|
Reigar walks in and flips a silver coin to the bartender. "Good fellow, please pour my fine companions and I some drinks. I assure you we will be no trouble and capable of paying." The gnome walks up to a table and climbs up into the chair and motions for those that followed him to join at the table. "Come, come. Let us partake!
Hagnar was definitely interested in a frosty beverage, but he wanted to check out the Market and jobs board first. They were on the way, after all, and he wanted to get a feel for the city. Checking the skies as he walked (he despised getting wet...) Hagnar follows the quiet ones to the square.
Sequin decides to follow Reigar to the inn. He grabs a drink and raises it toward the gnome. "Excellent work."
With that, sequin takes a seat and decides to listen in on local conversation.
Lucius will sidle up to the bar and order "Uhh, barkeep can I have an ale, and um, some water. " I'm pretty sure I can afford a couple ales and a meal, but it's gonna be dicey if I don't find some income soon.
Once his order is served he will take it back to the table and sit down with the other two and try the ale "Cheers"
|
|
"Ah, tis all in good nature. I still don't know much about humans and their peculiar social interactions, but I do know they love money. That's for certain. Plus, how can they say know when such a charming gnome is offering?" Reigar tells Sequin and then winks at a young lady in the bar. Reigar knows humans and gnomes don't intermingle, but thoroughly enjoys the idea. Nonetheless the mischievous pranks that spring from the situations. While many don't understand his humor, Reigar is unlikely to ever change it.
Lucian follows Hagnar over to see about the jobs board, taking note of the inn the others have chosen.
|
For those examining the postings board...
POSTINGS BOARD
Reikar, where is the 5 gold that you owe me? -Lucan
Lost kat. Black and white. If found, please return to Nadya. Reward. (The "R"s are backward.)
Visiting the Caves? Don't go unprepared! Moseley the Quartermaster has everything you need to prepare yourself for anything you may face.
WANTED: Persons of courage and daring to enter the old dungeons to perform some vermin removal. Speak to Jadale.
Do you have hides to sell? I'm always buying. Contact Jocelyn.
A warning to all persons: Public drunkeness is not tolerated and punishment is a day in the stocks.
ADVENTURERS: I am seeking a group of companions to try to locate the ruins of Quasqueton. I have a map, but lack the skills to go by myself. - Dubricus d'Ambreville
Professional Locksmith. Locks opened, keys made, locks replaced. Discreet and honest. Fair rates. See Mouse in the old loan bank.
'Ware the Mad Hermit that roams the wilderness.
NOTICE: The Caves of Chaos are extremely dangerous and should be avoided by all folks with a sense of self-preservation.
NEEDED: Persons to serve as caravan guards between Restwell Keep and Lionsgate. Good pay, but hazardous duty. Speak to Sabine.
|
|
The tavern, The One-Eyed Cat, is quite busy, with numerous patrons chatting amongst themselves and drinking. A middle-aged man looks up as the heroes enter and smiles warmly. "Have a seat where you can, friends. I'll be with you soonest."
There are several tables in the room, a few of which are unoccupied, and there are a few empty seats at the bar. A tall woman with white hair, pale skin, and wearing a green tunic, cloak, and a bronze facemask stands impassively beside the door. At one table a lone man with brown hair and beard and a weathered look gives the group a glance as they enter.
A young girl, perhaps 18 years of age, weaves easily between the crowded tables and chairs, serving drinks or returning dishes to the kitchen.
Natalie supposed she should have expected that the majority of the jobs would be minded towards those of a warrior's disposition. That said, she was intrigued by one posting in particular: Locating an old set of ruins. She pondered both the name of the location as well as the poster, seeing if she recalled anything in particular.
In the mean time, while she was racking her brain for any nuggets of knowledge on those subject, she might as well take an easy job - finding a cat. Certainly that wouldn't be too difficult. All she had to do was look for where cats would normally roam - rubbish bins and high ledges and trees.
There was also the vermin removal. While she couldn't consider herself brave by any imagining, she didn't see things like rats or cockroaches as scary at all. They were small things that might nip at her heels, but she could deal with them. Probably. Unless they were giant mutant vermin, in which case she would be in a heap of trouble.
First, find the cat. Black and white, it said. How many black and white cats could there be in the keep?
|
|
Natalie looks about, but sees no black and white cats (nor any cats) in the vicinity.
The wizard was slightly disappointed that she couldn't locate the kitty outright. Well, it didn't seem to be a time critical job, so she could look again later. For now, she supposed that getting herself some lodging would be appropriate. She didn't want to keep lugging around all of her books.
