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Post by vandalaria on Jun 28, 2022 6:17:34 GMT -5
Porter continued a half-step behind Pheuse, trusting between them they would cut a reasonable path through the crowds. "Of course, but that wasn't the business I was referring to. I was thinking of Brynna. If it's true where she's being held then I'm not certain Ellie will be able to secure her release with a bail, not to mention that it suggests a far more serious accusation.
They pick their way around a few people before continuing. "If you were interested in speaking with her, I might know a way to do this through official channels. Presuming of course that Ellie is unsuccessful." Turning more towards Neuks, "As for our present destination, I believe Master Pheuse is..." They pause, and in as close a Porter comes to a joke, they continue, "taking us shopping." An attempt to lighten the mood a bit after the previous incidents. "In truth, Master Pheuse knows the details. I am merely here to assist."
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jun 28, 2022 13:56:02 GMT -5
Pheuse looked up at Neuks with a bright smile and quickly made his way atop Chev. He could not say no to such an offer. He pondered on the topics for the moment before speaking in a low voice intended for just them to hear.
"I would like to get to know her ... but Si's reaction does not imbue a good sense." He offered softly. "Besides, if there is ill will between Si and Brynna, and we manage to get Brynna out and back ... that is just drama."
He shook his head. "We have to buy a silly mcguffin. A part that needs to be verified before shipping and so on and so forth. It wont take much time to get to." He looked to Porter and then over to Neuks. "Though it does give us plenty of time to prepare."
"Of course ... if Si was just released ... perhaps we could acquire some new inconspicuous gear for her." He smirked and looked over to Porter. "Assuming she takes the invite to spend more time with Ellie ... Do you think you got a good sense of her size to be able to pick out garments that would fit?"
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Post by resonance on Jun 28, 2022 15:11:06 GMT -5
Neuks tucked her hands into her coat pockets as they continued, "I imagine a gift of clothing would go a long way to smooth things over. Oh speaking of... who is the host at Cannith House? What kinds of things do they like?"
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Post by vandalaria on Jun 29, 2022 7:05:03 GMT -5
"It seems unusual, considering the effort she made in returning me. I suspect most would have not gone through such trouble. Perhaps it was a personality conflict." They looked over at Pheuse at his perch on Chev. "Do you think Ellie will not follow through with her contract, then?"
Porter considered the questions (Perception 14, or raw 12 for int recall). "As for Si, I must apologize as I was distracted at the time. I believe I could only make a rough estimation, certainly not enough for something more fitted." They pause for a moment longer, as though deciding whether or not to offer the next bit. "I am somewhat concerned that she's already feeling very uncertain regarding us. An unsolicited gift, while generous, may still feel unwelcome at this moment. If you wish, however, I will of course help as best I can to select something suitable."
Turning their head a bit to make it a bit easier for the taller firbolg to hear them, Porter inquired, "Mistress Neuks, is it customary for you to give a gift in such a situation? Are there any constraints on what would be appropriate?" Their voice drifted somewhat as they considered what they knew of the local branch, and any specific trivia regarding them. "I'm sure I could suggest something that would be appreciated." They pondered various regional treats or spirits, maybe something nostalgic if they were further from home...(Background: Courtier seems oddly appropriate and specific here!)
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Post by redcoat on Jun 29, 2022 7:33:48 GMT -5
Porter: You can recall that while there isn't a host per se at the House, there is a very set staff (Usually a Butler, Chef, and two chamber maids/porters) who are appointed to the care and keeping of the place. While a gift isn't required, a small gift/tip/show of appreciation towards staff is never a bad choice.
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jun 30, 2022 8:34:24 GMT -5
Pheuse took all suggestions in and ruminated a short while before speaking again. "I think that Ellie will do what she has to, barring mitigating circumstances. The question is whether Brynna would be brought into our fold or if she was simply afforded the most basic of comforts and civility on the trip back."
He sighed as he continued. "We were sent to get something and ideally return. Ellie is in the same situation. So if we follow through we are back on the rails well within a fortnight." He looked towards Neuks. "I don't know if you would wish to follow us back. I don't have the best clout to pull strings, but you are certainly gifted with artifice and maybe I could get some initial meetings to possibly bring you into Cannith ... if that is something you would want."
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Post by resonance on Jun 30, 2022 10:49:00 GMT -5
Neuks nodded to Porter, "yes, it is customary for firbolgs to present gifts to their hosts. When tribes visit one another, there is a traditional exchange of our best goods and resources. For example, if one tribe excells at alpaca care and another at jewelry crafting, you might see an initial gift exchange of the prized alpaca or their fleece and their top craftsperson's finest piece. Once initial gifts are given, then bartering is open for other goods. In this way, we greet each other with nothing to hide, sharing our wealth amongst us all for prosperity, and fostering a spirit of community and kinship."
