| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Elioden shoots a glance towards the opening door and blinks once in surprise, a wicked smile appearing on his face. He flicks an arm behind him to make sure his cloak is well clear of his lute before bringing his hand down to strike an opening chord.
“Friends! Gather round now and listen to a new story, that of heroism! Daring! The creation of a new pantheon of heroes for our age. For just a week ago our kingdom was saved from dire evil. I speak of course of the Ballad of Bulae!”
He begins to pluck out a heroic tune, a ranging line underscored with rythmic strumming.
On a day of biting cold,
Came our heroes, brave and bold,
To Southtown, and a garrison laid low.
For while you slept upon your bed,
An evil reared its ugly head,
In Southtown, and a mountain cloaked in shadow.
The tune stops momentarily, with only a strum as Eliodin announces each name.
Mighty BULAE of Altien, grizzled old Paladin,
Wondrous DAREEN, princess of the dwarves!
The Gunman HENRY, her loyal bodyguard.
Stalwart PEL, a knight brave and true.
Lovely ZEEZOW healer extraordinaire!
ELENA the strong, champion of the arena!
The tune starts again.
Onto the deadly mountainside
These dashing heroes proudly stride
Hoping enemies would dare cross their path.
But high above, in lair most foul
HALKION does plot and scowl
As the heroes have been tempting his wrath.
First came the old, shambling remains,
Naught but bone and steel and stains,
Of soldiers from long forgotten war.
Bulae did glow and Elena did flex
Dareen's arrows fell from apex
And they struck down all enemies near and far.
Following Cel and Alaina into the bar, Xizoh nods his head when Archana asks about additional drinks. "Just watered down ale please."
As the bard begins singing he finds his mouth stuck open at the rendition of the mountain adventure.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Seems your contributions were forgotten, as was the fool's act of lighting us aflame. Anathema's voice echos in Xizoh's ear, sounding distance and silky compared to its more posh accent.
"A fine choice. I'm sure you'll like it," Archana sweeps the gold off of the bar, pours another pewter mug of golden ale, and slides it across the bar to Cel.
"Cheers," Alaina holds out her mug to Cel.
Archana gives Xizoh a doubtful look. He pours a bit of ale in a mug followed by a generous amount of water before handing it to Xizoh. "Curious fellow, aren't you?"
The bar patrons cheer for the bard's song with their attention focused on the stage. Archana carries on with a grin behind the bar, enjoying the music and not seeming to make the connection between the song and the party.
"Songs," Dara repeats in disbelief.
Alaina shrugs. "What can we do?"
"Said the mighty 'champion of the arena', " Dara says crossly in a lower voice.
"Are you dissatisfied with your homage, most worthy of all archers?" Terry asks Dara with concern.
Something about Archana's body language says he has started listening closely to the party's conversation after Terry's question.
Cel has a look of both shock and confusion, "Brave and true?" spoke to no one in particular. "This is starting to get kind of weird."
After returning the cheers to Alaina he leans closer and whispers to her, "I think Archana is trying to spy on us. He looks like I normally do when I'm trying to find out information."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Henri also puts a coin onto the table, her hat kept low over her eyes. "Yeah, gimme one, too." She puts the stub of her cigarette out on the table, eyes narrowed and staring intensely at the singing bard. Misinformation is fine. You should not be mad at this, Henri. It's better that you're not more specifically known. The elf taps her fingers on the table as she waits for the ale, still staring with laser focus at the singing man. But I mean, come on, Bodyguard!?!? They couldn't have... I mean, I was... "هذا الرجل يمكن أن تذهب الحصول على ثمل من قبل الطرف الأيمن من مطرقة برودوس في صياغتها الشخصية," she mutters under her breath, eyes still locked.
Alaina squeezes Cel's hand in acknowledgment and tries not to make eye contact with the innkeeper.
