Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
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Post by Jarovbees on May 17, 2019 20:43:43 GMT
Solstice knew she was supposed to focus on the job and the job only, but that bitterness was noted and she hated the idea of having the couple's evening end in disappointment. Everyone deserved to have a fine night off, especially if they've been planning it for a while. She waved off the apology, unbothered as she had figured competition was the reason for their demeanor. The rest of the hopefuls lined up would certainly react to even one ticket available. The firbolg kept her gaze on the half-elven pair, trusting Dhaunmyr and Kara to alert her if she needed to shift her attention.
At the compliment, she smiled and dipped her head, nodding her thanks. "Thank you, it's actually a gift, though I'm certain such skill can be found in this neighborhood." It was the Sea Ward after all, the wealthiest sector in Waterdeep. What tailors existed here would certainly go all out for the sake of fashion.
But, that was beside the point. "As it turns out, my friends and I are short one ticket as well. I'd like to keep our trio together, if we can. Would you be open to making an arrangement?" She indicated for them all to step to the side, still in public view but a little further off from the bouncer. This wasn't something she wanted to risk him overhearing, just in case the line didn't keep him distracted enough.
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Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on May 20, 2019 17:42:57 GMT
The taller of the two half-elves laughed and raised an eyebrow.
“That dress? In this neighborhood? Maybe. The Sea Ward has some of the best tailors in the city, but I daresay even they would have a difficult time making a dress like that. It’s almost otherworldly.”
He gave the garment one more appraising glance, looked down at his own suit, and then sighed. He shrugged.
“But forgive me: I won’t pry further.”
His smile, though, faded into a small frown as Solstice stepped away. Both half-elves, still arm in arm, shuffled after her, but the taller one chewed at his cheek as if in thought. The shorter was quick to grin up at the firbolg.
“Really? You’d do that for us?”
His partner squeezed his hand against his waist. The taller half-elf then gave the shorter a look, clicked his tongue, and then stroked his chin with the other as he returned his attention to Solstice. His frown had deepened.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I…we both know the feeling, of course. Dropped one of theirs as well? Personally, I’d like to have a word with whoever made the blasted things so small in the first place.”
He shook his head.
“But I hope you understand if I’m hesitant. This ticket had quite the cost to it. Still, one ticket won’t do us much good - what did you have in mind?”
The half-orc bouncer had watched as the three had edged away from the cabaret entrance, but spared them little more than a shrug. His attention returned solely to the line and his shoes now. A few in line at the same time, a little way from the front, threw their hands up, ducked out, and then began to leave the street. More only shuffled forward to take their place.
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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 May 20, 2019 18:47:49 GMT
Solstice's gaze briefly flitted to the bouncer, but to her relief he seemed focused on the line and not the people stepping aside. Good, that would make this easier. Trusting in Kara and Dhaunmyr to alert her to any issues -and contribute, if they felt the need- she smiled warmly at the shorter half-elf in turn before growing thoughtful once again. She hoped that her natural way with people would give her some sway now, since experience with the social scene of Waterdeep was not on her side.
"Well, that depends on you both. If you're willing to take a chance, I propose that those of us with tickets enter together...and search for a back entrance from within. Gaining access from within is easier than dealing with that proverbial brick wall, over there. Or, if you decide that is too much risk for one evening, we can buy out your last ticket and at least give you some compensation. You deserve a better evening that what's been given you, and either option could provide that."
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Post by moralhazard on May 21, 2019 15:07:03 GMT
The bouncer was ready for a fight. Kara couldn’t see anything obvious to give her an advantage or tell her how he might behave when she challenged him - if she challenged him - but she thought maybe he would accept.
Maybe.
Solstice and the half elves were talking. Kara scanned the crowd again, making a slow circle to check the entire area. She hadn’t seen anything before, but she thought she had better check again - to be safe.
Perception: SfatUw401d20+31d20+3
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Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on May 21, 2019 17:53:37 GMT
Both half-elves stared up at Solstice, the shorter of the two with a growing grin, and even the taller had a bit of a gleam in his eyes. They huddled their heads together. Eye to eye, they whispered between themselves for a short while. The shorter bounced in place. The taller frowned and scratched his chin, but then nodded. At that the shorter half-elf, now grinning from ear to ear, gave him a quick peck on the lips. Both then turned back toward the firbolg.
The taller half-elf shrugged.
