Fairy Tales
Tenebrae - Saturday, January 25, 2020, 8:53 AM
-=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A14: Quill's Repose, City Library *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
A large hallway, circular in design, is what lies beyond the large doors that let visitors in to the public library. Two guards stand in these doors at all times, employees of the city Watch, hired by the library for protection and to prevent theft of books. The head librarian is more of the same--a retired Watch member, herself: Lady Octagna is a great oruch whose lined face bears with it, as well, the scars of old battle. These days, she battles over books and the impudence of Society, Engineering, and Temple students alike, who spend long hours toiling within the Library's walls and basement.
A sign above proclaims the loan of books to be illegal, and that books may not travel further than the doors. Loud noises are hushed by the Lady Octagna, whose grand stature is said to be second to none. Her movements are rarely heard, though they are often seen, marking her quite agile in her elderly age. Rumors, too, place her as a curmudgeon'd ally of Madame Gelfure, the two of them going back years, with a tradition of lunches or the occasional breakfast.
The hall has marble floors, and two staircases lead upwards, one to the left and another to the right. Bright blue carpets cover the steps to lend to the quiet atmosphere of the great library. Straight ahead of the entryway, a tall archway leads into the main library, with study tables between rows and rows of books. The upper levels contain the city records to the left, and the right is a closed off area for library staff.
The symbols of Navos, the Scribe, may be seen in the markings of columns, in the relief of marble. Marble is the prevalent building material, giving the rooms a regal, official and solemn feeling. A few benches line the walls of the circular hall, and a desk sits to the right of the entrance, a secretary always attending it to help guests, even late into the night. The occasional Seer or Temperance may also be seen, offering advisement and wisdom within the great halls.
Mikilos mutters absently to himself, exiting the stacks and peering around a moment before taking a seat at an open table, grabbing a quill and parchment from his bag. Behind the elf follows two junior librarians, eyes wide behind the tall stacks of books they carry. "Yes yes, just set them there. That should do for a start. Go ahead and haed back to the desk, I'll call if I need anything else. Thank you."
There are a number of people already here in the stacks, pursuing everything and anything imaginable. This is, in large part, thanks to the positively miserable mess of icy rain outside that slants and rattles against the high windows and stone walls of the city library. In fact, it's getting more than a little busy in this area, and Seldan looks up at the new voice with a scowl, from amid a stack of heavy- and musty-looking tomes, a damp cloak meant to keep out the weather nearby along with a worn-looking swordbelt draped across another chair nearby. Finally, he shakes his head sharply and pushes the entire stack aside.
Ezil has been searching the library, a few books in hand as he had been wandering the isles for texts to use for his research. He does his own grunt work, a small journal among his books he uses to record his findings. When he comes to the study-tables Mikilos is easily recognized, walking that way and setting his tomes on that man's table without much of a sound. He does not speak, but waits to be noticed, trying to avoid blatant interruptions of those trying to work.
Mikilos continues to murmur under his breath, grabbing the book off the top of a stack to his left, glancing over the first few pages, flipping to the last couple pages, then setting it off to the right before grabbing anothr book. Th whole process takes only a few moments, and soon two piles start to grow to his right, divided into some kind of pile. Running out of the first stack, the wizard reaches for the second pile of unsorted book when he glances up, peering at Ezil a few moments as he switches mental gears. "Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to ignore you. Is there something can help you with?"
Having shoved the books to one side, clearing a space for himself, Seldan instead raises a hand and begins to draw a complex-looking sigil in the air with his finger. Nothing happens until he draws a second one next to the first, but when he does, they both burst into a pale yellow-green glow in front of him. Frowning in concentration now, he draws a third one, above the first two, and it, too, bursts into the same pale yellow-green glow, and now seem to begin to intertwine, in some odd way. There is something wrong with the interaction, though, as the first and last one drawn distort when they interact.
Ezil nods once, his eyes looking to his journal and opening it with a leather strip marking the place he had wanted. "I know you probably researched vampires as your advice on the devils was about what I found, but I collected what I could and came up with a few pieces of information." sliding the book across the table, but the look on his face shows he is hesitant to speak again, sighing first and then continuing. "I fought two devils in Tref, both of them connected to a child. I.... that wasn't the strangest part." that glow of Seldan working causing him to pause and look that way furrowing his brow. "I got back to the city late, and while walking the streets alone. I saw..." sighing a second time, and giving a brief pause before saying in a hushed tone. "I saw a walking corpse with no skin on it's body."
