With Cordwin's assistance and Sabina's healing, Paldak stands back up while rubbing his head. Fuzzy memories of wild attacks and rolling goblin heads run through his mind.
"Thank you, both of you."
He nods to the noble then turns to Alexei. "I agree."
He cups his hand over his eyes and searches for anyone in distress, or out of the ordinary. He secretly hopes that most of the goblins are dead or have fled, so that he can go eat, drink, and sleep.
By listening closely and surveying the immediate area, none of you can detect any more immediate danger. The streets are mostly deserted, save except save for the occasional guardsman running past. Most of the non-fighting townsfolk have probably hidden in their houses. The smell of smoke is on the air, but there does not seem to any large fire anywhere. Where there were previously sounds of fighting everywhere, the town feels empty by comparison.
Aldern, a little taken aback by Alexei's bluntness replies, "Well, how about we all tip toe cautiously back into town and make sure that that the danger has passed? I, myself, am sure that I will stick alongside you for the time being. Strength in numbers being the principle." He walks to the side of a dead goblin and hefts one of the crude dogslicers from the ground, sheathing his dirk.
Cordwin takes the flask, pops the top and smells the contents. Eh? It don't smell like ale! He is about to ask his companions what they think of the strange brew, but it seeems like no one wants to tarry here long. I'll ask them about it later. the dwarf thinks as he replaces the top of the flask, puts it in his pocket, and happily lopes after his friends.
As he catches up, he will ask Aldern, So what do ye do in Magnimar? Never been there but it is on me places to go eventually. Is it is as wondrous as I've heard tell? What brings ye to Sandpoint? Did ye come by sea or by land? The dwarf is happy that there is a new companion from whom he can increase his knowledge.
Paldak lumbers along behind Cordwin and the noble, rubbing his head as he wonders silently if Cordwin would ever stop asking questions. He knows not where they are walking, but doesn't care as long as it leads to a warm meal, a cold drink, and a cozy cot.
Aldern replies cordially as they skulk back through the town towards the cathedral. "My good dwarf, Magnimar, by my measures is one of the grandest beacons of high civilization in this part of the world.As a nobleman, I occupy myself with managing my family's estate, mixing with the rest of the high class as social functions, and conducting research projects of my own interest. Recently, I have been studying Laryth's Svar met Olyth in its original Elven. If you are not familiar, it is one of the great epic poems of ages past. So tell me, Cordwin, where do you hail from? And how long have you been in this business of goblin slaying?"
The Cathedral comes into view without you happening upon any more foes. in the courtyard, several guards and militant villagers including Daviron Hosk, the drunkard from the night before, and Ameiko are gathered listening to Sheriff Belor Hemlock talk. You catch, "...have a few of the buggers in custody now, but so far none have talked. We still have no idea how they managed to get in past the walls. Now the danger has passed, we should assess the damage that has been done to our beautiful town and the people of Sandpoint. On the morrow we will hopefully rehold the consecration ceremony."
Cordwin listens intently while Aldern describes Magnimar. Oooh! I would like to go to Magnimar someday. I am from Clan Ironbeard. We are a small dwarven settlement on the western part of the Mindspin Mountains. There is a legend that we share common ancestry with the Janderhoff dwarves. The legend says the King Finderstorm had a disagreement with Kolnan Ironbeard. King Finderstorm wanted to tax the Ironbeard clan’s forge because it out produced the other forges. Kolnan disagreed with that and took his clan and several other dwarves and established a new settlement. For a long while Clan Ironbeard would have nothin' to do with the Janderhoff dwarves, but once King Finderstorm died, relations began to improve. In addition to Magnimar, I want to go to Janderhoff as well! I ended up here because this is where the boat I took passage was bound for. I then heard about a ceremony and met these fine fellows and lass. I wouldn't call meself a goblin slayer. Spent most of me days in my books. Me clan would laugh if they saw how that one goblin easily evaded me hammer. Now what is the name of that poem? Svar met Olyth. I have almost mastered the elven tongue but there are some words I am still having trouble yet. Once I've mastered the language I will have to read that poem. Cordwin laughs. When I do make it to Magnimar, I might be asking ye if I can crash at yer house!
