Fibek bows deeply to Sandru:
"I realize my method of detecting for evil is quite inexact and would have caused us problems. Without your intervention, we would have criminals in our caravan. My apologies--I just have a tendency to try and organize things."
Upon beginning to plan the scouting chores, Fibek answers:
"I am right handed, so the right side seems the best place for me to start. We should occasionally meet up and switch sides to get a second set of eyes on the local terrain. I would appreciate any pointers, as I am less familiar with this than you are."
Fibek confesses:"You are somewhat of a legend in these parts. According to some stories you are soundless and invisible and capable of firing a hundred arrows at a time."
He jokes: "I would be happy to learn to fire two or three arrows at a time."
Sandru smiles ruefully. "I, too, apologize. I do appreciate your efforts, I prefer a well planned trip as well. Let's go over your plans, and I'll let you know if I see any issues, though...aside from those two, I don't see any other immediate issues."
The elf explains his plans to Sandru.
"By staffing up this caravan we can start a trading enterprise employing many good people. Erastil would approve of our desire to provide a mobile home and hearth to so many!!"
The look of pleasure on the elf is quite obvious. He asks with true concern to Sandru.
"We hire these men and take them from our home. I feel we can pay these men for some time, and I would dip into my own savings if necessary, but do you feel we can make this a profitable enterprise? I looked at some smaller plans, but I want to put good men to work and encourage them not to seek criminal pasttimes when trading can provide them a living."
Fibek extends his hand in friendship to Sandru.
He mutters wistfully:"If only I can open up as much around Shalelu."
Mai goes about doing things
Mai hears it from Fibek while inside near a window.
Another one going after onee-sama, I'll be the judge if your worthy.
Sir Alfric grins as he grasps arms with Sandru again.
"It is excellent to be travelling with you again my friend! I have missed scouting for one of your caravans with Shalelu. And Ameiko and Kora to go as well! This will be an adventure true."
Leaning in he drops his voice.
"What can you tell me of these newcomers, this Fibek and Vak and, and... the other one who's name I didn't catch? I have not travelled with them before."
"I haven't met them much myself. All are new in town. Hm. Fibek seems to be...more used to be in charge. I suspect he's some type of elven nobility, but he does seem more willing to listen than some -even human- nobility I've met. Vak, Ikshvaku Charayana, is from a Vudrani trading clan based in Magnimar. I've dealt with them before and they're decent folks. Irori followers and friends of Niska and Koya. As for the boy, Braydon...though I guess he's not a boy, really...he's also an Irori follower. I'm not sure why his mentor left him here, though he did speak with Sheriff Hemlock and Shalelu first. Ask them. If there's an issue with him, I'd like to know before we leave. Still, Koya and Ameiko seem to like him."
After the Harrow draw, Ikshvaku takes the old fortune teller aside for a moment. "Mistress Koya, I did not have the chance to speak of this with you before. I received word from my parents; they send their condolences on the death of your mother, and their apologies for not attending the memorial. They were at sea when she passed...as you know, merchants are sometimes difficult to find, yes? Even in my small journeys around southern Varisia I have seen this."
Fibek prays to his divine patron for guidance on how to speak to Shalelu, and is rewarded with a divine answer. Grabbing his holy symbol he slips into a reverie where he concentrates on Shalelu so she can see herself as he sees her. Telepathically, he allows her to see his thoughts rather than hear his awkward words.
Tears form on the elves face as the highly personal act of sharing deep feelings is so contrary to his upbringing and personality. The minute long interval leaves him emotionally drained.
Overhearing the conversation between Sir Alfric and Sandru, Braydon decides now is a better time for shopping than awkward introductions, and slips out the door to head to the market district..then decides to head to the temples first. There, he'll tithe 100gp to Irori, then spread another 100gp around to the other temples.
In the market, he acquires a few new toys for his upcoming journey.
Shalelu looks startled, briefly, then angry, then shakes her head, and with a bit of amusement, walks over to Fibec and taps him on the shoulder.As he turns to look at her, she says "Next time, ask first. and...talk to Ameiko about your...phrasing."
