Ropes and Demons

Log Info

• Title: Ropes and Summons
• Emitter: Paenitia
• Characters: Paenitia, Stjepan, Mikilos, Mercy, Seyardu, Karasu, Shalethiste, Merek
• Place: A03: The TarRaCe
• Time: Monday, August 16, 2021, 12:10 AM
• Summary: After the battle with the undead and Eclavdran's Totem in the streets behind the Sage Orum plaza, several of the adventurers meet at the TarRaCe to share information. This intent is derailed, as Karasu and Seyardu get into arguments, and then Mikilos and Merek's intentions are called into question for having associated with the Demon Duke in the past. Some information is shared, some not entirely accurate, regarding his origins and his plans. The strife at the table remains high, and several adventurers leave. Paenitia, frustrated with the inaction of the guards regarding the petrified people, suggests they be treated as slavers for enabling a slave trade, and slain. This activates Merek's Gaes, although he is conflicted over the complexity, is stopping a crime in progress with violence legitimate when the Establishment is perpetrating it? It remains to be seen how much this magical compulsion affects him. Paenitia leaves, to try and organize the Knightly Orders to protect the warehouse contents while Mikilos, Merek and Seyardu remain and discuss things further, mostly, Merek.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* 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.

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Paenitia     3'0"     34 Lb      Halfling          Female    A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery.
Stjepan      8'0"     534 Lb     Giantborn         Male      Big, blonde jotun.
Mikilos      6'8"     180 Lb     Dawn Elf          Male      Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome.
Mercy        5'5"     150 Lb     Human             Female    A platinum haired Aesir woman, in flamboyant black.
Seyardu      5'6"     150 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint.
Karasu       5'9"     125 Lb     Human             Male      Clearly a man of Xian decent with dark hair and eyes.
Shalethiste  4'6"     96 Lb      Shadow Elf        Female    A copper maned elf maiden, hued in the night sky.
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

It's late in a day that was warm and sultry, with dark clouds hiding the stars.

A day that had an unexpected interruption, in the form of a large, fleshy totem pole assembled out of bodies, and a horde of zombies rampaging through the normally quiet, residential streets.

The aftermath was unsettling, a statuette of some significance which was snatched from the Totem, was spirited away. Several present set to searching, others to aiding the injured. Many dispersed.

The remainder were encouraged by a halfling knight to accompany her to the Tarrace. There, the survivors of the battle, and those curious about it, have pushed tables together and Paenitia has ordered a large round of large drinks, and food that can be shared.

Stjepan wasn't a part of the battle -- he was already here, at the Tarrace, sampling the foods as he's wont to do. However, he's a fabulous table-mover, and so got drafted into drastic table rearrangement rather quickly.

Mikilos grumbles absently, his ale barely touched, a few parchments scattered before his spot atthe tables and a large book in hand. Snapping the book closed, the wizard stretches his arms overhead, and sighs. "Damn. Nothing helpful in my notes. I'd have to head back up to the shop for my books, and long as that would be, might as well just linger then call it a night."

With a broad, crinkly-eyed, smile and rhythmic swagger, Mercy Hjarlhundr (sheepdog in Aesir) walks into the bar and climbs the spiral staircase to the terrace. She is still humming the song of courage that the bard had been singing during the earlier fight. She doffs her floppy, plumed hat to everyone she passes and then says, once upstairs, to the table at Large. "Mercy. Inquisitor of Daeus at your service"

Seyardu wasn't the best to be searching. She wasn't good at tracking, and the Vardamans seemed to wish to handle the bodies afterwards themselves. So, there was little reason for her to turn down the invitation to the invitation to the Tarrace. Though inside while Paenitia was moving tables, Seyardu had been to the bathes. The sleeves were certainly good for keeping clothes clean, but did little for the grime that covered her scales. So it was later that she returned out of the back room, refreshed with her armor cleaned in the process and packed away, dressed in her usual vest and skirt as she found a seat at the table.

"You have been busy, Dame Paenitia." She notes upon sitting down. "I will pay for part of the food and drink, if you need."

The introduction gets her attention, and she smiles to the inquisitor. "Peace on your nest, Mercy. I am called Seyardu, shaman caste. I saw you at what happened, but have not seen you before."

