MERC XIX: Toss a Coin to your Goblin

[Morty]

MERCENARY ESPIONAGE AND RECONNAISSANCE CORPORATION

The Mercenary Espionage and Reconnaissance Corporation is the most prominent faction of mercenaries and adventurers in this world. Their skills are offered for hire to anyone who can pay. More than that, the Corporation exerts considerable control over the teeming masses of the freelance mercenaries, adventurers, hired weapons and troubleshooters of the chaotic land of the Nexus. They offer licenses that entitle one to discounts, legal protection and job offers... in exchange for a cut of the profits. To that effect, MERC has offices in Inside, Riverside and Skyside. MERC does not appreciate competition, so unlicensed mercenaries operating in these cities are subject to a negative marketing campaign. If one proves troublesome, harsher steps may be taken.

Hiring MERC:
Hiring MERC is as simple as providing any information needed and negotiating appropriate payment. Contracts must gain the approval of a MERC member. If the member thinks the job is too risky, doesn't pay well enough or is otherwise troublesome, they may contact Dipsnig or one of his lieutenants for special approval.

There are two categories of official MERC contracts. MERC Member Contracts, jobs to be carried out exclusively by MERC members, and MERC Licensed Contracts, jobs to be posted publicly for any MERC license holders to complete.

The following for must be filled out. MERC Member Contracts are posted in an area exclusively viewable by MERC members, while MERC Licensed Contracts are posted in all MERC locations and are viewable by all license holders.


Job Description: Brief description of the job to be performed.
Contract Type: MERC Member Contract or MERC Licensed Contract.
Hired by: Character or group name (Player name).
Target: Character or group name (Player name).
Payment: Approximate or specific where applicable.
Notes: Any additional information.

Note that MERC refuses to deal with slavers, and will not accept contracts that involve returning slaves to their former owners, or sending them to be enslaved.

Current Contracts:
MERC Member Contracts:
Available exclusively to MERC members.

Every MERC member and license holder will get a commission for protecting Trog's Tavern and Black Dragon's Den from attacks, attempted robberies, random encounters and other events.

Completed contracts can be found here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bWaLexXM4Subtwpi99NCEd3qpiVjbAFUyitdCJQQw5Q/edit#heading=h.ka8gmtz84z5).

Licenses:
Those unwilling or unable to join MERC full-time can apply for their licenses. Obtaining one is relatively simple, requiring only coming to their main base or one of the offices and filing in their name. A license comes with the following benefits:
Discounts in Trog's Tavern, Black Dragon's Den, Erin's Emporium and Azik's Enchantments
Protection from dishonest employers.
Access to MERC Licensed Constracts.
Free medical care by MERC's lieutenant and medical robot, CB.

In exchange for the license, its holder is obliged to pay MERC a cut of their profits.

However, the license may be revoked if the holder breaks MERC's restrictions on jobs or glaringly breaches the organization's professional standards. The first time it happens, the license can be returned for a fee. The second time the fee is higher and the third time, the license is revoked permanently.

Membership Information:
In order to be hired as a full-time member of MERC, one needs to prove their worth either to their leader or one of his lieutenants. Usually, it involves being a mercenary of some skill and professional standards, but the organization is also open to those with other valuable skills, provided they can prove that they'd be useful to the group. Full-time MERC members enjoy the access to MERC-exclusive jobs, and a cut of the profits and influence their control over the mercenary business brings.

Members need to sign an enchanted contract that will alert the leadership in case of following conduct:

1) Working with slavers

2) Working with KABAL

3) Intentionally using lethal force against other members

4) Tampering with MERC security measures

5) Disclosing confidential information, that is to say contracts, passwords and security information outside of MERC.



Permanent staff


Name
Player
Role


Dipsnig Razortooth
Morty
Chief Executive


Dena Xifhara
Shadowcaller
Senior Officer


Kirk Locke
Gulaghar
Senior Officer


Astrana
Shadowcaller
In-House Magic Specialist


Krayger
LordDeathKeeper



Sam
LordDeathKeeper
Cook


Valerie
Gulaghar
Secretary




Locations:
This thread not only serves to contain the MERC base, but also all other MERC associated locations. These locations are separate from each other and events in one location will not affect the others. Because of this, please label posts appropriately for any scene's location.

MERC Base:
The base consists of several buildings located in the cold regions of the Nexus. It tends to snow a lot. It resembles an arctic base somewhat, but is much more friendly and hospitable.

Layout:

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq40/happyturtle-avs/no-base2.png

One central building, containing the common room, the kitchen, the infirmary, the armoury and the tunnel entrance. Four smaller buildings connected to the main one by roofed corridors: One for sleeping quarters, one for the laboratories, one for the training area and one for storage. Also, there are considerably large beast pens also connected with the main building.

Main Room:
In need of description.

Room Descriptions:
In need of description.

Infirmary:
This room has come a long way from where it was. The circular room has been fitted with a number of high-tech hospital beds, and some healing tanks. The walls are lined with supplies, tools, medical apparatus, and many things that look very, very advanced. Everything short of surgery can be done in here. The tanks are on the far side of the circle from the door, five of them, currently empty. A sign is posted next to the tanks:

WARNING: HEALING TANKS ARE ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES. ONLY USE TANKS WITH DOCTOR RECOMMENDATION. ACTIVE TANKS MUST BE MONITORED BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES.

Against the wall near the entrance are a number of stretchers. One spot in the right wall is a marked out section of blank wall. A note is attached:

“See about having a door put in here, for emergencies.” Oddly, on the other side of that wall is the armoury.

Almost missable in the calculated medical clutter are white curtains, which can be pulled upon tracks in the ceiling to give bedridden patients some peace. Sanitation stations (like modern hospital sinks, but even cleaner) are at the front and back of the room. Each station has spots for hand washing, instrument washing, general trash throw-out, and hazardous trash throw-out.

Yeah, the MERC infirmary is now prepared for anything short of surgery.

The surgery is done in the member’s quarters.

CB-484, not seeing the point in a large room for himself, has converted the bulk of his room into a fully-equipped futuristic emergency room and surgery centre. It has lots of adjustable lights, emergency supplies, pointy objects, things with large warning signs on them, and a sanitation station. One door off to the side is marked “CB-484 Only.” What was once the closet of the room has been deemed suitable to be CB’s living quarters, and he has no intention to expand.
Kitchen:
In need of description.

Labs:
In need of description.

There's an extensive cave and tunnel network is located under the base and the mountain behind it and some tunnels go forth to key Nexus locations. Both are accessed through the main building. There's a separate door for the complex and the tunnels.

Defences:

Secure walls and windows that can be locked if needed.
Six Aperture Science laser-targeting chain-gun turrets placed on the exterior of the base.
Two Asuran golems (http://wiki.guildwars2.com/images/d/d3/Chubby_Golem_model.jpg) programmed to obey MERC members and defend both the personnel and the base.
Clockwork penguins, armed with light machine guns. Crude and ineffective, but numerous.
Dimensional lock placed on the entire base.

Offices:
MERC has offices in Riverside, and Skyside, where mercenaries can come to receive licenses, inquire about job opportunities, make complaints about dishonest employers, and conduct other administrative business. Their offices in Inside were closed due to a conflict with the government. Their operations there are now underground, literally and figuratively.


OoC Rules:

No godmodding.
No destroying the whole place. No, not even then. This applies to all locations.
Keep the curtains to a reasonable amount.
Label posts for appropriate location. It's especially important here, seeing as there are multiple buildings in this thread.




MERC XVIII: Affordable Misdeeds and Friendly Canines (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?548884-MERC-XVIII-Affordable-Misdeeds-and-Friendly-Canines)
MERC XVII: You Can't Take the Pay From Me (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?501470-Merc-xvii)
MERC XVI: Morality is Relative, Professional Standards Aren't! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?374346-MERC-XVI-Morality-is-Relative-Professional-Standards-Aren-t!)
MERC XV: All In One Package (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?305405-Nexus-MERC-XV-All-In-One-Package)
NO XIV: Running with the Wolf Pack (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?268206-Nexus-NO-XIV-Running-with-the-Wolf-Pack)
NO XIII: Do Clockwork Penguins Dream of Mechanical Fish? (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?233665-Nexus-NO-XIII-Do-Clockwork-Penguins-Dream-of-Mechanical-Fish)
NO XII: Frostburns Are For Free (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?218281-Nexus-NO-XII-Frostburns-Are-For-Free)
NO 11: This is NOT what I was hired to do (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?208343-Nexus-NO-11-This-is-NOT-what-I-was-hired-to-do)
NO X: Mind the Half-Dragon Dire Rancor (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?185987-Nexus-NO-X-Mind-the-Half-Dragon-Dire-Rancor)
NO IX: We Don't Accept Seashells As Payment (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177840)
NO VIII: The season of what was to be (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9431635#post9431635)
NO VII: Beware the Penguins (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164080)
NO VI: Disconnect Imminent (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8005188#post8005188)
NO V: Ember (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133220)
NO IV: Not too good to be bad (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6460618#post6460618)
NO III: New. And Improved (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103718)
NO II:II ON (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95149)
NO (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?88675-NO)




Thinking about roleplaying in the Nexus? Come say hi in our Discord (https://discord.gg/ypGmhv3Ufx)!

[Morty]

[Workshop ==> Shooting Range]

Olvisin makes her way to the shooting range, where she'll find goggles and eye protection suitable for goblins (there's enough of them about the place that it's easily available), as well as a gun.

"Hmm. You go first, I think. Show me what you can do."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

Chidi follows, and puts on his own goggles, suitable for humans. "With pleasure." He grins and picks up a gun, loads it and positions his body for optimal shooting using the Center Axis Relock stance. He gets serious as he takes aim, then empties the clip, alternating between hitting the head and the torso.

When he's done, he ejects the clip and reloads. "Your turn."

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

"That was pretty good." Olvisin sounds impressed. She takes up a shooting position herself. Chidi can likely tell that while she's skilled enough, she hasn't had very formal training; certainly nothing like military. When she shoots, she only misses the target's centre of mass a couple of times. It seems that it's not so much her accuracy that's worse than Chidi's as focus and trigger discipline.

[Ashen Lilies]

[Astrana's Office]

Astrana nods in agreement. "I've had similar experiences myself. Finding the right vessel is usually the most difficult part of such a ritual. Though at least in this case you will be able to work directly with the spirit you're making the vessel for. I mean, beings which are often defined by their sexual appeal such as sinccubi usually have rather high standards for what their vessel should look like. So if you need any of my help I'd be happy to oblige. It would be something new for me to learn."

[Astrana's Office]

Cass nods, a thoughtful, faraway look passing across her face for a moment. "I'm glad. Thank you for your help today. I really appreciate it."

[Purple Eagle]

"That was pretty good." Olvisin sounds impressed. She takes up a shooting position herself. Chidi can likely tell that while she's skilled enough, she hasn't had very formal training; certainly nothing like military. When she shoots, she only misses the target's centre of mass a couple of times. It seems that it's not so much her accuracy that's worse than Chidi's as focus and trigger discipline.

[Shooting Range]

Chidi observes her shooting but refrains from saying anything until she's done. "Not bad for someone who hasn't been formally trained. You're quite skilled, but your focus and discipline need work. Lucky for you, you have a bona-fide military-trained weapons instructor in front of you. It's a part-time job of mine." He does look a bit impressed, though.

"I could teach you with these meat arms of yours, if you wanted. An opportunity to offer another service of mine to this org." He adds, rubbing his chin in thought.

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin looks uncertain as she considers the offer.

"I appreciate it. I'd love to hone my skills. But that's a pretty big offer, isn't it? Teaching someone is a lot of effort. I don't want it to feel like I'm overusing your generosity. Is there something you'd like in return?"

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

"Payment, for starters." Chidi says, matter-of-factly, though he knows she'll probably be saving for those cybernetic arms she desires. His lessons won't be as expensive as the upgrade, though. "I can do the first lesson for free. In exchange, you can pay me by... letting me take you out on a date?"

He flashes one of his charming grins at her.

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin nods along at first. Paying for shooting lessons is more than fair. Then comes the other offer. At first she looks slightly stunned, but then she laughs.

"A lesson for a date? I like your style, Chidi. You've got yourself a deal."

[Shadowcaller]

[Astrana's Office]

Astrana raises her palm. "Don't mention it. It's what I'm paid to do after all." She goes to sit and lean back down in her chair. "Now, are we done here then for now? Since it sound we might just be."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin nods along at first. Paying for shooting lessons is more than fair. Then comes the other offer. At first she looks slightly stunned, but then she laughs.

"A lesson for a date? I like your style, Chidi. You've got yourself a deal."

[Shooting Range]

Chidi smiles hopefully, then grins when Olvisin laughs. "It's a date, then!" He says, as a way to 'lock in' the deal. He eyes her a little more, deciding that she's a woman who's much like him. Kinda reminds him of Jack Door.

So, just to make sure, he inquires further. "You okay with casual? Pardon me, but you seem to be the 'casual' sort." He elaborates. "Casual, have fun, see where it goes while having as much fun as possible...?"

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin nods and waves her hand.

"I am that, yes. I'm not the type to get tied down. Not yet, anyway. I just like to have fun now and then in-between fiddling with machines, stitching people and shooting things."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

Chidi grins at her, nodding his approval. "Yeah, that's just the way I like it, too. I think we're going to have lots of fun together, Olvi." He concludes bluntly. "So, shooty first or date first? I'm not picky."

[Shadowcaller]

[NEW MERC JOB]

MERC members who have installed the job app on their phone (or similar device) MERC gives them access to for free will get a little buzz as a new job have opened up.
The Gateway Foundation have observed that fey and similar creatures have started to appear around the nexus with increased frequency, centered around the city of Inside and in particular within the city's parks. The foundation are interested in these beings and what kind of threat that they pose to the nexus.
They're willing to pay MERC members to do the following:


Provide them with important information regarding these fey. The payment will be based on how vital they consider the information.
Acquire non-sapient forms of these fey and deliver them to the foundations headquarters in Outside.


The foundation suggests contacting Intersection before attempting to interact with these beings as they're dangerous and Intersection seems to have some experience dealing with them.

There are directions to the foundations headquarters as well as contact information should they have the information they need.

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin looks at the target boards where their bullets struck.

"Let's start with the date, I think. I've had enough digging through machinery and shooting things for today."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

"A date, it is! I know this one place in Inside that has the best sushi... er, what's your favourite food?" Chidi asks, figuring it's a better question than 'What do goblins like to eat'.

Those wristbeads of his glow and vibrate, alerting him to a new message. He brings his left wrist up and makes a gesture that causes a holographic screen to be projected out of the beads. Quickly navigating to the MERC app, he reads the details of the new MERC job. "Hmm... you getting this, Olvi? There's a new job regarding the fey. I'm interested, but I have no experience in dealing with fey."

He thinks for a moment, then shrugs. "Eh, if it's still available tomorrow, I'll see about joining." With luck, Dena will be willing to go out on the field for this one, and he'd get to spend more time with her. She's quite a fascinating woman.

Also, Olvisin did say she's had enough of shooting things for today, so she won't be interested anyway! At least, those are his thoughts.

[Murkus]

[Kirk and Dena and Fayyaad]

MERC's sexiest trio might receive a peculiar letter. It arrives like any other in a yellow envelope. The trim of the letter makes it seems like it's adorned in gold leaf.



FRIENDS OF FETTINA [NO LAST NAME GIVEN]

You are cordially invited to the marriage celebration of Fettina [NO LAST NAME GIVEN] and Cantata Neschastlivy
to be joined in holy matrimony at the church of Saint Chrizita in the city of Inside. A catered reception will be served on the premises.

Due to the shifting state of Inside, no exact address is given. Please adjust your travel plans accordingly day-of.
Spacial variance is expected to be light.

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

"I prefer cave grubs, usually," Olvisin says with a grin, watching Chidi's reaction. "But sushi sounds like something I'd like to try." She looks down on her own personal computer. "Fey are tricky to deal with, but a job is a job. Something has to pay for those cyber-arms."

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena]

Very soon after the invitation arrives, Dena receives a rather loud knock on her office door. Someone is in a mood.

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Dena had feared this the moment she had read the title of the letter. In fact, she had suspected that Tina would pull something out of the ordinary even for her after she had been acting so mysterious. That would of course lead up to this. Her running damage control to stop Kirk from doing something brash.

She puts the letter to the side and leans back in her chair to give him a relax impression once he enters. "Come on in."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

"Oh...!" Chidi looks stunned for a moment. Once he sees the grin, his eyes narrow as he peers at the goblin, trying to ascertain if she's being serious or just pulling his legs. Nonetheless, now he's promised her sushi and has to deliver.

