View source for Wooden Masks and Iron Women

<div style="padding:5px; background-color:#e7eaea;">
== Log Info ==
*Title: Wooden Masks and Iron Women
*Emitter: Sabina
*Characters: Sabina, Cryosanthia, Elleandra, Faranmidahn, Merek
*Place: A03: The TarRaCe
*Time: Thursday, November 05, 2020, 10:28 PM
*Summary: Sabina has invited her friends for a small event at the Tarrace. Cryosanthia and Lily arrive with Elleandra via coach, having picked her up from the Wilderness Pointe. Faranmidahn arrives on her own, accompanied by her mother, Professor Waywalker. Lily is all over the place, getting up on stage and interacting wih the minstrels. Merek arrives and nods. Elleandra sets a cooking challenge for the lucht chefs, a meal to represent her journey from the North to Veyshan and back. Sabina has presents for Lily and Cryo, a starter hoard of play coins for the kobold, and wooden masks with adjustable features for both mother and daughter. They are overjoyed, impressed, and grateful. Elleandra is so impressed with the Tarrace she considers it for the reception for her wedding, which she assures everyone will be small and soon.</div>

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* 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. 
                 
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

<pre>-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Sabina       5'4"     130 Lb     Human             Female    Tsuran woman of dark hair and green eyes
Cryosanthia  6'9"     291 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman.
Elleandra    5'4"     108 Lb     Wild Elf          Female    Blue-haired, green-eyes, Sylvanori 
Faranmidahn  3'3"     35 Lb      Halfling          Female    Albino Lucht woman in black leather armor with a BIG spider
Merek        5'10"    215 Lb     Human             Male      A black-haired, dusky male with golden eyes.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Noteable NPCs  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Lily                             Kobold            Female    A carnation scaled foundling Kobold
Serrendine                       Halfling          Female    An Eldery Lucht woman scholar
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=</pre>

The day outside is bright but chill. The shutters are open but the windows closed tight, allowing in as much light as is possible into the Tarrace but only the door allows in the cold breeze when folk enter or exit. 

Sabina has set up her table near the kitchens with cups and plates for what looks like four. As if she were expecting guests in her home rather then her eatery and pub. Smile in place but large and joyful and she's humming under her breath.

Outside, a coach rolls along the cobblestones and comes to a stop. Horses can be heard, and indistinct coversation as the passengers disembark.

Cryosanthia hired a ride to fetch Elleandra, certain that she would enjoy the Tarrace, the company, and possibly the baths. It also gave the two time to catch up. Lily, likewise, enjoyed the ride, climbing out the window, bouncing around the inside and pestering the driver.

The white Sith'makar holds the door, letting her pink foundling dart in and her friend follow. "Sabina has done amazing things, finally you'll get to see it. Faran will be coming also!"

Elleandra is not used to such fine treatment, so it is a treat. "I'm thinking I could get rather used to this kind of travel," she says gratefully, accepting Cryosanthia's help in getting out of the coach.

The Tarrace is examine with great interest. "It looks so nice! This must have been so much work." She will enter at Cryosanthia's side, looking forward to seeing the interior.

Lily scampers around the Tarrace, jumping up on the stage to get in amongst the performers.

Cryo waves at Sabina, spotting her table and the setup, and heads her way.

The night also sees the return of the fluffy Knight... and company. Walking beside the albino, an older Lucht or earthier hues and a generally more erudite reserve walks beside Faran, shorter by some three inches, but they share many facial features, though not the fluffiness.

"They have such wonderful food, you'll love it!" the albino is assuring her companion as they enter, while a fuzzy white fascinator rests pretty as you please atop her braided hair. She gives the place a lookover and, "I think she.... ah! There they are!" and, so emboldened, to two Lucht start to approach the particular bundle of activity.

Sabina spies the incomming group and claps her hands together and bounces on her toes. "You're here! Yay!" The Tarenite is dressed in her half-mask today as she normally is, making the upper portion of her face look like a coyote complete with ears. She's dressed in her normal black dress and from above there is a cry from a peacock ther is strutting about the rafters. Yes... Lord Emp is about and watching. 

