At first, it was a bit awkward to hear that the group had been talking on a subject which Kaleeth had no worldly knowledge of, but Janius was quick to fill her in. "Wine is a drink made from fermented berries, most of the time it's grapes. You should try some, it's good. It might taste a bit strong at first, so give it a sip first," Janius looked to Rukeewei, "We'll both have cups of wine, I think."
"I will as well. It has been too long," Fendros said, looking to Ahnasha with a grin, "Not as long as some of us, though."
Normally, Sabine seemed to avoid hard drinks. She had tasted very fine wine before in the coven while pilfering ingredients, but she had decided to hide it until it had virtually turned to vinegar, and was put off the taste of such drinks after she went back to it. That was when she was a child, though. She knew better now, and was honestly curious what it was like to have drinks muddle her mind like it did the others. Only slightly, mind. She didn't want feel sickened. This was as good a time as any, so following a time staring at the table and biting her lip, she looked up to Rukeewei, "Can I try some wine as well?"
After the cups and wine came forth, and dinner was served, the pack was given another thing they weren't used to: Cutlery. Fendros decided to start, rolling the handle of the fork in his hand as if it was now completely unfamiliar, before beginning to cut his meat for his first mouthful. Sabine had to dig into the deepest recesses of her memory to recall how to use such implements, but eventually got started as well.
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Let Slip the Corgis of War
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Dear Mr Curly,
I have done little travelling lately because I have been so dreadfully weary. Can it be true as the old Ecclesiastes said; that all things lead to weariness? Surely not. Perhaps the opposite is true: that all nothings lead to weariness. I have a peculiar feeling, Curly, that I am worn out from something I haven't yet done and the more I don't do it, the more exhausted I become. How strange. Could it be something I haven't realised? Perhaps it's something I haven't said? Something I haven't finished! It must be very large and true whatever it is and a lively struggle in the doing but I look forward to it immensely. I know I need it. First, however, I must curl up in my chair and sleep deeply with the duck. Perhaps I'll dream of this thing and wake up refreshed and do it. My fond wishes to you Mr. Curly, and to all Curly Flat.
Yours sleepily,
Vasco Pyjama
xxx
P.S. Not having breakfast can make you weary. That's for sure!
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Looking up at Ahnasha, Sabine paused with a face that considered the possibility. "Maybe, but I don't know how to make wine," Sabine said quietly.
By then Ariel returned with the first couple of plates in her hands, each sporting a steaming cut of meat. One appeared to be boar, while the other was some crocodile tail. She placed them on the table arbitrarily, knowing that they would be passed around as she brought more out. "To be honest, Sabine, I wasn't completely clear on wine making either, until Rukeewei explained its intricacies to me. The trouble came from trying to find a nice effect that wouldn't interfere with the flavour too much. You might find a few ingredients that you can simply add to the mix, Sabine."
Safe in the knowledge that Sabine may not have to actually make the wine herself, she gave a small smile in new confidence.
Once Ariel passed out another couple of plates, she leaned down to Rukeewei's shoulder. "Speaking of which, Rukee dear, should we open some wine to have with our meal?"
Fendros was interested to hear of alchemy being used, but a part of him remained slightly unconvinced. "Is that legal for competition wine?" Fendros asked.
By then Ariel returned with the first couple of plates in her hands, each sporting a steaming cut of meat. One appeared to be boar, while the other was some crocodile tail. She placed them on the table arbitrarily, knowing that they would be passed around as she brought more out. "To be honest, Sabine, I wasn't completely clear on wine making either, until Rukeewei explained its intricacies to me. The trouble came from trying to find a nice effect that wouldn't interfere with the flavour too much. You might find a few ingredients that you can simply add to the mix, Sabine."
Safe in the knowledge that Sabine may not have to actually make the wine herself, she gave a small smile in new confidence.
Once Ariel passed out another couple of plates, she leaned down to Rukeewei's shoulder. "Speaking of which, Rukee dear, should we open some wine to have with our meal?"
Fendros was interested to hear of alchemy being used, but a part of him remained slightly unconvinced. "Is that legal for competition wine?" Fendros asked.
Janius gave a small laugh at Kaleeth's boast, not out of mockery, but of wanting to witness such a thing. "I can confirm this. We can spare the walls," Janius said.
