The Wobbly Goblet Playground Options

[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."

[King Coin]

“Thank you,” Aravi said to Salyan, when the other woman offered her seat. Aravi gratefully sat down next to Serene. “How are you feeling Serene? Do you need another drink or some food perhaps?”

Salyan expressed interest in seeing Skyrim. Aravi surprised herself with what she said next, she barely knew this other person. “We are just going for a quick raid in a cavern. If you can defend yourself, you can come with us if you wish. Darnand, Kayla,” She gestured to the where Darnand and Kayla were, “and Vera are all going. You haven’t met Vera yet I don’t think.”

A thought struck her. “Do you know a soul trap spell?”

[minque]

Serene

She gladly accepted the chair and the water that suddenly appeared in fron of her..

Gah...am I that rusty? Healing is really taking its toll out of me...must practise more


“How are you feeling Serene? Do you need another drink or some food perhaps?” Aravi asked her

Serene smiled at the khajiiti woman and gently stroke her hand

"Ah well yes...maybe some fruit and a mug of Nord Mead, it's mt blood sugar..it gets low when I do these things"

"Now thank you, Aravi for your help, I really couldn't have done it without you!" Serene knew for sure that the presence and support of that khajiit was doing the trick, she was really awesome!

'Aravi, you are a remarkable woman..I'm so glad to have you as friend...ehh that's what we are, right?...Friends?"

"Seth..so where are you when I need you? Thank the Nines for this khajiiti woman..who was here when I needed her"

[Grits]

Darnand smiled at Kayla’s teasing. He glanced at his feet while his cheeks flushed like a lad’s.

When Aravi spoke he looked over at Salyan to see how she’d react to the invitation to join them in the Skyrim expedition. Darnand briefly wondered if she had any Nord ancestors, with her fair hair and sturdy shoulders.

He waited for an opening in the talk so as not to interrupt.

“I wish you a good evening,” he said to Sethyas and Serene. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He turned to Aravi and Salyan. “I shall escort Kayla to her chamber and then retire to make my preparations. You may find me in Abiene’s room if something should occur in the night. Otherwise I shall see you on the morrow.”

Then he held out his arm to Kayla, bent at the elbow for her to grasp. Belatedly he realized that she was probably strong enough to toss him over her shoulder and haul him up the stairs, but a custom was a custom. Besides, she may still feel unsteady.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

Kayla briefly looked at Darnand's elbow, confused. At first, she thought that maybe he had meant to elbow her, but that notion was quickly banished when he held his elbow out longer than that would take. She then realized that she had seen gentlemen walk through the streets with their woman on their arms, their elbows held out this way. The women had their hands slipped into the crook of the man's elbows, and allowed themselves to be led around.

Kayla wasn't particularly fond of being led around, but she allowed herself to be, purely for the sake of being polite. She wondered at the lives of rich women, what it must be like to be led around all day by men. She didn't find the women of Cyrodiil particularly thick-skinned, but rather soft. The women from other provinces seemed to have a handle on their fates, whereas the women of Cyrodiil, or rather, most of them, seemed to be content with being led around.

She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and gently held it, giving him a tight smile as she looked down at him. She had never known Darnand to be condescending, but his bookish attitude and focused look suggested that he was no idiot or dabbler of magicks. It wasn't a past time for him, nor a hobby.

She realized that she was slightly attracted to him, but knew that it would never evolve beyond a crush. Men like him didn't give women like her the time of day, and perhaps that was for the best. Relationships like that did not last long, the smart men usually looking down on the woman, if they hadn't before, for not being as intelligent, and the woman seeing the man as weak for being unable to defend themselves without magick.

She let out a soft sigh as they walked up the stairs. She let herself lean on him, his robes brushing softly against her leg. When they reach what she believed was her door, she let go of her arm and fumbled her key.

"Thank you," she said as she went to unlock her door, but found it was unlocked. That's right, Laegon doesn't have a key. She gave him a shy smile.

"You're a sweet man, making sure I was alright, then escorting me up here." She gave him another shy smile before planting a chaste kiss on his cheek, lingering for a moment, before pulling away. She patted his shoulder and slipped inside her door and closed it softly.

[Grits]

Darnand stood for a moment outside Kayla’s closed door. His cheek felt warm from her soft kiss.

An idea began to dawn. Was she… flirting with me? He had been flustered over possibly offending her with his Cyrodiil-style gesture. It hadn’t occurred that he might have been awkward in another way as well. He considered high elf women and warrior women to be equally unobtainable. A high elf warrior woman was twice as far out of his reach. Especially one as vibrant and beautiful as Kayla.

Nothing to be done now, he thought. I shall have ample opportunity to embarrass myself further on the way to Skyrim.

He let himself into Abiene’s chamber. The room was dimly lit by two candles, one by the bed and another on a side table. It took him a moment to realize that Abiene was already asleep.

He slipped off his shoes and drifted over to the bed.

She lay on her side with one hand folded under her chin and the other tucked between her knees. Her mouth was open slightly. He could hear her breath whistle softly as she exhaled. Dark curls tangled over the pillow, leaving her slender neck bare in the candlelight. The top of her modest bedgown had slipped down in the back. He could see the delicate hollow between her shoulder blades.

