Lovely 007

Zubaidah, 9:58 PM

It's evening of the day that Pharolvir got his new pet, just a couple days since you started living in this crazy hybrid inn-bar-restaurant-brothel-temple, Lovely Creatures. Ann was along for the ride, but Chance and Bobbin have not yet met said pet yet. You're all in the dining area of your suite eating dinner at the moment.

Zubaidah, 9:58 PM

It is snowing like mad outside. Spring in Meneluinin, hurray. You probably had short sleeves and no coats on earlier today. Now you'd have to wear a parka with a hood up and gloves just to cross the damn street.

Pharolvir, 9:59 PM

"One thing the Underdark has over this place, I can count on my fashion choice to last all day without freezing.  ...granted, it's hot enough that I'd mostly just wear a skirt vest combo, but still."

Pharolvir, 10:00 PM

Pharolvir takes Blub out and feeds it some of his dinner.

Ann, 10:01 PM

Ann Nesia has the rat on the table with a small dish for it.

Chance, 10:01 PM

…. what is this thing.

Zubaidah, 10:01 PM

Blub is a foot-square gelatinous cube!

Zubaidah, 10:02 PM

At the moment it's bright pink and looks like it's swallowed a bunch of glitter. Also whatever Pharol fed it.

Pharolvir, 10:02 PM

"This is Blub.  It's a semi-sentient gelatinous cube Ann and I found in a magic shop.  ...I love it."

Pharolvir, 10:02 PM

"It seems a bit cold.  I'll call it a he for now.  He's so pretty, he looks like a boy."

Zubaidah, 10:03 PM

Blub bubbles and squishes around the table, leaving no slime residue--or indeed any residue of any kind--behind.

Pharolvir, 10:03 PM

"Do not worry.  He knows not to dissolve people.  Only bits of meat and junk."

Pharolvir, 10:03 PM

"He's very clean."

Pharolvir, 10:04 PM

Pharolvir will pet Blub when he comes by.

Ann, 10:04 PM

The rat went for a swim in blub earlier with no problems.

Chance, 10:04 PM

That is not a pet, that a is a bleb.

Zubaidah, 10:05 PM

Blub turns gray with silvery glittery bits and is petted! Pharol's hands are suspiciously clean afterward.

Pharolvir, 10:05 PM

"Excuse you?  He's totally a pet."

Chance, 10:05 PM

That is more of a plant.

Pharolvir, 10:06 PM

"He eats, he moves, he communicates through colors."

Chance, 10:06 PM

So do some plants.

Pharolvir, 10:06 PM

"Go on, pet him.  He's very soothing."

Chance, 10:07 PM

...no.

Zubaidah, 10:07 PM

Blub turns pink again.

Bobbin, 10:08 PM

A white bird with a black beak appears, peeks in, and shuts the door. There is a shuffling noise, and a moment later, Bobbin appears, rather severely saturated with snow.

Pharolvir, 10:09 PM

"Hi Bobbin!  How are you?"

Zubaidah, 10:10 PM

The little blob turns white, and then black.

Zubaidah, 10:12 PM

There's a knock at the door.

Ann, 10:12 PM

Ann Nesia will pet blub as it comes by

Pharolvir, 10:12 PM

"Bobbin, this is Blub, who is totally a pet."

Zubaidah, 10:12 PM

Blub burbles happily and turns a brownish-coppery color.

Chance, 10:13 PM

Chance answers the door.

Bobbin, 10:13 PM

Bobbin lets out a confused squawk at the knock, and answers the door.

"Hello?"

Bobbin says, in a voice like a somewhat worried dwarven lady.

Zubaidah, 10:14 PM

"It's just me." Judging by the voice, it's Ulisse.

Chance, 10:15 PM

Chance opened the door.

Zubaidah, 10:15 PM

It is Ulisse, carrying a very fancy-looking cheesecake.

Pharolvir, 10:15 PM

"...what's the occasion?"

Zubaidah, 10:16 PM

Ulisse: Bastion sent it up.

Pharolvir, 10:16 PM

"Oh...why?"

Ann, 10:17 PM

You ordered a cheesecake earlier didn’t you?

Zubaidah, 10:17 PM

Ulisse: He said you'd ordered it.

Zubaidah, 10:18 PM

Ulisse is wearing a long, plain black coat, and also, a pair of black gloves.

Pharolvir, 10:18 PM

"...oh right!  Blub's never tried cheesecake."

Chance, 10:18 PM

…

Bobbin, 10:19 PM

"I can't help but feel just a bit of dread."

The statement is slapped together from various voices, including a very old dragonborn, a gnomish woman, and an odd androgynous voice.

Pharolvir, 10:19 PM

Pharolvir will cut a piece for himself and break off a bit for Blub.

Zubaidah, 10:19 PM

Ulisse sets the cake down so that Pharolvir can do that.

Pharolvir, 10:20 PM

"Ulisse, come meet Blub."

Zubaidah, 10:20 PM

Ulisse: … is that a gelatinous cube?

Chance, 10:20 PM

It is Pharo's new plant.

Pharolvir, 10:20 PM

"Sort of.  He seems to hold a degree of sentience, though.  He can choose what he does and doesn't dissolve."

Zubaidah, 10:21 PM

The cube bubbles a little bit, and turns a brilliant violet, with some black sparklies inside, as it consumes the cheesecake.

