Sunday Group RP Forum

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum "Friend," she says immediately, then thinks a moment.  Her contact hadn't been extremely specific, "...I think.  I'm looking for a man.  I was given no name, only a location and a vague description.  Heavily armored, carrying a tower shield and wearing a mask." Her mind wanders away for a moment. "You may have trouble if you're simply passing through.  They're not likely to let you leave.  There's been a theft of some important object, some... 'egg'.  No one is allowed out of the city until they find it."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum Thorum sighs.   "Figures."  He walks for a bit then looks at Lorelei and shrugs.  "That's just how our is luck is lately.  We'll figure somethin' out.  Likely the Captain wants our help with something or else she wouldn't want to see us."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum "True..." Lorelei considers the possibilities for a moment, her eyes gleaming somewhat as they continue down the road in a patch of dimmer light, the nearby sconce sputtering, fire low,  "newcomers to the city, make quite a bit of noise on the way in, prove themselves capable in battle.  Meanwhile there's a theft in the city and everyone is a suspect.  Except you weren't in the city when it happened, and eyes have been on you since you stepped foot in it.  A smart guard captain might take advantage of such a fortuitous situation.  You can't leave until the thief is found, and they clearly need help finding a thief.  It's only a theory, of course.  She could want anything."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum Thorum nods his head and thinks about what Lorelei said.   "Aye, she could want anything.  Could be she just heard the rumors goin' around about the good lookin', red haired dwarf brothers in town and she wanted ta get a look for herself.  BAHAHA!"  Thorum nudges Angus as he laughs.

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum Lorelei startles herself with her soft laugh in response.  It's been quite some time since she laughed, since she's had company she might consider pleasant.  "A fine theory, to be sure." She replies, a slight smile pulling at the corner of her mouth as she glances down at him.  She realizes that though the dwarf gave her his name, she had not returned the favor.  "Lorelei,"  she says, nodding her head to him slightly,  "my name is Lorelei.   Be prepared for the worst, as well, of course.  If you must flee... I'm afraid I am honor-bound to pursue my own goal, and that goal means that I must stay here, free to pursue it.  I may be unable to help you."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum "Well met Lorelei!  You have helped us plenty already.  You've been more help then I expected ta find in this place."  Thorum pauses before continuing.  "Don't worry about us.  Me and me brother are always prepared for the worst.  Apparently we died once already, so what can be worse then that?"  He smiles innocently then continues in a whisper. "Plus...I got a secret weapon hidden where the sun don't shine if ya know what I mean."  Thorum laughes.   "I know, too much information.  Just wanted ya to know I'm ready for anything."   Thorum winks at her and continues walking.

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc Noticing the rather upbeat conversation Thorum is having with the female, Saruuc slows his walking speed to join the two.  He observes the female from top to bottom as if trying to determine something. "Excuse my interruptions, Lorelei I believe? Are you what would be considered normal for humans? I was told humans looked more along the lines of Kennith. Yet you posses a pallor tone in junction with your eyes that mimic my own color. Are you perhaps ill? Saruuc asks the final question with a genuinely concerned look on his face.  "Ah yes, my manners escape me, my name is Saruuc Kech Tuukan, you may call me Saruuc." Finishing his introductions the hobgoblin takes a slight bow before the female.   

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc A hobgoblin.  A polite hobgoblin.  Well, more polite that one might expect a hobgoblin to be.  The question raises her hackles, though, eyes briefly narrowing dangerously before she reigns herself in and considers his tone and demeanor.  Not accusatory or assumptive.   "In a manner of speaking, I suppose I am," Lorelei muses, "but, no, I am not ill as you think of it.  My father was not human, and so nor, entirely, am I.  Your concern is... sweet, though, Saruuc.  It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Politeness demands politeness, after all, and Lorelei nods her head to him.  Her own wounds from their battle throb and bleed sluggishly, and the nearness of others and the smell of their own injuries and blood makes her head feel light and reminds her of the hunger that gnaws at her, the last of her rations from the surface used up just the past evening.  She straightens her back and tries to ignore it, as she has through the day.   "I must confess that I have never had so civil a conversation with a hobgoblin before.  Or any sort of conversation at all, really.  I suppose the Underdark is to be full of surprises."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc Saruuc watches as Lorelei attempts to shake something  off, though he is unsure what. After hearing her brief word on other hobgoblins, Saruuc chuckles to himself thinking back on his brethren from so long ago. Surely some of them would have had polite conversation with an individual such as her, though others... "In all truthfulness I am new to the Underdark, very new, and in a way my behaviors and actions may also come across as atypical. So I suppose my best answer is that I am different, very much like yourself. Though pray tell, if you are not just human, what is the rest of you? I'm still trying to learn races if you will bear with me. I am rather uneducated in current affairs due to my poor education". The last bit is a poor lie that just about anyone could see through. In fact he isn't putting any effort in hiding that. It is unclear why he has made his lie so easy to deceive. 

