[b]"Yes she said it quite a few times. I found her tied up upstairs in the burning mill. The others were retrieving the orb but I heard thumping and went to investigate. After I took her downstairs she kept mumbling about some man." Archaouss explains to Sandy.
Krallek sees the vision as Elon touches the orb and the expression on his face changes to one who clearly doesn't know what is going on. Panicking at first he quickly regains his composure.
It's true, it was Ms Eliana what warned us not to give the orb to Argius. It ain't the only warning we gots either. When I picked it up I swear the damned thing talked to me! It told me to not let Argiusotherer touch the orb. Since I aint ever heard of im, I figured it were talking about your man Argius given that their names is so similar. Well, it were probably partly cuz I don't much like the man, but he n I had a bit of a confrontation after that.
"She was in the burning building?" Obvious panic and concern show in his face and voice.
He stands up to leave in a rush but is stopped by Krallek's words. "Argius and Argiusotherer may have similar names and I can see why not many people get along with Argius, he is not the most patient of people. However he is my employee and therefor bound by my authority. Though the fact that Eliana has said not to let him touch it has given me pause for thought."
"We have one orb safe, I shall lock it away when I go to work on your tools. That leaves 3 more to find and I doubt the next three will be so easy to come across. Do you have a plan regarding what to do next?"
You ain't need to worry none bout that little lady. She's ok. She seems as tough as nails that one. Prolly even as tough as the hammer that hits the nails even. Your man Argius is tending to her scrapes and bruises now. Who is Eliana? Is she got a connection with them orbs or something? I mean, more than other townsfolk?
There was some troubling evidence in the mill, claw marks and huge footprints that headed in, but did not seem to come out. Also, I have information that Paul from the Judges Ruin might not be everything that he appears to be. Those are two lines of inquiry that I wish to follow up. However, my stores of magic are mightily depleted, and if I were to have any more uses, then I would be needing to rest up. I will however go with what the party wishes, I am not without resources.
"She is very tough at least she can be. Eliana is a very good friend." He seems a little distant when he says that and quickly moves on to trying to explain,
"She is connected to the orbs in a way or to be more accurate they are connected to her. It is hard to explain."
He paces slowly back to the desk to sit down and takes a deep breath.
"she seems to know when they orbs need something or are in trouble. The night before the first one was stolen, she had terrible nightmare, thrashing and shouting in her sleep the whole night and she could not be raised from sleep for most of the following day. As far as I know this occurred each time one was taken."
Concern once again shows on is face.
"She does not remember having nightmares. She does not remember a lot of things and some are for the best but I trust her with my life and to hear that she said not to hand the orb to Argius, leaves me in a bit of a conundrum."
He sits quiet for a moment and listens to Elon speaking.
"If that is the evidence you have then it is a good place to start. Sybil knows more about Paul than I do though I fear her answers may be biased, they do not get along."
"I think Elon's right. We could all probably use some rest. Besides, I need some time to think." Galacia waves her hand across the room. "I mean look at us. Our clothes are covered in ash and we smell like burnt wood. We can't go around town like this, especially if the people working against us are here. They'll know we were in the mill...and right now the fact that they don't know who we are is our only advantage."
Well might I suggest a course of action then? We find rooms, wash and get generally ready, before going out for a drink somewhere? My treat? Elon smiles, these were a tough bunch, not a lot seemed to faze them, although the visions were unusual and would take plenty of processing.
My friends (if I might be so bold as to call you friends), there is a bar of some high accolade here, I would like to take you to it, and let us relax, get to know one another and perhaps break open a few barrels. The day has been a whirlwind of activity, let the evening be filled with laughter.
Krallek starts to grumble at the talk of bathing Might be the smell of burnt wood is an improvement on me.
But after the mention of 'free booze' and 'breaking open a few barrels' his mood brightens considerably.
Where is the bath house? he inquires. After all, the early bird gets the worm at the bottom of the bottle.
