Visitors from Thera'Dor - RPLOG
Participants
Date
14/8/477
Log
Already late in the morning, the gates finally open, although the guards do block access to the Manor-grounds just yet, taking the time to screen each and every being that attempts to pass through the gates, making sure to disarm them and have their weapons stored away for a while, generally making sure that everything and everyone is safe.
Amongst the different stalls placed around the courtyard are those that sell clothing, those that sell food, and various other odds and trinkets. Already, several Thera'Doran beings seem to be enjoying the food, both fanciful and mundane, depending on their standing and the amount of crown they have to splurge on themselves, while a quartet of dignitaries is standing at the far back, holding a conversation with High Lady Flora longtail at the moment...
Several guards are posted around the grounds, making sure thieves are caught and escorted as soon as possible, and barring entrance to the manor proper for all but those permitted to enter.
At the gate, a large, somewhat rumpled bear is having an argument with one of the guards. "I told you!" rumbles Elijah, "All I got in my bag are tools and spare parts! What do you need to go searching in for!" The big bear scowls, but at the insistence of the guard and the grumbling of the beings stuck behind him, he finally relinquishes his leather satchel. "See!" he growls, "No weapons! Now let me in!" The enormous ursine snatches back his bag and lumbers into the market stalls, grumbling.
Leaning on one of the servants, Sveta enters the scene, albeit slowly. Someone's kindly fashioned a couple of leg braces for the goshawk, allowing her to hobble along, and although she doesn't look extremely well she does her best to fulfil her social obligations, chatting with a couple of merchants, although no business deals are struck - not while she's in this condition. Tough, perhaps, but it's important to send a message that the bad part of the house isn't going to bring things to a standstill.
Having already been in the manor beforehand, dealing with her work for the Lady Longtail and her company, Sara walks into the garden from the main building in the middle of wiping the remainder of an oil splotch from her hands with what was once a white, now murky black linen rag. "Huh.. wonder what's going on." the lizard mumbles to herself as she looks around. Noticing Flora to be indisposed at the moment Sara slings the rag over her right shoulder and continues to meander about, greeting the various people she passes, with either a nod, a wave, or a full, and slightly formal bow depending on the circumstances surrounding them.
Cythim
Cythil meet guards as she lower her hood and give them her spear, her crossbow and her daggers. Thinking that she can pass, she meet with the others. "Greetings, my name is Cythim, nice to meet you."
Arriving at the Longtail manor gates arm in arm with Cassidy, Natska gives the guards a polite nod as she waits for the cursory security check. She, of course, has nothing to drop off - knowing it was a social event, the jaguar has dressed in a long, flowing red dress and left her weapons at home. She adjusts the brim of her hat with a white-gloved finger, looking around the gathered crowd and picking out interesting clumps of people. "This certainly looks interesting, Cass."
Cassidy was likewise without her weapons, today, having donned little more than a long, skyblue gown and a pair of long white gloves, with a pretty matching sun hat. She looks a little ruffled, though, as she gives Natska's arm a little squeeze. "Weeeh. Too early." She gives a wide yawn and rubs at her eyes, but smiles all the same.
The four ambassadors around Flora are each from a different house, with a well-addorned fox, quite probably a Schlaufuchs, currently holding the word, his uniform stacked with various medals of achievement, displaying his military prowess. He's caught off-guard a moment later as another slams him on the back, before taking his drink down the throat in one go. A Snowmark, if his behavior and that of Sir Sven Snowmark are anything to go by.
Finally, a more quiet Caribou-femme is standing a bit to the side, wearing an elegant, priestly robe and simply listening in on the conversation, while looking at a loud, rumbling polar bear in a regal outfit with some disdain.
Several of the merchants are offering different foods, ranging from the exceptionally spiced meats from Shralesta that one of the merchants is currently trying to sell to Sveta, to the wholesome stews from Thera'Dor another seems to want Sara to try...
On another side of the courtyard, the latest fashion from Thera'Dor, Shralesta and Sweetwater is on display, and merchants are calling beings over to view and buy their wares continually...
And of course, LongTech Industries' staff is constantly moving around, offering various drinks, and re-filling the high-end table at the far end whenever a dish threatens to run out...
