Geyze II

Session 141: The Knight's City

* Day changed to Monday, 17. Nov 2025
<@DeathStar> 4
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.21
<@DeathStar> Location: Burnt Village of Trees
<@DeathStar> *the group is situated next to their cart as their next guide has finished loading up their own, an older man has loaded up a depressed looking lad onto their cart with his head hung low and refusing to meet the eyes of anyone. On the back of their cart is what has survived of their trees burning - and it does not seem to be a lot of these magic woods that they learned about in the first village*
<@DeathStar> <Man> I will guide you along as promised.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Poor trees…
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...wll...let's be off then."
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> I wonder if we'll get to witness something fun before this day is over. *She notes as she gets into the cart, looking bored, while Lavenza looks quiet, moving to sit beside Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> *Azif helps Alt onto their cart, then Wyrd and Heyu, before climbing up*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Everyone ready? *she asks Lana*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...fun?" *shakes her head* "LEt's go."
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mm, Gwen will carry me~
<@DeathStar> *Gwen lifts Talia up over his shoulder and hops onto the back*
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Sure. I'm assuming he's taking the kid to the big city to be punished
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Sadly, 'fun' has been abundant, lately."
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> You know, letting some stranger burn their magical forest down. *she makes a slit motion*
<@DeathStar> *the other cart begins to move ahead down the road ahead of them*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...maybe he'll just need to do community service? Like replant the burned trees?"
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Wow. *She eyes them* Wow. You people.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...one can hope!"
<@Seraphna> Talia> Now now, don’t break Momma Lana’s innocence.
<@DeathStar> *as the carts move along, Gwen leans back* <Gwen> Well, lets try not to worry too much
<@DeathStar> *Shin is quiet, peering around the area*
<@Seraphna> Terra> **whispers to trees as they pass**
<@DeathStar> *they all look like those magical trees that the people here have been harvesting, so all the trees have a superior complex*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So, lets focus
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Do we have a plan once we arrive in the city?
<@DeathStar> *she glances at the others* We'll be practically at the doorstep of the next lord of this realm right away
<@Seraphna> Terra> Trees here very proud of themselves.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...we need to learn about this place...see if the lady Knight is genuine."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> And how will we determine... *She muses - up ahead, the group would begin to see what looks like a city in the distance. Well, the city walls. The walls are not as large as the massive wall meant to keep people out, but it seems to be quite large all the same, as if another inner barrier as been set up*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...Selena is used to dealing with people...right? And maybe Gwen has a...ahhh..Knight-sense?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You think quite highly of me. *as they approach the city, it appears to be a normal city at least - no magical barriers or anything to keep people out. Guard towers are situated up top at the gates as they come up. At the gates, someone comes out and checks with the person in the cart before them, and seems to be conversing with them, glancing back occassionally*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "You were queen...so i just assumed it was a job qualification."
<@DeathStar> *the guard comes back to their cart* <Guard> Do you have any way to verify which kingdom you belong to, travelers?
<@Ariel> * Nicolette muses on that. Doubts they'd accept her academy ID.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?" *looks at the others*
<@DeathStar> *Mirage practically is having to hide her snickering*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We didn't come with any diplomatic credentials...and we've been robbed like...ahhh...twice?"
<@Seraphna> Talia> We’re with him. **she nods to Gwen**
<@DeathStar> *the guard looks into the back of the cart where Gwen is laying*
<@DeathStar> <Guard> Ah?!
<@DeathStar> *Gwen sits up*
<@DeathStar> <Guard> Ah, Sir Knight... these people are with.... <Gwen> Me.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Definitely more effective than a seal of office." She doesn't point out that she actually has that. Would probably just cause more trouble.
<@Seraphna> **Talia paws** We’re his ferocious retinue.
<@DeathStar> *the guard moves forward and signals to the gate crew, who begin to raise the gate up* Please, enjoy your stay. I apologize for not seeing you sooner
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...Gwen...maybe you shoudl be in front?"
<@Seraphna> **Terrais distracted by a butterfly**
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Huh? Should I?
<@DeathStar> *Gwen shifts and finds a spot, sitting Talia on his shoulder*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Since you're the knight, they are going to assume you are in charge."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne glances at Nicolette, raising a brow*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *nods* "You're the only one with recognized authority here."