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc Lorelei quickly becomes uneasy at the pressing of the issue.  She had hoped it was enough.  Most are willing enough to believe that she is half-elf, unconsciously avoiding the truth.  She does not advertise her nature, but neither does she conceal it if directly confronted with such a question.  She has vows to uphold of truth and righteousness, after all. A vow that is clearly not shared by the hobgoblin, but it is a small lie, and she can't read any animosity into it, any malice. "The truth of his mortal race eludes me," Lorelei remarks, perhaps delaying the inevitable.  Her eyes bore into Thorum's for a moment.  What a shame to lose a potential friend so soon.  She meets Saruuc's eyes with her own crimson gaze gleaming in the low light.  Her voice unconsciously goes lower, quieter, and she loses grip for a moment as her eyes stray, gazing over Saruuc's own wounds, the firelight reflecting off of the not yet dried blood on his tunic and skin before her eyes snap back to his quickly.  "But, in death, as he knew my mother, as I was born of him, he was vampire."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc Thorum's eyes get big as he hears the word vampire.   He looks at Lorelei, then Saruuc, then Lorelei again.  Then, surprisingly he smiles.  " That's bloody awesome !" He pats her on the arm.  "We can't choose who our parents are, we can only choose who we are. "  He shakes his head and smiles again.   "Just keep in mind I'll have ta kill ya if ya try and eat me. " Thorum winks at her and mumbles to himself.   "Bloody vampire.  That's amazing... "

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum and Saruuc Saruuc appears briefly confused at Thorum's reaction and thinks to himself, Oh so you accept a vampire, but a hobgoblin is out of the question? . Shaking his head he refocuses on the matter at hand. Saruuc had chosen to test the female by conceiving a poor lie and making it obvious. Satisfied by the results his trust of her had grown and smile grew across his lips.  "Contracted vampirism, interesting walk of life you must have had. Tell me though," at this his smile faded and his eyes grew extremely serious meeting her gaze straight. "is there any chance of further contraction from your own blood? I mean no threat of course, but I have made certain promises that must be kept. As a fellow paladin of faith, I'm sure you understand."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum Thorum's blind acceptance reminds her so much of Mira that Lorelei nearly weeps for it.  She looks away for just a moment, blinking away the sting in her eyes, a small smile at her lips as she recalls her halfling friend fondly.  As Saruuc speaks, though, she glances back up at him.  More caution from him; understandable, but unnecessary. "Not contracted..." She clarifies, "Born of.  As dhampir, I do not believe I can pass on the curse.  Not that I am about to attempt to find out.  As I know it, becoming a vampire is a far more involved process than simply blood contamination.  I am not a werewolf, my bite will not change you, even if I were so inclined.  I do understand your caution, though.  I, too, have made vows to preserve the nature of death, to purge those who profane it from the world."

LOCATION : Gracklstug DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Thorum & Thorum Angus is takes careful note of the newcomer and her unusual appearance. Never has he seen any race quite like it or heard of anything that matches its description. Just as he mulls over the right words to say thank you in a not so thank you manner his brother Thorum has already beat him too the punch.  Angus walk's over after the brief introduction from a nod and passing glance and makes his way over. "Aye as meh brother sais were looking to get direction's to Gauntlgrym, as for the assistance i assure you i had it covered. Next time you butt in try make sure to slay the enemy so it falls away from the folks fighting it aye? That aside you have some skill as a fighter and seem capable enough in a fight, stick with us for long enough i have a feeling we will be needing all the help we can get very soon." Angus think's of the Drow that came and went not too long ago, he was positive they had seen the back of them, why after all this time are they so eager in finding us i wander. Angus mutters under his breathe "Persistant bastards"

LOCATION : Gracklstug Tavern DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Varn The drow, Varn, looks down sheepishly after accidentally calling the female an elf.  If not an elf, what then?  "Sorry, m'lady.  I don't know surface races as much as I would like.  You are not a human surely, with those eyes?  Maybe?  It doesn't matter I am sorry.  Here, please, come have a drink with us.  Are you hungry?  We're just killing time until our friends come find us...hmm...killing time might not be the best phrase...some of our companions were just killed actually.  I don't have much luck with friends sadly...what am I saying?  Why would I say that to you?"   The drow shakes his head.   "I understand if you don't want to join us...sorry..."

