To Aeleni:
To Duatha:
To the group,
"Since we will be travelling together on this job, did we want to pool our resources for a bit of comfort? Maybe pitch in for a wagon?"
After the old man left the courtroom Bander returned to the others. He half hears the job offer, "Jobs. . . I thought. . . well having to travel is a pretty light sentence I guess. I could have sworn were found innocent."
He follows the others out to the tavern.
Bander makes a point to sit next to Zak. "So I never met a mine-tar before. This should be exciting. I know elves like wine and dwarves drink some sort of paint remover. I really want to taste something of your people. I can order us some hard cider if you want to taste a piece of my homelund."
As the talk turns to maps and geography Bander gets excited. "I love maps."
"Both routes could work that is certain. I tend to prefer the countryside to the road but what are we carrying again. If we are gonna wagon up the road seems sensible."
Fuma stays relatively quiet as she enjoys her mulled ale. Though excited about her newest trip with companions, she cant' help but watch as her new companions antics starts getting while and soon it seems that some might not be able to walk straight or even get up anymore.
It seemed right but in time, most of the participants are either in their beds or required help and Fuma showed remarkable strength as she helps the affected ones to bed............
Not that anybody else noticed. Much.
|
To Torin:
A dwarfs word is a dwarfs honor, i appreciate it. Be hired by my cousin then. I'll put something on top for what i said.
She produces a gold coin and holds it before Torins nose, waiting for him to pluck it.
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Probably best to take the road...Should we get some horses or do you want to walk?
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Tasting some of the local ales and the food, Aeleni is not too pleased and watches in amazement as Zak and Sheshka get senselessly drunk.
Now that's a good start. Will you be able to travel tomorrow? Or do we need a cart to drag you along?
Oh Kender, do you have a map? That will be handy! Did you just...find it...somewhere? Refrain from finding my things! Unless,...well unless i actually lost them. Then i would be glad you found them i guess.
She seems a bit tipsy after a few drinks.
Actually i would prefer to move on the countryside as well, best unseen and fast. But i guess we can forget about that.
"I had a map but you know I seem to have misplaced it." Bander looks confused, "Wait so don't find your things unless you need your things found . . . is it a proximity thing or awareness. You know like if a tree falls in a forest."
Thank you for inviting us today, Zak. Along the road, i will return the favor. I know dwarves have their particular ales, but i don't know much about your people. Do you have any special beverages as well?
"I guess one can say minotaurs in general drink almost as hard as they are able to fight" - Zak nods to Aeleni - "I do not know if you are aware of this or not, but we are also a race of mariners and sailors, so you will find a very strong preference for rum and beer chasers" - he added with a smile - "Now... If you can find a special fermentation made from kikuyu grass, and you present it to a minotaur, you will probably make a friend for life!"
Duatha orders an Elvenblossom Wine, straight from his homeland, if available. Otherwise, he will order simple apple cider, he does not have the stomach for the spirits that the lesser races drink, quite disgusting really. He thanks Zak for the drink, "What is your native language Zak? Is it Ogre, or something else?"
"Kothian is the language shared by most Blood Sea Minotaurs" - Zak explains - "Though most, if not all of us are learned in the common tongue since young age"
"A word of counsel - do not associate any of my race to ogres ever" - the large one fumes and puffs his chest - "Our common history is not of friendship, and most will take offense at such a mention." - he grunts - "I will accept it for now, since I understand it was borne out of ignorance. You pay for a round, and the matter is settled"
"Since we will be travelling together on this job, did we want to pool our resources for a bit of comfort? Maybe pitch in for a wagon?"
"I would agree with that if you find it necessary - we may need a big wagon though"
Bander makes a point to sit next to Zak. "So I never met a mine-tar before. This should be exciting. I know elves like wine and dwarves drink some sort of paint remover. I really want to taste something of your people. I can order us some hard cider if you want to taste a piece of my homelund."
"As I was explaining to Aeleni, I am not sure we will find any of the specialties from the Blood Seas Isles, but I would like to taste this hard cider beverage you are advising on Bander friend"
Tasting some of the local ales and the food, Aeleni is not too pleased and watches in amazement as Zak and Sheshka get senselessly drunk.
