Niss didn't want to push this skittish woman too much, but thought she'd ask one more question. "Monsters? My goodness, thank you for the warning. Do you know what sort of monsters? My companions will doubtless ask when I warn them."
"Ah, sorry. I don't remember. Delma might know? Inside." The halfling smiles apologetically, then turns her attention back to the horses, periodically glancing at Niss.
When the ranger turned around and asked Baradim what he had said, the orc looked the man over for a few moments before a wide smile began to spread across his face.
"Nothing to worry yourself over, pretty boy. Let's hope we get a chance to wash the muck, blood, and sweat off soon." The half-orc would say, clapping the man on the back with just enough force to make a half-step occur. It was likely the first time that Baradim had smiled at the man and it was likely more disconcerting to see that the resting scowl he usually had.
The orc listens to the strange machine carefully, his thick brows furrowing as he nods softly. He thinks back to the terrible battles he survived, the swarms of undead and other unholy abominations that had rose in the Whispered Tyrant's wake and warpath.
"Experimentation. Someone is experimenting on the wildlife. Were you able to check if it was a truly living creature or undead? The latter would say perhaps an escaped experiment or a test subject. The former...is more unsettling." Baradim says softly, rubbing at his chin before running his hand along the multitude of holy symbols hanging from his neck.
"I will keep an eye out for anything unusual and will let you know. If you find anything, bring me with you. You're sharp, would be a shame for such a long life to end in a s+*%ty town." Baradim said, patting the metal-cat-man on the shoulder.
At the mention of Lastwall, Baradim's hand returns to the holy symbols and he idly rubs at them. He grunts otherwise, acknowledging the place but offering no other detail about it. When asked what he planned to do once they arrived at Almas, the orc's brows furrow again and he takes a long moment to speak.
"I...I do not know. I have no family, no friends, nothing but these chains, this sword, and this shield. Fortunately, a blade is needed everywhere." The orc's words were straightforward if not for that momentary hesitation in the beginning. The horrors of the viciously quick war still lingered and to let them settle in would be to settle for madness. He could not let the sacrifice of so many go without achievement.
Baradim stays close to the others and listens to the conversation between Erda and Niss. He does not approach much closer though; the sight of a full-blooded orc would tend to make others a little uncomfortable at the very least. He instead moves to walk alongside Drake as he makes his way inside.
"You drink, right?" The orc asks, opening the door into the rundown establishment.
-----Chronomancy----
"I...I do not know. I have no family, no friends, nothing but these chains, this sword, and this shield. Fortunately, a blade is needed everywhere."
"You're wrong there. You have three friends, now." She smiled brightly. She glanced over at Finoan. "Well, two for sure, but probably three. That one is very businesslike. Hard to read." She winked at the automaton, just joking. "I don't have much of a destination in mind myself. So perhaps I will stay behind you for a while beyond the city, hmm?"
---Present-------
Niss thanks the stablehand and goes to join the rest of the party in the tavern. She finds them inside and takes a seat right beside Drake. "So. The town ranger, Noala, noticed the animals being weird. She's due back in town in a couple of days. Also there is a shrine north of town full of monsters of an unspecified type. Someone named Delma in here might know more," she filled them in quietly enough only the party would hear.
"Experimentation. Someone is experimenting on the wildlife. Were you able to check if it was a truly living creature or undead? The latter would say perhaps an escaped experiment or a test subject. The former...is more unsettling." Baradim says softly, rubbing at his chin before running his hand along the multitude of holy symbols hanging from his neck.
"I will keep an eye out for anything unusual and will let you know. If you find anything, bring me with you. You're sharp, would be a shame for such a long life to end in a s~%%ty town." Baradim said, patting the metal-cat-man on the shoulder.
Finoan grins at that. "Absolutely. The secret to a long life is to know how to run quickly and when to do so. And if you can't or won't run - have lots of backup."
"Experimentation is not a bad hypothesis. Better than most of the crazy schemes I was coming up with. Good work. I knew you were the one to talk to."
Finoan looks around as they come in to the town. "Well, I have stayed in worse."
As they pass by the stone monument Fin stares at it speechless for a few seconds. Then mutters under his breath, "There is actually a stone... that they keep as a monument... even with the town's nickname... Or even the town's actual name... I don't... It just... ... For once, I almost don't even want to know."
"I think I will also miss at least the first part of the festivities. I want to keep an eye on the goods. Baradim, fill in Drake if you get the chance, would you?"
Finoan makes good on his plan, staying with the wagons carrying the crates of goods to be delivered somewhere here in town. He tries to stay out of the way of anyone working with them. He is just here observing.
-----Chronomancy----
"You're wrong there. You have three friends, now." She smiled brightly. She glanced over at Finoan. "Well, two for sure, but probably three. That one is very businesslike. Hard to read." She winked at the automaton, just joking.
