Knights at Night
Log Info
- Title: Knights in the Night
- Emitter: Paenitia
- Characters: Ezil, Paenitia, Pasithea, Faranmidahn
- Place: A10: Temple District
- Time: Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 8:48 PM
- Summary: Ezil returns to the Temple District after a long absence. At the same time, a crimson knight upon an ivory steed glides in, carrying a sleepy sorceress. Faranmidahn is out on patrol with Torrent and Zephyr, kept warm by troubled thoughts. The two friends hail, and the two newcomers join and introduce themselves as Paenitia and Pasithea. They are taking a break on an adventure to fetch reinforcements, and due to strange time effects of the place they left, there's no need to rush. Food and a place to stay for the night are sought, so the mounts are seen to and everyone relocates to the Fernwood pub. Pasithea is given a bed while the Paladin and two Knights stay up to talk. Faranmidahn shares that things have not settled since Salina's defeat, Shards of Animus have become a bone of contention and everyone is seeking them to bring back the dead god. She explains also, that Salina was not really Salina, but a dream of child Salina, and so there's no one to directly punish. This is followed by a caution to Paenitia, to be careful with her vows. The red knight accepts the wisdom, agreeing that the Fae Queen situation seemed very complex. Ezil and Faran discuss the Horn of Gilead, while Paenitia elaborates on the tomb she is investigating, and the undead and hyenas they saw there.
The Temple District
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The air of solemn, heavy divinity in the area is often broken by laughter. The dual presence of the deities Althea and Daeus, man and wife, stand towards the center, with their children and their children's temples positioned around them. The presence of the divine is felt not only by their temples, but also by the actions of their worshipers. The great plaza is as a social center, paved in brilliant, white flagstones and covered in benches and sitting areas. Priests, acolytes, and servicefolk of all stripes roam the plaza, going from one task to the other.
At the front of the temples of Daeus and Althea, at the Plaza's centermost point, rests a great fountain, the cheerful waters reflecting the Sun during the day, and the Moon and Stars at night. The fountain is strategically centered, and is oft a place for wisdom and lesson-giving. It is not uncommon for a priest of some stripe or the other to stand there, surrounded by the curious and faithful, delivering messages of hope or contemplation. At other times, it and the plaza become a landscape of celebration of the holy holidays.
Few vendors are seen in the plaza--the nearby temples provide most food or services. Towards the west, the great Bridge stretches across the river, and towards the east, the Redridge mountains. The plaza rests in the midst of it all, the temples massive and grand on the Alexandrian scale.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ezil 5'11" 175 Lb Human Male An armored man with dark skin, and grey-blonde hair. Faranmidahn 3'3" 35 Lb Halfling Female Albino Lucht woman in black leather armor with a BIG spider Paenitia 3'0" 34 Lb Halfling Female A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery. Pasithea 3'2" 38 Lb Halfling Female Tall female lucht, willowy, Hair dark as night -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
A cold wind blows from the west, driving charcoal clouds before it and blotting out the stars in isolated patches overhead. The air is clear and elsewhere the stars shine brightly.
It's not that late in the evening, but late enough that the sun has already gone to sleep and the Temple District is lit with mana-lamps. There's a fair amount of traffic a worshippers go to evening services, and a few food vendors linger to catch any trade that might be had after.
Patrols are a little heavier, as big things have been happening, but it's mostly a few extra Sunblades and Silverguards from the Temples of Daeus and Eluna.
A scarred mule creeps up the lane at a lazy pace. It is headed for the temples, and upon its back is a rider shrouded in a cloak to help ward off the elements. "Come, Pancake. We're almost to a more friendly place! Can we.... perhaps get there before freezing?" Ezil asks the mount with a jostle of reigns, but as if to answer a loud sputtering exhale comes from the beasts of burden's mouth, shaking its head. Just a normal day.
Another beast arrives, with a pair of riders. Something rarely seen and never on just a normal day.
A giant white peacock glides across the temple district. It is the size of a horse, and even part horse, with a feathery train that stretches a good fifteen feet behind. One that could easily hide a wagon, though obviously it does not.
Upon the peacock-andalusian hippogryph, is a dark skinned Lucht knight in garish red armour, with a wide brimmed hat, a feather cloak made with gifts from the steed, and wearing a patina'd metal mask with the face of a smiling man.
Although, the red knight is a woman, made obvious by her strong voice. "Ramirez, alight by the fountain. We shall see if the ice will break. Pasithea, we are at your service should you need escort further."
