Abalday, Ambran 1st, 1247 DE
The night is slowly falling upon the land of Arglondar. Somewhere in the Laerngern Woods near Bhelskar, four travelers are gathered by happenstance by the dhouvarr brewmaster Magnes Coalbrow's campfire.
Magnes blinks looking at the new arrivals and their horse.
" Wow there's two ah ya now. tha's some impressive magic right there, well tha' oh' maybe a wrinkle in meh brew." The dwarf lazily gestures to the newly arrived person. gesturing to everyone around the fire.
"I'm Magnes, I got tha' drink. This guy over here's Koija. Pretty sure you already know Sabrik and his horse. Oh an' tha' furry vagrant."
The Massive tabby cat who had been crouched over he groundhog finishes its meal leaving a massacre in its wake. The feline with blood still on its chin walks over to Sabrik and looks up at him expectantly. It receives the pets in question with small noises of cat contrary-ness.
"Mao." says the tabby measuring the newly arrived creature and adjusting itself for a leap.
"Never seen that one try to leap on someone before, well cept for the farmer he hung out with before he decided to follow meh. Guess he likes ya. hope yer shirt's resistant to claws."
Well, might be because of our catsiness Bhalur jokes with his thick accent. Deep bass like voice flowing out of his mouth as his big body crouches toward campfire. Removing his backpack and taking out the blanket to cover a small portion of earth nearby.
Before I forget, allow me to introduce Shaer. Shaer, meet Koija and Magnes After a while a part of skin begins to shiver around the neck of Bhalur until others realises its actually an animal... a green eyes appear as Shaer wakes up und raises her head to look at the people before sliding down closer towards warmth of campfire and coils around Bhalurs leg
Magnes shrugs from his seat "Perhaps this'ns jus'an odd duck then, decided to leave his happy life an'follow me. Never seen a pushier animal in meh life but he surely acts as he will, somethin' to respect in that."
The tabby in question ceases to measure the Bhakiri and glances down to the salted meat, sniffing it a few times and chewing on an end before picking up the chunk and dragging it closer to the fire to chew on.
Magnes on the other hand looks to the newest arrival "Huh, if I'se ain' mistaken tha's a tiny dragon. Guess ya wern' kiddin' bou' tha' dragon acolyte thing. Huh." The dwarf states with some wonder in his voice, the tabby glances up to the small dragon and give it a considering glance before solidly ignoring the creatures presence and going back to the meat hunk.
A twig snaps in the night and the sounds of light footsteps can be heard. The voice from the darkness is deep and has a bit of a growl to it, "Hello, the camp. I am peaceful, and I have a bit of game to share if there is space beside the fire for me."
Magnes looks in the direction of the voice and shrugs "Sure stranger, logs here for everyone. I'm Magnes, thats Koija, Sabrik's over next to the saddle an'Bhalur's over there. No fighting, just liquor song and rest here." the dwarf says lazily introducing folks.
The tabby sniffs once at the newcomer and goes back to chewing meat.
"As to travelin' together, I'me headin' in tha' direction so sure, why not."
A fast conversation between two Bhakiris occurs but stops as fast as it had begun. Turning his head towards the direction where the voice came Greetings traveler. You may join us if I could say so but please, ask our host hereBhalur notes towards Magnes as it is his campfire
After a while pause I do agree that having some meat to eat would be nice Bhalur adds as his head pops in approval nod
If I did understand right, we all are heading towards the same place Bhalur speaks slowly to make sure others will understand him. Seemingly relaxed around the campfire and enjoing the warmth, Bhalur looks at the new person What is your name and where do you come from? As you heard, this small group supposedly have the same direction so far
Hmm, quite impolite to speak among each other like that. I could fix that, but I guess it would be the same then.
Koija spoke up now as yet another newcomer was in their presence.
"My name is Koija."
As before, there was no change of tone when he spoke. He then looked in the direction of Sabrik and Bhalur.
"I believe it would be proper to speak a common language to one another, to not offend and create mistrust towards someone."
