Nia, Ziella, and Marsyas see a griffon

From FiranMUX

Messenger for Wellinia approaches Wellinia and makes a delivery.

The messenger whispers to you, "Ziella said to tell you, at Firan time: 03:37:56 AM on Sat Feb 15, in the year 19 A.U.: Nia! Lord Marsyas is requesting that we visit as soon as possible. Are you able to meet me at the Royal Eagle Estate? Ziella"

Messenger for Wellinia has left.

Wellinia stands stock still as the messenger leaves. Slowly, she turns to Ixion. Her eyes are narrowed with a simmering frustrated anger. "I'm gonna kill her. Ixion, I have to take that painting to the Royal Eagle Estate to show Lord Marsyas." And the first night since they courted that he was taking her out.

Frowning suddenly, Ixion nods, "I understand, love.. I will wait -right- here, for you..." He tilts his head a little, "And when you get back, we will continue as we started, I promise..."

Wellinia hugs her husband tight and then quickly slips away

Anarinuell: Between the Western Gates of the Palace District

Ziella turns as she spots Nia. "Oh, I am glad you were free."

Ziella leaves west for the eagle district.

Anarinuell: Estate of the Royal House of the Eagle

Ziella smiles faintly at the guards, eyes a little nervous at the sheer number. "Ummm, we're here to see Lord Marsyas."

Ziella knocks on the door to Royal Eagle Mansion -- Front Hall.

Wellinia looks more than a little peeved as she waits with Ziella for the guards to announce them.

Ziella glances at her friend. "What's wrong, you look upset."

Wellinia takes in a deep breath, the quaterstaff in her hand tap-tap-tapping on the ground, "I am upset. Ixion was taking me dancing tonight."

Ziella enters the mansion as she scolds lightly, "Well why on Aerval didn't you let me know that?"

Ziella walks off the estate grounds and enters into the Royal Eagle Mansion.

Anarinuell: Royal Eagle Mansion -- Dining Hall

Marsyas sits at the dining room table; there are wine glasses set up. He stands as the ladies come in. "Mes Wellinia, Mes Ziella--welcome!"

Ziella is talking in a low voice to Nia as she follows the servant through the Mansion. She looks up as Marsyas speaks and sinks into a graceful curtsey. "Greetings m'Lord."

Wellinia's voice is a whispered growl as she walks by the the woman's side, her quarterstaf tap-tap-tapping on the floor. "Because I would have been halfway here by then." She paints on a polite smile and curtseys to the Lord. "M'Lord."

Marsyas gestures to the seats at the table. "Please, sit down; have some wine. We've got this new cherry vintage, I'm finding it quite enjoyable if you like sweet wines."

Ziella smiles as she takes a seat. "That sounds very nice m'Lord, thank you."

Wellinia titls her head, waddle walks some more and shoves herself into a seat. "Wine? Wonderful."

Marsyas says, "I thank you for coming. I'm quite eager to see what you've got for me; as I explained to Ziella--this could be a lucrative contract, for both of you, as well as improving the morale and unit cohesion of the Republican armed forces."

Ziella sips at her wine and looks at the man. She takes a breath and says, "We have come up with two designs that can be embroidered."

Marsyas says, "Really? Excellent."

Wellinia takes the glass in hand, inhales it's sweet aroma, then slowly takes a sip. With a sigh, she turns to the man. Taking the scroll case from under her arm, she offers out to the commander.

Marsyas unrolls the scroll. He looks over it at length, stroking his beard...and his face lights up in a smile.

Marsyas says, "I like this one, that's for certain."

Wellinia dips her head and smiles as she takes another sip of her wine.

Marsyas says, "Let's see the other one?"

Ziella hands over an unfinished garment. "I have come up with that. It is hard to make something small that will be on a sleeve."

Marsyas tries to take Unfinished linen robes of blue from Ziella but it's too heavy and he has to put it down.

Ziella sets down the linen robe.

Marsyas grins. "This one is cute, too."

Marsyas picks up the blue linen one, looking at it closely.

Marsyas says, "I think, provided Mes Ziella can embroider it, I'd like to see this one," he holds up the scroll painting, "with some minor additions.""

Wellinia was pretty much waiting for this. She breathes in deeply and titls her head questioningly to the command. "And what additions would you like?"

Marsyas says, "There's only a few small changes I would make. First, spikes on top of the helmet. Second, can we give the pilot some sort of face? Third, some form of fill for the wings. Fourth, a spear, coming past the griffon's neck. And last, well-can you do it in color?"

Marsyas spreads the scroll out on the table for you.

Ziella looks at the man. "Ummmmm, m'Lord?"

Marsyas says, "Aye?"

Wellinia grins as the few minor details are listed. She nods her head, amusment sparkling in her eyes. "It can be in color of course, M'Lord."

Ziella says, "You want me to fit that on the sleeve of a tunic?"

Wellinia bursts out laughing.

Marsyas says, "We can always emblazon it on the back of a cape, if the sleeve doesn't work."

Marsyas grins. "I must admit to a near ignorance of fine fabric work, save to appreciate it.