Eli lumbers thoughtfully around the little fair, eyeing the wares and enjoying the mixed scents of the various foods. "Whaddya call that?" he asks one particular merchant who seems to be peddling some kind of bright pink soup, "Smells good, but I never seen a pink soup before!" The burly bear wouldn't mind getting up close to the foreign nobles, just to see what the imports are like, but he isn't about to do it on an empty stomach!
Sveta shakes her head at the offer. "Pardon me if I don't sample your wares. I've been advised to avoid heavy foods for a while. But the tumeric and cloves, we can use some of that. The salt, as well. While we're not exactly known as a trading house, I'm sure the High Lady wouldn't be averse to a personal venture to bring some extra money in. I'm sure we can negotiate..."
Relying solely upon her memory on the initial tour of the facility Sara had eventually come to the conclusion of this being one of the gala's Flora had spoken of. "Huh.. well, never one to turn down free entertainment." she mentions to herself as she begins to weave through the crowd and over to the various stalls to look over the foods, and fashions, along her path she notices both Natska and Cassidy, each recieving an exhuberant wave though lets them go on with their own business before looking to the clothes again, "This looks nice!" she admits as she looks over a certain dress native to one of the far off lands. "Though.. don't think it'd go well with the wings. Still, I wish you luck!" her voice lilting with a giggling, and upbeat personality. "Ah! Miss Sveta, good to see you." she calls to the Goshawk in question as she nears her.
Cythim start to roam around the place, in search of nice affairs to do around, and trying to get used to the place as she doesn't quite know how to guide herself. Spotting some interesting wares, Cythim start to talk around with the vendor, asking for informations about a robe that caugh her eyes, and check the goods around, before asking and talking of prices.
Natska raises a hand to wave her fingers at Sara, then gives Cassidy's arm a little squeeze. "Yes, love, it is early but if we had waited two or three hours things wouldn't be as fresh." She gives the fennec a bright smile, then nods towards one of the vendors. "I think I see juice there, would you like some? Or a darker tea?" She glances around again, and frowns a moment. "Is that a Solacious over with Flora? The fox with all of the medals?"
Cassidy follows Natska's gaze over to the fox and shakes her head. "That's a Schlaufuchs. They are... Distant relatives, so there's a bit of resemblance. Both in appearance and culture. And... A lighter tea would be nice, actually! But failing that, dark tea would be just fine. I enjoy my tea, and maybe we should look at some fancy Thera'dor fashions later, if you'd like?" She gives the jaguar a fond smile, willing to take her lead. "But yes, drinks first, I think! Maybe some snacks."
"This, good sir, is tea... Quite a common beverage in Shralesta, I assure you. Although this is, in fact, a local recipe from Thera'Dor," the yak-merchant offers to Elijah, shaking his head lightly. "I can also assure you that this is not, in fact, soup... Though if you wish to try, only a few coppers for a hot cup."
Sveta's chosen merchant shakes his head lightly, offering a faint, wistful smile. "I'm sorry, good miss. I'm just the peddler of foodstuffs... I can't go around selling my ingredients, but perhaps, I can offer you some of my contacts... For a price, of course. Information has value, after all."
Sara is similarly greeted by one of the Thera'Dorian merchants, who offers her a faint smile. "We do have special furs that offer room to fold your wings, or, if you're willing to pay for a custom fit, to tie around the wings instead... Do browse, do tell me if you see anything you like!" the elk calls out, smiling and gesturing at his wares, even as the merchants besides him try and get Sara to go for their wares instead.
.|"This, good sir, is tea... Quite a common beverage in Shralesta, I assure you. Although this is, in fact, a local recipe from Thera'Dor," the yak-merchant offers to Elijah, shaking his head lightly. "I can also assure you that this is not, in fact, soup... Though if you wish to try, only a few coppers for a hot cup."
Sveta's chosen merchant shakes his head lightly, offering a faint, wistful smile. "I'm sorry, good miss. I'm just the peddler of foodstuffs... I can't go around selling my ingredients, but perhaps, I can offer you some of my contacts... For a price, of course. Information has value, after all."
