Table for One Options

[fistandantilus4....]

Link to Table for One OOC Thread

The day was unusualy warm, although that was nothing new really. For Luthelien, every day had seemed unusually warm. She was adjusting quickly though. A year out side of the kaer under the open sun, it was a wonder. He father Valandil had already begun construction on the House's new home. Most true elven homes took years to grow. The tree had to grow and be shaped very slowly. Ties and leads directing branches in a circular pattern to form the walls of a house, multiple trees in a circle, others that would be grown to massive size for the higher levels. For may homes it took decades and great patience.

Valandil had patience, but he also had his father's grimoires. And his grand fathers, and his great grandfathers. All of the men in her family line had been strong elementalist, and all were ver meticulous with their notes. Living in Wyrm Wood, one simply had to have the proper elven home. It would not do for the descendants to not know how to make repairs. And like his sires, her father was a talented elementalist. He followed the strict path of Sa’mistisha , and was currently following the path of the Wizard. But he had planned for years for the construction of a proper home on the surface. He used his elementalist powers now as if he had been using them for years.

So Luthelien watched as her father worked his great magic. She watched as he raised a new tree from a seedling to a tall strong oak, as the branches bent at his urging to form the starting walls of what would be the east wing, all three stories of it. Her sister Kyla watched as well. As usual, Kyla's critical eye was looking more towards how the defenses would work than how the structure was made. Kyla always thought of such things first.

A soft voice to her left was the only warning she had
Your father's work is quite exqusite. Even when we were children, he was planning on building his new home. His home of wood, and not stone. You should be proud. There are few elementalist that still know the old ways of growing homes. The proper way.

The smooth silky voice was familiar. It was Orelinda', their aunt, her father's sister. Luthelien's mother had no sisters, no other kin besides her husband and her two girls. Many families haad been broken by the time in the Dark. Orelinda' was family it was true, but she was ever a schemer.

Being raised on the stories of the intrigues of Court had taught her a keen mind, her father had said. One that she used qutie well. Kyla often said that Aunt Orelinda's keen mind should perhaps be put to better pursuits than plotting within her own family. Unfortunately, like thier father, Oreline' was also an accomplished warrior and elementalist, and currently followed the way of the Troubadour. Her silvered tongue was as quick as her balde had ever been, and as deadly. She had always seemed bored in the kaer. There was only so much you could do in such a confined area. She had seemed much happier since the Throalic Force had helped them to open the kaer.

What set her on edge though wasn't Aunt Orelinde'. Luthelien had always been careful to stay on her good side. No, what made her shoulders tense was Amrod stading next to his mother. The older of her two sons, he always felt the need to prove himself. Following the path of the warrior meant, to him, that the easiest way to do so was to out fight his cousins, Luthelien and Kylathien. Usually Luthelien. He was tall and black of hair, like his father. He had a way of glowering and smiling at the same time. Other women seemed to enjoy it, but for Luthelien and her sister, it just turned the stomach.

Aunt Orelinda' cotinued He'll be finished soon. I want you two to know something, so he doesn't spring it on you as one of his wicked suprises. She gave the girls a wink, like young girls gossiping over a boy might. Orelinde' was almost as old as her borther, at 150 years. But her beauty had been so enduring that by looks, she could have easily been another of the twins's sisters. She knew this, and enjoyed it. The fact that she and the twins looked much alike including their red hued hair, had only encouraged her more.

My brother has set a task for you. He wishes to send the two of you after an heirloom of our family. A very imporatant item that was lost some years ago. He is sending you off to Travar, on a hunting trip, as it were. Hunting Ork. Knowing him, he will set some false trails for you. False leads to make you run in circles. When you get to Travar, look up a human man by the name of Aristol. He is a wizard that I sometimes do business with, and owes me a favor. Talk to him, and mention my name. He will steer you right. Good luck to you both, my darling nieces. Make our family proud.

She gave a bow of her head, and moved gracefully away. Aunt Orelinde' rarely hugged, and never in public. For all of her plotting, not even Kyla could deny that Orelinde' loved the twins. Luthelien suspected she had wanted daughters.

