"He has the right of it," she gestures to Ivar, "but we also don't want to step on the toes of anyone connected to us. You've been very kind to us and I would consider you a friend," she voices in a sweet way, "and when I came into the bar, I expected to relax for some time, as you can understand, but in this story, the family...perished...and the child too. When he told us the names...I just wondered...?" She raises a shoulder in a coy way. Her body slouches. Although slouching and her body becoming less of a target, she, in a way, is subconsciously flirting her way free of danger. Big eyes, shoulders pressing together, a subtle look. He couldn't get mad at her, could he?
Ewan thought he was the only one awake yet, so was surprised to see Merion jumping in beside him as he slided the note towards Albin to ask his question.
Seems others are also light sleepers, or used to rising early. Shame I couldn't get Albin's answer to myself, I had the feeling he had more to tell about it.
Ewan welcomes Arren's company next to him at the breakfast table, moving a little to the side so there's room between him and Albin.
Ewan looks on as the others ask Einar the question he didn't want to ask, lest it should be a touchy subject. He holds his face in his hands as the others bluntly ask Einar this, disregarding any subtlety whatsoever, but perks up his ears as Einar tells them he doesn't know the names.
Well, that was lucky I guess. Perhaps he's not their son, but a descendant of one of them? The entire history of his family long forgotten. Maybe we will never know.
He turns towards Albin and asks him a follow-up question.
"W-well w-we don't know h-how long ago t-th-this s-st-story happened. Al-bin? Any i-idea wh-when th-these events oc-cur-red?"
Albin shoots Ivar a glair; “Might have older grey on my face that you’ve seen on this earth, son, but I’ve had about enough of the lip you’ve been givin me since you strolled down here. No one held a sword to your throat and forced you to give me the coin.” looks around to the rest of the party before continuing. “If you want, I can just tell you how to find it and you can keep the difference of the coin. Or does this one here need me to hold his hand during his first adventure on land?” as he points a thumb towards Ivar
Einar tries to defuse what tension might be building; “Oh that’s a sad story. I have lost friends in battles, but don’t know what I would do if I lost my boy. Hells, might have caused me to go mad if it was one that I dragged him into.” seeing if anything is about to happen between the patrons he is sharing a table with; “When you own a tavern like I do you hear a lot of names, and some of them do repeat.” Making a motion as if he is about to stand; “But, unless there is anything else I do have some work that I need to be about.” Unless he is stopped, Einar leaves and goes about his business.
Albin looks to Ewan as he ask about the timeline of when these events occurred. “From everything I pieced together, Valentin claimed the location of his new home some 40 years ago. But, 5 years after that they started to run low on funds, and soon after that the whole family found themselves dead.” putting a hand to his side and quickly remembering that the blade is no longer there; “I came across your new blade about 20 or so years ago, it came from their vaults.”
Finishing his breakfast, Albin looks to the group; “I have two stops to make in town before we set off. One of which is just outside the Traitor’s Gate (G3) where we can take the South Road towards our destination. Neither of which will take me long, but I have some private business to see about at my first stop.” Finishing the last bit of his drink; “I am sure you have a few things you might need to tend to before leaving the city. So, I can meet you at Jokinen Passenger & Freight (OT2) once you are ready. It’s just outside of the gate, you can’t miss it. If you haven't been there just ask the guards at the gate and they can point you in the right direction.” He doesn’t get up, but he looks as if he is ready to be on his way.
Merion begins to respond to Albin, but Ivar gets rolling first, and after what he says there is little more to add.
To Nempura, then, Merion says I'm still on for this. Let me take care of a couple matters, and if they take too long I will meet you at Jokinen? No need to mention the Lady unless she does.
He rises from the table, pocketing a crust of bread from the remains of breakfast, and makes his way outside, where he finds a quiet corner and whistles. His bird flies down to him, and he lets it peck at the bread while he thinks. How much time have I to spend on this, anyway? She said to befriend them and learn what I can--presumably when they are needed again she will make that known. Quietly, to the bird, he murmurs We're going on a journey. To the countryside, more your kind of place than this city. You'll have to show this city boy around.
Nempura watches the bout begin between the two men like a lounging empress watching gladiatorial fights wage below her. When Ivar produces claws, she seems a bit surprised, shocked even. Her smile grows. As long as it doesn't escalate to the point the old man is dead, it is all words. It is then she pictures Ivar in a loincloth, wielding nothing more than his halberd and these claws in bloody viciousness that she has to shake her head to clear her thoughts. Something is sexy about this and something not quite right at the same time. Furthermore, the longer she is dazed, the more escalated things seem to get.