Sara is similarly greeted by one of the Thera'Dorian merchants, who offers her a faint smile. "We do have special furs that offer room to fold your wings, or, if you're willing to pay for a custom fit, to tie around the wings instead... Do browse, do tell me if you see anything you like!" the elk calls out, smiling and gesturing at his wares, even as the merchants besides him try and get Sara to go for their wares instead.
Meanwhile, Natska and Cassidy seem to have quite the selection of foodstuffs and drinks to choose from, ranging from teas and juices, both heavy and light, to ciders and wines, if they were to move to the slightly more expensive merchants near to the nobles. The food, well... There are hearty porridges, several kinds of meat on a stick, Shralestan spiced meats, and several confectioneries, again, closer to the nobles' side of the yard.
Finally, Cythim is given special attention by the feline merchant tending to one of the Shralestan clothing-stalls, whom seems to offer them several materials and colars of dress, along with several different styles.
On Flora's side of things, the conversation simply continues, with the Schlaufuchs looking a bit indignant towards the puma that only just slapped him on the back, while the caribou chuckles a little to herself as the polar-bear seems to be sizing up one of the guards the High Lady has posted around the yard...
Eli forks over a few coins and takes the little cup in his oversized paws. "Not soup?" he says, snuffling at the aromatic drink and taking a sip. "Eh," he snorts, "Not bad, not bad. Y'got any of that meat on a stick?" The tea is not bad, but it is not the sort of thing the burly bear usually goes for. "Any idea what all the nobs are hob nobbing about?" he asks gruffly, slurping at his tea, "Or better yet, where a fella can pick up some pipe weed around here?"
Sveta gives the merchant a wan smile. "Thank you. I'm afraid I'll have to ask again later - I feel a little light-headed. Perhaps I'll have someone contact you in the morning." Greeting Sara with a wave and dip of her head, she turns to the servant supporting her. "Please, to my quarters. I don't want to be sick in front of everyone."
"Hmm!" Sara murmurs to herself as she listens to the salesperson attempt to peddle their wares, "Interesting, interesting." the lizard-woman continues as she begins to idly tap an index finger against her right cheek. "Well, I'll keep that in mind, but I'd like to browse some more. Still a bit wary of spending more after a bit of a clothing shoping. Though I've been known to change my mind on the matter before." she admits with a playful lilt. Looking to Sveta as she departs, Sara frowns at the departing Goshawk though shakes it off with a mumbled, "I do hope she gets better soon." Turning to the elk that had attempted to gain her attention later Sara gives him a friendly wave, "I'll be there in a moment!" before turning to the various food-stuffs and perusing, eventually ordering a bowl of stew from the merchant from before.
"That's a lot of from that you got there mister... knowing that, i may need a bit of help to choose a few good around that large array of choices.". She look around the robes and try to touch some of the others carefully. "I could really use a pratical robe for travels, but i may also enjoy the sight of a beautiful robe, for meeting or even dancing... any tips in that favor? That would really help me.".
Natska smiles and gives Cassidy's arm a pat, steering her beloved fennec towards the food vendors; after a brief examination and a little time spent sniffing at the air, she steps up to one stall and secures a cup of tea for Cassidy, and a glass of juice for herself. With that tended to, she begins drifting towards one of the Thela'Dorian clothing merchants, her tail swishing back and forth behind her.
Cassidy continues to wander along side Natska, perking up considerably now that she has her tea, sipping at the hot beverage. "Oh, oh! After we look at clothes, we should -definitely- go try some of the Shralestan foods. If you like spicy things, you'll -love- it. I've always been really fond of it! In fact, I import spices from Shralesta sometimes, to use in my own cooking!" For now, she offers a wave over towards Sara at last, smiling before looking over the clothing merchants with Natska.
The yak chuckles lightly, before gesturing at the various other stalls. "I just sell tea, m'lord... If you want other refreshments, I'd suggest the other stalls in the area," he concludes, before shaking his head lightly. "No pipeweeds available here, 'm afraid," he adds, almost in an afterthought, before offering a cup of tea to the next being that walks by.