"Hah. Well, I'm not getting your names tattooed on my hide. But ya can't really put your own life on the line for someone else and fight back to back with them without at least a bit of respect and friendship developing."
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There is a momentary look of surprise upon his face when she offers her friendship.
"I...I see. I'll consider it." Baradim says, nodding before looking up the path. "I'm heading back. Watching for that lone wolf." It was just too much talking for the fighter's mindset at the moment. "Humans are so strange." He thinks to himself, even as the hint of a smile spreads across his face. "They just bond with anyone they please, it seems."
Finoan's words are heard and the orc gives a little nod of understanding; battle bred brotherhood.
Baradim nods at Finoan's statement, keenly listening to Niss as she explained what she overheard with the stablehand. Clearing his throat, he whispered like the rumble of far-off thunder.
"Finoan says that the wolf that bit Niss was no normal beast. It had the marks of surgery on it. Experimentation. Someone made it this way...and we're delivering alchemical supplies here in town." The orc would let the ranger have a chance to put the pieces together of what could possibly be going on. Looking over his shoulder, he looked for who this Delma could be.
~~In The Bright & Lovely Town Of Plaguestone; Where Nothing Bad Will Happen At All~~
Baradim stays close to the others and listens to the conversation between Erda and Niss. He does not approach much closer though; the sight of a full-blooded orc would tend to make others a little uncomfortable at the very least. He instead moves to walk alongside Drake as he makes his way inside.
"You drink, right?" The orc asks, opening the door into the rundown establishment.
Within the Feedmill, you are greeted by Delma Fulst, the owner of the Feedmill. She smiles widely at the caravaners, greeting them with familiarity. “Tamli! Good to see you again. Where’s Bort?”[/b] Tamli smiles in response (probably the first time you’ve seen the stern half-orc woman smile) and gestures widely towards the town.
”You know Bort, Delma. Business.” She takes a seat at a table with Ulf and Olf. You can see several servers moving around behind the bar and in and out of the kitchen, including a nervous-looking little goblin man. Delma nods knowingly, pouring several mugs of the town’s local brew and passing them out to Tamli, Ulf, and Olf.
The only other patron currently in the establishment is a gigantic, brutish-looking human man who glares in their direction as the group of them enters.
One of the servers, Tiffani approaches your table, smiling thinly. ”What can I get you guys tonight?”
When the ranger turned around and asked Baradim what he had said, the orc looked the man over for a few moments before a wide smile began to spread across his face.
"Nothing to worry yourself over, pretty boy. Let's hope we get a chance to wash the muck, blood, and sweat off soon." The half-orc would say, clapping the man on the back with just enough force to make a half-step occur. It was likely the first time that Baradim had smiled at the man and it was likely more disconcerting to see that the resting scowl he usually had.
Shrugging, "Suit yourself. And I could definitely use a bath, that's for sure."
Baradim stays close to the others and listens to the conversation between Erda and Niss. He does not approach much closer though; the sight of a full-blooded orc would tend to make others a little uncomfortable at the very least. He instead moves to walk alongside Drake as he makes his way inside.
"You drink, right?" The orc asks, opening the door into the rundown establishment.
Nodding, "Yeah, sure." He makes his way inside with the half-orc.
Niss thanks the stablehand and goes to join the rest of the party in the tavern. She finds them inside and takes a seat right beside Drake. "So. The town ranger, Noala, noticed the animals being weird. She's due back in town in a couple of days. Also there is a shrine north of town full of monsters of an unspecified type. Someone named Delma in here might know more," she filled them in quietly enough only the party would hear.
Listening intently to Inniska, the ranger furrows his brow at the information. "Really? I wonder what she means by 'weird'?" He strokes his bearded chin in thought.
Baradim nods at Finoan's statement, keenly listening to Niss as she explained what she overheard with the stablehand. Clearing his throat, he whispered like the rumble of far-off thunder.
"Finoan says that the wolf that bit Niss was no normal beast. It had the marks of surgery on it. Experimentation. Someone made it this way...and we're delivering alchemical supplies here in town." The orc would let the ranger have a chance to put the pieces together of what could possibly be going on. Looking over his shoulder, he looked for who this Delma could be.
Now looking none too thrilled, "Wait, what?! You mean to tell me, we're part of a caravan that's pretty much delivering 'poison' that someone is using to experiment with on animals?!" Again stroking his beard in thought for a moment, "What I don't understand is: 'Why'? For what purpose? To create your own freakish animal army? For kicks just to see which ones survive and which ones don't? What's behind it all? We've got to find out who's doing this and why, and put a stop to this madness. I'm not having it." The irritation within the man's tone is quite clear.
"Drinks and stew for me." Baradim asks for, his eyes focusing on the brutish man that maintains eyes on them as they entered. It seemed like there could be trouble if the man didn't know any better.
"Seems like that is Delma. One of you should talk to her." The orc offers, settling back in his seat. He doesn't glare at the gigantic man standing there in the corner but he certainly doesn't stop looking at him for as long as he stares.
