Asleifar was a coastal town of gravel streets and gray weathered wooden buildings. Unlike most Linnorm settlements, it hadn't been founded as a starting point for coastal raids or as a trade nexus, or evening a fishing village. No, Asleifar was built on a single industry, one that had kept it alive for generations and one of the most prosperous cities in the Thanelands. Whaling.
It was a dangerous career, heading into the wild northern seas, dodging both icebergs and winter storms, but the wealth from a single whale could sustain a ship for months. Bowhead, Right, Sperm, the whalers of Asleifar hunted them all, harvesting hides, meat, blubber and other more exotic substances.
The entire city showed the whaling trade, from the many docks stretching into the iron gray water, to the huge processing centers, where whale fat and blubber was melted down and harvested. The very smell of burning oil was embedding in every building in the city, so pervasive the locals never noticed it (although it has sent more then one visitor to choking). Whale oil, smooth and clean burning was cheap in the city, and the finer streets even had lamps that burned all night.
For all the wealth though, Asleifar had its seedier sections. Entire streets of brothels, grog-shops, taverns and flophouses catered to the rough and tumble sailors, ready to spend months of backpay and let off steam. The constrained life aboard ship, where the lash ruled, often meant wild times on land, where there were no watchful eyes.
One of the more famous taverns was the Black Gull a large, three story weathered building, only two blocks from the docks (and therefore reeking of whale oil and grease). Boasting over twenty rooms and live entertainment every night, it was a fixture of the district and a local watering hole. Owned by a group of prosperous whaling companies, it had deep roots in the community.
All that meant little to Bryndis Dahlstørm and Pa-Soa Sieng at this moment however.
The room was a mess, window kicked in, furniture smashed, door blasted open. In even that brief fight both the monk and the summoner had unleashed forces the average tavern room was not equipped to handle (not to mention an agathion eidolon). The sounds of sizzling spells and smashing wood had brought several of the Gulls's bouncers up, who witnessed the fighters smash through the floor and fall into the busy common room below.
A tangle of bodies, magic and wooden splinters fell directly onto the playing band below, knocking everyone over. This being an Ulfen tavern, it immediately erupted into a full tavern brawl, including smashed tables and shattered bottles. The original disturbance was quite forgotten as the lusty patrons punched, cursed and bled for quite some time.
The manager however, a one-eyed man with a long white beard and shoulders fit for a giant, did not forget. As the fight settled down and all the rowdy locals left, he stares at both the Tian monk and the Ulfen summoner. Slowly, with the same inexorable feeling of a glacier, he crooked a thick finger at the two of them, pointing at the two chairs (the only unbroken ones left) in front of him.
Bryndis is still trying to process everything that had just happened in the last moments as she’s directed to a chair. The last thing she clearly remembers is spending some much wanted time alone with Kell in her room when the window had been kicked in. Everything after that was a jumbled mess.
Now that they're no longer defending their lives, she frantically looks around to see what Kell’s status is. Addressing the proprietor she asks with her head slightly bowed towards him and her eyes downcast, ”Vennligst herre, kan jeg sjekke på ham for å være sikker på at han ikke er skadet?”
The man gives her a curt nod before surprise colors his face as Bryndis rushes over to her dearest friend and protector. Clearly he had not been expecting her to check on the creature.
Throwing her arms around Kell’s neck, she asks anxiously, ”Are you ok? Did they hurt you?” She begins to check him over for wounds. His dragon-like muzzle swings towards her and a deep gravely voice rumbles, ”Nothing overly concerning, dear child. It will wait but he will not. Now go sit.”
Reluctantly, she takes the seat beside a foreign-looking young man. He definitely looks different from anyone she had met in her hometown. She had been surprised at how well he had fought without any weapons but his fists. She is quite sure that she would have quite a few bruises in the morning as she had repeatedly tried to interpose herself between the man and Kell.
Addressing the tavern manager she says, ”Jeg beklager.”
Then she turns to the young man and can’t help but glare at him. ”Why did you start a fight with me by breaking into my room? I don’t even know you.”
Pa-Soa was confused. This was a normal state of being for the young monk from even before he had left his home land under unfortunate circumstances but it had certainly become more pronounced in the time since. He sat on the stool like a scolded child as the young woman gabbled in the strange language of this land as it bounced and dipped between sounds. Why had the girl kept on getting in his way? And why was she talking with a Linnorm?
He also felt bedeviled and put upon, which was also a common feeling for him. Thankfully at least they were doing him the courtesy of speaking in common. It wasn't his native tongue, but at least he could communicate.