Sabina motions for them all to join her at the table, giggling as Lily makes one of the performers jump up from his seat in surprise and rake his bow across the veola harshly. "Yes. All is as it should be."

Elleandra takes it all in, the music, Lily's antics, the scents in the air. It's honestly hard for her not to just head to the kitchen and start cooking. However, she's a guest here and has to focus on enjoying that.

"Sabina! What a marvelous place you have here!" she calls out. She draws in another breath and adds, "And it smells every bit as wonderful as it looks!"

"Lord Emp!" Cryo calls out, waving to the bird as she winds her way between the tables to Sabina's, she leans in to hug her. "Thank you so much for setting this up."

Turning, she waves to Faran and Serrendine, pulling out tall chairs for the two of them. Her tail swishes from side to side slowly.

For the moment, Lily is left to run free and explore the stage.

Faranmidahn giggles and waves, "Hi!" as they draw closer to the table, "Elly! It's been so long, how are you?" Her head pivots a moment as she watches Lily scamper accross the stage, then clears her throat and turns, "Sabina, Elleandra, I'd like you to meet my mother, Professor Serrendine Waywalker."

The elder Lucht steps closer with a polite smile and even gives a neat little curtsey, "Ladies. My daughter has told me a great deal about you, it's nice to finally meet."

Sabina laughs and returns the hug given to her by Cryo and then a grin to Elleandra. "Shhh.. Not so loud or our chefs will get big heads again." She false whispers. 

Faran is stepped over to and she leans down for a hug and gives one to Faran's mother as well. Must be hug day for the Tarenite. "It is good to finally meet you, Professor Waywalker." She adds a bit more in the Lucht tounge.. /I am glad that you are here and well./

She checks on Lily who seems to be content on the stage, much to the chuckles of those nearest the performers. The performers themselves seem to be making the most of their small guest. Play to /her/ specificly. "Come.. come please have a seat!"

Elleandra beams at Faran and turns to her mother with a warm smile. She greets with a modest curtsey. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor!" She didn't anticipate such an important meeting today. Fortunately she's looking her best!

She can't help but enjoy watching Lily run about on the stage, even if the impact on the music is.. well, interesting. It seems everyone is quite used to the arrangement. It's a comfortable place.

When she's invited to sit, she settles and lets out a relaxed sigh. "You know, it is perhaps odd for one of my past to say this, but I do feel most at home anywhere that has tables to serve and good food."

Lily stares back at the performers with some confusion, but seems to understand the invitation to a chair. She hops up on it, legs dangling, tail off the back, and stares around a each of them.

"Hello Professor," Cryo dips her head in greeting, "There are three master chefs at the Tarrace, all Lucht Siuil. This one is sure they'll be able to make anything you wish. You must try and challenge them."

A whitescaled hand brushes at Faran's poofy hair. Cryo has set her seat beside Faran's. She continues to help with chairs, pushing Elleandra's in as she takes a seat. "The food and wine here are wonderful. Like you said, so relaxing and inviting. Oh Elly, you should come up with a dish challenge for the chefs as well!"

The professor is somewhat surprised by the hug, but, she does return it, returning in Lucht /This is quite the place, Miss Sabina./ then further to Elleandra, "And you, miss Elleandra." She climbs up into her seat.Cryo's input brings a faint smile to her lips and she nods, "Hello, Cryosanthia, Lily is very lively today. I think we can draw a worthy challenge."

Faran makes the rounds with her friends, bouncing hug to hug to hug. Somewhere in there, her little fuzzy fascinator starts to emit a soft, voiceless rumble and the Knight climbs up into the seat beside her Dame, "We aren't late, I hope?"

Merek walks along into the place, looking to the TarRaCe. He then would offer a little doff of the hat which he wears, then he adjusts the dark attire, while he places a cigarillo into a hand, lights that, places that into the mouth, while he offers a nod with a wave to people which he knows, that includes Cryosanthia, and to Faranmidahn, a little bow for the mother, while he waves to Elleandra.