Sara's merchant quickly hands over a bowl of stew, smiling amicably and waiting for Sara's verdict on the thick, hearty mixture she's been given, while the elk nods and continues selling his wares to the beings closest to him...
Cythim is gladly shown the various different wraps that the feline female has to offer, ranging from the expensive silken wraps of high society, to the more affordable cotton and linen wraps worn by the common being in Shralesta. "Traditionally, one wears a linen under-dress, over which another linen or silken dress is worn... The underdress is to keep out the weather, and will cover the torso and legs, while the overdress is for show, and covers the arms as well."
Cassidy and Natska are being hailed from all sides soon enough as merchants, local and otherwise, try to peddle their clothes to the duo... Thick coats, Shralestan wraps, the garments of Sweetwater...
Near the nobles' tent, the conversation goes on, although it's quite apparent that the Lord Snowmark and the Lord Schlaufuchs are still not on speaking terms with one-another, despites the prior's repeated attempts to thump the decorated fox on the back again. At least, until the priestly caribou interferes and opts to stand between them... The polar-bear, meanwhile, has chosen his next 'victim' to size up, leaving the first guard a bit dazed...
Eli snorts, slurping down the last of his tea and setting the cup down on the vendor's little table before moving on. "No pipeweed!" he grumbles, "What sort of market is this?" The bear had imagined that a fancy, foreign market party was bound to have something good for his old pipe! Oh well. The grizzly lumbers carefully through the clothes merchants without seeing much that would be any good for working in the shop, and finds himself drifting over to where the foreign nobles are chatting with the Longtail Highlady. He casts an appraising eye over the group. The polar bear looked appetizing enough!
After a few bites that at a speed that makes one wonder how she did not choke, or whether she even tasted it at all, Sara polishes off the bowl of stew, ending with a rather.. unlady-like belch that that is slightly blocked by a hand raised to cover her mouth. "U-uh.. s-sorry.." Sara admits sheepishly before handing the bowl off to the merchant, before admitting "It was delicious. Thank yo--.. Aha!" the last bit following with a bright expression that leaves her rushing towards the main complex and off to work to test out whatever idea the lizard's mind had concocted, sparing only a brief moment to stop by Natska, and Cassidy to give both a wave and the words, "Have fun, you two!" and moving on.
"Hmmm... that robe look so marvelous!", as she point at the silken wraps of high society, "But that would be the same as dreaming... As for thoses... maybe i could afford myself a more fancy set... Do you have ... something that would go with my color skin maybe?", the salamander head's going from yellow to orange in colors. Then get a decent sized bag of crowns. "Maybe we should find an agreement then?".
Already innured to the hawking pleas of merchants, Natska wanders the stalls as she sips on her juice. She does ask a few questions here and there, and makes a few mental notes to take back to her tailor, but is not in the mood to buy today. Still, she is enjoying herself, and smiling happily. She gives Cass a small nudge, then nods over at the nobles again. "Do you think we should pay our respects to our hostess?" she asks.
Cassidy nods at Sara and smiles. "Ah, good bye! Nice seeing you around!" She scratches her chin for a moment before sipping at her tea again and looking over the thick clothing. "Hmm. Some nice things to- Huh? Oh! Ah, I suppose we should. I also need to inform her that I intend to bring you along on the trip." She opts to take the lead, this time, guiding Natska over towards the other noble meeting.
Eli's chosen conversation-partner doesn't seem to be so outspoken at all as one ursine approaches the other, although his grin is a strange mix of friendly and challenging, almost as if waiting for a good-hearted brawl... "Bunch of weaklings, these guards... Could down 'em with one hand on my back... How 'bout you, hmm?" he growls softly towards Eli, while the conversation around them continues quietly.
While the beings move closer towards Flora and her companions, it becomes clear that she and the other three beings are currently discussing the suggested locations for her future trip towards Thera'Dor, with the Schlaufuchs suggesting Hilrock should be the first stop, and the Snowmark unsurprisingly suggesting Snowhame. The priestly caribou is still mostly silent, simply watching the two bicker amongst themselves.
Meanwhile, Cythim is shown several different colors, ranging from reds to yellows and every orange in between, and allowing her to pick the right color for her overdress... "The underdress is traditionally white, of course."
