"None of you wish to stay with me? I'd be happy for some company, and there would be no need for you to pay." Kendra asks Janos and Dantrian before they depart.
Tibideau glances at the glass cases full of trinkets with mild interest, arching a desperately underplucked brow. Maybe I can find some good tweezers here. "We might take a look around, thanks!" He then addresses the Taldan woman. "Pray tell me countrywoman, how did you make your way to a place like this, so far from home? And maintain the pristine condition of your garments and countenance on the way, I might add!" I should wait to reveal my name. Maybe she's been here long enough that she doesn't recognize me or know of my family's tragedy.
"Oh, my parents were Taldan. I was born in Lepidstadt. I've been partnered with Luramin for several years now."
The display cases are full of small gemstones and jewelry. There is one ring in particular that looks particularly well made. It's silver with an inlaid light green jade band, carved with small birds along it. There is a paper tag attached to it that reads Ring of Feather Falling.
"If you would like the company, Kendra, then of course. With that matter settled, there's little need for me to accompany you, Janos." He looks to Kendra then and nods.
"Is there a particular room you would prefer to direct me toward? I do have some sensitive equipment, so if there isn't a perhaps a separate room your father might have used as a lab, then the room with the most level floor will do nicely."
I just hope the truth of my condition doesn't become known to these ignorant townsfolk. How much worse will it be for Kendra then when they already think her father was a necromancer?
"Kendra, that would be excellent. However nice the inn could be, I doubt it would be as comfortable as a real home. Plus it would allow us to get to know each other better over the month."
Janos nods to Dantrian as the man retires back into the house. What a strange man, wanting to be cloistered away in the house rather than getting a breath of fresh air. The half elf shrugs and then looks at Anton. "So shall we explore the store, or is there somewhere else you would like to see?" Janos looks around nervously, feeling naked without having his ear covered in a town like this.
There are three guest bedrooms with two beds each. All of them are available for use, and have relatively level floors.
Dantrian will set up shop in whichever guest room is farthest down the hall. He sets his alchemist's kit up in the corner and begins unpacking his few belongings. When he's finished, his things are neat, tidy, and ordered specifically. Satisfied, he then returns to the study and spends the rest of the afternoon pouring through books hoping to uncover any clues as to what the professor was investigating and also noting any books that might offer some insight into his condition.
Drosil eyes the magical ring. "How much is this ring, here?"
It would certainly be more useful out in the world, rather than encased here. Perhaps I could...acquire it when I'm on my way home.
The Lorrimor Place
The Town Hall
The Temple of Pharasma
The Unfurling Scroll
The Silk Purse:
"That ring is two thousand two hundred gold pieces sir." Luramin says.
Tibideau feels crestfallen at the Taldan woman's response, because he had been hoping to meet a true Taldan. Oh, well. "Fantastic! I've heard many great things about Lepidstadt, but I haven't had the pleasure of going there."
"Can you guarantee the authenticity of this ring, Mr. Luramin?"
"Of course. But feel free to test it yourselves if you doubt it."
Sorry Kendra, m’lady, I thought you would appreciate some privacy but of course we’re happy to take you up on your hospitality.
After she describes the layout of the house he replies;
Well I imagine Tibideau and B’yelka will wish for rooms to themselves, they are more; he thinks a moment for the right word, polished - than my half-elf friend and I! he flashes Janos a friendly grin and a wink but notices the faintest of frowns cross the Ranger’s face at mention of his heritage.
But that’s fine, on my travels I’ve slept in fields and farmhouses, hedgerows and hovels so a month in an inn is still a rare pleasure for me. I’m happy to give up a room for the nobles in this group but I shan’t be far should you have need of me.
Turning back to the Ranger;
I don’t know about you, my friend but for me Desna makes work for idle feet and mine begin to itch if I sit still for too long! I’d like to pay a visit to the Sheriff and perhaps lay a flower at the site of the good professor’s journey’s end. Care to see a bit more of the town we’ll be calling home for the next month?
Whether he agrees or not, Anton looks to Kendra and puts thumb and forefinger to the brim of his hat and passes through the door, intent on finding the Sheriff. I still remember that ringleader’s face...