"That is most impressive, Kaleeth. It sounds as if your form-" Ariel spotted Rukeewei in the corner of her eye and interrupted herself to receive his kiss, "Hello again, Rukee." Fendros, Janius and Sabine each gave either a hello or a wave to Rukeewei as well. All of a sudden, Ariel realised that she had to be a little more discrete in talking about lycanthropy. The previous topic that she was going to delve into was not appropriate anymore. Luckily, a good escape came in the smells in the air. "I think I'll serve us our dinner," was all she said before rising from her seat and plating up the various cuts of meat that the pack had brought along.
While this was happening, Fendros decided to look up and engage Rukeewei again. "So, Rukeewei, how had business been since we last saw you?"
"That is most impressive, Kaleeth. It sounds as if your form-" Ariel spotted Rukeewei in the corner of her eye and interrupted herself to receive his kiss, "Hello again, Rukee." Fendros, Janius and Sabine each gave either a hello or a wave to Rukeewei as well. All of a sudden, Ariel realised that she had to be a little more discrete in talking about lycanthropy. The previous topic that she was going to delve into was not appropriate anymore. Luckily, a good escape came in the smells in the air. "I think I'll serve us our dinner," was all she said before rising from her seat and plating up the various cuts of meat that the pack had brought along.
While this was happening, Fendros decided to look up and engage Rukeewei again. "So, Rukeewei, how had business been since we last saw you?"
Sorry about disappearing this afternoon. I was completely sidetracked talking to friends online -_-
Ariel quickly nodded, "Mmm, yes. The festivals bring in much business. I will be setting up a stall in the next one with a few of my regular wares. As for anything new, I had a few ideas, but I've not invested much time to see if I can get them to work. One idea I had was a toy, really, but it might see some use if I can make it cheap enough; a bottled magical light. No need for being taught how to use spell in a scroll, no need for learning magic, just shake the vial and remove the cork, and you have a magelight hovering over you for a few hours, or until you dispose of the contents of the vial. It would be more compact than a torch, and give a brighter light. Unfortunately, alchemically trapping such a spell is not necessarily simple." Ariel seemed to be completely comfortable about talking about her passion, to the point where she seemed to talk regardless of whether the others were following along. "The other idea I had was a little more practical, though, mostly to non-Argonians. I was hoping to make an edible potion that could be dropped on old food to see if it was still safe to eat. You have to be quite careful with such things in the marsh, due to everything rotting faster. If I could make something colourless gain a colour when it comes into contact with diseased food, then I think I would have something quite useful!"
By this point, Fendros had put away the potions he was handed and was listening in. He wondered how Ariel came up with these strange ideas, much less how to make them. It wasn't as if they didn't sound useful, but how they could be done with alchemy was completely beyond him. "You've certainly a prolific mind to come up with such inventions, Ariel. Are you sure you will be able to make them work?"
"Well, I have a rough idea in my mind. It will likely take a lot of trial and error, many experiments and much refinement." Ariel grinned, "But finding out new things is probably my favourite aspect of alchemy. If I didn't have to support myself and my loan, that's probably all I would be doing all day long." Ariel brushed a strand of hair away from her face as her smile lowered, "In that way, it's a lot like magic in general, I suppose." Ariel's eyes went to Kaleeth again, wanting to get to know her better, "Did you get taught any magic in your village, or by anyone in the group, Kaleeth? Or...I guess it was probably the treeminder who did such things."
By this point, Fendros had put away the potions he was handed and was listening in. He wondered how Ariel came up with these strange ideas, much less how to make them. It wasn't as if they didn't sound useful, but how they could be done with alchemy was completely beyond him. "You've certainly a prolific mind to come up with such inventions, Ariel. Are you sure you will be able to make them work?"
"Well, I have a rough idea in my mind. It will likely take a lot of trial and error, many experiments and much refinement." Ariel grinned, "But finding out new things is probably my favourite aspect of alchemy. If I didn't have to support myself and my loan, that's probably all I would be doing all day long." Ariel brushed a strand of hair away from her face as her smile lowered, "In that way, it's a lot like magic in general, I suppose." Ariel's eyes went to Kaleeth again, wanting to get to know her better, "Did you get taught any magic in your village, or by anyone in the group, Kaleeth? Or...I guess it was probably the treeminder who did such things."
