The group move across the kill zone, following the road, which appears to have stablised beneath their feet.

By sheer good fortune, it seems, the retreating creatures veer away from them.  Perhaps the great birds, with their armed riders, harrying them from above have made the monsters less willing to fight, or perhaps some other factor is at work here.

One of the ormvråkar sweeps in low, the rider leaning over to peer down at the travellers, and then the bird rises, circles twice, and flies off to rejoin the pursuit of the forest dwellers.

The group of travellers approach the gate, and a great bell starts tolling.  The portal, a massive structure of steel and brass, moves aside with a deep grumbling sound, which sets the very ground vibrating.

Inside, massive stone butresses support the vaulted roof, a hundred feet overhead, where cables and walkways of steel cross and connect in a complex three-dimensional web.  There are great lanterns up there, among the arches, lighting the chamber, which is otherwise empty.

The chamber clearly does not fill the whole ground floor of the structure.  There is a wall opposite the gate, with another gateway, slowly opening, flanked by turrets, and with a parapet of stone, complete with embrasures and merlons, above it.  Along those internal fortifications, gleaming rods of brass and crystal swivel and tilt, sweeping their aim across the group in the courtyard-like area below.

The opening inner gate reveals what appears to be a market place, lit by torchlight and crowded with a great many people.  Just beyond the gate, a broad ramp leads down into the depths of the earth.

A young boy darts forward, out of the crowd in the market place.  "G'day ter yers.  New 'ere, are yers?  Fer a single silver coin, I can lead all o' yers ter a good place ter stay.  Soft beds, an' good food at the Sanctuary Inn."


Elsewhere...

Banglen-Yp, Harlequin and Roman watch as the inner gate opens now.  Beyond it lays another chamber, this one filled with market stalls, stretching away into dimly-lit gloom.  The wagons start forward again, through the gate, and down a ramp which carries them down, below the market, and into darkness.

The three are left (almost) alone, in the watchful presence of the brass and crystal rods.

A raggedly-dressed urchin, leaning against the wall beside the inner gate, calls out to them, "'Allo there.  I seed yers got yerself kicked off o' yer caravan.  That means yer'll 'ave no place ter stay, yeah?  Well, fer jus' an' 'andful o' copper, I can tek yers ter a good place ter kick yer boots off.  Sanctuary Inn... good grub, an' clean beds, if'n yer int'rested, like?"


Elsewhere...

Morgan descends the stairs from the fourteenth parapet.  The attack on the caravan had been... interesting... the first he had actually had a chance to see, since his arrival in this place, two days earlier.

Other than sheer number of attackers, the beasts had shown no organisational ability.  They had simply hurled themselves at the caravan, acting like starved animals.

Nothing new there... he had faced similar (though smaller) attacks himself, on the road here.

What had excited interest, among the defenders of Charyk, had been the way some of those with the caravan had moved to carry the attack to the beasts.  This, it seems, is not the usual approach.  Normal procedure is to stick close together, and defend, every step of the way.

At the seventh corridor, he leaves the stairs and moves across to the Main Stair, the one which will bring him closest to the Sanctuary Inn, and an imminent dinner...

Morgan grins, seeing Leareth dropped down beside him onto the stairs, followed by Ahmad and Saranti. No telling where they'd been, but trust Leareth to show up when he was headed for a meal.

The black panthers, six foot high at the shoulder and broad to match, move casually to flank the young prince as he greeted them. "Ho Leareth, Ahmad. Ho Saranti. Are you being bodyguards or officers today?"

Saranti snorts, hissing a reply. < Both. We're not skipping a meal, but judging by their actions, there's an outbreak of crazy and stupid going around. >

The conversation pauses to let everyone get through the door, and settled around a table. The panthers sitting on their haunches, and Morgan in a comfortable, if somewhat battered chair.  "It wasn't that bad. Maybe they've come through before, and had a grudge."

Snorting disbelief, Saranti fails to argue the matter. Morgan takes a moment to look about the room, and has to laugh. Some of the people were used to him already. But what must they look like to the others? Three huge black beasts, hissing, snarling, and yowling at a young man dressed in red leather and  sky-blue silk?


*< text > ...just my way of indicating, the panthers speak their own tongue. They don't have the right parts to speak Thari.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:46, Wed 25 Oct 2006.

Berd wings down and looks for a friendly shoulder.  He still isn't certain if Dorian would tolerate any level of familiarity, though they have come to a (literally) unspoken truce, and possibly working relationship.  There is one, however, who has always left a perch for him, even in the worst of times.  The drake backwings several times, and lands lightly upon James.


Unless brushed away, the little dragon shifts carefully around (no claws!) and finally settles down, curling up.  His eyes close to tiny, glittering slits.

I kissed you because I was excited and glad to have got through the fight, because I was grateful for your help in the battle, and most of all because you look to be worth kissing.  And that little kiss was just a small taste Roman told her and she tried to grasp the reasoning.

•• We • sur•vive • bat•tle •• Good • thing •• Banglen-Yp said, agreeing that it was a good thing.  Most died only once.

•• Worth • kiss•ing ••

A question, complete with a confused expression and a questioning look at him.

•• Small • taste ••

Something between a statement and a question.  Small taste.  It did not make sense.  How could a taste be small?  She was uncertain.

•• You • like • to • kiss ••

Yet another question.

She had plenty of those.

Glancing back she saw Gabe still sitting there, waiting for time.

Now Chance steps forward again. His clothing is already casual. His guitar once again a guitar. "Allo friend," he greets the urchin with a warm smile and a nod. He only slightly mimicked the lads parlance; blending in was a natural habit. "Aye, clean beds an' warm food is what we seek. Show us the way, would ye? An' how much for a bit a' information, at that?"

Roman answers as they walk "I like to kiss pretty girls.  Like you.  Especially if they are good at kissing back."

When they are accosted by the urchin, Roman handles the situation.  "Indeed, we need lodging while we plan our next move.  Take us to this inn, if it as you say"

Dorian smiled as each monstrosity veered away from them was only minimal- barely noticable. He enjoyed it, the chance to flex a bit of harmless mental muscle. It was light work compared to recent activity.

He noted Berd settling on James' shoulder and remembered the first time the diminutive form had settled on his own shoulder. It was a simpler time. He had been still unaware of the underflow, even. Jack had still been around, then, but only barely. The wear was becoming obvious- eratic behavior.

And what of Dorian? Would the others soon think of him in similar terms- eratic behavior. Running off to destroy worlds on a whim- unsure of his own identity- attacking ex-wives without apparent reason.

He closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. They didn't need to know. The past was done. Someday, he would deal with Drusilla. This was not the time.

•• Pret•ty • girls ••

Banglen-Yp looked down at herself thoughtfully.  She was only one, was she not?

•• I • am • pretty ••

Another one hard to tell whether it was a statement or a question.

•• Am • I • good • at • kis•sing ••

Definitely a question.

Then the urchin spoke to them and she turned to look at him, smiling.

•• Kick • yer • boots • off ••

She saw her boots flying through the air, people screamign and dodging.  It was rather amusing, strange as it was.  She laughed softly.

•• Grub • an' • beds •• she repeated, looking over at Roman as if asking something.

Roman starts by trying to explain the urchin's words "The boy means a place that we can rest and get a decent meal.  Although I suppose that you might not be hungry...".

As they follow the urchin he adds "You certainly are pretty.  But I can't really tell how good you are at kissing from just one little brush of the lips.   But there will be plenty of time for further...trials."

•• Hung•ry ••

She was not sure.  Perhaps she would find that out as well.

•• Trials ••

Absolutely a question, and she looked at Roman as if wondering what he was actually saying.

•• I • com•mit•ted • no • crime ••

At least not as far as she could tell.  But places where different.  Back there they had been rather upset at first, but she had learnt.  Even if she was not certain why, she had learnt it was a bad thing to do what she had done.  They had mentioned trials too.

Roman laughs.  "Not that sort of trial.  Just a test.  Of how good you are at kissing.  Much more fun than the other sort."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Thu 26 Oct 2006.

•• I • under•stand •• You • want • to • kiss • more ••

Banglen-Yp believed that the man enjoy that kissing so much that he wanted more of it.  From the the screen had shown, it was common.  Somewhere inside, faint memories glimmered, but outside of her reach.

•• Why ••

She was curious and wanted to know, so she asked.

Roman is mildly surprised, but this strange demon-girl does seem to be curiously lacking in human experience. "Why ?  Because I enjoy it, and because I hope that you would enjoy it.  Isn't that a good enough reason ?"

James flashes a quick glance to ensure that Berd has settled comfortably.


He leaves the business of convseration and navigation to Chnace and their newly-acquired guide, being still absorbed in analysis of the tower's defences.  Any assault would be perilous given the killing floors within and without, but he did wonder about the wisdom of the many catwalks overhead.

•• En•joy ••

Is came across as part question, part confirmation, and her expression did little to help as it was quite blank and even distant, as if she was reminiscing.

•• Peo•ple • do • it • be•cause • they • en•joy • it ••

This one was as unclear as the one before.


                                                            <sub>Enjoy.

                                        Reason.

                    Why.</sub>


Banglen-Yp smiled.

Roman nods, as they approach the inn.  "That's the heart of it.  But kissing is also used to express gratitude, friendship, attraction, affection, desire...  It's all in how it's done.  When Gabe turns up, if you wanted to show that you're his friend and that you like him you could give him a little kiss on the cheek. It might make him feel a little better"

Berd remains still as they move through the fortress, silently observing their surroundings from under nearly-closed lids.  The sheen of the little dragon's scales is dulled, muted, and the sparkle of his eyes is faint.

 

                                        _{Kiss on cheek.}


That sounded familiar.  Banglen-Yp nodded thoughtfully.

But the rest...


                                        <sub>Gratitude.

                                                                                Friendship.

                    Attraction.

                                                                                                                        Affection.


                                                  Desire.</sub>


The memories danced away out of reach, or perhaps were they but mirages.


          Were they hers?


•• Oh • Kay ••

What that was to mean was anyones guess.  Meanwhile she grinned like a lunatic.  At least it was a happy looking lunatic.

 

Moving through the gate, into the crowded market, the boy wends his way through the crowd, being careful not to lose his paying customers.  He pauses every so often, allowing Roman and Banglen-Yp time to stop and look at things around them.

And there are a lot of things to see.

Not just on the market stalls, either.  A horde of people move here, wearing such widely disparate costumes that it quickly becomes apparant that they must be from a great many different places.  Not all of the people appear to be entirely human.

The boy keeps up a stream of talk as they go, "This way, yer see."

"Oops, mind yer don't stand in that."

"Santuary Inn, best there is in the 'ole city."

"'andy fer the 'thedral, too, if'n yer wants ter thank someone fer lookin' after yers."

"Don't go too close ter them things.  They looks like chickens, but they got a poison bite.  My mate, Allie, got bit by one, an' 'is arm swelled up this big!" he indicates something about the size of a pumpkin.

Finally he cuts between two stalls, "An' 'ere we are.  Sanctuary Inn."

The Sanctuary Inn is a tower of stone, reaching from the floor to the ceiling of the Trade Ward.  The basic structure is encrusted with wooden extensions, outcroppings, and superstructures, until it resembles a crude sculpture of a tree.  The whole place is covered with windows, and in the gloom of the Trade Ward, most of those windows are lit.  It seems that the place is very popular.


Elsewhere

"This way, gents.  Trust Danny, an' we'll be there in no time." the youngster cheerfully proclaims as he leads the way into the crowded market.  He eyes D'Ombra with interest, "Nice doggie yer got there." he says, before turning his attention to Berd and James, "'ere Mister, yer wouldn't want ter sell that lizard, would yer?"

When it becomes clear that Berd is not for sale, he turns his attention, instead, to Chance, and the opportunity to earn a little extra money.  "So... what sort o' thing yer after then, Mate?  If there's anyfink goes on 'ere, in the Trade Ward, I knows 'bout it."

"Right... all of yers... yer see that fella, over there, in the grey 'at an' coat.  Don't yer be gettin too close ter the likes of 'im.  They's got a bad temper.  All o' them 'as.  Kill yer soon as spit at yer.  Course they gets 'amged if they does, but that don't bring yer back from the dead, does it?"

His attention goes back to Chance again, "So what d'yer need?"



Elsewhere

Morgan relaxes a little at the inn, though the panthers seem a little... irritable.  He awaits his dinner, and the aromas of cooking seep through from the kitchen to fill the common room.

In spite of this being, he has been assured, the most popular inn in the whole of Charyk, this corner of the room is uncrowded.  This might, of course, have something to do with his companions, whose ears brush the ceiling as they sit near him, and whose voices seem to have an oddly unnerving effect on the other guests.

Certainly nobody comes to complain that they are hogging all the warmth from the fire.

Only one person dares to approach, for the moment.  The girl seems to actually like the panthers, and has provided each with a nickname, even if "Kitty", "Puss", and "Mister Grumpy" hardly carry much dignity.

She smiles at Morgan, "Dinner'll be ready in a little bit.  Can I get yer somethin' ter drink, while yer waits?"

Berd raises one eyeridge at the boy, but does not take offense.  Mild amusement sparkles for a moment, nostalgia bittersweet in his mind's signature before weariness overtakes him again.  His tongue dances out, tests the air, and silvery mist puffs from his nostrils.  With an effort, he rouses himself from his half-slumber, once again entering the bridging (still held in place by his half-awake mind) to speak.


The voice trails off, and while the bridging remains, Berd withdraws again.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Thu 26 Oct 2006.

Roman doesn't mind the not-quite-human people.  If anything he finds it adds a touch of familiarity - most of the people of the Courts need to make an effort to appear fully human.

Paying off his guide he pulls out a few extra coppers.  "You can have these if you go back to the place we came for and find this man..." he describes Harlequin.  "He'll probably still be sitting down on the ground, and he'll almost certainly be feeling sorry for himself.  Tell him that Roman says to meet at the Sanctuary Inn.   If you bring him here, without charging him, you can have this" - he shows a silver coin.

Having arranged things with the urchin he turns to Banglen-Yp "Let us go in and arrange lodgings". He holds the door open for her "Ladies first."

