Book II- Chapter 2: The Cannith House

[redcoat]

Book II: Flamekeep

Chapter 1: Arrival in Flamekeep

Cannith House sat on a corner, a squat building about 3 stories tall. It has a large kitchen and dining area, a decent size parlor, and a well equipped workshop in the basement. It also boasts four guest bedrooms- a good size, for a house that served a rotating roster of travelling salesmen and artificers. 

It also had a staff of three. Anthony was an older gentleman, who served as both butler and head of house, was happy to greet them at the door, flanked on one side by a cheerful looking halfling woman (introduced as Kate, the cook), and a young human woman with a cheerful smile and gold curls tucked under a proper cap (Maggie, the chambermaid). 

Everyone arrives at the same time- meeting at the front door. 






Initiative: Scion: 21, Porter: 18, Pheuse:14 , Neuks: 7

[Ancelas]

Ellie reached Cannith House and immediately began pacing outside the door, only to spot the rest of her party coming up the street. Porter, Neuks, and Chev made for quite the site - especially if Pheuse continued to ride atop his back.

Despite herself, she let out a small sigh of relief at seeing them. Leaning against the wall of the house, she rested her hands on her hips as the others approached.

"So... there are some things we ought to discuss in private."

[vandalaria]

Porter approaches with the rest of the group, walking to one side and holding a wrapped parcel tied with a small ribbon, clearly some manner of gift. Seeing Ellie pacing near the door, they glance about curiously to see if they might see Si. Perhaps she was elsewhere, though, or perhaps she was disguised.

"Of course, Mistress Ellie," Porter says, a note of concern in their voice, and though they were discrete they were clearly appraising her emotional state. At least she appeared uninjured. Glancing between them all, "Master Pheuse, shall I see to the rooms? Certainly you may all retire to the parlor while arrangements are made, and we should have some privacy there," glancing back to Ellie as they say this, hoping it will be sufficient for her.

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse was indeed astride Chev. It was the only way he would be seen and followed in a bustling avenue of commerce. "I am fine with a private conversation, whether in a bedroom or parlor."

As they approached it became clear that some golden shape was hovering just in front of Pheuse's chest. "I will need to remove Porter's face to start my work. He will be able to talk ... but he might be a little unnerving to look at."

He looked to Porter. "I'll do my best to keep the experience short. But with this repaired sensory mask your sense's will finally be 100% again."

[resonance]

"Ellie!" Neuks rushed forward when she saw her leaning up against the wall and scooped her up into a hug, lifting the shorter woman off her feet for a moment. "I was worried about you! Are you okay?" She set her down again and looked intently into her eyes. ...and then registered what Pheuse had said and looked over to him and Porter, "wait, you have to take his face off?!" It was a mixture of astonishment, excitement, and concern.

[Ancelas]

"...Remove Porter's face? What are y-GHRK!"

Finely honed reflexes be damned, Ellie was distracted enough to be swept up into a firbolg hug, unable to do much more but flail her legs helplessly until Neuks set he back down, dazed.

"...What just happened..."

[vandalaria]

Porter paused in responding. Clearly it would be rude to interrupt such a heartfelt display, and besides they suspected any attempt would have little effect.

"Of course. They were significantly damaged previously, which Master Pheuse is attempting to address." Porter's normal, grateful bow follows to Pheuse.

"I am eager to begin, Master Pheuse. I still am observing some phantom halos from my left eye." It was their normal subdued manner, but the enthusiasm was definitely apparent. "Ah," they begin, turning from Pheuse to Neuks and Ellie, "If you are concerned, I do not mind if you observe provided it Master Pheuse approves of it." Presumably Neuks would be inclined, they thought, but was unsure if Ellie would be.

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse nodded. "Everyone can watch if they like. Replacing a sensory mask is not the most exciting of things, but it is delicate work." He looked to Neuks and then at Chev's head and then back to Neuks. "And we could maybe try tweaking the damaged sensory mask to add to Chev. Though it would require some additional facial reconstruction to protect the mask."

He shrugged. "Ellie, take your pick of where you would prefer to converse, we will enter and move to that following."

[resonance]

“Oh Chev, an upgrade! Would you like that?” Neuks smiled at the unmoving skele-deer and decided he definitely would. “Let’s head in, and we can get everyone settled and talk.”

[Ancelas]

"Which I..." Ellie shook her head, clearing her momentary stun at Neuks' overwhelming friendliness. "I mean... a parlor isn't exactly private, is it? I don't really want to talk about such things in the open. And what's wrong with Porter's face?"

She would wait for Pheuse and the others to enter ahead of her, not really familiar with a House Cannith wayhouse.

[vandalaria]

Porter nods as everyone coalesced on the decision. “Very good, a room it is. Please excuse me for a moment while I make arrangements.” With a bow, Porter steps away from the group to Anthony and the others.

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse was happy that Porter took the initiative. It was always easier when he let him do what he does naturally. He urged Chev forward to be ready to move right in once the introduction was out of the way.

He turned on Chev to face Ellie, the golden object still floating at his current chest height. "Remember the story on the train? What happened to him and how he was saved? Well, that damage went deep into his head. I've helped fix how it looks outside, but this is my first chance to fix the internals."

Using his focus on telekinesis he made the mask orient to be facing Ellie. He then gestured to where the primary damage was for Porter. "This area, being where a lot of the senses are pathed through. A small break might weaken a single sense intermittently or result in the occasional imagined sensory input."

He gestured the larger line of damage to Porter. "A large break like he had can cause weakened or completely lost senses or permanent sensory input. In his case as he described he has a constant visual halo as one such permanent sensory input."

[resonance]

Neuks watched Pheuse’s explanation. “I imagine mechanics that are as advanced as Porter‘s are very sensitive to damage. I can assist if you and Porter like, though I’m happy to observe as well.”

[Ancelas]

"Oh... that makes sense. I didn't realize there was still damage to be fixed under the surface. I mean, with the whole..." She used one hand to mime a shattering motion over her face, then pretended to draw out a sword. "...Thing, then there might be something there, but... yeah."

Ellie fidgeted, shifting from foot to foot as she waited for room arrangements to be made.

[vandalaria]

Porter virtually glided over to where Anthony and the others stood, package tucked carefully under one arm as they approached. "Good day," they greeting the trio, their voice warm, and followed it with a polite bow. "Junior Engineer Pheuse Litwick is seeking accommodations for himself and his companions, and hopes to extend the hospitality of the House to them." With that, Porter untucks the parcel and holds it forward in both hands. "A small token of gratitude for your hospitality," they explain, "selected by Mistress Neuksoeye," indicating to the tall firbold with an inclination of their head. "She hopes that you will enjoy it."