Road to the White Tower- An Evening (Fort Bragh)

[redcoat]

Migration from the Enjin Platform

[opius]

Opiii:
Following a several day long trek out the now inert fields of mourning, and through the Kings woods, the motley crew of adventures made their way to their Midway stop between Astor city and the White Tower- Fort Bragh. They found the fort full- travelers from both North and South were held up, waiting for word of the Fields to end their mourning cycle, and otherwise using the fort to wait out recent bandit activity. They found refuge at the legionnaires respite, a nice but crowded inne. The group split after settling in- Sae played darts with legionnaires, Jennar finessed an elf in a game of dice, Taelesin took to quietly observing the elves in search of kindred spirits, and Jager created a buzz arm wrestling and drinking with the soldiers.

And Alastair went to work. In his mind there was no time to stop. Their landing in a safe haven meant it was time to restock supplies and prepare for the next week or so of travel. They needed rations, which could prove scarce with the overburdened fort village. And he needed materials. Metal ingots, alchemical reagents, tools and possibly a book or two.

He calculated and made plans even while he made his way to refill his waterskins from a pump behind the inn, Konane and Klinkle in tow.

Halfway there, he ran into Alain. Expecting the older wizard to understand, alastair explained what he was up to- water, followed by resupply, then perhaps he'd work on tinkering. He was taken aback, confused and even slightly offended when Alain criticised his intentions- citing that they should be relaxing, celebrating, not fretting and working themselves into a froth.

At first Alastair was slightly upset. But as he watched Alain, spoke with him about the matter, his tone shifted. Confusion lead to insight. There was more to Alane than he'd thought, and after the exchange he no longer saw him as a threat...

But as a man who had made many mistakes, and genuinely wanted to teach them, direct them, somehow, toward something. Something Alastair couldn't quite concieve.

The trio was left by the water pump as Alain left. Puzzling over his words, the ginger boy was left thinking to himself, waterskin in hand while Konane worked the pump. Once Alane was out of earshot, he signed a resigned, frustrated sigh.

"I don't think I'll ever figure that guy out."

Ancelas: ((***Alain))

CautionCat
Konane was taken aback when Alain started talking to Alastair, like a wise man to his student. They did not know one another very well, but Konane did know that Alain was full of wisdom, and stories.
And sadness. It showed again when he spoke to Alastair, and it bothered her some. Why did he feel sadness? Most of Otori would frown upon that, tell you to suck it up and deal with your problems. That mindset, along with so much more, never made her feel right there. She loved her home... but the people who lived there, most of them at least, were full of superstitions and driven hard into old ways of thinking.
After Alain left, Konane fell silent as she worked the pump, filling Alastair's water skin after filling her own and Klinkle's. She looked to him, a bit tight lipped, as he finally spoke.
"He seems very... complicated." She tilted her head, and tightened the cap on her water skin, eyes on Alastair. "He has a lot of sadness. Perhaps you remind him of his youth? Older types have a habit of... impressing their image on others. Sae said the same of us... Though it was more we reminded her of younger family."

*Shuffled Glassware*:
"That seems to be one of the disadvantage of old age. You tend to see shadows of yourself all around you." huffed Klinkle. "If only he could decide between fatherly and sage advice."

Opiii:
Alastair listened to both women's takes, though he didn't seem to nod toward either. He instead scratched behind his head, tucking the waterskin away into the pouch at his side.

"Sae I get. She at least acts the part and opens up. Alain ought to drop the familial flavored horse melarky if he's going to turn heel and go all distant and cryptic." He huffed a like, frustration spiking. He felt a tangent coming on... And condensed it thusly. "Don't go and act like you're big brother or distant Uncle, not if you're gonna stonewall me when it comes to information that I know you know. Don't go acting like.."

As he spoke his voice rose, getting squeaky and quick. But before he finished his train of thought he slackened, sighed, and pinched between his brows.

"... Sorry. I'm ranting. I, uhm, go do something else." And then he paused a beat. "...don't know if I should listen to him in spite of myself, or go run errands in spite of him."

CautionCat
She listened to him ramble, noting the ire in his voice. Konane slightly winced when his voice cracked a little as he raised it.
Shaking her head, she waved her hand at him. "I think you should do what feels right. His advice may not suit us... He is seasoned, and we are green. I feel once we get to the... White Tower, we should take much relaxation."
She paused, and pursed her lips slightly. "Although, with so many people here, I don't know how much stocking for supplies you could do..." She glanced around at the folks, as she moved away from the pump, noting others who held skins of their own.
She took a deep breath, and sighed. "We will only be here for an night, and we will sleep as well as we have on the road... What exactly do you need to gather?" She glanced between Alastair and Klinkle.

