The Inevitable Follow-up
Log Info
- Title: The Inevitable Follow-up
- Emitter: Eztli
- Characters: Nemori, Eztli, Robert, Jay, Jozi
- Place: A04: Theatre District
- Time: Monday, June 27, 2022, 8:00 PM
- Summary: Nemoria is in the Thetre District and encounters Eztli. The mul'niessa is planning an expedition into wight infested territory and the sith'makar offers to come along. A particular halfling has earned Nemori's ire, requiring an errand and then vanishing. Eztli suggests a pub to break her mood, and the conversation moves from halfling to being short. As they are departing, Robert passes by with his granddaughter, the half-oruch Wodeleah, who is both under the weather and in need of a break from her parents. Arriving next, and needing a parental influence, is Integrity C Truefeather, the 'C' is for compromised. He remains drained from his sewer experience, and like any brash young bird is pretending he isn't. Jozi and Nemori explain their undertaking to Eztli, then Jay shares some post-adventure details. Namely, +Mistakes!+ has recovered, and the list looks good. Robert leaves, and Nemori joins him while suggesting that Eztli and Jozi make sure the bluejay gets some treatment. Jay is resistant until a momentary delusion convinces him the women have his best interests at heart.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A04: Theatre District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
While the area contains more than theatre, it is most known for its dueling play houses and established, theatrical families. Competition for talent, especially known actors and playwrights, is fierce. An example of these long-standing, yet well-entrenched feuds are the Flightwright and Flame's Hope--two theatres built within a hundred years of one another yet separated by more than ideology. Owned by opposing families, the various troupes have been unofficially "at war" for over a hundred years.
Ribbons in Ceinara's vibrant colors grace the mismatched and often run-down streets, attesting to the District's colorful and creative background. The buildings possess no single style. Though not the quality in Upper Alexandria, this District possesses a thoroughly bohemian spirit and style amid its contrasting landscapes.
Aside from several well-known theatres, artists and crafters of all sorts make their homes here, as much for company as cheap rent. Callers-out stand on street corners, announcing the latest play, with what's in production reflecting the tone of the times and often, current politics. Street musicians abound, playing instruments or, for more visual artists, offering portraits for a few coppers to silver. Present, too, are Muses and their ilk, whose blessings the houses and various artists compete for.
The very center of the district is home to an open stage, an area raised a few feet from street level and worn flat. Anyone may perform here, and many do, though it's often an area for musician's gatherings and general lounging.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Nemori 4'10" 110 Lb Mul'niessa Female A tall and slender, dark skinned elf. Eztli 4'6" 140 Lb Sith-Makar Female A two-toned, short sith-makar. Robert 6'3" 235 Lb Human Male A middle-aged Cerenzan with a friendly, fatherly vibe. Jay 5'9" 145 Lb Eaglefolk Male A perky male Blue Jay with a discerning eye. Jozi 5'8" 148 Lb Half-Orc Female A brunette half-orcess with a sunny disposition. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Nemori is easy to spot in the district. She's not part of any groupings, small or large. She's not watching any of the evening shows being put on by various troupes. She's not attending any poetry readings, or outdoor art classes. She stands alone, somewhat in the general centre of one of the districts larger squares, arms folded and suppressing a scowl as she watches the people walking about.
Eztli was just passing through the theatre district on her way from the docks. In one hand she had a large bag, in the other, her gyroparasol that blocked out what sun was still there. The small makari took her time to look at the various performers and listings for the night's events, and eventually she comes across where the Mul'niessa was standing. Eztli walked over, and tucked the umbrella between an arm so she could rifle around in the bag and pull put an apple that she offers to the elf.
"You don't look too happy, Nemori. I thought maybe some fruit would cheer you up?" The small makari offers.