Alexei nods curtly as Aldern moves to lead them through the town. He hears Cordwin strike up friendly conversation with the noble as both Paldak and Sabina remain relatively quiet. As each step takes them closer to where they started, Alexei scans for more goblins and also any casualties that might still be alive but unattended. Other than some corpses, the green waist high menaces seem to be gone from Sandpoint.
He makes note of the discussion of poetry research mentioned while Cordwin and Aldern chat. Old epics and ancient song often held information about powerful relics and powerful magics. But for now...
"We should look for others who are able to stand and have the willingness to fight. We need to establish some order so we can prevent unnecessary dea—Ah!" Alexei begins to say, but stops as the Cathedral comes into view with a gathering of of exactly the kind of people he was describing.
"Sheriff!" Alexei calls out. Approaching the group, Alexei begins, "You will want to know that as far back as where we found Master Foxglove here, we have seen no signs of goblins aside from those we destroyed. Which was every one we did come across." If the party encountered any folks in need of medical attention more severe than what Sabina may have been able to provide, Alexei will describe their locations, and what the party was able to do for them.
"And now, tell me...Are we certain the threat is over? Perhaps martial law should be declared until we can be sure every citizen and tourist can enjoy the festival without threat of molestation, Sheriff," Alexei declares, the heat in his voice belying the ice in his eyes.
|
"No! ...I mean, it seems a bit premature to declare martial law, and the consequences could be...dire, in the long run." says Sabina, looking a little embarrassed by her outburst.
"Once we have the town secured and the fires put out, we should see about tracking down these goblins and putting the fear of death into them. I'll gladly volunteer; you can't let goblins grow unchecked."
Alexei frowns at Sabina and raises an eyebrow but says nothing as he waits for the Sheriff's response.
Not quite sure what 'Martial Law' means, Paldak decides to leave the talking to his friends. Instead, he waits silently, scratching his head, while looking around for something to eat or drink.
Cordwin listens as Alexi and Sabina debate the merits of martial law. Not wanting to alienate either he stands there quietly daydreaming about Magnimar.
Aldern curiously listens to the dwarf's story. "Every settlement has its legends. I am sure that it would provide a fascinating line of research. You should not feel bad, most people who are not familiar with Svar met Olyth do not understand the title even if they speak Elven. Met is an archaism that means something like he who hails from. Svar is a name and Olyth is a place, although likely mythical. It's the story of a young bard in the early years of this land. Of course, as my savior, you are welcome in my home anytime! I would be pleased to have you visit."
The small crowd turns to see the approaching party. From atop the stage, Sheriff Hemlock replies loudly back in a gruff voice. He is obviously still stressed. "It seems as though the town has been cleared, and there should be no need of such dire action." He steps down and walks to meet them. "I say, you are a fearsome lot. I greatly commend and thank you for your significant role in the town's defense today. We were blessed to have your aid."
At the invitation, Cordwin smiles broadly. I'll take ye up on your hospitality! He happily continues with his friends to where the Sheriff is.
It ain't nothin' Cordwin responds. We are a lot more fearsome when we haven't drunk some ale in awhile! Cordwin says with a laugh. If there is anything ye need done, we are more than happy to help!
The sheriff seems utterly unmoved by Cordwin's joke and jovial attitude. "Thank you for the offer," he replies a little stiffly. "I will let you know if there is anything you can do. For the moment, I think that the guard has the situation handled. If you will kindly excuse me, I need to need to continue working." He starts to walk away.
René idly wandered about the courtyard. He appeared unharmed. And...to be honest, kind of like he hadn't participated in the fighting at all. He had, but even those who had seen his "help" would likely say that he had just been distracting and yelling things at them while they were doing all the hard work. Which was fine with him, he didn't need credit. And of course, ma'll be hearing a tad different tale anyway.
His grin was cut short by a human calling for martial law. Luckily, said human did not seem to be in charge. But he started wandering over that way anyway. He gets over just in time to hear the dwarf speak and watch the sheriff walk away. After the law had gone a few paces, René leans slightly over to loudly fake-whisper to the dwarf. "Sounds like he couldda gone'n' use that there drink ya mentioned. Looks like he got himself a stick up his arse. Pardon my speak."
