The Brightest Light Burns Quickest [Fat Candle, LE0]

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"It needn't be dark. Penumbral skies are enough for both to thrive, hatred and vampires. Vile deeds obscure themselves best amid shades of grey. Utter darkness... can be comforting." The symbols' sudden disappearance blacked them out. "I am in Sigil because I try to move on, however insurmountable it may seem at this point. I do thirst too, but at least I have a purpose, and some rules. I've joined a faction here."

She paused, looking in his direction. Her voice operated on the verge of silence and didn't acquire an edge, remaining soft and kind. "I am something else than you, Cyprian, but for some practical purposes the differences are either too elusive or they don't matter."

[Cyprian Kircheis]

"They may not matter in a practical sense. But given the choice I'd still know them." He sighs but doesn't press. "And from my experiences I know you... speak truly, I'm afraid."

His own mind turns cloudy in thought. And he'll sit in silence for a moment before saying, "You are in Sigil by your own volition then I take it? May I ask what brought you here? And if you are able to return?" A moment's pause. "I don't wish to stay here you see. I have one goal moving forward, and that's getting out by whatever means..."

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"Yes, I've chosen to stay. There is no person or place left behind a sentiment would compel me to return to. But don't worry, there are ways out. Sigil is the City of Doors, portals are everywhere, they just don't manifest if you don't carry the right key, which can be anything, from a rat's tail to a song sung backwards. I am not an avid planewalker myself but there are turnkeys around to aid you, even if finding the one to return you precisely where you want to be may take a while. Which is where, if I may ask?"

The other subject... she remained quiet about it, at least for now.

[Cyprian Kircheis]

He nods, "My plane... we knew it as Midgard. My home was in a city called Zobeck. I have a home there. It's not much, but it's still home." He smiles. "I still have people in my life, people who will notice I am missing, possibly come looking for me." He rolls his eyes and there's a light hearted grin. "But then I was on thin ice, and this isn't the first time I've been spirited away against my will." He chuckles softly. "So if I take too long they may not in fact be there when I return."

He sighs. "Escaping this time may prove more complicated I fear."

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"This is not a world I am familiar with but I can change it quickly through some research. It may or may not prove helpful though."

[Cyprian Kircheis]

"You may if you wish. And if you were to help me I would be exceedingly grateful. But..." He smiles. "...I'll find my way out of here somehow, eventually. Like I did in Barovia." He turns his attention back to you with a smile. "In the interim, the downtime, I take enjoyment in simple pleasures. Like sharing a drink with a fascinating stranger."

He'll indicate your glass.

"What are you drinking? Perhaps a refill is in order? My treat, at least for today." Another chuckle. "Tomorrow I may need to put my fingers to good use." He'll indicate his lute and ever shrinking coin purse.

[Akh Uur Hoon]

That one word - Barovia - paralysed the woman for a good moment. Thankfully, he kept speaking, letting her somehow recover from the lightning stupor. The shades under her eyes contorted as she regained command of herself.

"I... don't drink. I am not too indulgent, and there's nothing in what's on tab here that could nourish or affect me. I come here precisely to avoid the dictate of appearances." She turned the glass upside down. "But I very much appreciate the charming notion. And if I have an opportunity to listen to your music, I'd like to listen to your ballads."

[Cyprian Kircheis]

"I do offer private performances." There's no mistaking his intentions. "But I would never wish to make you uncomfortable."

[Akh Uur Hoon]

"There are questions I can ask and answer only in private." She replied calmly. She seemed to be having little penchant for bashfulness or agitation, and her kindness could be mistaken for meekness. Mentioning Barovia had indeed hit hard in some way, but something that could be called self-control, or perhaps a form of serenity, returned as quickly as it had disappeared. "And causing discomfort is usually my reluctance and worry."

[Cyprian Kircheis]

A soft growl, "Then shall we?" He stands and extends his hand. "Again, my treat, as getting a room was my intention to begin with."

He says all of this with cool confidence. But even he could tell that answers were likely all he'd get from the invitation.