" I think I could use some normalcy such as a bar after such...." Gestures to the orb.
"I guess I could use a bit of rest before we start trying to save the world and all that," Carth said, shaking his head as he cleared the last of the visions from the orb.
Galacia rests her cheek against her hand as the others agree to Elon's proposal. She could think of several other things she'd rather do than spend the evening in a bar, surrounded by drunks. Still, everyone else seemed to entertain the idea so she might as well tag along and learn a few things about her new "friends". "Fine. I guess it's settled then."
Galacia stands and turns her attention to Graves. "I believe Argius said you were preparing rooms for us to stay in, correct? If they're ready, I'd like to see my room, please."
"My room's at Judge's Ruin, I hope that's where Elon is recommending? George is a fine fellow!"
I take off my hat and give it a sniff, "This makes me hungry for smoked cheese and meats... At least I haven't lost my appetite!"
Yes you have rooms here. Velana you have a room here to, you may stay where you wish of course but there is one available and set up."
Mr Graves calls for a temple worker, who promptly arrives to show you to where the rooms are.
"This way please"this time he waits for you to follow.
You are shown up a set of stairs and to a corridor with many doors leading off it. Some doors have your names on. Each leads to modest but comfortable room. Each room has a bed, chest, window and A wall hanging depicting various hero's and gods.
After showing each one of you your room he leaves.
Archaouss scans his room briefly laying his pack on the bed before slipping over and stashing one of his many daggers under the pillow. He then carefully arranges the pillow so that no one could notice the change. He closes the curtains then (if there are any) and leaves the room and waits for the others to emerge.
Sleight of hand
Krallek gets cleaned up send then heads over to the bar to wait for the others. While there he orders a dinner of spiced potatoes with sausages and onions ... man's food. He washes it down with a mug of strong ale.
"There go my man." Says George the bar man with a big smile on his face. A generaly friendly and welcoming guy and is always happy to share his cooking.
"Are you one of the lot Graves sent for?"
Krallek, unsure of who to trust and how much information to give out attempts to dodge the question Mmm. These spuds is as good as I've ever et. You know yer way round the stove obviously. Whatcha put in em?
Having been led to his room, Carth checks it over, seeing what is and isn't there. Moderetly satisfied, he puts his crossbow down next to his bed, while places his bag at the foot of the bed.. Making sure he had a few important things (like money) in his various pockets, he leaves the room, and waits for everyone else to appear.
Galacia says her thanks to the man that led her to the room as she steps inside. The second Galacia steps into her room, she closes the door behind her, leaning against it for several seconds before sliding down to the floor, her face buried in her hands. This whole thing was overwhelming but she did her best to hide it from the others and couldn't hold it in any longer.
The girl stays in the floor for several minutes, collecting her thoughts and trying to decide on what to do next. After awhile she picks herself up and starts unpacking, trying to make the room as comfortable as she can. Once she's finished, she casts a few spells to clean herself off and makes her way for the door. "Let's get this over with..." she mumbles to herself as she heads down to meet with the others.
Archaouss glances around as the others leave their rooms taking notice of their expressions. Seeing that no one really wanted to talk he slips down the stairs ordering an ale for himself taking a seat near the back of the room content to lean against the wall sipping his ale.
George the bar man introduces himself to you all as you enter and asks "What will it be?"
replying to Krallek, "Few spices and you boil em with the garlic in the water, creamy spuds for half the price."
Elon finds the room, sets his equipment down, and then continues on to the bathing area. Taking a little time, he prepares for the night ahead, coming out invigorated and a little more ready for what comes ahead. The visions still prey on his mind, although it is more the responsibility of it all than anything else.
Having noticed most of the group heading down, Carth also heads to the bar. Noticing Krallek by the bar, talking with the bar man and eating, finally notices that he is also quite hungry. Taking a seat next to Krallek, he glances at what Krallek is eating before replying to George,
"Yeh, I'll have whatever he had. Looks quite good."
