==============
Eleven days had passed since the Kaava Cutter sailed out of Eleder’s harbour to transport the second wave of colonists to the upstart town of Pridon’s Hearth. The early morning had brought with it clear skies in comparison to the previous afternoon’s thunderstorm. Late afternoon seemed to be the time the storms and rainfall hit the hardest. The journey itself was not overly tedious or fraught with danger, which was welcomed by those on the ship.
The murky blue-green water had given way to the clearer blue at present. Captain Len Noradu had kept a tight ship – his sailors/crew all competent and loyal to the loud, stern but fair human male. Dropping anchor just outside the bay, as Pridon’s Hearth lacked a proper dock for larger ocean vessels; the longboats were being lowered down into water, and would be used on rotation to deliver the colonists to the smaller docks at Island Town. The Sargavan minor noble, Gallio Menius, demanded that he and his dozen labourers be the first ashore; and the Captain compiled – not really interested in who went first or last. All the colonists’ belongings were taken ahead and left on the fishing docks to be collected by the colonists once they disembarked the longboats.
When it came to the other colonists' turn to take a longboat to the dock, the fair-haired woman, holding a tiny, grey fox in the crook of her arm, looked to the west and her glacier-blue eyes took in the growing grey rain clouds. In the Common tongue, she quietly informed her male companion beside her; the swashbuckler, ”It will rain again this afternoon. The storms have not yet passed.” Her accent was unusual, yet pleasant to the ear for the melodic timbre of her voice. Scratching the tiny fox’s head in a loving manner, the woman carefully picked up the creature and placed it in the safe confines of her coat/cloak and spoke to it in hushed Polyglot as if to soothe the fox. Then she stepped into the returned longboat and made room for her companion. She was eager to reach the dock and see the colony for the first time. And her belongings were waiting for her there and she was concerned they would be snatched by another if they tarried too longer.
”It will rain again this afternoon. The storms have not yet passed.”
The man besides her lifts his gaze to the sky and peers at it thoughtfully and nods in assent.
He then turns and looks at the docks as the ship pushes toward the harbor.
He says nothing for a moment as he thinks on what he has seen and then turns to look at the woman besides him.
"You are versed in the ways of travel?" he asks her curiously, his voice a deep bass, but the timber is gentle and not overbearing.
As he waits for her to respond he looks at the small fox and sings to it softly in the Fey tongue...
Sér hon upp koma öðru sinni
jörð ór ægi iðjagræna.
Falla fossar, flýgr örn yfir,
sá er á fjalli fiska veiðir.
Sal sér hon standa sólu fekra,
gulli þakðan á Gimléi.
Þar skulu dyggvar dróttir byggja
ok um aldrdaga ynðis njóta.
Then he looks up at the woman and studies her gear and features more carefully and seems to form his own opinion on the matter.
"Your fox is wise to travel with such a companion as you, I think," he says to her after a moment but with a small, friendly smile.
"You are versed in the ways of travel?" he asks her curiously, his voice a deep bass, but the timber is gentle and not overbearing.
Eira turned her wide, light-hued eyes toward the large Northman seated beside her on the longboat; her hand absently moving up to touch the familiar Ulfen-forged locket she always wore about her neck, "I have moved about since I was a young child." She paused momentarily as a memory came bidden and she shook it off before continuing. "I am not quite used to sailing; yet my father taught me how to traverse and forage off the land. And you?", her voice still contained a foreign aspect - as if the inflection was a blend of cultures. She spoke to him quietly, for she was conversing with him and not all situated inside the boat ferrying them to Island Town.
She felt Runa move against her from her inside the coat/cloak, and then the young female kit lifted up her head and nose and sniffed the air as the Northman began his song in a tongue Eira did not understand. "A pretty melody; yet I admit I do not know the tongue. What is the song about? Runa seems to have enjoyed it."
"Your fox is wise to travel with such a companion as you, I think," he says to her after a moment but with a small, friendly smile.
Upon his remark and seeming tribute, a soft smile lit up her light blue eyes, "We are a part of the other. Without Runa I would not be who I am." Or carry out my spirit's blessing, she mused inwardly.
"I have moved about since I was a young child." She paused momentarily as a memory came bidden and she shook it off before continuing. "I am not quite used to sailing; yet my father taught me how to traverse and forage off the land. And you?", her voice still contained a foreign aspect - as if the inflection was a blend of cultures. She spoke to him quietly, for she was conversing with him and not all situated inside the boat ferrying them to Island Town.
He nods his head in assent at her words.
"I have sailed before, for my lands are to the north and my folk have often had business on the water; though I prefer to journey over the lands on foot."
"There is peace in the quiet glens of the wood, I find, and to wander their paths in solitude is something my heart yearns for, from time to time," he adds, his voice trailing off a bit as he turns his eyes to study the trees of the coast which flank the buildings of the colony and to gaze at the vastness of the wilderness beyond.
"Though, of course, I do enjoy the company of others," he continues, turning his gaze from the sea-soaked shore to regard Eira thoughtfully.
"A pretty melody; yet I admit I do not know the tongue. What is the song about? Runa seems to have enjoyed it."
He watches her a moment longer and then responds.
"The song is one I learned in my homelands and was taught to me... The words are the Fey tongue, sometimes called Sylvan. It is known also to the strange creatures of the wild who are like plants which move like men... Further, those folk known as unicorn and centaurs - my tutor was a centaur and taught me the song and the meaning... it is their tongue as well."
He pauses and then thinks a moment before continuing.
"The words are part of a longer song; much of it filled with dark and dangerous things, as well as things bright and magical - which is the way of many songs and tales in the Fey tongue - but these words were, to my mind, good for this morning and occasion."
"The verses are rendered thus in the Common Tongue... She sees rise up a second time... the green earth from the sea... Waterfalls fall, the eagle flies above... he who on the mountains catches fish... She sees a room standing more beautiful than the sun... covered in gold, in Gimle... There the faithful will dwell... and enjoy pleasures forever."
He shrugs.
"I thought the good fox would enjoy the melody, even if she did not know the words," he adds with a small smile at Runa.
Upon his remark and seeming tribute, a soft smile lit up her light blue eyes, "We are a part of the other. Without Runa I would not be who I am."
He peers more carefully at the fox for a bit.
"Good morrow, Runa, I am called Thorongil," he says as he leans in to look at Runa's eyes.
He speaks with a polite but sincere voice; as if addressing an animal with same courtesy and manner one would speak to a human is completely normal and natural.
After a moment he looks up at the eyes of Eira.
"I do not know your name," he says to her "but your features are like those of the folk of the northlands to me."
"If you do not mind, how should I call you?"
Runa's nose twitched in the air as if harnessing the man's scent as he drew nearer to lock eyes with her. The small fox's dark eyes took in the man before it. Eira grew a little nervous at the Northman's proximity since the kit's head was at her chest. Thorongil was showing the fox spirit courtesy and she could not fault the Northman. Yet, it was where she had Runa tucked away that made the encounter somewhat awkward for Eira. The young fox gave a short *yip* and settled back down in the warmth of Eira's coat come den. The sound was more friendly than not, and, something other.
Eira cleared her throat quietly before speaking, "I possess a vague memory of the woodlands as a child. I have heard of the tongue of the Fey, yet in the Thirty Trees we have no need of it. It is pleasant to the ear, that is certain." Eira gave a gentle smile. "Perhaps you may teach it to me in this new colony."
Eira let her free arm hang over the side of the longboat; the tips of her fingers just brushing the moving water; which was clear and pleasant to the touch. She closed her eyes for a moment, losing herself in the feeling of the water and sway of the longboat. Her alabaster skin seemed to glow brighter, with a deeper vitality. A few moments had passed when she remembered herself and opened her eyes only to find the man's eyes on her.
After a moment he looks up at the eyes of Eira.
"I do not know your name," he says to her "but your features are like those of the folk of the northlands to me."
"If you do not mind, how should I call you?"
The man's question surprised her a little; yet she answered him as succinctly and politely as she could, "My maternal ancestors come from the most northern lands. I was born there, yet was raised in the Mwangi jungles. I am Eira of the Thirty Trees. You may call me Eira. Well met, Thorongil of the North."
Eira cleared her throat quietly before speaking, "I possess a vague memory of the woodlands as a child. I have heard of the tongue of the Fey, yet in the Thirty Trees we have no need of it. It is pleasant to the ear, that is certain." Eira gave a gentle smile. "Perhaps you may teach it to me in this new colony."
Thorongil cocks his head to the side as he looks a Eira.
"If you wish to learn, I shall do my best to teach you, if our duties permit it," he says with a quiet, sincere voice.
The man's question surprised her a little; yet she answered him as succinctly and politely as she could, "My maternal ancestors come from the most northern lands. I was born there, yet was raised in the Mwangi jungles. I am Eira of the Thirty Trees. You may call me Eira. Well met, Thorongil of the North."
He nods in response and then looks at the coast which they are swiftly approaching.
"Your home is called Thirty Trees," he says after a moment.
"Why is it named so?" he asks.
Her eyes sparkled bright blue with the light shining down from the cloudless sky over the harbour. "Learning helps us survive. I am a fast learner and will not take up much of your spare time. Thank you, Thorongil." Eira gave him a small, polite smile.
The female kit lifted her head up again and her strange, deep, dark eyes fixed on the Northman beside her mistress. Runa gave another *yip* and then she yawned widely and her small tongue lolled out of her mouth. The image was rather delightful.
"Your home is called Thirty Trees," he says after a moment.
"Why is it named so?" he asks.
"In the eastern Mwangi Jungle lies the village of Thirty Trees, home to the Mosa. It is named so for the grove of thirty mango trees. The trees are protected by all in the village." Eira paused briefly before looking Thorongil squarely in the eye and asking, "Where in the North do you come from? What is it like?"
