Tchak and Shik are just starting to walk towards the exit when Sister Rochelle reaches them. Nodding in polite approval of her healing, he answers :
"We accept the young lady's offer. The situation here looks quite complicated."

As Adelie steps up, Tchak displays a respectful composure :
" Yes my lady. If you will allow us, it would be our honor to join you to this village city.
Our arrival on Gwyneth has been disturbing to us, and being on the defensive I'm afraid we may have come out as a bit rough to you. In truth, knight's David seemingly mmm dire situation is concerning us. We do hope he is not in too much trouble."

Gesturing towards the road, he continues :
" If you will show us the way ? David talks about you a lot -in words of praise of course- , and I am pleased to have met you first... "
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

*** Sister Rochelle ***
“Any family dynamic that claims to be ‘simple’ is an outright lie.” She chuckles before regaining her composure when Adelie steps up. She listens to Tchak and would bet he has orator training. She excuses herself from the group and joins the fishermen (burly guys) to make sure the boy has the best chance of survival.

*** Adelie Juandasstas ***
She takes up position next to Tchak with a friendly smile and begins to guide her new guests in the wake of the fishermen. “Gwynneth is regularly disturbing for the new travelers to it. However, I think I like to believe its more of a culture shock then anything dangerous. We accept a bit of everything here, different cultures, different religions, different people. We actually have a small population of people from the Vuldrok Star-Nation living in the fief. Excellent warriors, Watch out if you ever face off against them in a brawl or if you are stupid enough to take one of their radios.”

She seems to collect her thoughts before talking about her next topic. “It pleases me that he has talked about me. Given his desires to keep secrets, it says a lot about your relations with my brother. Now as to David being in dire situations, you don’t have to worry. There is little threat to him or you at the current time, however the longer my brothers are around each other the higher tempts flare.” She hasn’t looked where she is placing her feet this whole time but seems to glide over every small obstacle. “It might help you to know the root of the odds as you might have some advice for him given the different cultures. David and our brother James have been at odds with each other ever since David inherited the hospitals our father built. James claims as first born, he should get it all. It doesn’t help the fact that David both actually invested his money wisely so is actually richer than James and doesn't really care about the money.” She goes silent for a few minutes with a small smile on her lips as she remembers some childhood memory and her snapping out of it is followed by the off-handed remark, “I wonder how David is going to react to the fact that he was not informed or invited to the wedding.”

She stops herself from talking the whole trip. She seems to struggle over their names when she speaks next, “Tchak’Ikhlul and Shikaalgargund, please excuse me if I mispronounced your names, might you have stories you wish to share during our trip to the town?”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Fri 17 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 26):

Tchak takes a long look at the very young human and shoots a hopeful look at Shik. The Vorox seeming lost in contemplation for the moment, Tchak prudently answers :
"A story ?" Visibly struggling with his answer, he continues after a couple seconds.
"I would not like to anger you or your chaperon with an inadequate tale, and my life is not more of a proper subject. I am not used to entertaining noble blood...young noble blood. Most of the stories I know come from ukar lore, I am not sure this is what you would like to hear..."

Shik's attention snaps back to the young woman and he adds, "Barring that, I could regale you with stories of the beasts of Ungavorox, as only a native could know them."

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
The thought of possibly hearing about Ukari Lore or Stories of the Vorox's homeworld has her eyes light up with a child's curiosity. "I did not mean to put you both on the spot there. Stories about Ukari lore? Tales about your homeworld Shikaalgargund? Tough choice." She pauses to think it over and says, "Lets go with Tales of your homeworld sound like the best option, Shikaalgargund. If your willing that is." She smiles to let them know she has no real hard feelings.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 29):

Satisfied with leaving the mercenary take his turn at chatting with Adelie, Tchak concentrates on his surroundings. Some distance away, the first trees of the antique forest loom, casting heavy shadows, like a wall cutting off the wild from the rest of the island. He would definitively have to visit this place.

Ahead, the declining land let them just glimpse the taller roofs of the city they were approaching. Some village indeed !

Paying attention to what Shik is telling, Tchak makes sure to stay close to the young lady. She seems to care for the people, being seen with her could not be a bad thing...

"Let me tell you of Graa Kal, or the grackle fox as your people call it."  Shik's voice drops to an ominous rumble as he describes a an enormous eight-legged felinoid capable of single-handedly killing the massive armored herbivores that wander the plains of Ungavorox.

