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?"

"What do you think, bright boy?" Idz spits out. "Of course there's historical references to the Champion Eternal. Every...well, almost anyone with half a brain has heard some of the tales. Saviors of realms. Destroyers of worlds. Heralds of Armageddon. Yadda yadda..."

Kris

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 Kris awakens refreshed after her jaunt from the portal of the Great Eye to the castle proper yestereve. The familiar feel of Blue's body nuzzled at her feet is reassurance that nothing untoward has befallen her as she's slept.

Kris rises and carefully climbs out of the bed, so as not to awaken her little friend. She moves about the room, checking out the features and the details of it all, while looking for a means of giving the chamber a bit more light.

The young woman is still amazed that she has been chosen to come here and possibly become a champion in her own right. All her life, she has been overlooked by those in power in the realm she grew up in or even worse, suppressed by them. Until meeting Killian and joining him as his traveling companion, her life had been nothing more than a series of frustrations. Who was this Lord Orb, that he could not only see the potential in her she had herself almost given up on, but wished to acknowledge it in such a grand manner?

Kris finds candelabras on several of the round tables about the room and can easily light them as needed.

Knock Knock

As she is lightly candles and checking out the features of the room, 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. "Lady Amani. Breakfast will be served in the guest dining room in one hour. Ready yourself."

Blue's ears perk up at the knock and he opens his eyes slowly. He looks about quickly for find where Kris is and makes a single sound at the mention of breakfast, which Kris has long determined means the little blue monkey is hungry.

After lighting some candles, Kris digs through her pack and moves over to sit in one of the two chairs at the window. She opens her personal grooming kit and pulls out the small steel mirror and brush.

"I want to make myself presentable, Blue." She brushes the tangles from her hair and glances into the mirror. "I wonder if weapons are acceptable at the breakfast table?" She chuckles. "I guess we will find out, huh Blue?" She continues to address the small blue monkey perching in her lap as she makes ready.

Finally prepared for her introductions to the Lord of the castle and others who may be about, Kris adjusts the hang of her sword's sheath at her hip and goes to the door leading into the rest of the castle. "No turning back now..." She opens the door.

Scene 2: Faces

Near an hour passes...


The door opens into the room easily enough and as Tajuri steps into the breach created she finds herself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot and directly into the eyes of the person whose image she saw briefly in the mirror during her summoning dream.



The door opens into the room easily enough and as Leh'veia steps into the breach created she finds herself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image she saw briefly in the mirror during her summoning dream.

The door opens into the room easily enough and as Lucian steps into the breach created he finds himself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image he saw briefly in the mirror during his summoning dream.



The door opens into the room easily enough and as Kris steps into the breach created she finds herself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image she saw briefly in the mirror during her summoning dream.

The door opens into the room easily enough and as Keltos steps into the breach created he finds himself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image he saw briefly in the mirror during his summoning dream.



The door opens into the room easily enough and as Natrix steps into the breach created she finds herself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image she saw briefly in the mirror during her summoning dream.

The door opens into the room easily enough and as Radu steps into the breach created he finds himself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image he saw briefly in the mirror during his summoning dream.



The door opens into the room easily enough and as Killian steps into the breach created he finds himself looking across a roughly sixty-by-sixty foot room and directly into the eyes of the person whose image he saw briefly in the mirror during his summoning dream.

Tajuri does a double-take and steps into the larger chamber, drawing Jael along with her. She turns conspiratorially and confides in her lover, "That Tiefling female in front of us..she's the one I saw in the dream."

Lucian isn't quite sure how to feel about this, and takes a moment to reasonably convince himself she is real. "Well, that's par for the course, I suppose. See, Useless? I'm not as crazy as I thought." A relief, but a small one. His friend may follow him wherever he goes, but that didn't mean he failed to share his opinion about it. It was always good to over estimate one's own insanity though. He gave a nod to the woman across from him, and took a quick head count. Were these allies, or people he had to overcome?

Radu's eyes narrow as he's drawn into the room and finds himself amongst others. "You," he says, raising an accusatory finger at the creature across from him, "I saw you in the mirror, in my vision." He looks then to the others gathered. "All of you, have you been drawn to this City as I have? Through dreams, whispers, and promises?"

The large muscular and bald Fire Goliath raises a brow, as the dark-haired Dhampir points at him. He rolls his shoulders and steps confidently into the area. He stops and crosses his arms when the same pale fellow addresses everyone.

He nods. "Aye. You have the right of it stranger. Strange dreams—that you were in and voices—not yours."

Stepping out of the room in the wake of the giantkin, strides a tall voluptuous female creature, near-Human in appearance. She leaves very little to the imagination with her revealing choice of garments.

"Killemall, Warlord of Chaos, stands before you. Why would he have need of the praise as a Champion? This is the question that needs answering here." She announces clearly with a presentational hand gesture toward the large male she accompanies.

Taj peers over the railing and into the circular stairwell, then takes a quick moment to familiarize herself with each of the strangers entering the landing, before she speaks. "Why not we all take the Lord Orb's invitation as a potentially pleasurable avenue of choice for now and keep our suspicions and theories of dark intent at bay until it has merit, shall we? In the mean time, if we are to share a repast together, let us be civil at least. The answers will soon come I would expect."

She gives a polite, but brief, bow to the Tiefling from her dream. "Tajuri Shadowmoon, I am."

Kris enters the room and move a few steps toward the young man and his pseudodragon. She holds one hand up, palm facing outward, in a kind of short wave, before her thoughts are cut short by the verbal exchanges of some of the others. She looks over at Killian and Shar in quiet consideration.

The little blue monkey perching on her shoulder, reaches about her slender neck and gives Kris a hug.

Radu nods solemnly. "I am Radu Hove, Lord of the Shadowmere," he says with a thin smile. "I accept your premise, Lady Shadowmoon. It appears we have all been brought to this place." He looks around again, "Us eight. All, I assume, with the promise of power, or a curiosity for those that intrude upon our minds."

Radu similarly walks forward to the stairwell to look up and down it.

Lucian listened to the dialogue around him, but moved towards the familiar woman. She was the most interesting to him currently, appearing in his dream as she did. And she had a monkey friend. When he was close enough he spoke to her.

"I assume, from the others, I was in a dream of yours as you were in mine? My name is Lucian Falken, and my friend is Useless." He tapped Useless's foot on his shoulder as he introduced him. "No fancy title I'm afraid."

From behind his mask Keltos catches the eye of woman across the room. Hands steepled he gives a slight almost imperceptible bow of recognition. He then slowly and methodically inspects the others gathered around as well as his new surroundings but does not otherwise move from his spot.

The brown-skinned woman with a staff, returns the cybermonk's almost imperceptible bow of recognition; mirroring his action.

The Tiefling courtesan saunters across the floor. Her ample curves moving to the rhythm of her stride. She stops just shy of the other side the entrance to the stairs and, putting both hands on her hips, stretches her torso against the barely concealing fabrics over her prominent breasts, and sighs deeply. "Leh'veia. I only need one name, the rest speaks for itself."

Turning back to regard Lucian as he approaches, Kris nods. "Yes. I saw your face instead of my own in a mirror, in that dream."

"I am Kris Amani." She says through her foreign accent. "I do have a lesser noble title bestowed upon me by the Red Prince of the South" She shrugs. "Although, since I am self-exiled from that kingdom and that realm, it hardly matters."

Taj grins at the buxom Tiefling's word choices. She finds the imagery of Leh'veia's assets speaking for themselves to be quite amusing. With a look to her side, at her lovely demoness companion, she continues with the introductions. "And..this is Jael: My intimate confidante."

"It does seem to be a theme...I wonder what it means. Are we opponents or allies? Or neither?" Lucian idly watched the conversations around them, picking up what he could, but mostly listened to Kris. "Self exile sounds interesting, and you're probably not missing much. Having a title seems to come with a lot of work and breeds superiority complexes - at least in my experience. Shall we brave the unknown and find breakfast? It's supposed to be around here...somewhere. Did you happen to ask where the guest dining room was?"

"I assume this place is funneling us precisely where and when it wants us. What are the chances, for instance, we all woke up and walked through our doors, on our own, at the same time?" Radu laughs. "No, I think time itself works differently here. This stairwell seems where we are meant to go - I'll bet if we follow, we will soon find where the Lord of this place wishes us to be. Might as well get on with the ride." He walks to the stairwell and takes a confident, if cautious, first step.

Scene 3: First Gathering

The spiraled stairwell continues up one more floor and is capped by a shallow rotunda ceiling featuring a painting of ethereal beings floating above a sprawling city. The stairs descend three more floors from the one the guest rooms are located.

---

As several of the summoned are getting antsy for breakfast and others just curious as to other parts of the tower and the palace beyond and begin to make moves to descend, eight figures seemingly fade into existence along the railing down to the next level.

Alternating between male and female in masks.
They flank the stairway and only move down after all of the guests have done so.