"Sushi's basically raw fish, but made to be delicious." He explains. On the subject of the mission, he'll turn away from the screen to look directly at her. "Wanna do the mission together?"

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk bursts through the door, closing it firmly behind him. "What the hell is this?" He swats the invitation down on Dena's desk.

[Reporting In]

At a different time, Dena receives a call in her office. If she picks up she'll be greeted by Valerie's voice. "Miss Xifhara, there's a visitor for you. She says she's with the Fourth Tower?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Dena gestures at her own invitation. "It's Tina's idea of fun, Kirk. Calm down. Who else do you know that would do something this impulsive? You've known her long enough to know this is completely in-character for her." It takes some effort but she keeps a calm tone as she addresses him.

[Reporting In]

"Did she say a name?" Dena replies after a few moments. She could just check the cameras but that would require more effort than just confirming it was who she expected right now.

"Since I'm expecting a 'diim', a plant person, called Vax."

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

"Fish are great. We eat a lot of fish where I come from," Olvisin says. "The grub thing is real, though. But I know topsiders don't enjoy bugs as much as we do. And sure, we can go poke around some fey together. Just be on your guard with them." She suddenly sounds more serious.

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Fun." Kirk scoffs. He paces in front of Dena's desk. "Who the hell is this Cantata anyway? She pops up out of nowhere and now suddenly they're getting 'married'. What's her angle?"

[Reporting In]

"Ah, she never gave a name." There's a pause. Valerie does sound a bit uncomfortable. "I think she does match the description, though."

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Fun." Dena echoes with a small smile. "I think you might have pissed her off during our dinner. I mean, it was obvious how you felt about Cantata. Everyone at the table could tell." Dena raises an eyebrow as if questioning if he thought that hadn't been obvious.

Then she pulls out a drawer and picks up a binder. "But funny you should ask that as I've done some research." She throws the binder on the desk, sliding it to the other end. She has written a stylized title for it, "CANTATA".

If Kirk should open it he will find several documents and photos all related to Tina's future wife.
It appears to be a mix of job contracts, reports and simple scribbles written by Dena herself. The photos are either of a younger Cantata singing on a stage or more recent ones of her entering and leaving the MERC base. But there are also a few photos that at first glance seems to be of Magtok standing on a stage but red circles have been drawn around what seems to be Cantata moving around in the crowd surrounding him.

"Nothing beyond the scope of what we already knew, but that includes both spying and assassinations so the bar is already pretty low. It's no doubt this gal can be dangerous if she wants to be. Especially if she can read emotions too as it isn't mentioned here." She gestures at the folder. "Though I did include a summary of the usual abilities of a empath in the back there if you're curious. Can't say how accurate that is though. Either she's spontaneously just developed it or she's managed to keep it a secret for quite a while now."

[Reporting In]

Dena raises an eyebrow. Why wouldn't the damn woman mention her name if she wanted to speak to her? Was that a warlock thing? Afraid that if she gave her name the freaking secretary would have power over her or something?
She sigh internally, she would have to ask later. She hadn't exactly seen this issue arising when Val had been hired as secretary, was she simply too strange-looking?

"Just ask her name and let her in. If she doesn't want to give it, well, whatever." Vax sounded as paranoid as she was, except in a more supernatural way. Must come from dealing with monsters as your job, you started to see them everywhere eventually.

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk sits and opens the folder. He flips through the first few pages, but it too agitated to give it continuous attention. "So what does she want out of Fettina? I've been thinking about this since the other night. It doesn't make any sense. She's not of consequence."

[Reporting In]

"I can do that." There's some muffled speech before Valerie replies again. "She says her name is Vax, a- Oh, and she's coming now."

A few moments alter and there's a knock at the door. Vax then enters. looking much as she did before. Her face remains uncomfortable eyeless. maybe that's why Valerie sounded so off kilter. "Afternoon, Miss Xifhara. How have you been?" The diim takes a seat without being prompted.

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"She's not?" Dena shakes her head. "You're underestimating Tina, Kirk. Have you even been to her apartment? That's not the kind of money you get from occasional theft. The gal's loaded and isn't shy about throwing money around. I'm sure that more than just Cantata likes to use her as a sugar-mommy."

Dena starts collecting the files as Kirk seems to be finished with them and starts to put them back into the binder. "But there's also Tina background, her family isn't exactly poor either, and her connection to MERC through us. I mean, that Telly-bitch already kidnapped her once for exactly that reason."

She pauses as to let all that sink in. "However, with all that in mind it seemed to me that Tina was the one with pants in that relationship and no matter how much I'd like to think her subdued manners were just an act I actually have a theory with some more evidence behind it." The gorgon meets his gaze behind her sunglasses. "Namely, Tina's pissed at you." She leans back in her chair. "You acted like a jerk against Cantata during that date so she impulsively decided to marry her just to get back at you. I mean, that's hardly the most impulsive thing she's done is it? Tina knows you better than most people too so she knew how angry you'd get."

[Reporting In]

One would assume that Vax got directions to Dena's office, at least the way I imagine the layout of the base with Valerie having her office near the common room and Dena being further into the base.

Either way, Dena cautiously regard Vax as she enters. She wasn't sure if the diim either had an imperfect idea of social cues or used that perception to cut past red tape and put others on edge. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

"Things have been just fine on my end, mrs. Teplos. Just the usual daily routine." She remarks with a small smile. "I trust things have been fine on your end as well? I would have come down to HALO if I had known you were planning to visit. I know that the climate up here isn't particularly pleasant up here." Especially to someone that appeared to be a plant.

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

"I've had to eat bugs when on a mission with no rations, so I know they can be good. I'd stick to my fish, though. Much more palatable to me." Chidi says, confirming that he doesn't enjoy bugs as much as she.

When the topic shifts to work, he too grows less jokey and friendly, becoming more serious. "Roger. Let's go take the mission, then." He taps his screen to indicate that he'll accept the mission, if there's any button of the sort.

"You know more about faeries than I do, tell me what to expect." He says, walking with Olvisin to presumably the point where they'd state their desire to take the mission.

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin scratches her head as her ears flick up and down in thought.

"There's different kinds of fairies around, but one thing is that they've got many rules. Contracts and pledges. They might seem friendly but then trap you in those. Sometimes they won't, though. But they're always unpredictable and capricious. Often fixated on one thing that they care about and not much on anything else."

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk waves his hand dismissively. "I doubt that. I'm confident this nonsense is what she was planning on telling us over supper." The drow leans back in his seat, not really relaxing despite the appearance. "If Cantata wanted to get at us I doubt she'd have joined Merc. You might be right about Tina's money or family, though."

"In any case, Fettina needs to see some sense. She's being impulsive and putting herself at risk." Someone has to look after her again.

[Reporting In]

"It's no trouble. It takes more than a little snow to frighten me off." The diim crosses her legs and folds her hands on her lap. "But let's get down to business. We made substantial headway in our investigation, you'll be glad to hear. You didn't make it easy for us, though. When we discussed our original arrangement, and payment, it wasn't clear that you intentionally deceived us."

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Dena folds her hands and leans forward. "That's a possibility." Dena admits . "But that would mean..." She makes a 'tsk' sound. "Yeah, she's pissed off." She displays her palms and shrugs. "Which means there's no way we're going to talk 'sense' into her as this is exactly what she wants." She holds up her binder. "I don't have nearly enough evidence to dissuade her so the only way you can go about this is starting at the other end. You're going to have to talk to Cantata." Dena pauses as to let that sink in. "I wouldn't recommend that though. It's just gonna make her more pissed with little chance of going anywhere."

[Reporting In]

Dena raises an eyebrow. "Oh? What makes you think that?" She calmly inquires.
There was no way Vax could prove it was intentional.

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk scowls. "You're right, she's stubborn." Does he ever know that. "But as for Cantata, she ought to understand that if she hurts Fettina, she won't enjoy the consequences." The drow's eyes narrow.

[Reporting In]

"Come now, Dena, there's no need to play dumb." Vax shakes her head. "You suggested that this Helios was offering a ritual you could perform with the assistance of Astrana. But, perhaps I'm mistaken. Astrana may carry surprising attributes, though I'd still argue that in isolation sex is hardly a ritual."

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Dena rolls her eyes. "And they say opposites attract since that's the bull calling someone bullheaded, Kirk. You really think she needs you to explicitly tell her that? She didn't seem like a moron to me and you made it pretty clear that you were against her from the start. Furthermore, anything you tell her is going to be told to Tina unless you're planning to go all in on these threats." She raises a eyebrow as if to challenge this.

[Reporting In]

Without missing a beat, Dena do look surprised in part since she is. Helios had framed it a bit differently and Vax made it sound much more simple than he had been given the impression of. "Sounds like there's more to it than that, or that's what I was told at least. So do go on. Is sex really all that's needed?"

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

Vax gives Dena a look. "Spare me. Either you're a fool and neglected to ask Helios any details about what was required, or you lied to me and cost us hours of research. Which is it?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

"I was told about a ritual and I inquired about the details, which I got. So either he made all that up or it's actually unnecessary. One of those things that just makes you feel better. Whatever you think I did, I'd like to know what you found out and what's your source of it since it seems to conflict with mine." She's not lying, she deliberately avoids to as Vax was all sass right now.

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

"The fact of the matter is that the details of this ritual were vital information, and yet you were intentionally vague. For what reason, because you were embarrassed?" Vax scoffs. "Tell me right now what Helios described to you."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"And why shouldn't I? She's a problem. What else do I do? Sit here any wait for something to happen?" Kirk glowers.

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

Dena seems to brush Vax's attitude aside and continues as if nothing happened. "I already told you about that 'chimera essence' stuff and how the dragon was supposed to be created out of the gorgon, yeah? Well, I should have been more specific. Essentially, you can manipulate that 'essence' with a dietary subscription. The gorgon is supposed to be eat this and that, a lot of reptiles apparently, and I quote, 'from her a dragon will be born'. Something which apparently involved puking according to Helios. I interpreted that as it involved me puking out an egg, which ew, but after the diet it didn't seem to bad and he confirmed it wasn't harmful. There was no way I'd expect an dragon to come out of more private parts you know? Like... they're pretty big if you know what I'm saying." She pauses and takes up a pen. "But if what you're saying is true, that was a misdirection." Then she reaches for her notebook. "So what else have you learned?"

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"I'd recommend try talking to Tina and explain how your feeling in a sensible manner... if I wasn't talking to you, Kirk." Dena's tone becomes flat at the end of that sentence as her expression sours. "You can't control yourself when you get upset and she knows this as well as I do. She's probably just sitting there in her 'throne room' waiting for you to storm in a fit of rage so she can throw you out on your ass. So what you should do is prove her wrong and don't come to her like a raving maniac. Calm yourself, channel whatever restrain you have and just talk. No shouting, no thrown objects, just calmly asking her to explain herself and then argue against her reasoning." She raises an eyebrow and calmly folds her hands together. "Think you can do that?" Dena didn't, but maybe Kirk could surprise her too.

Otherwise she would at least get to see him fail as Tina would no doubt record it. She had seen her security cameras.

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range -> Front Desk(?)]

"I've never met such faeries, so I'll need you to help me out on the field, know what to look for and what to avoid, Olvi." Chidi says after pondering her words, his finger playing with a moustache. "Is there any chance that I'd be turned into a fairy or something if I make the wrong move?"

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin seems surprised by the question and isn't sure how to answer at first.

"I... don't think so? Or at least I don't remember ever hearing about something like that. I don't know that much about fey either. They have a grudge against us goblins for some reason. Or at least they like us even less than they like mortals in general."

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

Vax pauses for another moment, waiting just long enough for it to become uncomfortable before speaking again. "The documents I found refer to gorgons as 'echidna', or mother of monsters. I've seen the term used in various different contexts, but in this case it appears it could relate to dragons, as Helios suggests. Unfortunately we still lack a direct connection between gorgons and dragons. It's unsurprising, to be frank. These dragons have at best been extinct for generations and gorgons such as yourself are exceedingly rare beings."

"That said, I feel confident that Helios expects you to bear a child, whether he's told you so yet or not. I can't definitively conclude that gorgons are capable of birthing dragons, but gorgons are tied to childbirth in fundamental ways. In your current state, you strongly represent death. Simply looking at you causes it. However, pregnancy will trigger a change, bringing forward concepts of life. To me this suggests a duality. Life and death are balanced against one another. Bringing life to the fore pushes back death; this is where the benefits Helios describes are likely to come in. Control over your deadly gaze, or maybe it won't be deadly at all. I can only speculate on the precise details, but it does logically follow."

"As for the details of the 'ritual', it could be that those are important. Echidna in tales and records are described as the source of many different entities. It's hardly consistent. Perhaps this Helios discovered a way to control that process. I can't see what motivation he'd have to lie about that particular detail."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Don't give me that." Kirk scowls. As if he wasn't justified. "And if I do and she doesn't open her eyes? Then what?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

Dena is perfectly quiet as Vax explains this, only occasionally nodding every time Vax makes a point as to show that she's listening. Vax clearly didn't understand this social necessity herself but it wasn't like Dena was gonna stop doing just since the diim didn't want to.

"...do you have all of this in written form or do you want me to write it all down myself?" She inquires once Vax seems to be finished with her explanation. "Since this is a lot to take in so I'd like it all written down somewhere." Dena gestures towards Vax. "But speaking of writing down, since your own information is incomplete regarding this subject, do you want me to fill you in on whatever I manage to squeeze out of Helios? You've already proven that his information is questionable at best but there does seem to be a grain of truth in it at least. I figure we could meet up again after I've talked to him and try to piece together this puzzle." She shrugs. "Or I could just send you all my notes of what he told me. Whatever works best for you."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Then you can tell her that you at least tried and go ahead with your plan. I mean, Tina is gonna find out you talked to Cantata one way or the other and this way it will look a bit better if you play your cards right." Not much considering that Kirk's position was essentially to try to control who Tina could marry. However, she had already pointed out how dumb a plan this was and felt further proding would make him stop listening to her.
Kirk was not open to reason at the moment but hopefully she could prod him in the direction she wanted him at least.

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

"I can have a written report prepared and sent over tomorrow morning." Vax replies. "You should of course give me any information Helios provides. It's better these questions be answered later than never."

"But speaking of Helios, we did look into him as well. It wasn't so fruitful, however. The name did come up on one occasion, but there's no way to link it back to the being you're dealing with. Given more time we might unearth something, but given his disposition that might not pan out."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

The drow shakes his head, but even so says, "Fine. I'll talk to her. This whole situation is a goddamn mess."

[Purple Eagle]

[Shooting Range]

Olvisin seems surprised by the question and isn't sure how to answer at first.

"I... don't think so? Or at least I don't remember ever hearing about something like that. I don't know that much about fey either. They have a grudge against us goblins for some reason. Or at least they like us even less than they like mortals in general."

[Shooting Range]

"I had to ask. While I wouldn't mind getting to experience life as another race - a dragon, for instance - these fae you're speaking of is another matter. I wouldn't want to be beholden to any fairy, for instance." Chidi explains his odd question, then gestures around. "Besides, I hear that if one isn't careful here, they can get changed permanently, and against their will."

"So, what's the next line of action, Olvi?" He asks. They should probably be moving on, and start as soon as possible.

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

"I'm willing to provide anything I got on him to help." Dena remarks as she pulls out a drawer and picks out a binder that she tosses over to Vax. "I collected some more information on him and put it all in here. A lot of it is my speculations and educated guesses but I figure it's better than nothing."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Dena leans back and displays her open palms in a gesture of surrender. "No arguments there. Tina could have handled this so much better. She intentionally provoked you, man. That's not cool at all. Neither do you or Cantata."

[Morty]

[Shooting Range]

"We go research fey sightings and then investigate them," Olvisin says. "After finding out as much as we can so we don't go in blind. Hopefully no unwilling transformations happen. I'm pretty attached to this body."

[Reinholdt]

[Entrance]

A blue haired, pink eyed catgirl shows up at the mountain base, knocking yes, but also entering as quickly as able to get out of the cold. Brr! She has the look of someone who hasn't been here in a very long time and is spotting slight differences that have accumulated over the years. Admittedly her prior engagements with MERC have been limited, brief, and professional, so she doesn't actually notice much. It was a long time ago too.

https://images2.imgbox.com/9c/2e/BIYqIjP0_o.png

[Morty]

[Front Desk - Reina]

Reina will find the front desk occupied by an orc today. A large orcish woman with dark grey skin, red eyes and a smart dress with strange patterns on it.