Opiii:
He rolled his shoulders, sighing. Maybe he should take the night off, as it were. Cramming was never good for study, maybe over preparing was likewise bad for adventuring. After pausing to think it over he began to move away from the pump, toward a bit of open area behind the bar and inn.
"Well, in Fenderberrin's journal there were some notes that referenced silver as a sort of blight on dead and magical creatures. If the smithy here is any good, they might have some- though I ought to read through his notes some more and see if he documented anything more.. I also need a few brass bands hammered out, and some wood so I can put together a proof of concept I've had tumbling around in my head."

He glanced toward Klinkle, adding, "And I could use some reagents, and I'm sure you could too. We might not have the space to brew up more healing potions or alchemists fire, but it's useful to have the supplies. Oh- and alchemic wax, that too."

CautionCat
"Mmn..." Konane flattened her lips some as Alastair spoke, her eyes again glancing at all the people moving about. She shook her head slightly, sighing. "You sure they would carry such things? Even so... I cannot imagine how many other travelers may be doing the same. I am surprised they have not run out of drink in the inn. And seeing how expensive things were before... They may upsell because of demand. Especially if trades are compromised..."

*Shuffled Glassware*:
Klinkle nods, "It may be worth while to get some of the basic things out of the way now rather than rushing around tomorrow. Along with reagents I'd like like to look into some basic rations. Foraging is all well and good but a little variety can go a long way on the road.

Opiii:
Alastair weighed the options before shrugging slightly. "If they're a good smith, likely. If they're a Dwarven smith, undoubtedly. But that does come with other potential issues. Dwarven folk aren't typically above price gouging- they might upsell just because it's an opportune market..." He then looked over his shoulder, careful to speak quietly lest the grumpy dwarven stable master catch an earful.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask around and see what this villa does have available. Less surprises, and maybe we won't have to settle for hard tack."

CautionCat
The Otonin shrugged, smiling. "Whatever you would like to do. I am here to follow, since there is not much else to do... Other than nap."
Konane nodded some to herself. "I do not gamble, or arm wrestle, or shoot darts... I would find someone to flirt with, but I am... Not feeling very mischevious." She frowned some, as she spoke aloud, mostly to herself.
"I have been feeling like this since I left home. I think it is... Being so new to the world." She felt comfortable enough talking with Klinkle already, but now she grew more comfortable talking to Alastair.

Opiii:
His brows both raised a bit seconds after Konane spoke. For a moment or two he wondered if something was lost in translation, but the follow-up, 'mischief' confirmed her intent. Suddenly he had a window of insight into the kind of person Konane was, and it was like stumbling over a mistake in a project long after the planning phase. At first he was jarred.

But it lended insight. Konane was hiding something, that much he knew. And the transmutation magic that lingered on her person. She was like... Jennar? Maybe not as outwardly, but did the two have the same core personality quirk..?

"Oh." He scratched behind his head. "I, uh, couldn't have guessed that that was your cup of tea."

CautionCat
Konane paused, looking to Alastair, and frowned some. "I would not be mischevious to you, you are... Hmn."
She thought a moment, trying to find the words.
"You are... Danshi. Very young." She smiled, and tucked her arms into the folds of her short kimono top. She had never asked anyone's age, and assumed Alastair was about 16, what with his height, and lack of adult features.
"But I do have... Tarot cards... Perhaps I should become... Jipushī. Tell fortunes! Take money for them!" She barked a small laugh, covering her mouth as she did. "I am already traveling. Makes sense, hai?"

Opiii:
Flirting and mischief was something she didn't do to younger folk? Well, maybe her kinds of pranks were not so nice. That might have explained the slight predatory vibe he got from her. "Well, hey, I don't judge. Whatever gets your kicks. I just didn't think mischief was a big thing in Otori, what with how honorable and reserved they seem." He laughed.

"But Fortunes? Maybe, yeah. Lots of superstitious folk around here who are to scared to go north- for good reason, mind you." And yet just a moment ago he was talking about how opportunistic Dwarves could be... This suggestion was no better. He paused a moment then.

"... Wait, just how young do you think I am?"