Elleandra has never really thought of a cooking challenge, before. At least not in that context. It doesn't take her very long, though, to come up with some ideas. She doesn't want to make a big deal of her challenge, though. Rather, she's hoping she might be inspired by their work. That being said, "I will make them a worthy challenge, but on one condition. In the future, I will get to spend a few days in the kitchen working. I feel like I'm reaching the limits of what I can create on my own, and need new ideas."

Her challenge is simple. She explains briefly how she traveled with her mother from the northern ices to Xiang-Sei, then southward and through the Charn Dominion, finding her beloved in Veyshan, and finally returning to the north. The challenge is to build courses of a meal that tell her story. As she explains this, she waves back to Merek.

"She is full of energy. We've been all over Alexandria and she likes meeting people as much as this one does. It charges her up until she's about to explode." Cryo tells the Professor, as she slips onto a stool. She's almost perching on it, but there is no easy way for her to hook feet so large inbetween the legs of it.

There's a wave to Merek.

The whitescale listens intently to Elleandra's story of her journey, and a meal to go with it. She's unreactive when Charn is mentioned, turning to see what Lily is up to on the stage. She looks back for the Veyshan and return segment, nodding enthusiastically, "That will be a meal for all of us. It sounds fantastic."

The daylight stream into the Tarrace and warms the place even though it's chilly outside. At a table near the kitchesn places have been set and it looks like a party afair.

On the stage Lily is now being serenaded by the performers on the stage. Nothing romantic but more like she's the focus of all the singing and playing of music as she sits in a chair on the stage.

Bina ensures all take thier seats and listens to the challenge given by Elle and blinks. "Oh my! I'm sure they'd love that but I'm unsure if we have everything that would be needed? I can but ask."

She motions to a waiting waiter who brings out three bottles of wine each one having been uncorked already in preperation. "First offering is drinks. A red, rich and bold. A white dry adn light and a rose, fruity and bright."

The elder lucht bows her head in turn to the fellow before glancing curiously to the albino.

Faran, herself, seems somewhat uncertain, but she nods with a, "Hello, Merek. This is my mother, Serrendine Waywalker."

Elly's tale snares the Luchts' attention and hold it, Faran's wide eyed, and earnest, while Seerendine's is reserved, but focused.

"I'm confident they can paint a picture with different paints," murmurs Elleandra. "I look forward to their creativity." She hopes that her challenge is not too easy for their skills in the end. Most likely, though, their own high standards will challenge them far more than she ever could with more detail.

Elly directs her attention to Sabina, smiling and asking, "How did you manage all this? It's beautiful! Truly. And I understand you have a bath, as well? You must be busy at all hours."

Lily sits on her chair, legs swinging and eagerly leaning into the music. Occasionally, she adds some noises of her own. Whistles, throaty whoops, almost bird-like chirps and other noises, even barks. They're all quite high pitched. She manages to hit the beats, even if her noises don't integrate well.

"Rose, I think to start." Cryosanthia says, with a wide and toothy grin. She pushes her wine glass forward to receive a careful pouring. It's followed with a bob of her head, acknowledging the waiter.

Cryo reaches out towards Zephyr, glittering eyes focusing on Faran, "Does she want to build a web in my horns? This one has been telling everyone." She also adds to the introduction, "Professor Waywalker. Her research into the Everstorm is unparalleled, and this one has been helping her reconstruct her treatise. It's fascinating. She's a great teacher."

Merek looks to the drinks that are available, while he would look then to Cryosanthia, "Ah, webs." The man chuckles a bit, while he watches people, a little content to generally notice everyone seems to be managing well and alright.

The wine begins to pour and be handed out with style by the waiter. This one knows what he's doing. Not a drop spilled and each glass filled just to the right height in the glass. 

Sabina sees that all is going well and moves over to Merek and nods to the man. "Greeting once again, Merek. Can I get you a wine or perhaps a meal? If the ladies allow we could get you seated there." 

From in the kitchen voices raise up suddenly but go quiet. The tounge is Lucht but the words are hards to hear. Bina turns and raises a brow in that direction before answering Elle. "I had assistance you can be sure. And I brow beat people without mercy. I was here almsot every day and staring at workers and then clean up to show them up and keep them honest. It was stupidly hard but the effect is wonderful I think. And yes.. the baths are just that way if you care to take one at some point. We close near mid of night. The baths as well."