Mikilos is somewhat distracted by the glowing display himself, frowning mildly before shifting his focus back to Ezil. "I'd heard something about that. A ghost, as I understand? I can't say as I know the details. As for Kol, the problem is he's no ordinary vampire, if there can be said to exist such a thing. He's very old, and even further empowered by his Mistress. Spells that would normally turn undead to dust, he doesn't seem to even notice." He sighs, motioning vaugely to his stacks. "So, maybe it's easier to kill the Mistress first. Or course, it's nothing so straightforeward as just sticking a blade in her."
Seldan's head snaps up at something Ezil says, and the entire glowing construct crashes down like a house of cards when someone just kicked the table. All the sigils melt away into nothingness, the glow fading behind it and leaving only a small puddle of chartreuse-colored goo pooling on the table in front of the man. He shakes his head in clear annoyance again, wrinkles his nose, and draws a much simpler sigil, speaks a word to it, and passes his hand over the goo, dissolving it immediately into nothingness.
He continues to scowl, though, at the table, but even that fades quickly enough, and he listens carefully, unobtrusively, to the discussion a few tables away.
Ezil frowns, taking back his journal and closing it quietly. "I figured it was something like that with Kol. I should of known you already looked in to it." he admits, shifting where he stands, but Seldan's collapsing construct catches his attention as he turns to the man. "Apologies." he offers, moving to now sit at Mikilos' table, but giving Seldan an odd look, trying to be quieter. "I don't mean to disturb those studying, but I was wondering." his attention again on Mikilos. "It might have been a ghost. I thought I captured some of it's blood on a kerchief, but when I showed it at the Temple of Vardama.... the stain was gone. I've been chasing chickens looking for some people who might have answers. We met at the Temple of the Silver Moon, so I wondered if you know one of her children. One named Seldan."
Mikilos smiles, and bites his lips, chuckeling a moment before half standing, looking towards the man who was scribing air runes so recently. "Seldan? Would you mind joining us please? It seems you've been recomended." Sitting down again, the elf sighs. "I've delt with ghosts before, but can't say I'm any sort of expert. Most were restless, and placated easy enough by bringing their killer to justice."
It looks as if Seldan had already heard that, for he is already standing and pushing in his chair, eyes on Ezil. He speaks for the first time, the words carrying the distinct lilt of one of the Myrrish kingdoms, most likely the Kingdom of the Lion. "Forgive me, both of you. I could not help but overhear. Fair morn to you, Mikilos, and I would hear if you have learned more of Kol Demontry, but in a moment." He comes around the table to join the other two, abandoning cloak and swordbelt.
Unfortunately for him, the swordbelt seems to have an objection, for the voice of an irascible old man pipes up from its direction. "Surely you aren't going to leave us behind."
The ginger blonde looks over at the swordbelt, and sighs. "You can hear perfectly well from there, and I shall go no further. Hold your peace, and I will not take you back into the rain."
A grumble, a female chuckle, and then silence from the swordbelt's direction, and Seldan turns back to the pair. "You spoke of a man withj no skin."
Ezil looks to that weapon that speaks, eyes darting between the two, and then back to the weapon. "I have to say, that is new for me." his words having no accent, though he looks to be from the Faring Folk, his Tsuran blood running deep. "As for this skinless man, yes. I saw him last night, motioning me to follow him down a side road. It rounded a corner and was gone, vanished in the night." he recounts, shifting in his seat and motioning to that talking weapon, having to mention it. "That's normal, eh?"
Mikilos sighs, and shakes his head. "I've learned little new about Kol. I have confirmed that he does lair in the Shard Tower, and that he draws power directly from the Mistress. Of her, I've learn that she is fae. Elder fae, true fae, nobel fae, a fairy queen... still not sure what term to use, they're as picky with true names as devils, if not more so. But the real trouble is they're Immortal, almost impossible to kill. It can be done, but I'm having trouble finding any sort of detail. The libraries of SilverMoon would likely hold something of use, but with the plague, access has been closed off."