Pasithea is, of course, riding behind Paenitia and riding side saddle rather then as one might with pants. Her arms held about the other lucht woman to stay steady apon Ramirez and bundled against the chill.
At the call by Paenitia she startles and comes partly awake and nods slowly before speaking. "Thank you.. Sister Paenitia. I will most certianly.. like a ride back to the camp."
Meanwhile, in the spaces above, a dark shape moves along the sides of the building with the subtle rustle and flap of heavy cloak trailing behind. The unusual sight brings the scuttling above to a slow, and the long absent figure widens the rose eyes in the dark. With a light kick-kick and tug of reins, the shape, a giant armored spider, is steered down toward the circle of mana light wherein the muleborne paladin travels.
She draws rein a touch as it seems there are more riders out, tonight, and so pretty! A rap of knuckles to carapace and Torrent, the glossy Huntsman, carries the armored little knight into the light with a, "Hello!" called to the bunch.
Ezil raises a brow to the small set of travelers that cross near his path. A glance was cast to each as he was about to speak before the sound of Faramidahn and her entrance draw his attention away. "The Little Knight." he muses in recognition, raising a hand to the woman as Pancake comes to pause.
"What, are we just stopping now?" Ezil asks of the mule. "Did you recognize her too?"
"Of course. We shall see you safely to camp when it is time." Paenitia says over her shoulder to the sorceress behind her. In profile there still isn't much of her face visible, a hint of mahogany cheek, obscured by her dark curls.
"There is another knight! We should seek reinforcements." The woman adds, then orders, "Ramirez, land and approach."
The white peacock-andalusian, who virtually glows in the dark, lands with the sound of hooves and claws and a strange scratch-and-clop noise as he advances towards Ezil's Vardo and the mounted Faranmidahn on Torrent.
"Hola! Friends, I greet you. Are you Knights of the Pillar?"
Pasi startles awake again as Ramirez lands. The small jolt enough to almost send her tumbling but she stays clasped on to Paen and behind her until the mount comes to a full and complete stop. Then, still unused to riding, she tries to dismount by herself and ends up with feet dangling a good few feet above the ground. "Help...please." She says still sleepily.
Faranmidahn draws up closer to the paladin, mounts abreast as having Pancake so close to Torrent's face might encourage a regrettable nibble. Her smile is warm, but weightier than it had been before the trouble with the Fae, "I've missed you, my friend."
The hail by the other mounted woman, with her question brings a bit of an odd look in her eye, "I am Sir Faranmidahn Waywalker, Knight of the Purple Rose." A glance to the Lucht woman riding hind saddle on the very pretty mount, "What troubles are afoot?" There's a knight around, time for the formalities.
"Alas, no. I am but a traveler." Ezil's tone having mirth as he watches that peacock-creature land with a curious glance. That beast is where Ezil's focus falls upon, speaking to Paenitia without a glance even as the passenger Pasi winds up hung-up during her descent. "Wonderful friend you have." looking to Pasithea then, frowning. "Apologies. Shall I help?" offering a hand as he nudges Pancake to ease towards the others, but the mule does not move, staring into Torrent's many eyes for a time before it finally complies with the man's wishes.
"And I you, Little Knight. It has been some time, and I am sure much is afoot these days." Ezil notes casually as his attention flicks briefly to the Lucht he knows.
"Undead. In the ruins in the Felwood!" Paenitia replies to Faranmidahn, trotting her peacock closer. She halts a safe distance for strangers from Pancake and Torrent, whom Ramirez eyes strangely. "There is time. They wait, time she flows different. Days here are hours there."
"Ramirez! The maiden dismounts. I dismount" The red knight says, steadying Pasithea with an arm. She should be more dilligent, more chivalrous. Ramirez extends a wing, wide and low to the ground allowing for an easy slide to it. Paenitia turns to assist her friend, "Relax, when the ground she arrives, step strong. Allow me first, to catch your hand."
With that, the dark Lucht slides down the wing then turns, hand extended to assist the sorceress.
Facing the other two, she introduces her small group. "I am Sister Paenitia Snapdragon del Haranna, Knight of the Pillar, Paladin of Tarien. With me, Pasithea the Sorceress, and my mount, brave Ramirez!"
Pasithea is assisted to the ground and lands almost delicately and tips over partly as her eyes close in near sleep. Yet she recovers with a steadying hand and leans apon her spear for added balance. She nods to the gathered people and also the anouncement of her name. "Dreamspun.. Hello.. Greetings." She says in a near whisper.
