Inside The Seven Silvers...
Manduzi follows the pair of Filla and Havarus back into the inn, and takes a seat by the young lady. Manduzi wasn't the most perceptive human, and clearly his mind was elsewhere today. It certainly wasn't on the possibility of any danger.
" Trevlar pour us another Ale, and something fine and unfermented for our Filla here... Coffee? Tea perhaps?" He ends, posing his last questions to Both the young ghost-seer and to Trevlar, inviting Filla to suggest her drink.
He drank heartily once his ale came and smiled genuinely at both Havarus and Filla, patting Zandu on his snout.
Inside The Seven Silvers...
The young wolfhound followed close behind, sniffing at the dizzying array of aromas. While usually alert to danger, at the moment he was more concerned with possibly eating whatever he could beg for, and with head pats.
He rested at Manduzi's feet and gnawed on a bone that had been dropped at some time during the morning rush.
Gnawl's face remained neutral, but his tail lifted slightly at the tip - a habit of his race, who use their tails for the subtle physical cues instead of their faces.
Gnawl bowed before replying. "My name is Gnawl Rapwood, of the Rapwood tribe. Your leader, Master Uptal, has permitted me to participate in your quest this year. While I know the 'dangers' are mostly for spectacle, my kin do not... they believe the town has come to us for aid in surviving a harsh winter. It's unhead of for my kind, and I plan to use it to my advantage. They need to see that Apsu's methods have their rewards. When I return in 'triumph', I can unite our tribes together and take the first big step into making safe haven for all my kind."
Stepping back a tad, Gnawl let Malagaar introduce himself, before nodding. "If you wish, Daniel. I trust it is the name you have chosen for your success in this quest?"
Within the seven Silvers...
The familiar expression of sadness played across Trelvar's face. He put both of his hands on the table seemingly in exhaustion and lets a sigh slip from his lips, "A wonderful woman, she was..." He said softly before looking at Havarus, "I know how you feel. I lost my wife last year before winter came, and with her, my son. Asina lost a mother, so I'm sure she could relate so much more to you, though I don't think memories of her mother would suffice right now." His head tilted toward Asina as she power-walked past the group with drinks on a metal plate and serving irritated patrons, but not before placing a bowl of warm meat attached to bone for Zandu and patting his head.
"I'm happy you came to me about this. You're like a son to me, you know that?" Trelvar smiles as he continues, taking the rag from his shoulder and begining to clean the mugs, as he usually did when he was stressed, "Go on, you need to be ready for the Rites. Rest here if you need to, as well as your friends. They're all welcome to stay; I need more heroes around in my inn if I want to keep business flowing!" He passed a mug of ale to Manduzi and Fiila's drink to her, smiling at both of them whole-heartily.
"Jimes! Ring the bell for the future heroes of Kassen!"
Jimes stands upright when his name is called and smirks. He was serving a table in the back next to a backdoor with a string hanging from the side, low enough to where the halfling could reach and pull, chiming a chorus of bells throughout the tavern followed by the cheering of most of the crowd who weren't visiting from travels.
The Outskirts of Kassen
After Sir Dramott had returned a bash to the young trainee's face followed by a sword blow, he grinned, spouting about the prowess of ones shield and even once striking an opponent, to never let your guard down, lest you end up in a very early grave, "You most certainly wouldn't want the presents you've received to lie upon a tombstone, wasted, would you? I need to see more if you're going to train and survive at the Lastwall!"
Upon Uriel reading the letter, Sir Dramott laughs, "Ah, their tradition. How could I forget! A measly task for the mayor to fetch a flame and bring it back, what a waste of talent." He shrugged, "Young light of Iomedae, you have nothing to worry about this Rite. Although you need more training for the Lastwall, this should be a piece of divine cake for thee" As he watches the introductions between the three of them, he responds to Uriel's question of seriousness, "Kassen will take anyone for help these days, I guess." He stepped forward, "I am Sir Dramott, loyal scout to the Lastwall of the north, and fellow Paladin, guard of Kassen. Nice to meet the both of you!" He returns any shake of hand to him, and glances questioningly at the kobold.
"Thank you Trelvar, and might I say that you've been a little like a Father to me as well." Havarus replied. Before he could continue though, he noticed something out the corner of his eye that he didn't like. "If you'll excuse me Trelvar, I need to check on something in the back." Standing, he walked quickly towards the storage area. I knew I didn't like the look of him. The Tiefling thought to himself.