"Welcome to MERC, how may we help you?" she asks.

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

Vax picks up the binder and flips through it momentarily, quickly counting the pages by touch. "I'll take it into account. I wouldn't expect much without a solid lead. I expect 'Helios' isn't the first name he's born. Some entities are canny things."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk scoffs. He thinks about not lumping him and Cantata together, but thinks better of it. "She knows how to be a thorn in my ass, that's for sure."

[Reinholdt]

[Front Desk - Reina]

There's a moment as Reina looks over the reception orc, but it's brief and standard. They've upgraded to outright receptionists! Well, can't fault them for their economic values.

With a smile, Reina replies. "Yes, I'm here to apply for a membership."

[Morty]

[Front Desk - Reina]

The orc nods.

"Of course. Let me just check who is available for an interview... I see." She looks down at her computer. "Looks like Mr. Razortooth can see you. He'll be waiting in the interview room down the hall."

[Reinholdt]

[Front Desk - Reina]

Interview rooms now too! The corporate upgrades keep on rolling.

"Thank you," Reina says before heading to the indicated room.

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

Vax picks up the binder and flips through it momentarily, quickly counting the pages by touch. "I'll take it into account. I wouldn't expect much without a solid lead. I expect 'Helios' isn't the first name he's born. Some entities are canny things."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk scoffs. He thinks about not lumping him and Cantata together, but thinks better of it. "She knows how to be a thorn in my ass, that's for sure."

[Reporting In]

"I might not know much about, erm, entities, but don't gods have to keep the same name and identity since... I mean, they kinda exist based on the faith in that name, right?" Dena inquires as Vax flips through the pages, and there are quite a few.

While the majority are just notes there are also newspaper clips, photos and even sketches. Some looking rather gruesome or eerie. How they're connected to Helios she can't really tell without reading through it properly however.

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Wasn't that how you to got to know one another?" Dena asks with a smirk. "But Tina knows how to get under your skin as she's been there many, many times. You've opened up to her like no one else, which is exactly why you don't want her mad at you. You gotta bury the hatchet before she gets really mad. I mean, I don't want to get trapped between your argument."

[Morty]

[Interview - Reina]

Dipsnig looks up when Reina comes into the room. She... looks familiar to him. Reminds him of Reinholdt for some reason. He did have some clones running about, didn't he? Well, no need to insinuate anything, he'll see if it comes out during the interview.

"Welcome. Please sit down. Our process for admitting members is a bit more involved than issuing licenses, as you can see. First I'd like to know your name and the skills you bring to MERC."

[Reinholdt]

[Interview]

Reina nods to Dipsnig before taking a seat. Straight to the boss! Either this interview would be really easy or really hard.

She offers her hand to shake. "My name's Reina."

Hmm. Skills... "I'm good at second story reallocation of resources, reconnaissance, vigilantism, disarmament, and diplomacy." If getting five kids to stop arguing and go to bed on time isn't diplomacy, then nothing is. "As a general summary anyways. Just don't ask me to cook!" Reina laughs, before looking very serious and pleading. "Please."

[Morty]

[Interview]

Reina. That does make it very likely she's... some kind of Reinholdt clone. But that's really none of his concern as long as it doesn't affect MERC.

"We have a cook on staff, so that shouldn't be an issue," he says, not sure if she was being serious. "Do you have references from previous employers or proof of previously completed jobs?"

[Reinholdt]

[Interview]

Reina raises an eyebrow. "You... want proof of my spying, thievery, and superheroics? Sorry, but I kind of made it a point to not leave proof? Except for stealing Magtok's cloning machines. That was a year long job. Does that count?" Otherwise telling him this info feels counterintuitive!

"I've been self-employeed for awhile now too." Her previous employers Calublufiok and Astir aren't actually people Reina imagines Dipsnig would want to talk to. Well. Again anyways.

She spends some time thinking of something more tangible she can present. "Sorry. The vast majority of the evidence I could offer you was sold at auction and I haven't exactly been active since. I've spent the last few years raising kids instead."

[Morty]

[Interview]

Dipsnig drums his pen against his notepad. He knows Reinholdt's reputation, of course. The two of them are among the oldest Nexus residents. But how does it apply to Reina? Cloning is confusing sometimes, or often. It's also a bit of a flimsy basis, even if he's authorized to do so. Then he gets a better idea.

"The fact that many of our candidates prefer to keep their accomplishments anonymous can be a complication, yes. But I have a way of solving that. There's an investigation in Inside that we need to perform and that should suit your skills well. If the job works out, you'll become a member. I can perform the standard background check on you while you're doing that. Does it sound acceptable?"

[Reinholdt]

[Interview]

"What? The hoops, huh?" Reina frowns. Going through some common ritual like a nocat off the street! Bah!

Well... it's not that bad really. She came here to do jobs and this did qualify as one at least. So technically it's killing two birds with one fang. "Yeah, ok. Not a problem. Give me the who, what, when, where and I'll get right on it for you."

[Morty]

[Interview]

"The investigation is part of a large-scale contract we have," Dipsnig explains. "To gather information about fey. Dena has learned about a dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of Inside that seems to have some fey presence. The job is to find out who they are, what they want and why they're..." He checks his notes. "Sending diplomatic notes to the Intersection. I'll give you Dena's number and inform her you'll be coming."

[Reinholdt]

[Interview]

Reina raises an eyebrow at the mention of Intersection. "Talk to some fey. Yeah, I can do that." Or in worst case, spy on them. "Dena huh?" There's a momentary nibble of the lip, but it passes. She remembers Dena. Been a long though.

"Do you or Dena have copies of these notes they've been sending that I can take a look at?"

[Gullara]

[Reporting In]

"I might not know much about, erm, entities, but don't gods have to keep the same name and identity since... I mean, they kinda exist based on the faith in that name, right?" Dena inquires as Vax flips through the pages, and there are quite a few.

While the majority are just notes there are also newspaper clips, photos and even sketches. Some looking rather gruesome or eerie. How they're connected to Helios she can't really tell without reading through it properly however.

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"Wasn't that how you to got to know one another?" Dena asks with a smirk. "But Tina knows how to get under your skin as she's been there many, many times. You've opened up to her like no one else, which is exactly why you don't want her mad at you. You gotta bury the hatchet before she gets really mad. I mean, I don't want to get trapped between your argument."

[Reporting In]

"It's a deep and complex subject. I could go into detail, but I suspect you're not interested in paying me for a lesson." Vax replies. "Suffice to say, some behave in that way, some do not. There are myriad classifications, and even then it doesn't capture the full picture." She tucks the binder away. She can't exactly dig into them without eyes, now can she. "I believe that should conclude our business. Unless you're unsatisfied with our findings? If you would like us to dig deeper on a particular angle we could discuss the cost of that venture."

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk doesn't seem all that taken with levity at the moment. "I have to bury the hatchet, as if it's my responsibility to account for her problems." He fires back.

[Morty]

Dipsnig taps his bracer and brings up a holographic display:


In the name of the Voice in the Deep,

We demand that you cease the harassment of our serfs as they go about their work. Our manor's income depends on them.

Signed,

Voice in the Deep

"No one is quite sure who those serfs supposedly are and what constituted harassment of them. The manor did belong to a noble family, but they all abandoned it two generations ago. Now [I]someone has moved in and it looks like they're some kind of fey. Dena should have more of those, if you're interested. She also came up with some security measures to minimize the risks of the fey stealing your soul. It involves a ritual with our on-staff warlock."

[Shadowcaller]

[Reporting In]

"No, I'm more than satisfied with what you managed to get your hands on. In fact, I'm going to give the fourth tower a bonus due to all the extra trouble you had to go through. Time is money after all." Dena remarks as she leans back in her seat. "Will cash do or do you prefer another form of payment?"

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"The way I see it you're both responsible for this situation. You can't have avoid noticing how Cantata reacted to your inquires and comments, Kirk. If Tina planned to marry her before we met then she will probably took a lot of offense to that. I mean, this is hardly the first person Tina have fallen for so I don't get why you started pressing the issue before we even knew about the whole marriage thing." Her tone is casual despite the subject matter and then seems to want to dismiss the entire subject with a gesture. "But I'm not gonna sit here and assign blame, just do what you gotta do, Kirk."

[Reinholdt]

"The complaints are [i]probably exaggerated, knowing fey, but we'll check thoroughly." Reina frowns for a moment, in thought. She can't say she's much considered her soul, beyond where it's headed. Largely because she isn't entirely sure if she has one.

Guess this warlock will know? Or at least protect whatever technically inhabits this husk. "Right. Well just point me to the warlock then. Anything else?"

[Morty]

[Interview]

"It's entirely possible they make perfect sense from the fey's point of view. Who knows." Dipsnig's ears flick. "That's about it for now. Dena will give you any other pertinent information. Good luck."

[Gullara]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

Kirk waves his hand. Hard to say whether she made an impact or if he just doesn't want to get into it anymore. Either way she's cooled his head. "Fine." The drow stands. "I'll consider it, but this is still fundamentally a problem." He reminds her. But with little else to discuss, he'll make his exit if there's nothing more.

[Reporting In]

Vax's expression is difficult to read right now, but surprised it likely not far off. She nods. "Cash would do just fine. It's a flexible resource in this place, we've found." The real payment is yet to be obtained, but the cash is a nice extra. "I'll send the written report along later, as well as any information we can trace to Helios. Otherwise, until next time, Dena."

[Reinholdt]

[Interview]

Ah. So Dena will point the way to the warlock. Or they'll do the warlock thing together. Or something.

Reina just nods with a smile. "Not needed, but thank you. See you soon." She'll stand and head out to meet up with Dena.

[Shadowcaller]

[Kirk and Dena - Damage Control]

"It is a problem, that much we agree. Just don't make it more of one, alright? Telling Tina what to do usually has the opposite effect so keep that in mind. I mean, I'm trying to tell you what to do right now and look how much success I'm having." Dena grins. "So if you want to prove you're not like Tina, here's your big chance, Kirk." She remarks before he leaves and raises her hand in a farewell gesture. "But so long and good luck."

[Reporting In]

"Grand, I'll send you a cash payment then. Should come along tomorrow unless there are delays." She smiles politely as Vax goes to leave. "It was a pleasure working with you."

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

Kirk heads to Dena's office at a totally different time and presumably not that long after his meeting with Arik in Riverside. It's clearly not long after that and that conversation never happened weeks ago. The drow knocks and enters. "Well I followed that Mithar lead." He begins.

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

Dena, whose on her cellphone, gives Kirk a casual look from behind her sunglasses. "-alright, but I gotta go. Something just came up." A beat. "Yeah, yeah, I'll get to it. Bye now."

She puts down the phone. "And what did you find out?"

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

Kirk sits down, leaning back precariously in the chair. "So I followed up the Mithar lead, like we talked about. Wrong Mithar, though. Cessie directed me towards her brother. Did you know she had a brother? Doesn't seem like the public type. He hangs around in a graveyard." Weird guy, if you ask Kirk. "Claims to have dealings with Helios. Not a one off deal, but some sort of prolonged relationship. He knows that Helios isn't just some person at least. Says he's some sort of 'god'."

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"Her brother? In a graveyard? Huh." Dena leans back in her chair casually as Kirk reports in.
"God you say? I did caught scent of that myself, straight from the horse's mouth in fact. Something about secrets and knowledge, right? Didn't know what to make of it though. A 'god' could be anything within the nexus and he doesn't really act like I'd expect a god to act anyway."

[Arkhosia]

Front Desk - A Few of Our Favorite Things

A rather spiffy-looking Ork in a postal service uniform ambles into the main office of MERC. It takes him a second to puzzle out where to go to, but his eyes light up when he spots the front desk.

"'ello, pack'age fer MERC," the Mailboy amicably greets, raising a hand to show off a simple brown parcel. Most folks would find it the perfect size to tuck under one's arm, but in his grip it looks far more suited for the hulking being's palm.

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

"My gut says nothing too huge. Not the all powerful being type for sure." Kirk thinks about that a moment. "Arik has the same kinda magic as his sister. The whole elemental thing. Don't know if this was still a thing in your time back in the homeland. There were northeners making excursions around our territory. Reminds me of those." They ever made it inland by his recollection, but a lot can change in a few decades. "Do we know if Mithar is another from our neck of the woods?" Dena tends to be more up to date on this kind of intel.

[Front Desk - A Few of Our Favorite Things]

Valerie turns to give her usual greeting, but she's given pause. This guy is huge. Wait, she's seen big guys like him at the mall, she's sure. But that's an errant thought; she collects herself quickly. "Ah, yes. You're at the right place. I can take that." She stands and holds out her hands to accept the package.

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"Yeah, you have a tendency to go with your gut Kirk, though not as much as the thing just underneath it." Dena remarks with a smirk. "But I see no reason to doubt the judgement of either of those things right now. He must be employing secrecy for a reason and if you're all powerful that usually doesn't fit with your M.O. Not to mention all the loops he has to go through simply to accomplish this relatively simple feat."

She pauses as she seems to consider Kirk's other question. "Our territory? Didn't take you for a nationalist, Kirk." Dena chuckles. "But there were all sort of humans inhabiting the region last time I was there and I do believe some came in their color. Settled in the northern regions if I recall correctly. Not sure if they're directly related to them but I think I've pretty much confirmed they're in fact from the same place as us. The fourth tower, the organization that Astrana worked for and the one I visited in HALO? They're from the same region as the invaders."

'Invaders' being their name of a particular kind of humans with dark skin that were the first to settle down in their homeland with imperial ambitions in mind. This gave them a particularly bad reputation among their kind, even for humans.

"It had been bugging me for the longest time but when I saw that symbol they had it hit me. I had seen it before back in the day and I even recall the name being mentioned several times. Blame it on be repressing stuff I guess, but I know that the sorcerer kings had connections to them."

The sorcerer kings being the warlords that ended up controlling the many human city states which formed once the invader empire broke down.
If they all actually were magic users isn't known but they at least employed them in their service, hence the name. But perhaps more importantly, Dena was also once 'owned' by one of them.

"Anyway, since both the Mithar's and the fourth tower were somehow connected to either him, the gorgon thing or the dragon he wants I figure it all ties together. If I'm correct then we might actually know more about all of this than we thought and we could start figuring things out on our own."

[Arkhosia]

Front Desk - A Few of Our Favorite Things

"Ah, good. 'Ave a plesant day, miss." The lumbering figure will hand over the package and, his task done, amble out of the building as quickly as he appeared. A Mailboy'z work is never done, and there are surely more deliveries to be made.

Upon further inspection, Valerie will find the package is addressed not just to MERC as a whole but a specific employee of MERC, a certain "Leis Oliveira" - which a quick check of the employee directory will reveal to be a newer accountant with an office in the building. There also does not seem to be any name by the return address, which references a location in Inside.

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

Kirk waves off Dena's teasing. The woman is relentless. "Speaking of, you got anything noteworthy out of those Fourth Tower people? If we're looking for hard facts, I got nothing on my end. Arik didn't know the first thing about dragons. Mentioned the kind of dragons we're probably talking about haven't been around in a very long time, though. Most I got is that he doesn't think lying is Helios's style."

[A Few of Our Favorite Things]

Huh, right the new girl. Valerie's seen her in passing she's pretty sure, but they've never formally met. She walks around her desk, package in hand. Well, she needed a break anyway. She heads off to Leis's office space to drop it off by hand.

[Arkhosia]

A Few of our Favorite Things

Valerie will find Leis fairly easily at her desk, typing away at at her computer. She's a tiefling much like Astrana, her cherry-red skin contrasting wonderfully with the black and white of her skirt and blouse, and focused enough at whatever she's working on that she doesn't notice Valerie at first before looking up in surprise.

"O-oh, um, hello!" Leis greets her with a smile, turning to look up towards her and very subtly tidying up the mess of papers, tied yarn, a couple different books on magic and a somewhat concealed romance novel before brushing a slip of her curly hair back."Uh, what's up?

[Gullara]

[A Few of Our Favorite Things]

"Miss Oliveira, right?" Valerie greets with a friendly smile. She takes in the new girl with interest, now that she's seeing her up close for the first time. Valerie notes her eyes in particular. Huh. "A package just arrived for you. I figured I'd drop it off." She holds the box out for the tiefling. "I'm Valerie, by the way. I work at the front desk."

[Arkhosia]

A Few of Our Favorite Things

"Ah, I remember now! I've seen you around a bit, it's nice to meet you." Leis reaches out to accept the package, taking in the secretary with a similar interest - and seemingly noting Valerie's own with a flicker of curiosity. "This is odd, I don't think I remember ordering anything to get delivered here?"

