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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 13, 2019 13:53:25 GMT -5
Things seem to slow down for you, everything becoming crystal clear. You watch with perfect clarity as Yoseph‘s eyebrows pop up in surprise as you recognize your homeland on his lips. He slowly smooths out his features, but not before you know that he saw your reaction.
As if trying to confirm his suspicions, you see his gaze drift down to your pale blue knuckles holding too tightly to the seahorse glass. He averts his gaze too slowly to hide his knowledge from you. He puts on the worst poker face of life, looking uncomfortable like he needs to use the privy.
(Insight: 20(nat)+2=22, Deception 1(nat)+0=1)
He seems to realize that you’re not buying it, and shrugs, “It was the hard swallow that gave you away, but don’t worry I promise you that I will keep your secret. I mean no harm to the Gensai.” He rubs the back of his neck again, his gaze dropping to the tabletop. An awkward silence builds, but he breaks it before it becomes too uncomfortable, “Was any of that true? Can we start over? I used to dream of swimming with the Gensai because of my Grandfather’s stories. You’re safe here, and are welcome to stay as long as you need.”.
He stares at your watery fish with open childish glee, “You’re amazing! Is that something I could learn to do?”
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Post by Myst on Apr 15, 2019 8:42:55 GMT -5
I see the back and forth something like this:
The taste of the wine is exquisite and Myst's taste buds dance for a moment before the wine turns sour in her mouth at the sound of her homeland's name. Myst swallows in one big gulp, feeling a rising panic before pushing it down.
Things seem to slow down for Myst, everything becoming crystal clear. She watches with perfect clarity as Yoseph‘s eyebrows pop up in surprise as she recognizes her homeland on his lips. He slowly smooths out his features.
“Neltas? Never heard it of,” she says smoothly, gripping the sea horse stem a little too tightly, its edges biting uncomfortably into her skin. She continues, “it could be true I suppose, but *I've* never been there. I was found by a human man on an island, where I had washed ashore somewhere in the lawless sea. The man raised me there alone. I think if a magical place like that existed, some sailors would have discovered it long ago...” Myst pauses, trying to look speculative.
As if trying to confirm his suspicions, Myst sees Yoseph's gaze drift down to her pale blue knuckles holding too tightly to the seahorse glass. He averts his gaze too slowly to hide his knowledge and puts on the worst poker face of life, looking uncomfortable like he needs to use the privy.
It's not my secret to tell, Myst thinks to herself. If I admit it out loud, I would be betraying my people. Besides, in time he will question his memory; did I really gulp? did I really hold the glass too tightly? Time distorts memory, but if I admit it – he will know for certain the truth.
Myst continues, almost coldly, “anyway, when my adoptive father died, I decided to come inland to find work as a healer. And here I am. But I fear I am woefully unprepared for Clifton. I have no idea where to find work or even how to get into the city. I also fear that the people here will learn about my gifts and want to harness them for evil purposes.”
As if to emphasize her last point, Myst pulls water from the aquarium tank and begins to weave the shapes of tiny fish and dolphins (casting Shape Water). At a gesture from her, they begin to swim around the table, as if Yoseph and Myst were sitting at the bottom of the ocean. “A Water Genesi indeed; a secret I hope you'll help me keep,” Myst finishes, still somewhat coldly.
Yoseph notices the change in Myst's demeanor – the sudden coolness – and realizes that she isn't buying his deception. He shrugs, “It was the hard swallow that gave you away, but don’t worry I promise you that I will keep your secret. I mean no harm to the Gensai.” He rubs the back of his neck again, his gaze dropping to the tabletop.
“I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean,” Myst continues stubbornly.
An awkward silence builds, but Yoseph breaks it before it becomes too uncomfortable, “Was any of that true? Can we start over? I used to dream of swimming with the Gensai because of my Grandfather’s stories. You’re safe here, and are welcome to stay as long as you need.”.
Myst considers her response a moment but before she can answer, Yoseph begins to look more closely at her watery fish with open childish glee, “You’re amazing! Is that something I could learn to do?”