When the man who runs the place asks her what she wants, Galacia simply shakes her head and makes her way over to where Carth and Krallek are sitting. She seems a bit distant as she sits down but still manages a weak smile. "So...what now?"
I am late to the inn, having enjoyed languishing in the baths and spent some time fussing over my hair.
I plonk myself down cheerily next to Krallek, slap the big man on the arm and declare, "You'll join me for a drink, I'm sure."
I wave at the barman, "Hey, George! A bottle of that black rum and 6 glasses... and some of these tasty-looking sausages. Got any mustard to go with 'em?"
Without even looking George replies. "That'll be you back then Velana. Yer two more meals coming up." He ignores the mustard request.
HE brings over the Bottle and glasses and pores the first round.
Krallek notices Carth sitting next to him and he leans over to Carth and mutters as discretely as possible Yu any good at small talk? I ain't. Nor am I none too sure who we can trust round here so I ain't said nothin.
After a short while Galacia joins them and Krallek looks over at her and after she asks her question he smiles and says Glad to see yer all right miss. Ain't none too sure what happens next really. Ain't we lookin for some dude named Paul or somethin? We aughta figure out what our next steps is gonna be too me thinks.
After Velana sits down Krallek beams a smile at her and says Now yer talking my language! I drank with another dwarf once, he hadda wheel me home in a barrow. HARHARHARHAR and slams home the first glass.
"That's not what I meant Krallek." Galacia pauses momentarily, contemplating the glass placed in front of her. "It's supposed to help take your mind off things, right?"
"I'm curious what you all think about the situation we've found ourselves in. Please tell me I'm not the only one with doubts about all this." Galacia grabs the glass and holds it in front of her, hesitating briefly before taking a drink. As she swallows, she can't help but wince at the taste. She quickly puts the glass back down on the counter, her hand over her mouth and a sour expression on her face.
I gots me enough doubts bout this whole thing to fills this entire bar. Could be my suspicions bout Argius is dead wrong. Sumn suspicious bout that guy. I also am wondering boy the sanity I anyone picks me to save the world. Something wrong wit at picture for sure. Hell I'm still trying to work out how I got mixed up in this whole venture in the first place. So you ain't alone miss galacia.
"Probably a good call," Carth replies to Krallek, "As for small talk, I'm a little rusty, so it could get interesting."
Galacia soons joins them, followed by Velana, followed by the rum. He looks at it suspiciously, and gives it a quick sniff before placing it back down for the time being.
Replying to Galacia, he says,
"Well, everyone always has something to hide, the trick is finding out whether that 'something' is gonna be a problem or not in the long run. As for the situation, way I see it, if what people are saying, and that weird vision thing, has even a shred of truth, we should probably try our best to help.
However, I agree that something isn't right. The fact that people seem to distrust each other isn't exactly a good sign, although I'd like to know where that mistrust came from."
Glancing back at the glass, he mutters "Oh, what the hell..." before taking a rather large gulp. Placing the glass back down, coughing as he does, he says,
"Well, it's not the worst thing I've had, I could probably get used to it."
He pauses for a moment, before adding,
"After the food."
Listens to the others talk sipping his ale.
Galacia breathes a sigh of relief after Carth and Krallek speak. "I'm glad it's not just me. I mean...what do you say to a complete stranger when they ask you to save the world? To be honest...if it wasn't for that little light show I'd probably be halfway to the next town by now." Galacia laughs briefly at herself and then waves to the bartender to get his attention.
After ordering some water to help was the taste of the alcohol out of her mouth, she turns to the gathered group again. "I think more personal introductions are in order." She gives the group an almost teasing smile. "Who wants to go first?"
"Here is your water, got some fresh fruit in if the drink is too bitter for you, I'll bring some out."
He goes off into the back to find the fruit and brings that along with the other plates of food out.
