Keaton turns at the sound of Mircea's voice and speaks very loudly "Oh ho! See what I mean? the royal family already seeks to take the cure before the good folks can use it! They have heard wind of my coming here and seek to snatch up the cure before I can disperse it and create more!" the maester shouts as loud as he can.
Turning towards Kieran, Keaton speaks quickly "Mercenary are you? then I'll pay you 50 gold if you can make certain this emissary of the King does not abduct me!"
Several drunk and excited towns people all turn and stare down at Mircea.
Mircea turns to address the crowd, 'All of you heard what I said. I encouraged Maester Keaton to accept the hospitality of you good folk while he applies his miracle cure. I even stressed that the king would only extend his patronage to the maester's wagons.' He motions back to Keaton, 'Why does he attempt to twist my words? Don't all of you want him to stay to prove his cure works? If it really is a cure, do we want him to leave?'
Suddenly, Mircea jabs his finger at Maester Keaton, 'There, you see?! He is even now instructing his thugs to cover for him while he tries to flee! Good people of Orensden, don't let him run off with our cure!'
The crowd now looks very confused, being caught between the verbal battle of this quick witted noble and the illustrious maester.
Keaton begins to chuckle and looks back at Mircea "My thugs? this man just came out of the crowd asking for work for money!" Keaton gestures to Keiran. "Now how could I accept the King's hospitality, with the Castle being near a months travel from here, without leaving these good people? If you wish to do your King a service then go with these brave young people and take some of the plant back to the castle yourself! I'll even copy the recipe for you, again the common people can see where the priority of the Noble's fall....with themselves!" Keaton finishes with a dramatic raise of his hand!
The crowd looks more confused and quite unhappy.
"Aye, Come with us." Canor says.
Speaking up so he can be heard by the crowd, Canor says to Mircea, "It'll be nice to see the nobility doing some work and getting their hands dirty with real work for once."
"Bah puny humans..."
Looks for a good spot to camp out maybe on the roof of the inn....
Revengance
Turning towards Kieran, Keaton speaks quickly "Mercenary are you? then I'll pay you 50 gold if you can make certain this emissary of the King does not abduct me!"
"Mercenary I am not," Kieran sizes the Maester from head to toe. "But, if you'd want me to safeguard your safety then I will accompany this noble and thwart any backhanded schemes he may have, only if you'd prepare our group better for this journey you'd have us do,"
A tall stranger steps out of the crowd, the clamor of his ornate chainmail making him difficult to ignore. His bronzed complexion and black hair clearly mark him as a foreigner, and there is a massive curved sword strapped across his back. Though his gear sports a fair bit of ornamentation - chiefly insignias that mark him a servant of the Dawnflower - it is most clearly functional. He takes a shallow bow and speaks to the merchant in a clear, commanding tone.
"I have seen the effects of the curse that ravages your country, and would like to see you delivered from it. However, I am on a quest of my own, and I cannot simply turn away from my purpose."
He runs a hand through the shortly cropped beard that traces his jawline as he thinks on the matter. He eyes the wares suspiciously.
"However, a trader such as yourself must be well-connected. I'm sure you hear of various comings and goings in the region? Especially, say, an envoy of seven young ladies from beyond your border. I will not render my aid to charlatan, but if you can provide prove to me that you are above the common streetcorner mountebank, perhaps via a demonstration of your concoction, I will offer my services in this endeavor for nothing more than a bit of information."
Looking over the barn, for the most comfortable location to spend the night....
Keaton begins to chuckle and looks back at Mircea "My thugs? this man just came out of the crowd asking for work for money!" Keaton gestures to Keiran. "Now how could I accept the King's hospitality, with the Castle being near a months travel from here, without leaving these good people? If you wish to do your King a service then go with these brave young people and take some of the plant back to the castle yourself! I'll even copy the recipe for you, again the common people can see where the priority of the Noble's fall....with themselves!" Keaton finishes with a dramatic raise of his hand!
The crowd looks more confused and quite unhappy.
Looking incredulous, Mircea gestures back to Keaton, 'Again he speaks of leaving here! Why is he so anxious to sell you his miracle cure and be away from you good folks? For a third time I say that his wagons and eqiupment should be kept safe to ensure his guarantee. He has already confessed that two drafts are all he possesses and that he does not have the components to make anymore. Keep him as your guest here until we return with more ingredients. Send his wagons to be held as security for his claims.
