Catching Up for Culann...

Culann previously appeared in these two threads:
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Culann didn't attend the wedding, of course.  She was absorbed in arcane studies over the past six month or so, finally completely the course of study that qualifies her as a full wizard.

Being a new wizard, ordinarily, Culann would be expected to leave the Academy and take up a new life elsewhere- many people employ wizards, especially the more powerful aristocratic families, and wizards can do quite well self-employed, if they choose.  Only a minority stay on at the Academy as faculty.  But these are not ordinary times.  The Academy has repositioned itself not only as the last real wizard school, but an association of wizards.  Most of the wizards now thought to be alive in Gaul are either part of the academy, or working (voluntarily or involuntarily) for the Orc nations, the Huns and Goths.

The Academy of Aurelianorum always had a strong “classical” approach to training wizards.  The institution's philosophy is that the study of the Arcane should be embedded in a rigorous study of everything else... at least, a solid curriculum of traditional areas of study- history, philosophy, mathematics, the natural sciences, etc.  One result of this is that over half the students are not actually wizards.  They are children of families with the means to pay for some formal education.

With so many more faculty here than there were before, space is now at a premium in the Academy's living quarters.  All but the most senior wizards must share quarters.

Culann shares a small room with a novice wizardess (still a student) named Rei, who has a reputation as a party girl, and has often had a bit too much wine.

In reply to Ben (msg # 11):

ooc Thank you for those.

I did not know I was even here!

Bryon is at first not very happy about going to the Academy. It is full of wizards who are notoriously bookish and not at all the kind of man she finds interesting. However arriving finds her an instant celebrity of sorts. Bryon is nothing if not an attention seeker and when people give her attention she cares less for what they are like and more that they are looking at, talking too, and talking about her. She is met with flurries of questions and she tries to answer each. Finally she gives up and demonstrates her most potent weapon, her Eldritch blast.

She has them set up winter melons along a low wall in the courtyard. From some seventy feet back she strikes each of them, and depending on how much of a punch each one get they are vaporize, shatter, or something in between. She curtsies after her little demonstration. Then she begins with the question and answer again. "Yes both my grandmothers are Nymphs. I have an uncle who is a satyr and a great aunt who is a sylf. I am probably more fey than human, but who knows really."

She strolls along, admirers in tow. If she can convince them, she will have them buy her things. She enjoys pretty things that make her feel feminine and magic things of course. When someone mentions a circlet of persuasion she has her heart set on it. She makes it clear, whomever purchases it for her will be rewarded, and if they want to split the cost among a group...all the merrier!

20:15, Today: Bryon rolled 12 using 1d20+11. Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Wed 08 May 2013.

In reply to Bryon (msg # 13):

To occupy her time, before clarifying matters with Kyriel, Culann was seated in a corner looks up from her tomes snapping it shut with a definite thump which she accentuated with an audible Harrumph I thought you lot were beyond such enticing antics. For shame, for shame. she chastises the gaggle of males who were clustered about the well endowed lass.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 08 May 2013.

 Byron makes several discoveries.


Second... Diplomacy works best when the objective is in line with what the subject individual already wants...and it is not too much of a stretch for Byron to be an object of desire. So the required roll is really quite low, when the intent of Diplomacy is "like me" and they are already predisposed to do so.  There are males in the Academy who take to females the way a Labrador Retriever takes to food:  Details are not important, the very fact that it's there is just great!

Especially among the one sector of Academy society that felt most threatened by Kyriel's Upset of the Social Order.  Part of the Academy is devoted to the training of battle mages.  These are mostly male, and they learn a special, limited repertoire of spells.  But at the same time, they also learn how to directly support the city militia in combat, and they all do.  The other wizard students consider the battle mages to be a little on the slow side as far as wizards go.  But, since they are among the few in the academy who take personal physical fitness very seriously, they are considered by most female students as, well, yes, a little on the slow side.  But hot, anyway.

At least, that's how it went until Kyriel showed up, and decided that the boy for her was a pale skinned nervous bookworm.  After that... things got weird.

But with Byron, the battle mages perceive the chance to set the record straight.

There are a few who would certainly be interested in her.

But then there is a third thing.  Even among them, a gift of a magic item as an “opening move” is a bit over the top.  One does not quickly cough up thousands of gold pieces because there is a new girl in town with a loose blouse!

In other words, Byron will have to start small and reasonable.

* * * * * * * * * *

But meanwhile... in related story matters...

