Perpetual Gloom 007b

[5/13/2013 8:15:53 PM] Amara: I go in search of Alain from the magical lift! [5/13/2013 8:17:55 PM] Kate: You head down into the basement! It is not dark, nor damp--it is, instead, a very large kitchen, and a very large dining room, with many tables--cafeteria-style. Some of the tables are laid out with food waiting to be taken upstairs, and others are full of servants eating and drinking and chatting. [5/13/2013 8:18:33 PM] Kate: The servants are a motley, interracial bunch, mostly men but about a third women, of varying races, from human to elven to draconic and even a few kobolds. [5/13/2013 8:20:11 PM] Amara: I gaze around for a bit, taking in my surroundings, before recalling my "mission" and attempt to find the most attractive servent *cough* Alain. [5/13/2013 8:21:13 PM] Kate: He probably *is*, although there are a few angelblooded guys here who are built about the same way. [5/13/2013 8:22:56 PM] Amara: Ha maybe I should just stay down here! [5/13/2013 8:24:15 PM | Edited 8:24:21 PM] Kate: He's moving trays back and forth between the kitchen and the tables. [5/13/2013 8:24:44 PM] Kate: It takes a moment or two to find him, as he's been in the kitchen for a few minutes. [5/13/2013 8:25:22 PM] Amara: I siddle up next to him. "Can I help?" [5/13/2013 8:26:18 PM] Kate: Alain: Hey! Nah, I think between all of us we've got it covered. Technically the visiting slaves aren't supposed to be doing much work--but looking busy makes you fit in a bit better, I find. [5/13/2013 8:26:24 PM] Kate: Alain: It's good to see you, though. [5/13/2013 8:26:58 PM | Edited 8:27:53 PM] Amara: Do you have some time to talk? How are things going down here? Learn anything new? [5/13/2013 8:28:43 PM] Kate: Alain: A bit. Mostly how the interaction between the Houses work, and a lot of rumors about who's sleeping with whom. [5/13/2013 8:29:21 PM] Amara: Amara smirks. "Anything that gives us ideas about what happened with Mayala?" [5/13/2013 8:29:51 PM] Kate: Alain: Well, some people did say she had some sort of a lover. If that helps. Or at least, a friend outside the clan. [5/13/2013 8:30:07 PM] Amara: That sounds promising. Any details? A name maybe? [5/13/2013 8:30:45 PM] Kate: Alain: Not yet, but I'm keeping my ears open. [5/13/2013 8:31:19 PM] Amara: So, um, about that dance...have you given any thought to that? [5/13/2013 8:32:56 PM] Kate: Alain: A little. Of course, you'd have to drag me up there, probably. I've seen a few women come down here and do that, with varying levels of success. They *seem* to be allowed to say no, but I don't really know what the consequences of that would be. [5/13/2013 8:34:03 PM] Amara: Do you have time now? I'd rather not go back and talk to Quevlyn...or Nil...he was very depressing. And apparently I've only been charged with the specific duty of talking to suitors and you. [5/13/2013 8:34:15 PM] Amara: Which I am *certainly* not complaining about. [5/13/2013 8:36:03 PM] Kate: Alain: I have time any time you want me to have time. ... and I'm not just saying that because you're pretending to be Drow. [5/13/2013 8:36:40 PM] Amara: Amara grabs his hand and 'drags' him upstairs! "Now seems like a good time!" [5/13/2013 8:37:36 PM] Kate: Alain laughs a bit and you bring him back up the lift! [5/13/2013 8:38:07 PM] Amara: Amara pulls him onto the dancefloor, near some of the other party-goers [5/13/2013 8:39:41 PM] Kate: He is a good dancer! [5/13/2013 8:40:00 PM] Amara: I like the costume by the way! [5/13/2013 8:40:03 PM] Amara: Amara winks at him. [5/13/2013 8:40:43 PM] Kate: Alain: Yes, well. I don't see anyone else here in an aranea costume. [5/13/2013 8:41:15 PM] Kate: He smiles. "I'm just glad no one seems bothered by it. You know how Drow are about