You all find quarters that you find are richly appointed with bathes and bedrooms suites and sitting rooms, salons and libraries, dining halls and kitchen, attics and basements such as you enjoy, some even with comfy stalls and horse size pools of warm water.

In reply to Stardancer (msg # 118):

I do believe that is a most capital idea, my Dear Lady." Rinaldo smiled and used a very prim and proper gentleman's tone as he spoke.

he Led her outside and took a leisurely stroll around the grounds Sighing as he looked up and enjoyed the night sky as they reviewed the cottages and peeked over the low wall around one into the back court where a large open-air bath was set into the center of the patio. steam rising from the surface in the cool night air.


"I do believe this fits the bill nicely." he added as he noticed the oversized doors and large interior passages that seemed custom made for those who went about of hooves. "what do you think?. Secluded, open and airy, nice view of the night sky from the pool."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:37, Mon 19 Sept 2016.

Motoko furrowed her brows, wondering what it was that Galen wished to speak with her about.  She wondered if perhaps there was some other concern.  Well, she wasn't going to find out until she responded.  Placing her fist in her palm, she replied, "Of course, Brother Galen.  I was hoping to get the chance to speak with you as well."

She reached out and opened the door that led out to the balcony.  She paused as she turned her head back over toward Petal.

"Go on ahead of me, Petal.  I'll catch up with you later."

"Huh... Yeah, I imagine so," Crow replied as he followed Mariasha's gaze toward the sleeping tom cat.  He glanced up at Cooper, who was already making himself comfortable on top of the bard's head.  He looked back down and into the red-haired woman's eyes.  "I think between all of us right here, we have everything we'll need to solve the murder."

He tilted his head and smiled when Mariasha admitted that she was going to sleep on the balcony.  "Heh... I've done a lot of sleeping out in the wild myself, though I'd still prefer it over sleeping on a cold, hard floor."

Crow glanced over to see that Brother Galen and Motoko had decided to move out onto the balcony.  He held out his hand toward Mariasha and said, "Looks like the balcony's occupied right now.  How about we take this opportunity to look around the rest of this place?  Find a room sooner rather than later?"

She smiled and nodded in agreement.  "Perhaps I may even be enticed to tell you some of the tales the night tells us of.  My Mother and father often told me tales of great heroes and our history." She walked into the one manor house Rinaldo gestured at.  "...I ..might even be enticed to dance for you" she tossed him a sly look with an evil eye wink. A locke of her golden blonde hair half covering her face.

"I do enjoy a good story." Rinaldo smiled and nimbly hopped over the stone fence. Opening the gate for her to follow. He bowed with a flourish, "welcome to the home of Lord Rinaldo, and Esquire Stardancer, may it always be full of light, music and joy, and a bit of mischief as needed."

as she joined hi and the wall offered privacy he stepped up and placed a passionate kiss on her lips his hand giving her a soft squeeze as he did so." I would love to see you dance, and maybe join you in one as well."

In reply to Crow Reeds (msg # 122):

Mariasha watched as Brother Galen and a beautiful young swords woman walked out onto the very balcony that she had planned on sleeping fo the night. Well... There is that She thought biting down gently on her lower lip , an old unconscious habit. She looked up into Crow's smiling brown eyes and placed her hand in his. In the end it was his warm smile and a strange sense of warmth that she felt from that made up her mind. It was not that she avoided people, that would be hard in her profession, rather she offer them only Mariasha the healer. She gave of herself freely when she treated  the sick or those in need, yet few knew the real her.

"I...I would like that. Thank you, Crow" She smiled and allowed him to led on.

 Over hearing Mariasha and Crow speaking she turned back toward them. She smiled warmly at Mariasha.

 "There are numerous bedroom suites I am sure! Please look through any not claimed and make yourself at home. You can look further tomorrow if you aren't satisfied and claim a different set of rooms or even a cottage if you prefer. From what we were told there are enough rooms for all of us, and a few cottages for those who don't want to be in a larger house, or who wants more privacy. But do be comfortable tonight. It makes no sense to sleep on a public balcony. If you prefer a stone balcony though you can have a private one, but surely a bed would be more satisfying."
 "I can send lilbug to help you if you need help. He is very accommodating and well mannered."