Myst visibly relaxes, welcoming the change of subject and genuinely smiling at his delight. She directs some fish to playfully swim circles around him. “I don't know,” she answers simply. There is a moment's pause before she asks, “why don't I help you with the dishes while we talk?” Her hands move to direct the watery fish back into the aquarium; the water lands so carefully, so deftly placed, that it creates barely a ripple on the surface and Myst stands, not waiting for his answer as she proceeds towards the back room.
She has so many questions. How to get into the city proper? Where to find work? What contaminants are being dropped into the waters? Who can she trust? What is this strange gem? At that last thought, she reaches into her pouch and grasps the cool edges of the gem to reassure herself that it is still there.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 15, 2019 10:35:28 GMT -5
Yoseph follows your watery fish with is eyes, reaching out to them, but avoiding touching them as he does so. He stands as you do, watching the fish swim through the air back into the aquarium. Once the fish are gone, he follows you back into his own kitchen. Two large hearths line the right and left walls, and a small multi shelved oven sits against the back wall beside an open door that leads outside. A cat lays stretched out across the open doorway, one of it's ears twitching to listen to you as you enter the kitchen. You imagine that if all of ovens and hearths were in operation this place would be stiflingly hot. Against the wall to the left of the door is a double sink, one of which is stacked with dirty dishes, another has fairly clean rinse water. A counter beside the rinse sink has a small stack of dishes set out to dry. It becomes apparent after a few minutes of working on the dishes that Yoseph is going to let you begin this conversation.
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Post by Myst on Apr 15, 2019 11:20:52 GMT -5
Myst glances towards the cat curiously, observing the shape of its body luxuriating in the sun, its burnt orange colouring, and the bright sheen of its fur. She notes the twitch of its ear and the one eye that pops open to warily investigate her before closing once more. Strange beast, she thinks momentarily before approaching the double sink.
Dish after dish she holds in one hand, while her other hand unconsciously directs the water onto the plates, creating a swirling vortex of liquid for a few moments before it cascades off the plates, leaving them bone-dry and sparkling. She repeats this a few times before slowly beginning, “I need work but I can't reveal my heritage. I can heal, but I need to access the city to offer my services. What should I do?” Although desperate, she stops her voice from shaking and does her best to remain in control of herself.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 15, 2019 11:56:19 GMT -5
He watches in wrapped amazement as you do the work he was annoyed with doing in seconds, "I've seen a couple Tieflings come through the city. One of them had blue skin. Perhaps you could call yourself a Tiefling, if you want to hide your heritage that badly." He never looked away from the effects of the magic you're wielding. "My question is why? Why do you need to hide who you are? I mean, if Tieflings can make their way through the city with daemons in their blood, why can't you?" With your assistance the dishes only take a few moments, and you slowed down to drag out the work part way through. "You're welcome to stay here. I can offer you work as a dishwasher at the very least." He offers excitedly, adding, "The pay is terrible." in a much more cautious tone. "It would give you a place to stay, food in your belly, and a bit of coin while you find your way." He brightens, "We could get you a proper cloak to cover yourself with. Maybe you could even make the water dance for my customers while they eat? I'm sure some would offer you some coin for the display you just gave me out there." He looks at you hopefully, "Please tell me you will stay? Please." The last is added with an almost begging tone.
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Post by Myst on Apr 15, 2019 15:44:46 GMT -5
Myst ignores his questions regarding reasons for her secrecy, pretending to be absorbed in her work but not bothering to pretend too hard. Finally, once Yoseph offers her a place to stay, she looks up at him, eyes dark like the midnight ocean, thoughtfully scanning his own eyes, as if searching for something in their depths.
Insight check: 14 +6 = 20
“That sounds like a nightmare,” Myst responds softly, the last dish still held delicately in her hand, frozen there momentarily. Then, seeing the crestfallen expression on Yoseph's face, she laughs softly, averting her gaze and places the dish on the pile of clean ones. She clarifies with a small smile, “I mean performing. I don't like the attention and I prefer that people don't know about my...” Myst pauses for a moment to consider her words. “Talents,” she says carefully.
