Oloth -- Logs

Kern says, "Well, rest is required, first of all. Then, proper spell memorization and/or meditation to let the Weave into your body. That, of course, is if one is a mage. In Safix' case, it is a littler different, I suspect."

Safix continues, "After you left that time in the Tower, we got me off the ground and then I practiced flying with Keesha for awhile, and once I'm up, it's really easy! And fun..."

Kern says, "Enchantments typically have...limitations. Such as a limited number of uses, or hours of usage, after which it recharges itself through time and rest."

Kern arches an eyebrow. "Really. I'm sorry to have missed it."

Keesha chirrips. "She's even slower and more maneuverable than I am. Rather startling, really."

Safix says, "I went to bed shortly thereafter... well, after a little more flying... and when I woke up, I had the worst hangover I've ever had, I looked like I'd lost weight, and I hadn't been drinking at all, I swear."

Kern scratches his chin. "Interesting."

Safix says, "But I was ravenous."

Keesha skrees, "Sounds like dehydration. Might be you should make a point of drinking before you go to sleep."

Kern says, "I would concur, myself. However that is not a normal side-effect of spell casting, let alone personal enchantments."

Safix nods, dubiously... "Might be a good idea... but I was hungry when I woke, not thirsty as much."

Keesha skrees, "The hangover is a dehydration effect. Food and liquid both, perhaps. And not alcohol, either."

Kern hmmms. "Exhaustion is common with this sort of thing.. but not hunger. This is worrisome. It might almost seem like the spell feeds off your personal energy."

Safix blinks. "So... the weight loss... because it ate me, as energy?"

Safix doesn't look entirely surprised by this idea.

Keesha nods. "Seems likely, with those effects. Not that it ate you, more like you'd lose weight if you'd been running hard for the same energy expenditure. Flying is hard work if you're doing it off your own reserves."

Kern says, "Well, I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions, but it had all the earmarks of that, yes."

Kern says, "I don't care for such spells myself. Such magic does exist however...Alois even has a flitter with a special kind of helm that feels of personal energy, as he is not a mage. Those kinds of helms are illegal, however."

Safix looks mildly cheered. "So... I can have ALL the dessert I want. This isn't so bad."

Safix says, "I wonder if it's safe to experiment..."

Safix blinks at Kern. "That sort of thing is illegal? Why? It makes sense, if you aren't a mage, doesn't it?"

Keesha skrees, "If you find yourself tiring, I'd advise resting immediately. You don't know what the delay is between using the energy and the replenishment being required. The problem with such helms is that they can kill the user if she's not careful."

Kern says, "Yes and no, Safix. That kind of necromantic magic is dangerous, as it can result in permanent damage to the subject."

Safix shrugs a little at Kern's not-caring-for-the-kind-of-spell-she's-got-on-her, and says "Even if we don't like it... could you remove this enchantment on me? I have a very bad feeling about trying to do that."

Safix sits back a little, looking sober, at her companions' words. "You think this would just... consume me if I'm not careful? How do I test that? You can't safely that that..."

Safix sits back a little, looking sober, at her companions' words. "You think this would just... consume me if I'm not careful? How do I test that? You can't safely test that..."

Kern says, "No, but the theory is sound, Safix. True, I know little about tattoo magic, but it does fit. I suggest that you beef up your diet if you plan to fly on a regular basis."

Keesha skrees, "You've already tried it for a significant period of time and come through it with nothing worse than being hungry. If you make a point of eating more when you're going to or when you have just flown, you should be fine."

Safix giggles a little... "So... any suggestions about magical food to eat?"

Kern smirks. "Not magical food per se....just things that are high in caloric content for now...although if that not enough, you might consider increasing your fat intake as well. Which will make dessert a fun meal."

Safix grins...

Safix says, "Whipped cream..."

Safix looks hesitant. "Um... I understand that living things have energy. Since my internal magic feeds off ME... and I eat meat, say... does meat have more useful energy than plants, or something?"

Safix looks sheepish, "I'm just floundering here... I'd feel better with reasons why things happen, especially things that could kill me."

Keesha skrees, "It might not be life-energy in that sense. If you lost weight and got dehydrated, more likely is that it simply feeds off your metabolic energy, the same as any other physical activity would. If that's the case, then fats and proteins are your best bet for replenishment, yes."

Safix looks relieved. "So maybe I don't have to worry so much."

Kern says, "Maybe, yes."

Safix says a little impatiently, "Well, is there any real way to test it?" as dinner arrives, brought by the lovely Talabrina. It looks like something different from teriyaki rothe tonight, but it smells good.

Kern says, "Other than trial and error? Not unless I can find someone in the guild who knows of tattoo metamagic to analyze the spell, no."

Keesha shrugs and looks at Kern.

Talabrina pauses after setting down the three plates to see if drinks are desired, since Safix forgot to ask for them earlier when requesting dinner.

Kern says, "Zzar, please, Talabrina."

Keesha skrees, "Mead for me."

Safix says, "Is tattoo magic that unusual?" around a mouthful. "And did you say something about necromantic stuff earlier? I thought that just meant things dealing with dead people."

Safix says, "Water, please, 'Brina."

Talabrina smiles at you all and goes off to acquire drinks.

Safix stops talking to demolish the rothe-whatever-it-is for a short but dedicated while.

Kern shakes his head. "To answer your first question, yes it is uncommon in Oloth and Toril. More common as one travels the different planes. And as far as necromancy is concerned...necromancy covers all spells relating to the body. That includes healing spells resurrection spells, spells that regenerate...spells that do the opposite of all these things...spells that clone living beings, and spells that change or affect the body...like making skin tougher, or adding a third arm. Undead is only a part of necromancy...and a symbol of the evil it can do.

Safix listens thoughtfully, and then says after having made most of her dinner disappear, "Are undead necessarily evil, Kern?"

Kern says, "No. Mindless undead, like skeletons or some zombies, are not evil, though even men use them. And there are some undead, such as arch-liches and baelnorns and, on occasion, revenants that are animated by the souls of good men and women."

The drinks arrive-- zzar for Kern, mead for Keesha, water for Safix-- and 'Brina goes quickly back to tend things in the kitchen, which is very slightly smoky.

Keesha skrees, "So... the intent of making an undead is important, then."

Kern chuckles. "Well, there is a difference."

Kern says, "Those who become arch-liches or baelnorns...which is the elven equivalent of a lich, either do so by choice or by divine command. And revenants.. those are usually made by accident."

Safix listens with interest.

Keesha skrees, "I understood that revenants were dead with a need for revenge. Most likely to be good, in that case."

Safix says, "Never heard of this... you guys are educational. Not, I suppose, that I'll ever need to put the knowledge to much practical use as a shopkeeper."

Kern smiles. "Revenge is not always sought only by the good. Though it does tend to sway in that direction."

Kern says, "Education is always valuable, Safix. Never know when you'll need it."

Safix blinks. "Kern, you're the first person I've ever heard say revenge is usually sought by the good. Usually I hear that the good don't seek revenge, an to do so will only increase the evildoing."

Safix adds quietly, "Not that I disagree with you. I'm just surprised to hear it."

Kern smiles wryly. "I'm not as foolish as some, Safix. They may call it justice, as opposed to 'revenge'...But when anger is a motivator, revenge is what it is. I know, I sought it myself on one occasion or another."

Keesha skrees, "Revenants seek revenge because their spirits are outraged. I suspect that this happens more often for the good than for the evil. Special case. Though I've always thought that the idea that revenge wasn't 'good' was a fiction put out by folks who didn't want you to take revenge on them..."

Kern points a knife with a piece of meat stabbed on the end of it at Keesha. "There's a clever turn of phrase. Have to remember that one."

Safix grins at the liberal mage and the predator, thoughtfully amused.

Safix sighs, staring at her empty plate with a pensive look.

Kern says, "I would also think that the nature of the revenge depends on the result desired. Torture is evil, putting a criminal or murder in jail is not."

Kern glances at Safix' sigh. "Something wrong?"

Kern blinks an absently wonders when she had the time to finish. He's barely eaten half.

Safix glances up at Kern... "Thinking. I still can't just choose to start flying. There's something I'm not getting."

Kern says, "Well...what worked for you in the chapel?"

Safix says, "What if the person getting tortured had done terribly cruel things to others? Couldn't torturing them before death be a form of justice, in terms of balance?"

Safix' eyes slide away from Kern's, and her cheeks and ear tips look darker. "Happy thoughts."

Kern drops his knife onto his plate with a clatter.

Kern says quietly. "No. Torturing a torturer is not justice. Not if one wishes to hold on to one's humanity."

Kern stares at his food.

Safix looks at Kern with a small smile quirking her mouth, lopsided. "Kern? I'm not."

Kern seems to come back, then, from whatever pit of despair he was in, momentarily. "Huh? Not what?"

Keesha skrees, "Well... Elfanity, then. Or Keerosity, in my case."

Safix sighs, "But nobody's torturing anybody here. It was just an ethics question. --Not human, Kern."

Keesha skrees, "Seriously? Torturers often wind up as damaged mentally as their victims are physically. It's not a good thing to do."

Kern grimaces. "No, I understand...and unfortunately, there's no species-neutral term for humanity...as long as you understand what I mean when I say it.

Safix arches an eyebrow at Keesha. "I think Elfanity is what I yell when I drop a hammer on my toe, actually."

Kern cheers at that, barking a laugh.

Keesha chirrips, and continues giggling for some time, finally pointing a wingtip at the elf and just saying "You..."

Safix grins, a little relieved at the uplift in mood.

Kern coughs, chuckling. "Okay where were we...yes, happy thoughts! Well then, if that's all that's required...or is it hard for you to think happy thoughts?"