"Graa Kal was worshiped as a god by my people early in our evolution, we learned how to hunt from it, followed its ways... Until Graa Kal developed a taste for Vorox flesh, then it became a malefic devil figure in our legends, a bringer of death and destruction.  The feral Vorox religion still worship Graa Kal in some ways."

This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Sat 18 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She looks on with awe as she mentally imaginations such a creature moving around the forest. Just before she says how cool that is, She realizes that such a creature would slaughter the whole ecosystem of the fief and still not be satisfied. Putting her awe into a little box somewhere she says, “Thank you for that tale Shikaalgargund. I’ll contact David tonight if possible and see if I can share a story of him tomorrow.” She grins as she thinks of some of the juicy tales she can come up before noticing they are nearly at the town. She begins to prepare herself.

*** Town of Wilmington ***
A forest of steel masts from the commercial fishing trawlers at the water’s edge gives way to two level timber framed warehouses. These give way to 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of sun baked brick structures ranging from one story to three. The people are suntanned industrial fishermen and the support organ needed for such operation. Sadly, while the adults all have laugh lines, there is not one smile to be found

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She seems pained by the dour looks on the people in the town when they enter. Adelie flags down one of the guards and after a few moments, he and a group of four others start clearing a path to the nearest hospital for the rowboat and Sister Rochelle. “Tchak’Ikhul, Shikaalgargund, This is the Town of Wilmington, the largest town in 100 kilometers. Its primary industry is commercial fishing if the forest of metal down at the water didn’t alert you. I have to go meet with the Mayor and stop in to check on the boy before dinner bell tonight. So, you are welcome to roam the town, The guards have your descriptions so you don’t have to worry about any hostility regarding your visit. I invite you to dinner tonight at 7 bells, at the Warping Vine Manor. I’m sure our chef has no clue idea what food is palatable for either of you, so I apologize in advance. When I see Sister Rochelle, I will be inviting her also so you will meet up with her there assuming she doesn’t find you herself.” She points out Warping Vine Manor to you, which sits on the only hill in view almost like the Manor was built there just so everyone would have to look up to it from no matter where in town they were. With a slight wave Adelie is escorted off towards the Town Hall.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sun 19 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 32):

Tchak, that has been paying close attention to the city and people they cross, answers Adelie with a slight bow :
"Thank you my lady, we look forward to it."

Letting the girl go, he turns to Shik :
"Well, we have some time before us and trouble to keep out of. May I suggest that we find out if the juandaastas are as hospitable to aliens as they claim in a local establishment ? I like to get to know the new places I visit from the bottom up."

ooc : You can go on David, Tchak wont be doing anything worth describing.

Shik nods and says, "Certainly, my short friend.  Lead the way."

This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Mon 20 Aug 2012.

The tavern atmosphere was not hostile towards Tchak’Ikhul or Shikaalgargund, it was actually indifferent to them. Most including a group of youths were enjoying the pre-recorded broadcast coming over a ‘god box’ of a championship football (Soccer) match between a local team and a team from another town. When the local team won, the bartender seems to have been overcome by the spirit of the celebration because he shouted out, “A Round of drinks, on the house!” This was actually the first time the two had seen a smile from anyone other than Adelie since arriving in this fiefdom.

*** Story moving on to Manor *** *** Description of Manor first ***
The twisting vines climb over the entire of the Manor but it swirls around the four greek style columns leading towards a 4 meter high Ceramsteel Entrance door. As you near the house, a slight tingling sensation crawls across your skin and the buzz of insects flying around you disappears.  Beyond the entrance door is a standard mansion fit for a Count, not a lowly Baron. While the floor is something that nobility would not even notice, it seems to had been someone’s pride and joy; the closely cut hardwood that actually  flexes slightly as you walk over it, giving the feeling of grace no matter how clumsy.
Only one room is worth extra mention and that is the ‘Baron’s room or Throne room’ which is made from pure marble, it would take a person knowledgeable about the differences of marble to tell that this is high-quality Ravenna marble. Ten evenly spaced Greek columns line the room leading towards a Throne, carved into the columns are stories of from Gwynneth’s past. One actually tells a legend of a seafarer on a wooden ship fighting against a kraken from the depths of the sea; the end is worn away.