“Frankly, I would sooner just take the money, but…my partner here is quite persuasive. He’s been looking forward to this event for some time. We both have, in truth. So, why not?”
He smiled and held out his hand.
“We’ll take a chance with you. Maybe you’ll still cut our throats in an alley, but at least it will be a more interesting night. But, if we are to work together – please, call me Kriben.”
The shorter half-elf pipped up.
“And I’m Zylril! Thanks for this, stranger.”
Kriben rubbed his chin.
“What now, then? My partner has agreed to stay here while I go with you to find this back entrance. Are these friends of yours close by?”
Nothing stuck out in the crowd to Kara – while a few were beginning to duck out and leave here and there it was still quite long, still past the far corner of the street, and those at the head of it were still adamantly staring at the bouncer. The half-orc hardly paid attention.
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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 May 21, 2019 18:24:39 GMT
"I'm Solstice, and my companions are Dhaunmyr and Kara. There, we are strangers no longer." Solstice gestured back to the others with a warm smile and nod. She beckoned them over, since there was no further point in acting on this alone. They needed to confer as a group once more, just now with two extra members.
"Alright, which of us should go where? I'm not the stealth sort and stand out anyway, so perhaps it's best I go in with a ticket. Your attire is rather loud, too, Dhaunmyr...in the best way, of course." She winked, then looked over at Kara. "What do you think, lass? Would you be fine with that arrangement, or should we alter it?" Solstice was fine with any combination as long as it happened soon, but she wanted her conspirators to feel comfortable, too.
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Post by moralhazard on May 22, 2019 0:34:25 GMT
Solstice beckoned them over. Kara nodded to Dhaunmyr, then walked over to Solstice and the half-elves, looking at the two of them in their matching outfit. She nodded to both of them.
Kara made it in time to hear the plan – Zylril (or so she thought the name was) to stay here while the other went in with Solstice and found a back entrance. “I’ll stay,” she agreed, looking at Zylril then back at Solstice. Of the three, she still thought she had the best chance of sneaking in. She crossed her arms over her chest, glaive tucked into the corner of one elbow.
Honestly, Kara didn’t exactly – mind. All these people out here in their fine clothes already made her uncomfortable, and these were the ones who hadn’t even been allowed inside. She was sure the people inside were even fancier. Kara was absolutely positive she had never been to a party like this, and she wasn’t exactly excited for it. She thought with a pulse of longing about dwarven parties in the Undercity, of fighting exhibitions at the Temple of Vigilance, of the Ceremony of Honor to Helm held once every four years on Shieldmeet, solemn and grave.
Kara glanced at the long line again, at the door, and let out a tiny sigh. Yes – she wouldn’t mind being outside a little longer.
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Post by enchilada on May 24, 2019 17:26:43 GMT
Dhaunmyr walked on over with all the projected confidence he could muster, although he felt like it was pretty easy to see right through him, at that point. When they were dealing with a more familiar setting, he was sure that he would be able to be a little less one dimensional. Right then, it didn’t seem like too much of a possibility. He didn’t like — this. But Solstice seemed to have a perfectly delightful hand on things that did not require him to do anything further.
“I have no issue with whatever it is you decide, my lady. I’m sure it will be just as agreeable as anything I could have thought of, although much more concise, much faster to come to the conclusion of, and certainly, if I may, more polished. I’m not well known for my brilliant ideas. So, if everyone other than myself is pleased and serviced enough by this arrangement, I say it is most certainly the avenue we choose to persue. Although, ‘tis typical that the one time I agree to do something with Kara, we are immediately severed! Ah! Well... You are of course not the only reason I stayed.”
Dhaunmyr smiled. He’d read these people, he was aware, he was listening, but now he was there. It felt much less fake, that he could directly be included in the conversation, even if he really only acknowledged the new people with a slight smile, keeping to the ladies with whom he had come.
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Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on Sept 4, 2019 16:03:40 GMT
“Solstice, Dhaunmyr, and Kara…well, strangers no longer indeed. You all have our thanks.”
Both half-elves nodded, Zylril throwing in a little wave too, at the rest of the group, though Kriben paused and his eyes lingered a moment longer on Dhaunmyr. He clicked his tongue again. Brow furrowed, a slight frown, and pulling his partner a little closer, he did seem to relax when Solstice offered Kara as the one to stay behind. Even more so when she agreed.
“Very well.”
The taller half-elf smiled down at the human.
