So who is Grimscar? why does he seem to have issues with you? i figure it's safer asking you than following after to ask him. She asks curiously
she begins floating her pebbles again, performing various small tricks with them. rotating them in a fast circle making a small fire in the center, clearly concentrating on the task while waiting for some response.
"I believe I just caught him on a bad day. Of course, men have always treated me differently; it's been like that my whole life. I suspect he's no different in that regard.
She sipped her water again.
"I take it you've never had the pleasure meeting him then?" She inquired of Illya-Nym.
Not really, i keep to myself the only person i have very much contact with is Captain Wislo. I can understand being different though, luckily men leave me alone i tend to scare them off
She refers to her own marble white skin and grey hair.
But to answer your question no, I've never had the pleasure although it does make me curious as to what made him so angry
"I would like to think something set him off, but....sometimes people are just like that."
She mused to herself further.
'I do wonder why he was so upset. Maybe he was hoping to get chosen for the quest? I hope it wasn't anything of a personal nature. The loss of a loved one, a tragic anniversary...
She resolved herself to try and ask Grimscar what was bothering him. But not now, while he was so upset.
Perhaps tomorrow?
Rylka stares in horror as the drunken orc makes his appearance. When the bard and the guard diffuse the scene, she relaxes some. Only to be put on the spot by Jimes. She bashfully smoothes her apron and moves to get back to work. She quietly slips an extra of Lily's cookies into Merephel's pocket while refilling her water. "Sometimes it's a relief to be taken as a child at first glance. Usually I envy you big-folk for being taken as adults. But it ain't always pleasent, is it?"
I prefer being tall honestly it makes me look powerful, as far as being adults i don't believe any of us are adults just yet now refocusing on her magical practice.
"Hmm, it's a pity indeed. I'll have to talk with father Prasst about visiting him. More than likely he is being held now in the town jail," he said continuing his meal.
Merephel smiled at Rylka.
"We all have our blessings, yes, but we all have our detriments to bear, as well. I wish him well.
She took another drink of water. It gave her a chance to think.
'By Sheyln's Grace, is it good to have friends.
She looked around the room, seemingly back to her usual happy self.
could be dangerous but i might go see him later, talk to him for myself as dangerous as it might be. Could be fun anyone want to join?
Illya knew it would be dangerous to investigate such a dangerous character but his blind rage intrigued her. So many unanswered questions... She offered as a courtesy, thinking to herself that few of the others were as curious as she was about this particular subject
Merephel cleared her throat, and made eye contact with Illya-Nym.
"Actually, I would like to join you. Once he has had a chance to calm himself. I would like to get to the root of the problem, and maybe help him heal."
She knew that would get a reaction, but she meant every word.
Hrolf harrumphs.
"I'd say leave well alone. My guess is that the town guard will chuck the pair of you out on your ears before you can get to his cell anyway. Sometimes a man just has to be alone with his rage, let it... well, let it eat itself. Rage is a selfish thing, and it feeds on whatever it can get. Right now, you go trying to do a good turn, you'll just be throwing fuel on the fire."
His face relaxes a little. "Listen, I have three coppers left in my purse today. Why don't I buy the pair of you a drink, and we'll see if that singing man has some more songs, eh? Couple of days later you want to go find that orc in the woods and see if you can heal him, I'll come with you. But tonight, let's stay to the inn."
Korech lets out a low, rumbling grunt after finishing his ale. He holds up a hand, trying to catch Ryla's eye.
"Ale here." He looks at the table, but is obviously addressing Illya, Merephel, and Artrix. "He is half-breed. That his pain. We all come from pain. But Grimscar is coward; drink and hurt others. Hurt the trees. Hrolf is right - here we have songs and friends, don't need pain here. You go find Grimscar, you just find hurt. Maybe a fight nobody wins."
Calden sits with his head low during the altercation, ever ready to strike Grimscar with the quivering palm technique that he's been practicing, but never finding the opportunity. Before he has the chance, Jocyn interjects and the guards diffuse the situation. So far for making them proud. Although Ilimara did teach me that all of the training isn't actually meant for fighting. Lot of good it'll do me, if I can't even protect a friend...
