Aleta grins at Doria  as she sings. She then gets up and walks over to the barbarian with the bird. "Excuse me, that is a fascinating bird you have, what is it?" she with a smile. She hopes he is not a bad mood or anything, its not like she needs a mad barbarian.

Dysis would have likewise been inclined to approach the barbarian.    However, noting Aleta pursued that avenue, she elected another option, instead.

Having not yet seated herself, it would appear less odd for her to go choose a table than it would for her companions to change tables.   She took advantage of it by taking a small table not too far from the pair of women --  not so near as to be intrusive, or suspicious.   Yet, hopefully near enough to overhear something of what they said, if she listened very attentively.

Fortunately, Doria's song had somewhat quieted the clamor of the room...

 The smile that spread upon the lips of Lysandros, when the woman replied, was worthy of her words. " I am honored, Lady." The Noble sat down opposite here and waved over one of the serving wenches." Whatever she wants,and I shall have the same." Said the man in his best courtly trained manners.

Itylus companions certainly had lost no time in starting to socialize with the other patrons in the tavern! Before he realized only he, Doria and Arthanos were left on the table. He was thinking on going to talk with the twin girls when he noticed Dysis sitting close to their table. He sighed. Well, someone had to stay on the table or it would probably look strange. Therefore Itylus made himself comfortable in his seat and started attacking the cooked meat the serving girl had brought them. He talked with his remaining companions on the table while he kept an eye for the others.

"That was an unearthly beautiful song, Doria. Truly, the voice of the immortal servants of Nature is unnmatched by any other race." he said with respect in his voice. Then, signaling towards the room and adressing both Doria and Arthanos, Itylus asked in a hushed tone. "So, what do you two think of the characters with whom we are sharing shelter tonight? I think the twins close of Dysis' table look like they are also minean adventurers, like us. If that's the case maybe they have heard of the Bow too. The woman that Lysandros is charming is intriguing since she doesn't seem to have any company even though Hyperborea is hardly the place for a regular woman to be traveling alone."

He paused eyeing the Orkos. "The presence of that Orkos here is disturbing. Even though they are also enemies of the Amazons like the Barbarians, I didn't think the Hyperboreans would accept such vile creatures under their roofs."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Wed 08 June 2016.

Arthanos nodded slowly at Itylus' words, his own gaze now starting to travel across the patrons as he sips from the warm drink he is holding.

"I'll admit an Orcus is strange...more so that this one is sitting quietly and doing none of the things the tales claim they always do." he remarks, then his gaze flicks across to the twins as he "The women also present a interesting questions...maybe the Amazons are holding recruiting trials up here?" he asks jokingly, his attitude improving as he continued to thaw.

Noting Itylus digging into the meat and the way the others had wandered to gather info, Arthanos looked at Doria before remarking to both. "So, who wants to go talk to the Orkos?"

Though not a devoted lyricist whose livelihood comes from the power of song and music, Doria is otherworldly and a talented musician in her own right. Her song interrupts every conversation and activity in the tavern, as all present turn to look towards her and the party's direction.

At the conclusion of her song, some people openly applaud and call for an encore, while others go back to their activities and conversation, and still some others seem now to have their attentions focused on the nymph. Whether for good or ill, it would be hard to say at the moment but if nothing else they had made their presence well known now. It is not long that those still at the table with Doria, being Arthanos and Itylus (as Aleta, Dysis and Eurenomes had slipped away either before or after the song) were surrounded by a crowd of people. Some have never seen a nymph before and had been unaware of Doria when she first entered the tavern. Some beseech her to play and sing more for their entertainment. Whatever Doria may be feeling given this attention, Itylus and Arthanos could feel people surrounding them and pushing in where they were sitting.

Elsewhere, Lysandros' companion had stopped along with the others watching the nymph sing. She was one who had politely clapped at the end of the song. When the serving woman had returned and Lsyandros had offered to pay for their drinks, she smiled saying to the woman "A glass of the establishment's finest wine, preferably a southern import if you have any." she says. To which the serving wench nods, with a glimmer of surprise and goes to fetch it. The red woman turns to Lsyandros. "So, Lsyandros the treasure hunter... what treasure brings you to Aegir's little place here in the frozen northlands? You seem ill-suited to this land's cold winters." she says, giving a flirtatious smile.

