Of Rest and Research

=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A14: Quill's Repose, City Library *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Clear and cold without, the city library is dry, without draft, and quite comfortable in comparison. It is a second home to some, and Verna is likely a member of that demographic. She has claimed a table well away from the entrance and drafts. It is a practical choice as numerous maps are unfurled upon said table, held in place at the ends by additional tomes, most of which are also open and referenced.

There is another here, a few tables away from Verna. A sartorial-style over-robe in deepest blue with a double row of ornate silver buttons down the front and loose leather trousers are mostly hidden behind an untidy stack of books whose titles suggest research into the history of Alexandria itself. Booted feet are propped up on the table in front of him, an open book in his lap, but folded hands rest atop it, beneath a traveler's cloak wrapped around his shoulders, the hood pulled snugly over his head. Is he asleep?

Patch had been perusing the back of tomes as she'd walked idly in search of more related material to her own pursuits. She'd been doing some studying and had not yet seen Mourner Verna. Her coat lays draped on a chair across the library, her position having kept the other woman from view. They two had just missed each other.

As the hooded figure draws glance, so does Verna. Patch had just been turning a corner when he happened upon this part of the study area, a book in hand. "Mourner Verna. Still at it?" a curious tone for the friend, but the hooded figure earns a raised brow at her approach to socialize.

Verna looks up from her collection of materials: reference tomes, maps, and her own smaller, personal book for note-taking. She blinks once, slowly, to refocus before she (re?)recognizes Patch and nods. "Indeed. I attempt to identify a location within a desert. Regretably, arid collections of sand are not known for common, prominent landmarks." She sits up more straight and rubs about the bridge of her nose. "I hope that your own efforts fare far better.

The city library, a veritable treasure trove of knowledge, for those with the time to dedicate to sitting in the place, at the very least.

Schara was one such person who could on occasion give up some time to browse the numerous books available. A brown haired and brown eyed Sylvanori in a light blue blouse was propped up in one of the chairs in the main room with a stack of books on one side and another in the crook of their arm, while the read through it, a large metal stylus tucked into the corner of their mouth to push through the pages.

"I don't want to cause a commotion but I'd rather you avoid any trouble from the librarian, she's very scary when she's angry, and she could ban you from here forever." The elf warns quietly, leaning over to poke them with the stylus stuck out of their mouth. "Oh, and hello Patch, good to see you."

GAME: Seldan rolls 1d20: (15): 15

GAME: Seldan rolls reflex: (14)+24: 38

The reaction from the hooded figure is - a bit more than expected. When Schara prods him with her stylus, the man throws himself over backward, leaving the chair to fall over backwards onto the carpeted floor with a soft *thump*. The man, meanwhile, lands on his feet in a guard pose, and is about to go for a weapon on his hip that isn't there, the pupils of ice-blue eyes wide and ready for a fight. The hood falls away to reveal ginger-blonde hair gone wild and falling almost at once into his eyes. "What the-"

"I have a few leads, but I don't think this is the forum." Patch says, taking a seat across from the Mourner with a shrug. "Master Padaryn helping you, or is that history for something else?" outing the man quietly as Schara pokes them awake.

"What's the saying? All fun and games until someone wakes the bugbear? Be warry, Schara." Patch teases, focusing then at the Mourner. She's trying hard to suppress a grin, but she still manages to huff a laugh at Seldan being startled. "I could complain about maps with you?" Patch offers, finding it hard to ignore the others, but trying to focus on Verna's issue.

"I-" The hooded figure had not drawn any notice from Verna previously. Even now, it is the sudden *thump* and brief exclamation that startle her; moreso that both are somewhat behind her. There are no acrobatics involved: she simply bolts from seated to standing abruptly and whirls about. Her chair wobbles, though does not fall as it out-masses her.

A moment passes before she exhales following recognition and assessment. "I was not aware of his presence, until now. All appears well." This may be noted as much for his benefit as anyone's, though she does glance about briefly for any others noting the distrubance.

Schara was not expecting that sort of reaction, usually she was appreciative of being woken up if they fell asleep in the library. The elf reeled back, smacked their head against the back of their seat and winced, sending the book they were reading toppling to the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry, I just didn't want you getting banned from the library for that, or damaging any books." The artificer sighs. "It's alright, I'm sure, no one is talking about you er-, if that's something that would bother you either, miss."

