The Champion public house is in one of the better quarters of Restov. It's sign-board is painted with a wreathed horsehead and it is known for it's excellent food.
Tonight it has been reserved for those who would brave the Stolen Lands in an effort to explore, and tame the region.
The Lord Mayor's Chief Constable, Edran Hull is in attendance to select five of the many applicants. He is a middle aged balding man of medium height, and sturdy build. He sports an impressive handlebar mustache, and there is a twinkle of mirth in his hazel eyes. He is resplendent in his dress uniform of green and gold with a breastplate polished to a mirror sheen.
Behind the bar a young man pours the drinks. He has brown hair and dark eyes, and seems to be more interested in the prettiest of the three bar maids than anything else.
The bar maids are led by a middle aged woman with gray in her hair, the other two are much younger, in their late teens or early twenties.
Outside the night is cold and windy, with flurries of sleet, though the waning sliver of the moon makes an occasional appearance through the rapidly moving clouds.
A long table is laden with food. The center piece being a whole pig, complete with apple in it's mouth. As well, there is a haunch of roast beef, and a pyramid of half chickens. There are large bowls of mashed potatos, green beans and carrots.
In the stables, Taenweth removed the saddle, saddlebags and bit and bridle from her horse and placed them securely in the corner of the wooden stall. She took the dandy brush and steadily began brushing him down in long strokes; Veris' occasional nickering making her smile. Removing the blanket from one of the bags, she placed it atop Veris, for the night outside was cool and windy. She pitched some fresh hay into the stall and poured water into the trough. She preferred settling her horse for the night when she had time for it. Taenweth paid the stablemaster the required stabling fee, and, picking up her own bag, the Elf proceeded forward to The Champion public house.
She entered the establishment still cloaked and with hood down over her head. She was dressed in the colours of the forest - her cloak a very deep green. She was tall and willowy and moved with a certain grace. Not much of her face could be seen except for the charming, green glint of her eyes and the dusky cast of her skin at her throat and hands. She surveyed the interior with keen eye, as was her way, and noted an empty table; one which would give her a good sight line to anyone entering the tavern. Not that she would be staring of course, for that would be far too obvious.
Placing her pack under the table, Taenweth pushed the hood back from her hair and anyone looking her way could determine that she was beautiful in a wild and natural way - Deep green eyes, high arched brown brows, soft brown hair, long and braided to one side and light brown, smooth skin and, of course, long pointed ears.
Noticing the barmaids, Taenweth lifted her hand and politely gestured for the elder of the three ladies to come to her table. "Good eve, mistress. There's a fine turnout this night. Bring me a cup of your good house wine, if you'd please." The Elf's voice possessed a silvery quality - clear, light and pleasant to the ear. She did not raise her voice, even with the growing chatter about the room. The corners of her mouth were turned up as if she were smiling. "Can we serve ourselves from the banquet table or could you bring me a small plate of the vegetables and a piece of the chicken?", Taenweth enquired of the woman, not certain of the particular etiquette this night and not wanting to offend so soon after entering and drawing undue attention to herself.
"Yes ma'm." The serving woman smiles and curtsies. "I'll fetch you a glass of the '98. It's a nice red. You can help yourself to the food. There's plates at each end. The Lord Mayor is paying for everything, so enjoy." The woman hurries to the bar to have the bartender fill a glass.
"I thank you."
The serving woman had been amenable, and, as she hurriedly moved away to bring the wine, Taenweth stood, and, pushing her pack further under the table, strolled over to the nearby oaken table laden with food. Picking up a clean plate, she elegantly spooned some of the creamed potatoes, green beans and carrots and a very small portion of chicken onto it. Picking up a fork, Taenweth moved nearer her table once more and watched as people moved past her to get to the food or to the side of the uniformed soldier with the bright eyes and pronounced moustache. Chief Constable Hull would be selecting the adventurers this night and she wondered what he would be basing his selections upon. Taenweth delicately toyed with her carrots while casually surveying the room at her competition, smiling agreeably if any caught her eye.
His eyes scanned the place and the then the letter in his hand and then the place again. He adjusted his old well made cloak lined with the furs of wolf and glanced torwards his son and gave him a gruff nod.
"One Ale, after that its water for you boy."
He said gruffly as they moved torwards the door. He only slightly paused his eyes running along the place. For a moment he watched his son move hesistantly to the bar, at 14 the lad was already almost as tall as the barkeep, though Herger didnt think he would quite match his frame his blonde hair was thick and flowing like his fathers... He watched the lad to make sure he remembered his manners before he himself moved torwards the man in the uniform.
"I am Herger Orickson, I'm here about the expedition."
He said gruffly his voice not quite booming but easy enough to overhear. He looked down on the man as well, quite easily. Though his shoulders were slouched a little it was clear the plain looking man in the old well made cloak was tall... over six feet with inches to spare easily. He offered the chief constable one of his hands while the other adjusted reached for the clasp of his cloak.
His blue eyes slowly slid over to his boy, who carried two tankards torwards some of the seats carefully.
"I assume you will tell us more about the expedition when we all arrive, has... the food been blessed yet?"
He asked reaching into his cloak and pulling out an old wooden symbol of Erastil. He closed his eyes for and began a slight prayer to his god asking him to bless the food provided to grant them all strength of faith and arm, to aide them in the trials to come to hopefully tame the wild lands to the south. His eyes finally ran along the place and picked up the elf female. he gave her a gruff nod before he sat down next to his boy.
He closed his eyes for and began a slight prayer to his god asking him to bless the food provided to grant them all strength of faith and arm, to aide them in the trials to come to hopefully tame the wild lands to the south. His eyes finally ran along the place and picked up the elf female. he gave her a gruff nod before he sat down next to his boy.