Mercy bows to the Sith'Makar, and says "well met" I do not recall seeing you before either as for me, I am the JUSTICE! that stalks the night, seldom seen but feared by never-do-wells.

Mikilos sits up properly, and touches a hand to his brow, nodding to Mercy. "Archmage Mikilostravia Abrioudelanarchie Mithralla, Lord of Estranillia, Builder Arcane, though just Mikilos is fine." Frowning mildly, he looks to Paenitia. "I didn't think to ask, was anyone badly injured on the far side of the barrier?"

Mercy says, "I was unable to stay long but I did do some healing on the injured."

"Hola, good to know your name." Paenitia says, tapping her hat towards Mercy. She climbs a tall chair, which is a production with a lot of squeaking armour. She thumps heavily in place, with a nod to Seyardu, "Thank you."

"I am Sister Paenitia Snapdragon del Haranna, Knight of Pillar and Paladina of Tarien." She looks around the table, and those standing near by, "Sit, there are things we must talk about."

At one of the far tables, Karasu sits, his raven on his shoulder and his dark eyes on the group talking. He hasn't said anything yet, but he seems interested in their conversation. Perhaps after fighting such a creature as the one they had, a darkly clad man with black hair and dark eyes might seem a bit circumspect, but he is known at least to a few who sit nearby. When the call is said to come and sit at the table, he joins the others though he had nothing to do with the fighting earlier. "I am Karasu, and I admit to some curiosity about what I have heard discussed about the day's events."

Stjepan looks up, and nods. "Stjepan." He doesn't go into a litany, he simply says: "Mercenary." Then, he looks. "Somebody said something about a tower of corpses?"

"As far as I am aware, most were alright, though I can not account for all of the clerics who were present." Seyardu replies, letting out a sigh. "There was an undead construct, yes. Thankfully, it was able to be contained, and it seems to have been slain, or at least stopped from moving."

Mercy listens to the by-play while sliding a chair out and flouncing gracefully into it.

Mikilos nods. "I don't have the full story, but seems to have been an act of aggression by the Demon Eclavdran. Seems the bodies were known to a pair of adventurers who fought him before. The corpse were animated with a small statue, and stopped when it was pulled out. Unfortunately, the one who removed the statue has disappeared, likely no longer in control of their own body."

Paenitia stands on her seat, looking around, presenting her Smiling Man's mask to all. The expression a strange counterpoint to her voice, which alternates, from seriousness to light mirth. "If you have the questions, Karasu, those will help."

"There many pieces to this," she looks to Mikilos, "Yes, we have seen those statues before. They oft crumble."

"Seyardu, can you explain the Demon Chicken? That is the start of this?"

"I would be more curious about these two that the demon attacked and what they did to gather his ire." Says Karasu smoothly. The raven on his shoulder makes a soft sound and the man rubs a finger over the bird's crest. "Perhaps if they were not around... then the demon would not be? It could be an easy solution to the problem."

Mercy looks up sharply. "So you would punish the victims in order to spare yourself from the inconvenience of the predator? That hardly sounds like JUSTICE!"

Karasu shrugs at Mercy. "Do you know that they are victims? What do you know about them?" He looks at the woman without emotion. "I do not care about justice."

Mikilos smiles mildly, arching a brow at Mercy. "That depends strongly on what they did. If say, they have conjured the demon for their own ends, but failed to bind it properly? But no, quite confidant it's ire comes from the disruption on its plans, which as I understand includes turning people to stone and stealing the statues."

There comes, in time, the arrival of a night hued visitor. As before, Shelly moves with her forearm draped across the hilt of her sword, her eyes taking in the decors and clientele with equal curiosity.

"That would be an excellent solution to doom more people to such a fate." She says simply, squinting at Karasu. "I do not know why they seek them, nor am I sure if I would share that information if I knew. It is, after all, their decision to share that information. And I would not betray his trust." She adds before turning away from the man. "Yes, people are turned to stone. And it seems some are not turned to stone. Yet the guard would not realize this."

Seyardu then turns to Paenitia, and shakes her head. "It seems the start is not wished to be discussed this moment."

The Red Knight looks at Mikilos, "You were there, I did not hear the full information. Only that one was a beggar, known to the mage friend of Sir Seldan."

