Thread for the two of you while the challenge is underway.

Elodie, Zoccola and the hound finish their drinks, pay their tab and step out onto the street en rout to The Potato Is Just An Illusion club. It's nice to be out walking, just the girls and they both anticipate an excellent evening. Let the boys run around, get drunk and rowdy it was time to truly relax surrounded by civilization.

The streets are fairly busy but thinning somewhat and as they make their way to the club they eventually find themselves alone in a section of street. Zoccola's hound lets out a low growl as a figure steps out a short distance in front of you.



The man addresses Elodie, "You are remarkably easy to keep tabs on my dear. You know you've disappointed your father greatly. He doesn't care to be disappointed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Sun 13 Sept 2020.

"Hercule!" she gasped, taking a step back, her cheeks flushing. For a second, there was a rush of childish fear, and one of her hands came up to clutch nervously at a hanging lock of hair. She gritted her teeth and raised her chin at him, though, remembering her pride.

"I thought you had been disciplined on your disrespect, Hercule. When you cross a noblewoman's path, you bow. And when a commoner such as yourself deigns to speak, you do it with a respectful tone, a bowed head, and the proper title. I am Lady Elodie van Gryff, and the next time you fail to stop my father choking on a pease pie, I'll be your mistress. Keep that in mind for your next words." She straightened up, her pointy hedge witch's hat enhancing her height, if not her dignity.

Despite herself, she was terrified. Hercule was the looming presence of her childhood, always hanging around her father like a loyal dog, except when he was sent on missions. Gone for days, then back at strange hours, sweaty and wreathed in a coppery scent of blood. Gray tinged his muttonchops, now, and lines carved his formerly smooth face, but he was still the man glaring over her father's shoulder. The man who had nearly strangled her when she seared her father's foot to the bone. The man who she had flogged her till she was weeping and bruised, as punishment for her transgression.

She had seen him on rare occasions since then, whenever she was needed for family business. That she was now the kind of family business he attended to alone didn't inspire confidence.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

All things considered, despite her immediate fondness for the city of Dwarven, Zoccola couldn't be totally at peace there.  Not when she knew they were being followed and a foe could arrive at any moment.  The security of being in a crowded city full of potential witnesses only extended so far when an opportune moment could present itself; as the man from Elodie's colored past stepped into view, the Goblin's thoughts instantly went to the rest of her companions.  With luck the way they were running around like mad would actually make them harder to keep track of, if they too were being followed that evening.

While the two Humans spoke, Zoccola just cupped her hand about her mouth and chin as she gave Hercule a scrutinizing gaze up and down.  Gauging him, or perhaps simply awaiting what more he had to say.  "And whatever it is you've come here to say, be quick about it.  We've a schedule tonight and I'm a terribly impatient woman." she added with a careless shrug.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:16, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

The man just smiles as Elodie's mask of bravado covers her face and tongue. While she speaks he unties the strap securing his rapier in its sheath.

"My apologies...milady," he says with a smirk and a slight sarcastic bow.

"You keep strange company, is that your pet?" he asks waving his hand at Zoccola. "No matter"

Hercule takes a breath seemingly enjoying the moment

"Your father wishes me to escort your pretty little face back to him and I intend to do just that. Now be a good girl and come along."

---

Perception checks for the to of you (and the dog) please.

ps. finding portraits is sometime such a frustrating task.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 12:19, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

"No." The words came out automatically, and Elodie balled her fists. Her ears rushed with blood, and she could feel her heartbeat speed up, suddenly hyper-aware of the brush of clothes on her skin, the slightest movement of wind around them. Surely, violence was imminent.

OOC: Natural 20 on that! 23 total. 08:37, Today: Elodie van Gryff rolled 23 using 1d20+3 ((20)).

That the man was an enemy of Elodie's was all that mattered when it came to whether he was an enemy of Zoccola's as well.  But the fact that he was also a speciest was a little bonus that ensured she'd think of the coming fight as less of a necessary evil and more of a satisfying comeuppance.

As Hercule's hand went to his rapier, Zoccola's was faster to the hilt of her own blade - he'd barely unlatched the guard before her machete was swiped off her shoulder and brandished.  As always the blade hummed faintly with the swiftness from which it was drawn as she gave a twirling flourish.  Down she hopped from her mount; even as The Hound stood tense and snarling by her side, Zoccola took to her own two feet beside Elodie in unity.  Her free hand reached to cup about her mouth once more, giving her a grip about her chin as she tilted her head side to side with a preparatory crack from her neck to loosen up.


Zoccola Perception
Zoccola rolled 15 using 1d20

Hound Perception
Zoccola rolled 15 using 1d20+3


This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

You both notice movement behind you as a figure emerges from the shadows. You recognize him instantly as Ormak. At the same time another figure appears and stands next to Hercule. She's a slender Tielfling with a wand in her hand.

