Sootscale comes with you tells the kobolds
"No room yet. Give it a month these big people are good at heavy labor"
They clear out
As they adjurned for the last day, Rory left the room and went out into the city. It was still so bear of buildings, though he knew that would change soon. Homes were being built for the people and Riva was overseeing the construction of a library. He knew that Adular was planning out a Temple to Gorum and Rory knew he should probably speak to Jhod soon about one for Erastil. Even Eldric teased the idea of opening his own bar, no doubt to drink in his drunken god's name. Rory considered his own options on a building, one that the people would enjoy as much as him. A theater.
Rory spoke with a few laborers to plan out exactly what was needed for such a structure. Once they had made the plans, Rory set out to gather the resources he'd need. He figured he would start on a common room and then upgrade it to a proper auditorium later. The common room could be enjoyed by the people now as a place of relaxation after work. It took Rory a few days to gather what he needed and worked with a foreman on overseeing the starting day of his common room.
Once the common room, it was out of his hands. He moved to gathering more materials he'd be needing to add toward the final construction of his theater. Each night before bed, Rory would pen the first play that would be held within its walls. One that portrayed the journey he and the other traveled and their eventual overthrowing of the Stag Lord's forces. Almost three weeks after he first thought up his dream, the common room was completed and open to the public. The first step had been taken, there was no turning back now.
As the meeting ends, Adular rises and gets to work. Even in times of peace, there will be legs to be mended, fevers to be quelled, and wounds to be stitched. I would rather punch something but if it helps get the shrine built quicker, so be it.
As construction of the new settlement continues around them, Riva carefully tracks the construction crews' expenses, doing an amiable job of ensuring there is enough kingdom treasury left over for future projects. She does not seem to enjoy the task. The workers seem to enjoy her constant nagging even less.
To take her mind off the mind-numbing tasks of being Treasurer, during the times she was not performing her duties, Riva took to tutoring some of the workers, migrants, and kobold youth. When the classroom completed construction on the 15th, however, she began taking in larger groups of students, earning a steadier income.
On the eve of her library's grand opening, she spends a great deal of personal energy to promote her new library, ensuring that there wasn't a single person in the community who didn't know about it. For one so prone to callous scolding, Riva was surprisingly warm and friendly during the ceremony; having given a public speech, having cut a large red ribbon, and even having indulged in a little too much wine.
The following day, however, she was business as usual, seemingly happy only when she was around her books.
Eldric spends most of his time assisting with labor around the city, using Sirian to help with loads too large for a single man to carry on his own. Most of his work was done in exchange for small favors rather than actual pay. Most of the favors he converted into labor towards building a small bar near the center of the settlement.
Several of the other favors he used to gather information. Thus, he learned of a few minor workers were selling off small amounts of stolen wood - intended for construction purposes - for a few extra copper. Rather than turn them in to the authorities, Eldric recruited them as his eyes and ears in the city. He hoped that the small blackmail, in addition to reasonable coin in exchange for information, would keep them loyal.
On the 28th of Abadius, Eldric performs the ceremony for the grand opening of Stag's Head Bar. The name was perhaps a touch macabre given its connection to a now deceased bandit lord, but it was nevertheless a part of the story that led to the founding of Caerulus. At any rate, the bar and its patrons could prove useful as a source of information should the need arise. Drunks tended to have loser tongues, and sometimes a careful listener could learn all manner of secrets from the inebriated.
On the 29th of Abadius, Eldric sends a note to Rory, delivered by one of his employees. It reads:
Rory Ward,
Come to the Stag's Head Bar tonight after it has emptied.
Matters of import to be discussed.
Come alone.
-Eldric Lorren
Rory was looking over a group of laborers that were resting by the hearth when a person approached him. Rory cocked an eye brow as the man said little and simply handed him a note. He looked it over briefly before leaving in a rush to the Stag's Head, but not before appointing one of his workers temporarily in charge.
When Rory walks into the bar the tables are filled and there are only a few empty seats at the bar. When one of the patrons notices Rory, he quickly jumps out of his seat muttering "my liege" under his breath. Rory tried to offer the man's seat back, but he wouldn't have it and instead sat farther down in one of the other available seats.
Rory rubbed the back of his head and smiled nervously before taking the seat and wait for Eldric. But he figured he might as well enjoy the wait. "I'll take a mug of ale," He said to the man behind the bar. When he was served he took a long drink and looked around. Eldric's got a nice start here He thought.
