You are a citizen of Axiom, and that is what you have always been.
You have never been outside your fair city, never seen anything but the expanse of desert visible from the walls. There have never been scouts sent beyond the safety of the city, nor have any reached your gates.
Today, though, the first envoy from the outside world is set to arrive. You are among the lucky few selected to return with them, and, for you, the past week has been a whirlwind of preparation. Between the goodbyes, the advice the people around you have been convinced they were qualified to give, and the requests - largely from people who didn't know you well enough to be making them - for something to be brought back for them, you're almost relieved to be here, now, ready to leave.
When the newcomers arrived, they were accompanied in procession to the house of the Speakers for a diplomatic meeting. Unable to join the meeting, you had to stand with the Guard in front of the house of the Speakers, waiting to see these newcomers and see how they measure to your expectations.
Your patience was rewarded, then, as the procession reached its end, and you were finally able to see who you'd been waiting for. It was led by a woman, tall and imposing, dressed in impeccably clean and polished silver armor, her helmet tucked under one arm. She was pale, with white-blonde hair, and stern features that, for as much as she seemed to refuse to smile or even acknowledge the crowd there to greet her, was still undeniably beautiful. She was introduced as Lady Iryna Kozac, the heiress to the kingdom of Alran.
Behind her, and in as much contrast to Lady Kozac as you'd imagine someone could be, walked an elven man, leaning heavily on a cane. Where she was pale, he was tanned, with shoulder-length black hair. Where she stared straight ahead, uncaring of the crowd around her, he smiled winningly, waving and looking from face to face in the crowd like each and every one is a friend he hasn't seen in years. When he was introduced, it was as Rashid, the founder of the Merchant's Guild.
The two of them disappeared into the Speaker's house, alongside the Speakers and the Captain of the Guard, an older Gnome by the name of Xolani, leaving the rest of their envoy - mostly guards and assistants, it seemed - to disperse into the crowd and satisfy their curiosity.
Which brings us to now. Now, what seems like ages after their initial appearance, you, your compatriots, and the remainder of the caravan are called into the building. The meeting is over, whatever decisions that needed to be made have been reached, and all there is left to do now is treat your honored guests to a proper meal. You're introduced as you enter, and sat around a large table, laden with food.
The remaining caravan guard files in with you, introduced as you were, though you're not sure you can process them all at the speed they're called out at. You hear Cyrel, Jezra, Dimas, Sino, Bianka, and then they are at their seats, with most everyone left just as clueless as they were before as to which was which. You're not really given the time to ask for clarification, either, before Rashid and Iryna are examining your group, expectant looks on their faces. Whatever you are about to face in the desert, you feel like this examination may be almost as challenging an ordeal.
You are a citizen of Axiom, but you are not sure for how much longer that will be true.
What will you do?
Geesyl looks curiously at Lady Kozac and Rashid, but not for too long as to be rude. She sizes up their companions at the table quickly as well. Nods slightly to Lady Kozac as she suspects this is someone of importance.
"So, what brings you to our fair city your Highness?" Geesyl inquires of the Lady.
Korza was not good at making first impressions. Most people, especially those of high social standing, considered her to be too rash and abrasive. So, when she was seated at a table with the highest ranking officials in the city, and a caravan of travelling dignitaries, she decided the best thing she could do at that moment was shut up. She took a big enough bite out of whatever was on her plate that no one would expect her to answer any questions for a while. She took the time to size up the caravan guards, curious how she stacked up.
|
The day had begun with a trip home to see his mother. They had their recent troubles, but the goodbye was heartfelt. Things became tense when her boyfriend arrived home, so Kelrot kept the visit short. As he walked out of the Industrial Quarter towards the Speaker's house, he said his goodbyes.
The large half-orc stood probably a head taller than most others in the crowd quickly forming around meeting place. His black, scruffy hair and beard were trimmed neatly and well. His armor not quite match his otherwise manicured appearance. It looked as if he had spent the last of his coin on secondhand armor. The red paint on his shield was old and flaking. The chainmail shirt hanging over his immense torso and thighs had a couple broken links.
Throughout the wait he stood at a loose kind of attention while still managing friendly conversation with the rest of the group. Upon entering and seeing the feast, he moved respectfully but hurriedly towards his seat. I am starving! I have not had anything since yesterday morning! As Lady Kozac and Rashid approach, Kolret tries sneaking a bite of an apple. However the loud crunch is audible. A bumbling "A..apologies" stumbles out of his mouth as he quickly looks from Geesyl to Kozac and Rashid then back.
