1222.2e: Three Hour Tour

Retired Play by Post Campaigns Ars Magica 5th Edition: Canaries Are Dying
181

Meanwhile, back outside the castle.

The dark-haired fae-blood stands, looking at Talia intently for a few minutes before he finally speaks. "You must be Talia, the Tytalus Godiva mentioned. Your fairness, I fear, must have been beyond her comprehension. I hope her actions have not jeopardized our good relations. There are times, I must confess, she fills us all with such frustration.

"Drat it all," he says with a snap of his fingers, "my manners have completely left me. For that, my dear, you have my sincere apology. My name, if you will, is Robin of Merinita. It is, indeed, a pleasure to finally get to meet ya." He will then attempt (if Talia lets him) to kiss her hand.

"I do apologize, then, Eireann. Let's say that I suspected that you were not truly a redhead, but wasn't sure. And I say again that the man was a fool, to let you be bored in bed."

She smiles at Caiomhe, and dabs at her brow and bosom with the kerchief that Caiomhe returned. "What name shall I call you? Eireann, or Brigde? May I?" she asks as she motions with the kerchief toward Caiomhe's bodice. If she doesn't say no, Godiva will place the kerchief between Caoimhe's bosom. "Take this...a present from me to you. Whomever you are."

182

"The crew of the Whoa Buoy calls me by Caoimhe, but that is an affected name as well. You may name me as you wish, my lady, and henceforth that shall be the name of my heart."

183

Talia allows him to kiss her hand. "Robin, a pleasure. Forgive my forthright speech. It wasn't Godiva's actions that brought me here, but it was my friend's actions, which needed to be explained, or at least brought out into the open. As I said, I don't wish to jeopardize peaceful relations. Is there something other than words that can cement our bonds of friendship? When I inquired about trade I was...rebuffed."

184

"At least Actius left the gates open," Robin says, but doesn't release her hand, holding it gently. "Although we don't have much, I hope and pray that someday soon we will have vis and books that both our needs would fill. Until then, all I can offer are my words and deeds. That should suffice to plant the seeds of a long-lasting friendship, unless our friends' mutual misdeeds have brought it already to an end."

He looks at Talia with a smile. "When you were here yesterday, did you get a chance to tour the covenant, or at least get a good glance?"

185

"No, just a brief luncheon. Does Robin have any fae tendencies, or is he more like Drystan? Awareness check of 8. "But perhaps what you have is what we need, and what we have is what you need? If your resources are meager does it not make sense to maximize them? For example, I have a measure of Herbam vis, would that be of any use to you, or do you already have it in good supply? We also have some books in our library that are duplicates. Perhaps you and your sodales find yourselves in a similar position."

((I think you were looking for consensus on the book issue to retcon, otherwise they stay for trade. Is that a correct understanding? If not, Talia wouldn't say anything about the books.))

186

"Ambrosia, I think, suits you best," Godiva says after some consideration, smiling at Caoimhe the whole time. "Nectar of the gods. The merest taste of which carries me to the heights of Olympus."

Definitely fae-blood.

((That is correct. And it looks like the book situation stays as is, so you do have some to trade, or at least allow to be copied.))

"Our library is quite strong in the fields of Actius' choosing, but there are quite a few books that I could see us using. The arts of Vim and Animal, and theories of Magic we have galore, but other arts and sciences? If I could find, I would adore to see the look on Actius' face if a faerie blood like me could bring us knowledge so much easier than he. But alas, you said that you would like to trade books or vis, or books and vis, I think that's what you said. We have little to offer at this time, unless you would consider service or goods. It should be fair, as you're our only bidder."

187

"What kinds of service or goods do you have in abundance?"

((I don't know if Talia knows about Haile's Intellego text. It has not been mentioned IC, from what I can see.))

188

She's talked about it with Edgar. It's reasonable Talia would have talked with him before heading back out to trade books with the other covenant.

I had assumed it would be covered by Cow & Calf, but if PB will allow it to be copied, then it could have been a gift from Eule's filia. (I think I might change the author to Eule, actually.)

189

Robin thinks for a moment. "We are not yet half a year old. Our store of treasures has yet to unfold. We have a few craftsmen, I daresay quite skilled...but I'm sure of their goods you've more than your fill."

He thinks a little longer. "Our sodalis Godiva, I can attest, is also quite skilled with painting, with oils and fresco. Perhaps we can help decorate your abode in payment for sharing your informational lode?"

Sounds reasonable to me, especially as Halie was the council's second choice (their first choice just had too much baggage for them to be comfortable giving that kind of authority to), and they would likely like her to get her Intellego and investigative scores up.

190

"We have several luxuries like that, actually. Perhaps not as skilled as Godiva's. I would be looking for something more symmetrical or comparable in value. So it would seem you spent the bulk of your wealth on building this structure?"

"So tell me, Robin, just how did this covenant get its start? I'm new to it myself, was never in one, well except when I was an apprentice, but that doesn't count, does it?" She smiles at him. ((I'd say winsomely, but nothing about Talia is childlike or innocent.))

