A small enclosed stable, manned by a stable boy, can be found to the rear of the building.
The second floor is small; a single hallway runs down the middle of the floor, with three rooms on either side. At the end of the hallway, it splits left and right, ending in a door at either end. These last two rooms are for the staff.
There are no baths or privies in this inn. Each room holds a simple chamber pot.
Current bar staff:
- Bavil (NPC bartender): A rotund man. Gruff, surely and quiet. He serves drinks and nothing else. He doesn't want to hear your sob stories, your woes or problems. Just get your drink and shut up.
- Cleatrice (NPC barmaid): Woman in her thirties. She's been working here for a LONG time. Nice enough, but says little. She seems to know a lot about everyone, but don't bother trying to get it out of her.
(This is an all NPC Inn at this time. Assume you are served by either Bavil at the bar or Cleatrice.)
Price List (all prices are per person):
- Room: 1 gold/night (1 sp/night for those sleeping in the stable)
- Stabling (includes feed): 5 silver/day
- Breakfast: 2 silver (or free with room rental)
- Lunch: 3 silver
- Dinner: 6 silver
- Water: 1 copper
- Ale: 4 copper
- Mead: 8 copper
- Spirits: 4 silver
- Wine, common: 1 gold/bottle
- Wine, fine: 10 gold/glass or 25 gold/bottle
- Tea, sassafras: 15 silver
NOTE: This is an all NPC operated bar. There are usually five to ten regular customers here at any given time, though outside of regular hours they will likely be in private rooms. While they aren't as shifty as those found at Nobody's Inn, they still don't like to be bothered by too many questions. The general feeling of the inn is a less than friendly attitude, but not overly mean. Regulars are chatty with one another, but not to newcomers. It takes a good two to three weeks of steady patronage to become a regular - though they might make an exception for someone with a generous person and a charming demeanour.
[The (1) in the title above indicates that it is the first Blue Pumpkin thread since the new boards were opened. To review the previous thread, click here.]
"Two ales barkeep!!"
I haven't seen a tankard that big since my master drank me under the table!
Tensek takes his ale gratefully and takes a long draught from it.
I think I'll stick to these smaller ales for now.
"So what all did yeh learn being raised by dwarves?"
Why would I need to know how to do something like that?
I suppose you're rigth but I'd rather be out in teh wild and not holed up in a cave for hours upon end...
He gives a wink and a chuckle at his last remark.
Claws, teeth, beaks or bones. The trohpies a hunt do make.
"I'll make yeh a deal. If you help me find gems under the ground, then I'll help yeh get yer trophies. We can profit from them both!"
Burleg sets his empty tankard down on the bar.
Deal.
"Now a drink to seal it!"
Tenske drops a group of coins onto the bar and orders BUrleg and himself another round.
Burleg froths up his beard with the ale.
"Now.. where do we begin? I don't know of many caves around here.. There is one I've been to before..it had a few nasties in it!"
Burleg makes a growling face and turns his hands into clawlike digits.
And what kind of beast is that?
Burleg snaps his fingers and takes another swig
I... I suppose if you were overwhelmed tahn it is excuseable...
My bow and I have to small blades along with this.
Tensek pulls his morning star non threateningly into view for Burleg to see.
Burleg takes the ball of the morning star and taps it with his finger.
"Aye.. Good for smashing! I prefer me axe though... I like choppin!"
Tensek shrugs
A respectable plan of action.
"Burrrrleg! Ah knoow yeh'rre herre, lad! Let meh see yeh!" :D
"Aye, hey there madam Brodda.. How yeh been?"
He gives her sly grin.
.oO(Frriend? orr business? Hm. Likely business, knowing him.)
*She removes her cloak, drapes it over her arm, and bows to the guest.*
"Grrreetings! Ah'm Brrodda, lovliest dwarrven barrd in these parrts!"
*She stands and settles herself onto a barstool beside the newcomer. She orders up an ale then leans forward slightly to look at Burleg.*
"Ah'm good, darrrrrlin'! You? How's the minin' coomin'?"
First Dwarven Bard I've seen 'round here...
Tensek. Tensek Vicar.
"This here is Tensek, he's me new friend and business partner.."
"Tensek, this here's.. well she told yah .."
"I've been working on a place to stay, in the wild away from these city folk.."
.oO(Frriend AND business. He's moovin' up in the worrld. :D )
To Tensek:
"That's what makes meh the best and the lovliest, hon. *grin* It's a pleasurre teh meetcha. Ah'm wonderrin', though, how in The Motherr's name yeh got mixed up with this scalawag herre."
*She grins again and looks at Burleg.*
"Arre yeh fixin' yeh'rre livin' place inside the caves orr outside nearrby?"
*After a brief pause, she grins again and adds...*
"Yeh put in a bath too, didn't'cha?"
Burleg harumphs and drinks his ale
Originally posted by Tensek Vicar:
He helped me with a beast I had teh mispleasure of meeting with while I was hunting... He saved my life and I aim to repay him.
"A beast? Nearr herre? Hm, Ah've not had that misforrtune."
*She looks at the human...appraisingly.*
"Hm. Musta been a rratherr larrge beast if yeh needed help with it."
*She smiles.*
Originally posted by Burleg Kharn:'Well it's inside a cave near by. And No I didn't put no bath in it.. there's a stream down teh hill a piece, that's good enough.. "
*She watches him drink and supresses the urge to remind him of his manners.*
"Inside a cave and no bath? Rremind meh not teh visit at yeh'rre place."
*She turns back to her own ale and drinks.*
Burleg HARUMPHS! and finishes his ale, with a many inaudable mumbles...
"Yeh knoow yeh we'rre gooin' teh. But then Ah woouldn't be stayin' morre than a cooupl'a days anyway without a good hot bath."
*She's aware of Tensek looking at her from the corner of his eye.*
Burleg redddens a bit and narrow his eyes
"It ain't hard to fill a pot up with water an heat it yer self yah know!"
I didn't know dwarves could be so prissy...
"Tensek, any ideas on how yeh'll be rrepayin' Burrrleg ferr his help to yeh?"
*She takes another swig of ale as she watches the two of them, finding them both rather entertaining.*
Burleg mumbles some more and gives the bar keep a scowl and holds his empty tankard upside down
I payed for the last round...
Burleg is obviously put off by the earlier 'conversation' He pays for the next round, for him and Tensek. He doesn't bother with blowing off the froth either..
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
*She wipes her eyes, chuckles a bit more, then looks at Tensek again.*
"Ah see."
*She notices Burleg pays for the next round, and the coinage he set down.*
.oO(Ah, see, he's mad now. Ah bet he's gooin' teh be disgustin' now too.)
*She digs a coin from her pouch and sets it on the bar as she finishes her ale, the slides from the barstool.*
"Tensek, it was nice teh be meetin' yeh. Burrleg..."
*She watches as, indeed, he slurps his ale down with much loudness and messiness.*
"...yeh knoow wherre teh find meh laterr. If'n yeh want."
*She looks at him as if she doesn't understand him or he confuses her, then turns and, tossing her cloak about her, leaves.*
[to Elsewhere]
General nuisance?
"Nah.. she's a sweet lass, but I don't have listen to a lecture about wether or not I've built a damned bath!! The door ain't even on yet!"
Burleg wipes his mouth, sleeve-like, and has a drink.
You were going to put a door on it?
A door on a cave... How astounding.
Burleg waves his hands in the air to show some sort of shape
I suppose you're right.
Burleg pays for them both a room, and for hodge to be stabled for the night.
"This one's on me, sleep well"
Burleg retires to his room
fast play around 8 hours, should have rested yesterday
After sleeping Tensek silently grabs his things and creeps downstairs making his way to the bar Tensek sits down at the far end and is soon approached by Bavil.
Yeah wha'd'you want?
Something to eat...
Than go sit at a table.
Tensek blinks and looks at Bavil for a moment before he relocates to the closest table and waits in silence staring at the half melted candle sitting on the table. After a short wait Cleatrice places a small plate of food infront of Tensek.
Thank you...
Without a word Cleatrice walks off leaving Tensek to eat in silence.
"Bring me the same!"
He shouts over his shoulde, then turns to Tensek.
"Well you up fer some underground huntin?"
Always up for a hunt.
"It's a nice place. Cozy."
*she walks up to the Inn with Lucian and looks at the outside appearance*
.oO(Doesn't look to bad...)
*she smiles as Lucian opens the door for her*
Thankyou.
*nods*
Yes it looks quite cozy.
oO. (Been a long time since I've last eaten here...)
"What brought you to the city?"
*when the drinks arrive she nods her head in thanx and takes a drink*
I live in the forest and certain occurances brought me into the city and have been here ever since.
*she takes another drink*
"Interesting..
So what about you, what can you tell me about yourself?
"I'm an actor by profession and unemployed by choice.
He grins.
Well everyone has their ways.
*she takes another drink*
So you are an actor? What sort of acting do you do?
"Depends on the time and place I guess. What do you do?"
I'm a healer and a naturalist of sorts. I live on my own and provide my own ways.
*she takes another drink*
So what do you do besides acting?
"Thanks."
After both have their meals in front of them, Lucian continues.
"Not much, acting keeps me busy when I have work."
He starts into his meal.
"Try the broth, it's quite good."
Mmmm..quite good.
*she smiles*
You have very good taste.
*she takes another drink and eats some more. While she eats she thinks about what Verinal said about repaying the debt owed to Shae and Kywyn, but soon brushes it out of her mind and focuses on the present*
*she smiles at Lucian and continues to finish her meal*
Lucian eats slowly enjoying his dinner, often looking up at Anaya and seeing her deep in thought.
oO.(A person's thought are their own buisness...)
Finishing his meal, the young man wipes his face and sits back. Full and content.
*she smiles as he sits back, content*
So what's on your mind?
"Not much...."
oO. (Uh...)
"What interests you? I mean, obviously nature does... but what do you enjoy doing?"
Well I love to sing...and I like to help others whenever I can.
*she shrugs*
I guess you could say I am bit of a mercenary at times.
*she smiles and takes another drink*
What about you? What do you like to do?
He finishes his ale.
"Where can I meet with you again?"
The best place to find me would be Nobody's Inn..I'm there most of the time and if I'm not there I usually am at the park or the Last Lich.
"I'd best be off, till next we meet sweet flower!"
He walks out of the inn tapping his walking stick against the ground.
To Elsewhere
oO. (I wonder if Brodda'll remember.)
.oO(Well, Ah'm herre. Ah wonderr if Lucian was actually able teh do anythin' forr meh.)
oO. (Stupid daylight... couldn't it just wait untill I've gone to bed?)
He sees Brodda in the door.
"Lady Brodda!"
He winces as the regulars glare death at him.
"Sir Lucian, how fare ye this day?"
