Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on Apr 25, 2019 6:34:41 GMT
Overview Word spreads quickly through the streets and alleyways of Waterdeep, whether through town crier or gossip or enchantment, and none so more than word of an opportunity. And just such an opportunity was now spreading like wildfire. The prominent halfling collector Merret Halfman, known for his esoteric if not eccentric collection of odds and ends housed in his own Hall of Little Wonders in the Castle Ward, needed a job done. He often did, really. But what was it this time? Simple. A certain artifact had caught the halfling’s ever fervent attention: The Demitasse of Hallertauer. A small little thing, name all but unfamiliar outside of experienced collector circles, and something that was known to be currently within the city. And Merret needed someone to get it for him.
The catch?
It was part of a larger collection on display at a ritzy underground cabaret called the Aureate Beholder. One night only. Tomorrow night, in fact. And that night?
Host to an extravagant party and the largest dance competition this side of the Sword Coast.
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Regardless of how the adventurers first heard of the job, each whispered rumor or posted flyer or partially correct set of directions from a town crier would, eventually, lead to the same thing: a visit from Merret Halfman’s representative. A burly dwarf woman with a mohawk half her own height and a jovial laugh that could melt the heart of a white dragon, she would be quick to give her name as Brilman Ironmug. A few pleasantries, a couple hearty slaps to the back, and a swig from a small keg she wore as a hip flask later, and the instructions for the job would follow:
At sundown, head to the Sea Ward and travel to Gerin’s Breads in the northwest corner of the ward. There, find your way to Seawind Alley nearby, just across from the entrance to the Aureate Beholder itself, and rendezvous with the other freelancers hired for the task. Further instructions will follow. Come just as you are and look for that which is most out of place.
Then, with a bellow of a burp and another laugh, Brilman would slip away as quickly as she had arrived. The rest, presumably, was now up to the freelancers.
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Dusk had fallen across Waterdeep, the sun now only a faint glow lost behind a blackening horizon, and the streets and alleyways of the Sea Ward lay mostly abandoned. Mostly. The Street of Lances on this night was quite the exception. Aside from the occasional guard patrol or bemused late-night walker, a near constant stream of people, all richly dressed but varied greatly in their kind, flowed and stumbled into the street and down a set of canopied stone steps nestled between two great houses. Even above the chorus of conversations and hushed laughter the heavy beat of drums could be heard coming from inside, and each opening of the door at the bottom would spill warm light, more laughter, and the rich scent of roasted meats and baked sweets out into the cool night air.
Such things would even reach Seawind Alley. A narrow passage between Gerin’s Breads and a few surrounding buildings, the alley's notable ghostly voices seemed even more active than usual, their nonsensical chattering sprinkled with what sounded like whoops and cheers. By now the alley itself was bathed in shadow and its contents difficult to make out by anyone looking in from the Street of Lances. Still, it was not hard to see that most of the alley was empty, save for a few scattered crates, a pair of brooms leaned against a side door, and a bright orange ceramic teapot sitting at the center of a lone barrel.
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Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 25, 2019 14:50:23 GMT
It may seem odd for a newcomer, but Solstice was already at least passingly familiar with the Sea Ward. It was home to the Shrines of Nature, which she was drawn to visit due to her faith. As it contained one of the few spots of greenery in the city, the firbolg visited as often as she could just to feel herself among nature for a time. The Heroes' Garden was also the subject of her visits, when she felt inclined to be less reverent and more social. So when Brilman Ironmaug gave instructions on where to go, Solstice already knew where to find the bakery and was certain that the rest would unfold as need be.
True to the dwarf's instruction to 'come just as you are', Solstice arrived without bothering to cast Disguise Self for the purposes of blending in a little better with the ward. (Though honestly, she had learned to rely on that less and less, as her exotic appearance tended to grant her leeway that she suspected wouldn't come otherwise.) At seven-foot-six, she trusted her height alone to be a beacon for those searching for 'that which is most out of place'. Her newly-polished armor shone along with her holy symbol of Mielikki, and everything from her boots to her cloak was clean and in good repair. Just because she had little in the way of wardrobe variety didn't mean she couldn't make the best of what she had.
