The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[Colonel Mustard]

The conversation was interrupted with quite alarming thoroughness by two things; Kyala stumbling semi-conscious nearby them and falling by Darnand, who immediately started tending to her, and a bosmer collapsing by their small group. Salyan blinked in surprise as he fell to the ground, and after a moment he recognised him; the unusually tall one who had known Kayla. And Sethyas as well, it seemed.

He was already being looked over by Aravi, and Salyan knew that she wouldn't be much use; beyond the most basic of healing spells that could soothe a minor bruise or close a small cut, she knew no restoration spells. There was, however, a small crowd of gawkers beginning to gather, so she hopped up with her arms outstretched, waving them back.

"Come on everyone, give the man some room," she said. "Nobody's going to help by staring at him with slack jaws, you know."

[minque]

Serene

Now she was cross with Seth. He didn't seem to really understand her eager to help everyone...

Then again the darn dunmer was RIGHT! He was always right and that was somewhat annoying...

So whan poor Kayla showed up, in much need of a healer, he told her NOT to intervene!! Now Kayla was assisted by her friends

"Yes they know each other...I don't, I'm a stranger and so is Seth..somewhat"

But when the tall Bosmer fell over just at their table she just couldn't stop herself, she made her way from the bar and arrived at the table just as Seth poured some alchemical potion over and into the poor man.

Serene felt the familiar trickling sensation in her hands, those hands that have healed so many wounds, especially on the dunmer standing beside the fallen man ...then she noticed the Khajiiti woman...Aravi was it..was performing a healing on the fallen bosmer

"She's good" Serene thought while kneeling beside her

" Do you need help, Aravi? He's badly hurt so maybe we need to cooperate here"

Sethyas, what did you give him? he's high as White Gold Tower

[Darkness Eternal]

Draken’s face was pallid, his skin deathly pale. His hair a brighter shade of black and his nails were longer and almost cracked. His lips were of a different texture from his skin, they were silken and delicate as any other healthy person, only grey.

Irvana wasn’t unnerved. She felt drawn to him and him to her.

“I need to rest,” Draken explained to her after their time together. “It would be safer if I remained here.”

The Imperial woman didn’t nod, but she acknowledged his decision with a long stare. The two came together, their lips met and then she left from the darkness of his chambers.

As Irvana headed out back into the festivity, Draken couldn’t get over how beautiful of a woman she was; a cold, black-haired woman with an unblemished face, free of scars, bruises or any pustule whatsoever. She didn’t require any natural herbs or oils to maintain her looks.

A pity I never gave her a bite.

There was a solution for that, one that would be going to his room anytime now.

Stefania.

Draken remained behind, and retreated into the shadows that were his temporary abode.

He closed the door shut.

There, in the room, Draken stared at his own reflection in the mirror. He gazed into the dead eyes that were only sparked by embers of gold, red and orange. His eyes moved to his skeletal hand and his pale flesh, given the color from time without proper diet.

With the telepath out there, he couldn’t bring himself to go hunting. It was only natural that clueless prey had a habit of venturing into a lion’s den. It was just a matter of time.

The vampire reached out for a silver pitcher, and poured human blood into a silver goblet, and then drank away. The blood, though not fresh from a mortal source, changed his skin quite a bit.

Yet.

Yet he still looked the man who’d just awakened from a grave, or a young lad who'd seen a ghost.

The red nectar from Stefania would certainly change that.

Soon.

First he must concern himself with his well-being, and then all the other problems that had piled up in the recent hours.

Kayla, first and foremost. That infernal blade of hers was the bane of the undead and he would not find peace as long as she’s rotting in the dirt and that blade is sent back to the pits of oblivion were it belongs.

The mystery telepath Irvana warned him about; a dangerous one. He or she could be anywhere, still invading the minds of others for whatever reason. If Kayla was to somehow appear dead or missing and if they were even acquainted . . .

He could leave before he was discovered.

No, that wouldn’t do. Last thing he needed was rumors circulating in the Black Horse courier or in the political stations that he was a vampire. That would simply not do.

This wasn't the first time he had risked public exposure.

The history behind him was vast and daunting and in the eye of that storm of plots and schemes he could hear the faraway voices of all those who had laid the groundwork of the Order Vampyrum— And those who risked to destroy all it stood for as well.