Kyt
((Totally need to remember to check the forums now that we're back to playing lol))

While Jennar was still inside the tavern, Shai had apparently decided to accompany Alistair outside. Whether due to being uncomfortable with the crowd now that she was visible, or for another, unknown reason, the sprite was seemingly content hovering around the young man. Her currently fairy-like form never settled on him, as she did on Jennar, but she would occasionally brush his clothes or his hair as she flit around.

*Shuffled Glassware*:
"Hmm, it seems we have another tag along." Klinkle pipes up with a bit of a head tilt. "Best to keep an eye on the little sprite lest someone tries to catch her to sell as a pet."

CautionCat
Konane watched the sprite flit around Alastair like a bee to a flower. It was actually kind of adorable, how it seemed to take to him like that. She wondered if Shai was like Hermes, were Jennar could sense through the sprite...
All in a moment of thought, she raised her brows to Alastair at his question. "Oh, you must be at least 15 or 16, hai?"

Opiii:
Alastair was distracted for several moments upon noticing Shai. "Yeah, I could see someone wanting to snatch her up... but doesn't she turn invisible?" The creature did flit about close by, but she didn't seem invasive, and never got distractingly close. It watched him with the same kind of curiosity he regarded it with. In the last few weeks his world had opened up to all kinds of peculiarities. New cultures, new magic, Sprites and birdfolk. He didn't linger too long in the magesty of the moment, instead he was caught entirely off guard by Konane's appraisal of his age.

"Wot?" He blinked, staring at Konane for several long moments before his brows came to a sharp furrow. "You- Fifteen? I-" Alastair shook his head. "Seriously? I'm over eighteen!"

CautionCat
"Nani??" Koane's eyes went wide and she raised her brows high. "But! You-!"
Her voice dropped, and she turned away from him, feeling her cheeks warm from the embarrassment of assuming his age. "Kare no shinchō. Kare no taijū... Dono yō ni kare wa 18-sai ijō ni naru koto ga dekimasu ka...?" She mumbled, and ruffled her bangs. I am an... idiot... to assume... She thought, and looked back to Alastair.
She dropped into a deep bow, her hands clapping together, reached high above her head, elbows bent. "I am sorry! Please forgive my ignorance! I should know better..."

Opiii:
Alastair's lips tightened into a straight line, a wash of awkward warmth running first to his head, and then out of his body completely, leaving him alert, exposed, and confused feeling. He stared at Konane as she started speaking in tongues and gesturing wildly at her apparent... slight? Or perhaps all Otonins acted like this when they made a mistake? As she rambled, he looked nervously to Klinkle. Was this... a Konane thing, or an Otonin thing?

Finally Konane spoke in common. Eyes flitting between her and her bird companion, he shakily replied. "...It... it's not a big deal. I just didn't think I looked so young is all. It kind of explains a lot.."

Kyt
Almost immediately after Alistair mentioned Shai turning invisible, the sprite did just that. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it effect that made one wonder if she had been there at all. At least until she reappeared on the other side of the group again, laughing. She was very obviously focused on the awkward pair, hands muffling extremely quiet giggles. The sprite alternated her gaze between Konane and Alistair, watching them as if they were a stage play.

CautionCat
She stayed that way for a moment longer, before looking up to him. He wasn't upset? Alastair was so forgiving... It was a little unnerving that he was, but at the same time she was very thankful. She straightened, and shook off her awkwardness. "That means we are of the same age? I am 19! I will be 20 on the 22nd of Ezranin!"
Excitement came back to her, which helped her forget how dumb she was feeling. "When is your birthday, Alastair?"

Opiii:
"Well, I mean, I'm only a little over eighteen, but.." He glanced away, scratching behind his head. He hadn't caught Shai disappear, but as he looked away, averting eye contact, he did catch her manifest- giggling to herself as she watched on. He felt himself flush a bit across the cheeks and ears as Konane continued to draw attention to the situation.
Goodness, this otonin woman was.. all over the place. Jumpy, apologetic, then back to friendly. He cleared his throat, glancing again at Klinkle, gauging whether or not it was a safe idea to encourage Konane on the bird's expression.

Big surprise, birds were hard to read.

"I'll be, uh, nineteen in Kanin..."

CautionCat
"Oh! So I am older..." Konane nodded to herself, and smirked. "You are the... wee one of the group!" She smiled, and looked around a moment. "You want supplies... we should be moving, hai? Sorry to... distract."