Drake's words are meant with a shrug from the orc. His irritation and righteousness was certainly noted though. Just like the fools on the wall, eager to fight any evil they could find.
"Who knows why wickedness does wicked things. It is also possible but it isn't guaranteed. Finoan is keeping a watch on it all. I'm interested in these monsters by the shrine, maybe there's a reward for clearing them out." The town was in shambles but he was certain that taxes were still collected. If it wasn't for repair than it would do well as as reward for monster-hunting.
Within the Feedmill, you are greeted by Delma Fulst, the owner of the Feedmill. She smiles widely at the caravaners, greeting them with familiarity. “Tamli! Good to see you again. Where’s Bort?”[/b] Tamli smiles in response (probably the first time you’ve seen the stern half-orc woman smile) and gestures widely towards the town.
”You know Bort, Delma. Business.” She takes a seat at a table with Ulf and Olf. You can see several servers moving around behind the bar and in and out of the kitchen, including a nervous-looking little goblin man. Delma nods knowingly, pouring several mugs of the town’s local brew and passing them out to Tamli, Ulf, and Olf.The only other patron currently in the establishment is a gigantic, brutish-looking human man who glares in their direction as the group of them enters.
One of the servers, Tiffani approaches your table, smiling thinly. ”What can I get you guys tonight?”
"I'll have the same as my friend here," he motions to Baradim. "Thank you."
Looking over at the one called 'Delma', "So that's her, huh? Interesting. I wonder who the big guy is? He doesn't look too friendly. Anyway," he turns to Inniska, "you want to go talk to her or should I? Or we could both go and you or I could do the talking? I'm not much for diplomacy. I'm more of a just tell it like it is type guy and sometimes that goes south on me. What do you say, Niss?"
Inniska shook her head at Drake with a shrug of one shoulder. She had no idea what was meant by weird, or why anyone would do that to a wolf.
The server came over and Niss smiled at her. "Same for me," she said after Baradim ordered. She had never been to a tavern before. Nor had she been allowed to drink. She planned to follow their lead. What could possibly go wrong?
"I can try?" she offered. "Be right back." She crossed the room to the woman called Delma.
Niss made her way over and greeted Delma, offering her bandaged arm at first 'accidentally' then correcting herself. "Oh! Sorry. My men and I ran into a spot of trouble on the way into town. Nothing we couldn't handle, of course. My name is Inniska. Leader of the Princess Guard, a small band of swords for hire. Pleasure to meet you."
"We heard a rumor there is a shrine north of town full of something that threatens folk who go too near. Your name came up as someone who might be able to tell us what's troubling the place, exactly." She smiled warmly.
Tiffani nods to the three with a brief smile. ”Have it out in a jiff,” She chirps, heading back to the kitchen and calling out the order to the cook as she walks through the doorway.
"I can try?" she offered. "Be right back." She crossed the room to the woman called Delma.
Niss made her way over and greeted Delma, offering her bandaged arm at first 'accidentally' then correcting herself. "Oh! Sorry. My men and I ran into a spot of trouble on the way into town. Nothing we couldn't handle, of course. My name is Inniska. Leader of the Princess Guard, a small band of swords for hire. Pleasure to meet you."
"We heard a rumor there is a shrine north of town full of something that threatens folk who go too near. Your name came up as someone who might be able to tell us what's troubling the place, exactly." She smiled warmly.
"Delma. I run the place." The woman said with a warm smile. Delma leans across the bar, her long, red hair spilling over her shoulder to drape artfully over her chest. ”The Princess Guard, huh?” She smiles at the psychic, oblivious to the lie. ”Did you guys sign on with Bort, then? We saw you all come into town.” Delma straightens back up, glancing around at the dining room. Several people had started to trickle into the establishment as dinner rapidly approached.
”Unfortunately, those attacks are becoming commonplace… Noala would be interested to know about another attack.” Delma looked thoughtful, then returned her gaze to Niss. ”As for the shrine, there are bloodseekers there. Now, normally we don’t mind the things so much, but this group…they’re nasty.” She shakes her head, looking grim.
"Yes, Bort hired us. I have heard of this Noala. A ranger, yes? We would be eager to meet her when she becomes available."
She frowned at the description of the shrine. "Bloodseekers? Is that the name of a gang, or are you talking about vampires, or what?". Experimenting on wildlife... "Or possibly something akin to stirges, only extra nasty, as you say?"
"Yes, Bort hired us. I have heard of this Noala. A ranger, yes? We would be eager to meet her when she becomes available."
She frowned at the description of the shrine. "Bloodseekers? Is that the name of a gang, or are you talking about vampires, or what?". Experimenting on wildlife... "Or possibly something akin to stirges, only extra nasty, as you say?"