Hey Ubermensch, your first paragraph in your latest post kind of just cuts off.
No problem.
What Kaleeth mentioned made sense when Ariel heard it, but she didn't consider it before. Her form must have been more suited to ambushing in the water rather than hunting as part of an agile pack. It was just like a crocodile. Ariel smiled, but hoped that Kaleeth's words wouldn't raise suspicion any further.
"The weather in Vos tended to get quite cold, to the point where you needed thick fur clothing to go outside," Ariel explained to Meesei, "But the mountain did strange things to the weather. Snow was not as common as other places, and when it was, it was just like ash storms, but with dirty flecks of ice. Not very pleasant." Ariel then looked over to Lorag, "Lorag, you mentioned that you resided in Skyrim for a time, right? You would probably have more experience with a climate like Bruma's I would think."
Without much to add to the conversation, Fendros discreetly took out one of the flasks of medicine that Ariel had prepared and began to read the label. While he did, he noticed that there was a sheet of parchment rolled up with the flasks that Fendros quickly found was a recipe and put back. Reading one of the bottles in one hand, Fendros had initially wondered how they were going to make such a paltry amount last until he saw the dosage. Apparently, only a teaspoon was to be taken before sleeping and strictly no more. Fendros was eager to see if it would help.
"The weather in Vos tended to get quite cold, to the point where you needed thick fur clothing to go outside," Ariel explained to Meesei, "But the mountain did strange things to the weather. Snow was not as common as other places, and when it was, it was just like ash storms, but with dirty flecks of ice. Not very pleasant." Ariel then looked over to Lorag, "Lorag, you mentioned that you resided in Skyrim for a time, right? You would probably have more experience with a climate like Bruma's I would think."
Without much to add to the conversation, Fendros discreetly took out one of the flasks of medicine that Ariel had prepared and began to read the label. While he did, he noticed that there was a sheet of parchment rolled up with the flasks that Fendros quickly found was a recipe and put back. Reading one of the bottles in one hand, Fendros had initially wondered how they were going to make such a paltry amount last until he saw the dosage. Apparently, only a teaspoon was to be taken before sleeping and strictly no more. Fendros was eager to see if it would help.
Ariel nodded to Rukeewei as they separated. It took Ahnasha's prompt question to divert her attention, and she answered while seating herself. She started with a relieved exhale, as if today had been particularly busy, "Well, between filling the orders today and taking the orders of tomorrow, there just seemed to be a never ending amount of distractions. I already told you about the gaggle of finely dressed women who buy my cosmetics, yes? Well, once one had seen my sister, they all wanted to meet her and her...well they described you all as a most queer foster family, but I don't blame them. I think they were all interested because they don't really know much about me and gossip is their business." Ariel shook her head with a little frustration, "I just told them that you were all out for the day, sightseeing." Ariel swallowed, having calmed her breathing to a more relaxed rate.
"Anyway, trying to make this medicine kept throwing odd effects at me when trying to work out how it was reacting to the blood samples I had. Each time I thought I had a breakthrough, another customer walked in and threw me off my thread of thought! I thought I knew lycan blood backwards from back when...you know. But, dream affecting properties seem to just work differently. I did get it, though." She brought a finger up to rub her temple, "I'm confident it will work, but still, test it tonight, you two." Ariel turned to Fendros and Ahnasha, then took off her bag and handed it across the table to them. As the bag made contact with the table, a low glass clink sounded indicating that the bag contained two bottles knocking against one another. "Dosage instructions are on the label."
Fendros reached out and took the bag, as Ahnasha had Rhazii in her arms. He opened the bag and saw two stoppered glass flasks filled with a roiling dark green liquid. Each had a label that he couldn't read from this angle, but he secured the bag and nodded in thanks. Unfortunately, Ariel had been a little conspicuous about the handover, so Fendros looked perhaps a little less grateful than he should have. There would be plenty of time for a proper thanks later.
In the awkward quiet moment, Ariel seemed to understand the apprehension in the air and decided to detract from it. She clapped her hands together and rubbed them, drawing everyone's attention again. "So, how was your hunt today? Were your catches satisfactory?" Ariel realised that perhaps talking about hunting might have been a little revealing, but out of context, she surmised that hunting wasn't so unusual, right?
