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* Jaret has finished re-organizing his large open practice room some time ago, and has now apparently decided to cycle the artwork on his walls. Several paintings in frames sit on the floor, leaning against the walls all around the study. Jaret is lounging in a chair, contemplating a portrait of a young woman painted in dusky rose hues. * Aeryn had to ask around a bit to find the location of Lord Malkier's house. The directions were the easy part, given that he's been outside the city quite a bit. Carefully carrying a wrapped bottle-shaped package, he arrives at the front door and knocks at the front door. * Jaret looks up in a start. "One moment!" He leaps out of the chair and heads for the door. When he opens it, he greets Aeryn warmly. "Aeryn! How've you been? Come in, come in, I know it gets cool in the winter." <Aeryn> It does? ::shrugging, the ranger enters and removes his cloak as he does so:: Perhaps. Fortunately, this most excellent cloak came as part of the winter uniform of the scouts... <Aeryn> Myself, I have been quite well since we met last, thank you. And you, Jaret? <Jaret> ::takes Aeryn's cloak from him and hangs it from a peg in the foyer:: Glad to hear of your good tidings. I'm well enough, though beset by certain conundrums I have yet to solve. Please, come in to the house proper and have a seat. <Aeryn> Oh? ::he looks curious at that, then walks further into the room and blinks a little at so many paintings on the floor instead of the walls:: Would it happen to concern redecorating? Oh, yes... ::he offers the wrapped bottle:: * Jaret accepts the bottle. "Thank you for your kindness." He opens it and reviews the bottle happily. "Oh, this is quite welcome. Please, feel free to visit any time. And the redecorating is still because of the orcs. I'm being especially fussy about redecorating after things were wrecked, so it's taking me quite a while. The conundrum revolves around a task I've laid before myself recently. Can I get you anything, by the way?" <Aeryn> Well, I admit to being no expert in wine, but the scout I bought that off assured me that it was at least decent. I was not entirely sure how to carry it, though... <Aeryn> ...so if you would consider it drinkable, perhaps a glass to taste? <Jaret> You weren't deceived. This is a fine vintage. And a glass would be quite nice. If you'll excuse me a moment... ::Jaret departs for the nearby kitchen, and returns shortly with two wine glasses. "And you transported it just fine, no worries there." * Jaret pours himself a glass of the wine, and another for Aeryn. <Aeryn> Then I shall not admit what I paid for it. ::he takes the glass and sips gently:: Thank you...nice and dry. Ah...you mentioned a conundrum? <Aeryn> ::adds quickly:: Not that I wish to pry into private matters... <Jaret> Oh, it's not exceptionally private. To summarize a few months worth of events, I was challenged to a duel by an elf, foolishly allowed her to select the date for the conflict, and was disheartened when she chose a date thirty years in the future. In the hopes that I will be able to successfully consummate the duel, I have pled with an acquaintance of mine, Candra, to concoct an elixir she once crafted that stops its imbiber's aging. <Jaret> So, having convinced her, she let me know that the first item I would need to fetch for her is the skull of a mature albino dragon, and now that I now where to start, I haven't the foggiest idea where to begin. * Aeryn just blinks at all that. After a moment, he smiles wryly. "I must admit, that is a clever use of elven longevity. I do know many of my teachers took a long view of worldly events, but this is a first. <Aeryn> ::frowns:: Not that I consider it honorable. ::frowns more as the later words finally take effect:: Ah...did you say *mature albino dragon*? <Jaret> Indeed I did. And I sense you grasp the root of my directionlessness. ::he has a sip of the wine:: This is rather nice, by the way. Thank you for bringing it along with you. * Aeryn smiles faintly, still looking rather caught off-balance. "Consider it thanks for your offer of a drink when last we met." He takes a largish sip of the wine, then mutters to himself, {I should be careful what I wish for...