Lucatiel was too excited for sleep the day before the emissaries were to arrive and more so the next day. Every chance she got she stole away to the wall to catch the first glimpse of the caravan. She had to be practically man handled off the wall into her dress uniform for the procession. Once in uniform, she managed a much greater amount of self control. Sort of. As the procession meandered towards the Speaker's house she stood on Deserae near the back of the crowd which afforded her a decent view. Her eyes darted back and forth, unable to decide what to settle on. The gear, the designs, the people, everything. Lady Iryna occupied a decent amount of scrutiny, followed by Rashid. They were obviously important people. But she needed to gather with the other recruits soon and had no time to talk to the newcomers. Lady Iryna Kozac certainly seemed intimidating but Lucatiel remained irrepressible and nearly vibrated with excitement as she stood at attention.
Gruknuk eyes the food enviously, then glances around the table at the other guests. He follows Korza's example, grabbing the closest morsel and tossing it in his gaping maw.
This is important and I should really pay attention- is that a macaroon?!
@Geesyl: You don't notice anything particularly unusual about Rashid, beyond some difficulty staying still and some obvious curiosity about his surroundings. Iryna, on the other hand, is somehow, subtly unnerving. You have a hard time telling if it's something about the way she moves - or, rather, doesn't move, made even stranger sat next to Rashid's animated self - or if it's something about the way she looks at you, or if it's even something more deep than that. Whatever it is, it makes it pretty uncomfortable to hold eye contact for more than a few seconds.
"In pursuit of knowledge," she states, matter-of-fact. "The Copper Desert is practically on Alran's doorstep, and yet there hasn't been an expedition for hundreds of years. Frankly, I was disgusted with our complacency. I had the resources and the determination to see it through, and I would hear no dissent."
@Korza: Thankfully for Korza, Rashid and Iryna seem to be the only ones to really impress, here. Rashid is clearly non-combatant, even if you were to ignore his cane and limp. He's dressed impeccably, for sure, but his clothes are entirely too gaudy and impractical to be of any use in a fight. Iryna, on the other hand, is in armor that, while being polished and clean, is clearly well-maintained rather than unused. There's a falchion at her hip as well, sheathed in an elaborate, opal-inlaid scabbard.
Among their caravan are a few armed guardsmen - a broad-shouldered human man sat beside a dwarf, both with matching longswords at their sides, and an absolutely towering half-orc woman, head shaved bald, and with an incredibly ornate battleaxe on her back. Of the two remaining newcomers, one does wield a weapon - a young, blond dwarf with not enough meat on his bones or apparent brains in his head, also with a battleaxe on his back - but you sincerely doubt he's got anything resembling skill with it. The final newcomer, a small, black-haired human girl, appears to have no visible weapons on her whatsoever.
@Kelrot: If anyone is offended by the sound, it doesn't show. If anything, there's a few barely-stifled laughs, and some of the guardsmen take it as a sign to go right ahead and dig in. They've been in a desert, living on rations for who knows how long. Iryna may have the etiquette of a princess, but the rest of these guys just want to eat.
|
|
Still mildly embarrassed from the non-interruption, Kelrot catches the eye of the towering half-orc for a brief moment. He immediately stares down at his plate with a toothy grin. "Gruknuk was it? Pass me some of whatever that meat is next to you if you please! He says as he looks up from his plate. Kelrot keeps one ear on the conversation being had with Lady Iryna. The new names and locations excited him for what was to come. So we all seem to know Lucatiel's story. What's everyone else's? What brings everyone here and what did you do before?
Geesyl looks at Gruknuk, amused at the creature as if he were a pet of some sort, but not outwardly condescending. Feeling bold and impulsive, Geesyl addresses Rashid next.
"So, Mister Rashid is it? What work do you do back in Alran?" Geesyl trying hard not to annoy their guests, but can't suppress the impulse to know more about the visitors.
After she receives a satisfactory answer from Rashid, Geesyl will address Kilroy. Smiling slightly at the half-orc, she says, "Hello, I'm Geesyl. I'm interested in knowing what is beyond the city walls. What was your name again?"
