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Message: <blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 3367703" data-attributes="member: 3285">Adventus Regis - Part 2: The Murmurs of MadnessThere was much to see and do in Vestalanium.  Most buildings in town were constructed of fine white marble and columns abounded. Street traffic was light—the town was far too exclusive to have noisy crowds.  The weather was perfect with blue skies and the sound of the Corvis River never far away.Sebastian scanned the square.  “I think I should like a pastry,” he said.Dozens of shops lined the spacious square.  All the varied goods of Coryan were offered there, minus the crowds.  Food and drink was available from various numerous carts and performers were at every corner.  “Why can’t you leave that axe behind?” asked Ilmarė in irritation.  “The rest of us are pretending we’re civilized.”  They had all changed into the best clothes they could afford.  Shoppers parted at the strange sight of a lizard man and cat woman.  Cal and Bijoux seemed oblivious to the attention, although the staff was far too polite to mention it.Cal patted the bearded axe on his back. “Just in case,” he said, bobbing his head.  The dark-kin stepped over to one cart brimming with confections of all types.  He bumped into someone who was staring at Calactyte.“Oh I’m sorry…” he blinked as he took in the man before him.  He wore the clothes of a patrician, but his features were undeniable.  As were his purple lenses. “Kham?”“Pardon?” said the man, taking a step back. “My name is Katticus Maximus Val’Abebi.” He looked around to see if anyone noticed him.  Then Kham took off his lenses and winked at Sebastian. “And I have never met you before in my life. I’m just an ordinary nobleman vacationing in this fine town.”A crier wandered about, dropping metal tokens in peoples’ hands.  He dropped one in Kham’s hand.  “Come see a play like none before!  Come, see the story for yourself!”Cal sniffed in Kham’s direction.  “That guy smells familiar,” he said.The crier dropped another token into Sebastian’s hand.  “The royal family plots and plans, the true king arrives!  It is a tale of wonder and mystery.  Who will prevail?  The story unfolds under the stars!”The crier placed more tokens in the palms of Ilmarė and Bijoux. He carefully circumnavigated Cal.“Come see one thousand lamps illuminate the final act!  Beautiful actresses!  Handsome actors!”Cal pointed at Kham.  “Hey, that guy looks just like Kham.”The crier wandered away.  “Costumes like none on Onara!  Come see Adventus Regis!”Sebastian looked down at the palm of his hand.  It had a sickly feel to it, as if the metal was not only cold, but damp as well.  The yellow sign upon it was actually yellow, even though no paint appeared to have been applied.  It was a three-armed symbol emanating from a central point.  The three arms of the Yellow Sign undulated toward him, reaching out as if calling to him. The world swam as Sebastian was overcome with dizziness and nausea…With a shout, he dropped it to the ground and stomped on it several times. “Did you see that?” Sebastian asked Kham.But Kham was transfixed.  His hand was on the hilt of his sword.“That’s Fleshripper, right?” asked Cal.  Kham took his hands off the cursed sword at Cal’s words.  He looked up at Sebastian. Whatever he was thinking, it was concealed behind his shaded lenses.“Nope,” he said slowly.  He deposited the token into his belt pouch. Then he grabbed a bottle of wine from a nearby cart and took a swig.“He even drinks like Kham,” muttered Cal.“I think,” said Sebastian, “I should like to leave here.  Immediately.”“Perhaps the gardens will be more to your liking,” said Tula. “Many of our visitors find it quite soothing.”“I would like that,” said Sebastian.“Will you be coming with us…Katticus?” asked Tula.  Her demure smile indicated a familiarity that would normally be scandalous between slave and patrician.Kham took another swig and smiled back, but he was unconvincing.  “Oh sure, why not.”</blockquote>

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