As night falls, the bar's patrons begin to clear out. It is at this time that Eldric walks through the bar's doors, dressed in plainclothes. He waves at a few of the patrons as he enters, and a grin spreads over his face like wildfire when he spots Rory.
"Evenin', Lord Mayor." Eldric pulls up a chair, and turns to the bartender. "Evenin', Gray. Two boilin' cups of water. Then knock off for the night, yeah?"
The bartender nods, fills two cups with hot water, places them in front of Rory and Eldric, and leaves the building as quickly as possible. Eldric's eyes watch him leave. A few seconds after the man closes the door leading outside, leaving Eldric and Rory alone in the bar, Eldric pulls out a dried leaf from his pack. He quickly crushes the leaf, and drops even parts into the two cups. Seizing one cup, Eldric sets it in front of Rory with a light clunk.
"Wolfsbane tea," Eldric says by way of explanation. "Tastes terrible. More bitter than Hell itself. Good for the heart, though. Take a drink."
Rory takes a hold of his cup and takes a drink. he had had bad tea before, but not as bad as this. Rory coughs on the tea, nearly choking himself. "You weren't kidding," he manages to say between breaths. Once he's composed himself he takes anothter drink, this time ready for the taste and doesn't make a scene.
About halfway through the cup he places it before him on the bar. "I take it you already discovered something in our little town?" he says softly.
Adular does not vanish, but he does begin to obsessively focus on his own mission of having a shrine to Gorum, and then from that seed of a shrine, start to grow a temple about it.
Kobold workers and human workers alike find themselves being tended to with firm hands when injured, and given rousing chatter about how they need only thank him for it this first week by helping with the shrine.
The magic item he bears allowing him to carry much more weight means the priest is not above acting as a packmule himself as he slides slabs of stones to lay out the altar with his bare hands.
A smith is given an odd job of collecting metal armor seized from foes and forging into a statue of stark beauty.
On Sunday noons and Moonday eves, the high priest takes his task very seriously and tends to the spiritual needs of the people. The cleric preaches of the gift of might and the strength within each individual. Adular talks of the virtue of tenacity which serves all men well if they can muster it.
When the shrine is finally complete, the gorumite grins and continues to consecrate it holding a ceremony where all are welcome.
At least the worshipers have an altar to visit
And temple building will continue apace.
So, assuming first full week of healing he'll give 10points labor
and first Sun/Moonday combo he can get 1 influence/1 magic the shrine should be done (at the 6 day mark) then at cost of 3 Goods, 1 influence, 4 labor and 1 magic (And? 270 gp)
Then back to the routine but earning goods and labor evenly for 5 labor/5 goods each week and 1 influence/1 magic
Temple will likely be half done by the end of the month if time for all other rooms is included.
So total after shrine expenditures will be
13 goods,14 influence, 22 Labor, 9 magic
"Nothin' so dramatic. One question and two advices. Question first: What would you say if I wanted to start a black market in town?" Eldric asks with unconcealed amusement.
Rory lets out a long sigh and stares ahead of himself. He thinks on the subject. "First I'd ask why do we need one. Do you hope to be able to control the crime it'll bring by starting it on your terms? Because you won't be able to."
Eldric's wildfire grin broadens. "Like as not, one will start. Better to have it controlled, yes? Sell night tea to ladies what don't want questions asked. Know where the weapons are goin'. Useful information."
Rory lets out a sigh. "This has to be a secret. No one can find out our involvement in this. We're still small, still weak. Something like this being discovered... it could ruin us."
Eldric leans back in his stool, and shakes his head at Rory. The archer's face returns to its usual expression; a casual smirk. "It would ruin us. Which is why I'm not doin' it. What you said first was right. Wouldn't control it. First advice, Lord Mayor: someone wants to do somethin'...off, you tell them it's off. No matter how silver their tongue is. No matter how they rationalize it. You've got a good heart in you, Rory. Don't let'cher self get caught up in small violations of principle. Eldric's eyes take on a distant look. "Else soon you're rationalizin' every little evil. And they add up quick." The last sentence is spoken in a hushed tone, so light it is almost a whisper.
Eldric stares off into the distance for a moment, then snaps his attention back to the bastard noble. "Stay true, Rory. First advice."
