Raven nods to Arienne, grinning... "Heh. Yep, Id say the O'Connels have done a fine job with this batch. Frederick himself gave me a couple bottles of his first batch for the potions I gave his wife. Clair has a bit of a cold she cant shake. Anyhow, I got the other bottle back in my tower... but I dont think I'll be drinking anymore this eve. My head spinns as well, but you can have it if you want."

Raven then quietly followed Arienne upstairs, where he saw where Viewsk obviously slept. He silently chuckled at the sight of the big pillow, with a rounded endentation in it. He never thought a Beholder would be so pampered, but this was Arienne. His eyes then fell on the beautiful scalamagdrion laying on the pile of coins. He put his hand up to his mouth to muffle the gasp. They slept like their cousins, on a bed of coins.... interesting. This was indeed a dragon kin creature. He smiled as he saw the Ranger sleeping with the beast, looking quite comfortable as the scalamagdrions snuggles up to him. They must be a close pair. Arienne just seems to attract these magical creatures, and what better than a Ranger to be around to help her. An even better pair.

Raven smiled, and nodded to Arienne. He wispered soflty... "She is beautiful Arienne. Thanks for showing me."

 

 She had to smile at Raven's wide-eyed look as he gazed at Pheryl and the ranger sleeping within her arms. She whispered to Raven, unconsciously echoing his thoughts, "They make quite a pair, don't they?" With the smile lighting her beautiful features, she asked, "Would you like to see the upper level? That's where I sleep, and also where I have my lab." She began to walk back towards the stairs, her robe swishing quietly against the flagstone floor. "I also have my crystal orb up there, and a most marvelous couch that I discovered in DarGaard Keep in Sithicus," she said quietly. "Much of what is here inside the Tower came from there." Her blue eyes looked slightly haunted as she remembered things from a past spent in the dreaded demi-plane. "Although there was mostly death and things too horrible to describe pervading Sithicus, it also had its own dark beauty. What beauty I found while I was there, I made sure to bring back with me. The black roses and silver grass out front are two of the plant species native to there, actually," she explained as she started up the steps to the last level of the Tower. "The Black Rose is Soth's symbol. And the silvery grass was called Fangbane by the gypsies that lived there. It is a good ward against vampires and werewolves."

Raven nods a smile to Arienne at her offer to see the rest of her tower. He had noticed the dark but eligant furniture she was talking about. They were interesting in design, and being from another world... probably one of a kind as well. Raven quietly followed Arienne up the stairs to see more of her tower and decorations. It was darker than what Raven was use too. His Ivory Tower was full of light and and white alabaster, matching his own white robes. However he still appreciated fine furniture and classy decorations... wether dark or light. He seemed genuinly impressed with the Sithican furniture, often bending over for closer looks, and a feel of their texture.

Raven also nodded when Arienne spoke of the black roses, and silver grass that decorated the outside of her tower. "Ive seen those. They look to be very rare species of plantlife, and I hope you dont mind..." Raven blushes a bit. "...but I have already taken small samples of both species for documentation and study. Matter of a fact, a friend of mine in Waterdeep is an expert on plantlife, and when he saw these two species he about flipped his literal wig. He wanted me to ask your permission for samples for himself." Raven continues to follow Arienne as he talks.

 

 She paused mid-way between the second and third floor, standing still on a step and chanting something under her breath. With a few gestures, a shimmering violet field first appeared and then disappeared in a green haze. Satisfied that she had deactivated the deadly wards, Arienne continued upwards. As they reached the landing to the third floor of her home she laughed, turning around to face Raven with an amused grin. "Already taken samples, hm?" she asked, her blue eyes alight with humor. "I should have known," she admitted, shaking her head lightly to herself. "Of course I don’t mind you taking a few samples, and as for your friend, I suppose I don’t mind, as long as he promises not to reveal where they came from." She favored the black-haired mage with a semi-serious expression. "I don’t want every wizard from here to there coming to raid my gardens, Raven, and I’m serious about that." Turning back to the lavishly decorated third floor, the elven woman swept her arms wide, indicating the entire room. "This," she told him. "Is where I spend most of my time when I’m here."