"She'll be around in a day or two, if I'm estimating right. I'll make sure she knows some folks want to talk to her." Delma smiles slightly, looking about the room over her shoulder to keep an eye on the growing crowd.
The other server approaches, his lips pursed, looking upset. Delma leans back, glancing at him with concern. "Hallod giving you trouble, Kolnral?" She asks sympathetically. The man nods grimly.
"Another ale for Hallod, please." He says, louder than necessary, then leans in to Delma and speaks quietly and angrily. "He's heckling some folks, trying to stir up a fight. Eollam's already riled up." Delma nods and sighs, filling another mug with ale.
"I'll handle Hallod, you take care of the rest." She tells the man, shooing him away. Kolnral stalks off to handle some newcomers, grumbling under his breath about difficult customers. Delma sighs again and looks back at Niss, smiling. "Every town has to have one big, ugly a&+%$@@, right? Now, your question...yeah, bloodseekers and stirges are the same. It's just what we call them. None of us are equipped to really handle them, so we let it alone. We avoid them, they avoid us."
Inniska shook her head at Drake with a shrug of one shoulder. She had no idea what was meant by weird, or why anyone would do that to a wolf.
The server came over and Niss smiled at her. "Same for me," she said after Baradim ordered. She had never been to a tavern before. Nor had she been allowed to drink. She planned to follow their lead. What could possibly go wrong?
"I can try?" she offered. "Be right back." She crossed the room to the woman called Delma.
"I'm going with you." Drake rises from his seat and walks over with her.
"Delma. I run the place." The woman said with a warm smile. Delma leans across the bar, her long, red hair spilling over her shoulder to drape artfully over her chest. ”The Princess Guard, huh?” She smiles at the psychic, oblivious to the lie. ”Did you guys sign on with Bort, then? We saw you all come into town.” Delma straightens back up, glancing around at the dining room. Several people had started to trickle into the establishment as dinner rapidly approached.
Listening to the conversation intently, Drake's attention is disturbed for a second as Delma leans across the bar and his eyes travel to where they shouldn't. Sighing as he quickly turns his head away from them both and coughs, Seriously, Delma? he clears his throat and turns back. "Excuse me. Please continue." Drake makes it a point to keep his eyes 'up' the rest of the conversation.
"Thanks, Delma. We'll get out of your hair.". She nodded at Drake and headed back to their seats with him. "Wonderful. Altered stirges. I am not getting bitten again.". She chuckled ruefully. "This journey is getting a little too interesting. We should let Finoan know, when he gets here. But I don't think there's much more we can do tonight.". She quietly fills Baradim in once seated.
Finoan stays with the wagons while Erda cares for the horses and gets them put away. After a while everyone else has left. No one came to collect the cargo. After a few minutes of watching these crates do absolutely nothing, Finoan gets bored and wanders in to the Feedmill.
He walks in and sees Baradim sitting alone while Niss and Drake are talking to Delma. He takes a quick look around the room - mostly out of habit. He comes over and sits at the table at about the same time that Niss and Drake do.
"Stirges, huh. Those are usually only mildly annoying."
"I couldn't figure out who the cargo is going to. I'm guessing that Bort will be taking care of that later. Do we know how long this party is going to go on for? I can catch a quick cat nap in the corner if it will be a while."
Inniska smiles as the stew and drinks are brought over, and nods her thanks to the sever appreciatively. Porridge suddenly felt like a very long time ago. "I have no idea," she answered Finoan's question. "But right now my primary concern is a rumbly tummy. I do not think there is much we can do right this moment, and if we're continuing on our way with the caravan tomorrow we won't even meet this Noala person, right? I share your concern about the shady business that's happening, but...is it ours?" Her tone was not heartless or apathetic, rather she seemed conflicted by the question.
"It's not that I wouldn't help if I could. But my understanding was this place is just a pit stop on the way to our destination. And no offense to the locals, but I don't think I wish to settle here long term." She took a drink and nearly choked, entirely unaccustomed to alcohol. She spluttered for a moment before recovering. "Pardon! Went down wrong." She sipped more cautiously going forward.
Baradim nodded as the others filled him in on what Delma said; flying bloodsuckers that were being a problem to the town. Unusually mean ones even. It seemed like the town was having problem after problem, at least from the ramshackled way it looked.
"You are right Inniska, if this is just life and they are comfortable with it, then we have little to get involved without a greater reason. If these people are in danger though, it is our duty to help." Baradim says solemnly, taking the mug and downing half of it. A laugh that was more like a bark escaped him as she sputtered and tried to catch herself. "First time? Drink some more and it'll eventually stop being your enemy."
"I share your concern about the shady business that's happening, but...is it ours?" Her tone was not heartless or apathetic, rather she seemed conflicted by the question.
Fin grins. "Most certainly not. But it could be interesting."
