ahhh... that does feel rather good."

Wanre nods, and bites his lip, making a mental note. He looks to Hati, uncertainly.

Keesha skrees, "Still working on the battle, Dermott?"

Kern chuckles at Dermott without looking at him. "Benefits of having a female companion. Trading backrubs. Just make sure you always get yours first."

Hati stands and walks over to the bar, gesturing for Wanre to follow him.

Dakini looks curiously at Safix, "What do you see?"

Safix overhears Kern and smiles for a moment.

Dakini smiles at Kern amusedly, "Cynic."

Wanre moves quickly to Hati, who he seems a little more comfortable around, and whispers something to the elf.

Kern says, "Not cynical, just pragmatic. Second in line always gets short changed because the other person's too relaxed now. It's like asking Jell-O not to wobble."

Dakini laughs!

Ophelia glances toward Kern without really turning her head. She smirks quietly, continuing her efforts upon Dermott's shoulders and the back of his neck. With a little swoop, she bends down, places a chaste kiss upon his temple, then reseats herself next to him at their table.

Dakini turns her gaze back to Safix, still smiling, awaiting her response to the question.

Hati nods, and answers, shooing him towards the bar, but staying where he is, watching quietly.

Xarlen nods to Kern. "True, good mage, but remember: The early bird may get the worm, but it is the second mouse who snatches the cheese."

Safix looks up at Kern and chuckles, "That is SO not true, Kern. You just have to find somebody with better willpower and stamina... or maybe a LOT more tension."

Dakini grins -- at both comments.

Dermott glances to Keesha, sighing comfortably. "The aches and pains are starting to show themselves as time passes. I hadn't been in such a spirited boarding action in some time, and usually when I scream and leap with a sword, I manage to cleave something in twain. Or at least give it a paper cut it won't soon forget." He closes his eyes, sighing again. "Blasted umber hulks...."

Dermott peeks open an eye to look over to Kern, and smiling quietly. "I'd never dream of doing less than the best I could in such a case, Kern." He blinks a little with the kiss, smiling up to his lady, then straightens and gently takes her hand. "Thank you, milady." He grins softly. "You do that much better than I do."

Kern just smiles.

Safix turns to Dakini. "Sorry, he distracted me-- I didn't mean to ignore you. I see that you've gotten the kid clothes... and a collar."

Wanre glances back at Hati, and then moves to the bar, stopping abruptly when he sees Talabrina. She says, "I don't think we've met. Can I get you something?" When the drow woman talks to him, he freezes, obviously startled and frightened.

Dakini nods, "Indeed." She grins quietly as she studies Safix, "As per your request, he's doing what he wants."

Keesha grins at Dermott. "Much easier to deal with them with the business end of a ship-to-ship cannon."

Ophelia licks over her lips once, a curious sparkle in her sea-colored eyes as she purrs softly, "Kern, dear, I have no reason to believe being first or second recipient of any realm of my husband's attentions is any less than the other. In fact..." she pauses, looking to the lupine quietly with a steady, though rather knowing expression, "I cannot complain at all..."

Kern says, "Sorry, Dermott...I was so distracted by other things that I neglected to see if I could drum up an ensorcelled blade for you, Dermott. Magic lends a keener edge into battle."

Dakini gently adds to Saf, "But it's not like your request changed how I would have treated him..."

Hati comes up behind Wanre and places his hand on his shoulder, saying, "It's all right. This is Talabrina. She works here at the Wandering Path. Introduce yourself, and order."

Safix raises a quiet eyebrow, but not with sarcasm... she comes off, actually, as too tired to muster much strong emotion. "I didn't think I was that important, or that you were an uncaring person, don't worry."

Kern laughs gently at Aphelia's commentary. "Yes well...Dermott's a warrior. He's got the requisite stamina."

Safix adds fairly quickly, "So... he wants to stay with you as a slave? For how long?"

Dakini chuckles quietly, "Safix'ya, your opinion is important. Don't denigrate yourself, dear. It's just that it's my usual habit to make sure my friends are happy." She pauses, listening to Safix' question, then smiles, "Why not ask Hati and Wanre when they return?"

Dermott grins quietly. "Too bad I didn't have one in my pouch, Captain. I'll have to see about getting at least a portable trebuchet next time...." His ears twitch, though, acutely aware of the other conversation in the room. He blinks to Ophelia, and smiles, sheepishly. "I do my very best, milady...."

Dermott looks over to Kern, arching an eyebrow. "Ensorcel a blade? You mean, you can do that to this old schiavona of mine...?" He chuckles, shaking his head. "And I can't claim to be a soldier. Only, at best, a corsair."

Wanre doesn't actually cling to Hati, but it's clear he'd like to. Hati murmurs some more things to him; someone with sharp ears can hear, "It's all right, Wanre, she won't hurt you. Here, let me introduce you." Addressing Talabrina, he says, "This is Wanre, who belongs to Dakini."

Safix shrugs. "I could. I may. I'm not really concerned, to be honest. I trust you."

Kern says, "Yes, Dermott, but you're better at swordplay than I am by a long shot."

Keesha skrees, "He needs someone to take care of him until he gets his wings spread. Dakini is in loco parentis since he's got no one else."

Wanre says, "Hello, ma'am." and, when she doesn't leap over the bar and eat him, asks, "Could we get..." and then places an order for dinner, for three. Talabrina says, "Of course." and moves off to take care of it.

Kern scratches the back of his neck. "It's possible that I could permanently enchant the blade, yes...it would depend on it's condition, of course.

Dakini grins with light teasing at Safix, "Not interested at all? Then why did you ask, hm?"

Dermott says, "You've had much more practice, Kern. That was the first time I've slung a blade in several years."

Dakini nods quietly to Keesha's comment.

Hati says, "There, that wasn't too bad, was it?" He directs the boy to pay Talabrina for the food, and bring it to the table, and then makes his way back there, occasionally watching Wanre.

Dakini grins quietly as Wanre manages not to flee, but carefully doesn't look him... no need to increase the poor boy's obvious nervousness.

Kern shakes his head. "Not true. When I had to turn my studies to magery, I lost many of the subtleties involved in working with a blade. Till recently, I'd even forgotten how to clean and oil a blade without magical aid."

Kern shoots a fond glance in Dakini's direction.

Dakini looks up and smiles quietly at Kern... then goes back to watching Safix with a faintly worried look.

Dermott's ears twitch slightly, as he grins to Kern. "We'll have to practice together sometime, then, just to see who's rustier!"

Safix says with slight irritation, "Did I ask something? I'm sorry, I don't really recall. What did I ask?" She recalls almost immediately, a moment too late, and makes a face. "Sorry, I did. How long. Right."

Kern grins at Dermott. "I'll take you up on that..."

Dakini looks a bit more worried, and gently puts a hand on Safix', "Safix'ya... what's wrong?"

Kern stands then and walks over to Dermott and Aphelia's table. "Here, while we're at it, let me loot at the sword."

Xarlen tips his head toward Kern. "And, even though I've heard good of your exploits on the Neogi attack, I know I wouldn't mind a bout of spell-dueling."

Safix scowls for a moment, then says dispiritedly, "Not sure."

Kern smiles in Xarlen's direction. "As you like. Be warned, that I *am* well trained in."

Dermott blinks, and looks to Ophelia briefly. "Uhm... all right. As long as nobody minds.... It's been cleaned at least... not that it did much hacking." He glances to the gold elf in the corner, and grins, looking again to Kern as he carefully draws the schiavona from it's scabbard. "Seems like you've got quite a few tests lined up already, Kern!"

Kern sighs dramatically. "The price I pay for being a hero..."

Wanre is rather startled by Talabrina talking to him, but nods, and opens his pouch, paying her. He seems to try not to touch her as he does so. It's not clear whether or not her fingers brush his accidentally or not, but he jumps at it.

Aphelia's ear tips swivel Safix-wards with curiosity, though her eyes remain upon Dermott and Kern lightly. "Hmmm? Oh, certainly I'd love to witness the dueling between you both." She offers them an amiable smile.

Kern eyes the sword critically.

Xarlen nods to Kern. "I wouldn't want an opponent whom isn't worth my time."

Dakini gives a slightly amused glance towards Xarlen's corner, but doesn't comment... instead she continues to watch Safix thoughtfully.

Hati sits down again, watching as Wanre delivers drinks, setting them down awkwardly. Hati suggests he hold the glasses differently, and then adds, "Serve Lady Dakini first, and then others, generally counterclockwise, remember." He also suggests, "If you can, carry a rag or napkin to wipe the glasses down with," and demonstrates, leaving the boy with the towel when he is done.

Wanre looks at Hati with wide eyes, as the older elf quietly produces a rag from somewhere on his person, and deftly dries off the bottoms of the mugs, and nods, trying to remember all these things.

Dermott laughs softly, smiling to Ophelia. "We'll be certain to tell you when we do then, milady!"

Dakini looks up and smiles at the nervous boy as her drink is delivered, "Thank you, Wanre. Very nice."

Keesha snorts. "Better to teach him math or magic than how to wait tables. I suppose it's a start."

Wanre smiles timidly at Dakini, and then moves off to the bar again.

Ophelia purrs with a slight smile, "Its appreciated." She seems a bit preoccupied, however and her tail lashes beneath the table with a very subtle *woosh*.

Hati says, "He is doing what he wants to do, Keesha."

Kern smiles quietly as he hears Aphelia's tail.

Safix murmurs when the boy is too far to hear but the bat certainly can, "I think building up his confidence may go faster this way first, Keesha."

Dryx stands slowly, and glides off toward the bar. The edges of his cloak brush past Wanre on his way. Dryx pauses a moment to regard him, then offers him the same nod he gave to Dakini. "Evening, boy."

Keesha looks at Hati, then nods at Safix. "True, true... just encourage him to move on when he's ready."

Dakini looks up in surprise at Safix... then smiles quietly.

Wanre flinches away from Dryx, then says, "Uh. Hello, sir."

Safix catches Dakini's look and raises one eyebrow more sarcastically than last time.

Xarlen's head turns in the direction of Dryx, those dark lenses peering unseeingly in his direction.

Kern says, "It's possible. It's in good condition at least. Magic items are often made from materials of very fine quality, however...my own blade is made of mithril...."

Safix says quietly to Dakini, "I'm not /that/ unfamiliar with the concept of relearning such things-- or learning them, period."

Dermott's ears semaphore slightly, glancing to Ophelia but not loosing his cheerful expression, unmistakably catching the swish of her tail.

Dakini grins quietly at Safix, then calmly picks up her teacup and has a sip.

Dermott nods to Kern. "I tried to keep it in good condition over the years. I know it's not exactly of the same quality as adamantine or mithril.

Dryx gives the boy a cracked-face smile, and nods. "Don't call me sir, yes? I hate titles. You call me Dryx." He turns and closes the rest of the distance back to the bar to wait for Talabrina to return.

Kern says, "It would, at the very least, lower the possible power of the enchantment I could lay on it. But any enchantment would be an improvement."

Wanre uhs, and says, "Er. Yes, sir, uh, Dryx." and looks somewhat lost, and unsure what to do with that information. He also waits at the bar, trying not to fidget.