*As she formally curtsies, her eyes betray a glimmer of mirth at the formality of it.*
"However, I'd be much better off if it was later. I had a late night and the daylight is unbecoming of one such as myself just after they have woken up. How fare you?"
"Ah'm farrin' prretty well, thank yeh. Had a fairrly good night."
*She waves down a waitress and orders an ale.*
"'Tis good you had a good rest. I'm sorry to say though, I haven't found you a job yet. I recently awoke and I appologise. However, I had a few questions I would like to ask you, they may help me find you a job."
"Yeh may ask anythin' yeh want." :D
oO. (I must be careful not to seem too interested.)
"What types of songs do you perform? It'll be better to find a job that suits your skills, than not.
"Ah kin perrforrm all mannerr of songs, as the client may wish, though Ah admit that ballads of love and justice arre meh perrsonal favrrite." :D
"Ah'm a storrytellerr too. Ah'm grreat with childrren."
*Her thoughts lead her momentarily back to the children in her clan. She smiles softly.*
"And Ah play meh rrecorrderr too. Verry well." ;)
"Love songs and tales are very popular....."
Lucian blushes.
oO. (I hate to do this but this'll be the only way...)
"I'm sorry if this is rude or impolite... however, I must ask this question as it will be asked by any who would like to employ you. Do you have any... 'history' that may come back to haunt you? If you don't want to answer then just ignore it..."
Lucian waves the barmaid over and requests two meals, his face a bright scarlet.
.oO(Historry that might haunt meh? Ah doon't knoow any ghosts perrsonally, heh heh.)
*She looks at Lucian, considering her answer but giving him an expression of mild offense.*
.oO(Might he be askin' aboout the time Ah spent in jail? Noo, he woouldn't know aboout that. Even if he did, Ah was clearred of all charrges.)
"Ah'm surre Ah doon't knoow what yeh mean, Lucian. What historry might that be?"
"I am very sorry Brodda.... You said you were good with children and parents are very protective of their children...."
His eyes flicker with regret, just for an instant though.
"I just wanted to know if I could say you'd be trustable."
"Yeh kin tell them that they'rre childrren could not be in betterr hands."
*She drinks from her mug.*
oO. (Whew...)
Lucian thank the barmaid for the meals and sets into it. Eating slowly, trying to gauge Brodda's emotion.
*She watches Lucian eat, trying to judge his motivations.*
.oO(He seems like a geniuinely nice felleh and verry eagerr teh help meh. What is his connection with Mundavai, if therre is a connection morre than stayin' at The Fox?)
*Her thoughts turn to the dark-haired halfling, memory of his voice still nagging at her.*
.oO(Why is it that his voice botherrs meh so? Ah've neverr met him beforre.)
*She shakes her head and smiles at her dinner partner.*
"What brings yeh to Garric's, Lucian? Business orr pleasurre?"
"Not buisness, nor pleasure friend Brodda. I have lived here my whole life. Not that my life is a long time by your standerds, but long enough for one of my kind."
He stirs a potato around on his plate,
"Yourself? You seem know your way around quite well."
.oO(Lived herre all his life? In this corrupted human town?)
*She shudders thinking what kind of things he may have seen or experienced through the years.*
"Ah didn't think Garric's had been herre that long. Somehow Ah thought it was a rrelatively new city."
*She eats a bit more from her plate.*
"Ah've been herre a shorrt while. But Ah spend a lot of time wanderrin' aboout, taking in all therre is to see."
oO. (It's really odd that you have no idea about the other side of the city...)
"A really beautiful sight is the river on a cloudless night. The moon makes the river shimmer silver."
Lucian looks at Brodda, sipping his ale.
"Mmm. Ah loove the moon. Night is most cerrtainly meh favrrite time of day." :D
*She finishes with her supper and returns her attention to the ale.*
oO. (She is a honestly good person that cares about other people.... A strong sense of justice as well. Fool. She doesn't know that everybody will eventually let you down.)
"As with me. I find the day much too bright. I can't understand why humans obsess over working in the day-time."
"Night is a much betterr time t'accomplish things, though dwarrves have an advantage overr most otherr folk in that rregarrd."
*She chuckles*
"Ah suppose they do it so they kin see what they'rre dooin'." :D
*She sits back in her seat and gazes at Lucian, her hand playing on the empty mug.*
.oO(What arre yeh thinkin' rright now, frriend? If yeh grrew up in this toown arre yeh as corrupt as the rrest?)
"That would prove a good reason..
He notices her glass is empty.
"Would you care for something else to drink?
oO. (Brodda, Brodda, Brodda... you were aroud the Fox all day. Smoking, what a vile habit that is, not only will the scent give you away, but it's gahstly expensive.)
.oO(Ah need teh stay alerrt. This isn't like rrelaxin' overr at Nobody's...)
*She considers her drinking match with Burleg and nearly laughs out loud.*
"Aye, one morre woould be delightful, thank yeh."
.oO(But no morre than that, ol' girrl!)
"Then perrhaps a walk in the dwindlin' sun forr a cooupl'a nightwalkerrs?"
*She smiles*
"The ale here is really quite good, isn't it?
Lucian listens to Brodda and smiles.
"A walk would do me considerable good.
*She smiles and drinks her ale.*
oO. (Hm... I don't know how long I'll be able to afford taking ladies out to dinner...)
He smiles calmly and sips his ale.
*As she drinks, she continues gazing at Lucian, trying to gain some insight into his actions, however unable to do so. As far as she can tell he is simply a nice guy. It isn't too much longer before she finishes her drink.*
"That was tasty. This seems to be a nice establishment."
"Aye, it's a very nice place... Shall we walk?"
He puts two gold on the table, and stands. Leaning against his walking stick.
"Aye! We shall!"
*She stands and, after collecting her things, heads for the door, humming a light, after-dinner tune.*
oO. (Now how am I supposed to find out who she knows?)
Elsewhere!
The body stumbles upstairs and into a room, blushes bright red at the sight inside and slams the door shut, and stumbles instead into a definitely empty room with an empty bed.
The bed is not empty for long. It is soon occupied by one schnoring half-orc and a squashed orc doll with one eye.
Sensandela bolts upright and promptly falls out of bed with a thud - "OOF!" - onto the cold wooden floor.
"I'm awake," she mumbles, "really..." and crawls to the side of the bed.
With much effort does she throw an arm onto the mattress, followed by the other, to drag herself to her feet. At least, such was the intention. Before she can rise from the floor, her face falls into the mattress.
"Wab ab I doog doday?"
Her tired brain makes a mental checklist.
.oO(Get food. Ah, that was easy.)
She raises her head briefly to glance at the orc doll, lying prone beside the pillow. She watches it for a moment. It doesn't move or insult her. She lets her face fall into the mattress again.
.oO(Possibly find that church again before I leave this place forever, juuust in case Dolly needs an exorcism.)
.oO(Okay. That's the plan. Now, as soon as I get up, I will go find food. Yep. As soon as I can get up. As soon as I...)
.oO(My hair! What if I have bed-head??)
She pivots and dashes to the mirror. There she rubs at her face, smoothes her hair, and swabs out the innocent eye boogers that had sought shelter in the corners of her eyes as she slept. Finally she seems satisfied; she smiles delightedly at her reflection.
.oO(I love you, you beautiful hunk of half-orc! Love! Lovelovelovelovelove--)
Her stomach interrupts this moment with a polite, yet firm ploob. Sensandela blinks, then releases the mirror from her amorous bear-hug to stare down at her gut.
Straight-on view of Sensandela's door from the hall. For a moment, it is quiet inside, then--
The door bursts open, and in a chaotic flurry of arms and legs, the half-orc stumbles down the stairs. From there she leaps into a chair at an empty table and orders herself a lunch. The barmaid delivers to her the bowl of soup in exchange for the proffered silver and promptly retreats, but not without giving the girl a mystified look over her shoulder every now and then.
Sensandela gazes lovestruck into the bowl.
.oO(I love you, food. Love! Lovelovelovelovelove!
)She digs in without ever once hugging the bowl.
(But I can still see soup on the sides!)Oo. she whines and slumps in the chair.
Only with much difficulty does she manage to push herself to her feet and walk away. She cringes with each footstep of distance that is newly set down between her and her one true love. However, giving in to a moment of weakness, she glances back from the doorway, only to find that her love has been unfaithful. As soon as the half-orc turned her back, the bowl went off with the barmaid into the kitchen for a hot and steamy dunk in the sink.
(Harden your heart, girl!)Oo. Sensandela thinks and clenches her fist at her side. .oO(There-There will be other soups, I know there will!)
With that rallying thought, she leaves the inn in search of home.
[To the Market, men! CHARGE!]
one evening ago
*Tenek once again makes his way to the Blue Pumpkin to spend the night.*
Catching up
*Tensek leaves the inn heading out to find Anaya.*
"Hello there."
"Hello. What nay I do for you?"
*Tagg looks around behind the woman and spots a menu.*
"Eh... I'll have a glass of ale."
*he puts down a few copper pieces on the bar*
"Coming right up."
*she collects the money and goes to fill up a glass*
*she returns and places the glass of ale on the counter in front of Tagg*
*Tagg sips at the drink*
"So, nice inn here. Whats your name?"
"Cleatrice, dear. Would you like something else? Perhaps something to eat?"
"No thank you, I'm good."
The next few moments pass in silence, and Tagg notices Cleatrice staring over at a nearby table occupied by a couple of people; Tagg couldnt quite make them out. However, he could tell by the look of concentration on her face that she was eavesdropping. Tagg pricks up his ears slightly and hears a few sniblets of the conversation, about mundane happenings. He drops his ears again and looks at Cleatrice. She eventually notices his gaze and blushes slightly, then mumbles something about leaving something out and scurries off to a backroom. Tagg stares at his drink, and slowly sips at it.
*early morning*
Tagg eventually finishes his drink and stands up. The woman had not reappeared, but he didnt care much. He got up and left, then mounted Brie and rode away to nobody's for Brie to stay for the moment.
[to nobody's inn]
Before long Cleatrice comes over.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"I'll have an ale."
"Alright, I'll be right back."
True to her word, she is back before long, maybe from the fact she's done this for most her life, or perhaps from the faxct that there is noone else in the bar except for the regulars who are quite content with their drinks.
"Can I get you anything else?"
"Actually I was wondering if you had a certain performer here."
"Look hon, I'm not stupid and neither are you. Does this place really look all that keen on having an entertainer?"
Lucin blushes extensively, right to his pointed ears.
"I guess that's a no..."
The barmaid rolls her eyes.
"That's right. And that's the answer to all your other questions as well. Gooday sir."
Lucian slides a bit lower in his chair as she walks by. oO. (Yikes...)