OOC: (20:27, Wed 08 June: Maze Master, on behalf of Lysandros of Thena, rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  Reaction Roll. (neglected to add the personal charisma modifier of +5 result equals 15, resulting in "Trustful" NPC initial reaction)

Dysis had taken the opportunity to move to sit at a table closer towards the pair of women that had come in. The natural noise of the tavern had softened during Doria's song, and both of the women that had come in paused their conversation watch the nymph work her prose, though at the conclusion they simply returned to their quieted conversation while picking at their meals. Unfortunately, Dysis cannot hear anything that they say now over the clamor that was beginning to grow at the party's table where members of the crowd were asking Doria to sing again for their entertainment.

Meanwhile Eurenomes, also having slipped out while Doria had sung approached the merchant. "You guess correctly, favored son of Hermes." the merchant says with practised ease, giving a slightly awkward bow to Eurenomes as the merchant had still been seated at his approach. The merchant speaks further "I am a native son of Argos myself, though I ply my trade here in the north amongst the Barbarians and Amazons of Hyperboria. It is has many years since I have been home to wondrous Argos." he gives a knowing smile. "What stories do you seek out, oh speaker of the swift-footed Hermes?"

OOC: 20:28, Wed 08 June: Maze Master, on behalf of Eurenomes, rolled 13 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 8.  Reaction Roll. (total 13 results in "Neutral" NPC initial reaction)

At the conclusion of Doria's song, Aleta had moved towards the barbarian with the bird. This man too, like the others had been watching Doria sing and so was fully aware of Aleta's approach and introduction. Though he displayed no hint of emotion during or after the song and had not applauded afterward. After Aleta asked her question, the barbarian gazed at her for a long moment, and Aleta can get the somewhat uncomfortable feeling that she was being fully assessed. The barbarian then utters "[Language unknown: Ternceore seerwemi.]"

The man then switches to Minean, though heavily accented and flat. "She is a Falcon." he says. His face still displays no hint of emotion. The falcon swivels her head and gazes at Aleta.

OOC: 20:26, 20:26, Wed 08 June: Maze Master, on behalf of Aleta, rolled 9 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 3.  Reaction Roll. (total 9 results in "Neutral" NPC initial reaction)

Doria does a ballad of both passion and dark revenge when one of her kind was enslaved by a cruel tyrant and when she escaped she made it her dark quest to destroy the family line every man, woman and child over generations. Using the tools of her power and the passions of mortal lusts of all kinds. A tale that a Nymph can be good and kind but can be devastating when angered. Mentioning only the Sea God as the Sea God.

Many were killed far from the sea as the Nymph of the Ocean with treasures and lust had champions do her work for her. The enemies will be Greek some noble, some not but the family line died out.

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 32):

Eurenomes smile broadened as the merchant identified himself as a fellow Argosian. "You trade with both the Hyperboreans and the Amazons? How do you, an outsider gain their trust, especially as both peoples are enemies?"

As Doria launches into another song, the merchant gives a glance back towards her, shaking his head slightly, and then back towards Eurenomes, giving the wily priest a slight wag of his index finger. "I do trade with both though how I set that up, my learned friend, is a trade secret and a story long in the telling" he grasps his cup and takes a long drink of his ale. "I can tell you this though, as a newcomer here. Respect and a willingness to go out of your comfort zone will serve you well in these lands." He grins. "For example, one of the barbarian kings that I had treated with, oh a year or two ago, first demanded that I prove myself as a warrior." He gestures to his own thin frame. "Obviously, I'm not the kind of man built for battle like the Hyperborean barbarians... But I found a way to prove myself a "warrior" in this king's eyes, and thus earned his respect and his coin. That's the way of the merchant."