spiders and everything related to them." [5/13/2013 8:41:38 PM] Amara: Are they the same way I am about most spiders? [5/13/2013 8:42:40 PM] Kate: Alain: No, they worship them. It's a sort of sacred symbol to them--that's why it turns up on their money, on their temples... even the doors. If you look at every door into a building here, there's usually a bit of web etched above it or into the doorframe. [5/13/2013 8:43:11 PM] Amara: Then why is there the big...hatred between aranea and drow? [5/13/2013 8:44:31 PM] Kate: Alain: Well, we're sort of a corruption of true... spider-ness? If that makes sense. [5/13/2013 8:46:18 PM] Amara: That makes sense. Sorry you got stuck...being a servant down here. Has it been okay down there? um  chatting with the other servants, that is - make any friends...maybe in the house Arkenath? [5/13/2013 8:47:54 PM] Kate: Alain: I don't mind it. It's been interesting; I didn't know as much about Drow as I thought I did. And there's a fair range on how they treat their slaves and free-servants, too. Arkenath, Arkenath. I think one of the sous chefs is from there. [5/13/2013 8:48:27 PM] Amara: Heard anything from him? [5/13/2013 8:50:15 PM] Kate: Alain: Her, oddly--a lot of the top serving staff are women. I haven't talked to her much; she seems to be very intense and very focused on whatever dishes she's working on. And a little bit autocratic; of all the people I expected to order me around tonight, a fellow slave wasn't one of them. [5/13/2013 8:52:01 PM] Amara: Hmm...well if she's not too busy, she might be good. I think Khiro and Jamaros were thinking the Arkenath had something to do with the disappearance. What about House Kilani? Maybe someone that works for the family knows something? [5/13/2013 8:52:32 PM] Kate: Alain: I'll talk to her a bit. [5/13/2013 8:53:30 PM] Amara: Thank you. Should I let you get back down there now? [5/13/2013 8:54:34 PM] Kate: Alain: Probably, alas. [5/13/2013 8:55:04 PM] Amara: Amara pecks him on the check. "If things start going badly up here, I might be coming to visit you again." [5/13/2013 8:55:23 PM] Amara: And thanks for dancing with me [5/13/2013 8:55:53 PM] Kate: Alain smiles. "I have something to look forward to, then. Thank you for that." He leans over and kisses her on the forehead. [5/13/2013 8:56:28 PM] Amara: Amara beams! [5/13/2013 8:57:35 PM] Kate: Alain smiles, and heads back downstairs, with a bow. [5/13/2013 8:59:00 PM] Amara: I'm unsure of who to talk to now, so can I look for Alydia? [5/13/2013 8:59:52 PM] Kate: Yep! [5/13/2013 9:00:12 PM] Kate: She's sitting down a little off by herself, sipping something from a goblet. She looks like she's thinking. [5/13/2013 9:00:40 PM | Edited 9:00:43 PM] Amara: Amara finds a seat by her and sits down [5/13/2013 9:01:12 PM] Kate: Alydia: Find out anything interesting? [5/13/2013 9:01:47 PM] Kate: Alydia: You know, I've always hated these things, but if you're *not* the heir to a major house they're actually kind of... endurable, at least. [5/13/2013 9:03:02 PM] Amara: Alain is talking to some of the servants, but mostly it sounds like gossip and rumors that he's heard. Who's sleeping with each other, and the like. The party doesn't seem *too* bad. I wish we could enjoy it more, but alas, it is work, and I am doing my best. Speaking of work, have any ideas of people for me to talk to? [5/13/2013 9:04:07 PM] Kate: Alydia: Well, I suppose you could dance with my father. Or one of my mother's other husbands. [5/13/2013 9:04:29 PM] Kate: ((Going to call a 10 minute bio/soda/whatever break here.)) [5/13/2013 9:07:28 PM] Amara: Could you point them all out for me? (( sounds good)) [5/13/2013 9:17:41 PM] Kate: Alydia: That's Valas, my father. Alak is over there with the other