Abell follows Bis'marek to the Lord's Dalliance, generally keeping his trap shut and his eyes open. When they are stopped he sets down his heavy load and rolls his shoulder. This whole plan had been great right up until Cain had realized that the sailors on that boat hadn't really prepared to carry any trade wares overland. It had been a long march.
Cain didn't give one blink about the town or its inhabitants, but a strong drink and a warm night would certainly be welcome. He ran his hand over his recently-shaved head as he watched 'Milla' split off from their group. Then, giving his back one more stretch, he re-shouldered his load and helped Bis'marek get his wares stowed as he considered Aldencross.
Gwyn almost immediately regretted letting Cain leave some bruises on her for her disguise. She wouldn't have work hard to show the pain, and she was sure that Cain had almost cracked a rib with on blow to the side.
The slight limp wasn't his doing, but was no less real. She nearly burst into tears when she twisted her ankle out side of town. Some of the tears and scratches were fresh, but most of them had been given by Price.
"Th-thank you. Please, can you do me another favor? I'm afraid these are all that I have, and I don't have enough for a night at the inn, much less to repay your kindness. Is there a place I can get a bath and some new clothes, and perhaps be able sing for some coin?"
"Bis'mark" strides into the inn and calls loudly for the host. He takes rooms for a week, one for himself and one for his guards. While the rooms are being prepared, tje gaurds are treated to a cup of ale.
Milla
Milla humbly thanks the prosperous Bis'marek for his protection on the road before peeling off from the group and laboriously dragging her sledge towards one of the better smithies with a few guardsmen nearby. She patiently waits for the smith to notice her before offering her goods for sale.
She catches her breath from her labor...
Following the plumes of smoke, Milla finds a nearby smithy, adorned by the sign upon it of a sword crossing a falcon. The name 'Lucan' rests below the image. Selected because of the find assortment of blades visible through the window, a well built man sits behind the counter polishing one of his stock. As Milla enters, he looks up and sees her dragging her load, quickly moving up and around the counter. "A moment, miss, let me aid you with that load."
and bows, "Noble sir, would you be interesting in buying these swords and things from me? I think they are in good shape and can make you a good deal."
"Hmm now? Now what would a young lady such as yourself be doing hauling a load like this about?" The man begins to organize the weapons on the countertop, hefting them, checking their edges and balance. "By the way miss, you may call me Lucan. You seem to have an odd assortment of weaponry here. Not Aldencross forged, I can tell that. The steel's good, the forging decent enough, but not well maintained." As Lucan looks over the blade, he glances back to Milla, his eyes resting a moment on the mace at her side. "Perhaps while I give these a once over, you can tell me more about their history, miss? And a name perhaps?"
The Merchants
Entering the inn, you are greeted by a portly gentleman who greets you as you enter. "Ah, more travelers. Welcome to the Lord's Dalliance, my friends. I'm Bellam Barhold. How may I be of service to you today?" There sits a man at the bar, his face in his arms on the bartop, while three soldiers come down the stairs, sweating from exertion. They ignore the merchants and instead move to a table, apparently theirs as already occupied by glasses. A couple of pretty serving maids move about the room, preparing for the evening.
A soldier's town, the primary industries of Aldencross are trade and metalworking (mostly arms and armor). In addition to the local farms who sell their goods in town, it's not unusual for Aldencross to see 2-3 traveling traders come into the town in a month's time, providing the goods Aldencross does not produce itself.
Each day servants come up from the town for the hour long trip to serve the fortress, only to come back to the town each night.
The Bard
Gwyn almost immediately regretted letting Cain leave some bruises on her for her disguise. She wouldn't have work hard to show the pain, and she was sure that Cain had almost cracked a rib with on blow to the side.
The slight limp wasn't his doing, but was no less real. She nearly burst into tears when she twisted her ankle out side of town. Some of the tears and scratches were fresh, but most of them had been given by Price.
"Th-thank you. Please, can you do me another favor? I'm afraid these are all that I have, and I don't have enough for a night at the inn, much less to repay your kindness. Is there a place I can get a bath and some new clothes, and perhaps be able sing for some coin?"
