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::Erdian's Tower is currently situated on the outskirts of the city, hugging the city walls. Its bizarrely shifting battlements can be seen from several streets away, though high, thick hedges limit approach to a path that winds through a surprisingly attractive, if small, garden. The path ends almost abruptly in front of the Tower's door, which today is octagonal in shape, and bright red. By lucky chance, the hinges are in the correct place on the side of the door - though the doorknob is absent.:: * Fosst steps forward, hesitantly, and hmms. He looks back to Sabrina. {Do you think this is the place? I dare not say otherwise, and wonder whose it truly is...} He wipes his brow. * Sabrina smiles and him encouragingly. {This is the place. Just remember, don't let it know you are afraid.} * Fosst smiles, a little genuinely and a little forcedly. {Pray it doesn't find out.} He turns back to facing the tower, and walks up to the door, with a large, full sack slung over his shoulder. * Sabrina smothers a giggle and steps up behind him. ::with the faintest rustle, the path re-arranges itself behind them:: * Vallel is sitting in the family room, pouring over a text on meditation. * Fosst steels himself as he reaches for a door handle before realizing there is no such thing to take hold of, and instead knocks. He whirls about-face at the sound of the rustling, and smiles sheepishly at Sabrina before turning back around. * Sabrina jumps ahead as the path moves a bit under her foot. She grins back to Fosst. {Remember, no fear} * Vallel looks up at the sound of a rooster crowing. "Ack... " He stands up, heading for the door. * Vallel opens the door, frowning to find himself facing upside down. "Welcome to Erdian's Tower, how can I... oh, hullo Brina." * Sabrina giggles "Hello Val" ::With a sheepish flicker, the Tower turns Vallel right-side up:: * Fosst blinks. "Greetyngs..." <Vallel> ::patting the door frame:: Thank you very much. ::turns to the two:: Don't mind him, he's just feeling playful. Would you like to come in? * Fosst skips the obvious question of, "He?", and moves straight on to, "Yes, thanks," with a polite smile. * Sabrina nods and smiles. "Thanks Val." * Vallel smiles. "What can I do for you?" * Fosst steps in, and sets down the sack, watching it for a moment so that they don't fizzle away into smoke, and then looks back to Vallel with a smile. "I would like to meet Miss Glossaria--I have some books to return. And--if it is hospitable, to see the library?" * Sabrina steps in behind Fosst and glances around a bit. <Vallel> ::frowning slightly:: Gloss isn't here right now, I'm sorry. She's out acquiring stuff. I could ask Mistress Zoya, if you want. ::leads the way down several long hallways, lined with portraits that are making childish faces at the visitors:: ::slowly, a wisp of blue smoke rises from the floor, shaping itself into something vaguely humanoid just beside Vallel and tilting its "head" questioningly:: <Fosst> That would be quite-- ::eyes the smokey shape:: ...fine. * Vallel turns to the Staff. "We have some visitors. Could you ask Mistress Zoya if she's available?" ::The wisp of smoke bows and drifts away:: * Sabrina follows Val and Fosst, smiling at the pictures. She makes a face back at one. * Zoya comes down a set of stairs which appears rather suddenly on one side of the hallway. "...need to do some more experiments, when you have time." She is talking to Kevil, who is following her down the stairs. * Sabrina smiles brightly seeing Kevil. <Zoya> ::to Vallel:: Oh, there you are! ::she smiles at Sabrina and Fosst:: And our visitors - good afternoon! <Kevil> ::smiles and nods at Sabrina:: What brings you here, songbird? * Sabrina nods to Zoya. "Good afternoon." <Sabrina> ::grins at Kevil:: Moral support. * Fosst scratches his head, and nods to Zoya. "Good day, Miss Zoya... Sir Kevil." <Kevil> ::glances at Fosst, then grins:: I see. Take care you do not neglect your studies. <Zoya> ::half-bows to Fosst:: Good day, Sir. * Sabrina nods "I wouldn't dream of it dear teacher." * Vallel grins at his future-brother-in-law. * Zoya smiles at Fosst. "Good of you to come - it hadn't occurred to me until too late to wonder if my home might be too daunting for one of your background... I forget how strange it seems, to others." <Vallel> ::makes a face:: Mistress Zoya, you