"Alright..." she approves of Ivar's demand. She turns her attention to Einar, who is trying to scamper away.
He weaves his tale of deflection or truth but she wants permission. With him wanting to excuse himself, she just states in a matter of factly way, "Well...I'm sure you're busy...feel free, I only wanted to bring up that old tale in hopes of expressing my sincere and kind affection to you should it have been a connection." She presses her cheeks and exhales, "Thank you, Einar." If it is the case that he was lying, her tone seems to be one of respect, but her looks and the fierceness of her eyes seem to say "she knows". All manner of secret, nonverbal communication with eyebrows and smirks seem to be transferred between the two as she wants to make sure he understands she doesn't want to step on his toes. If he was not lying, she'd just let him leave.
To Merion, she nods slowly, "Sure, let us meet outside the traitor's gate. If you don't see us there, head down the road a bit."
She then looks to Albin, "You aren't going alone. I told you, I am escorting you out of the city. So you are just going to have to put up with me and do your secret dealings with me nearby. I am not going to have you get targeted and killed on your way home after talking to so many people about your dagger. Let's face it, you've got to be a target. I hope you three will accompany me and perhaps help secure rent for a wagon and a horse to pull it?" she asks Arren, Ewan, and Helgar.
Arren does her best to ignore the argument going on. A good fight she has no problem with, but this was just a display of force. She might agree with the sentiment, but it just made her feel... uncomfortable. But she snaps back to attention when Nempura addresses her. "Eh? Of course, I'd be happy to be of assistance. I don't know about a horse, but I have just about enough funds left over to be able to purchase a pack animal, like an ox for the cart."
"Oh, no need to purchase one. We can just acquire the services of one for a couple of days. I can't see us being busy for more than that with it. I'm sure there is a stable on the way out of town anyway."
Helgar nodded. "Won't get rid of me that easily." She muttered. She wasn't of mind to throw gold away, but a cart would be easy enough to get. "Aye. Renting one it is. Arren, I'll go with ye to secure the transportation."
Ewan looks on at Ivar as he might instigate a fight between him and the old man.
"No n-n-eed to f-fight. Al-bin has been v-very f-forth-coming al-ready."
He says to try and suss the heated mood.
When Nempura asks about joining her, Arren, Helgar and Albin to procure transportation he nods.
"I w-will n-need to buy a n-new p-pair of sh-shoes still. If w-we make a l-long j-jour-ney I'll n-need them."
Merion jots down a quick note in thieves' cant, explaining that he's looking into a dubious account of lost treasure, and will report if there's anything valuable to it. He enters the rush of the crowd in the Shambles, using his abilities to fade into the masses. He makes his way to The Bloody Eagle, where if he sees she is present he will see that the note finds its way into her pocket. At all times he is using Face in the Crowd to appear unremarkable, especially as he approaches and while inside the Bloody Eagle. However, if Fruen is alone he will verbally relay the message in thieves' cant.
Then, he returns to Lady Pakkanen's offices, where if she is available to see him he delivers a less cryptic message. If she is not, he writes a note, seals it, and sees that it is delivered to her desk. This one states that he has found the people she sent him to, who have acquired other new companions as well--a muscular northern hothead, a stuttering swordsman with some sort of hidden wealth, and a mage claiming to be on a quest opposed to necromancy. The group is traveling to investigate a report of some kind of lost treasure, and Merion is using this as a chance to evaluate their character and capabilities. He will relay what he learns upon their return, and should she wish anything else he's sure she knows where to find him (or, if she's able to see him, he'll take instructions from her directly).
Having done these, he will go to Jokinen's, and if the others are not present ascertain if they've already left. If so, he'll follow, otherwise he'll wait for them.
You get the sense that Einar is telling the truth when says he doesn’t know who it is you’re talking about. The same first name is just happenstance. It would be a different story if they shared the same last name.
Albin seems to keep his cool when Ivar scowls and explains his scar, but that slowly fades as he stands up and talons begin to form on his fingers. Sitting back to grant a little extra space, Albin doesn’t say anything until Ivar makes his way up and out the door.
When Ivar reaches the main floor and the door, he doesn’t see anyone following him. You either called his bluff, frightened him, or possible a little of both.
Back in the common room everyone seems to be gathering their belonging and heading off to do one thing or another. Merion slips out to take care of some business, Ewan speaks of buying a new pair of shoes while the other three are going with Albin; “It has been a while since I had a date. Three at once? Maybe I should go try my hand at the dice with this much luck.?”
