A stairway is on the left wall leads to a hallway continuing from the top of the stairs. This second story has a total of twelve private rooms and one common room, the later contructed with a round fire place in the middle. Each private room has a straw bed.
To the right of the pub is a small stable, capable of housing approximately five horses.
Staff:
Marroc Brambleburr: The bartender and owner is a halfling of little stature, standing just over three feet tall. He looks to be 35 to 40 years old, but his eyes show otherwise. If working, Marroc sits behind the bar on a halfling size stool, usually smoking a pipe. His mood appears to be pleasant, but he is suspicious of anyone who is new. While not behind the bar, he is in the back room. No one goes in but him or with his permission. The door is locked and usually guarded by a rather large and angry looking half-orc. (If Marroc is not on, assume you have been served by Billa or Wealdy). (Player NPC)
Grack: This is the half-orc guard that stands by the door leading into Marroc's back room. He has only left this post once in recent history, as far as anyone knows. If approached, whether kindly or unfriendly, he simply growls. His large axe and many battle scars tell you he is not someone to be trifled with. Click HERE for Grack's Portrait. (NPC)
Billa: This small, mean-spirited gnome is the inn's only barmaid. She is sarcastic and doesn't take nonsense from anyone. It is usually best just to make your order and not worry about conversation. (NPC)
Wealdy: This bartender is a tall, thin human -- not too bright, but very friendly and always with a smile on his face. (NPC)
Boirin: bartender, description in link (PC)
Maelut: cook, usually quite busy in the kitchen, description in link (PC, but inactive; NPC if necessary)
Piper: This human stable boy is always eager to please -- even more so when given a tip. (NPC)
Price List (all prices are per person):
Rooms (per night): 1 sp (common), 5 sp (private), or 2 cp (stables, but increase this to 2 sp if feed for a horse is to be included)
Food: 1 sp (breakfast), 2 sp (lunch), 4 sp (dinner)
Drinks: 1 cp for ale, 5 cp for mead, 1 sp for spirits, 3 gp for dwarven spirits, 5 sp per bottle of common wine, and 2 gp for water
Information: Priceless
This is the second thread for Nobody's Inn on these boards.
Suprisingly, she doesn't seem nearly as unpleasant when she comes by. Until she opens her mouth, with drips with arcid words.
Billa: "Waddya want shorts."
Treetrip: "I'd just like a regular dinner. And some light wine."
Billa: Throws her head back laughing. "Liquor doesn't come in that variety here. Its heavy or nothing."
Treetrip: Resists shaking in fear. "How about just something inexpensive."
Billa's face sours as she walks off. Treetrip notices that her hips sway pleasantly, if nothing else. Smiles.
. o O (I'll have to compliment her on something when she comes back.)
The woman returns with the meal and waits impatiently for the gnome to put his money down.
Billa: "Four silvers and a copper."
Treetrip: Fishes the coins out of his personal moneypurse and places them at the edge of the table.
The gnome lays the greasy food down on the table.
. o O (Ok, compliment now.)
"Thankyouverymuch." :D is all he can manage.
Billa: "Hmph."
Treetrip digs hungrily into his meat and potatoes.
Wakes up suddenly. Realizing, that its...
. o O (MORNING!)
Rubs his eyes and pulls the quilt away from his head.
. o O (I bet I can do better today.)
Clambers out of bed, removing the expertly hidden silver pouch and tieing it to the inside of his shirt.
. o O (Ok. Breakfast, market, back... Bath... Hmm...)
. o O (Change that, breakfast, bath, market, billa. I mean back!)
Looks around to make sure no one heard him thinking. :embarass
Dresses and heads into the dining room of the inn. Dangle dangle dangle. Finds the table closest to Billa and sits down, patient and smiling.
The gnome heads across the bar and stops at Treetrip.
Billa: "Yeah shorts?"
Treetrip: Smiles broadly. "Good morning."
Billa: Coughs taken aback. "Yeah, good morning to you too." the hard lines soften. "What can I get for you."
Treetrip: "Breakfast and a bath."
A gnomish hand lashes out across the little bard's face.
"I didn't mean together!"
Billa huffs off. Wealdy brings Treetrip the food.
Wealdy: "I think you may need to apologize to her. I think she's mad."
Treetrip: "Yeah, say Mr. Wealdy? Wheres the bath."
Wealdy: "Why its just over there, nothing too fancy, but it works, kinda." smiles.
"Did you ask Billa to take a bath with you?" His smile implies laughter.
Treetrip: "Well it wasn't supposed to come out that way. You don't suppose she would." ;)
Wealdy: "I'll go ask her." The man turns to leave.
Treetrip: "No! Wealdy, wait!"
The bartender turns around again, laughing out loud.
Wealdy: "I'll go tell her you wanna apologize."
. o O (Oh please Thalos, oh please oh please protect me...)
"I'm sorry Ms. Billa. I was asking for directions to the bath and I was going to eat breakfast first but I didn't think about putting the two of them together and how maybe it would come out like I wanted you to get me both breakfast and then bath with me because that would be improper since we've only just met and I'm really sorry and it won't happen again and-"
Billa: Sighs "How long are you gonna keep talkin' shorts."
Treetrip: "You're right, I'm sorry."
Billa: Grins, "Besides, it might not be that bad." Winks devilishly and walks off laughing.
Treetrip:
. o O (...)
Five minutes later finish's the now cold food and walks off to the bath.
. o O (What if she shows up!
. What if she shows up 
)"I'm so confused."
The bath relaxes him, even if the water is room temperature and kind of cloudy.
. o O (Ok, today I'm going to get ten silver.)
Catches his breath as a shadow blocks the light at the door. The shadow moves on.
. o O (Also, I'm not going to be worried about attractive female gnomes walking in on my bath.)
Dries off and dresses. Puts Danglethwack over his back and heads out, through the inn and to the door, nodding to Wealdy thankfully as he passes.
.oO(I haven't had a drink in a while. What possessed me to live only between the boardinghouse and the armory? How long has it been since I stepped outside those two realms? Tonight - drink, make... merry...)
.oO(Or perhaps I'll just drink and return home.)
Slightly disheartened by the atmosphere inside Nobody's, Esmet quietly seats herself at the bar and asks for a glass of wine.
.oO(What is this going to taste like? Not like the wine from home, I'll imagine.)
As she sips, her eyes flicker around the room, appraising its inhabitants. Her evaluation finished, she tries very, very hard not to invite conversation.
"Yeah. Thanks."
"Now to eat! Oh ho ho! Halfling food awaits!"
Pushing open the door, Nanashi lets his gaze sweep the room, taking in everyone he can see through the smoke.
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi the Great greets you! Do not be overly cowed by my great sorcery, for I-"
Who is this half-orc that dares grab Nanashi and lift him from the floor? And how did he get such sharp teeth? Time to find out later! What he says might be very important!
Why is he just growling? That was not important! No, wait, that was VERY important. Now he hears words in a sharp voice, but how does the half-orc do this without moving his mouth? And why does he sound like a woman?
"There's no spellcasting in here. Don't even mention spellcasting in here. It keeps blood off the floor."
Wait! That voice comes from behind Nanashi! He turns to see one of his kind. Such fire she has in her eyes! And she even speaks his language now!
"Honestly, are you trying to get yourself killed? Don't do that! We get few enough gnomes as it is here! Go find yourself a seat and I'll bring you a drink when you're ready.
"Grack, put him down."
See how she takes charge of the half-orc! Oh ho! How fortunate for Grack that this woman was here to save him!
Nanashi really could use that drink now. See how quickly he finds a seat! No, wait, that one is too close to the half-orc for his own good! Better to take this one, on the other side of the half-elf girl! Oh ho ho! Clever Nanashi!
Esmet tries unsuccessfully to hide an amused smile and raises her cup to the gnome sitting beside her.
"Good to know," she remarks softly.
He glances toward the half-orc
"-the Sorely Put Upon. How do you do?"
"If you are who you claim to be, then it is truly an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir Nanashi," she replies goodnaturedly. "My own lowly name is Esmet the Armory Slave. How do you do?"
"Food it is then," says the gnome woman, walking nearby.
"And beer!"
"And beer, if you got money for all that right now."
Nanashi shows her the contents of his pouch.
"Got that right at least. You'll get it when I'm back this way."
"Nanashi thanks you!"
"Money says it louder."
Nanashi turns to the half-elf.
"If you are an armory slave, where is the armory? Did you escape?"
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exaggerated my situation like that. I actually work as a bowyer and fletcher at an armory near the center of the city.
"And I am paid for my work," she adds.
"What does Nanashi the Brave and Bold for his living?" she asks and sips from her cup.
Nanashi looks to Grack, not because he is afraid, but because he does not want the big half-orc knowing all of his secrets. Yes, that is it! How wise of Nanashi!
Ah, good. Grack is busy. Lucky for him! Oh ho ho! Nanashi is very hungry-but not so hungry as his master! Oh ho ho! A fight might spoil his dinner, though, so he will speak quietly
"-with the spells at his command. You see before you a powerful sorcerer, one who seeks an appreciative patron."
"Mm. Sorcery," murmurs the half-elf thoughtfully. "I should admit I know very little about that subject.
"What would you like to do for a living with it?"
The half-orc is looking Nanashi's way again and still there is no food! Nanashi must be a little quieter.
"People need guards. Some fight with swords, but Nanashin needs no-!"
No food yet. Quieter.
"-needs no sword. I have a few weapons, but my real strength is-"
Not looking this way now. Good.
"-magic. Attack Nanashi and you mess with the wrong gnome, for the Dragon's Fire courses through my body, waiting to be unleash!"
Nanashi frowns, for he has just remembered something important.
"But the guards at the gate said that Nanashi will need a license to cast any spells here. Nanashi thinks the wizards must be trying to keep magic for themselves this way. Very unfair, but Nanashi will show them that they are not so clever as they think!"
.oO(I should find someone to practice with, eventually.)
"If they know what's good for them, they will give Nanashi the Brave a license," she says soberly. "If you like, I can guide you to the Hightower after you finish your meal."
She lays a hand over her own belly and glances about again.
.oO(What kind of "food" would they serve here?)
See how the gnome woman (what was that name the bartender called her-Billa?) nudges her way through the crowd to bring Nanashi his feast! Such service!
"Good, good! Here is some money for the food and some more for the service! Nanashi and his belly are very happy with both! Oh ho!"
See the delicious looking spiced potatoes and sliced onion that is laid out before him! Oh ho! And there are little cubes of some meat too! Nanashi can't want to try this!
Billa scowls at Esmet with a glare that might say, "You gonna order or you gonna stop wasting my time?"
Or maybe Billa's face is just stuck that way. Oh ho ho!
"I'll have some of the same, please."
To Nanashi, she says, "You will unfortunately get lost another number of times before you get settled in. I myself have spent the past several months in this city, but this is the first time I ever set foot in here."
She drains the cup of a last sip of wine, then smiling watches the gnome partake of his dinner.
"Does it suit Nanashi's tastes?" she asks kindly.
"A fully belly always suits Nanashi's tastes! Oh ho ho! In this too is strength!"
Nanashi stuffs hot potato in his mouth. His tears must reflect on its spectacular taste, for no food is too hot for a servant of the Dragon! Oh ho ho! What a laughable idea!
"How can Nanashi repay the kindness you show him, Esmet the Armorer? Do you need princes turned to toads or gold into straw? Nanashi does not know how to do these things yet, but one day, such secrets shall be revealed to him."
"I may someday ask you to turn someone into a toad, but at the moment, no mortal I know yet arouses my wrath."
She peers into her cup hopefully. With a little sigh, she turns to face the gnome.
Inquisitive, she asks, "Why would you bother to learn to turn princes into toads, though? Where would you learn this? Do they often teach students to perform this sort of task?"
See how Nanashi smiles smugly in the face of such danger! This gnome knows no fear! Do not let his furtive glance toward Grack deceive you!
With a sullen look, Billa arrives to push a plate of food before the half-elf. Esmet drops a few coins in her outstretched palm, then watches the other woman stride swiftly away.
After a moment, she turns her attention more happily to the food on her plate.
"Then if I were also to pay attention to the potatoes and onions inside me, would I also learn such things as changing men into toads?"
She delicately raises a forkful of meat to her mouth and beams.
"You are a great and powerful sorcerer too?"
He looks to Grack again.
"Don't tell the half-orc. It seems to upset him. Nanashi has more important things to do than fight him even after he finishes this meal!"
Using a fork she pokes at an onion, then tries to force another few bites of food down.
See Nanashi pat his belly. Such praise he offers this humble establishment!
"But even if Nanashi's gift is the best of all, that doesn't mean that other gifts can't be special. Maybe you will also find that gift someday."
Nanashi drinks his beer zestfully! Oh ho ho! This is good beer! Nanashi could stand to have another keg or two brought to him-but not now! Now he has other things to do!
"Today, though, you said you would find this Hightower for me."
Look closely at Nanashi's mug as he puts it down-completely empty! There is no limit to Nanashi's thirst, it seems! Good! In this too is strength!
.oO(Now there's a question. What is my gift? Do I even have one?)
Again she thinks of her sword.
.oO(I've grown lax, haven't I? Well, that really will not do.)
