"I see no harm in letting her go," Rhialtyra said. The beautiful aasimar sorceress nodded her agreement.
Rhialtyra shrugged as Sesserak began preparing to leave, having no further questions to ask. "Does anyone have anything else to ask her?"
A thought occurred to her then. "Why were you here today? Why didn't you leave last night after the tower fell and the people left?"
A thought occurred to her then. "Why were you here today? Why didn't you leave last night after the tower fell and the people left?"
"My friendss were hurt and we look for wizard'ss treassure, but cannot find. Goodbye."
With that, the kobold archer waits for the female to step aside and leaves the small cave and travels through the bright light into the welcoming darkness and beyond - not to be seen, again.
---------------------
Oh, Rhialtyra thought. They must've still been alive. She held back the shudder her body wanted to make and instead stepped aside. "Thank you, Sesserak," she said. "May your travels be safe."
Once the kobold was gone, she sighed and turned her attention to her companions. Connor was still unconscious and the others had hurts, too.
"First things first," she said, smiling crookedly. Clasping her hands together, she called upon the elements of life that so often confused and eluded her.
Seeing that Connor was now the only one that required healing once she'd finished her channel, she called upon a different pocket of power. After murmuring, "May light touch and bless you," and making a circle with her fist, she touched Connor to fill him with healing magic.
AC: 9 (shield's on her back)
Channel: 4/5
1st-Level Spells: 2/4
Fully Expended: Lay on Hands, Daylight
Riley watches as Rhia leads the negotiations. When the Kobold leaves, he moves over and pats her on the back. "Good job, Rhia. You may make a fine adventurer one day after all." He looks down at Connor. "Let's get him up and go get our stuff. We should report to the Baroness as soon as possible." He squats down and sits Connor up. He holds him underneath his armpits.
The oracle's healing energy flows around the congregated group and Riley and Felix feel their respective wounds knit whole and hale.
The barbarian's wounds were many and deeper, so she laid her hand on Connor and infused his being with additional divine magic.
Seeing that Connor still required at least one more dose of healing, Rhialtyra repeated her spell, watching as his wounds knit together.
"Good job, Rhia. You may make a fine adventurer one day after all." He looks down at Connor. "Let's get him up and go get our stuff. We should report to the Baroness as soon as possible." He squats down and sits Connor up. He holds him underneath his armpits.
Rhialtyra smiled at him, pleased for the praise. "Thank you," she said, feeling an odd mixture of relief, giddiness, and something else she couldn't quite identify. "I was mostly just afraid I'd flub something."
To his speech about the Baroness, she shook her head. "The Baroness said to come after nightfall, right? And we promised to go see Belhaim with Delfi."
AC: 9 (shield's on her back)
Channel: 4/5
1st-Level Spells: 3/4
Fully Expended: Lay on Hands, Daylight
Felix smiles broadly and says Well that was invigorating now wasn't it? We seem to have gotten what we came for so what do you say we head back now?
As the oracle benevolently tended to Connor with another of her healing spells, it brought the warrior back to full health!
Connor looks at Riley as he notes the man has aided him and pulls himself to his feet.
”Where is the kobold?” he says with a quiet, but polite voice, his eyes studying the room, then turning back to the others.
”Where is the kobold?”
"Rhia got her to spill the beans. The mage hired the kobolds to take the tower down, but he was accidentally killed in the collapse. She was looking for treasure when we came upon her. Looks like you were right. I think those holes lead to the quarry where the Kobold lair is."
"Rhia got her to spill the beans. The mage hired the kobolds to take the tower down, but he was accidentally killed in the collapse. She was looking for treasure when we came upon her. Looks like you were right. I think those holes lead to the quarry where the Kobold lair is."
Connor nods his head slowly.
He looks at Rhia for a very long moment.
"Thank you for your healing Rhialtyra Sunaki," he says.
He turns back to Riley.
"I am pleased to hear what you have said, but that being the case - what did you do with the kobold?" he asks, his head cocked thoughtfully as he looks at Riley.
"She asked to parley after you dropped. We let her go. If you are looking for vengeance, I'm sure you can find some through the Northern tunnel." He pauses then continues, "We came to do a job and it is done. Between the gold the Baroness offered and the treasure we have found, we are set to go on with our lives." He gives a quick grin. "As for me, I'm ready to celebrate at Talia's place."
"She asked to parley after you dropped. We let her go. If you are looking for vengeance, I'm sure you can find some through the Northern tunnel."
Connor cocks his head as he stares at Riley.
"You let her live and you let her keep her gear?" he says slowly, as if thinking this over.
