[ We find Our Heroes gathered in the Flying Couches home! It's a weekend, and it's morning, but by now you're all up. Except Alcinoe, who's nowhere to be seen. ] [ Session Start! ] * Tia yawns as she emerges from the stairwell and plops onto her usual pile of cushions, Wuffiekins in tow. * HKenji is already up, in the common room, fully dressed, bathed, and sorting through a large box of stuff. * Max is hovering nearby. "What have you got there, Kenji?" [ Seylin is sleeping in late, it seems. And she looks so cute when asleep that not even Kenji would be able to disturb her. ] Whatcha digging through, Kenji? * Patrick is sitting on the couch. "Whazzup Kenji?" * Tia looks over Kenji's shoulder. I am... * HKenji visibly searches for the right phrase. I am... "sorting my phat lewt?" [ The GM facefaults. ] ...Huh? ... Where'd ya get the phat lewt? [ Some freshmen around the campus use that phrase, occasionally, but they grow out of it, eventually. ] * Max almost-but-stops-before-connecting hits Kenji with a ruler. "Oops, sorry. Teacher's reflex. Uh, that's considered a bad manners way of expressing that sentiment." I see. What would you say instead? What's 'phat lewt'? Um. I think "Sorting through treasure" is more commonly acceptable. Oh, okay. * Istvan wanders by, as he always is, in a perpetual state of coming from or going to the forge. He stops dead at Kenji's odd utterance, though. * Max pushes his glasses up his nose, self-consciously. "So, anything good in there?" * Will comes down into the room and sits down on a sofa. He's just finished his morning prayers and looks much refreshed. "Morning people. What's all the excitement?" Ah, good morning, Will. Hey Will, how'zit hanging? * Tia suddenly takes on a posture of prototypical girlish charm. "So, um, Kenji, I was wondering if no one else wanted that cool magical pitcher..." * Will blinks. "Huh? Oh! Fine Patrick. Thanks for asking." * Max leans forward precipitously on his Book, as it tilts at an unlikely angle to give him a better view. He doesn't seem to be falling off, though. * HKenji looks up at Tia. * Istvan just kinda leans against the wall, as he has nothing of value to add at the moment. * Tia smiles charmingly. The cool water pitcher! Pleeeeeeease? You mean the one of infinite water? * Tia nods cheerfully. "Yeah! That one!" Nobody else wants it, right? * Tia skips a circle around Kenji. * HKenji winces a little, then reluctantly reaches into his sleeve and withdraws the decanter, holding it out gingerly to Tia. Very well. * Tia takes it carefully, her face the perfect image of euphoric bliss. "Really?! I can have it?" [ There's a knock at the door. ] * Tia looks up. "Huh?" She takes the pitcher with her as she scrambles to the door and flings it open in her usual fashion. "Hi!" * Max turns his book fully upside-down to rotate his eyes towards the door, as he sees who's there. Yes, he really SHOULD be falling off now. Huh. Come in! [ Kardos is on the other side of the door, dressed in his usual rags and carrying his sword. "Hello, Tia. May I come in?" ] * Tia crushes Kardos in a hug that lifts him off the ground. "Hiya, Kardos! How are ya? Come in!" * Istvan grins. 'ey Kardos. Yo, Kardos. What's up? * Max waves. "Hi!" He rights himself, too, after a moment. * Will grins. "Hi Kardos. Welcome!" Good morning, Kardos. Daphne's not seindin' you as a messenger again, is she? * Tia sets Kardos down carefully inside and dances around him. "Look, Kardos! I got a cool pitcher! It never runs out of water!" [ Kardos urks and manages a weak "Thank you," then squirms free of Tia's mighty hug. "No, she isn't." ] You're here to hang out with us, right, Kardos? * Tia grins widely. [ "More or less." ] Yay! * HKenji smiles a little. [ Kardos looks over at Kenji's box. ] Look at all the stuff we found in the dungeon, Kardos! That's where we got the cool pitcher! * Tia proudly displays her new acquisition. "Can I really keep it, Kenji?" Yes, Tia. It's yours. Really? Wow, thanks, Kenji! Just what I always wanted! Take good care of it. It'll be really useful. ^_^ * Tia smashes Kenji affectionately in her large arms. [ "Er, it is a nice pitcher, Tia." ] You're the best ever, Kenji! * HKenji is squeezed. X_D * Max edges upwards, away from Tia, nervously. Those hugs