Hands free of her work, she begins to absentmindedly straighten the pile of dishes. “And I would be honoured to stay here and help out with dishes or anything else. But are you sure? I don't want to take up space that you could sell to a patron,” Myst says, her face painted with concern. “And a cloak would be welcome, but I would earn it, of course.”
Myst looks down at her hands, still fiddling with the plates, and suddenly realizes that in the entirety of their conversation, despite the tension and her secrecy, she has never called water to her body. No droplets adorn her blue skin. I am comfortable here and with him, she thinks with a start. And suddenly, at the strange revelation, her face breaks into an unexpected and full grin directed towards Yoseph.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 15, 2019 20:04:24 GMT -5
You keep a wary eye on Yoseph, constantly vigilant for signs of deception. Yoseph does indeed viably deflate when you mention it sounding like a nightmare. Perking back up again when you further define the nightmare as being about performing, and not about staying at The Well-Groomed Pike. "We have not been full up in a long time, I haven't been able to compete with the Carousing Sailor." He adds the next bit at a low mumble, "The bloody thieves guilds make sure of that." Resuming his normal volume, he continues, "We draw in some of the merchants, and the higher ranked sailors. They pay well enough, but we're rarely packed."
When you mention earning a cloak, he holds up one hand with index finger extended in the standard wait a minute pose. He leaves behind the bar for a moment, and returns a few seconds later with a cloak in hand. It's a simple travelers cloak that has seen better days, but is still serviceable. "This was left here months ago, I'm sure the owner has left on a ship or forgotten about it entirely."
He sees your smile, and cocks his head to one side. A smile of his own to match yours, "Does this mean you will stay?"
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Post by Myst on Apr 16, 2019 8:01:13 GMT -5
Myst's hand brushes Yoseph's as she reaches for the cloak but she hides her blush, face carefully blank (Deception = 20 + 0 =20). "Thank you," Myst whispers, almost too softly to hear. She brings the cloak to her chest, holding it there reverently for a moment before gently swinging it onto her shoulders. The black cloak, faded grey with age, is unadorned, lacking even clasps or buttons. A simple string ties the cloak at the neck. Myst pulls the hood over her head, hiding most of her face. She then smooths the cloak, almost petting it. "It's beautiful."
"And I suppose I'll stay for a while," Myst answers, her quiet voice further muffled through the fabric of the cloak. Still, Yoseph catches a mischievous grin in the hood as she adds, "as long as we can increase business here and beat those crooks."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 16, 2019 8:17:38 GMT -5
He is less good at hiding his blush when you accidentally touch his hand, once again rubbing the back of his neck while looking down at his feet. "You're most welcome, it's just been taking up space behind the bar anyway." He says humbly. He looks up, a bright smile splitting his face when you agree to stay. He laughs when you talk about increasing business, and outdoing those that work with the guilds. His eyes take on a distant cast, clearly lost in thought. The longer he thinks, the more his smile fades. When you ask him about it, he offers a lie to cover his true thoughts, "Oh, um, it's nothing really. Just thinking about your pay. A Sliver Protector a day." You gently press him for more, and he sighs. He seems almost defeated, or abruptly very tired. It's strange to see after how excited he was just a moment before. "If we start to do well, the guilds will move on us. It starts small, and you think the pittance they want isn't worth the trouble they will cause." He shakes his head, "They have their fingers into everything in Clifton. The Duchess does well by her people." As he says the noblewoman's title he presses his fist to his heart and looks up toward where the Palace is on the cliffs above. "but they've wormed their way into every corner like cockroaches." He pauses then, looking at you, "Erm, like sea lice." He shutters then, and you understand why. Sea lice are everywhere.