} <Aeryn> Your directionlessness is due to...lack of knowledge on where one may be found? Or...how to obtain the skull once you find one? <Jaret> Mostly where I can find one. Once I find one I can hopefully amass enough allies that we can all charge at it and beat it up. I have some ideas who I could ask, but... as of yet, I have instead led a quiet life. Hanging paintings here, for example. * Aeryn raises an eyebrow. "I did not know you had such formidable allies, Jaret, as could slay a dragon. Still...I have not heard of such a creature, not in the elven forests nor since my time outside of them. I could enquire..." <Aeryn> ::He considers who he could ask, but the list is rather short. Especially short if you don't count the ones he'd have trouble sending word to.:: <Jaret> I had not heard of an albino dragon, either, until Candra told me that she had slain one, earlier. And while individually, none of the people I know is a match for an adult dragon, my hope is that together, we would be victorious. <Aeryn> So your conundrum, then, is only to locate one? <Jaret> Well, at the first, yes. Locate a dragon so rare that I had no idea it even existed. And, really, then hope it's of a temperament and disposition that slaying it is a good idea. Not all dragons are evil, I understand. This quest is important to me, but if I lose my moral compass in the process, it will have been less than worthless. <Aeryn> ::nods:: Aye, that would perhaps be self-defeating. And I take it this is your only avenue of longevity? ::he sip from his wine, thinking:: <Jaret> Michelle has offered to place me into a magical slumber for the time period, but... I feel like those would be years lost, instead of gained. <Aeryn> ::nods again:: Indeed. ::he hesitates a moment, then adds,:: When I initially came here it was to ask if you perhaps knew of anything interesting happening... * Jaret chuckles, deep in his throat. "I imagine that qualifies, after a sense. How have you been keeping yourself busy, Master Aeryn?" <Aeryn> Until recently? I have been out with the scouts around Arabel, as I had said. Now we have been given some months of rest while others scout the region, but I find myself with idle hands that do not wish to be idle. <Jaret> Ah, so you have not been busying yourself with anything, then? I see. And you thought I might know some manner of mischief you could dip your hands into then, perhaps? ::his light grin shows Jaret is mostly just tweaking Aeryn:: <Aeryn> ::he grins back somewhat sheepishly:: Perhaps. I must admit, I did not quite expect you to suggest we go hunting an adult dragon! <Jaret> ::Jaret's expression grows quite serious:: I did not intend to volunteer you for this, Master Aeryn. Not for a moment. * Aeryn nods to Jaret. "Indeed, I did not think you would--nor am I truly suited for close combat against such a foe. Nevertheless...perhaps I can aid in some fashion." * Jaret raises an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind? You have piqued my curiosity." <Aeryn> I am a skilled scout as well as a better archer than most. ::modestly, there--he can't split his own arrows, but they all end up in the bullseye:: Perhaps I could be of use once you have located such a creature, in ascertaining if it is indeed evil? Or even in harrying? * Jaret taps the wine glass against his lower lip thoughtfully. "That you might. How long do you expect to be free from the calls of your unit?" * Aeryn finishes off the last of his wine and shrugs. "They did not specify, but did hint in the direction of several months. I would say, that easily and more if I should need it." <Jaret> Well, in that case, once we locate one of these near-mythical creatures, I may just call on you, and see if you are in the mood for a jaunt to some most likely inhospitable clime, to investigate a creature that most certainly wishes to keep its skull from being used as part of a magical ritual. <Aeryn> Perhaps I should spend the time ascertaining where I might best get my longbow enhanced, hmm? ::dryly.:: Once you put it that way...or do you perhaps have such a cache of dragon-slaying weaponry? <Jaret> If only I did. <Aeryn> It would indeed make the task lighter, aye. ::he places his empty glass down atop the table next to his seat and moves to rise:: So, until you locate one, then? * Jaret puts his glass down as well, and stands. "Until I locate such, enjoy all that comes to you." <Aeryn> That I most certainly shall--and you, as well. ::clapping Jaret on the shoulder, the ranger strides out:: Enjoy the wine! <Jaret> Oh, I will, have no fear of that. Good day to you. ::he closes the door behind Aeryn, and considers the bottle of wine on his table:: I suppose I'm going to have to drink all of that, now... alas, the stern and thankless life I lead... |
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