Though with the guidance of his relative, he was able to save himself and his people from certain doom.

Draken interlocked his fingers and pondered. Raven would know what to do . . .

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 11 2013, 11:38 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

Vera.

“You have given me hope, though fulfilling it will not be up to my skills alone. Now I at least know what questions to ask, how to guide someone who needs help. And most importantly now I know what I can’t promise. I am glad to have met you, Vera. With all of my heart, thank you.”

Vera, after a few passing seconds, gently pulled her hand away. She was the last person one would go to for hope . . . well, excluding her grandfather who had dropped the entire survival of her family and generations of history and legacy upon her shoulders. Ever since then it was only Lycus who had ever placed his trust on her, and he's all that she needed. A human's concern rarely had an effect on her.

Even if fifty people were to thank her from the bottom of their heart, it wouldn't change what she had done to just get by in the world. What she had to do to make sure she would last another single day in this world. Countless people dead by claw and fang, others by axe, sword or arrows and bolts and even her bare hands and snares for money. If she saved a woman and by some chance be the one who helped bring the child into the world, it wouldn't compensate for the lives of the young ones she's taken away under bestial hunger.

She wanted to feel something, anything, for aiding Abiene but in the end she only felt . . . hollow. Even if by chance Abiene was a woman who could not reproduce and by chance used the lycanthrope guise to cover her own issues or if she really had known one who suffered from infertility, there was nothing she could do to express any joy.

"I've done what I can," Vera replied to Abiene. Face neutral. "You're gratitude is wasted on me."

There was a slight knock on the door, and Vera could smell food from far off.

That must be Hethilion.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 11 2013, 11:32 PM

[Grits]

Darnand

The giant Bosmer staggered in and collapsed at Kayla’s feet. The rest of the group tended to him while Salyan provided crowd control.

“Up or down?” Darnand asked Kayla. “I would suggest that either Serene or Abiene look at your injury. I have seen the results of Jerric’s brawling often enough. When he displaces someone’s cheekbone like that it often produces a fracture in the floor of the eye socket. Were you by any chance punched by a Nord?”

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 11 2013, 11:35 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

It took Kayla a moment to realize Darnand was talking to her. Her face throbbed, her neck throbbed, gods, even her hair hurt! Darnand spoke in a matter-of-fact voice, not unkind, but very detached. In control. She realized that she liked that about him. In the short time she'd known him, he was concerned for her well-being, even though he had no personal interest in her.

She tried to smile at him, which sent a shot of pain through her head. She held back a wince and sighed.

"I don't know what happened. The last thing I remember was...buying chitin armor from Thals, feeling ill, then waking up from Westley nearly dunking my head underwater. Wait, Up or down? Why would we go down?"

[King Coin]

“Do you need help, Aravi? He's badly hurt so maybe we need to cooperate here.”

Aravi looked up. It was Serene that offered. “I can use some help yes. I am not a healer.”

[Black Hand]

“I can use some help yes. I am not a healer.”

Serene gave her requisite angry look to Sethyas over the collapsed form of the tall Bosmer, and summoned forth her powerful grasp in the College of Restoration.

It didn't matter to her what the cause or even who the person was. She'd have healed a person worthy of death if she was in the position.

The blue and yellow energies of Restoration flowed forth, illuminating and surrounding her, moving the air slightly, and she directed it down to the Bosmer

____________________________________________________________

Sethyas watched the display and glanced over at Darnand and Kayla. She seemed in pretty bad shape.

"I know for a fact Abiene's a good healer. So is Serene, and she's here now if you need her. She won't refuse help if asked. Ancient code and all that." He explained to them.

[Grits]

Abiene

As Vera slid her hand away she also seemed to draw back into herself.

“I've done what I can,” she said. Her voice was emotionless. “Your gratitude is wasted on me.”

Abiene had sometimes felt that way when someone overwhelmed her after a healing. Don’t thank me for doing my job, she sometimes wanted to say. It’s not about you personally, it’s just what I do.

Some women would want an elaborate dance of insistence and refusals to follow such a declaration. Abiene believed that Vera was not among them. She took the woman’s words to mean what they said.

Abiene returned Vera’s neutral gaze with a soft smile of her own. But you have my gratitude just the same.