Heading for the One-Eyed Cat (And still keeping an eye out for a black and white cat wherever she went), Natalie paused as she entered. It was a bit crowded, to be honest - the woman by the door in the bronze mask was a curious sight to behold, especially with that hair color. Seeing as everyone who was working here seemed to be busy, and not wanting to impose herself, she found an empty table where she could take a seat, promptly placing herself down and shrugging off the burden of her backpack, setting it carefully down next to her.
She spent a few minutes reading from her dictionary, looking up when one of the barworkers came to her. "...um...do you...have rooms...for rent?" She would ask, quietly but politely.
|
|
Fergor walks alongside his companions and looks up at the posting, "Well, there are definatly some good jobs up here. The old ruins seam to be a good a place as any, and I already have some climbing gear as well. Not as nice as a full climber's kit, but I have a fair bit of things we can use. Let us drink and rest a bit before we find this d'Amberville."
Sequin takes a seat at an empty table and awaits the others. All the whole keeping an eye on the woman with the bronze mask.
"Agreed, Fergor. There do seem to be a number of suitable job postings. Normally, I would pursue the caravan guard position, but if there are few of you interested in looking into the ruins of Quasqueton or partake in a bit of vermin removal, I could very easily be convinced to stick around." Lucian says on his way to the tavern with the others.
After arriving at the One-eyed Cat, Lucian has a seat and glances around the room trying to size up the bar's other patrons while waiting for the young barmaid to make her way over to him.
Once the barmaid arrives, Lucian says, "Two ales and whatever the house specialty is for food, my dear. You wouldn't happen to know if a room or two would be available do you?"
"...oh...thank you," Natalie speaks to the barmaid, before getting back up, feeling slightly foolish. Well, she supposed the keep wasn't so big that it could support more than one inn. The wizard excused herself, heading to the Green Man and stepping inside, peeking around.
Walking up to the person who appeared to be in charge, she carries her backpack with her, struggling a bit with the weight as she talks to them. "Um...could I have...a room, please?" She asks, hoping that there would be some vacancies.
Hagnar reads through the postings and listens to Fergor and Lucian, nodding his head as they talk. "Maybe we should do the vermin removal first - should be quick and easy with the lot of us, then go hunting for the ruins - a less than certain undertaking..."
Once in the tavern, Hagnar orders a couple of ales and a dinner, sitting with the rest of his new travelling companions. He eyes the guard and the man by himself. But he can't help taking a closer look at the mask to inspect the craftsmanship. Is it a fine mask with detailed etchings, or a crude rendition to hide the face?
Apparently there's nothing much to see, so he glances away and tries to focus on the conversation around the table.
|
|
Reigar looks about the room, fascinated by the woman and her mask. He watches as the wizard goes about her way, leaving them at the table. Reigar nudges Lucian and Sequin while nodding his head toward the mysterious mask while speaking in a hushed voice. "Hey, do you reckon she is some hideous creature and her family sealed a mask in her face in horror? Ooh, maybe she's a goddess of dazzling beauty and wears a mask because all who look upon her go blind? Or even yet, she's a powerful mage that the mask let's her see into our souls? Now that would be astounding!" Reigar notices the dwarf scanning the room and waves him over very excitedly. He takes his brightly colored hat of and swings it around making sure to get his attention. Then Reigar hollers at the barmaid, "I'll have what he's getting!!!" Jabbing his finger into Lucian's side trying to tickle him.
Hagnar is distracted by the gnome and his flamboyant colors and actions. Blue hair?!? Seriously? And he talks so much! But he did wave him over, so the dwarf shuffles over to his table and takes a seat.
|
|
"Now'n, if you're short of cash, we do have space here in the common room for a single silver coin, and if you add one more, my love Calista will provide you with a blanket and set you nearer the fire."
Hmm, guess I can get some food too. Might as well splurge for now.
"Uhh, barmaid, can I have a plate of that which the others are having. It looks good. "
When she gets back he inquires "By the way, how much is it for space in the common area for the night?"
Lucian looks quizzically at the gnome attempting to tickle him through his armor. "What in blazes was that about? Now as far as the masked lady over there, your guess is as good as mine...maybe even better."
After he is done eating his meal Lucian, stands saying, "I'm heading next door to see about a room for the night. I'll be back shortly."
The wizard listened to the sales pitch - eighty five silvers for a tenday's stay was more than appropriate to her, as she counted out gold pieces from her coin purse, setting them carefully on the counter. Eight gold pieces, and five silver pieces - she had to scrounge a bit for the silver, as the purse was mostly gold. "One room...please..."
By those rates, even without a job, if she didn't buy any more books, she could probably live here for a whole season. Still, it would be best to find employment as soon as possible. "...um...have you seen...black and white cat...?" She asks the innkeeper, figuring she might get a hint as to where to look.
|
|
Reigar giggles at Lucian as he eats his plate and gulps his ale. He pulls a kerchief out of his pocket and tucks it around his neck neatly. He eats all the while trying to keep an eye on the woman. Reigar looks around the table at the dwarf, monk, and rogue. "So, any of you know any business to be doing around here?"
|
|
Hmm, Fergor begins, we may have some problems with that girl if she doesn't start loosening up. On the the matter at hand however, Hhagnar makes a good point, take on an easy job, them the more adventurous. Oh, just a strong Ale please. Fergor realized he hadn't gotten a drink yet, so he added. While drinking his Ale, Fergor will keep shifting his eyes around the room acting as a casual observer.
"Ya - seems someone is is need of some vermin removal. I figure we take an easy job with a known location before we go wandering around looking for something and not knowing where it might be exactly..." he replies around a mouthful of food, spewing bits into his beard and on the table.
"And rats really aren't bad eating if you cook them enough." though with the looks he gets back from that Lucius decides he might be better off keeping his trap shut.
Sudara had been quiet, poking about the town on his own for a bit. He had visited the job board and made his own assumptions, which was also that vermin removal seemed like a logical first step.
He was going to ask a few of the travelers if they wanted to help, but it seemed like the group as a whole was already leaning that direction.
"Ah well, should be an easy day then."
He scoots up a seat with the others, leaning his spear near him at the wall. He orders bread, cheese and beer and also decides that if one is available, he will want a private room for the tenday. Privacy was important.
He ponders any regional history that might be attached to the mask.
Regardless, who looks at Reigar and says with a smile, "That mask is a lucky ticket for you Reigar. She's part of a Gnome-seeker cult. It's socially awkward, so they wear masks, but it's a sure sign she wants the companionship of a Gnome. I hear they are incredibly aroused by both the physical makeup of a gnome and the tawdry uses one could find for their many inventions."
|
|
@Natalie & Lucian:
"Black and white cat, you say? Oh, Nadya's lost her cat again, has she? Happens every other week. The cat gets out, prowls 'round for a bit, then comes home, as cats are wont to do. Still, if you be seeking to reunite her with her owner, you might check the old stables in the inner bailey. A lot of cats tend to gather there, bein' as it's near the food storage, where the rats converge. Mind you don't step on the plants! Tarpeia would have a fit!"
"Ah, good day, sir! Can I interest you in a room? We have private rooms available for 10 silver pieces per night or you can rent by the tenday for 85 silver. If you prefer, the floor of the common area is available for one silver piece, or two is you need a blanket and a place by the hearth."
@Fergor:
You notice nothing out of the ordinary.
@Those in the Tavern:
As Reigar asks about work to be done, a man from an adjacent table turns in your direction. "lf you're going out into the wild or even just down the road a spell, look out for bandits! They're terrible in these parts. Most folks say they just rob ya and let you go, but I've noticed every once in a while somebody just disappears... The goblins got 'em, most folks say, but I ain't so sure. Watch yourselves out there, and come back safe."
"Not entirely sure how long I will be staying in town, so let's start with a private room for the night." he says, placing a single gold coin on the counter. "How much extra for some warm water for a bath?"
"Fair enough." Lucian says, handing over five silver coins. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."
Turning his attention to Natalie, "I know you don't think too highly of the rest of us, but you should at least come on back over the One-Eyed Cat and get a bit of food in your belly."
The wizard looked rather pleased with herself - she got her room, and later she would get her bath, and now she had a lead to find that cat. Natalie flinched though as she was approached by Lucian, stepping back. She tugged the hood of her cloak down over her face, fidgeting and wondering why he was approaching her. She'd only been traveling with them for a few days - not just that, but she practically stayed as far away from the rest of them as she could to avoid any conflict.
That, and she was moderately concerned that they'd try to rob her if they realized she was carrying such expensive books with her. She was slightly paranoid about dangerously armed men who she didn't know. "...um...please excuse me..." She mumbled, grabbing her heavy pack and hauling it all the way up to her rented room.
She checked to make sure that the lock worked, before she determined what she should or shouldn't carry while around town. The crossbow, just in case and to show that she wasn't helpless, even if she felt like it at times. Her component pouch, scroll case and the potions tucked into her belt. She checked on her signet ring and the silver band that was bonded to her, before stowing everything else in the room and locking the door behind her.
Walking back downstairs, she made her way back into the One-Eyed Cat, approaching the bartender and innkeeper, placing another silver piece on the counter. "I need a pitcher of milk...and a saucer...please." She requested.
Once she had them both, the wizard slipped out as quietly as she could, looking for the old stables by the bailey just as she had been informed. Hopefully she could attract the right cat with a good treat. Though on the way, she dwelled a bit on the strange woman in the bronze mask - did she know of any culture with that custom?
Lucian chuckles softly to himself, seeing the young woman's reaction. "Suit yourself. Just trying to be friendly." he says as he heads back over to the One-Eyed Cat.
Arriving back at the One-Eyed Cat, Lucian sits down with the others. "Alright gents, what did I miss while I was away? Anything of note?"
|
|
Wilf smiles as he produces the requested materials, though many in the tavern snicker derisively at Natalie's request. There are several hoots and catcalls (literally) as she exits.
She picks her way through the gate to the inner bailey, noticing that it stands wide open (though it could be easily blocked by the great wooden doors banded with iron). Beyond the gatehouse, she finds a wide expanse covered with well-hoed rows, a vast garden of vegetables, currently being cared for by several folk who eye her as she walks carefully around the perimeter towards what appears to be a stable near the back.
She spots numerous cats around the building, about a dozen in all, ranging in age from kittens to sizable Toms and Mollys. A black-and-white female sits atop the building, watching carefully as Natalie approaches. The other cats also notice her and give her a wide berth, save for four curious kittens, who approach willingly.
Natalie felt a bit shamed from the catcalls sent her way - were they mocking her? Well, she didn't care too much about that, she was used to disdain.
Walking up to the stable, the girl stops as she spots the black and white cat on top of the building, looking like a queen among her subjects. It was best to give her tithe, setting the saucer pan down and slowly filling it up to the brim with the pitcher of milk, encouraging the cats to eat. "Here...there's enough for everyone..." She spoke to them quietly, kneeling and watching as the kittens ate their share.
She looked up at the cat, and even knowing it couldn't answer her or really understand her, being alone and free of worry for the moment, she spoke up to it. "...you're Nadya's cat, right? I saw her posting. You've been worrying her...if it's all right with you, would you like me to take you to her?"
She holds a hand up gently, showing that she meant no harm to it.
|
|
The black-and-white animal tilts its head curiously. Natalie suspects that if it were capable of raising a single eyebrow, it would. It rises and stretches, still regarding the girl with a look of curiosity, as if questioning her motives. The cat sniffs the air cautiously and catches the scent of the milk. At that, it hops down from atop the roof to lap at the bowl, still watching Natalie closely.
"Not quite sure what her issue is. Certainly skittish enough though, that's for sure." Lucian says shaking his head.
"Hell, over at the inn I asked her to come back and have a meal with the rest of us. The way she reacted to that, you'd think I was trying to rob her or asked her for a roll in the hay. Not so sure we'll be able to count on that one to join our merry band of vermin exterminators."
Natalie watches the cat as it approaches, waiting patiently. She doesn't disturb it as it has its fill of milk, observing it closely. Not wanting to scare it off, she waits patiently for the creature to finish before offering it a hand to sniff, letting it get used to her.
After that, she would attempt to pet it, softly and carefully on the cat's head. "...you're a good kitty, aren't you?" She asks, smiling lightly.
If the cat doesn't shy away from her after all of that, she'll attempt to pick her up, leaving the saucer and milk for the rest of the kitties - she can retrieve them later after she brings the cat to Nadya.
|
|
Reigar's eyes grow wide at Sudara's words. He turns his attention from Sudara to the masked woman. Then he speaks in a hushed town to the men at the table, "Sooooo..... You're saying there's a chance..." Then he gives a slight wink at her before turning back to the group. "Rats, ghosts, treasures, adventures... I'm in my companions! You have this trusty Gnome, let's take on the world." Reigar keeps his eyes on the woman and rest of the tavern while drinking, then thinks about the man's words. "However, if we be bound by any honor, it sounds like there is some bandits to be handled."
|
|
For long moments, the cat appears standoffish, shying away but not fleeing from Natalie's touch. Gradually, it sniffs her fingers and eventually deems to be petted. It does not fight when picked up, and Natalie suspects that it would have been just as simple to have plucked it off the roof, had she been able to reach it.