Further into the winter, Raude Parisi arrives, with Rita and Riordeg in tow.  Raude's first stop is the Temple of Venus.  She is the high priestess, after all.  It's only proper.  And they have guest quarters for her.  They have other quarters they can provide for Rita and Riordeg, thinking they are traveling together, but Raude, having gotten to know Rita and Riordeg, is pretty sure this is not a good idea.

Fortunately there is also a temple of Pluto, the Campo Santo, a large rectangular cemetery surrounded by a cloistered arcade.  Like many temples, it has a few rooms for visitors.

And lots of rooms for, well, permanent guests.  At least it is quiet.

When everyone is settled in, she brings them over to the Academy, as the rest of King Theoderic's contribution to the "Mestenon Mission", to meet the others involved.

After the return from Lucimburic, Kyriel is rather withdrawn and moody. When Scolo had accused the Academy of sending thieves, she had assumed that he meant her. That she confirmed his suspicions painted a large target on her back as far as she is concerned and she's afraid of what his weird magic will do to her if he unleashes it against her.

The fact that she's been to Mestenon more than anyone here isn't especially comforting, given that more often than not she's run into weird things there. However, she swore that she would help the villagers and she would keep that promise. More often than not she's been going to places that she swore she wouldn't go back to.

She drops off the supplies she traded with the wereowls and checks to see if there's anything Master Ulpius needs for her to do. Besides, it gives her a chance to check up on what he's come up with.

Much time spent with Terrance pulls her from her funk. After a bit she keeps tabs on Byron; the woman is definitely not subtle. Though in the right circumstances it could be useful to have a partner like her.

Settling in at the table by Culann, she observes "It was the same way in Lucimburic. She certainly attracts a crowd."

She gives Terrance's hand a squeeze.

And she waits with no small amount of trepidation for the call to go back to Scolo's village.

Bryon is fascinated. She had expected a bunch of skinny pasty faced guys with pimples and bad eyes from squinting and old books for hours on end. These were, well, she had to search for a word since the word Macho was not around yet. She could not think of anything better than manly and that seemed to suit them all just fine. This was indeed what she craved all along, a gaggle of hot men who were all vying for her attention.

She goes into full on seductress mode, laughing and giggling at their jokes, casually touching their arms (OH MY SUCH MUSCLES!), calling them all by name, and of course sending out those subtle physical queues that said "I am ready and willing to show any or all of you the time of your lives." She sways her hips, runes her fingers through her hair, touches the bust line of her dress, and a half dozen other things that women did to show interest.

"Yes do show me how many push ups you can do in armor."

For another, "I'll be you could toss me around, if I let you."

And on and on. Yes for those outside her sphere of influence it likely drew groans but within the sphere - delicious!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Wed 08 May 2013.

In reply to Bryon (msg # 17):

Culann rose  she had far more interesting matters to attend. Motioning for Kyrel to follow I say Kyrel how did things go with the Mage after I left he seemed a rather scatty fellow. she quietly asked
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Thu 09 May 2013.

5.
The worlds of the wizards of Aurelianorum and the clerics of Arras tend not to overlap all that much.  In some ways, they are entirely different and incompatible theories of magic, apart from occasion “cross dabblers” like those among the priestesses serving Minerva and Hecate.

Raude Parisi, whose order is dedicated to love and passion and the heart, is as far as one can get from the studious, focused mentality the Academy seeks to promote.  When she visits, she knows she is not on her turf- so she goes on the offensive, costuming herself to the nines, letting everyone know, this is the High Priesetess of Venus.

Though she is a mature woman in every way, it is enough to cause a temporary interruption in the attention directed at Byron.

There is a brief introduction between her and the senior wizards, but then... she leaves Rita and Riordeg off on their own.  Raude has other purposes here.  She asks about a wizardess named Cassandra.

* * * * * * *

The senior wizards, meanwhile, debate the upcoming “Mestenon Rescue Mission”.

“Just Culann and Kyriel, then, that's our contribution?” Gilamur the alchemist says, trying to clarify things.

“They are well suited, and King Theoderic has sent his own agents, the priestess of Pluto, the warrior, that peculiar sorceress,” the Lady Dromessa says.  “That's five, enough, I think.”

“It's two of ours, three of Theoderic's,” Tharus notes.  Tharus is the wizard in charge of the battle mages.  He is a mature man, short, close cropped military style hair.  He is the only one of the senior wizards with a warrior's physique, and he's proud of it, and his special branch of the academy.