At the bottom of the flight of stairs, Chamberlin appears from a large open set of heavy decorative wood and iron doors and beckons everyone to enter.


"Breakfast will be served momentarily." He says and backs into the room he's just appeared from. "Places have been arranged for all."

Entering the room, it is discovered to be a large dining room with a checkerboard floor pattern. Place-setting cards bearing the names of each of the summoned are clearly visible at the large table and Chamberlin moves across to near the head of the table and patiently awaits until everyone has sorted out their seating. He then claps his hands together three times and servants enter through a northern door bearing platters of various edibles.

Keltos sits, his back rigid and formal, he politely but silently acknowledges the guests and lingers a bit longer at the guest directly opposite him. Always curious he has found that local cuisine can oftentimes offer insights into the native peoples and their culture.

"It would be an honor to sample a dish that is local and traditional for the occasion."

Radu is pleased to find thick, warm blood of a youthful vintage available and helps himself to filling his glass. He otherwise fills his plate with dried meats, figs, cheeses, and bread, though he spends most of this time observing the others quietly. Still unsure of what they are meant to be doing here, he looks for signs of strengths and weaknesses among them - anything he might use to an advantage.

Kris finds her seat and settles in. She discovers, yet again, that she is facing young Lucian across the table. She politely awaits the masked servants placing the breakfast platters, before beginning to arrange food or her plates. Fresh fruit for she and her little blue friend, two slices of a heavenly scented spinach and cheese quiche, and a couple of sugar and cinnamon sprinkled apple tarts, are promptly acquired to fill her empty plates. A mixture of a sparkling white wine and citrus juice fills her drinking goblet, along with a second of chilled water.

She hands a slice of fruit to Blue and rubs down his soft furry back. "There. I know you've been hungry and waiting patiently little buddy." Kris praises her little blue friend.

Tajuri looks over the offerings and chooses a buttered croissant with honey, a hard-boiled egg, some fresh fruit and both juice and coffee to drink. She eats in small dainty bites, with impeccable manners, occasionally glancing about the table to see what others are eating or doing.

At his request, a servant disappears through the north door, likely the kitchen, and returns approximately ten minutes later with a plate containing a light filet of sole, lemon slices, browned cubes of some type of tuber, and a small bowl of custard that tastes like coconut. She places the dish in front of Keltos and then returns to her station along the wall behind him.

Killian lifts a large steaming mug of coffee, with a generous pour of something dark and definitely alcoholic of course, to his lips and takes a big swallow. The heat would likely burn another, but the Fire Goliath doesn't seem phased by it. He looks across to Radu and his royal blood dolls. "To your theory of this place existing in its own time and following its own laws of physics, I must agree Lord Rove." He gestures with the mug toward Chamberlin. "Our host's man did says upon our arrival that T'Lorn exists outside of time, if I caught his meaning."

With his free hand, Killian takes up a sharp-tined fork and stabs it into a chunk of the thin rare steak in his plate and swishes it in the runny yellow juices of the sunny-side up eggs accompanying it.

The brown-skinned woman's green eyes constantly search over the others, the table, and the room. Though. she still is yet to speak even to introduce herself. Anyone at the table can read the name Natrix Xenodon on her place card. A tall glass of a bluish milky concoction rests on the table within hand's reach. Her plate is covered by a silver cloche, which she occasionally lifts just enough to grab something from within and quickly pop into her mouth.

Leh'veia drinks fine champagne while her servant, Paik, feeds her red caviar spread on small rounds of crusty bread and black currants.

With everyone settled in and eating, Chamberlin casually walks back toward the large western doors.

"Enjoy, m'Lords and Ladies. I shall return soon to escort you all to an audience with your host." He stops in mid-stride as a pale androgynous figure enters.





The figure strolls in holding a goblet in one hand a third full of a scarlet liquid substance which must be blood. A crooked smile breaks its lips, as it looks at the surprised look on Chamberlin's usual stoic face. Continuing into the room, the pale being begins to make a counter-clockwise circuit around the table, tracing fingers of the right hand along the backs of guest chairs.

Looking up from her meal as Chamberlin speaks, Kris notices the entrance of the unknown other person. She watches carefully upon seeing the seeming contents of the pale stranger's glass.

Keltos rigid his focus drifts between the newcomer and chamberlain, not comfortable with the dynamic between the two, Keltos knows a predator when he sees one.

Tilting his head insect like Keltos examines the newcomer trying to ascertain its motives.

Lucian, despite his desire for comfort and breakfast, takes only some fruits and nuts. Those he splits between himself and Useless. Add in some water - no matter how much he would like coffee - and breakfast was set. He was quiet as he watched the others. When the new being entered the room, Luci set everything down. There was something to be wary of in this person, and he wanted nothing to distract him. After all, this seemed to be something unexpected for Chamberlin and the man otherwise seemed to have firm control over the situation.

As their fingers ran along the back of the chairs he felt that other part in his mind step up and pay more attention. He turned his head only, and just enough to keep track of the person. The drink didn't concern him, if it had he would have had to be worried about the group beside him. While he couldn't say he was afraid, certainly not yet, he was intrigued and cautious.

Radu's gaze narrows and follows the individual as they circuit the room. Radu addresses the newcomer, "My Lord, with whom do we have the pleasure?"

Without averting his gaze, he adds, "Chamberlin, perhaps an introduction is in order?" He raises his own goblet of blood, smiling wide.

Kris listens to the exchanges of those around her, but continues to enjoy her food. This new addition to the occupants of the palace is hardly the first vampire she's encountered. She hopes this one proves far less of an annoyance than the entitled pain-in-the-ass and his progeny ruling from the shadows of the world she was trapped in for most of her formative years.

Ah, so they were bored. Understandable enough. Lucian stroked a finger down the middle of Useless's head, an action that let him return to normal mentally. "Are there a lot of vampires here? At least, I assume that is what you are." Left hand of the left hand. An odd title but, depending on who the left hand was serving, potentially high up the chain of command.

Sanguinor completes the circuit of the dining table and sits down in the chair closest to the western doors.


A thin smile forms at the corners of the lips. "There are a few of us here in this sanctuary of T'Lorn." The vampire answers Lucian's question. "It is the Eternal City after all and what more fitting a locale for us, No?"

"That depends," Radu says with a smile, "Do you find any shortage of refreshment in such a place? It must get terribly boring in a place where nothing around you changes." He takes a swig of his own crimson-filled glass and continues. "Your work must keep things interesting. Pray tell, what is it you do as the left hand of the left hand?"

"Sometimes the stock runs low, but new vintages can still be procured, unless the multiverse happens to collapse." Sanguinor says dryly. "Information gathering and procurement are some of my responsibilities and you might may surprised at what entertainment can be had."

"Information gathering," Radu says, "I see. So what do you think of us all gathered here? Know you our purpose for being called to this location - if you are a master of information, surely you could tell us of this place and the summons we received. Or are you here to procure more information and learn what you can of us?"

Keltos tries to "Read" Sanquinors emotions. Does he get any impression of hostility, amusement, true curiosity, something else, annoyance, perhaps? - Insight.

Assuming from the Chamberlains reaction he was not invited to this. Keltos already gets the impression, that this newcomer isn't one for procedure and protocol. Additionally his casual attitude in the domain of another lord speaks of power, contempt and disrespect even.

Keltos can feel his hand reaching for his blade and his mind already contemplating escape routes.

Chamberlin finally vanishes through the western doors and Sanguinor takes another sip from the goblet.


"All within the confidence of our Lord Orb have some knowledge of your existence, your deeds, your experiences until this moment. Although, few know everything. You have been invited for a great purpose, but surely you already know this. I will refrain from spoiling any missing elements of your knowledge regarding this for your upcoming audience with our realm's lord."

Sanguinor takes another drink and looks down the table at the hooded monk. "Why so tense, Seeker? Do you think me so crass as to ignore the rules of hospitality at your first meal?"

Casually, the vampire's attention shifts back to Radu. "I am, in confidence, here to assess more about you each in person and convey any insights to the Inner Council of T'Lorn." Sanguinor shrugs. "Observations so far are that, by appearances, the eight chosen are competent, yet in general are not very sociably inclined. Perhaps, this is due uncertainty or the nature of your observer?"

"Perhaps for the same reason a gathering with strangers before dawn may make you tense" Says Keltos somewhat relaxing his grip.

"Please forgive," Radu says, relaxing slightly, "I do spend much of my time in solitude, and it's been quite some time since I've been a position such as this. I am clearly out of the my element. That said, this whole affair is quite off-putting. We find ourselves pulled from our respective realms to this City-out-of-Time. Now our first gathering and a Vampire Lord joins us for breakfast. There are many questions and not many answers as of yet.

I will say, however, this breakfast is quite wonderful." He grins and looks to those up and down the table, "Did you all also find your exact, desired breakfast available before you? 'Tis a nice a trick!

"No, Lord Sanguinor, I believe your hospitality is quite unwavering to this point." He raises his glass.

