RP:Musings of Orb and Fragments

Part of the The Orb Of Life Arc

Characters: Cecilnezuto, Cerinii, Hameirak, Neema, Thea.

Location: Kelay; Kelay Tavern Cecilnezuto would walk into the tavern, making his usual rounds. He'd greet Mesthak and Nancy, the latter prepping his usual order and check the board as he waited. He saw nothing on there of interest to him, so he accepted his drinks and tipped her, as he always did. Wrapping his cloak about his armour, he'd sit near the fireplace and look around at the other patrons before sipping his drink and relaxing

Hameirak kneels down and put his head close to her ear, what he was about to say he did not want anyone knowing.

Hameirak whispered something to Thea.

Thea pays thoughtful attention to the question now being posed in hushed fashion by the draconian, her eyes widening a bit at it's end. Pondering it over several moments, the Pixie finally moves to offer a similarly hushed response..

Thea whispered something to Hameirak.

Hameirak continues to whisper directly into her ear, his breath would be warm on her skin.

Neema entered soon after Cecil did. As was common occurrence with the avian, she was chomping away on her fingernails while waddling along, weaving past people and various furniture that might be in her way. She wasn't exactly paying attention, so as the beekeeper approaches the area nearest the fireplace, she accidently bumps into the male seated there, and really hopes she hasn't made him spill. Neema hops backward, and begins making multiple apologies. "Eek! Oh dear, I'm sorry. I should've been watching where I was going..." They go on for a few moments, until she recognizes Cecil as the person she spoke with when the Eternal Tree spoke of the second key, which now rested on her neck. "..I remember you! Sort of. Hi."

Hameirak whispered something to Thea.

Thea considers the situation and confessions of her most recent patient, mulling over possible herbal components to aid his cause. Taking a deep breath, she looks to him with a matter of fact expression then begins another whispered reply..

Cecilnezuto snapped out of his thoughts when the chair was bumped and looked over, "Are ye ok? I remember ye, as well, from the gathering at the Eternal Tree." He'd say this with a chuckle and motion for her to sit. "Fear not, I don't anger easily, unless with good reason, Milady. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Cecil 'Winterwing' Nezuto, Knight of the Balance." As he spoke warmly, he'd rise and bow respectfully, before taking his seat once more. "I had seen on the board that ye found the second key, 'tis a good job, Milady. 'Tis also rather interesting that we had spoken of such a thing occuring during the meeting, then it happening." He'd say to her, still smiling warmly so as to calm the nervous woman

Thea whispered something to Hameirak.

Neema 's face stretched into a big, goofy looking smile. One that if held for too long, it looked like it might hurt her face after a while. Her head bobbed with a nod, so much so that the giant purple hat topping her head slipped down over her face. After a moment where she froze, confused as to why she could only see purple, the avian shoved the big hat back into its proper place and replied, after blinking twice after such a long title. "I'm Neema. Nice to meet you, Cecil." As he spoke of the second key, her hand instinctively moved toward the rusted key hanging from her neck. The avian nods again, but this tim her hat doesn't make a slip up. "Yep, I found it. I never would've thought I would..I was never too good at finding things." She adds with a little laugh while recalling their conversation, "It is! Maybe it was a coincidence or something." Hameirak whispered something to Thea.

Thea looks on him now with some concern though she nods, "Aye..I will see to it then. Where would you like it to be delivered?"

Cecilnezuto chuckled softly as he replied, "Aye, 'tis a pleasure to meet ye, Neema or at least, meet ye officially. As for the key....one never knows how or why such things occur in such a fashion. Some would say fate, destiny..." He'd pause as he spoke, sipping his wine before continuing, "I believe it was only right ye found it after having expressed yer desire to aid in matters due to yer ancestor's actions. Perhaps it's a sign."

Neema had never really thought about her finding of the key might be considered a sign, but it definitely made sense to her, after she thought about it. It was almost as if a tiny light bulb went off in the avian's slightly scattered brain, while she glanced upward, imagining the old tavern's roof wasn't there and she could see the sky. She was looking in Armantium's general direction. "I never thought of it that way.. Perhaps you're right. Maybe when all of this is over, I can change some things." An idea had hatched in her mind, one that wouldn't be voiced right away, what with it not thoroughly thought out since it just occurred to her at that moment.

Hameirak stands. "When ever you wish Thea, but please do not leave it too long, I do not dare wish to think what I would do without it."

