A weapon... Why do you ask? I have a reasonable grasp of the arcane, my father saw to that... What happened to you, you look like you're on pain. Kendra notes as Raj enters, grimacing in pain as he walks.
"Spellslingin' is good; spellslinging with a blade in your pocket is better. Be better. If ya don't have a weapon, I'll set ya up." Not wanting to go into the full truth, Raj settles for half. "I think it's a good idea with some folks around here being all stirred up... We had a few words with Gibs on the road an' he wasn't kind about you. He might be a coward when he's sober but when he's drunk, well, he nurses his anger like his last drink."
To the question about his health, Raj tries to shrug it off - an unfortunate gesture as it tweaks his aching back and sends a large wince rolling across his craggy face. He stifles a swear. "I slipped up and paid the price. It ain't as bad as it looks." Raj gingerly unlaces his upper armor and slides it off with only a few stifled grunts. He turns his back to the window catching a ghostly reflection of himself and lifts his shirt to check the damage. A huge bruise painted in purples and blacks is forming across most of his back and dappling one hip. He pokes at it speculatively, relieved all the bones still seem in place. "Not so bad really."
Kazamir quietly offers the sherrif any help he can, knowing that there is a saint's chance in Abaddon of it being accepted. He returns with Zed to the Lorimorr house.
"Valavastra, Pyth, thank you for the message. It is indeed not a place for twilight."
At a time when Kendra is out of the room, he quietly summarizes the findings at the Prison. "It seems that someone else was indeed there, but we cannot say anything conclusive about the Professor's death, and I do not wish to burden Miss Kendra with speculation."
When all are around and Kendra is in the room, he relates the encounter with Gibs, and shares his concerns for any walking about alone at night.
"Constantin, Valavastra, Hazel, please catch me up - what have you found in our friend's mouldy old books?"
When the contents are discussed, he looks troubled, and spends some time reading the texts and the journal.
HE is quite pale by the time he is done with Petros's journal. "Zed, Raj, read this!"
Harrowstone:
IF the info under the Harrowstone and Whispering Way spoilers hasn't been shared, it will be now.
"I think I'd like another look at those runes - in the daylight - if a few of you will accompany me. Beyond that: what do we do next?"
During the discussion, Kazamir's face undergoes an occasional spasm of rage. If asked, he will quietly answer,
"Sorry, sorry...it's just...Gibs and his ignorant rabble, accusing the Professor of dabbling in dark arts, when he just gave his life trying to protect them from darkness! I know, so similar to the watchman's lot, I should be used to it...But this was the Professor!" He trails off, shaking his head.
Vala smiles at Kazamir, "Oh, just 'Vala', dear. And as for what to do next, I should dare say picking up where Petros left off seems a fine start. We can look into the fire and perhaps see if we can't better equip ourselves with this cache he mentioned. There's no need to rush back to that bitter ruin ill prepared." She then taps one finger against her lips and shoots Pyth a knowing look. "Hazel makes a good point too. The best way to deal with Gibs is to ingratiate ourselves with the townsfolk. Gibs won't have any teeth if he doesn't have an angry crowd at his back."
"I'm going to give the professor's journal a more thorough read -- if that's all right with you, Kendra. He definitely seems to think there was some cult activity going on here, and it seems likely that was the reason he called for strangers from his past with diverse talents to come here."
This has been the longest day... Well, that I can remember. I'm going to turn in. Good night everyone, I hope this all seems a bit clearer in the morning.
The dark haired woman clicks her fingers at a small carved piece of wood that resides beside the stairs. It begins to glow with a bright light and she picks it up to illuminate her way to her room
I studied under my father since I was twelve. she says at Constantin's request. I have some skill in the arcane as I told Raj but I am a researcher and linguist by trade. I write papers independently for the university of Lepistadt, the Occularium and even the Theumanexus in Absolom. Occasionally Jominda consults me on alchemical crafting but history, languages and arcana are my specialties. I can help and father's library is more than available to you all.