In reply to Fairaday (msg # 126):

The sleepy slave's eyes at the mention of his name, and he blinks up at his beloved Mistress, quickly processing Her words.  He bends down and kisses Her soft boots lovingly, then nods emphatically.

"Of course Mistress, I would be very happy to assist of course, will you also be departing for bed soon my glorious Lady?"

Once they are alone on the balcony, Brother Galen quietly looks up at the stars for some time, gathering his thoughts.  When he turns his attention to Motoko once more, his expression is one of fondness for his dear Okoshan friend.

"Motoko, I appreciate you joining me here.  The stars have always comforted me, and help me to think.  The night sky is indeed one of the greatest gifts the gods have bestowed upon us, but that is, of course, not why I have asked you accompany me here...which of course, you already know."

He pauses, composing his words carefully, as he always does.

"I would like you to come to the Temple of Enduring Truth.  I would like your help with a... guest we currently have there.  Perhaps I should start from the beginning, that is always the best place:

"About three weeks ago, a young Ikoshan woman came through the gates of the Temple and, without a word to anyone, she went to the eastern corner of the gardens and began to meditate among the grave markers there.  Since that time there have been several brash bounty hunters who have come to fight her, for she does indeed have a price on her head, though I do not know why.  None of those foolish enough to challenge her have survived the encounter.

"She calls herself, Shi no Tenshi and fights with two long blades.  I wish for her to find some peace, for she is clearly a troubled soul who cannot overcome her own demons.  So much death and anger has disturbed the harmony of the Temple as well, and my fellow monks are deeply concerned.  I thought perhaps, as a fellow kensai, you could understand her, and help her in some way to find the resolution she seeks?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Sun 25 Sept 2016.

Motoko's interest perked at the mention of an Ikoshan warrior.  What was more, she used two long blades.  The two-sword style was already quite the uncommon sight and even among these practitioners, most used shorter blades such as knives or short swords.  The young warrior woman listened closely and intently to Brother Galen's story, growing more curious as he explained the situation.

Though she had wanted to help with the investigation of the wizard's murder, she could not help but wish to meet this mysterious... Shi no Tenshi...

"Shi no Tenshi?  As in... Angel of Death?  That's an... interesting nickname to have," Motoko scratched her head, not entirely sure what to make of it.  It would be one thing if somebody else called her that.  It wasn't unusual for particularly skilled stand-out warriors to have a nom de guerre bestowed upon them by others.  The fact that this woman called herself that, however... made it sound a little less credible.  Still... she took out a bunch of bounty hunters.  There really was only one way to find out just how skilled this Angel of Death truly was.  Motoko gave Galen an affirmative nod and said, "I have no idea whether or not I'll be of any help, but I'm willing to try.  I'll speak with her first thing tomorrow morning."

 Ignoring Motoko and Galen and their jibber jabber, she left lilbug to help Mariasha and goes to her suite to retire for the night.

"Good night. Lilbug, see to helping the Lady then come to bed."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:10, Sun 23 Oct 2016.

"I.... Thank you, Lady Fairaday! And goodnight" Mariasha called after the beauty's retreating form. She self-consciously removes her hand from Crow's offered hand with a small smile for both men.

"I hope it is not too much trouble, Lilbug.  If you could just show me the way to the sleeping chambers, I am sure I can find something that will suit for tonight."

"Yes Mistress, I promise I will not be long my benevolent Lady," lilbug replies looking to Lady Fairaday with such utter delight that no one could ever doubt his complete devotion to her.

Turning to Lady Mariasha, lilbug bowed respectfully.  At her assertion he actually blushes then smiles disarmingly.  "It is most certainly no trouble, Lady Mariasha, it is my pleasure and privilege to be of service, always.  This way if you please."

So saying, the ever gleeful slave leads Mariasha to the sleeping quarters and waits while they find someplace suitable for them both.  He attends any last minute needs they may have, happily retrieving anything from additional linens to late night snacks.  Once they have settled in for the evening, and decide to dismiss him, he bids them a cheerful good night and rushes back to his waiting Mistress.

((OOC: I'd say that's a good place to call it a night))

The humble Grand master bows gratefully.  "That is all I can ask.  You have my gratitude, Motoko Kurenai of Iko.  If the Universe allows, I will see you at the Temple tomorrow.  Namaste my friend."

With that Brother Galen quietly slips back inside and departs.