He nods to the human woman for the last statement. She didn't particularly look like the type to be offended at that kind of statement, but you never knew. Pissing off people in armor was never a good idea (except when it was. Or when it was funny). Especially ones standing next to a rather large half-orc who they seemed to be on friendly terms with.
Cordwin is so off put be the sheriff's dour disposition he doesn't even notice that the human man approached him. Cordwin laughs at the comment concerning the sheriff's derriere. No need to ask for pardon. We dwarves can cuss in such a manner that will even turn one as yeself red from blushin' The dwarf offers his hand. Me name's Cordwin. This here tall fella is Paldak. The lass is Sabina and this here is Alexei. Our new friend here is Aldern and he is strait outta Magnimar. We just came back from killin' them goblin dogs and well, the dogs they rode in on as well. Cordwin says as he chuckles again. Where do ye hail from or are ye a local?
René nods. "Oh aye, that I know. Seen lotsa maids blush 'n' a few bright-eyed lads of th' gentle type as well; Dwarves make great drinkin' buddies."
He shakes the dwarf's hand and nods to each of the other people as introductions are made. "Most'd call me René. Though a few call me...well...thing'd make a few blush given'at some of 'em were dwarves. And this-" He jumps back slightly, flicking his tophat up high in the air in a kind of odd fashion as he bows from the waist. With his torso roughly parallel to the ground, he catches his hat behind his back as a rabbit sits on the back of his head with his nose twitching at everybody. Undoubtedly, this was the source of the black ears protruding from the offending head gear earlier. "- is Hadley. Say howdy ta everyone, Hadley."
The rabbit is covered in black fur except for a white star on his forehead. His whiskers twitch in a decidedly unimpressed fashion. As René starts to stand back upright, the rabbit climbs from the back of his head to the top in what looks to be an overly practiced fashion.
"I'm from here'n'there. New ta here-here though. Supposed ta fine me unc since I went'n left there, ya see." Without pausing, he continues on to the next topoic. "Do tha little green fellas normally go 'nd attack cities like that? Don't seem so smart since they seem ta be so bad with their knives." He demonstrates with an imaginary dogslicer. He's clearly not used to wielding a bladed instrument as his swings are slow enough to look lazy; it almost takes an entire six seconds to complete one arc!
René nods. "Oh aye, that I know. Seen lotsa maids blush 'n' a few bright-eyed lads of th' gentle type as well; Dwarves make great drinkin' buddies."
Aye! That we do! We'll give ye a tale, but we expect one in return!
Cordwin rocks back on his heels at the sudden appearance of the rabbit and exclaims By Torag's fiery furnace! The dwarf quickly regains his composure and blushes in embarrassment. He quickly looks around to see if anyone caught him jump.
Well I'll be a bearded gnome! He exclaims as he studies the rabbit. Always thought rabbits were for eatin'. Never saw someone wear one on top of their head! No offense to ye or Hadley.
If ye are from here and there than ye must have some interestin' tales to tell. Ye can tell 'em tonight while we are drinkin'
Never knew a smart goblin. Glad the little buggers got what they did! Ruinin' the ceremony and all! Cordwin says as he spits on the ground in disgust.
From across the courtyard, you see Daviron bend down and then stand back up from a goblin corpse. In his hands are the dead goblins ears. Ameiko chides him, "...Daviron, I well understand your hatred for the creatures, but is this really a necessary use of your time? In your stable, I am certain that the smell alone is scaring away your business. And frankly, I am sure that most people find the whole affair intimidating."
Before he can retort, she is already walking away towards the party. Her face is marked by dirt and blood from the fighting. Across her shoulder hangs her samison; on her hip, rests a dashing rapier. All in all, she strikes a hardened and heroic figure, a contrast to the kind and witty bartender you met back at the inn.