She waves vigorously towards Shalethise to come over, turning to Karasu, "I cannot give the answers I do not know. The demon come against those that oppose him, this I was warned of."

Mercy shakes her head. "My apologies. I interrupted the start. I am not a fan of self-serving 'solutions'.

Karasu seems unbothered by the critisms to his words, /he/ after all does not know this 'Seldan' or his 'mage friend'. "I merely offer a counterpoint. If the mage," He nods to Mikilos. "Says that they might have summoned the demon and angered it that way... who am I to argue such a point. We might well be rid of them indeed did they do such a thing."

Stjepan pauses, looking up. "Demon? There was a demon as well?" He's sitting there to the side of things, picking at some food and half listening to the conversation.

Mikilos sighs, and shakes his head. "no, i can think of no situation in which either Seldan or Merek would summon a demon. That was me."

He adds, "I was mixed up, or Malik and Seldan... though I don't see Merek conjuring demons either."

"And it was a poor counterpoint." Seyardu replies again, shaking her head, a light growl creeping into their normally neutral voice. "I offered a counterpoint which you are ignoring yourself. That in doing so, you would be taking away people who can stand to help against them, and let the demon run amok as they wish. Seldan would not summon a demon, this I know for certain. And they will do everything they can to see them gone from this plane, rather than let them continue to build up strength."

Shalethiste frowns a little, not at the wave she receives, which in fact quickens her pace to invitation, but at the general mood she sees brewing along her approach. "I'll say good evening, though..." a glance amongst the gathered as she gets closer, "It seems perhaps unwarranted?"

Karasu turned his gaze on Mikilos, largely ignoring Seyardu's irritation with him. "You summoned a demon? The one that they are talking about... or another one?"

Paenitia indicates an empty spot for Shalethiste, "we are sorting it out."

She turns to stare at Mikilos, "It sound like there more that you should share."

Stjepan lifts up his hand towards Shalethiste, and nods, giving an aside: "Demons and undead constructs and such. People have a story to tell, I think." He, then, waves for some wine. The tale may require more lubrication.

"I am not sure you should continue, with Karasu around." Seyardu interjects quickly, the growl growing. "I cannot rule out him having some part in this, given his business, and what was found in the warehouses."

Merek walks along and into the Tarrace, wearing his dark attire with the beltcape and a hood up. The man adjusts the gloves which he wears, then looks to the people from the visor which he wears, "Good evening." Then he's making a way to the bar to begin and order a whiskey, settling in to relax at a table when he's finished, although he tries to find a table where people he would know are at.

Mercy takes a server aside and whispers in his ear. "I don't know the name but it glows green and is thick like nectar."

Mikilos smiles to Karasu. "Both, really. Minor imps to assist in research, a demonic spider to prey on it's regular food, other demons, and yes, Exlavdran himself to find passage to the White Tower which held a plague over the city. We bound him upon the Plains of Endless Summer, where the Wild Hunt roams. Even demon lords dare not break a vow on their lands. And he kept his word, gave us a magic map to where the Tower would be. Got boons out of us in the bargain, we came out worse off, but such is dealing with demons."

Karasu eyes Seyardu. "You know nothing of my business." His reply is short and he motions his head to Mikilos. "But you gladly sit at a table with a mage who heartily informs you that he has summoned a major demon to make deals with. Odd company you keep sith-makar."

"Because you give so little to go on what I have been able to glean has painted an ill light. I would trust Mikilos with his actions, knowing what he did was to save lives in the city almost definitely. Meanwhile, I have no reason to believe what you do has any positive effects." Seyardu replies, one of her claws digging into the table now. "While, Mikilos, I am bothered by the fact you would work with such fiends, I will have to trust you exhausted other options leading to this."

There is not a table, but there are tables pushed together filled with adventurers, some known to the Seer, some that know him not.

"Ah, so that why he cut you in half." Paenitia says, chuckling at mage. Her attention turns next to Karasu, "You share the deep thoughts. Do you wish another drink, some food?"

Her head turns, stylized Mask facing Mikilos once more, "You seem the expert on this Eclavdran here. Silverguard Seldan have say he plan to oppress the land. Can you add more about his thoughts and plans?"

