Megalith Code for Sale

Down underground, Swith is prizing gold nuggets from the rock when she comes across a stone tablet half buried in a small side cave. She manages to free the thing and drags it off down the tunnels.

Sirena Lauria: tal Swith
Swith (cyneswith.luik) jumps, with a squeal.
Sirena Lauria giggles: I didn't mean to startle you
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'By the gods miss... I thought yer was King Eecho fer a moment... He usually throws folk out of 'ere...'
Sirena Lauria: well, perhaps if we are quiet, no one will know we are here
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, putting a finger to her lips, then points to a stone slab under her arm. 'Eh... look what I found miss...' She puts the heavy thing on the ground.
Sirena Lauria takes a look and says "what is that you have there? isn't it a bit heavy to be lugging around?
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Aye... bloody heavy. I's 'ad ta stop every cave fer a rest. Just thought might be useful to yer... I don' know what these carvin's be about... at least it nah be whisperin’.’
Sirena Lauria peers at the carvings on it "this is a key to the runes on the megalith Swith. Don't you recognize them?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) shrugs, 'Aye... thought it were somethin' like that. But yer's already solved it, 'aven't yer?'
Sirena Lauria says, yes I have solved the carvings... but I need to find the answer to the question
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'Well maybe I leave this bloody heavy thing 'ere then. Eecho can tidy it up later..' She giggles.
Sirena Lauria: there must be more of these - this is only some of the runes.
Swith (cyneswith.luik) scratches in her hair. 'It be the only one I's seen miss.'
Sirena Lauria: well if you see any others, be sure to pick them up. someone might be willing to pay for them
Swith (cyneswith.luik) arcs a brow. 'Pay...?' She frowns, 'I's goin' ta need a donkey, 'elp me carry stuff.'
Sirena Lauria grins "There are many here who like to be first - they want to win at all costs
Swith (cyneswith.luik) grins too, 'Well if there be pay involved, I likes ta win too..'
Sirena Lauria frowns "perhaps you could sell the location of where you found these...."
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer thinks I should put it back where it were?'
Sirena Lauria says "if it was well hidden, then yes I do. But if not, then hide it yourself"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, 'I nah knows where ta put it now... can't be bothered carryin' it all the way ta the village..'
Sirena Lauria frowns as she thinks "then break it up into a million pieces
Swith (cyneswith.luik) wrinkles her nose. 'With what? Me slingshot?' She pauses before the obvious occurs. 'Oh, but there be pickaxes... hmm...' She looks behind her a while, wondering what to do.
Sirena Lauria nods "yes, pickaxes are all over this mine. Tthe dwarfs just left them lying around when they decided not to work the mines anymore'
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Well now I don' know what ta do... shall I bust the thing up an' move it, maybe sell it down the village... or shall I put it back? I don't trust them eerie whispery ghost voices... might come an' get me..'
Sirena Lauria says thoughfully. "I think the ghost voices are contained in the stone. As for this, I would break it with a pickaxe and scatter the pieces. it should not take more than a couple of shatters.
Sirena Lauria: After all, we both know the riddle now"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) frowns, musing a while, then looks down the tunnel behind her. 'Hmm... s'pose I'll go get a pickaxe then...'

*A few moments later*

Jordon McGillivary walks up to his friend "can I help you with that Sirena?"
Sirena Lauria says "But of course Jordon
Swith (cyneswith.luik) points 'Eh, if yer breaks it up around the runes, maybe I can sell 'em...'
Sirena Lauria takes careful aim
Jordon McGillivary turns at the sound of a voice "good morn maam. Swith. How are you? Haven't seen you in a coons age"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods to Jordon with a black-toothed grin and sets about breaking down the tablet with an axe also. 'I's alright sir... 'ow's yerself? It 'as been a while..'
Jordon McGillivary: "busy. very busy"
Sirena Lauria wipes her brow. I think we have them now Swith"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) leans on the axe a while and looks at the rubble. 'Hm.. aye.'
Sirena Lauria: We can each carry a few pieces out of the mines for you"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods and starts to push some bits into her lute sack.
Sirena Lauria picks up two runes and put s them in her pouch which is beginning to sag.
Jordon McGillivary shakes his head over the retort he knew would follow his statement and asks "What is so compelling that two ladies are below ground swinging axes?"
Swith (cyneswith.luik): 'Yer wants to 'elp sir? Yer can carry some o' these runes.'
Sirena Lauria says "Here Jordon, carry these back for Swith"
Jordon McGillivary bends and picks up all he sees
Sirena Lauria smiles "It is nice to have a strong helper." she looks at Jordon's muscles with admiration
Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks at one of the broken chunks of rock. 'ow much yer reckon I can get fer these then?'
Sirena Lauria shakes her head "I have no idea Swith. Maybe you could let it be known they are up for bid?"
Jordon McGillivary says "I can hold more if you add them to the stack in my arms"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, thoughtfully. 'Hmm... nah a bad idea. Just hold off tellin' everybody yer's already solved the riddle, eh?' She smirks.
Sirena Lauria: That is a deal Swith. I will not be deluged with inquiries then. I like the way you think"
Swith (cyneswith.luik) nods, 'I likes the way I thinks too... usually makes me coin.'
Jordon McGillivary: "what riddle? What do you want with rock pieces?"
Sirena Lauria turns to Jordon "it is a long story . Shall I tell it to you over a glass of wine?"