Kyla couldn't help but snort once the pair were out of ear shot. I knew father was up to something. He's been smiling to much. Can you believe her? Trying to get us cheating already?! You remmeber the time we were to test for the second circle, and she had kept our oppponents up all night drinking?! For once I would like to know that I earned something properly.

And did you see Amrod? Always sneering. To think we share the same blood.

[Lady Door]

As her aunt made her way through the elves standing and admiring the growing home, Lulu mused. As was her custom, however much it infuriated her twin, she mused to herself.
Lulu was also convinced (and had been since she was a girl) that if Kyla tried hard enough, she would be able to hear her thoughts. The fact that this had yet to happen had not dampened the dream... much to her twin's continued annoyance.

Soo, we're to be set off on a quest. A family quest. Something that will not only bring honor to our line, but also restore a pattern item to our family... if Amrod does not yet have his own plan for retrieving the weapon before us, he soon will.

Watching the retreating back of her cousin brought a grimace and a shudder of disgust.

Always watching, always waiting... one would think he wasn't our cousin. I've seen the way he eyes us... and I'll never forget his temper when spurned.

Almost without thought, Lulu stroked the outline of the jagged scar that marred her body underneath her silken bodice.

I know that look, Lu. Kyla sighed, wrapping a protective arm around her sister. Don't worry. What goes around...
...comes around. Lulu finished.

Well, we had better go somewhere and practice looking surprised for when Father finds us.
Lulu sighed and turned to face her sister, dropping her voice to a whisper. and to decide what to do about our dear cousin.

[fistandantilus4....]

Kyla grunted ,apparently annoyed. As she walked off towards their "temporary home" she said Stop scrunching up your face Lu. I can't hear you think. That's just an old wive's tale.

They were practicing blades an hour later in the yard when Valandil approached. He was certainly old, but still had the look of a strong and able elf. The grace of their people was that he would look that way until his last few decades left.
Come into the house my daughters. I have something I need to speak of to the two of you. Something exciting.

He turned with a smile, and walked in to the house, no doubt headed to the parlor.

[Lady Door]

Sliding her blade into the scabbard, Lu made her way to her sister. She raised and eyebrow and half-smiled.
This is it.

Lu crossed the threshold of the home, dusting off her pants with a casual hand. Without thinking, both sisters stopped and pressed their fingertips to their lips and then to the portrait of the elegant elven beauty gracing the entry hall.
Love you, Mother.

Entering the parlor, they found their father standing with his back to the doorway, book in one hand, unlit pipe in the other.
Lulu smiled and turned to Kyla, mouthing the words Oh, sooo dramatic.

With a wry smile and a wink, Kyla announced their presence We're here, Father.

[fistandantilus4....]

Valandil turned, a look of frustration on his face. He was apaprently reading his book on pipe smoking again. He was new to it, just picking up the habit since his return from Travar. He seemed of the frame of mind that every elf gentlemen should have a proper long pipe. Getting it lit without magic however, was proving to be a problem.

Eventually he simply set the pipe down.

Luthelien, Kylathien, I have a quest for you.

Valandil paused ofr a moment, gauging his daughters reations.

Lu didn't have to be telepathic to read her sisters thoughts.
Duh. Thank you my Lord of the obvious. Get on with it please

Lu wasn't sure exactly where Kyla had picked up that word "duh". She htought she' dheard an ork use it. Father would die if he heard his daughter use an orkish word.

As you know, five years ago we opened the doors of our kaer to send out a scouting party. A party that never returned. In this party was your fine cousin Alasse, a fine a true woman. I entrusted to her a very important heirloom of our family, the shield known as HarrowGuard.

He waited again for this to set in. They had of course seen the shield before. A tall and narrow kite shield, it was fully 4 feet in length, and not quite 2 feet wide at it's top, much narrower at the base. The metal was colored an emerald green on the rim, and a green so deep as to almost be black on the face. The face was very subtly done in a leaf pattern, so that you had to look closely to see the pattern at all. It had been 10 years since they had seen the shield. On the day they began theit warrior training, their father had shown them the family armory. The shield was there, among many other shields, suits of armor, and blades. And now it was apparently lost.

