"Sometimes I awake, from nightmares' Matt says the word sounding alien in his mouth "I will try to control them, it just requires focus. That's why I got smashed every night on the the ship. Drinking yourself into oblivion always works." His voice filled with self-deprecation.
Shaking his head like a dog ridding himself of water, he continues "Sorry, all this self-pitying talk. We should be celebrating, a new start, a new employer. I take it you were a freelancer before?"
Mangur looks at the elf in surprise and replies, "That is quite a burden to bear. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please feel free to ask. We are comrades now, and as such must rely on one another, so it is in my best interest to make sure you rest well."
He looks at the drink in Matts hand. "But drinking oneself into darkness each night...well that will take a toll on your spirit. We must find another way for you to sleep."
Mangur looks over to where the owner has gone and notices the man with his ugly bird. He turns to Matt and asks, "Matt, see the man with the bird? What was his name again?"
Before Matt can answer he waves to the fellow. "Hey..umm..you! With the bird. Please come and join us."
Alika's fingertips brush Mistress Gueneph's with the barest of caresses before she makes the key vanish "You sound as though you are intimate with the way," Alika observes, smile broadening. "Do not be as a stranger," she says.
Alika turns and favors her... eclectic fellows with a firm, disapproving glance. The child was far too naive for this manner of employment, she was sure, and quick to anger beside. His temper would be a detriment to the group, until she could divine some method of channeling his excesses. Were she of the persuasion - Alika sighs and dismisses the thought before entertaining it fully.
"A second's thought, Master," she says to the 'keep. "Please do send the bottle to my table. Your girl will have the appropriate coin from me."
Alika approaches your table and places her fingertips on the back of an unoccupied chair. "Greetings, again, gentlemen. I have taken the liberty of procuring a bottle of wine. May I?"
--------Before Alika-----------
"You the bird" huh? Probably shouldve had Adler shat on him that would fix him. Tristen smiles widely at the though and walks over to the pair Adler hoping off to sit on the chair's back.
"Well well if it isn't the thief in the night?" Tristen chuckles before leaning over to look to the matron. "Miss please don't forget the bones any will do I would take it as a personal favor. Thank you." he says before leaning forwards to look at his two companions.
"So any word on the other two? Think they will be joining us here at our lovely inn?"
---------When Alika arrives----------
Tristen rises out of his seat, disturbing Adler but he ignores him, and bows slightly. "Miss good to see you again. had a feeling you would come by." He grins at her.
Mangur looks over the counrty bumpkin and smiles. Thief in the night, indeed! he thinks.
As Alika arrives, Mangur rises, but declines the wine. "Fruit juice is my chosen drink. Not very manly, but harder to poison." He waits a few seconds for this to sink in before he starts to laugh.
Tristen: Gueneph brings you over a key marked with a 3, your dinner, and a separate plate of bones and scraps.
Tristen thanks Gueneph heartfully and begins to uck into his food hastily having been without food for a while, his stomach never able to hand more than water upon that miserable ship.
Ocactionally while he eats he hands a sizeable chunk of bone to Adler who happily seaizes the bone and swallows it whole cawing for more softly.
Tristen pauses at the comment of the poison a confused look upon his face. "Hows it harder?"
Everyone but Gawain
"Hello again, sir," Alika responds to Tristan's greeting, she spares a curious glance at the collection of bones and scraps the young woman furnishes him, and her eyes flick to the creature perched on his shoulder once and then away without another word.
Alika chuckles at Magnur's suggestion. "Are you taking the juice directly from a known pure source with your very own straw?" she inquires. "If not, I would not be so certain that your assessment is accurate. The skin of a fruit can be a method to convey disease, and its flesh is prone to rot.
"Given the nature of our... association," Alika continues, and pulls the chair out from the table, "I do not see how sharing a single beverage together would upset the standards for decorum and morale we have already established," Alika says, her eyes fixed on the elf. She smiles softly and looks to Magnur again. "Or we may continue to distrust each other and discount potential allies for the trees, and see how many will flock to our aide when we comport ourselves thus."