Leis starts to study the label, concludes that nothing there elucidates the strange matter, and moves to neatly slice the tape open with a pair of scissors on her desk -before startling back in surprise as a strange green fume leaps from the seam with a cackle in a flash of eerie light! It dissipates into the air as suddenly as it appears, leaving the accountant looking rather confused and perturbed.

"...If that's what I think it was, that can't be good."

[Gullara]

[A Few of Our Favorite Things]

Valerie takes a small step back. "What was that?" She asks, certainly more confused than Leis.

[Arkhosia]

A Few Of Our Favorite Things

”it, uh... kinda looked like a spirit-“ almost as if on cue, one of the books on the shelf of the cubicle tumbles out, arcing perfectly to smack Leis in the back of the head.

“Ow! Okay, definitely something weird and spooky!” She steps up out of her chair, moving over to Valerie’s side and rubbing the back of her head as a gremliny laugh echoes from the corner of her workspace. A couple more accounting books and Manila folders start levitating, papers spilling out on the floor from the latter, prompting the tiefling to tug on Valerie’s arm. ”I think we should go.”

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"Really? Nothing? What did you ask the guy exactly?" Dena inquires as she is reaching down to open her cabinet to pull out the file she had collected. "But yeah, everything is in here. Including some audio I managed to take of my conversation with their representative here." Indeed, Kirk will find a tape recorder small enough to fit inside the folder among the summaries Dena have written up.
"By the by, does the word 'diim' mean anything to you?"

[Gullara]

[A Few of Our Favorite Things]

Valerie let's herself be pulled away, but not without comment. "We should tell someone about that." She looks back at the minor chaos being caused, No doubt it's drawing some attention. Presumably someone can contain whatever supposed spirit this is.

[Follow Up]

Kirk starts looking over the written part of the report. He glances back up at Dena's question. His brow furrows. "What, you mean those jungle monsters people whisper about at night? Shape changing plant things apparently? Can't say I've encountered them personally before."

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"So you do know of them? Since that wasn't the expression I got while talking to her at all." Dena throws over a few photos taken by one of MERC's security cameras of Vax as she enters their base.

"Her social skills were a bit rough around the edges but 'monster' is not the term I'd use to describe her. Looks more like the person you or Tina would wake up with after a night out." A beat. "Not to get your hopes up of course, she's a married woman after all." She puts her finger at one of the photos which is zoomed in on Vax's hand, in particular on the engagement ring that she's wearing.
"That's a human tradition, isn't it? They practice it here too. But I also recognize the language of the inscription on it. Looks like a bastard of our runic tongue as I recognize at least one word, 'beloved'."

The runic language was also called the old tongue and was clearly related to the current drow languages but only existed in scriptures found on ancient items these days. It had basically been adapted for the sole purpose of rune magic and was best known by rune smiths.

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

The two only have to retreat about a cubicle or two away for now if they want to avoid a few mean-spirited pens sent their way, leaving the entity to get itself situated and start really getting a feel for what objects are at its disposal around it. The sounds shift from papers being scattered to the winds and binders tumbling off shelves to drawers sliding open and folders being rifled through. It's far more quiet and orderly than before, which just makes Leis look all the more unnerved.

"Probably but uh, I'm not really sure who?" The tiefling glances over at Valerie in search of suggestions. It's probably not one of the custodians, since tidying up active magic phenomena seems like it would be above their paygrade, but she's not entirely confident that this is big enough of an issue that they need to go grab one of their superiors for help- especially when Leis realizes something with a flash of alarm.

"Wait, do you think you'll get in trouble for this? I-I mean I don't see how you could've realized something was up with the delivery, but I don't wanna cause problems for you if we can, uh, figure out how to dispel it or something instead." It's a bit of a tall order to suggest she might be able to manage it, but something about that cute look of worry on Valerie's face just causes her to blurt it out.

[Gullara]

[The Parcelgeist]

"Uh, I really don't know. I don't think there's some special thing I'm supposed to do with packages?" Valerie replies uncertainly. It's not something she's had to deal with much yet. Did she forget something, maybe?

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

"Well, it doesn't seem to be doing too much? Just uh, occupying my workspace." Which is quite a lot, to be fair. Poor girl can't exactly get anything done with a spectral entity nosing through all her things, much less throwing them at her until she runs away! Still, it hasn't spread to infesting any of the other cubicles, the closest of which are thankfully empty at the moment anyways - so it's only their problem for now. "Maybe see if we can handle this thing ourselves, grab someone else if we can't? I know a bit of magic, if I can find some info on this thing in a tome I could figure out a banishing."

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

"So you do know of them? Since that wasn't the expression I got while talking to her at all." Dena throws over a few photos taken by one of MERC's security cameras of Vax as she enters their base.

"Her social skills were a bit rough around the edges but 'monster' is not the term I'd use to describe her. Looks more like the person you or Tina would wake up with after a night out." A beat. "Not to get your hopes up of course, she's a married woman after all." She puts her finger at one of the photos which is zoomed in on Vax's hand, in particular on the engagement ring that she's wearing.
"That's a human tradition, isn't it? They practice it here too. But I also recognize the language of the inscription on it. Looks like a bastard of our runic tongue as I recognize at least one word, 'beloved'."

The runic language was also called the old tongue and was clearly related to the current drow languages but only existed in scriptures found on ancient items these days. It had basically been adapted for the sole purpose of rune magic and was best known by rune smiths.

[Follow Up]

Kirk quirks an eyebrow as he looks at the picture. "I'd thought they could only mimic speech." Like a carnivorous parrot. "I suppose there's more than meets the eye. People do tend to be superstitious when it comes to things they don't understand. Still pretty strange, if I'm honest."

"So we've got a supposed 'god' who works with a northern elementalist, who just so happens to be the brother of one of Vigil's commanders. Then we've got some warlocks who have intel about this god's deal. Not surprising, given that's kind of what they do. They are the same type Astrana is, right? Then we have you in the middle of it all, something to do with gorgons and dragons." Granted Kirk hasn't been able to review Dena's findings just yet. Very hard to read and talk.


The Parcelgeist

"Well, it doesn't seem to be doing too much? Just uh, occupying my workspace." Which is quite a lot, to be fair. Poor girl can't exactly get anything done with a spectral entity nosing through all her things, much less throwing them at her until she runs away! Still, it hasn't spread to infesting any of the other cubicles, the closest of which are thankfully empty at the moment anyways - so it's only their problem for now. "Maybe see if we can handle this thing ourselves, grab someone else if we can't? I know a bit of magic, if I can find some info on this thing in a tome I could figure out a banishing."

[The Parcelgeist]

"Well I'm pretty sure Merc has some resources about this sort of stuff." At the very least Astrana's office has plenty on the topic. Usually it's more specialized, but Astrana does collect more broad information. "We could pop into Astrana's office and try to find something. Honestly I'd just ask her for help, but she's not in until after lunch today. We could wait, but, ah, maybe we should try to deal with this sooner than later."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

Astrana? Leis tilts her head. She wasn't really familiar with her, although she'd heard the name. Another employee, maybe a bit higher up? Either way, it sounds like good enough of a lead."Y-yeah, we probably don't want to delay that long," she agrees before grinning as she gestures for Valerie to lead the way.. "Hopefully we don't need to break in, I don't really know how to lockpick. Not my character class, eh?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"As I mentioned, miss Tyamera's resume mentions she being trained by them so it's safe to say they're the same type. But yeah, it looks like we're stuck in quite a fine mess." She gestures at the papers Kirk is holding. "But finish up with the report. I'd like to hear what you have to say about 'em."

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

Kirk leans back and looks back down at the summary Dena's prepped for him. He furrows his eyebrows after a bit, but he doesn't break until he's done reading. He tosses the folder back onto her desk and lets the silence sit for a moment. "It's not exactly a complete account." He comments as he chews on that. "Nothing on Helios, no direct connection to dragons. Those are some large gaps." He complains. "...That said, she supports the... benefits of the deal."

[The Parcelgeist]

"Uh, no, of course not." Valerie chuckles as she leads the way. "I've got quite a bit of access to do my job, so I can get in fine." It's not a long walk before they stop in front of a door. Valerie produces a key and opens it up. The room is a fairly large office, lots of open space in the middle of the room. Otherwise there's a desk on the far end with a few effects on it. Several masks line the walls. There's plenty of room for storage in cabinets and, most importantly, a couple bookshelves. "Hopefully we can find something quickly..."

[Arkhosia]

[The Parcelgeist]

”Oh, so you’re like the keymaster of MERC,” Leis remarks as she watches Valerie open Astrana’s office for them. A bit of an old reference, but it fits for the situation.

She blinks as they enter, peering at the rows of masks. She’s never seen decorations like these before. What were they, souvenirs? Magical artifacts? Well, fascinating one way or the other, though probably not something she should be studying at the moment. There’s more dire matters afoot! Matters that call for her to scan those shelves and check those cabinets for any helpful textbooks or codices on summons, ghosts and dispelling either, and trying to be as respectful as possible while doing so.
“Uh, do you see anything?”

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"I believe we could fill those gaps with a little bit of research of our own actually." Dena answers, seemingly skipping past Kirk's last remark regarding Vax's support of the benefits. "See, there's one rock left unturned here as there is someone who might be able to fill us in on the dragon aspect of the story. A 'dragon scholar' called Ambrosia Ithil who has been turned up all over the nexus in search for her subject matter. If anyone would know anything about these dragons, it would be her which is why I have tracked her down." A beat. "But I'm wondering if you could speak to her. See, I got a meeting..." A beat. "With Tina. Might take a while."

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

Kirk raises an eyebrow, but decides not to press for the moment. "Alright, Ambrosia the dragon scholar. You know anything else about her? Where to find her, for one."

[The Parcelgeist]

"I guess you could say that. I mostly just need to be able to get around the place to do my job." Valerie chuckles. Any reference is totally lost on her, though.

Anyway, Valerie looks around as well. "Honestly I'm not exactly sure where Astrana keeps everything in here." She admits. She knows some things, but usually it's the stuff Astrana has her fetch. It's far from comprehensive. "Let me try this cabinet..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

Dena wastes no time returning the subject back to the matter at hand. "Of course, otherwise I'd be a waste to tell you about her wouldn't it?" She remarks with a smile. "An informant told me that she's currently staying in a inn in Skyside of all places. She moves around a lot though so I'd hurry up if I were you. I don't think I need to tell you to keep your profile low while you're there though. We both know what happened during your last trip to that city."

[Shadowcaller]

[The Parcelgeist]

As she opens the cabinet which is where her fiancée is keeping her rods Valerie will spot at least one thing she both know the function of and know could be helpful here. It's a command rod made of some kind of white wood. According to Astrana it could be used to command lesser spirits around, but one had to be careful as if it was used against a more powerful spirit it could just agitate them.

She don't know any more details than that but it's better than the summoning rod next to it at least. The other rods she had never seen used but one of them was in a locked in a glass case separated from the others so that one was probably unwise to use.

[Gullara]

[Follow Up]

"Naturally." Kirk stands up and buttons his jacket. "Send me a description of her while I'm on the way. A picture if you have one. I'll find out what she knows and be back, the trash will be none the wiser." Provided Dena has nothing more to add, Kirk will head out.

[The Parcelgeist]

"Oh, this is something." Valerie says as she spies the wand. It piques her memory as she sees it. She produces the white wand and holds it out for Leis to see. "This wand is supposed to commander spirits. It should be able to take care of some prankster ghost. I guess we'll just force it out of the base?" She frowns uncertainly.

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

Leis looks over from another part of the room, a spellbook tilted halfway out of the shelf beneath her hand. Her eyes light up as she spots the rod in Valerie’s hand. ”Oh heck, that sounds like just the thing we need! I think I might’ve found a spell or two I could cast too, but I’m not sure where I’d get one or two of the reagents.” Ant carapace and badger talons aren’t very common finds in an office environment.

After a beat though, a thought occurs to her. “Er, do you know how to use it? I’ve uh, never cast spells with rods before,” she admits.

[Shadowcaller]

[Follow Up]

"No pictures I'm afraid but thankfully she stands out according to the description I got so you shouldn't have much trouble. I'll send it right over to you." Dena raises her hand in a still wave while reaching for her phone. "So-long, just message me if you encountered any problems. I'll keep my phone on even during the meeting just in case."

[Gullara]

[The Parcelgeist]

"Well you basically just activate it and pick a target. Then we should be able to command it... I believe." Valerie smiles nervously. She's far from an expert.

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

"You'll just have to show me how it's done," Leis encourages with a smile, moving to follow Valerie out. They may both be as equally novice at this, but that's no excuse not to give her a chance to impress.

[Gullara]

[The Parcelgeist]

Valerie nods and leads the way back to Leis's workspace. She approached cautiously once they near, however. Her sensitive hearing is intent on figuring out what's going on before they even have a visual. There's no use being caught off guard.

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

Things seem to have escalated by the time the two of them return. Valerie's keen ears pick up the sound of ruffling paper and worried chatter, and it'll soon become apparent why; the spirit has spread its influence throughout the full aisle of cubicles, ransacking drawers and pelting anyone in its way with whatever ornaments and objects it can find at hand. The two other employees there, a bookish-looking deer-girl and a curly-haired Vulcan in slacks, take shelter at the entryway as a violent flurry of scattered files, writing utensils and desktop knick-knacks seeks to keep them out.

Leis blinks at the sight, stopping in her tracks. "O-oh dear. That's, uh, not great."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

Tina have been formally invited to MERC by Dena.
Something she can do whatever she wants of course but this time the circumstances are different. Dena has hinted that she wish to discuss something fairly important with her which is why it has to be done in person.
Dena is even there to invite her inside the strangely empty common room once she arrives to MERC. "Hey, sorry about making you come all this way. Especially at this time of year." She gestures at one of the reinforced windows, or more specifically at the frightful snowy weather outside. "But perhaps the cold doesn't bother you anyway." She raises her eyebrows. Just how was Tina dressed for this weather?

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

Tina's in jeans, boots, and a fur collar coat that hugs her upper body. The shirt underneath is pretty low cut, the only thing that's strikingly out of place for this weather.

Tina just smiles gamely. "It's no prob, Dena. Yeah, I don't really get cold any more. And flying in the snow is something else," she says. She shakes petals of white from her wings in a cheery cloud.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes To MERC]

Dena's attention of course go to her wings as she shakes the snow off. That was strangely pretty though she still didn't envy Tina due to all the doorways she had to fir through with those wings. No matter how they folded it always seemed as inconvenient as it was to wear hats for her. Damn snakes.

"Really? Cool. I'd almost ask for a ride if I hadn't more pressing matters to talk about. Why don't you join me in my office?" Dena steps aside and makes a faux bow as she gestures for Tina to take the lead. She should know where the gorgon's lair office was by now.

"So, is the angel thing still working out for you? I admit, I never really associated you with angels before." Dena inquires with a small grin as they're walking through the corridor.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"I'll give you a ride any time you want it, Dena honey," Fettina says with a wink as they start toward Dena's den. She doesn't seem to mind walking first.

"Is it working out? I mean. I guess it could be going worse. There's a lot about it I don't mind." She shrugs. "And hey, I can be plenty angelic! Why I'm the picture of purity," she puts a hand on her chest as though offended.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Suppose you got some angelic traits." Dena admits with a glance at her, Tina's gesture making her smile. "And purity is supposed to be one of the things you don't mind about it, eh? Since I've heard otherwise." Both her eyebrows raise as she looks at the angel expectingly as they now stand in front of Dena's office.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Now just what have you heard? This is torture!" Fettina exclaims, pushing the back of her wrist into her head and sighing with a heavy dose of melodrama. She smirks. "No, I guess I don't mind all of it. It's a lot easier to focus without a libido hanging around your neck like a weight, that's for sure."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

This time only one of Dena's eyebrows raise. "Now that's something I never expected to hear from you." She opens the door and Tina will see Violet, Dena's drone, hoovering in place just inside the room. It moves aside as the gorgon moves up towards her desk. "I, if you must know, had heard that you hadn't been quite yourself ever since you got your wings and hearing you describe your libido as a loadstone... well, that's telling." Dena sits down behind the desk and gestures for Tina to take a seat as well. A comfy armchair has been set up seemingly for this purpose.
"But I'm not saying I necessarily agree though. You're not your libido, Tina, and I'm glad that you actually feel a kind of freedom not having it hanging over you like that." She gestures towards her. "I'd be worried if it was completely gone but something tells me it ain't as I think I know you pretty well at this point." Dena tilts her head slightly as if daring Tina to contest this, but then she just continues. "You probably won't hear this from the tabloids but I'm not exactly the most libidinous gal myself so I can relate."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Aw, don't go worrying about me Dena," Fettina points at her. "It's not all gone. I still think you're pretty hot!"