of hers seem to scare the little halfling. I wonder why? Tia... try not to crush him. *smirks* * Tia looks up. "Oh, oh, yeah. Sorry, Kenji!" She sets Kenji down, but she's still smiling. * HKenji looks relatively unruffled. He's gotten pretty used to the whole manhandling thing. Gotta remember that you're really strong, Tia, and the rest of us are kinda squishy. No harm done, though. * Tia nods. "I'll try to be careful." She grins. * Will smiles as he watches Tia hug Kenji and Kardos. "Ahh. Don't worry too much Isty. I'm sure Tia knows not to crush them too hard." :p So, um, what else did we get? * Tia dances in a ring around the box. [ There's a knock at the door! ] [ Kardos smiles. ] * Istvan steps clear of Tia's path of destruction... "Got it." *opens door* * Patrick smirks at Kardos. "What're ya smilin' at Kardos?" * Tia jumps up and scampers after Istvan to the door, tail wagging wildly. [ Kardos points to the door. ] * Alcinoe is on the other side! She's dressed for winter travel, has no armor, and stumbles in, catching herself on the frame. She's out of breath, and a look in her eyes gives the impression that she's aged years in the short time she's been gone. Alci! * Tia envelops the good cleric in a hug. Where've you been? Alcinoe! * Alcinoe winces, and she sorta... falls into the hug. * Will stands up and rushes over to give her a hand. "Alci! You look... horrible." * HKenji stands up to greet the knight errant. ...Alcinoe? Are...you okay? o_O ... what in Moradin's beard happened to you? * Patrick blinks. "No kidding. What'cha do? And where's your armor?" * Tia carries Alci over to the couch and sets her down. * Will checks to see if Alci is hurt after Tia sets her down. [With Alcinoe is a drow in drow clothing and a chain shirt. He's carrying all of Alcinoe's armor, it looks like. "This is you home? Is very big."] What happened, Alci? * Alcinoe is seated on the couch. She slumps, her head tilting to one side, and she looks at Kenji, then smiles. "Kenji, you were wrong. 'Bout redemption." * Tia looks worried now, as she gazes down at Alcinoe. * Patrick glances at the Drow and griiins at Alcinoe. "Don't tell me ya did the impossible." * Max attempts to hover out of the way. "Hm?" "Redemption"? * Istvan narrows his eyes at the Drow, but a glance at Alci and he figures it out. He still doesn't look happy, but he stays quiet. * Alcinoe tries to prop herself up, but her arm gives way and she collapses. And passes out. Think about it, Tia. * Tia suddenly turns to look at the Drow that had followed Alci in. She jumps up and pulls out her axe. "A bad man!" That drow was a vampire. He just walked in in broad daylight. * Tia roars threateningly. Tia, sit DOWN. Tia! No! --er, right. * Tia blinks and lowers her axe. "Huh?" She turns to face Kenji. "What do you mean?" * Tia sits down, stunned. [ The drow looks terrified and falls on his ass. ] * Patrick looks about ready to draw his bow on Tia, but keeps himself from doing something he'd REALLY regret. [ He drops Alcinoe's armor in the process, which makes lots of noise. ] * Istvan interposes himself between Tia and the drow. "Don't worry. She's just not used to seeing drow that aren't... y'know, evil." *pauses* "You're not evil, right?" * Tia looks completely confused. Stop and think, Tia. If he was, he'd be toast. Alci wouldn't stand for it, and neither would Kardos. * Patrick motions at Kardos. [ The drow still looks terrified. "I hope not." ] Cool. In that case... *offers the drow a hand up* [ Kardos nods. "He isn't evil. I'd know if he was." ] He was a vampire. Now he's walking in full sunlight. * Tia nods slowly and puts Mr. Axe away completely. "Are you...the guy we met in the dungeon?" Tell me, Alcinoe... was it worth the price? [ The drow accepts the hand up. ] * Max speaks rather quietly, seriously, to Tia while looking facinatedly at the drow. "Whatever Alcinoe and this guy did...it fixed him." [ "Yes, I am. Former vampire. Have pulse now, it makes me happy." ] * Alcinoe is unconscious. She's so not answering Kenji. * Tia stands up again. "Oh! I'm sorry!" Her wings quiver nervously. "I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't recognize you..." * Istvan nods, and gathers up Alci's armor. "I'll be right back. Gonna take this