Rory stares at Eldric for a moment before he smirks and lets out a short, sharp laugh. He takes another drink of his tea and fights to keep it down. "S'why I have friends like you at my side. To make sure I don't do anything stupid. And apparently to test me from time to time." He sighs and stares at his cup for a moment. "We're gonna have enough problems ahead of us and we need to be sure we can handle them. And I hate to say it but I'm probably the weakest link. I mean, Aldur is of noble birth, you look like you've trained along the castle knights, and Riva... well I'm sure she's probably done impressive stuff to. But then there's me, sure I'm a bit more educated than your average commoner, but I was still that, a commoner. All this politics stuff... it's just so strange."
Eldric lets out a bitter laugh when Rory suggests that he had training among knights. He picks up his cup and hesitantly peers at the liquid inside. Scowling, he brings the cup to his lips and drains it complete.
"'Best medicine is always bitter,' yes?" Eldric turns back to face Rory. "Would have put an arrow in every kobold if it were me. Wouldn't have thought twice. Wouldn't have thought they were bein' exploited by a git like that shaman. They'd be dead, I'd be none the wiser.
But. You talked to them. Listened to them. Gave them a home and a reason to live. No small thing. I never thought of you as a weak link, Scalefriend. Not once." Eldric sets his empty cup upside down on the bar counter.
Rory smiles as he brings up their encounter with the kobolds, before he was lord mayor, before they began building this kingdom, before all of this. "Thanks," He said softly.
"So," he started after a moment of silence, [b]"You said there were two pieces of advice."
"Aye," Eldric began, staring intently at his empty cup. "Second advice is a story. But like most, there's advice at the bottom.
"Two men from Cheliax were down on their luck. They begged for coin and scraps to eat. The street was their common room, their bed, and their home entire. As begged in an alleyway one day, the two were approached by a pair of devils disguised as men.
"'We have a deal for you,' said the first devil.
"'A once in a life time chance,' said the second.
"'Your soul for riches,' they said together, 'beyond your wildest dreams.'
"The first man eagerly accepted. The second politely refused. And so the first man was granted riches untold and the second brother remained in the streets. At first, the first man was happy. He had gained wealth, and though he lost his soul, he was rich.
"At first, the second man was happy. He had resisted temptation, and though his earnings remained meager, he was pure.
"The first bought a house, and found a wife, and started a family. The second continued his meager existence, but maintained his saintly demeanor.
"As time wore on, however, the first found his wife greedy, his children selfish, and his life without meaning. The second found his stomach empty, his skin stretched, and his life without luxury.
"The first died surrounded by his family, who squabbled over his inheritance even before he drew his final breath. With it, he cursed the devil, and regretted selling his soul. The second died of hunger, penniless and alone, without anyone to mourn his passing. With his final breath, he cursed himself, and regretted not selling his soul."
Eldric gives a curt nod to signal that the story is at its end. "So, which man was right? Which man was wrong?"
Rory thought on the question for a moment. "I suppose it depends on the perspective. To me, the one who made the deal was wrong. He dealt with devils and became consumed by wealth. Married a woman who only loved his gold and raised children who were too concerned with their things to care about their father's passing." He looked over at Eldric who was eagerly awaiting his answer.
"I suppose this is where you tell me there were both wrong and right and that the best way is some sort of middle ground?"
When not burdened by her responsibilities as treasurer, Riva continues to teach at her library educating her students, primarily consisting of kobold youth, on human culture and history.
"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger."
She also managed to find the time to direct the construction of a new storefront, to wine and dine a famous writer, and to collect enough new tomes for her library so as to cover nearly all possible areas of expertise.
The youth of the settlement is overwhelmingly kobold. Of course Kobolds grow from egg to adult in only 2 years. However when questioned about how long Kobolds live no one you ask has every heard of a kobold dieing of old age or reaching the age of 25. Most of Riva's students are only 2 months old! Yet they are learning at a terrifying rate. Almost half of them are bilingual at this point.
It seems that Charvan Dorvak is writing a book titled the God Illusion. A book dedicated to questioning the divinity of Gods and what divine actually means.
The youth of the settlement is overwhelmingly kobold. Of course Kobolds grow from egg to adult in only 2 years. However when questioned about how long Kobolds live no one you ask has every heard of a kobold dieing of old age or reaching the age of 25. Most of Riva's students are only 2 months old! Yet they are learning at a terrifying rate. Almost half of them are bilingual at this point.
It seems that Charvan Dorvak is writing a book titled the God Illusion. A book dedicated to questioning the divinity of Gods and what divine actually means.