Taenweth noted the very tall, fair-haired human male with the younger by his side. As he stood there, his wooden holy symbol in hand, blessing the food and those who would consume it, she watched his curt nod of acknowledgement before taking his seat. She was immediately amused by it and gave an elegant incline of her head in response; a certain impish light in her green eyes.
An apparently human, short and slender girl waltzes in through the front door, scanning the area. Food! My, oh my, this is starting to look like an excellent opportunity. Land, riches, glory, eat your heart out, Karlos!
She gazes at the folks in the inn, searching for details. The big guy and the elf are likely here for the expedition, although I wonder about the boy. Will he come along? It could be dangerous. The Chief Constable is the man I need, but let's not be hasty.
She then approaches the bar, pulling her neckline slightly down - Drat, if only there was more to show. Did I really need a flat chest as a second curse? - and speaks to the young man, her most charming smile on her face. "Why hello there. Pour me something sweet and sparkly, would you?" Hook, line and sinker, let's see if I get this little fish to tell me everything he knows about Hull. "So, that's the Chief Constable, huh? I'm sure someone like you knows all kinds of stories about all kinds of folks, mind... entertaining a girl for a while?" She leans on the bar, pulling closer to the young man.
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Gird detaches himself from the shadow of the building closest to the inn he cloak wrapped around him and walks out into the street so he can make out the sign hanging at the inns entrance, the sleet and wind making it difficult to see far. [i]"The sign of the Wreathed Horsehead, finally I've found "The Champion" and some shelter from this blasted weather."[/b]
Again the door to The Champion opens and admits a hooded and cloaked figure, who after cleaning the mud off his boots, pulls back his hood and shakes out his hair. He is 6 feet tall, fit and lithe but not overly muscular, he has a touch of grace to him but other than that he is fairly plain. Then Gird opens his cloak to reveal a fine shirt with the Medvyed symbol of a black bear with black antlers above its head in front of a red field and a jacket as well as a sort of shortsword and buckler.
He looks around the room for Edran Hull when he sees him he waits til the Ulfen has finished speaking with him and then approaches holding his hand out and taking the Constables in a hand clasp
"Constable Edran Hull I presume, you run a good ship here in Restov, it's almost like home. I am Gird Medvyed and here to accompany the exploratory expedition into the new lands"
"Ahh yes, I shall leave you to your duties and partake of the repast and warm myself by the hearth."
Gird walks up to the barkeep
"I'll have an ale, and the food?"
Gird hears the answer of the barmaids to the cloaked Elven girl about serving yourself
He takes his ale and walks over to the food table, he grabs a few good looking cuts of meat and then settles himself sitting at a table near the hearth. He loses himself in drinking and eating for a short time before he notices the other applicants and peruses them in turn.
Down the road Fenn strode his breath coming in great puffs from the cold evening air. It had been a long 'stride' to reach the on time... and his legs were weary and his stomach long since started gnawing on his insides... until a dull general ache of hunger filled him. He finally made it.. was not sure he'd make it on time.. not always the 'timely' sort... {especially when it was chores to be completed}, but he was no longer some country lay-about in his home town.. he had finally left the small farming hamlet to seek his fortune in the world outside... to find out what sort of man her really was .. than just a "Winter" child.
The door to the Champion opened letting in the blast of cold winter air the doorway framing a tall, lanky youth with a tight wiry build. His travel cloak and hood pulled up around him... and he is visibly shivering... likely in the beginning stages of hypothermia... as clearly he is not attired for this weather. His clothing is all weathered and dusty with road dirt~ difficult to tell where the commoner's varying shades of brown of the material and the road dust begin or end, with sleet thickly enmeshed in the folds of his clothing all of it frayed or worn in some fashion. His thick boots are crusted with frozen mud and travel dust. He is armored in suit of studded leather that has the look of perhaps unprofessional make and fit, same goes for his longsword, shortsword, and shortbow over his back... they are all crudely made but.. seem serviceable enough. The look of the youth is more in his eyes... as he bears no cold weather clothing.. and no scarf his face is young and ... Very Handsome in a rustic 'farm-boy' sense.. with a mop of sandy-brown unkempt hair and no facial hair at all, the bridge of his nose and cheeks lightly frosted with freckles. His skin is a warm tanned hue slowly fading to a winter pale clearly an outdoorsman by profession. But the startling thing is his striking emerald green eyes that are piercing and deep. Clearly a heart-throb from what ever poor farming town he may hail from...
He breathing is labored and he tries but only manages a weak smile.. as he turns to shut the door behind him, trembling all the while.
"Er pardon meh.. sorry 'bout tha'!", he mutters to those close to the door his voice smooth and thick with a country drawl.
Turning he pulls back his hood~ revealing slightly pointed ears of half-elven heritage and walks immediately to the fireplace, inadvertently tracking a trial of frozen mud while rubbing his hands furiously together with the trembling effort to pull off his leather gloves stuffing them into his belt to hold his bare rough hands toward the fire standing before it just taking in the heat for a few minutes to warm himself. There is a flash of a upon his left hand .. the only bit of shine upon the youth beside his pretty eyes... clearly incongruous with the rest of his dress.
Then his stomach loudly growls as his senses take in the smell of waiting food.
His eyes go wide in embarrassment glancing about the room, "Aheh, er.. pardon meh... been a bit o' a trip ta' git here and all!"
Looking over at one of the serving maids... noting how pretty they are he lowers his eyes shyly and turns to the matronly maid, "Uh.. 'scuse meh, ma'am.. might Ah troubles ya fur a cup o' hot cider maybe.. if'n yur not to busy Ma'am?", and reflexively bows slightly.
Finally looking around the room.. Fenn notes... the three men.. an the tall fair-haired Ulfen man and his son... and smiles sadly at them... wondering what it would have been like to have a father who was concerned for his upbringing more than drink and even more drunken beatings. He frowned slightly eyes lowering and pushed such memories to the past.. and noted the tall~ what he could only guess nobleman. Heck the Ulfen and his son were better dressed than his own rustic clothing... he grimaced.
