Dalen merely nods at the news of his family being attacked. With the tightening of his throat and the hollow pit in his belly, he did not trust his voice. His family's dealings had always been fair, and their employees were always treated well. Their partners had always come out better for any deals made, so why would they strike at his family if they were after the oppressors? Had his mother or father survived? What of his brothers and sisters? What of their families, their children? He had several nieces and nephews the eldest barely past his eighth year. What of them?
The questions weighed on his shoulders, and he feared their answers. The strong shoulders that often bore the weight of heavy armor without complaint bowed under the burden.
Elaina followed along behind Dalen, and could see the change in his demeanor. She had only known Dalen for a few months, and the both of them had been too busy to get to know each other well, but she'd meet his family before, and while he was always respectful, she had seen the difference in his attitude between dealing with his parents and siblings and playing with the gaggle of nieces and nephews. She may not know him well, but she does know that if any of those children had died, it would tear him to pieces.
She can offer no words of comfort. All she can do is follow.
Lily follows, silent. She knew what she was getting herself into, but this? This was a massacre. She was prepared for bloodshed, for death, but to watch dozens of people fall without a chance to fight back?
After a few moments she speaks up. "Who was that woman in the black armor?"
Anduriel takes in everything, the carnage and chaos, the betrayal by almost a third of their number.
'Years of training, the traitors had to be planted years ago. This wasn't just some quickly thrown together plot, this has roots that go deep..'
Upon hearing of the noble families attacked she couldn't thank the gods enough that her mother had been too busy to come. She'd have to send her a message to let her know she was okay first thing in the morning, though she'd be surprised if she didn't scry her before that.
'Mia is so strong....I couldn't hold it together that well with all that responsibility......I don't now how she can'
Alistair sees that the vast majority of people are helping with the dead and wounded. While some are taking action with the cultist. He starts to remove all gear that is worthwhile and piles it up. He seems to be searching for clues with the claimed loot.
@Alistair, you find that most of them carried only the dagger they used to fight with, like you they had a parade uniform on, but had managed to stuff a light leather armor underneath it.
As you reach Alaryn's quarters, Mia turns to look at Lily with a worried expression. I do not know. And that worries me.
You enter the Headmasters main office to see the man hunched over at his desk pouring over notes and scrolls. his armor scorched and dented. He looks up as you enter.
Ah, good, yes quickly, come in, come in. Now, first things first. Please accept my utmost apologies on the events of tonight. Such a thing has never happened before in our history, and know that I am extremely proud of each and everyone of you. Second.
He looks towards Dalen
As you have been told, I am sure, our little festivities were not the only location attacked. Several merchant families, as well as the Council were attacked minutes before the occurrence at the party. One of which was your family Dalen. I... am sorry to inform you that your father did not make it. Your eldest brother as well, well, he seemingly has been inflicted with some type of poison that has left him in a state of unconsciousness. One neither I, Mia, nor any of the herbalists or clerics here have seen to date. The rest of your family seems to have escaped unscathed, oddly enough the assailants left them alone, only striking at anyone that attempted to stop them. Most of which were a few of your employees, and your brother who we believe manged to kill, or at least heavily wound one. After they killed your father they fled before the guard could get there. You have my condolences for your loss. Alaryn seems sincere, but you get the feeling that at this moment, he has other, more pressing concerns.
Now, as for the attacks, We are completely in the dark of who, or what organization, they are a part of. We believe most, if not all, are those from the slums, and others from poor families throughout the nation. However, these attacks were not sporadic, they were planned, well timed, and well executed. They even had assassins come after me. He pauses for a moment. They managed to get to my son, as of now he is considered MIA, I believe that whoever led this assault took him hostage when it became apparent this attack would fail. Ivan, and Archamge Vinnick are in the process of attempting to trail them. The last information I received from them told me that they believe Daniel was taken somewhere near the town of Aldur, a small half-way point between here and the city of Umber. Your mission as of tomorrow morning is to go there, and either retrieve my son, or, failing that, any information on his whereabouts as well as his captors and any motives they have for their actions. He stops for a moment. Before quickly looking through a pile of letters and notes.
