Boram leans in close again and she tries to listen to both Braegar and the halfling. She will turn to look down to him briefly and will smile warmly at his playful wink. She will affectionately lay a hand on his shoulder and leave it there as the group talks. Boram will notice that she fiddles subconsiously with her fingers. Too many years making rugs and sewing caused the lack of idleness. As she feels his shirt, she is subconsciously identifying its make, thread count, and stitching, all without looking at him or moving her hand much at all to be noticed.
That all stops when they are finished and he turns to her. She will return her hand to her belly where it meets her other over her armor and rests there. His words make her glee and nod.
"It sure would be nice to not have to walk. I do own a donkey already that usually comes with me, but a horse would be nicer!"
---------
At Allura's tower, she eyes the compound it is next to first, and then focuses on their target. Naturally, the Mage Tower seemed to be the right way, and she is thrilled at the chance to see that her reading skills are effective; so few things in life are labeled, except for stores.
"A good morning be to you, from Bes. God of fortune and many good blessings. We are Shields, here by request of Miss Allura. I am Elann. A pleasure to meet you."
As the others hopefully identify themselves, Elann will recognize the problem with this dwarf from her speech as well as from how she is acting. Elann will dig into her pack and will fetch one of her Alchemist's Kindness tablets and will drop it in a cup if there is one available with water.
"Drink this and those symptoms should fade within about ten to fifteen minutes."
She will reluctantly reach into her pocket, will eye the last of her bread chunk, and will then set it on the scribing table for the dwarf.
"It is not a biscuit," she replies in a soft Osirion accent, "But hopefully it helps relieve the pain in your stomach. Now, can you tell Allura we are here?"
Elann's eyes also scan over the dwarf, seeing if there are any other injuries or if she is perhaps pregnant as well.
"There is no need Helna I am here." The slowly turning into a middle aged human woman began from the top of the stairwell. "our younglings here did us a small favor this morning more of those dissapating imps snuck in to steal my research. they were faster this time too. When you get back we may have to visit Malfeus in town again."
She informed the dwarven maiden as she came down the stairs she paused over the dwrven maids work.
"almost finished... good work. We will discuss what you learned when you return. Master Binderbook has decided this is an appropriate first task for the new recruits... You finally get to go out there and pratcice pratical application. Im sure they can fill you in.. but first... the reward."
She crooked her finger for them to follow and head for the door under the stairs that seemingly led further down the tower.
"You may select one of the potions from along the west wall.. you too Helna. May they be of no use."
Pleased that Elann didn't seem upset with him, Boram enjoyed the strange closeness, having grown up in a dwarven household that was very stiff and formal.
As the conversation changed to transportation Boram hoped the caravan would provide ponies and horses. If not he'd ride in a wagon, he had no intention of walking the whole way.
-------------------------------------
Passing through the common room, Boram follows the others up the stairs to the landing. Chuckling at the sign on the door, he passes into the study. Raising an eyebrow at the ale-ing dwarf, Boram was about to take a piece of toast from his pocket and offer it to the dwarf, but Elann beat him to it, giving her a piece of bread. Pleased with himself, it was the thought that counted, and he had retained his toast for later.
Turning as Helna entered, Boram raised an eyebrow when the wizard announce the hungover dwarf would be accompanying them. Mentally shrugging, as far as Boram was concerned the more the merrier; he was paid the same no matter how many mercenaries were sent and any cut they kept would be icing on the cake. His mind wandering to cake, his attention was brought back to the present when the wizard mentioned reward. Hearing they could have one of the potions, Boram wandered toward the wall reading the labels on the shelves he could reach.
”When we check in with the caravan leader, they can let us know more details.”
D’witt nods and adds after Anduriel.
”Mounts are fine and all, but I’d prefer to ride on one of the wagons if possible. It’s easier to shoot from one than from horseback.”
He comments off-handedly.
"I'm just hoping I can find a few bits and pieces I need at our destination."