Hercule address you again, "Come along now child. I told your father he would once again gaze at your face. Do not trouble me because nothing below the neck is required to fulfill this promise."

---

06:38, Today: A.S.A.K. rolled 15,16,13 using 1d20+1,1d20,1d20+2.  initiative  H, O, T.

Hercule = 15
Ormak = 16
Tielfling = 13


So how about some initiative rolls ladies....
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:50, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

Ever alert, Zoccola was on edge as she noticed the others filling in the gaps from either direction.  The appearance of the Tiefling and Ormak alike cinched the assumption as to Cuba working with Elodie's family for certain.  But rather than fear for being cornered, there was genuine sadness in the Goblin's expression as she met eyes with the distant Half-Orc.

"Ormak... look at what you're doing.  Cornering women in a dark alley, working with a killer?  You're the son of a chief!  You said you didn't like how Lerana told you to hurt nice people." Even as she spoke, her attention bounced warily to and fro between the threats on either side.  "We've saved each others' lives and helped one another.  You're better than this."

Pre-Round Banter

Zoccola Initiative
Zoccola rolled 21 using 1d20+7

The Hound Initiative
Zoccola rolled 19 using 1d20+2

Ormak's betrayal did sting-she had felt a brief twinge of attraction to the half-orc's brutishly powerful figure when they first met, but his departure, and now this betrayal poured cold water on that ember.

"You're a dog off the leash, Hercule. I don't speak with rabid dogs. I put them down." As she spoke, a golden light began to shine in the back of her throat, and her voice took on a deep reverb.

OOC: 20 on initiative! Also a little bit of set dressing showing her power building.


14:43, Today: Elodie van Gryff rolled 20 using 1d20+1.

Hercule scowls and pulls his Rapier free.



Zoccola = 21
Elodie = 20
Ormak = 16
Hercule = 15
Tielfling = 13

So it's a you then them situation.

Post at will ladies.

While she agreed with the sentiment, there was little to be done when surrounded by enemies - one of which absolutely being a wildcard.  Zoccola eyed the Tiefling's wand warily and tensed her grip about her machete as she weighed their options.  An unknown caster and the likelihood of Cuba being somewhere nearby as well waiting in ambush made things too risky for her tastes.

"Well, I haven't had a chance for a proper field test yet, but no time like the present." Zoccola said as she reached up with her free hand to grab Elodie's wrist.  No sooner did the Goblin's fingers close tight about her friend than the two women simply vanished into thin air where they stood, gone without a trace.

Zoccola upcasts "Invisibility" at 3rd level to target herself and Elodie
Affected creatures and everything they're carrying becomes "Invisible" until the duration ends.  The spell ends early if an Invisible creature attacks or casts a spell.  The spell duration is 1 Hour or until Zoccola loses Concentration, whichever comes first.

Movement: Zoccola will try to guide Elodie to J/K3 out of the way, making sure not to bump into or disturb anything along the way.

Bonus Action - Hide, if a Stealth check is necessary to move covertly.

---

Conditional turn, for the sake of efficiency: If Zoccola's "Invisibility" isn't counterspelled or otherwise prevented from going off;

Initiative 19 - The Hound

Only a moment after the two disappeared, The Hound remained barking and snarling up a storm at Hercule and the Tiefling.  It was a brief bit of fury before the dog turned and dashed back down the alleyway, quick to turn around the corner and out of sight.

Movement: 40' movement around the corner toward O1
Action: If the others pursue him, The Hound will Dash to continue running and lead the others away on a chase.  Otherwise he'll just bamf away into his pocket dimension.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

Elodie felt the magic rising in her and almost let it loose, but then Zoccola's spell blinked them both out of view, and she released it. She stuck her tongue out at Hercule, then followed right after Zoccola, an invisible presence rushing past the half-orc and straight away from him!

OOC: Also running towards N1, as that's the most open route away from the situation.

Hercule simply grunts at Ormak. "You incompetent oaf! I told you to be in position quickly! Why that snake puts up with you I'll never know!"

The Tiefling looks over at Hercule and has her wand back over her head with the flickering of energy beginning to form around her hand. Hercule shakes his head, "Not now my dear. This is not the place. We don't want to attract too much attention."

then Hercule yells into the dusk air, "RUN LIKE A CHILD! YOU CAN'T AVOID THE INEVITABLE!"

---

You have escaped thanks to your quick thinking and a semi-crowded city evening. They won't pursue two invisible people through the streets.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:39, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

The great thing about being invisible was that nobody could see you.  The trouble with it, however, was that nobody could see you.  Including other invisible people.  Zoccola kept a firm hold on Elodie's wrist and led the way with care, certain to not cross paths into people who blithely would have walked right into them without ever realizing they were there.  She only went as far down the block as it took to get them a fair distance away from the alley and amid a bigger crowd of foot traffic, then hurriedly pulled to the side against the shelter of a building's wall.