Kern says, "Of course, if you're not too attached to this one, I could make you another, properly weighted to your ability."

Dermott chuckles softly. "True, I suppose. Ah, well. It's a good blade, all in all, and for familiarity I'll probably continue using it." He makes a bit of a face. "Right up until I run into something that can't be hurt normally." He thinks for a moment, grinning. "That's the problem, I fear. I really am attached to it."

Kern nods. "I suspected that was the case."

Dakini sips her tea and smiles quietly at the githyanki, "Would you care to join us, Dryx?"

Dryx turns slightly. "In a moment, if you wish it. I want a drink first."

When Talabrina serves up the meals for the three of them, Wanre picks up two of them and delivers them to the table, serving Dakini, then Hati. Hati says, "Very good, Wanre." and adds, "Flatware, and napkins too, please." The boy nods, and goes back to the bar.

Ophelia purrs softly, "Kern, you should realize by now that Dermott is the very last of a dying breed of chivalrous mindset of being dedicated to something for something resembling eternity."

Safix, unaccountably, winces very slightly right after Ophelia speaks.

Ophelia says, "EDIT: for a period resembling eternity"

Keesha snickers quietly as the boy goes back to the bar. "He probably isn't used to such things, after all. D'you have any idea what his name means?"

Safix looks up. "No, what?"

Dermott's ear tips pinken, and he shies away a little. "You flatter me, milady...."

Keesha blinks. "I was asking, Safix. I don't know either."

Dakini nods quietly, then straightens slightly so that her plate can be set in front of her. She smiles at Wanre encouragingly, then blinks thoughtfully at Hati, "Flatware... you do that too? Interesting... I hadn't noticed."

Hati smiles and says, "Of course, mistress. I wouldn't have you eat with your fingers."

Kern chuckles. "I'd take offense if I didn't agree with you completely, Ophelia."

Dakini laughs softly, then nods, "Of course... I should have realized." She glances over at Safix and Keesha, "In drow it means 'servant.' I'm not sure how he got the name, but maybe it means something else where he comes from? That's what he says his name is..." She glances at the boy, "Correct?"

Wanre returns, with flatware and napkins, and his own plate. He passes out the flatware, and then tries to sit on the floor with his plate. Hati stops him, smiling and saying, "No, Wanre, use a chair. Eat at the table. It's all right."

Wanre looks at Dakini, very startled, and nods, saying, "Yes, ma'am. That or 'boy'."

Dryx attempts to catch Talabrina's attention the next time she passes.

Dakini nods and smiles quietly to Wanre, then looks over at Keesha and Safix. She smiles and shrugs, "I don't know where he came from, really."

Safix blinks at Wanre's words, and her face does something between sadness and anger, though she looks quickly away from him in order to not distress the boy.

Dermott blinks to Kern, and chuckles, shaking his head. "Keep in mind, my friends," he says wryly, "You're saying this of a professional corsair. Or a sort of professional corsair, at least...."

Keesha turns her head toward Wanre. "Boy isn't a name, youngling. It's a label. You realize that you can choose a new name for yourself now if you want."

Kern shrugs. "Being a pirate doesn't mean you don't have standards."

Dakini grins at Wanre, "She's right... boy isn't a name."

Wanre shakes his head no to the bat, but doesn't seem to want to say anything, lest he anger her.

Ophelia smiles warmly to both Kern and Dermott. "Even if we did not every now and again make such comments aloud, my dear, they would be still be in the minds of everyone whom has met you. So.." she gives Dermott a wide smile, "you needn't feel embarrassed."

Dryx succeeds after a moment in catching the Drow's attention. He places a silver on the bar. "Water, if you have it." After a moment, he reconsiders and places a gold on the surface instead. "In a clean glass."

Kern says, "They're all clean glasses here, Dryx. Don't worry."

Kern says, "Talabrina has impeccable standards."

Dermott smiles, shaking his head quietly. "I see I'll have to regale you both with stories of what we used to do in the Colonies and Holdings," he says wryly.

Hati leans over and asks, "What were you going to say, Wanre? Tell me." The boy murmurs something, embarassedly to Hati, and Hati says, "You can say that to Keesha. It's all right. Tell her." and leans back.

Dakini nods in agreement with Kern, to Dryx. "Quite true."

Xarlen nods toward Dermott. "Speaking on that, Those who set their standards too low often trip over them."

Kern says, "Did you rape women, Dermott?"

Dakini's head turns sharply to stare in disbelief at Kern.

Safix' breath catches audibly.

Keesha's glance echoes Dakini's, a little slower only because she seems to be moving preternaturally calmly.

Dakini says firmly, "Sir Kern... perhaps a less... emotionally wrought subject?"

Wanre looks aghast at Hati, and then looks to the fierce looking bat, and says, "I couldn't do that, ma'am. I belong to Dakini now. She can change my name if she likes, but I would never do that."

Kern seems to be quite urbane about it. "Sorry, you're right, less coarse language. Nonetheless, the questions stands."

Dakini's head turns equally sharply the other way, back to Wanre, in shock!

Dryx hms softly, adding a second gold when his drink arrives. "No offense, Lady. Sometimes it's necessary to specify." He picks up his drink and moves toward Dakini's table.

Dermott chuckles to Xarlen, "A good point, sir, and one I'll have to remem-" He blinks, looking up rather startledly to Kern. "Bloody Fenris no, Kern." Then he blinks, and chuckles a little, shaking his head. "That's a rather extreme example of what we didn't do, old friend."

Dakini winces slightly, rubbing her neck, then says firmly to the boy, "Wanre... what I told you earlier stands. You should pick a name you like. That would make me happy -- that you tell me what you want to do, and we will make sure it happens. Remember?"

Kern says, "There's my point, Dermott. If there were things you wouldn't do, that you have standards, pure and simple."

Kern says, "Not all pirates have such moral codes."

Ophelia does not seem at all on edge after Kern posed his question. She does, however, give Safix a side-long glance without much subtlety.

Dakini glances with a slightly bemused smile at Dryx as he seats himself, "Er... were you pre-paying your bar bill, Dryx?"

Keesha skrees, "This is why he's a corsair, and not a pirate, sensei."

Wanre looks surprised at Dakini's reaction and isn't sure how to react to Dakini's shock. She doesn't seem angry. He only manages to say, "Yes, ma'am."

Kern says, "I'm not sure I get the difference. Isn't one just a euphemism for the other?"

Dryx hrms softly, and takes a long drink before responding. "I prefer to pay up front."

Dakini nods encouragingly to Wanre, then grins at Dryx, "Very well."

Keesha skrees, "Actually, no. Corsair or privateer is a term for a private warship, usually... pirates are out and out criminals."

Hati asks, "How far up front/"

Dakini nods to Keesha, "Don't corsairs usually have letters of marque also?"

Dryx doesn't make reply to that one.

Kern says, "I'd point out that Dermott was, however, a criminal for a while. I should know. I first met his crew when they robbed my ship. :>"

Safix leans her elbows on the table and digs her fingertips into her hair.

Keesha nods to Dakini. "That's what makes them a private warship. They are authorized by a government, or at least a rebellion, without being part of that organization's command structure."

Xarlen's head turns toward Keesha. "Criminals have standards as well. There is some 'honor among thieves'."

Dakini gives Safix a faintly worried look again.

Kern says, "Depends on the thieves, Harlequin."

Safix closes her eyes for a long moment.

Keesha nods to Harlequin. "In some cases. I was merely defining the difference between corsair and pirate."

Dermott chuckles softly, and looks up to Keesha. "'Corsair' is just a polite way of saying 'pirate,' I'm afraid, Captain. You are correct about the 'privateer' definition, though." He looks to Dakini. "A privateer is, traditionally, one who has a letter of marque and reprisal from a government. In my case, Misery has a letter from the government of Oloth... but we weren't always privateers...."

Keesha chuckles at Dermott. "The line is often a bit fuzzy."

Dakini smiles absently at Dermott, "I know, captain... you don't have to dwell on leaner times for my sake." She looks back at Safix searchingly.

Ophelia continues to regard Safix steadily, then rises from her chair and scoots it back beneath the table. A hand passes Dermott's shoulder in a breezy fashion and she absently says, "Excuse me for a while." Her pace is slow and her path is directed toward the golden-skinned woman.

Xarlen nods to Dermott with a chuckle. "Just a less...harsh way of saying it, hm? Like a 'Government Official' instead of a 'thief'."

Kern smiles wryly. "Your boarding party was impressive too. Although I never found out if they would have tried to disable me before killing me...I put up such a fight one of your men lobbed a grenade at me."

Dakini glances up impassively at the cat approaching, then gently lays a hand on Safix' arm.

Safix rises and turns without looking to walk to the door.

Safix pauses and comes to herself more at the hand on her arm. "Hm?"

Dermott nods to Keesha, then grins to Dakini. "A good way of putting it, I'll have to remember that...."

Dermott blinks, looking up to Ophelia. "Ah, certain... ly...." He blinks, watching Aphelia's movements. His ear starts to twitch slightly. "Er... milady..."

Dermott nods, a little absently, to Xarlen, watching Ophelia. "Oh... that was a bit of a time ago, Kern... back when we were, uhm, more in practice..."

Dakini nods, and turns to Hati, "Please have dinner brought along 'to go,' Hati. I'll let you know where in a moment." She looks back at Safix and smiles quietly, "Shall we?"

Ophelia alters her path to follow Safix; her steps are not rushed, nor are they lax. She stops when Safix does, waiting for a moment.

Kern didn't notice Ophelia move 'til he notices Dermott distracted, at which point he turns to see what's so interesting...

Dakini adds to Safix, "I was thinking dinner in my rooms might be nice."

Dakini glances back at the others at her table, "You are, of course, welcome to join us."

Xarlen seems on the pins and needles as well, a glimpse of anticipation, perhaps hopefulness on his face before it returns to it's casual observatory blankness.

Dakini smiles at Kern and Dermott, "As are you."

Safix looks intensely uncomfortable, looking from Ophelia to Dakini. She looks almost as if feeling hunted.

Dakini waits calmly for Safix to decide.

Ophelia slowly turns her eyes from Safix to Dakini, her expression placid. To Safix she says, "Another time..>"

Ophelia leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Kern glances at Dermott. "Maybe you should go after her...that was strange..."

Dakini nods amusedly at Kern.

Safix' spine straightens, and she looks about to answer Ophelia when the cat leaves. Saf blinks, looking clearer but confused now instead of distant. She shrugs, openly puzzled.

Hati says, "Wanre, can you ask Talabrina for help with that?"

Dakini curiously asks Safix, "What's the deal here?"

Dakini relaxes a bit, holding up a hand for Hati to pause a moment.

Dermott blinks, looking to the doorway. His ear stops twitching. "Erm... indeed, yes, Kern...." He stands, and moves to the row of hooks with his cloak. He inclines his head to Dakini. "I thank you for the offer, madame, but I fear I must pass but for the nonce. A good evening to you... to all of you."

Dermott pulls on his cloak, and steps out into the night.

Dermott leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Wanre nods, and says, "I will." and moves quickly for the bar, drawing up short at Talabrina's smile and question, "Can I help you, Wanre?"