GAME: Seldan casts Mending. Caster Level: 16 DC: 18

It takes Seldan a minute, still crouched in that guard pose, to assess the situation. He glances over at the pile of books, at the book that had been on his lap and now has flown face-down haphazardly to the floor, and bows with a sheepish smile. "So long as I do not snore, my lady, I think it unlikely that I shall be banned," he tells Schara, in a light voice with a distinct Myrrish lilt to it.

He then straightens and walks over to pick up the book he'd sent flying, assessing its state, and eyeing a few crumpled pages. A single finger traces a sigil over the crumpled pages, and with a spoken word of power, the pages straighten themselves, a small tear in one corner mends, and it is as good as new. With an exhale of breath, he closes the book gently and sets it atop the stack. "You are quite right, though, that it is not well for me to sleep within these walls."

It takes Seldan a minute, still crouched in that guard pose, to assess the situation. He glances over at the pile of books, at the book that had been on his lap and now has flown face-down haphazardly to the floor, and bows with a sheepish smile. "So long as I do not snore, my lady, I think it unlikely that I shall be banned," he tells Schara, in a light voice with a distinct Myrrish lilt to it.

He then straightens and walks over to pick up the book he'd sent flying, assessing its state, and eyeing a few crumpled pages. A single finger traces a sigil over the crumpled pages, and with a spoken word of power, the pages straighten themselves, a small tear in one corner mends, and it is as good as new. With an exhale of breath, he closes the book gently and sets it atop the stack. "You are quite right, though, that it is not well for me to sleep within these walls." A look around assesses those present, and he offers a smile for Patch and an incline of the head for Verna. To Schara, he adds, "Seldan Padaryn, servant of Eluna."

Patch takes a breath, and stands. She'd been enjoying the mischief from her view, but seeing the Mourner shocked was sobering. She steps towards the woman, touching her shoulder to offer some small comfort. "Apologies. I should have warned you."

"And we all need sleep, Seldan. It's not like you weren't among friends." Patch muses, her had dropping from Verna as she peek at Schara and Seldan. "You both okay?" she asks, giving them both a glance over.

Verna relaxes, though does not re-seat herself just yet. "You do not, or did not, Seldan. Not enough for notice, at the least." She looks to Path and lifts a hand lightly in dismissal. "There is no cause for apology. My wariness is not your doing." Schara receives a look, as well. "Nor yours."

"They speak the truth," she notes to Seldan as her focus returns to him. "The body shall find rest where it can, regardless of desire, if it must." If it is a lecture on a need for him to secure more sleep, she keeps it politely brief. After this mention of rest, she now adjusts her chair and returns to it.

Schara blinks, and stoops over, fumbling to pick up their dropped book with two flat hands until they're able to lift it back on to their chair. "Oh, I'm okay, I was just startled, that's all. " They answer. " I am more worried about the two of them. That's okay, I know now not to do that."

"Friends? Perhaps, and yet well do I understand the Mourner's caution. Alexandria is not a safe place." Seldan blinks the last of the sleep out of his eyes and brushes one of those stray locks of hair out of his eyes, to reveal an ornate-looking headband. "That is well, Mourner. Seldom do I, or so I am told." The mention of wariness, at least, seems to have caught his attention, and he makes his way over towards Verna's table. "But, tell me of your wariness. What troubles you?"

Seldan has not responded to the query about his welfare, but seems none the worse for wear, and waves a hand dismissively at the inquiries.

Patch grins as she motions Schara to join them, Seldan seeming to take interest in the Mourner's work. "Good, come sit with us. A rest after a tumble is always recommended." she offers, turning to cross towards her previous seat.

"I was just offering Mourner Verna aid myself, but I don't know much about such places. My knowledge may be varied, but I would be mostly guessing on geography." motioning to the arid maps of sand, reclaiming her seat.

"At this juncture," Verna admits wearily, "it would be more concise to list what is -not- troubling. Visions and dreams to be deciphered," a hand gestures to the table. "Nightmares to be ignored." The hand then lifts to pinch the bridge of her nose. "Vile blades to be unforged. Ceremonies to study and practice..."

She trails off here and looks to Patch. "Please, do not mistake my exasperation as any reference to your aid. It is most welcome, as is that of others." A thought strikes and she regard Seldan for a long moment.

"If I might inquire, Seldan, which caused you the most trepidation: the machinations of the demon duke, or your own nuptials?"