downstairs, take a quick look and see if it's gonna need repairs. * Istvan heads downstairs! Sure. * Will stands up and turns towards the drow after making sure Alci is all right. "Congratulations. Wanna come in and tell us what happened at the pool of Mara?" * HKenji reaches up and ruffles Tia's hair. "You need to learn to think before you attack." * Patrick regards the Drow. "And while you're at it, ya look like you need a place to stay." * Tia nods and still looks contrite. "I know..." She shuffles her feet and looks at her hands. [ The drow nods. "Would be good, yes. I coult try sing for inn room, but no think they like my songs." ] * Patrick looks down at Alci, then back at the Drow and grins. "I'll see what I can do 'bout that. Might even be able ta find you a room here, if I can get the funds from my mom." * Tia grins at the drow. "You can sleep in my room! You can borrow Wuffiekins' cushions!" If that's a problem, I do have a spare room at my place. It's just got a couch, though. We don't need your mother to cover it, Patrick. Ya got the funds to build an addition? [ The drow looks up and up and up at Tia. "Uhm, no thanks. I sleep on couch?" ] Well, okay, but if you change your mind, just let me know. * Tia grins again, toothily. We can cover it, Patrick. * Patrick smirks. "Good." * Istvan returns from downstairs. "Some dents, but no holes or missing plates. It'll be a quick job." * Tia waves to Istvan when he returns. * Max floats over to look at Kenji's box o' stuff again. Took some decent shots, though. I can see why Alci's exhausted. [ Kardos walks over and kneels next to the sofa Alcinoe collapsed on and looks her over. Every now and then he touches the hilt of his sword. ] * Istvan wanders over to Kardos. "Want me to carry her up to her room, or do you and Will have it?" * Tia pads over. "I can help!" * Tia blinks at Kardos. "Why so nervous, Kard?" [ Kardos nods. "She would rest better on her bed." He picks her up, seemingly without effort. "And I'm not nervous, Tia. I'm quite happy. Alcinoe is a Paladin now." ] [ Kardos even smiles when he says it. ] Like you? [ He nods at Tia's question. ] * Patrick laughs. "Was wondering when that'd happen." * Tia claps. "Wow! We should throw her a party!" Yeah! That's an accomplishment worth celebrating! [ "Perhaps. She'll need to rest first, however. She's been through quite a lot. Which way is her room?" ] * Will nods. "Yeah. But first, Alci should be in her bed." * Tia nods and points in the direction of Alci's room. Here, I'll show ya! ... s'pretty cool, yeah. * Tia trots off toward the stairs. Follow me Kardos. *Turns to go up the stairs.* * Istvan rubs his neck. "Paladin. Wow. That's... some kinda dedication to the cause." * Patrick grins. "You might want to find a cause to dedicate yourself to sometime." No he won't. Hey Will. * Max looks a bit confused by Patrick and Kenji's comments towards Istvan, but doesn't say anything. "So she'll be alright after some rest?" he asks, instead. I got two... forgin', and not dying. Uh-huh. Sure. * Will is up the stairs and can't hear Kenji. ^^; [ Kardos follows Will up the stairs. The drow looks around, trying to act casual. ] * Tia walks with Will up the stairs. * Patrick smirks and regards the Drow. "Hungry?" [ The drow blinks. "Hungry? No... wait, yes. Hey, I hungry!" He seems elated at the thought. ] Patrick? Mmm? * Patrick starts to the kitchen. Bring him something bland to start with? Ah, sure. Remember that he hasn't likely eaten in years. Perhaps several hundred of them. Whatever. * Patrick returns with some bread, which he lobs at the Drow. He himself is eating an ice-cream cookie sandwich. * Tia pads back down the stairs after she's helped Will show Kardos the way to Alci's room. * Tia spies Patrick with food and jumps. "Ooh, is it lunchtime?" Nah, just snack time. [ The drow catches the bread and begins eating slowly. "What is? Delicious." ] Ooh, snack time! Stay out of the cookies'n'cream and the mint chocolate chip. Got any Moose Tracks? And may I have some? * Tia trots into the kitchen and returns with a heaping tray of ill-matched leftovers. * Tia takes a seat by the Drow. "Hi! Can I sit here?" * Patrick grins. "Moose Tracks? Has someone been playing with my creation without tellin' me?" Moose