Kevroth bows slightly as he comes fully into the firelight, "My name is Kevroth. Well met, all of you." He sets a backpack near a log and leans his musket on it, then produces four, field dressed rabbits, offering them to Magnes.
Looking a while towards Koijan before answering carefully I do apologize for the usage of language, which none of you understands but
pausing for a moment before looking back at the Koijan there are some expressions in common language which does not translate so well to our language and vice versa. I do apologize for the inconvience. Also my companion is not so... talkative as I in common
Bluff
Magnes takes the rabbits and whittles a few sticks down into stakes and sets the rabbits up to roast over the fire. "S'a pleasure Kevroth. nice ta have so many folks roun tha' fire. Koija's usin' me only other mug but if any a'ya wan'some Mead an have a mug feel free. Damn god fer' bee spit. Though I'd ask we save tha stout til tha' rabbits ready." The Dhouvarr says, the notion of not drinking while talking seeming entirely foreign to the short humanoid.
With that the dwarf looks to the golden eyed man.
"Hey Koija, if's they's wanna talk in private tha's fine not that I care much ta begin with ain' like I've given any reason fer argument yet here. If it makes'm feel better then let'm do it, I wan'people to be comfortable at mah fire after all." The dwarf smooths as he glances to the newest arrival.
"So, don'suppose yer' a merchant or somethin' unlike all us wanderers here? Seems wandering is tha theme fer tha night tho'."
Sighing and looking at the alcohol Bhalur will politely decline As much as I would like to I do have to decline. I have never been so much into alcohol, shame I know, but it is part of profession I am afraid Bhalur describes as he picks up Waterskin from the backpack and drinks slowly from it
Magnes smiles approvingly, filling the warriors skin with mead. On hearing the response Magnus just shrugs "Now see, wha'tha'tells me is tha'ya jus haven't tried enough diffn' kindsa liquor til ya foun'on that appeals. I hear tell that these a way to frement rice into liquor an jus' abou' every other fruit,vegtable or mineral under tha' sun. Spirits are.. a universal constant in societies, don'matter how far you go some guy's gonna be tryin' to get drunk offa somethin'. Who knows, perhaps ya end up likin' onea' em tha' ya didn't end up tryin." The Dwarf ends with an amused grin, to the dragon acolyte.
"I know fer a fact tha' dragon's drink in stories as well, perhaps yer fiend there can find one ya both enjoy."
Magnes takes the rabbits and whittles a few sticks down into stakes and sets the rabbits up to roast over the fire. "S'a pleasure Kevroth. nice ta have so many folks roun tha' fire. Koija's usin' me only other mug but if any a'ya wan'some Mead an have a mug feel free. Damn god fer' bee spit. Though I'd ask we save tha stout til tha' rabbits ready." The Dhouvarr says, the notion of not drinking while talking seeming entirely foreign to the short humanoid.
With that the dwarf looks to the golden eyed man.
"Hey Koija, if's they's wanna talk in private tha's fine not that I care much ta begin with ain' like I've given any reason fer argument yet here. If it makes'm feel better then let'm do it, I wan'people to be comfortable at mah fire after all." The dwarf smooths as he glances to the newest arrival.
"So, don'suppose yer' a merchant or somethin' unlike all us wanderers here? Seems wandering is tha theme fer tha night tho'."
Kevroth nods slightly at the offer of the beer and unhooks a tankard from the side of his pack. He politely waits until Magnes has a hand free and offers the empty tankard, "No, I am no merchant. I, myself, am traveling to Bhelskar. It seems we are all on a similar path, no?"
Magnes shrugs "S' made from the fearmentation ah honey an water, one of if not the oldest styles a liquor on the surface world. The Dhouvarr brewed with myconids an' wild yeasts before its creation bu' mosta those are lost to time an'ages. On tha'topic a mead though there are about as many ways to frement a mead as there are places that make it. This'n is made from an old recipe ah tha' base ingredients but I find tha' apple an' tha'one with berry juice as a base insteada'water to be quite satisfying as well."