She says the last part hurriedly and looks to Kazamir;
Gibs approached you? That man is ignorant and foolish. But he's dangerous. He used to be a soldier during the Ustlavian war so be very careful with him please.
It's been a long day and I'm shattered. Please don't worry about the dishes, I'll see to them in the morning. Good night everyone.
The day dawns cold and grey. The sun doesn't so much as rise but crawl lazily over the horizon and sit there, bathing the town in a pale, watery light. At least the rain appears to have ceased.
You can only do one job at a time, and each shopping trip/NPC interaction/rumour gathering etc takes four hours so you can do two of those - just makes things easier to track time.
Galus wakes up feeling like he has a hangover. The stifling air in the small cell has given him a headache and the pitifully small cot has set a deep ache in just about every joint.
Seeing the other prisoners all still asleep or snoring softly to themselves, he reaches for the chamberpot and relieves himself, waiting patiently for the Sheriff to come downstairs and check on them.
When he finally does so, Galus rushes to the bars and takes one in each hand;
Sheriff. Can you tell me what's happening, how long I'm going to be here at least?
~Bakery~
"Hello Millie, good morning. I read your request for some help making a new oven, and I thought it would greatly benefit myself to have more of your delicious food available." He gives a smile with his jest. "I've never been very big on construction, but I have a strong back and I'm a quick learner. Let's see if we can get this figured out."
"Whew. More complicated than I thought, but at least you could figure it out and direct your dumb muscle." He gives another smile as he munches on one of her pastries. "I'm sure I will be visiting frequently to see what you get up to with it. Best of luck!"
~Outward Inn~
"Zokar Elkarid, right? I saw your request for help, I'm sorry about your back. Anyways, I would like to take on the job. I promise you my own back is strong, just tell me what needs to be moved where, then you can get some well deserved rest."
The baker, Millie, seems delighted that someone has finally answered her posting for help.
Boy, you're a sight for sore old eyes if you think you can do something with that big pile of bricks out there. But hey, you feelin' alright? You look awful pale. the old woman says with some concern.
The Sheriff makes his way downstairs later that morning. He has a young, scrawny looking man with him who does his duty of serving simple breakfasts of porridge and milk and cleaning away the chamberpots.
The Sheriff ignores you for the moment and instead unlocks the doors to the other cells.
Riff, take these boys upstairs a minute.
The men look shame faced and a little afraid of the sheriff and shuffle up the stairs without trouble. He lights a cigarette and stands easy before your cell.
You won't be getting out any time soon, son. So rest easy. Eat your breakfast there and get some rest. Word is starting to spread about what you done and folks ain't best pleased about a murderin' stranger in town. Their words, not mine you understand. he adds coolly. I ain't the smartest o' course, just a simple small town sheriff, but I figure the smartest thing for everyone is to keep you out of harm's way until the magistrates can come an' hear the case.
Rajuna works out the kinks in his bruised back with a morning stroll around the village. As his muscles finally warm up, he finds himself outside the Apothecary and recalls one of the ads on the posting pole from the night before. Following a polite rap on the door, he enters the building. Jominda looks much as he remembers from the funeral.
"Good mornin', Ms Fallenbridge. That's a very fetchin' hat." He begins awkwardly. "My name's Rajuna, if you remember me from yesterday. Well, I was wonderin' if maybe you hadn't found anyone yet to try them curious drinks you make? If not, I'd be happy to help out. Was the posting right, about you paying 10 gold? I thought maybe someone mis-wrote that figure."
Kendra rises early and sets about her usual routine. She bathes and brushes her long chestnut red hair. After dressing in a plain town dress of pale green and lightly blushing her cheeks, she accompanies Zed to Millie's bakery, hoping that she can still get her daily oak cake.
Morning Mllie, I brought you some help! she says, one hand on Zed's shoulder and giving him a slight shove forward.
MIllie lights up and, as usual, has the oatcakes waiting.
Ms Lorrimor, nice to see you as always. I was only sayin' to that young girl who came into town yesterday that as much as the oven is packing up, I still make sure to get these ready for you every day.
