"I shall keep you company, while our comrades go in and haggle with the merchant", Mangur says, while idly watching the locals going about their business.
Tristen shrugs and bows to Alika grinning all the while. Adler unaccustomed to this move lets out a loud squawk and hurriedly flies off to take position on a roof eave overlooking them all.
"Guess its just you, the knight, and me to brave this noxious nest." Tristen laughs and winks over to the other pair.
The inside of the shop is an orderly set of racks and shelves, each 6’ tall and filled with every shape and color of glass bottle and jar you can imagine. Each one appears to be labeled and categorized with meticulous care. On the back wall of the shop, behind the counter, you see another set of shelves with even more bottles and vials. In one corner you spot a set of bins and racks holding more miscellaneous items. While the aroma you encountered outside is stronger in here, it isn’t overpowering or even unpleasant.
After a few moments, from a door in the back wall, you see a tall woman in her mid 30’s with short blond hair wearing a apron and carrying a tray of glass jars. As she opens the door, the scent of brewing grows significantly stronger. She sets the jars on the counter and approaches you. ”Welcome to Ram’s, what are you looking for today?” she says with a smile.
"A comely mistress with a brilliant smile," Alika answers, inclining her head slightly in a salute. "Or rather, I believe that is what we have found, and none too soon," she corrects after a moment.
"You are holding a package for Grenzlen. I have been dispatched to collect."
She smiles and then looks at you quizzically "A package, for Grenzlen? Let me check." At which she turns and reenters the door she had just emerged from. After a few moments she appears holding a large metal jar. "Here you are." She sets the jar on the counter and opens it, tilting the mouth toward you to examine the contents. Inside the jar is a slick black goo.
"That'll be 5 Sails, is there anything else you need?"
Alika pulls the appropriate coin from her purse and places it on the counter.
"Are you familiar with healing myrrh?" Alika inquires. "I gather that the city is teeming with temples that will heal for money, but I am curious if there are any... alchemical alternatives readily available," Alika's eyes widen at her unintentional alliteration and she laughs softly.
Matt stands in the street with Mangur outside the shop, subtly looking out for anyone watching the party or the shop. He turns to Mangur; "So how is everything with you? I take it you did procuring like this when you worked as a factor."
Trying to look casual on the street, just relaxing and watching the people passing by. Whilst blocking the stench eminating from the shop.
Mangur smiles as he looks over at Matt."Well nothing usually so small. Most of the deals I worked with were for larger or bulk commodities. This is a nice way for our employer to get us to know the city."
Mangur is also watching the streets for anything that might seem out of place.
"Yes, it certainly is a great idea. I just wonder if that was the only motivation. However things seem to be looking up." Matt says looking at the clearing morning sky, but you get the impression that it not just the weather he is talking about.
"I cannot believe the stench; what do they make in there?" Matt says casually before adding. "So in your previous job, did you amass any debts or enemies?" trying keep his tone light.
Mangur looks sideways at the elf and says, "That is either a very bold question, or a very rude one! I will say the first, for the sake of our company. No, I have no debts. In fact, before I took the job here, I was doing quite well in Absalom. I hope to do better with our present employer. And as for enemies, who knows. There are somehow may feel I used devious methods to win certain contracts, but that is how the game is played. Now then, how about yourself, any debts or enemies?"He says this last with a grin on his face.
Matt laughs quietly; "A bold one friend. I was not questioning your prowess, just making sure that your loyalties were not divided. I am sorry if that is too blunt, but you know just trying to make sure no ghosts blindside us. Glad to hear of your successes"
His face darkens slightly. "Enemies, hah, many. Many a town I have been run out of by an angry father of a beautiful maiden. And then there's my family. But I doubt they will be any trouble here. And don't worry when I accept a job like this carousing and sillyness goes out the window." he responds seriously, looking around the street.
Mangur laughs. "Well lets us not throw out all the fun and entertainment, shall we!" Mangur continues to scan the crowds.
