"If we all are joining, I would still like to know what we will be paid upfront, thank you."
"One hundred gold is the stipend."
Ale parses the contract a few times through,pulling out a pipe but not lighting it, merely imitating chewing on the stem. He reads it somewhat slowly not really being bothered to rush.
"Seems fine with me, I need funds and a local guild seems a fine way to reach that goal."
"Glad we can help!"
"Could you show us on a map where it is?"
Jacen signs his contract after having watched the others ...
"Let's look at what it will take to get there: we could do a supply run and then head out tomorrow possibly."
"Sure, here it is," she says as she takes out a map of where it is.
"Sounds like a plan! Perhaps we should buy a pack animal. That will make it easier to carry things back here." Chantal studies the map, trying to work out how long it will take to get to the ruin on foot.
"That might be a good idea, Ms. Pinegrove," she replies with a nod. "Also, we have a very decent guide...someone who has lived in the Eldeen Reaches." Patting Jacen on the shoulder, she smiles softly, wondering if he is willing. "Would you lead us in if we head there?"
"Would my brother forgive me if I said no?"
Jacen winks at Sona ...
"In all seriousness, I would be glad to. The Family wants me doing exactly this sort of thing, I'm glad we are heading out."
She each gives you a copy of the contract.
"Do we wish to gather some supplies and head to the place tonight, or meet and go in the morning? I think gathering supplies and heading out in the morning makes the most sense. Especially, if we are going to get a mule." Nevitash says as he considers how much food he should have for the trip.
3 days ride.
"Thank you," she offers the woman as she hands the contract over. Sona will beckon for the group to discuss this outside of her main foyer. Once outside, she will volunteer her opinion.
"From what I can tell, there is no time to hurry on this. I have done what I came here to do, and am free to continue on at my leisure. I'm unsure if you all are under some time constraint. If so, we can leave tonight. If not, I would rather enjoy a night's rest in a bed, a nice bath, and some ale before we go out into the wilds with a mule. So I'd vote for setting off tomorrow."
"This place is pretty far out. We can hunt on the trip to supplement our food, but we should pack at least two weeks of food as well. I do not have a horse, so it could take most of a week to get there and back. Nevitash says as he considers his trip.
"Sounds great, Sona! And Nevitash, that's probably a wise idea. I'm good at hunting and foraging, but I've only ever had to feed myself before." Oh, it will be so nice to have a pack animal to carry extra rations and supplies. "We should buy some tents as well. Rain is common this time of year and we wouldn't want to get sick."
"I could probably help with hunting ... and tent-stuff."
Jacen winks at his friend Sona
"I've certainly spent a few days in the wild, and I oftimes prefer it, truth be told. It's a little simpler: no one obsconds with anyone's niece in the wild, and if they try, it rarely turns out well."
"It's strange to me, I have never owned a horse. For as long as I have had my Mark, I have conjured one for a few hours a day and let that be that. So I would also be willing to review the beasts for sale here in town to find some good choices for us.
Although she is not the subject of being flirted at, even Jacen's simple wink seems to cause her to shift and smile.
"I don't think you'll need to change anything. We can go on foot. Horses are expensive."
She then speaks concerning her own gear:
"I have fifteen days of rations for myself already, and a waterskin. Not to mention supplies to care for myself. I don't have enough for any kind of animal, so I'll be walking. I can pitch in a few gold though. If we really need it, I suppose I could sell my silver dagger. It is probably the most expensive item I have, other than my backpack."
She produces an alchemically coated silver dagger. It is polished and glistens in the sun, but it is of normal make and not of fantastical worth compared to some items in existence. The backpack mentioned, however, is made of considerably greater handiwork. Both sold would probably net in a normal field hand's yearly wages sold .
"I'm wondering what kind of pack animals they have here, if any? Mules likely, given our love of horses. Maybe some yaks. Does anyone see a stables?"
She looks for a tavern/inn, as well as a place they could perhaps find these supplies.
Although she is not the subject of being flirted at, even Jacen's simple wink seems to cause her to shift and smile.
"I don't think you'll need to change anything. We can go on foot. Horses are expensive."
She then speaks concerning her own gear:
"I have fifteen days of rations for myself already, and a waterskin. Not to mention supplies to care for myself. I don't have enough for any kind of animal, so I'll be walking. I can pitch in a few gold though. If we really need it, I suppose I could sell my silver dagger. It is probably the most expensive item I have, other than my backpack."
She produces an alchemically coated silver dagger. It is polished and glistens in the sun, but it is of normal make and not of fantastical worth compared to some items in existence. The backpack mentioned, however, is made of considerably greater handiwork. Both sold would probably net in a normal field hand's yearly wages sold .
"I'm wondering what kind of pack animals they have here, if any? Mules likely, given our love of horses. Maybe some yaks. Does anyone see a stables?"
"Well, I am willing to use the stipend to purchase a horse for myself, and 2 mules. Lady Sona, if you do not wish to purchase a horse for yourself, than you may ride mine. I am happy to conjure a ride for myself in the mornings ... it was how I came to meet on the hillside ever so long ago. I can move with Jeron the rest of the day as we are used to."