From where they stopped they could still just see the alley they'd fled from and Ormak stood at its end.  "Okay, that was too close... this cover's kind of delicate; I haven't mastered it yet, so any magical emissions or too much force is gonna break the spell." she panted softly, momentarily winded from the rush.  "What's the plan?  Do you want to follow them and see where they go?  Maybe turn the ambush on them if they split up?  Or should we just meet up with the boys at the finish line and hope they're not too drunk to be useful?"

Elodie shook her head, then realized the stupidity of the action.

"No, no, following them is too dangerous. I can let us fly over them, but without invisibility, there's too many chances for it to go wrong! We need to find the others, and let them know what happened. Let them know Ormak-and maybe our other old companions, too-are no longer trustworthy. We can't be separated anymore. Hercule is no one to trifle with-the one time I saw one of the other guards cut his cheek in training, he beat the man near to death in revenge!"

Elodie's mention of being able to fly as well got a surprised expression out of her companion, though it hardly mattered since nobody could see it anyway.  Zoccola was behind the curve on gravity-defying spells, it seemed - her magic was thus far based more in telekinesis than flight.  But she quickly shook her head to shuffle distracting thoughts away; they were in no position for her to be lost in her own studies.

"I could just refresh the spell after you cast to let us fly, but that would leave me pretty tapped out on energy if we did come to trouble." she hated to admit it.  Besides, knowing their luck that Tiefling lady might've had a detection spell on hand to let her spot them even being invisible from mundane sight.  "So much for girl's night... c'mon, let's keep moving."

Another gentle tug helped to guide Elodie so they could start off again, once more navigating the evening streets and crowds invisibly to avoid being detected for as long as possible.  It would all be pointless if their pursuers already knew where they were going to be and simply moved to wait in ambush at the inn.  Regardless, the two of them would have to seek safety in numbers and rely on too many witnesses being an obstacle Hercule wouldn't dare to challenge.  "Odds are they're going to follow us out of the city and try to ambush us on the road a short ways out.  But we got a lot of supplies on short notice and no cost out of pocket - I doubt they're prepared to trek out into the wilds like we are, so they probably won't be able to follow us up the river and will have to give up the chase before long."

In reply to Zoccola (msg # 17):

"Perhaps not, but with my father's money behind them, he may well be able to hire men and guides. We should not take any chances, nor tarry once we're in the wilderness. I am so, so sorry that I've put you in this danger, Zoccola. If I were not here, he would have no cause to pursue you."

Though unseen as ever, there was no mistaking the reassuring squeeze of Zoccola's hand.  "Now you put that sort of nonsense out of your head right now.  Don't go blaming yourself for your dad's stupidity, especially not when you're a victim of it." She could certainly understand the feelings of guilt and responsibility - her thoughts flashed back to her time with her old gang, on that awful day she'd inherited her treasured spellbook.  "Besides, it's not like I'd be safe otherwise.  Seems Cuba's the vengeful type and I pissed him off, so he'd be making this sort of trouble for me even without your dad getting involved.  We'd both just be dealing with being hunted individually rather than together.

I'm much happier to have you, and to be there to help you deal with your troubles.  This isn't the sort of thing anyone should have to go through alone."

Elodie nodded.

"Thank you for your kind words, and let's hope you're not too right about our enemies all being in league. Now, let's find the boys and bunker up for the night."

For Zoccola and Elodie to spend some time together in the guest house.

I recorded the number of posts so I can keep track for levelling.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Thu 09 Dec 2021.

Elodie glared at Booth for a moment as he went off, but finally sighed and looked back to Zoccola.

"Of course, Zozo. What should we do? Just chat, enjoy some of the local libations?"

The manner of parting between Elodie and Booth wasn't overlooked, though it did go without overt remark for the moment.  Zoccola simply shook her head a little and blew a sigh out her ring-pierced nose.  That boy seemed intent on learning everything the hard way...

"It's a bit late for dinner, but there's no harm in having a stroll around and maybe find some refreshments while we talk.  I'd like to get an idea of what sort of place this is." Whether any businesses were still open depended entirely on the intensity of night life, but there was no harm in at least getting familiar with the area.

Whether they were set to trek into the streets with a chaperone at their heels or just settle in for a sit by the fireplace, the same question that had been lingering since Nalisha's return came regardless as Zoccola spared her friend a look.  "So... you wanna talk about it, or...?"

"Ah, I couldn't deal with all the ducking." She said, then sourly plopped down in one of the thickly padded armchairs in the guesthouse, near the crackling fire. There was a long moment of silence, and then...

"I just...sweet cheeks?! In front of everyone?"

Zoccola pushed her chair a ways closer next to Elodie's for the sake of a more comfortable conversation.  The Hound, meanwhile, turned about several times over before he plopped himself down in front of the bright hearth for a bit of a rest of his own.

"Are you really that surprised?  Longshanks thinks he's the gods' gift to women." she crossed her arms over the side of her seat to rest her chin on.  "Knowing him, he's probably convinced himself that you're head-over-heels infatuated and find everything he does utterly charming."

