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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 10, 2021 04:57 PM |
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Ivana could be seen curious, her eyebrows wrinkling and here eyes darting back and forth from the waiter and the wizard while they talked. When the waiter left, he stared at Vosh fiercely and tapped his hand.
"Hey! What the f**k?!" she whispered as she got closer to him, "You didn't even tell me what's on the menu! You decided all by yourself!"
She retracted a bit and crossed her arms on her chest, "Are you sure you got me that roasted meat?"
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 10, 2021 05:17 PM |
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Vosh simply smiled and winked at Ivana before leaning back into his chair.
"All has been taken care of..."
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 10, 2021 09:13 PM |
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The wampyri nods greatfully to the waiter once is shown to his seat, and when they speak to him in the local dialect he responds back in the same tongue, saying, “Ah, sorry, I am a foolish northman, my understanding is not so good. Can you speak Dacian for me, please?” It was pretty much all he’d learned of the local tongue so far, though he’d found variations of that question were one of the most important to learn first when one came to a new area. He’d be able to pick up more of the language here soon.
He’d also have to work on his accent. While it wasn’t awful, he did sound a bit like he was trying to whistle while he spoke. That would make him stick out like a sore thumb.
Regardless, Simon ordered himself a light meal of meats and fruit, and then enquired as to the nature of the drink that the other tables seemed to be drinking. As long as it wouldn’t be too unusual for him to drink it alone he’d order a glass. Otherwise, he would order a glass of red wine to go with his dinner.
Once all that was done, he’d finally take off his cloak, unbutton his sleeves and take out a few of the more frilly parts of his shirt, and then he’d lean back into his chair to enjoy the comfortable atmosphere of the evening.
____________
Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 11, 2021 12:28 AM |
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Tavern, West Bailey, Thessaloniki
The waiter would pull out a small notepad and a pencil, then started writing down the order for Vosh and Ivana. He would glance at the man for a brief moment, brow perking ever so slightly before he smiled. "So... ouzo, tsipouro, a carafe of wine, and witch's milk, got it." He then listened to the rest of the order, nodding along. "The platter will be a few minutes, we'll bring the rest right away." He would then turn to move to the next table, after signaling to another server.
Simon's server would switch to a Dacian dialect fully, clearly fluent in it. "Not many Dacians around these parts. Most don't brave the trip through Slavia." He would write the order down, then gave a smirk at the question. "That's a local brew, courtesy of the archon's woman. We call it witch's milk. Tasty as all hell and just as sneaky." He gestured around with the pencil. "As you can see, it's favoured by the Guard ...and by couples. For similar reasons. Highly recommended if you are expecting company." When all was said and done, he'd take his leave, moving to the next table.
It would be a couple of minutes before the first dishes arrived at both tables. First came the appetisers, accompanied by the drinks ordered. Shortly after, the meat parade would begin, though the platter Vosh had ordered would be last to arrive, taking a whopping ten minutes. The three would quickly come to the realisation that all the vegetables, fruits, condiments, and other greenery they were served were of top quality, almost outshining the main dishes.
By the time their tables were starting to fill with their respective orders, a rather fetching woman with a thick mane of brown hair would take a seat in front of the band, starting to sing. Her voice was nothing special, though clearly good enough for her to make a career out of it, especially coupled with her appearance. As the song went on, some of the locals would join in, though the overall volume was not too high for those sharing a table to hear each other.
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 11, 2021 05:39 AM |
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“Not many Dacians are dumb enough to sign a six month contract with Corin Jarard. Let me tell you, the man may be good with money, and chooses his routs conservatively, but he’s as crooked as merchants come with his guards. Still... the pay was rather good.” After he’d gotten it. At hearing about the effects of the drink, Simon would smirk and say, “Well, that sounds like my kind of drink. Let me try a glass.” It would be good to sample the local flavor. And if he didn’t end up caring for it, there was always the rest of the wine menu.
Once he got his drink, the wampyri makes a point to look over to the guards and, if one is glancing his way again, raising the cup to cheer to their health before he takes his first sip. And with that, he settles in to enjoy the music and his meal.
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Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 11, 2021 11:41 AM |
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Vosh downed his aperitif before the meal was brought to the table. The taste required some getting used to, but it was in itself not too dissimilar to some of the herbal spirits of his home. He used the time for the service to be done to scan the room for any suspicious company and take mental notes about the current patrons.
With the meal finally served, he handed the waiter a handful of silver and nodded his head as if saying that everything was up to standard. He picked a most succulent piece of the roast from the plate and began eating.
