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A cold, wet dawn rises on the morning of the seventh of Abadius in the Silver City of Kintargo. Those waking up early find themselves greeted by the morning fog rolling in along with an unusual sinister feeling. Normally smelling of brine and seaweed, the morning’s air instead reeks of sulfur and brimstone tinged with the smell of smoke - and what would be later be described as burnt flesh. What seems to be an eerily oppressive silence blankets the city, broken by the cacophonous ringing of the Devils Bells atop the Temple of Asmodeus as soon as the morning’s sun reaches its dim gloom through the thick fog and shines upon the massive temple located at the apex of Temple Hill.
And it is with the start of the new day when Kintargo finds itself a different city than the night previous - for as the city’s residents would quickly learn, a new Lord-Mayor has taken office: Paracount Barzillai Thrune.
Later that morning, as the morning fog begins to lift and Kintargo’s citizens begin travelling out of their homes in earnest, they begin to gather in front of numerous places of interest as they discover groups of Dottari stationed near town criers posted around the city. One such location is in front of the famous Kintargo Opera House, a massive building built in the Egorian style of severe, pointed spires and a central dome topped with Kintargo’s distinctive red-tiled roof. In front of the building are no less than a dozen Dottari standing guard, their black and red leather and mail outfits glistening from the moisture and each standing in stern silence, watching the growing crowd. Between the two groups of Dottari, standing on the top of the Opera House’s steps and next to a red-robed figure is one of the town criers outfitted in typical Chelish colours of red and black. Compared to the city guard on either side of him and the hooded figure bearing a spiked, inverted pentacle of black iron hanging from a chain around his neck, the town crier appears nervous, his eyes shifting and sweat glistening from his brow.
At precisely seven minutes after seven in the morning, the Devil’s Bells ring out seven times, eliciting a nod from the red-robed priest to the town crier, who steps forward and opens a thick scroll of vellum emblazoned with the symbol of House Thrune. He clears his throat before speaking in a loud and slightly shaky voice, gaining confidence as he continues to speak.
”Hear ye, Hear ye, loyal citizens of Kintargo! By the order of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of House Thrune, Kintargo has, upon further notice, been placed under a state of martial law in order to better protect its citizens and the empire from the ongoing threat of the terrorist group known as the Glorious Reclamation. By the same order, Paracount Barzillai Thrune has been assigned the office of Lord-Mayor of Kintargo, due to the abandonment of office and unknown whereabouts of the former Lord-Mayor, Jilia Bainilus.” At this first announcement, cries anger and disbelief rise up from the crowd, though the town crier continues, either oblivious or in spite of the interruption. ”Lord-Mayor Thrune hopes to ensure Kintargo’s support and its citizens’ safety, and as a result has enacted the following edicts. First, the southron gate known as Rust Gate is to be closed at all times, opening only at scheduled intervals four times per day. A toll of two silver shields is to be paid by all those wishing to pass through the gate without the proper paperwork. Secondly, a toll of three copper pinches is to be paid upon anyone crossing Bleakbridge without the proper paperwork. And thirdly, the Kintargo Opera House is closed until further notice, as Lord-Mayor Thrune has taken it as his current residence within the city -” At this, the town crier is interrupted by an outcry from the crowd that dwarfed the previous one, as the Kintargo Opera House is a much beloved venue and place of arts for the city. The town crier tries to regain control of the crowd and finish speaking, eventually succeeding after a few minutes as they settle down. ”The Lord-Mayor hopes to work with the city and her citizens on keeping the peace so that we all may face the hardships that lie ahead for our magnificent nation.”
At the closing of the announcements, the crowd lingers for a short time before finally dispersing at the encouragement of the Dottari; from then on, Kintargo’s residents can easily note an increased number of patrols within the city as well as the arrival of a new force of law enforcement: A contingent of Hellknights of the Rack arrive in the city via horseback later that day, taking up residence at Castle Kintargo; rumors spread like wildfire across the city at the current events, and as a result, the city’s various taverns and hot spots are filled to the brim with rumormongers and gossips.
One such location finding itself packed to the brim is the oldest tavern in Old Kintargo: The Tooth and Nail.
