You enter a huge oval room. A long bar dominates the back wall, with stools in front of it, with bottles arraying the back wall. On the left, private booths that can house up to 8 people line up, with heavy drapes that can be hung across the entrances, to ensure total privacy. On the right, is a small stage, where plays can be shown, or the local bards can play - near it are stairs going up, and a doorway. The rest of the area is taken up by tables and chairs, with the exception of a small area at the front, which houses a dart board and some pool tables.
To the rear of the building in a large enclosed stables, manned by a couple of stable lads.
Current staff:
- Eric: Cog's brother. About five years older than Cog, with a gloomy appearance.
- Kannan (NPC) (Bartender)
- Ran (Bouncer)
- Kal-Zakkath (Bartender/Bouncer)
(If we are not on, assume you have been served).
Price List (all prices are per person):
- Rooms: 2 gp/night
- Common Room: 5 sp/night
- Stables: 2 sp/night (per person)
- Horses: 5 sp per day (includes feed)
- Breakfast: 2 sp (free as part of 2gp room cost)
- Lunch: 3 sp
- Packed Lunch: 4 sp
- Dinner: 6 sp.
- Water: free
- Ale: 5 cp
- Mead: 1 sp
- Spirits: 5 sp
- Dwarven Spirits: 1 gp
- Wine (common): 1 gp/bottle
- Wine (fine): 7 gp/glass or 20 gp/bottle
- Wine (Elven): 10 gp/glass or 30 gp/bottle
- Tea (Mint): 6 sp
- Tea (Sassafras): 12 sp
Noticeboard
- Permanent bouncer needed. See Eric, if interested. Only those with genuine interest apply.
- Young Jade Lotus Monk is looking for a person by the name of Shen, regarding training -contact Ran at the Weatherby Boarding House.
- FOUND: A rag doll. Blue dress, blonde hair. Dropped near park close to the market. Well-cared for. Please ask Kannan or NaShae if your child has lost such a friend.
The (2) in the title refers to the fact that this is the second LLI thread to appear on the new boards.
In fact, there aren't many in the bar at all this day...
Tynk shrugs and sets his staff against the wall and takes off his pack. Zap sits lext to his legs, licking a tongue at something she smells. With a short snap of noise Tynk lets her know they will eat soon.
His eyes rest on a stage he had performed so poorly on some time ago, and he shrugs.
. o O (Never was a good public speaker.)
A waitress arrives to take his order. When finished she walks off and Tynk observes more of the bar, seeing little else has changed.
. o O (Hope there steak and potatoes are as good as before.)
The food is brought and Tynk eats in silence, pleased with the flavour and finished soon after. He remains for a while picking at some bread and sipping a glass of wine, the bottle mostly full next to him.
[b]To Hightower[/b]
As he strolls to the bar, he looks around, trying to spot the boy matching the description given by the woman at the market.
The "boy" actually a young man, is seated at a tabe in the middle of the room gesturing wildly as he tells a story to his group of friends. Two other halfling males and three gnomes.
"... soze I says to him, 'Just who do you think yer dealing with? And he backs up a few paces an says 'A miserable little coward.' An I says back. 'I aint the one backin away from a fight'..."
He then looks at the local patrons, wondering if they would help him, should Jolly try to run away...
.oO(Hmmm I wonder if this place has more exits aside the main door...)
Signals the bartender, and inquires about the young man, in a friendly tone:
Excuse me, what do you know about that guy, over there?
"Typical halfling if you ask me."
"Not as obnoxious as some I could name."
The bartender sighs.
"Why do you ask? Is he in trouble? Or are you looking for someone to help cause some?"
He turns to look at Jolly, who was flapping his arms and gesticulating in that precise moment.
I see he is quite busy right now, I think I will wait until he finishes telling his story. Would you please bring me some ale in the meantime?
Pacone leaves five copper stacked over the counter.
"... And I saze "If you think I look bad, you should see the other guy!"
His friends break out in a round of laughter, and the halfling basks in it until it gradually dies down.
He pushes back his chair and strides towards the bar.
"This rounds on me."
"Oh ho ho! Nanashi wishes to buy a drink from you!"
"What kind of drink?"
The gloomy bartender asks a good question! Nanashi isn't caught unprepared for this however!
"Nanashi will have ale!"
Gloomy he may be, but the barman is very quick to serve Nanashi! Oh ho ho! Nanashi is pleased! He's even more pleased after tasting his ale! Drink slowly, Nanashi! Don't let it go to your head!
Nanashi fills the space between sips by looking around the bar. An inn with a stage might attract the sort of people who could afford Nanashi's services. Don't stare, Nanashi! They can't hire you if they're running away!
Jolly continues his tale for several minutes, and then finally ends it with a clap of his hands.
"... And I saze "If you think I look bad, you should see the other guy!"
His friends break out in a round of laughter, and the halfling basks in it until it gradually dies down.
He pushes back his chair and strides towards the bar.
"This rounds on me."
Pacone spots the talkative gnome, "Nanashi" as he calls himself. He notices the gnome is just looking to ease his thirst, so Pacone focuses on Jolly again, wondering how to approach the issue of the stolen flowers...
He strolls over to where the young halfling stands, who is casually looking around, waiting for his drink. He decides a direct approach is his best choice, so he can watch how Jolly reacts
Greetings, you must be Jolly, the son of the flower seller at the market square, right? The one who sells those beautiful daffodils.
Pacone watches Jolly's reaction with a true smile in his face, since he really means no harm to him.
.oO(I'm not sure, but he might get the roses from someone else, and be as innocent as his mother...)
The look on his face appears to be suspician.
.oO(Chances of Jolly being guilty increasing...)
Pacone then wonders if he should tell Jolly the same herbalist story he told his mother...but he decides it will be better if he doesn't, so he looks Jolly straight into his eyes and inquires in a more serious tone.
Look, Jolly, I'm not looking for trouble, I just want to know where do the roses your mother sells come from. And I want the truth. Keep in mind I'm doing this to save your mother from further problems.
Jolly sizes up Pacone, and glances back at his drinking buddies who are all staring intently.
"She aint gettin them from your sources, so she doesn't need to pay your stinkin' collection fees on them."
Oh please, don't get me wrong, I mean no harm to your mother, I know she has nothing to do with your business. I'm talking about how dissapointed would she feel if she knew of her son's thievery activities...but I won't tell her, if you come with me. You know what you've been doing is wrong, and I've been told to stop it.
Besides, those fees you talk about serve to mantain the multiple services the Church offers, so you shouldn't complain about them.
Pacone leans casually on the bar, but he is still alert in case the halfling tries something wrong.
(OoC: Nanashi moves so he is five feet closer to the others. He has +5 on Listen and +6 on Bluff to look like he's not listening.)
He can clearly hear the halflings response to Pacone.
"I'll put nothing into your churches coffers."
"My mother either. She's a devout Agatholian."
"Does your boss know what you are doing? I'm not about to pay his fees, or protection charges, but sure as the sun will rise aint gunna go behind his back either."
A look of relief starts to cross his face, as it dawns on him. "You aint a Striker are you?"
No I am not. I just think you will be able to pay your debt working at the Church. You wouldn't have to throw any money to our suposedly brimful coffers...
Why does Nanashi climb up on stage? We will know soon enough! Oh ho ho! He speaks!
"How many warriors of light does it take to light a candle?"
Jolly looks confused. "What debt?"
Stares the halfling
The debt you contracted stealing roses from the Church, Jolly...
Nanashi wishes he could still hear what they're saying!
"How many gnomes does it take to light a candle?"
"Oh... that."
His face turns red with embaressment.
"I... well I.. I didn't think it would be noticed."
"There are so many there. And well, it's ... my mother really needs roses to stay in buisness."
"Flowers are her life. Literally."
"She'd be out on the street for sure without the income she gets from selling those roses."
"She... doesn't know where I get them. She's completely innocent. If she knew... well it's not that she would be dissapointed in me."
"It's that she'd... she has to have those."
Nanashi makes a blue one appear in his hand with a snap of his fingers. Isn't it a remarkable candle? See how it keeps flopping over to curl around his hand. No ordinary candle could do this! How will he light it if it keeps drooping over his fingers? He straightens it twice but it falls both times. This is no good! What is Nanashi to do?
Oh ho ho! Nanashi has cleverly placed the end in his teeth! Leaning forward, he brings out flint and steel to light it. Now it cannot droop out of the way. No escape for you, candle! Oh ho ow! OW!
That was not a very good candle! One spark and poof! All gone! This is a disaster! Not even Nanashi could salvage this!
"Nanashi will just have to use a better candle next time!"
He snaps his fingers again and another candle appears! Everyone can see how much better this one is because it is red, not blue! If only it didn't flop around like the other one did. What is Nanashi to do now?
Why is he eating the candle?
"Ahh! At least it was delicious! Nanashi has a better one around here somewhere."
Snap! Now he holds a green candle but it droops as well. He throws it to the floor where it shatters into nothingness. Green is followed by pink, purple, orange, and yellow, all of which are discarded the same way.
"Nanashi will just have to use the dull one he keeps in his pouch."
That is a very dull candle! Where are the pretty colors? At least it doesn't droop or burn up all at once either! Nanashi triumphs!
(OoC: Nanashi has used one candle and his Prestidigitation spell-like ability to make artificial candles and make them go away when he was finished with them.)
Jolly glances at the gnome on the stage before responding.
"Oh... that."
(...)
Pacone smiles condescendly
I know she has nothing to do with your business, and by no means I would leave your mother "on the street". We are no ogres, you know?
Come with me and we will talk this over with the legitimate owner of those flowers, I'm sure we will be able to arrange a deal.
Looks Jolly straight in the eyes, with a friendly smile in his face.
Trust me, everything will be alright.
He turns around to address his friends.
"This chump thinks he can show me something I've never seen before. Can you imagine that."
He fakes a laugh, and then turns back to Pacone, whispering. "Allright. I'll go with you."
His friends all laugh, and turn their attention to the gnome on the stage.
"Pull a rabbit out of your hat!"
"Yeah, do something else!"
Jolly starts towards the door. "Ok, come on. Let's get this over with."
I am not the one who will take the final decision, but I assure you, I will speak in your favor.
Pacone heads for the exit, keeping an eye on the young halfling.
As he reaches for the door, he looks at the gnome in the stage, still juggling with his candles, and smiles
Nanashi! They are getting away! What will you do?
"Nanashi should have known better than to split hares."
He will let them go this time. There will be other times for one as patient and brilliant as Nanashi.