Elijah grins at the polar bear with a glint in his eye. "Dunno, big fella," he says, "I imagine you would need both hands to down." The massive grizzly winks at the other ursine. "But I could use my hands too, if you like," he rumbles, and looks around at the guards. "Wouldn't mind taking that one down too," he grins, nodding at a heavy clan rhino in a guard uniform, "If your interested in that kind of thing."
As she browse through the colors, she imagine how they would like on her, she goes toward a soft red overdress. Having flashed on it, she negociate the price with the merchant and agree on a common price, giving a few pieces to the feline in exchange of the robe, made of soft cotton, the overdress being red while the underdress shine of calm white color. "This robe look beautiful... But... do you know a private place where i could ... swap my clothes?", as she blush, "I don't want to create a mess after all...".
Natska follows Cassidy towards Flora and the dignitaries, smiling. Her notched ear makes a small flick and she glances at the conversing bears, but then her attention goes back to the rest of the group, and she gives Flora a small curtsey.
Cassidy glances over the little crowd for a moment before flashing a smile to Natska and clearing her throat and offering a nod to the Schlaufuchs noble. "Flora. Seeing as you're already on the subject of our trip to Thera'dor, I feel that now would be a good time to announce something regarding that."
A smile on Flora's lips as she looks between Cassidy, Natska and the three nobles she's conversing with with, before smiling lightly. "Flora would like to introduce... Lord Bartholomew Schlaufuchs. Lady Yvette Aldermann... And Lord Hilmar Snowmark. Lord Ulrich of the Conglomerate is standing over there," she rumbles, pointing towards the large polar-bear, whom seems to be poised to wrestle with Elijah already.
Cythim is offered a smile, and the robes quickly change hands, stuffed carefully into a bag. "Unfortunately, miss, we don't have any such amenities. And we've been informed by the High Lady that the mansion itself is strictly off-limits... And considering the guards, I would heed that warning."
Elijah gives a bit of a predatory grin to Ulrich. "You wanna wrestle Snowball?" he asks with a glint in his eye as he tosses his leather satchel to the ground, "Let's wrestle!" He doesn't make the first move, the bear isn't stupid. You can get in trouble for taking the first swing at a noble, even a foreign one. But he is ready and willing to exchange a bit of sweat with the other ursine.
"Eh... okay, thanks for the advice.". She says goodbye to the merchant as she move away, exploring around in search of interesting affairs, hearing and seeing the place as she is impatient to wear her new robe.
Natska politely nods to each of the dignitaries as they are introduced, giving them friendly smiles. She remains quiet, though, sipping at her drink as she waits for Cassidy to finish speaking before adding anything herself. Her tail swishes back and forth, Natska interested in what might be going on.
Cassidy offers a little curtsy of her own, in greeting. "I am Cassidy Solacious, and this is Natska. And the reason why I've come over here to speak with you, Flora. I wish for her to accompany us on our trip, and I'm hoping that she'll be able to take passage on the primary vessel. If not, I'll have to book another ship for the two of us and travel separately."
The polar bear gives a deep, thruming laugh, before looking towards Elijah, a smirk soon plastering his snout, as he soon makes the first move in an attempt to wrestle Elijah to the ground. A relatively simple, though pouwerful leap, causing some of the bystanders to step back a little.
Meanwile, FLora is still conversing lightly about the different cities in Thera'Dor, before nodding towards Cassidy. "Flora will... Take it into account, yes... Of course, miss Jaguar should be on time, yes. The ship won't wait, no," she notes with a small nod, before listening to the squabbles of the feline and vulpine ambassadors once more, still smiling faintly... Right now, the squabbles appear to be about what drink is best...
Cythim, unfortunately, doesn't find what they're looking for, but she does wind up at several different stalls, offering foods and drinks, which seem to be rather popular, considering the amount of beings swarming around them...
Elijah jumps back, startled that the polar bear actually wants to fight! The grizzly manages to avoid the initial lunge, but is too off balance to make a grapple of his own! Instead of letting it throw him, though, the big bear grins and pulls his goggles down over his eyes. "Let's Wrestle!" he shouts and throws himself bodily at the other ursine. If the whole thing makes him a little hot and bothered, well, that's okay too.