"Quite a feast, isn't it?", Vosh spoke to Ivana over his glass of wine, "Go on, try it all. See what you find to your taste. These people truly know how to enjoy their lives, seeing as this is what you can order in a mere tavern."
He then took another look around, and continued enjoying the meal.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 11, 2021 04:51 PM |
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Ivana's jaw dropped at the fancy meal brought in front of her. She was so keen in digging in but she held herself from taking the first move. Instead, she watched the wizard who took the first sip and bite which apparently relieved her. Still, her eagerness to eat and drink can be seen from her lips, which she constantly curled and bite.
After a few moments, she nodded her head as if confirming something and reached for the bottle of wine which Vosh's drink came from. Ivana took a sip and after the taste reached her tongue, she exclaimed, "Good gracious! This is great!" The thief then took a small piece of meat and put it in her mouth, her eyes widened, "My gosh! This is really good!"
Ivana then pulled the whole platter close to her, not minding if Vosh would want to have some more. She munched and drank like somebody who didn't have meals for days. Gosh! I feel so hungry! I can't really remember when was the last time I ate, she said to herself.
"Hey wizard, this is good!" She told Vosh, lifting the bottle of wine in front of him, her words barely understandable due to the amount of food in her mouth. It's so full that some of the already chewed ones started to fall. "So," she continued, "How did you manage to get a huge amount of money? These look expensive. Also, how many days are we going to stay here?" Ivana asked, for she already had plans.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 11, 2021 06:07 PM |
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"Why, I worked for it. Put in effort to raise funds for the whole expedition", Vosh said while still sipping his wine, "There's still some of that left somewhere, and what I have here is really what I had on me when I got transported here." He took a few more bites of the meat. "How long we stay here fully depends on the results of my efforts to find a way back. Looking for portals, studying magic... anything I can use, I must find."
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 12, 2021 12:02 AM |
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Tavern, West Bailey, Thessaloniki
The drink colloquially known as "Witch's Milk" was based on a rich red wine that was almost like blood in colour. The taste was sweet, and the scent hinted at various herbs that had gone in. At the first sip, Simon would feel a pleasant warmth spreading slowly across his body, and he would feel his senses and focus sharpening. Scents became stronger, sights clearer, sounds more easily discernible.
A table or two away, Vosh would find his offer of silver politely declined by the waiter, with a practiced smile. "Appreciated, but not before you're done with your meal." It was all the explanation offered before the waiter left him and Ivana alone to enjoy the bountiful meal they had ordered and whatever conversation they were in the middle of.
A bit further away, the band kept playing, with the singer casually interacting with the patrons. As she looked around, moving her body slightly to the rhythm, it became fairly easy to notice her serpentine eyes and the faint markings on the sides of her neck, fading down her shoulders. Like most of the patrons, her fangs were slightly longer than normal but, unlike them, her ears were a bit on the pointy side, similar to those of the satyr-like waiter.
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted May 12, 2021 05:59 AM |
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"Quite the titles." Cyrus stands with Corina. "People actually call her a witch? Not to misspeak, but what did she do to earn such a title? I hardly think being rude would warrant such a harsh title."
Cyrus of course, already knew the reason. Eddie's information had been quite detailed. But, he wanted to hear it from Corina's own mouth.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 12, 2021 08:10 AM |
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Edited by Galatea at 08:13, 12 May 2021.
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"What the f**k did you just said?" Ivana spat, nearly choking, upon hearing Vosh's answer.
She slammed the bottle and her other hand on the table, some of the lighter objects on it got lifted in the air for a second, "You already knew this would happen? And you sending me here was also a part of your plan? And is not an accident?!"
She bit her lips in anger. She wanted to crush the wizard with her fist but she knew that was not an option, so instead she took a piece of meat and threw it on Vosh, rolling her eyes. "Unbelievable!"
"Oh!" Ivana agonized at the situation, slamming the table once again. Normally, she'll continue to get pissed but the wine and food had helped her to calm down. She looked away from Vosh, her face turned serious as she was having lots of thoughts. Moments later, she looked at the wizard again. This time she's smiling and the anxious look on her face was gone.
"Well, you can go on with your studies whatever. I can stay here and guard your things. Great idea right?" Ivana said politely. "Make sure you give me budget for my everyday needs though."
The thief nodded at the wizard and continued to chug the wine. She thought, she could have a short vacation after all.
