Bardic Circle 03-26-2011

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Notes: Cordir had been noticeably a bit melancholy. A pair of bards decided to cheer up their Patroness: Viteazu and Aoide, and they were later joined by a third, Tikruul.


Viteazu gossips (in common), 'Lady Cordir, I have a request.'.

Cordir gossips, 'What's that?'.

Viteazu gossips (in common), 'Aoide and I have a song we'd like to perform'.

Cordir gossips, 'Very well.'.
Cordir gossips, 'You can find me in the temples.'.

> <edit>
Aoide arrives from a puff of smoke.
Ok.

> <edit>
Viteazu arrives from a puff of smoke.
Ok.

Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.

Cordir says, 'you two wished my attention?'.

Aoide nods.
Aoide curtseys gracefully.
Aoide says (in common), 'we were just um, ironing out wrinkles'.

Cordir's lips twitch in what is almost a smile.

Viteazu grins happily.

Aoide says (in common), 'but if your Lady would humor us'.

Cordir nods.

The gods fall down laughing at Viteazu's request for mercy.

Aoide says (in common), 'we would love this to take place in the Baths'.

Viteazu finds it warmer there.

Aoide says (in common), 'perhaps our chilled Lady would agree'.

Cordir's eyebrow creeps upward in an expression of bemusement.

Aoide clears her throat.

Cordir says quietly, 'Some chill is internal.'

Aoide says (in common), 'I say chilled in reference to our Lady's title of course'.
Aoide says (in common), 'not her manner'.
Aoide curtseys gracefully for you.

Viteazu nods in recognition to Aoide.

Cordir lays a hand lightly on the Ogre's arm.

> fol Vit
You now follow Viteazu.

Cordir says, 'Lead the way.'.

Viteazu bows deeply.

Aoide curtseys gracefully.

Viteazu sits down and thinks deeply.

(# They travel to the baths)

The Baths
[Exits: north]
You are in a spacious chamber. Marble benches surround the room, facing in
toward the large bathing pool that fills its center. Steam curls up from its
waters, and you are aware of the warm humidity that fills the air. Water
flows forth from a statue in the center of the pool, keeping it hot
and fresh. A marble archway leads out to the north.
(Dark Cyan Aura) Viteazu is here.

Viteazu rests.

Aoide arrives from the north.
Aoide curtseys gracefully.

>fol self
You stop following Viteazu.

Viteazu grunts lightly.

Cordir lightly lifts her hand from the Ogre's arm.

Viteazu says (in common), 'this is perhaps my favorite thinking place'.

Cordir glances around, her eyes flickering with memories.
Cordir seats herself on one of the many benches along the pool's edge.

Aoide says (in common), 'and for our Lady's refreshment'.

Viteazu juggles a bottle of Sherry.

Aoide says (in common), 'not knowing her beverage of choice..'.
Aoide rummages around for some drinks.

Viteazu drinks water from an antelope hide waterskin.

Cordir's lips twitch in what is almost a smile.

Viteazu eats a huge loaf of wheat bread.

Aoide juggles a cup of elven tea.

Cordir says, 'usually chamomile tea.'.

Aoide juggles a shot of whiskey.
Aoide nods.

Viteazu sighs loudly.

Cordir says, 'Or elven.'.

Aoide gives you a cup of elven tea.

Viteazu claps at Aoide's performance.

Cordir says, 'Though, the whiskey is looking particularly ...'.

Aoide says (in common), 'next time, it will be chamomile'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'well done young elf'.

Cordir smiles sadly. '... helpful.'

Aoide gives you a shot of whiskey.

Viteazu gives you a bottle of Sherry.

Aoide says (in common), 'just in case'.
Aoide smiles happily.

Viteazu says (in common), 'they all help me warm up :)'.

Cordir nods slowly, holding the glass in one hand, and adjusting the fall of her skirts with the other, in an almost nervous gesture.

Aoide warms up her singing voice -- La la la la LA!

Viteazu says (in common), 'exping in the mountains of the north is not meant for ogre blood'.
Viteazu coughs.

Aoide gets a loaf of elven bread from a black medical kit.
Aoide eats a loaf of elven bread.
Aoide nods in recognition to Viteazu.

Viteazu taps his drum nervously.

Aoide drinks water from a water-filled gourd.

The lady's foot swings slightly in time to the beat the Ogre taps out.

Cordir swallows hard, her eyes shuttered with preoccupation. She tosses back the whiskey, coughs hard once, and focuses on the two bards.

Aoide coughs on Viteazu.

Cordir murmurs, 'Forgive me. You have my full attention. Please. Go ahead.'

Viteazu sings in a soothing, yet gruff manner, "For Lady Cordir, the Lady of Fate.

Aoide chimes in, "We sing this for you, for you are so great!"

