<font color=darkgray>Sayn nodded. "Yes, well..." She cleared her throat, pausing a moment to consider where to begin.
"I suppose first I should tell you that our destination is Candlekeep. Our task is merely to make a delivery to a sage at the fortress. I admit it is of some importance, but worry not. Candlekeep is more than safe, as are certain roads leading to it, and anybody on those roads is not bound to care about a pair of poor..." She paused, her gaze flicking to Xiang's new purchase, and grinned. "Hooded women." She did not mention what was to be delivered, merely tapped her fingers and shot glances toward the kitchen in an effort to stall.

The meal was lay before them a few minutes later, and Sayn took a sip of wine before speaking again.

"Other than that, simply be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It's a long walk before we reach the next inn."</font>

<font color=white>”I’m glad you approve of my purchase.” ~ She spoke lightly, reaching out for the spoon and scooping up a portion of the soup ~ What an odd way she has about doing things. ~ The creamy concoction slid down her throat cautiously, not quite the same as how her usual clear broths tasted back home – if there was a home ~ Good thing that my shoes are still alright, or I would have had to go back to the shops for new ones, tomorrow. ~ “Before I forget, some young fellow came up to me in the mart earlier on.” ~ Her voice was softer ~ “By the looks of it, he has an inquisitive mind that got distracted by some other prophet of a kind.” ~ Her troubled eyes looked at the wine goblet warily ~ “He claimed to have lost his parents…”

Stop babbling like a little sentimental fool. ~ Glancing at Sayn, she resisted the urge to frown at her own disadvantage ~ “What I’m trying to say, is that we seem to be attracting a few unwanted passersby today.” ~ Her fingers stroked the stem of the goblet thoughtfully ~ “We need a plan, in case we are split up…” ~ Oh, you little fool! Don’t give her any ideas… ~ “… and how to shake off these harassing folk.” ~ Here, she pursed her lips, breathing more heavily.</font>

OOC>>>Ai! My prey has escaped me! OK...drastic measure. I will have to compensate for this. Skye...I am sure your character can work with this...

<font color=skyblue>Markul

"I say...Might we talk? Lady? Er...Hello? The one walking away from me? Stop!"

People began to look at him, as he was walking behind the person who was either ignoring him or maybe not realizing he/she was being addressed. Either way, Markul was a bit embarrassed to have the crowd gawking at him, and maybe the person just really did not want to talk with him. He did not know. What he did know was that his two ladies were making a getaway, and he had to try and catch up. He followed them at an extreme distance, because he did not want the Easterner to catch him again. She was already numb to this disguise. So when he found the right moment, as the girls were returning to the tavern called the One Eyed Wolf, he ran behind a wagon that had been parked nearby and turned himself into a dwarf. Now he definately needed food. He entered the tavern and chose a table within earshot of the two females and ordered his meal. It was a large order...maybe even too much to expect from a dwarf. He hoped that none of the owners of this establishment were noticing a pattern. He rarely hit upon the same tavern so many times in one day...but these two he was tailing had really got him worked up.

Now, the strange one that had the blind eye...she...she? was another rare type. He hoped to meet her again...but he had already assigned himself to the task of these two, first. How could he prove to these two that he was a worthy companion to have on an expedition? Eh? And how was he going to find out what's under that hood? He had begun to think Wild Elf, or Green Elf, or Wood Elf...whatever they are called in this part of the land. Could be. We'll see.</font>

<font color=darkgray>"Hmph..." grunted Sayn as she took a decisive swig of wine. "If we find ourselves seperated it would be best to continue to and to wait at the Red Oak Inn. That will be our resting point on the way to Candlekeep, regardless. I'm not sure how you suppose we'll be torn asunder, but that is my advice in any case." She prodded at the soup with her spoon for a moment before scooping up a satisfactory portion and taking a moment to savor it. Smacking her lips lightly in approval, she ominously added, "As for our assailants, do not trouble yourself over them just yet. Once out of the city we will be better equipped to deal with them..." Her eyes shot to her sword for a split second before she returned full attention to her meal.</font>

<font color=skyblue>Markul

He continued to eat, listening to every word spoken from that table. Plans were trying to form in his head. He needed to prove himself useful in some way. He wondered if they were going to walk the entire distance to Candlekeep. What was she traveling to Candlekeep for, anyway? And why did the Easterner trust her?

This was all very exciting.