"I did indeed promise to lead you to the Hightower. If you are ready..." she says agreeably, pushing herself from the table.
Nanashi's luck with guides is improving! Hopefully the Hightower is ready to receive him properly!
To Elsewhere
Find the woman. Nanashi is too tired for human words right now. Simple. Gnome. Good. Tired. Sleep. It makes no sense to you, but Billa understands. Too tired for stairs. Stables? Fine.
Straw. Sleep. No. Stupid armor. Nanashi needs sleep, but armor does not let him. Off it goes. Ugh. Heavy. Drop it in corner for now. Clean it after sleep. Now sleep!
First, hold morning star. Nanashi must always be ready, for in this too is strengzzzzz...
Nanashi wakes several hours after dawn, on his own time. Much better! Now to get the dirt and straw off his face. How fortunate that there is a handy trough for just such a purpose! Nanashi doesn't splash the water he uses back in the trough, though. He would not not want horses washing in his beer! Oh ho ho! No.
What now, that Nanashi is clean? Breakfast!
The inn is not very busy right now. Good! Nanashi will get served more quickly this way. Where is the other gnome? Nanashi still hasn't seen the halfling-nothing but humans and that half-orc. Doesn't he ever leave? Nanashi will ask someone else for breakfast. The tall man behind the bar looks happy to see Nanashi, so let's ask him!
"Nanashi will have breakfast now!"
He looks confused. Oh, right!
"And Nanashi has money to pay for it!"
Nanashi puts 4 silver pieces on the table. It bought him dinner last night, so it should be enough for this morning. Oh ho! Nanashi came prepared! Too bad breakfast wasn't already prepared for Nanashi. But see how patient he is! Instead of complaining he drums on the bar. Okay, no more drumming. It makes the half-orc growl. Maybe he should eat breakfast too. Nanashi will just look around the bar instead.
Breakfast! Enough looking around! Nanashi will eat now. Then he will go see more of the city. He also has to find Esmet's armory. No doubt she will be very happy to see Nanashi again! Oh ho ho!
Or not. Esmet isn't here yet, so Nanashi will only celebrate a little now by having something to eat. Breakfast doesn't last forever! Oh ho ho! Where is the barmaid? Nanashi hears her voice, but can't see her. Oh ho ho! She can't hide for long! See, he has found her already! He places his order in Gnome then goes to find a seat.
When the food comes, he also pays for another night in the stable. Nanashi won't want to move far after celebrating! Oh ho ho!
No, Nanashi has a much better idea! He will stay here and start without Esmet. He knows she would not wish to keep him waiting! Oh ho ho! To the bar for a drink then!
"Oh, once there was a very fine fish,
That lived in the lake, that swam in the lake,
Everyone thought it a very fine fish,
And then Nanashi ate it."
Nanashi takes a sip between verses.
"And once there was a very wooly goat,
All covered in wool, which kept it very warm,
Everyone feared this very wooly goat,
Until Nanashi ate it."
Composing is hard work, even for Nanashi! Time for another sip.
"Once upon a time, goblins plagued this land,
Bandit and rogues, scoundrels and thieves,
No one was safe from goblins in this land,
Before Nanashi ate them."
That verse deserves two sips! Making a meal of so many goblins is thirsty work!
"Wizards rule this city, it's said,
Casting their spells on everyone,
Someone should put a stop to this,
Nanashi wonders if they go with cheese?"
Nanashi takes another sip and frowns. Cheese will be replaced with jam for next time.
"Nanashi met a dragon once,
Bigger than him, stronger than him,
Hungry enough to eat everyone in town,
But it did not eat Nanashi!
No, it did not eat Nanashi."
Nanashi tries to think up a new song as he drinks.
"This song is about Nanashi,
Who else should it be about?
Nanashi is the one singing it,
So why shouldn't it be about him?"
Time for a sip. No, not yet.
"You never met a stronger gnome,
Nor one more handsome or more brave,
He'd tell you more about himself,
But Nanashi is too modest."
Now it's time for that sip.
"Nanashi's power speaks for itself,
Which is why he will not talk of it here,
But he'll show you his li-i-cense,
If you really need some proof."
A sip would be good now, but Nanashi must show his beer who is boss! Two more verses, then a sip!
"If you met him on the street,
He would not blame your boots for running away,
You'd better go and catch them,
He'd hate for you to catch a cold.
"Of course all fear Nanashi,
They cannot help themselves,
But if they got to know him,
They'd see how likeable he is."
Maybe just one more verse first.
"Nanashi sings like the pigeons,
He could sing all day long,
And if he entertained you,
Why not join him in his lyrics?"
Now that deserves a drink! Bravo, Nanashi! But that was enough singing for tonight. Nanashi is going to hum instead.
He ambles towards him, waving the gnome barmaiden away.
"'ello there me boyo. Oi canna 'elp but notice that foine song ya've been singin."
"Stop it."
"Nanashi has finished singing for the night. It's too much work anyway. You ask that he stop his humming too? Then Nanashi stops!"
Nanashi thought he was being quiet too! His music is too powerful for even him to contain! Nanashi has such talent! He must be more careful with it! If it can distract a halfling like this from his baking, there is no telling what other tragedies it can cause!
"Ya see 'se not a fan o'music. Gives 'im a roight solid 'eadache. An that tends ta make 'im a moight bit grumpy."
Marroc tilts his head towards the half-orc.
"Oi'm sure ya cin imagine 'ow Oi wouldna want a grumpy bouncer now then cint ya? Not good fer buisness."
"Now that we've gotten that matter all settled, it looks loike ya could use another drink. It's on me."
Marroc waves at Billa, and points to the bar and holds up two fingers. He waves the fingers across his forehead and lowers one. Billa nods and goes to fill two mugs behind the counter.
Marroc pulls out a stool and hops into it.
"Oi must admit, Oi've 'eard of ya Nanashi. But Oim curious ta 'ow much of it is true."
"There's no need for lies with Nanashi. The truth's hard enough to believe as it is! Oh ho ho!"
Nanashi looks to the half-orc. No, he does not move-the mug is obviously for Nanashi! Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi thanks you for this. You make good beer!"
Drink, Nanashi! Show you mean what you say! Ah! Good beer!
"Oi donna make the beer. Oi just sell it. But yer roight about it bein good, that's fer sure."
He takes another swig.
"So everythin Oi've 'eard about ya is true then? Even that bit about that one thing?"
"Ol' 'ermy moight need ta foind 'imself a new bard if that one really 'appened."
"Oi gotta warn ya though. Ole' Grack donna care much fer spells bein cast around 'im."
"Oi suppose though if ya were a powerful flinger ya really wouldna care wot a mere bouncer thinks, but ya seem loike a broight guy. Oim sure ya realise without a bouncer Oi wonna be able ta stay in buisness fer long. An there would go all this foine drink." Marroc takes another swallow.
"Oi'll 'ave ta mention ya ta Ole' 'Ermy next toime Oi see 'im. Oim sure 'e could use a powerful sorceror there at the Silver Sword."
"Ya oar a powerful sorceror roight?"
"So wot brings such a powerful sorceror to moi 'umble inn any'ow?"
He takes another swallow from his drink.
"The foods better too. An more often then not, the company."
"Oar ya plannin on stayin long?"
"Da ya know much about 'ealin, boyo?"
Marroc nods.
"Oi suppose ya could."
He takes another swallow.
"'ow ya plannin on get the word around that yer open fer buisness?"
Nanashi has a perfect plan! Nanashi also has some beer left. Time for another mouthful! Oh ho ho!
Not yet willing to disturb the conversation, she quietly asks the barkeep for a glass--better yet, make it a bottle of elven wine, considering her purpose here tonight is to celebrate.
"I think we have a bottle of wine here with a few elven words on the label. Will that work?"
He pulls a bottle up from behind the counter and blows some dust off of it for her inspection.
Esmet smiles and pays the barkeep for the dusty old bottle. Shaking clean her hands, she addresses the gnome.
"And that is fine, Nanashi. My singing would hurt anyone's head, not only the half-orc's. Forgive me for being late. I was at work."
Turning to the halfling, Esmet nods and smiles.
"Well met, Mister...?"
"You're too kind. Thank you for joining us in our little celebration. Are you a new friend of the great Nanashi?"
What is a boyer? This halfling, Marroc, is hard to understand sometimes! But Nanashi will figure it out! Oh ho ho!
"Oi'll 'ave moi cook Maelut cook soimethin up worthy of the occasion."
"Speakin of which... wot oar we celebratin?"
"'ow abouts Oi 'ave 'im whip up soime o' is seasened potatoes an a 'efty portian o'spiced chicken. Not that flashy, but Oi cin guarantee froim personal expeirance it'll make yer mouthy water."
Marroc hops off his chair, and gives Esmet and Nanashi a short bow. "In the meantoime, feel free ta use the game room."
"Oim afraid Oi don't have all the balls anymore fer a proper game o'crud, a few o'them oar at the Silver Sword now Oi suspect, but there's enough there ta keep yerselves entertained fer 'alf 'our or so."
"Same goes fer the dart board."
"Oi'll go make sure yer feast get's put on the grill."
Marroc points out the door to the gameroom before hobbling off towards the kitchen.
To the gnome, she answers, "Sounds delicious." More hesitantly, she asks, "Did you want to use the gameroom after all?"
"I don't know about crud either, but darts... You play darts by tossing darts at a board on the wall. Would you like to try?"
She points toward the board in question, then swiftly pitches a dart. It sticks in the third ring from the center. Esmet explains, "Try for the circle in the center. The closer you get, the better."
.oO(For bystanders' sakes, I hope we stop playing before we really get drunk.)
Nanashi's misses the board-but he is very close! It cannot escape its defeat forever! Oh ho ho!
"Tsk. I need more practice.
"Why do you stay here, Nanashi, instead of at one of the nicer inns?"
Nanashi is wise as well as brave! Oh ho ho!
.oO(These pointless lives, bowing to our hectic schedules, not really living...)
Nanashi throws two darts at once! He hits the right side of the board both times too. One is near the edge but the other is halfway to the center. Oh ho ho! Nanashi learns fast!
"Nanashi appears to be out of darts. Is the game over?"
"It's a very simple game, isn't it? Well. Shall we check up on your dinner?" she asks, carefully pulling darts from the board.
Nanashi leaves the darts in the board and leaves to find his meal. But watch him! Such is Nanashi's great control over his hunger that he doesn't rush even for this! Yet he still arrives at his table before the food does! Patient and swift is Nanashi! Oh ho ho!
Now here is Nanashi at a table with Esmet. But there is still no food! What is he to do?
"Nanashi sees that Esmet carries a sword. Did Esmet make it herself?"
Oh ho ho! What a good question! Nanashi is resourceful!
"'ow'd yer game go?"
"It was a good game! Nanashi hit the board more than he missed it! Oh ho ho! This smells good!"
Nanashi does not hurry to take a bite. Since he smelled it first, Esmet can taste it first. Oh ho ho!
"Oim sure moi wall appreticiates yer skill then."
"So wot da you two 'ave planned next?"
She raises her head at the mention of Natala's name.
.oO(The half-elf woman!)
"Natala? I heard of her, but have not yet met her. How do you know her, Nanashi?"
"Nanashi learned of her at the temple when he was looking for someone to hire him. He doesn't want to ask the wizards. Oh ho ho!"
Esmet has not touched her food yet. Does she want Nanashi to test it first? Such caution is not for Nanashi! Heedless of poison, he samples the halfling's wares.
"Delicious!"
Now Esmet will know it is safe to eat and tasty too. He doesn't understand why she thinks anyone would poison her, however. Another mystery for Nanashi to solve! Perhaps the Dragon will have dinner as well! Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi did not make his weapons either. Does Esmet make armor?"
She only shakes her head again and happily fills her mouth with food. She smiles at Nanashi as she chews, as if to say, "Sorry I can't tell you, but my mouth is full, haha."
Finishing another bite, he suddenly leaps up onto his chair.
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi knows what Esmet does! She gives weapon display for the buyers! Nanashi imagines she is very good at it."
"If you like, I will take you another time to my workplace. When we have not both had quite so much to drink."
Then she tilts her head and asks, "I am exotic, Nanashi?"
What brilliant reasoning! Let us hear more of his wisdom!
"Nanashi would enjoy such a visit! He knows how important it is to be on good terms with those who make weapons."
Yet another profound observation! Was there ever a mind like Nanashi's? Nanashi does not think so! Oh ho ho!
"Oi'll 'ave ta second that."
"Ya never know when yer goinna 'ave a need fer a new knoife."
"Will you need a bodyguard like me around Miss Natala?"
She thoughtfully partakes of a forkful.
"Nanashi needs no protection from storekeepers! It is the other way around! Even if people fail to notice how dangerous Nanashi is, a bodyguard is a more obvious danger. Those who would not wish to provoke Esmet would therefore not provoke Nanashi either. Oh ho ho! But don't worry! Nanashi will defeat anyone who makes the mistake of attacking Esmet!"
Nanashi's courage is an example to us all! Oh ho ho!
Nanashi also needs to eat before his food gets cold! One more mouthful of chicken, one of potato and one more swig of ale. Now one more mouthful of chicken. This is good food!
"Oi donna think she'll think yer a pushover."