Suddenly their conversation had been interrupted by a mob of excited people who came to see the Nymph. Itylus found himself squeezed among the pushing Hyperboreans who tried to get closer to Doria. Though they weren't really trying to pass by unnoticed the hunter didn't really appreciated being the center of attentions, or to be more accurate, being next to the center of attentions. He bent over towards Arthanos and said. "Suddenly talking to that Orkos  doesn't sounds like that a bad idea. Want to come along talk to him or you rather being squeezed alive by Doria's admirers?"

 The young Nobleman was not totally immune to the considerable charms of his new companion,but he was no wet behind the ears lad,either. He had been known to break a few hearts of the fairer sex back in Thena, well, before his sudden departure, that is. The trip north had been hard,and the most interesting thing to see was snow,and more snow. This current diversion was most pleasant indeed,even if she did place a strain on his purse.

 When she asked what brought him to this place,and what treasure he was after, a whisper was heard only by him, and that whisper counseled caution,and to guard his words. Years of being around his father,and the intrigues of city politics had bred some caution to the arrogant noblemen. " My companions and I are here seeking something or another,Lady. But why speak of things of value,when I am sitting with a treasure that takes my breath away, when I gaze upon her beauty." He smiled to her then.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:54, Sun 12 June 2016.

Aleta looks at the barbarian "She is a beautiful bird. I can't imagine she is from this area. So were do birds like her live?" she just wanted to talk but he still seemed pretty reserved.

"Hmm, well I see I have much to learn," Eurenomes admitted without rancor. He stroked at his trim beard and gave the merchant a shrewd eye. "I suppose it would be a trade secret to ask which kings and chieftains to avoid at all costs?"

"Not a trade secret, but not free." he replies. The merchant then takes a small brass strongbox from his cloak, and inserts a tiny key into the lock opening it. Inside are a variety of jewels and gemstones of different sizes and quality. He then places a small dagger sheathed inside a fine jeweled hilt next to it. "The people here place have a taste for unique and rare stones. A gift to a a chef or shaman such as these, or a kingly gift such as this dagger could make you some friends... Or at least placate those who would consider you an enemy."

He grunts. "Yes. No ordinary falcon."- he replies. He seems to be searching for the right words in Minenan. "They come from the mountains... This breed." His face finally breaks and he does display some emotion now, polite but guarded. "Is that what you wanted to know? About the bird?"

Before she could reply to Lysandros, the serving wench had returned with their wine. Looking at the bottle, Lysandros does not recognize the vintage though the fine aroma of it stuck his nose well before it touched his lips. She swirls the dark red wine in her glass before taking a healthy sip of it. "Not as fine as some I've had, but it is satisfactory." she says. "So! you are a treasure seeker and a flatterer?" she inquires. "You are not the first I have known or that has approached me this evening, but my winning my favor would take more then honeyed words and wine, young Lysandros. Do you wish to know how you might do so?"

As the crowd surges around them, Arthanos positioned himself so he could make sure none of the barbarians could easily grab his coin pouch. It wasn't that he didn't trust them...but they were barbarians, and he had heard stories in his younger years...

When Itylus speaks, Arthanos glances at him.

"Aye, a change of location might be in order. I know I said I wanted to warm up, but not like this." He starts to stand to make his way out of the crush before pausing and his eyes flick back towards Doria.

"If we do go, we better keep a close eye on Doria and the crowd. Athena would be less then pleased if we left her undefended." he replies, before waiting for Itylus to lead the way through the crushing crowd.

Aleta looks at the Barbarian "I am here, looking for an old friend, helping a friend actually find them. I was curious what you might be doing here. I have not seen you kind too much up here."

While Itylus pushed through the crowd he replied. "Yes, we will keep an eye on her, but don't worry too much. Though they may seem frail and delicate, Nymphs actually are far from defenseless. The gifts which Nature provides them are potent indeed. She will be fine." He paused after they exited the mob and he looked towards the Orkos. "Not so sure if I can say the same about us though." And with this he stepped towards the creature's table.

"Well I can see you are well prepared," Eurenomes replied, something of a hint of admiration in his voice along with the dryness. Swift winged Hermes did not require or encourage his clergy to be poor.