Upon crossing the threshold into Seawind alley, Solstice perked up as the ghostly voices reached her ears. Intrigued rather than afraid or unnerved, she tried to listen in on their chatter and the reason for their sounds of merriment. A moment's listening failed to reveal anything coherent, however, and she sighed in disappointment. The orange teapot soon caught her attention, though, and she headed over to have a better look.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 25, 2019 16:14:07 GMT
The first time that Dhaunmyr had nearly – or not so nearly – gotten involved in one of Kara’s jobs had been more or less an accident. She had been waiting for him to show up for training, contemplating a flier which was calling for adventurers to help with barrel making, with a lot of references to the need for strong arms. Kara had been trying to decide if it was serious and, if it was serious, whether she was interested in helping with barrel making. Dhaunmyr had shown up, plucked the flier out of her hands, and tossed it off to the side with a loud exclamation of how boring it was.
After that, Kara had found it – well, amusing, to show him some of the fliers that came her way. Perhaps amusing wasn’t the right word. She didn’t laugh or smile, but all the same she… looked forward to how he would respond to them, whether the response was disgusted noises or lengthy digressions on how boring the task at hand seemed to be. A few times, Kara had meant it; one or two of the jobs she had thought were interesting, and she knew Dhaunmyr was good at shooting arrows and doing (some) magic, as well as dressing nicely, and she had genuinely thought it would be helpful to have him along. He hadn’t been interested.
The first exception was Merret Halfman’s advertisement. Kara really had very little idea what such a job would entail, but the promised payment was – well – large, especially for only one night of work. If it came off, she would be happy to have some extra funds; if not, then at least she would only have lost one night of guard duty income. It seemed worthwhile. She showed it to Dhaunmyr thinking he might want to come with, but not expecting much.
Except – Dhaunmyr had wanted to come.
They had met Brilman Ironmug in Dhaunmyr’s hotel, and been given her detailed but also odd instructions. Kara, in the spirit of coming just as she was, had worn a tunic with leggings and wraps on her arms, with the boots she’d bought on her first day in Waterdeep and her hair braided amidst the shaved bits and loose on the other side of her head. In other words, her usual outfit, but with her nicer blue tunic rather than the now very heavily-patched black one. She thought it was a risk, but so far the blue tunic had survived Waterdeep surprisingly well. She’d even weighted the hem with rocks after washing it last to pull the wrinkles out, so it looked nice.
Kara listened to Dhaunmyr with about half of her attention as they walked through the Sea Ward. She kept an eye out for Gerin’s Breads, and directed him to Seawind Alley with a touch on the arm, and stopped cold. There was no mistaking the figure in the center of the alley; she stood out even in Waterdeep.
Kara stepped forward, looking at the firbolg. She paused, almost hesitant, then cleared her throat. “Good evening,” Kara said. She paused, looking from Solstice to Dhaunmyr and back again, and then turned to Dhaunmyr first. “Solstice,” she said, gesturing towards Solstice with one hand. Then she turned to Solstice. “Dhaunmyr,” she explained, gesturing towards Dhaunmyr with the same hand.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 25, 2019 16:44:56 GMT
It sounded almost fun, this job. And seemed pretty low risk. Plus, it was a night out with Kara that wasn’t held in his room, or punching poor dummies until his hands hurt and he flopped down on the floor and pretended to faint from exhaustion. He was still thinking about a different way to suggest to Kara he couldn’t keep going. Her endurance seemed limitless. Much like her patience for his quirks, his personality, and his bouts of self doubt.
