Reintroductions

The day is gray and misty, but the inside of the Artificer's guild is bustling with activity. It hardly seems to matter to anyone in here that winter is on the rise. No, the room is warm with the activity of so many different people going about their business.

Really, the individual dressed in white almost doesn't stand out. Though... there's something about them that's... unusual. Draws the eye anyway. Perhaps it's the nearly pure-white outfit. The long pale hair that's almost blue in its pure snow-color drawn back into a pony-tail but framing their face. They move with purpose, but stop nearly in the center of the space that is the artificer's hall and seem quite uncertain of their next move.

It's enough time to get a really good look at them. Thigh-high black boots with a low heel. A long coat with a built in capelet. Close-fitting pants of white barely visible above the length of black boot. A long ribbon of red closing the coat at the front the only splash of color visible. Except for their eyes. Crimson eyes like a splash of blood.

Suddenly the personage - their gender not easily definable - reaches out pleasantly enough to a nearby individual passing by. "Pardon. I am looking for one called 'Thoth'?"

Thoth is in the midst of doing maintenance, hiding in one of the many small cubby-holes of the Artificer's guild. It is small - not quite Gnome or Goblin small - but it is small enough that it fits in places where it doesn't get too much in the way. Its leg is open at the moment, a panel adjusted, and it is using small tools to fix its own ability to move.

It seems to be oblivious to its name being asked for, too focused on its work. Delicate fingers moving small screwdrivers to tension wire within its leg, causing its leg to suddenly 'jump' to a full straight motion. Like it had meant to kick something. It doesn't talk to itself, or express surprise. It simply reverses the tension carefully, and its leg comes back down as it should be.

Pelka gives a start. "'Thoth'? Did you say you're looking for someone named 'Thoth'?... Never heard of him." Pelka's first instinct is to tilt up his beak and go about his business, but he's been trying to learn to be a bit more, ah, 'courteous' in social settings, and instead stops to talk to the stranger. "Well, let's see...what does 'Thoth' look like?" He looks around, recognizing most of the people here by sight and then settles on the first unfamiliar face he sees. "Does 'Thoth' look like him?" By either coincidence or good (or bad) fortune, the Egalrin points directly at Thoth himself.

Fidget had been here to gather supplies for her latest craft project, and this one was going to be a masterpiece, all for her! She was very excited about it, but this place was rather busy, inconveniently busy for someone whose eye level was about other people's belt level, when searching for something. Her ears perk up as she passes by and hears someone looking for Thoth, a familiar name for certain, but the only way Fidget could see the bird in this crowd was if one of them was flying, so she simply dodges between figures to find a spot nearby to eavesdrop, what's the strange metal bird involved in? Are they in trouble?

Tlanexhuani is not as frequent a visitor here as others might be, but he does visit from time to time. The hunched bluescale emerges from the entrance to the workshops below, turning back to offer brief words through the opening he passed. "This one gives more thanks for your generosity, wisdom." He then steps his way through the room proper, leaning on the crystal-tipped spear serving as a walking aid and looking over those moving, working, or even being worked upon.

With the weather tipping more towards winter, Rune seems to be enjoying the warmth. If nothing else, it gives her an excuse to sling her fur-lined cloak over one of the work tables and go sleeveless.

She stands with a shorter, Khazadi man who she seems to be in discussions with. Though it's hard to make out their entire conversation, but the last bit is a grumbling complaint from the Khazadi artificer, "... you lot have nearly bought us out of cold iron. What? Do you think we just shit the stuff whenever you need it?"

Rune opens her mouth to say something in response, but her ear twitches at the comment from the pale individual, looking for the unusual bird automaton. Her eyes look from the asker, to the small Golem, but she doesn't speak up, turning back to the Khazadi, "Just... let me know when you get some more in stock, will you?"

He grumbles in response.

Gramarye is in the Artificer's Hall to pick up a specialty order of parts that she, herself, cannot fabricate, as she lacks the tools and equipment to do so herself in her shop. Logically, this means that the war golem wizard has to outsource, and that's exactly what the odd bronze mannequin-resembling doll does.

Except then the individual with pure white clothes and snow-white hair walks in and asks for a Thoth.