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Situated across the street of the Old Kintargo Cemetery, the Tooth and Nail is easily the oldest surviving tavern in Old Kintargo; this single-story tavern is marked by nothing but a wooden post outside, four bent and rusty nails and six rotted wolves’ teeth hammered into its weathered face. Although certainly presenting the facade of a run down tavern, it is in fact a fixture of Old Kintargo as a popular hangout for the district’s artisans, merchants, and adventurers. The tavern shares the building with a confectioner’s shop, identified by the words “Sweet Tooth” painted at its entrance on Tuce Alley.
Inside, the Tooth and Nail carries the stink of stale beer, tobacco smoke, and less discernible odors hovering in the air like clouds of gnats. Narrow windows, stained yellow, allow in little natural light, and a few sputtering candles do little to disperse the gloom. The furniture is dilapidated and was of poor quality even on the long-ago day it was fashioned.
Though the tavern is crowded the afternoon after Barzillai Thrune’s appointment as Lord-Mayor, its owner, a rather short but bombastic woman of Chelish origins named Setrona Sabinus, can be seen bouncing around the tavern, yelling and greeting customers as she serves stale beer to quench their thirsts; Behind the bar, a lumpish man with close-cropped blond hair serves drinks. This man is the tavern’s almost comically buffoonish bartender, Insome Filas. Known more for his slow wit, laziness and easily-distracted attention span than his questionable talents at laughing at jokes for the wrong reasons and forgetting to ask for payment for drinks, Filas is nevertheless well liked by both the tavern’s regulars and his employer.
A light drizzle wets the streets outside causing those eager to stay dry to enter the already packed tavern to discuss the recent ongoing events - although not readily apparent as the martial law, rumors are abound about the numerous fires that occurred during the night. Rapidly being named ’The Night of Ashes’ by the rumormongers discussing it, three buildings burnt down during the dead of night; the Silver Star, a musical instrument store well known as being owned by the famed local opera performer Shensen, the Victocora Estate located in the Green Way, and the Thrashing Badger, a tavern located in the Yolubilis Harbor district, formerly a very popular haunt for the city’s rowdier laborers and sailors.
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Darian was in a sour mood the morning after the long, restless night. Watching flames lick the night sky only a short distance away kept everyone in the Green on edge, and the thick smell of smoke made it almost unbearable to sleep. As such, Darian was in no state of mind to interact with his usual crowds today. When he learned there was to be an announcement at the Opera House that morning, he decided to secretly attend to see what in the devil was going on. He donned some rather plain clothes, making sure to keep his armor, shield, and sword hilt well hidden beneath his cloak to not betray his social standing to the rest of the attendees, and headed off to Jarvis End.
The announcements only managed to frustrate the young man further. Hearing of the other fires that he had only been able to view from a distance left an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
VERY doubtful three fires start the same night as all this by accident. The Badger burning isn't so much of a surprise, but the Victocora's and the Silver Star...this MUST be arson, likely under the order of that bastard Barzillai trying to make us all fear him.
As he wandered through the streets, he gave out a frustrated sigh as he felt the first few drops of rain strike his cloak.
"Of course. What more could we ask for today?"
Not wanting to get caught in a downpour, he looked around at where exactly he was at and noticed the haggard looking sign of the renowned Tooth and Nail. While not one of his regular dives, he had been there a time or two in the past, and it was as good a place as any to weather a storm. Pulling his cloak around his shoulders a bit tighter, and making sure his belt pouches were also concealed, he made his way in before he became too damp from the precipitation.
The room was already quite full of patrons discussing the events that had the Silver City on edge. He raised a gloved hand to his nose to mask some of the more unpleasant scents and made his way toward the bar.
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The young blonde haired man dressed in gold and black, wearing a thick red scarf. He sit in the corner of the Tooth and Nail, letting out a sigh, Yes of course i'm in Cheliax of all places, just what i need more law
He stared at the words in his journal a sad look in his eye, Clutching his elven spear. Kiera...What should i do? The order's gone and i'm stuck in Cheliax. He asks himself, paying little attention to what happens around him
Moving from table to table, the young lass removes empty tankards and mugs while listening to the orders which which to replace said items.
Linky.... because I think it's a good song. :)
*Pretty much 'Normal' barmaids outfit. Blouse, apron etc. :) *
After such a night, people will talk...Just wait and listen.