Sirena Heals a Sylvan Ranger and Gains an Unwanted Admirer

This all happened in the Torgan Empire much to Sirena's chagrin
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First Dancer of The Place Sirena Lauria walks the woods in search of roots and sees a man lying by the foot of a tree. She stops to look at him and sees that he is a Sylvan Ranger. He looks dead. She takes a step back. Then she hears him groan and realizes he is still alive. She mutters "I suppose I must see what is wrong with him, even if he is a Sylvan." She approaches the body and kneels beside it.

Sylvan Ranger Damian (Silverwing Benoir) groans again and says "please help”

Sirena says "I will help you because my God requires me too, but I do you no favor. Tell me what is wrong."

Damian is partially delirious, hears her voice but does not understand her words. He cries out in pain. She quickly checks the man and sees that there is blood beneath his head. She places her hands on his skull and gently runs her hands around his head, feeling for bumps.

Damian feels hands on his head and partially regains consciousness.

Sirena sees his eyes flutter open and she says, "Can you hear me Sylvan?"

Damian says weakly "I am an apprentice Sylvan Ranger. I have had only three lessons in fighting. I came upon a red dragon attacking helpless people and tried to fight it. The people were saved. They ran away while I was fighting the dragon but the dragon was too strong for me and left me for dead."

Sirena says "Pffft, stupid ranger. The only red dragon around here in Inq and he is too old and wise to attack helpless people. You should be more careful. It does not appear that you are burned. All I feel is a bump on the back of your head. I will be back. I need to get some water to wash the blood away."

Damian says, "I don't remember fire. The dragon threw me with it's tail."

Sirena stands and says, "I told you the dragon was wise. He probably knew you were inexperienced and didn't need to waste flame on you." She walks to the pool to fill her mug with water. When she returns she kneels, puts the water on the ground and opens her pouch, pulling out a clean rag and some astringent herbs. She speaks as she gently touches the wound. "I am going to wash the blood off the back of your head. I don’t see anything else wrong with you except foolish pride."

Damian feels the cool water on his face and responds. He feels a bit stronger with the lady's treatments.

Sirena asks "Are you able to sit up or do you need help?"

Damian says "It was not pride m'lady, I could not let those people die. And I don't think I can sit yet."

Sirena snorts and soaks the rag in the water again. She wrings it out and applies it to the back of his neck.

Damian feels his strength slowly returning. He asks "Who are you, kind lady?"

Sirena says "I will help you sit up." She puts her hands under his oxters and drags him out from under the tree root. She maneuvers him to the tree trunk. Damian wobbles to his feet. Sirena puts her hand on his chest and pushes him down. "You need to sit. You need to stay quiet and rest for a day." Damian tries to sit but falls on his face. Sirena looks at him in dismay "Oh for Belenus' sake! Can you not stay upright?" Damian pushes himself up to a sitting position. Sirena looks at him again and says "I suppose it hurts."

Damian says "Yes it hurts and I have no place to stay."

Sirena says "Let me see if I can take some of the pain away." She casts Sea of Flames and restores 10 points of health to him.

Damian relates "I am new to this land and have been sleeping under trees."

Sirena says with a grunt "Trees are good enough for the likes of you."