She heads out to start setting up her travel equipment.
Fibek look somewhat chastised, but responds:
"It will be handy to communicate telepathically for tactical reasons. I will be careful what feelings are communicated in the future."
Fibek visits Ameiko. He is typically diplomatic and circumspect, but this issues has him flustered. He decides to get to the point quickly.
"Shalelu says if I am to approach her with any romantic ideas, I should first consult you first about how to phrase them."
Koya looks up from her study of the various cards the group chose. "I thank you for your consideration and condolences. I do understand the vagaries of travel. My mother and I are Varisian, after all. Your presence is a comfort in and of itself. I am glad and honored that you will be accompanying us. I suspect that..." here she looks down at the deck in her hands "there is more to this trip than is apparent to us now. The note from Rokoru spoke of enemies, powerful ones. Perhaps the secret of what happened to Brinewall is part of what we will find."
She shakes her head and looks over at Ameiko, clowning with the others. "Do you know how her father died? Murdered by her half brother, her mother's illegitimate son. He was bound to a throne-like chair and covered in molten glass."
She cuts the deck and it opens once more to the Empty Throne.
"I fear this card."
Ikshvaku smiles at the old Varisian. "It is for me a matter of honor to come on this trip, even if I were not already interested. Your mother, may the Lady judge her kindly, made me promise that if you ever went on a long journey I should accompany you. Perhaps she foresaw all this?" At Koya's words about Ameiko, the Vudrani's sharp intake of breath is his only apparent reaction, then he shakes his head slowly. "She appears to have grown past this, yes? Though I, too, wonder how much she carries with her. To leave Sandpoint behind, though, may be good for her."
He straightens up. "Now, though, we must be obtaining more wagons, and drivers for them. Master Sandru, where would be the best place to hire more hands, and buy two more wagons?"
Fibek nods:
"If we go for a big enterprise we need more wagons. With the hunters we have I think we can make this work. If we can turn over our goods fairly frequently and buy stores and provisions at towns on the road, this can be a self sustaining enterprise that keeps many of our employees prosperous."
Sandru thinks deeply. "Best...hmm. I do have to admit a preference for Varisians." Here he smiles, sheepishly. "Still, I don't think we need to be too complex. After all, while we will do some trading on this trip, it's more of a support crew for an expedition, rather than a pure trade caravan. We're headed to Brinewall to find out what happened to Ameiko's grandfather and to see if we can locate this 'warding box'. I'd recommend single adults, those used to dangerous travels and not afraid of possible hauntings. Not to say we couldn't bring a family, just that we probably shouldn't."
He thinks more. "As for wagons? If all you want are more covered wagons, the wainwright here is very good, and may even have some in stock. Anything else, we should probably get from Magnimar, though that would add about three days to our preparations, one there, one to purchase, then one to return. Personally, I think I'd recommend one more covered wagon and, given that we'll be off the usual paths on the final leg, a chuck wagon to simplify food preparation."
He laughs. "Besides, while Ameiko's -supposedly- a great cook, I'm not sure she can do it without the proper tools."
There's a snort from Ameiko's direction and a mug mysteriously bonks him on the head.
After speaking to Fibec, Shalelu heads over to Sir Alfric and says "Can I speak to you privately?
Before he can answer she drags him to a private booth and sits him down. "I need your help with Braydon. No, not like that. He has...issues...and I think he left because he thinks you're a paladin and a threat to him. You see..." here she pauses, considering her phrasing. "He's a natural were-rat. Born that way. He's not evil, and was raised by adherents of Irori. From what the -gentleman- with him said to the sheriff while I was there he was 'dumped' on the monastery, as a toddler, by a group of adventurers who'd just slaughtered his entire family in front of him. He is in control of his lycanthropy, and doesn't seem to be planning on attacking anyone, or spreading his condition. Please, speak to him, get to know him, see what you think. I value your advice. Note, he did travel -and adventure- with Fibec, Vac, and Kayosin, and none of them seem to feel he's a threat."
She pauses. "Oh, and one more thing. From what the others told me, he let them know before they even went out that he was a were-rat."
