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"Second Son of a Second Son" - An Aquerra Story Hour (*finally* Updated 04/19)
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<blockquote data-quote="el-remmen" data-source="post: 4237903" data-attributes="member: 11"><p><strong>Session #22– “Intrigue & Alarm” (part 1 of 4)</strong> [sup]1[/sup]</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 18px">Teflem, the 13th of Ese - 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)</span></p><p></p><p>The next day the Signers of the Charter of Schiereiland gathered for brunch in one of the suites, gorging themselves on buttered rolls, eggs and spicy sausage, fritters and beans, and washing it down with fresh apple juice and watered wine. Food tasted so good after their long weeks in the wilderness and eating the strange and bland food of the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ray-Ree" target="_blank">Ray-Ree</a>.</p><p></p><p>Earlier in the morning, as the market stalls of the plaza filled up, Bleys the Aubergine went out and used his <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Spell+-+Announce" target="_blank"><em>announce</em></a> spell. “I am Bleys the Aubergine! <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Watch-Mage" target="_blank">Watch-mage</a>. If you have need of my services meet me at <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Death+%26+Taxes" target="_blank">Death & Taxes</a>!” The gathering crowds looked at him strangely, though some folks applauded, and line of children followed him at a distance giggling when he did this three more times around the town.</p><p></p><p>As they ended the meal, still picking here or there, Victoria glowering at Telémahkos who was drinking too much at breakfast, even for him… Euleria arrived in her neat earth tone clothes over her narrow boyish frame, carrying her ledger. She was accompanied by Brand, the party’s porter and Euleria’s assistant. He was a boy of about fourteen summers and one good growth spurt away threatening to become a tall and broad man. He was quiet and clearly unsure of himself, but polite.</p><p></p><p>There was a ton of logistics to go over. Items had to be reappraised, buyers had to be found, messages needed to be sent out, taxes to be assessed and the share for the noble houses to be determined. Euleria presented them with a detailed list of expenses she had handled in their absence and said she would make an inventory of all the loot they had brought back. She was given access to the vaults the party’s valuables were put in – a service the inn provided at a small fee for its richer guests; a cost covered by the gift of the rented suites from <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Tenbrook" target="_blank">House Tenbrook</a>.</p><p></p><p>“Have you considered presenting one or more of the things you have recovered as a gift to the University of Thricia or some other institution?” Euleria asked.</p><p></p><p>“Why would we do that?” Timotheus asked.</p><p></p><p>“Oh…” Euleria Finch was rarely flustered, but this time she stammered in trying find a polite way to continue. “Well, sometimes nobles who go adventuring… There is a tradition of giving gifts of certain artifacts recovered, whether they be historical in nature or of some exotic or intrinsic beauty that does the recipient honor. It increases the prestige of the institution and also of the giver. I thought the University might be a good place to begin…”</p><p></p><p>“How about after you do the inventory you make a suggestion of what might make for a good gift and we’ll decide then,” Telémahkos suggested. The others agreed.</p><p></p><p>“What about the statue?” Markos said.[sup]2[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“We’ll wait and see,” Victoria replied.</p><p></p><p>“There was also a message from Lord Falkoner Wetherwax asking you to come visit him regarding an important naval matter?” Euleria informed them. The young nobles all looked at each other.</p><p></p><p>“A summons?” asked Bleys.</p><p></p><p>“No, it was not formal,” Euleria replied. “Shall I send word as to when to expect you?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, but let us wait until we know how long we be remaining here in Sluetelot,” Bleys replied.</p><p></p><p>Euleria passed a message on to Timotheus from his father regarding the one that they had sent via Kermit while in the Disputed Territories. [sup]3[/sup] It read: <em>Thank you for the warning, son. I am proud of your vigilance and loyalty, but all is under control. Our alliance with <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Roose" target="_blank">House Roose</a> in this matter is leading to a quick end to this hobbo resurgence. Make your name abroad with my blessing, and know that when you do return a place of well-deserved command awaits you.</em> Timotheus whooped and pumped his fist with glee.</p><p></p><p>“Do we tip you, Euleria?” Tim asked with an unself-conscious smile. “I forget…”</p><p></p><p>“Um… No sir… That won’t be necessary, I already tipped the messenger,” she replied.