Mommy Dearest (DM MikeK) Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:56:59 AM
Florin responds in kind to his mother's greeting, while still working in a request/demand that his parents take in their first granddaughter. His friends and companions, suddenly way more uncomfortable than they were mere minutes ago, do their best to get out of the way of the family feud.
Florin's father turns red with anger at his son's insults. He springs up and steps forward, as if to respond, but his wife upraised hand stops him in his tracks. Sulking, the man flops back down into his chair.
"'Top student and full fledged paladin' is it?" his mother's voice drips honey laden malice. "You've done very well for yourself, Florin Ledarnas Kryton Jandeth. Don't forget your work with those orphan children. Lady Firiona fairly glows when speaking of the merry band striving to help them."
She sips her tea.
"Well, you're making a name for yourself in spite of, or perhaps because of, our small efforts to guide you toward greatness. And of course, we would be most pleased to meet and care for our granddaughter." Her tone is sweet and pleasant, her smile is tooth filled and heartless, her eyes are ice. "And who are we to make demands? I only bore you, raised you, provided you with every conceivable comfort it was within my power to give. Nothing worth asking for a little success."
She puts down her tea, and locks her eyes onto her son's. Neither wavers so much as an inch.
"We will take in your waif. We will provide her with a name and the security that name provides."
"You will acknowledge that name as well. You will be Florin Jandeth, and you will add the coat of arms of House Jandeth to your arms."
She waves uninterestedly at his armor. "I'm sure you can find a clever way to incorporate OUR House's seal and that of Domi to your surcoat and shield."
With that, Mother Jandeth, retrieves her tea, and takes another sip.
"We await your reply, Florin"
Florin Jadenth Sunday December 5th, 2004 5:27:10 PM
Florin shakes his head as the so called un demands are made and Florin speaks up, "Yeah, you gave birth to me and raised me till I was old enough to aid you in your power hunger....no matter though, I will wear a ring with the family crest on it if that will be good enough. An I will not deny being of this family if questioned but that is as far as I'm willing to go. Take it or leave it."
Florin looks to his father also after his actions and then getting huffed down by Florin's mother and a grin sprouts for a moment before diappearing, "Jella will live with me except when I have to leave the city. I have a nice apartment rented that I wish your help keeping when I'm away and also if I happen to become short on funds to pay the payments. I will bring Jella around to visit you but Mort will be with her. Mort is Jella's bodyguard and teacher." Florin thinks and adds, "Get a ring to both of us and Jella and I will wear your symbol. If you agree I will have Jella and Mort come in."
Florin does take a moment to walk over to his mother and leans close to her inless stopped, his hands no wear near his weapons either as he whispers, "An mother, if I hear word at all that your pushing Jella towards anything, anything at all that will increase your power and that Jella doesn't want to do it...then there isn't a force in the whole Wold that will stop me for bringing judgement. I will cast off my colors and forfeit anything to exact judgement on anyone who threatens the happiness of my daughter....<whispering lower> in life or death there will be nothing to stop me."
Florin steps back now and looks to his parents, forcing a grin only partly though, "Now if this is settled then I guess I am home for abit. Will you greet my friends warmer now and possibly ask your servant friend to show us around. I'm curious myself on if the place has changed at all.....by the way father, you would be happy to know my sword arm is much better then it was. Maybe some day you will be up for a practice, then again though maybe not."
Florin awaits now and turns to his friend and looks to each one and mouths silently to each, "thanks for being here with me....I'm thankful for the support of you just being here."
Wynn Brightsong Sunday December 5th, 2004 6:20:26 PM
Wynn shifts his weight from foot to foot as the negotiations continue. 'How can the paladin even consider leaving his ward with these people" the bard thinks to himself. He has not experienced such personal malice in the few years of his existence and it makes him uncomfortable. His first thought is to openly council Florin against this arrangement, but it is unlikely the paladin would listen.
If Florin's parents agree to the paladin's terms, Wynn will make excuses and depart. Until that time he will try to choke back his feelings and remain silent.
Xenia Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:07:23 PM
The mother is slick. She comes off nice. Cold but reasonable. Florin is openly hostile. He makes himself look the bad guy. He's out matched and out classed. He's made himself look smug and he's baiting his folks like he enjoys it.
Xenia remains stone faced and unmoving, resisting the urge to shake her head in sadness. They're going to eat him alive. They're gonna turn Jella and poison her against him while he's gone. And it will all be stuff that the little muffin will wanna do 'cause she won't know any better.