Absolutely, posetively flabbergasted Banglen-Yp watches all the things around.  It was so different from back there.  But she appeared more fascinated by the environment than the people and the creatures, only giving the latter two passing glances.

At the encouragement to not stand in "that" she looked down and seemed almsot fascinated by that as well.

As they arrive at what seemed to be their destination, and Roman had finished his dealing with him, she gave the boy a bright smile and leant over to give him a kiss on the cheek, like Roman had suggested she do with Gabe.

•• Lod•gings •• she said to Gabe as she stood up again and then looked at the door.

She stopped and looked around, appearing to wait.

Roman nods  "Lodgings - food, a room, a bed to sleep in..."

"It is considered polite for a man to hold the door and permit a woman to enter first." he smiles a little "The effect is rather spoiled if the woman holds back."

Reaching around, he places his hand on the small of Banglen-Yp's back and gently applies a little pressure, urging her towards the door.  "So go in."

•• Sleep ••

She looked intrigued, but the she tilted her head to one side and listened carefully.

          Door.
                    Woman.
     First.

When he placed the hand on her she first followed it with her gaze, apparently both curious and confused.  She looked around again as he urged her on.

•• Yes • we • sneak • in • before • Lad•ies • come ••

It sounded so much as if she was about to play a prank on someone, and then she was off, half jogging in through the door while giggling like a naughty little girl.

Shaking his head, Roman follows close behind Banglen-Yp.

Once inside he notes that there is plenty of space near the man with the three huge panthers - doubtless demon servants in cat-form.  But before finding a seat he wants to arrange rooms for the pair.  Banglen-Yp will probably want her own room, but will she offer to pay - can she pay ?

"That'd be great, thanks." Morgan looked up with a grateful smile. "Could I get a pitcher of your house wine? And for my friends " he paused, looking at them.

< Milk >
< Water >
< Water >
< Milk?  >
< Haven't tried it. >
< You're going to look ridiculous.>


" ... milk." He finished, grandly ignoring the resulting pair of growls.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Thu 26 Oct 2006.

Spotting the three big cats and the man, Banglen-Yp skipped over, the skirt and the long hair flying about behind her.  She stopped once she got close, almost close enough to touch them, and waved to them, palm facing front and fingers spread.

•• Hel•lo ••

She sounded almost too cheerful, smiling brightly and unquestionably looked more at the panthers than at the man.

•• On•ly • seen • you • on • screen • be•fore •• she told them and bent over to take a closer look at them, curious as ever.

They looked a little like her mean face, but also kind of cute, or pretty.

Roman follows, close behind Banglen-Yp she needs someone to keep an eye on her - and there are certainly worse things to keep an eye on

As she stops to examine the big cats he speaks to the man.  "I hope that your...companions are well behaved.  I wouldn't want them to get hurt"

Morgan chortles, eyeing the three of them. "Well behaved? Why, I think Puss here is positively rude!" Ducking under the tail that whipped at his head, he kept laughing as he pulled a chair from away from the wall.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Morgan, and thats Leareth, there's Ahmad, and the ill-tempered lady is Saranti. Have a seat, friend, I've wine coming."

Roman pulls a chair out, arranging things so that there is a space for Banglen-Yp next to him.  For when she's finished playing with the big cats.

"Thank you.  I'm Roman, and she is Banglen-Yp.  We arrived on the last caravan.  We were told that this place has good food and clean beds.  Can you vouch for it ?"

Morgan nodded, his mirth fading to an easy grin.  "The food's good, at least. We're renting space near where the caravans stay, though, so you'll have to check the beds yourself."

Ahmad preened under Banglen-Yp's perusal, letting loose a rumbling purr of approval. < Obviously a human with  taste >

Roman nods, accepting Morgan's reply.  "Fair enough.  If we were told the truth about the food, then likely the beds will serve."

"Have you been here long ?  Our caravan master was surprised at being attacked while the suns were still up.  Have the monsters become more daring of late, or was our caravan...unlucky" or intentionally targeted

Morgan shook his head, sending his black hair flying about his face. "First time I've seen the show from the outside, but no one seemed shocked until everyone went back and attacked the beasts. I don't think they bothered waiting for nightfall to attack us, though.

Do y'know if they had some sort of grudge, that they went on a suicide charge like that? "

Roman looks grim  "It was a mistake - or more than one.   One of the other passengers - you may meet him later - somehow got the idea that he should ride off into the monsters and try to talk them into abandoning the attack.  The guards decided that they should try to save him - and you saw how that worked out.  Or maybe they were tired of fighting defensively every time they came through and wanted an excuse to attack.  I didn't ask them why they did it, but the caravan master was certainly upset.  Because the guards weren't stopping all the creatures we had to deal with some ourselves"

Roman's tone implies that he finds the whole incident unpleasant and blames the other passenger, the guards and the caravan master.

 

•• Ah • you • do • not • speak • hu•man ••

Banglen-Yp nodded and tilted her head to look at the cats some more.  They were a little different but she was not certain how, exactly.  Perhaps it was like with the people here.  They were the same but not.


          <sub>The way she was.

                                        But a different not same.

                              Fascinating.</sub>


She stood there and continued to look at them, in turn, smiling happily.  It was nice and warm near the fire too so she could understand why they would stay there, even if they did seem to like to be closer to it than she currently did.

Curiosity won eventually and she slowly reached out towards one of them to find out if it was as soft as it looked.

 

Chance follows along, giving his companions only a glance to make sure no one was following. "Charyk," he says in response to the child. "We're knew 'ere. We want ter know about this place... and these 'ere roads in and out."

He had thought of some clever things to say about the offer to buy Berd, but he decided it best to not distract the conversation too much. As he followed, he took note of the things the lad pointed out.

"What can I say?  Cgaryk's... Charyk, innit?" Danny replies, casually filcjing something that looks almost entirely unlike an apple from a crate next to one of the stalls.

He continues to expound on the subject of his home, while eating the fruit.

"Lessee now... Charyk's been 'ere fer ever.  It sits at a crossroad, an' people from all over comes through.  Yer must know the ol' sayin'... all roads leads ter Charyk, yeah?  Well it's true, pretty much.  Seems like most of them do, leastways.  They all joins up inter four that comes in ter the four gates.  An' people come in on them every day.  Them what makes it through the woods, that is."

"City's run by the Eight Lords, used ter be the Ten Lords, but there were some trouble 'tween 'em.  Expect there'll be ten again soon, though.  Give it five or six year fer most o' the 'opefuls ter take each other out o' the runnin', an' then there'll be ten again."

"Oh, an' that reminds me.  If'n yer sees a soldier in a uniform what's got a red ring on the chest, that means 'e works fer one o' the Lords.  The uniform'll be diff'rent, dependin' which Lord it is, but the red ring's always there.  Watch out fer them, some o' them can be a bit full o' their selfs."

Tossing the core of his almost-apple away, Danny waves one hand towards a large building, decorated with elaborately carved reliefs, and leering gargoyles.  The upper reaches of the structure blend into the ceiling of the market.

"That there's the caffedral... thevery centre o' the Trade Ward, an Charyk too.  Lots o' folks goes there to say prayers, 'fore settin' foot on the road out o' 'ere."

"An' there's the Sanctuary Inn, jus' like I said."



Elsewhere...

In the Common Room of the sanctuary Inn, the waitress returns, with a tray bearing a bottle of wine and a single goblet, plus a pitcher of milk and three bowls.  She places it on the table, with a smile.  "There yer go.  Ten minutes ter dinner." then turns her attention to Roman and Banglen-Yp, "Can I get somethin' fer you two?"

Roman glances up at the waitress.  "Indeed, yes. We will require accomodation.  And I at least would like a hot meal - my companion...ate on the way in."  Twisting in his seat he inquires   Banglen-Yp, I take it that you want your own room, do you want food, too or have you eaten enough for now ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Fri 27 Oct 2006.

Turnign away from the big cats for a moment, Banglen-Yp looked over at Roman.

•• Own • room ••

Question/statement.

•• Meal ••

Another.

•• Yes ••

One answer.  She nodded and smiled.

•• Have • you • ve•ge•tar•i•an ••

This was a question, directed to the female, along with a smile.

•• Can • not • eat • meat ••

She had found that one out the hard way.

Morgan looks at the table for a second, non-plussed. Then he smiles, slides the goblet to Roman, and begins pouring into milk for the bowls and wine for the cup.

"Well, I do have wine I promised you, but forgot there'd be no cups."  Winking at the waitress, he asked, "I felt like sharing, and promised them wine, y'see. Could I trouble you for another goblet when you come back?"

Her demon-form didn't have any problem eating meat...

Roman tries to explain "Yes,people who stay here need to rent a room.  I'm going to be staying here and I don't imagine you want to share a room.  So unless you want to go back and find the caravan you'll want to pay for a room here, too.  Somewhere where you can wash, sleep, get a bit of privacy..."

Sharing a room might be interesting, but it's more likely to be frustrating...

Roman nods to Morgan, 'Thank you but...",  "Banglen-Yp, do you drink wine ?  Or do you avoid alcohol as well as meat ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Fri 27 Oct 2006.

"No meat?" the serving girl looks a little doubtful, as she regards Banglen-Yp, "Well, I can get yer bread, some veggies an' fruit...  Oh, an' a drop o' soup.  No meat in it.  Will that do fer yer?"

D'Ombra moves along with the others, sniffing the air as he goes. He notices the man when he had said "nice doggie" which was perfect. If all thought him just a dog he was better off. Who notices a stray.

Now what are they looking for?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Sat 28 Oct 2006.

 

•• Oh • Kay ••

Aimed at Roman, she nodded, still smiling.

     Then she shook her head.

•• I • have • no • wine ••

She showed her empty hands to him to prove this.

          Then she shrugged her shoulders.

•• I • do • not • know ••

                    She never had tried.

Turning to the female she spoke again, still smiling of course.

•• No •• Yes ••

          Two answers for two questions.

Turning to what she believed was the younger of the big cats again she reached out to touch his fur, making certain he would not mind.


                                                            _Soft.


She smiled and then felt this...

                                        _{...strange urge.}


She began to scratch him behind his ear.

 

Ahmad's rumbling purr continued unabated as the girl began petting, then scritching him, eyes narrowing to slits. Saranti hissed a bit at him, but seemed resigned to it.

< Hedonist. >
A quick flirt of the tail, < So? >
< We aren't lapcats. >
and short pair of coughs from Ahmad finished the conversation, < And your shoulders don't itch? >

Leareth, ignoring the byplay, lapped carefully at his bowl of milk, avoiding getting his whiskers caught in it, while Morgan choked on a bit of laughter. It was fun to have Ahmad around. Not least because when he was, no one was after Morgan about his attitude.

In Morgan's mind, he placed Banglen-Yp firmly into the category of little girl, squelching awareness of her more adult body. He'd seen one or two women who'd survived falling from the city as kids, and they'd never gotten past childhood either. Sad, but more understandable than some things he'd seen these last couple days in Charryk.

More soberly, he resumed their conversation.  "Well, I can't say I'm sorry to see more of the beasts on the ground, we lost some friends to them on our own way in. But I do hope he doesn't try something like that again." The last sentence came out at least half question, and he paused, his eyes on Roman.

Roman decides to get things straight with the serving-woman first.  "Two rooms then - with a connecting door if that can be arranged"

With a little smile he pushes the goblet towards Banglen-Yp "Try a bit.  Sip it and drink slowly" Don't want to get her drunk, the consequences might be amusing - or they could be disastrous

Half keeping an eye on Banglen-Yp he returns to the discussion with Morgan "I'd say that he learned his lesson.  The caravan master tried to pin all the blame on him, although it's hardly fair..."

"But where does all this variety of beasts come from ?  Even in the nastier parts of the Black Zone I wouldn't expect to see a collection like that, and if there were they'd be fighting each other instead of concentrating on passers-by.  It's almost as if somebody is importing the beasts and directing them to attack"

Morgan shook his head. "I couldn't say. Things have been like that for us ever since I set out. I thought it was usual, for people traveling betwen the cracks. Maybe I've been doing it wrong..."

Roman frowns "I'm not familiar with the term,  What do you mean by 'travelling between the cracks' ?  The roads to this place cut through Shadow, but that shouldn't be enough to attract monsters."

Morgan shook his head again, frowning at the tabletop. "There's a place with  magical lines, sort of a maze. Get to the center, and you can see the cracks between worlds, and go through them. The problem is the cracks are always in the worst spots imaginable. Like that forest."

Roman leans back, the frown fading.  "I know of two places that grant the ability to walk through Shadow - to the right people.  One is a very real maze. The other, I hear, is a design of glowing lines.  I've not heard that either have any preference for the 'worst spots imaginable' as you put it.  If all the places you've been to have been as bad as the forest here you must be very skilled or very lucky to have survived"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Sun 29 Oct 2006.

Morgan's frown deepened, memory tugging his mood downward. "Some were a bit better, one or two worse. About four days travel back, we only took a few injuries from the fight, but lost half the unit in the aftermath. The beasts turn to poison gas a half a candlemark after they die, and we didn't know it. "

Shaking himself, Morgan looked up, "So there's a lot of people who go through 'Shadow' where you're from?"

How much to tell ?

Roman looks thoughtful, considering how to answer the question.  "If you mean how many can freely walk where they will through Shadow, not so many.  Only those of the ruling Houses, the Lords of Chaos, can do that and then only those who have chosen to accept the..ordeal required to gain that power.  But they can establish more-or-less stable routes that others may use.  And then the borders between Shadows are not so clear-cut around there.  So many do travel between the local Shadows, but they do so in a manner like the roads to Charyk - using existing routes, rather than freely choosing where to g."

"Maybe the roads here were established by people who used your method ?  That might explain the problems, though not why they seem to have worsened recently."

The girl returns once more, with the requested goblets, and a steaming bowl of vegetable broth and half a loaf for Banglen-Yp.  "'Ere yer go, Sweet'eart.  'Ope yer enjoys it." she says, before turning her attention to Roman.

"My gaffer's 'ad ter go out fer a bit.  'e should be back soon though, an' soon's 'e is, I'll let 'im know 'bout the rooms.  We's got plenty o' space ter spare, it's a big ol' place."