He gulped down another pint.</font>

[ 01-20-2004, 12:06 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=white>She chewed on her lower lip, nodding but obviously annoyed with herself ~ "Yes, I suppose you know better." ~ It seemed as if her dark brown eyes had become opaque, if only for a split second ~ "If you have no further instructions, Sayn, I think I will retire to my room." ~ Managing a slight smile ~ "I'd like to get sufficient sleep for tomorrow."</font>

<font color=darkgray>"Very well," Sayn muttered, "I have some business outside to attend to before I rest, but it should not take long. Go and replenish your strength, I will see you in the morning."</font>

<font color=white>"What time and where do we meet then?" ~ Getting up from the bench, she retrieved the hood and held it snugly in her arms ~ "I am accustomed to waking up at all sorts of hours of the day."</font>

<font color=darkgray>Sayn pondered for a moment, then shook her head and waved Xiang off. "Never mind it, I'll wake you. Go on and rest." She then tipped her head in dismissal and turned about, making her way back into the now darkened streets of Athkatla.</font>

<font color=white> Leaving the contents of her goblet unsullied, Ji Xiang ignored the baffled looks of the bartender and sailed her way up the groaning steps and down the sighing floorboards of the corridor. The interior of the tavern was tastefully decorated, with soft lighting that caressed one’s body. She could hear the rapturous whispers of past inhabitants tickling her ears and every piece of ornament and furniture breathed warm overtures to her ~ Nothing much has changed, really. ~ Entering her room, she fastened the lock immediately before advancing towards the bed and placing the hood gently upon it.

I might as well just do a quick check before I turn in. ~ She untied the knot of her bundle and ran her fingers expertly among the assortment of items ~ Done. ~ Rapidly, she secured the package and hugged it to herself, then lowered herself onto the bed ~ I wonder what tomorrow will bring… ~ That was the danger. She never could sleep when her thoughts galloped so wantonly, and fatigue was the last thing she desired for her maiden adventure ~ But how else should I feel? ~ Turning to her left and crouching her right leg ~ I wonder what Sayn will be up to tonight, before she sleeps. ~ There were so many questions surrounding her mysterious companion that she doubted she could list them before the night was over ~ Where does she come from, and why does she keep wearing that hood over her head? ~ A grin crossed her countenance as she remembered her own intent for the morrow ~ What is she delivering? And where is this Candlekeep? What significance does the parcel bear to her? ~ She turned to her right now, a furrow forming her brow ~ Will we become good friends with time, I wonder… she didn’t seem too pleased with my asking to join her, after all. ~ Resuming to lying on her back again ~ Anyhow, I will try to be a useful companion. Which reminds me, I really need to get some sleep.

Closing her eyes, she began to chant silently the scriptures Teacher had cited, feeling herself relax, drifting to the wondrous state of the unconscious…</font>

ooc- *hugs back to k-spree* [img]smile.gif[/img]
Sorry 'bout that Larry :( I can work with it ^^;

ic- Sive turned around with a questioning look. <font color="lavender">"Trick? What trick...?"</font> But before she could get a reply, the Eastern man got a panicked expression on his face and hurried off in the direction of two hooded women. She contemplated for a brief moment before drifting off after him.

Minutes later, Sive had lost the strange man in a crowd and was drifting around in another part of the city. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks and tilted her head to the side, her right eye glazing over slightly as she listened to inaudible voices. <font color="lavender">"He went in here? But... he's different somehow?"</font> her face clouded with confusion as she tried to sort out the information she was given, while passerby pointed at her and whispered discreetly.

<font color="lavender">"The One-Eyed Wolf,"</font> she said aloud with a thoughtful expression, then walked inside and sat herself down at the nearest table where a dwarf happened to be sitting. Her eyes went wide and her mouth made an "O" in awe as she watched him snarf down large quantities of food. <font color="lavender">"Waaahhh, that's amazing!"</font> She exclaimed in delight, then Sive frowned and blinked, touching a hand to the side of her head as if trying to remember something as an Eastern woman retired to her room and her cloaked companion walked out the door. <font color="lavender">"What was I doing... oh yes! I was following that person who talked to me, who was following them... Do I know you? You look... familiar,"</font> she asked the dwarf suddenly, peering at him. Her right eye seemed to pierce right through him.

<font color=skyblue>Markul

"By the gods, woman! I was right about you! How do you do that? Wait. Hold that thought."

Markul had been interrupted and had missed the departure of the hooded fancy he had been following. The Easterner was going up to a room. He figured that as long as he kept her nearby, the hooded elf was not going to be far. Now that it appeared safe to talk, he invited the strange one to sit with him at his table and ordered food for her. The waitress was a bit astonished that so much food was already being brought to the table, and was wondering if this newcomer was going to eat her fill as the dwarf was.

Quietly, he spoke to the being of intrigue in front of him.