"Heh, last I checked you do a pretty good job keeping yourself out of the 'tabloids'. I don't know most of the details with the great sex life of Dena." She winks as she sinks into the chair. "Except it involves Kirk somewhat, so it can't be all bad."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Can't help it. If I didn't keep checking in on you about the angel-situation, then who would, eh?" Dena chuckles and leans forward with an amused grin. "I mean, I'm the closest thing you have to a canary in the coalmine, dear Tina. Since if you didn't think I was hot one day, you'd know that you're in deep ****."

Then as smooth as she dances, Dena latches on to the Kirk subject just as Tina raises it. "Kirk is of course your other canary, along with your new special gal of course. Not to say I've only involved myself with him as of late. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with a mister al-Zafar the dancing, tailed, bravado? He's quite ambitious in that area in particular. Reminded me of you in fact. I do hope you still hang out despite troubles in that area. We had quite a interesting discussion him and I right in this office."

[Gullara]

The Parcelgeist

Things seem to have escalated by the time the two of them return. Valerie's keen ears pick up the sound of ruffling paper and worried chatter, and it'll soon become apparent why; the spirit has spread its influence throughout the full aisle of cubicles, ransacking drawers and pelting anyone in its way with whatever ornaments and objects it can find at hand. The two other employees there, a bookish-looking deer-girl and a curly-haired Vulcan in slacks, take shelter at the entryway as a violent flurry of scattered files, writing utensils and desktop knick-knacks seeks to keep them out.

Leis blinks at the sight, stopping in her tracks. "O-oh dear. That's, uh, not great."

[The Parcelgeist]

"Don't worry, we'll handle it." Valerie says, holding up the wand. "So I'm not exactly sure the details of how we'll get rid of it, but we might have to go outside, Make sure you grab your jacket." With that said, Valerie starts stepping forward carefully. She gives Leis a shushing motion, and then continues forward. She first moves to peek around to get a glimpse of the spirit.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Oh, just everyone I know. It's hard not to ask what the deal is with this," She indicates her shiny self. "But it is still nice having you around for that, Dena."

"Fayyaad? Oh gosh, it's been a bit. He rescued me from a bad date and we had a good time. I don't even know if he knows what's happened to me. I'd love to see him again," even if it might be kind of awkward, thinks Tina. "What did you two talk about?" She feels like she's been prompted to ask almost.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

Dena shrugs. "Oh you know, work stuff. He had some difficulty dealing with a contract he took involving a family feud and he was asking for some feedback in how he could have done differently." She then leans forward. "But if you haven't told him you seriously need to, Tina. You should use the fact that you've come here to talk to him once we're done here. Speaking of which, so I called you here since I've gotten a... strange offer to deal with this." She gestures at her sunglasses, or more specifically her eyes. "The gaze thingy." The gorgon waves her hand in the direction she's gesturing. "So apparently it can be controlled but it involves..." Dena let's out a sigh. "A ritual involving me getting pregnant. It sounds insane, I know. But apparently it's a thing. Some kind of death to life symbolism? I wouldn't want to keep the child if it happened of course, part of the deal but... it's would still be a big thing y'know? Not to mention it's rather shady. But I think you've figured that out."

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

"Gotcha. Hopefully it hasn't like, torn it apart or something," Leis comments before creeping along with Valerie, the vulcan stepping away and giving the two of them a quizzical look.

It's a little difficult to see through the storm of white and yellow and puce, but what Valerie can get a look at is unsmistakable. A great wisp of a figure hunches over one of the desks, its body a shiny and oily black. Its whole form seems to flow and move in roiling tendrils, flowing from its featureless face, intertwining and overlapping to craft its spindly form. Some of it seems to be seeping into the screen of the computer in front of it, wrapping and sinking into the files within the desktop. It doesn't seem to notice the returning intruders, far more focused on whatever its work happens to be.

[Gullara]

[The Parcelgeist]

Geez, that's creepy as all get out. Well there's no time to waste, is there. While she has the element of surprise, Valerie steps into the open, gestures with the wand, and speaks the command word. "Deathless!"

...Hopefully this works.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to Work]

Fettina blinks a lot. She leans on the desk in front of Dena. "A... ritual? Is this the ritual for making babies that I'm familiar with, or are we talking a real... magic... like, ritual?"

"Wait, I thought you couldn't make kids." Fettina points at her. "So how is this even an option for you?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to Work?]

"Both, a ritual combined with the usual ritual if you get my drift. Nothing weird." She prefers to avoid that exact subject though. "But yeah, I couldn't make kids due to a curse but I was actually un-cursed recently by complete accident. I actually considered getting myself re-cursed when this offer landed on my table and now I'm not sure what to do." She shrugs but its not as nonchalant as the way she usually do them. "Hence why I'm talking to you right now. Kirk already knows of course. We have discussed and looked into the matter at length and so far it seems legit."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Dena, if you don't wanna make babies there are easier ways than getting re-cursed," Fettina says. "But anyways, I mean... If you've got the power I wouldn't wanna give it up!"

"As far as this gaze thing, I mean... if you're comfortable with this whole kid thing... I mean... making kids is a big deal, Dena! How do you intend to... deal with them when you make them?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"It's not giving it up, it's more... making it more manageable. I don't risk killing you guys every time I see you." Dena makes a vague gesture with her hand. "But I never said I'm super-comfortable with the kid thing, just that I could probably deal with it. What I couldn't deal with would be an actual child though but that's what the whole deal is about. The other side wants the kid since apparently gorgon-children are special. So in theory I'd just squeeze em' out and never have to deal with them ever again." A beat. "Of course, it's never going to be that easy. Lot's of stupid emotions involved. Pregnancy sucks." She sticks out her forked tongue in disgust. "So the question is if I want to deal with that or not."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Yeah, honey, I mean-- your whole perception could change once you blow up, you know that? You might get attached to this thing! Acting like you can just... squeeze it out and dump it is gonna bite you in the ass I think! Unless... somehow you can be really sure it's gonna be taken care of."

"Who is this stranger that wants the kid?" Tina narrows her eyes. "They aren't some creep, are they?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

Dena rolls her eyes behind her sunglasses and leans back in her chair. "It's not gonna change my whole personality, Tina. I spend my whole youth taking care of other people's babes since they weren't gonna care of 'em themselves so I know this **** and I don't want to shovel it again."

She scratches her neck absentmindedly as Tina asks about creeps. "Didn't you hear what the deal was? Of course he’s a creep. But he's also rich so it's more 'eccentric' than creepy." She remarks with finger quotes. "Plus, it's a special baby and he's basically a glorified crime boss so he'd want to make money of it, not eat it or whatever."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

The command word reverberates throughout the office, and for a terrible moment, the vortex seems to intensify. Leis steps out in the open herself as the ghost drifts away from the computer with nary a sound, oily tendrils extracting themselves from the screen as it turns to face the two. The tiefling can’t help but reach for Valerie’s arm, ready to yank her out of danger if necessary.

Thankfully, the need never comes, for the papers die down as the spirit floats idly before them, seeming to stare towards Valerie with its featureless face. A fountain pen floats from one of the desks and cracks open, ink flowing into the air and coalescing into a word:

PROCEED

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"I think you underestimate what hormones can do to you, Dena, honey... but maybe elf babes are different," Fettina ponders and fingers her bottom lip. "So I mean... are you really cool consigning this baby to this creep? Is that something you'd want your moms to do? Isn't there a way we could do this without giving it to a weirdo?"

"And I mean... you have to screw this weirdo too, right?" She sticks out her silver tongue in disgust.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Elf?" Dena looks more than a little confused for a moment. "Oh, you- yeah, don't use that name. Drow or alvar is fine, 'kay? Elves is something else." She waves her hand dismissively but clearly cares enough about this to point it out.

"But I think I've taken care of enough expecting mothers to know how those hormones work. There's a strong bound, yeah. But that's why you gotta cut it along with the umbilical cord as soon as they're out of there. No holding 'em, no boob-suck, nuthing." She makes a sweeping motion with her hand.

This is when Tina inquires about how okay Dena is with handing over the baby to a creep. "I mean, I'd obviously want 'dem to end up with good caretakers, which is another reason why I'm hesitating. All this research I've done does suggest I might not even need the creep unless there's something else to this ritual he's keeping from me."

Then Tina asks her final question, making Dena just stare at her for a moment. "**** no. That's not a part of the deal. I'm not even sure the dude has a freaking body." She lets out her forked tongue in disgust. "I'd do it with Kirk... or something. I might consider selling my uterus but the rest is private ****ing property."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

"Oh, oh sorry," Fettina doesn't want to hurt any feelings by misidentifying a person. She pinches her fingers next to her mouth.

"But damn, girl, that's cold... do you really wanna do that?" She looks a little mortified. "My mom was... not all that close with me, and downright bad at times, and it messed me up pretty good. You wanna do that to your baby?"

"I think the best thing would be not to let the kid end up with creepo, and maybe see if we can't get a real home, but..." Fettina shakes her head.

"Wait... you got propositioned for this by a ghost?" Fettina squints up her face in confusion. That doesn't make no logistical sense!

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

"Do what exactly? Hand 'em over to a creep? I told you I was hesitating over it and I'd think I some more info how the child would be taken care of, with promises and all that, before I even consider it. But it wouldn't really be my bab if it does come to that, wouldn't it?" Dena clarifies as she runs her hand through the snakes that make up her hair. The serpents seemingly making place for it. "So yeah, real home is a must, one hundred percent." She nods as to respond to Tina shaking her head.
"Uh, he's apparently a 'god' of secrets, Helios he's called. Or at least that's what he's called where he's from but he's essentially an intelligent spirit as far as I can tell. I've actually talked to him a few times before he came with the offer but he never mentioned the god part. Always introduced himself as a lore broker and sold information to MERC through me. I know he got these invisible spirits working for him but I also know they aren't here in case you're worried." She eyes her office. "So yeah, strong stalker vibes. Talks a lot."

[Gullara]

Parcelgeist

The command word reverberates throughout the office, and for a terrible moment, the vortex seems to intensify. Leis steps out in the open herself as the ghost drifts away from the computer with nary a sound, oily tendrils extracting themselves from the screen as it turns to face the two. The tiefling can’t help but reach for Valerie’s arm, ready to yank her out of danger if necessary.

Thankfully, the need never comes, for the papers die down as the spirit floats idly before them, seeming to stare towards Valerie with its featureless face. A fountain pen floats from one of the desks and cracks open, ink flowing into the air and coalescing into a word:

PROCEED

[Parcelgeist]

Valerie pauses there for a moment. Oh, did it..? "It worked!" Valerie turns to Leis, grinning from ear to ear. "You see that? I told you we could take care of this."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

"Aha, I knew we had it in us! Great work!" A little bounce animates Leis's form as she pumps her fists with a joyous grin, her eyes seeming to sparkle. "Though I'd say you could've handled it all alone. Guess I'll have to find another opportunity to impress you?"

The cheeky and good-natured look on her face shifts to one of concern as she looks back over to the spirit hovering where it does, motionless save for the ceaseless flow of its tendril-forged body as if watching, waiting. "It uh, doesn't seem like it's leaving just yet though. Is there something we still have to do?"

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

Valerie laughs, but she stifles her giddiness when Leis brings her back down to earth. "Right! So I'm pretty sure I just have to direct it now?" Admittedly Valerie's memory is a bit foggy on exactly how to use this thing after this point. It's worth a shot. She turns back to the ghost. "I command you to leave this place and don't come back." She attempts.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

"Oh, forget this nerd then," Fettina says. "Gods make lousy parents. You know this kid's gonna grow up to be a psycho killer if you give him to Helios, and that's gonna be on you."

"So Kirk's... gonna pop one in ya, huh?" Fettina looks at her shyly. "How's he feel about that?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

"Not sure it's that easy to turn down, Tina. I mean, if I could just do it on my own why would I ever accept the deal? I bet he's omitted some crucial detail to make sure I can only do it through him." She pauses and shrugs. "But yeah, it's probably gonna be old Kirky boy and I haven't actually discussed it with him yet. He's been avoiding the subject too as I don't think he's into pregnant women if you catch my drift."

[Murkus]

Mrs. Tina Visits MERC

"Well he better be. He's made enough of them. And he better be ready to take good care of you if he knocks you up!" Fettina wags her finger. "This is a weird situation... Is this what you wanted me to come over and talk about?"

[Arkhosia]

[Parcelgeist]

The spirit, oddly, doesn't move. Instead, the ink simply reshapes itself once more. INCORRECT. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO INQUIRE, NOT TO COMMAND. PLEASE CONTINUE WITH YOUR INQUIRIES..

Leis blinks at this. "Okay, I guess we're not out of the woods yet. But it isn't causing any havoc like this, so maybe you can keep it busy asking questions and I'll see if I can prepare a banishment spell?"

[Shadowcaller]

Mrs. Tina Visits MERC

Dena nods. "Pretty much. I mean, if I'm being honest, I've avoided the subject as much as he. I know it's going to sound shallow but I'm not a fan of the pregnant look either. It messes up your body, permanently, so that will be another price I'd have to pay." She gestures at Tina. "You know what I'm talking about as I'm pretty sure it crossed your mind too."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina goes to MERC]

"Well, I wasn't as worried about that as it messing you up psychologically, Dena... But we can get that fixed with augments! It'll be like you're brand new again. No scar or anything. That's what biological babies do to your stomach right...? A scar?" Fettina looks confused. "And you get huge boobies. That sounds pretty alright. I bet Kirk will be into those boobs."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina goes to MERC]

"I ain't augmenting myself, Tina. You should know this already." Dena raises an eyebrow. "And what 'scar'? Why would there be a scar? Not to mention that the greater the boob, the greater the sag, and one is superior to the other. Just ask Kirk, he's more into scrawny women." She gestures at Tina. "Case in point."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina goes to MERC]

"You know, your... belly scar. When they have to cut the baby out of you," Fettina gestures vaguely at Dena and makes a face. "And hey, don't gesture at my boobies like you know what you're talking about! I would give anything for tits like yours!"

"...Is Kirk really more into scrawny women?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina goes to MERC]

Dena stares in disbelief at Tina, even behind her sunglasses this should be plain to see. "Cut- they come out of your vagina, you dumbass!" Dena can often call Tina this so it's not exactly her being harsher than usual. Just playing with what she sees as Tina's general ignorance. "That's why I said 'squeeze 'em out' since that's what you do except it hurts way more considering what you're forcing out of there." She reaches over and whaps Tina lightly over the head, something else she liked to do to mess with her. "Imagine that but like a million times worse, I've helped deliver 'em so I've seen it. It involves a lot of screaming and it ain't beautiful despite what some people might tell you. You really thought that part was just the expressway for the *****? Yikes, Tina." She shakes her head as if disappointed but again Dena engages with Tina like this a lot. They were allowed to insult and even hit one another without actually being upset.

Then she looks more pointedly at Tina's breasts as they seem to be their next subject of discussion. "And what's wrong with your boobies now? Since if there is, can't you just 'augment' them like you told me to do, eh?" Her eyebrows raise. "Point is, size ain't that important is it? I mean, speaking of Kirk he does a lot with what he has doesn't he? Not like anyone declined him due to his peeny being a size too small." She waves her hand dismissively. "As for his preferences, he does usually go for body type before thickness from what I've seen. But it's not like you could actually be called scrawny. You just put all your weight into the booty. Your shiny metal booty."

[Murkus]

Mrs. Tina Visits MERC

Tina swats Dena back. "Hey don't you whack me-- ain't you ever heard of a c-section? They gotta cut the baby out because it's being unreasonable. I thought that's how it was done. I'm not... good with this sort of thing, okay?!"

"I don't wanna augment my boobs. I like my boobs," She pouts and touches her chest. "Besides, everyone prefers my ass anyways. And I wish you wouldn't be so mean to Kirk about his penis all the time! It's not small! He's normal! You're just... huge!"

[Shadowcaller]

Mrs. Tina Visits MERC

"They do that? Well, we didn't have that fancy stuff back home so all the babies had to go out the old fashioned way." She points at Tina as if she just had made a great point. "That's something I ought to remember though. Maybe they can even teleport the baby or something once it's finished around here. Now that'd be great." A lot less screaming for sure.