"I'll go get yer dinners now, gents."

The door opens, and she laughs, "Well, that's jus' typical o' 'im.  Disappearin' while it's busy.  Back in a tick."

The group who enter the Sanctuary Inn are certainly noticeable.  First there is the man with the small winged reptile on his shoulder.  Something about him fairly screams "soldier", and it's not just the sword he carries.  Behind him is another man, clad all in dark robes and bearing a staff.  Then a large black dog, with a startling likeness to a wolf.  The next to enter appears to be a minstrel or musician of some sort, a guitar slung over his shoulder.  Following him a gaunt-faced man, heavily scarred about one eye, with the hilt of a sword projecting above his shoulder.  And finally, the only one who is grinning... a slim man, with a large axe cradled easily in the crook of his left elbow.

They seem quite deep in conversation, while looking about for a place to sit.  The serving girl says something to them as she passes.



Entering the inn, James first, with Berd, and Luke bringing up the rear, the group finds itself in a very busy room.  There are about a hundred people present, mostly crowded at the end away from the fire.

Only three people, two men and a young woman, are seated near the fire, and that is the only part of the room where there are any seats available.

The reason for this inequity in the distribution of the room's population might well have something to do with the three who share a table with the men and the woman - three enormous panthers, seemingly almost as large as horses.  One of them is getting its ears rubbed by the woman, while she stares at a bowl in front of her.  The other two are lapping at some milk, for all the world like gigantic housecats.

The men seem to be discussing something...

A woman passes close to James, smiling, "Find yerself's table gents, an' I'll be with yers in a tick."

There doesn't seem to be much choice of location...

"Oh, so he really was a prince." Morgan nodded, forgetting his new acquaintance wouldn't understand the seeming non-sequitor.

< Unless he had yet another way around. > The oddly calm hiss and growl came from Saranti, this time.

"I wonder if you can build a road my way, " Morgan looked curious, "I suppose widening the cracks so everyone could use them would work. I already widen them a little bit to get me and the panthers through, then they close again behind us. If you hold open the cracks... I can see how things might get worse over time. I don't think I'm going to test it, though."

As the girl came by again, he took one of the goblets with a cheery "Thanks," and poured himself some wine.

"Ahh, another cesspit by the wayside of the universe. I hope this one has decent food," Aaron said absently as they entered. Honestly, he didn't care one way or another about the food. All he wanted to do was make sure he got out of this place intact. With all of his limbs.


"Yes, dear," Aaron mumbled, attempting to take in everything at the same time. He ran a hand through his long, tangled hair, and absently wondered when the last time he took a bath was.

Roman thanks the girl, and takes a goblet of wine for himself.

He notes the new arrivals a tough crowd...but that looks familiar, where I have seen something like it before ?

But it probably isn't important enough to neglect the conversation.

 "I don't think that it works that way.  In the methods I know of, permanent pathways are created by continual use.  I can't say that I find the idea of trying that your way very attractive.  Still the traders come, so maybe the routes are worth having."

 

Having been scratching and patting the cat that seemed to allow it, Banglen-Yp wondered why she was doing it.


                                                                      _Her.


Probably.

Moving to the table and taking the offered wine, she sipped on it in quiet contemplation.  Her gaze wandered around even as she continued to give as much attention to the feline as it would allow.

As she was given the food she thanked for ti and then watched that with as much interest as she had the cats when she first entered.  Watching the food until it appeared she would do that rather than tasting it, let alone eating it, she finally began to eat.

Then her interest were diverted again by the arrival of another interesting group of creatures.  It was probably onyl the fact that she was eating and patting a really big cat that kept her from approaching them already.


                                        _{Enter the Dragon.}


What was that?

                    It was cute.


                                                            _{Dances with wolves.}


They were not dancing.


                              Were they?

 

Chance gestures to the two figures over the door of the Cathedral, one with a sword and another about to lose his head. He studied them for resemblance to other legends he might have heard. Dropping his accent even more, he asks, "Who're those two over the door, there? What's there story?"

Dorian still follows along, but says little as they travel.

Morgan nodded, accepting this. "Maybe we can take a look at the road together sometime and see which method is closer."

After a half-second's consideration, he added, "With possibly one of my friends to give you a fast ride back."

He tried not to stare at the new folk, but his eyes kept sliding their way.

His bodyguard's ears perked up, swiveling slightly toward the unusual (if very light) sound of claws tapping at the floor.

I suppose that they're big enough to ride but...cats ?  I can't see them working as heavy cavalry....

Roman makes a non-commital reply "Maybe, but I have my own ways of defending myself.  I don't intend to stay here many days. "

"Banglen-Yp, what are your plans ?  Are you going to carry on with the caravan ? Or are you open to other ideas ?"

James looks around, then shrugs slightly and heads for one of the vacant tables.  He goes in more for dogs than cats, particularly cats the size of a carthorse, but if they're allowed in the inn they must be pretty well trained and James is keen to sit down.

 
•• Plans ••

Banglen-Yp looked over at Roman and, to everyone's surprised, smiled.

•• Find • ot•her ••

A statement, followd by a glance around, as if looking to see if this other was there.

Her gaze returning to Roman suggest that it was not the case.

•• No •• Yes ••

Another two answers for two questions.

Then another statement, perhaps not all appropriate.

•• Prac•tise • kis•sing • with • you ••

She grinned at him.  It was impossible to tell if she meant it or not, but she had said it.

---

_{Corrected errors in speech.}
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Mon 30 Oct 2006.

Roman relaxes and smiles back that's the most hopeful thing I've heard all day

"If you tell me about this 'other' and why you're looking I might be able to help.  I didn't pay too much attention to the caravan's itinerary.  Is the 'other' somewhere along the route ?"

"And if we're travelling together, we can find plenty of time to...practise."

Berd surveys the room with one half-open eye, then promptly shuts it again.  The faint, musical wheezing starts up as he snores, about two thirds asleep.  The other third wends its way through a series of tasks, awaiting its own turn at the logs.

He jolts once at James' shrug, and complains with a bell-like chime before standing, carefully pacing around in a circle, and settling again in the identical spot.

He does, however, rouse himself enough to speak clearly to the others in the bridging.  Arianne, if she is attempting to listen, must hear and transmit through Aaron alone.

A good question, Devlin.  We came on a single word, nothing more.  Perhaps James is correct, and it is a situation we seek.  Certainly it has something to do with what Danny recounted.  Perhaps...and it is curious, James, that something has not simply entered this keep, as you say.  This World is a (leakysieve/rottedtree).  I/Berd will {watch/observe}....

He falls again into a weary, half-slumber.  But one mind keeps an open 'eye' upon the keep.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Mon 30 Oct 2006.

Morgan looked faintly disturbed, but held his peace for the present. Guesses weren't knowledge, and she had brought the subject up, not Roman.

 

•• Ot•her • may • be • here •• Banglen-Yp clarified and nodded to further underline that statement.

Then she leant forward a little and appeared to study Roman for a moment, almost as if she was memorising his appearance.


                                                                                                                        _Roman.


Another smile and then...

•• Why • you • think • I • need • prac•tice ••

It was unquestionably a question, driven by curious curiosity.  She tilted her head to one shoulder as she watched him.


                                                            <sub>Memories moving outside the circle of enlightenment.

                              Why.</sub>

 

Roman's smile fades a little.  "If you tell me more about this 'other' I could certainly help you look for him or her.  And I don't know that you do need practise.  I was hoping to discover that through experience..." And the smile is back.

 

•• I • do • not • know • more ••

A plain and simple statement, followed by a look of utter confusion as her head tilted over to the other shoulder.

•• You • sug•gest • prac•tise • but • do • not • know • why ••

One of her statement-questions.


                                        _Confusion.


She turned to look at the big cats instead, her meal all but forgotten.  It was a confusing and complicated thing, to interact.


                                                                                _Memories.


                      Maybe time will bring clarity.

          Maybe time have found Gabe.


   Maybe time to eat.



Without warning she turned back to continue her meal as if nothing had happened.

 

Roman attempts to gently correct Banglen-Yp.  "Practising was your idea.  And I think it's a good one.  Even if you don't need practise, I hope you'll enjoy it.  Perhaps you're good enough to teach me something...  The way you made yourself look out there...I can certainly believe that you'd have had plenty of opportunity to learn."

A young girl, a child of about ten or twelve years comes into the inn, as James leads the group of newcomers across to the only empty table in the place, uncomfortably close to the gigantic cats...


Within minutes of their arrival, the waitress delivers two large bowls of some sort of meat stew, a couple of loaves, and a dish of cooked vegetables to the two men sitting at that table.  The young woman is already eating.

The cats, meanwhile, sit up and regard D'Ombra with some interest.

The waitress turns to the new group, "Now then, gents, what can I get yers?  We've got beef stew on the menu ternight, an' we got a very good red wine in from Corasail jus' this mornin'."

Across the room, the young girl is moving about, going from one small knot of customers to the next, speaking to each group, carrying a small basket over her left arm.

 

•• You •sug•gest • I • kiss • Gabe •• Is • that • not • practise ••

Banglen-Yp looked confused still then shook her head.

•• I • have • not • done • it • be•fore • and • do • not • see • the • mea•ning • like • you • do ••

A loose shrug and then a thoughtful look, as if brooding a difficutl problem.

•• I • will • look • for • ot•her • in•stead ••

She nodded again, smiling happily, and resumed eating.  No point to waste both of their time with practice.

          Then another pause, a brief one.

•• Yes • I • learn • things • well •• I • must ••

The eating resumed.

 

Roman tries to remember suggesting that she should kiss Gabe "Oh, no, I was explaining ways in which humans use kisses.  It was an example.  Something you could do..."

 And because if I hadn't mentioned it she'd probably be kissing everyone on the lips...Gabe especially.  Had to head that one off..

 

•• Ex•am•ple ••

Banglen-Yp looked up from the food for a moment.

•• Like • when • you • kissed • me ••

It sounded like a question, but it was hard to tell.

Then she smiled happily again.

•• No • kiss•ing • then ••

She did not understand the need anyway.

   Maybe in time.

                Maybe she would.

                                        Maybe.


                                                                                She began to eat again.

 

Roman picks at his food.  "No, I kissed you because I wanted to...because of the way you looked when you posed for the picture...and because it was a way of saying how I felt without words.  All the meanings of a kiss in one..."

"Kissing is something humans do, it is a way to communicate and it should be something they enjoy, too.  If your human form is more than a disguise, if you want to live as a human, it is something you need to know about."

"But it's your choice.  If you say no kissing, I'll hold back.  But I hope that one day you'll want to explore the subject more, with me."

Berd continues to sleep upon James' shoulder.  Or so it would seem.

Dorian ignores the stew and instead picks lightly at the vegetables, only adding a bite or two of bread.

Finally sitting, Aaron apparently payed little attention to the remainder of the room as he focused specifically on the food provided. He inhaled the stew and inquired of another bowl, before starting on the vegetables.

It was only after this that, nibbling on a bit of bread, he took in the rest of the room in its entirety.


He considered the other individuals nearby, though his eyes seemed dead and disinterested. Occaisonally, the muscles around his scarred left eye twitched.

Digging into his stew and bread, and hoping it concealed his blush, Morgan felt  very much an interloper as the conversation took a swing to the intimate. The soft scrape of spoon against bowl was his only comment on the kissing debate. After a bit more of it, he also hid a smile with his downturned head as he choked off laughter. His pity had shifted to the other side.

 

Banglen-Yp blinked a few times and the eating stopped.

•• Posed ••

A question-statement.

                                                                                Let's see that pretty smile!

          The head shook and golden locks flew about as she had seen on the screen.

•• Not • Bang•len••Yp ••

A cryptic statement as she looked at Roman.

•• Not • hu•man •• Not • dis•guise •• Not • form •• On•ly • Bang•len•Yp ••

Then she smiled again and tilted her head to the side once again.

•• Ro•man • may•be • can • kiss • Mor•gan • if • Mor•gan • wants ••

It sounded like a good idea to her, if Morgan wanted it.  Roman seemed to want to, so if he could find someone else maybe he would smile more.

Once more she resumed her eating.

 

Roman laughs, ruefully.  "Whatever his other virtues, Morgan is not a pretty girl.  Nor am i Dychacha - and I think that Morgan would prefer to kiss pretty girls, too"

Morgan loosed a short burst of laughter at Banglen's last comment, and finally rejoined the conversation, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"There's a few different kinds of kisses. Roman's after... courtship kisses, you might say.Its quite customary to slap him, afterwards, if he didn't make you happy with the kiss,  and he doesn't want to chance it with me. He's right, I like pretty girls better."

Berd sluggishly shifts on James' shoulder.

 

Another break in eating.  Banglen-Yp looked up at the two men, smiling brightly.


                              <sub>This was familiar.

                                                            Amusement.

               Laughter.</sub>


•• Oh • Kay •• Slap • if • not • make • feel • bet•ter ••

A confirming nod to go with the affirmation.

But she felt confused.  Something had happened.


                    <sub>Laughter.

                                                            Why?

                                        It was not familiar.</sub>


•• Dychacha ••

Certainly a question, coupled with a befuddled expression.

A moments thought, the spoon dipping down into what was left of the soup.  With the spoon her smile seemed to sink a little.

•• Why • pret•ty • girls ••

Another question, filled with confusion and curiosity of equal shares.


                              <sub>Memories waving from across the void of shades.

                                                            Unfamiliar familiarity.

               Laughter.</sub>

 

Dorian pauses in his eating a moment, and looks up. "One must wonder where they get the vegetables. I can't imagine they have gardens outside the city. Perhaps in the upper level?"

Roman tries to explain some more. A lot of work and no reward in sight

"Remember what I said about the meanings of a kiss ?  Two of them are attraction and desire - men are usually attracted to women, and women to men.  Pretty girls are attractive and desirable women, so most men are attracted to them and want to kiss them."

"A Dychacha is someone who can't decide whether they're a man or a woman and keeps changing between the two.  So they like kissing men and women."