"I gotta be careful, see? I gotta history in dis tavern...and I ain't wanna be thrown out again. So keep your converse on the low. Now...I start...Who are ye, and why ye be following me? Answer well, and I will answer yer questions. Are we at an agreement?" </font>

ooc- Aye, savvy [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] sorry, couldn't help myself, hee... :D

ic- Sive thanked the waitress but refused all the assorted meats and such, asking only for a tankard of milk with some honey in it to accompany the various fruits laid out in front of her. She popped a few grapes into her mouth while the confused waitress brought back the strange drink. The curious looking creature took a delighted sip from the warm drink before replying.

<font color="lavender">"My name is Sive, and you walked away before I could respond to your questions earlier. Plus you looked interesting, and so did the pretty ladies you are following."</font> she tilted her head to the side and looked at him. <font color="lavender">"Why are you following them? And what is it that you do? What I heard about you..."</font> she paused and frowned slightly as she mulled over the confusion of information she had received earlier. <font color="lavender">"...was very jumbled. Something about melting orc elves... or was it human dwarves making wagons?"</font>

Sive shook her head, then her face brightened as if a thought had fallen into place as a result of the head-shake. <font color="lavender">"Oh! I remember what I wanted to tell you. It's not a trick,"</font> she said cryptically.

<font color=skyblue>Markul

The dwarf sat there taking in what this person was saying...all the while mesmorized by her ditzy-like personality. It was refreshing to not be the oddest one anymore.

"Ok...Tis a good start.
My name is Markul, and I...well I can turn into the likeness of other races, see. Had it since birth, this power...and dunno why. Something to do with a spell that hit me mum when she was carrying me, methinks. Anyway...I have ta eat lots, cause I burn energy fast. To be big, I eat big. To be small, I lose weight and energy. If I starve...well...I wont't be getting inta that right now. Everytime I use energy, I gotta put it back if I wanna be big again. If I maintain a certain weight too long...I start to lose it too.

Anyway, people don't like me much, so I gotsa keep hiding and moving. I ran into this hooded lady that you seen before, and methinks she is not the type to be shooing me away so fast...naw...she gots her own secrets, that one. An' the Easterner...well...she is just a cute addition to the adventure, see? Plus, somethin' 'bout 'er ain't just right in me mind yet. Caint figure it out. She is hiding something too, to be sure.
Then there was you. You impressed me, and still do! I look for people like you to be close to, for protection for meself, and somebody that won't be judging me a criminal because I can do tricks.

Now...I gave ya my story...let's have it out with the rest o' yers...then I am off to go snoop some more. Something like me don't need sleep, so I sneak around and learn stuff about the world 'round me.
Right then...let's have it."</font>

Sive listened in rapt amazement as Markul told his story, murmuring noises at the right parts. <font color="lavender">"Do you remember what you originally looked like?"</font> she asked, curious.

Suddenly, her right eye dilated and her head snapped around to look out the window. <font color="lavender">"What! That late already? Why didn't you tell me before!"</font> she exclaimed to invisible voices.

She got to her feet and gave Markul an appologetic look. <font color="lavender">"I have something to do and I'm already late... If you come with me, I'll try to tell you what you want to know... Though what there is to know, I do not know,"</font> she commented with slight bewilderment. Obviously she does not think talking to inaudible voices is that strange.

[ 01-21-2004, 10:31 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=skyblue>Markul

Already turned on to the feel of action in the air by this one...Markul's hunt for life was not able to turn this offer to follow the strange one down.

"OK...let's go then. Just as long as ye help me with da hooded one."

Markul jumped up and was greeted by the waitress, who had been told not to let a customer that eat that much out of her sight until that person had paid in full. He did not have any money and was used to doing a shift in private before escaping from taverns without paying, leaving with different face. Now he was stuck.

"Um...lass...did ya bring any coins with ya?"</font>

[ 01-22-2004, 10:36 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Sive blinked and a cloud of perplexity drifted across her face before she remembered. <font color="lavender">"Oh, right! Those things that merchant was talking about... um, well, no. I usually tell them helpful information they don't know. I could try and find something out, if you like,"</font> she offered with a generous smile.

ooc- just a heads up, I won't be able to post from friday 11am until late monday (if I'm lucky). I can post tonite and hopefully around 10:30am EST. [img]smile.gif[/img] I'm going snowboarding in Pennsylvania, so I'll be away.

<font color=skyblue>The dwarf looked at the maid who seemed ready to call for the tavern security.

"Well silly girl, I suggest ye start talking to our waitress 'ere and tell'er enough to get our dinner paid for! Else we might gind ourselves in trouble!"</font>

(ooc: Sorry again folks. I had an insane amount of work to do this weekend. Ah well, I'll make up for it with this post. ;) )


<font color=darkgray>Irinisayn stepped quietly through the emptied streets, ducking into the shadows as often as possible. She had half a mind to finish her business and run off, leaving her new companion behind, but then she also felt deep in the marrow of her charred bones that she was being watched...

