Bittersweet Candy Bowl

Delilah looks sadly over at Lieselotte, her ears drooping as her friend apparently doesn’t want to help her. She gets her longer brush and slowly works at her back, trying to get it straightened out and unknotted. Its very awkward looking, and it does seem to take her as long or longer than it took to get the rest of her fur sorted out, but after a while she finishes. Delilah finally decides to break the silence, swimming over to the other end of the bath where her white-furred friend is hiding.

I’m sorry Lieselotte… I know you like to keep to yourself, I just thought… The dancer sighs, shaking her head. I’m glad you and Lord Makar have been doing well. Albert and I have been doing well too. We’ve been enjoying ourselves since our last adventure. But I’ve been missing talking to you, and Susanna, and Dave, and some of our other friends…

He looks up from his books, glancing out the window at the guards in the tower.
You couldn’t have come in a smaller group could you have?

He sighs and stands to face the large group in his office.

I don’t know what is going on as much as the next person. The guards are on constant watch, listening for anyone talking against the emperor’s orders. Many don’t understand why these orders have come, nor do many agree with them. I think I know where you can start to look for answers though. Out beyond the northern forest, the guards have refused to allow anyone entrance. Whatever is going on, it has to do with what lies out there. It is half a day’s journey to there and back.

He nervously glances out his window again. Some of the guards seem to have taken interest in the activity inside the office.

You must be careful, the guardsman are the eyes and ears of the emperor. There is talk of some new dark magic, or otherworldly force past those woods, and those who talk about it tend to vanish.

((Harbor Master is a Master of Engrish :I ))

Makar yawned in boredom, still waiting for Lieselotte.
I really should have enjoyed the bath…
After looking aside a couple times, the knight sighed and placed his hand under his cape, taking out his shiny sword. He kept looking at it for couple seconds before guiding it back to it’s usual resting place.
Should I take another bath? Just to enjoy? He sighed faintly, looking up.

Paulson glances at the guards and nods. Understood sir. Come on guys, we’ll head back to the inn and tell everyone what we learned. Thank you for you help.

Dave follows closely behind Paulson.Well I guess I was right to think that there was something strange going on. Whatever is inside that forest sounds like a mean sunovabitch, I hope things go a bit more smoothly than the last quest. Believe it or not there was a guy just like you on our previous adventure who go the squeeze of death, I’d really not want to see that happen to you.

Paulson looks mortified for a moment. Say what now?!

While walking he slides up to Paulson

Yes… as our barbarian friend has said.
This sounds far more suspicious that it first appeared. Dark Magic and disappearances are often covers for other actions, but we are well aware of the possibility of magical foul play here. I suppose our first course of action will be to reach this northern forest and try not to get on these guard’s bad sides. looks at Hannibal

Oh, I have also learned that there is a curfew in effect in this town, our investigation will have to wait until tomorrow…

(I let in auto play now,after he get the information he heads back to the inn and rest,night to all)

She sits in silence for a few minutes before finally replying to Delilah.

Well, I’m happy that you and Albert are happy. Makar has been trying to have me open up more to the rest of you. It’s just actions like that, or other hostile things make me uncomfortable to say the least…

Ah, think nothing of it. Let’s just go get smashed at the inn, Paulson.

Hannibal takes the lead towards a night of inebriation.

Turns to Hannibal with a smile on his face Now that sounds like a plan! Follows Hannibal happily with plans to drink his worries away.

Dave now realizing he was retelling a nasty part of his adventure tries to laugh it off.Ha don’t worry about it, I’m just rambling about the past.He gives a reassuring smile.And besides, you’re the greatest archer I know, it would take a lot more than some monsters to take you down.

He looks to Hannibal
You must have been reading my mind you sly bastard.

Amaja bows politely to the Harbor Master after he’d informed them of the dark magics happening to the north. She looked over to the others momentarily with worry on her face, she wasn’t sure what to think of everyone running off to get drunk. Looking between everyone she sighed as she resigned herself to following the boys and hoped to keep them in line the best she could.