"Well, I'll need to set him straight." She scowled, then shook her head. "He's not like this in private, you know? He's so eager and teachable. He-he's so sweet, Zozo, but he has to turn everything into a bloody brag once we step out the doors!"

Suddenly Elodie stopped and peered over, then leaned back and lowered her voice.

"Don't let him know I told you this, as I'm sure he'd take it the wrong way. But he's not the gods' gift to any woman but me. Never has been. So I think it's my duty to every woman he's with after me to make sure he knows how to treat them around others."

"He's scared." the Goblin heaved a pitying sigh.  "Hiding insecurity and inexperience behind bravado, 'cause it's easier to distract himself with an act than it is to face introspection.  Lots of big talk and bluster in front of everyone else.  Only able to see things from his own perspective.  Honestly, at first, he sort of reminded me of my ex from my old gang."

Zoccola's gaze drifted over to the flames for a moment of consideration.  She always had to weigh how much of her observations were genuine verse how much might've been old wounds making her project.  It went against the nature of a scholar like herself to give into unfair biases.  "Longshanks is a much better person, by comparison, but it's a common shortcoming for men fall into." she canted a look back over Elodie's way once more.  "I don't want this to sound like I'm trying to bash the guy, because I'm not, but what do you see in him, anyway?  From the way you're talking it doesn't sound like you consider this to be anything more serious than a fling.  What changed your mind from the days of spitting acid at his boots?"

Elodie shrugged and sighed, slumping back.

"Oh, I don't know. It's been so long since I've had a man. The patriarch at the old temple turned most of them against me before I left, and I was something of a pariah. Then, we've had just months on the trail, in close proximity. Your standards change, you know?"

Elodie crossed her legs in the chair, burrowing back into it.

"I suppose I like him, now. I find so much of what used to annoy me charming. I've trusted him with my life more times than I remember, and he's never failed me...well, aside from that time in the brothel, the stupid bastard. I suppose that desire to convey my changing feelings, with my own frustration, it just formed a kind of alchemy in me. It can't possibly be serious, not in the long term. My body belongs to my family. I am the heir, no matter what my father says, so someday I must marry a man who'll bring us tangible benefits. But that's years from now. And until then, is it so strange I should want someone I trust? Someone who doesn't give a damn about my bloodline?"

"I think you should do whatever you want, heritage and societal expectations be damned.  It's your life and your choices; the only sort of standards you adhere to should be the ones you set for yourself." It was perhaps easy for Zoccola to think that way.  As a Goblin, she'd clawed her way up from low origins.  As a mage, her entire goal was to basically force society to change by improving through her innovations and distributing magic to the masses.  Existing hierarchies, nobility structures, established powers... none of that meant anything to her at all, and to tether oneself to another group's rules just seemed limiting in her view.

"Is it so strange I should want someone I trust? Someone who doesn't give a damn about my bloodline?"

The Goblin sighed and shook her head.  "No... makes all the sense in the world, to me.  Especially given the sort of danger we live with on a daily basis.  That's why I was attracted to Krak.  I mean, besides the obvious reasons." Oh, Half-Orcs.  "He made me feel safe.  He might've had his own hang-ups, but I never felt like he thought any less of me for what I am.

It's only natural to want to be with someone you can just... y'know, be with.  No expectations, no demands, no worries about showing vulnerability." she scoffed a little.  "Honestly, getting closer to Longshanks is harder than pulling teeth.  I dragged a few tidbits out of him and I'm pretty sure he only told me just to shut me up... probably would've started swinging if I'd kept at it."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Fri 10 Dec 2021.

Elodie smiled warmly at Zoccola as she expressed similar frustrations.

"You're right on that front. I had to slice past his defenses by essentially throwing myself at him, and only then did I find the rather sweet, eager young man beneath. I'll keep working on him...and meanwhile, we should see about finding you a man to spend some time with, as well." She let her gaze drift upwards, to an engraving on the upper wall of a brawny dwarf swinging a pickaxe.

"What about one of the locals? Those arms! Those hands! The deep, rumbling voice! The beards are a dealbreaker for me, honestly, but if you can get over that..."

Even though Elodie very much had a proverbial horse in the race, Zoccola didn't know how much would be proper to divulge of what she'd learned of Booth's history.  She'd dredged up some bad old wounds... it explained a lot about his behavior, but it wasn't something to be spread around either.  Just because he'd caved and told her didn't mean it was alright for her to tell anyone else.  "Just... I dunno, be careful with him.  He's got... hmn... I guess I'd call it trouble with misplaced guilt and trust." Being both delicate and informative proved difficult for her.  "He wants to make this work though.  With all of us, together, I mean.  He's just got a messed up idea of what that means and doesn't listen if you speak contrary to how he's decided things are.  For better or worse."