The tiefling was sitting at the bar, cherishing a small glass of exquisite brandy- or at least what would pass for "exquisite brandy" in such a low place.
Power is shifting. The times will be interesting to live in. This new Lord Mayor has a knack for displeasing a crowd easily.
His eyes darting from face to face, Eusebios was waiting.
In his somber clothes that wouldn't have looked out of place on a merchant's shoulders, he could have been anyone. His most striking features were his androginous face and body, and the two very small horns protuding under his scarce black hair.
He wasn't totally ugly, just..odd to look at.
Resting on his knees was a short sword still in its scabbard, a discreet hint that there were probaly easier targets than him.
Wends her way over to the blond fellow in the corner.
Sunset is only slightly jostled by those patrons milling about.
"What might you be in the mood for a tipple of, Sir?" She asks of Garidan Layafette.
Her voice pitched to carry easily over the crowd without shouting or otherwise hollering.
A young man in regal finery who comes sorely out of place, brushes his fingers through his hair running the water dripping from his locks away from his face. He remains in the door for an unusually long time, seemingly lost. His eyes float from between the stools at the bar and the various tables.
He finally makes his decision and makes his way to the bar, sitting with his back to the door. When approached by the lass in the apron, he furrows his brow at her question. "A tipple?" he asks, having honestly never heard the word. His face is flush with embarrassment. "This is, my first time in a tavern, to be honest." he speaks in a whisper, as though he is confessing some dark secret. Speaking normally again, Leonardo continues, "I just got some bad news and I really feel like a drink. Do you mind, just something to help me get my mind off things. I feel numb today already."
With a nod to Master Layafette's reply Sunset watches the finely dressed young man wander over to the bar.
She listens politely, a whisp of a smile seeming on her features, even nodding closer as the gentleman's cultured voice dips.
"Of course, Sir." She replies quickly even as she tries to think of what they might have tapped which would suit the young 'Lairds' pallet.
"Um..." Sunset nods as she backs away and scoots around the bar to the Patron, Miss Sabinus, indicating the slightly 'difficult' customer who's just shown up with a subtle nod as she suddenly finds her wits scattered.
"Ahhh... what did the fellow in the corner order again..." Sunset suddenly frets before her mind gets back into gear and she sets to filling the other orders and placing them upon her tray.
"Mistress Sabinus will see to your order shortly." She promises Leonardo, even as she moves to bring her laden tray out to the other patrons seated about the tavern.
Whirling deftly through the crowd to deliver said pints to their respective new owners. Slipping Master Garidan Layafette's mug deftly in front of them.
Leonardo starts to look around, silently hoping for someone to talk to. He gently taps his cane against the wood of the bar as though he's lost in thought. Seeing the barmaid fret, he starts to ask her what is wrong, before suddenly realizing he never asked her name. Visibly shaken by this faux pas he calls out to her. "Milady, my apologies. In my despair, I have forgotten to ask your name. I am Leonardo of House Vashnarstill, son of the good Baron Vashnarstill."
Sunset startles at the loud call across the room, even as the young Laird properly introduces himself. Continuing the endless task it is of gathering empties in preparation for delivering full she circuits the room and again hovers before Master Vashnarstill.
Noting little more than the Lairds fine boots her gaze takes in the stained straw and worn floor-boards, she stammers, "Um... 'Sunset'... Sir." A blush creeps into her cheeks,
"A, um, a foundling.... If you please, Sir..." Is her quieter explanation, even as her features continue to colour.
She offers a very hasty curtsie, even as she looks to the owner of the tavern behind the bar, seeming to seek something there.
With the damp chill the air Ellina decided to wear her thicker cloak
for today. It also doesn’t help that’s she’s been trying to keep a low
profile while in her old home city. After leaving her rented room she
heads outside into the cold hoping to find work for today.
Spending most of the early morning with nothing to show she hears the
Devil’s bells ringing seven times, and so early in the morning too
. Ellina sees a crowd gathering at the old opera house. Deciding to
go check it out but keeping out of site. She listens to the entire
announcements.
Confused with this new development Ellina decided to head to one of the
smaller taverns for a quick meal, and hopes of hearing tidbits for work.
Stepping inside the what was it called again The Tooth and Nail and
Nail. She looks around for a spot to sit and eat.