"Anyway, trying to make this medicine kept throwing odd effects at me when trying to work out how it was reacting to the blood samples I had. Each time I thought I had a breakthrough, another customer walked in and threw me off my thread of thought! I thought I knew lycan blood backwards from back when...you know. But, dream affecting properties seem to just work differently. I did get it, though." She brought a finger up to rub her temple, "I'm confident it will work, but still, test it tonight, you two." Ariel turned to Fendros and Ahnasha, then took off her bag and handed it across the table to them. As the bag made contact with the table, a low glass clink sounded indicating that the bag contained two bottles knocking against one another. "Dosage instructions are on the label."
Fendros reached out and took the bag, as Ahnasha had Rhazii in her arms. He opened the bag and saw two stoppered glass flasks filled with a roiling dark green liquid. Each had a label that he couldn't read from this angle, but he secured the bag and nodded in thanks. Unfortunately, Ariel had been a little conspicuous about the handover, so Fendros looked perhaps a little less grateful than he should have. There would be plenty of time for a proper thanks later.
In the awkward quiet moment, Ariel seemed to understand the apprehension in the air and decided to detract from it. She clapped her hands together and rubbed them, drawing everyone's attention again. "So, how was your hunt today? Were your catches satisfactory?" Ariel realised that perhaps talking about hunting might have been a little revealing, but out of context, she surmised that hunting wasn't so unusual, right?
Everything that came out of the Saurian's mouth was different to every other paranormal Angus had known or even heard of. These were probably the closest creatures they had to human soldiers, in more ways than one it seemed. Even Luc was raising an eyebrow at the Saurian, and though showing more with distrust than curiosity, he couldn't quite hide his surprise either.
"That's certainly not what I was expecting," Angus replied slowly, before leaning back in his seat and thinking hard. He managed to give one last comment to Draco before they landed, "If you answer correctly, you'll probably not be tortured, but I think I'll have some questions for you m'self." Angus looked at the floor of the dropship and chewed on the inside of his cheek, "I'll see if I can get to ya before the researchers do, might be I stop them from cuttin' you open, yeah?"
"Don't let him lay eggs in your brain," Luc quipped.
Angus gave Luc a slightly annoyed glance, but nothing else. Luc had his own problems right now.
Once they touched down, Luc spoke to no one. His unusual silence hung over him as he handed in his equipment and waited for debriefing. He wouldn't stick around for any longer than he had to before leaving to try and find Anya.
Angus was in a similar situation, but was more open to talking. The reason he was eager to leave was to try and convince the interrogators not to torture Draco, and hopefully to refrain from killing and dissecting the creature. They had enough bodies to cut open from the fight anyway. It at all possible, Angus wanted to get more answers out of Draco and find out for himself what exactly was going on.
While descending the ramp, Angus gave a quick few words to Burkley. "I know they just downed one of our men, sir, but I 'ave a feelin' that somethin' bigger is going on with these Saurians. If they're mercs, that means they 'ave their own price."
"That's certainly not what I was expecting," Angus replied slowly, before leaning back in his seat and thinking hard. He managed to give one last comment to Draco before they landed, "If you answer correctly, you'll probably not be tortured, but I think I'll have some questions for you m'self." Angus looked at the floor of the dropship and chewed on the inside of his cheek, "I'll see if I can get to ya before the researchers do, might be I stop them from cuttin' you open, yeah?"
"Don't let him lay eggs in your brain," Luc quipped.
Angus gave Luc a slightly annoyed glance, but nothing else. Luc had his own problems right now.
Once they touched down, Luc spoke to no one. His unusual silence hung over him as he handed in his equipment and waited for debriefing. He wouldn't stick around for any longer than he had to before leaving to try and find Anya.
Angus was in a similar situation, but was more open to talking. The reason he was eager to leave was to try and convince the interrogators not to torture Draco, and hopefully to refrain from killing and dissecting the creature. They had enough bodies to cut open from the fight anyway. It at all possible, Angus wanted to get more answers out of Draco and find out for himself what exactly was going on.
While descending the ramp, Angus gave a quick few words to Burkley. "I know they just downed one of our men, sir, but I 'ave a feelin' that somethin' bigger is going on with these Saurians. If they're mercs, that means they 'ave their own price."
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