=
3*2.5 drinks = 8 drinks
(Admittedly he may push it further, say... 2 more hours for a total of 13 drinks, but he should still be safe)
Zak drinks hard, but does not seem to be distracted about how much he is drinking - at least not today. If he notices one or more of the group becoming more tipsy, he gradually maneuvers to find a closer sitting place, and spends the remaining of the evening closeby.
The large minotaur assumes a protective stance toward any member, or members of the group who may be more vulnerable because of drinking.
When Zak shoes interest in a cider. He stands on his chair and flags down a server. "Do you have any Kenderhome Cider? Lookit Apple?"
Duatha nods to Zak, "I am aware of the history between your races. I meant no offense. I was unsure if you still spoke their tongue. I would be interested to learn your native language, Kothian, as we will be spending time together".
He pauses for a moment and addresses the wider group, "In fact it may be beneficial to us all to learn Zak's language. Few speak it and it would allow us to communicate without others knowing what we are saying.
I get the sense that our time together will not end in Palanthus. Something about that Old Man has me shaken. It did not settle in until now. In fact, I think before we leave tomorrow we should find him and question him further. He seems to know something we do not and we would do well to find out what that is".
As the discussion moves to carts, "I agree, a cart would be useful. I am not a horseman. I can ride such a beast when cooperative but certainly not into battle. Who here can control a team of horses?"
As Sheska's drinking accelerates the Elf sighs and turns to the Minotaur, "I know you have been drinking as well. Are you feeling well enough to assist her to her room?"
Assuming the answer is yes Duatha turns to Aeleni as the hour grows late, "Come, let us walk together and speak dear Cousin".
I get the sense that our time together will not end in Palanthus. Something about that Old Man has me shaken. It did not settle in until now. In fact, I think before we leave tomorrow we should find him and question him further. He seems to know something we do not and we would do well to find out what that is".
When Zak shoes interest in a cider. He stands on his chair and flags down a server. "Do you have any Kenderhome Cider? Lookit Apple?"
the serving lady walking past looks at the kender and smirks. Lucky for you, sweet kenderkin, we just got an order of Uncles cider. would you like a pint? she asks sweetly, a big smile upon her face, and a look in her eye.
"Oh man yes that's what we need. A pint. . . well pint glasses sure but bring a pitcher we're sharing."
By the time she quaffs her ninth ale, the wizard's dialect is really starting to show through in her Common speech. Sheska tells Zek, gesturing with a flourish down at his mug and heavily trilling her "R"s, "Heeey now, my ferrriend, you'rrre subbosed kehebing ub!" She laughs.
Rather than be slowed down by the alcohol, Sheska finds a dizzying happiness in following the conversations of her new-found companions, regardless of whether she understands the language.
To Torin: "A wagon? Are weee trrraveling incognitoo? Brrrilliant!"
At the mention of everyone learning the minotaur's native tongue, Sheska is effusive. "Koosian. Yeees, teach us someh worrrds! Blease." She does not desist until she has managed to mangle the Kothian words for "kender", "cider" and "elfmaid".
Drink ten: "Baaanderrr, what maps you have? Any maps. I want too see oone." Sheska smiles.
Drink twelve: "Duasa, what yourrr favorrrite spell? Iiif you could only choose oone." Her hands gesture grandly.
Drink fourteen: "Fuuumaaa. So quieht. Yoou should neeever drink zis much. You have to bractice firrrst."
Sheska holds up her sixteenth ale in salute to Aeleni. "Saay what you wiiill, she's got a smile too drrrown sailorrrs. And I will be fine for the morrrow, zank you for yourrr concerrrn. So sweet!"
She downs her final drink just as Zak is dragging her back to the rooms. Sheska waves her hands at herself. "I drrrank morrre. You lost. Simple maaas. And you are eight times biggerrr." She trills a laugh.
-----
Next morning, Sheska emerges from her room with both eyes open the merest slits. She marches directly to the innkeep and starts counting out steel pieces into his hand until he brings her some form of alcohol. The wizard chugs it, wipes her mouth and sighs.