Fiila nods in agreement, "Yes Manduzi, tea would be good." She turns to Trelvar, "Do you have any of that herbal mix I had last time? That would be delicious I think."
Fiila, noticing Haravus attention on where Asina was, sees the man stumble towards her and wonders why Havarus seems concerned. With Havarus getting up to go that way, Fiila quietly asks, "Is something wrong Havarus? Do you need any help?"
Gnawl reaches up to shake Sir Dramott's hand, bowing politely again. His expression stays neutral, but his tail plops back on the ground, curling up slightly towards his heels. A waste of talent? Every tradition has its purpose...
"Well met, Sir Dramott. Gnawl Rapwood, of the Rapwood tribe. If you are a guard of Kassen, I would like to inform you that a small number of my kin will be arriving shortly before we leave. You have my word, they are not dangerous - I've asked only for volunteers from the tribes who will stand guard while I am gone. It helps add to the illusion of danger, you see. They are merely curious, and I would appreciate it if you allowed them to assist with your duties where possible. Perhaps the night watch; my kind are most comfortable in the dark and it has taught us to be alert. The more they see how welcoming the Kassen-kin are, the more trusting the others will become. My word is strong, but there is no substitute for first-hand experience, as they say."
Bowing again, Gnawl nodded to Uriel and Malagaar, before continuing on towards Kassen.
"It is not my given name, but... my given name carries many connotations I would otherwise wish to avoid." The breastplate of his armor clatters to the ground as he undoes the straps, and the chainmail beneath follows soon after. Beneath, Uriel wears a deep maroon tunic, along with simple boots and breeches. When Sir Dramott approaches the two, Uriel winces as he hears the words "Light of Iomedae", but otherwise seems familiar with his master's speeches. Uriel slings his shield across his back, then buckles his true sword to his belt at his waist.
"Where are you headed, friend? I would join you, if I may. Once I have finished packing my armor, of course." With his last sentence, he looks over to Sir Dramott, smiling a rebel's smile. "I was not expecting this for another year or so, but I am... honored to join the both of you." He lifts his disassembled armor, packing it slowly into a cart. As he finishes, he pulls a carrot from the saddlebag, handing it to the donkey tethered to the front. "Good boy, Flint." He looks over his shoulder to Sir Dramott. "Would you mind taking him back to the church? I would like to meet the rest of those accompanying me."
Havarus didn't answer, he was too far away to do so quietly. Rather, he just tilted his head at the man stumbling towards the storage area, his demeanor indicating there could be trouble. Getting to Asina before the man, the Tiefling quietly asked her, "Do you know that man?" pointing out the lumberjack.
Fiila nods understanding and rises to go with Havarus and keeps on her guard in case something goes wrong.
The Seven Silvers Inn...
Asina, who was filling the extra jugs she pulled from the shelves with ale and other mixes of drinks, jumps in surprise with Havarus stepping into the room. She laughs the shakiness off and responds to his somber look with one of glee while she looked at the man he pointed out, stumbling toward them, "No I don't recognize him" She advised Havarus before turning back to the man, who was now in front of them at the doorway, "Hello sir, I'm filling up the jugs now if you'll kindly wait --"
"I don't want those jugs" He spoke grimly before glaring at Havarus and then Fiila, who caught his eye more than anything else, "It's hard to come by two-for-one deals in this part of Nirmathas, especially not in Tamran. How's about you two come on with me to my room, and we can talk more about jugs" The stench of alcohol coming from him is overpowering.
The Outskirts of Kassen...
Sir Dramott scoffs at Uriel's request and sets a scowl upon his face in response to his defiant grin, "Do not forget, you must continue training if you want to prosper in life as a Paladin of Light! For today, however, you've done enough. I'll surely bring the creature back to the church." The scowl breaks into a feigned smile as he glances at the leaving kobold, followed by the other two gentlemen.
Fiila catches the smell of alcohol from the man and realizes he's more than a bit drunk and likely doesn't realize that Asina is far too young to be taken to his room. Fiila, on the other hand, is more than old enough, and comes to the conclusion he's too drunk to be a threat. She steps forward and loops an arm through his saying, "I hate to tell you but she's just a girl right now, you don't want that kind of trouble. I'll go with you though, who knows, it might even be fun."