As the dwarf helps Talli to her feet and listens to her story, he seems to genuinely feel for her predicament. "Of course, of course, lass. Come to my house for now, we can get you cleaned up and fed, at the least. And see about getting those wounds bandaged."
As the dwarf helps him up, another comes up. The dwarf bears the symbol of Abadar around his neck and walks with a cane, the top of which also bears the symbol. He dresses in very fine clothing, and oddly enough has a very close shaven beard, well kept. He stands there and looks to the dwarf helping you up. "Baern, why don't you let me take it from here. The girl's obviously in need of healing, and unless you want to take her to the temple on the other side of town I'm the closest thing we have."
Baern gives the other dwarf a hostile look, "Stay out of this Donnur. She doesn't need the kind of help you'll offer."
"And who will pay for the help you'd offer. She obviously has no coins and is practically begging, for the value a song would get her with you."
Baern doesn't respond but looks to Talli, "It's up to you lass, come with me and we'll get you bandaged or fed or go with this son of a swine."
Abell stalks into the Lord's Dalliance behind Bis'marek, giving the mock-merchant a grin and a nod at the employer-purchased round of ale.
His eyes sweep the common room in his usually-wary manner as he takes a sip. Jakes and Fargo get the distinct feeling that if the hunter were in his lupine form, he'd be sniffing the air. As it is, Abell gives the three soldiers a considering look, the pretty serving maids an appraising one, and the man seated at the bar a curious one before grabbing a stool near the man at the bar.
"So," Abell said aloud, not specifically directing it at the inn-keeper or the man with his head in his arms, "other'n watch soldiers work up a sweat walkin' up and down the stairs and watch paint dry, what is there to do 'round here?"
He'd have to find time to get a message to the team, but it wasn't one he felt comfortable attempting in public.
Merchants at the Inn
The innkeeper speaks up, "Well, that'd depend on your interests, friend. If you're interested in wine, women and song, this here will be your place. Still just a little early, but later on thing'll pick up. Couple of girls to do some dancing, and Halvor over there, when he's not brooding about being upstaged, can put on a decent performance. 'Course if you prefer weapons, we have numerous smithies about town as well. The church makes sure to provide a few distractions itself, various festivals and whatnot. Though nothing coming up soon, sadly. What's your interest?"
"My good host, can you direct me to some of the upscale merchants in town. I have acquired some pieces outside of the normal scope of my wares and I am looking to do business.
Gwyn may have fallen far since running away, but she still had a little pride, and Donnur had wounded it.
"Thank you Master Baern." she says to Baern, "It's been an awful day and I appreciate your kindness, even if I have little I could use to repay you."
"Hmm now? Now what would a young lady such as yourself be doing hauling a load like this about?" The man begins to organize the weapons on the countertop, hefting them, checking their edges and balance. "By the way miss, you may call me Lucan. You seem to have an odd assortment of weaponry here. Not Aldencross forged, I can tell that. The steel's good, the forging decent enough, but not well maintained." As Lucan looks over the blade, he glances back to Milla, his eyes resting a moment on the mace at her side. "Perhaps while I give these a once over, you can tell me more about their history, miss? And a name perhaps?"
Milla hugs herself and looks down, embarrassed. "I'm Milla, Master Lucan, a seamstress by trade. I... are these no good? I've brought them a long way. They..." She looks pensive, "I can't speak of their history but they may be tainted with wretchedness. They are all I've got from my late father. He... he wasn't a good man, I'm ashamed to say, sir. Some say he was a ruffian or possibly worse. I don't know. He drank me out of home and livelihood in his final years and these are what came to me. I thought to sell them here at the border where they might be put to honorable use. No one in my home town would touch them - knowing my father as they did. I... I'm sorry if I've wasted your time on such poor weapons."
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Merchants at the Inn
Abell grins, "I'll never say no to a warm drink and a pretty face, Master Barhold." He leaves the brooding singer alone, instead hiking his thumb over his shoulder at the three soldiers. "What's the story with those three? They enjoy a toss or three of dice?" He considers for a second, looking at the innkeeper.