"I am pleased to see that some of my fine patrons made it through the havoc alive. During the scuffle, I couldn't help but notice that in addition to merely surviving, you heroically did a great deal to tip the fight in our favor and keep the town safe. I would be more than happy to offer up a week of free rooms and meals to 'the heroes of Sandpoint' at The Rusty Dragon. As I see it, without you, the building probably would probably have been razed to the ground. Shall we make our way back?"
Hadley blinks impassively at everyone. René makes up for it by grinning on the stoic bunny's behalf.
When Ameiko approaches them, he doesn't bother asking if the offer extends to him. After all, why ask and risk being told no? Something something forgiveness something something permission. Besides, while he wasn't part of this group and while she hadn't actually seen him helping, he had. So that entitled to part of the offer as well, right?
He falls in step with Cordwin as they start heading towards the inn, shaking Sabina's hand when it's offered. Hadley's nose twitches slightly in response to her last comment as if to say, "Well, of course you'd like me. I'm magnificent." Either that or "Why is it so dusty all the way up here? I need myself a taller human."
"Aye, I may 'ave a tale or two. Though not nearly enuff fer me likin'. Gotta make sure I got plenty ta talk about when I go see me ma or she might start in 'bout how I spend too much time lazin' around."
Cordwin gives Ameiko a bow. Much gratitude, Ameiko! Now as a point of clarification, is ale included in the free food? He says with a chuckle.
Ameiko replies, "As long as I don't have to still worry about property damage, sure it is, Cordwin."
You all make your way back to the Rusty Dragon. On the road towards the south, bodies still litter the roads here and there. Folks who had been hiding during the fight start to emerge to see that the fighting has passed. The people of Sandpoint although jarred are more sad than frightened. The Swallowtail festival marked the a new beginning for the town after a long period of turmoil, and the goblin raid had quickly destroyed this short respite from tragedy.
The Rusty Dragon still stands strong. Inside, the great room is mostly deserted. It seems that most current patrons have left, or are spending their time in solitude. Ameiko bids pardons herself and makes her leave to her chambers for the evening. She lets René know before she retires, "The first room to the left of the stairs is open, so please take it. Fighting by your side has been an honor. I bid you goodnight." She is clearly more perceptive of René's effort in the fighting than he had taken her to be.
Aldern announces loud enough for everyone to hear. "As a well alive man, I think that I deserve a drink, and then a long sleep." He goes behind the bar and helps himself to an ale, bids you all a good evening and a promise that he shall meet you again and fully reward you for saving his life, and heads upstairs to his room.
René suppresses a snicker at Ameiko's mistake: Dwarves may look small, but they drank like they had a bag of holding stitched to the inside of their throat.
Once at the inn, he blinks at the directions he's given to his room, a little unnerved that she had noticed him. Especially given that he had been on the other side of town from these new people he seemed to be associating with. Welp, guess that means I'm not going to be playing cards with her any time soon. Shrugging, he pushes the thought from his head and sets about the very important mission of finding food to tuck in to.
"I take it y'all have been 'round here abouts afore. So," he leans in, a serious expression on his face, "What's good eatin'?"
Cordwin tries to suppress a smile when Ameiko mentions that drinks are included. Much thanks Ameiko! He’ll say with a bow.
When they arrive at the Rusty Dragon, Cordwin is dismayed at the lack of patrons as no patrons – no tales. Stupid Goblins! he’ll mutter under his breath.
He is even more dismayed when Aldern bids everyone a good night and Cordwin realizes there will be no more tales about Marvelous Magnimar! Stupid, Stupid, Goblins! he’ll mutter again.
He is lost cursing out the goblins that he barely hears René mention food. Hmmm….There might be something in the back. I am sure Ameiko won’t mind if we help ourselves to a little something, after all, the lass did say free food! Sabina, ye were working back there, do ye know where the grub is? Poor Paldak looks like he’ll keel over if he don’t get food or drink in him!
René heads off in the direction indicated. "New question then, any o' y'all happen ta know how ta cook? Don't s'pose that happen'd ta be Sabina's job back here?" He briefly gives her a hopeful look before he starts rummaging through the stores, at the very least looking for bread and some carrots for Hadley. "Person'ly I could go fer some stew. Basics are pretty simple, but I ne'er could get tha spice right."