Gramarye's head pivots in the direction of this crimson-eyed individual. Obsidian eyes regard them for a long moment before a blinking light appears in her eyes with her speech.

"Inquiry: further information is needed in order to locate the individual requested as 'Thoth'," Gramarye intones. "Please provide this information at your earliest convenience, so that I may be able to assist you better in your search."

She even curtsies politely. As one does when requesting something of someone.

GAME: Pelka rolls perception: (3)+20: 23
GAME: Fidget rolls perception: (13)+7: 20
GAME: Gramarye rolls Perception: (14)+2: 16
GAME: Fidget rolls stealth: (14)+11: 25
GAME: Garak has connected.
GAME: Fidget casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15
GAME: Fidget rolls spellcraft+2: (16)+16+2: 34

The individual tilts their head at Pelka, looking in the direction of the finger and smiles a small smile. "Ah, that is them precisely in fact." The unnamed person nods politely to Gramarye. "I see who I am looking for now. No need to stir yourself further."

A gracious movement is made and the personage heads over toward Thoth with sure steps. "Pardon. You are Thoth, yes?" A generally gentle inquiry.

GAME: Fidget rolls 6+6: (18)+6+6: 30

The avian war-golem is rather self-focused, but has finished its maintenance. Pulling out a few tools and clamps that have been keeping particular items still, there's the crick-crack of wires and cogs that start to buzz pleasantly as it closes its hatch in that little cubby hole. It looks up to the one suddenly approaching it.

It slowly tilts its head a bit, then clacks its beak like a bird might, and inquires; "This one art designated Thoth. How may this one be of service to thee?" The war-golem asks in a rather antiquated form of common, as it so often does. "Is this Other also a Artificer that wishes to study this one's body?" It asks in a manner that suggests that this request is perhaps not very uncommon.

For now, it remains seated in that little cubby-hole. Not wishing to get too much in the way.

Pelka stands where he is but swivels his head to follow the stranger walking over to Thoth, unabashedly curious now. Judging by the way Thoth is being addressed, they must not be friends, or even acquaintances, Pelka reasons. He drifts closer, interest piqued.

GAME: Thoth rolls Perception: (12)+5: 17

Gramarye's bronze faceplate, unmoving in that it has no mouth to move--just perfectly a perfectly sculpted face with delicate features--remains trained on the individual who walks closer to Thoth.

"Inquiry," she intones again. "Are you injured or suffering from a malady? Analysis has determined your movements are stiff. Possible diagnoses could include: arthritis. Joint inflammation. Microfracture of bone. Cold ambient temperatures. Please see a healer at your earliest convenience."

Ever-helpful, Gramarye is.

Amidst the bustle of the crowd, with so many people around, it's actually harder not to get jostled while casting than it is to avoid drawing too much attention to herself when she upgrades eavesdropping to ~magical eavesdropping~. But that done, and the glow of the spell fading away as it settles into place, Fidget struggles to narrow down one person in all the magic that's around, in the crafting places with magic, in the people carrying magic, (including a few magical signatures she recognizes as being her own!), but she does after a bit of work, manage to dim the other auras to see clearly to those around the strange woman who'd felt 'off'.

The goblins eyes go wide as dinner plates as she does so, and she skitters up to the pair who are talking, and tugs on a sleeve with zero subtlety in interrupting to ask

"What ARE you?"

There are a couple of things that Rune knows about the strange bird-like War Golem. One of those is that they are not from this area of Ea. In fact, they is a relatively recent arrival. This means that someone looking for them would be quite unusual, unless that individual happens to be a friend or ally.

The fact that Thoth does not seem familiar with them is the reason that it catches Rune's curiosity. What also catches her notice is Fidget. The Goblin is a source of chaos on the best days, so seeing a hint of movement out of the corner of her eye, she is also keeping an eye on what the flamboyant wizard is up to.

Seeing their sudden inquiry, Rune is now suspicious. In part of the stranger, and in part of the Goblin.

Tlanexhuani slows his tap-step-tapping a bit more as he notices the bit of gathering and catches the sudden question from the small one. The one in white is not known to him, but are they an uncommon sight to more than he? The Makari has no idea, as this city is full of many unusual sights. He changes cours some and moves nearer. "All iss well?" he asks.