She made her way through a complex maze of darkened alleyways, so sure and defiant in her gait it seemed as if something was pulling her toward her destination, like an invisible hook was looped through her lip. Inevitably she came to the determined spot, and stopped abruptly enough to make one think she had counted her strides. She looked up then to a sliver of cloudy indigo sky between the rooftops. Soon, she thought, hesitatingly repositioning her hood, he will be here soon...

As if on cue, she turned to face behind her as a fellow shadowed figure moved toward her, each step doubly as calculated as Sayn's. The creature looked uncertainly to each side before lowering its hood, revealing the timeless and frightening grimace of an apathetically expressioned elf. The man whispered with a heavy growl, <font color=white>"Take care, naur'agar. I'd hate to see this fall into improper hands."</font> He held out a package to her which she readily accepted, sneering, "Charming as ever." She looked down at the newly acquired object in her hand with critical eyes. It felt far too heavy for what she knew it was... Her eyes darted back to the elf. "No tricks, I presume? The elf scoffed, <font color=white>"Why would I decieve? I am paid well to be trustworthy, and I bear no ill will toward this endeavor. Besides..."</font> He smirked and leaned close to Sayn, causing every hair on the back of her neck and spine to stand up like needles. He noted with skillful eyes her sudden tension and his grin broadened. He brought a hand abruptly to her cheek, his touch tickling like silk, and breathed purposefully on the side of her neck while staring intriguingly into her eyes with one of his own. <font color=white>"You know you've always been my favorite, melamin."</font> With this last word breathed the tiefling could almost feel blood trickling down her shoulders and arms. Her eyes dripped with unseen venom. Yet she knew he was pushing her, testing her limits. With a soft hiss she let her hackles fall. "I must be off now, Alri. I bid you farewell." With a smug expression the elf took a step back and bowed shortly, melodically muttering, <font color=white>"Tenna' ento lye omenta, arwenamin."</font> She then made her way out of sight, heading back to the One-Eyed Wolf.

<font color=white>"Let us hope that is not in the abyss."</font></font>

ooc- Muahaha, night-snowboarding is so fun~! :D And i hurt everywhere! (not from falling, just merely using muscles that haven't been used for awhile ;) ) *babbles on about snowboarding*

ic- Sive pouted slightly at the "silly girl" comment, but her eyes were already starting to get a glazed look. <font color="lavender">"You've been looking for a raise, haven't you? Especially to get near that nice-looking kitchen boy,"</font> she commented with a knowing smile to the waitress. <font color="lavender">"Well, the waitress with the red hair has been hiding some of the payments in a pouch behind the brick there,"</font> the girl continued with a gesture in its direction. <font color="lavender">"There's enough money to provide for our meal, as well as some left over to show to the innkeeper as evidence. So you could get her nice job, while in return for the information I just gave you we can avoid making a scene. And I'm sure the innkeeper will be so pleased with you for catching the money hoarder that he'll probably let you keep it,"</font> Sive added, the glassy look in her eyes dissipating as she fastened her unsettling gaze on the thoughtful waitress.

<font color=indianred>As they stood facing each other on the cliff, a heavy gust of wind breathed upon them, sending their hair fluttering. He was tall, muscular and brooding; she, struggling to stay as erect as he was. There was a moment’s pause before he spoke, his voice gruff and his manner stern.

<font color=yellow>”Do you know why I have brought you here on your birthday, Ji Xiang?”</font> ~ His hands were behind his back, hiding… something, she knew not what.

<font color=gold>”No, Teacher.”</font> ~ She replied half in bewilderment, half in meekness ~ <font color=gold>”Forgive your disciple’s stupidity. Your disciple has no idea.”</font> ~ If only she could! It was so hard, so difficult to gain his approval these days. She wondered why, what she had done, that day, or any other day for the past two years… why did he behave as if he were offended by her? Her conscience protested its innocence, and she could only look down wretchedly at her own hands, asking herself again how she could redeem herself, if she had committed some wrong unwittingly.

<font color=yellow>”It is your sixteenth birthday… child.”</font> ~ He seemed to stumble at the last word, and she glanced up to see his inscrutable expression ~ <font color=yellow>”Your name is self-explanatory. Your parents wanted you to hold on to your roots.”</font> ~ He cleared his throat, before continuing ~ <font color=yellow>”‘Ji’ being to remember, and ‘Xiang’ being your hometown.”</font> ~ Walking up towards her, his tone became more serious by the second ~ <font color=yellow>”It is time that you ventured out, to strike out on your own. I, after all, did just the same, at your age.”</font> ~ His piercing gaze rested upon her paling face ~ <font color=yellow>”But first, of course, you must return to your hometown.”</font>

<font color=gold>”I can’t do that, Teacher!”</font> ~ She had blurted out before she could repackage her words, and her cheeks flamed ~ <font color=gold>”You know how unwelcome I would be there…”</font> ~ The words trailed off as she stood, almost mesmerised by hypnotic stare ~ <font color=gold>”Your disciple will leave… leave if she must, but she begs your permission not to return home.”</font> ~ Hurriedly, she fell upon her knees and cupped her hands ~ <font color=gold>”Your disciple pleads for your understanding, Teacher.”</font> ~ Her voice was quavering; she dared not tilt her head again to meet those eyes.

