Still happily eating rabbit stew, Kyliki noticed the the white ball of fur the newest patron was holding. She moved and leaned around some trying to see what it was. 'What is it? What is it?'
Lex pauses before she answers the Tien woman as new arrival file in one by one through the door. First a very dirty dwarf, then a very handsome Ulfen, and finally a very pretty woman.
What was with her today that she was calling women pretty?
"...Err, right. The Bishops? There are no 'Bishops', as you'd say. Only one, that is - my father. He's a caravan master, and I've traveled all over Avistan with him. Him and...anyways, you're heading towards the northern passage? That's quite a trip from here..." The woman states, ears perking up at the Skald tongue being spoken by the Ulfen man, glancing over at him.
"Well, if you need to find somebody to venture north with, seems like we're getting all sorts of people shuffling in this winter..." She comments, keeping her eyes glued on him as he goes to approach some of the other men.
"Maybe you can flirt with some one and see if they'd accompany you. Unless you're doing that right now. Not that I'm not flattered, just that, err, I'm more accustomed to being bought drinks by men..." Well, she assumed that would happen after striking off on her own, anyways.
Noticing Kyliki eagerly leaning over, Martin happily revealed his small mystery.
"Opal, you don't have to hide anymore. We are inside," said Martin to the small, furry ball.
The ball slowly, and carefully unfurled; peeking around to make sure there were no predators. Golden patches on the arctic hare's face, ears, and underbelly betrayed his otherwise perfectly white fur.
"There now, you see, we are all safe," Martin said to his small friend before turning to the young woman. "This is my traveling companion, Opal. I found him by chance, and it is a wonder he had not been snatched before. Would you like to hold him? He is quite friendly."
Martin held Opal out towards Kyliki, his bluish-gray hands hinting of his nature.
Leaving her food for now she gently took Opal. Petting him with a smile, "He's so cute!"
Opal happily goes with the woman and snuggles up to her - at first. The scent of rabbit stew and her fox-like nature throw him into a fit as he squirms and tries to get away.
"Opal, what has gotten into you? Stop acting soo scared. I told you that we are inside and there is nothing in here that is going to eat you. My apologies, Miss, he is normally not like this. I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name? You have already met Opal here and myself," says Martin; carefully aware that he never introduced himself as he is very shy and avoids talking about himself.
Still eying the Jadwiga, Grimkell answers to the dwarf's question:I thought I saw an assassin. He seems totally oblivious to the look the Carl gave him.
He goes on addressing Karyne: Well, you are quite the secret, with clothes so uncommon to your people and a niceness that would never be seen in a witch. So, have you been exiled from Irrisen, have your sisters denied you the rights to nobility? Who are you? The face that will launch a thousand ships?. The tone is not at all agressive, it truly seems as thought Grimkell is simply too curious.
As he speaks, he walks up to the place next to Karyne and picks up the drink she ordered for him. He toasts with his glass hitting Karyne's glass and walks toward the stage where the bard was performing.
As he does so, he passes by Kyliki and Martin, the expression of surprise on his face clearly shows that he had not been aware of their presence so far. Grimkell takes a better look around. A smile appear in his eyes.
Impressive, the locals are outnumber by strange strangers tonight. Ha, this is just like in the old sagas, something great is afoot.
"Virker som historien er i ferd med å begynne"
"Seems like the story is about to begin"
He takes out a lyre and prepares to sing.
Without turning to the Ulfen, Martin says audibly under his breath in perfect Skald due to his upbringing, "Sögur eru eins og líf, hvert upphaf enda og sérhver endir er nýtt upphaf."
His words coming more as if repeating something he once heard, and not by his own volition.
The auburned headed woman watches as the Ulfen man takes out his lyre. So they were some kind of traveling bard - one who didn't seem to think it was unnatural to draw his sword in the middle of a tavern. He was also very nice to look at, as Lex leaned forward.
"Saga lögun a myndarlegur maður, virðist það... bíddu, hann talar skáld líka! Fjandinn!"
Coughing and trying to cover up her slight - she'd never really been in a place where so many others spoke a language she could usually speak without anyone around knowing what she was saying - she picks up the next tankard of mulled cider, taking a fresh gulp and averting her eyes in humiliation.
Without looking or really thinking of what the woman says, Martin responds, "Don't worry, there are no devils here."
Leaning down to whisper really quietly to Opal, "It's okay, you are safe. I don't eat peoples friends. Plus, you're to cute."
Sitting back up, speaking louder to Martin, "I am Kyliki." A smile was across her face. Meeting new people was always fun. Plus this guy was interesting. And he had let her hold his rabbit!