Safix giggles, and reaches for her water. She splutters slightly when Kern reminds her, and puts it down carefully, ears dark. "Er, very happy thoughts."

Safix adds cautiously, "Euphoric wouldn't be too strong a word."

Safix says, "I happened to hit upon something that made me ...well, a lot more... confident than usual. And I started floating."

Keesha quirks an eyebrow. "Keep that in mind then, when you need it again."

Kern doesn't get it at first...and then seems to understand. "One wonders, then, if drinking would actually help."

Kern says, "At least, or artificially induce such euphoria."

Keesha skrees, "Hmm..."

Safix' cheeks stay dark.

Kern says, "Then again, it's probably not a good idea to fly drunk."

Safix giggles...

Kern smiles at Safix. "You've got some lovely red cheeks, but may I ask why? Is this embarrassing for some reason?"

Safix looks a trifle trapped, as if searching for something to say but caught without anything plausibly distracting in mind...

Safix settles for a piece of truth. "A little, yes. It's rather personal."

Kern arches an eyebrow at the speechless Safix. When she finally speaks, he nods. "If you say so...oh." It looks like a light goes off in Kern's head as something occurs to him, and then *he* starts blushing. "Uhm...hmm. Right, we won't press it then."

Kern says, "That ah...would make flying under stress rather difficult, then."

Keesha looks a bit puzzled, still, but nods. "Probably, yes."

Safix catches Kern's blush, and turns even darker. For some reason, his words don't seem to help much. She coughs slightly. "Ah, I'm not sure about that, actually. Depends what kind, but stress might help. I'm beginning to think that euphoria might not be as important as intensity of feeling. Fear or adrenaline might do the trick too."

Keesha skrees, "Good safety feature, that."

Safix laughs, a bit forced. "But I can't exactly ask you to startle me badly to test that theory."

Safix avoids Kern's eyes, trying not to be too obvious about it, and mostly failing.

Keesha skrees, "Why not?"

Kern fights the blush and tries to concentrate on Safix' words. "Mmmm, yes, good points, both of you. Perhaps I really should look further into studying tattoo magic so I can decipher this sort of thing fully for you..."

Safix looks at Keesha. "Do you think you can? Here, now, right after we talked about it? It's like the startling-somebody cure for hiccups. You can't just tell somebody to scare you when you're expecting it."

Kern says, "More to the point, it seems like it would be awfully rude to do so. Maybe there is some artificial way to stimulate adrenal rush..."

Safix giggles ruefully, still not looking directly at Kern.

Safix says, "I'll happily forgive the rude, if you can do it. Just please wear armor, in case I'm so startled I fall back out of the sky onto you..."

Kern scratches his chin. "I can't think of any spells that would do it, though..."

Safix says, fighting a smile, "I don't think we need spells. There are plenty of normal, unmagical ways to get strong reactions out of people."

Kern says, "Yes well...I'm a mage. It's often my first thought, so forgive me."

Keesha smiles as she finishes her meal. "It's been fun, but I've got to get back to my ship. A whole bunch of systems to put back into sleep mode..."

Safix giggles outright, and manages to bow rather elegantly from her seat. "Thou art forgiven, Sir Mage."

Safix smiles at Keesha, looking uncharacteristically relaxed at being left with a male by her female friend. "Good eve to you then, and I'll try to get my math homework done soon. I kind of got distracted by the battle."

Kern nods to Keesha. "I should depart as well...late meeting with Rennyn..." He chuckles at Safix and takes of her hands in his own. "Thank you kindly, milady, for you forgiveness."

Kern genteelly kisses Safix' hand.

Safix flinches and her smile becomes rather fixed at that, but she politely suffers the touch.

Safix beats her amusement back into fluffiness, and smiles less forcedly at Kern.

Kern notices the flinch, and sags a little, having forgotten that aspect of Safix' personality. He mumbles a farewell at that and departs.

Safix rises, going home as well. "Kern, wait..."

Kern stops in the doorway. "Yes?"

Keesha stops in puzzlement as Safix' heart stutters as Kern touches her. A light dawns then about the earlier conversation, but she decides not to ask right away. She waves to Kern and Safix and heads out into the night.

Safix follows and stands trustingly near Kern, consciously not out of reach.

Safix sighs. "It's not personal, okay? Small steps. I'm sorry. I truly appreciate your help, and you're becoming a friend, too, if you like."

Safix says, "...but I can't reason with some reactions very well yet."

Kern smiles, almost shyly. "I appreciate that. I just..don't want to make you uncomfortable, if I can help it."

Safix says, "I have help...." she smiles wryly, "but it's not instantaneous by any means."

Kern nods solemnly.

Safix smiles back, one that reaches her green-and-red eyes.

Safix reaches cautiously out to pat Kern's hand.

Safix says, "It's best just not to touch, in general. But I don't want to make you uncomfortable either. I want you to know that it has nothing to do with you personally, ok?"

Safix coughs, smile turning wry, "And, uh... thank you. For not asking."

Kern gets, for a brief moment, enveloped by Safix' eyes, and then coughs as her touch brings him out of it, murmurs, 'I understand. Fare you well, Safix.' He does not trust himself to speak of the other thing, however.

Kern turns and disappears into the night before he trips over his tongue.

Safix heads into the SilverTree, whistling softly.

(OOC) Fri Mar 30 1901 11:25 PM by "Dakini" at "The Courtyard of Dammerung" (OOC)

The Courtyard of Dammerung
You see a huge, curving, organic shape before you, in swirling shades of dusky ebony and soft dove gray, gleaming with cobalt blue accents. Dark, dusty, bottle-green [shrubbery] clusters below the low, round windows and about the slender path twisting to the doorway. The upper reaches of the building itself stretch slowly skywards in elegant, reaching branches and lofty minarets. More cobalt-bordered round windows peer down at the visitor, occasionally framed with an azure-walled balcony or a temporarily exposed stairway twisting around from one branch to another. The word "Dammerung" glows in vivid, scrolling script over the large, round doorway, and the [building] itself seems to sigh softly in the breeze, as if alive.

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.

Dakini grins lazily at you from behind the reflective blue-green shades which hide her eyes. Her hair is long and tousled, a bright, red-gold mane that occasionally hides her small pointed ears. She's a tall, slender, strong woman, with small but callused hands, and well-muscled forearms. She wears a soft, comfortably loose, ivory silk shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Over that is a sturdy, quilted, sleeveless tunic of dark indigo blue embroidered with intertwined silvery stars and ivory-gold unicorns. It is belted off snugly with a wide, well-worn leather belt. On her right hip, tied down about the right thigh, rides a holstered flechette pistol. On her left hangs a decorated and runically embossed scabbard with the plain, worn-leather-and-wire wrapped pommel of a short sword protruding from it. Sturdy, worn dueling gloves are tucked into the back of the belt, mostly hiding a cross-holstered dagger. Slung over one shoulder is her battered, padded leather airwoman's jacket, heavily decorated on the back with a rabidly snarling, eight-limbed, winged beast, and numerous other colorful decorations on shoulders, arms, and front. Her long legs are fitted with snug breeches, and her knee-high, well-used black leather boots and jacket smell pleasingly of years of quality leather care.

Dakini is only barely visible in the gardens of Dammerung. She's flopped out tiredly across a smoothly rounded... something in the garden. It looks like a veined blue rock or stone, but it's giving against Dakini so she's comfortable. She's got her boots and socks off, and is dangling her toes in the cool plashing water of the pond. Her bright hair is what gives her away... fiery gold against the muted, calm colors of the garden.

Dryx stands for several long moments outside the gate of Dammerung, cloak drawn closed around him. He finds himself hesitating; there's something about this place that speaks distinctly to him, beyond the background chaos of a wartorn city. He isn't sure he likes that...

Dakini watches the weary traveler pause at her gates, lying quietly within the flower-bedecked garden walls. She's neither encouraging nor dissuading.

Dryx shakes his head softly, and strides past the gate, silently cursing himself for his pause. You'll be imagining Flayers in your shadow next... He moves quietly toward the garden, adjusting his hood.

Dakini doesn't move much, just waiting quietly for the stranger to approach, so they don't have to shout at each other to be heard. There's a faint, quiet, calm smile... of welcome? reassurance maybe? hard to tell -- on her face, but that's about it. She lets the traveler introduce himself in his own time.

Dryx closes the distance quickly, though his footfalls are very soft. He pauses near enough to the.... rock? Close enough to speak clearly. "This... is the Dammerung?" His voice is low and soft and gently rasping, and his Common is faintly accented, as if there were some subtle difference in the construction of his mouth.

Dakini nods quietly, sitting up slightly, "Ja." She waves a hand casually behind her, indicating the large slate blue organic... thing behind her, "Dammerung. I hight Dakini... the Valkyrie Dakini Stardancer zu Dammerung. And yourself, stranger?" Her shades are tilted down slightly, revealing her gleaming blue-green eyes and allowing her to observe this newcomer with close interest.

Dryx nods, once, and turns slightly to look at the house... or growth... or whatever it is. "Dryx... my name is Dryx, yes." He makes it two careful syllables. "It's.. a pleasure to meet you. Dakini. I was told I should speak to you about lodging."

Dakini nods quietly again, her gaze assessing... then she grins, patting the ground next to her, "That you may. Would you like a seat, to rest yourself and maybe enjoy the cool water as well with me?"

Dryx nods, "That would be... very nice. Thank you." He kneels, and folds his legs beneath him, seating himself carefully on the spot. He folds his hands in his lap. "Quiet here. Not so for the rest of your city, yes?"

