Ahdak stands calmly as Gorvi looks him over, his face expressionless but he returns the half-orcs gaze levelly. Too human? I have no need to strut about like a cinderbird who seeks to impress its fellows. I am Shoanti and a shaman of the Lyrune-Quah, this is sufficient. If this is 'too human', then so be it. Ahdak huffs, exasperated, as the dwarf exacerbates the situation by asking the garbage-keeper to show 'kindness'. Choosing to walk a rougher road doesn't makes the distance any shorter.
The piercing whistle breaks Ahdak's train of thought and he looks over the newly arrived armored man with curiosity. He bristles slightly as he's instructed to stay in place. By what right does this man detain me? Someone of importance, if all in the town obey him. Perhaps some chieftain in the town? It seems to be too petty a manner to involve someone of his stature, but perhaps this foolishness is more common here and requires a heavier hand?
Alesta
From the first sweet, crystalline note of her strange song, Alesta captivates the crowd in the White Deer. The raucous barroom, filled with revelers, drunks, and carousers falls silent as a grave as the lovely girl spins a tune that seems to reach deep within each of the listeners, grabbing their heart and plucking the strings. While the words may be otherworldly, the conveyance of emotion, the universal message of it, sinks through to all within earshot. Many eyes start to run with tears, and a few, who are deeper in their cups, are openly weeping. NO one moves, no one drinks, no one can take their eyes off the goddess on the stage....until the song ends.
Then applause round and loud fills the tavern. Many a silver sail or copper pinch is tossed up to the stage, even a few gold crowns start to pile up in reward for the song. The little blue-haired gnome claps wildly inclining his head for the girl to sit.
Alesta, embarrassed by the attention, starts to gather up the coins, when a dark-haired man with thin beard and a big smile on his face ambles up to the stage. "Let me help you, eh bajos? Someone as lovely as you should have an army of men to pick things off the floor for her, yes?" The man's smile is quite disarming and he moves with natural grace of an athlete. "Perhaps when you are done, you will let me buy a drink...or dinner?"
Karl
The enchanting music from the aasimar stifles the crowd and Karl, as hard-hearted as he is, is not immune. He thinks back, during the strange song, on all the missed decisions, all the wrong actions of his life and he is overcome with emotion, momentarily.
That feeling, strange to him, is immediately gone when he sees the man walking up to the performer. The thin beard, the dark hair, pulled back into a ponytail high on his head, the charming smile and rakish good looks. He recognizes the man instantly. It is Jubryal Vhiski, the notorious leader of the local Sczarni gang of robbers, thieves and highwaymen.
Looking quickly about, Karl spots at least 3 and perhaps more of the robbers men lurking about the place warily, watching the crowd of partygoers and merchants for an easy mark.
Quite embarrassed but at the same time happy, the aasimar thanked the man for his help, but turned him down.
Thank you sir but I think I can manage. I've done a lot of archaeological digs by myself so I don't think picking up some coins will be too much trouble. It is nice for you to offer though.
Not one to throw caution to the wind, Alesta quickly put the money in her coin pouch and then put the pouch in her backpack and made sure (double checking) everything was secure.
I'm afraid I have prior arrangements but I appreciate the offer.
The man's actions while a bit disarming did put her edge a bit and she quickly made her way towards the gnome.
Thank you for allowing me to sit with you, good sir, but would you happen to be the one who whispered in my ear about answering my questions as well as knowing Mr. Quink?
Baldek
The dwarven merchant, Aesrick, leads you down the street to a shop called Vernah's Fine Clothing. Inside, many racks of finely tailored clothes stand ready for shoppers. The place is obviously for those with expensive tastes, and the shopkeeper, an dazzlingly beautiful half-elf young woman, appears, greeting Aesrick with pleasant familiarity.
"It appears by brother has fallen on hard times, Rynshinn," the friendly dwarf merchant says. "Perhaps you can outfit him, at my expense, with something to wear for the festival?" He passes the girl a handful of gold crowns and bows to Baldek. "While Ryn dresses you, I will be around the corner at the Dragon, wetting my whistle. Join me there after you are presentable." The man slaps you on the back, and heads for the street.
