Mistress Annara nods and smiles at Marik, a very warm, heart-felt smile. She tilts her head slightly, allowing the dark flowing locks to fall gracefully over her shoulder and cascade over her chest.
Ahhh, the fall of Malkier and it's fabled treasures. I have heard this tale numereous times. Why, it was just 4 days ago that several women, one of them for sure an Aes Sedai, came here looking for some of the same information about Malkier, although they werent really looking for it's treasures, well, the average man's treasures. They were instead looking for instances of ter'angreal and Angreals in the histories and ledgers of old. Hmmm, let's see here...
Annara steps away from Marik, her hand lingering under his a moment longer that what should have been normal, and a slight caress as her fingers leave his as she steps away towards the bookshelves.
You have found the maps, which is good. The parchment is found in that far corner over there. She points to the corner next to a massive mound of books and folders, only to reveal a hidden desk that quivers under the massive load upon it's slender wooden legs.
Well...let's see here. Last days...hmmmm...Well... Annara scans the bookshelves and then stops, looking at a spot upon the shelves. Well that's odd. There were three books here. The fall of Malkier. The Wealth of Malkier. The madness of King al'Herin. And yet now, they are missing...gone. The last to have read them were that group of women. What was her name...Alain? Arlain? Im not sure. I prefer my books to people. She was the last to have read these books. They could have just asked to borrow the book. Didnt have to take them.
"Sure thing sir, I can step down. Whether or not I unsaddle my horse doesn't really seem like anyone's business but my own, but you're the guard."
Batarr climbed down from his horse. "What's this about sir?"
"Strange that. My great Aunt never mentioned others coming here on the same mission."
He began loud enough and actually shooting a look torwards Tenora Sedai.
"what information would be able to be gleaned from those books? Since we can not peruse them ourselves. I don't believe we are leaving until the morning at the least, would you like to join me... uh us for dinner and tell us what you may know? I would really enjoy the opportuny to spend time with you Miss Annara."
He began not even trying to lay it on thick. He really was attracted to and interested in this gorgeous woman.
Renlo stared at the woman for a moment - she was beautiful after all. Still, she seemed quite taken with Marik, and in Shienar that was enough to dissuade him from considering anything else. Instead, he walked over to Tenora Sedai and said, "We will need a great many things for the journey. We cannot drink the water in the Blight, nor can we burn wood we find. We will need to have lanterns and such for the night, as well as enough water that we can survive there for a few days. I do not wish to disturb Marik, as he is busy, but did he or his letter mention any amount of coin to be used for the task?"
One of the guardsmen walks up and reaches out, grasping at the sword on your hip and sliding it free from the scabbard.
Annara looks at Marik and blushes a deep red. Well, sir, its been a long time since ive been out of my domain and enjoyed some personal time...Yes, ill let you escort me out for a meal and evening delights! she leans over and gives a pleasant kiss upon Mariks cheek.
Now, to business. No. The women didnt say where they were staying. Just that they were also interested in the history of the fall of malkier, and its unnusual treasures. That's what was also mentioned in those books that were taken. The wealth of malkier give a rather well explained discription of the source of Malkiers wealth, from gold and silver veins in the mountains, to steel and coal mines, good farm land, yield productions, cattle growth and trade; Malkier was one of the first nations to attempt to accurately track and quantify it's national production value in a better attempt to validate its worth. One could infer that there would be several uncovered/undiscovered vaults still filled with gold and silver left in the ruins of Malkier. For The fall of Malkier it describes not just the events of what precipitated to the Fall, but also tries to track certain events that occurred within the Seven Towers, movements of gold, treasure, artifacts, the attempts made to save and secure the cultural icons of Malkier itself. As for The madness of King al'Herin, Thats more of a lost fables book. A collection of stories for kids to laugh at. Although King al'Herin was a real king, his reign was during the early days of the creation of Malkier. Legend says, as found in the book, that the King went mad having discovered some tragic knowledge, and his attempts to ensure that the knowledge never was rediscovered.