Merek looks between the three that he takes note of, Mikilos, Karasu, and Seyardu. "Ah... I don't think that anyone here is on opposing sides, really. I would trust that all of you are well meaning and great people."

The man takes a cigarette from the pack with him, lights it. When Eclavdran is mentioned, he watches the faces of the people, looking for reactions, "I think that I know him better than ANYONE here." His face shifting in a rare moment of anger, one he tries not to show, and fails. He does not want to interrupt the conversation, those listening to the mage the few he knows. There's a nod to Paenitia, whom he doesn't know that well.

Karasu blinks slowly at Seyardu, his expression bland. "You expect everyone to have an answer exactly to your liking then? I owe you no explanation, and refuse to give one merely to satisfy you." He shakes his head at her and turns his attention on Paenitia. "Hot water is all for me."

With that Karasu seems to have dismissed Seyardu from his mind, eyes taking in Merek. "You know the demon then? By means of summoning him, or...?"

Mikilos nods to Seyardu. "I'm confidant if we hadn't conjured Eclavdran, many more would have fallen to the plague. Perhaps the entire city. I'm no saint, I resort to dark magics perhaps before I should. But I take no interest of the power for it's own sake." To Paenitia he shakes his head. "No, he came out ahead in being conjured. Was keeping the blade Mortal Dread out of his hands that roused him to kill me." He nods in agreement to Merek's words. "I've met the demon, but don't claim to know his goals or motivation."

Shalethiste's eyes narrow some at the sound of the archfiend's name. One she'd not heard aloud in quite a while, and her arm moves from it's rest across the hilt to her side. A tempers seems to flare, she holds up a hand, "I think, perhaps, it best to remain calm." She turns to see who else may be attending the dining hall, perhaps insofar as to whether she and her impeccable Mul'niessan people skills, will be turned to calling a riotous panic.

"More Hot water!" Paenitia waves at a passing server, then points at Karasu, her voice lowered, "bring to him, do not spill it on him."

She said 'do not spill', yes? Definitely not 'spill it on him'. No, it was the former. Surely. Time will tell. And what server would do that?

The Red Knight nods first at Mikilos, "that name sound important, but not relevant right now. I will ask of you in the later time."

Instead, she stands on her seat and Paenitia addresses Merek, "Oh, you are the most expert then? Describe us the plans of the Demon, the motivation and the threat. Also, as it need be understood, how you know him so well."

Stjepan crosses his arms across his chest, listening to the conversation. He pauses, frowning a little. He asides to Shale. "I think people are... as calm as they can manage?"

Merek looks then at Karasu, though it's Shalethiste that manages to calm him. "You are right."

He still seems to be a bit like he would like to fight. "I was tortured by him personally for months while in the Iron Hells. I don't know all of his plans, but I know that his minions want a return to power for him, he would like to settle old accounts more than like, and outplay a few of the other demon lords. He's a dealer in souls, and when I knew him, he was gathering people to use in dark rituals."

"You should not deal with them such, Mikilos." Seyardu sighs, trying to calm, but unable to very much. Her other hand that was not gouging the table rested on her belt, lingering around the grip of the mace she had with her.

"All I am asking, is for reason to not treat you as the slave trading scum that you have come across as. Because with everything going on, I have little reason to assume you aren't part of the reason children are petrified in warehouses at the dock."

Karasu slowly, very slowly returns his gaze to Seyardu. "Fine. Outside." He stands and points to the door.

Mikilos glances to the Lutch Knight. "'Name'? Oh, Mortal Dread? A blade of True Death, that can kill even immortals. What it kills stays dead. Eclavdran wanted it to kill the Fey Queen, Endless Winter." He nods to Seyardu. "I've been reading up on that, how to safely return children to flesh. The shock of the change can kill, but think have a work around."

"Do you go for the duel?" Paenitia asks Karasu, after listening to Mikilos. The little knight's attention is split. "Be the man and challenge her here so we can all watch the cockfight."

She laughs, "You have the hot blood, this I understand, like a true man of Isobar, and brave Ramirez, but now is not the time for duels."

Her ever grinning mask faces Merek first, "Much thanks, that is information we did not know," then turns to Mikilos once more, "The second part, the research, that is much needed. The blade that kills all, forever, sound fantastic, but it good you return it where it lay."