Elleandra accepts her wine -the red- with a smile. She breathes it in, then sets it down for a moment. Only after she's wafted it three times does she drink. Her eyes are gently lidded, her focus utterly on the drink. She doesn't say what she thinks, but her pleased smile should make things quite clear.

"I imagine it was a trial, to make things go just the way you wished. And your vision.. is amazing, Sabina! It feels so welcoming. I simply must bring Kamaria here next time. She will love it." The druid turns her attention to Faran and Cryo, "I deeply appreciate the invitation. I rarely leave Wilderness Pointe these days. This is quite worth it."

"The accounting for it all is a drag, this one is assisting 'Bina with that." Cryo tells Elleandra. Her head turning to follow Sabina as she approaches Merek's table. Her lips purse a little and she glances at Faranmidahn, then back to the others. "Merek, you will need to put out your smoking when Lily rejoins, and some topics should not be raised."

One that will be hard to avoid since there's a meal coming from there, but things will play out.

On stage, Lily is clapping at the music and seems to be trying to bite it as well. Her singing continues to mix with the instruments in strange Jaz.

"I'm so very glad you came Elleandra, and please, bring Kamaria too. This one will cover all expense, to make up for watching Little Fang for me. It's the least I can do." Cryo leans across the table, patting at Elly's hand.

Faranmidahn almost comically crosses her eyes upward as she makes a curious series of noises. The little fascinator, under Cryo's gentle touch, pops up to reveal the little coconut spider, Zephyr, who's little rumble becomes more intricate and somewhat modular before the Knight replies, "She'd like to try a simple on to see how it works."

Serrendine, for her part, "A rose sounds nice to start." thoughtfully, though she seems to be paying attention to everyone.

Merek takes out the cigarillo and begins to take care of the flame, while he places that into a pack, nodding a bit to Sabina. "That would be nice, thank you," he offers, while he would shift a bit to settle in with his friends, if they permit it. There's a look to Cryosanthia and to Lily, "I'm glad you all look to be doing well," he notes, while he offers a wave to Faranmidahn, "It's been a while." Then a look to Elleandra, "And it's pretty nice to see you."

"Oh, there's nothing owed there," says Elly. "We rather like it. And I think Kamaria is likely to make headway with teaching literacy if she's allowed to keep at it. The child is quite intelligent, honestly. It's a challenge to keep her engaged enough to avoid distraction, but we were starting to get there. I do really enjoy how clever she is with designing traps, too. I think if we can tie her natural talent to the things we wish for her to learn, it will go well."

The druid laughs softly, remembering a few of the surprises Lily sprung on her. She watches Merek extinguish the smoke, then speaks to him. "It has been. I've been staying at Wilderness Pointe, and will continue to do so. It's home now, and it's quite comfortable. That being said, now there's a great place to come visit for weekend trips."

Sabina gives Elle a grin and a nod before moving towards the kitchen and stepping out of sight for a moment. 

Three Lucht heads pop up to peer out the serving window and towards the filled table. There is some jostling and some whispers as they note all who are there and the two Lucht ladies too! The heads pull back into the kitchen and there begins a smattering of voices arguing over foods they might serve.

"Oh yes, she is quite clever. I bought her an Erector set in Goblintown. She's been making all sorts of little boxes with it since." Cryo explains. A slight frown crosses her expression, "She also likes Dragonspitters, which I'm discouraging."

The whitescale takes another sip of her wine, "And thank you for complimenting her. This one cannot claim to have added anything except encouragement."

She keeps an arm extended for Zephyr to climb up, waves at the luchts looking through the serving window.

Merek then adds to Sabina, "I would like an icemilk if that's ok."

Elleandra watches Sabina with interest. She's eager to learn more about how she manages the place, as well. Elly is really not interested in running her own place, but it never hurts to add a bit to her repertoire, and often she finds herself left in charge at the inn and wants to do it better than she has.

Turning back to Cryosanthia, she smiles, "She talks about it often. That was clearly a great gift for her. Hopefully we can continue to help you with her. It makes us happy and gives us a bit of practice. Which reminds me, sometime when you are free we'd like to finally get married. We've decided to keep it very small and simple. We've changed, and our plans for the marriage have changed with them. Perhaps we can throw a party here after we celebrate at Wilderness Pointe? Nothing too big, of course. We don't wish to cause a lot of stress for anyone."