Dakini smiles quietly, letting her head rest back on the rock, her fiery hair flowing across the slate blue, "Nein, more's the pity... but it will settle down soon enough... and here is the hospital, so it needs to be quiet and relaxing." She tilts her head so she can watch the unusual looking traveler, and asks curiously, "So... who are you?"

Dryx turns his head slightly, fixing one black eye on the woman, and is silent for a moment. "No one," he says at last, "Of any importance. A traveler... my vagrancy brings me here." He tries to smile a bit, but it arranges his thin lips in a way that just looks uncomfortable.

Dakini raises a faintly amused eyebrow, murmuring placidly, "Translation... none of your business?"

Dryx says, "Ah." He reaches up and takes hold of a corner of his hood, brushing it back and tucking it behind one long, serrated ear. "I apologize. I am.. not very skilled at making conversation." For all the fluidity and ease of his movement, his speech and demeanor seem rather... stilted.

Dakini tilts her head again, looking curious, "Is that shape a borrowed one for you?" She studies the man for a moment, then adds, "If you don't mind my asking... what species are you?" Her peaceful smile hopefully removes any sting from her words.

Dryx actually manages a smile at that, though his face doesn't appear to have been made for the purpose. "Ah.. heh. No... I don't mind. What we're called... I'm Githyanki. If you know that name."

Dakini thinks for a long, slow moment...

Dakini's eyes widen suddenly, and she sits up abruptly, one hand falling almost unconsciously on her weapons belt, "Githyanki? What are you doing here?!"

Dryx' body twists, and he freezes half-risen, one hand held forward, two fingers upraised. Beneath them is held a plane, a wedge of shadow... dark purple refracts across its surface. His hood falls back with the movement; it reveals the length of red ribbon that ties back his hair, and the other of his ocean-dweller's eyes. "Easy," he rasps quietly, "Soft now. I guess you do know that name. Reputation precedes me, hey?"

Dakini's eyes narrow, and she murmurs quietly, "I think you should put that away. Now."

Dakini gently points out, "I don't know if you know what a geri-wolf is, but perhaps you'll understand the saying... never try to beard the geri-wolf in its lair."

Dryx doesn't move. "I couldn't drop this any more than you could make yourself stop breathing." His voice is very clear now, and his tone indicates that he isn't attempting levity. He straightens up slowly. "I'd have done it by now, if I was going to." His hand drops to his side. "Yes?"

Dakini nods, "All right." Her smile is more genuine, "And if you really meant to... Dammerung would have eaten you." She grins, her eyes hidden, "Joke. So... what are you doing here?"

Dakini tilts her head curiously, "And what is that?" She gestures at the thing in his hands.

Dryx raises his hand slowly, and opens his hand. In his palm rests a long diamond shape, a flat polygon of darkness. Dark purple swirls across it, as the light bends over its surface. "Your mind is the most beautiful thing in the world," he says, and flicks his fingers, as if brushing water from his cloak. The plane vanishes, shattered into several dark motes that quickly fade. "And the most dangerous. Yes? As for what I do here..." He lets his hand drop. "I travel. And I don't lie. Why else travel with my own face and name?"

Dakini nods, "Good point." She studies the unusual traveler with frank curiosity, "But... I've never heard of a githyanki traveling alone."

Dryx folds his arms, gathering his cloak around him. "Not for long, at least." He cracks his face again. "I'm no one, like I said. Just a drifter. Not the scourge of the astral I know you're thinking of."

Dakini smiles, "Well, I did think of that initially, ja... but then it hit me -- you're the tiredest, loneliest, dustiest looking scourge I've ever seen." She grins lazily, "You should fit in here just fine, at least as far as alignment."

Dryx laughs, then, a low coughing sound. "I'm afraid that my warrior pride is not what it used to be. However, I think you've covered everything; tired, lonely and dusty, yes."

Dakini raises an eyebrow, then adds inquiringly, "Hungry? Or did you eat at the Path? You must've stopped there to know about Dammerung, ja?"

Dryx nods softly. "Yes... I ate there. Interesting place, that... lot of loud clientele."

Dakini rolls her eyes amusedly, but remains discreetly silent... for once.

Dryx shakes his head once, with a top-to-bottom motion reminiscent of a horse, shaking out his dark slash of hair. "So... I've come at a bad time, yes? Your city looks to have been recently infested with vermin."

Dakini grins at the gesture, then wriggles her toes lazily in the water for a moment, splashing slightly and thinking about the question. Finally she smiles, glancing back up at the quiet man sitting nearby, "Well... sort of. I suspect they're all dealt with, mostly. If we can persuade the governor not to let greed blind him to the danger inherent in neogi, that is." She sighs softly, shaking her head in wry amusement, "Men... well. Enough of that." She looks up again, "I don't think there's any danger of more invasions, to be honest. So... why are you here?"

Dryx folds his hands again in his lap, and looks at the reflection of the light on the water. "Neogi," he murmurs, and makes a soft spitting sound. He looks up, at the curious woman next to him, "Because I put one foot before the other when I woke today."

Dakini laughs! "All right, all right, I'll mind my own business!" She grins, rising lithely and gathering her boots and socks up in one hand, "So... would you like to see the available rooms?"

Dryx rises smoothly, and brushes the dust from his cloak. "That is the reason," he says. "I'm a wanderer. As I said. But... yes. I would, if that's alright."

Dakini nods, walking gracefully ahead of the githyanki into the large organic form, "Certainly. This way, please..."

Dryx sets his jaw a bit, and follows, shrugging off the vague disquiet the building pushes on him.

Dakini offers to take Dryx by the hand with her.

Dakini pauses, waving a hand, "Here you go."

Dakini smiles, "If you care about the meaning of the runes, I'll be happy to tell you."

Dryx looks up at the ceiling, catching his breath. "This," he murmurs, "This... is alive." The impression... no.. this can't have a mind to feel... can it?

Dakini nods, "Ja, it is." She smiles, patting a wall, "I have always had Dammerung, as long as I can recall."

Dryx nods absently, still staring up at something. "That must be... yes... yes, I see it."

Dryx says, "It's fascinating. I could feel this from outside..."

Dryx places a palm against the wall for a moment, then withdraws it, looking at his hand. "I've not seen anything like it."

Dakini smiles, leaning against the wall with her arms folded, "Ah. You're psionically aware, ja?"

Dakini beams a bit proudly, "Dammerung is quite unusual, ja."

Dryx nods, coming back to the here and now momentarily. "Yes.. I am not unusual in that. I thought you realized when I drew the blade."

Dakini chuckles, "Knowing a bit of legend, and knowing a person, are two entirely different things, sir githyanki."

Dryx says, "So it is."

Dakini looks curious, "So what is that blade? A psionic projection? I've not seen such before."

Dryx smiles again, "It's a part of my mind. It's a lot of things. It's the capacity for hurt pushed into the real world."

Dryx grins, a bit ruefully. "I have a very great capacity, you see."

Dakini studies Dryx with sudden intensity... then says gently, "I'm sorry for you then."

Dryx tries to smile, but again, it seems a strange contortion for him, and turns away slightly, folding his arms. He laughs softly, eyes closed. "That's the first I've heard that."

Dakini murmurs softly, "Is this also the first you've not always been on combat alert?"

Dryx mms. "I haven't...." He pauses, trailing off. "For anyone else. For a long time. But this is the first time I've drawn my blade and then sent it away dry."

Dakini looks faintly puzzled, "Haven't what for anyone else?" She adds quietly, "Well then... I'd think that was a good first to have, ja?"

Dryx furrows his gently-forked brows. "I've not been on a mission for anyone's benefit but mine, in a very long time. As for the other.. yes. Under the circumstances, I've no wish to fight. Not you, at any rate."

Dakini smiles quietly, "Glad to hear you're not in the mood to fight... but... er... if I recall my legend bits correctly, shouldn't you be here on a mission with several other githyanki, for your monarch?" She looks thoughtful for a moment, then adds with genuine puzzlement, "Now... if githyanki never fight githyanki... why would you have to flee them?"

Dryx says, "I should be, yes, were I serving Her."

Dryx says, "But you're very close, though I'm not fleeing anyone."

Dakini studies Dryx puzzledly, opening her mouth to comment -- then changes her mind and says nothing, simply studying the enigmatic man standing quietly next to her for several seconds. Finally she says with quiet interest, "Perhaps you'd be interested... in Raido. Raido translates as journey... new ventures, new beginnings, as well as the mundane taking a trip somewhere. It may also point out the right (or best) path among a selection of alternates. There may well even be a sense of directed change." She smiles quietly, brushing one hand lightly across the directory... and the rune lights up.

Dryx inclines his head, studying the rune carefully for several long, quiet moments. "New ventures," he murmurs. "Yes. Perhaps a new venture is what's called for at that."

Dakini smiles, "If you like it, the room is available. All you have to do is claim it."

Dryx seems distracted for a time. "Yes," he says, "I think that I will."

Dakini watches him curiously, wondering what distracts him.

Dryx seems to be studying the rune, looking for something in the intersection of lines... though his head is cocked curiously to one side, as if listening to something caught on the air. "Dakini... Dammerung is not a mind, in the way that you and I possess minds, is it?"

Dakini shakes her head, "Not really, no. In some ways Dammerung is an extension of my will, weird though that sounds... but not created by me. I'm not that powerful... I just was fortunate enough that it bonded with me."

Dakini smiles, "But within your room Dammerung will listen to you as best it can... and shape the room accordingly to your desires... as long as you don't ask for excessive amounts of energy usage or terribly precise patterns or something similar."

Dryx muses softly, "You needn't explain extensions of the will to me... I understand. Though... I thought for a moment..." He shakes his head softly. "I can't feel the outside from here. But I thought... I heard something."