While I was away in Travar, I heard mention of it. The tale I heard said that it was in the possession of an ork, that he had come by in in a raid many years ago battling some lost groups of soldiers. The ork was part of a skorcher clan called the Rune Eye. Your good cousin was apaprently not killed by horrors, but by the greed of ork raiders.

The ork's name is Kraech Yellowtusk, of the Rune Eye skorcher tribe. I hear that he is in his later years, and not as active with that band anymore, but he has recently been through Travar. I charge you, my daughters, with hunting down this ork murderer, avenging your cousin, and returning with HarrowGuard, to restore our families honor. Do you accept?

[Lady Door]

How could we not, Father?... I know that I speak for my sister as well as myself when I say, we are honored with this task.

Lulu remembered well her cousin, Alesse. She has been beautiful and strong. She had been the woman that Lulu had openly admired and secretly envied. To hear that her death could be laid at the hands of ork scorchers and not the Horrors, was a devastating blow. For years, Lu had imagined Alesse's death scene...darkness creeping in from all sides, while Alesse stood sure and true, sword gleaming. For that to now change, all she could see were the barbarian orcs with their dirt and filth. Who knows what terrible things were done to Alesse?
Lulu shook off the thoughts, turning her attention to her father and sister in time to hear her sister say,
...of course, Father. We will set out for Travar as soon as the necessary provisions are arranged.

[fistandantilus4....]

I knew you would agree. I thank you my brave daughters. I would suggest first visiting the dwarf weaponsmith Bodar in the Trade's District. he was the one that originally identified the shield for the thief, and could tell you much about it. I am told also, that an associate of kaerch's, a human called Gars, who can be found most often in the ale houses of the city, may have some information about him. Valandil mutters something under his breath about ridiculous human names.

Gather your things my dears. You leave at dawn. The stable master has already prepared your horses.

Kyla rolled her eyes. They had taken riding lesons for the last six months. There of course was no such thing as a horse in the kaers. Kyla's idea of riding a horse was more like dominating the beast to make it go where she willed it. Unfortunately the horse's idea was more along the lines that it knew better than she did where it needed to go, and often did. Kyla did not much care for riding.

[ Spoiler ]

the part of Kyla's response that Lu missed
muttered.."perhaps you should speak for yourself sister... Of course, Father."

[Lady Door]

Without another word, Lulu turned and walked through the parlor door. Her mind was reeling.
We leave tomorrow. So soon, so much to do, so much to prepare. I will need my weapons sharpened, my supplies checked... Lu's mind continued on in a blur, carrying her to her rooms by rote.
My journal... where is it?.. Ah, there you are.
Quickly, Lu set down the task that her father had given her and Ky, taking care to note the names and locations mentioned. It was often the case that Ky would forget these details, to caught up in the excitement of the adventure. Lu often wondered how two identical twins, so alike in appearance and movement could have such different outlooks on life. Where Lu was so like her father, Ky favored their mother's temperament.

A short time late, Lu was making the final preparations for the journey. Her supplies had been packed, her horse (Gwynoheim) was fed and watered and resting comfortably, the saddle bags had been prepared and were waiting in the livery. All that was left was for Lu herself to settle down and rest, but like a child she found herself too excited for sleep.
Quietly, careful not to awake anyone, Lu crept out of her rooms and down into the wine cellar. Father had placed a lock on the wine cellar after an unfortunate albeit hilarious incident when the twins were 16. However, Lu and Ky had bribed a local weaponsmith to create them a new key, promising a bottle a month in exchange. So far, either their father had not noticed or had given up trying and turned a blind eye. Either way, it worked.
Lu used the ill-gotten key and made her way down the cellar steps. She walked the cellar path by memory, stopping to select a bottle. A few moments later she was tucked into a warm corner by the cellar window, drinking straight from the bottle and staring up at the beams that made the ceiling.
I'll miss it here. What if I fail? What if I disgrace Father?

[fistandantilus4....]

