Immersive Ink

"You are welcome to join us, Master Ulric. Your spellcraft may be of some use on the other side," Highbough approves (smugly). "Who has the scrying device?"

"The Speculem is in Lord Ulric's charge," Josiane growls, soft and dangerous, declining to spare the elf even a glance from her grey, angry eyes; "And it remains either there or in my keeping until it can be restored to the Sisterhood as agreed."

"My Lady, we should perhaps await the return of the dwarf and...half-man with two-heads", muses Helmut (cautiously adjusting his language so as to not offend with terms such as 'mutant'), "but I am ready to depart on your word."

He pauses and glances at Highbough as if considering the risk of incuding him in the conversation. "If the...elf has some idea what we might need on this voyage, I can make ready with preparations."

"Yesss, I have the Speculem in my keeping," says Ulric, pausing a moment in his preparations to absently touch the bulky content of his satchel for reassurance.

When he is done collecting his things he says, "What of the others? The Hobbits, Dwarf, Elf and the woman? I was led to believe it a short errand to their... cave. Somebody with good eyes should take to the bell tower and cast about for them. I would rather not leave this place wholly undefended in my absence; I am intending to return, and would like it relatively safe when I do!"

"They were fools to wander off," scoffs Highbough (oblivious to the irony of his statement). "But who said anything about returning? Once we have conquered the Alcazar, it will make a fine center for my magical research, far from the petty politics of Ket."

A good hour is spent discussing the woes and weals of recent activities, and debating what future course should be had before the discussion is interrupted by the faint ringing of a distant bell.

"What be that?" growls Ulric, annoyed that there might be yet further delay.

"Helmut, will you accompany me to the front door to investigate? That may be our away-team returning, but we can't be too careful." Armando picks up his crossbow and prepares to head for the front door.

Helmut hesitates a moment but, deciding there is not threat to his charge at present, assents to Armando's request with a nod, keen to be somehow moving forward again.
He places the horned Helm of Seyal upon his unkempt locks once again and follows the dapper rogue to the main gate.

Helmut and Armando make their way to the lobby, and peering out the fist-sized eye-hatch Armando does spy that his companions are indeed returned from their mission. Desmond/Mondes, Dorgan, Ashtad, Hiridhren, and a fifth fellow are waiting impatiently upon the doorstep...

"Our companions have indeed returned, Helmut — with a stranger in tow," Armando says as he slides the small hatch shut. "Keep an eye on him, Sir!"

And with that, Armando opens the front door. "Welcome back, friends! We have much to speak of ... Ah, and who pray tell accompanies you ... ?"