The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[King Coin]

Vera left as Aravi returned. She climbed onto the stool next to Kayla. She looked at the map on the counter.

"Where are we going to start looking? And do you need anything before we go?"

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus ate.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla pointed to the map where Vera had picked out the nearest cave. "Here. That's where I was attacked. I was thinking of asking Irvana of this was around where she was attacked. And no, I have all of my gear with me."

[Darkness Eternal]

Clad in black ebony armor that was somewhat outdated, burned from countless fireball hits, but still undeniably effective and durable, Vera checked her array of weaponary brought by Lycus. The armor had been modified and given tribal runes of a language old and forgotten, the symbols and words written along the gauntlets and chest piece. Herhelmet, too, was black, except for a light ridge crossing and running along the sides of her helm. Her quest seemed pserious a bit, considering she would take on a nest of vampires with two other women, but to one as agile and skilled as Vera, and with a penchant for getting herself into and out of tricky and daring situations, this was nothing out of the ordinary.

Vera scanned her pack holding silver-tipped bolts, poisonous darts and three large throwing stars all made from either silver or steel. A wise hunter would always equip himself with nescessary equipment, and the best was always nescessary. Though she didn't have the means of acquiring yet the Daedric tools, these deadly metals would suffice.

Poison dats would serve to paralyze or intoxicate her prey or bounties. Neither effect would do much good against vampires and their dead flesh. Silver, on the other hand, was the best tool to use when coming face to face with them. Amusingly enough, it was also her bane.

Vera was going to travel light here. Heavy armor was not required. She'd rather choose to sneak on the creatures. It would be equal sport either way. Speed and guile, rather than strength, would serve her well today. Aside from her mundane weaponary, she may be able to use the spells she had been blessed with years ago in Solstheim, though she knew it would do her no good. Vampires could see through walls, and even beings that are invisible to the naked eye.

All she needed was her crossbow . . .

[Darkness Eternal]

Lycus Desselius had his plate taken away from him after he finished eating. As expected, the food was delicious and it went down fine. Though the drink had done something to disturb his stomach.

Sitting down, Lycus thought about letting Vera go without him to the cavern. For years they've been together now, hunting together, fighting together, as one. And they had the rest of their whole lives to do it, and without a doubt eternity as well in the next life. She was always a solitary woman herself, and though the situation didn't change much. She needed to be around her own kind . . . females, he meant. Perhaps let her have some sport and friendly competition.

He looked at Kayla and Aravi on the far side of the bar, and thought about it again. Perhaps not. They took hunting seriously, and they did it to help the lives of those who were in danger. They did it out of duty and obligation. Vera was willing to go not for coin, but for a measure of peace. Not many people shared her mindset, and with good reason. Their lives were shaped differently. Much different.

Lycus took a glance at his wolfish helmet and stared at it, and then his memories went back into the shadows of the past and his eyes stared into nothing in particular. He blinked.

Lleris was still around by then, and his movements brought Lycus back into the present. He looked into his polished helmet and nodded ever so slightly as his lips spread into a grin. When the Dunmer was within earshot, Lycus spoke to him. "Not many could do a job as well as you did," Lycus began. "It takes the dedication and care for polishing something as steel in such a fashion. And even a weapon, as well."

His eyes fell on the Dunmer, and the hostility he had days before had vanished. Lycus never liked the Dunmer much. Their culture was somewhat understandable, but the people in general tended to be the bane of his existance. That is not to say he didn't learn a few precious lessons. The dark few couldn't stand to represent the entire race. Perhaps out of many, a handful were good. One of these handful were his old mentor while he was a slave under a master. "I was a blacksmith once many years ago in Morrowind tasked with supplying the guards of a Telvanni stronghold with equipment. I was a young man still. Never forged a weapon in my life in those days. Never so much as polished armor."

He paused, recounting the memory. "My mentor was a cruel Dunmer. Not like the master of the stronghold, but still blunt and cruel. He once threw a man off a sixty-foot tower for passing gas one night in the barracks. My first day upon learning what I needed to know about forging steel he told me 'boy, this will be your first weapon forged. I want it to be perfect. If I spot so much as a dent, or a crack or anything that doesn't belong there . . . I will break both of your hands so you never can hold a weapon again or even pleasure yourself at night.'"