<@DeathStar> *The two carts move into the city proper; the buildings look to be well maintained, and seem to be all built using the magic wood. They look to be very tall, the buildings rising extremely tall and could give Kumen a run for their money, though none of them are castles or anything of the like. They are led along the town, where all the people look healthy and are busy moving about, looking like they have no time to pay attention to them. Soon they stop in what looks to be an offical looking building and the man gets out, the lad following suit*
<@DeathStar> <Man> I need to report to the authorities of the Lady Knight what has happened here. But since you are all new, you will likely get lost in a city of this size.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Honestly, I didn't expect it to be this big. Especially given the size of the villages around here."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes...of course."
<@DeathStar> <Man> I suppose it surprises many who come here, but this city is smaller than most of the lord's cities. If you need help, there is a welcoming resource center where the people there - their entire duty is to help citizens and newcomers. *He points down the street* Head back that way and you will find it eventually. Though with a Knight among you, you probably will do just fine
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Thank you, sir."
<@DeathStar> *He puts a hand on the boy's back and leads them into what looks to be a large building that could be considered a "authority" type building or police type building by the looks of it's design*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> So. *she looks around at the people - many of them paying the group little mind*
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I am so used to you all being stared at.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, you gotta dress to impress."
<@DeathStar> *Selena peers at her outfit*
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> We should go...shopping?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...perhaps this place is simply more cosmopolitan."
<@DeathStar> *Heyu studies the fashion of the ladies - it seems to vary, many of them are dressed like workers you would find doing jobs that require a lot of labor, same with the men, but there are some that are dressed more fancy like, surprisingly, which is something that has not been seen yet*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We should first... find a place to stay."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Where do you want to start looking?
<@Seraphna> Talia> Magic fish would be good.
<@DeathStar> *Gwen tilts his head, making some nearby think he's judging them since his helmet is on*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "... ... ...ahhh...we first need a map."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Do you want me to go that place for first timers and get a map?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We should do that, yes."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen nods and walks along the street; as he leads, it becomes clear that people are taking notice of the group - or at least, Gwen*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... there is one bad thing about having him along. People are going to notice whatever we do
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza walks along behind Nicolette, peeking around at people*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...what else can we do?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... fair. *she seems to be a little annoyed for some reason*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, it's definitely a double edged sword. But if we're going to want to meet the knight, then this is just part of the plan."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...if you have a suggestion, then say it."
<@DeathStar> *the group stops in friendly designed building - it's color design made to stand out and draw people's eyes. There's even a mascot of a Knight outside saying "come inside if you have trouble"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I do not. Feel free to ignore me. My mind is elsewhere.
<@DeathStar> *she seems to eye the sign, then shakes her head and peers off toward the exit*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...ok..."
<@Ariel> * Nicolette pets Zayne on the shoulder, "If you feel the need to do your own thing, it's okay."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... I might do that. I want to check up on someone. I will be back. *she nods to Nicolette, then glances around to make sure no one is paying attention to her as she vanishes*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen steps inside the place, with Selena following slowly; inside a bunch of people are currently helping what looks to be younger and older people of the city with various tasks as they glance up. Many of them look to be horse werebeasts*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Daddy needs a Knight Sign.
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> I do?
<@Seraphna> Alt> **said that** Totes.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...focus on priorities..."
<@DeathStar> *a young woman moves over ot their group* Hello. You're quite the group - newcomers to the city?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Making friends with Knight Ladies?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh.... Sir Knight requests a map of the city." *gestures to gwen*
<@DeathStar> *Selena glances at their team, then Gwen, nodding*
<@DeathStar> <Woman> Of course. *she moves and grabs one* Quite an interesting group. Most Knights travel alone or with a few companions. I don't think I've ever seen so many with a single Knight before. *she holds it out to Lana* Do you need anything else?
<@DeathStar> <Woman> ...also all women... *she murmurs, taking another look* I did hear rumors of a Knight with nothing but female companions before...
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we do need accomodations. Can you make recommednations?"
<@DeathStar> *Gwen just stands there silently*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, that part is just coincidence." She never thought too hard on the party composition.
<@DeathStar> *The woman pauses, then thinks* I suppose it would depend on how much coin you have on you. A few places might allow Sir Knight to stay free, if you have little coin. How are you doing money wise? *Selena signals to Lana low*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...not much...we were robbed twice before Sir Knight rescued our party."