A knock on the door was swiftly followed by the meal they had ordered. Abiene resisted the urge to tear into it like a wild animal. She tended to forget she was hungry until nearly faint with it. Today was no exception.

[Grits]

Darnand

“I know for a fact Abiene's a good healer. So is Serene, and she's here now if you need her. She won't refuse help if asked. Ancient code and all that,” Sethyas explained.

Darnand gave Sethyas a curious glance. He wondered what had transpired between Abiene and the Dunmer. Someone had been hurt it seemed, but there had to be more. There was much in her eyes that she had not explained.

Kayla’s confusion was not a good sign. Darnand eased her into a chair. “I propose that we amend our plan,” he said to her. “If you will permit I will mitigate your discomfort while we await the attentions of Madame Velas.”

He cupped her uninjured cheek in his hand, sending healing light to close broken blood vessels and ease the swelling.

The cheekbone was more than he should attempt with his limited skill. Perhaps now that the swelling is gone I could move it into place using telekinesis. If I was gentle…

Darnand took his hand away before temptation got the best of him. It was wrong to experiment on one’s friends. Even just a little.

He glanced up at Salyan, nodding to indicate the fallen brawlers. “They might have been part of your illusion,” he said. “For a moment I thought I must be back in Skyrim.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla sighed in relief as the pain in her face eased a bit. Out of reflex, she leaned her head into Darnand's hand and looked up at him with grateful eyes.

"Thank you." She said softly. "Do whatever you think is best. I'm tired."

She knew that sleepiness generally wasn't a good sign after taking a punch like she had, but gods, she was so damned tired. She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes and let it out slowly, leaning more on Darnand's hand.

[Uleni Athram]

Ylenno could feel the hurt all over him being awashed away by an aetherial wave of.... something. It was beyond mortal comprehension to grasp the immense empathy, the pure-hearted intent to heal Ylenno felt now... It was like experiencing the warmth of a mother's love for the first time.

So divine.

So otherwordly.

So... mushy.

Ylenno disentangled himself from the tendrils of unconsiousness, and found that he was being tended to by two women. One was Aravi, the earlier Khajiit, and the other... Ylenno squinted through the candelight of the tavern and focused on her eyes. She was an Imperial, no doubt about it, but those eyes were... something else.

Ylenno gently detached himself from the healers and stood up.

He didn't know who the main healer was between the two of them, but even Ylenno, a punk who knows nothing of magick, had to admit that the kind of healing he received just now was in a league of its own.

He dusted himself off with the flourish of a rogue and smiled widely at them. Even at the black-handed face of the dunmer who he distinctly remembered trrying to knock off for some Hackle-Lo.

"Normally I'd snark and quip some whips at you for healing me, but I'll just settle with a heartfelt thanks!"

He nodded to Aravi, stretched an offended arm and offered it to the Imperial woman.

"I'm afraid I haven't catched your name, miss. I'm Ylenno Sasalonia, rogue-thug supreme, and you are...?"

[minque]

Serene

Serene smiled, her healing of the big Bosmer was successful. The man slowly rose to his feet, stood there trying to focus for a bit, then with a big grin he stretched out his hand to her;

"I'm afraid I haven't catched your name, miss. I'm Ylenno Sasalonia, rogue-thug supreme, and you are...?"

"Serene Catraso-Velas at your service, serjo Sasalonia"

"Married to that dunmer over there, Sethyas Velas, but now then how do you feel? Any dizziness? nausea? Can you walk a straight line?"

She noticed Seth's look, and knew what he was thinking. He always thought she interfered too much, that she would heal the worst assassin in the world if she was in the position to do so

"But I can also kill just about anyone who threatens my beloved ones or my friends"

Then she heard Kayla, Kayla was also hurt but Serene had thought she had been taken care of. Now that man Darnand was tending to her that she could see, but nevertheless the girl was still in pain and sounded disoriented.

That's not good at all, she might have a concussion besides the other injuries, so she has to be put somewhere where she can have some peace

Serene saw that the Bosmer, Ylenno, was as good as ok so she decided to try to help Kayla, also she wished for Aravi to accompany her.

"Would you join me here, Aravi? she asked

Kayla looked terrible still even if some healing had been performed, her cheekbone was dislocated and there was swelling almost all over her face.