Seeing a more well-dressed person near the tables. She heads over to
him and hopes he’ll be generous enough to let her sit with him
”Excuse me kind sir mind if you share a spot at your table so I can
get a quick bite to eat? It’s getting pretty full in here”
Leo bends slightly to catch Sunset's eyes. "Please, there is no need to bow. I'm a third born son, nothing of note. You have a beautiful name, dear." Leonardo forces a kind smile, trying to break the tension. "Did you think of something I would like?" he asks, gently prodding her as the bar top remains empty.
When the halfling approaches, Leonardo smiles down at her. "Of course, its a free city." then follows with a scoff, "for now at least." He scoots his stool over slightly giving her more room at the bartop.
Sunset stammers for a few moments more before Ellina Sensewi bustles up and engages Leonardo. She gives a slight nod of thanks to the Half-ling lass who distracts the young Laird she makes her escape to scoot back to serving the tables.
Managing to slide a mug in front of Leonardo from his other side from the Half-ling lass and slip away before he can notice and attempt engage her in conversation directly once more.
Raises hand at the barmaid to place her order, only to find that she left in a hurry
“Um!?” oh well shes looks busy I’ll get her next round.
”Thank you so much for your hospitality”
Notices his clothes and looks around the bar
”Are you a regular here?”
@Ellina Sensewi:
From what I can get out of your backstory, it looks like you were smuggled out of the city by the Bellflower Network - although not a halfling slave, they would have been the most likely organization to have helped you avoid Thrune’s agents. That being said, you’re back in Kintargo - how are you parents doing? Have you contacted them? You said your father was a miner - most likely this would mean a silver miner, as silver ore is one of the city’s major exports.
She was quite young when she left. So here current goals are to gather information in hopes of finding out what happened to her family. Depending on that outcome will motivate her to join the rebels and help make change in the AP.
Really liking this idea of a prequel AP for recruitment
Sunset resumes moving around the tavern placing orders and collecting empties.
"Your ale..." She deftly places Garidan's mug upon his table such that it shouldn't get spilled by a bustling patron yet not in the way of his reading material.
Eventually coming back to Ellina with a smile as Sunset places down her tray and offers to serve the half-ling lass with a smile.
Dred Delgeth slips into the warm glow of the tavern and settles into shadows of the periphery. Cautiously he watches the patrons, looking for any tell-tale signs of Thrune operatives. They mean well, but are they ready for what is to come? Dred hesitates before gathering his resolve. The rebellion needs recruits!
The black clad sorcerer lays down gold and orders several pitchers of strong ale. After scanning the room one last time he approaches the group with a smile. "Greetings, I am Dred Delgeth. May I join you?" Dred pulls back the heavy cowl of his cloak and places the pitchers of ale on the table. "Drink well my friends! Storm clouds gather on the horizon and I fear that soon fate will test our mettle. Strong drink will fortify you for the trials ahead. But, I see that I have interrupted. Please, continue with your conversation. Who do I have the honor of drinking with today? These fires last night are a dire omen, are they not?"
----
Upon hearing the proclaimation
----
Martial law? This could spell trouble for Natalia... is the first thought on Edgar's mind, the second, which should have been the first according to everything he had been taught in his life happened to be: This could also be most inconvient -perhaps even dangerous- for my family. The Thrune's have never held much of a liking for us.
----
The Tooth and Nail
----
The Tooth and Nail happened to be one of Edgar's favorite places to gather information, it was also in this tavern that he had first met his Natalia. It was no wonder that he found himself waltzing into the tavern as the streets buzzed with the distressing news. He was wearing what might be considered a disguise. A roll of his shoulders, a shifting of how he held his head, attire much more suited to an adventurer, make up and hair styled as to bring out a gruffness not truly there, a carefully schooled limp in his gait. Here he was not known as a Vashnarstill, but simply as Zaine Kelfaren. One of several such aliases that he had cultivated as part of his training and continued to use because of their obvious value.
He took his usual seat in the corner and took out a pipe, smoking was not something that Edgar Vashnarstill normally did so all the better for Zaine to do so. He kept his ears on the chatter and his eyes out for Natalia. His usual rum was brought to him without being asked.
He is greatly amused when his younger brother enters the bar awkwardly and enjoys the feeling of his own brother's gaze passing over him unknowingly. A disguise well done. As more people gather around Leonardo, Edgar decides to intervene and hopefully subtley help the younger man.