Wayword worker: "What are we going to do about all of these kobolds? It won't be long now before they overwhelm our population!"
Riva: "So long as they pay their taxes and follow our laws, then they are the population. Try giving them jobs. I'm sure you will find them quite good at construction as well as a great many other things."
"This world is a harsh one. You will face battle," Adular assures his pack. He'd call them a flock, but flocks are sheep, and those who follow Gorum are anything but easy prey, "If you have not already, then sometime in your life. Conflict is the only certainty. Force is the ultimate deciding factor. Without strength to back it up, all the words in the world, be they frilly or harsh, won't mean a damn thing. One can be an aggressor, or be ready to face aggression, but wicked men and good souls alike...it is MIGHT, even unused might at the ready, that makes their lives have influence on this world. I know the kingdom will prefer we be defenders rather than conquerors, and there is no shame in that. But we must never be cowards. A coward is worse than a weakling. A weakling starts with no strength, a coward throws away what he already had and becomes fear's whipping boy. Can I get a Huzzah?" He bellows
And he's rewarded with more than one response. He notices a few kobolds in the congregation, but it makes no matter to Adular. Gorum takes in all who are willing to face the world like the challenge it is!
At the site of the shrine Calistril 17
Important Visitor: Randiz a Cleric of Gorum is passing though preaching the word. If you succeed at a DC 20 Diplomacy check, he will stay for 1d8 days. Each day the he remains, you gain 1 point of Influence and the building gains a +5 bonus on its first check to generate capital each day.
By now, the temple is almost complete, and the shrine is most busy. To say Adular is pleasantly surprised by Randiz's arrival is to put it mildly, "Sword Brother Randiz, come, stay for a bit. I'd love to hear of your battle against the Orc Chieftain Grymtooh!"
Alas, it appears Randiz cannot linger long.
Calistril 20Healing Request: Someone has been hurt, has fallen ill, or is otherwise in need of magical healing. You can perform the healing yourself by expending 1d4 spell levels worth of healing spells, or by spending 1d6 points of Magic. If you perform the healing for free, you gain 2d4 points of Influence. If you charge for the healing, your building gains a +20 bonus on its next check to generate capital.
"I suppose this is where you tell me there were both wrong and right and that the best way is some sort of middle ground?"
"No. Both are wrong. They look back and see only one point in their lives. One defining moment. If the first had spent his money to make the world better? Bought a sun orchid elixir and kept his life? But no such choices. Only regret. The second too. Perhaps he could have made more of life. Else he could have embraced his death. But no. Only regret. Whether choosing the devil or no, both made a final choice to regret."
Eldric shrugs. "Least, that is what a priest of Cailean told me. Those words saved my life, I think. Those, and the tea," Eldric says, tapping lightly on the top of his overturned cup.
The archer stands and stretches. "But that story is another. For another time. Late, and remembering has made me tired. Anything else?" Eldric quirks an eyebrow towards Rory, as if begging his leave.
"Tea? I thought Cailyeans promoted the consumption of alcohol." Rory said with a teasing smile as he stood up. He clasped his hand on Eldric's shoulder with a smile. "Thanks for your advice. It really has helped ease my mind."
During the month of Calistril, Rory went straight to work on his theater, beginning construction on two storage rooms, a lavatory, an office, and a storefront on the first two days. After seeing so many people still sleeping in tents as well as traveling trappers and hunters come looking for a warm place to sleep, only to find a town with no inn, Rory began renting out floor space in his common room at night for people wanting to keep warm. During the bitter cold night of the second of Calistril, a small fire broke out from the hearth but was contained before serious damage could be done. As more rooms were completed, more space was available to rent out to desperate people looking for warmth.
Once his time serving his city was completed for the month, Rory went straight to work gathering goods and services for completing his dream theater. After twelve days of helping the people he had gained enough capital to close his common room and upgrade it into a ballroom. He grinned as he watched the laborers begin work on his ballroom. He'd have less room to rent out to the people, but his theater was one step closer to completion. He couldn't help but feel guilty over having less room for the people and knowing that soon enough, he'd have no room as he'd have a theater and not a hostel. Perhaps he should propose constructing an inn next month to the others, or even building one himself once he finished his theater. He put the thought on hold. One dream at a time. As he commissioned a secret room toward the end of the month, his theater would almost be completed, but it was far from being finished.