"Aravi, could you please lend me your hand? I need a bit more energy to ease the swelling in her brain, and also put her to sleep so we can fix her cheekbone"

Two pair of hands, khajiiti and imperial, surrounded Kayla's head, a mist of bluish energy swirled around them...

"Kayla, stay calm, you will now fall asleep, you are fine you can't feel the pain anymore" Serene intoned in a low voice

It worked, the altmer woman closed her eyes and dosed away...as intended

The cheekbone was broken and dislocated. To gently put it in place was not very complicated as Kayla was fast asleep....Then mending the actual bone tissue was done by normal healing-by-touch.

She just sat there after the healing, totally exhausted....

[King Coin]

“You are welcome,” Aravi replied to Ylenno. Though compared to Serene’s powerful healing magic, she hardly did anything. He seemed to recognize that, and focused his thanks on Serene. She stood up and stepped back as Serene spoke with him. She straightened her green gown.

She was surprised when Serene asked her to join her in tending Kayla. She went with Serene and did as the experienced healer instructed. Her simple healing spell seemed to be effective with the guidance of the Imperial woman.

Just as her magicka was spent, Serene seemed satisfied with Kayla’s condition. Aravi stood up and straightened her gown yet again. She offered a hand to the other woman and hauled her to her feet. Though Aravi was physically smaller than Serene, she had no problem pulling the other woman to her feet.

“Come and sit down. You look tired,” Aravi said and guided Serene to an empty seat. They were back at the bar, next to Salyan. There was no seat for Aravi, so she simply stood. She asked the bartender to bring them both some water.

While Serene drank, Aravi asked Salyan about her magic again. “I live in Skyrim, and the images you showed were very vivid. I recognized some of the land features you showed. I’m going there in a couple of days, and I’m really looking forward to it after your show.”

[Colonel Mustard]

Salyan had to say, by the standards she was used to, the brawl she had just witnessed was hardly impressive. Usually, brawls on the Isles weren't considered to have properly got underway until at least one person had been killed, but aside from some broken noses and nasty bruises this one had stopped before anyone had even warmed up. It was almost disappointing, really.

The onlookers all but dispersed themselves when they realised nothing more exciting than a healing was going to occur and Salyan returned to her seat, unofficial duties as bouncer now complete. Aravi and Serene joined her a few moments later, the khajiit helping Serene down and asking for water for the pair of them.

“I live in Skyrim, and the images you showed were very vivid. I recognized some of the land features you showed. I’m going there in a couple of days, and I’m really looking forward to it after your show.”

"Oh yes, there was expedition you mentioned, wasn't there?" Salyan said. "I hope to visit one day myself; Norse poems and songs are some of my favourites, and I've heard it's an amazing place to see anyway."

She stood and pushed her stool towards Aravi.

"Here, have this," she said. "You've just done all that hard work looking after that bosmer, you probably need a seat more than I do."

[Grits]

Darnand stood back and watched Serene and Aravi work. He offered a hand to Kayla when she woke. Serene looked exhausted, so he assumed that she had completely healed Kayla’s injuries.

Seats were exchanged and positions shuffled. Darnand found himself standing at the edge of the group again. He angled his shoulders in an attempt to separate them from the drunken rabble at his back.

Darnand spoke to Kayla in a low voice, catching her up in case she missed a few remarks while she awakened.

“We are discussing Skyrim in the context of Salyan’s interests and our upcoming expedition,” he murmured.

He glanced around in search of an empty barstool for the bard.

[Grits]

Abiene

The meal passed mostly in silence, comfortable for Abiene if not exactly companionable. Vera seemed vigilant even while she was still. Abiene remembered the animal strength that had coursed through the unconscious Lycus. She imagined that a werewolf might have difficulty finding repose.

Abiene placed the remains of her meal back on the tray. “If I have your leave, I should like to return to my chamber,” she said. “I have some things to attend to there. I won’t go back down to the tavern unless my friends report that the danger seems to have passed.”

Vera didn’t talk much, but her restless eyes missed nothing. Rather than the usual farewell chatter Abiene simply stood before the taller woman for a moment, letting her eyes and posture speak. She felt gratitude that she wanted to express in friendship, even if it was rejected. Bonds between people could be viewed as welcome connections or restrictive ties. She would not impose upon Vera and Lycus, but she was available if ever they needed her.