Dakini smiles in gentle sympathy at poor Dermott... then turns her gaze back to Safix, still waiting.

Wanre starts, and takes half a step back, before he realizes he's supposed to be there, and says, "Please, ma'am. We would like to take our meals away with us." The drowess looks, says, "Moment," and vanishes into the kitchen.

Safix looks distractedly back at Dakini, "Hell if I know..."

Hati smiles and nods his approval to Wanre's glance, reassuring the boy he is doing right.

Dakini nods, then says gently, "Well, would you like to sit back down and relax a bit amongst friends, Safix'ya?"

Safix shrugs, "She hasn't spoken to me in weeks... um. Let me think?"

Keesha grins from her perch. "In a manner of speaking."

Dakini smiles calmly, "Then that's a good thing, Safix." She adds, "Take your time thinking. If you'd like to sit down, it is originally your table. If you'd like to go out, please feel free to ask for some backup... or go on your own, either way."

Kern looks at the door after Ophelia and Dermott, steepling his hands thoughtfully.

Safix nods thoughtfully, and says "I need to think for a moment. I'll be back to answer," and walks to the emptiest corner of the Path to sit alone.

Dakini nods and quietly returns to her seat. To Hati she smiles and says, "Never mind... I think dinner here would be fine. Thank you for your patience."

Kern sighs and shakes his head after a moment, mumbling something about games under his breath.

Keesha snickers and winks in Kern's direction. "And does that one ever do anything else, sensei?"

Hati stands and moves to the bar, behind Wanre, and puts his hand on the boy's shoulder, calling to Talabrina, "Talabrina? Thank you, but we will be able to stay here and enjoy your company some more." When she comes out with waxed-paper boxes, he smiles, and says, "Thank you for the trouble, but we shan't need it this time." The drowess winks at the boy, who flinches against Hati.

Kern says, "You'd be surprised Keesha."

Keesha chuckles. "Indeed. I would be."

Dakini nods in faint disgust to Kern's comment about gaming.

Dryx drains his glass and sets it down, hands folded around the stem. He just watches.

Wanre goes back to the table, with Hati, looking a little confused.

Kern shrugs at Keesha. "I owe her my life."

Dakini sighs and shakes her head at Kern, "I have to agree with Keesha. I've seen only harm, insult, and pain come from her."

Keesha acknowledges Kern's comment. "She has some steel underneath the sandpaper, then?"

Dakini nods quietly to Keesha, "She does. Check in the Bazaar sometime about what they're making book on, in regards to her."

Xarlen mmhms. "A tigress who strikes with velvet paws, hey?"

Kern says, "Aye. You have to understand, she grew up amongst such games, and till coming here, she never learned how to be any different. And so she comes up against that every time when in interactions. Being married to Dermott has helped some, of course..."

Dakini glances at the gold elf, "No. Tigers have honor."

Hati eats a little of his dinner, and mentions quietly to Wanre he should do the same.

Xarlen's brow arches. "Honor is only as good if your enemy abides by it."

Dakini stares at Kern in astonishment, "A bad childhood is not an excuse to still be a sexual manipulator!"

Kern says, "I'm not saying it's an excuse. I'm explaining why she acts like she does."

Xarlen arches a brow. "I haven't seen her use her charms for manipulation Yet."

Safix sighs, "I don't know her, really, and she's only been catty to me so far, rather needlessly... but maybe she's not so bad. It's not like she's torturing people, she's just annoying."

Dryx grates softly, "Honor is a worthy concept. Lack of it is hardly a tactical advantage." It's the first time he's spoken quite so forcefully.

Rokhan arrives from Erythyn Street.

Dakini gives Xarlen a quiet look, "Yes, honor works intermittently... unfortunately the person who trusted her, whom she attacked in the most brutal fashion, believed her honorable and trustworthy."

Hati comments, "That's because you're blind, Harlequin," but not angrily.

Dakini covers a smile at Hati's comment.

Rokhan peers into the gloom as he enters, looking for a seat...

Dakini nods a quiet greeting to Rokhan.

Safix hasn't touched her dinner yet, being still seated in the corner.

Keesha waves a wing in Rokhan's direction. "Over here, Packleader."

Xarlen gives Dakini a grim smile. "Then it seems that person learned a lesson in being careful with trust."

Kern says, "Look at it this way, Dakini...you know Dermott, and he's not a mental lightweight. Do you *honestly* believe, that if Ophelia were simply who she is in public, that he could possibly love her?"

Dakini stares in astonishment at Safix -- then seems to catch herself, "Ah... right. Not torturing." She doesn't bother answering Harlequin.

Xarlen holds up his hand, as a fencer does when acknowledging a hit.

Rokhan nods curtly to Keesha and stumps hie way over to Keesha's table

Hati looks at Kern, blankly, and doesn't say anything.

Dakini glances up at Kern, "Mental lightweight?" She grins, then politely answers, "She's extremely good at masks. We've all seen that."

Dryx doesn't look up.

Dakini nods to Rokhan, pushing a chair out for him with a booted foot.

Dakini gives Keesha another startled look, "Packleader?! Don't be mean, Keesha... we don't ask that of him!" She smiles at Rokhan, "As per his own request, he is a trusted beta."

Rokhan takes the proffered chair and eases into his seat, slowly, and painfully. Once seated his ears pan and semaphore a bit as he gets up to speed.

Rokhan nods and smiles to Keesha, "Too much responsibility, I am a tactical planner, and a poor strategic planner."

Safix s very still in her corner, until she gets up abruptly and walks across to the fireplace, to sit on the hearth and stare into the flames.

Kern nods. "So instead, I ask you this. Why would someone who is ultimately manipulator put herself at great physical and mental risk just for me? Is saving my life with those stakes really a goal with a worthwhile return?

Rokhan notes the slight tension in the room, and glances around, hoping not to have stepped into something. "Urrrr..."

Keesha looks a little surprised, then nods. "My mistake, Ser Rokhan. I'm not that familiar with Stormhaven ranks."

Dakini gives Kern a faintly amused look, but just answers simply, "A powerful mage and son of a god? Ja, Sir Kern."

Hati stands, and puts his hand on Wanre's shoulder, murmuring something, and then moving over to the fireplace, around the edge of the room so he would not come up on Safix from behind. When he is relatively close, and sure she can see him, he asks, "Safix?" and waits for a reply.

Dakini looks a little torn, watching Safix worriedly... she relaxes a bit, looking relieved when Hati moves to speak to her. Dakini's gaze turns inquiringly back to Kern.

Kern says, "I'm also only one man, Dakini. Only someone who is capable of selflessness would really risk their life for someone else's."

Xarlen's brow lifts behind his darkened spectacles, but makes no other change in expression.

Safix fire-gazes, oblivious to everything around her 'til she hears her name and turns quickly to face the speaker. "Hati?"

Wanre nods at Hati and looks a little nervously at Dakini, but set as if he will do his best.

Hati sits down on the far end of the hearth from Safix, lithely, and asks, "Are you all right?"

Dakini chuckles, "Kern... she thinks you're useful, because you have so much power... and you respond so nicely to sexual innuendo. Why do you think I try to be very careful to stop teasing immediately if you seem at all uncomfortable?"

Dryx makes a soft noise. "Heh. I think she has a point."

Safix looks at the hearth in front of Hati and answers low. "Maybe not."

Rokhan says, "Harlequin.. when you have a moment I would like to speak with you privately, though it can wait."

Kern looks balefully at Dakini. "I react the way I do to you because you mean no harm. Trust me, I'm only seduced when I want to be. You should know that..."

Dakini smiles with quiet sympathy at Kern, "I'm sorry... if you like I'll shut up. People often don't like it when I point things out to them."

Xarlen turns his head toward Rokhan, dark spectacles peering toward the wolf. "Hm? In regards to?"

Hati moves closer to Safix, and asks, also low, "Is Wanre bothering you?"

Kern shrugs. "It's not as if I don't know everything you've already said. But I also know her a lot better."

Rokhan turns his equally opaque oculars to Harlequin, "Politics, and public safety, though I can give no more specifics in such a public place."

Dakini nods, "Well, in this case I'd dearly like to be proven wrong. However, she owes a huge apology to her former master and his lady if she really wants to be a nice person again..." She pauses, thinking, then adds dryly, "Actually, she should try throwing herself on their mercy..."

Safix says to Hati, "Somewhat." She looks a little relieved that was the question.

Kern says, "I was under the impression she already had."

Xarlen nods faintly to the elderly wolf. "Indeed, though perhaps I'm not the best to discuss politics with, Wisdom-speaker."

Rokhan cracks his knuckles. and looks at what people are drinking.

Wanre looks around, uncomfortably aware of all the stress, and not able to follow the conversation, not knowing the people. He sips and nibbles trying to be unobtrusive.

Dakini gives Kern an amused glance, "Really..."

Kern nods. "I was present, actually."

Hati moves a little closer yet, and asks, softly, "Is there anything else bothering you? I'm worried about you."

Keesha clears her throat. "At any rate, she has left. Does she need to disrupt things even after her departure?"

Rokhan nods to Harlequin, "Perhaps not the most 'powerful', but who is to say what is best. it is an urgent matter, though."

Safix says to Hati, "I don't want to talk about it here."

Kern sighs. "No, I suppose not."

Dakini looks suddenly interested, leaning forward over the table, "Were you, Kern? What did she apologize for precisely?"

Xarlen nods, at that, then gestures toward the door. "Is it important enough we step outside now?"

Dryx leans forward a bit and rubs his eyes with one hand.

Rokhan says, "Not as yet, I have not yet eaten, though I would like to, before either of us turn in for the evening, Harlequin."

Kern blinks. "Why, for the cutting remarks she made towards Eimi. I remember, they fought often back when they first met...the whole deal with Eimi being kidnapped made Ophelia feel incredibly guilty over her petty behavior."

Dakini blinks slowly at Kern... then bursts into laughter, leaning back in her chair as she laughs.

Kern blinks. "Did I just say something funny?"

Dryx raises his head and stares at Dakini, obviously having missed the joke.

Keesha remarks, rather dryly, "She got over it, I see."

Dakini grins in high good humor at Keesha, "Indeed, you are correct, captain... we should not let her memory spoil our evening!"

Kern sighs. "Did they start up again? oh dear..."

Hati nods, and murmurs, "I can understand that. Would you like to go someplace else? Or to talk later? Or should I leave you alone? What can I do for you, friend?" He looks truly concerned, and waits quietly for an answer, with the infuriating patience of the elven kind.

Xarlen nods to the wolf, and pets the loadstone and crystal sphere at the top of his cane. "As you wish.."

Rokhan calls to Talabrina, "Some meat please?"

Dryx yawns softly, breaking the sudden silence. "An angel passed," he murmurs to himself.

Safix winces, and looks up to smile at Hati. "...thank you." She is clearly ashamed to cause worry.

Keesha chirrips, apparently in a private joke.

Dakini blinks curiously at Dryx, "Pardon?"

Dryx says, "Mm. Pardon. Something an old acquaintance used to say."

Keesha skrees, "Passing what, is the question..."

Rokhan wonders where the usual Barkeep has gotten. He looks back at Dakini, "who are in conflict "again?"