When he makes reference to Janos by his race, Anton notices a slight recoil from the man and a slight scowl. He suspects it's a touchy subject for the Ranger.
Despite his reaction, Janos still seems willing to accompany Anton. "I wouldn't mind speaking to the sheriff again, but I think we should avoid that man from before. He seemed nothing but trouble. I'm up for exploring the town though. I don't get to see many of them, and certainly not for a month at a time. It would be good to learn where things are."
Anton and Janos make their way into town, following the same path the others did a few minutes earlier. They see the old man who was ringleader to the thugs bound in the town's stocks in front of the Gazebo. The jail is on the north side of the square, while the Outward Inn rests on the eastern side. (I and K respectively)
I guess the Sheriff has been busy after all. Anton says with a chuckle, pointing out the man in stocks.
Let's head over to the inn. Ill arrange a room in case one is needed and we can ask about this prison too. Come on, I'll buy you a drink and you can tell me a bit more about yourself.
Janos scowls at the man in the stocks and nods his head. As they walk by the man, Janos spits on the ground in his general direction.
"You're not staying with Kendra?" He shrugs. "Suit yourself, but I think I'll be more accepted in her home than at the inn. But let's go see what they have available. A bite to eat wouldn't hurt either."
No, im more than happy to stay with Kendra if there's room. This is just in case, besides all those people in one house might get a bit... Cramped. I dont do so well when I feel penned in. Out of interest, why do you feel that you wouldn't be welcome at the inn?
Janos smiles at Anton as if the man had just made a joke. When he doesn't react, however, Janos realizes he's serious. "You...You don't know? Where are you from again? Around here, people tend to dislike outsiders, especially ones who aren't human. Your friend Drosil will probably feel it quickly. It can be as benign as staring or as vicious as getting run out of a place. I've been called devilspawn, changeling, halfbreed, witch, and worse."
"These," he touches the tips of his ears, "have gotten me refused service at taverns and doors closed in my face at inns before. Even spit on a couple times." He sighs. "I grew up in a village smaller than this. Didn't help that my human Ma was married to another human when she bore a half-elven baby. Children can be the cruelest. It's why I hid my ears at first." As he finishes, they arrive at the Inn. Janos reaches for the door and says, "So are you ready to meet the locals?"
The Outward Inn
The large two story building whose sign says "The Outward Inn" looks cozy and welcoming. The front door swings easily inward admitting Janos and Anton. The parlor they find themselves in has a roaring fireplace, and several large couches and stuffed chairs with small tables in convenient locations between them. There is a large set of wooden stairs leading down to the basement on the right hand side, from which can be heard the sounds of singing and and clanking mugs. Smells of ale, food and smoke waft up from below. On the left there is another set of stairs leading up. At the back of the parlor there is a handsome middle-aged woman with greying brown hair sitting behind a counter. She stands as the two men enter saying, "Welcome to the Outward Inn. I'm Sarianna Vai, the owner. What can I do for you?" with a smile.
Drosil swallows a comment about roadside banditry, "You have a very fine establishment. If you'll excuse me, I've got a bit more looking around to do."
With that, Drosil exits the Silk Purse, looks to the sky to estimate the time of day, and looks for somewhere else to explore while waiting for the others to follow him out.
Drosil just catches a glimpse of Anton and Janos as they are entering the Inn a few doors down.
Seeing Anton and Janos enter the inn, Drosil hurries to catch up. Great idea, Anton - let's see if we can't grab that drink...
Janos smiles as he enters. Despite what he told Anton, places like this always did seem to have good food around. "Hello, Mistress Vai. A table and some of that great smelling food would do us well for a start. A couple of ales too would be appreciated."
Janos glances back as the door opens right behind them and Drosil is on the other side. "Better make that three ales."
Anton raises an eyebrow at Janos' summation of local biggotry but says nothing of it for now
Ill get these Janos. And if its all the same to you my good woman, make mine a nice red wine, something full-bodied and able to wash away hard-walked miles, much like yourself he adds with a sly grin.
Ah, Drosil! How's the lay of the land my friend?