He weaves his way toward the table and gives a rogueish grin at the lot. "Not often you find a young nobleman in a place like this," Zaine offers a tip of the ludicrous hat he currently wears, his voice unrecognizable from Edgar Vashnarstill. "Zaine Kelfaren, regular here, at your service."
The stench of fish and the screech of gulls float in through the open window. In the dull morning glow, Avrora considers herself in the mirror. Her eyes are tired after a fitfull night. Dark circles loom below them like black clouds threatening a storm. She grasps her disheveled hair, shorn close now to help cloak her identity. She barely recognizes herself. She doubts that anyone else will here in Old Kintargo.
Except the Dotarri, of course. She'll have to be careful around soldiers.
She stands and stretches, her neck cracking as she turns it slowly. She regards the cheap inn room she has acquired. Davian's monetary contribution has allowed her to claim this room for the foreseeable future, though the term of her visit is uncertain. Thankfully, the innkeep accepted her coin without question.
She washes her face in the basin and dresses quickly. She considers her breastplate resting in the corner. Surely it is not uncommon to see adventurers and travelers roaming the streets in armor, yet the less attention she draws to herself the better. She bites her lower lip in consideration.
Its leather straps fit snugly against her torso as she secures the heavy piece of sculpted metal into place. Securing her sheathed longsword to her back and her morningstar at her hip, she heads out to face the city.
Once outside, it becomes clear that something is wrong. Citizens harry through the gloom, heads hung low, conversations carried in urgent whispers. Avrora thinks to ask a passerby what new is known on this day, but at that moment a Dottari patrol, 4 soldiers, rounds the corner up ahead. Cursing under her breath, she draws her hood and looks around, seeking shelter from their scrutiny. There, just down the street, a familiar signpost.
The Tooth and Nail. It has been a long time.
Not wishing to ruminate too long in plain sight, she ducks inside.
There.
Near the door, a large table seats a...motley group, though there is room for plenty more. Avrora takes a seat, her back to the door, just as another claims a space for himself.
He weaves his way toward the table and gives a rogueish grin at the lot. "Not often you find a young nobleman in a place like this," Zaine offers a tip of the ludicrous hat he currently wears, his voice unrecognizable from Edgar Vashnarstill. "Zaine Kelfaren, regular here, at your service."
"Charmed," Avrora interjects, a cheeky grin on her face. "Tell me, would such a refined young man forgive the ignorance of one such as I? I'm afraid I'm very much at a loss as to the, ah, commotion outside. What is happening on the street?"
Leo examines the drink in front of him with a curious expression. He examines the glass from a few angles, as though determining how to approach. Leaning in, he lets his nostrils flare as he sniff the concoction. A variety of familiar and unfamiliar scents filling his nose compel him to sample the beverage. Drawing it to his lips, he is tentative at best, before finally letting a full drink fall past his lips. Finally satisfied examining the drinks taste, he turns back to the halfing. "No, my first time if I'm honest."
His back to the door, Leo is blissfully unaware of his older brother walking in, as he continues with his newfound halfling friend. "I" he says pausing a moment, "I just felt this was the place to be. Leo does little to hide the sorrow in his eyes, and emptiness. Leo spent most of his childhood in the Victocora house. Their library was the only one in town that came close to rivaling the Vashnarstill. The Victocora kids and he grew up together as far back as he could remember. Knowing that they died. That they were likely killed if you could believe the rumors. How could he not drink.
Sunset bustles about, taking away empty and placing down full.
Caught up with the serving of the customers she doesn't have time to take in everything.
Now this is becoming interesting. A nobleman, in such a low place?
Eusebios takes his drink and quits his stool at the bar, walking to the table
What's happening into the street is purely and simply a show of strenght, by our new Lord Mayor. He wants to make sure everyone knows that he's in charge. I'm guessing it won't be very popular with the townspeople.
The tiefling sips some of his drink, amused
But I would be very surprised if popularity was the new boss main target.
What's happening into the street is purely and simply a show of strenght, by our new Lord Mayor. He wants to make sure everyone knows that he's in charge. I'm guessing it won't be very popular with the townspeople.
"New lord mayor?" Avrora asks, incredulous. "What of Mayor Bainulus?"