Kendra smiles and places some coins in Millie's hand.
Thank you Millie, you're sweeter than your cakes. I'll leave you to discuss the work with my friend, Zed here.
Millie appraises the tall, pale man before her;
Boy, you're a sight for sore old eyes if you think you can do something with that big pile of bricks out there. But hey, you feelin' alright? You look awful pale. the old woman says with some concern.
Raj makes his way to Jominda’s apothecary that morning. Upon opening the door his sense are assaulted by all manner of smells. Immediately he can pick up the scent of cinnamon, cloves, lavender, sulphur and a dozen other things.
Row upon row of shelves lines the wall and small glass display counters sit in the middle of the floor behind which sit a variety of odds and sods. There appears to be no order to the shop at all and yet Jominda, who can be seen flitting from one shelf to another, seems to know exactly where everything is kept.
Oh, hello. she says, pushing her spectacles up her pretty nose. If Kendra is what one might call classically beautiful and statuesque, Jominda is smaller, though slightly more curvaceous through the hips. What can I do for you?
She stands barely over five feet tall and you would place her age at around thirty although her skin is smooth and she has big green eyes partially hidden behind her spectacles. She is attractive in a bookish kind of way but seems to have an easy smile which starts to become infectious after a while.
You discuss the possibility of becoming a test subject and she seems delighted.
Fantastic! This is a great opportunity, you won’t regret it I promise. In truth, I started by offering two gold pieces, which I already thought was generous by the way, I mean this is a farming community primarily. Sure, Alendru has the school and all, and there's the forge and general store but really two gold is enough to feed most people for a week and still I didn't get any volunteers! she chatters away happily as she quickly moves behind the counter and sets some chemicals to boil and distill in a series of complex looking alembics.
These will just be a few minutes, don't mind the smell I'm sure they taste better than the aroma suggests, haha! So, how is Kendra? I didn't like to leave her after the funeral but I didn't think it proper for me to be there for the reading of the will. Besides, I don't mind telling you that I was pretty shaken up after what happened in the Restlands. Have you seen your friend, by the way? Benjen might seem stern and cool but he's a good man at heart and he really cares about the people of this town, even that Gibs creep.
I'm talking a lot aren't I? she says with a little laugh.
She mixes up several batches of a particular potion and asks you to try them one by one.
Rajuna almost takes a step back at Jominda's verbal barrage, barely managing to squeeze in an "uh", "uh-huh", "she's a'right", or a hasty "I-only-met-him-yesterday" where possible. One item in her litany strikes him as an opportunity and he holds up a staying hand before swallowing her first concoction.
"Much as I need the coin, ma'am, I don't feel right about taking advantage of your situation here. How about you pay me 3 gold coins, one for each drink here, and you keep the rest? Never want it said I'd take advantage of a lady in need." His attempt to be charming falls awkwardly from his lips.
Constantin looks a bit abashed at Kendra's rather detailed response to his query about reading the journal, and says quietly, "I remember, Kendra. It may have been several years but you always had a bright mind. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't... intruding on your family business without asking."
~~~~~~~~~~
On the following day, Constantin remains cloistered in the professor's study, diligently reading books and notes. He assembles a sheaf of papers and a pen to take his own notes, organizing thoughts and underscoring important findings.
The next morning, Kazamir considers the postings for a while before seekig out the Silk Purse to helpmthem with thier outstanding accounts.
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Kendra smiles devilishly and says; It's alright, Constantin. I'm not a delicate flower and do you know what odd - possibly terrible - about this whole thing? With whatever mystery he uncovered still abound, it feels like he is still here somehow. Perhaps I shouldn't but strangely I take some comfort in that.
She returns an hour or so later laden with warm oat cakes and other sweet treats and sets about making breakfast whilst Constantin busies himself among Petros' mountain of notes.
Good luck trying to make sense of much of that! she laughs. For such a brilliant man he had a terrible filing system. and smiles at the memory.
After a short sigh she says;
Why don't we go out for dinner tonight? Aunt Vala, Hazel, what do you think? Sarianna's place is always fun and the food is actually quite good despite the outlandish names. I just think it would be nice not to be cooped up in here and you can all tell me a bit more about yourselves by a warm fire, with good music and a bottle of wine or two. What do you think?
Well, ain't you a trooper! Jominda says delightedly. Listen, this is my first real foray into transmutation alchemy. I'm particularly interested in manipulating the protein bonds in plasma using magic. I want to mess with your blood in other words, sound fair? ok great!
She puts a vial in your hand and snatches up a notepad and pen as she waits eagerly for the potion to take effect.
Raj drinks down the first disgusting potion. He tries to centre himself as the taste of salty brine and lemon juice washes down his throat. His head almost immediately begins to spin and he has to steady himself against the wall to prevent himself falling.
Interesting... Jominda says, taking some notes.
She takes a mortar and pestle, grinds up several further ingredients and adds them to a potion bottle.
Try this one. I really can’t thank you enough by the way.
The second doesn’t taste as bad. It has a hint of garlic and a slight metallic taste, almost like blood. Raj doesn’t think about it and drinks it regardless. Nothing seems to happen for a moment. Raj open his eyes, having closed them against the inevitable surge of vertigo. Then realises he already has opened them – and can’t see anything.
Hmmm... blindness. Well, don’t worry, don’t panic. Jominda says jovially. I’m 60% sure there’s a fifty-fifty chance of it just being temporary.
Indeed, after a nervous few minutes, blurred images form before your eyes and eventually sharpen and return to normal.
Just one more.. she says, offering a third bottle.
After taking a deep breath, Raj drinks the contents.
This time he can feel a sudden surge of energy, a rush of blood coursing through his veins. He develops an absolutely slicing headache but tries his best to block out the pain.
Throughout the process Jominda scribbles copious notes and equations that don’t really make much sense to Sebastian but that she seems delighted with nonetheless.
Fantastic! Thank you very much Rajuna, I really am very grateful!
Farmer Longbottom is a wily old man with a series of sores around his thin, colourless lips. He narrows his watery gaze at the scrawny young thing who has come to fix his wagon and chews on a piece of grass as if in contemplation.
Without any kind of pretence, his leering gaze drops from the girl's pretty face to her chest and down to the curve of her hip.
Yer jes' a slip of a girl. How're yer gonna lift a two hunren pound axle? One o' them outsiders what came in fer that wizard's funeral are ya? Heard some bad business went on. he spits, leaving a line of green spittle dangling from his chin. IF yer think yer up to the task missy I won't stop yer.
As Hazel strains and sweats against the weight of the wagon he watches the contraction of the lines of muscle along her thighs and bottom quite approvingly and eventually, with the wheel half on, he pays her the fair wage and says;
Nevermind lass, yer can come back and try again any time yer feeling able. he gives a thick chuckle.
Zed gives a smile and a dismissing wave. "It's nothing, just a lack of enough sunlight. I assure you I'm perfectly healthy. So starting with bricks...let's see if we can get a space cleared and start working on a foundation that will contain the heat..."
Over the course of the day Zed slowly builds the brick oven. He lays out 4 rows of cinder blocks so that they form a square, and then build the rows up until they form a rough square being careful to cement each row with a mortar he pasted earlier.
He builds up layer upon layer and as the hours tick by and the heat from Millie's temporary oven seeps into his pale flesh, he finds he has to strip some layers off to remain comfortable - which in itself is something he is not used to.
Throughout Millie fusses around him and in truth probably feeds him more than the job's worth in pastries and beverages, all the while taking his ear off about where he has come from, his friends, the Professor, the trouble at the funeral and so on.
Eventually in the afternoon he begins constructing the most difficult part, the dome of the oven and after a few failed attempts he finally gets the dimensions right and the dome takes shape. After hours of back-breaking work the oven is complete and though Millie understands it may well take days to dry out and be ready for use, she couldn't be more delighted.
I've been waiting ages for this, you're a real straight up fellow! she says, happily paying the amount owed.
Raj steps back out onto the street chuckling to himself despite the splitting headache. A 60% chance of 50/50 odds I'd be blind? The lady is as crazy with numbers as she is with ingredients!
He jumps back towards the door as a golden war-chariot pulled by a team of dachshunds clatters past, driven madly by a pair of purple eels using snakes for whips. Raj blinks hard at the sight and shakes his head to clear it. Did Jominda mention hallucinations as a side effect?
Once he's certain the road is clear of madcap eels, he proceeds cautiously back to the Lorrimor home hoping a nap will banish the drugs' residual effects.
Vala nods at both Kendra and Hazel with a warm smile, the crows feet beneath her eyes deepening with the grin, "Oh, that's a fine idea. Yes, let's!" Once she's sure Kendra's retired for the night though, Vala busies herself in the kitchen tending to the dishes before she too beds down. She makes sure to leave a lit candle on the desk by the door so Hazel can navigate through the dark once she comes in from her ritual, and then the old woman gives Pyth an affectionate scratch under his beak before she lays down and quietly sobs herself to sleep.
As the others set out to pursue their various tasks and aims through the town, Vala shakes her head at Hazel and waves her toward the door. "No, dear, I was thinking I'd just run some errands throughout town and help get some of Kendra's affairs in order after the funeral. You go on and do what you like."
Vala spends the day traveling Harrowstone by foot, meeting folks and putting names to faces, and seeing what she can piece together about the town Petros had called home for so many years.
Vala strolls through the cobbled town square. She is quite familiar with the place, having spent so much time exchanging ideas, opinions and knowledge with the late Professor. She knows the town has more than it’s fair share of small-minded and worse close-minded individuals, but as she smiles to passers - by she knows there are good people here too.
She strikes up conversation with several people and finds that there seems to be two very distinct camps when it comes to Professor Lorrimor – either those who saw him as a friendly and doting old man, always with time to chat and with a great love for his daughter. Or those who were greatly suspicious of his studies and his apparent interest in the dead up at the Restlands, .... such things being unnatural an’ all...
She decides on a whim to stop in the Laughing Demon for lunch, both because she is undoubtedly peckish but also because in all her time in Ravengro she has never set foot in the place. She opens the door to the tavern and finds beyond that it is a mish-mash of eclectic Varisian decoration. Colourful bunting hangs on nearly every square inch of beam space on the ceiling and a series of brightly dressed dolls sit on shelves around the interior, staring with glass eyes and painted with perpetual, cheerful smiles. Baskets of dried flowers, elaborate candelabras and various other gaudy decorations make up the space and accompany the oiled walnut tables and bar. The decor is certainly unusal but Vala has to agree it is charming in it’s own way.
She takes a seat and picks up a menu and finds that it is full of such unusual delicacies as Vampire Steaks, Werewolf Balls, Troll Casserole and so on. In the end she opts for some simple bread and cheese and a small glass of sherry.
The owner is a swathy, handsome woman who – based on her ruddy skin and colourful headscarf – is clearly Varisian. She serves Vala with a smile and goes back to serving the regular barflies.
One such patron takes a great swallow of ale and gives a great, relieved sigh that seems to come from his very bones.
Ahhhhh.... I needed that after yesterday. the man says, wiping his mouth.
Oh, here we go again...! one of his fellows groans.
It’s bloody true! the first man exclaims. They say now and then, if you visit Harrowstone near sundown, you can hear the ghost of the warden’s wife wailing and sobbing from somewhere in the ruins. he leans closer to his friend, so that he is within inches, his voice becoming hoarse and desperate. She haunts the prison now, mourning her husband and frightening away anyone who dares intrude. Vala sees that the man’s eyes are wide and wild. And I’ll be damned if I didn’t hear it myself!
He holds his breath at the end of his desperate tale, his hand clamped on his fellow’s shoulder, so tight his knuckles are whiter than his disposition.....
...
..
.
Sarrianna, the owner, cries as she slams down another pint of ale in front of the men making both of them jump fairly off their stools. Next you’ll be spinning a yarn about the man in the moon!
Kazamir makes his way through town toward the Silk Purse. The building is much larger than he expected, making up at once a decent sized jewellery store-front and a heavy brick construction at the back. As he enters it becomes apparent why as he sees three burly men dressed in studded leather armour standing to one side and conversing quietly. Private Security he thinks, his inquisitive mind instantly putting together the connection.
The store itself is immaculate, glass front cabinets contain all manner of jewellery, both precious stones and metals. In fact, most you suspect will be out of reach of many of the citizens of Ravengro so you suspect they must have a very select clientele.
You introduce yourself to the two owners; Luramin Taigh and Quess Yearborn. Both seem very pleased you have decided to come forward to help with their backlog of collection.
Luramin explains; Farming is a tough business, you see. Drought, pests and floods can make a year’s hard work vanish in an instant. Fortunately, we at the Silk Purse are always ready to lend a hand – and some capital – to help those struggling see through the year.
But, as irresponsible as it is of us as business owners, we’ve let a few payments slip through. Of course we can’t run on charity forever so as ugly as it is we do need someone to collect some outstanding payments.
Kazamir spends the rest of the day strolling through the fields that surround Ravengro from one farm address to the other. In truth, he is met with a mixture of suspicion and derision at the farms but he collects the money successfully nonetheless.
The party begin arriving back at the Lorrimor throughout the afternoon. They have had varying levels of success in their endeavours in the day but each are weary and return for a rest or long, soaking bath.
As the sun sets, Kendra retires to her room to get ready. Eventually, after an hour or so of bathing and pampering, she walks down the stairs a striking figure. Her jade cotton dress is plain, but it hugs her slender body and she wears a white fur lined stole to cover the tops of her arms and keep out the chill. Her hair hangs in a simple, almost child-like plait and she wears silver jewellery that accentuates her beauty rather than proving ostentatious and eye-shadow that matches her dress.
Is everyone ready? Hazel, I don't know whether you have anything other than your travelling clothes but you are welcome to borrow something of mine if you would like? she says, touching the young girl's shoulder as might an elder sister.
I had thought to ask Jominda to join us but she said she was working on something. Seemed very excited about it, she asked me to pass on her thanks again Rajuna.
.....................
Although by no means full, most of the tables at the Laughing Demon are occupied by locals and a bard plies his trade on stage, singing traditional Ustlavian songs in a rich voice.
Almost everyone turns to look at you as you enter, their conversations stopping, mugs pausing halfway to lips. The bard’s tones drift into the silence for a moment before he realizes silence has descended and he too stops to look at the strangers.
...that one was there when Tam was killed...
one whispers.
...aye, I heard they done drunk his blood an’ all...
...don't be so stupid you old coot....
I’m paying you to sing Sacha, not gawp! the lady behind the bar yells in a no nonsense tone. An’ the rest of you. Mind your manners now.
Turning to the party standing in the doorway she says;
Come on in, my loves, there's a table just at the back that will seat you. Now, what can I get you?
She is a handsome Ustlavian woman, probably just touching forty although with the bright eyes and ringlet dark hair of a woman half her age.
About two dozen townsfolk sit at tables throughout the tavern, conversing among themselves, throwing dice, eating meals. They are paying little attention to the singer on stage which is a shame as he is clearly talented and interestingly you now recognise him as one of Grimburrow's acolytes from the funeral.
A warm fire burns merrily in the large place in the east wall. Zed, Raj and Kazamir notice the big, shaggy dog - Old River - lounging beside it, occasionally getting up to pad from table to table looking for scraps. He spots the trio with his one good eye and comes loping over.
He nudges the inquisitor's hand with his nose and looks up with a doggy smile. You got a treat for Old River? that look seems to say.
Let me get the drinks. Kendra says. Tonight is on me to say thank you.
Zed is exhausted from his long workday but tirelessly cleans up for dinner. He arcs a brow at Kendra, noting her appearance but having little interest in it. "You look well Kendra. Let us go have a night in memory of your father."
Entering the tavern, Zed gives an inaudible hmmph. I wonder what that young lad would do if I smiled and showed him all my teeth. Zed thinks, almost considering it. Instead he keeps a neutral expression, nodding to their host in gratitude. "Your generosity and tact are both appreciated." As Old River comes up he smiles. "As well as your company. Say, is anybody taking care of him? I mean full time, like actually giving him a roof and food everyday."
As the group takes their seats, Vala waves and smiles warmly to Sarrianna. "Hello again, Sarrianna. You wouldn't happen to have a kettle on the fire would you? Some strong black tea would do an old woman some good; the chill just sets in so quickly here!"
As the banter and drink orders are traded, Vala finds a spot in the warm glow of a dusky lantern. Once the drink order has been taken though, she leans in conspiratorily over the table and jokingly warns, "You know, I had lunch here earlier and they have the oddest names for their various dishes."
Constantin has done his best to look presentable -- the rumples in his clothes somewhat straightened, traveling grime and mud scrubbed away as much as possible, ascot properly knotted and buttons on his vest shined. He actually seems to clean up rather nicely.
As the group assembles at the Laughing Demon, Constantin gives the team a once-over as if to take in everyone as a team rather than as individuals. In contrast to the previous day, he seems more easygoing and companionable.
"Kendra, you're a vision of loveliness. Thanks for bringing everyone together tonight."
To Zed, Constantin jokingly says, "I think you made a new friend. First one not to have some kind of comment about you needing to get more sun."
Zed is exhausted from his long workday but tirelessly cleans up for dinner. He arcs a brow at Kendra, noting her appearance but having little interest in it. "You look well Kendra. Let us go have a night in memory of your father."
Entering the tavern, Zed gives an inaudible hmmph. I wonder what that young lad would do if I smiled and showed him all my teeth. Zed thinks, almost considering it. Instead he keeps a neutral expression, nodding to their host in gratitude. "Your generosity and tact are both appreciated." As Old River comes up he smiles. "As well as your company. Say, is anybody taking care of him? I mean full time, like actually giving him a roof and food everyday."
Who, Old River? Sarianna asks as she pours their drinks. Nah, he hangs around here sometimes and was always up at Ms Lorrimor's place... she nods to Kendra. ...but mostly he likes to sleep under the gazebo steps in the town square. I guess he just wants to come and go as he pleases, kid of a town mascot. So are you folks dining tonight, let me get you some menus.
Where you all from? she asks the eclectic party. I know a fellow Varisian when I know one. she nods to Raj. But the rest of you are a strange bunch. Friend of the Professors. eh?
As Vala predicted, the hand-written menus describe all kind of bizarre fare.
Kendra sees the looks of consternation on your faces and smiles;
Sarianna has something of a sense of humour, I think she believes the best ways to meet the horrors of this world are with jest and I for one, think that's a rather splendid outlook. The Vampire Steaks are cuts of beef skewered on thick wooden spikes, wolf balls are lamb meatballs served on plates painted to look like the face of the full moon, corpse chowder is a thick stew with red broth and chunks of meat and liquid ghosts is a sweet pale ale that glows faintly with a greenish tint. The food is actually very good.
So Hazel, you mentioned you like to dance? Did you dance for a living back in.... I'm sorry where did you say you were from again?
KAzamir merely smiles broadly to see Kendra looking so good, and ready for a meal out, rather than a night shut in alone or with naught but books and memories for company. HE executes a little heel-click and bow when she greets the rest of them.
Kazamir's face is studiously lank when he hears the mutterings, but, after a minute or so has passed, he has a long look around the room, doing his best to capture faces and expressions in his memory.
"Just coffee, for now, please, if you have it handy. If not, I'd join Vala in a cup of strong black tea." he replies, when Saianna asks them about drinks.
The menu raises his eyebrows, but also the corners of his mouth. "Alas, now, no matter how good it is, I don't think I'll be able to bring myself to try the corpse chowder..." he shakes his head ruefully.
He listens with polite interest to the conversation between Kendra and Hazel, then glances around the group, wondering who will take up the question. Seeing other curious looks, he dives in.