Safix adds quietly to Hati, "Definitely elsewhere, and perhaps later. Your lady is here and seems busy. I would not want to part you."

Dakini grins quietly at Dryx, "Interesting choice of phrase." She looks around, then smiles, "Well. Wanre, would you be so kind as to tell Talabrina that I'll gladly pay for a round for the house... it's a lovely night, after all."

Xarlen says, "A round of what?"

Rokhan says, "Marzen would be nice, as would a plate of meat."

Dakini says, "Whatever you'd like." She smiles and nods to Wanre, "As they order, please?"

Xarlen nods. "Elverquisst."

Rokhan settles into his chair a bit, "So.. again.. who are in conflict again, Dakini?"

Hati moves closer to Safix and offers what comfort he can. He's not sure how close he can get without making her uncomfortable. He says, "I'm doing what I think is important, and I'm sure it's what Dakini would want me to do, too."

Keesha skrees, "Mead for me, of course."

Kern has gotten quiet in the wake of the conversation regarding Ophelia.

Talabrina, hearing, nods and starts pulling drinks and preparing plates, which turns out to be a bit of a relief for Wanre, who can simply start serving people without having to talk to the scary drow lady.

Safix edges slightly away from the well-meaning but male elf.

Dakini smiles at Rokhan, "It's the Path, Rokhan... raised voices are common here, and not particularly noteworthy."

Safix says quietly to Hati, "Well, how about a walk in the park, then? I really don't feel like being indoors anymore right now."

Rokhan nods, agreeing and sighs a bit. he then leans over and whispers to Dakini.

Dakini nods once to Hati in confirmation, then leans to listen to Rokhan.

Hati sees the subtle shift that says, "Too close!" and stops. He backs off a tiny bit, and shifts, wordlessly, in to the huge dire wolf form. He shakes his head once, to smooth out all of the fur, and moves back in towards her, chirruping? curiously.

Rokhan glances over to Hati while whispering, catches the transformation, pauses, and then continues to whisper.

Rokhan nods, agreeing with Dakini about something and goes back to waiting for his food.

Safix' faint smile twists, but she doesn't move away this time.

Kern absently smiles at the sight of a wolf making such a gentle noise.

Hati moves slowly up to Safix, nuzzling her gently and letting her lose herself in a lot of wolven fur.

Rokhan notes things have gotten quiet, and he licks his lips absently, his thoughts centering on food.

Dryx rises slowly, and nods to Dakini. "If you'll excuse me, yes?"

Dakini smiles and nods to Dryx, "Of course... although if I may, could we perhaps speak later?"

Dryx nods again, "Certainly."

Safix hugs the huge wolf briefly, long enough to prove that she isn't repulsed or distrustful, then gets quietly up and nods to the door.

Safix says quietly, "Park?"

Rokhan says, "harlequin, when I finish my meal, perhaps then we should take a walk."

Dryx gathers his cloak up, and moves to the door.

Dakini smiles quietly at Kern, then murmurs, "Did you still wish to work on er... transformations, Kern?" She looks up and thanks Wanre as he puts her new teacup down in front of her, then looks back at Kern. Wanre, having served the hungry Rokhan a little nervously, continues quietly and tentatively putting mugs and filled glasses in front of people.

Dryx leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Xarlen chuckles toward the wolf. "It seems that we'll not be the only ones out for a stroll."

Kern considers. "Actually, that might be a worthwhile endeavor for this evening."

Rokhan nods politely to Wanre, and waits for him to set the plate and mug down before he touches them. He then starts to eat neatly, but quickly.

Xarlen smiles as the Elverquisst cup comes to his table. Lifting it, sipping faintly, savoring it like Ambrosia.

Hati stands, and moves next to the half-breed, and wags his tail brightly.

Dakini smiles, watching Hati, then turns to Kern and nods, still smiling, "That might be a plan, ja."

Hati offers to carry Safix with him.

Rokhan uses his utensils properly, but the portions he slices off are rather large...

Dakini glances at Rokhan and grins, "Don't choke, Rokhan."

Safix smiles faintly and walks to the door with the direwolf. She doesn't wave obvious farewells, but nods very slightly.

Safix scrambles up on Hati.

Hati leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Hati takes Safix with him.

Dakini smiles quietly and unworriedly as Safix leaves.

Kern blushes for seemingly no apparent reason.

Rokhan pauses , "No worries, Milady. " He gives Dakini a slight smile and salutes her with his mug, before draining about a quarter of it in one sip.

Dakini grins a little mischievously... for seemingly no apparent reason!

Kern clears his throat. "Hmm. So..here?"

Kern stands then, moving over to Dakini's table.

Rokhan sets the mug down on the table and continues cleaning his plate

Rokhan slows a bit, and chews thoughtfully, lenses panning around the room.

Dakini grins at Rokhan, nodding once, then turns to smile at Kern, "Certainly! Please, have a seat." She pushes out a chair with one booted foot, adding, "-although... you'll have to tell me how I can aid you best?"

Keesha sips her mead, watching - well, listening - carefully.

Kern says, "Well, see, that the thing...I'm not quite sure how to do this. Between human and bipedal wolf...I can do easily. But I've never tried full wolf before."

Kern sits.

Rokhan flicks an ear at Kern's words, but continues to chew, and sip his Marzen occasionally.

Dakini nods slowly, thinking... then nods again, "All right. Hm... in that case, let me lay out a potential plan of action, ja?"

Kern nods, listening intently.

Xarlen chuckles. "A transformation spell, good mage?"

Keesha skrees, "Might want to get Hati's help, nie?"

Kern shakes his head. "Not a spell, Harlequin."

Kern says, "I am a lycanthrope, due to birth defect."

Dakini shakes her head to Keesha, "Hati is busy with something important... and if Kern will permit me, I will link with him strongly, and prevent him from accidentally acting irresponsibly." She looks at Kern inquiringly, "By your permission?"

Keesha snickers at Kern. "Don't let Hati hear you call it a birth defect."

Dakini hmfs! and agrees with Keesha, "Certainly not! It is a gift... not a defect."

Xarlen's brow arches. "I see... I would've thought it more apparent on you."

Kern shrugs. "I don't know what else to call it. My parents were both full blooded human. The transformation was...unexpected.

Dakini smiles at Kern, laying a hand palm up on the table towards him, "Call it what it is, Sir Kern... a gift."

Xarlen says, "An accident, perhaps. That's very neutral in terms."

Rokhan finishes up and stacks his mug on is plate, and looks up at Harlequin. " Do you wish to stay and witness this, or shall we leave the to test this?"

Xarlen turns toward Kern. "What are you attempting, exactly?"

Kern nods to Dakini, albeit reluctantly. "Okay...so...mental link. oh wait."

Dakini grins, her eyes dancing with lazy mischief, "Indeed."

Kern makes a gesture with his hand, and his armor disappears, replaced with a long shift.

Xarlen draws up from his chair, cane caressing the wooden floor, waiting for Kern's response, first.

Dakini smiles at the gold elf, "Nothing very exciting this time, I fear... just a strong link."

Rokhan shrugs and looks across the table to Kern, ears flicking.

Kern says, "To fully change into a wolf, Harlequin."

Xarlen nods to Dakini. "Ah, nothing I haven't seen." Turning to Kern, "In my brief experiences with the 'Abomination blooded', as they were referred by the gold elves, I've seen much. I personally like the bipedal form." Turning, nodding toward Rokhan, "If you would?"

Dakini gives Harlequin a distinctly cool stare... then just shakes her head and turns her attention back to Kern.

Rokhan blinks up at Harlequin, and nods curtly, stiffly getting to his feet. he bows to the rest of the table, "If you will excuse me?"

Keesha skrees, "The gold elves are incredible snobs. They'll talk to me a little, but only because I'm unique here. They're not quite sure what to make of me."

Dakini nods courteously to Rokhan, "Good even, Rokhan. Be careful, ja?"

Xarlen nods toward Keesha. "indeed. As I've put it, they have a naturally born stick. Some have a tree. But, I've had the majority of mine removed, thankfully."

Rokhan gives Dakini a quick smile, "As best I can, Milady".

Xarlen turns toward Rokhan. "Lead the way."

Rokhan says, "Let's be off"

Rokhan leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Xarlen leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Dakini turns back to Kern, her hand still lying palm up in invitation, her smile a little fixed. She mutters, "abomination-blooded indeed... talk about the pot calling the kettle black!" under her breath, but says no more about it.

Kern willingly places his hand in Dakini's.

Dakini smiles at Kern, her expression losing its former irritation as her strong, slender fingers close lightly around his, "All right... now we have some peace and quiet." She grins upwards, "No squeaking inopportunely, Keesha, all right?"

Keesha sticks her tongue out, but is obediently quiet.

Dakini grins and returns the favor! then lowers her gaze to Kern again. She thinks a moment, then continues from where she was before, "...right. Okay. Kern, wolves are good citizens of their pack, and that's what socializes them to proper, non-bloodthirsty behavior. So... I am going to ask you a difficult thing, because trust freely offered is far stronger than any force." She pauses, making sure she has Kern's full attention, then says gently, "As a wolf, Kern... will you accept me as your alpha?"

Kern's eyes dart around in his socket, hesitating.

Dakini waits quietly and peacefully for Kern to either decide or ask more questions. There is no pressure or judgement in her eyes.

Kern's eyes snap back to face front, suddenly very tense. "Y-yes." he says, his jaw trembling.

Dakini pauses thoughtfully, then says slowly, "May I ask the reason behind your hesitation, Kern? If we are going to be, in effect, somewhat mentally intimate, I would like to be sure that we do not hurt each other accidentally?"

Kern sighs. "You know my story, Dakini. It's an instinctual thing after...you know...the idea of giving up my freedom to you just...strikes a bad chord. But...I believe you won't hurt me."

Dakini smiles, "Ah. Kern... you are not giving up your freedom to me. All you are doing is saying that as a wolf you will trust my opinion." She watches Kern quietly for a moment, and then the corners of her lips turn up slightly, "But... I recognize the honor you do me, Kern. Thank you."

Kern nods, slightly calmer.

Dakini smiles again, removing her shades and setting them casually aside, then brushing her red-gold hair back out of her face. Her movements are all slow, calming, quietly confident and non-threatening. Then she turns to face Kern again, "All right. Just look deeply into my eyes, and let me reach to the wolf in you, please? I will try to draw that forth in a calm and peaceful manner... and do not worry. If anything bad starts to happen, I'll just nudge the appropriate brain waves for you to go to sleep restfully for a while." She smiles again, reassuringly, her bright blue-green eyes steady.

Kern nods. "I think...I hope...all will be well. I was a wolf for a long time before I was a human. But...go and do as you will."

Kern's green eyes stare deep into Dakini's...

Dakini nods slowly, her head hardly moving... her eyes are wide, quiet, and calm, like a cool, peaceful pool that one could slowly slide into... forever...

Dakini slips gently into Kern's mind... she slides down their shared mental link, then steps off it lightly into wolf-mage's thought, looking around her curiously. Here, in thought, she's less an elven woman and more like a graceful, vaguely female shape, multicolored and winged like a butterfly... but the shape doesn't hold strongly -- there's almost a misty feel to her. She must see herself so.