Korza doesn't spare most of the guests more than a passing glance, but the half-orc and the small, dark-haired girl. The greataxe she kept by her side, a parting gift from her mother, was in great condition but not nearly as impressive as the weapon the stranger carried. She guessed that the other girl was some kind of spellcaster. If she was, Korza would have to chat with her later on.
Before it looked too much like she was staring, she turned to answer Kelrot. "I'm a sorceress from the academy," she said, grinning. "I'm hoping to see what kind of magic the outside world has to offer."
|
|
Geesyl? Sounds vaguely familiar... anyways! It's great to meet you!He takes a large swig from the mug in front of him before continuing, My name is Kelrot. From the Industrial District.
His table manners leave much to be desired but are still not completely absent. He rests his elbows off the table but does not mind using his massive forearm to wipe his beard after every swig. After another large drink from his mug, he turns to Korza.
I don't know much about magic or what's beyond that wall, but my guess is we could run into some nasty stuff. You don't look too protected with just those bits of cloth. We ever run into anything too angry come stand near me. I can protect more than just myself with this baby. Kolret's large hand pats his worn shield that rests beside him, as he gives Korza a friendly wink and smile.
Walking into the banquet chamber, Saria eyes both newcomers and fellow Axiomites with excitement. Saria Dalavon - I'm so pleased to meet all of you! I'm truly grateful for your determination to make the journey, my lady; I'm sure there's loads we have to learn about each other! If she's intimidated by Lady Iryna's stony demeanor, she doesn't show it. Instead, she continues around to each person at the table, visitors and fellow locals alike, offering her hand for a firm shake and asking each person's name with a smile beaming across her narrow features.
With personal introductions completed, she takes her place at table, decorously setting a napkin across her lap and taking a tidy (though large) bite of bread and cheese. At Kelrot's introduction, she laughs and scoots her chair to the side; on its back hangs a fancifully-carved shield depicting a dancing figure wrapped in myriad scarves, all highlighted with chipped enamel in bright colors. No worries on my behalf, good Kelrot; I hope to have my own defence well under control. Though I appreciate your offer - and your saving me some work! I've come from the Temple as a healer, so any wound you save is one I don't need to heal!
Her personal motivations for the journey aren't stated aloud, but they're evident in the way she drinks in the sight of the fair-coloured Iryna and the equally dark Rashid. It's clear she's curious almost to the point of distraction about the newcomers - when she's not making friendly conversation, she's hanging on their replies and their conversations like a book she's reading for the first time. I'm fascinated to learn more about all of you. Are there other languages you speak, normally? Are your meals much like ours, or are there different foods you usually eat? What about entertainment - what do you like to do for fun?
@Geesyl Rashid laughs, waving the question off with a motion of his hand. "Oh, it's hardly that interesting to talk about. I manage the technical details of a few shops around the kingdom, and the organization that keeps the rest under tabs. I make sure the prices are kept fair and products are kept quality across Alran and all her allied lands." He says this as if it's rehearsed, the same old answer he gives to the same old questions being asked, like it really isn't that big of a deal that he's essentially admitting to being in control of the world's economy. Really, it's nothing too impressive.
He leans on the table, hands folded neatly under his chin. "But, really, I'm hardly the interesting one, here. I want to know more about all of you! Please, don't spare me the details."
One of the guardsmen actually looks up to answer Saria - the human girl, Jezra, who has been similarly hanging off every word the group seems to care to throw her way. "The languages are interesting, you know? I mean, clearly they're at a place where we can communicate, or this would be a very different conversation, but based on what I heard, I think that's just the common tongue! See, listen to this -" She begins to rattle off some passage or other in what some of you can recognize as Elven, but it's turned on its head somewhat. The cadence is off from what you recognize, the pronunciation and grammar just shifted enough that you can follow it, but only with some concentrated effort.
"But, if I were from here, it would be a little more like-" She starts speaking again, this time haltingly and stilted, but closer to what you're expecting. "It's interesting, and I could only get someone fluent in Elven to talk long enough or I could tell you a little more but it sounds like your Elven borrows pretty heavily from Gnomish! There's a couple words we just don't have out there but I was able to figure out were pretty much just misplaced Gnomish in a heavy Elven accent and-"
It is about at this point that she realizes, quite suddenly, exactly how much she is talking and how quickly, and the blank or long-suffering looks on some of her companions, and she smiles, sheepish and flushing red. "I- I mean, it is a pretty big subject to be getting into. You could spend a lot of time studying that by itself. I'd be happy to talk to you about it in a little more depth on the road, though?"
