Perpetual Gloom 005

[4/23/2013 8:54:57 PM] Josie: I won't recap this week, unless someone needs it--it's only been a couple of days. [4/23/2013 8:55:15 PM] Jamaros: We're all half naked and drow. [4/23/2013 8:55:28 PM] Josie: Pretty succinct! Exactly. [4/23/2013 8:55:47 PM] Jamaros: ((HUZZAH!)) [4/23/2013 8:56:14 PM] Josie: Kalanor hands small vials out to everyone. "Here, put one drop in each of your eyes." [4/23/2013 8:56:24 PM] Khiro: Khiro nods, and does so! [4/23/2013 8:56:29 PM] Jamaros: ...what's it do? [4/23/2013 8:56:38 PM] Amara: Amara does as she's told [4/23/2013 8:56:38 PM] Khiro: Darkvision, I presume. [4/23/2013 8:56:38 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Solves the vision issue. [4/23/2013 8:56:55 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros does so. [4/23/2013 8:56:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yes, exactly. It should last about a week; there's enough for a second set of drops, if you don't spill. [4/23/2013 8:57:01 PM] Josie: They sting going in. [4/23/2013 8:57:12 PM] Jamaros: Gah! [4/23/2013 8:58:26 PM] Josie: Kalanor rolls his eyes, unsympathetic, and hands a ring to all three of you. They all look a bit different--Jamaros's is gold, Amara's is platinum and Khiro's is adamantium. [4/23/2013 8:58:37 PM] Jamaros: Oh, fancy. [4/23/2013 8:58:44 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros slips his ring on [4/23/2013 8:58:54 PM] Amara: Amara slips her ring on as well [4/23/2013 8:59:02 PM] Josie: Kalanor says, in Undercommon: Keep that on and you'll speak Undercommon like a native. [4/23/2013 8:59:11 PM] Khiro: Khiro puts his ring on. [4/23/2013 8:59:13 PM] Khiro: Not bad. [4/23/2013 8:59:26 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Try it out. [4/23/2013 8:59:46 PM] Josie: Tae Li, in Undercommon: Excuse me, sir, there is a frog in the bidet. [4/23/2013 8:59:49 PM] Jamaros: ...*in undercommon* how do we know they work? [4/23/2013 8:59:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor gives her a weird look. "... what bidet?" [4/23/2013 9:00:03 PM] Josie: Tae Li smiles. [4/23/2013 9:00:16 PM] Josie: Kalanor shakes his head and looks at Jamaros: ... uh, they work. [4/23/2013 9:00:42 PM] Jamaros: ...right, anything else? [4/23/2013 9:00:49 PM] Josie: Tae Li, in Undercommon: The pen of my aunt is on the table. [4/23/2013 9:01:12 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... now you're just showing off. No, I don't think so. We're going to be visiting a friend of mine. ... sort of. [4/23/2013 9:01:29 PM] Jamaros: ...sort of? [4/23/2013 9:01:31 PM] Amara: A sort of friend or we're sort of visiting your friend? [4/23/2013 9:02:08 PM] Jamaros: Is this like one of those friends who aren't really your friend, but they owe you 200 gp so they call on you to watch a dragon egg? [4/23/2013 9:02:16 PM] Khiro: Khiro packs up his armor and stuff, putting his sword and hand crossbow on his belt. [4/23/2013 9:02:23 PM] Jamaros: ...or did I get that backwards? [4/23/2013 9:02:54 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Actually, she's kind of an enemy, technically. [4/23/2013 9:02:57 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros straps his crossbow and rapier to his belt and packs away everything else in a park. [4/23/2013 9:03:06 PM] Amara: Amara packs up her bedroll and the rest of her items. "Enemy?" [4/23/2013 9:03:06 PM] Jamaros: ((*pack*)) [4/23/2013 9:03:18 PM] Jamaros: Don't we have enough of those right now? [4/23/2013 9:03:18 PM] Amara: And we're visiting her....because....? [4/23/2013 9:04:34 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Because she'll help us. Probably. ... honestly, she's going to be a pain in the ass about it, but she *will* help. [4/23/2013 9:05:02 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Besides, I'm sure you've noticed the word for "friend" and the word for "enemy" are almost exactly the same. [4/23/2013 9:05:15 PM] Josie: Alain: ... I don't like this, maybe I *should* go with you. [4/23/2013 9:05:29 PM] Khiro: She owes you a favor? [4/23/2013 9:05:37 PM] Amara: Well *I* wouldn't stop you from coming, Alain [4/23/2013 9:05:59 PM] Jamaros: Me neither. I'd feel much safer with a giant spider on our side. [4/23/2013 9:06:01 PM] Josie: Kalanor: She owes me a favor, she'll enjoy seeing me squirm and we grew up together. [4/23/2013 9:06:08 PM] Josie: Alain: ... I'm not that big, am I? [4/23/2013 9:06:20 PM] Jamaros: Compared to most spiders. [4/23/2013 9:07:23 PM] Jamaros: ...so, the plan is to go to someone who hates you and hope they feel superior enough to help us? [4/23/2013 9:07:32 PM] Jamaros: ...I like it. Let's go. [4/23/2013 9:07:49 PM] Josie: Kalanor: She doesn't exactly hate me. [4/23/2013 9:08:11 PM] Josie: He heads up the ladder-steps. [4/23/2013 9:08:20 PM] Khiro: Khiro follows him! [4/23/2013 9:08:28 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros follows khiro [4/23/2013 9:08:50 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros looks up and immediately regrets it [4/23/2013 9:08:52 PM] Jamaros: GAH! [4/23/2013 9:08:53 PM] Josie: Alain: ... I guess *I'll* pretend to be a slave, then. That'll work, won't it? [4/23/2013 9:08:57 PM] Jamaros: Forgot about that. [4/23/2013 9:09:11 PM] Amara: Amara follows [4/23/2013 9:09:12 PM] Khiro: Well, don't look up, then. [4/23/2013 9:09:27 PM] Khiro: And be thankful I kept my shorts. [4/23/2013 9:09:39 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Exactly. You're going to blow your cover, you're supposed to be Tae Li's husband. [4/23/2013 9:09:58 PM] Jamaros: ...wait, who's supposed to be what now? [4/23/2013 9:10:31 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well, obviously she won't have me, and I'm clearly *somebody's* senior spouse, so it's got to be Amara's. [4/23/2013 9:11:00 PM] Jamaros: This part of the plan was never mentioned to me before. [4/23/2013 9:11:17 PM] Khiro: We should get our identities straight. [4/23/2013 9:11:21 PM] Josie: Kalanor: What, you expected to be just... loose men wandering around? You might get hurt. [4/23/2013 9:11:42 PM] Jamaros: ...hurt? How would we get hurt like that? [4/23/2013 9:11:57 PM] Jamaros: And I agree with Khiro, we should at least know each other's false name. [4/23/2013 9:12:10 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Are you telling me men just wander around by themselves in topside cities? [4/23/2013 9:12:21 PM] Jamaros: Yeah. Some women too. [4/23/2013 9:12:41 PM] Khiro: Every just wanders around. [4/23/2013 9:13:03 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... and they don't get raped or robbed? Seriously? [4/23/2013 9:13:10 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Men? [4/23/2013 9:13:12 PM] Jamaros: Well, not the smart ones. [4/23/2013 9:13:38 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well, men don't just wander around going la-di-da, please kill me and take my stuff down here. [4/23/2013 9:14:12 PM] Jamaros: I have a sword. In most cultures, showing a sword is enough to scare away most rapists and thieves. [4/23/2013 9:14:21 PM] Khiro: Clearly we have crime. [4/23/2013 9:14:42 PM] Khiro: When you wandered up top, did a bunch of people try to rob you? [4/23/2013 9:14:59 PM] Josie: Kalanor: No, but I stayed well away from main roads and tried not to be seen. [4/23/2013 9:15:13 PM] Khiro: You needn't have. [4/23/2013 9:15:20 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... besides, I don't worry about it, I'm a woman. ... even though I'm not at the moment. [4/23/2013 9:15:34 PM] Jamaros: Heh, up top, that makes you more of a target. [4/23/2013 9:15:42 PM] Jamaros: ...presently company excluded, of course. [4/23/2013 9:15:55 PM] Amara: Amara eyes Jamaros [4/23/2013 9:16:11 PM] Jamaros: That's not...I didn't mean...nevermind. [4/23/2013 9:16:28 PM] Khiro: Anyway. What are we all? [4/23/2013 9:17:23 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Charafay is going to have