Thea nods and begins to gather her things, "Aye then. I will go and see to it now. I will return soon." She offers Cecilnezuto and Neema a polite nod in passing as she goes to gather the necessary herbs for Hameirak's cause.

Thea exits south.

Thea appears from the south.

Hameirak goes to the bar, taking up a stool, making sure his duster flows off the back. He taps on the bartop, "Usual please barkeep."

Thea returns to the tavern with a small basket of freshly harvested herbs nestled neatly next to a mug and a rolled parchment. She approaches Hameirak and begins to unload the components before him, laying each out gingerly then settling the cup next to them with the rolled paper inside it, "The instructions for the tincture are here. This is all I could harvest today, as these herbs are rare, aye? You -must- follow the directions to the t..taking care not to miss -any- ingredient." She spoke with a seriousness in her voice that she hoped would convey the possible consequences to her patient.

Cecilnezuto nodded at her words, his crimson hues following her gaze, "'Tis very true, Neema. It may be a sign that ye can do exactly as ye wished to do. We'll not know until the Sage appears once more." This was said gently to the Avian. Cecil knew all too well what it was like to be judged from the choices ancestor's had made, but he also knew that if there was to be changes to that, it had to start with someone. "Just remember this; the balance has been thrown severely by the loss of the Grove. I have a theory for it's restoration and for how it could, possibly, effect the choice the key bearers must make. My theory involves the balance being restored and....well, I'd have to speak with the Sage in regards to it or a skilled and knowledgeable mage." Pausing for a moment, he turned his crimson eyes to her, "Don't be pressured into a decision, Neema. Ye should go with what yer heart says is right. I believe that there is more than one way to restore the balance, but it must be sought for." As he finished speaking, he'd let her ponder the slightly cryptic meaning of his words

Hameirak nods, "Yes madam. I will do exactly as instructed." with that he takes the bottle given from Mesthak, just about to take a mouthful before he asks, "I am still alowed to drink while taking these herbs right?"

Cecilnezuto vaguely wonders if spontaneously combusting drow are common in the tavern, noting no one paid him much notice

Thea said to Hameirak, "I do not recommend you over-indulge..but a few spirits will only add to the affects."

Neema grinned at Thea when she passed after her gaze left the tavern's ceiling, then turned her attention back to Cecil. She was clearly anxious about what was to come next, but was glad there were two other people who'd be making the decision as well. Especially when the other key holder that she knew of was a friend. Her unease would most likely become even less when she found out the third key holder too. Neema kept up that grin, and nodded to Cecil, though she wasn't entirely sure of what he meant and didn't want to appear completely clueless. She chose not to reply toward his cryptic words for just that reason. "..I'll try not to be pressured," was all she said.

Hameirak chuckles, "Would you call my usual drinking habbits 'over indulging'?"

Thea grins then shrugs her feminine shoulders to the draconian, "I am not one to judge, Hameirak..but do take care, aye? Seek me out when you start to run low on the herbs."

Cecilnezuto smiled warmly as he spoke, "Worry not, Neema, I shall aid ye if ye need it. Maybe not for the decision making, seeing as how I'm not a holder, but perhaps against the guard or guards that must surely be posted at the Orb's location."

Hameirak nods and continues with the action of taking a mighty mouthful of liquor. Placing it down ont he table next to the basket of herbs and oils, "I dont drink like I used to anyways. Thank you again Thea, I do not know how I would ever be able to start repaying you."

Thea overheard bits of their conversation regarding the keys, mirroring Neema's grin to her when she caught sight of it. She says nothing, but offers her a wink before looking once more on her patient.

Cerinii said to Cecilnezuto, "I am sure the soldiers of the Republic will be there to make sure nothing gets out of hand.. Or maybe to even protect the Orb."

Thea said to Hameirak, "By making the tincture exactly as the directions say and remaining calm? That would suffice for repayment, Hameirak. *she smiles* "

Cecilnezuto said to Cerinii, "Aye, that is true, but some extra aid is never a bad thing, Milady. *this was said with a smile and respect*"

Neema nodded, glad to hear she'd get some help. She knew how to defend herself well enough, but with her luck it probably wasn't going to be enough for whatever guarded that Orb. It would probably be a good idea for the avian to pick up on her training with Rhocielle sometime soon. "I'd really appreciate that," Neema said, "I just hope it isn't anything too big."

Hameirak looks her right in the eyes with his big blue pupiless ones, "Please dont care for me too much, its not healthy."