Mangur shakes his head slightly, the smile still on his face. "I am sorry my friends. It was simply a joke. An attempt to break the ice, as it were. I am sorry that is was such a dismal failure. But as to the wine, I thank you for the offer, but i must refuse. It is for religious reasons that I do not drink strong spirits, nor eat the flesh of most animals. I mean no disrespect."
Alika gives a faint nod, and arranges her skirts behind her legs before sitting in the chair she pulled out for herself. "Very well. Some day I should like to learn about your gods, if you've the time and inclination to enumerate," she says.
"I make no claim to be an exceptional peer of faith, mind. It has always interested me how some could claim a god 'dead' when his deeds and concerns still exist our collective memory," Alika muses. "Or her worship banned," she concludes softly.
"We will see, Tristen." Matt tone is relaxed.
As Alika arrives, Matt stands as she comes over to the table. "Madame, a glass of wine is always well received, as is your company."
Sitting down Matt regards the rest of the group; "I take it you have all spoken it the man with the magic eye-glasses? And accepted his offer? Or is it simply a happy conincidence you are here. By the way the food is excellent."
Matt frowns; "No Mangur, your humour is droll. And the reasons the best, we will have to ensure a trust and harmony in the advancing project. There is no dishonour or shame in following the Gods edicts." 'Provided it's the right one'
Matt smiles, "You bring wine and philosophy, Lady Alika, surely you are a dream. Is that not the very reason for living for when we die (as we surely will), we leave a legacy, memories for those that follow. I can only hope that mine is a good one."'Not bloody likely'
Taking a sip of the vintage. "Banning the worship of Gods; even if they are 'dead'. It is strange practice and a foolish one, especially if they have vile rites. The unknown, forbidden and naughty has a certain allure." He leans forward over the table with a sly wink.
Alika's well arched eyebrow raises faintly at Matt's insinuation. "I believe it prudent at this particular juncture for me to reveal that I do not prefer or pursue romantic entanglements with men, and find... indecorous overtures towards my person extremely uncomfortable. I do not mean to insult or offend, but if we are expected to cooperate with each other, I would rather these facts be known and discussed openly if you wish, so that they do not prove a point which may fracture us in the future."
Matt inclines his head. "Thank you for being honest with us, I was not trying to ....pick you up. Merely my flamboyance is an affectation, that I find can disarm or make people disregard me. With my hertitage it makes it easy for others to see me as a flighty stupid elf, and I see no reason to discourage that."
Matt fiddles with a red Iomedae ring, "I apologise for any and all inappropriate behaviour." His tone serious.
"Others perhaps, yes, and I least of all women should not discourage your efforts to misdirect, sir, however," Alika pauses and takes a breath. "Again, as we are meant to cooperate with each other, we should at least achieve a basis of understanding and respect for each other. I do not suggest that we should lay each of our most intimate secrets upon the line, but establish open and honest communication."
Matt smile fades for a second. "Of course not some thing should remain ...private. I thank you for your candor, it was not out of a lack of respect that I act. We should and will be comrades." Matt puts out his hand for Alika to take.
"But not who will I flirt outrageously with, Tristen?" The smile returns to his face and he looks coyly at the young man.
Alika takes another breath before reaching out and laying her hand on Matt's gently, barely resting her weight on his. "On the contrary, I would suggest that such playful ribbing should be limited to persons outside of our party," she says. "Within reason, of course. It simply would not do to upset the community here, either."
Tilting his head apologetically at Tristan. "Yes, as it was this morning. Did you learn anything from or about our.... benefactor? My travels today though direct were, poor and unfruitful."
"I don't mean to pry everyone, or be indiscrete. Just trying to get as much information as possible, to ensure our survival."
He then bows his head deeply, clasps his fist over his chest and swears in his best oratory voice, "I, Gawain Macellan, do swear my oath of service unto you my lord, until such time as you release me from service."