Wonderful! Turns to Hannibal, Come my malamute brethren! Turns to Dave. Join us my barbarian friend! Let us go find some ladies to entertain us tonight and drink our fill!

Delilah smiles a bit sadly at you.

I’ll try to remember that and let you have your space.

She leans back against the side of the bath, looking up at the ceiling through the clouds of steam.

I wasn’t being hostile though… I was trying to be the opposite, really. Not that way though!

She says the last quickly, then sighs.

Well, if you aren’t willing to trust others with things, how likely are they to be with you?

The dancer shakes her head, then leans over close and whispers something to Lady Lieselotte.

I haven’t told anyone else yet, not even Albert… I don’t want them to worry about it.

The dancer is blushing and smiling at the vampire after her admission.

But at least you know its nothing to worry about now, right?

((I am going to head out for a few hours now and will be on autoplay. Albert and Lady Lieselotte can autoplay me. After the bath, she’s going to comb herself out, taking ages to do it, then head over to the inn.))

She stares at Delilah as she finished whispering. She spends the next few minutes thinking over what she has just heard. She looks at Delilah for a moment, smiling for a split second at the dancer.

Thank you Delilah.

Setting up in the center of the bar, Hannibal sets up his band of merry drinkers and orders half the bar.

Alright gentlemen, here’s to a successful adventure! *swig*

The makar took a look outside and noticed Paulson and the others. He rushed towards them.
Sorry guys! I would have gone too, but I couldn’t… did he said something useful?
He asked in a rush. The knight seemed to be in a hurry.

Lifts his glass high. Aye aye! Takes a large drink and looks around the bar. And now we must find some ladies to enjoy the evening with. He looks to Makar and smiles. Hello there Makar, care to join us?

Hmm…women…sounds nice.

Hannibal looks around the bar for likely candidates.

Hannibal notices Amaja.

I’ll drink to that! Dave takes a swig(gonna sleep,Dave will continue drinking with his friends and oogling women)

Hey! You! Geomancer.



C’mere.

Says to Hannibal from across the room

Just before you start on this escapade, remember that Amaja doesn’t speak. I wish for you to understand this so you don’t offend her or make yourself seem foolish.

looks around

Sits at the bar

Makar frowned at Paulson’s invitation.
No, thanks. I just want to know if you guys got any useful information from the Harbour Master.
He spoke in a serious tone.

Paulson sees some young ladies on the edge of the bar and swaggers over to them. Why hello there ladies, how are you lovely women doing tonight?

Amaja followed the group to the bar and took a seat beside the group. She did her best to ignore the drunken sputtering of the malamute in their group. She looked over to Makar momentarily with a pleading expression, hoping he would either help her keep them in line or at least tell them to not get too disorderly.

((Fuck you hannibal and your spam D: ))

The knight almost gritted teeth, if he didn’t noticed McCardell. He stood near the assassin.
It seems you’re the only one here with conditions to answer me, so did you guys got any useful information from the Harbour Master? He asked briefly.

Hannibal looks over at McCardell.

Shut it, McCardell.

Now, back to the fine lady. The strong, silent type, eh?

Amaja’s cheeks flushed at Hannibal’s comment, she looked around quickly before grabbing the drink in front of her to try and avoid conversation with him. Taking a large gulp of the drink she winced at the awful taste, realizing her mistake in picking up a pint of strong Ale. Shuddering she slowly put the pint back down as tears well up in her eyes from how awful the drink tasted.

Nods his head and relates the conversation with the harbor master to Makar as well as his lengthy suspicions and observations.

The Lord gladly nodded to the assassin and walked near Amaja and suggested her to don’t stand there. He left and headed back to the bathhouse.
He arrived but still no hint of Lieselotte. Did she went to her room already?
After checking her room and his own, the noble Lord stood where he was before, still waiting for his lady.

(I am going to be on autoplay now. Lady Lieselotte can autoplay me. When Lieselotte finishes getting clean, Makar will guide her to her room and talk to her for a couple minutes before going to his own room. If she end up wanting him to stay a little longer, he will.)