Hmmmm...I've read many books, but unfortunately a cookbook wasn't amoung them! Cordwin says as he too starts looking through the food stores.
"Pah! Cookbooks. Ya can't learn ta cook with just some words. Takes experience an' soul. Now, I knew me this 'ere half-orc type, called 'imself 'Grub,' used ta cook fer a groupa bandits. Well, they'd go an' beat'em silly ever'time they didn't take a likin' to what he made. He learned right quick the proper way ta go abouts doin' thing. A spell later, the bandits were killed by a buncha adventurin' type folk. Grub managed ta get away on account of them bein' otherwise occupied with the combat-oriented types. He came back and opened a small kitchen; best damn gumbo you ever did eat! I swear, hand ta heart, boy must've put magic in that there pot o' his."
René pauses to take a bite out of a bread roll, hands now filled with some basic ingredients to make a stew. After starting to toss a few things in a pot, he throws out, " 'Course, he had ta close up when the villagers chased him outta town on accounta him havin' bad juju. Though iff'n ya ask me, I think they was just afeared he'd come'n kill'em in their sleep."
"Mphre anh phare." René words are made unintelligible by the mouth full of bread he has. Swallowing he adds, "I travel a tad" He continues throwing vegetables and meat in a big pot that he sets over a fire. "It won't be a great stew, but it'll be warm'n fillin', I reckon." As it begins to cook, he absentminded passes a few carrots to Hadley.
Cordwin smells the now simmering soup. Sure smells good to me! the Dwarf says as he sprinkles in some salt and pepper.
The party spends the next few hours kicking back after the traumatizing events of the day. You help yourself to food and drink from the Rusty Dragon's kitchen, and get to know each other a little better by sharing stories. Fighting side by side has definitely started to forge a bond between you. You sleep like rocks in your beds.
On the morrow, after rising well after the sunrise, the three of you descend to find Alexei and Paldak at a table eyeing a map. When you join them, they explain that the two of them will be heading out momentarily to journey up north. Alexei has family business of some kind to attend to, and he needed a "capable ruffian" to keep him safe on his journey. Paldak decided that you couldn't pass up on the opportunity for work and the opportunity to see more of the world outside of Varisia.
Aldern Foxglove opens the door to the in and walks inside. A big smile on his face, he is obviously invigored by the energy of the morning. He sees the party and strides over to their table.
"Good morning, chaps! I trust you all slept well? I've been up and about for a while in the town and I heard tell that there is a prime opportunity to hunt boar in the Tickwood Forest not far from here. Would you care to join me on a hunt? I imagine that it would be a great way for us to take our minds off of the recent trouble as well as get to know each a little better. What do you say?"
Alexei lets him know that he and Paldak were planning on departing momentarily, so they would not be able to join him.
Paldak pipes in not so subtly, "I do remember you saying that you would reward us?"
Aldern replies, "I'm disappointed to hear that you will be leaving so soon, but I wish you the best of luck. Of course, you are more than welcome to come visit me at my home in Magnimar if you ever pass through. Of course, I am still more than happy to reward you. I owe you my life." From his pouch he counts out some stacks of hold and hands a pile to Alexei and Paldak each. He asks again, "What do the rest of you think about joining me on a thrilling hunt?"
Cordwin is sorry to hear that Alexei and Paldak will be leaving. I am sure that they both had a few more interesting tales to tell. His disappointment lasts until Aldern mentions a boar hunt. Boars mean bacon, ham, and pork chops! the hungry dwarf thinks to himself. I wonder what we can cook up with some boars?! Cordwin says to Sabina and René. I don't think Ameiko would mind us bringin' a boar..or two back for dinner! Cordwin says as he licks his lips.
"I might could come. If only fer a laugh." Truth be told, René wasn't much of a hunter. And he didn't really think much of someone who wanted to go hunting for the 'thrill' or to take his mind off of something. I mean, going to kill some creature to take your mind off of more killing? What kind of logic is that?