Opiii:
"Well...a little younger, yeah." He glanced away, finding others hustling and bustling around the busy fort town. His focus shifted to Klinkle, though Shai, being the tiny fluttering shiny winged thing she was, drew his eyes away every few moments for just a moments glance or two.
"So... Smithy, then search for a general store or field supply, and then... What, back to the inn for dinner?"

*Shuffled Glassware*:
Klinkle huffed a bit at the shenanigans unfolding in front of her. "Sounds like a good plan to me, shall we?"

Ancelas:
Perhaps the easiest place for the assorted travelers to locate first was the general goods store, as it was located across the road from the inn. It was a large, two-storey building with dusty windows displaying various types of armor and weapons, as well as bags and backpacks with travel goods arranged around them. A sign above the door declared the building to be Master Quartermain's Mercantile Miscellany in elaborate, arching letters - an odd affectation for a shop located inside of a military fort.

As for locating a smithy, they had passed one on their way to the inn, located near the northern wall, and had seen the smoke stacks suggesting more located to the south.

Opiii:
As they traveled and had their light conversation, Alistair kept his arms close to his body- and closer to his belongings. The continued worry and caution from Klinkle reminded him of how far away from home he was, and how important it was to keep a perceptive eye. Soon they came upon the general store, and he considered. Touring to address the group, he suggested, "the general store probably sees a lot of foot traffic from newcomers. I bet they know about the smithy here and what kind of work they're willing to do. We should stop here first and..."

As he spoke he was steadily looking upward. The sign caught his attention and completely derailed his train of thought. Blinking, he considered the sign, the alliteration, the fancy and elaborate letterwork. His lips tightened into a fine line.

"Huh... Willing to bet a Gnome runs this place."

CautionCat
Konane followed, arms folded behind her back as they moved. Her eyes wandered, looking around at the sort of people they were surrounded by, on top of keeping an eye out for mischief. Alastair spoke, and her attention went to him. She tilted her head as he paused, looking at the sign of the shop.
"What makes you say that?"

Ancelas:
The street around them was fairly busy, between travelers out on a walk or lounging on the deck of the inn and soldiers out on patrol. As they stood before the general goods store, the door to the inn banged open and a female elf stormed out, followed shortly by a male calling out to her. They stopped just around the corner of the inn and began speaking to one another in Elvish.

Opiii:
"Oh, just a hunch..." He decided to downplay his assessment of the sign, rather than explain what he knew of Gnomish nuance and whimsical aesthetic. Though in truth it was a hunch- an educated hunch, but a hunch none the less. He turned his attention from Konane and back toward the sign... and then his ears rang a little.

A slam followed by indignant Elven mutterings. It sounded like one of the lecture halls back at the Lyceum, and his thoughts admittedly found themselves focused on a particularly bitter professor he had the misfortune of studying under for roughly four years. Just like back then, his attention was locked onto the Elves in their foul mood.

In his experience, nothing good ever came from an elf who had become that visibly upset.

CautionCat
Konane found it only a little off that Alastair didn't go on a tangent about the sign, but he was in a bit of a mood. She was about to question him more about his hunch, but that was when the elves came storming out, bickering. She frowned, unsure what to think of it.
After a moment, she caught herself staring and looked away. "It's too bad I do not know elvish..."

Taliesin:
::Taliesin took deep breaths and followed her request to head out the tavern door. He held his tongue while the door was open and Sae was still making her way out. Once in the middle of the street he turned back to Sae. "That Deori girl was a Deori couple! He accused me of being a beggar when all I asked for was any word on my home!" He turned looking around unsure of which way the Deori went in order to go in the opposite direction. "And they together accused me of bringing up genocide and dark times!"

He spun in spot, not actually looking for the Deori for that short lived moment. "How can I get word of home from other elves if they have knee jerk reactions to a simple question? How am I to get any word to any possible remnants of my family if all elves that would sit with Allurani are so stricken with guilt once my homeland is mentioned?

He clenched his fists and finally turned to look after where the Deori went. ((Investigation: Rolled 9 + 2 =11 )) "I can pretend to be Mareki and get strange looks for talking about Silvanus, but I can't ask about my home in either guise." ((requested Perception check - 13+4=17)) ::

The Red Coat:
+Sae, having succeeded in dragging him out of the bar, pulled him off to a side alley- so he could not continue his ranting in the middle of the street. Frankly, she didn't care what specific direction the Deori woman had gone in, as long as they were not directly following the couple and were a bit away from a hive of guards trying to keep the peace in a town bursting at the seams.