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Post by Myst on Apr 16, 2019 8:36:14 GMT -5
Myst is reflective as he speaks, and the concern on her face is obvious. "We need leverage," she says carefully. "What - or who - does the thieves guild fear?" The question is spoken aloud, but is spoken somewhat rhetorically.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 16, 2019 9:09:08 GMT -5
Yoseph breaths out slowly, his cheeks and mouth puffing out as he restricts the flow of air. "Nothing? Each other? The law?" He makes suggestions, but doesn't seem sure about any of them, "I have no idea." He concludes. "Maybe we get lucky, and they leave us alone. They never bothered my Grandfather." He shrugs, setting to work pulling out the ingredients needed to make some dinner rolls. The cat in the doorway stretches out all of it's legs until it looks like a slightly bowed line. It rolls onto it's back, front legs facing one direction while the back legs still face the other. It starts to purr out of nowhere, just laying there basking in the sun without a care in the world.
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Post by Myst on Apr 16, 2019 9:28:14 GMT -5
"It seems like a problem for another day," Myst says mildly, though her brow still furrows with concern. She pulls off her new cloak, folds it methodically, and sets it upon a nearby counter like it might break. Then she steps lightly beside Yoseph, drawing some water from the sink into a makeshift hairtie that pulls her long silvery locks back at the nape of her long blue neck. The watery tie swirls magically round and round, a reminder that Myst is anything but usual.
"Perhaps tomorrow we can explore the city before the tavern opens?" she suggests hopefully before getting to work.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 16, 2019 9:46:44 GMT -5
He watches you use your magic with rapt attention again, a childish glee that can be read upon his features easily. His smile returns when you make plans to explore the city, "We could even go out between lunch service and when we open again in the early evening. It's only a couple hours, so we won't really be able to stop anywhere. I can at least show you the main routes through the city. Oh, and I'll introduce you to Guardsman Jackson. He's a good man, and can usually be found defending the Harbour Gate." The next few hours are filled with preparing dishes, and cleaning up after such preparations. Just as you feared when you entered the kitchen, once the hearths are lit the kitchen becomes blisteringly hot. Yoseph for his part works with a methodical ease, never once complaining. He shows you how to prepare everything, carefully explaining why he does things the way he does. You expedite the cleaning process, and manage to keep the both of you cool with occasional mists of controlled water. The work is hard, and you could see it becoming monotonous once you get past the learning stage.
Lunch service itself is pretty easy, with only about a dozen tables over the course of an hour and a half or two hours. When that is completed, the pair of you clean up everything and Yoseph slips away to secure the coins made during lunch. He shows you to your room, a simple rectangular room on the second floor near the back. The room contains a simple bed, a side table with a wash basin, bar of soap, and a cloth. Yoseph brings you a pitcher of water to clean up with if needed. He gestures to the room opposite, "That one's mine, and that one in the middle is the privy."
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Post by Myst on Apr 16, 2019 10:28:49 GMT -5
Myst is attentive to Yoseph's instructions and, despite her usual shyness, never hesitates to ask Yoseph to repeat himself or clarify when needed. The work is hard but Myst remains vigilant even as her exhausted muscles begin to protest. When Yoseph shows her to her room, Myst sits on the bed thanking him and sitting straight-backed. She only allows herself to collapse only once the door is firmly shut.
Fifteen minutes later Myst emerges clean and refreshed, the hood of her new cloak pulled up over her face to hide the dark circles forming under her eyes. She carries only a pouch around her waist, her waterskin - more for comfort than necessity - and her quarterstaff, deciding that her backpack and shield are better left here in the tavern than carried around town. She passes the time waiting for Yoseph by sitting beside the orange cat, luring it with some table scraps from lunch and then stroking it soothingly. "I've always been more comfortable with animals," she admits to it quietly, smiling down at the soft fur.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 16, 2019 13:27:54 GMT -5
As soon as you take a seat on the ground the cat stands, stretching one way so that it's butt is up in the air, and then the other way so that it's back legs are almost straight. It then trots over to you to sniff at the scraps you offer it. It pulls the bit of fish meat from your fingers and drops it on the ground, licking it a few times before chomping it down. Once it finishes the snack you've provided it, it crawls into your lap and walks in a circle three times before laying down in a tight little ball, one paw over it's eyes. Eventually you become aware of Yoseph standing in the doorway behind you. Based on how he's leaning, he has likely been there for longer than he's letting on. "Sorry, I didn't want to disturb Chester. Whenever you two are done cuddling, we can get going."