Inside the shop: The young woman smiles back and replies "Oh yes, we have several creams that will staunch the flow of blood and some elixirs that can mask a person's pain for a short time. Obviously nothing as potent as a magical potion is, which we have a few of also. Those are, of course, more expensive."
Outside the shop: The throng of people you see here is distinct from what you watched in the Abbey Green. These are more certainly locals unless they are obviously making deliveries to the shops. Many are well dressed and some wearing heraldic devices of this house or that. This part of town has less lively taverns and more quiet eateries. There are none of the raucous bars you saw back by the docks.
Matt laughs freely, a light melodious sound. "I'm sure we can have a bit of fun, carousing with the maids of this fair city. Just, I'm from Molthune, we know our duty."
Looking around seeing the locals move purposefully through the streets. "This area is good to know, the food will be best found watching the locals. And see that page there, his livery, we can track the general houses and interrelations as surely as a visit to the heraldic guild-house." Matt watches the various peoples moving around the town paying especial attensions to their liveries emblazoned on their tabards, attempting to find common themes and/or creatures.
Trsiten's ears perk up once he hears of the other remedies and can't help but ask "What herbs do you use?"
The shopkeeper turns to Tristen "We use all manner of ingredients, unfortunately our recipes are family secrets, I couldn't share them." She turns back to Alika "Were you interested in any of those elixirs, or anything else?"
"Am I to understand that those elixirs that mask pain are narcotic in nature?" Alika inquires. "I have no fondness for such devices. As for those that staunch blood. What would their cost be?"
Matt looks across at Mangus; "Well we have to go down the docks later for some of the other acquisitions, so shall we eat there? The atmosphere; I find is always friendly and people mind their business, generally."
"Well that sounds like a fine idea. Let us speak to the others once they come out of the store. I do hope they remember to get the vials and bottles while in there!", Mangur says.
Matt nods his head; "Yes, I was just thinking the same thing. Should one of us go in and remind them..." he voice querlous "No, I trust them to do their part." he replies to his own statement.
"The clotting creams are 25 Sails each."
Alika licks her lips and drums her fingertips on the counter. "Half the cost of a healing potion, and perhaps we might live to see a priest," Alika hums and touches the purse that contains her own coin. She smiles softly. "A hard bargain, but I for one intend to live those few moments," Alika decides and lays three platinum on the counter.
After collecting their purchases, Alika returns to the others waiting without, and looks to the elven man. "Have you any skill with alchemy, Master?" she inquires. "I may have a compound we would all benefit from you studying."
The woman smiles and provides you with a small metal canister containing a think pink cream. "Please come back if you need anything else." she waves as you depart.
Matt incline his head and winces slightly. "I have some limited knowledge of compounds, which is something I hope to expand upon as my studies proceed."
"So we still need to pick up the containers? And the item to the south of town; near the docks?" Matt queries as the group starts to move away from the shop.
Alika's azure eyes widen. "I see," she says. And Ureste called me a fool! This one is a talentless bard. "Do not trouble yourself. So long as we've coin to spare I am certain that those with the talent will not soon cease producing curatives."
At Matt's suggestion, Alika gives a wary nod, eyes narrowing. "Near the docks?" she repeats. "Are you considering an exit strategy so early?" she only half jests.
Matt smiles at her jest "No, when I make an oath I am bound to it unto death." he says with a smile.
Putting an arm behind his back; "Yes, there is always a need for healing, sometimes the violence of the world is too sorrowful."
"Whose death, Master Elf? Yours or our employers?" Alika inquires as they walk, her tone implying never be without an exit strategy.
Matt replies his tone neutral, "After either the bonds are fainter. Of course, like yourself, I would not betray anybody." 'Of course if they betrayed me first...And except for Stevie, though that was not of my fault.' Matt walks along slowly his thoughts of the past and the future, enjoying the banter.
Walking and taking in the sights, Mangur listens with half an ear to the conversations among his new colleagues. With his other ear and a half he is listening to the commoners around them as they move towards the docks, tying to overhear anything that might be of interests.