*** Emmanuel Carson ***
He opens the entrance door as Tchak and Shikaalgargund approach. He looks both of them over a few times measuring them, “Greetings Gentlemen. I take it you two are the guests, Madam Adelie stated were going to join us this evening.” He pauses to allow either to speak while motioning in a sweeping gesture for them to enter. Once inside, he closes the door behind them with the same whisper quiet that it opened. “If you two would be so kind to follow me, I will show you to the dining room.” He is slightly upset that these guests are not in formal wear but what is he to do. He sweeps across the floor down the hallway towards the sounds of light music. Assuming that the guests are following him, he opens the double breasted door and again motions them through.

*** Scene ***
The soft dim lighting matches the light music playing from speakers hidden around the room which itself accents the sounds of conversation coming from both the group of Mister Greves, Adelie and Sister Rochelle and from the number of other people all in formal or half a millimeter below formal wear. The room could easily been Shikaalgargund old briefing room during his Li-Halan days, 15 meters by 10 meters by 5 meters. A long length cherry wood table that takes up a sizable portion of the room with matching chairs surrounding it, can hold 22 (Ten on each side plus one at each end).

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She grins when she sees Shikaalgargund and Tchak in non-formal clothing and waves them over.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Tue 21 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
“Ah, Tchak’Ikhul and Shikaalgargund, Welcome to Warping Vine Manor.” She hasn’t let her impish grin die yet, “I believe you already know Mister Greves, the barony’s pilot and driver. He was just telling us that he left you at the cliff due… as a result of an unofficial order of my brother.” She looks slightly ashamed at this. She tries to explain the formal attire by saying, “This dinner party is ego-driven event by the baron where he can promote the adventures of his knights. However, since David is the only knight of this barony that has been off-world; I expect this to be like all the other similar dinner parties.”

She is about to continue when a gong sounds and four people sweep in to the room via the opposite door then when you entered. A woman with graying hair trailing two much younger adults, one man and one woman, she is followed by a young lady. Each of them is attired for the dinner in their own color scheme.

Adelie whispers to Tchak and Shikaalgargund as they enter, “The Baron James and his wife Ramona; the Dowager Baroness, Elena Hazat-Juandaastas and pulling up rear is my younger sister Marcelle.” She seems to take pleasure in the last part as if it is a well-oiled barb against the young lady.

She joins the rest of the gathering in bowing their heads in respect to the Baron’s entrance. She picks up what she was going to say before her family arrived, “A few bonuses for being my guests to this dinner event, first is I have the honor of your presence at seats near me if you so choose.  And Secondly, any topic is open for discussion within reason.” After a pause period to check on how the mingling is going, in actual looking to see where her brother and sister are in the room, she adds, "How is Istakhr? I hear you get hit by a sandstorm every week."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Wed 22 Aug 2012.

Shik bows respectfully to the nobles as they enter.

He replies in response to Adelie's questions, "Madame Adelie, the weather on Istakhr was indeed quite dangerous at times.  I would not say that we had a sandstorm every day, but I do recall one time when Sir David and I were out with his troops and a large contingent of the Muster, collecting and transporting gedamals.  We passed around a sandstorm that stretched from horizon to horizon, and scraped the roof of the sky."

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
That curious spark that reared its head during the story of the Graa Kal now shows itself again. Adelie waits until Shik finishes before asking, “What is a gedamal?”

*** James Juandaastas ***
James sees his moment to enter the group discussion while his sister is distracted, “Sister, A gedamal is an Istakhr camel. Stronger legs and can carry more water than the Urth version.” James says this while sliding into the open space vacated by Mister Greves when the nobles entered, “I was wondering who my sister’s new guests were and am pleasantly surprised to hear that you are actually David’s guests not Adelie. How wonderful it is to hear that he well enough to send his retinue ahead of him to this gala.” He punctuates his statement with a mechanical smile. James pauses longer enough to listen to introductions of the retinue by Adelie, “I wish to extend my personal welcome to, Warping Vines Manor. If you have need of anything, I’m sure someone will be more than able to help you. May your time here be restful.” He slips away as quickly as he entered.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
She waits until she is sure that her brother is on to another group before starting her side of the conversation, “How…” A gong sounds again “Ah, dinner is ready.” She tries to steer the group to places setup for her and her guests.


*** James Juandaastas ***
James stands up once every one is seated, “My friends and exquisite guests, I thank you for coming out on this night and sharing my table.” He adds a pause so he can try to hold everyone's attention on himself for those few extra seconds, “I have just learned that this table has new companions tonight, two companions of my brother David. Misters Shikaalgargund and Tchak’Ikhul. I hope you will join me in welcoming them to our world.” He leads the table in a round of clapping before taking a seat and signaling the head servant to begin.

