Session 11 - What's Your Ideal Mate?
General Summary
The Characteristics of an Ideal Mate
Yenush wakes up with the sensation of being watched. Sitting up and grabbing a knife, he finds Aiaoue perched in a corner embroidering. Finally, she'd been waiting for over an hour. She has important questions for Yenush. Can it wait until after I put clothes on? After Yenush has a pair of pants, Aiaoue begins her morning interrogation. What are your ideal traits in a mate? Emotional, physical, mental... it's all equally important! Yenush stalls. Why do you want and need to know this? You're of mating age for your race, correct? My ma was always on me about finding a mate. Yenush remarks that his parents – his mom specifically – wasn't really around to harp on him about this so he's a bit caught off guard. You don't actively think about this? Yenush promises to get Aiaoue a list later that day. As Aiaoue departs, Yenush thinks about boundaries and sets up to spend the morning doing homework, ew.
Milo, after spending a good portion of the morning writing in his room, finds Dunebrook as she leaves her office. The conversation starts out pleasant enough until Milo mentions that he's a reporter. Dunebrook's face immediately pales and she fakes a coughing fit in order to excuse herself. Odd. Milo drops off a letter to Chloe at the Post Office before heading to the Tavern. Meanwhile, Cadence heads to the Tavern and finds that Jin is awake behind the bar. She's going a tiny bit "stir crazy" being in the same place for so long after being with a caravan her whole life. Are there people who could teach her crafts or other skills? Jin shrugs as he smokes. He could certainly teach her to brew alcohol, cook food... or pick locks. If you're looking for someone with jewelry skills, Eight's the one to talk to.
Milo catches Cadence as she leaves the Tavern, but first ducks in to also talk to Jin. Who knows things about the gods around here? Well, there's a Lady of Life in the fields, but she seems currently indisposed at the moment. Jin could certainly say a bit about Varoona. Otherwise, Ironborn was certainly in the good graces of Nacheevi at some point, though not sure if that's still the case now. If you want a bloodstained picture of the gods – particularly Lark – you can talk to Eight. Her opinion of the Dremoran gods is particularly low. Milo asks Cadence if her darkness, this Eresh, has a form. As far as Cadence can recall, Eresh has a voice, but manifests as darkness. Milo mentions that he's been having dreams that are particularly unsettling to him. There's a horse? Just a horse. After a bit of reflection, Milo provides additional context: the horse had a cloaked and armor-clad rider, he was on a battlefield, and there was blood and viscera. Cadence mentions that if she's having dreams and Eresh is supposedly a god of death... perhaps Milo has something similar? Perhaps war? Milo doesn't like the sound of that.
Teagan heads to the mines, joining Jeff. Teagan mentions that he had the best-worst sleep of his life. Expound. Teagan talks a bit about his dreams, there's this armored lady and she's shown up in various places. It's never pleasant. Do you think your haunted then? Well then, it sounds like you need an exorcism. Do people do that here? Jeff doesn't, though he's not sure his solution would do much to help Teagan. That said, in confronting whatever is happening, Jeff sees two options: continue running or turn and face it. You're pretty big, you can take an armored lady, right? Plus, look at where running got Jeff. Teagan ponders Jeff's words as they mine away at the unsettling bone-metal.
Arkyn goes to the Ohn'Lee clinic to check on Evandra. Viren is in the middle of doing something magically oriented as he takes notes near Evandra. After learning that Viren is operating on 4 hours of sleep, Arkyn assumes that Viren is very overworked. As he attempts to offer his help, Viren mininterprets the offer as a critique of his skills. As Viren begins to short-circuit and panic, Arkyn also panics, using Mage Hand to try and hug Viren. Eventually, Arkyn settles on going to get Cadence to help as he goes to Madame Blythe to get some tea for Viren. When he bumps into Cadence, he asks if she'll go to Viren under the guise of "learning from him". That might boost his confidence.
Aiaoue swings through the escort side of Sinner's Choice, where she bumps into Marcia. Do you have anyone here who's about this tall and perhaps has scales? Aiaoue is looking to find an escort, preferably male, who could help someone with confidence building. Marcia seems pleasantly surprised by the request and will certainly see if any of the boys are interested. When Aiaoue inquires about payment, Marcia mentions that trade is accepted or, after pausing for a bit, favors. Aiaoue is down with favors! After hesitating for a moment, Marcia informs Aiaoue that she needs Ademar's dice stolen. Oh, that's easy, I already took these cards! Marcia clarifies: the dice on Ademar's person. The one's she's certain he uses to cheat with. She needs leverage on him. Of course, if Aiaoue does not want to go against Ademar, Marcia mentions that she also holds value in information.