"But yeah, I like your boobs too, in a completely spiritual way. They're cute!" She leans over and teasingly prods one of them, also in a completely platonic fashion. "But how do you think they'll feel if you keep telling them they're not good enough, huh? Those poor boobs of yours." The gorgon shakes her head. "That's also why your butt is so great, it's swollen with butt-pride since everyone keeps complimenting it." Dena continues as if it had been the most obvious things in the world.
Tina's last comment makes Dena lean back and put her hand on her chest as if she had just been gravely emotionally injured. "Come on, if I can't tease Kirk about his peeny then what can I do? He doesn't even mind at this point since he knows they're coming from the person that's addicted to it. I mean, you of anyone should know. You've heard me when I get up and personal with Kirk. I compliment it with every sound I make. It's very precious to me."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina Goes to MERC]

"H-hey, quit it," Fettina swats Dena's hand again. "My boobs are good... my ass is good! I don't need you to tell me so!"

"Well you can tell he likes you special too... especially enough to get you pregnant." Fettina sighs. "Look, I'm gonna go home... I got a lot to think about with... all this. I hope I've given you some worthwhile advice."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina Goes to MERC]

And with those words Dena's bravado is instantly gone along with her smile. "****, sorry Tina." She presses her fingers against the bridge of her nose and let's out a sigh. "I'm the dumbass, I should have realized..." The gorgon let's out a drawn out groan. "Just hold on a moment, if you can endure this dumbass for little bit longer there was another reason I called you here." She pulls out a drawer and takes out what seems to be two necklaces made up of a series of small chains. One made of silver (https://viking.se/upload/222/kungslank-kungskedja-bysantinlank-vikingse.jpg) and the other of gold. At the very end of each necklace it is a single key (https://www.thevikingshop.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/11/image/650x/dbe2eadd3d78cbd22fb4b2975514d691/a/v/av024.jpg).

"So... this is gonna seem a bit silly but where I'm from you're supposed to give wedding gifts when someone gets married and perhaps the most important gift are the house keys. Now as I'm not a creep I don't actually have the keys, or whatever you're using, to your house but I do have a key to a cabin out in outside that I use on occasion. Kind of a nice safe house that I keep stocked in case anything happens. So I figured if you and Cantata ever just wanted to get away with one another for a while or you needed somewhere to be safe for whatever reason..." She gestures at the keys that she just placed on the table. "Well, you could use those." Dena scratches the back of her head. "As I said, kinda dumb but I didn't know what else to give as a wedding gift."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina Visits MERC]

"Oh... Dena..." Fettina's eyes well up with golden tears. "Oh this is so sweet..." Fettina falls against her friend and hugs her and snuggles her. "Please be careful with this whole thing... and I hope you and Kirk are really happy together..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina Visits MERC]

"Um, and I carved in your names on the backs..." Dena continues before Tina suddenly hugs her and she is made to return it. She gives her a tight hug and smiles gently. "Come on, Tina. You make it sound like we're getting married or something..." The gorgon remarks in a rather subdued voice that is far more emotional than Dena always gave the impression of. "It's gonna work out fine and I'm not gonna give Kirk exclusivity of any kind. I love both you guys." She attempts to wipe away one of Tina's tears while giving her hand a tight squeeze. "You know I do, right?"

That's when something that could have been potentially extremely dangerous happens. Dena's sunglasses have slided so far down that her eyes (https://i.imgur.com/iFLdkuT.jpg) are actually visible. However, seeing them doesn't seem to do anything to Tina. All she can see is her friend giving her a gentle smile.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"I love you too..." Fettina cries a little into Dena's shoulder. She looks at Dena and sniffs. "I know you do. You're the best, Dena."

Then she sees she's looking Dena in the eye... and she gives a little gasp... "Dena... your eyes..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina Visits MERC]

The moment she hears her eyes being mentioned she quickly closes them tightly but can't really make herself pull away from Tina. She just quickly turns to look in another direction. "****, ****!" She swears but quickly seem to calm down as her friend didn't seem effected. "...you okay?" She just asks after a while, her eyes still closed and her head turned away.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

"Yeah I'm okay, babe, I'm... fine," She shrugs her little shoulders. "Open your eyes. It's okay. Look at me."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Tina visits MERC]

Dena turns to face her but doesn't quite dare to open her eyes, still recalling what had happened last time. "What happened? Did you see them? First Kirk, now you..." She remarks with a wimper as tears start to run down her cheeks. Even if Tina sounded alright the memory of Kirk seeing her eyes was suddenly all too clear and now she was cursing herself for being so careless. She had almost killed two of the people she cared the most for now.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina visits MERC]

"Dena..." Fettina leans forward and kisses some of the tears from Dena's cheeks. She'll feel a warmth spread through her that relaxes and revitalizes. She holds her friend in a hug. "I'm okay. I'm okay. You can't hurt me. It's okay... Your eyes are beautiful..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina visits MERC]

The feeling of relaxation does help a lot in a situation like this and Dena slowly opens her eyes, though at this point she seems to have some difficulty seeing as they're look sore with her tears. "This is so weird. You were actually immune thanks to all that angel stuff?" Dena asks, making a rather unfeminine snort as some snot have started to run out of her nose. She had suddenly recalled that Tina had wanted to try to test if she were shortly after she had turned into an angel but Dena hadn't wished to risk it. She should have figured she'd have that typical Tina go-happy-dumb-luck.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"It's okay. Yeah. I guess I am," Fettina grins. She tries to hug Dena tight. "So don't be scared."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

This time Tina can feel Dena relaxing fully in her arms as she embraces her in the hug.
"I'm not... scared..." Dena starts, sounding like she's starting to attempt to take control of her voice again. The snakes that makes up her hair all acting remarkably subdued at the moment. Just moving affectionally against the parts of Tina that comes in contact with them.
"...'guess I was for a little bit." She softly murmurs in Tina's ear just a moment later as she's returning the hug, just holding Tina tightly against her for a moment. "Can you imagine..." The gorgon shakes her head as if dismissing the thought as soon as it had occured to her. "Guess we can scop it up to your legendary luck, huh?" She continues with more of her usual confidence even as she continues to hold her friend close.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"My tough girl... of course not..." Fettina squeezes her one more time before letting go. She spreads her wings and smiles... and she looks as glorious as the sun for a moment. Surrounded by a halo of lights. "Don't worry. Tina is here. All thanks to my legendary luck!"

https://i.imgur.com/TYJYarm.png

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

The gorgon is dumbstruck as Tina pulls away and she get a glimpse of something she never seen before.
The ever horny spectacle Tina-disaster, for a moment she thought she didn't recognize her at all until she realized she was looking at all those aspects of her friend that she never rarely if ever mentioned as it didn't go well with her snarky persona. Tina's endless energy, her loyalty, her way of bounching back no matter what, and most of all that ever endearing positive outlook she seemed to have despite the fact she suspect she might be depressed behind it all.

The fact that she could see all this without her sunglasses in the way made it all better even if the light made her narrow her eyes a bit.
She nods slowly as if agreeing, her mouth left open in a half-gasp. "...yeah..." Dena starts, suddenly feeling like smiling again. "You're truly awesome, you know that right, Tina? I don't think I've mentioned that nearly enough. Like, you just gave away a light and... I'm serious. You should have seen yourself. It looked... I dunno, otherworldly, divine. Angel-like I suppose. I've just never truly seen it before until that moment and it was something, let me tell you that. Really wish you could have seen yourself."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Well I'm here for you if you need it, babe..." Fettina smiles. She touches her face. There's suddenly something... masculine... about Fettina's face. Slightly smoother, twinkish, slim. "Hey I feel... weird... do I look weird?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Come on, don't undersell it." Dena remarks, feeling that Tina shouldn't switch back the focus on comforting her when she had just had done something so amazing. "You did something truly angel-like there. Like I could, I dunno, see you for a moment. Like the you you. Your inner essence or whatever." She pauses as Tina touches her face, a subtle change happening. Was this another miracle? Dena wasn't sure she could properly react to another one after all that had happened in such a short amount of time.

Tina getting upset, that gift, Tina seeing her eyes and her immunity. Then that transcendant experience she just had... it all had left an emotional toll that Dena wasn't used to take. She kept herself subdued most time, not reacting more strongly than she needed to. Tina had just turned all that on its head though. "I... guess you look a bit different. You feeling okay? I should remind you that you're still staring at my eyes." Her sunglasses had fallen off at some point and Dena was suddenly glad she had locked the door. Didn't want some random member walk in and get petrified.

[Murkus]

Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC

Fettina reaches forward and touches Dena's face. "I'd rather not stop. You've got the most gorgeous eyes, Dena. I never wanna look at anything else, yeah I feel... warm... like I just got touched by an angel..." Fettina tries to lean forward and plant a kiss on Dena's mouth. And he melts... his lips are warm, his tongue is warm... and getting hotter... "Ah! Dena!" Fetty gives a start. "I can kiss you!"

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

The spirit, oddly, doesn't move. Instead, the ink simply reshapes itself once more. INCORRECT. YOU HAVE ACCESS TO INQUIRE, NOT TO COMMAND. PLEASE CONTINUE WITH YOUR INQUIRIES..

Leis blinks at this. "Okay, I guess we're not out of the woods yet. But it isn't causing any havoc like this, so maybe you can keep it busy asking questions and I'll see if I can prepare a banishment spell?"

[Parcelgeist]

"Oh." Valerie deflates a bit. Maybe she misunderstood what this one did. "Um, I'm not sure how many questions I get. How quick can you be?"

She looks warily at the spirit, wondering if not asking question will loosen her hold. Best to ask something. "Who sent you here?" She asks.

[Shadowcaller]

Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC

Fettina reaches forward and touches Dena's face. "I'd rather not stop. You've got the most gorgeous eyes, Dena. I never wanna look at anything else, yeah I feel... warm... like I just got touched by an angel..." Fettina tries to lean forward and plant a kiss on Dena's mouth. And he melts... his lips are warm, his tongue is warm... and getting hotter... "Ah! Dena!" Fetty gives a start. "I can kiss you!"

Dena chuckles as to hide her nervousness. She didn’t want to linger too long on these emotional moments but now Tina was touching her face and complimenting her eyes. All while suddenly looking startlingly masculine. “Come on, you of anyone should be able to take a compliment about how great you are. You’re just-“ Then she’s kissed and left speechless for a moment as she does a double take on Tinas face. She really did look...

Dena quickly averts her gaze and looks down, only to be hit with another realization. “Holy ****, Tina, you’re a dude!” A beat. “Why’re you a dude? This doesn’t make any sense.”

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Quit telling me how great I am! And... I dunno! I think it must have been that little... moment we had there!" She looks down. "And I'm feeling... really funny... like I haven't in months..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Quit telling me how great I am! And... I dunno! I think it must have been that little... moment we had there!" She looks down. "And I'm feeling... really funny... like I haven't in months..."

So now she suddenly didn’t want to hear that, huh? Guess she had to go back to berating her then. “‘Really funny’?” She inquires as she looks up at Tina again. This did feel oddly familiar but she didn’t look like “Tiny” now. She looked like something... more.
“I mean, I’d also feel really funny if I turned into a guy like you keep doing. Sexes are like lovers to you, huh? Can’t stick with one of them.” Dena prods Tinas chest experimentally, yup, that was a proper washboard alright. Six-pack and everything included.

[Murkus]

[[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"No, Dena, I think I'm like this because... of you. You find me sexy. Don't you?" Fetty leans back. He's still as gorgeous as ever and giving off that supernatural, almost divine radiance, eyes pearls, his face smooth and smug, his mouth a clever line. "I think it knew it and it knew we were... close, and it wanted to make me... the most attractive to you."

Yeah he's got a couple of twunky pecs and a washboard tummy now. Huh. Fettina's shirt clings to them.

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

Dena let's go of Tina and steps back as to get a full view of her. While Tina definitely looked masculine now, she didn't stop thinking of her as a she even if parts of her definitely felt otherwise.
She lets out a low whistle, feeling that Tina's question kinda answered itself once she got a chance to inspect her. "'It'?" She inquires with a raised eyebrow. "I mean... good job, you do look... good." Divine might be a better description.

If Tina's current appearance is influenced by Dena's taste she would be taller, though not as tall as Dena, and still be rather scrawny despite the added muscles.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

Fetty puts his hands on his hips. He's definitely still in Fettina's clothes - a tank top showing off his silvery-blue arms, a slim pair of pants, boots. He's on the scawny side alright, and he's gotten a little taller. "You really think so?" Fetty blushes a little. "I think you're supposed to think so."

"And I mean, you know, it. This curse. This thing that affects me. Why I'm... like this." He looks down at himself. "Wow I feel... different. Hot."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"Hot as in warm or...?" She puts her hand on her shoulder as to see what she meant. "But can you really call it a 'curse' at this point? Seems more... neutral to me. Especially if it's doing all this. I just hope it isn't messing with your head. You're still the same Tina, right?" She pokes her chest playfully.

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"No, I guess... it's not..." Fetty looks at her in this odd way. Yeah, he's literally warm to the touch. Pleasantly so...

"Of course I am. I just feel... like I haven't in a while. And you're looking really good right now."

[Shadowcaller]

[Mrs. Fettina Goes to MERC]

"Like-" Oh, now she finally realized what was going on. "Yeah, I can see that. Yikes." She pauses a moment, taking a deep breath. Couldn't be impulsive, had to think this through. "And Cantata is fine with you... being with other people? Don't want that wedding gift to get awkward."

[Murkus]

[Mrs. Fettina goes to MERC]

"I mean... she knows we're not exclusive. It just hasn't come up a ton because I'm... I haven't been able to..." Fetty looks away, blushing bright orange.

"Why do you ask?" Fetty looks at her. "You... want that right now?"

And the curtain can probably fall there.

[Arkhosia]

[Parcelgeist]

"Oh." Valerie deflates a bit. Maybe she misunderstood what this one did. "Um, I'm not sure how many questions I get. How quick can you be?"

She looks warily at the spirit, wondering if not asking question will loosen her hold. Best to ask something. "Who sent you here?" She asks.
Parcelgeist

"Just grabbing a few supplies from Astrana's office, should take like two minutes," the tiefling answers, tail swinging behind her as she turns to go before remembering to reach out a hand and ask for the key. Once that's all said and done she'll hurry off in a burst of motion, hoping not to let Valerie down.

It doesn't end up taking much time for the spirit to answer this question, the ink simply forming into a single word this time.
UNKNOWN.

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

"Okay. Uh, hurry." Valerie turns her attention back to the spirit. "Then what were you doing here?" It just seemed like general messing with things, but maybe there was a method to it."

[Reinholdt]

[Riverside Offices]

A green ork arrives here, though perhaps dork is a better word given his rather tacky tweed sweater and the way he wipes his bald, sweaty head with a handkerchief. Regardless, he is a customer in waiting with a job he needs to discuss. Preferably discretely.

[Morty]

[Riverside Offices]

The ork will be greeted by a half-ogre clerk, who will lead him to a separate desk away from the main reception area upon his request for discretion. He then gets ready to hear about the details of the job, notepad in hand.

[Arkhosia]

The Parcelgeist

”Accessing... files,” the poltergeist answers simply, floating before Valerie. Leis still hasn’t made it back yet, but it shouldn’t take too much longer.

[Gullara]

[The Parcelgeist]

That's actually really concerning. Is this some kinda plot to steal info from Merc. "Were you taking files? Copying them?"

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk arrives back in the evening. It's likely Dena's not in her office at this point, so he messages her to ask where she is before heading to meet her.

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

A single word forms in the floating ink as Leis peels around the corner and hurries back, a bundle of objects and herbs in her arms. "COPYING"

"Okay! I think I got the things we need to banish this thing!" The accountant announces as she comes to a stop, out of breath. "Some serpent's bones and Gorgonroot to try and cast a spell, a bundle of sage, rosemary and bay to burn if that doesn't work, and a rod of iron in case that doesn't work either." It might sound like she's being super prepared, or like she just grabbed anything she recognized as a component in any sort of banishing ritual or spell.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"I'm just in my workshop, Kirk. The door's open." Dena says as he calls her.
Sure enough, her workshop which is right next to her office, there's even a door between them, is open. Dena is sitting bent over her forge table with small form of welder in her hand and a visor covering her face. Looks like she's been using the welder to weld in runes into metal rod.
As he opens the door she stops and turns in her chair to face him Dena flips up the welding visor to reveal that she's wearing her goggles underneath it. "How did it go?"

[Reinholdt]

[Riverside Offices]

The ork will be greeted by a half-ogre clerk, who will lead him to a separate desk away from the main reception area upon his request for discretion. He then gets ready to hear about the details of the job, notepad in hand.
[Riverside Offices]

What?! Being tended to by no more than a mere NPC?! Do they not know who he is? Well, no, the orc supposes they wouldn't. Ugh, fine.