"Nanashi thanks his audience but now it is time to go! Breath of the Dragon, Nanashi calls you forth!"
See how the smoke billows from Nanashi's nostrils to hide him and half the stage. That is a lot of smoke! How will he be able to breathe? Surely Nanashi has this worked out. Listen to the sounds of him not coughing! If we could see him, we might admire how stealthy he is in sneaking off stage-
That thud at the base of the stage must have been someone else stumbling around in the cloud! Nanashi would never fall down the stairs even in such conditions! Now to sneak out. No, Nanashi still has to pay for his drink if he wants to come back here again. We would see him walk quietly around the edge of the room if we were not so distracted by his amazing magics. Surely no one but the bartender sees him put his money on the counter.
"Have no fear, bartender. The mist is harmless and will only last a few minutes. Nanashi will be back another time to find out if anyone wishes to hire him based on what they've seen."
"Could you have just used the notice board instead of fogging up the place?"
"You have a notice board? Oh ho ho! That is a great idea! Nanashi will remember that for next time but now he must go."
Outside, Nanashi looks around for the halfling and the churchman but it is too late. He probably has better things to do with his time anyway. Oh ho ho!
"Nanashi the Great's magical services can be yours! Licensed sorcerer, trained in the secret ways of dragons. Make your enemies tremble in fear!"
It is too short! Nanashi has done his job too well! This comes as no surprise but Nanashi had better add something else.
"Self cleaning. Eats little and is not a picky eater."
Nanashi is missing something important here.
He crosses that out right away. Nanashi is no one's babysitter! He still needs to add something else though.
"Wages negotiable."
Perfect! Oh ho ho! Now to get the bartender to post it.
"Nanashi would like you to post this where it can be even taller people will not overlook it."
"I figure there's enough room."
For Nanashi you make room! But Nanashi will be patient and say nothing this time. The notice is posted. That is all that counts.
"Nanashi thanks you, bartender! He will also have an ale."
Writing is thirsty work! Oh ho ho!
(OoC: Nanashi will have to go Elsewhere in Garic's City to do that. Oh ho ho!)
He grins. "I perform here fairly regularily when I'm not out saving the day."
He guides Anthony towards the stables and then leads the little group in, finding them an empty table. "I'll see about getting you rooms."
He looks around for Eric, but upon not finding him settles for speaking to Kannan.
"Long time no see."
Kannan grunts, and pours a drink for another customer. Minto continues.
"I've got a few out of town visitors that could use a warm meal and a pair of rooms for tonight. On me."
Kannan gives him a look. Minto places some coins on the counter.
"That should cover them for tonight."
"They should be able to cover there stay after that. If they can't could you send a messanger to the Silver Sword to inform me. I'll lleave money with Volos there to cover the tip for the messanger."
Kannan pours another drink. "Why don't you just leave it with me instead."
Minto smiles. "Because I don't think a messanger will be nessasary."
"Whatever."
Minto places another coin on the counter."A pleasure doing buisness with you as always."
The bartender rolls his etes as Minto returns to the table.
"I've got you covered for tonight. If you have any problems, ask for the owner, Eric. Tell him you are friends of Sir Hermy Woodhome. If he needs that varified Kannan the bartender will be glad to oblige in backing up that you were here with me."
He unslings his lute.
"I'd like to stay and chat, but I've been away to long and neglected some important buisness."
He heads towards the stage. "I'll be back after my first set."
The audience begins to clap as Minto starts to play.
Well into Minto's set, it seems the long journey is catching up with Miss Cynwise and her two companions. Anthony Redwald waves to Minto and sends an apologetic bow his way as they stand to head up to their room.
"And if Wolf needs something to keep himself occupied, send him to the Silver Sword Guildhouse. I might be able to sneak him into the horde for a bit of training."
Minto gives them a bow and a smile and returns to the stage. He plays a few more hours before gathering up his earnings, paying his tab, and then heading home.
=.o0(I hope those boys haven't burned the place down. It's been too long since i was in my bunk.)
"A room for the night please with whatever food you have for an empty stomach."
*The man behind the bar goes back into the kitchen for only a moment, returning with a cold piece of meat and some bread. He places the plate on the bar, next to the gold and then retrieves a key and places it next to the plate.*
"Up the stairs, end of the hall."
*Thosar nods and takes the plate and key as the gold is removed. Climbing the stairs and making his way to the room is done in a rush and soon the elf sits on his bed, behind a locked door, eating his food.*
.oO(How much more is there to do? All puzzles that need solving.)
*After a few moments he sets the empty plate aside and retrieves the symbol of two dice that hang about his neck. He moves to the window and kneels, holding the symbol before him.*
"Thy balance in all things, Mother. Thank you for my safety this day and help me to always see two sides to every coin. I go with Thee."
*He stands and looks out the window a moment into the darkness, a look of concentration on his face. Someone looking from outside might think he were looking for something specific in the empty sky. He mutters to himself before turning and going to bed.*
"Riddles in the dark."
"I'll be staying another two nights."
*After a confirming nod from the bartender the elf heads out of the inn.*
"Balance in all things."
*He chews on a piece of bread as he ponders.*
"For intelligent beings true balance is only a myth. For unintelligent creatures balance is automatic and happens as The Mother wills it."
*Thosar shifts in his seat and takes a drink of water from his mug. He glances around the sitting area, taking note of what his gaze randomly falls upon: two empty mugs on the bar, three patrons sitting at various tables, four pillars, and finally, as his gaze comes back to the fire, two burning logs.*
"No. The seeking of balance by intelligent beings is the myth. An intelligent being must find ways to see the signs present in the world as to which way The Mother's will sways.
There are signs in all things."
*Thosar pauses his chewing on this last idea for a few moments before finishing up and heading up to his room to pray and rest.*
"A day late...but hopefully not a silver piece short."
*He finishes dressing and heads down to the bar for a quick bite to eat before he is out the door and on his way toward the boarding house.*
The halfling heads to the bar and tosses some coins on it. "I could use an ale."
He ignores the bartenders looks and simply takes the mug when its slid towards him. He moves to find a seat closer to the stage. .o0(I hope they don't spend all their coin on her tonight.)
He applauses as she finishes her song and then calls for her to sing another.
.o0(I can afford to share the wealth occasionally. Besides, I should be getting a decent haul from the stuff we recovered from the hobgoblins. I shuld check with Volos to see how getting that resold is going. And look into saling off Verucas items as well.)
The bard takes another sip from his drink.
He sets his lute on the table in front of him and waits until he can hear the patrons talking about wether he was going to preform or not. Once there is a steady murmer about it, he picks up his instrument and strides on to the stage.
He starts to play and sing but his mind is not on the performance. .o0(Veruca's items. The ring, the amulet, the horn and the lenses. I wonder how she came by them. And I wonder what they do, We'll need to identify them and deceide what to do with them. The horn interests me, its not often you run across a magical instrument, but its not really my forte. I'm a string man.)
He finishes up his first song and bows before starting another.
.o0(The lenses. Hermy could make use of those. I imagine they would be an immense help in spotting traps and figuring out how to open locks. Though I'm sure he could sell it and find something even more useful.)
He takes another bow and waits until the applause ends before strumming the chords to his next tune.
.o0(The ring was protection of some kind. I never did figure out what the amulet did. I'll need to check with Tensek and Gilgiga to see if they are interested in any of those items after I get them identified.)
Minto starts a fourth song.
.o0(It should be worth a fair amount of coin if we sell them all. Might even be able to afford that magic shirt I've been thinking about.)
"If you'll excuse me for a bit, I've got important buisness I need to take care of. I'll be back afterwards though."
Minto saunters off the stage and joins Darkar and Silmarwen at their table. "I've heard tale you had yourselves an adventure recently. One that didn't go too well."
"Volos wanted to know what was being done with those who didn't make it back. It helps out to know when he has to write a letter to the family."
He leans back in his chair and waves for a drink, "And I'd like to know the details of what happened. It helps for making a song about it."
He winks. "Helps being the key word. If its top secret Jackal buisness I can make due with what I already know and a few stock cliiches. They'll never be able to associate it with anything resembling the truth."
"They were bandits also had someone who was controling, unnatural creatures, the undead and certain percautions were being taken so that we could properly handle them as well. Our group consisted of Ran, Anaya, Jace, Lucian Risk, Kai, Cassius Gaia, Darkar and myself."Silmarwen continues as the waitress returns.
"Anaya and Jace I've met around the guild, but never really adventured with them, but I've heard good things."
"The others I don't have as much expierance with. I'd seen Kai around a bit with Gamis a while ago, but not heard much much since. I have heard even less of Lucien Risk."
He takes another drink, and looks at Darkar. "Seems you forgot Darons first rule of adventuring though. Might explain why things didn't work out so well."
Well what do you think Kal? Don't I have a great nose?
‘Oh yes what a nose you have!’ he says snidely then waves to the bartender, ‘could I have two Ale’s big man?’
Ahhhhhh! Now thats some good ale you got there.
With a smile he drops several more coins onto the bar.
Keep em coming...Mr...?
Kannan, the bartender says unimpressed by Driden's last feat.
Kannan then drops another pint in front of Driden before going back to his cleaning duties.
Don't go to far now Kannan. We're going to need another round in a few minutes, he says before turning to Kal and raising his glass.
Here's to new friends Kal. I have a feeling you and I are going to have some great stories to tell someday.
‘Yeah! To me new friend Driden. Some greats stories we shall have my friend…But every duo has a name..Na Stuff that idea’
Kalthas drinks deeply from his mug then aswers driden. ‘Hmm, Driden.. Where did you come from? Whats your story big man. What brought you to be lost and encamped with those lones down in the forest?’
As he speaks Kal’thas finishes off his mug and slips a few silver coins onto into dridens and begins to drink from his new mug.
Minto wipes away a foam moustache with his handkerchef and nods. "Some serious abilities in the group. I've been out with Ran not to long ago, and I doubt Cassius has gotten any weaker since I last was out with him."
"Anaya and Jace I've met around the guild, but never really adventured with them, but I've heard good things."
"The others I don't have as much expierance with. I'd seen Kai around a bit with Gamis a while ago, but not heard much much since. I have heard even less of Lucien Risk."
He takes another drink, and looks at Darkar. "Seems you forgot Darons first rule of adventuring though. Might explain why things didn't work out so well."
Darkar manages a smirk remembering the rule "Always bring a halfing along. Yes, that would have been a plus. Although I was hoping for a tracker, but I did not know of any that were available. Following the gnomes back to their lair was tough considering Anaya tracking them in her wolf form was not easy.
