Public Site |
* Zoya enters the Hall. She is wearing sturdy, comfortable clothes and carrying a pack over one lanky shoulder. Her hair is tightly braided and bound up close to her head. * Jaret saunters towards the Hall. He is wearing fine traveling clothes that are muted blue and grey, high boots that reach to his knee, and his usual plumed hat. He is wearing a new ring on each hand, has a pair of worn leather gloves tucked into his belt, and has a traveling bag tied to his belt as well. His rapier hangs at its usual place by his side, and an elven long sword also adorns his person. * Lisl hikes towards the Hall, rolling her shoulders as she goes and generally limbering up. She jingles faintly as she walks, and there's a gleam of metal at her collar, beneath her usual hunting leathers. A sheathed long sword is strapped to her back, and the pelt she usually wears over her shoulder is conspicuously absent. <Lisl> Jaret. You look dressed for an outing. ::she nods to him and opens the Hall door with a grin:: After you. * Tyl slumps onto the Hall, dressed in black and greys. Gleaming silver bands glint at her wrists and her black hair has been pulled out of her face by a length of silver cord tied around her forehead. Once again she carries Bluestar's short sword strapped to her hip. * Michelle enters the Hall after Zoya wearing sturdy travel clothes and a backpack. In one hand she carries a staff and in the other a bag heavy with supplies. Her hair is tied up in a bun and her clothes are khaki and forest green. In addition to her ear ring she wears a heavy gold ring on one hand. <Jaret> As do you, Lisl. Thank you, thank you. ::he enters the Hall:: * Zoya rummages in her pack and begins setting up party favors: At each seat at the bar, she places four vials. Two of each set are tiny and narrow and their corks are sealed with black wax. The other two are somewhat larger, stout, and sealed with white wax. <Zoya> ::looks up as the others arrive:: Good afternoon. <Lisl> ::following Jaret inside:: Afternoon, Zoya. ::peering at her critically:: Well... I suppose you look like you might've gotten a few hours, at least. * Zoya waves at the vials on the bartop. "Gifts, courtesy of the Dawnlord. And I only had to argue with him for about four hours to get them." She grins. "The black-capped are holy water. They might affect Grillek, but they will certainly have some effect on the true Abyssals. The white-capped are healing potions." * Yohko enters the Hall in her usual nondescript clothes. However she carries a backpack but no obvious weapons. * Tyl throws herself into a chair, looking disgusted. "The students nearly had a riot this morning... wanted to know how I could abandon them *now* with troops so close to the north..." * Michelle smiles, "I wish I'd known Zoya. I'd have color coded mine the same way." <Zoya> ::grins at Tyl and nods at Bluestar's sword:: He might as well give you the thing. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Much as I mislike this whole mess, Arabel is hardly "close to the north." Besides, they'd be safer here than off on their own. <Tyl> ::slowly, fingering the hilt:: I believe he intends to, someday. When he's too old to smack me in the head with the flat. * Jaret accepts Zoya's gifts. "Thank you, Zoya. Hopefully we'll have no need, but somehow I doubt it." * Deanna enters dressed in sturdy black breeches and white blouse. She also carries a backpack, her hair tied back in a braid. "Hello everyone." <Lisl> ::laughs as she picks up the potions and tucks them carefully away into a pouch:: Aye, you mean, you'll have to pry it from his cold dead fingers. <Lisl> ::raises an eyebrow:: Deanna. Coming along for a rematch? <Zoya> It seems unlikely... ::she frowns:: There was something... Ah. Is anyone *not* protected against fire? I have a couple of protective items that I scrounged up. * Tyl makes a quick gesture over her chest. "Gods, I hope not. As unlikely as it seems, I'm quite fond of my brother-in-law. I wish him nothing but long life and many many grandchildren." She grins. "My sister tells me she's expecting, again." <Zoya> Again? Already? Quick work, for an elf. The first is only, what? Two? Three? * Deanna smiles, "I'm coming along to fire proof everyone. From everything I've heard and read fire breathing dragons are notoriously immune to fire. No reason why the rest of us shouldn't be as well. Though I have to warn you, if it's anything like last time that's all I'm going to be good for. And I'll probably