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Zorza says, "You are mistaken, sir. I am no common whore. I am fortune teller, and fiddler, and lady! I am not in habit of sleeping with strange boar-man I just met. You need money? I pay for separate room. Pay me back after we find elf maiden, and buy round of drinks for everyone as interest."
Sitting on the step listing to the dwarf snore Vernonia wonders what to do with him. Surely she could not let him lay here all night.
Out of the dark an owl lands on the railing next to her. "How was your hunt Seymoure?" The owl looks at her and gives a hoot indicating his success. He then looks down at the dwarf and turns his head at different angles trying to understand the situation.
"The blacksmiths daughter is missing and I know this dwarf has information that will help me find her.", she explains. The owl just stares at her. "I know. I know. It seem to have fallen for another hard luck story but I have to help where I can. The world is a dangerous place but I have to protect those who live here with me."
Eventually she gets up and goes to the door. She motions the innkeeper over and asks, "Who is the dwarf that is passed out on your doorstep and why has he gotten himself into such a state?"
Yuri comes over as soon as she could, Krong appeared to be too busy to handle such trivial problems, that and he didn’t even respond to Vernonia request. Yuri looks at you up and down and takes a moment to respond but she does so with concerned look on her face.
”I.. I.. Think he gave the the name Broden Thunderscar if if my memory recalls. He He drinks here from time to to time. Don’t really know much about about about him. But he he stays in in room 2…2… 203 upstairs.”
Yuri Bows before you, scanning over the near empty Lodge, listening to the Orc beg people for a room, though she overheard the loud speaking as Madam Offered to pay for his room.
Qalifa returned to his family of travelers for the night.
Vernonia beams brightly as a thought comes into here head. Not only can she help one person but now two.
"Paladin of Irori come here please." She waits for the Half-Orc to arrive and then says, "This poor dwarf is in need of care. He is staying in room 203 and I cannot carry him by myself. If you could help me get him up to his room you could spend the night with him nursing him back to health."
She turns back to Yuri, "Can you please send up some water and towels to help clean up Mr. Thunderscar. Also send up some food for when he wakes up. I will need a room for myself as close as possible to 203 but it needs to have a window. Tell me the cost and I will cover it."
"Elf woman is always thinking." observes Zorza in her mind. "Now I do not have to lend money."
"Is good idea," she says. "Good night. See you at breakfast."
Zorza hurries to her room before anyone else can stop her.
Hung Dong looks at the Elf with surprise, then straightens himself and says
"Certainly I will help you carry the dwarf up to his room. I'm just surprised you would trust me to care for him. Considering some of the looks I was given earlier and the general perception of mind kind thought they might not even give me a room, hence why I offered to split a room with the others."
"If you have made it this far into the forest with out getting filled with arrows from my kind or stabbed by the other races I think you I can trust you some. Further trust is going to have to be earned."
At this point they get he dwarf upstairs, cleaned up, and put to bed. After that Vernonia heads off to her room. As she gets ready to close the door she looks back at Hung Dong 2 and says, Goodnight. Your next chance to earn some trust will be when a hungover dwarf wakes up in a room with you." She laughs and continues, "We need him to help us find the missing girl so I hope the two of you survive the encounter."
Once in here room she opens the window and calls for Seymoure. As she crawls into bed one last thought comes to her as she falls asleep. I hope he remembers to hide all the weapons.
Aerek your eyes catch immediate attention to the silvery cat as it leaped into a chair nearby and started wiggling its tail, in a crouched pounce like state in your raven direction. The cat was slowly approaching the raven with subtly but the leap to the chair was what caught your attention.
Ruhk, it seems someone wants to play. Have fun, but don't be too rough. Good playmates are hard to come by.
The raven caws before catching sight of the silvery feline set to pounce from its chair.
The two lock gazes and a tense stare down begins between them. Ruhk spreads his wings, its golden eyes never leaving those of the cat.
Before the cat can twitch a muscle, the raven takes to the air and begins to engage it in that most favorite of games: catch-me-if-you-can.
Aerek raven fly’s around, and after only a few minutes the cat gets tired of attempting to pounce about slapping at the bird from the air, the silvery cat takes to the corner in a slow steady nose stuck up I don’t care attitude.
Without further details, the night draws on and many of you find rest within the tavern walls costing 5 silver per room.
The morning sun rises up early as rays of light make partial entrance into the rooms window’s, casting what appears to be a rainbow glancing across the wall from a charm that hangs on each window seal. The gentle sounds of birds chirping could be heard nearby. Although, this since of feeling doesn’t last long; the sound of a screaming dwarf could be heard throughout the Lodge.