Then he noted the beautiful elven woman in the room... and he froze! Fenn had never seen a full elf before... and was stunned with the fact rumors of elven beauty were not exaggerated. He then realized he was staring an looked away quickly his slightly.
But that brought his gaze to Edran Hull... the man he was supposed to speak to about the expedition... and Fenn silently kicked himself... imagining what he looked like compared to the others already assembled...
Some late-coming common farm-hand or hunter with little sense to travel in the right attire for the weather... his hopes of being chosen to the mission were looking not good. He sighed...
{Best get on with it... Ah guess.. oh look Ah even tracked mud all tha' way across tha' floor like Ah live in barn or somesuch... which is tha' point.. Ah Do live in a barn! Yeah .. some adventurer Ah'll make among polite-like folks!}
Squaring his shoulders the youth turns from the fire to walk over to Edran Hull... his eyes trying to not stray toward the elven woman... as he pulls a paper notice form his belt pouch to present it...
"Er.. Sah, Ah'm... . ... some calls meh, 'Tha Jr' cause mah pap an Ah have tha' same name ..but he don' claim meh so its {Winter} and all.. and Well Ah'm here fur tha' expedition an all.. if'n yur willin' an all.."
Clearly nervous and a bit shy he realizes he's rambling, "Ah.. Ah'm talkin' too much right? Aheh.. yeah ..sorry. Ah..jus' wanted ya ta know Ah was here fur tha' ..er au-ditch-un? Thanks."
Vitellia stopped when she saw the signboard: a wreathed horses' head. Some small amount of relief found her with this, as at least she would be out of the wind. Now all that remained was anxiety for the task ahead.
Sensing her discomfort, Kirby sidled up next to her and licked her hand. Smiling, she brought the hound, a bullmastiff, under the eaves of the building so he could shake the sleet off of his brindle cloak.
Entering the public house, the concerns drilled into her by her upbringing flickered in the back of her mind: she perhaps looked a bit rough. She had insisted on making her own way down south to Restov, and had eschewed the more formal modes of travel afforded to her by her father's rank. Thanks to the long road her dark, medium-length hair was mussed, and her skin was ruddier than usual thanks to the weather. Her tabard bearing the Orlovsky family crest, secured over her chain mail shirt, was blotted with moisture from the sleet.
Surveying the room, she recognized Edran Hull -the Chief Constable- from the stories she'd heart about his mustache alone, though his dress greens clearly signaled his station. Vitellia noted there were only a handful of others present so far, and perhaps she had made better time than she'd feared.
She called to the young-looking barman: "I don't suppose you mind if he's with me, do you?," she inquires, gesturing towards Kirby sitting loyally and alert at her side. "He's frightfully well-behaved, you have my word."
Fenn bows slightly to the constable and looking at the mess he made on the floor walks over to the young man at the bar... noting the slender teenaged woman sitting there talking to him and pauses slightly... but decides to be quick so as to not interrupt them overmuch...
Coming up on the left side of the young woman but at a respectful distance of 5'ft he clears his throat and addresses the young man behind the bar, {Ahem}"..'scuse meh~ miss, sorry Sah, but ... looks like Ah tracked a mess in on yur floor.. mind if'n Ah barrow ya broom ta clean it up a bit? Mah bad.. really.. jus' wanted y'know... out o' tha' cold."
Then looking over at the table of food his stomach growls even louder this time.
Again the flash of embarrassment as he looks back to the youth, "Aheh.. yeah.. Is tha' food over yonder fur all attending... cause Ah's powerful hungry?"
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Noting the entrance of the tall dark haired woman, he quickly stood his boots making a thunk on the floor
An Orlovsky.. huh? and I thought i'd be the only noble .. well at least she's beautiful and has a big dog..
Gird looks at the Scion of House Orlovsky and gives a short bow of acknowledgement.
He then notes the young mans distress at having tramped dirt and mud into the public house Gird walks over to him and places a hand upon his shoulder in an engaging manner.
"Fenn I think I overheard, well the good people that run this establishment expect a certain level of mud and dirt to be tracked through their premises, it's part of their job, paid for by the mayor in this case. To clean up after the candidates for this important mission."
At this Gird begins gently guiding the young man to the banquet table
" Now I heard you were hungry, come along and have something to eat, it's self serve, so the staff can spend more time cleaning the floors. Eat and then come talk when you are sated."
Gird walks back to his seat grabbing a morsel along the way.
Fenn is surprised a seemingly nobleman..would..well behave noble!
He smiles brightly, "Er..well.. ah if'n ya think its proper sah..! Thank ya' kindly!"
He offers his left hand in a shake, "Ah'm, Fenn 'Tha Jr'... Fenn... .. nice ta make your acquaintance.. an' yur right ah have been travellin' fur a bit.. some grub... 'specially tha' fine smellin' feast would be nice indeed!"
His voice involuntarily lowers as he mentions his 'surename' clearly a sign of shame at his illegitimate bastard-child seasonal name...
When he offers his hand.. the silver signet ring's crest is clearly of Noble House - Medvyed.
Fenn will make his way to the table and look for a plate.. and note his somewhat travel dirt hands... and grimaces.. but grabs a fork and begins filling a plate~ carrot, green beans, potatoes, chicken and a few slices of pork.
His eyes cast over the elven woman and going wide again.. he bows slightly cheeks flushing again and takes a seat politely distant from her so as not to intrude.
He set his plate and looks around for...something on the table... not finding it he selects a saucer... next to his plate and reaching into his pouch pulls a corn-cob pipe... setting it on the saucer.
Pulling a Holy Symbol to DESNA {though there is also a wooden symbol to CALISTRA on the loop of leather as well} out his armor. He folds his hands and bowing head offers a silent prayer of thanks before digging in.