Archana shoots Cel a quick glance before taking Henri's coin and pouring her an ale. He wipes his hands on a towel and asks the party, "It's you our bard is singing about, is it?"
Terry nods enthusiastically, "The esteemed heroes grace us with their presence here tonight!"
Archana studies the party, looking unimpressed. "Hm. We'll see."
Your sheep disguise is still quite impressive, it seems.
Biting his lip, Xizoh take a deep daft of his watered down ale. And there goes our attempt to remain conspicuous.
Sitting his drink down, the half elf adds, "Don't believe every tale that flirts between the drunken breath of travelers."
Elioden continues the ballad:
But from behind came creatures of snow and cold,
In the shape of dragons mighty and old,
Rending all with claws and breath.
Henry’s gun spat fire and spoiled the ambush,
One struck him down, filling Dareen with anguish,
But Zeezow called her magic and saved him from death.
For a time all was quiet and the day grew late,
‘Hold’ said Bulae, sounding mildly irate,
‘We’ll camp in this cave just in sight.’
Round a fire they sat; Pel shared his beer,
They laughed and smiled and were in good cheer,
For none knew what would come in the night.
Elioden pauses his singing on that grave note to take a swig from the mug of ale next to him. He surveys the party more thoroughly from over the mug. Terry is so full of shit, as usual. Still, they might be useful...
He bangs his ale back down, idly strumming a few notes as he addresses the crowd. ”Of course that's the serious, official beginning of the tale.” He pauses dramatically ”But I know what really happened during the night!”
He begins to pick out a lively, fast tune, commonly used in southern Altiendel as the backdrop of raunchy drinking songs.
By a fire a lad drank quick,
PEL, drunk, with a ready dick!
By a fire a lass did chug,
ZEEZOW, drunk, wanted more than a hug!
Chorus! Sing it with me now!
Round a fire our heroes sat, chasing evil quarrrry!
Spirits high, endless drink! Time for an orrrrrgy!
By a fire one lady drank best,
DAREEN, drunk, with a mighty chest!
By a fire a man did guzzle,
ELENA, drunk, wanted more than a nuzzle!
Round a fire our heroes sat, chasing evil quarrrry!
Spirits high, endless drink! Time for an orrrrrgy!
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Henri clutches at her drink tightly, taking sips every now and then to attempt to calm herself. Something about this bard just rubbed her the wrong way, beyond just the information being incorrect - she could handle that. It was the almost silly way he spoke of the harrowing trials they had been through, trivializing the pain and angst that each of them had experienced. Henri's hand was squeezing the cup so tightly that she thought it might shatter in her palm, but she focused on her breathing, slow and steady. It's fine. It's just fine. You're over 100 years old, Henri, act like it.
And then came the chorus.
"كل الحق، كنت تبتسم قليلا قليلا، كنت جليئة مملوءة يغلي على أولبير وراء," the elf rose slowly, glass still clutched in one hand, "كنت إضاعة اللحم، أنت ممل، لا معنى لها باطلة، كنت المهجورة المهجورة الفراغ، وحان الوقت بالنسبة لك ل يموت يموت." With that, she hurls her half-empty glass at Elioden.
Cel wiggles in his seat to the song, ALMOST in time with the beat, but just not quite all the way there. When the song takes a shift he's so lost in the music that he completely stops paying attention to the words being sung. That is until Henri gets up and throws her glass. "WHOA! What's going on?!" a look of pure confusion on his face.
When the bard sings the slaughtered version of his name, Xizoh winces. Well, if they believe me to be a girl, all the better to avoid being recognized.
As the song goes on however, Xizoh finds himself clenching his fist so tight his nails begin to dig into his skin. Henri barely escaped her brother, and I nearly DIED so that they can sing BAWDY SONGS?
Elioden reels back, his hand flying from the strings to clutch at his broken nose. Discordant notes ring as he glances to his bloody fingers, his ale stained clothes, then up at Henri.
"Well" he says in a nasal voice, eyes locked on Henri "it seems that the Lady does object. Perhaps something less offensive?"
He begins to pluck out the opening strains of Narador's Allegro #3, a popular song that written by the Shining City's resident bard twenty years previous.
Spirits that hurt! Well at least one of them can defend themselves... though best put a stop to that for the evening.
Elioden casts Suggestion (DC 16+?) on Henri, masking the casting with his song: Now that you've shown that idiot bard who's boss, you should keep drinking with your friends to forget that damn song.
The tavern-goers near the stage are greatly entertained by the bard's bawdy song. They clap along enthusiastically, hoot and whistle at the lewd bits, and sing along to the chorus.
When Henri's mug strikes the bard and the song abruptly stops, his audience members shout in protest and turn to look for the offender. The party hears yells of "Oy!" and "What the f&&#!?" A few rise from their chairs, looking ready for a brawl.
At the bard's comment, someone suggests loudly, "Lover's quarrel!" When the bard starts a sweet, melodic song it's heard as a confirmation and this seems to take the heat out of the crowd's anger. Most turn away from Henri back to the stage and everyone takes a seat.
Henri notices the bard's song is particularly beautiful, but feels no compulsion.
Archana pours another mug of beer but does not hand it to Henri immediately. He looks at her sternly. "Now I don't doubt Elioden deserved that, knowing him," he says, "But if you want to stay in here, you will not fight in my bar. Are we clear?"
Cel thinks Archana is a CR 4, but he thinks he spots a few people in the crowd who would be really tough in a fight. He doesn't get a good read on the CR of the bard.
Henri thinks Archana is a CR 4. The bard has obviously had training - she thinks he's a CR 5 or so. She also spots a few military types in the crowd who might be CR 8 or higher.
Xizoh thinks Archana is a CR 4 and the bard is a bit higher. He thinks he also spots a few in the crowd who might significantly tougher.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"He isn't allowed to sing about... like that." Henri's voice has lowered to a growl that only her companions can hear, and for a moment she considers whether it's worth it to go over and shoot the bard in the face - but she knew that she probably couldn't get away with that, and didn't want to get her friends into a bad situation. Still, she keeps one hand at her side as she swipes the beer away from Archana, spits out "Fine," and downs the whole thing in one go. "I'll remember this," she mutters to herself.
Alaina smirks at Elioden's broken nose and ale-soaked clothes. She gives Henri an approving punch in the shoulder.
Terry stares at Henri with wide-eyed shock. "M-most mighty Elena," he stammers, "I hope you will find it in your great and noble heart to forgive that lowly bard with very vile humor."
"Oy," Archana protests. "That song wasn't any 'tale that flirts between the drunken breath of travelers'," he says, pointing to Terry. "You told him that. I heard ye last night."
Dara cracks her knuckles subtly.
"No! I didn't!" Terry holds his hands up to the party pleadingly. Archana crosses his arms with a scowl. Terry swallows and amends, "Not the er, last part. The disgusting impudence of him. The song should have been a great tribute to your courage. I would never even consider besmirching your honor, glorious heroes," he bows to them.
Cel think Terry is a great guy who was just trying to spread word about their good deeds.
Henri thinks Terry is an idiot who fumbled an attempt to ingratiate himself with people he saw as potentially beneficial contacts for moving up in the world.
Xizoh thinks Terry isn't lying about not telling the bard the wildly embellished version of 'what really happened that night', but he gets the feeling Terry isn't telling the whole truth either.
"...Honestly." Henri snorts at Terry's groveling, tapping the bar for another ale. "I don't think you could want to besmirch our honor." She pauses for a full second, face still furrowed in anger, but mouth a contorted, shit-eating grin. "I just think you're an idiot who's trying to get in on everyone's good side so you can crawl your way up in the world, and now you're trying to backpedal because you've f!%~ed up." She pauses again, considering. "Aspiring to be a lapdog is pretty much the most pathetic thing I can think of, really. وإذا كنت عازمة على أن تكون دودة من هذا الكاليبور، لا يسعني إلا أن أعتقد أن نواياك ليست نقية جدا ..."
Elioden watches Henri only casually drinking before laying into Terry. Damn, I really wish that worked better. Probably because she's an elf.
He vamps the ending sequence of the song a few times until he catches Archana's eye. He mouths I'm going to clean up. slowly at him before finishing his song, taking an elaborate bow, and heading into the kitchen. He ducks into a secluded corner and begins the task of using Prestidigitation to clean his clothes and face.
Elioden witnesses the motions of the party, Archana, and Terry at the back of the room. He can't make out what is said, but he sees Terry look toward the stage in admonishment, Archana point to Terry with a scowl, then the party turn toward Terry and Henri tell Terry off. Elioden suspects Archana has told the party that Terry is his informant.
Archana grins at Henri's scolding, but says nothing.
"You are so right, most magnificent Elena," Terry says earnestly. "I am but your most humble of servants. Not fit to even walk beside you. I will make my grievous error of trusting this insolent bard up to you, I am sure of it."
Archana nods to Elioden after his message. The crowd applauds as Elioden leaves the stage and the room fills with the murmur of quiet conversation. Most patrons are focused on their drinks and companions, but the party notices curious glances cast their way. A few approach the bar for a drink, keeping their distance from the party.
Cel calls out to Henri, "Why are you being so mean to this guy?! He's super great! And throwing a glass at the singer...Henri, what's wrong, are you okay?"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"I don't speak for the others, but I personally don't want songs of any sort, much ones that make light of that night." As Xizoh speaks he traces the arrow scar with his thumb. For a moment, the half elf pauses, before adding, "في بعض الأحيان، الديدان لديها تطلعات الرحلة، رحلة مسروقة من أولئك الذين لمس السماء."
Giving Alaina a sideways look, Xizoh takes a moment to talk to Cel. "Cel, remember how Henri looked when she reappeared? Imagine feeling how she felt, and having some stranger mock that."
Alaina seems unsure of what to say, then makes room for Xizoh to talk to Cel with a short, grateful nod.
Terry steps closer to Cel and Xizoh. "Noble Henry, you are quite right," he says solemnly to Xizoh. "How disgusting that repulsive song was. You deserve only praise for your heroic deeds." Terry glances over at Archana pouring Alaina an ale. He continues in a slightly lower voice, "It's that bard. I've heard about him. Loathsome and obnoxious. They say he'll sing anything if it casts doubt on the good works of Altiendel, even the most scandalous, appalling falsehoods. I should have known he would try to defile your honorable and courageous legacy."
Elioden does not hear the words spoken, but if/when he emerges from the kitchen he sees Terry speaking conspiratorially with the party.
"Oh that's what he was singing?! I didn't even really notice the words, I got caught up in the melody. I'm sorry Henri," then casts a scowl over at the bard.
"Not to fret, little Rabbit." She scowls at Terry as he attempts to gossip about the bard. "Even if he was being awful about it, there's no denying that he played well enough." She looked contemplative for a moment. "If you really feel that way, دودة, would you be willing to say that to the bard's face? I wonder." The elf glances at Xizoh and nods. "يجب أن نكون حذرين من أكاذيبه."
"There's no need for unpleasantness," Terry says easily in response to Henri's question. "I would never dream of causing any discomfort in your presence, great warriors. You deserve only the utmost respect."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Elioden finishes cleaning himself and makes his way through the crowd, seeking out the prospective heroes. He reaches them just in time to hear Terry's last words and snorts out loud. He steps up beside Terry.
"Heroes of Southtown! In case you are unfamiliar with the insects of more temperate climes, I present to you a genuine Kinghaven Leech!" Elioden gestures grandly at Terry with both hands. "This fine specimen now owes me a new shirt, as he got ale and blood on my last one and completely ruined it." He plucks forlornly at the, very much clean, shirt in question. "Alas, this poor thing is the only replacement I could get on such short notice."
His face turns instantly from frown to grin and his gaze sweeps over the party. "I am Elioden Aubergine, bard and explorer extraordinaire, at your service. Were you aware that the rumors about you are completely wrong?" He gives Henri a wink. "While they mention Zeezow here's beauty, they leave out her alarming accuracy with a bottle."
"It is my honor and privilege to accept any and all responsibility," Terry makes a show of taking five gold out of a leather purse and handing them to Elioden. "After all, we owe our esteemed guests every courtesy. And respect," he says pointedly.
Xizoh returns Henri's nod before pointing to his shadow with a small grin. "ثعبان لمشاهدة ثعبان."
"Xizoh, and it seems that way." At least none of the other details leaked out, better know for my ability to keep the living alive than the monstrous serpent that dorms in my shadow. The half elf's face, the familiar sun tanned appearance given by the cloak, is drawn in resignation.
Cel frowns at Elioden.
Alaina comes back to stand next to Cel with a fresh ale. "Nice hat, a$shole," she says to Elioden before taking a long swig.
"Yet somehow we are not owed the courtesy of keeping our presence quiet when we clearly don't seek the limelight," Dara remarks to Terry.
Terry looks surprised. "My humblest apologies for any unintentional disrespect, honored heroes," he bows deeply to the party. "Any error I have made was surely due to my being so entranced by your glory. I will do my best to make amends,"
Henri notices Terry's glance almost imperceptibly flick to Xizoh's shadow when Xizoh points to it, hidden as sweep of eye contact around the party. Henri is surprised at how well Terry seems to hide his observations.
A bell begins to toll outside the tavern.
"I must take my leave. May I call on you tomorrow, most mighty warriors?" Terry asks Cel in particular.
"Okay!" says Cel.
"Maybe not, my Rabbit," says Alaina.
"Why not? He seems like a great guy!" says Cel.
"We have other plans," says Dara with a tone of finality. "Nice to meet you, Terry."
"I see," Terry says understandingly. "Some other time then."
Elioden pockets the gold pieces before cracking a smirk at Alaina, theatrically using one hand to make sure the large feather in his hat is in order. His eyes light up at Xizoh's comment and he acknoledges the half elf with a quick grin, but he still addresses Henri when he says "Ah, my apologies, wondrous Xizoh. Someone wasn't respectful enough to even get your name right." He shoots his own pointed glance back at Terry. When the man moves to walk away Elioden waves elaborately at his back and calls out "Lovely to see you again Furler! I always feel so clean afterwards!"
He waits until Terry is safely out of the room. "That man wants something from you lot. He usually saves that level of bootlicking for the prince."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Henri pulls another cigarette from her endless supply and lights it, breathing heavily as Elioden dances up next to them, scowling and blowing a cloud directly into his face. "Someone wasn't respectful enough to shut the hell up about our personal lives, neither." While she was loathe to admit it, Elioden was at least somewhat upfront with them - Terry himself still attempting to slip out of guilt even at a direct accusation.
"دودة," Henri states towards Terry, venom dripping out of her mouth alongside the smoke, "If I hear any more godforsaken songs, stories, anything." She grabs at the scruff of his shirt to keep him from walking off, "I'm holding you personally. Goddamn. Accountable. Understand?" She grins humorously, bits of smoke still leaking through clenched teeth.
Henri releases the man's collar and sits back down, taking another pull from her cigarette. She gives Elioden a sideways glance, the elf still breathing heavily with anger. "Don't push me, Dead Meat. I'm still debating whether it's worth it to shoot you. That beauty comment just pushed me to 50/50."
Terry trembles under Henri's grasp, his eyes wide with fear. "Of c-course, my d-d-dear friend," he stutters. After Henri releases his shirt he immediately turns to walk quickly out the door, straightening his clothes and smiling nervously at anyone he passes.
Xizoh notices Terry's breathing and color did not change while Henri was intimidating him. He suspects Terry was pretending very convincingly to be afraid.
Archana snickers at Terry's retreat from the bar. A few other patrons stare at the party, exchanging excited whispers.
"Hm," Alaina murmurs approvingly, watching Terry leave. She turns her attention to Elioden "I don't think I'd stop her," she says of Henri shooting Elioden.
"Please do not get bard on the floor," Archana calls from the bar. "I just cleaned it."
"What do you want, Dead Meat?" asks Dara.
Elioden gazes at Dara for a few moments and makes up his mind. "To apologize actually. I only sang that ridiculous song to tweak Furler's nose about his unlikely story." A bit of a grin appears on his face. "Well, also because crowds just love sex. I never thought you actually existed."
He takes the gold he just pocketed from Furler and puts it on the table. "I think you'll appreciate having your stay covered more than flowery words." He pitches his voice lower, so that those not at the table would have a hard time hearing. "And if you happen to be free, I could use your help on a little expedition under the city. It should prove lucrative."
As Terry bolts off, Xizoh comments in a languid tone, "يبدو دودة هو سيد التقليد، ولا يخشى رائحة البارود أو انها المالك. كن حذرا صديق.
At the mention of shooting the bard, Xizoh smiles and pats his rather worn medical satchel. "I could make sure he didn't make too much of a mess, so don't worry about that." Giving his most reassuring smile, he adds, "He won't be dead meat, just pained meat." The doctor stares Elioden in the eyes. "Gunshots are quite unpleasant, and it takes a skilled hand to remove all of the bullet."
At Elioden's excuse, the half elf frowns. "I would believe that, given how you don't even know which of us is who." Sighing when the gold strikes the table, the young doctor looks pointedly at his friends, specifically Alaina. "I'm not sure we have time to spare."
Cel maintains his scowl at the bard, but snickers a little at the "crowds just love sex" comment, then returns to a frown. He didn't know we existed?! Well, I guess that does make sense. His scowl softens toward the bard, but only a little.
"Too bad, Meat. We're not staying in Kinghaven long," Dara says without making eye contact with Alaina.
"What's under the city?" Alaina asks, taking another sip of ale.
Henri nods to Xizoh gently, watching Terry scuttle away. Her trust in the weasel was certainly not well-formed. However, she went back to mildly fuming as she drank at her beer, listening to Elioden's proposal of an expedition. "Even if we weren't busy,
it would take a significant amount of gold to get me to work with you." She paused to take a drag from her cigarette before continuing. "I can pay for my own room, too, thanks. Don't need any gold covered in your slime."
Elioden looks a bit confused at Xizoh's words. "I imagine it would hurt quite a bit, but why wouldn't you just use magic to get the bullet out? Letting someone's fingers dig around in you..." He suppresses a small shudder. He has no particular fear of being wounded, but the thought of someone else's hands sliding around under his skin makes him queasy.
Elioden gives Alaina a small smile and keeps his voice low. "Lots of things are under the city, some very dangerous. My interests are in the catacombs and shrines of the oldest families, passages and guardians that date from long before the elves conquered this region. I've been down many times to commune with the spirits."
In response to Henri Elioden assumes an exaggerated pose, hand clutched over his heart, and raises his voice. "My slime? You wound me! Its clearly Terry's slime on those coins. My clever words may have loosened his hold on them, but they are still his presumably ill gotten gains!" He shakes his head in mock sadness. "How can my heart recover from this cruel blow? To think of our love, killed as it just starts, slain by cruel fortunes, fills my soul with dread!" By the end of his soliloquy Elioden is obviously staring off into the distance rather than actually addressing Henri. In a voice he thinks is quiet but is really not he says "Huh, that isn't bad. I really should write that down..."