You walk through the Harbour District with Yoseph as your guide, he points out some of the competition that you noticed earlier along the way. Your legs are strong from swimming, but the steady climb toward the Harbour Gate is grueling, you can't imagine having to do it with the cargo some of the people walking with you are carrying. You pass all sorts of people. From sailors to farmers, the desperately poor to the fabulously wealthy. One thing strikes you as odd. Well, many things strike you as odd, but this one stands out. Even the poor people in this city are dressed fashionably. What would be church going clothing anywhere else is common clothing here. The poor might have lessor materials, but the cut and style are top notch.
After about ten minutes in the Harbour District, Yoseph asks, "Shall we go into Clifton itself now?" Assuming you agree, he changes course and heads straight for the Harbour Gate. You join throngs of people all headed toward the same point of entry. As you approach you see four guards with polearms standing around a ten foot wide archway through the stone wall. The tunnel is about fifteen feet thick with a line of sharpened spikes along the top of the archway, what would be the bottom of a portcullis. As the amount of people increase, you get jostled more than before and Yoseph puts his hand on your lower back to lead you toward a specific guard. "Guardsman Jackson, it's good to see you again." The guardsman smiles brightly, waving back to Yoseph as you both approach, "What have you brought me this time you son of a sea dog?" He says happily. "A newcomer to Clifton." He pauses for you to introduce yourself, not wanting to share any information about you that you don't want to share, "I'm going to show her around a bit. You save your speech about the Wayfarer's Rest. You get quite enough of Old Borris' coin." The guardsman laughs, shrugging, "It's not my fault that everybody I tell to go to the Wayfarer's Rest goes to the Wayfarer's Rest. The place is fantastic" The guardsman leans a little closer, as if he's about to share a secret, "and if you tell Old Borris that Guardsman Jackson sent you, he will give you a free ale." Yoseph shakes his head, pressing his fingers into the bridge of his nose, "You still managed it."
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Post by Myst on Apr 16, 2019 18:08:54 GMT -5
"I'm Myst," Myst offers so quietly through her hood that the guardsman asks her to repeat herself. "Myst," she says simply, heart thumping with nervousness. There is an awkward pause while the guardsman and Yoseph wait expectantly for her to continue, but she remains quiet, standing stoically still despite her aching muscles which urge her to shift. Fortunately, Yoseph smoothly interjects, explaining that he will be showing her around the city. Myst looks to him gratefully, even offering a small laugh at the familiar banter between the guardsman and her new friend.
As they make their way through the city gates, Myst clutches the gem in her pocket, allowing it to guide her forward. She grabs Yoseph's hand leading him and simultaneously noticing that her fingers are dewy once more from nervousness. She allows the water to stay on her skin and comfort her like a favorite blanket, not fearing Yoseph's judgement as they move through the throng of civilians.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 17, 2019 9:40:55 GMT -5
"A pleasure to meet you Myst." He excuses himself to interject in what appears to be a squabble over line position. "There is always something happening at this gate, but he's one of the good ones." Yoseph says with a smile.
The gem is warm to the touch as usual, with a kind of throbbing pulse not unlike a heartbeat. Is it pulsing a little harder than before? Or is that just your own nervousness misleading you. Whenever you hold that little gem you feel that same pull that brought you here to Clifton, and now is no different. You close your eyes for just a moment to shut out some of the busyness around you, and sharpen your focus on the pull from the gem. It still points North, same as it did when you followed it to Clifton. Looking North from here you see the steady slope of the city leading down to the thick river that splits the more industrial North side of the city from the rest. What could the gem be leading you to down there?
The city is basically a large square, set on a thirty degree angle with the slope now pointing down toward the river. There are three main roads heading North-South from the three gates down to the river, and three more main roads travel across the city East to West. The first, the Gate Road, is just in front of you now. Center Line crosses the city at about the center point, and that's where you would find the Wayfarer's Rest according to Guardsman Jackson. River Road runs across the city down by the river oddly enough. There are countless other streets, paths and alleys between those main thoroughfares as well.