Jacen gives a very small bow to his friend
"Please, perhaps we could all go to the Inn for a meal? I lodge there, and it would be my pleasure to share a meal with all of you.
Nevitash considers riding a horse and says, "I will be walking. I have no experience riding a horse and from what I gather if you are not used to riding one it, it can be unpleasant." Nevitash then smiles at Jacen and says, "But a meal now to plan out what we need would seem to be a good thing. Lead on!"
Jacen gestures towards a larger structure not all that far away, and begins to head in that direction ...
"If walking is the choice, I am happy to walk as well. If we want to know more about this area and its environs, walking will actually keep us closer to the land and allow us to learn more. As we approach the ruins, it will also let Chantel & I to learn a great deal more than if we were riding past."
"Not to mention of each other," she adds to Jacen's ideals. "We certainly don't know much about each other, and here we go off into the green. I'd love to get to know you all a bit better first."
"Well there we are then - I will send ahead to purchase two donkeys for us, and lunch should be a great time to talk. Jeron will be able to scout pastures for us so that we can conserve feed for our helpers also; this should be great."
"Yes, I think that's a good idea. I would prefer to walk so that I can gather herbs on the way." Chantal produces a tiny earthenware jar from her pack, sealed with a cork and beeswax. "I can make a few herbal potions that act like regular magic potions every day. I must warn you, though, they are... less pleasant to take than the standard sort." The mixture usually turns out thick and sludgy enough that a narrow-necked vial just doesn't work. "Most of what I make are healing potions, but if you want something else I'll let you know whether or not I'm capable of making it."
The walk to the Inn is pleasant if unremarkable, the group's arrival though, is, interesting. Even outside, the establishment smells delicious, and when the door opens ...
"Lord Jacen! There you are! You left so early this morning, no one knew! Your Uncle had asked if we might bring champurrado y pan dulce to your suite, as befits the proper beginning of the Feast. Would you allow me prepare it for you now?
Jacen is clearly many things all at once; overwhelmed, pleased, confused, thoughtful. He recovers very quickly though, smiles, and bows ever so slightly to the Innkeeper’s Sister.
”There are times the lady of this house does quite a better job of representing MY house … I am remiss: Leticia, with your leave, all of my companions will be my guests. If you would prepare the opening refreshment of the Feast for all of them, you would have my gratitude." Jacen turns to his companions, ”My friend Sona may laugh, and surely will not be entirely surprised, but forgive me new friends, today is an important day! No wonder the Count was having pageantry … today is the Feast of Passage. For Oriens and anyone associated with our family, it is a great day of thanks and celebration, the gratitude we have to bring all of the continent together. You will be my guests for the day. We will have more than enough time to shop for our departure, there is a fabulous meal at sunset and rest assured, we will not arrive on the trail tomorrow hungry in any way."
The Innkeeper's Sister gestures to a very large table in the back corner of the room, encouraging all of them to get settled.
"Leticia, if you would also, I will take rooms for all of my guests; for the lady Sona, please prepare the other bedchamber of my suite: she is a 'favored cousin' of the House, please me sure she has everything she would have if we were staying in Passage with my Uncle, such as you can. If you would also send word to the stables that I would like to purchase 2 or 3 pack animals, ask that they send them here for Lady Chantel and I to examine? Again, my gratitude."
The steaming beverage which smells of coffee, chocolate and cinnamon, arrives with what seems like a mountain of baked items.
"New Friends ... a Blessed Passage to you!
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Nevitash raises his glass in return and says, "A Blessed Passage to you as well!"
Nevitash raises his glass in return and says, "A Blessed Passage to you as well!"
The ranger raises his glass and nods to Nevitash, craddling the steaming beverage in his hands
"To me, and I think many in my Family, the true beauty of the Feast of Passage is that it celebrates culture from ALL of Khorvaire; it allows us to be grateful to be brought together. While this has been true for all of its history, how could we possibly deny the need to join together after the Last War? Jacen smiles as he remembers ...
"I have relatives who plan for the Feast all year long: special hunting trips, learning food preparations from around the world, gathering never before seen decor; there are some who focus on it even more than GodBirth celebrations. I think that's why I love it so much. Well, food. I also love food."
"When we return, we will receive the Midday Passage. Midday is special in many ways; while mostly cured meats and cheeses with bread, and wine, in many cases, because these items travel so well, they are oftimes the most exotic of the day. Please, forgive my enthusiam, in the absence of my human family, I did not forsee celebrating this year."
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"Oh, I had nearly forgotten! Time does fly when you're traveling." Chantal leans her scythe against the wall, dropping her pack next to it before she accepts a mug and joins the toast. "Long life and good health to us all!" She takes a sip of the unfamiliar drink. Green eyes widen in surprise and pleasure, and she drinks some more. "Ooh, what is this? I'd love the recipe if it isn't a secret."
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Prior to Feat of Passages
Nodding in agreement with Nevitash, Ale will decline any horses unless strongly encouraged, he has no desire to ride another creature when given the chance.
"I have no need of food, though I have 6 gold I can spare for others if needed."
