Taking a seat at the table, Davos pours out a glass of wine oue
"Well was quite horrible what happened, we were carrying the coffin through the restlands when a group of men must have been fifteen or twenty men appeared armed with pitchforks and other farmers tools.
"Few of the group tried to talk them down and threaten them which manage to get some of them drop their weapons and leave but few remained, few starting attacking Olav and one grabbed Kendra manage to get a spell of to blind few of then but just out of know where Ikkaku cut a man down, who was attacking Olav."
"Well after that everyone stopped and the men left us to bury the professor, what Ikkaku did was maybe too much for the situation but it possibly could have been worse if it wasn't for his actions"
After drinking over half the bottle of the wine, Davos hears few of the locals still talk about the new arrival
"Excuse me would you please Caradwen going to join the locals".
Davos moves over to the table tries to injects into their conversation
"Evening gentlemen, I can't quite over here that you seem upset with us being here"
That was bold been awhile since I've had a drink, what would be the best way I wonder to try get some information from these guys
"Barkeep can I get a round here for these Gentlemen"
Pulling a chair over Davos sits at the table and tries to explain to the locals they will be around for the month to help Kendra then be on they're way
Markus closes his eyes and winces at Sebastian's request. There is a time and place hes not in the ground for a day." He then turns to Kendra to hear her response. "Thanks for letting us know Kendra i did wonder what had happened, but wanted to ask at a later date." He rubs his eyes trying to fight the sleep off."The Professor told me once, 'never muddle your words speak what you want and you'll get what you need.' It's still not hit me, i expect him to turn up at the door any minute."He then yawns covering his mouth. "Sorry, it's been a long day."
Olav continues to shovel in food listening to the others talk after he eventually manages to swallow a very large mouth full
The books? This prison? Exactly what was the professor researching?
"These seem to be superstitious people, and weary of strangers... It is a shame that the situation reached such a limit point" - Caradwen takes another sip at the wine.
As Davos addresses the locals, the woman follows in toe with a smile on her face, while surveying the scene.
If the inkeeper comes closer at Davos' request, she addresses her, trying to break the ice - "I am Caradwen, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance - We have been wanting to taste the local gastronomy and beverages while we are in town. Do you have any suggestions on specialty good?"
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The locals look up from their card game at the tall elf. They seem irritated at being interrupted from their game but soon warm to him at the offer of drink.
well, that's very kind of you Mr. I'll have a pint and I'm sure my fellows will join me. You play Towers? he asks. I'll deal you in the next hand.
The innkeeper brings the drinks and smiles at Cara;
Everything you mentioned is right here. Sure, Zokar across the street might have his novelties; "wolf balls" and "vampire steaks" and all that. But it's just a smokescreen really. We've got an open stage night all this week, local and visiting performers...
The man with the cards continues chattering in Davos' ear, sloshing down his free drink.
I hear that Jominda Fallenbridge was at the funeral too. she's alright. Nice arse. A couple of the other mumble their agreement. But I'd watch her if you're staying in town that long. 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?
The hand seems to be getting into full swing, cards fly onto the table, accusations of cheating and foul language fille the air interspersed with gales of laughter.
Suddenly, the man Davos has been speaking with pulls a card from his hand, slams it on the table and prepares to shout towers! 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 tits what was that!?
Davos jumps up from his feet and has a quick glance around the room at anything suspicious
"What the hell just happened, what could have caused such a thing".
Jon listens closely as kendra explains how the professor died, and he finds his appetite suddenly diminishing. He forces himself to finish what is on his plate, the food was very good, better than he had eaten for weeks.
the gods are cruel sometimes kendra, taking away your father in such a way! Senseless. Jon says as he wipes his mouth and reaches for a drink, his hand flutters momentarily toward the wine before he firmly grasps the water jug and fills his glass.
I met our friend gibs on my way out of town. He came up behind me as I was looking at the towns posting pole
"Open stage..? Really?! Please do tell me how does one participate in that - I am really..."
At the sudden display, Caradwen surveys the room yet again - "What was that!?"
"Is everyone ok?"
Did THAT just happen at the mention of Jominda Fallenbridge...? Caradwen ponders to herself, immediately drawing a piece of paper, adding this detail to the journal she has been keeping after consulting the Professors' books.