"Thanks, Delma. We'll get out of your hair.". She nodded at Drake and headed back to their seats with him. "Wonderful. Altered stirges. I am not getting bitten again.". She chuckled ruefully. "This journey is getting a little too interesting. We should let Finoan know, when he gets here. But I don't think there's much more we can do tonight.". She quietly fills Baradim in once seated.
"I could not agree more, Niss. Way too interesting for a simple stopover. Where is Fin anyway? I've barely seen him." Not a moment later, he sees the automaton enter. "Speak of the devil."
Inniska smiles as the stew and drinks are brought over, and nods her thanks to the sever appreciatively. Porridge suddenly felt like a very long time ago. "I have no idea," she answered Finoan's question. "But right now my primary concern is a rumbly tummy. I do not think there is much we can do right this moment, and if we're continuing on our way with the caravan tomorrow we won't even meet this Noala person, right? I share your concern about the shady business that's happening, but...is it ours?" Her tone was not heartless or apathetic, rather she seemed conflicted by the question.
"It's not that I wouldn't help if I could. But my understanding was this place is just a pit stop on the way to our destination. And no offense to the locals, but I don't think I wish to settle here long term." She took a drink and nearly choked, entirely unaccustomed to alcohol. She spluttered for a moment before recovering. "Pardon! Went down wrong." She sipped more cautiously going forward.
Placing a gentle hand on her back, "Whoa! Careful there. Don't need you choking to death on us," he tells her, grinning.
Taking a bite of his own meal and then taking a drink, "Won't disagree. Technically, it's not our business. But I believe we should make it our business. Not necessarily because it's 'interesting' - as our inquisitive cat friend puts it -," he motions with a hand and a nod at Fin while grinning, "but because of exactly what Baradim just said. If these animals are dishing out acid or poison or whatever it is they're dishing out with their bites or claws that they shouldn't be dishing out, then this town is truly in danger. There is nothing to this town. Most of it's rundown. How long would it take for a small army of these animals to burn the rest of it to the ground? We saw what the one wolf did to Niss. And that was just one! Imagine a pack of them. This town wouldn't stand a chance." He takes another drink before stroking his beard in thought. "While I am with Niss on not wanting to stay here long term, I believe we should wait for the return of their ranger so we could speak to them about it. Hopefully, they'll have information that'll help us figure out what's going on."
"Then we stay," she agreed. "Hopefully Bort won't be too put out by losing us on his journey. In the meantime, it would seem that we have time for leisure this evening, at least." She smiled. "I almost died today. I think I've earned a few hours."
Niss took Baradim's advice to heart and drank some more. It certainly seemed to work as he said. By the time the second mug was brought she actually liked the foul stuff.
"Then we stay," she agreed. "Hopefully Bort won't be too put out by losing us on his journey. In the meantime, it would seem that we have time for leisure this evening, at least." She smiled. "I almost died today. I think I've earned a few hours."
Niss took Baradim's advice to heart and drank some more. It certainly seemed to work as he said. By the time the second mug was brought she actually liked the foul stuff.
Smiling at her, he raises his mug to her and says, "Indeed you have, Niss, indeed you have."
"Yes. For the moment, relax and rest. We will see what tomorrow brings us tomorrow."
Finoan goes over to the hearth and settles down on it. He half-closes his eyes and simply watches the activity in the room for a bit.
Finoan stays with the wagons while Erda cares for the horses and gets them put away. After a while everyone else has left. No one came to collect the cargo. After a few minutes of watching these crates do absolutely nothing, Finoan gets bored and wanders in to the Feedmill.
He walks in and sees Baradim sitting alone while Niss and Drake are talking to Delma. He takes a quick look around the room - mostly out of habit. He comes over and sits at the table at about the same time that Niss and Drake do.
After about an hour of you all enjoying your dinner and drink, Bort returns and looks around the Feedmill, raising his hand in greeting to Delma. He calls out in a booming voice, ”Another round for my crew, Delma! On me!” and makes his way over to the tables The Princess Guard and the caravaners are sitting at. Bort decides to sit with you all, grinning widely under his mustaches. ”Got started without me, eh? That’s fine, that’s fine. I’ll catch up.” Tiffani stops by the table, dropping off another round of drink, and takes Bort’s order (some wild game, roasted turnips, and some seed cake - his usual, he calls it.
Around the Feedmill, business is picking up. Farmers have trickled in, drinking, eating, and gambling. A young-ish-looking half-elf has set up in a corner with his lute, playing music very poorly and very loudly. The people seem to tolerate his presence. Olf and Ulf are sitting at a table with Farmer Eallom, playing a game of cards that they are winning, handily, because Eallom is too drunk to notice that they’re cheating him. Gregor is sitting with them, observing the game with amusement, his arm draped over the back of Ulf’s chair familiarly.
A large, disheveled man wearing armor reminiscent of Baradim’s is sitting at a table, deep in his cups, leaning back dangerously in his chair. An extremely twitchy goblin you've heard referred to as "Phinick" is running around the Feedmill doing odd jobs, and has managed to catch the man from falling twice now.
