Open Chronicles Tea in Maraan

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White Swallow

The White Swallow of Narra
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Maraan occasionally seemed like the most lively town on the eastern side of the Baal-Asha.
Once a mere caravanserai, it was now one of the most established trade places in the wider region.
Indeed, the town was alive and well with many flags fluttering off its bannered gate.

And of course, during the peak of trade season, most of the buildings were rented out and filled to the brim with foreign and local goods. Merchants from Elbion and all the way to the spine could be found at such times since the discovery of the new portal stone.

But perhaps for many of the visitors, strolling the markets in the evening light was not their targeted goal. Perhaps a visit to the palace was too opulent or outside their class. Perhaps the library too quiet. But perhaps there was just the right place well out of view.

The tea place

Deep within the Town of the Arches of Maraan's thousand side alleys, narrow and crooked. Up the side of the hill on which the Star-Speckled Teal palace stood, lies a little tea shop of good repute.
This high up, the pathway was only separated from the next building's roof with a small narrow wall, yet the view it offered upon the city and the infinite expanse behind was unmatched. Even the two Arches of Maraan that greeted passing visitors on the distant dune were well in view.

The owners of this place were an aged couple from Jaleyaana and their family. Their foreign influence was quite noticeable, for the pale beige plaster building was covered in decor coloured bright blue. From the planters to the furniture, something that was seen on every street in the blue city of the northern coast.
As to how much such a lovely location offered, there was little space to be picky. While one could certainly be inside, most would definitely prefer to remain seated in the veranda.

Two walls confined the outside locale, with many cosy pillows and round wicker seats leaning neatly against the white and blue tiles that only reached a meter up the wall. The decorative masonry of the floor was covered in a carpet made out of woven reeds. On top of it lay many short tables; some round, others square, some were dark brown or light blue, others were yellow, white and blue with triangular or jagged patterns.
The ceiling was half-covered by roof, half-covered by wooden scaffolds across which grew many plants. Jasmine was the most pungent when in bloom and bright pink bougainvilleas climbed their way up some of the pillars that held the second story up.
A few of its branches even reached far into the veranda.

One of the many visitors in the afternoon was the White Swallow. He took a seat like many of the visitors before him and ordered his favourite off the menu.
Hibiscus tea from Narra, his closest link to home.


The menu.
Jaleyaanan Green tea with mint.
Mixed black and green tea flavoured with sage.
Ragash style red tea, strong and light.
Hibiscus tea, from Narra.
Nightroot tea, expensive import from Sheketh.
Guardsman's black tea flavoured with thyme.
Anise flavoured tea. Mint tea. Dog rose tea, Apple tea.
 
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Another visitor to the Tea House of Maraan this afternoon came all in black, a color favored in the desert due to its ability to absorb both the heat of the sun as well as the body without reflecting either back. As he stepped up onto the veranda he surveyed the area, the faces, his eyes holding a curiosity about them as he chose a table to sit at carefully.

Eventually, amidst a contemplative expression he singled out a low table that was, itself surrounded by an assortment of comfortable pillows.

As he sat he enjoyed the scent of jasmine that filled his senses mixed with that of other less pungent plants which proved more subtle. An eye was leant to the colorful pink of the bougainvilleas, of which several branches were noted by him to be stretching up into the veranda.

A Menu was set out on the table already, he reached for it. Lifting it up he'd have appraised it quietly, lips pressing together as though he was selecting a fine vintage from a famous vineyard but then he set it back down. Tapping one finger against it he seemed unsure but then his eyes set upon him, another patron of the establishment almost as though they were drawn specifically to the man...

"The Menu."

...he stated...

"What is best on it?"


White Swallow
 
Caliane had had no need for portal stones. Her large wings covered a surprising amount of distance in a relatively short amount of time, and she preferred the skies to the bustle of the street. Too many people bumping into her wings which she had to hide under cloaks; after a while it grew uncomfortable and irritating. It spoiled her love of exploring new places. Besides, it was her speed that had made her the best person for the latest Monster Hunter mission. Caravans were being attacked in the surrounding area by a desert worm which was being disturbed by the increased traffic the new portal stone had caused. Cali hadn't had much time to prepare before the fight for as she dipped beneath the clouds to savour the view of the city she had spotted the creature burrowing its way towards a small cluster of wagons.