The shift in topic to more lighthearted matters had the Goblin quirk a brow, though she smiled absently as she followed Elodie's gaze to the artistic relief.  "And here I thought you had good taste." she teased on the matter of beards.  "A well-kept beard is a sign of refinement and attentiveness.  Plus it feels nice scritching on the cheek, all coarse and prickly."  Goblins did tend to have rather polarizing tastes, after all.  Though her smile shifted as a thought rose... it didn't vanish, but merely became wistful as she stroked her fingertips across the brass-bound spine of her spellbook.  "Maybe an Elf would be more your style, then?  Someone taut, toned, smooth, and chiseled?  No beards to worry about there... hell, barely any hair at all, really."

"Ah," Elodie said, smiling dreamily, "I think that women who sneer at elven men haven't met them much. They're so beautiful, Zozo. And svelte, too. No less strong, either. Or less...endowed."

She stuck out her tongue and stretched out her legs langorously.

"Everything about them is beautiful. Their language, their culture, their faces, their bodies. Other races have more one or the other...but the elves, they're just on a whole 'nother level."

"I think that women who sneer at elven men haven't met them much."

"Or have spent too much time around them.  I've got a day job back in Maltain's Tower, y'know." Zoccola interjected with her usual fanged smirk.  Elodie's further admiration of classic Elvish beauty got a snicker out of the Goblin and she hoisted herself up to hop the short distance between their chairs.  She landed in a deft seat atop the arm of Elodie's seat, legs crossed daintily knee-over-knee and one hand lifted to pop a few buttons open from her high collar.

"Elves lose a lot of their mystique when you see them most often road-weary and half-drunk.  You realize they're just like anyone else.  Though, I do admit, there is something to be said about men that pretty sweaty and dusty from the road.  Guess we've all got our types, huh?"  With her collar loosened, Zoccola gave a slow roll of her head side to side - with the motion, her whole frame began to shift and change.  Her short-bobbed hair surged down along increasingly broader shoulders, her features paled and grew finely carved, while her ears actually shrank down into more delicate points.  Feminine curves melted away to a more lean and sleek build, thankfully not risking bursting her coat's seams for once.

"Call me funny, but I'm not really interested in a man who's more beautiful than I am."  There sat a handsome Elvish gentleman, though there was no mistaking the sharpness of Zoccola's lopsided smirk even if there weren't any fangs in the grin.  "See, this sort of thing?  Doesn't do it for me; give me someone brawny and bearded any day.  Now, there was this Satyr I met back before Thorfen though... whoo!  Now there was a guy worth chasing.  You haven't lived until you've spent a week with Satyrs and Fauns in one of their Fae glades."

Seems the only time Zoccola actually casts "Alter Self" is while playing around in downtime, but I'm okay with that.  ^^
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

"Ooh!" Elodie said, then jumped up and scurried over, cupping the "elven" man's cheeks in her hands. "So pretty! And you know what? I think we should take it out for a spin! See what kind of reaction we can get. What do you say?"

She stood up and held out her arm for Zoccola to take.

Those keen Elvish eyes rolled playfully and, with a soft laugh, chiseled features promptly reverted to leave Elodie smooshing up Zoccola's once-more-Goblin cheeks against her palms.  "I say people would think I was making fun of them, which isn't really the impression I want to give.  We need these folk to like us, y'know." she snickered as she returned to her original form.

For all she knew, Zoccola might've been The Root's first real encounter with a Goblin, or perhaps just a civil one, so she didn't want any sort of misunderstandings.  "Still... no harm in a bit of people-watching, I'd think?  Even without shapeshifting we're both still a novelty around here." That offered arm was taken with a reach and a curl, giving Elodie the leading hold.  As soon as the two women rose to go, The Hound likewise bounded right back up to his feet and took to Zoccola's opposite side.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Sat 11 Dec 2021.

"Ah, I cannot wait until we make our fortune, Zozo! We'll head to the big city, and I'll take you to all the finest places. I haven't been since I was a little girl, you know, and I dearly wish to return. But for now, let's go observe the smallfolk!"

Elodie patted Zoccola's arm in hers, then sauntered off with her out of the room, pausing only to latch the door on the way out.

The two of you enjoy a walk on this crisp evening. It isn't horribly cold and with some light attire quite comfortable. There seems to be a heat about The Root that defies the coming winter.

Two Dwarvish soldiers walk discreetly behind causing no interference. The leisurely pace the two of you take makes it quite easy for them to remain at a comfortable distance as to not intrude except for the knowledge of their presence.

The fascinating architecture provides for much to observe and make comments on as do some of the unique varieties of flowers still in bloom in the advanced of fall. As you pass by a tall narrow dwelling and are enjoying some beautifully crafted railings on a decorative staircase a voice calls out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:12, Sun 12 Dec 2021.

"Evening ladies. Out for a stroll this evening?"

Nalisha sits on a small balcony looking out into the street. She has a small table beside her with a steaming cup of something resting on it.