Faranmidahn gives that a moment to process and she nods, "Well met, Sister del Haranna, Mistress Pasithea, and of course, Noble Ramirez."
She guides her spider closer and gently strokes his carapace with an adoring smile, "This, is my stalwart friend, Torrent!" With a slight turn of her chin to one side, a fuzzy white spider about the size of a human woman's fist emerges from the hood of her cloak, "And darling Zephyr."
She gesturs to the mounted man and, "My dear friend Ezil, and brave Pancake."
She sighs softly, "There are many horrors in the Felwood, but undead in coupling with the disjointed flow is an ill omen.
"Zephyr is new. Where did you pick that little one up?" Ezil's laugh following his words as he shifts atop his mule. "Always the pets with the most legs and eyes." smiling at Faran before he moves to dismount.
"Hmm, I wonder if the Vardamites would be interested in that news. I have dealt with a few undead, but not within the Felwood." Ezil's attention shifting to the small band after he has both of his feet on the ground. "You are all well met, though I might need those names another time or two. I am not the best with such things."
The red knight and the shortest of the Lucht's present, waves her hand in a grand gesture towards her peacock-horse, "Ramirez." Next to the sleepy sorceress, "Pasithea Dreamspun." She strikes her chest finally, rapping her breastplate and standing all of her three feet tall, "Paenitia Snapdragon."
She makes a sweeping bow to Faranmidahn, removing her hat as she does. Long black curls tumble everywhere, hiding her face. When she straightens up, they are swept out of the way and her hat replaced without ever revealing what is behind her mask. "Well met, Faranmidahn, mighty Torrent, Zephyr. As well, Ezil, Pancake."
"The Vardamans. Yes. That idea is good."
Paenitia stays near Pasithea, keeping an eye on her in the event her drowsiness worsens.
Pasithea turns her face to take in the persons animals and spiders as they are talked of. She blinks at Paenitia as the knight removes her helm. "You have.. a face." She says in a startled sort of way but then smiles.
Looking back to the spiders she states simply. "Startling." But then adds, "Cute." While looking at Zypher. And of the mule... "Tastey name. It reminds me.. I am hungry and need.. a warm meal." She leans heavily on her spear and her eyes drift almost closed.
Faranmidahn seeing the other Knight doing so, knocks twice on Torrent's back, prompting the Spider to go belly-down, and she unbuckles her odd saddle so she can dismount, "Of course!" she replies cheerily to Ezil, then removes her helm and looks to the women, then. She doesn't get a lot of resonably sized peers to talk to. Hmm. "There is a fine eating establishment close to hand, Mistress Pasithea." A look between the lot, and, "Brief shelter for our dear friends could be complicated, but...?" she leaves that hanging.
Ezil looks back towards Paenitia, taking note of the helmet that's been removed, and the face beneath. "There is food and lodging near, though I don't know what stable would take Torrent without protest." musings as he looks to the spider with a wink. As for Pancake, he's clearly heard his name mentioned, shambling towards Pasithea with a light bray. "Oh, I don't think she meant to feed you too! I am sure Crepe, and Waffle would know that. Sorry, he's just.... he likes people." the mule pausing but a few steps from the drowsy Lucht.
Paenitia moves out of the Mule's way, allowing him to get close to Pasithea. She has no trouble seeing the other Luchts, but remains a few feet away from Ezil to minimize how high she has to look up. "Yes. There are the cantinas for the priests, and the Inns also."
Ramirez looks imperiously at Torrent and Pancake. Zephyr gets a glance a well. Avians do often eat spiders, but it is fortunate that the peacock andalusian feels he is above such things. Spiders are only consumed accidentally when they hide in the horsefeed, something Zephyr and Torrent would not be able to manage. Pancake, likewise is a distant sort of cousin and he does not consider himself a cannibal. He remains reserved however, his head flicking this way and that. The hippogryph is not ready to call them friends yet.
"We should go. It is cold." Paenitia announces, taking her feather cloak and wrapping it around Pasithea's shoulders. A thing she should have done earlier. "Inside, food, drink, warmth, tales of the road. The Temple of Tarien will provide for Ramirez."
Zephyr -has- been putting on the ounces, to be fair. She's entirely too clever a hunter to miss the odd rodent here and there. The coconut spider reaches up with a foreleg and gently tap-taps her mistress's cheek with a voicless, intricate rumble, to which she replies, "Of course, sweetie." before little Zephyr disappears amidst the albino's volumnous poof of hair.