"In the eastern Mwangi Jungle lies the village of Thirty Trees, home to the Mosa. It is named so for the grove of thirty mango trees. The trees are protected by all in the village."
Thorongil nods his head at this answer, but he does not press with further questions on why such trees may be sacred, or what a "Mosa" may be; or even what a mango tree may be - though if he is indeed a northerner it might be unlikely he has yet to sample such food.
Instead he adjusts the folds of his cloak about him more comfortably and regards Eira thoughtfully.
Eira paused briefly before looking Thorongil squarely in the eye and asking, "Where in the North do you come from? What is it like?"
"I come from across the Inner Sea - north of Andoran and near to Razmiran."
He stretches out his legs and his eyes leave hers to watch the snuggled fox kit.
"It is cooler in the north; the sky is bluer, darker, and there the snows are plentiful during the winter and the wind sings like the song of the wolves," he says with no trace of irony - instead, he speaks with an almost wistful tone, as if recalling fond memories.
"Yet now we are far from the north and I fear I am unused to the people in the the southlands," he says almost apologetically.
"I have much to learn if I am to be of much use to anyone here; I would be pleased if you would teach me of the customs of your people, or of anything of the southern lands that we are in now."
He turns his gaze to watch the shore and he seems to be considering the company of folk on the ship who have already disembarked; those he can see, at any rate, as if weighing them and attempting to decide how to interact with them simply through study and observation.
"Knowing your surroundings and those whom you walk with is always a good thing, so I have found," he adds, turning his gaze from the shore to regard Eira, studying her eyes.
As the longboat drew ever nearer to the small dock, Eira's mind turned over Thorongil's words and she responded in low voice, "Adoran and Razmiran are both unfamiliar to me. I have a vague memory of snow - as a child I used to stand by the shore to catch delicate snowflakes in my open hand or attempt to. There is no snow in the jungle. If you have questions once we enter the jungles here, then I can advise you. This is my first visit to this settlement, so I, too, have much to learn of its people and customs."
Eira then grew silent as the dock was in sight and soon they would disembark and catch sight of their new home.
The longboat reached the fishing dock and its passengers began to disembark with the quiet assistance of the two sailors/oarsmen from the Kaava Cutter.
As belongings were collected from a secured spot by the dock house, Thorongil and Eira noted a fellow passenger, the nobleman, Gallio Menius, not too far from them (about 20 feet ahead) directing his indentured labourers to organise his belongings and farming supplies. The minor noble appeared to be arguing with someone, and the argument was growing louder and louder between Gallio and a grizzled-looking man swaying at the end of the dock.
“You should be getting out of this land, ya filthy leech!” The grizzled man swung with a right hook and knocked Gallio to the deck planks, looking more shocked than injured. The swaying man ended his tirade by smashing the bottle he was holding against a sturdy dock pylon. The bottle shattered, leaving him holding a vicious spike of serrated glass. “And if yer not gonna leave... then I guess it’s up to me to make ya!"
From his place on the deck planks, the rotund Gallio called out, red-faced, "How dare you accost me! Help! I demand assistance from this lunatic!" A red-faced Gallio remained on the ground, warily eyeing the glass shard in the man's hand, and lifting his own arm up before him to prevent the angry man from cutting him directly.
As the longboat drew ever nearer to the small dock, Eira's mind turned over Thorongil's words and she responded in low voice, "Adoran and Razmiran are both unfamiliar to me. I have a vague memory of snow - as a child I used to stand by the shore to catch delicate snowflakes in my open hand or attempt to. There is no snow in the jungle. If you have questions once we enter the jungles here, then I can advise you. This is my first visit to this settlement, so I, too, have much to learn of its people and customs."
Thorongil says nothing, but watches Eira with a small smile on his lips.
However, he, too, says nothing and simply lets the boat take them to their destination.
Once there he disembarks, his full kit with his gear strapped easily together for transportation. While he would normally wear it on his back, it is currently being hoisted with some ease as he studies the town.
“You should be getting out of this land, ya filthy leech!” The grizzled man swung with a right hook and knocked Gallio to the deck planks, looking more shocked than injured. The swaying man ended his tirade by smashing the bottle he was holding against a sturdy dock pylon. The bottle shattered, leaving him holding a vicious spike of serrated glass. “And if yer not gonna leave... then I guess it’s up to me to make ya!"
Thorongil's eyes narrow at this display and he drops his bag on the ground and rolls his shoulders easily, as if preparing for a fight.
From his place on the deck planks, the rotund Gallio called out, red-faced, "How dare you accost me! Help! I demand assistance from this lunatic!" A red-faced Gallio remained on the ground, warily eyeing the glass shard in the man's hand, and lifting his own arm up before him to prevent the angry man from cutting him directly.
Not sure what is going on, but not eager to spill blood over the matter, Thorongil moves to the man and draws his sword and attempts to Disarm the man...
Thorongil purposely moved forward, rapier in hand, and aimed for the broken bottle in the man's hand; hoping to disarm the angered local. With just the right pressure, the blade struck the glass shard and it slipped from the man's hand to the deck.
"Ouch! Damnation," he uttered sharply as the makeshift weapon fell from his grasp. The local turned his gaze to Thorongil; glaring at the newcomer while swaying unsteadily on his feet. "Ya shouldn't have done that!"
Eira, slung her pack over her shoulder and advanced forward. Her light blue eyes took in the man's measure. He is intoxicated. Firewater dulls the wits.
From the small crowd waiting at the end of the dock, a voice broke through the scuffle, "Isn't that Theos Votto, the carpenter? And drunk as a skunk! I'll go get the Sheriff!"
+5=27
Eira slowly approached the man named Theos, having seen him readily unarmed by her Northman companion. In a steady and gentle voice, she spoke to the carpenter, "Mister Votto, please, there is no need for such actions. Perhaps you may sit down and I will see to the cut on your hand and we may speak calmly together. No one means you harm." Eira gently nodded her head as if to persuade the man to back down from whatever troubles were fuelling his drunken tirade.
The local carpenter turned his gaze to the newly arrived woman with the accented; melodic voice. At first his dark eyes glared at her, then he hesitated and lowered his gaze. In a quieter voice, he muttered, "They're parasites come to steal my livelihood. I have nothing left - the sickness took them; my wife, my son. I have nothing left, nothing...," Theos' voice trailed off and his head hung low and he began to sob. Eira's heart ached for the man; yet in his present state he was not of right mind to accept commiseration. Eira took another step forward, emboldened by the man's change in temperament and the presence of the large warrior, Thorongil.
"Let us help you, Mister Votto," but the man waved away her efforts with subdued resignation. "You should not have come here...This place will break yer spirit," and with those final slurred words, he turned around and began walking away from the docks; still quite unsteady on his feet.
Eira cast her eyes to Thorongil and then to the small assembly, "Will someone see him safely home? He is in no state to be left alone to his own devices." It was then a dark-skinned woman moved toward them; her black hair curly and cropped short; a cloth patch with a star-shaped insignia on her chest.
"Halt! What is going on here? I was told there was an altercation at the docks? I am Sheriff Adaela Praet. Who are you?" eyeing the larger of the two before her - the man with sword in hand.
Thorongil purposely moved forward, rapier in hand, and aimed for the broken bottle in the man's hand; hoping to disarm the angered local. With just the right pressure, the blade struck the glass shard and it slipped from the man's hand to the deck.
"Ouch! Damnation," he uttered sharply as the makeshift weapon fell from his grasp. The local turned his gaze to Thorongil; glaring at the newcomer while swaying unsteadily on his feet. "Ya shouldn't have done that!"
Thorongil steps back a bit, his weapon ready as if expecting a trick while he sizes up the man.
"Mister Votto, please, there is no need for such actions. Perhaps you may sit down and I will see to the cut on your hand and we may speak calmly together. No one means you harm." Eira gently nodded her head as if to persuade the man to back down from whatever troubles were fuelling his drunken tirade.
Thorongil does not even glance toward Eira; he is able to hear her words and trusts her intentions, but for now his full attention is on the man before them and he is still ready for any possible danger or trick.
"They're parasites come to steal my livelihood. I have nothing left - the sickness took them; my wife, my son. I have nothing left, nothing...,"
At these words the tension diffuses somewhat from Thorongil and he eases himself out of the fighting stance, his blade lowering somewhat, though still out if need be.
He does not interfere with Eira's words; instead merely watching the situation. A sudden thought occurs to him and he turns his gaze to study the man Gallio Menius and attempt to sense how the man is reacting to the situation and words of the drunk.
"Will someone see him safely home? He is in no state to be left alone to his own devices."
Thorongil assesses what he deduced from Gallio Menius and then looks at the crowd to see if anyone will help the drunken man home.
At this point he notices the approach of a woman who studies the crowd with a sweeping gaze.
"Halt! What is going on here? I was told there was an altercation at the docks? I am Sheriff Adaela Praet. Who are you?"
Thorongil turns to eye the woman and sheathes his sword.
"I am Thorongil; a northman, recently arrived on the ship Kaava Cutter," he responds.
"There is no trouble here now; merely a man whose own grief prompted him to stray toward a bit of folly, but other than some harsh words no one was harmed," he adds with a polite voice.
He then recalls Eira's earlier request and notices no one in the town has yet volunteered to help Theos yet.
"If you wish, I can escort the man to his home, for I deem he is not himself as yet."
"Once the man is safe I ask if I could be directed to a tavern or inn where new arrivals can find a place to rest," he adds, his tone and manner genteel and courteous to someone who is clearly a servant of the law.
During this time it is clear he has not mentioned Eira at all, and seems to be taking pains to make sure that no one considers them to be together. Obviously this is because he does not yet know the measure of the citizens of this town and wants to make sure that - if anyone judges him negatively for his part in simply disarming someone who attacked a local noble rather than slaying the drunken assailant outright - that she would not be judged negatively alongside him.
Further, with no knowledge of her full intentions in this place it would be presumptuous to assume she may wish to journey with him or seen connected to him yet... after all, they had only met a few moments ago.
===========
"Help me up!," ordered the indignant albeit embarrassed noble to the nearest labourer in his employ.
Back on his feet, the rotund and red-faced Gallio Menius brushed himself off and set his coat to straight. "These two, gesturing to Thorongil and Eira, came to my defence against the murderous intent of your inebriated carpenter. Not a prestigious start to my entering Pridon's Hearth, I must say. I hope this does not happen again, Sheriff Praet."
The Sheriff fixed dark eyes on the noble before speaking again, "You have my apologies, sir. It was not something we could have foreseen. You appear to be uninjured, which is good." She then gestured to the shorter of the two deputised militia men standing behind her. Discreetly she instructed, "Iavo, make sure the carpenter goes straight home and does not cause any further commotion. Keep an eye on him for half an hour and then return to me. Now, go!" The shorter militia man nodded upon the order and began to stride quickly and purposely after the ambling, downtrodden carpenter.
"If you wish, I can escort the man to his home, for I deem he is not himself as yet."
"Thank you for the offer, Mister Thorongil, but as you can see one of my men is seeing to him as we speak. He will be fine once he sleeps it off."
Casting a glance at the taller deputy just behind her, Sheriff Adaela Praet straightened her jacket and settled herself before addressing all of the new colonists assembled on the dock,
"Good morning to you all. I am Sheriff Adaela Praet and on behalf of Count Narsus I would like to welcome you to Pridon's Hearth. I apologise for not arriving sooner to greet you as you disembarked and for not being here to prevent the unfortunate outburst by one of our local men. A Sheriff's duty is never-ending and we are currently understaffed." The dark-skinned woman gave a brisk nod and a welcoming smile.
"Once the man is safe I ask if I could be directed to a tavern or inn where new arrivals can find a place to rest," he adds, his tone and manner genteel and courteous to someone who is clearly a servant of the law.
The Sheriff turned her focus back to the Northman. "Yes, we have readied accommodation for you all. You will be taken to Stone Hall, Pridon Hearth's beloved tavern and inn. You will have this day and night to settle in and I will join you on the morrow and we can go from there." Gesturing to the taller militia man, she added, "My deputy, Seius Nasio, will show you to the inn. Make sure you have collected all your belongings and have a good day."
Having listened and observed silently, Eira stepped forward as the Sheriff looked to leave and smiled, "Well met, Sheriff Praet. It is good of you to see the carpenter returns home safely. Mister Votto appears to be suffering greatly and the drink has certainly muddled his wits. I am Eira and I look forward to speaking with you on the morrow. Good day, madam." Eira inclined her head respectfully and then looked to Thorongil. Runa had kept inside the coat the entire altercation and conversation; cleverly electing to remain out of sight.
"Let us go to Stone Hall and settle in, Thorongil of the North." She smiled and her pale blue gaze felt warm upon him. Then she moved behind the deputy named Seius and started walking toward the inn.
The female sheriff acknowledged Eira's words with a nod and quick smile before leaving to undertake more of her demanding duties in town. The taller militia man looked about the group, gesturing for them to line up,
"Come along, folks. Stone Hall is awaiting you!", declared the deputy and then he silently ushered/led the colonists away from Little Tiger Docks and up toward the bridge leading to the colony and its favourite inn.
Back on his feet, the rotund and red-faced Gallio Menius brushed himself off and set his coat to straight. "These two, gesturing to Thorongil and Eira, came to my defence against the murderous intent of your inebriated carpenter. Not a prestigious start to my entering Pridon's Hearth, I must say. I hope this does not happen again, Sheriff Praet."
Thorongil says nothing, but he looks at Gallio and then turns his keen gaze to the sheriff to see how she reacts.
"Thank you for the offer, Mister Thorongil, but as you can see one of my men is seeing to him as we speak. He will be fine once he sleeps it off."
After hearing her words, he also hears her comments about the carpenter and nods his head to her courteously.
Then he listens to her answer about accommodations.
"Yes, we have readied accommodation for you all. You will be taken to Stone Hall, Pridon Hearth's beloved tavern and inn. You will have this day and night to settle in and I will join you on the morrow and we can go from there." Gesturing to the taller militia man, she added, "My deputy, Seius Nasio, will show you to the inn. Make sure you have collected all your belongings and have a good day."
Thorongil bends down and swings up his kit off the ground and slings it over his shoulder.
As he is prepared to leave he hears the voice of Eira.
"Let us go to Stone Hall and settle in, Thorongil of the North." She smiled and her pale blue gaze felt warm upon him. Then she moved behind the deputy named Seius and started walking toward the inn.
He seems surprised that she would still want to associate with him, but he does not seem displeased.
"It would be my honor," he says with a deep, but sincere voice and bows his head to her.
"Do you need assistance with any of your belongings?" he asks as they advance.
However, seeing that she is more than capable of getting her gear he does not press the issue but walks with a long stride and moves to follow the man named Seius.
"Come along, folks. Stone Hall is awaiting you!", declared the deputy and then he silently ushered/led the colonists away from Little Tiger Docks and up toward the bridge leading to the colony and its favourite inn.
Seeing that Seius is now advancing up the trail with the entire conglomeration of citizens he hangs back a bit and motions to Eira to do so.
"I apologize for asking you to linger," he says as he watches the group of people advance up the road.
"Will you be staying at this tavern as well, or do you have other arrangements planned upon?" he asks her curiously.
He continues to follow the crowd, but not in the middle of the group; rather, he is at a position where he can study the people and observe them and learn about them.
His eyes continue to follow the nobleman and his entourage thoughtfully as they walk.
"We two are far from our homelands; what brings you to this land?" he asks, clearly interested in continuing their introductions even as they move to the tavern.
"It would be my honor," he says with a deep, but sincere voice and bows his head to her.
"Do you need assistance with any of your belongings?" he asks as they advance. However, seeing that she is more than capable of getting her gear he does not press the issue but walks with a long stride and moves to follow the man named Seius.
Glancing across at the Northman, Eira smiled, "For now, I think I can carry it well enough, thank you Thorongil. However, if it starts to become too heavy, I shall call upon your service."
Eira watched as the nobleman, Gallio, pushed his way to the front of the line of colonists, just behind Deputy Seius Nasio. "I must be first due to rank and title." The punch he'd received not that long ago had not slowed the noble nor his arrogance. He gestured wildly for his labourers to stay toward the back of the line and carry all his belongings. Eira's brow quirked at the man's discourtesy, however did not remark upon it openly.
His eyes continue to follow the nobleman and his entourage thoughtfully as they walk.
"We two are far from our homelands; what brings you to this land?" he asks, clearly interested in continuing their introductions even as they move to the tavern.
Eira observed how Thorongil followed the noble with his eyes and she grew ever curious. Leaning nearer to the tall Northman, she asked in much lowered, discreet voice, "What has the wealthy one done to earn your particular attention?"
And realising she had yet to answer his question regarding her purpose in Pridon's Hearth, she added, still quietly, but not as discreetly, "My life path to this day has been directed forcefully or guided mindfully. To come to this new colony and begin my own life - this is a path I have chosen for myself. We shall see where it leads me. And you, Thorongil of the North? Why have you come to Pridon's Hearth?"
As soon as Eira had asked him, the fox kit poked her head out from the top of the travelling coat/cloak and the little creature's dark eyes settled on Thorongil as if eager to hear his answer.
Glancing across at the Northman, Eira smiled, "For now, I think I can carry it well enough, thank you Thorongil. However, if it starts to become too heavy, I shall call upon your service."
He nods politely, but says nothing more on the subject, content that knowing if she needs aid she will ask.
"What has the wealthy one done to earn your particular attention?"
He makes no overt motion with his body as they walk, but responds frankly.
"I do not trust him, though I do not have a particular reason to doubt him... Yet I find that when I have a certain feeling and no real facts to support my feelings it is best to study the subject more before I make a hard decision."
And realizing she had yet to answer his question regarding her purpose in Pridon's Hearth, she added, still quietly, but not as discreetly, "My life path to this day has been directed forcefully or guided mindfully. To come to this new colony and begin my own life - this is a path I have chosen for myself. We shall see where it leads me. And you, Thorongil of the North? Why have you come to Pridon's Hearth?"
Thorongil continues to watch Gallio as he responds.
"I do not wholly know," he says and then glances at the buildings ahead to get a sense of what they are coming to, then he looks back at Gallio.
"Of my people it is said - In our heart burns a wanderlust, and it may be that this is so. Often I have no definite plans on where I shall journey. Yet on occasion I see a task which I deem should be done, or perhaps I see a trail which I have not traveled upon, and when such things stir within me I find myself gathering my possessions and following the horizon."
Knowing that Eira would naturally be satisfied by such a short accounting, nevertheless he senses that the fox would not, and so he elaborates a bit as they walk.
However, he keeps no secrets and does not hide his tale - if folk overhear he is not troubled by such things, or perhaps he is not one used to subtlety.
In any case, he notes the fox's stare and continues...
"For myself I one time joined with a Galtic caravan journeying to the nation of Andoran. It was a hard road and I was glad to end our journey in the city, and thus I dallied there for a time."
"Growing bored of the city I desired to see new things and I had heard wondrous tales of ancient lands filled with mighty mysteries whose people were steeped in ageless lore."
"Therefore I took what coin I had in my possession and booked passage on a ship which was to sail for this land, called Osirion, for I wished to see their wonders.... yet shortly after we sailed a great storm arose and our ship was blown far from our destination and eventually floundered and sunk."
"I awoke in the land called Thuvia; and there I found a goodly family and stayed with them for a time as a mercenary to protect their house from threats from the west; yet returning to them one day I found the men had been slain and the women made slaves and taken to the west to the lands called Rhahadoum."
"I could not endure such a thing and so I pursued the folk long afield until I reached Rhadoum and freed those who had been taken and slew many of those who took them."
"Yet their chief escaped on a ship with the eldest maid of that house and it was some time before I could find passage on another vessel to pursue them"
"Even so, I did find a ship and sailed on her for a short time, knowing that my prey was setting his course to a haven for corsairs known as The Shackles."
"By good fortune our ship had discovered mine enemy on the high seas and I prevailed upon our captain to assail them."
"We were successful in that endeavor and thus, with the maid and other poor wretches aboard made free, I gave my share to them and bid them safe travels."
"The family I had served and cared for had been avenged and all of their captive kin who had been taken had been freed and so I deemed that my duty was done," he says the last to the fox kit.
"With naught else before me and no coin in my purse I elected to earn my bread by demonstrating my skill with a blade, and through some modest show of arms I had soon impressed those who saw me and, indeed, won the favor of a captain who felt my talents deserved some reward and soon I was recruited to join with her, for she felt that I should sail with her crew."
"I sailed with her for a time, but soon informed her that my heart was not invested in the sort of life she yearned for, for I do not enjoy killing without need, nor am I a thief - yet though I had not sailed long with her, even so - she desired to reward my skill and informed me that near to the lands of Sargava she had heard tale of a colony which needed aid and deemed I could find ways to earn my bread without being naught but a reaver."
He shrugged, as if these tales were not very impressive or unique in any way.
"Being that I had not seen Sargava, and knew only of it by reputation, my heart awoke within me the desire to walk these lands. Therefore, Captain Fairwind took me as far as the place where I berthed with the Kaava Cutter... and so it is that we have now met," he adds with a friendly nod, hoping that his brief tale will have satisfied the kit.
Both mistress and fox kit listened to the Northman's life tale in reverent silence. The dark eyes of the little fox looked deeply at Thorongil's face, and, even for their dark depths, the Northman felt warmth radiating from the obsidian pools. The fox kit stared a moment or two and then turned to her mistress and rubbed her little nose against Eira's chin; making the woman smile at the familiar gesture.
Then in soft, hymn-like Celestial, Eira whispered to Runa, "אנחנו יכולים לבטוח בו."
"We can trust in him."
The walk from the Little Tiger Docks on Island Town to Stone Hall within Pridon's Hearth took half an hour. The Deputy, Seius Nasio, spoke very little as he led the new colonists through the streets.
The dirt and pebble roads gave way to stone-paved streets. The deputy raised his hand to stop the group when they arrived before the tavern/inn.
"This is Stone Hall." Looking up, you can see a three storey building, built in stone. You can hear music and voices coming from behind the tall, wooden front door.
"In the time of Servius Narsus, our founding count, the newly freed Song'o Halflings constructed this building; craftin' rooms for human folk as well as their own kind. People from all over the colony come to the Hall to talk, drink or hold special gatherings. The Hall is controlled jointly by the Whithermoots and Longroads. Alright, this is where you'll be staying for the time being. In yer go!"
As you are ushered in, you move into the first floor, which is the tavern itself. You can see a wooden staircase across the tavern, leading up to the second and third floor rooms.
Deputy Seius Nasio lifted his hand and waved/gestured to a dark-haired Halfling with green eyes to join you.
"Well met! I am Osrin Longroad and welcome to Stone Hall. I'll show you to your rooms and then you may come down to drink and take a meal. Come, let us climb the stairs." Upon the instruction, the deputy inclined his head and with a "I need to get back to my post. The Sheriff will see you on the morrow," he nodded and moved back out the front door into the streets of Pridon's Hearth.
You learn that the second floor is allocated entirely to the new colonists. There are single bed chambers and doubles. Eira and Thorongil are each given a single room across the hall from each other. The bed chamber is simple, modest/rustic and clean. There are hardy locks with long keys on their respective doors for added security.
"We hope you'll be comfortable. Please settle yourselves and then feel free to join us in the tavern below. I'll take my leave now." With a warm smile, the Halfling innkeeper (or one of among the two Halfling families) waved and then walked downstairs; whistling a jaunty tune.
The fox kit stared a moment or two and then turned to her mistress and rubbed her little nose against Eira's chin; making the woman smile at the familiar gesture.
Then in soft, hymn-like Celestial, Eira whispered to Runa, "אנחנו יכולים לבטוח בו."
Thorongil looks down at Runa and smiles at the fox, his eyes raising to study Eira thoughtfully, but he says nothing at her words.
"This is Stone Hall." Looking up, you can see a three storey building, built in stone. You can hear music and voices coming from behind the tall, wooden front door.
"In the time of Servius Narsus, our founding count, the newly freed Song'o Halflings constructed this building; craftin' rooms for human folk as well as their own kind. People from all over the colony come to the Hall to talk, drink or hold special gatherings. The Hall is controlled jointly by the Whithermoots and Longroads. Alright, this is where you'll be staying for the time being. In yer go!"
Thorongil had intentionally hung back from the bulk of the party and has no intention of being ushered in with the crowd at once, though he says nothing at all to the somewhat brusque deputy.
Instead, he takes a moment to pace about the perimeter of the tavern, studying it and noting any entrances or exits to the building as well as observing the style and design of the structure.
If he notices Eira looking toward him he will indicate that she walk with him a moment, though he says nothing of his intentions.
When he has finished his casual walk around the building - which shouldn't take but a moment - he then follows the others in.
Deputy Seius Nasio lifted his hand and waved/gestured to a dark-haired Halfling with green eyes to join you.
"Well met! I am Osrin Longroad and welcome to Stone Hall. I'll show you to your rooms and then you may come down to drink and take a meal. Come, let us climb the stairs." Upon the instruction, the deputy inclined his head and with a "I need to get back to my post. The Sheriff will see you on the morrow," he nodded and moved back out the front door into the streets of Pridon's Hearth.
Thorongil says nothing at the deputy's interaction, instead he turns to Osrin Longroad.
"Good morning, Master Longroad," he says with a sincere and courteous voice and inclines his head politely to the owner of the tavern.
You learn that the second floor is allocated entirely to the new colonists. There are single bed chambers and and doubles. Eira and Thorongil are each given a single room across the hall from each other. The bed chamber is simple, modest/rustic and clean. There are hardy locks with long keys on their respective doors for added security.
Thorongil nods courteously at Eira and then enters his chamber and looks around.
"We hope you'll be comfortable. Please settle yourselves and then feel free to join us in the tavern below. I'll take my leave now." With a warm smile, the Halfling innkeeper (or one of among the two Halfling families) waved and then walked downstairs; whistling a jaunty tune.
Thorongil nods again to the Halfing and then enters his room and takes his heavier gear and leaves it on the bunk. He pauses a moment and then looks around the room thoughtfully, studying it carefully, and then he shrugs and also whistles a tune as well.
When he has finished his tune he steps outside into the hallway and shuts his door behind him and locks it with the key he was given.
If Eira is there he will escort her to the room before; if she is already below he will follow and enter the chamber and learn what he can about the citizens below.
Gazing at the Northman, she said, "I will meet you in this hall, once I am settled."
Seeing Thorongil enter into his own chamber, Eira shifted her gear and then moved into her room, shutting the door behind her; though not locking it.
Laying her pack atop the hand-made quilt of her bed; careful not to dirty it with her belongings, Eira placed her fine crossbow and longspear under the small bed and gently removed Runa from the inside her travelling coat. Placing Runa on the wooden floor, Eira opened her pack and took out a small wooden bowl, a few berries, nuts and the last of the smoked fish from the ship. Pouring fresh water from the provided urn into the bowl, Eira set it on the ground for the fox kit to drink. She then set the morsel of food down beside the bowl. It didn't take Runa long to sniff out the food and nibble on the morsels.
There was a small bundle of fresh straw in the corner of the room - she supposed if one wanted to plump up the mattress. She took a couple of large handfuls, setting it on the floor by the window and close to the bed. Runa could rest there until she returned to the chamber.
Rising, Eira smiled at the fox kit and then moved to the hand-carved dresser by the cot. Pouring water into the faded wash bowl, Eira removed her travelling coat and her grooming kit. She dabbed some of the scented soap on a cloth and washed her face, removing any trace of grime and salt. She cleaned her neck as well; the quick sponging would do until she could find a suitable bathhouse. Eira brushed out her long platinum hair and pulled some strands up into fine braids on each side. Her clothing was still clean, for she dressed in fresh attire before disembarking the ship earlier in the morning. She wore a white cotton shirt, with loose sleeves against the heat and sun and a long, dark green skirt belted at the waist. She kept a dagger in the top of her boot for safety. Eira looked presentable and clean enough to return and sit in the tavern below. Her fingers moved up to press against the precious locket tucked away inside her shirt. Satisfied it was still there, she breathed out and then looked down at her fox companion.
"I will be down in the tavern for a little while, Runa. You rest, here, and I will return to you. If someone tries to enter, then hide beneath the bed and remain hidden until it is safe to come out. The straw is for you to rest upon, for the bed is too high for you to jump on and down from." The fox kit's dark eyes shone and she gave a simple nod of her small, grey head before moving to the makeshift straw bed and settling down in it. Soon her eyes closed.
Satisfied the fox was content enough, Eira placed her pack/general gear beneath the bed and then walked to the door, opened and withdrew into the hallway; locking the door behind her and securing the key in the deep pocket of her skirt. Seeing Thorongil waiting for her there, Eira blushed slightly before speaking in her accented voice, "I hope you have not been waiting long. I was settling Runa. Let us go below and meet some of the local folk." Smiling, she began to descend the stairs with Thorongil before her.
Thorongil and Eira descended the stairs and moved to an unoccupied table in the tavern. There were some patrons milling about the floor; drinking and eating. In the far corner there was a slightly raised, wooden stage for performers and a trio of Human musicians were performing; a pretty, haunting melody/song floated around the hum of conversation in the room.
The Halfling owner, Osrin Longroad, who had greeted them earlier moved with sure, graceful steps toward them, and, smiling at them, he discreetly handed Thorongil a note.
In low voice, bright smile still in place, the Halfling proprietor added, "Sheriff Adaela sends her regards." In louder voice, he continued, "I'll call you a serving girl and she will take care of you, my friends. Enjoy your stay," and with that he was gone as quickly as he had come.
A young-looking Halfling lass made her way with haste to their table, "Good day, sir, mistress. Would you care to order a drink or meal? The ale, mead and wine are good. We have a lovely soup of fresh mussels and fish. I can bring you a portion of crusty, home-baked bread to dip into it." She smiled; her cheeks rosy and her green eyes bright and shiny.
"I hope you have not been waiting long. I was settling Runa. Let us go below and meet some of the local folk."
"I am glad to have waited for you," he says with a gracious smile and a nod of his head.
Meanwhile, Thorongil seems surprised that Eira has left Runa in the room, but says nothing about that at this time.
When they reach the common room he looks around and studies the people there for a bit.
Glancing about he notes that Eira is still with him.
"We are both new to this place; perhaps our combined skills may bring better results at gathering information on what it is we are to do now that we have arrived?" he asks of her.
Naturally he has been reserved and presented some modest distance between them as he knows it would not be courteous to be forward with a young woman in a strange land who knows him little. Even so, he is clearly pleased with her company, though he does not seek to intrude on her privacy unduly, instead, he waits to know what she will say to the proposal.
As he waits he puts his small satchel on a table and pulls a chair out politely for her, if she is interested.
Meanwhile, he decides to elaborate.
"I have some skill of surviving in the wild; yet I do not desire to sleep overlong in brush and bracken if I do not need to."
"This tavern seems wholesome enough and I would be pleased to stay here, but it would be unseemly to remain so long in such a place without at least seeking to find a place of my own, or at least a means to support myself properly," he adds.
Clearly he finds the tavern to be lovely, but he also knows that a good and productive citizen should not avail himself to merely living out of inns or taverns, no matter how splendid they may be.
Instead, it seems that he feels that a good man must attend to certain needs; employment, which may lead to a productive and virtuous means of survival, seeming to be high on his priorities.
He looks around.
"Fate itself seems to have brought me here, yet I deem that - as I am here - I must now seek a means to earn my bread and do what I can to aid those I am with if I am to be a member of this community," he adds by way of explanation.
"Do you have any ideas on how we may achieve this end?" he asks her politely.
Not certain what it is he may do to earn his provender, he ponders this somewhat, hoping to hear Eira's suggestion on the matter.
As he does, he is suddenly surprised by the approach of the tavern owner.
The Halfling owner, Osrin Longroad, who had greeted them earlier moved with sure, graceful steps toward them, and, smiling at them, he discreetly handed Thorongil a note.
In low voice, bright smile still in place, the Halfling proprietor added, "Sheriff Adaela sends her regards." In louder voice, he continued, "I'll call you a serving girl and she will take care of you, my friends. Enjoy your stay," and with that he was gone as quickly as he had come.
His eyes widen in surprise and he opens the note and reads it quickly and the ghost of a smile graces his lips.
"It seems Fate is ever eager," he adds somewhat cryptically, and passes Eira the note.
As she reads it a young serving girl approaches.
A young-looking Halfling lass made her way with haste to their table, "Good day, sir, mistress. Would you care to order a drink or meal? The ale, mead and wine are good. We have a lovely soup of fresh mussels and fish. I can bring you a portion of crusty, home-baked bread to dip into it." She smiled; her cheeks rosy and her green eyes bright and shiny.
He glances at Eira, and sees she is yet reading and then turns to the girl.
"I should like all of those things; and beer if you have it, or grog, if you do not have beer, though perhaps I should ask what you do have to drink?" he asks, clearly eager to enjoy a good pint with his meal, as is not uncommon with Halfling folk.
He then turns to Eira and waits to hear her order; and then, when she is done and the tavern girl has left, he is equally curious to know Eira's thoughts on the mysterious note.
Glancing about he notes that Eira is still with him.
"We are both new to this place; perhaps our combined skills may bring better results at gathering information on what it is we are to do now that we have arrived?" he asks of her.
"Fate itself seems to have brought me here, yet I deem that - as I am here - I must now seek a means to earn my bread and do what I can to aid those I am with if I am to be a member of this community," he adds by way of explanation.
"Do you have any ideas on how we may achieve this end?" he asks her politely.
Eira sat down on the chair Thorongil pulled out for her; surprised and pleased with his manners. She thanked him quietly.
She then proceeded to answer his question; her light eyes never leaving Thorongil's face, "Being this is a growing colony, I am certain we will find some employment. There is a militia, here, yet the Sheriff said she is undermanned. You have the build and I presume fighting skill to be a guard or deputy. I am a fair healer, so I can tend to wounds or assist the local shaman or priest. The lady Sheriff did say she would speak to the new colonists on the morrow. Mayhap she has assigned us duties?" Eira gave a little, graceful shrug and smiled; casting her eyes about the interesting tavern. "Even so, I can aid you in gathering information."
When the Halfling named Osrin delivered a note and Thorongil handed it to her, Eira discreetly read its content, before rolling it up and keeping it in her closed hand.
"It seems Fate is ever eager," he adds somewhat cryptically...
"I suppose the Sheriff does have some duties in mind for us. I wonder if any of the other new colonists received a similar missive." Eira's lips puckered prettily as she silently contemplated the meaning of the note. "I am happy to meet with her in the morning. Will you be attending?"
As the Halfling serving lass joined them to take their orders, Eira smiled. "Well met. I am Eira and this is Thorongil. What is your name? And if you have it, I will have a Blackberry wine to accompany the bowl of fish soup with bread. If you have some smoked ham I would like some carved slices, wrapped in parchment, please. It is for another companion of mine. Thank you." Eira smiled brightly/warmly at the Halfling.
"It's good to meet you, Miss Eira, Mister Thorongil. I'm Melilot Lightfoot. Folks here about call me Meli!" The Halfling lass's face grew rosier still from the big smile on her face.
"I should like all of those things; and beer if you have it, or grog, if you do not have beer, though perhaps I should ask what you do have to drink?" he asks, clearly eager to enjoy a good pint with his meal, as is not uncommon with Halfling folk.
"Stone Hall has its own brewers, Mister Thorongil. We have a speciality dark beer, quite rich in texture and flavour. Or, if you fancy to try our local spiced grog or palm wine? We sell only top notch drink here. No cheap swill."
"I will have a Blackberry wine to accompany the bowl of fish soup with bread. If you have some smoked ham I would like some carved slices, wrapped in parchment, please. It is for another companion of mine. Thank you." Eira smiled brightly/warmly at the Halfling.
"The cook had some cured ham, smoked to be sure, in the cellar. I will cut you a few slices and wrap them up and bring them at the end of your meal. And, I believe we do have Blackberry wine. I shall bring your food and drink shortly," and with a final merry smile, the Halfling Meli disappeared into the kitchen.
She then proceeded to answer his question; her light eyes never leaving Thorongil's face, "Being this is a growing colony, I am certain we will find some employment. There is a militia, here, yet the Sheriff said she is undermanned. You have the build and I presume fighting skill to be a guard or deputy. I am a fair healer, so I can tend to wounds or assist the local shaman or priest. The lady Sheriff did say she would speak to the new colonists on the morrow. Mayhap she has assigned us duties?"
"There is no shame to stand as a watcher on the walls, nor a shield to guard the realms of men... or so it is said in the Northlands," he adds, his tone suggesting that he is quoting some foreign axiom, though he does not elaborate.
"Even so, my heart tells me we two have not been called on such matters as acting as militia folk," he says slowly as if considering things.
"My apologies," he suddenly adds "I should say we three," he amends as he suddenly remembers Runa.
Eira gave a little, graceful shrug and smiled; casting her eyes about the interesting tavern. "Even so, I can aid you in gathering information."
He nods his head at this suggestion, a pleased smile on his face.
When the Halfling named Osrin delivered a note and Thorongil handed it to her, Eira discreetly read its content, before rolling it up and keeping it in her closed hand.
"I suppose the Sheriff does have some duties in mind for us. I wonder if any of the other new colonists received a similar missive."
He thinks a moment before answering.
"Perhaps, yet I do not think so... those who had arrived would not be known, even as we were not known... I think that our actions on the docks instigated her attention; yet it may be as you say, for surely the ship's manifest would have been presented to her by now and a list of important figures aboard would likely inspire her to seek out those she felt worthy of an interview."
"Yet I suppose we shall find more on that respect on the morrow."
Eira's lips puckered prettily as she silently contemplated the meaning of the note. "I am happy to meet with her in the morning. Will you be attending?"
He nods his head.
"Of course; for as she is the local authorities I deem it is my duty to respond to her summons," he adds a bit formally, then he looks abashed for his somewhat stern response and continues to address her.
"Further, if you are to travel with me, it shall be a pleasant meeting, indeed," he adds with a gracious tone.
As the Halfling serving lass joined them to take their orders, Eira smiled. "Well met. I am Eira and this is Thorongil. What is your name? And if you have it, I will have a Blackberry wine to accompany the bowl of fish soup with bread. If you have some smoked ham I would like some carved slices, wrapped in parchment, please. It is for another companion of mine. Thank you." Eira smiled brightly/warmly at the Halfling.
Thorongil marvels at her seemingly effortless way of charming the goodly serving girl.
Would my fortune with the a blade be as skillful as her speech then I should never fail to find my mark...
He shakes his head to clear his musing and watches the Halfling thoughtfully.
"Stone Hall has its own brewers, Mister Thorongil. We have a speciality dark beer, quite rich in texture and flavour. Or, if you fancy to try our local spiced grog or palm wine? We sell only top notch drink here. No cheap swill."
He smiles at the response.
"I shall take a pint of whichever drink you would feel best compliments your dish," he says, trusting the culinary skills of the Halfling implicitly.
Thorongil stretches out his long legs easily under the table and adjusts his cloak about his shoulders.
Reaching into his pouch he pulls a small, battered ledger and lays it on the table and jots a few notes in it.
Realizing he is being rude to his companion, he looks up at her.
"I do not mean to seem as if I am ignoring you," he says apologetically "but I find it best to record those pieces of information I have discovered on my journeys, if I am able, for it is helpful to me later when attempting to do what I can to aid folk."
Putting his pen down he slides the ledger to show Eira.
The ledger itself seems consistent with a nautical log for a vessel; it is well-made and the paper is very good quality.
"This was another modest gift from my former employer. When she learned of my knowledge of lore she felt that providing me with such a gift was the least she could do to aid me," he adds.
The pages are filled with a long, fluid scrawl as he thumbs threw them. Some pages include sketches, others include a list of names and titles and positions categorized under headings which seem to indicate the lands that such individuals were discovered. There are fragments of songs and bits of poetry as well, and it seems that the journal has more than a simple, utilitarian function.
When Millie returns he accepts the meal gladly, but before he eats he speaks to her.
"I beg your pardon Mistress Lightfoot. The lady and I, being new to your settlement, wish to learn more of the people here so we may better help in the development of the colony."
"Other than your esteemed sheriff and her deputies, do you have any suggestions for folk that would be good to meet and speak to if one would learn more about your community as a whole?" he asks, gambling that Eira's earlier diplomatic efforts were more than enough to secure the answers to this simple question.
"I agree - we drew the instant attention of the locals and the Sheriff with the incident on the dock. We did manage to save two lives, those of Gallio Menius and Theos Votto. I was glad when the scuffle did not escalate into real bloodshed." Her eyes turned serious briefly as she contemplated a different outcome.
"Further, if you are to travel with me, it shall be a pleasant meeting, indeed," he adds with a gracious tone.
A growing smile lit her face as she turned upon the man's fair words. "Together, with Runa, we shall prevail."
As Thorongil etched notes in his ledger, Eira wondered at the bits of knowledge he had collected and catalogued over the years.
"I do not mean to seem as if I am ignoring you," he says apologetically "but I find it best to record those pieces of information I have discovered on my journeys, if I am able, for it is helpful to me later when attempting to do what I can to aid folk."
"I am not offended or bored by your attention to your book of account. I find it interesting. I have never kept such a book - my memories and accounts I keep in my head. I used to scribble in the dirt, sand and etch in rock in the jungles. Never on parchment as that was not the tribe's way."
When Meli approached with their drinks and meals on a large wooden tray, Eira smiled and accepted her share. She took the tall mug and sniffed gently and then sipped the wine, tasting the rich and sun-sweet blackberries on her tongue. "Thank you, Meli."
"I beg your pardon Mistress Lightfoot. The lady and I, being new to your settlement, wish to learn more of the people here so we may better help in the development of the colony."
"Other than your esteemed sheriff and her deputies, do you have any suggestions for folk that would be good to meet and speak to if one would learn more about your community as a whole?" he asks, gambling that Eira's earlier diplomatic efforts were more than enough to secure the answers to this simple question.
After placing the drink and food on the table, Meli looked across at the large warrior and smiled, "Just Meli will do. The Sheriff's the best person to speak with. Also, Count Lethar Narsus, his Advisor, Hamsa Gadd, or our Banker, Baldra Siferth. They're the big wigs among the Human townsfolk. You'll find the residents of Pridon's Hearth are a mixed lot, all trying to get by. Speak to the Sheriff first - she's a serious but kindly woman." The Halfling serving lass bobbed her head and then with a smile moved off to serve another table.
"I agree - we drew the instant attention of the locals and the Sheriff with the incident on the dock. We did manage to save two lives, those of Gallio Menius and Theos Votto. I was glad when the scuffle did not escalate into real bloodshed." Her eyes turned serious briefly as she contemplated a different outcome.
He nods.
"I, too, am glad of that. I did not now the policies of that noble; but I deemed that swift action was needed to preclude the chance of legal issues."
"A belligerent drunk who harmed naught but a noble's ego was a matter easily dealt with; yet had he scored a wound on the noble's person then it is likely the man may have suffered for his assault," he adds.
There seems a strange bit of irony in how Thorongil responded; he obviously wasn't concerned that he could stop the man before bloodshed began, either through trust in his own skill or the poor responses of the drunk.
Nor was he concerned that the man would be able to kill the noble, perhaps because Thorongil was confident that if he himself did not stop the drunk, then the noble's retinue would have - instead, Thorongil seems concerned that if the man had wounded Gallio that the noble may have elected to demand justice - and that, perhaps, the justice in this land for a commoner striking a noble may be equal to the hangman's noose.
Thus, Thorongil is clearly relieved such things did not come to that pass; but the idea that he may have chosen to use anything other than non-lethal damage on the drunk, despite what harm the drunk may have done to anyone, including Thorongil himself, during the fracas... It seems that Thorongil did not worry about his own safety as much as he did about trying to stop a minor issue from becoming lethal...
"I am not offended or bored by your attention to your book of account. I find it interesting. I have never kept such a book - my memories and accounts I keep in my head. I used to scribble in the dirt, sand and etch in rock in the jungles. Never on parchment as that was not the tribe's way."
He nods his head.
"My people often used song and verse to recall our lore; and while I am able to recite much of our history with those skills, I have found that keeping such records as this can be a useful tool," he says with a small smile as he folds the journal closed and begins to eat with Eira.
After placing the drink and food on the table, Meli looked across at the large warrior and smiled, "Just Meli will do. The Sheriff's the best person to speak with. Also, Count Lethar Narsus, his Advisor, Hamsa Gadd, or our Banker, Baldra Siferth. They're the big wigs among the Human townsfolk. You'll find the residents of Pridon's Hearth are a mixed lot, all trying to get by. Speak to the Sheriff first - she's a serious but kindly woman." The Halfling serving lass bobbed her head and then with a smile moved off to serve another table.
He nods his head slowly.
"Many thanks, lady Meli," he says and prepares to eat, but then a sudden thought catches his mind.
"Your pardon; but when you spoke of those of interest you seemed to stress that they are of the human race; tell me, if you would, are there others who are knowledge that are not human? If so, I should like to know their names as well," he asks, curious to know if there were others in town who were not of human stock who could be interesting to speak to.
Clearly the world is one filled with many dark and dangerous things; of them prejudice being a challenge in general. However, he hopes that this young Halfling lass will not draw such conclusions about him, for he judges no one on their heritage, but how they conduct themselves.
Once he hears her response he politely thanks her and then continues to eat, sipping slowly from his drink as he considers things.
He pushes his plate back and takes a long drink from his cup and then places it down and studies Eira thoughtfully.
"We have been advised that it would be wisest to speak to the sheriff first."
"Though I would learn more about the others in the town I do not wish to intrude beyond what wisdom our counselor has provide us with," he says slowly.
"Even so, it is near enough to noon that we have some time to use our day productively."
"As we are to remain in this colony, at least for the present, would you desire to walk the grounds of this community with me?"
He glances at the window and then turns back to Eira.
"I would learn more of this place we are to reside in; the location of important buildings and citizens, the defenses of the community, and - as I am new to these southlands - I am eager for the chance to study the land itself," he adds.
As Thorongil waits patiently for a response he looks outside and thinks.
"I have a modest amount of gear that is on my person, yet I should like to know more of the town itself."
"Tell me, if you would, Miss Millie; is there a place in town that sells good and gear? A general store, perhaps?" he asks, hoping to see what sort of goods and gear can be found in such a place.
As he waits for an answer a sudden thought occurs to him.
He thinks a moment, his eyes drifting to the fires in the tavern.
"Is there a temple or shrine in your community?" he asks suddenly.
As he waits for an answer he turns and speaks quietly to Eira.
"We have many trials before us; perhaps it would be wise to consult the gods before we begin?" he asks her as he waits for Melli to respond.
"Many thanks, lady Meli," he says and prepares to eat, but then a sudden thought catches his mind.
"Your pardon; but when you spoke of those of interest you seemed to stress that they are of the human race; tell me, if you would, are there others who are knowledge that are not human? If so, I should like to know their names as well," he asks, curious to know if there were others in town who were not of human stock who could be interesting to speak to.
A deeper blush crept across both rosy cheeks in regard to the Northman calling her 'lady'.
"Yes, Mister Thorongil. You would have heard their names mentioned as you walked into Stone Hall. The Halfling families who jointly control this place - the Whithermoots and Longroads." Meli bobbed her head as if to leave when the man's next questions stilled her.
"Tell me, if you would, Miss Meli; is there a place in town that sells good and gear? A general store, perhaps?" he asks, hoping to see what sort of goods and gear can be found in such a place.
"Aye. That would be Oyin Emporium run by Mirya Oyin. She's a right cantankerous one, yet has a charitable heart. She stocks most of the mundane supplies in Pridon's Hearth and also serves as the local post office. If yer looking to buy our local remedies and more common potions, then there's Heri's Conservatorium, run by Heri Lightstep, one of me own. If it's weapons or armour you're wanting or repairs to equipment, then Northwind Smithy is the place you seek; just mind Vethorn Valgardson, the Half-Elf smithy - his manner is curt at best and he prefers his own company to that of other people's, but he's a fine crafter that one."
"Is there a temple or shrine in your community?" he asks suddenly.
"We're a mixed lot here and some don't even believe in the gods. We have one dedicated church - the Countinghouse of Abadar - a temple, bank and planning house all rolled into one. It's run by our banker Priestess Baldra Sifreth, the same one mentioned earlier to you. There's a shrine out at Fort Breakthrough, twelve miles southwest of here. The fort's shrine contains simple clay statues of assorted gods - Erastil, Abadar, Gozreh, Iomedae and Shelyn, from what I've heard. I hope that helps yer both. I need to get back to my duties now," and with a bob of her head, the Halfling serving lass moved to a set of patrons two tables away.
He pushes his plate back and takes a long drink from his cup and then places it down and studies Eira thoughtfully.
"We have been advised that it would be wisest to speak to the sheriff first."
"Though I would learn more about the others in the town I do not wish to intrude beyond what wisdom our counselor has provide us with," he says slowly.
"Even so, it is near enough to noon that we have some time to use our day productively."
"As we are to remain in this colony, at least for the present, would you desire to walk the grounds of this community with me?"
He glances at the window and then turns back to Eira.
"I would learn more of this place we are to reside in; the location of important buildings and citizens, the defenses of the community, and - as I am new to these southlands - I am eager for the chance to study the land itself," he adds.
Eira thoughtfully studied the Northman a moment or two before responding to him in a steady, accented voice, "We are newly come to this settlement and we are strangers to these local people. Perhaps it would be more prudent to wait for the Sheriff to advise us on where we should go and make any introduction on our behalf to smooth the way for us. I, too, would like to know more about this place, yet I am wary of crossing the superiors of Pridon's Hearth or stumbling on some place we are not meant to intrude on." Taking a small sip of her Blackberry wine, she then added more quietly, "I do not want to leave Runa on her own for too long. I could take her, but being she is a fox, not many proprietors would take kindly to having a wild creature on their premises, among their paying patrons or goods. I will have to be mindful of how to bring her with me until I know more about this land and its customs." Eira's cheeks slightly flushed, hoping the Northman did not believe her to be a coward or overly reserved. She was neither - she simply was not impulsive and did not undertake ventures on a whim. Eira understood they had time now before their meeting on the morrow, yet she was in no rush to start - she simply wanted to settle in with Runa, rest properly in a bed and start afresh in the morning after her daily communion with Runa to prepare her spells.
A Mwangi man in his fifties seeks a place to sit in the dining area of Stone Hall, such as it is. He is dressed in a decently-fitted exploration outfit, the kind that a decently prosperous colonist might wear. The fine cold iron rapier by his side implies at least some success. It has not been taken from him at the very least.
Being clearly one of the Zenj people, his height of 5' 6" in height is not surprising. Well-groomed greying hair in the Chelaxian style, perhaps more so. The observant might notice a few scars visible on his flesh, his relative economy of movement, or the observant gaze he himself gives.
"...I hope that helps yer both. I need to get back to my duties now," and with a bob of her head, the Halfling serving lass moved to a set of patrons two tables away.
"My thanks, lady Melli," he says with a nod of his head as she leaves and he thinks a moment about what she said.
"I do not want to leave Runa on her own for too long. I could take her, but being she is a fox, not many proprietors would take kindly to having a wild creature on their premises, among their paying patrons or goods. I will have to be mindful of how to bring her with me until I know more about this land and its customs." Eira's cheeks slightly flushed, hoping the Northman did not believe her to be a coward or overly reserved. She was neither - she simply was not impulsive and did not undertake ventures on a whim. Eira understood they had time now before their meeting on the morrow, yet she was in no rush to start - she simply wanted to settle in with Runa, rest properly in a bed and start afresh in the morning after her daily communion with Runa to prepare her spells.
Thorongil frowns a bit at this, as if conflicted in his mind.
To him, an entire day stretched before them and he did not wish to present himself to be a sluggard to the folk in this community; and while this was clearly not what what Eira was implying, he felt that with nearly sixteen hours before the interview there was time enough to do many things.
"We are on the edge of hard country; surely these shopkeepers will not begrudge one so delightful as your fair Runa," he says.
"I had hoped to at least learn of the colony a bit before meeting the sheriff; my heart tells me that is a woman who prefers folk who take action when given a choice, though I may be in error in that regard."
"Yet even so, perhaps we could take Runa at least to this general store and see what treats there may be found for her there? And mayhap the weapon shop as well? Such places seem to me generally more accepting of beasts and travelers."
He pauses, clearly not sure of a course of action, though he did think these two places at least seemed reasonable enough to explore.
Still, it may be that there were other more important tasks that they could achieve that would ease Eira's mind and placate her need to keep Runa away from places of commerce so soon.
A sudden thought sparked his mind, though.
"The lady indicated that there is some sort of small outpost or garrison only a mere twelve miles from here. Being it is only an hour past noon I deem that if we left now we should reach it by only five o'clock..."
"There we may pay homage to whatever gods you hold true for a short time; if we linger there for only an hour we should then be home by only ten at night. A good eight hours of sleep will still afford you an hour for prayer and meditation in the morning before our appointment at seven with the good sheriff."
"Thus, goodly Runa would not be seen as a trial to shopkeepers, we should get to know the lands we are to settle in, and we have the chance to have done something productive with our time between now and our meeting with this sheriff."
"Unless..." he says, pausing a moment as if thinking "unless you are not over-eager to wander unknown lands after sundown, until we learn more about them?" he adds the last, leaving the decision on this to her.
"I do not think we should be travelling at night in unfamiliar territory so far from the settlement proper. We do not know the condition of the roads between here and the garrison at present and I have no need to pay homage to the gods as I commune with the spirits each morning during my meditations with Runa, which I like to undertake early. If the spirits were displeased with me, then I would know it well and true enough. And that is not the case, so far." Eira's voice was low, discreet as she meant the conversation only to be heard by the Northman. She gave the man a little smile to show him she was not angry, but unsure of why he was in such a hurry when he knew so little of the colony, its people, customs, laws, roads and wildlife. Eira was very used to jungles, but she did not know what lived and stalked or preyed within the jungles of this settlement.
"We have not been assigned tasks in this land, so perhaps it would be better to hold off on weapon or gear purchase until after we speak to Adaela Praet. She will guide us both and then we can meet with whomever we need to and then begin learning the lay of the land. The ship voyage here did not leave me with much rest and I am sorely in need of it this day. After we are done, here, I shall return to Runa in my chamber, and lay down on the bed to rest. I cannot command your actions, but I do entreat you to take a breath and enjoy this unproductive time for I believe tomorrow will bring many things into our lives and little rest perhaps. Come, let your mind enjoy the food, drink, music and company. There's time for other things tomorrow." Eira nodded and then picked up her wooden spoon to sup on the fragrant fish soup before her.
"We have not been assigned tasks in this land, so perhaps it would be better to hold off on weapon or gear purchase until after we speak to Adaela Praet. She will guide us both and then we can meet with whomever we need to and then begin learning the lay of the land. The ship voyage here did not leave me with much rest and I am sorely in need of it this day. After we are done, here, I shall return to Runa in my chamber, and lay down on the bed to rest. I cannot command your actions, but I do entreat you to take a breath and enjoy this unproductive time for I believe tomorrow will bring many things into our lives and little rest perhaps. Come, let your mind enjoy the food, drink, music and company. There's time for other things tomorrow." Eira nodded and then picked up her wooden spoon to sup on the fragrant fish soup before her.
Thorongil nods his head.
"I understand completely," he says politely and leans back in his chair, pondering things a moment.
When Eira is ready he walks her to her room and bids her a good afternoon so that she can sleep and take her ease.
Noting the sun on the western sky is dipping slowly he considers options and then takes his heavier goods and gear, and all of his weapons but for a long knife, and places them in his room and locks it.
Then he returns downstairs and meets with the Halfling owner of the place and offers to aid him and his staff with any mundane duties about the place; should they need assistance with scrubbing dishes, chopping firewood or simply cleaning the common room, he politely offers his aid in any way he can.
He will proceed to help as well as he can until supper time; at which point he will pause to eat his meal and listen to the tales of the citizens in the tavern.
He does not intrude on the conversations of the patrons and merely observes; occasionally jotting down notes or stories he hears - not for any particular reason, only if he hears a piece of a song or an unusual tale that folk may wish to share that he, also, finds interesting.
If Eira joins him at supper he will dine with her; but he does not seek to disturb her as she said she needed rest. When the meal is finished he will continue to aid the Tavern workers with the issues of cleaning up any mess so that the serving staff is free to take their ease.
When the tavern has been cleaned of any issues after supper was finished he will sit by the fire and exchange tales of his homelands for tales that the locals may share until around ten o'clock; at which point he will finish his drink and bid those in the tavern good night and retire for the evening.