Turning to the innkeeper, Caradwen comments with a smile - "Apologies, I did not catch your name...?" - then she adds - "Is this Jominda around? Seems like a curious character"
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Sarianna Vai. she says breathlessly, pressing herself against te bar away from the smoking cards.
Durg, was that you? What did you do?
The man gawps at her.
Weren't me Sar, I swear. It just went off in ny hand...
Aye, thats what he tells his wife! shouts one of his mates.
The room erupts in gales of laughter, the tension broken.
Sarianna returns behind the bar and starts serving again.
Jominda owns the apothacary in town. She comes in her sometimes but not tonight. Shes probably tucked up in bed by now... Just like you reprobates ought to be! she laughs at the grumbles. Ill be closing soon, sheriff doesn't like us open too late. Anything else I cab do for you?
Sebastian shakes his head when he hears of the accident. "You have my deepest sympathy Kendra. But even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Your father lived such a life."
He is silent for a moment then asks. "Tomorrow is a new day, a new beginning. We will be here for a month, so must become part of the community. We should seek ways of helping the people here to gain their trust and to keep busy ourselves. Kendra, do you know of any who may require aid? What about you, what vocation fills your days?"
Olav turns to responses to Sebastian question
I know, I know! There's loads of jobs round town to do there's a board placed in the middle of town about it
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Olav is right. says Kendra, unpinning her hair and allowing her long dark locks to tumble down. Ah, that's better.
The townsfolk use the Posting Poles to advertise when they need help.
Turning to Sebastian,she says;
I studied under my father since I was twelve. I have some skill in tbe arcane 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.
She says the last part hurriedly and looks to Jon;
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.
Olav wakes the next day feeling refresh being so well fed and actually having a roof over his head has left him feeling the best he has in a long time he seems to spring out of bed and gets ready as he's putting on his cloths he notices how tattered and worn they have become
Well things to do I think I need to get a job and buy some new cloths if we are going to be staying here a while but first things first kendras showing us around today
Olav seems to almost run down the stairs
Morning all, how are we all this morning?
He says this without even looking round to see if there's actually anyone there
Great news guys I found and amazing team building exercise we can do tonight at one of the inns can't rember which one atm but will look again when kendra shows us round anyway they are doing a rave gross got talent kind of thing we should enter!
Markus then taken back as Kendra lets loose her hair, only realising now just how beautiful she is. She is beautiful and smart to Desna's blessing.. Then stunned for a seconded looking at Kendra he turns to Olav "Jobs for the town? that could be a good way of retaining some faith with the towns folk and show them we're not all killers and butchers." He looks to Ikkaku.
"I'll have to take a look at the board tomorrow when i go gather up my belongings from the coach house." Then as Kendra says her good bye Markus stands up. "Good night Kendra, may Desna bless you with dreams of wonder." He says with a nod, when she is gone Markus looks to the rest of the group."Today was the start of something, let's make sure Kendra can put this behind her. He again looks at Ikkaku. "The Professor called on all of us, he trusted us with his daughter this is a task i wont take so lightly. He then looks oks at Olav. "So tomorrow let's try and make the town a little more welcoming to us i think we should all try and do something Olav said there were job the town needs help with, let's show them our stay here won't be so bad." Then feeling himself get a little preachy he starts to fiddle with his hands. These aren't some pilgrims they might not take so kindly to my preaching. "That's what i think we should do, each of you can follow your own path. But now my path will take me in the direction of the kitchen i'm going to clean up so Kendra wont have to do it tomorrow." Markus then makes himself busy cleaning up the plates and taking them to the kitchen, when he's done he heads back into the sitting room and takes his places on the couch for some rest.
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Markus wakes in the morning, refreshed and ready for the day he spends an hour praying and asking for blessing from Desna.
He greets each person as he enters the dining room, moves into the kitchen makes some tea then brings it in for everyone. "That sounds interesting Olav, could be something we can take Kendra too it would be nice to get her out of this house for some fun." He then finishes his drink and stands up. "I'm off to arrange my things be delivered here, then i'm going to start on a job for the town, i'll see you all later if anything happens please come and get me." Markus then put's on his robe and leaves the house heading for the coach house.