</p><p></p><p>The party discussed their plans to commission various masterwork weapons and armor, [sup]4[/sup] and Euleria recommended the dwarven quarter of Old Town. The Achbor Brothers Smithy had an excellent reputation. “Though you may be able to purchase things in the <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Havesting" target="_blank">Havesting</a> Smithy, being of noble blood.” Afterwards, Timotheus headed right to the smithy, accompanied by Telémahkos, while Victoria and Laarus headed over to the temple of Anhur. Markos decided to wander the harbor and see what he could find out about the dockworker’s strike and the alleged riot. “If nothing else, I want to smell sea air,” he said, but before leaving he pulled Euleria aside, as Bleys walked over to borrow Brand.</p><p></p><p>“I am not quite sure how to ask this, uh… Mistress Finch? Uh…”</p><p></p><p>“Euleria is fine, sir,” the party’s steward replied. “Or Miss Finch, if you must…”</p><p></p><p>“Oh I mustn’t… I mean, that’s my whole point, I uh…” Markos fumbled. “And you can call me Markos, I mean, if that is alright… If not all right in some situations, I understand… I uh… I am just not very good at this manners and etiquette stuff… As you can see, and I was hoping you might be able to help me learn which fork to use and how to address people… Normally someone of noble blood would get this training from when they were young, but in my case… and so I am often inappropriate since I hate most noble people, anyway…” [sup]5[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“Well, I am already giving Brand lessons in etiquette, and I must say he is learning very quickly,” Euleria answered. “But I am sure you would not want to have lessons as the same time as him. It would not be appropriate…”</p><p></p><p>“No… no! That’s fine! I don’t mind and do not want to monopolize your time,” Markos said, grateful for the opportunity.</p><p></p><p>Bleys the Aubergine led the young porter into the market where they purchased a bucket of whitewash and a couple of brushes, bringing the purchases back to the home of <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Barakis+the+Brown" target="_blank">Barakis the Bold</a>. As they walked through the garden gate, Bleys noticed a silhouette move behind the curtain. There was someone inside. He gestured for Brand to wait by the gate, and he stepped quickly and quietly towards the door, keeping his eyes on the window. There were voices and more than one person within. The door opened and there stood <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Abberd+the+Argent" target="_blank">Sir Abberd the Argent</a>.</p><p></p><p>Bleys’ former master was nearly as tall as his student, with long dark hair and smoky eyes and a well-trimmed beard. His watch-mage’s robes were a silvery-gray lined with white and black. He wore a short sword piece-knotted at his side, but held a gnarled staff in his hand.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, good! You’re here! We were about to call for you,” Abberd said, smiling and clamping a hand on Bleys’ shoulder drawing him into the house.</p><p></p><p>“We?” Bleys asked, but as he stepped in he could see who. There stood Leisel of Isis, Darbold the Gay, Garkhan the Green [sup]6[/sup], and another bearded man in muted red watch-mage’s robes and cloak of red and white feathers. Bleys thought he looked familiar, but did not quite recognize him.</p><p></p><p>Garkhan the Green was a slouched old man with a long scruffy iron-colored beard and shaggy hair. He wore sloppy green robes decorated with black embroidered moons and stars. There was a faint odor about him.</p><p></p><p>“You know Garkhan of course,” Abberd said. “And Leisel and Darbold…” They both smiled, though Leisel’s smile seemed more genuine than the big-grin of the corpulent bard. “And this is Cwell the Carmine… More commonly called ‘the Hawk’.” [sup]7[/sup] The tall man nodded in recognition, his looks hidden by his auburn beard, his feathered long hair and a narrow scar that bisected his left eyebrow. He wore a scimitar, and it was clearly his composite bow and quiver resting on the kitchen counter.</p><p></p><p>“My apologies,” Bleys told the collected spellcasters, with deference. “I thought there were intruders in the house, that is why I came to the door. “If I am unwelcome, I shall leave… I only wanted to whitewash the building as to get rid of the pillars drawn upon it.”</p><p></p><p>“No! You are wanted,” Abberd’s smile was narrow line of glistening white teeth. “Didn’t I just say we were about to summon you?”</p><p></p><p>Bleys excused himself for a moment and went back out to Brand, putting him to work while he went back in to confer with the watch-mages and the two members of the Sluetelot council.</p><p></p><p>“Since you and your companions will be using this place as a headquarters and you are back from whatever adventures you were just on, it has been decided that you are to take Barakis the Brown’s position temporarily… Very temporarily actually, as we have received word that the Academy masters are currently seeking an applicant for the permanent position, but it would count as some of your required service and be a good experience for you.” [sup]8[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“I am honored to even be considered,” Bleys replied.