And I don't suppose it'd hurt to act as if you cared about his rules, either, he thinks.
"That is supposin' yer fine with dice rollin' in yer common room." Then he adds one more thing, almost as an after-thought, "And I don't suppose there's much huntin' 'round here?"
Merchants at the Inn
"Well sir, there's quite a few shops depending on what you're selling. But if it's oddities, I can only recommend Regis's place. Third Eye Oddities, in fact's the name. Sell's all sort's of items and whatnot, most I don't even know what."
"As far as those three, them's Alcott, Ward and Clive. A bunch of soldiers that spend most of their free time here. They definitely enjoy losing their wages. More of the cards variety, but they'll take ya up. Just watch it if Ward goes hot, when the dice roll his way, they do it all night long."
The Bard
Donnur shrugs, "Suit yourself. But if you find yourself in financial trouble, don't hesitate to find me. Just ask around, I'm sure Baern can point you in my direction." He gives the man a grin before turning and leaving.
Baern watches him go as he helps Talli. "Well then, you've got good judgement, and that's worth a fortune. But he's right about the church, best place to help patch you up but they don't do much for free unless it's life threatening. If you still want to sing for your supper, I can show you the way to the Lord's Dalliance, Halvor'll probably be willing to split the evening with you. After you eat that is, frail thing like you needs a healthy meal to fatten you up first. Come along then, we'll get you situated."
The Seamstress
"Well...." Lucan looks over the amassed weapons. "I wouldn't say they're bad. A little work and good as new. I suppose I can give you a fair amount for them. Here, let me look."
Price is surprised and slightly dismayed at her success. She expected to be kicked out by this merchant. Nevertheless, she plays it through and not all of her surprise is feigned. She sniffles, "Gods' bless you for your generous heart, Master Lucan. I didn't think to see a day where I might open a shop again. Thank you for lifting this burden from my shoulders. I'll sleep better knowing these weapons will see their way into clean hands." In her joy, Milla gives the merchant a peck on the cheek then backs away, abashed at her inappropriate behavior.
"Well, I should go. But before I do, Master, do you know of any decent merchants who might be interested in taking this armor?"
After she receives an answer, Milla thanks the merchant again and drags her considerably lighter sledge to the inn for the night.
The Bard
Donnur shrugs, "Suit yourself. But if you find yourself in financial trouble, don't hesitate to find me. Just ask around, I'm sure Baern can point you in my direction." He gives the man a grin before turning and leaving.
Baern watches him go as he helps Talli. "Well then, you've got good judgement, and that's worth a fortune. But he's right about the church, best place to help patch you up but they don't do much for free unless it's life threatening. If you still want to sing for your supper, I can show you the way to the Lord's Dalliance, Halvor'll probably be willing to split the evening with you. After you eat that is, frail thing like you needs a healthy meal to fatten you up first. Come along then, we'll get you situated."
Gwyn bows, and winces as she tweaks a sore spot.
"I again thank you. I am very grateful for your hospitality and hope that I can repay you in at least some small measure for your kindness while I'm here in Aldencross."
Lucan's Shop
"Well, I'd recommend Brie's shop, off the market square. She's a dear and deals in that assortment. Just mention my name and I'm sure she'll at least take a look, though I'm not promising much. Then there's Reginald. He usually deals with heavier armors, but he might be willing to. Plus he's got a big heart. Just let me know if you need anything else."
The Bard
Baern smiles as he leads you on to his home, where he fixes a fine meal for the bard. There he introduces his wife, Doradi, who helps to bandage Talli's wounds. "Let's get you all fixed up, young lady." After a delicious meal, Baern and Doradi offer to bring you to stay at their home for the evening if you choose, or to bring you by the Lord's Dalliance.