Matt walks guiding the party to the south of the docklands into Admirals Fen. Looking around for the 'Blue Pick', so that the group can grab the alchemical reagents. The conversation with Alika had grown serious, but Matt was happy with that; sometimes it tired him out playing the fool.
Alika chuckles softly at Matt's answer, and falls into step with the group as they move towards the docks. In truth, a senseless death had crossed Alika's mind several times, to escape the bonds of slavery branded into her very flesh. Harlan might have released her, but she would never escape Ureste until one of them fell.
And it will not be me.
Alika's nose wrinkles the closer the party gets to the sea. She has never enjoyed the smell, even the smell of the blood in Isarn was preferable to the stench of ports. Alika draws a length of her braids in front of her face, wafting the scent she applied to it with magic towards her nostrils.
After you pass the docs and its immense shipyards, you enter into a part of the city seemingly at battle with the surrounding swamp. The buildings, while seemingly newer that most in Old Cassomir or Abbey Green, are in grave disrepair. Some show cracks from foundations shifting, others seem to be sinking into the ground upon which they are built. All the structures show evidence of flooding. Several of the roads are submerged in a few inches of water, normally a sign of drainage problems, yet it is a clear and sunny day. The entire area has a slightly moist and dank smell to it.
Finding the location of the Blue Pick is easy. As you approach, you see hanging above the door a gigantic Pick Axe whose head is 4 feet long and has a 8 foot handle. The entire thing is painted bright blue and hangs out in front of the building as a sign. You almost feel nervous to pass underneath it to enter the door. In the window you see all manner of plants and leaves hanging, most of them dried in the sun.
Alika bursts into good-humored laughter at the sight of the pick.
"I do believe that someone may be compensating."
Alika moves about the shop for a time before approaching the counter. The smells evoke a vague and pleasant memory from a time otherwise forgotten, and Alika frequently touches the beads in her braided wig, setting them to chime softly against one another and fan in front of her face.
Mangur chokes out a laugh and looks over to Alika. "If it is a dwarf running this place, I do not think I will be able to speak!"
Trying to hide his smile, Mangur holds the door of the shop open for the others.
When you enter you are immediately hit with an overwhelming mix of aromas, from sickly sweet flowers to sharp, bitter roots. This motley bouquet is reflected in the hundreds of bottles, jars, and pots that line the shop walls holding every conceivable plant or herb. You see piles of dried berries, baskets of nuts, and vases filled with old, strange flowers.
There is no counter, as such, but you see a portly old woman with short wiry grey hair sitting at a work table near the back wall. As you enter she looks up and starts heading toward you. She smiles at you with unbelievably white teeth, perfectly clean and strait, a sharp contrast to her darkly tan, weather beaten skin. Her dark green shirt and brown leather apron are stained with all manner of plant juices. ”Hello dearies, come in. What brings you to the pick today?”
"Good aften, Mistress," Alika greets happily. "Myself and my companions have been dispatched to your pleasant shop to retrieve a package being held under the name Grenzlen. Might I ask if you are a whole seller, or a simple purveyor of herbs?"
"Grenzlen, oh sure, sure. Let me get that." She returns to her work table and starts rummaging through the drawers beneath it. She continues to talk as she searches, "Well, as for me I do 'sell a whole lot'." She chuckles to her self then she stops, "Ah! here it is." as she rises up and returns to you. "Here you go, miss." She hands you two glass vials, tightly stoppered, and two paper wrapped bundles of leaves. "That'll be... let me see, 11 Sails." She smiles warmly at you as she stretches out her hand.
The stale salt air reminded Matt of freedom and the first day he saw the vast ocean, so different to the fresh water lake of his homeland. The walk down past the docks with it's exotic, dreary sights, the stench of the swamp - but Matt was pleased. New sights and experiences always pleased the man, a centuary had passed and still there was so much to see and do.