</p><p></p><p>“It would only be for a few weeks at the most,” Leisel added. “The local folks just need a stabilizing force, what with the recent events of the dockworkers strike and the ensuing riot – knowing there is a watch-mage around will do wonders to keep people calm and feel like they are being looked after.”</p><p></p><p>“Who shall be the permanent replacement?” Bleys asked.</p><p></p><p>“There are multiple candidates,” Abberd said.</p><p></p><p>“I accept,” Bleys replied, and Darbold mumbled something about wishing there were someone around with the time to do it who had more experience. Bleys ignored the bard.</p><p></p><p>“I am sure Leisel and Darbold will give you all the help you need to handle the task before you,” Abberd the Argent said. “And Floris Tenbrook as well… He couldn’t make it, but the temporary appointment has his blessing as well. In addition, Cwell here has offered to remain here for several days to help you through the ropes of what is expect of a stationed watch-mage.”</p><p></p><p>Cwell the Hawk nodded, and added, “And if you require any arcane training I can help you with that as well.”</p><p></p><p>“Again, I am honored…” Bleys the Aubergine gave a shallow bow.</p><p></p><p>“And now I am called to <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Cyangroenel" target="_blank">Cyangroenel</a>,” Sir Abberd said. “I am sorry my visit was so brief, but I will stop in on my way back if at all possible.” The master and apprentice shook hands. “Give your niece my best wishes,” Bleys said. [sup]9[/sup] Leisel also excused herself, being expected back at the temple of Isis, and Darbold took that opportunity to leave as well. He asked Bleys to walk him to the door.</p><p></p><p>“I just want to let you know that I was against your appointment,” the bard said. “But, that being said, what concerns me most is the safety of Sluetelot, so if you need any help or have any questions, do not hesitate, I will help you with no bitterness…”</p><p></p><p>Bleys nodded and shook the bard’s hand firmly. He turned from the door to see Cwell the Hawk rummaging around the shelves of Barakis’ sitting room, as Garkhan made to leave as well.</p><p></p><p>“Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!” Garkhan’s body moved with odd energy. He scratched at his beard and re-adjusted his robes. “Best you downplay your being from Weirspierogen around here. People don’t like it.” [sup]10[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“It has not come up yet while I have been here, but I will keep that in mind, Master Garkhan,” Bleys replied. He bid the watch-mage of Weirspierogen adieu, and went to look to see what Cwell was doing.</p><p></p><p>“There have to be cigars around here somewhere,” the red-robed watch-mage said as he continued to look around. Finally, he stopped and sighed. “Maybe he was out of them when he died… Or Floris came and took them…”</p><p></p><p>“I paid a visit to you when my companions and I were in <a href="http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Tribunisport" target="_blank">Tribunisport</a>, but you were not to be found,” Bleys said. [sup]11[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“I believe in being pro-active about my position, I am not around a lot,” Cwell said. “Now… Tell me where you are at in your studies…” And so began a long detailed arcane conversation that would prepare Cwell to train Bleys.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Telémahkos was laying down for a nap in one of the suites when a knock on the door dragged him up out of encroaching slumber. Earlier he had parted ways with Timotheus after they spent some time in the narrow streets of the dwarven quarter. He had looked into purchasing a new chain shirt, reinforced with dwarvencraft and able to absorb blows better, but did not have the coin currently to pay the down payment. He was able to find someone in the market to paint new heraldry on a shield for him. [sup]12[/sup] He left Timotheus having a conversation with an enthusiastic dwarf about making a heavy shield from the resilient hide of the landshark.[sup]13[/sup]</p><p></p><p>“Maid service.” Telémahkos pulled on his toga, let her in and started walking back to the connecting room. She went over to the table, collecting plates and cups into a basin. Telémahkos spun around when he heard one of the plates shatter against the floor. He hurried over as he saw the maid, a short plump lass, kneeling over the shards of a plate and holding her hand. </p><p></p><p>“Are you okay?” Telémahkos asked as he knelt in front of her. There was blood streaming from her hand, but she was also holding a smooth oval stone. It was stained with her blood. The young Briareus frowned, as the something seemed odd about the way the maid was crouched. Her housecoat fell open and he saw that she wore leather armor beneath, but he did not also noticed the glint of the dagger in her other hand until it was too late. “What the…?” Telémahkos’ mouth formed the words but no sound emerged. In fact, both he and the maid were enveloped in some form of supernatural <em>silence</em>… If maid she was, for even as the blade came up and he batted it away instinctively, feeling it bite his hands and draw blood, he noticed her flesh begin to twist and change. The excess fat began to melt away and the maid that Telémahkos vaguely recognized became a lithe woman of nearly equal height. Her face was placid as she pulled a short sword from the basin. Telémahkos panicked as the door to the suite swung open. He had not bolted it closed once he let the maid in. There was a taller figure, a man wearing a long coat over a suit of leather armor, short sword in one hand, and the other reaching for a dagger from his bandoleer.