We all know that the king's road cuts the trip in half and I'll write up papers for it's travel. Who is the village hetman? Give me the names of your teamsters who will drive Maester Keaton's collateral and I'll guarantee their passage and pay.
This way good people all sides are kept honest. The good folk of this village get the cure. Maester Keaton gets the requested hospitality in payment for his "priceless" cure and the crown provides security to ensure that futures doses can be manufactured should the cure prove to work. If does not work, then we can be sure he did not peddle his snake oil on any other suffering Orensdians.'
"A reasonable solution that should please all parties. I can think of no reason an honest merchant such as yourself would find such terms inequitable."
He turns to Mircea, bowing as he presents his palms.
"You've a shred mind for one so young. I am Khaleid, though I'm afraid I do not know how to address you. You spoke of orchestrating pay and passage - which indicates a measure of authority. Might I inquire what rank you hold within the hierarchy of this kingdom?"
"A reasonable solution that should please all parties. I can think of no reason an honest merchant such as yourself would find such terms inequitable."
He turns to Mircea, bowing as he presents his palms.
"You've a shred mind for one so young. I am Khaleid, though I'm afraid I do not know how to address you. You spoke of orchestrating pay and passage - which indicates a measure of authority. Might I inquire what rank you hold within the hierarchy of this kingdom?"
Removing his hat and bowing, Mircea introduces himself. 'I am Mircea Nicolescu, courtier to the King of Orensden. Who might I say I have the pleasure of meeting?'
"I am Khaleid, sometimes called The Luminous, a traveler from and a servant of the Dawnflower. Business of the temple has brought me across your borders, you see - I'm looking for an entourage of iniatiates, who have not reported on the status of their pilgrimage."
Maester Keaton looks around for a minute before realizing himself verbally trapped by the two foreigners. "Very well good servant of the King, I see your logic and will gladly show my good faith in allowing my wagons to be stored at the castle during this time. I'll begin the preperations and help with having the map drawn up so the party can leave in the morning." Keaton said with what could be considered a resigned sigh.
The Mayor quickly nods and begins getting people together for the wagons, soon the air of celebration is completely gone replaced by the rush of preperations.
Drayen
Khaleid
Revengance
Overhearing the Maester's remarks, Kieran saunters off to the barn where he bunkers down in preparation for the following day.
Seeing as they are likely to hit the road the following morning, Canor goes off in search of a general store that is still open to purchase supplies.
Leshok
Maester Keaton looks around for a minute before realizing himself verbally trapped by the two foreigners. "Very well good servant of the King, I see your logic and will gladly show my good faith in allowing my wagons to be stored at the castle during this time. I'll begin the preperations and help with having the map drawn up so the party can leave in the morning." Keaton said with what could be considered a resigned sigh.
The Mayor quickly nods and begins getting people together for the wagons, soon the air of celebration is completely gone replaced by the rush of preperations.
Mircea nods to Khaleid then looks for the mayor to get writing supplies to draft a letter and papers to get them passage on the king's road to the castle. He makes sure to get a copy of Keaton's recipe. He will also get a complete list of the components, not just the missing components, as well as directions or a map of the route and location(s) of these components. Additionally, he will take down the names of all people present who volunteered to go on this expedition and arrange for a time and place to meet in the morning for departure.
Khaleid aid's in the preparations in any way he can and adds his signature to the document MIrcea is drafting up. When all business has been tended to he shoulders his pack and leads his mount to the stables.
in the rafters of the barn marvels at how long it takes to figure everything out, decides to turn in for the evening will greet the other barn-dweller in the morning.....
Having visited the general store and stocked up on some supplies, Canor is wandering aimlessly when he happens across Khaleid leading his horse to the stables.
"A Good Evening to you Sir, a fair bit of excitement for so small a town I'm guessing. After you have stabled your horse, perhaps you would like to join me in the common room of the Inn for a bit of dinner."
Glancing up at the now, cloud covered sky, Canor remarks, "Looks like we might have a bit of weather moving in on us."