At your table, Bort grins again, raises his glass to you all, and drinks deeply. ”Well, then. Where’re y’all from? What’s waitin’ in Almas for you?”
Looking around at the others, Drake decides to go first. "My uncle. It's been a while since I've seen him. I wrote to him a while back wondering if he could put me up for a while. Life was becoming a bit... what's the word I'm looking for... 'unhealthy', I guess, in Elidir so I figured it was time to move on." He takes a drink. "If you don't mind me asking, Bort, how long have you been running this caravan?" He fiddles with the handle of his glass as he awaits his response.
Niss sipped her ale while she listened. She didn't pry further, with Bort around, but made a note to ask Drake later about what he meant by 'unhealthy'.
She waited for Bort's answer, a bit distracted by her drink. How many had she had now? Enough for Bort's name to make her smile a little bit. It was so silly. Bort. Bort. It wasn't even a word.
”Well, then. Where’re y’all from? What’s waitin’ in Almas for you?”
Finoan grins enigmatically. "Absolutely nothing for me. It just seemed like a good direction to go."
Looking around at the others, Drake decides to go first. "My uncle. It's been a while since I've seen him. I wrote to him a while back wondering if he could put me up for a while. Life was becoming a bit... what's the word I'm looking for... 'unhealthy', I guess, in Elidir so I figured it was time to move on." He takes a drink. "If you don't mind me asking, Bort, how long have you been running this caravan?" He fiddles with the handle of his glass as he awaits his response.
"Unhealthy, eh? Sounds like a story." Bort grins, taking a pull from his mug. "Well, this caravan...several years now. I've run a few in my time. Had a storefront once, but it got borin'." He sips his drink again, turning his attention to Finoan.
Finoan grins enigmatically. "Absolutely nothing for me. It just seemed like a good direction to go."
”How’ve the other directions been?” Bort asks.
Niss could feel the glow on her cheeks. No wonder people like this stuff, she mused. She felt relaxed, everything seemed a little silly. She decided to have a little fun for a change.
Side-eying Drake, she sent him one of her mental messages. "BOO!" The visual signs that usually accompanied her magic were subtle -- a slight shimmering to the air around her, akin to a mirage. Easy to miss, especially given the brevity of her 'message'. She tried very hard to keep a straight face, whatever his reaction might be.
”How’ve the other directions been?” Bort asks.
"I suppose it depends on when you ask. I always like going to a new place. Or returning somewhere after quite a while and seeing how things have changed since I was there last." He glances over at Baradim briefly. "Well, usually anyway. Sometimes places don't change in a good way, and that's a shame."
Niss sipped her ale while she listened. She didn't pry further, with Bort around, but made a note to ask Drake later about what he meant by 'unhealthy'.
She waited for Bort's answer, a bit distracted by her drink. How many had she had now? Enough for Bort's name to make her smile a little bit. It was so silly. Bort. Bort. It wasn't even a word.
Drake glances over at Inniska and happens to catch her smiling. Looking curiously at her, I wonder what she's smiling about? I also wonder how many drinks she's had? And if her first drink is any indication of how much of a drinker she is, she might be getting herself into trouble. I think I need to keep an eye on her.
Niss could feel the glow on her cheeks. No wonder people like this stuff, she mused. She felt relaxed, everything seemed a little silly. She decided to have a little fun for a change.
Side-eying Drake, she sent him one of her mental messages. "BOO!" The visual signs that usually accompanied her magic were subtle -- a slight shimmering to the air around her, akin to a mirage. Easy to miss, especially given the brevity of her 'message'. She tried very hard to keep a straight face, whatever his reaction might be.
Startled at the sudden mental attack, he quickly shifts himself around in his chair in an attempt to cover up the sudden movement. Grinning slightly as he looks at Niss incredulously, he leans in toward her and keeps his voice low. "Niss? Everything okay?"
She smiles triumphantly back at him. "Everything is grand. Why do you ask?" She flutters her eyes innocently.
”How’ve the other directions been?” Bort asks."I suppose it depends on when you ask. I always like going to a new place. Or returning somewhere after quite a while and seeing how things have changed since I was there last." He glances over at Baradim briefly. "Well, usually anyway. Sometimes places don't change in a good way, and that's a shame."
Bort leans forward in his seat, very interested in what Finoan has to say. "Oh really? Anywhere, in particular, stand out?"
She smiles triumphantly back at him. "Everything is grand. Why do you ask?" She flutters her eyes innocently.
Did she have to flutter her eyes? Her eyes are so pretty. Mentally shaking himself free, he responds with, "Well, I, um, would have to say: Boo? Does that ring a bell?" Looking into her eyes, Drake now wonders if she's had too much to drink.
He was leaning so close while he whispered to her, and looking into her eyes. She rather liked his. "You're cute when you're flustered."
