5th of Pharast - 4708 AR
Six strangers sit in a large room within the expansive residence of the Lord Mayor of Restov, wondering why exactly they have been summoned there. Everyone gathered had come to Restov to be part of an expedition to explore the Stolen Lands, a rough and lawless land to the south of Brevoy that insulates the nation from the River Kingdoms and Galt. But none of them were selected for that expedition. That group had left Restov several days ago. But within hours of that group leaving, each of the members seated in the Lord Mayor's house had received a message asking them to come to the mansion on this date.
The large room that the group waits in is ornately decorated. It serves many purposes for the Lord Mayor. Occasionally it is cleared out and serves as a dance hall for the nobles of Restov, other times it is used as a receiving hall for visiting dignitaries, and at others it is used as it is today for meeting with large groups. The strangers sit in exquisitely crafted chairs with plus cushions sewn into the seats and high backs of the chairs. Etched into the top of each chair is the crest of the Free City of Restov. They sit around a very large and ornately carved table. Etched into the sides of the table are various scenes from the history of the Free City of Restov. Campaigns of war, famous duels, various past leaders among the Swordlords, and other events play out like a veritable history text in the side of the table. Decorative weapons bracket shields on the wall all around the room. The crest of each of the current Swordlord Council members are on display. A large fireplace in the northeast corner of the room keeps the room warm and cozy. Paintings, statues, and other works of art complete the décor.
Finally the door in the northern wall, opposite the one the strangers entered through, opens and a familiar man enters. The man is easily identified as Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellenius. Standing over six feet tall, Sellenius is still lean and fit even in his early 50’s. An accomplished swordsman on his own he moves with fluidity and grace to stand at the head of the table. The Lord Mayor has dark black hair and a pointed beard. There are streaks of grey in both beard and in his hair. High cheekbones and a strong nose are set under calculating eyes that can warm in an instant.
"Thank you all for responding to this summons," begins Sellenius. "I know you all must be wondering why you were summoned here. It is true that others were selected for the groups to head into the Stolen Lands in response to the King-Regent's charter but Restov still needs you. At the urging of the Swordlord Council, we are commissioning a group on a secret and very dangerous mission to head east into Iobaria."
As Sellenius pauses a side door opens and a very nondescript servant enters carrying a try with several mugs of ale. A second servant follows the first with a tray of bread and various cheeses. The trays are set on the table and then the two servants exit from the door they entered.
"Please, refresh yourselves," says Sellenius as he takes a seat at the head of the table. "I will get right to the point. The Swordlord Council is worried that certain factions in Iobaria are gathering and preparing for war. It is our belief that their first target will be Restov. For reasons that I cannot divulge at the moment, we cannot send our own agents east to gather intelligence for us. So, we are requesting your aid to head east as part of a merchant caravan heading to Kridorthrost. It is there that you will meet up with an agent of ours who you will receive further instructions from."
Sellenius takes one of the mugs of ale and whets his throat once more. He then pauses a moment to look in the eyes of those seated with him before continuing. "To head into Iobaria is never an easy thing. And if there are forces across the mountains that are preparing for war then it will be even more so. There would be no shame in any of you refusing this offer but those who do will have the gratitude of the Free City of Restov, the Swordlord Council, and will be handsomely rewarded."
The Lord Mayor then sets his mug on the table and sits back in his chair to await a response from those gathered.
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A small woman in a worn, and apparently self made, hide shirt takes a chair at the end of the table from which she can watch the others gathered about the table. When the servants bring the food and drink, the short woman reaches out and takes a piece of hard crusted bread and spreads a soft cheese on it. She eyes the ale warily, knowing that it is likely of a high quality to be served by the Lord Mayor, but also not wishing for her alertness to be in any manner impaired as she does. Unsure of the social custom, she reaches out and moves a mug in front of her. She lifts it and takes as small sip. During all of this, her eyes never leave the Lord Mayor, watching him as an owl might watch a fox. Knowing the other is dangerous and too powerful to allow to make an unnoticed movement.