You make your way to the low market looking for a cobbler. You see people selling all sorts of goods, but you come across three different options. One is a pair of Wading Boots. They are waterproof boots that are felt lined and have a thin layer of metal around the soles. The top of each boot ends just before the knee, with a cord for tying the top shut over clothing or exposed skin. Good for hikes through deep mud or shallow pools. You are made aware that those cost 50 gold. The second option you come across is a whole Traveler’s Outfit, that includes a pair of boots all for the cost of 1 gold.
You go to the Bloody Eagle and she doesn’t pay attention to you. You know that her contact with you is discreet.
At Lady Pakkanen’s office she greets you with a smile “Merion, hopefully it has been a fruitful day. We are making no progress with the boy, but from what everything we can tell from the ephod, it is linked to no deity like Nempura seems to believe. You can offer for them to take it if they like. We might find out more if they were to put it to use. Not sure if she would have any use for it, but she was the one who had the connection with the child.”
As you explain the other companions that have joined she raises an eyebrow; “Interesting. Only two remain from those who were on the ship. I suppose what they faced would run off most… Go with them and discover what you can. They need us as much as I need them, but they can never know that.”
As they disband, she chuckles at Albin's words and takes him in arm as they head out. She'll even plant a playful kiss on his old-man-cheek to further the idea of them heading out on a date. When they reach outside, she will abandon Albin to the other two for a moment to speak with Ivar. In an almost sensual way, she will approach him by where he stands.
"You aren't going to leave us subject to banditry on the way are you? I could use a strong protector...regardless of how hot Albin enjoys pressing your boundaries. Come along...?"
Her eyes seem to beg, and despite the ferocity of his claws, she will reach out for his hand. Once the party are together, she will set out on their journey to the southeast gate.
Nempura mostly sticks to the plan. She will stay close with Albin while he conducts his private business, acquiring a cart and a beast to carry them, and then will head to the rendevous for the others. She will, of course, stop and get some food for the trip and to make sure others have available water for the journey, as well as feed for the animal.
Albin, Nempura, Arren, and Helgar gather their belongings and leave the Orc’s Head Tavern. Once outside and regrouped with Ivar Albin agrees; “It is a little cool this morning. Nothing better than crisp air before heading off on an adventure.” He gives Ivar a friendly nod; “Let’s be on our way. As I said I need to make one stop in the city before meeting up at Jokinen’s.”
The four of you make your way north out of the Orc’s Head Tavern, heading towards the River Gate. Crossing the bridge at River Gate you see that there is no actually gate at the River Gate. Instead,, you see a pair of squat watch towers, each one heavily fortified and topped by ballistae capable of sweeping the river. Each tower also boasts a small dock from where the garrison can intercept any vessels entering the city.
Crossing the bridge, you make your way into the High City of Languard. This portion of the city is not only titled High City because it is where the Noble families of Ashlar live, but it is physically higher than the rest. There are a series of bluffs rising from the river’s waters that causes the High City to rise above the stink and muck of the rest of Languard, and the people here live into that mindset with their attitude towards those who look the part of the Low City.
Before getting too far into the High City, Albin ask Arren to hold his backpack for a moment. He takes off his drab looking travelers cloak and also hands it to Arren. He takes off his vest and turns it inside out and puts it back on. Then Albin pulls free a much nicer looking cloak from his bag and dons it. In a matter of a few seconds, Albin transforms from a rough looking traveler into someone who looks more the part of a citizen of the High City. Taking back his back and cloak he winks at Arren; “Thanks dear.”
“Off to Anku’s.” You follow Market Street that cuts across the middle of the High City. You pass by a sweet smelling bakery on the south side of the road. A block further you find an open-air eatery that is packed with people of high society. And just a few doors down you find yourself at a beautiful looking storefront.
Anku Sennra’s Fine Diamonds and Other Gemstones is carved on a sign hanging above the door. The wooden script has been polished to a shine. “Here we are.” Albin says as he opens the door and enters.
With a ring of a bell overhead, you enter this small storefront. A cat stretches as it stands and jumps off a white marble countertop that shines with obvious care. A few small gemstones sit behind think glass that is illuminated by candles and mirrors. A raven-haired woman comes from behind a curtained off room from behind the counter. A welcoming smile crosses her ageless face. “Welcome! Gentlemen, have you come to adorn these beautiful women with jewelry? Not to sell my wares shot, but any jewels you place upon them would pale in beauty.”
Albin steps up to the counter and places the gold pouch that he received from Ewan; “I need to travel light, what do you have that can aid me in this?”
The scene continues on with Albin negotiating with Anku for a gem worth the gold that he received from the group for the dagger. They settle on a beautiful sapphire.
Albin turns to the group, tucking the gem onto his person; “Anywhere you’d like to stop at before we set sail?” he says with a wink.