"Thank you for your generosity, but I don't want to impose on you more than I have. I have little coin and I need a new outfit. If you could show me to the market and the Lord's Dalliance, I can try to pay you back sooner. "
Gwyn feels a little stiff, but she had to admit that the dwarves were kind people. The meal was filling, and she could see how things might have turned out differently if she had known these people instead of the conniving, backstabbing nobility she was born into. She would likely be doomed to die, but she would be much happy for the majority of her life.
Oh well, it's a shame they'll likely be the first to die, but such is the way of war. Better them than her at any rate. In any event, she was thankful for their aid. Graciousness encouraged generosity, and that could be valuable if the need for character witnesses came up.
"As far as those three, them's Alcott, Ward and Clive. A bunch of soldiers that spend most of their free time here. They definitely enjoy losing their wages. More of the cards variety, but they'll take ya up. Just watch it if Ward goes hot, when the dice roll his way, they do it all night long."
Cain nods his thanks, "You mind givin' me a round of whatever they like to drink?" He pays up as the innkeeper gets the drinks .
Then, hands full of drinks for the soldiers, Abell makes his way over to their table. When they look up, he grins. "Innkeep says you three might be interested in some dice or cards." He sets the drinks down for the men, "The name's Abell. And I got a few weeks worth of road boredom and pay burnin' one helluva hole in my pocket. Any'a you three game?"
"Thank you for your generosity, but I don't want to impose on you more than I have. I have little coin and I need a new outfit. If you could show me to the market and the Lord's Dalliance, I can try to pay you back sooner. "
Gwyn feels a little stiff, but she had to admit that the dwarves were kind people. The meal was filling, and she could see how things might have turned out differently if she had known these people instead of the conniving, backstabbing nobility she was born into. She would likely be doomed to die, but she would be much happy for the majority of her life.
Oh well, it's a shame they'll likely be the first to die, but such is the way of war. Better them than her at any rate. In any event, she was thankful for their aid. Graciousness encouraged generosity, and that could be valuable if the need for character witnesses came up.
The dwarven couple lead Talli through town to the market square. "You should be able to find what you need here. The Lord's Dalliance is that way, just a short walk. Can't miss it."
Doradi comes up to embrace Talli before taking her hand and placing a handful of silver coins within. "It's not much, but it will help you out. And don't say no, just take care of yourself."
And Baern gives one last warning, "And don't trust that Donnur. There's a reason Abadar's been abandoning him over the years. The mayor and Havelyn would sooner see him booted out of this town, but they can't do much with him skirtin' the law as he does. Take care now."
Bellam pours the round of drinks and Abell takes them over to the table. As the drinks are sat down, one of them, Ward you believe, just stares, first at the drink, then at you, sizing you up. A second, Alcott, just looks to the ground as Clive does the talking. "A round of drinks and askin' to gamble? What you two say?"
He turns to the others, and Ward speaks up. "Say? I think he's probably trouble, trying to get us drunk and take our money. Turn the merc down and send him packing."
Clive turns back to Abell, "Seems like Ward doesn't like you friend. Good enough reason for me." He kicks the fourth chair at the table out and gestures to it. "Reason enough to take your money that is. Sit down and I'll go rustle up a deck. And don't worry, Ward usually doesn't bite." The friendly soldier heads to the bar, getting a deck from Bellam.
While he's gone, the quiet one speaks up, "My name's Alcott, by the way. Um, he's Ward. But I guess Clive already told you, um, that. And that's Clive there." He tries a weak smile before going back to looking into his drink.
Meanwhile, Ward just continues his glare, though at least some of it is spared for Clive, who comes back to the table. "All right, name your game, friend."
Watching "Abel" begin to work on the soldiers, "Bis'Marek" turns his attention the host.
A flagon of wine for myself. I also want to wash away the dust of the road After his wine is served, he begins to pump the host for information. Tell me of the town mine host. For while I have trading to do, the primary purpose of this trip is information. I am seeking to expand my trade further north, and this is as north as seems profitable.
The dwarven couple lead Talli through town to the market square. "You should be able to find what you need here. The Lord's Dalliance is that way, just a short walk. Can't miss it."
Doradi comes up to embrace Talli before taking her hand and placing a handful of silver coins within. "It's not much, but it will help you out. And don't say no, just take care of yourself."