Vernonia jumps from her bed starting the already perplexed owl who screeches and heads out the window. As she heads out the door she yells.
"Hold on Thunderscar!Don't kill anyone! I can explain everything!
Hung Dong puts his hands up in a placating gesture and says
"Wait a minute I think you misunderstand me."
"Meowzers!" exclaims Zorza. She jumps out of bed, grabs her bow, and runs to the window to spot the invaders. Seeing none, she throws open the window, and climbs the outside of the building toward the noise.
(figure out what is going on)
Waking up with the rising sun. Qalifa cleans himself with a rag and small bowl of cold water. Wakes up Tochrais, feeds him, and combs him down. Gathering his gear he turns to Tochrais
Well my friend shall we go to the tavern. To see if the others have arrived? I will race you there.
He says dashing off toward the tavern before Tochrais could get into the air.
Leaps off the ground flapping his huge wings. Quickly out pacing Qalifa landing on the roof above the door a full minute before his friend reaches the tavern. Tucks his head under his wing as if he fell asleep waiting for him. Picks his head up when Qalifa reaches the door.
warble warble
As if to asking him "what took you so long?"
Aerek awakes to the sound of a dwarf screaming and to the call of his raven. He immediately reaches for his spear, its heft and balance immediately causing him to regain his calm.
The Kellid dresses and opens the door to his room, then steps out to see if he can locate the source of the cry and is joined by Ruhk.
Thunderscar holds his action for but a moment as he over hears the sound of a voice calling his name, though his Axe remains high over his head ready to strike should the Hung move even an inch.
"WHAT REASON SHOULD I HOLD MY BLADE, ORC?"
Thunderscar tone elevated though not completely screaming; however, still loud enough that people can hear from the other side of the door.
About this time, everyone else locates the room that the dwarf was screaming from, passing their perception DC 10. Some of which already knowing the room at which the dwarf and the Half Orc resided in. Many of you would find yourself at the door outside the dwarf room but Madam locates the window from which the sound emanates from, spotting the raised Axe from the dwarf and the nearly paralyzed Half Orc, Mr. Dong.
Qalifa finds arrival at the site of a large commotion in and about the Waywyrn Lodge, and catches wind from the crowd of people down stairs looking up in the rooms' direction. The guests of the Lodge are talking amongst themselves about a dead Orc soon to be, many laughing about the situation.
Krong looks up to the door and calls to Yuri in a stern voice.
"Yuri, grab a few rags and a bucket of water, looks like you going to be cleaning a dead body soon."
Yuri looks up at Krong and replies with a hesitant voice as usual.
"Ye..Yes Sir!"
Yuri heads to the back and starts gathering water and a bucket of water and sets it at the entrance of the back room encases she needs them. Looking back up to the room and shakes her head hoping that this will resolve before bloodshed begins.
Zorza bursts out laughing when she sees what is happening. She shouts through the window, "Do not kill half-orc. You were drunk and he needed a room, so we put him with you."
"Mr. Thunderscar there is no need for this behavior. Hung was only looking after you while you slept off the effects of your drinking last night. If he wanted to do you any harm it was have happened long before now. Now put down the axe, put on some cloths, and come down to breakfast. I am sure an ale will put you in a better mode."
Looks up at Tochrais Well it seems that everyone is here and the excitement has already started. Well lets go in and get some breakfast we have a long day ahead of us. See who has survived the night. Qalifa walks in to the tavern with Tochrais takes a seat. waiting for the bar maid to take his order.
As calmly and quickly as possible Hung Dong shifts his weight to even out his balance.
"Mr. Krong please get ahold of yourself!"
Leaving his spear behind, Aerek heads to the room where the screaming came from. As he drew near, the Kellid can make out other things being said.
Enough to know that blood hadn't been spilled yet.
Will none of you do anything? he asks of those standing outside the room.
Thunderscar hears the words of both Vernonia Banks and Madam Zorza and finds that they are enough to influence his decision. Thunderscar strikes down hard and fast before anyone has time to react, driving his oversized Axe deep into the headboard of the bed above Hung Dong head missing him completely, but close enough to get his point across.
"I suggest you leave before I change my mind, ORC!"
Thunderscar voice was very firm and angered while the raging impulses ending. Adding a rather rude but commentary remark:
"Never put ORC in a Dwarf room, should you find it dead the morning of."
Thunderscar looks to the apparent open door after people have gathered at both the window and his door, looks to the bedside and grabs his clothing and his backpack tossing them to the bed. Showing no form of shyness as he tosses his shirt on and starts to pull up his pants, thankfully Yuri cleaned them as the night passed.