The individual pauses only briefly at Gramarye's words, blinking. "Ah. No, I am quite well I assure you. Your concern is appreciated." The words are a trifle stiff as well, but with that out of the way the personage turns their attention on Thoth.

Crimson eyes take in the small avian form swiftly. "I am not an artificer no. I am not here to examine you Thoth... I take it that you do not remember me?" A trace of something crosses those crimson eyes too quickly to be understood and then...

Fidget intervenes, grabbing one long sleeve in hand and the individual's eyes turn on her. Narrow ever so slightly. "That is a bit rude. I am myself after all. Which is no concern of yours - whoever you are."

GAME: Rune rolls sense motive: (5)+8: 13
GAME: Fidget rolls sense motive: (16)+1: 17
GAME: Gramarye rolls Sense Motive: (4)+-2: 2
GAME: Tlanexhuani rolls sense motive: (12)+2: 14
GAME: Pelka rolls sense motive: (5)+0: 5
GAME: Thoth rolls Intelligence: (9)+5: 14

Thoth can hear the others speak, some remarking of malady, some asking this person before it 'what' it is. It doesn't look like Thoth is going to show any such concern.

It slowly closes its oculars, and continues to look at the one before it. Taking some time to try and recollect. One can almost see it straining. Those little cogs moving in its bird-brain. "Other's query is true. This one doth not remember." It answers without any particular concern or stress about this revelation.

It then slowly begins to rise from its seat, touching a hand to the top of the cubby hole. Its broken wings coming more into view. Various marks still on its body showing recent maintenance to some terrifying amounts of damage. Some of the metallic feathers on its wings barely are holding onto the pipes and wires attached to it, and the wings themselves move stiffly and are clearly badly offset. Useless.

"This one sustained damage. It apologizes. Please re-establish your relationship to this one."

"Not as rude as going around being secretly ~awesome~ and not explaining how!" That makes perfect sense in Fidget's logic, really interesting magic isn't supposed to be secret, it's supposed to be shared with everyone (whether they asked for it or not).

"If you're going around trying to study other people, too, then it's only fair." Fidget says, not having quite followed the conversation up to this point because she's been trying to decipher the magic shifting in front of her eyes.

There's a blink in Gramarye's obsidian eyes. Which is to say that there is a blink of light in her eyes. And then a second. And then a third.

"Inquiry: memory databanks indicate that 'Myself' is an unusual name for an organic lifeform," Gramarye intones. "There are approximately: 0 lifeforms registered with this name in my memory. To improve customer satisfaction, please help me update my knowledge by informing me what culture and ancestry names a child 'Myself'."

She curtsies again. It's only polite to do when requesting something of someone.

Pelka draws his head back the tiniest bit, without the rest of his body moving. "Now now, I don't know what's going on here, exactly...but I do know there's no sense rushing to conclusions." He steps up to stand next to the stranger now, so that he's almost shoulder to shoulder and...facing Thoth? But Pelka glances at the unfamiliar individual's way as he says this, expectantly, then back at Thoth and the other adventurers in his field of view.

If Fidget is saying that someone is 'secretly awesome' that means that there is magic involved. Rune has learned that much about the Goblin. Some might even call it an obsession.

Someone walking into the Artificer's Hall with enough magic to have the Goblin go wide-eyed is more than a passing curiosity. "You know Thoth?" Rune finally chimes in, the question asked with a slight tilt of her head to the side. "I wasn't aware that they had any individuals from their past that were still among the living."

Her brow lifts. "Perhaps, if they don't remember... proper introductions are in order?

Tlanexhuani's tails sways lightly as he tries to make sense of the scenario he hobbled his way into. "Secret magics? Study? Is where many come to do these things?" He looks to Myself, from them to the gobber and others, curiously. Then Thoth emerges from the alcove and the damage becomes apparent. He intakes a small hiss of breath and his tail stills. "Are much damaged, ssa," he agrees with the obvious possibly with some concern. "Is place for work to repair, also. Many parts." A sack on his belt is patted in proof of this.

The individual looks at Thoth, another emotion - unreadable - flashes across their face. "You are... damaged that is." The words are soft, and the person shakes their head, crimson eyes flickering toward Fidget. "Perhaps we should begin again. If you do not remember me it is best to begin from the beginning yes?"