Schara says, "Oh, I'm not sir Padaryn's friend, but I have heard of him. He's probably too famous and important, regardless." The elf laughs. "Well, I don't know too much about geography, but maybe I can help? I can read books, at least.""

"Bear in mind, Mourner, that the place you seek might not rest upon Ea itself," Seldan reminds, but the thought is lost, for a moment, at Schara's commentary. "Nonsense," he tells her gently. "Judge not your worthiness by the deeds of those around you. It is true that I am known, but I cannot say that I am important. Not here." A small, quiet smile. "Indeed, the less I am seen, the better for all. Still will I aid you as I may."

He takes a seat, folding his hands on his lap, a pillar of quiet reserve. "Neither, Mourner. I knew what to expect from both. It is the behavior of my allies at the time that troubled me the most."

"Not at all, Verna. I know what you are implying." Patch assures the other woman as she details her work, and Seldan comments. "There is a lot of the unseen, but do you speak of dreams?" she asks of Padaryn.

"It took me a long conversation over coffee with an Elunan just to understand what you two meant last time we talked." smirking with half a laugh at the two. "What madness did I walk in on? Just weeks ago I had thought all this was just about werewolves. Now? Too much to track." this said more towards Schara. "I also don't know what to think after we discovered the priest."

Verna nods to Seldan's words, though frowns. "Indeed, it may well not. However, it was easiest to eliminate where upon Ea it is not... or so I believed." An exhale. Perhaps that is what troubles me most: the lack of information, in regards to so many concerns. I know very little of what to expect."

"It is my understanding, Patch, that the vernacular response to your incredulity would be, 'Welcome to Alexandria.' That priest is but one more piece in the forces arraying against."

"Oh, it's alright, I know you're busy with all sorts of things and I don't know what's going on, really." Schara shrugs, before looking at Patch. "And I don't know what priest you're talking about, do you have me mistaken with someone?"

Seldan dips his head in an affirmative gesture to Patch. "I do, among other places. I presume that Verna seeks the place in the desert with the black and blue roses. I am but little versed in these matters," he adds, with a nod to Schara. "Perhaps it is well, do you explain fully. It may even be that wisdom will come to you as you speak.

"Not you and I, Schara. I meant that more towards, Verna." Patch explains. "Some trouble in the slums, that's all." she says, dismissing it as she turns towards the other two. "Black and blue roses?" she echoes, shaking her head. "Well, now I'm lost too. I'm not trying to pry, but what is being sought?"

"And how can this be less stressful than nuptials. I thought the whole point of such things were to tell your partner what they already should know." Patch says, seemingly serious on the second topic. "Weddings are a very ritualistic thing, and I don't understand them well."

"Oh, I see, that makes a lot more sense doesn't it? I read about Verna being involved with a burning tent outside the city along with others." They nod. "Why go to a desert for roses, however? I can't imagine they would grow well there. Surely there is a more local florist that could be used for a wedding? Or does the place they come from matter so much?"

"I refer to a vision, shared by artifacts of the Dream Realm," Seldan explains quietly, pushing that stray lock of hair out of his eyes again. "It is of black and blue roses, entwined and struggling against one another in a desert land. It is my belief that the blue roses are a symbol of Althea, who tries to protect Her daughter Eluna, and the black roses are a symbol of evil. What they symbolize, precisely, is unknown to me, and I have not sought the Seers on the matter of dream symbols of that sort. This much is clear - does the black overtake the blue entire, evil will befall. Precisely what, I cannot say, but it suggests to me that the place must be found, and its secrets learned, ere the Hound's minions find it."

"The priest is a thing unknown to me, and I have but little knowledge of the doings of the Hound and his minions. I am aware of the activity, but other matters hold my attention, and I have been advised on my own dreams that those who know have the matter in hand."

"It is as he says," Verna affirms. "They are symbolic. The realms of dream are those of Eluna and, regretably, The Red Maw in the form of nightmares. The lycanthropes are its most fervent minions." A nod. "Yes, the place must be found and sought. This is not the first such vision I have encountered, so I must presume that this is as urgent as the first. Once there is confidence in its location, I intend to travel with all interested and able parties."

"Not my dreams, not my secrets." Patch's tone wry as she casts a shrug. "I'll help, and If you're worried, know I do understand the need to keep some things away from prying ears." she relents of Seldan and Verna, sighing.