LOCATION : Golborn's Lair (Inn) DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Varn Lorelei surveys the strange entourage surrounding the drow.  The day continues to get stranger still.  If strangeness were to put her off, however, she might have to consider herself a hypocrite.  Not to mention that her stomach might violently argue should she refuse the offer. "Famished,"   she replies, looking back to the drow with what she hopes is a charming smile, no teeth.  She acts as though he had not asked after her race as explaining it once in a single day is more than enough for now.  "Thank you, I would happily join you.  I am waiting on... some companions as well.  I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  May the Lady guide them gently to their rest."

LOCATION : Golborn's Lair (Inn) DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Varn Varn gets up and pulls a seat out for Lorelei, "Lady?  Which lady would you be speaking of?  Where I am from the lady spoken of is typically Lolth, the spider queen.  She does not Gently guide anyone anywhere..."  He chuckles and sits down again.   "Please help yourself I can order more."   He gestures to the meat, cheese and bread spread out before him.  "I believe the meat is some sort of lizard."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Quinn realizes that he's still holding Lorelei by the arm, he releases his hold and looks sheepish, "I... uhm, sorry, I didn't mean to man-handle you at all, I just... got concerned. I haven't known any of you for long, but you're my best chance and as much as I hate to say it, I don't want to lose any of you."  He smiles softly, looking back at Lorelei,  "Be careful around that card Lory, many things are magic in this world and most are not beneficial. I would prefer you bunk with Pockets so we can keep an eye on you two, but I can't force you to do anything." 

