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Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,124
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #60 on Jun 16, 2012, 12:02pm »
Kiko said nothing, and likely would not either. But, her eyes were laughing. Everyone in Wistvale were either terrified of her Chosen, something she never had been, or did not know he existed; beyond a few exceptions.
They did not see the man she saw. The man that would feed a small mouse instead of tossing it out of his clothing, or carve wood and dragonbone with such detail that it felt alive, or the one that would slip silently out of the house to find fresh flowers to leave on her pillow. No. They saw the warrior, the watcher, or the name. The irony of having a blind man see this side of him was not lost on her.
Kiko stepped to his side and brushed a hand across his shoulder.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #61 on Jun 16, 2012, 7:13pm »
Grayell lifted a hand and drifted it across the small ok Kiko's back, up to and then down her arm, before he took her hand delicately and placed a kiss upon it.
He then offered a seat where there was none, conventionally; and sat with legs crossed by the small fire.
"Come, have some tea.
But in a manner of speaking Dominic, it's not as simple as all that. Just following in my father's foot steps mind you. Seems strange to inherit the family business when it's the Vanguard."
He laughed a little, picking up the cups and offering them, before seeing to pouring the tea carefully.
"Frogroot and whispermoss. I find it clears the sinuses, and it tastes lovely."
He took a sip then and relaxed some, shuffling a little to make the rough earth somewhat more comfortable.
"Well Dominic, I don't know how it is we've never formally met. You were gone for quite some time and it seems I did just that prior to your leaving. Seven years... they just fall away it seems. It's good to finally make your acquaintance."
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #62 on Jun 17, 2012, 5:53pm »
Dom picked his way carefully into the cave, moving toward the crackle of the fire and sinks down into an awkward seat. He felt a little creaky, a little stiff, as he always did after exerting himself and when his thirtieth year had come and gone it was getting just a little harder to get his body to do what he wanted it to do. He accepted the tea gratefully, sipping it before responding.
"Well, I had this nasty habit of running away from things, so you probably didn't catch me before I bolted. I did hear that you went out on a limb for the smith though. I appreciate that. And yeah, seven years went by in a blink. My body definitely remembers Kiko's gentle ministrations." He lifted the cup in salute to her.
"She just got done very pointedly not cutting me into tiny ribbons, like I know you know she could if she wanted. I appreciate that too." He grinned and oriented his white eyes toward Grayell "So, what can I do for you?"
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #63 on Jun 19, 2012, 5:42am »
(Figured we're conversing Kiko so I will respond in the mean time.)
Grayell seemed just a little puzzled by that comment. Yes, Kiko was an accomplished warrior but it was still a little strange to see Dominic accept that fact so casually. Perhaps Grayell was used to the bravado of most people - hell he himself was guilty of bravado... but Dominic just put it out there quite flatly and seemed entirely unconcerned.
That spoke volumes for him, all of which was good in Grayell's eyes.
So he too sipped his tea after they were both seated and comfortable, then leaned back a little and sighed quite happily.
"Well. I do believe you have a message for me. Other than that, you can sit a while and enjoy some tea. You must be tired after so much journeying. I think you're due for a vacation. If you're willing to accept of course."
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #64 on Jun 19, 2012, 7:15am »
"That I do. Though I don't know you'll be able to read it even if you know the cipher." He pulled out the parchment, apparently blank though covered in small dots. "Now I could've just committed this to memory, but it's good to always be clear on what a message says. So we came up with a system of writing that I can read with my fingertips. It's a simple letter substitution system, anyone could learn it." He grinned "But even if you do know it you need prolonged contact with a document to actually get the information out, making it that much harder to intercept. And unless you look real close it just looks like blank paper. Heck we could write false intel on it in ink over the bumps." It was one of his brighter ideas, though he couldn't take all of the credit.