Dryx arrives from Erythyn Street.

Kern and Dakini are sitting across a small table from each other. Dakini is holding one of Kern's hands gently in her own, and is staring with quiet calm at Kern. The mage's gaze is locked to hers, wide-eyed and still. Above them Keesha hangs silently, watching.

Dryx takes a few moments to assess the situation, before taking a careful seat toward the back.

Keesha nods silently to Dryx, shifting slightly to lay one long claw-finger across her lips for a moment.

Kern looks back at Dakini's spirit-self, a strange conglomeration...half of him human, half of him wolven...as if he was cut in half lengthwise in both forms and then stitched back together...and moreover, in the background, his shadow lurks, fully wolf, and yet also, darkly malevolent.

The spirit woman looks around thoughtfully... then floats with quiet assurance to the half-human, half wolf. She reaches out a gentle hand, cupping his cheek... her murmur isn't vocal, but is more the quietly reassuring sound an alpha makes to a nervous pack member, showing there is no harmful intent. As she leans forward to nuzzle the wolf side, her face elongates into a furred muzzle, and a red tongue gently licks his ear.

Kern makes a small murmur...

Kern's self-projection seems to respond to the gentle nuzzling, hurrring contentedly...even as his shadow snarls at the intrusion of Dakini into this deep part of Kern's psyche...

There is the subtle hint of something happening...Kern's hairless skin suddenly starts to slowly sprout gray hairs....his face elongating into this strange skin-muzzle...his ears getting pointed....

Fur ripples cleanly across the spirit-creature, like water poured across her, and the she-wolf raises her head, looking calmly over the Kern-self at the shadow. Her gaze is steady, confident, and unflinching... a silent challenge. She is the alpha here... by his choice. He is the split one... she challenges him to reunite himself.

The shadow rises from the ground, taking form and depth...becoming a dark figure that snarls again, gazing back at Dakini to meet the challenge...but in the end, it is the shadow that backs down, retreating from Dakini's gaze...

The she-wolf's head tilts, looking down at the shadow, and she waits with the infinite patience of a creature that lives only in the here-and-now of wolven-time. For all his darkness, for all his anger, this is her pack mate... he will approach eventually, or flee. It is the way of wolves... in the end, they are social animals.

Kern's fur thickens as he becomes more and more wolven....claws sprouting from his fingertips, his mouth elongating with his face, his teeth now a row of sparking white fangs, though mostly unbared....

Dakini is as quiet and still as before, her breathing calm and even... but her eyes are bright and glowing with a silent mesmerism.

Keesha watches quietly from her perch overhead, one clawhand tucked under her tunic.

Dryx just smiles, a cryptic little smile, and bows his head.

The shadow-wolf finally bows its head in silent, though sullen, submission...slowly losing cohesion and once again becoming nothing more than Kern's own shadow, but now seemingly without a life if its own. Kern's own projection is now become fully wolf

Kern slowly exhales as he gives himself fully over to the wolf, now finally returned to the form he grew up with...with thick gray fur and a wolfish smile playing about his jowls...yet still those intense green eyes...

The she-wolf watches quietly, neither triumphant nor angry... just herself. She leans her head down to gently nuzzle again at the ear of the wolf-mage, quietly reassuring him. All is well... he is safe and protected. He is with his pack. Then she turns, dark red-gold fur rippling as she moves, and leads her pack mate slowly... to the mental link, and out into the world...

Dakini slides smoothly off her chair, catching the big wolf easily in her arms as the hand in hers turns to a paw, and lowering him gently to the floor before he falls from the chair. Her gaze does not leave his for a second... she continues to look down at him as he is settled, in that quiet, calm intensity of the alpha with her trusted beta.

Kern-as-wolf follows willingly, seemingly entranced by this wolf with the fur like fire....like a bright sunset....

Kern makes a small, confused noise as he suddenly is pulled off the seat...and then also notices that he still has his shift hanging baggily on his now quadrupedal form. He grrrs and tries to get it off.

Keesha nods, to herself or perhaps to Dryx, and settles her wing-arms back to their usual spot. She watches carefully still, until Kern seems to be adjusted to the wolven form.

Dakini grins quietly, reaching to help him pull it off without tearing it. Her murmur is quiet, "Patience, my friend... lift that paw... there you go... better?" She smiles, sitting on the floor next to him, and pressing gently on his back to get him to settle down again.

Dryx settles back quietly, and folds his arms.

Dakini doesn't look away from Kern, but murmurs quietly, in a calm, low voice, "Keesha or Dryx, could one of you please bring me a large, strong honey mead?"

Keesha spreads her wings and drops over to the bar. "For you, or for him?"

Kern seems happier now that the useless piece of clothing is off of him...sitting as prompted but offering a playful bark to Dakini, as his mouth opens to deliver a wet lick to Dakini's face. His fine, bushy tail is wagging fiercely, now.

Dakini laughs, wrapping an arm loosely and companionably about Kern's furry neck, then simply nuzzles her face behind his ear, the same as the she-wolf did moments ago in his mind. Her face is a little damp with perspiration when he licks her -- mentally projecting unflappable calm is not a cake-walk! -but she beams proudly at Kern for a moment before she answers Keesha, "For me, please... maybe a water for him? He's working hard too, after all."

Kern tilts his head and barks again at Keesha, as if confirming her remark.

Keesha grins and gets the mug and a bowl of water from Talabrina. She carefully carries them back to the table and sets them down. "There you are."

Dakini carefully pulls them down to where they're both sitting on the floor, and sets the bowl in front of Kern. Then she takes her mug and gently clicks it against the bowl, "A toast... I knew you could do it, Kern. Better now?"

Dakini then drinks thirstily!

Dakini whews a moment later, and grins at Keesha, "Thanks."

Kern considers, and then bobs his head in a sort of wolfish nod...it may look a little silly, but clearly, although Kern has the form of a wolf, he's not familiar with how to really *communicate* as a wolf. he then drops his head and starts lapping up the water thirstily.

Dakini grins quietly at Kern, gently rubbing his ears as he laps, "We should have you and Hati hang out together for a bit... he can show you how to communicate more easily as a wolf."

Kern's ears twitch, and his tail slowly swishes side to side as he drinks. He clearly heard Dakini, and seems, in the vague way he can be in this form, interested.

Dakini sighs, leaning back a bit tiredly against the big wolf's body, then smiles and continues rubbing his ears gently. She looks up at the other two, "Thank you for staying... it was kind of you to be Kern's insurance that I did not slip something to him while he was distracted, and it's important that he not have to worry about trust or betrayal in situations like this."

Kern's ears swivel! at that and lifts his head, barking somewhat reprovingly at Dakini.

Keesha chirrips and pats her tunic again. "It was insurance for you, too. In case he lost control."

Dryx doesn't look up, and just waves a hand dismissively.

Dakini chuckles, "Kern... you may feel that way consciously... but it is the old atavistic fears we are dealing with here. It is no shame to realize that." She smiles at Keesha and Dryx, her demeanor both a bit weary, but also quietly touched that they'd be there for her too.

Keesha skrees, "The next question is, how do you get him back?"

Kern sighs wolfishly and bobs his head again in response, but immediately nuzzles Dakini with his muzzle, giving her another small lick.

Dakini smiles at Kern, one hand still slowly stroking down his furry back, then giggles as she gets slurped again. She wrinkles her nose, still grinning, and wipes her face with her free hand before she replies, "Well... that depends at least partly on him. If he's feeling all right, I'll take him home with me and he and Hati can spend some time together."

Kern wags his tail fiercely, seeming to like the idea.

Dakini smiles warmly, "Excellent. We'll worry about changing back when it's relevant then."

Dakini glances up at the others, "So... let's just relax for a bit, if you don't mind... that is a bit wearing, I fear." Her smile is wry, and then she adds, "What of interest has happened to the two of you tonight, if I may ask?"

Kern pants, his jaws wide in a wolfish smile. He then shakes his head briefly and padpadpads away from Dakini...walking over to the fire, he turns around and curls himself into a ball, watching Dakini with those green eyes.

Dakini oohs softly, "That is a better idea, Kern." She rises, only a tad tiredly, and settles herself comfortably against the big wolf.

Dryx says, "Nothing of interest."

Dakini sighs contentedly, lifting Kern's head gently into her lap and going back to rubbing his ears.

Dakini grins at the githyanki, and cheerfully says, "Now why'd I know you'd say that, mm?"

Dryx hms softly. "Perhaps I'm growing predictable in my old age."

Dakini chuckles softly, "Perhaps... perhaps not." She seems peacefully unperturbed at the heavily cloaked individual, smiling with quiet amusement at him.

Dryx tilts his chair back, crossing his legs, and nods his head.

Wrapped in the dusty trappings of a vagrant, this drifter holds himself with an unassuming air and a reserved posture, despite his six feet of height. His boots are dirty; the leather battered, the soles worn. His tunic has lost its sleeves, ragged and faded gray with age, use, and the dust of the highway, tucked into loose black breeches held by a simple, wide sash, knotted at the side. A dark gray traveling cloak falls over his narrow shoulders, and his gaunt arms are covered with tattered wrappings that partially cover his long fingers. What the frayed cloth does to hide his reedy frame, it cannot do for his other features; his skin is smooth and a pale yellow hue, his eyes long, almond-shaped, liquid and black. Dark rosette spots splash across his cheekbones and trail back across his temples, toward the narrow slash of straight black hair tied tightly back atop his head. His ears point delicately, tapering to fine serration at the back. Quietly, he draws his cloak more closely around himself and adjusts his hood, withdrawn and somehow weary-seeming.

The figure who's features have been caught by a glance appears to be that of an elf. From the high cheek bones beneath sun-kissed flesh, the pointed ears which pushes up through the golden mane of hair that washes in locks down to shoulders, and the slender physique of most elven kind suggests nothing but. Angled, yet handsome features lead the male's face. Wispy bangs drift over a pair of glasses over the elf's face. Though, the lenses are of a black tint, seeming to be crafted of pure obsidian, so much that one can not see through the other side. This might suggest that the figure's eyes are not for viewing, either from an onlooker's perception, or for seeing all together. The visage most commonly seen on the elf is a slight stoic, blank expression, though a smile is not uncommon to touch his lips. From the soles of his feet to the top of his head, the elf stands five foot, three inches, with his face framed by a hood of a sable shaded wool cloak, thick for the wintry weather, and the wisps of blonde hair beneath the shade of the hood. Held tight around his neck by a tied cord, the cloak flows down to cover his form. Though, with an arm usually held out, clutching a cane of well-crafted wood, and the elf's movements cause the flap to open, revealing the body beneath. A tunic of earthen brown stretches across the slender but healthy torso. The tunic ends at upper thighs, overlapping breeches of dense cloth, colored a slate charcoal. His cloak ends to brush along the tops of dark brown leather boots.

Dryx sits at a far corner table, his chair propped against the wall, head down, arms folded. A half-empty cup of water perches on the table next to him.

Xarlen is sitting to the left of the door along the wall, enjoying a near finished dinner of Rothe, vegetables, and a cup of honeywine.