"Natala's met to many people 'oo aren't wot they appear to underestimate anyone that way."
He will be ready then, as ready as he is now for the next piece of potato. Nanashi keeps his priorities straight! Oh ho ho!
"Are there many of those here, Mr. Marroc? People who are more than they seem?"
"Aye lass, there are."
"But not oll o'them oar doin it on purpose."
"Oi think ya'd be surprised at 'ow many people donna know wot they are capable of."
Marroc shrugs.
"O'course theres an equal amount o'people 'oo 'ave overestimated themselves too."
"Oi think it'll be pretty uncommon to foind soimeone 'oo is wot they seem."
"Mr. Marroc, I hope you will convey to the chef our appreciation?"
"Nanashi agrees with Esmet. Eating food like this was the best way to celebrate."
He looks over at Esmet's plate. Is there anything she is pushing to the side? If so, Nanashi will take care of it for her! Oh ho ho! Nothing goes to waste with Nanashi around! In that too is strength.
"Do you have anything else planned for the remainder of the evening?"
"Nanashi only planned this far. Too many plans means Nanashi has too little time to do anything. Now that he sees that he has nothing left to do Nanashi is free to do something else. Does Esmet have any ideas?"
Nanashi digs into potato while he listens.
"If yer fer turin the city, moight Oi suggest stortin at the park across froim the market? It's not as grand as the one at the church o' ole Agathalos, but it 'as its charms."
Why would Marroc suggest such a place? Oh ho ho! Nanashi understands now!
"But Nanashi can fix that! Oh ho ho! Come, Esmet! The park needs us!"
"Piper! Lad where are you... Piper!"
The boy pokes his nose out of a stable box.
"Is that you Boirin? Whatcha doin' back here, I haven't seen you in a day or two."
"Adventurin' but right now I really need a bath. I thought the old horse trough we don't use anymore would do okay. What do you think."
"I don't know, Marroc..."
"Will be fine with it, if its a problem I will buy him a new one."
"Okay, um let me go gets some water okay."
"Sure um don't worrie about hot, I just need to get the muck off me. Um yeah, I got some old bar towels I think I could use. By the way how slow has it been."
"Well, not too much in the way of horses here. I only have a couple bedded down here."
]"Lucky you, lad, anyway if you could run upstairs and grab me a change of clothes quick. Thanks. Don't forget my second pair of boots."
In a couple minutes Piper has the old trough filled with water.
"Thanks, Piper. Now clear off for a few minutes."
When Piper is gone Boirin strips down out of all of his armor and clothes. They lay in a small heep. Steping into the trough he scrubs himself down with the old rags. Twenty-five minutes later he steps out of the make-shift bath being sufficiently clean. He climbs into the cleaner clothes and puts on the clean boots. After this he sets himself to the task of cleaning his armor.
He gets up thanks piper and carries his stuff up to his room. He looks around it is familiar. Messy and jumbled. The big orc axe hangs from the wall. His dirty clothes litter the floor. His mirror with its slight crack.
Now he sets himself to the task of getting his boots to accomadate his missing toes.
"But Nanashi can fix that! Oh ho ho! Come, Esmet! The park needs us!"
Furrowing her brows, the half-elf follows.
"The park... 'needs' us?"
To Elsewhere, evidently.
"Morning. Any ideas on what we are doing next?" Kywyn rubs his eyes.
"If we can't get that door open, we might just have to leave it for now, eh?" he suggests distantly.
Kywyn politely orders a light breakfast, not wanting to eat much for where they are headed.
"Good Morning Comrades."
"I think we will try to open it today.. I hope Boirin brought his lock picks. FIrst I suggest trying to disarm the trap. I will try to find out all I can before we attempt anything."
He gives the table a long smokey exhale and wraps his fingers along it as well.
"I am assuming the dwarves still hold a grudge and will be here shortly."
"Do you think the pit trap will have reset itself?" Kywyn asks both men.
"But the problem is the shadows don't work well without someone to believe in them."
"It would be tough and ineffiecent to break the door that way... but it might work."
"If we could get to the door, I'm sure Aramil and Oskar would be better at the bashing part."
"Well could you conjure a shadow that would convince us its a bridge?"
"The symbol has to be strong enough to invoke an intent... I don't think I can make a bridge convincing enough... Maybe a large creature that could span the hole, large enough that we could use it as support if we're careful," says the dark-haired man.
"I would kill for an earthsinger, back home they could convince rocks to be different shapes. That would certainly be usefull here. Accually, paps could do a little earthsinging, but he wasn't very powerful. Hmmmm. Could you make something that could carry Aramil up to bash on the door. Or maybe you, Ulerian, could burn down the door... I don't know how powerfull you are."
"Oskar my have another solution. I know priest magic is different. Maybe he can help someway you two can't."
Kywyn listens to the bearded man's story, absorbing the relevant details.
"I'd avoid anything too destructive... it would attract attention and who knows how stable those tunnels are."
"I think I'm out of my element dealing with these obstacles."
"Breaking the door down is not an option!"He says harshly "
I do not wish to damage the place, it would do me no good if.. "
The mage leans in closer as he cuts off his own sentence.
"I do simply do not wish to draw attention to that place, and if terrible evil lurks there, I do not fancy hiring out someone to come and seal the door after we knock it down."He pauses a moment, looking to both men. Satisfied, he leans back and draws from his pipe.
"Will the brothers dwarven return?"
"Would be nice to open the door, but if we can't unlock it or get to it..."
The man leans his chin on his metal-gloved hand.
"Our minds are our best tools for the job, we just have to use them.. Information.."
He looks lazily around the room and leans back.
"Still want to go through with it then? Good.. If you need to eat, then do so. I think we are ready to get things moving here..."
He gathers his things and walks to the door.
[to adventure thread]
Listen to Nanashi! Grack might tell family things that he would not share with strange dwarfs, so he has not mentioned Neb at all yet! Oh ho ho! Nanashi is very smart!
"Marroc knows."
With that the half orc resumes scanning the room. Aubrey cowers behind the gnome. "That guy... he's not related to the boogeyman is he?"
Nanashi will let Neb do her own thanking if she wants to but she will probably have to thank Marroc, not Grack! Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi will have a seat while he waits for Marroc. Aubrey should have one too! Seats for everyone that wants one, Nanashi says! Hey dwarf lady, would you like to sit with Nanashi and Aubrey? Of course you would! Take a seat! Nanashi is about to tell Aubrey the story of how Badger lost his whiskers the first time but you can listen too."
Oh ho ho! Nanashi can be entertaining even when he does not get to sing!
Dwarf Lady indeed, Neb mentally revoked Nanashi's right to refer to her by her common name. "Master Gnome, please refer to me as Priestess Rybel. Or if you decide to be discreet, Rybel will do."
She again referenced the piece of fabric, and glanced around the inn for a preciding halfling. Finding none, Neb turned her attention back to the table.
"Did the bouncer give you an idea when..." she paused to glance down at the fabric, "... Marroc will return?"
"Oim famished Billa me lass, wot's Maelut got cookin?"
He ambles over to where his guest sit, smiling.
"Seems ya 'ave a way with the lasses Nanashi me boyo."
What does Marroc mean about lasses? Oh! Marroc thinks these two are gnomes! Nanashi will be tolerant of the mistake. He might have confused Aubrey for a halfling if she had come here with Marroc instead of with Nanashi. He would never make that mistake with Neb though! Oh ho ho!
"Aubrey, this is Marroc! Marroc, this is Aubrey, a human girl who is looking for her father. And this is a dwarf lady who wants to be called Priestess Rybel. Oh ho ho! Nanashi was going to tell them about Badger but he will wait. Aubrey did not come here for that. Has Marroc seen Had Thanson today?"
Marroc shrugs."Ya moight want ta tell that story any'ow."
"The lass moight 'ave a bit o'await if yer toilkin about Had Thanson 'oose been runnin' errands fer the Church o'Agathalos."
"'e was suppose ta 'ave dropped boi 'ere an 'our or more ago. An when Oi went loikin fer 'im, Oi couldna foind 'ide ner 'air o'im."
Oh ho ho! Nanashi has created a brilliant diversion! Now Marroc and Neb can talk without fear of what Aubrey will here. Wait! That means Nanashi will not hear what they are saying either! Never fear! Nanashi will surely figure it out for himself later! Oh ho ho!
"Master Marroc, you said Had is missing, when was the last time you saw him? Do you have any idea as to the contents of his delivery? It might give us an idea where to look."
"Oi 'aven't seen 'im in weeks. 'e was suppose ta meet a cliont 'ere a few 'ours ago though."
"An before ya ask, Oi canna tell ya 'oo the cliont was or wot 'e was deliverin, but Oi cin tell ya the cliont was not involved in 'is dissapearance."
Marroc nods towards the door. "Oi sent the cliont home topo, so don't waste yer toime tryin ta figure out 'oo 'ere it is."
"Enough toime 'as already been lost."
Marroc pulls out his pipe and lights it up.
"Oi've already checked the most loikely paths froim the church ta 'ere, an asked around fer 'oo 'as seen 'im."
"'e seemed ta 'ave gone missin within four b;locks o'here. An Oi've scoured them. 'e aint around 'ere no more."
"What makes you think it was within four blocks of your inn? Did you see something?"
Nanashi has his drink and Nanashi has his seat. Now Nanashi can begin his tale.
"A long time ago, Badger had whiskers so long and so tough that he could use them like rope! He would braid one on either side of his head and tie them both to a tree limb, then climb down to use them like a swing! Oh ho ho! He was quite a sight back then, especially when he'd be asked to give children rides! He needed a special harness for that so that none of the children fell off when Badger swung very high!"
Nanashi takes a drink from his ale. He has a long story to tell and must not dry out before it is done! Oh ho ho!
"Badger's whiskers were no stronger than Badger himself was though! Oh ho ho! He could haul two wagons behind him at a time-one with each braid! And when he was done that he would challenge half the village to a tug of war on his hair and always win! Badger would not have won if Nanashi had pulled against him but Nanashi did not want to spoil his fun. Oh ho ho!"
Now it is time for another drink! Not too much, Nanashi! The ale has to last!
"Badger was also very fast! He was so fast that he could lower his braids down a well and climb to the bottom and back up again before they had time to fall the rest of the way down! Sometimes it had time to fall halfway down when Badger was only halfway up but he just swung the end hard toward the sky and had enough time to finish his climb. You never saw anything like Badger at a time like that!"
One more sip! Marroc and Neb are still talking. Nanashi can wait! He is in the middle of his story now!
"One day Badger met a giant who was taller than three human grownups standing on each other's shoulders and wider than two cows standing nose to nose would be long! Nanashi means to say that he was really really big!"
Nanashi stops talking long enough to make sure that Aubrey is properly impressed by how big the giant is.
"Ole Jasper says 'e exchanged a few pleasantries with 'im when he walked boi 'is 'ouse."
"Oim sure there will be more then one person 'oose interested in foindinHad Thanson quickily."
"Oi've got a few more sources Oi cin check, but it'll take toime. Toime 'e moight not 'ave."
"Oim sure Piper , moi stableboy, cin keep lil' Aubrey entertained woill yar preoccupied."
Marroc exhales another stream of smoke and then gives Grack a nod and heads back out the door of the inn.
"That giant fell down so hard that Badger flew into the air and landed on the other side of him! Pulling his whiskers free, he raced up the giant's back and quickly tied his arms up! And that is how Badger captured his first giant!"
Nanashi takes another sip. He does not want to rush into the next part!
"Badger is very strong and very fast but he is not too smart. He did not realize that tying a giant to himself meant also that he was tying himself to a giant! If he had, maybe he wouldn't have tied the knots so tight. But he was too busy dancing on the giant's back and showing off to think of that.
"Maybe it sunk in when the giant stood up and started walking away with Badger strapped to his back! With every step the giant took, Badger swung back and forth, slapping against the giant's back over and over again! But it gets worse! The giant started to sing about how he'd captured a gnome and was going to take him home and put him in a stew with pumpkins and turnips! Gnomes like to eat turnips! They do not like to be eaten with them!"
It is time for Nanashi to take another sip, then he will ask Aubrey a very important question.
"How do you think Badger got out of this one?"
Nanashi better finish this soon. He is almost out of ale! Oh ho ho!
"Badger checked his pockets for something that might save him. The first thing he found was cheese. This made him very happy for now he had something to eat! Oh ho ho! He took out his knife and sliced off a piece for himself. It was very good cheese but it would not save him. So he kept looking. This time he found bread! That was no good for getting free either but it was very good bread. So he took his knife out again and cut off a slice of the bread and ate it too. He was still not free so he looked around again and found an apple this time. This would not help him escape any more than the bread would but he still cut it into two halves and then ate them both. Then he looked around once more but there was nothing left in his pockets! But what does Badger have in his hand?"
Nanashi sips while he waits for Aubrey to answer.
"That's right! His knife! So Badger shaves his whiskers off! It takes a very long time because he is bouncing around so much but he finally gets them all cut off. Then he ties them around the giant and jumps down. Badger says the giant never noticed the difference! He just walked away with his arms tied up, still talking about all of the things that would go into the stew with Badger! Oh ho ho! He must have been angry when he got home and found he had no gnome for the stew!
