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Post by Nachtrafe-Tyrant Jr on Nov 1, 2001 14:43:17 GMT -5
OOC: GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! This 'Your Message is too long' garbage is beginning to get on my nerves!
IC: Turning her attention back to the group, she notes sourly that they are talking about heading to To-Shan. Not necessarily the best place for a marked halfling to go, but it would defenitely throw off pursuit. Perhaps she should talk to them, find some way to introduce herself. Again closing her eyes, she makes and discards several dozen possible approaches before tenativly deciding on a way. Just as she is about to stand and implement it, she sees the young woman enter the room.
Noting the fine clothing, the regal bearing, and the perfect complexion, Ariand's heart instantly explodes in emerald fire. Jealousy hammers its way through her veins. Only a scant few months ago, she was wearing silks and furs. She had the time and luxury to don elaboarte garb, wear jewels, fuss about her appearance. Her face twists with bitterness as she again looks down at herself. This time she takes in the fact that she is clad in sweat stained linen and travel grimed leather. Nothing soft or really even femenine about her anymore. Were it not for the natural lushness of her curves, undisguisable even under the warm clothing, most would probably not even notice she was a woman.
With considerable effort she calms her heart and wipes the anger from her face, replacing it with a bland smile. She again feels the ice creep into her heart, quenching...or at least banking, the fire within. Taking another, closer look at the human she notes her young age, and the noble looks of her companions. Smiling grimly to herself she again formulates a plan. Keeping her secrets well hidden, wearing only a friendly grin, she scrambles up fro her place by the fire, shoulders her pack and moves to the noblewoman.(OOC: If it makes a difference, I do have perform. ;D )
Stopping at the human's side and wiping her hands on her own cloak, Ariand tugs gently on the hem of the noblewoman's. Waiting until she has the woman's attention Ariand bows politely and smiles disarmingly up at the much taller woman.
"You're pardon milady. I could not help but overhear your companions. If I understand rightly you are headed in the direction of To-Shan? I too am headed that way...family business. I have been traveling on my own for quite some time and find that I am lonely for company. Would you permit me to accompany your troupe? I assure you, I can pay my own way and can handle myself with the chances of the road. And, as they say, "Paired steps make the journey shorter."
Ariand continues to smile charmingly up at the human, not breaking eye contact, and waits calmly for her answer.
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Post by Andy Halfelf on Nov 1, 2001 15:14:51 GMT -5
Looking at Ming he says smiling "nope don't mind you stay have enyoing your company just as much as you have enyoed mine" when Aleaina enter he says "Hi how are you this morn(OOC: put in the correct time...can't remember if it is morn noon or late afternoon, and i have to make some homework )?"
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Post by Kothoses the Tyrant on Nov 2, 2001 10:05:33 GMT -5
Quinn smiles warmly at the halfling, the little creatures had always had an unatural affinity with him and elves, and his human upbringing made him much more tolerant, "Ho there stout fellow, I often forget the ears of the halfling and their un natural style of picking up on ever conversation" Quinn's laugh is slightly contagious and the mishceivious grin shows he is plotting something "Well friends I say we cant have an adventure without a Halfer tagging along, Come now little Hobbit, tell us of your self before our hound and taskmaster takes us into that less than hospitable land" The halfer could not help but notice Quinns sunny disposition was a stark contrast from the normally somber elves people so often heard of in tales.
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Post by Palin the Wizard on Nov 2, 2001 10:17:24 GMT -5
Esque looks at Ariand. "Good day, Lady. My name is Esque, Paladin in the service of Dauros. Might I enquire as to your name, Lady?" Esque asks, rising from his chair and bows deeply.
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Post by Rika_CatGirl on Nov 2, 2001 13:58:06 GMT -5
Rika sees the halfling lady talk to Aleina and wonders if she should introduce herself. Rika briefly thinks about it and then does so . "Hello , good lady , my name is Rika."