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As the food and ale are laid out, Kara makes no hesitation. She grabs a mug and, after a first, judging sip, take a hearty swig. Finding the flavor pleasing, she ladens high a slice of soft bread with soft cheese and munches it heartily.
Washing a bite down with more ale, she addresses the Lord Mayor, "Kind sir," she begins with a light and undoubtedly feminine voice, " could you put a slightly finer point upon your noble request? That is to say, are we rooting out documents and made-plans drawn up in dusky rooms, or are you wishing us to count troop-formations, already drawn and laying in the stores of battle?
To wit, wherefore have your first intelligent notions come from? Are their whispers of thier high-council voicing opposition, or are there rumors of musters of populace and purchase orders from armor-smiths in high amounts?
And can you say exactly where these malignant intents come from? IS the whole of Iobaria drawn agaisnt us, or is there vocal debate at cross-purposes that can be swayed with softer words in the right ear, such as might happen in my own beloved-yet-confused Galt?
Apologies if I seem to direct, but if you would have the job done well, we could do worse than make with a fine beginning."
She finishes with a sweet smile, and goes back to her bread and ale, waiting his answers.
Brynwyrdd's nose crinkles at the food offered to the group in an unveiled show of distaste. He draws a mug towards himself and pulls a sip before speaking, I must admit the lady's honey-slathered words express my concerns as well. The more you can convey to us, the better prepared we can be. That being said, whatever force their meager ranks may amass, they will stand no chance against my expertise in the arcane arts. No quarter shall be given.
Avery smiles as he looks at the food and drink and doesn't hesitate to take a large mug of ale, knowing that it would be of quite high quality. This day keeps getting better and better, he thought to himself a trip to Iobaria, free food and good drink and I'm even getting paid. He gulps down some more ale before turning to the mayor and saying "I agree with the posh girl... I need more details. You also mentioned a generous reward, would you mind elaborating on that?"
Ioseph sits back comfortably in his chair as he watches the newcomers. He notices Pjiana's concern and hesitation in drinking the ale; juxtaposed with Kara's readiness to enjoy the ale, bread, and cheese. He also notices Brynwyrdd's disdain and show of distaste contrasted with Avery's enjoyment of the same.
"You can drink safely here, my child," Sellenius finally says to Pjiana with a fatherly smile on his face. "I assure we have no desire to poison or otherwise incapacitate you."
He then turns and looks at Brynwyrdd. "If the food and drink are not acceptable to you, I would be glad to have other provisions brought. What would you prefer?" he asks showing no emotion whatsoever.
"Details, yes. We do not have very many ourselves, unfortunately. Mainly whispers, rumors, tales told in taverns and carried on the winds. But as I'm sure you all know, these things often have a kernel of truth to them. We seek to discern how much truth there is to them so that we will be prepared."
As the Lord Mayor speaks the servant door opens once again and the same servant from before enters. He makes no sound as he walks across the room carrying a tray with an old wine bottle on it and several glasses. He sets the glasses on the table and puts the bottle before the Lord Mayor. Without a word the servant then exits once more.
"Perhaps you will find this more to your liking," says Sellenius to Brynwyrdd as he reaches forward and expertly uncorks the bottle. He hands the cork to Brynwyrdd so that he can get a hint of the vintage. "This is a 200 year old bottle of Taldane Red from the vintner Amarantos Decebal. You will find it to be strong but flowery." Sellenius pours some of the wine into one of the goblets and then hands it to Brynwyrdd. He also pours some for himself.
"As you know, there is no real centralized city or region in Iobaria that can field an army that could seriously threaten our fair city. That is not what we are worried about. Instead, we are worried that agents outside of Restov who do not have Brevoy's best interests in mind are working to unite some of the humanoid clans that make Iobaria and the Icerime Peaks their home and send them to attack Restov. We believe those efforts to be in the early stages so we would like verification of that and then the ability to work to disrupt those efforts." Sellenius pauses as he takes a moment to sip and enjoy the wine. It is clear that he really enjoys the wine and Brynwyrdd finds that it is an exceptional vintage. For a few moments the only sound is that of the crackle of the fire in the northeastern corner of the room.