forget how strange it is to me, and I *live* here/ <Kevil> ::grins and nods a greeting to Vallel:: * Fosst nods slowly. "One day, nothing I shall ever see will frighten me--at this rate." He smiles. "I brought some books to return to Miss Glossaria, as I have finished them." * Sabrina grins at Vallel. <Zoya> ::smiles at Vallel:: True... But here we are standing in the hallway... ::she looks at Fosst:: Ah, that explains why we are in the hallway, and not the parlor... <Kevil> Zoya, my goddess, if you are done with me then there are things to which I must attend... * Sabrina grins at Kevil's words. * Fosst wipes his brow and looks around. <Zoya> ::laughs:: Done with you? I've hardly begun, my dear. ::her eyes twinkle:: But I have no more for some few days. ::she lays a hand on the wall nearby and looks up into the high ceiling:: Give Kevil a door, would you? <Zoya> ::A perfectly normal door appears in the wall, supplanting one laughing portrait, and swings open to reveal the garden outside.:: <Sabrina> Good day Kevil. I will see you soon. <Kevil> ::smiles at Sabrina:: Indeed. We are due for review in a day or so, are we not? ::he turns to Fosst, and executes another half-bow:: It was good to see you again, Sir. * Sabrina looks thoughtful and then nods. "We are at that." * Fosst nods to Kevil slowly as he leaves, watching the door fixedly. <Kevil> ::turns to Vallel and claps him on the shoulder:: We will see you soon, I hope? You will bring the angel and dine with us? <Vallel> ::waving:: Take care. Give Lorie my love? And yes, I'm sure Gloss would love to have dinner... * Kevil leans forward and up on his toes to kiss Zoya's cheek, then slips through the door, which closes behind him and fades away as if it had never been. * Zoya chuckles again, then turns back to her guests. "Well, then: we are going to the Library?" * Fosst shakes his head and visibly tries to forget the door. "Yes--I left the books in the front hall... shall I go get them? ...are they still there?" * Sabrina watches KEvil leave and shakes her head a bit before turning back to the group. * Zoya raises an eyebrow. "If the Staff has not already collected the books from the hall, then I need to have words with it again. We will find out when we get there." * Vallel smiles. "Well, enjoy your visit. I have a rather lot of homework to do right now." <Sabrina> Nice to see you Val ::she smiles:: <Zoya> ::smiles at Vallel and nods:: Thank you, Vallel. When Glossaria comes in, please tell her that I am in the Library with guests. * Vallel bows to Sabrina and Fosst, then heads back down the hallway, muttering to himself. <Vallel> Certainly, Mistress Zoya. * Fosst nods to Zoya. "Could you lead the way, then, Miss Zoya?" <Zoya> Of course. ::She sets off toward the Library, her pace leisurely:: Do correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought most of the northern tribes did not botherwith reading as a skill. * Sabrina easily follows behind Fosst and Zoya, looking around as they go. * Fosst replies, "I am from a kingdom far in the North of Uthgardt. You are correct, Miss Zoya. My father is a learned man." * Zoya stops in front of an enormous set of double-doors, the wood a warm honey color, polished until it nearly glows. The geometrical designs carved into the doors are accented with gleaming gold. Zoya looks amused. "Feeling particularly proud of yourself today? New acquisitions?" She eyes the geometric patterns. "Mathematics? Well, we'll see." * Fosst watches Zoya, until he realizes that she is addressing the door. He looks back at Sabrina briefly. * Sabrina smiles reassuringly at Fosst and slips her hand into his. * Zoya pushes gently on the Library doors, which swing open at her touch. The Library within is enormous, much larger in diameter than the Tower's exterior allows. Thousands upon thousands of books are neatly stacked on shelf after shelf. A desk lies directly before them, piled high with books. Next to the desk, a much smaller shelf on a base of wheels carries the books Fosst brought with him. * Fosst blinks. * Sabrina looks around the room and nods. She glances to Fosst and smiles at his expression. <Zoya> ::Behind the desk is a formidable steel door, its handle chained to the wall with links as thick as Zoya's wrists. An aura of menacing red, visible even to non-magically trained eyes, pulses around the door. Zoya indicates the steel door:: Try