Nemori had spied the small makari as well, though had made no move to intercept her, her gaze continuously wandering, seeking. She doesn't seem too surprised when Eztli draws near, though she says nothing until she's accept the offered apple and taken a bite. When her arms return to their folded state, the bitten apple held lazily on one hand draped over an elbow, The Smile is there. The one that one can't help but sometimes feel is more affected than genuine. "Now why would I possibly be unhappy, Eztlie? It is not as though a half-sized harridan of an old woman has demanded a ridiculous errand in exchange for what ought be offered freely. Or that said half-sized harridan is apparently now unfindable, with nary a soul having any idea of where she is. Or rather, they all have an idea, and none of the ideas match!"
The small makari lets out a puff of fog as she steps next to the Mul'niessa, looking up just slightly to listen. Genuine or not, she smiles back.
"There are reasons to be unhappy, always will be. But you can still relax and be happy in spite of them, at least sometimes" Eztli shrugs. "So you haven't heard back from her? I don't know if she just expects us to go out to the villa, or she has a plan to send us out there. I haven't forgotten still, and I'll join you, if you'll have me along. What's this about mismatched clues? Sometimes there's a connecting thread between them."
"If you are worth my time, you will know what needs be done when you get there," Nemori says, her voice raised slightly in pitch in an attempt to mimic an eldery halfling matron. Then her eyes narrow, the smile disappears. "If I find her I have half a mind to to tell her her and her goddess can drift in the void for all I care," she all but spits.. but then her shoulders slump. The venom may not have been feigned, but the sentiment seems not heartfelt. "I would be glad to have you along. But for all intents and purposes, we will be walking through lands which may be haunted by wights knowing little about what we will find. I did my best to learn of who owns the villa, but the information I was able to receive was lacking. The owner is a menagerie owner who travels the world, supposedly."
Eztli chuckles quietly, and she stops to adjust her parasol after it was listing to one side. "Course you're worth their time." She reassures. "Question is if she's worth yours I think. I'm happy to tag along."
The small makari herself slumps slightly, this time. "Wights are, they're horrifying, and I still get nightmares about them. But you're a good cleric Nemori, so I think we'll manage. Menageries could be dangerous, though. Especially if they're the kind dealing with magical beasts."
Nemori just nods as she takes another chomp of the apple, then raises her other hand to wipe some of the errant juice from her lips and the side of her mouth. "I suppose I may as well give up on finding the little harpy. I grow too tired of this place. Have you an idea for a more enjoyable surrounding? Robert told me I am not to return to the forge tonight."
"If I see her around, I'll be sure to let you know. What does she look like?" Eztli asks after returning a nod. The small makari perks up almost immediately after though, as she smiles up to Nemori. "Something enjoyable? Well, I enjoy getting to know you, so that helps." She chuckles. "The bathhouse is nice, though I don't know if you'd like that. And there are always the gardens here, if you want to relax somewhere quiet maybe? Or we could get some drinks at one of the pubs, or catch one of the theatre productions for the evening shows."
"Why's Robert not want you around the forge?" She asks curiously. "And well, on the topic of getting to know you better, what do you like doing, Nemori?"
Nemori's eyes darken. "She is a third your height with a face you dearly wish to punch and a cackle that makes you want to stab her in the neck," Nemori explains, then takes another bit of the apple and chews. Slowly. Possibly imagining stabbing a certain halfling in the neck. When she finishes chewing, she takes on last nibble on the edge of the core, then tosses it in a flipping arc off to the side. "I tire of this theatre nonsense. Perhaps a drink would be welcome. I trust you know of one worth attending?"
In response to Eztli's query about Robert, Nemori shrugs and offers a dismissive gesture with her hands. "Something about tinkering and 'unexpected results'. Suggesting it would be dangerous for me to be there. More likely he simply wished to be free of distraction."
"I don't know if that helps, but maybe if I hear her laugh, it will be obvious." Eztli shrugs again, only to hop backwards to catch the apple that was tossed aside. "Come on now Nemori, don't want to make a mess of this place." She chides good naturedly, noting the avoidance but not pushing it. "I know a few good pubs, how about the Fernwood? It's pretty relaxed, and the food is nice too."
Etzli turns in the direction of the best street to take, and chuckles. "Artificers can be like that when they're struck with inspiration. Or it could be an excuse for him to be able to surprise you with something he's making, never know."