"And now you say she went through the northern tunnel?" he adds, his eyes flicking back behind Riley to look at the cave.
He thinks about this for a long moment without saying anything.
Then he turns to Rhia.
"After all the wounds I had received from that creature during the fighting I was very angry. If I had been allowed to stand I would certainly have continued to fight."
He cocks his head and continues to watch her, recalling that she tried to parley with it even before he had fallen to its attack the first time and considers this as he watches her.
'You knew that, though, when - after you first healed me - you saw that I continued to do what I could to bring that creature down; though my efforts certainly failed," he says as he studies her carefully.
He looks at the ceiling of the stone cave for a moment, as if thinking, then he turns his gaze back to Rhia as if gauging her.
"It seems you did your parley when I was on the ground and senseless and then, when my anger would no longer matter, for the creature had been allowed to leave - then you healed me again."
"But not until you concluded your own business, it seems."
He looks around at the filth in the cave, then turns back to Rhia.
"It seems I have misjudged you, Rhialtyra Sunaki. You are far more slœgr - more clever - then I had first supposed," he says after a moment, watching her.
His lips suddenly twist into a crooked smile.
"No matter," he says, his tone sounding suddenly pleased, "if I had been you, I would have done the same, perhaps," he adds with a sincere voice as if he is genuinely impressed with her decisions.
He pauses then continues, "We came to do a job and it is done. Between the gold the Baroness offered and the treasure we have found, we are set to go on with our lives."
He looks at Riley.
"The job is mostly done, aye. Though I wonder how it was that the wizard was able to get in to these depths... Surely he did not travel past the locked doors and the demon," he adds, flicking his fingers over the head dangling from his neck "nor the construct or the undead illusions... Likely he came in from other sly path that we have yet to discover."
He scratches his beard absently, feeling the blood drying in his hair and does what he can to comb it out with his fingers.
"But you are right; before we journey on it would be better to get more provisions as well as take what we have found here now. After all, if we leave anything behind it may be that the kobold might try to return and claim it while we are gone," he adds with a sardonic chuckle.
He glances around the place.
"Have we searched the remainder of this cave here before we leave?" he asks the others.
He gives a quick grin. "As for me, I'm ready to celebrate at Talia's place."
Connor laughs loud at that statement and claps Riley on his shoulder.
"Aye, I bet you are my friend; have I not seen your eyes linger long on her already?" he adds with a wink and a grin.
He turns to the others.
"And what will you three enjoy? Meat and drink are good, but I find that after a killing that I would rather mate then dine; though certainly both are good," he says to them with a much more relaxed but genuinely sincere and friendly voice, clearly very curious about their customs as they would be likely to journey together for a while.
Stooping to pick up anything on the ground of value, he stuffs those items in his pack, but continues to talk.
"As for myself, I have another who I will celebrate with, but she does not reside at the House of Talia Orem. Still, that must wait until we are able to be done with this place and then aloft with our loot to taste the free air again."
When the items are recovered he stands up and smiles broadly at them in the magical light that still shines in the cave.
"Once we return properly then let the gods themselves make way for us, for it will be time to feast as befitting our victory," he adds with a cheerful voice.
Connor searches the small interior of the cave and discovers nothing of import or value - just the old, soiled furs that Sesserak and her people used for nests. On the two kobolds bodies in the tunnel they only discover two mundane spears and two mundane slings. The party, with the aid of the daylight spell cast upon the stone and Felix's dancing lights, move back toward the Treasury. Once there, Rhialtyra removes the twin Mithral daggers from her pack and together with Riley, use the "keys" to lift the cage once more and collect their coins and gemstones. Each carry a portion to distribute the load and make their way to the chamber with the now still Clockwork Servant and then safely past the covered pit trap with the use of the handy lever. They continue walking the long corrdior back to the walkway and the pungent sludge trough. This time the males use ropes to ensure everyone moves along the slick and narrow surfaces and no one falls into the green sludge. The walk seems endless in the vast Witch Tower but not as taxing as the first time through as nothing stirs inside the corridors and cells now to slow or stop their progress. The daylight spell expires, only to be replaced by Felix's dancing lights. They climb up (giving each other aid) through all the trapdoors until they are back on the exposed second floor of the Witch Tower. They squint, adjusting to the natural light of the outdoors. The sun sits a little past the highest peak in the sky.
They make their way carefully down the rubble ramp with their spoils until they find themselves back at the barred front door of the tower.
The group make their way down Old Quarry Road, back toward Belhaim proper and The Wise Piper inn. They see the neat exterior and landscaped gardens, noting the smoke from the chimney. All seems well and the group begin to feel more at ease now they are back at their lodgings.
"It seems I have misjudged you, Rhialtyra Sunaki. You are far more slœgr - more clever - then I had first supposed," he says after a moment, watching her.
His lips suddenly twist into a crooked smile.
"No matter," he says, his tone sounding suddenly pleased, "if I had been you, I would have done the same, perhaps," he adds with a sincere voice as if he is genuinely impressed with her decisions.
Rhialtyra shrugged at that, not sure how to respond. She wasn't entirely sure of whether it was a statement, a compliment, or an assessment. Either way, she wasn't particularly bothered. It was only when he smiled and his tone changed, that she decided to take it as a compliment.
Connor was a strange character, she thought. To her, anyways. His mannerisms were very different from the people she'd seen and lived with in Oppara and the other small towns that she'd encountered.
"I hear and accept your compliment," she said after a moment's thought. Privately, she didn't know how he would have done the same thing as she and the others given his evident lack of healing ability - for why else would he have run to her defense so early - and his obstinate temperament. Still, she took his words as the compliment he intended.
"The job is mostly done, aye. Though I wonder how it was that the wizard was able to get in to these depths... Surely he did not travel past the locked doors and the demon," he adds, flicking his fingers over the head dangling from his neck "nor the construct or the undead illusions... Likely he came in from other sly path that we have yet to discover."
The aasimar woman pondered this before shrugging. "It is possible," she agreed. "Perhaps he simply walked through the walls or magicked himself in. Wizards have all sorts of strange magic."
They started their journey back to the sun, stopping at the treasury to obtain the valuable - but burdensome - loot. It took them some time, but they made it back to Talia's Wise Piper just past lunch time.
Still outside the inn, she asked, "Shall we sort out our next move in private? If so, we can use my room, though it may be a bit cramped." She wanted to go and see the rest of Belhaim and they'd hours yet before the Baroness required their presence.
"I hear and accept your compliment," she said after a moment's thought.
He looked sidelong at the female, and now he was confident that he understood her ruthless cunning clearly.
However, he laughs out loud at her response, then bows expansively before her with a combination of jest and seriousness.
"Perhaps he simply walked through the walls or magicked himself in. Wizards have all sorts of strange magic."
He nods slowly at this.
"Aye, a Wizard is something to be wary of..." he says slowly as he helps pack the gear.
"Shall we sort out our next move in private? If so, we can use my room, though it may be a bit cramped."
He grins at her.
"I have no issue with that, but first I wish to bathe this filth from me, for it stinks of rot," he responds easily.
Connor will have no issue with taking a large bowl of clean water and plunging his head in its contents and bathe himself in the room that way, at least for now.
Meanwhile he is curious to know what the others will say.
"It seems I have misjudged you, Rhialtyra Sunaki. You are far more slœgr - more clever - then I had first supposed"
"And more practical."
"Shall we sort out our next move in private? If so, we can use my room, though it may be a bit cramped."
Riley nods. "I think that would be wise."
As they arrive at the Wise Piper, Riley's stomach grumbles. He takes his flask from an inner pocket in his leather jacket and drinks rum from it. The day had been hard. His face was coated in dust and dried blood. His hair was oily and unkept. He longed to see the sisters again. The wealth that they had accumulated would go a long way toward getting him back on the road. Oddly, something in the back of his mind rebuked him for this thought.
"And more practical."
Connor turns his grin toward Riley and as he wipes a blood-soaked forearm over his lower face.
"Aye! You are right, my friend - she is practical as well!"
"After all, the poets say that there are no arguments with a dead man - it is clear that Rhialtyra Sunaki knew the same is true for a man who is lying senseless," he says with a loud laugh as he turns a sincere smile of friendship to Rhia.
"You did well, Rhialtyra Sunaki - we merely carry weapons of steel, yet you posses a Slœgr Hyggiandi, indeed!” he says as he claps his heavy hand on her shoulder in friendship as well.
The party moves on and carries their gear back to the tavern.
Just then Delfi came out, pail in hand, and saw the group drawing nearer.
"You've returned!", the girl exclaimed happily.
They looked dirty and some even bloodied, and Delfi's brow furrowed.
"Talia said you'd be needing a bath when you returned. We've got water boiling already. I'll let my sister know you are here". The girl gave Riley a lingering look and smiled before turning and swiftly moving back inside the inn, her golden hair bouncing as she moved.
You can hear her through the door, "Talia, they're back. Quick, they will need baths readied."
Riley smiles at Delphi's lingering look, then watches as her golden locks bounce away. He chuckles a bit to himself, enjoying the youthful excitement.
He moves into the room and immediately looks around for Talia.
Upon Delfi's announcement, Talia came around the corner from the kitchen, wiping her wet hands on her clean white apron, and, as soon as she saw Riley and the others, she smiled, her brown eyes filled with warmth and relief. "You've returned, unharmed. Welcome. I have food prepared if you are hungry. Please let Jax know what you would like to drink. For those who would bathe, I will have the copper tubs and hot water brought up to your rooms."
"You've returned, unharmed. Welcome. I have food prepared if you are hungry. Please let Jax know what you would like to drink. For those who would bathe, I will have the copper tubs and hot water brought up to your rooms."
The warmth in Talia's dark brown eyes cause the rogue to forget his hunger for a moment. He pauses and looks deeply into the inn owner's eyes before following her suggestion and walking over to Jax. "Rum for me please. How has your morning gone?" The question seemed awkward as it left his tongue with the realization of what his group had accomplished in the past few hours.
He notices Delphi walking around working. Changing the subject to avoid the awkwardness, "And how are you young lady?"
As Riley's eyes fixed on hers, Talia suddenly felt more flushed from the intense look and she gently touched his forearm before he moved off to the bar.
Jax was wiping down the counter at Riley's approach and the bearded man nodded his head in greeting. He poured the Half Elf a mug of rum and handed it across to him. "Can't complain, today. We had a decent crowd around midday. You found what you needed to in the Witch Tower?"
After the brief conversation with the barkeep, Riley drew Delfi's attention. "I've been busy, Riley! Trying to get all my chores done before I show you around town. Was the Witch Tower bad?", the last she whispered to Riley.
"Aye! You are right, my friend - she is practical as well!"
"After all, the poets say that there are no arguments with a dead man - it is clear that Rhialtyra Sunaki knew the same is true for a man who is lying senseless," he says with a loud laugh as he turns a sincere smile of friendship to Rhia.
"You did well, Rhialtyra Sunaki - we merely carry weapons of steel, yet you posses a Slœgr Hyggiandi, indeed!” he says as he claps his heavy hand on her shoulder in friendship as well.
She smiled at Connor, pleased by the gesture of friendship. "Hopefully my fortune lasts and I'll be able to... continue as such." Rhialtyra responded. After a moment, she added, "What does that mean?"
Riley smiles at Delphi's lingering look, then watches as her golden locks bounce away. He chuckles a bit to himself, enjoying the youthful excitement.
He moves into the room and immediately looks around for Talia.
"Pleased to be back?" she asked Riley, her voice perhaps a bit sly. She followed him in, eager to set her burden down.
"What say we take our things to my room and separate to bathe before meeting in my room to speak?" Rhialtyra suggested.
"You've returned, unharmed. Welcome. I have food prepared if you are hungry. Please let Jax know what you would like to drink. For those who would bathe, I will have the copper tubs and hot water brought up to your rooms."
"That would be wonderful," Rhialtyra said, ecstatic at the very idea. "Your foresight is commendable and you are the greatest of hosts!" The idea of being clean was akin to the sweetest of honeys, especially after slogging her way through the acidic muck earlier.
Jax was wiping down the counter at Riley's approach and the bearded man nodded his head in greeting. He poured the Half Elf a mug of rum and handed it across to him. "Can't complain, today. We had a decent crowd around midday. You found what you needed to in the Witch Tower?"
Rhia set her pack down and stood beside Riley, eager to get some food and drink into her body as their baths were prepared. "That we did." Rhialtyra chimed in. Then, a bit wryly, she added, "Here's to hoping the Baroness likes what we found."
As Riley's eyes fixed on hers, Talia suddenly felt more flushed from the intense look and she gently touched his forearm before he moved off to the bar.
The touch did not go unnoticed. He had thought of Talia all morning. He knew the type of guy he was and he wanted to be careful not to treat her disrespectfully. It was an unnatural thing for him to desire. There was a deep desire to get her alone.
"Can't complain, today. We had a decent crowd around midday. You found what you needed to in the Witch Tower?"
Riley lifts the cup and cheers Jax "We did. I'd hate to share anything before we speak to the Baroness, but I think we know what happened. Thank you for the drink."
"I've been busy, Riley! Trying to get all my chores done before I show you around town. Was the Witch Tower bad?"
"Terrible. I almost died on more than one occasion." He pauses for dramatic effect. "See these blood stains? We fought vermin and other evil creatures." He smiles, "But we are here now. Safe and sound." He takes another drink of rum. "So after I get clean are you going to keep me out of trouble on the tour of the village?"
Pleased to be back?" she asked Riley, her voice perhaps a bit sly. She followed him in, eager to set her burden down.
"What say we take our things to my room and separate to bathe before meeting in my room to speak?" Rhialtyra suggested.
Riley grins at the healer's slyness. "Of course. Aren't you?" He gives her a wink and then listens to Rhia's suggestion. "Sounds good." The thought of his full figured companion in the bath rattles the rogue for a second before he catches himself from saying something he will regret later.
Riley lifts the cup and cheers Jax "We did. I'd hate to share anything before we speak to the Baroness, but I think we know what happened. Thank you for the drink."
"I understand. Good luck with the Baroness," the barkeep chuckled and moved down to the end of the bar.
"Terrible. I almost died on more than one occasion." He pauses for dramatic effect. "See these blood stains? We fought vermin and other evil creatures." He smiles, "But here we are. Safe and sound." He takes another drink of rum. "So after I get clean are you going to keep me out of trouble on the tour of the village?"
Delfi drew in a breath when she heard Riley had almost died in the Witch Tower. Her hazel eyes moved quickly over his body to see if she could see any signs of his near death but his flesh was unmarked, except for the flecks of blood, dirt and gore.
"Ill protect you during our walk through town, Riley!"
She then moved to her sister's side and Riley can hear the girl quietly say, "Riley almost died in the tower. We have to protect him," and Riley can see Talia's eyes move over to him and look at him thoughtfully/questioningly.
Riley can see Talia's eyes move over to him and look at him thoughtfully/questioningly.
Riley stands and walks over to the sisters. "Luckily Rhia was there to patch us up." He looks apologetically at Talia before moving behind her. He speaks softly in her ear. She can feel his warm breath on her neck. "Will you have some off time later to take a walk, Talia Orem?" He reaches down and lightly touches her hand.
She gave a nod of understanding as he mentioned Rhialtyra's healing. She still wondered if the two had an intimate understanding, but held her tongue.
At Riley's proximity and soft words against her neck, Talia felt a warmth rush through her, and a shiver pass along her skin, before she felt the light brush of his fingers against her hand. She turned her head slightly, but not daring to look at him, and whispered, "I will join you on your walk later this day, Master Riley," before awkwardly/hesitantly drawing away from him to get their meals and order their baths (and privately collect/calm her reaction/emotions).
She smiled at Connor, pleased by the gesture of friendship. "Hopefully my fortune lasts and I'll be able to... continue as such." Rhialtyra responded. After a moment, she added, "What does that mean?"
"Ah! That meant "Clever Mind"," he responds with a nod to her.
"In my tongue the words are not quite the same, though..." he says slowly.
"In my tongue being "Clever" has somewhat more subtle meanings than it does in the Common tongue."
He looks at her for a while, as if thinking.
"However, in your case I think the meanings are well deserved," he says as he studies her eyes carefully.
"What say we take our things to my room and separate to bathe before meeting in my room to speak?" Rhialtyra suggested.
Connor shakes his head.
"I do not wish to do that."
"For myself, I am covered with filth and look forward to cleansing the grime from my flesh. However, there is no reason to have to sit alone in a room when it seems there are many things that we must all talk about."
"If we have business to discuss then let us speak frankly - this foolishness about constantly separating to bathe does not help us; it merely wastes time and it seems we have much to do."
Before he can hear an answer, Connor notes that Talia has returned.
"You've returned, unharmed. Welcome. I have food prepared if you are hungry. Please let Jax know what you would like to drink. For those who would bathe, I will have the copper tubs and hot water brought up to your rooms."
Before he can answer, Rhia responds.
"That would be wonderful," Rhialtyra said, ecstatic at the very idea. "Your foresight is commendable and you are the greatest of hosts!" The idea of being clean was akin to the sweetest of honeys, especially after slogging her way through the acidic muck earlier.
Connor looks from Rhia then back to Talia.
"I thank you again for the courtesy of your House, Talia Orem," he says with a nod.
"Would it be possible to put the tubs in a single room? That way those who wish to bathe may do so even as we all discuss our plans without delay, as it seems we have much to deal with in the service of your baroness," he says to her with a polite voice.
He notes that Riley and Rhia are chatting with the others in tavern, but for now he does not interfere with their conversations.
Obviously they have many things to talk about; but such discussions were better in private - thus, he would wait until they were behind closed doors and relaxing properly for that to happen.
As Connor waits for an answer from Talia, he notes that Riley is talking to the man named Jax.
As Talia had informed him to tell Jax what he would drink, he moves to the man - but not before he notices the advances that Talia had given Riley, and Riley's response...
As he moves closer, he overhears Jax answering Riley's question.
"Can't complain, today. We had a decent crowd around midday. You found what you needed to in the Witch Tower?"
Connor's eyes widen quickly, then he pushes aside the surprise at this comment, wondering at it.
Riley lifts the cup and cheers Jax "I'd hate to share anything before we speak to the Baroness, but I think we know what happened. Thank you for the drink."
Connor glances at Riley and notes that Delfi has come to him to talk.
He turns to study Jax for a moment, the dried blood in his beard making the hair feel dry and stiff, but the weight of the Imp's head on his chest reminding that things could be worse.
"Do you have Dwarven spirits, my friend?" he asks Jax, feeling the need for a strong drink.
"If not then I will take some mead," he adds, then listens to Riley chat with Delfi for a bit, but for now he was considering what Jax had said.
When the drink has returned he accepts it with courtesy.
"You have said that your House was busy at midday; yet this town is not overly large. Did you not expect this business, then?"
He takes a drink from the cup and glances around.
"If you do not mind me asking, were there other new folk in town while we were gone that came to your House at midday?"
"I thank you again for the courtesy of your House, Talia Orem," he says with a nod.
"Would it be possible to put the tubs in a single room? That way those who wish to bathe may do so even as we all discuss our plans without delay, as it seems we have much to deal with in the service of your baroness," he says to her with a polite voice.
"You are welcome to our hospitality, Master Connor."
The warrior's request for the party to bathe together was a strange one and she was unsure of the women's principles in such matters. From what she had observed, it appeared to her that neither women would be comfortable bathing before the men but it was not for her to dictate.
Talia's eyes searched Rhialtyra's and Anila's, before she gave the only reply she could to the warrior in the meantime, "I am uncertain if it is a custom of your land for men and women to bathe together. So, with respect I say this to you, if the ladies of your party bid me to heed your request, then I shall do so forthwith. I await their word." Talia gave the warrior a polite smile, unsure of how he would react to her reply.
"Do you have Dwarven spirits, my friend?" he asks Jax, feeling the need for a strong drink. "If not then I will take some mead," he adds...
"You have said that your House was busy at midday; yet this town is not overly large. Did you not expect this business, then?"
He takes a drink from the cup and glances around.
"If you do not mind me asking, were there other new folk in town while we were gone that came to your House at midday?"
The barkeep noted the strange, little head on a cord around the warrior's neck but he kept the observation to himself.
"Spirits, nay, but we do have a bottle or two of Dwarven Stout, if your taste bends to dark beer. Otherwise we have some Gnome Whiskey." If the warrior gives his approval for one or the other, Jax moves to the backroom and returns with the drink and places it before Connor.
At the warrior's question regarding their business and notable strangers, Jax's brow quirked, but he answered simply, "The usual crowd at noon time. Those who have stores nearby enjoy our food and drink. And there are no other strangers in town other than you lot", the barkeep gave a nod and began drying the freshly washed mugs before him.
"I am uncertain if it is a custom of your land for men and women to bathe together. So, with respect I say this to you, if the ladies of your party bid me to heed your request, then I shall do so forthwith. I await their word." Talia gave the warrior a polite smile, unsure of how he would react to her reply.
Connor looks at her strangely.
"We have bled together and killed together, why should there be concern for anything else?" he says with a somewhat rhetorical tone.
However he recalls vaguely that these southern women were rumored to have crude and vulgar customs when it came to their own flesh.
"Still, it is your House. If you have decided that their will shall prevail then I will not complain to you about it," he responds with a shrug.
At the warrior's question regarding their business and notable strangers, Jax's brow quirked, but he answered simply, "The usual crowd at noon time. Those who have stores nearby enjoy our food and drink. And there are no other strangers in town other than you lot", the barkeep gave a nod and began drying the freshly washed mugs before him.
Connor signals for the Dwarven Stout and he listens to Jax's response.
If it is true that is the "usual crowd" then it is clear that it is no more than the House expected - and so competent a manager as Talia Orem would not have let her people be overwhelmed by mere day-to-day activities, yet the talk of the folk here seemed to indicate otherwise...
"If you do not mind, may I also have a bowl and some water?" he asks Jax, hoping to at least clean the caked on gore and grime from his hands and face before he put food or drink in his mouth.
"Still, it is your House. If you have decided that their will shall prevail then I will not complain to you about it," he responds with a shrug.
"Their will should prevail above any other, Master Connor, when it comes to the proprietary of their person."
She turns to wait on the womens' election to bathe alone or bathe together with the men.
"If you do not mind, may I also have a bowl and some water?" he asks Jax, hoping to at least clean the caked on gore and grime from his hands and face before he put food or drink in his mouth.
Jax nodded at the request and moved into the kitchen. He returned with a large, glazed washing bowl and a medium bucket filled with warm water. The barkeep moved around the counter and placed the bucket by the warrior's feet and the bowl on the counter afore him.
"If you require more water, just let me know, Master Connor, and I will bring it up to your chamber."
And with that, Jax resumed his position behind the counter.
"Their will should prevail above any other, Master Connor, when it comes to the proprietary of their person."
Connor looks at Talia with surprise, but he does not respond.
Clearly the southern woman missed his point, and that surprised him.
Instead he turns his gaze away and ponders her response and suddenly his mind tacks to the girl Delfi and he wonders again if there is something more darker that has been left unsaid about Talia's history.
After considering this for a moment, he turns back to her.
"Of course; you are right Talia Orem," he says with a friendly smile.
Then he turns and leaves to talk to Jax.
"If you require more water, just let me know, Master Connor, and I will bring it up to your chamber."
Connor nods in a friendly way to Jax and then proceeds to wash his hands and face, squeezing out the caked-in blood on his hands and fingers and his beard.
It was not a good idea to handle food or taste drinks when covered with gore; the rot could ruin the taste of the meal.
Jax was annoyed by the man's lack of courtesy and moved to take the bowl away from the uncivilised warrior.
"Do not presume to undertake your ablutions, here, Master Connor. Talia prides herself on a clean establishment, and, it is not respectful to casually wash blood and gore where people eat and drink. As I said, you may do so in your chamber, but not in the general areas of the Inn. I believe I have made myself clear in this matter, now. If it happens again, you'll be removed from this establishment."
"Do not presume to undertake your ablutions, here, Master Connor. Talia prides herself on a clean establishment, and, it is not respectful to casually wash blood and gore where people eat and drink. As I said, you may do so in your chamber, but not in the general areas of the Inn. I believe I have made myself clear in this matter, now. If it happens again, you'll be removed from this establishment."
Connor eyes widened in surprise at the man.
Bathing his entire body could come later; he merely wanted to clean his hands and face before eating. Still, it was not his House and he was a guest.
"I am not trying to cause trouble, I do not know your customs in this place very well," he says to the man before him.
"If this is a problem then I am sorry for any issue, it was not my intent."
Leaving the drink on the table he turns and heads upstairs and waits for the others.
Riley watches the exchange between Connor and Jax as he sits at the bar next to the warrior. When Connor begins cleaning himself, Riley moves one stool away to avoid flying soiled water. He looks over at Felix and wonders to himself if the catman bathes in water or if he licks himself like the majestic cats he had seen in the circus. He chuckles to himself at the thought. I bet that would be one nasty taste.
He returns to his precious rum. Oh how he loved the burn the rum provided his throat. The excitement of seeing the sisters had subsided a bit and it was replaced by the realization of his weariness from the morning's excursion into the depths of the tower. "No offense mate, but I will have my bath in my room. What you and the ladies do is between you all. I for one could use a bit of quiet time and rest." He stands and lifts his cup to his companions. "To you all! What an incredibly successful adventure we just shared!" He turns to the younger sister "Delfi...Sweet...would you see to my bath being prepare?"
He nods to the group and heads up to his room.
When Connor begins cleaning himself, Riley moves one stool away to avoid flying soiled water.
Rhialtyra observed the interactions between Riley and the two sisters with some quiet amusement. That he'd gone directly to them was... telling. She wondered if he was the sort to find a dame at every dock, or however the saying went, or if he was the sort to be true to Talia and Delfi.
It's none of my business, she told herself, turning her attention to the others.
"I do not wish to do that."
"For myself, I am covered with filth and look forward to cleansing the grime from my flesh. However, there is no reason to have to sit alone in a room when it seems there are many things that we must all talk about."
"If we have business to discuss then let us speak frankly - this foolishness about constantly separating to bathe does not help us; it merely wastes time and it seems we have much to do."
At this, Rhialtyra stood from her spot near the sisters and turned toward Connor, a frown in place. Such an act was hardly befitting of the daughter of both a merchant and noble! She knew not from where Anila hailed, but she doubted the other woman would feel comfortable doing as such either.
"I am uncertain if it is a custom of your land for men and women to bathe together. So, with respect I say this to you, if the ladies of your party bid me to heed your request, then I shall do so forthwith. I await their word."
