Cultivating Humility

The gates of Alexandria, midday

The winter months are harsh, but at least the weather has improved marginally. The skies are clear, and if there's snow and ice piled hither and yon, well... that's what shovels, studded boot-soles, and oxen-drawn plows are for. And even in the chilly days of Pryntar, there's traffic. Wagons, men and women of various races on horseback, even those on foot. Travelers, merchants, farmers, adventurers.

The gate guards are patiently passing people through -- after all, so long as one has a decent reason to enter, no one is turned away. The only person who looks out of place is one standing a little ways back from the gate -- an elegant looking half-elf who seems to be some kind of noble-born, judging from his ruffled shirt, leather riding trousers, and comfortable-looking fur and leather coat. His breath plumes in the air, as he runs a hand through his platinum blond hair absently.

Alfrik smirks crossing into the city proper his eyes take everything in. "Nothing has changed, it all still looks the same to me." He chuckles to himself, the handsome half-elf male with long black and green hair serpent head tat on one side of his neck, Coyote constellation tat on the other side. Black cloak with orange and green accents over black clothing and boots, serpent headed dagger upon his hip. He stretches, body and joints popping with the motion.

It's not quite as crowded as it could be, as the cold chases people through the gates and indoors, save for those who are inured to it or well insulated. A small wagon rolls through, drawn by a donkey with a vaguely disdainful, long-suffering mien (as most donkeys have). Seated on the wagon driving it is a young human lad wrapped in a heavy cloak, and Telamon's dark eyes light up, raising a hand to the lad.

The lad, of course, happily brings the wagon to a jolting halt in the street, right in front of Alfrik to boot. "Ack!" the boy declares. "Sorry, sir, the donkey sometimes listens too well!" Emblazoned on the side of the wagon is 'Jovani's Fine Garments', and it's stacked with boxes.

Then the platinum-haired half-elf is there, and he chuckles. "Really, Marco, what's next? Will you be out here with a signboard, encouraging all and sundry to come visit Jovani?" The starry-eyed man turns to regard Alfrik with interest, studying him.

Alfrik steps back and offers a smile to the lad. "You're fine kid nothing to worry about. In fact I was too busy being lost in thought and memories of my childhood and such here." Alfrik says with a chuckle. He moves around the cart. "Jovani's hmmm how old is this shop? I don't remember it, or perhaps it was just above the wealth level of my mother and I to afford." He says with a chuckle.

"It's in the noble quarter, which should give you an idea," Telamon comments with a grin. "You know how it is. The city gets wealthier as you move eastward, more or less."

Marco pipes up, "Indeed, sir! Jovani's has been here many a year, though it is only old by human and half-elven standards. But it is very upscale, if you seek a proper doublet or dress for a formal occasion."

Telamon chuckles. "See, you're advertising again, Marco." Alfrik's comment draws his attention though, and he tilts his head. "You were from Alexandria? I'm more of a newcomer, I only came here three years prior." He offers a bow. "I am called Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon, sir. Might I know what you prefer to be called as well?"

Alfrik nods his head. "Yes I left a year past to go on a walk about, get to know myself and get in touch with and better understanding of the magic within my blood." He chuckles. "My mother Frejera is an apothecary and alchemist made a decent living off of it that way too. But nothing so fine as the noble district but I wasn't impoverished either." Alfrik says with a grin before looking back to the lad. "Well now I'm not overly wealthy myself at the moment, perhaps sometime later." His eyes to Telamon. "I'm Alfrik Serpentis, but you can call me Alfrik if you wish."

"Get along now, Marco. Jovani will not be pleased if that fabric isn't at the store before sundown," Telamon's eyes are merry though, as he reaches up to pat Marco's shoulder, and then the donkey on its head. "Good to see you too, Raspberry. Glad you're not getting too fat."

As the wagon trundles away, Telamon's gaze moves back to Alfrik, and there's something interesting in his eyes. Recognition, perhaps -- not personally, but of a similar situation. "Sounds like myself, in a sense, Alfrik. I came here three years ago to develop my own talent. From your words I'll presume you are a sorcerer as well?" He nods slowly at the mention of Alfrik's mother. "The name is known to me, though I've not gone to her. Nothing wrong with making a good living doing something like that. I dabble in it from time to time."