Viteazu says (in common), 'Sometimes life as a leveling bard'.

Aoide says (in common), 'can be discouraging and downright hard'.

Viteazu sings, "But then there are those who give us a spark"
Viteazu coughs.

Aoide laughs at herself and sings, "for when we die we can't see in the dark"

Viteazu sings, "And so is our Lady with her indigo eyes"

Aoide sings, "who in her great love, gave a surprise"

Aoide gives you a chocolate heart.
Aoide presents the Lady with a surprise.

She blinks, glances down at the heart, and almost smiles.

Viteazu sings gruffly, "We come to her now, in search of a quest."

Aoide sings, "always striving to serve her best."

Viteazu says (in common), 'Our gold and gear and smarts together'.
Viteazu sighs loudly.

Aoide sings, "that have been acquired from across the nether"

Viteazu sings, "Ever to find, to write and proclaim.

Aoide sings, "those legends and songs that praise her great name."

Viteazu says (in common), 'Knowledge gaines and experiences earning'.

Oddly, tears well up in the aforementioned indigo eyes, and she bites her lip to keep silent, and listen.

Aoide affirms, "we will grow in our size and strength and learning"

Viteazu sings, "United forver in our Lady's devotion"
Viteazu taps his drum.

Aoide sings, "gathering skill across mountain and ocean."

Viteazu strongly sings, "United forver in our love of Cordir"
Viteazu taps his drum twice.

Aoide hands her Lady a gift of flowers
Aoide gives you wild flowers.
Aoide gives you a bouquet of flowers.

Aoide says (in common), 'to her memory, we will always adhere'.

Tears spill over her cheeks, as the Lady accepts the flowers, bowing her head over them.

Viteazu sings, "We sing praises to you, our Lady of Scavenge"
Viteazu smiles at you.

Aoide waits for the drumroll.
Aoide coughs on Viteazu.

Tikruul arrives from the north.

Aoide waits for the drumroll again.

Viteazu taps his drum repeatedly.
Viteazu blushes.

Aoide sings, "here in this world of final challenge!"

Cordir rises from the bench, and slowly dips a curtsey to those bards who have given her such unexpected praise.

Viteazu bows deeply.

Aoide curtseys gracefully for you.

><edit>
Aoide is not due for a review.

Tikruul wasn't payying attention and missed it.
Tikruul snaps his fingers.

><edit>
Ok.
### Viteazu has earned Bards' Council approval for level 10.

Aoide says (in common), 'Our lady, it is you that have given us such an unexpected treat.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'for ones who often feel the weakest of all'.

Tikruul nods in recognition to Aoide.

Viteazu says (in common), 'for that treat, we wanted to give thanks'.

Cordir says, bemused, 'but you don't even know what it is, yet.'

Aoide says (in common), 'and we do not forget kindness easily'.
Aoide says (in common), 'it doesn't matter!'.

She seats herself once more on the bench, laying the flowers aside and grasping the stone edge to keep her hands from shaking.

Tikruul says (in common), 'awards are awards, whether you win them or not'.

Aoide says (in common), 'it could be chain cooler rifts and we would be pleased to be noticed'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'nobody else really pays bards note'.
Tikruul snickers softly.

Aoide nods in recognition to Tikruul.

Viteazu grunts to Aoide to explain yet another pearl of barbarian wisdom.

Cordir looks at each Bard in turn.

Aoide blushes.

Cordir says, 'Then I will give you this hint:'.

Aoide curtseys gracefully.

Viteazu says (in common), 'I so always have to pay my own notes'.

Aoide laughs at Viteazu mercilessly.

Viteazu tries to equip a large wooden shield, but his shield hand is not free.

Cordir says, 'There are four bards, who attend this world, who cannot go and come as they please -- as you three can.'.
Cordir says, 'Seek them out.'.
Cordir says, 'For my gift lies with one of them.'.

Aoide sits down and thinks deeply.

Viteazu sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir says, 'Tomorrow. At noon. After the eclipse.'.

Aoide nods in recognition to you.
Aoide will spread the word to the other bards.

Cordir shakes her head.
Cordir says, 'no.'.
Cordir says, 'This is yours.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'well not the hint'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I've been thinking of performing for gold Viteazu'.

Aoide winks suggestively at you.

Cordir smiles happily.

Aoide says (in common), 'simply the quest'.

Tikruul grins wickedly.
Tikruul says (in common), 'I can think of...3 offhand'.
Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir says, 'There are four.'.

Tikruul nods.
Tikruul says (in common), 'ooh, now I've got it'.

Aoide is pleased to know of one.

Viteazu nods in recognition to Aoide.

Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Aoide says (in common), 'some research is called for tonight'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'unless I thought of one you didn't'.
Tikruul snickers softly.