He reminded her multiple times that he wasn’t a fighter like her, he wasn’t made for this kind of thing. Dhaunmyr was a merchant, plain and simple, and not even one with particularly heavy wares. He passed around some worries, some general thoughts. Despite having unleashed all hell on her ears multiple times, it was like, unless he was exceptionally intoxicated or particularly close to a breakdown, he couldn’t, he wouldn’t, let down his pretence of being a well put together young man, keen only on having a simple life of whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Oh, and finding the perfect recipe for pastry, that seemed pretty important too.
Dhaunmyr hadn’t quite copied Kara. At the time he had been dressed a little... avant-garde. So he opted just to dress a bit less oddly, and far more practically. Although still as Dhaunmyr as he could possibly have bought. His wardrobe had expanded to account for clothes he could comfortably train in, and some of those even happened to have short sleeves. Not today, however, in fact, his sleeves covered his hands, looping around his middle finger to keep in place. His chest was covered with his symbol of Eilistraee, and two or three other necklaces, that all swung underneath an asymmetrical short cloak that allowed his left arm a little more freedom to move, and finished around his mid back. His red boots, while utterly timeless and iconic, clashed a little with the general white of the outfit. The fur of the hood and inside trim seemed to pick up colours around his face, so underneath it he wore pinks and blues, and in the true fashion of anyone who was supposed to be good friends with Faerveren, the colours were on leather. His white boots rose to his knees, not so terribly heeled but definitely making him feel like he towered over Kara a bit too much.
“Am I allowed a last name or does she just not have one? I’m not comfortable with addressing strangers by first name.” He sighed, turning to Kara and pulling his hood over just a bit to hide the conversation. Then he flung it back and extended a hand to the woman. “Pleasure to meet you sweetheart! I’m Dhaunmyr Vivacity, if you ever need help with anything related to trades, do drop me a note, I’ll be happy to wiggle my fingers in the Merchant’s Guild and see what I can do for you.”
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Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 25, 2019 17:37:03 GMT
"Ah, Kara! Good to see you again, lass." Solstice instantly perked up and beamed at the much shorter woman, quick to speak up in that merry Sylvan brogue of hers. Her presence put the firbolg at ease more than she'd be willing to admit, for all that she strove to project an aura of confidence at all times. She was still getting her footing in this strange city, and it helped to see a familiar face. That said familiar face came with someone unknown to her wasn't a problem, and in her mind Kara's companionship already spoke well for the elf. Solstice knew her to be brave and competent, and she couldn't imagine the woman partnering up with someone who wasn't.
She looked over the well-groomed elf as he spoke, eyeing him with interest and a warm smile that reached her eyes. Meeting the extended hand with her large gloved one and taking care to keep her grip light, she chuckled. "Oh, really? I'll have to keep that in mind for later, thank you. And it's just the one name, I'm afraid. If that changes, I'll let you know...though to be honest with my kind, you're lucky to even one official name to use. 'Tis a pleasure to meet you as well; do you prefer me using your last name, then?" She had learned her forms of address well enough growing up...but that was far from Waterdeep, and she didn't want to take anything for granted. It was better to seem a little foolish and learn something than keep quiet and never catch up to local standards.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 25, 2019 17:50:35 GMT
Kara nodded to Solstice, a gesture of respect in response to the warm smile from the firbolg. Something in her shoulders eased; she was glad to see Solstice as well. In their few encounters she had come to have a healthy respect for Solstice – her strength, her kindness, her way with strangers. Also, Solstice made her feel oddly… at ease. It wasn’t something Kara was used to.
Dhaunmyr asked about Solstice’s last name, and Kara gave her head a little shake. Luckily, Solstice herself gave a fuller answer. Dhaunmyr was his cheerful self, not the grumpy one that sometimes emerged. Kara didn’t know why she’d expected any less; Solstice was a woman, after all. That pattern in Dhaunmyr’s behavior had definitely not escaped her.