"Actually, I'm from Oko," Motoko corrected the Grand Master with a sweet smile on her face.  "See you tomorrow and Namaste."

With that, the swordswoman turned her attention back on Petal.  She smiled at her pet, who had been obediently waiting for her.  She patted the slave girl on the head before taking her by the leash and leading her out the front entrance.

"Come along now, my pet.  It's already late and we still haven't found a cottage yet."

"Yes Mistress" Petal smiled and nodded to everyone politely as she followed her Mistress, keeping pace with the woman just far enough behind to keep slight tension on the leash as she had been taught over the years.

 The night passes too quickly, but no one has to get up too early. In fact, it's going on 9 am before anyone stirs. Those who do, find a small feast of foods being kept warm on a side board in chafing dishes in the dining room. Caffe and Tea and chocolatte and fruit juices as well to drink. There is plenty for all, and leftovers are given to the charity hospice afterward, still warm and delicious.

Xi had risen with the sun as she oft liked to do.  The room in the main manor was large.  A balcony allowed her to enjoy some of the morning air wafting through.  Only half dressed she practiced a bit and worked out to keep her skills honed, easier to do out of armor.After a bit of sweat on her brow she decided to wash up and start her day.  The basin of cool water and strong soap had been placed upon a table with 3 towels.  Using at least 2 she cleaned her self of her perspiration and grime.  After dressing, for the day she put on her armor.  Taking time to note areas in need of repair and maintainance.  She left her main weapons there in her room, but did at least take her dagger, as one should never be without some protection.  Down the stairs and into the main hall she noted that food and plates were set up.  Apparently there were some servants about, or a very creepy squatter.  She looked about for the former, just to be safe.

Dawn had found Mariasha on the small balcony of her room,a modest but well appointed room, that Lilbug had shown her to the night before. After she had explored it thoroughly she had retired for the night and now she sat across legged upon the hard cool stone of the small balcony in just a light tunic and linen pants. Cupped in her hands, prayer like, was a pendent in a intrinsic shape of a tree and her long fire red hair flowed unbound down her back to her waist with no hint of a wave. She had sat like that in silent prayer and meditation from before the sun began to rise until the blush of early morning. Then she rose quietly and returned to her inner chamber to wash, grateful to the servants that had left the small wash basin, soap, and towels. She made a mental note to herself, as she retrieved her own herbal soap, to thank the staff on hand properly. Washing quickly, Mariasha donned a fresh tunic and breeches before throwing on a her hooded robe. With deft hands, she braided her long hair and then went downstairs.

She was not surprised to find that she was not the first one down when she entered the main hall. "Good morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Thu 13 Oct 2016.

"Good Morning" She turned to the woman entering.  "Hmmm.... Apparently the servants seem to think there is someone out to eat them" she stated. Giving it a pass for now she decided to take upon the repast.

 She came down the stairs, smiling a quiet enigmatic smile, eyes sparkling with humor. She entered the dining hall, following the scent of tea and food. She smiled at Xi then turned toward the buffet. "Good morning."

 She helped herself to a plate of fruits and cheeses, bread, bacon, ham, lettuce and tomato slices. She headed to the table to set her plate down, then went back for a pot of tea and a lump sugar. She sat down, poured a mug of tea, shaved off some sugar from the lump and stirred it into the tea. She blew on the tea until she could sip it, then took a few swallows.

 She carved off some slices of bread off the rich dark sweet smelling bread, layered ham, bacon, lettuce, apple slices and a white sauce, topped it with another slice of bread, pressed it together well, then took a bite. She chewed slowly, watching to see how long it took her slave boy to show up.

"And a bright morning to you as well....." Xi replied sitting at the large table as others slowly filed in.  Setting her own plate down she continued "..Have you met or seen any of our servants here?  Or did the food magically appear?" she wondered if Fairaday had the answer.

Little kitty woke up alone just before the sun rose.  Stealthily she searched the manor and outside for mice.  Finding two and making short work of them she sniffed about after cleaning herself.  She made her way back to the spot she was sleeping in.  From there she began following the toms scent.  He was gone at some point she set out to find him, staying from the two leggers way.

 He sleeps upon a warm chair set where the morning sun is just starting to play upon the edge of the chair arm, waiting for the warmth of it upon his dark hair to warm him and wake him once it starts to slide away. He'd still have an hour maybe to sleep before the sun covered him and moved on.