"It's not that easy to pick up and leave," the soldier answers Lup. "And where is there to go? There's Asmodeans to the west, elven supremacists to the east, dwarves who don't let anyone in to the north and the south? I'm neither a sailor nor a merchant. Can't make a living out there."
---
The small passage opens up into a moderately-sized tavern. In a corner, two men are drinking and arm wrestling. A young man tends the bar. He cocks his head to the side as the two half-elves walk in.
---
The halfling, still on guard as Lysithia approaches, glances at the dwarf following behind her. "We just came to town to pay our respects and we were suddenly mobbed by these miscreants. If I had known this would be the treatment we would get, we should have just stayed home."
"Ah, so you have at least thought of it," Lup muses. "Well hopefully one day we can kill all the Ass'ms. Or they'll blow themselves up or something."
"Kill them all?!" the soldier asks, incredulous. "I'd be fine if they'd just mind their own business and leave us alone. I became a soldier to keep people safe, not revel in bloodshed."
She sets down the table she was carrying and goes to get another.
Looking at the thorn covered woman for a moment before turning her attention back on the surrounded pair, she holds up a hand, "Everyone that lives in this valley, has the right to be here today. I am sorry that you were met with such hostility. Perhaps these trying and uncertain times, have caused these simple folk to forget that without the help of the Orcs, as well as many others, we wouldn't even have this valley, and if we don't learn how to stop fighting amongst ourselves....we might not have it for much longer. Governor Lewell was a great man, that fought hard so that we could all live in peace." Looking around the crowd of angry faces she says, "I know you're scared about our future, but do you really think that acting this way is honoring his memory?" She stands there quietly, waiting to see if the other woman had anything else to add to what she had said.
"Oh that would be even better... but do you think they're capable of it? It's a nice dream though." Lup continues as he puts the table where she wants it. "Not to say I favor violence like that, but, if there wasn't any, there wouldn't be any need for people like us. Which wouldn't be bad, but yet, here we are."
Taking a moment to meet the eyes of the various members of the encircling crowd, Lysithia nods. "And I can't help wonder how attacking strangers coming to pay their respects, honors the man to whom all of you owe everything."
Celanna didn't like the look of this place. She glanced over at her new acquaintance then around to assess the situation. It was very tempting for her to tell the other half-elf to stay there while she went and got the drinks, but on the other hand, separating could be just as bad or worse if things got......out of hand.
Leaning over she whispered, "Stick close."
Cautiously, Celanna headed to the bar.
Astoria nods while hiding a bemused smile at her companions overabundance of caution. "As you say miss."
"Can I...help you?" the young man asks Celanna.
---
One grizzled man steps out of the group of people to look Lysithia in the eye, barely acknowledging the dwarf. "Haxson Lewell's deeds count for nothing now. He allowed us to be bullied by Kharas instead of fighting to keep trade going. Look around, the only soldiers you'll see here are wet-behind-the-ears whelps hoping that Jerell will somehow conjure up the money to keep them fed. Everyone with any sense and no loyalty have already gone. Now, we've been eating scraps while Haxson's boy seems to eat well enough."
He juts his chin out toward the half-orc. "Where does his loyalty lie? What's to stop him from gathering his other bastard friends and killing us off in the night? We are good, upstanding people and the future of the valley lies in our hands. Not some limp-wristed fop with his dreams."
He then points at the halfling. "And how do we know that he ain't a spy for Kharas on a mission for his devil-loving master?"
The man finally folds his arms across his chest. "These days, you can't trust anyone but your own. We'd rather be safe than sorry."
---
"I don't dwell on politics," the soldier says to Lup. "I'm not foolish enough for that game. Come on, there's six tables left. Might knock this out before things really get going here."
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"If you were going to betray people, slaughter them off in the night, would you tip your hand coming to a remembrance ceremony to be attacked by locals? This valley wouldn't be standing today without the help of the orcs and elves that threw in with those already here to stand for independence." Lysithia says, calmly, but boldly.
"You're a soldier though, we kinda don't get that option." Lup says with a chuckle before hustling with her to get the rest of the tables moved. "Any particulars you would recommend once it starts?"