Cynergy rushes into the room at the end of dusk, seeming not carefree, but nor does she seem as upset as she has been. Not even yet looking around she makes her way right to the bar, where Talabrina, upon seeing her, already starts to pour a flute of Elverquisst. But Cynergy's hand stays her further, "Brina, Vendui'... but I need much more than one glass, and I need that to take away. I'm meeting a friend in the park..."

Xarlen chuckles softly toward Cynergy. "I'm over here, fair Cynergy. You needn't rush," He chides, and takes the last bit of his dinner.

Safix arrives from Erythyn Street.

Safix slips into the room via the front door and looks around.

Cynergy blinks, looking over at the sound of the voice, first seeing Dryx, then Xarlen. She smiles faintly to both, nodding to Dryx, and begins crossing over to Xarlen's table.

Safix stands a shade under 5 feet tall. Her clean skin is deep golden, against which her arched white eyebrows and thick lashes stand in sharp contrast. Her shaggy white hair falls manelike around her face to touch her shoulders at the longest points, and the sides are tucked behind her delicately pointed ears, revealing three small, slim silver rings piercing the lower part of each, and a fourth ring at each tip. Green eyes with a narrow circle of red around each pupil look back at you from her triangular, sharp-featured face. She's wearing a dark red tunic today, loosely belted with black cloth, over tight black pants tucked into black leather boots laced to the knee. A simple band of silver chainmail circles her throat.

Cynergy says, "Good evening, gentlemen."

Safix nods briefly to Dryx and Xarlen, then sees Cynergy and smiles.

Safix calls softly, "Evening, Cyn!"

Cynergy sees some patrons' eyes go to the door, where she hears it open to admit another as well. She looks over her shoulder, and seeing Safix, abandon's her path and goes to hug her friend. "Hi there Saf!"

Dryx doesn't look up. He reaches out and picks up his cup, sipping quietly.

Xarlen smiles toward Cynergy. "Well," he replies, taking a sip of his honeywine, "I am glad that you seem in a hurry to meet me...though I do believe I'm wearing off on you.

Safix looks a little startled, but smiles and hugs Cynergy back, looking shy but pleased.

Safix says, "Good to see you again, Cyn! How've you been?"

Xarlen's sitting adjacent to the door to the left, drinking wine against the wall.

Cynergy ;nods, "Cyn has been to space and returned."

Cynergy smiles, stepping back from Saf, almost looking shy herself, realizing she just went with an instinct instead of thinking. She doesn't even have time to think about it though, looking as if she just missed a beat, and is backpedaling. Whom to answer first? She looks to Xarlen, "Wearing off on me?" she then nods to Saf, "I've been better. Well rested now."

Xarlen nods his head toward the elf woman. "Yes, you're not looking." He replies with a grin.

Cynergy seems more than confused now... "Not looking at what?"

Safix looks slightly concerned, but nods to Cyn. "Rested is good. Care to have dinner with me? I'm on my way to order, if you want me to tell 'Brina what you want."

Xarlen waves a hand dismissively. "Never you mind, the jest was lost."

Cynergy motions to Xarlen and looks as if she would answer both, but closes her mouth. "Oh, lost like me then." She looks to Saf. "I can't say I feel hungry, but thank you for the invitation. I can stay with you a while during you mean though. Harlequin and I are to go for a walk this night."

Safix smiles. "I'd love the company, then. Are we all sitting together?"

Xarlen nods his head, smiling faintly. "Let not me burden you with your friends, Cynergy. I am patient...but-" He pauses at Safix' question, and as well waits for the answer. "I wouldn't mind."

Dryx drinks quietly, and sets his cup on the table next to him. He brushes something away from his eyes, and bows his head again.

Cynergy looks over to Dryx, whom at the moment is obviously awake to her. Feeling courageous she calls over softly to him, "Dryx, would it please you to join us?"

Safix walks to the bar to order. She smiles quietly, hearing Cynergy address Dryx, and listens curiously for the answer.

Dryx raises his head softly. "Thank you, but I prefer to remain seated here. If you wish to speak to me, though, feel free. I'll be listening."

Xarlen starts to draw up from his chair. "A preferred place to sit, lady Cynergy?" He calls toward the elf.

Cynergy nods to Dryx, not surprised, but certainly not as uncomfortable looking as she has been in the past with some of his less verbal responses. She offers him a small smile and turns to take a seat with Xarlen, "Your table is fine." she looks over to Saf, trying to catch what she's ordering.

Safix meanders over to join Xarlen and Cynergy. She turns a chair around and sits down backwards in it, resting her forearms on the back, and tilts her head.

Xarlen smiles faintly. "It's appreciated," He replies, and settles back into his chair. Taking up the honeywine, sipping faintly, he shakes his head. "It is nice, but...tis not Elverquisst."

Safix chuckles, "I don't know what you guys see in that stuff... a drink is just a drink. You'll have me thinking you're all Elverquisst vampires."

Cynergy blinks at Saf, then raises a brow as she looks at Xarlen. "More for us."

Xarlen nods his head. "True... But, next she'll be saying that a forest is simply a piece of land with plants."

Talabrina arrives in time to hear the last comments as she sets a flute of Elverquisst down in front of Xarlen, then Cynergy, then unloads Saf's plate of rothe surprise and a mug of cider. She smiles as she walks away.

Cynergy smirks at that, thinking indeed that might be the next comment. She looks at Dryx, curious, "Dryx, do you have an opinion, any words of wisdom on all of it?"

Safix grins. "I'm having a random night. I hope you don't mind that I bought you drinks without asking what you wanted."

Dryx doesn't raises his head. "On drinks? I prefer water. I'd rather a clear head."

Xarlen says, "Or, unwords, more likely." He quickly, yet respectively, downs the rest of the honeywine, then takes up his flute, sipping the first drop, letting loose a faint Mm. "Pure Ambrosia."

Cynergy shakes her head to Saf, "It's my favorite, I never mind it. Thank you." she grins and nods to Dryx, and is about to reply, but takes a look at Xarlen once he takes his first taste and laughs softly.

Safix murmurs softly, "I'd rather a good kiss any day, m'self," and sips cider to cover a grin.

Xarlen turns his head toward Cynergy, but can't help grin himself. "Well, so would I, but you accept what you can receive, hm?"

Cynergy raises a brow, looking over at Saf, then Xarlen, a devilish glint in her eyes suddenly, "Well, this settles it. You two should be kissing each other. And Dryx and I shall drink water."

Safix laughs, and says to Xarlen, "Too true. I probably should have ordered Elverquisst myself to compensate for the lack."

Safix does an amazingly accurate impression of someone trying to inhale cider, at Cyn's comment.

Xarlen's brow arches behind his glasses. "Well, that Is a thought." He hears Safix and a bubble of laughter nearly escapes. "It -does- fill a gap."

Cynergy sits back and suddenly grins wickedly at Dryx, at the moment not caring if he's enjoying this one iota of how much she is.

Dryx doesn't give any indication as to whether he's even paying attention. He sips his water quietly.

Safix eventually stops coughing enough to say rather flatly, "Amusing." She doesn't smile, and quietly applies herself to dinner.

Xarlen hmphs, turning his torso away from Safix, as if insulted.

Safix looks at her plate as she eats, without seeming to notice Harlequin's reaction or care.

Xarlen smirks to himself, turning about naturally, sipping. "So, Cynergy, how's the day found you?"

Cynergy composes herself and sighs, "I'm sorry, that wasn't nice of me at all. I hope you'll all forgive my lack of tact."

Cynergy nods to Xarlen, speaking markedly with more reserve and care for her words, her mood somewhat dampened. "It wasn't bad. I trained most of the day, so it was uneventful."

Safix says quietly, "S'ok, Cyn," without looking up. She makes a face and manages a weak smile. "Sorry. I have weird buttons."

Xarlen smiles faintly. "I don't mind, my dear; I can't speak for lady Safix here but, I'm comfortable with a bit of tactlessness." Head canting, "Trained? For?"

Safix looks more interested and waits to hear what the training might have involved.

Cynergy nods, thanking Safix softly. she gives Xarlen a grateful look, but then looks most exasperated with herself as she's sure he can't even see it. "Oh, endurance exercises to increase and maintain stamina, a bit of weapons work, and two hours of studies in magics. If I'm not on top of things, the EIN suffers ultimately, for my incompetence."

Xarlen nods his head, considering that for a moment, taking another draw of his cup. "EIN? I've not heard of that reference before. Are you an EIF officer?"

Cynergy nods, explaining to Xarlen, "I'm a Captain in the Elven Imperial Navy.. the Fleet."

Xarlen ahs. "Skilled in fighting and magics? Interesting. I'd have to see your wizardly skills."

Cynergy waves a hand, "I'm nothing as wonderful as Kern, certain, nowhere even close. I only have adequate training."

Safix smiles. "Seems like everybody's magical around here but me. I feel almost left out." Her tone is once again light.

Dryx rises slowly and pads to the bar with his cup, waiting to catch the attention of the barkeep.

Xarlen considers a moment. "Kern surpasses me, as well...but I wouldn't mind taking a look at you, still; good to know the competition."

Safix chuckles softly. "Is there a talent contest going on? I want to watch. I had no idea you guys held regular competitions."

Dryx makes a softly grating sound; a low chuckle.

Xarlen replies with a bit of displeasure, "Not yet."

Safix grins, good spirits restored, and enjoys her cider.

Cynergy stays relatively quiet, her own spirits yet to rebound from the disaster of a joke she made earlier. "I'm sure I'm no match for much of anyone. I only seek to maintain my skills. My training is quite over."

Xarlen tips his head, smiling faintly toward Cynergy. "So, you seem excited about our walk... It's pleasing to know such a simple thing has you hurrying about."

Cynergy nods, looking sheepish, but glad Xarlen can't see her expression, "Well, I did think I was late to meet you, after all. Not to say I'm not looking forward to it.."

Safix smiles at Cynergy, sheepishly aware she helped destroy the nice elf's good mood. "Oh, I'm sure you're underrating yourself. I doubt they let just anybody wear such lovely robes without earning it."

Talabrina brings the cloaked man a carafe of water. He pays for his drink and returns to the corner.

Cynergy blushes now, deeply, and smiles a little at Safix. "I.. oh, these robes aren't given me by anyone in particular. Rather they're my own."

Xarlen draws a sip from the glass, sighing with contentment. "So we plan on departing after Safix finishes her dinner, yes?" He grows slightly quiet, reclining back into his chair.

Cynergy nods to Xarlen, "We'll go as soon as you wish to, M'lord. I mean not to keep you from other plans you might have."

Safix smiles to Cynergy, "Well, then I suppose you get extra praise for having excellent taste. Now, quit fishing for compliments!" Her tone is light and would be difficult to take harshly.

Xarlen grins faintly. "We've already discerned she has good taste. Look at her drink," He offers as a playful barb to Safix.

Safix says, "Oh, don't let me keep you from your walk-- I've survived many a night with no company at all."

Safix smiles.

Xarlen's hand drifts below the table a moment as he takes another draw of liquid. "Indeed, I know the feeling," He replies after a moment.

Safix says with an almost straight face, "And I'm sure that makes her very tasteful, yes."

Xarlen nods his head, chuckling. "Well, I would have to say I enjoy her taste; they have many matches." A quick smile in the elf's direction, before hand lifts up, tapping the table.

