Habits and Vices
Log Info
- Title: Habits and Vices
- Emitter: Sabina
- Characters: Sabina, Tenoc, Vaera, Halani
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe
- Time: Friday, September 10, 2021, 9:49 PM
- Summary: Sabina is in the TarRaCe, exhausted and is joined by Rupi, whom she teases for getting bored with luxurious relaxation. Tenoc briefly appears, getting some fruit pastries, and Vaera does as well and stays to chat. The topic is delegating, being in control, habits and vices and how Rupi needs to behave, although she doesn't seem to be doing anything that unusual. Sabina dozes off and decides to go to bed proper. Halani arrives, hoping to deliver a message to Cryosanthia, who is not present and hasn't been present for quite some time. Offers to relay it are given, but Halani insists on delivering it by hand, so both agree to pass it along. As she leaves, Rupi warns Vaera that Halani has or had some sort of demonic contract and to be careful. She'd know.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* The TarRaCe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Inside, this two-story structure has been almost completely opened up. Generous windows on both stories allow daytime sunlight and cooling night breezes to flow in as needed, while the brick walls have been whitewashed - contrasting with the dark-stained beams and supports, and the rich polish on the wooden floor. A broad strip of stone runs from the entrance to a framed doorway set into the opposite wall, with a sign above the lintel declaring that the baths are to be found that way.
The ground floor is sprinkled with tables and chairs of assorted sizes, offering welcome to guests both large and small. One whole corner of the building - into which guests are not permitted entry - has been given over to the kitchen, which serves as the domain of the famed monster chef Ligum Serforus. Mundane meals are available, but the chef delights in offering up obscure dishes made from the freshest of monster ingredients.
Opposite the kitchen a small bar runs in front of an array of shelves, displaying a broad selection of beverages (most of them alcoholic). The bar-top has been fashioned from what looks to have been old pieces of armor, fused and welded together before being polished to provide a near-smooth finish. Set above it, three human-sized statues have been built into an alcove in the wall: Tarien, Rada and Ceinara jointly keep benevolent watch over the room and its occupants.
To the right of the entrance, a small stage offers a platform for a handful of performers at a time. To the left of the door, a spiral staircase of wrought iron winds its way up to a balcony dining area, that is chiefly reserved for special events and parties.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Sabina 5'4" 130 Lb Human Female Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes. Tenoc 7'0" 280 Lb Sith-Makar Male Tall, green-scaled Sith'Makar hunter. Vaera 7'0" 262 Lb Sith-Makar Female A tall, dark red Makari with a wooden leg. Halani 5'4" 120 Lb Human/Xian Female Shortish, dusky skinned woman with almond shaped eyes. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Rupi Human Female Dark hair, sultry expression, full lips, athletic. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= There in Spirit -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
The evening is wearing on and the Tarrace is slowing down. Many of the customers have departed for their homes and beds. Meanwhile a tired Sabina sits with her feet up in a chair across from her with Emp in her lap. She pets the creature gently with her eyes mostly closed.
In the kitchen Luchtish chatter goes on while sounds of cleaning can be heard. And a bathing party is still ongoing, splashing sounds from the bath and talking as well.
And the sound of bare feet, crossing the floor towards the proprietress. Footfalls heavier than a Lucht Siuil can make, and the sensation of a presence approaching that makes a tingle in a tattoo. Make that two.
A chair scrapes out and someone settles, announcing her presence with a sigh and the scraping of a fingernail on the tabletop. Followed by silence, sometimes silence is desired.
Bina's smile appears as the sigh hits her ears. "What's wrong, Rupi? No fun hanging about the Tarrace all day? Even the baths loose their luster when your skin starts to prune." Her eyes open and she peers over at the other woman. Emp cants his head and gives off a soft cherp of questioning.
It is not often the great green Makar enters the city-- but the click and rattle of bones and beads and toeclaws against stone announce Tenoc's presence better than any herald. And more comfortably-- he chuffs a breath as he slows, drinking in the scent of nearby water. Pleasant-- he rumbles in approval, eyes turning from the dark alcove beyond to the various gathered. Curiosities one and all-- even in strange softskin places!