Thea said to Hameirak, "I care for all my patients, Hameirak..particularly the ones I also consider friends."

Cerinii grumbled, "Nothing but trouble, bloody Orb." Turning to face the bar and order another glass of orange juice.

Hameirak chuckles, shaking his head and taking a mouthful of liquor, saying in a playful yet flirtatious tone, "A friend? I should be so lucky."

Cecilnezuto chuckled and nodded to Neema, "We could all hope for such, but artifacts with that kind of power are usually not just sitting there, guarded by beetles and such. No....I feel it may be a new foe that we've not faced in this realm,.... But that, too, is just a theory." As he finished his words, he'd mutter lightly, "I just hope my theory regarding these fragments prove true...if so...." He trailed off in his muttering and resumed it in his thoughts. If what he suspected about the fragments were right, then there may be a way to restore the Grove without the Orb's direct influence. Of course, it was merely guesswork and trully depended on the decision made by the holders. He'd sip at his wine as he continued his guesswork

Thea lofts a brow towards Cerinii, viridian eyes narrowing slightly as her statement makes something of an impact on the Druidess. She opens her mouth to possibly allow some venomous statement to be cast the Avian's way, but manages to hold her tongue just now. More important matters at hand, after all. She looks on Neema once more but this time her expression is one of reassurance, as if to tell the young woman all would be fine. The Republic..mention of such left a very sour taste in the Pixie's mouth given her past with Demont and that whole affair. She smiles and says to Cecilnezuto, "Pardon my interruption, but you will be among some fine company, dear. I believe Duth and Vexar will be joining the venture as well." The Pixie then leaves the pair to their conversation once more.

Thea said to Hameirak, "And you are a friend."

Hameirak smiles, "Well thank you madam Thea." He takes another mouthful of liquor, placing it apon the bartop, he looks at her, "I couldnt intrest you in a drink could I?"

Cecilnezuto nodded at the pixie's words as he continued his theorizing and spoke softly, "Aye, I agree and fear not the interruption, Milady. I welcome any information on such matters as I can." As he finished, he'd allow the pixie to resume her own conversation, since it seemed rather important and he did not want to disturb her. Turning back to Neema, he'd wait for her response

Thea waves a hand to him, "I thank you kindly, but I fear I may have had a bit too much tequila last night as is." Her brow furrows as a sudden realization hits her, "Oh dear..I don't even know how I got home last eve..."

Neema nodded once more, while taking a momentary glance over her shoulder when she heard Cerinii grumble. She frowned. Choosing not to comment, she turned back toward Cecil. The idea of a new foe didn't settle well with her. If it were something she had fought off and killed before, it wouldn't be so frightening to think of. Judging by the puzzled look on her face, Neema hadn't a clue of what Cecil meant in reference to fragments. "What's a fragment?" She blinked at her own question, then added on. "I mean, I know what a fragment is, but what fragments? I didn't know anything about fragments.." Her dull eyes shifted from Cecil's form to Thea, sending one of those oversized grins her way, one that only gets bigger in size when she hears two more will be coming along, even if she didn't recognize their names. "Maybe this won't be so difficult after all."

Hameirak chuckles again, louder this time, "Sign of a good night. Will you not even accept a glass of Rose?"

Thea said to Hameirak, "I believe I should be best to stick with my coffee just now, dear. One night of lost memories is more than sufficient considering I need to keep my wits about me just now with all that's transpired."

Hameirak nods sympotheticly, "I understand. Do you wish to talk about it? Maybe I could be of some help."

Thea 's cheeks are reddened slightly at the few recollections from the night before, "I appreciate the offer, but to be perfectly honest..I do not discuss matters of the heart very often. Suffice it to say that an old..friend and I, have come to a new crossroads in our relationship."

Cecilnezuto looked at Neema thoughtfully, then to the pixie briefly. As he turned his gaze back to the Avian, he'd say to her, "Aye...but never underestimate yer foe, Neema. Some are usually not what they appear..." Pausing a moment, he'd remember someone he'd travelled with in another realm. One he had found wasn't what they had posed as and after it killed his allies, he had dealt the killing blow to the foul thing. Snapping out of his memories, he continued, "As for the fragments...perhaps it would be better spoken of in a more private setting, away from the wrong ears, along with those that are rather more knowledgeable in the arts than I. Aye, I know some fairly powerful magic, but I'm far from a master and have much to learn. As I've said, though, I mainly have theories on the matter currently." Hameirak nods and smiles wide, "Ah. Ive been there." He then takes another mouthful of liquor, a little bit of liquor dribling down his chin, which he wipes away on his sleeve.

