Ruby looks warmly at the adventures in her shop, and smiles at the little Iddy. "You are an Azata, right? Incredible to meet you! Well, as it just so happens, I have just the garments in question. I had a friend construct them quite small, for a customer, but she has not arrived to claim them for over a month now. So, since it is Eleni, I will let you have them."

She reaches below the counter, and draws a pair of doll sized sleeves from a storage box, the gossamer fabric shining in the afternoon sun streaming through the window. "No charge." she continues. "A friend of Eleni means a lot with me." There is a significant glance at Eleni that Ruby does not manage to conceal.

Iddy stepped forward on the counter at the sight of the tiny sleeves, her attention fixated on the magical accessory. She lifted a minuscule hand and gently touched the delicate fabric. "Ooh, and they're so soft." A long moment passed as she inspected the sleeves, before she looked up to meet the tiefling's eyes. "I can have them? Just like that?"

Boorgrub smiled and stepped up to the counter as Iddy took the sleeves, carefully working them up her tiny arms and testing the magics within, her shimmering dress shifting into a feathery cloud of flared skirts, princess dresses, long gowns, a comfortable-looking bodystocking, colors shifting as quickly as outfits. All the outfits were modest, neck to ankle, most with long sleeves covering her slender arms. "It's wonderful..." She whispered softly, doing a quick pirouette on the counter.

The goblin didn't miss the meaningful glance from Ruby to Eleni, nor the emotion behind it. "A friend of Eleni's means a great deal to me as well, Ruby. We are grateful for your generosity, but I will not leave your shop without enriching it as you've enriched us." He dug out his purse. "There are some other practicalities I am interested in acquiring. The instruments and supplies for a practicing alchemist, as in the days to come I expect I will have need of those skills again." He waited a moment, confirming with the tiefling that she could fulfill the request before he made the second. "There are caps, magical in nature that can disguise one as one of the small folk. I have a companion that would greatly benefit from such if you have one."

While Boorgrub and Iddy completed their exchanges, Eleni took a moment to peruse the store to see what was on-hand. Eleni had missed the initial look from Ruby, not being generally aware of those things. As she perused, she did spot a single potion that she considered buying for a moment, but realized she probably didn't need it. Continuing to peruse items, she realizes Eudoxia is still scribbling on her book. Eleni has an idea of something to get her new assistant, and begins searching for two things she has seen before in Ruby's store. Finding the quill easily, she takes it and begins looking for the covering for a book or journal. After a minute, she is able to find the sharkskin item and brings them both to Ruby for purchase. She places a couple platinum coins at the bottom of each of a few stacks of gold, hoping to elude Ruby's notice. She appreciated her friend helping out Boorgrub and Iddy, but to have her part with something worth hundreds of gold for nothing was not who Eleni was. She would give her friend a fair price for it at the very least. Quickly realizing her ruse will be as effective as a paper fishnet, she adopts another approach. "Here's a bit for the sleeves as well as this quill and journal cover. I'd also like to see if you would be able to get something a bit out of the norm for me." she asks, leaning in and whispering to Ruby. She withdraws and says "If it's possible, can you bring it to the Lady of Mirth before sun-up tomorrow? It's the two-hulled ship in the harbor."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Whisper: "Is there any way I can get a couple of wine bottles of fresh blood? I am not sure how long we will be at sea but this last round at sea was a bit hard to handle without filling my needs. I'll pay a platinum each if you can do it."

---

With the two items, she beckons Eudoxia over and hands them both to the Nosoi. "These are to help you. I see you furiously scribbling things, and I assume it is part of your tasking by our Lord, so I thought I would help by making sure you can scribble to your heart's content and keep it safe on our travels. The quill wont run out of ink and the book cover should prevent any incidental damage, though I don't know how it would fare with full submersion or deliberate destruction. Best not to test it out I think." The paladin says to her. The Nosoi cocks her head to the side at an odd angle, putting the items in view of one eye and the paladin's face in view of the other. "Think yah faw buying these faw me! It's the first toime someone hahs bayn this noice! Think yah!" the birdlike creature speaks in what can only be described as horrendous common. She had what could possibly be the thickest accent in history. Eleni pretended not to notice and simply replied "You are welcome. We'll have to work as a team, so why not start by helping you out. We'll need to talk sometime later about how to best fit you in with our current group and our goals. For now, I'd like you to try to appear like a raven or go invisible while outside. Selinus is a fairly religious city and most people will assume if they can see you, it is because you are there to mark their passing or that of a loved one. I'd like to avoid the confusion if possible, at least for now." Eleni has little difficulty convincing her new companion, who says "Nawt a prawblem. Ih' well keep them frawm deestrahctin me too"