It was not uncommon in rented shelter to share a bed without “sharing a bed,” as the expression went. Darnand washed up and changed into a nightshirt. A gentleman should not presume.

She had folded the covers back on the empty side. It looked as if she had fluffed the pillow for him.

Darnand sighed. He unpacked his bedroll and laid it out on the floor.

[King Coin]

Aravi waved to the bartender again and made the necessary orders: mead and a small bowl of fruit. She ordered a hot cup of tea for herself.

“I hope you like strawberries,” she told the other woman. “And I hope you don’t mind Salyan and I taking a few of them either.”

Serene idly touched Aravi’s hands, running her fingers over her fur. Aravi thought this was a little strange but let it go. I am getting tired.

Serene thanked her for her help healing. “You’re welcome,” Aravi said. “I really didn’t do much though. Your ability is so much greater than my own. I learned what I know to help in skirmishes and battles, but it’s very basic.”

Serene complimented her and asked if they were friends.

Aravi felt her cheeks heat a little at the compliment. “Thank you, I would like to count you as a friend. And I must thank you for helping Kayla and Ylenno.”

[Colonel Mustard]

"A cavern raid?" Salyan asked in response to Aravi's answer to what she and the others were doing in Skyrim. "Sounds exciting. Dangerous. I'd like to come, though, and I can look after myself; I can silence mages, disrupt groups of enemies and bolster other people's strength and resolve. I'm afraid I don't know a soul-trap spell, though."

Serene arrived, and as Aravi ordered some food and drink, Salyan added; "Make that two cups of tea, please."

She turned to Serene.

"I must say," she said. "I was very impressed by your work healing Kayla; you clearly know your craft very well indeed."

[minque]

Serene

Strawberries! Ahhh how could she know I love them?

"Thank you Aravi!" Serene smiled, but when she touched the Khajiiti woman's arm just to show kindness but also to feel the soft fur, she noticed the Khajiit was not all in all comfortable with that.

Hmm did I offend her maybe? That was not intended

She enjoyed the fortifications and was happy Aravi wanted to be her friend, friends are good....especially in these days.

Salyan, the bard was also sitting with them, having a cup of tea, Serene felt good in the company of those two, and she was flattered by their comments on her healing...

Gah they should have seen me in the old days, when I really was the Master of Healing

There was some discussions of a cavern raid, but Serene decided not to join, she had to focus on Rianne and where on Nirn the girl was hiding, or whatever she was

Serene did NOT allow herself to think of any other possibilities of what may have happened to the girl

"Sethyas, we need to do something, could you please think of a plan or something?"

She closed her eyes....

[King Coin]

Aravi nodded to Salyan. “You may come then. Normally I would ask to see what you can do, but I think your show did that.” Too bad she doesn’t know a soul trap spell. That would have been nice. I might have to buy an enchanted weapon.

Serene touched Aravi’s arm and thanked her for the food and drink when it arrived. Aravi wasn’t used to it, but she knew some people just used touch to express themselves more than others. She didn’t want the other woman to think she was unfriendly, but she couldn’t entirely hide her feelings.

Aravi took one of the larger strawberries and bit into the end. They were coated lightly with sugar to give them an extra sweet taste. She looked over at Serene and saw her eyes distant and unfocused, before slowly sliding shut.

“What are you thinking of?” Aravi asked.

[Rohirrim]

Sonita
The carriage rattled on the dusty dirt road. It was evening, and the late summer chill had set in. She wrapped her cloak around her, and Encel and Jekan did likewise. She smiled under her hood. Those two were inseparable. She saw the lights of a tavern not far from the road, and called to the carriage driver. "Let us off here." The man stopped the carriage and the travelers climbed down from the rough wooden seats. Jekan and Encel began carrying a trunk full of books toward the lights as Sonita took her small bag from the side of the seats. Khan had hopefully brought most of her things, and if not, Palonirya's outlet in Chorrol was always an option. Her husband could pay for his idiocy in gold. She turned to pay the driver. "Thanks, Bjorlam. Get some rest back in Whiterun. You deserve it." She walked to the inn, seeing as she past it was known as "The Wobbly Goblet". Encel was sure to love that. He liked any quirky wordplay he could find.

She opened the door and stepped inside, shaking the water of a morning's light rain off her cloak, and removing her hood. She smiled as she spoke. "Has anyone seen my husband? Big grey Khajiit, name of Khan?"

This post has been edited by Rohirrim: Sep 19 2013, 12:14 AM

[Black Hand]

The healings were taking more and more from her. He wasn't certain to it's precise cause, but Sethyas suspected what it was. There was a fine line between magicka and vitality. He knew enough about Aetherius and the nature of et'Ada beings that in fact, everything essentially was magicka.

Creatia. Baladas Demnevanni; an ancient Telvanni wizard, had called it.

The plant draws life from Magnus the Sun. It bears fruit. The prey eats it. The predator eats the prey. The predator dies and is drawn into the soil from which it came. The Cycle of Arkay.

This is magic, as you know it; as you practice it.