“It is mostly Theoderic's concern,” the elderly, white bearded Syanthus says.

“Still... why risk our students?  They should have some steel with them.”  Tharus says.

“They have a warrior, one of Theoderic's.  His name is Riordeg,” Syanthus says.

“I meant one of ours,” Tharus replies.

The Lady Constance Dromessa glares at him.  If she was alone with someone she could speak to in confidence, like Kyriel, there are objections she would raise.  Like maybe, one of Tharus's battle mages could hardly be counted upon to act with stealth and discretion... both of which would be required, so close to the Emperor.  But there are things she can't say in a meeting like this.

Quickly, the other wizards are moved to agree- one more won't hurt... Tharus will pick a smart and capable fighter-wizard from his students.

* * * * * * *

Later, the Lady Dromessa gathers together her party of brave adventurers: Byron, Culann, Kyriel, Rita, Riordeg, and a broad shouldered, curly haired battle mage named Stannos.

Byron recalls him:  he was one of her admirers, outside (which is now a few days ago).

Dromessa, in her jet black robe sprinkled with star-like lights, is an impressive figure able to hold Stannos's attention during the meeting.  Most of it.  Occasionally he looks over to Byron.  He winks.

“Kyriel, Culann, you've done this trip,” she says.  “It's three days across wilderness to Mestenon.  Syanthus's agreement with King Theoderic is that we will safeguard Mestenon's population, and Scolo's property, and get it all to.. well, that part is a bit of a trick.  Away from Mestenon, at least.  Eastward, to Theoderic, I suspect, in the long run.  That part will take far more time than merely getting to Mestenon.  Are you prepared for this long journey?”

"Further into the winter, Raude Parisi arrives, with Rita and Riordeg in tow."

OOC: How far into the winter does this take place? Ben, could you provide some context, such as what month it is, when in that month, and what the weather is like?

Windwalking is certainly like nothing Rita has ever experienced. It is something she would like to learn someday. A part of her wants to ask Raude to teach her, but the other part of her knows such a request is premature.

She pays her respects at the Temple of Venus, giving a small donation. Naturally, it being a Temple of Venus, the priestesses offer her and Riordeg a single suite. When Raude vetoes the idea, Rita isn't quite sure if she feels annoyed or relieved. Maybe a bit of both.

Since there is a Temple of Pluto in the city, it makes sense for her to stay there.

"Of course it is your choice where you want to stay, though you know I would prefer we be under the same roof," she says to Riordeg. "You could get your own room at the Temple of Pluto, and I will get a room for myself."

Aurelianorum is a strange place to Rita, but her familiarity with the worship of both Minerva and Hecate does help bridge the gap in perspectives.

"Are you staying here or going back to Arras?" she asks Raude. "Perhaps you should come with us on this mission. These people will need healing that may be beyond anything I can do."

She is disappointed when Raude does not go to the meeting. The tone of the wizards is a bit disconcerting, with all the "ours" versus "theirs." How is it the wizards don't understand how an alliance works? The dwarves, elves, fey, lycanthropes, humans all managed to join together to fight the Huns while completely putting aside their differences. Could this group not do the same?

Uncertain and somewhat uncomfortable, she listens quietly.

When they decide to send a warrior of their own, she is actually relieved. Had Riordeg been the only warrior, the entire burden of melee would have been on him. What if they had to fight several monsters at once? This way is better for all of us, she realized.


At the planning meeting with Dromessa, she is somewhat more relaxed. She is momentarily distracted by Dromessa's robe, which she somehow suspects Bryon will one day want to have copied and made for herself.

"Where do we take the people? Assuming we succeed at rescuing them, we will need an immediate destination. If we don't have one, how can we expect anyone to leave their homes and travel with us in the middle of winter?

Is there a route eastward by which we can escort them to King Theoderic's lands? I apologize for my lack of familiarity with the geography of this area."

As for Scolo's property, how much of it are we supposed to rescue? Obviously, we cannot move an entire tower. There likely are some very odd and possibly dangerous magical items within that tower. Would you give us some direction on what items of Scolo's we should save? Where are Scolo and Melissa anyway? Shouldn't they come with us on this mission? No one knows Mestenon better than Scolo. Also, Melissa is supposed to stay with me by order of King Theoderic. It is a complicated situation, but one more reason why the two of them should accompany us.

