"A Prestigious Invitation". co-DM SteveK Monday July 27th, 2015 6:04:09 PM
When the Iron Adventurers arrive and scare the bejeezus out of the attendants, the reason isn't immediately noticeable. But soon one blurts out; "we thought you were dead! You been gone for months!"
Months? Weeks certainly, but months?
The message goes out for Inspector Auslander; but soon a message comes back that he is unavailable at the moment and will meet the Iron Adventurers at their tower when he is able.
But before the group can leave, another liveried messenger named Gaston arrives. He opens a closed envelope and reads, "The Dragon Consortium would like to dine with you at the Old Alistair Manor, which they have rented for the occasion on the evening of your earliest convenience. Their envoys: Valdor, Ve Mundr, and Dalinor Tor send their well-wishes and hope your latest venture was a success. They look forward to meeting you in person, enjoying your ompany, and having the opportunity to discuss many things."
Gaston pauses to give the heroes a chance to answer. When they mention a reply, he gives them a matching reply card that has low magic upon it recording anything said by voice once the command word of "Write" is given.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 109/130 CMD = 19 Monday July 27th, 2015 8:23:24 PM
A twinge of pain crosses Beri's face at the mention of Alistair, the man had been good to them early in their career.
We would love to come with them, but what is this talk of being gone for months? What day is it? And what has happened since we left, how have things progressed with the chit machine?
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+10/+10 CMD: +14 HP: 105/105 (Spells) Luck Points: 5/10 Monday July 27th, 2015 9:02:14 PM
Restlin's eyes widen. An invitation from the Dragon Consortium? More than anything else, Restlin wanted to be remembered. It takes all the self control he can muster not to burst out an affirmative.
"Those are questions for Auslander, Beri. This gentleman just needs a response about dining with the Dragon Consortium." He clears his throat a bit and accepts the reply card. "Write. The Iron Adventurers eagerly accept your invitation to dine. We look forward to meeting you all, but must request 3 days time to deal with our current mission for Hook City."
Alistair Manor. Alistair was a good friend to the Iron Adventurers. Even when they were in jail, he was kind.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 24/16/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 92/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Monday July 27th, 2015 9:05:42 PM
Tink just smiles and nods enthusiastically at Restlin's words.
She tries to hide the slight twinge of fear she feels. Months have passed? MONTHS?!? Who's to say how Hook City has fared in the mean time. Has gold become the common form of currency? Have there been any more riots? So much to find out!
Bosk AC: 31/15/28 (AC lowered dut to enlarge person) CMD:28 hp (100/127 Bear's Endurance) Spells Monday July 27th, 2015 11:01:29 PM
Bosk finishes looking through the old buildings for a trophy from this adventure and is amazed at some of the strange items he finds. Among the items that catch his eye are an old moss covered book, A green copper tool with no obvious function, and a hunk of metal which appears to be several gears jammed together at unnatural and impossible angles. Attempting to turn it causes it to emit a horrible shrieking sound. As he examines it his eyes fall upon a nice black pea-coat sewn of chimera skin. Curious, he tries it on. The material is strangely soft and warm, thick enough that it conceals any weapons or armor underneath yet light enough to be cool to wear in the sun...but more importantly he sees how the end sweeps just above the floor as he walks making him look totally bad but in a good way. (Minor word alteration by DM SteveK)
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Upon returning to Hook City Bosk is shocked at how much time had passed, but considering that the same thing had happened in the Temple of the Illithid perhaps he shouldn't be. Well that is a confidence. We kill Grendel and now are having dinner with Alistair who took in a party member of ours named Grendel. Do think that the Dragon Consortium might be considering extending us a bid for membership? I have always wanted to join them. (Between his father's name being besmirched and his minotaur pride, bringing honor to his family name and fame are big motivators for him.)