Malagaar offers to help the paladin with his Armor and, after loading things up he turns to the kobold. "Well little wise one, it looks like we have a fellow adventurer. I'm starting to feel more and more confident on our chances!
To Uriel he says "Tell me, how do you do battle in such Armor. I'm no sapling but I feel like ones Movement would be impaired too much.
He says it, not with any hint of arrogance or disdain, but out of true curiosity. He follows the kobold and the paladin as they walk back to town.
Havarus slightly shook his head at Jimes to keep the Halfling from doing something he'd regret.
Sensing what Fiila might have been up to, the Tiefling added, "Listen to the young lady, believe me, she'll give you a time you'll never forget."
Gnawl nods back, smiling a toothy grin up at his two larger companions and allowing them to catch up. For a brief second, he tosses one more glance at the more experienced paladin, studying him a bit. Something about the soldier felt... off. Perhaps it was simply a racial gap he couldn't overcome, but something instinctual told him there was more than being said...
Shaking his head as he looks away, Gnawl nodded again. "I have little doubt we shall succeed. But I would like to meet our other compatriots. Let us return to Kassen and find them."
Within the Seven Silver's
Manduzi, Staring into the the bottom of his mug, missed the signs of danger, but he didn't miss his fellow heroes darting off with a look of concern. Standing to his feet and following the action with his mug still in hand, he motioned for Zandu who followed along with his ears and shoulders narrowed, picking up on the subtle tension in the air.
He sees signs of commotion near the storage area in back, and makes his way in that direction
"It is somewhat restricting, but you fight differently in armor of that weight." He shifts into a mock battle stance, holding his "shield" up before him. His feet are squared apart, facing the other man. "I do not move from blows, I steel myself against them instead. There is an art to it, truthfully. The placement of your feet, the angle of your shield... the force goes through you into the ground, leaving you unharmed." He smiles, swinging his "sword" in for a counter-attack, before moving back into his normal walking stance. "And ready for a counter-attack."
"I will see you back at the church, Sir Dramott. Thank you for taking care of Flint for me. See that our rations are packed, if you could? I expect they'll be loading any supplies we need into his wagon."
The Seven Silvers...
The man's stature tilts as he feels the young woman's smooth skin circle around his arm. Whether he is swooning, which is causing his legs to slightly buckle, or the alcohol is taking hold of him, it doesn't matter. An almost grotesque smile of perversion plays across his face as he points to Havarus in a drunken manner, "Now he looks like a man who knows his merchandise. Come on baby, lets head upstairs" He lets out a more-than-likely involuntary hiccup as he turns with Fiila to head to the room.
Asina's expression of shock and disgust seems to ease quite a bit as the man leaves, taking a deep breath to process what had happened.
"It's alright Asina" Out from the corner, Jimes is tinkering with a dagger in hand, slipping it back into his pocket under the apron. He looks at Havarus, smiling, "Idiots like him come to the inn during ceremony time, where people of Tamran take the pilgrimage to pay their respects to Ekat Kassen. However, its hardly homage to try and take a young girl into their beds." He places a hand on her forearm, almost being three-quarters her height, "Let me get those dear. I'd advise you stay near your father" As she walks off, her glances back at Havarus and nods, silently thanking him for his help. Manduzi comes over at this time, to which Jimes quickly adds, "Don't worry bub, we'll have plenty of ale for you all. Especially when you return from the Rites of Passage." He let out a hearty laugh before swiftly moving back to the tables, continuing his service.
Outskirts of Kassen; The Gate...
Several small critters are playing at the gate of Kassen, tugging at the soldier's chain leggings and boots. They obviously seem annoyed that they are there, yet the source of them being there, Olmira, is laughing kindheartedly at their misfortune. She glances down the road and spots a scaly creature of bold stature marching toward them, followed by two muscular humans. Olmira smiles and waves, "Hello! Welcome to Kassen! One of the guards yelp from a squirrel munching on his metal leggings. Olmira snaps her fingers and calls the critter to her hands, petting it softly, "Oh! My apologies! I hadn't realize you were locals! How are you all doing today? Anything I could help you with?" She speaks to the three once they reach her, obviously pointing out their familiarity around the towns walls.