Cythim was fooling around as she start to get hungry, "Maybe i should rest for a while somewhere around...", as she browse through the stalls, porridges, meat, vegetables... Then a stall catch her attention, "Spicy meat? Hmmm... that sound delicious...". As she walk toward it, she notice some sort of menu, describing what they sell. "Maybe i should try something...".
"An honor to meet you, lords, lady," Natska offers. "And of course, lady Flora, I will be there promptly on time." The excitement of the wrestling catches her attention and she looks over for a moment, then snorts and looks back at the collected nobles, smiling.
Cassidy brings her tea cup up again, sipping quietly as she glances back towards the wrestling for a moment before nodding at Natska. "Well then! Look like you'll be joining us! That said, you would have been, regardless, I think! I had some plans to get us another passage at the same time, had we needed to. But I'm glad that won't be needed!" She looks back towards the nobles and their chatting, perking her ears.
Another tailfick, another rumble leaving Flora's muzzle, and she shakes her head lightly at the two foreign nobles, before smiling towards Cassidy and Natska... "Flora... Does feel Flora is owed an introduction if miss Jaguar is going to be traveling with us, yes."
The bear sidesteps Elijah's assault, growling and gripping the grizzly forcibly a moment, before releasing him and throwing him further again. "Hah! First time wrestling, my friend, da? You need more practice!" he calls out with a smirk, before looking to the beings around him just a moment.
Cythim is offered a a smile by her chosen vendor, whom lists their prices and explains about the different meats... There are meats that are spicy, and then there are meats that are Shralestan spicy... All of them reasonably priced, at only a few sceptres, but a choice still has to be made...
Elijah stumbles past the polar bear and crashes to the ground! The big grizzly rolls over and pushes his goggles back up onto the top of his head. "Naw!" he says, pushing himself to his feet, "Just not my kind of wrestling, if you know what I mean." He dusts off his tan overalls and walks over to give the polar bear's backside a firm squeeze while he looks away. "Maybe you could teach me some new moves, eh?" he says, almost expecting the other ursine to throw a punch. Totally worth it for that grope, though.
"Spicy meat or Shralestan spicy? Let's go for Shralestan spicy then... What could potientially wrong?". She get a few scepters from her bag of money and pose it on the stall, waiting to try that unknown food. "Something tells me that it taste pretty good. Right?".
Natska turns her attention to Flora, and raises a hand to tip the brim of her hat to the tigress. "We met once, lady Longtail," she offers. "But it is fine, it seems I am one of those Beings that is hard to remember. I am Natska."
Cassidy nods at the jaguar and smiles. "Yes, as I said when we came over, this is Natska! My beloved. So I am sure you can imagine why I'd like her to accompany me for this!" She folds her hands behind her back after a brief adjustment to her white sunhat.
Ulrich frowns a tad, swatting at Elijah's hand, before growling... "Above the belt, priyatel'. Above the belt... And I'm quite sorry, but I don't sving that way! I don't sving any way... There's time for that later, vhen I'm no longer capable of fighting!" he calls out, before making the next grapple.
Natska and Cassidy are met with a nod, and Flora smiles softly. "Flora has had... A long day, yes. Faces blend together after a day like that, yes yes," she explains, leaving the two nobles to their bickering... Their discussions seem all over the place, really. Lady Yvette is meanwhile helping herself to some food from the table, sampling the varous different spices and meats available.
And of course, Cythim is quickly offered a plate of spiced meat, with a bright red color to it, even after grilling it properly... "Here you go, sayyida... Might want to start small... I've seen many a foreign sayyida have issues when they bite off more than they can chew."
Elijah roars with laughter. And exertion as he catches the other ursine's paws in his own, the two of them locked in a grapple for dominance. "I'll just have to. . .GRUNT. . . knock all the fight out of you. . .SNORT. . .won't I!" he growls through clenched teeth. This was really not his arena, but he wasn't about to let some import show him up on Sweetwater soil! Besides, this was fun!