He finishes the ale and pays with a 5 copper tip before almost running out of the inn.
A tall, handsome man looks at his surroundings in malice and disgust. His cold, coal black eyes look from wretch to wretch. He is sitting very uncomfortably, most likely in an attempt to keep his rich clothes from getting tarnished. Rolling his gloved and ring adorn fingers impatiently on the table he waits. Soon cloaked figure enters and sits don’t at the table. His face, and clothes wrapped in a gray cloak. He orders an ale.
“Good evening Gerard…” says the well dressed chap with a cynical curl of his lip
“NO NAMES!!” pleads the disguised man.
“You are so weak. Who in here knows you? NONE! None of these.. these pitiful creatures dare enter your sections of the city, be a man! “ he laughs to himself and then turns to a very somber look.
“What have you risked your life and career for this week? He asks very condescendingly
“The Jackals.. they are attempting to rebuild they’re forc..”
“Tell me something that a dotard could not figure out on his own.” He interrupts.
“Nuh.. Nothing new has ha-happened, the Guild is mostly gone out on some quests and..”
“Yet you continue with this rabble.. “ he interrupts again, his voice without patience.
He continues, “Know this Gerard, your usefulness to us has become less of late. You’ve grown weak, and I for one think you are and have been over paid. How old is your son now, seven? “
“You wouldn’t dare!!!”
“I would and know this, you are nothing to me, and I keep you alive because I am ordered too. You have one week to give me results worth sparing you over. To me you are a liability, one I would get pleasure in seeing grovel in pain.” His voice is calm and quiet but his eyes tell the tale of the very determined and serious threat that has just been issued. He stands wiping his cape and swearing below his breath. “I fear you could not pay the ransom we placed on your son’s head.. earn him the right to live, and yourself as well. He pauses and smiles “I suppose you regret ever agreeing to work for us now don’t you..”
The cloaked man’s face, now uncovered in his distress, cannot hide his fear…His eyes dart wildly around, as his stomach burns with horror. .oO(I must turn myself in, it is the only way..NO! Fool, he would kill my family, Hunter could not protect them)
The well dressed man leaves with a grimace leaving Gerard to sit, shaking in his chair.
"Good evening."
"Hello, sir. Would you like something to drink?" [i]A middle-aged woman answers from behind the counter.
Tagg shakes his head slightly.
"No thank you. But I need some information. Marco..."
Tagg freezes as he spots a familiar face in the corner of his eye. Marco Farther, no doubt...
"Excuse me..."
Tagg stands up and watches the man sitting at the table a few moments, nodding his head slightly towards the ground. He begins to walk slowly towards the table, until he is about ten feet away. Noting that him or one of his company may be armed, Tagg is careful not to get close enough to be within melee range.
"Marco Farther. . ." he says, gaining the attention of the table.
"Out planning another... raid... with the gang, are we?"
Letting a hand nonchalantly stray a few inches from a sword on his holster, he waits for a reaction.
The one eyed gnome, spares him a quick glance and then looks back down at his mug of ale.
Marco takes a minute to look at Tagg.
"Do I know you, elf?"
Marco scoots his chair back from the table to give him room to move.
The greasy man does the same.
"Because I don't take kindly to strangers making accusations of me."
His hand moves towards the scimiter on his belt.
Tagg glares at the man for a few moments before continuing.
"Hm. I'm ashamed you don't remember me; perhaps you've had a little too much grog. Let me refresh your memory."
"In the woods, a couple weeks ago. You with an.. assailant.. jumped me. Ring a bell? Maybe not."
"In the woods again, a few days before you jumped me. You stole a wedding band from a man hunting. Anything?"
Tagg's eyes jump towards the human before focusing back in on Marco.
"You're that pesky little elf that tried to rob me and my brother. I should have killed you then."
The gnome looks up again and shakes his head, before getting up and moving to another table.
The greasy man smiles at Tagg.
Marco watches the gnome as he leaves and then stands up.
"Obviously you didn't learn your lessom then."
"And my brothers not here to save you this time."
Marco takes a few steps towards Tagg. A few of the bar patrons clear out of his way. The greasy man leans back in his chair.
Marco yells out to the bartender.
"Don't bother going to fetch the guards. This will be over before you get out the door."
Marco draws out the scimiter.
"No sense in bringing them in for an obvious case of self defense."
"You all heard him threatening me."
"Right?"
The greasy man nods enthusiasticilly.
A few other patrons do it a bit more reluctantly.
The bartender and the gnome both shake their heads in disbelief. A few other patrons slip out of the door.
"Go ahead and attack me elf."
"Why, you might find it difficult to wield a weapon that doesnt belong to you."
Tagg hints at his scimitar being held by Marco. He looks carefully at the man, ready to make a move at a moment's notice.
[draw 2 short swords]
Marco holds the scimiter ready."And this blades definetly in my hands."
"What are you going to do about it?"
Marco laughs.
[attack with both]
He clears the distance between them in seconds and his blade sinks into Marcos side.
Marco flinches and stumbles back, waving the scimiter about hoping to get a strike in.
He doesn't.
Blood pours from the wound.
The patrons of the inn all clear away from the two contestants.
.oO( Well I dont think he's in a submissive state yet.. Might take some more persuading)
Tagg leaving little time to let Marco recover, quickly stepping forward and taking two more slashes at the man from opposite angles to try and lessen the chances of him evading, trying to avoid hitting vital parts.
[attack with both]
He drops to his knees.
The greasy fellow at the table leaps to his feet and starts to draw his sword.
The gnome at the counter yells out. "Leave it in the sheath!"
"The elf beat'em fair and square."
Marco attempts to get to his feet but falls over flat on his face.
"Take what's yours and get out of here elf!"
"You lucked out this time. Don't press it any further today."
The gnome moves towards Marco and stands over him.
"You aren't really in the position to be giving ultimatems, are you?"
He presses the sword a little further before withdrawing it.
"I didn't think so."
Tagg walks over and picks up his scimitar and short sword, then pokes around the man's body findind a meager supply of gold which he takes.
He is about to stand up when he notices several rings lining Marco's fingers, one of them a light plain silver band. Tagg runs his fingers over it and slips it off. He examines it more closely.
.oO( Hm.. This appears to be the ring I am supposed to find. )
Tagg slips the ring into a pocket and places two of the short swords into the holsters as he stands up. Having no more sheaths on him currently, Tagg carries his own blades in hand. He walks towards the door, then turns back a final time to scan the area before stepping out. Marco still lying on his face and the other man standing next to him proved no threat, he turns back and steps out of the inn and walks down the streets back to nobody's.
[to nobodys inn]
She stands just inside the door, apprehensive, glancing back and forth between the bartender and the barmaid.
.oO(Who is more likely to have a sickness-stuffed nose incapable of olfactory function?)
The man glares at her, and she hastily approaches the woman.
"I'd like a room for the night - and a sponge and bucket of hot water. And soap," Sensandela says conspiratorially and presses a gold and four copper pieces into the woman's waiting hand.
The elder woman glances and raises a brow at the coins in her hand. She listens to them clink against each other for a moment.
Then the smell hits her.
As she reels in a slight daze, the half-orc dashes past her, up the stairs to an empty room. She lets her pack fall onto the bed and waits, expecting the angry bartender to burst inside at any moment, bellowing at her through a pinched nose to leave. Lucky for them, none of the inn staff pursue.
Sensandela glances up as the door opens slightly. A feminine arm thrusts a bucket and sponge inside. A lump of soap floats merrily on the surface. She takes the bucket and says, "Tha - " as the freed arm shuts the door firmly.
For a moment, the half-orc stands motionless in the empty room. Then she disrobes and starts scrubbing.
When she finally finishes, she crawls, wet and dripping, into bed.
"....Gerrug might defintely have an advantage therre."
Brodda chuckles.
After entering, Brodda looks around for someone who looks like they might be named Daron Haldar.
.oO(Human, Ah'd wagerr... smallish maybe... )
"Ehm, what am Ah lookin' ferr?"
"Human, black hair, middle aged, big and muscular."
"I don't see him, but last time he dissapeared he came back to town in a disguise."
"Remeber the third place winner in last springs tournement? That was him."
"He might be doing that again."
"I should recognize his voice though if I hear it. If I can hear someone playing a flat e minor instead of a d from a mile away I should be able to hear a voice I recognize don't you think?"
Minto hands Brodda an ale and then walks into the crowd. "Lets mingle."
"Why disguise himself when rreturrnin' home? Did he do soomethin' he might be ashamed of?"
.oO(And if that's the case, why rreturrn home at all?)
When Minto asks if she remembers the third place winner in the tournament, she blushes slightly.
"Ah was... prreoccupied durrin' the tourrnament. Ah neverr got a chance teh watch much of it."
She clears her throat and looks ironically at the mug of ale handed to her by Minto at that moment.
.oO(Heh, and this is why Ah missed so much o'the tourrnament.) :D
She takes a drink and smiles, following Minto into the crowd, smiling and passing out compliments to those she meets, looking all the while for someone fitting Minto's description of Daron Haldar.
"Pardon me, I'm wondering if you've seen any members of the Silver Sword around? I've heard that they might be able to help me with a proplem I'm having?"
"Have you seen Sir Hermy? or Sir Gamis? Or perhaps Sir Daron Haldar? "
"Hi! Ah'm lookin' ferr soomeone who was s'poosed teh meet meh herre... Haldarr is his name? Have yeh seen 'im?"
His tablemate shakes his head. "Haldar? Haven't seen 'im in months."
Brodda finds a slightly different reaction, as the man she asks eyes her silently. His companion, however, rises and walks around the table.
"This is my man, wench."
Standing with hands on hips, the human woman glares down at Brodda, obviously prepared to defend her turf.
"Yeh..."
.oO(Doon't laugh...)
She looks at this woman's companion again in a new light and bites her lip, her eyes full of mirth.
"Yeh think Ah want 'im?"
She snorts.
"Excuse meh, lass. If 'is name isn't Haldarr, Ah'm not interrested."
She chuckles and moves around the woman.
"Well Kerris did? I wonder if Haldar met the same fate as her? What was that? Knifed in a street and left to die? Or did she just drink herself to death? I was pretty young back then."
"Makes you wonder why anybody would ever consider joining the guards, doesn't it?"
"Are you suggesting my man isn't good enough for the likes of you?"
Her grip on Brodda's shoulder is uncomfortably tight.
Across the room, Minto has gained the attention of at least one woman.
"At least the Guard means steady pay. I never heard Kerris was knifed. She went off with some merc company.
Never came back here, but I don't know as she's dead."
"Ah simply meant that Ah'm lookin' ferr soomeone specific, and Ah'm prretty surre yeh'rre frriend isn't him."
She takes a step back hoping the woman will release her shoulder, and again attempts to move around the woman.