As it turned out the family whom she had rescued was incredibly grateful, despite the oozing guts of the worm having got on a bit of their wares. Most of it had gone on Cali making her wings too sticky for flight. In a gesture of goodwill the family had implored her to join them for the remainder of the trip to Maraan. Their kindness was a relief considering the stories she had heard from many about how winged creatures were often seen with fear, but they touched her hair and feathers gently murmuring the word Azrail. As it turned out such creatures were good beings, so she had been lucky this time.

The family helped her get cleaned up and changed into garments more suited for the heat: a long skirt of gauzy navy blue material that hung from the hips and a curious top that exposed her midriff. It was the only top they seemed to have that scooped low at the back and was secured with a single clasp, meaning her wings fitted. Whilst she felt the most naked she had in her whole life when out in public she had to admit the outfit was a lot cooler than her thick hunting gear.

What she adored the most about the trip were the children. By the time she reached the city she was absolutely besotted with them and allowed them to tug her through the streets towards the tea house their family were delivering spices too. She hardly noticed the curious stares and whispers. As they got to the establishment one of the children that had been pulling on her hand let go and ran to the old couple who ran the establishment shouting. The old man scooped the little boy up with affection and after a bit of a shaky start she established they were the children's grandparents, the mother being one of their many daughters who helped to keep the growing tea shop running as demand increased.

"Please, please, sit," the owner insisted after the daughter explained the reasons for Cali being a part of their group. The children swarmed after her and she laughed a little as she took a seat on one of the low cushions, her white and red tipped wings spreading out to stretch the muscles. Another older woman berated the small children, probably telling them to go and wash the dust from their hands and they scampered off to leave Caliane alone again. It was in the peace that the old man passed her a menu to peruse the choices.

The winged elf had never seen so many choices for tea.
 
A light breeze scattered the scent of the blossoms across the veranda. Indoors, the smell of tea and burning wood was pungent and it lingered in the semi-enclosed space. Perhaps it was indeed best to be outside, where the aromas were quick to dissipate into the wind.
However, it seems that this time around the winds carried an enthralling elf. The eager and playful children did well to dissipate any notion of being merely an illusion.
The White Swallow briefly averted his relaxed eyes to greet the new patron.

»I suggest the house speciality: Jaleyaanan green tea flavoured with mint.
Trade with the west has slowed down, but They still brew Ragash style red tea if I'm not mistaken, It is very strong and energising, I prefer it light.«
Purred the White Swallow as he leaned slightly closer to Sammael.

On the menu were many other teas, from anise to thyme and mint. In Maraan, they preferred them sweet.
Mixed black and green teas flavoured with sage sounded lucrative, however, they also offered other herbal teas like dog rose tea and apple tea.
Nightroot tea was the most expansive on the list. An import from the easternmost reaches of arethil, this one came from sheketh where it was stronger than typical coffee. It also temporarily stained the teeth black. Citrus teas from Vedargas, you even got a dried slice with it.
Hibiscus tea was imported mainly from Narra, it's flavour cool and refreshing, despite the hot temperature.


One of the owner's children, an adult woman tended to the flowers that grew nearby. She chimed in too,
»That is correct, we're also brewing guardsman's tea on coals throughout the day. Flavoured with thyme.«
The girl was sweet with eyes black like the night. She flashed a smile at the guests before taking the watering can to the nearby well cistern. The children that followed Caliane seemed to go with the lass in tandem.
 
The Arrival of a Winged Elf and children was unexpected. Sammael's gaze twist briefly so that he could appraise the new arrivals and their initial interactions with the Older Couple who ran the Tea House. Watching them Sammael ascertained that the children must be related to the couple however he wondered at their connection to the Elf.