The half-elf girl, in addition to being easy on the eyes, is an expert tailor it seems. In a flash she has a tape and measures the surprised dwarf in many strange ways. After a snip here and a hem there, Baldek finds himself dressed in party finery, linen and silk.
"It looks, sir, like you are ready for the Mayor's table. Enjoy the festival!"
Karl
The enchanting music from the aasimar stifles the crowd and Karl, as hard-hearted as he is, is not immune. He thinks back, during the strange song, on all the missed decisions, all the wrong actions of his life and he is overcome with emotion, momentarily.
That feeling, strange to him, is immediately gone when he sees the man walking up to the performer. The thin beard, the dark hair, pulled back into a ponytail high on his head, the charming smile and rakish good looks. He recognizes the man instantly. It is Jubryal Vhiski, the notorious leader of the local Sczarni gang of robbers, thieves and highwaymen.
Looking quickly about, Karl spots at least 3 and perhaps more of the robbers men lurking about the place warily, watching the crowd of partygoers and merchants for an easy mark.
Sweet melodies seem to draw all sorts of people towards them, and Karl was glad that one of those people happened to be the head of the snake that was the local Sczarni gang. The bounty hunter watched calmly as the man spoke to the songstress, as he helped her carry the coins that were lobbed at her; his choice of words, his unconscious body movements, even which hand he preferred, Karl took one mental note after another as he did several times when he stalked potential bounties.
The small fish will probably move if they see me saunter over to the big fish...but if he comes my way, then it can't be helped If Karl understood anything about criminals its that they thought they could possess anything they laid their eyes on and for the moment at least it seemed that Vhiski had liking to the stranger who gave the tavern such a fine song And if I happen to be near her he'll come my way eventually With a plan in his head Karl left his seat by the bar, looked around for the positions of Vhiski and his men once more and made his way between the many tables acting as if he was looking for someone.
"There you are! Said Karl when he made it to Alesta's table "You are not making this bodyguard business easy" He continued as he took a seat then leaned in briefly "Play along, I'll owe you" He whispered before sitting back more comfortably in his new seat.
Alesta was a bit puzzled by the stranger's appearance but when he whispered to play along she realized that the other stranger was probably the type who didn't like the word no. She nodded before replying, I'll try and remember that. First time having a bodyguard around. But I guess you'll have to just keep up.
Karl simply grumbled and nodded his head "You're the boss" He added as well before turning to the gnome at their table "Karl, I work for her" He introduced himself curtly and then loosened his stature in the chair.
The lack of noise and rowdiness that was prevalent before was soothing to Karl, he enjoyed it when an inn was more or less subdued; the chattering of customers, the falling of cards on the table, the shifting of mugs and chairs. It was an atmosphere he had grown used to and doubted he'd let go any time soon.
"Nice song" He said offhandedly but in a tone that held no mocking sting or sarcastic venom, only simple neutrality and sincerity...in a rough package.
Darnak and Ahdak
The sheriff finishes with Gorvi, the belligerent half-orc, sending him on his way with a clout from his baton on the backside. The grumbling janitor sweeps up the spilled refuse, rights his fallen cart, and trundles off to clean up and make trouble elsewhere.
Turning on his worn leather boots, the sheriff turns to face the both of you. His face is a mask displaying no emotion, except perhaps mild annoyance. His head is completely bald, and is obviously of Shoanti descent, though he has not tattoos or markings, as someone of his age and position should. He is large framed, but not huge, well built and strong and carries himself erect and proud. His eyes are dark brown liquid, and intelligent, considering all he has seen and heard at all times. Unlike other law enforcment types, he seems to listen and give fair judgement to most issues.
"Well, then," he begins, the barest hint of Shoanti accent still mixed in among his clipped speech. "Assume you're hear for the festival and not a street fight. Keep it clean, and you'll have no issues. Names, and where you're staying?" he takes out a small parchment to take notes with the stub of a pencil, licking the tip oddly before he begins to write.
He leans back and studies both of you, taking your measure. The dwarf interests him, but the tribally marked half-orc keeps his attention for an uncomfortably long time.
Nadine
Next door to the Goblin Squash Stables stands an imposing three story red-brick building - The Rusty Dragon Inn apparently. Hosk leads you to the entrance and as you approach the inn, you see how it got it's name. Atop the third (and highest) story, perched over the edge so as to glare down at those entering, is an enormous iron dragon, now covered with years of rust and corrosion. Inside the Dragon's head, is a torch which, in the dark, makes its eyes glow and shimmer with a fire that is haunting.