<@DeathStar> *The nods in understanding, then jots down a place they can stay as well as directions* They should allow you to stay then for free then.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen nods*
<@DeathStar> *Selena studies the map and compares it to the directions*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Alright, let's go."
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps out and points down the street* This way
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and follows*
<@Seraphna> **Alt rides Selena’s head**
<@DeathStar> *the path seems to take them down some side paths, the streets not looking dirty or anything, but they become more narrow and the area seems to be filled more with people who look tired and are clearly more workers. Infact, one can see what appears to be factory type buildings in the districts nearby while this district looks to be for homes and businesses. People can be seen running stores and shops like a normal city, the group passes a tavern, though based on the time of day not many people are in it. Soon they reach their hotel, and it looks to be not fancy by any means, being compact to fit as many people inside as possible for the amount of building space. A person at the counter can be seen running the place, with what looks to be some papers out as if trying to read something*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...working class neighborhood."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> This city is quite unusual.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "How so?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> So far I do not believe we have encountered anything like this - the other lords simply made their slaves work if they needed a work force
<Jackieness> <Lana> "That is correct."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> So it is unusual. If you want to get to the heart of the manner, we should learn how this city works
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...yes...but we should setle in the strategize."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> ... *looks unsure what she is thinking right now, but seems to have her face scrunched up as as she gets the clerk's attention*
<@DeathStar> *The girl looks up and stands up, peering at Gwen, then the others* Are you...wanting rooms?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Sir Knight requires lodging for both himself and his retinue."
<@DeathStar> *the girl swallows, then nods* <Girl> Right... I'll um, get you the best rooms, Sir Knight, ma'am. Uh, please, follow me.
<@DeathStar> *she grabs some keys and heads upstairs*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Seems okay here.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and follows*
<@DeathStar> *she has them wait there and can be heard kicking someone out from their rooms and moving them to another set down a floor*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *waits then*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Oh my.
<@DeathStar> *after a bit, the girl moves to a "large" room that is connected to another room* <Girl> P-Please enjoy. *each room has a single bed and bathroom, with a balcony area*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's not bad, really."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen bows as the girl leaves them with the keys and leaves them alone*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ok...that happened...but here we are."
<@DeathStar> *Fae moves to the balcony to sit out there*
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Fae free
<@DeathStar> *Shin shuffles about the room, as if pacing*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Now we need a plan."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So. *She sits on the bed while Lavenza decides to go into fairy mode and lands on Nicolette's hat, just to give the team more room*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, about the room shuffling? Yeah, that's unfortunate, but not that unusual."
<@Seraphna> **Terra balances in balcony**
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> It is a dog eat dog world ,even when it comes to rooms
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd and Heyu sigh*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> How do we want to investigate this place?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...w ecna already see there appears to be a free working class rather than forced labor."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> We could ask questions of them, or we could walk around the city. I have noted that some people are dressed in more fanciful clothing
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Indeed. This tells me that there most be a non-working class as well, for some reason
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Which mystifies me
<Jackieness> <Lana> "There is, presumably, a class of landed gentry, just like in hapian."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Mm... maybe."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We keep seeing signs, but... we haven't seen a single person outside the working class."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I suppose even with a Bandit King, there would be a rich class that would form around him
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Just as Nicolette said, we haven't seen any sign of them yet
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt would like fanciful clothes.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...well...this land is clearly not typical of tthe Bandit King's realm."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> .... *she seems to look out into the city* There is death in this city, but it is ... hidden well
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Not like the other places we have been to
<@Seraphna> Alt> Bad death or natural death?
<@DeathStar> <Shin> .... *glances at Alt*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...can you sense out where it is?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Just saying, not world of immortals. All cities got death.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I can probably lead us
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We should take a look."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Alright then
<@DeathStar> *Shin opens the doot and steps out*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> And there she goes.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...come on those who are coming. Gwen, this may need low profile...so maybe you should stay with anyone who wants to....ahhh...stay?"
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd and Heyu transform into blade form for Alt to carry*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> I'll keep an eye on our stuff
<@Seraphna> **Alt takes Azif's hand and follows**
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza indicates she will hide under Nico's hat*
<@DeathStar> <Fae> I'll protect Gwen.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "
<@DeathStar> *Fae notes from the balcony*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Fae...alert us if anything...ahhh...weird happens."