Fiila coos at the drunkard, "Let's see if you know how to treat a woman shall we?" She lets the drunken man lead her to through the place to his room.
Before the room...
You find that the man could barely hold his own. HE begins to babble on about the city of Tamran and how there are none as beautiful as Fiila. If he was half-decent in manners, he might have even been a good person.
Room...
The room is as small as the other rooms you may have seen within the inn. The only thing out of place is a well-made crossbow leaning against the wall by the bed with a quiver of bolts laying on the ground next to it.
With your back to the bed, you notice the man begin to lumber to you with his hand on his trousers. As anticipated, you move to the side, yet you notice he didn't turn to come after you. You hear a thud as if he fell to the floor and realize that the large man landed hard on the bed. You hear a soft purring noise and find he is quite unconscious.
Havarus' feelings were mixed. While he was glad that he saved the honor of Asina, who was almost like a sister to him, the Tiefling felt guilty about throwing Fiila, a woman he had just met and would be travelling with, to that drunken wolf. Barely registering what Jimes said, the Rogue followed the pair. With practiced ease, he stayed far enough back to not be noticed by the lumberjack, yet close enough to see which room they entered. Once they entered, Havarus moved closer, ready to break in if Fiila gave any indication of trouble.
Fiila looks aggravated and says quietly, "Well, that that that he doesn't have any stamina." She slightly quietly out the door and closes it only to run into Havarus and unceremoniously fall on her backside once again. She looks at him and says, "If you wanted me on my back that bad you could just ask."
Helping Fiila back to her feet, Havarus blushed a bit. "It's not like that, I swear. I just felt guilty about getting you into this situation. So I, came up here in case you needed help."
Fiila took the offered hand and giggled as Havarus explanation. When he finishes she reaches up, stretching to reach his collar, and pulls his face down so she can plant a kiss on his cheek. Having accomplished that she says, almost shyly, "Thank you for be there to back me up."
Manduzi leaves the two love-birds to get better acquainted and returned to his seat at the bar where he continued to nurse his ale. Zandu sat at his feet and stared longingly.
" Don't look at me that way." Manduzi scolded. " It's never too early, I am a Varisian you know."
Zandu, for the dog's part in the conversation, tilted his head to one side then the other and barked occasionally.
"You're welcome. I may not be a gentleman per se, but I'll be damned if I'll let some drunken brute think he can just take a woman as he damned well pleases." Havarus replied as they headed back downstairs.
Hello Olimra The young warrrior smiled as he greeted the Druid.
I see you've found some entertainment for the evening
Malagaar can't help but feel happy when he sees the old nature warden. Beneath all that mischievousness he is sure there lurks a wise soul
"No help needed, thank you. Just... looking for the others who've been selected for this year's rite." Uriel holds up the summons he was given, a groan just barely held back as he does so. "I'd like to know who I'm traveling with, if I can."
Gnawl bows politely on his approach, permitting the others to speak to the stranger. He recalled seeing her around... but her exact purpose was lost on him. Obviously a caretaker of the local creatures. Should be good news for his kind.
"Gnawl Rapwood, miss. Sadly, I am not a town member... yet. But this rite should change that. It will be a big step for me and my kin here." Looking up at Uriel, Gnawl nods before turning back. "Indeed. More should be joining us, but we must find them first."
Olmira's smile widens upon the news of you being part of the rite. "My, my! What a colorful group they've chosen this year!" She looks between each of you, putting the squirrel down and patting its head before standing back up and clapping her hands together, "Just so happens that I know the other half of your group! They are in the Seven Silvers, grabbing a drink and mingling! You should definitely go meet them!" She points toward a direction within the town that leads to the general location of the inn. Her excitement echoes off of the walls of the town and attracts the eye-rolling of the guards.
Almost as if containing herself, she brushes her skirt, made of leaves, off with any dirt and keeps her hands together in front of her, "Apologies for my rudeness, I didn't even introduce myself! I am Olmira Treesong, druid of Kassen and protector of the forest that borders it and all creatures within! This is Pip, Muggie, and Song!" She sweeps a hand across to each small critter around her, first the squirrel, then the rabbit, and finally the canary, all responding with some type of chirp or squeak in response to the introductions.