need someone to keep me in one piece while I'm doing it." <Jaret> What have you rounded up, Zoya? I have found in the past that I am no flame-swallower. <Lisl> Comes of living in a human town. ::grins:: And I'm good on the fireproofing. You think Mother would let me out of the house half-dressed? ::fingers the fine, light mail under her jerkin:: * Zoya nods to Deanna. "I thought a few items that didn't require conscious maintenance wouldn't hurt. Dragon-fire is magical, so these won't absorb *all* the damage, but they'll make your job a little less harried." She pulls out two brooches, a pendant, and a ring, and sets them on the table. "Help yourselves." * Tyl helps herself to one of the brooches, pinning it to her midnight cloak. "Thank you. I hate healing burns." * Yohko takes one of the brooches, peeling off her shirt to reveal a form fitting black suit underneath. She pins the brooch to the inside of a fold of the suit, the end result making the brooch invisible. * Michelle takes the ring, putting it one her left hand. * Deanna gestures to the pendant, "Jaret?" * Zoya grins. "You have to watch the ladies when jewelry is involved." She picks up the pendant and offers it to Jaret, since he's the only one who actually said anything originally. * Jaret takes the pendant, goes to put it on, and looks at the dragon-scale pendant he's already wearing. "Well, I suppose doubling up can't hurt any. Thank you, Deanna, Zoya." * Zoya looks around to make sure everyone has picked up their potions, pats her pockets, and nods. "Right. I'm ready." * Michelle offers her bag to Deanna. * Deanna takes her pack off, opening it up and rummaging around some before putting the bag in the pack. * Adiethian strides up to the Hall door and knocks. His uniform is still quite tidy, but the man inside it looks somewhat rumpled and worn. * Tyl looks up. "Evening." * Jaret nods. "Lieutenant Adiethian." <Michelle> If you run out let me or Deanna know. I've been brewing holy water and healing potions all week. * Michelle turns, "Lieutenant." <Lisl> Afternoon, Lieutenant. How long's it been since *you've* slept? * Zoya grins. "Ignore Lisl's question, Lieutenant. She thinks that if she bullies other people into sleeping, it will make up for *her* not getting any rest." * Adiethian looks around, taking in the assembled. "A day or so, perhaps. Things have been busy. How are you all faring?" <Deanna> As well as can be expected. * Lisl scowls at Zoya. "I slept. Napped." <Tyl> ::giving the Dragon a quick grin:: About like that, I suppose... <Lisl> ::looking more serious:: Any further news from up north? <Jaret> Ready for things to commence, to be honest. I've been on pins and needles for almost a week. * Zoya grins at Lisl, then turns her attention back to the Purple Dragon. <Adiethian> If you're ready, I've been asked to escort you to headquarters, where the War Wizards have been accumulating some items for you, as well as a means of transport to your destination and a possible plan for you once you arrive. <Zoya> ::pretends to look horrified:: A *plan*? We're doomed... * Lisl elbows Zoya. "Be nice. They're giving us presents." * Adiethian smiles. "We found a five year old to run it past, and she sorted out most of the flaws we missed." <Tyl> ;;grins:: How novel. A plan... what a change of pace. I may have to write another thesis. <Michelle> Oh good. ::shoots an amused look at Zoya:: I was about to be happy we had a plan. This way we can always fall back on making it up as we go. <Zoya> ::grins at Adiethian:: Oh. Well as long as a small child has worked out all the kinks... * Adiethian nods his head at the door. "If you'll all follow me, we'll get things started." * Lisl mutters. "Long as it's not the one that pinned me to the ceiling..." * Yohko looks curiously at Lisl as she heads for the door. * Zoya laughs and strides out the door. * Lisl shakes her head and follows Zoya out. <Tyl> ::hotly:: She's a perfectly good student, Lisl... not *her* fault you frightened her to death. * Deanna heads out after Lisl. <Lisl> I hope she's a good student. I couldn't possibly imagine what Bluestar would look like pinned to the ceiling. ::her grin suggests, on the other hand, that she could try *really* hard:: * Michelle leaves last, locking the door to the Hall behind her. * Adiethian leads the group through side streets towards Purple Dragon Headquarters, trying not to make a complete spectacle of things. <Tyl> ::sighs as she looks around:: Not exactly a triumphant send off. * Lisl