Dakini looks curious, "What did you think you heard?"

Dryx says, "It was... a vague impression. As if someone else's thought had slipped to your head, and was strange for being formed differently. Not quite a word. Assent? No... I can't tell."

Dryx shakes his head again, in his peculiar top-to-bottom way. "I think perhaps I'm not used to being around something like Dammerung."

Dakini smiles, "Talking to Dammerung can be... disorienting, ja. I've been told I also sound um... distracted when I'm talking to someone mentally, but not with Dammerung's help." She adds a bit ruefully, "I tend to send emotion more than words in those times."

Dryx says, "Then you have the sense as well. It's common to speak in concepts and not words... sometimes it's more efficient. But... I have to ask you, how keen is your sense?"

Dakini looks interestedly curious, "I'm not sure what you're asking... but then I wasn't raised in a generally psionic society. Define a bit better please?"

Dryx says, "How well can you feel others? What do you feel from me?"

Dakini looks a little taken aback, "I... don't tend to intrude on others. Where I come from invading someone's privacy is a social taboo." She looks suddenly rueful, "Well... all right, so I'm not very good at not asking nosy questions..." her grin is sheepish, "-sorry... but I don't usually 'look' -- I let Dammerung just sense for intent. If you don't mind my doing so I'd be happy to try it though."

Dakini ahs, adding quietly, "There is one rule everyone that lives in Dammerung must follow, however... no fighting, no attempts to incite fighting, in here."

Dryx says, "I think perhaps it's a good idea. And you don't need to concern yourself... my warrior career ended long ago."

Dakini says, "Er... what is a good idea, please?"

Dakini nods quietly at the commentary about warrior career.

Dryx says, "I think it's a good idea for you to look at me. There is something I want to express to you that would be simpler that way."

Dakini looks intensely curious... but simply nods, her gaze turning to meet Dryx'.

Dakini nods quietly and thoughtfully at Dryx' mental communication... then sighs quietly, shifting to speech so she can be precise again, "I... fear that while you and I may understand that... the governor does not. He does not see the long-term danger he puts us all into... he sees only short term personal gain."

Dakini tugs gently on a curl of hair in frustration, "I do not know what drives that man... sometimes I think he's just pure emotion -- not a rational thought in his head!" She scowls, then sighs, muttering under her breath, "...maybe if we left... started a colony elsewhere for the rational...?"

Dakini frowns, "No... it's a good idea of Keesha's, but... there's a certain throw-weight of warriors we'd need, that we don't have..."

Dakini sighs again, shaking her head sharply, "Well. Enough of that. Pardon my digression. So... would you like Raido then?"

Dryx closes his eyes. "I'm sorry, my mind speaks in Githyanki... I could not be more clear. What I wanted to show you is the force that goes behind the blade. The blade is a rare talent. But one thing it requires is *force* to push it into what's real. That's easy to feel... and if you feel it in someone else... you have to know that they will do you harm. You'll feel it in an Illithid... that's how slayers feel them coming. And I can feel it in your governor. His drive... it looks like the Neogi's, from afar. It's what makes him go."

Dryx takes a deep breath. "But you knew all that... I just gave you something to look for in the future. Yes, please.... I would like Raido."

Dakini raises an eyebrow, very slowly... then shakes her head, "I'm sorry... but while he may be driven, he has no focus whatsoever that I've ever seen. But thank you for the bit of mental training... I like learning." She nods at his comment, gesturing at the rune on the wall, "Very well... you must claim it for Dammerung to know you want it."

Dakini mutters, "Wouldn't disagree with you at all in regards to him thoughtlessly harming another though..."

Dryx turns to the directory. "Remember... the focus isn't necessary to do you harm. Just the drive. Greed or ambition or hate, in sufficient amounts... you'll feel it. You're welcome, by the way... you have talent."

Dakini grins, "Danke, Dryx... but it's genetic, not any real um... wonderful doing on my part."

Dryx mms. "I don't consider what I do wonderful, either."

Dakini grins, teasing gently, "Traveling? Mmm... I would have to agree. Terribly hard on the feet..."

Dryx doesn't look up from the directory, "To say nothing of the sole." You aren't certain... but it sounds as if Dryx was making a joke!

Dakini blinks slowly... then laughs! "Too true!"

Dryx tries again to smile. It doesn't seem quite so uncomfortable this time. Or at the very least, not so garish. "I appreciate this."

Dakini smiles, watching the quiet man finally start to relax a little, "It is not a problem. As the old story goes, treat the stranger at the door with kindness... because someday it will be you."

Dakini grins, "Or the goddess."

Dakini says, "But I doubt you're one of the Chosers of the Slain."

Dakini grins again.

Dryx pauses, his hand on the "frame" of the door, looking at the room. "That's good advice." He pauses. "A goddess at your door. What an interesting idea. No... or at least, not in the sense that you're thinking."

Dakini smiles and shrugs slightly, "Perhaps deities are nothing more than people who've grown past this form and time. Either way, it does no harm to think kindly of them."

Dryx murmurs, "No, it does no harm. I wouldn't wish eternity on anyone."

Dakini smiles slowly, "Perhaps if there was no sense of time it would be easier." Her grin is almost mischievous for a moment... and then she nods quietly, her smile warmer, "Sleep well, Dryx. If you wish Dammerung can ward your room against any and all energy forms it's aware of... which makes for restful sleep, I've found."

Dryx says, "Thank you, Dakini... perhaps I'll do that."

(OOC) Sat Mar 31 1901 09:04 PM by "Keesha" at "Wandering Path - Taproom" (OOC)

Dryx doesn't look up. "Presumptuous, yes? Or very curious."

Keesha skrees, "You could say that..." Her voice trails off as another customer comes in.

Xarlen's cane taps across the floorboards as he steps inside. He nods his head Keesha's way, hearing her voice. The elf moves toward the tables off to the side, in fact going for his regular seat.

Keesha skrees, "Evening, Harlequin. Things seem to be settling down again."

Xarlen offers the bat a faint grin. "For some of us, perhaps."

Keesha skrees, "For most of us, I would think. We rescued the crew of an EIN ship and a set of ex-slaves from the Deathspider, and they're responding well to treatment. The governor is admittedly mishandling the prisoner situation..."

Xarlen chuckles. "He plans on trying to enslave them, not torture. The Umber Hulks would be controlled by the Neogi, and so forth. But you've heard that, already." He shrugs.

Keesha skrees, "Yes. Several of us had a rather... spirited discussion with His Excellency about that, last night. It would be, in my estimation, total lunacy to try to use Neogi and their umber hulks in Arcana's mining operation. There would be no way to control them. When is the next election?"

Xarlen arches a brow. "Of -course- there is a way to keep them under control. How do you think they keep Their slaves in line? The Illithids are supposed to show the best method of keeping them in line, and if their mental capabilities don't work, magic will.

Dryx hmphs.

Keesha skrees, "Somehow, depending on the illithids for advice strikes me as ... optimistic. I don't trust them much more than I'd trust a Neogi."

Xarlen smirks. "Obviously, you have little expectation in magic, as well?"

Dryx doesn't look up. "Tell me something. How much do you know about your allies... the flayers."

Keesha snorts. "I don't even trust machinery implicitly. And that's more dependable than magic."

Xarlen chuckles faintly. "I share your distrust," He comments to Keesha. "However, the Illithids are opportunists. Any of them in their right mind would see they have more to gain on Arcana's side, then the neogi. Who offers them more? The city, or some eels sitting in holes in the ground? They know if they slip up, we'll be serving calamari."

Dryx stands and adjusts his cloak a moment. He looks between the two patrons, and turns to the door.

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

Keesha skrees, "Hmm... I suppose. I still think it would be safer to shoot them and be done with it."

Xarlen says, "IF so, it would be safer to slaughter the mind-flayers along with them, but that wouldn't be diplomatic.""

Keesha skrees, "The point is that the illithids have a diplomatic presence. These neogi apparently are almost totally unorganized. Sparing this group will not help us impress the others, nor will killing them offend the others. I see no reason to risk their presence, while the illithids have had some time to demonstrate their willingness to abide by the rules, for the most part."

Xarlen nods his head. "Yes, but it would be economically useful. The Umber Hulks are effective miners. They could produce over twice as much as other workers. Not to mention, I'm guessing they could work much longer. The neogi commanding them would have to be kept under close watch, of course, perhaps at sword-point. But it would be useful for the mining. Besides, no matter what we say, no one is going to sway the Governor's resolve."

Keesha shakes her head. "Why is it that pigheadedness is always referred to as 'resolve' when it's someone in charge?"

Xarlen says, "Because I was trying to be tactful. The man -did- give me a job, so I must be at least slightly respectful to him behind his back."

Keesha grins. "Ah. I didn't know that. Doing what? Or shouldn't I ask?"

Xarlen nods his head. "The latter."

Keesha skrees, "Probably shouldn't have told me that much, then. Maybe if you insulted him behind his back, it'd help your cover..."

Xarlen's head turns toward the few patrons in the bar. "The people whom I'm to keep cover with, usually don't frequent here.

Keesha skrees, "Never can tell...."

Xarlen says, "IF the Governor's plan is going to work, then a close eye must be kept on the Neogi period. When they become old and confused, the Umber Hulks might not obey them then, thus one or both must be put down.""

Keesha skrees, "A very good point. I still think proper mining machinery would help a lot more than using umber hulks, but..."

Xarlen says, "But machinery isn't the most reliable here. Your ship had to have a helm attached. Isn't fuel and technology starting to fail? We haven't any dwarven engineers in Arcana, sad to say. Mining machines might be hard to make.""