On his way to the coach house he makes sure to smile and greet everyone. "Good day" He says to a young looking man. "May Desna bless your journey." he says to another as he is leaving the town with a backpack.
When he arrives he rings the bell."Hello?" He calls out, an old looking man that he saw yesterday steps in from the back. "Hello." The man says a little shyly knowing Markus as the man from all the ruckus at the funeral. Markus smiles. "I left my luggage here yesterday i hope to have it delivery the Kendra Lorrimore house. He then places a 5 silver on the counter. "If you could arrange that?" The man behind the counter nods. "i it'l get delivered" Markus then nods back at the man. "Thank you, have a good day."
Markus then sets off again for the posting board. Olav said there would be jobs around here He see's fliers for all types of items for sale, then finally sees the job listings. Teaching assistant, i've never done it before but i do have a lot to teach. i'll have to head to the school house. He then makes his way, hoping to help teach some of the towns children and show that not all of the new people in town are as wild as people would believe.
"Good morning, this is very tidy shop you keep here." He takes a quick look around as he walks up to the counter. "I'm new here in town, i was here for Petros Larrimor's funeral i'm sure you've heard of how all that went down. We're going to be staying here tell Kendra is situated and has decided what she wants to do. So i thought it would be a good idea if i help out around the town, the posting board had a job for a teachers assistant. I'd like to apply for it." He smiles at the man. "I've not done a lot in my time but i've be taught a lot and would like to try and give out some knowledge."
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Very noble! the thing man says with a smile. And its such a shame what happened to Petros, it's good to see Kendra has people around her at this time.
He moves behind the counter and uses open/close to absent-mindedly shut the door behind you.
Where did I put that blasted quill...? Ah yes. I'd like you to complete this with your details, paying particular attention to areas of specialist knowledge. I'll have to run a short test of course to ensure you are up to the standards I have set in this school.
Markus complies, giving the Lorrimor house as a temporary address and then writes a short several hundred word piece describing his interst in his chosen area of academia.
As he is doing so, he looks up briefly when a male youth goes pelting past the shop front. Even through the closed door he can hear his ragged breathing as if he has sprinted a long way.
"Of course i could write about the great debate of the major deities, and how their teachings and acts reflect their alignments in a way us mortal people can put into words." Markus rambles on a bit more while writing it all out.
He then hands over the pages. "Who was that youth that just sprinted past the shop? one of my future students?"
Last night:
Sebastian rises early and steps outside into the grey lighte or pre-dawn. Does the sun never shine on this place? It is as if a misery hangs over this place. It is enough to sap one's soul.
He steps into the yard and runs through a series of stretches and exercises, getting progressively more strenuous. He then takes a sack out of his backpack, the end containing around a kilo of sand. He swings this around his body in a blur of motion, not bothering to stop it hitting his head, arms, legs and torso as if he is toughening up his skin.
He finishes his exercise with a session of kata, practicing unarmed strikes, holds, blocks and kicks; perfecting his 'form' in slow and deliberate movements. Following his workout he moves to the barrel that catches rainwater from the roof and washes himself down with a flannel.
He puts on a new set of clothes, identical to the old and washes them in the same barrel. Stepping in to the living room, he hangs the wet clothes before the still glowing embers of the fire to dry and meditates for a while before he hears the others stirring.
Stepping into the kitchen he begins preparing a simple breakfast of porridge, honey and fruit. He sets up a jug of water and glasses on the table along with the pot of steaming porridge ready for everyone else to eat when they wake.
He bids everyone a good morning as they enter and seat themselves to eat. When Ikkaku enters, he frowns then addresses the warrior.
"I have decided to agree to chaperone you during the next few weeks here. I have conditions though that I expect you to agree to. These being:
I intend to work to build our status in this town and if there are tasks that I can complete to that end I expect you to help too;
You will not go into town in armour or heavily armed - if your code requires you to carry arms, then they be at a minimum;
You will avoid confrontation and if unavoidable you will show restraint. I do not expect there to be any more deaths; and finally
I will attempt to teach you wisdom, you will learn or not that is your choice but I must at least try.