Kara wandered a few steps away, letting Dhaunmyr and Solstice talk. The ghostly voices were very unnerving; Kara listened intently, but couldn’t discern anything more than nonsense. They seemed to be speaking common, at least mostly, but the scraps and fragments she could make out didn’t make any sense, and the whoops and cheers just make Kara start and flinch.
Kara crouched down next to the bright orange ceramic teapot, and frowned at it. She left her glaive on her back, and pulled out one of her javelins, snapping it open and very, very gently touching the tip to the teapot, tensed in readiness. Nothing happened. Kara pressed the tip of the javelin against the teapot again, slightly more insistently this time. Nothing happened.
Relieved, Kara put the javelin away. She wasn’t quite ready to touch the teapot yet, but she was pretty confident it wouldn’t explode at the slightest touch.
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Post by enchilada on Apr 25, 2019 18:15:10 GMT
Dhaunmyr sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I suppose I have no choice but to call you Solstice then. You’ll have to forgive my long-abandoned mannerisms, I am not from these lands. I’m still trying to adjust. Of course, you may call me anything you like, my lady, and there is nothing I can really do about it. To be honest, being called by my last name without the first as its prefix... I’ve only just started to accept my fair suck of the sauce bottle.” He shrugged, still smiling all the same. “But, please, do what makes you comfortable.”
“What have you got there, Kara?” Dhaunmyr’s eyes were drawn to whatever it was that Kara was doing. The teapot. She was... jabbing it? He was a little confused as to why it was there in the first place, but coming at it with a stick? Really? He was curious himself, but he’d have just picked it up. Because Kara was wary of it, now he was too. Reflexively stepping back, he had his hand on his hip, ready to pull his morningstar out of its place if he had to, although, unless there was some kind of tiny creature with terrible intent inside, he wasn’t sure how it was going to help anybody. But he wanted to try anyway.
“Is it dangerous?”
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Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 25, 2019 20:19:02 GMT
Solstice's bright blue eyes glinted in amusement and she flashed Dhaunmyr a sympathetic grin, momentarily distracted from Kara's stepping away. She knew Kara wasn't a social, and wouldn't think to pressure her about it. Besides, the strange haunted alley was rather distracting in its own way, all those strange indiscernible vocals. "There's nothing to forgive, not when I'm also trying to adjust. It's strangely nice to know I'm not the only one a bit adrift on that end, to be honest. But it's exciting, isn't it? New lands, new sights. Waterdeep seems to have a bit of everything--"
And then she turned, cutting herself off and looking over to see Kara's actions for herself. Brushing back a stray curl from her face, she nodded. "'Look for that which is most out of place'; seems accurate enough, doesn't it? I was about to inspect that myself just before you two arrived, actually. If poking it didn't provoke anything, it's probably fine. I could have a look inside, just to be sure." Not wanting Kara to feel as though she had to do all the work, Solstice held out her hand for the teapot. There was a fleeting thought about tapping into her firbolg heritage and learning if it was magical, but she had a feeling that was an ability which might see better use later in the evening.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 26, 2019 0:44:50 GMT
Kara glanced up at Dhaunmyr when he asked what she had, then looked very seriously back at the teapot. It was, she thought, a teapot. So far, there was nothing to suggest otherwise. Dhaunmyr asked if it was dangerous, and Kara shrugged, still crouched close to it.
Solstice repeated the words that Merret Halfman had given them, and Kara nodded. When the larger woman offered to look inside, Kara nodded again. She inhaled and exhaled, carefully, then picked up the teapot with both hands, shifting without thinking about it to keep her body between the teapot and Dhaunmyr. She held there for a moment, as if making sure, then rose and extended the orange teapot to Solstice to let her look inside.
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Kestrel
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Icon by @ArtByRue on Twitter!
Posts: 319
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Post by Kestrel on Apr 28, 2019 6:35:55 GMT
Unfortunately, Ari has indicated that she won't be able to do this adventure since a few things have come up. So it's just the three of you now!