Alfrik smiles. "I am indeed a Sorcerer though I have a few other skills and talents that oft come in handy." He says with a grin. "Oh you know my mother's name? Yea I guess an Elven apothecary and alchemist who at one point was an adventuring Druid would be well known for her skills in healing and potions making, and what herbs and fungi are best used. So it shouldn't surprise me that shes known. Oh? You too? Mother taught me everything I know, all the way up until I left home. Though I get the feeling some folks were being rather sarcastic when they told me Sorcerers were rather rare around here and hard to find." Alfrik says with a chuckle. "Though I met a hoity toity type Elf last eve, Mikilos, I think he said his name was, he wasnt that bad but still kind of snooty ya know?"

"It's always good to have other talents." Telamon smiles slightly, but his tone is serious. "There may come a time when your magic is simply not enough -- or it fails you. In that case, it's good to have something else to rely on."

Tel looks thoughtful. "That's where I remember it. I think at one time my uncle Telgari mentioned her." He rocks his hand back and forth. "I suspect the talent is either avoided, or those who possess it will... flaunt it slightly. If you've heard of the Shining Chalice, you'll understand the latter. But even in these modern days, sorcery is sometimes misunderstood."

His expression stills somewhat into a neutral mien at the mention of Mikilos. "The Archmage is known to me, and competent enough. If you seek magical gear, he does good work."

The Goblin approaches the northern gate, laden with a large (for her) backpack that is bulging at the seams. All manner of camping and survival gear hangs from it, jangling slightly in time to her gate.

She offers a friendly wave to Telamon and Alfrik, with a broad smile and a mischievous look in her eye.

"Hiya Telamon. Hello new guy! I mean, Alfrik. Nice day for idling about on the road, hmm?"

Alfrik nods his head a bit. "Oh your Uncle knew my mother, or knew of her? How interesting." He reaches into his pockets and pulls out a parchment and some charcoal. "I'll write his name down and when I go see mother I'll ask here about him." He smiles placing the parchment and and charcoal back into his pocket." Alfrik says with a smile and a laugh and then there's a gobbo and he grins. "Heya there Murder, you look like you're up to no good, trouble maker." He says with a smile and a good natured fun loving laugh.

Telamon chuckles. "We're a social bunch, the Atlon family. Uncle Telgari, uh..." He pauses, then shrugs. "Well, he's friends with a lot of people. He came back home to Ylvaliel to look after a daughter of his." Tel nods. "If you seek some guidance on your arcane studies, you can leave word at the Adventurer's Guild or at the Chalice. I'm always up for a little instruction."

At Murder's arrival, Telamon waves to the goblin. "Good day, Murder! Been off roughing it again? Hopefully the next summer beach-party won't have unwanted guests and I can concentrate on grilling the skewers."

Murder feigns an innocent look, but the mischievous look never leaves her eyes. "Me? Up to no good? Such slander, coming from the new guy!" She gestures at Telamon with her elbow, as if nudging him in the side. "Did you hear that? He thinks li'l ol' me is up to no good. Tell him I'm a good Gobbo!"

Her grin simply gets toothier. "Telamon and I have been in combat together, fending off a beach invasion. An' we were jus' trying to enjoy some arr and arr on the beach, with fire, delicious meats and cool drinks. The nerve!"

She licks at her lips. "Those were delicious. But uhm, why wait til next summer? I can catch us some rabbit and boar and even deer, and you can work your food magic over my camp fire! We can stay up late, talk about everything, and go to sleep fat and happy!" The Goblin shakes her backpack.

"Yeah, just got back with a load of furs, and a few ingredients for spell components and rituals. Making off with my trades!"

Munch buzzes happily to himself, covered in blood. Not his blood... well, finders keepers, but the gore technically belongs to the large owlbear on the golems back. Quite dead, fairly fresh, and currently being carried south from the city gates. The metal man beneath seems unbothered by the mass of meat and bone atop him, making swift progress, though pausing to let others pass.