Harrowstone. Harrowstone... oh what's this? It seems the place burned down.... and is rumored to be... haunted. Haunted? *sigh* Yet another reminder of how superstitous these yokels are. Regardless, the professor was investigating the place when he met his end. Perhaps there is more yet to glean about this derelict husk of a jail.
Dantrian puzzles over a small assortment of books throughout the afternoon. After several hours, he stands and wordlessly and vanishes into the kitchen. The slow snikt of metal snapping against wood emenates from the room briefly followed by quiet shuffling and then the sound of liquid pouring into a vessel.
A few moments later, Dantrian emerges from the kitchen with a wooden tray. On it are two plates, each with slices of apple and cheese, and two mugs, each half full. He offers a plate and mug to Kendra, smiling stiffly. "I hope you don't mind. I found a small block of cheese and if earlier was any indication Anton won't be bothered if a little more of the wine is touched."
The Outward Inn:
"Certainly gentleman, the tavern is downstairs. We don't have much variety in the way of food, just some bread and lentil soup today. If you're looking for a really good meal, Zokar over at the Laughing Demon will take care of you. Will any of you gents be needing a room?"
Kendra's Home:
"Thank you Dantrian." Kendra says with a smile. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you reading so much? Are you looking for something in particular or just a bookworm?"
Tibideau gives one last winning smile to the proprietors and begins to back away. "We will consider giving the ring a test. If we'd like to, we'll come back and let you know!" He turns to B'yelka and extends an arm. "Come my dear, let's follow our companion outside and find something to drink."
Dantrian pauses a second, considering Kendra's question. "Must the two be mutually exclusive? Do you remember much of my previous visit? Quite understandable if you do not, a decade has passed since then after all. Your father..." Dantrian visibly struggles here, pausing to find the right words, "something happened to me back then and I sought your father out. I was only twenty-three at the time, and as such it was both a life saving and life changing encounter for me. So yes, there are two things which I am looking for - the first, I am hoping to discover some indication as to how you father was able to save my life. Second, I am hoping to discern what he was investigating prior to his untimely passing. I also prefer the smell of musty pages and cracked leather bindings to that of inns and shops now, a preference which I developed after spending time with your father. We had more in common than I would have initially suspected, as it turned out." He pauses thoughtfully for another moment and then offers, "So, ultimately, I suppose the answer to your question is 'yes'."
He rakes a hand through his silvered hair before smiling and taking a sip of wine. As he does so, it is striking how much older his hair makes him appear.
B'yelka takes Tibideau's proffered arm and tells the couple, "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and I am sure will be back. Until we meet again."
I wonder why everyone is suddenly in a hurry to get out of here?
I'd much prefer to stay in the Lorrimor house, but if there's no room...
"Madam, this seems quite a nice establishment; if I may say, you've done very well keeping it up. If I might inquire, how much would it be to take a room here for a night? Any discounts for extended stays?"
A little flattery never hurt anyone...and if it can get us a cheaper rate, all the better.
Kendra's House:
"I regret that I do not recall your last visit Dantrian. However I am happy that my father's books will receive love from hands other than my own. I do so hope you find what you're looking for. I must confess it is comforting to have someone in the house with me. It has been lonely these past few weeks." Kendra says, sipping her wine and staring at the silver haired man.
The Outward Inn:
"Rooms are five silver pieces a night. Might be we could work out a discount. How long are you looking to stay?" Sarianna asks Drosil.
Janos leans over and whispers to Drosil, "Kendra is offering her place too. Anton just wanted to see how much rooms were if we did need them."
Drosil looks in his belt pouch and looks slightly embarassed. "At those prices, unfortunately less than a week. That's not to say that it wouldn't be worth it - I just happen to be short of funds at the moment."
I should probably make my way back to the house and claim a bed - otherwise, I might be stuck sleeping on the floor.
This wine and some of that lentil soup will more than suffice for now. Gentlemen, lets find a seat.
Anton makes his way over to one of the couches and sits down heavily with a contended sigh.
When the others join him he says to Drosil;
How have you found the town so far Drosil, any more trouble?
Dantrian nods. "Do you take much interest in your father's work? I gather from his will that he may have been actively trying to distance you and protect you from it."