<@DeathStar> *Fae does a thumbs up*
<@DeathStar> *Selena walks beside the others as Shin leads them outside*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *moves out after Shin*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette settles her hat, and follows with Shin
<@DeathStar> <Shin> ... *peering up at the sky, she begins to move away from this area of the city, heading back toward the opening area*
<@Seraphna> **Terra stays to protect Fae's butt**
<@DeathStar> *as they head back toward the area they began in, they would find Zayne there, having returned at some point, scowling as usual. She seems to be holding something in her hand quietly, not noticing Shin passing by and heading toward what looks to be another district - with taller buildings in the sky*
<@Seraphna> **Alt's tail taps Zayne's back as she passes**
<@Ariel> * Nicolette hmms, wondering if Zayne sensed the same thing as Shin
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne pockets and turns to look at Alt* <Zayne> Hm. *she begins to follow the group, falling in line behind Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> *Selena looks around; while the other areas were never in bad shape, it soon becomes clear that Shin is leading them to areas that are much nicer. The upkeep has improved greatly and it looks like areas have become more spacious. It is not all at once, but it becomes a slow thing in the designs, almost purposeful for some reason. Shin passing by the areas at first and then stopping by the tall, tall buildings and pointing* Them, the feeling is coming from inside those ones. *she points at the very tall buildings*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I wouldn't expect the bad vibes to be coming from the luxury areas..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Especially one of the tallest ones
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Any chance that is the Lady Knight's tower?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> I would, like every time we deal with something bad, the rich are behind it.
<@DeathStar> *she looks around the neighborhood - it feels like it gradually grows larger, culminating in this place. Selena studies the map* No, this is not her location
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Lets see, her Tower is...
<@DeathStar> *she looks across the landscape, angling toward the center of town and points at a much smaller location that can't be seen well from where they are at* Somewhere there
<Jackieness> <Lana> "So more humble...ok... does the map say what that building is?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It seems to indicate it is called Faraday Heights, and is listed as a restricted area unless invited inside by one of the residence.
<@DeathStar> *she looksup at the building they're in front of*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "So just a residential tower? That's not where I would expect alot of detah... unless its like a nursing home?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena shakes head* Doesn't say it is
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Also, the other tall buildings in this place have restricted too
<Jackieness> <Lana> *pushes her glasses up* "...then we have a mystery on our hands."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Dark secrets?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Only the smaller buildings in this uh, "zone" allow people to check it out without penalty, I guess. *motioning back at the other buildings Shin had them pass by when coming to the nicer "neighborhood"*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Rut ro raggy... **coughs and pulls the buscuit from her mouth** What we do to looks?
<@DeathStar> *Azif studies the place quietly*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know..."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I could attempt to slip in like a ghost.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "But you'd be in there alone."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .... *cranes her head, looking around* It might do better to simply talk to the people of the city first
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We are blind at this point and still know little of anything
<@Seraphna> Talia> And you know what I say about splitting the party.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Do it lots?
<@Seraphna> Talia> No...
<@Seraphna> Alt> Join up with strangers?
<@Seraphna> Talia> **baps her** Don't split, we always get into trouble and find masked men that way.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You want our masked man to show up?
<@DeathStar> *She looks behind Lana*
<@Seraphna> Talia> **looks around too**
<@DeathStar> *no sign of him*
<@DeathStar> *Selena taps the map* Lana - Nicolette
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...anyway...yes. Let's gather information first."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> This might interest you both
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@Ariel> * Nicolette glances over
<@DeathStar> <Selena> This city seems to have near the tower - a library and some sort of school, as well as a training facility. It appears there are several things all in the center of town
<@DeathStar> *she points at several important looking things all around the tower*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Right! Let's go! They may have locla history or relevant documents available."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Worth a look."
<@DeathStar> *Shin glances back at the building, then follows Selena as she uses the map to lead them back through the neighborhood. On the way back, standing in the yard, a girl in a dress watches them, staring all creepily like something out of a horror movie*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> *covers Alt's eyes*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Any chance its a murder house...?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Quite possible."