Torrent, for his part, considers the hipogriff with a sort of static wariness, as large not-food has a habbit of making itself into a problem. Such as by trying to make Torrent into food. The rest of the not-food is kept track of because not-food is a privilege, not a right, but his Mistress is not doing the fighty-thing and so he behaves with hopes of getting a pig.
"If anyone's cold, or has need to travel through the night in the weather later, I can give you a spell to protect you from the elements for about a day." Faran offers, looking with a warm smile between the others.
Pasi gives Paen a smile as she wakens from the weight of the cloak. She steps forward and puts hand gently to Pancake's nose an then continues to smile sleepily. "He's warm.. And I would love to have a meal with you all. And your animals..insects need comfort too. I am.. sorry to be a bother.." her eyes drift closed again.
Ezil looks down to Faranmidahn and nods as she speaks. "A good bit of magic to have if there is a long night of riding." shifting as he follows after Pancake to take the steeds leads. "Apologies, Pancake is often.... impulsive. He's smarter than the other mules, and he knows it." he notes to Pasi. The mules seems pleased with a pat, sputtering a noise through it's mouth before complying with Ezil's tugs. "And not a bother, food is an admirable goal when one is hungry." smiling with that last bit, though it doesn't last long, his expression soon fading into one of passiveness.
"She is my charge," Paenitia says, gently laying a hand on Pasithea's shoulder, "I would see her safe here, and back to camp, with the meal in the between. Good Knights, I ask you to keep her while I see to my steed. I shall return, swiftly!"
"Proud Ramirez, you should befriend them before you must fight beside them. This time is lost, come. You shall not scare the stableboy again." With that said, the crimson knight leads her peacock-horse over to the Temple of Tarien, where they very likely appreciate such things. It is not long, but the time she takes is enough for her charge to fall asleep on her feet.
Pasithea falls asleep the instant Paenitia leaves.
Faranmidahn smiles to Ezil, "I can cover everyone here, if need be, I just have to do it one at a time." she winks. Then, as the sleepy woman drifts off again, she gently catches her to keep her from falling to the pavement, "As you wish, then. She will be safe." Words intoned, she whispers something softly as her other hand contorts into several quick gestures and a subtle iridescent shimmer surrounds the sleeping sorceress.
She glances to Pancake, then Ezil, "Shall I?"
Ezil pauses in his retreat, looking to Faranmidahn with a shake of his head. "I will hold until we find a warm place to rest." motioning to sleeping Lucht. "Perhaps an inn for now?" he muses, turning towards the crimson armored Paenitia. "And what are these 'Pillars' you speak of? I found that fascinating. Is it a religious sect?" making conversation as he waits idly on the other two.
"The Common Man. They are the pillars of society. The farmer, the baker, the carpenter, the miner. Through their sweat, their blood, upon their backs, the city, everything is built." The crimson knight replies, looking up at Ezil. Her eyes behind her mask are lively, the mask itself a strange visage, long with a wide grin and moustache.
"I, Sister Paenitia Snapdragon del Harana, am of the Order of the Pillar. We are knights, sworn to protect and uphold the people. To bring low the nobles, the laws, that would bind them." She says proudly. Unusually, she has returned without weapons, but does have a Lucht Walking stick she is carrying, and a second staff across her back.
Faranmidahn nods, "Sure, just remind me later, ok?" She considers things, then, "The Fernwood, maybe? Once we get situated, I can take Torrent back to the Chapterhouse." Her attention returns to the other knight and she frowns a little in thought. Well, that's a thing, "I agree that some people abuse their authority and should be set straight or cast down, but with any large group, there has to be some rules."
Ezil raises a brow, looking down to Paenitia with a slow nod. "I see...." he drones for a moment before his eyes shift to Faranmidahn. "It depends on if the rules are just, and not discriminatory." his smile flashed once again, shaking his head as he motions towards the direction of the Fernwood in mirth. "Come, let us talk more once we are out of the snow."
"Ha ha! Yes. We are not the anarchists." Paenitia laughs, turning the smiling mask towards Faranmidahn, "We are for rules. No. It is when the rules become unbreakable chains, when they do not hear the tears from the suffering they cause. When one insists by God-Right or Birth-Right they have may decide the fate of others, entrap by crooked contracts and spurious debt. When all suffer for the enrichment of the few, or the one, then we must strike the very root, and bring it down to the foundations."