Sudden understanding floods Seldan's entire bearing, and he nods quickly. "I know someone who might know her true name ... if he can be persuaded to speak it. I shall not speak here, for the person's safety. If she is fae, what, then, does she want?" He frowns, but turns back to Ezil. "Forgive us. The matter of the Mistress has been a serious one, for some time." He sighs, nodding to the sword. "They are rare enough, but some weapons under the right circumstances may become intelligent. That is one such, although I have not yet given it ... them ... a name. Its tale is long," he adds ruefully.
"As for the man with no skin, where did you see this ghost, and where did he seek to lead you? I know something of it, and am seeking to learn more."
Ezil nods his head, smirking to Seldan's words. "I follow the stars, and Telmentar has landed me in the middle of this mess. Devils, fae, vampires and all." his smile finally breaking his lips as he adjusts himself in his seat. "I didn't think to really look. It simply motioned me, and I called upon a blessing to see if I could feel an aura from it, but felt nothing. When I followed it rounded a street corner and was gone. I am sorry. I didn't learn much, other than the night was cold, and the blood was not real. I can take you to the street, but in my search I found nothing." giving an apologetic shrug. "I am still wondering how two devils had attached themselves to serve a child's will. He had such a dark aura, I didn't know what to think of what that child had been through before we met him." switching topics, and eyeing that sword once more.
Mikilos frows darkly to Seldan. "Don't. She is -very- protective on her True Name. I used it -once-. Kol and Yukia showed up in moments." He sighs, and scrubs at his face his a hand. "As for what she wants, I still don't know. Every living thing to serve as her slave... unliving as well, it would seem." He waves vaugely, and turns his focus to Ezil's troubles.
"Then might a trap be laid for the both of them, if we be properly prepared, but ... a thing to be carefully planned." Seldan does nod his understanding, and lets the matter drop, frowning instead at Ezil's description. "It has come here to Alexandria, then. It is as I feared, and yet, it was right to do as we did. Would you aid us in solving the mystery, then? If you would aid us, then I shall share what I know of this ghost."
Ezil nods once, his smile fading with a heft of breath. "Yes, Seldan. I am the all-friend, and I can not look at this and turn away." what he means by the first part of his words he does not explain, but continues. "Telmentar does not show me things to leave them at rest. There is always a reason, and I will see it through." his glance then to Mikilos. "It has shown me the way to you twice now, and the Moon Daughter seems to favor you both. I am at your service."
Mikilos nods, and listens, but resumes his own sorting, slower now. Books of biology, history, natural studies, literal fairy tales... when dealing with fairies, it's hard to tell where one might find useful information.
Garrett has arrived.
GAME: Garrett rolls disguise: (7)+7: 14
"May She never turn Her face from me," Seldan answers seriously, gesturing to chairs and taking one himself, leaving Mikilos to sort books. From time to time, he glances at their contents, but makes no comment nor any attempt to help. "I am remiss, and would ask your forgiveness. I am Seldan Padaryn, of Her Silver Guard." One of Eluna's paladins, then, but both his dress and his earlier actions suggest that there is more to him than that. "I do work at times for the Explorer's Guild, both for coin and for knowledge. Such work provides both in plenty, although it is usually dirty and often dangerous work as well. One such job took us to a small village in rural Alexandros, where this skinless ghost was walking about and badly frightening the locals."
He pushes an unruly lock of hair out of his face with one hand as he continues. "As you have noted already, I sensed no evil in the ghost. It is but a ghost, a man who met a cruel fate indeed. His name was Morv Blayton, and he was a member of the Frostmantles, a known mercenary group that operates in Alexandros among other places, and who interfaces with the Guild from time to time. The spirit named his killers as "Toes", "Blar", and "Dunes". It is likely that these are code names for other mercenaries, although whether these are of the Frostmantles, or perhaps another group, I cannot say. We mean next to speak with his commander."
A man dressed in a scribe's robes comes into the library. He seems to have a few of the city's architects plans. He moves to sit by mikilos, not paying attention to them as he looks through the maps as he reads them. He had long unruly black hair and a thick beard, definatly looking human. He looks up to the others and smiles." Hello. I trust I am not disturbing you gentlemen." He says, staring at mikilos as if trying to place him.