Thunderscar glances back over to the Half Orc to see if he had moved yet, with the Axe still deep inside the headboard. Again looking once more to the onlookers:
"Was there something you need?"
Seeing that the alleged orc invasion has been successfully resolved, and trusting Vernonia to make whatever use can be made of the dwarf, Zorza climbs back to her room and proceeds to groom herself. After licking her fur clean, she finishes dressing and arming herself and heads to the common room for breakfast with the others.
"I will break fast with milk and porridge." she says to either Krong or Yuri, whoever happens to be closest. "What do dwarves eat for breakfast? You had better prepare plate for grumpy dwarf. I will pay. Full stomach will turn mean scowl into friendly scowl."
"Yes!!!"
Hung Dong stares intensely at the Dwarf letting the tension build.
"I want a hug"
When Madam come's down stairs. Qalifa waves her over to join him. He say's to Yuri.
"I will have what ever the kitchen is serving. Tochrais will have a piece of whatever meat you have ready. Thank you."
He turns back to Madam
"So did the orc survive the night? Or did he try to enter the wrong room in the middle of the night?"
I ask with a raised eyebrow and a half smirk on my face. I glance around the room to see if anyone else has shown up for the search.
Madam Zorza sees Qalifa and struts over to sit with him. "Orc barely survived," she says "He slept in room with passed out dwarf. When dwarf awoke, there arose such clatter. I climbed to window to see what was matter. Dwarf thought wild orcs had invaded. He was nearly chopping Paladin's head off."
Vernonia steps inside the room and helps Hung Dong to his feet. Keeping herself between him and Thunderscar as she pushed the half-orc towards the door.
After Hung Dong is out she turns to the dwarf with hands on her hips and says, "Tell me about Bloodsinger!
Upon seeing that the matter has been resolved without his direct intervention, Aerek retrieves his things before heading downstairs for breakfast.
He takes seat at the center table and asks for the tavern's breakfast special, proffering a gold coin to the young elf maid.
Rather than sit upon Aerek's shoulder, Ruhk flapped noisily to the rafters, keeping a sharp eye out for his playmate from the previous night.
chirp warble
cocking her head at the tiny bird to get a better look.
Turns to his friend
You are too big to go into the rafters. But if the little bird comes down here you can play with him. Maybe you two can go outside and play tag?
Shortly after hearing the response from Hung, the dwarf looks to him and gives an evil glare as if he wouldn't hug the poor Half Orc if he were the last person left on Galarion. Quickly Thunderscar grabs his stuff and rips the Axe from the headboard with one hand, heading out the room and down the stairs; although, he stops long enough to respond to Vernonia.
"Silly Elf, Bloodsinger is my Baby, She getting fixed at the blacksmith!"
Pointing to his large Axe:
"The blacksmith lend me this one. You'll find your way, if you survive the woods. I must be going, collecting my Axe this morning."
Thunderscar doesn't wait long for replies and makes for the door with a bit of a hoofed pace. You can tell by his tone in his voice that he is still angered at the morning encounter.
Down stairs, a nice table is arranged with a banquet of food from eggs, ham and several other sorts of foods. Yuri catches each one of the so-called group and informs them of the large meal.
"Si..Sir/Ma..Madam, Someone paid for for your morning meal. It.. It is free of charge. Would you you like to...to take part."
Yuri would look at you with a slight timid pause.
"It..it..it...was a silver cat"
Sadly she wants to laugh and you could make out a hint of a smile buried below her response.
In the morning light, you notice that aside from two elves sitting in the Waywyrn Lodge that only a gnome and a Suli are sitting quietly to themselves eating there morning breakfast. The morning lodge was no were near as busy as the previous night.
Each of you would almost immediately notice the others who showed up from last night with such an empty tavern.
After hearing that the bill was paid and by whom. Qalifa turns too Madam. thank you. your generosity will not go unappreciated.
"I would like to take credit," says Zorza, "but I believe she means little pussy cat who was here last night. I will have to remember to say 'thank you' to this cat. Is good breakfast with lots of meat. Let us serve ourselves and eat." She rises and goes over to the buffet to help herself.
Vernonia talks fast while the dwarf packs up, "I have more questions for you Mr. Thunderscar. We all saw the poster for the missing girl and you talked about her last night. We want to find her so please tell us what you know."
After he leaves she goes to her room and gathers her things and heads down stairs.
She gathers with the others to eat and think about what to do next.
Aerek looks more than a little skeptical at the idea that Ruhk's playmate has paid for the morning meal, but he has no reason to think that the elf maid would lie to him.