As the party heads to Jokinen Passenger & Freight to meet up with their other companions, Albin makes it a priority to stop off at that sweet smelling bakery that the group passed earlier.
“Mother Grumm,” Albin says as he enters the shop; “the gods blessed you with baking. I can not pass your door without coming in.” you see a shop that is decorated with bubbling cauldrons and alembics steam alongside large ovens and fantastically expensive glass cabinets. The walls are cluttered with with jars of sweets, tangled toffee sticks, and gingerbread men while the counter is dominated with baked goods and sweet-meats. There is a sign that proudly states that all goods are homemade.
A diminutive old lady turns as she rolls her eyes. Hair in a bun, she wipes flower from her hands on an apron. “Flattery is always accepted, but never ends in a discount. Prices are marked” she says as she points to a hand written board;
Tangled Toffee Sticks 2 copper a bag. Gingerbread Men 1 copper each, Sugared & Fruited Iron Rations 3 gold . Sugary Berry Drink 2 copper a bottle.
“I want to treat my new friends to your perfectly spiced and crisp Gingerbread men, I will take 10 of those. You can go ahead and wrap those up. And I will have two of your rations. Heading out for a while.”
“Oh darn, I sure will miss having you around.” she says in a sarcastic way to a familiar customer who is always trying to butter her up. “You three need anything?” she says before pointing to Albin; “Besides a new travel partner?”
With a friendly smile, Albin gives Mother Grumm three gold and three silver. Grumm pats his hand with a “Thank you.” before depositing the coins somewhere unseen behind the counter.
Albin tucks his rations away in his backpack; “Shall we meet up with the others?”
The group of you make your way back through the High City, into the Low City and to the Traitor’s Gate.
You make your way to the Traitor’s Gate. This gate is named for the corpses, or bits of corpses, that hang from its parapets. It serves as a grisly reminder of Duke Nenonen’s absolute authorty over his dutchy.
Two towers and stoutly reinforced gatehouse comprise Traitor’s Gate. Each tower 50 foot high, provide excellent views over the surrounding area and are always manned by vigilant watchers. On the inside of the city, you see beggars and street urchins clustering in on the people arriving to the city offering to be guides to the city of Languard.
You slowly make your way out of the city. Everyone exiting the city goes unnoticed, it is those who are entering that are under the watch of the guards.
Once out, you make your way down the South Road.Several large stables and barns hosing draft animals and wagons, a well-kept and spacious residence, and a small office with a sigh reading “Jokinen Passenger & Freight” sit just off the road. There are workers about loading carts and hitching horses to them.
Albin stops just off the road; “We should wait for the others here.”
Ewan looks to his coin pouch and knows the Wading Boots would be something he couldn't afford. Maybe that wouldn't be too much of a problem, would he really need that kind of boots on the road? Probably not.
He decides for the more all-round traveler's outfit with new shoes to boot. The version he picks is one with new leather boots, grey woollen pants, a darker shade of green vest and a simple brown hooded cloak.
Afterward he makes his way towards his parents house, but doesn't find anyone there.
He leaves a bag of 10gp and a note for them, it reads: "Hi mum, hi dad, I just came back yesterday from a successful voyage with the Gilded Gill. Needed some time to arrange my thoughts. I'll tell you all about the adventures when you're home next time. For now know that I made some new and interesting friends, take this part of my earnings and have a good meal on me. Love you both. Ewan."
He then walks back to the Traitor's Gate and is off to the South Road and Jokinen Passenger and Freight. He is about 45 minutes later than the first group who've arrived.
"I'm all done. J-just h-had to run a-another er-rand. Wh-when do w-we l-leave?"
As they stop yet again, she observes the surroundings to make sure they aren't being followed. Yet again, she enters in with the elderly man and patiently will cling to him like a date or a daughter. She too will roll her eyes playfully at his sickly sweetness and chuckle at both his and the shopkeep's jokes.
"I love sweets. I will definitely be partaking when we return from our journey. If I have too much right now, I'll pass out in the cart. I will take a couple of your rations too, however."
------------------------------------
As they make their way out of the gate, she observes the various scraps of Duke Nenonen's justice.
She is glad they make it past the gate guards fine. She will even give one of them a happy smile as they walk past in hope that they remember her on the way back in (assuming they are on shift). Once at the stable, she will agree with the elderly man:
"Agreed." "I'm actually surprised with how much he blabbed about that dagger that we weren't set upon by a gang. I suppose that letting people sleep it off was a good decision. What should we do about this thieves guild..." She has many ideas springing up in her head as to what to do next, even as she's currently doing something. "Make sure they don't rent you a vicious pack beast. Something gentle and used to decent loads. We should all inspect the cart and its wheels before we take it out."