Aoide raises an eyebrow at Tikruul.

Tikruul shrugs.

Aoide doubts there is something the Lady did not think of.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I don't wake up around noon very often'.
Tikruul nods in recognition to Aoide.

Aoide says (in common), 'no offense to the bird'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'Very true'.

Aoide thanks the Lady for her patience and audience.

Cordir takes up the bouquet of flowers in one hand, lightly running the fingertips of the other over the blooms.

Aoide says (in common), 'as a course of wonder, Lady'.

Tikruul is looking at his performance as a song alone and realizes it's going to take a lot more work to turn it into TFC performing.

Tikruul sighs at himself. What a sorry sight.

Cordir murmurs, 'They are beautiful. Thank you.'

Aoide says (in common), 'if you can appease us once again'.

Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.

Aoide says (in common), 'do you have a preferred art form?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'or style of music?'.

Cordir says, 'Nay, I do not.'.

Aoide is still learning as a young bard.
Aoide frowns.

Viteazu sits down and thinks deeply.
Viteazu says (in common), 'how about a least favorite?'.

Cordir sits a moment and thinks.

Aoide says (in common), 'then it will be an extra treat to find something to please our Lady'.

Cordir says, 'I once had to sit through a performance by a minotaur...'.
Cordir says, 'who made music by sitting on various geese in turn.'.

Aoide snickers softly.
Viteazu smirks.

Cordir says, 'making them cry out in varying tones and pitches.'.
Cordir says, 'that was not my favorite.'.
Cordir nods gravely.

Cordir gets a small ebon-leather bound book from (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen.
Cordir says, 'Do you know what this is?'.
Cordir holds up the book.

Aoide shakes her head.

Tikruul says (in common), 'Triat storybook?'.

Viteazu was raised south of the wagon tracks in Og and has learned to love a very...different...style of music.

Cordir glances at Tikruul and Viteazu, looking for their comprehension or confusion.

Viteazu sits down and thinks deeply.

Aoide wonders if Viteazu refers to squeaks or killing blows.
Aoide sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir says, 'This book...'.

She traces a sigil upon its cover.

Cordir says, 'Was made for me by Tokugawa.'.
Cordir says, 'When I was mortal.'.
Cordir says, 'It includes all of the poems I wrote before my Ascension.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'oooh, even better than a storybook'.

Viteazu nods in recognition to Tikruul.

Cordir says, 'You may each, in turn...' Her voice gets a touch hesitant. '... If you wish... Look at it.'

Viteazu gasps in astonishment.

Aoide blinks.

Tikruul blinks.

Viteazu says (in common), 'I would like'.

You nod in recognition to Viteazu.

Tikruul says (in common), 'As would I'.

Aoide washes her hands thoroughly.
Aoide says (in common), 'and I as well'.
Aoide looks at the ogre meaningfully.

Cordir gives a small ebon-leather bound book to Viteazu.

Viteazu wipes his one on Aoide's blouse.

Aoide sighs.
Aoide says (in common), 'better than nothing, I suppose'.

Tikruul whispers to Aoide, 'Grandmum would have suggested firewater to get that out...'

Aoide laughs.
Aoide says (in common), 'I may just have to burn the thing'.

Cordir says, 'my book?!'.

Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Viteazu grunts something incomprehensible.

Aoide says (in common), 'never my Lady!'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'her shirt thing'.

Cordir says, 'ah.'.
Cordir nods.

Aoide says (in common), 'my shift that the Ogre used as a wash cloth'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'this book is too valuable'.

Aoide says (in common), 'better of course, than soiling your book'.

Tikruul chuckles, evidently amused.

Aoide says (in common), 'but next time, perhaps he should use a towel'.

Cordir watches Viteazu turn each page.

Aoide suggest Viteazu visit Wintermeet sometime.

Viteazu says (in common), 'bring one and I will'.
Viteazu winks suggestively.

Tikruul refrains from asking if he can watch the blouse-burning then.
Tikruul stares at the sky.

(# Viteazu reads several more poems. He gets to a particular one...)

Cordir lays a hand over the page.
Cordir says, 'Viteazu....'.

Viteazu raises an eyebrow.

Cordir says, 'I lay upon you a command.'.
Cordir says, 'Do NOT speak of what you just read.'.
Cordir says, 'There is a page that references one who walks still within this world.'.
Cordir says, 'I charge you: Do not speak of it to him.'.

Viteazu nods.

Cordir says, 'His memory is ... shuttered.'.
Cordir says, 'And it would bring him harm, for that window to be re-opened.'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'i not speak it'.

Cordir says, 'Thank you.'.
Cordir says, 'I charge you others with the same vow.'.

(# Viteazu re-reads the page)

Aoide nods in recognition to you.