"Good ones."
"Tensek, a bit on the surley side, but an ace shot with his bow. You probably remember him from the archery contest. Only that old coot was better."
"And Gilgiga. A half-orc. And the gardner at the Mothers Temple."
Darkar takes a drink of his ale
"Now where were we? Yes, I believe that we were discussing what happened. Well when we got to the right area we sent out Jace, Kai, Lucien, and Anaya to scout out the area. Apparently they were quiet enough but not downwind. They had wolves that were able to smell them approaching. Jace was captured by the gnomes and taken away. Lucien, Anaya, and Kai were barely able to fend off their attackers. By the time that we arrived they were all in pretty bad shape.
Silmarwen speaks up
"Yes they were, but not bad enough that some divine grace was able to take care of. Soon we were on trail to recover Jace, we believed since they were able to create undead, that Jace was in serious danger. Hurrying quickly we tried to lose as little time as possible, with a spell we were able to sneak past some undead guards that were intended to slow pursuit."
"And instead of gnomes we had hobgoblins who fight like Kywyn and Ran. We had undead guards too."
Minto takes a sip of his drink. "We had luck on our side, and no one was captured."
"But enough about Hermy and I."
He takes another swallow. "I take it they were succesful in slowing you? The undead?"
"I've seen you in action. If you had gotten there on time Jace would be breathing still."[/i]
I'm from a small port town a long ways from here. Not much of a story though, I just decided that I needed to get out of there and explore the world. I just got a little lost along the way and found myself in that camp with those singing folk. I'm actually planning on going to this place called "Hightower". I hear its supposed to be here in Garic's City.
Then with a mighty swig of ale he downs the rest and orders another. Unaccustomed to lying, the sorceror keeps his gaze downcast while waiting for the new round.
‘Well it sounds like you’ve come to the right place. Hmm if you think about it, if ya didn’t end up with them Singing Folks. Ya wouldn’t have ended up with me. What a loss that would have been’
‘So what do you hope to find at this Hightower?’
I suppose the torture was well worth it.
The gnomes last question brings out a thoughtful look from Driden before answering.
Hmmm...I guess I have questions for those wizards types. Questions about myself and my powers. Driden says with another sad look into his ale but quickly recovers with another hearty swig.
How about you Kal?
The gnome takes up his mug and shoot what’s left causing ale to spill from the side of his lip. Sliding the mug down he stared darkly at the ground then put on a fake smile. The same smile he wore day in day out, weak and hollow.
'Hmm, we all have questions big man. Some have answers that ya want to hear, and some dont... So after we visit the tower, is there anything ya want to do?'
.oO( I guess we all have our own inner demons we have to battle sooner or later...)
I really haven't thought about what I would do after getting my answers. Maybe hit the road again or maybe stick around and see what kind of trouble I can get into .
With a shrug, the young man drains the remaining ale in front of him and waves for another.
We will have to see I guess, he says with another big smile.
The Gnome puts his mug down as a signal to the bartender to not bother filling his again. Rolling onto the bar he pause for a moment mulling something over in his mind then looks up.
‘Tell ya what Driden, will pay our debt here after you finish that one off. Clean up and head over to that tower of yours. What you say to that?’
After polishing off his last ale, Driden gets up and looks down at the gnome.
Should we get going then?
‘Well you’ve drunk enough to blow those nerves out of ya system anyway big man. Lets get moven then I’ll be with ya all the way.’
He smile as he moves to the door, 'You can hold my hand if you really need too.' Laugh at his joke he opens the door and heads out.
[Hightower]
[Hightower]
[i]"Wolves? We had apes. Two different kinds."
"And instead of gnomes we had hobgoblins who fight like Kywyn and Ran. We had undead guards too."
Minto takes a sip of his drink. "We had luck on our side, and no one was captured."
"But enough about Hermy and I."
He takes another swallow. "I take it they were succesful in slowing you? The undead?"
"I've seen you in action. If you had gotten there on time Jace would be breathing still."[/i]
Silmarwen continues "We were able to get around the undead easy enough, and Anaya lead us to the area where she thought they had taken Jace. However it was a small cramped cave opening that we found, and worried about being pinned in a small area we split the group. Ran, Anaya, and myself stayed outside to guard the enterance while Darkar, Kai, Cassius, and Lucien went in to try and find Jace. While they were inside a group of gnomes and kobolds surrounded us and tried to overtake us."
Darkar picks up at this point "Inside we had to overcome a porticulis that blocked our way, and after that there was voices that I did not recognize a 'T' junction. Moving ahead cautiously I was pinned between two attackers and a mage firing spells at me as well. Unable to gain any further ground we were forced to retreat back out of the cave. The mage then used the advantage of the narrow tunnel and our inability to move out of harms way fast enough to send lighting down the tunnel. I was able to dance out of the way fast enough, but Kai was not and died before we could get outside again. Once the way was clear Cassius sent lighting back down the tunnel and apparently took out their mage."
Silmarwen continues "Hearing the lighting and the cries of anguish I moved back and healed those that I could while Anaya, and Ran dispatched attacker after attacker. When Darkar and the others reappeared the fight forced the surviving kobolds to flee. They all fled in the same general direction, and this being suspicious we followed after them."
"Did you catch the kobolds? Fleeing in the same direction sounds like a trap to me."
"Also I think he was a priest of the mother." Silmarwen adds "Well following the kobolds was a small trap, when three skeletons rose up to battle with us, however I quickly reduced them back to dust thanks to the power of Thalos. Apparently they were fleeing to another enterance into the caves, that we were unaware of previously."
"Do you know?"
"It sounds better protected then you would expect for a mere outpost?"
"What kind of place was this? Before the gnomes and Kobolds took it over?"
"Do you know?"
"It sounds better protected then you would expect for a mere outpost?"
"Well I am not sure what it was before, afterwards when we were searching the area there was a well opening. It seemed odd for a well to be out there on a hill considering there was a stream nearby. As for the level of protection, I gather that they had been in the area at least for awhile. Although I think that the size of the caves made it easier to protect at least from the people they were preying upon."
"Do you think they are done praying on people in that area? You might have missed a few more tunnels. And there might have been more hiding in them."
"Not saying you did mind you. I know you tend to be very thorough. But it does sound like they had that place well layed out."
Minto nods. "There are advantages to being small."
"Do you think they are done praying on people in that area? You might have missed a few more tunnels. And there might have been more hiding in them."
"Not saying you did mind you. I know you tend to be very thorough. But it does sound like they had that place well layed out."
"I have my doubts that they are done, we missed taking out the leader a gnome calling himself Bonecrusher or something like that. A priest of Demmion and very skilled from what Silmarwen tells me. We did not finish exploring the tunnels, we found something that required us to return to the city immediately. We discovered Sir Allegion in a small cell chained up."
Minto blinks.
"I thought he was dead?"
"I didn't know there were gnomes fighting against us at Hent Manvellan. Especially not ones in a position high enough to be trusted with a captive like him."
"Seems very odd."
He takes off his hat and straightens his hair.
Minto readjusts his hat. "Will you be going back? Or is that going to be left to Sir Allegion? Bit of revenge and what not?"
"Gilgiga might be interested. I believe he's a druid of somesorts in addition to being a tracker. I can't see how he can handle staying cooped up in the Temple so much."
He shrugs. "And I'm sure theres a few members of the guild itching to get out as well."
"Once he's rested up a bit, I wouldn't be surprised to fing Hermy knocking on your door. Would save you a scroll at the very least."
"And a well paying journey as well."
"I think he'll be able to buy his own drinks for a while instead of mooching off me"
Minto chuckles.
"Of course, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have as much money to mooch."
"The magic beer might make me more money someday, if word ever spreads."
"But for now, the Hermy songs are still my bread and butter."
"And frankly, a lot funner."
"Hermy rushed me out on that adventure of his without much warning."
"I still have the money you gave me though. If you can't wait for a bit olnger, I can give it back. And I'll make the remaing two at cost if you can wait."
"What were they again? I'm sure by now I'll need to go get fresh ingridiants."
Minto shrugs. "I'll make sure I have them ready before you head back out at any rate."
Minto glances towards the stage.
He heads back to the stage.
He cannot dream. So I dream for him.
I dream I am in the water. It is dark and cool. I have become a creature of the depths; my torso remains that of a slender human, but a set of black octopus-like tentacles replace my legs.
I am intrigued by the sunken cities, the innumerable, misty lights in the distance, trembling through the volume of gloomy water. But when I look up, I see a light. I swim up to see there is a crystal ceiling everywhere. There is a roof over the world. Somehow, I should have known.
I see her there, the silver-haired elf girl who shares my heartbeat. She can’t reach through from above on the shore, and tears drop down to ripple the plane.
I bang my fists against the ceiling without effect. I realize I can’t be with her like this. I cry tears of ink which float upward.
I won’t lose her.
The black frog that crawls out from under the cloak stares at the sky.
---
Kywyn stalks closer, drawn by the muted noise and light. He crouches down like a black cat on the walk in front of the inn while slowly scanning the street with guarded eyes. The hooded man pulls out a piece of white chalk and draws lines on the stone.
At first, it seems the lines are disjointed and scribbled, but they work to reveal the likeness of a man. He is drawn with limbs spread out, and Kywyn marks a circle around him. Wherever an extremity intersects with the circle, Kywyn marks a simple glyph, bent lines and curved marks.
Kywyn reaches up to touch the wall of the building with a gauntleted hand. This was a warm place, a good place. It will be important to sort out.
.oO(It's been a while. And no Grrreycloak. But therrrre's the stage.)
She listens from outside for a moment before pushing through the door.
.oO(Soounds like quite a crroowd tonight. That's good.)
She steps inside the building, closing the door behind. She stands just out of the way of others entering and leaving, looking around, getting reacquainted with her surroundings.
She pushes her way through the crowd towards the bar. The man behind it takes her order for beer and exchanges it for a couple of coins. Taking her beer, she pushes back through the crowd seeking a good seat where she can watch the room for a while.
Evenly swinging the door open to walk in, he lets it shut behind him. With all the movement and noise flooding forth, Kywyn is driven a step back. He moves along the wall until he finds a free chair to sit. He folds his hands together and stares forward from the shade of his hood.
Soon she hears Minto's lute and voice float over the top of the crowd and she smiles, understanding why its so crowded.
.oO(Let them have 'im forr noow. Ah'll find 'im laterrr.)
She finds herself near the back wall and she glances over the crowd, nearly missing him; the hooded grey figure. Her gaze doubles back and settles on him, looking closely. She can't be sure; really it could be anyone.