</p><p></p><p><em>…to be continued…</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="el-remmen, post: 4237903, member: 11"] [b]Session #22– “Intrigue & Alarm” (part 1 of 4)[/b] [sup]1[/sup] [size=5]Teflem, the 13th of Ese - 566 H.E. (637 M.Y.)[/size] The next day the Signers of the Charter of Schiereiland gathered for brunch in one of the suites, gorging themselves on buttered rolls, eggs and spicy sausage, fritters and beans, and washing it down with fresh apple juice and watered wine. Food tasted so good after their long weeks in the wilderness and eating the strange and bland food of the [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Ray-Ree]Ray-Ree[/url]. Earlier in the morning, as the market stalls of the plaza filled up, Bleys the Aubergine went out and used his [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Spell+-+Announce][I]announce[/I][/url] spell. “I am Bleys the Aubergine! [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Watch-Mage]Watch-mage[/url]. If you have need of my services meet me at [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Death+%26+Taxes]Death & Taxes[/url]!” The gathering crowds looked at him strangely, though some folks applauded, and line of children followed him at a distance giggling when he did this three more times around the town. As they ended the meal, still picking here or there, Victoria glowering at Telémahkos who was drinking too much at breakfast, even for him… Euleria arrived in her neat earth tone clothes over her narrow boyish frame, carrying her ledger. She was accompanied by Brand, the party’s porter and Euleria’s assistant. He was a boy of about fourteen summers and one good growth spurt away threatening to become a tall and broad man. He was quiet and clearly unsure of himself, but polite. There was a ton of logistics to go over. Items had to be reappraised, buyers had to be found, messages needed to be sent out, taxes to be assessed and the share for the noble houses to be determined. Euleria presented them with a detailed list of expenses she had handled in their absence and said she would make an inventory of all the loot they had brought back. She was given access to the vaults the party’s valuables were put in – a service the inn provided at a small fee for its richer guests; a cost covered by the gift of the rented suites from [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Tenbrook]House Tenbrook[/url]. “Have you considered presenting one or more of the things you have recovered as a gift to the University of Thricia or some other institution?” Euleria asked. “Why would we do that?” Timotheus asked. “Oh…” Euleria Finch was rarely flustered, but this time she stammered in trying find a polite way to continue. “Well, sometimes nobles who go adventuring… There is a tradition of giving gifts of certain artifacts recovered, whether they be historical in nature or of some exotic or intrinsic beauty that does the recipient honor. It increases the prestige of the institution and also of the giver. I thought the University might be a good place to begin…” “How about after you do the inventory you make a suggestion of what might make for a good gift and we’ll decide then,” Telémahkos suggested. The others agreed. “What about the statue?” Markos said.[sup]2[/sup] “We’ll wait and see,” Victoria replied. “There was also a message from Lord Falkoner Wetherwax asking you to come visit him regarding an important naval matter?” Euleria informed them. The young nobles all looked at each other. “A summons?” asked Bleys. “No, it was not formal,” Euleria replied. “Shall I send word as to when to expect you?” “Yes, but let us wait until we know how long we be remaining here in Sluetelot,” Bleys replied. Euleria passed a message on to Timotheus from his father regarding the one that they had sent via Kermit while in the Disputed Territories. [sup]3[/sup] It read: [I]Thank you for the warning, son. I am proud of your vigilance and loyalty, but all is under control. Our alliance with [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/House+Roose]House Roose[/url] in this matter is leading to a quick end to this hobbo resurgence. Make your name abroad with my blessing, and know that when you do return a place of well-deserved command awaits you.