Ah, yes, while you are there, speak to the mayor of the town, a man by name of Bannock, he sent me a letter about a week ago requesting a small unit to look into certain happenings going on in the small woods around the town. This was to be your first assignment, however I cannot impress upon you enough the urgency in which you should complete your new assignment. Normally I would send out more experienced knights for something like this, however sadly I cannot at this time. If you want my suggestion, I would follow up on any leads about my son, or this new organization first and foremost. And in a manner that does not attract attention, for it is extremely unlikely that even if they merely passed through the town that they would leave it un-watched. Remember, aiding the mayor in his ghost stories is secondary at this point. Especially since it would likely draw attention to you.
he hands you a map of the region with an X on the town you are to travel to. If you have any questions or concerns, now is the time to voice them, I will not have the time to meet with you tomorrow, and you have not the time to delay. Also, tell me what you know of the deity of Aramosh.
Dalen nods, acknowledging the news that his father is dead and his eldest brother, Lanel, will likely to follow him soon. Lanel's eldest child, a girl named Valiana who was all of seven years old, would inherit the family's fortune and businesses in that event. He feels a pang of loss for his father and brother, but he is too numb and too relieved to hear that none of his nieces or nephews had been killed to feel much more. He pushes the thoughts aside for the moment and tries his best not to let his voice break as he speaks.
"Thank you, Sir Alaryn," he says, "I will grieve for my father and the others that died later, though I am glad to hear that the children are unscathed."
He listens to the rest of what the Headmaster had to say and was already thinking about how to go about gathering the information they needed, though he had to stop himself from wincing when the mayor's concerns were called ghost stories.
It's possible the events are related, and I doubt showing up in town in the uniform of a knight is going to do us any favors when lying low. I just hope I can convince the others of that, he thinks for a moment before focusing on the headmaster again.
When asked about what he knows of Aramosh and if he had any concerns, he answers simply.
"None, I'm afraid," he admits with a shrug, which with his hands still on the necks of the two prisoners is a little awkward. "As for any concerns," he continues before his voice takes on a low, dangerous, growling edge, "What should I do with these two?"
With a quick shift of his grip, the young knight holds the two surviving cultists up by the backs of their bloodied uniforms.
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Alaryn nods to Dalen. There will come a time to greive, for many have been lost. However, we must stand strong in such trying times. It is the way of the Order.
As you mention the prisoners, he gives them a scarily Dalenesque look.
Ah yes, them. Merely leave them here. Over in the Corner. High Inquisitor Valere and I will see to them later tonight. Oh, do make sure they don't get blood on anything, yet.
Elaina stays quiet throughout the entire meeting, though she winces when Alaryn refers to the mayor's concerns as "ghost stories." She also shoots Dalen a worried glance when his voice becomes more like the one he used in the fight for just a moment.
She knows better than to speak when not spoken to, though Dalen had never seemed too concerned with that unspoken rule when those in charge were not around. She knows nothing after all, and why would a great knight commander worry over the concerns of a single, insignificant squire?
No, best she be silent now and worry about talking to Dalen later. His outburst and anger was out of character for him, and she was worried he'd do something foolish if no one was around to keep his temper in check.
Not that her resolve to remain unseen stopped her from opening her mouth and going pale when Sir Alaryn told Dalen to not let them get blood on anything just yet. The implications of that statement were... chilling.
Dalen not noticing his squire's reaction, merely nods again at the order and carefully deposits them in the indicated corner.
That task done, he takes his place again, seeming to not notice how closely Alaryn's expression had mirrored his own.
Headmaster, will we have time in the morning to acquire extra provisions. I can not speak for the others but I doubt anyone of us are prepared for this mission just yet. I would feel better about our success if we were able to properly prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. Simple put Sir, We need to better equip ourselves.
Yes, any mundane items you feel you will need will be provided for you, merely stop by the quartermasters office. Horses and saddles will be provided, it should only be a couple days journey to the town on horseback. Should you feel like you need any other equipment other than the mundane, ask the quartermaster and I am sure he will have some items for you. However anything involving magic will come at a price. If only we could provide magical equipment to everyone... He lets out a sigh.
Demari listens very intently, knowing that every detail maybe vital. But at the mention of Aramosh, he draws a blank.
"Headmaster Aralyn, I have not heard of Aramosh. But I'm guessing it maybe the Great Beast, these madmen spoke of. What can you tell us?"
"And in regards to Mayor Bannock's ghost stories, what details has he given? Does he speak of Fey? Undead? We will bring back your son, sir. But I don't want to get caught unaware again." Demari is solemn. His thoughts drifting off to the dangers of the wild. The frontier has lost many a child to the fey in the deep woods. Even more to the Tribal Warband's that ravage the country side. His home linger on his mind.
"Headmaster, with the attacks on the capitol, have there been any attacks in the rest of the nation?"
Anduriel listens to the information, raising an eyebrow when the Headmaster speaks of the forthcoming interrogation in ominous tones. Those two bastards would likely wish they were never born before night's end.
Running through the details in her head she considers their options. "In order to avoid drawing attention to ourselves, do we have permission to operate out of uniform if we deem it in the best interest of secrecy Sir?"
It is a great possibility Damari, Aramosh is not normally a god whose followers would show such teamwork, coordination, and precision. I fear there is likely something larger pulling the strings. Something that has not shown itself. Aramosh is a deity of might, he believes that civilization makes people weak, and he has no place for the weak. His followers too, prefer to live outside of what some would call a civilized life. Any cult leader must be powerful, for those that follow Aramosh believe in following someone only if they are stronger. It is one reason he is so revered by the shamanistic orcs. I do not know much other than this, for his followers are not normally people inclined to sit and discuss the deities teachings in depth. As for other cities falling under attack, I do not believe so, we have mages station at each outpost in the major cities, if something was wrong, we would likely have gotten word by now... unless they had somehow managed to kill every mage in the cities. And I would rather not assume that. However, I have sent out couriers to each, both to check in on them, and to warn them of a possible threat.
He pauses a moment, As for Bannock's pleas, forgive me but he has often called out for our aid, only to have the knights return and report that they had found nothing. This time he is claiming that people have been reporting eerie music at night, and that some wander off into the woods, only to return the day after. And that those that return report feeling exhausted no matter how much rest they get.
He turns to Anduriel. Yes, it is also a reason in my consideration of selecting you for this. You are all fresh blood in the Order, likely unknown and would not immediately draw attention from our enemies, I would suggest keeping what you are a secret from most, if not everyone. You also have permission to use any means necessary to gain the information we need.
He takes a moment to scribble out a note, before signing it with his seal. Here, when you are ready to look into Bannock's problems, give him this. But be wary, Bannock can be... talkative..
"I've got enough food and feed for all of us and any horses for two days, three if we stretch it a little, four or five if we stretch it a lot," Dalen says in response to Alistair's question about provisions, "I've also got rope, canvas, a tent, and enough blankets and bedrolls for four of us. I'd have to check, but I should have some more mundane supplies that could b useful and that I was planning to trade with."
Turning back to Sir Alaryn, Dalen takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
"A band of seven adventurers may raise some eyebrows, but I don't think it'd be so out of place that it would alert our enemies. We could even gather information under the guise of trying to find some work, and if we're lucky, we may not have to worry Mayor Bannock until we have found your son and eliminated the enemy," the knight reasons.
Nodding in acknowledgement, Anduriel listens to her companions as the discussion continues. They would find him, and they would make everyone responsible pay before they did.
This is troubling. Hearing of the attack on Dalen's family turns Serill's mind to his own. They weren't an important or influential family by any stretch but now he wondered and hoped they had not been caught up in any of the attacks. He decided against finally telling them of his whereabouts yet. He did not know if they were loking for him or had given him up for dead long ago after he ran away. Now another family had lost someone but at least there seemed to at least be hope of retrieving the Headmaster's son. "You have my word. We will do whatever it takes to bring him back Headmaster." The Mayor's problems secondary in importance as they may be might turn up something useful anyway he thought.
He considers the captives for a moment as Dalen puts them in the corner. What could they possibly know. If the organisation is so secret as we have been told, I doubt these will have been told anything sensitive.
"Perhaps the guise of travelers will suit us. Dalen's idea has merit to me."
Lily nods along with the group. "I don't need much preparation being a sorcerer, whenever everyone else is ready so am I." She continues to listen to the rest of the group as they discuss our next course of action.
Alistair looks at everyone that is gathered in this little unit., wondering what it is we have to offer one another. Seeing that no one has taken the initiative, he steps up.
Ok folks we have our mission and we leave tomorrow morning. If you are in need of supplies, meet me back here in about ten minutes. I will do my best to get what I can. I know a few people that owe me a favor or five. Think about what you have and do not have. Only the essential please, this is going to take me all night as it is. Oh and if you need to get rid of extra equipment now is the time.
Headmaster, may i be excused. That is if I am no longer needed here?
Once given permission to leave, Alistair makes his way back to the barracks and equips himself in his gear. His uniform is neatly folded and place in his trunk at the barracks.
He returns as soon as he is done. Fully dressed in armor and his weapon belt. He starts collecting the miscellaneous gear from the cultist and loads them into a push cart he brought with him from the barracks. If anyone has a list of things they want he will collect those list and leave.
I will foot the bill for now. You can pay me back later. I now you are good for it. If not, well I know where you sleep. He gives a lighthearted laugh.
Everyone get some sleep and I will see you first thing in the morning
"Beyond more feed for the horses and more food for ourselves, I cannot think of anything," Dalen replies to Alistair, "I think having a week's worth for the seven of us should be enough. Bring whatever you gather to sell to the stables before you go making purchases. Tonight is going to be busy for both of us, I fear. If any of us have coin to spare, I'd suggest purchasing a wand charged with curative magics. That should help us stay on our feet, and I believe that Sir Damari should have little trouble using it."
Turning his attention back to Headmaster Alaryn, he gives a bow and speaks formally.
"By your leave, Sir Alaryn, may I be dismissed to prepare for this task," he asks the Headmaster.
He turns to the others and adds, "fetch whatever coin you can spare and meet me at the stables. I'll have that wand for us."
Shortly after Dalen and Elaina leave the headmaster's office, the young archer tugs on the knight's sleeve to get his attention.
"Dalen, are you okay," she asks timidly, not sure what would happen.
Dalen lets out a low sigh and gives his squire a mournful glance before returning his eyes to the front. He'd wondered when that question was going to pop up, and he'd hoped it wouldn't have been Elaina to be the first to ask. She is far too adept at reading him for the knight's comfort.
"I guess so, for someone that's just been informed his father is dead, his eldest brother is not far behind him, and his niece who is all of seven years old is about be the target of every crackpot in the realm," he tells her, trying to put some humor into his voice, but failing miserably and only succeeding in making his worry even worse.
"That– That isn't what I was talking about. Earlier, in the ballroom, you were... different. It was like I was seeing an orc in human skin," she breathes softly, slowly shying away from the knight. "I've never seen you like that. I've only ever known you to be friendly and maybe a little irritable at times, but never so... brutal. "
Dalen's eyes fall to his feet and his shoulders slump at that. His temper had gotten the better of him only a few times before, but when it did, the results tended to be messy, and it always seemed to cost him something. This time, he fears, it will be the friendship that was beginning to build between him and Elaina. The silence stretches on as they walk to the barracks to change.
"I've always felt things more keenly than my older siblings and my parents, and part of that is the temper, the rage, you saw tonight. The attack by those that swore fealty to their brothers and sisters would have likely been enough, but to then try justifying it? To call us corrupt when they slay unarmed men and women? That was too much, and I lost my temper," Dalen tells her quietly after several minutes of silence. "I remember when I was a squire and some bandits attacked the caravan we were with, claiming to be striking blows against those that preyed on the weak even as the stole food that was needed by a small mining village. I don't remember much of the fight, but I remember the look my fellow squire and my mentor gave me as I stood there, wounded and covered in blood. It was the same look you gave me after you stopped me from snapping the necks the two prisoners I was escorting. I loathe hypocrites and those that tell themselves polite little lies to make themselves feel justified, but the look on your face was enough to snap me out of it."
Turning slightly towards the archer that was over a foot shorter than he, Dalen gives her a small, thankful smile before telling her, "for that, I owe you."
Elaina, however, doesn't look up, nor does she look any better than before. The tension and worry are still there, still gnawing at her as they walk. Silence falls once more, but this time, for a briefer stay.
[smaller]"They have a point," she mumbles, just barely audible above the muffled, but urgent, sounds of the garrison recovering from the deadly attack, "about the Order of the New Dawn being corrupt."
Dalen looks to her in surprise, and sees the tension, the anticipation, and the fear in his squire. The tightness of the muscles, the stiffness of her posture and gait, the way she kept her eyes on his hands, and the fear that was in her blue eyes. He moves close beside her, feeling his heart ache from sadness as she flinches from his touch, but resolved to prove to her and to himself that he was not like those knights in the order that the murderess and his squire spoke of. As gently as warm summer breeze, he places his massive hand on her head and pulls her close.
"There may be knights who take advantage of their position, but I am not, nor will I ever be, one of them. You have nothing to fear from me Elaina. For however long you are with me, I will never harm you," he whispers to her, putting her worry over his reaction to rest.
They walk the rest of the way in silence, no longer needing to speak with each other. For weal or woe, their fates were entwined.
Demari takes the message from Alaryn, salutes and exits with Alistar.
As soon as he's outside he gives a high pitched whistle. Soon enough a massive specimen of an dark grey elk travels to the group. "This is Grey Hoff. My divine ward, by writ of Erastil. He is smart, and will be of great assistants in our mission." Demari pulls his bow from the pack and checks his gear.
"I'll head to the quarter master to pick up a few more specialty arrows and weapons. Is there anything else, you may need?"
He hears Serill's call for disguise, "I'll grab some cloaks and basic traveler's gear. Traveling merchants or mercenaries perhaps for a disguise."
Hearing Dalen's plan, Demari pulls a coin purse from Grey Hoff's pack. He empties it out a bit, then hands the rest to Dalen. "I may be a moment, here is some money now. Let's make sure our first mission shant be our last."
if anyone wishes to RP collection of gear/items, merely make a post stating you do, and stating which items you are looking for. Otherwise, I think I will just advance the story.
Heading back to her room after their dismissal, Anduriel changes out of her damages and bloodied uniform. There's be time to fix or replace it when this was all over, but for now there was work to do for which it wasn't what she needed. Changing into a snug pair of leather breeches and a silk blouse, she dons her armor, light enough to allow her to move, but protective where she was most likely to face a blade, she buckles her sword back on her hip, then moves over to her desk, taking a moment to write a letter to her mother.
Letting her know that she was alright despite what she might hear, it occurred to her that reporting them as possible casualties might aid their covert mission, she also let her know that she would be partaking in a mission of importance, and would be unreachable until it's conclusion, but not to worry. She smiled at that last part, knowing the futility of the request. Her mother might get distracted by the intricacies of higher magic, but there was no doubt in her mind that she loved her.
Gathering up any coin she had, she heads out, stopping by the message center to drop off the letter after sealing it, noting the number of graduates who were also sending letters home. The survivors.
With that done she heads out to the stables to meet the others.
Serill walks back to gather his things; contemplative. He passed other who were also recovering from the ordeal of tonight's attack. Everyone has suffered tonight. It will be a while before this place is back to normal. He was glad that he was able to leave to focus on a mission straight away, sure that many would be stuck here dealing with the aftermath.
He barely sleeps, tossing and turning trying to fend of a dark mist filled with the voice of the woman in black. He woke up feeling like he had not slept at all but it is already time to leave. He quickly dresses in his traveling outfit and straps on his blade. Then he rolls up his bow, quiver, coin and other traveling equipment in a spare cloak. His final two possessions are a small pearl which he slips in his breast pocket and a pair of translucent silk sleeves he wears underneath his shirt. With the rolled up cloak under his right arm he leaves the barracks looking anything but a knight of the Order and joins his new group, giving a portion of his coin up to help obtain a healing wand.
Those that arrive at the stables later that night find Dalen dressed in a sturdy, but comfortable, pair of pants with reinforced knees and secured by a broad leather belt. Gaiters cover the bottoms of the legs and part of the scuffed and worn boots he wears now. Above the waist is a simple, black, sleeveless tunic and wraps around his hands as he shifts sacks, bags, barrels, and casks around on the cart. Elaina is notably absent, but it seems the physical labor is more about clearing his mind than clearing space. He accepts the money with a breathless word of thank before continuing to work.
When Alistair arrives, Dalen looks a little perplexed as he helps push the cart.
"I thought we were going to be well short, but we have more than enough for the wand. I was thinking that grabbing some potions for emergencies would be a good idea as well," he mutters, "Shame really, I needed the practice bartering."
After taking care of purchasing the wand, trading the items Alistair had gathered for more funds, and securing more supplies for the trip after assuring the quartermaster that, no, Dalen would not be selling these, the knight helps haul the newly acquired supplies to his wagon and loads it, telling Alistair to get some sleep and he'd handle things here.
As the predawn sky turns gray, a tired knight finishes hitching the horses to the wagon and makes some adjustments to his armor. He was going to hate this visit, but even after all his arguments with his parents, he was a dutiful son. He knew he would miss his father's funeral and the least he could do was pay his father his respect. He leaves a hastily scrawled note on the seat of the wagon and weighed down by an apple he'd snagged from the kitchen as he passed by while running about through the night. With a sigh he squares his shoulders and walks out of the garrison and into the streets.
Elaina rises with the dawn after a night of not so pleasant dreams. Here first taste of combat had come in a place she never had expected to see it, and the brutality of the massacre had shaken her. Still, it is a new day with new challenges, and the young archer would rise to meet them. After stretching the stiffness of her limbs out and washing off the film a cold sweat had left behind, she readies herself and goes to meet Dalen at the stables.
Only to find him gone and a note left under an apple. With a resigned sigh, she picks up the note and the apple and begins to read the first aloud.
"Elaina, I have finished loading the wagon and hitching the horses before I left. Please make sure that we can leave as soon as I get back if asked to move. I have left to go pay my respects and check on my family. Enjoy the apple, and I should be back soon," she says in a mocking voice before taking a bite out of the apple while pretending it was Dalen's face. After swallowing her first bite, she notices the postscript.
"I stayed up all night so you will be driving so I can sleep. If I forget to tell you, please avoid any holes in the road."
With a frown she crumples up the note before tearing into the apple and grumbling about knights and their stupidity between bites.
After hasty preparations, and a quick half a nights rest you all meet at the West Gate of Sparo, The outer wall stands several stories high before you, imposing and a reminder of just how wealthy the city was. You all notice that the guards have been doubled, not only on the outer wall, but the Inner walls as well. There is also an air of tension in the Workers district, with many suspicious glares given to those that live here. From both Guardsman and Knight alike. Dalen is the last to arrive however with his arrival he group can finally set off. After two days of travel in the cool spring air you reach the small town of Aldur, from what you had been told it was fairly small, but large enough to have more than a couple of inns. Many travelers between Umber and Sparo stop here for a day or more before continuing onwards, and as such a group of travelers, particularly one that seems like a merchant caravan attracts little attention. The two militamen at the guard post give you a nod as you pass but don't seem to give you more attention than that.
Dalen is the last to arrive at the gate. He had always been on the imposing side, but the way he walked caused others to move out of his way as he stormed up to the assembled.
"Good, we can get out of this damned city," he growls as he hops into the back of the wagon and, with no sense of pride or decorum, begins to take off his armor so he can sleep as they travel.
Serill secures his things to the horse provided for him by the order and with Dalen finally back he sets off to begin their 2 day journey. He spends some time discussing arcane practices with Lily and tries to learn about sorcerers that she knows and has trained with. He also tells her a little of the mage academy in Valen.
When they finally arrive Serill begins to form a plan. "Perhaps we should split up and see what information we can gather here. We can get permission to set up somewhere are trade if that was your plan Dalen and that could make the wagon here our central meeting point."
Anduriel rides in uncharacteristic silence over the two day trip, occasionally debating the finer points of swordplay with Alistair, or listening intently to Serill and Lily's discussion of magic. As someone who's magic was primarily centered around enhancing her ability to fight, she often found that the majority of magic users thought of her as one of the fighters unless they were specifically observing her or on the rare occasion she decided to bring up some especially insightful or obscure arcane detail.
"The first thing most travelers want when they hit a town is a hot meal, a bath and a roof. The best way to avoid notice is tho act the way anyone looking would expect."
Lily arrives ready to leave the next morning, seemingly well rested but clearly not in a good mood. When people ask she just says that she is not a morning person. She quite happily talks to Serill about sorcery and other magical topics. When they arrive at Aldur she nods to both Anduriel and Serill. "I like both of those ideas. Though personally I think the second sounds lovely."
Listening to Dalen's request for the equipment that Alistair pulled together. He pauses and looks at him quizzically. I hope you do not intend to try and sell these things? That might now go over so well with the people once it becomes known where they came from. I suggest we put them to good use. I know a few people that will take these items and turn them into items that can be used by the people. The metal items will be turned into farming tools and the leather will be turned into spell components. It is your call as to what you would like to do with them. I will go and take care of my own needs then. Good luck with the sale.
In the morning Alistair meets up with everyone, bright eyed and smiling from ear to ear. He has the equipment on from last night and a few more items.
Once at Aldur...
I suggest we just get some rooms and relax a bit. Get our barrings and enjoy some food. Then we can decide what our next step should be. We should stay together until we get a feel for the area.
As you walk you see a couple of Inns along the road, one named the Prancing Pony, the other, a little ways further in the town and on the opposite side of the street, is named The Trotting Tale. In between the two inns is a blacksmith, a general store, and several other buildings. Including a herbalists shop. The main road branches out towards a largish manor on a hill. A church stands just behind the main road and buildings.
Demari stocks up on arrows, alchemical goods and grabs a set of cloaks and travelers cloths for the crew. Before he exits he spies a bow maintenance kit. Might have to make own arrows out there.
Deamari and Hoff, head back to the temple to gather the rest of his gear and write a message for his family back in Aldune. He alerts them to the growing plot in the capitol, and warns that should a Orc War Party move through the frontier, little assistance should be available.
With his intrepid companions and Grey Hoff, he leaves the capitol. A mess of thoughts and contemplation. Running his mind through scenario's of how best to extricate the Headmaster's Son from multiple opponents.
To relieve himself from the thought hole, he discusses forestry with Elaina, when she awakes. And the finer points of savage combat with Dalen & Alistar.
Arriving at town, he listens to the suggestion of the crew. "Sounds sensible. Let us get a meal and stabling out of the way. Once we get a little more information from the locals, we can split up to tail leads. I can also deliver the letter from Headmaster Alaryn to Bannock"
Dalen looks a little sheepish at the news of where the items had come from as he looks away and rubs the back of his neck with one hand.
"Yeah, that would probably not go over well, would it? Sorry for being off in my assumptions,"[b] he apologizes before moving to help push the cart anyway. [b]"I still need your cart to move supplies to my wagon, so at least let me help you. Besides, a good knight should never pass up the opportunity to make new contacts, and that's doubly so for a good peddler," he says with chuckle.
Dalen sleeps most of the morning before taking over the duties of driving the wagon from Elaina. His mood hasn't improved much, but at least he no longer looks ready to punch people in the face. As the day wears on and conversations are had, he seems to be getting happier the more miles that are put between him and Sparo.
When the group stops to set up camp, he and Elaina help the others set up the two tents and lay out the bedrolls Dalen had. One of the things that stands out once the tarps are pulled back is how neatly everything is packed into the wagon, though it does look a little full at the moment. One of the other things that stands out is the stack of seven casks with brewing equipment neatly piled beside it. Dalen offers to take the first watch that night after supper, and is up early the next morning in a much better mood as he and Elaina once again help with the tents, though the young knight is rather particular about how things should go.
Once they are on the road again, Dalen is more friendly and animated in his conversation with Damari and Alistair, and even tells a few tales of his travels with Sir Aldon Rhodes and Froderick Holton in his years as a squire, some of which are on the bawdy side, and all of them are rather humorous. Between the conversations and the stories, though, he spends most of the time talking, and even listens and politely joins other conversations throughout the day.
You get the feeling that Dalen is trying to distract himself from grief and something else as the day wears on.