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The unusually orange and somewhat misplaced teapot remains as just, well, a teapot throughout all of Kara’s pokes and prods. Inert if not a little heavier than one might expect from its size. The moment, however, that Solstice removes its lid a sharp crack, like that of an explosion, resonates throughout the alleyway and is accompanied by an acrid whiff of smoke, a puff of multicolored paper confetti and tiny streamers, and the disembodied whine of a party horn.
Surprise!
In whatever way the teapot is opened after that, whole or cracked, the party will find a small folded piece of parchment. Undone, it bears tiny and scraggily black script that still manages to somehow be legible:
“Most esteemed hirees,
A thousand and one thanks for agreeing to take on this little job of mine! I’m sure dear, sweet Brilman will have provided all the necessary information already, but I still took it upon myself to provide a few somethings to help with acquiring the Demitasse. As capable as you no doubt are, I do very much want to have it, as does the empty spot in my collection!
Thoughtfully (and eagerly) yours,
Merret
P.S. Dearie me, I almost forgot! You’re looking for a tiny wooden cup, no bigger than one of Gerin’s own lovely fresh rolls, with an “H” on the front. My contacts believe it to be in the possession of a visiting nobleman.
P.P.S. I hear this is quite the fashionable event: please do try to look your very best! You are representing me and my interests, of course. Simply stare into the mirror and picture whatever idea comes into that head of yours. The more wildly fanciful the better I say!
P.P.P.S. Bring the Demitasse to my shop tomorrow! The sooner the better! Along with everything else, please and thank you.
P.P.P.P.S Be sure to enjoy yourselves!”
Sure enough, true to your employer’s word, you find a pair of small objects crammed into the bottom of the teapot. One is a silver pocket mirror decorated with etchings of vined roses, while the other is a folded wallet. A series of glowing white letters float just above its beaten cover: 1-0-0-0. Finally, tucked into one of the parchment’s folds, you catch the glint off a pair of gold leaf tickets.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 28, 2019 18:30:07 GMT
Kara threw herself backwards the moment the teapot began to burst. Reflexively, one arm sprang out to cover Dhaunmyr, as if her small, muscular arm might make any difference at all if the explosion were really dangerous. She was visibly shaking, staring almost blankly at the confetti and streamers, one arm still outflung and her other hand tensing into a tight fist.
Slowly, slowly, Kara lowered her arm from in front of Dhaunmyr. She looked at the teapot, then from Dhaunmyr to Solstice. Her heart was pounding so hard that she wondered if the others could hear it. She stepped back, slowly, retreating a few steps away, needing the illusion of privacy. She thought both Dhaunmyr and Solstice knew her well enough to let her be; she hoped so.
Kara took a deep, slow breath. It was all just someone’s idea of a joke, not an attack. Not an attack. Her body had realized that a few moments ago, but her mind was still slow to catch up. Kara closed her eyes for a moment, centering herself. Sundabar was in the past. She was in Waterdeep; she was – well – relatively safe. She let the others deal with the objects in the teapot, one hand reaching up to grip the bear claw around her neck, squeezing it through her tunic and shirt. She was in Waterdeep.
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Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 28, 2019 18:38:24 GMT
"Well--! Someone has a taste for the dramatic, don't they?"
Solstice was expecting something to happen, if not certain of the specifics, so her own reaction was less intense. She still stood as though to shield anyone else, but it soon became apparent that wasn't remotely necessary. As Kara stepped away, she nodded with a reassuring smile. Take all the time you need, friend. She tilts her head and inspects the mirror with open interest.
"Fashionable, eh? I can't say I know much about local trends, but if polished armor won't pass muster, I suppose I could play up the 'exotic being from the Feywild' angle. The followers of the Summer Court had some truly outlandish gear; functional, too." She has to stop herself from rambling further, and for a brief moment there's a shade of homesickness before she turns the mirror to Dhaunmyr.