Keesha looks irritated. "Tech is not starting to fail. It's just running out of power because no one here knows how to make the necessary fuel. I used up a noticeable chunk of my fuel reserves on this business with the Neogi. That's why I'm switching Chirikh over to a Helm."

Xarlen nods his head. "Exactly. What would -power- these machines, hm?"

Keesha skrees, "In Chirikh's case, deuterium-enriched cryoslurry. Some of the others can use normal hydrogen. The chemistry here is the same as where we come from, else we couldn't live here... the magic just adds another element to the situation."

Keesha skrees, "Dermott is working on setting up an industrial base, I believe."

Xarlen shrugs his shoulders. "Even -if- these machines work, there will not be many of them. There are Many Umber Hulks, however."

Keesha twitches an eyebrow. "You say that like it's a Good Thing."

Xarlen says, "IF they are used as miners, it Is a good thing.""

Keesha skrees, "If they behave themselves. Machines don't wander off because they're bored or curious."

Xarlen says, "If the neogi are kept in line, so will the Hulks. But it's all a matter of If. If the Governor keeps them, If they can be kept under heel by magic and mind, so forth.""

Xarlen says, "Machines," He replies, "Are only as good as their operators."

Keesha flips a wing in acknowledgement. "True, mostly. But they are not themselves sapient and therefore unlikely to make their own demands or run their own agendas. Here we need to keep the operators and the 'machines' happy.

Keesha skrees, "Besides... what's the justification? I thought slavery was outlawed here?"

Xarlen chuckles. "Umber Hulks are stupid. They're insects. The only agendas they have are food, mating, and serving the Neogi."

Xarlen holds up his hands defenselessly. "Poetic justice?"

Keesha looks up at that last. "Insects? Really?? Hmm...."

Xarlen eh... "They're sort of an insect. They've got animal intelligence, at least."

Keesha skrees, "Imprisonment assumes that the persons imprisoned will be returned to society eventually. This is not the case with these Neogi."

Xarlen says, "And execution is better?"

Keesha skrees, "Even an insect brain that size should be capable of intelligence. And if they can use a confusion spell... "

Keesha skrees, "Execution is.... the best of a bad set of options. Besides, it's already in the rules."

Xarlen says, "The confusion spell is a byproduct of their gaze. It's like a medusa. Their gaze does not turn one to stone because they're Intelligent. It's a magical occurrence. "

Keesha skrees, "And if the Neogi decide to take advantage of that to make a break for it? No thanks."

Xarlen shrugs his shoulders. "I can't defend the Governor's decision. I can see the opportunity that the Neogi offer. I'm not too keen on disposing of them. They're not vermin, they're sentient."

Keesha skrees, "The two are not mutually exclusive."

Xarlen just shakes his head.

Keesha shrugs. "Ah, well. Nothing we can do to talk him out of it. As long as he stays in charge, nothing we can do about it."

Xarlen chuckles faintly. "And, I don't see much of a chance of overthrowing him."

Keesha skrees, "Heh. Not hardly. When's the next election?"

Xarlen says, "I don't think we have the chance for such a thing."

Keesha skrees, "But I should get back to my ship. Goodnight, Harlequin."

Xarlen nods his head. "Goodnight to you, captain."

Keesha finishes up the last of her mead and heads out.

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

(OOC) Wed Apr 4 1901 05:54 PM by "Kern" at "Wandering Path - Taproom" (OOC)

You see a lovely, slender young elven woman who looks to be of perhaps drowish origin, except for the few oddities about her, that give her more the look of an alicorn. Her lithe and delicate form is covered with skin of the richest, deepest chocolate that looks as soft as the finest silk and as flawless as a pearl. Her long, shimmering, silver-gold hair has been caught up into a braided crown around her head, with the remaining length loose and falling down to about her waist. Tiny white flowers are caught in the shimmering mass, perhaps the source of the delight fragrance around her. Her long, delicately pointed ears are framed with a few slender locks, a simple pair of silver rings piercing the lobes. A short, slender horn of the brightest gold is settles above and between her eyes, where the third eye is said to be located. The simple spiral looks sharp to the touch, for all its short length. Her eyes are large and slightly slanted, a rich, sparkling amethyst filled with a gentle amusement, while her small, slightly tilted nose and rose petal lips finish the delicate face. Her throat flows down to her slender shoulders, the lines softened by the soft, almost sheer white silk of her blouse. The shirt is open at the throat, with the laces untied to reveal the dusky, silky smooth skin and cleavage of her chest. The fabric flows loose around her, though through the fabric you can see the faintest indication of her narrow waist and pert breasts. The shirt flows down to below her tummy, brushing the tops of her hips. From behind you catch a glimpse of radiant silvery-golden wings, that almost seem to be made of jewels as the light reflects prismatically from each feather. Her hands are long and slender, each delicate finger tipped with bright golden fingernails that are kept somewhat short. Her slender waist and hips are encased in form fitting black leather pants, pants that cling to every lovely curve as if they were painted on. The ebon leather continues down her legs to her slender ankles, accenting and enhancing the dancer's muscles and delicacy of her form. From behind you see her long, slender tail, tufted with soft, silvery-gold fur. Her long, slender feet are clad in a pair of soft black suede boots that are short in style, coming to only a little past her ankles.

You see before you a human male in his mid-twenties. He appears to be moderately attractive, with his jet-black hair worn long in the back and cropped close, his piercing green eyes, and chiseled facial features. His lips seem to naturally turn up into a smile as he returns your gaze unblinkingly. His body well toned under his garments, though favoring a wiry build over larger muscles. He is currently wearing a fine suit of elven chainmail, reaching down to his ankles on the bottom, and his elbows on the top. Over that, he wears a golden long-tunic emblazoned with a multi-colored vortex. He has a black leather belt cinching the tunic, adorned with several belt pouches, a long sword in its scabbard, and what looks to be a speed-holster for an ebony wand. He stands comfortably in red leather high boots, and golden bracers protecting his wrists. Last to catch your eye is the new ring which sits on his left middle finger: a silver band set with a rogue stone, denoted by its chaotic swirling colors. It seems to glisten in the light as your eyes move back to his face, and he nods, murmuring a quiet 'well met' to you.

Kern sits in his favorite chair in front of a roaring fire, reading a large tome. It seems to be a typical thing for him to be doing, but he seems distracted, and not all that focused on the book.

Tinuviel slips in the door quietly, still wearing rather practical clothing. She stops and blinks for a moment, letting her eyes adjust to the light.

Kern lifts his head then, and looks towards the door, as if he managed to hear even the quiet noise of the door opening. "Tinuviel. It's been a few days. Please, come and share some wine with me."

Tinuviel smiles and walks over, looking a bit odd in trousers. She sits down in a nearby chair, 'Yes it has. I hope you are doing alright.'

Kern chuckles. "Recovered well from the battle, my dear. How about you? I'm sure you were probably taxed helping Dr. Lanamiir heal the wounded."

Tinuviel nods slowly, wings stretching a little as she realizes she still has her horn, 'A bit....I think I slept for days afterwards.'

Kern arches an eyebrow. "It's that taxing? I had no idea."

Kern admires the 'corn's wings as she stretches them.

Tinuviel laughs softly, 'I exaggerate, but I did sleep and eat more then I normally do.' she folds her wings back down neatly, apparently not noticing your glance at them, 'And I ate meat, which is not something I normally need.'

Kern says, "Ah, but meat is good for you! I'm fond of a good steak."

Kern grins.

Kern says, "Of course, that could be my wolven side speaking..but then, wolves don't usually cook their meat."

Tinuviel giggles, smiling warmly as she shakes her head a bit, 'Normally I need just eat fruit.' She blinks slowly, looking curious, 'Wolven side?'

Kern nods. "You're not the only one with mixed heritage, milady. I am a wolf-lycanthrope, when the occasion calls for it."

Tinuviel tilts her head and then nods, 'I'm sure it is useful indeed.'

Kern sighs. "Useful...is not the word it would use. My wolven side had not exactly been a boon to me. But that is another story all together. I am most curious, actually, if Obsidian was able to shed any light on your unique....origins."

Tinuviel looks at you with a gentle expression, 'I'm sorry if it is painful to think about.' She shakes her head a bit, 'And I've not had a chance to speak with her yet. Things have been hectic of late.'

Kern nods. "Truer words have seldom been spoken. And I have yet to determine why exactly Rennyn and the others returned in the first place...from all accounts, Sylune's ship, at least has been destroyed. But she's ensconced away in the Vrinn estate...I haven't been able to talk to her about what happened. Her sister is , ironically, with some amnesia of her own, and Rennyn is still recovering."

Tinuviel tilts her head to one side, 'Isn't this their home?' She pauses for a moment and then looks at you with wide eyes, 'And surely the governor isn't going to make the Neogi into slaves?'

Kern says, "To the first, yes, this is their home away from home. But the thing is, they had all left originally to return to Toril to aid in fighting a war against the space-faring scro. Does the fact that they returned imply the war is over. As to the second...I do not know what Gala'maDred plans to do. I was asleep for all but the beginning of the conversation. And he is...erratic. He might enslave them, he might just kill them outright.""

Tinuviel nods slowly, chewing absently on her lower lip, 'Enslaving them seems very unwise, but from what Keesha told me, there were words exchanged.'

Kern says, "between?"

Tinuviel lilts softly, 'The governor, and Keesha, Dakini and Safix, if I'm remembering what she said. Apparently they don't think keeping them alive is wise, either.'

Kern says, "Probably not. And death is...cleaner. Making slaves of slavers is poetic justice, but it goes against what we stand for."

Tinuviel blinks slowly, apparently not thinking of it in that manner, but much more practically, 'I do not like the idea of killing in cold blood, but something tells me it would be much worse to let them live.'