"I wasn't there, Tali. I can't tell you why they were offended and angry with your questions." She said, leaning against the wall near the opening of the alley and frowning. This was not how she was hoping the evening would go- honestly, she'd hoped for drinks, maybe even some dancing. "Generally, when someone says 'All I did', it usually comes to how they did it, not what they did."

Damn she could use a drink. It was a pity the wait at the bar was so long, and she'd given her drinks away to sooth any harsh feelings from the game.

"Not all elves have tried to get rid of you upon finding out you're Allurani. Aelar and his wife, in Astor, were very sympathetic to your plight. He just didn't have much to offer beyond a discount and his best wishes. And unless I have suddenly grown horns and turned into a tiefling, I am still an elf. Maybe not a good one..." She shrugged her shoulders, keeping her voice calm and low. Apparently, she counted for very little other than someone he could explode at in Elvish.

She left alone his comments about pretending to be Mareki. In her opinion, he'd been a Mareki longer than he'd been an Allurani... but she knew better than to comment on that.+

Ancelas:
Taliesin and Sae had spent enough time in the inn after the two elves had stormed out that by the time they emerged, all they found were the travelers on the deck of the inn looking about in surprise, their eyes now turning toward the two of them. Then Sae grabbed Taliesin and yanked him into an alley between the south end of the inn and the building beside it - a bakery, it looked like. Taliesin could hear the rising murmurs of the people on the deck behind them as he was pulled into the alley, but no sign or trace of the other two elves.

Alistair, meanwhile, couldn't help but hear Elvish being spoken and attempt to listen in to the arguing couple. Because of the noise around him, however, he could only catch a few words at a time.

"...Just a....doesn't know what he...okay. You'll be..."

"...Child. Doesn't even... my people? What does.... Arrogant..."

Taliesin:
:: Taliesin stopped shouting and took several breaths as he let Sae's words sink in. The emotions connected with what he realized were still running high, but being able to talk with her was helping. "Every elf outside of those that ran a shop have immediately chilled upon finding that I was Allurani." He paused to look her in the eyes.

"You being one of the rare exceptions. "

He looked around at where they were and all the attention that they had. He hung and shook his head at how he reacted. "How I did it? Outside of being more familiar with my greeting than our culture wants I said nothing and took no tone to imply judgement, beggary, or pleading for guilt. I could understand pushback for familiarity - but that doesn't fill the gap to accusing someone of bringing up genocide."

He reached out in hopes of taking her hand. "I've spent over 16 years pretending to be something I'm not. I have vague memories of what life was like and what was right ... but it isn't enough." ::

Opiii:
Oh. Well that sounded like good gossip. Maybe he should have stayed in the tavern and witnessed what could have bothered the elven woman so much, maybe-

He paused, resisting the urge to scowl. Alain had suggested that. No, he wasn't going to sit upon what-ifs, regret missing out on some action.

No sooner did he resolve not to regret standing outside did he catch the glimmer of Sae's vibrant red hair. The gunslinger was in a similar mood, and seemed to be leading Taelesin out of the inn and into an alley. They both looked to be in a sour mood.

Now that was interesting.

Konane didn't understand the language, but he did. He interpreted the situation, "The woman is offended. Hard to really make out, but.. it seems a younger person said something presumptuous, got under her skin. Her partner-boyfriend? He's trying to talk her down, seems to think the offending party wasn't quite aware of... something." He paused, tilted his head.

"Seems a little deeper than someone making a pass or something.. she's upset, really really upset." Folding his arms he tilted his head some, glancing only for A moment to the bakery alley his allies had hidden inside.

"Wonder if... Maybe somethin' political happened in the inn. The different Elven tribes have different ways of seeing the world- conflicts of opinion and stuff, y'know?"

He turned his head to follow the movements of the couple, seeing if he could glean more from their heated conversion. He even took a few steps ahead to walk parallel to their path, lagging a bit behind.

(Perception 14+1= 15)

Ancelas:
As Alistair crept closer, he could make out the exchange a little better. Neither elf seemed to notice his approach, wrapped up in their conversation as they were.

"...doesn't matter, Mala," the male was saying. "He's a stranger that didn't know what he was asking. Or what it meant to you."

