<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=205751.msg10278626#msg10278626">Quote from: Chloe Milev on 20-07-2014, 03:17:09</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"See you then..." Kleris gave him a sweet smile and batted his eyes, just to rile him up.  He wondered if there were any other preparations he could make to take advantage, or distract Carson in the duel.  Since they traditionally dueled at the pocket dimension island, perhaps a battle bikini and some <em>glamour</em> would shock him off his game?  That night at the dorm he'd have to ask Rensha and Zull about dueling strategy and potentially useful and legal tricks.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>"It would have to be the result of your own spell," Rensha said.  "I don't think a real bikini would be proper dueling attire.  But springing such a spell in the middle of combat...now<em>that</em>would be surprising!"<br/><br/>"Also, given that he won't be able to attack physically, he's likely going to go all-out with offensive magic," Zull said.  "You might want to brush up on counterspelling sometime.  It's really only part of Aegis classes, but the Dueling Club has practice runs for it."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The lake was usually sunny and a fun place for students to let go of the stress of school.  The environment wasn't doing anything to help Arturon's mood.  Kleris instead sat closeby for support.  "Edgar's right.  You're a good person, a good wizard and prefect, and we're lucky to have you here.  At the very least, your experience at Allain gave you a sharp learning curve in leadership and responsibility, and you can be a good mentor for students here, whether your're an official prefect or not.  Nelsa and those jerks are going to hurt themselves and always be looking out for those they stepped on, or are jockeying for their position, while you're here in peace with your school family.  Don't let her drag you down," and he leaned over to give him a peck on the cheek, and then turn in for a short kiss on the lips.  Arturon needed a friend and a distraction from his woes, and Kleris figured it was the least he could do to raise his spirits.  He quickly sat back, touching his lips, realizing it was the first time he'd kissed a boy, and felt a strange thrill at that as he gave Arturon a grin.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Arturon blushed.  "Th-thanks," he said, smiling back sheepishly.  "I'll try my best to focus on the positive from now on."<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Kleris took the rose and smelled it, another tradition he'd never been on the receiving end of.  "Yes, it's traditional; thank you.  It's lovely and if I put it in some water, it'll last a few days and make the other girls jealous.  In fact, that's probably a lot of the reason...  But yeah, those are fine ideas.  Getting dinner at the inn sounds fun, I've never visited before.  And since I got in a bit of trouble before, I'd say I've earned a night in the woods for being a bad girl, heh.  Why don't you show me the way to the Ram's Head?"  He hooked his arm into Artaxes' and let him lead the way as he chatted about school and his new divination assignment.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>The inn was a far cry from its quainter counterparts used by adventurers and other travelers on the road.  People from all across the Known Realms, invariably well-dressed and important-looking, lounged in the common area.  Tables were full at the dinner hour, and Artaxes and Kleris had to make do with a booth at the back.  Artaxes knelt down a little at the table's end to be more level with Kleris.<br/><br/>"Oh, is this booth a problem?" a halfling waiter asked.  "Hold on...<em>orasio!"</em><br/><br/>By command a portion of the table rose up to be level with Artaxes, along with Kleris so that both could speak to each other at eye level.<br/><br/>"Thank you very much," Artaxes said.  "Are you comfortable, Kleris?"<br/><br/>The menu selection was gigantic, with entry after entry from lands far and wide.  Even the appetizers section was three pages long!<br/><br/>Artaxes ordered some linguine pasta with tomato, basil, and garlic sauce, and a side order of spinach and mushroom salad.  He was surprisingly adept at eating with his one arm, switching from knife to cut his food, then to back to the fork to properly enjoy his meal.<br/><br/>"So, Kleris, you mentioned earlier about your time working at your mother's magic shop.  If you don't mind, exactly what does a person do in the exchange of goods in your society?  