Pharolvir, 10:21 PM

"He also seems to be able to control his coloration."

Zubaidah, 10:22 PM

Ulisse: Where did you get him?

Zubaidah, 10:22 PM

Ulisse pulls off a glove and gently touches the top of the cube. Blub bubbles.

Ann, 10:22 PM

From bad storage at an ingredient place Tython took us to

Zubaidah, 10:23 PM

Ulisse: Are gelatinous cubes plants? I thought they were very technically monsters.

Pharolvir, 10:24 PM

"They are technically considered oozes.  They possess no actual plant material."

Pharolvir, 10:24 PM

"Chance is doubting his displays of sentience."

Chance, 10:25 PM

It consumes and reacts to stimulus in seemingly random ways.

Zubaidah, 10:26 PM

Ulisse waggles his fingers in the cube, and it burbles happily, turning black again.

Zubaidah, 10:27 PM

Ulisse: Technically I'm a monster. That does remind me. Chance and... Bobbin, was it? You should probably both know that I'm a demon. Also, that I advise all of you not to spread that around, or my family will probably kill you. They're like that.

Chance, 10:27 PM

I am sure that some day, it will save my life it a heartwarming display and I will change my mind, but that has not happened yet.

Pharolvir, 10:27 PM

"They're not random if you can see patterns."

Pharolvir, 10:28 PM

"Aren't most families at least a little like that?"

Ann, 10:28 PM

No clue

Chance, 10:28 PM

In my experience this is the case.

Bobbin, 10:29 PM

Bobbin shrugs, before speaking in a voice like moth's wings.

"Some demons are perfectly tolerable. It's just that the rude and unpleasant ones are louder and more visible."

Zubaidah, 10:29 PM

Ulisse: I try not to be unpleasant.

Chance, 10:30 PM

Chance looks over Ulisse, then shrugs.

Zubaidah, 10:30 PM

He shares the cheesecake around.

Zubaidah, 10:30 PM

Roll perception!

Zubaidah, 10:30 PM

(Everyone, not just Chance.)

Pharolvir, 10:31 PM

((12))

Ann, 10:31 PM

((24))

Chance, 10:31 PM

Anyway. A pet isn't supposed to be easy. You do not just feed it and bammo, easy pet.

Chance, 10:31 PM

(14))

Ann, 10:32 PM

me and the rat negotiated An arrangement rather quickly

Chance, 10:32 PM

If you can negotiate as equals, the rat is not a pet. IT is a friend and/or nemesis.

Zubaidah, 10:33 PM

You all hear it. A single set of bells ringing in the city. Then another set. Then another and another until there are bells ringing from all over. Since none of them are within a block or so you can still hear each other talking, mind you.

Zubaidah, 10:33 PM

The rat has climbed onto the table and is looking at the cheesecake pointedly.

Ann, 10:34 PM

Ann Nesia will get a slice for the rat

Chance, 10:34 PM

Chance 's ears go flat. "What is that racket?"

Pharolvir, 10:35 PM

"...what are those about?"

Pharolvir, 10:35 PM

Pharolvir goes to a window.

Zubaidah, 10:36 PM

Ulisse frowns. "I'm not sure."

Zubaidah, 10:36 PM

Roll Perception, everyone.

Ann, 10:36 PM

((16))

Bobbin, 10:37 PM

Bobbin honks confusedly.

Pharolvir, 10:37 PM

"No one seems terribly concerned."

Zubaidah, 10:39 PM

((Pharol, Chance, Bobbin? Perception?))

Pharolvir, 10:39 PM

((13))

Chance, 10:39 PM

((11.  Sorry, eating.)

Zubaidah, 10:41 PM

Ulisse: I'll go see what's happening.

Ann, 10:41 PM

Ann Nesia leaves the rat eating cheesecake and opens the door to chances room

Zubaidah, 10:41 PM

He heads out the door of your suite.

Bobbin, 10:42 PM

[12]

Pharolvir, 10:42 PM

Pharolvir follows Ann.

Chance, 10:42 PM

Chance goes as well!

Zubaidah, 10:43 PM

There's a largish person coming in from the outside, bundled up and covered in snow!

Pharolvir, 10:44 PM

"What the hells?!?"

Zubaidah, 10:44 PM

They turn around hastily, slamming their head on the open window as they do. "Ow, shit!"

Zubaidah, 10:45 PM

(It is the elven word for "shit." You all know this word because everyone knows the swears of all the major languages.)

Ann, 10:45 PM

Ann Nesia will go grab them

Zubaidah, 10:45 PM

They put their mittened hands up.

Zubaidah, 10:45 PM

They don't resist.

Pharolvir, 10:46 PM

"...........should I get some acid?  This feels like a situation where we might need acid."

Zubaidah, 10:47 PM

They're bundled up pretty heavily; it's a male voice, though.

Zubaidah, 10:47 PM

Man: No! You don't need to do that.

Pharolvir, 10:49 PM

"...I feel we should at least be asking some questions."

Zubaidah, 10:49 PM

Man: I just had to get away, that's all. … who are you?

Chance, 10:49 PM

(DId he come in through the window?  Is that what's going on?))

Pharolvir, 10:50 PM

((Yes))

Ann, 10:50 PM

How about who are you?