Tikruul nods solemnly.

Aoide says (in common), 'just to be clear since I um, sometimes misunderstand rules'.
Aoide snickers at her own evil thoughts.
Aoide says (in common), 'might we use some of the more benign as inspiration for your accolades?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'or are they all not to be mentioned?'.

Cordir coughs and blushes.
Cordir says, 'Those last two, were... '.

Viteazu says (in common), 'a treasure'.

Cordir says, 'Perhaps a bit ... personal.'.

>steal ebon-leather Viteazu
Ok.

Aoide laughs at Viteazu mercilessly.

Cordir slides the book from Viteazu's grasp.
Cordir hands the book to the bird.

Viteazu drools all over Tikruul.
Viteazu says (in common), 'I like bird'.
Viteazu coughs.
Viteazu says (in common), 'sorry'.
Viteazu says (in common), 'I was raised poorly'.

Tikruul reverently runs a fingertip over the cover before opening it.

Tikruul snickers with Viteazu about their shared secret.

Cordir smiles wryly. 'It's certainly not sacred. Just old.'

Cordir says, 'It's a lot of a very young girl's drama and emotion...'.
Cordir says, 'some thoughts of the Triat...'.
Cordir says, 'some grumbling and fuming.'.
Cordir says, 'but nothing sacred.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'perhaps not to our Lady'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'All poems and writings are sacred to me, Lady'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'surely many a bard has written his frustrations'.

Cordir blinks in surprise.

Tikruul says (in common), 'especially ones from one of your talents with the word'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'and aspirations'.

Aoide looks at you.

Viteazu says (in common), 'and love interests...'.
Viteazu sighs loudly.

Cordir actually smiles and nods at Viteazu.

Cordir says, 'Aye. There's a bit of that there.'.

Cordir says, 'Perhaps too much.'.

Tikruul chirps in agreement as he turns a page.

Aoide snickers softly.

She colors a bit, and turns her head to let her hair hide her blush.

Aoide loves a good love story.

Viteazu shudders thinking about his early journalling attempts.

Viteazu says (in common), 'I once drew a road to show how far apart I was form another'.

(# Cordir watches Tikruul reading, and when he turns to a specific page:)

Cordir says, 'That one...'.

Viteazu says (in common), 'it took many pages'.

Cordir taps the page with one finger.
Cordir says, 'Is one of the pieces I was charged, by Thaygar Himself, to write'.

Aoide snickers with Viteazu about their shared secret.

Tikruul grins wickedly.

Cordir says, 'to speak, clearly, for all to know, my intentions of joining the Ebon Hand.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I have run afoul of many of these things you'd envisioned myself'.
Tikruul says (in common), 'afoul is not the right word'.
Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Viteazu stands up.
Viteazu waves happily.

You wave.

Viteazu says (in common), 'I must depart for now'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I have wandered past the places of your envisionment?'.

Aoide waves goodbye to Viteazu.

Tikruul waves goodbye to Viteazu.

Viteazu says (in common), 'thanks my Lady'.
Viteazu leaves north.
### Viteazu has quit.

Cordir watches as Tikruul turns the page, and smiles, remembering the day she penned those words.
Cordir murmurs, 'Ebon, at last.'

Hano arrives from the north.

Tikruul says (in common), 'These last 3 all seemed to be...foresightful'.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'I knew what my Fate was.'.
Cordir says, 'At least... that part of it.'.
Cordir smiles wryly.

Cordir nods in recognition to Hano.
Cordir says, 'greetings.'.

Cordir says, 'The rest?'.
Cordir says, 'The days of blackness under the Lich's sway, escape and service to Gryphon.... the failures and losses...'.
Cordir says, 'those, I did not see the slightest hint of.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'such events will transpire in one's life though'.

Cordir nods.

who
11 players.
Gno [ Lesser God ] Lycron, Lord of the Crimson Sun.
Elf [ Th: 2 Ma:30 Wa:15 ] Hano the Elf
Hum [ Ra: 8 Ma:10 ] Baric, Mage initiate of the Nexus
Hum [ Wa:20 Ma:21 Th:16 ] Saleb Instant Classic of the Nashite Magi
Hel [ Wa:30 Cl:30 ] Treehugger, Nexus' Midget Ent. BOO!
Hel [ Th:26 Ra:30 Ma:30 ] Sarai Randoming is fun.
Aar [ Bard: 12 10 9 ] Tikruul Vr'Keet is seeking scrolls and scores...
Elf [ Bard: 10 7 3 ] Aoide is hunting for tales of the Lady Cordir.
Hum [ Triat Weaver ] Cordir shivers in the icy cold.
Hum [ Wa:30 Tg:30 Cl:30 ] Vex Ironwolf... dark history = bright future??
Hum [ Cl:23 Ra:22 ] Borgh will Assimilate/Nexify you!


