Nov 19 - Seb Checks in on his Family

Seb and Vera, after talking some more and Seb catching a nap, head out to shop and take up Quana on her offer of scrying.
 
Finding her office, Seb says to the guards posted at her door that he is answering an invite. They let them in, and she has company.
 
They step out, and she asks which offer he's here for. (Scrying or a spar.) She’d rather wait til the end of her shift if they’re going to fight.
Scrying.
 
She leads them down the hall. Opens a door to a room with a table in the center with an orb on a pedestal. Crystal, with shifting images inside.
 
Seb asks for help using it.
Quana asks if he has a memento. "No."
Do you know them well? "Yes, my sister."
Do you have any shared object, picture etc. "I can draw something."
Vera hands him some paper and charcoal. He sketches a portrait.
Similar bone structure, familial, but features are a little more delicate. Clearly not Genasi.
 
Quana explains to place hand on the orb. Make sure the picture is in view. Focus on it. Speak her name, and hopefully you can see her. Strong willed people can resist, so it's not a guarantee.
 
"Full name?"
Yes.
Seb repeats: "Just say it out loud. Great." Doesn’t sound happy.
 
Seb sets up as instructed, places his hand on the globe. States: "Janine Barromite"
A scene resolves itself. A familiar building. It zooms in, focuses, there is a bedroom. Sitting in the corner, window open, currently painting. Brush against canvas. Stares out at the crowds outside. Has picked out some people to paint.
 
Hears a voice calling out. "Jan! Come help me with dinner." She finishes the bit she's working on. Closes the curtains and gets up.
 
She heads down the stairs. He can see Vickie, just starting on dinner. Mostly appears the same. Family seems to be doing ok. Neither well off nor poorly.
 
Idle conversation about their day. Similar chatter to what he'd expect to hear on any average day. Mother isn't around/in view at the moment. He stands for the full 10 minutes watching.
 
Quana lifts his hand, holding his wrist for a moment.
"I'm guessing since you didn't shout, everything is ok?"
"Yes, they're actually ok." Relieved chuckle. "They're at home."
She smiles, lets go of his wrist.
Seb asks if it's possible to scry again. One other person he wanted to check on.
She says, maybe after the job is done. This was pulling strings as it was.
He comments it's been 2.5 years or so since seeing her.
Seb, relief washing over him seeing his family is FINE. All are fine! Smiles, skin cracking open. Fist pump.
Vera and Quana both smile at this effusive response.
 
Quana talks of possible transportation by Essek for a visit.
Seb doesn't expect that would be possible.
 
Slight shift of unease at the mention of Essek. No major response from Quana at this, just an eyebrow.
 
"Taken enough of your very important time."
"I assume we can count on your help, still?"
"Either way, yes."
"Good. The people here have need."
 
A moment passes.
Seb asks "You were next door last night? Can we expect you tonight?"
Quana confirms. The child wants to go. Not letting her out on her own, with certain affiliations. *cough cough Myriad*
 
She mentions he doesn't have to hide his weapons here. He could have the cloak tailored. Maybe once he has more coin.
 
He inquires about any dietary issues, allergies.
Not in this life.
How about Valina? Nope. Talk of typical child pickiness. Thin/small sliced onions.
 
Quana mentions they will need to test the food. Standard procedure. With the war going on, they have to be much more cautious. Normally a regular escort would have been fine for their daughter. They have to attend to protect her themselves.
 
Seb says the only folks he doesn't trust fully would be the other house.
She responds that they have been well vetted, and they chose to take on special forces to save a Diplomat.
 
If there is ever a group to trust, it would be them.
The only one *she* doesn't trust, is in our group.
Seb asks who is going to say it out loud first.
Doesn't need to be said. The Myriad work for the highest bidder. That makes her dangerous.
Seb says if anyone has leverage over her, it's the group.
"I trust you believe that. But it's difficult to trust that's actually the case for her. She has elected not to renounce her ties."
 
He offers to trade anything he would be rewarded with for an opportunity for Marya to scry.
 
She asks if he realizes how much the house is worth. Gives a massive number.
 
She finally confirms she and Leylas will be in attendance.
 
"Might have to dress up!" he says.
 
"Did you know the other families were invited?" Mentions Komaria and Zintris by their previous names - that possibly their Rosohna families (Den X and Y) would attend.
Tries to get a head count. Both houses, families, etc.
The Ambassador they saved.
Virdan's uncle, maybe?
 
Over 30?
 
Much muttering about food and kitchen goods. Quana says they'll bring the booze.
 
Finally leave.