Mangur sits and listens to the elf and woman spar. He is still upset about these 'arrangements', preferring to have his own place in which to relax. He will either find something suitable here, or go elsewhere. This is, after all, the 'big' city. Accommodations will not be hard to secure.
Gawain nods to all of these conditions, keeping his kneeling position until told to rise. He bows his head at the offer of the payment as well as the working hours and he grins slightly to himself. A walk in the park so far compared to Linnorm...
"Aye milord, these do indeed meet with mine expectations. Merely direct my arm and I, my steed Brecker and my blade are yours to command."
”Wonderful, please stand. There are a couple of things I want to make clear. You will not return here unless specifically instructed to do so. I have many rivals and don’t wish them to know that you work for me unless it is unavoidable. I have already arranged for rooms at the Standing Ogre Inn for everyone. Your contact will be Gueneph Beausind, the owner of the Standing Ogre. From her you will receive instructions and any resources you may need. If you require to send me a message, please give it to her and she will see it to me. You may trust her discretion in all matters. Understand clearly, that no one is to know that you are my agents unless you are specifically instructed to reveal yourself as such. I have given to Alika a token that will be a marker to others that you are my representatives. Unless otherwise instructed, she is to carry it and will be responsible for it’s safe keeping. Show it only to those you are instructed to. Deny to all else that you are associated with me in any way, and report anyone that may inquire about me or my family.”
Once you exit the study you are met by the same man who admitted you. He introduces himself as Javin and gives you directions to the Standing Ogre Inn. It is located in the Abbey Green area of town, just north of the ruined tower you passed earlier in the night. You head that way, passing back out the gate between Old Cassomir and the rest of the city. Once you find the Standing Ogre you realize you must have passed by it on your way to Ronard's house.
The building appears as a unremarkable three story brick and plaster structure. The large (7 ft) stone figure of an Ogre stands beside the door, his face contorted in a slack jawed smile. He wares a tunic and apron and holds a mug in his left hand. His right arm is raised strait overhead, his hand holding a horizontal pole from which the establishment's sign hangs beside him.
As you enter, the lively sounds of a common room greet you despite the late hour. There are several groups of people eating, drinking, and talking at the tables. You see a young girl carrying a tray of mugs, weaving in and out of the tables. Behind the bar you see and exceedingly tall dwarf, standing eye to eye with the human customers.
You are quickly greeted by a woman with light bronze skin and thick dark brown hair, with streaks of grey beginning to show at her temples. She is wearing a dark blue gown of fine velvet trimmed in gold and green. She has deep grey blue eyes and a warm, welcoming smile. ”Welcome to the Standing Ogre Inn, how may I help you tonight?”
Tristen pushes his plate away suddenly not hungry. His manner consumed by barely suppressed rage.
"The gods can go burn in hell along with the snakes and vermin that call themselves clergy." His eyes glittering darkly he presses his lips together tightly and feeds Adler the last of the food and bone.
'Oh, balls.' Matt looks shocked at Tristans outburst. "I see, is it anything you wish to discuss? Or simply a private matter between you and the Gods?"
Matt covers up the ring on his finger with his other hand. "Because we are to be colleague and hopefully... friends. I take it you lost someone?" his tone reassuring, not trying to push the man into another scene.
Alika looks taken a back for a moment with Tristan's vitriol. "Well, it is certainly refreshing to have such an eager confirmation of the reason why one of us will be excluded from negotiations with clients," Alika states flatly. "If you are unable to compose yourself favorably among them who are meant to be your companions, I would be remiss to allow you near genteel society."
As everyone starts getting up and around from a very late night, you see it is well into the morning already. You enjoyed a night spent in a real bed on solid ground and obviously indulged it longer than you normally would. Through the window, you see it is a cool spring morning but should quickly become a beautiful day. The sounds on the street below tell of a lively thoroughfare for both travelers and commerce. You see to your morning preparations and head downstairs in search of food and your companions.