I am. That is to say. Pa-Sao began before pointing at a Kell You were being attacked by a Linnorm!
Confusion abounds for Bryndis as well when the young man accuses Kell of attacking her. "What?!? The only one who attacked me...us...was you." Incredulously she says, "Kell would never harm me. What exactly did you see? And why were you looking in my room window anyways?"
I work here. I check rooms. See if need cleaning. Pa-Soa glances at the inn keeper unsure if he actually is still employed. But that is land of Linnorm Kings. That is a Linnorm. Linnorms kill people the young monk says motioning towards Kell again and speaking slowly as if explaining something that should be blindingly obvious.
The tavern manager then does something very odd, he starts to laugh. It is a thick heavy sound that fills the entirety of the broken tavern.
"That is no Linnorm, boy. A true Linnorm is a monster that wouldn't fit in this building and would kill everyone in town. It is no pet...."
His laughter slowly subsides and his weatheredface grows stern, 'Now, you two owe me a great deal of money. Furniture to replace, a floor to fix, a window to reset...not to mention all of the band's instruments and the smashed liquor....How do you propose to pay for all of this?"
Maybe he is a baby Linnorm Pa-Soa mutters a bit sourly under his breath.
The inkeeper jabs a thick finger at Pa-Soa and growls, 'Quiet, boy."
After squinting to make sure he has cowed the Tian he goes on, 'I doubt either of you have the hundreds of gold crown it is going to take to repair all of this?" There seems to be a speculative edge to his words, as if sizing them up for something.
Bryndis' eyes flashed indignantly, "Kell is no pet."
But at the mention of money, she becomes properly cowed and looks down at her feet again. Quietly she mumbles, "I can help with mending some of the things, if they can be helped by magic that is, and aren't too broken." Then she adds hesitantly, "Or if you have something specific in mind to work off the debt, I'd consider that - within reason of course."
At Bryndis remark about 'too broken' the man touches a pile of shattered glass with his boot. 'I think we are beyond that point."
He pauses, looking at both of them. "You both seem capable fighters, I'll give you that." The man grunts, squinting hard at them "What do you say we come to an agreement?"
He bends behind the bar and after much digging finds an unbroken bottle of mead, golden yellow. He pours out a glass and slowly drinks it. "The Black Gull is not my main source of wealth. I have considerable funds invested in the whaling operations of the city. Recently, I have had a few vessels go missing up north. I was thinking of putting a bounty out to capture whatever is causing it but..."
He grins widely, showing rows of gold teeth, "I think you lot should be cheaper, eh? " And he mutters into his glass, 'No great loss if you don't come back."
Pa-Soa had started fingering his amulet with a worried expression on his face when the innkeeper had started talking about restitution. It was a simple clay rectangle looped around his neck with a cord and adorned with Tianese calligraphy.
風
也
很
強
The idea of selling it to make reparations with the innkeeper seemed horribly unfair. He had only been trying to help after all. So the young monk jumps at the alternate offer. Shi, I mean yes, I am capable, the expedition will cover costs and also maybe have some left over?
Bryndis looks over at Kell, seeking direction but he just continues to watch. It's not like they have much choice. She had managed to save a little money but not enough to pay what was owed.
"I wouldn't really say that I'm capable but if you think a weak and cursed girl can help then I'll do what I can. Have their been stories about what may be happening?"
She then realizes that they'd probably be stuck on a ship to get where they need to go. "Are you sending another of your vessels to investigate or do we have to find passage?"
The white bearded man eyes them steadily, face revealing little. At Bryndis's mention of 'cursed' his thick eyebrows raise a bit, but he says nothing.
"The last ship I sent was sunk off Orlov's Islet. I don't have anything to spare and I'm certainly not giving you money to buy passage. Plenty of sealer's and fishermen go north that way everyday. Find one you trust and maybe get some information about whatever is sinking my vessels." The man growls then adds, "Also, don't try to simply run. I have friends in every port from here to Absalom, the whale trade is large. You try to run, I'll take it personally and make sure every Ulfen in Avistan finds it very...profitable to find you."
Pa-Soa blanches, the thought of moving on hadn't crossed his mind until the innkeeper mentioned it. He'd already run once before after all so why not again? He had made it from Tian Xia to Avistan, why not on to Garund perhaps?
In the end it was the sheer pettiness of this matter that was the difference. That and he was tired of running.
He touches a particularly deep claw mark on his shoulder that's still bleeding with a glance towards Kell and Bryndis Then perhaps I will heal on the ship, as I go, with the cursed one and the baby Linnorm, even further north, where it is even colder and there exists something that can sink ships without trace. Yes, why would I run from this? He bows towards the innkeeper.