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 12, 2021 09:43 AM |
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With the enhanced perception, and his general habit of taking in the details of the things around him, Simon would notice all the telltale marks on the singer, and he shifted a bit in his seat. Well now, what exactly was a reclusive lady of this standing doing in society? Settling for such a minor role in the tavern too... to be fair, the tavern in general, from the waiters to the clientele, were rather colorful and diverse, and his teeth and ears weren't exactly the least pointy either, but still.
Ah well. He'd enjoy her voice and the look of her as he was enjoying his meal. After all, it wasn't often one got to be mesmerized by a gorgon queen's song. Last time he'd encountered one, her entire nest had been trying to rip apart him and the rest of the caravan's guards...
It was a lovely voice, if nothing spectacular. And Simon would nurse his drink in order to keep his senses sharp so that he could listen attentively to the performance.
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Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 12, 2021 11:19 AM |
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"I've told you already that this wasn't planned at all", Vosh almost growled. He took the piece of meat Ivana threw at him and removed it from his robes.
"I should remind you that you are still under contract, and that I am still your employer. I cannot just outright leave you to your own devices and pay you while you're out there enjoying the warm day's sun. If you want to be paid, you will have to put in some work. Unfortunately for you, I don't have anything that needs to be guarded."
Vosh took the bottle of the strange drink and uncorked it, filling his cup with the liquid inside. He then proceeded to savor the smell for a few moments before taking a sip - a pleasant discovery for his taste buds, he found.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 12, 2021 06:01 PM |
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Edited by Galatea at 18:02, 12 May 2021.
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"Hey, hey, hey!" Ivana slammed on the table again. "The contract didn't state that I'll get sent to a different plane or whatever sh*t you call it. I was just to steal that gem and give it to you in one piece!"
She scowled at the wizard as she finished the bottle of wine. Ivana didn't like that Vosh had meddled into her plans. She knew that Vosh will definitely make a way to make her do errands for him again. Things had been complicated for the thief and Ivana didn't want to put herself into danger.
When the bottle emptied, she grabbed the newly opened bottle and started downing it. "Look wizard, I'm not following any orders from you from now on. Our contract ends there, at home, at the ruins."
Ivana rolled her eyes again, turning her gaze away from Vosh and focused it instead on the singing lady.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 12, 2021 07:42 PM |
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Edited by NoobX at 19:43, 12 May 2021.
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Having placed his cup on the table and wiping his mouth, Vosh rose from his seat, holding an expression of both disappointment and mild anger.
"Yes, the gem...", he muttered, "A shame, really, that you would make such a choice. I thought we could've had a very profitable arrangement, but it seems I was mistaken. You leave me no other option than to terminate your contract, and, with that, discard any reason for me to even consider helping you. We have nothing more to talk about, then."
He walked over to the waiter, paying for the whole service and then some. "I believe this amount will be enough if she orders more to drink. Good night to you", Vosh nodded and headed for the exit, walking firmly and purposefully. Without any further distractions, he'd hoped he would finally reach his room.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 12, 2021 09:21 PM |
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Thessaloniki, Solun Region, Kingdom of Grecia
---Archon Manor---
Corina moved towards the door, glancing back at Cyrus as the car came to a halt. "We are here." She stepped outside and into what looked like a private station, illuminated subtly by hidden lights and decorated in an almost Gothic style. She then started up the stairs, hips swaying as she moved.
"My Mistress is an Apothecary of the Hallowed Garden. She is can manipulate flesh and matter at her whim. For all intents and purposes, she is a witch." She paused for a moment, before continuing. "Also, before my Master dragged her into the light of public life, her lifestyle in the swamp lent itself to such a description."
---West Bailey, Tavern---
Vosh would see several people watching him as he simply left the table, some curious, others amused. A few among them would nudge those near them, gesturing to him and Ivana, waiting for her response.
As her song came to an end, the singer would stand, taking a slight bow before stepping away from the band. She'd stop one of the waiters, exchange a few quiet words, then start toward the table Simon was at, her reptilian eyes on the man with the fancy clothes.
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 12, 2021 10:11 PM |
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Having finished his first glass of witch’s brew and being well into his second, though planning to drink no further in case there was a hidden side effect he would come to regret later, Simon would just enjoy the sensation of his heightened awareness. There was a symphony to the tavern, from the canter of the argument of that young couple a few tables down, to the conversations between the guard as they sat at their table. The wampyri would sample each of these conversations as he had the evening’s food and entertainment, even going so far as to try and discern what was being said by the singer and waitress before... oh. Now the gorgon was coming his way. Interesting.
Sitting up when she approached his table, Simon gestured take a seat just opposite from him. “Ah, welcome, welcome. To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?” He asked, tone cordial, the slightest slur to his words as he pretends to be more inebriated than he is. People tended, in his experience, to be more genuine when they thought they did not have to hide their intentions, and who had to disguise what they wanted from a rich drunk?