Cordir tilts her head and regards Aoide. 'What tales would you wish to hear?'

Aoide says (in common), 'well all of them!'.

Cordir chuckles.

Aoide says (in common), 'we meant our pledge'.

Cordir says, 'you would be as old an woman as I, were you to sit through their telling.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'a Bard is always searching for interesting stories'.
Aoide says (in common), 'but Viteazu and I have made it a joint quest to compile stories of our Lady'.

Cordir slides one fingertip over the wrinkles and spots upon the opposite hand.

Her face clouds for a moment, in remembered sorrow.
Cordir says, 'Many of the tales are not... pleasant.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'Such is life'.
Tikruul says (in common), 'as well...age is relative'.

Aoide says (in common), 'I would say that I only seek the plesant ones...'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'you may be old compared to us, but that doesn't make you old really'.

Aoide says (in common), 'but not too long ago, I was admonished not to over simplify the truth'.
Aoide winks suggestively at you.

Cordir makes a gesture of acknowledgement.

Tikruul says (in common), 'To deny pain is to deny the joy in knowledge it's lessons may bring'.

Cordir says, 'Very well then.'.
Cordir says, 'Once upon a time, there was born, a girl-child, in the far lands... in the Barony of Southshire...'.

Hano says (in common), '... so you welcome pain then, Tikruul? ;)'.

Cordir says, 'Over which, ruled Duke D'Augustine the Elder.'.

Cordir gives Hano a quelling glances.

Cordir says, 'In this Barony, there lived a woman who made her living on her back, selling her body to those her second husband commanded.'.

Cordir says, 'She birthed him a child - though he never really believed it was his, thinking it more likely a customer's.'.

Tikruul listens as he reads.

Cordir says, 'The child was born early, beaten out of its mother's womb, to make way for unimpeded enjoyment for others.'.

Cordir says, 'She was thin, sickly.'.

Cordir says, 'No one really expected her to survive.'.

Cordir says, 'She did not have especial cunning or wisdom. She was plain of face, with her mother's blue eyes and her father's light hair.'.

Cordir says, 'She was .. clumsy, and not strong.'.

Cordir says, 'again, having been born too early.'.

Cordir says, 'But she survived.'.

Cordir says, 'She eked out a life, cleaning the .... 'home'... doing chores for others in the village, and earning some small monies with her crude weavings - '.

Aoide settles in on a bench.

Cordir says, 'for she enjoyed needlework and crafts and such.'.

Cordir says, 'Unfortunately, shortly after reaching her tenth birthing day, her stepfather began to pay her ... unkind attentions.'.

Her face becomes blank, her recitations in a monotone.

Cordir says, 'This occured for many years. Some times, he would order her to take her mother's place with ... visitors.'.

Tikruul winces. Ouch!

Cordir says, 'and, when her woman's courses came... and the inevitable came.... the years of abuse took their toll.'.

Cordir says, 'She began to hear voices in her head. Whispers of fell things. '.

Cordir says, 'She could lose herself in the whispers when she wished herself ... elsewhere.'.

Cordir says, 'and they told her, one night, what to do.'.

Cordir looks down at her hands, remembering.

Cordir says, 'She concealed a knife beneath her pillow.'.

Cordir says, 'Soon, it was HIS blood that stained her bed, mingling with her own, and that of the babe that had been growing within her.'.

Cordir says, 'She dragged his body out, in the night, and concealed it in the town well, wishing them all as poisoned as her own heart.'.

Cordir sighs quietly. 'She fled, giving herself completely to the madness.'

Tikruul closes the book quietly.

Cordir reaches out and slips the book from Tikruul's hands.
Cordir gives a small ebon-leather bound book to Aoide.

Cordir says, 'Unknowing, she wandered for a time'.

Cordir says, 'Eventually, she found herself outside the gates of Midgaard, which were barred for the night.'.

Cordir says, 'The guard tried to drive her away, but were stopped by a passer by.'.

Cordir says, 'a woman, named Jahiliya.'.

Cordir smiles as she speaks the name.

Cordir says, 'The lady stopped the blades of the guards, and let the wild mad-creature flee into the park within the town walls.'.

Tikruul finds a trapped mouse in his bags and chirps happily as he crunches, ignoring the fearful squeaks.

Cordir says, 'Slowly, the girl's body healed of its injuries, and the voices in her head lead her to a place of marble and black fire'.

Aoide says (in common), 'surely you could eat something a little less offensive'.
Aoide says (in common), 'like, something dead'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'sorry...when you find a treat like that you don't let it scurry away'.

Cordir says, 'where a Giant with a hand of flame welcomed her, and helped her to understand what those voices were:'.
Cordir says, 'whispers of the Three, the Incarna, the Triat.'.