"As for the priest? He was claiming to work miracles, and fooling those in the slums. Reminded me of the wolves and how they lured the destitute from our walls." she says, likening the two events. "Both were discovered in pursuit of the idols." filling in some gaps for Seldan. "I didn't get a good look at the beings pretending to be Devas, but Verna did." she muses.

"As for the rest? I'll leave it to trust, and see what happens." Patch's grin broadening.

"Oh, so not actual roses. God stuff." The artificer sighs, flopping back into their chair and almost immediately losing interest. "I can't say I would care for either of them, but it would be worse for one that it is more outwardly evil to succeed, I guess." They shrug. "All I heard was that there was some priest claiming to work miracles outside the city walls, which would conveniently be outside of the city wide restrictions on teleportation, if that would matter at all."

Seldan's eyebrows arch at Schara's statement, then relax, his eyes narrowing. "Even so?" he murmurs. "The teleportation ward is meant as much to ban summoning as teleportation. Perhaps more so." His eyes lower to the table, his demeanor taking on the cold, impassive look of an alabaster pillar, and for a moment, it looks as if he might say more, but falls silent instead.

Verna's frown deepens. "They were fiends posing as celestials. All the more reason the gathering was held outside of the city, so that they could arrive and depart at will. They fled the moment they were discovered and nearly took the majority of the deceived and desperate with them." Seldan's shift in expression only hardens her own.

"The wards were erected to prevent such planar creatures from freely, and clandestinely, entering nor departing the city," she notes to Schara. "There was much of this, far too much, before the measures were finally taken."

"Does the barrier block more than summoning and teleportation?" Patch asks, a sudden thought occurring to her as she raises a finger to rest on her chin. "Does anyone even really understand the barrier to that degree? Because it also blocks...." that thought unfinished as she waves a hand before her. "I'll have to look into it."

"Verna speaks the truth, but more than even she knows." Patch offers Schara. "What her and Seldan have pointed out the barrier changes the way I see my work." grinning as she motions with a jerk of a finger. "Inspiration when you aren't looking for it. Yeah?"

"A celestial is just a slightly more proper fiend. At least they have the decency to attempt to come up with an excuse for their actions other than for the sake of it." The artificer continues shrugging. "I guess I'm glad the barrier is in place in that case, though. I heard they used a portal of some form to leave."

"I don't know the specifics, I haven't tried to push what can and can't be done in the city, at risk of wasting effort."

"If that is what you believe, then you have met neither celestial, nor fiend." All trace of smile is gone from Seldan's expression, although the mien of the alabaster pillar remains, and his tone of voice is steady and even, but with ice behind it. "I take it that you have not been long with the Guild." The rest of the discussion is forgotten, left to drop on the floor.

Patch goes quiet, and looks for a drink to quell her tongue, realizing she has none. It's a library. Seldan's tense demeanor is enough to make even the bard wince and look away in a bit of discomfort.

"I don't think fiend is the right term. There is a distinction between such beings made even while I was studying he Hymn." Patch says with a shrug. "But I also was deceived, and am glad I didn't go alone." a thankful glace cast to Verna.

"Suffice it to say," Verna speaks up slightly in hopes of quelling silence or coagulation thereof, "the deceivers did so with ill intent to take full advantage of those most willing to seek salvation from less orthodox means." A pause. "Perhaps it best I return to my research, before more such advantage is taken."

"That is, yes, I haven't, and I'm very much happy to keep it that way." The artificer huffs, flipping the stylus sticking out of the corner of their mouth up and down as they bite down on it. "Regardless, I came to offer help, found it unnecessary, really, and I should leave them to their research. I still stand by what I said, at the end of the day, a celestial is better, but I'd rather neither to begin with. Much like how a normal cleric can have ill intent and take advantage of the needy, it's not completely uncommon, just less so."

"I, too, hope that you keep it so." Seldan stands rather quickly, and returns his where he'd been sleeping to retrieve his knapsack. The books are abandoned on the table - the librarians will get them. "If you will forgive me, I should go in search of better rest. Her light upon your path. Patch, I would speak with you in private, as soon as may be."

With that, he turns on his heel, shoulders his pack, and turns to make his way through the stacks.

Patch stands from her seat, nodding to Verna as she goes back to her studies. "I should do the same." eyeing her table across the library, and still spotting her coat.

"If you'd like, I could walk you out?" Patch offers to Seldan, his words noted as she wiggles some fingers at Verna and Schara.

Patch is off to collect her things, scurrying after the Padaryn.