mutters, "Nice of him to take the back way, but I still feel like a damn show pony." She glares at a rat poking its head up out of a pile of litter. <Zoya> ::grins at Tyl:: Triumph is for when we come *back*. Right now, we're just a bunch of idiots leaving town on a suicidal mission. <Tyl> ::in an oddly solemn tone:: We're coming back? Is that part of the plan? <Lisl> ::mutters *very* softly:: If we come back. * Deanna grins, "At least we'll die young and beautiful if we fail." * Lisl snorts. "Well, some of us anyway." <Adiethian> I thought it best not to drum up too much curiosity right away. This way it might take all of half an hour after you've left for word to get 'round. * Zoya rolls her eyes. "Be careful what you ask for. Coming back is part of *my* plan." <Jaret> I was looking forward to a victory parade. I've never been in one before. <Lisl> Never? You surprise me, Jaret. <Lisl> Damn. I guess we'll have to come back, then. Can't disappoint the man. <Michelle> ::giggles:: Careful Jaret. If they give us one we might have to put Lisl in a dress. * Lisl glares at Michelle. "Bite your tongue." <Jaret> Never. Well, not one that I didn't put together at the spur of the moment in the middle of the night. * Michelle makes a show of sticking her tongue out at Lisl as she bites it. * Lisl shakes her head. "Just don't do that to Grillek. It may take you up on it." * Adiethian turns out of a side street and down a main boulevard towards the headquarters. The group gets a few gawking stares as the go, particularly the more visibly outlandish members. * Lisl raises an eyebrow at Jaret. "You're planning to stuff me in a dress at the spur of the moment in the middle of the night? Really, Jaret." * Deanna tries to suppress a laugh. <Tyl> ::shrugs:: Sneaking is often preferable... he might catch you by surprise * Jaret grins. "Company and manners prevent me from the best responses, dear Lisl, so I will have to content myself by saying you've fallen shy of the mark." <Zoya> ::laughs:: * Deanna stops trying to suppress her laughter. <Michelle> ::giggles:: * Lisl clears her throat as her face reddens. "I never learn..." * Adiethian shoots a look back over his shoulder. "Are you *done*, Malkier?" <Tyl> ::snorts:: Jaret? Never... * Lisl chuckles. <Jaret> Oh, no, I'm quite rare. However, I'll try to suppress my natural exuberance if it offends you. * Adiethian sighs and jerks open the door to the headquarters. "Right. Get in so your friends can beat you in private." <Tyl> ::grins:: With your kind permission, Lieutenant... <Zoya> ::grins at Adiethian as she goes through the door:: We wouldn't do that. He might enjoy it. * Jaret enters the headquarters. <Lisl> ::mutters to herself as she walks into the barracks:: * Yohko follows the others inside. * Deanna heads inside. <Michelle> ::goes inside:: * Adiethian closes the door after everyone and gives directions from the back of the train. "Right. Head down that hall, turn left at the third door." * Tyl follows instructions, shaking her head at some private joke. * Lisl strolls down the hall, glancing around her a little curiously. <Yohko> ::the present members of the Gestalt head down the hall:: * Jaret follows Adiethian's directions, opening the door to reveal a room with a long table that has four men and one woman gathered around it. The look up as the group enters, their imperious looks and purple and black robes marking them indelibly as War Wizards. <Tyl> ::softly:: All hail... * Zoya nods cordially to the wizards as she enters the room. * Lisl sidles in behind Zoya, eyeing the wizards a little warily from behind her. * Deanna waves cheerfully to the Wizzies. ::the War Wizards look dubiously at the group as they enter, and at Adiethian when he brings up the rear and closes the door behind them.:: Adiethian... these are who we're sending? <Tyl> {It's so nice to be appreciated.} * Zoya grins and leans against the wall. "You could go yourselves, if you prefer." * Jaret gets a foul expression and glares at the Wizards. * Lisl raises an eyebrow. "You're welcome to come along." She grins sidelong at Zoya. <Michelle> {Just think, we could have brought Felice... Or Yb.