Thea 's smile now disappears behind the brim of her cup, those viridian eyes offering just a tinge of sadness behind the cryptic tale. She sips gingerly then stands and gathers her belongings, "Aye, if you will please excuse me..I have some things to attend to. I do hope the tincture helps and I will see you soon."

Hameirak nods and places a hand apon her shoulder, his eyes turning pearl white.

Neema 's knowledge about anything magic-related was very, very little. She used magic, but compared to most others, she was weak. Very weak. All the avian could do was heal a bit, fling some air around at people, a lot if she's frightened and desperate for a way to escape, and lift puddles of water off the ground. She even had a staff with magical properties that she didn't know of, and with the avian's luck she wouldn't know of them or be able to harness them for a long time. Her hat-covered head bobbed with a slight nod at Cecil, even if the mention of powerful magic put her off a bit since she was nowhere close to fully understanding anything magical. "Maybe you'll find out what those fragment things do soon..Whenever the Sage appears, I guess."

Thea exits south.

Cecilnezuto nodded as he couldn't help but watch the large hat bounce, "Aye, either him or a well studied mage. A tavern wouldn't be very fitting of a place for such theories, in any matter. I'll help ye, Neema. I'm sure if ye need some aid with magic or the like, I could help in what I know of, even if it's not too much."

Neema had a close friend sort of nudging her in the right direction in regards to water magic, and the air stuff was mostly just guesswork. It seemed fitting with her, especially if one knew the way she even figured out she could manipulate air in the first place. Her winged shoulders moved with a shrug. "I'm not entirely sure if a mage could teach me..Don't they use incantations and things like that?" Neema wasn't aware that she was what would be considered a druid, figuring the title went to people with more power, or some such. "It just sort of happens when I want it to, usually." Her shoulders shrugged again. "That would be nice to have a little bit of help, though." You told Cecilnezuto, "ooc; Okay! I'll save it. ^^ I have no idea how to post rps on the wiki, though..>> I might bug Rho about it when he gets online."

Cecilnezuto chuckled softly, "I can help with what I can, I'm skilled with both sword and magic, often merging the two. But, I know I'm far from being an adept with either. I can help with what I am able to, but a far more experienced magic user would be able to help ye better. For now, though, I say we relax while we can. Things may not stay as relatively calm as this after the Sage reveals the final pieces of the puzzle and after I've spoken with him or another about my theories."

Neema didn't know how to use a sword at all. The very thought of using one gave her goose bumps. The avian could be really clumsy, and with a blade in her hands she could easily unintentionally hurt herself or lop off somebody else's limb, or worse. That's why she stuck with her staff or her flail. The staff only had a small blade on the end, and it was far enough away so she wouldn't have to be concerned with hurting anybody except for who she fought. With Rhocielle's help, she had become skilled with the weapon, but was far from mastering it. The flail was more or less a last resort weapon. The thought of merging magic and a weapon sounded like something Neema might want to try, and made a mental note to see if it worked with her staff later. Yet again, the avian nods, once again feeling uneasy with all of this business surrounding the Orb. "Hopefully it'll all be over soon," she said with a slight frown. "I wonder when the Sage will appear again."

Cecilnezuto said, "I'm unsure of when he shall appear again, but he'll appear when the time is right. It may be a hell of a battle for the Orb, but none of us know for sure. I've mainly theorized things and theories can usually be false. I say ye don't overthink it for now and just prepare yerself in case of anything happening. Ye have those that have yer back, Neema" Zink said OOC, "Does anyone have any spare sage mixture's i could have?"

Neema had only seen the Sage once, and that was when she was trying to gather information relating to the Orb and keys without being noticed. All of it didn't sound so serious at the time, but now that she was involved with it and held one of the keys, it seemed really serious. Funny how that works. Again, the avian was glad there would be others present. "I'll do that. I should probably find Rhocielle again soon. Get some more staff practice in."

Cecilnezuto said to you, "Aye and I shall ask ye to excuse me, I must go and discuss matters of an important nature with someone. Ye can send me a courier whenever ye have a question. *Smiling warmly, he'd finish his drink and begin gathering his things before rising*"

Neema said to Cecilnezuto, "Alright, then." She smiles back, "See you around."

Cecilnezuto would nod and give her a gift before departing, "Aye, be safe."