The young girl makes her way, almost innoticed around the room, seemingly ignored by many of those present, even when she speaks to them directly.  Most are, it seems, too busily engaged in their own conversations.  Occasionally one of the conversations explodes into a shouted remark, and a burst of laughter.

"So then she kicked he, right where it'd hurt he the most!"

"What?  In he's money belt?"

That one produces gales of mirth, far in excess of what it appears to deserve, at least on the surface.

Nervously, the young girl approaches the table with the three panthers, any one of which could fit her head into its mouth, and still have space for a fair-sized rabbit.

She hesitates, then glances down into the basket.  What she sees there seems to bolster her courage, and she steps forward...

"Good ev'nin' lady an' gen'lemen." the young girl says, then adds, "An' cats.", because people passing through Charyk can sometimes appear somewhat unusual.

"Anyone need any matches?  Only a brass chip fer one box.  An 'unnerd matches in a box, fer jus' one brass chip."

With Roman's explanation, Morgan stared, blinking slowly. "Changing between the two?"  That really demanded an explanation.

As the match girl came by, he absently handed her a chip, still looking curiously at Roman.

Roman looks a little puzzled isn't it clear enough ?

"Yes, changing from a man to a woman or from a woman to a man.  They seem happy as either and their human form is usually fairly androgynous to start with.  Most of us are more fixed in our...preferences."

 

•• Yes ••

An answer, no doubt.  Banglen-Yp smiled at Roman at this.

•• Why ••

Certainly not an answer, unless you are into the abstract.  She leant forward again, to study Roman.

•• Man • and • wo•man •• Some • both ••

Question or statement, it was hard to tell.

Then she was distracted by the girl.

•• Good • eve•ning •• she said to the girl and now smiled at her, curious as usual.


                                        <sub>Recognition.

                    Need.

          Aid.</sub>


•• I • take • one ••

She reaches into a pocket on her skirt, rummages around for a moment and then pulls the hand out, clearly holding a coin between the thumb and the completely bent index finger.

Holding that hand out, ready to drop the coin, she held the other out with the palm up for the matchbox.

 
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:33, Tue 31 Oct 2006.

Well she's smiling again.  For what it's worth

Roman doesn't quite understand what Banglen-Ypis asking but tries to answer as best he can.
"Why ?  Are you asking why men are attracted to women and women are attracted to men ?  That's a deep question, and not one I can answer.  I just hope that the women I'm attracted to are equally attracted to me.  It can lead to a lot of mutually enjoyable situations."

The large black dog sits and watches the room, seeming to guard those he came in with.

Aaron watched the girl enter, offering matches. He was curious, but not without a desire for some, either. "Over here also, girl," he said, reaching into his jacket for the necessarry coin.

Grr, yawn....

... D'Ombra tilts his head and looks at the Drake as if studying it.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Wed 01 Nov 2006.

Dorian glances briefly at the match girl, then turns back to his meal ignoring her request.

"Two," Chances says, signaling to get the match girl's attention. "Can never have enough matches, eh? Business good?"

He makes a show of patting down his pockets looking for a couple coins, but finds none. Then, he seems to have an idea and smiles. With one hand, he reaches over and plucks a couple quick notes on his guitar. With the other, he makes a show of reaching behind her ear and producing two coins. A trick much more real than his show of prestidigitation might suggest.

The match girl smiles gratefully at Banglen-Yp, and quickly pockets the coin, keeping it concealed in her fist until it is safely put away.  Then she moves on to the other table.

She first takes Aaron's money, and hands him a box, then turns her attention to Chance, smiling at his display of prestidigitation.

"Bizness good, Mister?  Nah.  I makes enough ter get by, but that's it."

"I'm s'prised yer needs matches, though, what with yer pal 'avin' that li'l pet dragon sittin' on his shoulder, fer all the worl' like some sort o' pet bird.  Or ain't 'e the sort what breathes fire?"

 

With her gaze following the little girl, Banglen-Yp caught sight of that curious little dragon again at the same time as the girl did.

She fired of a brilliant smile and waved at the dragon, or at the whole group around table, as it was impossible to tell who she actually waved to.

•• Hel•lo ••

A cheerful statement.

•• I • have • seen • you • on • the • screen ••

Her gaze resting on the little bird-like dragon as she spoke.


                                                            <sub>Common phrase.

                              Chit-chat.

               Celebrity.</sub>


•• You • are • big•ger • in • life ••

That statement confirmed that indeed he was.  Much bigger.

 

Chance smiles. He had assumed few people rarely saw Berd for what he was. Perhaps he was wrong. "Matches, dry towels and happy songs, lass," he says. "Three things you'll never regret having around. Thank you for the matches."

He had more baudy things to add to that list, but not in front of the match girl.

He turns his attention to Banglen-Yp as she speaks. His brow creases as he takes in her speach and her meaning. He ponders what she might mean by the screen. No doubt, Berd and Dorian will be doing their own investigation, but nothing wrong with some casual inquiries. It might be safer than if Dorian or Aaron tried to demand answers.

"Pardon me," he says displaying a curious-yet-friendly smile. Then, he noticed how stunning she looked and found himself hesitating a bit longer than he intended. He'd noticed earlier, as well- twice in fact- yet at a closer range and longer duration it had a stronger effect. Other women existed that could make Chance speachless- but not many. "Did you say you had seen my friend before?" He gestures towards Berd. "On a.... screeen, you say?"

 

Turning her gaze from the sleepy little one to the man speaking to her, Banglen-Yp studied the man for a moment.  Her gaze moved from the top to the bottom and back up again, almost as if she was memorising him.


                                        <sub>Man.

                                                                                Woman.

                    Interaction.</sub>


A small pause as if to mirror his pause.

•• Hel•lo ••

She waved her hand and smiled another, slightly different smile at him.  Perhaps it was a hint more alluring, but it was fine nuances and hard to tell.

•• Yes • and • no •• Yes ••

Two answers for two questions.

•• Screen • shows • all ••

At least she had gotten that impression and she was not prepared to speak up against it.  It had taught her many, many things.

 

"Screen shows all," Chance repeats, now trying to find meaning in her words. He finds none. Was she saying there was a screen somewhere that showed everything? That might be useful to someone who didn't have Berd around to see everything.

"Thank you," he says. "For clarifying that." He glances sidelong at Berd, as if to say your turn.

James attracts the waitresses' attention before she can wander off.  "I will have two bowls of the stew and half a loaf of bread with butter if you have any fresh.  And a glass of the wine, please.  Oh, and if you have any raw beef or other red meat I'll take a large serve of that as well.  For...Shadow here."  James indicates Devlin.


Apart from ordering food, James is content to leave the others to their thoughts - and investigations.  Whatever their purpose here in Charyk, James is confident there will be plenty to be done soon enough.  For the meantime he is content to sit and eat.

Roman had been more concerned with other things, thinking that there was plenty of time to ask about the drake.  But now that Banglen-Yp had opened the subject...

"I don't know about this 'screen' but I've seen a picture of something that looks very like that little dragon.  Where did you acquire it ?"

Berd was more popular than he had suspected. First, there had been an offer to buy Berd, then recognition on a screen, and now this. Images of things that looked like Berd were common enough in many worlds that it could be nothing of note.

Chance noted the other man's manner of speech and the way it spoke of breeding and trained politeness, such as one might find among nobility and people of old money, and so forth. "I'm afraid it is not quite so simple," Chance says, adopting a more formal manner. "He acquired us, in fact. We'd be quite lost without him."

"I'll take five matches, my dear."  Luke brought out his coins, placing them on the table.  "There's always a need for fire in the world, and sometimes even the 'little dragon' can't provide."  He fell silent, not bothering to order anything.


He chuckled at Chance's comment, though.  "Lost without him...oh, yes."  His amusement was all out of proportion with Chance's comment.  "You'll give him a complex, Chance.  A bigger one."  Then his eyes sharpened.  "This picture - specifically of our little friend?  And where?  Not in the Courts, surely?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Wed 01 Nov 2006.

Berd awkens slightly as activity swirls around the group.  He stares about, his eyes dull, finally focusing upon the match girl.  The long, scaley snout breaks into a wide, toothy grin - not at all threatening - and he rolls his head sideways to peer at her from another angle.

He often gets treats from girls.


And now another girl was giving him attention.  His neck slowly rotated his head to face the brilliant figure of Banglen-Yp, and Berd's eyes sparkled for an instant.  But...no treats.  She was speaking with Chance, and given the man's easy way and natural personality…but then, the woman was't natural, was she?  Strange mode of speech, stops and starts….


The drake pauses to shoot a dirty look at Luke, then grins at Chance and Roman.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Wed 01 Nov 2006.

Berd blinks several times, and stares more closely at Banglen-Yp.  Well, isn't that interesting.

Chance smiles a little at Luke's laughter. He suspected Luke would like that one.

Standing suddenly, Chance speaks up again. "Forgive my rudeness," he says quickly. "Worry not, for I do indeed have better manners than to let myself go without introduction. I am Chauncey, but called Chance these last many years by any who know me. I am a death-singer. Mine is the lonely job of delving into the lives of those who have passed and singing the songs they would sing, if their souls were given voice. And these, are my traveling companions." One hand elegantly sweeps across the table managing to take all of the travelers in, even D'Ombra.

"In order, they are Luke the Jester, who laughs at jokes no one else hears; James the Silent, who is strong of heart and of arm; Dorian the Grumpy, we don't let him out much but it's a special occaision, really; Aaron the Dismembered, don't ask about that- he might try to explain it; Shadow the Wayward, who only recently returned to us; and last and smallest, but not least, Berd who once was and once shall be again. Sadly, there were more of us, but now we are few. Ours has been a long and difficult journey. And you?"

 

•• You • are • wel•come ••

Banglen-Yp smiled at the man once more before turning her attention to the little dragon again.

As it stares at her she does the same back, leaning forward and peering at it closely, but not exactly in a threatening way - more curiosity than anything.

•• Hel•lo ••

She repeated her greeting from before, as it seemed to not have been quite awake before.  A bright smile was on her lips again and she tilted her head to one side.

It seemed she did not even hear the man introduce the little dragon.

 

Roman chooses to answer Luke first So how did he know about the Courts...?.

"If you know enough to ask, then you know that I can't say that the picture was definitely of your...friend.  It's a close enough match, as I remember it - but in Infinite Shadow it would be a greater coincidence if it were the same being and not a look-alike.  But it was in the Courts that I saw the picture, although artist and picture have since departed"

Twisting a little so that he faces Chance "As your friend has divined I am Roman of House Chanicut, a Lord of Chaos.  This is Banglen-Yp who is other than she seems - don't ask to see her 'mean face' - and since we have only just met Morgan and his feline friends I feel it best if they introduce themseves"

"Hashmal," Aaron said aloud, not quietly, but not loud enough to be overheard from beyond their table. He was staring at his box of matches, the gears apparently grinding away in his head.

He set the matchbox down, staring at the stylized wheel of flame upon its box. The word he'd spoken was emblazoned upon the surface of the box.

"Curious, that. It reminds me of our burning enemies."

"The sign of Chaos leaves its twisted mark upon all who navigate its paths," Luke said, his smile sharp as a razor, and yet not aggressively so.  "When you peer through its cloudy lens, can you not see that same mark upon others, Roman of House Chaincut?  And can you not see the stamp of the Great Pattern, as well?  All powers have a signature for the eyes that can read."
He leaned back.  "Colour me curious about the picture.  You knew the artist?  This one has travelled with a few from the Courts - Lazarus, Lexy.  A profusion of 'L's'.  And there have been a couple of artists, as well.  One was a dychacha, went by the name of Kendall, or so I'm told."  His eyes narrowed.  "The other one was a tall, red-haired woman, sometimes in heavy, black and gold armor, with a whomping big sword.  You wouldn't happen to have seen any of them, would you?"

Roman looks back to Luke "I am not accustomed to scanning all I meet through the Logrus.  And I have not had the opportunity to examine any who hail form Amber."

"The artist was my cousin, the Lady Alexandra Boisjolis.  She has been known to go by 'Lexy'.  I am not acquainted with any of the others."

Luke shrugged.  "Understandable.  For myself, it is merely a facet of my particular method of 'seeing'.  No offense intended."  When Roman mentioned Lexy, he glanced at the others, Aaron in particular.  Luke himself had never travelled with Lexy, though he had heard of her.  To the best of his knowledge, in the current group of those on the quest only Aaron and Berd had ever met the woman.

Berd stares back at Banglen-Yp, his dancing eyes growing brighter as he does.  He tilts his head to the side when she does, and lets out a small, chiming sound from where he sits atop James' shoulder.

 

Banglen-Yp stood up, slowly, and moved over towards the little dragon, slowly as well, holding out a hand in front of herself.

•• Do • you • speak ••

A question, for certain.  She seemed to have eyes only for Berd, although she may not have heard the name itself.


                                        <sub>Cute.

                                                                                On the screen.

                    Same different?</sub>


Slowly her hand approached the little creature where it sat, a soft smile dominating her whole face.

 

With introductions of a more lengthy sort being given, Morgan took his cue from Chance. "Morgan the currently confounded, latest princeling of the Julian variety, and my lieutenants Ahmad the curious, due to creative accounting going on life nineteen, Saranti the annoyed, whose scolding I shan't translate,  and Leareth the lazy, who shan't bother scolding. "

The low hiss from the female so named was untranslateable, save, perhaps, for a promise of later vengeance.

D'Ombra's ears perk up suddenly, as if hearing something others did not. His head too turns to the side as he looks up at the, somewhat strange girl that has found an interest in Berd.


The large black animal stands and gets closer to the girl, sniffs at her boot and the hem of her dress, then he looks up at her, seeming to beg for attention. D'Ombra lets his tongue hang out of his mouth and pants, eyes looking up into her face.

He lifts a hind paw and scratches about a heavy looking, black metal collar that hangs about his neck.

At the mention of Lexy's name, Aaron merely raised his eyes to Luke, meeting them. He turned his matchbox over and over in his hands, clearing his throat a little.

"Been a while since I've seen Lexy. I owe her," he said, before gazing back at his matchbox. These new individuals were interesting, that was sure, but he was more curious about the reason his group was here than any new friends they might make.