Tikruul ponders.
Tikruul says (in common), 'Thaygar?'.

Cordir says, 'He set her to several tasks...'.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Aye.'.
Cordir says, 'Thaygar.'.

Cordir says, 'And when they were completed...'.
Cordir says, 'welcomed her into his enclave.'.

Tikruul chirps happily that some of his recent research has paid off.

Aoide says (in common), 'finally, some acceptance for the young woman'.

Cordir's lips twitch in something of a smile.

Cordir says, 'Aye. Of sorts.'.

Cordir says, 'Now, don't be forgetting that land of Southshire, or the Duke that ruled it.'.

Aoide frowns.

Cordir says, 'for that shall be very important, later in the story.'.

Cordir slides the book out of Aoide's grasp.
Cordir puts a small ebon-leather bound book in (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen.

Tikruul says (in common), 'you read fast...'.
Tikruul snickers softly.

Aoide thanks you heartily.
Aoide smirks.

Cordir nods.

Aoide pats her head.

Tikruul is usually the roadrunner.

Cordir says, 'but when she gave that ebon oath... that ended the first chapter of her life, and began the second.'.
You smile happily.

Aoide is still young enough to skim for um, the love poems.
Aoide blushes.

Cordir says, 'which, my young bards, shall have to wait for another day.'.

Tikruul grins wickedly at Aoide.

Aoide shows her approval by clapping her hands together.

Tikruul cheers you on, confident that you will win.

Aoide curtseys gracefully for you.

Cordir smiles bemusedly.

Aoide says (in common), 'thank you again, my Lady'.

Tikruul chirps happily.

Cordir says, 'I am, to my knowledge...'.
Cordir says, 'the only bride who has ever been murdered by her husband on their wedding day.'.
Cordir says, 'at least in recorded history, within these lands.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'it seems that each time we try to repay your kindness, you reward us ten-fold'.

Aoide gasps in astonishment.

Cordir says, 'I have been wed in three ceremonies...'.
Cordir says, 'once, to Keller Amberlin D'Augustine...'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'sounds like a very...'Wyld'....celebration'.

Cordir says, 'Twice to Deamhan An-Shalach.'.

Cordir says, 'There was a third husband - but he was a lie, spun by the Arch-Lich, and not a choice of my heart.'.

Aoide frowns.

Cordir says, 'But most do not know of that, or know his name.'.
Cordir says, 'It is a very ancient, and little known bit of lore.'.
Cordir says, 'It was Canaan. '.
Cordir says, 'There was... a time of ...'.

She pauses, thinking of the right word.

Cordir says, 'Madness.'.

Cordir says, 'The entire world was turned upside down.'.
Cordir says, '(translation: All the pfiles were corrupted and unavailable for over a week)'.

Aoide says (in common), 'was the first, by chance, the son of the Duke?'.
Aoide says (in common), 'or *gasp* the Duke himself?'.

Cordir says, '.. the Duke's son.'.

Aoide snickers with you about your shared secret.

Cordir says, 'During that time... well... I get ahead of myself in the story.'.

Cordir says, 'Memory is a chancy thing.'.

Tikruul nods.

Aoide says (in common), 'for such a girl with such a past to end up with the Duke's son..but then, perhaps he was the murdering one'.
Aoide glares around her.

Cordir says, 'I will simply say that, and leave the rest to its own telling in thime.'.

Cordir says, 'Ah, but you forget:'.
Cordir says, 'I was a murderer before my twelth birthday.'.

Aoide nods.

Tikruul coughs.

Aoide still thinks no bride deserves a husband who kills her.
Aoide curtseys gracefully.

Cordir says simply, 'I asked him to.'

Aoide sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir chuckles at your expression.

Tikruul says (in common), 'Oh, I'm sure there are some, but they be very wicked women'.

Aoide says (in common), 'then I will like this duke's son..until the next telling, of course'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'the wicked rarely find the wicked'.

Aoide says (in common), 'a girl always needs someone to dream of at night'.

Cordir says, 'Oh, I was wicked indeed.'.

Aoide snickers softly.

Tikruul needs to be more heroic, so the ladies dream of HIM.

Cordir smiles at Aoide. 'And I have been blessed by loves in my time, such as would make any girl simply unable to sleep at night, did she burn so brightly with it.'

Aoide blushes.

Cordir murmurs, 'Oh, I have, indeed, burned.'

Cordir says, '.. and Deamhan an-Shalach was a courtier the likes of which ....'.
Cordir says, 'well.'.

Aoide raises an eyebrow.

Cordir says, 'He was a vampire AND a demon-lover.. an incubus.'.
Cordir says, 'I will not tell sordid tales, but will leave THAT to your imaginings.'.