Looking glum and seeing Merephel surrounded with support, Calden surrenders his seat to one of the others, mumbling something of an apology to Merephel, standing there on his bare stockings. He puts a hand on Artix' shoulder. "Well done, for standing up to him. I think I should have been there with you."
He shakes his head at the suggestion to seek out Grimscar, agreeing with Hrolf and Korech. "I don't know about visiting the brute, either. He's been like this as long as I can remember. If he wanted to change, he's had enough opportunities. It'll have to come from himself. Like Shirzon, I guess." He nods his head at the half-orc woman who (in his eyes) seems to have taken the turn for the better. "We all become who we're meant to be, for better or worse, if we take the time for it..."
the floating pebbles fall to the table in surprise, Illya looks over to Merephel surprised Really? this is quite the surprise I figured the person he was about to attack would be the last person who would want to meet him. But i agree, we should wait until he has at least calmed himself some.
Illya sits thinking a few moments about what was said by the other youths.
Rage comes from somewhere, from something it always does. It's not just something when left alone that one can get over just by trying really hard, like Hrolf said it is selfish, it consumes you. Which is why there need to people there to help. Believe it or not half orc's are not the only half breeds who can know pain, Korech you came into the tavern today quite angry yourself i imagine you could have wound up the same as him if not for the fact you have friends. If we at least extend him the olive branch so to say it might at least help him.
after having said her piece she collects her fallen stones and continues practicing arcing small bit of static between the stones as they rotate.
Goldi was as stiff as a statue during the entire exchange with Grimscar, and soon everything was normal again. She breathed a sigh of relief that she was not involved, and Truffles stayed out of trouble. (for a change).
Once the room was safe again, many seemed to console the poor priestess. she simply shrugs and goes to take a seat by the fire.
Come on Truffles, the fire is warm tonight, besides I do believe that thre were some more scraps over there.
Truffles takes a seat by the flickering flame just close enough to feel the warmth (and definitely no closer)
Goldi on the other hand starts looking for half finished plates and scraps for Truffles.
I am already sensing some good selections for a group. many time I do not fair to well in these intro role-play scenarios.
in any event I liked those characters that I thought would do well. I do hope some select little goldi.
My schedule is slowing up some thus giving me a little more posting time.
Merephel was a little overwhelmed by all the support she'd been receiving.
"Thank you all for your kind words. Fear not, I won't be visiting poor Grimscar tonight. I will give him a few days to cool down. Tonight we celebrate the Quest. May the gods watch over and bless us all!"
She waved Calden, as he was getting up from the table.
Turning back to her table, she chuckled. Hrolf's face was worth the whole endeavor, and poor Korech was obviously speaking from experience.
"I believe you are right, Illya-Nym. Unfortunate, but true. I wish him well.'
She turned back to Hrolf.
"Now, what were you saying about buying me a drink...?"
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Calden gives Ilya a quizzical look, frowning as he tries to place what she's saying. Illya, who's ever so cold and distant, talking about friends and olive branches? And all the while she is 'practicing' her magic... Surely she must realize that we know what she's doing, trying to impress us with flaunting her talents like that.
He interjects when she draws Korach into her argument. "Hey, that's not fair! You're saying that Korach would be just as bad as Grimscar, if it weren't for the rest of us? That's a horrible thing to say... We all make our own choices, and can't blame anyone else for them. If Grimscar, or anyone, has issues, they deal with them however they can, if they have the strength to for it. Or they don't, fine! But anyone only has themself to blame, if they let it come as far as that brute has."
Realizing that he has been raising his voice and that he's been taking in anger, Calden quickly shuts up, instinctively crossing his arms in defense of whatever reply might come his way.
People are a product of the society they grow up in. If the community treats them as trash or trouble it makes it all the more difficult to not choose to act as such. When people make friends if gives them a reason to act and fight for more just causes, Korach was simply the most convenient example i did not mean to offend him specifically, or you for that matter. As it seems i may have angered you allow me to explain my side, His decision to act in such a manner is only exasperated by everyone in town continuing to treat him as such.
she smiles clearly enjoying the debate, not a hint of anger in her voice. maintaining an eerie calm while she speaks.
Well when you do go to visit him, seek me out i would enjoy being there to ask my own questions. Also you may call me Illya if you prefer, Nym is my fathers name She answers Merephel before turning back to Calden.
Hrolf waves Jimes over and orders a round of drinks for his friends, clearing him out of his last few coins. He's listening intently to the discussion, running his fingers through his beard as he absorbs the various arguments.
"Some are born lucky. Some are born under a cursed sign. It matters not. Your honour is your own, and if it's lost, none can restore it but you. Self-pity or rage against the world gets you nothing. Nothing. Asking other for help gets you only so far. If you want redemption, it comes from you. Some, though, simply don't want to be forgiven."
Hrolf has drifted off into a reverie. Using his finger, he's idly drawing dwarven runes on the table in spilt beer foam. He gazes into the middle distance, and it's unclear who exactly he's talking to now.
Calden keeps his guard up, determined not to be goaded further into a discussion I anger. See, she's actually enjoying this!
He opens his mouth twice to make a reply, but can't seem to find the words. In the end, he's saved by Hrolf. "There," he says triumphantly, pointing at the dwarf with both hands for emphasis. "This man gets it. You take whatever help you can get of course, and it doesn't hurt when you can rely on others a bit, but in the end it's your own strength of character that gets you where you want to go."
Merephel listened to the debate intently.
Korech continues to stare fixedly at the table while Ilya and Calden argue over him. Once he receives his new ale he takes a deep draught. The young half-orc seems to shrink into himself as he speaks softly, his voice nearly lost amid the din of the tavenr.
"Dunno how act different. Am who I am. If people mean to me, I leave them alone. Don't have lotsa friends. Just work hard, most leave me alone."
So tell me then, what is honor? What do you do if it's society that has wronged you, and you've done nothing that could cause you to be cast aside. One man can accomplish much, but a team will always accomplish more. That poor man has nothing but rage and anger and no one has attempted to reach out to him To the best of my knowledge. He's been left to stew in his own muck and if left alone people could get hurt.
Maybe he was never given a choice, have you thought of that...There are times when your not always given the option of being accepted, society chooses for you. I want to give him that choice, direct his anger in a way so that none of us will get harmed. Did he act appropriately, no...but none of us have either.
her facade beginning to drop she began showing bits of anger. She breathes deeply, exhaling.
none of that matters, we are all entitled to our beliefs she turns away from the discussion, opening a small leather bound journal filled with odd calculations and formulas,the pebbles floating gently to the table as she begins writing.
"I didn't say that others can't help you at all. But the first and last steps need to come from within. If the half-orc won't make the first step, he'll certainly never make the last. Tales of lost souls being rescued by 'the love of a woman' or the kindness of strangers belong on the lute of the likes of him," Hrolf gestures vaguely toward Jocyn, "not in the real world."
Rylka keeps the drinks flowing as she listens intently to the debate. They all have such good points. I've never thought about any of it like that. Maybe it is too late for Grimscar, but we can make better choices for those around us.
Merephel's eyes sparkled at Hrolf's mention of her favorite tales.
She sighed deeply.
'One day I'll find love. It will happen eventually...'
She thought back to when she was younger, and all the chaos and passion of youth.
'Maybe Grimscar had only tragedy to reflect upon?'
'Maybe Grimscar had only tragedy to reflect upon?'
"Without a doubt."
Calden repeats the question. "What is honor? What do I know, I'm just a sheep farmer." It's not clear whether he's bring sarcastic, Calden couldn't have said if someone had asked. "Look at us all gloomy. We shouldn't let something like that ruin our evening... Let me take a page from my own book and try to steer this around."
He stares at his stockings, mostly dry now. "Do you know the big oak that's fallen across Hagman's creek? I crossed it today, blindfolded, and only fell once!" He looks both proud and embarrassed at the confession.
Korech stops contributing to the conversation, and just drains his mug, raising his hand to signal for another.
"Illya doesn't know me or him. I'm better than Grimscar, I help people and don't get mad when they're mean to me. Who cares what choices he made. He gets no sympathy from me."
Illya giggles at the confession looking up from her work, smiling i remember a time a few summers ago, when i first arrived here, it was the first summer i had spent outside. I saw a bee, although at the time i didn't know what it was. I followed it back to the hive, and well it didn't go well
Merephel resumed her musings, and let the conversation play out. She didn't want to get preachy again.
She did lean her head back against Korech's arm again, and seemed content.
Korech continues to stare fixedly at the table while Ilya and Calden argue over him. Once he receives his new ale he takes a deep draught. The young half-orc seems to shrink into himself as he speaks softly, his voice nearly lost amid the din of the tavenr.
"Dunno how act different. Am who I am. If people mean to me, I leave them alone. Don't have lotsa friends. Just work hard, most leave me alone."
Mahath smiles at the dour half-orc and replies "If a person's value was based on how social they are, I dare say most of us would be hard pressed to measure up. We can't all be socialites or bards. But your offer to help walk Merephel home safely says way more about your value as a friend than a thousand polite platitudes. Don't be too hard on yourself."
When the server brings Korech another mug, Mahath will pay for it, unless the half-orc demonstrates he's opposed to that.
"That sounds terrific Calden, and very painful Illya," he chews on some bread before speaking again, "After five years of living here, I can finally say I've gotten a sizable amount of plants in the garden I've been working on. Yet, still no progress into my research. The usual alchemicals have been discovered, but nothing extraordinary."
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Merephel leaned forward excitedly.
"Artix, it sounds to me like you work far to hard. Have you tried painting? I can attest to it's ability to let the mind relax. You may be able to solve your problem when your waking mind is asleep...so to speak."
Artix laughed, "Painting? I've tried painting, but I find my self leaning towards charcoal and ink. In some of my notes, I've drawn sketches of the plants."
He pulls out a small leather work book and hands it to Merphel, "Here, take a look. Currently I'm trying to cross pollinate two different sets of peony flowers."
Merephel chuckled as she looked.
"You're actually quite good. And peonies are so beautiful!"
She fussed around with the book, oblivious to the rest of the people at the table.
Korech holds very still, terrified that if he moves Merephel will lean her head elsewhere. He does grunt with interest at Atrix's sketches. He points at a flower.
"This is nice. But flowers are outside. Why not see them there?"
=======================
– Lamashan 28th 4710 AR
– Evening
=======================
After an hours or so is passed by, Asina Silvers, Trelvar's beautiful daughter, finally shows herself up in the tavern. Apparently, she's been working into the kitchen until now. The young girl is gifted with an unparalleled beauty, which she inhereted from her beatiful mother.
Asina smiles at all the customers before joining you with a relieved sigh. "Oh, this day of work seems never to end. How are you doing fellas? The Quest gets near...I wonder who'll be chosen". She unwears her apron for a moment, enjoying a bit of relax.
---
Trelvar, whose mood has suddenly improved since Asina's appearance, calls back Shirzon and Rylka with a gesture of his hand. When the girls are near, he says: Come on, enjoy the night for a moment. Join your peers. I will call you when the break is over". His face warps into a large smile. "Oh, and please keep an eye on Asina's suitors. I don't want her to get in love with some Kassen dude. She deserves more than this little town...", Trelvar says. Trelvar's expression immediately turns sad and toughtful.
______________________________________
Hrolf nods to Asine, barely looking up from his drink. They are passing acquaintances, sure, but human girls? They're not really Hrolf's type...
Merephel waved at the new arrival.
She thought to herself, 'Oh, it's...um...what is her name again? I can't remember anyone tonight. It must be my nerves.'
No doubt! Even a Profession: Porter check at the right time in the right place can make a difference! :)
"Hello... miss Silvers," he searches for her name, not really trying to hide that he was unfamiliar with her all that well. Only of the small talk he'd heard from Father Prasst.
Korech suddenly realises Mahath paid for his ale. He raises it in a toast.
"Thank you, usually buy my own. You good man."
He lets his eyes drift to Asina as she steps in. Shrugging, he looks back to Mahath and tries to make conversation.
"So I dunno much about you. What your story?"
At Trelvar's insistence Rylka takes off her apron and proceeds to dance to Jocyn's music. Her moves are less like the traditional dances and more akin to a gymnastics routine. Her colorful garb flowing behind her. She attempts to pull anyone not actively in conversation into her mad dance.
She does manage a quick turn with Asina, to whom she whispers "Have you heard anything good recently? I have a great story about one of Gregor's students and a bee. I'll tell ya when we're cleaning up tonight."