"So we are to be Champions Eternal, perhaps. Will this place us as allies, or competitors?"

Sociably inclined? Lucian found it hard to imagine the person that would be outgoing and talkative in this situation. Perhaps this sort of thing was more common in this realm. "I find myself thinking we are acting how most people would in this situation. While I am not opposed to conversation with strangers, this isn't quite the time for it. Right now I'm more of the mind to figure out where I stand and where everyone else stands." He gives a small shrug, his demeanor calm but alert.

"If I have a desire to be chatty with anyone, it would be Kris. As we appeared in each other's dreams I am curious about the connection there. But as we have no idea who is meant to be friend and who is meant to be foe, forming genial relationships seems to be getting a tad ahead of ourselves." He turns his head to speak directly to Sanguinor instead of the table in general.

"I would be interested in knowing more from you, perhaps, as you seem to be highly involved. But you have already stated you have no intention of spoiling - that was the word? - what is to come. So, I find myself more inclined to wait for someone who will give at least some answers. From the sounds of it, that may be a wait. I usually only talk to Useless and Marengo as they are excellent conversation partners that are not at all inclined to be mysterious about things." He pauses slightly before adding one more remark.

"The accommodations and breakfast are welcome, if not a bit suspicious in their 'free' nature."

Sanguinor grins at Keltos' words. "Ahh, but T'Lorn has no dawn. Concern on my part—averted."

The vampire takes another sip and inclines its head toward Radu. "Guests are a rare occasion in the palace. So, we here all a form of group solitude for the most part. I am glad you are enjoying our hospitality so far. In the bigger scheme of things, I would say allies. For, none of us will survive for long unless we can combine our strengths." Sanguinor pauses. "There. I have said too much on the matter."

The vampire looks between Lucian and Kris, with a grin, then finishes the blood from the goblet and casually stands. "Connections are one of the key things I am interested in observing. Your wait will not be a long one, I assure you." It tells Lucian.

"Enjoy the rest of your meal, our honored guests. I will be watching and awaiting our next meeting." Sanguinor says bidding the group of Champions adieu, before turning and leaving through the doors it arrived in.

Kris quietly listens and observes as she is eating. She waits until Sanguinor the Curious has departed, before speaking across the table to Lucian. "I too would like to learn more about what any connection between us might mean and learn more about you. Maybe later we will have the chance to talk more privately?"

Taj finishes the contents of the glass she is holding and raises it to summon one of the servants to refill it. "We have now learned that our enigmatic host, Lord Orb, is advised by an Inner Council of which Sanguinor may be a part." She announces to the gathering. "We have also learned that T'Lorn has no dawn. Presumably, this means that there is no rotation of a sun and moon."

Lucian looked at Kris as she spoke, and nodded in agreement to her proposition. Mutual curiosity was as good a starting place as any. "A good idea, and we will hopefully know more of the general situation by then."

His attention turned to Taj as she spoke, appreciative of her ability to sum up key components. "Perhaps 'no dawn' could be an expression? They could have some system that fills the same functions but isn't what we would recognize it as. Your thought is probably more likely, but as this is a realm far beyond the reaches of my own, all I think we can truly say about it is that it is great conditions for vampires. I wonder how plants grow with no sun." If this place truly had no sun, that would mean everything here had to function in a unique way. That was rather interesting, even if eternal night sounded exhausting.

Scene 4: An Audience

True to his word, Chamberlin returns after twenty minutes and announces it is time for the guests to meet their host. He escorts the entire gathering of Champions and their respective companions down the the spiraled staircase two flights and then through one of the side passages out of the Octagon Tower and into another part of the palace. Eventually, he stops a a pair of tall ornate doors of dark wood banded with a bluish grey metal and intricately carved and embellished with swirling patterns and depictions of orb-like shapes.


"Our lord awaits within." He tells them and opens the doors.

Within is a grand chamber, with a high vaulted ceiling rising to at least sixty feet. A long wide path extends down the middle of the chamber, which is lit by large sconces and braziers filled with flames of violet. In the near distance, all can see steps leading up to a higher platform flanked by two gigantic statues of dark stone. These statues are of armored warriors astride their steeds and brandishing huge spears.


Along the sides of the walk are positioned two pairs of masked guards. the first with sheathed long swords

The second, with a matching pair of khopesh crossed on their backs.

With doors open, Chamberlin enters and bids them all to follow with a simple gesture of his hand.



Upon entering, the doors close of their own accord and as the Champions advance they notice, hovering in midair at the edge of the rise, two small silver orbs.

Kris has to consciously hold her mouth closed, as it wants to drop open when viewing the size and magnificence of Lord Orb's audience hall. She looks over at Lucian wide-eyed, "This place is huge.." She strokes Blue's fur as the little monkey hugs around her neck for safety.

Not to be left behind, she tries to keep up and moves forward along the center path.

Keltos can be seen slowly scanning his surrounding, pausing every now and then only to begin again.

Lucian keeps pace, and looks around with open curiousity. "Almost too big...unless there is a creature that requires this space?" He doesn't stop looking around as he responds to Kris, but his head tilts slightly toward her to indicate who it is meant for. If it wasn't know in general.

When he sees the two silver orbs, he can't help but stare. His question is directed to Chamberlin when he speaks. "Are there two Lord Orbs? Or are those other orbs?" So many orbs in this place, hopefully it would be obvious which one he shouldn't go offending.

"This hall is truly impressive," Radu says, authentically awed by the grandeur of it. He takes mental notes - while the aesthetics did not match his preference, there was certainly something to say of the sheer immensity of it all. He strides forward, up the stairs, with his queens falling behind. He stops at one of the orbs and peers into it more closely.

Stepping up to the first landing, everyone can see that the enormous chamber continues on, with two more massive mounted statues and a second set of steps. More of the hovering orbs are visible in key positions. While a high-backed throne is seen situated at the center of the path on the second landing. Floating slightly above the seat is a large silver orb.


"There is only one Lord Orb I can assure you, m'Lord Falken." Chamberlin replies to Lucian. "These are some of his Elite Sentries. I would think twice before agitating them."

The silver orb turns slowly, as Radu approaches. He can see a slightly distorted image of his own face reflected in the mirror-like surface.

"Only the eight Champions may follow me up the approach to the throne." He states, continuing toward the second stairs. "Companions should await down here on this level."

Kris whispers to Blue. "Make yourself scarce for a little while, buddy. Okay?"

The monkey nods and slowly fades into nothing, while the young woman soldiers on with the other seven.

...Following...

Taj glides along a foot off the floor, listening to the sparse conversations, and moving forward all the while. She turns to Jael, with a reassuring nod, when Chamberlin announces that only she and the other chosen champions are allowed to continue up to meet with Lord Orb.

Radu squints at the orb then nods, near imperceptible, at the odd floating orb. He turns and heads to the center of the middle platform and turns to this companions. "Rubie, Rosie, stay here as commanded. I will return shortly."

He follows Chamberlain to the upper platform. "Lord Orb, I presume," he says loudly and clearly. He bows his head. "I have come a long way to be here. I look forward to what you have to say."

Lucian takes Chamberlin's words at face value, if not to heart. He has no reason to doubt them then and no reason to test them. Motivation was key in things, and he didn't have any for that sort of thing. When they are told to have their companions wait he and Useless comply, even if disliking it. Even if he didn't turn to watch, Lucian knew the little dragon would be as close as he could be to the invisible line and have eyes on him the entire time. While he assumed the big orb was Lord Orb like Radu, he just moved to the upper level without questioning. Radu seemed like a talker, so he saw no reason to not let him handle it until his own words were needed.

A silent message passes between the large muscular Fire Goliath and his concubine, as he continues as instructed up the second stairs and onto the dais where the large orb floats on the throne. Typical for the Chaos warlord, Killian observes all but says little along the way.

"Welcome my honored guests..."

The voice is instantly recognizable as that of the whisperer in your dream. The syllables seem to resonant through you all and quicken your heartbeats in their rhythm.



"May I proudly present Orb: High Lord of the Eternal City, T'Lorn." Chamberlin announces.

With the simple honorific presentation, the large orb appears to fade away before your eyes and a tall male figure fades in to replace it; settling upon the cushions of the throne. He is nearly the height of Killian, but more wiry than bulky. Like a predatory feline or the apex predator that he might certainly be. His eyes are penetrating and filled with untold knowledge and wisdom far beyond many lifetimes.



He nods to Radu. His regal head slowly turns to regard each of the eight Champions before him.


"I am pleased to meet each of you face-to-face finally..."

Radu bows his head deeply but otherwise stands resolute and proud. "I fear you have me at a disadvantage, my Lord. The way you say this, it sounds as if you have been waiting a long while, yet you only just came to my dreams but days ago." He looks around. "Though I suppose you do not meter time the way I, or any of us, do."

"Apologies for keeping you waiting, and thank you for the meal," Says Keltos with a slight bow "Now that we are here, I am curious. Why us? Why now?"