As the door opens, the sound of soft conversation and music filters from within.
Next, the sound. Unlike the White Deer, which is filled with boisterous revelers, this place is calm. The patrons who aren't alone are engaged in hushed conversation, their discussion obviously private. A female Tien plays a lute and sings a soft foreign melody at the corner stage, which provides the only light in the place.
Looking around, the common room is awash with unmatched tables and chairs. A pall of smoke hangs heavy in the air. A well-polished mahogany bar with a shiny brass rail stands on the left of the door. A heavyset Ulfen man with a patch over an eye, and a large thick scar across his face stands behind the bar, wiping crockery with a towel. Two older halfling servants, one man and one woman, scurry through the common room slinging plates and re-filling mugs. Stairs leading both up and down stand in the back of the common room.
As you enter, a few of patrons turn curiously, but most remain engaged in their secret dealings or their drinking. The scarred man behind the bar smiles, his lip twisted into a sneer and says in a voice thick with Northman accent:"Velcome to the Rusty Dragon. Vhat ees your pleasure?"
Alesta nodded and introduced herself to the gnome as a way to keep up the appearance of Karl being her bodyguard and to introduce herself to both at the same time.
Thank you. The song is much better in Celestial though.
She then smiled after she said that.
Nadine
Davy Hosk acknowedges the barkeep with a wink and a grin. ""'ll 'ave two o' mae reg'lars, Lars. One fer mae an' one fer mae nae friend 'ere. She's new in toon, fer t'fest'val dae yae ken. Try an' show 'er soom manners, eh mate?"
Hosk leads you to a quiet table away, and the halfling hostess soon arrives at your table side carrying large flagons of ale.
"Who is your new friend, Davy?" she asks teasingly. "Won't Lady Hannah be jealous when she sees what you've been up to." She laughs merrily and introduces herself to Nadine, proferring a small hand to shake.
"I am Bethany, hostess of the Dragon. You met Lars at the bar, and that simpleton carrying the plates is Morris. He's a bit slow, but a good worker. Tis our pleasure to have you here. Will you be dining only, or needing a room for the night? With the festival on, we are nearly full up even down here by the docks!"
A bite to eat and some water would be heavenly, sir Nadine says respectfully. What pleasant company surroundings! Not too loud, but with pleasant ambiance. This could be an ideal after-work wind down spot! In the mean time, Nadine moved some coins to her hand both to show the Northman she wasn't a penniless vagrant, and to stop her companion from doing it for her
Taking a quick glance over at the half-orc, "Deepstone. Darnak Deepstone's me name. And I'm new here so that means I'm stayin' nowhere. Now if you've got a recommendation on a good place ta stay for the night I'd be glad ta here it," he says as a matter of factly.
Alesta and Karl
After her song, Alesta unwittingly brushes off the local crime boss. The same man falls under the unnerving gaze of Karl, who watches him and his men for tips and trick so use later. Alesta does not see (but Karl does), the sneer that cross the young man's face as the lovely outsider goes and sits with someone else.
Karl watches closely (but Alesta doesn't see) the way the man's dark brown eyes burn holes in her back as she politely excuses herself. A small smile crosses his thin lips, as he turns and heads for the back of the room, where is men sit waiting for a signal.
As Alesta approaches the gnome's table, she sees his an elderly fellow even by gnomish standards, a pince-nez pair of glasses rest on his very long nose, and he stops occasioinally to push them back into place. He also has a habit of tilting his head downward to peer over the rims. He does that just now as the aasimar approaches.
The little fellow stands, on the table bench, and shakes your hand, pumping for all he's worth. "Veznutt Parooh, cartographer and purveyor of the surveyor arts, at your service," he grins a bit at his rhyming introductino and gives a small, courteous bow. "Nice singing, been some time since I heard anything like it. Very well done indeed. Now, let's get you a drink, shall we." he motions to the grumbing barkeep orders two more.