The female was scowling. "I know, Thelis. I just... haven't thought about it in so long, that when he just... brought it up, like he was talking about the weather..."

They began to speak in quieter tones as they calmed down. Alistair would have to move closer to hear more.

CautionCat
Konane raised her brows to Alastair, not noticing Sae and Taliesin at first. She frowned some, and watched as Alastair's eyes went to their companions, and so did hers move.
"Political? Do elves usually make so much... Drama?"
She was very unfamiliar with the races of elves, and their history. As Alastair moved, she would follow, keeping quiet.

The Red Coat:
+Sae sighed, for once managing to let go of her anger. After all, it was Tali- she'd just forgive him or apologize to him tomorrow anyway. As he reached out for her hand, she rolled her eyes and took it- tugging him into her arms. Wrapping her arms firmly around him, she gave him a soft look.

"Tali, the massacre is a blight on every tribe but the Allurani themselves. Even the Deori and the Marini were at least complicit in their silence- and just because the Mareki held the swords, doesn't mean that there weren't others helping. You've spent more than half your life around Mareki. The massacre is a touchy subject, but we don't shy away from pain. The official line is that we were following orders- we get to shove our guilt back on to the Naithrani, say 'The Naithrani made us do it, they aren't to be trusted'. The average Mareki is angrier about the Naithrani betrayal than they are...." She sighed, leaning up and kissing his cheek.

"Well, you've heard that speech before, Talos knows I've given it plenty of times. My point is that the other tribes- the Deori and the Marini- they feel guilty because they do hold themselves accountable. The Naithrani blame the Mareki and the Mareki blame the Naithrani. I think in that way, our cousins are more honorable. But, they are farmers and traders and fishers- they aren't trained to endure pain, to seek it out like a Mareki. So, they avoid the subjects that are painful and get mad at the person who brings it up."

She gave his hands a gentle squeeze.

"I know you want to ask every elf you meet. You have been given a mission from your god to do this great thing... but perhaps a more precise strategy is required? Otherwise, you might make more enemies than friends, and I don't know how many times Jaeger is willing to bail us out because we started a bar fight with our more sensitive cousins." There was a note of humor in the last line.+

Opiii:
"Nn.. No, not typically. Or so I thought." He gave Konane only a glance before touching a finger to his lips. He went to move.. and then paused. The young man extended his arm out, elbow bent as if to lock elbows. Where the Deori were across the street, having another young 'couple' walking parallel was a bit more.. discreet than following alone. With Konane as a sort of front, he moved under this guise, stealthily keeping track of the Deori couple.

(Stealth= 3+3 = 6 . Oof)
(Perception= 2+1 = 3 . Yikes)

Ancelas:
"Some simply don't understand," Thelis continued. "They haven't lost, or endured, what you..."

Thelis trailed off and glanced at the street as a very stiff and awkward-looking Alistair marched by, elbow out like a one-winged chicken, next to a very confused-looking Konane.

Thelis narrowed his eyes and gently placed a hand on Mala's shoulder, guiding her toward the stables behind the inn. Mala gave one glance over her shoulder as they retreated out of earshot.

Opiii:
No sooner did Alastair put together a clever plot did he misstep, draw attention to himself, and... Well, there wouldn't be any more eavesdropping now, would there? His lips tightened into a thin line as he basically made eye contact with the deori gentleman before they left.

Well... Perhaps it was better he didn't get too far along. Who knows what might have happened if they discovered his eavesdropping later on? He turned toward Konane, sighed a little, shrugged and turned back toward the others. Soon enough they were across from the general store again.

"Well, that serves me right for getting into someone else's business." He muttered. As he prepared to cross the road he mulled over the information.

There was a reason why this woman was so upset, and her companion who attempted to mollify her said just as much. She had lost something, suffered in some way, and someone had arrogantly or ignorantly brought up the past. He furrowed his brows as he puzzled that concept over. It felt... Familiar- like they'd just been over something like this.

CautionCat
Konane looked to his elbow, unfamiliar with the gesture. Her eyes looked to him, his elbow again, and she tilted her head when he broke the eavesdropping adventure and signed.
"Well, why don't we just ask Sae and Taliesin? I am having a hunch it was between the two." She ruffled the top of his head gently, her fingers lightly shaping his hair as they left his scalp.
"Think of it as... Pratice, for when sneaking information is more important." She laughed some, shaking her head.