Aiaoue ducks into the casino where most of the staff is going about their routine morning business... and cleaning up blood from the carpet. Ademar is standing nearby observing. Aiaoue inquires what happened and Ademar shrugs: drunken shenanigans lead to fists flying and broken bottles. Is Omarosa here? I heard she sleeps here. Ademar quirks a scale-covered brow; no, she's not here. Oh, okay then, thanks! Aiaoue heads out, intending to go to the Academic Center. Meanwhile, Yenush - having finished his homework - talks to Milo and then flags down Aiaoue as she departs Sinner's Choice. Yenush gives Aiaoue his list who, after slowly reading it, returns it to him. Keep that close and think about it.
Teagan and Arkyn head to the fields. Are you here to talk to Sayah about me? Arkyn states that he'll go investigate the MWDs so that Teagan can talk to her first. The MWD in question seems to be functioning as normal. There are signs of wear and tear, but no signs of sabotage. Thinking back on it, the miasma was thinner and the MWD was still active as if trying to function, but experiencing a malfunction. Meanwhile, Teagan does, in fact, go to talk to Sayah. He offers any help he can provide. Sayah notes that no one will be doing as much around here without Evandra, though they could make use of some muscle. There's plenty of people here who wouldn't mnd watching Teagan plow. T-they would?
Teagan, after leaning up against a wall, asks about Arkyn. So what's going on there? Whatever do you mean? Sayah mentions that she's never gotten so many mixed signals from someone before, though she has no intent on making any untoward moves. But you won't break his heart, right? Sayah grins. She wouldn't do so intentionally. On a corvid's honor. Teagan squints. She warned Arkyn that a heart can be stolen; it's his choice if he chooses to guard it or not. As Teagan goes to help, Arkyn greets the birds as he approaches Sayah. Like Teagan, Arkyn is also here to offer help... and see Sayah. Are you doing okay? Sayah seems less greedy this moring. Was it you or spider monkey who kissed me? Sayah tilts her head. Arkyn, how do you feel? Do you want to kiss me? After a solid stare down, Arkyn summons Mage Hage to grab Sayah behind the neck as he kisses her. Hm, so you do know something. Sayah pats Arkyn's cheek as she moves off to the fields, winking at Teagan. Arkyn stands there confused before deciding to help dig holes.
Cadence visits the Ohn'Lee Clinic. Viren is more than happy to have Cadence's help and, if she is looking to learn new skills, he could teach her how to make potions? He gets ingredients from time to time. Cadence agrees. After spending the afternoon learning from Viren and starting to get the basic understanding of potions making, Cadence goes to the Post Office to drop off a letter to the caravan. It may take a bit of time to flag down the caravan, but the Dremoran Courier Service is unstoppable when mail delivery is the priority!
Yenush, Milo, and Aiaoue arrive to find Khalil elbow deep in the body of a god. Yenush pulls Khalil aside to talk in private, where he shares his dreams. There are places in Nacheevi that he knows, but his dreams are different. There are gnomes instead of dwarves and when he passes through a door, there are fields. There are laws there that I do not know and I've been feeling recently like I could make the laws (oh, that's blasphemous). Yenush also mentions that he had a "ping" with Ademar and that the authoritative voice that talks to him has made multiple references to a "snake in the grass". Khalil notes that, in light of Yenush's band of companions and Dunebrook's opinions, it is possible a remnant of a god has afflicted Yenush, especially if the voice matches the divine power of a god Yenush has already heard before. Regarding Ademar, Khalil has heard in passing that Ademar's mother was afflicted. Most considered it a normal gambling addiction, but she eventually gambled with her life and walked into the miasma never to return. Khalil was not hear when Ademar's mother was alive so the only person who could confirm if they suffer the same affliction is Ademar's Aunt.
Milo then takes his turn in Khalil-sponsored therapy. Milo mentions that he too has been having dreams and that, perhaps, he is not fine. In his dreams, he sees a horse with a rider who is armor clad and cloaked. The horse is often charging towards Milo and is covered in blood and viscera. Most recently, this occurred on a battlefield. However, what concerns Milo the most is that he is running from his family. Khalil notes that it is common for people with family to have anxieties related to them. However, if Milo has never stood upon a battlefield, then this contains symbolism most in line with war. Plus, that fits well with what Khalil knows of Milo's ping with Teagan and the supposed armored woman that haunts Teagan.