*********
As the small band returns to the compound D’witt follows the others towards the tower’s door. He takes a bit out of one of the pieces of bread he had hoarded as they walk.
Once inside, he glances up at the stylized key over the one door briefly before turning his attention back to the unfortunate scribe and cracks a smile. He had seen his mother in this state on occasion.
”En gwuludor nanilth insegk igur rir att vromungvro stjundhrym”
He recites easily, repeating a common phrase his mother had used.
When Allura enters he turns his attention to her and grinned.
”A prize and another traveling companion? You are too kind.”
He chuckled as he walked over to check the bottles. He knew what he was looking for, his eyes glancing from label to label until he found it.
”Ah, this one.”
He plucked the bottle from the shelf and tucked it into his belt pouch.
Seeing D'witt pick up a vial from a taller shelf, Boram tugs on the pistolero's pant leg, asking "Oy, could you hand me one of those as well?"
D'witt blinked and looked down at Boram. He gave the halfling a friendly smile and nodded.
"Of course."
He reached back and chose another, matching vial and handed it to Boram.
Anduriel gives a slight smile at the sight of the dwarf girl’s lamenting over the after-effects of the night before.
Definitely been there
Turning to look up as the Company’s resident magical expert makes her way down the stairs, the battlemage instinctively finds herself standing straighter, years of discipline instilled in Erages Academy slipping into her automatic reactions.
So it seemed the dwarven spellcaster would be the newest member of their newly formed unit. ”Nice to meet you.” she says to the blue haired shorter woman, keeping her voice low out of a well earned understanding of hangovers. ”I’m Anduriel.”
Taking a look at the labeled potions on the shelves, she thinks for a moment, before picking one that could definitely come in handy under the right circumstances.
Amrus will take a potion of cure light wounds.
I believe the term for a person of my studies is... "squishy."
The tiefling grimaces as the chaotic entrance of the dwarf maiden proceeds.
Hmm... this one could add more work than help. Then he wonders how far is own reputation has traveled and keeps it to himself for now.
He turns back to Allura. Should we be on the lookout for clues about Malfeus before we return? How influential is he?
Accepting the vial from D'witt, Boram smiles, "Thank you D'witt!" Turning to Allura as well, "And thank you kind sir!"
Hearing Amrus refer to himself as 'squishy' Boram turns and smiles, about to make a comment about keeping the wizard safe, but instead realizing Amrus' question was relevant, turns and listens to Allura's answer.
”I cannot take this from you Miss Allura. It is too great of a gift. My service was not worth this. I could spend a months wages and not afford this. I will just say that you are welcome and it was and honor to serve you in the halting of the thievery of your goods. What you could do for me is tell me who it is that is trying to take them and why? I’d he a villain?”
Shhhhh, my lady. not so loud! ohhh my head.... not bothering to wait for the offering to fizz up fully in the cup, Helna grasps the cup, lifts it to her lips, and nocks it back as only and expert at taking shots can do. She shakes her head once, and then nearly falls on the floor as her body wobbles.
oooff... that was a mistake.. shhhh...
What i learned? Quills sound horribly loud when you havent slept, you worked the forge for a few hours, and then spent the rest of the night drinking with the forgemaster. she smacks her lips and then perks up.
Oh!. Oh i say! that is some good stuff! Smiling, she nods at Elann. Thank you.
Helna nods once to Anduriel. Charmed. she slips closer to the half elf, and mutters we can chat more later.
Mal-who? she mutters to no one in particular, leaning against her desk, grimacing slightly as her head pulses once more.
D’witt gives Boram a thumbs up.
”No problem.”
At Amrus’ squishy comment he nudged the halfling, holding back a chuckle.
”Squishy, but not in the good way.”
He whispers.
”If she doesn’t want her’s, I’d be glad to grab a second one.”
D’witt only half jokes when Elann turns down Allura’s kind offer, hefting a second potion identical to his first pick as he grins.