You take Yoseph's hand, and he turns his head to face you with a look of surprise. You're about to let go, and jerk your hand back when he squeezes his surprise melting away to a pleasant smile. He might not be the most handsome man, what with his pale (to you) skin. He doesn't even have any gills, but he is kind and that's worth something. A signpost points to the right "HIGH DISTRICT", and to the left "PALACE" Where is it that you wish to lead Yoseph?
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Post by Myst on Apr 17, 2019 11:11:51 GMT -5
Myst smiles back at Yoseph, her face hardly visible underneath the hood. She pulls Yoseph forward with surprising firmness, leading him straight North, her other hand still clutching the gem for guidance. Despite intending to dodge the crowd gracefully, she bumps into someone in front of her as she turns back from the exchanged smiles with Yoseph (Acrobatics check 2+3 = 5). She lets loose a small gasp at the impact and stumbles, her weak legs giving out momentarily and her hood falling back to reveal her face and the long flowing waves of her loose hair.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 17, 2019 13:03:27 GMT -5
You glance back and share a moment with Yoseph, when abruptly his features change from happy to concerned. You follow his gaze, and notice the horse drawn wagon approaching. You try to dodge aside, while Yoseph tries to pull you back at the same time. The result is you spinning away from Yoseph, tripping and falling on your butt in front of the horses. The horse rears up, hooves flashing in the light. You scramble on hands and knees to the wall, followed by the shouts and curses of the wagon driver.
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Post by Myst on Apr 17, 2019 14:23:20 GMT -5
Shocked by the hooves that barely miss her, Myst unconsciously prays to Deep Sasheas for protection from this beast as she huddles along the wall. On the docks she had seen these horse-drawn carts from afar but up close the animal is more massive and intimidating than she had originally realized. She slowly rises, her bruised legs protesting - damn this gravity! - and reaches out her blue hands with palms open disarmingly, attempting to calm the creature (Animal Handling = (15 + 6 + 2(guidance) = 23). Her movements are deliberately slow and calm. When the horse stills, she takes a moment to offer it a gentle pet on its nose, smiling at it and inspecting its majestic form.
Suddenly realizing that the cart-driver is being held up by her (he or she is still cursing), she steps towards Yoseph and out of the horse's way and waves the driver forward, pulling up her hood once more while still admiring the beautiful beast.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 17, 2019 20:54:51 GMT -5
The horse quiets quickly, almost immediately after you begin to move toward it. The driver is anything but quiet, shouting obscenities about you, your mother and the things he did to your mother last night. Yoseph looks furious, fists clenched down at his sides and an angry scowl where such a short time ago there was a smile. A little boy points at you openly, and says to his mother in a very loud stage whisper, "Mommy, is that lady choking?" The mother stops staring daggers at the wagon driver, and takes the child's hand down so he's no longer pointing at you. She crouches down at his level, and talks too quietly for you to hear over the driver's curses. You move out of the way and the driver gets the horses moving again. "Are you alright?" Yoseph asks as soon as he can be heard.
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Post by Myst on Apr 18, 2019 7:23:08 GMT -5
"I'm fine." Myst says, still watching the horse retreat, its tail flinging swiftly to swat a fly off its rear. Myst's gaze sweeps over the crowd, most of whom are ignoring her. Not what I expected, she thinks to herself. If they were lurking in Neptas, my people would not react so flippantly to their presence.
Turning back to Yoseph Myst simply says, "come on," and once more takes his hand in her own dewy one, leading him Northward towards the lazy river winding itself through the city, sunshine glimmering off its glassy surface invitingly.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 18, 2019 10:27:14 GMT -5
That situation drew a lot of attention from the various people gathered around. A couple well dressed business men are leaned in close, chatting quietly while staring at you openly, the mother is watching you from the corner of her eye while her child watches you openly, a trio of guards is making their way through the gathered crowd to see what is causing such a fuss, and a fellow wearing a similar cloak to yours slips into an alley a half a block away. You grab Yoseph's hand and make your way away from the gathered people. As you approach the river you find that it is not winding at all, instead it moves stock straight. The river itself is about a half mile across. The current isn't overly strong, but you can see the ferries that are making their way across the river pulling against their guide lines. When you finally reach the edge of the river itself, you can see that the banks are formed by large interlocking stone blocks. Whatever wandering this river would naturally do has been forcibly corrected to flow straight.