She then collects her possessions and tries to figure out what she can chip in on a wand and a wagon.
When Sheska first sees Duatha, she asks him:
To Aeleni:
To Duatha:
Torin will spend the rest of the evening discussing logistics and sizing up his new colleagues.
Bander makes no intent of keeping up with the wastrels but is happy to revel with the others. When asked about a map he looks again through his things. As he sets stuff on the table searching through his bags Fruma notes what looks ever so much like her own smelling salts, and Sheska is probably oblivious to her horn knife from her mess kit and her comb. He also pulls out a small bag with several vials in it. He frowns pats his satchel and finally says, "No map. hmmm. I had a map when I was on the boat. Though the captain took it I guess as part of my fare." He looks up at the others "If we are doing any further shopping I can see if someone is selling a map." As he puts things away he stops with the small back and pulls out the 4 vials looking at the rocks in the clear liquid. He flips them watching the rock drift to the bottom.
He unstops one to smell it.
He shakes another.
Fuma first checks her own pack as she spies her smelling salts among the pile.
After ascertaining it is her own, she points towards the particular vial and draws the kender's attention to it.
"It appears, sir that my smelling salts have found their way to you. Could I have it back?"
Duatha nods to Zak, "I am aware of the history between your races. I meant no offense. I was unsure if you still spoke their tongue. I would be interested to learn your native language, Kothian, as we will be spending time together".
"I find no reason why not" - Zak nods - "If you teach me your own, and our paths stay intertwined for long enough" - the minotaur raises his cup in agreement.
"Oh man yes that's what we need. A pint. . . well pint glasses sure but bring a pitcher we're sharing."
"I like it Bander friend" - he smiled as he tasted the apple cider - "Stronger than I expected"
As Sheska's drinking accelerates the Elf sighs and turns to the Minotaur, "I know you have been drinking as well. Are you feeling well enough to assist her to her room?"
"I am well enough yes" - the warrior confirmed, standing up almost without wobbling.
She downs her final drink just as Zak is dragging her back to the rooms. Sheska waves her hands at herself. "I drrrank morrre. You lost. Simple maaas. And you are eight times biggerrr." She trills a laugh.
"You are absolutely right Miss Kune - victory is yours this time around" - Zak smiled as Sheska almost passed out in his arms. He left her in her room, making sure she locked the door from the inside, then went himself for a much needed rest.
Fuma first checks her own pack as she spies her smelling salts among the pile.
After ascertaining it is her own, she points towards the particular vial and draws the kender's attention to it.
"It appears, sir that my smelling salts have found their way to you. Could I have it back?"
Bander looks at the salts and then at Fuma, "Huh?' He looks at the item not completely aware of it. He shrugs after a moment and passes it over to Fuma. "I always try to help when things get misplaced."
"I like it Bander friend" - he smiled as he tasted the apple cider - "Stronger than I expected"
Bander smiles, "Its good stuff isn't it."
"Huh it smells like lamp oil?"
---
The Elf nods to Torin,
---
The Elf shakes his head in agreement with the mighty Minotaur.
---
---
Duatha considers Sheska's offer,
I am limited in my ability to cast Divinations and Enchantments so any such spells you have I would not spend a great deal of time with.
My focus is on Conjuration magics. Especially Summoning. I find that being able to bring an ally into a situation which a foe does not suspect can make a significant difference.
I was originally going to focus on Evocation but the destruction that Dragonfire did to my homeland was too fresh in my mind to pursue that path".
I get the sense that our time together will not end in Palanthus. Something about that Old Man has me shaken. It did not settle in until now. In fact, I think before we leave tomorrow we should find him and question him further. He seems to know something we do not and we would do well to find out what that is".
|
|
To Torin:
Well met. I see we will get along. You talked about getting provisions beforehand? That would certainly be well. I don't know about the state of the roads. Bringing along some healing supplies will also be good.
To Duatha:
Of course Duathatallas, it will be my pleasure to walk with you later.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Later in the Inn, after some drinking, Aeleni looks at the Kender and begins to grin.
