Eyes ranging quickly from the buildings to the people, Doran nods and looks for any bulletin boar- "Wait, why can't you- oh, can you not read? Dragons cannot read so it took me so incredibly long to learn!"
Doran blinks as he notices the poster and peers carefully at it. Reading it out clearly to Terra, he adds "Are you missing a sister, maybe? This girl here looks just like you", though with the last part in a quieter voice.
"Some of you are probably already familiar with this, but we did manage to find a map of the Azeem region, and this clearing here..." - she puts her finger on the map - "May be as good a spot to start searching as any"
"It may mean nothing, but I confirmed that Ulrich did in fact move to Azeem to hide his amulet, though there is a passage with details of a conversation between him and Artorias where he informs he would head to that region to clear his head... It is a longshot, but unless we have anything else to go on, this may be a decent option to pursue"
Alaeron looks at the bracer symbol with a nod, he begins speaking in elvish. "Allow me to great you properly, cousin. Please excuse my accent, Father says I speak my words the best that any human can... which is to say not well at all."
Alaeron nods to Tiriael's advice, "Seems like the best place to start rather then tramping through the mountain range. I've heard rumors of an ancient creature that lives in the mountains, and it's certainly not something I would like to meet face to face without preparing first."
If giant bugs, Raiders, orcs, long dead sorcerers, legendary monsters or my own allies don't kill me first, Piers thought grimly to himself and finished his ale. He stood slowly and put a hand on Ivan's shoulder, his good one.
"Take it easy, Ivan, things might get hairy soon and I don't want anymore of my 'Dags dying on me. I'll catch you later."
Doran blinks as he notices the poster and peers carefully at it. Reading it out clearly to Terra, he adds "Are you missing a sister, maybe? This girl here looks just like you", though with the last part in a quieter voice.
Which one? she asks.
when he indicates the poster she rips it down. and crumbles it up putting it in her pocket.
Just coincidence I'm sure. Aren't you going to show me more of this city? she says attempting to change the subject.
Doran eyes her steadily for a moment and shrugs. "Eh; it's your business, not mine. And we have more city to explore! C'mon!"
As you walk down the street, a man accidently bumps into Terra. "Pardon me, milady." he says, then continues on his way.
1d20+2
1d20
1d20+7As you walk down the street, a man accidentally bumps into Terra. "Pardon me, milady." he says, then continues on his way.
After the person passes Terra stops in her tracks. she takes several deep breaths. she appears to be calming herself. the ground beneath her feet has a low rumble to it but as she calms the rumble stops.
Terra waits to see if the person has anything else to say before moving on.
The man continues on his way without giving the kids a second thought, apparently.
Doran examines her carefully and waits until the man is out of hearing distance. "You seem very on edge. That's usually not a good thing. To voice a random thought that has abs'lutely nothin' to do with anythin' you've said or done... would you like to go shopping? In a big city like this, they have clothing and hats and masks and scarves and all sorts of stuff to make someone look completely like anyone else. Not that i'd know why, but perhaps it might make you feel a little calmer."
Doran examines her carefully and waits until the man is out of hearing distance. "You seem very on edge. That's usually not a good thing. To voice a random thought that has abs'lutely nothin' to do with anythin' you've said or done... would you like to go shopping? In a big city like this, they have clothing and hats and masks and scarves and all sorts of stuff to make someone look completely like anyone else. Not that i'd know why, but perhaps it might make you feel a little calmer."
Terra just listens to the man leave then upon Doran's suggestion, she smiles at him shopping would be nice, I haven't been shopping in a while. lead the way she offers her arm to be guided to the market.
I like greens and earthy shades, I cannot discern colors anymore, would you help me pick out some nice stuff in those colors?
Doran grins in return and nods. "Happy to help; though I personally always prefer fire-red!" Taking her arm, he heads out to go shopping.
Before they all meet again, Tiriael spends her time taking in the sights and sounds of the city - sharing her time with her travelling companions, if any are available, or if they cross paths while she is sightseeing.
On the third night, you all meet up at the Fallen Boar to discuss your next move. Tiriael, shares that the small clearing located in Western Azeem seems to be as good a spot as any to start.