"Yes, we'd like one ale each please," The brawler requested.
The young man fills two mugs and pushes them toward Celanna. "Eight copper."
---
"Personally, I'd eat, listen to Jerell Lewell's speech and leave," the soldier says. "I doubt there'll be much cheer afterward."
---
The grizzled man smirks. "I guess half-breeds need to stick together, eh?"
He glances at Kelda. "I'd be careful who I throw my lot in with."
The man turns to leave and several others follow him down the road.
Kelda just shakes her head at their retreating backs, "What a jerk. If anyone's a spy, it's that guy. Are you two okay?" She asks, looking at the half orc and halfling with the ornate blade.
Throwing down a silver on the bar, "Keep tha change."
Handing one to her companion Celanna whispered, "Take a sip an' wait a moment. If you don't feel anything, it should be safe to drink." She then took a sip and waited.
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Astoria takes a sip of her drink and with a a hint of confusion on her brow she asks. "Why would they sell unsafe drinks?"
"You'd be surprise.
There is a fraction of a second where the aura of calm around Lysithia seems to...quiver for a moment, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly at the slur against her mixed heritage. In the next moment, it passes, and the druidess turns to face the two potential victims of the mob and her fellow good samaritan. "They don't represent everyone in this valley...by far."
The barkeep scratches his nose, a little suspicious of the constant whispering. "Are you with Old Joffer?"
At the question, the two men in the corner stop what they are doing and turn to look at the two women.
---
The halfling puts his dagger away. "As fine as one can be for being harassed like that. I'd heard things were tense around here these days. I didn't think it would be this bad."
"It's always been this bad," the half-orc says. "For me, at least."
"I'm sorry. It really isn't right. There are some good people here, more so than the bad ones...they just happen to be louder and bolder...especially now."
Kelda nods, "It's been bad for a while. I don't expect things to get much better any time soon either. I'm actually a little concerned about how much worse things need to get, before some of these people wake up and realize that if we don't start working together, that there won't be a valley for much longer. I'm starting to wonder about the Governor's son and his ability to lead these people as well. We don't need people like that guy, brewing discontent among the remaining folks here until we're all turning against each other....I just...I'm not sure how to stop it." She says, trying not to sound as discouraged as she felt, "That's why I was going to try and speak to Jerell after the ceremony and see what he planned on doing next." Suddenly realizing just how much she had been talking, Kelda gets quiet.
The half-orc shrugs. "There's no need to argue on this place's behalf. It won't change my mind. I'm only here for the wake and I shall leave the valley again."
"What about-" the halfling starts.
The half-orc shakes his head. "That's our business and ours alone."
He nods at Lysithia and Kelda. "Thank you for your timely help. May your time here be more pleasant than ours."
She wanted to ask him what the other reason they were here was, but she didn't want to make him feel like she was trying to get involved in his business. If it was something he needed help with, he would ask right? She would speak to Jerell and try to get a feel for what his plans were, but she also needed to meet with that man at the tavern. He told her she should find some people to help her too, didn't he?
Kelda seems a little lost in her thoughts as she watches the two of them walk away.
Astoria shakes her head. "I'm new in town so I'm not really with anyone."
"I hope the rest of your time here is more pleasant. Should you need help with anything, you need only ask." Lysithia says with a nod to both men.
The other woman's words bring her back from her thoughts and she nods, "Yeah, anything you need."
Looking up at the woman she shifts her hammer over to her other shoulder and extends her hand, "Thank you for the back up, I'm Kelda."
"Lysithia. Good to see someone else willing to get involved. Nice to meet you Kelda." she says, clasping the other woman's hand momentarily.
Kelda gives Lysithia's hand a firm, yet gentle shake before both let go. "Nice to meet you as well. I've been involved for a while, but until recently I wasn't alone. I didn't think everyone would just leave the second things became rough. I was taught that this valley was special and worth fighting for. I was taught to respect it after what so many sacrificed to make this place safe for us. I just...nothing can change if we just sit back and wait for it to happen. Know what I mean?" She asks, unsure at this point if she's even making any sense. She was often accused of overthinking things too much.