Oh, I suppose we also need to get updates on Hook City's currency situation and all the jobs we are working on.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 16, CMD 32, HP 149/166(178), Character d20+8=15 ; Monday July 27th, 2015 11:04:01 PM
When the dancing part of the party starts, Zane, having practiced when he was younger tries to remember some of the moves that the temple monks taught when he was a youth. He got some of them, but others he screwed up, almost taking another persons head off with one of his horns. He hadn't had them, or at least not at the size they were currently. When Garret starts telling the story of Zane's large size, Zane is more than thankful for having white fur covering his flesh, or he'd have been seen to be beet red in embarrassment. Zane makes sure his hood is pulled just a little bit further forward than usual. During the walk back to the well, where the party said they came through a portal at, Zane has a bit more time to think.... "I don't think the items are inherently evil, it's sort of like a sword used by a great warrior, it's neither good or evil, just a tool. But sometimes that essence of that warrior imbues the sword, becoming more than just that tool. It becomes more, almost like it has a life of it's own. When we remove the essence that these devices are attuned to, it's like they are resetting to nothing, and everything they've been associated with are also lost to the reset. Does this make any sense or am I just blathering again?" Finding the rune stone in the well is a relief.... Taking the portal is like other portals he's taken before, but the reception is different... "Are we in trouble yet again?"
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:33/28/27 HP:126/124 Ki:14/14 CMD: 34] Tuesday July 28th, 2015 8:19:43 AM
Garret laughs at Zane's comment. "In trouble? The Iron Adventurers? I doubt that! We are here in Hook City, where we are hailed as conquerors. Everyone loves the IA. Well, except for that one group. Oh, and those people who demanded our help. And the people who think we killed the chit machine. And the ruling faction that doesn't trust us..."
Sesha [AC 29 /18 To/25 Fl] | HP 74/85 | CMD 19][Cat's Grace, LR 30] Tuesday July 28th, 2015 1:53:14 PM
Sesha is mixed about being back in Hook City.
On one hand, it was home base. On the other, really crazy stuff had been happening here, and now the Dragon Consortium was wanting to talk to them.
Noting Restlins enthusiasm, Sesha keeps her opinion of the group to herself.
"It's good to hear Auslander is okay. I kinda like him."
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 16, CMD 32, HP 149/166(178), Character Tuesday July 28th, 2015 1:56:18 PM "In other words, it's just a normal day."
"Chief Inspector Auslander" co-DM SteveK Tuesday July 28th, 2015 6:14:30 PM
Restlin is correct; questions need to wait for Auslander, who DID say that he would meet the group when they return to their tower. So with a huge haul of treasure and loot, our heroes take the path from the Treasury to Iron Tower Square. Gaston gives a half-bow, and trots off, his message (both ways) delivered.
On the walk back to the Iron Tower, it doesn't take a great deal of perception to see the city has calmed down somewhat. There are not hordes of mobs or many freshly burned buildings. The unrest has put people more wary, and the heroes are not approached the entire way back. On the good news side, the Hooks are clearly visible above the skyline; the vague fears of destroying all Teucri artifacts being false.
Some of the heroes think of the significance of the Dragon Consortium reserving the Alistair Manor for the meeting. That good old Mage was the mentor of the early group for several years. The Dragon Consortium couldn't possibly know of that significance, could they?
Within an hour, Inspector Auslander arrives at the Iron Tower. "You back and in one piece? Good. Don't know what you have done, but you have the whole bureaucracy of Hook City discussing the Iron Adventurers. The Dragon Consortium asked permission to approach the group and talk to you! The Hook City government wishes that you take this very seriously and then let us know afterwards through me what they wanted. The government feels this is so important that I'm now promoted as Chief Inspector Auslander, and have an entire team just to work with you!"
Auslander also has word that the dinner is scheduled for three days hence. Looks like the Consortium like to be punctual! The Inspector fills in the time for the heroes. It has been five months and three days since the Iron Adventurers stepped through the Teucri Portal. Sages have speculated that time doesn't flow the same way in Teucri Space as the real Wold. Of course, other sages say that is comets rubbish and it was a glitch in the ancient system. In any case, the time has gotten oat people to settle down and the city has started on the gold standard. There are still rabble rousers and several secret societies that are about and planning mischief, but as long as they don't actually break the law, the City is turning a blind eye.
(OOC: The three days until the meeting are going to be done in one post.)