Centaurs tend to share resources and barter with outsiders, but the human and elven concept of a building stockpiled with goods only to be traded away is...interesting, to say the least."<br/><br/>This was not the only question Artaxes had in store for Kleris.<br/><br/>"So, what do you enjoy in life?  What hobbies do you pursue in your free time?  Back home I picked up a talent for woodcarving; I always had an easy time visualizing things in my head and them imbuing them into sculpture.  It's been a good way for me to earn some coin back in Tolkur; I figured that I'd put myself through school this way, but that wasn't enough.  Now I do it for fun, and people still ask me from time to time to carve something for them, even though I only have..."<br/><br/>He frowned as he looked over to where his left arm would be.  "Well, it's fortunate that I know<em>mage hand,</em>at least."  He laughed nervously.<br/><br/><em>If Kleris wishes to ask about his arm, roll a DC 20 Diplomacy check.</em><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Failure</div><div class="spoiler_body">"It's not a comfortable subject," he said.  "Anyway, would you like me to make a wood sculpture for you?  It can be anything you want.  I should have it done in a few days, give or take."</div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Success</div><div class="spoiler_body">"It's not a comfortable memory," he said.  "But I suppose I have to come to terms with it.  My people have for the most part been secure.  Everyone who isn't old or sick does their part to make sure that the rest of the Creesh can live a good life.  But there are dangers in the forest and under the ground, and sometimes we must fight against those who'd do us harm.  During our travels a group of worgs stalked us, hoping to pick off a few of the lame travelers.  I was part of the small detachment protecting them, and we picked up arms to drive them off.  It was the first time I've been in a real fight in my life, I was uncertain of what would happen.  I...erred, and the bodies of two of the beasts sunk into my arm, their weight tearing it off.  They were killed, but I bore this as a reminder."<br/><br/>Artaxes sighed.  "I regret my mistake, but I knew things would be far worse if I let those wolves slaughter any of our own.  I was glad that I prevented that, at least."</div></div><br/>As their meal came to an end, Artaxes offered to pay the bill, even as he blanched at the price of 3 gold pieces.  "All this for that food?!" he exclaimed before regaining his composure.  "Don't worry, Kleris, it's not much; I invited you, meaning that it's my responsibility.  I'd rather keep my honor than my coin."<br/><br/><br/>The woodland at Redhurst's southwest was far smaller than any proper forest, but the height of the trees and the darkening glimmer of approaching night made it impossible to distinguish between it and the real thing.  The place was a scene of primordial beauty touched by the presence of wizardry: squirrels, bluebirds, and other woodland creatures flitted about the grass and trees as signs illuminated by<em>light</em>spells helped visitors navigate the woods.<br/><br/>"You want to know how to tell the difference between an artificial forest and a wild one?" Artaxes asked.  He pointed to the bases of the trees.  "Look at them, notice anything odd?"<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Knowledge Nature DC 13 or Perception DC 14</div><div class="spoiler_body">Most of the trees grow in rows.  If Kleris points this out, he nods his head in agreement.  "In the wilderness, their birthplace is at the mercy of the winds which carry the pollen.  Sometimes the Creesh cut stems from trees and plant them in soil in case we need to replenish a barren field, but otherwise have little need to do that."</div></div><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Failure</div><div class="spoiler_body">"Notice how most of the trees grow in rows?" he asked.  "In the wilderness, their birthplace is at the mercy of the winds which carry the pollen.  Sometimes the Creesh cut stems from trees and plant them in soil in case we need to replenish a barren field, but otherwise have little need to do that."</div></div><br/>"Why don't we go off the trail?  I promise I won't get us lost!  Let's break these tiny constraints and explore the forest beyond!"<br/><br/>Artaxes ventured into the flora with ease, his hard hooves unimpeded by the twigs and branches.  Realizing that Kleris might not be as suited, he offered his hand to him.  "Need a lift?  I don't do this for just anyone, but if you want you can ride on me.  Don't worry, I can support your weight easily."