She sounds fanatical and revolutionary. The Order of the Pillar is not well known, and where it is, they are often considered outlaw knights. With no hierarchy and self-scribed tenets, the Knights of the Pillar each have their own ideals of chivalry and little to change their minds.
"I agree, we should be out of the snow." Much like the other Luchts, her feet are bare and protected only by her copious leg hair.
Faranmidahn shakes her head, "Oh, no, I agree. There are rules that overreach by far." She sighs and shrugs her shoulders as much as her armor affords her of the gesture, "Still, it's a conversation for warmer environs." she agrees.
The Fernwood
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A07: Fernwood Pub *>--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The common room of the Fernwood Pub dominates the inn, spacious and airy because of the high, vaulted ceiling. Ornately carved beams of dark, polished wood form a lattice overhead, supporting the arched roof two storeys above the floor. To the right of the double-door entry is a spiral staircase, winding upwards to a balcony that rings and overlooks the main area. Large windows at this level grant an excellent view of the river to the west and colorful market stalls to the north and east. An air of coziness is salvaged by keeping the pub dimly lit; parchment-shrouded mana lanterns hang at intervals from the base of the balcony, nestled amongst lush, magically propagated ivy and ferns that grow over this false demi-ceiling and the struts that support it.
The bar is sleek and simple, comprised of meticulously polished black lacquer. Tables are set under the darker niches formed by the balcony floor as well as on the balcony itself. A few are deliberately sized to accommodate halflings and gnomes, but the majority are meant for human-sized individuals. A large common table is on the main floor, set before a semi-circular stage situated against the western wall. Beside it, with pipes mounted upon the wall and running up past the balcony and almost to the ceiling, is a refurbished pipe organ made to look like the one lost when the Fernwood was destroyed during the Merkabah Siege.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ezil 5'11" 175 Lb Human Male An armored man with dark skin, and grey-blonde hair. Faranmidahn 3'3" 35 Lb Halfling Female Albino Lucht woman in black leather armor with a BIG spider Paenitia 3'0" 34 Lb Halfling Female A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Ezil opens the door to the Fernwood, holding it steady for his Lucht companions. The hour is a bit late, and the usual ruckus and calls have already died down to a low murmur for what is left of the evening. "It's been a while, Little Knight... but just returning to town and I hear talk of undead." his glance shot then to Paenitia briefly before flicking back. "Is it still unsettled as it was when I left?" he asks, waiting for them to enter before him.
Faranmidahn sighs and nods, "It is, I'm afraid." she says gently as she brings their drowsy friend in for a place to rest and be warm while they dine. She might wake up for a nibble, too. She waves to the serving girls, sparing a sad look to the apron hanging on the wall and the better times it represents, then rejoins the now, "There are efforts to collect what are thought to be pieces of the slain god Animus."
Paenitia slips in ahead of Ezil, a waist high red form with a long feather in her cap that sweeps the air behind her. She looks around for a table with suitable chairs. She selects one, bounds towards it and pulls out tall chairs for the other Luchts.
Her head turns, "A slain god? This is news to me. I have seen only Undead, and Gnolls. Cowardly ones, not brave like they are in Isobar."
Ezil shuts the door, and follows the two Lucht with a knit forming on his brow. "I don't know if I am ready for such tasks. I have barely dealt with the issues the fae caused me." his words soft as he tsks with a shake of his head. "Animus...." repeating the name to himself once more, parting his cloak once he's well into the warmth, tossing one end over a shoulder.
Paenitia's cloak is a bold one, made of white feathers with blood red eye-spots. Clearly cast-offs of her mount, Ramirez, and she pushes it to one shoulder as well. Seated in her chair she turns her mask towards the human and the other small knight. "Tell more. This story of the Slain God. It was not told in my home."
She moves in her chair but seems unable to get comfortable. Her heavy kilted breastplate armour the main reason why.
Faranmidahn lowers her eyes some, a pain deep, but brief flashes in her expression, then, "Nor I, my friend..." She squares herself up and looks to the other Knight, "I'm not terribly certain of the details, but his death is what split the domain of magic between Eluna and the Queen of Lies." She settles into the seat, and little Zephyr once again emerges to merrily explore the nearby real estate of the table.
Ezil finds a seat across from the two, settling in as he raises a hand to flag the serving staff that's making rounds. "Well, order yourselves something... and we can discuss this." a raised brow perking as he regards Faranmidhan. "I know there was a toll you paid, I did not mean to make light of it." an apology of sorts it seems as he orders himself a small-beer. Some habits die hard.