men, probably complaining about some damn thing or another. And Alton... I don't see him, where did he... ah, there he is, talking to that woman. [5/13/2013 9:18:30 PM] Amara: I think I'll go talk to Valas first. [5/13/2013 9:18:45 PM] Amara: Amara bows and wanders over to Valas [5/13/2013 9:19:21 PM] Kate: She nods distractedly. [5/13/2013 9:19:35 PM] Kate: Valas is by himself, rearranging the food on one of the tables. [5/13/2013 9:20:00 PM] Amara: Amara points to the food. "Is it any good?" [5/13/2013 9:20:46 PM] Kate: Valas: That tray there? Yes, but it's also rather spicy. Have a drink handy. [5/13/2013 9:21:26 PM] Amara: So...you're just playing with the food instead of eating it? [5/13/2013 9:22:49 PM] Kate: Valas: No, I'm just... making sure it looks nice. I suppose I'm so used to being in charge of things like that it's hard to turn it off. [5/13/2013 9:23:19 PM] Amara: Care to dance? [5/13/2013 9:24:23 PM] Kate: Valas: How could I say no? [5/13/2013 9:24:35 PM] Kate: He smiles, and suddenly there *is* a fair amount of resemblance to Kalanor. [5/13/2013 9:25:58 PM] Amara: "You look familiar...to someone I know..." shakes her head. "Probably not. Do you have a wife hiding around here somewhere? Your dancecard isn't full with her?: [5/13/2013 9:27:25 PM] Kate: Valas takes Amara's arm and waits for her to swing him out onto the dance floor. "No, my wife hates dancing, alas. She doesn't mind if I dance, though, fortunately. She's just not one for music herself." [5/13/2013 9:27:56 PM] Amara: Amara swings him onto the dance floor and (attempts) to gracefully dance with him! [5/13/2013 9:28:09 PM] Amara: "She sounds like a drag, if you ask me." [5/13/2013 9:28:23 PM] Kate: Roll for it! It's cha if you don't have ranks. [5/13/2013 9:28:55 PM] Kate: Valas: I can see where you might think that. She can be quite difficult, I admit. Very stubborn, but that's not always a bad thing. [5/13/2013 9:30:40 PM] Amara: Do you have any children, if you don't mind me asking. Maybe kids would make it more...bareable? [5/13/2013 9:32:56 PM] Kate: Valas: Oh, yes, several. Each more interesting than the last, no matter how you count them. [5/13/2013 9:33:31 PM] Amara: Oh? Well they sound interesting! Do go on! [5/13/2013 9:33:52 PM] Kate: Valas: Alas, my two oldest have gone missing. I hope they're all right. [5/13/2013 9:34:37 PM] Amara: (( 9 SM )) [5/13/2013 9:35:37 PM] Kate: Seems genuine. [5/13/2013 9:35:58 PM] Kate: Valas: I have a musician, a priestess, and another daughter who isn't grown yet. And a son as well. [5/13/2013 9:36:34 PM] Amara: Musician and a priestess? Those sound like two very...different...daughters you have  there. [5/13/2013 9:39:21 PM] Kate: Valas: Very. Both are capable of being quite stubborn. My oldest, Alydia, kicks up a fuss and protests at the top of her lungs about doing anything she doesn't like. Mayala is much more sensible, and she'll do things she doesn't want to do if she feels it right, but when she doesn't... she just won't do them, and that's that. She bears the consequences, but she won't do what she won't do. [5/13/2013 9:41:18 PM] Amara: "Very independent, level-headed ladies. Are they around here somewhere?" She looks around, pretending to scan the crowd. [5/13/2013 9:41:41 PM] Amara: (( 18 bluff )) [5/13/2013 9:42:25 PM] Kate: Valas: No. They've gone missing. I'm trying not to worry too much. [5/13/2013 9:43:12 PM] Amara: (( 16 SM on that )) [5/13/2013 9:44:26 PM] Kate: He's worried. [5/13/2013 9:45:11 PM] Kate: Valas: My wife thinks they've run off, and keeps threatening to disinherit both of them publicly, but it doesn't... she laughs at me when I say things like this, but it doesn't *feel* right. [5/13/2013 9:46:20 PM] Amara: What exactly do you mean by 'it