Charvan Dorvak's visit served as a painful reminder to Riva of her love of comfort. Far too long had she been in the wilderness with nary a soft cushion or a cold drink. Going into the third month in the Stolen Lands, Riva's love for the wild began to wain.
I grow weary of that dreadful castle with its shadows and mildew. I am a lady of refinement. Where are my marble, silk, and jewels? What was I thinking, coming out here to the middle of nowhere to teach lizards how to read and write? Half will have died of old age by the time the last of these accursed tent cities are gone!
Shortly thereafter, the kingdom's books were stuffed with a few extra pages, and construction began anew upon her library, where she now lived nearly full time. In came the sculptors and the painters, the woodcarvers and the goldsmiths, the tailors and the interior decorators. Laid were the marble floors and painted ceilings, erected were the porcelain busts and the gold chandeliers brimming with crystals illuminated by soft candlelight. Chairs, benches, and tables of mahogany were covered with cushions filled with the downing of baby swans and wrapped in fine silks and other exotic textiles. Piles of books were organized and placed in grand bookcases, many were locked away and protected behind panes of clear crystal.
Soon, word of this place shall spread, not just to our borders, but to the nations beyond. It will be known not as a mere library, but the GRAND Sarjenka Library. A place where great scholars and writers shall visit on a regular basis to become enlightened, where nobles and royalty send their children to be educated by brilliant tutors, and where I can finally be...at peace.
Giddily prancing around her laborers and down the opulent front foyer to her lavish shop, she quipped louder than she intended:
"And parties. We shall have parties!"
"Yes, I want the sanctum fortified..." He assures the laborers as they and he continue to work together to expand the shrine into a proper temple. In truth, he considers fortifying every room in the place, but the land is crying out for other needs as well, "...and yes, I want targets in the training area to look as real as possible. I KNOW it will delay us but we've got to have SOME Place where we can turn timid prey into predators that can stand up for themselves."
Then a group of youth come racing towards the construction looking a bit winded, "High Priest Garess!" One huffs as they all catch their breath, "The Kobolds found some one right outside the city... she's too hurt to move. It's a woman, sir. She looks to have been in a terrible fight."
Another lad pipes up, "I think the kobolds are talking about having her for dinner if she dies...it's gross!"
Adular sighed at the last. It was possible the young fellow was just a victim to his overactive imagination, but it was also possible at least a few kobolds WERE considering something akin to it. He'd tried to teach the kobolds new ways of thinking, but it was slow going, and to be fair, it wouldn't be canabalism if they ate one not of their race.
"Lead me there," He told the youth, "Sounds like we need to hurry."
Hurry they did, and soon Adular found himself about a half mile outside the city with a woman in surprisingly form fitting scale armor of blue hue. One kobold was poking her with a stick, and she looked as pale as a ghost. Great chunks were missing from her azure armor, and more than a bit of flesh and sinew had been torn from her body. Something had bitten her, something with a very wide mouth and its bites were festering already, as if they carried some sort of unclean taint.
"I'll take it from here," He scowled at the kobold with a stick, "Show a little respect for a fellow warrior, will you? Cruelty is not a strength, and apathy is not honor."
Bending down, he moved quickly to the woman and tended to her. The injuries weren't just severe, the very nature of them made the healing costly to him. It didn't matter, while clerics of Gorum normally favored neither good nor evil, Adular Garess doubted an act of kindness was going to offend his god at all, and it might just serve as an example to the kobolds to at least consider sometimes taking the kinder path.
And so he found many of his resources expended that day.
It took some time, but the woman's eyes fluttered open, and her first move made the Gorumite smile: She reached for her sword.
"Easy, you're not in battle any longer." He assured her, and her hand stopped reaching for the hilt of her blade.
"Did I kill it?" She finally asked in a dry voice.
He handed her a drink, "Depends on what 'it' is. Or was, but I regret to tell you I see no corpse near her. What tore into you?"
"Something I'd never seen before," The woman confessed, "It looked something like the stories I'd heard of manticores, but I... I'm not sure."
"Mmm," Adular couldn't say much on what a manticore was, or was not, supposed to look like, "Then that makes two of us. I'm Adular Garess by the way, High Priest of Gorum here..."
"Here?" She sat up very tenderly and looked about, "Where is here?"
"Caerulus," Adular stated, "Formerly the Stolen Lands. I suppose you could say we stole it back. Come on, we'll get you a litter to rest up at the town proper... what is your name anyway?"