"You will be hired by merchants in Restov to escort some goods to Kridorthorst where you will then sell them for a profit. All the proceeds from that sale will be yours along with 500 gold crowns each for your trouble. It is our desire that you take your time in getting to Kridorthorst and that you make note of everything you see along the way, especially once you cross the mountains and enter Iobaria. Once safely in Kridorthorst you will report to our agent there and he may have further requests for you then. Or you could be released with the gratitude of Restov and the Swordlord Council. I know it is clear to you all that gratitude is something that far outweighs any gold."
Sellenius sits back and enjoys the wine again. "Do you have other direct questions?"
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Pjiana is rather surprised by the mayor's comment.
You honor, I . . . I apologize. It was not poison I was concerned of. Poison is easy to negate with nature's boons. It is simply that I do not wish to cloud my judgment if I am to make a decision that might lead me into harms way. As you know, we are all unknown to one another. I do not know what the others at this table might have to offer such an undertaking, and they know not I. Thus, it would be unwise in my opinion to partake of your hospitality and fine intoxicating drinks, only to place myself into a danger from whence I cannot escape.
Brynwyrdd slowly inhales the pro-offered cork and drinks deeply of the wine glass handed to him. A crooked, almost crocodilian smile worms its way across his face. Lord Mayor,, you are a man that knows his spirits it seems. I'd love to discuss Ustanovian brandy with you sometime....
Forgive my earlier impetuosity, I was eager to begin the discussion in earnst. As wine makes one's tongue as slippery as eel slime, food clogs the oriface we need the most for the task at hand here today. Please continue...
Avery's face lights up at the sight of the wine and quickly pours himself a glass. "Gratitude's great and all but it can't buy you drinks, am I right?" He says to Brynwyrdd, sipping his wine.
Brynwyrdd smiles at the Halfling. "Though you are small in stature, you are enormous in your wisdom"
Sellenius laughs at the jest of the halfling. "It seems I was a bit presumptuous in my assumptions," continues the Lord Mayor. "The gratitude of Restov and especially that of the Swordlords can buy you drinks and much, much more."
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Kara nodded along as the Lord Mayor spoke. All-in-all it seemed somewhat normal...as far as spy missions to thwart invasions can go.
At the mention of selling goods AND then keeping the profits her ears perked up.
"Mmm, yes, and as to these goods...might we be allowed a hand in their selection and sell? Mercantile ways are something of a hobby of mine, and to be allowed to study at the hand of whosoever is so august as to be trusted as our escort in this must be clever indeed.
Indeed, might a portion of that 500 be paid in advance? So that more goods might be purchased and a greater profit taken? Only so to add to the deception and secure our cover, of course. I'm sure so grand and successful an entrepreneur as yourself would understand."
Her eyes keep straying to the 200 year-old bottle. She'd never had wine nearly so old, and she promised herself a wee taste should it enter her orbit.
"There can be no advance," begins Sellenius as he catches Kara's eye and pours her a glass of the wine. "But arrangements could be made to add to or change the goods in question. You will find that there are few things that are really highly prized in Iobaria, however."
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Kara takes the glass and, closing her eyes, lets the merest sip touch her lips and enter her mouth. She rolls the sweet liquid around, touching it, tasting it, undressing it with her tongue, letting the history of 200 years pour over her like standing under a waterfall in a white dress.
At last she swallows, her eyes still closed. "Why, yes my Lord. That will be quite satisfactory."
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Pjiana continues to listen, surprised by the audacity of some to make sure requests. When the discussion turns to economics and trade, her eyes glaze over and her mind turns to what might be found on this expedition. Hoping to change the topic to something more in her area of expertise, she speaks up.
What lands does the road from here to Iobaria pass through? Are there dangerous areas? Wild places or places inhabited by humanoids or others who would be hostile and a threat to an armed merchant?
"Road?" answers Sellenius with a smile. "There is no road east from Restov into Iobaria. From here you will travel across the plains to the Pass of Nargolar where you can cross the Icerime Peaks. Once there you will continue east across the Hills of Nomen where you can meet up with the Koloran road which will take you south along the edge of the Norinor Wood. Eventually it will turn south and take you all the way into Kridorthorst."
Sellenius takes another drink of his wine before continuing. "As to threats, there are many. Bandits of all races, humanoid tribes and other beasts in the Icerime Peaks, the centaur tribes in the Hills of Nomen, human settlements that may be skeptical of you in the Norinor, and others that I'm sure I am unaware of. All of these places are considered dangerous and most would be considered wild to one degree or another."
Avery smiles as the mayor describes Iobaria, thinking less about it's wilderness and dangers and more about the ancient secrets and lore and buried loot from civilisations gone by that he will find there.
The Lord Mayor takes the silence of the group as there being no further questions. "If there are no further questions then are we agreed to terms and that you all will accept this offer?"
Brynwyrdd smiles wide, slowly tracing the lip of the wine glass with his finger. "Beasts, bandits...danger?! I dare you to try to stop me! We have an accord!"
Mark had been silent up to now. He blows his nose on a pocket handkerchief, loudly, interrupting Kara as she's saying "sp-" of "speed." After he finishes, he mutters "Beg pardon."
He tucks the handkerchief away in a pocket and coughs a bit before he continues. "I've never left Restov. Figured I'd have to risk my neck somehow to see it ever done anyway; I expected danger in whatever assignment comes." He strides from the far side of the room, where he had been leaning up till now, to the tray of wine glasses. He scoops up the glass with a fist as if he's about to down a tankard of ale, but stops before it reaches his mouth, spilling a little. With some effort he adjusts his large hand around the wineglass to hold it more delicately and sips it. "Mmm, yes...flowery," he said, with a trace of uncertainty in his voice.
"Anyways," he says, tipping the glass back once more, "you can count me in. Happy to serve 'Is Lordship. Sounds a lot more useful than playing guard dog to some merchant troupe."
" I know I'm in. This is as good an excuse as any to see Iobaria." Just think of the ancient ruins filled with the lost hoards of the cyclops and the perilous, loot-filled barbarian cairns. And the assignment too of course..."
The white haired man had not been bashful about drinking the Lord Mayor's ale and eating his food. He was dressed in natural fibers and leather and was accompanied by either a huge dog or a normal sized wolf, which he occasionally fed bits of food.
He was much more circumspect about his words, though. It wasn't until the end of the conversation that he finally nods and speaks up. "I assent, as well, my lord. Thank you for including me."
"Excellent!" responds Sellenius as all those assembled have now accepted the offer.
Reaching into a pocket of his finely tailored coat, he pulls out a ruby that he tosses to Brynwyrdd. "Proceed to The Ruby Guesthouse and ask for the owner, Alam Belesis. Give this ruby to him and all your needs will be met for the evening. The wine will not be as good as this Taldane Red," he says with a smile to Brynwyrdd, "but it will no doubt be suitable. Be careful though, the coffers of the Swordlords are deep but not endless."
Mark Talbot has heard of The Ruby Guesthouse and knows it to be one of, if not the, finest inn in Restov. It is a place that he has never been allowed entry.
"In the morning, proceed to the market where you will ask for one Ayni Addis Abede. She will assist you with the arrangements for your caravan. We would prefer that you leave Restov on the day after tomorrow. Downstairs, my man will provide you with papers to give to Ayni. You will have some leeway to negotiate the cargo but again, our coffers are not endless."
The servant then enters once more and pours more wine into all the glasses. Once this is done, Sellenius raises his glass to toast the endeavor.
"May Desna grant you luck, both Erastil and Abadar bless your trade efforts, and Gorum strength you for any battle you may face!"
The Lord Mayor of Restov then drinks his wine before setting the glass on the table once more. He then leaves the meeting chamber as the servants enter to collect the used glasses, take away the food, and show the group out of the Lord Mayor's residence. On the way out, another very serious looking man provides papers that have been drawn up outlining the provisions for the expedition. There is also the provision allowing the group to alter the goods for trade if desired.
Mark's eyebrows go up at the mention of the Ruby Guesthouse. He nods in appreciation. This assignment is already paying dividends.. he thinks to himself, turning to Brynwyrdd. "Let's be off, shall we? I want to drop off some stuff at our room and then buy some last-minute things before we go."
Brynwyrdd snatches the gem out of mid-air as Lord Mayor Sellenius flings it his way.
"Your generosity knows no bounds, nevertheless, we will heed your words carefully. Master Talbot, you know of this establishment, we shall follow your lead. At your pleasure..."
He motions for Mark to take the lead. He holds up the ruby to the light a moment longer and then swiftly makes t disappear into his robes.
Mark nods willingly and sets off into the streets, holding the door open for the others and nodding goodbye to their benefactor.
The white haired man joins in the toast and stands to follow the others out the door. "Come on, Nora." The shaggy grey dog- wolf?- stands and follows the man out onto the streets, sticking closely to him so as not to get lost.
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Kara kills off her own glass with a smack of her ruby-red lips and signs the paper with a flourish, the rush of the wine and the promise of adventure filling her blood with a mad energy.
Hopping down and taking her place in line with her fellow sojourners, she calls out, her voice filled with a brazen curiosity. "Well now, THIS is an exciting endeavour, is it not? Have any of you ever been to our far-flung destination? Are all the stories we hear of their inherent backwards-ness true?
And what of it, stout Brynwyrdd, how are you so comfortable with our Lord Mayor that he entrusts you with our fare? Have you had aught of dealings with him in the past that he favors your face over all others assembled?"
Brynwyrdd smile's at the Halfling's inquiries. He falls back to walk beside her and places a hand on her shoulder. Fear not, my dear. I met him when you did. The Lord Mayor is a canny man and undoubtably senses the great power dwelling inside this mortal vessel. He correctly predicts that should someone be foolish enough to attack our group with the hope of stealing our crimson prize, that i would, with but the snap of my fingers, turn his or her insides to the outside He snaps his fingers at the exact moment to emphasize the point to the Halfling. Truth be told, the jewel is quite meaningless to me, a bobble, a trinket, nothing more. My family are jewelers in Kerse. I have seen many gems in my life and grow board quite easily at the sight of them. However, as I said, this Mayor is a canny man, and I do not know if he already knew of my past and gambled that I would be the one that would be least likely to steal the jewel. Or perhaps the Swordlord's pockets are deeper than he has told us. Nevertheless, I tell you this because I see you are quite exceptional yourself, not only in your savvyness but you share my gift as well. He finishes the last bit with a wink.
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Pjiana listens to the halfling and the half elf speak. After a while, she turns to Radek and his large wolf.
Nice puppy. I spent much time studying the ways that wolves fight. How they grasp enemies in their mouthes and bring them to the ground. It is really quite amazing the techniques they use against much larger creatures.
Mark can't help but smirk at the arrogance of the half-elf, but doesn't comment. Sometimes arrogance is well-deserved. Time would tell.
"C'mon guys, it's a few blocks this way to the main thoroughfare, that'll take us to the Ruby Guesthouse fastest. We can leave our heavier traveling gear there while we take care of whatever last-minute errands we need to handle."
With a wave over his shoulder, the young human will lead the way through the city, navigating the crowds with confidence born of a lifetime of living here.
In no time at all, Mark has led the group through the often congested and busy streets of Restov. Although having taken a winding path the group arrives at the Ruby Guesthouse much quicker than if they had tried to push their way through the market and other busy streets.
Standing before the large, two-story building, Mark knows that this is as close as he's ever gotten to entering. Beyond the plain-looking door before them he knows that there is an entryway in which a rather large and mean-looking guard verifies whether anyone enters the guesthouse or not. He has heard many tales about the exquisite food, drink, gambling, and other pleasures that can be had within the walls of the Ruby Guesthouse.
Is it all fancy? Or is it real? Only pushing through the large oaken door will answer those questions.
"This is where my expertise ends," Mark confesses as they stand before the Guesthouse. He glances sidelong at Brynwydd. "That big red rock the Mayor gave you should come in handy to get us past the bouncer, if we tell him it's for the proprietor. What did the Mayor say his name was, Alam?"
Pjiana listens to the halfling and the half elf speak. After a while, she turns to Radek and his large wolf.
Nice puppy. I spent much time studying the ways that wolves fight. How they grasp enemies in their mouthes and bring them to the ground. It is really quite amazing the techniques they use against much larger creatures.
Radek nods. "I haven't studied them, but I've seen a pack take down an elk. Good teamwork, and they're smarter than most people would credit animals with. Do you spend a lot of time out in the wild, studying animals?"
"This is where my expertise ends," Mark confesses as they stand before the Guesthouse. He glances sidelong at Brynwydd. "That big red rock the Mayor gave you should come in handy to get us past the bouncer, if we tell him it's for the proprietor. What did the Mayor say his name was, Alam?"
"Belesis." Radek glances at the other half-elf. "This is a damn expensive inn if it takes that to pay for a small group for a night."
Mark grins, exposing his teeth, and nods enthusiastically. "Too expensive to even allow me in the front door, before. I can't wait to see the luxury for myself; it's famous in this area of Restov."
Thank you, Master Talbot. You guided us with the swiftness of an eagle. Now, let's not dawdle, shall we? And with a grin, he opens the outer door and proceeds directly to the bouncer. Good morrow, we seek room and board from your master Alam Belesis. We are sent by Lord Mayor Sellenious and are to be expected. With a flourish, he produces the ruby and shows it to the door guard(s).
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Radek nods. "I haven't studied them, but I've seen a pack take down an elk. Good teamwork, and they're smarter than most people would credit animals with. Do you spend a lot of time out in the wild, studying animals?"Pjiana listens to the halfling and the half elf speak. After a while, she turns to Radek and his large wolf.
Nice puppy. I spent much time studying the ways that wolves fight. How they grasp enemies in their mouthes and bring them to the ground. It is really quite amazing the techniques they use against much larger creatures.
Pjiana looks back over at Radek:
Yes, most of the past few years I spent in the wilds about a day from Skywatch, far to the north of the country. It is mostly plains, fertile hunting grounds for packs of wolves. Other menaces and creatures occasionally wander out of the mountains, but it was mostly the plains that I studied and those creatures that live on the lands near the mountains.
As soon as the group enters the entry hall three very large and very serious-looking men step forward. The entry hall is a few feet short of ten feet wide and fifteen feet long that ends in a door directly ahead of the group. There is another door about ten feet ahead on the party's right. Two of the men stand behind the other with large arms crossed over their over-sized chests with deep and dark scowls on their faces. The third guard, the lead one apparently, holds up a hand to stop any further progress until the mention of Belesis' name. He still appears quite unmoved until the ruby is produced and handed to him. The guard looks it over before opening a small trap door in the wall to his right and dropping the ruby inside. After a moment there is a knock from the other side.
The guard's countenance then changes slightly, but it would still be a stretch to call him or his companions, 'friendly.' All the same, he turns to open the door to the party's right. The other door remains guarded but entrance to the Ruby Guesthouse has been secured.
Moving through the open door, the party enters a very large room, approximately 55 feet long by 40 feet wide. There are five large tables scattered about the room with another five smaller tables supplementing them. All of the tables and chairs are richly ornamented and of the finest materials. To the immediate left is a large L-shaped bar that is about twenty feet on each side of the L. Behind the bar is a very jovial looking bartender cleaning glasses. He nods at the group as they enter.
Despite the early hour there are a number of patrons in the establishment, both male and female and of varying race. A couple of the tables appear to have some rather tense card games going on and in the far corner is a table with a dice game being played. The table erupts in cheers as one of the player's make an apparently popular toss. There is also a couple of dart boards hanging on the wall opposite and diagonal of the party's entrance.
In the center of the wall to the party's left, just past the bar there is an opening to another room beyond. There is another very large guard who appears an exact replica of the glaring guards in the foyer that stands preventing passage into the room beyond. A large fireplace is directly across the room from where the group has entered. The only other exit out of the room lies behind the bar and is on the wall where the party enters. A number of very attractive barmaids move about the room delivering drinks and creating a festive atmosphere. There are a couple of tables available that would allow all of the group to sit together. There are also four stools at the bar open if anyone should choose to sit there.
Pjiana looks back over at Radek:
Yes, most of the past few years I spent in the wilds about a day from Skywatch, far to the north of the country. It is mostly plains, fertile hunting grounds for packs of wolves. Other menaces and creatures occasionally wander out of the mountains, but it was mostly the plains that I studied and those creatures that live on the lands near the mountains.
Radek nods appreciatively. "That is far to the north. I'm from the Icerime foothills not too far north of here, myself. But I've been traveling for a while. Been east to the Castrovin Sea, up along the mountains to the Lake, and back down south of here into the Nomen Heights and the Tors of Levenies. Haven't spent much time in any one place these past couple of years." He puts out his hand to shake. "Radek Průzkumník." The white haired man ruffles the wolf's ears. "And this is Nora-lim." His voice took on a different accent as he said the wolf's name, becoming momentarily faster and more liquid sounding as he pronounced the elven words.
Pjiana looks to Radek:
Strange men. It is as though the same craftsman, and not a very good one at that, made them out of clay. Apparently he liked his first mediocre attempt so much that he repeated his failure, over and over again.
The white haired man chuckles. "Could be. I wouldn't let them hear you say it, though." He gestures at one of the tables large enough for them all to sit. "I'm not hungry after the mayor's spread but sharing a drink or two will let us all get to know each other better."
Talbot elbows Brynwydd. "D'you think that ruby you gave them covered a few rounds of ale on the Swordlords' tab?" he gestures at the bar to the left with a grin.
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Eyes widening at the sumptuous tavern before them, Kara gains voice enough to respond to Brynwyrdd's previous summation.
"Well, at least you're honest about your humility," she retorts with a casual smile. "So, your family are probably good at not only making jewels but also selling them, yes? Would you be able to render any assistance in choosing our trade goods? Normally I'd let them to their business, but they did offer the whole of the profits to us, so that gives us an active interest to make sure that we can turn a greater profit. I've even a mind to invest my own coin, sparse that it might be, into trade, if there is promising enough return at the other end."
To Mark, she simply answers, "The good man said to make use of his generosity, but not to over-use it. If such a gem can not cover at least a few rounds, then I've a mind to walk away upon the instant! Help me catch eye of good barmaid, and let us use that which has been given us."
As Pijiana and Radek muse on the make and model of the TavernGuard MkVIII, Kara echos their sentiments. "Ha! You've captured the spirit of them rightly enough! Hmmmm, such a discerning eye for tough, shady men. Hrmmm. Perhaps your eye weighs on them a bit...heavily? Oh, it's nothing to be shy of! Perhaps you need a good start? 'Tis said no adventure failed that did start with new love, so perhaps you need me to make introduction? 'Tis the least I can do for a new travelling companion!"
Kara begins to scan the room, as if weighing the merits of men to make a good choice for Pijiana.
"Never let a halfling play matchmaker for you, Doc Schwartzer always said!" Mark comments, smirking at the pair. "That table looks open. Barmaid! Some honeyed ale!"
"I heard their honeyed ale is famous," the fighter confesses to his friends.