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Lorelei absently rubs her arm, looking up at him slightly.  She smiles a little, but it turns to a grimace. "Yes, beneficial or not, magic always exacts its price.  I will be cautious," her expression softens, "no need to worry overmuch for me.  I made my way here to the underdark alone, did I not?  Now, how things began to go once I got to the city... is another matter, I suppose." She smiles a little sheepishly, but never fully grins, never shows teeth.  "And I'm afraid I quite like my privacy.  Though, how long I may keep it, I'm not sure.  I've not a penny left to my name, and only so long to hold my room at the inn.  You may get your wish soon enough." As they begin the trek back to the inn, Lorelei sighs, looking up into the darkness, where the immense cavern reaches its zenith far beyond even her vision.   "I came here chasing a thread I'm only lucky came to the possibility of fruition."   She laughs at herself, looking down.  "What in the gods' names was I thinking?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Shows a full smile that crinkles his eyelids and teeth, laughing lightly at her self imposed question "Much the same as me then I suppose, chasing threads that is, too many and all too loose, I never really seem to be able to be a step in front, only four steps back. I understand privacy, I too am left without much in the way of coin, it's menial work, but I get by washing dishes for the Inn. Gets me a room at least." Quinn thinks for a moment, then takes her hand slightly, stopping her in her tracks,   "If it comes to it, you can take my room and I'll bunk with the others, I don't need much, I've learned to sleep just about anywhere, your privacy is more of a concern than mine. Besides, my Father raised me to be a gentleman, and I couldn't disappoint him." Quinn takes a brief look into what serves for a sky in this underground city, a single tear welling in his eye but never falling,  He sighs, releasing her hand and gesturing for them to continue forwards . "So, tell me, before you came to the city, what were you doing?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Lorelei's skin is pale, but despite her nature, blood does flow, and her cheeks do warm.  She smiles wryly, looking away and huffing a laugh to hide it. "Such chivalry," she says, tone only slightly teasing. "but I will not put you out.  I have certainly learned to live rough as well.  I spent a fair time of my youth camping in caves and ruins that I could find shelter in.  I suppose I was..." foolish, stubborn, obsessed, but then, what is she now?   "Adventurous.  And the life of a paladin that I have since taken on is not one of glamor." She looks back at him, and her expression turns soft as she notices the glistening in his eyes.  She gives him his moment, making no note of it. "Which is what I was doing before I came here." She answers.  "I'd just returned to my temple from a mission to cleanse an old ruin of foul undead when I recieved word..." she trails off, looking to the stone beneath her feet, "well, when I was led here.  I have been dedicated to the temple of the Raven Queen for... five years now, I believe."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Quinn blinks twice slowly, religion has never been his strong suit, but he has heard of the disciplines of the Raven Queens devotion and fervor in wiping undeath from the world. Quinn notices the soft rosy colour that permeated her usually pale cheeks and allowed himself a smile. "I don't mind at all, sleeping with others has always made me feel safer. However if you're that opposed to it we could always simply share a room."  He says plainly, with no intentions.  "I admire you and fellows determination, it's good to have purpose, without we are but simple creatures... Caves and ruins, I feel more at home in them rather than the grandeur of over the top featherbeds." He pauses for a moment, a childlike curiosity playing across his stubbled face.  "So, did you always wish to serve?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn Lorelei smiles dryly at that, looking back up at Quinn as she replies. "No, certainly not."   There were times in her youth where she believed she would burst into flame upon setting foot in a temple, in fact.  "I came to it quite by circumstance.  By fate, I suppose.  I would have died if not for the clerics.  I was a foolish girl, young and impulsive, believed myself immortal and untouchable... as children do.  I was... yes, I was without purpose.  Without true purpose.  I thought I had it figured out, but I was only chasing a dream that could never be..." her eyes stare into the distance, back to those days with sorrowful regret and shame.  How hopeful she'd been, how determined for acceptance and love.  Her smile is somewhat bitter, but still somehow fond in her memories,   "I was a wild child, left home when I was barely past maturity.  My poor mother was certainly sick with worry for me most days, even before then.  I spent some time as a mercenary, you could say, though not in a company but with a partner.  Always looking for more."  Searching for the one thing she thought would bring her purpose, finding something else entirely.   "Faith never even crossed my mind.  I'm fairly certain I cursed a few gods' names quite often.  Fate is a tricky thing like that." She looks toward the door of the inn as they reach it, pushing through.  The sounds of the tavern surround them then, more subdued than the Shattered Spire, but still signature of life and activity.  She breathes in the stale air, shoving away somber thoughts and as she holds the door open and looks back to Quinn, she is wearing a smile, again.  It's tighter, with less humor reaching her eyes, but some still, and there's a touch of teasing to it as she nods her head toward him in a mock bow and gestures inside.  She is a paladin of faith, after all, and chivalry is also her domain. "Gentlemen first."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn...and Thorum "Gentlemen first."  Lorelei said while holding the door for Quinn. "Why thank you m'lady, don't mind if I do,"  Thorum says as he steps in front of Quinn and enters the inn.  He then turns and says, "You might as well let Quinn in too.  BAHAHAHA" 

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Quinn chuckles at the appearance of the Dwarf and shoulders his way through the door into the dank interior of the Inn.  He slows his pace and resolves himself to caution Kennith around women like the lady at the shattered spire.  "So..." Quinn says invitingly, hands out stretched to his two companions, the pale beauty and the stalwart dwarf. "Would the two of you like to join me in some cards and ale?" 

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Lorelei shakes her head at Thorum, smiling fondly.  Such a strange group, and so oddly endearing.  It's been so long since she's had such companionship.  She raises a brow at Quinn's proposition. "Cards perhaps," she replies, "and I might pry some secrets from you in return.  I've not indulged in ale since I've taken my vows, however.  A choice, not a tenant.  What of you, Thorum?"   She looks to the dwarf.  "Shall you be joining us?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum At the mention of secrets Quinn's eyes seem to turn darker for just a moment, his usual cheery smile gone, he disguises it by looking off to the bar away from his companions, almost as though fate would have it no other way, his blank expression turns into one of pain and he is grasped by a sudden coughing fit. Quinn was used to such episodes and always carried a decorated handkerchief, in the bottom left corner, embroidered in gold text, the letters A.F show through.  Wiping the gore from his mouth and clearing his throat he looks sheepishly at his companions.   "Old injury, never quite healed, a tankard of ale should do the trick though, shall we?"  He asks, gesturing to an empty table.