As you come down into the common room it is mostly empty. It seems the early breakfast crowd has already moved on to the rest of their day. ”Good morn, could I get you something to break your fast?” the young serving girl asks. As you take a seat at the table you see a huge house cat patrolling the bar as if on sentry duty. You could easily have mistaken it for a small hunting cat, given it’s size, if not for the clearly calico markings of a white face and chest, and a black body with large orange spots. It doesn’t seem to take notice of anyone, including the dwarf currently wiping down mugs on the same bar.
Shortly after finding your seat, the young server brings out some food and a jug of sweet cider. She asks politely if there is anything else you need and then leaves you to your meal.
"Verily, sweet darling," Alika sings, her dulcet tones and her broad smile sincere. "Satisfy a woman's burning curiosity if you would. Whom would you consider the single greatest player in this city?"
Matt comes down, the nights sleep untroubled for the first time in a while. He seats himself diagonal to the Lady Alika and waits for her question to be answered. Afterwards he asks the server; "My dear Maiden would it be possible to have a small selection of fruits and a but of bread and cheese?"
Matt turns to the desert woman; "Did you learn anything worthwhile from your meeting with our employer or before that? My inquiries were fruitless, although I do know what style of high-backed chair is prefered in Court!" Matt says with a self-depricating grin and small wink.
"Nothing of value, I am afraid," Alika answers with a note of disappointment. "Taldor is hardly renown for its love of desert folk," she continues and laughs softly. "Though I will venture to say the natives are a good deal more tolerant than some in our party, hmm?" she jests lightly, azure eyes flaring in Tristan's direction.
Mangur rises and washes before going down to meet with the rest of the party.
Good morning all. I hope you all slept well. I know I did. So, have we heard from our new employner yet?"
He stops the serving girl as she is leaving and asks for an assortment of fruits and bread. He then sits down beside Matt and gives he a friendly pat on the arm. "A good night, was it not so!! Perhaps my presence allows for restfulness."
"Aye, twas a grand eve. No word yet. From my interview, i did not gleam even an inkling of his future ambitions. Didst thou?" Matt asks his words chosen seemingly archaically.
Tristen looks to Alika, "I was not told anyone was in charge of me. I will go where I am sent by our patron not decided by you. My views are my own and it has already been discussed how I will conduct myself if clients are within the clergy. Do not try and order me around woman, the churches inquisitors and an empress could not kill me so leave me be with my views they won't hinder any endeavor we conduct professionally. So again woman don't think you can control me or why I go." He turns to the elf then "My people were taken over by an empire and blamed for the incursion of demons because of our faith. Every day Inquisitors roam the land looking for devil worshipers and followers of the devils that try and enter the land. As they search they round up anyone they can get away with and by the empress's ignorance...we burn...in the cities, in the streets, village squares....our own homes. If you will excuse me I believe I shall turn in if that is acceptable to you mistress?"
Tristen makes his way down freshly shaved the bird Adler strangely absent from his shoulder. He thanks the young woman silently and pokes at his food his eyes dark and troubled. Dark circles around his eyes showing signs of how well he slept. At Alika's barb he just laughs sneering at her in contempt before saying "We are supposed to receive orders from Gueneph, if that helps. Anything else our patron avoided."
"I am called Alika, sir, and you would do well to remember. Refer to me by my sex in a prerogative manner again, and I will rob you of yours."
Alika rises from the table. "I do not ask that you love me, Tristan, and if I were to choose, I would prefer more agreeable company than yours myself, but do not disrespect me."
"Ok-ay" Matt says as Tristan and Alika leave
Matts nods slightly in agreement to Tristans' statement about the Lord. "One thing, he did say was that he would give one of you a symbol of our fellowship. His crest? Did he? From my entry, it seems I was the first' 'and most incautious' 'interviewee. Anyway it is good to relax and ease the tensions between ourselves." 'Hopefully'