"And that is how Badger first lost his whiskers. Somewhere out there is a hungry giant with good rope! Oh ho ho!"
Nanashi's tale is done! So is Nanashi's ale! Oh ho ho!
"...Oh ho ho!"
Neb was brought back from her daze.
Child Rybel stood up and walked over to Nanashi and Aubrey.
"Aubrey, would you mind staying here while Nanashi and I look for your father? Master Marroc said that Piper will look after you."
"Oh ho ho! Marroc will take good care of Aubrey! And now Nanashi goes to find Had Thanson! Where does Rybel want to start?"
How long before Nanashi gets to sleep? He feels like he's been awake for weeks! Had Thanson better not keep Nanashi up much longer! Oh ho ho!
Leonardo arrives at the entrance of the inn. The path here was an education for the ranger; never before had he seen such squalor. The destitute conditions are far worse than anything Leo has seen in his own village.
How can the leaders of the city allow the people to suffer like this?
Leo steps into Nobody's Inn and squints as his eyes adjust to the darkness of the room. He scans the room both for someone who looks like he could be Marroc and for the half-orc Leo was warned against.
He stands back behind the bar next to a door glaring at the young guardsman.
A gnome woman moves about the crowded inn taking orders, and a skinny human male tends to drinks at the bar.
[to Elsewhere]
"Oh ho ho! Human person, that is quite the flower you wear! How did you get it?"
Leonardo gives a hesitant "Hello", while his eyes wander the room and avoid looking directly at the gnome.
"My flower...? Oh, the emblem ... it's a symbol ... of my former troupe." The ranger is visibly uncomfortable.
Nanashi will not ask if the villain used a scythe to cut down so many flowers all at once. This man is obviously too nervous from being near Nanashi to handle humor right now.
And now he wants to know why I left the Guard ... which could lead to questions about the presence in my head ... I better change the subject.
"I had to leave my village ... for my own reasons. Listen, maybe you can help me. I'm looking for a man named Marroc."
Leo's body language has become almost ridiculous as he tries to carry on the conversation while trying to ignore the gnome's red shirt by focusing on objects around the room.
Nanashi points to the child seated at the bar. How can this human can resist a face like that? Oh ho ho!
Leo looks over to the young girl that the gnome pointed out. He sighs.
"All right. I'll help you find the girl's father. But do you think you could do something for me?" Leo makes an effort and looks directly at the gnome.
"This may sound strange to you, but do you have a cloak or something to wear over your shirt? You see, where I come from, red is considered an unlucky colour. I am ... nervous around those who wear it. If you would do this for me, I would be very grateful."
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi can do better than hide his shirt but he must do it outside where it won't upset Grack. Grack! This human came to see Marroc but first he is going to help Nanashi with his search!"
Nanashi wonders if he should tell the human about Neb's hair color! Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi, was it? My name is Leonardo Dendranth," he says, "So, what can you tell me about this man that we are searching for?"
Where is Neb? Nanashi can not see her?
"Neb must have stepped outside already. We had better catch her before she gets too far away."
"Who's Neb?"
Why does Nanashi scrunch up his face? Is he going to sneeze? No! See? His shirt has changed color to blue!
"Oh ho ho! There! Now to catch up to Neb!"
See Nanashi run! He may look slow, but that is only an illusion! He can run like the wind when he puts his mind to it but he would leave Leonardo too far behind. Nanashi does not want that! Besides, Neb cannot have gone too far yet anyway. Dwarves cannot move as fast as Nanashi! Oh ho ho!
(OoC: Nanashi has used his Prestidigitation ability. Now he is going to Elsewhere in Garic's City.)
Leonardo is about to tell Nanashi that his village was not too keen on magic either, but decides to hold his tongue for the moment. It seems the young ranger will have to become accustomed to a lot of new ideas if he wishes to make a life for himself in the city.
[follows Nanashi to Elsewhere]
With a stretch and scratching of his belly as it hangs an inch or so out from under his raised mail, Burleg Kharn, the dwarf, steps out of Nobody’s Inn. He’s refreshed and in a quite jolly mood. Flicking a copper piece at a beggar, he begins to hum a childhood song. Soon, after kicking over a wooden crate and having a seat, he begins to sing it while preparing a nice full pipe of tobacco. After it’s lit he sings merrily, and aloud, shooing away anymore pan handlers that linger outside of the Inn.
“Threeeeeee little goblins sitting on a fence, THA-reeee chunked stones don’t make no sense!
Bum bum bum.
Use a Catapult and getem all with one. A big catapult and the job is done!
Bum bum bum.
Four big ogres eatin all the sheep. Try tah sneak uponem while they are asleep.
Bum bum bum.
Cutem ear tah ear…
Here Burleg runs his thumb from one ear to the next across his neck while sticking out his tounge
….with a big sharp knife. Then go back to the sheep farmin life!
Bum bum bum.
Five mean trolls…
He stops again, and his face darkens. He spits through his teeth and wipes his maw with his left hand. It’s shod in leather, and a sleeve covers his left arm. While away from the city he helped rid some fellow dwarves of a group of trolls that had been harassing them. Given Burleg's innate dislike of giants and trolls, he jumped at the opportunity. As usual, he bit off more than he could chew and lost his left eye in the process. A patch now covers the socket, a small brown leather circle. Three large claw scars line the left side of his face, from his forehead to half way down his cheek, the middle scar passing directly under the patch. He left arm was burned. Any good troll killer knows fire works best. Of course trying to keep a burning troll from eating your face off is rather hard. He succeeded partially, but a badly burned arm and a missing eye were his payments. Of course the troll got the pointy end of Burleg’s larger pick run about 4 inches into his skull in return. The dwarf wouldn’t have it any other way. War wounds gave him pride and character, and he officially gained the title ‘Kharn the Trollslayer’ by his comrades. He was wrought a silver tankard with just that title engraved in runes along the rim. The tankard filled him with pride, and ale when he could get someone to top it off. He could clearly see the bottom of the inside which caused him to lick his lips.
.oO(After me smoke, I’ll get another.)he thinks as he puffs away and thinks about slaying trolls.
Jumps out of bed like he was pouncing on the day.
. o O (Time to get moving)
Looks cautiously around to make sure none of the other sleepers in the commons were awoken, and finds to his relief that none were.
Moving lightly on his gnome feet begins stretching to prepare for the day.
. o O (Today is going to go well. Very very well, infact I'm going to make more than my expenses today. Besides, people will be wanting to see results soo I guess.)
Scampers out the commons door with one hand covering Danglethwack's rings to mute them and sitting down at one of the smaller of the many tables. Billa eventually arrives at the table.
Billa: "What'll it be, shorts?"
Treetrip: "Biscuits and Eggs and water."
Billa walks off without further gruff treatment.
. o O (I think she likes me.)
The gnomish woman returns, drops the plate on the table with an audible clank and walks off to help Wealdy with the kitchen.
. o O (I think she doesn't hate me.)
Throws the food down hungrily.
. o O (Time for a brand new day.)
He looks around the room, but realises he still has not even met Marroc. Bracing himself, the ranger walks up to the half-orc.
"We need to speak to Marroc. He's expecting us. Tell him we've found Had." Leo tries to maintain eye contact.
"Please," he adds as an afterthought.
He blows out a puff of smoke from his pipe as he examines the situation. He gives Neb a nod.
"Loikes loike ya found yer man."
"Wealdy! Go fetch me Piper an that girl!"
A thin man pops his head in from the kitchen, and smiles. "Right boss."
Marroc steps up to the bar and starts pouring some drinks. "Oi 'ad me stableboy take the girl fer a pony ride."
"'ad ta 'ave soime way of keepin 'er away. She was scarin moi clientele."
He slides three dirty glasses full of air in front of Leonardo, Neb, and Thad.
"So wot 'appened?"
*Weadly pops out of the kitchen and exits out to the stables. He returns shortly with the two in tow. When Aubre see's her father she rushes over and grabs him around the middle, Piper enters directly after the girl and stands back watching the reunion.*
"Hmm...."
*Weadly sniffs the stale air and then starts back to the kitchen to pull his stew off of the fire.*
Marroc hobbles towards the kitchen to talk to his employee. He shuts the door behind him.
"Oi need ya ta do a job for me."
"Oi'm going to take the Thadsons 'ome an troi an get wot Oi cin out o'them. Whoile Oim at it, troi ta get as much information out o' the priestess there an 'er companian."
"Oi donna loike the fact that Oi couldna foind them on moi own. Somethin aint roight there."
Marrioc pushes the kitchen door back open and smiles. "Oi think yer probably itchin ta 'ave soime quality toime alone with yer daughter, roight 'Ad me boyo?"
"Whoi don't Oi walk ya 'ome." Marroc looks at Neb and Leonardo. " There'll be plenty o'toime fer questions later."
The half-orc standing behind the bar glares at Neb and Leonardo, almost as if daring them to object.
Marroc moves towards the door, holding it open for the Thadsons. He gives them a nod. "Don't ya be worrin. Oi'll make sure yer friends 'ere are takin care of."
"Whatever they want short of the Greycloak is on the 'ouse."
"Treat 'em roight Wealdy. These folk oar our guests."
Had hesitates, but Aubrey urges him to go. "I'm tired daddy."
Had gives a quick thanks before following the halfling out.
.oO(lets see what I can find.)
Oh ho ho! Witness how considerate Nanashi is to Marroc and his customers! And to stable boys too! Oh ho ho! Maybe he will even take a nap before he goes to see the others. In naps too is strength! Oh ho ho!
He almost protests when Marroc offers to walk the Thansens home. There is something odd about the old halfling; his ownership of such an obviously decrepit establishment, the fact that he keeps a half-orc body guard, the manner with which he conducts himself and others, almost like a pupeteer pulling on the strings.
However, the glare of the half-orc convinces Leonardo to hold his tongue for now. It's been a long day, and he is in no mood to pick fights with imposing bodyguards. Besides, the ranger has the distinct feeling that there is more here than he knows, that he is in over his head. Why would Marroc have such an interest in the recovery of Had? Again, suspicions of the innkeeper are raised in Leo's head, but thus far he has seen no tangible reason to hold those suspicions. He decides that the best thing would be to report back to Gerug at the Guardhouse as soon as possible. He would know better what to make of the situation.
Leo speaks to Wealdy. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be taking up Marroc's offer. I must be going."
He nods to Neb. "Farewell. It was good meeting you. If Nanashi returns, tell him I said goodbye."
The ranger turns to leave.
"Please don't go I will have our stable boy fetch some fresh water."
*Weadly pokes his head out the front door.*
"Oi!!! Piper!!! Get over here."
*After a brief conversation with the boy he comes back in.*
"Please don't go, Mr. Marrock asked me to accommodate you in the best way we can, and I would hope to be able to extend it. The soup is very soon to be finished. Please sit at a table and be comfortable. Would you like some bread???"
.oO(I haven't spoken that much at a very long time.)
*Weadly moves out form behind the bar and draws out a chair.*
"Please I like to hear what happens on adventures, lets me see more then what is in the city."
*Weadly stands expectantly beside the table for a moment. Then darts into the storage room and comes out with a clean white rag.*
"When the water gets here I can serve you in something cleaner."
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi greets you, stable boy! Do you have some place he can store two crossbows and some swords? There is a gold piece in it for the stable boy if it can be done! Nanashi does not think Marroc wants him waving these around in his place! Oh ho ho!"
Oh ho ho! Witness how considerate Nanashi is to Marroc and his customers! And to stable boys too! Oh ho ho! Maybe he will even take a nap before he goes to see the others. In naps too is strength! Oh ho ho!
Piper smiles as he takes the gnomes coin. "Sure thing. For a few more coins I could hide the whole bodies if you'd like."
He grins and then shakes his head. "Just kidding. I'm sure you purchased these fine weapons at the armory, right sir?"
"I'll just tuck them away for now, and when you'd like them back, just let me know."
Piper gathers up Nanashi's loot, and then grins, waiting for the gnome to exit.
Clever thinking, Nanashi! Now there is no reason to be suspicious about Nanashi buying weapons that are too big for him! Oh ho ho!
"Thanks Mister."
He walks to the oor and holds it open. "I'll get right on hiding the rest away."
Oh ho ho! No doubt Leonardo and Neb have told everyone of Nanashi's great heroism! This will impressed more than Badger's story! Oh ho ho! Push the door aside, Nanashi! Mere wood can not keep you out!
"Nanashi has come for dinner and a beer! He will have the beer first! Bring it to where he and Ne-Rybel and Leonardo are sitting. Wait, Nanashi does not see Leonardo. Has the bartender seen Leonardo? He wears a flower on his shirt."
Where could he be? Oh! Nanashi knows! Neb's red hair must have frightened him off! That may be for the best because Nanashi sees his shirt is red again. He will have to wear a cloak next time he sees Leonardo. Look around, Nanashi. Where are Neb and Had Thansen and Aubrey and Marroc? Nanashi sees only Grack. No problem spotting him! Oh ho ho! Nanashi could ask him but he will ask the barkeeper instead.
"And is there a redheaded dwarf woman around here? She was with the man with the flowery shirt and another man whose daughter was waiting for him. Thanks to Nanashi she needs wait no more! Oh ho ho! The flowery man and the red dwarf even got to help."