The fact that Hadley seemed to be thumping his head under his had in protest admittedly didn't help either. So he would go, if only to try to make sure they didn't go too overboard in their little 'game'.
"Glad to hear that the two of you are interested," he says "What does the lady say to my proposal?"
|
|
"I'm not much of a huntress, but I do have some basic medical skills, and boars can be awfully dangerous. I wouldn't want Cordwin to get hurt." she says, smiling awkwardly at the dwarf. Aldern's habit of singling her out was starting to make her feel a little...on edge.
"...besides, I could do with a nice walk in the woods. Seeing wild Varisia was the best part of my journey to Sandpoint. I'm eager to see more."
Foxglove is delighted. "I can assure you, a boar hunt should be no danger for the likes of any of your prowesses. The day is still fairly young. If we leave in haste, we should be back not too long after nightfall, I imagine. I don't imagine that you all have horses? If you do not, I am more than happy to remedy that."
Alexei and Paldak bid themselves out, stopping only a moment to say farewell to Ameiko.
"Yeah, I ain't got no horse." As they talk, René heads over the larder to grab some supplies for the hunt. He takes a bite out of an apple as he puts some dried meats, cheeses, and bread into his bag with other fruit. He picks up a bottle of ale and tilts it at Cordwin in acknowledgement before stowing that with the rest. Not really knowing either Alexei or Paldak, he merely waves absently as they leave.
"Let us be off to the stables then," Aldern announces.
You finish up your breakfasts and walk across town to The Gobin Squash stables, an establishment run by no one else but Daviron Hosk. Inside, the walls are covered with grisly goblin trophies. Dogslicers lie on display alongside a great collection of goblin ears. A large mat of parchment is covered in names such as "Rat Biter" and "Urga."
Daviron sternly greets Aldern, the talk and haggle for a few minutes. Aldern, to Hosks lack of amusement, makes a good many quips about the "charming decoration," although doesn't hesitate to take the opportunity to curse gobin-kind and recount the story of how he was just about killed yesterday by a horde of them. Daviron spits strongly on a collection of goblin. In the order of a few minutes, Aldern has purchased each of you a suitable mount. Cordwin, being a tad smaller, is given a pony to ride.
Aldern says, "My gift to you. May they serve you well for many years. If you are having trouble naming any of your beasts, Daviron has a useful poster of horse naming ideas on the wall." He points to the parchment covered in the names of deceased goblins. Aldern laughs, and Daviron scoffs. "I should also mention that I good friend of mine shall be joining us as well on the hunt. He's a warrior by the name of Tylur. He'll meet up with us before we leave town."
dot
Near the gate you can see a man unsteadily sitting atop a grey palfrey. He appears to be struggling keeping the animal calm and from where you are you can overhear him saying,
"Steady Snake Eater...steady..."
As you draw closer you see the man is dressed in a dark green heavy riding cloak with tanned leather breeches and a pair of black leather boots that go up to his mid calf. While the horse prances around trying to assert who is going to lead who you notice that under his riding cloak he wears some sort of metal armor from the occasional gleam of light that catches your eye.
The man is of a pale complexion that probably indicates to you he is from Cheliax or has some sort ancestry with that region. He is rather good looking man and although he is clean shaven his shoulder length white hair gives him a very distinguished look while seated on the horse. Oddly enough you notice a chain that hangs at his side but you have no idea what purpose it serves.
He turns or rather the horse turns him to face your approaching party.
"Sir Aldren...Enough Snake Eater..." he pulls back on the reins trying to gain control. "Sir Aldren thank you for the gift although might I ask where did you find this FINE beast from?"
He softly gazes over the rest of the party and seems to let out a sigh of relief. With a smile he says "Good morn to everyone. I would get off this steed to introduce myself properly but I don't think she would let me back on her. I am Tylur Thorn and you must all be the heroes that the town is chattering about."