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 16, CMD 32, HP 149/166(178), Character Tuesday July 28th, 2015 6:39:11 PM
When the group reaches the tower, Zane makes a comment..... "I'm not going to be the first to touch the door, the last time I did that, I ended up in a ancient pyramid in a far off place. So, please, someone else open the door first." Zane is good natured about it, but he is being serious. He's happy to see his room and surprised that the obstacle course he set is still in there. He crawls through it and unpacks a bit of junk, but then plans on heading to the Catacombs. Back down stairs, "Headed to the Catacombs, be back in time for dinner later."
(still figuring out I'm buying so may be a day or two before I post there)
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+10/+10 CMD: +14 HP: 105/105 (Spells) Luck Points: 5/10 d20+11=26 ; d20+11=17 ; Tuesday July 28th, 2015 9:16:08 PM
Restlin opens the door, steps in, and breathes in what is hopefully not a lung full of stale air.
Once Auslander arrives, he offers the Chief Inspector a seat, congratulating him on the promotion. "Well deserved, Chief Inspector."
He will then fill him in on what they encountered on the other end of that portal. He doesn't feel the need to hide anything from him, so he doesn't.
Storytelling: 26 - Let's make the IA sound heroic.
"So all in all, a worthwhile adventure, but while we definitely found signs of the Teucri, we didn't find anything that seems immediately useful in restoring the chit machine. Soooooo, it's probably good that the city changed over to a gold standard. Still, I'm going to miss those chits. Anything else we need to know about what's going on in town?"
After their meeting, Restlin has a few chores. He spends some time in Iron Square, getting a feel for the attitudes of its citizens and catching up with the locals. He visits the temple of Wardd, throwing open the door and shouting, "HEY, WHO WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT GRENDEL THE CRUEL?" He'll tell the story to whomever will listen.
Storytelling: 17 - ugh
He'll stop by the WLA as well & do some training.
Other than that, he's eager as heck to meet the Dragon Consortium.
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 24/16/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 92/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Tuesday July 28th, 2015 10:10:01 PM "That's amazing news!" Tink thrusts her hand out to shake the Chief Inspectors. She had been worried that after the Inspector lost his authorization from allowing the IA into the treasury that his career was doomed. On the contrary it would seem! "You'll have to let us know when you are next off duty so that we may celebrate your success over a drink or two"
Tink has heard tell of the WLA, and finally feels that she is worthy of joining such a prestigious organisation. She tags along with Restlin, on the assumption he knows the way there.
"Er, my name's Katinka Hushfoot. I'd, er, like to join?"
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 109/130 CMD = 19 Tuesday July 28th, 2015 10:37:07 PM
Beri gives the chief inspector a hearty slap on the back. I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that after the chit issue that things are working out. Tell me, when they say you and your team are going to be working with us, is that their way of saying they are keeping a closer eye on us to keep us from causing any more headaches? Or should we take it as a hint that we may need protection of our own when walking the streets these days? It may sound crazy to you, but we've missed the last few months and haven't heard the latest rumors.
Sesha [AC 29 /18 To/25 Fl] | HP 74/85 | CMD 19][Cat's Grace, LR 30] d20+24=39 ; d100=85 ; d20+8=12 ; Wednesday July 29th, 2015 12:07:01 AM
Day 1.
Before doing anything else, Sesha has herself a bath and a massage, then finds some time to visit the awakened turtle that is a cleric of Ma'ab. He promised her she could use the underground caverns he knew of, and though they aren't It'lal, they are close.
She broods a bit about a promise she made to Pot-pot.
"I promised you that I'd look into your current state of inanimation, old friend. I think I figured out a way to help that a bit. I'd drag someone with us, but we gotta go alone."
She finds Restlin and lets him know she's going Plane hopping for a bit.
"Were going on a picknick, the cooking pot and I."
With that she pokes the Mage-Priest and whisks herself away to the Realm of Shadow!
"You can see why we didn't invite Bosk.", she says to Pot-pot. She carefully dips the pot in a stream of Woldsblood, then adds some rather expensive oils, gems, and incense.
"Little-Spirit. You know as well as I how much this spirit companion has sacrificed to aid me in furthering your cause. Willfully delaying his turn in the Lands of Rest, he has come to my aid and been a valuable friend and confidant. He seeks not just life as a metal shell, but limbs, a voice, and power. Help me fulfill my promise to him of an existence in the mortal realm!"
