In the Halls
Log Info
- Title: In the Bar
- Emitter: Ashes
- Characters: Ashes, Sabina
- Place: A03: The TarRaCe
- Time: Friday, September 11, 2020, 10:14 PM
- Summary: Ashlee comes ot the TarRaCe and wants to talk about things with someone, namely Sabina. It takes some effort on the Tarienites' part, but she manages to the mourner to explain what is going on. Mostly, she is very confused by her emotional reaction to a very strong religious experience, the one where she helped a caravan of oruch ghosts free of a curse and into the afterlife. Ash explains it was very intense at the time, and remains so afterwards and while she's happy with her performance she's never quite felt all that much at once. Sabina reassures her that having emotions is fine, and wonders if there is something specific to Vardama's teachings against them, to which Ash says no. Her relationship with Merek is discussed, and Ash explains that she sees him as a friend now, that things have changed and they aren't the people they were. Also, that the dreams and portents got pretty bad. Somehow this leads to Ash being asked about other potential interests, and she explains that she is so terribly ugly by goblinoid standards no one is interested in her.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* The TarRaCe *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Inside, this two-story structure has been almost completely opened up. Generous windows on both stories allow daytime sunlight and cooling night breezes to flow in as needed, while the brick walls have been whitewashed - contrasting with the dark-stained beams and supports, and the rich polish on the wooden floor. A broad strip of stone runs from the entrance to a framed doorway set into the opposite wall, with a sign above the lintel declaring that the baths are to be found that way.
The ground floor is sprinkled with tables and chairs of assorted sizes, offering welcome to guests both large and small. One whole corner of the building - into which guests are not permitted entry - has been given over to the kitchen, which serves as the domain of the famed monster chef Ligum Serforus. Mundane meals are available, but the chef delights in offering up obscure dishes made from the freshest of monster ingredients.
Opposite the kitchen a small bar runs in front of an array of shelves, displaying a broad selection of beverages (most of them alcoholic). The bar-top has been fashioned from what looks to have been old pieces of armor, fused and welded together before being polished to provide a near-smooth finish. Set above it, three human-sized statues have been built into an alcove in the wall: Tarien, Rada and Ceinara jointly keep benevolent watch over the room and its occupants.
To the right of the entrance, a small stage offers a platform for a handful of performers at a time. To the left of the door, a spiral staircase of wrought iron winds its way up to a balcony dining area, that is chiefly reserved for special events and parties.
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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Ashes A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face Sabina Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The sky is grey-black, without moon or star. It's hard for human eyes to see anything in the deep shadows. The wind is chilly. None of this really bothers an ashen Arvec, she can see and doesn't mind the cool wind. However being inside and having some food would still be nice.
Ashlee pushes open the door to the TarRaCe and braces herself for an Irshya-rush. The goblin doesn't seem to be about, she relaxes. She stares around the room, it's busy and the set piece players on the stage are keeping it lively. Lively is good. The mourner prefers things quiet, she looks around carefully for the most out of the way place.
Bina is in a shair near the stairs that go upwards. She's smiling, of course. Happily watching those that are happy and lively in the room. Safely hidden behind her mask. A glass of wine is in her hands, rolled first one way and then the other. Every now and again a sip is taken. But when she spies Ashes she stands and waves.
Ash sees Sabina waving and heads her way. She moves slowly, with a good drifting-step that makes it seem she's floating along even though she's wearing slacks and clearly is walking to anyone that looks. Her eyes lock on the glass of wine, she would like one of those. Drawing close she says, "Hi."
Chippen the choker centipede adjusts around her neck, rotating so he can look at Sabina as well. Ash meanwhile, stares at the skull face reflection the silver-mask gives her.
Bina steps in and gives Ashes a warm but brief hug. And when pulling back she reaches out to run a finger tip on Chippen. Just a touch of greeting. And above on the second floor the Emp calls out in greeting and annoyance. "Welcome.. Come. Come sit and be merry in heart, My friend."