Talia was quick to assert that it was the women's choice and Rhialtyra smiled gratefully at her. After the two finished their exchange, she said, "We shall bathe separately, though if it is your preference, you men may bathe together."
After a moment's pause, she explained to Connor, "Mixed sex bathing is not seen as polite in these lands, Connor son of Coerl. This is a place of propriety and there is far too much mischief that comes of mixed baths, far more befitting the Lady in the Room than we."
Her piece haven been spoken, she murmured to Talia: "We've been through so much muck and grime that even with a cleansing spell, a bath is really the only way I think I'll ever feel clean again."
Then, a bit louder, she asked, "Will you be joining us in our tour with Delfi? I imagine that between the two of you, we'll not have any need of fear for getting lost."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Felix laments the tear in his shirt but other than that is fairly well taken care of. He will politely refuse the offer of a bath before sitting down, Anila having cleansed him with magic, thus avoiding the horror of a bath.
"I am uncertain if it is a custom of your land for men and women to bathe together. So, with respect I say this to you, if the ladies of your party bid me to heed your request, then I shall do so forthwith. I await their word."
Connor turns a gaze at Rhia, curious to hear her response.
Talia was quick to assert that it was the women's choice and Rhialtyra smiled gratefully at her. After the two finished their exchange, she said, "We shall bathe separately, though if it is your preference, you men may bathe together."
Connor shakes his head.
”No, it serves little purpose. My desire was that we could all speak freely of our plans with greater speed. If half of the company is not present, then it matters little to me one way or the other if Riley and I share a bath or not. I merely wished to speak privately and I thought we could both do so and take our ease better while soaking the filth from us. But I do not desire to cause trouble with my Shield Brothers,” he says with a shrug.
”Besides, I know full well the consequences of going against your will,” he says, recalling her actions with him in the ruins, then offers her a wink to show he is merely joking.
After a moment's pause, she explained to Connor, "Mixed sex bathing is not seen as polite in these lands, Connor son of Coerl. This is a place of propriety and there is far too much mischief that comes of mixed baths, far more befitting the Lady in the Room than we."
Connor’s eyes widen at this, but then he nods his head slowly, recalling that the wives of high nobles in the parts of the River Kingdom felt the same way as this.
”In my lands such mischief did not occur often. If a man attempted such mischief with a woman, she would correct him with blood,” he says slowly.
”But as for nakedness and… other mischief?” he adds with a small smile.
”In our culture our people surely marry; aye. And wives and husbands are faithful to each other, of course. Yet if a husband and wife agree to share their bed with a third lover then they do so with little concern, for what does it matter if all adults agree?”’’
”Still, I shall remember what you said and do what I can to follow your advice in these lands,” he adds with a nod.
Her piece haven been spoken, she murmured to Talia: "We've been through so much muck and grime that even with a cleansing spell, a bath is really the only way I think I'll ever feel clean again."
Connor pauses before moving to Jax –
”You may wish to see if there is someone clean your clothing. Armor that is covered in filth will rot sooner, and the scent of battle is one that carries far. If you can find someone that is able to clean your garments, that may be a good thing, too.”
Then, a bit louder, she asked, "Will you be joining us in our tour with Delfi? I imagine that between the two of you, we'll not have any need of fear for getting lost."
"Nay, Mistress Rhialtyra, for I have much preparation for supper tonight. Delfi can readily manage the tour for she is well versed in every aspect of Belhaim." The woman smiled at the other and went to the kitchen to ready the bath water.
”You may wish to see if there is someone clean your clothing. Armor that is covered in filth will rot sooner, and the scent of battle is one that carries far. If you can find someone that is able to clean your garments, that may be a good thing, too.”
"You may leave your dirty garments and armour with me. The clothes will be laundered and the armour cleaned and shined by dinner tonight." She gave an efficient nod and set to her work again.
------------------------------
Baths and buckets of hot and cold water were brought up to the rooms of the adventurers who wished to bathe. Once the baths were complete, the tubs and dirty water were taken away. Trays of food were brought to Rhialtyra's room: hot, flaky golden pies filled with tender strips of venison, carrots and onion in a thick, wine gravy. Two medium-sized wheels of cheese: one mild and the other sweet, and a jug of mead to wash the food down with (drinking mugs were left on the sideboard).
Riley enters Rhia's room as the food is being delivered. He is carrying a wooden straight back chair. He flips it around as he sits and rests his crossed forearms on the back of the chair. He waits for the others to gather before speaking. He feels refreshed from the bath and the fresh change of clothes.