“Kara, yes? Please do take good care of Zylril here. I’m afraid I once found him lost at Gerin’s Breads, despite it being quite the one room bakery.”
Kriben hummed playfully as his partner lightly punched him in the arm, turning to lean down and give the shorter half-elf a light kiss on his forehead. The two squeezed hands.
“And you? Stay out of trouble, please. Now then!”
Standing, adjusting his bowtie, and wiping a bit of dust from his suit shoulder, the taller half-elf spun around and beckoned Solstice and Dhaunmyr with a single wave of his hand.
“Solstice and…Dhaunmyr. Shall we be off?”
With that Kriben marched off in the direction of the half-orc bouncer, already fishing around his pocket for what presumably was their one good ticket.
Zylril gave his partner one last wave and then turned toward Kara.
“You!”
With a wide grin the shorter half-elf, nearly about Kara’s height, ran up and took her hand, before mock tugging her in the opposite direction of the establishment door and line. Eagerly. With a little bit of actual force, too.
“I know a quick way around! I…think there’s a backdoor in one of the side alleys. We can wait there!”
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Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
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Post by Jarovbees on Sept 4, 2019 20:16:56 GMT
The couple's affectionate banter caused Solstice to smile warmly, hoping they could truly end this evening on a high note for the pair as well as themselves. A little charm and a little teamwork might be all that was needed to make that happen...though the firbolg silently asked Tymora for a little favor, as well. It couldn't hurt, and could certainly help, if the goddess approved. Leading the way toward the legitimate entrance, Solstice squared her shoulders and moved with as much confidence as she could muster. Bouncers could be an insightful lot, and she had no intention of giving this one any room for doubt. And why would he, when they were obviously dressed for the occasion, with legitimate tickets? Nope, no reason to suspect anything off about them at all. She ignored the unmoving line -such things were for other people, who had no tickets- and flashed her most winning smile while presenting her ticket, not at all intimidated by the half-orc's height and in fact a bit gratified. Here was someone she didn't have to take care to see without putting a putting a crick in her neck. "A fine evening to you, sir. You'll find everything in order, we're not here to make more work for you. It seems you've enough of that behind us." Her gaze was sympathetic; she could only imagine how taxing it must be to stand guard against the indignant and insistent all evening. moralhazard
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Post by moralhazard on Sept 9, 2019 17:39:27 GMT
Kara looked up at the sound of her name, eyes slightly wide at she looked at Kriben. She nodded, once, as if the request had been meant seriously, and not just a joke; Kara did in fact understand that Kriben was teasing Zylril here, but she also took the suggestion seriously; her gloved hand tightened into a small fist, and her glaive was a heavy, comforting weight against her back.
Kara watched the other three go. She looked up at Zylril when he ran towards her, stiffening, and pulled away so quickly that it was clear it was as much instinctual as deliberate, her arm a hard mass of muscle beneath the half-elf’s hand.
“… Sorry,” Kara said, after a moment, crossing her arms over her chest. She hesitated, shifting slightly, then added, looking up at Zylril. “Don’t – touch me,” Kara shifted a little more, uncrossing her arms and tugging at the edges of the dark blue tunic. She took a deep breath, looking down at the clothing, and trying to find the person she had once been when she wore such things.
Kara did want to go to the backdoor, though, and she nodded at the suggestion, following the half-elf towards the side alley, and the backdoor into the party he had suggested.
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Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on Sept 10, 2019 23:43:50 GMT
“Wo-oh!”
Zylril gasped as Kara yanked her hand back, the half elf stumbling forward just a little too as he instinctively tried to hang on, and then cocked his head as he listened.
“Oh!”
Eyes growing wide, he gasped again. The half elf then took a couple quick steps back, clasped his hands together, and gave Kara a small bow. And then another.
“I’m so, so sorry!”
Standing back up, Zylril bit his lip and began to fidget with the chain around his neck.
“I, uh, sometimes get a little too excited. Kriben is pretty patient about it, so I forget not everyone's the same. Won’t happen again!”
The half elf grinned.
“But I’m serious about that alley! Let’s go!”