doesn't *feel* right'? [5/13/2013 9:48:22 PM] Kate: Valas: It doesn't... ring true. I don't think they ran away. They both left things behind they wouldn't have left on purpose. Alydia left her favorite harp--she only had the little black one with her. And Mayala left some of her things too. [5/13/2013 9:48:52 PM] Amara: Do you think someone might have...grabbed them? [5/13/2013 9:49:27 PM] Kate: Valas: I hope so. [5/13/2013 9:49:46 PM] Kate: Valas: But if that's it, why hasn't there been a ransom demand? [5/13/2013 9:50:44 PM] Amara: Amara shrugs. "You know more than I do. Who would've taken two young ladies? That seems like a foolish thing to do, especially with a family that is, as I presume, as well-known and influential as yours is." [5/13/2013 9:52:31 PM] Kate: Valas: I'd rather believe that than believe they're dead. [5/13/2013 9:53:14 PM | Edited 9:53:16 PM] Amara: Amara nods solemnly. "But I'm sure you have your own theories?" [5/13/2013 9:54:11 PM] Kate: Valas: It could be one of the other houses, or the duergar, or the kobolds, I suppose. [5/13/2013 9:55:30 PM] Amara: ...That's a lot of theories... [5/13/2013 9:56:21 PM] Kate: Valas: I know, but nothing seems to fit. [5/13/2013 9:57:07 PM] Amara: Were you close with them? [5/13/2013 9:58:06 PM] Kate: Valas: Less so as they grew up. I taught Alydia how to play the harp originally. Gave her my family's harp. [5/13/2013 9:58:54 PM] Amara: So you encourage her becoming a musician? Where I'm from, it's typically...a bit shameful... [5/13/2013 10:00:18 PM] Amara: Maybe shameful isn't the best word. Thought lowly of, maybe? [5/13/2013 10:01:21 PM] Kate: Valas: I thought it would be her hobby. She took it a little further than she should have. Now, if she had been a man, it would be different. [5/13/2013 10:02:27 PM] Amara: Oh? There's no man in her life currently? [5/13/2013 10:03:12 PM] Kate: Valas: Despite our best efforts. [5/13/2013 10:03:13 PM] Kate: He frowns. [5/13/2013 10:03:46 PM] Amara: Soundds theres a good story here [5/13/2013 10:05:50 PM] Kate: Valas: Alydia was rather hard on her suitors. [5/13/2013 10:07:23 PM] Amara: Hmm...thats a shame. Sounds like that'd be rough on the family. [5/13/2013 10:07:47 PM] Kate: Valas: It aggravated my wife. Which is exactly why Alydia did it in the first place. [5/13/2013 10:08:07 PM] Kate: Valas: Ana never seems to realize she's playing right into her hands. [5/13/2013 10:09:30 PM] Amara: Playing right into her hands? Your wife doesnt *want* Alydia to marry any of her suitors? [5/13/2013 10:10:08 PM] Kate: Valas: No, she does. But Alydia *wants* to make her mother angry, and when Ana gets angry Alydia gets exactly what she really wanted in the first place. [5/13/2013 10:12:13 PM] Amara: Sounds like a very uncmfortable family situation. [5/13/2013 10:13:10 PM] Kate: Valas: A lot of fighting at the dinner table. When I can get them together at the same table in the first place. [5/13/2013 10:13:12 PM] Kate: He grimaces. [5/13/2013 10:14:51 PM] Amara: (( hmm well i dont know what else to ask him, so i'll wait til the end of the song before ending my conversation with him)) [5/13/2013 10:15:47 PM] Kate: ((Okay!)) [5/13/2013 10:16:20 PM] Kate: He bows at the end of the dance, gracefully. "Thank you very much for your kindness, my lady. May your family be easier to deal with than mine." [5/13/2013 10:17:35 PM] Amara: Amara bows respectfully. "Thank you for the dance. May your daughters be found quickly and safely." [5/13/2013 10:19:04 PM] Kate: Valas: Indeed. [5/13/2013 10:19:07 PM] Kate: He nods, and heads off. [5/13/2013 10:19:44 PM] Amara: Do I see any of the others around - khiro and jamaros? [5/13/2013 10:20:39 PM] Kate: Yep! Khiro and Alydia are sitting together! [5/13/2013 10:21:46 PM] Amara: Well I wouldn't want to interrupt them! I'll go find Alak? [5/13/2013 10:22:28 PM] Kate: All right! [5/13/2013 10:23:29 PM] Kate: Alak is with a few other men and they are gossiping. [5/13/2013 10:24:28 PM] Amara: Amara walks confidently up to Alak, and interrupts their conversation, "Dance with me?" [5/13/2013 10:25:43 PM] Kate: Alak raises his eyebrows. "We-ell. Aren't you a firecracker. All right." He offers her his hand, long and slim and perfectly-manicured. [5/13/2013 10:26:31 PM] Amara: Amara pulls him onto the dancefloor. "Firecracker? Very much so. And you are?" [5/13/2013 10:27:54 PM] Kate: Alak: Alak, House Kilana. Second husband of Zebeyana. [5/13/2013 10:29:10 PM] Amara: Kilana? Huh...sounds familiar. I do believe I just danced with Valas." [5/13/2013 10:29:39 PM] Kate: Alak: Mm. The first husband, yes. He *is* a better dancer than me, but I'm a much better conversationalist. You're better off with me. [5/13/2013 10:30:48 PM | Edited 10:30:51 PM] Amara: He was *pretty* good at conversation. Think you can top him? He was telling me about his daughters...Alydia and Mayala? [5/13/2013 10:31:39 PM] Kate: Alak: Mmm. Disobedient, mouthy little things. My own Haelra is superior in every way. [5/13/2013 10:32:20 PM] Amara: Amara rolls her eyes. "Everybody says that about their own child." [5/13/2013 10:33:11 PM] Kate: Alak: Haelra's twice as smart if not more. Notice that she is, in fact, here, making an appearance, talking to all the prettiest boys, and generally playing to the crowd. And where are Aly and dear little Maya? Nowhere to be found. [5/13/2013 10:33:51 PM] Amara: They were *kidnapped*!! [5/13/2013 10:34:29 PM] Kate: Alak: Were they? Or did they just run off like the naughty little girls they are? [5/13/2013 10:35:28 PM] Amara: I doubt they're *that* bad... [5/13/2013 10:36:04 PM] Amara: And who the hell are you to judge? [5/13/2013 10:36:17 PM] Kate: Alak: Well, I *am* part of the family after all. [5/13/2013 10:36:27 PM] Kate: Alak: And no offense, my dear, but I think I know them better than you. [5/13/2013 10:36:49 PM] Amara: Well, of course, but I mean...Valas said nothing about them being troublemakers [5/13/2013 10:37:49 PM] Kate: Alak: But he wouldn't, would he? It points to his own failings as a father. [5/13/2013 10:38:45 PM] Amara: What and *you're* daughter is holier than all the gods? I bet she's not even next in line, is she [5/13/2013 10:39:31 PM] Kate: Alak: Alas, no. Little Laele bears the laurels at the moment. We'll see if Valas manages any better with this one. [5/13/2013 10:39:56 PM] Amara: I'm beginning to doubt your conversation skills. [5/13/2013 10:40:29 PM] Kate: Alak: Well, you picked the topic, my dear. [5/13/2013 10:40:41 PM] Amara: Fine. You pick. Change my opinions. [5/13/2013 10:41:28 PM] Amara: Since you're *such* a great conversationalist. [5/13/2013 10:41:34 PM] Kate: Alak: Well, have you read any good books lately? Or poetry? [5/13/2013 10:42:11 PM] Amara: Amara - blank stare. [5/13/2013 10:42:47 PM] Kate: Alak: Mmm. What are you wearing, it's lovely. [5/13/2013 10:43:05 PM] Amara: ...thanks...are you going to start talking fashion with me now? [5/13/2013 10:43:21 PM] Kate: Alak: If you're interested. [5/13/2013 10:43:40 PM] Amara: Amara - blank stare [5/13/2013 10:43:45 PM] Amara: How about something else [5/13/2013 10:44:35 PM] Amara: Anything else, maybe? [5/13/2013 10:44:58 PM] Kate: Alak: Maybe you'd be better off with Alton. He's much more boring than I am. [5/13/2013 10:46:32 PM] Amara: EXCUSE ME BUT I AM *NOT* BORING. YOU'RE JUST AN AWFUL CONVERSATIONALIST AND AN OPINIONATED OLD MAN WHO CAN'T TALK ABOUT SOMETHING IMPORTANT FOR TWO SECONDS [5/13/2013 10:46:46 PM | Edited 10:46:51 PM] Kate: Alak: Old! Old! How *dare* you! [5/13/2013 