As she prays, the materials inside Pot-pot begin to boil, warping his black frame. He melts and cools in a cycle, his nervousness buzzing in Sesha's mind.
Then, it is over, and both Sesha and Pot-pot are left speechless by the results...
Sesha and Pot-pot return home. Wielding her broom as a lance, and a lesser, non-sentient cooking pot as her helmet, Sesha rides through the tower on Pot-pot, who has grown to medium size and sprouted four iron legs, sprinting about through the tower with the speed of a horse! Moreso, the others can hear the pot giggling and snorting as it makes horsey noises.
"Fallen Paladin, Sesha the Cruel seeks her revenge on the Iron Adventurers!"
She charges Garrett and tries stabs him with the business end of her deadly broom. (Nope, still a mage. Hit's AC 12!)
Garret Goodbarrel [AC:33/28/27 HP:126/124 Ki:14/14 CMD: 34] Wednesday July 29th, 2015 3:50:59 PM
When they arrive at the tower, Garret quickly scrabbles up to the rooftop, anxious to share tales of their adventures with Anrete the barbarian. When he finds the roof empty, Garret again thinks that this is just the way of the Wold. He will see some friends, and others will fade away. He dreams once again of the beautiful halfling left in Bryn Baraz. He says out loud, to himself, "Hopefully she can move on because I think that I shall not return there again."
When he passes by Sesha and she lances towards him with her broom, he grabs his chest and falls to his knees crying, "Oh, it is a mortal wound I have suffered at the hands of Sesha the... Sesha the... cruel?" He pauses, looks around, then grasps his chest again, "At the hands of Sesha the powerful? Sesha the Adventurer?" He stands up, shakes his head and says, "I'm no bard, that's for sure!"
Bosk AC: 31/15/28 (AC lowered dut to enlarge person) CMD:28 hp (100/127 Bear's Endurance) Spells Wednesday July 29th, 2015 5:54:38 PM
Bosk spends this next few days catching up on what has happened over the past few months, crafting a couple wondrous items and training at the WLA.
ooc: Sorry for the short post, I will write more tomorrow. My interview lasted a couple hours longer than expected.
At Alistair Manor - co-DM SteveK Wednesday July 29th, 2015 6:07:40 PM
It is three days before the dinner with the Dragon Consortium, and the Iron Adventurers have things they want to do.
The first includes airing out the Iron Tower. While the neighborhood helped out, it just isn't the same as people living in the place, and with just a little effort (and perhaps some contracting out), all the common rooms and personal bedrooms are soon fresh and enjoyable. Even Zane's old room is ready in no time!
Restlin and Katinka visit the chapter house of the Woldian League of Adventurers in Hook City and are warmly welcomed by the Proprietors, a retired adventurer human couple named Eva and Dhan. Eva, steel gray hair and nearly as stout as a dwarf beams at the pair. "Restlin and Katinka, the Wizards of the Iron Adventurers; it is so good to see you! Of course you can join and train here, we would be honored!" It takes all three days of intensive training (and a pretty bit of change) but the halfling Justicar is presented with the Tower Pin of the WLA.
Sesha has her own adventure in the Lands of Shadow, and when she returns, both she and Pot-Pot are more powerful. Yet while away, Sesha also has had a vision. A woman in a gray cloak approached Sesha. Surrounding her are the four drow ghost sisters. She reaches out and touches the strange doll Sesha found, and also gives the Witch a fist-sized pebble. Words form in the heart of Sesha. "Well done, my daughter. Yet I require a service. You must hold this stone in your left hand every waking moment. When you find a white alter broken in five pieces, each piece engraved with a cloaked woman, you will place the stone there."
.....
After three days, it is the day of ... The meeting!
Alastair Manor is the former home of a mage of wealth and influence in Hook City. Now, it is a place to display art, and rent for very a very high price. It comes fully staffed for all occasions from dinners to parties.
Once inside, the heroes are taken to an antechamber where drinks are served, plush leather seating available in several groups, and light music is played by a group of four musicians. In the room already are two well-known faces; Valdor the Dragonstone of the Gold Dragons and Dalinor Tor of the Shining Dragons; members of the Dragon Consortium!