<@DeathStar> *as they work their way back toward the center of the city, they would finally see the "tower" of the Lady Knight - it being more of a large building that looks more like a fortified structure designed for defense in mind than anything. It stands there in the center of the city and surrounding it one can see from there is a beautiful library open to the public, and then from there is a large school for the children, which many seem to be in right now. And connected to it is a training facility, which seems to be for the older children and even adults, though it is impossible to tell what it is training for*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to be focused on the facility, clearly wishing she could enter and get a better look than just staring at the outside, while Shin is glancing around* <Shin> This area of the city seems to be safer at least.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...this is the Lady Knight's fortress...so that is a good sign, at least."
<@DeathStar> *Selena glances at Lana*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So we want to start with the library?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It seems we always go for it
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Yes, the library."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Information is worth it's weight in gold, after all."
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> You should just charge the tower and beat up the Knight and run out of tower
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Much more fun
<@DeathStar> *Shin eyes Mirage slowly, like she wants to stab*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Why would anyone want to do that?"
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Our entire purpose is to figure out if we need to do that."
<@DeathStar> *the library itself seems to be well maintained; as the group approaches it, there are older people inside that seem to be too old to work any longer, or children too young for classes. They seem to be simply allowed to walk in and at first glance the books appear to simply be dumb downed books that are there for the citizens, but upon further glance, there appears to be a higher level with more books; a few people can be seen up there with those books compared to the main populace*
<@Seraphna> Alt> **bops Mirage** We don't make an enemy if they can be a possible ally, we can't be sure the Knight is fully behind it until we check.
<@DeathStar> *Mirage grumbles*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "If you want to stab things as plan A, more than the stab spirit, you might want to rethink your approach."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Try to find any relevant topics regarding the history and people."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... *she peers and spots the stairs going up*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Feel free to check out things. Just keep in contact."
<@DeathStar> *Selena moves around on the next level, glancing along the books - a lot of the books appear to be technical books machines, how to build things, maintaining them, etc. Selena flips through them, seeing a lot of them are related to factory type deals - some of them are related to business type things, math, advance math, anything that could help a person advance up the ranks or start a business, or move up in the work force. The group would find it nearly impossible to find anything to do with the history of the town*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...they must have an archive soemwhere..."
<@DeathStar> *there is even books to deal with seduction, the art of seduction, art ,dance, sexual nature type deals, etc, as if teaching women how to take control of the situation, tea cermonies, flower cermonies, etc*
<@DeathStar> *essentially, how to rise up in proper society if one wanted*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> These books are all nonsense
<@Ariel> * Nicolette takes the boring route, looking into the history of the city
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Not nonsense...just totally irrelevant."
<@DeathStar> *the group would find a few things - one, a book with maps of the area*
<@DeathStar> *especially projects related to the forest and the projects related to the trees*
<@DeathStar> *other things that seem to be related to the history of the city, it seems that the city has a picture album showing various images of the city throughout the ages*
<@Seraphna> **Alt muses and takes screens of the tree books for Terr**
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...compare the land maps with the city map."
<@DeathStar> *the book is filled with a ton of images*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "So Lana, are you worried about the source of the mana that sustains this city and industry?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena glances over the maps*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Its a consideration."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Judging by the maps, the forests are not being given a chance to regrow
<@DeathStar> *she points at the pictures from long ago, to compared to now, and the forests are shrinking rapidly*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Plus someone is clearly attacking and burning what is left
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Burning away the forest isn't in the Bandit King's interest as he needs the resource shipments.. so maybe one of the Lady Knigths' rivals?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Either the other Knight then, or the rival to the far west that Mirage mentioned
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Those are the suspects."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne flips through the pictures in the book and in one of them, the Lady Knight can be seen standing among her people in a festival like picture*
<@DeathStar> *the people in it are celebrating some sort of event going on, everyone toasting something, and the Knight can be seen in the background, watching*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Misguided rebels is also a possiblity too..."
<@DeathStar> *the caption of the pictures state: celebrating the new year*
<@Seraphna> Alt> What they toasting?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...the new year?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne peers at the back of book* ...
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Wait
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> This book lists sources of other books.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Boooks I do not see here
<Jackieness> <Lana> *goes to see what Zayne sees*
<@DeathStar> *the back of the book, some of the pictures lists that the picture was taken from The Rising of a New Type of City: By Jean. It appears a lot of pictures and information came from that book*
<@DeathStar> *however, no last name is listed - just Jean*
<Jackieness> lana "Perhaps the Lady Knight is this Jean."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Perhaps the Lady Knight is this Jean."