<font color=yellow>”Very well, then.”</font> ~ There was solid determination in his voice ~ <font color=yellow>”You will go immediately now. But before that…”</font> ~ A pause. She glanced up and saw a beautifully carved jade flute in his hands ~ <font color=yellow>”This is for you.”</font> ~ She grasped it, awe-stricken by the intricate design and wondered how much it must have cost – how could he have afforded such a treasure?! ~ <font color=yellow>”It is both a birthday gift, and a farewell one. We will part ways from now on.”</font>

She tried to shove away the massive pillar that inhabited her heart, but try as she might, it just would not do ~ <font color=gold>”Yes, Teacher.”</font> ~ She was shivering, and not knowing the reason for it ~ <font color=gold>”Your disciple bids you farewell... for now.”</font> ~ Holding the flute in her right hand, she performed three respectful kowtows before getting back on her feet ~ <font color=gold>”Do take care of yourself, Teacher. And forgive your disciple for not being able to be around to support you…”</font>

<font color=yellow>”Enough of all that nonsense!”</font> ~ He boomed, his face darkly irritable ~ <font color=yellow>”You know that I don’t care for all these ridiculous ceremonies.”</font> ~ His tone softened as he caught her wounded look ~ <font color=yellow>”You’d best leave now while the sun is still up.”</font>

<font color=gold>”Yes, Teacher.”</font> ~ She bowed and turned, never turning back…</font>

<font color=white>Ji Xiang breathed softly in her sleep, occasionally turning to her sides and back.</font>

OOC>>>A most wonderful post from each of you three! I feel rather humbled to try and match them. Yet I must post something.

<font color=skyblue>Markul

The dwarf watched as the waitress gave but a momentary thought to what was said, strolled over to the spot that had been indicated and tested the brick slightly. She was convinced enough to turn her back on the two penniless strangers, to which meant they were free to go about their way.

They did so, quickly. Outside the door, the dwarf was still too astounded to make sense of it. His new friend seemed to be rather valuable. He needed a new face for the night, and so he excused himself to the back of the tavern. When he returned, he was a human male, fashioned after the stereotypical vision of a monk. He carried a staff, and wore a dark brown robe. He did not utilize the hood, showing a shaven head and dark brown eyes.

Markul approached his newfound associate and asked, "Now that we have that behind us, what are your intentions? Where are you headed? And By what power do you do your tricks? Come now, no secrets. Maybe I can be of use to you."</font>

[ 01-26-2004, 11:41 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Sive gave a delighted laugh at Markul's new appearance and then gasped, remembering why she was in a hurry. <font color="lavender">"I'm not really headed anywhere, I just wander from place to place. And what do you mean by intentions?"</font> she asked her newfound companion as they hurried to the outskirts of the town. <font color="lavender">"And I already told you, it's not a trick!"</font> the strange creature pouted slightly, her one good eye looking slightly hurt that Markul hadn't remembered her saying that.

Suddenly, a medium-sized explosion of fur and feathers zoomed past Sive and started to attack Markul's face, making angry chittering and screeching noises. <font color="lavender">"Lark, Lark, stop! It's alright, he's not... it's alright! Markul's my friend!"</font> Sive shouted anxiously, gathering the fuming bundle into her hands. The quivering thing gathered in the girl's hands resembled a kitten except in place of a cat-head it had a head of a bird, and a pair of feathered wings sprouted from its back, which were currently held away from its body in an obviously threatening gesture. <font color="lavender">"This is Lark, my friend. He's a Roller-songgryphon,"</font> Sive commented, petting her feathered friend's head soothingly.

The bird-head sported a somewhat large, curved, black-coloured beak, and the small black strip over "Lark"'s eyes made it seem that the songgryphon was glaring at Markul. Its head is a powderblue, and the feathers slowly give way to fur of the same shade down its chest and stomach. Its back consists of chestnut-coloured fur, and near its rump the colouring changes to a blue-purple shade, with the tip of Lark's tail ending in a turqoise-white with two black spots on opposite sides of the lashing appendage. The wings have the same strange, brilliant purple-blue on the shoulders, then give way to powderblue for half of the wing, and the bottom half is a dark black. Overall, the creature was as beautiful and strange as its owner, Sive.