He took a moment to pull out a little inkwell and pen to scrawl the contents of the message on a second piece of parchment. As skilled as his fingers were his handwriting was blocky and childish. He handed both over to Grayell, having not decoded the message, so it looked like a garbled jumble of letters and numbers to anyone who didn't know the code.
"And a vacation you say? What'd you have in mind?" He was, to say the least, intrigued.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,124
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #65 on Jun 19, 2012, 12:21pm »
Kiko relaxed and helped herself to the tea. She cupped it in both hands trying to warm her fingers. She was not cold honestly, not on a glorious summer day as this one had been, but the heat soothed the tendons and ligaments in her fingers and palm. Her eyes slipped closed while listening to them.
She was not surprised at the offer of a vacation. Her eyes slid open and she glanced over at the Wolf. He was much better at dealing with people than she could ever hope to be. She tended to push them to the edge of exhaustion. He'd obviously already noticed what she had seen during the meeting in the meadow. The Bard badly needed a break.
Dominic was explaining the writing system and she rubbed at the tips of her fingers again. She had a decent memory. She could probably learn this way of communicating if need be.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #66 on Jun 19, 2012, 8:14pm »
Grayell looked over the code and nodded, folding it up and slipping it safely inside his bracer. That could wait until later. He poured more tea, offered a second helping to both Kiko and Dominic and relaxed once more.
"Yes, a vacation I think. All of us need time away from the duties of the Vanguard and as it's not a secured wage per se, I'd rather keep everyone happy. You aren't obligated to do anything so ultimately, you can take time off whenever you like.
But no, you've travelled a lot of miles Dominic and I would be honoured to put you up in Wistvale if you like. Perhaps you'll spend some time on my boat and do some fishing. Perhaps you'll do me the honour of seeing you and Kiko train.
There's a lot to see in these parts if you know where to look..."
Grayell realized how absurd that statement must seem to a blind person. He hesitated then, gave it a moment and decided not to dwell on it.
"Or rather, a lot to experience. Perhaps you'll take the time to tell me some tales and I, in return can better explain the purpose of the Vanguard."
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #67 on Jun 20, 2012, 3:24am »
Dom really couldn't resist the obvious, smooth retort. "I see..." letting the pause spread like the cheeky grin on his face before he sighed and sipped his tea in a rather contented manner.
"Well, Charles has given me a place to stay, for which I'm very grateful. And I'd be glad to spend a little downtime I think. I was going to discuss a few things for an upcoming trip I have with the furball and his little one, but they can wait. I think...yes...I think rest would be good." He sipped more tea and his eyes closed for a moment.
"And the more I get to train, and the more advice I can get, the better. I've a feeling you won't need to be invited to know when we're going at it. And hey, if I get my bell properly rung you can haul me back to the tavern for some medicinal aid." That broad grin came up again.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,124
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #68 on Jun 21, 2012, 7:52am »
The expression on Kiko's face went from contemplative to wary when Dominic mentioned the trip with Chaz. She was going to have to tell the Wolf she was headed into Drow territory with them and now seemed to be the time. She put the tea down.
"Yes. About that. Wolf I... I am going with him or them. I can't let Chaz head into the Overwood by himself."
She was calm when speaking and perhaps only the Wolf could hear the apprehension in her voice. She had never been into the Overwood herself, but she had fought creatures from the place. Huge spider like creatures that had not liked light magic, not in the least.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #69 on Jun 21, 2012, 8:03am »
Grayell's reaction was swift - in that he choked and sputtered on his tea. He covered his mouth as he set the cup down, obvious shock in his eyes though he was quite desperately trying to restrain himself from having some verbal outburst...
It took a moment, and as he tried to wipe down the tea he'd spilled on his thigh, he looked from it to the fire. His voice had changed. She knew the tone well. It was the tone he reserved for dead blood mages and bastard werewolves.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Dominic [M:123:1420:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=382&page=1#14144] member is offline
[b]Let me tell you a story...[/b][0:No encore today][1:You have my attention]
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 329
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #71 on Jun 21, 2012, 9:04am »
Dom didn't need to be a seasoned reader of people to get the thudding great blanket of tense anger that had fallen over the cosy little tea party. He heaved himself to his feet. His voice was sober as he spoke.