a *great* time with you, I can tell you that right now. [4/23/2013 9:17:57 PM] Jamaros: Do we have cover IDs or not? Cause a little background couldn't hurt [4/23/2013 9:18:13 PM] Khiro: That's why I was asking. [4/23/2013 9:18:20 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well, we're going to have to be from somewhere that isn't here, so I thought we could say we're from Niar'haanin Darla. [4/23/2013 9:18:34 PM] Khiro: What do we do there? [4/23/2013 9:18:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I don't know. I'd better still be a musician, it's all I'm good for. [4/23/2013 9:19:07 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Are we going to be from the same house or allies? [4/23/2013 9:19:19 PM] Khiro: Well, I can pass as a wizard, still. [4/23/2013 9:19:26 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Because there's two women here, so obviously there's two families. And now, one slave. [4/23/2013 9:19:36 PM] Josie: Alain: Um, whose slave am I, exactly? Should I be wearing manacles? [4/23/2013 9:20:04 PM] Josie: Kalanor rolls his eyes. "Of course not. Hardly any slaves try to escape anymore." [4/23/2013 9:20:14 PM] Josie: Tae Li: Because their wills are broken. [4/23/2013 9:20:22 PM] Jamaros: ...I guess I could be a tradesman. I know how to haggle. [4/23/2013 9:20:28 PM] Amara: Amara smirks. "You could be *my* slave. If you want." [4/23/2013 9:20:36 PM] Jamaros: Either that or a juggler or something. [4/23/2013 9:21:41 PM] Josie: Alain: Oh, sure, that would be great. I'll be Amara's slave. [4/23/2013 9:21:41 PM] Jamaros: If I have to be married to Tae Li, I guess we could be one family and Alain's our slave [4/23/2013 9:21:54 PM] Josie: Alain, cheerfully: She has dibs. [4/23/2013 9:22:07 PM] Jamaros: Ok, then Khiro can be my brother or something [4/23/2013 9:22:21 PM] Josie: Kalanor: And Khiro and I are her husbands. I'm the favored one obviously. ... even though I'm younger. [4/23/2013 9:22:26 PM] Jamaros: And Amara and Kal can be am allied family [4/23/2013 9:22:39 PM] Jamaros: ...So, it's just me and Tae Li. [4/23/2013 9:22:44 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... probably. I don't know, how old are you, Khiro? I suppose it doesn't matter if I'm favored. [4/23/2013 9:23:00 PM] Khiro: I'm one hundred and fourty three. [4/23/2013 9:23:06 PM] Josie: Tae Li smiles. ... for what it's worth she's *really* pretty as a Drow. But still has kind of a predatory look. [4/23/2013 9:23:35 PM] Jamaros: ...well, I feel safe. [4/23/2013 9:23:42 PM] Josie: Kalanor: The important question is what Tae Li and Amara do. [4/23/2013 9:24:21 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I mean, it's nice for men to have some sort of occupation or hobby, especially before there's children, but it's not exactly necessary unless you're really poor--and poor people usually don't have two spouses anyway. [4/23/2013 9:24:35 PM] Khiro: Hmm. [4/23/2013 9:25:02 PM] Jamaros: ...do Drow have hunters? Tae Li can be that. [4/23/2013 9:25:23 PM] Khiro: Shouldn't be anything too... attention getting. We dont' want to stick in anyone's memories. [4/23/2013 9:25:45 PM] Jamaros: Right. Uh...farmers? [4/23/2013 9:26:04 PM] Josie: Tae Li curls her lip. [4/23/2013 9:26:10 PM] Jamaros: ...or not. [4/23/2013 9:26:12 PM] Amara: Amara stares blankly at him. [4/23/2013 9:26:15 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Amara, what kind of magic do you do? [4/23/2013 9:27:12 PM] Amara: Um...the damaging kind? I can also kind of do alchemy and poison-making. If either of those would be better options. [4/23/2013 9:27:25 PM] Jamaros: ...chef? [4/23/2013 9:27:47 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Oh, alchemy and poisons, that's perfect. [4/23/2013 9:28:02 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Very common. What about you, Tae Li? [4/23/2013 9:28:22 PM] Josie: Tae Li: .... I suppose I could be a healer. [4/23/2013 9:28:31 PM] Jamaros: HAHAHAHA! [4/23/2013 9:28:32 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... not without being a priestess, and I don't think you could fake that. [4/23/2013 9:28:34 PM] Jamaros: ...sorry. [4/23/2013 9:29:01 PM] Josie: Tae Li glares at Jamaros. [4/23/2013 9:29:22 PM] Josie: Kalanor: And you were military, but that won't help at all... you guys got any ideas? [4/23/2013 9:29:37 PM] Jamaros: ...we could both be tradespeople. [4/23/2013 9:29:46 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... no, no, I have it! [4/23/2013 9:30:02 PM] Khiro: Oh? [4/23/2013 9:30:05 PM] Josie: Kalanor: You're liviing off Jamaros's money. That makes everything make sense, why she married him, everything. [4/23/2013 9:30:14 PM] Jamaros: Hey! [4/23/2013 9:30:19 PM] Amara: HAHAHAHAHA! [4/23/2013 9:30:39 PM] Jamaros: Ok, what money do I have? [4/23/2013 9:31:24 PM] Jamaros: I can't exactly go up and say "Hi, I'm a thief" [4/23/2013 9:31:44 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well you obviously don't have the slightest idea of what to do with your hair and you're totally lacking in social graces, so she had to have had *some* reason to marry you. [4/23/2013 9:31:55 PM] Khiro: Khiro snickers. [4/23/2013 9:32:00 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Family money? Nobility? Diamond mines? [4/23/2013 9:32:04 PM] Amara: Amara also snickers [4/23/2013 9:32:19 PM] Jamaros: Diamond mines it is. [4/23/2013 9:32:21 PM] Khiro: Family diamond mines? [4/23/2013 9:32:35 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Probably conquered from dwarves or something. [4/23/2013 9:33:00 PM] Jamaros: And, for the record, I have social graces coming out my *elven for ass* [4/23/2013 9:33:41 PM] Josie: Kalanor: No you don't, but it's not your fault, really. Topsiders are barbaric. [4/23/2013 9:33:54 PM] Khiro: ... get used to it. [4/23/2013 9:34:03 PM] Jamaros: *mutters* Keep talking and I'll show you barbaric. [4/23/2013 9:34:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Charafay will teach you, don't worry. ... hopefully she'll fix the posture issue too. [4/23/2013 9:35:12 PM] Jamaros: OH SHUT UP! [4/23/2013 9:35:29 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... what? You slouch a lot, is all. [4/23/2013 9:35:37 PM] Jamaros: I do not! [4/23/2013 9:35:45 PM] Jamaros: ...It's called crouching. [4/23/2013 9:35:51 PM] Josie: Alain: ... uh, maybe *you guys* should be married. [4/23/2013 9:36:08 PM] Amara: Amara snickers [4/23/2013 9:36:12 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... *no.* [4/23/2013 9:36:31 PM] Khiro: Khiro, for what it's worth, is doing a pretty damn good drow impersonation. ((21 Disguise.)) [4/23/2013 9:37:59 PM] Josie: Kalanor leads you through the cave! There's a lot of that glowing mold and it's easy to see; there's also a sort of spidery superhighway near you, with lots of spiders going... somewhere. Some of it's parallel to you and sometimes it branches off in various directions, but your path never crosses it. [4/23/2013 9:38:20 PM] Amara: Amara cringes a bit at all the spiders [4/23/2013 9:38:32 PM] Jamaros: ((Seriously, more spiders?)) [4/23/2013 9:38:48 PM] Jamaros: ((Can our next adventure be somewhere by a beach with no insects?)) [4/23/2013 9:38:58 PM] Josie: ((Personally I hate spiders too, but they are Drow.)) [4/23/2013 9:39:07 PM] Josie: ((They keep them as pets and ride on them.)) [4/23/2013 9:39:34 PM] Jamaros: ...so, how far until we meet this...what did you say her name was? [4/23/2013 9:40:04 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Charafay. You'll like her. ... or possibly you'll hate her and she'll *love* tormenting you. [4/23/2013 9:40:15 PM] Josie: Kalanor: About five minutes, once we get into the city. [4/23/2013 9:40:52 PM] Khiro: So what kind of help are we getting from this person? [4/23/2013 9:41:05 PM] Jamaros: Besides ettiquette lessons. [4/23/2013 9:41:12 PM] Josie: You round the corner and see a sea of glittering lights below you, houses and