As Cythim got served the meat on a stick, she couldn't be helped but say "Why it's bluntly red?". Placing herself correctly, she slowly approach the meat to her mouth, and start to chew slowly, getting smalls bits to start. "Hmmm... it taste nice". But then...
But then... the spiciness start to kick in. "Hmm! That's delicious!". Then she eat more normally, progressively, as the heat build up in her mouth. Chewing happily, she eat the whole meat on the stick, and before she could thank for the meat, the spiciness reach a very high level. "Oooh, hot, HOT, HOOOOOOOT!", as she wiggle around on her sitting, trying to cool down. "SUPER HOOOOOOT!". They said it was Shralestan spicy, and this is no joke.
"It happens, lady Flora," Natska replies. "Especially for one with as many duties as you have, I imagine." She gives Cassidy a happy smile, then, and slips an arm around the fennec's shoulders to give her a hug; after a moment she looks over at the arguing lords. "Oh! Lord Hilmar, Lord Bartholomew. Cassidy and I are planning on doing some exploring while we are in your country. What sights would you recommend we must see?"
Cassidy glances at Flora for a moment, wrapping an arm around Natska in return as she smiles at the question. "Yes, we figured we'd get out and explore that frozen countryside some. If you've got any recommendations for places to see... We'd be happy to hear them!"
"It is my... Understanding that you will already be visiting Hilrock, which would be my... Recommendation," Lord Bartholomew murrs with a slick, honeyed voice, even as he looks between Natska and Cassidy with a smile. "While my companion here would surely recommend Snowhame, and perhaps he's right in that, I can assure you that Hilrock is the absolute height of sophistication and culture..."
"DA! But if you're looking for a wonderful night, you can't beat Snowhame! Hilrock is fine and all, but Snowhame never sleeps! If it's a party you want, Snowhame's the place to be!" the puma exclaims happily, before clapping his hands together as he watches the two brawling bears. "DA! Punch him with the left arm!"
Meanwhile, Ulrich is still wrestling with Elijah, grinning, before he releases Elijah's right hand and brings his fist back to acknowledge Hilmar's request...
Meanwhile, Cythim gets a faint chuckle, a smile, and a concealed snicker from several bystanders. "Told you, sayyida... Shralestan spicy is often underestimated... Shralestan drink? It's sweet, don't worry," the she-cat rumbles, offering a glass of murky, lightly green tinted juice to Cythim. "Small sips... The first drink has quite a kick. You might see a few things that aren't there if you drink too fast. Nothing serious, tho."
Finding the pressure suddenly off of him, Eli grins, rears back, and delivers a solid headbutt to Ulrich's nose, forestalling the attempted punch! The massive grizzly laughs, setting his big, muscled gut shaking as he sets himself back into a fighting stance. That wasn't a finishing move and he is sure that the arctic foreigner will be coming back for more!
"Aaah... Aaah... That stuff... is... pretty strong...". She slow down her breathing, slowly recovering from the ordeal as the vendor offer her some green juices. "T-that is this...? Doesn't look... edible...". She look through the glass, then pull off a few more scepters. "I'd like the normal spicy meat please. I'd like to know what it's worth compared to the Shralestan one."
Natska listens to the two lords intently, nodding her head at the suggestions. "I see, thank you! And outside the cities? I am sure that Thel'Dor has much to offer."
Cassidy nods at Natska, smiling. "Mhm! That's what we're looking for. We're planning on going outside the cities and into the countryside. See what kind of stuff you've got out wilderness! I am sure it's very beautiful. We already heard about one lovely cave system from a friend of ours."
"DA! That reminds me. Give Sven my greetings! You know Sven, da? Everyone knows Sven!" the puma cries out. He's definitely a relative. "Sir Hilmar... I'm going to have to ask you to stopf this. You are making a mockery of our fine country."
"Miladies. I do apologize for the behavior of my companions, zhey are... Quite a different breed of beings," he mumbles, before being thumped on the back again by Hilmar, causing him to yelp lightly. "Friend Bartholomew is no fun! He is... What do you call it... A puny twig in the mud? Da! That's it!"
Of course, Ulrich stumbles back a little, although his arms are soon swinging towards Elijah's body again, fists poised for impact.
