Keeping the back of a high backed chair between him and the door Matt moves over to the bookcase. Standing 3/4 on to it, so that he can see the 'main' door open Matt looks at the books. Trying to tell if this is a
working library - with well read and thumbed books,
or a 'noveaux riche' library - bought en-masse because the owner things it appropriate,
or a inherited library - full of old books for the Houses lineage.
Matt then looks at some of the books cautiously not wishing to intrude too much, but curious to the main themes.
"Let us both head back and see what has become of our belongings. You most likely have things of your own that are precious to you, and Brecker is a direct descendent of the noble line of Hjalneir the legendary warhorse of my family. I must ascertain nothing has befallen him." he begins stomping off down the street back the way they had come, slowing his pace enough that Alika can keep up. I pity the man that tries to manhandle Brecker into a place he doesn't want to...What feeling and sense Brecker hasn't kicked out of him, I'll be quick to finish removing...
There are two medium sized windows along the eastern wall. Looking out you can see the neighbor's house across from you and below is a small patch of grass with flowers planted along the building.
From looking around at the collection of books you can tell it is a working library built on the foundation of an older library. The breath of topics is amazing but you do see that arcane and mystical related texts seem to be well represented here. You see several tomes, that in different circumstances, you would immediately sit down and start reading.
Alika's eyes widen, but seeing that the knight will not be dissuaded, hurries after him. The image of the noble knight charging forth into battle on his lusty steed was one shimmering and chimeric with romance. The image that came to Alika now was that of an enraged knight bullying a number of half-witted sailors and creating a very public scene.
"I gather that breeding is very important to your people," Alika says as they walk. "Whence came Hjalneir?" she inquires, tongue likely butchering the name in her complete ignorance of his native tongue.
** spoiler omitted **
Matt's impressed with the library; he looks about for a minor tome of poetry, one he is familiar with and opens it at a central page. Gently he reads it recollecting the words and a beautiful spring morning growing up when he had a crush upon a novice Nun Stephanie. He looks about the room; not moving from his position for a decanter and glasses.
"Hjalneir is reported to be one of the seven colts sired by the great Warhorse Jotun-Strider, gifted to my great grandsire after he so valiantly defended our family hall from a wave of invading warriors by the King of Linnorm himself. His bloodline traces back almost to the gods themselves for according to legend, t'was the God of Thunder and Battle that brought Jotun-Strider into this world to serve as the steed of the mightiest of Linnorm heroes."
Gawain tries not to expound too much on his horse's bloodline, which was as noble as any Knight's, but it made his venture to find what had happened to his steed all the more urgent. That horse was a gift from his father as a sign of true trust and affirmation of his approval of his son's choice to leave his homeland. "May He keep you safe my son, his blood is dated back to the War-Steed himself, he will not lead you astray if you do not lead him."
Gawain stomps on, people giving him room to move if they did not want to be sent onto the ground from the force of his march.
TO THE DOCKS! lol
perception to see what might be going on in and around the house.
He would give it a few minutes before he went in, he didn't like going into places he hadn't watched for a while. Saved his life beofore when Tomas and the hunters had thought they had found a good place to set up for some game but Tristen had wanted to stake it out for a while before they set the traps. Turned out there was a bear living very close to them and not one of them had wanted to tangle with a full grown adult.
So here he was outside in the dark watching some lord fool's house hoping for a sign to know he wasn't walking into some scheme of a lord intent on Tomas. But thats foolish isn't it? The damn man invited him here for Tomas' skills. What I can't get my head around is why would someone living in a city want Tomas and would even be wanting him as a replacement?
Gawain's eyes blaze slightly and he grabs the nearest dockworker and says in a deep rumble with a no-nonsense glint in his crystal blue eyes, "Where do I speak to the recorder of what comes and goes through the docks? The Harbormaster, whatever you call him, where is his office?" he releases the man not wanting to cause too big a scene but his knuckles all pop loudly as he clenches his fists. He takes a deep breath and tries to calm his rising temper
If someone had taken their things and Brecker, the horse would have put up a fight if he sensed at all that something was not right. The horse was damn sharp when it came to that. Then again, if the person just walked in dressed like a ship-worker then the horse would probably not have suspected anything until he was already loaded off the ship and led away somewhere. Either way...Gawain was going to find. his. horse.