Aoide giggles.

The Lady's eyes darken with fond and loving memories.

Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir says, 'And then, of course, there was Abe.'.

Cordir says, 'And.. another.'.
Cordir says, 'Who would not wish me to speak of him.'.

Aoide nods in recognition to you.

Tikruul croons mournfully.

Cordir chuckles softly. "Two someones, actually."

Tikruul says (in common), 'sometimes 'tis better to love than lose...but I'm not sure those that say that really have...'.

Cordir says, 'Loving me hasn't always been a good idea.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'love and lose*'.

Cordir says, 'I have.'.
Cordir says, 'loved and lost.'.

Tikruul nods.
Tikruul says (in common), '...butyou have come out the stronger for it'.

Cordir says, 'sometimes the struggle between the two moments....'.
Cordir says, 'where you shudder in the cold unknowing...'.
Cordir slides her arms around her thin chest, hugging herself against the remembered pain.

Tikruul says (in common), 'makes the warmth at the end burn brighter?'.

Cordir sighs.
Cordir says, 'yes, it can.'.
Cordir says, 'but... the waiting.'.
Cordir says, 'the unknowing...'.
Cordir says, 'is the coldest agony imaginable.'.

Tikruul nods in recognition to you.
Tikruul nods in recognition to you.

Cordir says, 'It is broken glass in your heart.'.
Cordir says, 'So... yes.'.
Cordir says, 'I can say, having loved...'.

Aoide nods.

Cordir says, 'that the lack of it - the loss of it...'.

Tikruul can relate to that far better OOC than IC.

Cordir says, 'even with all of the accompanying pain...'.
Cordir says, 'is better to have known, than not known.'.
Cordir says, 'even now, even in the cold.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'regret the things you didn't do, not the things you did'.

Cordir closes her eyes.
Cordir murmurs, 'Oh you have no idea, though, of the weight of that regret.'

Aoide says (in common), 'now, I would blame you birdie, for bringing this on'.
Aoide says (in common), 'but I think I was the one asking for love stories'.
Aoide blushes.

Tikruul says (in common), 'it adds up over time...you would still have to let some of it go'.

Aoide says (in common), 'but we intended to cheer the Lady!'.

Cordir releases her breath in a sharp sigh.

Aoide says (in common), 'not remind her of her pain'.

Cordir says, 'Aye.'.

Tikruul nods.
Tikruul hugs you.

Cordir clears her throat.
Cordir says, 'you did ask for love stories.'.
Cordir says, 'but .. Right now, love weighs ... heavily... on my heart.'.
Cordir says, 'love can sometimes be the cruelest of conditions.'.
Cordir says, 'the weight of your love upon another can wound them to near breaking.'.
Cordir says, 'the knowledge of theirs, can be the greatest agony to yourself.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'note to self: next time, ask for times when the Lady bested others in games of wit'.
Aoide says (in common), 'or for another retelling of singing away your pkers'.

Cordir ponders the question.
Cordir says, 'I generally haven't.'.
Cordir says, 'bested others by wit, that is.'.
Cordir says, 'I'm no more wise than any other.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'wisdom and wit do not always go hand in hand'.

Cordir shrugs slightly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, forcing herself not to hide behind it.
Cordir sighs raggedly, looking down at her hands clenched on the edge of the bench.
Cordir forces herself to release her grasp, and pick up the bouquet of flowers, instead.

Aoide growls.
Cordir looks up at the growl.

Aoide says (in common), 'there has not been much I have been saying right this evening'.
Aoide says (in common), 'Tikruul! A joke!'.

Cordir says, 'Aoide...'.

Tikruul sits down and thinks deeply.

Cordir says, 'be at peace.'.
Cordir says, 'You are not the soul that can heal mine.'.
Cordir says, 'He... is elsewhere.'.

Cordir says, 'and I don't know if either of us can allow its full healing.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'What do you call two elves in Og?'.

Cordir says, 'it may be that this wound is not one I will ever recover from.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'yes, but what good is a room full of bards if not to lighten the mood?'.

Cordir answers, 'elevenses.'

Tikruul snickers softly.

Cordir says, 'Aoide...'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I was gonna say, dinner, but I think I like that answer better'.

Aoide snickers softly.

Cordir says, 'While my latest tale of love is not one that has the type of moments a girl would swoon over...'.
Cordir says, 'I would not - not for a thousand happy endings - shed myself of a moment of it.'.

Aoide nods.

Cordir says, 'I will take the pain with the moments of joy.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'of course I do not doubt my Lady'.

Cordir holds out her hands, turning them palm up.
Hundreds of scars mar the pale skin.

Aoide says (in common), 'I simply wished to take her thoughts elsewhere for a time'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'often the fairytale is mor ein the telling than the actuality'.
Tikruul coughs.