Zubaidah, 10:50 PM

Yep! sorry, I must not have described that very well. Ugh.

Bobbin, 10:51 PM

"A big ol' bird!"

Bobbin says, in a the voice of a surprised child.

Chance, 10:51 PM

(My bad, I'm trying to eat ribs and also game at the same time!)

Zubaidah, 10:51 PM

Man: I'm... I'm uh, Versi.

Zubaidah, 10:52 PM

He's very obviously lying, and from the sound of it, super bad at it.

Pharolvir, 10:52 PM

".............I'm getting the acid."

Chance, 10:52 PM

You are definitely not Versi.

Zubaidah, 10:53 PM

Man: You don't need to do that!

Chance, 10:53 PM

Pharo! Get the gelatinous cube.

Zubaidah, 10:53 PM

He squirms a little, but can't break out of Ann's grip.

Ann, 10:54 PM

Ann Nesia will pull him away from the window and to the center of the room

Bobbin, 10:54 PM

Bobbin tuts in a manner very like an old woman, but also very like the grave, if the grave could speak..

Pharolvir, 10:54 PM

"We're the actual tenants here.  So...who are you, REALLY?  Who are you running from?  And why?"

Pharolvir, 10:54 PM

"Or we feed you to my pet gelatinous cube."

Zubaidah, 10:55 PM

Versi: What? No, you can't do that! Let me go!

Zubaidah, 10:56 PM

Ulisse clears his throat from the door. "The king is dead. That's what all the bells are about."

Bobbin, 10:56 PM

Bobbin chuckles, and continues in the moth wings voice.

"Oh, I can do many things, little one. What I will do is up to you."

Pharolvir, 10:56 PM

"...........what?"

Ann, 10:56 PM

Ann Nesia will try to uncover  Versi s face

Zubaidah, 10:57 PM

Easily done. The snowy hood is pushed back and the scarf pulled away; it's a very pale half-elf, with shaggy reddish hair and freckles.

Zubaidah, 10:59 PM

Ulisse: They ring the bells when a monarch passes away here, to honor them. Also so that everybody knows what happened. Daae wasn't in particularly good health, but from what I've been told the guards are pursuing... someone who ran from the castle.

Pharolvir, 11:00 PM

"...I'm gonna assume you had something to do with those bells, young man."

Chance, 11:02 PM

What did you do?

Zubaidah, 11:02 PM

He looks like he's around 18, 19 years old, by the way, though it's hard to be totally certain with half-elves.

Zubaidah, 11:02 PM

A tear streaks down each of his cheeks. "Why would you think that?"

Pharolvir, 11:02 PM

"The coincidence seems a little too convenient."

Pharolvir, 11:03 PM

"I am not assuming you killed him, though."

Pharolvir, 11:03 PM

"...do you want cheesecake?"

Zubaidah, 11:04 PM

More tears.

Zubaidah, 11:04 PM

Versi: "No. I just had to get away, that's all. I couldn't stay there."

Pharolvir, 11:04 PM

"...are you part of the monarchy?"

Pharolvir, 11:05 PM

Pharolvir goes to the window and not only closes it, but shuts the drapes.

Ann, 11:06 PM

Ann Nesia will sit him on the bed and let go of him.

Zubaidah, 11:07 PM

Versi: What do you care?

Zubaidah, 11:07 PM

He wipes his face on his (snowy) arm.

Pharolvir, 11:07 PM

"You're the one who broke into our room."

Pharolvir, 11:08 PM

"I feel we're at least entitled to some understanding."

Ann, 11:08 PM

Or at least your real name

Chance, 11:09 PM

Or we toss him back out the window.

Zubaidah, 11:09 PM

Versi: I just don't want to go back, all right? Isn't that enough?

Zubaidah, 11:09 PM

Versi: You're not tossing me out the window.

Chance, 11:09 PM

You got caught breaking and entering, you don't get to keep that many secrets.

Zubaidah, 11:10 PM

He creates a little ball of greenish flame in one hand.

Pharolvir, 11:10 PM

"Ulisse?  A little help here, please."

Chance, 11:10 PM

Chance creates a little ball of orange energy in his hand.

Chance, 11:10 PM

I shall call you Prince Whatshisname.

Zubaidah, 11:10 PM

Ulisse: Maybe we should all take a step back and calm down. There's no need for violence.

Zubaidah, 11:11 PM

Versi: I'm not a prince.

Zubaidah, 11:11 PM

A couple more tears slip out.

Zubaidah, 11:12 PM

Ulisse, very slowly, takes a step forward and offers the kid a handkerchief. Versi takes it in his non-fiery hand.

Pharolvir, 11:12 PM

((11 insight on that statement))

Pharolvir, 11:12 PM

"...the offer of cheesecake still stands."

Pharolvir, 11:13 PM

"It's very good."

Zubaidah, 11:13 PM

Versi: … is he going to fireball me or are you going to try to feed me, or...

Pharolvir, 11:14 PM

"Are you gonna fireball somebody?"

Chance, 11:14 PM

You are sitting on my bed, so I will probably not blast you.

Zubaidah, 11:15 PM

Versi: … I guess not.

Zubaidah, 11:16 PM

Versi's fire goes out.

Pharolvir, 11:16 PM

Pharolvir smiles and nods and looks to Chance.

Pharolvir, 11:16 PM

"...I'll get cheesecake."