[/I] Timotheus whooped and pumped his fist with glee. “Do we tip you, Euleria?” Tim asked with an unself-conscious smile. “I forget…” “Um… No sir… That won’t be necessary, I already tipped the messenger,” she replied. The party discussed their plans to commission various masterwork weapons and armor, [sup]4[/sup] and Euleria recommended the dwarven quarter of Old Town. The Achbor Brothers Smithy had an excellent reputation. “Though you may be able to purchase things in the [url=http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Havesting]Havesting[/url] Smithy, being of noble blood.” Afterwards, Timotheus headed right to the smithy, accompanied by Telémahkos, while Victoria and Laarus headed over to the temple of Anhur. Markos decided to wander the harbor and see what he could find out about the dockworker’s strike and the alleged riot. “If nothing else, I want to smell sea air,” he said, but before leaving he pulled Euleria aside, as Bleys walked over to borrow Brand. “I am not quite sure how to ask this, uh… Mistress Finch? Uh…” “Euleria is fine, sir,” the party’s steward replied. “Or Miss Finch, if you must…” “Oh I mustn’t… I mean, that’s my whole point, I uh…” Markos fumbled. “And you can call me Markos, I mean, if that is alright… If not all right in some situations, I understand… I uh… I am just not very good at this manners and etiquette stuff… As you can see, and I was hoping you might be able to help me learn which fork to use and how to address people… Normally someone of noble blood would get this training from when they were young, but in my case… and so I am often inappropriate since I hate most noble people, anyway…” [sup]5[/sup] “Well, I am already giving Brand lessons in etiquette, and I must say he is learning very quickly,” Euleria answered. “But I am sure you would not want to have lessons as the same time as him. It would not be appropriate…” “No… no! That’s fine! I don’t mind and do not want to monopolize your time,” Markos said, grateful for the opportunity. Bleys the Aubergine led the young porter into the market where they purchased a bucket of whitewash and a couple of brushes, bringing the purchases back to the home of [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Barakis+the+Brown]Barakis the Bold[/url]. As they walked through the garden gate, Bleys noticed a silhouette move behind the curtain. There was someone inside. He gestured for Brand to wait by the gate, and he stepped quickly and quietly towards the door, keeping his eyes on the window. There were voices and more than one person within. The door opened and there stood [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Abberd+the+Argent]Sir Abberd the Argent[/url]. Bleys’ former master was nearly as tall as his student, with long dark hair and smoky eyes and a well-trimmed beard. His watch-mage’s robes were a silvery-gray lined with white and black. He wore a short sword piece-knotted at his side, but held a gnarled staff in his hand. “Ah, good! You’re here! We were about to call for you,” Abberd said, smiling and clamping a hand on Bleys’ shoulder drawing him into the house. “We?” Bleys asked, but as he stepped in he could see who. There stood Leisel of Isis, Darbold the Gay, Garkhan the Green [sup]6[/sup], and another bearded man in muted red watch-mage’s robes and cloak of red and white feathers. Bleys thought he looked familiar, but did not quite recognize him. Garkhan the Green was a slouched old man with a long scruffy iron-colored beard and shaggy hair. He wore sloppy green robes decorated with black embroidered moons and stars. There was a faint odor about him. “You know Garkhan of course,” Abberd said. “And Leisel and Darbold…” They both smiled, though Leisel’s smile seemed more genuine than the big-grin of the corpulent bard. “And this is Cwell the Carmine… More commonly called ‘the Hawk’.” [sup]7[/sup] The tall man nodded in recognition, his looks hidden by his auburn beard, his feathered long hair and a narrow scar that bisected his left eyebrow. He wore a scimitar, and it was clearly his composite bow and quiver resting on the kitchen counter. “My apologies,” Bleys told the collected spellcasters, with deference. “I thought there were intruders in the house, that is why I came to the door. “If I am unwelcome, I shall leave… I only wanted to whitewash the building as to get rid of the pillars drawn upon it.” “No! You are wanted,” Abberd’s smile was narrow line of glistening white teeth. “Didn’t I just say we were about to summon you?” Bleys excused himself for a moment and went back out to Brand, putting him to work while he went back in to confer with the watch-mages and the two members of the Sluetelot council. “Since you and your companions will be using this place as a headquarters and you are back from whatever adventures you were just on, it has been decided that you are to take Barakis the Brown’s position temporarily… Very temporarily actually, as we have received word that the Academy masters are currently seeking an applicant for the permanent position, but it would count as some of your required service and be a good experience for you.” [sup]8[/sup] “I am honored to even be considered,” Bleys replied. “It would only be for a few weeks at the most,” Leisel added. “The local folks just need a stabilizing force, what with the recent events of the dockworkers strike and the ensuing riot – knowing there is a watch-mage around will do wonders to keep people calm and feel like they are being looked after.” “Who shall be the permanent replacement?” Bleys asked. “There are