''Renlo's right, we will need to take everything with us, fincances will be an issue.' Turning from Renlo to Tenora, Eleks focus turns to what the Librarian was saying...
'There were other Aes Sedai, and they took books with out informing her, why? They could have requested anything they want. Grandfather said that the Malkier king was very organized, but he never talked about hidden treasures or a mad king, But he wasn't one to repeat fables.' he unconciously rests his hand on his swords handle. ' Gold would pay the bills but I'd rather find a power fordged blade.'
He looks from the Librarian back to is cousin, raising an eyebrow. "Friends of yours?"
"We will need a great many things for the journey. We cannot drink the water in the Blight, nor can we burn wood we find. We will need to have lanterns and such for the night, as well as enough water that we can survive there for a few days. I do not wish to disturb Marik, as he is busy, but did he or his letter mention any amount of coin to be used for the task?"
"That, and plenty of arrows. Basically, anything and everything we need to survive and defend ourselves. Once we're in the blight, there is nothing there we can safely use." Korin adds, then turns silent once again, listening in on the conversations going on.
the guard in charge looks at his companion, who nods back, before the guard turns and lets go of Naala's bridle. My apologies sir for stopping you. We had received word that there was a murder, and well, we were just being prudent. Better to be extra diligent than not at all. Thats how the Shadowspawn and Dark One get in. he nods and steps away, motioning you to move along.
Annara shakes her head from side to side. No Ma'am. No mention of where they were staying...only interested in Malkier. Im sorry.
'Plenty of gear, makes sense.'[I] Nodding in agreement with Korin, he then turns as Tenora begins to speak.
[I]'Huh, a group of Aes Sedai that seem to be looking for the same thing that Marik was sent to looks for. So are they just overly thorough or in different groups that compete with each other.'
Looking from Tenora to the Librarian as she answered then back to Tenora, running his fingers through his hair. "Would others from the tower looking for the same thing be a problem?"
'At least Marik has talked the librarian into make copies of the maps for us. We need to get supplies, but it sounds like Tenora may want to speak to the other Aes Sedai.' Nodding, "Being diplomatic is always good." Gesturing Towards the Librarian, "Since Mistress Annara has generously volunteered to recreate the maps for us, we can begin working on other tasks"
'If she wants to look for these other Aes Sedai. He moves a little closer to his cousin, "If you want to go look for these other Aes Sedai I'm happy to escort you. It sounds like Renlo and Korin know what we will need to purchase for our trip." He nods towards Marik, "But they will need the letter to make the purchases. Do you want give them the letter so they can begin the process of purchasing gear. Or do you want to hold the letter and all of us stay together?"
Renlo's eyes bulge at the revelation Tenora was just an Accepted. He'd thought her a full Aes Sedai, but clearly not. He was now a little...less confident...than he'd been previously.
Turning to Korin and Marik, he said, "If Tenora is going to be asking questions, her cousin will no doubt accompany her. The three of us should see what supplies we can acquire. We'll need a pack animal or two to carry the supplies, most likely, hobbles for our horses and the pack animals, plenty of feed for them, lots of water, and plenty of food for ourselves. I have a small stove I can use to heat water for tea and such while in the Blight, but we certainly can't have a full fire, nor burn any wood we find. How long should we plan for?"
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'Renlo is right, I will go with Tenaora.' looking toward Korin then Marik, 'Between Korin and Renlo they will be able to figure out what we will need and Marik seems to have the ability to get anyone to do what he wants.' He looks from Marik to Tenora speaking as much to himself as he is the others "How long indeed?"
An accepted alone far from the tower, and now taking an expedition into the blight? Now, that is interesting... and odd.
Watching the others' reaction to this revelation, Korin nods after a moment at Renlo's suggestion. "How many miles is it by the map?