Getting back to the bar, Havarus waited for Jimes to get a break and come on over. When the Halfling finally did, the Tiefling asked, "Shall we play one last time before I leave?"
A grin crossed the little one's face. "Absolutely." Setting down his serving tray, Jimes approached Havarus as he knelt down.
After a moment, the two Rogues hands exploded into a series of quick gestures and fist bumps, almost too convoluted to follow. When it was finished, Jimes produced one of Havarus' daggers. The Tiefling smiled, "That's good, but..." Opening his fist, a pendant fell and dangled from his hand, "This is better."
The Halfling's hand instinctively went to his neck. They both laughed as they returned their items to each other. "Well played friend, didn't even feel it that time." Jimes stated.
"I learn from the best." Havarus replied. Shortly thereafter, the Tiefling took his seat next to Fiila and Manduzi.
Gnawl smiles a fanged grin, his tail lifting at the tip once more and bowing again. "Many thanks, Miss Olmira. My kin and I thank you for your protection. If you should ever need anything, we shall be trying to... mingle more with the Kassen-kin." Leaning over to Malagaar and Uriel, he whispered. "What does 'mingle' mean?"
Once he got his answer, he leads the trio off to the Seven Silvers... he was pretty sure he knew where it was.
In the Seven Silvers...
The tension within vanished with the threat now asleep. As Havarus takes his seat next to Fiila, he could feel the heat as if something, or someone was glaring at him.
He couldn't be more right.
Looking at his usual tables, he could find one particular face that struck out at him. A young woman with brown hair and bright hazel eyes. Her pale skin contrasted with the dark clothing she wore. Woven with blues and grays, she smiled his way, a bright red hue plaguing her cheeks. There was no telling how long she was watching him; definitely long enough for him to be spotted alongside Fiila as they came back down from the rooms.
The young woman stands and walks to Havarus, swaying her hips with every step.
"Hello Hav" She said, twiddling her fingers along the collar of his shirt, "Hero of Kassen; It's fitting, for a man like you." She leaned close, her hand on his leg while the other leaned on the counter of the bar behind him, "In my eyes, you're already a hero. No need to gather a flame to do that, for you've already walked through them for me." She seems to feel the many rejections set in, soon to be counting this one. She whispers, "No need to make me jealous with her, nor play hard to get. You've had my heart since I was young." She smiles almost invitingly to him, tugging his arm toward the rooms above, right before the bells of the temple toll once more.
Road to, and in front of the Seven Silvers...
You could see the bustling business of the inn, undoubtedly due to the ceremony this year. Many faces you've never seen before step in and out of the inn, some for rest, and others for a good drink of northern Nirmathas. As you lay your eyes upon the Seven Silvers, you could hear the temple bells toll.
Why can't she take the hint? Hells, I've even screamed it at her. Havarus thought as he pulled his arm free. "Listen, Katrina, today's not a good day for me. My Mother......" He started to say before he choked back tears. "My Mother passed today and I could really use some space." It wasn't the best excuse he'd given her, but it was the truth.
Feeling Havarus could use a timely interjection, he scoops up another two drinks from Trevlar and grips them by the handles in one hand. Approaching the table, He slings an arm around "Katrina" and gently turns her from the table." Katrina was it? Official 'town hero' business here, you understand , yeah?" By now he had his arm on her back and had pushed her arms-length away." You'll have to move along now love."
Satisfied enough with that, he waved her on and took a seat opposite of Havarus. Manduzi slid one of the two ales to the other man insistingly.
" This one's for you Hav." He added, turning his full attention to his own ale, which he drank in steady gulps.
Zandu followed his human to his new seat, pacing for a moment and sniffing about before setting on his rear at Manduzi's side.
He seemed to look down his long snout at his master disapprovingly.
Fiila sees Katrina and and looks the young woman over. When she flirts with Havarus and he turns her away brusquely, Fiila looks perplexed at all of this. When Manduzi starts to escort her away Fiila speaks up, "You know Havarus, if you're not interested in her offer maybe she'd like to go up there with me?" Fiila gives the woman an inquiring look.
Accepting the ale, Havarus answered, "Thank you Manduzi." The Tiefling wasn't much of a drinker, but he did take a small swig for the mug. Of course he nearly choked when Fiila made her suggestion.