"Well done, Ms. Tiriael," the Captain said, enjoying a frothy lager that he was delighted to learn had changed little since his time in the Academy. Next to his mug was something that had likely once been a gristly lump of some kind of meat before it had been stewed into oblivion with some potatoes and carrots. It was the sort of fair that had sustained him all through his training.
"Don't know how familiar you are with the area, but I've heard tell the local spider population has gotten a bit ornery recently. It might behoove us to pack a few doses of antivenom. Mr. Longstrider, you look to have seen a few miles, ever been through Azeem?" If there was one thing Piers was good at, it was guessing aptitudes.
Of course, he pretty much refused to engage Terra any more than was strictly necessary. He did not want to be banned from the Fallen Boar for any damages she might inflict. Other than his indifference, he made no mention of her display in the street to any of his other erstwhile companions. If she continued to be a problem, he would take care of it then.
"Sadly I regret to say that I haven't, only heard stories. Your reasoning is sound though, and a few vials of antivenom would go along way."
While adding notes to a piece of parchment already ridden with the gathered information, Tiriael asks with a grin - "Is it settled then? Will this be our first destination?"
The usually excited youth pales and mutters "Oh for the love of all dragons, why did it have to be spiders..." Sighing, he takes a deep breath and musters a small grin. "Well, when do we set off?"
Terra enjoyed her time shopping but ended up buying nothing. it seems that just having company was enough. especially when the company didn't ask a lot of questions.
during your short time with Terra her mannerisims and at times her reactions to situations, she seems very defensive and abrasive, she seems to show some signs as an abused youth.
Terra remained quiet during the plan making. having not engaged in the research she just agreed to whatever direction they choose to go.
Terra also watches every one to look for signs that they may have seen the poster before she did. hoping that turning her over for an easy reward was not in the plans.
As you sit at your table, a young woman come and timidly addresses Tiriael, "E-E-Excuse me miss, did you used to run The Ramblers Theater Troupe?"
Doran notices but makes no comment, spending most of the time trying to convince Terra to try on clothes or try foods, chattering about everything he sees and telling her a little about dragons.
The usually jovial girls' expression turns serious as the young woman addresses her, Song falling into silence on her shoulder - "Yes. I used to run with The Ramblers. Have we met before?" - she answers politely, as her thrush companion hops to the table and then to nestle in her hand.
The woman squeals with glee, "Oh no no no, we haven't I just remember seeing you a few years ago at my village festival. I heard your singing and it inspired me." She pulls out a beautifully crafted flute and continues, "I've been practicing ever since. I just arrived today to make my way as a performer. Would you do me the honor of singing while I play a tune for these weary people?"
Standing up, and offering a gracious bow, Tiriael cannot help but smile at the girls' request - "I will gladly follow along your tune with a song, but if we could make some space around here" - she looks around the room - "It would be my pleasure to offer you a dance performance - your choice"
Squealing again, the young bard responds, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. Let me go ask the Innkeeper." A split second later, she disappears into the crowd. After a few minutes four large men come from the back area, ask some of the patrons to excuse them, then proceeded to move some table to make some room. After the some floor space is cleared, the woman jumps up on one of the tables, ties back her black hair, which in turn reveals her slightly pointed ears, and begins to play.
Doran notices but makes no comment, spending most of the time trying to convince Terra to try on clothes or try foods, chattering about everything he sees and telling her a little about dragons.
Terra tries on several outfits but always has some excuse why she doesn't really like it much.
she likes all of them but does not want to buy anything also does not want someone spending money on her either. so she makes excuses instead
back at the tavern
Terra seems to smile at the music being played, tapping her foot along with the tune yet trying to hide it, (its not the way a proper lady would act, it could be considered "suggestive")
As the tune begins, the young girl seems to change into someone else - dropping her gear and cloak on the table she takes to the middle of the room with a huge smile, the shape of her body showing she is not as boyish as one may initially think.
As she falls into the rythm, the harmony between the sound and movement are as evident as Tiriaels' joy, obvious to anyone that makes eye contact with her sparkling eyes.