Sabina returns from the kitchen with brows raised and face sort of in shock. In her hands she works a spoon into a deep cup and sturs even as she keeps her cantrip going. Icemilk by magic.

"I'm..er.. pleased to let you know that this is as fired up as I've seen our chefs. Indeed they've quickly chosen a list of things that will be served together as one meal rather then courses to represnt the trip as a whole. From Xiang-Seit a medly of fire roast peppers and vegies along with spiced pork strips. From Veyshan a Taboleth salad and a side of honey pastries. For the northern lands a smoked dire moose tar-tar and from Charn a blood pudding." She blinks again and looks back at the kitchen as she hands Merek his drink. "I can't beleive I even got to say that..."

"Of course! Yes! This one will be available! That's an excellent idea." Cryosanthia sits up straight and eager, her tail wriggling. "I'm sure 'Bina would host an excellent party here."

She looks over to the list of courses, "Those all sound excellent. I'm glad they have a challenge now and look forward to what they will prepare."

On stage, Lily charges one of the musicians. She has decided she can play a violin and holds out her hands for it.

Merek watches Lily and looks a bit amused, while he then nods along to Elleandra, "I can't wait for it, if you'll have me. I'm sure Eluna will bless the both of you," he notes. The man looks to Cryosanthia, and offers a light nod, "She still like that harmonica?" He then takes the icemilk, "Thank you!" he then smiles a little bit also.

Elly sighs wistfully, thinking back. "Kamaria will be delighted if she can get some dishes from home when she comes here." She clarifies for Sabina, "She's from Veyshan. We met there.. hmm, how long has it been now? Let us just say, it was some time ago. And fell in love in the most hopeless of circumstances. After many years, we now live together, thanks to my good friends." She gives Cryosanthia a meaningful look and warm smile.

"She was a... dancer for the Shah. Her movements told stories in ways that I'd never seen before." Her mind drifts to some of the other courses, "I look forward to this. I hope when I next visit they can teach me a thing or two about their art, though. Seriously."

When Merek speaks, she looks his way and replies, "Certainly! You are such an important part of this, you know. Kamaria will be delighted to have you join us. Honestly all of you are most welcome. But please, do not bring gifts. I understand that custom, but we cherish your presence and would be embarassed to receive more than your well wishes as we move into the next phase of our lives. Oh, and perhaps offers to help babysit from time to time."

"I have not had a proper Taboleth salad in quite a while." the elder Lucht replies as Sabina regails them with the serving order, she seems fairly pleased by this.

Faran nods and, "Is Moose the big cow thing, or the... big deer-?" She slips down off the seat as she sees, "Lily!" and she pads over toward the edge of the stage, "Settle down, sweetie. Be nice." she chides gently, a little smile on the corner of her mouth.


Cryo nods, "Yes, she loves the harmonica and the stuffed sith'makar plush. She plays the harmonica a lot when I'm carrying her and we're walking into town."

She smiles at Elleandra, matching the warmth, then a grin. "Yes, sit on the babies, this one has just the tail for it."

"Elk are the big deer."

Lily is distracted from the instrument and runs over to Faran, "Farans!" She hugs her head.

Bina both grins and winces as Lily starts to demand instruments from their owners. She steps over to Cryo chuckling and speaks over the Sith's shoulder. "Could you call over and save that poor minstrel? I have a gift to give to her if you'll allow me? And I'm not sure if Sith celebrate birthdays or not but I figured to celebrate yours and Lily's together right now." She then watches Faran become Lily's next target. "Well then! Never mind. Good timing Lily!"

Faranmidahn murmurs something with a giggle as she gets engulfed in a head hug from her niece. She hugs the kobold in turn and gently hefts her from the stage, deftly flashing a thumbs-up to the musicians as she turns to start making her way back toward the table. As that goes on, little Zephyr is making her noises again, an almost constant, albeit malleable stream, and the Knight has to adjust her course a couple of times, all the while gently rubbing the carnation scales, "Who's a good girl?" she asks.