"Haven't had any more trouble thus far, but it's only been a few hours. Still, probably better to go out during daylight hours each day we're here - if people are used to seeing me, perhaps they won't be so afraid..." I can only hope...
Sarianna points down the stairs, reminding Anton that the tavern is below. The group heads down and manages to find a table in the relatively uncrowded afternoon tavern. There are a few dirty looking men drinking ale at a couple of the tables. The three find an empty table and are quickly approached by a plain looking teenaged girl whose brown hair is held back in a braid. After taking their orders, she quickly brings out bowls of soup for any who want them and cups of either ale or cheap wine.
Janos sits with the two men and thanks the girl for the ale and bowl of soup. He takes a sip and says, "Ah, at least something to wash the ill events of today away. So you two, you know each other, right? Have you been friends a long time?"
"Well, I would have enjoyed poking around in there a bit longer if I could have actually enjoyed the merchandise ." He frowns slightly, hoping B'yelka will pick up the hint that he hates being so far from home with so little money.
He notices Drosil entering the Inn, and sighs at the state of the building. I suppose it's cozy! "This place looks... quaint. Our companions have entered, I guess we should join them."
Drosil tries to get a feel for the tavern when they finish descending the stairs.
Once his meal arrives, Drosil makes a point to thank the serving girl for it, then directs himself to Janos. "We grew up together in Magnimar." He takes a swig from his mug, then continues, "Well, not together, but close enough - once we discovered each other, we were all but inseparable. It's been years since we've seen each other, however."
B'yelka takes Tibideaus's arm and nods, smiling, "We really should go find the others. They needed a goad to get them moving and now I am sure they will need babysitters to keep them out of trouble."
She looks over her shoulder and says to the shopkeepers, "I am sure we will be back; be sure to have pretty things for us when we return." She laughs an easy laugh as she steps ouf the 'Purse. Once outside she begins to frown, Not a glimmer of recognition. This corner of the world is cold and lonely...
Following Tibideau's gaze, she merely nods and walks with him towards the inn.
That's right. I came to the orphanage aged six. My parents and I originally travelled Varisia in a caravan. We would stop in towns and villages, perform for the locals, trade, make deliveries. It was a good life.
He takes a long swallow of his wine and then signals the serving girl for another.
My parents were killed or taken, I'm not sure which, by slavers out of Cheliax. I only recently learned that it was the professor who saved me and paid for my care at the orphanage. Drosil came, what two years afterwards was it? The things we used to get up to! It was hard for him at first I guess, looking so different from the other kids. They could be pretty cruel.
He laughs suddenly. You remember that time you wanted to sneak into the girl's dorm, but that old dragon Ms Warhurst was on night duty..!
Tibideau strolls toward the Inn with B'yelka and enters the building. The soft couches look inviting. This isn't so bad. Reminds me of Frederique's sitting room, if a little less lavish. He glances around, frowning when he doesn't see Janos, Anton, and Drosil. All of the sudden, he hears raucous laughter coming from downstairs. "That sounds like one of our boys!"
Drosil chuckles, "So there we were - Anton was, what? 12? Which would have made me 14. Anyway, that very same day, we had just come to the realization that he was sleeping in the same building as a score of young women, and wouldn't it be a good idea to go and see if any of them were willing to...break some rules with us?" He takes another draw from his mug, then continues.
"So we had this grand plan - I would sneak in and lift the keys off the Dragon, then go unlock the door to the boys' dormitory to let Anton out, then unlock the door to the girls' dorm. I had already had some training, and it seemed this was a perfect test, with an...ample reward."
"I'm waiting outside the orphanage until I saw the light in the boys' dormitories go out, which was my signal to start working my way in. If you hadn't noticed, I blend into the dark fairly well - so I pull my hood up over my head and walk right up the door, stealthy as you please. When I get there, I pull out my lockpicks and get to work."
Drosil gets a humorous glint in his eye, "Of course, it's at this point that the Dragon comes downstairs and hears the rattling at the door. She throws the door open, and I swear she's going to beat me senseless!" He laughs and drains the last of his ale, "So I do the first thing that comes to mind - I throw my cloak over her head, spin around behind her, then slam the door, with her - and her keys - outside!"