His table manners are rough.. but not uncouth.. merely.. perhaps a little 'unrefined'...
He speaks up to the nobleman who addressed him, "So sah, Ah..didn't catch yur name an all.. yur a Nobleman.. Ah can tell by yur nice clothes an all.. wha' brings you out ta' doin' some likely dangerous, harsh traveling, an explorin'? Ah'd Figure a nobleman has all a body could need.. as such??"
As Fenn is approaching her, Mamise scans the new arrivals. Nobles? Well, their families must be down with their luck if they are interested in setting up a new fief. Anyway, noble connections are -almost- never a bad thing, especially if I choose my words carefully... However, this shy bumpkin looks utterly useless. Did someone send him to the recruiting, hoping to get him out of the way?
Smoothing her dress, she addresses the two better-clothed people in the room, Gird and Vitellia with her best curtsy.
"A pleasure to find two sprouts of Noble Houses here. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mamise Iwani, long-date friend of the Orlovsky family cadet branch Vorvani. Perhaps you may know the current squire, Stavros, I've spent many years in his employment." And not a word of this is untrue. Just not all the truth. No need for them to know that I was just a maid.
"I suppose that you are all interested in the proclaim looking for settlers? If so, allow me to offer my service to Your Graces, I am a dabbler in divine magic, a scholar and a diplomat, it would be a honor to serve you."
Noting the young lady approaching Fenn politely stands and bows in return, "Nice ta' meet ya' miss ... Actually Ah'm not really the settler type. Ah heard new lands needed taming in wild country... and Ah figured it was time Ah said mah goodbyes ta' home an sought some fortune an respect on mah own merit. I'm a Tracker and Woodsman... by profession... if'n it ain't like obvious. Ah'm an Armorsmith, Weaponsmith, and Bowyer too; Ah can lead ya to where yur goin' and kep ya from getting lost, plus scavenge what ya need ta survive or track and kill dangerous game~ especially tha' unquiet dead kind. Don't hold with such abominations and can put them down real quick-like! Ah can also speak ta' many o' tha' forest fey folks in their own language."
He blushes slight and scratches his head, "It Kinda caught meh a little off guard with the turn o' tha' weather... but Ah gots here ready ta' offer mah services as a Ranger and handyman."
He watched with great interest at the others speaking amongst themselves. He wasnt sure what to make of the nobles, after all in his experiance their ilk preferred to let the salt of the earth do all the work for them but it wasnt his place to judge, perhaps they might learn something on this adventure and be the better for it the other young man however was clearly nervous.
He rose up from his seat and tousled his lads hair for a moment grinning at the way he tried to jerk his head away and the slight glare he got as he went to the bar.
Something strong my friend, the young lad over there is nervous and needs a bit of soothing I think. And another ale for me please.
He began waiting until he got the appropriate drinks and he moved forward towering over everyone.
Drink this Fenn and take ease. You came in looking quite chilled. loosen up your clothing, are your boots wet? if so take them off, if you have a spare pair handy. You dont want to take ill before this expidition starts do you?
He began handing Fenn the drink and looking him over for any signs of possible sickness.
Fenn regards the tall Ulfen man as one of the few present he looks eye to eye with and smiles, "Why Thank ya' Kindly Mistah It was indeed a cold stretch... kinda had ta' force march tha' last bit fur half a day ta' git here on time... probably pushed mah'self moren' Ah should have!"
He looks down at his boots and chuckles, "Ah reckon they are...wet through an through... yeah... Ah probably should put em ta dry by tha' fire! I got some never worn clean cloth wrappin's fur mah feet they'll do as long as Ah stay indoors."
He takes the offered drink and takes a deep drink... but not all. As for his health.. perhaps just a bit of frost-bite.. but nothing serious... true to form the young have amazing levels of resilience...
{Ahhh!!} ".. tha's got a good fire in tha' belly!", and he grins... his expression slowly growing somewhat somber...
"...b-been a long time.. since anyone.. y'know cared about mah health an all.. shucks... yur probabaly a good father fur yur young man over thereh. You have mah thanks...!"
He grins shyly looking away slightly and scratching his head, "..well Mistah ... Ah's not use ta' being around such fine and refined folks as is here... a.. aheh... get a little unsure as ta' how ta' be y'know a proper gentlemen around such lovely ladies... don' think Ah've seen so many perty women folks in one place at tha' same time ...in like.. evah! Ah knows Ah's jus' a common and rough around tha' edges lout... so's don't want ta' offend nor make them uncomfortable around meh and all.. jus' saying..."
He tips his mug the Ulfen man's way and moves over to the fire setting his pack nearby pulling up a stool to pull his boots off setting them next to the fireplace off to the side. Then opening his pack he pulls the cloth wrappings for his feet and quickly ties them up... stretching his legs near the fire to warm them wiggling his toes briefly before returning to the dining table.
Despite his road travel.. he does not smell of excessive grime or lingering musk... he must bathe regularly.. his hair smelling of forest pines.
He takes his seat continuing with his eating... mindful not to stare at any of the Noble folks... he looks as common as they come.. his clothing all varying shades of brown.. save for the shiny ring on his left hand. A common farm youth... clearly hungry.
Vitellia regarded the slip of a girl addressing her with measured surprise. "Ah... Stavros? Yes. I don't know him well. My father, Baron Roddick, maintains the Orlovsky game holds. I met Stavros once in passing when he attended a hunt." Eyeing Mamise, unsure exactly what to make of the odd girl, she elects pleasantry as the sensible approach for the evening.
"It is good to encounter a friend of the family so far south," Vitellia says with a thin smile. "Should I be selected for the expedition, I would be glad for your company."
Mamise casts an acid glance to Fenn while his back is turned. Tell the story of your life to someone who cares, Woodsman, I wasn't talking to you.