Zubaidah, 11:17 PM

Versi pounces Pharolvir, more or less.

Zubaidah, 11:17 PM

And cries on him.

Chance, 11:17 PM

…. okay.

Pharolvir, 11:17 PM

"......ok...ok....um...."

Pharolvir, 11:17 PM

Pharolvir pats his head. "There there?"

Zubaidah, 11:19 PM

Ulisse: This is awkward.

Chance, 11:19 PM

I have a great idea. Let's take this out of Chance's room.

Bobbin, 11:21 PM

Bobbin speaks in a young halfling man's voice.

"Oh, of course. We wouldn't want to overstay our welcome."

The birb starts heading out.

Zubaidah, 11:22 PM

Versi sniffles and backs away from Pharolvir. "... is there anyone else out there?"

Pharolvir, 11:23 PM

"There shouldn't be."

Pharolvir, 11:23 PM

Pharolvir puts and arm around his shoulders and gingerly guides him out.

Ann, 11:24 PM

Ann Nesia follows

Zubaidah, 11:24 PM

He goes willingly, and takes his coat off as he does. He looks around and hangs it on a coat hanger.

Zubaidah, 11:24 PM

He's wearing kind of an expensive-looking outfit underneath.

Zubaidah, 11:26 PM

Versi: I'm sorry to interrupt your... what is that? Is that a gelatinous cube? … why is it so small?

Zubaidah, 11:26 PM

Versi: Are you a monster breeder? Isn't that illegal?

Pharolvir, 11:26 PM

"Because he's adorable.  His name's Blub."

Pharolvir, 11:27 PM

"Blub's not a monster, thank you very much.  He's an ooze.  With feelings...I think."

Ann, 11:27 PM

We didn’t breed it we found it

Zubaidah, 11:27 PM

The rat has eaten a massive amount of cheesecake considering its size.

Zubaidah, 11:27 PM

Versi: Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to be rude.

Ann, 11:28 PM

Ann Nesia will get some water for the rat

Pharolvir, 11:28 PM

"Ann, you may want to warn your rat about diabetes."

Pharolvir, 11:28 PM

Pharolvir cuts a slice of cake for Versi.

Zubaidah, 11:28 PM

The rat looks uncomfortably full and sips some water, but mostly just lies there, hoping digestion helps.

Ann, 11:29 PM

Ann Nesia gently pets the rat to distract it

Zubaidah, 11:30 PM

That rat seems to appreciate this, but mostly sits still.

Zubaidah, 11:31 PM

Versi moves the cheesecake around on his plate for the most part. "What happened to him?"

Pharolvir, 11:31 PM

"...who?"

Zubaidah, 11:32 PM

Versi: The rat.

Ann, 11:33 PM

Oh, he ate too much at once I think

Zubaidah, 11:34 PM

Versi: … I don't know what to do.

Chance, 11:35 PM

You have yet to tell us what it is you are running from or anything that would give us any indication of how to assist you.

Chance, 11:36 PM

So in the face of such a lack of data, might I suggest you turn to crime.

Zubaidah, 11:36 PM

Versi: I can't do that.

Chance, 11:37 PM

That is the only advice I have to dole out to a stranger who refuses to tell us anything, Prince Whatstheirface.

Pharolvir, 11:37 PM

"Your advice is crime?"

Chance, 11:37 PM

It is a good standby.

Zubaidah, 11:37 PM

Versi: I'm not a prince!

Ann, 11:37 PM

Who are you then?

Zubaidah, 11:38 PM

Versi sniffles and wipes his face again.

Zubaidah, 11:38 PM

Versi: I'm... I'm the king.

Pharolvir, 11:38 PM

".........Ulisse, I thought you said the king was old?"

Chance, 11:38 PM

I knew I was right.

Zubaidah, 11:39 PM

Versi: Up until an hour ago.

Pharolvir, 11:39 PM

"Ah, I see."

Zubaidah, 11:39 PM

Ulisse: He was.

Zubaidah, 11:41 PM

Ulisse: Waltz, wasn't it?

Zubaidah, 11:41 PM

"Versi" nods miserably.

Pharolvir, 11:42 PM

((Was the "up until an hour ago" to me or Chance?))

Zubaidah, 11:42 PM

To both of you!

Pharolvir, 11:43 PM

"So, let me guess, you were de-aged in some sort of plot and are now the presumed assassin of the king."

Zubaidah, 11:44 PM

Waltz: No. I'm the king because my father just died.

Zubaidah, 11:44 PM

Waltz: What am I going to do?

Chance, 11:44 PM

Abdicate?

Chance, 11:45 PM

FAke your death?

Pharolvir, 11:45 PM

"...oh...that makes more sense."

Chance, 11:45 PM

And then go into crime.

Pharolvir, 11:45 PM

"Stop using crime as a fallback!"

Chance, 11:45 PM

I will as soon as it ceases being the best option.

Zubaidah, 11:46 PM

Waltz: I don't think I can commit crimes.

Chance, 11:47 PM

Who told you that?

Chance, 11:47 PM

They're a liar.

Ann, 11:47 PM

You already broke into a place

Zubaidah, 11:47 PM

Waltz: I mean, anything I do is technically probably legal now.

Chance, 11:47 PM

You can commit any crimes you set your mind to.