Meanwhile, Aiaoue talks to Omarosa who is incredibly standoffish and uncaring initially. However, Omarosa's face does soften slightly when Aiaoue mentions having brought Viren apples and when she deferred to Omarosa's seniority as Viren's protector. Alcide's sister didn't care much for Aiaoue in the beginning. It wasn't until Alcide stood up to his parents for her that Alcide's sister finally came around. So she understands. Omarosa notes that no one has every stood up to her... she will condone Aiaoue's friendship with Viren, but if one wrong move is made, Omarosa will not hesitate. Aiaoue just wants Viren to be happy! Oh, and is Ademar your ideal mate? Omarosa scoffs and brushes off the comment. Ademar is her partner. Aiaoue gets the sense that Ademar is not ideal.
Cadence goes to the Church and speaks to Diamont about his previous offer to join. The Church is always looking for members. Most join the Church as Acolytes. After Cadence expresses her desire to continue to serve Caliban, Diamont mentions that a Void Shard is not in her future. Cadence formally joins as an Acolyte and is offered modest accommodations in the Church. Meanwhile, Arkyn and Teagan go to order some magic items from Ironborn before the Iron Queen departs. Aiaoue inquires about healing potions (or the materials to make them specifically). Aiaoue says goodbye to Omen and, before the massive eldritch leviathan leaves, he plucks an eye out. It hardens to stone in his grasp as he hands it to her. Should she need his aid, she merely must call and he will return.
Before heading to the tavern to join everyone else for the regular evening talks, Aiaoue heads to the Ohn'Lee clinic where she finds Viren contemplating what to break. Aiaoue mentions that she has Yenush's list of ideal traits. What does Viren what in an ideal mate? After being confused by the word choice, Viren mentions that he doesn't need to be protected, he just wants someone to be with him. He values the ability to coexist in silence. He is fond of apples and would prefer someone organized rather than chaotic or slovenly. Aiaoue gets the sense that Viren isn't entirely sure. Although Aiaoue won't show Viren the list, she thinks there's potential here and they both decide to strategically break one of the clinic beds. As Viren hugs Aiaoue in thanks, she feels as if she's hugging someone slightly taller. Everything she orchestrates is perfection, yet she wonders how far this time he will get. How long until he panics, retreats, and hides away again?
Just Another Evening Talk
It's time for another EVENING talk! And what a surprise, Jin is awake for this one. Seated around the table, a general group conversation quickly breaks down into multiple paired conversations. Milo and Yenush talk about their current dream situation. Yenush opens up about the issues he's had with his arm. There's a voice that talks to him. Milo, on the other hand, has never heard a voice. Perhaps specific or big events trigger things? There's a broader discussion of Cadence and Eresh, Dunebrook, and potential god-like involvement. Yenush also mentions that Ademar's mother was afflicted. Meanwhile, Teagan and Arkyn have a conversation on the Corvid lady situation. Teagan mentions that Molly used to leave him in the woods just to scare him – very romantic. Aiaoue attempts to talk to Cadence's ball of darkness. There's the feeling of being watched when Eresh' name is mentioned, but its unclear from where. Cadence confides in Aiaoue about potentially helping her find a "partner". Aiaoue later pokes at Teagan who assures her that he and his wife are just on a break and that he's definitely not ready to go into the dating pool. But what about someone goes into the pool FOR you??
With all the courage he can muster, Viren shows up and is almost immediately offered a shot. Milo invites Arkyn to talk so Yenush and Arkyn simply MUST switch seats. Aiaoue as the MVW (most valuable wingman) subtly brings up the broken bed, to which Viren affirms that he'll need help fixing it. Yenush offers to assist in the morning. As Viren becomes more and more flustered at being the center of attention, Aiaoue suggests that all go around and tell stories. Rather than telling a story of the Coliseum (as he's read many), Viren defaulted to a more nature-based story of healing from Oshiv'Ran. Aiaoue told the story of the ugly fish and how he saved the other fish. Cadence told the story of a gray drake. Viren eventually excused himself to go check on Evandra. Only then does Milo let Arkyn come back in after having been removed from subpar attempts at being a wingman.
As everyone heads to bed, Arkyn heads over to Sayah who is - as always - reclining on the roof. When Arkyn remarks that they are "partners" now (based on what he's been told), Sayah informs him that usually you ask the other person before you start using that title. Arkyn does not proceed to ask, but he does learn that Sayah does not dislike him. Menawhile, Yenush decides to bar his door to avoid further privacy encroachments. A few hours later, he wakes up to a stifling hot room and... it's filled with smoke. Jumping out the window, the tavern is clearly on fire. In the Academic Center, Teagan bolts upright with the sensation that something is very wrong.
"What if our mage hands touched?"
Report Date
25 Oct 2024
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