not to go near the Vault... But do feel free to look around elsewhere. * Sabrina releases Fosst's hand and urges him into the room. * Glossaria calls from further down the hall, her light footsteps echoing off the stone flags as she hurries towards the Library. Behind her, a rather large stack of lumber floats about three feet above the ground, trailing after her like an oversized puppy. "Mistress Zoya? Val said we had guests! I'm sorry the Library's in such a state, I didn't get to the reshelving yet this morning and-- oh! Hello, Sabrina, Master Fosst." * Zoya smiles faintly. "Or, if you have questions, please consider me at your disposal..." She turns as Glossaria enters. "Good afternoon, Glossaria." <Sabrina> Hello Gloss. <Zoya> ::eyes Glossaria's lumber:: More shelves? Already? * Fosst looks about, still disoriented by the sheer size of the enclosed space. He nods to Zoya. "Many thanks, yes..." He steps forward into the library, and turns to Glossaria. <Glossaria> ::smiles:: Good afternoon, Mistress. Um... ::she looks around a little with an embarrassed expression, finally directing the stack of wood along one wall with a wave of her hand and letting it settle to the ground with a soft clatter.:: <Fosst> "I think the books I wished to return to you are--" ::turns, and points to the cart:: "--there. And again, thank you for lending them to me. They were excellent." <Glossaria> Oh, no, Mistress, the Tower provides those. ::nudges the top board straight with the toe of her shoe:: These are for my wedding present for Kevil and Loria. ::she smiles, dusts off her hands, and moves to the cart with a brisk air:: Ah, yes, thank you, Master Fosst. ::inspecting the volumes carefully, leafing through the pages and even sniffing the binding delicately:: Excellent, you took adequate care of them. * Sabrina grins at Gloss. * Fosst looks at the gruesomely intimidating vault door, and in spite of himself, wonders. * Zoya eyes the boards dubiously, but doesn't ask. "Which reminds me, Glossaria, Kevil asked me to extend his greetings, since you weren't here when he called." <Glossaria> ::cocking her head inquisitively:: Was there something in particular you were seeking today, or are you just touring? <Zoya> ::glances at Fosst:: The dangerous books, sir... The magical ones that whisper in your mind as you turn the pages and attempt to corrupt your soul. * Fosst leans slowly away from Zoya as she speaks, and adjusts his shirt's collar. * Sabrina blinks and glances to the vault, then quickly looks away. <Fosst> "Pyrhaps a tour would be byst... where evyr--" ::coughs into his hand:: "Wherever is safest?" <Glossaria> ::smiles at Fosst:: Please don't be concerned, the risk is negligible. I check and reset the wards myself daily. <Zoya> ::smiles thinly:: Your people are not altogether incorrect in their assumption that magic is a dangerous thing... ::she gestures around:: Avoid the Vault; open no locked doors - everything in this room is mundane and harmless... And, I believe, not even magical in subject. ::she glances at Glossaria for confirmation:: <Glossaria> ::cocks her head, and points to a closed-- but unlocked door:: The magical tomes are kept in closed stacks, of course, Mistress. But I would disagree on philosophical principles with the statement that the contents of this room are mundane and harmless. ::smiling a little:: Even leaving aside the fact that *we* are standing in this room. <Zoya> ::gives Glossaria a dry look:: "Mundane" and "harmless" are adequate for the conversational purpose. <Glossaria> ::blinks:: Not precise, but... ::sighs:: As you say, Mistress. * Sabrina grins and steps to a shelf, examining the books there. * Fosst looks between Glossaria and Zoya, and then coughs. "Well, then--if it's safe, shall we look around?" <Glossaria> ::nods:: You're welcome to look at anything you like. If you pull a book from the shelf, however, please take care to return it exactly to the place you found it. * Fosst nods rapidly. "Do not worry about that at all, Miss Glossaria--I will take great care in doing so." He looks around, and begins to wander over to a shelf. * Sabrina lets her fingers wander over a few of the books, reading the titles. * Fosst finds an interesting, black-bound book with fine red ink webbed over its cover in intricate designs. He pulls it off, and flips it open, reading the first few pages. His eyes narrow and his