Finding Nadya proves fairly simple, as it seems that almost everyone knows everyone who actually dwells in the Keep. A short while later, Natalie is knocking at the door of a small home along the outer wall. A youngish woman, perhaps in her mid-20s, answers the door. No sooner than she sees the cat, she calls out, "Nadya! There's someone here to see you!"
From the depths of the house emerges a small girl, about six winters old. Her hair falls in blond ringlets about her face and shoulders and it is obvious by her features that she is the woman's child. Her face lights up when she sees the cat and she squeals, "Princess! You're home! You naughty kitty!"
The child takes the cat into her arms. For its part, the cat gives Natalie a look of resignation, but does not fight. "Thank you, nice lady." Nadya says.
Then, a look crosses her face as though she were remembering something. "Wait right here," she says, dashing back into the house After a moment, she returns and hands a copper coin to Natalie. "Mama says that when someone does something for you, you're as'posed to award them. This is my lucky copper piece. It brought Princess home and now maybe it will be lucky for you." She plops the copper coin into Natalie's hand and disappears into the house. Her mother offers to shake Natalie's hand, saying, "Thank you. I wish I had something more to give you, but my husband and I are not well-off."
Natalie smiles softly as the girl gets her cat back. She looks at the copper piece in her hand, more than aware at the moment how much a copper piece is for a small home. "...Ah, it's all right..." She tells the mother, graciously accepting to shake her hand. She slips the copper into her component pouch, separate from the rest of her funds - it was something precious given to her for a good deed and it wouldn't be right to spend it.
"...She put the effort to ask for help, so...um...I wanted to help her," Natalie finishes. "Um, next time...I found the cat by the old stables, in the inner bailey...so, if she goes missing again, she'll probably be there...there were a lot of cats there..." The noblewoman gives a modest bow of her head to the woman, before turning to leave, feeling a bit better about herself for doing a good deed, even if she didn't get a big payout for it.
Going back to retrieve the milk pitcher and saucer and making sure that the cats have all finished with it, the wizard goes to bring it back to the One-Eyed Cat. Entering the building, she pauses as she looks over at the masked woman - feeling a bit emboldened by her recent success, she timidly walks over to her to indulge in her curiosity.
"...um...excuse me, but...you wouldn't be a nun of Maruda, would you?" She asks politely, hoping that she doesn't come off as rude.
|
|
The woman regards Natalie silently, looking at her as if the noblewoman had spoken gibberish. Natalie can see that the mask, though not intricate, is fitted uniquely so as to fit the face of the wearer, as though it had been designed specifically for this person. The woman's pale blue eye stare from beneath the mask, betraying no emotion.
"Ah, Third's mute, m'dear," Wilf calls helpfully from the bar. "And we're not even sure she understands our language. We've had visitors try every tongue they know, from Trade to Glantrian, but she never responds and never says anything. Hell'uva bouncer, though. First day she came here, she put two drunken louts out on their ears, one in each hand."
Hagnar's curiosity is piqued again by the focus on the masked woman...he wonders if there is a religious significance to the mask, an order of nuns or some such like the timid one suggested. And the more he looks the more intrigued he becomes, until finally he pulls out a book and quickly sketches her face and mask. "This'll make a nice sculpture one day, by the Master!" he mumbles as he draws...
"...oh..." The wizard comments, glancing between the bar and the woman. She wonder where the name 'Third' came from if she was supposedly mute.
Natilie tries out a few languages to see if she can get a reaction out of Third, before going over to the bar to return the pitcher and saucer. "...I found the cat, so...thank you for helping me," She informs the barkeeper, taking a seat. She's sure that some of those who'd catcalled her before were still in here, but that was all right, so long as they left her alone to eat a meal in peace.
She glanced idly to the side, noting some of the travelers from the group journeying here were all gathered around the same table. Together, they looked incredibly tough - hardly a group that she could associate herself with.
|
|
The masked woman offers no response to Natalie's queries, regardless of which languages she attempts. She merely stares out from behind her mask, occasionally tilting her head.
"I can tell what you're thinking," Wilf says. "We named her Third because she kept indicating three with her fingers when we tried to communicate with our hands."
Sudara is pleased to see Natalie socializing, even if it's not with them. Her shyness is endearing, but he figures more than anything she wants to be left alone, so he does just that.
Instead, he look back to Reigar.
"I saw that post too. Bandits are about... and so too is an expedition near a historic old fort. Either of those are a good cause...and Quasqueton's ruins seem interesting if we can find them."