Leaning towards the White Swallow when his voice touched the senses, winding into the ear appealingly Sammael would nod and then state..."Indeed, that does sound lovely."...however the Older Woman also informed him of the guardsman's tea which was brewed throughout the day. A charming smile graced Sammael's features in response.

The Menu was quite extensive, the selection had been surprising but as the scents from inside found him, dissipating in the wind shortly thereafter he came to a decision.


"I will have the Jaleyaanan green tea."...the specialty had its own appeal, Sammael enjoyed the effect a hint of mint could have on a drink. It was quite refreshing, also it could be calming.

After he had ordered he would have nodded politely to the White Swallow..."Thank you for your suggestion. One cannot be to hasty when choosing the right tea, it is a boon to be able to have the assistance of someone experienced in the matter."...he smiled, his eyes shifting towards Caliane Ruinë before he inquired...."And what of you? Is there a particular tea you're set on?"
 
Caliane was trying to politely listen to the suggestions the others were discussing whilst examining the menu for herself. Back home people tended to drink waters flavoured by fruits, the closest to tea came by simply heating the flavoured water. She had tried a cup of the Groundlings 'tea' before in Alliria and it was pleasant enough but she had never dreamed there would be so many ways to make it. Any kind of advice would not go amiss. The waitress came to take Cali's order next at the same time the gentleman over the way asked her the question the woman was probably about to. She looked up from the menu to the gentlemen opposite and then to the woman with a sincere smile.

"The Guardsman's tea sounds lovely, please," the winged elf was enjoying the heat in these lands. She was used to the cold of The Spine but this was far more pleasant especially in the clothes she had been given. She allowed herself to lean back into the cushions with a content sigh: this was definitely a climate she could get used to. No sooner had she taken the chance to relax a little did the children come barrelling back in to give her a gift of some beads and feathers strewn together in the only way children could. Despite the tiredness around her eyes she sat up and put a hand over her heart. "For me?" They nodded with wide eyes and she laughed softly as they slid it over her head, chatting away to one another in excitement. "It's beautiful." Beaming smiles from the three. Pausing a moment she gently eased three small feathers free of her wings that were already coming lose and gave them to the children who stood agape at such an act. Holding their precious treasures they ran off to show the woman who had disappeared to the well.

Once they were gone she turned her gaze back to the two gentlemen across from her.

"I must confess I know very little of tea."
 
The White Swallow let out a low chuckle, »I'm no expert by any means, but I've been raised in Narra where the best Hibiscus is grown.«

The Swallow's tea came soon, and the Jaleyaanan mint tea and the guardsman's tea not long after. It only took the waitress girl some time to fetch them from the brewing kettles.
The more common orders were brewed throughout the day and constantly topped off with more water and leaves as the day progressed into the evening.
She set the teas on the low table, they came in beautiful silver kettles and the glasses were all unique, but all appeared as flower buds. The Jaleyaanan tea came with sweet beetroot cubes but everyone was also served a pair of Kuribhi biscuits.
»I would advise not to drink so soon, tea is served very hot.« He chuckled at them as the girl began to pour each of them a cup.
He nodded at the girl when she was done with his, saying, » Thank you.«


The White Swallow pushed himself against the pillow, leaning one arm against the low railing that faced the city. The view was beautiful, and the way the light passed the pink blossoming tree soon led his eyes to Caliana once more, now surrounded by many of the little ones.
»It seems you are popular,« he smiled, but little was seen past his mask other than just the pleasant look in his eyes.
 
"I've heard that of Narra."...he would admit with regards to the Hibiscus grown there as though he'd never been to the village. He'd been there before though but it had been many years, perhaps even before the White Swallow was raised there and perhaps also with a different face.

As the tea was delivered he admired the silver kettles they had come in and the small glasses they would poured into. In between that he also smiled brilliantly when the children returned to offer Caliane Ruinë what he thought was a necklace of beads and feathers. In its own way it was lovely.

Once the tea was poured Sammael would take the advice not to drink right away. Tea was best served hot but care needed to be taken by the drinker as well. A small nod of appreciation was also given to the girl who had poured.