The dawn brought a sharp rap at Luthelien's door. All her clothes for the day had alreayd been laid out by a servnat. Her pack was where she had left it, her swod sitting next to her bed, freshly oiled. The thing about dawn outside the kaer, there was so damn much of it. The real sun was definetely much brighter than it needed to be.

Kyla Get up, we're late. The sound of boots moving away from the door said that she wan't waiting. How anyone so surly could be a morning person was simply beyond comprehension.

[Lady Door]

"Must not hate sister, must not hate sister..."Lu muttered.

Cursing the sun and it's habit of shining in the morning, Lu dressed quickly. Splashing cold water on her face helped to jolt her awake and into the here and now. Slinging her pack onto her back, Lu strode out the door. With deft fingers she quickly braided her long red hair, thinking for not the first time and probably not the last, of Alachia.

Soon she was outside. Standing beside her horse was her father. He was giving Ky a few words of last minute advice. Lu could tell from her posture and her expression that Ky was only paying lip service, that her attention was now focused on the road ahead.

Good morning, Father. I'm ready.

[fistandantilus4....]

Valandil kissed both of his daughters on the forehead, taking a moment to regard each of them.

Remember your training. But more than that, remember your people. You are taught in the proper ways of the court. You are Warriors, and ladies of the House Calaelen. Make us proud, and come back to me soon.

Kyla smiled and stepped into her stirrup. She barely took time to sit before starting off at a gallop, heading north for Travar.

Valandil smiled, and handed Luthelien a coin purse.
Your sister, always in such a hurry that she forgets to bring even money. You to take care of each other Luthelien. I will be waiting for you. I shall have your proper rooms ready I hope.

He offered a hand to help his daughter up. Beyond the yard, Luthelien saw Orelinde' and her husband Malgor watching. Orelinde' waved and blew a kiss.

[Lady Door]

"We will make you proud, Father... and I will watch over my younger sister." Lulu watched her Father's face carefully, as she always did when the subject of which sister was older came up.
Nice try, Luthielien. Go now.With a smile, her father slapped the stallion on the rump, sending it into a full-on gallop.

As Lulu passed through the gate she returned her aunt's kiss. Though her eyes did not miss the fact that her cousin was absent from the family send-off.

Interesting...very interesting.

KY! WAIT UP!

[fistandantilus4....]

The ride north was long and altogether quite boring. Kyla already had a route mapped following the Byrose river up to Travar. Kyla never even considered taking a river boat up, as it was even harder on her stomach than riding was. Long boutes of boredom were punctuated by the occassional battle of the wills between Kylathein and her mount, usually at a fording or a ride down a hill. Battles of will that Kyla ususally lost.

After a long tenday ride, the great city of Travar was finally in sight. It's magnificent white spires called out to the air, offering sghts never seen and scarcely dreamed of the by kaer-born twins. Even more magnificent was the massive air ship docks erected among the spires of the city. Half a dozen air ships were docked at the city, the crews moving about the decks like industrious bees.

As they rode closer, the great white walls of the city beckoned. This was where they're quest would begin. More than that though, Travar promised a return to civilization. After 20 years of life below the ground, they were coming to a true metropolis. Legends of T'skrang and windlings buzzed through their minds. The prospect of actually flying, and not just hearing the tales dizzied their minds.

Look at the Lu. Have you ever dreamed of anything so magnificent?! Imange it, the city bustling with so many people! People like we've never even seen! What do you think the clothes will be like? The food! Could you imagine actually flying on an airship!?

If Travar is this great, what must Sereathra or Shoshara be like? The City of Spires...

[Lady Door]

"It is beautiful. Can you imagine what it would be like to live within a city like this? To hear a t'skrang troubadour sing over dinner, to travel via airship to any place you could want? It must be like..."Lu's voice drained away, as a powerful pang overcame her. In her minds' eye, another image superimposed itself over that of Travar. Where Travar was industry, she saw now tall rising trees draped in vines. Homes bedecked is flowers of all kinds, all surrounding one massive tree. A palace made of oak and rose. The longing she suddenly felt brought tears to her eyes. Lu turned her head in time to see Ky's head drop and a single tear fall.
Oh, Ky...
With a visible effort, Lu pulled herself upright and once again beheld the city. The layered image was gone, and now she saw only Travar.
Come on, Ky. We have business in there...and if we play our cards right, maybe a little pleasure?
Ky turned and smiled at Lulu, all trace of sadness evaporated from her features.
Race you!and then Ky was gone, riding pell-mell towards the open gates. Lu laughed and chased after.

