Karilla did her best to discretely settle her kank in the stables while at the same time trying to make sure that the horses didn't get spooked by her insectoid mount. Once her creature was secured and calmly munching on its current meal, Karilla decided to go get something to drink and refill on her rations before separating from the group.

She was a mix of excited for the future while at the same time deeply sad about leaving the party. She remembered the feeling of relief she felt when she first saw her friends after coming through the portal. However, she knew that she was now a deeply broken person who needed to put herself back together before any more grand adventures. The excursion to the healing lake with Elo was her best bet for recovery from her nearly century and a half of torture and misery.

She walked into the tavern to see Kitheras singing while Corym was talking discretely talking to the innkeeper. Karilla walked up to the bar and took an empty seat in a slightly obscured area of the tavern. After ordering and receiving her mead, Karilla cast her eyes around the room quickly before deftly removing her face mask in order to drink. As she stared deeply into the dark golden liquid, she quietly murmured to herself, "To new chapters."

The moment she put the mug back down on the counter, she recognized that someone had moved into her personal space. Quizzically, Karilla looked to her right to see an addimidtally, very pretty half-elf with ruby hair and eyes that were flecked with gold. The woman smiled genuinely at her. Karilla raised a brow at this, especially since her scars were on full display.

"Need help with something?"

"There may be a chance we have some common acquaintances, but mostly they would be of a passing kind if you liked to visit performing troupes. My family has travelled far and wide and was well regarded in many settlements." replies Tarron. "Forgive me, but I haven't introduced myself. Tarron Ianfiel, at your service."

You see there are tattoos on his forearms (sadly lacking in the description) marking him as one of the bladesingers specializing in longsword use. "I'm keen to find employment, if you have need for a man at arms."

"More court bards than performing troupes," Kitheras admitted. He considers the tattoos, and you can see his mind working through the volumes of heraldric lore he has committed to memory. "I am familiar with your school.  My captain is more likely to offer partnerships than employment, and will doubtless be overjoyed to find you here. It is always a privelege to share cups with those perpetually employed on behalf of The People."
This message was last updated by the player at 15:00, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

The moment that the strange woman entered the bar, Kali knew that this was a person she had to speak with. The spark of interest overtook the boredom that had preoccupied her before. That spark became a flame when she saw the woman's face behind the face mask. Now there was a woman who had stories to tell. She picked up her drink and sat down on the barstool next the to woman. The woman gave Kali a suspicious side-eye and in response, Kali gave her her best winning smile that had worked countless times before.

"You look like a woman of the world and I would love to buy you your next round if you would be willing to kindly indulge my curiosity." The deeply scarred woman shook her head.

"Not going to happen. What do you actually want?"

Kali's smile grew even more.

"I am searching for a group of people who are adventurous enough to go into the ruins of the elves. You look like you might that kind of person." The woman roughly laughed at Kali.

"I might have been that person at one point in my life but I have no desire to go back there in any way, shape or form. You should really reconsider going in the first place, it is not a place for those who like living." Kali ordered another round for both of them.

"That's the problem, my dear. I have found life so dreadfully dull that throwing some death and destruction into the mix would be a welcome change. Forgive me, my manners are severely lacking at the moment. My name is Kali Xilrora." Karilla made an incredulous face at the name, but she did accept the offered drink.

"That sounds fake."

"That's because it is. Only an elf would know how preposterous it is, most others, humans mainly, think that my ancestors are from far off exotic lands. Adds to the mystery."

"You are very perplexing half-elf."

Kali beamed at her. "That is so kind of you to say. Hands down the best compliment I've gotten in a long time. Or, at least, one of the more creative ones beyond just grunting at me and asking how much I am for the night." Kali giggled to herself. "As if anyone here could afford me." After finishing her drink, Kali observed the woman with a warm curiosity. "If it is not too much to ask, I understand that you are now retired from the adventuring life. However, is there anyone in your group that you could introduce me to so that I can continue my slightly suicidal venture? As long as they are willing to have a new member, that is."

"I can make an introduction, but no promises."

Kitheras' ears perked up at Karilla's conversation. He was still worried for her, but was glad that she was going to get help with Elorfindar.

"Is that firebrand with you?" Kitheras inquired of Tarron. "She seems to hold similar interests."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

"Never met her before. Observed perhaps, but she's not for me to vouch for." replies Tarron. "But it seems that we might be spending time with each other before the tenday is out." he says grudgingly. His eyebrows had lifted at the mention of the courts, but he said nothing more. "In a different life, we may not have been so different you and I." he says. "Now, I'm sworn to the blade."

“More similar than you might think. My freedom from obligation is somewhat new, disorienting, and not of my choosing. I confess that you bear your burden with a solemnity I’ve not previously associated with your school. Perhaps we shall have the opportunity to share the scars that our life-path has left as the old year dies.”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

"Some wounds are deeper than scars can show." replies Tarron, and the undertone suggests that he doesn't wish to share his tales of woe right now.