'How many miles? Good question, and it is through the blight.' Moving over to the maps, Elek looks at them, unconsciously running his fingers through his hair as he studied the maps.
'If I read this right, It's 80 miles, as the crow flies. could be between 120-150 miles of total trail. At least 7 days travel.' Gesturing at the map. "It's 80 miles, as the crow flies. could be between 120-150 miles of total trail. At least 7 days travel...without interruption." Looking to Korin and then Renlo, "That's not counting how long we want to stay and search. How long are you all willing to stay in one place in the blight." Then turning to Marik, "Assuming were not searching multiple locations."
That night the young man from Tar Valon took the prettiest librarian possibly in the entire world out to what he hoped was her favorite place, after all, he asked her where she wanted to go. He spent most of the dinner asking about her, growing more and more fascinated by the woman. Part of that was of course she was gorgeous. Walking her to either her home or his innroom, (he wouldnt turn her away if she was wanting to be amorous hes very aware the blight is dangerous though he does not intend for this to be a one night stand if that is indeed a posibility.) He awakes in the morning with a fresh step regardless.
With the letter in hand and with the others he travels about the merchants and traders doing his best to acquire, upon the advice of others these items.
With the letter in hand and with the others he travels about the merchants and traders doing his best to acquire, upon the advice of others these items.
[dice=diplomacy for bartering to get the goods] 1d20+12
Nodding to the other men as they leave the library, Elek follows Tenora back to the inn, 'It still remains curious to me to send two different groups to find the same thing. I wonder how much infighting goes on there at the tower.'
Keeping his thoughts to himself, he follows Tenora to the inn, keeping an eye out for anything strange. Standing behind his cousin he adds, "Yes, any help you can give us would be appreciated."
Sisters staying here? No no, that's nonsenseMaster Thronskop says, waving his hands in a dismissive gesture. No Aes Sedai staying here. they did stop here though, had some of this new recipe from Tear. Said it tasted great....only nice thing they said. Any other time, they were squinting their eyes and looking down their noses at me and the men here... ah, begging your pardon, Sedai. They were a bit put out. But, while they were here, they did ask about the conditions on the main road between here and Seven Towers. Several Guardsman, patrol men them all, warned them about the dangers to the north, outside of the heavy fortifications they, that is the Sheinar government, installed to protect the Gap of the Crane. Aside from Tarwin's gap, it's the best, easiest route for Shadowspawn to invade from. But i digress. These ladies, there were...determined. Nothing was going to stop them. One of them...well, now that i think about it, there were four of them. Three of them were rude, and idve tossed them out-your pardon, miss Sedai- but that fourth one. She was sweet. mullified the others. reminded them of Shame. After that, they pretty much ate their fill, ordered some for the road, and then left. Beyond that, Marlene was the one who interacted with them. perhaps she might be of better help...
Ahhh welcome to Sholo Otto's shop! Please, come in! Come in! I have the goods you need, and some that you didnt think you need! Please! Come! Sit! Sholo makes sure his customers are happy. Tea? Ale? Wine? I have lots to share to make this easy and enjoyable for all! Sholo Otto is your man!
Renlo steps up. "Thank you, but I don't need anything to drink. We are in need of supplies for an expedition into the Blight."
Moving quickly through the busy morning streets, people are quick to make way. Smiling to himself. I'm sure the folks are making way for an Aes Sedai, most folks don't even know what a Hadori means. Just as well, people forget. Ah here's the Rusty Nail.' Opening the door for his cousin, ELek follows her into the in.
'The dish does smell good, what did he say it was beef and noodles? I will need to try some if we get the chance. But were going to need to sleep a little, don't want to go into the blight totally unrested' Nodding in aggreement as the Innkeeper as he describes the food. 'sounds like there headed for the Gap of the Crane.' Shouldn't be too hard fo find. Determined? And four of them, three rude and one polite, curious I wonder if that's what they are really like. Tenora can tell you what for when her dander is up, but very rarely rude.'