Cynergy smiles lightly to Safix, acting as if reprimanded well by her, feigning sheepishness this time. She's reservedly playful still, but not seeming as down as before. At both of their mentions of lacking company, she lets it pass, but nods as if accepting yet another gracious compliment from Safix. "Thank you, I try, at the least, to look and act the part of a Lady. Only sometimes do I succeed and fool others." Did she miss the possible sexual reference? Probably not. Did she want them to think so? Indeed.

Dryx takes a long drink, nodding quietly in the corner. Not sure how much more of this I can take...

Xarlen seems oblivious to the whole suggestiveness, but nonetheless tips his head to Cynergy. "You are skilled in blade and spell," He comments, "As well as an officer. I'm learning new things every moment; tell me, is there anything else you've got a rather good talent with?"

Dryx bows his head again, leaning away from his table and propping his chair against the wall. A blind man could see these innuendoes coming...

Safix smiles at Cyn, saying shyly, "I wish I had your taste in clothing. I've never been elegant."

Cynergy smiles faintly at Safix, shaking her head, "You flatter me, thank you. I can't say I have any advice for being elegant. I certainly don't feel very elegant."

Safix shakes her head sincerely, disagreeing. "You are. But it's probably one of those things that comes without thought, so I guess I'll have to live without the advice." She's completely innocent of innuendo, merely stating it as fact.

Safix finishes dinner and smiles a bit absently at Cynergy and Xarlen as she stands, her mind clearly elsewhere, as perhaps it's been all evening. "Have a good walk." She nods to Dryx in his corner as she moves... "Good evening, Dryx."

Cynergy grins a little at Saf, "Well, I always try to be conscious of the feelings of others... no matter how bad I blunder sometimes..."

Dryx nods softly and rises. "Safix." He gathers his cloak up around him and moves toward the door. "Three's a crowd," he murmurs.

Cynergy blinks as Saf stands, and nods to her. "Take care of yourself Saf, it was good seeing you.

Safix' mouth twists wryly as she nods to Cyn. "I try too, but I'm afraid I wasn't paying much attention to anything outside my head tonight. Sorry. You take care too."

Xarlen looks surprised for a faint moment, but the mask of his expressions swallows it up in hiding. "Goodnight, Safix," He calls. Turning toward Cynergy, "Shall we retire to the park, then, lady?"

Safix gives Dryx a thoughtful look as she leaves.

Safix leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Cynergy watches Safix leave with a soft smile, then looks to Dryx. She's most just watching all of them, staying quiet, but softly speaks to Xarlen, "Yes, if you'd like to go...."

Dryx leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Xarlen draws up from his chair, taking the cane up. "I'd be delighted to, lady Cynergy." He replies softly, a smile coming to his lips. "Long has it been since I've been content with simply sending time with another. Please, let us grab a bottle and head out?"

Cynergy nods, rising as well and crossing to the bar to retrieve what Talabrina hands her. A small basket, which is slipped up onto Cynergy's forearm. "We're all set I think. To our tree then?" She comes to be by your side, and waits to see how she's to walk with you.

Xarlen nods. "To the tree," he replies, and readies to make his way out into the street, but halts, holding out his arm, offering the crook of an elbow for you to take.

Cynergy slips to your side once you stop, and lightly holds your arm, waiting for you to move again, out of the Wandering Path.

Xarlen offers to carry Cynergy with him.

Cynergy scrambles up on Xarlen.

Xarlen nods his head, and starts toward the door, cane absently tapping upon the ground before him.

Xarlen leaves the bar, heading back out onto Erythyn Street.

Alois is sitting quietly by the fire with an empty glass of wine in his hands, staring into the fire.

Safix slips quietly into the Path and looks around to see who's here.

Dryx sits silently in the corner, as usual, his chair leaned against the wall and a cup of water at table.

Dermott has entered not long before, hanging his cloak by the door. He blinks a little as Safix enters, and smiles a little but warmly to her, nodding politely.

The door to the 'Path does not quite close...there is the sound of it being opened a little wider in the wake of Safix' entry...and a moment later, a large timber wolf padpadpads in. He surveys the quiet tavern with strangely intelligent green eyes.

Safix nods politely to Dryx, and smiles to Dermott. "Evening." She whirls at the wolf entering so close behind her, and stands facing him.

Dryx doesn't make reply, except to nod softly and pick up his water.

The wolf sits on his haunches faced with the surprised Safix and barks at her in greeting, cutely offering a paw to shake.

Safix stares at the wolf for a moment, then shrugs and takes the offered paw. "Good evening, sir wolf."

Safix shakes the paw gently and releases it.

Alois very nearly drops his glass at the bark, startled out of his near-meditative state in front of the fire..

Dermott blinks quietly to the wolf who enters, flicking his ears.

The wolf seems to make a happy little growl, and then moves past Safix, brushing up against her as he does so. He makes his way to the astonished Alois and sits again, his tongue lolling out in a wolfish amused smile.

Xarlen arrives from Erythyn Street.

Dermott blinks at the wolf as it pads in. "Uhm... Alois? A friend of yours?"

Safix eyes the timber wolf thoughtfully as he passes, then shrugs faintly again and follows him slowly over to Alois. "Vendui, Alois. You two know each other?

Xarlen slips inside, the faint tap of his cane caressing the floorboards. As accustomed, Xarlen starts moving toward the left, just inside the door, and finds his normal spot to enjoy the evening, settling into his chair.

Alois says, "Vendui', Safix.. I don't.. think I know the wolf."

Safix stands back a little, in case the wolf proves not as friendly as he seems... she points out with a tiny smile, "He seems to think he knows you."

The wolf tilts his head, staring intently at Alois as he reels his tongue back in.

Alois looks at the wolf.. "No.. I don't know this wolf.. He's kind of scrawny and mangy."

The wolf barks reproachfully.

Safix starts grinning from her position behind the wolf, and raises a hand to her mouth to hide it.

Alois says, "And opinionated.."

Dryx sips his water quietly. The irony, he thinks dryly. I can hardly stand it.

Dermott says wryly, as he approaches the table. "He doesn't seem to agree with your assessment...."

Safix says innocently to Alois, "I didn't know any of your relatives were wolves."

The wolf, somehow, manages to roll his eyes and starts itching the side of his neck disdainfully with a rear paw.

Xarlen chuckles faintly, from his spot. "I might be wrong," He calls out, "But I have an inkling of who it might be."

Alois grins at Safix, "My brothers wife.. but she's not scrawny or mangy."

The wolf moves to the hearth, turning around a couple of times and settling into a ball by the fire, sighing.

Safix grins quietly at Alois. "Mind if I join you too, though I'm not furry, or a relative?"

Alois says, "Certainly Safix.."

Alois looks over at the fire, "Kern.. now that I'm done teasing you.. would you like a steak?"

Kern snorts, but tilts his head thoughtfully, and then barks an affirmative.

Xarlen ahs, chuckling. "You Do know," He nods his head to something. "Speaking of which, Alois," Calls the elf, "I've been trying to get hold of your brother. He is a rather slippery one to pin down."

Alois chuckles at Harlequin, "You have no idea..."

You see before you a good sized timber wolf, about three feet at the shoulder. His thick fur is a light gray, with white highlights on chest, belly, and tail. He seems to be in good shape, with strong, wiry flanks and hindquarters and a broad chest. His tail is long and bushy, and he looks at you with intense green eyes. He tilts his head briefly, watching you with those intelligent eyes, before lolling his tongue out in a wolfish smile and offering a bark of greeting.

Talabrina brings a steak over for the wolf by the fire, setting it down in front of him.

Xarlen mmhms. "Could you let the Governor know I'm needing to have some words with him?"

Kern wags his tail at Talabrina, and starts gingerly in on his steak.

Alois nods at Xarlen, "Aye..I'll let him know."

Dermott blinks, looking to the wolf, then back to Alois. "That's... Kern?"

Xarlen says, "My appreciation, Alois."

Alois turns to Safix, "How have you been?"

Alois grins at Dermott, "If it's not, I'm feeding a stray.."

Dermott laughs, "Judging by his reactions, it probably is. How...?"

Safix moves to sit by the fire. She smiles at Alois. "Busy... I've been helping at the hospital with the wounded all week."

Alois grins at Dermott and shrugs. "Mine is not to question why. Mine is only to tease when it occurs."

Alois says, "How are they doing?"

Dermott laughs quietly, then sobers immediately at Safix' words, looking to her.

Prism says, "He *is* a lycanthrope, Corsair. However, he has Dakini to thank for his present form." The cat is suddenly there, standing on top of Kern's high-backed chair.

Dermott blinks, looking at the cat, then says wryly, "You've the skill of the Cheshire, Sir. Dakini? What does she have to do with Kern being like this?"

Safix giggles at Alois' comment to Dermott and curls her legs under her before answering. "Well enough that I'm not needed there. Eimi's brilliant, and Tinuviel's been there too... I'm just a willing set of hands."

Safix blinks at Prism.

Alois smiles at Safix' praise of Eimi.

Prism sniffs disdainfully. "Something about getting in touch with his inner wolf, I suppose. Kern hasn't changed back for a couple days now, so I don't exactly have the whole story."

Safix can't resist turning to Kern the wolf and saying, "Cat got your tongue?" To do her justice, she does look faintly ashamed afterward.

Dryx actually winces, in his corner.

Dermott blinks to the cat, and folds his arms. "Odd...." He blinks to Safix, and tries, really hard, not to groan out loud, managing a bit of a smile.

Kern just stares reproachfully at Safix. Then he nudges her hand with his muzzle, seeming to ask for pets.

Alois snickers.

Dermott looks back to Kern. "He seems awfully domesticated for a wolf," he says with a grin.

Safix grins and obliges the wolf with scratching behind the ears.

Kern makes happy noises.

Prism says, "Kern's never been a *real* wolf. Whatever his outside form, he is still wholly human."

Prism curls up on Kern's chair, taking possession of it.

Xarlen tips his head, regarding Prism's direction. "And you are...?"

Safix says, "Hullo, Prism. Didn't mean to ignore you. Why do you say that? He looks all wolf to me."

Prism licks his paw. "To the first question, Kern would call me his familiar, a gift from his...father. I call myself a free agent. To the second...Kern has no wolfish instincts to speak of."

Safix looks interested. "So the form doesn't cause any changes to the mind?"

Kern nuzzles Safix' hand again.

Dermott grins slightly to Safix' question, and wonders at her reaction to the answer...

Prism sniffs. "You'd have to ask him that to be sure. But my guess is, no. No wolf has been acting as silly as he has. They're usually far more reserved."

Safix realizes she stopped petting, and resumes scritching Kern's ears and neck.

Safix grins. "This, from a cat who ate salmon from my fingers at our first meeting?"

Xarlen smirks himself. "Yet you have the 'being a cat' down pat, it seems."

Dermott tries to wonder if there's some sort of compliment in Prism's statement. He decides not to call attention to his being a wolf; that would just encourage Prism to make a comment.

"You make a point, Gold Elf." Prism says, his tail twitching. "But everyone has to remember that I'm not exactly a cat, either. This is just the form I chose to take. And...it amuses me to act like a cat."