towers and little boring office buildings, some set along the sides of the caves and others in a valley between them. [4/23/2013 9:41:48 PM] Josie: Judging by the size of it, it's probably about as big as St. Benedict or Navarre, and would be ranked as one of the largest cities in the region, if anybody knew about it. [4/23/2013 9:42:13 PM] Amara: Amara smiles. "Oh this is lovely. Really, quite lovely." [4/23/2013 9:42:32 PM] Jamaros: ...not what I was expecting. [4/23/2013 9:43:10 PM] Josie: Kalanor: What *were* you expecting? [4/23/2013 9:43:16 PM] Josie: Tae Li: A city of slaves. [4/23/2013 9:43:30 PM] Jamaros: Wow, you never get off that, do you? [4/23/2013 9:43:52 PM] Josie: Tae Li: No. Your purpose in life may be to have good hair; mine is to free slaves. [4/23/2013 9:44:02 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... I seriously doubt it's to have good hair. [4/23/2013 9:44:12 PM] Jamaros: Ok, what is wrong with my hair exactly? [4/23/2013 9:44:37 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Sorry, I'll stop mentioning it. [4/23/2013 9:45:41 PM] Khiro: ((Brb in a couple minutes, phone call.)) [4/23/2013 9:45:56 PM] Josie: ((Ahh, we'll pause for 5 minutes, then.)) [4/23/2013 9:46:23 PM | Edited 9:48:15 PM] Amara: (( I'll be back in a jiffy then! I'm going to take a quick bio break if that's alright)) [4/23/2013 9:47:35 PM] Josie: ((Go for it.)) [4/23/2013 9:48:19 PM] Amara: ((back)) [4/23/2013 9:53:29 PM] Josie: ((Shoot, I need Khiro for this bit. :) [4/23/2013 9:53:53 PM] Jamaros: ((Well, that's just bad timing)) [4/23/2013 9:54:18 PM] Josie: ((Well, I need everyone for this bit, really! It's okay, we can wait a few more minutes. I have ice cream.)) [4/23/2013 9:54:55 PM] Jamaros: ((Incidently, we still going for 7 or so hours, or are we gonna have to end early?)) [4/23/2013 9:55:07 PM] Jamaros: ((Cause I have all the time in the world tonight)) [4/23/2013 9:55:21 PM] Khiro: ((Back.)) [4/23/2013 9:55:42 PM] Josie: ((We're probably going to have to end in about 2 hours, maybe 3 at the most.)) [4/23/2013 9:55:59 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry about that.)) [4/23/2013 9:55:59 PM] Josie: ((Yayback!)) [4/23/2013 9:56:05 PM] Josie: ((No worries, it happens!)) [4/23/2013 9:56:13 PM] Josie: ((Amara, you still here?)) [4/23/2013 9:56:20 PM] Amara: ((still here!)) [4/23/2013 9:56:31 PM] Josie: ((Protip: Frozen raspberries are hard to eat!)) [4/23/2013 9:56:47 PM] Jamaros: ((So, what happens?)) [4/23/2013 9:57:17 PM] Amara: (( good tip. I've tried frozen strawberries before. Doesn't turn out well. )) [4/23/2013 9:57:46 PM] Josie: Kalanor heads for a sort of exterior-elevator contraption that goes down into the city; there are two attendants, both of them with metal collars on. One is a bugbear; the other is a large lizardman of some kind. [4/23/2013 9:58:01 PM] Josie: Lizardman, in Undercommon: Going to the city? [4/23/2013 9:58:15 PM] Josie: Tae Li's lips tighten as she *eyes* the collars. [4/23/2013 9:59:00 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks at Amara, waiting for her to answer. [4/23/2013 9:59:37 PM] Amara: Amara nods, and  in Undercommon, "We are." [4/23/2013 9:59:50 PM] Josie: The lizardman looks bored. "A gold piece each. Two for the slaves." [4/23/2013 9:59:59 PM] Josie: Kalanor: That's outrageous. [4/23/2013 10:00:10 PM] Josie: The lizardman shrugs, and holds his hand out. [4/23/2013 10:00:29 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros steps forward and pays for everyone [4/23/2013 10:00:33 PM] Josie: (It's all in Undercommon, by the way.) [4/23/2013 10:00:47 PM] Jamaros: *Undercommon* This should cover it. [4/23/2013 10:01:09 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks bored. [4/23/2013 10:02:12 PM] Josie: The lizard takes the money, and motions you forward onto a black platform with gates on either side and railings that go up about 6 feet. [4/23/2013 10:02:49 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well, welcome to the Beautiful City, anyway. [4/23/2013 10:03:01 PM] Josie: He mutters under his breath, "land of extortionists." [4/23/2013 10:03:06 PM] Jamaros: It better be, for these prices. [4/23/2013 10:04:20 PM] Josie: There's a quiet "clunk" noise, and the platform drops, just slightly faster than is comfortable. Those who aren't watching will probably suffer from having their skirts blow up a bit. What do Drow men wear under their kilts... [4/23/2013 10:04:47 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros holds his skirt down and blushes. [4/23/2013 10:05:50 PM | Edited 10:05:56 PM] Josie: Alain avoids looking. [4/23/2013 10:06:12 PM] Josie: Oddly, Tae Li also holds her skirt down awkwardly. Kalanor doesn't seem to need to, an Alain, the bastard, is wearing pants. [4/23/2013 10:06:20 PM] Josie: Alain: Woah, nice view! [4/23/2013 10:06:26 PM] Josie: He points out over at the city! [4/23/2013 10:06:32 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks! [4/23/2013 10:06:36 PM] Amara: Amara also looks! [4/23/2013 10:06:47 PM] Jamaros: Hey! [4/23/2013 10:06:54 PM] Jamaros: Do you mind? [4/23/2013 10:06:59 PM] Josie: It *is* beautiful, with millions of points of light all over it, all in different colors. [4/23/2013 10:07:03 PM] Josie: Alain: Mind what? [4/23/2013 10:07:14 PM] Josie: He's busy staring at the city and hasn't noticed anybody's skirt issues. [4/23/2013 10:07:35 PM] Jamaros: ...Yes yes, lovely city. But don't lose sight of why we're here. [4/23/2013 10:08:00 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Rescuing my sister. [4/23/2013 10:08:24 PM] Josie: After a few stomach-dropping moments, the lift slows down and lands, in a teeming market district of the city. [4/23/2013 10:08:39 PM] Jamaros: ...now, this is more my element. [4/23/2013 10:08:44 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros smirks [4/23/2013 10:08:50 PM] Josie: As soon as the gates open, several vendors walk up to you. "MAPS! Maps of the city! GET YOUR  MAPS!" [4/23/2013 10:09:00 PM] Jamaros: ...if only this skirt had pockets. [4/23/2013 10:09:07 PM] Josie: An old woman is selling fish, and shoves a herring directly under Khiro's nose. [4/23/2013 10:09:28 PM] Josie: Kalanor: We'll get you something better at Chara's. [4/23/2013 10:09:32 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks at her, gives her a *withering* stare. [4/23/2013 10:10:50 PM] Josie: A handsome, very shirtless Drow offers Jamaros a box of beautiful jewelry to peruse, and another one offers Amara a bow to look at. "Very good workmanship!" [4/23/2013 10:11:32 PM] Josie: Second shirtless Drow: Your arrows will fly straight and true, Lady. [4/23/2013 10:12:03 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros eyes the jewelry like a starving man looking at a five course meal [4/23/2013 10:12:37 PM] Amara: Amara is momentarily mesmorized by the desire to have this before remembering why she's there. "My arrows *always* fly straight and true. I do not need a new bow for that." [4/23/2013 10:12:39 PM] Josie: It's Serious Jewelry. [4/23/2013 10:13:23 PM] Josie: Second Shirtless Drow: But Lady, it's on sale! Half price, to a good owner... [4/23/2013 10:13:38 PM] Amara: Half price, really? [4/23/2013 10:13:46 PM | Edited 10:13:51 PM] Amara: Well that's a mighty fine deal... [4/23/2013 10:13:47 PM] Khiro: Khiro does his best 'I'm really bored' face. [4/23/2013 10:14:06 PM] Jamaros: (To my salesman) Thank you, but I really don't need any right now. [4/23/2013 10:14:09 PM] Josie: Old Lady with the Fish: They mark it up first, then they mark it down, he wants to cheat you. Have a rivertrout instead for your dinner. [4/23/2013 10:14:27 PM] Josie: A little old woman offers Khiro a bolt of gold-embroidered cloth. [4/23/2013 10:14:38 PM] Jamaros: ((...I think we lost Khiro)) [4/23/2013 10:14:38 PM] Josie: Shirtless Drow: I do *not*! [4/23/2013 10:14:54 PM] Amara: (to Kal) Can we please get to your friends home? [4/23/2013 10:15:17 PM] Khiro: ((...weird.)) [4/23/2013 10:15:30 PM] Josie: Kal turns away from a table full of instruments, looking a bit guilty. He has a lute in one hand, and stuffs it into his bag. "... sorry. Right." [4/23/2013 10:15:33 PM] Jamaros: ((Good, Khiro's back)) [4/23/2013 10:15:54 PM] Josie: Kal starts heading purposefully down the road. [4/23/2013 10:15:57 PM] Khiro: Khiro gives the old woman a smile. "No thank you, lady." [4/23/2013 10:16:06 PM] Amara: Amara follows, without saying anything to the vendors [4/23/2013 10:16:23 PM] Josie: Tae Li follows him, looking as though she will punch any vendors who stand in her way. Understandably, they don't. [4/23/2013 10:16:34 PM] Khiro: Khiro follows Amara, staying a few steps behind her. [4/23/2013 10:16:46 PM] Josie: The old lady makes a tch-sound. [4/23/2013 10:16:48 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros follows behind Tae Li [4/23/2013 10:17:35 PM] Josie: Alain goes last. He's gone rather quiet. It's hard to tell, but he's trying to look as harmless as possible. It's sort of working; some of the younger female vendors are blatantly checking him out, though. [4/23/2013 10:17:54 PM] Josie: ... of course, a few of them are blatantly checking Jamaros and Khiro out too. [4/23/2013 10:18:18 PM] Josie: They're a little less obvious about Kalanor, who is apparently somehow giving off vibes of "I'm married." [4/23/2013 10:18:23 PM] Khiro: Khiro keeps his nose firmly in the air, but not too high. [4/23/2013 10:18:45 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros looks out at the ladies "Hell-O" [4/23/2013 10:18:52 PM] Josie: The streets in this part of town are pretty narrow, and there's some element of having to dodge and push through the crowd to get through. [4/23/2013 10:19:22 PM] Josie: One of the women does the local equivalent of a wolfwhistle, and the others laugh and slap her on the back. [4/23/2013 10:20:42 PM] Josie: After a few minutes of walking the general atmosphere changes a bit, and you're in an area of the city dedicated to housing. The houses here are medium sized, with glassless windows covered only by heavy curtains, often in bright colors and very loud patterns. [4/23/2013 10:21:20 PM] Josie: If you're observing carefully, you'll notice that there are very few men on their own just walking around, though there were some in the crowded marketplace. [4/23/2013 10:21:53 PM] Josie: Here, the men appear to be accompanied by their wives, and many of them are carrying or chasing after children. [4/23/2013 10:23:10 PM] Josie: The slaves are pretty easy to pick out; most of them are collared. They come in various ages and species, and also various social levels--some are barely dressed and in rags and others are dressed about as well as the nobility topside, with a snooty attitude to match. [4/23/2013 10:23:39 PM] Jamaros: Well, that is a sight for sore eyes. [4/23/2013 10:23:44 PM] Jamaros: Nobles in chains. [4/23/2013 10:23:58 PM] Josie: Kalanor: They're not nobles, obviously. Just slaves. [4/23/2013 10:24:06 PM] Jamaros: Maybe to you. [4/23/2013 10:24:11 PM] Josie: Tae Li: They dress their slaves according to their station. Like putting a sweater on a small dog. [4/23/2013 10:24:24 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Usually in the colors of the House. [4/23/2013 10:24:44 PM] Jamaros: Charming. I can see why you find me so uncouth. [4/23/2013 10:25:16 PM] Khiro: The slaves have a pecking order. Slaves of more powerful houses hold it over the slaves of less powerful houses. [4/23/2013 10:25:38 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Exactly. [4/23/2013 10:25:44 PM] Josie: He eyes Tae Li: See? It's not so bad. [4/23/2013 10:25:48 PM] Josie: Tae Li: Of course you would say that. [4/23/2013 10:26:01 PM] Jamaros: It's never too bad when viewed from the top. [4/23/2013 10:26:10 PM] Josie: Kalanor mutters something under his breath. [4/23/2013 10:26:10 PM] Khiro: Oh, it's still pretty bad. [4/23/2013 10:27:16 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well I'm not saying I'd like to sell myself into slavery. [4/23/2013 10:27:33 PM] Jamaros: You don't sound too concerned about owning one either. [4/23/2013 10:28:33 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Of course I own slaves. Everybody owns slaves. [4/23/2013 10:28:39 PM] Khiro: I don't. [4/23/2013 10:28:49 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I mean *down here.* [4/23/2013 10:29:08 PM] Jamaros: So that makes it ok? [4/23/2013 10:29:14 PM] Josie: As you walk, the homes are getting bigger and further apart. [4/23/2013 10:29:21 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Why wouldn't it be okay? [4/23/2013 10:29:51 PM] Jamaros: What's so wrong about your sister being a slave then? [4/23/2013 10:29:59 PM] Jamaros: If it's all just so ok? [4/23/2013 10:30:09 PM] Josie: Kalanor: She's not. She's too valuable for that. [4/23/2013 10:31:10 PM] Jamaros: ...are we close to your friend's house? I just want to be done with this already. [4/23/2013 10:31:54 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yes, it's right here. [4/23/2013 10:33:18 PM] Josie: He stops in front of a big black house made of black and white bricks. Its windows are covered with heavy, bright curtains, and there's a tall black gate in front. There are even lawns here--covered in moss rather than grass, with some cheery flowerlike mosses forming a border up to the front door. [4/23/2013 10:33:59 PM] Jamaros: ...so...somebody gonna knock? [4/23/2013 10:34:55 PM] Jamaros: ...Kal? [4/23/2013 10:34:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor sighs. [4/23/2013 10:35:02 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I wish I didn't have to do this. [4/23/2013 10:35:14 PM] Josie: Alain: Well, what's the worst that could happen? [4/23/2013 10:35:20 PM] Josie: Kalanor: You *really* don't want to know. [4/23/2013 10:35:31 PM] Khiro: Famous last words, there. [4/23/2013 10:36:49 PM] Josie: Tae Li: Drow leaders have 17 different systems of torture; most are familiar with at least three complete systems. All include death as a possible endpoint; others include worse endpoints. [4/23/2013 10:37:17 PM] Jamaros: Well, we have the numbers advantage on our side. [4/23/2013 10:37:37 PM] Khiro: It's a big house. I doubt she's alone in there. [4/23/2013 10:38:03 PM] Jamaros: ...see, this is why my cloak would've come in handy. [4/23/2013 10:38:37 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yeah, yeah. [4/23/2013 10:38:41 PM] Jamaros: Anyway, we're here, I'm in a skirt, so just ring the doorbell already. [4/23/2013 10:38:59 PM] Josie: He opens the gate and heads up to the front door and uses a dragon-shaped doorknocker. [4/23/2013 10:40:25 PM] Josie: The door opens; it's a tall, elegant woman with white (true white, not pinky-peachy) skin and white hair in an elaborate hairstyle, with a peacock feather ornament. Her dress is blue and green with gold edging, and her jewelry matches. "May I help you?" [4/23/2013 10:40:39 PM] Josie: She looks to Amara and Tae Li. [4/23/2013 10:41:30 PM] Amara: "We're friends of a friend and we're looking for - " she turns to Kalanor quickly "help with a matter." [4/23/2013 10:42:37 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I need to speak with Charafay. It's ... urgent. [4/23/2013 10:42:47 PM] Josie: Woman: I'm afraid the Lady is busy. [4/23/2013 10:43:13 PM] Josie: Kalanor rolls his eyes. "Yes, yes, you say that to everyone. Just go and tell her... tell her there's a message from Eela." [4/23/2013 10:43:41 PM] Josie: The butler bows, and glides away. [4/23/2013 10:43:59 PM] Josie: Tae Li eyes Kalanor. "Eela?" [4/23/2013 10:44:07 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Pet name. [4/23/2013 10:44:28 PM | Edited 10:44:50 PM] Amara: You're very succinct, you know that? Not a complaint or compliment, just a fact. [4/23/2013 10:45:20 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... thanks, I think. [4/23/2013 10:45:26 PM] Amara: Amara shrugs [4/23/2013 10:45:32 PM] Josie: The butler returns and bows. "Follow me, please." [4/23/2013 10:46:17 PM] Josie: She leads you down a flight of stairs into an elegant entryway; it's fairly apparent that most of the house is below the level of the "surface" where you came in. [4/23/2013 10:46:51 PM] Josie: You go past a black-and-white floor tiled with marble and edged in semiprecious stones--lapis lazuli and malachite. [4/23/2013 10:47:31 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks around, taking in the layout of the place. [4/23/2013 10:48:00 PM] Josie: After several hallways, all covered in luxurious carpet and finished with black and white wood, she leads you into a lovely sitting-room, furnished in brilliant blues and clean white and black. [4/23/2013 10:48:40 PM] Jamaros: My, you people do love black and white. [4/23/2013 10:50:10 PM] Josie: Kalanor: It makes for a good contrast in darkvision. Her House colors are green and blue, anyway. [4/23/2013 10:50:21 PM] Josie: He looks nervous. [4/23/2013 10:50:24 PM] Khiro: Khiro nods. [4/23/2013 10:50:50 PM | Edited 10:51:19 PM] Jamaros: Well, you're looking a bit pale. ...how bad did you leave it with this lady, anyway? [4/23/2013 10:51:39 PM] Josie: Kalanor: We didn't have sex, if that's what you're talking about. I'm not interested in women. [4/23/2013 10:51:52 PM] Josie: He looks extremely uncomfortable. [4/23/2013 10:52:05 PM] Jamaros: I just want to know how likely we are to leave here with all our internal organs. [4/23/2013 10:53:05 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... I feel very hopeful? [4/23/2013 10:53:11 PM] Josie: Cira: ... mew? [4/23/2013 10:53:17 PM] Josie: Tae Li: You do not sound hopeful. [4/23/2013 10:55:10 PM] Josie: A Drow woman steps into the room! She's a bit chubby for an elf, very voluptuous, wearing a dress that pretty much consists of a long, flowing skirt and a bandeau top, all in white. She has red eyes and she's wearing a fair amount of gold jewelry, including some sort of gold chain around her waist. [4/23/2013 10:55:28 PM] Josie: Woman: ... well, this is unexpected. I don't know a single *one* of you. [4/23/2013 10:55:44 PM] Jamaros: You'd be surprised. [4/23/2013 10:55:46 PM] Josie: Kalanor clears his throat. "Well, that's... not exactly true." [4/23/2013 10:56:02 PM] Josie: She looks at Kalanor. "... oh I think I'd *remember* you." [4/23/2013 10:56:09 PM] Khiro: Khiro pets Cira. [4/23/2013 10:56:24 PM] Josie: She walks around him, eyeing him up and down, clearly undressing him with her eyes. Kalanor hugs his harp to him. [4/23/2013 10:56:26 PM] Jamaros: Jamaros stifles a snicker. [4/23/2013 10:57:26 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Uhm. [4/23/2013 10:57:45 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Charafay, it's me, Alydia. [4/23/2013 10:58:11 PM] Josie: Charafay: No! It *can't* be. Even you wouldn't dress like that. [4/23/2013 10:58:27 PM] Josie: It's... pretty easy to tell that Kalanor is blushing, or would be if his skin could show it properly. [4/23/2013 10:58:39 PM] Josie: Alain: Uh, I think you're making him uncomfortable, ma'am. [4/23/2013 10:58:55 PM] Jamaros: I don't think she cares. [4/23/2013 10:59:12 PM] Josie: Charafay: Nonsense, nobody who looks like *that* and dresses like *that* doesn't want to be looked at. [4/23/2013 11:00:16 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Chara, if you don't quit staring at me I'm going to tell everybody where you hid the packet of poison from your third tutor. [4/23/2013 11:01:05 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well there's no need to get *nasty*, Lyds. Hmph. Now who are these delightful specimens, and why on *earth* would you ever want to masquerade as a man? [4/23/2013 11:01:31 PM] Josie: Kalanor rubs his forehead. "... Jamaros, why don't *you* explain. Or Khiro or Amara or... or anybody who *isn't* me." [4/23/2013 11:02:07 PM] Khiro: Alydia here got Transmuted into a male drow by members of a rival house after her sister was kidnapped. [4/23/2013 11:02:30 PM] Jamaros: We've been hired to help her get her sister back. [4/23/2013 11:02:39 PM] Khiro: None of us are Drow. [4/23/2013 11:02:46 PM | Edited 11:02:55 PM] Amara: Amara smiles and nods in agreement. [4/23/2013 11:03:25 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well that explains a great deal. [4/23/2013 11:04:06 PM] Josie: Charafay: I have to say it looks *very* good on you. [4/23/2013 11:04:18 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Stop flirting with me, would you? It's creepy! [4/23/2013 11:04:34 PM] Jamaros: I agree. It is vaguely creepy. [4/23/2013 11:05:10 PM] Josie: Charafay mockfrowns and wanders over to Jamaros. "Well, there's always this one. He's handsome enough, although the hair... needs work." [4/23/2013 11:05:22 PM] Amara: Amara giggles [4/23/2013 11:05:27 PM] Josie: Kalanor: That's why I came to you, we need to find out what happened to Maya. [4/23/2013 11:05:30 PM | Edited 11:05:44 PM] Jamaros: Seriously, what is wrong with my hair? [4/23/2013 11:05:54 PM] Josie: Charafay waves a hand at Jamaros absentmindedly. "Why darling, I don't know what happened to Mayala. Nobody does." [4/23/2013 11:06:42 PM] Josie: Kal: That's why we need to find out. [4/23/2013 11:07:13 PM] Josie: Kal: Have you heard any gossip about it? Anything? [4/23/2013 11:08:25 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well, yes. There's one especially wicked, shady customer that simply EVERYONE says kidnapped darling Maya.... [4/23/2013 11:08:53 PM] Josie: She moves to just behind Jamaros. [4/23/2013 11:09:10 PM] Amara: And?What do you know of this customer? [4/23/2013 11:09:38 PM] Jamaros: And what are you doing back there, exactly? [4/23/2013 11:10:03 PM] Josie: Charafay: We-ell. I don't know if it's true, is the problem. [4/23/2013 11:10:24 PM] Amara: It's a fair place to start looking around though. [4/23/2013 11:10:34 PM] Josie: Charafay smiles. "Oh, just... enjoying the view." [4/23/2013 11:11:27 PM] Khiro: Right. Can we get a name? [4/23/2013 11:11:41 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well, my first husband *swears * this person didn't do it, but my second husband swears they must have! [4/23/2013 11:12:54 PM] Jamaros: And who is this person? [4/23/2013 11:12:59 PM] Josie: Charafay: And my third husband really doesn't have an opinion at all. Poor dear, he's never been very clever, but I didn't marrh him for his looks, naturally! [4/23/2013 11:13:11 PM] Josie: ((marry.)) [4/23/2013 11:13:40 PM] Amara: A NAME [4/23/2013 11:13:41 PM] Khiro: You still haven't given a name. [4/23/2013 11:13:44 PM] Amara: Do you have a name? [4/23/2013 11:14:26 PM] Josie: Charafay: Oh,  you're all so *eager.* Don't you believe in foreplay? [4/23/2013 11:14:40 PM] Amara: Amara sighs [4/23/2013 11:14:40 PM] Josie: She leans over and licks Jamaros's ear, and then saunters away. [4/23/2013 11:14:51 PM] Khiro: Nope. [4/23/2013 11:14:51 PM] Josie: Kalanor facepalms. [4/23/2013 11:14:59 PM] Josie: ... and then eyes Khiro. [4/23/2013 11:15:19 PM] Josie: Kalanor:... just tell us what your second husband said. He's usually the sensible one. [4/23/2013 11:15:28 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well, isn't it obvious? [4/23/2013 11:15:40 PM] Jamaros: If it was, we wouldn't be here. [4/23/2013 11:16:05 PM] Khiro: ... [4/23/2013 11:16:27 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Just spit it out already! [4/23/2013 11:16:42 PM] Josie: Charafay: Why, *you*, dear. Everyone thinks you did it. [4/23/2013 11:16:55 PM] Khiro: ...yeah. Your sister and you disappear at the same time. [4/23/2013 11:17:03 PM] Josie: Kalanor's jaw drops, and he sits down. [4/23/2013 11:17:14 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... what? But... but.... [4/23/2013 11:17:22 PM] Jamaros: ...you didn't do it, right? [4/23/2013 11:17:42 PM] Josie: Charafay: You've *always* been jealous of her. So much stronger, cleverer, more ambitious than you. [4/23/2013 11:18:21 PM] Jamaros: ...wait, what was that last one? [4/23/2013 11:18:45 PM] Josie: Charafay: And your silly fixation on music. *Such* a disappointment to your mother, that was. And then all the lovely boys you refused... you never *did* think anyone was good enough for you. [4/23/2013 11:19:40 PM] Josie: Charafay: Ambitious! Dear Mayala, so clever. *And* a priestess of Lolth. Really everything a mama could ask for in a daughter. Such a shame she wasn't the first-born, and everyone *loved* her, too. [4/23/2013 11:19:59 PM] Jamaros: ............... [4/23/2013 11:20:06 PM] Josie: Charafay: No wonder poor Alydia, unloved eldest, spirited her away and hid the body... [4/23/2013 11:20:43 PM] Jamaros: ...The Drow...you're aristocracy is matriarchal, right? Passed from mother to eldest daughter? [4/23/2013 11:21:26 PM] Josie: Charafay: Of course! [4/23/2013 11:21:49 PM] Josie: Charafay: But naturally, if one is *displeased* with one's child... well, you can change that. [4/23/2013 11:21:49 PM] Khiro: ... it couldn't have been your sister, could it? [4/23/2013 11:22:05 PM] Jamaros: This isn't a kidnapping. [4/23/2013 11:22:07 PM] Josie: Kalanor: *No.* She would never do that. [4/23/2013 11:22:25 PM] Josie: Kalanor: *I* would never do that. [4/23/2013 11:22:30 PM] Khiro: ...you said that even if you got changed back, the embarassment would have been too much and you would lose your place in the house. [4/23/2013 11:22:56 PM] Jamaros: You also said that you two went somewhere only the both of you knew about. [4/23/2013 11:23:12 PM] Jamaros: Your sister wanted power, your mother didn't want you to inherit anything. [4/23/2013 11:23:44 PM] Jamaros: And, now, you can't refute anything said about you. [4/23/2013 11:24:00 PM] Josie: Kalanor: No, you're *wrong.* Maya *doesn't* want power, you... you don't know what she's like. [4/23/2013 11:24:20 PM] Khiro: that's true. [4/23/2013 11:24:25 PM] Amara: Then tell us! What is she like? [4/23/2013 11:25:37 PM] Josie: Kalanor: She's clever, yes, and she *does* work hard, at everything she does, but she doesn't like the idea of being the head of our House anymore than *I* do. [4/23/2013 11:25:54 PM] Josie: Kalanor: It's not *me*, and it's not Maya. [4/23/2013 11:26:14 PM] Amara: Well is there anything more you're not telling us? [4/23/2013 11:26:48 PM] Josie: Kalanor: No! Do you want to know my blood type? The color of my left big toenail? [4/23/2013 11:27:03 PM] Amara: ....not particularly... [4/23/2013 11:27:08 PM] Jamaros: Well, it couldn't hurt. [4/23/2013 11:27:41 PM] Jamaros: ...Chara, you said they're mother had a clear and definite preference for Maya? [4/23/2013 11:28:37 PM] Josie: Charafay: Who wouldn't? Although I have to say, darling, you're rather intriguing as a man. [4/23/2013 11:28:49 PM] Josie: She runs a hand along Kalanor's shoulder, and he shakes it off, roughly. [4/23/2013 11:29:07 PM] Khiro: Could it have been your mother? [4/23/2013 11:29:15 PM] Jamaros: From the looks of it, Kal, your mother is still the one with the most to gain from this. [4/23/2013 11:29:53 PM] Josie: Kalanor: If it were my mother why would she kidnap Maya? That doesn't make sense. [4/23/2013 11:30:09 PM] Jamaros: She needs to be able to frame you for something. [4/23/2013 11:30:14 PM] Josie: Charafay: And Mayala *has* disappeared, that is true... [4/23/2013 11:30:33 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... no, that's not it. I don't know what it is, but it's not that. [4/23/2013 11:31:07 PM] Josie: Charafay: But it's *possible*, isn't it? Say, if your sister threatened to follow in your rebellious footsteps... [4/23/2013 11:31:50 PM] Jamaros: You remove the influence and set up the rightful daughter to take her place all in one move. [4/23/2013 11:32:01 PM] Jamaros: And, once again, you can't do anything about. [4/23/2013 11:32:02 PM] Khiro: Khiro nods. [4/23/2013 11:32:24 PM] Josie: Kalanor puts his head in his hands. [4/23/2013 11:32:46 PM] Khiro: Khiro puts a hand on Kal's shoulder. "Can you think of anyone else who would benefit more?" [4/23/2013 11:33:50 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... House Arkenath might. [4/23/2013 11:34:49 PM] Amara: Is that a rival house of your family's? Why might you suspect them? [4/23/2013 11:34:58 PM] Josie: Kalanor: House Teken'zynge. [4/23/2013 11:35:51 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yes, both of them. Well, Teken'zynge is our biggest rival lately, but there's been talk of a marriage alliance--either me or Maya or our youngest sister, when she's old enough. [4/23/2013 11:36:24 PM] Jamaros: You said your house was the second biggest, right? Is Teken'zynge the biggest? [4/23/2013 11:36:42 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Arkenath's a smaller house, but we're involved in a blood feud; if they took her she's....... likely to be dead or worse. [4/23/2013 11:36:57 PM] Josie: Kalanor nods. "Not biggest, just... most powerful." [4/23/2013 11:37:06 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well, *that's* a matter of opinion, isn't it? [4/23/2013 11:37:21 PM] Josie: Charafay: There are those that say Teken'Zynge has surpassed you. [4/23/2013 11:37:34 PM] Jamaros: So, a merger of your families would result in even more power? [4/23/2013 11:37:54 PM] Josie: Kalanor rolls his eyes. "Fools say many things, Chara, and you're not a fool, so don't bother pretending you are." [4/23/2013 11:38:21 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yes, it would. ... but with the marriage contract there'd be no need to steal Mayala. [4/23/2013 11:38:40 PM] Josie: Charafay: We-ell, you weren't exactly *cooperating* with the marriage, were you, darling? [4/23/2013 11:38:47 PM] Jamaros: Except maybe to keep you from stealing her first. [4/23/2013 11:39:09 PM] Jamaros: If you're gone, and Maya's location a secret, then you cannot stop the wedding. [4/23/2013 11:39:12 PM] Josie: Kalanor: That's crazy, I didn't kidnap my sister! [4/23/2013 11:39:19 PM] Jamaros: But you might have. [4/23/2013 11:39:28 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Why would I stop the wedding? Are you insane? [4/23/2013 11:39:45 PM] Jamaros: You said Maya didn't want to be head of the family, right? [4/23/2013 11:39:56 PM] Josie: Kalanor: She'll... she'll grow into it. [4/23/2013 11:40:09 PM] Jamaros: And you were apparently vocally against the wedding. [4/23/2013 11:40:19 PM] Josie: Kalanor: I was vocal against *my* wedding! [4/23/2013 11:40:57 PM] Josie: Charafay: A little more than just *vocal*. As I recall *knives* were involved. The poor boy will never be the same. [4/23/2013 11:41:43 PM] Josie: Charafay: And I do recall the one you frightened so much he threatened to jump off a cliff if he had to marry you... [4/23/2013 11:42:01 PM] Josie: Kalanor clutches his harp and looks to Khiro for help. [4/23/2013 11:42:23 PM] Jamaros: ...Khiro, run, quick! :P [4/23/2013 11:43:02 PM] Jamaros: ...but ok, were any of these boys teken...whatever? [4/23/2013 11:43:09 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... ... [4/23/2013 11:43:16 PM] Josie: Charafay: Of course. All of them. [4/23/2013 11:43:32 PM] Jamaros: And after they couldn't get to Kal, they moved to Maya? [4/23/2013 11:44:00 PM] Khiro: ((Bah, sorry about that, cat was acting weird.)) [4/23/2013 11:44:06 PM] Josie: Cira moves to Amara, and perches on her shoulder. [4/23/2013 11:44:13 PM] Josie: Charafay nods, smiling. [4/23/2013 11:44:42 PM] Jamaros: ...wait...how did Maya react to that? [4/23/2013 11:44:46 PM] Amara: Amara pets Cira. She smiles - Cira is too adorable. [4/23/2013 11:45:08 PM] Josie: Cira cuddles up to Amara, listening to all the political talk with her little tufted grey ears. [4/23/2013 11:45:23 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... she... didn't think she was ready to get married yet. [4/23/2013 11:45:37 PM] Khiro: Hmm. [4/23/2013 11:46:16 