"Yes, torture me with luxurious relaxation. I'll break any moment." The other, Rupi, replies as she reaches across the table to scratch Lord Emp on the back of his head. "Watched people prune is very interesting."
There is that sigh again, "You look tired 'Bina, I want to help with that. Sure you don't want me working the massage tables?"
No head turn as the Makari enters, Rupi's attention seems focused entirely on Sabina.
Evenings wearing on were the perfect time for more out of place visitors to appear. This time, instead of a sith-makar in more traditional vestments, it was another, equally tall one, of a deep red, much like their draconic ancestors, with a strange thunk to every other step. She had been there before, and she moves to sit at a nearby table, bowing her head once to the other sith.
Sabina turns her head and offers a wave to Tenoc as he enters. "Welcome to the Terrace. We've got a few things left in the kitchen if you're looking for food and the baths are ready as always should that interest you." She smiles pleasantly even though she appears tired, the coyote half mask assisting in hiding that tired somewhat.
She turns towards Rupi and smirks. "If you wish to do that you can, my dear. I just don't want to hear anyone complain about the service here? Not that I think you'd do a bad job."
Bina waves at the second Sith to enter and says the same thing to her as she did to Tenoc, a grin in place of her smile.
Tenoc chuffs as he considers. Warm, wetness-- and a pause in faint grimace. So many 'skin-scents on the air! "This one must refrain," he admits, bowing his head to Sabina with a rumble of regret. "...though if you have the..." He pauses, momentarily at a loss for words. He waves his hands in the air, a vague expression. "..the small, soft things. Edible things. Like breads-but-not. Fruit pieces?"
"Oh! Okay, oh there won't be any complaints, I promise." The other woman says, a great eagerness and warmth in her voice. She draws a finger in a circle on the table, "So I should look like myself, mostly, no magical disguises, not a different person each day?"
"It's good to see you smiling." Rupi continues to observe Sabina, listening in on the greeting then glancing towards both Sith'Makar. "Pastries? Do you want me to get whatever is left for them 'Bina?"
Bina turns her smile on Rupi and nods. "If you would? Better to have folk eat them fresh then try to figure out what to do with them later." She pauses then and hmms. "Food wastage has been minimal, truth be told. But I should see about sending what's left at the end of the day to the temples. Ease some folks day. Good fortune paid forward." She nods to herself as she continues to pet the peacock in her lap. The bird's long tail of feathers drape off Bina's lap and brush the floor.
"I may use the baths another time, but thank you for the offer. Some food would be appreciated, if the kitchens are not closed. Though I can find someone else to do so. You look tired, madam." She replies, leaning on the table and watching the strange pair.
She turns, watching the other makari. They seemed less used to the city. "You are asking for fruit wrapped in pastry, or just the fruit?" She asks.
"Okay!" Rupi rises quickly and saunters with apparently boundless energy into the kitchen. She returns a few moments later with a large paper box and hands it over to the uncomfortable emerald-scale, "Here you go, to go, if you are heading out."
He takes the box, bows and slips out.
Rupi returns, circling around Vaera, dragging her fingers across Sabina's shoulders before sitting again. "She is tired. Who knew bringing smiles would be so much work?"
Bina waves to the departing Sith and then laughs at Rupi's comment. "So it is with the divine work of Tarien. It's not that making smiles is hard. It's that keeping them is harder. And yet it seems to be worth it, to me, in the end. Tiring but good." She tsks at Rupi. "You really don't have to trouble yourself, you know. I don't want you feeling like you have too. Freedom of choice is important to me and for those I know."
"Any who has raised a child would tell you so. And a running a tavern is like caring for a small village itself." Vaera shrugs, looking around the room. "You should consider hiring more people to take the load off, even if it is temporary. Or asking those you trust for assistance. It is their choice to take the job or help, so that would not interfere?"
"Do we really have freedom to choose, or are we slaves to our habits and vices?" Rupi asks, resting her elbows on the table and leaning towards Sabina with a grin. She wobbles her head, "I'm trying some different routines out. If I wandered the streets looking for trouble you know I'd find it."