"Yeah. And I intend to find out about whoever went for Chaz. But we can talk on that later." He doffed his hat to them both, then lifted a pair of fingers to his temple in a loose salute toward Grayell.
"I'm going to take my leave and get some rest, Chief. I'm staying at the foundry." And with that he turned and walked from the cave, staff clicking on the rocky ground. He hadn't wanted to cause friction by helping out a friend, but he was not going to back down on the promise he'd made.
Love, like Hope, has too few letters for a word so powerful.
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #72 on Jun 21, 2012, 7:24pm »
Grayell didn't intend to seem rude as Dominic wandered out, but was left somewhat speechless still. The Overwood was without question, one of the nastiest places a person could venture. He knew. He'd had his share of journeys there.
But the mention of Chaz meant Drow and that particular culture was more heated than ever presently. In fighting, murder and betrayal were all customary traits and that was before they got to a morning's breakfast. The idea did not sit well with him.
He was thinking as quickly as he could manage and then shook his head, poking at the fire.
Kiko Administrator [M:725:2029:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=378&page=1#8679] member is offline
[b]Walk on the edge and bleed.[/b][0:Running With The Pack][1:Wherever I May Roam]
Joined: Sept 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 2,124
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #73 on Jun 21, 2012, 7:38pm »
Kiko watched the fire snap and pop while he shoved it around. She shut her eyes and took a breath, or rather several of them, from the moist air. He was not looking at her and it made her chest knot up in places that, well, shouldn't be knotted up. The breath did not help.
“Put some clothes on, you weird, yellow-eyed, table-dancing, werewolf-training, cryptic, stare-me-right-in-the-eyes-and-don't-even-blink wench.”
Grayell Administrator [M:945:3807:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=372&page=1#226] member is offline
[b]"I've got your white wolf right here..."[/b][0:Baying at the moon...][1:Running with the pack...]
Joined: Aug 2011 Gender: Male Posts: 5,529
Re: Reacquaintance « Reply #74 on Jun 21, 2012, 7:52pm »
Grayell's face was sour and he poked at the fire with little purpose, jabbing at it much like a young boy poking at a cat. The fire hissed at him and he spat back, tossing the burning stick to scatter across the floor in the deeper, damper parts of the cave.
He was frustrated and she knew it. Not mad, not quite; but terribly frustrated.
It took a time, a time longer than it always should but shorter than stupid pride might drag it out; and then he looked to her. He needed her, as his eyes and his arm suggested.
Welcome to The Menagerie. We are a free role playing game with less rules and more freedom. After many years, a couple of hosts and a few different game systems, we feel that less is more. Players get to be truly creative, which in turn leads to more enjoyment in game.
We invite you to join us in crafting our world and look forward to making friends. Should you have any questions, feel free to post in our chat box or ask any of our members or staff.
May you enjoy your stay.
It must be said that this game is the product of continued dedication and friendship.
Grayell: Game inventor and closet basement geek.
Yukiko: Admin and dream-weaver.
Marlena: Admin and promoter extraordinaire.
The Menagerie has enjoyed many incarnations, revamps, reimaginings and renovations and none of it would have been possible without the ongoing support of my friends, the players. Their unwavering loyalty and endless dedication to this project has been stellar.
I would like to thank all admin and staff past and present, in particular Tiberius.
I would like to thank friends and staff no longer with us, and to the few I hold most dear: John, Roland, Alex, Azriel and Jenkins.
Thank you all.
All images are the property of their creator.
Our 2nd site archive with: Total posts 70665, Total topics 1819 & Total Members 86.
...or our first site archive with: Total posts 69401, Total topics 1325 & Total members 145
...OR the very humble start of our game at our friends, www.Heroscapers.com.
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