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Zoras
Minion
Burn with the Dragon's soul
Posts: 203
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Post by Zoras on Nov 2, 2001 23:00:50 GMT -5
Marallyse: Balustin chuckles at your blatant invitation, a hand running slowly along your side, making you arch into his touch, "A little morning exercise, my dear? A tempting offer truly, and one that I would gladly accept were we not already late for our meeting with the others. You slept quite soundly following our little liaison last night, and frankly, I enjoyed the sight of you sleeping so much that I decided to let you rest some more." He winks at you, and his eyes burn with a gleam you are quite familiar with now, "I think you might need your strength for the journey ahead." Balustin pulls you closer against him to kiss you deeply again, but it is a brief touch as he pulls away, "I'm afraid your dress... is beyond repair. My apologies for that. I sometimes get carried away. I shall see to it that you are well reimbursed for it however." His teasing smile makes you wonder just how he intends to accomplish that, "Your gear has been brought to this room, just behind the screen I entered from. I wouldn't bother dressing too warmly. We will be taking a coach after all, and heavy clothes can just be... troublesome." Balustin speaks truly, and you find your clothing and equipment just in the adjacent room. Balustin does not leave as you dress though, merely watching you with a playful grin. You both leave the room in a companiable silence, heading back towards the common room of the inn. It comes as a surprise then when Balustin rests a hand on your shoulder, bringing you to a stop. As you look up at him curiously, he says, "What you saw last night, Marallyse, is a secret that I have decided to share with you. Do not speak of it to the others. I sense that many of them are nervous enough without this information on their minds as well. If they knew... well, it might cause unwanted problems and tension." His eyes have become focused, and you realise they have become like mirrors; cold, glassy and permitting no view into the soul beyond. Abruptly, he smiles and leans close to kiss you again, the hard look gone from his eyes, "Perhaps my tone was too harsh, Marallyse. I would prefer it if it remained our little secret, just the two of us." --- Quinn and the others: OOC: Damn Nach, you're giving me a run for my money in character development. Well done! You've got some bonus xp points for that last part. IC: Aleaina turned to stare in some surprise at the halfling which seemed to suddenly appear beside her, tugging at the hem of her cloak, "Oh, why, hello there. I... I didn't hear you approach." She smiles hesitantly at Ariand, "We're actually heading to some fortress or castle south-east of here. Sel... something or other. I'm actually not the one organising this expedition, its Balustin." Seeing the blank appearance on your face, Aleaina laughs softly, her voice a musical chime, "I'm sorry, I forgot you don't know who he is. Oh, but I forget my manners. My name is Aleaina, Aleaina Rivalion." With a warm smile, Aleaina crouches and offers her hand to Ariand, "I can't speak for Balustin, but you seem like a nice person. I'd be happy to have you along with us. Oh! Let me introduce the others!" Standing, she takes Ariand's hand and points out of the others, "This is Quinnthalas. I met him just recently too. And this is Esque, a knight, and..." a slight flush crosses her face as she continues, "my self-appointed protector." Aleaina turns to a tall, heavyset man with dark hair, "And this is Lupo. Odd name, but he's good in a fight. This is Rika. She's a sea elf! Isn't that amazing! I always thought they were just from fairytales! That there is Jackie, and the lady with him is Ming. She's not really with us though. Oh, and this is Ulimin. He's a little hard to understand, but he's a priest of Pelor." Aleaina pauses for breath and continues, "There's also Marallyse, but she..." Aleaina noticeably blushes now, "she didn't come back from Balustin's chamber last night. I... I think they should both be along soon. And there's Rowan, Balustin's manservant. He's out getting the horses ready." --- Esque: Something truly strikes you as odd. This Aleaina, this bright cheerful, talkative girl, seems so... different from the weary figure who greeted you at the door earlier this morning. And yet, she knows all of you well, and her occassional shyness still strikes you as being familiar. Perhaps she merely didn't have time to fully shake herself from sleep earlier.