Ignoring him and turning to Vitellia, she smiles back, slightly closing her eyes. The daughter of the Baron Roddick himself? Stars, isn't that something. Oh, if I could wrap her around my finger, she could very well be my ticket to this new fiefdom. "I am humbled and thankful for your consideration, Your Grace. I shall prove myself worthy of your trust. But right now, since I believe that more applicants are yet to come until Chief Constable Hull makes his decision, if you would excuse myself, I'd partake in the food. Would you join?"
Reaching towards the bar, she reaches closer to the bartender and whispers, with another wink. "I have to mingle, but be nice to me, tell me what I wanna know, and I'll... talk to you later."
Finally, she heads towards the banquet and picks a few morsels. Self-control don't fail me now, I just have to act respectable for a little while longer...
Autumn pushed the door to the The Champion as she pulled the hood of her cloak down. The moonlight changing her dark hair to silver just long enough for those two turn to the door to see the change. Behind her a black wolf with green eyes followed, their steps almost perfectly timed together. The pair made their way to the bar, as Autumn removed her cloak. "Honey mead if you have it please." She requested respectfully. She turned her attention to the Constable, offering a nod of respect as she spoke. "I am Autumn Moon, here to help."
When she got her drink she made her way over to the table of food, wolf still on her heels, getting two plates of food. One with a fair mixture of everything on the table, while the other only had a large piece of roast beef. She settled in at a table and set the plate with the roast beef down upon the floor. While her trusted wolf enjoyed its dinner, Autumn turned her attention to the people in the room. Her steel grey eyes evaluating each of them.
A bit fewer then I figured there would be but they seem to be fairly balanced. In fact most might just make it out in the wild.
She slowly munched on her food as her mind set about figuring out which among the people here she'd prefer to work with. Her eyes settled upon a man near the hearth . Frostbite, sensing her mistress eyes settled, moved over to the figured. She began to sniff the noble before sitting back and looking up at him, whining for attention. Autumn jumped from her seat, almost dropping her fork, as she moved over to her faithful wolf.
"I'm so sorry. She's not use to seeing so many new people, I take my eye off her for just a moment and she runs off to make new friends." Autumn said as she picked up the canine just enough to shift her away from the noble.
Fenn looked up and smile slightly as Autumn came to the table. He stood respectfully as she came to the table and moved to pull back her chair in a simple country gentlemen fashion, "Uhm.. Welcome Miss ... Ah'm sure any help yur willin' to aid our efforts will be much appreciated."
He bowed slightly but his emerald eyes were drawn to her wolf companion a slight smile crossing his lips as he gazed at her magnificent dark coat of fur.
He commented as he moved back to his seat, "Yur friend... she's magnificent...! Ah always had a fondness fur wolves... a pack of them kinda harassed one o' tha' locale chicken farmers back in mah hometown.. but Ah managed ta' calm em' down and lead them ta' bettah game... glad Ah didn't have ta' hurt any of them... beautiful beasts! Might Ah ask yur friend's name... and does she like ta' be petted?"
"Gods yes, food. I don't mind the out-of-doors, but it's been days since I've had something properly prepared." She follows Mamise to the banquet table where she assembled a generous hoard of mashed potatoes and carrots. She also grabbed three of the halved chickens, an excessive amount for even a woman of her build. Before any observer could raise an eyebrow, however, her intent becomes clear when she rips a large chunk off of one of the chickens and tosses it to her hound. Kirby gobbles down the bite quickly, his tail wagging furiously.
Vitellia nods respectfully to Mamise, then proceeds to a table near the constable. Before seating herself, she performs a formal introductory bow and addresses him: "Chief Constable, I am Vitellia Orlovsky. My father, Baron Roddick Orlovsky sends his regards, and hopes you can attend one of next Summer's hunts."
When a woman enters followed by a wolf, Kirby's ears point forward and head cocks to one side. He makes a whimper of curiosity, but does not move from his position next to Vitellia.
Taenweth looked upon the two women with their pets and marvelled at their companionship and presence inside the tavern. Various people were now breaking off into smaller groups and the Elf overheard the half blood's not-so-quiet conversation and distress over muddying the floor. She politely gestured the youngest barmaid over to her and quietly asked her to clean the bootprints and remedy the situation with very little fuss.
The elder barmaid promptly returned with her red wine and the Elf thanked her and handed over the required coin. Lifting the goblet, Taenweth sipped the wine and silently approved even though the wines were finer in Hymbria.
She noted the female, her wolf and the noble-blood near her. The creature did not look too wild nor dangerous as it sat seeking the attention of the male.
Taenweth asked the woman, "I'm most curious. Did you raise and train the wolf from pup?"
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Gird looks slightly puzzled at Fenns words and thenshakes it off and smiles
"Ah yes, how unusual of me to not introduce myself, I am Gird Medvyed, glad to make your acquaintance."
"Lady Mamise, thankyou but unfortunately, while I have heard of your family name I am not as familiar as Lady Vitellia here or as striking. I have spent much of my life away from the Medvyed estates, so I have not developed a familiarity with other noble house members, but today is as good a day as ever to help fix that."
Gird then performs a bow that encompasses Ladies Mamise and Vitellia
He then resumes his seat and when approached by the Wolf, he stretches out a hand to allow the wolf to gain his scent and see if he has permission to pet the wolf. If he is given the ok he pets the wolf, scratching behind it's ears and along the jaw, areas that generally make a canine close it's eyes in bliss.
"No worries at all, I don't mind making new friends, especially of the canine type, i've found that a canine that accompanies a beautiful woman can be very dangerous and are good to have as friends. You like myself appear to be aasimar, my own heritage being much more subtle as I was a genetic throwback, but I still have a few feather here and there."