Meanwhile, Serrendine considers her child for some time as she's about than, then turns to regard the others, "How has everything else been coming?" she wonders as a blanket statement.

"Little Fang!" Lily cries out happily, carried. She knows the answer and wants to make sure everyone else does also. She squirms but allows herself to be carried by Faran, curled and looking up at her like a cat.

"A gift? Oh, she'll like that." Cryo grins, although it becomes a little sad, "The people celebrate namings and casting. The laying and the hatching is important but so many nestlings don't survive, those are... less celebrated. Also, as we have seasons, everyone's is around the same time. This one is sure she would enjoy a party for any reason, and now is as good as any."

Cryo turns to Serrendine, "Some leads, but very faint. Mostly I've been occupied in Mictlan when this one hasn't been around to assist you."

Merek looks to the icmilk with a nod and wave to Elle, then it's back to Cryo and Lily, "I'm glad," with a look to Sabina as she mentions celebrating. There's a smile and a grin for both of the lizard people, while he nods a bit.

Bina crooks a finger to Merek and moves a chair for the man and places it at the table with the others with a smile. "Have a seat. They won't bite. Well.. perhaps Lily might nibble." She grins and then hugs Cryo from behind where the Sith sits. "Perhaps more of a party for finding Lily and becoming her foster mother then. Would you mind making sure that Lily undestands my words, please?" 

She waves over the waiter again who holds a bright pink bag of silk about the size of a hen. She takes the bag and holds it so Lily can see. "Today I wanted to start your offical dragon horde, Lily. Start you on the road to one day having a great horde of your own!" She motions towards the little one with the bag. "Dragons must always take care of things in their horde to that they have it for many many years. Are you ready to start your horde?"

Faranmidahn giggles a little and kisses Lily as the kobold curls up in her arms and can finally see, "That's right!" she croons with a big smile and looks to Sabina, "Ooooh, Sabina has something special for you, sweetie!" She draws up alongside the Tarienite on Cryo's side and gives her a smile. She notices the absence and inquires after Elleandra from her mother in Lucht, who gives her the rundown

Cryosanthia hisses, translating into draconic. Certain tradespeak words had already caught the kobold's attention, 'dragon', 'horde', and of course the pink silk instantly suggest things to her. She becomes a climbing ball of excitement in Faran's arms, that only gets more energetic as everything is conveyed to her.

"Yessss!" Lily hisses, bobbing her head and wagging her tail. Then 'rawr!' because she is a dragon, just a little one.

Cryo is equally fascinated, grinning toothily, "this one is glad to celebrate that, you spoil us so. Come here Lily, stand up on Ssassa's lap." She lapses back into draconic, likely adding instructions like 'don't grab' and 'say thank you'.

Lily slips out of Faran's hug, then stands on Cryo's thighs.

Merek looks then to Bina while he takes another seat, this one at that table, while he nods a bit between the people, and listens. When there is an offer of a horde to Lily, well he knows that will be wonderful. "I give her things so she doesn't nibble me, the harmonica would generally take care of that," he notes.

Bina slowly offers over the bag to Lily as if it were made from glass. "Gentle then with your horde, Lily-dragon." She says with a smile, letting Lily take it from her hands and open the bag. 

Within are two wooden boxes. The smaller is narrow and clicks and clacks before it is opened to reveil .. play coins. Obviously fake to those who know the real thing but each coin is painted in a metalic color. Gold, copper, silver. They're all there and the box holds them all neatly.

The second and larger box is opened to show ..a strange looking mask of wood and many wooden pieces. The mask is plain to look at but it should fit Lily's head nicely. It's even a tad over-sized. The rest of the pieces represnt varrious eyes and noses and ears that can be put in place on the mask itself. Sliding home firmly and become something new.

Lily makes a happy, high rising whistle whoop of joy. Her eyes glitter, as she opens the bag, then the contents of each box. She starts babbling immediately when she sees the coins, eagerly hissing at Cryo, then 'Bina, "Sssilsss, Golsss, Cupsss!"

She has to take each one out and handle it, and only a quick warning from Cryo prevents her from biting them. They will be lovingly bitten later.