"I am not here to study anyone." A slightly firm statement, but still gentle. "Nor is my name 'Myself', but rather that I _am_ myself." A gentle sigh and then a gentle lean toward Thoth. "Perhaps we might go somewhere a bit more private?" There _is_ a lot going on right now.

"True." Thoth answers Tlanexhuani when he re-asserts that Thoth is quite damaged. And as the focus seems to be drawn to this by the one before it, it suddenly shifts its head. Turning its head almost a full one-eighty, it begins to preen at its wings. The damaged things are beyond repair without significant fortune being assigned to this avian. Yet, it runs its beak along those feathers and spokes as if perhaps, if it just tried hard enough, it'd fix itself over time. It runs that beak through its wings for a good few seconds before it turns back to the group - and the being addressing it.

"Yes. This one request, please begineth from thine beginning." It answers the one before it. Before click-clacking its beak.

And upon that gentle lean, it nods its head. "This one is permissive to this recommendation." It doesn't lean in back, it just speaks.

GAME: Gramarye rolls Knowledge/History: (16)+11: 27
GAME: Thoth rolls Knowledge/History: (9)+11: 20
GAME: Fidget rolls knowledge/history: (10)+9: 19

There's another blink in Gramarye's eyes, before she intones, "Announcement: 'Stranger danger' protocol activated. Warning: Do not accompany people that you do not know and remember. Consequences can include: Kidnapping. Injury. Dismemberment. Death by homicide."

Gramarye's head pivots to Thoth. "I do not recommend accompanying this stranger to their intended destination."

Then her head pivots back in the direction of the stranger, and she intones again, "Inquiry: your clothes are antiquated but familiar. Where and when did you acquire them?"

Pelka looks back and forth now (with twitchy and slightly abrupt movements of his head). Mostly looking at Thoth and the stranger, but also at some of the others who are showing interest, and at their suggestions. "I suppose… if it's something personal, a little privacy might be in order..." he admits reluctantly. Then he brightens as something occurs to him. "And then Thoth here can tell us later what they discussed."

Tlanexhuani's tail begins to flick and his eyes move between the damaged Thoth and the unknown inquirer. "If is only for those two, is only for them. But is safe?" Claws gesture towards Gramarye. "That one not wrong." He doesn't seem keen to intrude in others' personal matters off-hand at the moment.

When someone dodges the question of who they are, it really does make them that much more suspicious of a character. Any story as to why the pale-haired individual might know Thoth is better than no story at all. She opens her mouth, just at the same time that Gramarye announces their warning protocol.

"This one is right." She motions to the very logical female golem. "I wouldn't recommend going anywhere private with someone you don't know. Especially when they won't offer their name, nor how they claim to know you."

Looking to the smaller War Golem, "I know you may not have many trusted friends or allies, but you should try to make sure you've got someone who can watch your back, especially among strangers."

"How about we make a trade, you explain why you're made of magic, what that blindingly powerful thing in your pocket is, and where I can get that nice outfit but with an amazing hat, and I can help you find a secluded spot where you can chat safely." Then glancing at Gramarye, "Well, except from each other anyways. You are both pretty strange."

"If you don't know, I can help with that! Probably. Unless it's really complicated, or an artifact, or you won't let me touch it."

GAME: Fidget rolls bluff: (13)+10: 23

The 'stranger' blinks at Gramarye. "I assure you that you need not be so wary of me. I will go wherever is most comfortable to Thoth, not to some unknown destination. I would even be willing to allow a companion of Thoth's to join if that makes you all more comfortable, but frankly..." Crimson eyes fall to Fidget. "Not you. I find you incredibly rude. And with all of you asking so many questions at once I am finding myself rather overwhelmed."

Those crimson eyes slide over to Thoth. "I implore you, pick a friend and let us be away to someplace where we can speak in privacy."

GAME: Fidget rolls perception: (6)+7: 13

"This one does not possess such a protocol." Thoth announces to Gramarye, locking gazes for a moment. People start chiming in about how this might be dangerous. So the bird does pause for a moment. "This one always has an Other available to watch its back." It then remarks. Though it does not clarify exactly who or what that might be.