She wondered how much of her heart was conveyed in her look. Abiene picked up the tray, giving Vera a parting smile at the door.

Hethilion was almost at the top of the stairs when she stepped into the corridor.

“I beg your pardon,” Abiene called to him.

To his credit he hardly rolled his eyes as he turned back toward her.

“Thank you,” said Abiene. She handed him the tray. “If you have a moment to return to my chamber, I need your assistance. Or of course you can send someone else. I’ll be ready in half an hour.”

Back in her room Abiene divided the day’s purchases into parcels. Then she sat down at the desk to write.

The first note was for Sethyas. At the market stalls she had gathered a small supply of alchemy ingredients from Thals and Martine, plus a few rolled hackle-lo in a lightweight, waxed wooden travel box. Rather than barge in on him and Serene in their bedchamber she had decided to leave the package for him with the inn’s staff. Though she feared her note sounded terse to the point of rudeness, she could not think of a way to allude to the things she had agreed that she wouldn’t know. In the end she simply addressed the note to ‘Master Velas, Alchemist’ in a neutral tone and trusted that he would read between the lines.

Sethyas,

Please accept the enclosed items to replenish your supplies. It is only the smallest of gestures and cannot possibly reflect my full appreciation. I hope you will allow me to make it.

Abiene

She sat for a moment letting her thoughts drift through the events that had brought her to the Goblet. As you said, my friend. The rest is in silence.

The second note was for Maxical and Eyja. She addressed it along with the package to the care of the Arcane University. She knew that it would find its way to them. Since they were known as her friends she saw no risk in using a warmer tone.

My dear friends,

I was saddened to find you had departed the inn, but I made a silent toast to each of you in your absence. Truly, you did not miss anything by skipping the free beer.

I found an artist at the festival and could not resist having him paint your portrait. As you can imagine you made quite an impression even as you slipped away. He vividly recalled seeing the white Khajiit, and of course Eyja I need not relate how he described your beauty.

I hope you will enjoy having this image of the two of you together. Your friendship and care of one another warms my heart even in memory.

May you walk in safety and light, my friends.

Abiene

Hethilion returned and took the parcels, promising to see them delivered to Seth and to the Imperial Mail. Abiene tipped him in her usual reckless manner, failing to plan ahead for her next financial crisis until he had gone.

She eyed the newly filled bath. Darnand would eventually return. He might even sleep in her chamber. He hadn’t yet laid a hand on her, but she wanted to be fresh between the sheets just the same.

A moment later she had adjusted the folding screen for modesty and hopped into the tub. Abiene lay back so that her head rested on the high edge and slipped her hands under the water. A soft sigh rose into the air along with the fragrant steam.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla nodded at Darnand's brief summary of the conversation.

"Thank you." She whispered back and gave him a small smile. She listened momentarily while he searched for a stool.

"What happened?" She asked in a low voice. "Did I pass out or get into a fight or something?"

I don't think I drank very much.

[Grits]

Darnand’s brows lifted at Kayla’s words. She did not seem to remember the brawl.

“Your friend,” he nodded at Ylenno, “got into an altercation that rapidly moved outdoors. You exited the inn and were injured.” He indicated where on his own face. “Upon your return you sought healing. Serene and Aravi came to your aid right here. They also healed Ylenno.”

He gazed into Kayla’s eyes, looking for evidence of disorientation or further injury. “Are you quite recovered?” he asked. “If you would like to return to your chamber I will render my assistance. However I do not wish to suggest that is necessary. It is not uncommon to lose time after a head injury. That is to say, if you are feeling well now I see no reason not to proceed with your evening as you had planned.”

Darnand gave her a wry smile. “You have a Nord’s spirit and an Altmer’s bone structure. A striking combination, but one that lends itself to concussion.”

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla let out a loud, tinkling laugh, much more girlish than she had thought she was capable of.

"Striking combination, hmm?" She said in a low voice. She fluttered her lashes playfully. "Darnand, if I didn't know better, I'd say you thought I was attractive. And you're offering to help me to my room? I've heard that one before."

She covered her mouth and laughed again, this time much quieter. "I'm teasing." She said, putting her hand on his shoulder. she gave t a gentle squeeze. "I'd love some help upstairs. In case I got the sense knocked out of me and I forget where my room is."