Looking from the Innkeeper to his cousin for a moment, he runs his hand through his shoulder length hair, asking. "So 'some for the road' and left. From the smell we may have to do the same. IT sounds like they may already be on their way; we would really like to make sure. Do you mind telling us where we could find this Marlene, so we could ask her?"
With a deep breath and a quick glance overlooking the shop he smiled at the man and proffered his hand in a merchant's shake. He took a seat and removed both the letter and his coin pouch.
"I would very much enjoy your Tea my friend, might I propose a toast to successful business to you and yours on this day and in the years to come?"
He began with his best smile.
"I am Marik Carter, an agent of collection from the White Tower, this is master Renslo Tacksa and master Korin Mathor. I was sent this far north because it has come to the towers attentions that there 'may' be a cache of weapons and armor hidden away in Malkieri. With all this nonesense about false dragons and the like, I was tasked with the retrieval. I was looking to outfit the expedition here, from you. Word on the streets are indeed that you are the place for the best of goods and service."
Sholo Otto takes a lite pull from his offerings and sits back upon his lounge chair, ensuring everyone is seated comfortably. He listens to Renlo speak and is about to say something when he is cut off by Marik. But, once Marik identifies himself as an agent of the White Tower, he shifts forward and a look of concern and confusion overtakes his body, his face, and his tone. Another one?! Hold on a second. i just outfitted one of you guys not 4 days ago. 4 aes sedai. Are you not with them? or are you a separate group?
'Ouch, that must have stung, I don't know any Shienaran that likes to be called Mistress.' Looking from his cousin to the Innkeeper. 'Marlane... blacksmith shop...Dragoon's forge...Milik dotes on the girl.' Ignoring the icy stare the owner give his cousin, Elek embraces Master Thronskp's hand, "Peace favor your sword Master Thronskop."
Turning to Tenora, "So we head to the "Dragoon's Forge." Moving towards the door, he holds it open for his cousin. Making there way down the three blocks, Elek, keeping a keen eye out, falling into the familiar quite that they shared as children.
Once they arrive at the shop Elek again holds the door open for his cousin, looking for the shop keeper or his assistant, asking the first person he meets, "May we speak with Milik please?"
An odd reaction for a merchant who stands to make a second fortune in a week. Interesting.
"Four days past you say? What names did they give?"
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Yes, four days ago.
a young boy stands at the door holding a large bucket of water, staring up at you in amazement. He stares and stares, looking from tenora to elek and back again. He sets the bucket down, reaches out, and touches tenora's dress, his hand trembling. He rubs his hand up and down the fabric, as if he has never felt that kind of fabric before. He looks back up at tenora and tilts his head slightly, and then starts to hoot and grunt loudly, loud enough to overcome the sound of the foot traffic held upon the roadway outside the shop.
Mil! Whats wrong! Im Coming! a man shouts suddenly, and the sound of a piece of steel clanging upon another piece of steel echos loudly from a darkened area of the shop. Moments later a man wearing a leather apron shows up, steps quickly up to the boy, Mil, and holds him to his chest. Gray hair, long gray beard, blackened brow, soft green eyes look first at Mil and then at you. Shhh..its ok Mil. Its ok. They are just visitors. Guests. we like guests. Shhhh The man, Milik you presume, holds the child in his arms. He rubs the childs back, and from his action, you see the childs shirt lift up slightly, revealing a large scar running up and down the childs back, up beyond the neckline and dissappearing in the childs long, black hair.
Sorry folks. Mil was attacked by a trolloc a couple years ago. Messed the boy up something fierce. He's got a strong back, and can carry a load, but he doesnt speak at all...well, beyond the hoots and grunts. His mother is upstairs. tragic story there, but alas, isnt my story to tell. Im Milik, Blacksmith for the Dragoons forge. Let me guess-Candle stand for the newly wed's house?