Recalling they were sitting in a public place with other folks around, her cheeks grew a shade pinker than the drink had made them and she drained the rest of her mug to hide the blush. 'If you ever feel the need, don't hesitate to talk to me with your thoughts.' What would he think, if she told him everything?
Bort leans forward in his seat, very interested in what Finoan has to say. "Oh really? Anywhere, in particular, stand out?"
"Just the usual old news. I hear that Lastwall isn't a good place to go sight seeing currently. Cheliax has gone downhill a bit over the last few centuries too. Things like that."
"I've been ... asleep for the last little while, so I'm not fully up to date on current events. Which is why one direction seems just as good as most others."
Bort leans forward in his seat, very interested in what Finoan has to say. "Oh really? Anywhere, in particular, stand out?""Just the usual old news. I hear that Lastwall isn't a good place to go sight seeing currently. Cheliax has gone downhill a bit over the last few centuries too. Things like that."
"I've been ... asleep for the last little while, so I'm not fully up to date on current events. Which is why one direction seems just as good as most others."
Bort studies Finoan with curiosity, raising his eyebrows high into his hairline. "Huh. Sounds like you've lived quite the life."
He glances briefly at Niss and Drake, a quick, knowing smile flashing across his face before he turns to Baradim, raising his almost-empty glass to the orc. "How about you, warrior?" While waiting for Baradim to reply, he waves his mug in the direction of Tiffani. "One more round, my dear!" He calls, winking at Inniska.
Bort studies Finoan with curiosity, raising his eyebrows high into his hairline. "Huh. Sounds like you've lived quite the life."
"That I have," Fin replies, grinning again.
As Bort's attention shifts to the others, the grin droops a bit to be just a pleasant smile. He mumbles to himself, "More than a few even."
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Another mug was placed before Inniska. I like Bort. Bort's a good guy. Even if he has a stupid name. Bort. She chuckled to herself as she started into one last mug of ale. Probably last. She didn't want to get drunk, after all. Bort. Hilarious.
He was leaning so close while he whispered to her, and looking into her eyes. She rather liked his. "You're cute when you're flustered."
Recalling they were sitting in a public place with other folks around, her cheeks grew a shade pinker than the drink had made them and she drained the rest of her mug to hide the blush. 'If you ever feel the need, don't hesitate to talk to me with your thoughts.' What would he think, if she told him everything?
Grinning and turning a shade of red, he chuckles softly. "Okay, um, thank you, you know, for the compliment." Damn. She's drunk. Hearing Bort ask for another round, Drake drags a hand down his face and sighs. "You might want to take that drink slowly, Niss. You don't have to drink it all you know."
He's probably right, she thought. She'd seen how sick people could get overindulging. She was feeling pretty good right now. Better not to push her luck. She scooted the half-full tankard away from herself, nodding her agreement with a smile.
She became a bit introspective as Finoan and Baradim spoke to Bort, her finger idly tracing the patterns of wood grain in the table. Was she being foolish? Well, with the drinking and such yes, but bigger picture -- letting her guard down around her new companions.
The Princess Guard. It had been the first idea for a name that popped into her head, and it amused her greatly, but in truth she hardly knew these men. Well, men and automaton cat thing. Drake was charming, no doubt about it. He completely melted her defenses. Baradim had risked himself to save her. And Finoan was odd and a little direct, but she was already fond of him as well.
She sighed inwardly and nearly reached for the mug again but stopped herself. That was the crux of it, fondness. The more she liked them, the more she felt she should distance herself. For their sakes.
Her well-schooled face betrayed none of her inner angst. She was quiet, however, unless someone addressed her.
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Finoan continues to lounge on the hearth next to the table everyone else is at. Watching the room and dozing.
He notices Niss slide her drink away. "Probably a good thing. She doesn't seem to have much experience with alcohol."
Returning her smile with one of his own, he leans back out and studies her a moment. Can she read my mind at any time? Could she possibly know what I'm thinking? I wonder what she's thinking? Maybe I don't want to know. She looks to be deep in thought. I shouldn't ask her but my curiosity is the bane of my existence. Well, nothing like my candor. That nearly cost me everything. "Something on your mind, Niss? Call me crazy but it really looks like the wheels are turning."
She snaps out of her musings at his question and affects another smile. "Just reflecting on the day. It has been an eventful one."
Her gaze lingers on him thoughtfully, and he hears her voice in his head again, less startlingly. "Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer, if you don't want to. What happened, in Elidir?" She could have certainly called her own situation in the city 'unhealthy'. Maybe if she knew more about him, she could better judge how he'd react to her own past. She wanted to talk to him...but was worried what he would think about her.
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She snaps out of her musings at his question and affects another smile. "Just reflecting on the day. It has been an eventful one."
Her gaze lingers on him thoughtfully, and he hears her voice in his head again, less startlingly. "Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer, if you don't want to. What happened, in Elidir?" She could have certainly called her own situation in the city 'unhealthy'. Maybe if she knew more about him, she could better judge how he'd react to her own past. She wanted to talk to him...but was worried what he would think about her.