Then it happens; was it a flash of light illuminating his face? Perhaps it was a familiar movement. Whatever it was, she was sure.
.oO(She got what she wanted afterrr all. He's back.)
Remembering her recent conversation with a priestess of Agathalos, she sets aside her disagreement with the act and focuses on the person. She smiles again. She realizes she's glad he's here.
She moves around and approaches him from the front so as not to suprise him.
"Ah hearr "welcome back" might be an apprrropriate grreetin' forr yeh." ;)
He moves just enough to assure Brodda she is not looking at a corpse.
Though he doesn't offer any reply, his shadowed eyes take in the dwarfess as if searching for something.
.oO(Coomin' back must not be the easiest thing t'deal with. At least he's not a bearrr.)
Nearby, a chair is vacated as the patron stands to clap in time to Minto's song. Brodda grabs the chair and drags it next to Kywyn. Ignoring a nearby cry of suprise as arse hits floor, Brodda climbs into the human-sized chair and begins to drink her beer, her eyes remaining steady on her friend.
"Give it time, lad. It'll come t'yeh."
He tilts his head, and a whisper passes his lips.
"Dit dis'jet oaxasupp..." the sounds are mostly lost in the din.
Glancing side to side slowly, Kywyn stands up from his chair. He taps near his ear with a finger to Brodda and backs away a step. His armored boots clink slightly.
He adjusts his steel gauntlets by pulling on the straps.
.oO(Cin he not hearrr meh?)
It's not until he begins adjusting the armor protecting his arms that she tenses. Automatically, her right hand starts to move toward one of her hidden knives for defense; however she manages to control the action, making the movement look like nothing more than a twitch. Her smile is gone and her brow furrows, wondering what she did to bring about this reaction from him. It might have been anything -- sat too closely, behaved too familiarly, didn't bring a beer for him... Perhaps it was all too much at once. How long has it been since he was brought back? Can't have been too long. Marroc said it had only been a couple of days since he was killed. Yes, that is likely it. Too much all at once too soon.
Forcing herself to relax and smile, though not taking an eye off Kywyn, she continues drinking her beer.
Kywyn turns his hooded face slightly and slowly, the merrymaker blinks and seems to sober up a touch as he takes his hand away and tries to melt back into the crowd.
The shrouded sorcerer looks back to Brodda, almost as if waiting.
"Let's go. Yeh'll be brrringin' doown Minto's audience and he's obviously dooin' well t'night. Ooutside with ye."
She gives him a smile and a wink and walks past him to the door.
Under the calm night sky again, he walks toward a place on the sidewalk near the other corner of the inn building. He crouches down, then approaches a particular spot, moving on all fours at times.
In white chalk, there are scribbled symbols on the ground. One can make out the figure of a man with his limbs spread in the lines. There is also a circle and little markings around the sketch.
Kywyn kneels with the drawing between him and Brodda. A little ribbit heralds the appearance of his familiar Hex. The black frog crawls out from Kywyn's shadow to enter the chalk circle.
She slowly takes a few steps closer, standing on the opposite side of the chalk drawing, studying the scene before her.
He's trrryin' soome sorrt o'spell, by the looks of it, she thinks to herself. She opens her senses and intuition to the supernatural. He came back not quite rrright, as if soomethin' got left behind. She feels a tingling at her side and her hand drops to the spot, brushing her flute. Of course. She slides it from its holster and, never taking an eye off frog nor man, she begins to play...
...low, chirping, short, hopping notes mingled with a dark, burdoned tone emenates from the wooden instrument. The notes shift around, lost, with no direction except for a thread, a middling note now weaving its way into the mix. Its a life-thread keeping the lower notes from wandering too far.
Brodda watches the frog watching her as she plays -- it seems intrigued with the piece. She just wished she knew what she was playing.
More notes are added; still dark and burdoned, mingling with the shorter notes are longer ones, just as lost yet keeping closer to the lighter life-thread-note, almost caressing it but never quite touching. Then the music begins to coalesce, to gather and swirl around the life-thread-note like a dust storm, frenzied, and moved by a power stronger than the three musical entities.
The bard watches both frog and man, unfamiliar with the music, sure in her intuition. In her musician-mind's eye, the music is translated into moving pictures and colors. She continues to play as the chirping entity shifts, changing, merging with the other dark entity, becoming one for a time, swirling around the center entity. Then the music gradually slows, the merged entities separating again, however a little lighter, less burdened, and the smaller, chirping entity moves off, leaving the other two entities finding that, finally, they can touch...
A cool breeze brushes across Brodda's sweaty brow, bringing her back to the scene before her -- man, frog, and magical inscription. She falls to her knees, exhausted, breathing heavily, and looks at Kywyn, trying to read him.
.oO(It shoould help, m'frriend. Ah doon't knoow exactly what it was, but it shoould help.)
The frog hops out of the circle, toward Kywyn and climbs up his left boot.
Kywyn reaches down with a finger to smudge away some chalk. With a circular gesture, the artist erases pieces of his work, cutting the figure at the neck, shoulder, and thigh, basically separating the torso from its appendages.
A breeze stirs up to accompany the music, almost as if the bard could command the winds. Spiraling against the building, the gale blows back Kywyn’s hood, revealing a blank face, an even line of pale lips underlining almond-shaped brown eyes. Raven hair that is short cut, but allotting for longer bangs, flutters slightly as the breeze dies away.
When Brodda finishes, drained from the strange inspiration, Kywyn is still crouched down near the symbols. He looks down again.
"Lad, what..." she pauses when the wind swirls around them, and she shudders. She looks up at him and sees the blank, emotionless face. She begins to feel a little fear for him.
"Kywyn," she whispers. "Ah knoow yeh'rre in therre, lad." She leans over the circle between them and reaches out to him. "Ah just doon't knoow how deeply burrrried y'arre."
"Yaxa caxaniz whoaxal vo logaxaldropt..." he mutters quietly.
He grabs her hand by the wrist as it comes forward, an icy aura projecting through his gauntlets.
Kywyn breathes a forceful breath through his nostrils, almost an animal-like gesture.
He tilts his head while regarding her, then lets go and moves backward. He starts to withdraw into the shadows of the alley. From his black leather belt, Kywyn pulls out a pencil and holds it out to his side as he walks, drawing a thin line along the wall. The dwarf’s darkvision reveals the man’s hand moving as if independent from his thoughts, scribbling small winged shapes as he slowly walks further away.
"Kywyn..." she whispers in a chatter.
And as quickly as he grabbed her, he releases her and is off, moving away, moving, drawing...
.oO(What...?)
Worried, she stands and follows at a distance.
.oO(He's lost, can't find his way hoome.)
She watches his drawings as he moves on, hoping for some kind of clue, some hint to help bring him fully back.
A small swirl of dusk comes from his wrist and travels down his drawing tool. The lines on the wall darken like veins filling with dark blood. The drawn shapes meld with shadows in the alley, wavering them slightly. A little piece of the edge of shade breaks away, floating in the air like an errant leaf. Another follows, and then another.
Soon the alley is aflutter with small shreds of shadow. A growing, soft rustling sound announces the stretching of the shadows into numerous, small wings. Brodda can’t be certain but it resembles nothing more than a column of bats...
Brodda concentrates and sees through the illusion, the images of bats fading to wisps of shadow.
[OoC: Will Save 18+7]
She continues to follow at a distance, getting into a pouch at her side and digging out a bit of clay.
.oO(Alrrright, haven't used this one much yet... have to make it coney and spirrralley...)
She manipulates the clay as she follows her lost friend. Quickly, she gives the shape crude spiralled steps.
.oO(Ah hoope this worrks. Almost finished...)
"Kywyn, Dweud wrth mi!"
The clay prop quivers in her hand, turns several shades of grey lighter, and shatters with a pop. She looks up at him, hope in her eyes.
"Let me help you."
<"Just take a breath and walk away...">
Sharp syllables that scratches at the ears.
<"Stay here and watch me bleed...">
He is spun around but then backs away a step.
Kywyn looks up to the moon between the dark edges of the buildings.
<"You were never there... you were never there, seeker... ghost, lover, father...">
<"Which of us will survive... when it collides?">
.oO(It worrked, but...)
She listens to his words.
.oO(...what dooes it mean? It's like he's in some sorrt o'trrance.)
Determined, she takes his gauntleted hands in hers, expecting to connect with that chill again. She looks into his eyes.
"Kywyn, look at meh. Concentrrrate."
<"Too numb..."> he whispers and utters some other sounds.
A faint blue hue washes over the hand Brodda clutches, draining warmth from her arm and then the other muscles of her body. He pulls away and steps back out of the alley and into the light of the next street lantern.
Kywyn pulls up his hood again and takes off down the street, the air behind him catching the edges of his torn poncho-cloak. He bends down into a lower running pose as he vaults over a short wooden post fence and into the shadows beyond.
"No doon't..."
.oO(Tirred... canna let 'im go...)
She tries to hold on, to withstand the assault.
.oO(... canna stop 'im.)
She slumps against the alley wall and begins to slide downward.
"Frrriend," she whispers weakly as his hands slip from her grasp. She can barely hear his footsteps as he disappears into the night.
"That didn'a go well noow, did it, lass?"
She mutters to herself all the way back to the bar. "Kannon, me lad. Anotherr beerrr, if'n ye please. An' keep 'em coomin'." She tosses the bartender a couple of silver coins. "That's teh starrt with."
She takes her first beer and searches for another seat, one where she can see the stage and watch Minto for a while. She finds one and is still wrapped in thought.
.oO(NaShae... she had him brrought back, but he didn'a seem teh rreturrn all the way, like soomethin was left behind. How is she dealin' with the change in him?)
.o0(Mintos inside the Inn, ifen theres somethings wrong with Brodda he cin takes care of it. I wonder whats she's doings back anyhows? I thought she went backs to Dwarfland to be a mistress or somethings likes that.)
He shrugs.
.o0(Needs ta keeps Kywyn outs of trouble tonights though. Somethin aints rights with him.)
Once the song finishes he takes a bow, and then grins.
.o0(Brodda!)
He starts to play another song, talking over the intro to it. "This song isn't one of mine. It's actually meant to be played on the flute, but I think I can muddle through it."
"Of course, it would be better if all I had to worry about was getting the lyrics right."
He winks at Brodda and then starts singing.
"I must not think of thee
and tired, yet strong
I shun the thought that lurks in all delight.
The thought of thee, and in the blue heaven's height
And in the sweetest passage of a song...'
