****
Atriox chuckles at her reaction as they ride they're mounts through town. He heads torwards the docks
"This my lady is Dragonshore. What do you think ?"
The nymph woman just smiles wide, her hair catching in the sun like a bird's wings.
"Its marvelous! I've never been so happy! I can't wait to tell the others all about it!"
She gapes at the ships, and you see a twinkling in her eyes. She definitely wants to cause mischief but attempts... Barely... To keep herself in check.
Atriox chuckles and heads torwards sheila's boat carefully guiding his frog
People laugh and point at the interesting mount, having never seen someone ride a frog before. Despite how stately you look, the frog still appears rather comical. People even crowd around until at one point, the frog tries to eat someone's hog. They back off a little more after that.
You find the Annabel Lee easily among the other ships, the gilded sails and their gulls fluttering in the breeze.
"Lookit who we have here!" Sheila calls from above deck, waving an eager hand. "Welcome back! What do you think?" She points to two other ships docked beside her.
You look over at the other ships and find she did bring along two triremes as promised. One has a dark purple sail and dark hull wood, with silver inlay on the front naming it the Nightingale. Atop it you see a large sahuagin--a humanoid shark--covered in tribal looking tattoos. He's working to wrap up a large, heavy rope on board and he nods in your direction when he sees you looking.
The ship beside that one is pale green with a bleached white sail, The Clover. Her first mate is currently in front, likely chosen to help captain the vessel for her. His bulky frame and huge muscles make him look twice as large as any of the other men helping him load the ship, but you see quite a lot of gear, food and water being hoisted up.
Atriox dismounts his frog and uses the ring to tell it to stay and not eat anything. He also motions for Ismene to follow him as he heads up the boat to see the captain.
Once up there he nods to her with a smile
"Well done Sheila. Well done. They will do nicely. So everything is ready for us to leave in two days time ?"
"Yep! Absolutely, sir. We'll have the ships stocked an' ready by then, on time like promised." She tips her hat at you, smiling at the little fey lady with you.
"We have accommodations for ya, along with your main crew on me Annabel Lee," Sheila gestures aboard her own ship, pointing toward one of the doors heading downstairs, "An' 'rooms for most of yer soldiers on th' Nightingale. Others who want more space can help out on th' Clover yonder, though each has their own supplies and galley."
Atriox looks at her seriously
"Theres actually something we need to discuss. May we go to your private cabins ?"
"Oh? Absolutely, come--this way. Just be watchin' your head, all the tall ones have trouble with that door." She laughs, leading the way into a very well designed captain's cabin. It's elegant and simple, with her maps laid out on the table.
Atriox nods to her
"Thank you. Now I'm not just bringing a small personal army. Im bringing a substantial amount of gold. And once we get to the desert that gold will only increase. I expect to be attacked. Only a fool wouldn't expect that at sea but......I have an idea for turning the odds in our favor. Most people would assume the gold will be on this ship and they are correct BUT I want to purposely "on accident" slip it in public locations that the gold will actually be on one of the other two ships. I'll leave that up to you captain. Now hopefully the bait is taken and when the decoy ship is hit instead of finding gold they will find a trap. Our best fighters waiting for them. Do you think we can pull this off ?"
Her eyes narrow with a kinship of shrewdness. "Why you could fool anyone, that you ain't not a pirate yourself... what a plan that is. I'll talk with my mate Burrasi about it an' make it happen. We'll work with this new fella, Kai Aata, and make sure your most loyal men are on board with 'em."
She winks, slapping you on the arm as she walks around the table to look at the maps. "We'll be takin' the route through here," she gestures down to the coastline along Komodori. "I've been talkin' with the lady who's leadin' you to more of this gold o' yours." Sheila chuckles, stroking her chin in thought.
"Aside from pirates out at sea, I suspect we'll be facin' the most trouble round here." She points to a tiny island city off the coast of Komodori, north of the port of Aelwold.
"This little bugger has been the cause of some trouble as of late. Been hearin' rumors--well, not just rumors--" she laughs, "Mr. Aata gave me as detailed of an account as he could 'bout what he saw out thataway. It's the most straightforward way to get to where you need to go..."
She points to a greener spot west of Rene Tower, some notes scribbled next to it, where apparently your gold lies. "We could go round, but that would take quite a bit longer with the currents. There's somethin' patrolin' the waters there. Might be good for some sorta bounty, but it can destroy unprepared ships."
Atriox ponders this while rubbing his chin
"I say we take the quickest route. We dont need a bounty or extra trouble. We will be prepared though no matter what comes our way. Speaking of this is a bit last minute but if i throw some gold your way can you get some ballista put on your ship ? Just in case ?"
She laughs a hearty laugh. "Of course... I can make anything manifest for ye."
Atriox nods
"Good. Lets get this done. Ill see you soon and oh by the way I'm throwing a private party at the fang Sheila you of coure are invited."
"Mighty fine of ye to invite me! I'd be happy to show for a last little party here on this pretty port." She bows low, a cheeky smile on her face.
Ismene has been standing nearby, rocking on her feet and looking genuinely interested at all the knickknacks in the room. Having already looked at a globe, some maps, and a empty mug, she's currently focused on a spyglass, looking in it through the wrong end.
"Findin' it all interesting, miss?" Sheila chuckles at her enthusiasm. The girl nods, a curious expression on her face.
Atriox chuckles as well
"Pardon her Sheila. She's new to all this. She's never been far from her home. She'll be coming along on this adventure as well. Shes the most excited I think isn't that right Ismene?"
"I am! Very much so. I've always wanted to sail on the sea! I want to see mermaids, and water elementals, and..."
"Woah there, ha, slow down girl. What a firecracker ya are!" Sheila can't help but laugh. Ismene giggles and curtsies, illuminating the room with a swarm of light infused butterflies around the pirate.
Shelia laughs even harder, "My my Atriox, you find all sorts of interestin' folk! I believe this will be a fantastic little trip indeed." Completely delighted by the new companion she plants an affectionate little kiss on the nymph's head.
"I'll see ya later at this party of yours!"
Atriox and Ismene leave and head torwards the fang
"Was that amusing for you ?"
"Absolutely!"
Ismene giggles and then stops. Her eyes grow wide. She peers toward an alleyway with a look you haven't seen before. It's almost like a disturbed curiosity and she fidgets.
Atriox goes on alert and looks down the alley way preparing himself
"Investigation 13"
You see a glitter of movement. (Make a dexterity save)
(19)
A small penknife comes flying through the air at you. Your eyes glow red and you manage to deflect it with one of your bracers. The small "ting" is lost among the sounds of the city, but Ismene ducks behind you with disgust in her eyes.
You hear a noise from the alley and a whistle like a bird. Peering further in you see Bitey hiding up in a corner, perched in the darkest spot and shrouded in some kind of shadowy cloak.
"Apologies," he hisses through his teeth. "Did not know it was you. Been a long week. It's done, as you requested."
Atriox growls and looks at Ismene
"Stay here please. I'll be right back."
Atriox marches over to Bitey growls again
"Explain..... wait not here meet me later in me and Koras room at the Fang."
He scowls. "I'd rather not her room. But that probably makes you fond of it even more."
"Fine." He sniffs, standing suddenly. "Meet you there."
Climbing quickly, he makes short work of the loose brickwork and is off along the rooftop.
Atriox grunts and heads back torwards Ismene and gives her a reassuring smile
"Everything is fine. I'm sorry about that. He's a very strange man that one. Come let me show you were I stay and where one day you will be working at. Well a much bigger version but still. Still the Fang. Come my freind."
Atrioxs grabs her hand and guides her torwards the Fang
She seems happier now that he's gone and follows after you. There's a eager bounce in her step, and as you both approach the Velvet Fang her eyes grow wide. "Oooooh, I see....! How interesting. And full of magic too, I see. Let's see more!"
Ismene literally drags you through the front door, wide eyed and excited. Some patrons, nude from the baths, walk by heading to their rooms.
"Oh this is delightful!"
Atriox laughs
"I'm glad you like it. Here at the Fang our goal is to please, pleasure, and help people find peace. Even if only for awhile. Your skills and kisses will be a.......very unique way of doing that. I don't know how gold matters to you.....I'm sure not much but if you're going to live outside your forest then you'll need it and trust me my dear we'll make gold together. The Fang will be your home whilst your with us. The woman and girls you work alongside will be your sisters. The woman in charge of the Golden Fang once it's built is a very good freind of mine, would you like to meet her ?"