"Mér finnst sögur!"
"Well met, Kyliki! Oh, I almost forgot. It is customary to purchase something when in a tavern. I see that you have a meal, would you care for another drink. I plan on buying something warm myself," said Martin before standing up to make his way to the bartender.
"Sure!" Kyliki went back to her food, setting Opal down beside the bowl. Fishing out a carrot from her soup she offered it to Opal while Martin got his food. "I know it's cooked, but maybe you'll like it."
Lex's embarrassment is doubled when the stranger with the rabbit comments so casually to her, grabbing her hat and pulling it down over her head. While attempting to hide the nigh luminescent signal of her shame and calm her frayed nerves, the young woman thinks about where she's going, what she's planning on doing, her goals. Those reminders are a cold bucket of water to her face, soothing her emotions and allowing her a bit more control.
"Right...going to start speaking Varisian from now on when I don't want somebody knowing what I'm saying..." She mutters.
"Wrack and Ruin! Did tha Ulfen bring tha cold an' their tongue to Taldor?" Carl's annoyance at the chattering in foreign languages is stopped short by the odd exchange at the bar. Ha, are these folks pettin' their eats, or eatin' their pets? Seemingly without reason, Carl grins at the pretty lass in white and her rabbit bearing friend. He raises a toast, "To warm meals served in tha hardest a' winters."
Carl stands and stumps over to the wilting human girl. He leans close, "Aye, Longshanks. Yer hidin'? What did the wee-man say ta ya that's got ya all willowy in the knees?" His cigar, flashes back and forth like a conductor's baton as he talks.
Grimkell casts a glance at Martin, his stern expression back, he says:"Indeed, stories ARE like lives; every beginning an end and every end a new beginning.
Thus, I shall start my story with an ending. And I shall translate it to Taldan for the Dwarf.
Come sit down strangers and listen to my song
A tale about heroes to become
and foes to be slain
In his 111th winter fell by the cold
Was Ogmungr the linnorn slayer
Icy tears heaven's cry for the lost
Forced maidens, great warriors alike
In Heldren the small seeking shelter"
Grimkell's voice is beautiful yet unnatural with harmonics impossible to be made by humans. Not as much sang than spoken, the tone of the speaker stirs deep feelings within the crowd. In the middle of the song, he winks at Alex.
Grimkell goes on presenting whom he calls the lady of the story. Looking at Karyne he waits expectantly for her to reveal her name.
The entrance to the tavern is suddenly covered in shadow. A huge man steps through the door without a sound, and walks towards the singer. The man has a white bear pelt slung across his body. The head of the bear lies upon his shoulder, red eyes, staring lifelessly at any who talk to him. As he approaches, Grimkell can see that his irises are pure white with no color whatsoever. The man walks up to Grimkell and stands right in front of him...
Suddenly the man's face lights up with a grin, and he slaps Grimkell on the back.
"A fine song friend. Did you create it yourself? It sounds like a song that should be passed down through the ages!"
With that Filius offers his hand.
"I'm Filius Hiemensson 'WinterBorn', and it's good to hear a song in these days friend."
Grimkell stops playing the Lyre. He frowns at the man, a semblance of intimidation in his eyes. A second passes, he slaps the man quite strongly, smiles at him and starts laughing a deep yet clear laugh almost as unnatural as his singing voice.
Venn fra norht, how nice it is to see someone from the Linnorns. You must know the way our songs are sang! Would you care to join me? We are waiting for the first woman of our adventure, the Jadigwa over there, to introduce herself to the crowd!
Grimkell goes on playing the lyre.
Filius laughs with Grimkell.
"Of course honored skald. I'd love to sing with you, but I think I will try to learn the name of our silent friend over there first."
Filius walks up to Karyne.
"Greetings, and nice to meet you. Would you grace me with a name Miss....."
The ache in Llyr's feet remind him how far they have walked today, leaving Oppara on their way to Zimar. So far, this job has been fairly easy, the only hard part has been dealing with the hard tack for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seeing the jagged edge of rooftops on the horizon is a welcome site, and soon he is striding into the Silver Stoat. Not a massive physical specimen, he has delicate ulfen features, as much as someone can say any ulfen feature is delicate. He is dressed in mottled grey, green, and brown travelling cloths, with a hint of leather armor poking out at the neck and waist. He is armed, with a sizable crossbow and short sword, but the smile under his brown eyes makes it clear his thoughts are far from thinking he may need them in this quiet hamlet of a village.