"A more trustworthy bunch you'll never find."
"That's why I'm looking for one of them, but Sir Haldar more then the rest. Even more so then the Great Sir Hermy."
Minto sighs.
"I really need to find him and quick. I don't think you know how grateful I'd be. I'm not a man of wealth but I'd spend my last ten gold to buy a round of drinks for who ever could help me find him."
"Its that serious a thing."
"Well, alright... just don't you be messing with my man..."
She goes backward suddenly as her silent friend pulls her into his lap, and she squeals, forgetting all about the dwarfess.
Minto's target perks up at the mention of coin, saying, "Well, I dunno where he is, but I might know someone who would..."
.oO(It wooldn'a been verry lady-like teh hafta mess herr up in public. Ah'm glad she backed off.)
She winces at the tone of the woman's rediculous squeal, and has a look at the man to see if he at all fits Minto's description of Haldar.
.oO(Ah woould hope this isn't the frriend he's lookin' ferr. Disgustin' display...)
She moves on and smiles, asking about a man named Haldar.
.oO(Ah'm not gettin' anywherre this way... think lass!)
"Marroc at Nobody's told me I might be able to find someone here who could help me. I was surprised he didn't know."
"I didn't think there was anyone less uyp on rumours then him. I guess I was wrong."
Mintos smile grows bigger.
"And to find out there are two people... you and the person you know... well I'm very happy about that."
"Who is it?"
Minto pretends to struggle with the strings to his purse.
"Let's see what it's really worth to you."
Minto opens up the purse and pulls out five gold coins. He places them in her hand.
"Five for now. Five more if its good information."
"And a big thank you either way."
"Daron Haldar has a horse. I know the farrier that tends his hooves."
"Of course! I can't believe I didn't think of that. Justice. He's a big horse. Kinda hard to hide isn't he?"
"What is the farrier's name?"
"Oh! And thank you."
.oO(Ah hoope Minto has had betterr luck than meh.)
She goes off in search of him. When she finds him chatting with someone, she keeps her distance and goes to wait near the door.
She puts away the other coins with a satisfied air.
"Thank you, ummm, I don't think I got your name?"
"And I'd like to be able to know who to thank when the task is completed."
"And of course you never know when I'll need help from a knowledgable person again."
Minto gives Maggie a quick bow, and then hurries over to Brodda. "I've got a lead. I forgot all about Daron's horse."
"He won't be to far from it. And I know where it might be."
"There is a shop over near the Iron Chain. Its where Justice gets his hoofs worked on."
"Let's go check it out."
Minto opens the door for Brodda and then follows her out.
To Elsewhere
The bartender does not look happy to see them there either.
"I told you not to come back in here!"
The halflings all respond.
"Ya told us noit ta coime back without supervision. Oim supervising us!"
"Yeah 'ad a vote an everything!"
"An Davvo told us ta vote fer 'im."
"Oi voted fer Cog the Dog!"
"Oi voted fer me."
Havin some trouble sir? He says to the barkeep before turning an eye to the halflings. Looking at thier foot wear inparticular.
.o0(great, a small mob of pintsized trouble... this is not looking good..)
"These trouble makers here were told not to come back after they started a brawl last time they were here."
One of the halflings butts in.
"We didna stort it. That guy 'oo said that Dorker was more o' a 'ero then 'Ermy storted it."
"No he didn't! "
If the man told you not to come back here, why dont you just go someplace else? He asks the halflings.
And who is 'Ermy? he asks with a puzzled look.
"oose 'Ermy? 'e's only the greatest 'alfling ever."
"We're 'is students."
"Oim 'is dog. Roof!"
"An the guy told us not ta coime back unless wese supervised an we is now."
"An we don't want ta go no where else."
"Oll the tough guys coime 'ere."
"So of course we'd coime 'ere. Wese tough."
"Yeah, ifen the good apples 'adn't been put out o'reach we wouldna 'ad ta cloimb on it."
"An the other people are just mad cause they don't loike us cause we're frum Brannon's Run."
"Yeah, an cause we're young."
"An goodlooking."
"An we're gunna be 'eroes."
"An dogs."
"They're just jealous."
"Yeah."
Try toi be more careful then, or at least help to put the cart right side up...
Any of you know about an 'alftuck thats been out robbin people 'round here? Brand asks the mini mob.
"Oi know 'e smells funny. Worse then Mick even."
"Yea we 'ate 'avetucks. They're trouble."
"If Oi se 'em, Oi'll teach 'im roight."
"Oi know 'avetucks toilk fonny. Ya cint understand 'em."
"What halftuck are you talking about?"
"Ya theres more then one. 'Ermy's a 'avetucks uncle, but all of Brannons Run forgives 'im fer that."
"Whoi da ya want ta know. Its best ta just ignore them."
I'm tryin to catch him before he hurts some one again.
But i need to know more about them because so far im getting no where.
"'ave ya tried the sewers. 'avetucks smell loike they spend a lot o'toime in the sewers."
"Oi'd ask Marroc Brambleburr, 'e knows everything that goes on in the city."
"I'd ask my Aunt Iris. She knows even more of everything when it has to do with halflings."
"Even if the halflings are halftucks."
"Oi don't think they are."
Oh, and do try to be helpful to people if you accidentaly knock something over. He says calling back over his shoulder as he steps out onto the street.
Onward to elsewhere
Originally posted by Tyros Elessar
Hum... Very well. I was hoping to meet those little men again. They are amusing.
Tyros heads back to the Blue Pumpkin.
.oO(Wonder how the halftuck can swim... maybe he floats...
As Tyros enters the inn, he notices the horde of halflings have moved to a table and have started building building a tower of empty glasses.
The bartender lurks nearby, looking very worried, but the pile of gold coins on the table, seems to be keeping him from saying anything.
Hello, little ones.
Did you buy all those glasses just to build a tower? Doesn't seem too stable... "It's plenty stable It's this inn wot aint stable."
"We bought these glasses fer the drinks in them. We're just buildin this tower cause the bartender said we 'ad ta pay fer any glasses we broke."
"So ifen wese goina 'ave ta pay fer 'em, we're gunna break them."
"An Oi figure we moight as well do soimethin constructive with 'em first."
"Yeah, so were gunna build a statue o' glasses."
"A statue of the bartender."
"People will coime from all over ta see it."
"Yeah, it's good fer buisness roight?"
"Yeah, the place has already made a lot just off of us."
"Or those pants made o' doggie?"
"We'll we're payin a lot fer these glasses."
"That's whoi the bartender stopped complainin about us droivin away customers. We're gunna bring more in."
"Ta see our statue."
"Yeah."
.oO(
)A statue? What is a statue? I haven't heard of any "statue" in common language. Maybe in elven... but not in common.
Doggie?
So what are you going to do with the "Statue" after you've broken the glasses?
Yeah, an' we're gonna hide behind that table over there an' wait for the pigeons.
Then we'll kill the pigeons, an' take 'em back to the Silver Sword for Volos to cook.
Inna pie.
Yeah, a pigeon pie!
With gravy!!
Volos? Oh, Sir Hermy's friend? And what about Sir Hermy? Where is he?
This ought to be good...
Hermy? He's off doin' hero stuff.
Yeah, he's rescuin' a lady from a farm.
Why's she need rescuin' from a farm?
Farmin's a lotta work, that's why!
But farms got goats an' chickens, an' goats are fun, an' chickens lay eggs.
Chickens are fun too.
Not as much fun as goats. Goats are sneaky, then they knock people down.
Tyros can't help but also lay down behind the table, among the halflings.
Sooo... they will be coming fast, won't they? What are you gonna hit them with?
"We're goina throw money at im,"
"Ya, ya cin git almost anythin if ya throw enough money at it."
"Yeah, when Oi get enough money Oim gunna slay me a dragon."
"It takes a lot o'money ta throw at a dragon. Ya've got ta throw more then they already 'ave."
"Pidgeans aint as expensive."
"But theys more expensive 'ere then they are out in the forset"
"Thats cause theys worth more."
A gnome girl dressed like the boys sighs.
"Shouldn't we do something more productive. We could have bought chickens with all the gold you guys have spent."
One of the boys gives her a stern look.
"A 'ero never does things the easy way."
The girl stares back.
"Catching pidgeons is a lot easier then doing something productive."
The boy looks back.
"Not if ya know wot yer doing."
"Which Oi does."
""There aint nuthin Oi can't catch ifen Oi complicate things enough."
.oO(
You kill a dragon by throwing money at it? A lot of money? Pidgeons are less expensive in the forest? Worth more? Chickens are productive???? How the hell are animals hurt by money? Sure they are made of metal but still... wouldn't it be better if someone used swords made out of money? Or arrows, even? I never payed for a deer before... I wonder if I owe anyone any money for not doing that. )Can you give me some money to throw at the pidgeons? If you say they are worth more, than we could catch pidgeons until we have enough money to throw at a dragon.
"We're only gunna catch twenty four pidgansm, thats 'ow many ya need fer a pie."
"Yeah it would take forever ta get enough pidgans ta kill a dragon."
"An we need ta be back ta the guild before Volos notices we're gone."
"Ya 'e might not miss us fer a few'hours, but after a few years 'e moight get suspicious."
"An probaboly send us ta bed without dinner."
"Oi want moi dinner. "
"An Oi don't wanna go ta bed."
"Oi don't wanna be a toad. Oi wanna be a frog instead. They're greener."
"..."
""Oim 'opin a pidgan shows up soon. "
"Oim 'opin one shows up sooner then soon."
"I'm hoping one doesn't and we can go home."
"No ones makin ya stay."
"Well actually..."
"'ave you ever 'unted pidgans?
"Ya, 'or anythin else?"
"We're all master 'unters."
"Yeah, once we start 'untin somethin, it cin be considered 'unted."
I am a hunter of profession. I hunt to make sure I get some food... or at least it used to be so. You can hunt well? I should take you all in a hunting trip through the woods in these lands. We could catch boars and deers, and if we're lucky, we can get ourselves a good adventure.
And pidgeons. We could also hunt some pidgeons, too. Of course I would be using arrows instead of gold coins.
Tyros holds the gold coin tightly in his hand, waiting for a pidgeon to come by.
You are sure there are pidgeons that come in here, yes?
.oO(I wonder what the shoe is for...
) "Of course thar will be pidgins in 'ere. Once we get the statue built."
"Theres always pidgins around statues."
The last of the young halflings (the one that gave Tyros the shoe) gets up and moves towards Brand pointing at his mask.
"Yer 'iding!"
The rest of the halflings ignore him and continue talking to Tyros.
"We went goblin 'untin a whiole ago, an then we went gnome 'untin."
"An badger 'untin too!."
"Nah, we wasn't badger 'untin they was just there with the gnome!"