Then again... maybe the reason they were here was because of those new friends. Probablity in a place like this might do crazy things.

 

Since it was impossible not to notice the wolf approaching her and sniffing at her, Banglen-Yp looked down at it even as she still approached the little dragon.  She smiled at the black wolf and reached out with her other hand towards it.

•• Hel•lo • wolf •• Do • you • talk ••

First a statement and then a question as the hand came closer to its nose.


          The screen had shown her his kind often smelt the hands of humans.


•• Why • you • wear • a • collar ••


                    On the screen dogs wore them but not wolves.

          It looked like a wolf.

 

"Well met, all of you." Chance smiles.

Lexy - that was a familiar name. Luke had told him most of the story up until this point, so he had a few names and places in his head that he hadn't been introduced to before. She must be some kind of artist to have drawings of Berd lying around. Perhaps she had an ability similar to Cyan's artistry. That had intrigued him when Luke described it. It sounded much like his own musical gifts, except translated onto paper. What a strange way of doing it.

Dorian sighed quietly into his soup. There was so much talking. People were always talking.

Roman observes the goings-on with a slightly dubious eye Maybe I'd have had more luck in animal form....

Rather than think about that he considers Aaron's words Time can do odd things...best to ask now

"Have you heard from Lexy since she visited the Courts ?  Or any idea where she might go ?   Her family are worried.  She left suddenly.  Some feel that we should have paid more attention to what she said, others are concerned that she might have come to harm."

The match girl notes Aaron's interest in the box, and it's markings.

"'s from one o' them there bib-lick-ul stories, innit?  Hashmal were a friend, or p'rhaps a servant, o' the Twins.  'e could make fire anywhere, an' 'e'd 'elp them fight monsters an' stuff.  When they fought each other, though, 'e ran off an' 'id."

"Still, 'is name's good fer matches, I s'pose, even if the Cardinal an' the Lords doesn't like folks talkin' about 'im much."

She waits quietly then, to see if there's any more interest in her wares...

D'Ombra sniffs at the girls extended hand. Tilts his head in the other direction at the girl's questions, in her strange speech. .

The wolf touches his nose to the girls hand and winks one eye; a strange sight to see a wolf wink an eye. Then it rubs the side of its face against the hand until his collar with the wolf emblem comes in contact with her skin.

It is about then that a server brings the piece of meat that James had asked for and the man puts the plate on the floor. D'Ombra pushes the plate under the table and begins to tear off hunks of it.

Dorian's head comes up abruptly, and he looks at Berd. This time, speaking aloud he says, "I remembered the phrase that has been plaguing me since I saw Cyan. '...and let Harbonah, too, be remembered for good.' I wonder where I heard it." He smirks, as if it's the most wonderful thing that's happened in a long time. Then the expression fades quickly. His eyes become distant and he goes back to eating, slowly picking at the food with disinterest.

Berd chirrups at Banglen-Yp in answer to her question, and the woman attention splits between himself and other things - namely the huge, furry creature (with great big teeth) that moves to sniff her hand.  He takes care to memorize the names of Morgan and his troupe (more huge, furry creatures, with great big teeth), and keeps himself to James' shoulder.  There are far too many teeth about right now, and Berd well-knows how much of a small snack he might appear.

Still, he does not pull his head away when she reached out.

Echoes of the past, in many ways.  He glances toward Roman at the man's question, but only Aaron could answer that - at the moment, Berd (as was his wont) was disclined to speak with strangers.  Soon, perhaps - very soon.


The little drake glances curiously at Dorian, before turning toward the Match Girl.  He puffs out a small ring of flame - instead of disappearing, the burning ring hangs in the air.  To those who have never seen the ashuranti, an interesting curiousity.

To those who have, a chilling reminder.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

"Well, we certainly haven't heard from her," Luke replied.  "When she was at the Courts, she didn't happen to mention anything to anyone, did she?" he asked quietly after a moment.  "Something of minor importance, perhaps?  A war that threatens the Myriad Worlds?"

He turned his dark, unsettling gaze on the Matchstick Girl, just in time to catch Berd's little performance.  "Biblical, indeed.  Surely you remember Hashmal, Berd?  Dour fellow.  Very much interested in things progressing smoothly."  His smile was tight.  "Different Hashmal, though.  No doubt."

The smile changed, clipped the edge from his face, and Luke reached out, his hand closing on the small circle of fire.  "Abracadabra," he whispered.  When it opened, the flame was gone.  "I'll have another of your matches, girl."  One hand turned the Matchstick Girl's hand over, pressed a coin into it - a coin, and, obscured from the view of others, a brilliant, transluscent ring, always warm, with flames flickering within.  "Something with which to remember Hashmal.  My Hashmal."  Luke's rueful smile was a departure from the norm.  For an instant, he seemed crowned by a soft, ethereal light.

"And no man shall take this from thee, nor harm thee; I lay my hand upon thee now."

Then the light was gone, and Luke's face held its customary, sardonic smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

Roman looks a bit puzzled "I didn't get as much time to talk to her as I would have liked - I had some problems of my own at the time - but there wasn't anything like that.  Something about a monster eating a world, a firey shapeshifter and an arm - a bit of a dismembered body - that somehow blocked her access to the Logrus."

"The last is the one that disturbed people.  Some had second thoughts after she went, and that's one of the reasons why I'm looking for her.  That and it'd be good to have the chance to catch up.  She'd been away a long time."

Ahmad, with his scritching-post gone, decided to hear this conversation a bit better. Slowly stretching out his legs, he rose and followed Banglen-Yp to greet the small beings.

Morgan, was jolted from  piecing together a picture from their conversation. He wavered somewhere between eager to know, and dreading it, as he asked Roman, "Do you suppose that monster's coming here? D'you recall any details? We're supposed to help with something of the sort near here, but he couldn't say what it was."

< Wouldn't >

Glancing at Leareth, Morgan accepted the correction. "wouldn't say what it was."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

 

With her attention split between the two animals, Banglen-Yp barely has time to notice the wolf emblem on the collar before it runs of to have its dinner.  With the thought that she might get involved more with it later, if they stay around, she turns back to watch the little dragon.


                              <sub>Nice wolf.

                                                            Bigger also.</sub>


The wolf winking did not seem to make her react at all.  She winked right back.

Touching the little dragon she smiled at it, being very gentle as if afraid to hurt it.  Saying nothign more she merely stood there for the time being, her attention focused on him alone.

When it blew a ring of fire she watched it with curiosity but strangely enough she did not appear surprised at all.  Her attention went back to Berd before Luke did his own trick.


                                                                                <sub>Like on the screen.

                                        Fire.</sub>


Banglen-Yp appeared to be lost in a world of her own.  She only turned to smile at the big cat as it approached.


                    <sub>Kitten.

                                                            Also bigger.</sub>

 

Roman turns to face Morgan again.  "That's pretty much all I know.  If the thing can move through Shadow, Lexy didn't know it - that would have got people's attention and I can't see her holding back on that point."

"But if you've heard of a world-eating monster in the vicinity I think it would be polite to share what you know.  It is a rather obvious concern to everyone currently in this world."

Morgan grimaces, frustration creasing his face.  "It or they are supposed to be worse than the blackmoss, eating and destroying much of the continent, and worse than the storms which are drowning the rest. And the problem isn't restricted to one world.  Beyond that, he didn't say. "
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Thu 02 Nov 2006.

He certainly knows how to make a place seem attractive...Maybe it's a good idea to hasten my departure to somewhere more agreeable - or at least less doomed

"So this mysterious person has recruited a team to deal with this vague menace.  Good luck.  It sounds like you could use it."

The change from grimace to smile is swift, as Roman's good wishes strike the young prince's sense of humor.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, Roman," Morgan laughed, tossing half a seated bow his way.  "I've no idea if there're others. He was cagy about most everything. He sort'f swindled me, I know, but I hope I find the people I'm to help before I find the enemies we're to share."

Roman decides to be a little more helpful even if facing down world eating monsters sounds like something best left to those who know what they're doing.

"I could at least help you find the people you're trying to help.  Do you know how to identify them ?"

Luke watched the two men banter for a moment.  "What 'people' are you supposed to find, Morgan?  Do you have a description?  And what was the name, or description of this person who informed you of this threat?  It might be helpful."

"What you describe sounds an awful lot like a Gatherer, which is something this group, along with Lexy, faced in the past."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:28, Fri 03 Nov 2006.

James looks vaguely discomfited.  Banglen-Yp has to reach straight past his head to reach Berd and he's a little wary of letting a stranger get so close.  The girl also seems to be a focus of attention, with the result that Devlin is almost on top of his legs and one of the panthers is headed his way.  James does his best to ignore it all and eat.

Morgan nods, indicating the surrounded James with a grin.  "There was mention of a woman with a dragon much like James there has, a woman with a large wolf, and a penchant for the unusual.  I've high hopes to have met some of them soon."

Winking at Roman, he finished, "So does that sound like anyone you've met recently, friend?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Fri 03 Nov 2006.

Roman smiles a little "Just a bit. Although you seem to be missing the woman unless the dragon has the good taste to take up with Banglen-Yp".

Luke studied Morgan, and his fingers drummed on the table.  "The first woman would be Cyan, the red-haired woman in the armor I mentioned earlier, and the other woman would be Kalika Wolfblade, and her companion Hunter.  I never had the pleasure of meeting Kalika, and Cyan never took to me, but you've come to the right place.  That is the 'dragon' of which your...acquaintance?  spoke."  He leaned forward, then paused for a moment to give James a bow, for no particular reason.

Then he turned back to Morgan.  "So.  It would seem we are the people of which your friend spoke.  Kalika is dead, and Cyan taken by our enemies.  Who was this man who directed you to us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Sat 04 Nov 2006.

Morgan's grin fades. "I'm sorry to hear that." A moments pause for respect, then he answers the rest with a shrug.

"I'm not sure, to be honest. It was a miserable night, with the rain sleeting down from the canopy, so I didn't think much of the hood and cloak. He didn't answer but a fraction of my questions, and that didn't include the one about his name. Arrogant sort, whoever he is."

 

Happy to stand where she is, doing what she does, Banglen-Yp looks down at the man on whose shoulder the little dragon sits and smiles at him.

•• Hel•lo ••

A cheerful greeting.

Hearing her name mentioned, for once, she turned to look at Roman and blinked at him.

•• Take • up • with ••

That was definitely a question, no question about it.  She appeared a little confused, although the hands still kept patting and brushing when allowed.

 

Finally realising that she will make no more sales here this day, but grateful for those who were generous enough to pay so much for the simple wares that she offers, the match seller says her thanks and makes her way out of the Sanctuary Inn.

None of the inn's other customers pay her the slightest attention as she leaves. 

A thin man, with a dour expression, and eyes which appear to be trying to look over both of his shoulders simultaneously, led by the serving girl, approaches the rather odd group of customers near the roaring fireplace.  "I'm Garvin, an' I owns the Sanct'ry.  Sal, 'ere, tells me some o' you folks wants ter rent some rooms.  Well, I got some ter spare, an' right enough.  If'n yer've got the silver fer 'em."

"Best rooms'f any inn in the 'ole city.  Yer c'n look all yer likes, an' yer won't find nothin' better.  I'd stake me life on it."

His expression remains sour, all through his sales pitch, the very antithesis of the jovial, smiling host.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Sat 04 Nov 2006.

Berd sits quietly under Banglen-Yp's touch, not moving.  If she attempts to do more than touch his head, he pulls back slightly.  She seems harmless...but then, so does he.  And he cannot sense her at all.

This is disturbing...and Berd knows full well how vulnerable he is to physical damage.

So for the moment, he keeps his distance, allowing her to study as much as he does, and no more.

More to explain...

"Yes, the dragon is supposed to be with a woman, and he is't.  If he was travelling with you and sitting on your shoulder that would make the descripton right".

After the host arrives and delivers his "sales" pitch, Roman speaks up immediately.

"The lady and I require a room each, with a connecting door if that can be arranged."

I wonder if a decline in business due to monster attack is the reason why he's so miserable

His cutting smile faded somewhat as he spoke to Morgan.  "Disappointing.  It would have been interesting to know who sent you to my associates, here."  A wave of the hand to the others.  "Arrogant...could have been me."

"But these people have experienced dreadful losses in their quest."  The smile vanished, utterly.  "The litany of names is not long, but some of them have been dear to those in the group.  A difficult thing."

Dorian's attempt at eating had been distracted at best, but with the creature Banglen so close to Berd, it slows even more. He watches her closely, alert for any sudden (psychic) activity. He trusted in the warriors around the table to deal wtih any physical threat. He trusted Berd's pyschic defenses, too, but at such close range, he could be rendered unconscious too easily.

If he noticed any of the rest of the conversation, he showed little sign of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Mon 06 Nov 2006.

Chance looks up at the host and nods. The man didn't seem happy about something. Judging by the size of the cats nearby, that might be an explanation. It could be something else, though. It was probably best to just ask.

"We're interested in rooms, if they're available. Tell me, is there a problem? I'd hate to stay someplace where we weren't welcome."

 

Suddenly looking about at the people around the little dragon, and noting the dragon itself, Banglen-Yp smiled one last time and then promptly turned around and walked back to her seat.


                                                                                <sub>Reaction.

                                        Instinct.

                                                                                                                        Memories.

                              Not same different.</sub>


Sitting down she turned to look at the fire where she could see it between the big cats.  A moment later her eyes appeared to lose focus and there she sat, smilign gently at the fire.


                                                                                <sub>Memories.

                                        Chasing.

                                                                                          In vain.

                              Seeking.</sub>

 

Oh... there's no problem, an' yer welcome enough." Garvin replies gruffly, Yer'll get yer rooms, 'an a decent brekfas' fer an 'andful o' silver.  Let me jus' get this... "

He pulls a pencil stub from a pocket of his vest, and a scrap of paper, then proceeds to write down the requirements for rooms, slowly, and with the tip of his tongue protrufing from one corner of his mouth.

Those sitting close enough can see that the letters are misformed, and some are reversed.  "Now, if'n yer'l excuse me, I've other business needs tendin' ter, so I'll leave Sal ter collect the rent."