Tracks...it's...got peanut butter and chocolate cups in it, with some toffee mixed in for good measure. That would be good in it, I think. *nod, nod* [ The drow blinks. "Yes, you can." ] * Tia grins. "Thanks. Want some water?" She offers him her new decanter. [ "Yes, please." ] * Tia unstoppers the pitcher and pours him a glass of water. "I'm Tia, by the way. Sorry for scaring ya like that earlier. What's your name?" [ "Is okay. I Tebryn." He drinks some water. "Mmm, good water." ] * Tia grins. "Nice to meetcha, Tebryn. Are you going to stay here with us at the school?" * Will comes back into the room after making sure Alci is comfortable. He sits down in a sofa and looks at Tebryn curiously. * Patrick thinks. "Write that down and I'll see what I can do." He grins, as usual. * Max nods, and begins scribbling in a corner of his Book! Oi, Will. [ "I might, Tia," says Tebryn. "I need work on Common some, I think." ] Yeah, Kenji? * Tia smiles at Tebryn again. "Oh, good! I can help ya with Common, if ya want! You speak Undercommon, right?" * HKenji reaches into the box and pulls out a scabbarded sword. The blade can't be seen just yet, obviously, but the guard is a pair of dragonwings, with the same motif continuing down the silver cord-wrapped hilt to the dragon's jaw clenched around a sunstone. He holds it lightly by the scabbard and offers it hilt-first to Will. [ Tebryn nods. "Yes, I do. Very well; am bard, after all." ] Wow, cool! Can you teach me Undercommon? I only speak Common and Draconic. Bard, eh? Maybe you could help us with the band we were considering. ^_^ I play drums! Band? <_< >_> * Tia nods emphatically. "I hit stuff!" * Patrick whistles at the sword. * Istvan eyes the sword. "Nice craftsmanship on the guard and hilt." [ "Band? I do band. And I sure you play drums good, Tia." ] * Will takes the scabbarded sword from Kenji. He pulls the blade out in order to take a careful look at it. "Wow. Kenji. This is one heck of a beautiful sword." * Tia nods at Tebryn. "You should join us! It'll be fun!" You have a gift for understatement, Will. It seemed made for you, though. Yeah, but one thing bothers me... What about his other sword? That is for him to decide. * Will nods at Kenji's statement, being still mesmerized by the sword. * The blade itself glows brightly, and the length of the blade is engraved with scriptures easily recognizeable as a prayer to Bahamut. [ "Oh, and of course I teach you Undercommon, Tia." Tebryn grins. ] Nice craftsmanship all around. Sometimes inscribing stuff on a blade damages it, makes it less sturdy, ruins the aerodynamics... can tell that ain't happening with this, just from looking. * Will reads the prayer underneath his breath and nods. "Wow. Do we know anything about this sword, Kenji?" [ There is an knock at the door! ] Duh, it's magic. Nothing at all, save that it is quite obviously magic. * HKenji turns to stare at the door. "So many visitors today." Magic don't mean the forger was any good. But *that*... that was made by a damn good forger. On the contrary. You'll note that *every* magic weapon that is crafted is, at least, of excellent quality. * Will nods. "And definately related to Bahamut somehow." Oh? * HKenji walks over and slides the door gently open. [ Kenji sees his sweet, darling fiancee' on the other side of the door. ] * HKenji blinks. * Patrick snerks. * HKenji bows deeply. * Anastasia beams the beam of a pretty girl in chain! "Hello, dearest." She waves. * Istvan grins at Patrick. "There's excellent, and there's *excellent*. I know that you need a well-smithed weapon or piece of armor for it to hold magic... but that's the work of a master." Greetings... dearest. * Istvan looks at who's at the door, and hisses under his breath. * HKenji straightens and steps back. "Please, enter." Hm? Who's this? *spins his Book around and looks up at the new arrival* * Anastasia steps past him. "I was just in the city, you know, and I thought I'd just _have_ to drop by, and-" She notices the drow and her smile vanishes. "... and apparently in my absence, your taste in companions has lessened remarkably." * HKenji smiles broadly at the drow while Anastasia's not looking. Actually, I killed him once. He used to be a vampire, but Alcinoe insisted on attempting to redeem