"Are you not worried about thieves, or are they a rarer breed in these lands, what with honour and such?"

Or, he thought but did not add, do you have more tricks up your sleeve?

Casting a glance toward Doria's increasingly obscured figure, she suppressed a faint, ironic laugh as the ocean-nymph's admiring audience came at her in a veritable wave.

She listened for a moment as the next song espoused slavery, escape, and vengeance.   Things all threaded into the weave of her own life, and with which she could identify...

Having no success in eves-dropping, she then decided to try a direct approach, instead.   She arose from her own table, and made her way toward the pair of women.

"Pardon me so very much for interrupting -- but, you two hail from one of the great cities, don't you?"

Itylus and Arthanos approach the bar where the Orkoï sat drinking with his human companions. Those at the bar had turned to watch the nymph initially sing but had returned to their own conversation afterwards. As the two men approach, the Orkoï and his companions stop their conversation and look towards the two. One of the humans, a Hyperborean barbarian, looks at the two and asks in accented Minean. "Well... What do you want?"



"My kind?" the barbarian inquires. "I am here because I am here." he states, now turning away from Aleta.

It seems it would be hard to draw information out of him.



The merchant closes the lid on the case and puts the dagger away. "The Trickster Hermes protects both merchants and thieves, as you well know, of course." he states flatly. "I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the protections of swift-footed Hermes, that my losses rarely come from theft but from the market itself." He gestures towards his cup. "Excuse me, but I must tend to my cup, it runs dry right now." He looks over Eurenomes' head attempting to gesture towards one of the serving wenches.



The two look up towards Dysis as she approaches, smiles on their twin faces. "Yes, we do." says the more simply clothed one. "We come are native to Amphissa, an island to the southwest of Heraklia." she says. "Would you care to join us at our meal?" she offers. The armored twin then states "We would welcome the company of a fellow traveler." They proffer a chair to Dysis to sit on.

(OOC = 14:45, Today: Maze Master, on behalf of Dysis, rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20.  Reaction Roll. (natural 20, plus +7 modifier for total of 27 results in an "Friendly" initial NPC reaction)

With Itylus and Arthanos now gone, the crowd continue to press in on Doria at their table... Some of the men in the crowd look at the scantly clothed otherworldly nymph with a satyr's lust, and so now intermixed between requests from some for her to play and sing more music are vulgar requests, suggestions, and soon demands. The mood of the crowd is changing.

Indeed... she finished her next song, Doria felt a pair of rough hands grab at her right shoulder and yank her backwards. A man, or men, were now trying to take hold of her!

OOC: The other party members would not be aware of what is happening to Doria yet, though they could hear the crowd's clamoring and could perhaps detect a change in mood.

Doria: you have the opportunity now to take an action to try to stave off the crowd and your potential abductors at this point, just keep in mind that one arm is now "entangled" so you would have to break free of that. You would be able to turn your head to see the men and still have use of your voice as they have not bothered to bind or gag you.

Doria cries out at the top of her lungs in a panicked ,"ALETA!!!"

Somewhat surprised at how easy that had been, she returned the friendly smiles, then began to seat herself.

"Why, thank you, I shall, then.  I am Dysis, lately of Argos, and I..."

She paused, as she overheard the tone of Doria's audience grow rougher. Glancing back over her shoulder, it was hard to say what was happening; she couldn't see the nymph.  She turned back to the women, told them:

"One of my companions may be in some trouble.  Forgive me, I'll be back..."

And then Doria cried out Aleta's name, her distress plain.

Making her way toward the small mob, she saw most of the others were closer.   Hopefully, they would be enough to deter the lowlife from violence, and to seek their cheap thrills elsewhere.

If not, then she needed some space, and distance, for spell working...

In reply to Maze Master (msg # 42):

 Young Lysandros always did enjoy a challenge,and this lady held challenge in her yes. Indeed, he decided to play her game, so he smiled to her. "I await with baited breath,for you to tell me, how I might win your favor, most gracious Lady." Lysandros gave her one of those pearly white, even toothed smile.