OOC:
Eleni is not good at the sleight of hand thing, so without rolling it I am going to assume it fails. There is enough platinum there to cover 150gp, and another 100 gold for the quill and covering.

Taking 20 on the persuade to take the gold for the items. #win

Eudoxia's common is basically very accented Australian. Let me know if something is too modified to understand and I will tweak it or add a translation below.

Ruby considers for a moment. "Yeah, I think I can help with that." Ruby disappears into the back, returning with the requested headwear. "A thousand for this and the lab."

Turning to Eleni, she takes the stack of coins, and looks about to protest, but stops herself with your next request. "Yeah, you know I got you covered, E. Always."

Boorgrub examined the hat carefully, turning it this way and that in his hands as Iddy continued to experiment with her new garments. One of his long ears twitched, but he gave no other indication that he was watching Eleni's own interactions with the shopkeeper with anything but passing interest. Satisfied with the hat, he efficiently spread the required amount for the purchases on the counter, a mix of mostly cut gemstones and a few coins, sorting them deftly and neatly for easy enough counting and appraisal. "I should think that will suffice, and I thank you Ruby for taking such good care of all of us." He gave the tiefling a winning smile, though nothing so bright as what his companion effortlessly managed, and tucked an ear back for Iddy. "Come on then Iddy, there is still much of the city to see."

Once the Azata was arranged on his shoulder, wearing a comfortable long skirt and blouse combination of deep greens and brown, Boorgrub made his way out of the shop, pausing to hold the door for his companion as he had been raised to do. It served the double purpose of ensuring she was ready to depart, and letting him fall into step with her where he could keep his voice low enough that they could have a private conversation as needed. "You know Eleni," The goblin started gently. "I am aware of what you are, and what needs that imposes upon you." He chuckled softly as they wound their way through the streets. "It is nothing you need to conceal or be embarrassed about, especially not with me. I meant what I said in the Labyrinth. Your needs are my needs now, without caveat."

He grinned up at her, long needle-like teeth glinting in the afternoon sun. "And I would be lying if I didn't admit to liking the taste of it myself."

Eleni thanks Ruby, grasping her hands in a show of genuine friendship. After saying her good-byes, she notices Boorgrub politely holding the door for her. Not wanting to inconvienence him any longer, she briskly exits. The rapid paced made a bit of noise in her armor and Eudoxia put her writing material away before poofing into nothing, having shifted to be invisible rather than put on a raven disguise. Reaching the door, she passes through saying "Thank you, and sorry to keep you waiting."

Once they started on their way, and heard Boorgrub's words of acceptance, she found herself smiling. "I don't really know what to say. It is rare for anyone who finds out about me to accept what I am. Most cannot see past their fear to my being. I make no claims to sainthood, but I do try to be a good person. In the past, I have been ridiculed and even hurt. I learned to keep it very private, and try to hide my inner self as a means of survival. Yesterday, during my time on the Other Side, I was overwhelmed with joy about what I was for the first time. Just hearing that I was exactly who I was suppose to be, that I was not a fluke or accident but rather created as He designed, was emancipating. I had been defining that part of myself as unworthy and letting it drag me down." she pauses before continuing. "I cannot come up with words to express my appreciation. Accepting what I am is not something I take lightly. You have met the two people I willingly trusted with my secret before joining this group. Both Ruby and Maestran know, and that was it. Others may have suspected, but they were the only two who knew. Now I feel like there are others I can trust, and that is not something that comes easily to me. I love and hate the taste. I love the way the metal flavor enhances the sweetness and hate that I like it so much. I asked Ruby to provide a few bottles of it for me, and I know she'll source it safely. I can go a while without if needed, though eventually I fatigue and my ability to heal gets severely diminished." She gets an idea, her eyes going slightly wider and asks "Would you like to go out to dinner together? I know a couple of nice places with a killer view of the harbor as the sun sets over the ridge. I'll need to go put on more appropriate attire but shouldn't take too long to get ready. They even make the food rare if you want."

