Issaru/OrchidsFirstDowntime

Upon returning to nexus from her circles newly acquired Manse, the Threfold symphony, Orchid learned that she was no longer employed at the "Wink & Tickle". This left her with two things that until this point had been far and few in her lifetime total freedom, and Jade (lot's of Jade). Not knowing what to do she contacted Tosh, her boyfriend, and unofficial guide to nexus. Annoyed at seeing him surrounded by beautiful women (but understanding since she had been gone for three years) Orchid sat down smiled. And as if lightning had gotten into the women's panties they left without saying a word, Tosh on the other hand was elated. He hugged her saying "I missed you, just needed some company s'll". Orchid just smiled and lavished In the affection she was being given (it was a hard, nasty, long boat ride after all). After a few weeks of "reacquainting themselves with each other, Orchid asked tosh if he would mind going somewhere with her. He agreed even before there was a definite plan.

Knowing she would need some Jade to keep herself going. Orchid went to the only person she knew who could turn a twisted pack mule into a fortune Seraph. What seraph said mostly went in one ear and out the other, so Orchid just left he several Talents of Jade saying to seraph "make it happen" . That accomplished (Orchid is a terrible business woman) she made her way to Gilean.

As usual Gilean was at home reading something or another. Orchid asked him if he would put his Sorceries to use in reforging "Brilliant Echo"; As she had seen the damage the her poor, beautiful, echo had taken in parrying the blows of supernatural creatures, and Magical blades. He agreed in rather short order, "but" he said "you will have to recover what I need for it's construction, and procure me some reagents also" this time it was Orchid who agreed quickly. She told Gilean she would return in three years to start the project, because she needed time to finish something she was currently doing. Gilean bid her farewell, and Orchid was off.

Tosh was a little bewildered when he realized that Orchid wish to build a home in the middle of nowhere (Unknown to him it was only three days south of the village of Children of the Sacred and Holy Light.). She had hired a group of laborers, and a carpenter. The house, a small two bedroom cabin, was finished in record time. Having little else to do Orchid began Toshs' Swordsmanship training in earnest. With morning, afternoon, and early evening training sessions, they were both very busy (especially with the fact that they grew and hunted their own food). This was the most happiness Orchid had ever remembered knowing. Unfortunately all good things must end, after a year of peace Orchid felt the call of her God , leaving she told Tosh she was needed but would be close. He smiled, and agreed but she knew he was hurt. Without looking back, she didn't have the strength, she trudged thru the wilderness to the Children's village.

Upon reaching the Village Orchid was greeted as warmly as usual, but it all felt hollow, she missed tosh. She met withSeraph her instructor who was currently annoyed with her. He told her she was a terrible student who was selfish as to think she could discontinue her studies without so much as achieving simple mastery. Orchid just bowed her head and accepted her mentors verbal abuse. She took this for almost a year almost mastering the mystical aspect of the Five Dragon Style Martial arts. During this time Orchids mastery of essence also grew, and she taught herself charms to supplement her martial training almost by instinct. Now it was nearing the time she needed to meet with Gilean, and Seraph in Nexus. She left even though Burning Snow protested claiming she would never be able to Master anything as she was undisciplined. Orchid turned saying she had promises to keep, this seemed to cool the old mans temper for he knew honor better than steel.

In nexus Orchid had trouble finding Seraph. Turned out she had made quite a profit from her investments, and now lived in Bastion. Fortunately jealous mouths from the Wink and Tickle told Orchid all she needed to know about Seraph's location. Walking to the gates of Bastion turned out to be a bad idea. Orchid who had never really paid attention to her mode of dress was quickly turned away by the guards, for "Inappropriate dress". After a trip to the little market she was dressed in the appropriate gear to be allowed in. Given an armed escort she was taken toSeraph's estate. During their meeting Orchid learned that she too was a wealthy woman from Seraph's investments. Orchid was elated never before had she been so well off, so she did the only thing she thought of at the time she put half in an account her, and half for Tosh in the Bank of Nexus. That being done she, and Seraph had a "Nice seeing you again" Party. Dragging her drug and booze addled frame out of bed the next day. She was off to meet Gilean. He informed her she needed chirascurian glass, Burning Sand from the furthest south, Magical jade, Orichalcum, and Brilliant Echo to do as she had asked. Orchid took notes, and left as soon as she had an Idea of where to find her "prizes".

The Glass was easy she found a dealer in the "Big Market" who had a fine selection of unworked shards of the stuff. She purchased as much as she could carry of the best examples he had quickly taking them to Gilean. She then went to her old apartment in the Cinnabar to recover the jade from the Daiklave of a Dragon Blooded she had killed years ago, and had kept as a trophy. She found the apartment broken into and in disarray, but the Daiklaive was just where she left it underneath the floorboards of the Front door. The Orichalcum she Recovered from a large medallion she had taken from a ruined first age tomb (Think Mr. T's jewelry in size for an idea of how big the medallion was). The Sand that would be tricky so once again she decided she had to travel. Taking the other components to Gilean she explained that she was leaving to procure the sand, and would be back in a few years.

Orchid made her way back to the Cabin she, and Tosh shared. Upon entering Tosh grabbed her (and almost got gutted for the effort) and, kissed her deeply. Orchid, very uncharacteristically, blushed. She took several minutes to compose herself finally saying "We have to go! Well you said you always wanted to see gem, right!?". Tosh, happy that she wasn't going to leave him alone in the middle of nowhere, packed his things. The couple entered Nexus again after a few weeks taking the "scenic route" there. Reaching Nexus Orchid chartered passage for herself, and Tosh on a merchant vessel the "Shady Lady" bound for gem.

The trip on the vessel was mostly uneventful, only two assassination attempts, but is was long, tedious, and just plain boring (the assassins were the only thing that proved entertainment in orchids eyes). She also saved the life of a master swordmaker Maru Tarran who also was headed to Gem on business. For saving his life he pledged to create a sword of unsurpassed ability for her when he once again reached Nexus. Orchid looked at the man saying "A Promise made is a Promise kept" and letting him know she would see him when she herself returned to nexus. The two soon became fast friends and drinking buddies. Upon disembarking she saw the magnificent city of gem, and was in awe. Taking no time for sightseeing Orchid almost ran to the merchant district, with Tosh in tow. She found a merchant "Gilder Nash" who sold her the sand she had needed with only a few weeks of negotiation. After acquiring the Sand Orchid realized that there would be no Nexus bound vessels for the next few Months. So in an attempt to make the most of it she vacationed there with Tosh for almost two years before running low on the funds she had taken with her, so once again she booked passage on a vessel this time one bound for Nexus.

Reaching Nexus Orchid could not find Gilean, and according to Seraph he hadn't been there or even available for a couple of years. So Orchid collected the rest of her monies from Seraph, and contacted luipn to see if he (or one of his underworld cronnies) knew where he was. This proved fruitless, but Orchid had little time for worry as Seraph arrived shortly and demanded she go to the village to train. In an odd turn of events Seraph, And luipn had business there also. So the Three left to find their friend, and see what the children had need of them for.