Sesha [AC 29 /18 To/25 Fl] | HP 74/85 | CMD 19][Cat's Grace, LR 30] Wednesday July 29th, 2015 8:09:29 PM
Sesha, mouth agape, stands there with the stone in hand. Recovering, she shows it to Restlin.
"I knew there was service required. Even though I honor and worship Serenbeth, I'm not her cleric. I don't just get her blessing in exchange. As a blood-witch, our contract came first, then friendship, and when I finally figured out what little spirit was, worship followed."
She looks at the little white pebble.
"I figured living by her tenets was my part of the bargain. I feel happy that she's calling me in for a favor, Mage Priest, because it means I'm noticed. I mean, that she's helping me even while dead is pretty great, but she called me daughter. That's going beyond contract and confirming there's love both ways. And that's pretty special."
Sesha tries to think at first, of a way to carry the pebble without it inconveniencing her. Using a rod, staff, or casting spells while on her broom would be impossible. Certain spells simply wouldn't function for her with only one hand free. She considers polymorphs of forms with multiple arms, having someone engineer a sling, or some other magical method, but in the end, she realizes that would probably be against the spirit of the request. Serenbeth asked her to do a simple thing, carry a pebble, and she would do that as long as it took.
------------------------------
With both Katinka, Bosk, and Restlin all spending time at the WLA, Sesha figures it's natural to check it out herself. She starts attending, and pays careful and close attention to the workouts and routines. She would give it a shot as soon as Tink and Restlin weren't watching!
-----------------------------
When meeting the Dragon Consortium, Sesha is slightly out of sorts. She still had mixed feelings about the group as a whole, and largely blamed them for the collapse of the troop she had ventured with from It'lal.
Still, it was important to her Mage-Priest, so she would grudgingly put their best face forward.
She purchases well made tunics and breeches for Beriothian and Garret. "Come on Beri, it's just for one night. Try to look nice please. I know Peerimus doesn't dress up either, but he probably at least looked presentable when he met the Dragons the first time as well."
Garret was another challenge. Though he probably wouldn't fuss too much about a nice colored tunic and pants, his smell was always formidable. She attempts a prestidigitation spell to at least try and cover it up with what she assumes to be a manly, earthy scent.
Finally, herself. Wearing a fairly simple midnight blue dress, she is careful to make sure it compliments her ebony skin and white hair. She leaves the armor at home. Almost as a badge and accessory, she ties a pale silk ribbon around her left hand, keeping it securely closed around the pebble.
Though probably the most socially gifted of her bunch, she is content to let someone else engage the Dragons first.
Restlin (Carl) -- AC: +13/+10/+10 CMD: +14 HP: 105/105 (Spells) Luck Points: 5/10 Wednesday July 29th, 2015 9:35:08 PM
Restlin looks closely at the pebble, fighting the urge to pick it up and look at it since that would basically mess up Sesha's mission. "Dead or not, being the chosen of a goddess is a big deal. I'm pretty lucky Wardd puts up with me, really." The magepriest is careful to walk on Sesha's left side, lest someone knock the pebble from her free hand.
On the big night, the wizard wears a custom tailored midnight blue suit to match Sesha's dress. Shiny is strapped to his side, it's exposed hilt shimmering like oil floating on water. He may be the only one to show up armed, but Shiny is hardly a martial weapon. Besides, it seems rude to leave his intelligent friend at home during such a big event.
He smells faintly of lavender, and is positively giddy as he and his friends head to Alistair's. If there's a hint of stink around Garret, he will prestidigitize it away.
Once they arrive, Restlin grabs a drink for himself and Sesha, then gets to mingling. He will greet anyone he recognizes while they make their way to the Dragons. If he feels it's appropriate, he'll introduce himself and the rest of the Iron Adventurers to them and thank them for their invitation.