Finally she looks at Seyardu, "Friend dragon, the Grey Lady's faithful warn, this infight, this strengthen his plan, so no group can organize against him. These are not unwise words."

She turns to the table, gazing across each person, meeting their eyes through her mask, "Revolution is not the easy thing. You must trust those you are with to have your back. You will face a hard uphill, many stresses. If we are breaking now, we break when the pressure is greater. I am told, this Demon is great, kills much, has grudges. This is what you will face. If this is too much, there is no dishonour in know your limits."

"Hello, Seer. You're looking well since that other business." Shale remarks politely, though it isn't long before her attention turns to the potential... energy brewing between certain of those gathered.

"The Sister speaks truly, and oft have demonkind flourished by turning would be allies upon each other." she affirms.

Merek nods a bit to Paenitia, "I can't promise it hasn't changed, but he did have a portal he put at least one person he gathered in, who was eventually rescued." He will take a drag of the cigarette, and takes a look alone to Shale, "It's nice to see you about," he will admit. Then to Seyardu and Karasu, "It is best that you are settling it now, rather than letting it become a thing."

"There is too much on my mind for me to even begin to listen to your words." Seyardu admits, with a long sigh. She reaches for her glass of water and drinks deeply of it. "Another time, when I am not clouded in judgement.A way around the petrification is good news, if any will listen long enough to allow the attempt. And any potential avenues to deal with this duke is welcome too. I am trying to trust, but there are some things I cannot forgive."

"You speak of the portal Aimarra was kept in, or another one, Merek?"

Karasu clicks his tongue and his raven gives a soft chirp that causes him to sit down. It's clear there's something on his mind, but he says nothing and simply listens to those speaking. Eventually his water is brought to him and not dumped /on/ him. He sniffs it once and then pours a packet into it. Allowing the water to steep before pouring himself and only himself a cup.

Stjepan says, "Allright, night knight." The jotun heads downstairs, takes a drink for the road, and hits the road.

Mikilos sighs, and takes a swig of his mostly forgotten ale. "Know of a few Angels who would cheerfully destroy a demon. And anything between them and him along the way. A cure that's not worse than the illness can be hard to find."

Shalethiste's expression wavers slightly at Mikilos's words, but only slightly and she, as it appears things are settling, finally accepts the seat offered previously.

Merek says, "I don't remember Seyardu. I know it was Kira, if you want to know who to ask about it, ask her. Though, I will admit. It's not something anyone that dealt with him want to remember in experience."

"He was summoned originally by Silvermoon, in an ancient ritual. They wanted to use him as a weapon, and brought him upon the world."

Paenitia watches as the membership at the table slowly dwindles. Free food, drink and fellowship only goes so far. Any matter of weight will scatter those it presses upon. She looks silently, turning her mask at the ones who remain. Assessing in her own way.

It's why, at times like these, she is grateful for the mask and the lesson of the Smiling Man. She chuckles at Mikilos, "If you can call Angels too, perhaps you are not the one to fear. Can you bring these on command?"

She goes silent again, to listen to Merek's explanation. Places and people she hasn't heard about, but will find out about. Thinking, she taps on the table, "This where he come from only useful to know if it betray a method of defeat. If that the first place he summoned, there significance to that? You have summon him after, the cultist, she summon him too, quick snap. He answer quick."

"He seem like the squeeze bottle and the oil. Once he out, he not going back in."

"Then, they do something similar again. He had a portal he was keeping Aimarra in, as well as I am assuming, his gift. If possible, we should look to previously with Kira, there may be insight into what happened this time. I was meaning to speak with Aimarra, but then, all of this happened."

Seyardu takes another drink of water. "When Aya is found, the statue may prove useful to reaching him. It broke after he was summoned back."

Karasu decides to stay. He sits back and drinks his tea. Listening, with some intense glares.

Mikilos waves vaguely. "Time shenanigans. Cause and effect mixed around. The Endless Winter hated Silvermoon, they went back in time and conjured the demon, set him to kill the Fey, who grew annoyed and came to hate Silvermoon. The cycle starts itself. As for conjuring angels, they are like demons in the minor ones are easy to summon, the powerful ones have their own goals."

Paenitia listens intently, this is information about an enemy, and while an unorthodox one, still useful and something she will need. "Ha! We have to worry about time changing now? So many unbelievable things. I do not doubt you, my friend, but it is much to accept. I understand only the strength of arms."