Is this wilderness under the Huns' control? It would help if you could give us an idea as to what sort of monsters and hostile creatures we might encounter along the way. That will assist me in choosing what spells to prepare. And yes, we will need provisions--food and water rations, possibly some for the people we are rescuing.

I personally am interested in purchasing magical crossbow bolts. I bought a crossbow in Lucimburic and would like to be able to use it against demons, whether on this mission or another. I will pay for them if you have any."

Kyriel faces the summons for the mission briefing with more than a little trepidation. She's made this trip more times than she really cares to. She's even more worried when Lady Dromessa tells them that they'll be carrying Scolo's stuff in addition to escorting the people! Nervously she ventures an opinion. "Lady Dromessa, I know that Master Syanthus made an agreement with the King, but are you sure that's wise? I'm afraid that exposure to his magic causes brain sickness."

She shrugs unhappily when asked if they're ready to go. "Not really, but I don't think I'll ever be ready to go back there. Do we have any idea how much stuff we need to carry?"

She remembers the things in Scolo's tower and doubts they'll be able to carry them without a wagon. Will the villagers have enough wagons and horses to carry their own stuff and his?  Somehow she doubts that. . . .

When Rita starts asking questions, she sighs and closes her eyes. "Scolo's village is in a no man's land. Nobody controls it. The huns devastated it, and nobody lives there any more. There are weird and horrible monsters that roam the land. In my journeys through there, I've run into a magic eating hopper, a bone worm that I think may have been undead, and a razor sharp glass monster. We'll probably pass close to an old prison that the huns used to slaughter who knows how many. It has an evil look about it."

Before they go, she goes to see whether Master Ulpius or Master Gilamur have come up with anything from the miscellany that she showed him when  she and Rory had arrived after killing Zerova. She'd also like a refill of magic arrows, since hers are all gone.

The arrival of the Priestess of Venus and her entourage which includes Bryon's now good friend Rita, is enough to draw away some of Bryon's attention. Most women would likely have been jealous, but Bryon is delighted. She finds the priestess of Venus as exciting as her admirers do and that is without Rita. She bounces over to this group excitedly.

"Rita, love, I see you've been heading my advice." Rioreg  seems unable to even notice the beautiful priestess of Venus what with his lovely betrothed. Bryon though notices the priestess, and flirts with her like crazy!

-----------------------

Between Dromessa's splendid dress and the hunky Stannos Bryon's attentions are divided such that it takes many moments for her to find a response. "We'll need someone who can cast the Endure Elements spell, or several scrolls of that spell. Its going to be awfully cold and with a large group of people in hostile territory fires may not be possible."

She realizes everyone is looking at her with a bit of shock. She has said something intelligent after all that does not relate to makeup, dresses, or something else "girly." "What?" She asks in a mock hurt tone, "I'm smart."

Rita discovers that Raude has her own mission here.  Rita and Riordeg were just passengers. Favors, for Theoderic.   Raude has to find a wizardess named Cassandra, and bring her back to Belgica.  She has nothing to do with Mestenon.

The Mission to Mestenon is set to launch in March of 513.  No one wants to do it earlier, because there is the danger of a snow or frost, which would make it very easy to track the party.  Foot prints bad.

But they don't want to wait long.  When moving people it's best to start early, so they have time to plant when they reach their destination.

So as the weather warms, and Spring weakens Winter's grasp on the land, they gather for the mission.  No one really knows how much there is to move, or carry, or how many people might be there- and of course the Tilted Tower can't be moved.

"Whatever you can" is acceptable.

Since Culann and Kyriel have been there before, collectively they can describe the area well enough for a map to represent it:

If the group goes north after Mestenon they will soon reach Durocassium.  THis is the closest town not held by Huns.  In fact, it is in the land of Theoderic's brother, King Clothaire.  From there the group could turn east to get back to Theoderic's land.  Clothaire's "North Gaul" is a sort of vassal-state of the Emperor of the Huns.  But no one is very enthusiastic about enforcing the will of the Emperor.

The wasteland, as Kyriel and Culann would recall, is empty, abandonded, overgrown farmland.  Cities held by the Huns are red.

Scale:  It is 70 miles from Aurelianorum to Lutetia Parisiorum.
 

Looking the map over, Bryon bites her lip. "I'll bet if I had foot bunnies this would be a lot easier to walk."