Did her caprice and avarice finally displease our overlords in Egorian? And yet, she is replaced by one more venomous?
Sensing it is perhaps safe to do so, she pulls her hood back from her head, exposing her face fully. She regards the approaching tiefling carefully.
"And pray tell true, who is this 'new boss'?"
Eusobios seems to enjoy the disconfort in the woman's face, and give a little smile, showing uneven and sharp teeth.
Heard the name and title is Paracount Barzillai Thrune. As for Mayor Bainulus, I haven't been informed of his whereabouts. We weren't that close...
As the tiefling looks at the busy little barmaid, something catches his attention. Or maybe he wants to catch her attention.
Interesting.
calling the serving lass
Pray, girl, may I have another one?
At the patron's call, Sunset moves to replace his empty mug with a full one.
"Here ye be, Sir..." Her work load of serving tables enough of a distraction that Eusebios' heritage goes unremarked.
Aleanya wraps her veil tightly around her neck as she enters the tavern. She is wearing makeup, the kind used by stage performers, but it is smeared and running across her face, likely from the rain. At first glance the outfit she is wearing seems excessive but a closer look shows that it is well worn and of shoddier make than it would seem at first glance--it's a costume, in fact. She glances at the growing crowd in the tavern and finds an empty chair to sit at while she thinks about her next move. They couldn't keep the opera closed forever--could they?
"Aye, his name is Brazillia Thrune." Dred again looks over his shoulder for any sign of the Hellknights, "Don't you think it rather strange that these fires all occur the night that he takes control? My contacts believe that he may be complicit in the Night of Ashes. He seems to be particular evil and cruel - even by the standards of the thrice damned House Thrune. I ask you my friends, how long will the good citizens of Kintargo tolerate this tyrant?"
Having placed Eusebios' order before him Sunset scoots away again. With her next orbit to the bar she picks up a large cloth and a mug of water, sliding them onto the table at which Aleanya has come to sit, offering a smile before Sunset is again moving on to keep the patrons orders fulfilled.
Edgar grimaces as Dred expresess his enmity for house Thrune. "While I don't disagree friend, I'd suggest keeping such opinions a little closer to your chest. These are going to be dangerous times for those who are not allies of Thrune."
"Don't you think it rather strange that these fires all occur the night that he takes control? My contacts believe that he may be complicit in the Night of Ashes. He seems to be particular evil and cruel - even by the standards of the thrice damned House Thrune. I ask you my friends, how long will the good citizens of Kintargo tolerate this tyrant?"
"While I don't disagree friend, I'd suggest keeping such opinions a little closer to your chest. These are going to be dangerous times for those who are not allies of Thrune."
Avrora's eyebrow arches ever so slightly at Zaine's quick response.
Allies of Thrune, indeed. I wonder.
She turns to Dred, a slight grin forming on her face. "Ah, your contacts, yes," she says, her tone ever so mischevious. "Were they here to prove such claims."
"Though, to be sure, any ruler appointed by Thrune must be powerful and ruthless. Do your contacts have an army stashed away to overcome such a force? The citizenry seems ill-equipped to overthrow a government on its own."
She considers a moment, then, "Fires, you say?"
"Umm, miss," says Aleanya to the harried barmaid as she drops off the cloth and mug of water. Aleanya wipes off the remains of her make up before she continues, saying "Your establishment wouldn't be hiring, would it? In any capacity? I'm out of a job now that they've shut down the opera."
Sunset pauses before returning a polite smile at Aleanya's question,
"Can't but hurt to ask, hey?"
”Ah! I would like Something hot from the kitchens please”
”also can I get a pot of boiling water for my tea as well please.
"I just felt this was the place to be.
”I’m all too familiar with being were I’m needed, instead of where I want to be”
Leo gives a halfhearted smile at the halflings words. His mind mulling over their meaning as he pushes back a bit more of his drink, letting the mixture dim his senses. "Exactly that. I don't even know where it is I want to be. Or where I am to go."
Sunset returns with a small pot of hot water and what ever is currently serving cheap on the menu.
Thank you kindly Miss.
Mmmm almost done
Can't really control what cards were dealt with. But we can choose how we play them.
Sorry I didn't me to pry in the business of a stranger.
"Not to worry," Leonardo replies with a kind smile. "The purpose of a tavern is to talk right?"