Tajuri bows respectfully before their host. She can feel the immense power Lord Orb's aura gives off.

Kris is fascinated and in awe of the place and the Lord Orb is no different. She is amazed at his visible transformation from the large silver orb to his humanoid form. She bows when he addresses them all. It is almost too much for her to look directly at the ruler of the city. His presence is overpowering.

Lucian bows before he simply waits for whatever information Lord Orb is willing to share. While he has to admit to himself that the transformation was interesting and awe worthy, he kind of missed the idea of him being just a sentient magical orb. His more...'normal' form now made him a bit more relatable. Perhaps that was the goal.

Lord Orb raises and hand, with palm toward the assembled Champions. "I will attempt to answer some of your questions and concerns. First and most important of all, is the WHY."

He pauses for a moment and glances over to Chamberlin before continuing. "On an average of every two thousand years the fifteen planes of man go through an upheaval—an apocalypse. These cycles of great change are invariably tied to the influences of Law and Chaos and their respective effects on those realms. Unrest and turmoil then levels out, as the Balance is again found and the multiverse continues on."

"At the forefront of these world-changing events are individuals known throughout history as the Champion Eternal. These champions are influenced by one side or another, but ultimately retain their own free will to act in these matters of their own convictions. Few of these Champions ever survive the climactic events of their purpose."

"We here within the Eternal City have sensed something unlike the multiverse has ever known, save possibly its own creation. In all fifteen planes of man this great cataclysm has aligned to happen at the same time. The fate of the multiverse is hanging in the balance of these events."

"As to all things of major import, as there are great champions, there are also their opposites in the scheme of the multiverse. Their actions, if successful, would tip the scales and obliterate all that is known in the multiverse. The hordes of these Anti-Champions even now surge across the planes of man. Yet, no true Champions Eternal have arisen to curtail their rampages designed to destroy all civilizations."

"This his where each of you comes into our story." He looks to each of the eight Champions before him. "Our oracles have foreseen these events for eon and we have searched for champions to come now to the aid of the multiverse. Fifteen potential Champions were instilled with my dream: One originating from each of the fifteen planes of man. Besides the eight of you, four arrived at The Great Eye corrupted by unnatural forces and were destroyed, and the other three have vanished from our means of locating them."

"You each are here as potential Champions Eternal. such gatherings have occurred in the long past with varying numbers of Champions coming together to fight for a great cause. The current situation is most certainly the greatest cause of all. Existence."

"Here, we hope to hone each of your skills and abilities. To this end, the Inner Council wishes to observe demonstrations of your individual prowess in different situations. These will include sparring matches between you, to assess where we might help to improve your chances of succeeding in the missions to save the multiverse."

Radu's gaze dances across the faces of those present. "This is well and good, Lord Orb. The existence of the multiverse - all our realms - is high stakes indeed, but what precisely would we be training to face? What is it we would be training to face?"

Resting his elbows on the cushioned arms of the great chair, the ancient being steeples his fingers together in front of him. "The enemies are many and take many forms for as many realms they seek to conquer and destroy. Barbaric Mabden hordes, legions of fiends, armies of the undead, menaces from beyond, and more."

"And we are the ones poised to stop it." It could have been a question, but he poses it as fact as he comes to terms with it. "It sounds as if we are doomed if we stand by, doomed if we don't. I don't suppose we have much to lose. You mentioned few Champions survive these trials - what becomes of those that do?"

With some skepticism Keltos crosses his arms but does not otherwise interrupt Lord Orb. Keltos is aware of the probabilities of a system breaking down but the entire multiverse? Not likely. Additionally since this has never happened according to Lord Orb, how could he even speculate that it would happen with no precedence for guidance?

Never the less, Keltos’ reason for being here has nothing to do with restoring this so-called balance. His curiosity and desire for knowledge has brought him here. If working with Lord Orb can satiate that curiosity and save the multiverse, well so be it. Behind his mask, Keltos smiles at the silliness of it all.

"Lord Orb, sir, I must admit I am beginning to like the idea that I might be a Champion Eternal." Kris speaks up. "I will do whatever is necessary to prove myself and face these insurmountable foes you have described, but I wonder...do we have to save all the fifteen planes? There's one in particular, Etharis, that I would as soon never existed at all." She looks down at the floor with this admission.

The slightest hint of a grin creases the corners of the majestic lord's lips, as he hears the words of the young woman. His red eyes shift back to Radu and he answers, "Each surviving Champion has chosen their own path after. The sanctuary of the Eternal City has hosted a few of these over the millenniums. While others assumed positions of power in their home realms." He glances once more to Kris. "What if the denizens of Etharis remaining were to come to worship you as a goddess, a hero, and an immortal savior?"

At the mention of a barbaric horde, Taj's eyes narrow. She had a score to settle with the barbarian cretins who raided her home when she was young and murdered her entire family. "When do we get started, esteemed Lord Orb? My weapon yearns for the blood of barbarians."

Lucian feels that, somehow, he has ended up in the wrong group of people. This doesn't seem like something he would be called to do. But, as his options seemed to be certain death, death of everyone in the multiverse, and slim chance at survival to go and have yet another slim chance of survival...well, he would take slim chance he supposed. "Should we be one of the fortunate ones who survive to fight the bigger fight, do we still have support from you and your people Lord Orb? Or are we just...tossed out there to figure it out? If I happen to live - I hope I do - I would simply like to be prepared if I should gather as much information as I can while here."

"This boy asks good questions," Radu says with a smirk. "I believe time will tell just how similar us Champions are as to pawns in this game of yours, but I must wonder - are there any prior champions still here in the city? You, yourself, perhaps, Lord Orb?"

"Indeed. The questions are quite valid. Your time here will be to hone your skills as best possible to avoid your deaths in the battles beyond T'Lorn and recover between engagements when possible. You will have the support of my realm and its inhabitants, as much as can be had beyond." Lord Orb gives his assurances and nods to the Dhampir lord. "You are quite perceptive, Lord Radu. Yes. There are several former champions still within the city, including myself."

His attention wanders over to Tajuri. "We have already begun, dear Lady, but the next phase will be observations and assessments by the Inner Council. These will be sparring matching between yourselves and will begin later this evening."

Keltos takes a step forward and addresses Lord Orb and the group,

"Perhaps you can enlighten us. There is a singular question I am sure is burning within each of these Champions, myself included. The vision that brought us. The apparition made real that stands before each of us…. The mirror. Tell us what is the significance of our pairings?"

"Mmm, yes. What is the connection there?" Radu's eyes glance over to the large man with fiery skin.

Kris covers her own mouth to mute the sound of mirth, when the masked monk and the Dhampir inquire about the connections in the mirrors. She has her own working theories based entirely on the little she has gleaned from observing the other seven and listening to their interactions or lack thereof.

His piercing red eyes moving between Keltos and Radu, they settle on Kris. His mouth shifts into a crooked grin and he nods slightly to the young Human female. "Yes, Lady Amani? What amuses you so? Perhaps you'd share with us?"

Radu turns and raises his eyebrow at the laughing one, clearly expectant of the answer. "Care to enlighten us?"

Kris nods and looks right and left to the rest of those gathered with her. "I've been thinking about images in the mirror from our dreams and the pairings. To start, let's take Tajuri and Leh'veia. They are both beautiful, dress very provocatively, seem to have training in the ways of pleasure, and are both accustomed to being the center of attention. Am I right?"

"Then, we have Killian and Radu. Both are muscular, imposing figures. They have red eyes, have intimidating looking weapons, and have a very similar armor and clothing aesthetic."

"With Keltos and Natrix, we have hoods and cloaks, odd physical mannerisms, and staves. Neither of them seem to be conversationalists and always appear to be taking mental notes of their surroundings."

"Last, but not least, we have Lucian and myself. We are visibly the youngest in the group of eight. We both have cute familiars and we aren't opposed to conversing with each other."

"I propose that the pairings in the mirror were to solicit reactions, possibly start conversations, and maybe even reveal who our first sparring partners will be."

Taj glances over to the young Kris. She cannot be upset by any of the young woman's observations of her. They were all quite true. "Young Lady Amani may be on to something." She has to admit and looks to their host for a sign of his confirmation.

"Well done, Lady Amani." Lord Orb praises Kris' intuitive insight regarding the mirrored images. "You have grasped the intent of the mystery even though all the details of the choices have not been presented in your descriptives."

The ancient lord gives slight hand gesture and a nods toward his Chamberlin and the lanky tall man takes a step forward.


"Are there any other pressing questions of the High Lord at this time?" He pauses and then adds, "Assessments through first bouts of sparring will commence later this evening. Initial pairings will be as surmised. You each will be informed at the proper time."

Kris smiles and nods to Lord Orb. She's completely unaccustomed to praise for much that she does and certainly not such high praise. Lord Killian has been an appreciative companion in the time they have traveled together, but the broody Fire Goliath is rarely so forthcoming with showing it.