Marsyas looks somewhat embarrassed.

Ziella nods her head. "The back of a cape would work very well."

Wellinia hides a smile behind her wine glass, but can't quite suppress another laugh.

Ziella smiles. "It is hard to shrink things and the detail remain."

Marsyas says, "So presuming you have a larger canvas to work with, so to speak, do you think the two of you can do it?"

Ziella glances at Wellinia then back to Marsyas and replies in her husky voice, "Oh, I think we might be able to come up with something."

Marsyas looks at Wellinia. "If I ask too much, please forgive me. I know little of what you can do, or what I ask."

Wellinia takes the painting and scroll case back. Nodding her head as she rolls the work in progress up. "Certainly, I see no problems with that."

Marsyas says, "Would it help you in any way to have a griffon model?"

Wellinia nearly shouts as she sits up in her chair. "Yes, yes it would at that."

Ziella sits up in her chair, eyes growing wide. "Ummmm, seeing one? A real one? Up close like?" Her voice raises a bit at the end.

Marsyas says, "Well, then. I have been remiss, Mes Wellinia, and I stand at your command. Let me know when you wish a griffon, and I'll be glad to arrange it. We could do it now, if you'd like."

Wellinia says, "Oh, but I would insist that Ziella come along as well. What would be a good time for you, Zi?""

Ziella looks a bit pale. "Oh, oh I don't know. Really, maybe you should just go now. You made the beautiful painting and you will make the changes to it. There is no need for me to tag along."

Marsyas laughs. "Zi, there's nothing to worry about. I'm an expert pilot."

Wellinia says, "Now, Ziella, I think it would be best if you came too. We workoing on this together, are we not. The commader here wanted that, I believe.""

Ziella gasps faintly. "We are not -riding- the thing are we?" Might as well just stick a knife in her chest, she's sure to have a heart attack on giant bird. She mindlessly takes up another glass of wine and takes a long drink.

Marsyas says, "No, you aren't riding Rylla. She'll just preen prettily for the artist."

Wellinia takes another glass of wine and sits back in her chair. She smiles to the commander, raising her glass in a silent toast. Turning to Ziella, she grins.

Ziella starts to nod her head up and down. "Yes! For the artist!" She turns and points to Nia. "Her. Artist. Me. Tailor."

Marsyas picks up his wine, and toasts Wellinia. "I detect some concern in your voice, Mes Ziella. Could it be you might be frightened of my very nice, very important, very valuable griffon?"

Wellinia says, "You partner, Partner."

Ziella's hands are now in her lap, clenched tightly together. "Me? Frightened?" She shakes her head. "Oh, no m'Lord, I am not frightened at all, I am terrifed of them. I can admire the very nice, very important, very valuable griffon from a distance." She nods firmly.

Marsyas grins.

Marsyas says, "She won't eat you, you know."

Wellinia mutters to herself, "Just nibble you a bit." She sips again at he wine and smiles.

Ziella kicks Nia under the table. "I would hope you are feeding her enough that I would be unappetizing."

Marsyas says, "She doesn't eat Firans."

Ziella mumbles a small prayer of thanks.

Wellinia raises an eyebrow at that but opts not to inquire. She turns to Ziella, "Come on, it will give you stories to tell Vellik. He'll love you for it."

Marsyas says, "Come, let's go to the griffon cages, shall we?"

Ziella slowly stands up and hides her clenched hands under her palla. "If we must." she mutters before forcing a smile to her lips. "How exciting."

Wellinia sets down her glass and pushes back her chair. Slowly rising to her feet, she uses her walking stick for leverage. "Oh, it will be, Zi, I'm sure."

Marsyas says, "follow me."

Ziella brushes her long hair back over her shoulders nervously and follows Marsyas.

Marsyas walks out of the Front Hall and out onto the estate grounds.

Ziella closes her eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Wellinia smirks as they -all- make their way down the road. "Lovely night, isn't it?"

Marsyas says, "Better than the blizzards, for sure."

Ziella follows along reluctantly, wondering if she has any chance of 'losing' herself from the group.

Marsyas isn't going to lose Ziella. His glances at Wellinia seem to indicate he shares in her amusement at Zi's worry.

Wellinia wraps her free arm around Ziella's and smiles at her. "Now don't dawdle."

Ziella says, "I am just enjoying this lovely early morning weather."

Ziella mutters, " .... ... .. through .... ... . will ...... .. your .... ...... ........... after."

Wellinia just smiles and nods and drags her friend along, she mutters back..

You mutter to Ziella, " If you think that I'm giving up a night with my husband to go look at some griffon, you had better believe that -you- are coming along with me."

Ziella's mouth drops to a 'O' and she mutters back quickly.

Ziella mutters to you, "Me?? You are the one who wanted to go and see this damn bird! RIght now you could be with your husband, but noooooooo, we are going to our doom."

Wellinia -tightens- her hold on the woman's arm, and smiles, just smiles.

"Oh, look!" Ziella points to the locksmith shop. "I need to see him. Why don't you two go on a head and I will catch up...." she is dragged along anyway.

Marsyas says, "Nope."