"Alyssia " There was a catch in her answer, as if she'd only given half of it. The cleric wondered if she had some reason to hide her surname or house , assuming she had one.
Ah well, I didn't patch her up that much just to shake answers out of her. So be it. It took longer to get her to the town than it had to get to her, but soon she was secure.
"I will repay you somehow, though my coin is..."
The High Priest cut her off, "Merely spread the word of Gorum's power to all true warriors and encourage respect for my god and his holy church here in this new land and I will be content."
The warrioress nodded, "THAT," She assured, "I can and WILL do."
Alyssia did not tarry long but she did, it turn out, keep her word, for the area gained some fame from the act. Adular only hoped it would help their seed of a kingdom thrive.
What People say
"You know they say Kobolds eat their own babies. Animals"
"The are just vermin and they are getting out of control we have to do something about it soon before it is to late. If this keeps up humans will be in the minority."
What Kobolds say.
"Don't know what the big deal about eating dead bodies is waste not want not."
"If you are hungry enough that you have to eat your own baby then there isn't enough food for the baby to survive better to get it over with rather than have you both die. Becomes part of you again to be born later when times are better. Now is better times."
"I don't know about all the people in charge are humans." "They all look the same to me" "I hear that Sootscale is the one really in charge he just lets the others do the busy work. He told me himself!"
While no cathedral (not yet, anyway), the place of worship was no longer a shrine. Much had expanded. There was a common area of worship, a sanctum less serene than most but still a place of holy power... by the Abyss, there was even a bed chamber for the High Priest to sleep in. Which he had to admit would be appreciated.
Still, it was the training area that pleased him most. It had taken sometime to get the targets purchased and or made and in place, and the equipment to make sure muscle could be added to weak frames. Adular still wondered if he shouldn't put up a proper wall around the temple, or maybe even a guard tower, and maybe he would later.
But it was at last a true temple, there was no denying that, and with Gorum's blessing it would draw more worshipers even than before to it.
He swept open the doors to gaze upon the rest of the slowly expanding town, "We need something to keep the town wild ... and maybe bring in a bit of coin. Mmm, arena or bordello... I think I'll solicit the others' advice."
Eldric sends out messages to Riva, Adular, and Rory. They read:
Killed the Stag Lord several months back. Obviously, building the settlement has prevented us from proper celebration. But, perhaps that can be resolved. Obviously, I mean to have a celebration of sorts at my bar. Love to have you all come after the bar closes; I'll have quite the feast prepared. Destroy this message after you receive it. Some might think we're slacking on the job!
-Eldric
Adular receives the message and reads it once, Mmm, could be fun. And I can fill the others in on Alyssa and the like if we talk shop I... the cleric pauses, and reads again, Oh. Oh well. looks like it might not be as 'fun' as indicated. Chuckling, he puts the letter to a lit candle and lets it burn, still chuckling. Intrigues abound.
Naturally, he arrives at the bar in time for the private 'celebration', having come so far as to bring a wheel of cheese.
"How goes it, Eldric? Working hard or hardly working?"
Rory sits in a chair, a young woman sitting beside him. Before them are people with papers in their hands, reciting lines. "Good, very good," Rory says and claps his hands. "What do you think, Selene?" The young woman sat with her olive arms crossed, staring forward. She sighed and brushed her black hair away from her face before looking at Rory. "He's definitely has some talent. But I don't know if he has all it takes for the role. I mean, he is auditioning to play you in the play. It can't be good, it has to be great." Rory felt his face grow warm and he scratched the back of his head.
He heard the doors open behind him and he sighed in agitation. He stood and turned to face a young man with barely a hair on his face walking towards him. "I'm sorry but these are closed auditions. I'm going to have to ask you to leave." The boy averted his eyes and handed a note to Rory. "Sorry m'lord. I'm just here to deliver a message." Rory took the note and muttered an apology to the boy before sending him away. After reading the note over twice he sighed and checked the sky. The sun would be setting soon.
"I'm sorry to do this to you, Selene, but do you think you could finish the auditions on your own?" She shot him a smile that warmed his body and said, "Of coarse. I've learned from the best." Rory smiled and backed slowly away from her before leaving to head towards the bar. He tossed the letter in a hearth as he left. When he arrived, He saw Adular was already waiting.
"Adular, Eldric, it feels like its been so long since we were last together. We've all been distracted with our little pet projects I guess." Rory says and he walks towards them.