Gwyn returns the dwarf woman's embrace, accepting the coins with another word of thanks.
"I am humbled by your generosity. I will pay you back as soon as I am able. Thank you, your kindness means much after the ordeal I had on the road."
And Baern gives one last warning, "And don't trust that Donnur. There's a reason Abadar's been abandoning him over the years. The mayor and Havelyn would sooner see him booted out of this town, but they can't do much with him skirtin' the law as he does. Take care now."
At Baern's warning she replies, "I will heed your words Master Baern. If I can do anything to help, I will."
She picks up two new outfits from the market, one a simple set of traveling clothes, the other a simple, but flattering, outfit for use in town. She follows dwarves' directions, and as sure as the sun rises, the Lord's Dalliance was easy to find.
She knows that she must be turning heads as she made her way to the bar, and who she hoped was the innkeeper.
"Excuse me, I've had a very terrible day up until a small while ago. I was hoping to find a bath and a roof to sleep under for a few nights, but I am afraid I only have a few silver and copper and a single gold." The slight little thief pulls eight measly coins from her purse to show the innkeeper. "Would you take pity on a poor bard and allow me to perform during my stay here?"
Watching "Abel" begin to work on the soldiers, "Bis'Marek" turns his attention the host.
A flagon of wine for myself. I also want to wash away the dust of the road After his wine is served, he begins to pump the host for information. Tell me of the town mine host. For while I have trading to do, the primary purpose of this trip is information. I am seeking to expand my trade further north, and this is as north as seems profitable.
"As far north as is civilized prosperity, unless you plan to trade with the bugbears to the north. Or looking for lost cities like some of those adventurous types that set out every once in a while. Most of them never return though. Too bad, usually spend a good amount in town while they're here."
Bellam pours himself a drink while he speaks, "Not much to tell beyond what you've already heard I'm sure. We can always use more metal, but quite a few merchants already supply us with that as expected. Particularly with the mountains to the south. That'd be a safe bet, but depends on what else you have access to. Goods from the mainland always sell well. Fruits especially, but they don't often make it here without magical aid, so they get expensive quickly. Ivory from the Yutak goes well if you can trade with them."
Bellam gives Talli a once over, taking a moment from his conversation with Bis'marek, to respond to Talli. "Hmm, well at this point, I already have a performing. Even if he is moping about. Isn't that right Halvor?" The man at the bar with his head in his arms reaches forward, picking up his glass and raising it in the air before setting it back down, unintelligible speech mumbled for a moment.
"Of course, a pretty little thing like you could bring in some customers, if you're good that is. What's your specialty, and give me a sample? And a name so I know what to call you. Bellam's mine by the way, Bellam Barhold."
Milla thanks Lucan for the names and pulls her sledge back to the Dalliance. There, she comes through the door inconspicuously and quickly moves to the bartender, clearly uncomfortable with the rough crowd. She quickly arranges a room for the night as well as some place to store her sledge. She avoids looking too openly at any of the men in the inn, lest she draw more attention than modesty dictates.
Bellam gives Talli a once over, taking a moment from his conversation with Bis'marek, to respond to Talli. "Hmm, well at this point, I already have a performing. Even if he is moping about. Isn't that right Halvor?" The man at the bar with his head in his arms reaches forward, picking up his glass and raising it in the air before setting it back down, unintelligible speech mumbled for a moment.
"Of course, a pretty little thing like you could bring in some customers, if you're good that is. What's your specialty, and give me a sample? And a name so I know what to call you. Bellam's mine by the way, Bellam Barhold."
Gwyn gives a nod to the apparently depressed bard at the bar before returning her attention to Bellam.
"I sing, good sir." Is all she says before she gives him his sample.
She began singing a song that she had learned during her time as a thief. A song about an evil dragon named Aralvax that had captured a fair maiden from a goodly kingdom that lived in the shadow of mountains he claimed. A bold knight clad in red and white scaled the mountain and slew the dragon to rescue the maiden. It was the sort of song she didn't like that much, but it was one that always seemed to be well liked and expected by the tavern patrons.