Lycus scoffed. "Knowing his reputation, I did the task to the best of my ability. I made the weapon, a common shortsword made from steel, fearing for my precious hands with a fear I never thought I would have."

Lycus looked at Lleris. "After he died, I discovered the old bastard has a sense of humor in inspiring others to do a good job and that he never truly meant to harm me in that way."

The large Imperial leaned back and nodded at the Dunmer. "You have it easy boy. No matter what you say or think, its true. The outside world is harsh, and ugly. People say I'm awful, but I am an honest man. You're here surrounded by those who care, who hold sentiment toward you. Cherish that, for many others out there were bred by the cold world and never had the privilege to hold such warmth to their breast."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Jun 3 2013, 01:16 AM

[King Coin]

“Here. That's where I was attacked. I was thinking of asking Irvana of this was around where she was attacked. And no, I have all of my gear with me," Kayla said.

Aravi considered. The Imperial woman could have valuable information that would lessen the amount of searching they would have to do. Then again, as Aravi suspected, she might not know anything of use. And then who knows when the girl would wake up. I suppose we could knock loudly. She looked at Lycus. Very Loudly.

She looked back at Kayla. “It couldn’t hurt talking to her, though I suspect she doesn’t know much. I’d like to get moving soon so if we are going to talk to her, let’s not wait for her to come down.”

[Grits]

Lleris

Lleris moved around behind the bar clearing plates. Aravi and Kayla had their heads together over a map. The Imperial Lycus sat at the bar, examining his newly cleaned helm. Lleris wondered if the man was still inclined to break his bones.

The Imperial’s features stretched into a wolfish grin. “Not many could do a job as well as you did,” he said to Lleris. “It takes the dedication and care for polishing something as steel in such a fashion. And even a weapon, as well.”

I know the worth of my hands, thought Lleris. It can be measured in the gold I earn, for myself and the house that shelters me.

The man’s eyes fell on Lleris. The Dunmer made himself still.

Lycus told the tale of his youth under a cruel dark elf master.

As he spoke, Bograk’s words returned to Lleris’ mind. ‘Even the fiercest hound remembers who kicked him as a pup. You’ve been kicked plenty, lad. I won’t tell you to forget, but you’re no beast. Don’t let your past rule you.’

“You have it easy boy,” Lycus continued. “No matter what you say or think, it’s true. The outside world is harsh, and ugly. People say I'm awful, but I am an honest man. You're here surrounded by those who care, who hold sentiment toward you. Cherish that, for many others out there were bred by the cold world and never had the privilege to hold such warmth to their breast.”

Lleris stood still under the big man’s gaze, listening. I know the cold, he thought. And I’m learning when to hold my tongue.

“Yes, Mister Lycus,” he said.

The door opened, admitting the short, armored figure of Nora the Legion Rider. She strode briskly up to the bar and tossed her leather flask to Lleris. He reached for the pitcher and filled it with kahve.

“Haven’t left yet?” she asked, eyeing the group. “I know where the lady Irvana was attacked.” One hand flipped her map open on the bar. She thumped a thick finger down onto it. “Right here. Use silver, take your potions. But you know that. I’ll see you here tonight. Good luck with the hunt, citizens.”

Nora took her flask back from Lleris. Then she turned on her heel and marched back out the door.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla blinked before putting her map away.

"Well, I think we know for sure where we're headed." She conceded. "Lets go." She picked up her bag and shouldered it and waited, willing to walk with the group.

[mALX]

Maxical:


Maxical peeked her head around the corner of the door, scanning the assembled group spread across the lobby of the Inn. With a feeling of relief a familiar tall figure with almost chestnut hair caught her eye. There couldn't be too many Altmer with hair that color.

"Kayla? Didn't I meet you at Buffy and Aravi's birthday party?"

Maxical pushed the door shut and was already started across the room when she noticed who Kayla was talking to.

"Aravi! What is everyone doing here?"

[King Coin]

"Well, I think we know for sure where we're headed." She conceded. "Let’s go."