Bander was your name, wasn't it? Say, Torin and i thought about acquiring some healing supplies for our journey. You wouldn't have happened to have found some? By coincidence? That would certainly be better than paying those hagglers on the markers here.
Oh i didn't mean to say that. I should get some sleep now.
To Aelani:
"Yes, it would be best to be prepared. We can always sell what we don't use to recoup some of the investment."
The next morning Torin will work to coordinate the party's preparations.
Fuma volunteers to ask around for a wagon.
In Elven, "Tell me Cousin, if it was not your intention to follow me, what is your mission.Perhaps I can assist you with it".
Later in the Inn, after some drinking, Aeleni looks at the Kender and begins to grin.
Bander was your name, wasn't it? Say, Torin and i thought about acquiring some healing supplies for our journey. You wouldn't have happened to have found some? By coincidence? That would certainly be better than paying those hagglers on the markers here.Oh i didn't mean to say that. I should get some sleep now.
"So I need to keep my eyes out for healing supplies and maps." Bander nods.
"Well I did find these." He pulls out the four vials with the clear liquid with the rocks in it. "They smell a little like lamp oil. What do you think?"
|
|
** spoiler omitted **
She tried to feign surprise.
My mission? She looked at him innocently.
Ugh. Alright. I admit i followed you. You seem to get along with humans so easily. The mothers sent me here to see whether we could establish some trade - as if - to rebuild Qualinost. I suspect they sent me on a fools errand, so i forget the horrors of the war and spend some time among humans, to overcome any possible animosities they suspect i have. That is really all. I doubt you can help me with that really. I just have to spend some time away from home, so if you don't mind i'll tag along with you.
|
|
Later in the Inn, after some drinking, Aeleni looks at the Kender and begins to grin.
Bander was your name, wasn't it? Say, Torin and i thought about acquiring some healing supplies for our journey. You wouldn't have happened to have found some? By coincidence? That would certainly be better than paying those hagglers on the markers here.Oh i didn't mean to say that. I should get some sleep now.
"So I need to keep my eyes out for healing supplies and maps." Bander nods.
"Well I did find these." He pulls out the four vials with the clear liquid with the rocks in it. "They smell a little like lamp oil. What do you think?"
You found those? Lying on the street? Or in someones pockets? What is that anyway? Why would someone put rocks into the bottles?
Aeleni looks really sceptical......well...finding some maps or healing supplies would be more useful indeed.
In Sheska's brief conversation with Duatha in the morning, she replies:
"Of course, it can wait. I hope it does not disturb you that I focus on evocation magics. I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your homeland."
Then, when the party goes shopping, Sheska digs around in her money pouch and produces 100 steel pieces. "I hope this can help go toward something that heals."
She also is wise enough to know that I am stubborn enough to say no.
Regardless of why you are here I am of course gad to have someone watching my back for something other than a silver a day.
If I can assist with your trade goals I shall, I am am a competent negotiator though I have little taste for small talk.
It is easy to get along with humans. Play upon their egos.
Though I was not being sarcastic before, Humans truly are the ones that brought back the Gods. We may not like to admit it but often in their short life spans their fires for progress and innovation burns hotter than ours. This is both a good and a bad thing. I choose to look at it positively. After whet happened to our Homeland, doing so any other way would create a bitterness that would never leave my soul.
That would damage me, not them Cousin".
He says nothing further and just enjoys the stroll with his Cousin though he does actively listen to anything she has to say.
Your focus on Evocation is a wonder. The Art is a wonder, even that Art with which I have little practice. Initially I contemplated studying all magics but there is greater skill in specializing in a unique school. And truth be told, greater potential for power as well.
From what I know, one who is a universalist cannot hope to pass the Test".
After slugging down some alcohol (a cure she calls "a whore's toothbrush"), Sheska assists Torin--with her money and her energies--in prepping for the journey. She has felt better, but she is determined to be of use.
"If you don't mind having me along?" she asks the dwarf. "Or do you need to send me out to buy something?"