"There is something that could be said for their efficiency, were we of that particular bent," Alika observes and smiles softly.
"Sir, please," she protests when Gawain arrests a likely innocent man, but arrests her words when he speaks and lets him go.
"A party leading a horse and a large trunk would not have gone unnoticed with this amount of activity," she says hopefully. "And I do not believe that a ship and crew with any amount of repute would simply stand and allow their passenger's possessions to be absconded with by thieves."
You find that there is a harbormaster's office further down the docks from where you are. You also quickly find that most people on the docks now are on the night shift and just starting their work schedule. You assume the Harbormasters office will be the same.
"The sailor had said that our items were claimed by a third party. Had you anyone that was expecting your arrival?" Alika inquires.
Distract Trick to match targets AC
If a hit target is Shaken, -2 on all rolls except damage
As this happens Tristen unslings his bow and half draws an arrow ready to send it rushing out to greet the shadowy figure if it proved to be some foot-pad or thief that Tomas had warned him about when he had first arrived in the city.
He was nervous though he didn't want to have to explain a dead body, especially so close to the lord's house he was supposedly going to work for.
"If it's money you want I don't have much and I don't intend on losing it. So if you don't want to lose an eye or get an arrow I suggest you make yourself known and be quick about it." he says nervously once the excitement of the bird had passed slightly licking his lips to try and keep his mouth from getting dry.
Perception
"Now, I must say. Is that any way to treat a fellow passanger?"
Tristen grunts and puts away his bow storing it back on his shoulder. Looking to Adler and clucks to him, the big bird giving another squawk at Mangur before flying over to take his customary seat on the young man's shoulder. "Dunno whats the big idea of sneaking up on someone without saying a hello? So what are you doing here then?"
"Sneaking up? I think you may have misunderstood me. I saw you hiding here in the bushes. I thought you did not wish anyone to know you were there, so I attempted to come over and speak with you in the most discreet fashion. I do apologize for startling you and your bird. That most certainly was not my intent. So what brings you to this neighbourhood?"
Matt after quarter of an hour, moves over to the decanter and pours himself a drink of wine. Then he moves back to the bookcase and takes a sip of the drink letting it's rich full bodied flavour permeate his mouth.
After about 25 minutes, the same gentleman returns. "If you will please follow me, sir?"
You are lead down the hallway to another door. Before opening the door, your guide turns to you ”If you please, I will take your marker.” After receiving the wooden marker from you he opens the door and steps out of your way. He bows slightly as you pass by him.
You enter a room with a large desk set in the middle of it. On one side are three fine leather chairs and a small end table. The desk itself is orderly but well used. Neat stacks of paper, piles of scrolls, and bottles of ink occupy it’s perimeter. The center is clear save for a few sheets and a quil. Surrounding the room are all manner of cabinets, cases, shelves, and tables. Each baring baubles and strange artifacts, some obviously for display, others set out for examination or use
Across the desk sits a half-elf. He is of medium build, has fine high features, and bright eyes the color of emeralds. His hair is a dark red, almost the color of aged copper, and worn long, falling strait down his back. He has a red goatee and mustache, not very full but immaculately trimmed and waxed. He wares red and purple robes with silver accents. He nods at you from behind the desk and motions you to sit in the center chair opposite him. After you take your seat, he folds his hands and begins to speak. His voice is clear but flat, with no hit of emotion or concern.
”Welcome Matt, I’m so glad you came. I am Ronard Rousseau. I know Sam well as both a colleague and a friend. He speaks very highly of you and recommended you to me for this position. I’m sure you have as many questions for me as I have for you. So please let us begin.” At this he unfolds his hands and reaches into a drawer at his side. He produces a pair of silver framed glasses with thick, pink crystal lenses. He dons them and adjusts them on his face. He then looks at you and smiles cordially. ”I would like to start by saying that this is a long term position we are discussing. If you were to assume these responsibilities, I would expect you to be involved for, even a number of years perhaps. Assuming, of course, that everything works out well on both sides. Is this something you are comfortable committing to?”
Tristen frowns slightly noticing how the man had avoided answering his own question about why he was here.