Kern says, "it's not cold blood. They're criminals. Ergo, the Governor can legally set whatever punishment he sees fit."

Tinuviel lilts softly, 'Regardless of legality, it would cold blood, unless killed in combat.'

Kern chuckles dryly, and without humor. "Somehow, I doubt that setting up a gladiatorial pit would be wise."

Tinuviel shakes her head, 'I said it was not something I liked, not that I was opposed. Sometimes you must do something necessary, even if you dislike that necessity.'

Kern says, "True enough. True enough."

Kern lifts his goblet to his lips taking a sip as he watches Tinuviel quietly.

Tinuviel smiles warmly as she sits there looking at Kern, trying to push out the thought of such things again.

Kern says, "It's quite a puzzle..."

Tinuviel tilts her head to one side, 'Which is?'

Kern says, "Why these two goddesses would create you from nothing and then send you here. I've been puzzling it out in my mind and have no answer. Hell, even the creation of you is impressive, with agile mind and all. You are no tabula rasa, no innocent."

Tinuviel blinks slowly as she props her face in her hands, 'I don't honestly know. I feel I'm supposed to do something, but I think it is just something I'd do, not something like a quest, if that makes sense.'

Kern leans forward. "Question is, what would that be. You're a healer, surely, but there are healers here." He steeples his fingers. "Who exactly is 'Tinuviel'? What excites you? What do you fear? What makes you angry?"

Kern says, "Forgive me if these questions are intrusive but....I am interested in helping you divine your purpose.""

Keesha arrives from Erythyn Street.

Tinuviel blinks slowly as she peers back, 'No need to ask forgiveness, I will answer the best I can.' She wriggles her nose for a moment, 'I do not know what excites me yet, since nothing has happened to excite me. I fear always being on the outside, and it makes me angry to think that Vhaeraun would be worshipped here as he is.'

Kern arches an eyebrow. "The Masked God of Night pains you that much?"

Tinuviel nods slowly, the light catching the gold of her horn, 'He is at least as responsible for the fall of the Illythiri as his mother is....and is not much better then she is.'

Keesha steps inside and flutters to her usual perch. She nods to Talabrina and just says, "My usual."

Tinuviel's ears flick a bit as she looks up and nods to Keesha, before returning her gaze to Kern, whom she is sitting near.

Keesha waits for enough conversation to tell what is being discussed, though she nods to Tinuviel and Kern in greeting.

Kern nods back to Keesha briefly before continuing. "Perhaps. I look at Vhaeraun as a necessary evil, and an ally against Lloth, for whatever that counts."

Keesha nods. "The enemy of our enemy is our friend."

Tinuviel laughs softly, the brief flash of anger gone again, 'But an evil, and there are better allies against Araushnee.'

Kern says, "True. On the other hand, his worship was firmly ensconced here before my arrival. Rennyn himself tolerates the Governor and Alois, so my inclination is not to make waves at this time. For one, he helps to protect Arcana, and without the EIF, that protection is more valuable. For another...I have no desire to be the one to break the truce. If it is Vhaeraun's decision to be treacherous, then will I act."

Kern says, "In the meantime, vigilance is all."

Tinuviel nods slowly, 'I am not a warrior, Kern, but a healer and artist. But I will only do what I feel I must.'

Keesha skrees, "As long as you think through the consequences first."

Kern nods understandingly, and then cocks an eyebrow. "An artist? I do not remember you mentioning that. What sort of art?"

Tinuviel blinks slowly, as if she hadn't even really thought about it, 'I dance and am a musician.' She laughs softly as she nods to herself, 'Of course I am, she would have included that, wouldn't she?'

Kern chuckles. "It does seem a natural addition, yes." He tilts his head then. "Do you plan then, to dance for Eilistraee? or just for yourself?"

Tinuviel laughs softly as she shakes her head, 'Dance for the joy of it, regardless of anything else.'

Kern smiles. "That might be such a thing to watch. One wonders how your wings might come into place during such a dance."

Keesha looks interested at that, and mutters something to herself. "Aerial dance?"

Tinuviel glances at Keesha with a smile, as one winged person to another, then back, 'It makes leaps much easier.' Her face is expressionless, but amusement sparkles in her eyes.

Kern laughs. "I expect so...I'd like it if you danced for us sometime soon."

Tinuviel smiles and nods, 'I would really like that. A part of me feels like it has been too long, even knowing what I do.'

Kern grins. "That must be an interesting sensation, in and of itself."

Tinuviel laughs softly and then sighs, stifling a yawn, 'I hate to leave, but I am about to fall asleep all of a sudden.'

Kern nods accommodatingly. "Go and get you to bed, then. A chair is not a comfortable place to sleep."

Tinuviel laughs softly and stands, curtseying to you both before turning towards the door, 'Thank you for the conversation.'

Kern nods. "Anytime."

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

Keesha waves a wing at Tinuviel as she leaves. "I really need to get this business with deity-politics straight."

Kern says, "Oh? What is confusing to you?"

Keesha shrugs. "Not so much confusing as not internalized. I'm getting there."

Kern chuckles. "Feel free to ask me if you have any further questions. I know the players, if not the games. :}"

Keesha skrees, "Okay... Vhaeraun is a god of magic, Lolth is a drow goddess, and neither one is particularly aligned with good, correct?"

Kern shakes his head. "Both Vhaeraun and Lolth are drow deities. Lolth is the primary drow deity, with dominion over chaos, and a few other specific portfolios that escape me at the moment. Vhaeraun, Lolth's son, is referred to as the Masked God of Night, with domain over male drow and thieves. But you are right in that neither of them are, as you say, aligned with good. To date, Eilistraee, Lolth's daughter and Vhaeraun's sister, is the only drow deity with any real decency in her heart.

Keesha skrees, "Okay. So then who are the deities of magic, and how do they fit into the drow triangle?"

Kern smiles. "Well, there are no real gods or goddesses of magic within the drow pantheon. Among the humans, there are five: Xandros, god of Wild Magic, my patron god. Velsharoon the Vaunted is a lich-god of necromancy and undead. Savras is the god of Divination and seers. Azuth is the god of wizards and wizardly magic. And finally Mystra is the goddess of *all* magic. To date, however, the only connection between the gods of magic and the drow pantheon is the alliance that Eilistraee and Mystra have formed together. The why of it precisely is enshrouded in the past...but they are of like minds, and have collaborated on numerous occasions. Apparently, Tinuviel is the result of once such collaboration."

Keesha blinks at that last comment. "She's... what? A demigod? A baby god? Or just an avatar?"

Kern says, "None of the above. While she has some granted powers and skills, she is, in fact, mortal, and not an offspring of either goddess but purely a creation of magic."

Kern says, "At least...near as I can tell."

Keesha skrees, "An avatar, then. Unless I'm misusing the word."

Kern shakes his head. "Not to my knowledge. An avatar is typically a body that a deity inhabits. But Tinuviel seems to be of her own mind."

Keesha snickers. "Such as it is. Is it just me, or does she seem confused a lot?"

Kern says, "I am actually not surprised by that in the least. She is, as I said, a creation of magic. She was not birthed and raised like a normal mortal, but created whole from scratch, with memories imprinted on her brain. It's not a wonder that she is confused."

Keesha skrees, "True... Though you'd think that gods could do a better job."

Kern says, "Even gods have limitations, Keesha. And magic itself has limitations of its own. An ordinary mortal wizard would probably not be able to do this himself and succeed. Divine magic, of course would increase the chances sharply."

Kern says, "*I* would never try to do such a thing. Even when I was still Weaveborn."

Dermott arrives from Erythyn Street.

Dermott meanders in, hanging his cloak up on one of the hooks by the door. "Good evening, lady, gentleman...."

Keesha waves a wing at Dermott. "Evening. How's your ship doing?"

Kern smiles. "Evening, Dermott. How fares your crew, post battle?"

Dermott smiles wanly. "The ship is well, and the crew are glad to have fought the good fight, after being inactive so long., thank you. And yourselves?

Keesha skrees, "No damage, the crew seems to be shaking down well so far, and ... I burned more fuel than I wanted to.""

Kern says, "Well recovered. If anything, only frustratedly curious as to what happened that brought Rennyn, Cynergy, and Sylune back in the first place. Sylune is ensconced in the Vrinn estate and I haven't been able to see her. Rennyn, unfortunately, is still recovering. And Cynergy appears to have memory loss."

Dermott nods, smiling quietly to Keesha. "You won't have much to worry about when you become more comfortable with the spelljammer, I imagine."

Dermott looks to Kern. "We'll learn soon enough. I admit to being curious as well, however...

Keesha skrees, "I didn't use fuel for the engines much. I need it to run the weapons and sensor systems."

Kern says, "Mmmm. And that's not easily replaced by magic. What do you use for fuel, perchance?"

Dermott nods to Keesha. "Well, we certainly cut into our supplies with even the few beam shots we took. But the greater loss is the ammunition. Giff smoke powder doesn't work well with automatics, we've found."

Keesha skrees, "5% deuterium-enriched cryoslurry."

Kern boggles. "Cryoslurry?"

Kern says, "What is that?"

Dermott retrieves a steaming mug from Talabrina, and wanders over to the table Kern is at, and which Keesha is hanging over.

Keesha skrees, "Super-cooled hydrogen. There's plenty of hydrogen here, it's part of the chemicals that make up water... but the processing technology is non-existent."

Kern hmmms. "It sounds complex. Is it?"

Kern says, "Molecularly, I mean."