When the subject of Malfeus comes up again D’witt shrugs.
”I’m gonna guess it’s some kind of rivalry. Like when two master forgers try to learn each other’s secret techniques.”
The pistolero shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
”Sending imps to try to steal books isn’t exactly malicious.”
He looks to Allura inquiringly.
”Unless, they’ve tried something more dangerous?”
Something very simular actually... Malfeus and I were students together.. and were once.. married. That is a story for another time. I am not afriad of the imps... I believe he is trying to steal my research. For what purpose remians to be seen. Its of little worry to you youngling at the moment.. you have a mission i believe. You had best get to it... and remember the accord."
Amrus smirks at the explanation of the imps.
Professional espionage then. Amusing. Yes yes, you're right. We should be off to meet with the caravan.
Smiling as he accepts the bottle from D'witt, Boram nods in agreement and smiles at the gunslinger's jest about Amrus' being the wrong sort of 'squishy.'
Turning towards his new friend he raises an eyebrow at Elann's humility, Boram realizes he needs to have a talk with the friendly girl about how the real-world works. As D'witt offers to 'grab a second one' Boram is about to add to get another potion for wounds, but when he sees that's what the tiefling picked up, he just smiles and nods. 'A man after my own heart, he and I will get along swimmingly.'
Realizing Elann asked about the fellow who sent the imps, Boram's ears perk up, resisting the urge to chuckle at the hungover Heina.
As D'witt begins to speculate Boram's determined to not attempt to guess at the reasons, waiting for Allura begins to explain. Raising an eyebrow as she does so; he's loathed to get involved in a lover's quarrel, but Allura is a primary player in the 'Silver Shields.' He resists the urge to hope Malfeus' next attempt is successful, but it would certainly let him prove his value by getting back whatever would be stolen.
Nodding in agreement with Amrus, Borum chimes in, "our Tiefling friend is right, we should be on our way." Turning back towards the wizardy cleric, he smiles. "Fear not dear lady, if Malfeus is successful in taking anything that is yours, I shall certainly be able to retrieve it for you." As they turn to go, he adds, "Can we pass through the dining hall and pick up some more toast?"
Elann seems saddened at the story of Allura. The fact her ex-husband is almost standing against the wizard hurts Elann’s heart. She will simply nod in acceptance and will let the subject drop.
With the dwarf joining them, she offers a kind smile and an open hand for her to take. ”It will be good for you to be with us. Hopefully, you are skilled enough in combat to defend a caravan from potential bandits?” she asks as they head out towards the caravan leader.
She will look to Boram, ”We are not leaving yet. I think we will have time for all of our meals today.”
"Though we should really get on with it, there'll be plenty of time to eat on the road, or afterward." Anduriel adds.
Pleased to see that everyone was taking to the new dwarf, Boram thought about his godfather, one could never have too many dwarves in the company. Nodding in agreement with Elann, Boram tucks the new potion in his pocket. "Yes we should be underway." He turns and winks at Anduriel, "Not to worry, if I miss one or two meals I can make up for it on one of the other four or five."
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Traveling thought the main room again and back outside the main building you see one of the keeps stablehands standing outside the stables smoking a pipe. He nodded at you all and made a motion to follow him into the stables.
"company horses and ponies.... sign em out... take care of them. any questions im here."
With an excited grin, Anduriel follows the stableshand,happy to be underway on their first official mission.
D’witt makes a small ‘oof’ when Allura mentions her matrimonial connection to Malfeus. His mothers always said one should never get in between exes.
“Well then, guess we should be off then.”
She hadn’t stopped him from picking up the second potion, so he slipped it into his pouch. He nodded to Helna and gave her a grin.
“Welcome to the team.”
He nudged Borum and chuckled.
“Don’t go thinking you can hog all the glory.”
He joked.
He followed the others as they left the wizard/cleric to her duties. Reentering the dining hall D’witt chuckled as Borum mentioned recouping missed meals. He was going to enjoy traveling with the halfling.
Reaching the stables he gave the stablehand a serious nod. Stepping up to the book his eyes skimmed over the registered horses available. A name caught his attention and he grinned. He quickly signed his name next to a horse named Jaush Jool, or Lazy River in Common.
Having loaded his pockets with more bread as they passed through the cafeteria, Boram nods at the stablehand, "Thanks!"
Stepping into the barn, he moves past the stalls looking for the creature that was right for him. Passing all the horses: Hotblood, Warmblood & Coldblood alike, Boram worked his way to the back of the stables where the stalls were smaller and filled with fine examples of pony-flesh. Not really knowing a lot about equine, Boram decided to be safe, and picked the smallest pony. Which happened to be a little grey gelding with a white mane and tail. Reading the name tag on the stall, he looked at the little fellow, and smiled. "Well Bill, I guess it's you and me."
Once Boram got Bill saddled (with a little help from one of the stable-hands) Boram signed the little grey pony out and the two joined the others outside of the stables.
Elann will gather her own beast of burden, will brush him, clean him and feed him. Meanwhile, she will sign out a horse for herself as it seems they are for free to borrow for their mission tomorrow.
When the others sign for named animals, she doesn't pay much attention and just signs for any horse without much care for the name. Animals were just that to her. She had goats as a child and never named them. They ate them. With horses, they were meant for burdens and fast travel. She always saw them as mediocre camels and meant for people who didn't know how to travel the sands of Osirion. There is curiosity in her eyes a moment before it fades when Boram states the name of his pony.
[i]"Bill? Like a paper bill of sale? No...that must be a name in common..."[/b]
With their affairs settled, she will move to caravan leader and will ask:
"Greetings, fine sir(/madam). I am Elann Amuel, Silver Shield. I am to join you. I will be bringing a horse and beast of burden with me tomorrow. What time do we depart? How long is the trip? And have you made the journey before?"
Amrus wanders the stable, becoming increasingly irritated at the choice before him.
How do I even pick one? Would someone pick one for me?
Every time he thinks he's settled on a steed, he backs away and looks around at the options again.
Gah!
He closes his eyes and declares I'll take the next one that neighs!
Chuckling at Amrus' indecision, Anduriel spends a bit of time studying the horses, before walking over to a sleek, energetic mare as black as her own hair. Reaching up to pet her, she speaks to her softly for a few moments, before selecting her and signing her out.
Yúyal. Elven for twilight. Fitting
Looking around she notices a large strawberry roan Percheron docilely standing by. "I think you should go with him, Amrus, he should be an easy ride."
Swinging up into the saddle of the little grey gelding Boram is glad that Elann remembered who it was they were supposed to be working with. As the rode to the caravans location, he stayed towards the rear, making sure he and Bill didn't get underfoot of Amrus and the strawberry roan.
As the arrived he wove his way towards where Elann was speaking with the caravan folks. He waited to see what they answered and hoping to hear any information about what sort of meals they prepared.
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The ride into Macridi was calm... though lengthy it was almost 2 hours later when the gates to the outer walls were seen in the distance. For a town thats wealth was based on the logging of rare trees in the woodlands surrounding it and river trade, the buildings were relatively upscale. The caravan was near the northgate where you folks were coming in the east gate.
Despite it being early morning, you could see more than a few folk up and about their business already the smells of food to wafted across your noses as you traveled past the docks district to the northern section...
Finally you found what you believe you sought 3 wagons were there loaded down with what appeared to be very large equipment, though you couldnt directly see it under the tarps that were thrown over it and two other open wagons sat there ... waiting....
asking one of the folks.. a relative plan looking fellow in drab clothing for the caravan master you were directed to Trader Phelan... a human male almost as wide as he was tall in very fine silks sitting on a chair under a large umbrella watching workers go about their business...