Taking a quick survey of the inhabitants, his eyes slightly boggle at the menagerie collecting here, but they finally settle on the barkeep. His smile growing wider, he strides over to the bar, "Hello milady," he says as a gold piece dances across his knuckles. "I'd like to speak with the owner of this fine establishment in hopes of procuring a few rooms and some of your delicious smelling food. Is your mother available to discuss the logistics, surely one as young and beautiful as you can't have stepped into ownership yet." Thinking to himself, Rule number 6: Always sweet talk the land lady, it gets you the best grub and finest beds, and if their old man has kicked the bucket, perhaps some evening entertainment.
Dron excuses himself to Terance and walks over to the bartender. "I find myself between jobs at the moment. Do you know of anywhere in town a guide could find work? There seems to be many travelers in town this night."
Waiting during the song, she nods to the Skald, "I am not an outcast, though I am not wanted, none would banish their elder. I am the eldest daughter of the second daughter of Yelizaveta. I stand apart from my sisters and cousins in that the way of the witch is not for me, nor is the way of frost," pausing she holds her hand up and creates a flame in her palm. It is the start of ray of frost, but she converts it to flames. Any spellcasters would likely recognize the base form of the spell and could tell that it was heavily altered. With a flick of her wrist, the flame leaps across the room and into the fireplace, only stoking it slightly. "Where my family often rules with a cold heart, I find a warm hand will get you things easier and keep people a good bit happier with you." Her eyes fall upon the Skald and it is clear that her eyes are very different than any Jadwiga he has ever seen or heard of. A brilliant amber that seems to match part of the flames that she bore with such ease.
Bah! Gimme spirits and a foe, then likely I'll be as happy as a pig in... er, a Dwarf in a forge!" Carl snarls around his cigar. Then he flashes a broad grin, square teeth dull in the tavern's light.
Grimkell nods imperceptibly at Karyne, as if the answer was exactly what he was looking for. The look he now gives to the women is much less filled with suspicion than it was when he first saw her.
Turning to the dwarf:
"Do not worry dwarf, I shall introduce you as a great drinker, once it is time. In the meanwhile, why not show us some of those drinking deeds"
The skald raises his glass, drinks a bit and goes back to the song.
=music=
"Fiery flames be free in her blood
Scorching sorcery, sofhearted the witch
Karyne's clear beauty, call for the heroes
to follow north."
=music=
The bard follows by asking each women to present herself and proceed to sing a few line about each of them. He starts with the Tian woman, followed by Alex and ends with the women dressed with blue and white scarves.
Once the women are all presented, he goes on with the men. Terrance the noble commes first, followed by Carl, Filius, Nev, Dron, Martin and Llyr.
The bartender giggles and looks at him. "We're completely empty right now, last tenant left this morning. How many rooms you needing?" Her ember eyes dance at the subtle complements.
The Tien woman laughs delightedly at the Skald's artistry. She stands tall, her red and white silks rustling, and from her white fox fur muff she pulls a gold piece and flicks to his feet.
"And how would you sing of my beauty, poet? Flames can be beautiful. But beauty cannot be exhausted by fire. What would you sing of Himiko Ojimi -- wayward wandering, lost-long daughter of Myja?"
"Oh, I don't know... Its seems quiet for now, nothing too terrible going on here. Its almost like some divine presence is waiting for the right time to start an adventure for a lucky few..." With a knowing glint in her eye, she refills a cup of wine and hands it to him, smiling.
A raised tankard to the bard: "Huzzah, Laddie! Carl turns up his tankard and in one draught finishes the dark beer. "Again!" he shouts for the serving girl. While he waits, he says to Grimkell, Drinkin' an' sendin' monster spawn back to their demon mammie!"
After approaching the bar, Martin stands back a little as if waiting patiently in line to be served. Once the bartender notices him, Martin steps forward.
"Good evening, fair hostess. If... if it would not be of any trouble, could I ask for a couple of warm drinks... and perhaps some winter vegetables... for my friend?" shyly asks Martin as he retrieves a few silvers and a gold piece just in case.
Filius smiles at Karyne display of fire.
"I see you light up not only the day, but you set fire to it as well! Good to meet you."
Filius walks over to Carl after hearing his brave words, and sits down next to him.
"I see you can drink as well as fight. Want to have a little drinking contest?"
Once Karyne is finished speaking, Nev walks over to her. "You're an odd sort of Jadwiga. Ruling class, but not harsh and cold. Working to change social norms, perhaps? Or should our homeland remain wholly matriarchal?" Although his face is covered, the glint in his eyes reveals he's doing more than just making conversation - he has some personal interest.
To Grimkell:
With a full toothed smile, "Kyliki Yvanra, I travel, seeing the world, as my family does in our homeland."