"Yeah, in the 'aunted 'ouse."
"Yeah, ya don't 'ave ta go inta the woods ta go huntin, theres plenty a 'untin ya cin do 'ere in the city."
"An ya don't 'ave ta sleep in the dirt afterwards."
"An ya don't get as dirty. An that means ya don't 'ave ta take a bath as often."
The halfling pointing at Brand stops pointing and pokes him in the knee.
"Yer it!".
He takes off running out the door of the inn.
.oO(Wonder what he's got under the mask... )
Tyros continues to look at the little halfling jumping and pointing at Brand and becomes stuned when he pokes Brand and runs away.
It? What's it? Tyros asks the other halflings.
Brand sits there for a moment when the young hafling pops up and said he was hiding.
I am not hid.... Before he can finish the sentence the young one runs off.
Oh great... now what?
What does he mean, I'm it? Brand asks the other halflings.
The crowd lets out a few loud curses, and are joined by the innkeeper.
"Allright! That's enough! Get out of my inn! And don't set foot in here again!"
The horde bolts for the door pointing at Brand. "Ya cint catch us!"
They all run out into the street.
Brand looks around the room usure what to do. Finally looking to Tyros,
Uh.... now what?
"If you guys are with those terrors, I think it might be best if you leave as well."
Brand looks at the Barkeep with a bit of surprise.
With them? Not I, I just needed to ask them something, but it seems they have more.. important tasks at hand.
If its all the same to you I'll leave anyways, since I have no reason to stay.
With that Brand heads out of the Inn and out into the streets and heads towards the market.
"After you my Lady."
Once they have both entered Minto looks around for an open table, and then escorts Brodda to it.
The bartender meets them there.
"Yer boys made a rather large mess in here earlier. I don't want them coming back in here. Suopervised or not."
Minto sighs. "I'll see to it. "
"And I apologize as well. Do they have an outstanding bill I need to cover?"
The bartender shakes his head. "No, they paid for what they broke and then some, but they scared away a few of my regular customers."
"Just keep them under control and away from here and we're good."
Minto nods.
"Now that thats out of the way. what can I get for you two?"
Minto smiles and then locks eyes on Brodda. "Drinks for starters. What would you like my dear?"
As she enters, she makes sure her demeanor is friendly and warm, looking like she's looking forward to an evening of fun (which is certainly true enough), but she keeps her ears and eyes open for older or retired members of the city's guard.
After the bartender airs his complaints, Brodda's smile falters momentarily.
"Boys?"
She shakes her head, figuring it must be Hermy's troupe of halfling children whom he's supposed to be training.
.oO(Thoose booys rrreally ought teh have moore stable surrooundin's. Soomeone teh keep an eye on them, make surre they eat theirr vegetables and go teh bed at a rreasonable hoourr. Therre's only so much poorr Volos cin do.)
She lets the matter pass from her thoughts for the moment as her eyes twinkle at Minto.
"Ah'd like teh trry soome o' those spirrrits. Not that Ale's gettin' oold, but Ah'd like teh trry soomethin' a bit different."
"Oh, and could you leave the bottle? We don't want to be disterbed."
The bartender nods and then heads back behind the bar.
Minto smiles at Brodda. "We don't want to get too drunk yet, but we can take the bottle with us when we go."
"Aye. Ah want teh rrememberr this night."
Brodda looks around casually, to see if anyone might be looking too interested in her and Minto, or their conversation.
.oO(Be carreful, lass. Yeh neverr knoow who might be trryin' teh listen in. Especially if worrd has sprread that yeh'rre lookin' forr things in places soome people might not want yeh lookin'.)
"Minto, Ah feel like playin' soome music. Yeh doon't mind, do yeh?"
She pats his hand, kisses him, then looks around for a stage or dias. Seeing none, and sensing from the atmosphere that this isn't exactly a place people go for a show, she remains seated and pulls out her shiny recorder.
.oO(Need teh get this crrowd warrmed up teh meh.)
She lifts the instrument to her lips and starts off low -- barely audible -- with a tune that sings of stressful times and troubles; something her audience can relate to and empathize with. The volume slowly increases to where it is the same volume as the murmuring of the crowd about her. Then she pushes it up a notch and makes small, minor alterations in the sense of the music, giving her audience the feeling of being somewhere comfortable, somewhere safe, where they can relax among friends.
Minto leans back in his chair, and watches as Brodda begins performing. When the drinks arrive he quietly pays for them and then continues watching as Brodda plays her recorder.
.o0(That is one lucky musical instrument. And a lovely song. Once we are done investigating for the night, I hope my lips are... oh yeah, investigating. Must keep my mind on buisness. They'll be time enough for kissing afterwards. And there will be kissing. Lots and lots of...)
Minto quickily shakes the distracting thoughts from his head and then smiles at Brodda and takes great care to look away from her, and concentrate on the barcrowd.
.o0(That looks like the guard they call the Bear over there? I wonder if he knows anything about Captain Kerris. Maybe I should wonder over there and kiss... umm, ask him.)
Minto gets up from his chair, and mouths a "be right back" to Brodda and makes his way across the bar.
.oO(Hopefully this tune will put everryone in a relaxed, talkative state.)
She breaks long enough to have a sip of her drink before she continues on with the music.
Minto points at an empty bar stool next to the guardsman. The Bear grunts, and continues watching Brodda play.
Minto sits next to him. "She's pretty good isn't she? "
The Bear grunts again.
"I'm with her you know. "
Bear grunts again still transfixed on Brodda.
"Would you like to met her when she's done? I could introduce you?"
The Bear curls his lips. "IGo try plying your trade on someone else Slick. I'm with the guards, and I don't want to have to turn her in."
"What? My trade? I'm a bard sir, like her."
"Call yourself whatever you want, just don't try it on me. You I have no objections to arresting."
Minto looks around. "Are you implying that I... thats she's... I'm afraid you have it very wrong Sir."
"That's the spirit. We'll just pretend you never tried to solici.."
"Oi didn't!"
The Bear takes his eyes off Brodda long enough to stare down Minto. "Like I said...
Minto interupts and stares back. "I came over to you to ask you a few questions about a former guard captain that Brodda and I are investigating."
"I assure you, if I were... if Brodda were,,, well certainly not with you thats for sure!"
The Bear grabs him by the shirt collar. "And why not me?"
Minto squirms trying to get out of his grasp. "Well you are a guardsman for one thing."
The Bear lets go. "And don't you forget it."
Minto straigtens his clothes. "I won't. Now... Bear isn't itr?.. Well Bear, would you mind answering a few questions for the lady?"
"Whats in it for me?"
"A few drinks, and perhaps another song afterwards. Otherwise we'll have to go find another place to find a guard who knows something about Captain Kerris."
"Kerris? What do you want to know about her?"
"As much as you can tell us."
Bear shrugs. "All right. Once the song is over. I'll be wanting a few shots of Golden Halls."
"Now shut up and let me hear the song."
Minto nods and moves away.
A little annoyed at first, then entertained by the gnome's spryness, despite his over-indulgence of drink, she nods a greeting to him across the room. He grins, nods back, and moves closer to her. As he does, she looks around the room to find Minto sitting beside someone. He gives her a slight nod, and Brodda turns back to the gnome, who is now standing beside her. She smirks a little, finishes the piece, and slides her recorder into its loop at her belt.
She smiles at the gnome.
"Grreetin's. Yeh've got a bit'o sprryness in yeh, doon'tcha?"
The gnome winks slyly at her.
"When it s-sh-suits me," she slurrs back at her. "That was a lovely piesh of music you were playing there."
"Why thank yeh, sirr. Ah'm a barrd and always loove hearring from meh fans."
"A new fan you have in me, Miss-s-sh...?"
The dwarfess chuckles.
"Brrrodda, at yeh'rre serrvice. And yeh'rre...?"
The gnome gives her another toothy grin.
"Rufus-s-sh. Might I buy you another drink?"
"Oh Rrrufus, Ah'm sorrry... meh date will be rreturrnin' t'the table verry soon."
Rufus looks around, smiles, and bows slightly.
"Perhaps another time, my dear."
And he shuffles away.
Brodda chuckles as she turns back the other direction and sits at the table.
.oO(Oh my, heh heh.)
She takes a long drink.
He blushes as he sets the bottle down.
"I found a guardsman who knew Kerris."
"He should be joining us soon."
Across the barroom, The Bear gets up and strides towards the table.
Brodda looks up and smiles at him and invites him to sit down.
"Please, woon'tcha jooin us?"
When he makes himself comfortable, she opens the bottle and pours a cup of the liquid for him. She sets the bottle down and picks up her own drink.
"Meh name is Brrrodda, finest dwarrven barrdess herreaboouts."
She grins and lifts her glass to the guardsman.
"And herre's t'the men and women who keep this city safe forr us!"
She drinks from her cup, then sets it down and smiles.
"Minto tells meh yeh knew Captain Kerrris. What cin yeh tell us aboout herr?"
Bear chugs his down and then grabs the bottle and takes a deep swig from it.
He wipes his mouth on his sleeve. "I can tell you no one was sad to see her go."
He takes another swig. "I wasn't even in the guards at the time, but my first sarge told me about her."
"She had a lot of enemies on both sides of the law. "
Bear belches and then wipes his mouth again.
.oO(Didn't Ah have moorre than one arrgument with Burrrleg overr behaviorr such as this? Ugh! Hoow can he not be embarrrassed at behaving this way?)
She continues.
"Enemies frrom both sides, yeh say? Werre any names mentioned?"
She keeps a close eye on the bottle, making sure it doesn't empty too quickly.
Bear takes another swig. "Sarge never mentioned any names that I can remember."
"All he would say is that she was taking payoffs and made no secret about it."
"I''m sure he knew from who. He was sharp as a tack back in his day."
He raises the bottle. "To Sarge Joefer. May he rest in peace."
He takes a big gulp and then sets the bottle down. "Once he's dead of course. Hes still to honory to die."
Minto raises his glass.
"To Joefer."
He winks at Brodda.
"Teh Joeferrr!"
She drains her glass and sets it down on the table, winking back at Minto. Then she turns her attention to The Bear.
"Have yeh hearrd what she did when she left The Guarrd, orr what she might be dooin' noow?"
"Sarge mentioned something about a body in a dark alley that he hoped was hers. But as far as I know they could never identify it for sure."
"Not that they tried to hard."
He grabs Minto and Brodda's bottle and takes a drink from it.
"Good riddance to bad rubbish, that's what I say."
"Thank yeh, Bearr. We'll have the barrtenderr brring yeh anotherr bottle."
She gets up and heads for the bar with a smile.
"See that big man overr therre? Please we need anotherr bottle of whateverr Minto had boought forr him. Herre..."
She sets several coins into his hand.