Anku Sennra’s Fine Diamonds & Other Gemstones: You know that Anku has the best gemstones available in Languard, as long as you don’t ask too many questions. Locally, there are whispers and rumors that Anku has a connection with a network of thieves due to the fact that a patron might recognize a neighbour’s gemstone that was worn at a previous gala but is not in the case for sale. Word on the street is that the “good stuff” is kept on the second floor of her shop.
Old Mother Grumm’s, also known as Alla Grumm, is a favorite among locals and adventurers alike. At the end of the day, Mother Grumm sends her three staff to the Low City and Shambles and gives her day old baked goods to the local urchins and beggars.
Duke Armas Nenonen is the current ruler of Ashlar. Ashlar is a well-governed, ordered society. The Nenonens have ruled the land since Arndul planted his banner 500 years ago. The nobles of the land are mostly descended from his favored companions and henchmen and a powerful tradition of service yet runs through the nobility.
Individual lords oversee their own lands as they see fit as long as they refrain from oppressing their folk or waging open warfare against their rivals. A lord’s power is measured by two things: the favour he holds with Armas Nenonen, and his family wealth.
The Nenonen family lives in Castle Languard in the High City.
The group may notice that Nempura is a bit warier in Anku Sennra's Fine Diamonds store than she is in Old Mother Grumm's. It is like Nempura comes alive in the shop comparatively, although it is not openly expressed as to why. It can be guessed that she will buy a lot of things on the return journey just by how she is acting. At the handing of the gingerbread to her, she will sample it gingerly and enjoy it on the walk to the stables.
When the smells of the animals rise up, she is fortunate to still have gingerbread nearby to linger near her nose, which looks somewhat funny.
"Aye," she answers in harmony with Ivar to Ewan. "I think we need something smaller that we can walk alongside. Something that can carry a decent load but can fit between bushes and trees of the wild, as it sounded like this area would be overgrown, right Albin? she asks. At the thought of treasure awaiting them, she thinks, "If I keep saving, perhaps one day I'll be in that castle..." Her eyes glance toward Castle Languard.
Arren is slightly uncomfortable with Albin's commentary, but takes it in stride. She follows the group primarily in silence to avoid disrupting any negotiations that occur in the stores, but she does smile at the old woman who runs the sweet shop. Arren loves sugary confections, any strong taste really, but sweet is the best.
With the talk of horses and carts beginning Albin chimes in; “Don’t worry about me. My horse is here in the stables. I have known Aina for a while now. Her uncle, Sakari, and I go way back. He oversees her Dulwich office.” You all remember Albin mentioning that Dulwich was his home.
Thinking to himself for a moment; “We really have two options, both are fine with me. First is we take a ship across the bay, down the Kymi’s Run, stop off at Thornhill to stretch and resupply, and make land at Longbridge. From there we have a short ride by road to Dulwich.” Spitting to the side as the taste of horse manure begins to fill your mouths; “I know by boat might not be your first choice, considering your last mission… The second option would be taking the south road to Wellswood then to Longbridge. And from there we ride to Dulwich.”
“No matter how we go, from Dulwich to the ruined keep it would be best to go by horse and take pack mules. While you decide, I am going to head in and catch up with Aina and get pepper ready for our journey.” pointing to a door; “That’s the main office where I’ll be.”
Albin begins walking to the main office of Jokinen Passenger & Freight. Stopping and briefly talking to a few of the men at work before entering the office.
Merion's errands did not take as long as he had thought, and he arrives at Jokinen's in time to hear Albin's explanation of the options. His bird takes the high route outside the gate, and settles in a tree nearby. He releases it mentally, and it joins other birds in picking at the droppings of the horses by the side of the road.
Pepper, is that a horse's name or some sort of spell ingredient?
He emerges from the crowd of people entering and exiting the gate, and approaches the others, moving to stand wherever there is a larger gap between two of the group. Curious how and what he knows of the events on the Sea Sprite. Have there been loose lips or does he only know what's widely known? Merion marks that comment for future study.
"Well, I'll defer to your opinion," she gestures to Albin in response to Ivar's question. "After all, you've been there, even if it was a while ago. If you think it wild enough to need pack mules back then, who knows what it is like now? As for which direction we go, I think I'd prefer the land-based route along the south road. I still have flashes of cursed visions and Lacedon's whispering to me in my sleep."
She will let the others handle the renting of the pack mules and will lounge a ways away in the shade of a building. "Maybe I should rent a horse?" A moment later, she agrees with herself and mutters, "I'm gonna see how much a horse would be to rent. I don't want to walk all that way." Then she will move into the office with Albin.