"Care to join me for a coffee?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:09, Sun 12 Dec 2021.

That there was an escort was to be expected; Zoccola clocked the two guards with an immediate eye, though their respectful distance was just given a consenting nod of acknowledgment.  If anything, it was reassuring since it surely meant nobody in town who might object to outsiders would dare start anything.

"Sounds like a good time to me.  At least for a decade or two.  However long it takes for me to build up a nice foundation before I start rocking the boat and making enemies amid the nobility." she actually sounded like she looked forward to such a trial.  "Lots of moneyed folk don't like it when someone upsets the status quo.  But you and me together?  I'd say we've got a bright future waiting for us."

The Hound was busy in his usual guard duty as the two strolled along, ears perked and nose close to the ground to sniff about.  He perked at some unseen deviation in the path and Zoccola cast her gaze the way her canine companion was directed, unknowingly in the area of the tavern their companions had eventually found.  Following the scent of Booth and the others was very easy in a new place where their trail stood out plainly, so it wouldn't be hard to track them down one way or another.  But attention was further drawn upward when Nalisha called out from above.

"Hmm." the Goblin hummed thoughtfully.  An inquiring look was cast up Elodie's way.  "What do you say, El?  She wouldn't be calling us up if she didn't have something to say." Given that Nalisha and Elodie had terse words before, Zoccola was content with following the young noble's tastes whether or not they stayed.

Elodie gave Nalisha a baleful look, then finally made a great show of sighing and throwing up her hands before nodding her consent.

"Oh, very well! Our only other company is like to be yon gentlemen behind us, and I don't think they'll be much for conversation. We'll be with you anon, Nalisha!" Elodie called up, then bent low to enter the coffeehouse where Nalisha was dining.

Zoccola chuckled knowingly under her breath and patted the small of Elodie's back as they headed into the building together.  "Think of it as practice for later.  You don't have to like her, but Buymarks are too useful to write off." the Goblin advised.  Doubly so, in Nalisha's case, if the party had any hopes of establishing a business relationship with The Root and the rest of civilization.  There was a lot of money on the table if they could manage things right.

You enter the small building and see it's part private residence and part coffee house. The owner, a slender elvish woman, smiles at you and welcomes you in.

[Language unknown: "Conavesan nase i. Nd ith outentati tinlinwhi. Na Taho E ulnt o. Ain ev ponaus."]

She ushers you to an empty table but Nalisha's voice can be heard from the upstairs loft.

[Language unknown: "Ine wa Ortwheprohat. Tedanyder ilno rere p p a wheameiou."]

Selrilla smiles and nods waving you upward. As you arrive Nalisha is seated at a small round table large enough for four to sit around. She smiles greeting and bids you sit down.

[Language unknown: "Norut en arest und di el wilstaare ers vorounore o ca ousthuhou."]

[Language unknown: "Lowefitr Ekalto, notonsyin was."]

"Zoccola, Elodie please sit, join me for a cup."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

The quaint decor of the small working home was a pleasant change of pace to the more grand architecture around most of the city, Zoccola thought.  More suited to her own tastes.  She offered a grateful nod to the matron of the house and gestured vaguely back the way they'd come to where the pair of escorting guards were bound to be shortly thereafter.

"If those two allow themselves a break, they can order whatever they like on my coin." she mentioned just loud enough for the guards themselves to be able to catch.  She didn't speak Elvish and could only hope they were all bilingual as a matter of course.  Even if they didn't relax from their task it was better to at least put the offer out.  Once upstairs at the balcony, The Hound set himself dutifully by the doorway in his usual manner.  Zoccola, meanwhile, stepped along to pull out a chair for Elodie before taking one of her own.

"Nice of you to invite us along, Nalisha, though I can't help but feel there's business involved.  We've never really taken the time to become friends before." the Goblin wryly noted.  It wasn't that Zoccola disliked her at all, but their relationship prior had been strictly professional and firmly at arm's length by the Buymark's own demand.  "What can a pair of humble witches like us do for you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Nalisha smiled. "Very true. Buymarks are quite accustomed to solitary life. The job is always at the forefront. Many of us live most of our lives with nothing but professional acquaintances." She took a sip of her coffee finishing the cup before it was refilled with the aromatic liquid.

"This coffee for example. The trade was brokered just over 10 years ago by a colleague of mine. It's brought income to the southern growers by providing a sizeable export destination and a new delicacy to those dwelling here in the valley. It has enriched many lives but no one now knows where that Buymark is. He moved on to the next job, his accolades left behind here."

She smiles slightly, "Winter is fast approaching and  with the passageway closed things are about to get very isolated. There are very few of us here from the outside world."

Elodie cocked her head, though inwardly she felt a worry blossom. Winter would seal off the valley?

"Seems like the dwarves ought build themselves a canal, if they're cut off in winter. That lake would provide the most lovely egress from their valley, so they could be well supplied with winter wheat." She sat down next to Zoccola and signaled for coffee to be brought for the two of them.