He agreed with the statement spoken, Caliane did seem quite popular.

Sitting up in the cushions where he relaxed he would reach for the cup of tea with his right hand. Lifting it carefully he admired the uniqueness of it quietly, the heat from the tea warming the glass though it didn't seem to bother him. He inclined his head, blew on the tea carefully and then took a sip. It was very good.

As he set his cup back down he would have looked between the other two..."It seems we are blessed. A fine day and I would wager fine company too. I am Sammael. Might I have your names?"...if only they knew the truth about the man sharing tea with them they might not share that sentiment though.
 
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Caliane's emerald eyes were sparkling with pure joy as she thumbed the necklace the children had given her. It was a true treasure, greater than any gold she would collect later for completing her assignment. Perhaps she would spend it on tea here and give it to the family instead. Maybe they could use it to expand their premises. Her excitement only seemed to increase when the tea came out in beautiful little teapots and cups in the shapes of different flower blooms. She had never seen such wonderful pieces of art that people used just for drinking out of. Glancing up at the White Swallow she gave him a crooked smile at his warning of the heat. She had never touched anything that would burn her in her life, but she was cautious all the same so she gently leaned forward to blow on it instead.

At the White Swallow's comment of popularity she began to laugh and looked down at the necklace again, lightly touching one of the feathers.

"It appears so. They are very sweet. The family picked me up a little way out of town," she decided to leave out the bit where she killed a giant sand worm and got covered in its sticky blood so she hadn't been able to fly even if she had wanted to. Really, the family had done her the favour by taking her in. She would still be walking otherwise. "My name is Caliane, and I agree, it is a really lovely day," another happy sigh as she turned her face up to the sun.
 
Over the sound of bustling around her only the keenest of ears would detect the distinct click clack of her boots upon the street. She moved through the crowd with a certain intent to her stride, and an almost regal posture. But from the look of her - though beautiful - she was far from any nobility.

She wore the cloth of a nomad, tattered and weathered. And too, with her hood dropped down and her hair tied behind with her pointed ears and facial features on full display, she garnered more than a few looks of contempt. Abtati were never well liked, and the Empire had done nothing to calm this frustration other than elevate a select few to positions of power.

But if you were not one of them, or a part of the army then... well...

The poor traveler some ways out of town found out quite well what a woman can do if she needs some coin - and doesn't like you. Unfortunate. For him.

Even as she approached an apparently quite renowned tea shop, a wry smile remained upon her lips. This smile only grew when the mixture of aromas entered her nose and exhilarated her senses. She entered, and was escorted to a seat nearby to a rather peculiar gathering of people. She glanced them over as she ordered her Nightroot tea, offering them and her server a smile as she handed the menu back.
 
»No name I carry, The White Swallow of Narra is what they call me.« He seemed to pull a straight tone to his voice before chuckling lightly. »It may seem so haughty, but words are all I own as per Sahiyi teachings.«
His right that held the bud shaped cup by the rim; gently rotated the tea with simple rotations of the wrist.

The White Swallow turned on his seat, his gaze wandering off the veranda. Another woman approached with a distinct clank to her boots, another guest seems like.
His eyes moved over to the fortifications and the men working on them. Reinforcements are being built after so many years of peace. What is Councilor Jamal up to even nowadays?
»As it is, people are welcoming in times of need and Maraan is welcome to most. Yet turbulences and troubled time rises to this peaceful bastion.«
He sighed, his gaze returning to the small group.
»Of course, the profit cares little for racism and hate. It is not perfect.«
 
Their names were committed to memory once offered. Sammael's features didn't register with any recognition however he may have heard of the White Swallow in passing. Nodding his head once he would reach for his tea again.

As he held the cup in his hand he'd have leaned forward to blow again, his breath slowly cooling the tea while he listened to the comments being made..."It is natural. Even the dreams of Kalik cannot always be serene."...he referred to the God Hushur, in the Annunaki pantheon he was one of the Hundred however unless he was mistaken according to Sahiyism he was referred to as Kalik, the Creator and they were dreams of the creator. Nonetheless, the contentment having faded from his features briefly this is when he would take another sip of his tea.