"Anduriel has the right of it. We should get our horses and, uh, deer stabled and look into getting a bath, a meal, and a bed to sleep in, in that order. Oh, and Damari, if Mister Al's friend is as chatty as we've been told, the last thing we want to do it play our hand too early. Let's see what we can find out from the locals after we've had a chance to get a meal and relax. Remember, if we're supposed to be adventurers, phrase things so that it appears that you are looking for a way to earn some coin. I'd also avoid mentioning the attacks. If anyone asks for news from Sparo, just say there was some commotion when we went through, alright," Dalen asks after putting in his two coppers.
"And before we pick one, we need to figure out how we're paying," Dalen says to the others. "If any of you have some coin to cover the costs of rooms, baths, and some meals, I'd suggest the Prancing Pony. If I need to pay goods, though, I'd rather go to the Trotting Tale."
During the journey to Aldur, Elaina keeps glancing at Dalen, obviously worried about something, but unable or unwilling to say anything about it. Sh does enjoy the conversations with Damari about the forests and shares a few tales of the times she went hunting with her father when she lived in Aldune.
When they arrive in Aldur and Dalen begins to about how they'll be paying for the inn, anyone who takes a look at her can see her rolling her eyes as if she's heard this before.
"I think we would better fit in at the Trotting Tale anyway. With the wagons already there we would be less than an afterthought among them. I have some coin remaining and can cover us for a while until we next receive our income." Serill says, speaking of course of the Order paying their wage but not saying it out loud. "Get the wagon and horses taken care of and I will see the Innkeeper and find out what sort of room arrangements are available." He then goes and speaks to the owner about accommodation trying to get a good deal for their group.
Demari stares off at the multifaceted temple, Really, Abadar over Erastil. Seems we need some a sermon or two to stay in the towns folks hearts."
Turning back to the crew, "I second the Trotting Tale, a tale or two is always a nice way to learn about people. Their hopes and virtues. Plus a boisterous place tends to have a few leads."
Demari helps lead the rest of party and their horses to the stable. As for Grey Hoff, he follows but moves to an nice open space. Demari makes sure the Holy Symbol of Erastil is nice and prominent on Grey Hoff's Light Barding. Demari pats him and brushes him down a bit, "We'll go grazing after we settle down a bit. Maybe hunt a boar or two."
You easily procure food and board for the lot, at 4 gold per night for food(includes all 3 meals, at specific times) and room, or 2 gold if only for room. As you enter the barkeep. A burly, bald fellow welcomes you with warm greetings. His voice is deep, and almost booming but warm Ah! Welcome friends, no finer place will ye find to rest from the cold nights than the Trotting Tale. Feel free to sit, drink, eat, and share tales. We have a special today, two ale for the price of one! The price is 10 silver, if you wish for something else ask and we'll see what Brom can do! the special is for the weeks equivalent Monday.
"Ale sounds just fine to me." Anduriel says with a smile as she moves up to the bar.
"Uh? Serill waitjusta– oh boy," Dalen tries to stop Serill then sighs as she elf continues on.
"Well, so much for that plan," he says mostly to himself as he follows the others to the Trotting Tale, though he does pause when Elaina asks him if she may accompany Damari with the horse. He agrees with a chuckle and follows the others inside.
"Make that two and I'll pay for the lady and myself," Dalen says, his voice a cheery, booming baritone as he slides up beside Anduriel and slaps down a silver on the bar with a grin. Then, a little more quietly, he asks, "would those rooms come with a hot bath to wash away the worries of the road?"
Looking at Dalen with a smile and a look of I told you so
Last night must have gone bad for you. Oh well, can not be helped now.
Alistair takes his horse into the stables, giving the steed a once over to make sure it is properly groomed and taken care of. He then walks with the others into the Trotting Tale. Acknowledging the burly man, he moves to the table with the others. Standing and pulling chairs out for the women, he waits as everyone sits. When the Server comes to take the order. Alistair places a gold coin on the table in front of the server.
We have had a long ride, please keep the drinks coming. He smiles at her Keep the change
Turning to his companions
First round is on me. And judging by these prices...my only round.
He gives a warm laugh that shows he was having fun.