"Completely ridiculous" Thinks Keltos…. "I don’t have ODD physical mannerisms…"

With no further questions or comments for Lord Orb, Chamberlin escorts the Champions back down the to lower platform. There they are reunited with their companions and the whole entourage is guided through the large doors and back into the nexus of hallways leading elsewhere in the vast palace.


Stopping here at the head of the procession, the tall man addresses everyone. "The rest of the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Midday meal will be served again in the guest dining hall, followed by another period of free activities in the afternoon. The gathering with the Inner Council will occur promptly at the onset of the evening. All of these will be conveyed to each of you in its proper time." He glances about the group to see if anyone appears confused or questioning. "As newcomers to our palace and city, you will be guided to places you desire for now."

Keltos thanks the Chamberlain, I have a crew that will require a bit of shore leave. What of them?

Addressing Natrix - "I don't anticipate a very exciting day, but you are welcome to join me as I run a few errands. It would give us a chance to become more aquainted."

As he asked everything he had currently thought of, Lucian glances around to look at the others. While he does so, he ticks off what Kris had mentioned and a small smile appears. Well, wasn't she observant - even though it was obvious in hindsight, he hadn't picked up on it yet. It was a good skill to have in an ally. Assuming they both lived that is. He looks over to Kris and makes a suggestion. "Well, we could take this time to have our conversation. Perhaps we will find more in common with each other, and I could plead my case for you to not beat me up too badly. I'm sure Chamberlin can tells us a spot, or knows someone who can." Even if they were equal in strength and he wouldn't be horribly beat up, it was always wise to plan for that option anyway. And then learn from it.

"No further questions," Radu says with a bow of his head. "My Lord," he says as a parting to Lord Orb.

He follows Chamberlain down to the lower platform and listens to the itinerary. Once some availability presents itself, Radu approaches the hooded man. "I wish to understand better how time will pass here versus in my home realm. I have responsibilities to my land and people that should not be neglected beyond necessity. Should I need send notice to my castellan of an extended absence?"

Chamberlin folds his arms and contemplates how he should answer Radu's concerns. "The span of time in which you have existed in your own realm is far removed from the now within the Eternal City, m'Lord. An attempt to make contact with a subordinate can be made, if you so wish, but I can not guarantee it will reach them in the due time you desire."

"I see," Radu says. "Then I relent to the whims of this place out of time. Clearly I will not be able to rule from a distance - I will have need to focus my attentions here and pray my castellan does not fail me." He considers a moment. "Tell me, do you have gardens here? I should like to take a reprieve before I explore the grounds and city further."

"We do maintain a garden within the domain of the palace." Chamberlin reveals to Radu. "It is there that many of the fresh fruits and vegetables are grown to provide sustenance to the staff and guests who require such." He continues. "I can show you how to access it, if you'd like?"

Scene 5: The Secret Garden

Chamberlin leads Radu and his two constant companions down a hallway and into a small hexagonal room. The walls are painted like a garden. In the center is a gazing ball on a single stone pedestal. Radu is told to lay his hand over the orb. When he does, the three of them suddenly find themselves in a gazebo, in the middle of a walled garden.

Radu grins. "I do like the magic of this place," he says to his companions.

"Quite astounding, my Lord," Ruby says, lightly touching his forearm while Rubie points to the south.

"Oh! Is that a hedge maze? Lord Radu, I have ever wanted to see a real hedge maze. I'd only read about them in storybooks."
 
 
 
 

 
 
"Perhaps we shall entertain that desire, dear one," he says, stepping forth from the gazebo. "Chamberlain said this place was used to grow food, but it appears as much an aesthetic garden. Come, let us circle it and take in the air." He leads along the path, then around to the west, then north, intending to take in the sights and explore the northern reaches of this place.

Curiously, the outside perimeter of the garden is concealed in a dark mist like the city the previous night, but the garden itself is illuminated in the warm light of an orb floating several hundred feet above the ground here.

Taking a stroll through the garden, Radu and his companions note a long row of vegetable plants in beds along the south end, with the outer wall of the hedge maze butting up against them. Turning north towards the exotics trees and the pond area, they spot a lone figure seated at a fountain in the distance.

Radu approaches the figure, a slight smile on his mouth. He has no idea what manner of people or creatures might inhabit this city, and any single one of them might prove to be more powerful than a greater demon. He was quickly learning to temper himself and approach all unknowns with caution. Of course, such powerful entities could make incredible allies or teachers. He cares little for making friends, but he does appreciate the potential to exploit these beings and grow his own power.

As he gets closer, he stops and speaks up, "I hope we do not disturb your peace here. We came to see the gardens."

The masculine figure casually stands as the three approach and gives a slight bow of the head as he is spoken to. Silver-blue eyes in pools of darker blue flicker over the Dhampir and the two females in his wake. His skin seems to scintillate exposed to the light of the orb and is lightly scaled in light grey mottled in places with blue. Shoulder-length tendrils writhe about the atop his head, tipped with slightly glowing globules; not unlike the stalks of a sea anemone.

"Good morrow, Sir...Ladies." He begins. "I always feel at peace here in the tranquility of the garden, listening to the splash and burble of water. It reminds me of home. Ah..but I digress. Talosh Anemonn at your service: Palace physician." He bows a second time and waves Radu and his queens forward if they wish. "I had hopes on meeting all of our guests soon with the council, but is it a pleasant surprise to encounter some of them here in the garden before then."

"You know who we are then?" Radu says, stepping closer. "Either our reputation precedes us, or it is by mere process of elimination due to a lack of new faces in these halls." Radu bows back to the man, then Ruby and Rosie follow suit with a curtsy. "I am Lord Hove, but I find my titles mean little here. I feel as if a child claiming to adults he is the strongest in the play yard. I think, within these halls, I would that you call me simply by my name, Radu." He looks around at the serenity of the landscaping. "Do you come here often, Talosh?"

"Just so, Lord Hove—Radu. Visitors and guests to the palace are not a common sight and we have been expecting the arrival of the champions from the planes." Talosh confirms his suspicions. "Exactly how many, their identities, and their personal retinues I was unsure."

He casually steps forward, offers his hand in greeting to the Dhampir and, then with Radu's permission, does the same to Rosie and Ruby; kissing their hands lightly, as he returns their curtsies with a flourished bow.

"The garden is a favored place for me. I come here often, when duty permits."

"I can see why," Radu says. He considers, then asks, "You said you are a physician. You must know everyone here quite well then. Do you have many patients in the palace? I haven't seen very many people around - few servants or anything."

"There is no one in my immediate care at this time." Talosh answers. "I haven't really noticed an absence of persons in the palace, but then I am accustomed to the numbers and frequency of staff, servants, guards, lords, and their respective personal hangers-ons."

"You have me curious, Talosh, what manner of care to you provide? Where I come from only the most rudimentary of care can be achieved without magic."

"I provide treatment for common maladies, persistent diseases, poisonings, and personal injuries." Talosh reveals. "I employ methods necromantic, alchemic, and physical science in the pursuit of healing my charges. I also treat the mind, as well as the body. As you may well guess, some of my patients require very different methods in seeing to their well-being."

"I hadn't thoroughly considered it, but you're right, of course. If we are wounded in the course of this training and the trials we go through, I assume we would be seen to by your trained hand, yes? Had you any fore-knowledge of the sorts of beings us champions might be? If not, you must be immensely skilled, Talosh."

The Doctor gives a slight nod and grin. "I will take that as a compliment, Radu. My skill and training could be verily tested in the coming weeks, though I will have the benefit of outside knowledge should I need it and assistance in event that also fails me."

"I will be grateful to have your aid, should it come to that," Radu says. "A change of subject - are there any fruits in the garden you are particularly fond of? Anything from your home plane?"

"I cannot say that I have a favorite among the fruit available here in the garden. I enjoy a variety. Alas, none of the offering of edibles here have origins in the realms from whence I came."

"How about yourself? What plant offers the dietary needs or desires of your tastes?"

"Would that a plant could provide all the nourishment I require," Radu says with a sigh, "though I am quite fond of dates, and plums. Do any of those happen to grow here by chance?"

Talosh turns and gestures toward the large circular stone folly across the footbridges to the east. "There are a couple of date palms in that cluster at the corner there beyond the cover of the folly."

With a smile, Radu offers a slight bow. "Thank you Talosh. On that note, my companions and I shall investigate. I'm sure we'll see you on our return." He exchanges finalities with the physician before they make their way east, over the foot bridge seek out the trees that were mentioned.

Radu has no trouble finding the date palms with their clusters of pale yellow dates. Also in the same clutch of trees, he discovers coconut trees.

Radu smiles as he pulls several dates from the tree, then presses one of them into his mouth, chewing. He closes his eyes and enjoys the fruit. Rosie picks a coconut, which Radu cracks for her. Having never tried one, they find the taste of the milky liquid within quite refreshing and pass it around, though mostly between the two ladies.