Sammael never looked towards the sun, never turned an eye towards the fortifications however he may have been more aware than he played at. He had noticed the new arrival as well, a Sand Elf or Abtati. She caused his memories to stir briefly.

The cushions around him were comfortable, he would shift slightly so that he could see both of the individuals he was conversing with easily as well as the newcomer. Looking between Caliane and Iesha he would have remarked..."Maraan is welcoming though. Whether it be for tea or the making of new acquaintances."...then he sat back into the cushions again. The Tea was good but it was not his reason for being in Maraan.
 
Caliane tilted her head a fraction as the White Swallow spoke of his title and explained that he had no name. It was a curious thing for the Avariel as names carried great power in her world. Her interest only piqued as Sammael spoke. She knew nothing of these lands so any little tidbits of information she quietly filed away in her mind. Perhaps she would extend her stay here for a while and explore these lands where the sun made her skin feel warm and her limbs lazy. She could quiet happily lay down among the cushions and sleep.

Stifling a yawn for such things would be impolite in company, she picked up the little tea cup and cupped it in her hands. As Cali moved to get more comfortable on her own cushions she slipped off the little slippers she was wearing and curled her legs around her, letting the material of the skirt ride up a little so the sun could get to her legs. Her wings shifted so one draped down over the cushions to the floor and the other stretched out to its full length along the backs of the others.

"I must admit I don't know anything about these lands, my home is in The Spine and the mountains are very different to... this,"
she waved her hand at the beautiful blossoms, the sun, the atmosphere in general. "But it is nice to not have to hide my wings under a cloak like I must elsewhere, especially in this heat I must admit," the soft laugh was like musical bells before she sipped her tea and glanced up at the newcomer giving her a warm smile. It was always nice to see other elves. "And you, cousin, are you from around here?"


Red = Common Tongue; Orange = Elvish
 
Looking between Caliane and Iesha he would have remarked..."Maraan is welcoming though. Whether it be for tea or the making of new acquaintances."

A persisting smile was given for his obvious inclusion of her, and the gentle inclination of her hand. Indeed, making acquaintances was often a beneficial occasion as the man implied - and she hoped perhaps these people would enjoy a pleasant encounter with her. She saw no banner of the Empire flown here, and a once thirsty coin purse was now quite quenched, so she saw no reason for it to be otherwise.

...and glanced up at the newcomer giving her a warm smile. It was always nice to see other elves. "And you, cousin, are you from around here?"

"I am of the sands," she replied, her words laced with honey, "for me, there is no other home."

She afforded a genuine smile. She had heard that the elves of the east were fair, and beautiful. She never imagined to see one with wings, and to her eyes they were gorgeous. She admired them, and if she were any less herself she might even be jealous. But she was quite happy with the gifts she had been bestowed.

"But... I have never been here to before, Maraan was it? It seems to be a lovely place for such a meeting.

I am Iesha, and it is a pleasure to meet all of you."


Her eyes glanced over each of them cordially, falling upon the Swallow for just a breath longer.

She had hoped to find him here.
 
Ash was sitting down next to whom ever he could sit by, and was enjoying the tea. He had been to the area many times and it was just as relaxing. As the others talked and discussed their subjects.

“Swallow, surely you have another name.” He says and was about to say something else when Iesha started her... show? And for once the elf looked confused and tilts his head at Swallow, “You know her?” He asks immune to her attempted even if they might have been. He’d nod to Iesha as she introduced herself, “Please to meet you too Miss Iesha.” He would respond with a wave of his gloved hand.

Taking another sip of tea the elf watches the others for their reactions to such an introduction.
 
"It is natural. Even the dreams of Kalik cannot always be serene."

»It is true, merciful Kalik not only created peace but also turmoil. Thus like my lord, the Sayyiduna, I have taken the mantle of the first sin so that others may live in peace.« The White Swallow gazed away, taking a discrete sip from the hibiscus tea. Its taste was refreshing and invigorating, despite the heat.