Sirena is prompted to restore some of his stamina. She casts Flames of Passion and restores 10 points of stamina to him. She casts Blazing Sparks and restores 7 points of health to him.

Damian says "I feel much stronger. What did you do?"

Sirena shrugs "I have learned certain skills from my God."

Damian says "Your god must be great indeed. I feel like new again!"

Sirena says "Well, Sylvan, stay away from these lands and you will not be attacked again. I cannot guarantee that I will be around to help next time."

Damian says "What is your name fair lady. I must thank you."

Sirena responds "My name does not matter, since we will not meet again."

Damian exclaims "But I owe you my life. I must know who you are!" He muses for a moment. “Wait a minute.. haven't I seen you at The Place?"

Sirena exhales "Aye, I work there."

Damian exclaims "Yes I have, you are Sirena the dancer!" Sirena lowers her hood. Damian bows to Sirena. "My name is Damian. I will forever be in your debt m'lady."

Sirena grins to see the man bow to her. "There is no debt. I am commanded by my God to heal, so that is the only reason I did not leave you for dead at that tree root."

Damian says " I saw you dance. The smoke from the hookah was strong but I would not forget such a beauty as you. Please tell me how I can repay my debt to you."

Sirena, having heard such comments before, pays the compliment no mind. She says
"I have told you, no debt exists. I have done what my duty called for. No more, no less."

Damian notes her aloofness and wonders why.

Sirena continues "But if you want to save me or another some trouble, be careful who you engage in battle and where you wander. Do you realize where you are? You are deep in the heart of the Torgan Empire. There have been too many Sylvans ranging these woods and we are getting tired of you acting as if you own The Empire as well as the Sylvan realms. This is not yours to protect. Go guard your Queen. Our Empress needs none of you."

Damian says “M'lady, I was just exploring the woods. Is it just me or do you not like any people? You seem full of disdain yet you saved me."

Sirena curls her lip "I do not like...some people and Sylvan Rangers, especially."

Damian smiles. "Then m'lady I shall make it my quest to change your opinion of at least one of us! It is not right that such a beautiful lady should have such fear in her heart."

Sirena ignores his words and asks "Are you well enough that I may escort you to the border?"

Damian says "I am feeling much better, thank you. Lead on and I will follow. But please avoid red dragons."

Sirena turns and heads for the village. She says “This path leads to three bridges. you will know you are on the right road when you pass by the tavern."

Damian says "Is this the tavern you speak of?"

Sirena says "This is the tavern. The road leads under that pass and to the left. It will take you back to the Sylvan lands."

Damian says "Thank you for saving my life. I owe it to you and dedicate it to you. I can not leave without buying you a drink for your troubles "

Sirena stares incredulously at the Ranger "You are not serious are you? "

Damian whispers hoarsely "I am indeed serious."

Sirena says "You Sylvan Rangers are a strange bunch. I was merely doing my duty."

Damian repeats "Just one drink..and I'll be on my way."

Sirena raises her eyebrow "I do not advise spirits for a concussion."

Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas) appears in a hissing mist.

Damian smiles "I am strong and well now thanks to your powers”

Sirena hears a rustle behind her and turns "Greetings Empress."

Damian nods to the woman who just appeared.

Sirena turns back to the Ranger and says " Well, have your drink, then be off. There are Torgans in the tavern and they might not welcome your presence."

Damian smiles and says "I'll take my chances." Sirena marches into the tavern, wishing the ranger would not follow. Damian notes to himself they can't be worse than the dragon who knocked him out.

Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) says 'Vedui again S'rena'

Sirena smiles "Vedui Linwe. Greetings Swith!"

Damian says "By your leave m'lady"

Swith (cyneswith.luik) looks over her shoulder. 'Oh.. greetin's miss.'

Sirena whispers "This Sylvan Ranger… I am sorry. He insisted on a drink."

Linwe raises a brow at the unknown person following in the dancer's footsteps.

Damian says “Greetings ladies. This kind woman saved my life. A drink is the least I can offer her."

Sirena takes a seat on the end of a bench next to the minstrel.

Linwe says 'Vedui, stranger...I dunna think I have seen ye before'

Swith rests her head on her hand and snoozes a little, drunk.

Linwe says 'Saved ye from...what?'

Sirena scowls at the Ranger and then says to her friend "This is Damian. I found him lost and unconscious near the crossing to the hive."