Aoide looks at Aoide.

Cordir says, 'Thaygar said often that life is pain.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I never did figure out what 'happily ever after' was really supposed to 'mean.

Cordir says, 'I do not believe in happily ever after.'.
Cordir says, 'I simply hope for happiness in a single moment.'.
Cordir says, 'and treasure it when it comes.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'take what you can get, right?'.
Tikruul nods.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'aye.'.
Cordir says, 'so...'.
Cordir says, 'for me...'.
Cordir says, 'today...'.

Cordir touches one fingertip to her lips.

Aoide says (in common), 'one more quesion, if I can beg it of my Lady'.

Cordir says, 'it is the memory of a single, stolen, bittersweet kiss.'.

Aoide blushes.

Cordir says, 'and a night spent swaying in a hammock, where words were not ever needed.'.
Cordir says, 'and a dip in icy water to ineffectually chase away a fire that could not be quenched.'.
Cordir trails off, bowing her head, letting her hair fall to curtain her expression.
Cordir breathes for a moment.

Aoide says (in common), 'have you a favorite treat when you are feeling especially indulgent?'.

Cordir schools her voice.
Cordir says, 'A treat.'.
Cordir says, 'Well.'.
Cordir says, 'I am not Bliss... so chocolate is not my immediate answer.'.

Aoide nods.

Tikruul snickers softly.

Cordir says, 'Oddly enough...'.
Cordir says, 'I garnered a taste for the treat I used to bring Scar, Madman's demon.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'I knew that as I purchased the chocolate but funds are, um, limited at the moment'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I know it's not steaks made from hoardes of maggots'.
Tikruul stares at the sky.

Cordir says, '... and if you can learn of it....'.

Cordir shudders.
Cordir says, 'oh gods, no.'.

Tikruul chuckles, evidently amused.

Cordir murmurs with a chuckle, 'Drazuk and his maggots. Ugh.'

Tikruul snickers softly.

Cordir glances over at Aoide, her expression intense once more.
Cordir says, 'If you have the chance at love...'.
Cordir says, 'Take it.'.
Cordir says, 'Hold it.'.
Cordir says, 'be as Ellen, rescuing Thomas the Rhymer from the Lady of the Fae.'.
Cordir says, 'Hold it no matter the shape it takes.'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'don't stand at the edge, dive in to the full depth and revel in it while it surrounds you'.

Cordir says, 'Aye.'.

The lady's eyes grow distant, glancing off to the north-east.
Cordir says, 'Hold to it. '.

Cordir's lips twist in a sad smile - but a smile none the less.
Cordir says, 'because sometimes...'.
Cordir says, 'there are those hot steamy moments you were alluding to.'.

She grins, half to herself.

Aoide blushes.

Tikruul grins wickedly.

Cordir sighs quietly, some of her pain eased.

Cordir says, 'Blessings on your head, you two.'.

Aoide curtseys gracefully.
Aoide says (in common), 'many thanks, lady'.

Tikruul chirps happile.

Cordir says, 'and Viteazu, wherever he is.'.
Cordir says, 'You surprised me, tonight.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'perhaps it would be wise for me to do a little investigating'.

Cordir says, 'and it touched me deeply.'.

Tikruul bows before you.

Cordir says, 'Thank you.'.

> c bless aoide
> c bless Tikruul

Aoide says (in common), 'as my size will prohibt strength being an assest tomorrow at noon'.
Aoide thanks you heartily.

Cordir says, 'Perhaps... you might give me a little while alone?'.

Tikruul snickers softly.
Cordir says, 'You have stirred many memories.'.

Aoide nods in recognition to you.
Aoide says (in common), 'of course'.

Tikruul bows deeply.
Cordir says, 'thank you.'.

Aoide says (in common), 'thank you again for appeasing our prying minds'.

Tikruul says (in common), 'By your leave, M'lady'.

Cordir nods.

Tikruul smiles at you.
Cordir says, 'Another story, another time.'.

Aoide can't wait!

Cordir waves.

Tikruul nods.

Aoide waves happily.
Aoide leaves north.

Tikruul says (in common), 'I cannot wait'.
Tikruul chirps.
Tikruul stands up.
Tikruul leaves north.

Cordir glances down at the flowers on the bench.
Cordir picks up the bouquet and lightly touches each bloom in turn.
Cordir lets her shoulders slump a bit, and the flowers fall to the ground.
Cordir shudders, letting out a long, slow, breath.
Cordir slides off the stone bench, sitting on the stone floor of the baths, and draws her knees up to her chest.
Cordir wraps her arms around her knees, and lays her forehead on her arms, hiding her face.
She shivers, holding in the tears.

(This is the end of this particular scene. After an intervening conversation, an Eclipse occurred.)