Kjell strides purposefully to the bar.
Ale please! Ya hear of a merchant nemed Jarrek? I seek him.
Grey collects 'Soggy' as the companions make their way within the common area of the Inn. "Who's a good boy?"
"'ave you done well by our hosts? I see you have, yes you have!" Looking up at the bemused onlookers, Grey's lips perk in a sheepish grin. "What the mountain said, ale would be quite pleasant for some parched throats. I'll stand this round."
Kilain grabs a table and counts out equal shares of gold, 50, for each of them as he waits for an ale to come his way.
After grabbing his ale and nodding in thanks to Grey, he grabs up the ale for Kilain, and heads back to the table where the dwarf is seated. After everyone gets back to the table, Kjell takes up his 50 GP and pocjkets it while jerking his head in the direction of the corner where a male elf sits with a group of other laughiong and conversing.
Barkeep tells me that would be our merchant, Jarrek, over there in the corner. Not sure that I would be the best person to approach him, but I will join who does to show that the caravan can have me Axe.
I heard Dorven and Kylma talking, and I think they won't be following on but taking their money and leaving. They dina be expectin things that go bump in the dark.
Kilain tells Gray and Kjell then adds I saw an Elf outside though watching us as we walked up. Mayhap he can take Kylma's place as out guide.
Kylma says Eager to bit of me there dwarf. I'm still in this group. as she collects her reward, Dorvren says We're seeing this delivery all the way to Oppara. From there, we can decide where our paths go.. He picks up his share of the coin and sits down with his drink.
"No worries Kylma, Dorvren. That place just seemed awful...
Constraining, I suppose. All out of proportion to the actual size or time of it. Fell magic can do that." At that comment, Grey's attention seems to leave the rest of you & your current surroundings and focus on some equally awful memory.
Returning to the 'here & now', I'm sure Kilain merely thought you might want to stretch your legs a bit. Unless that Caravan leaves on the hour I'm sure we might all wish some time to ourselves to center or somesuch. Perhaps a bit of private...
Companionable, time." The lilt of Grey's tone makes his intent at the term Companionable plain though his expression & body language makes it equally plain he has no expectations that any of the company are likely to seek such companionship from other members of the party, though his eyes do flit between Kjell & Kylma briefly.
"Besides, as our good mountain has pointed out, the Gentleman we should 'book' passage with relaxes in yon corner. If you have no objections, I will make myself known to him & we can see about relieving ourselves appropriately of that...
item." Grey's distaste for the Gem is plain in his slight shudder of revulsion as he mentions it, even obliquely.
Aye. Meant no disrespect. Just heard ye talkin and thought ye meant sooner rather than later. I'll be backin ye up Grey, in case the caravan master don be takin ye serious 'cause a yur halflingness and all
Grey and Kilain wonder over to the caravan merchant. The elf is slenderly built like most elves with long light blonde hair and green eyes. He sits with his left arm around a young human woman and says with a smile, can I help you little fellow? He then takes a big gulps rom the contents of his ale mug as he awaits Grey's response.
The elf eyes the group as Kylma and Dorvren walk up behind the others. The closest patrons around the group look as though expecting a bar room brawl.
As what he intended to be a simple 'hello, have you room for a party of five?' quickly turns into an excuse for the sort of low humor he would expect to see during the intermission of an Opera back 'home' Grey shakes his head slightly, gently rubbing his temples with the thumb & index finger of his left hand.
On the bright side, at least now he won't be able to cite 'misrepresentation' later...
"Good sir, I am informed you are the senior factotum for a caravan bound for Oppara. My Companions..." indicating the small horde of adventurers behind him with a subtle tilt of his eyebrows & a 'not-quite-defeated' shake of his head, "and I have reason ourselves to travel that way. Perhaps some mutually beneficial accommodation may be arrived at?"
The elf looks again at the ragtag group of people standing behind Grey. Well it would seem I could use a group of well hardened adventurers if indeed that is what you call yourselves. He smiles and gently escorts the woman from his lap and stands in front of you all. It seems we could be of equal value to each other. My wagons to hurry along your journey and your combat readiness to aid if trouble finds us on the long road. There has been rumors of unusual creatures along the road and extra able bodies with battle skills would be most welcome. We are headed to Heldren, then towards Oppara. I will also give you each 15 gold each provided we make it to Heldren and another 15 gold if we make it to Oppara. How does this deal sound? He stands relaxed with his arms crossed, awaiting for your reply.
Kjell smiles openly, but it is difficult to tell if he is happy about the offer or contemplating something else as he awaits the group's reply.
I be Kilain, Cleric for The Forgemaster. The Mountain standing behind me is Kjell. He is as good with his weapons as you be thinkin. The wee one is grey, and he has the powers of the Elders at his beckoning with Arcane might you would find only in a graduate of the best Magickal Colleges. The two at the table are Kylma, a tracker and Dorven a Traspmith.
Certainly we are not just common mercenaries to be hired for a pittance....
Very pleased to make your acquaintances. I may be able to give a little bit more, but I'm only a mere merchant after all. The best I can do is 20 gold per person to Heldren and 20 more to Oppara. Take it or leave it. The choice is yours. After all, you came to me, not the other way around. he sits back down and takes another drink from mug.
Kilain glances at the others to see what they think, after all it was their time and energy too.
Kjell nods to Kilain, noting his acceptance of the deal.
Dorvren and Kylma agrees and head back to the table the group had taken as their own for the evening, leaving it up to the others to work out the details with the caravan merchant.
Assuming Grey and Kilain also agree to the payment of 20 gold per stop, Jarrek tell the remaining group that they will be leaving at first light. Our wagons will be next to the general store, so be ready to travel. It will be a long first day. He bids you a good night and grabs his lady friend and pulls her back on his lap.
Kjell turns and heads back to the table.
Barkeep, another round for the table!
Aye sirrah That will be sufficient. 20 upon arrival in Heldrin and in Oppara for each. ye be having me good right arm and me blessings from The Lord of Forges in return.
Jarrek gives a nod in appreciation of the good gesture. He then raises his mug and and says, Here's to a safe passage all the way to Oppara! He smiles and takes another drink, apparently finishing its contents. He looks at the woman and whispers something into her ear. She gets up and wonders over to the barkeep. Till morning then Kilain, cleric of the Forgemaster. Her turns to continue a prior conversation with what may be one if his traveling companions.
I'd have accepted the 15...
Just as well they follow me over.
Grey smiles in agreement to the arrangement as well, returning with the others in time to hear Kjell's enthusiastic directive.
"You've downed your first round?!" He replies a mite incredulously. "I've yet to even halve mine!" When the wench brings more ale to the table, Grey places his hand over his mug as he smiles at her apologetically.
You all get a good nights sleep before your long journey. After you eat your morning meal, you make it to Jarrek's caravan. There are three wagons and three extra horses. Jarrek is talking with a couple of the town merchants taking care of last minute business you suppose. You see a human male in studded leather armor securing equipment to one of the horses. There is also a male elf testing the durability of his longbow. As you approach the walk over and introduce themselves.
In walk Hedrick and Vitali.
The elf looks deceidedly different to any who have spent time amongst the Eldarfolk. His height and build is like that of any other elf you've seen, but his hair is silvery white, his eyes an icy pale blue green, and his skin is almost as light colored as new fallen snow. In place of the reserved calculated movements of those accustomed to the customs borne of the Elven Court, the elf stalks over towards the party looking like an odd mixture of a hunting cat, Ulfen warrior and rakish bravado.
His face would be more angular and harsh looking than the typical elf except that it is split into a grin and he exhibits a most un-elflike warmth towards you. He is clothed in a combination of odd elven and Ulfen garb, with stitch work depicting northern and winter themes. His weapons are no less exotic, the composite longbow is wrought from bone, sinew and a strange almost translucent wood, at his belt is an elven hunting knife with a wicked blade and a well used Ulfen woodsman's hatchet. On his back he wears a elven curveblade. He carries his gear in a messenger style shoulder bag and a smal bundle with curiously includes a compact, but warm looking elven cold weather outfit is an unusual cut and a pair of snow goggles painted in whites and reds to appear to be those of a demon.
"I am Hedrick of Wintershaven, I am pleased to meet you. May our hunt together bring us green glades, fair weather, and safe trails.
Kjell, slightly hungover from the evening's exploits, nods to Hedrick.
An elf from the north, eh? Interesting...Kjell from Clan Carlufsen is the name. Well met.
Hedrick looks at Kjell for a moment perhaps judging if the Ulfen intends to say more,
before continuing, the smile returning to his face as he bent down to address Grey. "And who do we have here? A brave warrior Kjellson accompanying his father on a caravan eh? How many caravans have you protected so far young man? I for one will feel a lot safer with a stout young lad like you along with us."
Standing up he performs a formaldwarven court bow to Kilian, "Greetings esteemed and honored follower of the Great Soulforger. May your hammer strike true and the fires of your forge never die out."
The man standing next to the Elf is a human of fairly average height and slender build. He wears his dark hair short cropped and his upper lip is colored by the shade of a mustache. He wears sturdy clothing and leather armor and carries a small sword on his hip and has a quiver and bow slung over his shoulder.
He studies the colorful group before him as he smiles at you and the Elf's big words. When the Elf has spoken the man bows formally to you.
Good day. My name is Vitali Lebeda!
'Allo Hedrick of Winterhaven and Vitali Lebeda, I be Kilain Gravendak of Clan Quarrymaster of the Hammerhalls in the Five Kings Mountains. Well Met and good travels. Ye be taken advantage of the caravan's course as we be? To Heldrin and then onto Oppara?
Vitali and Hedrick have traveled with Jarrek for quite some time
Kjell nods in the direction of Vitali, then turns back to the elf.
So, waht kind of man is the Caravan boss, and were you two the only ones he was dependin' on in a pinch?
The 'boy' grins a bit too knowingly in response to Hedrick's query, the grin turning to a smirk as he looks up at his 'father'. Chuckling slightly, Grey then ducks his head as if to sniff deeply at the coat of the truly enormous Mastif at his side. You hear a subdued muttering as though perhaps he is shyly talking into the dog's coat as you see a finger pointed in the Elf's direction.
As Vitaly makes himself known, you all get a sense the 'boy' is sizing him up, while at the dame time glancing impishly at his 'father' & their other companions.
Hedrick looks again at Grey and the mastiff.
Perception
"Ah, I see you both now for what you really are, most interesting. Our caravan will have a diversity unlike most have ever seen. Do you wish me to keep your true forms a secret?"
"We have been traveling with him for quite some time. I would say there are others, including himself, that he can depend on. However, with the addition of you three, four if we count your four legged friend, I should say our defenses will be enhanced."
"As far as what type of man he is, I am not tied to him, but I have chosen to go over the road with him for longer than many or most I have wandered with."
"Are you signing on for a time, or are you joining for a bit of coin, safety and companionship while traveling on a leg of a greater journey?"
To Heldrin, then onto Oppara. Just along fer the ride.
Vitali nods at Hedrick's words. He's a decent enough man. So what are you folks up to in Oppara? he enquires curiosly as he hears the group is traveling to his home town.
During you introductions Kylma and Dorvren approach.
and this completes out group. Kylma is a tracker from far to the north, much like you Hedrick, and this is Dorven, Hes from Quadira.
"Well I see that we appear to have the market cornered on Ulfen free agent caravan guards, nice to meet you Shieldmaiden, and you Dorven."
Kylma says Well met Hedrick, Vitali, are we set to leave yet? I am ready to complete this quest and get our answers.. Dorvren comes out of his shell long enough to say hello and get his gear situated.
By that time Jarrek had finished his business with the town merchants and tells everyone to finish loading up so you all can get moving. The wagons can hold two people each, so two of the party members must take to horses. Dorvren has his own horse so it leave only one of you to ride a spare horse.
"Oh boy, hopefully your questions don't relate to ancient ruins or ancient cultures or you might find Vitaili quite long winded on the subjects." Hedrick offers in a lightly joking manner. "I for one wouldn't mind sharing a cat with one of you, it's always nice to share a fresh conversation and if one of you would like to a chance to ride a horse and get to know our employer better, I believe this would be your chance."
Ready as we ever will be! So Oppara it is. Didn't think I was gonna see her again so soon. Vitali muses as he begins to get the animals ready a task it seems he was not predestined for.
At mention of Horses, Grey looks first at the mounts, then at Hedrick, then down his own inconsiderable height. Looking back up at Hedrick, Grey's eyebrows arch sardonically. Breaking into an impish grin, "I think I'll risk splinters. Soggy'l keep up, won't you boy?!"
The Mastiff Urf's enthusiastically as Grey thumps his barrel chest whilst simultaneously skritching under his chin.
Kilain looks at the Elf as if he had just suggested Kilain dance with a demon and mumbled I hate horses as he made his way to the wagon.
Kjell also makes his way to a wagon.
I'll be ridin' topside with Grey.
"Heh heh heh heh, okay then no takers for the pony ride? How about you Kailain, would you care to share a cart with me?"
Aye then A cart. Just keep me away from them 4 legged beasties. I di nae care for havin me legs so far from the ground. and no be able to stop the beastie easily
"Fair enough."
With the wagons loaded and secured Jarrek reels the group to be ready to leave in a few minutes. Dorvren takes to his horse, Grey finds a cozy spot in one of the wagons, telling his loyal dog to keep up. The others take a seat in the wagon fronts two each and head south on the old trade road with the spare horses in tow. Our journey to Heldren is about 70 miles or so. We will stop after about 4 hours to rest and switch out the horses. There will be a small ford there to refill our water supply. We will stop after 9 hours to set up camp for the night. Finishing our journey the next morning. Keep an eye out for bandits and other beings that would impede our journey.. With all that said you make you way to your first stop with no problems.
You rest, get the horses changed from pulling to following, following to pulling and you set out on the road now heading east. Making it the other 4 hours without incident, Jarrek has the group set up camp and nightly watch shifts. Jarrek and Dorvren on first watch, Vitali and Kjell on second, Kylma and Hedrick on third and Kilain and Grey on last watch.