"Well, then. To the wainwright, Fibek? Sandru, would you mind if we use your name? We are still not well known here."
"Sure, let us not tarry. I will see if I can get us a good price."
Sandru nods. "Certainly. In fact, if you wish, I'll come too."
"And how do we order the chuck wagon from Magnimar?"
"Hm. It might be better if I went. You go ahead and order the covered wagon and get things set up. Either of my partners will be happy to help you, as would Ameiko or even Koya. In fact, you might just get better service dropping her name, rather than mine. I'll head down to Magnimar, and be back in three days. After that we'll go over all the supplies and trade goods, and we should be able to set out within a week, total. Is that satisfactory for everyone?"
He looks around at the rest of the group still here. "Does anyone else have any ideas or suggestions?"
"Can I speak to you privately?
Sir Alfric smiles with fondness.
"Of co..." He gets out before she hauls him over to a private booth and lays out the problem with Braydon."Well, of course; your wish is my command as you know." He said.
He frowned a little, thinking of the problem.
"I don't understand why a Paladin would be a problem..." He waives his hand, dismissing the thought.
"Never mind; I will deal with it. Do you know where he currently is offhand?"
"Not off-hand. I think he went shopping. Check in the shops, or even at the House of Blue Stones."
Sir Alfric smiled.
"At once, milady." He bowed with respect (and more) as he left. He ached to do more, but he knew she had no taste for the manners of court.
Outside the Inn, he looked around briefly to see if Braydon left any distinctive tracks, though he knew it was unlikely given the traffic hereabouts.
Then he set about asking people around town if they had seen him.
Buying a: Medium chest [5g - 50#] w/ simple lock [20g - 1#]
1 set of cold weather gear [8g - 7#]
1 courtier's outfit [30g - 6#]
1 set of cleats [5g - 2#]
1 very nicely embroidered wool scarf [7g - 1#]
Trade goods to fill the balance of the trunk, mostly sculpted glass & salt [189g]
Sir Alfric catches up to Braydon at the market, where he is haggling over a rather long embroidered woolen scarf..
"Seven pieces of gold - that's what it's worth to me. Deal? Good, good."
Braydon turns to address the approaching figure.
"You were back in the tavern, yes? I doubt your being here is coincidence. What can I do for you?"
Sir Alfric approaches Braydon, takes off his helm and bows politely.
"I beg your pardon sir for interrupting your trade, but Shalelu bid me to approach and reassure you that I was not in fact a Paladin, or averse to you because of your..." He looked around at the open market; " unfortunate birthright."
He looks at Braydon with some curiosity.
"I must say I don't understand what difference that would make. A Paladin would be an excellent fellow to have along."
Braydon looks at Alfric with a puzzled expression.
"I didn't really have you pegged as a paladin. You lack the ..religious symbolism.. usually worn by such. Nor was I aware you..even knew about that."
He sniffs a few times..
"I suspect Shalelu informed you of that. You were recently in close quarters with her. I don't think of myself..as unfortunate. It does cause problems with those unwilling to..see past it. Like a few individual..paladins did in my past."
After a moment, he chimes in with...
"I'm..Braydon, by the way. Pleased to..make your acquaintance."
He extends his hand to shake.
Sir Alfric grins as he grasps Braydon's hand in turn.
"And I am Alfric, Knight Batchelor of the Order of the Shield. I am honored to make your acquaintance."
He looks over Braydon's purchases.
"Are you going to buy into the caravan yourself?"
"If they'll let..me carry a trunk, why not try my hand? I'm only taking..a few..select things, things I think would trade well. Buy..cheap, sell dear. I think that's how it goes."
He pauses to reflect, then adds, "..and clothing. I've never..bought my own clothes before. Always just..hand-me-downs from the temple."
Ameiko studies Fibek curiously. "Oh, she said that, did she. Hm. Just what did you do, anyway? After all, she's always been a bit -introverted- about personal relations. Hm. Treat her like a comrade, get to know her before plunging into a relationship."