When he heads back the way they came, he asks Talosh, "My companions wish to see the hedge maze. Anything we should know before venturing within?"

"The maze in not that complex on a normal day." Talosh answers Radu. "Only on special occasions or events does it become ensorcelled and changes to the whims of the enchanter. It should be rather easy to navigate no matter which way you choose."

"Most excellent," Radu says. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Talosh. We will see you again with the council."

The three of them head south after taking their leave of the physician, and enter the hedge maze.

Scene 6: Conversation in the Library

Following the audience with Lord Orb, Kris and Lucian are guided to a plush chamber in one of the palace's towers.

Lucian takes in the room they've been led to from the doorway. After a moment he moves further in to wander around and look closer at things that interest him. Useless jumps from his shoulder to sit on the back of a chair by the fire and pivots to keep the others in sight. "Well, they certainly have comfortable rooms." He picks up the odd item from the room and looks at it before setting it back where it came from and moving on to the next. "I've lived in worse places. How about you?" Lucian makes his way to stand beside Useless and then looks over at Kris.

"I lived in a vardo growing up." Kris answers Lucian. "There wasn't much room and I had to share it with the old witch who pretended to be my grandmother." She moves around the furniture and goes to stand before the fireplace, turning her head to face Lucian. "When I went to the academy, my dorm room was nicer than I had known previously. But this place is by far the most luxurious I have spent time in so far."

"How about you? Do you have family..or friends back in your world?" She inquires.

It wasn't a word he had heard often, so it took him a minute to recall what a vardo was. Even then he realized that, as they came from different worlds, it could mean something different. "A vardo is a type of wagon you live in, correct? Travel around with your house sort of thing?"

At her question he gave a small snort and stroked a finger along the middle of Useless's head. The little dragon probably enjoyed it more, but they both liked it. "Once, although I would use the term 'family' rather loosely. They were nobles who lived in similar luxury to this and thus, for the first ten years of my life, I did by default as well. Even back then this little dragon was my only friend - although if he had a name back then he didn't tell it to me. My family died, Useless stuck around, I nicked some shit from the house and went on my merry way. Eventually, I bought Marengo as a yearling, and I'm pleased I could bring him as well. I hate to admit it, but the tendency to enjoy the finer things in life never left. Dirt just doesn't compare, but I take what I can get." He shrugs slightly before shifting the topic back to Kris.

"You went to an academy? How nice. What did you study there? Is it related to the title you don't bother with?" Which, when he thought about it, weren't all thier titles (if possessed) rather useless here? Lucian glanced at Kris's monkey companion but didn't mention it yet. He had probably tossed enough questions at her for now.

Kris reaches up to rub the little blue fuzz on the top of Blue's head, as he continues to perch on her shoulder. "Yeah. Family is overrated. I have never met my father and apparently, by what I have learned, my mother bargained my soul off to some devil for thirteen years and gave me away to the old witch to hide my existence." She stares into the fireplace. "The Toletum Academy, actually. I graduated top of my year." She tugs out a medallion hanging on a fine chain about her neck and holds it up for Lucian to see. One side has 001 and the name KRIS embossed into it and the other the profile of an imp. "Demonology. I majored in demonology. It was a natural choice for me. I have this gift for it. Summoned Blue when I was quite young." She reveals. "He has been my only true friend and companion throughout. The only other real friend I have ever known is Tamblyn. She was my roommate at the academy. She's a musician. I haven't seen her in a couple years through."

Kris points at Lucian's staff. "Are you an arcanist, Lucian?"

Lucian was both surprised and not to find another connection between them. Families sucked in all worlds - this did not surprise. At the mention of Blue's name gave him a nod in acknowledgement, as did Useless. He took notice of her medallion when she showed it, and his eyes narrowed briefly before returning to normal.

"Of a fashion, I suppose. Nothing so fancy as many I've met. It's rather instinctual and I make it up as I go really. I assume, seeing Blue, you didn't study demons with the end goal of eradicating them all?" If she was inclined to mass destruction that could be awkward.

"So, magic is in your blood. I get that." Kris comments, gathering Lucian is a sorcerer by his words. "No. I am not of a mind to rid the multiverse of demons. Some of them can actually be quite useful it you know how to handle them. Others..well, not so much. But the same can be said of many mortals as well." She confides to him.

"I have to admit to some relief there - it would have been rough going for us, getting along wise, had you thought otherwise. As it is, it might work out well." Lucian paused a brief moment before continuing.

"It's no great secret where I come from, and you having the skills you do mean it is probably wise to have one person know. I have a passenger, although whether the teo of us are separate or one mind now is beyond my knowledge. Sometimes I'm more in thier mindset than my own, so try not to kill me if I disturb you. Useless here keeps me fairly grounded."

Useless gave a quick snort and nipped Luci's ear, earning a glare. "I'm fine right now, you twat." The little dragon gave a huff, as if saying 'I knew that, I was showing her.'

Kris' brows knit together out of concern for what Lucian is confiding to her. "Are you possessed, Lucian? Possession demons are some of the worse to deal with unless you know their true names, especially if attempting to remove them from a host body."

Lucian shrugs lightly, more wary of watching Kris than the demon. "Perhaps? I'm afraid it has been passed down my family. You seem to know more than me already about the subject. It and I have been stuck together for...sixteen years now? All I could figure out with my limited resources is that it passes from head of the family to the eldest heir on their death. I have no idea if my experience is the norm, only that it is mine. If I can be rid of it without dying myself, grea. If not, I'd like to not be randomly murdered in my sleep."

He looks at her with one eyebrow slightly raised. "Do you kill people in their sleep?" It was possible, and no judgement, but he'd rather know now than later.

Kris listens to the details of Lucian's condition carefully. "Hmm? So, sounds like possession or maybe a curse. I'm afraid that I am not yet powerful enough to deal with either of those, unfortunately."

She laughs at his next question. "No. I've never offed anyone in their sleep. I've felt like it a few times, but NO."

"Have you?"

As Kris and Lucian are conversing, suddenly there is a noise at the northwest door. The latch turns and the door opens. A young Eldren female takes one step into the room and stops abruptly. "Oh..pardon me. I didn't know the library was occupied. The Lady Sibylla requested a book..."

Kris turns toward the sound and the interruption. Seeing the young blue-eyed Eldren she relaxes from the sudden tension raised in the room at the unexpected entrance. "Uh—hello. No trouble. Come in and find that book you need. I am Kris and this..." She gestures toward her conversation companion. "..Is Lucian."

Lucian was about to answer Kris, feeling relieved she hadn't seemed to kill someone in their sleep. Assuming that he could take her at face value, but he saw no immediate reason to think he couldn't. He couldn't help but tense and straighten at the woman's entrance, and stepped slightly around the chair to have his back closer to the wall. When introduced he nodded. "The room seems large enough for more than two people, so I don't see why you can't find the book you need." He turns somewhat to address Kris while still being able to reasonably keep an eye on the new woman. "No, I haven't. The prospect doesn't appeal and can be difficult to explain."

The blonde female slips through the door and moves quietly towards one of the many shelves surrounding the room. "Thank you both for being so understanding. I'll only be a moment, then leave you to your conversation."

As she reaches up on her tip-toes to grab a volume from a higher shelf, her silken blonde tresses shift enough that the large ornate tattoo of a Chaos symbol can be glimpsed centered on her bare upper back and shoulders.

"I am called Erothii by my master and his sister. Good to meet you both..."

Lucian's attention is drawn to her tattoo, but his eyes don't linger and he doesn't bring it up. He is curious about something though. "You say your master and his sister, who are they? Is Erothii your name, one they gave you, or both?" It was entirely possible her master had named her when she was young or had no name, but also possible they were an ass. He'd seen both ways, really, and it mostly depended on if it was 'master and slave' or 'master and servant'.

Holding a sizable old tome to her bosom, as she pulls it off the shelf, the blonde turns toward Lucian. "Master Fane: High Priest of Slortar and the Lady Sibylla. I am bound to him, but serve them both. Erothii was chosen by my master. Though, I very much approve of it. My true name is far less easy on the tongue of most mortals and could be used against me or my master, if it were to be discovered."

Kris looks Erothii over again with the realization of what she must be. "But, if you were dissatisfied with your arrangement, you could always confide your true name to someone with hopes of improving your lot in this existence. It would have to be someone you could trust. That is, unless your current binding agreement compels you to never reveal your true name."

As Lucian understands what the woman is, he finds himself more intrigued than anything. Chances for him to possibly learn from an actual demon were few and far between. There was a good chance that Erothii would have no knowledge of the creatures of his world, but it could be an interesting start. Was he fortunate to find two possible sources of knowledge, or was it something he should be wary of? "Are true names generally important things for demons? Could you have one and not know it?"

"True name are very important to demons..all demons. At least I think so." Erothii replies to Lucian's query. "I've never known a demon who didn't know its own true name, but I guess its possible. Why do you ask, Lucian?"