10:46:55 PM] Kate: He stomps off. [5/13/2013 10:47:10 PM] Amara: "BASTARD" she calls after him [5/13/2013 10:47:30 PM] Amara: hrmph [5/13/2013 10:48:51 PM] Amara: Amara storms over to the group [5/13/2013 10:49:00 PM] Kate: Swap rooms! [5/13/2013 11:05:19 PM] Kate: Back to the elevator? [5/13/2013 11:05:24 PM] Amara: Yes please! [5/13/2013 11:05:44 PM] Kate: Easily done! And servants stay out of your way! You look like an angry Drow lady and that means trouble! [5/13/2013 11:06:24 PM] Amara: Yes!! I storm into the kitchen area thingy where I found Alain last time. (there's a lot of storming tonight....) [5/13/2013 11:07:24 PM] Kate: Easily done! This time he's sitting at a table with a few other slaves, listening to one of them. [5/13/2013 11:08:10 PM] Amara: I find the closest available seat by him...and sink into the seat [5/13/2013 11:09:39 PM] Amara: waiting semi-impatiently for a break in the conversation [5/13/2013 11:10:17 PM] Kate: There is one, as soon as the speaker's story comes to an end. The others have noticed you're here, but seem determined to pretend you're one of them! If that's what the lady wants that's what she gets! [5/13/2013 11:10:47 PM] Amara: "Is there any alcohol down here?" [5/13/2013 11:11:31 PM] Kate: Alain: Um. Lots. Are you all right? Do you want to leave? [5/13/2013 11:12:25 PM] Amara: Nooooooo. I can't. The others are all still here. I just needed a break from them. They've been successful this evening. [5/13/2013 11:13:15 PM] Kate: Alain: And you don't think you have been? [5/13/2013 11:13:29 PM] Kate: The other two realize they have work to do and wander away! [5/13/2013 11:14:37 PM] Amara: Well, I found out that Alak is a jerk. But Alydia could have told me that. And I just keep hearing the same rumor: that Alydia and Mayala ran away. [5/13/2013 11:15:32 PM] Kate: Alain: ... are we sure they didn't? [5/13/2013 11:15:40 PM] Kate: Alain: ... or that Maya didn't, at least? [5/13/2013 11:16:18 PM] Amara: If Maya ran away, how would Alydia not know? I mean, don't you think Maya would have gotten in contantact with her sister? [5/13/2013 11:17:14 PM] Kate: Alain: ... maybe. I can't ever tell if Kal is telling the truth or  not, honestly. He's a good liar. [5/13/2013 11:17:49 PM] Amara: Then why would he...she....he....hire us in the first place if there *is* no crime? [5/13/2013 11:18:19 PM] Kate: Alain: I don't... know. Maybe it's all some sort of doubleblind? Or maybe he doesn't remember what he did before? [5/13/2013 11:20:04 PM] Amara: Amara face-tables. "I thought this was going to be an easy job. 'Find a missing person, I know where to look' - it sounded so simple. Have you heard anything new down here?" [5/13/2013 11:20:54 PM] Kate: Alain pats her on the shoulder consolingly. "A bit. Mostly about what everybody's like." [5/13/2013 11:20:59 PM] Kate: Alain: Alak isn't well-liked. [5/13/2013 11:21:25 PM] Amara: Well that's a shocker. *Not*. He was not at all pleasant to dance with. [5/13/2013 11:21:29 PM | Edited 11:21:37 PM] Kate: Alain: Valas is, but he's not trusted, either. Rumor has it he's not faithful to his wife. [5/13/2013 11:21:54 PM] Amara: Any idea of who the woman might be? [5/13/2013 11:22:29 PM] Kate: Alain: I don't know. It might even be a man--that sort of thing isn't unusual here. Women who are interested in only women are considered unnatural, but men, no one cares much what they do. [5/13/2013 11:23:06 PM] Amara: Amara nods head. "Think I could talk it out of him or do I need more secretive ways?" [5/13/2013 11:23:50 PM] Kate: Alain: It might be better just to follow him until you sort it out, if it can be done without getting caught. If. That's a very large if, and I'm not sure which of us would be best to do it. [5/13/2013 