She studies Fibek interestedly. "You might try finding out what she likes. Gifts that she'd like and use, upgraded survival gear for example. Thinks like that. Let her make the first move, once you've had a chance to let her understand YOU better. And, whatever you do, do NOT imply, in any way that she's incapable of loving anyone."
Fibek thinks about what he would like, and settles on one of those custom made magnifying glasses that allow an increased awareness of tracks and the ability to start fires with the smallest of sunlight.
Fibek explains to Ameiko: "I just let her see how much I admired her as ranger using my telepathic abilities. The main reason I am learning the craft is due to her demonstration of how much good rangers can do. I am not good with relationships either."
Ikshvaku looks around a bit. Seeing that most everyone has either left or is in conversations, he does a second look before spotting the listener. If she were not concentrating on paying attention to Fibek and Shalelu, I do not think I would have seen her. "Mai, would you and Koya like to come to the wainwright with me? We have a wagon to buy, and if we are to travel together perhaps we should learn more of each other's abilities, yes?"
"I would not mind joining you on shopping for a wagon."
The Vudrani bows with a warm smile. "Let us go, then." In appearance Ikshvaku is tall and muscular, with a shaven head and dense beard just beginning to curl. He wears a chain shirt and carries a longbow; like Mai he is nearly noiseless when he moves.
Sir Alfric grins at Braydon.
"Ha! It is good to be able to buy your own equipment..."
A thought strikes him.
"And that reminds me. A moment of your time shopkeep!"
Mai is actually a little taller than Ikshvaku, and slightly better muscled. The Vudrani is actually a little quicker and quieter, though, and has an annoying tendency to put on bursts of speed to get through momentary spaces in crowds. "I am sorry...it is taking me more time than I would like to get used to this."
Mai responds with
"Getting used to what, that their are women who are taller than most men, or are you referring to the shopping for the wagon?"
"No. I have been trained to move more quickly than most, and what happened in the cave made me even faster. When I am distracted, I forget how fast I can walk."
"What are you talking about, I could move that quick if I want to, but I don't like the attention that it wold attract."
Ikshvaku shrugs and keeps moving.
Assuming nothing else interrupts them on the way, Ikshvaku will arrange for delivery of a covered wagon to The Rusty Dragon, as soon as is feasible.
Braydon and Sir Alfric notice Vak and Mai hustling past, seemingly unaware of just how fast they are actually moving.
When you arrive at Wheen's Wagon's, you are greeted by an assistant, a young Varisian woman, who might have been very attractive if it wasn't for the burn scars across half her face. She leads you to the pre-built wagons and points out their good points, then, half-way through her spiel, stops and says "Actually, they're all pretty much the same. Excellent construction, though, I assure you. But, that's not...I understand you're hiring. Do you need a wainwright? I'm good, just ask Bilivar. When he's sober, that is. I've made most of these. If you're interested, it's a twofer. My husband is an excellent driver, though not Varisian. If you're full up, I'll understand, but please, keep us in mind."
Ikshvaku nods. "I cannot commit to anything, you understand, but I will keep you in mind. What are your names?"
"I am Karela, my husband is Tshamek. He's a Shoanti half-elf."
Sir Alfric rubs his chin.
"If Mai is there..." He grins suddenly.
"Excuse me Sir Braydon, but I must strike while the iron is hot!"
He runs off to find Shalelu.
Sir Alfric arrives back at the Rusty Dragon to find Shalelu, Koya, and Ameiko in deep discussion on their preparations for the trip.
They all look up as he enters.
"What do you need, Sir Alfric? Did you forget something? Did you catch up with Braydon? How is he?" Shalelu smiles, in a friendly fashion as all three break into speech at once.
Braydon shrugs as Sir Alfric runs off.
"He seems to be thinking with the wrong end..."
Sir Alfric bows to all.
"Your pardon, miladys, for interrupting. I only wished to gift you with these spare bowstrings."
He presents the masterwork bowstrings to Shalelu.
"I remember your teachings very well; a thousand and one uses besides archery. And I would not see you helpless if some intelligent enemy cuts your bowstring."
He bows again, this time to Shalelu alone.
"Again, my apologies for interrupting. Carry on please!"
He withdraws.