Opiii:
As he puzzled the concept, Konane spoke... and brought him out of it. He just chuckled at the idea... Maybe he could practice and some day make an attempt that would make Rose proud. His gaze shifted from the general store toward the bakery. "We could ask them about it, I suppose.. But maybe it's better to let them cool off first?

CautionCat
She nodded, smiling. "We can discuss once we have settled for the evening." Konane pursed her lips slightly, looking in the direction of the bakery.
"After the shop, let's go to the baker. I wonder what they have for sale..."
Maybe something sweet to go with her tea.

Taliesin:
:: Taliesin let out a huff of a sigh, being pulled into the arms of Sae. His own arms moved around in kind as long as they could. He calmed further as she spoke. He certainly held a lot of passion towards what he wanted.

"I don't want to ask every elf though ... just the ones my people would willingly interact with." He shook his head and shifted to look into her eyes. "I do want to do as Silvanus needs, but I want to know of my home much more! I could easily do just the bidding of Silvanus, hide my heritage, and at least get through to our kin." Another heavy and defeated sigh escaped his lips. His shoulders had started to sag from their normal well held posture.

"I love you, Sae. But I don't know how to explain the feeling that is crushing me every time I am near to someone who might have the tiniest sliver of news of my home who refuses to offer. Aelar and his wife at least offered what they could for having been in the kingdom so long. " He looked side to side again and worked to hold himself higher and straighten his image for the public view. ::

The Red Coat:
+Sae sighed softly. "I love you too, Tali." She leaned up, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"I'm just saying, you need to approach cautiously. If you're approaching, addressing them informally, immediately asking about Alurani or even the refugee camps without easing.... Look. I'm the queen of barreling ahead without thinking and ruining opportunities. Just... maybe consider a softer approach in the future. Address them formally, maybe ask them if they are even from Illyria or have been there since the unification. If they haven't, they probably don't have the information you're looking for anyway. As much as I hate quoting my mother, 'A little honey goes a long way'.

Her hands moved to his drooped shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. "We have a mission here- to fight this new insurgence of Ruin and her forces. But once we finish that, perhaps we can convince the others to come to Illyria with us and we can try to piece together what happened to your people... your blood relatives. I'd risk facing down Ratha and my mother if it means you will find some happiness."+

Taliesin:
:: Shoulders rose at the gentle bolstering performed by Sae. "Silvanus has stated that the elves need to be truly united to defeat Ruin. So one way or another I have to go home and find my people. " He dusted himself off, more an emotional tick than a need to clean himself. "

"Maybe you're right. I should just devote time to looking more an instrument of Silvanus and forego what pushes people away." He took steps to exit the alley. "If I see those Deori again I will need to properly apologize. They will likely still think terribly of me, but I need to make amends." He stepped into the street and reached back towards Sae, his right hand palm up towards her.

"I don't want to stray far from you though." His voice finally returned to the softer tones Sae was used to. "Perhaps we can be a unifying example just as we are." ::

The Red Coat:
+Sae smiled softly and took his hand to be escorted out of the alley that she had dragged him into. "An apology might not be a terrible idea. They probably are staying at the Inn- perhaps one of the barkeeps would be willing to help smooth things over with a drink."

She moved his arm to over her shoulder, tucking herself into his side. "I'm not saying don't bring it up ever, just... tread carefully. Aren't your people supposed to be all about the sneaky tactics? Think like that, instead of bashing it head on. That's more of a me thing." She teased him lightly, sighing a bit. "Shall we head back to the Inn, or stroll?"+

Opiii:
Nodding affirmatively, Alastair agreed to the idea of baked goods. Sweet treats were a necessity that fell well within his budget. He lead the way across the street to the general store.

As the group crossed, Talesin and Sae emerged from their conference in the alley way. Alastair passed them only a glance and a light wave- he let the gunslinger know he was at least aware of them, but made no outward moves to approach or beckon them close. An open ended gesture.

Soon upon the front doors, Alastair looked for the entrance. If it was open, he'd head in following a brief study of the store font.

Taliesin:
:: Taliesin eased them out into the days motions. He caught a glimpse of Alastair and his wave and gave a similar nicety in kind. "I'd like to go back to the Inn before a stroll ... perhaps leave a message if the Deori are staying at the Inn." He looked towards the bakery and took a big whiff of the smells. "And maybe we stop there for a sweet after." He noted nodding his head to the bakery::