You see what you would expect to see in a river of this size, plant life is flourishing beneath the water and along the sides of the river too. Over the next few minutes of watching you see some small fish making their way against the current. You see a crab, normally found in the ocean, making it's way along under the water as well. Looking up to Yoseph you think you see that cloaked figure in the distance, but when you lean past Yoseph there is nobody there. Must have been a trick of the light. You take another look at the river, this time looking for things that do not belong. You find more than you like in that regard, a broken wagon wheel covered in algae lays on the bottom, a lost scarf floats by on the surface, and a wrapper from somebody's lunch tangled in the reeds there. Worst of all is across the river on the opposite bank, metallic tubes jut out above the river and water that doesn't look overly clean pours out freely into the water below.
Yoseph glances up at the sun, and sighs, "Myst, we will have to start heading back soon." He pauses watching you for a moment longer before adding, "At least I have to head back soon, you're welcome to enjoy the river some more. But please, just be back before nightfall?" He says the last like a statement, but it sounds like a question. "What's wrong? Why do you look angry all of a sudden?"
(+25exp for gaining entry into the city & this last scene with the horse)
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Post by Myst on Apr 18, 2019 11:07:29 GMT -5
Myst realizes that she's been frowning and carefully fixes a blank expression onto her face. She gives Yoseph a sidelong glance before looking back at the river once more. "You're perceptive, aren't you?" Though her smile is strained, she says it kindly. Then she pauses to sort through her thoughts.
"Do you see that metal tube spewing that liquid into the water? And the garbage that floats through this river?" Myst says slowly and so quietly that Yoseph has to lean forward to hear her - somehow, her almost imperceptible voice sounds dangerous. "Do you think that is healthy for the ocean and its inhabitants?" And my home, she thinks to herself.
Another pause and then - "I hope you'll allow me to forego my pay today in order to attend to some business," she whispers not taking her eyes off the river.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 18, 2019 12:04:43 GMT -5
Yoseph smiles sheepishly, "I have my moments. To be honest, I haven't really taken my eyes off you since we met." HE starts to blush again, and you know what's about to happen before he rubs the back of his neck right on cue. "I do see those pipes. I must admit that I never really thought about them before. The water coming out doesn't look overly clean though now that I think about it." At the mention of garbage, he looks around and you watch him focus on the things you noticed before. "Use your magic to move the water beneath that scarf up onto the shore." He suggests, walking away from you to the wrapper in the reeds. He reaches down over the side, laying on his stomach to get close enough to pick up the lunch garbage. He carries it back to you with a smile, "There, a little better than before." If you brought the scarf up onto the shore, he takes it and ties it to the railing so perhaps the owner that lost it can reclaim it. "Maybe someone will find a use for it." He says simply.
Yoseph comes back to stand in front of you, "That depends." He says, his voice sounding more serious than before, "Will you be back before nightfall?" He looks up at the sun again, "I'd say that gives you a good three hours." He holds your eye, leaning down a little so that he can look up into your hood. He adds almost as quietly as your own voice, but with none of the danger, "Please." Assuming you agree, he hands you five Copper Pennies, "Half your pay for half a days work." He pauses for a moment, then adds with a grin, "I don't normally allow my employees to ditch work on their first day."
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Post by Myst on Apr 18, 2019 12:56:39 GMT -5
Myst acts equally awkward at his compliment, blushing profusely and pulling down her hood unconsciously. Her mouth opens, as if to say something but shuts again. I am engaged, she thinks, praying to Deep Sasheas that Yoseph won't be upset. Explaining her predicament would open a rabbit hole and uncover the lies she has so carefully woven - so she remains silent. Myst does follow his suggestion and removes the scarf from the water with the help of her magic, grateful for something to do.