As Erothii questions Lucian's curiosity about a demon's knowledge of it own true name, Kris glances over at him and rubs Blue's neck and face.

"Oh, that's easy. I've encountered some weird things in my life and I ask odd questions in general. I would assume demons could forget things, depending on what happened to them. I am far from learned about them though, apologies if it was weird." Lucian gave a little shrug and, while not actually lying, he omitted his personal companion. Or merge mate. Or whatever it was.

"Not weird at all." Erothii assures Lucian. She changes the position of one arm about the book and looks down at it. "Oh..right. Again, glad to make your acquaintances, but I must be off to deliver the tome to my Mistress."

The pretty little demon casually moves back to the side door she entered from and vanishes through it again.

Scene 7: Forging Ahead



Trusting the cybermonk can remember his route back to the plaza, he and Natrix depart from the palace on a jaunt to check on the Veritas and its crew.

Keltos walks slowly back toward the dock, pacing himself and taking in his surroundings as fully as he possibly can. Later he will update his map, refining it further.

"I struggle to accept that superficial similarities are what finds us all paired," Says Keltos "Perhaps it’s not the similarities at all, superficial or otherwise that find us walking together. Let me tell you a bit about myself and you be the judge"

"I’ve heard too many men speak of chaos like it is some unknowable, enigmatic thing. That it is the birthplace of magic and demons, and even creativity. Where lazy minds accept that as truth, rational minds instead seek it out. Things are only unknowable and enigmatic until they are not. Once the rules and mechanisms behind their many manifestations become apparent they then become truths, or virtues"

"Regardless if you are a sorcerer or a painter of small things, success in ones art comes not from unknowable chaos, but knowledge. Anything else makes for a dead sorcerer and poor artist."

"Fundamentally, I am driven to explore not to just the realms around us but WHY they are around us. I do not believe in the unknowable, only the unknown. I am here because of that need to know. I am an explorer and a scholar."

Natrix listens, as she walks along with Keltos. Her hood is pulled down over her face and she steadies her gait with the staff, as she is want to do. "I do not think it matterss whether the pairingss are as sssimple as sssimilarities or complex as life itself. The choices were made by Lord Orb and we are not he. Pondering the why is a waste of time."

"As a rule, I don't reveal personal matterss to ssstrangers." She says with a shrug. "Though, I will admit I have a preference for the neutral ground. Neither virtues nor demons appeal to me."

"Undecided then?" Says Keltos with chuckle, "Something that I have learned is that a life with purpose begins when one finds their path. I hope that when you find yours it is grounded in reality and not superstition."

"Regardless," Continues the Monk "Perhaps we can find some common ground from which we can build some trust. The moment we move past being strangers is when we cease being vulnerable to our assumptions of one another."

"Let me start with this small token" Says Keltos handing Natrix his map.

As Keltos hands Natrix the map to look over, their path makes a decided turn to the left and what is at first heard as a faint intermittent sound of metal on metal echoing down the street, becomes more and more pronounced as they continue forward.

The only movement in the streets along their way so far are several noticeably shadowy, and hazy figures moving along the streets in their periphery. From this distance they seem to not have many features, including faces.



At the end of the long straight of the street, both Keltos and Natrix see an open doorway and feel an increase in the temperature coming from it. The sound is unmistakably that of a hammer ringing against anvil. Above the doorway is a sign depicting such; an anvil and the word Blackmantle.

Keltos pauses, distracted by the sound hammering. "Shall we?" Says Keltos stepping inside.

Stepping through the large open doorway, Keltos and Natrix find themselves in a forge. A sweaty muscular, dark-skinned, Human male, with white hair and beard is diligently working at an anvil with the blade of sword.






From behind a desk just inside the large doorway to the left comes the voice of a woman. "Hello. Welcome to Blackmantle Forge. We've been expecting new faces around the city. How can we help you? I am Jocelynne." The voice belongs to a young dark-skinned woman, with more than a hint of resemblance to the older man.

Keltos, looks around with curiosity before giving a slight bow, "My name is Keltos, and this is Natrix. We were just on our way to the docks when we heard your work. Since we are new here, I thought it wise to familiarize myself with your city. Perhaps you can tell me more of the Blackmantle."

With a sudden rush of sizzling sound and rising steam, as the blade is quenched in the nearby awaiting tub of water, the older man wipes off his hands on his apron and turns to regard the two guests. "Welcome honored guests. Blackmantle is the name bestowed upon my line. I am Choyle. Ours is descended of the blood of the Nihrain and servants of the Balance. It was the Blackmantle forged the invulnerable armor of the Warrior in Jet and Gold many millenia past and we now hold the honor as the celebrated weaponsmiths and armorers of the Lords of T'Lorn."

"A most noble trade, the honor is mine. I see you are accomplished with blades, are you also familiar with firearms and their like?"

The smith nods his head. "Yes. I have forged a firearm or two in my day. There's not as much demand for them, but I know my way around them."

"There is certainly a bit of complexity associated with the weapons, in both its use and of course construction. Handcrafting quality firearms can be time consuming and expensive. That is an uncommon skill. I am curious, have any of the City Lords ever commissioned a firearm?"

The younger Blackmantle interjects, "Yes. A couple of them have. Some quite exotic to the common users of firearms. I won't go into details, but suffice it to say, these weapons were designed to make big impacts with the enemy."

Turning his attention to the younger Keltos continues, "Facinating. Although I am familiar with a variety of firearms, my interests are mostly limited to theory and design. I'm not much of a marksman. If time and circumstances permit perhaps we can share notes as they say. "

Keltos gives a polite nod before leaving for the docks.

Natrix follows Keltos' lead and departs from the forge. Outside, she comments, "I have never felt the need for heavy armorss, ssswords, or firearmss. They only weigh you down at the wrong time and are lesss efficient than magic." She unfolds the map again and notes places and details along their path to the docks.

Keltos allows Natrix to take comfort in her belief, He nods contemplatively as they continue "Not far now".

Scene 8: The Sound of Music

Guided through the halls of the great palace, Tajuri and her companion, Jael, find themselves back at the point they entered Lord Orb's stronghold the previous evening. The sky is still dark, but now there does seem to be movement about the city of T'Lorn, as Chamberlin promised.

Not far into their walk, Tajuri glances through an opening of an overpass bridge and spots a sign hanging on the outer wall of a building, which depicts a black sword. Moving a little closer, she notes that is appears to be a sign for a tavern called The Runeblade. Curious, the two approach the stone structure and find open steps leading down.

From somewhere below they can hear the faint sound of music...

Taking Jael's hand, Tajuri glides casually down the steps, eager to find the source of the music and investigate a place named The Runeblade. She stops at the bottom of the steps, upon seeing the figure seated behind a deck. "Hello? It this the tavern? Are you open for business?" She calls out.

On hearing Taj's voice, a freckle-faced young eldren female looks up from the table and waves them forward.



"Oh..morning. Yes. Uh..hi. I'm Peri. You two must be some of Lord Orb's special guests who arrived late last night? Welcome. This IS the Runeblade." She stands up, obviously excited to see fresh new faces. "Let me show you around." She quickly vanishes through a hallway behind the front desk and reappears at the top of a second set of steps to the right.

"Yes. We did arrive late yesterday by our recollection of time." Tajuri confirms. "This is our first excursion beyond the walls of the palace. So, everything in this city is new to us. Thank you, Peri. A pleasant guide through your establishment sounds perfect." She follows along with Jael at her side. "Everything was so dark through the streets when we arrived. We are glad to see there are places and people here after all."

The spritely Peri leads her guests beyond the second steps and across a torchlit opening to their left. Within, in a short distance, Tajuri and Jael can see a bar and tables. Several shadowy, and almost hazy, patrons can be glimpsed inside. From this distance they seem not have many features, including faces.







"Oh, don't mind the locals." Peri tells her guests. "They're not important. They will grow on you if you're around them long enough."

Taj gives the odd appearance of the locals a side glance, but stays on Peri's lead, following the decidedly cute eldren up the long steps to whatever awaits in the upstairs lounge. "I do hope you don't mean that literally. I mean—about the locals. I take much pride in maintaining my personal appearance and unsightly growths are not to be desired."

Leaning in, Jael whispers, "Do not be concerned, my Princess. Your girl will never let the strange ones mar your beautiful body. I promise this." She kisses Tajuri lightly on the cheek and squeezes her hand.

The freckle-faced young Eldren laughs a girlish giggle and turns at the top of the landing. "Oh. No. I didn't mean it that way. Most of the local denizens will appear to newcomers as vague shadows of real beings. Its one of the curious features of this demiplane of T'lorn. Most of the locals are relatively harmless."

Visibly relieved by her demon lover's promise and Peri's assurances, Tajuri glides on behind the latter's lead. "I know its early, or at least early for us, but I feel the sudden desire for a drink." She announces to their guide. "I trust one can be had up here in the lounge, Yes?"