brow lowers as he reads deeper into the text, before his face goes a shock white and his eyes fly open. He quickly closes and replaces the book, and moves on, pretending that nothing ever happened. * Glossaria moves over a few steps, so she can watch their progress through the stacks. * Zoya leans against Glossaria's desk, keeping an eye on everyone. "Glossaria, I assume the Library doors are polished up like that because we have some new books?" <Glossaria> ::blushing a little:: Well... I did require a few new manuals on woodworking, and cabinetry, and fifth-dimensional space equations.... * Sabrina pulls out a book, keeping one hand in the space. She reads a bit of it and then replaces it. After a few more titles she turns and looks over to Fosst. Smiling softly as she watches him. <Zoya> Fifth... ::she glances over at the pile of lumber, then shakes her head:: Where did you find that one? * Fosst pulls out a light bluish book, and leafs through it. He gradually becomes very interested, and leans up against the shelf as he continues to read. * Zoya grins at Fosst, then looks over at Glossaria. "I believe you've got a regular visitor, here." <Glossaria> Two, actually, Mistress. A contact at Candlekeep was kind enough to arrange an exchange, in return for my study on benevolent pest management, and then I found another in the nicest little hole-in-the-wall shop.... * Sabrina chuckles "He might never leave." <Glossaria> ::smiles:: I'm always pleased to share the collection. There are cots in the far room, if he wishes to arrange overnight study... <Zoya> ::eyes Glossaria:: "Hole-in-the-wall"...? ::she snorts:: Never mind. I'd like to see them, please. There are some interesting blockages I'm going to have to get around. * Sabrina walks over to Fosst and leans close to see what he is reading. * Fosst looks up at Glossaria's words. "That might be in order, Miss Glossaria. This book about ps... sp--... ghost-arts is quite interesting." <Zoya> ::eyes Fosst:: Psionics. <Fosst> "Yes, thank you." * Sabrina looks up at Zoya and then to Fosst. <Glossaria> ::nods:: Certainly, Mistress. ::moves to her desk, and pulls two books, one freshly bound, from the shelf behind it, bringing them over to Zoya.:: <Zoya> Speaking of which... The ring you had, that you were kind enough to give me. I presume you had it for a reason... I don't want to be offensive, but I wonder if you could tell me if you know the... sorts of abilities you might possess? <Glossaria> ::to Fosst:: Our collection in that area is quite strong, given the prominence of the school locally. Of course, the school itself has a better collection in that respect. ::sounding somewhat envious:: <Zoya> ::takes the books from Glossaria and flips through them idly:: * Fosst looks up from the book, to Zoya. "Yes, it was--for a reason. I only know vaguely what sort of magicks I seem to own. --This book is excellent history, however, on that topic." <Glossaria> ::nods, sighing:: History-- and worse, legend-- is all that's generally available on the subject. The students themselves are beginning to produce some research texts, and I've done a few studies, myself, but... ::shakes her head in frustration:: very little concrete, so far, I'm afraid. <Zoya> ::nods cautiously:: Please, feel free to borrow it if you think it will be useful. ::she hesitates:: Certain of the psionic arts can be... dangerous, especially untrained. If you like... I believe I can re-fashion your ring into something that would be under your control, and yet also prevent... accidents. <Glossaria> ::muttering quietly:: My eyebrows grew back, that one time... * Fosst chuckles. "Any history is more informative than what I now know, miss Glossaria. --Such a ring might be useful, Miss Zoya, if it were... well, removable by means other than divine force." <Zoya> ::looks over at Glossaria with a small smile:: <Zoya> ::nods to Fosst:: I will see what I can do. The spells within are complex, but not overly so. ::she grins:: * Fosst closes the book, and hmms. "Could I see some of the rest of the tower? ... Finding the kitchen would be useful, as I think I will accept your offer to stay longer." <Zoya> ::grins broadly:: The Kitchen does not care for visitors. It especially doesn't care for *me*. <Glossaria> If you're interested in history, Master Fosst... ::Gloss strides down through the stacks, selecting several books from one area, and