Nemori gestures dismissively, again. A casual wave with the back of her hand. "There are people to clean that up. The mess these crowds leave when they go home for the night? Or wander to the taverns?" But the elf certainly doesn't object to the makari taking the discarded apple core along with her if that's what she wants. "I will follow your lead, little makari. One pub is alike to any other for me, at this point."
"It's not a big deal to bring it to the garbage, and not leaving it to be cleaned up means that they have more time to focus on other areas of cleaning." Eztli shrugs, stowing the umbrella so she could hold the apple till she passed by a wastebin outside one of the theaters to toss it.
"You really are going to keep lording that over me, aren't you. I should show you some of my magic some time, then we will see who is little." She huffs, before batting her tail against the elf and leading onwards. "Well, some you're less likely to break out into a fight, and some water down the drinks. So it does matter, a bit."
Nemori smirks. pleased the teasing jibe provoked. But she follows it with a shrug. "I can only lord it over you so long as you hold your height as a disadvantage or a failing," she points out. "If it is neither, then it is simply a statement, a truth, would you not agree?" As she walks with Eztli, she considers the options presented. "Hm. It still sounds more or less the same to me. One form of droll entertainment or another."
"If you were small for your own kind, perhaps it would make more sense." Eztli sighs. "As it stands, I think you are actually on the taller side for a mul'niessa, no?"
She does continue on though, and the small makari shrugs. "Droll? I think bar fights are pretty exciting. Still, it'd be nice to find some things to do in the city. Can't stay in the forge all the time, after all. Heat'll make you shrivel up, and that wouldn't be good."
Bob's off-key humming is a sort of trademarked thing around the smithy and the house, a habit a dad picks up in a family of artists, dancers, and musicians. So while it's by no means especially remarkable it could very likely be familiar and announce the presence of the big Cerenzan blacksmith even before he walks from behind some scaffolding and into view. He has a simple, comfortable kaftan on and open-toed shoes without so much as a belt, pouch, or tool in sight.
Instead, the middle-aged human carries his sleepy granddaughter in arm and gently pats her back in rhythm with the song. The yrchblood girl gives a soft cough around her thumb and blunted tusks and blinks blearily. Her dark hair is a mess and her red skin (darker than Bobs, even) glistens with sweat.
Robert's blue-eyes are canted heavensward and he smiles with that mood of quiet contentment he tends to idle in.
"And mocked to no end for it.. until I discovered a way to put a stop to it," Nemori agrees with Eztli, somehow managing to make the phrase sound sinister. "There is nothing untoward about the amount of time I spend at the forge. Working the metals is.... quiet." It is an odd way to describe, perhaps, but the shadow elf seems satisfied with the label. "In fact..." She trails off when she sees the large, reddish skinned man and the package in his arms. When she notes the latter, she stiffens a little bit.. yet at the same time, seems unable to move her gaze away from the little one.
"Mocked for being too tall? Now that's odd, I would think your height is something nice, I certainly think so." Eztli huffs. "Just, be mindful when you're standing up for yourself. There's nothing wrong with working the smithy, I just think it's nice to go out and experience the world, too. It's fun, and gives you some more perspective outside of whatever jobs the guild throws at you. They don't tend to send you nice spots after all."
The small makari does manage to spot Robert, and she waves energetically to him. "Hey Robert." She greets quietly. "Did you finish working on that gift for Nemori at the forge? Or was it something for the kid here?"
The whistling is answered with a throaty, avian-version in chirps as a black, white and blue jay egalrin approaches. He's walking, and doing so slowly. Some of his feathers are oddly drab. He manages a cheerful "Hey Bob!"
He notices the small sith'makar, "Hey Eztli!"
He clearly and cautiously looks around until he spots the mul'niessa, "Hello Lady Nemori."
"Oh! A Nestling!"