You do not create something from nothing. This is not known to be possible in the Aurbis, and if it is, I'm not sure it should be done.

You cast flame or life from your fingertips. The deluded think themselves gods for this. The wise know that they are.

What is the source of the flame or healing?

The same.

Creatia, called magicka.

The same source from which we are and all we can perceive is made from.

She was literally giving herself into these healing sessions. Imperials did not live two hundred years. Even Tiber Septim, crowned Talos in death, lived to a hundred and eight. Her empathy and compassion became stronger with age and with habit. What should have made her a master of the art, was making her a victim.

Who was he to ask her to stop? His wife, the mother of his child. Her openness and his restraint constantly in struggle. But, that life he had asked her to share with him, was not his to command, and hers to give if she wished.

Dammit, Serene. Stop this. He pleaded internally. Or a missing daughter may find herself without a mother before this is over.

[Colonel Mustard]

"Thank you kindly," Salyan said, in response to Aravi's invitation. "I might even be able to get a song or two out of this expedition, if things get exciting."

She was looking forward to it; she hadn't been dungeon-diving for a few years, not since she had spent time travelling across the Isles with her old friend Almeria. She doubted that any in the party were the same whirling dervish of destruction and bloodshed that the Feaster was, but she had few worries; Aravi looked tougher than a Elytra's carapace, Darnand clearly knew what he was doing and Kayla was probably good in a fight when she was a bit more sober and wasn't brawling. Hopefully.

She noticed Serene had a look on her face and her eyes were closed, her expression one of concentration and...concern?

"Is everything alright?" Salyan asked.

[minque]

Serene

“What are you thinking of?” Aravi asked., also the bard seemed concerned about her and asked if she was OK

Serene opened her eyes with a faint smile..

"Oh I'm OK" she said, "Just tried to "summon" my husband. I do have need for him right now, he knows how to care for me after an extensive healing"

"Also I love him and therefore need him right now"


"So you're off on some kind of mission?" Serene asked "Then I wish you luck, Seth and I can't join, we need to come up with a plan how to find Rianne"

"Dammit, Serene. Stop this. Or a missing daughter may find herself without a mother before this is over."

She heard him clearly in her mind, he couldn't be far away...

"I'm Ok love, just get your stubborn arse here so we can plan!"

[Black Hand]

Sethyas Velas got drunk. He went outside, fell off a cliff and died.

The End.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Sep 21 2013, 01:32 AM

[King Coin]

Aravi nodded to Salyan. “I hope it is dull, but we have plenty of help if it is otherwise.”

She smiled at Serene’s response. “I wish I could summon my husband. Who is Rianne?”

Sethyas, placed his hands on Serene’s shoulders and spoke to her. She learned that they were missing a daughter. She felt stunned. They suggested that Rianne might have just wandered off, but then if they truly thought that, they wouldn’t be here. I don’t even know what to say. What would I do in a situation like that?

“I hope you find her quickly and unharmed. I would be glad to help you find her, but I already have another expedition planned.”

Aravi finished the last of her tea and stood. “I am tired. Perhaps I will see you both in the morning before you leave.” She directed her last statement to the bard. “Good night Salyan.”

She got up and was walking past the door when another Khajiit walked inside. She asked anyone that would hear where her husband was. Aravi stopped and listened.

“I saw him earlier today; he was gathering a group of warriors for something. I do not know where he is now.”

[Rohirrim]

Sonita sighed and rolled her eyes. "Of course he did. Just my luck, getting here while he's on a cross-country warpath. Oh, well." Seeing the other Khajiit woman was at a table with several others, she decided to leave introductions for later.

She walked to the bar, squeezing between and shoving aside the many patrons. There had to be some reason they were here...oh, of course: Harvest's End. The inns in Skyrim didn't make too much of a big deal, offering you a free mug of watered down beer, no refills. In Cyrodiil, however, it seemed to be cause for quite a lot of celebration. Khan had better have bought her something, as she was not to be outdone by the tavern wench with a bouquet of silk flowers and what appeared to be from the wrinkles in her dress, a profusely pinched rear end. She shook herself out of her train of thought. The barman was looking at her expectantly. "A bottle of Arenthia Red, please, and three glasses." The Breton handed her a worn green glass bottle, it's label proudly declaring "AGED IN SILVERWOOD BARRELS".

She took it in her hands, shoving the glasses into the crook of her elbow. She called across the crowded hall, motioning to the bottle in case she was not heard. "Jekan, Encel! Let's get unpacked!" She looked at a young Dunmer leaning on the wall, chatting with a Bosmer who looked to be about the same age. "Excuse me. What room is Khan in?" The Dark Elf shot a look to the Wood Elf that said "I gotta go, don't blame me." He turned quickly to Sonita, clapping his hands together. "Well Ma'am, Tribune Khan is currently in the third room of the East Wing, and I would be happy to take that pack for you." She slid it awkwardly off her shoulder, careful not to drop the booze. She followed the lad, and dropped the wine and glasses on the table next to the bed. She poured one for herself, and sat there, waiting for her friends to make it off the stairs with their precious cargo. It was going to be a lovely vacation, she thought, eyeing the grounds of the manor from the window.