Brodda recognizes the next tune that Minto begins to play, shaking her head.
.oO(Indeed, it is meant forrr the flute, yeh ninny!) She thinks, laughing to herself as well as visibly. She grins at the invitation and climbs onto the stage with the halfling bard, withdrawing her flute from its holster. She curtsies to the crowd in the prolonged applause then picks up the tune in mid-bar. The two instruments dance together for a short while as the bards welcome each other with their eyes and, together, play to their audience. Then the lute drops off, leaving Minto free to concentrate on the lyrics, and the din dies down.
Kannan, faithful employee of the inn, sends Brodda's next beer over to be left at the foot of the stage. One appears next to the first, presumably for Minto.
He grins and continues.
"Now don't get me wrong. I appreciate a good audience more then a good ale. But..." Minto pauses to take a drink. "But, I've always found that an audience appreciates me more after a few ales. And I just love being appreciated."
"So I think I might just need to take a short break with my friend Brodda here and take a few minutes to let your appreciation grow. Not that I'd complain if you showed me some appreciation while we wait. I like my performances better after a few ales as well."
"So let''s all drink up. What do you say?"
He raises his mug in the air. "A toast to good ale and good song! We'll be enjoying both soon enough!"
He takes another swallow of his ale and then nods towards Brodda. "Let's find us a table. We've got tales to trade."
He takes the dwarfs hand and leads her off the stage. "I must say, your showing up here is the best thing thats happened to me in sometime."
"And a total surprise. I really wasn't expecting to see you again."
"A table? Ah doon't knoow if'n we'll find one, love. It's prretty crrroowded t'night."
However, Minto must have had a specific table in mind, for he heads directly toward an occupied table. Before the pair reach it, however, the table quickly becomes vacant. Halfling and dwarf sit.
"It's good t'be back. Ah didn'a rrealize how much Ah missed Garrric's until t'day."
That thought leads her to the events of the day and her smile quickly turns to a worried frown.
"What d'yeh knoow aboout Kywyn?"
"Though come to think of it, the good news could be considered bad news as well."
Minto takes another swallow.
"He died. That's the bad news. In the sewers fighting a lich most likely."
"Good news is we had him brought back to life today."
Another drink is taken. "I'm not sure he came back right though."
"It could just be shock. Hermys following him to keep him out of trouble until he gets used to being back. If he gets use to it."
"Kywyns a nice man and all, but there was always something a little off about him."
"Not much moorre than Ah alrready knew."
*chuckle*
"Herrrmy is verry good at keepin' ooutta sight. Ah didn'a knoow he was anywherre arroound when..."
She sighs.
"...when Ah was talkin' with Kywyn."
She looks up at Minto and smiles, moving on to a different topic.
"So yeh missed me? Tell meh moorrre." :D
Minto smiles.
"Or would you rather here what you've missed? We brought Hermy's father back. There was a lovely party in the halfling quarter to celebrate. Good games, good food, the music could have been better though. There was a distinct lack of woodwind instruments there."
He grins.
"A few other adventures as well. Hermy and I fought some kind of creature that used songs as weapons against us. Luckily we had a man with us that is tune deaf and wasn't effected."
"Did you ever meet Aramil? He died the same time and place as Kywyn, and so did his brother Oskar. He's a bear now. Aramil. Oskar's human. Lots of strange stuff since you left."
"Poetrrry is nice but Ah'd rratherr hearr the news."
She listens attentively, smiling at the thought of Hermy and father reunited.
"That's good t'hearr. Ah'm glad we did some good therre."
"You've been busy since Ah've been away."
The bardess frowns as Minto speaks of Aramil.
"Aye... that's why Ah'm herrre, t'extend grreetin's frrom home to Arrramil. A grreat honorrr it is bein' a Dwarrrven Defenderrr. Ah was a little... ehm... suprrrised t'be meetin' a bearrr. Rrresurrrections arrre funny in a not-rreally-verrry-funny way."
She looks the halfling in the eye in all seriousness.
"Minto, if'n soomethin' should everr happen t'me..."
She shakes her head.
"...doon't yeh darre have meh brrought back. If'n Orrdemetrrex thinks Ah've morre t'do in this life, she'll take carre of things, Ah feel cerrrtain."
Wow. That is a lot of tall people! Nanashi is going to need a second to collect his thoughts. Actually Nanashi could use a few minutes because he has so many thoughts but there is no time for that, Nanashi! Wait. Yes there is, Nanashi! All of these people are going to need time to take in Nanashi's splendor! Oh ho ho! Be generous to them and take your time, Nanashi!
"Beat poetry doesn't fare that well here."
Think, Nanashi! Do you have a comb? No! What will you do? Think! Think! How do you want your hair to look?
It is standing on end now, Nanashi! That look does not suite you at all! Part it to the right! No that does not look right. Try to the left! No that does not look right either. Comb it back? It is standing straight up again! Down, hair, down! That is more like it! You would think his hair had a mind of its own after the way it combed itself.
"Nanashi thanks you for waiting but he must ask you to wait just a second longer. Combing with no hands and no comb is very thirsty work."
There is ale on that table there, Nanashi. Anyone else would have to leave the stage to get it but not Nanashi! Oh ho ho! Watch the way he pulls a coin out of his pouch with one hand and reaches out with the other. Listen! Nanashi is going to use a magic word!
[draconic]"Gimme!"[/draconic]
Here comes the mug! Here comes the owner of the mug too, Nanashi! Obviously you do not know your own strength! Oh ho ho! He looks upset. Better keep him from hurting himself. Nanashi is only out for ale, not blood.
"Nanashi would not take your drink without paying for it! Oh ho ho! Catch!"
Good catch! He should be able to buy two ales for that! Nanashi is so generous! He is also less thirsty! Oh ho ho! Remember to wave your hand while you drink, Nanashi! You still have an audience!
OOC
Nanashi used his Prestidigitation spell-like ability to comb his hair. Then he used Mage Hand to grab an ale from a nearby table but he used his own hand to throw the silver piece. Oh ho ho!
"Well..."
She starts out, trying to come up with something positive to say about the magician.
"He's, uh, quite charrrismatic, doon'tcha think?"
Still watching the stage, she drains her cup and catches the waitress' attention for another.
What a good idea, Nanashi!
"But this mug is empty!"
Turn it over, Nanashi, so everyone can see!
"Oh ho ho! Not for long!"
Wave your hand over the mug, Nanashi! Say the magic words!
"[ab]Master, I am thirsty![/ab]"
And Nanashi has a full mug! It is even spilling on the stage. The Dragon is as generous as Nanashi! Oh ho ho! Do not spill too much, just enough for everyone to see that the mug is full again.
"This is better! Oh ho ho!"
Drink deep, Nanashi! Why the funny face?
"Ugh! This ale is practically water!"
That can not be right! Taste it again, Nanashi!
"It IS water! But Nanashi can fix that with the wave of his hand!"
Wave your hand, Nanashi! Drink again!
"Much better but not cold enough! Nanashi's hand is getting tired of all this waving but okay! One more time!"
Frost! There is frost on Nanashi's mug! That is so amazing even if Nanashi says so himself! Oh ho ho!
"NOW it is good enough for Nanashi! Oh ho ho!"
Take a small bow as you drink, Nanashi! Wave that tired hand again but try not to do anything with it!
"But please do not take Nanashi's word for it! Is there a dwarf in the house?"
Nanashi seeks expert testimony to his abilities! Oh ho ho! How brilliant he is!
OOC
Nanashi casts Create Water to fill his mug. He uses his Prestidigitation to flavor and chill the water.
Brodda looks around the inn's main room and smiles.
"If he keeps prrracticin', he may just develop a good act therre," she says in a low voice to Minto.
Minto nods.
"Practice and trial and more practice. It's the only way to get better."
With a gleam in her eye, she adds, "What act can'na be made betterrr with a little music?"
Minto looks at her.
"Brodda..."
"It'll be alrrright, loove," she replies as she makes her way to the side of the stage.
Minto shakes his head and chuckles.
Brodda, not wanting to take the act from the gnome, but to add to it a little, remains at the side of the stage and begins to softly play a little background music for the performer.
OOC
Nanashi, since Minto's player is out of town for a short spell, I thought this might be a good opportunity for some interaction. I rolled a d20 3 times for audience response and it averaged out fairly mediocre. I'm afraid I don't know your ranks in Perform, so I worked with what I had. Brodda is now playing softly in the background (as much as a recorder will allow) something energetic, like a jig, and casting the bardic spell "Inspire Competence". Email me if you wish: ldy_kathryn(at)yahoo.com
Nanashi is speaking magic words again! How can he keep them all straight?
"[ab]Endless larder,
Endless hunger,
Spare a morsel,
Send it here![/ab]"
That is a lot of magic words! What do they do? Oh look! Look at the front of the stage! Look closely because it is not very big and hard to see. There is a black snake on stage with Nanashi now and it is going right for the dwarf!
"[ab]No fighting, snake! Dance to the music![/ab]"
This is one mean looking snake, Nanashi! It is not a very good dancer but what can you expect from a creature with no legs? Oh ho ho!
"See how easily the snake succumbs to the charms of the music! Not many musicians have such power over such dangerous beasts! How lucky for you all that Nanashi was able to find one on such short notice! Oh ho ho! Give them a hand everyone!"
OOC
Nanashi casts Summon Monster to bring a fiendish viper onto the stage. It is smart enough to speak one language which Nanashi assumes is abyssal because of where it comes from.
Nanashi's secret file says he has 4 ranks in Perform (oratory) but this was not that kind of performance. Oh ho ho! Nanashi hopes Brodda has ranks in snake charming!
Nanashi, since Minto's player is out of town for a short spell, I thought this might be a good opportunity for some interaction. I rolled a d20 3 times for audience response and it averaged out fairly mediocre. I'm afraid I don't know your ranks in Perform, so I worked with what I had. Brodda is now playing softly in the background (as much as a recorder will allow) something energetic, like a jig, and casting the bardic spell "Inspire Competence". Email me if you wish: ldy_kathryn(at)yahoo.com
Nanashi's secret file says he has 4 ranks in Perform (oratory) but this was not that kind of performance. Oh ho ho! Nanashi hopes Brodda has ranks in snake charming!
"See? Noow that wasn't soo bad, was it?"
She grins impishly towards Minto before returning her attention to her beer and the performance onstage.
"There's just something about someone who talks about themselves in the firstperson that I find a little... unsetteling."
"It's like they don't have a good grasp of reality."
"But if the audience likes it, who am I to complain. They do have taste here."