"Lark" seemed to finally be settling down, and after uttering a few more harsh "Kri"s, proceeded to preen its wings with its beak, pointedly ignoring Markul's presence. <font color="lavender">"Sorry about Lark's behaviour, he's just very overprotective of me,"</font> Sive appologized, taking out a cloth and dabbing at the few scratches that Markul now sported on his face.

<font color="lightsalmon">Krii</font> the small songgryphon grated in what seemed to be a smug, affirmative tone.

<font color="lavender">"I had agreed to check on him at this time, to make sure he was okay, and that's why I was in such a hurry. He doesn't like to come into the towns with me for some reason,"</font> the girl explained while she continued to fix Markul's cuts.

<font color="lightsalmon">Krii carrakk</font> Lark commented harshly.

<font color="lavender">"I don't draw that much attention! And I'm sure they've seen plenty of songgryphons before,"</font> Sive retorted. <font color="lavender">"Right?"</font> she looked at Markul for support with wide, hopeful eyes.

ooc- Hehe, where would a strange person be without her equally as strange animal companion? ;) If you are interested in seeing a picture, I used a European Roller to make up the bird parts of "Lark," and modeled it after a picture in The Birdlife of Britain & Europe by Peter Hayman and Philip Burton. My mom's a birder, so I had a large amount of bird books at my disposal :rolleyes: Here's 2 images of the European Roller. The second one shows a better example of the colouring of the cat-tail.
http://en.arocha.org/images/shared/158l.jpeg
http://my.ort.org.il/holon/birds/as1p1.jpg
And here's a picture of what a generic songgryphon looks like [img]smile.gif[/img]
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/s...phons.gif.html
http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database...=53663&genre=2
http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database...=53662&genre=2
Keep in mind that Lark will be a little larger because he is part European Roller, not part Chickadee or some other tiny songbird.

[ 01-27-2004, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

(ooc: Skye, that is absolutely the most adorable thing I've seen since Kuroshi was a baby. ;) )

<font color=darkgray>Sayn was silent as she made her way back into the One-Eyed Wolf tavern, not bothering to exale her tension until she was behind the closed door of her room. Once it was securely locked and the curtains were drawn tightly shut, the tiefling finally felt somewhat at ease. With a small yawn she kicked off her boots, lay down her packs and equipment, and curled up on the bed, her cloak still pulled up over her head...</font>

OOC>>> Yep, that was really cute :D

IC>>>
<font color=white>It was the waft of lilting music that tore her away from the warm embrace of peaceful slumber. Who could forget that haunting tune? Hastily, she pushed herself off the bed and peered out of the window. Immediately, the beckoning song ceased. She saw that it was daybreak.

Exactly the time when they would have commenced their daily regime of perfecting their skills. Followed by a few sessions of pitting each against the other, and her bowing to his superiority. It had been galling at the time, but now… I would gladly receive a few hundred more bruises. ~ Her gaze went to her right shoulder and she flexed it, smiling wryly. How would he react if he were to see her now? Yet… if he had wanted to see me, he would not have stopped… ~ Her head drooped slightly and she moved away from the window.

Did he not want me to gain my independence? Clearly, he is following me, as these daily interludes indicate… but for what purpose? ~ A frown formed on her pale lips as she started to circle the room ~ Does he intend to protect me? Or observe my progress in a detached way? ~ It was all very puzzling, and she – straightforward as she was inclined to be – did not like mysteries, not about him anyway. She needed to know what he thought, especially of her; she could not bear the thought of him being disappointed or contemptuous of her.

Tentatively, she picked up the flute. It suddenly struck her that it had been a month ago since she last received this instrument, but that she had given it its due inspection. Raising it to her eyes, then, she began to study the detailed markings on its body, which was a uniformly brilliant green. Tidal waves. An emerging dragon. Bellows of clouds. How richly ornamented it was! Again, she wondered how he could have afforded it.

It was then that her distracted fingers ran against what felt like three characters. Snapping out of her trance, she glanced at them.

Zheng Cheng Kang.

This… this belonged to him! ~ She swallowed a gulp as her shaky fingers fumbled about, trying to grip the flute ~ I should have recognised it before, but alas, I didn’t. ~ There was a curious pounding in her heart and head, but it comforted, rather than hurt her ~ He didn’t buy it, he gave me his own flute. ~ As she whispered the words repeatedly, she found herself caught in a rising wave of ecstacy.

He can’t be all that displeased with me, if he could give me his worldly possession! ~ In the privacy of the room, her brilliant smile seemed to illuminate everything else ~ Oh, I will prove myself worthy of being your disciple, Teacher! I will! ~ Hurriedly, she put on her white hood and clutched the flute before turning the knob.