"So are you planning to stay your time here?"

Winter would surely be quite bad in the valley, Zoccola inwardly noted.  Cold winds coming up off the lake and low-laying elevation would ensure a heavy, lingering seasonal frost.  She absentmindedly pondered the behemoths they'd encountered; had those in the waters been migrating down river for warmer regions in the south?  Did the valley-bound dinosaurs travel to the volcanic eastern side of the valley or even retreat underground to escape the seasonal shift?  There was still so much to be learned if they were to make good use of the valley...

"Speaking of the southern lake, do you happen to know if any local groups claim ownership of the island there?  Because, if they haven't, I'm calling dibs." a remark only half in jest.  "But honestly, I'm more surprised that the Dwarves here haven't just built subterranean routes through the western mountain range.  Is the foundation terrain there unstable?"

"Gov. Hawkryn hasn't bee overly forthcoming with me about the long term infrastructure plans of the dwarven communities here and to be honest I haven't asked. I know the greatly favor trade to the east the the city of Dwarven. Something about an insult long ago in Thorfen by a advanced trading party. I mean long ago in Dwarf terms. The city of Dwarven won their favor so they focus eastward."

She took a sip of her coffee, "There are some smaller channels so supplies will continue but many of the merchants are uneasy to make the trip for feat of the worms."

"As for the creatures of the plains and winter, I have no way to know. I haven't set foot out there."

"Well I have made arrangements for this winter. Winter in The Root is easier than in most places. Hell, Dwarven's an icebox. Elvish magic warms the stones keeping the community quite pleasant even in the deep dark months. I have a room close to this shop. Once spring arrives I'll see what contracts present themselves."

Zoccola listened quietly throughout and only afforded a small distraction when the matron returned with their servings of coffee.  She daintily took a sip from her own cup but couldn't keep from scowling a little at its flavor.  Without remark, she drummed her fingertips on the cup's edge and a little charge of arcane energy sent the coffee bubbling hot until it ended up overboiled and acrid.  No doubt she'd absolutely ruined the flavor... but, as was the case, it suited a Goblin's tastes much better on the second sip.

"We'll have to figure out something ourselves then as well.  We can't impose on the Governor's generosity for too long." she mentioned sidelong to Elodie.  Sure, they always had the Estate, but it was better they figure out a more concrete living situation for as long as they'd be staying in the area.

"You mentioned the worms.  Is it just the two in the main channel that's causing the trouble, or are there more throughout the valley as well?"  If the Purple Worms blocking the Hammer were impeding on trade, then she'd have to negotiate a better deal with the Governor before they handled it.  Getting the Hammer was one thing, sure, but there was a lot of gold tied up in that route as well they'd be leaving on the table if it wasn't bargained for properly.  "We found trace of at least one a ways outside of The Root."

Elodie, less mindful of opportunities for making coin, already had her mouth halfway open to speaking exactly what was on her mind. When Zoccola spoke, though, she coughed and stopped herself, very obviously stopping up her tongue. A long sip of coffee followed, then a grimace and a long pour of cream till the coffee was near white itself.

The clear halt from Elodie piqued Zoccola's attention and yielded an inquisitve look; her expression quirked to implore and invite her friend to speak her mind if she so chose.

Elodie looked to Zoccola for confirmation, and finding it, shrugged.

"Well, surely the elves can get here in winter, can't they? I've seen an elf walk atop snowdrifts as deep as a man. They've every manner of cleverness, and if they can warm a whole city, surely they can warm a caravan's way in, can't they?"

"I'd expect it'd be more a matter of unpredictable weather, or perhaps an entirely different breed of native wildlife that becomes active during the winter.  We were able to move fairly quickly and inconspicuously through the wilds, but even we ran into trouble.  A caravan route would be a whole other problem." the Goblin reasoned, though Nalisha was given a look as well for her input on the matter.  "Being able to do it is one thing, but having it be viable and worth the effort is another."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"The elves of this forest don't aspire to much beyond the borders of their wood, They are known as the Elforishlynn and for the most part are self sustaining from the bounty of the forest. They maintain an intimate connection to their woods and perhaps some of the most powerful druids alive may dwell within. The connection they have with the dwarves grants them enough of the outside world but also through these dwarves' access is also controlled.

The elves that have a more urban bent are here in The Root. Most reside within the forest. There have been precious few of the Elforishlynn who have ventured through the Underhalls and into the Bower proper."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"So the Elves manage things within the valley, the Dwarves are keen on expanding beyond it, and you're right in the middle as the mediator for all the business that'll be going in and out.  Cozy spot to put oneself into." Zoccola observed from beyond the rim of her cup.  Nalisha had secured herself a position of considerable influence and profit, but with that was bound to be an even greater load to bear when it came to responsibility.  Which led to the obvious question:  "So why explain all of this to us over a spot of coffee?  What's your angle?  What does a Buymark in your position want from women of our talents and association?"