pulling another two from the shelf just below where he's reading:: Try these... a collection of "folk wisdom" from around the Realms on psionics-- much of it false-- the history of the Psionics School here, and one of the better theoretical texts.... <Zoya> ::she looks Fosst over for a moment, then nods:: Glossaria, if you will show Master Fosst around a little, I will get an amulet for him. ::she looks at Sabrina:: You, too? * Fosst follows Gloss as she picks out select volumes, watching interestedly. * Sabrina shakes her head a bit. "No, since Fosst has decided to stay I should probably be heading home." <Glossaria> ::nods:: Certainly, Mistress. Should I find a room for him, ::looking at Fosst:: Or would you prefer one of the library cots? <Zoya> ::nods:: Very well. I can show you to the door on my way back to the lab. <Fosst> A cot would be preferable. ::waves to Sabrina, and smiles:: Thanks very much for the company, Sabrina! * Sabrina nods and glances to Fosst, biting her lip softly before turning to follow Zoya. * Sabrina waves back and nods "Welcome" <Zoya> ::frowns briefly at Fosst:: We can give you a room, sir - there is more than enough space. ::she shrugs:: But - as you will. I will be back shortly. ::she goes to the door and opens it, the short chains on her manacles clinking as she gestures Sabrina through:: * Sabrina follows Zoya through and out of the library. * Fosst mumbles, {The shorter the distances I need travel in here alone, the better...}, and smiles at Glossaria. "Shall we?" <Glossaria> ::smiles a little:: Don't say that too loudly, Master Fosst, or the Tower will *make* them shorter. He *does* have a sense of humor that way... * Zoya asks the Tower to create a door for Sabrina. "Here we go... Should we expect you back tomorrow?" She glances back toward the Library with a faint smile. * Sabrina shakes her head. "I don't think so, unless Fosst asks for me. But I have a feeling he will be ok." she smiles softly looking back to the library. * Fosst briefly looks worried. "I shall indeed watch myself, then." <Zoya> ::chuckles and nods:: So long as he doesn't pry behind locked doors, there's nothing in here that's dangerous, I assure you. * Sabrina nods and smiles to Zoya. "Just make sure he eat's something. Once he get buried in a book he forgets all time." <Zoya> ::laughs:: My own failing, as well. Glossaria, no doubt, will care well for us both. <Glossaria> ::patting his arm:: The Tower is my home, Master Fosst, and Mistress Zoya is his master. She welcomed you as a guest; as long as you stay within the boundaries of hospitality, he won't harm you. Really. <Sabrina> ::grins and nods: Well good day to you then Mistress Zoya. * Zoya smiles and nods. "Good day, Sabrina. Do practice your music some, tonight. I don't want to deal with Kevil if he's going to be testy." She winks. <Fosst> Alright... If only it would rest as fairly--inanimate, it wouldn't bother me. ::shakes his head briefly:: We were going to look around, then? * Sabrina chuckles and nods. "I will, I promise." she slips out the door. * Zoya watches Sabrina until she is safely through the garden, then turns toward the stairs to her lab.. * Glossaria nods, and guides him back to the Library doors, opening them with a light push. The hall beyond is completely different than the one Zoya led them down, looking rather rough and subterranean. "Any materials you're interested in, you can leave them on the reading table there; I won't reshelve them until you're done." * Fosst tries to ignore the change in hallway, and nods. * Glossaria holds up her hand, cupping a ball of foxfire to light their way down the hall's twists and turns. At the end, she opens another door, leading on to a sumptuous, elegant dining room. "The main dining hall. What has Mistress Zoya shown you so far?" <Fosst> The, uh, foyer. Why, may I ask, is there a dining room in a cavern? <Glossaria> Oh. ::she looks up, noting the unfinished ceiling:: Drat. I must have left "Sixty Leagues Under the Earth" out open again... ::sighs:: It doesn't usually look like this. ::looking at a wall somewhat accusingly:: It's *usually* white marble and pale purple velvets... <Zoya> ::The room ripples as if a wave of heat is passing through, and transforms into the room Glossaria describes:: * Fosst nods. "Oh--I see, then." He chuckles in an almost tittery way. "There it goes now." <Glossaria> Ah. ::patting