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Pjiana shakes her head at Kara's offer:
No, that is not why I, or you are here. We need to watch those about us. Everyone knows that cities are full of dimwits and thieves. I do not plan on interacting with the first, or being that mark for the second. Unless someone can survive for two weeks in the wild, I would not even give them the time of day.
She glances back at the clearly magically, or perhaps alchemically, enhanced guards:
Plus, they clearly do not appear to be nature's creations. Even if I were to find them more interesting than as a failed science experiment, I rather doubt that they would be able to contribute to the propagation of the species.
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As Kara follows Mark to the aforementioned table, she takes a seat across from Pjiana and favors her with a sympathetic, almost sad look. "Awwww. Just 'thieves and dimwits', huh? That sounds like someone is still healing from a bad breakup. Did...did he sleep around? Or was he a ne'er-do-well that kept 'borrowing' money? Ya, you get some of those sort in the cities, but for the most part men are nice, and not too dim-witted."
That she is surrounded by men seems to weigh on Kara not at all.
"But that part about the species..." Kara casts about the guards again, but this time her gaze is in a decidedly more southernly tact. "Hmmm, you speak as if you know this already. Well, were it anyone else, I'd take this a challenge, or some kind of short-joke. But you I trust, so I bow to your greater expertise in this matter. If you have the edge on me about the anatomical qualifications of tavern guards, I'll just have to concede the point."
Kara looks around, wondering where the barmaid that Mark ordered with is.
"Thieves and dimwits. Ha ha!" Avery lools at Kara and Pjiana. "Listen , If I wasn't both of those things I wouldnt be on this here quest."
Radek walks over to the table with the others, surprised none of the guards had commented on the animal following at his heels. He chuckles at Pjiana's comment. "I'm sure there are people here who would just as readily ignore you if you weren't able to get around in the city on your own for two weeks. Don't discount their survival skills just because they live behind walls. It's an ecosystem of its own, with its own hazards."
He glances over at Mark. "I'm wondering more if the mayor's ruby might stand us a hand or two at one of the tables. As long as we're here we might as well pass the time." The white haired man looks particularly interested in a nearby card game.
As everyone settles in at one of the tables a servant girl approaches with a tray full of ale for all. She smiles as she places the mugs on the table before all seated. She turns away from the table and another man steps forward.
A tall Keleshite man moves over to the table. He has two attractive women on each arm. A blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty on his right and a brunette to his left. Both are seductively dressed and wearing inviting smiles. The man is tall but anything else about his stature is difficult ascertain because of the loose fitting and flowing robes that he wears. His age is indeterminate as well though he appears to be in his late-thirties or forties. His skin is well-cared for and he is clean shaven. Those closest to him can pick up the scent of oils or perfumes on him as well. The most remarkable thing about him, and what draws the eye immediately is the kaftan that he wears upon his head. The tightly wound scarf matches his brightly-colored outfit perfectly but set in the middle of the head covering is a very large and exquisite ruby. Even Brynwyrdd marvels at the impressive jewel as he has never seen its like.
"Greetings and welcome to The Ruby Guesthouse," he offers the party. He has a strong Kaleshite accent but is easily understood. "I am your host, Alam Belesis. Here at The Ruby Guesthouse it is our desire to make your desires come true. We have only the best in food and drink, as well as games of chance, or other sensual pleasures if you prefer. Whatever you desire, simply speak to one of the servants and we will do our best to accommodate you."
Alam smiles broadly as he looks the group over before adding, "Do you have any questions for your humble host?"
Mark sets down his ale and stands. He feels a huge belch coming, but remembers (at the last minute) that he's in polite company, and manages to keep his mouth closed over his burp. He pats his chest with his fist a moment, and grins widely at Alam. "I'd like to see the girls, upstairs, sir Belesis. I'm about to risk my life in a grand adventure, and I'd like to have some memories to remind me why! Ahahah!" he winks at the dusky brunette.
"You're gracious benefactor has arranged for your food, drink, and lodging for the evening," Belesis offers, "as well as the company of the ladies." As he finishes, both the young women at his side move over to take up positions on his right and left. "Perhaps you would enjoy a bath first?" offer Belesis without giving offense. "The ladies will see to that as well." The women nod and begin to lead Talbot out of the common room.
Turning back to the others Belesis continues, "As I said, your benefactor has taken care of most of your needs, in addition, if you wish to try your hand at our wonderful games of chance you have all been credited with 250 gold crowns of house money to enjoy." Anyone paying attention will notice that Belesis goes to great length never to mention the Lord Mayor or any of the Swordlords by name. Apparently anonymity and discretion are highly stressed with the walls of The Ruby Guesthouse.
"We have only one rule here at The Ruby Guesthouse. Respect all others. Any disrespect will not be tolerated, no matter who your benefactor is." Belesis smiles and waves another of the serving girls over to the table. "Mesemeia here will see to any other needs you may have. If she cannot assist you, you only have to ask for me and I will be at your call."
Belesis then bows deeply to the group and makes his way to the room in the southern wall.
Talbot is led back through the door in which everyone entered past the guards who pay him no mind and through the southern door. They then make an immediate left through another door and into a serving area. To his left there is another door and another large guard standing in front of it. The ladies lead him up the stairs around the corner. Once on the second floor they lead him around a corner and through the first door on the left. He finds himself in another richly decorated room with a large metal tub sitting in the middle of it. A fire burns in the fireplace and there are a number of large pots of water warming near them. The room is lit by several aromatic candles.
"How about that bath now?" asks the brunette as the blonde goes over to take one of the pots and begin filling the tub.
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Kara gives each working-girl an appreciative glance, noting that, while they are -certainly- not as attractive as she is, they are doing much with what they do have, so some credit must be given.
The fighter indisposed, her mind again turns to the mention of money and chance. But such things are best done as if one is hunting; that is to say, in packs.
"So! Who's for games of chance and profit? Alas, being but a soft, dainty, fragile flower of a girl, I am dreadfully ignorant of such things. Might one of you do my the honor of obeserving you at table, so I might gain but the briefest ideas of how was does the...things?"
'Of course dear old John made sure I knew the games since before I could read, but games are different everywhere, so there's no need to let that on. And I'm sure they're cheating, I just want to find out how!'
Radek grins at Kara, catching the insincerity in her voice. "I'm happy to be bait in unknown waters as long as we're playing with someone else's money." He glances at Pjiana. "Did you see the size of that ruby? Seems to me that not spending that credit is the same as wasting it." The white haired man gestures at the splendor surrounding them. "And we might as well take away a memory or two of our last night in Restov."
He nods at Kara. "What's your pleasure? I'm a faro man, myself, but I'm equally terrible at all card games."
There are different games going on at the card tables. After watching for several minutes, one of the things that Pjiana notices and which is quite strange from her previous experience is that no one is cheating at the tables. Win or lose, they all appear to be playing straight up.
As Radek and Pjiana look over the games one of the numerous serving ladies/hostesses moves up between them, interlocking her arms within theirs on each side of her. "We have two games going on at the moment," she explains with excitement in her voice. "The Bear and the Bee over in that corner and Blackjack at that table," she motions with a nod at the two tables. "When you sit down, we will have your crowns put before you." She looks back at the guarded room in the southern wall, "Back there is a high stakes game of The Queen's Gambit. It takes a thousand crowns to get a seat at the table. If you tire of cards we also have a game of Bailyne's Bones going on as you can hear" As if on cue another round of cheers erupts from the gathering where the dice game is currently going on.
She smiles again and looks at the group, "So, what would be your pleasure?"
"I'll play what everyone else is playing." He looks at Pjiana.
"I'll show you how a city dimwit such as myself gets rich."
The door to Talbot's room upstairs opens briefly, and one of the serving girls exits, giggling. You can hear a man's voice shouting "Fetch more pillows! Quickly, or I'll set my switch on..." - it's cut off when the door closes again.
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Pjiana looks down at Avery:
Not everyone can win here. There is a limit of available money, and looking at the luxury around us, it is apparent that the house has won more than it has lost.
Despite her apprehension, Pjiana will make her way over to one of the games to see how her companions make out. (She does not want to see how Mark Talbot makes out.)
The woman that walks between Pjiana and Radek escorts them over to the table playing The Bear and the Bee. One of the patrons folds his cards in disgust and then gets up from the table with the few coins that he has remaining. He then moves over to the bar where he begins talking with one of the women there.
The young woman motions to the empty chairs at the table. "This is Carl, he will take care of you. Sit. Gamble. Have fun." She motions for any who wish to have a seat at the table. Carl smiles and points to the open seats. There are still three players at the table currently who also motion for you to sit.
Radek holds out one of the empty chairs for Kara and motions to his pet, who obediently lays down behind one of the other empty chairs as he sits down. The white haired man grins at his companions. "Alright, let's lose some money."
Radek laughs. "Don't worry, I'll tell you when to go for the three pointer. I'm the best at the sporting!" He grins at Pjiana as she sits, too. "Glad to see somebody else playing who doesn't know what they're doing."
Avery, watching the others play the game says "Eh, this doesn't look vary interesting, I'm off to the bar. Here you go. "
He hands all his chips to Kara and then walks oof to get a drink.
A few hours and a few more drinks later, Avery was up, hammering out a
Nirmathan jig on his fiddle.
6th of Pharast - 4708 - Oathday
Mark wakes with his head pounding like several hundred dwarves at work in a newly found Goluskin gold mine. His first thought is a drink of wine but he finds that he can't move either of his arms. Well, at least not without disturbing either of the beautiful women asleep at his side. A tangle of naked flesh, pillow feathers, and blankets, Mark does his best to ease his right arm out from underneath the brunette that was sleeping there. She moans slightly before settling in next to him once again, still sleeping. Is that Lana? Or Heather? Mark looks at the blonde to his left and back again before shaking his head. What does it matter at this point? With his hand now free he reaches over to the table at the side of the bed, his fingers just reaching the bottle of wine there. He manages to wrap a finger around the neck of the bottle and bring it to him but he is disappointed to find it empty. Setting it aside he looks for another possibility but doesn't see one handy. As he moves about his foot kicks something hard and he looks down to see a bottle lying on the bed, still corked. Using his foot to push it up close enough to grab it he manages to secure the bottle without disturbing either of the women. Biting the cork and spitting it out his efforts are rewarded with the sweet taste of wine. His thirst is quenched but the pounding in his head continues.
Looking once more at the women stretched out beside him, his mind tries to replay much of what happened during the night. Some of it is beyond belief and his wildest dreams but yet it happened. He smiles as he settles back into the pillow. Man, what a night! No one will ever believe me. It's a shame I'll have to leave soon. As he finishes that thought a jolt of fear grips him. Oh gods! Leave! We have to leave today. Please don't be late. Don't be late.
Without thinking, Mark jumps out of the bed where he immediately regrets such a hasty move. His head swims and the pounding intensifies to the point he thinks it will explode. He also disturbs both beauties and causes them to grumble and call for him to come back to bed. Ignoring them he rushes over to the window where he throws open the heavy curtains. Standing naked before the window he looks out with panic at the sun a few hours above the horizon. The girls curse him now and tell him to close the curtains as the bright light invades the room.
"I'm late!" replies Mark as if that answers everything. Just then, as if to confirm his fears, there is a knock on the door.
"Master Talbot," says the practiced voice of one of the staff, "your friends await your presence downstairs. Should I inform them to leave without you?"
"No!" answers Mark. "I'll be right there."
He then struggles to find his breeches and slip them on as well as his other clothes scattered about the room. The girls snuggle close to one another to stay warm as they call for him to shut the curtains. Half-clothed and with his other things in hand, Mark finally looks at the bed and the beautiful women there.
"Oh, I can't believe I have to leave this," he says before rushing out of the door to run downstairs to join the others.
Once downstairs, Mark finds the rest of his companions gathered in the common room. Most of them look rested, although Radek looks a little hungover, but with a smile on his face nonetheless.
The six companions are ready to leave The Ruby Guesthouse and move on to find their contact for the caravan.
Mark grins a pained grin at his friends as he finishes putting his tunic on. "Ahhh, I'll miss this place," he comments in a ribald tone. If he sees the proprietor anywhere, he'll flash him a thankful smile and a wink, saluting him with the wine bottle he brought down from upstairs. He takes another swig, feeling a little lightheaded; he's sure the feeling will pass. Just need to come down gradually.
"My head feels like it's been trampled underfoot by the entire Market District at once, but I'm still ready to get going! Shall we begin our adventure?" the fighter asks his traveling companions, glancing from one to the other.
Brynwyrdd spent the majority of the night observing all that The Ruby Guesthouse had on display, coldly calculating every detail of such a magnificent palatial hoard. His line of credit forgotten..
Rising early, Brynwrydd hurries to the common room to await the others arrival.
Seeing the large grin spread across Mark's face, he slaps him on his shoulder, grins and winks.
After losing his share of the mayor's credit, Radek had gone upstairs as well, but he was an early riser and had wanted to avail himself of the well stocked kitchen before the long days on the road to come. He nods at Kara. "The first rule of the road- you must always gather your party before venturing forth."
The sharp eyed among the group might notice that Radek is sporting a new earring, though with their short acquaintance and the number he'd already been wearing it is easy to miss. He smirks at Mark. "Lead on, oh noble urban guide."
Mark smirks right back at the half-elf and affects a princely bow. "At your service, milord," he says, in a jesting tone. He holds the front door of the Ruby Guesthouse open for the druid, sweeping one hand outside as if to say "after you." He spares a wink for Brynwyrdd as he walks past. He chuckles as he follows his party out and leads them toward the front gates of Restov.
Mark takes off confidently leading the group away from The Ruby Guesthouse, out of the Nobles Quarter of Restov and toward the Market District. Radek, Mark, and the others that drank too much the night before struggle to keep their eyes shielded from the rising sun as its rays send little daggers into their brains. The dwarven miners in Mark's head have softened somewhat but it will be quite some time before his head returns to normal.
After several minutes of walking through the now-busy streets of the bustling city they make it to the Market District. Here the streets are cluttered with numerous merchants in stalls calling out, hawking their wares. The noise level increases significantly as the party moves slowly through the streets. In addition to the carts and other street vendors there are a number of businesses and merchant buildings that hire young boys and girls to call out to passersby to check out the wares in the store. All in all, where headaches and hangovers were beginning to get better, entering the Market District makes it worse.
Not having a clue as to who their contact is, Mark finally stops to ask a young boy of perhaps twelve winters about Ayni Addis Abede. He holds out his hand seeking compensation. After receiving the proffered reward he points across the open market area to a large warehouse.
As the group slowly makes its way across the crowded market yard, politely turning down vendors and watching their pockets, they finally make it across to the warehouse. There is an open area next to the large building where wagons can be loaded with goods. There are currently three wagons with teams attached to them and a woman and a man arguing.
"I told you I needed quality wagons and teams!" says the woman rather loudly. She is an attractive Qadiran woman in her mid-thirties with her long brown hair collected into a braid that is draped over her right shoulder. She wears traditional, colorful Qadiran dress and is currently vigorously pointing at the wagons and horses.
"I need transport that can make it across the Icerime Peaks, Vadeem! I doubt these warped and rusted overgrown carts could make it up the Kings Road to New Stetven even."
"You wound me deeply," replies the man Vadeem, his hand over his heart in a feigned sign of hurt. "These are quality beasts and the wagons can handle any load! I stake my reputation on it."
Ayni laughs and says, "You forget I know all about your reputation, Vadeem." She finally shrugs her shoulders and says, "You leave me no choice, Vadeem, I'll have to go to Belitrov to get what I need."
"Ayni! There is no need for insults!" responds Vadeem, clearly ruffled by the threat. "You will have quality... no... the finest I have in teams and wagons by the end of the day. On my honor!"
With that said, Vadeem claps his hands three times and the drivers on the wagons get the horses moving. Each of the teams struggle a moment getting the wagons moving despite not having any cargo on them. Vadeem shuffles forward and climbs up on the seat next to the driver in the lead wagon. The three then move out down the back roads away from the market.
Ayni smiles as she watches Vadeem and his wagons leaving, confident that she will receive quality wagons this afternoon. As she turns to head back to the warehouse she catches sight of the party.
"Can I help you?"
Mark gives a wave and squints in the bright sunlight. Blinking a little, he says, "We're with the Mayor...he said you're to provide us passage on your caravan? Who's got the papers from the Mayor's assistant dude?" The fighter glances over his shoulder at everyone else.
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Kara beams a lightening-bright smile at Ayni and introduces herself. "Warmest greetings, mistress Ayni! I have SO looked forward to meeting you. Of course you were notified of the group that is to accompany you and see to your protection on the way to Kridorthrost? And we are it! I am Kara, a practitioner of some minor art, and here are the papers that should solidify that I say who am and am who I say!"
Kara holds out her copy of the papers for Ayni's satisfaction.
"Um, I do belief that there is some leeway about what goods we are to have? Which goods would you say would be of greatest profit? I confess to be but an amateur at such things, but I have always looked up to such dedication and entrepreneurial spirit that successful merchants such as yourself possess to carve out your own way!"
Avery, who had been unusually quiet for the walk through the city, mostly due to a combination of tiredness, a headache from the drink and the tune of the song "Kyonin girl" still buzzing through his head. Only half awake, he says to Mark "Don't look at me, someone else has them."
Ayni looks at Mark with confusion upon her face. "The Mayor?" She bursts out laughing as Kara mentions the trip to Kridorhorst. Taking the offered papers she opens them and reads, a look of recognition finally crossing her face.
"Now, Marius Thrane I know and do business with," she says as she points to the name and the seal at the bottom of the documents. "I've never done business or met with the Lord Mayor." This is the first time any of you have noticed that the document was signed and sealed by someone other than the Lord Mayor. It would make sense of course considering he wanted to keep the whole mission secret. But was Ayni in on it and just playing her part or wholly out of the loop?
"You are further, mistaken, mistress halfling, in that I am not taking this cargo to Kridorthorst. You are. I am merely responsible for arranging transportation that can get you and your cargo safely to Kridorthorst and back. That is the end of my involvement."
Ayni's feelings toward the group has softened from what would at best be termed indifferent when she was approached to friendly now.
"Yes, I see that there have been some provisions added for leeway in the cargo. What do you have in mind? I obviously think that what was previously selected would be best. I was the one who chose it after all, but I'm willing to listen to other thoughts? Do you know what will sell in Kridorthorst better than I do?"
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Unsure what is needed, Pjiana tries her best to listen to others in the market trying to determine whether there is anything of need in Kridorthorst.
Diplomacy(gather info):
Hoping she does not stick her foot in her mouth as part of his interaction, Pjiana tries to help.
You were brilliant with the animals. While my experience with horses is limited, it was easy to spot for one who works with animals that those old mares were unlikely to survive any trip much past the outskirts of town.
Diplomacy(aid another):
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Kara seems to try to swallow her tongue when it's intimated that they will be solely responsible for transporting the cargo. "Um, I'm sorry? We were told we would be but providing security and logistical support for a pre-arranged caravan. While we have many talents among us, well, except for Mark, unless I miss my mark, we have not the skill that 'twould take a lifetime of handling animals to know how to get three loads of cargo across such a tretchorous route.
Um, would it be possible to hire or otherwise secure a group of veteren teamsters?"
When she learns of the cargo, Kara giggles at the grain. "Oh, my word. While I'm certain that grain can oft be a needed comodity, it could be said that such a thing is light in the weight-to-profit ratio. Might it not be said that another load of furs, or even salt, would better serve the coinpurse than such a thing as foodstuffs? While I'd not begrudge the good people a hearty meal, one must, as the Smith says, do what is in our own best interest, and so we do what is best for society.
Would such a substitution be possible? Or are you saying that a wagon of salt or furs sells for the same price as a wagon of grain?"
Radek grimaced at the blinding sun but followed Mark gamely through the crowds. He looks curiously at the caravan wagons and animals but holds his tongue for the moment.
As Kara giggles at the grain, Ayni gives her a curious look. "I suppose the people who need that very grain to live would find your comments a bit heartless. But, if coin is all you are interested in then I'm sure we can swap out some of the cargo."
"Leave it to me and I will maximize the cargo for you."
"Come back tomorrow morning and all will be ready. There will also be a driver for each of the supply wagons, so you need not worry about that."
"You should get some rest, it will be a long and arduous trek to Kridorthorst."
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Excellent!" Kara favors Ayni with a megawatt smile.
That done, as Ayni moves off to see to her business, Kara asks the group, "I've not spent so long here that I know of any place we must needs visit afore we sojourn. Have any of you ideas on how we shall spend our time until the hour is come?
Otherwise, we could always...find another game of cards?"
*smiles*
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Pjiana shakes her head:
No, one night of gambling like that is enough for me for the rest of my life. I would prefer to get out of the confines of this unnatural place. Perhaps there is a nice park or place with trees about, I would not mind getting away from all these creature comforts for at least a few moments.
Mark brightens. "When I was apprenticing under Master Alabar, he would send me to Restov's Central Park quite often, to gather material components for the alchemy he was always performing. It's not far from here, I can take you!"
Radek shakes his head. "I'm going to head back to the inn. Get something to eat and maybe take a nap in a comfortable bed. We're going to have weeks ahead with nothing to sleep on but our bedrolls and food we cook ourselves. I'm taking advantage of that place while we've got the opportunity."