"I am eager to talk about it on the road as well,"Geesyl responds to Jezra's statement. "When do we leave?"
"In pursuit of knowledge," she states, matter-of-fact. "The Copper Desert is practically on Alran's doorstep, and yet there hasn't been an expedition for hundreds of years. Frankly, I was disgusted with our complacency. I had the resources and the determination to see it through, and I would hear no dissent."
Eventually, Luca can contain herself no more and pounces on Lady Kozac's opening in the conversation. The woman's near golem-like movements and attitude are not a deterrent. "So you call this the Copper the Desert? How did you get across? We've had the odd scout try but they either returned saying it was all wasteland or did not return at all. Is it really that large? What's Alran like?" The last question was thrown in haphazardly. As if she just managed to prevent lobbing every question she had towards their guest.
Her head swivels at the sound of her name but, like a boomerang, swings back to Lady Kozac.
Gruknuk lifts his gaze to meet Kelrot's, the small goblin's mouth crammed full of sweets. Through the horde of foodstuffs, he manages a muffled reply and stands on his chair to reach a nearby steak with his fork. By the time he reaches the charred meat over to Kelrot, his mouth is clear. "Well, I guess I'm curious about what's out there like everyone else is. I really didn't think I would get chosen for this, y'know? I'm awfully honored to be here."
I don't know much about magic or what's beyond that wall, but my guess is we could run into some nasty stuff. You don't look too protected with just those bits of cloth. We ever run into anything too angry come stand near me. I can protect more than just myself with this baby. Kolret's large hand pats his worn shield that rests beside him, as he gives Korza a friendly wink and smile.
"I've got my own ways of protecting myself," she said. She let a tiny jolt of electricity pass between her finger and thumb, nothing impressive or alarming, just enough to hint at her meaning. "And wearing all that clunky armor would just get in my way. I do appreciate the offer though. I could use a shield or two between me and the nasties. She gives a nod to Saria as well.
Korza only half listens to whatever Rashid and Kozac are talking about. Neither really pique her curiosity much. She tries listening to Jerza, but between the speed and all the Elvish, she has trouble keeping up. Instead she just latches on to the last thing she heard. "Well I'm sure there's something special about you Gruknuk, else you wouldn't be here.
All of these people are interesting, but I'll bet the goblin is the most fun.
|
|
The slight crackle of electricity at Korza's fingertips makes Kelrot jump just slightly. Looks like you will have yourself handled. Ever need any help though, come stand near me. I am a one man shield wall.
He turns to accept the meat from Gruknuk's fork. (In Goblin) Thank you, Gruknuk. I don't know what this is, but it sure looks damned good. It's not rat is it? Kolret jokes with a toothy smile.
As he takes a large tear out of the slab of meat, he turns back to Saria. I learned that from my childhood friend in the Industrial Quarter. For some reason Ma always insisted on me learning Draconic, and of course I can speak Orc.
Kolret's attention starts drifting more in the direction of Rashid and Lady Kozac. The conversation has finally started shifting in the direction he was waiting for. The why's, what's and most importantly: the when's.
Gruknuk answers Kelrot in his native tongue with a mischievous grin on his face. "Nas yog me npaum li cas thiab tawv, zoo li kuv."
He turns to Korza as she addresses him. "Well, why thank you. You lot seem much more capable than I am, but I s'pose you're right." The goblin flexes his arms, showing off his minuscule biceps.
Iryna answers Geesyl's question first, before her attention turns to the flood of questions from Lucatiel. "We'll be leaving in three days. It's two weeks back travel back to Alran, and we'll need the time to rest and resupply. I trust that you'll all be ready."
She turns her attention to Lucatiel, now. "Yes. The length of travel isn't much of an issue - it takes us just as long to reach you as it would have for us to reach Ruvena - but this desert is dangerous. There is something... wrong. Across the entire desert. There are creatures out there, monstrous things, and anything that dies out there becomes one of them." She sighs, and for the first time since her arrival, you see her relax slightly. "It is no small task that I am asking of you, and there will be no harsh judgement from any here should that information be too daunting for you."
The half-orc woman, Bianka, seems to have a differing opinion as far as judgement is concerned. But, if she doesn't agree, she doesn't say anything about it.