Guess I can go first since I'm here. My names Krallek. If'n you are interested in details, well I am pretty good with weapons and bad with people. That pretty much sums up that and I gots no clue how that makes me qualified to save the world. How those two fits together is the brain child of someone either way smarter or way stupider than me.
"So what brings you out here to see Graves? Are you some kind of mercenary or did you have another reason?"
Krallek looks at Galacia wondering how much he could trust her. Trust was a card not often played in his hand. The few times he had played it were met with mixed and unpleasant results. It takes a while to get it out as it is peppered with frequent pauses but here is the story he shares:
Well Ms. Galacia, I ain't too sure yer gonna like the answer to that question but the truth is I ain't always been on the right side of the law. Fact is, that's what brought me here.
After a lengthy pause to pour himself another drink he resumes ...
Last place I was in there was a spot o trouble and I hadda get out of town fast or I'd find myself swinging from the end of a rope. A man told me to come here to find Mr. Graves and seek his employment. He said 'I'd be protected' if I came. I didn't much believe em but this place is out of the way enough I'd not be found none too quick.
Another pause and Krallek's voice gets quieter...
To put it simple Ma'am, I ain't got nowheres else to go.
"And what is the law except a way to try and claim your body and mind for societies own purpose no matter how corrupt it is?" Archaouss speaks up and grins. "Heard a philosopher say that once."
"Dont worry friend your in like company here."
Hoping to lighten the mood a touch Krallek says, Archie, I ain't understood half of what you just said and the other half makes no sense. BAHAHAHAHAHA. Get it? Two halves? Both not making no sense .... BAHAHA
Krallek grabs his belly as he laughs out loud at his own joke.
I pipe up, "I'm not far off Krallek's situation. This seems as good a place as any to be."
I shrug broadly and lean back in my chair, "I'm not quite the dwarf everyone expects and so I didn't have much to do back home. I hit the road, thought I'd see the world and figure out what I enjoyed and what I was good at... when you live like that, sometimes you've got to work a bit and raise some coin for the next journey."
After speaking I pour myself another glass of rum and take a sip.
"How about you, Galacia?"
Your humour in times such as these is a good sign, hold onto it Krallek. My own name is Elon. I worked as one who furthered the ways of Abadon, god of civilisation. The 'light show' that we just saw has confirmed beyond any doubt that the gods have existed, and with that kind of power, and their war are incredibly dangerous. I came here because the town was suffering thanks to the loss of the orbs. That Graves might have been able to tell me more about my own powers never really crossed my mind, although it would be nice. That we have been entrusted with saving the world is one heck of a task, and it seems entirely possible that some of us may not survive. There are bigger things than the life of a single person however.
George, a beer please and another plate of what my friend here is having
Galacia listens to Krallek's past, her face showing a few signs of sympathy as he finishes. "I didn't imagine you to be a criminal." She smiles and glances over to Archaeous. "Him on the other hand...I don't think he could look any more suspicious even if he tried."
Galacia is caught off guard by Velana's question. "Hm? Me? Oh, well...I don't really have a dark, troubled past or anything like that and I'd probably just bore you with the details."
I'd hardly call myself a criminal but I imagine most in my situation would say the same. I think its what educated folk call irony in this case cuz though I've committed my share of crimes what I'm running from now wasn't a crime at all. But that's a story for another time.
Krallek grabs the bottle and pours another glass for Velana and himself and offers some to the others as well. Then he hoists his glass in the general direction of the party and says
Here's mud in yer eye.
And empties the contents in one swift motion.
"Madamm you wound me to my very core." Archy winks in reply Galacia eying her up and down as he does.
What about you Archie, whats yer story?
"I should say that I was at one time a blade for hire. I could say that I am a petty theif trying to make his way in the world. What I will say that I an elf that finds himself in a human world with a letter one day offering substantial rewards for services rendered. And so I am here." Bows theatrically from his seat his eyes twinkling in merriment.