The little swashbuckler walked in silence, letting Eleni talk as she needed to, and it was clear she desperately needed to talk about this. He didn't judge, didn't recoil in fear or disgust. How could he? Goblins were carnivores, and in most places only a step above rabid vermin for destructiveness and the havoc they wreaked.

"One of the first adventures I went on after I left the West Morres was to help clear a pass in the Ingellin mountains that was being plagued by monsters. Ambushing caravans and travelers, killing and looting for plunder." His voice was even, telling a story he'd long come to terms with. "Orcs and goblins, following the guidance of an elven witch that had convinced them all that he was the mouthpiece of their gods." Boorgrub shrugged nonchalantly, but the tone of his voice gave away what being a 'hero' had cost him then. "There was no reasoning with them, no convincing my cousins that there was a better way to live, that they didn't have to be monsters, didn't have to listen to the voice in their heart all the time. We killed them. I killed them." His voice had grown a little hard. "Spilled the blood of beings who if they had grown up fifty miles west might have been my family, my people."

He let that sit for a moment, looking out over the harbor and the city as he composed himself. When he spoke again it was Boorgrub again. "My point is, being a monster or a hero is a matter of what you do and why, Eleni. You could have chosen a different path, be the predator and monster that lives in both our hearts."

"You didn't."

He smiled gently. "Hades revealed the truth you already know in your visit with him Eleni. Your choices are what make you a good person, not your dietary needs. You've chosen to stand on the side of the light, to do good, to serve as spear and shield for those who cannot do so for themselves. Anyone who cannot see that, cannot accept what you are, and that you still choose to serve the light? They're the monsters. Not you, not us."

He paused at a turn in the road with a stunningly clear view of the temple, considering the offer and the rest. "I would be delighted to join you in a meal Eleni, today and always." A wry little smile, full of mischief spread across his features. "How formal are we talking? Will I need to change into something more... Upper class?" It was a valid question, for while Boorgrub dressed flamboyantly, all of his clothes were also well worn from being his adventuring gear.

Eleni listened intently as her companion described his outlook on their shared situation. She knew there were others who had to deal with similar feelings and situations, but to have someone be not only accepting but supportive was a welcome change to her. "I understand what you mean. A lot of different faiths preach that the intent and actions weigh far more than what someone is. It has been hard to accept that, being constantly reminded I was different. Even my faith bases worth on who a person is inside, how they handle themselves, and what they chose to do with their life. You speak truth about those who judge too soon, they are the true monsters."

Considering his following question of attire, she replies "Probably should change. While I am sure we could find something extravagant, I think simply being clean and tidy will suffice. Call it semi-formal? I will be wearing a red dress, if that helps."

The goblin nodded, agreeing with everything Eleni was saying wholeheartedly. "Indeed they do, and they are correct, but living that knowledge is never as simple as knowing it." He moved closer, catching Eleni's hand for a moment and clasping it comfortingly. "You, more than most, have a moral compass that guides you. Trust it, not the jabs and barbs of those who judge without knowing." He patted her hand a couple of times before releasing it. "I know I trust it."

"No sequins?" Boorgrub did a passable impression of being greatly disappointed for a moment before he cackled a delighted laugh. "I will forego the full baronial trappings then, not that even in my full regalia would I be able to compare to you in something plain as a spare drape, Eleni, but I will make certain I don't look like you found me in the alley outside." He chuckled again, teeth gleaming in the light.

"Shall we?" Offering a friendly hand to his taller companion, Boorgrub waited for her to take it before making their way to the Ruby Hearth to prepare.

"I am sure you will clean up just fine." she replies. She continues to hold his hand as they make their way back to the Ruby Hearth. Once there, she splits off to get ready, telling Boorgrub she would return to the lobby in 30 minutes and then they could head to the restaraunt she suggested, The Spiced Kraken. She described it as a upscale seafare place with nice atmosphere and an impeccable reputation. The owner was a friend of Maestran, named Bridget Do'mar.