Her grin seems a little extra wide, the shadows under her brow deeper. "Well I haven't raised a child or a village but I'll take your word on it, Red. It's not the hiring, it's the managing. More people would mean more delegation and more oversight. 'Bina is already carrying it all."
"Not all of it." Bina says with a laugh. "Cryosanthia helps me with the book keeping. She has a wonderful head for numbers. I offer the priests from the temples a chance to work here. They get a small wage and tips and a free meal. My cooks are a blessing, when they're not fighting, and I rarely get complaint at all about them. But Rupi's right. I don't get days off. I get part of days off and even then I'm often running down new sources of rare foods or the like. I do have a deal with the adventurer's guild and get much of the strange monster edibles from them."
"Everyone has freedom to choose. It is a decision, direct or otherwise, to develop a habit or vice." Vaera notes with a puff of air. "It sounds like you have too options. Either increase the people working, or scale back operations here." She offers to Sabina. "Perhaps you need someone you trust to help manage if you can afford to do so. It may be worth it for your own health. Or as I said, scale back what is done in a given day and over time, so you are not so overwhelmed every day that you can take a day off at ease."
"Right, I forgot about her. She hasn't been around the last couple of weeks." Rupi says, sitting back, "and the chefs have been better since you stopped their experiments."
She looks over at Vaera, "We can't cut back though, if anything we should think about expanding, but not until 'Bina sits on top with enough time to spare."
"Finding trustworthy people is hard." Rupi says, tapping lightly at the table.
Bina raises a brow at Rupi and then giggles. "Abibitious for me I see." She looks over to Vaera and nods. "You're right, those would be my two options normally. I need to let go the running of this place more, it's true. I just want to make sure it succeeds. For myself and for others." She reaches out to the near empty wine glass and pulls it ti her for a sip. "Rupi here is also right. Finding trustworthy people can be hard. Finding trustworthy people that know what to do is often harder."
"Find someone with the skills you can build up trust with, or find someone with the trust you can teach." Vaera shrugs again. "It is short term more work for less down the line. If you keep as things are now, you will be too exhausted to be happy with the results. The advice is unsolicited, sorry, but I would not wish to see this happen for no good reason."
Rupi grins at Sabina before looking at Vaera, "by glorious coincidence, I am am neither. The Red one is right 'Bina. I bet even Lord Emp agrees. You need more time to take care of his beautiful plumage."
"The advice is good." She tilts her head to the side, "So, I'll solicit some more. How do you change a bad habit?"
Lord Emp raises his tail and lets out a shrill call, obviously agreeing with Rupi about more time spent on him. Bina is almost lost from sight behind the plumage. "I hear you Emp.. and see you. Vote noted!" The bird slowly lowers his tail.
Bina is giggling again. "I will try to find some help." She peers at Vaera. "Are you offering?"
Vaera says, "I would offer, but I already have my hands full, helping others, and the like." Vaera chuffs. "Apologies. And I do not know the skills necessary for running a business you need. Perhaps, if I hunt any curious animals, I will send them here to take that concern down some."
She thinks of the question, and turns to Rupi. "Acknowledging it is a bad habit is a start. If you can do that, you can convince yourself not to do it most likely from there. A habit is formed over time, and breaks over time. You need to avoid doing so for that time, with the help of others if necessary.""
"I like that, we'll eat anything curious you kill, challenge for the chefs," Rupi smiles at 'Bina, and grins at Lord Emp. She leans back in her chair, stretching, her clothes pulling against her as she does, "Well I can teach you hanging around, people watching habits 'Bina."
"A light snort at Rupi but she's still grinning. "Thank you, Miss Sith. That would be helpful indeed. I of course will try to pay you for such finds as is fair. And if enough is brought will treat you to a dinner made from what you bring free of charge. Ooo..and free bath time too. I know how dirty one can get from a few days on the road."
"I would appreciate payment, yes, but the price would be reasonable." Vaera nods. "I have experienced the baths here before, and that is quite tempting. The warmth is good for aching limbs."
"People watching is a good skill to have. A tavern owner should know the people who come by, to best cater to their needs."