"I apologize. I see there is great hurt you share." Paenitia says after a moment of reflection and careful observation. Gloved hands rest on the table. There's very little of her actually visible, beside her mane of dark curls. Everything else is armour, mask, and fanciful acoutrements. Her feet, they're visible, if one looks under the table.
"I cannot heal the wounds of the heart, and have read enough of the Fae to know their gifts sting and their curses twist. I am sorry to hear you have suffered so. Speak the word, I will go with you on any quest."
Faranmidahn shakes her head and sighs, "I appreciate your sympathies, friends." she says gently with a rueful smile, even as little Zephyr comes to a stop and pivots where she stands to regard the albino. "I'll be fine, sweetie, don't worry." she assures the little arachnid, then, "I would enjoy a venison fillet and... I wonder if they still have that mulled cider?"
The offer from the Pillar Knight brings a wan expression to her features, and a slow shake of her head, "The sins of the Fae Queen of Winter are... complicated by the otherworldly nature of such beings..." She looks to one, then the other, "My understanding is.... what we knew of her, through all of her wickedness, was the angry dream self of a fae child.... once freed of her forced slumber, she... ended the plague.. in what we know of it's respects. I do not understand completely... but if the dream was dispelled.... the child is... innocent..." Her fists close a moment as she reaffirms herself of something, reminind of her atonements, "I will make no more move against her."
"Empathy. Sympathy does little good." Ezil notes as he had watched Faran and heard her explanation. "It is hard to understand, that I agree with. However, it was not the fault of teh Fae Queen alone, and that is where it gets complicated and intelligible." his sigh coming as he glances towards the Lucht in crimson armor. "You are kind to offer, but know that some times... you may not know what you are asking."
Paenitia attentively listens to the explanation, nodding at the appropriate moments. Once it's done, she continues to gaze at Faran. Her eyes can be seen to blink several times through the holes of her mask. "I... do not know what to think."
The red knight adjusts her mask, runs a hand through her hair, to flip it back over her shoulder. "A child, a dream person, other villains. Yes. I see it is a nightmare to understand. It could drive one mad."
She laughs suddenly, enthusiastically with a tinge of insanity. The smiling mask is turned towards Ezil, "I have what I asked for. The wind and the skies, and a target to tilt against. Life is short, my friend, it should not be spent bound in worry. In Isobar I learned, be bold!"
Faranmidahn sighs again and leans back against her seat, "Yes. It's taken me months, struggling to put it all together in a way that leaves me sanity." She glances to Ezil on his clarification and nods again, "Be mindful of the oaths you would put forward Sister Paenitia, else you may swear to destroy what in time is proved to be an innocent." She grins at the Lucht's exhuberance, has she lost so much of her zest? Is she already that veteran? "You should meet Sir Silsoupi. He, too is most bold... and his mount is so cute!"
Ezil smiles at the arrival of his watery drink, looking between the two as they talk, bobbing his head. "Well the hardest part is seeing through all the different barriers and discrimination. People... forget the world is more than the emotions we feel." his mind seeming to wander as he raises his tankard to his lips, taking a sip. "Though I guess it is time to act on new things. We can not always dwell on the old. No matter the scars they leave." half-talking to himself as he mulls his thoughts.
"Ha ha! I shall. Do not say that around Ramirez, I shall have to brush him for a week." Paenitia says, sounding like she's grinning. With her mask it's hard to tell, although that is always smiling. For the best perhaps, as the albino Lucht receives a drawn out stare by the dark skinned one. Pae wonders, what would blunt her own enthusiasm so much. How much has her fellow knight suffered, what has she gone through?
"I will heed your wisdom. Oaths given too freely become like pennies. Everywhere and worth little." She finally says.
Looking between both, the red knight says, "I have met other knights, new to this city. One of the Lost Crown, one of the Purple Rose. They have joined me, the sorceress and the dragon, to battle the undead and the gnolls in the Felwood."
Her words sound proud, though her voice becomes a little quieter, "These are not Fae Queens and dreams, and seem inconsequential, but know our battles so far have been struggles. My fellow knights have been resolute. You should meet them."