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Cards game?  Like that bloody blind woman's card game?  It makes no damn sense!  Who won?  That game makes no sense..."   He trails off lost in his own thoughts.  Then he hears Lorelei talking about how she doesn't drink. "What woman?  You CHOOSE not to drink?  Why?  Why would you do that?  I understand making a vow for your order but if they don't ask ya to then why would ya do something like that?  Just when I was startin' ta think you'd make a fine dwarven lass..."  He smirks at her.   "Bah, I'm sure ya have yer reasons.  Fine you can watch me drink.  Or better yet, buy yourself a drink so I can drink 2."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Lorelei laughs quietly to herself at Thorum's bafflement toward the card 'game' that she and Pockets had taken part in.  She pulls her card out, looking it over.  She's certain that the game will reveal itself eventually.  She pockets it again, safely away.   "I prefer to keep my head level, thank you," she says, eyes scanning the crowd, voice lowering, "certainly in such circumstances.  We aren't exactly welcome in this city.  I'm afraid I couldn't buy a drink for myself if I wanted to.  I've an arrangement for my room, but nothing else.  And don't worry, I was thinking more along the lines of five card stud, unless Quinn has another suggestion?"  Lorelei startles as Quinn coughs, and she smells the blood before she sees it.  Instinctively she summons her divine power, reaching out and placing her palm flat against his chest, pouring healing energy forth.  She catches his eye as he claims an old injury, worry creasing her brow. "Ale isn't exactly a cure-all," she says wryly, casting a glance back toward Thorum,  "despite what the dwarves might suggest."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Quinn grimaces at the contact for a moment before catching himself, looking down into Lorelei's ruby eyes, he places his hand on hers for a moment, shifting it slightly to one side so as to avoid some tender scars from the past. He feels another cough building up in his chest but wills it away.   "It's fine... I'm fine. It's nothing really." "Five Card Stud sounds like a great choice; Thorum, I'm thinking the same, those cards are bad news in any case... I've never really thought well of the shattered spire, but everything there rubs me the wrong way." "Call it intuition, The woman who seems much too interested in Kennith, the Giant on his throne of furniture... and that old lass with the blind eyes.... she most of all, was... disconcerting." He quickly stuffs the lavender coloured handkerchief in his shirt pocket, looking once more into Lorelei's eyes, in an attempt to assure her. She however looked back at him with an intensity, he knew he would have to speak of his past at some stage, but thought he might be able to dodge the questions for a little bit longer.   "Shall we get some drinks, Master Dwarf?"   

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Thorum looks at the 2 of them intently, seeing the eyes exchanged between the two.  None of my business.   "Aye...and from you sounds of you 2 poor saps I think I'm buyin, huh?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Don't feel obliged to Thorum, I can pay off the tab through work in the Inn, however, if you'd like to take the first round, I won't say no." Quinn chuckles at Thorum and releases his hold on Lorelei's hand, "We should see that we invite the others as well, I'd like to know the people I've thrown my lot in with."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Bah forget the others.  I'll tell ya all you need ta know about them.  hmm..."   He taps his chin and thinks for a second.  "There is Sareth, your grouchy drow.  He is an admitted murderer.  Although I think he murdered drow so does it count?" "There's the other drow Varn.  Wizard.  Weird guy.  Wants to think of himself as a surface elf but we all know it ain't true." " Then there is Jim Jar the deep gnome.  He would LOVE to come play games with ya but you'd end up owing him 50 gold by the end of the game." "Then there is Kenneth, the pretty boy.  Nice guy but quiet.  He'll have yer back in a crunch." "Saaruc the hobgoblin.  Super devoted to his statue GOD.   All seriousness from that one." "Venya the druid.  Varn clearly has a thing for her but she has a rather mysterious past she don't like ta talk about.  Down here lookin' fer her kids." "Pockets the childlike kender.  Seems so young at times but damn she's got smarts on her.  She has really stepped up and helped lead us when needed." "Then there is my brother Angus.  Strong but a damn fool."  He smiles.   "Gotta love him." "Hmm...did I miss anyone?  Lets go drink!"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Usually, Lorelei can feel the divine power working to knit together wounds, heal ailing bodies, but all she feels is something... old and aching. Scars too aged to help with her meager means, scars she can feel torn into his flesh just beneath his shirt, and the hint of a burn she can see on his neck this close, and something... something of her divine touch recoils before the damage within his lungs. She feels the urge to pull her hand away from it.   She's distracted from the thought by Thorum and Quinn's conversation and after a lingering moment, lets her hand fall back to the table, though certainly makes it clear in her gaze that she sees through his lightening of the matter.  She resigns to leave it for the moment. "Yes, I think murdering drow counts," Lorelei interjects wryly, and makes a note to watch that one.   "I've spoken to most of them briefly, at least, and Saruuc at some greater length.  Strange fellow, certainly not someone I expected to meet down here, but then I didn't exactly expect to meet any of you."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Depends on the Drow..."  Quinn Laughs "Yes, we're a bit of a Motley crew as some would say, but I'm glad to have people I can rely on." "That barney we had with those Duregar on the pier, was good to see you two in action."  "I hope you can, in time, come to rely upon me."  He smiles, a weak smile as he catches the lingering glare that threatens to expose him from Lorelei. Quinn fidgets with his shirt, and pulls his fur closer to his neck, suddenly feeling chilled to the core.  He draws his bow, laying it with utmost care on the Tavern table, carefully un-stringing it and drawing a pot of whale fat from his pouch, applying it evenly to the Ash wood, as he does so, the runes etched into the heart of the wood almost seem to hum and come alive,  he smiles again, recalling the times his father would scold him for missing spots on his bow, "Your bow is everything, it's your pride, your discipline, your promise and if the gods will it, your weapon."   The voice emanating from a specter of his past.  Quinn looks up from his bow, looking from under shaggy eyebrows,  "Yes, quite, I didn't imagine I'd find anyone from the surface here."  His vision shifts to the ruby-eyed, pale woman sitting across from him, "But I'm glad I did."