PM] Jamaros: Because she didn't want to be head of the family? [4/23/2013 11:46:30 PM] Josie: Kalanor: And because she's not ready to get married. [4/23/2013 11:46:42 PM] Jamaros: Did she actually say that? [4/23/2013 11:47:16 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Yes. ... she's responsible, yes, but there's a *lot* of responsibility in that. [4/23/2013 11:47:20 PM] Amara: Have you heard any other rumors, Charafay? About what happened to Maya? [4/23/2013 11:47:29 PM] Khiro: The most basic questions here are who benefits from kidnapping Maya and getting Kal out of the way. [4/23/2013 11:47:45 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Well, some people say the kobolds took you both and ate her right up. [4/23/2013 11:47:47 PM] Jamaros: I'm beginning to wonder if she was kidnapped. [4/23/2013 11:48:05 PM] Jamaros: No, Kobolds aren't clever enough for an attack like this [4/23/2013 11:48:55 PM] Josie: Kalanor: If she *wasn't* kidnapped why did a bunch of people come and beat the hell out of me, *change me into a man*, and take her away? [4/23/2013 11:49:11 PM] Amara: Amara shakes head. "We've already established that their mother could have gained a lot. But what of getting Kal out of the way? Do you think whoevever kidnapped Maya could come for Kal?" [4/23/2013 11:49:52 PM] Jamaros: Clearly they did. Whoever wanted Maya also wanted to make sure Kal couldn't be recognized. [4/23/2013 11:50:34 PM] Josie: Kalanor: And they managed pretty well, too. [4/23/2013 11:50:37 PM] Amara: But it's a spell....a powerful enough mage could change him back and then what? [4/23/2013 11:51:03 PM] Khiro: Khiro looks at Kal. [4/23/2013 11:51:07 PM] Jamaros: We don't know how powerful a spell it is. [4/23/2013 11:51:33 PM] Khiro: It's pretty powerful. [4/23/2013 11:51:40 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... then my mother would probably force me into marriage somehow. She'd mindcontrol me if I was her only option, and I don't think she wants to wait for the baby to grow up. [4/23/2013 11:51:57 PM] Jamaros: Clearly whoever did this, though, didn't want her talk, but also didn't want her hurt. [4/23/2013 11:52:42 PM] Khiro: We're talking some variant of Baleful Polymorph or Polymorph Any Object. [4/23/2013 11:53:15 PM] Khiro: Powerful magic. [4/23/2013 11:53:16 PM] Jamaros: I think we can rule out Arkash...Ark...the blood feud house...they would've killed you or kidnapped you if all they wanted was revenge. [4/23/2013 11:53:20 PM] Josie: Charafay: Or one specifically engineered to change *only* one's gender... hmm. [4/23/2013 11:53:54 PM] Josie: Kalanor: Except that if anyone found out I was male, or had ever been, it might humiliate House Kilana enough to be worth it. [4/23/2013 11:54:14 PM] Jamaros: Then why not do it to Maya as well. [4/23/2013 11:54:17 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... oh gods, what if they did this to Maya too... [4/23/2013 11:54:31 PM] Josie: He looks *horrified*. [4/23/2013 11:54:48 PM] Jamaros: ...you saw her get taken away. If they could do it to you there, why take her away to do it elsewhere. [4/23/2013 11:54:56 PM] Josie: Kalanor: ... no. No, I killed the wizard. Yes, exactly. [4/23/2013 11:55:41 PM] Khiro: ...Do you think that maybe the expected you to come back? [4/23/2013 11:56:58 PM] Josie: Kalanor: What do you mean? Back where? [4/23/2013 11:57:02 PM] Jamaros: There are still too many variables. It could be either house, or your mother or... [4/23/2013 11:57:10 PM] Jamaros: Back here to town. [4/23/2013 11:57:17 PM] Jamaros: It think that's what he meant. [4/23/2013 11:58:11 PM] Khiro: YEah. [4/23/2013 11:58:18 PM] Josie: Charafay: Well. It's clear what needs to be done, isn't it? [4/23/2013 11:58:19 PM] Khiro: Back here. To embarass your house. [4/23/2013 11:58:30 PM] Jamaros: ...It is? [4/23/2013 11:58:39 PM] Josie: Charafay: Of course! [4/23/2013 11:58:46 PM] Amara: I don't follow... [4/23/2013 11:59:19 PM] Jamaros: All I can think of is to investigate further, but we don't even know where to begin. [4/23/2013 11:59:21 PM] Amara: Whatever needs to be done is not obvious to me [4/23/2013 11:59:41 PM] Josie: Charafay: Investigate further! Exactly! ... oh, this one is smart, Alydia, you should keep him. [4/24/2013 12:00:19 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros looks over to Kal "...uh...I'd rather just be friends" [4/24/2013 12:00:29 AM] Amara: Don't encourage him or he'll get an even bigger head. [4/24/2013 12:00:39 AM] Jamaros: Well, if we're going to investigate, we need to split up [4/24/2013 12:00:44 AM] Khiro: We thought you had something more specific in mind. [4/24/2013 12:00:46 AM] Josie: Kalanor: A. He's really not, and B. He hates my guts. [4/24/2013 12:00:57 AM] Josie: Kalanor: Besides, where would we stay? I can't go home. [4/24/2013 12:01:11 AM] Josie: Charafay: Why, you can stay here with *me*. [4/24/2013 12:01:58 AM] Josie: Kalanor: ... and do what, find random people off the street and say "Excuse me, did you kidnap or know who kidnapped Mayala of House Kilana? No? Oh, too bad." [4/24/2013 12:02:11 AM] Josie: Cira makes a very sarcastic mew. [4/24/2013 12:02:19 AM] Jamaros: Well, we have three houses who we know gain from this kidnapping, one way or another [4/24/2013 12:02:31 AM] Jamaros: Yours, Teken and...that third one. [4/24/2013 12:02:51 AM] Josie: Kalanor: Teken'zynge. The one in the blood feud with us is House Arkenath. [4/24/2013 12:03:29 AM] Jamaros: Right, those. Given the info we have, both of those and your house have possible motives, so, in the morning, we should check each one out. [4/24/2013 12:03:41 AM] Jamaros: Maybe split up and do all three at once. [4/24/2013 12:04:14 AM] Jamaros: ...it's a start. [4/24/2013 12:04:50 AM] Jamaros: ((Someone gonna say something?)) [4/24/2013 12:05:00 AM] Josie: Kalanor: I don't think we should split up. [4/24/2013 12:05:08 AM] Josie: Charafay: ... oh, I have an *idea*. [4/24/2013 12:05:11 AM] Khiro: That seems very dangerous. [4/24/2013 12:05:18 AM] Khiro: .... that is an answer to both of those statements. [4/24/2013 12:05:33 AM] Jamaros: Well, I'm open to suggestions. [4/24/2013 12:06:22 AM] Josie: Charafay: There's a *massive* festival tomorrow night. A party for Spring Orthae'tangi. [4/24/2013 12:06:33 AM] Josie: Charafay: We could all go and... mix. [4/24/2013 12:06:33 AM] Amara: Party? Did I hear something about a party? [4/24/2013 12:06:44 AM] Amara: I like this idea already! [4/24/2013 12:06:56 AM] Jamaros: ...what sort of party are we talking about? [4/24/2013 12:07:20 AM] Josie: Charafay: The very best kind! [4/24/2013 12:07:28 AM] Khiro: What is this holiday thing? [4/24/2013 12:07:29 AM] Josie: Kalanor: ... a bloody masquerade. [4/24/2013 12:08:06 AM] Josie: Charafay: Oh, well, we celebrate the changing of the seasons. The extra water spring brings from up above helps the mold farms quite a bit. [4/24/2013 12:08:29 AM] Josie: Charafay: And I don't know what you've got against masquerades. You're already disguised, aren't you? [4/24/2013 12:08:43 AM] Josie: Charafay: What difference would it make to have a disguise over your disguise? [4/24/2013 12:09:00 AM] Jamaros: ...you already kind of did that when you met us. [4/24/2013 12:09:05 AM] Josie: Kalanor: ... I'm in hell, aren't I. [4/24/2013 12:09:19 AM] Amara: Well *I* think it sounds like a jolly good time. [4/24/2013 12:09:21 AM] Khiro: ... yeah, might make it easier to get information. [4/24/2013 12:09:34 AM] Jamaros: I am very much liking this plan. [4/24/2013 12:10:11 AM] Jamaros: Will any costumes do? [4/24/2013 12:11:07 AM] Josie: Charafay: Ooh, I'll come up with something for you. [4/24/2013 12:11:22 AM] Jamaros: That's ok. I've got plenty. [4/24/2013 12:11:28 AM] Josie: Alain: ... uh, I'm assuming that as a slave, I would not be going to this gathering, correct? [4/24/2013 12:11:42 AM] Josie: Charafay: We'll see, darling. [4/24/2013 12:11:48 AM] Josie: Alain: ... great...? [4/24/2013 12:12:41 AM] Josie: Charafay smiles a wicked little grin. "You all look so tired and so..." her eyes go up and down Kalanor again. "... so *tired*. Do relax. You have the run of the house, of course; I've got to run an errand." [4/24/2013 12:13:01 AM] Josie: Kalanor grabs her arm. "... tell *no* one we're here. Especially me. Do you understand?" [4/24/2013 12:13:25 AM] Khiro: Khiro watches Charafay with a neutral gaze. [4/24/2013 12:13:28 AM] Josie: Charafay pouts. "You're so cruel. You're *hurting* me." [4/24/2013 12:13:37 AM] Khiro: ((22 SM.)) [4/24/2013 12:13:41 AM] Josie: Kalanor lets her go. [4/24/2013 12:13:51 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros grabs her [4/24/2013 12:13:59 AM] Jamaros: Sorry, I could use that promise. [4/24/2013 12:14:33 AM] Josie: Charafay: Oooh, you're so *strong.