Chance, 11:47 PM

Oh. Oh, yes, that is a conundrum.

Pharolvir, 11:47 PM

"...this may be an awkward question, but is there a particular reason you can't be king?"

Pharolvir, 11:48 PM

"...also, is that how kings work?"

Zubaidah, 11:48 PM

Waltz: I don't want to be king.

Zubaidah, 11:49 PM

Ulisse: Not really. There are a number of checks and balances in this country.

Zubaidah, 11:49 PM

Waltz: … why do you have an Assassin here? Who are you, anyway?

Pharolvir, 11:50 PM

"He's our friend and also sort of kind of got us a job here...sort of."

Pharolvir, 11:51 PM

"Do you have any other siblings?  I assume you don't have any sisters, but maybe a brother could inherit instead."

Zubaidah, 11:52 PM

Waltz: Two sisters and one brother. But they're all younger than I am. … I just can't right now.

Bobbin, 11:52 PM

"Understandable."

Pharolvir, 11:53 PM

"...right, not a matriarchy.  ...oh, well that's good at least.  You don't have to marry into another stronger kingdom to keep producing heirs."

Zubaidah, 11:55 PM

Waltz: … why would...

Pharolvir, 11:56 PM

"I'm from the Underdark.  Women there are the only ones who can inherit titles and wealth.  So, when a family has only sons, the sons have to be married off to families with daughters so that that wealth can enter the family of the sons.  The daughter's family is assured future heirs and the son's family doesn't end up penniless and powerless."

Zubaidah, 11:57 PM

Waltz: Oh. … are you an ambassador, then? Or...?

Pharolvir, 11:57 PM

".................sure, let's go with that."

Zubaidah, 11:57 PM

Waltz: … you're not criminals, are you?

Zubaidah, 11:58 PM

He eyes Chance.

Chance, 11:58 PM

We are not all criminals.

Pharolvir, 11:58 PM

"I am not a criminal."

Ann, 11:58 PM

As far as I know I am not a criminal

Zubaidah, 11:59 PM

Waltz: Then who are you?

Pharolvir, 11:59 PM

"I suppose technically I am a scientist.  ...but not really.  We're hired to try and sort out the strange phenomena in a dimension running adjacent to this hotel."

Zubaidah, 12:00 AM

Waltz: It is a hotel. I thought so. I thought no one was here, since the light was off in the room.

Zubaidah, 12:00 AM

Ulisse: I'm Ulisse, your majesty.

Chance, 12:00 AM

Don't forget:  IT is also a brothel!

Zubaidah, 12:00 AM

Waltz winces a little bit at the title.

Zubaidah, 12:00 AM

Waltz blushes right up to the roots of his hair.

Pharolvir, 12:01 AM

"I mostly focus on the hotel part.  It's also a bar and a temple.  Mostly what it is is not very well planned out."

Ann, 12:01 AM

I wouldn’t tell the brothers that

Pharolvir, 12:01 AM

Pharolvir turns to Ulisse "Please don't tell the brothers I said that."

Zubaidah, 12:02 AM

Ulisse: I would not dream of it.

Zubaidah, 12:03 AM

Waltz: A temple to who?

Pharolvir, 12:03 AM

"Um....it began with an S..."

Chance, 12:04 AM

Sune.

Pharolvir, 12:04 AM

"That's the one."

Zubaidah, 12:04 AM

Waltz: Oh. … you still haven't answered my question, though. If you're not criminals, who are you?

Pharolvir, 12:05 AM

"...I thought I just told you."

Chance, 12:05 AM

WE are troubleshooters!

Chance, 12:05 AM

We shoot troubles.

Pharolvir, 12:05 AM

"We handle bizarre situations as they arise in this magic hotel while living here for free."

Ann, 12:05 AM

Lake investigators

Pharolvir, 12:05 AM

"...sometimes with violence."

Bobbin, 12:05 AM

Bobbin gestures to themself and speaks in that odd moths' wings voice.

"Meddlesome little creature."

Pharolvir, 12:05 AM

"Mostly with special abilities and skills."

Pharolvir, 12:06 AM

"And once with a make-out session, but I don't think that's a normal solution."

Zubaidah, 12:06 AM

Waltz: … what?

Chance, 12:06 AM

You would be surprised how many times it becomes the solution, Pharo.

Zubaidah, 12:07 AM

Ulisse: Indeed.

Zubaidah, 12:07 AM

Waltz blushes again.

Pharolvir, 12:08 AM

"...I'm not sure our profession has an exact title is what I guess I'm saying."

Zubaidah, 12:08 AM

Waltz: Do you?

Pharolvir, 12:08 AM

"We're freelancers, I guess."

Pharolvir, 12:08 AM

"Oh...um...I'm not sure if I have a title, per se."

Pharolvir, 12:09 AM

"My family is of a certain prominence, I guess."

Zubaidah, 12:09 AM

Waltz: I'm sorry I cried on you. I was just... he was my father, you know. He stopped breathing and... everyone looked at me.

Pharolvir, 12:10 AM

"I understand.  I am sorry."

Zubaidah, 12:10 AM

Waltz: … what about names, do you have names?

Chance, 12:10 AM

I am Seventh Last Chance.

Pharolvir, 12:10 AM

"We didn't mean to attack you, but you were a strange figure sneaking into our apartment uninvited."