"I am Turge Vetorkag, curator of the Underhill's Draconic Branch Museum located in Northside. Two days ago, an item we were holding for transfer was stolen overnight. An ancient weapon from the now-extinct Pemalite race whose unpronounceable name roughly translates to Life's Limit."

The ork slides a picture of Life's Limit (https://images2.imgbox.com/fb/2c/zpkeluZP_o.png) to the half-ogre.

He wipes some sweat off his brow. "I need you to find and recover the object by the end of the week. If you wish to come by the museum, call ahead and come by at night. I'll let you in and the staff that was working that night will be there if you need to question them. Otherwise, you can track down some underworld fences and I dunno... rough them up to get them to talk or whatever it is you people do. Just find me that sword!"

[Morty]

[Riverside Offices]

The half-ogre dutifully notes down the details of the job.

"Very well, sir. Our staff have experience in tracking down lost items. The short timetable will mean our fee will need to be somewhat higher than it would otherwise be. I have two more questions. Do you want the job to be restricted to our members, or open to license-holders as well? I understand that discretion is important. Also, is there any reason someone might have wanted to steal the object, beyond its monetary value?"

[Reinholdt]

[Riverside Offices]

Turge waves his hand. "I don't care who gets it done, as long as they don't pester my bosses about it. No need for them to know, eh?" A nervous and fake smile plasters its way onto his face.

"Life's Limit was sent to our branch in the first place to be researched for any draconic connections, the Pemalites having supposedly worshipped them according some unfounded theories my colleagues put forth. You can be assured there were no such draconic connections and the enchantments were dreadfully mundane, counter-intuitive even! But I only forwarded that report to HQ recently so I doubt the thief would know that."

[Morty]

[Riverside Offices]

The half-ogre makes no comment on the information presented, simply writes it down.

"Thank you, sir. Please sign here and I will forward the details to our main office."

He presents Turge with a document containing all the details of the job, a note on the required timetable and the payment.

[Reinholdt]

[Riverside Offices]

Turge will sign the paper. "Please hurry," is his chosen parting words before he leaves the Office.

[Gullara]

Parcelgeist

A single word forms in the floating ink as Leis peels around the corner and hurries back, a bundle of objects and herbs in her arms. "COPYING"

"Okay! I think I got the things we need to banish this thing!" The accountant announces as she comes to a stop, out of breath. "Some serpent's bones and Gorgonroot to try and cast a spell, a bundle of sage, rosemary and bay to burn if that doesn't work, and a rod of iron in case that doesn't work either." It might sound like she's being super prepared, or like she just grabbed anything she recognized as a component in any sort of banishing ritual or spell.

[Parcelgeist]

Oh good, she's back. Valerie's getting really worried now. "I think this thing is some kinda attack. It was copying files." Valerie catches Leis up on her limiting findings. There can't be that much sensitive info on Leis's computer, right? just financial stuff. That's probably bad enough, though.


[Dragon Scholar Update]

"I'm just in my workshop, Kirk. The door's open." Dena says as he calls her.
Sure enough, her workshop which is right next to her office, there's even a door between them, is open. Dena is sitting bent over her forge table with small form of welder in her hand and a visor covering her face. Looks like she's been using the welder to weld in runes into metal rod.
As he opens the door she stops and turns in her chair to face him Dena flips up the welding visor to reveal that she's wearing her goggles underneath it. "How did it go?"

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk lingers by the door, leaning on the frame. He's hesitant, and there's a pause before he replies. "It went well. I got more out of it than I expected." A moment more passes, and then he steps into the room. "If you do decide to do this, I want you to do it with me. I know this is difficult for you, and I want to carry any part of that burden I can."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Dena's eyebrow raise. "What did you hear?" She inquires, her voice suddenly tense as she drops what she's doing and gets up.

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"Like I said, well. It's not really about that." The drow stops in the middle of the room, half way better her and the door. "I've been dodging the issue. Just doing all this investigating to avoid talking about it. I just want to say it out loud, you know?"

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

Leis stops for a second as Valerie updates her on what she missed. "Oh, wow. That's probably not good - guess we'll have to let someone know about this after all." So much for this just being a little escapade they could sweep under the rug. Not that she imagines they'll be held too responsible for all of this.

Even so, they still had to try and do something about it. She sets down most of her supplies looks over at Valerie with a tilt of the head. "You might want to step back a bit. I'm going to see if I can get rid of it."

The tiefling takes a deep breath to steady herself before she plants one foot forward, a picture of clarity and focus. Her posture is firm and confident as the faceless specter turns to regard the approaching figure, that slender tail swishing behind her with every step.

"Spirit's bane in serpents' fangs, spirit's bane in serpent's fangs," Leis chants beneath her breath, fingers wrapping around a piece of gorgonroot. She raises a hand and crushes the brittle root between her fingers, letting the fragments slip from her palm and turning her eyes upon the poltergeist. "This is not your place, spirit! Begone from the gorgon's den!"

And with that cry, Leis casts her spell, twisting her hips and swinging her arm. The bones in her hand are cast forward and cut through the spirit with a hiss as the inky shape recoils with a cry. Two ghostly coils seem to flow from the wounds and bind themselves around it, the swirl of staplers and stationery starting to falter, then fall apart as the apparitions drag the ghost down into the floor.

A sense of calm returns to the cubicles as papers flutter to the floor.

[Morty]

[Riverside Offices ==> New Job]

Once Turge is gone, the job will be sent to the head officers of MERC and quickly posted for all members and licensees to see. The urgency of the contract is emphasized. The information (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24897865&postcount=181) that he shared (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24899282&postcount=183) is also made available. Dipsnig will have made a note that the weapon's connection to dragons may be relevant, and the thief might have actually stolen it because of that. Assume nothing and pursue both the suggested leads and any others.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"Like I said, well. It's not really about that." The drow stops in the middle of the room, half way better her and the door. "I've been dodging the issue. Just doing all this investigating to avoid talking about it. I just want to say it out loud, you know?"

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Dena doesn't have a reply right away this time, Kirk able to tell that she's actually looking away even with her goggles on. "...guess that makes two of us. I don't think either of us really wanted to take it seriously until now." She sits down again, letting out a sigh. "So what did she say? I'm glad you're ready to commit but... just go on. We can discuss it once I know what made you make up your mind."

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

Valerie stares at the place the spirit was for a few moments longer. It worked? "It worked!" She claps her hands together and turns to Leis. "That was amazing!" She beams.

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk nods and takes a seat as well. "Well this Ambrosia. Turns out she's Helios's 'daughter'. It's actually her that's interested in the child, but evidently Helios is overbearing. She says that if you want to continue that she'd take over from this point on, rather than Helios."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"...say that again?" Dena tilts her head in confusion. "I feel like I need more context here, daughter?"

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"Adopted, evidently." Kirk chuckles at Dena's reaction. "That's not the end of it, though. Ambrosia is a dragon herself. This whole situation is happening because she's trying to ensure her species' survival."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Dena leans back in her chair and pinches the bridge of her nose. "So... ugh... and you're certain this is true? What happened exactly? This is such a 'out-there' scenario."

If Kirk explains what happened, Dena pulls out a drawer and takes out a bottle. Wine, as expensive as Dena was willing to buy.
She wasn't one to put much money on this thing yet she always had at least one bottle stowed away somewhere for these occasions.

She places it on her desk without comment. "Right, so I'm essentially being hired to bring back a species of dragons by dragon that has been adopted by a god. I suppose this mean we could demand a pretty big sum. Dragons are rich, right? Figured they spent most days hoarding treasure." Dena leans forward. "But tell me more about this dragon then. What was your impression of her? Think I'm gonna need as much on her as possible."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

Leis looks a little surprised herself, truth be told. The spell made plenty of sense on paper, of course - but still, she'd never actually done it before. "W-wow, I- I guess it did," she answers, rubbing the back of her neck. There's a fun mix of bashfulness and pride on her face, but her cheeks darken some more when she sees Valerie smile.

"You weren't so bad yourself, I only stole the show," she tries to deflect with a grin, before looking back over the cubicles. Gosh, what a mess. "Well, I guess we should probably go find someone to report this too? Hopefully they won't make us clean all this stuff up alone."

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

Valerie smooths her back out of her face and pauses to look at the mess. "Uhh, yeah, we do. I can do that, though. I mean I brought the package in. It really wasn't anything to do with you after all." It was her name on the box, but it coulda been anyone.

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"She seemed more legitimate than Helios, but who can ever say a hundred percent? If she was pretending to be a dragon it was a very clever trick, though." Kirk shrugs his shoulders. He gives Dena's choice of wine a skeptical look, but doesn't comment. He's on topic. "It's barely any more out there than this already was, mind you. I'd say it makes more sense, given we have a somewhat believable motivation that was absent before. Of course, Helios is supposed to be deceptive, isn't he? Though he never knew we'd seek out Ambrosia."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

"I mean, I'm happy to come along if you think you could use someone to back you up!" Leis's tail waves a little behind her as she suggests, though it slows as she looks over at the papers scattered on the floor. "I imagine they'd want to see me about all this anyways, though; this is a lot of stuff that it might've gotten a look at."

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

"I guess you could if you want to. I'd hate for you to get in any kind of trouble for this, though." Valerie rubs the back of her head.

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

"I mean, I wouldn't want you to get into any kind of trouble for this either," Leis responds, "But I'm not gonna insist if you really wanna tackle this alone."

[Gullara]

[Parcelgeist]

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it." Valerie says reassuringly. "I'll catch up with you later, okay? Oh, and I'll make sure someone comes around for cleanup."

[Arkhosia]

Parcelgeist

"Um, okay, yeah! I'd like that." The fabric of her skirt swirls as she turns back towards her cubicle, though she continues to look towards Valerie for the moment. "Er, best of luck with talking to Dena, or whoever you need to talk to about this."

Only after Valerie leaves does Leis turn and catch sight of the other ingredients she'd gotten from Astrana's office, left on the carpet by the dividing wall beside her. "...heck." The tiefling kneels down to retrieve them. She'll need to remember to return these later.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"She seemed more legitimate than Helios, but who can ever say a hundred percent? If she was pretending to be a dragon it was a very clever trick, though." Kirk shrugs his shoulders. He gives Dena's choice of wine a skeptical look, but doesn't comment. He's on topic. "It's barely any more out there than this already was, mind you. I'd say it makes more sense, given we have a somewhat believable motivation that was absent before. Of course, Helios is supposed to be deceptive, isn't he? Though he never knew we'd seek out Ambrosia."

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Dena pours herself a glass of wine as Kirk speaks. "He likely considered the possibility at least. Initially, he used this archaic term for the child, 'tarasque'. But when I pressed him on it he admitted they were quite similar to dragons. Indeed, in most sources I found dragon seemed to just be a more modern term for it, which is why I never really bothered with the term. I simply choked it up as academic egg headedness at the time, but now I'm not so sure." She leans back into her chair and takes a sip as she considers their information further.

"Now it sounds like yet another attempt to keep Ambrosia out of this. The usual 'overprotective parent' shtick. Though if she's indeed a dragon, there's probably a fair bit more to it than that. Helios likely didn't 'adopt' her out of some kind parental notion of love but rather the fact that she's extremely rare and valuable, unique even. Think about it, the last dragon of her kind, sounds exactly like what an ******* like him would want to have their hands on. Yet another piece for his game board. But he can't have anyone finding out about her of course, least of all his unethical business partners. Then they might try to steal her away." Dena smiles as she moves her wineglass in a soft circular motion. "You know what that sounds like, Kirk? Leverage. If he wants us to keep his dragon-gal a secret, he better give us what we want in turn. Otherwise this is either a rouse or he clearly doesn't consider her valuable enough to go through with this entire thing."

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk smiles. "Leverage, yes. Along with the fact that they seem to want this very badly, and presumably there aren't many people that can provide. I'm guessing it'd be simple to barter for a better price." He leans back, more at ease on this topic. "Do you plan on getting in touch with Ambrosia, though? Might be a good idea to keep that dialogue open. She and Helios seem to have slight different goals."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"I'm planning to give her a call and invite her here to discuss it. That or do it over the phone in case she doesn't feel comfortable showing up here. But I'd have to deal with Helios first, serparately. I think it would be best to not use this leverage against her if we're negotiating with her now. Maybe just tell him what happened and give him a hint. Should be enough I think." Dena takes another sip of wine.

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"That sounds like a plan to me. We'll talk after you've gotten in touch with her, then?" Kirk's going to let Dena completely guide how the rest of this goes. He's said his piece.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"That's the plan. Just one question though, if she asks about your involement in this, what should I tell her?" Dena inquires with a quizzical look in her eyes.

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk raises his eyebrows, thinks for a moment, then shrugs. "You can tell her the truth. If we do this there's no reason to try to hide anything."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

"Yeah, better be truthful about this. I'll call you once it's done then." Dena raises her hand in a farewell gesture. "So probably in a couple of hours."

[Gullara]

[Dragon Scholar Update]

Kirk simply nods and steps out while she calls. The drow won't be sitting still in the whole time he's waiting, that's for sure. He best occupy his mind.

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

A newcomer approaches, striding through the snow and not caring about the chill weather, even though they appear to be clad in heavy metal armour. It looks at first to be somebody wearing either a heavy diving suit or thick platemail of verdigris-dusted bronze, however the glowing purple light behind the helmet's visor and the ease with which it moves suggest otherwise, easily striding through the snow no matter how deep it is. As they approach, it becomes even more obviously artificial, the limbs articulated beams of brass and granite, reinforced and plated where possible with the thick bronze plates and moved by the workings of tiny cogs made of silver, brass, and gold, feet articulated sabaton with no seperate toes and hands ending in four stubby fingers. A leather belt slung about the figure's waist holds a short, heavy cutlass with a brass blade and a large turquoise set into the pommel and a pair of fine duelling flintlock duelling pistols, with ebony handles and steel barrels.

When he reaches the door, he knocks and enters. "Ahoy! I be Frigate, an' I be wishin' to apply to join."

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

Valerie perks up from behind her desk when the door opens. "Oh, hello, I can help you." She gestures for the new person to come over. She gives them a curious look. A surprising person, that's for sure, but it rolls off her. "Are you looking to join Merc proper or apply for a license?"

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

The artificial pirate would look for a chair, but it'd have to be a pretty strong chair to bear his weight. "I wish t' be a full member, not just a licence. I walked from Davy Jones' Locker t' sign up, an' this be a ship that won't sink, leavin' me lookin' fer new employment." He's walked from Davy Jones' Locker several times now. It's what happens when you can neither swim nor breathe yet insist on being a sailor.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

Valerie pauses to process that for a moment. "Um, that's right. Merc has been in business for a long time now, and we don't show and signs of quitting!" She smiles. "Let me get you started with some basic paperwork. I'll have to see if someone can meet you to do an initial interview." As she speaks, Valerie pulls out some forms and pushes them over along with a pen. It's just a bunch of basic information. Nothing out of the ordinary. "What's your name, by the way? I'm Valerie."

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"I be Frigate, after th' class o' vessel 'pon which I served first. Not too imaginative a name, but it be mine." Frigate takes the paperwork and leans over onto the table, trying to be careful and not put too much weight through it. He is solidly built, of metal and stone. His fingers, though quite stubby and not looking particularly dextrous, prove agile enough to cope with the pen and write his basic history down.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

While Frigate fills out the paperwork Valerie turns to her computer and checks something then she makes a call with her back turned. By the time the paperwork is done, she's given her attention back to the prospective new member. "Good news, we can fit you in for an interview right now. Mr. Locke will see you in his office." She gets out from behind her desk. "Let me show you where that is."

Assuming there's no issue with that, Valerie leads the way into the base and in a moment they're standing outside an open door. "Good luck." Valerie gives Frigate a small wave and leaves him to it.

Inside the office the drow lieutenant of Merc sits waiting. "Frigate is it? Have a seat." He gestures to the empty chair across his desk.

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Aye, I be Frigate. Pleased t' meet ye." Frigate looks at the chair and gently lowers himself into it. The hydraulics that adjust its height hiss as his weight forces it down, then there's a crunch as Frigate leans back. One of the wheel-legs has bent, and the back is broken. Frigate stands up and looks at it, bending slightly as his neck doesn't adjust down very far. "Ah, sorry. I think I'd better stand." He's quite happy standing, since he doesn't work like fleshy people and doesn't have to worry about getting tired.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

That gives Kirk pause, and he takes a closer look at Frigate. "So where do you come from?" He asks, as though nothing had ever happened.