He turns to the others, and Ward speaks up. "Say? I think he's probably trouble, trying to get us drunk and take our money. Turn the merc down and send him packing."
Clive turns back to Abell, "Seems like Ward doesn't like you friend. Good enough reason for me." He kicks the fourth chair at the table out and gestures to it. "Reason enough to take your money that is. Sit down and I'll go rustle up a deck. And don't worry, Ward usually doesn't bite." The friendly soldier heads to the bar, getting a deck from Bellam.
Abell's grin widens as the the extra seat slides out, and he sits down. "Well, Ward may be right. It wouldn't be the first time someone called me trouble, but let's be honest… a little trouble never really hurt no one."
He takes a sip as he considers the three, specifically trying to weigh the three men as well as the seemingly-innocent comment about biting. One of these three my lycanthrope friend? he wonders.
While he's gone, the quiet one speaks up, "My name's Alcott, by the way. Um, he's Ward. But I guess Clive already told you, um, that. And that's Clive there." He tries a weak smile before going back to looking into his drink.
Meanwhile, Ward just continues his glare, though at least some of it is spared for Clive, who comes back to the table. "All right, name your game, friend."
Abell nods at Alcott's words, still considering the three. He looks at Alcott, then Clive. If this is a pack, is it one lead through strength, his eyes shift to Ward, … or brains?
"I get you the wrong drink, Ward? You look like yer suckin' on a lemon." He watches for any tells from any of the three to see if he can tell which of the men is actually the alpha.
When Clive returns with the cards, Cain sets down his own mug as he reaches for his coin purse. "My game, huh? You three know Crowns'n'Cutthroats? If so, we playin' for coin, drinks, or just fer the sh!t of it?"
Thank you very much Bis'marek inclines his head to the host. Do not allow me to keep you all day, I am sure you must have other guests whose needs must be seen to.
Abel, ten minutes, then I think we will see what the remainder of the day has to offer in terms of business.
Turning his eyes to the battered bard who had wandered in, he looks her up and down. Apply to me if you are unable to make other arrangements, lady bard. When the Lady moves me, I can be quite charitable. And with that, the merchant devoted his attention to his wine.
The Inn
Bis'marek thanks his host as a woman hauling a random assortment of mercenary items into the inn. The merchant turns to his guard to discuss matters as she comes into the beginning to liven inn and discusses with the innkeeper arrangements. A room is arranged and he agrees to let her store her goods during her stay in the basement (though with some reluctance) and offers up a drink to another patron to aid her in carrying the haul downstairs.
While this occurs, Talli provides a sample for Bellam. A short sampling, yet still enough to encourage a response from the room. The three guards sitting with Abell give out some applause, even Alcott looking up at the bard, if only for a moment long enough for Clive to taunt the shy fellow. The man at the bar suddenly leaps up as she finishes the performance. "And that my friends, is a fine example of what talent can be found, even in such a traveler. My lady, you put this old man to shame this evening for such a beautiful performance should easily have been met with an accompaniment. Perhaps, Bellam, I should rest this evening so that I may instead enjoy the offerings of this fine up and comer in our little community's artistic doings."
Bellam only snorts at the man's outburst, turning back to handle another entering coming to the bar. "Well, dear, it seems Bellam is willing to let me tend to my drinks to make way for your performance. Though a musical addition may well make this a fine night. It is, of course, the lady's choice."
Meanwhile at the table with the soldiers, Bis'marek heads back to the bar while the three soldiers and Abell begin their games. Clive begins shuffling the cards. "Crown's and Cutthroat's sounds good to me. I'll handle the first deal. And I'm thinking drinks sounds like a good plan this evening."
Ward instead focuses his gaze on Abell, having ignored his earlier comment. Instead Alcott quietly responds for the man, "Ward doesn't get along with anyone really. He, um, he doesn't trust strangers much. N-not that you're a stranger. Just, well, just you're not someone he's, um, he's used to. He'll come around though, right Clive?"