With a short bow, he moves away, pausing only to glare at a young man who calls out to him.  The two disappear through a door leading further into the structure.

Sal shakes her head as he leaves, then turns back to the customers, "Don't mind Garvin.  'e's always like that.  Yer knows them fat an' jolly innkeepers yer 'ears so much 'bout?  Well Garvin ain't one'f them.  'e 'erited this place off 'is dad, 'an e'en if'n 'e don't really like folks, an' 'e don't 'old with strong drink, 'e's clever 'nough ter know that this place is easier than real work."

"Now then, rooms's five silver florins apiece, fer a night.  Seven if'n yer needs a bath drawin' fer yer."

 

•• Bath ••

Waking up, as if the single word had drawn her back from wherever she was, Banglen-Yp looked over at the woman who had mentioned bath.

She produced seven coins and held them out towards the woman in the upturned palm of her hand.

Smiling, of course.

 

Ahmad stayed a second to sniff politely at the wolf, then sank into a comfortable sprawl a scant two feet away, watching the newcomers. Morgan glanced that way, then shrugged. Being a bodyguard, being comfortable, Ahmad didn't often make it clear which was which.


Morgan nodded at Luke, and repeated, "I'm sorry to hear that." An uncomfortable moment, he thought. If one changed the subject, it showed disrespect. If one continued the subject, things shifted for the worse.

He opted for changing the subject partially. "Are you hunting another of these gatherers currently?"

Roman doesn't consider haggling - after all he doesn't intend to stay long, and money is not that difficult to come by.  "Indeed, a bath to wash off the dust of the road would be most welcome"

He counts out the money from his purse.

Luke, as was his habit, left the discussion regarding rooms and lodgings to others.  He wouldn't be sleeping here, either way.  Instead, he focused on the discussion with the men.

"Seeking a Gatherer?  Seeking its creators, possibly."  He leaned forward a hair, met Morgan's gaze.  "There's this little problem out there, running madly across the Myriad Worlds.  A long time past, a faction in a race of...rather powerful beings took it into its head to change The Way Things Are.  Right now they're about a hundred years ahead of everyone else in terms of preparation and gaining ground steadily.  They're ancient, potent, fanatical, and absolute mad."

The dark-eyed man leaned back, lips quirking in an ironic smile.  "All of which are good reasons to hide under the covers until it's all over, but the fact is that if the Seraphim succeed, it will be all over.  For everyone except them.  I'd add on 'and those they choose to spare', but since their defining characteristic, the one keeping their rather fractitious organization together, is an utter and complete disdain for all life save for their own, there's little point in offering that slice of hope."

Roman looks at Luke, questioning.  "Can you prove this ?  I have contacts at the Courts who might listen.  If I have something solid to bring them - if it could be shown that there was a threat that concerned the Courts.  But I can't go to them with nothing more than wild tales.  Without real evidence I'd just be throwing away what credibility I have."

Morgan seems frozen as blinking, he digests that answer.   "Well. That qualifies as 'worse', yes. We're willing to help if you're willing to share more information on the problem. I'm rather fond of existing, you understand, and I'm fairly sure the rest of my unit is as well."


Luck or planning, Morgan had found his mission. It now remained to be of some use.

Listening to Luke explain their situation, Aaron had no recourse but to take a good, long pull from the flask that he pulled from his coat.

Sighing, he cleared his throat and considered the situation.

Dorian returns to picking at his vegetables, occasionally nibbling at the bread.

"The Courts?"  Luke shrugged.  "I suppose they might be of use, but I expect they have their own problems at the moment.  Amber is, to the best of our knowledge, unable to assist.  Perhaps the Courts suffer under a similar weight.  When was the last time you visited the old homestead?"

"In any case, I carry no proof upon my person.  If you wish, I can take you to where you can judge for yourself.  A short journey, as I see such things.  Or you may listen to our story, and consider whether to come along and find your own proof.  I would suggest the latter."

The dark-eyed man returned his attention to Morgan.  "Of course.  Well here is the situation."

OOC - I am uncertain as to how much of the story Morgan's player knows.  I realize Roman's player has read the entire thing.  There is, of course, a partial game summary.  But should a real summation be necessary, I am willing to do so.

A pity Cyan isn't around.  As I recall, that was her job.

So I will await word from Morgan.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:16, Tue 07 Nov 2006.

Roman shrugs. "It's not long since I left Chaos - and overall things seemed normal then, some personal problems notwithstanding.   But timeflow gets complicated back there."

Sitting up,straighter he continues.
"I've no doubt that if you took me on a journey through Shadow I would witness whatever you wished me to see.  You'd have to promise something that couldn't be simply found by Shadow-walking for for such a trip to offer anything.  More importantly I need something that I could use to convince people back in Chaos.  My opinion isn't likely to be enough".

"In a nutshell.

"There once were beings called the Archons.  They came from Elsewhere.  Outside the Myriad Worlds.  They existed here for Eons.  Some of them chose to study the people existing in this multiverse.  Others nursed dreams of conquest and hatred.  The latter were known as the Seraphim."

"The Archons eventually came across the remains of a being they named Broken God.  Its blood and bone could suppress the powers of this multiverse.  The Seraphim took these pieces, and began to use them.  They created Orbs that could drain the power from a World, and send it to a piece of Broken God.  They began to conquer worlds, slowly, quietly, gathering armies and slaves.  They intensified the breaks of Broken Patterns strewn throughout the Myriad Worlds, destabilizing them in an attempt to shatter them into a setting more 'suitable' for the Archons' abilities and needs."

Luke reached out and began to sketch on the table.  Tiny sparkles of light appeared in the wake of his finger, forming an galaxy-like ellipse.  At each end of the ellipse was a bright star.

"These are the Myriad Worlds, stretched between Chaos and Order.  Here is the line of the Archons conquest and destruction."

Now a series of dark breaks appeared in the ellipse, stretching from one pole toward the other.

"They crack the worlds directly between the two poles.  The shortest distance."  He looked up, stared into Morgan's eyes.  "The Myriad Worlds, ugly as this fact is, depend on the interaction between Chaos and Order.  What will happen, I wonder, if a short circuit appears between those two forces?"  He returned his gaze to the image.

"What will happen, I wonder, if the Archons force their way close enough to either pole that they may place, say, the Heart of Broken God upon either the Great Pattern of Amber, or within the Chaos Maze of the Logrus?"

His hand passed over one pole, and it went out.  And the tiny stars cascaded towards one another, into sickening, twisting ball of light.

"The Seraphim win," Luke whispered.  "And the Myriad Worlds are theirs to use.  And they will not be benevolant rulers, oh no.  They hate everything but themselves, and view you as nothing more than slaves or amusement."  He grinned.  "They are superior, you see.  Thus, anything they do to you is...well, no more than you would do to an ant.  Or, perhaps, a member of the Royalty of Chaos or Amber might do to a 'Shadow'."

"Were the irony any more perfect, I would weep."  His smile was bright, and his perfect teeth seemed oddly sharp.

Morgan watched the illustration intently, color beginning to drain from his face.  "Traveling the cracks is bad enough." He spoke lowly, not intending to interrupt. "To re-make  whole worlds as cracks..."

Shaking himself, he nodded at the conclusion; deciding from the tone that he had best not visit this Amber or Chaos. "Can these breaks be healed? Or new worlds put in the broken ones' place, to fill the holes? "

"Something that can not be found Shadow-walking?  That would be difficult unless you have some means of discriminating between truth and likeness.  In which case the journey would probably be unnecessary.  But you make a good point and I doubt any one of us would insist you take us at our word."

James is more relaxed now that Banglen-Yp has stepped back.  He has stopped eating and is paying careful attention to Luke's account and the others' reactions.

"I'm not sure, Morgan.  We've been taking a preventative course rather than trying to fix the damage.  I suspect that given time the influence of Pattern and Logrus would re-assert itself, although that's just a theory.  I don't know that I like the idea of creating worlds to fill the gaps.  It sounds a little too much like playing God, which is more or less what the Seraphim are doing."

 

Once more drawn to watch the catrs and the fire, Banglen-Yp appeared completely unaware of any demonstration and tales about worlds, designs, figures and creatures.


                                                                                <sub>Fire.

                                        Energy.

                                                            Life.

                    Death.</sub>


Thoughts.

     Fragments.


Then, a comment, attentions still seemingly diverted.

•• The • ant • may • sur•prise • you ••

 

Berd, on James' shoulder, studies Morgan from under his slitted eyelids.  When James weighs in, he lets out a small chiming sound, and puffs a cloud of heated, rainbow smoke into the air.

Roman smiles at Banglen-Yp's comments, replying "You are certainly more than an ant"

Turning to face the group in general he states

"If these beings really believe that they are so superior, a prisoner might do as evidence.   If nothing else, someone might take offence at their arrogance and decide to act."

Luke leaned foward to study Morgan intently, and nodded.  "I think you begin to see the gravity."

"As for remaking and refilling, I am with James.  Hardly surprising - he is often the voice of reason in this little group...I would rather leave things as they are, prevent more from occurring by dealing with the threat.  Given time, the problem may self-correct.  If not...well, the broken Worlds still have inhabitants."  He flicks a hand at Aaron and Berd.  "These two were part of the group when it found a new World for an entire population.  While I am certain they could do so for each and every broken world, it would certainly take time."

Dark eyes flicked to Banglen-Yp, as if taking note of her for the first time.  "Wise.  And these ants have already stung.  Indeed, the boot has fallen upon them more than once, in retribution for their acts."  His grim smile vanished, and he shook his head.  "Sometimes their tenacity amazes even me."

But the smile that greeted Roman's suggestion was bitter, indeed.  "A prisoner would be a fine idea.  In fact, it has been suggested on occasion, and managed twice.  The second time, the creature was low enough on the totem pole so as not to know anything of value, and could not be held save under the most extreme of circumstances.  The first time, a more powerful prisoner killed itself in a conflagration that almost consumed its captors.  They fight, and they die.  Capture has proven...difficult.  Perhaps with your...singular abilities, Roman of Chaos, you might prove up to the task."

Luke shrugged.  "Chaos vacillates.  Amber bickers.  I have seen little to convince me that time taken to sway them to our cause will bear fruit.  Individuals such as yourself...certainly.  But Amber and Chaos themselves will act only when their interests are directly threatened, and even then will likely spend much of their time in the search for scapegoats.  Or worse, attempt to make deals with the enemy in short-sighted grabs for power."

 

Looking up as Roman spoke to her, Banglen-Yp appeared confused.

•• No ••

A simple, efficient statement to set things straight.  No doubt it spured a lot more questions than it answered.

Looking over at Luke as he addressed her, she smiled at him and waved a hand in greeting.

•• Hel•lo ••


                                        <sub>Ants.

                                                                                Boots.

                                                            Retribution.</sub>


•• Why? ••

A direction question, aimed at the talkative fellow.  Perhaps like Roman he would come to learn she was full of questions.

 

"Three," Dorian corrects without looking from his vegetables. "The other being a mental prisoner, yet among their ranks- a spy. And I failed to utilize it before it could be corrupted. I had hoped to simply leave it in place and wait for a perfect time, but I should have seen that it would fall under suspicion- at least, it is easy to see that now."

He shoves the plate away from him and stands. "I have business," he says, again without looking at any of them.

He marches off.

How easily they shared their mission over dinner with strangers. Should the Archons want to know how much they knew, it was easy enough to find out- just ask.  Want to join us, so you can track our movements? Sure, we could use the help. Oh, don't mind Dorian. He's just 'grumpy', as Chance had worded it.

Chance, at least, had a refrence- Luke. Though, it had taken far too long for Luke's credentials to be made known. These dinner guests? The girl, especially, could not be trusted. She didn't even exist. At least he had developed some method of tracking her from a distance- unreliable as it was. She was too suspicious to be trusted. Probably not an Archon; but too suspicious.

Why had he returned to them? Because Berd asked. Reason enough, except that there was no reason. They sat at dinner and told stories around the fireplace. They needed no help now. He should move on.

Chances cradles his guitar in his lap, but doesn't play it. He frowns as Dorian walks off. He might take comfort in the man being predictable, if he had shown any sign of predictability. Unless one could call unhappiness predictable. He shrugs and looks for his drink again.

Morgan accepted the reproof equably.  "The crack analogy isn't as good as I thought then. Cracks, unrepaired, tend to widen on their own. Cuts, maybe? " He shrugged, dismissing that aspect for the moment. "So, are they coming after a piece of this broken god or invading, do you know yet? "  He looked curious at "Dorian the Grumpy" leaving, but refrained from asking.

"You mean here, Morgan?  We don't know."  James answers quickly.  In part at least, he can guess the cause of Dorian's mood and he shares some sympathy with it.  James valued honest communication but trust had its risks.

"Enough about us for the moment.  Tell us something about yourselves.  Not who sent you or why you are here.  Just...about you."  James' question is directed at all three of the new acquaintances (he has that nasty humanoid tendency of discounting the cats), but his eyes are focused chiefly on Banglen-Yp.  A Lord of Chaos and a Julianite could, upon making a few assumptions, fit easily enough within James measure of experience but the girl was a mystery.

Sighing, Aaron rose, scratched the back of his head and flicked his nose at everbody else. "Sorry, got to see a man about a horse."

And then he followed Dorian out.

Luke stared back at Banglen-Yp for a long moment.  Then he nodded his head in reply to her greeting.  "Why?  I am not overly impressed by 'humanity', in any of its myriad forms."  His lips twitched at Dorian's exit.  "It is as simple as that."

Aaron now followed Dorian, while James moved in with a question of some import.  Luke relaxed in his chair, content to allow someone else to do the discussing for the moment.  He was no diplomat, though in the past he had been.  Bitter time had gnawed away much of his urbanity and charisma, he knew.  Better to let the affable James take over the questions, and allow Aaron to discuss with Dorian...whatever they wished to discuss.

This group was the best hope he had seen in the Myriad Worlds.  It needed to stay alive.

"Hmmmm, about me?" Morgan scraped his chair around to face the others, and relaxed into it, no longre needing to crane his neck. "I'm partial to writing, wine, and women, though I'm 'terrible at the first, and the second makes any appeal to the third desert me', so when I indulge in any, it had best be in private."  The goblet beside him, apparantly, did not count.