Khaleid smiles warmly at Canor's invitation.
"But of course - cordial company is always welcomed, especially when one is so far from familiar shores. Allow me to see to my steed, and perhaps we may share a drink and a hot meal as we let the elements run their course."
Leaving Khaleid to stable his horse, Canor heads toward the Inn, stopping by the barn looking for Kieran and any others of the soon to be formed expedition, he peers into the gloomy interior.
Looking into the semi-darkness Canor vaguely sees Kieran and then notices Revengance in the rafter.
Speaking softly in case either of them are already asleep, Canor says, "Myself and the well armored gentleman with the horse are headed to the Inn to have a bit of supper and a drink, you are both welcome to join us if you are of a mind to."
Having extended his invitation, Canor continues on toward the Inn.
"Nay sir I think better o this place for a long night."
Arriving at the Inn, Canor orders himself a mead and a plate of something hot to eat and settles into a table near a corner, with his back against the wall, his great sword leaning against the wall beside him.
Not really trained in civilized dining or table etiquette, he begins to eat without waiting to see if anyone else will join him, figuring that if they do accept his offer, then they can catch up.
The night passes quickly, bringing the suns entrance to the stage that is the sky. The town is in a small frenzy over all the preperations getting things ready for the travelers.
Revengance
Canor
Lily
Khaleid
Mircea
Kieran
Beltrin
In the morning, Maester Keaton can be found by the town hall, a map unrolled onto the table and a few packs laying next to it, he is discussing something with a gruff looking fellow in a traveling cloak.
Kieran rubs his eyes and looks around. Gathering up his equipment, he performs some early morning stretching exercises before wearily donning his armor. He then makes his way to the town hall.
Seeing the Maester already up and about, Kierans raises his hand in greeting while waiting for the Maester to finish whatever is being discussed while nonchalantly peering at the map and trying to catch bits and pieces of the conversation.
Heads for the town hall
Perception
Kieran
Revengance
The maester notices your approaches, smiles and says loudly "Greetings and good morning! Exciting all isn't this? I was just going over the map here with Allens here, he was here for the festival and has offered to guide you all as far as the mountains, though won't be accompaning you further. He lives just a while away from there and has kindly offered you a place to stay before journeying up the mountain." Keaton says with a large smile gesturing to the gruff man who offers a friendly nod.
Mircea rises early and heads to the town hall. Upon arriving, he spies Maester Keaton, Revengeance and Kieran already there. He approaches the group. 'Good morning. Good to see all of you again.' Turning to the stranger, he says, 'Hello, good man. I am Mircea Nicolescu.'
Kieran
** spoiler omitted **Revengance
** spoiler omitted **The maester notices your approaches, smiles and says loudly "Greetings and good morning! Exciting all isn't this? I was just going over the map here with Allens here, he was here for the festival and has offered to guide you all as far as the mountains, though won't be accompaning you further. He lives just a while away from there and has kindly offered you a place to stay before journeying up the mountain." Keaton says with a large smile gesturing to the gruff man who offers a friendly nod.
"Why won't he be joining us on the mountain? If he lives close, as you say, then he should know the area." Canor growls, catching the last part of the conversation as he walks into the room.
"Well met," Kieran nods back to Allens. Kieran looks around at his newly formed posse. "Greetings, I am Kieran. I know not of any of you but I am here to discover the truth of this man's claims. (nods to Keaton). Truth or falsehood I mean to uncover and that is that."
"Aye a handy map tah have will it go as well?"
Beltrin arrives a bit late and obviously nursing a headache from over-indulging in wine last night. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, he nods a greeting to the rest of the party. Noticing the guide, he introduces himself, offering a hand to Allens.
"Greetings Allens, my name is Beltrin Rebekson and my thanks go out to you for guiding us on this perilous journey."
the man introduced as Allens nods back in greetings. "Now hold your horses all of you...I said I would guide you as I was on my way home as it it. Its true I know the area, and thats why I ain't dumb enough to go up that mountain....as for the map? well thats yours I can't read it let alone need it." Allens barks while he spits on the ground.
"Now as this over talkative gent said, I'm Allens, Allens Burg, so when your ready we can get going..I ain't got all day." He sighs while looking up at the sky.