It is about at this point that she realizes, quite suddenly, exactly how much she is talking and how quickly, and the blank or long-suffering looks on some of her companions, and she smiles, sheepish and flushing red. "I- I mean, it is a pretty big subject to be getting into. You could spend a lot of time studying that by itself. I'd be happy to talk to you about it in a little more depth on the road, though?"
At Jezra's halting Elven, Saria smiles. جيد جدا، على الرغم من لهجة قد يستغرق قليلا من العمل! لا تقلق - هذا كان أصعب جزء بالنسبة لي، أيضا. But you're right, there'll be plenty of time for that as we go. I'm no great linguist, but I'd be more than glad to share what I know.
The friendly discourse between Jezra and Saria is interrupted, though, as she overhears Lady Iryna's answer to Lucatiel. We've heard stories of fearful things out there...but I must confess, I don't know much of the particulars, she chimes in at a break in the conversation. Did you encounter any of these creatures during your travels here? What do you know about them, and about their abilities? You said those that pass away out there become one of them - is there some kind of animating force involved, then, some sort of necromancy? If there is, is it something that can possibly be reasoned with?
Just two weeks? Why that's not long at all. Monsters or not, someone should have made this trip ages ago.
After Saria's string of questions, Korza chimes in with one of her own, although hers is directed towards Bianka. She's clearly more comfortable talking to the guards than she is to Kozac. "How hard are they to fight?"
|
|
Kelrot's attention has now completely shifted to the conversation being had with Lady Kozac. The jovial nature he approached the table with has dissipated in favor of a more serious manner. "something wrong across the entire desert," she says. Well this day is just delivering more and more surprises. He thinks as he listens to her reply to Saria.
Lady Kozac is this threat what brings you to Axiom? We don't often get visitors here. Are your cities being attacked by whatever this is? Is guard duty all that you are going to need us for on this trip back to Alran?
Gruknuk, too, joins the conversation that has taken hold of the table. He gives Kelrot a quizzical look, though his words are directed at Lady Kozac. "Not often? We've never had visitors, like, ever. Is it really that bad out there?" Maybe they taste good..
"Are you kidding, I'm dying to get out of Axiom," Geesyl says lying through her teeth. Secretly, now afraid of the serious descriptions of the horrors that lie beyond the city walls.
I can't figure it out, but something is not quite right with these two diplomats. I will keep a close eye on them.
Iryna shrugs her shoulders in response to Saria. "If there was a singular force making it happen, we were unaware. So far as any of us were able to tell, it was something that was a part of the desert itself.
They don't seem to pose a threat outside of the desert, though. It's much of why we allowed ourselves complacency for so long - we knew this was unsafe, but the danger never came to our door, and so we chose to ignore it." She says this with contempt, her voice having taken on a cold, icy edge. She takes a moment to compose herself.
"You haven't been chosen simply for guard duty, I hope you understand. You are also the first steps in what we all hope to be a relationship between our cities that will be beneficial to all."
Bianka shrugs, leaning back in her seat. "Some are easier, some are worse." She seems to contemplate that for a moment, and shoots Bianka a wide, fanged grin. "They'll all fall sooner or later."
|
|
Well, Kolret says, mildly taken aback by the shift in Lady Kozac's tone, I don't know much about being an ambassador, Before last week I didn't know about other cities, let alone what an ambassador even was. but you seem to be shooting straight with me, Lady Kozac. I am still very interested in going with your group. Is there anything you need from us over the next three days?
After listening to Lady Kozac's response, Kelrot turns to Bianka. Starting to get noticeably drunk, he has worked up more courage to talk to her. You have killed these things before? He asks, obviously impressed. What were they like? Any weaknesses or anything I should know of before going toe to toe with one of these monsters? His drunkenness has definitely boosted his confidence in this journey.
Korza returned Bianka's grin, taking her words perhaps a bit more literally than intended. "Ooooh, I get it now. Our job us to deal with this threat and clear a safe path through the desert. That's why they needed the best and the brightest in the city."
"Wait!" Luca nearly shouts interrupting most of the conversations. "Three days? We have to wait three more days? Ugh." She slumps back in her chair. It was obvious they needed time to rest. And the news of monsters was bad but she was hoping to be free tomorrow. To open the gates and run free. Eventually, after sulking for a lot longer than a noble should, she finally registers the rest of the conversations. She scoffs at Korza's deduction. "I highly doubt that." She looks around the room at her fellow Axiomites. The city was smallish. Everyone in the room was known to her, at least their faces were recognizable at some point in her life. "None of us have any real combat experience. The crime rate here is negligible. What would know about fighting monsters? I mean," and she looks at Kozac, "we'll pull our own weight but I doubt the Lady Kozac would put novices on the front lines. Terrible start to a diplomatic mission."