Bander in the morning joins the others who are going to the marketplace one in such a curious location he is difficult to keep track of. Just when you think he is gone you see him underfoot. Most often his rediscovery is pointed out by a shop keep blurting out something to you about cursed kender or mind your little one or some such kerfuffle.
Bander would never brazenly attempt to steal from good folk consciously. But he is a kender and is on the look out for healing items as well as a map.
Once the group finds the teamster Bander pipes in, "We might need a good map. Do you have a good map of the region?"
Bander looks around at all the curiosities in the healer's shop. As the others are looking for their wares.
elsewhere
The thing climbing the hill was ugly. Even compared to other members of his race, he was ugly. He is what everyone who makes the insult You are ugly subconsciously thinks of when performing the insult. He was tall, over 7 feet in height, yet walked with a hunch due to the large bulge upon his back. His shoulders were misshappen, one seeming to fit an ogre or a minotaur, while the other would be more likely found upon the small frame of a gnome or kender. His legs were equally uneven. one short, the other a bit longer, one muscular, the other slim and toned. His arms though, they were similiar in length, shape, tone, muscularity. Bedeckled with scales, holding a subtle blue color, they flashed like saphires in the noon day sun.
His innate magical ability could have been used to help him climb the rocky hill. Or he could have transformed himself into a "normal" body, a dwarf, or an elf, but he dare not. Not here. Not with her so close by.
He summited the hill, and took a moment to catch his breath, for not only was the climb exhausting in his natural form, the view was something to die for.
He stared out to the north, and away and below him the sounds of the ocean crashing upon the shore line teased his sensitive ears, even from this far away. the cries of seagulls sang upon the air, their rapid cawing flicking back and forth amongst themselves and rolling beyond into the sea and hills behind him. To the east and west the hills rolled up and down, climbing and descending out of view. Rocks thrust out of the grassy glades, stern reminders that there was firmness to this area. an impassive strength, as rock is oft to do when in the vicinity of mortals. The winds blew, from east to west, cascading the tall grasses and weeds alike, making the land ripple as the ocean does below the hill the thing stands upon.
Looking still to the north, the thing stared, knowing without seeing that a storm occurred, hammering an area as it has been for the last 350 years. A constant whirlwind of waters and air in the sky, and a cyclone in the water below; both seeking the destruction of those foolish enough to venture into the waters. Death was all that was found within the Maelstrom.
Krog the lady said quietly, standing next to this thing.
Krog turned and bowed to the short lady. Short by his standards due to his height, but tall in grandeur. He bowed, forcing his mishapen torso to bend, contort. Pain flares harshly from his spine, as vertebrae grind away at each other, small flecks of bone rubbing their shards into his tender spinal column.
My lady. I trust you are well? Krog asks as he stands upright again.
I am. Thank you for asking. How goes our efforts? she asks, still not looking at the thing.
We are making decent progress with the mining. So far we have managed to extract 300lbs of the ore from the ground below-
300? thats it? she cuts him off, slight anger in her tone.
Yes my lady. We are suffering some setbacks due to unexpected slave deaths. there were 30 in the last two days. Krog explains in an even tone. He has seen her angry, and while her tone is showing anger, she is not angry....yet.
Two days? She asks, prompting for more information.
Yes Mistress. One of the containment bells failed, and water flooded several of the compartments. Repairs were done, mining resumed, only to have those repairs fail yesterday. The ore was salvaged, but the workers... Krog shrugs.
The lady shrugs. So be it. What is our total slave number at now?
1000, mistress.
So, even at current rate, we can perhaps extract just over 1 ton of ore from the floor below before we exhaust our slave pool?
At a minimum. we are hoping things will settle and be able to extract more, but 1 ton is the amount you requested.
The lady stands silent, thinking, pondering.
send word to Neraka and Sanction. we need more slaves. use the San-rhin steel if you have to. And ask Slethrin if she would be so kind as to help transport the slaves to our encampment north of here. The lady instructs Krog.
Yes my lady. Krog nods, taking mental notes of the tasks, and already planning out how to achieve these tasks.