Cordwin eyes the pony with apprehension. He had never ridden a horse before, and this pony didn’t seem all that friendly-not that he could tell if a horse was friendly or not. Acting brave, Cordwin jests, Am I supposed to ride it or walk it? His act of bravado quickly disappears as he approaches the saddle. Good horsey…Good Horsey He tries to say in a soothing tone. The pony just looks at him with languid eyes. As he awkwardly climbs into the saddle, it is obvious that a horseman, Cordwin isn’t. He fumbles with the reins trying to make the pony ‘Go’. The pony just looks at Cordwin and lets out a long, disinterested yawn. How in Torag’s forge do these things work! He says exasperated.
As they approach the white-haired man, Cordwin is glad to see that he is not the only one having trouble with their mount. Well Met! He says to the man. I too would get off this horsey, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t get back on it! Cordwin feels that he might not need Sabina’s offer for healing magic from boars but rather from his horsemanship-or lack there of!
"Then it seems we have something in common. At least you will have a shorter fall when the horses try to teach us a lesson provided yours decided to move. Do you have a name that I may know you as and your companions?"
Cordwin chuckles at Tylur's joke. Me name is Cordwin and this here is Sabina. Cordwin says pointing in the direction of Sabina. And this here is René. Then as an aside he says, He keeps a rabbit under his hat! The turning to point everyone out causes Cordwin's pony to start walking. This jackass' cur don't have a name yet! Cordwin says as he tries to stop his mount.
René's mouth twitches in distaste at the goblin decor. And they say goblins are the savages? I mean, really. Still somewhat off put, he plasters on a large, if slightly insincere smile at Aldern. "Thankee kindly." He then immediately heads to the mare.
He gently pets his horse on the nose as he whispers in her ear, too softly to be heard by any but the horse, "An' what might your name be darlin'? Hmm?" He leans in as if listening briefly before straightening up and away from the horse, hiding a smirk as he does so.
"This 'ere stud is called Quinn."
~~~~~
René walks with his new friend to the gate, making sure to get to know her before actually trying to mount her. He resists the urge to make a quip at the new guy's comment, instead giving him a confused look " 'Course we have names. Weren't make no sense for people ta go about without one. What would happen? Ya say 'hey you' and everybody turns 'round? Why d'ya think we wouldn't have names?"
He then takes the opportunity to mount. The mounting certainly wasn't graceful, but the mare stood patiently as he moved himself into position. "This 'ere stallion is Quinn. And the..." he scrunches up his face slightly, as if concentrating, "affermentioned rabbit is Hadley." He grins broadly, as though he had just made a great accomplishment.
'There always has to be one in the group' Tyler smiles at the man named René. His attire reminded him of the urchins he had been saved from in Cheliax. At the thought of his place of birth he could feel his anger brewing. 'One day...'
"Forgive me I meant no injury towards you or your friends. I could see how it might be taken erroneously by someone",'of no standing' he thought to himself, "and will look to correct my ways the next time I greet strangers."'And a strange one you are.' "A greeting to Hadley as well."
Now that we got introductions out of the way, let's find us some bacon! Cordwin says as he finally gets his mount under control. His pony turns its head and looks at him and if horses could smile...
How does this work? Do we all make oinking sounds snd wait for them to come to us?
"Lead on then Cordwin you seem to have gained the trust of your steed there."
Tugging on the reins Snake Eater decides to follow along at a trot.
'Shall I even try...' "René how is it that you came to know Hadley?"'Maybe the small talk will let time pass quicker and make me forget the pain I'm feeling in my arse'
"Forgive me I meant no injury towards you or your friends. I could see how it might be taken erroneously by someone",'of no standing' he thought to himself, "and will look to correct my ways the next time I greet strangers."'And a strange one you are.' "A greeting to Hadley as well."
René merely gives Tylur an even more confused look. "Why would thata hurt us? It was only words. Not like you went 'n' punched us or nuffin'." The modicum of politeness he had meant that he left off the comment about how Tylur had simply said something dumb, no more, no less.
"René how is it that you came to know Hadley?"
"I wuz out playin' cards and kept gettin' beat something silly. So I decided I need something lucky. Went out and got meself a rabbit's foot. I done get the good luck an' he gets some carrots and petting and don't have to worry none about wolves and the like. It'sa deal that suits us just fine, so, here we are." He shrugs as he nudges Quinn in to follow Cordwin.