How humble is Nanashi! See how he leaves some credit to those who get to help him! Oh ho ho!
"Mr. Nanashi. I am sorry but the man with a flower on his shirt left, but the dwarf woman you speak of is sitting at the table over there. Could i get you some food or drink?"
*Weadly snatches up the clean glass ready to pore anything into it. His head is as close to nanashi that his neck can manage from his position from behind the bar.*
Off he goes! Crowds can no more stop Nanashi than the door could! Oh ho ho!
Rybel does not seem very interested in food or anything else right now. She barely even acknowledged Nanashi's arrival! Rybel must have a lot on her mind. Well Nanashi has little in his belly and he is going to fix that right now! Oh ho ho!
Nanashi is a fast eater! Oh ho ho! You would be too if you had shared a meal with Badger! Maybe Rybel will be more talkative now.
"Rybel did a good thing today. Nanashi thinks she deserves a reward for that."
What is Nanashi putting on the table? Look! He is giving Neb five gold coins! Nanashi is such a generous person! Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi wants to thank Leonardo too. Where is he?"
Better make it three handfuls.
"This is for the meal and room in the stable tonight, bartender. Nanashi thanks you for both! Oh ho ho! Goodnight!"
.oO(Morrock told me to give them everything.)
*Weadly sais with difficulty* "Mr Nanashi...I was asked to provide you with all we can give for free. I cannot take your silver.*
Is this man telling the truth or is he just afraid of silver? Oh ho ho! What an imagination Nanashi has! You could not avoid silver in a place like this!
"I couldn't turn down a tip. Thank you."
*Weadly takes the silver offered and it dissapears as soon as it touchs his hands*
[draconic]"Nanashi!"[/draconic]
"Go away. Nanashi is sleeping."
[drac]"Then Nanashi is dreaming. However if Nanashi does not pay attention he will also be hurting."[/drac]
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi has no fear of dreams! Even that giant kobold with the duck's feet and the barber's kit was no match for him! He still wants to know what the bit about the oyster sauce and the wolves on the clothesline meant but if you know you can tell him later. Nanashi will play with his dreams after he has had some more sleep."
[drac]"I am not a dream, Nanashi. Do you remember me now?"[/drac]
Nanashi's rest will wait a little bit longer.
[drac]"Nanashi remembers. Nanashi begs your pardon and hopes you will not devour him for the slight, Master."[/drac]
[drac]"Not just yet, Nanashi. For now tell me why you were with a priest today."[/drac]
[drac]"She was looking for the same person Nanashi was, Master."[/drac]
[drac]"Priests like that are dangerous, Nanashi. She serves the Blind Fool. Their kind meddle in everything."[/drac]
[drac]"Then Nanashi will have to keep her too busy to meddle, Master."[/drac]
[drac]"Why did you help rescue that man, Nanashi? What lesson does that teach his daughter? Now she will believe she can count on others to save her instead of relying on herself."[/drac]
[drac]"Aubrey would have ended up with those priests Nanashi was warned about, Master."[/drac]
[drac]"You do not know that, Nanashi."[/drac]
[drac]"Yes. Nanashi does not know that. Nanashi does know that Had Thansen and Aubrey know that it was Nanashi who saved them."[/drac]
[drac]"The priestess also saved them."[/drac]
[drac]"Nanashi let her help. It makes them all more receptive to Nanashi's words."[/drac]
[drac]"You play a dangerous game, Nanashi."[/drac]
[drac]"Nanashi serves the the master of all dangerous games. Should he not follow his master's example?"[/drac]
[drac]"HAHAHAHA! Well said, Nanashi. Just remember that you are as much one of my pieces as your are one of the players."[/drac]
[drac]"Nanashi is ever your servant, Master."[/drac]
[drac]"Yes. You are. Listen carefully, Nanashi. I'm going to share new words with you as a reward for today's offerings. They were all the sweeter for knowing that they were stolen from my brother's table. Now listen and learn."[/drac]
Nanashi listens carefully. Nanashi learns. Nanashi sleeps. You did not think he would forget the sleep, did you? Oh ho ho! Did you forget that in sleep too is strength? Lucky for you that you have Nanashi to show the way!
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi needs breakfast and has enough money to pay for it!"
He even has the coins in his hands for all to see! Nanashi sees no reason to let people he has more than this. Should he sell the weapons too? Not yet. He might need them. Natala will also have to wait. Nanashi is expecting visitors.
Oh no! He should have told them when to come! Now he will have to wait all day! How could you make such a mistake, Nanashi? Well what is done is done. Nanashi will just have to be ready. Breakfirst first, then spell preparation. Marroc will not like him casting spells in his place but Nanashi might need to chance that. He can always step outside before he casts some of them anyway.
Nanashi has time to decide later. Right now the only thing that matters is putting coins on the bar and waiting for breakfast so that is what he will do! Oh ho ho!
What is Nanashi mumbling? It is too quiet but it does not sound like it is all in one language. How long is he going to keep doing this?
That was a very long time, Nanashi!
[ab]"Master, allow my shadow to hide yours, that you may walk unnoticed even in the sun."[/ab]
Where is Nanashi going? Why has he left his armor behind? Oh ho ho! Nanashi does not want people in the bar to think he is ready for a fight! He is even leaving his morningstar behind but not his dagger. Nanashi does not want to look too unprepared for a fight. Oh ho ho! Back to the bar he goes!
OoC
Nanashi cast Undetectable Alignment on himself.
"We don't have darts, but you can use these."
Nanashi can not tell if this is the barman's idea of humour or not but it sounds like it could be an excellent jest! Oh ho ho! "Trick the gnome" sounds right for a human drinking game. Maybe they even get bonus points if the half-orc tries to eat the gnome. Nanashi sees no need to hurt Grack if it can be avoided so he stay out of this game until he is sure that will be unnecessary. See how considerate Nanashi is! Oh ho ho! He even laughs along with the joke at his expense! Oh ho ho!
"Never mind. Nanashi will try something else and be back for lunch."
What will Nanashi do first? Take a nap! Oh ho ho! He wakes up to watch an early card game but does not understand the rules. Nanashi will watch the faces of the players instead! He can learn much from what their expressions hide and reveal. In that too is strength! Maybe he can learn the rules later but now it is time for lunch.
He starts lighting up his pipe. "Cause Oi've been known ta arrange fer both."
ooc: Sorry, I was away for the weekend, and I was not sure if the inn had darts, I thought that being a lower class inn in the slums that it might have daggers instead of darts, if I was wrong sorry....
.Ooc
Nanashi does not mind. He remembered darts from a game with Esmet but there are plenty of reasons they might not be around this time. He just wanted to move things along a bit without leaving anyone out.
He takes a deep drag off his pipe and exhales "Bot lets say Oi did. Wot kindo job would ya be interested in doin?"
Nanashi is not just another pretty face! Oh ho ho!
Marroc takes another deep puff from his pipe. "So yer a spell flinger then."
"Shouldna be too much trouble fer ya ta foind soime employment then."
He taps his pipe on the table top. "As long as ya donna do it 'ere. Flingin spells that is. Ole Grack there gets nervous around them, un when spels get flung so da spellflingers. If ya know wot Oi mean."
He smiles.
"Bot Oim sure ya do, roight?"
"Anyows, ye were one o'the fellows that 'elped out ole 'Ad Thanson roight?"
"Awfully koind o'ya."
"Oi was plannin on sendin me boyo Wealdy ta take them a bite o'lunch."
"An Oim sure 'e could use a bodyguard on the trip."
He nods towards Grack.
"Now normally Oi'd send Grack, but Oi think 'avin 'im knockin on the door unannounced moight put a bit o'fright inta the poor little lass."
"Not ta imply ya aint frightenin loikin yerself, moind ya, but the girl seemed ta be fond o' ya."
"Oi'll make it worth yer whoile me boyo."
"An Oi'll be sure ta let anyone 'oo asks knew yer out. Didna know ya were expectin anyone though? Oi could send piper instead if it's important."
Marroc pauses and shrugs. "Nah, Oi donna suppose it is oar ya wouldna volunterred wouldya 'ave? Roight, Oi'll just keep anyone 'oo asks 'ere till ya git back then."
He turns towards Wealdy. "Wealdy me boyo, whoi donna ya wrap up soime roast an potatoes. Nanashi 'ere is goina escort ya ta the Thansen place ta deliver it."
"Ready boss."
ooc:Where am I going? actualy better question which thread should this go to?
OoC
Nanashi thinks we are going to Elsewhere in Garic's City.
And he waves at Wealdy and Nanashi as they exit the inn for the streets of the slums.
ooc
To Elsewhere it is
.oO(All this food going out for nothing...Its like we are a charity or something.)
"Boss me and Nanashi, are gonna eat at hads home."
He pushes open the door to his office and hobbles in. "Shouldna take me too long, bot Oi donna wanna be disterbed whoile Oim doina it."
He shuts the door and Grack moves in front of it.
"Well I guess that I need to stay. Let them know. Here take this and eat with them."
*Wealdy hands the potato's to Nanashi.*
He will keep the potatoes too! Oh ho ho! Now he must maintain the charade. Remember to look like you are struggling for another breath, Nanashi!
"Nanashi...thanks you. He will...return."
That is how you do it! Oh ho ho! Now no one will suspect a thing! Remember to leave slowly, Nanashi! Off he goes with potatoes bundled close where they will stay warm. Off he goes to Had Thansen's home.
OOC
To Elsewhere in Garic's City
"Ay Boirin, where you bin these last couple days?"
"Adventruing."
Boirin responds with a voice like death warmed over. He walks up the stairs, digs around for his key, unlocks his room and steps inside.
It is as he left it. Messy, littered with clothing and empty bottles of ale and mead. He kicks the door shut behind him. Pulling off his bauldricks he leans his weapons up in the corner. Boirin sets the bucket down on the floor and peels out of his mucky armor. Sponging off with the wash basin he cleans as best he can without a tub. Pulling on clean clothes he heads down into the inn proper. Stepping behind the bar he pulls up three bottles of mead. Setting coin into the lock box he heads up stairs.
Boirin contents himself to drinking the contents. Then feeling properly numb he passes out on his bed.
"Welp Burleg.. tomorrow you'd better get a bit of work done.."he says to himself as he gets a room, resting for the night.
.oO(Hair of the dog that bit me...)
Then starting on his breakfast of flaky bread and hard cheese he washes it down with luke warm water.
Strapping his scabarded sword onto his belt. Boirin completes the outfit by using his silver sword pin as a broach to hold the collar of his tunic shut. He stairs at himself in the cracked mirror, or he tries to but his hair gets in the way. His curly hair falls to almost his shoulders, and definately in front of his eyes. Frustrated he pulls it back in a quick pony tail with a peice of lanyard on his table. This reviels the beard. It is shaggy and ill kept. Since his hair is resonably curly it does not hang the way a dwarves usually does, in stead it goes straight out like some wild mountain-man's.
"I guess its time to find a barber."
Boirin heads down the stairs and out onto the early morning street, heading for the marketplace. The best place to find a barber.
"Excuse me. Is Marroc in?"
"Wot cin Oi do ya fer?"
"It's good to see you, sir. I unfortunately come bearing bad news."
The theif ruffles his hair.
"Kai fell in battle. I was wondering if you would come to the funeral and if you knew anyone else who might want to."
"Oim sorry ta 'ear that."
He looks around the room and shrugs. "A man loike 'im doesn't make friends easily. Other then the elf woman an you, Oi donna know if 'e 'ad any."
"Oi suppose 'e moight 'ave a few people in that adventurers guild 'oo moight know im, but Oi wouldna take bets many of them would call 'im a friend though."
He blows out a smoke ring.
"Oim not sure Oi would either. An Oi'd wager his feelins were mutual. Loike Oi said, a man loike that doesn't make friends easily."
"Oi'll be at the funeral though."
Don't let me have any ale ok...?
At that, the young sorceror moves to an empty table and has a seat. With a big grin he looks around waiting for their waiter.
I always get in a good mood whenever I'm about to eat...Don't you? He say while bouncing in his chair.
Driden walks into Nobodies and smiles before turning look back at Kal.
Don't let me have any ale ok...?
At that, the young sorceor moves to an empty table and has a seat. With a big grin he looks around waiting for their waiter.
I always get in a get good mood whenever I'm about to eat...Don't you? He say while bouncing in his chair.
A gnome woman approaches the table, giving Kal a smile and Driden a scowl.
"Are you planning in eating or just breathing my air?"
Her scowl grows. "And if you break that chair, Grack will break you."
Her eyes point towards the big halforc standing near the bar.
Eat...and breath...I think. Can I do that??
After a few moments of thought he smiles and looks towards the angry looking half-orc then back to the gnome.
I wouldn't want any of that kind lady. This is my good friend Kal'thas that I met in the forest and I'm Driden. We would like to have some lunch...if that ok with you ofcourse. He says with his famous puppy eyes.
Piper is busy in the stables brushing a horse, he gives Nanashi a smile when the gnome enters. "Got anything new for me to stash for you? Looks like you've been in another fight."
"Oh ho ho! No, Nanashi would like to pick some things up instead! A crossbow, a dagger and his morningstar if you please."
"Can't have you knowing where I hide things you know?"
The stableboy smiles.