} <Zoya> ::looks at Michelle:: No. We couldn't have. ::the woman War Wizard sniffs:: We requested. It was denied. <Lisl> *Really*? ::raises both eyebrows at Adiethian:: <Zoya> Too bad. Perhaps you could consider a change in careers. * Adiethian nods, the teeniest smirk appearing on his face. "Yes, really. The reasons for the denial were sealed, but the rumors were that those higher up felt it was beyond their... well, rumors are rumors. Who knows what truth they have in them." * Adiethian is apparently not a favorite of the War Wizards, and does not appear to have made any new friends with his most recent statement. <Lisl> All the same... ::sobering a little:: Just as glad to see someone with a little spark to them's staying home. <Yohko> ::Yohko's features shift subtly, implying an evil grin without actually assuming one.:: <Zoya> Well, rumor brought us here, after all. ::she pushes away from the wall and seats herself at the table across from the wizards, folding her hands in front of her.:: Let's get on with this. <Deanna> ::The Gestalt remove their packs and take seats at the table:: * Lisl takes up station a little to the right, behind Zoya's chair, and folds her arms over her chest. * Tyl says very little, watching the wizards from under lowered lashes. * Jaret takes a seat at the table. ::the Wizards look at each other, and one of them feels honor bound to mark the occasion with a harrumph. One of the men with a black beard shot through with silver picks a scabbard up off the table:: This is Wyrmfoe's scabbard. Once you slide the blade home, it will transport itself directly to the King. <Zoya> Is the spell tied to his person, or an object? ::the War Wizard lowers his eyebrows:: His person. <Zoya> ::nods in approval:: Be a shock for him if we happen to find it while he's in the bath. Who cast it? * Lisl coughs, hiding her mouth behind her fist. ::the War Wizard glowers further:: It was a group effort, no one person cast the spell. Would you like me to bring the spent reagents, so you might examine them? * Zoya appears to seriously consider this bit of waspishness, then shakes her head. "We don't have time for me to do a thorough examination. But thank you." * Lisl shifts slightly, glancing down at Zoya. ::the Wizard sets the scabbard down firmly on the table and picks up a metal cube. Two opposite faces of the cube have dials on them that are smokey and dark. One dial is bordered with silver, the other with gold:: We've fashioned this compass for you. The golden dial will point towards Wyrmfoe. The silver dial isn't yet initiated. Touch a fragment of Grillek's most recent body to it, and it should point towards her phylactery. <Tyl> ::under her breath:: The wretched thing. <Zoya> Very clever. <Deanna> Please let them both be in the same place * Jaret nods along with Deanna's statement. <Lisl> ::mutters:: Wouldn't that be lucky. ::her tone of voice suggests that Lady Luck rarely has anything to do with her:: <Zoya> ::looks over at Jaret:: Isn't it nice to be surrounded by such optimism and confidence? ::the Wizard sets the cube down and points towards two scrollcases:: Those are two copies of a keyed planar transport spell we've uncovered. Keyed means that the plane the spell transports you to depends on the key used during the casting. Each scroll should be enough to transport every member of your... group to the target plane. <Jaret> ::to Zoya:: I do try to be enough for any ten. <Zoya> ::her hands twitch as she eyes the scrollcases curiously:: What will we key on for the trip down? <Lisl> ::smiles faintly:: He can be quite trying. ::a weedy looking wizard speaks up, rubbing the bridge of his nose:: We'll handle transporting you down. There's been a bit of a complication, though. You see, the plane Grillek has sequestered herself on is sea-- ::he is cut off by a hand gesture from the senior War Wizard:: Alfonse... quiet. I was approaching that. * Michelle quirks an eyebrow at the wizards. * Lisl eyes "Alfonse" shrewdly. ::the senior Wizard resumes:: As my colleague was saying... we will cast the initial transport, but we can only take you to the first level of the Abyss, the one known as the Plane of Infinite Doors. Grillek has sequestered herself on a plane that can only be reached through a keyed transport, but we don't know what the key is. <Zoya> How delightful for us. <Yohko> Anyone know what the going price for addresses is in the Abyss? <Lisl> Oh boy... so much for a quick smash and grab. Hope we don't run into any old acquaintances... ::mutters:: I've sent enough there... <Adiethian> On the first plane of the Abyss there's a town of sorts called Broken Reach. The knowledge how to get the key resides in that town. Precisely what it is, we're not sure. There's a... inn of sorts, run by a being known as Red Shroud. He's supposed to know where you go from there. <Zoya> And