She practically floats off the ground. "Yes please! I would love to, yes yes. Let us go!"
Ismene grabs your hand again but then realizes she doesn't know the way, and giggles. "I'll let you lead."
Atriox chuckles and loads the way showing her around more and also looking for Dahlia
You pass by the food which startles her. She'd never seen so much in her life, and paws through the salads. "I have ideas for this, such good food people will love!"
She says the same thing for the baths, the rooms, the entryway and even the magic set up around the area. Eventually you find Dahlia and she's delighted to meet your new friend.
"I'll take her under my wing and explain the specifics. I'd like to hear her ideas." The half-dragonborn smiles and laughs when Ismene gives her a big hug. "Should be an interesting trip indeed."
Atriox chuckles
"You two have fun now. I trust everything is ready for the party yes ? I want it to be a nice event."
Dahlia smiles. "Of course! It shall be done. I have all the preparations in order. We'll be closing our doors to the public for the evening as requested."
Ismene has taken to prancing about the pools in nothing but her light shawl now, drawing the eye of every other patron in the room. Once in a while you see her plant kisses on top of their heads. The room is more relaxed than it's ever been; It seems like the Silken Fang will be quite a success once it is up and running.
Atriox grunts
"Oh goodness"
He looks back at Dahlia
"I will leave her in your capable hands for awhile. I have business to attend. I'll see you later."
He gives her an affectionat kiss on the cheek and heads up to Dorokors room
She blushes a little and gladly goes to wrangle Ismene before she starts undressing--needless to say that might cause a ruckus considering her affect on people.
You head upstairs, but before you can knock on the door you hear a commotion on the other side. It sounds like glass breaking followed by something heavy falling over.
Atriox rolls his eyes and growls before opening the door
Pushing it open you find that it's exceptionally bright. You see Dorokor, somewhat out of breath and wiping blood off of her mouth.
You glance around to see what's happened and find a dresser had been tipped over, a vase atop it that had broken, and...
Looking up you see Bitey suspended from the ceiling across a beam, wrapped tightly in bloody curtains like a fly caught in a web. His mouth is gagged but he struggles free once he sees you. He looks furious and pale and frustrated. "Why didn't you tell that blood sucking bitch I was coming!? Freaking spider whore, this isn't a game!! What the hell!?"
He continues to curse and rave for a minute, Kora just passively staring at him.The corners of her mouth twitch in amusement. None of his words bother her, and you're sure the blood on her is actually just his.
Her red eyes turn to you and glow slightly. "I wasn't aware you'd called him here." She shrugs with her very nonchalant and rather noncommittal apology. "Are you sure I can't just eat him and be done with it?"
Atriox eyes glow red and lets his normal looking facade crumble so he's showing his true form
"No ! No you may not eat him ! And I just got here ! How would I have had time to warn you ?!"
Atriox roars and flips the wardrobe up in anger
Kora's mild humor drops. She looks rather irritated now. "I'll leave you to your business then."
Her icy reply is followed by her leaving the room as quickly as a shadow. You see her change her appearance as she steps across the threshold, looking much more fair--but nonetheless intense and intimidating.
The door closes and leaves you alone with Bitey, fuming on the ceiling. He wriggles slightly before giving up, sagging in his bindings.
"Apologies, boss... I don't work well with others. Obviously."
He licks his lips, wiping blood off his own teeth with his tongue.
Atriox growls again and uses his speed to catch uo to Kora and put her back in the room. He expects her to struggle or throw a blow so he prepares himself
(Dex save raw 20, acrobatics 15, athletics 22 strength 18+4)
At the sound of the door opening again she turns, slightly surprised that you're coming after her. She puts her arm up, not so much in attack as in an automatic response, and tries to block anything coming her way.
Thrown off guard by you merely dragging her back in she stumbles against you, tumbling against your arms and back into the room. Any type of swipe she takes at you is instantly blocked by you, leaving her hands stinging.
"Damn. Those powers suit you well, dragonborn." Yanking herself free from your grip, she stretches her neck back and forth, rubbing her arm as her facade melts back into the feral looking vampire she is. She sinks into her chair with a huff, crossing her arms.
Atriox in a blur frees Bitey and buts him in a chair away from Kora
After that he straightens the room up quickly and then goes to the middle of the room. He takes a deep breath and regains his composure. He points a Bitey
"Tells us what you've done and learned. You said it's been an interesting week. How so ?"
Bitey tries to stand, but the paleness returns and he sinks back down. Kora definitely drained him well this time. "Yes... let's just say things didn't go quite as planned. But the goods have... disappeared, as you requested."
He shifts uncomfortably, wincing as he puts pressure on his leg. "The Ivory Jacks suffered some casualties in an 'unfortunate accident' up in Aren. I don't think they'll leave for good, but they've learned it's not as easy as they thought to be here."
The thug grinds his teeth together a bit. "They know someone is meddling. They're not happy, and they'll be sniffing around. It will be good that you'll be gone in a few days."
Atriox shrugs
"Im not to concerned about it and its a issue for a later date. Truth is it was mostly just a test. You did what you were told. Now we set our eyes to the future."
Atriox turns and looks at Kora with a fanged smile
"And our Coven."
He looks back to Bitey
"Thus will all pan out in the end for you my freind. You will live like you never thought you could. But in order for that to happen you two MUST make peace."
Bitey looks slightly disgusted. He exhales through his teeth. "Yes. Fine. I'll probably just avoid her to be honest. As long as I don't have any further blood sucking sessions until then."
Dorokor glares at Atriox with a renewed flare in her eyes. "I promise not to try to kill him anymore. That's as peaceful as I get."
Atriox rolls his eyes
"You guys are going to be or supposed to be major members of a new and powerful vampire clan. Family. In a word. You've both seen the harder side of life, you both have survived. Can you not find a way ?"
(Persuasion 16+5)
He walks over and grabs Koras chin in a playful roughness
"For me ?"
You sense a fraction of the iciness melt in the orc's eyes. She pulls away coyly. "Fine. For you."
Bitey rolls his eyes. "Family... never had it. But fine. If it means the power that comes with it." He seems persuaded enough, and far more docile than he was when you entered the room.
Atriox looks at him seriously
"That's not an excuse. Thats fine if you want power, I'll give it to you. But you have a chance with this. If you miss it or mess it up. That's on YOU. Only you. Now get out. Be at the party tonight.
He grunts. Standing up he strides over to the door. With his hand on the handle, Bitey says, "I won't mess it up. That's a promise."
He leaves. Kora raises her brow at Atriox. Her voice is quiet. "A family coven, huh?"
She chuckles, crossing her legs. "I've never really run into vampires who work like that. I've heard the old stories... but..."
Atriox chuckles and grabs her hair playfully
"A interesting family to be sure. With you at it's head. A mother to a whole new branch of Vampires. I have a few......ideas I will be playing with once we reach home."
Kora can't help but smirk. The reassurance helps puts her at ease, despite her previous experiences with others of her kind. She adjusts the clasps on your armor, helping straighten it out.
"Always ideas with you. I'm excited to see what you come up with when we get... home." The word leaves her mouth with a bit of hesitation, as if she's not used to using that.
Atriox notices the hesitation as he expected it
He gives her hair a gentle tug
"Don't worry.....it will get easier. But for now come. Come."
He chuckles a little bit
She rolls her eyes playfully. "You're demanding today. And aggressive." Standing, she tickles the underside of his chin and chuckles. "I like."
Atriox grunts and playfully nips at here before leading her to Willows
You arrive, finding the building locked up in the front. There's a thin sheen of dust along the windowsill, and a sad feeling about it that you can easily place. Dorokor tilts her head up at the sign as you approach.
"Interesting place... another abandoned building?"
Atriox looks at her sideways
"Sadly. The old woman who owned it was killed by the necromancers. She was......pure kindness."
Atriox snaps the handle off
It breaks easily in your hand, the locking mechanism coming right along with it. The door swings open effortlessly.
Kora's frozen for a moment. It's hard to read her emotions at the moment, but it feels very... empty. Blank. She narrows her eyes, looking around the place slowly. Taking in more of the detail.