Alfrik smirks at Murder. "You are a good Gobbo, but good Gobbos by nature are mischievous, and trouble makers, and always up to no good." He says with a chuckle as he ruffles Murder's hair. "Well yea...My mom is Llyranesi, but was of a nomadic and traveling met my father a human of a nomadic Aesir tribe, they went adventuring. But when mother got pregnant she decided to settle here and Father couldn't stand the idea of being tied to one place. But it's definitely possible mother knew your Uncle, she is a rather friendly woman but always about her duty and family first." He says his eyes move to Munch and a brow raises.

"That's usually how it happens," Telamon replies to Alfrik with a grin. "Though in my case, my father is a diplomatic envoy for the Mythwood, and met mother during a trade delegation. He was most taken with her." He chuckles. "And they're still together."

Tel smirks at Murder. "Oh, don't bear tales. You and the others did most of the work. I was just along to help." He pauses. "Hm. Maybe I could sideline sometime at the TarRaCe, doing some experimental cooking. Might keep me out of trouble..."

He trails off, watching Munch approach while carrying the dead owlbear. "Ni'essa's light," he mumbles. Then, louder. "Munch, is that you under all that? If you wanted a meal there are easier ways, you know."

The Gobbo is unsure of what to make of the pat to her head and the mussing of her hair, but she snorts, her grin not fading. "I am never not not up to no no good." Her head cants slightly. "Have you not gone and seen your mother, yet, Alfrik? Goodness, she's going to be mad if she finds out you've been hanging out with no-good layabouts instead of seeing her." Murder cackles.. a noise that dies in her throat when she sees Munch trundling up.

She runs over to pester the War Golem. "Whoa, where'd you kill the owl bear? Whatcha going to do with it? Sell it? How much?" The Gobbo hops from foot to foot excitedly. "How long's it been dead?"

She pauses a moment to peer at Telamon a moment. "Pfft, there is no way that you'd ever convince me that you could not have handled the entire situation yourself in a few moments work, and gone back to cooking before the water'd even fully claimed their bodies. You just figured that we had it in hand."

Munch raises a hand in greeting to Telamon, but then has an excited Murder to answer. "Little logging camp up towards Wilderness point. Headed to the Green Kettle just over there, son of the owner was part of the crew who first encountered it. Been dead about an hour, already gutted and cleaned. Pretty sure they plan to butcher it, but can likely get a haunch from them." The tavern with the lime green kettle above it's door is indeed about a half block further along.

Alfrik smiles and nods a bit to Telamon. "Mother says father loved us but the call to the road, and his love of travel and adventure were to much for him to ignore but it is what it is yea?" His smile broadens into a mischievous grin at Murder. "Oh but of course I've been home to mother told her all about a cute Gobbo girlfriend I got and everything, you shoulda seen the look on her face so priceless." He says but is he serious, is he just joking oh no who can tell? His gaze lands on Munch and he gives a nod. "Hey I'm Alfrik Serpentis and who might you be?"

Telamon just shakes his head. "Owlbear? If you say so. Not sure if I'd want that myself." He brushes back his coat. "In any case, hope it turns out well for you, Munch."

Tel chuckles at the byplay between Murder and Alfrik. "Now, Alfrik, don't do that to your mother. It's rude, if nothing else. But I'm glad you've returned to see your family; those ties are important, especially when you're on the road."

He gives Murder a look. "Gently now, I don't want people to get too nervous around me. Hard enough with magicians of various ilks who have trouble controlling themselves or using common sense."

Murder frowns at Munch, eyes looking to the creature over his shoulder. "How much are they paying you? I'll offer more!" She blinks, and her ears visible straighten as she slowly turns her head around, cheeks starting to colour pink.

"Say what?! Girlfriend?"

The Owlbear forgotten for now, the Goblin takes her frown and stomps over towards Alfrik. "You're going back to her to correct that little detail..." A quick glance is given to Telamon, and her frown remains firmly in place. "You and I both know what I said is the truth."