After having taken his time in the bath, he finally leaves towards the inn. He hears talking coming from the bar, so he takes a look and sees everyone sitting there. Keith decides to join in.

Bartender, I’d like a glass of wine please.

He takes a small sip the moment it is served to him, and turns to the group.

Good evening everyone!

He then notices the presence of someone he had not met yet.

Was that orange cat with us all along? I didn’t see her on the boat.

(Referring to Amaja)

Hannibal slides over to Amaja with a twinkle in his eye and sweet little smile on his lips.

Hey, listen. I know I came across as some tactless drunk there. I just want to…get to know you better. You look like the kind of person I who needs a friend. A shy young girl in the company of heroes.

Realizes that he still smells like the sea, so he leaves to take his time in the bath.

Judging by the position of the magnetic poles, McCardell realizes it is later than he intended

Excuse me, but we need to get an early start tomorrow and I must have my 8 hours. Good evening everyone, I suggest you get adequate sleep as well, as it sounds like we will have a full day.

Departs for sleep

Her cheeks flushed a deeper red as Hannibal continues his advances. She smiles lightly and shrugs at his comment about someone who needs a friend. Taking the pint back up she stared at the drink for a moment before shutting her eyes tight as she takes another swig. Setting the drink back down she shuddered as she stuck her tongue out in protest to the Ale. She began to look aimlessly around the bar trying to not give him the attention he seemed to be craving from her.


(Keith…. the Boat was a lie… )

Having followed the group this far, Icarus prepares for sleep.

(Did not have time to backread before this post, but I am doing so now.)

Paulson returns from his lovely bath and spots Hannibal and Amaja at the bar. He strolls over and sits beside them. And how are you two love birds this evening?

Amaja began to take another sip from the pint when Paulson arrived. Slamming the glass into the table she spits the contents from her mouth and begins to cough and sputter after hearing his comment.

Hannibal smacks his palm against his face as Paulson enters the bar once more.

Paulson. Kindly leave before this beautiful young lady chokes to death from embarrassment?

Paulson shrugs with a grin before turning around and walking away. My mistake, well I am tired after our long trip and will be retiring to my room for the rest of the night. Have a wonderful night you two. And with that the archer leaves.

Having finally finished her relaxing wash, she emerges from the bathhouse in a fluffy white robe. Her belongings in her black silk bag slung over her shoulder, she stops next to Lord Makar. He gives her a hug then guides her to their room for the evening.
Have a good evening everyone. Tomorrow we can discuss our plans over breakfast.
She yawns and enters her room, softly shutting the door behind.

Looks like she’s drinking something way to strong for her… she seems to be suffering.

He stands and sits next to Amaja, on the opposite side from Hannibal.

May I suggest a softer drink? You don’t seem to be enjoying this one much.

(LOL)

Hannibal just kinda sits next to Amaja, not knowing how to bounce back from Paulson’s intrusion.

So…uh…

Hannibal glares at Keith.

I’m sorry, who are you and why are you intruding upon our conversation?

Sighing lightly she leaned in close to her drink to hide her face, the blush on her cheeks spreading over her face. Paulson created possibly the most awkward situation to be left in, tilting the glass in her hands she sipped lightly fighting through the awful taste trying to get the situation off her mind. Looking over at Keith for a moment she turned slightly in her chair to face Hannibal instead. Listening to Hannibal berate Keith for intruding on the conversation she sighed lightly and tilted the drink and began blowing bubbles in the Ale to try and diffuse the situation.

Well, I noticed this girl wasn’t quite enjoying her drink, so I thought it would be a good idea to offer her one more suited to her tastes.

And my name is Keith by the way, I work on the ship that brought you all here.

If looks could kill, Keith would be a soot stain on the floor.

Keith, I’m sure you’re a swell guy, but I’m trying to express my admiration to this fine bit of heaven next to me. Kindly leave.

(Alright, having backread, I must clarify that Icarus bathed and is now asleep in his room. He isn’t really a drinker, but he sometimes participates to avoid being rude.)