Chippen does a little flurry of legs, perhaps it's a dance. He's solid to the touch, and feels delicate.
Ash stands still while this goes on, then waves up at Emp. She intones, "Chippen says hi." Next she looks around for a chair, and finding one pulls it up beside Sabina. She positions herself a little behind, so she's not immediately visible from the door, would look like a shadow. It gives her a good view of the room, and a good, if reversed spot for listening to the band. She does have the large goblinoid ears though, so they rotate backwards, somewhat.
"Ok." She adds, her eyes darting a little from side to side as tries to be merry inside.
Sabina laughs as Ashes takes her literally and calls over one of those who are on wait staff this evening. She then motions towards Ashes. "Whaver she desires to drink or eat, please." She asks of the male priest who nods and looks to the Mourner.
She waits till Ashes is done and then asks her shadow. "What brings you out this evening?Just looking for some entertainment? Or is there other things on your mind?"
Ash orders gunpowder chili, with extra gunpowder. This should be available in goblin-tow, but perhaps it's better here. Odd but perhaps not an unusual accomplishment for the Lucht Siuil chefs. She also asks for a big glass of wine, what Sabina is drinking, perhaps as solidarity, to appreciate her tastes, or for curiosity.
The next questions are a little harder. She puts her fingertips together, they push at each other and rub over themselves. There are things on her mind, she does want to talk about them, she wanted Sabina's company. She considers, perhaps she wants to talk to Sabina. "Some things. It's been a little odd."
Sabina says, "Things? What things have been odd?" Bina asks the Arvek. "You seem your normal bright self." But she pauses to take in the sight of Ashes and her fingers. "On second thought you look like you have something on your mind. Some thing... of weight." She says with a grin. "Come. Tell me."
"Well..." Ash says, then looks directly at Sabina, who by now should be used to her stares. There is something more in this one, the way her eyelids twitch, and how her lips are tight. Her skull tattoo is on her skin, and up close it doesn't hide her features and expressions as well as it does at a distance.
"I helped a caravan of ghosts cross the Veil. A lot. The most I've ever helped. Merek was with me. It was..." The ashen Arvec sighs, emotion wavering in her voice. She pauses. It's gone when she speaks again, "It was very emotional, and frustrating, and... beautiful."
Bina's smile dims down to something more serrious to meet the conversation. "I see. Something of a trial for you? Or more of a devine moment of service? Or was it.. even something more then that? Perhaps better for the company?" She asks more of a way of trying to help Ash with her own thoughts.
"I am used to a single ghost, sometimes a family. I wasn't sure at first, they felt very real." Ashlee explains, still maintaining direct eye contact with Sabina, although hers keep trying to slip away. "It is what the Feiu of the Tears wants of me. I am glad to fulfil."
"Merek was..." She hesitates, more glances aside, "... it was good he was there, but he's ... changed. It's hard."
Bina reaches out to touch Ashes's hand. "Ashley. I'm.. ok at reading people. Not the best but good overall. But with you I have to work at it and I get the feeling that this is very important for you. Can you try to put into words what ...what you felt inside. Tell me how you felt then and how you feel now about it."
Ashlee listens. She nods, she takes Sabina's hand. Hers are hobgoblin-y, which means they are a little oversized and monstrous compared to a human her size. A little hairy, even though the bone tattoos show just fine. Her clasp is soft. "Scared. Uncertain. Merek hesitated. I had to give him orders. The ghosts, orders. I don't like doing that, being an officer."
She blinks, the edges of her eyes twitch, she doesn't look away. She swallows, "Then we got them free, of their curse. They got to pass beyond. They had been trapped, cursed there, for a long time. I feel sad, thinking how long they suffered. And... I helped?"
She blinks rapidly.
Bina nods encouragingly. "You felt sad that they suffered. But they aren't suffering anymore. And that's such a good thing isn't it?" She gently squeezes Ashley's hand. "And so you can still remember vividly how you felt then, right? And it still bothers you, that feeling? And now.. How do you feel about what you did now?"
