Summons: The Gypsy Rose with the Sharpest of Thorns

[BetaFlame]

Aleksei didn't seem to notice that he shared, but he noticed the look from Dali, and just gave a little smile to her. "I didn't do it. I apologize if you find it offensive, though. The history books say he was a less than pleasant creature, though."

He takes a moment to have a bite to eat. He can't even remember his last meal. He wasn't even sure what day it was.. perhaps he should get out more. He does consider her question carefully while he chews, and Glenn's response to it. He takes another couple of bites, and a drink of tea before giving his own answer.

"Perhaps more than that, having the horn will give us a clue as to what the nature of Catch is, and deeper insights into his riddle. I do think pulling the horn out and instantly popping it on his head is a terrible idea, though. We need to proceed carefully. Catch has shown himself to be a creature capable of both incredible violence and incredible compassion. I worry that violence is his true nature, and putting this horn on his head will bring that to the forefront."

He was blunt as usual. Of course, that leaves the question.. what to do with the horn after its brought up.

[BrokenDreamer]

"Alright then. One step at a time, acquire the horn and then determine what it and Catch are."

And here the 'gypsy' takes a moment, arranging limbs till she sits cross-legged upon her seat -- precious time stolen to arrange the drape of her skirts. Every movement made releases the tinkling of bells and a new fresh wave of sandalwood scent. "I'll help you with retrieving the horn," she finally agrees.

Repeating one of her last questions, "Does someone have a map so you might show me the location of the horn? It will save time searching the entire lake, unless that is what you want." Which in her humble opinion, would be a giant waste of time.

"And I am doing this for Catch." Just so that all involved are clear on the matter. "I wish for him and those around him to be safe and if you think this might be the key to achieving that, then I will help."

[Glenn]

Burnie played "good inquisitor" and in doing so made Aleksei play "bad, conservative, cautious" inquisitor. Glenn focused on Catch being a child, of restoring him, of making him better. Aleksei was left to take the much harsher line. Of course the end result was probably was that Dali would dislike BOTH of them, but that hardly mattered so long as she agreed.

"There were magical signs apparent. While we cannot pinpoint where it should be, EXACTLY, from the signs and energy released we have some idea. And Dali," Here he'd smile, but not that creepy smile of months before... no, something far more youthful and charming. "I'd love to draw you a map."

[BetaFlame]

He glances between the two of them, then just smiles a little. "Glenn, I think we can narrow it down further. If I may?"

He gets a largish scrap of paper and one of his charcoal sticks, tracing a large circle. He writes the word "Lake" under it. "I am making the assumption that the horn is the largest source of magic in the lake. I am sure that is one that either of you will correct me on."

He draws a smaller circle at the edge of the lake. He writes "Mage" under it. "We have someone cast a spell to detect magic.. he draws a line on his map.. like so." And Aleksei draws one. "The fellow moves around the lake, casting his spell each time.." He draws two more lines, and then shades in the fairly small portion at the center of the three lines. "And we have a much smaller search zone."

He looks between the two of them, questioningly.

[Glenn]

Really, Aleksei? really? They had Dali agreeing to go down there, likely to get snatched up and collected by whatever sort of weird magical energy was down there in the first place and with no chains to collect her. She'd PROBABLY be able to get away and tell them more about what was going on down there. MAYBE, MAYBE she'd even be able to get the horn. Why did he have to keep muddying the waters?

"That's a lovely idea, Aleksei, truly." Burnie was no longer smiling. "I'll just send out the closest urchin to the town mage." He let the silence ride through the air following his statement. He let it linger, his gaze hopefully strong enough to keep his Inquisitor quiet. "This is Myrken, my friend, and the LAST thing we want to do is get whatever half mad hedge witch we can find involved. Good idea, though. If we were somewhere else, I'm sure." No reason to berate the man in front of a gypsy dragon, after all. he was TRYING, but he had to get his expectations under control. The very reason they needed a man like Aleksei was because their resources were so limited.