Keesha sighs. "Unfortunately, Chirikh wasn't intended as an exploration ship, so she's got no ability to process water or raw hydrogen herself. Not really. Water is hydrogen and oxygen, and splitting out the hydrogen isn't hard. Collecting it, separating it, and enriching the heavy hydrogen component is tougher. Hmm... and I'm assuming that your hydrogen even has deuterium components. I know that the chemistry works, or I couldn't live here... nuclear may not."

Kern says, "Actually, I was considering the possibility that magic might be able to replicate this cryoslurry."

Dermott says, "I do know that, even though technology works, physics is sometimes subtly different. The air envelope around ships, for starters. Suns are planets whose primary element is fire instead of nuclear furnaces."

Kern says, "The possibility seems slim, however."

Keesha skrees, "I can get you a sample... it's deadly cold, though. You'd want a Dewar flask to handle it."

Kern nods. "it's worth a look, at least. Not now though."

Kern yawns then. "mmmmm. Perhaps I should follow Tinuviel's example and find myself a bed...I'm more tired than I thought."

Keesha skrees, "You were working pretty hard in the battle. Rest up!"

Dermott nods. "Indeed. Good night, Kern, and sleep well.

Kern smiles. "Aye, aye, Captain."

Dermott grins quietly.

Kern stands and, for a change, actually *walks* out of the tavern, as opposed to blinking out of existence.

Keesha chuckles. "He must be tired."

Dermott nods quietly, sitting into an empty chair but not the one Kern just vacates. "He had it rough in the battle, both he and Gala'maDred." He takes a sip of his drink. "Mmph... I'm not sure what they went through to get to the neogi overmaster.

Keesha shrugs. "Not sure myself... I was rescuing jettisoned hostages with my cargo tractor. Didn't bang them up too badly, thank Murphy."

Dermott nods, "We saw you doing that. Very well done, madam, you did a capital job!

Keesha grins and spreads her wings in an embarrassed acknowledgment. "P'jalst. Someone had to do it."

Dermott smiles. "But you were the one doing it, and we were very lucky that you were."

Keesha skrees, "Heh. More like, they were very lucky I was there. Sometimes a freighter has advantages."

Dermott chuckles, and raises his mug to the bat. "Advantages which even a corsair lacks."

Keesha skrees, "Though you did fine yourself. I couldn't have arranged your boarding party. Aside from my ship-to-ship weapons, there aren't a lot of tech-weapons on board."

Dermott chuckles softly. "Because of that battle, I fear there are a great many less tech-weapons aboard ours. I need to talk to Gala'madred again soon, about a proper spelljamming ship. There are no clerics or mages among my crew, however.

Keesha skrees, "And I'm the only mage on mine. And still only a weak one, at that. A cleric would be useful, I think... and maybe a psionicist. I could probably set up a shield, but it would eat fuel and I couldn't use it in wildspace."

Dermott nods, "Or the phlogiston, I imagine. In fact, very little works in the phlogiston."

Alois comes in from the back room and settles into a chair at an empty table, with a glass of wine already in his hand.

Dermott says, "Alois, good evening!"

Keesha skrees, "That's what I said. Phlogiston is the wildspace, right? Or am I confusing the local terminology again?"

Dermott shakes his head to Keesha. "It's all right, madam. It took me a while to grasp it. Wildspace is the space within a Crystal Sphere. The phlogiston is what is outside the Sphere.

Keesha waves a wing at the drow elf. "Alois. Guten Abend."

Alois says, "Vendui', Captain Dermott, Lady Keesha."

Keesha skrees, "Ah.. that's silly. Inside the sphere is just space, like back home."

Dermott shakes his head, taking a sip from the mug. "Nnnn.... It really isn't. Weird things go on in wildspace, madam. The air envelope surrounding space is only part of it.

Alois says, "Actually, Wildspace is used more for regions of space that are dangerous or uninhabited.. Like the Oloth Linth'el."

Dermott says, "Oh! I'm sorry, Alois." He grins, "I'm still learning, myself.""

Alois says, "No need to apologize, Captain. I've had more practice than you."

Keesha skrees, "Weird place, this is, that's for sure. Ah, well. We'll pick it up as we go."

Dermott nods to Alois.

Dryx arrives from Erythyn Street.

Dermott looks to the doorway to the new arrival, and nods politely in greeting.

Keesha nods to Dryx from her perch over a table where Dermott is sitting. Alois is in his usual spot by the fireplace.

Dryx nods softly in reply, wending his way to a table in the rear.

Alois takes a sip of his drink.

Keesha skrees, "Any word yet on what happened to Sylune and Cynergy's ships?"

Alois shrugs, "I've not heard. I would imagine that the Goblin-kin has something to do with it, though. The EIF are at war with them, after all."

Dermott says, "Still? I had thought the Unhuman War was over."

Alois says, "No. They're just over for the poor fools who lost their ship and had to flee. I'm surprised that you couldn't tell that Rennyn has his tail firmly between his legs."

Dermott gives a wry expression. "Considering Rennyn was unconscious when he was found, it was a little hard to tell." He sighs, and looks into his mug. "I hadn't thought to keep closer track of ship movements, though I probably should from this point on."

Keesha skrees, "Cynergy has no idea what happened to hers. Serious memory gap. Sylune is in seclusion, and Rennyn is still unconscious."

Alois says, "Sylune is crazy. I wouldn't expect any straight answers from her any time soon."

Keesha skrees, "Is this a new development, or has she been that way for a while?"

Alois snorts, "Since she was born."

Safix arrives from Erythyn Street.

Cynergy arrives from Erythyn Street.

Keesha skrees, "Speak of the devil... Evening, Captain. Hi, Safix."

Safix walks into the Path, chatting companionably with Cynergy in good spirit.

Dermott lets out a quiet breath, and takes a sip from his mug. Setting it down heavily, he folds his hands on the table. He looks over to the doorway, and smiles warmly, a little. "Good evening, madam... mesdames.

Safix smiles brightly at Keesha, "Evening! --Dermott, are you ok?"

Dermott stands, spreads his hands a little, smiling. "I am well, thank you, madam. And yourself?"

Cynergy's gaze darts around quickly once inside, nodding to Keesha as she addresses her, her smile faint, "Please, call me Cynergy. I am not in uniform." moments later she catches sight of Dryx, her smile faltering... until she sees Alois. Just seeing him has yet another opposite effect, each emotion shown clearly on her face. "Brother!"

Alois sets his wine down and stands, bowing to the two ladies who have entered. He smiles at them both. "Vendui', Safix.. And, Sister. It is so good to see you again. You've been missed terribly!"

Safix says to Dermott, "Glad to hear it. I'm fine, thanks." She smiles.

Dermott nods, and inclines his head, gesturing to the table. "Please, feel free...."

Safix' smile widens as she turns to Alois. "Good eve! I think today I'll ask you what 'Venduis' means."

Alois chuckles at Safix, "A good question to start with. It means "I greet thee"."

Cynergy grins then, and sweeps across the room to hug Alois tightly, "As I missed you." without missing a beat she turns back to Saf, translating, "drow, a greet..." she smirks, and stops as Alois says it at the same time.

Alois hugs his Sister. "Are you back for a while?"

Safix' eyes sparkle. "To start with? I'll need a little help finding more questions, but I take hints pretty well." She tries it out on her tongue... "Venduis, Alois." She grins slightly.

Cynergy half-scowls, half-pouts, "Only for as long as they're fixing my flitter. I'm going back out there. Preferably before Rennyn wakes, and moreso before Sylune comes after me to see if I'm alright..." She only looks half-sorry she's being so deceptive.

Alois grins, "Well, if he does wake up while you make your escape, Dear Sister, I'll be more than happy to put him right back to sleep for you."

Keesha rolls her eyes. "Not until we find out what happened. Someone has to remember."

Dermott says, "Has anyone asked one of the crew, say the... uhm, who is it, the... battle-poet?"

Safix looks wistfully at Cynergy. "I do wish you'd stay awhile longer."

Cynergy blinks, looking over at Keesha. She's obviously straining to pick some words very carefully.

Alois motions at the table he was at. "Won't you both have a seat and relax.."

Cynergy looks away from Keesha, deciding it's better to simply let the female think anyone could stop her. She nods to Alois, "For only a drink, brother. My heart holds hope I'll be away as soon as tonight."

Safix walks lightly-- very lightly, if you're looking closely-- over to Alois' table and pauses. "I'd love to. I ought to go tell Talabrina I'm starving first, though. I'll be right back..." She walks softly to the bar.

Dermott arches an eyebrow, as he slowly lowers himself to his own seat.

Alois frowns, sitting back down where he was before, "only for a night?"

Cynergy explains quietly to Alois, "She was doing her fountain trick. Have you seen it? simply incredible." A darting glance over to Dryx... no, she's not staring, but cautious.

Alois says, "Fountain trick? No.. I've not seen it.."

Cynergy raises her brows, smiling, completely ignoring Alois' question, rather than upsetting him with the truth of it.

Cynergy says, "I'm sure she'll show you once she's at her best again, then. It takes much out of her. "

Safix returns empty-handed, looking very slightly forlorn. "Dinner's on its way... oh well, I probably won't try to eat you guys before it gets here."

Alois blinks, "Is it midweek?"

Safix nods, "I think so.. why?"

Alois winces and says something in drow that didn't sound nice. "I'm sorry. I have to go.. I forgot.." He stands up and heads out the door, moving pretty quickly, though he does stop to kiss Cyn's cheek.

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

Safix hides a crestfallen look.

Dermott blinks, looking up to Alois as he leaves through the front door, but otherwise makes no comment.

Cynergy narrows her eyes, watching Alois' back, quite suspicious. She almost rises to follow him, but it takes all of her will not to. She curses in kind, then looks at Talabrina offering her a small smile.