Making her way down the corridor and stairs, she descended to the bar, seated herself quietly and waited for Sayn to appear…</font>

OOC>>>They only like it because it attacked me.

<font color=skyblue>Markul let his strange friend clean up the scratches and then he gave a glaring eye at the little bird-like thing that was her animal companion.

"Yes, you do become more interesting by the minute. I have never encountered such an animal as that before. If you will allow me..."

Markul realized that there were no people out on the streets at such a late hour of night and so he was thinking of melting his form into a likeness of the songgryphon...but changed his mind, after realizing that he'd have to lose alot of weight to get that size and then he'd be hungry again.

"...Umm...nevermind. I was going to shift into a songgryphon to see what it is like to be one...but it is late and I do not want to have to eat again tonight. Some other time, then.

So...Here is my plan. Remember those two girls you saw me following earlier today? I want to know more about the hooded one. If you can somehow see through my disguises...you can see through her's...am I not right? She is not what she seems to be, so I would like to satisfy this curiosity, if you would be so generous. In return, I shall allow you to ask of me what you wish. Do we have an agreement?"</font>

OOC>>>Skye...we gotta find a way into the group before they head off to Candlekeep. If you ever find an opening, lead the way. If not, I will continue to try for the both of us.

Those two are playing it tough these days!

<font color=darkgray>Sayn rose as quietly as she had fallen. She hadn't fallen into the comforting arms of a deep sleep since she was very young, and this night had been no different. With no urgency in her movements the tiefling gathered her belongings and shot a quick glance to the mirror. She tugged a loose strand of her dark ruby hair behind her slightly tapered ear, pushing one side of her hood back slightly from her face as she did so. One pale grey eye, cold and distant, stared blankly back at her. Her eyebrow arched slightly as she lost herself in the reflection's gaze, watching as a fire grew behind pupils. A black ring became more apparent around the iris, as though it had suddenly been charred about the edge. Then, deep in the reflection within the reflection of the eyes was a glimmer of movement...

Sayn snapped to attention, looking somewhat disconcerted as she gripped her sword and turned slowly around. Nothing there.

Sayn shook her head, readjusted her hood, and apathetically made her way out of the room to meet her companion.</font>

ooc- will do, Larry. [img]smile.gif[/img]

ic- Sive gave Markul a doubtful look. <font color="lavender">"Weelll, I can try to find out what she looks like under the hood... but I'll need to find something that's seen her without her hood on."</font> she pondered for a moment, thinking, and didn't elaborate on her strange response. <font color="lavender">"If we can get into her room, I'm sure I can find something that's seen her without her hood on. You are always watched by something, no matter how secretive you are,"</font> she concluded with a nod. <font color="lavender">"Its always the little things that you overlook or deem unimportant that watch. I just happen to be able to hear them."</font>

This seemed to be the best explanation about her talent that Sive was going to give, for the moment.

Smoothing Lark's ruffled head-feathers one last time, the little creature swooped off in a flight of fancy barrel-rolls and twists and disappeared from sight. <font color="lavender">"Shall we go then?"</font> Sive asked brightly. <font color="lavender">"Or do you want to change forms again? Can you change into forms you've never seen but only have invented in your head, or do you merely copy bits and pieces of creatures you've seen throughout your life, and then paste them together?"</font> she questioned, her curiousity aroused once again.

[ 01-27-2004, 10:29 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=white>Promptly arising as the dark shadow drifted towards her, Ji Xiang stood up and spoke softly ~ “Good morning, Sayn. Shall we leave now?” ~ Good thing I’ve this hood on… it certainly combats the cold dawn air. ~ She drew a deep breath, trying to calm her excited nerves at the thought of the new adventure ahead of them.</font>

OOC>>>Insert curse here...I lost my previous post...and do not have the ability to redo it as well. So I am going for a lesser, quicker response this time, then go scream for a while.


<font color=skyblue>"I am fine. I do not need to change. This form suits me well this morning. And to your other question, I need to see a new creature before I can mimic it well enough to appear real. I can then make alterations that are my choice to make. I can also add stuff like these robes and stick you see here. They are not actually made from what you would think they are...they are actually part of my living body. But...you probably already know that. Anyway...let us be off and running, for tis morning and our mice will be on their way to do their business. This is the most exiting adventure I have been on in months, and never had I the opportunity to share it with anyone before,,,so I am glad you are so available. But enough chatter...let's go!"