The hallway widens up on the next level. The floor in laid in hard wood with patterns and the walls are more refined and richly decorated. At the far northern end can be seen a small bald male with medium brown skin and a large salt-and-pepper mustache seated behind a desk and pouring over stacks of papers.



Behind him and to his left stands a large blue-skinned male demon, with arms crossed. The sound of the music, a violin it seems, is growing in volume the closer the three of them come to the north end of the upstairs hallway.




Peri smiles and nods. "Of course you can find a drink up here and so much more. The Runeblade has many options for your pleasure."

The small fellow at the desk looks up and does a double take upon seeing the two exotic beautiful guests approaching with Peri. He scrambles and pulls himself up to stand in the seat of the chair; beckoning wildly with both his chubby little hands. "Whoooah! Peri, dear girl! Who have you found wandering about early this day?!" His voice is an odd gravelly falsetto. "Come! Come in, lovely ladies! Welcome! Welcome to The Runeblade! Call me Tom..."


The big demon behind him gives an amused chuckle at this.


"Please—if you two lovelies have need of anything, let Tom know. Alright? I handle procurements and the exchange of coin for the establishment. Your first drink is on me!"

The doors to the right at partially open. Through these, is where the music is coming from.

"Thank you, Tom." Tajuri acknowledges the short man's name and his offers. "Most kind of you. We will keep your offer in mind should we require anything more." She says with a smile and a nod.

Hearing the music still, Taj turns toward the sound and looks to Peri. "Let us find those drinks to be had, Peri and enjoy the music, shall we?"

"Right this way." Peri announces and set off again. She opens the slightly opened doors at the end of the short corridor to the right and enters a larger area filled with tables and chairs. She points to the far left and says, "Over there are the balcony seats to watch the pit fights. Its yet too early for combatants to be training down there and matching don't start until the late evening."



Across the way sits a young Human female playing a violin. She has pale skin and jet black hair, except for a couple long white streaks in her forelocks.

💀



Peri turns to her right and proceeds through the empty dining area. Ahead of her, both Tajuri and Jael can see a man wiping down the counter of a large L-shaped bar. "Master Logan!" She calls out. "We have guests. Smal—Tom says their first is on the house."

"Pit fights? You have blood sports here in the tavern? What do they consist of?" Tajuri wonders aloud, before visually taking in the young woman playing the violin. "She plays beautifully. Is the violinist available for private performances? We do so love music." She questions, looking over at Jael and squeezing the desire demoness' hand.

Spying the bartender, Tajuri keeps moving along with their guide, Peri, toward the bar.

"Oh, yes! The Runeblade hosts varied types of Pit Fights for the entertainment of its patrons. Armed and unarmed. Wagers on each can be made with Tom." Peri informs Tajuri and Jael. "The bard is quite talented, isn't she? She's been with us for a while now. You'd have to ask her about command performances. She plays three sets here four nights a week."

Arriving at the bar, Peri steps up to the bar and props her elbows on the edge.






"Now what can I get for you ladies?" The Human male behind the bar, with the greying temples asks. "Name's Logan. I'm one of the partners of this establishment. Welcome to The Runeblade and welcome to T'Lorn!"

"Thanks, Logan." Tajuri replies and glides to the bar. "Two ales, please, if you have it? Having never been to T'Lorn outside of the castle so far, I am unsure what is available."

"Two ales coming right up." The barman assures them and sets about filling two glasses. "We do have a small stock of many varieties, but it is true that nearly everything has to be imported in or obtained through special arrangements."

After a couple minutes, Logan slides the two glasses of ale over to Tajuri and Jael. "There you go, ladies. Enjoy."

"Thanks, Logan." Taj offers the man, as she picks up the glass and brings it to her lips. She takes a swallow and nods. "Yes. Just what I needed."

Placing a hand on Jael's shoulder, she comments, "Many a thing may be had through special arrangements. I get that."

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.

Offering a hand Keltos helps Natrix onboard and introduces her to the Marcus IV and the crew.

"I hope the natives have treated you well," Says Keltos while grasping the bosun's forearm in a firm grip, "Meet me in my quarters in 5 minutes. I need an update on what has been happening while I was away and to plan our next move."

"Captain on deck!" Marcus shouts out as Keltos crosses the gangplank. "Look lively boys and girls."

The muscled and scarred cyborg does his best bow at the introduction. "Welcome aboard, Miss."

He turns to regard his captain. "Curious place this." He admits to Keltos. "An odd fellow calling himself Sanguinor paid a call while you were away last night. Asked for a manifest of the goods in our hold."

The crew assembles on deck to await review by their captain.

"Strange fellow indeed. Be careful around that one. He’s a vampire. The kind with plans and schemes. He was probably hoping our cargo was warm blooded. From what I’ve learned, this place receives very few visitors. He’s probably getting bored eating the same thing." Adds Keltos staring hard at the crew.

Below deck:

"It seems a cosmic imbalance is what has drawn us here and that our guest Natrix, myself and handful of others have been charged with its restoration. At least that what I have been told. For now, we go along with that premise. In the meantime, prepare to offload our cargo. If indeed they receive very few visitors it should be no problem to profit from our goods. I will see what can be done regarding shore leave and such, but things are still in flux. I will keep you informed."

"Sadly, we may also have to say goodbye to the Veritas. She has been loyal and served well but circumstances may demand we give one her sisters an opportunity to shine."

"Aye, Captain." Marcus acknowledges. "While here in port, I've visually determined some of the buildings nearby must be warehouses and there's at least a few taverns and inns along the boardwalk."

"I’ll see what I can do about those taverns" says Keltos, "I don’t need to stress, stay professional but keep your guard up. We don’t know these people."

"Tell me more about Sanquinor's visit. Did you show him our cargo manifest? I assume that you did as it is quite mundane. How was his demeanor while on board. I’m curious to know if he had other motives. Also, Make sure to do a thorough search the Veritas for anything that does not belong. I would hate if had accidentally forgotten something."

"This Sanguinor said he's a procurer for the city and inquiring about our load to see if he might buy some or all of it." Marcus relates to Keltos. "I allowed him to see the manifest, Captain, but stood fast on him getting an eye on the cargo below."

"Good. I will probably see Sanguinor later this afternoon."

After a few more pleasantries with the crew, Keltos returns to city in search of warehouse to store his goods.

Not far back up the dockside avenue he and Natrix traveled down to get to the ship, Keltos spots a likely warehouse. Painted on the large stout wooden doors are a T2. A smaller door can be seen slightly past the large ones and appears to be to an office.

Keltos makes for the smaller set of doors and enters.

Opening the door, Keltos and Natrix step into a small office. Seated across from the warehouse office door is a human male with dark hair. A long scar runs down the right side of his face.



"'Morning. How can I help you?" He asks, half rising from his seat behind the counter.

Keltos takes few more steps inside and looks around, hands steepled he gives a slight bow "Well met. I have just arrived and I am seeking a safe place to store some cargo. Non-perishable, nothing dangerous. Is that something you can help me with?"

Opening the door, Keltos and Natrix step into a small office. Seated across from the warehouse office door is a human male with dark hair. A long scar runs down the right side of his face.


"'Non-perishable you say? How much do you have and how long will you need the space for?" The man asks scratching his chin.

Keltos gazes blankly for the briefest of moments, his mind racing through a series of volumetric calculations, before he blurts out his storage requirements

"I would say, neatly stacked a 20x20 would probably do. As far as how long. That depends on how soon I can find a buyer. If you happen to know of someone that is willing to pay a premium for quality off world goods, I can offer a percentage of profits."

Cupping his chin as he thinks, the scarred man nods. "I can easily accommodate that volume for you. Sir. Name's Marsh, by the way."

"Usually, the most profitable offers will come from within the Lord's retinue, depending on the actual commodities to be acquired of course. There's always a market for alcohol, foodstuffs, spice, fabrics and clothing, and raw materials for building and crafting."

"Give me a space for a month. I will pay regardless if is empty or full."

"You know there are scholars that argue that Alcohol is the reason that men took to farming and built cities. That may well be true and I would be a poor trader if I didn’t bring along at least a few barrels. Mostly though I have brought textiles, Animal pelts and the like as well as some fine whale oil that I came across."

"As I am new to the city, does T’lorn produce anything for export?"

"The space will cost you a hundred in gold." Marsh tells Keltos. "T'Lorn doesn't export much through to the realms beyond and nothing that can have its origins traced back to the city."

"Very good, I assume you have dockworkers that handle a short ship to shore delivery?"

"I got a crew of strong-backed goons who are capable of the task." Marsh replies to Keltos. "We can hoist it right out of your hold and offload it onto carts. From there, its only a short trip to the warehouse."

"Your terms are acceptable. My ship is the Veritas. I am due back at the palace but will be here later today to inspect the cargo and to make payment."

"Good day sir,"

Turning back to Natrix, "We don’t have much time but if you would like to explore the city a bit more I think we can manage."