"True. Now is definitely the time for the people of the valley to come together, rather than be at each others' throats." Lysithia says looking around them. "Hopefully this remembrance festival, helps to bring people together."
Celanna took note of the sudden attention of the other two men, "Who?"
The Half-Elf subtly shifted her right foot back slightly back, readying herself for anything.
"Just be honest," the barkeep says. "Coming in here and all your whispering...you're casing the place for him, aren't you? Well, I'm not paying anything and this bar isn't going to be a hideout for troublemakers."
Celanna is pretty sure these men aren't looking for trouble, but they will put an end to any.
"Like her," Indicating Astoria, "I'm new in town. I've no idea who that is."
The barkeep harrumphs. "I'd advise against acting suspiciously in the future. Many people are on edge these days."
The two men in the corner turn and resume their arm wrestling.
"Sorry. We didn't mean to cause a fuss." Astoria says with sincerity.
Astoria's apology causes the barkeep to relax. "Just try to be a bit more mindful from here on out. What brings you to Daedran?"
"I was hoping to study at Ardin's Tower here in the valley, though I'm not sure I'm quite what they're looking for." Astoria answers.
"Oh, that wizard fellow? Everyone's heard of him, but few have ever seen him. Never see his students either," the barkeep says. "There's been a rumor lately that a village girl up in Cooperton studied there for a bit, but got kicked out. She'd know a thing or two about Ardin and what he wants, I reckon."
Astoria beams. "In Copperton? Thank you. That would be such a great help."
"True. Now is definitely the time for the people of the valley to come together, rather than be at each others' throats." Lysithia says looking around them. "Hopefully this remembrance festival, helps to bring people together."
Nodding her head she responds, "These people need to get past their own prejudices, before they can work together. Sometimes hope is all we have, I pray that it us enough."
Looking around, she wonders if Lysithia had come by herself. Before giving it much thought she asks, "I hope this doesn't sound strange, but did you come to the funeral alone, or are you here with someone else? If it's none of my business you can tell me. I'm told I ask too many questions most of the time anyways." She glances over at her parents for just a moment, before looking back up at Lysithia.
The aspiring mage turns to her drinking companion. "I almost forgot, my name is Astoria, it's a pleasure to meet you miss." She says holding out her hand in greeting.
Astoria's apology causes the barkeep to relax. "Just try to be a bit more mindful from here on out. What brings you to Daedran?"
"Just passin' through on my way east. Heard about Governor Lewell an' figured I'd I could at least pay respect to the great man."
The aspiring mage turns to her drinking companion. "I almost forgot, my name is Astoria, it's a pleasure to meet you miss." She says holding out her hand in greeting.
Finishing her drink in one long swig, "Talonheart. Celanna Talonheart," She reached out and clasped the other half-elf's forearm. Her grip was relaxed but quite firm.
Astoria takes one last sip of her drink and says."Thank you for the drink miss Celanna."
"It was tha least I could do for knocking you down," She responded.
Moving back to the bar, Celanna placed another five copper down, "For tha anxiety I caused."
The half-elf waited to escort the Arcanist from the establishment.
"I came on my own. There are others of my order here, but I just wanted to pay my respects, and it was considered a bonus that I sort of represent both the Dragon's Ring and...." Lysithia replies. "I didn't know him personally, but it feels like someone that important to the lives of so many people should be properly honored."
"How about you?"
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"I came on my own. There are others of my order here, but I just wanted to pay my respects, and it was considered a bonus that I sort of represent both the Dragon's Ring and...." Lysithia replies. "I didn't know him personally, but it feels like someone that important to the lives of so many people should be properly honored."
"How about you?"
"Order? So, are you one of the Druids?" She asks curiously.
Putting her questions on hold for a moment, Kelda concentrates on answering the question.
Looking up at Lysithia she nods and gestures to where her parents are talking with a couple younger dwarves, "Just my folks...but, you're welcome to sit with us, you know, if you'd like to...since you're here alone and everything." Stumbling over her words slightly, Kelda forces herself to relax and slows her breathing. She had no idea why her cheeks were starting to feel slightly warm, or why she suddenly felt flustered, and she wasn't sure she much cared for it.