"Don't worry, Grack won't mind. Marroc neither."
"Just as long as you don't try to use them until you leave."
Driden looks up and gives the gnome a thoughtful look.
Eat...and breath...I think. Can I do that??
After a few moments of thought he smiles and looks towards the angry looking half-orc then back to the gnome.
I wouldn't want any of that kind lady. This is my good friend Kal'thas that I met in the forest and I'm Driden. We would like to have some lunch...if that ok with you ofcourse. He says with his famous puppy eyes.
Kal’thas gives the gnome lady a warm smile and silently shifts into his seat, letting Driden do the talking for the time being.
Billa looks at them both and shakes her head, mumbling under her breath. Finally she shrugs. "There's stew in the pot. And bread."
"And I want to see the money before I dirty up a perfetly fine bowl."
Driden then digs into his pockets and pulls out enough coin to cover both of there meals.
Thanks alot, he says with a big smile.
I was gonna give her a tip! I swear!
Driden then whips his head back to Billa and bows in apology with both hands clenched together.
I was! I promise...back where I'm from, we give tip after receiving our meal. I'm sorry if I offended you! He pleads from behind his fists.
She spits on his feet.
"I'm a lady, as if that aint obvious."
She snatches the coins off the table, and without taking her eyes off the other gnome she responds to Driden. "Well, you aint where you come from anymore are ya?"
"What you put out aint even going to cover your meal. So I better see more coin or the backside of you both heading out the door. Get what I'm saying?"
The halfling at the bar, excuse himself from the man he's talking to and heads towards the table. "Be roight back Lucien me boyo, loiks loike soimeones gotten Billa roiled up. I cin see the veins in 'er forehead about ta pop."
He reaches the table and smiles at the men. "'Allo there lads? Anythin Oi cin do fer ya?"
He glances at Billa. "Billa, Oi cin 'andle these goiys, whoi donna ya take a break an count up yer tips. Donna want ya all slowed down cause yer carryin too much coin."
The gnome woman crosses her arms in front of her chest, and continues staring at Kalthas. Marroc shrugs and looks at him as well.
"Ye did tip 'er didna ya? Oim sure a 'ansome lad loike yerself knows as enough expierance with the ladies ta know not ta get on their badsoides, roight?"
Billa snorts, and follows it with a sneer. Marroc cuts her off with a wave of his hand when she starts to open her mouth.
"No need fer that Billa. Oim sure the gentleman 'as a good excuse."
Billa snorts agaon and Marroc starts to pack his pipe. "Ya do, donna ya?"
At that, Driden reaches back into his pockets a retrieves a gold piece holds it up to Marroc.
Will this suffice?
Nanashi is glad the bar is close by. He feels like he has been walking for hours already! If he sees Marroc he will have to tell him everything that has happened. Then Marroc will realize that Nanashi can do much more than guard potatos! Oh ho ho! Marroc first or a drink? Nanashi is thirsty from all that walking. Drink first. Nanashi will have an easier time finding Marroc from his seat. Oh ho ho!
Marroc appears to be talking to a human and a gnome at the table, Billa appears to be trying to kill them with her scowl. Marroc takes a gold coin from the man and shrugs.
"Oi aint the one oo cin deceide if that'll suffice me boyo."
He tosses the coin to Billa who sniffs it, and then bites into it. She snorts and then tucks the coin away. "If they want anything they'll have to order it from you Marroc. I'm taking a break to freshen up."
She stalks away, dabbing at a few smudges in her face as she heads into the kitchen. Marroc blows a smokering from his pipe.
"Moight be a bit easier on me if ya were ta move ta the bar. Moi knees aint wot they used ta be. You'll get yer drinks quicker at the very least, an the first round'll be on me."
To the bar then eh?
With that, the young man stands from his chair and moves to the bar with Marroc. While walking away, Driden speaks with Marroc about his knee problems and remedies that he learned from back home. One remedy consisted of a block of ice, fire, a few herbs, and bottle of liquor, which sounded very painful but was assured that it would work.
Billa snorts, and follows it with a sneer. Marroc cuts her off with a wave of his hand when she starts to open her mouth.
"No need fer that Billa. Oim sure the gentleman 'as a good excuse."
Billa snorts agaon and Marroc starts to pack his pipe. "Ya do, donna ya?"
Kal’thas who had silently been laughing to himself as the lass went on her little tangent had calmed himself to a snicker and nods at the lads words. ‘She thinks I was talking to her’ Kal’thas says with a chuckle, ‘Dear god no, I was talken to Driden. I may have had a few but I’m defiantly not blind. I can tell shes a lass.’
‘I’m sorry dear, should have been more clear I was haven a shot at the boy. I’ll make it up, Square it.’
She stalks away, dabbing at a few smudges in her face as she heads into the kitchen. Marroc blows a smokering from his pipe.
"Moight be a bit easier on me if ya were ta move ta the bar. Moi knees aint wot they used ta be. You'll get yer drinks quicker at the very least, an the first round'll be on me."
oO(all over a little miss understanding)
Seating himself at the bar, Kal’thas smiles warmly too, ‘Marroc that would be a pleasure, but will only have a few. Not bein disrespectful and all. Just the lad and I have already had a few and hes got to be all prim and proper to talk at the tower. Don’t you big boy. We’ve already bein show the door once for smell of licker.’
‘Any how, do know of anyone looken for a few lads to hire for work?’
"Marroc's potatos have been delivered to Had Thansen and Aubrey. Nanashi will be staying there tonight to help them out. He had a disagreement with other people who wanted to pay Had Thansen another visit tonight but got them to change their minds."
Oh ho ho! Perfect!
OOC
Nanashi does not know if this counts as delivering a secret message for opposed Bluff and Sense Motive checks.
"Especially when Oi donna know wot kinda work ya do. Im gatherin the big fella 'ere's soime kinda spellflinger, roight?"
He looks at Driden. "Just a warnin fer ya. Donna troi flingin any in 'ere. Grack there's allergic ta spellflingin. Makes 'im brealk out in a nasty case of decapitations if ya get moi meaning."
He smiles and points at the halforc bouncer. He pours a drink for himself, and one for the other gnome at the bar, Nanashi.
"Nanashi 'ere seems ta 'ave found soimethin ta keep 'im busy. Not sure 'ow well it pays, other then in thanks. But soimetoimes thats worth more then coin." He slides the drink towards Nanashi. "Aint that roight me boyo? Maybe ye cin tell these two foine gentleman about the good deeds ya've been doin whoile I go round up soime thanks fer ya."
"Be roight back."
Marroc retreats into his office.
"Nanashi is not up to anything! He is just watching over people who had a difficult time for no one steals fathers while Nanashi is around! Oh ho ho! He would tell you all about it but he promised to keep an eye on them tonight so Had Thansen could get some sleep again. Maybe you can tell Nanashi what you two are up to while he finishes his drink."
Nanashi is smart enough not to drink and talk at the same time. Oh ho ho!
I just got into town today. My only plan is to head out to Hightower to have a few questions answered. After that, I really don't have anything else to do but survive. I suppose I should make some money while I'm here though.
The young sorceror then nudges Kal and grins.
Lucky for me that I already found myself a good friend eh?
‘Well Nanashi I came to sign up to the guild that slay the gobbo band roaming the area many moons ago…But at the moment I’m up to nothing, simply looken for something to do with my time.’
‘Would you like a hand tonight. They say two head are better then one…well in this case three. What you say?’
"Nanashi sees your point. Marroc should be told first just so he does not think the worst when he comes back and find you both gone. Oh ho ho! Maybe you can tell me more of the Hightower and this guild of gobbo band slayers. What are gobbo bands?"
‘Well Nanashi’, Ka’lthas says sharply turning to him, ‘by trade I’m a gobbo, well goblin hunter. I came here looken to sign up for the Silver Sword. They were supposably responsible for the gobbos death.’ Kal’thas sneers at himself and takes a hearty gulp from his mug, ‘True failure there…All I’m interested in now is keeping myself busy. There’s word of scattered bands of gobbos that once form the army still wondering about far from the city.’
‘Still I’m having the time of my life with Driden here. Much better then shovelling the crap down at the guilds stalls and what I did before.’
Do not drink too quickly, Nanashi! Oh ho ho!
He passes Piper on the way, and whispers something to him.
Piper nods and puts Nanashis weapons next to Grack. Piper looks at Nanashi and shrugs and hurries back to the stables.
Marroc returns with the stew and places it in front of the customers. He tilts his head towards the weapons.
"'ow much da ya wont fer those?"
Thanks!
With that said, Driden then quickly eats spoonful after spoonful while complaining about how hot the stew is.
.oO(Mundavi is always telling me to watch Marroc. I think I know why now. Something for me to keep in mind)
Draining the bowl Kal’thas pushes it forward and drums on his little jut. ‘Well what’s the plan of attack from here?’
"All but the morningstar are too big for Nanashi but Had Thansen could use one of the crossbows to protect himself. For the rest Nanashi would like enough to buy himself a better suit of armor, something that does not slow him down so much."
"Its wot Oi wore back in moi adventurin days. It'll stop the stray blow if it 'as too, but won't leave ya waddelin to get out of the way of it in the first place. Better not ta get hit at all then ta 'ave that bit o'protection donna ya think?"
Marroc glances at the others at the bar. He gives Kalthas a nod. "That's a good question. Wot is yer plan o'attack? An 'oo oar ya plannin on attackin?"
He tilts his head towards Lucien. "Lucien me boyo, ya got anyone wot needs ta be attacked? These three gents 'ere seem ta be loikin fer a bot o'excitment."
He looks back at Nanashi. "After ya finish 'elpin 'Ad o'course."
"Not right now, thank you gents. I may be looking for adventure companions in the future however."
He puts down his ale dusts off his hands, as he shakes the hand of each of them individually.
"Lucian Risk, actor, adventurer and pleased to make your acquaintance.
Dropping his fist to his side and giving a huff he glances to Driden and frowns, ‘Seriously what we gona?’
Drawn away from the plot at hand Kal’thas smiles at the lad as he makes his way up the line to him,‘And a pleasure to meet you Lucian Risk.’ The gnomes says with a firm shake, ‘names Kal’thas Sinn, sane and presently seated in nobody’s inn.’
Who is this Lucian Marroc introduces to Nanashi? An actor and adventurer? Oh ho ho! Nanashi will have to see one of his plays!
"Nanashi is pleased to make Lucian's acquaintance as well. Oh ho ho! Which came first, the acting or the adventure?"
"The acting, although it has been mostly surmounted by adventure as I have not had a role for over a year."
Nice to meet you, my name is Driden.
Finally, he turns back to Kal and shakes his head.
I was hoping to take care of my business back at the tower but I suppose it can wait untl tomarrow. What do you think?
Tensek pushes through the Inn Door with Kiara hot on his heels, with barely a nod to Grack the ranger makes his way to the bar and orders an ale from Wealdy and after paying for it he sits and waits for Marroc to finish with his other guests.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll share a drink with you some time soon. I have some buisness to take care of."
He cracks his fingers and makes for the door when he sees Tensek. He waves as he walks over to him, face set into a line.
"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Kai has died. His funeral will be held in three days at the temple of Odemetrex."
Knowing this will not be the last stop of the day, Lucian excuses himself again and leaves Nobody's.
Driden then gets up and blinks a few times.
I feel alot a whole lot better now too. So when do you want to leave?
There goes Nanashi!
OOC
Back to Had Thansen's place in Elsewhere.
Saying that Kal'thas walks off and out of Nobodies Inn.
[to Hightower]
With a nod to Nanashi, Driden rushes out of Nobodies.
[to Hightower]
Rousing himself at 9 or 10 he gets up, dresses and has a leisourly breakfast. He then minds the bar untill noon, then getting Weadly to replace him he heads towards the Magic Shop. They probably know whats been going on.
"Didna really expect ta see ya wrapped up with that lot."
Tensek pauses to take a pull from his mug before continuing on, "Speaking of whom he sent me here to gather some information on how to kill demons, and pick up some whiskey and a keg of ale. Although I had abit of an issue on my way here, with a gnome and some thugs."
He pulls an empty chair out and ploops into it. "Oi cin 'elp ya with the whiskey an the ale. But ya's be better served boi goin ta the Hightower ta foind out about demons. Or the Church."
"Round 'ere Oi mainly 'ave ta deal with the more mortal toipes o'fiends."
Again Tensek stops to take a drink before continuing on, "The thugs were part of a man named Gobi's gang, the Gnome had some pretty untamed hair, a red shirt... Nanashi I think is his name, he said it often enough. Nanashi this and Nanashi that. Little man tried to sacrifice one of the thugs to some dragon."
Before long, Brodda finds herself standing before the door of a favorite haunt. She looks not so much at the door, but a few of the memories that happened behind it. She smiles and pushes the door open.
She peers inside to have a quick look around and is delighted to see Marroc. However she also sees that he is visiting with someone and takes a seat at a table near the wall where she can well see the room.
She glances at the varied carvings in the table, not so much looking as listening to the sounds of the room -- and attempting to hear what Marroc is discussing.
She looks up at the pair and slowly realizes that the person to whom Marroc is speaking seems familiar. She squints her eyes at him, trying to remember where or when she remembers him from.