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Yes, well, I felt rather useless.  However, you both demonstrated great skill," Lorelei looks over the bow that Quinn spends some time cleaning.  Her own weapon is leaning against the table, gleaming and polished, as she'd cared for it after the battle at the docks.  It's a simple weapon, not as beautifully carved as the bow, but sturdy and well-made.  "Some interesting tricks you have with that bow, Quinn." Lorelei begins to shuffle and deal out cards she pulls from a pouch.  Some old, youthful and mischievous part of her nearly shuffles the strange card gifted by the woman in, but she thinks better of it.  Quinn catches her gaze and she feels her heart sink, though she forces a short smile.  He doesn't know, of course.  Things that might make him think better of that statement, as most do.  Thorum was understanding enough... but Lorelei finds herself hoping that she might keep this secret a little longer, fear pooling in her gut.  In her mind she knows that the truth is best laid bare quickly, to avoid getting too attached to those who might leave, but Lorelei begins to realize she's rather too late already.  Every moment more is digging herself a deeper grave and yet... she can't. "As am I."  She replies, perhaps a bit belatedly, gaze lingering, before turning to the cards.   She looks over to the dwarf.  "Now I've nothing to bet with, I've just realized, so how about I bet ales that I'll owe you?"

LOCATION : Gracklestugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Tricks? No... ancient magics, hundreds of thousands of years old, passed through the generations, parent to child. I feel quite gifted to have been able to learn such an artistry usually only reserved for elves."  He smiles endearingly at the bow laid bare before him, rhythmically rubbing the fat into each groove,  He takes up his cards and for but only a moment, snatches a glimpse of Lorelei being... well... cheeky is the only word he could use to describe it, the thought enticed him.  "Ah, I'm in much the same boat as Lory, Thorum, perhaps I win something tonight, in exchange... hmm... I know, I'll pay in stories, sound fair?"  He smiles and gives an affirming nod towards his companions. Almost absently as Lorelei gazed on him... or more, into him... or so it seemed, he found himself fingering the embroided piece of silk he kept in his shirt pocket, his fingers touching on the initials embossed into the lavender cloth.  "To start with, you see, In the common tongue, I'm concidered an 'Arcane Archer' or Mura'tuya Balita. It's a method of taking inherited magic, and using a missile as a focus to channel it through. I don't have the aptitude of a wizard or the natural abilities of a sorcerer, but I have my own talents." He smirks, downing a flagon of ale, leaving a mustache of foam in it's wake. 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Thorum waves his hand dismissively.   "Fine, fine, whatever.  Not much of a gambler anyway.  That Jim Jar has soiled me to gambling.  EVERYTHING is a gamble with him." 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Lorelei raises a curious brow at the mention of stories as ante.  She doesn't expect things to get terribly personal, but sharing some small anecdotes of the past could be a fun way to spend the evening.   "I daresay everything is a gamble in the Underdark entirely." Lorelei adds, then glances back to Quinn.  She has to stifle a laugh at the foam left on his upper lip.  "Hmm, Quinn, you have a little..." she gestures toward it, then waves her hand, shaking her head, "never mind.  A curious use of magic, then.  I've never had a talent for it, but there was a boy in my village who went off to study in the Arcanum.  Though..."  her expression turns slightly pitying, "I don't think he really had a talent either.  Wonder how that turned out for him." "The sword always came easy to me, though," Lorelei says, patting the hilt of her blade, "even before I joined my order.  I've been fighting since I could carry one."