At this point Maester Keaton laughs and gestures to the packs by the table. [b]"These my friends are some simple supplies, dried foods, warm blankets, some water, and such donated by the town to help you on your journey." Keaton says holding up one of the two large, and apparently heavy packs. "Which of the party will be carrying them?"
Beltrin sighs...
"You'd think they could have lent us a pack animal or two as well... and where is the chap with the horse? Surely he could take on a bit of the load."
No helping it though, I propose that we split up the load equally, unless one of you feel up to carrying a pack by yourself." Looking particularly in Revengance's direction....
"Bah ask fer a map, a small thing, an then yer saddled with a pack!"
"My own pack is light enough, I will combine these things into one an what I do not take anyone else can use."
Kieran tries lifting one of the packs up. "I do not mind burdening myself as long as it does not slow me down, but a mule and saddle would be more appropriate for the task."
"Now this one calls me names an wants a saddle tah ride myself up tha mountain!"
*smiles* "Apologies if I have offended you," Kieran bows slightly to the Half-Orc. "I would not start a perilous journey with a sour note with my fellow traveler. Who knows, what may come ahead."
Turning towards the map on the table, "A copy, to aid in showing the way?" Kieran addresses Keaton.
The Maester smiles largely at Kieran "This map is for you good sir, by all means come look and take it with you." he says gesturing to the map. "Now you will need to head north east along the main road from here till you get to the forest of great oaks.. from the you will travel east into the forest, be careful the druids of that wood are known for not being very forgiving if you disrespect their home. If you do not run into the druids, then continue east until you are through the woods, this is the safest path short of having one of the grove guide you themselves." Keaton points to these place on the map.
"From there you will need to cross the river and canyon at Raegar's last stand, then you will want to follow the river east and it will lead you straight to the western slope of the mountain. The plant you are looking for I have named Alyptice, it is a leafy bush that grows along side of large rocks, its leaf is shaped almost like a horse shoe, and it bears a deep blue flower on it. I cannot warn you enough to be careful, as this trip will put you in danger at various times..." Keaton said with a sigh, his trade mark smile falling from his face before he shakes his head and laughs again.
"Aha! and good sir of the king's court I had not forgotten you! Here is the formula as you requested complete with a drawing of the plant." Keaton said handing a rolled up parchment to Mircea. "I trust you'll send this along with my goods to the castle. I imagine your standing with the king will improve greatly when you triumphantly return with an actual specimen..." Keaton says with a large grin.
"Aye, no doubt there will be many dangers. Perhaps you could enlighten us as to what you encountered on your trek? That we can better prepare ourselves for the threats of the wild."
Beltrin
Keaton smile seems a little weak as he turns to Beltrin "Well I suppose you are right in wanting to be informed and prepared...the biggest danger first on the main road will be bandits, army deserters, and other highwaymen that try to take advantage of travelers. Beyond that there is the goblin tribes in the hills near the great forest. In the forest one of my expidition ran afoul of the druids and paid dearly for it...beyond them there is the normal dangers any untamed wilds hold, predatory animals chief among them." he added.
"the biggest danger lies on the mountain itself, there is where the great Redhammer tribe lives, they are wild men, orcs, and other races supposively driven mad by living too close to the mountain and its mystical properties...rumors are they are cannibals. I only know they are very territorial and guard the mountain with their lives. Of course you will need to be careful returning, any who hear what you have may try to take it for themselves.." he finished with a sigh.
Mircea leans in to follow along with Kieran as Maester Keaton explains the route and how they correspond to the marks on the map. When proffered, he takes the papers from Keaton and puts them into his belt pouch.
Looking over to the half orc, Mircea says, 'What are left of those packs? I will help to shoulder the load.'
Canor, who had been leaning against the wall of the room during the discussion, steps foward. "Aye, as will I. If we all split the packs equally among us, it will be easier on us all."
Beltrin loads up his pack with a fair share of the donated goods. Hefting it, he looks at his new-found companions.
"Well, shall we be on our way? The sun is already high in the sky and although I recall seeing a few others pledge their services last night, I'm sure that they will catch up to us on the road. That is, if they weren't just too deep in their cups at the time... <chuckles>"