"I felt the grace of my goddess?" Ashlee struggles to describe exactly what she felt. Her voice still monotone, "Overwhelmed? I remember. Feeling a lot. Happy for them. Just, a lot."
She stares, and her eyes go glassy. Tears perhaps, brimming if not flowing. "I feel good, that I did it, that I was chosen. I think, to do it."
Bina's smile returns in full. "Yes. A full feeling. Emotion that fills you like a cup until it tries to run from your eyes. A mixture of awe, pride, humbleness, sorrow, happiness. Things that seem like they could never mix together but do. And your belief in your god is firmer then it ever has been...yes? It's a moment you should hold on too. Remember it in hard times and in good."
Ashlee nods, and then her food arrives, and that big glass of wine that she can give her hands something to do with. She holds the bowl with both, and takes a sip, sniffing. It's enough distraction she can pull back from showing too much. "Yes. All those, and it is. I will remember."
She hesitates again, "Thanks. I needed to tell someone."
Bina sits back then and smiles at her friend. "Thank you for trusting me with such an important event. I am glad you were able to assist as your godess willed. And glad that it was powerful in feeling for you too." She grins wide. "I think I've had small momments like that. But nothing so powerful as what I detect from you. Perhaps one day."
Ashlee nods again. A second sip lets her hide behind the glass. "I didn't mean to get emotional."
"I don't talk about these things. Usually." She says carefully, "I hope you get a moment too."
"Is it wrong to get emotional, Ashley? I never thought it to be so. I mean.. there are times and places you don't want to be. But now seems like a good time. As good a time as any." She gives Ashes another warm look. "Unless there is some reason it's against your religion?"
"No." Ashlee says, looking down at her glass, "Except when we're helping the bereaved, then it's discouraged. A certain distance is best."
Even if the ashen Arvec seems to have taken that distance and multiplied it a few times. She rotates the glass in her hands, "The ghosts don't like a lot of ... life. It's easier to hear them when I'm still."
She looks up, "It's the opposite for you. Don't you have days when you don't have enough energy to tell wise jokes all the time?"
Sabina laughs. "When was the last time you heard me tell a wise joke?" She asks. "There are an abundance of those folk in my god's order who prank and poke fun at. And I will from time to time as well. But.. I deem smiles worth more time and effort then the reast of my fellow Tarienites. And so I work towards smiles.. which leads to laughter."
Ash thinks, because it has been a long time since she heard a joke, and she likes to answer questions she's asked. She fails to recall. She bobs her head, "Smiles are good."
"So.. speaking of smiles. You had a ..hmm..certian glow about you when you met Merek again. It startled me to hear you and he had been a couple. It shouldn't have but it did. Tell me. Did the event you shared bring you closer together again?" she asks with playful smile forming.
"It... did?" Ash looks up, directly at Sabina. "More like colleagues?"
She sets her glass down, takes up the bowl of chili and a spoonful, without lighting it on fire. "I had to give him orders, and he's changed. It was strangely good and bad."
Sabina says, "Your answers are as vauge as ever I see. This is were you share giggling details over the man who you have a nickname for. A pet nickname of..affection? Mer-mer, wsn't it? Come... come now. Use your words and tell me all about it." sshe chuckles."
Ashlee sits up straighter, her back very stiff. She's on a spot now. She must spill the beans to 'Bina. Staring, she says, "We met in Blar, he was lecturing at the academy I attended. We got to talking. He is very knowledgeable. Kind. He didn't seem bothered, and most are. I found him charming. We had nicknames, yes. He called me 'Twilight'."
She shakes a little, and takes another spoonful of her chili. "Nan Mochtrath gave me the name Ciaradh, which means the time between light and darkness, because I was stillborn. It can mean twilight, but I don't like it because it reminds me I'm dead."
"It was ok when Mer-mer used it. Not since we broke up though."