She goes quiet, thinking perhaps, "Like the snake that eat itself, there is no end. There is no begin."

"I have go speak with Aimarra, she is not hale, but she recover. She does not wish to entangle with the demon, but she will help with the cultists."

Paenitia looks at everyone one, once more, "Stopping the crates of people leave the warehouses is the most important. These undead abomination, perhaps they do not so delicate turn the people back, and they become what we fight today. I go ask the Chapterhouse Orders, to blockade the warehouse with me. Maybe, this happen."

Her voice grows firm, determined, "But the guard who permit the transport of these statues, they aid, they abet the slavers. If they as crooked as a a pig's tail, then they need be slaughtered like a pig. Do not let the false mantel of unearned authority prevent you act. Act with honour, but do not back down."

Mikilos shakes his head. "The White Tower, which traveled space and time, was destroyed. It may return someday, but for now it's gone."

"I would not expect her to be, I merely hope that she will recover. It takes time when left with no food for so long, and whatever else she may have been through. At the very least, I should help her." Seyardu notes, nodding slightly, and taking some of the food finally. "If these guards are working with the cultists, yes, they should be jailed like them. And working with the demon as well. But I think most are at the very least, for better or for worse simply doing what is asked and not budging. I will continue to ask the Althean temple to act, to see if I can spur them to help. How they are now goes against the tenets of their very god."

"Don't admit that in front of me," Merek will explain to Pae, then he takes a moment to growl to himself, while he takes a moment to place a hand to Mikilos' arm, "You need to bind me, now. Do it, don't question me, please." Then he motions to Pae, "You be well. I need to... Get a law book." Even corrupt guards would need to be brought in, not murdered. It's all he can do, and he takes a moment to wait.

GAME: Mikilos casts Minor Creation. Caster Level: 15 DC: 23

Mikilos hesitates only a moment, making sure he heard right, then murmurs a quick incantation. Rope appear on the table before him, which the elf swifly grabs, and after a second hesitant moment, clicks onto Merek's wrists.

Paenitia stares at Merek, Mikilos and the chains. "Someday you explain what bind you more than Paladin vows, but I go now to see the Chapters. There is much suspicious raised tonight that can not be ignored."

"Friend Dragon, be careful."

With that said, the Dark Lucht hops down and leaves the establishment.

"You mentioned something like this before. I am not sure why you need to be bound such, but if you feel it necessary then so be it."

"I will be careful, try to not dwell too much on this." Seyardu looks as the lucht takes off. She had not seen her pay for the meal, so she sighs and pulls out the entirety of the cost herself to cover it. She would save what was not eaten with so many taking off at various times, give it to those she came across on the way back to the temple. Perhaps it was a joke of the paladina, to stiff her the bill. She did not mind regardless at least.

Through a special arrangement with the proprietress, Paenitia has a tab at the Tarrace. She pays up at the end of the week.

"I didn't choose it. The law did," Merek will note, nodding a bit to Mikilos as well as Seyardu, "You be well. I am glad you are alright." The man looks along to Mikilos, "Geas, that kind of thing."

Mikilos nods, double checking the bindings. "I don't know all the details, but understand the core of what happened. Was locked up myself for some of it. How long do you need the bindings to last? Conjured rope isn't ideal, but was what first came to mind that wouldn't disrupt the room."

"I don't know that they really set a time for it, it's to be like renewed everytime I come in," Merek will note to Mikilos.

"A, geas? As in you are magically forced to act?" Seyardu seems to ask as she counts out the coin in comparison to a menu. "That sounds troublesome."

Mikilos nods. "these will last until about noon tomorrow, should be plenty enough time for your needs."

Merek will nod a little bit along to Seyardu, "Aye. It's part of the trial for aiding a murderer, in their words. Although they were pretty innocent," then to Mik, "Thank you."

"You were, well, perhaps I should hear more about that another time." Seyardu replies, shaking her head. "To determine if it is as you say. For now at least, I will take your word for it. Too much for now, and I need to understand my own anger better."

With that she fell silent, counting the coins and gathering the leftover food after asking if anyone else wanted anything.

No one voiced further interest. The tables cleared.