"Sure thing, Al. And the sun will rise from the north while the bugbears surrender and Iomedae will come down in a pretty dress tossing aside her sword." At the mention of Iomedae Ward gives Clive an even darker look than he's been giving Cain, though definitely one he's used to giving by the furrows in his face. "Oh lighten up and have some fun. Going by my hand, I doubt I'll be able to stand much longer, what with all the drinks you'll be buying me."
It's about this time, the evening beginning to pick up, that nearly a dozen dwarves, covered in stonedust and sweat, enter the inn, laughing a storm and telling jokes in their native tongue. They take up what seems to be a common table as Bellam quickly arranges drinks for them, seeming to know what they desire without asking.
Abuse, snide remarks, and all manner of lewd comments Gwyn was used to dealing with. An honest compliment, even one as overwrought as the she was just given, about her singing was not something she had expected. Needless to say, The blush on Gwyn's face was genuine.
"T-thank you, sir. I'm not used to such kind words about my singing."
She turns her attention to Bellam and asks, "Is there enough time for me to wash up and change? I know a bath at the moment is out of the question, but I'd rather not look like someone fresh from a brawl."
Once things begin to pick up, Gwyn begins to sing.
She starts with a couple of ballads about some of Talingarde's heroes, then moves into some bawdy drinking songs and saving a soulful tune about a knight who'd lost his beloved to the king's whims for her final piece. After the last customer for evening leaves, Gwyn approaches Bellam, looking a little embarrassed.
"Um, would it be alright if I had that bath now? Or should I wait?"
Embarrassed, Milla is simpering in her gratefulness to the innkeeper and the patron who helps to carry her good downstairs. She buys the 'kindly sir' another drink. To settle her frayed nerves, she orders tea with milk and a simple dinner. She chooses to sit somewhere inconspicuous and away from any rough-housing men. Clearly, she is unused to taverns and finds them a bit daunting.
Abel, ten minutes, then I think we will see what the remainder of the day has to offer in terms of business.
Abell frowns, obviously disappointed, "Yer the boss." He then looks back at the game, "Looks like I only have a few rounds for now."
Ward instead focuses his gaze on Abell, having ignored his earlier comment. Instead Alcott quietly responds for the man, "Ward doesn't get along with anyone really. He, um, he doesn't trust strangers much. N-not that you're a stranger. Just, well, just you're not someone he's, um, he's used to. He'll come around though, right Clive?"
"Sure thing, Al. And the sun will rise from the north while the bugbears surrender and Iomedae will come down in a pretty dress tossing aside her sword." At the mention of Iomedae Ward gives Clive an even darker look than he's been giving Cain, though definitely one he's used to giving by the furrows in his face. "Oh lighten up and have some fun. Going by my hand, I doubt I'll be able to stand much longer, what with all the drinks you'll be buying me."
"HA!" Abell's laugh is genuine. "Clive paints a pretty picture AND talks a big game. I might'a chosen the right table after all."
Abell listens to the comfortable back-and-forth between the old friends. Even in the midst of trying to ingratiate himself with these men with the goal of using, abusing, and probably murdering them, it was relaxing to sit, drink and have a little fun. "Not a problem, Alcott. I get Ward's attitude. Strangers can be strange, no?" He fans his cards out one more time, re-arranging them in a futile attempt to make them be anything other than the s$@! hand they are.
"Dammit! Fold." He slides his useless cards back to the middle of the table, faces down, as he takes a long pull to empty his ale mug. "Besides, you must get all kinds through here, from what the bar-keep was sayin'. How long you three been on the wall? If you don't mind me askin'?"
Bellam at first looks annoyed but a kind word from Halvor nets Talli at least a room for the evening, so she can wash in private. Though quickly, as Bellam is quick to add. As she heads to prepare, Abell's card game with the soldiers continues on while a shy Milla heads to a table in the back of the room.
"HA!" Abell's laugh is genuine. "Clive paints a pretty picture AND talks a big game. I might'a chosen the right table after all."