Adular turned to see Rory as their ruler greeted him, "Indeed. The temple was my priority, and while 'done' I keep thinking of what else I'd like to add on, or improve. It's maddening given there are other things the city will need. Still, it's not all routine. I ran into a young lady who was ...interesting if secretive. How fare you?"
"I understand the feeling. It seems like my theater is to open soon and yet I'm still struggling to fill all the roles. We were just holding auditions for my role when I recieved the letter." Rory explained. He looked over at his friend Adular and added, "Don't worry, we made sure to get someone that would make Gorum proud to play your role. I trust you'll be there opening night?"
"Well, I'm not sure you've got anyone handsome enough to do the part..." He winks, "But I trust you. You've a kind heart, your majesty. But I like you anyway," the cleric's chuckles are sincere. While Rory wasn't warlike enough by most gorumite's standards, Adular had come to realize the fellow's courage in a clutch, "And yes, yes. Barring a need for healing, killing, or ritual I'll be there. I know you're not a follower, but you're always welcome to one of our services as well."
"That's good to hear. It's our story, you know. How we came here and freed the stolen lands form the Stag Lord's control. I'm calling it 'Liberators'" Rory says with a grin. He then looks over at Adular and shrugs his shoulders. "working title."
"It needs a bit more title wise, but I couldn't tell you what or I'd be a bard myself," he ponders but comes up either empty or at least with no idea he thinks Rory would approve of. Seeing their host is still getting drinks and the like, he decides to change the subject, "So just how many ladies are chasing after you hoping to be consort?"
"none that I know of," he said and put on an awkward smile. "I mean maybe one... I don't even know if she likes me or anything."
Naturally, he arrives at the bar in time for the private 'celebration', having come so far as to bring a wheel of cheese.
"How goes it, Eldric? Working hard or hardly working?"
As Adular walks in, Eldric greets him with a fierce grin. "Column A. Column B." Eldric shrugs.
"Speaking of, got some food. Roast boar. Barkeep's already out, goin' to get it," Eldric excuses himself from the table and heads back into the kitchen. A small clatter of pots and pans accompanied by a curse rings out from the other room. By the time Eldric strides back into the bar area, Rory has arrived and is engaged in conversation with Adular.
"Evenin', Rory," Eldric says, placing a large plate of roast boar on the table. "Women?" He asks, guessing at the nature of their conversation.
As Adular walks in, Eldric greets him with a fierce grin. "Column A. Column B." Eldric shrugs.
"Speaking of, got some food. Roast boar. Barkeep's already out, goin' to get it," Eldric excuses himself from the table and heads back into the kitchen. A small clatter of pots and pans accompanied by a curse rings out from the other room. By the time Eldric strides back into the bar area, Rory has arrived and is engaged in conversation with Adular.
"none that I know of," he said and put on an awkward smile. "I mean maybe one... I don't even know if she likes me or anything."
"Well, we can break the rules, but generally, those in power want to establish strong lines, a legacy by blood and birth. So eventually, I dare say each of us will be under pressure to wed. The question will be what your priorities will have to be. Some are sentimentalists, wanting love first and foremost, others are ambitious, seeking marriages that bring wealth, influence, land or at least alliance. Some of us are creatures of pleasure seeking the most beautiful mate we can catch. A few are pragmatic, seeking those with common interests they'll be able to stand when both of their bodies are so withered they'll get sick of looking at each other... and of course, you can mix reasons but it IS something to think on." Then he sniffs the air, "And THAT reminds me... might help if she could cook unless you mean to hire one."
"Evenin', Rory," Eldric says, placing a large plate of roast boar on the table. "Women?" He asks, guessing at the nature of their conversation.
"My fault... subject's been on my own mind of late." He grins, "Food looks good. All I brought was a wheel of cheese." Then he turns back to Rory, "So who is this 'one'?"
"none that I know of," he said and put on an awkward smile. "I mean maybe one... I don't even know if she likes me or anything."
"Well, we can break the rules, but generally, those in power want to establish strong lines, a legacy by blood and birth. So eventually, I dare say each of us will be under pressure to wed. The question will be what your priorities will have to be. Some are sentimentalists, wanting love first and foremost, others are ambitious, seeking marriages that bring wealth, influence, land or at least alliance. Some of us are creatures of pleasure seeking the most beautiful mate we can catch. A few are pragmatic, seeking those with common interests they'll be able to stand when both of their bodies are so withered they'll get sick of looking at each other... and of course, you can mix reasons but it IS something to think on." Then he sniffs the air, "And THAT reminds me... might help if she could cook unless you mean to hire one."