Quinn looks quizzically at Lorelei as she gestures towards him, he takes a quick look over his shoulder before being told to forget it.  He shrugged in response.  "The Acranum? I've heard only tidbits of information about that place, seems like a musty academy meant for equally musty people."  Quinn leans forward, resting his chin on his hand, he realizes quickly the foam coating his upper lip and wipes it away with his sleeve.   "I say you have your own strengths, your own magic; remember when we first met? I was roughed up and you placed your palm against my cheek and I felt no more pain."  "I heard about that, apparently you smote that giant mightily, I'm reasonably proficient, but maybe you could show me around a blade, give me a couple of pointers sometime." He chuckles, wrapping his knuckles against the curved handles of the scimitars sheathed around the small of his back.  Quinn turns towards Thorum and points a finger lazily.  "If I recall correctly, Jim Jars that one I fetched from the lake, right? Doesn't surprise me the little blighter gets himself into trouble" 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Gets himself into trouble?  Oh no, he gets the rest of us into trouble.  Half the people we're with owe him money they don't even have.  He's a crafty one."   "And if ya want ta learn ta fight hand ta hand don't be lookin' at her and her little swords.  Ya want ta really learn ta fight let me and Angus  teach ya the axe!  Or I can show ya how ta use me pole arm..."  He looks Quinn up and down.  "Naw maybe not me pole arm.  Yer arms are too scrawny."  He smiles.  

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "The divine power I use..." Lorelei thinks on how to describe her abilities as a paladin, "it's not quite the same.  It isn't learned, and it isn't a natural ability.  I am... a conduit for divinity.  The power flows through me, and though I can direct it, it is not mine .  The cleric may be able to explain it better." And she may have to explain to the cleric why his healing didn't work on her, eventually.  Some food is delivered with her drinks, and Lorelei snatches up a few dried meats, uncaring of what sort of meat, exactly, they are.  Hunger gnaws at her again, not having eaten since the night previous.  She discards two cards, and draws.  She grimaces at her hand and calls. "I can't say I'm very familiar with scimitars, but if they're anything like short swords, then there might be a few things I can show you.  I am more... disciplined with the great sword, but I learned quite a few tricks with a shorter blade when I was mercenary.  It's less rigid, a bit... scrappier, below the belt, if you will," she gives a sly grin, with the barest flash of teeth before she smothers it.  Honor was of no use to her then.  She fought dirty with short blades, fist and foot, and the occasional dirt in the eyes.  "Certainly useful in many situations."

Quinn inspects his almost wiredbound forearms, the result of many years of drawing a longbow,  "Scrawny?"  He laughs "The axe is not so much my forte, it requires brute strength, weapons like these." - He again wraps his knucles on his scimitars  "Require a bit more finesse."  He looks over Lorelei, catching for the briefest of moments her teeth, something caught his attention but he wasn't quite sure what.  "You can't go into a fight underestimating your enemy, honor doesn't keep you out of the grave, any tricks are worth learning, and often worth using."  "I've dallied with a great sword, but it's hard to draw after dropping your bow,"  Quinn takes a chunk of bread and a healthy lump of cheese, digging in greedily.  "Ha! From the looks on your faces, I'd say I've got the winning hand!" 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "You'd be surprised how far brute strength can get you with any old anything as a weapon," Lorelei remarks cheekily, "even one that you might think requires more finesse ."  Lorelei's poker face certainly isn't the strongest.  Perhaps if she put forth a solid effort, she might be able to fool the best of them, certainly she's learned not to flinch in combat, but the setting is entirely different, she supposes.  She sighs and folds her hand.  She leans on the table, propping her chin up with her fist, reaching up with her other hand to pull the tie from her hair. It tumbles loose down her back and around her face. She pushes it back over one shoulder. The tension in her shoulders starts to bleed away a little with the tension in her hair gone. The weight of her chain mail still hangs on her, but it's easy enough to ignore. "My cards aren't even worth showing.  Go on then, what have you got?  I told Thorum I'd owe him ale instead of straight coin, what forfeit will you claim from us?"  