Atriox looks around as well
"Now I know you're a fearsome warrior, a cheiftess, a powerful vampire but that doesn't mean you can't go to a party looking nice. We just need the right dress......"
She almost doesn't register what you just said she's so lost in her own thoughts. Then she does a double-take. "W-wait.... a dress? Me? Uh... no. No thank you, I guess." It's the most polite you've heard her attempt to be.
Atriox looks at her curiously
"Well your not wearing armor to my party. And you will be at my party Kora."
He narrows his eyes at her
She shakes her head in exasperation and gives a little pout. "What's wrong with my armor?"
He snorts loudly
"Nothing normally. You make a very striking figure in it. But with everything that has happened, including what you have done....my hopes is for this party to be a way of saying goodbye to Dragonshore with happiness and laughter instead of pain and sad memories. If you show up looking like your ready to fight a battle with everyone in that room then nothing will have been achieved. It's important to me.......for some reason.....that everybody sees you making the effort I see. That they see you as more than a monster like I do....."
Atriox trails of in awkwardness scratching behind his head. He's nervous what she'll think and he hasn't really processed the feelings behind his own words.To lighten the mood he attempts a diversion
"Besides just think if you wear a dress........it'll be easy to rip off of you and destroy at our little after party."
(Deception 6......shit lol)
She lets out a loud laugh. "Really, now? Hmmm... so there's your real motives then."
The vampire takes a moment to stroll through the shop, eyeing the merchandise with a half interested expression. Honestly Dorokor seems more contemplative at what you said before that... although she's obviously humored by your attempted diversion from it.
She brushes a few shirts with the back of her fingers. "Very well made..." she says softly, keeping off the subjects at hand.
Atriox minds himself as she looks around. He's just letting her find something she likes
Dorokor glances at Atriox out of the corner of her eye before continuing. She moves down the line of dresses, tunics and blouses, admiring the work that this Willow person did. She could picture her, as one of the captives up at the keep... trying to shrug that idea from her mind, she notes the very delicate hand stitching. A small part of her is rather envious of the delicacy that seems so foreign to her.
Her hands stop on something cool to the touch. Pulling it out she finds it is a very attractive black and red satin dress, probably a commission for some noblewoman. Kora ruffles the feathers sewn in along the shoulders.
Mumbling through her awkwardness, she says, "I suppose this could do."
Atriox smiles
"I'm sure that will look lovely on you. Try it on. I need to go. I have a pleasant surprise instore for you if I can get it arranged that is."
He walks over and gives her a kiss before turning and leaving. As he walks away he uses his tail to smack her ass.
As he walks out the door a deep laughter can be heard
You catch the tail end of her saying something, but it's all in gruff orcish. The door swings shut and you make your merry way back to the Fang.
When you enter, there is a markedly different vibe in the Fang. Patrons are leaving extra peaceably, and you catch snippets of conversation discussing the new Fang down in Thunderdale, and how Atriox and Oredion bravely fought off an army of sea monsters to protect the city.
There are several other things but you can be certain Ismene has been sharing a lot in the little time she's been here. Everyone leaving looks like they've had the best drink of their lives. You see the nymph giggling as she sits on a table nearby. Dahlia stands beside her with Magnolia and another human woman, chatting and shaking their heads and smiling.
Atriox walks over smiling
"Hello ladies. I see everything is going extra smoothly tonight. I suspect you had a hand in that Ismene?"
Ismene just giggles more, giddy as her hair bobs around her shoulders. The other girls laugh and Dahlia shakes her head. "More than you can believe. What an interesting time we've had, I'll say."
Atriox nods
"That's good. Ismene may I borrow you ? There's something I would like to discuss with you."
Ismene snickers, and in a blink of an eye she is gone.
A second later she appears behind you, wrapping your tail up in a tangle of ivy sprouting from the floor. "Absolutely! This place is very exciting. I would love to see more!"
Atriox clears his throat and rios his tail from the ivy
"Let's go enjoy a bath while we talk shall we ? I should probably get clean before tonight anyway."
She bounces up, happy to follow. "Sure! That sounds great, I wasn't able to see what that's like yet..."
Ismene practically skips to the baths, and before you even get there she's left all her clothes to the wayside and has jumped right in. If you didn't know better, you'd second guess that she was part Naiad, too.
Spinning around in the water with sinking into it, she sneaks over to the edge to stare at you. "So what needs talking about? I hope I've not been too great a bother, I do very much appreciate your hospitality and for bringing me along on such an interesting adventure."
Seeing as she's not shy Atriox decides to be his normal bold self and strip off all his clothing as well he slowly descends down the steps into the water
"Not at all. While in the future especially while working you will have to show a modicum of control I more than understand your excitement today. Nothing so serious."
He goes over and leans by her
"So......how did it go while I was gone. Tell me your impressions your thoughts on how things are run ?"
She wraps her arms around his neck without any shyness or guile. "It was very interesting! I see that the guests come to relax, and be pleased by the services here. And quite a lot you have!"
Ismene taps her chin, thinking. "It would be very interesting to see how things would work for the new buildings you plan to make! If they will be like this, or if Oxious wants to make them unique to their own places. He is a very creative being." Her head tilts. "His magic is... exciting! I haven't seen some of this before, and it intrigues me."
"Dahlia is also quite a good teacher! She explained all sorts of things, from bookkeeping to food to maintenance to servicing..." she goes off on a long list, leading from the mundane to the bedroom related and it goes from droning to awkward hearing all the strange and unique tricks she's learned.
Atriox trys listens carefully. He used to listening to things he may not personally be interested in but his people are. But he is finding it hard to stay neutral when there's a naked woman wrapped around him
"I'm glad you're having a good time here Ismene. I was a little worried for you when we forst left but I think you'll be just fine."
"I'm glad! I really am having a nice time, and this is going to be such a fun trip!" Ismene lets go and begins swimming around in the water like a river otter, completely at home in this place.
"Are you excited to travel too? It's going to take some time isn't it?"
Atriox watches her in an oddly interested way
"I don't know if excited is the right word. Curious maybe. And yes it'll take months
"Months?" She looks surprised. "Oh that's not long at all, this will be quick as lightning." She bobs in the water, and it's hard to remember her age when she acts the way she does.
Atriox nods
"Indeed. It should be interesting. Terribly boring at times I'm afraid."
She laughs, "Then we shall have to make it un-boring! I can help with that." She swims around more, humming a melody.
Atriox turns his head sideways in curiosity
"And just how will you do that little one ?"
Ismene giggles. "That's my secret! I'm fond of surprises." She blows at the bubbles in the water and flowers start to sprout out of them.
"Plus having me along will help keep the peace among any of your soldiers, orrrrr the sailors, orrrr..." she starts to count off situations on her fingers, a grin playing at her face. "I understand your need to have me there. And for what I get out of it, I'm more than happy to oblige."
Atriox nods in an absent way
He's moving his hand around in the water watching as it reacts with his skin. It hurts but it's livable.
She slips up beside Atriox, planting small kisses up his arm. "You're hurting from your curse, aren't you? The one you mentioned at least?" Tilting her head, she stares at you with curious eyes.
Atriox doesn't look at her directly. He feels odly ashamed of what he is for the first time
"Yes.....I used to love being in the water. Now it burns. So much has changed. You are to kind with your affections."
He motions to her kissing his arm
"Or is this just something your people do ?"
"Perhaps both." She smiles. "And... we have healing properties, but as for what these kisses will do for you I do not know." Ismene seems to muse on that for a moment. "I can stop if that bothers you, seeing how my sisters were the same way."
Atriox considers it
"I suppose that depends on your intentions. As for what happened at the forest.......I'm used to being in control. It's who I am. When I wasn't all of the sudden I felt......bare. I'm a little more prepared now. Well as prepared as one gets for being naked in a bath will a beautiful and lovely creature as yourself that is."
He chuckles
Ismene laughs. "Well my looks I can't help. But..." she kisses his hand again. "Perhaps in the forest we were a little too playful. It was definitely our intention to charm you and your friend, although he seemed more... resistant to it somehow. But otherwise, we really enjoy the fun of it, and to put visitors at ease."
She pouts a little. "We left the tiefling alone though because we've had our fun with him before. He's wise to us now, and always has things to prevent our charming."
Splashing in the water slightly, Ismene adds, "As for the other thing you mentioned.... Intentions are funny things. I live in the moment. I don't intend a whole lot, except to see more of this interesting world and the people in it. What are your intentions for asking me for a bath to talk?" She tilts her head, wondering if you have more on your mind.
Atriox looks at her curiously
"Carefully what you ask for. You're lucky I'm trying to behave myself. I have a question.....is this really what you look like or is it an illusion?"
Her eyes widen and she gasps. "No! You caught on... I've been found out..." Feigning becoming emotional, she ducks below the water and emerges with her face covered in funny shaped leaves.
She can't help but laugh after that, the leaves melting into the water. "Yes, yes this really is me... I promise that. I'm not some harpy or something..." Ismene chuckles, splashing at the dragonborn.
Atriox chuckles and looks down whilst making his mind up. When he looks back up he's determined
"Your looking at an illusion. Would you like me to drop it ? It's not pretty and yes it is because of my curse."
The fey gives you a very strange look, both of curiosity and hesitation. "That is quite honest of you. And kindly, in a way. Only if you wish to, yes. You may drop the illusion around me."
Atriox gives a sad grin
"I don't know about kindly but it's honest at least. Very well. For a moment."
Atriox drops his illusion wairs for her reaction
Watching the mask of health fall from your face and reveal the more sickly, cracking scales, the dark lines about your veins, the red eyes replacing your piercing blue ones, and the elongating fangs from your maw...
Ismene almost subconsciously recoils a little, her eyes wide like a deer looking at a wolf.
Atriox isn't insulted. He expected as much after all. He lets out a heavy sigh and swirls his hand in the water throwing his illusion back up
"And there you have it. You've seen the beast."
She's oddly silent for a moment as she watches him, reacting to her reaction.
"Well it's... definitely not a pretty curse. Do you know how to cure it?" Ismene edges closer, a little wary now but still friendly. "It may stem from evil as most curses do, but... you yourself do not seem as such."
Atriox just simply nods
"Your probably closer to the truth than you know. It's changed so much and while it may not be pretty it is powerful. For now I can use that."
He moves slowly torwards her as to not startle her
"The reason I brought you here is because I have a favor to ask of you. It is not for myself however it is for someone with the same curse that I oddly find myself caring about....."
Atriox looks off for a moment but then snaps out of it an looks back at her
"In return I will owe you a favor that you can ask at any point. That is a powerful thing I'm offering. As my power grows the more things I can do. Unless there's something..... immediate you want ?"
She tilts her head innocently, her curiosity peaked.
"I do not have anything else I want or need right now, but... I will think on it. That is a kind offer, but..."
She pauses slightly, her brow furrowed. She can tell you're not asking for more kisses. "What could you want of me?"
Atriox is careful how to word his request
"The curse.........it affects more than how we look. Ww can longer eat and drink normal things. It tastes like ash in our mouth. Tonight's party is supposed to be special for everyone. My way of saying thank you I suppose. Now I can gi without eating or drinking for this but I wish for my freind.......Kora to enjoy this party she's a very serious person you see...."
Atriox sighs but continues
"Thats where you come in. You see........we survive on blood. It's ugly but it's the truth. And certain bloods taste better than other's just like any food source. Your blood I'm guessing taste.....just as wonderful as you look. And it would probably have something along the lines of your calming powers. It would be a treat. I realize this is weird and probably rude......but I assure you I wish you no harm or discomfort. I'm willing to give you whatever I can in return. "
Atriox spreads his hands out peacefully
"I could try and be persuasive but I'm just being honest. I think thats the best road here. And besides when you're in the room I'm pretty sure your the charmer Ismene."
Ismene looks a little taken aback by the request. She sinks further into the water, contemplating this strange arrangement.
"This wasn't really why you brought me though, was it?"
She bobs in the water, hesitant. "This curse seems evil indeed for you both, and I am sorrowed that you suffer... You seem... accepting of it though."
After a moment of swimming around, she pauses again. "How would you have to... Take it?" She sounds nervous, looking at where your large fangs were.
Atriox looks sad
"No Ismene that's not what your here for. You're here because you have a special abilities and to help us. You're also here because you wanted to explore the outside world. I truly mean you no harm."
He sees her look at his mouth
"Not like that. It wouldn't feel good. Perhaps from your wrist ? It'd probably be the least painful and easiest to heal. All I'm asking for is a bowls worth. Not to much. And as for me being accepting of it.....why wouldn't I be? Until a cure is found is it not more sensible to be realistic. Why despair about something I can not change?"
She is quiet and thoughtful. Her eyes haven't left you or your teeth, and she rubs her wrists.
"That does sound sensible..." she pauses. "And I suppose if you meant me harm, you would have also acted long before now. We were alone a lot."
"I'll... Accommodate your friend. For your kindness and honestly."
Atriox bows to her in gratitude. When he comes back up he's got a mischievous look on his face
"Now that the ugly business is out of the way.........lets get back into the party spirit."
Atriox picks her up quickly and throws her into deeper water in a fun spirit
Ismene squeals in surprise, absolutely taken aback by the change in silliness. The splash is resounding and soaks everything nearby.
She pops out of the water, laughing and giggling again. The nymph shakes her hair out of her eyes, pretending to pout but laughing too much for it to be serious.
Atriox dives under the water and chases her around the pool
She squeals again and enjoys the game, back in her element now. Always a hair ahead of him, she thoroughly enjoys the teasing.
Dahlia clears her throat and you see her smiling and shaking her head at you both from the side of the pool.
"Having fun?" She chuckles with a slight sarcasm.
Ismene doesn't get the sarcasm at all and merely bounds out of the water and hugs her, soaking Dahlia's clothes. "Very much."
The nymph grabs her clothes and leaves Dahlia bright red and in need of a change.
"I have some business to attend to," Isneme glances at Atriox for a second, "but I'll meet up with you later!"
Dahlia shakes her head. "Need a robe, Casanova?" She laughs at Atriox, holding one out for him.
Atriox takes her hand with a questioning look
"Sure I'll take a robe. Something has you all in a good mood today. Excited for the trip ?"
Dahlia grins, trying to not stare as Atriox gets out of the bath. "Yes, I would say so. Just a day or two more. It's... Bittersweet, but exciting."
Wrapping him in a robe, she passes him a drink. "Magnolia and the old madame are going to help run the Velvet Fang while we are gone."
Atrioxs nods
"That's good that they're prepared. Soon you will be starting your own house like this. I have complete faith in you."
He grabs her hand affectionately for a moment before letting go
"So lets go over everything for tonight. Who's all on the guest list ?"
He looks at her coyly testing her playful
Dahlia smirks, her tail swishing from side to side. "I find that a funny question seeing as you gave me the list. You going senile?"
She gestures for Atriox, bidding him follow her. "All the workers from here. Your friends of course, from the battle. The Axemages. The little kobold couple. Those going with us on the trip to Arkoshia..."
She shows you around as she talks, gesturing to the specialty dinner being laid out instead of the typical buffet. Special drinks for those at the dinner. Unique decorations from some past events, fished out of storge by the dwarven maintenance woman; old, magical items likely made my Oxious. She has been doing a fine job of things this past week, that is certain.
Atriox grunts
" I was just playing. I know you got this. So lets talk seating."
"Hmmm..." She leads you around the tables, having been rearranged to accommodate many guests in one bigger setting.
A layering of tablecloths, with alternating colors, cover the surface and are laden with flowers--fitting for the Fang where everyone has nicknames as such.
"You have any preferences who sits with who? Shall it be assigned?"
Atriox thinks for a second
"Assigned. There are........particular people who shouldn't be by each other. I'll of course be st the head of the table. You on the other side heading it as the person who made this possible. Kora on my left and Tak and Vele on my right. Ismene should be by you. She likes you that one which is excellent. Ironfist and most certainly Donovan should be by Alrik. Put Sheila by Kora. I'm pretty sure that woman can buffer anything so that should work smoothly. Everyone else can sit wherever. I know Ore and Et will be by each other."
Dahlia nods, making mental notes and counting chairs.
"I'll place Oxious down by me with Zinnia and Magnolia. Further from the Axemages, who can sit by Cere here at this end... Saying Zinnia is feeling well enough to come."
She tallies the chairs for the other girls who work there, as there are several. "We'll have the women help buffer as well, and the staff."
Dahlia gives Atriox's hand a squeeze. "This will be fun. People should be arriving soon, would you like to continue going over anything? Or... Uh..." she chuckles, gesturing to your attire. "You want to get dressed?"
Atriox looks down realizing his clothing currently or lack of.
"Uhuh yes I will be back. Hold the fort."
Atriox runs up stairs to get changed
You enter your old room, now jointly Dahlia's office.
Sitting on the windowsill is Ismene, kicking her legs a few inches off the ground. Beside her is a beautifully crafted wooden bowl filled with some kind of faintly glowing, golden drink.
She turns and smiles, a little embarrassed. Clothed herself in some of Dahlia's things, she says, "She, uh, advised me to dress up a little. Said I could stay here the next day or two if I needed before the trip."
Atriox smiles and nods
"Dahlia is a good woman. You two will work well together. It makes me excited for the future of this business. But enough of that. How are you ?"
Atriox strips off his robe not feeling particularly shy infront of her as nakedness is normal for her and looks for clothes while waiting for her response
You find a very nice outfit in particular, seemingly something tailored for you specifically. Dahlia must have planned for it and had it tucked away for when you returned.
A silvery white fabric pleated in a unique style, it rings of traditional dragonborn aesthetic. With thin black trim and gold thread embroidered along the edges, it's both comfortable and elegant. Two different types of stitching run throughout; a much more refined, tight stitch you recognize as Willow's, and another similar one... Perhaps a little less practiced. You remember Dahlia was her assistant for a time before the Fang, after all.
Ismene seems contemplative. "I'm alright I suppose... A little tired and lightheaded. I fulfilled your request though."
When you first walked in you noticed a smell that seemed familiar... Delightful. But strange.
Atriox looks around more closely
(Investigation 14)
"I do appreciate what you've done to help me Ismene. If there's any way I can help let me know ok ? And I still owe you a favor on top of it."
Your eyes glow a bit and you're drawn to the wooden bowl beside her. She fidgets.
"Well I wasn't gonna do that down in the kitchen like a fresh hunt!" She pouts, turning her head away. Her arms look fine now, perhaps a bit sore but masterfully healed.
You then realize the golden hued liquid is her fey blood, infused with magic. It makes your mouth water slightly, and smells of crisp fruit. Something you haven't tasted in what feels like an eternity.
Atriox growls to himself and remains strong. He picks up the bowl and looks at her
"Again thank you Ismene. Now come the party is about to begin. This should be a blast for you."
Though he is holding the bowl with both hands he offers his arm to her
Ismene smiles and stands, feeling slightly better after resting. Taking his arm to steady herself, she follows you back downstairs and sits where you indicate while you get the bowl to the kitchen.
Placing it down with the other prepared items, you get the feeling she druidcrafted the bowl herself too, given the style of it.
(Make a con save to avoid the tempation of trying a bit xD you're relatively fed but... Ya know)
(16+5)
You shake off the feeling easily. You know it is for Kora and want her to have every drop.
Once you head back out, you bump into Axemage and his son conversing with Oxious. There is light banter, although Leo looks rather red behind the ears being here again. His father also seems a bit out of his environment, as much as you overhear Oxious insist it is merely a relaxational spa...
You also see Sheila outside chatting the ear off of Cere, determinedly buttering up the old adventurer no doubt. He seems to be eating it up.
Atriox approaches Axemage and his son as they talk to Oxious
When he gets closer he says loudly
"My freinds ! I'm so glad you could make it. You are some of the best people in this town and I wouldn't have this party without you"
He extends his hand to shake both of there's
Ferrar laughs as he shakes your hand with both of his calloused ones. "Mighty fine ta be here in good company."
Leo gives a weaker handshake, a bit embarrassed still from the last time you met. He looks healthier though; his eyes are less sunken and he has some color back in his cheeks.
Oxious keeps a bit of an eye on him out of habit, but otherwise seems his normal self.
Atriox looks at leo when they shake and holds on to his hand when the boy tries to pull back
"Look happy my boy. That is all in the past and nobody here blames or jusges you. You are amongst freinds here and we are all here to celebrate. And if anyone dares look at you sideways me and @Oredion the Bronze will set them straight."
He gives a half smile, scratching his messy hair and trying to flatten it back down into some semblance of groomed. "Understood, sir."
Leo seems in better spirits now and goes to look for a seat near the table. Ismene waves at him and he reddens immediately, a bit taken aback.
Oxious excuses himself from Ferrar and pats you on the shoulder. "I'm going to rescue poor Cere from your captain. Also," he pauses, still glancing at the boy, "Zinnia will not be joining us, unfortunately. I'll be taking her food downstairs. She's... Still not quite well."
Atriox nods
"Very well then. Perhaps that is for the best. Goodluck with Sheila. We should probably talk before our journey but not now. Now we celebrate."
He nods with mock irritation, "Yes, well, plenty more time to chat on this long ass trip too..." with a smirk, he pats you roughly on the arm and steps outside.
Sheila and Cere come in, talking of navigational techniques and city defense. You catch some phrases in dwarven, which surprises you that the pirate captain knows and speaks it so well.
Peeking out into the dusk outside, you see Magnolia and Bethrynna on a bench, speaking with Donovan and Ironfist. The former seems in his element, ever the people person, and he's making the women laugh quite often.
There's a tap on your shoulder. Turning you find Dorokor, arms folded and surly, but surprisingly charming in her dress. It fits her rather well considering her build, and is much more appropriate for the party than her blood stained armor.
"This feels weird. I'm extremely out of place here." She glances around, her fingers itching at her side like they want to grab her axe out of habit.
"I killed a lot of people. I don't regret it. But I don't like it." She grumbles below her breath, Oxious giving her a bit of a forced smile from across the room. He'd likely been at the end of her fist a few times during his stay in the necromancer dungeon.
"I don't like being around those still living. It's irritating."
Atriox trys not to laugh out loud but an audible deep rumbling can be heard in his throat
"It's alright I knew this wouldn't be the easiest or exactly the funniest thing fot you. But I want you here by my side.......and I have a surprise here for you in a bit."
He gives her a kiss on the cheeck and whispers in her ear
"You look lovely by the way despite you probably never wearing a dress before."
She grumbles but does not decline the compliment or the kiss. You can tell she's trying to actually mask herself again like she did earlier when she tried leaving your room. Her eyes are a deep, rich brown and her skin a little fairer than usual. She's cleaned up well.
"Where am I sitting with these mortals?"
Atriox points to her chair on the end.
"At my side of course. Where else. You may sit if you want or accompany me. I need to welcome our guests."
She hesitates at the request. Glancing at the table and back to you, she mumbles, "I think I'll sit. Less attention. And I'm not the most welcoming person, if you remember." A little smirk plays at her lips, and she pats you roughly on the shoulder before going to her seat.
Atriox chuckles and watches her go before looking around for new guests to talk to
Looking around, you see the girls helping Donovan get Ironfist and his specialty chair in through the door. He's a cranky man about it, not wanting any help whatsoever.
Once through, they all pay him on the shoulder and try to get him to smile again. It's hard for Ironfist not to.
Atriox sees the old soldier and walks torwards him holding out his hand
"Ahhhh Ironfist. So glad you could make it."
Ironfist chuckles, shaking your hand firmly. "Glad to. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Heard a lot of good things about this place from my men..." he winks, belly laughing. "But I was always too busy to come out this way. I can see why they like it."
Atriox laughs
"Well thank you. While I am half owner all the credit goes to Oxious over there. He put a lot of work over the years into this place. But never mind that. How have you been? Are you ready for the trip ?"
He nods, looking over at your business partner. "I'm doing alright. A little stronger each day. Still getting used to this contraption." He smacks the wheel. "I'm as ready as I can be, Donovan has been exceptional in assisting with the specifics."
Donovan chuckles, shrugging."I had a great leader is all."
Dahlia approaches and Donovan stands up a bit straighter. She extends her hand and he gladly shakes it, a bright smile on his face. "Why hello! I believe I've seen you before--on the battlefield correct? But never properly thanked you. Your help was greatly appreciated."
As they small talk, Ironfist gestures to you and wheels himself away slightly. "Do you have everything YOU need for the trip?" He eyes you seriously. "Not that I doubt your preparations, but I just wanted to offer any additional equipment you might need. Resources I might have, you know? You and Alrik were instrumental in saving the fort, and the whole town ultimately."
He strokes his chin, scratching at his scruffy beard. "I could talk with the captain. See about enhancing her weaponry on the three ships. Double-check her crew's gear."
He glances at Ferrar. "Can't take too many supplies, gotta leave some for the troops here though. Especially since you're taking the best blacksmith Dragonshore has with us." Ironfist belly laughs again. "I think some of the smaller shops will do well though, should be interesting to see how it goes."
Atriox nods
"Aye that will do nicely. And honestly I'm not overly worried about Dragonshore. It will begin to grow and ciri will begin to expand our territory here. It will become a powerhouse for trade in this part if the worl. We will return and when we do I bet you won't even recognize it my freind."
Atriox claps him on the shoulder
"Now lets get you to your seat shall we ?"
The old soldier laughs. "Perfect, it will look so different I'll think I'm going senile!"
He follows you to the table, wheeling himself about with ease. Parking himself next to where you indicate, Donovan and Dahlia continue their conversation at the table. From what you overhear, he is very eager to keep up Ironfist's regimen with the men at the fort, and expand a force up to the old castle. It will take time--perhaps years--to completely repair, but when it is it will be a beacon of safety to the whole area round about.
Atriox chuckles and heads to check on everyone else.
You spot Bethrynna and Magnolia, who have finally made their way in. Sitting nearby Sheila, the three talk together about a variety of things. Sheila seems happy to discuss the politics she last heard of from up by where Rynna's home is, while Magnolia listens rather enraptured.
Kora sits beside them looking awkward and bothered by all the jabbering females. It was more peaceful for her when she was sitting alone, and she didn't mind it much. Once or twice the others try to ask her about her own history with traveling the world.
Her voice is calm but with a coldness to it that, even in her nicer attire, could make any listener shiver. "I go where my blade and my clan need me. It hungers for battle and I make due with wherever that may lead. It's taken me from Komodori to Baralona, and up north past the Crags. It brought me here and soon to be Arkoshia. Always something to kill, no matter where you are."
The others now look equally awkward. Sheila, proficient at changing the subject to something more lighthearted given her background, drags the conversation into the mystical and bizarre across the seas. Eventually she pulls out her black tar dice, showing the others how to play. Dorokor has absolutely no interest in learning and makes no attempt to hide it, turning away to sip at a fine crystal glass of water.
Atriox walls to his chair at the head of table and clears his throat loudly
"Will everybody please find they're seats so we may begin."
****
"Oredion-eleeeeeenn!!!!" You are practically tackled from behind by Etny, dressed in her finest furs and with her polished claw necklace about her neck.
"You're back!! I'm so thankful!"
Oxious rolls his eyes and walks on ahead.
Etny takes Oredion in her arms and plants a big, enthusiastic kiss on his lips.
"I missed youuuuu," she mutters between softer kisses on his face. For the next little while she is quite the chatterbox, discussing everything that happened that week and what she's gotten ready with the ship captain.
At least until she spots the adorable owlbear poking its head out of its hiding place. The huntress gasps. "You picked up a baby owlbear?!"
Oredion amused at Etnys over enthusiastic excitement he leans in touching his head to hers and whispers in a slow, dramatic voice.
"Yes. I. Did."
Oredion chuckles as he leans back reaching over and pulling the baby owlbear out of his travelbag. He places the cute angry furball in Etnys arms.
"Weirdly enough Atriox gave him or her to me. I haven't chosen a name for it yet if you wanna help me pick.'
Oredion gives her a big playful wink as he smiles joyfully at thier reunion. Joey pops out of his beard and runs up to Oredions shoulder wiggling excitedly.
She's rather surprised to be handed the fuzzy thing, scrambling to keep it in her arms. Its heavy, stocky legs slide around against her furs. Watching Joey hungrily, it clicks its beak loudly and squawks.
"Oh he's... adorable! And a little terrifying! You know these get rather big, right...?" Etny can't help but laugh, completely amused at your seriousness. "It's a powerful gift. It was nice of Atriox to do so, but my what a handful! Like you." She smiles wide, taking her cloak off and wrapping up the little animal in it. It struggles for a minute in anger, but eventually relaxes against the fur.
"Well I'm not really known for quite entrances. My eyes give me away ninety percent of the time."
Oredion chuckles as he watches the little furball calm down.
"I gotta say my trip was rather.. interesting. Started with a swamp, a terrible signal, a talking owl, then speaking with the King of the Forest. Now I'm supposed to catch up with Atriox and Oxious. I'm not sure where though... ah well I'll figure it out."
Etny nuzzles her nose against Oredion's. "Well I love your eyes. As much as I love hearing about your interesting adventures. I definitely want to hear more about this King of the Forest later, shiza I missed out on some glorious fun!"
She takes his hand gently, tugging him along toward the Velvet Fang. "However, I think I know where you're supposed to be." With a laugh she looks back at you. "I was with Sheila when we were both invited to some sort of final party here, and the same was for you--once you got back of course."
"Though," she turns beet red, "Oleaaaaah, it was mighty interesting the last time we were there!" The huntress can't help but smile in embarrassment. "But you were very gentlemanly, I appreciated that, elenn."
Oredions face turns beat red as he remembers the event in his head. He coughs and turns his head away with chuckle.
"Ah yes... that was indeed an interesting memory... it was quite hard to keep my composure then. Although if I remember correctly a orc did try to hit on you. Maybe we'll find him again, as well as let Joey go for a swim again."
Oredion laughs shyly and sneaks a small pull off of his stien as they walk to the fang.
You arrive at the building, non-descript as ever. The lights out front are off, but you can see the glow inside the stained glass windows of other company.
Etny opens the door, planting another kiss on Ore's head as he passes. "Might as well sneak one more in before we're in public again," she chuckles. "I've missed you a lot. Let's find our friends and some seats, shall we?"
****
Bonebreaker looks instantly relieved to get this moving along, grateful to not have to make any further small talk. The others gather around to their seats, joking and mingling with one another.
Once seated, you look around the table. For the most part everyone seems excited and relaxed, grateful for the company. It's a nice change from the bustle of the festival, surrounded by so many people and strangers. Here there is some semblance of family. The employees especially seem relaxed, not having to worry about being servers tonight.
Atriox watches as Et and Ore come through the doors. He smiles and points
"Look the lovebirds decided to grace us with they're presence. Need a little catching up time did you ?"
Oredion takes her hand and awkwardly stands on his toes to plant one last sweet kiss on Etnys lips. He nods in agreement as they walk in hand in hand.
"Well I guess we been spotted already. Might as well join the rascals."
She turns red again, not willing to admit to what Atriox teasingly pointed out (as true as it might have been...).
With as much poise as she can muster, Etny makes her way to her seat. "Thank you for the invitation, noble Angakresh."
Atrioxs nods
"No thanks needed. You have earned your invitation just like everyone else here. Please sit ,sit ! Both of you."
Atriox clears his throat
"It should come as no surprise but before we get started I have some words to say."
Atriox looks around at all the faces at this table and is filled with joy and pride.
"Thank you all for coming tonight. Tonight is a night of fun, laughter, and pure happiness I hope. We will dine and drink, the pools and the gambling tables are open to you. But before we get there I personally would like to say thank you."
He pauses as he recovers from the emotions that are swarming him. He takes a deep breath and continues
"Everyone here has earned there chair in some form or way. Everyone here is a freind, everyone here is family. Now as you look around you might find yourself doubting that notion. But I ask you this......do not brothers and sisters fight ? Can they not go to war with each other and afterwards go on loving each other ? Such IS the way of family ! I personally look around and seeca few faces who I did not like to see when I first arrived. Oxious you old goat, you and I have had a long winding road to get where we are now. There was times I wanted to punch you at least. Ciri the new Lord of Dragonshore. When we first met I saw only a political adversary. But then I got to know you and I quickly realized that you'd make a much better freind and confidant. I invite you all to do the same. Look around and realize we are all stronger together than apart. And that is what tonight is about. Family. Tomorrow many of us will be leaving these shores to move on to our next adventure, but we cannot and will not forget were it started. Right here in Dragonshore."
Atriox signals for some drinks to be brought out to everyone. Once everyone has a glass
"Raise your drinks my freinds. We have much to drink to. Thank you to our lovely host Dahlia for making this happen. To Dragonshore, To Victory, To Freinds, To.........FAMILY!"
Oredion raises his glass and looks into Etnys eyes.
"To Family!"
He knocks back his drink and proceeds to applaud Atrioxs speech.
Etny blushes under Oredion's gaze and raises her own glass. "Et alann! Et Ata-alann!" She beams, downing her drink and cheering Atriox with Andrayan praises.
The rest of the table likewise cheers and applauds the rousing speech. Despite the teasing, Oxious has probably the most honest smile you've ever seen plastered on his face.
With a flick of his wand, an emblazoned, golden, fiery symbol etches itself across the ceiling in a grand display of sparks. First the shape of a mighty protective shield, topped with a crown of gold. Then slowly, emblems marking its surface:
A green flaming eye, ever watchful, set over the ancient, noble emblem of Yagdrad.
A white dragon's claw, fiercely taloned, encircled with the Arkoshan crest for Skyhold.
Blue erratic lightning, powerfully destructive, lashing throughout the symbol of the Court of Magi and the Mage Guard.
A violet bow, full of diligence, wrapped in the earthen designs of the lost tribe of Andraya.
"Every new clan needs a symbol. Something for friends to cheer and enemies to fear!" He grins wider. "To family." He holds his glass up high, exhales and knocks back his drink as eagerly as Oredion did.
Dorokor glances at Atriox as she picks up her drink, a smirk playing around her tusks. She looks impressed with your speech. Taking a sip the orc quietly says, to where only you can hear, "To family. To a coven."
Etny giggles, just starting to get slightly drunk. She wraps her arm around Oredion and plants a big, loud kiss on his cheek. The owlbear squawks a little in protest, wriggling around on her lap.
Atriox smirk in response and barely looks her way and returns her comment with one of his own in the same hushed tone
"The most powerful in the world with you at it's head."
Atriox turns back to the rest and smiles throwing his arms wide
"Lets eat everybody!"
She hides her expression behind another drink from her cup, eyes roving across the table across all those present. A few people help bring out meals for those present before sitting down to their own. Drinks are refilled, and there is a wash of sweet and savory smelling dishes.
Etny gets a heaping plate of marinated artichokes seasoned with caper and chicory, on top of a bed of wild mushroom rice. Her eyes grow large and happy, admiring the vegetables. Before Oredion is set quite the opposite, fried potatoes and lamb on a bed of fireroot leaves, covered in a spicy smolderberry sauce.
In front of Alrik is placed a fine plate of wild boar sausages with berry gravy, and a side of sour soup--something found commonly in Komodori. Dahlia personally delivers Atriox's meal, a very lightly seared steak, blood red in the middle. It looks like it hasn't really even been cooked, but it makes your mouth water. By Kora she delicately sets the honey-golden soup.
The orc looks at it dubiously, but catches the smell in her nose. You see her eyes flicker red for a fraction of a second, and she looks at Atriox in surprise.
Atriox smiles. He's glad his surprise worked out. He gives her a wink of flashing red eyes before starting in on his own meal. As savors it he givs Dahlia an appraising nod as well
Dahlia smiles back, glad that he likes the exceptionally rare roast. She digs into her own meal, chatting away with the others at her end of the table. She's more than happy at this beautiful party and reunion of all their friends.
Dorokor gingerly picks up her spoon, dipping it into the thick soup. At the first taste of it, you see an expression cross her face you've not seen before. She's visibly struggling with the emotion that she's feeling, and it's a few minutes before she can manage to take another bite. Her eyes glow, and she mumbles under her breath. "This tastes like..."
She's hyper focused on her meal the entire time, poised, regal, and slowly savoring each bite. Half way through she's much more relaxed, and by the time she sets the spoon down, it's almost as if she's mildly intoxicated. The vampire finally looks up at Atriox. She doesn't say anything but you can feel the gratitude radiating off of her.
He's overjoyed to see she enjoyed her present. He's enjoying himself but he'd be lying if he didn't admit he's more excited about after the party
Atriox finshes his meal and licks his lips clean
He thinks to himself that was pretty darn good and looks around to see everybody enjoying themselves
Oredion digs into his meal gratefully. He starts by munching on the lamb. As hes chowing down he notices the fiery little owlbear looking at the food hungrily. He rips a piece of the lamb meat off the bone and carefully hands it to the little owl. He looks to his shoulder to see Joey about to leap into his food. He quickly picks the small salamander up and places him on the table by a napkin, then he proceeds to place bits of fried potatoe and fireroot leaves on the napkin. He watches as the two small creatures dig in like they survived a famine. Oredion sets back after finishing his meal and Pat's his stomach. The dwarf smiles as he looks around and watches all of his friends and family enjoying themselves. He cant help but think back on the Kings words, realizing everything he said was true. Now he must stay strong enough to be the shield for his new found family, he will not let the same mistakes happen a second time.
Joey waddles around between the bits of potato and leaves, gulping down big bites of each. He's the happiest he's been in a while, and flicks his tongue out as he eyes the pools nearby. The owlbear just chomps down at the lamb, crooning to get at the lamb bone. Etny hands it a few mushrooms but it just mushes them with its claws. "SQUAWK!" it cries out, nipping Oredion's trench coat and making little holes in it.
"Now stop that you naughty thing, oleah!" The huntress picks it up and sets it back down square on her lap. It pecks at her furred cloak incessantly, nesting and then cleaning its feathers. Etny just looks at Ore and shakes her head, smiling. "What a handful he is! I'll need to check the market before we go to stock up on some more food for him.. and maybe a book on owlbears for good measure."
Tak and Vele sit nearby, quiet and watchful of all the larger folk around them. Vele sits up as politely as she can, but Tak just slouches and kicks his legs as they hang off the floor. Chattering back and forth in a kobold-like draconic, she drags him off his chair to some slight protesting and leads him out for a swim.
Etny watches them go. "The Einhycacht don't have a bad idea. Want to let Joey have some fun? Or do you feel up to games? Or drinking?" She laughs, nudging Ore and eyeing his refilling stein.
"Not gonna lie, me and Joey probably smell awful. Care to join us for a dip. Although I dont knoe if that little owlbears gonna like the water? Hmm I think I remember a tree by the pool."
Oredion chuckles as he stands up scooping Joey up in one hand and the baby owlbear in the other. He heads towards the end of the tables giving Atriox a knock to the head with his elbow as he passes. He waits for Atriox to turn around before he gives him a cheeky grin. He looks to Etny and smiles brightly.
"You know what, I have a better idea Et. Here ya go uncle Atriox."
Oredion plops the owlbear into Atrioxs lap, then walks away quickly. The last thing Atriox can hear from Oredion is his booming laughter.
Etny chuckles and tries to keep up with Ore, flashing Atriox a somewhat apologetic look as he now has a fluffy, feathery, frustrated owlbear in his lap. Kora snorts slightly at the scene beside her. "Uncle Atriox, huh?"
The huntress walks into the pool area after her dwarven friend, stretching and looking around. She feels fantastic after such a nice dinner and watches as more guests come to join the swimming party.
After a short time Tak comes scampering out of the pools on all fours, soaking wet and slipping across the tiles. Vele calls after him in angry draconic, and he pops up in one of the vacated chairs, hiding behind the tablecloth. He looks a bit drunk, and has a mischievous smile on his face.
Atriox uses his animal control ring to settle the owlbear down into a nap before looking at Tak
In Draconic he says
"What did you do now brother? Why are you hiding?"
Tak watches the owlbear slump in Atriox's arms, sleeping soundly. No doubt it will wake up with even more energy with then other two get back.
The little kobold snickers, hiding his eyes under the cloth. Only his scarred snout is poking out. "Eeeeeeh...." he mumbles in draconic. Kora raises an eyebrow, listening to the back and forth between you both.
"I may have played a prank on her, and took her tail off when we got in the water..." You can distinctly remember her special design, something to help her balance and look a bit more koboldan while her tail grows back naturally.