The stout goblin stands on his chair, reaching a similar height as his companions at the table. He turns to Luca wags a finger toward her in protest "Hey, have you seen the rats in those sewers? I've fought some nasty rodents in my time, I'll have you know. Never bit off more than I can chew, though." He finishes his commentary with a wink and a smile, arms crossed with smug satisfaction.
Saria raises a hand placatingly toward Lucatiel and Korza. Lady Kozac is right - I'm certain we've all been chosen for myriad reasons, both defensive and diplomatic. I do not believe we have been chosen simply as fodder for foes along the way, or as escorts for a party that's proven itself incapable; after all, they've arrived here in safety. But I do believe that everyone will acquit themselves admirably in making sure we reach our goal. After all, Lucatiel, I have seen your jousts - with you and Deserae working together, even monsters cannot stand!
She smiles, hoping to have placated some of the rider's fears. We will all bring our skills to bear to reach journey's end safely, and when we arrive, we will usher in a new era of openness and discourse with our new-found friends. And I, for one, cannot wait to begin - though I am certain all of you could use some rest after your journey. Her smile now turns to encompass the newly-arrived party. Do you know where you are staying? Is there anything you need? I would be happy to act as your liaison, if you wish to see more of Axiom.
My blade is quick your highness. I can assure you of that.
Geesyl put on countless hours of practice with the instrument so greatly connected to her heritage. Still, the unknown offered up great terror as she contemplated ways to beef up her armaments.
Forgive my bluntness your Highness, but what recompense can we expect to receive for joining your cause?
Iryna waves Kelrot's question off. "Our needs are being met. All I'll need from you is to be ready when we leave."
Bianka, though, seems happy to talk on her experiences - she clearly loves fighting, and she seems like she'd be happy to talk about it for the rest of her time here. Probably for the rest of her trip back to Alran. "There were a few that we encountered, none of them quite the same - but none of them react to pain, they'll keep coming at you until they're dead. And you don't want to let any of them get ahold of you. If any of these creatures are able to do that, it's only a matter of time before their evil takes its hold on you." She huffs, crossing her arms. As happy as she seems to talk about fighting, the idea of something corrupting people like that sits very cross with her. She even looks a little antsy, as if, now she's talking about it, she can barely stand to be inside, talking, and not out in the desert with her axe.
Iryna does nod, placating, to Lucatiel. "You may be called on to fight, I won't lie to you about that. But, not all of us are combatants, ourselves. If we are in danger, and you wish to stay out of it, stand by Rashid."
Rashid shrugs, sheepish, and gestures with his cane. "What can I say, I'm utterly useless in a fight." He continues, this time turning to Saria. "We'll be staying here, with the Speakers, I believe. But I would be truly honored to have a guide around the city in the three very long days before we can set off for home. Your city is lovely, and I'm excited to see more of it."
He almost seems to cut himself off at Geesyl's question, and he grins. Sure, it was directed to Iryna, but Rashid barely lets her start talking. "Ah, of course! The question of payment. Of course, Iryna has her offers for you - monetary payment, privileges within Alran, you'll be very well taken care of, I assure you. But I may have an offer for you, myself, once we reach the city. I'd like to get to know about you before I go into much detail, but I could always use some adventurous types, should you choose to continue exploring the world after we reach Alran."
"Yes but they are still rats. Can those rats turn you into a rat like them?" she says to Gruknuk. To be honest, the goblin still unnerved her a little. It was probably because his mouth was a little large for his face. And the pointy teeth didn't help.
However she blushes at Saria's exaggerating. "Noooo. I think you saw a lucky hit. When I do hit, and it's really not all that often yet, I am confident it would be over. But I am much better with a bow."
She looks annoyed at Geesyl when she asks about recompense. You weren't supposed to do that over dinner. This was for more light-hearted conversation. Then again, Lady Kozac broke that already so it was less of a faux pas at this point. She brightens considerably though when Rashid mentions seeing more of the world. "Oo. I can guide. I'll tell you about the city if you tell me what's beyond the wall."
Korza grimaced in Lucatiel's direction, but Saria's words placated her before she said anything she shouldn't have. Besides, the conversation was already moving along. She did make a couple of mental notes for later though.
She wasn't all that interested in monetary rewards, but Rashid's offer did sound intriguing. But something about what Bianka said held her attention even more. "How many were you when you left Alran?"
|
|
If there is an empty seat nearer to Bianka, Kelrot moves to take it in order to not interrupt the conversation he had previously been so interested in. Whatever prior shyness he had with Bianka was replaced by sheer fascination.
If I encounter one what is the best way to kill it?pointing at her battle axe I was never very good with the axe, but I can handle sword and board or spear and shield fighting. Will that be an efficient killing method?
If she seems engaged in the conversation he will talk to her about these creatures, different styles of fighting in Alran and Axiom, how their militaries work, etc. If not he will return his full attention back to the conversation with the others.
However she blushes at Saria's exaggerating. "Noooo. I think you saw a lucky hit. When I do hit, and it's really not all that often yet, I am confident it would be over. But I am much better with a bow."
Not at all! Or if so, your good luck alone should be more than adequate to see us all safely to Alran! Saria responds graciously. Indeed, seeing my present company, my greatest fear is that I'll be completely unnecessary on this voyage - between us, we seem to have a great array of talent at hand.
Rashid shrugs, sheepish, and gestures with his cane. "What can I say, I'm utterly useless in a fight." He continues, this time turning to Saria. "We'll be staying here, with the Speakers, I believe. But I would be truly honored to have a guide around the city in the three very long days before we can set off for home. Your city is lovely, and I'm excited to see more of it."
If every seed were an acorn, we would not know the joy of wine, the priestess replies. I look forward to learning more of all of you on our journey, and I would be glad to show anyone interested around our humble home. The Temple is a grand sight, and the methods we've developed to grow the food we need are quite fascinating - if you're interested in that sort of thing! We have a quite vibrant arts district as well, if anyone would care to take in a performance.
Bianka's grin falters at Korza's question, and she looks down. "We were.... a few more. Not by many, but there were some losses along the way."
She's silent for a few moments, out of respect for the dead, before looking back up, to Kelrot. Her expression is serious, now, all hints of her earlier grin gone. "For some, you'll want your spear. You'll want them kept away from you first and foremost. For others, ending it quickly is far more important, and your sword will be necessary. I can help to guide you."
Rashid doesn't immediately respond to Saria or Lucatiel, Bianka's conversation having turned the mood across the remaining caravan somber. After a moment, he gives them both a somewhat weak smile. "I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we would all be overjoyed to have such competent guides - and would be happy to give you as much information about the outside world as you would care to know."
|
|
Kelrot continues his conversation with Bianka for a few minutes. Then he turns to the rest of the group. So if anyone has business to conduct over the next three days we should look into that. Personally I am ready to go whenever we are ready. There is not much left for me in thish town. He says slightly slurring his words.
Korza nods thoughtfully but doesn't press for any further details. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm certain they were very brave." She allows Kelrot to have his conversation with her, instead addressing Rashid for the first time that evening.
"If anyone would like a tour of the academic quarter, I would be happy to assist. I think I've studied at more schools than anyone my age, so I know my way around pretty well. Otherwise, I'll be spending the next three days making final preparations for the trip."
"Yeah, I'd be happy to -URP- show you around, but I live in the sewers, so y'know" Gruknuk shrugs dismissively.
He teases Luca, noticing her unease "I wouldn't know, I ate them all" He bears his teeth and displays his claw-like nails in a comical attempt to appear threatening.
Heeding Bianka's words, Geesyl reluctantly spent two of her last three gold to purchase a spear and a sling with bullets. Wishing she could purchase a bow, but lacking the funds.
The rest of her three days were spent finding out information about what she might face and also seeking more information about Rashid and Lady Kozac.
Geesyl kept an eye out for the goblin as he amused her so much with nis brash manners.
There wasn't much for Lucatiel to do over the next three days personally. She'd been ready three days before the caravan arrived. Now she was just checking her gear for the ump-teenth time. "Wait. Desert hot. Duh." There was one last thing to get. An outfit suitable for the desert's hot weather. And maybe a few more canteens.
She did make the most of those three days, asking as many questions as she could about this, that, and other of Rashid or anyone else she could get her hands on. She guided Rashid through the places she was most familiar with, the Noble's Quarter and the Barracks, but let Korza and Saria handle the Acedemic and Temple.