him. And, guess who's not a vampire now? * Anastasia plants her hands on her hips, and arches an eyebrow. "Did she, now?" [ Tebryn frowns at Anastasia. ] * Anastasia looks the drow over with a gaze that might be called icy. * Tia suddenly notices Anastasia's presence and visibly recoils. * Max's eyes narrow at this new girl's attitude...and at the reaction Tia has to her. * Will is still goggling at his new sword. He doesn't seem to notice Anastasia much. * Max goes back to scribbling in that corner of his book. He finishes whatever he was writing, and neatly tears a square corner out of it. It's about 6"x6". He floats over to Patrick and hands it to him. * Patrick takes it and looks over it, nodding. He makes a couple idle design notes on it, then pockets it. * Tia wipes off her mouth hastily as she gets to her feet and puts down her tray of food. She looks agitated and stiff, and she does not smile. I was against the attempt, naturally. Coming back from the dead is so... unnatural. But you gaijin are terribly loose about such things. * Tia blurts out, "What's she doing here?" * Patrick nods to Max and grins. Anastasia is my betrothed, Tia. She has every right to be here. * Tia frowns at Kenji and looks somewhat betrayed. * Anastasia turns her glance to Tia, and winks. Then she goes back to frowning at the drow. "Only some of us are loose about it, Kenji. Why, exactly, did she bring him back?" * Patrick grins at Anastasia. * Tia visibly bristles and growls softly, low in her throat, then turns away and stalks up to her room. Something about having an obligation to aid those who strive for redemption. [ Tebryn frowns more as Tia leaves. ] * Tia even left her unfinished snack behind, which is very unusual for her. Look, I'm gonna see about Tia. Come on Tebryn, let's let them talk things over. * Patrick heads up after Tia. * Max stands to his full height. On the Book, so he's actually about as tall as everyone else what with it flying and all. "*ahem* Could you introduce those of us who've not met her to your lovely fiancee`?" * HKenji blinks. "Oh, of course. Max, allow me to introduce you to my betrothed, Anastasia Soraya Zeppelin. Dearest, this is Max, a somewhat... cloistered wizard who has recently given us some aid in matters of the arcane." [ Tebryn thinks briefly, then follows Patrick up the stairs. ] * Anastasia looks at Patrick's retreating back, and then to Max. She smiles, and waves. "Hi!" She then executes a perfect hairflip. * Max hovers over and extends his hand. "A pleasure to meet you." He's very polite. If she offers her hand to shake, he even does the gentlemanly kissing of the back thereof. * Patrick waves absently over his shoulder, with a tinge of amusement in his voice. "See ya later Anastasia." * Anastasia does offer her hand. "Well, Kenji, on average, perhaps your friends are all right." I am pleased they meet with your approval. * Istvan stays quiet. If you can't say anything nice... * Max floats away a bit, giving her some personal space. And himself, too. Did he wipe his lips in disgust on the back of his sleeve behind her back? ...nah... * Anastasia withdraws her hand and replaces it on her hip. "Still, you could afford to lose some of the dead weight." She glances at the drow again. "As I was saying, I was in the city and just had to drop by and see how you were getting along." * Will is listening to the conversation now, but is keeping quiet to not draw attention. We are doing quite well, actually. I expect to set out for the second altarpiece soon. Along with some other errands. * Anastasia arches her eyebrow again. "Altarpiece, you say?" Care to elaborate, _darling_? I'm afraid not, dearest. I'll be presenting it to you at our wedding. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. Aw...I was going to show her my theories on the hyper-dimensional mathematics linking the pieces to the outer planes while they coexist in the imaginary and surreal axes. *pout* * Anastasia smirks. "Oh, I just _love_ surprises. Especially ones that sound powerful. Are you sure you can't give me a hint?" They're pieces of an altar. Yes, and that's more than enough of a hint, really. Say no more, Istvan. If you give it away, I won't forgive you. Damn. And I was just about to reveal it's ability to create unlimited cheese. * Istvan wanders down to his forge. * Anastasia shoots a glare at Istvan, but Kenji's remark cuts off any response she might make. Instead, she settles for tossing her hair again. "Well, then I suppose It will just have to wait, won't it?" Yes, but only until our wedding. And that won't be too long, I hope. * Will stifles a laugh at Istvan's comment. * Anastasia lets a small frown flit across her mouth, then supresses it. "A little less than a year, Kenji. You remember the loophole we used, yes?" I remember. I was thinking perhaps we could move it up a little, say six months? * Anastasia looks at Kenji, thoughtfully. "Any particular reason you're asking?" Not really. I simply see no reason to delay it. * Anastasia nods. "Well, then, I've no objections. Six months it is." She makes a small smile. Excellent. * Anastasia straightens up and nods to Kenji. "Well, then, I'll leave you to your friends... and my present." She smirks. "I'm sure I'll see you before six months, _dearest_." I'm sure we'll see each other frequently, though I will be quite busy assembling your gift. Do not allow my preparations to delay you, however. I wish you speed and health on your journey. Of course. You as well. She walks to the door, then turns to Max and waves. "Nice to meet you, Max. Toodle-oo!" Then she ducks out. * HKenji waits for about twenty seconds after the door closes, then turns and slams a fist into the wall, sending several ornaments and paintings to the floor. ...whooo...no offense, Kenji, but...WHY? Why what? Why...her? I can guess it's political, but what's WORTH it? A major alliance between my clan and hers. She is the heir, and I am the second son. Nothing could seal the alliance so well. I see. * Max takes off his glasses and rubs the bridge of his nose where they usually rest before putting them back on. * HKenji sighs and sits down on the couch. Let's not think about her, now, then. Unpleasent thoughts can always wait! If they're not pressing. And this one isn't. I don't think. It's very pressing. We've got six months now to finish the altar. That's not very much time at all, Kenji. No, it's not. But we'll do it. What is this altar supposed to do, when completed? And why are you gifting her with it? It holds back the hordes of darkness when they decide every thousand years or so to come and ransack the surface world. And we're gifting it to her because it's going in our castle, because we're fairly sure the invasion is going to come right through where we're building said castle. Aha. Clever. I'll never understand the forces of darkness. They all suffer badly in the sun, so why would they WANT where we live? Why not just be happy with their protected dark places? I mean, we don't go invading the cold places out of the canyons, do we? They hate what we have built here, and will do anything to destroy it. We must always be prepared to stand against them. Oh, definitely. I just think they're stupid, and needlessly so. * HKenji sighs. "And speaking of preparation, you should take these." He slides the box and contents across to Max. Nobody has ever accused creatures of chaos of being particularly intelligent. * Max descends and hops off his Book to look through the box. Everybody should prepare to leave within the next two days. * Will nods. "Any idea where to go next?" Yes. Back to Vall's Folly. I'll be ready. This is some pretty handy stuff. You sure it's okay for me to take all of it? * Will nods but looks slightly sad. "Bad memories at that place." ...that's right, you lost a friend there. I'm sorry. *goes quiet, embarrassed* We've no other wizard. And that's not all of it. There was a staff that was too large to fit in the box. Oh? A staff? What kind? Staves are usually pretty awesome. * HKenji stands up, stress written in every line of his stance, and walks over to the coat rack. He reaches behind it and pulls out a staff about five feet in length, easily an inch and a half in diameter, of dark walnut hue. The entire length is engraved black on dark brown, inscriptions of arcane power burned into the wood and inlaid with black opal or possibly obsidian. Even from this distance, it practically radiates arcane power. * Max 's eyes WIDEN. "That thing...you've no clue how