<@DeathStar> *Selena rubs her face*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If that is the case, the book might be back with her and we'd be in trouble
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Shall I ask the librarian?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yus!
<@DeathStar> *Shin stands up and moves downstairs*
<@Seraphna> Alt> **whispers** But quietly.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... Quietly?
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nod nods*
<@DeathStar> *After a bit, Shin returns, holding a piece of paper, looking thoughtful*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Tell me what you make of this
<@DeathStar> <Shin> It appears some time back - I am gathering it was many years ago
<@DeathStar> <Shin> A woman bought the book. She was quite insistant despite the book custodian not wishing to sell such a valuable piece of history, but when she was told to name her price, and not believing the woman was of the rich, she named a price she felt was outside her reach. She was surprised when the woman produced the gold on the spot and took the book home with her, but gave her address to her if she ever felt the book was needed for anything in the future, just informing her that she kept odd hours.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "And the address
<Jackieness> ?"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> *glances at the map Selena has on her* It appears to be located somewhere not too far from the center of town, but not located near any of the residental disrtricts that I can tell.
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We'll try there next."
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Does anyone find this a little weird?
<@DeathStar> *Azif stuffs the books they did find into Nicolette's bag*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Which part?"
<Jackieness> <Lana> "All of it is weird." *pushes ehr glasses up*
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Hmph. *she crosses her arms, not able to argue when they agree easily*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne holds the door open for them as Selena steps outside*
<@DeathStar> *Azif leads Alt outside*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *heads out*
<@DeathStar> *by now, evening is setting and Zayne looks thoughtful, walking beside them while Shin and Selena lead them*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Lana
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Once you beat the Bandit King, what is your overall goal. Do you resume exploring these lands? Search for the Keeper Temples with the spirits? Try to stop the Emperor?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...well...I...ahhhh...feel that all three are entandgled with each other."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Hm, perhaps it is. *she nods; Selena stops, having led them in front of what looks to be a small little house in an alley that barely stands out. If they did not have an address, it would be easy to walk right past it*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> This is it. *Shin steps back, glancing over the building and seems to be looking at the place hard*
<@DeathStar> <Shin> We should keep our guard up
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Always, but you're right."
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...maybe she spent all of her money on the book?"
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks at them, then at the front door* <Azif> Who should knock?
<@Ariel> * Nicolette steps forward to knock on the door
<@Seraphna> Alt> Nico is brave.
<@DeathStar> *chimes go off inside*
<@DeathStar> *the light next to the door lights up with magi-tech*
<@DeathStar> *glowing brightly*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? Hello?"
<@DeathStar> *footsteps are heard, sounding loud at first, almost like someone heavy is approaching, but then the door creaks open and peering out is a petite looking girl who looks very young, her darkish purple hair in twin tails as she stares at them questioningly*
<@DeathStar> <Young Woman? Teenager?> Yes? How may I help you?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hi. We were hoping to speak with the lady of the house."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *adds* "No, we're not selling anything or something like that."
<@DeathStar> <Young Woman> Ah. *she chuckles, awkwardly, at the joke* May I, um, ask your business, m'lady?
<@DeathStar> *she peers over each of them*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We wish to inquire about a tome purchased by the mistress of the house."
<@DeathStar> *she studies them a moment, looking at each of them, then steps to the side, opening the door further* Um, please, come inside then. *she further opens the door for each of them, leading them into what looks like a very small, but very well kept entry way*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *moves inside*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette steps inside, moving over towards the wall to give more space. "This is a lot more... modest, than you'd expect."
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne follow Nicolette and Lana, with Mirage and Azif letting Alt take the lead for them; the house seems to be on the small side as far as rooms go, but it does seem to be have a few floors surprisingly. The bottom floors look like they have various stuff in each of them, Lana and Nicolette recognizing a few magical relics stashed in the corners and a few magical swords leans against the walls, as well as stacks of papers practically going to the ceiling, leading a clashing of items. The girl leads them to a guest area, past all of the clutter to a kitchen area where she finds enough seats for everyone and begins to prepare cups to pour tea into*
<@DeathStar> <Girl> Well, guests do not usually come. I, um apologize for the state of the house. There is always new items being added to it.