"I can't promise I'll be home before nightfall," admits Myst, avoiding Yoseph's gaze into her hood by looking towards the metal tube, "but I will be back by morning in time for work." When he pleads with her, she looks back into his eyes thoughtfully. "I'll be careful, Yoseph. There's no need to be concerned." The last sentence is said casually, but Myst can't help but think of her constant protection growing up. Here is her first taste of real freedom and there are already restrictions and limitations imposed by others. Her face becomes further resolute.
If Yoseph tries to pay her, Myst will shake her head gently. "The cloak is payment enough. Tomorrow I can begin officially." Myst's eyes twinkle, "that way you won't have to admit what a lenient employer you are."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 18, 2019 13:22:17 GMT -5
Yoseph doesn't seem overly happy, but he doesn't say anything further on the matter either. "I can't give you the cloak as payment, it was never mine to begin with. Besides, you will need the penny to pay the ferrymen if I follow your gaze correctly." He hands you the five copper pennies again, and turns away. "Some of the warehouses over there hire private guards, and they don't bother to arrest people." He says without turning back to you. He starts walking away then heading back toward River Road. He calls back over his shoulder, "Be careful Myst. You're new here and there are those that would take advantage of that fact. I hope to see you again." The last few words carry a fair bit of sadness in their tone, but you're not sure why. Maybe he thinks you're using this as an excuse to part ways with him. Maybe he thinks that you're about to get into trouble, and he wants nothing to do with you. Perhaps he thinks something bad will happen to you across the river.
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Post by Myst on Apr 18, 2019 13:39:25 GMT -5
Myst watches him go wordlessly. I will see you again Yoseph, she thinks to herself, turning back toward the river. I keep my promises.
Myst prays that no one is watching (casts guidance) and scans the area quickly for anyone nearby (Perception check = 2 + 6 + 2(guidance) = 10), all the while wondering what a ferryman is. Perhaps they are fairies who fly these humans over the water with their fairy wings? She had heard stories of such creatures from her mother.
Assuming she sees no one, she dives into the water, holding her breath to avoid breathing the toxic water through her gills. Her legs protest but she forces them forward, stroking a few colorful fish with her long blue fingertips along the way. She draws strength from their presence, knowing that she is protecting their home as much as her own. Every so often she bobs upward for a breath of clean air before descending once more into the abundant ecosystem of the river.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Apr 18, 2019 15:13:10 GMT -5
He walks all the way up to the River Road before he turns back to look at you. He seems embarrassed when he sees you looking still, and gives you an awkward little wave before he vanished into the crowd.
When you look around, you see quite a few people. Nobody seems to be paying you any heed through. A couple sits down by the water, but they’re laid out on a blanket staring lovingly into one another’s eyes. The majority of people are walking along the River Road, going about their business. A trio of guards are standing at a corner near a small dock that juts out into the river.
While you’re looking that way a shallow craft pulls up to the pier. The boat is long, and it has a thick cable stung through the middle of it. The cable connects to both sides of the river. Two men walk from one end of the boat to the other hauling on the rope to pull the craft along.
You pick your moment, and dive into the water. The water is icy cold, but more familiar than anything you’ve found on the surface so far. You think about removing the wagon wheel, but the river has adapted to its presence. That wagon wheel is now a part of the ecology down here. The water, or more specifically the near weightlessness of being in the water actually feels remarkably good on your sore legs.
You try not to breath through your gills, but some water still manages to seep in. You take a tentative breath, and the water you breath feels just as good as the water back home. This might not be the source of the pollution, but then again you’re still more than half a river from the pipes against the far wall.
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Post by Myst on Apr 18, 2019 15:34:39 GMT -5
Once she realizes that the water is breathable, Myst revels in the ability to breathe normally again. Her throat is sore from the air travelling up and down her windpipe. Myst takes a moment at the halfway point to unsecure the quarterstaff from her back, cursing herself for leaving her shield and backpack at home. After all, Yoseph mentioned guards.
Not far now, she thinks, looking towards the opposite end of the riverbank.
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