Finally, she turns and looks at him. Short of stature, She stands just below his chest height. Slim, petite, a tan upon her face, her almond shaped eyes that catch the light and hold the blue in the iris, her lips an even subtle pink. Her figure similar to those of statues in the great halls, large of breast, slim of hips, long legs and slender arms, she stands almost fragile like, almost like an empty eggshell.
You may leave me Krog. And keep up the good work. I know its hard working in the middle of the Eye, but if anyone can do it, it's you. She reaches out and touches his cheek, her hand warm under his blue tinged skin. A smile reaches from her lips, touching her cheeks, a warmth hardly seen filling her gaze.
Tears fill Krogs eyes, and for a moment, he blinks away the blinding intrusion, and when his vision returns, the impassivity that dominates the lady has returned.
Krog bows one more time, turns, and descends down the narrow footpath below.
Fuma Sighs to herself as her lack of experience begin to tell on the poor woman. Poorly travelled and lacking the general basic knowledge on where to start leaves the poor woman stymied.
She started off with good intentions but now away from her master, her dependency on him was crippling on her. Other then her healing skills and somewhat trained swordsmanship, she didn't know how one could start to look for a wagon and her first premise was to seek out a marketplace........
It didn't go well.
Looking around, she hoped perhaps her companions or future companions might be around or in the worse case scenario, tire of waiting and leave first.
She reaches out and touches his cheek, her hand warm under his blue tinged skin. A smile reaches from her lips, touching her cheeks, a warmth hardly seen filling her gaze.
Tears fill Krogs eyes, and for a moment, he blinks away the blinding intrusion, and when his vision returns, the impassivity that dominates the lady has returned.
As the sun rises Duatha considers heading to the Courthouse. He knows though that it is too early to gain admittance, Right before the breaking of a fast would be best. Instead, he prays, in his room where none can see, he mouths the words so none can hear. Satisfied with the warm feeling in the back of his mind, he continues his daily routine.
He spends time practicing his bladework, then studies his spellbok. Once he has his spells for the day committed to memory he dresses and eats a brief meal. He leaves his spellbook with the weary, red-eyed Sheska,
He frowns for a moment, leaving an heirloom with a Human he barely knows is madness. But. If she increases her knowledge and thereby is willing increase Duatha's own knowledge of the Art, then the Art itself grows in power and influence, it is a risk worth taking.
He then heads to the Courthouse, whether Aeleni joins him or not he leaves to his Cousin to decide...
Fuma, Bander, Zak, Sheska and Torin all travel to the marketplace, and begin to wander the stalls, examining wares on display for sale. Everything from bolts of fabric, to inks and reagents, to common spell components, metalwares, advertisments for guild services, are displayed. The group splits up to interact with different venders, yet easily staying within eye shot of each other.
"Good morning Young Lady, I and my Cousin, have ah... been here before. Having been falsely accused several times by an elderly Human gentleman named Nizfab I believe.
He was sentenced for the night yesterday for his false accusations. However, I was hoping that I could speak with the Magistrate to have some time with him as I would like to understand why he undertook to make these accusations and perhaps determine if there is something I could do to help him know that I am no thief nor is my Cousin!"
Bander finds Fuma, Zak, Sheska and Torin who are also in the marketplace. "Hiya I didn't find anyone selling or renting a wagon but I did find someone who sending a Wagon to Palanthas." He looks up a the nice half-elven woman, [b]"So this wagon did you hope we would escort it or would be need to pay passage or is it more of a more the merrier sit-che-A-shun."{/b]
|
|
Aeleni arks an eyebrow as Duatha hands his spellbook over to the human mage, but says nothing.
She got up early, did some extensive self-care and had a typical elven breakfast - lots of fruits and bread.
Then she followed Duatha to the Courthouse...
Stepping in through the main entrance felt a lot different than being dragged in like the last times. She carries herself upright and proud, eyeing everything with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
She shakes her head at the hustle and bustle the humans go about their activities, as well as the ugly robes and styles, insulting the eye and mind.
Duatha, why are we here again? she asked just when he started to talk with the woman behind the desk.
Ah yes...Fizban was the name actually, i believe.