Anarinuell: National Stables and Aviary Grounds

Marsyas says, "Here we are."

Wellinia says, "Commander's orders, Zi. And you have a new perspective for your little chicken."

Marsyas says, "Wait here; I'll bring her out."

Ziella groans faintly as the tower comes to view and her steps slow. "How....wonderful." she gets out. She turns, her face paling. "The thing is coming out here?" She looks around for a good place to hide.

Horses! Stable. Nice safe, on the ground, don't eat people animals. Ziella looks at the horses and says, "Don't they need to go inside. Maybe the griffon will think they are a snack."

Ziella vlunteers, "I will be happy to handle that task!"

Flying Rylla, the griffon flies in with Marsyas riding.

Wellinia mutters to her friend in all sincerity, "Stay or I swear by the gods that I'll paint a portrait of you nude and hang it in the men's baths."

Ziella turns to her friend. "You just -had- to see it didn't you? His suggestions for the painting weren't good enough, you had to see the real thing.

Marsyas flies out of the griffon tower, and spirals Rylla down to the ground, slowly, the griffon landing about 20 feet away from the ladies in a flurry of wings and snow.

Marsyas descends and lands Rylla, the griffon on the ground.

Ziella gasps at the woman, blue eyes narrowining in shocked disbelief.

Marsyas scratches his griffon behind the tufts of her ears, and the griffon leans into it, seeming quite content.

Ziella closes her eyes, lips moving fervently.

Ziella closes her eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Ziella closes her eyes momentarily as if in prayer.

Wellinia smiles as she watches the spiraling descent, holding her arm up only to shield the snow from her eyes. She glances at Ziella's whispered prayers and decides this is as far as the woman goes. Nia however, takes a step forward.

Marsyas says, "Lady Rylla, this is Mes Ziella and Mes Wellinia. They want to make pictures of you," to the griffon, who, although it doesn't understand him, coos and rumbles quite contentedly, almost in response."

Wellinia's smile deepens as she gazes upon the animal. Letting her artist's eye take over, she memorizes every detail as she -slowly- walks about the beast. "She seems gentle enough with you, Commander. Right, Zi?" she grins.

Marsyas says, "See? She's qutie well behaved."

Ziella opens her eyes a crack, staying right where she is. "Very nice, very well behaved. Done Nia?"

Marsyas says, "That's because I just fed her half a cow."

Marsyas grins.

Ziella takes a step back. "Was that enough? Go feed her the other half."

Wellinia waves a hand, "Perhaps just a tad longer." She lingers, unnecessarily, by the animal before leting out a chuckle and moving back to her friend.

Marsyas says, "More than enough. She really tore into it. Gnashing teeth, snapping claws..."

Marsyas says, "Quite a sight to see."

Marsyas says, "Would you like to feed her, Zi?"

"Good gods above." Ziella whispers. In a louder voice she says, "I will take your word for it Commander." Her eyes bug, "Feed her? NO."

Wellinia places her hand over her mouth, hiding a smile as she looks to Ziella's paling face. Her eyes dance with amusement. "Oh, Zi, I think you should."

Ziella says, "You find it fascinating, you feed it."

Marsyas laughs richly.

Wellinia laughs. "Perhaps some day I will. Hmm, quite a painting that would make."

Marsyas says, "Would that the Shamibelians reacted to my Rylla the way you do, Ziella. We'd've been in Ellish years ago!"

Ziella smiles faintly at Marsyas, "Yes, too bad. Oh, oh look, she just yawned, I think she is tired and should go to bed."

Marsyas says, "Are you through with her, Wellinia?"

Wellinia gives her friend a break and nods her head in agreement. "Indeed, she does. Thank you so much, Lord Marsyas. It's been entertaining as well as informative."

Marsyas says, "Thank /you/ for your hard work."

Marsyas says, "If you give me a moment to fly her back to her cage, I can escort you home, unless you'd rather go by yourselves?"

Ziella does remember to breath a few times as she watches the griffon from her point 21 feet away.

Wellinia jumps at the chance. "I can find my won way quite nicely, thank you. If you both will excuse me, I think I'll be on my way."

Marsyas says, "Have a good night, then."

Marsyas spurs Rylla, the griffon who takes off and soars into the air with Marsyas.

Marsyas takes off into the air, and leads his griffon to the stables.

Flying Rylla, the griffon swoops in to land on the Griffon Tower.

Ziella watches the bird leave and then turns to her friend. "I am going to remember this." she warns as she shudders lightly.

Wellinia says, "Oh, come now. When you see the gleem in Vellik's eyes as you relay this story, it will all be worth it."

Ziella snorts. "I could've made one up just as easily."

Wellinia laughs, "You were great. I'm gonna go try and find my husband now. Have a good morning.

Ziella nods. "I will come up with a cape. What are the colors going to be?"

Wellinia glares at the woman. "I'm not thinking about this any further tonight. I'm going dancing with my husband." She smiles, "I'll get with you soon, Ok?"

Ziella grins and nods her head. "Go, go!"

Wellinia laughs and heads off at a waddle run.