Munch bobs his head in greeting to Alfrik. "Might be a pretty short list. Not a lot who fit this description. Am Munch TerrorMaw, Golem Who Eats, Drill Breaker, probably some other titles I forgot. Munch is me. Reaver is here to, but kinda buried at the moment. I'd shake, but a bit gooey just now."

He blinks with a soft click, metal shutters sliding over magicite eyes, turning focus to Telamon. "You never had owlbear? Is pretty decent, along the general lines of beef. Makes an okay steak, and pretty popular in stews. Fairly standard at the Ox, after rat meat."

Buzzing amusement, he nods after Murder. "Told me where to find it. Wasn't much of a fight, but the bandits have all stopped trying to rob me, not too much else in the area. I mean there's the colluseum, but that's not the same."

Heading to the Green Kettle, the golem speaks briefly with someone thru the front door, then heads around to a side door, carefully flopping the body onto a table inside.

Alfrik shakes his head to Telamon. "Oh come now, how is it rude? Im a follower of a trickster, so she expects me to play games and jokes and the like." He glances to Murder and smiles brightly. "Hey come now, nothing needs to be corrected, youre a girl, and youre a friend therefore youre a girlfriend are you not?" He asks with a grin of his own. "Besides, you all are taking me waaayyyyyy too seriously." But than Alfrik is looking to Munch again. "Ah It is a pleasure to meet ya Munch, I've not met many of your kind before." And than Munch is off to take care of his business. "But honestly Murder relax little one I'm teasing, I didnt really tell my mom that you or any Gobbo was my girl friend, I promise so relax will ya huh?"

Telamon just rolls his eyes. "I think even the Laughing Sparrow is cautious about jokes and hearts, Alfrik. But you're the one who has to handle Murder, not me." His lips curl up. "I'm happily married, I don't have to deal with that any more -- except when someone calls me in to act as a naesirs. Which is rare."

He pauses. "I mean, if I had a silver for every time it happened, I'd have two or three silvers. Which isn't much, but it's still kind of peculiar."

Tel watches Munch haul his, uh, catch to the inn, nodding to the golem, before looking at Murder. "Yes, but humility, Murder. I like to cultivate a -little- humility."

Murder walks right up to Alfrik, peering up at him. Her arms fold and she huffs. "You know darn well that's not how people will take that, when yo go around saying so-and-so is your girlfriend." The Gobbo starts to unfurl her cloak, her right hand flexing and clenching into a fist. "And it's not nice to mess with a girl's heart. Especially not a girl who can drop fireballs at your feet. Or breath fire. Or who can carry you up past the clouds and let you go. I mean... I didn't name myself Murder because I'm happy-go-lucky sunshine an' rainbows."

The Goblin peers over at Telamon. "Yes, humility, it's why you let us handle the problem. That doesn't mean you shouldn't exude a little bit of power. Even if to keep people guessing." Another huff before she turns away. "Men."

Munch returns in short order, the wings and axe upon his back now visible, a wax paper package in one hand, a long bone in the other. A unla, to be specific. The package is offered to the goblin. "Brisket. You didn't? Murder makes me think of sunshine and rainbows. Why did you pick the name?"

The golem's face splits open, the faceplate cracking along both axis and pulling back. Beneath is a nightmare maw ringed by adamantine fangs, somewhere between a lamprey, a penguin, and a buzzsaw. Part of the bone is inserted, and the opening snaps shut, breaking off several inches. A quiet grinding follows.

Alfrik smiles and looks down at Murder. "I apologize Murder I meant no offense and nor did I speak of a name. I merely meant to jest and be light hearted, not to play with your heart or any woman's that honestly would be a tragic thing in my opinion. Im not that cold hearted, nor do I wish to be such, so again my you have my deepest apologies my new little friend." Alfrik says before looking to Telamon. "In truth I didn't look at it that way as I figured all would know I was kidding and teasing, and I wouldn't have truly said such a thing. But alas I am mistaken and the correction has been mad and duely noted."