much magic it's radiating. It's almost blinding!" He scrambles over to take it, greedilly, forgetting to even climb back on his Book. When he takes it, he holds it gently, examining it with wide eyes. "By the gods...do you know what this is?" His voice has dropped to a breathless whisper. I'm afraid not. I am not, after all, a wizard. One would think you'd stumbled on Isawa's scrolls from your reaction. I-if those are the second-most-powerful scrolls in existance, then this is the equivalent. It's a Staff of Power! I-- I don't know what to say...this is an incredible gift. How can I repay you? * Patrick walks in on the ceiling. "She's gone, right?" She is, Patrick. * Patrick grins and walks back. And Max... no repayment is necessary for a gift. Book, here. *climbs back on it when it comes to him* She's a...remarkable woman, isn't she, Patrick? *his tone suggests that "remarkable" is not a compliment, in this context* * Patrick calls from the other room. "Pfft, yeah!" ...Kenji...your statement is true, but...*shakes his head* Thank you. She is very strong willed. A warrior in every way. * Tia pads back down the stairs and pokes her head into the room, looks around furtively, then joins the others. Hiya, Kenji. I am sorry about that, Tia. [ Tebryn follows Tia down the stairs, still in the bliss of his vanilla ice cream. ] * Patrick walks back in. "So, what're you wetting the floor about, Max? I heard you from the other room." It's okay. Sorry I left like that. * Tia seems a little embarrassed about her earlier behavior. * Max brandishes the (now only about 3' long) Staff at Patrick. "This!" If this were anime, his eyes would still be sparkly. Hey, ya did it not to kick her ass. That's what's important. * Patrick whistles. "Staff, huh?" Hey, Tia, I think I'd have done the same if she'd treated me the way she did you. * Tia smiles a little and is reassured. Not just any staff. You're mom's a mage, right? You should recognize the inscriptions...well, maybe. Do you? *practically bouncing* * Patrick shrugs. "Don't know Draconic. But from the way you're actin', that's not a Staff of Power, is it?" Got it in one! *backflips, while sitting on his Book, in glee* Lemme see! * Tia goes over to get a better look. I-- I'm almost afraid to use it. Don't want to drain it... *holds it out for Tia to see, but his grip on it does NOT invite taking it* * Tia looks at it admiringly but does not touch. Cool stick! You know not to break that puppy, right? Uh, yeah. Very cool stick. *looks at Patrick over the top of his glasses in a way that suggests Patrick just told Tia how to cut bad guys in half* No kidding, Mordenkainen. I'm, um, going to take these things back to my place, so I don't lose 'em or forget 'em. Back later, okay? * Max starts collecting the box and stuff on his Book. ANd keeps looking reverently at his new Staff. * Tia nods and waves. "Bye, Max!" See ya. Bye, Tia. And Kenji and Patrick and anyone else in the other room who can hear me. *zips out of the House* Bye Max! * HKenji sighs and picks up the book off the table. "I'm going to put this in Alcinoe's room and start packing. Patrick, how are you coming with the acid and fire?" * Tia pads into the kitchen to drop off her spoon and ice cream carton. ( The book is titled: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" ) Pretty good. I've already finished with my arrows, all two-hundred of them and I've started on the last batches of alchemist's fire and acid. They'll be done by the end of tomorrow, at latest. Good. I want to be riding out as soon as the last final is done. * Tia comes in just as Kenji says this, and her ears droop. "Oh. Finals." What's the plan? * Tia sighs. "I almost forgot about finals." We're going back to the troll kingdom, and from there to where the next piece of the altar is hidden. Supposedly it's in the hands of a friend of Bahamut. Goodie. The hands of our friend of Bahamut we meet last time? No, thankfully. Who? Good. The strange man with all the Desmodu, Tia. The people that made puncakes. You know? The cute furry bat creatures that you sooo wanted to drag home with us last time. :p Oh, him! With the Batmen! Yup, with the batmen. * Patrick whistles the Batman theme song. [ And so they packed and Alci recovered. Session End! ]