Looking at her more seriously, he strokes his beard a moment before giving a resigned grin. "You can always ask me something, Niss. Always." Taking a deep breath, "Well, it's kind of a long story. I'll make it as short and sweet as I can. Well, 'short' anyway it's not really that 'sweet' per se. Remember how I told you I was a terrible liar in a previous conversation we had? Well, I learned being frank with people can sometimes be costly. Or I guess in this instance," he pauses a moment before, "a woman. Her name was Lydia. She was a lovely lady and was someone who I befriended and enjoyed her company. And I mean that in the most platonic way, I assure you. The only problem was, she wasn't interested in platonic. I had no idea until she finally brought it up. I simply responded that I was not interested in anything more. I just was not attracted to her in such a way. I was simply being honest and assumed she would appreciate that. Well, I was wrong. Dead wrong. I always felt something wasn't quite right about her but I never really could pinpoint it. How does the saying go? 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.' Well, in this case, it definitely applied. I guess I should've considered the fact she was a priestess of Nocticula but I don't like to judge based on stereotypes. I don't believe that to be fair to the individual." He shrugs.
"Anyway, things went from good to downright 'unhealthy' after that. She instituted a myriad of ways to have me 'dealt' with, let's say. I wish I was joking. It actually sounds kind of funny if you think about it. Crazy really. I was the one who experienced it all and I still don't believe it," he shrugs again. "Well, after our 'break up', for lack of a better word, I didn't have a good feeling - thank the gods - and immediately wrote to my uncle. He responded rather quickly and the next thing I know, a few weeks later, I'm on a caravan out of town with the rest of you," he finishes. "And that's pretty much the gist of it. I hope this doesn't bother you, Niss. I don't want it to. I feel comfortable enough around you to answer anything you want to know about me. I just want you to know that," he says genuinely, grinning.
As conversation winds down, Tiffani and Delma come by, bearing bowls of dessert: a warm, brown sugar and cinnamon turnip porridge. As the two are setting bowls in front you all and Bort, you hear a commotion begin.
Farmer Eallom is just sitting down in his chair from getting another ale and Kolnral, the other server in the tavern, has accidentally bumped into the drunken oaf, causing him to spill his newly-acquired ale. ”Ay! You owe me another beer, a$#~#+&!” Eallom yells, standing up and towering over the poor server, slurring and stumbling over his words. Olf, Ulf, and Gregor all stand up quickly in defense of Kolnral, trying to placate the man, but the combination of Eallom’s drunkenness, losing a lot of money to the twins, and losing his last ale for the night sends the man over the edge.
Eallom throws a punch at Kolnrahl, who shouts in surprise and tosses his tray of ale-filled mugs into the man’s face. Olf, Ulf, and Gregor move to try to grab the man, but he picks up a mug off of the table and hurls it with drunken strength at the twins. Fortunately for the twins, his aim is off; however, the mug slams into another patron’s head. It isn’t long before you hear the usual scream of ”FIGHT!” from a drunken spectator and all hell breaks loose in the common room around you.
About a dozen drunken farmers, including Eallom, begin shouting and brawling with each other and anyone who happens to be in the way: throwing mugs, tables, and chairs around the room at each other…but mostly fists. Bort sighs heavily, glaring at the drunken Farmer Eallom, and heaves himself up to attempt to placate some of the farmers nearby.
Finoan was dozing and not paying much attention to the far side of the room when the scuffle started. His eyes snap open fully at the sound of the breaking beer mug and the cry of "FIGHT".
"But, I wasn't finished with my nap yet," Finoan complains. Then jumps to the side to avoid a splash of soup from a bowl flying across the room.
He quickly glances over at the counter, looking for Delma to see how she is reacting to this.
He looks to the others at the table. "Well, what do you think? I'm thinking we let the farmers brawl it out and just get ourselves and the tavern's staff out of danger."
His attention quickly snapping to the ruckus, he sighs in frustration and rises quickly from his seat. "Yes, Fin, do that! Good idea! I'm gonna try and contain the drunk if I can!" Looking to the half-orc, "Baradim, if you jump in on this go easy on 'em, friend. Try not to break anything. Or anyone." Snapping his attention to Inniska, "Excuse me, sweetheart," he says thoughtlessly and starts to walk away before doing a quick U-turn. Looking very embarrassed and with his hands out, "Oh gods I'm sorry! Sorry, Niss. I, I don't know where that came from. Sorry. Um... sorry." He cringes at how pathetic he sounds, far too flustered to come up with anything as to why he would even say that. He finds he can't turn his attention back to the melee quick enough. Okay, McClain, let's go get your butt kicked, shall we? Maybe I can get some sense knocked into me. It'll definitely be less humiliating.
And with that, he heads straight for the drunk.