"Why yes, it was me whispering in your ear. I do hope you'll pardon the rudeness, but it was just so loud and boisterous in here. I'd never have gotten your attention otherwise..." he smiles sheepishly, cocking his head to one side, and pushing up his little spectacles as he does. "Heard you were asking about Quink. That's Professor Quink, to you. What on earth would a pretty thing like you want with a stodgy old sage like him? I am ever so much more fun!" He snaps his fingers and multi-hued smoke rings surround his head as if to underline the point, then with a wave of his hand, they are gone.
"So answer my question first, and I'll decide if..."
The gnome's speech is interrupted by Karl, who makes an entrance introdcuing himself as Alesta's bodyguard. "Parooh, at your service!" welcomes the gnome amiably. "I was just asking your employer about..."
The sound of the discussion is drowned out by the sound of hammering from the front door. Looking over quickly, Karl sees the Shoanti barkeep nailing a poorly constructed sign up on the porch. "No rooms available. Full up due to Festival. This means you, so don;t ask!"
"Oh dear," says the wee fellow weakly. "I do hope you two have a place to stay. The town is filling up fast. This Festival will be the event of the year!"
Karl tries to keep his eyes on Vhiski and his entourage, but the swaying and jostling of the crowed intervenes, and the Varisian thief is soon lost from view.
Baldek
"Fool or not, you look outstanidng now," says Ryn the tailor admiring her handiwork in a full length looking glass. "Very fine indeed." she claps her hands to together and begins to start putting away her tools.
When asked about the cape, the lovely half-elf girl nods. "I do not doubt Master Aesrick will mind a bit. Consider it a loaner. If he complains return it, if not, he will send coin enough, I know him."
Just as you finish, the door bell rings, and a tall thin human man walks in. He is also wearing the silken finery of the upper class, clearly a nobleman or wealthy merchant of some sort. "My dear, can you direct me to the White Deer Inn? It seems my footman has reserved rooms for me there, but I'll be damned if I can find the place in this little burg." When he slows down to see the girl's beauty he is a bit taken aback.
"Name's Foxglove. Aldern Foxglove, at your service!" and he does an over-exaggerated sweeping bow, that has Ryn laughing before he's done.
"The Rusty DRagon is just around the corner, sir. And I am sure they still have rooms available if you'll just..."
"Oh posh!" cries the nobleman pettily. "I was told the White Deer was the best inn in Sandpoint, and that's where I mean to stay. Only the best for a Foxglove, my dear. Only the finest." he gets down to the business of ordering some embroidered handkerchiefs or some such while Baldek stands in his new clothes all but forgotten. The new cloak still in his hands.
Wonderful to meet you, Bethany! Nadine says warmly while shaking the hostess's hand. If you have the space to spare, accommodations would be ideal! It would be nice to look up while sleeping and see a ceiling instead of stars. Nadine's back hurt just thinking about another night on the unforgiving earth.
Ahdak watches the janitor begin to gather the refuse, before he turns his attention back to the approaching sheriff. Though surprised to find the sheriff is a Shoanti, Ahdak maintains the same neutral mask characteristic of his people. One of the People? Here and without clan markings and as a man of the law. Strange. He listens carefully to the man's words, straining to hear the voice of his people on his tongue. Not one who has lived among us recently, it would seem. The bare skin of a child and the speech of these townfolk are not the marks of a warrior of the clans.
He replies, "I welcome you, cousin. I am..." He pauses, unsure if the sheriff was still of the clans and deserving to receive his true name. He decides against it, "...Ahdak. I am shaman to the Lyrune-Quah. I too seek a place for rest. I had thought to seek to sleep in the temple, but perhaps that is inadvisable."
His curiosity gets the better of him and he asks, in the Shoanti tongue, "Muli kutali ndi kwawo, msuweni. N'chifukwa chiyani inu apa ndi opanda wanu mtundu zizindikiro?"
"You are far from home, cousin. Why are you here and without your clan marks?"
"His eyes didn't leave your back as you came down from the stage" Came Karl's hushed voice once more "Probably still watching now, and that look on his face? Not an admiring fan" Karl tried to be as quiet as possible as he relayed this information to Alesta, as far as he was concerned with the Sczarni leader's presence and his thugs around this place was a death trap and while it seemed that his "employer" could handle herself in a scrap he didn't like having the odds against them.
"Oh dear," says the wee fellow weakly. "I do hope you two have a place to stay. The town is filling up fast. This Festival will be the event of the year!"
