Post by Robin Montajay on Apr 13, 2023 11:10:19 GMT
~A cozy home in New Hillborrow~
The three Montajay siblings sat around Jacinta’s hearth. The scent of their father’s famed mulled wine filled the room. It had been over a decade since all three were in the same place. Jacinta was willing to bask in the warmth of having her siblings close, but Rowan was curious.
“So you couldn’t tell your favorite sisters that you were coming to visit?” The oldest montajay groused, pushing her twin in the shoulder.
Robin made a show of rolling his eyes and flipping his long white braids over his shoulder. “Actually Clem is my favorite sister.” The statement received an eyeroll from Jacinta and a middle finger from Rowan. Robin couldn’t find it in himself to actually be angry. He watched as Phyl, his awakened bush, attempted to wrestle Aster, Jacinta’s adorable plant dog. Yeah, tough to be mad at that. “And it’s not a visit. I’m here to study…hopefully.”
Rowan snorted at that. “Horseshit. You’re here because I’m here. Always the little follower.” Her face took on a smug little smirk.
Robin met her smirk with one of his own. “I’m actually here to see Jacinta. Kantas is a fascinating hub of interplanar activity and she’s a literal expert.”
The mention of “planar” immediately removed the smile from Rowan’s face. “And you’re hoping to…what? Stumble upon information that would lead you to Uncle Merrick. He’s been gone for 20 years. Give it a rest.” There was derision but also desperation laced in her voice. The disappearance of their uncle had affected the three oldest Montajays deeply, more so than their younger siblings. Rowan had responded by running off to a pirate ship. Her two younger siblings had turned to the stars and beyond.
“Some people actually like to put in effort when they do things.” Robin replied nonchalantly, used to his sister’s lack of faith. Quite a feat for a cleric of Brandobaris.
Jacinta stood, putting a carafe of mulled wine between her two older siblings. “Oh my gods, you two are insufferable.” As always, the two stopped their bickering at Jacinta’s chiding. She refilled their mugs as Hackniss called for Aster to come outside. The plant dog immediately ambles outside, pulling Phyl with him. “And please stop cursing in my house. I have so many pre-teens running around.” Jacinta tossed her brother an oatmeal cookie and a warm smile. “Robin, I’m glad you’re here now.”
“Where were you before exactly?” Rowan couldn’t help but ask.
Robin coughed before quickly mumbling “A remote enclave specializing in training the body, mind, and soul.”
“So a cult?” Rowan scoffed.
“I mean, a commune at best. With a lot of psychedelic enhancements.” He smirked.
Rowan leaned over and snatched the cookie out of his hand before he could take a bite. “So you’re giving up your bohemian lifestyle to return to academia?”
“I went through a lot at that place. I gave up all I knew, made peace with my gods…but there was a limit to what I could learn. So now I’m here. And Daring Academy is earning some acclaim for its arcane education.” Robin waved his hands at Jacinta and Rowan. “Plus my two favorite sisters are here. The stars are aligned.”
Jacinta couldn’t help laughing at her brother. “And where are you planning to plant your little star touched butt? I’m out of spare rooms but I have a sleeping bag. Or a tent.”
“Thanks, but I want to be a little bit closer to the academy.” A blush stole across Robin’s face “Plus I already have a roommate.”
The two sisters immediately went on attack mode, talking over each other.
“I’m sorry what?” Jacinta brows disappeared into her hairline.
“But you don’t even know anyone!” Rowan yelled, sloshing mulled wine on Jacinta’s woven rug.
Robin suddenly found a fraying braid very interesting. “I met someone through an arcane society. We’ve been…exchanging letters.” He closed his eyes as he was once again bombarded by overlapping speech.
“What society?”
“Letters about what?”
“It’s called the Society of the Exalted Dream. A little lofty if you ask me. Jassin is a wizard pledged to a lich. I think he’s the only member here. He invited me out here to study and offered me his spare room.” He laid out the most recent letter, a warm welcome to the continent. “It seemed like kismet.”
“Ohhhh, I see now.” Jacinta smirked. “Another Kantas inlaw.” That earned a smack from Rowan.
Robin held up his hands defensively. “There’s nothing to see. I’m just here to study fate and the stars.” That did nothing to remove the smug looks from his siblings’ faces.
“Have fun studying all those celestial bodies.” Jacinta smiled.
“In a biblical way” Rowan smirked.
Robin felt his forehead hit the table involuntary, long braids hiding his inflamed face from his siblings. “Shut up”.
Jacinta, ever practical, asked “So you have a place to live, a friend, what about a job?”
“Well…I was hoping my research proposal would be accepted. Maybe then I could TA, earn some coin that way. Maybe even get a stipend for my research.” Robin explained, voice getting slightly higher and quieter the loftier his plan became.
“And until then…?” Rowan asked.
“Maybe I could do some archival work at the academy, or a library, or a temple”
Jacinta poked Robin in the forehead before laying out several notices on her table. “That could work, but let me show you how to actually make money in Kantas”