Take the coin any way. Keep it for yourself, The Kellid says with a warm smile as he gently closes her fingers about the gold piece.
Overhead, Ruhk keeps a watchful eye for the silver cat.
Such an ostentatious display of wealth attracts Madam Zorza's attention. She thinks, "This one has more gold than he knows what to do with. Zorza can help with this problem." She smiles noncommittally at Aerek. Maybe she will rob him today, maybe she won't.
A look of surprise crosses Qalifa's face.
You don't find that the least bit strange? That a house cat pays for our meal. I'm beginning to think the black smith's daughter's disappearance may have greater importance. Then we initially realized.
"Well, I was giving her good scratching. I just kind of assumed that there was magic involved." admits Zorza shrugging. "My family is magical, ..."
"Though I am squib," she thinks, ...
"So I am used to idea of witches' familiars and turning enemies into harmless, lovable animals. This may relate to blacksmith's daughter, but then again, maybe not. We should finish eating, then talk to blacksmith. Are we all here? Where is half-orc?"
Thunderscar doesn't return much more information then what he gave. His temper is so high strung at the moment that he fails to reply.
I wonder if this is related to the bar maids strange behavior last night.
After some thought on the subject Qalifa stands up and addresses the room.
If anyone here is interested in helping find the blacksmiths daughter we will be meeting at this table to discuss our plan of action. Please grab some food and join us.
Sitting back down with Madam Zorza. He waits while everyone participating joins them.
Quietly and calmly Hung Dong comes out of seemingly no where sits next to Zorza and says
"I am here, I'm just remiss to draw attention to myself while the Dwarf is around. After all dead men tell no tales neither do unconscious ones. One of which would likely be the case, given the irrational tempers of his kind."
He then begin to eat
Vernonia slowly eats some of the food offered. The look on her face clearly shows that she is thinking about the events of yesterday and and this morning.
Hearing the call to arms she speaks up, "Count me in. I am going to go see the blacksmith as soon as I finish eating. It seems like the logical place to start."
Zorza appraises her fellow adventurers while she eats. Between bites, she says, "Is good group. Some of you I know. Some of you I am meeting for first time. You may call me Zorza. There is reward for finding elf girl. Shall we agree to equal shares?"
Snapped out of her thoughts Vernonia looks around the group, "My name is Vernonia. I live in the village of Forest Grove. I am glad to meet all of you." Looking over at Madam Zorza she continues, "Equal shares is fine but I am not worried about the reward. It is the girl I am worried about. If one child goes missing in the forest then others could be taken too. We need to find out what happened and stop it."
I am Qalifa formally of the Five Mountains Circle, gesturing at the 5' eagle beside him this is Tochrais my friend and ward. Equal shares sounds like a fine idea. I hope that we find the girls quickly and unharmed.
"Is pleasure to meet you all. Will northern spearman be joining us in hunt for elf girl?" asks Madam Zorza, looking toward Aerek and his heavy purse. Part of her wished that his presence last night and this morning was merely a coincidence and that he would not be joining the group, for it would be exceedingly rude to rob one's own party members. The other part welcomed all the help it could get. There is strength in numbers. "You there!" she calls out. "Will you help find missing child?"
Yuri is constantly running back and forth to the table keeping everything in order so that nothing is out of place and everyone is getting their meals worth. Krong seems to place very little attention to anything that is going on, in fact he is still behind the bar cleaning all the glasses that were used last night. Sadly a never ending task, but you can clearly see that behind him is a large rack of glasses for the hundreds of customers they expect to have in a day.
The morning tables have all been cleaned to the rim, even have a slight glow about each table. Upon a closer inspection you notice there isn’t even a grain of dust to be found anywhere within the lodge, as though it was magically cleaned, at least spell casters would recognize that as prestidigitation.
The meals taste extremely good, the breakfast was suited for that of royalty in a tavern that is, ideally the best food you can find in such a small establishment.
The morning has a few random guests showing up looking for a meal, and quickly they are served by Yuri, and greeted by Krong. The few minor guest that show up all eyeball the corner where the group sits, nearly inspecting there food over the delicious set of food among the groups table. Though only a short time has passed the Dwarf is far from sight and unheard of to ease the mind of many customers from the grumpy dwarf.
Try as she might, Zorza is unable to spot the cat lurking in the corner.
Aerik appears to have been unable to hear her above the din of the morning crowd. That, or he is ignoring her. She shrugs.
"I am full," she says, and judging by her bloated stomach and sluggish movements you know this to be true. "I should not have eaten so much, but was so good. I have not eaten so well in long time. Let us go see blacksmith and hear what she has to say."
spot cat