"No, they certainly do not. It is enough to make one wonder why she keeps allowing herself to be talked into these 'adventures' when I am content in the smithy," Nemori agrees. Though perhaps she's not entirely getting Eztlie's point. All the while, her eyes never drift from the bundle in Robert's arms. "Good evening, Integrity. I am surprised to see you walking about so spryly."
Bearing some bandages, but thoroughly (obsessively) washed, a half-orc of some acquaintance emerges from the temple of Althea in a peasant blouse and cutoff trousers, with a dagger and her warhammer riding at her belt. Jozi still looks rather pale, though she seems in decent enough humor otherwise, though perhaps a little in her own head.
A good number of sandaled footfalls carry her a good way along the thoroughfare when a voice of recent familiarity tickles her ear, and she looks about to find
At first, the bluejay from the recent subterranean sojourn, though the Mul'niessa of that selfsame quest, and source of the clueing voice is spotted with their movements.
Turning on her heel, she begins to make her way in that direction, lifting a bare hand in her warmly folksy, "Howdy!"
Bob lowers his gaze and his smile changes, spreading, and he stops patting Wodeleah to rub her back instead. "Gramarye asked for the space tonight and we didn't have any pressing orders," he answers in regards to the forge. His voice is lowered but the half-orc toddler settles in closer with a quiet groan and another cough. The blacksmith hangs back aways glances down, smoothing the girls hair.
"The lady needed a night off, too," he adds with a half-wink. "Muse' grace, IC."
Jozi's call draws the artificer's attention and he gives a little nod, then glances askance at Eztli, Jay, and Nemori with a quirked brow. He's pretty sure he doesn't know her. For Jay's benefit, he explains: "Leah isn't feeling well and we didn't want Olo or the baby to get sick, too. The house was too stuffy so we felt like a little walk."
"Thanks! Fast metabolism, for flight!" Jay says, sounding chipper enough as he approaches the group. His facade cracks a little; his long, bouncy strides all end with a heavy talon-slap, and his toes are slow to curl. The cracks widen as he reaches a nearby light-pole, his hand shakes as he grips it tightly.
His drab feathers have dried blood lingering in them, where it was impossible to scrub out without ruining them further.
"Walks are good. The baby is cute." He glances around, nodding at Jozi.
Eztli stops and turns to wave to the Egalrin as well. "Oh, hey Integrity! Nice to see you. That goes for Robert, too." She greets. "Was just going out for a drink with Nemori. I'd offer to join Robert, but maybe not best with a child in tow. I've got something better for you anyways, another time." The small makari chuckles. She doesn't recognize Jozi, but she waves anyways. "Someone you know? well, nice to meet you, too."
Nemori is.. not at that point, yet, where she is comfortable expressing concern. Her eyes do narrow at Jay's state.. it was enough to finally draw her eyes away from the little orc-blood in Robert's arms. Her lips press tightly together, then she looks back at Robert, as if willing the Adventurer Dad to say something to the egalrin about it. She even goes so far as to point at Jay with her eyes.
To aid in specifically /not/ looking like she is in any way worried about Jay at all, she answers the artificer's gestured question and makari's spoken question. "She was with Integrity and I when we went on a fool's errand into the bowels of the city. I care not to repeat the details of that misadventure."
Continuing to close, Jozi's eyes roam the particulars, noting some of Jay's trouble spots with some veiled concern, waiting until she's in a more casual conversation range to say, "Hey, ya'll, just thought I heard talkin, figured ta check up on ya. How ya doin, Nemori, Jay?"
A glance to the unfamiliar faces, "Sorry ta intrude, we just had us some messy business, checking in, yanno."
She offers a hand, with a smile and and "I'm Jozi." before she notes the little one, and she brings her hand up to daintily fingerwave with the other hand and coo softly toward the youngin, "Hi, sweetie!"
"Nodda baby," the girl mumbles at Jay, pulling her hand down away from her mouth and shifting against her grandpa, wrinkling her upturned nose. She's wearing a little white nightgrown with floral patterns sewn into it. Red roses like her skin. She looks around a little at gives a tired and congested "hi" to Jozi. Sorting out the mul'niessa, she frowns a little. "Hi daedy Demoddi," and then coughs again.