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Recently? Davie Jones' Locker. Originally, the Iceni Archipelago o' th' world Birent. I be a sailor an' marine, sometime pirate. Th' battle-smith who forged me made were a ship's mage, an' he wanted me as a bodyguard. Stayed aboard an' joined the crew after he died, an' th' sea's been me mistress ever since. A fickle mistress. Five vessels I've served in twelve years. Two wrecked in storms, one run aground, one eaten by kraken, an' one may still sail. I got knocked o'erboard by pirates, an' I don't float." He hasn't been able to find her since, and is unlikely to now.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

"So now you're looking for new work. You don't quit, I'll give you that." Kirk chuckles good naturedly. "There's not much chance you'll find yourself on the open sea working for Merc. That bother you any?"

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"She's in me heart, such as it be, an' I've seen enough o' the seabed fer a while. It do bother me, but I knew ye had no ships when I first began th' voyage. I'll miss her, but she'll keep." And who knows? Maybe there'll be a job that needs a trip to the seaside, or recovering a shipwreck. Frigate would be pretty good at the latter, as it happens. So long as he doesn't get lost down there.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

"Fair enough." The drow shrugs. As long as he understands. "So what kind of skills can you bring to the table. You said you were a bodyguard, so I expect you can fight. Anything else we should know about?"

[Arkhosia]

Astrana’s Office

There’s a knock at the door, followed shortly by Leis should it be answered with a small bag under her arm. ”Uh, hello.”

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana’s Office

"Come on in." A voice calls out, inviting her inside.

Once she opens the door, the first things that greets her is the soft sound of the ventelation working overtime in this underground office.
The second would be the colorful welcome mat by the door and the third would be the other tiefling standing by that welcome mat.

It seems like she just got up and is standing a short distance away from the door with one hand on her hip and one hand held out in a offer of an handshake. "Leis, right? Val mentioned you."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

"Um, yep, that's me!" The younger tiefling answers with cheer and only a tiny bit of nervousness as she reaches out to shake Astrana's hand, taking the chance to get a look at her coworker now that she's finally met her.

"I'm sure you know I borrowed a few things from you the other day, and I just wanted to swing by and return what I didn't use up before it slipped my mind." Leis tugs on the loop of the bag on her shoulder to show what she means. It looks fairly empty, but the components she grabbed were fairly small and each barely a handful at most.

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana's Office

Astrana nods and firmly shakes Leis hand. "That's quite alright. I appriciate you returning it to me so quickly, not that I was in a desperate need of it." Once they let go, the warlock gestures at drawer near the door. "You can just place it there and I'll take care of it."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

The handshake is a bit more warm and cordial on Leis's part, though she tones it down to better match Astrana. "Well, I've always heard it helps to be punctual if you want to make a good impression," she comments, taking a few steps over to the desk and sliding open the drawer.

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana's Office

"Good advice, you should listen to whoever said it." Astrana comments, though holds out her hand as to stop Leis when she is about to open the drawer. "Just put it on top of it. It's not supposed to be in there anyway." She clarifies. "But you are practicing ritual magic then considering you knew how to use those? Few actually know the practical applications of the reagents."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

Leis is confused for the split second it takes for it to dawn on her that Astrana meant the surface of the desk above it, not the drawer itself. She places the bag where she originally intended with a nod. "A little bit, it's really more of like a hobby than anything at the moment. Reading up on things when it's slow, fitting in a little practice when I can outside of work, y'know?"

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Aye, I be sturdy an' good wi' me cutlass. I also be a good shot wi' me pistols, an' muskets. I know how t' load, aim an' fire a cannon. Don't own one, though. Nor a musket." He's not too familiar with post-wheellock firearms like revolvers, however, though he's familiar with rifling. "I can maintain 'em, too. I don't need to breathe, nor eat, an' I can repair most damage I sustain. Some can be tricky. Me creator wanted me to know how t' look after meself. I can assist in the buildin' o' ships, don't know enough to design one an' start the process but I can help build 'em. I've assisted in careening, an' other maintenance o' a ship. Not the rigging, though. Ne'er tried th' crows' nest- doubt th' riggin'd support me. I can navigate by th' stars, use a sextant an' read a map. Don't help much once I'm knocked o'er board, though."

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana's Office

Leis is confused for the split second it takes for it to dawn on her that Astrana meant the surface of the desk above it, not the drawer itself. She places the bag where she originally intended with a nod. "A little bit, it's really more of like a hobby than anything at the moment. Reading up on things when it's slow, fitting in a little practice when I can outside of work, y'know?"

Astrana's Office

"Regardless of how you got it or how skilled you are, it's a useful skill to have. In fact, it might be of use to me. If you ever don't have anything to do and wish to learn a bit more about this hobby of yours you could always come by and have a look around. Most of the time I'm just sitting around waiting for customers anyway." Well, that wasn't really true but there were always lazy days and this had been a particularly lazy week so far.

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

The irises of Leis's eyes light up in surprise. She didn't expect Astrana to be so forward or interested in teaching her - far from it in fact, from how businesslike and professional she seemed to carry herself. The type of person who's generally too focused on her work to entertain the additional commitment of tutelage, although it might be too lofty a word for an arrangement like this.

"That'd be an honor, I'd love to do that! Maybe I can even lend a hand with things that you're working on." The accountant does a fairly good job at not letting too much excitement spill out over this. It might be a while 'til she's good enough for the latter, but she's still plenty happy to offer it.

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana's Office

"You think you can take enough time off your own work to do that?" Astrana inquires, her eyebrow raised. "I mean, I wouldn't ask you for anything too complicated but... well, perhaps you could try to give me a sense of what you do know? I know for a fact you have some experience with dealing with spirits for one."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

"I can't say I'd be like, available all day or anything, but I'm fairly quick at my work. Worst case scenario, I guess you could always talk to my supervisor if you really need my help for something big?" Leis assumes that whatever Astrana would want her help with would be at the service of MERC or one of its clients, so it'd be more comparable to wanting to borrow someone for a project rather than skipping a shift.

"But uh, I don't actually have much practical experience with spirits at all honestly. I'm mostly just learning ritual magics and incantations, with a bit of component-based evocation sprinkled in - summoning isn't a thing I've looked into. Though I've uh, done research on maintaining wards and countering possessions." It was more of a practical task than an earnest study there; her latest apartment had a few persistent rumors about eldritch wisps and other minor spirits, so it only seemed prudent for safety's sake.

[Shadowcaller]

Astrana's Office

Astrana smiles and crosses her arms over her chest. "You realize that I have to ask why you're researching those specific things, right? Since I didn't realize possession was a common occurance in office work. Is it something more... personal? In that case you won't have to share the details of course."

[Gullara]

Arrivals

"Aye, I be sturdy an' good wi' me cutlass. I also be a good shot wi' me pistols, an' muskets. I know how t' load, aim an' fire a cannon. Don't own one, though. Nor a musket." He's not too familiar with post-wheellock firearms like revolvers, however, though he's familiar with rifling. "I can maintain 'em, too. I don't need to breathe, nor eat, an' I can repair most damage I sustain. Some can be tricky. Me creator wanted me to know how t' look after meself. I can assist in the buildin' o' ships, don't know enough to design one an' start the process but I can help build 'em. I've assisted in careening, an' other maintenance o' a ship. Not the rigging, though. Ne'er tried th' crows' nest- doubt th' riggin'd support me. I can navigate by th' stars, use a sextant an' read a map. Don't help much once I'm knocked o'er board, though."

[Arrivals]

The drow nods. "Good enough I'd say. At the very least some muscle is always valuable, and I expect you can provide. Merc can supply some funds for getting equipment you need, so picking up a gun is something we can arrange." Kirk turns to his computer and types in a few things. "I'd say you meet the basic requirements well enough. When we take on someone new you start out in a provisionary window. We assess performance and keep an eye out for incompatibility in the meantime. We'll also be doing some background checking; nothing you should need to worry about unless you're not being honest with us. There's not much difference from your perspective, though. You don't get access to some more sensitive info and some jobs might not be available to you at first, but we don't try to hold you there long."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

Leis blinks. "Oh uh, no, nothing too personal. More just uh, the apartment building I had to settle for has a bunch of rumors about hauntings, so it seemed like a good idea?" She feels a little bit self-conscious about it now that she's saying it out loud. I mean yeah, it's not like the supernatural is *that* supernatural when you live in the Nexus, but it's not like she did it because she personally saw a spooky spirit walk through her bedroom wall or anything.

[Shadowcaller]

[Office of the Kirk]

After quite a few hours after Kirk left her office, Kirk gets a call from Dena. "Kirk, could you come to my office? Your dragon-scholar is here and she wants to exchange a few words with you. Your input has suddenly become relevant."

[Astrana's Office]

"Rumors of the supernatural? Yeah, it's pretty hard to miss lately, isn't it? Inside seems positively abuzz with spritual activity considering all the fey around. Val even mentioned that spirit you guys banished had some kind of mysterious agenda." Astrana pauses a moment. "Did you know that while fey sometimes are used synonymous with spirits, they're actually quite different? Obviously, in the nexus there are all kinds of spirits and all kinds of fey so it might seem obvious to you, but I don't know what kind of training you've had until this point so I'd like to make sure." She waits for some kind of acknowledgment from Leis before continuing.

"That said, spirits often end up serving fey so I can't help but wonder if this is somehow connected to the fey investigation MERC has been hired to do." Astrana taps her chin. "You said you had experience making wards, right?"

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

"A little bit; I know there's a different sort of origin and basis behind them than say, the paranormal," Leis answers, "but I haven't read up on fey in general - " She pauses for a second, realizing that she needs to correct something. "Er, training isn't something I've had, actually. I'm all self-taught til now. But I have made wards before, yes."

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Lookin' into me background? Was hung for piracy once. Rope snapped, an' it didn't do much t'me anyhow. Don't breathe, nor have a spine t' snap. That won't be an issue, will it? Cap'n had a letter o' marque, but it didn't survive the wreck. Nor did she." Most people hung for piracy are expected to not survive the process. Frigate, however, was far more durable than they were expecting. Warforged are relatively rare, and were a recent development on his homeworld.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

Kirk can't help but laugh a little. The mental image is just so absurd. "They weren't the smartest sort, eh? But no, nothing like that, don't worry. We're not all that concerned about your average crime around here, trust me. It's only if something particular egregious comes up that we might be having a chat. A little theft and killing is part and parcel for the kind of work we do."

[Reinholdt]

[But the Cat Came Back]

Reina returns to Merc, heading towards Dena's office. As soon as she finds it anyways. It's like her second time here. And it doesn't help that she's just a little wobbly, the light stench of alcohol tainting her breath. But she has the important information that the gorgon requested she retrieve and she's going to deliver it! Any stops on the way back to pick up and drink a bottle of wine were purely out of necessity and probably a business expense.

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Th' guvner were a lead-swingin' bilge rat, aye. The lubbers ashore there be fine folk, though. Gave me cutlass back, an' secured me a berth on a smuggler." Frigate doesn't have a good view of the governor who had him hung, although he might be grateful the man kept to the letter of the law rather than figure out a way to execute the warforged privateer that would actually work.

[Gullara]

[Office of the Kirk]

After quite a few hours after Kirk left her office, Kirk gets a call from Dena. "Kirk, could you come to my office? Your dragon-scholar is here and she wants to exchange a few words with you. Your input has suddenly become relevant."

[Office of the Kirk]

Kirk answers and simply says, "I'll be right there." Nice and quick. In a few moments he'll be knocking on Dena's door and entering if prompted.


Arrivals

"Th' guvner were a lead-swingin' bilge rat, aye. The lubbers ashore there be fine folk, though. Gave me cutlass back, an' secured me a berth on a smuggler." Frigate doesn't have a good view of the governor who had him hung, although he might be grateful the man kept to the letter of the law rather than figure out a way to execute the warforged privateer that would actually work.

[Arrivals]

"I can understand the sentiment." Kirk says with am amused smile. "Well with that all done, I'd say welcome to Merc, Frigate. There's a few formalities left to be done, but for all intents and purposes you're in."

[Earl of Purple]

Arrivals

"Aye? That be grand. Uh, where should I go now?" Frigate will shake Kirk's hand, if that's a thing that happens next, and probably go to get settled or find a job, perhaps.

[Shadowcaller]

[Office of the Kirk]

He's asked to come in and sure enough, Ambrosia is there sitting in the visitors chair. She glances at Dena as he enters, the gorgon of course in her office chair.
"Afraid our guest have some questions for you, Kirk. But I don't think it will be anything too difficult, right?" She looks back at the scholar who nods.
"In theory. Though as the point is to learn more about him, I can't gurantee that none of my questions will touch sensetive subjects. There will be a few of a sexual nature for instance." She looks to him questiongly.
Dena attitude is, as usual, relaxed however. "Doubt that's gonna stop Kirk in his tracks, am I right?"


Astrana's Office

"A little bit; I know there's a different sort of origin and basis behind them than say, the paranormal," Leis answers, "but I haven't read up on fey in general - " She pauses for a second, realizing that she needs to correct something. "Er, training isn't something I've had, actually. I'm all self-taught til now. But I have made wards before, yes."

Astrana's Office

"Training can be self-taught, in fact, I assumed as much. But that could be our future project. Preventing a spirit from entering the office like the last one did meaning we need to set quite a few wards. Furthermore, I'd like to attempt to fey-proof it too so reading up on fey could be a good idea if you have the time." Astrana pauses a moment and rubs the back of her head, running it through her thick hair. "That said, there was something of a more personal nature I'd wish to discuss. But I've kept you here long enough so why don't I see you once work is over? I've seen you on the subway a few times so I know we're taking the same train home, so we could talk on the way perhaps?"

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

"Oh yeah, I've already had a couple of ideas about that actually!" Leis perks up a little. "Cold iron seems to be generally a pretty universal thing, so I was thinking of researching a bit more into that and ways to apply it effectively." Warding can have a surprising amount in common with architecture and exterior design; when making barriers that are going to be out in the elements, you need to be mindful of long term planning to prevent erosion and the toll of day-to-day weather.

She raises an eyebrow in curiosity at Astrana's last comment, but nods. "Of course, it's not like I'll have anything important then anyways." Personal, but not so personal that she wouldn't be uncomfortable speaking about it in a more public setting? Interesting.

[Gullara]

[Arrivals]

Kirk will certainly shake his hand. "Head back to Valerie, she'll set you up with everything you need, including where to find jobs. You can start working any time. I'd recommend getting to know other members so you can collaborate."

Those details likely don't need to be played out on screen, however.

[Office of the Kirk]

Kirk certainly wasn't expecting to be asked questions, but he simply shrugs. "Go right ahead."

[Shadowcaller]

[Office of the Kirk==> Dena's Office]

"Very well... erm, perhaps you should take a seat? It might take more than just a few minutes." Though regardless if Kirk takes the other guest chair or not she continues.
"So, Kirk, if you don't mind. Could you describe your relationship to Denurga Zifhara?" The scholar inquires, her hands placed on her tome which is currently resting in her knee. She gestures towards him. "I'd like to get a sense of who you are as a person." Ambrosia clarifies.

Dena seems faintly amused by the whole thing, but Kirk can likely tell that she's probably nervous too despite how casual she seems to be trying to act.


Astrana's Office

"Oh yeah, I've already had a couple of ideas about that actually!" Leis perks up a little. "Cold iron seems to be generally a pretty universal thing, so I was thinking of researching a bit more into that and ways to apply it effectively." Warding can have a surprising amount in common with architecture and exterior design; when making barriers that are going to be out in the elements, you need to be mindful of long term planning to prevent erosion and the toll of day-to-day weather.

She raises an eyebrow in curiosity at Astrana's last comment, but nods. "Of course, it's not like I'll have anything important then anyways." Personal, but not so personal that she wouldn't be uncomfortable speaking about it in a more public setting? Interesting.

Astrana's Office

"There are fey who aren't weak to it actually, but that's still a good idea." Astrana raises a finger as to call attention to something. "And you might also try to find out what 'cold iron' is exactly as there could be multiple definitions of it out there."

Then she nods. "Great, and don't worry. Just wanted to clarify some relationship stuff so it's really more about me and Valerie."

[Arkhosia]

Astrana's Office

"Of course," Leis responds with a nod. That clarifying statement only further piques her curiosity, but its clear that's a topic for another time.

"Well, I guess I'll talk to you later. But uh, don't feel like you can't stop by yourself." With that, Leis will depart with a smile, very much looking forward to the next time they'll speak.