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Perfect! Great idea Lorelei.  Distract him with yer sexy locks of beautiful hair so I can make my move and win!" He smiles and winks at her.

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Quinn nods, conceding the point and he stifles a chuckle when Lorelei folds her hand,  "Ah you see, I just happen to.... ha..." His sentence trailed off as Lorelei leaned forward and tore her hair loose. Quinn realized he was staring and quickly righted himself. "Ahem... I have four of a kind."  "You're trying to distract me aren't you Lory, it won't work, I promise."  He smiles at her.   "Hmm... I would say... ah! I know, if I'm trading stories it's only fair that I take only stories in return, hm..?"  "So.. this should be interesting."  Quinn leans forwards over dramatically, chin on his hands and tears loose the leather throng that was keeping his hair in a loose pony tail.  "Two can play at that..."  He whispers. 

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum It takes her a moment.  A whole solid moment.  She furrows her brow, looks to Thorum, looks to the cards, and looks back at Quinn.  Only then does her face turn red and she sits up straighter. "I wasn't-" was she?  She looks at Thorum, face going stern.  "I wasn't ."   She assures him, then turns her glare back to Quinn, but any more words trail off as he mimics her action from before.  She finds a few brief words again.  " Oh .  Yes, well I can see how that would be...  how you might think-"  Lorelei buries her face in her hands and counts to ten. When she looks back up, it's with a smile, face still red, a slight twitch to her lips, eyes slightly wider than before, clasping her hands together.  Not a drop of alcohol in her and she feels like she's the one making a fool of herself. "Stories!  Yes, stories; I love stories.  What sort of story would you boys like to hear?"

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Quinn can't help but let a smile that stretches from cheek to cheek crawl across his face as he watches Lorelei struggle to form sentences.  He lets loose an endearing laugh and stretches back, he hands knit together around the back of his head as he stretches.  "Ah.. let's see... hmm..."  Quinn looks from the corner of his eye,  "Tell us about...hmm. I know. Tell us about your first love, who were they, where did you meet them, what were you doing." "Unless Thorum has a better idea."  he stretches back further this time, accidentally allowing his shirt to slip somewhat up his waist, baring his stomach and most of all, accidentally showing parts of his scars. Deep fissures of pink flesh which had only barely knit back together, he pattern is like a claw, a single monstrous claw that raked his chest.  Quickly he straightens himself and fixes his shirt,

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum Lorelei rolls her eyes, as Quinn stretches back, seeming very self-satisfied.  She does catch a glance of the scars that she had felt earlier, though he quickly rights himself and covers them.  She looks at him curiously.  She'd seen the shape, the mark of some sort of beast, and more recent seeming than she'd thought. Lorelei opens her mouth to answer... only to find that no words come.  Do childish fancies count?  The mayor's son who teased and taunted her endlessly but had such pretty golden hair?  Her heart begins to sink.  She'd left home so young, so driven, so certain.  Nothing else mattered but her mission.  Nothing in the world was so important as finding-...  Not even the handsome young men that stole glances at her in the taverns, or Mira with her lovely, mischievous laugh.  Then... then she nearly died, and the clerics had saved her. She had no answer. "The dwarf lost, too." She finds herself saying, almost choking on the words, averting her eyes. "He should have to tell his tale as well."  She flips over her cards, showing one pair.  "If you've no better, you should go first."

LOCATION : Gracklstugh DATE/TIME : ? WHO : Lorelei, Quinn and Thorum "Hey who said I lost?"   He glares at them for a second then puts his cards down.  "OK, yeah I lost..."    "Fine you want to know about my first love.  Morista Malkin.  She was a fierce, hot lady...but...the war.  After the war of Gauntlgrym me and me brother were sent away to scout the underdark.  We decided to end it."   He shrugs then laughs.  "She'd be surprised if she saw me now.  I look 30 years older after that ghost got to me... "  He trails off looking into the dark, lost in his own thoughts.