Bobbin, 12:10 AM

"Bobbin."

Pharolvir, 12:11 AM

"........oh, I forgot to introduce us.  I am Pharolvir Tarsyn Elisar the second."

Zubaidah, 12:11 AM

Ulisse: Still Ulisse.

Bobbin, 12:11 AM

That name seems about as likely to be the bird's real name as "meddlesome little creature."

Pharolvir, 12:12 AM

"Bobbin, you are not meddlesome."

Ann, 12:12 AM

I am going by Ann

Pharolvir, 12:12 AM

"...I am very concerned about that one voice you use sometimes.  The language he had is most rude."

Bobbin, 12:13 AM

Bobbin shrugs, and continues in that worrisome voice.

"When one is old, one earns the right to be unpleasant."

Pharolvir, 12:14 AM

"...I don't know who this person was, but they seem like they were, indeed, 'unpleasant'."

Zubaidah, 12:14 AM

Waltz: There are plenty of young people who aren't very pleasant either.

Zubaidah, 12:15 AM

Waltz looks toward the door. "... they're probably looking for me."

Pharolvir, 12:16 AM

"...I can maybe help a bit with that."

Zubaidah, 12:17 AM

Waltz: What should I do?

Pharolvir, 12:17 AM

"...that kind of depends on what you want to do."

Chance, 12:17 AM

Can you not just abdicate?

Zubaidah, 12:18 AM

Waltz: I never thought of it before. I thought... I thought I'd have more time before I had to do it.

Pharolvir, 12:20 AM

"...so...what you're saying is you want time to think on it?"

Zubaidah, 12:21 AM

Waltz: … they just expect me to...

Pharolvir, 12:22 AM

"...ok, how about you just...sit for a bit and get back to us, ok?"

Zubaidah, 12:22 AM

Waltz: All right.

Zubaidah, 12:23 AM

Ulisse eyes Pharolvir.

Pharolvir, 12:24 AM

Pharolvir eyes Ulisse back.

Zubaidah, 12:24 AM

Ulisse: … people will be looking for him.

Ann, 12:25 AM

They won’t  be looking here

Pharolvir, 12:25 AM

"People were also looking for the Sky Hawk, or are we forgetting about that incident?"

Zubaidah, 12:25 AM

Waltz: The Sky Hawk? You know the Sky Hawk?

Ann, 12:25 AM

We met briefly

Chance, 12:26 AM

I must agree with Ulisse. Our suite is getting entirely too busy.

Zubaidah, 12:26 AM

Ulisse: That wasn't... precisely my point. I only meant people will probably be worried he might come to harm.

Pharolvir, 12:28 AM

"Which is more likely to happen if we kick him out then if we keep him safe in our suite."

Ann, 12:28 AM

He should be safe enough here

Zubaidah, 12:28 AM

Ulisse: I definitely do not advise kicking him out.

Zubaidah, 12:28 AM

Waltz: What was she like? Sky Hawk, I mean?

Pharolvir, 12:29 AM

"A touch jumpy."

Chance, 12:29 AM

Or we will be accused of kidnapping by the pirate hunting lady who already dislikes us immensely.

Zubaidah, 12:29 AM

Waltz: Could I meet her? Could you introduce me?

Pharolvir, 12:31 AM

"........I am not sure we're on good enough terms to introduce you.  ...also, I think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself."

Chance, 12:31 AM

And is probably watching us.

Chance, 12:31 AM

Or has us under observation anyway.

Zubaidah, 12:31 AM

Waltz: …  you're not going to kick me out, are you?

Chance, 12:31 AM

But whatever, no one listens to Chance.

Chance, 12:32 AM

Chance stalks out!

Ann, 12:32 AM

No we aren’t

Pharolvir, 12:32 AM

"Definitely not."

Zubaidah, 12:32 AM

Waltz: Oh, good. … they'd never let me see her anyway. And now I'll never not have babysitters!

Ann, 12:33 AM

You can take my room I have been using a couch anyway.

Pharolvir, 12:33 AM

"Seems like a plan."

Zubaidah, 12:35 AM

Waltz: You don't know what it's like, always having people around, telling you what to do and who to be and going on and on about your duty.

Zubaidah, 12:38 AM

Ulisse: No?

Pharolvir, 12:38 AM

"......."

Zubaidah, 12:39 AM

Waltz: I never do anything right.

Pharolvir, 12:40 AM

"...it feels like you're maybe spiraling a bit.  Would you be willing to come and lie down for just a short while?"

Zubaidah, 12:41 AM

Waltz blushes bright red again. "I, uh, I mean, I'm sure you're very nice, and everything, but we just met and I, er. Well."

Pharolvir, 12:42 AM

"OH!  NO!  NO!  I MEANT A NAP!"

Zubaidah, 12:42 AM

Ulisse tries valiantly not to laugh, and merely coughs once instead.

Pharolvir, 12:42 AM

Pharolvir is also blushing.

Bobbin, 12:43 AM

Bobbin laughs uproariously, flopping down on the ground and kicking their birdy lil' legs in the air. Apparently, they find this amusing.

Zubaidah, 12:43 AM

Waltz: Oh! Oh, I see! Yes, that would be good. Yes, thank you. Good.

Pharolvir, 12:43 AM

Pharolvir will guide him to Ann's room, since she offered.