The gnome waitress comes out of the kitchen and heads towards Brodda's table, but turns around at a snort from Grack. The half-orc settles his gaze on her for a brief instant and then returns to scouwling at the room in general.
.oO(That was... odd.)
She studies Grack closely for a few moments, considering him more seriously than she ever had before.
.oO(Therre must be morre teh Grrrack than Ah'd considerrred. Well, Ah'd neverr rreally considerrred him beforrre, like a spot on a wall, rrreally. Marrroc obviously has him herrre forr securrrrrity -- but he's a smarrt one, that Marrroc. Ah bet Grrrack dooes morre than keep the peace and securrre his office.)
She adds a mental note to find some information on the giant.
"'E just left to 'elp out a friend."
"Gotta say that fer 'im, 'e moight be crazy as a cracked kobold, but 'e's loyal."
Marroc sets the glass down and starts to light his pipe.
"Canna 'elp ya out with that Gobi fella, Oim troin ta foind out more about 'im myself."
"Now then, if ya donna 'ave anymore questions, 'ow about we get those drinks?"
He turns to face Brodda and gives her a wink.
"Oi cin 'ave Grack roll ya out a keg when he goes ta fetch another of the Greycloak."
.oO(The Motherrr bless Marrrroc ferrr that parrtin' gift he gave meh beforre Ah left. Despite meh best intentions Ah could'na make it last long. Ooohhh, its been soo loong noow...)
Marroc ducks behind the barcounter to pour a few drinks.
"Oar Oi cin just 'ave it put in yer room, that way ya wonna 'ave ta wake me up if ya feel loike leavin town in the dead o'noight."
He takes a sip from one drink, and places the other in front of an empty barstool.
"'oose yer friend that passed away?"
Marroc taps his pipe on the counter.
"An Oi'll even through in round o'drinks on the house fer the departed."
"Yer choice if we 'ave the drinks before or after the funeral."
"I'll leave you too your other customers now," the renagers adds and digs out coin for his ale and a tip for Wealdy before gathering his room key and than leaving the bar with kiara hard on his heels.
Oh, maybe just one ale since he is asking questions.
Oh ho ho! There! Down the hatch and off to this Iron Wolf Armory, Nanashi!
"Now 'eres a face Oi wasna expectin ta see anytoime soon."
The smile drops off. "Oi thought it woulda taken ya at least another year before ya 'ad ta coimebaack fer soime Greycloak."
"You madam, 'ave a drinking problem."
THe smile returns and he raises his glass. "An Oi fer one am glad ya do. 'eres ta ya."
He takes a deep drink of his ale.
Then she turns her head to Marroc and, with a wide smile, saunters over to the bar. She takes her glass and raises it in cheerful greeting.
"Ahhh, Marrrroc, yeh oold donkey! It's been too long, doon'tche knoow!"
She chugs, as daintily as possible, the entire pint and sets the empty glass on the bartop.
"A drrrinkin' prrroblem, yeh say? Nah, no morrre than any otherr dwarrrf Ah've everrr met. And Ah've met a lot."
She leans over and whispers conspiritorially, "Ah think its the otherrr rrraces that doon't knoow how t'prrroperrrly drrink!" :D
She climbs onto a barstool and relaxes a bit.
"It's good teh be back, meh frriend. Ah didn'a rrealize hoow much Ah missed it herre."
Her smile fades a little. "It's too bad Ah'll have teh rreturrn home soon."
She sighs, pushing the thought to the side and tilts her head in Grack's direction.
"Yeh still keep'im arrround, Ah see." She winks at the half-orc.
"But 'ad ta ire 'im back immediately. 'es wots keepin that wall up."
Marroc takes a pull from his drink.
"So ya aint back ta stay then? Wot did bring ya back?"
"Oi troiyed ta get rid o'im once."
"But 'ad ta ire 'im back immediately. 'es wots keepin that wall up."
Brodda laughs, remembering her earlier thought about Grack and a spot on the wall.
"Point taken. He's herre teh stay. And a good thing that is too. Ah doon't knoow who Ah'd pick on if he wasn'a herre."
She chuckles and turns back to Marroc with a sigh.
"Ah've been sent teh make meh clan's grrrreetin's teh the newest Dwarrrven Defenderrr. Ah figurre Ah cin strrretch meh visit to a week orrr maybe two and git a little fun in too."
"Newest Dwarven Defender? Oar ya toikin about the one workin fer the Silver Sword?"
"Aramil Dunskar?"
"Aye, that woould be the one."
She looks Marroc in the eye suspiciously.
"Why? Hoow many Defenderrrs arre therrre in this city?"
"None?"
...thinking...
"But, that's why Ah was sent..."
...mulling...
She frowns and looks at Marroc again.
"What happened?"
"But rumour 'as it, that the Dunskar brothers diod in the sewers, along with Kywyn Leiw."
.oO(Dunskarrr brrrotherrs? Sewerrrs? Dead?)
...
Brodda gasps and looks at Marroc in wide-eyed horror.
"Kywyn? He's dead too?"
Her gaze drifts to the wall behind the halfling as she recounts her last encounter with him.
"Yeh mean 'dead' as in... dead? Rrreally verry dead?"
"Oi've 'eard the bodies were recovered and taken ta the Temple and ta the Church. An Oi've 'eard Aramil 'ad a bit o'coin on 'im."
He lifts his drink again.
"An Oi doubt that woman o' Kywyn's goinna just take this lionin down. You've met 'er 'aven't ya?""
At the mention of Nashae, Brodda swallows a grunt of dislike.
"Aye, ah've met herr. Yeh'rre rrright. She'll trrry teh have him brrrought back if she can afforrrd it. Dead just isn't dead anymorrre."
Her personal prejudices against resurrections rise to the surface. After all, death is part of the natural cycle. To buy a resurrection because one cannot deal with the death of a loved one is unnatural and, in her mind, folly. If the gods choose to bring someone back, that's something different entirely.
She pushes these thoughts aside and focuses on slowing her racing thoughts.
.oO(Kywyn has passed on, howeverr if his woman can, she will have him brrought back. Howeverr Ah feel aboout it, Ah've no say in the matterrr. All Ah kin do is play forr the peace of his soul.)
Her hand drifts to the flute at her side.
.oO(The Defenderr Arrramil is dead. It must have been a grreat evil to have defeated him. Ah shoould go t'the temple and pay rrespect forr mehself and meh clan.)
Her brow furrows.
.oO(Meh visit may be shorrrterr than Ah'd thought. The mood forr fun has cerrtainly left meh in a hurrry.)
She forces a meager smile to her face as her gaze returns to Marroc.
"How loong past did these events happen, love?"
"Boirins got 'imself loicked up in 'is room oar Oi'd get more specifics foim 'im."
"Oi'd wager ya could get soime froim Volos or Natala too though. She was port of the recovery team, and so were a few members o' the Silver Sword."
"Thank yeh, Marrroc."
She pulls some coin from her purse and sets it on the counter, pushing it toward the innkeeper and slides off the barstool.
"Ah'll stop in again aforrre Ah rreturrn home."
She turns and heads out the door, on her way to get more information.
Wherever the strange droplets touchdown, they twist and mutate the landscape. The ground grows spines and spikes of dark material; the ocean turns the complex color of an oily sheen. We reach an overhang of rock carved out of the hillside and take shelter.
The rain intensity picks up until it is a constant drumming. I push Dak backwards a little, but I’m not watching closely enough and a line of the fluid splashes across my torso. Another miniature rivulet sends water from a hidden corner onto my shoulder. A sharp pain precedes the change. A row of spikes grows across my chest and another forms out of my shoulder. The protrusions seem to be made of bone and metal at the same time.
The cave is suddenly very dark, and I am alone.
[/color]
Another night since the last one spent searching. A shadow-clad man under a jagged cloak holds a smaller glob of darkness in the palm of his hand. The tiny black frog chirps, and Kywyn places him back on the cloak. They understand; he needs time to sort this out. He would get back home soon.
This place is where he found something before. Maybe some part of what he needs is nearby.
Kywyn circles the front of the sketchy inn under the stars and cover of darkness. He crouches down with chalk in hand and marks off some scribbles on the sidewalk.
It becomes a string of images this time; one figure hanging onto the next, sketched men and women, wolves and cats, snakes and frogs. They are drawn in such a way that conveys a sense of gravity or force, like they are straining to hold onto the stone canvas they are drawn on against an unfelt wind.
The string ends in a line that becomes dots. Kywyn is thinking in plain sight rather than out loud.
The visage bites at him. This is the face of a dead man, of a man he watched die. Boirin stops in mid stride and centers himself. Cocking his head slightly he watches the scratching continue.
Kywyn stays like this for another half-minute. A snapping sound draws attention to where he presses his chalk so hard that is breaks on the stone. Beneath the shaded part of his face, Kywyn's emotionless mouth twists into a small grin. But it is not a grin, it is a feral display of teeth. A soft hiss escapes.
"Are you still dead, or are you alive now Kywyn?"
The Boirin's attention is drawn from the teeth back to the drawing. He squats slowly in front of Kywyn, arms resting easily on his thighs. Boirin stares vixedly at the chalking, trying not to touch or smudge anything.
"What is it?"
Kywyn's eyes take on a gold light of their own from the recesses of his hood. They narrow into slits.
A shadow leaps from his hand and forms an inky, translucent tendril that floats around him like a scarf in the wind.
He leans forward as a cat readying to pounce.
Another whisper, this one directed torward Boirin, "Id ug roaxavo us?"
Boirin stays where he is almost leaning towards Kywyn.
"Ia," the pale, amber-eyed man commands.
Though the motion is quick, there is no crippling intent behind the press forward, not yet. Attached at Kywyn's right wrist, the ghost tentacle spirals to embrace them both.
"Do you really want to kill me? We're both allready dead, why bother?"
He breaks away and walks back until the chalk drawing is between him and Boirin. Without turning to face the other man, Kywyn points back to the image on the ground.
Boirin can see the image of animals and people holding on to each other in a chain; the order is from smaller animals to the larger ones, with humans at the front.
After a silent pause, Kywyn crouches down and picks up his broken chalk. He starts drawing something ahead of the humans in the line. Something humanoid but not human, mostly scribbled in, with tapered shadows for eyes and confusing extra lines around the outline.
He taps his chalk on the pavement.
Kywyn draws a thin arc from the front creature down and around to join back to the frog at the other end, completing the circle.
The gold glow stays in Kywyn's eyes as his tendril floats as a helix near his right arm.
"A chain of life... becoming ... more? People are more than birds are more than frogs..."
"What is more than people?"
Boirin stares at Kywyn and his attention drifts back to the last person in line.
"Are you more than human? You certainly look it right now. But you... you're saying that you are the same as the begining. No better. Just different? Why don't you speak?"
Boirin look mildly confused. The knife slides itself back up his sleeve as he becomes more relaxed.
"Ug ax-ainiz saxayin' jethick..." cutting whispers come from under the grey hood.
He turns as if seeing something in the shadows. Crouching down, he peers at the angles and nooks of the buildings surrounding them
In between his searching glances, Kywyn taps the last drawing in the queue and traces the joining arc.
"Z'oupp caxarr vo... I'min-aesi jari," the voice is a pebble ricocheting down a deep well, quieter with each word.
Kywyn stands a bit straighter, the tentacle from his wrist loosens its orbit. He looks at Boirin and then points to another point on the curb, to a sewer grate in the moonlight
"Haxat?"
"No we are not finished in the sewers. Whatever is down there is still there. We um, could only just get your body out. We had to fight to get it too."
"We'll have to go back down there someday cleanse it."
.oO(Or at least make it dirty our own way...)
He is quiet again, silent in a way that entices others to speak to fill the void as if the words were being drawn from them.
He glances at Boirin, yellow eyes watching the rogue.
Boirin rights his head and scratches his beard, its a time filling responce, as if to keep the silence out by the sound of nail on stubble. Finally the silence disturbes him enough to speak.
"You know Kywyn, I think your brother got to know me pretty well. I told him alot, I don't really know why, but I did. I told him the story of my life, at least up till that point. But he never said a thing about his past, about what made him tick."
"I know I am bound to the earth, as much as I'd like to think I get to make my own descisions I keep going back down beneath. Why do you suppose that is? Funny thing you keep standing there and all I do is ask questions. Maybe the reason you can't talk is because I just ask questions. Maybe you want answers."
"I think I have the answer. You're allready dead, but two days ago wasn't the first time you died. You died when you left wherever you came from. You died when you got here, in Garic's. You died when you met NaShae. You died when you kid was born. You died, and died and died and all we do is die."
"Each time you die something new comes up. Something like the thing before, but different. Something that looks and feels and sounds like it but is different. Somehow, whats inside is all that changed right?"
Boirin is suddenly angry, and he doesn't know why.
"It doesn't just happen to you though, it happens to me too, and everyone. I died when my parents died! The idea that the world was safe died in less than five minutes.
I died when I escaped from a life of pain! When I realised that no one would ever come for me, that it was just me and the world.
I died when when I met my father. When I realised that there were people out there who cared.
I died when I left my Home and came here. Some part of me died when I got a job. When I realised that humans don't just steal for a living.
My secrets died when I met your brother. My first brother in arms."
"I died when you died!"