"Besides," Prism adds. "I like salmon."

Xarlen nods his head, at that. "So you're naturally aloof and arrogant." A faint grin. "You would make a good gold elf, it seems."

Alois laughs!

Prism arches what passes for a cat's eyebrow. "My. A gold with a sense of humor. Will wonders never cease."

Safix gives Prism a curious look. "You could be an elf or a wolf if you wanted to, instead?" She starts laughing at Xarlen's comment and has to stop petting for a moment.

Gala'madred arrives from the back room.

Gala'madred slips quietly into the tavern, from the guarded door to the back storeroom.

Prism shrugs. Or at least, that's what it looks like. "I'm Chaos personified, Safix. I can be whatever I want. I just choose this form for...flexibility.

Dermott looks up to the doorway, and nods, smiling. "Good evening, Governor...."

Xarlen almost mimics the cat, a golden brow rising from behind his lenses. "And a cynical cat. No wonder you're working with Kern; you two are nearly alike."

Gala'madred smiles. "Ah, my favorite Captain... How fare?"

Dermott says, "Fairly well, thank you, sir! And yourself?"

Prism says, "Hmm. One wonders if that was intended to be an insult..."

Xarlen shrugs, himself. "That depends on your take of Kern, wouldn't it?"

Xarlen turns toward the sound of Dred's voice. "Governor."

Kern barks at Prism, not quite growling, but displeased.

Safix says, trying not to start laughing again, "Oh. Thank you, Prism. It's nice to know Chaos can be flexible." She turns to Alois. "I think I need a drink. Want anything while I'm up?"

Alois says, "Can you get me another Alurlyath, please, Safix?"

Safix grins at Alois. "Sure. Will anything bad happen if I say it wrong when I'm trying to tell 'Brina what I want?"

Xarlen chimes in, "The Djinn in the bottle may seep out and waggle his finger at you."

Alois says, "Well.. 'Brina might kill you, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.."

Alois winks at Safix.

Prism chuckles. "Don't try to order darkwine. One wrong syllable, and you'll be asking for a handful of snakes."

Safix grins brightly at Alois. "Oh, well. That's not too bad, then. I'll be right back."

Dermott glances to Alois. "Oh, and she hasn't done that for... what, a few months, now?"

Gala'madred says, "Make that two please, Safix."

Xarlen clears his throat. "Governor?"

Gala'madred nods politely to Xarlen and makes a welcoming gesture.

Safix nods to Gala'madred. "Oh, hello. All right." She heads off to the bar without a backward glance.

Gala'madred says, "Yes, Harlequin?"

Xarlen seems oblivious to the gesture. "When time is friendly, I would care to have some words with you, Governor."

Gala'madred looks around the bar...

Kern barks at Gala'maDred.

Gala'madred nods to Xarlen. "Indeed, Harlequin, I believe I do indeed have time. Give me a moment.

Xarlen clears his throat a moment more. "Where eyes nor ears find themselves observing."

Gala'madred gives the stranger a slow look over, and upon hearing the bark, he turns to look at the wolf. He smiles and says something back in a sylvan dialect, then turns to Talabrina and orders a large filet of raw venison.

Prism yawns, "You know, you're a rotten conversationalist in this form, Kern. Why don't you use some of your vaunted magic to allow you to talk like a normal person?"

Safix returns, balancing two Alurlyaths and a mug of hard cider on a tray. She hands the tray to Gala'madred and takes her cider and one Alurlyath away to hand to Alois as she goes back to her seat by the fire.

Kern sniffs and tilts his head up, looking slightly lofty.

Dermott blinks at the cat. If this is what a familiar is like... I'm glad I never got that parrot on my shoul- wait, I did have a parrot. Well, I didn't -have- him, he was crew. Damn, I miss those days. Shaking himself from his reverie, he looks between Prism and the cat. "Well, if the point is to 'get in touch with animal roots,' then that might be defeated by him talking as usual." As soon as he says it, he regrets it; he knows the cat is going to be all over it. Cats and dogs, after all....

Gala'madred takes his glass of wine and sits down across from Alois. "Thank you," he says politely to Safix. He smiles.

Dryx drinks quietly, propping his chair against the wall.

Prism starts to reply, and then stops. He starts to talk again, and then stops again. Why he's pausing is not clear. He finally grudgingly says, "You may be right. I just think he should be acting like a real wolf and not some kind of lapdog."

Gala'madred sips his wine, leaning back casually in his chair. When Talabrina brings him the raw deer filet, he sets the plate down on the floor by his chair, and whistles to Kern.

Kern gets up and padpadpads over to Gala'maDred. He bobs his head in a kind of thankful nod and carefully starts eating the meat.

Gala'madred says, "So... Harlequin, what is it you want to speak to me about?"

Safix nods politely back to Gala'madred from her seat beside Alois, and quietly sips her cider.

Dermott blinks to Prism, more that he's surprised at the cat's relatively mild answer. He's not going to make an issue of it, at any rate!

Xarlen tips his head to the Governor. "For no other ears, Governor."

Gala'madred ruffles Kern's ears, then turns back to look across his table. He looks into the shadows hiding his brother's eyes for a few long moments, then sips his wine, and studies Safix instead.

Kern seems to tolerate the Governor's skritchings as he eats his second steak of the evening...

Gala'madred frowns. "Captain Dermott sits on the Council of Captains. Kern is a respected member of the mage's guild.. Why should they leave?"

Safix fidgets slightly at the scrutiny, but looks calmly back at Gala'madred.

Dermott's ears perk a little, and flicker slightly.

Keesha flits through the doorway and flutters to her usual perch. "Evening."

Dermott looks up to the ceiling, and smiles, "Hello, madame!"

Xarlen's expression, normally hidden behind casualness, twists. "Because it's about Bussiness, among other things, Governor. When you have the time to give; if you wish to stay, I do not request for now."

Kern barks at Keesha in greeting!

Safix smiles and waves to the bat. "Hi, Keesha!"

Keesha skrees, "Hi, yourself, Dermott. Since when am I a madame?"

Dermott grins softly, "Sorry... an old habit I'm a bit loathe to break. 'Captain' would probably be far more appropriate, actually."

Safix tries not to choke on her cider. She lowers the mug and glares mildly at Keesha. "Was that really necessary?"

Keesha gives Safix her best innocent look. "Why are you looking at me? He said it..."

Dermott blinks, looking between Keesha and Safix. "Uhm... I'm sorry, was it something I said...?"

Keesha winks at Safix. "How about that... an innocent pirate."

Kern makes a noise that sounds like a wheezing chuckle.

Safix can't hold the glare, and grins lightly. "Not really, Dermott. Keesha's just wicked." Her expression makes it clear the comment holds nothing but lightness.

Safix winks at Keesha, "Well, if I'm ever looking for work, I guess I'll come to you now that I know."

Dermott blinks in honest bewilderment at Keesha. "'Innocent?' Oh, wait...." He blinks, then sighs, bemused. "It was the 'madame' bit, wasn't it? I'm sorry, Captain, they used to call that particular profession 'matron of the house' back in the Colonies, not 'madam.'"

Prism looks disgustedly at Kern. "What's next, trying to sing?"

Keesha sighs melodramatically. "But... no offense, Safix, but just look at you. No ears to speak of, bare skin, no wings at all... tsk, tsk... I'm afraid my best customers wouldn't like you..."

Kern wiggles his ears and lets out with a caterwauling howl to some twisted melody...

Prism folds his ears down. "Me and my big mouth..."

Keesha grins at Dermott. "Ah.. a misplaced idiom, and I take it badly. Mea culpa."

Safix giggles to Keesha and tries to look crestfallen. "You're right. I shouldn't try to rise above my natural limitations. I'd make a dreadful whore."

Dermott cringes at Kern's howling then, almost going cross-eyed and all of his hackles raising. "Yaaaah...!"

Keesha blinks. "Well, you'd make a dreadful bat, anyway."

Kern stops, whining as he realizes he's disturbing Dermott.

Safix winces at the noise... "Oof. Maybe we should go howl at the sky sometime when we're not indoors, Kern? I like to, as well..." She nods to Keesha. "Bat's right. Er. That's right, I mean."

Dermott takes a few moments to settle his frazzled nerves, reaching up to smooth down his fur. "Ah... well... uhm...," he stammers a bit, "he got the Howl of the Thanes down remarkably accurately...."

Xarlen shakes his head silently. "And I must rely on my ears. Thank you, so much, Kern."

Keesha skrees, "And jokes aside, Safix, you... eeee." She clears her throat. "As I was saying, you've got much more unique talents than that one.""

Kern whines and puts his paws over his muzzle.

Dermott coughs slightly, and smiles to Kern. "It's all right, old friend," he says to the wolf. "Just that particular tone and resonance... sort of like fingernails on chalkboards for humans. The elders say that the Thanes, the sons of the MacFenri, bayed that particular howl when they pursued the dire wolves across the Nine Worlds. It's ingrained in our psyche, now. Heh, or that, at least, is the story. It sounds so much better than, 'it rattles our back teeth.'"

Dermott says, "Or at least, that's how it is for the particular group of wolves I hail from."

Kern chirps questioningly, and then growls, remembering he can't really ask specific questions in this form.

Keesha grins at Dermott. "It wasn't that bad. You should hear a Keero warcry sometime."

Dermott grins up to Keesha. "I hope, Captain, that I might never be on the receiving end of that! Above and beyond the fact that any glass surrounding the object, or rather target, of said warcry, would be neatly shattered.

Keesha chuckles. "Nonsense. Glass resonates much lower frequency than that."

"Lower?" Dermott grins. "I'm curious, now, Captain. And your people must be most remarkable singers."

Xarlen resists the urge to make a comment, and sits quietly at his spot.

Keesha sighs. "We are. What you call singing is a pale shadow of what we do. Singing for us is painting pictures with sound, interweaving panoramas and murals... no one else can even hear it. Well, except whales and dolphins."

Xarlen tips his head. "Intriguing."

Kern goes over and sits by the fire, closing his eyes.

Dermott nods quietly. "I see. You still retain your echolocation. Some septs of bats back in my home have lost that."

Keesha skrees, "We can. Makes up for not seeing all that well."

Dermott nods quietly, grinning. "I can only imagine what such experiences must be like for you, Captain.

Dermott stands, sighing a bit. "I'm afraid, however, I must needs retire for the evening. I need to check in on the Misery, then to sleep...."

Keesha skrees, "To sleep, perchance to dream..."

Xarlen says, "To live, perchance to die."

Dermott grins to Keesha. "'Ay, there's the rub. For in that sleep... what dreams may come....' Well... Hamlet did it a lot more morosely....

Keesha skrees, "Hamlet's picture is in the dictionary under 'morose'."

Dermott glances to Xarlen, curiously, his ears flicking slightly and thoughtfully. He turns back to Keesha, and nods wryly. "That's certainly true, Captain.

"And now, a good night to you all...."

Keesha waves a wing. "Goodnight, then. Later!"

Dermott heads to the door, and takes up his cloak from the hook. He drapes it across his shoulders, and slips out into the night, humming faintly under his breath.

[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]

Last modified: 2001-Mar-24 21:20:14

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2001-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster