Lucian checking in.
Natalie checking in...I'll just go sit in the corner...
"Where's the ale? A dwarf can't just sit here with an empty mug in his hands!"
"Oh, and blessings of the Master Craftsman to all you fine, tall folk..."
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Even from the road, Restwell Keep is an impressive sight: a mighty castle perched on a flat-topped hill, with a path climbing steeply up beneath frowning guard towers until it reaches the main gate. Crenellated battlements line the walls, offering plenty of cover for archers to attack any foe coming up the exposed path. As you draw near, a clanging as of a great gong goes up from one of the towers that overlooks the path clearly, your approach has been noticed. You continue on your way, your back itching as you try not to think about deadly arrows suddenly being launched in your direction. Following the curve of the path around to the side, you come to the great gate--a drawbridge flanked by thirty-foot-high watchtowers. As you approach, the guard on one of the towers hails you.
Two towers flank the gate; the drawbridge is controlled from the northernmost tower, the portcullis behind it from the southernmost tower. The fissure that serves as a moat is sixty feet deep; water fills the bottom ten feet,
"Halt! Who goes? Friend or foe?" calls a voice from the rightmost tower.
"Friend of course! What sort of damned fool of an enemy would noisily approach the front gate?!" Lucian calls out in return to the guard's question before turning to his fellow travelers and quietly asking, "We are friends as opposed to foes, right?"
The grey cloaked figure flinches back from the unexpected clang that comes from the keep, glancing up at the architecture quietly. There were...a lot of places for people to shoot from. But there was absolutely no reason to harm her - after all, she was just a simple pilgrim.
The young woman stops at the drawbridge, pausing as the hail goes out. How did one respond to that? She tried to think it over, but the idea of the arrows possibly aimed at her caused her mind to be unwilling to focus. She shook her head lightly to get back on track, before drawing back her hood.
Silky black hair was swept back, tucked behind her ears, and a face as pale and flawless as porcelain looked up towards the voice that called to her. Her eyes are the pale blue of a robin's egg, and she swallowed lightly before replying, a very nervous smile appearing on her face.
"I-I-I am N-Natalie L-Labelle...I-I am no foe..." She manages to stammer out meekly - though as quiet as she was speaking, it was probable the one who had hailed her couldn't hear her response.
The dwarf chuckles at the young human standing guard, nodding his head in approval of the pointy-ear's response. "And what kind of moron would ask a question like that? Tell me, human, have you ever received an answer other than 'Friend?' Come now, might as well ask us if we like ale...and speaking of ale - where's a good tavern where I can rest these weary legs and replenish my fluids?"
Lucius is quite nervous after having travelled with a rather odd collection of companions for several days, and now he's facing an imposing fortification. When part of his party almost appear to be goading the locals into violence he pipes up "Uhh, Friend, FRIEND! I'm just looking for a job. I don't want any trouble. "
Sudara watches as his traveling companions each bellow out loud answers to the men at the gates. He adjusts his traveling clothes and stands out and in the open, clear and in sight.
While traveling, he leaves his mask and hood down. Such things were meant for battle with the spirits, as it was well known they could enter through your nose and mouth and steal your soul.
He answers the challenge.
"I am Sudara, a traveler. May we please enter?"
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Following this rag-tag group of travelers, Reigar's mind began to wander as they approached a looming fortress. As the gong sounds he starts fantasizing new inventions. Loud noises. Interesting. If there was such a way to harvest the energy behind sound. Ooh, the things I could do if I knew a way to concentrate an explosion of noise. Could it harm people internally? Or would it also cause physical damage? What if I could harness that potential and use my gun to amplify noise in a controlled direction?.... What's that pesky voice saying?
Reigar stumbles into the back of one of the humans in the group as he wakes from his daydreaming. "Ooh, my oopsies!" Reigar realizes that nobody pays any attention to his quirky reaction. Currently all eyes are on a guard above them on the ramparts. He recognizes the typical hail. It never makes sense to Reigar why humans and elves are so quick to assume hostilities. After all, what was the need in threatening potential allies or beneficiaries. Guild and gnome life taught him that there is always some benefit to be earned from everyone. That was the reason he had joined this group in the first place, safety in numbers.
"Why must you silly humans jump to such conclusions? In what world would a small group of enemies approach your home weary and with empty hands? Such a tenuous way to treat others I dare say." Reigar mutters to the party. Subconsciously, he checks his musket. Loaded and hidden under his cloak. Sashes and bandoleers tightened. These guards probably think I look ridiculous... Reigar then proceeds to lift his top hat off his head and bow slightly to the guards revealing his absurd blue hair going off in all directions. "Salutations are in order. Introductions and the such! With ale, tea, roast and liveliness, I do think that is what you humans enjoy!"
Sequin is lost in thought about various ways to circumvent the keep's defenses when he is jostled back to reality by Reigar. He eyes the gnome for a moment and then just shakes his head. Gnomes...
He waves a hand absently toward the guard. "Sequin,"he informs the guard unenthusiasticlly.
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"As it happens, good visitors," the voice echoes back, "It is difficult to determine one's nature from up here. A friend would not hesitate to answer such, while the hesitation given by a foe would likely betray one's intent. In that circumstance, you would be met with a hail of arrows."
From the left tower, a different voice sounds. "Why come you to this place?"
"W-Why?" The very quiet voice whispered, unsure how to respond. The woman shrank back a bit, stepping behind the other, rougher looking travelers. She had joined the caravan a few days ago, but had hardly spoken a word to any of them - considering they were all well armed and dangerous looking and she only had a crossbow, one couldn't blame her for her nervousness around them. Though it was the same for everyone out here away from Lionsgate - everything was different, wondrous and scary at the same time.
"...I...I guess...maybe...um..." She mumbled, unintelligible compared to the others' much louder answers, as she drew up her hood protectively and did her best to wish herself invisible. Not that she could - that spell was slightly too advanced for her just yet.
Why had she come here? She'd been traveling the roads for a couple weeks already, struggling with her loaded pack and trying to see more of the world than she could from the pages of her books. For the most part, she hadn't been impressed - outside of the city, the roads were long and hard, and the couple of towns and villages she had seen were quaint, but none had a bookstore or a library or anything of interest to a scholar like her. So why had she come here?
"...I...just want to look inside... the keep..." She answered even if it couldn't be heard, admitting her curiosity. Perhaps there was a modest if respectable book collection there, or tapestries detailing important events. Just enough time to study them properly would be good enough for her to have justified this trip.
Sudara considered the question posed by the guards. He wasn't quite sure his answer would be what they were looking for. Even the timid mouse had a better reason for travel than he did.
She was traveling because she wanted to.
"All of us are come because there is something in your fine town. I know you are simply being the best sentry you can, but please allow us in. We bring money and not a hint of trouble."
He eyes Lucian and Hagnar...hoping they won't make him a liar.
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Reigar isn't even sure this is the type of place he normally would go to, for any reason. Father, asked me to go in search of new things. Such a cryptic old fellow. Why did the fates bring me here though? Such a curious thought indeed. Perhaps he can be reasoned with, however. Reigar didn't think much of the female human sliding her way to the back. He himself hadn't been adventuring long enough to know how these situations were handled. But surely there might be a vendor or Tinkerer inside he could share some fantastical idea with. Reigar looked up at the sentry, trying not to think about his bright and probably quite peculiar appearance among this band. A small gnome, wearing a black top hat with a bright green ribbon wrapped around it, multiple sashes and bandoleers across his arms and chest each varying widely in color, with his light leather armor concealed neatly beneath it all. His large bright green eyes, shining with the evermore of curiosity and confidence. The bright blue mess of hair tucked under his hat.
Reigar thinks he can talk some common sense into the man. "Now, now. Come my good sir Knight, or what have you for a human title. If some had come wishing ill will would they makes themselves known to you here in the bright of day. What good does it for you if you do not let in a potential noble or friend to your good lord? Or would you really turn away people in need of rest after traveling long roads that we call life. Now fate be its own. Shall you show us your nature as human is to arms before it is into arms?" Reigar was pleased with his reasoning, though by the looks of some of his companions he feels a tad looked down on. He looks to them to response to the eyes. "I read it in a play somewhere. Methinks it was a good idea though."
Hagnar looks to the new voice and answers, "Why come? 'Cause it don't make no sense sleeping on the ground when there's this wonderful city sittin' up here all inviting and such, promising hot food, cold ale, a soft bed, and a roof over our heads! Come, lads, do we banter the afternoon away or do ya let us in so we can spend some coin?"
"But if you must know, I am a stonecarver and craftsman looking for new business and perhaps a city such as yours to set up my shop. I can earn my keep here if I stay..."
Lucian, noticing Sudura's glance, smirks before addressing the guard again. "Just looking for some respite from the road. A decent meal, a bath, maybe even a comfortable bed. We're not looking for any trouble, just a little rest and maybe even a bit of honest work."
"Oh yeah, name, uh, Lucius. Sorry sir. We don't want any trouble. " he yelps out nervously again.
"Sounds like a good a reason as any," he said nodding his head toward Sundra. Though unwilling to show too much interest, Sequin tries to remember anything he may have heard of this place.
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"Right," the guard in the right tower calls again. A moment later, the great drawbridge begins to lower with many a creak and groan, revealing a portcullis beyond. The portcullis slowly rises, clearing the way for the group to step off the drawbridge and between the towers. About
ten feet ahead waits the final barrier barring entry: a set of sturdy double doors made of thick wood reinforced with iron bands. The shutter at the back of a barred window in the right-hand door opens and a woman's face scrutinizing the band with calm deliberation. "Welcome to Restwell Keep" she says. She looks the travelers up and down, her eyes resting thoughtfully on exposed weaponry. "I'm Sabine, the Gatekeeper," she goes on. "This is a peaceable place. We don't like brawling in the streets, folks stabbed in the tavern, or anything like that. Keep your weapons sheathed within the walls and stay out of trouble, and you'll find the Keep a home away from home. Stir up trouble and you'll wish you'd never come here. I guarantee it."
"Peace-bonding is up to you, but it is traditional to show non-aggression."
"Well met, Sabine. The name's Lucian." the ranger says as he unstrings his bow and binds his falchion to its scabbard before proceeding further.
"Any inn in particular you would suggest?" he asks the gatekeeper.
"uhh, Thanks milady. I don't have any arms, and I'll stay out of brawls like you say. " with that comment he awaits the reply about a suitable inn.
The young woman at the back paused and took a look at the scant armaments she possessed - unclasping the sheathed dagger at her hip, she stowed it into her pack, frowning as she tried to find room for it - as wonderfully crafted as it was to maximize space and redistribute weight, the amount of possessions she had made it difficult to carry everything inside. Pulling out her travel dictionary on the dwarven language, she replaced it with the weapon, though she wasn't entirely sure what to do with the crossbow. Could you unstring it like a bow?
Well, it wasn't as if she used it often at any rate. She struggled to heft the heavy pack back up on her shoulders, clutching the book in her arms as she wondered where to go from here. Perhaps just getting a room at the inn would be best to start. Somewhere she could safely store her tomes and spellbook - she really did need to scribe a spare one once she had the funds. Not that her magic always worked, but she was getting better.
She waited at the back of the group to be allowed in, taking a moment to pick up where she left off in the dictionary. It was interesting to see how many different words for 'stone' and 'ale' there was in the language.
Hagnar is admiring the stones as they walk through the tunnel, running his thick fingers along the wall and muttering about the gap between blocks and the type of stone the keep was constructed from. He accidentally bumps into the female, sees her book, and says with a surprised look on his face, "Yumuşak bir bayan için güçlü kelimeler..."
"...um..." Natalie flinches away from the dwarf, pressing up against the wall and clutching the dictionary more tightly. It takes her a moment to recognize the dialect as Dwarven, though she's not quite sure what he said.
He was scary. Not that she hadn't seen dwarves before, but she never really interacted with them. What had he said? She glanced through the book, attempting to decipher what had been said. Her eyes kept darting up and down, from the pages to the rough looking face - was he scowling at her? He kept looking at her book, like he wanted it - was she being robbed?!
"...h-here..." She thrust the book into the dwarf's hands, before swiftly heading towards the doors, escaping before she could be intimidated into giving anything else up.
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Reigar follows the group in taking note of the workings of the drawbridge. Analyzing all the chains, gears, pulleys and levers. Why is a drawbridge always the mode of entry? If one person sneaks in they can let in a whole army. Why not use means of sliding out from the ground? An extending platform! Ah, now that's unique. As he slips more and more into his daydreaming Reigar slowly tails from behind the group. His dagger hidden away in its wrist sheath under his sleeves and small musket strapped on his back under the cloak. Looking the role of a perplexing odd gnome, unawares of his surroundings. Exactly what he is right now.
Hagnar stands speechless for a moment, perplexed at the girl's reaction. He had assumed she was learning his language and thus able to understand something...
"Wait! Girl..." What was her flippin' name? Natasha? Nasty? no...Natalie! Natalie Labelle - that was it. "Natalie..erm...Miss Labelle! Doncha want yur book? Thought you knew some dwarvish - din't mean no harm nor foul to you. Here...take it back. If it's learnin' you're wantin, it's teachin' I'm offerin'. Here..." he says the last word gently, holding out the book like he's holding out food for a frightened dog.
The young noblewoman had no idea why the dwarf was suddenly chasing after her - was he offended by the offering to him? Was he going to extort further payment from her? Demand that she serve him as a lowly servant? A dozen scenarios, each one more wild and horrific than the last went through her mind, shying away from the stocky and armored creature.
She looked down fearfully at him, trying to figure out what he was saying. It sounded like Valoran - wait, it was Valoran. But he was a dwarf - did that mean all dwarves spoke Valoran? Or just those who lived in Valoria? She was so in shock that she didn't grasp most of the content of what he had been saying, only seeing the book held out to her.
She was at least smart enough to figure out that he was giving it back to her. Perhaps she'd misconstrued his intentions before? Still, she backed away from him, muttering a quiet spell underneath her breath, pointing a finger at the book. It was gently tugged out of his hands, floating slowly over to her as she grabbed it.
"...sorry," She spoke quietly before turning on her heels and rushing into the keep proper, extracting herself from that awkward and unusual situation.
Sequin nods to the woman and watches the odd interaction between the dwarf and the human. "I think we could all use a round of ale. The gnome is buying," he said taking a glance at the daydreaming gnome.
Hearing Fergor's comment to Natalie, Lucian turns to the shy woman. "Careful, Miss Labelle." he says with an obvious wry smile and a wink. "That one is likely more dangerous than our dwarven friend."
Sure would be nice if someone else would buy drinks, but I think that guy is just kidding. At least he didn't suggest me. I doubt I could cover a round.
"I could use something to drink, I'm completely parched. I knew I should have picked up a waterskin." yeah with what money?
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Continuing behind his companions, Reigar is completely oblivious to Sequin's words. He trips over a rock in the road, stumbling and snapping back to reality, Reigar looks around then sees the rock. He glares at the rock then mumbles something in Gnome before putting it in a pocket. "Cdibet nulg. E'mm pa taymehk fedr oui mydan..."
Reigar brushes himself on then looks around to find a tavern for some food. He notices Sequin looking at him and waves. "Say, whereabouts do you think we shall dine?"
Interested, Sudara watches the exchange between the dwarf and Natalie. He found her shyness somewhat endearing, but was glad he hadn't needed to rely on her in a moment of danger. That she possessed the talent was interesting, she didn't carry the haughty airs of a wizard at all.
He was also glad he hadn't tried to summon The Ancestor, as he likely would have scared her out of her wits.
Seeing Fergor offer to escort her about, he figures he had better go with the group for a while more. He didn't know enough about the man to judge his intentions quite yet.
The young wizard had no idea why she was suddenly getting so much attention. First there was the dwarf, and now some rough looking man with a overly large long sword was suddenly propositioning her, while a half-elf man was warding him off. She shied away from both of them, drawing the hood of her cloak further over her face, just really wanting to entering the keep proper now and find some quiet place she could be alone and regather her thoughts.
"...um...I...sorry..." She mumbles as she backs away from them, glancing to the double doors barring their progress. Fear of staying here with these people prompted her to speak up to Sabine blocking their progress. "U-um...can you...open...now?" She asked timidly.
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The woman closes the shutter on the window; a minute later the adventurers hear the sound of a bolt being drawn back and a key being turned. Then the door swings open, permitting entry into the Keep itself. Sabine is a fit, attractive woman in her thirties. She looks the group over, as if considering something, then speaks, "The stables, should you require such, are directly behind me." She gestures down a broad street heading south, adding, "Follow the avenue around the turn and continue straight on past the quartermaster's to the market square. The Green Man and the One-Eyed Cat are east and north of the square, respectively. Wilf and Calista manage both. Oh, and in the market square, you will also find the postings board. If you be looking for honest work, that's a good place to start. Enjoy your stay, and if you decide to be about the area, beware the gnolls that roam the forest to the south and the marshes to the southeast. These borderlands are dangerous, and made moreso by the proximity of the caverns."
Natalie listened to what the gatekeeper had to say about the keep - she wasn't sure about the Green Man, but the One-Eyed Cat sounded nice. The postings board also had jobs - it occurred to her that eventually her traveling funds would run out. Books especially were expensive, and also heavy. She was starting to have a second thought about lugging around so many like she had, at least not without something to carry them for her.
The idea that there were gnolls to the south of them was absolutely terrifying. Becoming some monstrous tribesman's dinner or toy was something she never wanted to experience. She made a mental note not to wander from the keep outside of a large group, as she quickly made her way inside.
The first stop would be at the postings board to see what jobs were available. Something simple would be good - perhaps someone needed a scribe, or help around the keep in some other fashion. She gave a wide berth of most others, taking a look at all the listings for something she felt that she could do.
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"Green is the color of fortune and beautiful nature, my dear friends. After all it is in the eye of the beholder." Reigar spews out while he winks one of his wide emerald eyes at them. "I for one, favor an idea of rest. After all the traveling some of you may even be in agreement. Hmmm?" He walks between them and towards the square. His peppy attitude being quite obvious in his steps. He whistles a quiet little tune, waving to all sorts of people on the way and winking at several maidens.
Reigar still isn't too sure about the people he takes company with but sees no reason to distrust them. They had let him travel with them anyways so he figures there is a mutual contract.
"Green Man is fine with me so long as they have something wet. I'm not an overly particular type. Lead on good sir."
and with that Lucius follows the gnome into the tavern. I better check out the jobs board, my rather paltry coin purse is feeling quite light right now.