"It's best we find a place to stay boss, and your friend here is right the sooner we go about it the better" Said the "bodyguard" as he sat a little straighter in his seat "Preferably any place but here, something tells me that bartender doesn't like his job"
After bowing slightly to the gnome, Alesta was about to answer the gnome's question when she saw and heard that there were no rooms available.
Oh dear, I'm afraid we don't. Mr. Parooh, do you happen to know where there is another place we could go?
Karl's hushed warning also caused her some concern.
I see. He gave me a bit of the creeps earlier, she said in a hushed tone.
It might be best to find a place that would be better suited and less...noisy.
Remembering to answer the gnome's question she quickly added, He was mentioned in my mother's notes on the Thassilonian Empire. She was an instructor and professor at a wizard's college in Magnimar and after her passing, I decided to continue her research. I think there maybe some Thassilonian ruins located near Sandpoint so I came here. Didn't know about a festival taking place. I wonder if the Empyreal Lord Zohls is worshipped here.
Darnak and Ahdak
The sheriff gives the dwarf a once over. "Could recommend the White Deer, but i reckon they are full up. Rusty Dragon might suit you. Not the nicest place, but warm, comfortable and the food is good. Looks like this all come to nothing, so go on your way, but be warned, no more brawling in town. Got it." He gives you the proper directins to the Rusty Dragon.
He then turns to Ahdak, speaking rather forcefully through gritted teeth. "Let's get it straight. I am NOT your cousin. I understand your speech, but I do not speak it anymore. I am home, and this..." he points at the gold star on his tunic. ...is all the clan-marks I need. You heard my directions to the dwarf. Follow him, if you like. Don't make trouble again, or I will have you in irons faster than the wind on the Plateau. Understand?"
He pivots away quickly and stomps off toward the center of town, leaving the curious half-orc behind.
Nadine
Bethany gives you a warm smile. "You will be most comfortable with us, miss. That's a promise! And my mistress will be most pleased to have you" A sharp clap of her hands brings the other halfling servant, Morris, running. "Take the poor girl's things up to the second floor guest room. And then start a bath. I am certain the poor dear could use a good soaking before the party tomorrow. Fetch a plate and a mug from Lars. There's a good lad."
Morris doffs his cap and moves to comply; it is obvious he is a bit slow-witted, but follows commands with surprising alacrity. he takes your bag and weapons (if you allow) upstairs, and soon a plate of curried lamb and seasoned vegetables appears in front of you. The taste is so unusual and exotic that it surprises you, but it is exceedingly good.
Karl and Alesta
Parooh smiles. "Never to fear, dear ones. Old Parooh knows just the place for you. The Rusty Dragon. A bit of the beaten path, and maybe not as fancy as the Deer, but the food is exquisite. Tell Lars the bar-man I sent you, and he'll pour you a free mug. But you best get there, dear ones, the town is filling up for the night. Festival tomorrow you know."
The old fellow sketches a quick map of Sandpoint and draws arrows showing yoru route. "Not my best work, by far, but it'll do in a pinch. Do look me up sometime, and I'll introduce you to the Professor. I am sure you and he have a lot to talk about, my dear."
He blows another colored smoke ring, and drinks from the over-sized mug once again, a loud belch (also over-sized) escaping his lips as he blushes with embarrassment.
Karl looks over the room again, failing to see Vhiski. But he does catch the eye of one of the Varisians in his company. The man has one blue eye, and one brown. He nods and smiles at Sarvo, with a familiarity bordering on contempt. His grin is not really pleasant but more of promise of later action.
The Shoanti bar-man, his face and head covered with strange runic tattoos shouts at you, "Leave if you ain't drinking more. Need the space for paying customers"
Darnak nods, "My thanks." He then follows the directions given him as he makes his way to the Rusty Dragon.
Alesta thanked Parooh and was going to ask him the same questions she had tried to ask the barkeep when she came here when the said barkeep told them to either order or to leave to make room for paying customers. The aasimar was a bit taken aback and felt greatly insulted and thought about telling the man so but decided against it.
Might be best if we get going and make our way to the Rusty Dragon, she thought.
Might be best if we headed to the Rusty Dragon right away, she said to Karl and then invited Parooh to join them. She didn't want to be here if the creepy stranger came back to her.