Bob gently pulls a thumb across the girl's cheek, lowering his head to kiss the crown of hers. "This is Wodeleah, first-daughter of Shufharsz and Codrin," he introduces for all who haven't had the pleasure. "Not at her best at the moment." As if in defiance, the little half-orc girl lifts a pudgy arm and curls it into a half-hearted flex. "We're hoping the oil the alchemist gave us starts to work soon, though."
"blech," Leah complains.
"Speaking of, IC: you look awful, son." He offers a concerned smile and shakes his head. "... safe to assume this was more than a prolonged hearing leaving you drained? Why aren't you resting at the Defense?"
"Robert Ilife," the Cerenzan adds with a friendly smile offered across to Jozi. "Folks call me Bob. The lady and I share a smithies in the trades," he cants his head to the east.
"Another time," Bob finally agrees, offering Eztli a nod.
"It's not a bad thing to talk about things that are happening Nemori." Eztli sighs. "Especially if people are getting hurt when you're working. That looks like some blood loss, Isn't it?"
"Don't worry about it, you're just checking in on them, I understand. I'd do the same in the same position."
She waves to the small child, and starts to smile, but decides against it and sighs again. "Well, it's good to see you Wodeleah, I hope you feel better soon. Make sure to your parents and grandpa, Alright?"
"Doing okay. Okay!" Jay repeats, his breathing similar to when he lands after a long glide. "+Mistakes!+ is Okay. Powered up a couple hours, just like he said he would."
He clacks his beak at the girl, "Right! Right! Hi. Hi!" He sways, ever so flightly, repeating. "Wodeleah."
There was a question he should answer. "I didn't like being inside." Yes, that's the reason, "I'm a child of the sky, not a thing of darkness. I need the sky."
And a pole to hold on to.
There's a warmer smile as the child is introduced, and Jozi sinks down a little to look more face to face, "It's very nice ta meetcha, Wodeleah. I'm sorry yer not feelin well."
Glancing up to the newly introduced adults, "It's nice ta meetcha all."
She shrugs a little, resting her elbows on her knees, "It's a fair bit of that, yeah."
With Jay's report, she sighs in relief and nods, "I'm glad ta hear it, sugar, thank you. Ya stay with him the whole time, then?"
Nemori returns the young child's greeting with one of her own. "Wodeleah." She grimaces a little bit, but then nods. "The alchemist's oil is vile," she tells the girl in agreement.
The shadow elf looks almost disappointed at the news of Mistakes's recovery. At the very least, she has the look of someone taking a deliberate moment to avoid offering her first response to the information. "I suppose the envoy has another mission for you to recruit for, then, Integrity? Or at least was able to explain the list of names?" Another grimace for Eztli, then she shrugs. "Fine. Integrity 'recruited' a team to enter the sewers and retrieve a list of names that an extraplanar messenger dropped while it was lost within the same sewers for upwards of a month or more, arriving to dive out dated warnings." She flicks her hand, two fingers held together drawing a few circles in the air. "The smell was heinous. The sewage was everywhere. And we were attacked by mist that seemed to feed on blood." She looks at the makari as if to say... that is better than a quiet day in the forge?
"Viyul," she tries to echo Nemori even as she's watching Jozi curiously. She gives a hearty sniff and knocks something loose, choking and coughing a few time before she sicks up.
Bob takes it in stride, hoisting her up and cleaning at her face with a pocket square he manifested from a pocket. He pays no mind to the vomit on his robe. Whispering consolations and she starts to cry quietly, coughing again.
"That'll be us," the artificer announces quietly, taking a step to one side. He'll walk past and take the next turn, his little house is only a few blocks off. "Shhh, honey, you're fine," he whispers, kissing her on the head again. "Just the bad stuff out, we're going home."
The big man grins again, nodding casually as he starts off. "Feel free to join us if you need to put your feet up, IC," he says over his shoulder. "Have fun, lady, miss Eztli. Muse' grace, Jozi."
And he's humming again, soothing his precious little cargo.