GAME: Seldan rolls perception: (13)+5: 18
GAME: Mikilos rolls perception: (6)+20: 26
Mikilos frowns mildly at the most recent arrival. There are other tables... but most of them are occupied as well. "No, just discussing recent events of an unplesant nature." The elf blinks a few times, and takes an actual look at the man. "....what are you doing?"
Surprised, Seldan looks up as they are approached. His initial mask of polite curiosity turns into a frown as he studies the man. "An excellent question," he adds, sternly. "And what is that that you have?"
"Researching the city." Garrett says honestly as he looks through the various maps. "I have discovered that researching maps means less likely to be lost in my new home." He says as he looks up at the two of them, emerald green eyes studying them.
GAME: Ezil rolls perception: (18)+2: 20
Ezil looks to the disguised Garret, raising a brow as he had fallen in to his thought, extending a hand to Seldan. "Well met, sorry. I was going over your words in my mind." he admits, but Garret's arrival had lured him out of his thoughts. "I am Ezil, a blessed man letting Telmentar guide me. A wandering sword, and just.... Ezil." he admits, something about Garret a bit familiar, but he can't put his finger on what it is. "You might try roaming, as when you have no home, you can't get lost. Always worked for me."
Mikilos nods slowly to Garrett. "Uh-huh... and there's a dead cat on your face... why?"
Garrett chuckles..."I hide my true self when I am in public. Well when I am not on a job." He says as he runs a hand through his beard. "My mentor told me that it is best to reveal my true self to no one in our line of work." He says as he looks back down on the map. He then looks up to ezil. "I prefer to be prepared. The last time I did things on a whim, I lost my home." He says calmly, his human accent dropping and his accent seems to have some elven qualities in it.
Seldan's darted glance at Mikilos is a sharp one, but his nod is firm, his gaze steady. "Then you are no scribe, either, for mere scribes have no need to hide their true selves. What, pray tell, are you holding?" Although he takes the hand Ezil extends, his eyes do not leave Garrett. "You sound like a friend of mine. Perhaps the two of you should meet," he tells the Tsuran.
Ezil motions to Garrett once his hand is free from Seldan. "He may be a bit shady, but he is good in a fight. I will vouch for the 'scribes' abilities, but can't say much for his character." he adds that last bit with a shrug. It doesn't seem that matters to him at the moment. "I knew you seemed familiar, thank you. You helped greatly in that fight with the devils. If it had not been for your quick hands, we might of been caught more off guard while recovering the Spark." his tone showing true grattitude, looking to the two others seated with him and trying to smile. "It takes all types, yes?"
Mikilos mmmms, and shrugs. "I think there's a line between showing your true self, and wearing disguises. It's quite one thing to let people see your face, and quite another to tell them the dreams of your heart." He shrugs again. "But then, interpersonal relationships are hard to judge unbias when you can just turn someone into a frog."
Mikilos blinks innocently. "...I turn them back again... eventually."
"I am a thief, or so I am called. I acquire certain things for the nobility. Sometimes it is legitimate, mostly however..." Garrett says as he looks to Ezil. "I simply noticed the kid touch something in his pocket and picked it. I had the prize taken from me in the end...By the way, do demons have poison in their claws?" HE asks as he raises a sleeve to reveal a bandage on his arm. He looks to Mikilos. "And stealing things is a greater crime then that?" He asks with a smirk.
"Do not let me see you attempt aught of the kind," Seldan tells Garrett levelly. "I have no qualms about turning you into the Watch, do I catch you. I should ask you who you work for, but this time, I will not." He nods to the bandage. "Some do, some do far worse. Does it trouble you, or refuse to heal? Do you feel ill, at all? Thief or not, demon wounds can be dangerous, and I would leave none to suffer them."
Ezil laughs to himself, a hand rising to cover his lips. It's Seldan's reaction that seems to have amused him, letting that conversation take it's course as the man answered for him. "You are very much what I thought you would be Seldan Padaryn. I would like to meet your friend some day." looking to Mikilos and offering a shrug. "So then, what can I do do help, if anything?" continuing the previous discussion before Garrett arrived.
Mikilos frowns mildly at the bandage. "Some do, but you'd know it by now. A few have a curse woven into their claws, so the wounds don't heal, but again you'd likely know by now. Just keep it clean, and should be alright." He looks to Garrett's eyes, and grins. "Utterly depends upon who writes the laws." Turning to Ezil, he shrugs. "Ghost, or vampires and fae? Either, find out what you can, don't act rashly... maybe keep a ward of protection handy if you can manage it."