[fistandantilus4....]

Kyla is off with a squeel of glee. Apparently running flat out is what this horse does best, and for once, rider and animal are in complete agreeement. THey reach the line of people waiting to enter the cities great walls well before Lu.

Kyla catches her breath and shouts over her shoulder
I thought you wanted to race?! When are you going to speed that nag up? Gon'dol and I are bored.

Lu Gon'dol? You named your horse Rock head?!

Kyla simply smiled. Ahead of them they could see people doing all manner of things at the gate. It as unnusual seeing so many talents being performed. small paintings and weavings were being done. People were singing or dancing. It was liek a small fair. No one smiled at it though. The truth of it was that the guards were inspecting everyone for the horror taint. If they could not perform an artistic talent properly, it was a sign of the corruption. If someone failed to perform proerly, they could well be killed on sight. Still... so many talents.

The crowd gasped collectively as one of the massive air ships pulled away from the docks and moved slowly out in to the sky over head. Nearly two hundred feeet long, with gigantic sails furrowiing in the wind, it was easily the most amazing sight many of them had ever seen. The airship docks were Travar's premier attraction, and one that did not fail to impress.

After nearly an hour they had finally arrived at the front gates. The human guardsman in the cities livery looked the pair over. More than a few seemed impressed, and not with their armament.

A well worn looking human man probably in his middle years stepped forward holding a slate tablet and chalk.

Welcome to the great city of Travar, my ladies. Names please , and reason for your visitation to the city? And please, if you would, perform your talents for us.

Kyla, still a bit rough on her dwarvish, jumped form her horse on responded... haltingly
Yes good .... man.... we do art for you. I do dance.
She cheeks pulled in as she looked angered by her poor dwarven, but at least seh had gotten her point across. She stepped back, performed a perfect deep bow, and began to dance. It was an old dance, meant to be used in court for visiting dignataries. It was full of sweeps, spins, and bows, arms moving gracefully. She performed it perfectly, especially impressive for the fact that she was in full armor. When she finished a few minutes later, it was to the sound of applause from a few on lookers. She smiled at the guardsman.

Good?

The guard replied. Good enough to get paid for it I'd reckon. And you?

Kyla's face scrunched as she tried to translate the dwarvish and decide whether or not she'd been insulted. As she didn't lash out, she seemed to decide she wasn't sure enough

[Lady Door]

Lu snickered quietly to herself. Even if she didn't understand the Dwarven perfectly, she could still read body language well enough to know what the guard meant.
In slightly better Dwarven then Ky, Lu introuduced herself:
Good...,ah,..day, sir. My name is Luthielien Calaelen, and this is my uh... twin...sister, Kylethien. We are of Kaer Vordell. This is our first time outside of our home lands and we wished to see the great city of Travar. Would you like to see a demonstration of my talent?
At the guards nod, Lu pulled a piece of slender oak and a thin, wicked whittling knife from a well-worn pouch carried at her side. With deft strokes, Lu quickly carved an intricate rose and lily pattern down one side of the oak.
Skill Test

[ Spoiler ]

Woodworking Skill: 2, Perception Step: 6 = Action Step: 8 (2d6) Roll: 5,5 Total: 10

May we enter?

[fistandantilus4....]

The gate guard simply nodded his assent and waived forward the next group seeking entrance. Apparently it took quite a lot to stir loose anything besides suspicion from the well seasoned man.

The pair walked through the great gates of Travar. The city walls were a hold over of the Citadel that ensconced the great city, and as such, the walls were thick and magically enhanced. The runes that guarded the great city were still present, still lined with precious orichalcum.

