The Main Gate (IC Chat)

Qiora rests in a chair, feet propped against the parapet. A wide-brimmed hat tipped with a small feather shields her eyes from the sun, while a loose and light robe protects her body from the heat. Her hair is braided tight and tied in several loops behind her head, a practical and stylish appearance to keep things neat and also prevent hot air from being trapped against her neck.

Piled next to the chair is a pyramid of small stones; ammunition for the sling Qiora keeps at her waist. Upon her lap, Qiora's hands are crossed over an ivory olifant banded with brass and carved in low-relief with depictions of minstrels cavorting with monsters.

Rhograx pulls out his crossbow and aims at the target.

Qiora applauds from above. "Do it again!" she cheers.

Rhograx sets one arrow resting against the wall and nocks another one. He aims at the rock once again, but this time, as soon as the arrow leaves, he grabs the other arrow and tries to shoot the bug when it comes out.

Jorkus sneaks in behind the other two and readies his bow after seeing the first shot. If the bug comes out, he is going to try and shoot it also... from between Rhograx's legs

"You think it's building a nest with all of that?" asks Qiora from above.

"I'd like to know, maybe we should go down and open his lair?" Rhograx says shrugging.

"You wretched beast, your nuts hit my bow just as I was releasing the arrow or we'd be eating crab!" Jorkus barks before stomping off.

"So who's going to take the next shot?" chirps Qiora. Taking her small drum, she beats out a lolling melancholy tune.

My archer's got arrow
He's the hunter of the sparrow
Knows his eyelids gotta narrow
to send that bug into its barrow

If the heavens ever did speak
He'd be the one that I'd plea
for a bullseye that'd streak
into an arrow-stealing crab freak.

He's a hunter, and he likes it.
Command him to aim well.
Amen

"I'll hit it now for sure!". Rhograx announces.

Jorkus turns around and fires at the crab before leaving and accidentally shoots Rhograx in the back.

"You back stabbing little.. Rhograx blurts out and fires at Jorkus.

Jorkus ducks and runs out, easily leaving harm.

Qiora settles back into her attentively-relaxed position, propping her feet upon the parapet once again.

Qiora adjusts her wide-brimmed hat as she gazes out across the sand.

Turning around and pulling the arrow out, Rhograx glances around, but winces as the arrow comes free.

"I am not the person running this castle, but I am a guardian and can make you comfortable or relay your message little one." Rhograx says with a smile.

Rhograx reaches out his large dragon hand for the sprite, "Come in and take a rest. Can I get you some food or drink while you explain your plight?"

Qiora's silence during Rhograx's questions were her opportunity to study this sprite's intentions. She also attempts to recall whatever she might have known about sprites in her travels.

Satisfied with her initial assessment, Qiora brings her olifant to her lips and blows a clear tone that rises and falls. The horn signals the keep that there is a visitor, and that the gates should be opened.

Leaving the sprite in the care of Rhograx, Qiora settles back into her chair to resume her watch.

Studying the mount briefly to pick out the appropriate details, Qiora busies herself with penning a few notes on recent developments. Her original occupation within the Omon household hasn't been in demand since the move to the desert, so documenting the comings and goings of the keep engages her creative mind. Of course, Qiora still jots a few bars within the margins; the tales of her matron should prove to be a good song and any future music lessons could certainly use them as reference.

She pauses as she considers the new personnel. Two tieflings, one of whom declaring as a bard. Qiora is sure they will be introduced properly later on.

Her shift over, Qiora pockets the stones for her sling and collects her empty plate. Securing her wide-brimmed hat, she descends from the parapet and back to the Main Hall.