He applauds and starts to humm the words to one of his Hermy songs.
"[ab]Snake, come here![/ab] Oh ho ho! Everyone, it is time to send our friend home! Now he will just say the magic words, [ab]Back into the belly you go![/ab] and it is gone!"
It is too! Oh ho ho!
"Now Nanashi must be gone as well! He hopes you enjoyed the show!"
Time to disappear into a heavy cloud of smoke, Nanashi? No that would stick around too long and people would not be able to find their drinks until it went away! Nanashi would never let anyone who kept him from his drink back on stage either! Nanashi will be remembered as Nanashi the Magnificent or Nanashi the Terrible but not Nanashi the Guy Who Kept Me From Finding My Beer For Five Minutes! Powerful men would never hire a sorcerer with a name like that! Oh ho ho! Take your bows and walk off the stage, Nanashi! Let everyone get a good look at the most powerful sorcerer they will every know! Let them get a good look at your new armor too! Now go get another drink from the bar.
"Here is Nanashi's coin, bartender. Can you turn it into another ale for him? Oh ho ho!"
"How to make a beer disappear?"
Minto stands up on his chair and yells to the bartender.
"Kannan! Put Nanashis drink on my tab, and send it to my table. Along with one for Brodda and myself!"
The bartender glares at him. Minto sighs, and then yells out to the crowd. "Would someone care to cover my tab for this round? I'll dedicate my next song to you."
Money is exchanged at the counter, and drinks are poured for the bards. Minto only watches close enough to see what color the man paying for the rounds shirt is, then waves at Nanashi.
"Join us for a drink."
He whispers to Brodda. "Maybe I can make a song about him. Or at least a limmerick."
"Nanashi thanks you for the ale. He sees you know the great musician who assisted him. Nanashi has never heard the flute played so well by anyone else before."
"Good players are rare. Great ones even more so. And Brodda is better then great. She's a master."
Minto turns his smile to Nanashi. "We haven't been properly introduced. Allow me to introduce myself. Minto Newberry, Bard Extroidinare. Personal minstrel to Sir Hermy Woodhome. Honorary member of the city's elite guardforce. Master of the Lute. Garics most popular songwriter. And the best dressed halfling on this side of the world."
Minto winks, and then raises his mug towards his lips.
Ahhh! I can already taste the ale!
Without looking back to Kal, Driden walks up to the bar and drops down several silver pieces.
Ale my good sir! And please keep them coming!
Kannan manages to shake his head before placing two mugs of foaming ale before him. Without a word, Driden grabs one and drains it in a matter of seconds. A feat he already performed a couple times today.
Hurry up Kal, this mug of ale looks like it's getting lonely.
‘Ha! You keep paying for this and I’ll be robbing you blind. The next order is on me!’ He says drawing the mug to his lips and giving the lad a shove in the side, ‘How you think I gona keep up with you if you drink like that.’ He says with a chuckle skulling a quarter of the mug.
‘Hmm, Tomorrow when were right and all good. You want to go find a library?’
That's the plan...unless you have something else you must do. If that's the case then I will accompany you. You have done so much for me, and it would be rude of me not too return the favor.
Driden quickly wipes his face and drinks the rest of the ale.
Tell me Kal, what are your plans anyways?
"Nanashi is Nanashi! Mighty magic flows through him like blood as you have no doubt seen tonight! Oh ho ho! He does not know so much about flutes or lutes though. How long have Minto and Brodda been playing to get so good?"
Is Nanashi looking to learn a musical instrument? Oh ho ho! No! Nanashi is going to learn more about these two people and the one they work for for in that too is strength! Maybe there is a job too! Oh ho ho!
Don't know...I spent a very long time looking for answers. I finally get them and nothings really changed. It's kinda anti-climactic to tell you the truth.
Another mug of ale slide down the bar only for Driden to reach out and catch it. After another long draw, Driden looks down into his mug thoughtfully.
A musician? Nanashi will not be able to find work with this one. Oh ho ho! This Sir Hermy on the other hand must be very rich to afford the best songwriter in the city and keep him so well dressed! This sounds promising!
"Nanashi is Nanashi! Mighty magic flows through him like blood as you have no doubt seen tonight! Oh ho ho! He does not know so much about flutes or lutes though. How long have Minto and Brodda been playing to get so good?"
Is Nanashi looking to learn a musical instrument? Oh ho ho! No! Nanashi is going to learn more about these two people and the one they work for for in that too is strength! Maybe there is a job too! Oh ho ho!
Muinto shrugs. "I was born playing good. And have gotten better everytime I've plucked a string since."
"I imagine sometime soon I'll have to stop improving though. There is no way to improve on perfection."
He looks to Brodda. "You are in the same boat I'd imagine. Right Brodda my dear?"
Minto looks back to Nanashi. "Mind you, there is more to both of us then just our musical mastery."
'"I'm no slacker at casting spells either."
"Hmmm? Oh, aye, perrrrfection! Absolutely! Verrry harrrrd t'get betterrrrr from therrrre."
She laughs then and turns her attention to the gnome.
"Nanashi, is it? What is yeh'rre aim, hm? Courrrt enterrrtainerrr perrhaps?:
Look all around, Nanashi. Are there any wizards to be seen? No but this is no surprise to Nanashi. Wizards are very good at using their magic to be unseen! Oh ho ho! Nanashi can not be fooled. If a wizard reveals himself, he is ready!
.oO(Wizarrds... listening?)
Her gaze returns to the magician and she contemplates his mannerism. Then she busts out laughing again.
"Aye, Nanashi. Ye'd betterrr be carrreful! Yeh neverr knoow wherre those wizarrds might be hiding, what they might overrrhearr."
She attempts to get her mirth under control, hoping she hasn't hurt the gnome's feelings. Finally, she takes a deep breath and focuses on her beer.
‘Well you know alittle bit more then you did before, doesn’t it feel like its filled a hole? Don't you feel any better knowing what you do know, do you fell any better without the questions of the emptiness welling in your throat answered?’
Pausing Kal’thas gets himself another glass of ale. He revives a nice size mug with a small head of foam. Taking a light sip he rest the mug down with a thump and slides a glance over to Driden as he stares into his glass.
‘Do go searching for answer in the bottom of a glass…’
"Nanashi will be careful but they will hear of me sooner or later anyway. Oh ho ho!"
"The trick is to get them to hear what you want them to hear."
"Do you think Hermy would be the city's greatest hero if I had left the promotion up to him? Sure he did the deeds, but I made sure people heard about it."
Minto waves an arm towards the barcrowd.
"Right now, these people here will be telling the Hightower about the show you just put on. It was entertaining, but amauter stuff."
"Why don't we try to get the word out that you are a powerful caster."
Without waiting for a reply. Mintpo stands up on his chair and yells out. "Anyone here from the Hightower!"
Maybe your right...it's just going to take a little time for it all to sink in.
The gnome's last comment brings a smile to the young man's lips as he bring the mug up in a toast.
No worries friend, just a bad habit I learned from some old mercenaries. I actually consider myself to be a pretty good drunk. But I suppose anyone's a good drunk if they don't harm anyone around em.
With that, Driden gulps down the rest of the ale and waves his hand for another.
All I can do now is keep moving forward.
Suddenly, Driden turns his head towards the halfling standing on the chair and tries to blink the ale out of his eyes.
Is that a halfling standing on a chair shouting at everyone or am I drunker then I thought...?
"Without waiting for a reply. Minto stands up on his chair and yells out. "Anyone here from the Hightower!"
Brodda, sipping her beer, suddenly chokes and sputters beer as Minto jumps up and begins to yell. As soon as her air passages clear, the noise can be heard as laughter.
After a moment and a few mirthful tears, she waves Minto down.
"Minto," she says breathlessly, "Ah doon't think that's exactly what the lad had in mind."
She turns to Nanashi, her face still merry despite an attempt at solemnity, if only for a moment.
"Ah think y'shoould excuse us. It seems the beerrrr has been floowin' a bit too well this night."
She sets down her glass, takes Minto's hand and pulls him off the chair and towards the door. Before exiting, she turns to the crowd and waves.
"We'll be back soon forr anotherr thrrrillin' perrforrmance! Good night forr noow!"
Once outside, she gives Minto a big kiss.
Breathless again, she whispers, "Ah didn'a rrealize just hoow much Ah'd missed this stupid toown."
The she takes a step back and leans against the wall, the muffled sounds from the bar floating around them. "What else have Ah missed?"
He gives her another kiss.
"Do you have a place to stay yet? I don't think going back into the Lich right now would be the best plan."
"Mmmm... Ah've got meh rrroom back at Missus Weatherrrby's. But therre's no ale therre. Ah prrropose gooin' back teh Nobody's."
She smiles as she imagines drinking more Greycloak. Then she kisses the halfling and heads down the road, humming. She looks back at him playfully, then lifts her skirts and takes off at a full run.
Is it time to go back on stage? No, not tonight. The halfling has surely roused the attention of every wizard in the place for now and Nanashi is no closer to having a patron than he was five minutes ago. Well Nanashi can wait a little longer. He still has a drink to keep him company. Oh ho ho!
Hey Nunusha...err..Nanasho! Come over and have a drink with us!
The young man hollers while waving his mug of ale, spilling some into his lap.
"Nanashi already has a drink but he will join you! Oh ho ho! How is yours?"
To prove it, Driden polishes off the rest and lets out a loud burp.
So how's your.. *hic*..mission comin along?
He says while closing one eye to regain focus. During that time, Kannan returns with another mug only to shake his head as he places it in front of Driden.
Kannan: You spew on my counter and you'll be the one to clean it up.
Driden only manages to smile before he starts on his new mug.
"Hello Sir Shadowood. I've been wanting to speak with you."
ooc:I don't think I need to remind you but Darkar has not seen Jace since the reincarnation.
It tastes great!
To prove it, Driden polishes off the rest and lets out a loud burp.
So how's your.. *hic*..mission comin along?
He says while closing one eye to regain focus. During that time, Kannan returns with another mug only to shake his head as he places it in front of Driden.
Kannan: You spew on my counter and you'll be the one to clean it up.
Driden only manages to smile before he starts on his new mug.
"Nanashi is still looking."
Only one more mouthful of ale left, Nanashi? Finish up.
"In fact that is what he will do right now! Oh ho ho! Goodbye!"
Be sure to wave to the customers as you leave, Nanashi!
"I believe that you have me at a disadvantage. I am not aware for you name." makes a motion for the elf to take a seat
I'm gonna go *hic*...for a walk...needs ta think about stuff. We'll start tomarrow...*hic* I'll be back here...later on tonight ta gets a room...*hic*
The sorceror pats Kal on the back before making his way out of the Inn.