The girl rogue can't help comparing the situation to the time her adopted father sat her down and admitted to her that he had originally taken her in order to use the half-drow girl someday. She had seen the pain in his face, how much the admission had cost him. She had seem the worry too, at what she might think once she knew. And yet, he had said it anyway. For her sake.
Xenia's thoughts return to the present. And suddenly she realizes that she's all tense, balled up tight as a clenched fist. Who knows? Just like her dad, these people might change. She wouldn't bet on it, though. Poor Jella. Poor Florin.
Lang & Sunshine Sunday December 5th, 2004 9:44:26 PM
Not at all in his element, Lang tries his best to turn into a statue.
Lang prays, for Florin's sake, that this is the best direction Florin can take for his newly adopted daughter.
Syr Monday December 6th, 2004 2:25:30 AM
Syr listens to the exchange in shock. He wonders if his parents would have done the same thing if he returned home. This bitter exchange is one of the few times that he is thankful that he grew up in the orphanage. He begins edging his way toward the door when he hears "Landeras Kryton". The corners of his mouth turn up as he quietly prnounces, "Lando?"
Tionel Monday December 6th, 2004 2:48:36 AM
Tionel opens his mouth to give his two cents, but realizes that anything he says will probably not be taken well by any of the parties present. Even being ameliorating will probably only increase their anger...it's obvious people here want a fight, when all that's relaly needed is a home for a little girl. As usual, it's the child who will suffer...oh well, he thinks to himself.
Out of the Lion's Den (DM MikeK) Monday December 6th, 2004 8:37:21 PM
Florin's mother doesn't bat an eyelash when the paladin leans in close to whisper in her ear. Her prim and proper smile remains frozen in place. But Florin thinks he sees a muted look of panic cross her features for just an instant. Maybe.
"Of course we agree," she says magnanimously. "Bring the dear child in."
What follows is a very brief introduction. All the adults are unfailingly civil to each other in the presence of Jella, who bounds about the room curiously. Florin's mother and father make separate attempts to pick her up, but are foiled every time by the hulking presence of Mort. The tutor has obviously picked up on his employer's forebodings, and seems determined to be in the way as much as possible.
The interview ends quickly after that, as all of Florin's friends are eager to leave the scene just as fast as decently possible.
The group keeps up the appearance of normalcy until Jella and Mort are returned to the apartments. But after that, it is a quiet company indeed that returns to their own apartments.
It is nearly lunch, and the morning has been most interesting.
Florin Jadenth Monday December 6th, 2004 9:55:55 PM
Florin takes the brief time in his parents home while introducing them to Jella in as much stride as possible and keeps a smile on for Jella's sake.
Afterwards though on the walk home since he has allowed Ajax to return to his home he carries his daughter gently and softly speaks to her and Mort, "Thanks for watching over her Mort....Well Jella, what did you think of my parents?" Florin rubs his little girls back and talks to her gently, "Now and then you can visit them if you like. Mort will be with you though like always and if I'm home I will be with you also. My sister will surely see you off and on also and the temple is always open to you. My teacher even said he would teach you to become a paladin if you decide at a later date. Ohhh that reminds me honey, we never spoke of what you would like to do when you get older. Your going to have to start letting me in on some of your hopes and dreams so I can start seeing about helping you towards what you want to do. Please remember to sweety that you must decide your own path. No one else can decide this for you. True happiness will only come from making your own decisions on your future, but you have time to think on that."
At his, Jella's and Mort's home Florin gives Jella a kiss on the cheeek and looks to Mort, "I want to stop by the Giggling Ghost and will see about having something special sent for you and Jella to eat. Today has been a interesting day for both of you and for that I owe you both something special." As Florin thinks he looks to Mort and speaks privately to him, "Mort, if a messenger comes with two rings with my family's crest hold onto them till I return. I want them both checked out before being warn by me or Jella." Florin looks to the group and thinks, "I have an idea, Angus and Tionel both know some nice places to eat so why don't we all go out to eat. I owe you all for coming with me to. I'm sorry though that you had to bear wittness to such words and uncomfortable conditions. I was kind of hoping things would of went over different."
Florin also pulls Wynn and Angus to the side and whispers to both, "When my parents send the rings with the family crest on it I would like them checked for magic, etc. Can one of you do that for me by chance? If they radiate magic then I'm going to have them checked to find out what type."
Florin now also pulls Syr to the side and speaks to him also, "With the help with taking care of my apartment I can also start paying you back the money I owe you for the help with the rings." Florin smiles and whispers, "I don't like being in debt to anyone, specially friends so for the moment this is the best I can do." Florin pulls a pouch from his belt and hands it to Syr.