Elodie sipped her coffee again, but inwardly she felt a spike of annoyance at the very existence of Buymarks. So many nobles spurned mercantile pursuits, as though money could be made by honor, dignity turned a profit, and noble blood produced noble lifestyles. Her education at the temple of Kol Koran had taught her differently. Value was made from land and labor, and money an administrative convenience for distributing that value. But now nobles were always at the beck and call of their mercantile creditors, and these merchants were devising titles of their own. As if they could simply buy what a dozen generations of war and struggle and good breeding had made possible.

It would not do! When she was leader of House van Gryff, the books would be neat, the accounts in the black, and it would be her agents who administered the estates, not some hired merchant!

"It is very good coffee, though. And the cream is fresh." She said neutrally, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Nalisha nodded at Elodie and picked up her coffee.



"I saw you walking. The coffee is good here. There was nothing more. Chat, drinks with those who share a similar experience in the world. Us Buymarks aren't always conniving with a secret contract Zoccola. Not always."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Strolling by and heading to their current shared abode he thought he heard the voices of Elodie, Zoccola, and another. Approaching the building where the three are having tea or coffee, Jurassic noted their presence on a balcony above him. Confident that someone of his stature couldn't be missed he called from the distance, "Ahoy ladies. Might I join you this fine evening?"

Elodie laughed at that particular exchange, at least a little relieved they weren't being involved in yet another scheme. Seeing Jurassic, she waved a hand and scooted her chair over to make room for him.

"Of course, Jurassic! Jurassic, this is Nalisha Relcaren. You saw each other before, but you can meet properly now."

Nalisha looks up at the large Goliath, she stands up and pulls over a large chair designed to be a loveseat but in this case, just the right size for one.

"Please have a seat. We haven't met formally, I am Nalisha Relcaren."
This message was last updated by the player at 00:38, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

Jurassic made his way up to the balcony. "Thank you Elodie." He made sure the seat could support him before sitting, "Mistress Nalisha, I am Browden Jurassic Wungauva, a pleasure to make you acquaintance."

He sat carefully, but relaxed quickly as the seat carried his weight. "I am afraid carousing does not suit me. I prefer warm tea and quiet contemplation to alcohol and rollicking."

"For someone of your size I believe that's wise." Nalisha responds with a smile.

While Zoccola ultimately wasn't surprised to see Jurassic having parted from the group, she had expected it to take a little bit longer before Booth wore out his own welcome by the Goliath's standards.  Jurassic came across to her as so well-mannered that she figured he'd have tolerated more just for the sake of being polite.

"That's just Longshanks for you.  His idea of a good time is getting blitzed as fast as possible and passing out slumped against a wall." the Goblin sighed over her coffee.  An exaggeration, perhaps, but not an especially grand one.  "When we were down in Dwarven, he dragged a bunch of our company around on a footrace crossed with a bar crawl.  Somehow he doesn't get that's not everyone's style.  Living like that myself wore thin on me ages ago."

She and Elodie never had gotten that show they'd hoped for, Zoccola inwardly recalled.  "Say, Nalisha?  What's there to do around here anyway?  Do they have any kind of entertainment, or a library, or even shopping?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Mon 03 Jan 2022.

"I have heard that Dwarven poetry is quite nice!" Elodie piped up. "They have fine memories, and can recite for hours. Though as I have heard, timelier verse forms are lost on them. If you go to a dwarf's recital, you had better be ready to sit patiently for hours, lest they take insult!"

She laughed and shrugged.

"Of course, that's what I was told."

"Well you're not too far off Elodie. Dwarves are all miner-poets and many of their poems and songs come from  extensive time in the deeps. They are partly used to pass long periods of time. As for insult, that is exaggerated somewhat. It fully depends on the manner of your departure rather than the time spent listening."

She leans back and takes a sip of coffee, "Oh, there's a fantastic market here. Most of the items are locally crafted but this, to be honest, is a boon rather than a negative. I would wager you can find most of what you are looking for here."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Wed 05 Jan 2022.

Jurassic made a small comment. "Dwarven Opera. I was treated many times by my former master. I highly recommend the opera."

"Here's hoping.  I've got plans for quite a few works, but finding the right components for spell development or enchantment construction is tough.  There's some extremely... hm... esoteric demands."  A flourishing market was a good sign to begin with, though the needs of Zoccola's research were so demanding that she never assumed she'd find anything too easily.  "Honestly, I don't know where I'm going to find a Vampire's fang or nearly anything from a Dragon..."

On the matter of opera, Zoccola made no remark and contended herself to sips of her drink.  She'd never attended such a recital.  Though the prospect of long-form storytelling did have its appeal, to be certain.  "Opera aside, what sort of entertainment do you all prefer?  I've always been fond of banter comedy.  Y'know, a fast-paced back and forth, lots of word play and clever turns of phrase, that sort of thing."