Feast of Passage
Ale follows along, not having any need of food but wishing to be polite and engaged.
"Oh, I had nearly forgotten! Time does fly when you're traveling." Chantal leans her scythe against the wall, dropping her pack next to it before she accepts a mug and joins the toast. "Long life and good health to us all!" She takes a sip of the unfamiliar drink. Green eyes widen in surprise and pleasure, and she drinks some more. "Ooh, what is this? I'd love the recipe if it isn't a secret."
After eyeing the drink uncertainly, Ale sighs and tries some. Better to risk it than be a complete bore. Sudden surprise lights his face.
Out of respect for the world, I have always limited my consumption of unnecessary food and drink, but you are right, this is quite good!"...
"Good passage to all!"
He quickly adds the final bit at the end quickly as the toasts end, doing his best to act as though this was the most natural thing in the world.
Prior to Feast of Passage
Nodding in agreement with Nevitash, Ale will decline any horses unless strongly encouraged, he has no desire to ride another creature when given the chance.
"I have no need of food, though I have 6 gold I can spare for others if needed."
"I am so pleased and so proud to have guests this Passage; please save your gold until we shop for the trail. My family & I are hosting you here at the Inn & Tavern. Leticia will not accept coin from you without speaking to me, so let's consider that settled, shall we? We can probably go out to the stable shortly, they will have the beasts of burden nearby. Chantal?"
Jacen gestures that they might step out the side door towards the stables "and if you would all give us just a moment to make this transaction complete, we can have a touch more breakfast, and be on our way to the market as well."
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Soon, there was a keg of wine brought over to the group. And there was a cooked ham, egg nog -- with bourbon, cranberry sauce, and more. The feast of Passage was good for all.
Probably, but you should also be prepared for the weather.
Nevitash picks up two more weeks of rations and a small tent in preparations for the journey north.
West.
Chantal sets her drink down and nods to Jacen. "I would be happy to look over the pack animals with you. Given that I am more connected to plants than animals, though, you'll probably be a better judge than me."
Once they finish dinner and go to the market, Chantal heads straight for the tents and camping supplies. "Sona, do you mind sharing a tent with me? It will be easier to set up one tent than two."
Jacen sends ahead with Sona bowing in acceptance with what he says. At his words surrounding her, she never would have expected him to encompass her into his family. The alabastrine skin of her cheeks turns a reddish hue, something he had not seen before on her face. He knows she comes from a family of no consequence. While she knew he was noble, having a dragonmark, she did not expect his kindness.
"You are truly gracious," she remarks in a broken voice.
After this, she settles into silence for a while as the ladies of the house attend to her, ensuring that she is first among the guests to be served besides Jacen. Her eyes go wide at the amount of food when it is delivered.
"They must have been expecting him...or is this partially for me? He knew I was coming. I wonder?"
She partakes well in this Feast of Passage, and drinks well too.
Once they finish dinner, she hears Chantal's question and shakes her head.
"No, I don't mind."
"I'm not the best at picking out pack animals, so I'll leave that to you. I'm a decent packer. I was taught it by my father, uncle, and the military. Weight distribution is pretty important, so I'll make sure our gear is settled."
"My thanks to each of you; I am happy to hunt with Jeron, we have done it together many years, but beyond providing for us, it starts to get confusing for me. Thank you. I will get a tent, and cooking supplies for us as well.
"I wish I had planned for this. Some spare furs, as well as waterskins, would be good in case there is little melted water for us or the pack animals. The furs should keep the water from getting frozen, can keep us warm in our tents, and keep the animals warm as well if it is horribly cold. I sadly don't have very much though."
She hands the remainder of her money over.
Tent Medium 15
Tent Large 30
Cooking Kit 3
Survivial Kit 5
Shaving Kit 0.75
Hunters Kit 25
Tell me if it works:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11p48EAIj7ONDC425somqXKBCjbTEohVK/ed it?usp=sharing&ouid=109850345149179243716&rtpof=true&sd=true
Ale wanders the shop, taking time to admire any wooden objects of fine craftsmanship. "Does anyone know what mind of weather we are likely to encounter?"
Ale will then stop admiring the wooden objects, as he doesn't have the luxury to buy any.
He settles on the following.
3 flasks of acid, 1 bandolier, 1 set of thieves Tools, 50 feet of silk rope, 3 torches, a poncho and a tindertwig
"I have a little coin left (9 silver) if it is of use to anyone?"
"From tales that Jacen has told me, living in Aundair, and knowing the stories of others, I'd say we are going to expect any number of random elements in the Eldeen Reaches."
Sona tries to further give Ale direct ideas of what they will expect based on her past experience in stories.
"We can add your 9 silvers to the pile and maybe get an additional blanket or bedroll."
"This time of year, rain is likely, hence the tents. It might get a bit chilly at night, but nothing a warm blanket can't deal with. I would recommend ponchos for everyone, though, and blankets for the animals." Chantal pokes around in her pack, taking stock of her medicinal herbs. "Ale, do healing potions work on you the same as the rest of us?"
Nevitash will also purchase a chain shirt and then give 20 gp into the group fund.
Alright, then. No haggling with the street market?