(OOC:Deducting 100gps from my charactersheet inless Syr some how wiggles his way out of excepting some of the payment for the rings ;).)
Wynn Monday December 6th, 2004 11:24:56 PM
Having no appetite after what he has just witnessed, Wynn moves along with the group. Coming up beside Tionel, he addresses the druid, but speaks loudly enough for the others to hear. "Friend, this winter scene back at the inn puzzles me greatly as do the green eyes of the victims of whatever magic was unleashed there. Would it not be wise to seek out your friend Tarketh, of the Circle of the Alder I believe, to learn what he thinks?"
The bard lets the question hang in the air. He hopes others are as curious as he is about the mystery and find it a lead worth pursuing.
Xenia Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:32:39 AM
This whole thing with Florin's parents has left a really bad taste in Xenia's metaphoric mouth. Just when she was starting to almost like the folks on Gold Level. Then again, in a way, these are just the kind of people she's been looking for. The wheels start turning again. Still. Poor Jella. All you can hope for, though, is that she's a strong girl with her own mind.
Xenia moves in next to Wynn as they all walk. This time, she looks up into his face first to see if it puts him off or anything. Then she leans in, putting a arm around his waist, laying her head against his shoulder. It feels better. To be like this, and not to think of anything else.
"Yeah," Xenia says in a half comfy voice, "we're up here on Gold anyway. And Tarketh asked us to drop by. Why don't we do that?"
"Um, so what happened after I left. At the Ghost, I mean?"
ANgus Tuesday December 7th, 2004 9:09:44 AM
ANgus answers Florin nonchalantly "Detect magic, no problem. Just say the word."
At Florin's suggestion of lunch Angus adds. "Why don't we go to the GG and see how Happy and Daphne are doing after the scene last night."
Angus will pull Florin aside later "Are you really planning on leaving Jella with your parents for extended time periods? I know this question may be rude, but I must ask it. How much love was in your home growing up and is that where you want her to grow up?"
Syr Tuesday December 7th, 2004 6:20:38 PM
Shaking his head at Florin he raises a palm outward toward the paladin. "I empathize with your feelings. I too never like being in debt. Right now though, I can't take your money. You have too many mouths to feed to give away such sums." Smiling he pats the paladin on the back, "If you are really serious about paying things back, wait until we find some more?"
Turning to Tionel, "Speaking of which, what are we going to do? Tionel, do you think the druids will 'fund' an expedition in the forest to discover the source of that disease? If we stumble across one of those gold rocks, so be it?"
Tionel Tuesday December 7th, 2004 8:17:59 PM
"I doubt they'd fund an expedition...druids are guardians of nature, not explorers of it. On the other hand, we might just want to risk similarly exploring such areas for the bonuses of said large chunk of gold...or whatever it was...because if it was dangerous, next time someone should bring one in to study." Tionel pontificates. "I am in a mood for a little adventure myself...it's strange, usually they strike at the worst time, but for once, I'm ready for one, and nobody's running up to me with worries."
Interlude (DM MikeK) Tuesday December 7th, 2004 9:14:57 PM
Its been a very full morning for The Crimson Shields. Their neighbors at the Giggling Ghost exterminate themselves in a frightening bit of insanity, two of their own are discovered to be cursed, and their leader gives his estranged parents care of his adopted daughter.
Recovering from their trevails, some of the group speak of dropping in on the Circle of the Alder. Others long for another adventure. Some just want lunch. All wonder about Florin's decision.
So, what do our heroes do next?
Lang & Sunshine Tuesday December 7th, 2004 10:45:44 PM
"I think we should talk to the Druid's. They may want us to try to find out where that other group was when they contracted that strange disease. I guess we can wait and talk to Tarketh. He did say he was going to come back to our apartments later today."
"We also have to decide what to do about the items we found in the room. One is magical and we may want to figure out what it does."
"Happy always seems to be up on gossip. Maybe he has heard some more about what happened in his inn or where this group had adventured."
OOC - Angus' detection spell locates a small black sphere, about the size of a pearl, that registers as Moderate Evocation ...
Lang helps search, and finds a smaller bag containing some gold pieces, and a gold necklace bearing a ruby pendant. Neither registers as magical.
Wynn Tuesday December 7th, 2004 11:43:30 PM
Wynn looks down on Xenia's slender face, and exotic features. As she threads her arm about his waist, he puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in closer to him. "Not much happened, and I left soon after you," he says responding to her query.