Aravi nodded and stood. “The sooner we’re back, the better.” I didn’t come down here to exterminate vampires.

She didn’t notice another Khajiit had entered the room until she heard her name. Who is that? she thought when she looked. The other Khajiit was white, even brighter than Aravi’s fur was, with beautiful red hair.

How does she know me? Where did we meet?

“Hello… who are you? I’m sorry, but I don’t remember, when did we meet?” She began to feel a little embarrassed. I hate it when this happens.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

kayla grinned widely at the sight of the teensy Khajiit.

"Maxical! How did you get here?!" She pulled the girl into a hug, bending down so she wouldn't crush Maxical's face with her chest. "What are you doing here? How have you been?!"

She then remembered Maxical's question. "Well, both Aravi and I- oh, I'm sorry, Aravi, this is Maxical. She was at Buffy's birthday party and I think Buffy had a painting of you. Not sure. It's a little fuzzy. There was a lot of wine."

[King Coin]

Aravi watched as Kayla leaned down to embrace the Khajiit.

A painting of me? And it’s fuzzy? Is she teasing?

That red hair seems familiar. And she knew Buffy, enough to go to her birthday. Might that be how she remembers me? One of the previous parties? Or is there more?

[mALX]

Maxical gave Kayla a tight squeeze back and kissed her cheeks in greeting. "I've met Aravi before, a year ago at one of Buffy's birthday parties. I'm so glad you are here, I hate coming into an inn full of strangers. Geez, there sure are a lot of people here, do you think they'll have a bed left for me? I'd rather spend the night here than the Gray Mare, I heard they have bugs and you sleep on a bedroll on the floor."

Maxical turned back to answer Aravi. "Buffy's party a year or more back. I remember particularly because it was the day she offered to share her birth date with you."




This post has been edited by mALX: Jun 5 2013, 04:42 AM

[King Coin]

So it was one of Buffy's parties.

"I'm please to meet you again Maxical." That's what Kayla called her, right? "Sorry I don't remember you very well."

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla was still stuck on what Maxical said.

"Bugs and what?!" She shook her head. "I'm sure there's room for you, I might be moving on soon, if the weather stays clear."

[mALX]

Maxical's face fell at Kayla's words. "I hope you're not leaving too soon, I'd sure like to spend some time together since I have to be in Chorrol for a few days."

She turned to include Aravi in her question. "Have you two eaten already? I'm starving, do they have good food here?"

[Elisabeth Hollow]

"Aw!" Kayla gave Maxical a gentle hug. "The thing is, we'll be gone for a few hours. Some vampires popped up, and we," she gestured to herself and Aravi, "Are heading to take care of them, along with two others." She gave Maxical an apologetic look. "We've also already eaten. The food here is wonderful, though..."

[Darkness Eternal]

Stefania and Irvana.

Stefania opened her eyes, and right after she yawned. What a night that was . . .

Indeed, what a night it was for she didn’t remember anything that happened. All she recalled was sharing pleasant stories with a fearful but smart Irvana, and falling asleep right after and an odd dream. It was a peaceful dream but nevertheless strange and distant, ethereal even. Dreams she wouldn't dare share to anyone but her closest of friends.

She felt strange, too. It was the wine . . . it had to be. All that wine drained the energy from her. She felt lightheaded and nauseous. She hated mornings like these. Stefania sighed, and massaged the side of her neck for a prolonged period of time before casting a glance beside her. The Imperial woman was there, sleeping as a little child with hands wrapped around her chest as if she was guarding her delicate life. She slept with a mass of black hair and a graceful, almost feline quality to her slumber. Her skin flawless and even more radiant and smooth than it was then night before.

And then Stefania realized that she was in the wrong room, in the wrong bed, and certainly at the wrong time. Her eyes widened and she kicked the covers from her feet and pounced to the side. She tried to find her shoes but it was too dark for her to see as they were dark. She felt with her feet and finally slipped them into her shoes that she left beside the bed, and put her hands out in front of her.

“I hope Hethilion isn’t cleaning my room yet!” she whispered. “He’s going to kill me.”

“Why would he do that?” came a calm, gentle whisper.