"And Minto and Ah will need anotherr bottle of the Old Red Eye."
The bartender takes the coins, tucking them into his apron, and hands over two bottles. Brodda thanks him and heads back to the table, setting one bottle before Bear. Then she takes Minto's hand and, almost urgently, pulls him out of the inn.
He manages to say a quick good bye to the guards man before leaving.
"Thank you for the help Mister Bear.... And sorry about the earlier misunderstanding."
Once outside the inn, Minto breaks out laughing.
"Well at least we have another name to look into."
"But I think we should wait until tomorrow to look into it."
"The last thing I want to do is wake up a grumpy old ex'guard."
He stops laughing and then wraps his arms around Brodda.
"And the first thing I want to do is tell you how beautiful your performance was in there."
He pushes her up against the wall of the inn, and kisses her.
"That man nearrly made meh toss meh cookies. Ugh! What mannerrs!"
She looks oddly at Minto as he laughs.
"Therre seemed teh be a lot of unease coomin' frrom yeh'rre side of the table. Want teh tell me aboout it?
She laughs merrily as he gets closer to her, finally kissing her.
"Mmmm. Aye, no wakin' up old, rretirred guarrds in the middle of the night.
She wraps her arms about his neck and kisses him.
"Let's get out of herre beforre we get arrested."
He smiles, and then takes her hand.
"Come on, I know somewhere where we won't be disturbe"
"You still have the key to the Mystic Store don't you?"
Minto escorts Brodda towards the shop.
Dravenous slowly walks into the inn, still unsure how well the guard are accepted in various. He looks around at the various people sitting around trying to find the couple that he was sent here for.
Bavril the bartender has Pearl, wrapped in his big arms while she struggles to break free.
"Let me at him! I want a divorce! I want a divorce!"
Dennis is huddled at the other end of the room, holding a cloth up against his forehead A broken bottle lies at his feet..
Dravenous hurrys over to Pearl and tries despretely to calm her.
"Ma'am, please calm down. Getting angry wont help you get a divorce."
Dravenous briefly gestures toward Dennis when he says the word divorce in order to see how badly the wound is affecting him.
Pearl struggles harder to break free of the bartenders grip.
"Calm down! Calm down!"
"Do you know what that man his put me through all these years!"
"Coming home drunk everynight! If he comes home at all!"
"Spending all of our savings on his drink! I couldn't even afford to buy a new dress for my sisters wedding because of his drinking!"
"And you want me to calm down?!!"
She sends a wad of spit towards her husbands direction.
"I don't want a divorce! I want to be a widow!"
"Now let me at him!"
.oO(A non-violent way to calm her down.)
Dravenous tries to maintain a calm voice while talking to her, "I can't let you do that, but unless you calm down I will have to take you away."
"Take me away? Fine, as long as it's away from him."
"I don't ever want to see his face again."
Dravenous notices that her eyes never leave her husband, nor do the loss the fire in them.
"All right, but if the bartender can just take care of you for a minute or two I need to talk to the injured person."
Dennis finally looks over then quickily reteuns to gazing at the floor.
Dravenous slowly backs away from Pearl as if the moment he turns his back on her she will free herself and charge furiously at him. He sits down by Dennis trying to keep one eye on Pearl.
"Dennis? Can you tell me what happened here?" While talking to him Dravenous slowly and cafefully tries to take the broken bottle off of the floor.
"She's never been like this before."
"She usually just nags me when I get home until I pass out."
"She's never actually tried to kill me before."
"Has anything new happened recently that could make her this angry?"
"Yes."
"Can you please tell me what has happened?"
"Our son."
"He left to become an adventurer."
"He said he wanted to make something of his life."
"How long has he been gone and," Dravenous pauses for moment to think about how to ask a very dangerous question, "have you had any word of him since?"
"We haven't heard from him."
He quickily glances at his wife.
"She blames me."
"I'm not much of a father."
"Or a husband."
Looking back at Dennis, Dravenous says, "Everyone makes mistakes in there life, you just need to try and do the best you can. I am going to calm your wife down so just stay here for a minute or two."
Dravenous looks back at the screaming wife with a sort of pity mixed with irritation at himself for not knowing how to help these people.
He then walks up to the wife expecting to be chewed up and spat at while he thinks of a way to calm her down.
"What did that useless waste of breath say?"
"Did he tell you he's been here drinking away our finances for the last few months instead of going to work?"
"At least before he made almost enough to cover what he drank? But not anymore. No. He doesn't need work. He can borrow, beg, or the Mother knows what else to get enough to stay drunk."
"Meanwhile, I have to slave away, working two jobs just so we don't lose our home. Not that that waste of a man would care. He'd live here if they'd let him."
"Do you know how hard it is too work from before sunrise until after sunset, just so your family will have a place to come back too when they feel like coming home? Hmmm, do you?"
"Well I do. And let me tell you what. It's a lot worse then getting hit on the head with a bottle., I'll tell you that. At least the bump will finally go away. Theres no end in sight for the pain for me."
.oO(I need to be patient like the officer said, I just need to talk to her for a while and listen to what she has to say. Ok, she said that that last few months he hasn't been going to work, maybe he left work the same time their son left. I don't want to dig too deep into her life too fast, I'll just take this one step at a time.)
"Why did he stop going to work?"
"It's hard to be a full time drunk when you have to spend half the day unloading wagons."
She glares across the room at her husband, who stares at the floor.
"He'll drink if he gets off work to early. If he has to stay late. If the sun comes up in the east, if it sets in the west. Thats reason enough for him."
"When our son left to seek his fortune, he used that as an excuse to go drinking. He did not even say goodbye.. Never mind that he might never see his son again. No, he needed to go get drunk."
"Was your son much like his father?"
"He is nothing like his father."
"Phillup left to make something of his life. He didn't want to waste it by drinking it away."
"I'm sorry, but I meant when your husband was younger, or has he always been this way?"
"For that matter, do you think he could have even found his way to the Temple to marry me if he was like this? Theres a lot of taverns on the way there.
She looks across the room at her husband.
"No, he wasn't always a drunk."
"When he Philliups age, he thought about going out to gain fame and fortune as well."
"But, well, then Phillip came along."
"He wasn't able to leave because of your son?"
"Dennis took the job at the warehouse to support us."
"Was it hard for him to stay and give up on what he wanted to do?"
"He never said anything about it to me. But I can't imagine it was easy for him."
"Dennis would have made a great adventurer. He was strong, quick, and... dashing."
She appears lost in thought for a few seconds,. and then shakes her head clear.
"He did what he had to do to support his family."
Dravenous stops to think for a moment what he would do in Dennis's situation. .oO(To give up a dream for the ones you love and care for.)
"Do you have any other children?"
"We tried at first to have more."
"But then Dennis gave up."
"Are you feeling better now? Do you want to have a seat?"
The bartender looks at Dravenous. "Is it safe to let her go?"
.oO(And I wish I could read her emotions better so I could know it will be fine.)
"Thank you." she sighs. "I don't know what I was thinking coming down here."
"He's not going to stop, and no amount of beating is going to change that."
Dravenous glances back at Dennis for a moment and bites his lower lip trying to think of what else to tell this woman.
"He must be able to change. He wasn't always like this, he changed into this and somewhere in him there must be some way to change back."
Dravenous tries very hard to believe what he is saying, but inside him a seed of doubt exists that makes believing it hard.
The laughter fades away. "Even when it's unrealstic."
"Whatever Dennis was, he's a drunkard now."
"Even if he could change, it's a long way back. It took him years to get this way. I don't think he's got years left in him."
"Well he could become better than he is now. Even if he doesn't become the man he was we can at least get him a job so he won't spend all of his spare time drinking."
"Well at least give him something else to do other than drink. It just needs to keep him from spend his whole life in a bar."
Unable to find the words that will make Pearl happy Dravenous looks away from her embarassed that as smart as he is, he can't help these two.
"Maybe you should go back to your home while take care of your husband."
With a final look at her husband, Pearl get's up and slowly makes her way out of the bar.
While pointing to the wound on Dennis, Dravenous asks. "Can I look at the wound on your head?"
"It's just a bump on the head. I've gotten worse falling off my bar stool."
Dravenous pauses for a moment to look over Dennis.
"What are you going to do now?"
"Life hurts. You gotta do what you gotta do to make it livable."
"Yeah, but while you are making your life slightly more livable you are making your wife's life into a nightmare."
"I can't go back and change the past. And its too late to do anything about the future. She's better off wthout me around."
"I've stopped drinking before for Pearl. And for Phillip."
"But it doesn't do any good. She isn't any happier."
"I'm still not the man she feel in love with years ago. Drunk or sober. And she's not the same woman either."
"At least if I'm drunk she has something to blame it on. Better then her admitting the truth. That I'm useless."
Irritated, Dravenous walks to the bartender and asks, "Was there any other damage other than the bottle?"
The bartender shakes his head. "That was mostly it. She spilled a few drinks and knocked over a few chairs but nothing that couldn't be set right back up."
Dravenous then walks over to Dennis and stares at him. "I have to breathe, I have to eat, I have to sleep. These are the bare necessities that people need to survive."
"You don't need to drink, you don't need to work, and you definitely don't need to give up something you want to take care of your family in their time of need. Those are things that you choose to do. Some make life easier, some harder, but what you choose to do shows what kind of person you are."
.oO(Pitiful failure. Let the fool have his drink. )
He shakes his head and sighes, but he doesn't say anything to Dennis. Dravenous turns back to the door and leaves.
[To City Guard Chapterhouse]
Too much. It was too much like the raised brows and outright stares on her back as she walked out of her hometown.
Esmet shakes her head, trying to relax at least slightly. Neither her body nor her mind can deal with any more stress.
Glancing around, she approaches a round little man behind the bar and asks for a room for the night. His reticence fazes her little, a quiet person herself. She pays him a gold coin and then, eyes wandering over the crowd, decides to retreat upstairs from the largely unfriendly atmosphere.
Her pack and weapons fall to the floor inside her room. Despite herself, Esmet smiles at the sight of the bed.
(Too bad they have no baths, though,)Oo. she thinks. .oO(Though I'll make do with some water and a sponge.)
Her smile fades as soon as she shuts the door behind her. Downstairs she walks again, dreading the feeling of all those eyes on her. Quickly, she asks a barmaid for hot water, soap, a sponge, and a towel, and waits near the bar. She glances over the crowd uncomfortably, but avoiding eye contact. In her paladin armor, she feels remarkably out of place.
Off come the gauntlets, boots, skirt, and scale mail coat, and the light layer of clothing underneath. The long green ribbon that cinches her waist-length hair falls to the floor, too, as Esmet carefully washes with hot water for the first time in nine days.