Abell listens to the comfortable back-and-forth between the old friends. Even in the midst of trying to ingratiate himself with these men with the goal of using, abusing, and probably murdering them, it was relaxing to sit, drink and have a little fun. "Not a problem, Alcott. I get Ward's attitude. Strangers can be strange, no?" He fans his cards out one more time, re-arranging them in a futile attempt to make them be anything other than the s*%~ hand they are.
"Dammit! Fold." He slides his useless cards back to the middle of the table, faces down, as he takes a long pull to empty his ale mug. "Besides, you must get all kinds through here, from what the bar-keep was sayin'. How long you three been on the wall? If you don't mind me askin'?"
"The three of us, well geeze, let's see here..." Clive talks up a storm as the short time goes on, "...Me and Al, we both grew up in Aldencross, ain't that right?" Alcott nods as he looks through his cards, obviously dismayed at what he sees. "Took me a good long time to convince him to finally sign up with me. He's always wanted to learn a bit of smithing, but his pa says there's too many 'round here already. Wanted him to become a baker, stay in the family trade. He chose the right way after my encouragement, ain't that right? Al!"
Alcott starts, his eyes having wandered to the stairs. His cheeks go red as he looks back, "Hmm, what? Is it my draw?"
Ward shakes his head while Clive lets out a laugh. Yet Ward is the one to speak, "Stay away from that one, Alcott. Just another traveler up to no good. And if you don't take my word on it, look at how well Halvor got along with her. If he approves, she's definitely trouble."
"Ward here's been in town for nearly two years, after..."
Ward cuts Clive off before he gets going again, "I'll kindly keep my personal business to my friends, Clive."
Clive looks irritated, but shrugs it off, "Like I said, don't like or trust most people, don't let him bother you. And it looks like this is my game, friends. If you want to play another round after you're done with you're boss, we'll probably be here for awhile."
Abell nods in thanks as he gets up to follow Bis'marek. "Excellent. Then keep my seat warm. I'll get the round when I get back for your trouble."
Abell stands and follows Bis'marek upstairs, giving the innkeeper a nod as he passes. When they get to Kalina's door, Abell gives the hall a hard look to make sure there won't be any eavesdroppers. Once the door closes, he presses his ear against it and waits a full thirty seconds before giving the small room a full inspection.
Cain grins to Fargo and Kalina. "You guys are gonna love this." He taps a finger on the side of his nose, "Caught scent of something interesting in this not-so-sleepy little town. It seems Aldencross – and this inn, actually – are the haunt of one of my cousins." He pauses to pull out a knife, beginning to work at a splinter he'd picked up on the road, "We got a werewolf… or a were-somethin', anyway… in our midst. Well, other than me. Don't know who yet, but hopefully we can pick up their scent sooner or later. Now that we know what we're lookin' for, anyway."
He pauses to suck on some blood that's sprung up on his finger before continuing. "Don't know what to make of it just yet. I guess it depends on the lycan if it's somethin' we can use or not. I've heard of werewolves who denied who they were and protected the sheep around 'em." He barks a disbelieving laugh about that particular brand of idiocy, "Other than that, I only have a few details about the three soldiers I been drinkin' with. The skinny one.. Ward… we need to watch out fer. He's suspicious of anyone new. The big one Clive don't seem none too bright, but their leader – Alcott – seems acceptin' enough."
Cain spends a few more minutes revealing any other information he's uncovered regarding the three.
"We need to make sure everyone else has all this information. Fargo, can you use your cover to pass this info to Price and Gwyn? Not sure how we can contact Xanos and Shulme without raisin' eyebrows, but I'd like it if they had our information as well. As for the rest of the night, I"m gonna keep on workin' those three downstairs. I figure at worst I get some useful information… at best we can use them as leverage or disguises to get into the keep when we need to." He shrugs, "Best I can come up with so far. If you have any other ideas, I'm open to 'em."
"So I figure I'll stay up as long as they want to. And if they head back to the tower tonight, I'll follow'em back over there… or as close to there as I can. Not sure if it'll get us any new information, but it's worth a shot. Gotta know the huntin' grounds, right?"