11:24:25 PM] Kate: Alain: Alton is the one the servants like. He never asks for more than people can handle, he tries to be considerate and he's not rude to anyone. [5/13/2013 11:25:04 PM] Amara: Does he have much influence with Zebeyana? [5/13/2013 11:26:17 PM] Kate: Alain: I'm not sure. Nominally he's the third husband--chronologically, though, she married him first. And he is the oldest, which is not a good thing here. [5/13/2013 11:26:45 PM] Amara: So he might be good to talk to. He's the level-headed one? [5/13/2013 11:27:17 PM] Kate: Alain: He is. So is Valas. [5/13/2013 11:27:58 PM] Amara: Have you heard anything about what Zebeyana is like? [5/13/2013 11:28:49 PM] Kate: Alain: Difficult to work with. But not in an angry, shouting way--she just has high expectations. But she does tell you what they are and she does reward you reasonably well if you meet them. [5/13/2013 11:29:13 PM] Amara: Seem like the type to have her daughters abducted? [5/13/2013 11:29:40 PM] Kate: Alain: If it suited her purpose, yes. [5/13/2013 11:29:47 PM] Kate: Alain: ... I'm not sure it does, though. [5/13/2013 11:30:10 PM] Amara: Hmm... [5/13/2013 11:32:44 PM] Amara: Anybody else you heard juicy details about? [5/13/2013 11:33:36 PM] Kate: Alain: That... Nil'irahc? is widely regarded to be heartbroken. Masaghar's allegedly gay, although the Teken'zynges say he's just disinterested in general. [5/13/2013 11:35:07 PM] Amara: That's certainly true about Nil. I talked to him. It was kind of painful actually. Hadn't heard that about Masaghar...is that any motive to get Maya out of here? I guess if he didn't want to marry her...it's a good way to say no without actually... saying...no. [5/13/2013 11:36:16 PM] Kate: Alain: ... that's true. I hadn't thought of that. [5/13/2013 11:37:27 PM] Amara: Is there a way we could *both* talk to him. I want to figure out if he's gay first, then we can start exploring if he has a motive [5/13/2013 11:38:03 PM] Kate: Alain: It would be a little odd if a slave and a lady both went up to someone to chat, honestly. [5/13/2013 11:38:27 PM] Amara: ...touche...I think it's the alcohol talking... [5/13/2013 11:39:21 PM] Kate: Alain: Maybe we should head back to Charafay's. [5/13/2013 11:40:05 PM] Amara: ...mayyybe....orrr *hiccup* we could stay and *hiccup* party [5/13/2013 11:41:18 PM] Kate: Alain: ... I... think you might want to go home. [5/13/2013 11:42:13 PM] Amara: How much alcohol have you ingested? [5/13/2013 11:43:03 PM] Kate: Alain: Me? Almost none. Why? [5/13/2013 11:43:35 PM] Amara: Then I entrust you with all decision making that involves me! Do with me as you wish! [5/13/2013 11:43:39 PM] Amara: Amara giggles loudly [5/13/2013 11:43:56 PM] Amara: Wish! That rhymes with fish. I like fish... [5/13/2013 11:44:24 PM] Kate: Alain: All right. [5/13/2013 11:44:32 PM] Kate: He stands up, and picks her up! [5/13/2013 11:44:46 PM] Amara: Amara giggles again! [5/13/2013 11:44:58 PM] Amara: You're so strong! [5/13/2013 11:45:09 PM] Kate: Alain: Lots of climbing. [5/13/2013 11:45:34 PM] Kate: He brings her to a back stairwell and then out of the house! [5/13/2013 11:46:06 PM] Amara: Can I get another drink when we get home? Hehe you're taking me home. HE'S TAKING ME HOME. Hehe [5/13/2013 11:46:33 PM] Kate: Alain: If you do, you're going to end up throwing up all night. ... you might anyway, but I have high hopes. [5/13/2013 11:47:05 PM] Amara: Aww you're missing the party! Don't miss the party just because of me! I can walk [5/13/2013 11:47:52 PM] Kate: Alain: I like carrying you. [5/13/2013 11:48:16 PM] Amara: Onward forth, then, my sweet hunky man! [5/13/2013 11:48:19 PM] Amara: Hehe! [5/13/2013 11:49:42 PM] Amara: I bet you do this with *all* the girls [5/13/2013 11:51:21 PM] Kate: Alain: Which girls? [5/13/2013 11:52:02 PM] Amara: *Allllll* the girls that are probably hanging *alllll* over you. I bet you even have a fan club. Hehe [5/13/2013 11:52:06 PM] Kate: He carries you back to Charafay's, easily. [5/13/2013 11:52:26 PM] Kate: Alain: No, no fan club. Not a *lot* of girls, either. ... apparently I'm kind of ugly as a spider. [5/13/2013 11:52:39 PM] Amara: Tsk tsk tsk. I doubt that. [5/13/2013 11:52:47 PM] Amara: You? Ugly? *not* possible [5/13/2013 11:53:28 PM] Kate: Alain: As a spider. I don't know, that matters to some people. [5/13/2013 11:54:18 PM] Amara: ....spiiiders. spidddders. spiderrrrrs. sppppiders. hehehe  funny word.... [5/13/2013 11:55:16 PM] Kate: Alain laughs, and steps, still carrying Amara, into Charafay's kitchen. [5/13/2013 11:55:53 PM] Kate: Fortunately, everyone is gone. [5/13/2013 11:56:12 PM] Amara: It's just you and me now. Hehe [5/13/2013 11:56:27 PM] Amara: What are we going to do in the kitchen? Ehh? Hehe [5/13/2013 11:56:55 PM] Kate: Alain: I am going to bring you to bed. [5/13/2013 11:57:18 PM] Amara: Are you going to *hehe* join me in bed? [5/13/2013 11:57:32 PM] Kate: Alain: ... I don't think I'd get any sleep. [5/13/2013 11:57:42 PM] Kate: Alain: I don't think *you* would get any sleep. [5/13/2013 11:58:11 PM] Amara: Please don't leave me? What if...what if something happens? I'm drunk...what if something...*bad* happens? [5/13/2013 11:58:46 PM] Kate: Alain: I didn't say I was going to leave you either. [5/13/2013 11:59:05 PM] Amara: I....I don't...I don't understand? [5/13/2013 11:59:55 PM] Kate: He carries her through the hallway and into her room, where he sets her down on the bed, quite gently. Then he pulls a chair over up next to the bed. "There. All proper and aboveboard. And look, there's even an ottoman and I can put my feet up." [5/14/2013 12:00:26 AM] Amara: Do you sleep? Or are you like Khiro and Kal? [5/14/2013 12:00:44 AM] Kate: Alain: I sleep. [5/14/2013 12:01:11 AM] Kate: Alain: Like this if there's a comfortable place. More, uh... arachnidally if not. [5/14/2013 12:01:37 AM] Amara: So you sleep on ceilings? In...spidey form?... [5/14/2013 12:01:57 AM] Kate: Alain: Sometimes. Usually on the floor or a wall. [5/14/2013 12:02:28 AM] Amara: When you're....when you're in spidey form...do you...can you still....talk? [5/14/2013 12:03:12 AM | Edited 12:03:44 AM] Kate: Alain: Only in Spider. I can talk fairly easily in the hybrid form, but that'd get me noticed around here, as you can see the spinnerets and if you look too carefully, fangs. [5/14/2013 12:03:38 AM] Amara: Amara cocks head to the side. "Fangs?" Shivers. "fangs." [5/14/2013 12:03:51 AM] Kate: Alain: Hey, I don't have 'em now, do I? [5/14/2013 12:03:57 AM] Kate: He opens his mouth, demonstrating. No fangs. [5/14/2013 12:04:24 AM | Edited 12:04:34 AM] Amara: I think I need a closer look. It's...it's the alcohol...I can't quite see this far away [5/14/2013 12:04:42 AM] Kate: Roll bluff if she's bluffing. [5/14/2013 12:06:09 AM] Amara: (( 9 )) [5/14/2013 12:07:08 AM] Kate: Alain: Uh-uh. I'm on to you. I'll show you sometime when you haven't had quite so much to drink. You should sleep. [5/14/2013 12:07:32 AM] Amara: Hrmph. Fine fine. Fine fine. [5/14/2013 12:08:29 AM] Amara: But you better promise. I may be drunk, but I'll still remember...maybe... [5/14/2013 12:10:35 AM] Kate: Alain: I promise. Go to sleep. I'll be here, I promise. [5/14/2013 12:11:43 AM] Amara: Did you.... *yawn* ....enjoy your night? [5/14/2013 12:12:32 AM] Kate: Alain: Yes. [5/14/2013 12:13:04 AM] Amara: Amara smiles. "I think I did too." [5/14/2013 12:13:37 AM] Kate: He nods, and smiles back. [5/14/2013 12:14:51 AM] Amara: Amara falls asleep! [5/14/2013 12:15:16 AM] Kate: And there we stop.