”I guess your right”
I guess I’m still trying to get a feel for this city. I haven’t been here in quite a long while. So much has changed”
you wouldn’t happen to know of a place where a person can get information, like an information broker?
Wrong. It's to sell drinks. Drinks help people to become more talkative, sometimes more talkative that they should. It's more a side effect than a true purpose.
What you have to worry about is more who listen and hear you...
The little drops of rain pitter-pattered down on the worn, long poncho of Aada as she walked down Tuce alley, wandering around the city. She had a roaring headache, and the slight rain only seemed to down her spirit for the day. Hearing roar from her stomach, Aada cringed. She hadn't eaten at all today, and had only managed the will to eat only a small piece of chicken and bread the day before.
She had to eat something, her stomach wouldn't allow it to be unfed for so long. Pushing the door open, Aada entered the Tooth and Nail and quickly finding herself a seat near the entrance she came through.
She raised her hand to signal for a waiter, smiling a little at the smell of food.
Sunset moves over to the newest customer when they signal her.
"Yes Ma'am?" She asks attentively, even as Sunset passes off a drink onto the nearest table and collects a couple of empty mugs.
"What do you have to eat," she asked to the waitress attending her. She got a good look at the woman's face and felt a small familiarity.
"You. Were you a student ever of Docur's?"
"What do you have to eat," she asked to the waitress attending her. She got a good look at the woman's face and felt a small familiarity.
"You. Were you a student ever of Docur's?"
Sunset smiles and gives a polite laugh as she replies,
"You might have me crossed with some one else, Ma'am. I arrived in Kintago only a couple of weeks back. Been serving here for... oh.. about half that time." Sunset bobs a quick curtsy by way of politely leaving and hustling back to the kitchen(?) to move yet more orders along.
Returning with some more pastry rolls Sunset again nods as she serves Aada, all the while doing her best to keep up with the demands of the rest of the customers one this busy day.
Aadar notes small writing cribbed inside the paper napkin deftly tucked around her 'Warm bun'.
*
|
Breathing a sigh of relief Isabel picks her way into the bar. Getting here in the weather had been thoroughly unpleasant. Unfortunately though if there was anywhere she was going to get news it had to be the Tooth and Nail - haven for gossips and tattle-tellers of all sorts.
Noticing one of her former teachers at a nearby table Isabel eases her way through the crowds. "Madam Bladotter? You probably won't remember me, I was in your 'Aroden: the Lost Faith' seminar a few years ago? Isabel Rhelian. I trust this unpleasant day finds you well?"
She draws back a chair at the table although she doesn't sit without some acknowledgement from Aadar first. As the barmaid comes bustling past she and Isabel make eye contact for a second before both rapidly avert their eyes.
Lady of beauty... is that Sunset? She hasn't been around for months. Things must be bad if Lady Docur has summoned her back. Isabel makes an effort to address the server perfectly normally at the next opportunity.
"A glass of Andoran white wine if you have it please."
Aada frowns a little, "I make sure to remember my students to the best of my abilities. It is nice to see a former pupil's face again, however you can call me just Aada. I haven't taught in two years."
Aada takes a quick look at the note given to her and pockets it.
"A glass of Andoran white wine if you have it please."
Sunset nods, offering a quick bob of a curtsy at the newer patron's request,
"We've an apple schnapps that's not too bad..." She offers, the thought of something like a 'White' wine in the 'Nail' possibly the cause for Sunset to frown a little even as she continues to move on caught up in the rush of serving customers orders.
A thin, lanky young man comes through the door. He looks around as he brushes the rain out of his long shaggy hair. As he sees the almost full taproom, his expression shifts to one of slight disappointment.
It's to be expected I suppose. Everyone wants out of the rain. I just hope it's quiet enough in here. I don't think I can walk anywhere else right now.
Scanning the room, he does eventually see a small table near the back that is still unoccupied. He walks across the room to it and sits down heavily on the stool. Eyes squinted and jaw clenched, he rests his elbows on the table and his head in his hands.
I'll just close my eyes and rest for a moment until the server arrives.
It takes a while for Sunset to make her way around the crowded tavern and notice the fellow who's slunk in and settled unobtrusively in the corner.
"A-hem..." She coughs politely besides Nissim and sees if there's a response.