The dwarf rattles off before scratching his head in embaressment
"but I know none ah'ya are terribly interested in the nitty gritty a spirits so pardon my words on the subject."
Magnes does the honor of filling Kevroth's mug and nodding at his suggestion "Spose'we chan chalk our meeting up to fate then, buncha wanderers all meeting on the same night headed to the same place? Soun's like tha start ah one of mah Pappy's old stories. Would be interesting to see where such a tale might lead, even if only to the next tavern before we end up splitting again."
|
After about 1 minute Sabrik returns with his armor under his arm. His clothes are now more fit for someone of his profession. His fine silk shirt possibly the most expensive thing he owned. Otherwise his clothing was plain.
He set the armor down with his supplies. Taking a swing of mead, he turns to Kevroth and speaks
Thanks, good-man he takes another swig and realizes that the skin is empty.
Bhalkur finds it amusing how the drink had suddenly changed Sabrik's opinion about firearms and Kevroth
Turning towards otherse Yes, I do see some benefits of alcohol such as bringing bunch of people together, such as us, and enjoying the these quiet night Bhalur speaks as his big body sways slowly in the beat of firewood crackling.
Our friend there Bhalur nods to Kojaiseems to be one of the silent types but its not bad thing
Continueing with the talk Shame but our people, Bhakiris, do nott interact so much with not forest people... I do not know the correct word but we are people who likes our own company and I find it quite, hm, sad
Bhalur ends up pondering but maybe this alcohol could solve thing or two as he suddenly laughs with a low bass like voice it is funny to see how people act when they are drunk and peeks a glance towards Sabrik
Forgetting something and then remembering Bhalur turns Kevroths direction My friend here just said roughly translated "you are an interesting person and your "boom boom" stick is magnificent" or so I think
Kevroth smiles a little shyly at Bhalur's translation, and it is suddenly clear that he is actually rather young for a Lhurienathi out on his own; mid to late teens by human standards. He takes a small drink of the mead and smiles more broadly, "This is quite good. As good as any I have ever had."
It seems our friend just passed out Bhalur amuses as he looks at Sabri and it might even be a good idea to grap some sleep. Tomorrow will be another beautiful day but before, I will excuse me Bhalur speaks as he stands up I have business to take care off and walks a bit deeper to the forest, outside of range of the campfire before coming back a few minutes later
Koija had been listening to the others conversing, nodding as they spoke.
He was a bit pre-occupied observing the Myst that flowed around them, taking particular note of Bhalur's aura.
When Bhalur returned Koija stood up and bowed. "Apologies for earlier. I did not know your companion's difficulty with the language. I merely stated it because I have learned that strangers would easily mistrust those that seemingly hide what they say from others. I understand now that was not your and his intent."
He paused for a moment, thinking back to some of his own problems with speaking he has had. "I may know the words well, but I have difficulty portraying the right mannerisms, tones and emotions that normally come with them. That is why I avoid using any of those in my speech."
Towering over Koija Bhalur smiles and crouches to the same eye-level I understand and I accept your apologie. It is hard to be near strangers or show trust when they could be talking about anything Bhalur agrees
I too have some problems with, other people, due to my heritage and our race seclusive nature but as a acolyte of Dragon Matron I do not have the luxury to stay hidden Bhalur sighes as he looks at the visible night sky through the tree branches
Even more now that I have connection to Matalar through Shaer. Only time will show us what is right
Standing up again and heading toward his blanked and preparing to sleep I do not mind if you still like to keep talking. I am used to sleep with noises around me Bhalur mentions before closing his eyes and trying to catch sleep. Meanwhile, Shaer stirs awake and stretches his small wings and yawns as she takes a look at the cat resting nearby
"I too will be going to sleep soon."
When Shaer stirs awake Koija sits down in front of it and started speaking in a strange language.
Turning her head slowly towards the stranger, Shaer looks at him in the eyes and hisses
Magnes nods to Sabrick with a small grin
"Seems he never learned tha' dangers of sweet drink, somethin' ta' sip rathrn' guzzle. Eh, his hang over tommorrow ough ta give that lesson in full. Though makes me wonder how long you an him been travelin' Bhalur."