"So an adventure into the woods to discover what might have driven those poor unfortunates mad," says the bard, "sound a fitting task for the Crimson Sheilds."
Angus Wednesday December 8th, 2004 8:30:25 AM
Angus nods agreement with Lang. "We also need to get the items apprasied that we found in the winter room, and carefully mind you. We just got uncursed, we do not need to pay to have a disease removed too."
Angus is inwardly upset by Florin's decision to leave Jella with his cold cold parents. Would it not have been better just to leave her with Gordo at the new orphanage. Angus makes a mental note to go buy Jella some toys and have them sent to her at her grandparents, very loud toys.......
Xenia Wednesday December 8th, 2004 10:03:07 AM
Xenia sighs, then steals a second sidelong glance at Wynn. With her green eyes she watches his face. Then she lays her head back on his shoulder, walking along with him matching his rhythm. Thinkin'. Just thinkin'.
"'Kay," the rogue says, and it's not real clear whether she's talking about the Not-much-happened or about the adventure-into-the-woods.
[[ OoC: The pearl thing ... Please, don't drop it. ]]
Florin Jadenth Wednesday December 8th, 2004 2:29:28 PM
Florin nods in reply to everyones comments and pats Syr's shoulder and smiles at his comment on paying him back.
Florin looks to Angus and speaks to him a moment on his parents issue, "They used my brother, me and my sister for their own good and pushed us to become what "they" wanted but otherwise it was a decdent home I would guess. Mother and father spent quite abit of time with us when we were younger. When we got older though they started tappering off and we were left more to our own devices for intertainment. Of course we had our responisabilities to the house also."
Florin looks to the group now and nods at Wynn's comment, "I'll go with you guys then. We can always get something to eat alittle later after we find out more about the Giggling Ghost thing and Faddle and party."
Florin goes with the others now, glad to stop by the GG where he speaks to Happy about having some food dropped off at his apartment for Jella and Mort, asking for a really nice selection too for them and dropping Happy some money. He also talks to Happy about everything that has happened since the incident earlier.
Syr Wednesday December 8th, 2004 7:25:04 PM
Showing his impatience Syr states, "Rumors or not, I say we get supplies and get our hands dirty. As long as we avoid those vine things that love slinging angus around, we should be okay. I've almost had enough with the talking, it's time for the doing!"
Angus (Second Illegal Post) Thursday December 9th, 2004 12:40:11 AM
Angus is slightly distrubed by Florin's family history and asks "Your parents will not use Jella as a pawn for their own devices or against you will they?"
After listening to Florin's answer he will ask another of him "If we go back into the forest, have you made arrangements for Jella if things do not go as planned or we can not return tot he city in a timely manner? We do not want Jella to worry about her Father."
Tionel d20+2=5 Thursday December 9th, 2004 3:40:24 AM
Thinking it over, Tionel doesn't know what to think. The girl doesn't belong exactly wiht those sorts of people...but then again, he can't imagine who anyone belongs with. Maybe they'll be good...they raised this guy after all... Shoving his hands into his pockets, he mulls over their options. "Well, for now, let's go looking for information on events happening in the city. Maybe we'll find some juicy rumors..." Tionel will head off to a bar and spend a few gold drinking with some old acquaintances, putting his ear to the city's gutter for info. Perhaps its just not his day for this task, though...all of his usual friends are busy with work, and people seem gruffer than usual. (Gather info of 5)
Lunchtime at the Ghost (DM MikeK) Thursday December 9th, 2004 8:51:06 PM
Ideas concerning Florin's choices with Jella, what to do with the unfortunates' treasure, and the general plan for the future direction of the group, abound. Many side talks are held.
For the moment, getting some grub and talking to Happy seems to be the consensus view, and everyone heads on down to the Giggling Ghost for some lunch. Except for Tionel, who goes bar hopping instead. The druid probably would have been better off staying home, because he doesn't find anyone who wants to drink with him and swap stories.
Back at the Ghost, Happy gets bombarded with various requests, and does his best to answer them all. The proprietor is delighted to receive a delivery order for Mort and Jella, and promises the fare will be exquisite. He's also quick to get lunch out for the assembled group. As for what has gone on this morning,
"We got the room cleaned up before the guests got too nosy," he says. "You can't believe how bad for business something like that is. Wardd's own luck it happened in the middle of the night." Happy pauses to make a quick thank-you to the gods, and then to remember what the topic was. "Oh yes. Some of them Alder folks came by and took a look-see. Said Tionel sent for 'em. Anyway, they looked at the dead people and the room and talked to themselves a bit and left. Didn't say anything to me, though."