To the left was an ornate bedroom suite that rested on a tremendously large, exquisitely woven black rug. There was a four-post, black iron queen-sized bed with a sheer, gauzy canopy of purple tulle in a curtain around it. The sheik material that draped the bed was pulled back at the posts and held by long, satiny black tassled cords. The covers and sheets that rested on the bed appeared to be of a black satin, with sleek, silvery piping on the edges. There were numerous fluffy, down-filled pillows that graced the top of the coverlets, and sitting at the end of the bed, preening herself, was one of the strangest creatures that Raven had ever seen. It appeared at first glance, to be a black, long-haired Himalayan cat. But this cat just happened to have a pair of small, bat-like wings, which she was carefully grooming. The Catra, for that was what the creature was, looked up as they entered, and regarded Raven curiously with a pair of tilted, greenish-golden eyes. To each side of the bed were two matching, iron and glass night tables. Along the far left wall was a long, sturdy dresser made of a deep black wood, and matching vanity table, complete with a full-length mirror. It was obviously a woman’s bedroom suite, but perhaps one that suggested a more sensual, strong and darker side, then one of frills and lace.

The middle of the third floor held another large rug, this one of a plush, silvery fur. Atop this rested a long, low couch made for lounging. Its frame was a heavy silver, decorated with small hematite and ruby etched runes. The couch was covered with a deep, crimson velvet material and in front of it was another low, black iron and glass coffee table. In the exact center of this table was a square of black silk. And resting gently on top of the silk was an extremely intricate magical item. It was composed of a thick, heavily enchanted and runed silver and hematite base that had been formed into the shape of a dragon’s clawed hand. In this hand was a flawless crystal ball. The ball was dark now, but it piqued Raven’s curiosity enough that he had to wonder what it might show, if one were to look into it. It was clear that the couch and the crystal ball were crafted by the same hand, and possibly even a matched set.

To the right as one entered the third floor was a large, complex laboratory. There were numerous shelves packed full of small boxes, crates and bottles. Two large, wooden tables ran the length of the wall, easily eight feet long and half again as wide. On these tables was a myriad of laboratory equipment; beakers and flasks, stoppered vials and bottles, a bubbler and various tubes, a globe with an electrical field, a small generator, a mortar and pestle, pair of bronzed scales, a funny-looking device that was, in actuality, a microscope, a burner, tongs, scissors, masks...basically anything and everything an alchemist/mage might need in a lab could be found in Arienne’s tower. There were several empty cages, and also a few rows of carefully cultivated plants near one window.

Making her way to her bed, Arienne sat on the edge of it and petted the cat-creature there with affection. She smiled proudly at Raven’s awestruck expression. "Well," she asked him with a grin. "What do you think?"

Raven continued to follow Arienne upstairs, watching curiously as she lowered some wards sealing the next level. Her tower was not only a fortress on the outside, but it seemed on the inside as well. Raven was impressed with Ariennes tower, now even more so. Raven nodded to Arienne concerning the two plant breeds... "Of course not Arienne. I would never think to allow that. As matter of a fact, I wont even tell him where I got them, nor where they came from. Im sure he will try to squeeze the info out of me, but I will be strong I assure you." Raven chuckles a little as they finally reach the third floor of Ariennes tower.

Raven awed at the rare pieces that decorated this level. Again the Sithican furniture seemed draw his attention. He was facinated with the otherworldly design of them, and impressed with their rarity. The winged cat surprised him as well, he had seen this cat on his balcony before. The Ivory tower would not harm normal animals, and he often found guests on his balcony. Now he knew where she came from, and would be sure to set out some creme next time. He then walked over to examine the wonderful couch and crystal ball. He sat on the couch and rubbed the soft cushions with his palm. It was indeed comfortable, and matching in design to the rest of the Sithican furniture... if only it came in white. Raven thought to himself. The crystal ball was flawless as well. Raven dared not touch it. Most scry devices were protected with wards, as his own was. He just looked at it, and admired its crafted claw base that held it aloft. He then made his way to her lab, where he felt more comfortable with handling objects. It looked much like his own lab back in his tower, covered in beakers and burners all bubbling and flowing. Raven nodded his approval of Ariennes lab, she was indeed an accomplished alchemist herself and needed no help from him.

Raven finally looks over to Arienne with a smile... "I love it. It all looks wonderful Arienne. Your tower is as impressive inside, as it is on the outside." He walks over to stand beside her, rubbing the carved post on her bed. "I really like the Sithican design. Its a little too dark for my taste, but that could be fixed with a couple color cantrips." Raven laughs looking back to Arienne, knowing full well she wouldnt like him turning her belongings white.

 

 She watched him wander the room and noted when he paused to examine the couch and crystal ball. When he had finished his exploration and came to stand near the bed, she offered him a slightly faded smile. There was an almost sad look in her eyes, as if they were shadowed by some memory best left untouched. "I suppose my time there made me a little darker," she admitted. "But I love the style, the artistic expression in the craftsmanship." Her face lightened a little, and so did her smile. "Of course I wouldn’t expect you to have anything so dark or gothic in your tower, Raven. You always were drawn to lighter, whiter things than I, my friend."