"This has been made abundantly clear to me by my mother, my father, by my eldest brother, my eldest sister, and my other siblings, taken in pairs and trios, in descending order of wit, and correspondingly ascending order of neccessary pugilistic reinforcement to make the point."

His grin making a reappearance beside this, his favorite way of describing the issue, Morgan continued,

"I sing passably well, but only to soldiers' rounds, and by happy circumstance, the soldiers enjoys my company. Doubtless think me a great fool on occasion, but like me. Or are better actors than I've seen in the capitol, anyway. "

 

Banglen-Yp smiled at the man wanting her to tell something about her.  So she did as he asked.

•• I • am • Bang•len••Yp ••

Another smile and her attention went to the one who had talked so much about ants and things.  Her expression shifted to a slightly puzzled one.

•• No •• Why • stomp • on • ants ••

Now she smiled again.  She had done well.  Answered one question and presented another.

 

The servant, Sal, returns to the odd group at the corner tables.  She hands two keys to Roman, "We di'n't 'ave any rooms that connect up, but those two's next ter each other."

The rest of the keys, she puts on the other table, "There yers go.  Yer two mates took their own keys, an' went up there already.  All the rooms is on the same floor, an as close as I could get them.  Garvin wanted ter spread yers out more, in case yer was plannin' trouble, but I reckon as nobody'd bring along their pets if they was goin' ter start somethin'."

"Now, can I get anybody anythin' else, while I'm 'ere?"

 

Distracted by the arrival of the helpful woman, Banglen-Yp feels the need to ask her soemthing.

•• Where • is • bath ••

As nearly always, asked with a smile.

 

"The reasons for that are simple," Luke replied, not batting an eyelid at the misunderstanding.  "Because the ants have bitten the Seraphim.  And because the Seraphim enjoy stamping on ants.  I suppose it makes them feel strong."

"At the minute, it's out in the store 'ouse." Sal replies, smiling.

"But when yer thinks yer'll be ready fer it soon, jus' give ne a shout, I'll 'ave somebody take it up ter yer room, an' start fillin' it.  It shouldn't take long, we keeps water 'eatin' all the time."

 

•• Why • did • they • bite ••

Another inquiry, with another smile.  As she figured it, they probably bit for one reason or another.

•• Thank • you •• I • will • shout ••

She replied to the woman, giving her a smile too.  A different one, but still a true smile.

 

"The ants are a metaphor, girl."  Luke's voice was dry.  Apparantly his patience, never his strong point, had begun to wear thin.  "This group, of which I am a part, opposes the Archons.  We are the ants.  They are trying to step on us, because we have dared to oppose them."

 

Banglen-Yp laughed.  A short but, well, beautiful laughter, sprung from amusement, not spite or malice.


                                                                                <sub>Misunderstandings.

                                        Amusement.

                                                            Laughter.</sub>


•• Thanks • for • giv•ing • the • rea•son ••

She had gotten the answer she sought, and a laughter as well.

 

Roman considers how to answer James.  "I suppose I'm just one of the lesser Chaos Lords.  Chanicut is a Great House, but I'm pretty far from any significant inheritance.  At the last count."

"If your business is what Lexy was trying to tell people about, back in the Courts, joining your group might be the next best thing to finding her - and who knows ?  Maybe she'll turn up."

When the girl brings the keys, he passes one to Banglen-Yp.  "You can have the bath first, if you like.  When you're ready".

 

Turning her gaze onto Roman, Banglen-Yp smiled at him too.

          She was all smiles, it seemed.

•• Oh • kay • dar•lin ••

 

"Consider wisely."  Luke seemed to be in no way ready to leave his seat.  "As we have discovered, if one can put one's own concerns behind them, they do better with this particular group.  Secrets have a dangerous way of sneaking up in the middle of the night to bite their owner upon the rear."

His hand brushed over the flickering image before him, and it winked out.

"But trustworthy assistance is always welcome."

The conversation continues for a while, over dinner, and a strange tale unfolds.

A tale of a war, in which one side does not even realise there is a war, perceiving it, instead, as a strictly local phenomenon... an invasion of a specific land by powerful and deadly foes, with no inkling that such invasions, by the same foes, are also occurring elsewhere.

The enemt seldom conquers territory, and holds it even less frequently.  Instead, they invade, destroy, plunder and enslave.  And then they move on, leaving remnants of the original population behind, living on broken, dying worlds, and wondering if the invaders will return to finish the job.

All hope is not lost, however...

Somewhere, a young man called Johnee Kay is working, training an army of supernaturally competent warriors.  An army of several hundred thousand soldiers, born with the memories and tactical knowledge of their ancestors, and a fearsome array of weaponry and abilities...

Elsewhere a young woman, little more than a child, infiltrates the camp of one of the enemy's armies, seeking knowledge, and a way to gain an advantage... any advantage.

Then there is this group, who probably know more about the enemy than anybody in all the Myriad Worlds, and are determined to stop them, in spite of the overwhelming advantages of time, and power possessed by the enemy, these Archons...


In his room, where the large black wolf sprawls against the bottom of the door, the one called Dorian works on schemes of his own... seeking weapons and techniques which might serve well against the foe.

Roman finishes his meal, after wiping his lips with a napkin he comments.

"A powerful enemy, then.  But if certain other conflicts have any lessons for us, it should be that the strongest foe becomes vulnerable if they are divided against themselves."

"But, this Broken God concerns me. It neutralises much of the strength that could otherwise be brought against them.  My contacts in Chaos might be able to help there, if a...sample could be obtained.  I do not beleive that there is any power which could not find some way around - and a study might take little time as it is percieved here, once the sample is delivered.  It is not hard to find places in or near the Courts where time flows quickly."

Morgan listened intently, nodding here and there, as the story unfolded.  He had few comments, save for a "best not say more" about the young woman, and a question that recurred.  "Is anyone working on healing the worlds that are dying? Not placing new worlds in their place, I was wrong about that, but fixing what these Seraphim did to them? Aside from helping the ones left on those worlds, it has to slow down their operations if they have to guard as well as attack, particularly if they've few of these pieces. Demoralizing their men by seeing desolation day in and out would also help. "

He shrugged, indicating himself with a deprecating wave, "Not that I'd be any good at that, or know someone who would, but surely there are those more versed in medicine than in mellee, who might be better persuaded to help with that, if only as an challenge?"

"No healing yet, I fear."  Luke grimaced.  "I shall leave that for Serena...perhaps that is why she joined us, in the end.  For the life of me, I would not know where to start."

It was nto easy admitting that, but the truth was necessary.

<blue>"Well, as for a sample of Broken God, I fear you'll have to procure that yourself,"  Luke continued, now turning to Roman.  "We don't have any to spare."

Morgan accepted Luke's answer, and set the idea towards the back of his head, to gnaw away at ideas until/unless something useful came of it.  "Ahh well. I suppose we can ask if we see her. I guess I'm out of suggestions you've probably already thought of. "  Taking a long pull from his goblet, he looked at the others.

Roman nods at Lukes answer.  "Well, if you come by a spare piece, bear my suggestion in mind."

"And now, I think I'll inspect my room, sort a few things out.  Dobtless I'll see you all down here later."

Fingering the key, he stands, smiling at Banglen-Yp "Coming ?"

 

•• Oh • Kay •• But • I • must • shout • first ••

It was said with a smile and then Banglen-Yp looked around, lifting her hands and put them on each side of the mouth.

Then it came.

•• BATH ••

Indeed she did as asked and shouted, at the top of her lungs, without any warnign other than the hands lifting.

As if nothing odd had occured, she turned back to Roman, smiling again, the hands falling down to clasp in front innocently.

•• Com•ing ••

 

Roman reacts to the sudden shout with a barely noticable wince.

He briefly reflects on the matter Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between an over-literal mind and a born aristocrat before offering his arm to Banglen-Yp.

Morgan turned a bit farther from the pair to hide his grin. He knew he shouldn't find that kind of thing funny, but ...

Resolutely shifting his mind in a different direction, he cocked a brow at Ahmad, asking, "Speaking of leaving, since the suicidal isn't spreading, do you and Saranti want to head out, let everyone know we've found our problem? Leareth can keep me company. "

Nodding, the pair rose, stalking for the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Tue 14 Nov 2006.

"Never assume that, Morgan."  Luke examined his fingers for a moment, then looked back up.  "Fresh perspectives often bring overlooked wisdom.  If you plan on accompanying these brave souls, it's a good thing to recall."

A nod to Roman.  "Good evening, then."  He wasn't certain of the Chaosite's plans, but was certain they'd discover them...sooner or later.  Hopefully sooner.  They were on the run, and hunted - it wouldn't do to stay in the same place too long.  They needed to find out what was so special about Charyk.

"So Morgan.  How did you meet your friends?"  This, with a flick of the hand at the trio of panthers.

Morgan's  grin melted into a fond smile.  "Well, Ahmad, there, " he indicated the retreating form, "was born on the way. The royal units will only be led by a royal, so they spend a lot of time around the castle until they choose one. We played together as children."  After a beat, he admitted, ruefully, "They grow up faster, though."

"Born on the way?"  Luke raised one eyebrow.  "You have me at a loss...born on the way here?"  He glanced at the three of the panthers.  "Yes, you must grow up quickly," he continued, talking to Morgan and them both.  "There is an awful lot of growing up to do, I expect."  They were simply huge, after all.

"Only led by a royal.  From where does the 'royal line' spring?" he inquired.

 

Looking at the arm, Banglen-Yp seems thoughtful.

She copies his position of the arm, same side and all, and grins happily.

•• Armed • and • dan•ger•ous ••

It had been on the screen, something like that.

 

"Oh that's a fun story, but I'll do the brief version. Originally, the continent had one royal family. A long, long time back, someone came running, chased by this guy on a massive horse."

Morgan grinned again, "my namesake, I think. No one uses horses, them being stuck to the ground, but this guy did, and it was fast! Shocked the blazes out of everyone. Well, he had hounds just as fast, and the rulers wanted to get a piece of that power, so they had the Onistasi duke send down three peasant women to distract him while they bred their panthers to the dogs. "

With a sidelong look at Leareth, Morgan's grin widened, "The ones getting pregnant weren't exactly happy about the situation, or about some of the other things the Onistasi duke did. About thirty years later, Michael Rowan, Luke Steelthirst, and Julian split the realm between them. I'm from Julian's line."

Roman has to laugh, shaking his head and smiling.  Walking around the table he gently takes Banglen-Yp's arm.  "No, like this.  Didn't the 'screen' show you that ?" he says as he attempts to lead her off to find their rooms.

 

•• No •• But • the • screen • shows • all • all • the • time • and • I • have • on•ly • watched • it • a • few • days ••

An unusually detailed explanation, for once.

She watched as she corrected her and then walked beside him as he walked towards the rooms.

•• I • miss • the • screen ••

A simple statement.

 

As Roman accompanies Banglen-Yp he muses on what she has said "This 'screen' might be useful, even if it only shows all that occurs in a single Shadow.  And if I knew what it was I could probably find it.  But trying explain Shadow to her is more than I can take right now.

So all he says is, "Once you've found this 'Other', maybe we can go looking for your 'Screen'"

 

Banglen-Yp turned to look at Roman as he suggested that they would go look for the screen and shook her head with a giggle.

•• When • I • find • the • other • I • will • not • need • the • screen ••


                                                                                <sub>Alone.

                                        Together.

                                                            Other different.

                    Same different.</sub>


She looked a bit sad and turned her gaze towards an undefined spot somewhere in front of them on the floor.

•• I • hope • I • can • find • ot•her • and • al•so • me ••

Suddenly she appeared strangely vulnerable and even weak.


                                                                                <sub>Other different.

                                        Same different.</sub>

 

Roman pulls her close, by the arm, not sure if a hug would comfort her or upset her.

He speaks gently, trying to reassure here.
"Don't worry, we'll find your 'other'.  I'll help you, I just need to know what to look for"

What am I doing?  Bed her, get her out of my system, that was the idea!  Feeling for her wasn't in the plan!  Maybe I AM on the rebound after all...

Sal catches sight of the two, and tells Banglen-Yp, "I 'eard yer yellin', miss, like evryun' 'tween 'ere an' the West Gate, I 'xpect."  She chuckles, and continues, "I sent two'f the cellar lads ter fetch the bath up ter yer room fer yer, an' one'f the girls'll be up with the first'f the 'ot water in a minute.  I c'n keep the 'ot water comin' as long as yer likes, since Garvin's gone fer a rest, an' won't be about ter keep an eye on it, mis'rable ol' miser, 'e c'n be."

"If'n yer goes up the stairs through there, yer rooms's on the third floor.  Go through the right 'and door, an' straight ter the end'f the passage.  Furthest two doors on the left as yer go.  I put yer in the very end one, Miss, an' that's where the lads're 'aulin' the bath ter."

Morgan and the remaining panther find themselves left alone with the group of newcomers, who seem to be providing him with the answers to many of the questions that have been running through his mind since he left home.

 

A heavy sigh escaped Banglen-Yp when Roman pulled her closer and she nearly looked about to cry for a moment.

•• Thank • you •• Sor•ry • I • am • not • used • to • this •• It • has • on•ly • been • a • few • days ••

A cryptic statement, but then the helpful girl that had asked her to shout approached and, with a swift inhale, smiles again, although more diminutive that before.

•• Thank • you •• Yes • I • like • 'ot • water ••

The mispronunciation was copied, but in a manner that suggested no ill intentions or mockery.

 

Roman sighs a little.  "Don't worry, we all have days where it's hard to cope".  Reluctantly releasing her he adds "Go on, have your bath.  Just let me know when you've finished"

 

Turning to Roman again Banglen-Yp smiled a bit stronger again and then leant in to kiss him on the cheek.  Pulling back ever so little she more breathed into his ear than spoke.

•• Thank • you ••

Then she had taken a step back and was smiling again, looking as innocent as a newborn and yet at the same time as hot as a wet dream that just had gotten out of the bath that this one was about to enter in a while.