Walking through the puddles and cracked streets Matt gently exclaims. "My I am glad of my footwear." His boots are dark knee-high leather fare with softy goats fur lining and fully water-proofed.
"I think we picked the right shop there." Matt says poorly after Alika speaks in Osirion.
Bluff
Matt smiles at Alika's joke understanding her words, his own 'joke' was a poor excuse for him to smile.
As they enter the shop, Matt smiles at the lady "My dear lady, I thank you. May I ask if you also have jars and small bottles that you may sell." Matt bows before her, interested in the way that humans age so rapidly and yet can remain so vibrant and beautiful.
Alika produces the specified amount of coin and drops it in the woman's hand. She believes that the woman lies about the amount of traffic in this gods forsaken mire, especially considering the landmark distinguishing her establishment, but it is hardly any of Alika's concern. When Matt asks after the empty flask she gives a soft smile. The less running about in the city the group had to do, the better. Alika wished to ruminate on their adventure some, and relished the opportunity to meet with the mistress again.
She turns to Matt and replies "Oh, heavens no dearie. I end up using every one I get my hands on. There are plenty of places about to get that kinda thing tho."
"It is all well, Mistress," Alika assures the woman. "Myself and my companions could stand to continue our exercise. We had no intentions to forestall your craft.
"Might you recommend a restaurant near, Mistress?" Alika wonders. "It has been some years since I have known such a climate, and it wears on my strength, or lack thereof."
At the mention of food her eyes gain a new light "Oh honey, for sure I can tell you. There's a few nice places around the corner, including Baufort's which is grand. But if you're up for a bit of walking anyway, you should head up to the Abbey's Green. There is just the sweetest little place up there called the St.t.." she stops abruptly. "the Stargaser, oh it's a lovely place but not worth the walk, now that I think about it. You should definitely try Baufort's around the corner. He buys all his spices from me don't you know." She smiles nervously as she starts heading you toward the door. "You tell them that Nexrah sent you and they'll treat you right."
Matt smiles and bows to the lady, "I thank you Madame Nexrah, for your great supplies and honest candor. Any food cooked using your spices I am sure would be excellent, even I was the person doing the cooking."
Matt turns and leaves the shop, once everyone is outside he asks. "Should we take a break?" 'From me I am sure Ms. Alika would'
"A brief repast for food. Or was that some other clever words-play that got past this poor elfs' ears." Matt says flicking his ears 'And brain.'
"Anyway we have a few more items to purchase. Thus get them? (although we are in hurry) Eat at Bauforts' spicy foods, or go to the Stargazer? The latter many be close to where we can purchase the final few items. And did she seem...nervous to you? Maybe she was trying to pass on a message, or warning?"
Matt thinks then says "Well thats' 61 sails for the prescribed items, we have 19 more for the miscellenious bottles and bags."
Tristen watches the exchange of goods with a casual eye but frowns as he listens to the woman.
Sense Motive vs Human
Once outside he speaks slowly, "That woman almost let slip something, Stargazer was not what she had in mind when she spoke and only managed to cover it up? Why would someone do that?"
Mangur turns his head an nods to Tristen. "I believe that you might be right about that. It almost sounded she was going to say saint?"
Alika's sculpted eyebrow raises. "Ah, conjecture," Alika sighs. "There is nothing keeping us from discovering what the Mistress meant, if we are thus inclined. The intrigues of an elderly woman who works in an herbal shop may offer a brief respite from our borish employment indeed."
Matt shifts his weight onto the balls of his feet, intrigued by the nuances he missed but his more competant colleagues picked up. "Yes, this sounds like a refreshing intrigue. And would allow us to 'remove two obstacles with one thrust'." Matt pauses looking towards the dusky woman.
"Alika... can I call you that or would you prefer a sobriquet, like Lady Alika or Miss Alika. I would not wish to insult or alternatively isolate. What do you suggest, talk to the lady once more? Or go and find a eatery in Abbey Green with name St. Something? I believe Abbey Green was the locale of our remaining items." Matt voice contains an undertone of excitment.