Gnawl stands outside the inn, watching for a bit and perking his fringes up at the sound of the temple bells. Part of him wondered if that was Father Prasst ringing them... or had one of his kin been given the honor? He simply hoped that if it was the latter, they could contain themselves. Their enthusiasm was admirable, but... not always desirable.
Stepping through the doorway, Gnawl squirmed through the crowd of larger creatures. It was a challenge for someone his size. Even some halflings and - Apsu forbid - gnomes outsized his kind. Grunting a little, he stopped behind a human female, standing ahead of a table of others. Hey... was that the tiefling from the temple? He recalled him. He seemed concerned for his mother lately, which he knew lived at the temple as well, but he hadn't seen her for a while.
...what was the female up to, anyways?
Malagaar stepped into the inn behind the kobold and stopped short. He heard the bells tolling and reflected a moment, solemnly to himself.
Coming out of his reverie he looked around the room for faces he may recognize. So many strangers. He spotted a tiefling he had seen many times talking with another human. A well behaved dog lay at the humans feet.
He wondered who in here were chosen to take part in the trial? The tiefling and human looked capable enough. But what of the woman standing near them? Was she? Flirting with that other woman?
Malagaar, for all his combat prowess and knowledge of history and legends, felt he would never understand women.
Zandu's attention turns to new scents in the air. One in particular stood out to the young wolfhound. Even amongst the smells of human sweat , spilled ale, and roasting meat, the dog was curious about the smell of something scaly.
His nose eventually leads his eyes to the Kobold standing behind one of the two females, and in turn to the humans who behind the Kobold.
Zandu's tail wagged playfully and he turned his head to one side, but respected Manduzi enough to wait for his approval before investigating the newcomers.
Gnawl's snout sniffs in response to the attention he garners from the dog. Oh, great.. pets. Gnawl always seemed to be their center of attention. His tail stopped swishing, as normally this meant the animal was on alert.
This one, however... seemed more curious. Gnawl wasn't sure what to do about that one... so he just stared back, waiting to see if the dog made the next move.
Manduzi, noticing this exchange of glances, smiles at the small scaly creature who had caught his dog's attention."Good afternoon friend." He began to address the Kobold, and that was more than enough permission for Zandu, who went up to the creature excitedly and sniffed about. The hounds eyes seemed wary, but friendly enough.
The Varisian man chuckled at the Kobold and the dog." Forgive me, I'm Manduzi. This is Havarus, and Filla." He introduces himself and his two companions, motioning to each of them in turn." I know I've seen you around, but I haven't heard your name. That friendly fellow sniffing you there is Zandu, my dear friend. You'll have to excuse him, he's very forward."
Smiling politely he sipped his ale and then motioned to the free seats at the table." The three of us have been selected to participate in the rite this year. What brings you to the Seven Silvers?"
"The same, actually." Uriel sighed as he sits himself at a bar stool, his joints stiffening after his sparring lessons. "Heard the rest of them who had been selected were here, seemed fitting to meet the lot of you." Uriel smiles, hailing the bartender. "I'll... just a glass of water, I suppose." He rolls his eyes for a moment. "I suppose Dramott would have a fit if he found I had been drinking..."
"My name is... well, never mind that. I'd prefer my middle name, if you would. Call me Daniel," he says, looking over to Manduzi and his canine companion, ruffling the dog's head with one hand. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Gnawl seemed alright with Zandu's curious approach... it was hard to tell, given his constant neutral expression. Twitching his tail every so often, Gnawl allowed the dog to investigate, before cautiously reaching a claw up to both hold him off... and scratch carefully under his maw. Having claws instead of fingers came with advantages and cautions one had to remain aware of.
"Well met. I am Gnawl Rapwood, of the Rapwood tribe. Humble servant of the First Creator, Apsu, and hopefully, future leader of the tribes surrounding Kassen." Gnawl replied. That sounded... repetitive. Well, he did seem to be doing it a lot lately. "As Daniel says, we thought it prudent to meet our fellow rite takers."
Havarus looked at the newcomers that Manduzi's hound seemed so interested in. Hmm, the Kobold that's been hanging around the temple. I've seen him with his followers, very charismatic. This should be interesting.
"I am Malagaar DeBrowen of Kassen. I have no title other than my name He puffs his chest out proudly, nervously fingering his glaive. "May I join you at your table? I too am to take part in the rite