Glancing to the others talking the dwarf replies in kind.
"Well I paid good coin fer mah drink Kevroth, would be regretful if it didn't end up worth the money. Migh'have to report that sort of chicanery to the temple ah' Olar Galafin. Those ones take ruinin' brews as a serious offence." The dwarf states to the gunslinger in question, grabbing one of the now roasted rabbits and tossing the offering the meal to the man.
"Firs' means ah' solvin' any issue ah' lackin' communications is ta' find common ground. Like this lot, doubt you all woulda' sat down an talked here without tha'lure ah fire an'free booze. Stranger's only stay strange if ya' let'm talkin' wit' new folks is tha' only way to make new acquaintances an' friends after all." The dwarf grabs one of the rabbits and offers it to Koija, glancing to the form of Bhalur.
"Meh, can jus save 'em if they don' wan' em now." The alchemist states casually. He grabs one of the rabbits himself and bites into the fine meat.
"Goo' catch Kevroth, this meats quite fine."
Seeing the collection of people beginning to wind down the Dhouvarr lies back further on pack made pillow and looking up to the stars.
"Looks to be a warm night tonight, think I'll just stay right here..." The stocky man states relaxing further, obviously still awake himself but nearing the point of rest.
The cat on the other hand looks up from its hunk of meat to peer at the dragonling, eyes glinting with light from the fire. A loud sneeze issues from the cat who rubs its face twice and goes back to ignoring the new creatures presence.
Koija turned around and accepted the offered rabbit.
"I guess you are right Magnes. I thank you again for your kindness and you as well Kevroth. Sharing your catch with us like that."
He then looked at Shaer and back at the others. "I apologize for speaking a strange language myself, but I wished to communicate with Shaer and I think it is the only language I can use for it."
He then turned back to Shaer, offering some of the rabbit to her.
Noticing the cat and looking at her but soon ignoring, Shaer screeches at him and
Seeing still some rabbitmeat left, Shaer suddenly takes flying charge towards one of the rabbits, grabs it und flies back near to Bhalur sleeping form and begins eating as well
Between eating Shaer gulps the meat down and answer back to Koija
Magnes leans up to look at the dragonling now snacking on one of the rabbits. "Oi, Koija ya'wana do meh a favor an let the lil' flier know that eatin' tha' cat's a raw deal on both sides? Pretty sure tha' thing's half gristle at this point, he'd likely choke on something. "
The cat on the other hand calmly looks up to the screeching creature, eyes settling on the dragonling again. With all the concern of a hippo being threatened by a chimp the hulking barn cat ambles over to Magnes leaning on the stocky man with chest exposed to the camp fires warmth.
Myrnday, Ambran 3rd, 1247 DE
Only two nights have passed since the five of them first met around Magnes' campfire in the Laerngern Woods, and they decided to travel to Bhelskar together. Yesterday they reached Bhelskar and the odd group soon found themselves in the Brass Dragon Inn in Bhelskar's Market District. That first evening in Bhelskar, a messenger came to the Brass Dragon Inn carrying a message from the Senechal of House Galtroban, that the Senechal was looking for adventurers. The five of them agreed to look up the Senechal and see what the job was about...
You are gathered in a luxurious meeting room in the mansion of Lord Aerdwin Galtroban in the St. Galavath Canton in Bhelskar. The senechal of House Galtroban, Alagaer Finch, sits in a chair opposite a large oaken table with carved dragons at the corners. He has finely kempt white hair and wears fine dark green clothes. A decanter of wine and some glasses are standing on the table. He picks up where he left off:
"You will need to travel to the mining village Dalkalar in the Kranath Mountains. The old ruins of Castle Blackrose lies in those mountains, not far from Dalkalar. Lord Aerdwin is sure that the dhampir has taken his daughter there. The payment is 5000 derims for returning Lady Calisia alive, and 2500 on top of that if you bring the head of Greven Blackrose."