what will he charge us for that information, I wonder. <Tyl> No doubt just less than we can possibly afford... ::she grins tightly:: * Lisl mutters to Tyl, "Well, least the ale can't be much worse than the Ferret..." <Deanna> ::chuckles to herself:: ::the Wizard pushes the items generally toward the group:: That is all. Before we begin the casting, are there any last complaints? * Zoya picks up the scabbard and examines it closely. * Michelle pushes the scrollcases towards Zoya, "You better hold onto those as well Zoya." * Lisl snorts, watching Zoya. * Zoya tucks the scrollcases into her sleeves absently, then follows them with the scabbard. <Tyl> ::idly:: I have no end to my complaints... ::looks down her nose at him:: But I doubt you'd appreciate them... * Yohko pockets the tracking cube. ::the weedy wizard stands up again:: So, the first scroll gets you to Grillek's layer, and use the second to transport yourselves back to Cormyr. The key for the second is a hair from someone born on this Prime Material plane. Do... do you know what I mean by that? <Zoya> ::snorts:: Yes, thank you. ::the senior Wizard looks over:: Alfonse. Sit. Down. <Zoya> ::looks around the group in sudden consternation:: Hmm.... Lisl, give me a hair now, would you? Just in case I need it in a hurry. * Deanna looks around, "Oh, that's reassuring." <Tyl> ::looks flatly at the war wizard, her mouth pulling into a serious peeved frown:: * Lisl grins. "Thought you'd ask." She grins at the senior wizard, materializes her Claws, and casually swipes the blades close enough to shear off a short lock of hair. The Claws vanish, and she catches the lock before it falls to the ground. "Here." * Zoya pulls one of the scrollcases back out, opens it, and tucks the hair in with the scroll. * Jaret stands and checks himself over once. "Well. Here we are. When do we leave?" ::the senior Wizard dryly intones:: Soon, hopefully. * Zoya looks directly at Alfonse. "Is there anything else we should know?" * Michelle looks at Lisl, "Time for a vacation would you say?" Grins mischievously. ::Alfonse swallows and looks at his superiors:: I... I don't think so. Good luck. <Lisl> ::snorts:: Who do I look like, Drach? ::grins a little:: Tho' with any luck, we'll find *him* on vacation. <Lisl> Ah... never mind, before your time. ::grins wider:: <Michelle> ::grins:: I've heard the stories. <Lisl> Hopefully not all of them. <Zoya> ::nods and stands:: Remind me to buy you a drink when we get back, Alfonse. ::she grins, then looks at the head wizard:: Let's go, before they try to get funnier. * Adiethian stands and goes from person to person, shaking hands, quietly thanking them for undertaking this task, and wishing to see them safely home soon. <Yohko> ::The Gestalt rise and put their packs on again:: <Tyl> ::in a low voice to the Lieutenant:: I'd like an apology, when and if we return, from that one ::she narrows her eyes:: I don't appreciate being sneered at on the way to certain doom. * Lisl shakes Adiethian's hand-- not squeezing *too* hard-- and claps him on the shoulder. "Just keep things safe at home 'til we get back." <Adiethian> ::nodding to Tyl:: If that's all you want, I should have no difficulty fulfilling your request. <Adiethian> ::smiling soberly to Lisl:: I'll just be doing my job. <Tyl> ::grins tightly:: It will be harder than you think... <Lisl> ::smirking at Tyl:: Just don't ask for a sincere one. * Adiethian grins, a hint of old viciousness lurking within. "I have resources I can tap." * Lisl raises an eyebrow. "Oh, *this* would be worth seeing, by all means. That's it, Jaret, you're getting your parade. I don't want to miss this." * Jaret and Adiethian have a wordless exchange of glances as they clasp hands, almost too brief to be noted. * Deanna laughs again. <Zoya> Off we go, to an unknown and hostile town to pop into the local inn and try to get information out of them that they probably would rather we didn't have. It feels a little strange not to have Kevil lurking behind me and complaining... <Tyl> ::grins at Zoya:: I can complain enough for him and me both, dear. Wouldn't want you to feel deprived... <Michelle> Just think of it as visiting the Hall in reverse. * Adiethian backs out of the way. "Right. Get to casting, would you? They've got places to be." <Lisl> ::mutters:: Least it means he won't be taking notes... <Zoya> ::eyes Tyl speculatively:: I don't know... Can you sing? <Michelle> ::grins at Lisl:: I could compose a poem or song when we return. Have your