Atriox snickers and grunts
Still in Draconic
"You better run little one. Fair is fair."
Then he yells over is shoulder in Draconic
"Vele ! Tak is hiding in here !"
Atriox looks at Tak
"I love you brother now go have fun."
He pops his head out, yellow eyes wide and slightly bloodshot. The sound of an angry Vele coming down from the baths can be heard, her grumbling and whistling clear over the sound of the chatter and the music.
Tak yelps and scrambles off the chair, half falling and half climbing. He tries to dash away as Vele catches up to him. Her running is awkward, choosing instead to smack the mischief maker with her tail rather than put it back on.
"You are so rude! What is wrong with you!?" You hear her calling over his squeals, and him attempting to placate her. "No no Tak was just playing! Tak sorry, AH!" He jumps over a well placed swing, TWACK! and despite the racket it seems like a rather... kobold sort of fit to get into with one another. It definitely doesn't feel too out of place, all things considering.
Dahlia laughs, shaking her head at Atriox. "You and those kobolds of yours, I swear." Kora just chuckles behind her drink, still rather amused at everything and in better spirits.
Atriox laughs with everybody else and enjoys the party. He sets ores new pet on the table as it sleeps
****
Oredion arrives at the bath and begins to remove his clothing except for his boxers. He places Joey on the ground by the side of the pool, allowing his friend to get in at his own leisure. The dwarf dips his foot in and feels the reassuring warmth of the pool. He quickly cannonballs into the pool with a loud booming "yeet." He turns to see Etny at the side of the pool. Oredion swims back over to the edge and splashes her playfully.
"You gonna join or stand thier and watch. Bet your to chicken to catch me!"
With that said he kicks off the wall and begins to swim towards the opposite corner.
Etny looks taken aback. "Chicken? I am no such poultry, my good dwarf! I shall show you a thing or two!"
Shrugging off her firs and remaining in an undershirt and trousers, not quite so drunk or bold as to strip naked like some of the other guests, she leaps in after Oredion. She gives chase after him, finding it quite a great deal easier to swim in than the icy water of the north.
"Argaklel be damned, I will catch you you sly Antrahtu!"
"Come here you!" She laughs, turning quickly as you slip past her. "How are you so good as swimming Ore-elenn! It's no fair!"
(Nat 1+8 athletics 🤣)
Etny grabs a hold of Oredion in the scented water, wrapping her arms around him as best she can.
"Gotcha!" she chuckles, cuddling against his cheek and into his beard, gentle with his heavily scarred muscles. "Shiza you're strong... Ava nala de, alann..."
Oredions chuckles as he quickly wraps his arms around her waist and lifts her out of the water above him. As he holds her up in bliss he begins to talk in a loving voice.
"I have to be if I plan to shield my family! I'd say you qualify for a protection loan."
Oredion laughs as he throws her sideways into the water.
Etny squeals as she is lifted in the air, and looks touched by your words... until she's thrown and she cries out in surprise. She splashes into the water and comes up flailing, a big pout on her face as she tries not to laugh.
"OREDION!" She splashes at you teasingly, losing the battle not to giggle. "What in the world!?"
After a moment her laughter turns to quiet chuckles and she scoots in the water back toward the dwarf. "You can't get rid of me that easily... and I'm a fast learner." She sneakily tackles you into the water, sending you both under the surface in a spout of bubbles.
Oredion loses his balance from Etnys tackle and slips under water. He opens his eyes to see bubbles flowing up around them. His heart skips a beat when he sees Etny with her eyes closed smiling as she holds onto him. In that instant he realizes the beauty of every moment spent by her side. He wraps his arms around her and pushes his head gently against hers. After a few moments pass he quickly rights himself and pulls them both above the water quickly. He giggles like a new born dwarf as he holds both of her arms down to her side with his soft bear like hug, he smiles joyfully at her playfulness. He leans in and gives her a long loving kiss. His arms slowly release her and thier lips part as he backs away. He musters the most sarcastic witty voice he can as he backs away even more.
"You may have caught me love, but you've only won the battle. It shall be me who wins the war! Let's see if you have what it takes to race me back to the edge. Winner gets the other to do one thing of thier choice."
With that said Oredion splashes Etny playfully and sets off with a goofy run towards the side of the pool with the seats.
It looks as if Etny is on a different plane entirely, completely entranced by the heartwarming kiss. Still coming down from the high of the moment, it takes her a good second to realize what Oredion was telling her. The final splash helps wake her back up.
"W-wait!" She stutters, trying to clear the fog in her head, "No fair, you!" A big smile crosses her face as she dives into the water, racing after him. "You gave yourself a head start!"
Despite her best efforts catching up to her friend and his adorably goofy run, he barely touches down before she can. She lands on the side of the pool, laughing, giggling, and heart pounding.
With mock seriousness she bows before you. "I am bound to this magical oath, one where my honor is on the line!" Etny tries her hardest not to laugh. "Glorious Antrahtu, what is it you wish from me? Anything in the world and I will jump at it in an instant."
Oredion laughs at her mock seriousness and tries to copy it as best he can without bursting out laughing.
"Well in all honesty miss, I was hoping you would have won for I do not knoweth what to ask a fair maiden such as thee. Hmm... maybe I shall save my winning point for another time, unless thi lady had a better idea."
Oredion bursts out laughing as he takes a seat in the pool. He stretches his arm out over the edge and turns his head to look out at everyone in the pool just in time to see Joey do a flip like a dolphin as he swims by.
Etny follows his gaze and giggles watching Joey flipping about in the water. The little salamander is definitely enjoying himself. As is she.
She sits beside Oredion at the edge of the pool, curling against his muscular chest. Her heart beats faster hearing his, surrounded together in the peaceful cocoon of warm water. It's been so long since she's had any dark mood cloud her mind. It's been so long since she's felt a comfort akin to family. It's been so long since she felt comfortable in a place like this, not hiding away in the woods away from civilization. It didn't hurt anymore to be around people. He had practically melted away all the barriers around her heart; ones she'd built to avoid the hurt and pain of her loss. His flames not only melted them away, but warmed her soul.
Here was someone who understood more than anyone what that was like. Who went through something even more terrifying than her, it seemed. And he'd carried that loss far longer, far further than she ever did. She didn't blame him for his desire for vengeance. Her heart ached for him, and longed to comfort him. Etny wraps her arms tighter around him... Her family now. Considering his offer.
"Ata-Alann..." The huntress nervously speaks, her heart in her throat. "Once there was a time I slept hard from the argaklel at miss Jannae's. My head swims thinking about it." Etny chuckles, embarrassed. She was sure she'd made quite a spectacle of herself. "I don't remember much that night. Except... holding your hand as I slept."
Etny's eyes dart to Oredion's. "I slept better than I ever had before. No bad dreams. No pain. No fear. I wouldn't mind that again..." She blushes. "That was my idea."
Oredions face turns beat red as he looks towards the ceiling.
"To be honest Et... I felt at peace holding your hand that night... I... I think that's a.. a good idea.."
Oredion gulps down his fear of saying something wrong and turns to look at Etny. He admires her in whole for a moment and stands up, leaving her sitting in the water. He looks down with a goofy smile and a red face. He begins to speak in nervous, but serious tone.
"Etny... I want you to know something before we... you know. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Not only in this world, but the next as well. I want to unite our lost people into a new tribe, a new family... our family. Et.. I want you to know that I love you and will do anything in my power for you."
Oredion turns around nervously pretending to watch Joey as his cheeks somehow grow even more red and he feels the heat swell within them.
You hear her slowly exit the water, and after a moment feel a warm towel-like robe draped around you. Etny has put one on as well, and she wraps her arms around you from behind, hugging your shoulders.
"I don't want you catching a cold," she chuckles, kissing his cheek gently. "You have grand goals. Beautiful goals. And I... want to achieve them with you. I'll always be by your side. Nothing could ever keep me from you. Ava nala de, Oredion-alann... with all my spirit, and the spirit of Ata-Morri. I love you, and I am only yours, forever."
Etny nuzzles his ear tenderly. She feels her face is bright red, her heart racing, not used to this at all either. After a minute of holding her love, she quietly chances to say, "Joey will be fine. Let's go dry off."
****
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