Her bath over, she pulls on her clean, dry artisan's clothing and sits, pondering, at the end of the bed.
(It was fine for a spongebath, but--Oh, bother! You use hot water to wash clothing, anyway,)Oo. she thinks with a slight grimace and carries the items back downstairs.
The barmaid raises a brow when Esmet asks for more soap and hot water, but still she presents the items to her. With these, Esmet begins to wash the underlayer of her clothes free of nine days' worth of sweat. She also polishes clean her armor, though perhaps she spends less time on her boots than she should.
(They'll be dirty again as soon as I step out the door. Who quite cares?)Oo. she thinks as she blows out the lamp and throws herself across the bed.
Her smile is slightly bittersweet as she curls up, damp blond hair splayed across the mattress, and sleeps.
Tap-Tap-ta-Tap-ta.
Basil looks up at him with one arm raised, another underneath the bar reaching for something. Probably heavy. Possibly metal. Definately something the half-elf isn't interested in being hit with.
"Can I help you with something?"
"Do you have any rooms for the night?"
"Yes, but you're not getting any deals for coming in laters."
"I understand"
Lucian limps towards the stairs. A beefy voice behind him coughs.
"You pay now."
"Of course."
Lucian offers a game smile and hands over a coin.
"You needed a key anyways. You're room five."
"Thanks."
Lucian limps up to his room. Taking all of his strength to open the door he flings himself into the room and onto the bed. He gets a face full of pillow and falls into a dreamless sleep. The door slams shut behind him.
SLAM!!!
.oO(That's right. I haven't eaten anything other than trail rations for the past nine days.)
Esmet exchanges her artisan's outfit for her armor. Then, her pack on her shoulders and the basin of now tepid water sloshing in her arms, she carefully picks her way down the stairs.
She returns the items to the bartender, asking in the process for lunch and water, and then waits at a table near the corner of the room.
When the barmaid brings her soup and water to her, Esmet gives her five silvers to cover both the costs and a tip for her help.
Despite her hunger, Esmet eats slowly, watching the flow of patrons around the room.
(Eventually I'll have to ask someone for help. There's no getting around that. It's just not possible to spend each night here.)Oo. She shivers at the memory of all those eyes on her last night.
.oO(And it's... I have to admit it, it's expensive. I can't afford to spend 15sp each day. At least, not before I can get my store set up. But even then, it takes a while to build a reputation for quality.)
.oO(If I can sleep in the store, that should save me some money.)
.oO(Oh, Thalos, why did I leave?)
oO. (Mother... I don't want to go to the market now...)
He rolls over and out of the small bed. Onto the floor without any of his usual grace.
Thud
"Oww..."
The half-elf looks down at his clothing, an he makes a face at them. oO. (Haven't slept in my clothing for a long time.... ewww)
He attempts to make himself presentable before stumbling downstairs and leaning heavily on his club.
oO. (Uhhh... boss didn't have an plans for this morning so far as I know... but he'll want to know where I was.)
Lucian sits down unhappily in an empty chair.
"Um... Good morning?" she ventures cautiously.
.oO(Of all the tables in this room, you had to pick this one?)
"Oh. Oh. Not-so-good morning," she realizes, slightly wincing, when the bedraggled man turns to face her.
.oO(Ah, that's why he "picked" this one. Poor fellow. Probably didn't even see me sitting here.)
"Are you all right?"
"Good morning, Miss. Sorry for the intrusion."
He lays his club across his lap and offers to shake her hand.
"Lucian Risk. Nice to meet you!"
She then notices the color of his eyes, as if the pointed ears were not enough. .oO(He's a half-elf.)
"A pleasure, Mr. Risk. My name is Esmet Corelli," she says softly and picks up her spoon. "You look like you could use a lunch, too. Would you like to join me?"
"Lunch would be wonderful, Ms.Corelli."
He signals the waitress to bring him some soup. His eyes seem pleased by the thought of soup.
"Do you live around here?"
"Um, what is this city called?
"I was hoping to find someone who could help me, and then you came," she says and rewards her company with a small, grateful smile.
"Are you alright?"
He thanks the waitress for his soup and digs in thinking of the next questions.
"Here is Garic's city... I'm surprised that you don't know that."
He shrugs and tastes his soup.
"No matter. I'd be willing to help you find a place to stay if you need one."
.oO(Didn't matter to me where I wound up.)
"I do need to find a place to stay. An inn every night seems out of the question for me right now.
"Thank you, Mr. Risk. You're very kind.
"Have you been here long?"
"Thanks... I was born and raised in the city."
He savours a spoonful.
"The inns are quite expenseive.... There are a few boarding houses if you aren't opposed to doing some chores as well as rent."
Lucian puts his spoon down for a moment.
"I live and work at The Fox.... but it is mostly for older folk and not very interesting for one as young and beautiful as yourself. Mrs.Weatherbee has a boarding house, it's quite nice. She's a charming old lady indeed."
.oO(Yes, that's what he told me, too. And look what came of that. Please, don't lie to my face!)
She is almost tempted to correct him on both counts, but instead she asks evenly,
"How do you like the Fox? I may fit in with the 'older folks' there better than you may think--though I am interested in seeing Mrs. Weatherbee's boarding house as well, if you please."
oO. (Err.... oops?)
"The Fox is really designed for people to leaver their elders when they cannot be taken care of at home. Some are just sorta left there. Not nice."
Lucian leans foward on his elbows.
"Humans don't live very long, do they?"
.oO(I hope she takes care of you when you reach that age, my Tobias.)
She gives Lucian a half-hearted smile and digs out three silver coins to pay for his meal.
"No, I probably couldn't bear living at the Fox after all. Would you please show me the way to Mrs. Weatherbee's? Or do you happen to know... how I might go about setting up a store somewhere? Maybe I could just live there, you see."
Lucian pauses and thinks.
"I'll take you to Mrs.Weatherbee's... she could probably help you with opening a buisness more than I could. I think you need to get a permit, then find property and such."
After finishing his soup, he stands.
"Shall we go?"
"It was the least I could do in return for your help. And as I said, it was my pleasure, Mr. Risk."
She pauses, allowing the man to lead. She thanks the barmaid again for her help and then follows Lucian out the door.
Like Esmet, I'll let the man here decide whether he wants to lead us through Elsewhere for a bit of conversation on the way, or go straight to Mrs. Weatherby's. :D
He reaches into his black satchel and retrieves a piece of white chalk. While approaching the door, Kywyn casually draws a crossing line design on the back of his metal-plated forearm. Muttering a mantra lost on the winds, the chalk dust blows away as his living aura channels energy into vital crossings. He would do his best to be ready for any twists that came from this inquest.
Entering the main room of the inn wordlessly, Kywyn steps to the side tables and finds a seat to await his affiliates.
[cast false life]
About four hours before dawn...
Brodda and Minto together enter the inn, paying for a room, and heading wearily upstairs once a key is given to them.
They do a little kissing, tumble into bed, do a little more kissing, but sleep takes them before they get around to much else. They spend what little is left of the night snuggled comfortably with each other.
About the time Kywyn arrives downstairs...
The dwarfess is quite the heavy sleeper, so its no surprise that the movement of Minto when he wakes doesn't disturb her. He takes a moment to sit in bed and watch her sleep before gently kissing her awake.
"Brodda, wake up. Its time to go."
Brodda groans at the early rising.
"Go away. It's too durrrned earrly forr gooin' anywherre."
She rolls over as if to go back to sleep. Minto chuckles, shaking her to wakefullness.
"Come on. We've got to catch up with Doctor Lovelace. Remember? So we can move on to finding Hermy's father. We need to go. Kywyn will be here anytime, if he isn't already."
Brodda groans again, louder this time, as consciousness sweeps over her and she realizes she can't continue sleeping. She stretches under the covers, muttering something in Dwarven.
Mustering together the will to get out of that warm and cozy bed, she nearly leaps from it, landing on her feet.
"Ah'm up," she growls irritably.
Minto grins at his success.
"Good. I'll head downstairs and get a quick breakfast going."
He quickly pulls on his clothing, sings a few words to freshen them up, then heads for the bar.
Brodda pulls on her clothing, humming a tune to freshen up her own clothing, and heads downstairs as well to find Minto at a table with Kywyn. Brodda joins them.
He sips a glass of water he ordered
"So what's next?" he asks Minto.
"We should give them a bit more time, and then if they don't show up, head up the north road."
"In the meantime, breakfast is on me."
Minto grins. "I've no problem with that. I wouldn't be a halfling if I passed on a free meal."
Despite herself, Brodda chuckles.
"But its my boys who are causing the delay, so it'sa my treat this time."
"I hope they haven't gotten into anything over their heads," Kywyn remarks.
Brodda shakes her head. "Nope. They assurred meh they coould handle it and arre herrrooes." She chuckles again as wakefulness begins to take her.
"They'll be here. If they wrere in trouble we'd have smelled the smoke."
"No doubt," Kywyn sits back in his chair.
"So what do we say to Lovelace when we find her?"
Brodda shrugs. "Ah envisioned just rrreasonin' with herr. Ah doon't think she wants teh rreally harrm anyone... just trrick them oouta theirr mooney."
"If nessasary we can just buy the whole lot if we need to." Minto takes a breath.
"Or take it all."
Kywyn nods, "Hopefully that will be enough."
He looks to Minto, "That would be a good failsafe."
"Question is, wherre did /she/ get it? If we just take it frrom herr, she'll just go get morre."
"Good point."
"I would guess that's information she wouldn't be willing to share"
Brodda shrugs again. "As much as Ah'd like teh stop herr frrom stealin' frrom folk, Ah'd be satisified with keepin herr frrom sellin that powederr."
Minto nods in agreement. "Well perhaps once she learns its the cause of the sickness she'll stop selling it."
Brodda finds a mug of ale set before her. She looks up at the server and smiles. "Thank yeh."
She doesn't miss a beat and carries the conversation along. "That's what Ah'm hoopin'."
Kywyn nods. "If the source can be uncovered, there'd be a better chance of keeping the powder from being peddled. Hopefully she's the only merchant with the stuff but there's no proof of that yet."
Brodda knocks back a drink, and seems much the better for it. "If we can find oout wherre herr supply coomes frrom, maybe we can follow up on that laterr."
Kywyn's eyes flicker to Brodda's breakfast drink for a moment before looking back up. "Do you think it will seem too forceful to have all three of us approach her at once?"
Minto corrects him. "Four of us. Hermy should be joining us."
"I think I can arrange for at least me and Brodda not to be seen." Minto grins. "And Hermy can do that himself."
Kywyn ponders for a second. "I think I can get her to talk with me for a while at least, if I seem still willing to buy something from her."
Brodda turns to Kywyn. "She's only expectin' teh see maybe you anyway, rright? And if it goes wrrong, we'll be therre too."