The servants step forward and uncover everyone's dishes with flourish. James watches everyone so he categorize his guests based on their reactions to their dishes. He lets his eye contact linger for a second on Marcelle who managed to grab a seat next to Tchak'Ihkul.

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
When Marcelle smiles at Tchak after a few bites of her meal, she tries to fake the warmth of her sister's but it still retains some of her predator nature. She asks Tchak in the manner of dinner small talk, "Are you truly a Ur-Ukari?" Her eyes trace the facial scars.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Fri 24 Aug 2012.

*** Adelie Juandaastas ***
Adelie eyes her sister but doubts any hooks will hold on the Ukari so she keeps her mind on the stories of Shikaalgargund, “Was it a regular thing to be walking through the desert on Istakhr or was that a special case with regards to the gadamels?”

Tchak does not seem to be troubled by his lack of formal dress, but the entrance of the Baron surprises him and more even his public welcome.
Having just taken a prudent seat not far from Adelie when the Baron makes his announcement, he raises his own glass to the Lord while speaking up coolly :
"Thank you Baron James for your warm welcome. It is our honor to share your table tonight."

Tchak does not let out any notable reaction to the meal, but he makes a couple gestures before digging in. Having noted with interest that the second twin has chosen to seat next to him, the smile he gives back as he answers is just as telling as hers :
"Ukar born and bred my lady, from the home world of my people." Lose lacings and clothing purposefully fashioned for this let puckering scars show on his face and forearms as well as hint at yet other ones on his chest. Seeing the young human linger on them, he adds : "They are Baa'mon. Body, or life runes in your language. They tell of the wearer's life."
The ukar's unusual black eyes stay on Marcelle "You have never seen one of us before I suppose. Are there none of the ukars of this planet on the Rangor fief ?"

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
She nods slightly in agreement that they are Baa’mon, her eyes move over them like someone taught to read them. Starting with his true name she moves across each sentence while she answers his question, “There are thousands who claim to be Ur-Ukari in the Rangor Fief. In this barony, there is an enclave inside the landing cliff. My grandfather gave them that land and supported their petition to the clan council to form their own clan. The leaders of the clan have always called us rolvoktha.” Her eyes move to his torso before discontinuing because his clothing prevents a full reading.  She returns to her dinner for a few bits before coldly adding, “The Rock trolls took exception to their presence about a year ago.”

She has fully regained her facial control when she asks Tchak’Ikhul, “Do you count Velisamil or Kordeth as the home of your people?”

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 38):

 Tchak falls silent for a second while his mind catches up with the implications of what the young lady is saying. His smile becomes uneasy as he answers :

" I have mistaken a grave question for the polite query of one ignorant of my people. "

Bowing very slightly in what may be a recognition of her knowledge, he goes on.

" To answer your second question, I was talking about Kordeth, the current known heart of the Ukar people. Though our culture was in deed birthed by Velisamil, I doubt many ukars living today call it home.
And knowing what you meant by your first question, I am not sure if my answer is still correct. But that you think you can understand that particular question does tell me that -you- are really human... "

The last words are spoken tight lipped and clearly not meant to be a compliment, turning a few heads around them.

" So I am curious. What is a true Ur-Ukar ? "

This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

Shik sits in his Muster Dress uniform amidst the gathered nobles, outwardly calm and comfortable while he slowly demolishes a heaping plate full of steaming meat, primly and properly carving it up with a fork and knife that seem far too small for his hands.  His ears twitch at the sudden change in tone between Marcelle and Tchak.

Turning his head he swallows his current mouthful and loudly asks, "Why is it you humans insist on burning perfectly good meat?  It is really much more healthful to take in the blood of your prey as well as its flesh.  Tell me, Madame Marcelle, have you ever taken the heart of a beast you yourself killed?"

This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
She lets Tchak’Ikhlul question hang for a moment while she politely answers Shikaalgargund, “That I have killed myself...”she looks at her sister when she answers, “Yes.” She turns her head back to Shikaalgargund, “Vorox normally don’t dine at the House so our cooks are unprepared for you. Next time you visit I am sure the cooks will have it as raw as your palette and the guests' stomachs can handle.” Marcelle internally grins at seeing the slight shock on her sister’s face at Shikaalgargund’s use of proper court table manners. She puts it out of her mind when she returns to Tchak’Ikhul, ignoring the few retinue members from other Knights who let their curiousness overcome their own conversations.