"When firbolgs are hosted by another outside their tribe at their host's expense, it is also customary to present a gift. There aren't a lot of guidelines on what that gift must be, though. Likely because we don't often leave the Reaches, so we have less knowledge of others' customs."
Her eyes sparkled at the thought of joining engineers such as Pheuse... but her expression changed to one more pensive, "your offer is very kind, Pheuse... I would very much love to learn more about Cannith house and maybe join you there. But I'm afraid I'm on a mission myself, I wouldn't be able to come until it ends."
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Post by vandalaria on Jul 1, 2022 9:49:08 GMT -5
"Excellent," Porter replies to Neuks, "we do somewhat similar, but the types of gifts are often either symbolic -- for example, an envoy or diplomat may offer a gift that reflects the place they represent -- or they may be offered to simply bring some pleasure to the receiver. As I recall, the Cannith House does not have a host but does have perhaps four household staff, so in this case I would recommend a small gift of the latter variety. Perhaps something they could enjoy in their off-time. A particular wine or liquor, candied fruit, chocolates or pralines, or something similar. Quality and presentation will be important, too, so as to know it's a gift as opposed to something one would normally purchase." If at any point Neuks looks unclear on things, Porter will keep an eye out for appropriate examples as they walk.
As they did, they moved a bit closer to Neuks and Pheuse, "An excellent idea, Master Pheuse, and certainly you'll have an easy time finding sponsors if and when the time comes, Mistress Neuks. To that end, have you found any leads as to the nature of the sickness? Perhaps a healer from House Jorasco may be able to offer some insight."
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jul 1, 2022 12:12:56 GMT -5
Pheuse nodded an acknowledgement to Neuks as they rightly noted that they couldn't follow due to their own quest. As Porter took over he reached into his pocket and pulled out the instructions for their pickup.
He gently urged Chev further on down the road, using leaning to shift the path slightly based on what was in front of them. "Well we are in the commons shopping row right now. Cannith house will be on our right shortly, and our pickup is actually a little further from there."
There was a small pause as he thought of something to add. "We could certainly stop by with you at any healer or herbalist shops for you to inquire for the answer. If we were unlucky in finding one with an answer, then it might require an excursion deeper and higher into Flamekeep."
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Post by resonance on Jul 2, 2022 12:40:30 GMT -5
"Those ideas sound very good for gifts, Porter, thank you," Neuks said, then nodded softly as she continued, "it would be very helpful to speak to the healers here. We'd never seen anything like it, but surely someone knows what it is."
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Post by vandalaria on Jul 3, 2022 7:03:57 GMT -5
"Of course, Mistress Neuks. Please let me know if I can be any further assistance in the matter," Porter says, and even without looking there's a sense of a grateful bow in the tone. "And, if we do need to seek out more specialized help," they add to Pheuse's suggestion, "perhaps House Jorasco has an enclave here, as well."
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Post by §~Samwise~§ on Jul 3, 2022 10:25:50 GMT -5
Pheuse nodded slowly.He refrained from speaking further as he checked the signs of each shop along the road. He was looking for a clothing shop, and Apothecary or other healer centered storefront. ((Investigation - 6+6=12))
"Once we get the item that Porter and I were sent for we will need to go back to Cannith House. So, any shopping or searching together will have to happen first, or be delayed by what we need to do with the item."
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Post by resonance on Jul 4, 2022 3:47:35 GMT -5
"I definitely would like to get a gift before we must go to Cannith House, though that should be a quick purchase. I'm sure Porter can help me choose something just right," she smiled at the warforged. "In regards to the healers... I am eager to speak to them, but I have my doubts about how useful they will be. If the item is very important and should be picked up soon, I can make my way out to visit the healers after we go to Cannith House. Once I know where I'm headed, I won't have trouble finding my way back."
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Post by vandalaria on Jul 5, 2022 5:34:22 GMT -5
Porter nods to them both. "Of course, it will be my pleasure." As they're speaking, Porter shifts some of their attention to the task at hand. Their hope is to find something that the staff can enjoy in their leisure time, assuming they're like most and typically take meals and socialize in private, away from the more public face of the house. (Perception 18 as they look about for something that seems appropriate)
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Post by redcoat on Jul 5, 2022 7:41:12 GMT -5
Porter: You are in the Lower Shopping District in Thrane, so there are lots of options! While the Upper Shopping District is for fine goods, there's plenty here that would be appropriate, from some bell jars with little floating lights in them for night time reading to chocolate coins with silver wrapping imprinted with a flame symbol.
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