"That's true."
Brodda's gaze returns to Minto. "It soounds like a good plan."
Minto nods. "Then that's what we'll do. If only the boys would get here."
"...and brreakfast too." Brodda grins.
"And breakfast."
"Where is Hermy going to meet us?" Kywyns asks softly. He stops when the yelling starts.
A small halfling darts towards the table. "We found it Minto! We found it!"
Brodda smiles at the youth. "Wherre did yeh find it, lad?"
Avoiding the bartenders grabbing hands, the boy exclaims. "It wasn't at the courtyard. I'll show you where!"
Minto gets up to explain to the barkeep that they'll be leaving very quickily. "I'll get him out of here as soon as possible. He won't be a problem."
Minto slips him a few coins, and with an intimidating glare at the boy, the barkeep backs away.
Brodda looks mournfully at their uneaten breakfast. She drains her mug, grabs some fruit and bread, and prepares to head out. Kywyn stands and readies to follow the others.
"We'rre rright behind yeh lad. Shoow us wherre the wagon is."
Phil grabs Broddas hand and then Mintos and pulls them out the door. Minto manages to grab a mug from a table as he goes and tosses it a gold to the man it belonged too. "Sorry sir, but I'm going to need this more then you."
(Gather Information -1, Listen +12, Spot +12)
.oO(Perhaps I should start asking, what about asking Lucian, he knows somone who could get me in on it...)
*Still listening Tensek let's his thoughts wander as he tries to come to a conclusive asnswer to his problem.*
.oO(I'm not a detective, sitting around listening isn't going to do me any good. I think I'll take a tour of the warehouse district and listen there.)
*Tensek pushes into the building and heads straight to the bar. Noddign a greeting to the tender he asksquickly without hesitation.*
I need a keg of ale.
*Bavil looks at Tensek for a moment before nodding.*
Sure but it'll cost ya 3 gold.
*Tensek puts the gold on the counter.*
How much for some help in carrying it?
Got some guys that'll do it but it's an extra 2 silver payable to them.
Good good. I need it immediately so where are they?
*Bavil nods to the back.*
Come with me.
*Tensek follows after the tender of the bar and after a bit of work from the two men he's well on his way back to the party...*
[Back to Party in the Halfing Sector.]
Gilgiga leads the palidin through the city, it's a bit of a walk. But it's not to far from Gilgiga's church, to get to the Blue Pumpkin.
Gilgiga had never been inside this place before, but he had passed it many times.
His first impression was on how much cleaner it was then Nobody's. His next impression was on how he didn't feel anyone reaching for his waist sack.
"So this is the Blue Pumpkin. . ."
Gilgiga mutters as they enter.
From the Church of Thalos
Gilgiga leads the palidin through the city, it's a bit of a walk. But it's not to far from Gilgiga's church, to get to the Blue Pumpkin.
Gilgiga had never been inside this place before, but he had passed it many times.
His first impression was on how much cleaner it was then Nobody's. His next impression was on how he didn't feel anyone reaching for his waist sack.
"So this is the Blue Pumpkin. . ."
Gilgiga mutters as they enter.
As Daleah enters the common room she nods to her fellow patrons. She senses the general feeling of the inn as a less than friendly atmoshere, though not exactly a hostile environment. She thinks that perhaps it is the regulars who are chatty with one another and not hospitable toward newcomers. She feels sure that a good two to three weeks of steady patronage would identify her as a regular. She sits at a clean looking, brightly lit table. She waits for Gilgiga to place his order then places hers. After a decent meal she realizes that she forgot to bring her pack and worse..she doubts she had anything to begin with. She blushes and looks back across the table to Gilgiga.
"Um, it seems that I didn't bring my pack."
1
"Why would you need that here? It is not like you are prepareing to cook your own meal are you?"
"I'm sorry." She is still blushing.
"That is where I would normally keep my GP's when traveling." She covers her face with her hand, clearly embarrised.
"Looks like I'll be washing dishes tonight." She moves her hand, looking back to the half orc.
Just let me handle the cost of this meal."
"No, mis, it is of no problem. I have collected a few silvers in my adventures.
Just let me handle the cost of this meal."
"I truly am sorry, perhaps I could pay you back by handling the oil problem for you?" Daleah smiles.
It is a touch unorthodox, but it should work fine.
It still does not answer the question of Brother Maynard and the missing funerary oils however."
He says then orders a rather simple dinner with a pint of ale.
"I hope all goes well with the oils and you are able to locate the missing priest."
She sips her drink.
There are really only three organiztions in the city that would need those.
Two of them, the churches have their records out in the oppen, the third. . .
well no one really knows where the third is.
I guess it will just need to remain a mystery.
As of anyways, this is intended to be a break, so I guess that was enough business.
What exactly is it that you do at the Church of Agathalos?
Every time I go there, something strange always happens."
"Well, I was just traveling through the area and having heard of the peacefulness of the church, decided to stop by and see what all the raves were all about."
Daleah looks at her cup thoughtfully then holds her cup up to the light.
"I'm working with a stubborn mare at the moment."
She thoughtfully has another sip of her drink, looking back to Gilgiga.
"Did you happen to mention your name?"
Gilgiga then pauses a bit as he samples his meal.
"I believe you called yourself "Daleah" in passing, correct?"
She pushes her plate aside.
"I can't help but to be curious as your story of this missing Brother Maynard and the missing oils is quite intriging."
She places her hands on the table and looks back to Gilgiga.
" So, are you at liberty to speak on this matter?"
It is just another puzzle. Doc always had me thinking about things like this. Now he has managed to leave me with one last little puzzle."
" Well at least you may have some kind of solution now."
She looks back to Gilgiga, covering her mouth as she feels a yawn coming on.
It is like one final test. He knows something, even if he is dead right now. In that old head of his he is ploting. Or at least he wanted me to see something.
The oils are only a part of it. I know it, with him there is never just one thing. Everything has a multiude of meanings. Even pulling weeds.
But what, I never caught the meaning of things until after the fact. . ."
Gilgiga's voice trails off as he beguins to ponder what it meant.
"Hmm, sounds like quite a mystery. I take it that the Doc is the now dearly departed? I'm sorry to hear of your loss."
But it is late, and you seem to be dozeing off. So, and I have quite a day tomrow myself. So, shall we depart?"
"It has been a pleasure to meet you Gilgiga."
She rises from the table.
"Perhaps our paths shall meet again, remember, I owe you one."
She smiles with a wink and heads for the door.
Leonardo finally stands before the entrance to the Blue Pumpkin Inn. The directions he had received from the elderly travellers in his village had been somewhat misleading. Their memories of the city must have been confused over the years.
Stepping into the building, Leo takes off the hood of his cloak. His travels have left him in a less than presentable state. His dark hair is wind-swept, and the cuffs of his pants are covered in dirt from the road. As expected, he draws a few stares. Avoiding eye contact with the other patrons, he makes his way to the barkeep as discretely as possible. Halfway there, he realises that he is hiding the chrysanthemum emblem on his chest under his cloak and feels vaguely ashamed for doing so.
"A gold piece per night," comes the short reply.
Confused for a second by the blunt response from the barkeep, Leo pauses. Then, he nods and sets a gold piece on the bar. The coin swiftly disappears into the bartender's grasp, and Leo is directed upstairs.
Leo starts toward the stairs, but turns back to the barkeep. "One more thing. Do you know where I could go to inquire about the City Watch?"
Leonardo's query is met by a sigh of annoyance from the bartender.
"Palace," the barkeep says gruffly, then turns away from Leo, suddenly very interested in cleaning the mug in his hand. With no more information forthcoming, Leo takes the hint and leaves for his room.
He comes to a final item at the bottom of his pack. He takes out a simple sickle, with a short stub of chain protruding from the handle end. Leo holds the tool in front of him for a moment, tracing its blade with his eyes. Searching the space above the door to his room, he finds a loose nail jutting out from the wall. Leo loops one of the chain links of the sickle around the nail, allowing the weapon to hang above the doorway.
The sight of the sickle above the door comforts Leo; it is a common practice in his village, believed to catch the good luck of all who pass through the doorway.
Sighing, Leo goes back to settling himself in his room. Once all is unpacked, Leo collapses into a chair next to the window. Staring out the window, he wonders, not for the first time, what he is doing so far from home.
"Why have you brought me here?"
The empty room doesn't respond.
Heaving a final sigh, Leo decides to get some rest.
Leo dresses in his uniform and lifts the sickle from its place above the door as he exits his room. The common room is empty as Leo makes his way through, nodding slightly at the bartender as he passes. The bartender doesn't nod back and instead shakes his head at Leo as the ranger leaves the inn.
[to City Guard Chapterhouse p.7]
Steffi moves up and opens the door for the guardsman. As she does so, she turns towards him, opening her mouth to speak a warning. Alas, she is too late, and Driden, draped over the big man's shoulder, proceeds to return the majority of the ale he drank at the Last Lich.
As the noisome puddle spreads across the threshold of the inn, the guardsman makes a terrible face, and the bartender inside shouts in anger.
Uh-oh...
Ooo...somebody’s gonna be in trouble...heheheh.
After a few loud curses, the bartender reaches the trio only to point at Steffi threateningly.
What in the Hells are you doing bringing him in here! Don't you think he's already had enough!
I didn't bring him here to drink, I brought him here to sleep.
The bartender frowns more deeply. "If he pukes in the rooms, it'll cost you double."
He glances up and down the slight woman, "Though why you're bothering, he's not likely to be much use..."
Steffi puzzles over his meaning, then blushes. I'm not staying, just him.
"Oh. Well, room costs the same either way."
With a disgusted curl to her lip, Steffi pays the man, and the chuckling guardsman carries Driden to the indicated room. He dumps him on the bed, Steffi throws a blanket over Driden as he curls into a fetal position, and then she follows the guardsman out.
"Well, it's a bit late, perhaps I should see you home..."
.oO(As if he can't see I'm armed? What a night!)
Oh, I'm sure it won't be necessary to see me all the way there. I'll walk with you as far as our paths go the same direction, though.
The guardsman grins, winks at her, and comments, "You owe me for the washing of my pants, miss. He puked on me, too!"
She groans, laughs, and says, Where was he keeping it all?
Chatting and joking, they leave the inn.
Ughhh...I drank too much...
Once the throbbing lessens a bit, the sorceror sits up and grabs the pitcher of water. After downing it, he stands up and moves towards the window.
How did I get here?
Closing his eyes, he attempts to recall his memories from the night before. Moments later, he lets out a sigh of failure.
I guess it'll come to me later. For now, I need some food.
Driden makes his way downstairs and takes a seat at a table. Soon after, he finishes a plate of the mornning special and leaves the inn with a slight headache.
[Elsewhere]