 

She looked down at the softly purring Catra who had crept and slithered, like oil, into her lap. "This is Mishtu," she introduced him to her. "She’s a Catra, and she’s my familiar." Arienne continued to stroke the cat’s sleek, black fur affectionately. She looked back up at Raven. "I noticed you admiring the couch and crystal ball," she said, getting an impish light in her eyes and setting Mishtu off of her lap. The sorceress got up and walked over to the small, red velvet upholstered couch, looking thoughtfully at the White Mage of the Trinity. "It’s more than a simple scrying device," she told him. "They’re a set, you see. Linked. If you lay down on the couch, then touch the ball and focus, not only will you see what is happening where you focus, but you can project a likeness of yourself there, as well," she explained with another smile. "Would you like to try it?"

Raven looked at Arienne with a surprised expression... "Image Projection!? You bet I want to try it out." Raven walks over to the couch, taking a closer look at it now that he knows its magical. Only then did he notice the fine runes sewed into the fabric of the couch. So well hidded were they that they looked like part of the couchs pattern. Raven glanced at Arienne with a smile, and layed down on the couch. He then reached out, and was about to touch the crystal ball, but hesitated a moment. He usually was more carefull about expierementing with magical items, and it was more a flinch of habit. He then grinned, knowing Arienne would have warned him of anything dangerouse concerning the couch and crystal ball. He placed his hand on the crystals surface, and layed back on the cushions, closing his eyes.

It was as Arienne said. Raven concentrated on a location, and was soon looking into the Twisted Root Tavern. He had scryed the tavern before with his own scry device, but this time it was different. Raven actually felt like he was there, and not only that but Jarlosh looked up to him with a surprised look on his face. Raven just smiled to the man and waved... "Just checkin up on ya Jarlosh." Little did Raven know he looked like a ghost to the bartender, and only worried him more when he vanished.

Raven opened his eyes, and sat up on the couch, smiling to Arienne. "That was impressive Arienne. There is some major enchantments surrounding this couch. I wouldnt expect anything less from an accomplished mage as yourself. Jarlosh sure got a surprise out of it. Thank you." Raven chuckles.

 

 Arienne watched him test the couch with a knowing smile playing on her lips. When he was done, she nodded silently to him. She walked across the large room to her lab and twisted a knob, making a minor adjustment to the drip of a current, brownish-green potion mix. Then she turned around and leaned against the long table, watching Raven with a contemplative expression. "Yes," she agreed finally. "It makes it easy to keep tabs on people and places. It was something we found in Dargaard Keep. Drannon thought it might be a good idea to bring it back when we escaped. I wasn't sure how it would react to the warp marble, but it ended up being alright." She shrugged and stifled a yawn, feeling the effects of the wine more acutely now. Pushing off from the lab table, she crossed the room again, taking a seat on the bed once more and studying the floor in thought. "There isn't much more to see, except the roof. You already know Spyke, and you've met the gargoyles. I suppose the best thing about the tower is the ability I have to take it with me," she said, leaning back on her hands. She sighed quietly and looked back at him again. "Thanks for coming over to just visit, Raven. This tower seems like a prison sometimes. I'm forever here...and there isn't always someone around to just...talk to."

Raven smiled a nods to Arienne... "Your very welcolm Arienne. Thank you for having me as your guest this evening." Raven felt a little tired himself, and bowed to Arienne as he crossed the room tward the stairs. "Its getting late now, so I'll let you get some sleep. I could use some myself. Its been quite a while sinse Ive indulged in Feywine."

Raven bows, and smiles to Arienne again. "Im sure we'll see each other again soon, maybe next time we could both surprise Silvara with a visit. If any of us Trinity mages needs company, its her. Wrapped up in her books and expierements all the time, she'll forget how to be social if we dont help her out." Raven laughs and starts down the stairs. "You go ahead and sleep, I can show myself out." He stops and looks caringly to Arienne before disappearing downstairs. "Good night Arienne Starsinger."

 

 Arienne returned his smile, feeling sleepy and a little melancholy. She sat up and rested her hands in her lap as she watched him. "Yes, we shall indeed have to make it a visit with Silvara next time," she agreed. Then she chuckled at a thought. "Although, you know how much she hates it when people show up uninvited." The elven woman’s blue eyes danced with merriment at the thought of surprising the somber, and mostly anti-social third member of their magical group. "Let me know when you propose to go, Raven. We’ll find some Chikkar to bring with us."

((You wanna know what I thought of it?))

((I already have an idea on what YOU thought of it, but go ahead if you must. lmao.))

 

*actually reads it*

 

((sounds like it's time for a Ruins game to kill, ...er, I mean to challange ES players. One that DK helps DM would seem justly due))