Mirrors (Episode 1)

Jael grins mischievously at the mention of special arrangements and leans in to Tajuri's side. She takes a long pull off her drink and glances about the bar area. "You certainly have spacious rooms here in the tavern. Does it ever get crowded and, if so, when is your busy time?"


Logan leans on the bar and tugs the cigar from the corner of his mouth. He blows the fragrant smoke upwards, then answers, "The upstairs lounge never really gets crowded, but it does get more active in the late evening and night. That's when most business is concluded at the palace and with the more affluent citizens. The flow of the downstairs can get crowded sometimes with the locals."

Taj takes another sip from her glass and her golden eyes follow Jael's lead looking around the posh taproom and lounge area. Her eyes linger on the distant theatre seats for the pit fighting. The sound of the young violinist's tune wafts pleasantly in the air. "I must admit I am intrigued by the idea of your fighting pit, Logan. Call it a touch of bloodlust, if you will. We will definitely need to return soon in the evening to view a match or two."

She finishes off the ale and places the empty glass on the top of the bar in front of the bartender. "Tell me, Logan, are there gathering places for adherents of Slortar in T''Lorn? Private meetings or events, maybe?"

Logan retrieves the empty and holds it up. "Another for you, m'Lady?"

"The followers of the Lord of Pleasure are always plentiful in places where people gather, such as a city. Even if they do not actively worship him. Their pursuits of pleasurable things honor him none-the-less." Logan replies. "Though, I am guessing you are yet to meet him, T'Lorn does have a High Priest of Slortar among its Lords and events are held frequently." He leans in closer across the bar. "Private events can be arranged, for the right price, here at The Runeblade."

Tajuri waves the offer of another drink off. "The day is young and I want to keep my wits about me for the important events soon to be held at the palace. We thank you for your generosity, Logan. Unless something unforeseen occurs, we will return later tonight." She brushes the back of a hand along Jael's upper arm, as she speaks.

"Here. Let me walk you out." Peri offers. "I do hope to see you both again soon."

Tajuri gives a wave in parting to the bartender and allows the freckle-faced Peri to escort them through the tavern once more to the exit. "Yes. As do I, Peri. I have hopes that my involvement at the Lord's palace is not such that I cannot still enjoy the more pleasurable aspects of this city and its people."

"Peri-sh the thought." Peri says with a smile. "The Runeblade needs fresh new, attractive faces to light up the place." She adds biting her lower lip.

Smiling at Peri's compliment, Taj and Jael take their leave of the tavern for now. Taking a mental assessment of the time they have spent outside the palace so far, they decide to walk about some more and familiarize themselves with the layout of the city and note any locations that may be of interest for future exploration.

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Eternal: Ascendance of the Eight

Scene 9: The Maze

"Rosie, my dear, why don't you take the lead?"

The younger woman smiles wide, clearly showing your youthful excitement. Without words she presses forward and pokes her head around to the left to look down the eastern path before continuing and leading them to the west.

To the west, Rosie finds two deadends and two possible paths forward. One to the west and another to the south.

Rosie heads south and the others follow.

Rosie heads south through the maze. The path deadends in a T intersection heading east and west. Checking first the east and then the west branch, both turn out to be deadends.

"Oh pooh!" Rosie exclaims and turns around. "No go down here. We'll need to backtrack and try the other path west we passed." She tells the others.

Radu chuckles, "Indeed. Just as in life, some paths are closed to us, but others are open. Lead on, my sweet."

Rosie nods and heads back north and west.

Only needing to backtrack once more, the three follow the path of the hedge maze and soon find themselves in a large area with benches.

Radu pulls some of the dates from his pocket and sits upon the bench, stretching out. "Ah, this is to my liking. So very quiet here."

Scene 10: Down at the Docks

Continuing onward with purpose, Keltos and Natrix proceed southward until they reach the plaza and the Great Eye where they arrived in T'Lorn the previous night. Beyond the plaza it is a short walk to the docks, where Keltos immediately spots the Veritas moored in the third slip this side of the water.

"Ahhhh there she is!" Says Keltos, "Come, let me introduce you to the crew!"

Upon seeing their captain approaching on the docks, the crew of the Veritas lowers the gangplank for him to board.