Stefania turned to see Irvana laying in the bed, but in the same position as before with her eyes open this time.

“I’m not supposed to be here at this hour. If he catches me, I’m in trouble.” Stefania replied. “I have to be in the tea room before lunch.”

Irvana giggled. “It is breakfast time . . . but I understand you want to establish the belief that you spent your time in the attic. And I support you. Its not worth getting in trouble over something so insignificant as this. Thank you, Stefania, for your company. It was much appreciated. If he does happen to spot you and confront you, I'll be sure to speak with him."

“Thank you, Irvana,” Stefania replied as she stumbled in the shadow for the key at the door. She paused, and remembered one of the jokes Irvana told hours ago. “I love your sense of humor.”

Before she opened the door to check if Hethilion was in the hallway, she turned to Irvana. “You’re not getting out of bed?”

Irvana yawned loudly. “I’m still very tired and that wine somehow left me with a foul headache. I’ll sleep in for a few hours.”

“Yeah, me too. See you around.”

“Likewise.” Irvana replied.

Stefania placed her ear on the side of the door, and listened. No footsteps in the hallway, no sound of mop or broom. Good, she thought. I can still make a dash for it.

And so she did. She opened the door, stepped out and closed it behind her. She feared the Altmer housekeep was already in her room, wondering why in oblivion she wasn’t in there. But the accumulated dirt in the corner suggested he didn’t sweep that way yet, and she was in the clear. Stefania rubbed the nape of her neck, and rushed to the attic. If I can get a bit more of shuteye, I’ll be just fine . . .

****

In the distance, Irvana could hear the clatter of plates and silverware and the sound of feminine laughter.

They’re still here . . .

But she wasn’t annoyed, or even angry. Those vampires will die one way or another.

She lay there in her bed, patient, thinking a thousand thoughts. She sat up in the bed, looked to the door and squinted her eyes. Light came forth from the keyhole, but it was faint and no match for the darkness that was inside her room. A key blocked most of it from coming in.

Not wanting to be disturbed at this hour, or for the hours to come, Irvana stretched forth her hand and concentrated. Her hand twisting gently.

Slowly, the key began to turn as invisible fingers guided it and she heard the locks come into place. When the last click was made, she smiled to herself. Mysticism wasn’t a school she ever found herself interested in, but she couldn’t help but acquire a few spells here and there. Destruction and illusion, on the other hand, were among her greatest of abilities.

She would cast a fireball to one of the candles nearby but struck against it. She closed her eyes, settled more into the soft pillows, and slept.

[mALX]

Maxical leaned in to Kayla's hug and squeezed her tightly back. "Be careful, then. Make sure you come back, I won't rest till I know you are safe. Good friends are hard to find these days."

Maxical glanced around, sizing up the room. "A place like this should have a good bath, do you know where it is? I'd like to get rid of this road dust and eat after I've cleaned up."

[Grits]

Bograk

Bograk stood by the bar fireplace with her kahve, one eye on the guests and the other on her staff. Lleris comported himself well. The lad was a quick learner. Riad moved down the stairs just as Dar’muktah slipped through the front door. The two exchanged a look. Riad walked back to the kitchen, and Dar’muktah took a position in the corner by the stairs.

Bograk nodded to herself.

A white Khajiit entered the tavern and introduced herself as Maxical. She seemed to know some of the guests.

Hethilion came down the stairs and walked over. He passed her a handful of keys.

“Our mysterious guest?” Bograk asked him.

Hethilion gave a thin smile. “She has made herself… welcome. I do hope she decides to stay.” He headed off to his basement chambers.

The orc suppressed a shiver. Mage locks and magical cleaning were tremendous benefits in the running of an inn, and the Altmer’s other services had proven even more valuable. What he got for his trouble was his own business, as long as he didn’t make it hers. The inn remained a safe and clean refuge for travelers. Their long-standing agreement worked well.

Maxical glanced around as if sizing up the room. “A place like this should have a good bath, do you know where it is?” she asked her companions. “I'd like to get rid of this road dust and eat after I've cleaned up.”

Bograk stepped forward. “We have rooms with private baths, ma’am, and our kitchen is open all day. How may we serve you?”