The odd pair made their way through the busy morning streets toward the One-Eyed Wolf. </font>

[ 01-27-2004, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

ooc- I feel your pain, Larry. :( I've had that happen to me too often to count.

ic- Upon reaching the One-Eyed Wolf, Sive paused outside of it, contemplating. <font color="lavender">"Hmmm... Okay, I have an idea."</font>

She turned towards Markul with a smile. <font color="lavender">"Since you said they're leaving, then they'd have to turn in the keys to their rooms. You try and get her key by renting out the room or something, and I'll talk to some of the patrons,"</font> she outlined her plan with hand gestures.

<font color="lavender">"I think I'd draw too much attention if I tried to get the key,"</font> she added with an appologetic pout. <font color="lavender">"You look normal enough in that guise... the plan sound okay?"</font>

[ 01-28-2004, 11:13 AM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=darkgray>Sayn nodded softly. "Yes, let's be off." She craned her neck to look out a nearby window with the shades drawn and smiled approvingly. "Come, we should travel as far as we can while the weather is fine like this."</font>

<font color=white>She nodded briefly ~ "Seeing as there's no one manning the counter at this time of the day... do you reckon that it's alright to just leave the keys somewhere at the bar? Tied with a little note, I mean?" ~ Here was a little challenge indeed, for if they had to wait for the inn people to awake, there was no telling how much delay they would face ~ "Or do you suggest that we risk a little unhappiness by waking them up at this hour?" ~ Pursing her lips, she had another moment's thought ~ "If the trip will be a short one and we have sufficient funds, I suppose we could pay to keep our rooms till our return." ~ In the darkness of the room, a beam of light bounced off her left eye ~ "I'll abide by your decision."</font>

<font color=darkgray>Sayn chortled slightly at her comrade's inexperience and doubt. "I'm sure they won't mind, so long as we don't steal the bloody things. Just leave them on the bar. We only paid for a night, they'll get the idea."

By the blood of Asmodus, where did this girl come from? She's such a doe...</font>

<font color=white>It was just as well that both of them were wearing their hoods, she could feel her cheeks sizzling away as she heard Sayn’s chortle ~ “I see that inns work differently in this part of the world.” ~ Another moment in the tavern would bring on another crisis that rendered vulnerable to disapproval. Walking up to the unmanned counter, she deposited the keys in an empty drawer and brisk-walked back to her companion ~ “Let’s go already, my feet are impatient.” ~ Together, they made their way to the side-door of the tavern, swung it open and exited silently and swiftly.</font>

<font color=skyblue>"Right...I am on it then."

Markul walked through the door and started toward the counter where a man would be waiting to rent rooms upstairs. However, Markul stopped short when he saw the two females chatting near the counter, with no clerk in sight. It was still very early and nobody else was in the room, so it was an awkward moment...but they did not see him, or if they did, they paid him no attention. He watched them walk to the door to leave.

He played out the role of a monk and shuffled his way over toward the counter. Just to play the part, Markul began reciting scripts that he had heard another monk do once, as he casually made his way to the counter. All the while, he kept his ears open to hear if someone was going to catch him. He made it to the counter, and grabbed up the two keys. Hiding them within the folds of his sleeve, he turned and started working his way back to the door where his partner in crime would meet him.</font>

OOC>>>I got your message Mistral. I am also surprised that you were able to beat me to the post just now! Is there anything else I can do to be of help?

[ 01-28-2004, 10:16 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Sive walked in after Markul and stiffled a giggle as she heard him start chanting gibberish in a monotone voice. Noticing the two females, who were the only ones in the room, she approached them with a bright smile on her face.

<font color="lavender">"Good morning,"</font> she said brightly, blinking her unsettling eyes benignly at them. <font color="lavender">"How are you on this fine day? I always find traveling to be very energizing,"</font> Sive rambled to the two. She seemed quite comfortable talking to strangers...

<font color=skyblue>Markul paused, gasped and was surprised to see that the two had been stopped by Sive just at the door. Wasn't she the go-getter! He took a seat at a table and continued his chant, appearing lost in meditation.</font>

[ 01-28-2004, 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=darkgray>Irinisayn looked perplexedly at Sive for a moment, her lips forming a thin line. "We are quite well, but I fear also quite pressed to be off. Excuse us." She shot a quick glance to Xiang to make sure she followed, then sidestepped and started toward the door again.</font>

Sive's face fell in response to the abrupt remark. <font color="lavender">"Oh... well... sorry to have bothered you. Just trying to be friendly is all. Before you leave, do you recommend this inn?"</font> Her face had brightened again, and she looked at the two with an expression of curiousity. <font color="lavender">"I hope it wasn't too expensive, I don't... really... um... have any money,"</font> she finished with a sheepish laugh. <font color="lavender">"Usually I find something more useful to the innkeeper than money,"</font> she smiled oddly, her green flecked eye and blind eye casting a disconcerting gaze on the two feminine travelers.