<Jackieness> <Lana> *takes a seat* "Ahhhh...its not that different than my own lab."
<@DeathStar> <Girl> You said you were interested in a tome?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's... quite the collection. Actually, it's... frightenly impressive."
<@DeathStar> *The girl chuckles, holding her own tea cup, glancing around* I will not argue that.
<@DeathStar> *Selena taps her fingers on the tea cup, studying the girl and probably trying to place her age, figuring she was picked by the lady of the house to get her off the streets or something*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes..." *looks at Shin* "The note you got?"
<@DeathStar> *Shin produces it from her spirit energy and holds it out. The girl studies Shin curiously, glancing at her intently, but then reads the note. * <Girl> Ah.... Ah!. *she seems quiet a moment, then looks up* May I ask..... *she pauses, then repeats louder* May I ask why you want this particular tome?
<Jackieness> <Lana> "We are trying to learn about this land and its mistress."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mmm, it’s not the coolest time. **muses**
<@Seraphna> *tome
<@DeathStar> *The girl looks at Lana, then at Alt*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oh research! That’s the word!
<@DeathStar> <Girl> I'll... be right back. *she excuses herself, and steps out of the room, bumping the table and apologizes on her way out*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne folds her hands together, having not touched her tea yet*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *pats Alt slowly*
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> ... *seems to be actually keeping her mouth shut for once, but it's clear she wants to say something sarcastic*
<@Seraphna> **Alt hugs Azif and whispers best book**
<@DeathStar> *a few moments pass and the girl glides in silently this time, holding the tome and sets a huge book is set down on the table*
<@DeathStar> <Girl> .....You will learn a lot about what you are looking for in this book
<@DeathStar> <Girl> I just ask that you bring it back when you are done
<Jackieness> <Lana> *stands to examine the book*
<@DeathStar> *before Lana can take it though, the meek girl places her hand on the book cover* One last question
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Of course." She pauses, "I realize we never introduced ourselves. I'm Nicolette."
<@DeathStar> <Girl> Why ... do you want to learn about this land and it's Mistress, um, Miss ... Nicolette?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Something seems... wrong. We're trying to figure out what it is, and if it's something we can help with."
<@DeathStar> *The girl pauses, then removes her hand so Lana and Nicolette can take it*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh..thank you, very much."
<@DeathStar> *she nods, curtseying for them* <Girl> I, um, hope you learn what you are looking for
<Jackieness> <Lana> *picks up the book*
<@DeathStar> *Selena stands up along with the others, studying the girl, clicking her tongue*
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Let's head back."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Yes, let us head back
<@DeathStar> *The girl pauses, then nods and hurries to the front door to open it for them*
<Jackieness> <Lana> *starts heading out*
<@DeathStar> *she seems to watch Nicolette for the most part as she says goodbye*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Another one falling for Nico. I need to learn her charm power.
<@DeathStar> *As they all end up outside, Selena waits until the door shut* <Selena> Well, I noted a few oddities.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Or was it just me?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, definitely."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> She didn't return her name was a red flag, but at the same time she seemed to appreciate you giving yours
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I wonder what made her not give it
<Jackieness> <Lana> "...I didn't want to ask if she was a witch..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Name Magic? Maybe. Could be the Knight.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That was the other one. She gave the tome over
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I would have thought she would wait for permission
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, I'm pretty sure it's her place. And... I suspect she already knew who we were."
<Jackieness> <Lana> *nod nods*
<@DeathStar> *Shin peers back at the place* <Shin> If she had an idea of who we were, then I am curious who she might be. <Azif> Alt's idea of her being the Knight might not be too far fetched after all in that case
<@DeathStar> <Azif> But if that was it, why would she not be in her tower
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Perhaps she also senses something is wrong."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We should return to the inn then and prepare
<Jackieness> <Lana> "Come on."
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 3: Cermonies | Session 142: TBA
<@DeathStar> -Minis Open-
<@DeathStar> *Gwen leans back in his seat while everyone is back at the hotel - the tome seems to be part diary, part history of the city, and it looks like they were once friends with the Knight Jane - Jane and Jean and seems*
<@DeathStar> *Jean's diary goes into her time beign with Jane as she worked to turn it around from a slave operation to what it is today*
<@DeathStar> *though things seem to hint that Jean might have been more - lovers or family*