To Grimkell:
With a full toothed smile, "Kyliki Yvanra, I travel, seeing the world, as my family does in our homeland."
"I do not believe that our founder will have it any ozher way than Irrisen being a matriarchal society...and she iz due back any time now. However, I do not believe zat we must be as cold as our realm. I do not believe zat we should have zome form of balance. Perhaps it iz the cold hearts of the queens that have kept our lands so cold, but regardless, it is a shame that we don't allow the warmth beneath to warm those around us." She is different. Her family hasn't been as harsh as others in the last one hundred years, but they also are not the 'ruling' family anymore. She had influence, just not the power to back it. Not being a witch hurt that, as well. "But you are correct in zhe idea zat I wish to change zome of ze norms."
The tavern was getting quite chaotic now, with the white-haired woman casting a fiery spell, a lecherous dwarf teasing her in the most annoying way, and a fur wearing barbarian along with a caravaneer coming into this place.
She ignores the dwarf for the moment, and feels put on the spot when the handsome bard calls on her, flummoxed and grabbing onto her staff nervously. Himiko seemed vastly more comfortable with his verse than she was, the young woman twisting her staff defensively.
"...I'm Lex. And...um...I hit things...with a magic stick," She replied lamely to the Ulfen's words, blushing fiercely again. "Not - not that it's a magic stick, or stave, or whatever, it's perfectly normal, just that I know how to infuse it with a little bit of energy and make it hit harder and all that, but that's just part of what I do and all, and I'll shut up now and pretend I didn't just blather on like an idiot in public," She bemoans, putting her face down in her arms on the table.
Llyr's smile never falters as the barkeep implies she's available. "Well, there are about 5 guards, plus the merchant himself. We'd need to make sure you have a safe house for his goods. I'll also need to try your food." he says, removing a few coins from his purse and adding it to the one that was previously dancing on his knuckles.
Leaning in close, he adds, "Any idea on what this divine intervention wants with nearly a dozen foreigners here is southern Taldor? Looks like there are fighters and spell casters, so it's got to be something serious. Has your Temple of Erastil been praying for an intervention? Are there other shrines in the area that might be influencing their thoughts? Not that its really any concern of mine, but its always good to know the goings on in a village you visit." Finger caressing the edge of a glass, "And you look like someone who'd know all the goings on..."
The bartender smiles, her teeth pearl white. "I can get you six rooms and one suite. Each are locked, so you can use one as a store room for food. Because of the cold, all should keep."
Her face grows more serious as she talks in a hushed voice. "All I know is that there are these... Magic summons boards, where powerful ones go to find adventures. Theres a more powerful one... I swear I can hear its voice every now and then telling me what to do... That one puts out the summons. Then people appear in my tavern. Its really good for business! And truthfully, Ive never been out of this tavern, so I cant tell you about the towns shrines or temples... I just realized that I've never left here..." Her face goes blank as she thinks on that. "Did you hear that?" She asked in a worried tone. "THERE IT IS AGAIN!" She runs out of the room, hands in her hair. "I do?" Yes, she does.
She nods and gets some warm cider, accompanied by a bowl of fresh winter veggies, enough for half a dozen rabbits to eat.
Nev nods, thoughtfully. "Well, I'm all for norm-changing...." He holds out a gloved hand. "Nev Morvinus. Yeah, that one."
Llyr watches the landlady turn into a nutter and run screaming out of the room. Why do I always attract the crazy ones... he ponders, Probably because all the normal ones are taken already. Oh well, lets see what this collective is all about.
Taking a mug from the bar, Llyr slowly works his way over to the groups table, catching the occasional eye of one of its inhabitants before moving on over. "I can't help but marvel at the amazingly unique group assembled here. Are you a group of adventurers ready to set out on a quest? How much does that pay? I've been debating giving up my life as a lowly guardsman to set out on a grand adventure!" he says smiling sincerely. Well, it is partially true, I am curious how much it pays, and have been growing bored of the guardsman life. Perhaps if one thinks to impart some of their experiences, I can read between the lines and find out why in the hells they are really here.
The music slowly changes style, notes of the north land mixed with imperfect rythm from Tian; clearly the author does not know that music so well.
"Estranged Himiki, away from her home,
Stirs the storms mighty, sinking the pure hearts,
Leaving land for her, lovestruck all the warriors."
Grimkell goes on playing, yet adresses Llyr in between two descriptions.
"None of us seem to know each other, yet we all do, for I can see that we are all heroes. Even though some might await to be awaken, such as you. Maybe lady Himiki will awaken storms in your soul! This event is so unique, it must be fate, and grand sagas are always fated!"
Excitement shook his voice as he spoke.