Once inside, she will inquire as to the pricing for temporary usage of a horse for their projected journey, which should be just in time to return in case the Lady needed them for something.
”Would prefer dry land.” Helgar said. ”Last mission aside, can’t sink on land. Don’t need to pay to transport a horse and cart either.”
The workers outside begin pulling the loaded cards around in a row in the yard. There is a short caravan of four carts. Three supply carts, each with two large draft horses pulling it. From what you can see, they are loaded down with crates and barrels. The final cart that is slightly obnoxious with its bright color scheme. This one look to be more of a personal cabin cart rather than one that is hauling goods and supplies.
Behind the driver of this cart is a small door, you see the door slide out of the way and walking out from behind it is a is an old gnome man. Who looks to be looking through a leather backed book as he says a few things to the driver and goes back into his cart.
You take a step off of the hard packed dirt yard onto a wood planked porch. Through the window of the front door you see Albin Mietti talking behind the counter to a woman that could be half his age. Both look to be smiling and laughing, as if old acquaintances catching up.
The room you walk into is split in two by a high counter that you could walk around on each side. On your side there are four matching chairs lined against the wall. On the opposite is a rolltop desk and two tables that is filled with paperwork and books, full but organized. On the wall is a large map of Ashlar. You might find it impressive if not in the least a unique item that you have never seen before in this size, or at all.
“But we can talk more about that later.” Albin finishes. “Aina dear, onto business. My new friends here are traveling with me to Dulwich. I figured you could help them with your services.”
“You figured huh?” She says to the greying man. “Names Aina Jokinen, yes the same Jokinen of Jokinen Passenger & Freight. Things are a bit tight around here and I’m booked solid.” she looks through a tall slender log book.; “What’s taking you to Dulwich, and what are you needing?”
"I-I've never r-ridden a h-horse before. Th-that w-would be a new exp-exp-experience f-for s-sure." Ewan states as the group mentions travelling by land.
I myself would prefer the sea, but that is mainly cause I am used to it. I wonder what things we will get to see on the road.
"I w-wonder th-though. W-would w-we need the h-hor-ses from here to D-dul-wich? Or do w-we need th-those only from Dul-wich on-w-wards?"
Seeing the group of carts and the one wagon, Ewan looks interested to see who's riding in said wagon. As the gnomish man exits the cart, Ewan nods and tells the others who've stayed outside.
"Y-you can tell th-that man is a mer-ch-chant. The cos-tume gives a-way he is w-weal-wealthy enough. The c-carts would in-di-cate it as w-well. Th-though the l-leather b-bound b-book completes the pic-ture. It m-means his notes and w-words are v-very im-por-tant to him."
"You are nimble," she states, looking to Ewan up and down, "Half the challenge is not falling off when you get into trouble. I don't think you'll have a problem. Most horses, especially ones you rent are used to strangers riding them though, so it'll likely be an easy ride for you."
Concerning how long the trip should take, she shrugs, "Well, I don't want to go all on foot. That'll take too long. I want to be able to be exploring today if we can manage it. We won't do that on foot."
She will look to Ivar at his contemplation.
"Smart. If we get paid for the journey to Dulwich, I don't mind springing for a whole cart, a horse to pull it, and a couple of pack animals. The cart to carry us, the pack animals for when we get into the thick of nature, and then we can use the cart for the way back. We'll travel at a much faster pace than on foot that way. Despite its decayed nature, I'd imagine there are still valuable pieces of furniture stored in the location, and I have a feeling that this place is unknown for a reason by locals. Perhaps overgrown to a point it is no longer seen? We should have enough storage for a household of goods if we are going to make serious coin on this in order to pay for this dagger and enough to split between all of us. Let's hope we weren't lied to."
She looks to those who are coming with them, who she gave the job of securing the renting of horses and supplies for the trip. With them informed, she will be interested in this person's answer.
Inside, Nempura will nod to the woman's introduction.
"Greetings, I'm Nempura Babblebrook. We are an escort...an adventuring party if you will of good ol' Albin here." She will then make way for Ivar's question to see if the caravan is hiring. She does not disclose that the elderly man is retiring or what their purpose for the horses and cart will be.
Merion finds Arren as they await for Nempura and Ivar to finish the negotiations. I hope we do get paid. I've little enough coin to contribute myself for a horse, though I would pay willingly if needed. As he mentions money, he looks over to Ewan (whose payment of 250 gold got the whole ball rolling), and tries to measure the sorceress's reaction. These two showed up together, what is their connection?
"It's true that funds have been a little... tight recently. But I have the last of my savings from the last job I had. If I'm being honest, my biggest need for money is in the pursuit of knowledge. It can be very expensive though." She rubs her left arm, absentmindedly as she talks about it. Arren, noticing Merion's glance at Ewan, gives a half smile. "It's really quite strange, when I first saw him, I thought he was a mage, and so I arranged to meet him, to try and pick his brain for information. But as it turns out, there's something to be said for finding acceptance instead of a lead."
"What about you? What's your connection to the crew of that ill fated voyage?"
I work for their patron, Merion replies. She sent me to make sure they were well, at least the ones still interested in her offers. He shrugs, and laughs a too-forced chuckle, as if he were willing his thoughts to be jovial. There's something to be said for a job behind a desk, though haring after haunted treasure has its charms too.
Aina leans across the counter and gives Ivar a long look up and down, “Direct and to the point. Seems like you are looking for cheap passage to Dulwich. Lucky you, in my work I am always looking for people who want to earn a few coins.” Moving to her desk, she looks at a few different ledgers.
“But, since you are needing of my services, we could just come to a mutually benefitable agreement. I have some precious cargo that must be delivered to Kingsfell, but that isn’t until after I drop off some goods to my uncle in Dulwich.” she points to the two locations on the map. “How many are in this adventuring party of yours? I would trade the usage of a few horses and a wagon, if you have the ‘adventuring party’ to guard my caravan.”
Albin taps a gold crown on the counter and slides the coin to Aina; “That’s for Pepper.” pointing a quick finger between the group that is in the office; “You work out the details, I’ll be saddling up Pepper and getting her ready. I’ll be outside.”
Albin leaves through the same door, and turns towards the stables.
"We have six." She follows Albin with her eyes as he walks out before looking to Aina. "We are fine to escort your precious goods and supplies to your uncle in Dulwich, but not beyond. If he will be able to provide protection the rest of the way, we may have a deal. What is in the precious cargo and goods? Because I'm not interested if this is dealing in slavery or some sort of smuggling. If you're fine with that, I don't see a problem."
"I think we were expecting word from our other source..." she states vaguely about the Lady, "...on a job perhaps coming up in a few day's time, so going the extra distance doesn't really work for us if we are unavailable."
Ewan nods in agreement to Arren's story as he hears Arren and Merion converse.
"I th-think I h-have com-bined a c-clerk's w-work and ad-ven-ture q-qu-quite w-well. Up till now. S-sea v-voy-voyages h-have all s-sorts of troubles. Th-though I h-have v-very limited m-magi-cal a-bili-ties, my k-know-ledge about t-the ar-cane is still q-quite capable."
"I w-wonder if that m-mer-chant w-will be going in t-the s-same di-rec-tion as us. If so, w-we c-could tr-travel t-to-gether."
He adds changing the subject immediately
I imagine you have, Merion adds to Ewan, gesturing to his weapon. I've never made it far out of the city at all, and never by water. Life as a clerk has kept me tied down. What sort of troubles have you run into? Let's see what this aspiring mage knows of the Sea Sprite.
Those who are outside see Albin leave the office and head towards the open front stable. You see him lead a horse out from where it is being held and ties it to a hitching post. You see him lovingly brush the horse down, and carefully begin to saddle the horse and put on the horse’s saddle bags. He begins to load up his saddle bags before leading his horse out to the group.
Albin makes his way up to the party leading a horse. Petting the horse’s nose; “This is Pepper, she’s been the best horse I’ve had in all my years of adventuring.” Looking to the those remaining outside. “It looks like Ivar and Nempura are negotiating your horses and cart. We have some distance to ride, you all have ridden before?”
When Nempura says only to Dulwich Aina nods; “We can make that happen. We should have more opportunity to hire escorts from Dulwich to Kingsfell.” With a slight chuckle Aina responds; “You haven’t traveled down the South Road with a merchant before have you? We are going to travel through a few different check points and pay taxes on our goods. We won’t have any kind of illegal or prohibited goods. Also, we are only what 100 feet from Traitors Gate… I don’t want to join those bodies that decorate it.”
“We will be taking goods through Wellswood, Longbridge, Dulwich, and Kingsfell. Buying, selling, and trading along the way. We will also be helping a gnomish man arrive at Dulwich. We will be setting off in the hour. I will have 5 horses brought out to you if” pointing to Ivar; “you really want to walk. I have a few things to gather for the driver. Is there anything else?”