"So long as you understand it, then we have no quarrel, sir." Telamon smiles at Alfrik. "Good judgement comes from experience. And experience comes from bad judgements. As long as we learn, there's hope for all of us."

He sighs at Murder. "Murder, that's... not exactly why I've pursued my path. I'd rather not browbeat people with some vague, indefinable aura of intimidation. I'm not that kind of person."

The Goblin suddenly grins from ear to ear, and bends over to laugh heartily, leaning a hand upon Alfrik's leg to do so. She takes a breath and looks up.. then starts guffawing once more. "Nwahahaha... it'd take me a lot more than that to get me mad." she snorts and straightens. "Fooled yah!" She hops up and down a few times, bouncing from foot to foot, her backpack jangling noisily.

Turning to regard Telamon once more. "I'm not saying to flex all the time, Telamon. Simply to not deflect all the time, is all. It feels... I dunno. A little dishonest? Perhaps not quite the word I'm looking for..."

She gasps at the package given over by Munch. "Oh!" Murder sniffs at it at length. "MMmh, thanks very much! This will go for dinner tonight! You're welcome up at my camp. I'm off the trail right around where it peters out a bit and you find yourself near Mictlan and the Grove, kinda in b'tween. The Siths patrol near there, so the trail should be pretty clear."

Munch nods in agreement to Telamon. "Wise. Much better to have a clearly defined and decernable aura of intimidation, really drive the threat home." He nods to Murder as well. "I'm familiar with the area, thank you. Might head over tomarrow, but tonight planning to head to Ol Clunk's, see what tasks he has lined up. Been a while since I dropped by to help him out."

Alfrik chuckles and than it devolves into a full belly busting laugh. "See see... Tricks and jokes they make us laugh and have fun! Ye did great with that one Murder, thanks that laugh was needed." He than looks back to Telamon. "Well of course life is chaos, but through chaos of mistakes and bad choices we learn more, and learning is all important." He says taking things in and gauging the reactions.

Telamon's expression is somewhat dubious. "Maybe, Murder, but I don't like bludgeoning people like that. I mean, I could go around doing so, but it wouldn't make me a better person and might make me worse." He exhales. "Still, there was that incident in Goblintown with the impersonator. Maybe I do need to politely put it out there that doing antisocial things around me might result in becoming a smear on the cobblestones. I'd much rather make friends, though."

He smirks at Alfrik. "See, now, you sound like a couple of friends of mine. I should direct you to Magpie, she's a researcher at the University. Studies the aspects of chaos in magic and can put them to good use. Tell her Telamon sent you, she'll be happy to talk."

Murder nods to Munch. "I'll have something for ya either way." She peers at Alfrik a moment and huffs, punching his leg slightly. "Still... don' go sayin' ya have a girlfriend without at least getting her in on th' joke."

The Gobbo shrugs gently to Telamon. "You can still exude a bit of power and still make friends. But, like... you're a pretty powerful person. If that's known, even if it's a vague notion that tickles the back of their head, it means far fewer people would attempt... stupidity towards you. You know?" She steps closer, to lower her voice. "It's why I bluff and bluster... keeps people guessing, makes them wonder... basically... you wanna say... "Let someone else have a go first."

Munch nods. "Depends on the sort of friends you want, as well. You want friends who drink tea and debate philosophy, or friends who punch you in the face to help keep you tough? Figure is nice to have a bit of both."

Telamon laughs softly. "Alright, alright. I'll take it under advisement. But..." He pauses, as if hearing something. Tilting his head. "...Hm. Well, Alfrik, was a pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid my wife is calling to me. If you're in search of insight on sorcery, you know how to find me."

He offers Munch and Murder a cheery wave before stepping away. And then--

Suddenly, a shimmer at his back. Six vanes of light extending out, like insect wings. Telamon soars into the air, swiftly flying eastward. Towards his home.

