<blockquote><div><cite>Vendra wrote:</cite>"I do possess a few abilities that would help stave them off, however earlier today…” Vendra shoots a glance at Kahmori “My holy symbol and all of the items I needed to combat undead were umm…misplaced.”</div></blockquote><br/>While neither Vendra's hesitation nor her glance slip past Brady's attention, their exact meaning is beyond her. Clearly, some antic of Kahmori's cost the priestess her holy symbol, but what she can't imagine. Maybe he's hidden it for a prank? Or maybe his sloppy packing left it somewhere on the trail?<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Maybe he tried to force himself on her, and stripped off all her things she couldn't resist.~</span>Crew offers.<br/><br/>The comment earns a rather awkward heaving sound from Brady as she nearly sends a half-swallowed piece of duck down the wrong pipe. She shoots the crystal a brief but focused stare of incredulity.<span style="font-style: italic">~Crew, you can't possibly be serious. Those two are practically in each other's pants, and we're not even through dinner. Hell, she's practically being for a reason to undress for him. You really think he'd have to FORCE her to get naked?~</span><br/><br/>Crew gives a mental shrug.<span style="font-style: italic">~Maybe, maybe not. I'm just saying she was half-naked in Helix's room, and doesn't want to say why.~</span><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~Yeah, well...~</span>Brady takes another gulp of wine, hoping a flush of mild inebriation will cover up the<span style="font-weight: bold">real </span>reason her cheeks are burning. "Oh. Well... maybe we can pick up some things in town tomorrow?" she suggests. "I bet one of the churches could spare some gear if we ask nicely."<br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Alexei wrote:</cite>“But we must make sure we don’t end up trapping ourselves inside. If we can, we should attempt to procure a floorplan or layout of the crypt so we can plan for potential problems.</div></blockquote><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Vendra wrote:</cite>“A floor plan isn’t needed. I’ve studied much about the Dwarven lands that existed long ago. The crypt is very shallow, extending no more then four hundred paces. Roughly two hundred feet inside of the crypt will be a fork. One path will lead to the old caretakers quarters and the other to the nobles burial chamber. I have to say the presence of a necromancer confuses me. One of the most secretive orders and a single one is in such an open location and allowing his undead to roam so freely? It doesn’t make sense. There has to be something at the crypt that’s worth the risk if the necromancer is being so bold. I suppose we’ll see when we arrive.” </div></blockquote><br/>"Actually, I've been wondering about that," Brady says. "I mean, this guy looks like an amateur on the outside, but if Xali's right, he's making some custom jobs. And honestly, I think she might be onto something." Brady pauses, her attention flicking over to Xali to make sure the leopardess catches the acknowledgment. Pandering isn't in her nature, but given some of Xali's... fickle moods thus far, keeping on her good side seems like a wise course of action.<br/><br/>"I've never been in a crypt," she continues, "but I've read plenty of stories. All these old burial grounds are full of traps and secret passages that nobody knows about. Whatever this necromancer's after, I'll bet it's in some sort of hidden chamber that's not on the main map."<br/><br/>"This is, of course, pure speculation," Crew adds. "Nevertheless, in the event that Brady's rather colorful hypothesis proves to be correct, we should be equipped to map out any unmarked areas. It would be wise to designate a cartographer ahead of time."<br/><br/><blockquote><div><cite>Chelsie wrote:</cite>“Forgive me for interrupting. I would just like to inform you that the attendants have finished preparing your baths and the heating stones will continue to keep your bath water heated for the next half an hour. I hope everything is to your liking and I hope you each have a wonderful evening.”</div></blockquote><br/>"Hmph?" Brady mumbles from around a mouthful of apple. It takes the little chameleon a moment to shift her attention away from her dessert, but as Chelsie's message finally sinks in, her eyes practically sparkle.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Bathtime!</span>A long, stress-melting soak in piping hot water, pampering herself with every soap, oil, and sweet-smelling scrub the inn has to offer.Were she alone, she might take the opportunity to engage in a few other forms of stress relief; of course, that won't be necessary if she can rope Kahmori into helping her with some "hard-to-reach" places... or maybe Vendra, for a woman's touch... or, why not both at once? Oh, the possibilities...<br/><br/>As wrapped up as she is in her own fantasy soapland, Brady nearly misses the real Vendra's announcement. She quickly gulps down the last of her food, followed by one more glass of wine - how many this makes, she's lost count - before planting her glass on the table with a purposeful clatter.<br/><br/>I'll join you!" she declares, somewhat louder than intended. More quietly, she adds, "I mean, so I don't miss having the really hot water. Besides, his back's pretty big- if we each take a shoulder, we might actually finish tonight!" She laughs, hoping that her real motivation isn't quite as transparent as it sounds to her own ears. Perhaps lying after a half-bottle of wine isn't the best idea...