"You are not dead, Ashley. You are alive. You might have once been dead. Briefly dead. ...But you are alive now and will be until your are called home to your god's side. Correct?" She asks of the Mourner. "And so.. You are not together now? Do you wish to be again or are things too much changed?"
Ashlee sets her food down, then reaches into her satchel and takes out her Thanatopticon, which is an odd sort of artifice device for her to have, but she does live in Goblin-town and know goblins, so she could have picked it up. "This tells living, dead, and otherwise."
She points it at herself, and it flashes for a long time before returning a diagnostic result: Living. She turns it so Sabina can see. "It gets confused sometimes. I'm alive. Correct."
She sets that down, returns to staring at Sabina. "Not together now. He was my first crush, but the passion faded. Then the bad dreams came, and the bad auguries. I broke up with him."
Ashlee looks away, staring at the table. Her voice remains monotone, "I saw bad things were going to happen to him, to anyone with him. Some of them have happened now. He used to be a starry-eye bookworm, now there are actual stars in his eyes. So too much has changed, and I saw that when we were at the Caravan. I still miss what we had."
Sabina nods slowly, again the smile toning down to something that meets the tone of conversation. "Hearts are a difficult mater. I do not claim to know much about them myself. I just simpley choose to follow my own whenever I can." She looks up at Ashley and now it's her turn to stare at the Mourner. "Can you see him in your heart? Will he desire to be there again? Does he have you in his?"
"I don't think so." Ash says. "He is in mine as a friend, but any closer and we would rub badly. The things he did which annoyed me remain, and there are more. He seeks Ascension, his focus is on other planes, the metaphysical. Not here."
She makes a gesture with her hands which might be waving at the floor, might indicate herself. "I have changed also. I mourn what we had but it would not work again."
Sabina says, "For that I am sorry, Ashley. But at least you seem to be seeing him clearly. That is a good thing even if it is hurtful in other ways." She sits backa again and takes a sip from her wine. "Who else do you have as a love interest? A fellow priest Mourner? Is there another?""
Ash shakes her head, "Some of the older Mourners still blame Blar for what happened at the Temple here, and they should. I'm friends with Mourner Verna, but not friends-friends. I haven't found anyone, and there are a lot more Mul'niessa at the Temple than Arvek Nars."
She picks up her glass of wine, says quietly, "and I'm kind of ugly for a hobgoblin."
Sabina says, "Pfft.." Sabina says with a shake of her head. "You are unique. Your tattoos and your direct way of interaction would likely put some off. But intriuge others. Do not speak that way about yourself." She shrugs. "Beauty isn't everything. I once met a young man.. gods above he was gorgeous. Masculine but so pretty he almost wasn't. But he had the voice of a braying mule and would put Emp to shame in his ego.""
"That sounds terrible." Ash comments, imagining. Although her imagination is a little wonky, so she ends up envisionning a very muscular mule with a great flowing golden mane, who brays while doing dressage. "Very terrible."
Still, Ashlee must plead her case with a list of her personal flaws. "I don't have any warts, and my stomach is flat, and my chest is larger than it and my hips are wider than my waist too. I have hardly any hair on my body, it's easy to see my tattoos, and my arms and legs are long and slender."
She sounds absolutely horrendous, by goblin standards. Ash waves her hands in the air, making the shape of something small, round-ish, "Goblinoids prefer something shorters and very lumpy, like all the girls at Ma Rosie's Goblintown Gambling Hall."
Ash adjusts on her seat, "I wanted to invite some goblins out, but didn't want to take them there. Can I bring them here instead?"
Bina is about to say something and then gets a sudden question about goblins. She bursts out into laughter and nods. "Of course you can! I welcome all here. As long as they behave. No blowing things up." She laughs again andd then leans over to give Ahes a kiss on the cheek. "And those things you mentioned as negatives. Well the humans find as posatives. Perhaps you should find yourself another human lover." She stands up and drains her wine glass. "Time for me to do some of the bookwork."