Alfrik nods his head to Murder. "Oh of course that makes sense, Ill keep it in mind Murder no worries." He says with a chuckle before he glances to Telamon. "Ah yes well chaos is life and life chaos, chaos is magic and magic chaos too, those who learn to use it and handle it, don't control it per se." He says with a laugh. "Though I'll certainly make sure to speak with this Magpie. And then Telamon is off and he waves as Telamon heads out. "So it appears this city has changed more than I had anticipated, I wonder why Mother didn't mention it when I got home last night."

"Well, you don't need punches in the face to keep tough. But it helps. I guess?" Murder looks at Much curiously, rubbing at the back of her head.

She chuckles then at Alfrik. "Could get you into trouble. I mean, what would you do if your mother expected babies sometime soon, eh? That could be a bit of a situation there."

Murder peers upwards as Telamon flies away through the air. "Ah, that's a fun way to get around."

Munch looks to Alfrik and buzzes. "Nah man, life is life and chaos is chaos. Life can be chaotic and magical, definately, but the three are their own things. Connected, maybe fundimentally, but still their own thing." He nods to Murder and buzzes happily, flexing his own leathery wings. "Highly reccomended. Hard to grow, tough to upkeep, but well worth the effort. Not sure about strictlt magical ones, but can't imagine are all that different."

Alfrik shakes his head with a laugh as he looks to Murder. "Oh no no, she wouldn't expect grand children any time soon, after all she's only about 150 years old, so she's not exactly up there in age." He chuckles at Murder. "But I do see where you're going with that, but as I said I didn't actually tell my mother that, I did tell her I met a few new folks upon returning and they seemed interesting to talk to and fun, but that's all." He grins before looking to Munch, his fingers idly trace the pendant around his neck. "I personally will agree to disagree with you friend, life is chaos, as is the natural world and order of things. Magic is chaos as well wild untamed and powerful. But folks have differing opinions and this subject is one that I know a great many scholars I've met have been debating for a long time."

"Hmmph, that is an old argument. Why not argue about something new?" The Goblin rubs her chin, her expression thoughtful. "For example, is water wet?" She glances from Munch to Alfrik and back. "Not exactly one of those things that'll keep you awake at night, I suppose." Murder chuckles at Alfrik. "I expect she would be wondering though... unless you didn't mention the fact that I am a Goblin. Or someone you'd just met on the road." She giggles lightly.

Munch nods to Alfrik. "Works for me. You're a sorcerer, yeah? Guessing snake magic? Or am I off?" He nods solemly to Murder. "Water is wet. Water makes things wet. Any bit of water can be diveded in half. Each half makes the other half wet. Therefore, water is wet." He's obviously thought about this.

Alfrik laughs at Murder's antics. "Murder I told you earlier when I made the joke Goblin Girlfriend." He teases her back. "But since it didn't actually happen, and we aren't actually a couple it matters not yes?" He than glances to Munch. "Oh, yes Im a sorcerer, and yes I'm one with the Serpent magics. What gave me away, my last name, the Snake head pommel of my dagger or the Snake tattoo upon my neck?" Alfrik asks with a happy laugh and a bright smile. "I mean of course water is wet, it makes other things wet, and even disolves things that are added to it making those things liquid too!"

Murder shakes her head. "I'm simply extending your joke to it's logical extremes, that's all. It could be amusing on many levels. And I mean, depending on who you ask, you could end up with an actual girlfriend." The Gobbo grins. "It's semantics, as far as water being wet. But I would argue that water is not wet itself, but it can make other things wet. It is just poor at doing so. It sticks to itself too well, and doesn't stick to solid surfaces well. Oil is better at making things wet."

Munch answers honestly. "The tattoo. Names you don't get to pick, usually, and knives come and go. Well, non-magic ones. But tattoos are usually some expression of self. Or a slaver mark, but those aren't near so fancy." To Murder he nods. "Oil makes things oily. Which is like being wet, but the two don't mix. Not without egg yolk. Then you get mayonaise."

Alfrik laughs and looks to Murder. "Is that you trying to ask me out Murder?" He asks with a good natured and light hearted laugh and a playful wink. "Yes the joke has many a fun long term and extreme conclusions that can eventually be reached." He says with a grin than he looks to Munch. "Oh yes Mayo is delicious. Hmmm...I should probably think of buying meats and the like for the house yes yes.."