The mask fascinates her. She puts one of the noses on her snout with out the mask, then holds two ears to the side of her head, accompanied by much draconic chatter.

"She says she is a softskin now, and this is your illusion spell from yesterday. She really likes them 'Bina, this is wonderful." Cryo watches, basking in the youngling's glee.

Lily tries puting the mask on next, and seems to be singularly focused when her sith'mom gives her another reminder, "Say thank you, Little Fang."

Lily looks up from her hoarding, and is al toothy smiles, "Sssanksss Beansss!"

Faranmidahn smiles and lets the Kobold go on to her mother's lap, watching the presentation with open curiosity. She isn't sure how things work between the other races, so, it's good to observe and absorb for later. She giggles a little as the festivities continue and she gently touches the Tarienite's arm, "It's an inspired gift, Sabby!" she approves. She looks to Merek, then, thoughtful.

"Congratulations, that's a nice little gift, to see," Merek notes then to Lily and to Cryosanthia, while he places the drink upon the table. He then tips the hat of his to his face while he seems to think to himself.

Bina claps as Lily becomes a soft skin. "Ooo! I hardly recognized you! And now you can be whatever you wish to be!" She grins to Faran and whispers a thank you. She then waves the waiter over again with a white silk bag. "And I thought to myself that mother and daughter should play the mask game together. So.. I got one in a larger size for you, Cryosanthia." She giggles as the waiter places it beside Cryo. 

She then steps to Merek and hmms at the thinker. "Are you hungry? I think the salad should be ready by now."

Cryo's jaw drops, and she laughs, "I was not expecting a mask!" She gleefully opens her silk bag, pausing for a moment to run her fingers along the fabric, then glance at Faran. Peering inside she finds a box, and inside that a similar but larger box of mask and bits. "Oh my scales, this is fantastic. Thank you 'Bina, it's lovely! Ha, and the pieces will transfer, she can have the biggest noses. We shall have to make up some dances to go with this."

Rising, the whitescale shifts Lily over to Faran's lap, then gives Sabina a tight hug. It's still a cool embrace, but there is a lot of warmth in the gesture, she whispers in 'Bina's ears, "Sssanksss Beansss."

Faranmidahn holds Lily tenderly as she thanks Sabina for her gift, looking to Cryosanthia as she gives thanks, "I'll never be able to recognize either of you, now!" she teases with a wink.

Merek looks up to Sabina while he seems to think about it, "I don't require any food anymore, it's... Not necessary for me," he notes, the man lifting a brow a little bit, "Thank you for the drink," he adds. There's a look to Faranmidahn, while he offers a nod along to Cryosanthia.

"Well you could have some to taste if you.." Bina starts and then she's being hugged and thanked by Cryo and she smiles and returns the hug. Her mouth opens to say something and then closes as her eyes swim with tears she fights not to shed. "You are most welcome." She whisper. 

When the hug ends she grins at the others. "Just you wait! I'll find reason to gift you all as well! Just you wait and see." She makes it sound like a threat even though she's grinning.

Then, glomp, there's a smaller scaley attached to 'Bina's leg and hugging tight, with a wooden mask on her face that has far too many noses attached. Lily squeals and holds tight, hissing happily like a kettle.

Cryo slips free, relaxing the embrace, bowing her head, "Really, thank you." She looks out to the others, "And she will, she'll find your most secret heartstrings and pull them."

Taking her seat again, she looks out at the plates, full of the meal courses, "Well, dinner is a long journey from the North to Veyshan and back, we should get started. I will have some white wine next, to go with the snow of the start."

She reaches for a glass, glancing at each, good times indeed.

Faranmidahn giggles some and reaches out to gently touch Sabina's arm, "I have every faith!" she cheers with a wink, resolving to get her a present as well. She grins at the nosey hugger and gently strokes her scales before she gently sets her down to attend her own course, ahhhh..... 

This is nice...

Merek nods a bit, "I'll take the salad," he notes, while he smiles a bit to Cryosanthia, "Ah, in Veyshan? I am from there, my family, if you need any assistance," he notes.

{{LineSkulls|300px}}