Rory smiled as he thought back on Selene. "Well she's definitely pretty, oh who am I kidding, she's gorgeous. And she's a traveling actress, been doing shows here and there across the inner sea. She came to town last month and has really helped me a lot with the people. The way she smiles when she sees me too, her laugh to just eases the stress of all this work, too," Rory says as he rambles away, oblivious to Eldric's return from the kitchen.
Riva suddenly swings the front door open, none too quietly, and impatiently strolls in while carrying a number of ledgers and loose papers. Before anyone can greet her or offer her a chair, she sternly warns "This better be something important! There's work to be done and not near enough time to do it!"
As if to emphasize the point, she drops the ledgers and letters atop the table as she slumps down into the remaining empty chair, obviously frustrated and tired. One of the ledgers slams next to Adular's drink, threatening to knock it over.
"And here I find you lazy louts talking about shows and girls and other meaningless drivel when there are matters of state in need of attending. Do you expect me to do it all on my own? And what's this business about K.O.B.O.L.D.S.? I thought we had all of that sorted. No don't tell me, one of you did something to mess it all up, didn't you? How much is it going to cost us this time?"
"An actress eh? Well, some will snub their noses at her for that but then, there's always a reason to be snotty to someone. Its your call, but Gorum encourages courage and faint heart never won fair lass and all that. Sides, if she's all that, if you don't pursue, some other fellow will," He suggests.
Riva suddenly swings the front door open, none too quietly, and impatiently strolls in while carrying a number of ledgers and loose papers. Before anyone can greet her or offer her a chair, she sternly warns "This better be something important! There's work to be done and not near enough time to do it!"
As if to emphasize the point, she drops the ledgers and letters atop the table as she slumps down into the remaining empty chair, obviously frustrated and tired. One of the ledgers slams next to Adular's drink, threatening to knock it over.
"And here I find you lazy louts talking about shows and girls when there are matters of state in need of attending. Do you expect me to do it all on my own? And what's this business about K.O.B.O.L.D.S.? I thought we had all of that sorted. No don't tell me, one of you did you do something to mess it all up, didn't you? How much is it going to cost us this time?"
"Of course," He continues as he steadies his drink, "There's much to be said for the single life..." Before he greets Riva, "Hello, Riva. I take it the treasurer job is ...pardon the pun... taxing you?"
"Might say you seem spent," Eldric adds lazily. "Evenin', Riva. Care for boar?"
"You may think puns and jokes at my expense are all fun and games, but what would you do without me? The treasury would be emptied and half your nation starved in a month! ...And yes, I will have some boar, along with a pint of ale, please."
I really should be nicer to these boys. They're young and don't understand the things that I do. When was the last time I even stopped to get something to eat? If it weren't for them, I would probably be the one starving.
Eldric cocks an eyebrow when Riva mentions "expense," but his face returns to a neutral expression once it is clear that the pun was unintentional. Eldric walks over to a nearby keg, plucks four mugs from a stack, and fills each with a red-brown liquid in turn. Clutching two mugs in each hand, he places one in front of everyone at the table before returning to his seat.
"Brown ale. New brew. House recipe," Eldric explains.
"You may think puns and jokes at my expense are all fun and games, but what would you do without me? The treasury would be emptied and half your nation starved in a month! ...And yes, I will have some boar, along with a pint of ale, please."
I really should be nicer to these boys. They're young and don't understand the things that I do. When was the last time I even stopped to get something to eat? If it weren't for them, I would probably be the one starving.
"Well, the church building is coming out of my own pockets, not the treasury. So I'd like to think I've not been the problem child for once," he shrugs, "But there is truth to what you say about needing you for it. You're the most qualified. We really should seek out your replacement so you can take up Magister duties, but I don't know anyone else who could that I trust yet. Do you?"
"Brown ale. New brew. House recipe," Eldric explains.
"Thank you. It's not made out of kobold is it?" He jests.
"I suppose you have a point," Rory says to Adular, feeling a surge of confidence.
He eyes Riva as she comes ranting and raving and laughs lightly as Adular and Eldric sling out stale puns at her expense. "Alright, Alright. This is the first time I think the four of us have been together outside of town meetings so lets not get off on a bad note." Rory says. He then turns his attention to Eldric. "Speaking of note."