Autumn gave a soft smile to Fenn as he seemed to enjoy Frostbite. "Oh yes, she enjoys being pet. Her name is Frostbite" She told him before looking to Taenweth. "Yes, I found her when she was just a pup, must have wondered away from her mother. So she's use to being around people and other animals, thus very good around them... unless you're a prey animal, I have trained her to help me hunt after all." She commented with a small laugh. Though when Gird spoke up and called her beautiful Autumn felt her cheeks grow warm. "Well, thank you. Ah, you're an aasimar as well? I though I'd go my whole life without meeting another. I'm a Agathion blooded, wolf agathion to be specific. Fourth generation down from the Agathion that mixed into our line." She explained. "Made my father's family very good at hunting, tracking, and being guides to the wild. In fact that's why I'm here, to offer my skills and abilities to those who plan to tame the Stolen Lands."
Frostbite's ears twitched when she heard the whimper of the other canine within the inn. She turned her head just enough to see Kirby and offered a small whimpering bark.
Trudging through the blowing sleet, Pyros spies the sign he'd been looking for; a public house called The Champion. About time he thought, ducking his head for one last plunge through the weather. He'd always hated the winter, much as he'd had an attraction to fire. Both can, of course, be put down to certain circumstances of my ancestry. he muses.
Reaching the door, he opens it just enough to slip inside then shut it quickly behind him. Pulling down the hood of his dark brown cloak, he reveals his face to those already present; an apparently human man, just under six feet tall, a bit over 150 lbs. A short beard covers his face, and shorter hair covers his scalp. He would appear entirely unremarkable, if his hair were not just a bit too gold to look natural. The more perceptive may notice that his eyes precisely match the color of his hair. He is dressed in ordinary traveler's robes a few shades lighter than his cloak, likewise unremarkable in every way, but for the dueling sword at his right hip.
He glances around, taking those already here. Nobles. Medvyed and Orlovsky, eh? he thinks, wondering what their presence might signify. I wonder if they represent a play to expand their houses' power in Brevoy...or to build a power outside it he muses, thinking about his own nightly prayers to the Everbloom. He also notices the large Ulfen man, skinny youth, an attractive Elven woman who certainly caught his eye, and not one but two human women with dogs. Wolves, maybe. Hard to tell in this light. First things first, though he thinks, stomach growling. Unfortunately, food was the second thing on his mind. Making his way to the Chief Constable, he introduced himself. "Pyros Aldori, at your service sir." he says, feeling his surname to be all he needs to make his particular skillset clear. Introduction over, he makes his way to the food, fills his plate with meat and potatoes What else does a man need, anyway?, orders some ale from a passing server, and selects a table near the elven woman. Perhaps some companionship my own age he thinks, though such things have never come easy to him.
A crystalline laughter blooms on Mamise's lips. "Oh, Your Grace Medvyed, I wouldn't dare claim nobility! I only was employed by them, came to experience some degree of intimacy." I couldn't have been any more intimate with that arrogant, snotty, selfish, spoiled brat! How could I ever fall for him?
"It broke my heart to leave their service, but I heard adventure beckoning me. I would be glad to travel with you and offer any service I may."
While many people are admiring the wolf, she steers clear of both him and Vitellia's dog. Can my metamorphosis fool even their sense of smell? Curses, I never bothered to check. Still, the two aasimars are proudly showing who they are, perhaps I may... No. Not here. Not now.
The Elf nodded when the woman named Autumn spoke of hunting with her wolf and admired her for it.
"I am Taenweth Vandiir", she offered to her and the other people of their small congregation.
"Have you travelled far to attend this supper and meeting with the Chief Constable?" The question was levied to all. It never hurt to know some more of the people that one could be travelling with in the days to come. The Elf's mouth curved up in smile, showing perfect teeth in a mouth with plump bottom lip.
As she waited for any of those before her to reply, she observed the newcomer - he had introduced himself as Pyros Aldori to the Chief Constable and then had taken seat near to her table, his plate full of meat and the mashed potatoes. She turned her head and gazed at him; the deep green of her eyes assessing him silently for a few moments. His hair and eye colour were striking -- too striking for a mere human. Another smile graced her face.
"Good eve, Master Pyros. It appears that not even a cold, sleet-strewn night could keep us from this gathering." She wondered if had heard her speak her name not moments before and decided to make another introduction as a courtesy, "I am Taenweth Vandiir." Taenweth lifted her goblet and drank some wine, her own food left half eaten on her plate.
Again he spent more time quietly watching the others judging them casually glancing to his boy making sure he was behaving himself. He chuckled slightly. His son's eyes attettively following the youngest maid serving them. He was close to that age so he wasnt surprised.
He put a passing glance to the two animals one wolf one dog. He cautious knelt first by the wolf and muttered out a few words... that came out almost perfect growling and yips.
Hello Frostbite, may your hunts be filled with fresh kills.Your friend here, Is she a good packmate?
He began slowly reaching forward and patting her head.
Vitellia raises an eyebrow when the man introduces himself as an Aldori. She viewed the Swordlords as exasperatingly political as any of Brevoy's houses, but seeing as she was in his yard Vitellia figured politeness was the best tack. When he looks her way, she gives him a casual salute.
When the wolf responds to Kirby's curiosity he looks up at Vitellia, making eyes and doing his best to restrain an excited wiggle. She smiles and gestures towards the wolf, indicating her permission to socialize. As her hound approaches the woman and her canine companion, Vitellia calls over: "Kirby is perfectly friendly, I think it might be best to allow them their own introductions."
Pyros smiles at the elf, and offers his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Vandiir. Some enjoy the winter, I know, but in my mind a warm room filled with food and good company" he nods at the others as well, not wishing to be rude "is the best way to spend a night like tonight." Looking around again, he notices that there seem to be no other swordlords present. Almost a shame I was hoping to show off my bladework for the Constable...and the ladies, but I suppose a crowded pub is hardly the place for a duel.