»These lands are stuck in perpetual hardship, one warlord after another grab for worthless sand to fill their bankrupt hearts. Even Maraan was struck in a siege, threatened to fall to dust at the flick of a finger...« His eyes slowly travelled to Iesha as she lined herself to the group. »And I was there-«

»-Ashieron, what a surprise.«
It was fine for the elf to finally come out of the covers of the shade. Though he could only shake his head at every one of his questions. No name and he was a stranger to each of these people.
He gave the newly arrived elven woman a brief nod as she settled among them.
 
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The Gathering was growing steadily. While Sammael relaxed in the cushions at the side of his low table he'd note that another individual had arrived. Apparently this one had some familiarity with the White Swallow too. Intriguing.

He made a mental note when Iesha introduced herself. Another was made when the White Swallow greeted the newcomer, calling him Ashieron.

Sammael looked between the two, he'd already memorized Caliane's name and committed her appearance to his memory as well. The White Swallow was more difficult. By his own admission he carried no name of his own, the White Swallow was simply what they called him. It mattered.

"The pleasure is ours, Iesha. I'm sure."

...his reply was done so with a smoothness to his voice. When Sammael looked at the Abtati she might get the impression he was attracted to her however that would be incorrect, his interest was something else entirely. In a sense it was an interest that extended to everyone present. He hadn't replied to Swallow's mention of the Siege of Maraan initially but he did acknowledge it with a nod of the head before saying...

"And it is good you were. If not Maraan might not be here now. If that had happened I wouldn't be able to visit the library again, a true shame."
 
Caliane got the distinct feeling the other four gathered there were not just passing through like she was. It created a little unease in the pit of her stomach; would they cause trouble? Quietly she sipped at her tea and was momentarily distracted by the flavours that vied for attention across her tongue. It was warm but refreshing at the same time, not thick and sugary like the one she had had back in Alliria. Her eyebrows raised as she looked at the little drink then closed her eyes as she took a longer and slower sip this time. Pure bliss smoothed out the tired lines in her face.

"It sounds very at odds with what I've seen today here, I couldn't tell it had faced such hardships so recently," Cali glanced up at the blossoms and watched as one broke away, dancing its way to the floor. No this place seemed to relaxed, its people so friendly. She touched the necklace around her neck again absentmindedly and sent a silent wish that no harm would come to anyone here.

"Where would you suggest visiting whilst in town? I'm thinking of extending my time in this part of the world, the heat is agreeable," as Iesha had said she had never been there before the question was more directed to the White Swallow and Sammael.
 
Her tea was brought to her, and she took it graciously in both hands with a bright smile.

"The pleasure is ours, Iesha. I'm sure."

As she took a sip her eyes met and flirtatiously smiled at Sammael's. Perhaps, if White Swallow preferred not to participate in her quest then this man would. He was handsome too, which would do. But, she had an interest in someone she knew was no friend of the Empire's. Or at least at odds with them.


"Yes, it is most fortunate for us that you were," she sweetly teased, "it would be a shame for such a place to no longer be." She had no use for this place really, but the tea was very good.

She nodded respectfully to Ashieron.

"A pleasure, and no. I am but a new acquaintance to each of you. And I am honored."
 
Ash tilted his head, he did not really trust any of these people save for Swallow. As both of them have fought together before against the empire. Even without each other, they did fight them at some point. The mention of a seig brought him back to the Battle of Ninagal for a moment.

"Well, this is a little interesting tea party." He says with a smile, so many different people from different places and with different backgrounds. He looked at the winged elf, he saw her kin a few times but not often. They were fliers after all. Sammuel appeared to be human but he knew better than to assume all who looked human were human. He'd then look at the newcomer, she seemed to be a sand elf? She carried the scent of someone from Amol, the desert region.

He sat and listened as he usually did enjoy his tea, trying to decypher the group as he did.
 
»-Of course, it was your plan that saved Maraan without a single shed of blood.« The same one of the serving girls told the White Swallow and the rest, redistributing a backgammon board and a deck of cards...for their enjoyment to sip tea along.