Scrumff appears, for the first time at this particular meeting, as he pops out of her overstuffed bag. He looks the map over, "This looks like very little in the way of proper rat hunting to me. Perhaps I should scare up a few for myself in advance?"

Bryon looks down at her companion, "Hmmm? Oh your probably right. Of course you could always try for field mice."

Scrumff makes a disgusted face and gags audibly, "Yes and I suppose you might want to eat cockroaches."

She strokes his head in earnest guilt. "I'm sorry about that. I understand you. This is what the King has asked of us..." She makes a very loud audible whisper, "Besides they are sending the gorgeous Stannos with us, and you wouldn't have me miss an opportunity like that would you?"

Yawning, Scrumff replies "No I don't suppose so. Happy hunting m'lady."

In reply to Bryon (msg # 24):

Culann peers at the ferret, How novel she exclaimed

Scrumff hopped down and skittered over to Culann. He climbed her chair and into her lap...

Bryon said, "Scrumff! don't be naughty." There is a slight tenge of jealousy in her voice.

Scrumff pays his mistress no mind. "Novel? No my dear lady I am Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the 14th, but others call me Scrumff. Can you understand me? Most cannot without some form of magic. I believe the priestess," He points to Rita, "Can. May I have your nom d'plume ma'dam?"

Bryon looks at Culann, "I'm so sorry. He's not normally like this. Normally he just sleeps in my bag. I don't know what has gotten into him since we left home." The ferret waves a paw at his mistress. Bryon speaks in an audible but just barely so voice. "Miss, this is Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the 14th, called Scrumff by his friends. He asks your name. Please, he will be a good boy but he is stubborn..."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Mon 13 May 2013.

In reply to Bryon (msg # 26):

As Culann tickled the ferret behind the ear a flurry of movement heralded the playful arrival of Cathassa who scampered up the chair leaping at Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the 14th.

Greetings cousin, Mustelidae, have you smelt or seen any fish around here. Didn't you want to tell your petling your full name. We are Cathassa and our companion is Culann Cathassa she chirped playfully

Now, now One's reference to novel was an indication of the impediment you find yourself facing daily Culann informs with a series of squeaks
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Tue 14 May 2013.

Kyriel is very serious as she looks over the map. She frowns slightly when Byron mentions the bunny slippers. "I'm not sure they're such a good idea."

Her finger traces the road to Carnotum and goes off to one side before reaching it. "This is the route we took. The prison camp is around here." Her finger stops at a point on the map.

Giving whoever is the Academy representative an appraising look she continues. "What kind of assistance is the Academy going to give us? I want a cart, two horses and something to shield our minds from the effects of Scolo's stuff."

Bryon is shocked into silence when Culann begins to converse with Scrumff in...ferretese? She sits jaw open at the whole picture.

Scrumff on the other hand, is quit amused. Getting his ear scratched exactly right made him sort of fall or melt into her hand and he gave an audible sigh. Another mustid, perhaps a weasel, leapt up into the mage's lap.

The ferret replied, "No fish, sorry. Rats, yes. Many rats are here. My petling is completely at my mercy. She can be trusted. Do you need any fleas removed?"



Scrumff bows, "I am so very glad to have found another human to speak to. You speak my actual language, Very Impressive. Do you get compliments often on your diction, it is very precise. I am so glad we met you."

In reply to Bryon (msg # 29):

Ooc amended my previous post to include introductions as follows Greetings cousin, Mustelidae, have you smelt or seen any fish around here. Didn't you want to tell your petling your full name. We are Cathassa and our companion is Culann Cathassa chirped playfully


Cathassa squeaks in concern What of frogs, crayfish and crabs surly there be some aboutlooking about hopefully

That may be so, Master Nichodemus Bosthanomus Rasthbale the 14th, but based on what I’ve gleaned from your petlings actions she appears to be overly enticed by a handsome face or magical trinket. She informed with a pleasant smile as she busied herself tickling the ears of both the familiars We too are pleased to make your acquaintance she added in a series of soft soothing squeaks

And here is where the story reaches beyond the theoretical human endurance levels of cuteness, as we have both a Ferret and an Otter.  It is possible that as they walk along, they leave in their wake a city virtually paralyzed, with the citizens unable to do more than stare and say “awwww”.  But overcome this we must, if there is to be any progress…

Still... after watching the exchange, the 'battle mage' looks sick.

As the group prepares and plans, Kyriel has some help.  Terrance, her awkward, geeky, but brilliant wizard-student beau, hates the idea of Kyriel going off on these crazy missions without help.