 

Roman tries not to show his reactions too much.

Of course, bedding her is still on the agenda....

He smiles and stands there, watching Banglen-Yp go into her room, before turning and entering his own.

 

Banglen-Yp behaved very much like a giddy girl as she skipped towards her room, with whatever naturalm bouncy effects such movements had on her current shape, while waving her fingers at Roman.

Then she was out of sight and who knew what took place then?


                    Not Roman, for one.

 

James waves a quick goodbye as Roman and Banglen-Yp head for their rooms.  He had fully intended to leave the conversation to Luke, but this time his curiosity gets the better of him.  Maybe it's the cats...

"This Julian, he didn't happen to talk about a place called Amber did he?  Or live for an unusually long time?"  Some similarities are too obvious to pass up.

Morgan looked confused for a moment, then shook his head.  "It was a long, long time ago, and he didn't stay more than a few days."  He leaned forward, eagerly, "Was he famous then? Are there stories about him?  "

Chanced studied James a moment. "Luke said you came from Amber originally. A relative of your, maybe?" He didn't know anything of Amber. He only knew what Luke had mentioned, which wasn't favorable. If Luke was any indicator, though, some good could come out of the place. He had often wanted to see it, just to have seen it. He enjoyed new places and new people. Strange as it was, he actually had quite enjoued meeting Cyan and her Archons. They were fascinating.

Secured in his room, Dorian considered the idea of a bath. He decided to put it off, though he had his share of travel grime. Considering what he had in mind, it might not due to be caught while in the bath, if it came to that.

Roman inspects his room, deciding that it will do for the short time he intends to stay.

First, though it is time to retrieve the little baggage he had with him, left on his mount.  The mount itelf isn't needed now, and won't be missed.  Another can always be found in Shadow.

Calling on the Logrus he sends tendrils reaching through Shadow to reclaim what is his...

"Interesting.  And curious.  I won't even ask how you bred the cats with hounds - no doubt some kind of sorcery was involved."  It would have to be.  Luke shot an amused glance at Berd.  "Taking notes?"

It likely wouldn't be well-received, but he had so little opportunities to tweak the drake's tail...

He shifted in his chair to face all of the men when first James, then Chance entered the conversation.  Obviously Morgan knew little of his anscestor, should Julian of Amber actually be the one in question.  It could just as easily be a reflection.  "Julian of Amber set Cyan and Berd upon this quest, along with Kalika, one of Julian's agents.  The other royalty of Amber involved in that particular encounter was Princess Fiona."  He studied his fingers again.  "As Prince Julian is the proud owner of a rather...largish steed, and many creatures of wolfish stock, I suspect there might be some congruence."

He peered at James from under half-lowered lids, wondering if the man would answer.  James was one of the few people on this quest about whom Luke would not simply spill secrets, for amusement's sake.  Part of the reason, of course, being that he suspected James had figured out some of his own secrets.

The rest of the reason being that the man was impossible not to respect - he reminded Luke of one of his own brothers.

"Julian was, is, famous after a fashion.  Amber is often considered the point of Order opposed to the Courts of Chaos which is Roman's home.  Julian is a Prince of Amber and there are certain abilities that go with the royal blood.  One of those is that he doesn't age as others do.  Another that he spreads...reflections, of a sort, through the Myriad Worlds.  So there are undoubtedly many tales to be told.  But I don't know them.  He is, by all accounts, a stern man and ambitious."

James seems apologetic not to have more to offer, but Bleys had offered little more than a cursory account of his other family members and James knew only rumours of his uncle.

The wolf looks around wondering how he ended up sharing a room with Dorian... Not the mechanics of ow he got there but the irony of sharing a room with the member of the group that he trusts the least.

the man inside the wolf would rather be doing anything at this moment other than sitting and waiting for something to happen. That was the thing about these people he was with; they seemed to wait for things to happen rather than make them happen and it seemed that he cold not motivate them to action.

For the moment the wolf waits and from his position leaning against the door the animal watches the other man.

Morgan was enthralled, looking from James to Luke, and back again, digging for more. "Amber. I'll have to go there, find out about him. Learn the truth of a few  stories, meet him ,and I'll be the toast of three kingdoms when I get back! Is he really as tall as two men, and tougher than adamant blades? Is his horse as ancient as he is? Is it really named Morgan the fierce? "

< And Sorgith can try to prove he's a match for those 'legendary curs', like he boasted. Stew gets you steak he'll challenge someone's housepet, though. >

The conversation continues in the main room of the inn, and Morgan strives to learn more about his mysterious forebear, only to find that these people, who have actually met the incredible Julian, seem to have paid little attention to the great man...

---

Upstairs, Dorian continues to work, observed by D'Ombra, though much of what the man does is a mystery to the wolf.  Lights seem to slide through the dimness of the room, and occasional rivers of luminance flow from his fingers, drawing arcane traceries in the air.

Once, there is a popping sound, and a sudden drop in pressure in the chamber...

---

Roman of Chanicut sits alone, and remembers that he sent one of the urchins to find Harlequin, but the man has not turned up yet.

Though there is no connecting door to the next room, the wall is little more than a thin partition, and beyond it he can hear the sound of water being carried in, and poured into the bath.  Finally, he hears a door close, and then there is quiet...

---

In her own room, Banglen-Yp waits while the servants fetch buckets of hot water, and fill the bath.  The water steams invitingly, and finally it seems that they are done for now.  The last girl to leave says, "One of us'll be sittin' out in the corrider, Miss.  If'n yer needs more 'ot water'r summat, jus' ring that li'l' bell nex' ter the bath."  Then she steps out of the room and pulls the door closed.

Alone, Banglen-Yp steps forward and sinks, fully-clothed, into the hot water...

"Frankly, I have no idea."<blue>  Luke frowned.  <blue>"I never met the man, myself."<blue>  He motioned at James, and the drake upon his shoulder.  <blue>"Those two could tell you more, certainly.  James knows of Julian, and the little reptile has certainly met the man.  In a sense."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face at that.

"For myself, I tend to stay far away from the royalty of Amber...barring one or two of the younger generation."

 

                                        Water.

Banglen-Yp sank down under the surface.

                                                                                Eyes open.

She looked up at the world dancing about above her.

                    Breath.

After a while she broke the surface after having remembered something.

The bell was picked up and shaken lightly.

Maybe they would have one.

 

Roman spares little thought for Harlequin.  If the man doesn't want to be found, there's little Roman can do about it.

Instead he reflects on his relationship with Banglen-Yp.  The incident outside was a little disturbing

Perhaps it would be better not to pursue her.  A casual affair would be fine but can I keep it at that ?  Do I dare go beyond that ? With a creature I don't understand ?

Roman discards those thoughts.  Better to concentrate on matters at hand.  Retrieve his baggage with the Logrus, sort out clean clothing.  And then practise shapeshifting until Banglen-Yp is done with the bath.  The double-jaw trick was..interesting.  Trying to duplicate it will pose an interesting problem.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Fri 17 Nov 2006.

"Well, that is a lot of questions.  Julian is tall, but as a tall man, not a giant.  He is tough, too, but I think that legend is a product of his armour, which is reputed to be impenetrable.  I've got no idea how old his horse is and I've no desire to know.  It's name is Morgenstern, but as my uncle Bleys was fond of saying, it should be Morgen the bloody-minded psycho-killer. So Morgan the Fierce isn't too far off."

"As for going to Amber, I'm not sure, it may be easier from here, but it would rather depend on your means of travel."

Morgan continued, erratically, to try to worm more information on Julian from the others through the night, interspersed with jokes, drinking, and stories from home, and of his travels on the way.

The servant enters the room, and regards Banglen-Yp curiously.  Admittedly the guests at the santuary come from a variety of strange places, and have some odd customs... but this is unusual, even when considered with that proviso.

She listens to the womans request, then shakes her head.

"No, Miss, I don't think I ain't never 'eard'f one'f them.  I'm certain we ain't got none.  Sorry."

She exits the chamber, but takes a last look back at the insane woman who is bathing in her clothes, and had enquired about something called a rubber duck...

 

With a happy smile Banglen-Yp thanked the woman and went back to bathing, taking care not to splash too much.  The Screen had shown some bad things happening in some cases when that had happened.


A while later, give or take a moment or two, the girl outside the room saw the door to the clothing-bathing woman's room open and the next moment she came out, still fully clothed but soaking wet, carrying the tub.

It was still full of water.

Although it was awkward she moved over to the next door and set the bath down, opened the door and walked in, carrying the bath again.

•• Done ••

It was a cheerful statement, coupled with a brilliant - but wet - smile from the blonde as she moved further into the room, looking for a good spot to put the bath down.

 

Roman's not-quite-satisfactory second jaws shoot back into his face as the door opens.  Distracted by the site of Banglen-Yp in a wet halter-top he tries  to speak before fully shifting back.  That is a mistake. "...ettt i ownnnn..."

Setting his thoughts in order he gets up and grabs a towel "Just put it down anywhere.  You need to dry off - wandering around wet - especially in wet clothes isn't good for you.  We ought to get you out of those.  If you don't have anything dry, I can get you something to wear."  As he gets close he offers the towel  "Here, this is for drying yourself."

 

Her head tilted to one side and she looked at Roman as he spoke, smiling at him.

Almost forgetting it, Banglen-Yp then placed the bath on the floor, gently, taking great care not to spill a drop of the water that still was to be found in there.

She looked down at herself thoughtfully, then at the towel.  After a moment she took the towel and stood there, looking at it, turning it around and studying it from all directions.

•• How • does • it • work ••

A simple questions.  Holding it out at arms length she looked at Roman and smiled happily.

•• The • screen • did • not • show • while • I • watched ••

There came the explanation.

 

Roman puts the towel around her shoulders.  "It's not magic or anything.  You just rub the water off.  Like this."   He demonstrates.  "It'd work better if you took your clothes off - I don't think it will dry them very well."

Why am I thinking more about teaching her to be human than what she'd look like with her clothes off ?  If only I could work out if this was good or bad !

 

•• Oh •• Rub ••

The screen had shown similar things.

•• No • clothes •• she repeated and nodded slowly.  Rubbing herself with the towel, currently covering her neck, torso and half the legs, it was suddenly clear that her boots were gone.

          Had she been wearing them before?

                    Was the rest gone too?

          Had it all vanished?

Or perhaps it was a trick of the light.

 

Roman remains close, moving only to keep out of the way of stray elbows, while Banglen-Yp dries herself.  Not wanting to move away, but uncertain as to where he stands.

 

•• Oh • sor•ry •• I • will • go • so • you • can • bathe ••

Banglen-Yp appeared to realise she was keeping him from his bath, so she held the towel to her chest and prepared to waltzed out into the corridor, offering a smile to Roman before showing her bare back to him, with no sight of the clothes she had been wearing when she came in.

 
_{Edited to allow further interaction.}
This message was last edited by the player at 10:48, Mon 20 Nov 2006.

As she turns to go, Roman lays a hand on her shoulder.  "You can't go just like that..." he says, as his hand exerts a gentle pressure, urging her to turn around.

 

Turning around as he placed a hand on her shoulder, Banglen-Yp looked both curious and, at first, confused, the gaze intially resting on his hand as if she tried to decide what to do with it, but then her eyes lifted to look at him.

She looked down at herself again, puzzled.  After a moments brooding she spoke.

•• You • want • to•wel • back ••

A simple, direct question as she started to move the towel away from her naked form.

 

Roman automatically looks down, experiencing a strong temptation to say "Yes", even though he'd ask for a new towel anyway.

Instead he raises his eyes again, and answers "N..No, I, I just...".  Since words seem to be failing him, he gently pulls her into a kiss, more sweet than passionate.

 

Keeping the towel, which never did come far away to reveal anything, Banglen-Yp was surprised again as Roman pulled her in for a kiss.

For a moment she stood there, still dripping.

Then, very briefly, she responded, slightly, kissing him back, before she pulled her head back enough to break the kiss, a blend of confusion and amusement on her face.

          Then she looked thoughtful...

                    ...smiled...

                                        ...and slapped him.

It was not so hard that it would really hurt him, but it stang, no doubt, and would, for a while, leave a red mark, any regeneration or healign disregarded, naturally.


          _{The towel was all the long held in place by one hand, for those wondering.}

 

Roman just  stands there a confused look on his face. She didn't resist, she'd even responded to the kiss, so... "Why ?", he asks.

 

•• I • am • not • hap•pi•er ••

She had consulted with her feelings, realised that she did not feel much difference and thus followed the advice she had been given before by the man who was in the company of the big cats.

Again, she smiled at Roman.

 

Roman shakes his head, "I think he meant if you didn't like the kiss or didn't want to be kissed again - ever.  You seemed to like it enough to kiss back.  And you're smiling so you look happy to me."

"If you don't want me to kiss you ever again, then please just say so and leave.  I'll get over it" eventually "If not...well I can't have that every time I kiss you.  So how do I kiss you without getting hit ?  Do I just have to wait for you to be sad ?  Or am I safe if you kiss me ?  Or was it the wrong sort of kiss ?"

 

Pondering the words of Roman, Banglen-Yp tilted her head this way and that way, as if trying to see if from different angles.

•• He • did • not • say • that ••

Then she smiled once more, rare as it was, and giggled.

•• I • al•rea•dy • was • hap•py ••

The explanation.

•• Duck ••

The suggestion.

•• No •• Yes •• No ••

The answers.

Then she clearly pondered again, as she put the index finger to her chin and pursed her lips thoughtfully.

•• I • am • still • learn•ing •• May•be • I • will • know • more • to•morr•ow ••

The finger, and with it the hand and arm, dropped down to hold the towel and once more did she turn to leave, and once more did she smile at him.

 

Roman sighs, "Alright" and watches her go, unable to think of anything else to do.  I'll have a word with that Morgan guy tomorrow...

When she is gone, Roman rings the bell to arrange for a clean towel and fresh water.  Adapting his body to be a little more aquatic he takes a long bath, trying to relax...

 

Vanishing from Roman's sight, but not mind, Banglen-Yp's closed the door behind her, still clad in naught but Roman's towel.

                    At least now she knew what the thing the girls brought her was.

          Tao-well.