Nemori frowns a little bit.. perhaps she was expecting more Suggestion from Robert to Jay. So she turns to look at the egalrin. "Integrity. You need to do as Robert says. Please do not tempt me to give you a bigger reason to do so," she says, hand dropping meaningfully to the knife at her hip. She may not particularly enjoy Jay actually believing she would stab him... but one may as well use the tools one is given. And then she considers another tool. "How do you think Slixvah would feel about it?"
She looks at the egalrin a moment longer to let it sink in before she turns back to Eztli. "You mentioned baths, yes? I am afraid I will have to postpone our evening at the pub.. and would request that you take our friend to relax in those baths you mentioned." Her gaze takes in Jozi.. she didn't miss the protective, friendly demeanor she had back in the sewers. "If I could impose upon you to help, Jozi.. I do not think Integrity would dare defy the two of you."
Alas, it is only a suggestion. Nemori is a lady no longer; her suggestions no longer carry the weight of command. "A suggestion, and a request," she amends it with, her tone softening a little bit. Then she turns away lest anyone actually make the mistake of believing she cares.. with Robert headed back to his house, there is now no one to keep her from the forge. So off she goes!
"I'll... I'll catch up!" Jay squawks, staying tethered, "Bye Wodeleah, feel better!" He waves vigorously with a wing and bit of heavy breathing. Not a glance in Nemori's direction at all. He's not looking at her knife. Nope. "She'd... be impressed with my strength and endurance?"
Clearly delusional.
His posture wilts, slowly. "I had a bath, it doesn't wash out. Too much and the oils wash out and my feathers get heavy."
A few more deep breathes, "+Mistakes!+ is okay. I stayed with hi. Wanted to make sure. There were a few threats and there would be questions if he didn't Recover. The dwarf said he'd rip him to pieces and a guard was near."
"Oh, right, you were there." He shakes his head, "The list updates, allegedly. +Mistakes!+ said it was different from when he first saw it. I'm not sure how reliable he is though."
Eztli winces when she sees Wodeleah ill, and Robert quickly taking his leave. "Take care, Robert, see you around." Eztli offers in parting.
And then Nemori is brandishing a knife. The small makari huffs. "I don't think you need that for Integrity Nemori. I was hoping you would join us for the baths, but, didn't expect it."
And Nemori was off too, Eztli sighs. "Didn't even get her in the door of the pub. Maybe next time." She grumbles. "But, yeah! No problem taking you to the baths if you need. If you need it, but you said you're fine? Then, not sure. Should I take you back to the clerics?"
Jozi gives a sympathetic smile to the little one and nods, rising to her feet as it becomes clear that she's soon to depart with her poppa, "Hope ya feel better, sweetie, be a good girl, now, ya hear?" The half-orc nods to Robert, "Tak care, sugar, may the Mother watch over ya'll."
She is given a bit of a pause by Nemori's sudden interjectional suggestions, prompting another look over of the Elgarin, "Sure thing, sugar, you get some rest too, alright? Mother watch over ya, Nemmi, an we'll see you about sometime!"
As the group seems to be dwindling rapidly, she regards the two who remain. Jay's updates draw the focus of her attention, and she nods, growing more thoughtful, "I'm glad he came to, was right good of ya ta stay with him."
She had other things to manage in the aftermath, or she would have, likely.
Ahem, "There's a wizard spell I seen, can clean up most anything. I reckon ya could probably find a wizard ta do you a favor, sugar, one that oughtn't mess yer feathers up none."
With the Sith's query, the half-orc goes quiet and she nods approvingly her way. She had good ideas, too.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm fine." The bluejay repeats, waving his free hand dismissively, the overly casual tone of his voice betraying the false bravado. Easily recognized by anyone who has spent a lot of time among oruchs and hobgoblins. "Wizard spell, sounds good, I'll look into that."
He's looking around, noting other close poles and walls. Waiting, seemingly, to be left alone. "He might have another mission. I didn't list a new one in the guilde, but he might."