As to what the other group was doing in the Crying Woods, Happy can only shrug. "They're Adventurers," he says, emphasizing the capital A. "Surely you all have heard about the Lost City of Gold out there. Bunch of folks out looking for it. Not many coming back though." Happy shrugs. "They almost would've been better off working that town Perimon was building."
The innkeeper breaks out into a chuckle.
"Now THAT was funny."
Upon learning the group doesn't understand the reference, he grins widely, glad to be able to tell someone who hasn't heard.
"The town got eaten," he laughs. "No, not the people. No sooner had those wood walls gone up than three of the biggest bugs you've ever seen crawl out of the woods and chew em down to the ground. Then, they go to the buildings and do the same thing. Place is pretty much leveled. Most of the loggers had to head down to the Trash Level to find any kind of work."
"I hear Perimon's gonna try again, though. How a fool like that got rich......" Happy shakes his head at the injustice of it all.
Lang & Sunshine Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:17:54 PM
Lang chuckles at the story Happy tells to the Shields.
"Maybe one day we can get down there and see this town he is trying to build."
"Anyone have more ideas on what the Crimson Shields should do next? Do we want to go adventuring with no real purpose or should we find a cause to fight for?"
Xenia d20+3=8 Thursday December 9th, 2004 10:28:22 PM
Xenia picks up the pickle laying at the side of her plate and takes a crunchy bite as Happy relates a narrative of the events that occurred after they all left for the Temple of Alemi.
Wow. It's a good thing we didn't send the orphans out to that settlement, Xenia thinks. And when Happy mentions the bugs, she looks at the others. "Hehehe. Max," she says with that in-the-know kind of look.
"See," she says wagging the pickle at Wynn, "you were right. We shoulda gone to the Druids' place. I bet they know something."
Xenia wonders if she knows anything. Especially about this 'Lost City of Gold.' (Knowledge Local 8) The rogue shrugs her slim shoulders.
"What's with this Lost City of Gold, Happy," she asks. "I mean, you know, like, how'd it get lost? Who'd build a city out where it could get lost?" She crunches on the pickle again while she thinks of just how Perimon might have gotten rich. And how that might be connected to this settlement he wants to build out where good chance it's gonna get Lost. "Where's this Perimon live, Happy?" she asks as well. "Mmmm. Nice pickles," she adds.
Angus Friday December 10th, 2004 7:17:36 AM
Angus will eat lunch and listen to all and think to himself. Lost city of gold and gaint bugs, must remember to stay behind the warriors and away from the nasty vines.....
Syr Friday December 10th, 2004 6:56:25 PM
"If no one has any objections, I say we head over to the druids to see if they know anything? And the next step is venturing out of the city." He looks around at the rest of the group, "For the time being, I'd like our cause to be our own. I mean, right now, we don't really have a reputation. While we do a good job of finding trouble on our own, I think once we get more famous then causes come looking for us. Whatcha think Wynn?"
Searching the Ghost with a glance, "Where did Tionel go off to? He, of all people, would do a good job of telling others what we can actually do."
Wynn Brightsong Friday December 10th, 2004 9:20:03 PM
"I agree with Syr" the bard pipes in. "Let's find these druids and ask for guidance." The half-elf spots an unused cloth napkin and wipes drops of pickle juice from his sleeve. "If we get lucky, we find this lost city of gold, and if not, we can at least find the source of the disease. It would make for an epic tale though, 'The Lost City of Gold'" Wynn's mind drifts off into musings about his own heroic role in tale.
Florin Jadenth Saturday December 11th, 2004 2:47:49 AM
Florin eats some while and the Giggling Ghost, making sure he has enought to run him for awhile just incase he and the group gets caught up in everything and misses any meal. Can't have him getting tired in the middle of a fight or something after all. As he eats he also looks around the bar curiously.
Florin thinks over what I said and what Happy tells them and scratches his chin lightly in thought and nods, "I agree, we should go see the druids and then set out depending on what they tell us."
Florin looks to Syr as Florin stands, "We should check in with someone from the town on the shore that got eat to. It might be connected in some way as was commented on so why not investigate it and atleast see if someone can give us an idea of where the big bugs come from. The bugs might give us an idea of things. Alot of bugs like that probably nest somewhere and where they nest might be what were looking for. Either way it's worth looking into."
When Florin stands he also looks to Happy, "Uh Happy, how much do I owe you by the way? I really don't want to be running a bill with you bud." Florin smiles to Happy when he says that though.
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