[to Market Square]
"I am not suprized that you do not know me by what you see. It was simply by chance that I was passing by an saw Silmarwen leaving this inn. I am also not suprized that she did not know who I was.*
*Jace lets Darkar chew on this bit of information for a moment then he speaks again.*
"Lord Malifaeyr, you and Lady Silmarwen heard something when you spoke with the dead body of a man. This man told you things about what had happened just before his death. From what I understand the information that was given did not help in any way. So the choice was made to bring this man back to life in order to get more information from him. When this man woke up cold on a stone floor, Lord Malifaeyr was there. The two spoke for a time over dinner and Jace Cornwall was to speak with a Sir Darkar Shadowood. A companion on the expedtion that ended with the death of Jace. I, Jace Cornwall, am here to do just that."
"May the stars light your path Darkar, and yours master elf"
.oO(Mmmmm, yet another of my companions.)
"Good day Cassius, please have a seat. You may have an interest in what I have to say."
"Cassius, please do not be alarmed that I know you. I understand that you knew that a man Jace Cornwall was being brought back from the dead recently. This has occured and I am the soul of that man but not the body. The mother chose to bring me back as an elf."
*Jace turns his attention back towards Darkar.*
"I have had a little difficulty adjusting to my new body. I have lost a vast majority of my memory. Almost everything prior to my arrival in Garics City is gone. I only have little flashes of memory. I also have been unable to sleep. From what I understand elves do not need to rest but a few hours. I have been unable to sleep at all though."
Ale pleeeasse...My throats parched again...*hic*
Instead of powering down his new ale, he decides to take it easy and nurse it.
Steffi sees the lights of the inn, and pauses for a long moment at the sign.
The Last Lich? That's... ominous. And unlucky sounding. Yet, there it is and no-ones burned it down, so maybe it's alright.
She cautiously steps inside, making her way to an unoccupied table. Soon enough, a meal and ale are in front of her, and she discreetly observes her surrounding while she eats.
Him again, and drinking again. Surprising he doesn't dissolve. Heh, what a thought that is, a puddle with two bleary eyes poking out!
Too bad I didnt get ta use you little guy...*hic*
With his ale in one hand and lure in the other, the drunk young man spins around in his barstool. When he finally stops, Driden closes one eye to focus on a familiar face at a table. With a look to his lure then back to Steffi, the sorceror gets up from his stool and slowly walks to her.
Hellooo again..*hic*
He waves before taking a seat at her table.
I found my..self a fishin spot...but I had no rod....or line.
After large gulp, Driden wipes his face and rubs his cheeks while biting down another hiccup.
Soo I thoughts that I could make youse one... He says before making a confused look and silently mouthing his own words.
Are you sure it was a fishing spot? she asks innocently.
Suure was....seen some fishes jumps out of the river I tell ya.*hic*
The young man then look down into his mug and blinks a few times.
Fishermans good I am...err...*hic*..when I was young that isss.
Pulling out the lure, Driden places it in front of Steffi.
Where dids ya learn this? I'm might be a litttle drunk...but...I can see good crafts-a-man...ship when I sees it.
Sitting back, Driden runs his fingers through his hair only for the two long bangs to fall back over his eye.
Maybe if yours lucky...I'll show ya my suuper specc-ial fishin spot. More fishies then the eyes can see....*hic* I could probably sell my secret for lots-o gold...We can partners up...make a killin. Youse just gots ta make me a rod...with lines on it. Can't fish withouts any line ya know?
My parents trained me in the family craft. So, your fishing spot, plenty of space for casting?
She sips her ale, and adds, Of course, I do make rods as well as lures.
I thinks so...I was sipping on a bottle of wine ya knows...everything gets all wierd when ya mix yer drinks. Dist-ance wise I mean...*hic*
The young man then widens his eyes when he remembers the half bottle of wine in his pack.
You wants some? I saved a bottle of wine...and it would be perrfect time to drink it in celebration.
‘Shame I missed such a treat little bud,’ he says polishing over what ever was left in his mug. ‘But I have been a bit adrift a the moment.’ His eyes run over him and say what he what he couldn't. Kneading the back of his neck he steps away from the stool.
‘Well Driden when you have cleaned yourself up I’ll find see you at the Temple’
[to Temple of Ordemetrex]
The Temple? I, ah, I wouldn't have taken you for a priest...
She lets the questioning phrase drift off, as she looks over the man appraisingly.
He couldn't possibly be a cleric! Nor the gnome...
Priest..*hic*..us? Nah, were returning a favor to a wizard who helped answer my questions...
Driden then explains to Steffi the assignment concerning the search for something known as Moonfire, while not elaborating on the questions he asked. Most of his explanation was slightly slurred but Steffi got the gist of it.
I guess Kal can't wait a day...*hic*
Leaning back in his chair, the young man sighs then bites down a burp.
I suppose I betters get sobered...*hic* You wounld'nt know anything about Moonfire would ya?
Moonfire? No, I wouldn't know anything about that... He sure didn't give you much to go on!
You should help us out *hic*...we wouldnt...mind for another hand...
His eyes finally shut just after he murmurs his last comment for the day.
Someone pretty to look at would be nice too. Not that Kal's ugly...or any...
The young man passes out on the chair while soft words of things past and present escape his lips. Kannan then walks towards the table to look down at the two with a scowl.
Kannan: I'll have you know that he's not going to be sleeping in the common room. He already left enough coins for the ale but someones is going to pay for a room for the night or he's going to be sleeping in an alley.
I do not belive that I have the money to repay him. But if I could do something with my actions then I will. Also I will feed any sort of information that I get to the Jackels. And back to the sleep thing. How do you get rest. I never actualy sleep any more. I just lay and stare at the roof.
You will not sleep anymore. As an elf it is more mental training to allow you body to rest. Your mind will stay occupied, but your body will get the rest that it needs. In fact it will take about half of the time to get the same rest. The mind is probably what will take the most effort for you to train. Have you ever done meditation before? That is probably something that will be of most help for you.
Darkar, I'm not meaning to pry but when are you planning to start hunting that black priest?"
[i]Kannan: I'll have you know that he's not going to be sleeping in the common room. He already left enough coins for the ale but someones is going to pay for a room for the night or he's going to be sleeping in an alley.
Steffi's eyes widen, and she stutters out a reply, B-but... what am I supposed to...
She slumps back, then glares at the snoring drunk.
You're going to owe me for this! she mutters.
With a helpless glare at Kannan, she loops one of Driden's arms around her shoulders, and begins dragging him out of the inn. The sight is no doubt comical, with so much of the young man dragging on the ground behind her...
*Jace listens to what Cassius and Darkar speak about and frowns.*
"This "Black Priest." I take it that this is the gnome that had me held captive. Also another question that just occured to me to ask. What happened after I....after I died.*
.oO(Do I dare accompany them on this expidition...Am I strong anough. Could I die once again?)
Cassius sits back and drinks his wine
"Jace, you know I am sorry we didn't get to you in time. This shouldn't have happenned. No offence Darkar but a human spirit wasn't ment to live in an elven body. If you ever feel that the world is beginning to slip trough your fingers or that you have had enough come see me Jace. I'll help you as best I can "
"By the gods Jace, you didn't think I'd help you end your life??????? I meant that you could come and talk to me if the transition from human to elf gets to much and you need to talk, maybe I can help you retain the human side of your soul, and that is one thing you must alway remember, your soul is human"
"Well.....Sorry for the misunderstanding. It seems that I still do that. It was something I did often before my death, and it is somewhat gladdening to know that I still do it...It reminds me of what I was, and it may help to remind me in the future."
*Jace shifts awkwardly in his chair for a moment. Jae then looks as if he s casting about for a change in subject. Addressing no one in particular Jace continues.*
"You said something earlier about going after the gnome....I do not know if I would want to go or not...Part of me says go and exact revenge and the other says to stay, that I this gnome is to powerful for me. I'm unsure of what I would want to do. I believe that I have recovered enough from my death but I do not know if I am ready to face the evil that killed me. It may always sit in my mind that I was too afraid to face my killer, and I may die once again if I go..."
"I can understand your line of thought and i believe that none of those who went with us would force you to come. To face ones fear is the bravest thing to do"
"I will think about wether or not I will want to go on this. But I will look around for Tensek. It will give me time to think about my decision. I however think that I will let the two of you be for a time. I will have some wine and think about what I am going to do."
*Jace stands and gives a polite bow to both Cassius and Darkar. He orders some wine and sits in a corner table, pondering his situation.*
---
Jace in his old body and an elf. Jace cannot recall the name of this elf. They are walking through the underbrush scouting ahead for his party. Looking for the gnome. All is quiet, until the soft rustle of leaves and a gigantic wolf flies out of the brush. It goes down quickly and efficently but two more arrows meet Jace and then another two after some more activity...A retreat, the plants are alive and grasping, howls of more wolves. Jace's elven companion calls out encouragement to Jace. Stars then yet another piercing feeling in his back and then all Jace sees is black.
---
*Back in the Inn Jace's eyes pop open, and his breath is shallow...A few of the patrons that were near by stop looking with worry at the elf and return to their conversations and drink. Jace downs the last of the wine stands up feeling a little light headed but it passes quickly, and walks out the door and heads for the gates.*
.oO(I need quiet, and calm.)
Harvest Festival
The first day of Autumn, Games, Contests, Revelry!
See the Pumpkin King and Corn Queen crowned!
5sp entry for Hot Food and bottomless ale
Small fee to enter games and contests
oO(How time flies, it has been a year again already. Oh well maybe there will be a story telling competition, That'd be fun)
Here's your porridge, Eric. I'll send one of the boys over with the coin for the straw bales, today. Bascomb asked me yesterday if he could set up a grape stomp at our festival, and I said it was alright.
A grape stomp? Well, so long's they don't track it into the inn. We could have that out front, an' the wood chopping contest in back. Yeah. And the axe throw in back, too.
I thought we should bring in an extra table or two for crud, that could be fun, if Hermy's boys don't start throwing the balls at each other.
Eric winces, and nods. If I weren't so grateful to Hermy, I'd ban those boys from the inn. Well, see if we can rent the crud tables, would you? I'll need to send one of the kids to make sure Minto and Brodda know about the festival. I'm sure they do, but it's good form to butter up the best bards in town. Wouldn't want 'em making a song about our beds having fleas.