Taking a step forward, only to catch himself and beckon at Kara with a wave instead, Zylril almost sprinted as he led her away from the front entrance. Moving a little way down the street opposite the long line, the half elf soon ducked into a narrow side alley. Then another. And then another. And then ano-
A few twists, turns, and “Um…maybe this way?” ‘s later, he then led Kara out into a wider alleyway, almost lost within the tangle of buildings and fences, that ran past a lone metal door. A single torch dimly burned within an iron sconce to one side. Other than the pair, only a few crates, covered with a cloth tarp, and a small wagon propped up on a barrel were visible. The farthest end of the alleyway ended at a pair of wooden fence gates, noticeably chained and padlocked together. Glancing around and grinning again, Zylril jumped up and plopped down onto the pile of crates. A small puff of dust billowed out and he sneezed.
“Whew. Well, here we are! They keep the main gate locked unless a delivery shows up, but I heard about this other way from a couple friends in the neighborhood. Cool, huh?”
Another sneeze. The half elf sniffled, rubbing at his nose with the back of his hand.
“Hopefully Kriben and the others show up soon though, I think some of this is pollen. Ugh.”
Zylril then leaned back, now kicking his feet, and motioned towards Kara.
“So…you a soldier? That’s a uniform, right?”
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Post by moralhazard on Sept 11, 2019 0:30:02 GMT
Kara wasn’t exactly sure what to do in response to a half-elf bowing. She stared at Zylril for a long moment, then bowed back, politely, an elven-style bow. Her manners felt as if they creaked, sometimes, but she had grown up in Sundabar, and she did remember how to bow properly.
Kara followed after the half elf, almost jogging to keep up, her feet pounding the pavement in even, steady strides. There was no sign of sweat or fatigue on her face at any point. She was patient enough following Zylril through twists and turns, never giving any sign of impatience or concern.
Kara glanced around the small alley. She sneezed at the puff of dust, jerking slightly, and wrinkled her nose. She lifted her sleeve to wipe her face, then froze, glancing down at the finery of her outfit, and lowered her arm. Kara sneezed again, and gave her head a little shake, hair tossing slightly.
Kara stared at Zylril when he spoke. She shifted, looked down, then back up, thinking hard about her answer. After a moment, Kara shook her head. “A guardsman,” she said. Then, with an awkward shrug of her shoulders, “used to be.”
Kara stepped forward past Zyrlil, up to the chains at the fence. She did not want to stay here; she did not want to talk about her history, about Sundabar, about any of it. She took a deep breath, gripped the chains in her hands, and yanked with her full strength, pulling at them as hard as possible.
Athletics check (advantage thanks to Aspect of the Beast - Bear): fKr48Bum1d20+6 or 1d20+61d20+6·1d20+6
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Kestrel
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Post by Kestrel on Sept 12, 2019 16:59:08 GMT
“Oh! Okay.”
Zylril shifted on his crate perch, throwing up another little cloud of dust and then waving his hand across to blow it away. Another sniffle. The half elf bit his lip, hummed, and then called out as Kara began to move away.
“From here? I’ve never seen a guard uniform as nice as that one is – it looks great on you! If, uh, you’re okay with me saying so.”
Snap.
The chain, composed of interlocking iron segments that had rusted slightly from years of rain, snow, and use, shattered easily under Kara’s impressive strength. A few broken pieces fell to clink off the cobblestones below. Zylril whistled, having leaned over and around the crates to watch what his human companion was doing.
“Wow! You sure showed that chain who’s captain around here.”
The wooden fence gates, if the barbarian was to test them, now swung open and closed easily on a series of well-oiled hinges. Beyond them the wider alleyway continued for a short while, before ending in what looked to be a side street. It was only barely lit by a few sparse streetlamps and empty.
“Guess if we need to make a daring escape that’ll be helpful.”
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Post by moralhazard on Sept 14, 2019 5:25:32 GMT
There was tension in Kara’s shoulders at Zylril’s compliment, and it didn’t fade when she snapped the chain apart, bursting it open with only her bare strength. She pushed at the fence gates with her hands, scowling, and peered into the alley way beyond.
Only after a few moments of checking that there was nothing to be seen did Kara come back, slowly. There was something heavy on her face, solemn. She ran her fingers along the shaved spots on her skull, rubbing them, and shifted her weight between her legs, looking at the half-elf on the crate.
“Sundabar,” Kara said, her voice hoarse on the name of her beloved city. She stood still in the midst of the alley for a long moment, her hands opening and closing, looking down at the clothing so close to the dress uniform she had once worn.
No one could hear Sundabar and not think of the war these days, if they knew to think anything at all.
Kara could not.
Kara turned her back to Zylril; she went to the door next, studying it, squinting at it to see if she might be able to force it open.
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