"You should see my feet. I have to walk everywhere." Rupi says, like everyone else has too, an odd comment to make. She winks at Sabina, some shared joke, then sits forward, "Maybe I can give you a massage Red. Make it a habit."
Bina rolls her eyes at Rupi and shakes her head. "Rue..you're sooooo silly. I'm going to have to get you some shoes and a new outfit. I love to travel and the open road but even I wear shoes." She tsks.
"I think I have people watching down, Miss Sith.. er.. I'm sorry what is your name? I missed that if you gave it. People watching I know well as well as guessing peoples actions. However I do have issues trying to figure out the Sith and the folk of the sky."
"Well, you are competent enough to discern that I am indeed a 'miss', unless that was a lucky guess, or inferred from my speech." Vaera chuffs. "I am not trying to make more work for Sabina, though the offer is noted. I am not a fan of being touched usually."
"Ha! The Male Sith'Makar are skittish, the talkative ones are almost always female." Rupi says with a laugh, following with a grin, "Oh, don't challenge me."
She glances at Sabina, "The Skyfolk are like Lord Emp, the pretty ones are male."
Bina chuckles more and nods to Vaera "So noted." She reaches over and playfully swats at Rupi. "Behave, you."
She yawns and then shakes her head. "Well. I think I'm going to take some advice I gained here and get soem more rest. I think that the Tarrace can take care of it self for the rest of the evening." She gets up with a wince and puts Emp on her shoulder. "Rupi? I'll be seeing you later?"
Last time she was here was... interesting. Also, a bit embarrassing. So it's with no small amount of trepidation that Halani finds herself returned. Hopefully with enough time passed to have people forget about her. Initial glances her way when she enters might see a bit more than that trepidation in her expression, too. Something deeper, more fearful. But then it's gone, replaced by her more typical 'hey, wanna fight for fun?' expression. Her eyes scan about, Sabina's rising drawing her attention... and spying her quarry there, Halani sets forth to navigate around tables and chairs towards them.
"It is not a challenge, it is a statement. One I would not wish challenged." Vaera replies, crossing her arms. "Get some sleep though, Sabina. It looks like you need it. And do think about what has been suggested."
She looks over to see the newcomer. Offering them a small nod, and a wave of their hand.
"Of course, you most certainly will." Rupi rises with her, teasing. "I'll be good, and looks like you need a massage later."
The woman turns to intercept Halani, "Uh uh, 'Bina is really tired, let her sleep. You can tell me what you wanted though?"
She rocks her head from side to side, making her neck crack, as if a reply to the 'fight for fun' expression.
She smiles at Vaera, "Well, if you ever change your mind. My massages are to die for."
Halani stops short when Rupi intercepts her, but she still cranes her neck a bit to look around the woman... then her face falls when she sees Vaera. "Ah. Nuts," she says, frowning briefly, before turning it into a half smile and waving back at the Sith Makar. "Wanted to ask her, yeah? About a big white Sith Makar? A friend wanted me to find her. Give her a message, yeah?"
"I am an acquaintance of Cryosanthia, perhaps I could relay the message, but I have not seen her for some time." Vaera offers, looking around. "I'll keep that in mind, but if I do not find the prospect a good idea, I likely would be too bothered to enjoy it."
"Cryosanthia, yes, she helps out. She hasn't been around in a couple weeks but she's bound to show up sooner or later." Rupi says, making a gesture towards the Baths, "She likes swimming. I could give her the message."
"Or, you could write it on a menu and seal it with wax, if it's private." The woman suggests, continuing to look over Halani.
"Cryosanthia, yeah. That's the one," Halani confirms, beaming a bit. And then offers to relay the message are made. The Islander monk casts a couple of furtive glances around, then steps forward a little bit so she can lower her voice. "Ah. Well. Don't know what the message is, yeah?" She pats her hip, a small corner of parchment peeking out over her sash. "Supposed to give this to her... he said she'd know what it means." Halani chews on her lower lip for a moment, then adds, "Didn't say as much, but I think he was really scared. So really important. Really, really important. Let her know I'm looking for her, maybe yeah?" A pause, then addition, "Let her know it's really important?"