His wife chuckles, sets a plate of bacon next to Eric's porridge, and bustles on about her morning routine.
.oO (Kai may have died, but life goes on. Especially when Mundavi orders me to get to work. Who says I can't have fun while I do so..)
The Striker watches the whirl of the crowd with a sip of his ale.
The actor makes his way to the bar beside Shae.
(Elf)"Good day miss. You seem to be a bit less than merry on a festival day. Is there anything that I could do to make it brighter?"
He shuffles his walking stick to underneath the arm holding his ale and offfers his now free hand for a shake.
"As for what I want... Well, I'm here for a spot of fun. I hear it does a world of good."[/i]
Lucian narrows his eys and sips his ale. He seems angered.
"Your partner cheated on you? Whose kneecaps should I break?"
"Err... really sorry to hear that. You said he came back different?"
He shakes his head.
"Forgive me for asking but not as one of the returned, correct? There're many nasty things below the street.
"My appologies for having to have asked, but I am glad to hear your answer. Excuse me for a moment."
Lucian makes his way to the barrells of ale and pays for two mugs of a dark ale. He makes his way back to NaShae's side and offers her one.
Lucian makes his way to the barrells of ale and pays for two mugs of a dark ale. He makes his way back to NaShae's side and offers her one.
"Now, you can 'ave the light ale at no charge, that came wi' yer entry fee, but yah, the dark is extra," explains the bartender. He hastily tops off three mugs for the halflings crowding the bar before filling Lucian's mugs with the preferred beverage.
Shae finishes her drink, frowning at Lucian getting two drinks.
"Here's another for you."
He drinks deeply from his mug. Akwardly quiet for a minute when he notices an elf across the bar trying to meet his gaze.
"Sorry for interrupting your contemplation. If you decide you want to talk to someone, I'll be around." He raises his mug in a toast and heads over to Jace.
(Elven)"Hello there. My name's Lucian. Enjoying the festival so far?"
*Jace frowns minutly.*
.oO(I must have forgotten that Lucian hasn't seen me lately....and I need to learn elven. It's odd that an elf doesn't speak elven.)
"I'm sorry but I don't understand you Lucian. I haven't had a chance to learn elven yet.... I'm Jace, if I remember correctly we fought together when I was taken by the gnomes."
*Jace sees a flashing picture of the Evil Cleric. To Lucian Jace's face looks detatched for a moment but he comes back quickly.*
"I can't remember it all that well...But I was human at the time."
"Your alive?!"
Lucian slams down his mug and wraps Jace in a tight embrace.
"How can it be? The sunfearing troll son that killed you!"
Lucian smiles broadly.
"Lord Malifaeyr brought me back, but let me tell you its not pleasent in the least. For a while there I couldn't deal with it. I was scared, naken, cold, and couldn't remember anything. I ran and hid like a scared animal. It was like getting dropped into another world, with no memory how you got there, not knowing who you are and seeing your body and knowing its not right. An experience I hope to never experience again."
*Jace rubs at where there once was an eternal scruff that no longer grows. He smiles and harumps.*
"I don't need to shave anymore."
"My name is Cassius Gaia and as a wizard story telling isn't my daily bread and butter so I bid you patience while tell you a story whilst we wait for the true bards"
In the pause that occurs when Cassius takes a sip from his wine some small laughter tinkels through the crowd and then they grow relativly silent as Cassius starts his tale
The Devoted Sinner
Once upon a time when the world was still young and the gods roamed the world, revelling in the innocence of man there lived a young woman who had devoted her life to natures warden, Frey.
Day in day out she toiled to do Frey's work, healing the lands from sickness, stopping man from felling trees , protecting the animals in the woods and treating the injured ones on the farms in her vicinity. So great was her devotion that Frey himself took an interest in her and wondered into her yard in the form of a donkey, badly hurt at one of his legs. The lady took him in and cared for the hurt animal with the same passion she gave to all others, oblivious to the special nature of this one. Years passed.
Frey watched the woman go through her daily tasks and was pleased with what he saw. The old lady tended to the world around her with a zeal seldom found. He could see though that her efforst to care for the world around her took a heavy toll on the woman. So busy was she that she couldn't find the time to tend a vegetable garden of her own and she was forced to live from what the forest provided or what gratefull people gave to her. However as this was in the first days of the darkness people turned into their own and hoarded what they had against the oncomming winters of War. Frey decided the woman had to be rewarded and one night, when the old Lady slept he shifted shape to his divine form and lay a powerfull enchantment on the garden around him and before dawn came the garden was filled with fruit trees, vegetables, corn and all a woman could possibly need.
The next morning the woman stepped outside and saw her garden. Frey once more in his donkey form waited for the inevitable joy. Instead the woman shrieked in horror crying that this should not be, that the plants where out of season and that surely her garden had been cursed by some wicked being. She immedialty set to work to right the wrong but found the works of a god beyond her powers to reverse. Thus she packed her few meager bellongings, packed them on the donkeys back and left her home of a lifetime. For days they wandered through the woods, living of the fruit of the forest but slowly dying of thirst. One day as they settled down for the night the donkey heard the woman say that they would die if they didn't find water so that night Frey once again took his divine form and created a well of the clearest, purest water where there had not been a drop on the grass.
Next morning the old woman woke up to the trickle of water and saw the newly made well. As she saw that the well had destroyed a part ot the beautifull glade they were in, she started cursing the forces that had ruined natures sanctuary and refused to drink from it, thinking it foul and enchanted. She packed her stuff on the donkey again and stumbled on untill they found a stream.
Frey was beginning to lose his patience with the stubborn old woman but decided to try and reward her one more time. That night as the lady complained about her old bones aching Frey saw his chance. He changed shape once more and rejuvenated the sleeping body of the old lady. When the woman awoke the next morning and noticed her new found youth she started to curse at the dark wizards who where following her, meddling with the natural course of things, destroying what nature had wrought.
This proved to much for Frey and he transformed himself from donkey to God for the last time.
"Woman" he spoke "three times I have sought to reward you for the work you did, three times you turned away my greatest gift, Life. I believe that yo do not know what Life is. All you know is work, slavery and blind devotion. So blind are you, that you would dare to tell me what is natural and what not. Therefore you shall walk this world and death shall pass your door untill you have found the true value of life"
The woman then seeing the error of her ways fled from the face of her angry god and as far as I know she still roams the world today, seeking the value of life
"That'd be nice. It takes me a while to get even a little beard going so I end up shaving it infrequently."
Lucian takes a big swig of his ale.
"Other than getting reacquainted with your body, what have you been doing recently? It's been a long time since I've seen you."
*Jace sits back in his chair and takes a bit.*
"I've been working mostly. At the Silversword. But I plan on going home for a short time to try and get some of my memories back and to let my family know whats happened. But I intend to return soon after. It will take me a few months to go there, stay for a while and then return. A little less then a months travel one way."
I've returned! Now where's the ale drinking contest at!
After receiving a good laugh from the patrons, Driden walks to the bar but not before spotting Cassius on stage. He waves at the wizard and then motions for Cassius to join him for a drink by actually tilting his head back and sipping from an imaginary mug of ale.
"How do you think your familly is going to react. Not having seen their son for a while and then having him come back in a different body is bound to be a shock."
He smiles at himself.
"Here Lucian is again, stating the obvious. What I was really trying to get to was if you need any help, just let me know."
*Jace sets down his fork and frowns sadly.*
"I'm not even sure how many siblings I have....If I have any at all."
*Jace looks up squarely at Lucian.*
"Don't die...it is unpleasant in so many different ways...But I still belive that I would prefer this to remaining dead."
.oO(Stop talking about this.)
*Jace shakes his head lightly to clear his mind and pauses to change the subject.*
"If you would like to come with me I would be happy to have you along, but considering the length of the trip I would understand why you wouldn't want to come."
ooc
This is how I plan on taking Jace out of the game until the restart. Where he will have returned to work as a smith and a trainer in Garics. So if you come along then you will leave for the remainder of this game. Thought you might want to know. I plan on having him leave the day after the festival.)"Well, I do intend to stay off of the dead list for quite some time, but I'm sorry I couldn't protect you back in the woods.
The half elf finishes off another ale.
"I have matters to attend to in the city, so I'm afraid I wont be able to join you this time. Do you money for a horse? It'd make your trip go faster."
Jace adds with a smile. "Don't need to worry about that now, do I."
"I plan on taking the horse that I had on the last trip. Jelfser I think thats his name. I plan on taking up a guard post for a caravan on my way down. There will be other guards as well so I will have plenty of company. I was just hoping to learn elven on the way down. You would understand why I don't speak it but others may not. Not a very good conversation piece with a complete stranger."
"If you're still looking to practice it when you get back. I'm game for it. Although explaining to people that, I'm sorry I can't speak elven because I'm actually human brought back i the form of an elf might be fun once or twice just for the facial expressions."
*Jace stands up, pulls some coins out of his pouch, and grasps Lucian by the hand.*
"Be well."
*Jace leaves out the door and wanders around the various attractions, but doesn't participate in any. A little after three O'clock Jace leaves for the SSAG.*
The shape is of a man in a cloak and hood walking up to the elf. Kywyn crouches down in the street and lifts NaShae by her elbows.
"Hupp zis?" a strange whisper presses out, concerned.
Taking the beating, Kywyn can only bow his head low, muttering cutting gibberish.
He tries to hold her hands.
Through the haze, Kywyn's vision sees the version of the woman he knows he loves. Why couldn't she understand him? Why was she fighting?
Eventually, a single comprehensible word breaks out in a whisper.
"Na'Shae..."
That got through. Something different. What was it?
He speaks slowly, purposefully. He thinks back to his recent time in the Labyrinth.
"Pum waxank ug te uctolchaxact vo, naxa... NaShae..."
He points to his own face and then to hers with a gauntleted hand.
Don't walk away.
Kywyn catches up with her. He has to show her, he's stepping more into this world again, that things will get better if she would let them adapt. That's the point, evolve or die. It's the lesson he's learned.
When the ghostly pale man blocks her path, a strip of grey cloth from his torn cloak is tied around his mouth.
No more words. Not if they hurt. He'll show her things are changing.
He points to his ears and shakes his head. He points to her ears and shakes his head. He points to her heart and then his and then her eyes. He makes an opening gesture with his other hand. Sign language he was incapable since returning.
Words, writing, even sight was still garbled for him, but there were threads he could follow, pulling himself from one point of lucidity to another.
He needs her to see him.
He holds her chin up with a knuckle and nods slowly, hoping for her to follow.
They leave the festival, moving toward their apartment.