"I dont let anyone see me do my trade." Garrett says as he watches Seldan and he nods ot the man and he undoes the bandage. "It isnt healing proper. It isnt a major wound, but it does sting." He says as he lets the cleric look over his wound. Looked like a slash from a demon's claws. He then looks to Ezil. "My name is Garrett. I only let one person know my true name, that is my mother...the only thing from home I miss." He says calmly. "As for who I work for, no one as of yet. The work I been asked to do recently has been legitimate." He says calmly. "If I had an employer I am under professional curtesy not to sell them out to the watch." He says as he looks to Mikilos. "Are you with house Arcanum...You seem familiar." He asks curiously.
Seldan says, "I feel certain that you did not intend for your disguise to fail, either," Seldan points out mildly enough. Although not huge, he is built more like a warrior than most of Eluna's clerics and wizards. He examines the wound with keen eyes, then nods as if satisfied. "I see nothing unusual, but seek assistance, does it not heal well on its own. It is as Mikilos said, some hold a curse within their claws. I have felt such, once." He moves to take the sheaf of plans from Garrett, if the man will let him."
"I feel certain that you did not intend for your disguise to fail, either," Seldan points out mildly enough. Although not huge, he is built more like a warrior than most of Eluna's clerics and wizards. He examines the wound with keen eyes, then nods as if satisfied. "I see nothing unusual, but seek assistance, does it not heal well on its own. It is as Mikilos said, some hold a curse within their claws. I have felt such, once." He moves to take the sheaf of plans from Garrett, if the man will let him.
Ezil finds himself nodding to both the conversations going on, his focus first on Garrett. "It is good to have something to call you. As I said, I am Ezil." again stating his name properly for the man. Mikilos gets the next bit of attention, even as the Tsuran man begins to mull his thoughts. "It will be all of those things in their time. I will keep you informed of what I find. Both of you." speaking to both Seldan and Mikilos with his last words.
Mikilos quirks a brow, peering at Garrett again, and shrugs. "I am Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, Lord of Estranillia, scion of house Mithralla. Traditionally we allied with House Guardian, but my grandfather was tried of early graves, and broke tradition, living as a merchant. My Aunt Marith married into house Son'Doriel, and I spent much time there after my father was killed by the Witch Altima. But I personally follow the arcane path, and was at more than a few Arcanum functions, but am not a proper member." He considers a moment. "Likely best I don't speak with them too often, I doubt they care for my philosophies."
"I grew up in silvermoon...My mother was a diplomat of house Son'doriel, not meant to rule but still an important figure in politics. She is the only thing I miss from silvermoon." Garrett says with some affection before shrugging. "In any event I dont intend to get caught by the watch." He says calmly
"Then do not get caught by me," Seldan counters simply and levelly. "But, I must return to my studies. Ezil, I am pleased that we have met, and if I may tell you more, or you see aught else, you may find me here frequently, or at the Temple. May Her light shine upon your path, until then." With that, he turns and resumes the seat he had earlier, frowning as he examines the stack of books left behind.
Seldan has disconnected.
Ezil smirks as Seldan heads off to his studies, standing and collecting his journal and few books. "When one walks under the stars, the Moon does find it's way to shine upon you too." he responds, more to himself as he motions to the library shelves. "I will return the tomes I displace, and must be going myself. I have lingered too long with my chicken chasing. Now I must take a reprieve to mull over the news we shared." a nod to Milkilos and Garrett, though lingering on the disguised man. "I am from the Faring Folk, so I know not much of titles or positions. I just wish you well all the same." his final words for Mikilos, giving a curt wave with his free hand. "It was good to speak with you, Mikilos. Thank you."
Mikilos grins, awving as the two depart before glancing to Garrett. "It's rare the one who does plan to be caught, though I suppose it happens. But I'd best return to my studies myself. The demons will keep, but their victims less so."
Garrett just looks as Seldan takes away his plans and he sighs and adjusts his disguise before standing and moving to leave the library, since it seems a stick in the mud ruined his chance to study the city with plans and books. Guess he just needs to explore the city himself.
Ezil goes OOC.