Baldek
The young nobleman looks you up and down, puzzled for a moment then recovers with characteristic good grace. "Of course, you heard of my family. The name is quite famous, thank you very much. And I, I do believe I met your cousin at a ball in Magnimar. Drankenfowl, you say. Hmmm. Oh yes I am quite certain of it. A capital fellow, capital indeed."
Baldek
After paying for his kerchiefs the nobleman leaves the tailor shop, and the seamstress, Rynshinn, advises, "The Rusty Dragon is the best inn in this part of town, sir. It is just saround the corner from here. I highly recommend it."
Under the rowdy and disorderly atmosphere was a scent that mucked the whole mood of the place for those who could notice it. Karl looked at the grin and at first gave no reaction, but then a smile cut it's way across his face; it was a toothy and wide grin and it promised nothing but unpleasantness. The bounty hunter stood up from his seat after he took the map from the gnome, displaying his full 6'5 feet of muscle, armor and weapons to the man with the mismatched eyes.
"Lead the way" He said to Alesta. His eyes and sinister expression still reserved for the arrogant thug Never tell me you are going to attack me in any way amateur, it's no different from politely telling me to prepare Karl left the piece of advice in his mind. He waited for Alesta to walk so he'd be the last one out.
"Don't worry I wasn't planning to stay in this dump" His blunt words fell on the half-orc with little care. The door was opened and was then left ajar as Karl followed the songstress to the Rusty Dragon.
Alesta led Karl to the Rusty Dragon, following the gnome's instructions perfectly.
Hopefully the barkeep will be much nicer here than at the White Stag, she said.
Karl and Alesta
Karl stood, knowing they had worn out their welcome here. He locked eyes with the man who was smiling at him, and in a few seconds span, the test of wills was over, the other man had dropped his insolent gaze. Dropped it quickly, and now was looking to disappear under the bar.
Alesta moved with fluid grace towards the door, her new "bodyguard" in tow. They followed the quickly drawn sketch by Master Parooh, and it turned out be spectacularly easy to follow.
With the inns full, and the town fuller, the pair moved past many Varisians and merchants who had just made camp in the streets. The magnificent church sparkled in the setting sun, the white marble stained a lovely pink hue, and the stained glass ablaze with all the colors of the rainbow.
The pair also saw a half-orc pushing a dustbin down the street, eyeing the campers with slitted eyes, muttering angry words to himself.
Before long, they arrived at the high brick structure in the lower part of town near the docks. The eponymous rusty construct atop the building glowered down malevolently at the pair, but that gaze was offset by the sound emanating from within.
Baldek
Rynshinn curtsied gracefully and smiled, which made her face even lovelier, if it were possible. "Master Foxglove may THINK the White Deer is the finest inn, but we locals know better. Let his sort stay up there with Garridian if they want, our Lady Ameiko is ten times the hostess. Take my word, master dwarf. By my father's soul, it is so." She leads Baldek to the door, and points the way to the aforementioned inn.
Soon, Baldek is up front, staring up at the rusty monster as a strange pair enter, one has feathers(?) for hair, and the other is obviously a fighting man. Baldek watches them as they enter, seeing that they are still unfamiliar with each other. Right behind, he ducks into the common room, and sees the Ulfen man behind the bar.
"I think you'd have to travel far to find someone worse than that barkeep" Replied the grey eyed warrior as he walked alongside Alesta.
Karl shifted his head from left to right as they walked, he expected someone to stalk them and if not there was the always the option of asking who saw them, and while it was hard to stand out when so much crowds were around them, he did not doubt that they could be found if one looked and inquired hard enough.
The sun began its descent, only half of it was within view now, it's light growing longer shadows, almost like it was a prelude to the darkness to come. Things began slowing down in the town's street; the only people that seemed to be in a rush were those with still no place to stay, this hastiness did not infect a number of Varisians and merchants though, who opted to camp in the streets. What all of these people had in common though was sense of excitement and merriment, that feeling it seemed had fewer people immune to it...one of these few being a half-orc pushing a dustbin while grumbling to himself, one didn't need to be an expert to see his discontent.