Faranmidahn gives a little giggle at that and nods, a little more like the Little Knight of old, "We should visit the Horn again, Ezil." then, she takes up her Lucht sized tankard and holds it up in toast, "To fond reunions, and new friends!" She smiles brightly to her cohorts, uncertain what thoughts transpire behind Paenitia's mask, nor within the mind of her friend Ezil, but, "Wait, a Purple Rose, you say?" She sits up straighter then, "I will gladly do so."
"As a sentinel, I offer my services if needed, but...." Ezil's words pausing as he turns to regard Faranmidahn for a long moment at the mention of the horn. He raises a glass to her toast, "It has been a long while since our time on the boats. Yes, it is time to see it once more. I haven't seen it since it was returned."
With a smirk, Ezil regard Paenitia. "You have found many allies, even one whom shares some things with the Little Knight, Faranmidahn it seems."
Paenitia raises her own tankard, ordered with a wink at the half-elf server, which brought her a drink that matched Faran's. It would not do to over-drink, or under-drink, a fellow knight on first meeting. The traditions of Isobar must be maintained.
"Yes. Vance. A young stalward human with an exceptional steed. Sunflash the Griffon. Ramirez sees quite the challenge in him. He fights well."
The tankard clinks against her mask as she raises it. With some maneuvering, she drinks without removing it. The beard does get dipped. It seems this is not the first time for the mask. "To Friends! Fond Reunions! It is true, I have worked with many. Even the dogs of Isobar. One can find allies in many places. I ask, and there they are."
She slaps enthusiastically on the table near Ezil.
Faranmidahn smiles and nods, "I have someone I want you to meet, I'll work out the details." she assures Ezil. She turns back to her hanging toast as it's met and she smiles more broadly, "I look forward ot meeting him." She slides a sly glance to Ezil at the feathery Knight's energy and she sighs in contentment before knocking back her first swig. Ahhhh....
Ezil laughs, looking down at Paenitia's slapping. "Well this is the capital of adventurers. Though you seem to be in fine company." smirking as he stands, drink in hand. "Though I have someone I must see, I will be in the city a few fortnight." turning to Faran and giving a single nod. "You know how and where to find me. I will meet anyone you wish. My services are for all."
Paenitia raises the slapping hand in a wave that is a salute as well. "Good Eve, Sentinel. Luck in your travels. May we meet again soon."
This leaves her alone, facing the spidery knight across the table. She leans forward, eager, her other hand still holding the tankard. "Friend Faranmidahn, do you wish to drink the night, talk the night, or sleep the night?"
She looks at the stairs, and the room Pasithea was given, "I should join Sorceress Dreamspun. Yes. Another night we should see who can outlast swales and tales. As proper Knights! Tonight, I must be vigilant, and get the rest."
Dramatis Personae
Ezil, 5'11", 175 Lb, Human, Male, An armored man with dark skin, and grey-blonde hair.
This man here is a mid-sized human with a head of nearly white hair. It's cropped short and may have once been blonde, but sunlight has bleached almost all colors from it. His skin is dark olive, showing his Tsuran heritage in full force. He has light green eyes that stand out against his complexion, and a sharp nose for contrast against his face. He build is not that broad, but nor is he slender. He is averagely sized at a normal glance and rather unremarkable to the passing eye.
His clothes are colorful, wearing a cloak of light blue that drapes over his shoulders. It has the image of a night star embroidered in the middle of its' back in a light grey thread. He is often seen wearing a set of worn and well used banded mail. Its' plates painted several different colors that range in various shades of blues and purples. The frontier styled shirt beneath the armor is dyed a burnt orange and has drawstring about its neck that shows a bit of fashion. About his waist is a sword belt that has a sash of sky-blue sewn into the leather. Where it buckles there is a decorative cover that hides the clasp. The emblem is in the shape of Althea's rose. His leather pants are made from tanned hide and a mix of fabric dyed to a dark grey. His boots are simple but made with quality.
When fully equipped, he carries a heavy wooden shield on his back and a scimitar at his side. A short bow makes up part of his arsenal, and he wears both a light backpack and a satchel for supplies on the road.
Faranmidahn, 3'3", 35 Lb, Halfling, Female, Albino Lucht woman in black leather armor with a BIG spider
A tallish Lucht about 3'3" with a wide, heart shaped face of moon-eyed countenance, she bears the marks of an albino, with skin a pinkish cream, and pate of full, ankle length hair of ivory and bone. Her eyes are a peculiar shade of rose beneath somewhat thick ivory brows, with long silvery lashes, to which she's added two matching rows of round tourmaline settings starting at her brow and tapering down her cheeks to her jawline. Like her people, she prefers to feel the ground beneath her bare feet, though she's manifested the Clydesdale like shag of ivory more uncommon than unheard of among her people. Her voice is high and light enough to be almost troublingly cute when she intends to be anything but, though her posture is straight and proud.