And of course, Cythim is soon offerd a much less spiced stick of meat, with a smile from the saleswoman. "Of course, sayyida... Customer is king! As for the drink... Juice from the desert-fruit."
Eli is ready and waiting as Ulrich comes back swinging, ducking under the polar bear's first wild swing, but falling victim to the other ursine's vicious uppercut! The grizzly engineer staggers off to the side, plowing into Hilmar.
The burly puma only roars with laughter and sends the grizzly reeling back into the fray! He takes the boost and tries to tackle Ulrich!
"Juice from the desert-fruit? Cacti juice? ... maybe then... but before that...". She grab the sticked meat, turn in on itself. As she smell it, she eat it, peacefully, and enjoying the spicy meat. "Not bad, but not as great as the Shralestan one.". Then she grap the glass of cacti juice and very slowly drink it. Like she was told. "T-that... p-peculiar... but... rather refreshing...".
Natska perks her ears and, after a moment, tilts her head to the side. After a bit, though, she shrugs and turns to Cassidy. "Who is Sven?" she asks, curious. The ongoing antics of the two lords elicits a grin from the jaguar... this northerner cat certainly seemed friendly enough.
Cassidy scratches the back of her head and giggles. "Sven is... A very interesting gentleman! And a fun one, certainly. He's loud and likes to party, but he's good people. A bit different from those of Solacious and Schlaufuchs ilk, but the Snowmarks are grand people to be around, certainly! As I'm sure you'll see, when we get there."
Elijah is soon met with another fist flying his way, knocking the poor bear backwards again as another shoots towards his gut... Only to be turned into an extended hand instead. "Priyatel' fights well, for someone who isn't trained! We will have a drink together, da! Good drink, from Thera'Dor! Makes you strong! And if priyatel' ever decides to leave this puny country behind, there's a spot available with the Conglomerate, da!"
Cythim is meanwhile being coached lightly regarding the way to drink the cactus-juice. "Just let it slide down the throat, sayyida. Don't drink too much in one go. About halfway should be fine," the salesperson explains. "It's another one of those things I've seen many a effendi or sayyida underestimate. It'll mess up your thoughts for a bit if you're not used to it."
"You do not know Sven? Everyone should know Sven, da! Or has Sven stopped his parties? Maybe I should bring the visiting to Sven?"
Of course, when Cassidy explains about Sven, the puma claps and grins. "DA! That's Sven! Or Sven's oldest brother, Hans! Or maybe Gustav or Olaf..."
Elijah wipes away a little trickle of blood from his nose and takes the proffered hand. "That drink sounds awful nice, your lordship," he growls, "Just as soon as you get all your brothers here to give me a little room." The grizzly sags against the polar bear a little, but seems pretty pleased with himself.
Cythim follow the instructions of the femcat as she let slowly goes down the liquid in her throat but stopping a bit before half and repose down the glass. Feeling refresh but slightly confused, hopefully nothing bad, she says goodbye to the merchant and goes towards the crowd of nobles, and see each of them talking. She whisper, "I wonder what they were up to...", simply looking around.
Natska thinks a moment, scratching behind her ear. "No, I had never heard of Sven," she admits. "But he sounds fun." As Hilmar goes on, she giggles, and her hand seeks out Cassidy's. "Ooh. It sounds like all of the Snowmarks are friendly sorts. This will be a fun trip."
Cassidy laughs softly and nods along. "Yes, yes. Very much so! And sadly, we already took our trip to Shralesta, but... Maybe you and I could go on a little, personal trip there sometime, too, if you're interested. It'd be after our trip to Thera'dor, of course, but they have delicious teas and such out there."
As the festivities continue, the gathered beings slowly disperse and leave the yard over time. Of course, before things get that far, Lord Bartholomew has found himself being thumped on the back at least sixteen more times, and Ulrich seems to be intent on sharing not one, but two full bottles of Vodka with Elijah.
Natska and Cassidy are told several more stories by Hilmar, both about Thera'Dor and about Sven and the parties he used to throw at home... And eventually, after an eventful time, everone is heading home again, and LongTech Industries' night-crew sets to cleaning up the mess...