Whatever treasure their map indicated for them was within view. It's rusted guardian glowering at them, looking almost as angry as the half-orc they'd just passed Relax I don't think you've got any treasure I'd want to steal Karl gave the construct a wry smile then entered after Alesta.
Once they passed the wooden maw of the place, a scent of various spices both common and exotic sneaked into Karl's nostrils, he couldn't help but take another sniff of the air. He felt the pangs of hunger return even though he just ate. Next it was a sense of serenity that engulfed them, like this place had wonderful balance between noise and silence, Karl found it pretty hard not to relax himself and let go of some his guard, but what truly struck at his core was a sense of familiarity...but he thought it impossible how could he feel that when he's never stepped foot here before, then it came to him just as quickly as he wondered about it. Yes he's never been here before, he didn't recognize the people, the furniture or even the smell of the food...the atmosphere though was undeniably similar. Finally he noted the music, something that had so melded well with the place that at first he never paid much attention to it. Karl looked towards its source and for an instant he could see the frowning face of a woman with fiery red hair, he blinked and she was gone without a trace, instead he saw Tien woman playing a lute, syncing it's melody to the words she sang in a language he could not understand. After a few seconds Karl realized he'd be staring at her, so he turned away and found a table for himself and Alesta.
The large man sat down in an empty chair, deciding to deny the memories that wanted to grasp hold of his psyche. He needed to be in the present, there were bounties to hunt and then of course there was the matter of his arrangement with his hooded traveling companion "So what do you want to do from here?" He asked Alesta, cutting to the chase "You look like you can handle yourself but if you want I can make this bodyguard thing official, don't worry you won't have to pay me a thing, my coin pouch will be filled by the bounty of the man that's been leering at you" He explained the matter and his intentions without any deception. Times have taught him that there was a times for lies and a time for blunt honesty, and in this matter the latter would serve him best.
Alesta nodded in agreement.
I really need to ask the barkeep the same questions I asked the other one before.
She went into the Rusty Dragon and looked around. She wondered where the barkeep was.
Ahdak is caught off guard by the vehemence and anger. He quickly covers his surprise by adopting the carefully blank face characteristic of his people and straightens to his full height. He replies in Taldan, "If that is your wish, so be it. I have caused no troubles so far and I will not cause any in the future. I am here to learn and to seek answers, no more. May your spirit guide you." He watches the sheriff leave, more bewildered then he was before. [i]Anger is obvious, but what else drives him to burn with fire and ash? Anguish, perhaps? May the spirits guide him to peace if it be so.[/b]
He turns, going in the direction indicated, moving quickly to catch up with the dwarf. He hesitates before speaking, uncertain how the dwarf will react, but finally says, "It would seem that we are going to the same inn and we are both strangers here. If it pleases you, we might walk together and speak. Perhaps we might share a meal. I am Ahdak."
As he walks, Darnak looks curiously at the half-orc while he speaks. "Aye... it would seem so. Name's Deepstone. Darnak Deepstone."
Alesta and Karl
As Karl reclines in the chair, and tries to see next steps with Alesta, the girl pops up and heads towards teh now-unmanned bar. It is only a moment before Lars, the Ulfen bartender, returns, carrying a large cask of ale, over one beefy shoulder. He sets down his load with practiced care, and turns to find the bung, to broach the cask. She smiles at the girl, his one good eye twinkling, an ugly pink worm of a scar running through the other. Ja, fraulein, vhat ees it I can do fer yoo?".
Karl's practiced eye scans the room, he sees a richly dressed dwarf enter, but the man's fine clothes belie the state of the rest of him. A scar round his neck, sun-lined face and unkempt beard and hair seem strangely out of place. The dwarf seems to be looking for someone, and then, suddenly sees another fellow and heads that way. Continuing to scan, Karl spies another fighting man, older maybe, but still a force, sitting with a young girl in a hooded cloak. Something odd about that girl, he thinks, as the halfling hostess grabs his elbow. "Off dreamin' are you? Time enough for that later, what'll it be? Dinner? A potable? Or perhaps a nice hot bath and a fine bed? Take your pick sirrah. We aiim to please at the Dragon!"
Alesta nodded in agreement.
I really need to ask the barkeep the same questions I asked the other one before.
"I'll be here" He replied simply, although it didn't show unless one looked hard enough he was surprised his offer was accepted so quickly Can't complain The bounty hunter said to himself as he went about studying the occupants of the bar.