Still, democratically and demographically, there are more people telling it to travel with this person regardless of potential danger, than there are those who tell it to be wary. It considers the people in the group for a moment...

"This one elects this Other." It remarks, as it points to Rune. It is very clear it selected utterly at random.

Gramarye seems satisfied, at least, with Thoth selecting someone else to accompany them. "I would be comfortable in accompanying you to speak in privacy." Or... Well... As much as a war golem that doesn't appear to be picking up on the notion of privacy.

"If that is agreeable to all parties involved." Another polite curtsy.

Pelka head-bobs in the affirmative. Then hesitates. He looks from Rune to Gramarye and back to Thoth. "As long as we're all on the same page." Even though he's not sure who is going to be accompanying Thoth. Just that it's not himself. "Just remember the Artificer's motto: No discovery left behind." If that is the need the artificer's motto - it's quite possible Pelka is actually the only one who says it.

There is a faint quirk at the corner of Rune's mouth that vanishes almost as quickly as it comes. A stray thought, perhaps.

The crease of worry across her forehead lifts into one of surprise as she is pointed to. "Uh..." She had only met the War Golem once, but it seems that most individuals here were of equal familiarity to them so one is as good as another. "Sure. I'd be glad to accompany you as your temporary body-guard."

The half-sil takes a few steps to retrieve her cloak and throw it over her shoulders.

"No, it's not agreeable to all parties involved. I'm involved, I like parties, and I don't agree." Fidget complains, seeing her window of opportunity to find out about this curious stranger getting smaller.

The stranger ignores Fidget entirely, offering a polite motion for Rune and Thoth to lead the way to some other - more private destination. Gramarye's offer is also ignored, and the stranger says nothing more on the subject of anything until all three are safely secured in a private room.

Gramarye's offer is ignored, and the war golem seems to process this rejection-by-omission for a moment. Blink, blink, blink of the obsidian eyes.

"Please remember the consequences of the stranger danger protocol," she calls after Thoth. "This concludes the stranger danger protocol."

Her attention returns to the parts that she was supposed to have picked up. "Initiating: bartering module. Please name your price for the goods that you have rendered by the service I have employed," she asks of the person who had fabricated the parts for her.

Perhaps someone should teach her about concision...

GAME: Fidget rolls stealth: (15)+11: 26
GAME: Rune rolls perception: (19)+25: 44
GAME: Thoth rolls Perception: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+21: (7)+21: 28

"This one will take note of this Protocol." Thoth answers Gramarye, as it is asked to lead this man off to somewhere more private with Rune. So, it does. In its head, the most 'private' place is a bit of a distance away. "This one believes the South Bank has an average of 0.743 people visiting it at this time of day." It points out as it just begins to click-clack its way onwards.

Positioning itself between Rune and the other man, it almost looks like a family of two half-elves walking with their robot bird child in the middle.

As they head out into the colder weather, Rune pulls up her hood, covering both colorful hair and pointed ears in the process. She pulls it closer about herself, just at the same moment as she sees another flicker of brightly colored movement.

Sigh.

Rune turns her head as if just surveying their surroundings, but locks eyes with Fidget. It's /obvious/ that Rune sees her. The shift of her expression is a warning. Turning back forward, the rogue taps rhythmically against her thigh and then lifts her hand from her cloak enough to make a motion with her hand. <'Stop following.'> is motioned in Handspeech.

"Seems like a fine choice. If nothing else, there's plenty of places along the bank where people don't congregate much."

Fidget slips away while Gramarye is figuring out their shopping plans, and starts weaving through the crowd, tailing quite subtly, but perhaps not subtly enough - certainly not for Rune who Fidget assumes is half-elf, half-human, and at least 5% spider due to all the eyes in the back of her head. The goblin gives a dismayed expression when Rune unquestionably spots her, and she does understand the signal being sent, as she demonstrates by replying in kind, though - somewhat less confidently, <Handspeech>"But... ARTIFACT! ?maybe? BAG!"</Handspeech> with some wild gesticulation.

Hoping that Rune at least will look into it, Fidget falls behind the others, though already making plans to try to follow up on this, somehow.

She needs to know.

-End