name immortalized throughout the ages. <Lisl> ::looking a little green:: I'd really rather you didn't. ::the Wizards all stand up, and the senior one speaks for them:: If you could assume a semblance of a group, so we can encircle you...? * Zoya - knowing how teleports are meant to work - squooshes in a little closer to the others. <Tyl> I hope his is better than yours, dear... ::grins at Zoya as she slips into the mage's shadow:: <Yohko> ::The Gestalt group together, Yohko positioning herself on the outer edge of the group:: <Zoya> It probably won't be *nearly* as much fun. * Lisl nods and moves in, putting her back to Zoya's. <Lisl> Get over here, Jaret. I won't bite. You, anyway. * Jaret gets in close to everyone else, facing out from the center, one hand on his rapier:: <Jaret> Promises, promises, Lisl. <Lisl> Don't say it, Tyl. <Tyl> ::innocently:: Me? ::the Wizards stand at equidistant points from each other, surrounding the group, and begin chanting. Adiethian has stood in a corner, out of the way, and raises a hand in farewell. From the first words of the War Wizards, a dark smoke begins forming around the groups feet, swirling around them. As the Wizards chant, it thickens and moves faster:: * Lisl curls her hands into loose fists, raised into a guard position. Her expression is grim as she keeps her eyes on the wall. ::the chant starts to turn dissonant, the syllables alternately sibilant and torn from deep within the caster's throats, and the mist races faster and grows thicker, rising higher and higher around the group. Soon they can't see the War Wizards any more, and the sound of chanting grows fainter. The ground slips away from underfoot, and for a second there is the sensation of falling, replaced once more by solid ground underfoot:: * Zoya throws Adiethian a quick wave and a wink just before he becomes hidden by the mist. ::the mist slowly trickles away to reveal a battered, grey town of iron and granite, the sky overhead dark with scudding clouds. A distant of thunder... or something like thunder can be heard:: <Tyl> ::looking around:: What a pleasant place this is. Do you think they'll let me build a summer home here? <Zoya> ::looks around quickly for possible attackers, then eyes the town:: How nice of them. Here, I thought we were going to have to look for the place. * Lisl glances about quickly before bending over to lean on her knees, breathing hard, her lips pulled back in a tight, painful grin. <Zoya> ::raising an eyebrow:: Lisl? <Lisl> Not throwing up... not throwing up... ah, hells. ::bends over farther and turns away to vomit, wiping her mouth with a grimace when she's done:: <Zoya> ::sniffs:: You're not allowed to complain about my teleports any more, if they're *all* going to hit you like that. <Deanna> Abyss Lisl dear, not Hells. I don't want to get lost if we can avoid it. <Lisl> You don't usually 'port me to places that smell this foul, thank all the gods. * Zoya sniffs the air as if she hadn't noticed it. "Oh. Sulphur. You'll get used to it." <Lisl> Sulphur... acid... and blood and shit and sweat and tears and... ::shakes her head:: We're in the right place, alright. * Jaret looks around. "Well.. it could be worse, really." <Zoya> Well... Sooner started, sooner ended. ::she looks around:: I wonder where this inn is. <Lisl> Yeah. We all could have my nose. * Yohko pulls out the compass and looks at it, first checking the silver side first to make certain it hasn't been activated, and then the gold side. When Yohko looks at it, the dial for the sword is still smokey and grey, but it seems to have become... less dim than it was before. <Tyl> ::consideringly:: I don't think it would look right on my face, Lisl, really. * Jaret sees the compass. "I hope that means we're getting closer." <Michelle> I've got some perfume if you want it Lisl, but I figured you'd prefer to keep your nose working. <Yohko> You and me both Jaret. <Lisl> ::shakes her head:: Thanks all the same, 'chelle, but perfume would just make it worse. <Jaret> As Zoya says, sooner started, sooner ended. First one to Red Shroud wins... I don't know. I'll buy them a drink. If the drinks look drinkable here. <Zoya> And if we have currency they'll accept, of course. * Deanna laughs, "Almost anywhere else I'd take you up on that Jaret. But why don't we stick together and act cautiously for once in our lives." <Lisl> ::darkly:: I'm sure we do... but I don't know if it's currency we'll want to spend so quickly. <Michelle> ::nods in agreement:: |
|
|