"Off dreamin' are you? Time enough for that later, what'll it be? Dinner? A potable? Or perhaps a nice hot bath and a fine bed? Take your pick sirrah. We aiim to please at the Dragon!"
"You don't have to try hard with the White Dear as a rival" Karl gave the halfling a one-sided smile "I'll need two rooms, dinner for myself" Karl ram a few fingers through his stubble as he considered the occupants of the tavern once more Lots of strange looking customers...but I'll take strange over loud and suspicious, the latter I can make coin off of later.
The aasimar smiled at the barkeep.
When she spoke, everyone could hear her melodic voice.
Excuse me sir but if I may ask you some questions please? Several people at the White Stag confused me with someone named Nualia. I was wondering who that was and why people thought I was her...besides her probably being an aasimar like myself. And my next question was about the White Stag itself. I noticed scorch marks on parts of the building so I was curious if there had been a fire recently. And I noticed that there what appeared to be wooden sculptures on the building but they appeared to have been hacked off. I was wondering to why they appeared like that. I hope you can help me please.
Ahdak bows slightly as he walks, displacing a snoozing owl from his shoulder. Noctua circles a moment before retaking her perch, ruffling her feathers in irritation. The shaman doesn't seem to notice his companion's discomfort. "Be received, Darknak Deepstone. What has brought you to this town? Are you here for the festival that has stirred this town like an ant's nest?"
Baldek
Baldek enters the bar, scanning the room for Aesrick, his new benefactor. At first, he sees the feathered hari girl, exotically beautiful (if you're into that) at the bar speaking with the burly northman bartender.
Then his eyes lock on her bodyguard, a big lug of a man, obviously a fighting type. He tells himself to be careful around that one.
Finally, he spies Aesrick Battlehorn in a discussion in the back part of the common room. He sits with two or three others, all human by the looks of it. Battlehorn has his back to the door, and doesn't see Baldek. He looks to be in the middle of a terrific story, complete with grand hand gestures, but Baldek can't hear the details.
Darnak and Ahdak
The odd couple, dwarf and tattooed half-orc, follow the sheriff's truncated directions to the lower half of town. They pass the busy market square, where merchants expertly set up stalls and lay out wares for sale during tomorrow's festival. The setting sun reflects of the Gulf of Varisia, turning the blue of the sea into a fiery miasma of colors and reflections, enough to make the heart leap on a lovely late summer day.
Neither of the two travelers pay much attention for they are hungry, foot-sore and focused on the task at hand. Many pass the pair, giving strange looks, but no one troubles or accosts them until they are just outside the Rusty Dragon itself.
Looking up at the iron beast on the roof, its flame filled eyes starting to glow in the twilight, the pair is surprised to hear a melodic female voice call out from behind them. "I have seen mismatched pairs, in fact I have been accused of being part of one, but I have never seen the likes of you two. Like the Sky and Sea herself, you are two sides of a coin, are you not?"
Turning, they see an elven woman, wearing the holy symbol of Gozreh, god of nature, smiling at them. Her grey eyes are wide, clear and full of mirth. "No offense meant, sirs. Of course not. But its not every day a dwarf and Shoanti orc walk into a bar. Sounds like the beginnings of one of Davy's jokes..."
She extends her hand in greeting, "I am Hannah. Hannah Valertin. Nature smiles on our meeting, on such a lovely evening as this."
Ahdak bows slightly as he walks, displacing a snoozing owl from his shoulder. Noctua circles a moment before retaking her perch, ruffling her feathers in irritation. The shaman doesn't seem to notice his companion's discomfort. "Be received, Darknak Deepstone. What has brought you to this town? Are you here for the festival that has stirred this town like an ant's nest?"
Looking about the town as he walks, "No, I can't say that I am. Had no idea this was goin' on. I guess ya could say I showed up at the right time," he says with a shrug.
As they reach the Rusty Dragon, "Guess this must be...," he stops in mid-sentence as he's interrupted by a woman from behind. Finding the elf intriguing, he looks to her hand curiously before finally offering his own. "Deepstone. Darnak Deepstone," he introduces himself, nodding in greeting. He looks at her holy symbol curiously a moment before, "Are you from around here?"