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Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 13, 2021 06:18 PM |
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Edited by Galatea at 18:26, 13 May 2021.
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"Seriously?! Wha-", Ivana cut her speech since Vosh was already far away and she didn't want others to hear her unfamiliar language. She looked at her surroundings and noticed some of them were aware, looking at them. She grit her teeth and clenched her empty fist, while the other grip the bottle tightly.
Ivana was irritated, not just with the wizard, not just with the unpleasant turn of events but also with herself and with more other reasons she could think of. She let out a deep sigh before turning away her fiery gaze from Vosh. And at that moment, she decided that she will not involve herself with the wizard ever again. Ivana knew it was wrong. Ivana knew it would be hard to be alone in an unknown world. But pride won. It won, like it always does.
She unconsciously drank the wine while watching the band and as its exquisite taste soothed her taste buds, she remembered. Ivana held it down and looked at the bottle, slowly stroking it with her thumb. Yes, she told herself. It's just me and you again.
The rogue smiled a bit while her memories flashed. She remembered where it all started. She remembered why she accepted the job. What was her purpose? Was it really for gold? Partly, she answered. Gold was important, it will help her get by. Though the point of all of this was - she just wanted to get it done and go home. And what awaits at home? She asked herself and from there, tears appeared on the corner of her eyes.
She tried to stop them so she tilted her head up. Ivana drank the wine again until she consumed everything. It held her tears back, which was good, she thought, and took the next bottle. Tipsily, she opened it and began gulping its content like a thirsty wanderer.
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted May 14, 2021 08:50 PM |
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"Interesting." Cyrus said.
He followed her up the stairs, content to let the conversation die there.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 16, 2021 09:46 PM |
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Thessaloniki, Solun Region, Kingdom of Grecia
As the sun rose to signal the dawn of a new day, our intrepid heroes would find themselves in bed, with the rays slowly creeping over them. It would quickly become obvious to some of them that it was not the same bed they had slipped into the night before if they remembered doing so in the first place.
---
After the events of the night before, Ivana expected to be waking up in some alley, trying to nurse a hangover and smelling equal parts filth and alcohol. Instead, she found herself tucked in a bed she had never been able to afford in her life, even after some of her more bountiful jobs. Her clothes and weapons had been taken care of, while she had also been thoroughly cleaned and groomed. Whoever had put her in her new surroundings clearly wanted her in her best possible shape. There was no hint of a hangover or any discomfort, and she felt better than she had in years.
---
Vosh thought he would be waking up in his room, ready to start another day of trying to learn as much as he could about his new surroundings and possibly find a way to persuade his strong-willed compatriot to listen to reason. While so far he had no complaint with service at the inn, during the night he must have gotten an upgrade, as he found himself in an unfamiliar room, lavish enough to put most nobles to shame. His robes and other equipment were folded and set on a nearby chair, waiting for him.
---
The last thing Simon remembered was spending a night of passion with the tavern singer, before finally falling asleep well into the night. His company was nowhere to be seen, and the room he found himself in was a far cry from the modest one he had gotten for the night. The bed was considerably more spacious, and the sheets of remarkable quality. His clothes and equipment had been carefully cleaned, folded, and set aside.
---
It would take Tarkas a few moments to realise where he was or to recall anything about the night before. He vaguely remembered engaging in conversation with the Hierophant and his paired companion, though things quickly turned into a blur after that. He could almost recall some details, but it was entirely unlikely that the three had grown close enough for ...or had they? Something was amiss, but there he was now, in a lavish room he didn't recognise, tucked into bed - mercifully alone - and looking at the trees outside his window.
---
Scav woke up with a jump, sitting up in bed and quickly glancing around. His survival instincts kicking into gear right away as he took his surroundings in. He would quickly spot his clothes and equipment on a chair nearby, apparently cleaned and cared for while he slept. The room was more luxurious than anything he had experienced before and just as comfortable as one might expect. Outside the window, he would hear the sound of birds, singing as the new day began.
---
Unlike the rest, Cyrus knew precisely where he was. He was led to his room by Corina the night before and was given the chance to enjoy a hot bath while his clothes and equipment were cleaned. From his window, he could see the garden outside, in all its lush glory. As the sun rose, he'd see the morning dew shimmering, through the light layer of fog above the ground. The birdsong was momentarily disturbed as a shadow moved languidly through the fog, in the form of a pair of lynxes, far larger than they had any right being.
____________
You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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