“Never claimed I would believed in the same thought process and understanding as another. Every species will have a different perspective regarding any statement as is only proper." She re-reads the portion of Tchak'Ikhlul's story about his combat abilities before continuing, "Now in my mind since you asked, a true Ur-Ukari is a being that has taken the Ukar but has not been reduced to a wimper by human domination. Pretty much what the clans were during the time of Rajen oj Rillos.” She pauses to take a bite of her meal before adding in a calm tone to diffuse any hostility Tchak'Ikhlul might take from the first part of the addition, “From what I learned of you, your answer is incorrect. In my, limited by species, opinion you might qualify as more than Ukar.”

After another few bites in which she finishes this course of the meal, "Since you now know my mind on the matter, what would you consider a true Ur-Ukari?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

In reply to Sir David Juandaastas (msg # 44):

Tchak has kept a close look on Marcelle throughout her responses, only distantly registering the vorox's intervention. His tone is still tense though less aggressive when he answers :
" You have had a thorough teacher of Ukari culture, the words you speak are proper and would please a scholar. Yet knowing and understanding are two different things.

You read my deeds but cannot see my heart, that these human clothes serve well in hiding. A fitting metaphor. I should thank you for your flattery, so I do.
Walk in the dark with me and you will know for sure.

What I consider as true ukari... "

He takes some time to shoot stern looks around him.

" Is not a proper subject for this fine court. And not well served by words. It is in truth a matter that occupies some ukari most of their life. War, darkness, blood, an unstable balance. All of these are part of it and cannot be heard, but felt.

Why do you ask such a question ?"

*** Marcelle Jundaastas ***
“As you said a scholarly interest but also a personal one, you are the first Ukari that I have met outside of the enclave and what people’s feelings are about themselves and their species is always an interesting subject in my honest opinion. But you are right this is not the topic or a subject that is proper for such a dinner environment.” She takes a sip from her glass, “Might I inquire about another topic of a less grave thoughts?“

She allows her trained facial muscles to show a hidden chuckle however the merth one would expect as part of such a facial reaction doesn't reaches her eyes, “I saw you make a sign over your food. Was that a blessing or an interesting way to mask a poison scoop’s testing of the meal?”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 27 Aug 2012.

Shik begins to cough out a deep booming laugh.  "Oh, Madame Marcelle, you have the best sense of humor.  As if anyone would try to poison the companion of a Vorox!  If my friend suddenly started convulsing and spitting blood like a chok-cra crawled into his pants, the perpetrator would never leave this room alive."

Tchak turns to the tall Vorox to shake his head at him :
" What excellent guests we make, Shikaalgargund. Should I see if I can find an argument with another of our hosts while you rip some throats ?
We are lucky that the Juandaastas open mind is true in this manor ! "

Getting back to Marcelle, he grins at the subtle conversation plays :
" I see you like to keep things interesting, we really must meet again later.
So...will I admit to demon worshiping sins, or insult to your family ?
I was in fact paying homage to the gift of food. Thought I can not boast as much blood thirst as my great companion, I was hunter a long time ago. On Kordeth, in the Natar Worglin beneath the Sopeth Nag, you do not forget where what you eat came from.

Which gives me a convenient transition to a better subject ! I believe hunting is an occupation shared by human nobility ? Your sister Adelie, who graciously took the trouble of welcoming us, told us that your lands were ripe with predators. You mentioned bloodying your hands, was it during such an occasion ? "

*** Marcelle Juandaastas ***
Marcelle mentally declares Shikaalgargund would not be a good companion for a quiet dinner party or subtlety in the political arena. Listening to the conversation play, she dismisses the demon worshipping comment and assumes that insult the Ukari mentions is checking the food for poison; however she believes it to be simple wisdom given human and Ukari’s knowledge of the poison arts so doesn't answer. She goes to the last question asked, “Hunting is not an occupation for the nobility. Hunting is a past time or social event of the nobility and this barony does not want for game. However if you were looking for predators here then you might have to hunt for more than just a day outing.” She makes sure everyone is finishing their meals and are distracted before answering, “No, the occasion was not part of one of the Noble social hunts.” She smiles politely to Tchak and leaves any more information about where she bloodied her hands a mystery.

Marcelle Juandaastas lets that hang while the servants clear away her plate and put down a plate of her favorite dessert. Once the servant has stepped out of range, She asks Tchak’Ikhlul, “My sister Adelie,...” takes a second to come up with the next sentence in this word play. “is leading a trailblazing tomorrow. Might you be joining her or have you decided to rest and recovery from your trip to Gwynneth?”