It was hard to see him ever flushed, with his face all covered, but as a lowly commander of a small unit, he never expected renown.
»As ... Sammael said, the Library can be a wonderful place to spend your evenings. Occasionally there is an event at the star-speckled teal palace as well.«

The swallow reached for the cards, nudging them to Ashieron first before looking at the rest.
»Care for a game? I would like to hear of news from distant lands.«
 
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Reclining back amidst the cushions where he sat Sammael remained quiet though attentive as he watched what went on around him. He noted how the Abtati, Iesha seemed to show an interest in the White Swallow. Interesting, he would keep it in mind for a later date though he had to admit the Swallow didn't seem very interested in the Sand Elf.

When cards and a backgammon board were produced Sammael seemed to take a greater interest however it was at this point that he turned to address Caliane...

"The Library usually brings me to Maraan though I also enjoy the vendors and market. There is also a Coffee Shop I've heard recently opened, I prefer tea though myself. It leaves a less bitter taste in my mouth."

...coffee was an indulgence that Sammael may have partaken in but it was a rarity. He let his gaze shift towards Iesha again and would have asked...

"Tell me, Iesha. Do you live here in Maraan or do you come from somewhere else? As it seems many of us do."

...Sammael thought she might have been a traveler, it seemed as though all of them came from a different town or region. Selecting one of the beetroot cubes that had been served with his tea he would have put it to his mouth and eaten it.
 
Caliane took another sip of her tea as she listened to the different recommendations and then quietly set her cup down. She would definitely go in search of this library to see what she could find out before deciding where to go from here. Perhaps she would continue West and see what lay at the very ends. When the games were brought out she perked up a bit, she loved these games. When the White Swallow mentioned a game the winged elf stood up, the skirt falling back into place around her ankles.

"I would love to play, if you don't mind?" she motioned to the cushions at his own table so she would be close enough to do so.
 
"Well, this is a little interesting tea party."

"So it is!" she said, smiling and lifting her cup to him before taking a sip, "and quite pleasant company."

However, all this talk of the library did little more than bore her. She had little use for such things, nor did she have a desire to pursue any further knowledge than what she needed to know. And one thing she knew for certain is that indeed the White Swallow had gained quite a bit of renown in these parts, even westward into Amol-Kalit.

He was a formidable ally to have in her venture against the empire - more specifically her traitorous brother. Soon, he would fall nearly into her grasp. But she could not best him alone, not with what his false god king had gifted him.

"Tell me, Iesha. Do you live here in Maraan or do you come from somewhere else? As it seems many of us do."
She sipped from her tea and gave her head a gentle shake, "no, there is no one place I call home. Only all of the desert," and sip before lowering her tea to rest on her lap clasped in both hands, "and what of yourself?"

The swallow reached for the cards, nudging them to Ashieron first before looking at the rest.
»Care for a game? I would like to hear of news from distant lands.«

"I would love to play, if you don't mind?" she motioned to the cushions at his own table so she would be close enough to do so.

One of her brows arched at the sight of the cards, and a wry smile crept across her lips. She herself would enjoy a game, and it could even make things a little more interesting.

"I too would enjoy a game, if I may?"
 
Ash smiles and nods to a game of cards. As they were getting dealt out he thought for a moment, “Well Elbion is still the same.” He takes a sip of tea, Alliria same thing. Empire we all know them.”

Closing his eyes he starts to think some more, “The Keep had to move west because of Aivrid and another dragon named Zull attacking the keep.” Smiling the elf looks at his cards, “A little birdie also told me Falwood, its king and someone else are in the middle of moving pieces.”

Asking one of the serving girls for some more tea Ash sighs, “Last I heard the Vel-cities are being taking back by Dreadlords also.” He finishes setting his tea down to get comfortable after reciting the news quickly in a cheery manor. “Oh and Molthal is quiet as of right now as is the Eternum. Save for the few scrabbles with the orcs and blight on Molthal’s end.”