191

((I wasn't thinking Haile's book would get traded, but the other book the covenant has, if Talia knew there was a better one to replace it.))

192

((Oh, I thought you wanted to copy it and trade the copy.))

193

"It would be fair to say that after building this, our purse isn't fat."

"Our covenant was founded by Actius who came to us with his filius Demios. They arrived several years anon after his sodales in Thebes told him 'begone!" after a falling out with their covenant's god (which is something that I still find quite odd).

He spoke with our parens while we were still young regarding our interest to further our skill in the land that some call Caledonia. We all agreed, for reasons of our own, a daunting task. Hopefully we're up to the measure and can coexist with you all without risk of censure. I was not aware that your covenant was there, and if you feel that we do intrude, accept my apology for being so rude.

I'm sure that Actius had heard of your monster and the aura, which must be quite perplexing for a Bonisagus, for a mystery like this just begs to be explored, Unless, like me, those things leave you bored. But I'm sure that it's a better fate than teaching apprentices with a short attention span.

We moved here to the loch at the beginning of spring, and were pleasantly surprised to learn that everything we needed to have were already here, for a magus he knew, ex Misc of Hibernia had erected the castle upon this very spot, so when we arrived, there wasn't a lot that had to do. It had to be here, Actius told us, because he would fear that the rest of the forest, faerie aligned, would not let us be, or so he opined. An Hermetic castle would be seen as an affront to the residents of the forest, since this is their countryside, and for now we are merely guests, and to keep our peace with them, we must do our best. There are a few places, once you get up from the loch Which are magic, but most are Faerie.

But enough shop talk. I'm sure by now you're bored nigh to tears. Tell me, sodalis, what truly brings you here?"

((I actually had to get out my rhyming dictionary for this - I hope you're happy :laughing: ))

194

"Curiosity, concern, and caution brought me. Curious, because it's in my nature. Caution because I really want to understand why no one bothered to visit Insula Canaria. Concern, because I didn't want an associate's actions to be attributed to underhanded motives. My House has a bit of a reputation as to the kind of magi that populate it. Honestly could care less about the general perception, but I want my sodales to know my reputation. I, as much as any Tytalus, stands apart from the House. Even now, we have a battle for House leadership, and I'd venture to say that less than half care who the leader is, and when one is chosen, if they'll even listen to the leader. Would you be surprised to know I spent some time in Thebes? I wonder if Actios knows of Aeliophanes Flambonis. He and I were lovers for a time. And I worked under Memnos before that, how I learned about ships, he helped me craft some spells, or at least lit the fire under me. What brings you here, Robin? The fae forest, I'd imagine?"

195

"So much of what I see fills me with wonder, yet you having lived there? It must have been fun. I hear that the hills of Thebes are alive with people like me who somehow survive and prosper in the face of people who no longer believe in the old, but the new.

"This Ailophanes, I hope that he can realize yet how lucky a man he was to have to have spent even one night with you. It must have been unearthly delight.

"You know about ships, you say? The ship you bring to our door, you drive that big thing?

"What brings me here, you ask? I'm in search of a task. A raisin d'etre, so to speak, some thing to do with my life besides have fun. So many people around me are driven by some higher purpose, or even a destiny they have to fulfill. Me? I just want a better reason to be."

196

"For a time, but Favonius was a covenant on the ocean, and we traveled throughout the seas. While I lived there, I was a guest, not a member. If it weren't for Ailophanes, I probably would have joined." Referring to the ship, "I command her, and I have spells for rigging her sails and making the wind blow favorably. Steering her and other tasks are generally ones I leave to my crew. One day I hope to enchant the ship, or at least portions of her."
Going back to his other question, "Are you seeking carnal knowledge or romantic love? I'm not built for romantic love. Since leaving Thebes I've taken many men to bed, often several at the same time." Her question is and demeanor is serious.

197

Robin smiles. "I doubt I'd know love if it bit me on the ass. A pleasurable night is all I care to pass. There may be those who seek so much more, but for me, a love that's true would be such a bore. And if you're trying to make me jealous, you'll find that I'm not like the other fellas. I don't ever wish to be tied to one lady. The mere thought of it would just drive me crazy."

He looks around. "I don't know how long our friends will be gone. Do you want to wait, or should we carry on?"

198

"Can you really go all night long?" she grins, but the question is serious. "These aren't clothes, by the way. I learned this trick from Godiva." Talia grins lasciviously.

((I'd imagine a little CrCo could effectively diminish the refractory period... These people teach Talia the naughtiest things...))

199

"I've never had anyone put me to the test, but I'm sure I can go without any rest."

Robin smiles back and reaches out to run his fingertips along her body through her phantasmal clothing.

"Doesn't that take some of the fun out for me, if I can't unwrap your gift to find what I see?"

200

((Man, Talia's turned me into a slut...))

Talia doesn't say anything but moves in for a kiss, and reaches to undo his bottom piece of clothing while kissing him, when they're down, she'll then kneel and...