Pharolvir, 12:43 AM

"Not helping, Bobbin!"

Zubaidah, 12:44 AM

He heads in there, still bright red. "Um. Thank you." And closes the door.

Zubaidah, 12:44 AM

(There are also spare rooms in the suite.)

Pharolvir, 12:45 AM

Pharolvir leaves him be. "Ok, so...this is not a permanent solution.  But I do feel he needs some time to think."

Zubaidah, 12:46 AM

Ulisse: Yes. However, people will be rather worried about him.

Pharolvir, 12:46 AM

"What do you want me to do, Ulisse?  Kidnap the king and drag him back to the palace or wherever?"

Pharolvir, 12:47 AM

"If I tell anyone where he is, they'll send guards to take him."

Zubaidah, 12:47 AM

Ulisse: Not... necessarily.

Ann, 12:47 AM

You know someone we can tell?

Zubaidah, 12:48 AM

Ulisse: … technically, you know someone we could tell.

Pharolvir, 12:49 AM

"...........it better not be the Sky Hawk, cause that is a terrible plan."

Ann, 12:50 AM

We also don’t have a way of contacting her

Zubaidah, 12:50 AM

Ulisse: … or I could try myself. Ulisse doesn't have much favor at court.

Pharolvir, 12:51 AM

"...you want to advocate for us as...what exactly?  Guardians of the king?"

Ann, 12:51 AM

We also shouldn’t tell the brothers

Ann, 12:51 AM

I don’t think Ylyndar would be happy with this.

Zubaidah, 12:52 AM

Ulisse: I think he just needs some time to process his father's death. I'm assuming that would be difficult, if one cared for one's father.

Ann, 12:53 AM

So we give him time and don’t get caught hiding him while he has that time

Pharolvir, 12:53 AM

"I'd be very sad if my father died, and I wouldn't have to worry about new power or responsibilities in that event."

Zubaidah, 12:55 AM

Ulisse: … the difficulty is, certainly if I go, they will assume he's on a bender, or that he was involved in orgies or is simply one of my many, many victims.

Zubaidah, 12:55 AM

Ulisse: My father and I... we don't talk.

Ann, 12:56 AM

I mean none of us have any standing in the court

Pharolvir, 12:56 AM

"I can devise some means to have him stay here and have no one suspect it's him...assuming he's willing to go along with it."

Chance, 12:56 AM

Chance comes back with a drink. "This is a bad idea."

Chance, 12:56 AM

Chance goes into his room.

Pharolvir, 12:56 AM

"...thanks for the input."

Chance, 12:57 AM

I want to be on record.

Zubaidah, 12:57 AM

Ulisse: I have standing, it's just... I also have Ulisse's reputation.

Pharolvir, 12:57 AM

"...what about...your other self?"

Chance, 12:57 AM

Chance pulls up the floorboards to the hiding spot where Sky Hawk's armor was stashed.

Zubaidah, 12:58 AM

Ulisse: I keep a much lower profile there. The only people who know me are the poor and those who try to help them.

Pharolvir, 12:58 AM

Pharolvir nods.

Chance, 12:59 AM

Have you decided to not tell anyone he's here yet?

Zubaidah, 1:00 AM

Ulisse: Not yet. I don't agree, I'm just not sure how best to accomplish it without making people think our young king is a drug-addled rakehell.

Pharolvir, 1:00 AM

"I think keeping it secret for now is a good thing."

Chance, 1:01 AM

Given our firsthand data, keeping secrets from the brothers is not awkward  and difficulty-creating at all, he said sarcastically.

Zubaidah, 1:01 AM

Ulisse: We've not had violence over an uncertain succession in my lifetime, but there is a nonzero risk it could happen if people panic because the heir has disappeared.

Zubaidah, 1:02 AM

Ulisse: … I was able to speak with Ylyndar today. So he knows.

Chance, 1:02 AM

Well, there is that, at least.

Pharolvir, 1:02 AM

"...you talked to Ylyndar?!?"

Bobbin, 1:03 AM

"Is there not a trusted person who he can have make decisions?"

Zubaidah, 1:04 AM

Ulisse: Yes. I talked to Ylyndar. And that's a good question. We'd have to ask him; I haven't had much luck at court since I threw up on his cousin Lagathia.

Pharolvir, 1:06 AM

"He's basically a kid.  There has to be some kind of absence period where the advisors can rule in his place."

Zubaidah, 1:08 AM

Ulisse: … pea soup, it was very convincing. I'd heard she was going to try to marry me and I really could not be having with that. And yes, there probably is.

Zubaidah, 1:08 AM

Ulisse: It is also possible they'll have mages try to look for him.

Bobbin, 1:09 AM

"Dodged a bolt there, my friend."

Bobbin says, in the voice of an overconfident human man.

Pharolvir, 1:11 AM

"You give a lot of details about your escapades even when literally no one asked for a follow-up.  Is this some kind of weird lowkey brag?"

Chance, 1:11 AM

Chance comes out of his room with a sachel, and with something big and wrapped in canvas strapped to his back. "Masterfully done, I must say."

Pharolvir, 1:12 AM

"...what are you doing?"

Zubaidah, 1:12 AM

Ulisse: … I haven't really been able to talk to anyone about anything real for a long time. I apologize.

Chance, 1:13 AM

Do not apologize for weaving a legend, my friend.