Autumn's face seems to sadden a bit before she nods and answers Taenweth's question. "Yes, I have... I will not be missed."
Frostbite jumps back a bit as Kirby approached. Her head low, unsure what to expect. When Kirby got within range she leaned foreword and sniffed him. Then gave out a yip of approval.
Autumn gave a laugh before calling out to Vitella. "She likes him." She gave a nod to Pyros as he joined their growing group. "I've always been a fan of autumn myself, and not just because I share its name." She said.
She admired the swordsman's conduct and extended her own hand as she knew was customary in the human world. Taeweth's mood lightened upon the man's warm manner and she found herself nodding as to the merits of being inside on such nights and among companions. She preferred the outdoors more readily, but even she would rather a fire than the bite of the wind on her back or the steady lashing of the rain.
"Do you travel alone, Master Pyros?"
Nodding in return to the dark-haired woman, Pyros says "I've always enjoyed the heat of summer most of all, but I must admit that the Autumn foliage is beautiful." He hesitates, then reaches for a piece of meat from his plate. "If I may?" he asks, gesturing towards Frostbite.
"Just be careful, if you feed her too much she'll always be coming to you for food!" Autumn said with a slight smile. "That said, she'll like you more. Whistle and call catch, then toss it into the air." She explained. "If you cannot whistle, I'll do it for you."
Taenweth watched the sadness flit across the Aasimar's lovely face and listened as the woman declared that none would miss her. The Elf wondered why that was but she dared not ask a stranger such a question on first encounter. Taenweth knew she would be missed and hoped that her parents were not too angry after her sudden departure in the dead of night.
"I am sorry to hear that you will not be missed by another. Mayhap one day you shall find someone who will." She looked at the Aasimar longer than customary and then added, "Autumn is my favourite season, as well. There is such beauty when the leaves change colour."
Pyros does as Autumn instructs, whistling and saying "Catch! before tossing a portion of roast beef, before turning back to Taenweth. "Most often, yes. I grew up in Rostland, and still have some extended family who live in the area, but we see little of each other. Likewise there are classmates from the Aldori Academy, and a few others whom I correspond with, but they mostly have their own lives to live." he smiles, remembering his time as an apprentice. "When I was an apprentice, I lived for several years with my master, and grew close to his family, but we've not traveled together since I finished my apprenticeship. It would be nice to have friends to travel with again." he says, smiling at those in their small conversation and reaching down to pet Frostbite.
Fenn listens to the interchange of conversations finishing his plate.. and trying really hard not to seem to gulp his plate down.. though the growing young man does seem to be able to put down a lot despite his lanky frame.
Fenn interject, "Well Ah understands not having any ties and such holding ya Down to a place Miss . Back in mah home farming hamlet o' Little Tree ...well less jus' say none will be anxious ta' see Tha Sr nor Tha' Jr...any times soon. Not from any deeds o' mah own~ mind ya.. but like's they says... 'the sins 'o the father are tha burdens o' his sons'. Ma pap's a bit o' an onry sort and not too likable.. so's Ah kinda' gets the wary eye from those round there abouts... mostly cause they knows when Ah was around ma pap was not too fur away either.. like as well not far enough for the likes o' most decent folks!"
"Any ways Ah decided since ...ma gandma.. 'bless her soul' passed years ago, an pap.. didn't seems to be gettin' any more likable... nor leavin' on one o' his underhanded money schemes~ fur tha' past few years like's he use ta' do being gone month and months when Ah was younger... Ah'd pretty much taught mahself all Ah could about woodlore, hunting, tracking and crafting through trail and error~ might as well take mah fate in mah own hands and try ta' do some good with what time a body has. A man has ta' stand on his own two feet y'knows!"
He shrugs, "Ah gots nothing, so Ah Got Everything ta' give ta' those who got things even worse off and less than even meh! Ah heard there was a call fur those skilled in taming wild lands and riskin' life an limb to try ta' build somethin' out of little o' nothin'... to make a place fur decent folk ta' live in peace. So Ah packed up all mah heh..'worldly' goods and Ah'm here ta' help! Ah'd jus' like ta' do somethin'... y'know noble and neighborly with mah life.. help those who needs it most protecting good decent folk from harm and beasts."
He lifts his hand showing his Signet Ring the crest of the Noble House of clear for all to see, "Ma Grandma, pap's mom; told meh this here ring belong to mah mom... ", he shrugs, "... it all Ah knows about her.. but it sure is pretty... so Ah like ta' think she was perty too~ bein' an elf maiden an all. Ah figure though she's long dead by now.. pap never spoke o' her so Ah guess she must be... so.. Ah hopes she's smiling down from tha' heavens proud o' tha' man Ah'm tryin' ta' be.. and not like the .. mean cuss ma' pa is. So with tha' grace o' DESNA Ah pray ta' do somethin' noble and valerous.. deeds of renown without peer.. like in tha' story books o' legends. Somethin' folks will remember meh ... as a good man fur Ah join mah mom .. where ever tha' spirits of the good dead find rest."
Kirby hops in response to Frostbite's bark of approval, his tail wagging ecstatically. The hound bounds back to Vitellia, licking her profusely, excitedly informing her of his new friend.
Vitellia laughs, "Down. Down boy."
Smiling at Autumn: "He's a beautiful animal. You must be very proud."
******
When the bumpkin woodsman interrupts his rambling -the man could talk- to display his House Medvyed ring, Vitellia tenses. Her gaze immediately travels to Gird, not knowing what to expect from the stranger in response to Fenn's claim.
Derra Clawstrider of the Running Brook tribe had stabled her horse, playing the stable boy a few silvers to finish the rest, even though he was hesitate to be paid by someone who resembled a large predatory cat.