Adventuring was a topic earlier, perhaps mentioning it will work. "The Lady Nemori is difficult to get to know." He observes, "She'll join you in a bath sometime."
"Are you fine? Most would jump at the chance to have two cute ladies go with them to the bath house." Eztli teases. "Well, at least one cute girl." She corrects with a nod to Jozi. "And I suppose neither of us are Slixvah, don't want her getting the wrong idea."
"You'll have to tell me more about what happened though, it sounds important. And yes, of course! Why didn't I think of that. Slipped my mind, like introducing myself. Names Eztli, good to meet you!" She offers, before getting caught off guard and sputtering. "I mean, yeah, Nemori's hard to get to know. Would be nice to do more stuff with her though, I want to be friends with her. Elves live a long time, she's got a long story to her."
"I've got magic that can clean your feathers Integrity, on one condition. After they're clean, you go back to the soldier's defence with us, and rest up. Does that sound fair?"
I'm fine.
Jozi's got enough orc in her to have suspicions, to say nothing of knowing from experience the sort of wounds those creatures can leave, but she doesn't blow up his bravado.
Instead, she reaches out a hand, much less sharply festooned than it was on their previous encounter and tries to lightly clasp his shoulder, "Ya done real good down there, sugar."
She blinks and regards Etzli for a moment, her lips curving into a bemust S for a moment as she's reminded of how she.... regrettably, though ignorantly stepped on his intended gallantry with the other Elgarin.
The moment fades quickly as the sith moves right on to introductions and all, and Jozi offers her a hand, "Charmed, sugar, an yer probly right. She's likely got all mannera tales."
A blink, then, an uncertain glance to Jay as things are nudged back in the direction of the bluejay's condition.
"Oh you're both cute. Very cute. Wouldn't say otherwise." He chirps, fluffing up tall and regal, a pose he manages to hold until Jozi's hand clasps his shoulder.
Once she might have held a small bird in her hand, felt it tremble. A sensation she'd feel mirrored as Integrity holds himself up by will alone.
"I'd like to flirt more, but I can't." He finally admits some failing, "and thanks, Jozi. You were very good too." A glance at Eztli, a long stare as he listens to her words and condition. A blink, and a brief glaze comes over his eyes.
His sisters are standing there, surrounding him, telling him what to do. The serious one has given instructions and left, expecting them to be followed, the compassionate one is pursuing them, and the rulebreaker is playing along with whatever he wants. They're looking out for him, they are. He should listen. He blinks and his eyes clear.
Jozi and Eztli are looking at him.
"Okay, I'll go to the soldier's defense." His hand transfers from pole to Jozi's, holding himself up; he's light as a feather.
"Glad you agreed. I don't want to have to knock you out to take you back to the soldier's defence, after all." Eztli chuckles. The small makari takes one hand and puts it on Integrity's other shoulder.
"Scour." She hisses once. The bloody feathers sizzle and pop, but there's no pain, and only the blood evaporates away, leaving nothing left. Though the egalrin may look a bit fluffier.
"There! All nice and presentable in case we run into Slixvah or something. She'd probably like to see you looking healthy, allegedly. Which is why we're going back to the soldier's defence so you can rest up."
Eztli is small, and not particularly strong, so she leaves holding up Integrity to Jozi. "Lets be off then." <Draconic>
The Pole
<OOC> Robert fails again to keep Jay off the pole. T_T
<OOC> Jozi brandishes gp.
<OOC> Robert says, "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbQgXeY_zi4 if only it wasn't a gazelle."
<OOC> Jay says, "is that Caravan Palace?"
<OOC> Eztli says, "all good Robert"
<OOC> Jay says, "it IS Caravan Palace"
<OOC> Robert has a very narrow portfolio to reach into for anthro pole dancersl
<OOC> Nemori says, "wutderfeck did I just watch"
<OOC> Jay says, "oh wait, there's a follow up!"
<OOC> Jay says, "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73mZI_n2elk"
<OOC> Robert says, "ahaha that's too good"
<OOC> Jay says, "it works, perfectly"