Some would say that it would have to be a wealthy city indeed to leave such a treasure sitting idle. Those same people would be ones that had not lived during the Scourge, and did not believe, did not know, that every protection imaginable would be needed against the horrors, were they to come against the city. These small minds had never faced the malevolent blackness without and within. Those that had, knew better. And so the orichalcum stayed.

After the great white walls of Travar, the twins came out into sunlight shining down upon them. The squinted, as their eyes were still not used to the harsh light so suddenly. They had not realized how long they had stood in the shadows of the great wall. Still, as their vision cleared, it was almost as if the gates had been designed this way. The first thing that their sight took in was the spires and air docks of the great city set against the setting sun.

Closer to the ground, shops and inns stood open, and gawkers filled the sides of the street shouting their wares. Guards in well kept uniforms kept the populace moving along the main thorough fair. The cobble stone streets were filled with people of all races, moving about, inspecting goods, seeking rooms. The finest inns Travar had to offer were just down the street, or so said one shouting young ork. The best wine at the Singing Maiden, according to the human boy. So many sights and sounds the kaer born twins had never before seen and heard assaulted their senses. Luckily, Kyla's keen eye also caught the sign for guides to the city. A steal at just 2 silver a day (according to their hawkers).

Kyla turned to her sister.I scarcely know where to being. Perhaps we should get one of those guides, someone that speaks Sperethiel as well as that dwarf tongue. And then maybe a room? This place.. it's all so.. alive.

As if her words held some here to fore unknown magic, a small human boy seemingly materialized in front of them.
Here now my lovely Ladies, name is Quipp. Finest guide in all the city, true as I am short. The boy grinned broadly. He was in fact short, and rather scruffy looking. The elven twins were not the best at guessing human years, but he looked to be shortly into his first decade, perhaps thirteen. He did speak the elven tongue at least, but his accent was horrible. Show you lovely ladies the city, where ever you care to go. And perhaps some other places besides. I'm smart enough to know that where you want to go ain't always the place ya' ought ta' be. And I'll do it fer half the price those tuka would do it fer.

[Lady Door]

With amused eyes, Lulu regarded the little human known as Quipp.

And tell me, Quipp, why should my sister and I hire one such as you and not one of your older, perhaps more experienced brethren?

Lulu waited for a response, one hand resting casually on the hilt of her knife, the other wrapped around the reins of Gwynoheim. She pressed her body to Gwyn's side, keeping her money purse tight between her and the massive mount.

[fistandantilus4....]

Just 'cause they're older, don't mean they're more experienced.

The boys demeanor had took on a more serious look. He almost looked insulted.
And 'sides that, you'd have a hard time finding one that can speak proper sperethial. least wise one that can say more than "how do you do" and a few nasty insults, just so's he recognizes him when folks say 'em to 'em.

Kyla snorted You call that proper!? She laughed. Most men did not enjoy Kyla's laugh as much as Lu's. It often came across as sarcastic and mocking. That's generally exactly what it was, as it was now.

[Lady Door]

Not now, Ky.Lu shot her sister a pleading "knock it off' glance and turned back to the boy.
Very well, Quipp. You make a good point. How much to engage your services?

[fistandantilus4....]

Silver piece for the day. Plus 1% of any deals you may make. I do of course except tiips for excellent services. The boy sketched a bow that would have done most humans proud for the grace of it. It certainly wans't learned in any court, nor was it meant to insult. The boy simply had a natural way of moving taht was rather pleasing in a human.

[Lady Door]

Lu arched her eyebrows and looked at Ky over the boys arched back. The look she sent her, telepathy or no, clearly said, "Well?"

[fistandantilus4....]

Kyla shrugged. IF we take him, at least we don't have to listen to some other urchin's pitch.

Quipp grinned widelyThat's the spirit

[Lady Door]

Very well, Quipp. You're hired. First job, find us an inn. Good beds, good food and good hay for a good price. Once we're out of the hustle and bustle, you'll see your coin. Deal?

[fistandantilus4....]

I can get ya' in miss, but how am I to knwo that you're good on your word, being that we've just struck our first tentative bargain? Five copper up front to deal the deal, the rest at the end of the day.