Pharolvir, 1:13 AM

"Chance, answer my question.  What are you doing?"

Chance, 1:15 AM

I am getting another room, I think. I would like to be elsewhere when they find the new pre-king staying in the quarters of a pirate. Authorities tend to get a bit... executey under those circumstances.

Chance, 1:16 AM

Chance goes over to Ann's door and knocks. "Hello?  I am sorry your father died."

Pharolvir, 1:16 AM

"...wow, thanks.  Good friending."

Zubaidah, 1:17 AM

The kid opens the door. "Oh. Thanks. Nobody's … really said that yet."

Chance, 1:17 AM

Chance pats him on the shoulder.

Zubaidah, 1:18 AM

Waltz: What's in the bag?

Chance, 1:19 AM

Chance looks at Pharo. "I am doing this for your benefit.  That woman already knows we helped the Sea Hawk escape.  She will find out who I am before long.  she has hung several friends already.  If I am elsewhere when they find Waltz here, you will be in less trouble."

Zubaidah, 1:19 AM

Ulisse folds his arms and leans against the wall.

Chance, 1:19 AM

Chance looks at the wrapped bundle. "Ah, an old broken thing I found."

Chance, 1:19 AM

I am trying to fix it.

Zubaidah, 1:20 AM

Waltz: Oh. Can I help?

Chance, 1:21 AM

You're a good kid. It's fine. It is a project of mine. Did you like your father?

Zubaidah, 1:22 AM

Waltz: Yes, of course. Don't most people?

Chance, 1:22 AM

Chance holds up his hands. "Ehhh?"

Chance, 1:22 AM

But it is good that you did.

Chance, 1:23 AM

Probably it came crashing down on you all at once.

Chance, 1:23 AM

Minus one father, plus a million expectations and responsibilities.

Zubaidah, 1:24 AM

Waltz nods. "Yes, exactly."

Pharolvir, 1:24 AM

"...that would be scary, yes."

Chance, 1:25 AM

Anyway, Pharo, I am moving down the hall, not to another city. … unless it is another city down the hall. I'm still not sure how that works.

Zubaidah, 1:26 AM

Waltz: … you're leaving? Why?

Chance, 1:26 AM

Until Everhart stops snooping around, it'll be slightly safer for everyone involved.

Ann, 1:26 AM

Except there won’t be anyone to help you if she finds you alone in a room

Chance, 1:27 AM

There are always windows to jump out of.

Pharolvir, 1:28 AM

"I am sure Chance has been in similar situations before."

Chance, 1:28 AM

A few!

Pharolvir, 1:28 AM

"...and we are down the hall in case you need help with a daring escape."

Zubaidah, 1:28 AM

Waltz: ... it's not because of me, is it?

Chance, 1:28 AM

The monastery is very dangerous.

Chance, 1:30 AM

Hmm. A little. I thought your presence might bring more attention toward us too soon after the Sky Hawk narrowly escaped from this very room. After she made out with Ann.

Zubaidah, 1:31 AM

Waltz wide-eyes at Ann. "YOU KISSED THE SKY HAWK?? ... is she pretty? What does she look like?"

Chance, 1:31 AM

But you're a good kid and if you need a place to just... get some quiet and a chance to get your head on straight, well. I shouldn't begrudge you that.

Zubaidah, 1:32 AM

Waltz: ... if I just go home could you introduce me to her?

Chance, 1:32 AM

I have her armor in my bag.

Chance, 1:32 AM

I assume she'll be back for it.

Pharolvir, 1:33 AM

"...do you want to go home?"

Zubaidah, 1:34 AM

Waltz: ... I don't know. Maybe I should. People will be worried. ... do you think they'd leave me alone if I asked?

Pharolvir, 1:35 AM

".....ummmmmmmmmmm..."

Chance, 1:35 AM

I think that if they have any decency they will give you a chance to get your head on straight and grieve and that sort of thing.

Bobbin, 1:36 AM

"If that fails, you're the king. You may be able to banish them from your quarters until further notice."

Zubaidah, 1:36 AM

Waltz: Oh. I... suppose that's true.

Zubaidah, 1:36 AM

Waltz: ... all right. I'll go back.

Chance, 1:36 AM

Do you want us to go with you?

Pharolvir, 1:37 AM

"...Bobbin raises a good point."

Zubaidah, 1:37 AM

Waltz: No, I think... I think I'll be all right.

Zubaidah, 1:37 AM

Waltz: ... what's the name of this place? So that I can come back.

Pharolvir, 1:38 AM

"Lovely Creatures".

Zubaidah, 1:38 AM

Waltz: All right.

Zubaidah, 1:38 AM

He hugs Pharol again, and then hugs Chance, Ann and Bobbin.

Pharolvir, 1:39 AM

Pharolvir hugs back. "You're a good kid.  You'll figure it out."

Bobbin, 1:39 AM

Bobbin hugs him back. In Bobbin's very biased opinion, wing hugs are the pest hugs, and everybody deserves one at some point.

Chance, 1:39 AM

Remember, crime is always a backup!

Bobbin, 1:40 AM

"crime is a sometimes food!"

Ann, 1:40 AM

Ann Nesia hugs back as well

Zubaidah, 1:41 AM

He hugs Ulisse too, takes a deep breath and departs!