"Well, that sounds important, I am curious about the sender, but if it is not to be shared, I understand." Vaera notes, turning her attention more to Halani now. "I am good at tracking, I can keep an eye out for them in the city. If it is important, seems worth the time."
"I'm mostly here," The human woman smiles, "Well, always here, so if she comes by I'll let her know. She'll recognize you, tall, dark and Jade Island-y or I should tell her a name that has a really, really important message for her?"
"Location she could find you might help too. Also, I'm Rupi, the... masseuse of the Tarrace." She chuckles a little.
"Really, really important," Halani confirms, repeating, even as her hand goes to her sash, patting the message it holds. "Thank you both, yeah?" She teps her breastbone, then. "Halani. Think Cryosanthia'd remember me, but maybe not. Tell her..." Halani trails off, eyes troubled.. and she looks back at the door. Then at the other people in the dining area. "Just that. Halani."
"You can offer thanks when she receives it." Vaera responds with a shake of her head, pulling a notepad out of her jacket, and making a quick sketch of Halani, and what of the letter she could see. "But kin look out for each other."
She looks at the response, and chuffs. "It sounds like you have some things to tell her yourself in person, as well.
"Halani, sure thing I'll let her know you were by." Rupi says, staring at Halani for a long moment, nodding slowly, "And that it's really, really important."
"Should be any day now. Annnnny day." The woman smiles, "Want some fruit pastries? There are a few left. Some for you if you want, Red."
"Oooh... that's pretty good, yeah?" Halani comments as Vaera does her sketch.. then she takes a step back. "Thanks again. And.." She pauses at the mention of the pastries, then lets out a long, regretful sigh. "Not for me, them, no. Another day, yeah? Need to focus, first." She curls her fingers into a fist, holding it up briefly, then letting it drop, open handed. "Might be I find her out there too. I very much appreciate it." She raises her hands, remaking her fist and putting it in the palm of her other, and bowing her head over the gesture. Then she turns about, making to leave.
Vaera says, "You can have it after she is found if you want." Vaera offers. "I know softskins like having pictures drawn of them sometimes."
She looks to Rupi, and nods. "I would not mind some pastries, yes. It may give me something to speak about another time, with the one who was just here.""
Rupi nods, making a fist and a flat palm and returning the small farewell bow to Halani. She watches the woman as she leaves, at one point startling suddenly, her head raising. Exactly what she's reacting to isn't clear.
The request for fruit pastries sends her into the kitchen and she returns with a box a few minutes later. A glance at the door, ensuring Halani has gone. A much longer glance at Vaera where the woman seems to be considering something at length.
Finally, something odd that shouldn't be possible happens. There's a scent, a sith'makari pheromone, that's calming, one of trusted kin. Not a specific one, but the sensation of being among them. There aren't any of the people about so the only source must be Rupi but softskins can't smell like that.
"Be careful with her." The woman nods at the door, "She has a bargain with a demon, or had one."
Vaera takes the offered box when Rupi returns. She opens it to look, and pauses, sniffing at the air. Her tail flicks agitatedly behind her, and she closes the box. There was no one around. There was no one left.
"Of course I would be careful." She notes, appraising the woman near again. "How do you know this, then? And why, would you smell like that?"
"I walk a lot of streets, I hear the word out on them." Rupi answers, wobbling her head just a little. She rubs at her nose, "There's a mark on her neck, one I think I recognize."
She leans and slaps the table with both palms. "The answer to the second is the same as the first. I walk a lot of streets. Now, I must catch up with dear, dear 'Bina-beans and make sure she is in bed and not doing some last bit of accounting or note writing."
"Come by again Red" Rupi makes a little wave and heads off.
Vaera looks at her sketch, checking if she had noted it. "That is a strange thing to learn walking streets. Not many Makari on them." Vaera notes, and chuffs, flicking her tail once more. But the agitation was replaced by sadness, unknown or not. Part of her was comforted by the scent after so many years, even if there was no way it was true.
"Understandable, make sure she gets rested tonight. I may come by again. Thank you for the food, I will pay at the counter before I leave."
"Make sure to leave a tip." Rupi advises, "Not leaving a tip is evil." She saunters into the back and is gone.