[Private to GM: Bridget Do'mar is an Aasimar ranger who has a passion for cooking. She opened her place after a few years fishing and hunting in the region. Her dishes are well known to be locally sourced and excellent. It's easily the fanciest place Eleni knows of, that she could guarentee would be a good time.]

26 minutes later...

Boorgrub stood before the small mirror in his room, running a cloth over his boots one last time to ensure they gleamed in the candlelight. The truth was, the goblin really didn't have that many clothes: three of the billowing shirts he preferred, a vest, and two pairs of trousers. Plus the wondrous outfit Thaddeus had made for him in Ebonside was the whole of Boorgrub's wardrobe. He for a moment envied Greb and Eleni their sleeves, and the possibilities they represented, but it was a fleeting thing.

He'd mixed and matched for this, taking the mulberry silk shirt that Thaddeus had produced and tucking it into the better pair of his leather trousers, then finished with the vest and boots from his baronial gift. No furs, no cape, but as he looked in the mirror he smiled. He looked...

"If you don't quit fussing, you're going to be late." Iddy chuckled low in her throat, a sound that reminded the swashbuckler of the sound of dice bouncing across a table. "You look fine, Grubby. I haven't seen you this nervous... Well ever."

Boorgrub smiled and folded the kerchief he'd been polishing his boots with, tucking it into the pocket of his shirt. "I haven't been this nervous since I was introduced to the Contessa Farwind, back before you and I met Iddy." He smiled a little wistfully. "A lovely girl, even if she did find my ears too big."

"Is that some sort of innuendo?" Iddy giggled and did a backflip in the air. "You better be good tonight, something tells me this one is particular about her... ears."

He didn't expect trouble tonight, but as he headed for the door, Boorgrub buckled Goblin's Mischief around his waist anyway. A relic of his people wasn't something one left unattended, especially when you'd invited the Thieves Guild to break into your room. Scampering down the stairs, he managed to get into place, and almost throw an air of timeless nonchalance on before Eleni emerged for their dinner.

Almost.

Eleni took plenty of time getting ready. She could have easily used her magical garb to make a nice appearance, but she knew some things were worth doing the old fashioned way. She had 2 dresses she kept, party because she felt a young woman should have something to look nice in and also she should have options. She considered the white dress from the day before, it was still in good condition and not soiled at all. She placed it on the bed before getting the other option, a sleek crimson red number made of silk with very thin straps that showed her shoulders and cleavage. Her avian companion chose the moment to appear, saying "Choose 'dee red 'un. Matches 'dee gems you like tah wear." Eleni looked at the bird wearing a porcelain mask, considered making a quip about fashion sense, but realized Eudoxia was right. "Thanks, you have a good eye for this." she says as she begins to put the dress on.

A couple minutes later, she is dressed and has her hair down with a loose braid to keep it off her face. A nice ruby necklace hung from her neck and a pair of golden earrings each with a teardrop shaped ruby adorn her ears. She had put her gear away into her haversack, with the exception of her armor. "Eudoxia, can you look after this stuff while I am out? I don't think I'll need it here in town, and would feel a lot better if it was with someone trustworthy."
The raven-like bird cocked her head, then nodded despite the awkward angle. "Of 'curse. Go haf fun wit 'dee shurt 'un, I need to message 'dee big guy anyway. "

Eleni left and made her way downstairs. She was perfectly on time, exactly 30 minutes. Her dress hugged her curves just right, the light fabric slightly shifting over her legs as she walked. She had sandals on that had very fine thread, almost looking as if they stayed on through sheer force of will. Holding only a small clutch made of some dark brown fabric with gold trim, she noticed Boorgrub was already present. She realized how much effort he put into his outfit. She didn't expect anything extravagant but realized he probably did this to make her feel more comfortable. She continued to walk up, saying "You look dashing. The shirt highlights the hues of your skin quite nicely, well done." She is clearly elated, smiling widely, enough to even see the particular points of her canines, which was a rare sight indeed.


This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Tue 05 Mar.