"You asked about our party and our antiquities research. So do you have an interest in history or in the party?"  Kitheras asks honestly.  "Elorfindar and Corym put this little band together.  The former serves Labelas and seeks and seeks the recovery of the past as a holy charge. The latter is an idiosyncratic idealist who wishes to reignite the hearts of The People by rediscovering our cultural legacies. I'm not sure that I could tell you why I'm here at all except that its the first time in a long time that I get to be where I choose and not where another has chosen." 
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Sun 08 Aug 2021.

Karilla noticed that Corym was done speaking with the innkeeper and subtly motioned for him to come over to join them.

"Corym, this is Kali. She appears to be very interested in joining you all whenever you guys head back to Myth Drannor. I think that you two should talk." Karilla turned her attention back to Kali, "There is your introduction. Good luck."

Corym turns to Kali, having concluded his arrangements. “Corym Ildroun. I’m enchanted to make your acquaintance, Kali,”  he says with a meticulous and urbane quality. His hands are covered in sleek black gloves that do not demonstrate the same degree of wear as the rest of his ensemble. A metallic glint to the fingertips indicates some kind of retractable claws. “Many a strange thing I’ve found in an enclosure of stone, but never a rose. What interest do you have in the City of Somg?”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

"Let's just say that there are certain rumours of antiquties within the ruins that I would rather not fall into non-elven hands." replies Tarron quietly.

Kali flashed him a dazzling smile. She extended her hand to him, palm down, with the full expectation of him having the common sense to be courteous. It would also give her a subtle chance to touch those fascinating gloves. Truly, adventurers had the best trinkets.

"A silver-tongued elf is always welcome company. It is an absolute pleasure to meet one such as yourself. As for my motives in the marvelous city of Myth Drannor, the bards' songs have worked their magic on me over the years and since life has become predictably dull over the last social Season, I set out to find out the truth behind the songs. And if I happen to find a trinket or two, all the better. That is, if you think I could prove useful to you."

Corym takes her hand and places a kiss on her knuckle.

"We try not to talk about it in public by name--it's a name that draws attention. I don't know that we'll be returning directly, but we know the route and completed the first phase of our exploration. There are further phases planned. The best way to see its sights and dangers is in total discretion, a virtue we must practice in order to keep our skills in order."

Corym bows a bit toward Karilla while still holding Kali's hand.  "As it happens some of our most senior members are about to depart in pursuit of a more peaceful engagement. Karilla's brother and I have been companions for many an expedition, but now the Silveroak siblings must take their leave. Perhaps fate has permitted Karilla to locate her surrogate? The remaining partners will be interested in bolstering our strength, I'm sure."

Returning his eyes to Kali, but not yet yielding her hand--even in clothes road-worn to rags he carried himself as in a ball--he inquired, "What strength would you be contributing to our expedition?"

Kitheras smirked and arched an eyebrow. He motioned at Corym, "Are you sure you haven't met him?"

"Not that I can recall. If we share a common interest then it would be easier for all of us." replies Tarron. "I haven't really made myself known for some time."

Kali continued to hold out her offered hand, seemingly unfazed by the extended contact. In fact, she was reveling in the polite power play.

"I must admit, I do love to a good brawl from time to time. However, when I find myself in situations where a tad more lethality is warranted, you can plainly see the lovely scimitar on my hip. I have numerous other weapons that are secreted about my person. You don't mind that I keep those particular items undisclosed, do you? A lady is allowed her secrets, no?"

"A lady's secrets are her own to disclose to whom she will," he releases Kali's hand and crosses his own over his breast. "When I am better disposed," he gestures in embarrassment at the state of his attire, "I hope that you will consent to a dance? My feet are worn from walking, but brisk music and a deft step may yet enliven the spirits of the weary. The Year of the Turret crumbles tonight, and we must make of its waning hours what we can."

"Virtue is never anonymous for long, Tarron. Its fruits reveal it eventually." Kitheras calls for cups of wine, "To Evereska, long may it stand--and far from here so its sons may find their calling beneath the leaves of Cormanthor."

"There is nothing on this plane that would make me happier, my dear. In the mean time, I shall wait here and finish my drink with your remarkable friend."

Tarron raises a glass to Kitheras. "To Evereska!" he says, though he keeps his voice level and low so as not to attract attention.

“She is both remarkable, and a remarkable friend.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

Karilla raised her brow at Corym's statement.

She had a feeling that these two would either get along famously or they would try to kill each other over principle. Tricky to tell at this point.

"Go get cleaned up, Corym. That way you can truly dazzle our new friend."

"As soon as its ready, I'm there!"

OCC: That was a crazy session. When the DM told me that everyone was leaving Myth Drannor, but then would be returning while Elo went off for some peace and quiet at a literal lake of healing, it made no sense for Karilla to throw herself back into danger considering she is still so very, very damaged from her time on Athas. Hopefully, in the future, Karilla can come back a bit more put back together.

This is also why I created a swashbuckler, so that I can get back into my slightly deranged way of tackling problems. Karilla is far too cautious to do anything like the drow cave at the moment. We will see how my new character does. I think it will be fun, though I will miss Karilla, too.