a wall gently:: Much better. Not that I don't *like* caverns, but... the damp is rather bad for books. * Zoya rummages through a chest in her laboratory, finally coming up with a small bronze medallion. She polishes it on the sleeve of her robe, then carries it over to her work table and begins a quiet chant. <Glossaria> ::points at a rather forbidding door of iron-studded oak, to one side of the room:: That leads to the Kitchen. *Don't* go in there unless accompanied by a gourmet chef. <Glossaria> If you would like a snack, the Staff can provide one. If you'd like to rummage in the icebox, the Staff can provide that too. Just-- don't go into the Kitchen. ::lowering her voice:: It can be-- temperamental. <Fosst> "Of--course. The Staff are?" <Glossaria> Oh-- here. ::holds out her hand, tilting it slightly into a particular position. In front of her, a little dancing blue wisp winks into existence, bobbing gently in midair:: A glass of water, please. ::the wisp winks out again, and reappears a few moments later with a tray suspended in front of it, a glass of water resting on the tray:: Thank you. * Zoya stops and eyes the faintly glowing medallion, frowning in thought and muttering to herself. "The Library, of course, and the public rooms... the courtyard, the front door..." She considers a little longer. "That should be sufficient for now." She sketches intricate designs in the air over the amulet, her fingertip leaving a glowing trail. * Glossaria takes the glass, and hands it to Fosst. The wisp disappears again. * Fosst takes it absent-mindedly, staring at the space where the bobbing ball of light was. "Aha." <Glossaria> That was the Staff. ::smiling brightly:: Would you like to see the courtyard gardens? * Fosst sips the water tentatively. "I would be delighted." <Glossaria> ::nods:: This way, then. ::leads him back out a side door, up two flights of stairs, and down a long, wide hall of warm golden stone, an open arcade on one side of the hall offering an excellent view of the Dragonsmere.:: * Fosst looks out over the ocean, glass in hand, and smiles. "Truly beautiful." * Glossaria opens a plain wooden door off to one side of the hall-- the same side as the Dragonsmere, it appears-- and steps out into a walled courtyard. Overhead, the tower rises into the air, and the faint sound of birdcalls echo off the stone. <Glossaria> ::The courtyard is lush with flowers, trees, and exotic plants, many of which appear to be blooming together out of season. * Zoya steps through a doorway that has suddenly appeared in the wall, a bronze amulet dangling from a leather strap wrapped twice around her fist. She stops and takes a deep breath of the sea air, then spots Glossaria and Fosst and walks toward them.:: <Zoya> ::offering the amulet to Fosst:: Wear this while you are here. It will guide you to the places you wish to go, and prevent you from encountering anything that might be dangerous. When you are ready to leave us, return the amulet to Glossaria or myself, please. * Fosst takes the amulet gratefully in one hand, and pulls it over his head, letting it hang around his neck. He looks much more relaxed. "Many thanks, from the birds of my bonecage." He grins. "You are truly generous hosts." <Glossaria> ::in one corner of the courtyard garden, a white rabbit hops across the grass. It pauses for a moment next to an ornamental bronze sundial and then takes off like a shot, disappearing into a small hole in a corner of the wall.:: <Zoya> ::eyes the rabbit suspiciously:: I thought I'd rounded them all up... * Fosst looks about hesitantly, and then returns his attention to Zoya. "If I may return to the library, then--?" <Glossaria> ::blinks:: They do breed, Mistress. <Zoya> ::grins and points at the door that has appeared in the wall just behind Fosst:: Whenever you wish, sir. <Glossaria> ::smiles at Zoya as Fosst steps through the door:: I love new houseguests. Especially literate ones. <Zoya> ::laughs softly:: Try to keep him from running into too much trouble, would you? I have some research to do... <Glossaria> ::a little doubtfully:: I'll try, Mistress. Don't forget-- dinner in four hours, alright? <Zoya> Mm. ::already engrossed in her trail of thought, Zoya wanders absently back toward her laboratory:: * Glossaria smiles a little, and steps through the portal to the Library. |
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