"Want to go first, while I decide?"
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Post by enchilada on Apr 28, 2019 20:39:21 GMT
“Dramatics? I guess I’m useless.” Dhaunmyr sighed, lifting the back of his hand to his forehead. “Oh I better go-!”
Dhaunmyr wasn’t entirely sure what either person was expecting to pop out of the teapot. He was rather amused by it, but that sank into worry for his friend. He rubbed his hands together, almost starting for her, but they took comfort in two very different ways. He left Kara to sort herself out. If she wanted anything from him, she’d come get it.
He rolled his eyes. “This employer clearly had no idea I already accounted for high fashion and practical armor in my ensemble! Why! I’m already perfect. Although...” Dhaunmyr looked down at himself. There were a few things. A lack of gold on his person was one, and frankly, he did feel somewhat plain. Leather armor over a leather catsuit, as ridiculously and obviously practical as it could get, wasn’t the biggest statement he’d ever made. The cloak helped, but not entirely. He teased the mirror from Solstice, and barely took any time with it at all.
“They love exotic stuff around here in Waterdeep. As you can imagine I go down quite the treat as long as I smile. Such a tame drow, or something to that effect.” He didn’t have the biggest response to her, he was saving his words up for later.
Dhaunmyr’s idea of anything vaguely better came from an entirely different angle. He’d been wanting to edge far more into whites, pinks, baby blues, as he’d clearly put together here, but he couldn’t think of much to do other than simply add a few things here or there, maybe the shape on the hips, so he figured, wide cut trousers, a lovely print he’d seen before but ended up not purchasing, in a bright purple. The shirt would have to be black for that print, obviously, the three colours were black, gold, and purple. The shirt and trousers both tucked nicely into a wide fabric belt, slightly darker, a scarf that had been folded over a few times. It was tied at the right hip, and on top, a gold coin belt, no, two, diagonally opposite and crossed over at the front. Over the top, a fur coat, panther. The boots were obviously jodhpurs, black, with bright purple and yellow socks pulled up as high as they’d go, so they’d flash out under the slightly cropped trousers, obviously.
((Side note, that doesnt extend to Dhaunmyr, i spent like 30 minutes making sure this was just right and I’d just like to say. God why.))
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Kestrel
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Icon by @ArtByRue on Twitter!
Posts: 319
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Post by Kestrel on Apr 28, 2019 22:18:01 GMT
Looking into the mirror reveals a surprise: it reflects nothing. Only the light of the moon. However, as Dhaunmyr mentally composes what could only be described as the hottest take on fashion in Waterdeep since the Spellplague warped reality itself, another Dhaunmyr clothed in the very same outfit flashes for a brief moment within the mirror's reflective glare. He winks and then blows a kiss and then vanishes from view. A second later and a glow of green magical energy wraps itself around the drow, little red rose petals seeming to flutter down from out of nowhere, and the pictured clothing slowly materializes on Dhaunmyr's body. Cursory examination will reveal that the clothing is, in fact, real and not simply an illusion, though it does seem to faintly glitter and pulsate as if still tied to something magical. The mirror returns to it's empty, dormant state.
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Post by moralhazard on Apr 28, 2019 22:29:46 GMT
Kara came back a few moments later. She preferred to pretend nothing had happened, and she hoped Dhaunmyr and Solstice would too. She watched Dhaunmyr’s transformation with wide eyes, and went to pick up the paper, reading their instructions.
At the realization that she would also need to dress herself, Kara’s face took on a distinctively panicky look. Dhaunmyr and Solstice had both seen her in a variety of trying situations. Dhaunmyr had watched her face down multiple attackers without even breaking a sweat. Never had she panicked - until now.
Kara looked down at the mirror, then back at Dhaunmyr, soaring a peek for Solstice as well, although focusing mostly on her fashionable friend. She took a deep breath, summoning her courage, and spoke. “Help?”
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