It is a pretty shallow bow.
Bryndis cringes inwardly. Great. Now someone else is going to be calling me a curse...but I only have myself to blame for that one.
She then looks at the young man curiously to try to determine whether he's joking or serious. Anyone with common sense would run when said like that. Not that Kell would let her. That much she knew.
Looking at the older man she asks, "Not being from around here, can you suggest sealers or fishermen that can be trusted?" She hasn't been in Asleifar long but it was long enough to have heard stories, especially in the taverns. She crosses her arms protectively across herself and almost shrinks up into herself. "Not all sailors and captains are...respectful of young women."
The man grimaces when Pa-Soa calls Kell a 'linnorm' again and adds, "It is early spring, not even true winter. You don't even know what cold is, stripling. Watch your tone or I'll put you in chains for debts owed." This is a legal gray area in the city but it may be within this man's power to claim his debts and send you to row on some whaling ship.
Turning to Bryndis he answers gruffly, "An Ulfen woman defends herself and one with a companion such as yours....You worry too much. Grow some backbone, girl." The man takes a long swig of the golden mead and points a hand toward the nearby docks. 'Hurry, before I change my mind."
Pa-Soa carries out the shallow bow again and turns to walk out the door towards the dock. He pauses at the threshold to see if his fellow recruits are coming with him.
Bryndis nods slightly before scurrying after Pa-Soa. Kell follows after her, feeling no need to hide himself. His head swings towards the man and his eyes rest on him for a moment before he continues on his way.
Once outside, she turns and faces the young man. Looking up at him she says, "I'm Bryndis and this is Kell. We didn't mean you any harm, we were just defending ourselves." She pauses, "But I guess I owe you a thank you even if it was misguided. You thought I was in trouble and burst in to help. There aren't a lot of people who would do that for someone they don't know."
Pa-Soa hesitates and then bows depper to Bryndis and Kell then he had to the innkeeper. I apologize also. I did not wish to put you in difficulty. He looks at Kell I am sorry, but what are you?
Kell fixes his gaze on the young man, his eyes seemingly piercing to the core of Pa-Soa's being as he sizes him up. His voice is deep as he chooses his words, "I am many things but I am not evil. I have spent my lives vanquishing evil and now Bryndis and I are intertwined in this life."
Bryndis affectionately wraps her arm around Kell's neck and scratches behind a particular scale that causes Kell's eyes to lid over. "He's my friend and my family. Somehow I summoned him to me and we've been together ever since. I'm still unsure how an undesirable like me managed something so remarkable but he assures me that it wasn't a mistake. But as you found out for yourself, he's often misunderstood and he's obviously not from around here - not even from this plane of existence."
She gives the monk a small smile. "So we've answered your question on who Kell is and told you our names. Are you going to tell us who you are or do I just refer to you as 'Hey You'?"
Ah says without understanding almost any of what the other two said. Then he shrugs and resorts to the explanation that describes much about the world Magic.
My apologies. I am Sieng Pa-Soa. You may call me Pa-Soa. the monk introduces himself with a nod. I am from Quain, in Tian Xia
Then I do not know this place very well and do not speak the language though many speak Common. I think perhaps we ask about all these ships that are disappearing and then hire ourselves as guards for one of them and travel to the area?
All around them the busy harbor of Aslefair bustles. Even here, two blocks away from the docks themselves, they can hear the straining of ropes, smell fresh caught fish, see columns of porters and sailors going to and fro. Wheelbarrows and wagons rumble past, laden with baleen, whale bone, blubber and meat. Prostitutes advertise from upper windows while performers and beggars work the street below. Smaller taverns and grogshops line the street, most half-full at his hour.
Most of the people are Ulfen, tall, broad with braided blond beards but there are other types mixed in, although Pa-Soa sees no other Tian's.
A few give Kell long looks but no one wants to trouble with him, not so far.
Pa-Soa shrugs I am finding sailors like to drink. Perhaps in tavern we find what we look for, yes? The place that was mentioned was... Orlov's Islet?
Bryndis nods, "Ulfen in general like to drink. A tavern is a good place to start but I can't just wander in with Kell. And your memory is a good one - he did mention Orlov's Islet but I'm sure info about any missing ships along the coast could be helpful."
Turning to Kell she suggests, "Maybe wait on the roof or would you like to go back to your home plane for awhile?"
Kell's voice rumbles, "I will only be a thought away and we both know I cannot follow you in without risking a repeat of The Black GUll. And you have Pa-Soa to watch over you."
The eidolon's eyes bore into the monk, "You will protect her, yes."
Bryndis' eyes get big and she looks anxious, "But you'll return when I call, right?"
He touches his forehead to hers, "I am yours and you are mine. I will always come."
Shi, I will.... ancient one Pa-Soa says to Kell before looking at Bryndis. Seeking at least something familiar he motions to a tavern that looks the most like The Black Gull
Kell vanishes but Bryndis has a feeling he hasn't gone far.
Looking about they find another large stone-built tavern only a few blocks away that looks more respectable then some of the dives they pass by. At the least it looks to have been cleaned more recently then the latest rainstorm. A freshly painted sign over the door names it the The Barrel and Flask.
Inside they find a easy going crowd, mostly of middle class artisans and boatmen, drinking after early morning work.
There is more food being eaten then drinks here, which is a good sign for the two trying to avoid more violence. There are a few who are obviously men of the sea, with salt-lined clothes, weathered faces and rolling gaits. Mixed in are a few merchants and boat builders.
No one raises at eye at the unlikely pair as they enter.
Pa-Soa motions to one of the sea men, chosen at random really and goes up to him with a small bow Greetings honoured sir, may I and my companion have moment of your time?
Bryndis follows a step behind, taking time to look at everyone there. When the monk approaches one of the tables, she partially hides herself behind Pa-Soa without really realizing it. She gives the men an unsure, shy smile. "We don't mean to intrude but we seek information and you look like the ones that can provide it."
Pa-Soa, mostly at random, picks table with two men at it. One is a sea going man, judging by his oiled leather, salt-stained beard and bow-legged stance. There is also the inevitable smell of seal oil and tar on him. The other is a better dressed man who seems to be a bank clerk or some other money counter.
They both look at the Tian man with raised eyebrows as he interrupts their casual conversation. The clerk man shakes his head but the sealer says, 'Buy us a round and we are at your disposal...?" he leaves it hanging, asking for a name.
Encouraged by the fact that they aren't outright refused, Bryndis steps out from behind Pa-Soa and her smile is no longer tentative. "Of course. No one talks business without drinks. My name is Bryndis and this is Pa-Soa."
Once they've gotten settled with drinks for the table, Bryndis starts out and lets Pa-Soa fill in the gaps with his own comments or questions to ask. "We are seeking information about happenings along the northern coast. We've been...tasked with investigating some shipping losses that have been occurring. Especially any information about Orlov's Islet."
Then more hesitantly she adds, "And we need to secure passage on a reputable ship that is sailing north. Since neither of us grew up around here, we need to rely on knowledgeable strangers to help us out on who to talk to."
Pa-Soa essays a quick bow before getting a round of the most common libations and sitting down with the others Skoftun Simurssons believes we have the ability to prevent these unfortunate happenings. If these are happening as much as he says then many ships must be worried and not just him.
The men looks at Bryndis carefully, the clerk man adding a bit of leer as he looks at the young Ulfen woman. When Pa-Soa speaks though they straighten and become more serious.
The sealer speaks first saying expansively, "If it is news you want, you'll have to talk to Wolter here, he knows all the gossip."
The clerk man, unsmiling turns to the Tian monk. "There have been a number of ship losses in that area recently, yes. About a dozen according to my last count."
The sealer winks and mutters to Bryndis, "He works in 'insurance', so he knows every ship by name."
"Indeed." the haughty insurance man says. "My investigate, do you mean slaying whatever beast is causing this?"
The sealer whistles and says, "That would be a sizable task. I haven't heard a good report for what it is, not yet."
Pa-Soa nods, shifting slightly to interpose himself between the clerk and Bryndis.
Yes, if many ships have been lost then I think many would like to take three extra passengers that may be able to provide some protection. And also a reward if we are able to solve the problem for all?
Bryndis lowers her gaze again at the men's attention but forces herself to continue with the conversation. "We are very fortunate indeed to have chosen your table if Wolter is the one we need to speak with."
Making brief eye contact with Wolter before looking down at her drink she says, "If you know all the gossip you must be well-connected and therefore quite important within Asleifar." Her head raises and her eyes widen slightly at his mention of so many lost ships. Her nervousness begins to wane as her curiosity is piqued. "That's a large number. Have there been any survivors to tell anyone who or what attacked them? Is it some sort of beast or is that speculation? And yes, by investigate, we are to try and deal with whatever is plaguing Herr Simurssons' ships."
Bryndis looks slightly disappointed at the mention of not many good reports. Obviously the more information they could get would help them plan better for what was ahead. Not that she has much extra money but if they were going to be around water, she knows she's not the strongest swimmer. She wasn't the strongest anything.
She glances at Pa-Soa at his mention of three passengers but says nothing. Usually she doesn't mention Kell in such matters because not everyone is understanding or is able to keep a calm head. She continues to listen attentively and hopes that his comment slides by unnoticed.
The sealer says, "I've been known to go north a time or two but why do you say 'three' passengers? Who else? Surely not Skoftun? These days he wouldn't know prow from aft." He laughs but his eyes are keen.
Wolter accepts Bryndis's flattery but answers, "Important? Not so much, but every lost ship is my business. This recent rash of wreaks has hurt my business considerably. The last one, Goldia's Pride was insured quite well and the payout will crimp my yearly earnings."
He has the look of a man sucking a sour lemon and goes on, 'A few have survived, and with the usual reports of drunk sailors." he gives the sealer a look and says, "The reports seem to indicate a beast of considerable size and strength, but nothing other then that. It seemed animal not magical but that is all I would say for certain."
Bryndis sighs as the sealer catches Pa-Soa's number discrepancy. "I...I have a companion who will most likely be with us but doesn't exactly go wandering into businesses with me. He's often, she looks pointedly at Pa-Soa, "misunderstood. And if you go north and agree to take us on, I would expect you'd want to meet him before making your final decision."
The mention of survivors sounds promising to the summoner. "Drunk or not, is it possible to talk with these sailors? It would definitely be helpful in determining what we'll be up against."
Pa-Sao nods at everything Bryndis said though he does look a little pained at the mention of misunderstandings. Yes if we could talk to survivors. And if you you are leaving soon then a little extra protection would be to your advantage, yes?
The sealer narrow eyes fix on Bryndis and he replies, "I'll need to meet the third person before we even start talking about heading north. I am curious what is going on up there, but I'm not that trusting." He lifts his glass in a sort of salute, "You understand. "
Wolter looks puzzled but does say, "I think some from the Goldia are still in town?"
The sealer nods, "Aye, probably down in some of the rougher taverns. But I doubt you'll get much out of them, to be honest. If they knew, wouldn't they already have told everyone?"
She nods, "I understand completely. Just let me know when you'd like to meet Kell and it can be arranged."
Bryndis shrugs, "Unless what they saw makes them sound crazy. Or so terrifying they just want to forget." She looks at Pa-Soa as she realizes that her conclusions aren't exactly encouraging for the two of them. But it's not like they have a choice in the matter.
The sealer takes a long look and says, 'Kell....what kind of name is that? Doesn't sound Ulfen. Meet me at Dock 94, my ship is there. And be smart about it, tides go out in two hours and I'd like to be on it."
He turns back to his drink but Wolter just stares at her, eyes penetrating.
Bryndis smiles, "He's not from around here." Then she repeats his instructions, "Dock 94, two hours - got it. What's the name of your ship?"
Wolter's gaze makes her somewhat uncomfortable but they've been nice so far. "Thank you for your time. If there's nothing else, we'll leave you in peace."
Once they're back outside, Bryndis asks Pa-Soa, "Should we try to find some of those sailors from the Goldia? I'd also like to find something to help me with swimming if there's a chance I'll be knocked into the water."
Let us find Dock 94 first. Then from there we will ask for survivors of the Goldia.
Bryndis agrees, "Sounds good."
As they walk further towards the docks she asks Pa-Soa, "So...how did you end up here, way up north and I assume far from home?"
They walk through the bustling streets of Asleifar, pushing past sailors, porters and merchants of all types. There are few beggars (Ulfen tradition frowns on the practice) but there are priests for a dozen faiths preaching, street performers on ever corner, and all sorts of food vendors. The docks themselves are given over tot he heavy work of loading and unloading the many vessels. They see ships from as far away as Absalom here, taking on valuable cargos, to head south. Others are whalers, headed north, fat-bellied ships ready to carry oil and blubber.
The dock numbers are very clear and they soon find 94. The sealer's name is Jovun and the ship's name is the Spit and Spray..
They find it resting at dock, a small neat ship, easily crewed by one man. It looks clean enough, although the deck is stained with blood and seal oil.
Pa-Soa hesitates as Bryndis asks the obvious question. He is not a good liar he has discovered, probably because his heart is never in the attempt, so he settles on being evasive There were people in my homeland with whom I had... disagreements then he turns the question around And why were you staying at The Black Gull?
Pa-Soa looks around and, without any other clue as to who to actually talk to goes up to a random sailor. Greetings sir, my companion and I heard tell of a ship that sunk.... Goldia's Pride? They say there were some survivors that might know what happened to it. Would you know where we can find them?