"I spent most of my life in and around Caliphas. My family had been there for generations, and, despite the busy port with its visitors from all around Lake Encarthian and beyond, there never seemed to be much of a world outside of it... " He smiles self-depricatingly. "So, you can see, the suave cosmopolitan city gentleman " he says, in exagerted snootiness, literlly raising his nose into the air for a second, "can be just a provincial as our friend Gibbs, when it comes to it.
He pauses to take a drink, raising his cup to Kendra. "It was actually the Professor that broke me out of neat little shell. I've only been back in Caliphas for a little over a year, having been, with the Professor's help and at his suggestion, in Jalmeray for the three or four years prior to that, learning to harness the gifts that he noticed. "
Turning back to Hazel, he asks "I have heard little of Magnimar. Will you tell us a bit about it?"
That sounds fascinating Hazel. Kendra says. It's a destination I've always wanted to visit. I've read so much about ancient Thassilonia and Azlant but to be able to see the remnants of the great works they wrought would be really something.
She takes another sip of her wine and decides to order the Vampire Steaks.
And Jalmaray, Kazamir, is it as exotic as it sounds? there seems to be something of a longing in Kendra's voice and you can see the intent with which she ate up Hazel's description. She strikes you as a woman broad with knowledge but little in the way of practical experience which is a thing that probably galls her at best and saddens her at worst.
Kazamir listens attentively to Hazel, then smiles at her question.
"Ah, Jalmeray. It truly lives up to its appellation: the Kingdom of the Impossible. It is a wondrous place, and, if I had all night, i could not do it justice. A wondrous place full of wondrous people.
I spent most of my time at a small, secluded temple, a three-story open tower of milky white stone, called the Fifth Pillar of the Opened Way of the Opened Eye. Quite a mouthful, in Taldan, and in Vudrani as well. There, in their maddening way of not really teaching anything at all, the mystics taught me their...philosophy, their magic - really one and the same. They taught - or didn't teach - me what they could, and sent me back out into the world. They told me if I ever leaned the fate of the Fourth Pillar, I should return to them."
Constantin points to the werewolf balls on the menu and observes the unfolding conversation, but chooses not to interrupt.
They both sound wonderful, they really do! Kendra says, hanging on both Hazel and Kazamir's every word.
A young serving girl cleans away the dirty crockery on the table behind yours and within moments of her doing so, a group of young men occupy it. They are loud and boisterous but seem to be in good spirits and enjoying the bard's more upbeat selections.
They order rounds of drinks and begin drinking steadily. They are loud in their bawdy conversations but not especially bothersome and after a few moments begin dealing hands of cards. With a cursory glance, Raj recognises the game they are playing as a common gambling card game called Towers.
...them lot from the funeral...
....aye someone got killed they reckon...
...well best place for it I suppose, don't have to go far to bury 'em! Haha! one of the men jokes.
....Haha!.... another chuckles in return.
....I hear that Jominda Fallenbridge was at the funeral too....
...she's alright....
...Nice arse.... general murmurs of agreement.
....But I'd watch her. Does more than just brew potions I hear. She brews drugs and poisons too and sells them through agents in other towns. Why else would the sheriff be so interested in her business...? this causes a few long minutes of discussion that flits back and forth to further consider Jominda's physical comeliness.
The game seems to be getting into full swing, cards fly onto the table, accusations of cheating and foul language fill the air interspersed with gales of laughter.
Suddenly, one of the men pulls a card from his hand, slams it on the table and prepares to shout but just as he does so the card flashes and with a whoosh! bursts into flame!
The resulting conflagration engulfs the stack and ignites his sleeve. He reels back so hard he flies back from his chair, hitting the floor and rolling immediately to his feet. In a frenzy he beats out the flames on his arm and douses the smouldering material with half a mug of beer snatched from a fellow barfly. A wisp of smoke rises from the deck but nothing is left of the cards but ash.
The stunned silence that descends in the bar is only punctured by the man shouting;
By Pharasma's pale t*ts what was that!?