"Oh I was out here taking a stroll, never been to many cities before you know? The one we were in before we left on that ship was my first time. And since that was slightly rushed I couldn't exactly look around very much. So thought I'd take a look walk a ways around the city, night seems better for it less people. I am not really accustomed to this many people, how do you stand it? The docks seemed to have so many people there already does this city exist just to house them?" he asks curiously letting some truth slip into the tone.
Bluff untrained if needed
I see. Well enjoy your nighttime stroll, I have a meeting to attend."
With that, Mangur walks across the street and knocks on the door.
The house is well furnished but a bit bland and under decorated. The walls are hung with simple elegant tapestries and modest high quality paintings. Entering the foyer, you are lead up a flight of stairs and into a well stocked library and sitting room on the second floor. The sitting room is comfortable with thickly padded chairs and a small lounge. The walls are covered on three sides with bookshelves. The gentleman turns and address you, ”If you will please wait here, I have already shown the first of you in.” he turns and leaves you in the study.
I will examine my surroundings with an eye for secret passages and such. I also will appraise the wealth of what I see...just to get an idea what this fellow might be worth.
Perception:
Appraise:
After is examination of the room and its contents, mangur makes himself comfortable and wonders how long it will take the others to join him and Matt. As well he also wonders where Matt is, having expected to see him here.
Tristen frowns and then shrugs and follows soon after, pointless to sit out here in the dark nothing to do might as well get this over with
'Sensible pre-cautions, letting me wait and then taking the marker.' Matt ponders as the butler takes the token and then shows him through to his Lordship.
Matt enters smoothly, bowing to his host before taking the proferred seat. He raises an eyebrow as the demi-human noble places on the spectacles. 'Truth-seeing glasses, or word-binding? Surely he would have had them on for these papers otherwise.'
"Long Term?" 'A few years, to me that is either everything or nothing.' "I am willing to commit to something of that duration." Matt answers his voice taking a cultured tone as he takes a sip of the wine. "There are a few reservations I have about any endevour that I would like reassurnces for. Though I will say any proposal or offer will get the due consideration and total discretion and silence is guarenteed."
Matt pauses "Firstly there are certain people after me, I understand it behoves neither party to let them now of my location. Secondly, though I am not overly moral there are certain things I will not do. Especially if it causes harm to my emaining family. Lastly there will be recompense for my work." Matt says calmly, a slow smile crossing his face. 'This seems like someone I can trust and a colleague of Sams' will be a loyal employer.'
The house is well furnished but a bit bland and under decorated. The walls are hung with simple elegant tapestries and modest high quality paintings. Entering the foyer, you are lead up a flight of stairs and into a well stocked library and sitting room on the second floor. The sitting room is comfortable with thickly padded chairs and a small lounge. The walls are covered on three sides with bookshelves. Mangur, sitting in a chair, watches you enter. The gentleman turns and address you, ”If you will please wait here, I have already shown the first of you in.” he turns and leaves you in the study.
"Well now. I must say that I am surprised to see you here. Were you not out on a walk not but a few minutes ago? Well enough of that, I see that we are both here for the same reason. I am sure our host will be with us presently. Please sit and relax."
He gives a helpless shrugging motion then growls and spins towards the harbormaster's office then begins stomping towards it. "I will have answers..." he says as he marches towards it and pushes open the door.
Tristen shrugs and pets Adler scanning about him.
"Why is it whenever someone has money they have to show it off on things they ain't never going to use?" he says after a minute of looking around ignoring Mangur slightly. He hadn't talked to this man much he seemed to just follow the foreign woman around. Weren't they sleeping together?
"And what reason would that be sir?" he asks innocently.
oops...fixed lol
Why someone as ... inexperienced as I?
Or is this just the fresh outlook you wish? Surely someone of your means could find someone more knowledgeable. You wish to foster a loyalty, a bond? That is why you choose someone not local"
'Or it could be because I am expendable.'
"Why now, do you have a project in the undertaking?"
"Who are you? You appear to be one of the nobles of the city."
And who are these others? I am sorry for being so insistant in my questioning, but this is one of the reason why you wish to hire me." Unconciously Matt starts to put his hand forward, as if offering a hand-shake but keeps it on the arm of the chair.
"Let us not dissemble, my good man. We are both at this place to speak to the head of this house. I know the elf is already here somewhere, so we just wait for the knight and the young woman."