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Post by Nachtrafe-Tyrant Jr on Nov 2, 2001 23:52:40 GMT -5
OOC: LOL Zoras. Thanks. You're an awesome writer, and you inspire me. Ask Koth. I love to write long involved posts and interact with NPC's. Anyway...this is a quick post. Icy is here now(she's in the shower, so I'm sneaking a minute), but I will make an effort to post tomorrow. Hope that doesn't throw things too far off. IC: Smiling politely, Ariand takes the human's hand and, keeping voice pitched so that all can hear her, she introduces herself. "My name is Ariand. It is a pleasure to meet you all. I have been without companions, and cold for so long that my manners seem to have frozen as well." Calling to the barmaid who served her earlier, Ariand orders two tall pitchers of steaming mulled cider for the table, and gestures for Aleaina to proceed her. Ariand deftly pours mugs of the fragrant beverage for the table, seating herself upon her pack and asking after the groups progress and destination. OOC: Making small talk. Will use Innuendo and Perform as appropriate. I will post something a bit more thorough tomorrow. Later all!!
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Zoras
Minion
Burn with the Dragon's soul
Posts: 203
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Post by Zoras on Nov 3, 2001 2:48:20 GMT -5
OOC: I inspire you? Hehe. My very first fan. I'm actually heading off to a party now, and I may not be back tonight, so I'll likely reply to posts tomorrow. And Nach, what are you doing viewing posts when you should be viewing IA in the shower?
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Post by Kothoses the Tyrant on Nov 3, 2001 10:55:37 GMT -5
OOC, he tells the truth the dude writes some amazeingly long and wel woven posts, Im gonna have to find time to get mine back running soon.
Quinn Stands silently observeing the room and his companions, trying to put together a puzzle that was forming in his mind, there were several connections here that he was missing, Balustin was at the center of ever web that had been woven, or was he, Quinn could not help shake the thought that no matter how tied to the web's balustin was, he was not the one weaveing them.
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Post by Ulimin_Quenada on Nov 3, 2001 14:15:19 GMT -5
Ulimin introduces himself to Arland - "I am Ulimin Amardo Quenada from Dhurgan, former Seneschal to ze house of Januzkel of ze border territories. But you may call me Ulimin, or Uli or anything you so wish. Just dont call me late for dinner ya!" he jokes. "Velcome to our group. Be assured zat most of us are honourable. Zose zat are not honourable, keep it vell hidden."
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Post by Aradia on Nov 3, 2001 14:31:50 GMT -5
Marallyse dresses under Balustin's gaze, and makes quite the show of it, teasing with her stretches and turns and bends, a faint smile on her lips the entire time. As they walk towards the group and Balustin stops her, looking cold, Marallyse returns the gaze as cold as he gives. "You mistake me for somebody that can be commanded in such a way. A polite request I tend to follow, especially from a lover. But a demand, accompanied by a hand on my shoulder, is not so well received. I know you could squash me like a bug should you choose to do so, but....I tell you true, I'd rather that happen than be anybody's minion to direct in any fashion they choose. Do NOT mistake me for a woman who can be cowed, or who even is capable of fear. I will promise you nothing. Although I tell you that it is unlikely I should reveal such information as I have of you, unless you betray us in some fashion that requires it. Short of that circumstance, I see no reason to tell anybody anything other than that last night was quite pleasureable. Which is, of course, a truth." With that, she pulls away from Balustin and heads towards the group in purposeful strides, an angry scowl on her face.
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Zoras
Minion
Burn with the Dragon's soul
Posts: 203
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Post by Zoras on Nov 4, 2001 6:11:51 GMT -5
OOC: Just a quick post tonight. I imagine Aradia will want to have her greetings to the halfling, and vice versa. Marallyse: As you walk away down the hall, your back still stiffened in anger, you can feel Balustin's gaze boring into you, like a knife between your shoulder blades. You tense, awaiting an angry outburst or even a blow. He had reminded you rather abruptly of the drow masters you had served in the past, and the memories that accompanied the thought were sharp and unpleasant, and knowing what you do now, you expect a harsh reprisal at the very least. But nothing happens. You turn the corner and spot the common room up ahead, and nothing breaks out behind you. Breathing a small sigh, you quicken your steps and are soon greeted by the welcoming faces of the others. To your surprise, there is a new face in the group, a youthful halfling perhaps in her twenties. It was always difficult to tell with the halfling race. --- Quinn and the others: The sound of light steps approaching heralds Marallyse's approach just before she enters the room. There is a slight furrow of her brow, but it quickly fades as she joins you. There is no sign yet of Balustin, but the few glances Marallyse throws back over her shoulder makes you think he won't be long in arriving.