She gives the group of you a smile; “But, think on it. Helgar expressed concern for your comrades, my offer still stands for aid at The Fane of the Waves Eternal. At my expense of course. Go on, tend to them and rest up. Visit the inns you enjoy singing at for some coin and ale. Then return to me rested. With a team. If needed, I can provide additional… support.”
You remember that Lady Pakkanen mentioned for you all to return to her rested in a few days.
"No, not with a merchant," she answers. The bard looks amused as Aina explains. "Hey, I'm not saying you are, I'm just putting it out there that I'm against it...," she states with mirth on her face and a dismissing gesture as if it's not a big deal anymore. "Who is the merchant we are looking to be transporting?"
"How long do you think the trip to Dulwich would take with all of the stops? If it is more than a day, I'm afraid we'll have to come to some other agreement. We need to proceed to the south, have a day to handle some local business, and then be returned. Three days in total. Is this possible, and if not, how soon does this merchant expect to leave? Perhaps we can send word to our other employer to see if they would be okay extending the start date of our next job."
She looks to Ivar briefly, "Maybe ask Merion to see what can be done?"
Aina walks over to her large map and traces the road; "Its about 13 miles from here to Wellswood, then 12 miles to Longbridge, then 10 miles to Dulwich. It's not quite a full day's travel from stable to stable, but we can't push the horses much further than that. They will need food and water, and we will have to move goods at each town."
Walking back to the counter; "It will be 3 days there. Then whatever business you have with Albin in Dulwich."
"Hmm...I'll have to discuss this with our party. I'll be right back. Excuse me."
With that, she will exit the room and return to those outside who are conversing.
"Pardon, but we do have a bit of an issue with our timescale. It seems the distance is too great to make it back in time to do the Lady Pakkinen's business. Our only option is to postpone this journey, find out what the Lady wishes of us, and then meet up with Albin in Dulwich to pay him his final price, or to inquire of the Lady now, and request enough delay to do this job. What do you all think?"
"Slow and steady is the best way to do things." Helgar said. "When making a blade, what's the point of making the time agreed upon if ye don't make the blade that they want? Just risks wastin' everyone's time. So aye, best to ensure that we know exactly what job we are to do, even if it costs us some time."
"Alright, well, Lady Pakkinen stated that she needed a few days to gather information and to come back then, but she didn't say she would have a job for certain. This is a job in the hand, right here, right now. I'd rather be working than resting. And to be frank...I am a little nervous about working with the good Lady without knowing what she's found out concerning that child."
To the others, as Helgar already more clearly knows, Nempura explains, "You see, the child in my story last night has some connection to the gods...evil gods. There is some time pressure there...as the boy is adamant that we find his god, Braal. Lady Pakkinen was trying to find someone to talk to the boy and to figure out why, but I'll just say though if you want my opinion, I'd rather do this job first, and then hopefully, Lady Pakkinen has more information lined up for us on where to go and how to handle things in a safer way...because the last voyage was a f!+!ing disaster..." she mutters regarding the ship and the Lacedons.
Merion clears his throat, and quietly adds I can get a message to and from the Lady quickly. Not on an instant, but fast enough that we'd need not take the time to walk to see her. Let me inquire on her timeline. He looks around furtively, and shielded from onlookers by Ivar's body, unshoulders his pack and pulls a bundle from it. Inside is the ephod, which he shows a corner of to Nempura. She also sent me with this, as she thought it more useful in your possession, as her people have done all they could with it.
"Whaaa?" she exclaims with an ecstatic whispering voice as she creeps close. "Are you serious? It hasn't even been a full day. How hard did she try?" Nempura grumbles. "You hold onto it for now, if you don't mind..."
Due to her terrifying dream last night, Nempura is once again, unsettled and flashes an uncomfortable look to Helgar, who doesn't know she had experienced the dream. Even more frightening would be if they knew they shared the same dream.
"Ewan, Arren, what are your thoughts?"
Assuming they are the same, Merion can send his bird and they could find out in mere minutes rather than half a day what the answer is.
As the party continues their discussion about what to do next, Albin leads his horse, Pepper, away from the party towards the caravan that is just finishing the load up. He begins talking to the driver of the third caravan, when an old gnome man exits through his sliding door behind the driver. The three of them strike up a conversation.
Coming from the office, Aina Jokinen walks to the lead wagon driver and hands him a leather document portfolio. The driver then puts it in a hidden lockbox within his bench seat.
Aina then makes her way to the party that is gathered. Not waiting, she cuts in; “We are going to be ready within the hour. Let me know what you decide so I can get your horses ready. I will also have a small cart available for you to use, but I don’t have a free driver. My horses are trained and don’t get spooked easily, if you can handle the reigns you should be okay.” Knowing that you’re still talking, she takes off to continue her work.