The dance is as merry as the song itself and it takes her around the room, nimbly making the best use of the available space in a show of graciousness and pure enjoyment, captivating those around her, that can be seen here and there, enthralled by the movements and the music, tapping a foot or drumming their fingers.
As the song ends, she graciously comes to a slow halt near the middle of the room, finishing with a low bow, the smile never leaving her face.
When the song ends, the young half-elf woman, jumps down from the table and runs over to Tiriael. "Thank you so much. I never would have thought my first performance would have been with the woman who inspired my life." Overwhelmed in the moment, she threw her arms around Tirieal and gave her a big hug.
The sound of coins hitting the floor causes her to release her fellow bard and begin to pick them up off of the floor. She looks up and says, "Half of this is yours, take it with my thanks."
You then hear a deep, loud voice from the bar, "Next round is on the house, in honor of the lovely ladies."
"That was an impressive performance and a very pleasant note to begin our journey." Nebari begins while putting an object wrapped in cloth on the table. "I found this the other day while searching for information, I don't know if it will be of any use though." Unwrapping the object reveals a finely crafted wooden shield depicting a griffin battling a hydra.
Piers at first seemed mildly amused but his gaze gradually drifted off into the middle distance as he got lost in his own memories for a short time. When the performance was over, he jolted himself awake and joined the applause.
"Not exactly the sort to rely on shields, this is just for show," the Captain said, tapping the longsword on his hip.
When the song ends, the young half-elf woman, jumps down from the table and runs over to Tiriael. "Thank you so much. I never would have thought my first performance would have been with the woman who inspired my life." Overwhelmed in the moment, she threw her arms around Tirieal and gave her a big hug.
The sound of coins hitting the floor causes her to release her fellow bard and begin to pick them up off of the floor. She looks up and says, "Half of this is yours, take it with my thanks."
You then hear a deep, loud voice from the bar, "Next round is on the house, in honor of the lovely ladies."
Still surprised and a little bit suspicious at this unexpected situation, nonetheless Tiriael returns the hug. When the woman offers a portion of the earnings, she shakes her head - "No... Keep that for yourself - Consider it... my patronage" - she adds with a laugh.
"And please do tell me your name"
"That was an impressive performance and a very pleasant note to begin our journey." Nebari begins while putting an object wrapped in cloth on the table. "I found this the other day while searching for information, I don't know if it will be of any use though." Unwrapping the object reveals a finely crafted wooden shield depicting a griffin battling a hydra.
"Thank you Nebari. Now, what have we here...?" - as she refits her possessions, Tiriael looks attentively at the shield.
Sweat still beading on her forehead from the dance, she runs her fingers over the shield and the symbols.
"I was told it belonged to Artorias Argus, Paladin of the Five Heads. Leader of the Seven Heroes. I couldn't pass a find like that, and judging from the weight I would say it's darkwood same as my own." Nebari explains as Tirael looks over the shield.
"Fascinating, but what are we going to do with it? I'm sure Sir Argus's shield had hundreds of knock-offs made of it after his rise to fame," the Captain said, more than a little skeptical of the shield's authenticity. He leaned back in his chair and watched the others with slightly hooded eyes, flagging down a waitress when the next round of drinks was passed around by the impressed patron.
"Last time there was a tourney the winner was that pretty boy, what was his name? His family heraldry was up all over the city for weeks after he beat Sir Greengulch in the joust. Lost twenty gold on that match. Anyway, could be a replica."
Doran nods to himself in time with the music and traces the beat with a tapping finger, but is otherwise unmoved. "A fine ditty... but nothing is as fine as dragonsong, I fear."
The young bard looks up at you and looks like she about to cry she's so happy. "Thank you for such generosity. My name is Natasha, and I hope to live up to the kindness you've shown me."
The waitress brings your portion of the free round of drinks.
Alaeron watches the performances out of the corner of his eye to hide his slight blush at seeing Tiriael dance so well. He turns his back slightly so that others don't see the crimson of his face.
When the waitress comes around, he stammers "Water... wait... do you have any elvish wine? from the southern regions?"
The waitress responds, "I believe we do sir, I'll find out shortly."