multiple candidates,” Abberd said. “I accept,” Bleys replied, and Darbold mumbled something about wishing there were someone around with the time to do it who had more experience. Bleys ignored the bard. “I am sure Leisel and Darbold will give you all the help you need to handle the task before you,” Abberd the Argent said. “And Floris Tenbrook as well… He couldn’t make it, but the temporary appointment has his blessing as well. In addition, Cwell here has offered to remain here for several days to help you through the ropes of what is expect of a stationed watch-mage.” Cwell the Hawk nodded, and added, “And if you require any arcane training I can help you with that as well.” “Again, I am honored…” Bleys the Aubergine gave a shallow bow. “And now I am called to [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Cyangroenel]Cyangroenel[/url],” Sir Abberd said. “I am sorry my visit was so brief, but I will stop in on my way back if at all possible.” The master and apprentice shook hands. “Give your niece my best wishes,” Bleys said. [sup]9[/sup] Leisel also excused herself, being expected back at the temple of Isis, and Darbold took that opportunity to leave as well. He asked Bleys to walk him to the door. “I just want to let you know that I was against your appointment,” the bard said. “But, that being said, what concerns me most is the safety of Sluetelot, so if you need any help or have any questions, do not hesitate, I will help you with no bitterness…” Bleys nodded and shook the bard’s hand firmly. He turned from the door to see Cwell the Hawk rummaging around the shelves of Barakis’ sitting room, as Garkhan made to leave as well. “Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!” Garkhan’s body moved with odd energy. He scratched at his beard and re-adjusted his robes. “Best you downplay your being from Weirspierogen around here. People don’t like it.” [sup]10[/sup] “It has not come up yet while I have been here, but I will keep that in mind, Master Garkhan,” Bleys replied. He bid the watch-mage of Weirspierogen adieu, and went to look to see what Cwell was doing. “There have to be cigars around here somewhere,” the red-robed watch-mage said as he continued to look around. Finally, he stopped and sighed. “Maybe he was out of them when he died… Or Floris came and took them…” “I paid a visit to you when my companions and I were in [url= http://aquerra.wikispaces.com/Tribunisport]Tribunisport[/url], but you were not to be found,” Bleys said. [sup]11[/sup] “I believe in being pro-active about my position, I am not around a lot,” Cwell said. “Now… Tell me where you are at in your studies…” And so began a long detailed arcane conversation that would prepare Cwell to train Bleys. Meanwhile, Telémahkos was laying down for a nap in one of the suites when a knock on the door dragged him up out of encroaching slumber. Earlier he had parted ways with Timotheus after they spent some time in the narrow streets of the dwarven quarter. He had looked into purchasing a new chain shirt, reinforced with dwarvencraft and able to absorb blows better, but did not have the coin currently to pay the down payment. He was able to find someone in the market to paint new heraldry on a shield for him. [sup]12[/sup] He left Timotheus having a conversation with an enthusiastic dwarf about making a heavy shield from the resilient hide of the landshark.[sup]13[/sup] “Maid service.” Telémahkos pulled on his toga, let her in and started walking back to the connecting room. She went over to the table, collecting plates and cups into a basin. Telémahkos spun around when he heard one of the plates shatter against the floor. He hurried over as he saw the maid, a short plump lass, kneeling over the shards of a plate and holding her hand. “Are you okay?” Telémahkos asked as he knelt in front of her. There was blood streaming from her hand, but she was also holding a smooth oval stone. It was stained with her blood. The young Briareus frowned, as the something seemed odd about the way the maid was crouched. Her housecoat fell open and he saw that she wore leather armor beneath, but he did not also noticed the glint of the dagger in her other hand until it was too late. “What the…?” Telémahkos’ mouth formed the words but no sound emerged. In fact, both he and the maid were enveloped in some form of supernatural [I]silence[/I]… If maid she was, for even as the blade came up and he batted it away instinctively, feeling it bite his hands and draw blood, he noticed her flesh begin to twist and change. The excess fat began to melt away and the maid that Telémahkos vaguely recognized became a lithe woman of nearly equal height. Her face was placid as she pulled a short sword from the basin. Telémahkos panicked as the door to the suite swung open. He had not bolted it closed once he let the maid in. There was a taller figure, a man wearing a long coat over a suit of leather armor, short sword in one hand, and the other reaching for a dagger from his bandoleer. [I]…to be continued…[/I] [/QUOTE]
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"Second Son of a Second Son" - An Aquerra Story Hour (*finally* Updated 04/19)
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