Zane (JCC) AC 31, CMB 16, CMD 32, HP 149/166(178), Character Wednesday July 29th, 2015 10:00:16 PM
Zane stops by to check in at the WLA as well, saying hi to his friends, but not really spending a whole lot of time there, he has other things in store for a couple days. First he has to go back to the Catacombs to pick up his order, if they are meeting the Dragon Consortium he'll need appropriate clothing, and maybe something to hide the physical changes his body's been going through..... He stops at a shop near the tower, the one where he had his hood created in the first place, and orders a set of sailors shore clothes. The quality will be of a Captains set. He also makes sure his robe is well washed, thankfully it's basically just a vest anyways. He gets leather leggings, that look like boots, without the boot part, with a folded over top like swashbucklers would wear. Jean pants died a really deep blue, a ivory shirt with the forearms slightly puffy and the neck laced up with rawhide. He also has the tailor create a new hood for him, still in the same style, but after 5 years, his old one was really just about worn out. He also spends time visiting the local merchants, spreading a bit of coin all around, a little good will never hurts. And the fact, that this is a port city, you never know who might have heard a rumor about a Taurish warship named Stormfront. He knows they are in the southern ocean, but he was rescued and brought to a monastery not too far outside of Hook City, so it must have made it across the storm filled seas between north and south.... While Zane isn't really a people Taur, being well liked, or at least mostly well liked can come in handy, plus, even though he is known as a Iron Adventurer, He tries to stay as polite as possible. Before he heads to the party, or dinner or whatever it's supposed to be, Zane applies Black polish to his horns, hooves and finder nails, he is not applying it to his teeth in any way shape or from. If they notice it, they notice it. It's the best he can do to semi hide his heritage.
Beriothian -- AC:23/16/21 HP: 109/130 CMD = 19 Wednesday July 29th, 2015 10:18:18 PM
Beri takes the fancy clothes from Sesha reluctantly. It is a fine and fashionable fabric that is popular these days, though it lacks the natural feel of his druid vestments. I never really thought about it, but I suppose knights tend to dress up when meeting, thank you Sesha. It sounds like you've had experience with this organization in the past, what is your feelings about them? Are they as honorable as the stories we hear, or have your experiences led you to believe otherwise? I must admit, I've never met a knight-at-large but from the stories I've heard they are an amazing group. You don't suppose we'd be getting a chance to become members to you?
Beri cleans himself up and dresses his best for the party. He combs out his long brown hair and straightens out his beard. For a little druid flair, he opens his dresser drawer and pulls out a cologne with earthy notes of mandarin, cardamom, and cedar.
At the party he takes a glass of wine and mingles with the others, hoping to hear tails of the Dragon Consortium, and of dragons. His own experiences with dragons is pretty limited, though he will be happy to tell those around about the groups run in with "the hands of blue".
RobC - Katinka Hushfoot AC 24/16/19 -- CMD 20 -- HP 92/109 -- Perm Arcane Sight, Darkvision, See Invisibility Wednesday July 29th, 2015 11:29:49 PM
Tink hurries back from the WLA to quickly get changed for the important meeting with the Dragon Consortium. She'd been training all day with the WLA and certainly smells of it. A very quick bath and many prestidigitation spells later she has cleaned up.
She spends an unusually long period of time alone in her room, changing into her courtier's outfit. It's the nicest set of clothes she owns.
A fancy, black velvet tailored vest over a plain white blouse. Black leather pants and boots with a slight heel to them. The outfit came with felt ladies gloves and stockings, and she spends much time debating whether to wear them or not. But she can't bring herself to do so, and leaves them with her kit. She does pin her newly earned WLA badge on to her vest though.
Then it's on to her hair. She takes it out of her standard ponytail, and decides to just wear it out and long.
After that she spends a few minutes in front of the mirror, practising introducing herself "Hi! My name's Katinka""No no no""Hi, I'm Katinka Hushfoot""Why is this so hard!""Katinka Hushfoot, glad to make your acquaintance""Are you kidding me?""Katinka Hushfoot, at your service""Bingo!"
"You guys scrub up well" Tink smiles and picks a small piece of fluff from Beri's tunic.
Her mouth drops open on seeing the members of the consortium. Valdor Dragonstone! Why, didn't Caeroldra herself have an affair with him? And Dalinor Tor! Her wizardly skills are legendary.
Still, the IA aren't going to get to know them by standing in the doorway. Someone will have to make the first introduction.
Tink draws herself up to her full 4' 1" height (4' 2" in heels) and nervously walks towards the pair. She smiles politely and bows "Katinka Hushfoot, at your acquaintance" Her smile immediately drops. "At your acquaintance?!? I loathe myself..." Her first impression a dud, she waits for someone else to speak.
LOG ON