Alfrik says, “Oh the tattoo...Right...Well I mean I could just really like snakes too! But kudos on your insightfulness my friend."”

"No, I would just come right out and ask.", the Goblin says with a shrug. She chuckles and grins toothily. "Maybe I should say you're my boyfriend. Then tell them you can beat them up." Murder gives her best innocent look and smile. "And I admit mayo is tasty, but um, that's unrelated to the question at hand. And that's a different kind of oil than what I was suggesting."

The Gobbo squints, looking again at the tattoos. "I thought it was just a healing symbol."

Munch nods to Murder thoughtfully. "Like lamp oil? I don't know if lamp oil can make mayonaise, but I'd try that sandwich." Turning to Alfrik, he says "I wasn't sure. Knew a guy who had flames tattooed around his eyes, dyed his hair bright orange, wore all red clothing. He did ice magic."

Alfrik smirks and looks at Murder a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Id be careful telling people I'm your boyfriend little Gobbo, you start tellin' them that I'll start expecting boyfriend treatment from you." Alfrik laughs winking at Murder before looking back to Munch. "Lamp oil, no we don't make mayo or food from lamp oil that'd be terribly unhealthy. But that person use speak of was using the art of deception, no one expects a guy who is all flamed up looking to use ice magic." The gaze of the half-elf moves back to Murder. "Well it's actually a very large piece of inked artwork, and as it's a viper, and vipers are venomous I wouldn't personally see it as a healing symbol, but if one doesn't look closely at it, I can see where one could jump to that conclusion."

Murder makes a sour face at Munch. "ewh, lamp oil tastes terrible!" She blinks. "Or so I've heard. I mean, it would probably not make for very tasty mayonnaise. Though uhhh, I dunno if you can taste so if you just need sustenance for energy and you can't taste stuff, have at!" Her nose wrinkles. "I would think it will smell terrible on the way out, too."

The Gobbo holds up a finger. "Sure! IF you survive long enough to get back to me." She laughs at length. "Lessee, first find the loan sharks and tell them I am borrowing and you're paying. Next, stink bombs in the temple of Vardama, and leave behind some graffiti with snake symbols matching your tattoos. Thennn... hmm, run up a few bar tabs. Challenge all the Musketeers to a duel at sundown on your behalf, right outside your mother's house..."

She pauses for breath.

Munch nods to Alfrik. "WE do not eat lamp oil. *I* eat lamp oil. Well, drink. I certainly won't say it tastes great, but have had worse. Sort of a biety loam flavor, with an alcohol burn. Decent energy in it, but rather stick to booze."

Alfrik smirks to Murder. "They'd have to survive me and my magics first, they'd also have to be able to find me, and I'm not easy to find even for an adorable little Gobbo like you." He teases. "Thirdly, they'd have and you'd have to know where exactly mother lives, I never stated that fact. I'm beginning to think threats like this from a Gobbo is her way of flirting." He says with a good natured and playful laugh, before looking to Munch. "Hmmm...Good to know, not that I'll ever be trying lamp oil."

"Alcohol has more energy than lamp oil? Good to know."

The Goblin grins. "Naw, you'll know when I'm flirting. It'll hurt."

She yawns suddenly and stretches at length. Shifting the pack on her back, she tightens the straps. "I should get going, I want to get back to camp before it gets to be too late." Her fingers begin to trace arcane symbols, and she mutters something guttural under her breath. A pair of bat-like wings stretch out suddenly from her shoulder blades. "I'll catch you both later on, nice chatting!'

With a few flaps, she's airborne and heading northward above the road.

Munch blinks. Blinks again. "....I did not know she could do that. Neat. Any way, I should head off myself, see what Clunk has going on. See ya around, I guess?"

Alfrik nods to both. "Alright you two take care of yourselves...." He trails off watching Murder grow those wings and take off. "Huh I guess lots of magic use to fly." Alfrik says as he too takes off in his own direction to head out.