”But she has help,” master crafts-mage Marcus Ulpius explains to Terrance in the Academy’s workshop.  “She’s not going alone.”

”That ‘s not what I meant,” Terrance says. “I’ve read all the notes, there are strange things there.  Mind Affecting things.  We need to make something for her.  Something to protect her.  What kind of object do you think can best house Torkamir’s Psychic Wall?”

”That’s a strong spell!” Marcus says, surprised.  “More than she would need.”

”She could protect the others, then, if she had to.”

The older wizard thinks.  “The Law of Probability… it would be harder to put it into a small amulet.  We need to think bigger.”

”A hat?”

“A large one,” Marcus Ulpius agrees, “to offset the obvious utility.”

And so it is that Kyriel is outfitted with a hat.  It is more like a hood than a hat, a purple knit hat with two long tassels that hang down on either side of her face, and it seems larger and bulkier than an ordinary hat would be, it seems.

Terrance explains.  “There’s enchanted tin wires woven into it.*  It can block mental attacks and things like that.”

When Terrance says “things like that”, Kyriel knows what he means:  “If you ask for specifics it will take me hours to explain the theory, and 80% of it will go right by anyway, so this is good enough.”

The academy also responds to the horse and cart request.  They use this as an opportunity to test a new invention:  The collapsible cart.  The well made but fairly ordinary looking wooden cart can fold in on itself, becoming a wooden square one foot by one foot by 4 inches.

The horses do not fold.

Is the group going to head out along the course Kyriel suggests, then?

*Mages who do their homework, like Terrance does, know that tin is useful for setting up psychic barriers.    It’s especially potent when beaten into thin foil, but wires will work.

In reply to Ben (msg # 31):

Culann watches and listens to her contemporaries discourse Tis indeed pleasing to know Mage Terrance is looking out for his beloved. Yet you considered the risk it now holds? Equipped as she is the greater the prospect she will be sent forth to deal with any risk by herself, thereby placing her in a situation where others will be unable to render her much if any assistance.

Kyriel's moodiness and general discomfort has been growing as the date of departure approaches. It may or may not have been obvious to some of her companions how much she dreads the approaching mission. Which is how she pretty much ignored the diabetes inducing scene with the ferret and otter.

It's only after Terrance gives her the purple hat and tells her what it's for that she perks up. She wraps both arms around him and hugs him for all she's worth. He understands her. The tension that's been building up breaks and she starts crying. Tears of relief flow freely down her cheeks and wet his shoulder. In an almost inaudible whisper, she says "Thank you."

After a couple of minutes she gets a hold of herself and then addresses Culann. "I've been on my own before. If I'm sent out to do something alone, I'll manage."

She looks over the collapsable cart with approval. "This is good. We'll be able to make speed when we need it."

In reply to Kyriel (msg # 33):

Well pardon me... If you want to be that way, feel free. However in this instant I don't recall any mention of you being sent anywhere by yourself. Culann prompts, eyeing Kyriel somewhat putout. Irrespective of the lasses abilities if Kyriel wanted to be a target that was her choice. Culann thought to herself
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Wed 15 May 2013.

Bryon spends her time practicing with her lovely new spear and chatting up the splendid Stannos. She does make sure to send Tirig a lovely thank you note, manners after all. She does her best to keep Scrumff in check, but having found an otter friend it is difficult to keep him from her. Indeed he seems to be spending as much time with Culann and Cathassa as with his own mistress. Bryon is so enthralled with her new target for conquest that she hardly notices his absence.

She puts all her "charms" into making Stannos her own, wanting to claim him so that no other woman can. This is different that Tirig, and what's worse he seems to be unsure about Scrumff. She knows she will be spending significant time with him on the road and it could be fun time or misery. She wants the former.

When Kyriel is presented with her lovely hat, Bryon pouts. "I want a pretty hat too." When she finds out it is magic, she is all the more jealous. Bryon is not jealous of Kyriel's sickly looking boyfriend. Getting something so splendid it made Bryon redouble her own efforts to get one of her pursuers to make or purchase something magical for her as well. Its really a competition now, between herself and Kyriel, as to who can get men to give the prettiest magical things.

This expresses itself in other ways as well.  Bryon, knowing nothing of cartography or the area, still feels the need to point out a meandering and totally inappropriate route they might take. Her route will of course be rejected, which will only lead to further competitiveness.