The last is a shout, Boirin realises his voice has been rising for the entire monologue. Suddenly his voice is very, very quiet again.
"I died when I went back underground, to fight evil, I ran away! From an honorable death, I ran! Something else came out of the sewer, but when I brought you out and they brought you back something of all the mes came back from the dead with you. I'm a scared boy, I'm a scarred slave, I'm young dwarf aching for exceptance, I'm a bartender barely eeking it by, I'm a warrior who has dishonored himself, I am death himself come for those who defy me. How can I be all this at once, and still be alive?"
"Maybe you came back as crazy, because you brought back all my crazy with you."
Boirin bites out a cold angry laugh at the universe.
"At least there are spirits to take the edge off right?"
The comment is meant sarcastically, but there might be hint of truth somewhere, or is it a morsel of hope?
A small chirp comes in reply to Boirin's voice, though it is not from Kywyn. A tiny black frog makes his appearance, crawling from Kywyn's shadow as the man remains against the wall like a statue.
The frog takes over regarding Boirin as Kywyn leans down. With the chalk, he starts a new drawing. As his hand moves, the tentacle coils around his armored forearm, and a black pall falls along his hand. When it reaches the chalk, the shadow colors it black for a moment.
A sound pulls away from his lips, "Ve'unk..."
The drawing wavers then begins to animate, gaining in size and volume as it struggle free from the ground like some half-buried insect. But this form resolves into a likeness of a horse, only black and virtually featureless. The creature stands to full height and stays still as Kywyn climbs aboard.
The tendril retracts into Kywyn's wrist and the gold fades from his eyes, returning his appearance to a monochromatic tone. Gray cloak tatters swaying behind him, Kywyn resembles a psychopomp come to lead souls to the afterlife.
Atop the black shadow mount, Kywyn gazes down to Boirin. Hex leaps up to catch the greave covering Kywyn's right shin and climbs aboard. Kywyn holds a hand out to Boirin, not so much offering to help him up, but instead asking what the bearded man has been waiting for.
"Cemo en."
What has anyone been waiting for his or her whole life?
---
[OoC: cast shadow conjuration (mount), Will save to disbelieve if desired]
.oO(Why not?)
He takes Kywyn's hand firmly and pulls himself up into the stirups positioning himself behind the mage with a certain amount of grace.
"I don't know where we are going, but I don't see a point in not going either."
Boirin says, as if to justify to himself his own actions.
---
[To Temple of Ordemet]
"Marroc! We need a room and a round of drinks!"
"Not nessacarily in that order!"
Grack stares and Marroc chuckles as Brodda enters after the halfling.
"Oi shoilda expected the two o'ya woulda be showin up soimetoime soon. Oi'll 'ave Wealdy leave yer drinks boi the door."
Marroc tosses a key towards the two bards.
"We'rrrre just gooin' upstairrrs teh talk and catch up on ooold times, m'dearrr. Merrrcy meh, but Ah doon't knoow what y'werre thinkin' we werre gooin' t'do!"
She grins, tosses the key up into the air and catches it again, then follows Minto up the stairs, singing a dwarven song about preparedness.
'I really wasn't expecting to be renting a room here anytime soon."
He kisses the dwarf. "I'm glad you are back. It makes all the missing you worth it."
She laughs it off and the glint is gone. "Doon't waste time tellin' meh, loove. Show meh!"
She swings open the door and pulls him inside, kissing him passionately as the door swings closed.
**********************
Much later, when things are quiet, the door opens a crack. A stocky, hairy arm reaches out and grasps the edge of the tray with the beer, thoughtfully provided by Marroc and left by Wealdy. The door opens a little further to allow passage of the tray then, once safely inside, is closed and locked.
Once Brodda has left the room. Minto shuts the door and taking her hand heads downstairs. He nods at the bars bouncer."You know, I've never really thought about it before, but Grack never seems to leave. Do you think he just never sleeps, or do you think Marroc has a stash of identical half orcs in that office of his?"
Minto chuckles. "I don't think I'm thinking to clearly right now."
"And I like it."
Though it takes more grog than she has consumed to attain a good stupor, she's feeling pretty good nontheless and giggles as they proceed down the hall.
She straightens her bodice before entering the larger room, then looks at Grack as she heads for the counter, giggling again.
"Ahhhh, aye! Grrrrack, mi'lad! How arrre yeh dooin' this fine evenin'?"
Grack replies with his usual stony silence.
Undaunted, she gives Minto a "watch me" wink and pulls away from the halfling, sauntering towards the half-orc, a sultry expression on her face.
"Ooohhhhh Grrrracky-pooo... y'neverrr talk t'me," she sulks. She reaches the place where he can always be found sitting like a rock on his stool, keeping cold watch over the bar.
She steps close to him and reaches out a gentle hand to his face, speculating on his hidden passions.
Before her hand makes contact, he reaches up and grasps her wrist in his hand, causing her to jump with suprise. She looks from her hand to his face and gasps to see him looking directly at her, a low growl emenating from his throat, his breath smelling faintly of... fish?
Taking a startled step back results in Grack's return to stony, statuesque bar-watching. Her smile returns to her face.
"Rrrright, silly meh. No mixin' business with pleasurrre." She winks at him. "So when's yeh'rre shift overrr?"
She thought for the briefest of moments that she might be rewarded with an eyeroll, but no.
She sighs with disappointment. She had hoped to startle him, not the other way around.
Returning to Minto she finds him staring, eyes wide and the palm of his hand smashed against his mouth in the attempt to hold in a suprised laugh.
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone try to seduce Grack before."
"And I think you nearly succeeded."
She giggles and looks back at Grack.
"No worrrries, Grrrack, mi'lad. Ah woon't hold the rrrejection against ye. We'rrre still frriends, aye."
Marroc steps out of his office and locks the door behind him. Brodda's eyes grow wide as she realizes the old halfing was just behind the door the whole time she was playing with Grack. Her face and neck turn pink as she smiles sheepishly.
Marroc moves behind the bar and lights up his pipe. He looks over to Minto. "Oi wasna expectin ya two ta be up this oarly. An Oi didna 'ear anything breakin upstairs last noight. Yer gettin old thar Minto."
Minto rolls his eyes as Marroc quickily turns towards Brodda. "You o'course look as young as ever me dear."
He blows out a smoke ring. "Now wot cin Oi do ya fir?"
"Sensitive. Rrright."
She turns back to the barkeep and smiles at the compliment.
"Thenk ye, Marroc. Ah do hae t'prrrotest, thoough. Ah prromise that Minto is as agile as everrr!" She smiles again as if reliving a particular moment.
"Ahem! Rrright. Brrreakfast, if'n its not too earrrly, please. Forr two. Unless ye think Grrrack may want t'join us."
With a playful smile she looks at the bouncer questioningly and receives the expected non-response.
"Soo Marroc loove -- just how many copies o'Grrack d'yeh have stashed away? Ah mean, therre's got t'be morre than one, with how he's always therre in the same spot everrry day and night. How aboout lettin' a frriend in on the secrret? Hmm?"
She bats her eyes and smiles.
"Oi donna wanna 'ave moi illusion dispelled."
Marroc slaps Grack on the knee, and Minto laughs. Brodda can't be sure how much of truth there is to that. Minto's response does a bit to convince her Marroc might be pulling her leg.
"Well he wrestled pretty well for an illusion at the party for Hermy's father."
"And that must have been illusionary beerkegs he carried around there too."
"My compliments to whoever does your casting."
"And whoever brews your beer. Speaking of which.. Can I interest you in some magic beer. I've figured out a way to imbue beer with spells. Might make it easier to keep the peice if you can slip a sleep potion into an unrurly customer without him knowing."
He points at Grack and grins. "Think of all the money you could save by not having to keep him around anymore."
Grack does not respond.
"Oi think Ol' Grack'll be 'ere fer awhoilew still."
The older halfling gives his bouncer a nod of his head.
'Wadda ya think Brodda me dear? Da Oi dare troi any o' Mintos magic beer?"
"Ah doon't knoow, dearrr. Ah've not had the opporrrtunity t'sample it mehself. Ah think we shoould cerrtanly take carrre'o that beforre yeh commit yeh'rreself t'any contrracts."
"Maybe we should try to make something that will make Grack talk more? I know there is a spell for that."
Marroc shakes his head. "An just 'ow would ya get 'im ta drink it?"
"Ol' Grack aint loike the three of us"
Marroc starts to pour out a new round of drinks.
She looks at Minto, trying to read his expression.
"Y'knoow Ah have teh go. Ah've got duties..."
She takes out her pipe and packs it with homegrown weed, never taking her eyes off the halfling bard that she adores so much, and wishing she had more reason than her own desires to stay.
He takes a sip from his cup, and returns her gaze. As she lights up her pipe, a smile grows on his face. He takes a bigger drink.
"What exactly was your task? Wasn't it to give your clans greeting to the great dwarven defender?"
"Are they going to be satisfied with you giving it to a bear instead?"
"Minto Newberrry, what arre yeh gooin' on aboout? Ah didn'a give it to a bearrr instead. The Defenderrr is a bearrr."
She shakes her head, muttering the words 'dwarven' and 'bear' just under her breath, still trying to piece together how the DWARVEN Defender can be a bear. It's not that she doesn't remember the story, or that she doesn't understand the changes that sometimes occur when someone is brought back from Beyond. However, emotionally, being a Dwarf herself, she's having trouble accepting it.
"Wherrre's that ale? Ah!"
She sees it at her elbow and takes a loooong drink.
.oO("Are they going to be satisfied with you giving it to a bear instead?... a bear instead?... bear instead?...")
"They prrobably woon't get it any betterr than Ah do. But is t'be doone? Arramil is alive. He's the Dwarrven Defenderr. The greetin' has been given. What morre is therre?"
She sets her mug down and puffs thoughtfully on her pipe.
"You might luck out and find a gnome who doesn't see anything funny about it. Gnomes are funny that way. But you'll be hard pressed to find a dwarf who won't."
Marroc passes out another round of drinks, which Minto gladly accepts.
"You were sent here to honor Aramil right? Why? Was it because your clan personally owed him that? Or was it because they owed the title the respect?"
"If it was him pesronally, well.. I'll get to that if thats why. But if it was the office..." Minto sips his drink. "If it's the office, then you leaving now wouldn't be showing respect towards it."
"Just the opposite."
"You'd be leaving the title as the butt of hundreds if not thousands of jokes. Most of which won't be funny ones. Think about the possabilities of bear and dwarf jokes. Your menfolk deserve better. Aramil deserves better."
"Luckily for Aramil and dwarven men everywhere, you just happen to be in town."
He takes another sip before continueing. "Hermy didn't become Garics Greatest Hero on his own you know. And not just on the strength of his deeds either."
"It took a lot of work on my part to make him a household name, and more importantly a respected one... Yes Marroc, respected." The bartender shrugs and blows out a smoke ring. " At least in the halfling quarter."
"Brodda, you could do the same for Aramil."
"It will take a bit of time though. It's a big project."
"But I think you are up to the challenge."
Minto was right. Aramil needed some exceptional P.R. And who better to do that then herself? There is certainly no dwarven bard better able.
She smiles.
"Yeh'rre right! And what betterrr place t'base mehself oout of than Garrric's, wherrre the Defenderrr rresides?"
"Ah'll have t'send a letterrr home, explainin' the situation, what needs t'be doone, and then explain why Ah'm the oonly one who can do it!"
She grins at Minto and Marroc.
"Therre's no way they can arrrgue with m'need t'stay herre!" :D
He finishes off his drink, and then wipes the foam off his face with a handkercheif.
"How soon do you need to get to writing that letter? Marroc? You have paper here right? And a way to get it delieverd?"
Marroc nods. "Oi moight."
Minto smiles. "There. We can get the letter written without having to put a hold on the party."
"Parrrty? Um, Minto, Ah knoow we werre busy up therre and all..."
She indicates the rooms up the stairs.
"...but Ah think yeh forrrgot t'tell meh soomethin'."
She smiles at Minto.
"What parrty?"
"Marroc, another round of drinks, and keep them coming."
Minto points towards a table. "Of course it won't be all fun. We'll probably need to discuss what you are going to do to spread Aramil's legend."
"Of coourrrse! Silly me! We'll invite everrryone! And Ah'll have t'have a new drress made!"
After a few hours of planning and strategizing, Brodda stands and stretches in a couple of different ways.
"Oy, how long have we been at this?"
She realizes that after her trip into town the day before, the long (but wonderful) night, and the morning's planning that she is dreadfully tired.
"Ah'm gooin' t'the boarrrdin' hoouse, love. A deep sleep is callin' meh. Ah imagine yeh'll be wantin' t'check in on yeh'rre herrro too and see what he's gotten himself into, eh? And maybe catch up on a little sleep yeh'rreself."
She chuckles and kisses Minto then winks to Marroc before heading to the door. As she does, she smiles big.
"Ah'm hoome at last."
She closes the door gently behind her.
[to the Weatherby Boarding House]
"I'm assuming you're aiming for a much more disciplined and experienced group? Because I won't work with a group like the one you hjad out last time. I like to know I'm going to be alive by the end of things."
The ranger pauses to think, "I'm afraid everyone else I know of has disappeared or died so I have no one to recommend to you."