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Post by NachtAngel on Nov 4, 2001 21:03:04 GMT -5
OOC: Sorry for the short post. Been busy. IC: Ariand continues chatting with the group, making small talk, telling of her time on the road(leaving out the bits about constables, mobs, and warrants ;D ). She tells them that she is traveling in the direction of To-Shan. A distant relative had passed on and she is on the way to collect a small inheritance. By profession she is a travelling performer. A professional acrobat and entertainer in fact. She amuses the group by performing small tricks with a few coins, and a trio of cups and a small ball. Even Keysha gets in on the act, standing on her hind legs and juggling some bits of rolled up bread. Ariand and her 'trained ferret' take the applause and laughter that follows and drink it up. Dispensing smiles all around, Ariand orders another pitcher of cider. Ariand's sharp ears pick up the tread or someone approaching the table. Turning, she sees a tall woman striding purposefully towards the table. When the new woman arrives, Ariand pours a mug of cider, hops down from the table, not spilling a drop of the scalding liquid, and introduces herself. "Greetings milady. My name is Ariand. It is a pleasure to meet you. Your companions and I have been discussing potential traveling arrangements. Perhaps you'd care for a glass of cider?" Ariand offers the mug to Marallyse, beaming up at her.
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Zoras
Minion
Burn with the Dragon's soul
Posts: 203
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Post by Zoras on Nov 5, 2001 7:44:40 GMT -5
OOC: OK, time to get things moving again. I guess you were busy all day with your own adventure, Aradia. (Great stuff, btw!) MDE, you can make Lupo say something now, you know. And where is Esque? --- A harsh cough from the doorway draws your attention, and you all turn to find Rowan standing there with a scowl on his face, an expression matched perfectly by his distinctly disapproving voice, "You were all meant to be readying yourselves for the journey, NOT smiling and grinning like fools over an entertainer's display." Aleaina starts to protest, "We were just-" but Rowan holds up a calloused hand, forestalling any words, "Come on. We're late enough as it is. Its two hours past sun-up, and we'll have to hurry now if we're to make Chang-Yi's Well by sundown." Rowan turns and strides out the door again, calling over his shoulder, "The stables are right opposite this inn!" Aleaina casts you all an apologetic glance, then sighs and tucks the cloak more tightly around herself, following Rowan out into the street. Once again, her hand is clutching the amulet around her neck, and not a few of you catch her staring at Rowan's back intently, her brow furrowed as if deliberating something unpleasant. Ming watches Aleaina go, then slowly turns to Jackie with a sigh, "Well... I guess this is goodbye then." She squeezes his hand tightly, leaning close and pressing her lips to his in a fervent kiss, her eyes slightly luminous, "I'll miss you. Keep yourself safe, do you hear? And be sure to stop by if you pass this way again." Ariand: You recognise the gruff-toned man, a half-elf by the looks of it, now that you can get a closer look at his face, as the person who nearly knocked you over when you first entered the tavern. Seems like Haisamin has decided to favor you today with her gaze. With your luck, he might even turn out to be an informant of the Triads. Quinn: As you all begin to file out of the inn, your sharp ears catch muttered words by one of the patrons near the door, "Good riddance." You glance sharply in his direction, but the man is assiduously focusing his attention on the porcelain cup in his lap. Had you not heard his words, you would have thought the man was simply indulging in the practise of reading fortunes in tea leaves. You can't help but wonder what transpired that lowered you all so dramatically in the villager's standings. Surely it could not have been Ulimin's little display alone. Your gaze is drawn to Rowan, now seemingly haggling with the stablemaster over some spare bridles. Perhaps you and your friends are viewed as guilty by association? And there is still no sign of the mystery man himself, Balustin.
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Post by Palin the Wizard on Nov 5, 2001 13:53:24 GMT -5
Esque wonders about the change in Aleaina, but he doesn't let it show. Turning to the newly arrived Balustin, Esque bows. "You are right, Lord. We must be going at once," he says, and hurries out towards the stables.
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