Empress Lexie (lexie.lukas): Greetings Torgans, and friends

Damian tells his story again "I came upon a dragon attacking unarmed people and tried to fight it off"

Linwe performs a low curtsy to the Empress "Yer majesty”

Sirena says "Damian, this is Linwe, a great Shaman and Swith, the best minstrel in the realm"

Empress Lexie: What dragon sir?

Damian continues. “I am but an apprentice and could not withstand his power but the people escaped. It was a large red dragon."

Sirena rolls her eyes, not believing the man's story.

Snow (snowblind.infinity): Interesting, would this dragon be one who demands tolls at the bridge?

Linwe says 'I havena heard of any people fleeing dragons this day'

Swith’s chin slips off her hand and she wakes with a start. She looks around, then blinks at the Empress, wavily. 'Greetin's, Empress..' She hiccups. She tries to bow and nearly does a forward roll off the bench, managing to catch hold of the table in time to right herself.

Empress Lexie winks at Snow: Greetings Swith

Linwe says 'Snow..have ye been marauding agin?'

Snow: Not I, I have no need to attack unarmed people, nor do I demand tolls for the passages which are not mine to control.

Empress Lexie: There was this senile dragon earlier but I think he went away to die in the wild.

Sirena snorts "Maybe that is the one Damian here says attacked him." She sees that the man has not had his drink yet and scowls. She will never be rid of him at this rate.

Damian notes "The dragon I saw was not weak and feeble."

Swith goes back to snoozing a little at the table, hiccuping every now and again.

Empress Lexie turns to Snow "who might that be.. a red dragon? Do you know of this one?"

Linwe says 'Tis strange there havena been any reports of such..especially since King Eecho has been back and forth from the Hive all day'

Damian asks "How does one get a drink here?"

Sirena stands up and goes to the bar. She draws a mug of rum for the ranger and brings it back.

Empress Lexie looks to the Ranger: "A good start at being served is the word please"

Sirena slams the mug in front of the man "Here. Drink this and be off."

Damian asks graciously "Please a round of ale for all on me!"

Sirena looks at the man "Serve them yourself. I am not a barmaid"

Linwe wrinkles her nose "Nay thankee”

Swith cheers and knocks a plate on the floor. 'Free ale...'

Damian laughs. Empress Lexie giggles knowing that Swith will indeed enjoy this

Sirena looks at Swith and smiles "Are you sure you want another?"

Swith frowns, 'It's free lass... course I does...'

Sirena chuckles "I am not sure I trust you to stand up. I will get you a refill"

Swith grins, wavering. 'Most kind miss...'

Sirena takes Swith's mug to the barrel and fills it to the brim with rum. She carries it carefully back to Swith and sets it in front of her "There you go Swith."

Swith nods, 'Very kind.. very kind...' She grins at the man opposite, black-toothed, then winks at him drunkenly.

Damian notes that everyone here knows each other and he begins to feel unwelcome.

Sirena looks to see if the man has finished his rum yet

Damian says "I'd best be going fine people"

Swith, a little slow on the uptake, asks the stranger, 'Are yer Sirena's new man?'

Linwe snorts. Sirena says to Swith "My man? You are really drunk Swith. I need no man!"

Damian says "I know not what that means but Sirena saved my life today so I will dedicate mine to hers."

Swith looks between them. 'I's hearin' two conflictin' answers... I thinks...'

Linwe says 'How..gallant'

Sirena throws her hands in the air "You are daft, man! Go dedicate your life to someone else."
.
Damian says 'a pleasant day to all of you' He laughs as he leaves.

Swith gives a wave. Linwe says 'Vendaust' Sirena watches him leave with a sigh of relief and sits down.

Empress Lexie: Lady Sirena, is everything ok with you? Do we need to get you a guard?

Sirena says "I am fine. why do you ask?"

Empress Lexie: That .. Sylvaran.. I just wanted to make sure he isn't hassling you

Sirena says "I need no guard. I have my tongue and my God, but thank you Empress, I will remember your words."

Linwe says 'The women of Torg be a plucky lot, Empress'

Empress Lexie: Yes * her eyes glimmer in happiness*

Sirena says "Will you excuse me? I left my basket in the woods where I found that ranger and must go retrieve it"

Linwe says 'Aye, S'rena..take care'

Sirena says "dark paths"