Those are my conditions, if you accept then we can go to see the Sheriff later to inform him. After breakfast I intend to see if there is a job for us to do. I take it you will accompany me."
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Hmmm...? Oh one of the rabble no doubt. I try very hard to elevate the 'commoners' in this backward town. I consider it almost charitable work. Alendru says.
He polishes his gold-rimmed spectacles on his perfectly pressed purple robe. His clothing looks expensive. Velvet and soft cotton, probably tailor made, possibly even by his own hand.
He reads over Markus' discourse quite intently.
Very interesting. You've covered almost all of the pertinent points surrounding the death of the god Aroden. This is impressive work.
I'm convinced! he says, seemingly delighted. I have a class turning up this very hour. I'd be thrilled if you would assist.
he accompanied me all the way to the caravan and back, I wonder if he belongs to anyone in town
John bids kendra goodnight and before long he also makes his way upstairs to try and get some sleep. Though he knows it will be a long night for him.
the night passes slowly for Jon, he is constantly tossing and turning . His body aching for a drink of alcohol of any sort. He writhes about in the bed as he wrestles with his maddening craving. Eventually he falls into a fevered slumber.
Olav looks almost with a sulk as everyone apart from Marcus seems to ignore his words
No ones interested in joining my show at all? Well it may have to be a one man show then, I do hope you will all come watch me though Kendra included?
He looks back ground one more time with hope
You sure none of you will join me?
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this 'man' must have lived a sheltered life to think me a butcher, he has most likely never even been in a fist fight, let alone been caught up in a war or sold death for coin. i bet he's never even felt the touch of a woman. he judges me yet he has not walked the same path as me, there is no wisdom in this.
Ikkaku had just finished his own self improvement ritual when he spots Sebastian starting his, Ikkaku watches the man perform his ritual and is impressed with his form and focus.
At hearing Sebastian's words Ikakku speaks.
"I accept your terms, how could i not? It is the only way i can fulfill the professor's last request, I will not wear my armor as you have requested although I do not like it. however my katana will be at my side at all times, for how am I to protect Kendra if you take out my teeth? my only other reservation is who will be protecting Kendra while we are out mending fences? Finally i will listen to your words of wisdom, for one who thinks they know all closes themselves off to all knowledge. you will find however that i am not devoid of wisdom myself a trait none of you have noticed from high atop your crystal towers."
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Kendra joins the remaining party for breakfast, enjoying the simple but delicious porridge.
This is lovely. Do I have you to thank for the dishes as well Sebastian?
Kendra is dressed in a simple cotton dress of plain blue. She hasn't yet brushed her hair through and it has the tousled look of someone just risen from sleep.
Jon, I was thinking. That dog is probably Old River. He's kind of the unofficial town mascot. A few people have tried taking him in but he always just crawls back under the gazebo in the town square. He likes strays apparently. she says with a smile. tends to look after the town kids too.
I'd love to come Olav. I've been cooped up in this house for the past three months and it will be a blessed relief. I won't be joining you on stage though, my voice would empty the place I'm sure!
Finally, she turns to Ikkaku at the talk of protection.
I mean no disrespect Mr Ikkaku but I am no hot-house flower in need of tending. I can take care of myself. Your presence is welcome, though I'm sure the townsfolk will take some convincing of that.
As Caradwen descends for breakfast, she crosses paths with Ikkaku and, offering a short bow, introduces herself - "Well met, I am Caradwen"
At the table she smiles at Olavs' proposal - "Well, if you are talking about the Outward Inn, and the open stage nights, I had intended already to head there to inquire more in detail about this event - I am assuming that it will give me an opportunity to relax, while doing something that I thoroughly enjoy" - she smiles.
"On the other hand, and in spite Davos having been able to break the ice quite nicely yesterday, it seems there is no lost simpathy for us in town... We need to show that we are not a threat. I am hoping I... or WE" - she corrects, looking at Olav - "CAn put up a decent show that will help evidence just that"
"Also, apart from any rehearsal that you may wish to carry out, it should leave us with a good portion of the day available - I seem to have read something about a farmer having trouble with wolves - there is no better way to show that we are an asset to Ravengro than directly helping one of their inhabitants, so I would like to get in contact with him - What do you think?"
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At hearing Kendra's acceptance of Olav's request he approaches the man.
"may i have a word my lighthearted friend?"
They move to one side
"Since Kendra has decided to accompany you i hope you realize you are responsible for her, i do not doubt you have some way of defending yourselves. but make sure you keep your mind on task, if the situation should become out of your control myself and the monk shall be at the prison. I have faith in you Olav Helverson."
Ikkaku smiles at the man then starts to prepare himself to head to the prison.
Davos arrives back at the house seems everyone has gone to bed, he walks through the house trying not to make too much noise
"Good night Caradwen, was an enjoyable night. Sorry hope disturb you didn't realise you were down here".
Davos creeps up the stairs
Don't want to wake Kendra up she has had an awful day, she needs her rest
Moving into the bedroom where Jon is already in bed davos casts light to see the room, jumping into bed and davos dismisses the spell
Arrving at the breakfast table Davos holding his head slightly, filling his plate with some of the fruit and pours some tea Davos takes his seat
"Morning all, apologise if I woke up anyone up last night did arrive back bit late. I'll be heading into town and use my scribing skills at the local newspaper.
Sorry Olav i'm not one for shows not really something I can do, thou i'd be more than happy to come along and watch"
"Good morning children. My name is Markus Valon I'm going to be you teach you about Religion today if you could all turn to page 465." Markus then spends the rest of the lesson explaining the virtue of religion.
After the lesson Markus goes to talk to alendru."I feel a got through to a few of them, they seemed to really enjoy."
Yay a volunteer, whoop whoop!! I think we may need all day to rehearse really to make sure we put on a good enough show maybe we can deal with the wolves tomorrow. What kind of show should we do? Comedy? A man walks into a bar olav slaps his hand to is head as it hitting something ouch!
Song? Olav puts his hands out in front of his as if sing opera LalalalalalaLA poetry? He the grabs caradwens hand and looks into her eyes Shall I compare thee to summers day?
He then laughs to himself
As you can see I'm talented at everything so I shall let it be ladies choice
The show is tonight my friend and we shall all including you I hope be in attendance anyway, but never the less what is there to protect her from she's been here 3 months already alone and she's grown up most of her life with the professor travelling I'm pretty sure there's nothing to protect her from
He turns to everyone
Your all like my paranoid uncle barney who hides his cider in the horse hey because he thinks a group of ninja dwarves will steal it if he doesn't
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"It is a pleasure to meet you Caradwen, my name is Maderame Ikkaku, i am pleased to know you will be accompanying Olav and Kendra, you seem to have your wits about you, we will need that in the coming month for I fear not even Kendra realizes the peril she is in. the professor would not ask us to protect her if he did not perceive a serious threat, and between the books, the professors untimely death and the nature of the insults those thugs were throwing around at the funeral, i sense there is something larger going on, something sinister in the shadows, wheels within wheels. I feel we have all of us been caught up in the schemes of malevolence"
his voice becomes louder and louder as he speaks until he stops and shudders as if in his mind he is reliving something truly horrific.
"i am sorry"
he bows to Caradwen, turns and walks back to where he was before approaching Olav then continues to remove his amour and carefully remove each of his weapons, lastly he slides his katana into a belt around his waste.
Woah hold yours horses ikipacu my friend. Wheels? People in shadows? All I heard from the will is please stay with my daughter and make sure she has everything she needs before you move on in a months time a reasonable request by any father. We going to start making mobs and accusing people of necromancy now? Lets not get to serious okay you need to calm down and not lose your head before you take someone else's again. Anyway Kendra didn't we agree to go take a look around town this morning? And kikoi the horse hey is down the road in the stables if you wanna hide your cider
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Ikkaku smiles at Olav's words,
my brother was always joking around, he could always make me smile no matter how dark my thoughts became, there seems to be a little of his joviality in this man, this to i feel i will need in the coming month
"cider? this is a beverage made from the fermentation of apples yes? i'd like to try it some time, what i wouldn't give for a taste of hot sake , now that is a drink for real men!"
He laughs a full bellied laugh then continues,
"i will attend tonight's performance if Sebastian does"
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Sebastian and Ikkaku head out into the day.
They have business at the jail and intend to get that unpleasant business done first. The town is relatively busy for a week day and there seems to be a buzz of tension everywhere you go. You can feel eyes on you and hushed whispers behind your back as you pass.
As you walk through the centre of town you notice several children in a group playing. Two little blonde girls are singing a rhyme whilst swinging a length of rope between them. A third girl jumps over the rope each time it swings around. The grisly nature of the rhyme itself catches your attention more than the actual game.
Put her body on the bed.
Take an axe and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe.
So lonely, all she does is cry
Hang you up, put you to dry
Drops of red so sparkly bright.
Splatters spell her name just right.
Cover your mouth, without a sound
Put you down into the ground
With a hammer killed his wife.
Now he wants to claim your life.
Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die.
A fourth girl sits to one side. She has her head in her hands and looks glumly at the floor while a group of mothers stand a short distance away, talking amongst themselves.
Yay a volunteer, whoop whoop!! I think we may need all day to rehearse really to make sure we put on a good enough show maybe we can deal with the wolves tomorrow. What kind of show should we do? Comedy? A man walks into a bar olav slaps his hand to is head as it hitting something ouch!
Song? Olav puts his hands out in front of his as if sing opera LalalalalalaLA poetry? He the grabs caradwens hand and looks into her eyes Shall I compare thee to summers day?
He then laughs to himself
As you can see I'm talented at everything so I shall let it be ladies choice
The show is tonight my friend and we shall all including you I hope be in attendance anyway, but never the less what is there to protect her from she's been here 3 months already alone and she's grown up most of her life with the professor travelling I'm pretty sure there's nothing to protect her from
He turns to everyone
Your all like my paranoid uncle barney who hides his cider in the horse hey because he thinks a group of ninja dwarves will steal it if he doesn't
Caradwen laughs - "My own preference goes for the tambourine" - she produces one such musical instrument and drums it for a few short notes, with her hands and hips - "Or the art of speech and improvisation, such as in..." - the woman seems to ponder for a few moments, then proceeds:
"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more'
"Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore....
Then she offers a long bow, and a playful smile.
Jon wakes and finds himself alone in the room, Davos had retired to bed late and risen early. His head is pounding as he rises unsteadily from the bed, he staggers and almost falls as he struggles to keep his balance as the room suddenly starts to spin.
iomaedae grant me strength I feel as weak as akitten.
sucking up a great lungful of air he steadies himself as best he can before moving to one of the bathrooms. After dunking his head several times in the deep basin full of cold water Jon feels almost awake.
Washing swiftly he dressed himself in a clean shirt, nothing special just a well worn check work shirt and faded denims.
John makes his way downstairs and into the dining room where the others are eating.
He looks tired and wrung out his poor nights sleep evident for all to see.
good morning everyone Jon says as he sits and reaches for the pitcher of water, trying to pour himself a drink he sloshes it over the table as his badly trembling hands make the task ten times more difficult .
the porridge looks good he says as he spoons some into his bowl, this time he manages it without spilling some
the food will do me good, ill have to force it down. Eating is the last thing I feel like doing
Sebastian smiles at the verba jousting from Ikkaku. Intersting, perhaps I misjudged him on his overzealous reaction at the funeral yesterday. Is it not said that true wisdom does not judge? We shall see, perhaps today will be more interesting than I thought.
Sebastian rises with Ikkaku and excuses himself. He clears away his dishes and then prepares to leave with Ikkaku.
As they leave he says "I understand the bakery is seeking help building an oven. We shall try there first."
As they stroll towards town, he broaches the subject of the incident yesterday. "It is said that 'the only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.' This I know as true wisdom, but I do not understand your reactions yesterday. What caused you to act so severely when threatened by those people? They clearly posed little threat to you. I would like to understand your ways if you would share them."
They discuss this more as they approach town.
As they move towards the bakery the sinister rhyme catches their attention. Sebastian stops stunned at the lyrics of the song. He whispers. "What manner of rhyme is that?! That is gruesome in the extreme. I think we should talk to that child alone there, she seems sad."
Saying that he approaches the girl slowly and squats down before her. "Why so troubled little one? " He says in a soft tone; smiling gently.
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"I think to understand a man's actions you must first understand the man, i was born a bastard to a feudal lord, upon hearing of my birth he butchered my mother, to this day i still do not fully understand why he did not kill me then, i can only assume he kept me as a sort of trophy and to groom any ambition of one day taking his throne out of me. He was a cruel vile man and treated all under him like they were less than nothing, I had two brothers, one that was as cruel as my father and another who was all that is good in a man, he was the only person who treated me with any kindness or respect. our family was constantly at war with rival family's over land or supplies or pride. I was constantly witness to the cruel and grim reality of what people are truly capable of. One day a rival family caught mine by surprise in a night time raid, they killed everyone after satisfying their base urges with the women and torturing the men. i was still too young to fight then so my brother ishida hid me away just before i had to watch him brutally murdered".....
Ikkaku stops as if he can no longer continue without breaking down
"The professor was the only other person i had met who had treated me with the kindness and respect that Ishida did, he became like a father to me during the time i served as his protector, it might not have seemed like it on the surface but i was consumed with rage when i struck that man down. how could they dishonor him so ? and then have the gall to attack his pallbearers, it was more than i could take i am ashamed to admit"
"I still stand by my choice to defend the procession and i would do so again, but i confess my rage turned what might have been a flesh wound into a killing blow......on to the present, about that bakery job i actually had my eye on a debt collection roll....i thought it might be a good strategy to make the most of my bad reputation for now...but i will follow your lead"
He smiles briefly and hopes Sebastian has some sense of humor then thinks to himself
i have spent to much time around that Olav already his joviality is starting to infect me
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The little girl pulls away suddenly, her eyes wide and frightened like those of a rabbit caught in the jaws of a fox.
She shrinks back whilst the other girls, seemingly oblivious, continue their game;
Put her body on the bed.
Take an axe and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe....
"A sad tale indeed. I perhaps understand you a little more now, but 'The man who wears the white robe of power but is not free from stains himself, without self-restraint and integrity, is unworthy of that robe.' None of us are perfect least of all me, but we must act with restraint and self-control at all times."
Sebastian sperads his hands as in a non-threatening manner. "Come now girl, there is nothign to fear from us. Tell me what troubles you."
Diplomacy
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Her big eyes flit back and forth between the pair of you and her lower lip trembles. Tears begin to roll down her dirty cheeks but it is one of the other girls who speaks;
She's sad, Mr. Her daddy got killt yesterday. We're playing rope.
You realize the others have stopped their rhyme and stand nervously together.
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Kendra ponders the poem as she clears away the rest of the breakfast things.
Wow, that's certainly powerful. And you deliver it very well, Caradwen. Do you think it's a bit, hmmmm, dark though?
She catches Jon's eye as she clears the dishes with a look of concern and sympathy.
That is good its real good but I think we need something more lively for an inn maybe a sea sanity?
What shall we do with the drunken sailor?
What shall we do with the drunken sailor?
What shall we do with the drunken sailor
Early in the morning?
Hooray, up she rises!
Hooray, up she rises!
Hooray, up she rises!
Early in the morning
Put him in the brig until he’s sober
Put him in the brig until he’s sober
Put him in the brig until he’s sober
As he is singing Olav dances around grabbing people's arms to try make them join in but eventually he trips over a chair in the room and falls flat on his face
Early in the morning....
He tries to continue to sing with his face pressed to the floor but gives up and picks him self up rubbing his nose
Well that hurt. But something along those lines?
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Kendra laughs long and hard at Olav's antics. She feels mean doing so when he is trying so hard but she can't help herself.
It feels good to laugh though and it's been a while since she has found humour in anything.
I like it...! Whether that was because of the trip or not I don't know. You two are clearly the experts. I'm going to wash up and head into town, I promised Jominda I'd help her with something and then we'd have lunch. Keep working on it, I know it'll be great!
Jon forces the thick porridge down, and manages to finish half the bowl, before he can eat no more.
He feels slightly better, his stomach isn't churning anymore, though he feels hot and grasping a table napkin he wipes his sweating brow.
Olav's capering around the room only further serves to make jons head ache worse.
I'm sure you and Caradwen will put on a good show for the locals , ill probably give it a miss though my young friend, I will probably just spend the evening here
I don't think I'm ready to spend a night in a tavern at the moment, way too early days