She then entered the Champions public house. The white tiger like catfolk woman was a bit on the short side (), but her shortness could not hide her athletic build as she strode into the building, her white and black striped tail swishing about while her piercing emerald green eyes scanned the room.
She pushed back the hood of her cloak revealing her sandy blond hair that she kept shoulder length. She begins to search for a table to sit down at amid the ever growing crowded room.
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When he offers his hand.. the silver signet ring's crest is clearly of Noble House - Medvyed.
There was an uneasy feeling in Gird as if he'd missed something and then a chance look at the fellow Fenn and he saw it The Signet ring!! you fool!.. now how to make amends? Boldly I suppose
Gird approaches Fenn as he is showing off the ring
"Exactly what I should have noticed myself in our earlier introduction, sorry cousin for not acknowledging your status earlier as a Noble of House Medvyed. Hopefully we will both be picked for this expedition and get to perform valorous deeds."
Then to the others Fenn was talking with
"Sorry all, I just had to right a wrong that I had done, I apologize for interrupting your conversation. But I should also take the chance to say that it is wonderful to have a Swordlord amongst us, I hope to get the opportunity to learn from you Master Pyros."
He doesn't back away clearly hoping to be included now that he has joined.
Fenn blinks... shocked and turns to look behind him to see who the Nobleman was speaking too...
Noting no one was behind him his eyes go wide, "Uhm, sorry Sah.. er Milard .. ya can't be speakin' ta meh are ya?"
{Aheh}".. Ah.. ain't no noble.. Ah gots no family.. lest ways none thas' good fur polite folks ta' hang arounds.. you mus' be mis-ta-ken~?!?"
And his gaze is drawn to the exotic feminine form of the Cat-woman walking in.. his eyes going wide a saucers...
He whispers under his breath, 'Golly~ now tha' somethin' ya don't see everyday...'
Realizing he's gawking, "Er.. ah.. Sorry! Uhm, Howdy ma'am... yur a cat?"
He can't seem to stop watching her twitching tail...
He was about to speak to the actually hound when his eyes were drawn to his boys sudden gawking expression which of course in turn led him to gaze where he was gazing. His hand came up to his beard stroking it downwards as he rose his head tilted to the side. He wasnt entirely sure what he was looking at. It was well a catperson to be sure but he hadnt heard of catpersons like this. He wondered if she were like the winterwolfs in the capital somehow back home.
Most of them were alright enough folk, if a bit violent. He moved torwards his son without realizing it but he stopped scowling at himself.
He gave the catwoman a nod, trying to overcome his obvious shock.
Hail and well met traveller.
He began giving her a nod still stroking his beard. He wasnt hiding his curiousity about her at all.
Derra noticed the bearded man looking at her and saw him nod to her.
She then gave him and his family a fang filled smile before walking over and slightly bowing to the man. When she spoke the catfolk had something of an odd accent.
"Grrrreetings to you as well strrrangerrr. I am Derrrrra Clawstrrriderrr of the Rrrruning Brrrook trrribe. It is good to see a frrriendly face herrrre. It seems I arrrrrived just beforrrre things got crrrrowded. Hmmm...."
It was then she noticed that the man appeared shocked by her.
"Ah! I apologized if I frrrrightened you and yourrr family. It is difficult to trrravel arrround when you'rrre a catfolk like me. I forrrrget that not everrryone knows of my trrribe and a few otherrrs living in this rrregion of Brrrevoy. We tend to keep to ourrrselves but we arrre a frrriendly people, so we tend to get along with otherrrs."
As soon as she said that she heard someone come in and begin to talk with the Chief Constable. She decided to wait and hear the reply from the man she was talking to before she went and registered her name with the Chief Constable, when the armored man who had entered introduced himself to everyone as Sir Andreas der Eisfalke. The catfolk made a point to speak to this man.
She waves the newcomer over to speak with him.
The tall young handsome half-elf walks over to the catwoman and bows politely, "Uhm, Greetings ma'am..er Miss ? Ah'm ... your.. amazing.. Ah've never even heard o' folks like.. er yurself... you have a tail.. how neat is tha'! You have fur?!? Wha' lovely stripes! Golly.. tha' mus' be very useful in tha' winter cold...!"
Derra smiles at the half-elf, greeting him as well.
"Hallo Fenn Winterrr! And you don't have to call me Miss. Derrrra is fine. It is pleasurrre to meet you as well. Ah yes, furrrr is quite useful in the winterrr but it can be a bit of a prrroblem as one's winterrr coat tends make one well poofy. Not to mention the shedding can be headache at times. And don't get me starrrrted on the grrrrooming!"
She laughed some as she talked to Fenn and Herger. "And yes I have a tail. I must say you arrrre as currrious as a fellow catfolk!"
Fenn smiles and lift a hand rubbing his unruly mop of sandy blonde hair, "aheh, yeah .. Ah suppos' Ah am at tha'... er... Would you like somethin' ta' eat, Mi~ er ? Theys laid out a fine banquet fur us all?"
He gestures to the large table, he nose and cheeks flushing with a slight blush.. when it dawns on him.. he is speaking to a lovey young woman.. if Very exotic.
{Gosh, she sure is perty... don' know how Ah'm suppose ta act.. nevah been good with girls... she's shorter than meh.. but tha's not saying nothin' MOST folks are shorter than meh! Can't tell how old she is... }
He gestures to a table chair, not one actually near his seat just nearest to where Derra is standing and lowers his eyes... his blush if anything ...
Frostbite jumped into the air and snatched the meat thrown to her. She made short work of it before settling next to the Pyros, licking her chops. "See, I told you." Autumn said with a shrug. She turned her head to Vitellia and gave a nod. "I am, and Frostbite is a she-wolf."
"Yes, well met travelers. I hope your journey here wasn't too problematic." Autumn said as she used her foot to push an empty chair for Gird to join them. "Join us." She told him as she gave a nod to the chair.