The sight of the unfamiliar, tall and muscled Northman warrior among the serving staff at Stone Hall was a surprise to some of the patrons; yet his conduct and help did not go unnoticed and the Halflings began to feel comfortable around him and allowed him to do more of the heavier work. The delightful stories of his homeland were enjoyed by the lingering patrons and some of the new colonists who came below to sup. Thorongil did not see Eira or Runa for dinner - they remained in their chamber, possibly sleeping or readying themselves for the new day to come. A tray of light supper was brought up to Eira a little later. At the end of the evening, Thorongil discovered a note pushed under his closed door as he retired for in the night.
Thorongil says nothing, but he folds the note up gently and places it in his journal and then his journal in his satchel.
Despite the importance of the morning, he himself has trouble sleeping, for there are many things he is considering.
Even so, eventually, sleep does find him until the morning...
Awakening at roughly he 6:00 AM he prepares himself for the day and decides what gear to bring to the sheriff.
After a moment he elects to bring only his sword and dagger, as well as his satchel. He brings only these weapons as he feels such an individual would prefer to see her guests armed appropriately and appear fresh and ready for anything.
He considers checking on Eira, but instead does not intrude, heading downstairs.
Pausing at the doorway to the tavern he opens it and waits on the veranda a moment, his eyes turning to watch the rising sun over the eastern horizon as he waits for his companions.
Eira rose early, around dawn, having slept fitfully at first and then more restfully as the night deepened. Runa's eyes flicked open and the little fox kit rose from the bed, shook herself and looked at Eira with her dark eyes.
"Alright, let us ready ourselves."
She set Runa on the floor and the little fox kit ran to the corner with the straw bundle set for her to relieve herself on.
Eira rose and began her own ablution; ensuring she looked her best for the meeting at seven. She poured water for herself and Runa and when they finished their drink, Eira found a spot on the wooden floor and sat down, crosslegged. Runa joined her and the fox lay its front paws on Eira's hands and each closed their eyes and lifted their minds and hearts to the Life Spirit; forgetting the mundane world around them. Eira released her energy and drew from the energy of the world around them - of the Life Giver - and she prepared her spells for the day ahead. They sat in such sacred commune for an hour, as was their custom.
Upon completion, Eira opened her eyes, picked up Runa and opening the shutters of the small chamber window, breathed in the air and felt the growing life energy caress their faces. They bowed in reverence and then Eira closed the shutters and set Runa to the floor, again.
Eira placed her dagger in its sheathe at her hip and elected to leave her pack and other weapons to collect once the meeting had concluded. Eira placed the light coat over her linen shirt and then placed tiny Runa inside the coat, out of general sight. From the position of the morning sun she had just looked upon, it appeared close enough to seven, so she left her chamber, locking the door and began to descend down to the tavern; the lovely smells greeting her as she descended.
====================
A Mwangi man in his fifties seeks a place to sit in the dining area of Stone Hall, such as it is. He is dressed in a decently-fitted exploration outfit, the kind that a decently prosperous colonist might wear. The fine cold iron rapier by his side implies at least some success. It has not been taken from him at the very least.
Being clearly one of the Zenj people, his height of 5' 6" in height is not surprising. Well-groomed greying hair in the Chelaxian style, perhaps more so. The observant might notice a few scars visible on his flesh, his relative economy of movement, or the observant gaze he himself gives.
Perception to spot anything amiss in the room: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Sense Motive to notice anyone acting suspiciously: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
You do not notice anything out of the norm, sinister or suspicious in the Dining Hall/Tavern. The Halfling serving staff are busily setting up for breakfast and there are no other patrons inside the hall as yet, except for the Sheriff and the Halfling proprietor talking quietly to each other. Their voices are low and from your current position you cannot make out what they are saying. Then you note the beautiful, dusky skinned young woman descending into the tavern area and moving purposefully toward their table.
===================The Halflings of Stone Hall were already hard at work from five in the morning - lighting the cooking fires in the heavy cast iron stoves and beginning the preparations for the day ahead. The homely smell of freshly baked bread and pastries soon began to fill the hall and stairways.
Sheriff Adaela Praet, dressed in her usual militia red jacket/uniform sat at one of the tables; joined by the ever-smiling Halfling proprietor, Osrin Longroad. They were both enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee; the strong aroma of the ground coffee bean lingering in the air.
The first to join them at the table were a man and woman. The man was dark of skin and standard height - of some maturity and well groomed and the much younger female is also dark of skin but more a dusky honey colour than pitch of night. Her eyes are a deep amber and framed by thick, long dark lashes.
Thorongil saw the small group at the table and began making his way over to them. Eira (and Runa) were descending the stairs just then and seeing the sheriff, Thorongil and the others, she made her way quickly to them, a warm smile lighting her face.
Eira placed her dagger in its sheathe at her hip and elected to leave her pack and other weapons to collect once the meeting had concluded. Eira placed the light coat over her linen shirt and then placed tiny Runa inside the coat, out of general sight. From the position of the morning sun she had just looked upon, it appeared close enough to seven, so she left her chamber, locking the door and began to descend down to the tavern; the lovely smells greeting her as she descended.
Gauging the light of the sun, Thorongil returns into the tavern and notices Eira and Runa in the common room.
Thorongil saw the small group at the table and began making his way over to them. Eira (and Runa) were descending the stairs just then and seeing the sheriff, Thorongil and the others, she made her way quickly to them, a warm smile lighting her face.
"Greetings," he says to Eira.
"And you, madam," he adds to the sheriff as he stands by the table.
"May we join you?" he asks.
"We received word that you wished to meet us; how can we be of assistance?" he asks, curious to know what the sheriff will have to say.
Eira smiled and acknowledged the Northman with an incline of her head. Greetings, Thorongil," she received him in quiet, accented voice.
Looking to the others present around the table, Eira then continued, "Good morning, Sheriff Praet, Mister Longroad and friends." Eira found a vacant chair next to the exotic young woman with dusky skin and sat down.
Hearing Thorongil raise question as soon as he had sat down made Eira close her eyes for a brief second. His impatience will be his undoing some day, she mused silently. Eira felt Runa wriggle inside her coat and hoped the fox would settle and remain quiet lest she draw attention.
The two people yet introduced to them looked somewhat familiar - they must be colonists like she and Thorongil. Smiling she added, "I am Eira, it is good to meet you."
Seeing all four of her invited guests join her at the table, Adaela Praet bid thanks to Osrin, who departed thereafter with a nod of his head.
"Good morning, Eira and Thorongil. Now that we're all present I'll first make introduction. You may know Letswalo and Oliya from your time on the Kaava Cutter. Now, before we start this meeting, I'll order us some breakfast and we can talk as we break our fast." A serving girl came rushing to the table as though Osrin had already instructed her to attend them. It was a different girl to Meli who had served them the previous day.
Adaela, on seeing the Halfling girl, smiled and said, "Bring us boiled eggs, roasted dika seeds, fried taro and some of your fresh bread and pastries. A pot of coffee and whatever drink my guests would have. Thank you." The serving girl bobbed her head and then looked around the table to see what drinks the patrons sought with their breakfast before departing for the kitchen to prepare their meal.
Adaela rolled up her sleeves so her forearms were bare. She had tattoos on her arms, bearing the symbol of sword and sunburst.
The tattoo is the holy symbol of Iomedae, goddess of honour and justice.
She smiled."Before we get down to business, I wish to know how you enjoyed your first night in the colony? How are you settling in?"
The dusky-skinned girl smiled warmly at the group and the Sheriff and responded, "Good morning. As the Sheriif has said, I'm Oliya." The young woman's voice was seductively low with an accent different to Eira's. It was thicker and more pronounced and added to the exotic lure of Oliya.
"I slept well - the bed was comfortable and it's good to be on dry land once more. Stone Hall is grand. I'm eager to see more of Pridon's Hearth. Thank you," intent on making a good impression on the Sheriff and others, even though she did not trust any of these strangers.
Satisfied at the state of the room, Letswalo ambles over to the table.
"Good morning. Sheriff Praet, I presume? I am Letswalo.", he says amiably as he proffers his hand to shake.
"May I sit?"
Thorongil's eyes flick toward the food; however, he east sparingly, not wanting to interrupt the sheriff when she talks.
She smiled."Before we get down to business, I wish to know how you enjoyed your first night in the colony? How are you settling in?"
"Very well, thank you," he responds with a polite voice.
At this time Oliya approaches the party.
"Good morning. As the Sheriif has said, I'm Oliya." The young woman's voice was seductively low with an accent different to Eira's. It was thicker and more pronounced and added to the exotic lure of Oliya.
Thorongil pauses eating and stands up and bows lightly.
"Good morning," he says to her politely, then sits down again and proceeds to listen.
"I slept well - the bed was comfortable and it's good to be on dry land once more. Stone Hall is grand. I'm eager to see more of Pridon's Hearth. Thank you," intent on making a good impression on the Sheriff and others, even though she did not trust any of these strangers.
He studies her thoughtfully but says nothing at this time, merely observing.
"Good morning. Sheriff Praet, I presume? I am Letswalo.", he says amiably as he proffers his hand to shake.
"May I sit?"
Thorongil does not comment; instead, as the sheriff is hosting this breakfast he waits to see how she will respond to the man.
Upon the Sheriff's question, Eira waited until the others had spoken before she took her turn to answer, "I had a comfortable night - it felt good to sleep without the rocking and swaying of the ship. Thank you. I hope you managed to get some rest after your long, full day, Sheriff?
The symbols inked on the Sheriff's forearms held no meaning to Eira, yet she wondered what it meant to Adaela. Eira thought of the ink pattern across her own forehead and knew such things had to have some significance. Perhaps in time, Adaela would come to tell them. When she trusts us, she mused silently.