Safix looks at her hands on the table for a moment, then smiles very brightly at Cynergy.

Cynergy grins a little at Saf, laughing, shaking her head, "Oh you poor thing." She sighs, looking at the door worriedly. Her are running back and forth as fast as her thoughts, betraying her worries.

Talabrina skillfully winds her way through the tables to place a flute of Elverquisst in front of Cynergy with a cheerful wink. She holds a hand up to Saf, smiling, "It's almost ready!" and goes quickly but gracefully away again.

Safix looks up at Cynergy again. "H'm?" Her bright-eyed incomprehension is a bit too... well, too.

Safix smiles at Cyn, saying quickly "What are you drinking?"

Cynergy picks up the glass, holding it up to the light, "Saf, this is liquid heaven... ambrosia..." she actually shivers... and then blushes. "Elverquisst. So rare and fine and sublime perfection upon the tongue.."

Safix giggles, sounding only slightly fragile at it. "Oh. That."

Safix cocks her head, "Is it made from elves?"

Cynergy blinks, "That?" At Saf's next her eyes widen, "No!"

Safix grins. "I was kidding, Cyn."

Cynergy blushes faintly, "Oh. Uhm, of course you were." she manages a smile.

Safix says, "What is it really made of, though? I'm curious."

Safix raises both eyebrows at Cynergy's reaction, but says nothing out loud.

Cynergy says, "It is only grapes, yet what the processing entails, I couldn't tell you. Grapes simply become magical?" She shrugs, "See how clear it is, almost colorless... intensely potent, and sweet to the taste."

Safix grins. "Neat."

Safix says, "I wouldn't be surprised if there was magic involved... elves seem to do a lot of that."

Cynergy smiles at that, nodding, taking a sip, finally, almost reverent. Her eyes close momentarily, and she sighs. "Sometimes the magic can be in how you drink it." she doesn't say more on that, but looks over as Talabrina brings in Saf's dinner, "Ah, you don't have to wait any longer... your food has arrived."

Safix perks up more genuinely, smiles at 'Brina, and applies herself to her dinner with great enthusiasm.

Keesha hmmmphs. "I tried it once. Definitely too sweet, and too much alcohol. I'll stick with mead."

Dryx leans back in his corner, nodding slightly. He appears to be dozing.

Cynergy raises her eyes to look at Keesha, then smiling a bit, "Mead can be absolutely wonderful."

Safix says between moments of devouring things, "Oh? How alcoholic is it? Is high tolerance an elven thing? I'm afraid I haven't spent all that much time around elves."

Cynergy shakes her head, "I could not tell you the proof, but it is an acquired taste and tolerance. Gala'maDred or Alois could better inform you of the particulars, for they introduced me to the drink long ago."

Cynergy keeps looking back at Dryx every so often. She doesn't really believe he's asleep.

Safix grins a touch ruefully. "I don't suppose I should try to experiment with getting elves tipsy, then... I'd probably slide under the table long before anyone else felt any effects."

Cynergy laughs softly, "The trick is in somehow managing not to drink as much as they, all the while observing and making it seem you're right with them, every step of the way. Which, in and of itself is nearly impossible. sooner or later, you're right under the table where you belong. But happy, at the least."

Safix blinks and vainly tries not to blush. "I belong under the table?"

Safix adds, eyes dancing, "But I'm happy there?"

Keesha skrees, "Misdirection and ... " She stops and chirrips at Safix. " She wasn't talking about you in particular, Safix.""

Safix widens her eyes innocently. "I was just trying to find out what's going on under the table."

Cynergy looks over to Keesha, "Pardon?" she keeps her look open, polite, curious.

Safix smiles up at her batbat friend.

Keesha skrees, "The 'under the table' comment was generic, nicht wahr? Not specifically about Safix?"

Safix grins quietly as her words get treated with far more seriousness than they deserve.

Cynergy shakes her head slowly, waving a hand, "No, it wasn't at all directed to Safix, but rather anyone not of elven blood, when drinking with elves, or rather, toward anyone drinking with Alois and Dred." she queries gently, "but you said something about misdirection?"

Keesha skrees, "Oh, that. The secret to drinking someone under the table. Make him think you're drinking more than you are..."

Safix tilts her head to one side. "Any suggestions on how to do that, Keesha?"

Cynergy nods, raising her glass to Keesha, "That, or the dedication to destroying one's one health in actually drinking them under the table honestly."

Keesha skrees, "Oh, various sorts of tricks. If you top off your glass a lot, it can cover that you're sipping instead of gulping, frex."

Safix listens with great interest, and a slight smirk.

Safix admits, "I seem to have no tolerance... this could come in handy."

Keesha skrees, "If you're serving, give yourself something less alcoholic than what you're serving..."

Keesha skrees, "And, most important... make sure you've got food in your stomach, before you start. It slows the absorption rate."

Safix grins and eyes her empty plate, devoid of food now for some time.

Safix says, "Thank you for the advice, Keesh, Cyn... I'll probably never need it, but it's fun to pretend."

Keesha skrees, "Never can tell when it might be helpful. I need to head back to my ship and study for a bit. Later, gentles."

Keesha drops from her perch and flits over to the door. "Goodnight!"

Cynergy nods to Keesha, smiling lightly as she gives a wave.

Safix eeps... "Oh! I have my math homework done again. Next time we meet, Keesha, bring more?"

Keesha skrees, "Certainly! Or drop by and see me... I'll tell the crew to let you on board."

Safix nods, "Thanks, I'll do that."

Safix says, "'Night, Keesha!"

Keesha wingwaves and then is off into the night.

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

Cynergy has fallen quite quiet and finally tips up her drink to finish the last of it. "I should be going, myself. I've to check on my flitter, and see how tings progress."

Safix sighs, a bit forlorn. "You, too? Maybe I'm funny looking today."

Cynergy grins, rising and gathering her robes, glittering in the faerie fire of the tavern. "No, dear, you are as beautiful outside as what I see inside."

Safix blushes, shy. "Um. Thanks... oh, and this isn't because of the compliment..."

Safix says, "Cyn, feel free to come by my shop sometime soon when you're free. If I'm not in here, I'm likely to be there, and I have something for you."

Cynergy nods, grinning, "Yes, we need to take care of my blades, indeed. I'll stop by soon."

Safix says, "We walked by it on the way in, it's the SilverTree. You'll see it when you walk out."

Safix smiles. "See you later, then."

Cynergy looks over to Dryx, sighing, not knowing what to say to him. She obviously doesn't know what to make of him, but hasn't said a word to him all night.

Dryx just sits there, perfectly quiet and propped against the wall.

Cynergy stares at him a moment, her head tilting. "Goodnight, Dryx." her tone is soft, loud enough to be heard, but gentle, not wishing to wake him if he is, on the slim chance her brain calculates is probable, sleeping.

Cynergy turns and exits the tavern in a genuine rush, robes swishing and glittering.

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

A voice comes from beneath the hood as she passes. "Goodnight, Captain." Then the sound of soft laughter.

Safix toys morosely with her fork.

Safix eyes the hooded figure in the corner. "Why do you laugh so much?"

Dryx raises his head slightly. "Do I? I hadn't noticed."

Safix says a touch dryly, "You do. At fairly odd times, I might add. A stranger could get the impression, almost, that it amuses you to discomfit others."

Dryx lowers his head again. "It's not my intention to discomfit anyone. And other peoples' impressions aren't any of my concern."

Safix gets up to take her plate to the bar, and returns slowly, thoughtfully. Her expression is distant.

Safix looks at Dryx, smiling faintly. "I did say, a stranger could get that impression, not that it was accurate."

Dryx lets his statement stand, and doesn't make reply.

Safix says, "So, traveler... why do you travel, if you're not interested in other people?"

Dryx says, "Do I need a reason? It's not the destination, it's the travel. Isn't that how the proverb goes?"

Safix says, "I'm not up on proverbs and folklore, but I'll take your word on it. Yes, I think one does need at least one reason, whether or not that reason is clear even to oneself."

Safix says, "If the object is the travel, the travel must be accomplishing something. Whatever that is, might be the reason."

Dryx says, "Moving from one place to another. That's generally what it does for you."

Safix grins. "Maybe so. So what does it do for you? I'm not the traveler here."

Dryx glances up for just a moment. "Moves me from one place to another."

Safix says, "The moving, then, is the goal."

Dryx says, "If that's what you want to call it."

Safix shrugs. "I'm just curious."

Dryx says, "You're just choosing to read into my words, hoping to draw something out of me."

Safix says, "I've spent my life on this rock. I'm interested to see the different things other people feel are important-- now, you're being suspicious for very little reason. What could I possibly want to draw out of you, a total stranger?"

Dryx says, "You tell me. You're the one accosting the stranger."

Safix adds, amusedly, "That implies I want something of use to me, from you. I'm merely curious... and I hardly think I'm accosting you. I'm all the way over here, and shorter. There's no force being used on you... you're talking back of your own free will."

Safix leaves the Silvertree.. Safix has arrived. Safix smiles. "A stranger might almost think you didn't mind not being silent all the time."

Dryx says, "You're still forcing definitions. And making assumptions to boot."

Safix spreads her hands, gently. "Correct me, if you please."

Safix spreads her hands, smiling gently. "Correct me, if you please."

Dryx folds his cloak around himself more closely. "I'm not in the business of correcting other people. You do as you like."

Safix laughs very softly.

Dryx doesn't say anything further.

Safix smiles as she rises. "I shall, as shall you. I was only curious, stranger. You bristle needlessly. Good eve."

Dryx says nothing.

Safix walks leisurely to the door, waves cheerily, and slips out.

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

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

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