Mirrors (Episode 1)

A new day...

Taj

Not by the rising of the sun, for there is none to shine through the ironwork latticed shutters across the richly appointed bedchamber. No beams of inspiration push through the curtains framing that same large bay window. The muted light enters to part the shadows within the guest rooms of the Octagon Tower, to reveal the lavish interior and play across the large bed centered upon one wall. It is clothed in burgundy, with silk sheets of black.

It is to this that Tajuri awakens refreshed after her jaunt from the portal of the Great Eye to the castle proper yestereve. The familiar feel of Jael's body close at her side is reassurance that nothing untoward has befallen her as she's slept.

Rolling onto her back, Tajuri stares at the ceiling of the strange guest boudoir. She wonders what the new day will bring. Hopefully there will be some answers and defined expectations from this mysterious Lord of T'Lorn.

A light sleeper, if she truly ever slept at all, Jael drapes an arm over Tajuri's naked abdomen and presses her own pale textured body into her mistress' side.

"Morning, my Princess. What will you have of me this moment? Your wish is my only desire most luscious of all beings." As the beautiful demon girl speaks, a lone fingertip lightly traces the shallow oval of Taj's navel suggestively.

"Mmmm. Very tempting." Tajuri shifts in the bed and faces Jael. She kisses the teasing demoness full on the mouth. "Hold that thought and let us investigate our surroundings first." Reluctantly she climbs out of bed and floats about the room to familiarize herself with the details; snapping her fingers to light all the candles at once.

She moves over to the smaller of the two doors leading out of the chamber, that they were told upon arrival was for personal servants and companions. Tajuri had no need at this time for servant's quarters. What she needed was a private bathing chamber and dressing room. Taking hold of the door knob, she opens the door and peers inside to see exactly what is in there.

Knock Knock

Momentarily, there comes a light but audible knock at the large wooden door which leads out into the rest of the tower.

A female voice follows. "M'Lady Shadowmoon, breakfast will be served in the guest dining room in one hour. Ready yourself."

Opening the smaller door, Tajuri discovers it is not a servant's quarter at all, but an intimate bathing area and walk-in closet filled with ensembles of all varieties.

A broad smile grows on Taj's pleasant face.

She enters the side room, pulling Jael along with her, and spends most of the remaining time til breakfast enjoying the bath, receiving that promised attention from her demon girl, and then dressing in the most sensuous and rich outfit she can put together.

Luci

Not by the rising of the sun, for there is none to shine through the ironwork latticed shutters across the richly appointed bedchamber. No beams of inspiration push through the curtains framing that same large bay window. The muted light enters to part the shadows within the guest rooms of the Octagon Tower, to reveal the lavish interior and play across the large bed centered upon one wall. It is clothed in burgundy, with silk sheets of black.

It is to this that Lucian awakens refreshed after his jaunt from the portal of the Great Eye to the castle proper yestereve. The familiar feel of Useless' body nuzzled at his side is reassurance that nothing untoward has befallen him as he's slept.

Lucian just wanted to be lazy and almost gave in to the impulse as Useless slept against him. But reality kicked in and prompted him to get up. Nothing was free and, even if it wasn't money, he imagined something was wanted of him. Which meant getting up, getting ready, and finding someone to ask.

Knock Knock

Momentarily, there comes a light but audible knock at the large wooden door which leads out into the rest of the tower.

A female voice follows. "M'Lord Falken, breakfast will be served in the guest dining room in one hour. Ready yourself."

"Thank you?" It ended up lifting as a question at the end. That was due to the fact that he was getting breakfast and a room, and that he had never been a m'lord in his life. Not unless someone was mocking him, but that didn't seem to be the case here. He woke Useless and got ready, after all food was waiting. And hopefully answers. He stepped out of his room once done, little dragon on his shoulder, and wondered where the guest dining room was. "Hindsight, Useless. Hindsight. Well, let's find someone to ask." Useless let out a small chitter of agreement.

Keltos

Not by the rising of the sun, for there is none to shine through the ironwork latticed shutters across the richly appointed bedchamber. No beams of inspiration push through the curtains framing that same large bay window. The muted light enters to part the shadows within the guest rooms of the Octagon Tower, to reveal the lavish interior and play across the large bed centered upon one wall. It is clothed in burgundy, with silk sheets of black.

It is to this that Keltos awakens refreshed after his jaunt from the portal of the Great Eye to the castle proper yestereve.

Requiring much less rest than common men, Keltos Rises early and begins to speculate on the nature of Lord Orb.

The Portal of the "Great Eye" and the Ruler of this place called "Orb" is there a connection? His curiosity growing, Keltos reviews last night at the speed of thought; his time with the Chamberlain and the route taken to the castle. Were there more references to Eyes, or Orbs in Chamberlains Dress or the cities architecture? The unusual Lantern the chamberlain carried sure was Orb like.

He also accesses the books he just memorized and searches for references to Lord Orb, or perhaps even beholders. Consumed with curiosity his keen mind begins to connect dots and weigh probabilities.

After a couple of hours of sifting data he attempts to summon a servant and make it known he is awake and ready to begin the day and his meeting with lord Orb.

Keltos remembers several references in the history of Tanelorn he's discovered of two alien god brothers. In this most ancient legend, the brothers fought. One lost his eye and the other a hand. These sacred artifacts were referred to as the Eye of Rhynn and the Hand of Kwll. Kwll was reputed to have been so distraught by the results of their fight, he exiled himself in the vaults of an Eternal City for eons.

Keltos finds a bell pull to summon servants and does so.

Knock Knock

Momentarily, there comes a light but audible knock at the large wooden door which leads out into the rest of the tower.

A female voice follows. "M'Lord Keltos. Breakfast will be served in the guest dining room in one hour. Ready yourself."

"1 hour then" Replies Keltos.

Sitting back down he spends his time adding additional details to his city map.

Radu

Not by the rising of the sun, for there is none to shine through the ironwork latticed shutters across the richly appointed bedchamber. No beams of inspiration push through the curtains framing that same large bay window. The muted light enters to part the shadows within the guest rooms of the Octagon Tower, to reveal the lavish interior and play across the large bed centered upon one wall. It is clothed in burgundy, with silk sheets of black.

It is to this that Radu awakens refreshed after his jaunt from the portal of the Great Eye to the castle proper yestereve. The familiar feel of his queens' bodies close at either side is reassurance that nothing untoward has befallen him as he's slept.

Radu stands and takes a deep breath as he approaches the window, gazing out upon the city. As he continues to look out, he calls to his sleeping beauties. "Awaken my queens. A new day is upon us, one that promises much I think." He peeks over to the bed with a smile, watching as they shift and awaken. "Once you are dressed, we will seek to further test our host's hospitality for some food and drink."

"Isn't this just so exciting?" Rosie bumbles, as she dresses and fusses with her hair.



"Exciting, yes. Though, I must also question what it is that this Lord Orb wants with our Master here." Ruby chimes in.



"Perhaps Orb is an Ancient Fanghead and will suck some sense into you three." Idz interjects, making a sudden appearance from the shadows in the corner of the room.

"And perhaps you would be better bound to a maggot, Idz the Insufferable," Radu says with a sigh.

"Ruby makes a fair point - my curiosity is piqued accordingly. The vision that came to me in my dream, it mentioned power and Champions Eternal. I am eager to see what greater power might yet be mine.

"Idz, what does your depraved mind know of this term? Is there some historical context for a Champion Eternal?"