* All that sunshine must be good for the muscles. [4/24/2013 12:14:55 AM] Jamaros: Still not hearing you say you won't. [4/24/2013 12:14:55 AM] Amara: Amara rolls her eyes [4/24/2013 12:15:17 AM] Josie: Charafay: We-ell. Since you insist... I won't tell anyone you're here. [4/24/2013 12:15:35 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros hesitates then releases her [4/24/2013 12:15:44 AM] Jamaros: Couldn't trust anything you say anyway. [4/24/2013 12:15:52 AM] Josie: Kalanor: Of course not. [4/24/2013 12:15:58 AM] Josie: Tae Li: I will kill her if she talks. [4/24/2013 12:16:14 AM] Josie: Kalanor: Great. A homicidal maniac. Exactly what the group needed. [4/24/2013 12:16:19 AM] Josie: Charafay giggles. [4/24/2013 12:17:01 AM] Josie: Charafay: Toodle-oo, sweetlings. I *will* be back. [4/24/2013 12:17:33 AM] Jamaros: ((She leave yet?)) [4/24/2013 12:19:06 AM] Josie: Charafay: Do let Felynithra know if you need anything. [4/24/2013 12:19:20 AM] Josie: She swoops out, majestic despite her lack of clothing. [4/24/2013 12:19:30 AM] Josie: Kalanor: ... now you know why I said she was my enemy. [4/24/2013 12:19:51 AM] Jamaros: ...so, how long until we have to worry about a mob coming to get us? [4/24/2013 12:20:20 AM] Josie: Kalanor shakes his head. "There won't be a mob." [4/24/2013 12:20:36 AM] Josie: Kalanor: She was telling the truth about that. Besides, if she turned us in she wouldn't get to keep watching me suffer. [4/24/2013 12:20:55 AM] Jamaros: ...I do find that oddly comforting. [4/24/2013 12:21:09 AM] Josie: Kalanor, sourly: You *would.* [4/24/2013 12:21:35 AM] Jamaros: So...do we get dinner? [4/24/2013 12:22:06 AM] Josie: Kalanor: Probably. I'm going to go... relax, or something. [4/24/2013 12:22:17 AM] Josie: He leaves, harp in hand. [4/24/2013 12:22:24 AM] Josie: Tae Li: Do not trust *any* of these people. [4/24/2013 12:22:35 AM] Jamaros: Oh shut up. [4/24/2013 12:22:46 AM] Jamaros: Like we've trusted any of them to begin with. [4/24/2013 12:22:57 AM] Josie: Alain: ... hey, I'm pretty trustworthy. [4/24/2013 12:23:05 AM] Jamaros: ...point taken. [4/24/2013 12:23:05 AM] Khiro: I think she means the drow, Alain. [4/24/2013 12:23:29 AM] Jamaros: You know, it's still possible Maya kidnapped herself. [4/24/2013 12:23:40 AM] Jamaros: Kal won't admit it, but we can't rule it out. [4/24/2013 12:24:02 AM] Josie: Alain: Yeah. It's usually family. [4/24/2013 12:24:17 AM] Josie: Alain: ... well, actually, it's usually spouses or lovers, then it's usually family. [4/24/2013 12:24:29 AM] Josie: Tae Li glowers and leaves. [4/24/2013 12:24:31 AM] Khiro: I know. Though it could just as well be the mother, too. [4/24/2013 12:24:44 AM] Josie: Cira nods approvingly. "Mrow." [4/24/2013 12:24:47 AM] Khiro: ... we should get the names of some of these rebuffed suitors. [4/24/2013 12:25:11 AM] Jamaros: Well, you're the closest to her...him...whatever. If anyone's gonna get that info... [4/24/2013 12:25:18 AM] Khiro: I'll ask. [4/24/2013 12:25:28 AM] Jamaros: Smart move. [4/24/2013 12:25:47 AM] Josie: Alain: ... also, was it me, or was she hitting on... well. Everybody? [4/24/2013 12:26:08 AM] Jamaros: She seemed rather focused on me and Kal. [4/24/2013 12:26:08 AM] Amara: Amara shrugs. "She wasn't hitting on me." She smiles proudly. [4/24/2013 12:26:20 AM] Khiro: Yeah, me neither. [4/24/2013 12:26:24 AM] Jamaros: She was probably just trying to get in Kal's head. [4/24/2013 12:26:31 AM] Jamaros: And me, well, who can blame her. :D [4/24/2013 12:27:01 AM] Josie: Cira mews. [4/24/2013 12:27:09 AM | Edited 12:27:14 AM] Amara: "Mhmm sure. You keep on thinking that," she says jokingly [4/24/2013 12:27:26 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros smirks at Amara [4/24/2013 12:27:28 AM] Josie: Alain: I just stayed quiet. I think she likes to torture people a little bit, and not giving her any feedback seemed to help. [4/24/2013 12:28:09 AM] Jamaros: I wouldn't worry so much, Alain. She doesn't seem to notice any of the slaves. Even the fake ones. [4/24/2013 12:29:31 AM] Jamaros: ...So, costume party. Never been to a Drow party before. ...I wonder how that works. [4/24/2013 12:29:49 AM] Josie: Alain: Thank all the gods. [4/24/2013 12:30:01 AM] Jamaros: ...what's that supposed to mean? [4/24/2013 12:30:06 AM] Josie: Alain: ... maybe we should get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be a long day. [4/24/2013 12:30:17 AM] Josie: Alain: Well, she's obviously a sadist. I wouldn't want her after me. [4/24/2013 12:30:32 AM] Amara: I agree with Alain. We need some rest. [4/24/2013 12:30:45 AM] Jamaros: ...you think someone should make sure Tae Li's not massacring everybody? [4/24/2013 12:30:54 AM] Khiro: ... I think we'd hear more screams. [4/24/2013 12:30:59 AM] Jamaros: ...point taken. [4/24/2013 12:31:01 AM] Khiro: Khiro goes off after Kal. [4/24/2013 12:31:37 AM] Josie: Alain yawns. "Think it's okay to split up in here?" [4/24/2013 12:31:54 AM] Amara: It should be relatively safe. [4/24/2013 12:32:00 AM] Jamaros: ...Maybe Amara and I should go off together...just to be safe. [4/24/2013 12:32:10 AM] Amara: Amara eyes him [4/24/2013 12:32:11 AM] Josie: Alain: Are you guys a couple? [4/24/2013 12:32:27 AM] Amara: If we are, then I'm unaware. [4/24/2013 12:32:43 AM] Josie: Alain: Oh, good! [4/24/2013 12:32:51 AM] Jamaros: Well, I would say that's usually up to the lady, wouldn't you? [4/24/2013 12:33:07 AM] Amara: That's a good thing, eh Alain? [4/24/2013 12:33:36 AM] Josie: Alain: ... well, yes, it  means I'm not as likely to get punched in the face if I ask you to dance. [4/24/2013 12:33:46 AM] Jamaros: ...what? [4/24/2013 12:34:15 AM] Amara: I won't let anybody punch you. *Especially* if you're a good dancer. [4/24/2013 12:34:22 AM] Jamaros: ...hold on! [4/24/2013 12:34:35 AM] Josie: Alain: Passable, I'd say. [4/24/2013 12:34:50 AM] Amara: Passable is better than most! [4/24/2013 12:35:12 AM] Josie: He smiles. [4/24/2013 12:35:17 AM] Jamaros: ...but...but... [4/24/2013 12:35:19 AM] Josie: Cira, smugly: Mew. [4/24/2013 12:35:32 AM] Amara: What's wrong Jamaros? [4/24/2013 12:35:43 AM] Jamaros: ...nothing. I guess nothing's wrong. [4/24/2013 12:35:53 AM] Josie: ((Awww.)) [4/24/2013 12:35:54 AM] Amara: Don't worry. I'll still dance with you. [4/24/2013 12:36:22 AM] Josie: ((We're basically done for the night, by the way. :) )) [4/24/2013 12:36:29 AM] Jamaros: ((I figured)) [4/24/2013 12:36:54 AM] Jamaros: ...well, I wouldn't want to cut between you two. [4/24/2013 12:36:58 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros stands up [4/24/2013 12:37:24 AM] Amara: Amara stands up too. "It's not cutting between if I *want* to dance with you." [4/24/2013 12:37:38 AM] Josie: Alain: And it's too late to do much of anything tonight. I think I'm going to go to bed. [4/24/2013 12:37:52 AM] Jamaros: ...ok, sounds good. [4/24/2013 12:38:07 AM] Jamaros: ...I guess we'll have to see to dancing tomorrow, Amara. [4/24/2013 12:38:32 AM] Josie: Alain bows, and departs! [4/24/2013 12:38:50 AM] Jamaros: ((I don't have much more to add if you guys are done)) [4/24/2013 12:39:29 AM] Jamaros: Jamaros leaves to find a bedroom