She's taken her spider affectation to a functional extreme, probably more due to a certain amount of reality checks than a true forbearance of eccentricity. Black spiderweb lace sheaths her limbs, emerging from the sculpted black kilted breastplate; an embossed sigil of violet, lavender and green proclaims her to be of the Order of the Purple Rose from the left of her heart, framed by an intricate spiderweb of inlaid silver that expand outward in random sparsity around the armor. Over this, a matching, sculpted broach pins a violet, web-embroidered cloak to her shoulders. A fluted helm matching her armor is completed by a visor of evenly spaced bars that, when it is worn, adds shadow enough to aid the suggestion of spiders' eyes her jewerly is meant to project. Silver traceries of asymetrical webs bring contrast to the black,scalloped poleyns that protect her knees.
At the right side of her waist is a comparitively long sword for her stature, blackened steel with a red hourglass on the pear-shaped pommel, rests in a lacquered sheath opposite an array of pouches that no doubt contain an array of adventurer's tools, while a matching Lucht Traveler's blade is strapped to her left thigh. Occaisionally riding a baldric accomodated through some trick of her cloak is what might be a Lucht Siuil greatsword, quillion tips and pommel tempered and polished to an iridescent blue-violet and carved into blooming roses.
On many occaisions, she has a round, white spider about the size of a human fist covered in white fluffiness riding about her shoulders, or sometimes riding in her hair when her helm is absent. Similarly, she travels with a glossy black Huntsman spider about the size of a Well fed Mastiff, clad in silver studded glossy leather barding, and full knightly tack as well as curious earth hued wrappings around the center four of his legs.
Paenitia, 3'0", 34 Lb, Halfling, Female, A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery.
Small, dark and winsome.
On a Giant white peacock.
Sister Paenitia Snapdragon del Harrana, is a crimson knight astride an ivory steed. A dark skinned Lucht Siuil, her black hair hangs in ringlets to mid-back, wild, untamed, loose. Matching fetlocks curl about her shins, demure, tamed, tied back with crimson bows. She wears a broad feathered hat, a matching single shoulder cape, both crafted from the bold feathers of her mount; striking white with red eyes. Beneath that hat, a smiling mask with rosy cheeks and a wide upturned moustache. Her armour has the same patina, an elaborate breastplate, rusted to match the mesas of her homeland. Paenitia's deep eyes smoulder behind the mask, and her skin, where visible, is a warm mahogany that is both heritage and time in the sun. She moves with an intensity overwhelming for her size.
Ramirez, her mount, is an eye-catching hippogryph. An albescent peacock gypsy-andalusan breed. Glorious, the size of a strong warhorse, his tail could cover a cart and easily hides his fluffy equine hind. His forelegs are the delicate and deceptively strong legs of the avian, and his body flows well into his feathery trail. Almost completely white, Ramirez is blood red on his neck, shoulders and breast, with the same bold colour in his crown and his many tailfeather eyes. He struts about regally, staring imperiously, proud and beautiful. Paenitia's saddle straps his midsection and has its own tail fan, a scabbard candelabra of pole arms that lies along his back.
She's from the land of the wind, tilting against windmills. A self-appointed knight, tiny and trite, riding a fancy and brings twice the fight.
Pasithea, 3'2", 38 Lb, Halfling, Female, Tall female lucht, willowy, Hair dark as night
This willowy young Lucht is tall for both her race and gender, standing just over three feet in height. Her slender form gives the illusion of more hieght then she actually possesses, especially when leaning apon her spear that she often carries and uses as a walking stick as well as weapon.
Her tresses are long and loose, flowing to the top of her legs and are the color of deepest night, shining a dark blue in bright light.
Her eyes are perpetually at half mast, as if tired or nearly asleep. When they open wide enough her blue eyes are more clearly seen.
Her outfit is of soft wool that is wrapped about her upper body tightly and looped over her arms yet leaving her lower legs bare to the world and showing off the 'clydesdale style' dakr hair apon them and covering most of her bare feet. When her arms are also bare they are seen to be covered in henna markings as well as the palms of her hands. Twisting and pretty flowers and vines adorn her skin. When she walks and the soles of her feet are visible one may note blue tattoos emblazoned apon her skin there.