Elann would saddle up her horse, get her beast of burden ready, and would set out to find where the wagons were being assembled in Macridi with the others. Once they made their way past the food vendors, she would naturally stop and purchase an armfull of snacks to enjoy. In time, they find the wagons and she nods at the sight of the tarps.
"Good...," she mutters to herself. Thankful that a stray torch or a lit arrow aren't going to ruin their quest.
She will dismount and then kindly bowing to the man under the umbrella will introduce herself to him and ask her questions, .
Ah! Now that looks like a merchant.
Having identified what they think is the right caravan, Amrus dismounts and approaches the wide man.
Greetings Trader Phelan, I am Amrus and these are my associates. We were sent by the Silver Shields to help see this caravan safely to its destination.
He then introduces his companions one by one, ending with himself.
...and as I said before, I am Amrus, Amrus Draldronga. I'm something of a merchant myself and so I may find opportunity to conduct additional business of my own. Presently I peddle minor tinctures and arcane essences, but my hope is to expand into significant relics and artifacts of bygone civilizations.
He pats his over-full backpack, implying that it contains some of the referenced esoterica.
Staying near Elann as she introduced herself and asked for a couple particulars, Boram watches as Amrus dismounts and reiterates they are from the silver shields. As he introduces them, Boram tips his cap, nodding "A pleasure."
He would have introduced himself eventually, but Amrus had the forsight to get the pleasantries out of the way and get down to business. He waited to see if Amrus, after mentioning his little side business, would inquire about more important matters. Like what they were serving for lunch.
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What time do we depart? How long is the trip? And have you made the journey before?"
The rotund merchant clasped his hands and smiled.
"Hail and well met new friends. May coin always sprinkle across your palm."
He began making a couple of rocking motions finally getting enough momentum to get off the padded seat he was on. He began to clasp hands with the gathered folk as Amrus introduced them. He tool some time settling back in waving at a well dressed servant near the head wagon.
"Emry... bring the greeting wine!"
He called out turning his attention back to the party.
"The plan is to leave tomorrow at dawn so we can be away from the damned woods but morning. If the third peice of loom we are waiting on ever arrives... The dock master assures me the River Serpent is on pace and time... but "
He flailed his arms about the dock area and you could sort of see what he meant. three ships were alongside the peir and three more were had lines strung out to the docks and appeared to be moored in place.
"I was told that of course our cargo was important and that it would get to us in turn... but that delay is ... not in the time tables!"
The serveant brought over the wine cups were poured.
"If only someon could convince the dock master our need is great!
Amrus nods at this.
It sounds like we have our first problem to solve. Point us at the dock master!
The tip of his tail curls up into the air as if preparing to point in a confirmed direction, once given.
Elann happily sighs at the fine greeting of the rotund man. It is as if she brightens when being met with kindness and sours when met with darkness.
"Do not worry..." she speaks to the wagon leader and in a way, halts Amrus from heading off. "Perhaps a quick prayer of luck and fortune will aid us. And perhaps the taste of wine will refresh our senses to see further to spot the River Serpent."
She will grasp her holy symbol resting above her bosom and will focus on the powers of her god.
"Great Bes. Ease the sufferings of this man before you. Look at his seat, faced outward toward the docks. He acts with kindness, but he is all worry. If in your kindness, you could shower us with your good fortune, perhaps by the time our wine is finished, may the River Serpent be seen."
She also closes her eyes for a moment to reach into her oracular powers. Perhaps there was something else that the other powers that be wanted her to know concerning this shipment?
When the prayer is finished, she holds her glass for the pour and will enjoy it as she listens for words from Bes or the other gods/powers.
"Is there a way we can make up the delay? Perhaps traveling harder or longer through the woods might get us our of danger quicker and make up the time?"
She looks around.
"Also, good sir. What about when it does arrive. Perhaps we can recruit just a few more people to load it faster. It might help get us on track." She smiles up to him.
Hearing there was wine, Boram stands in the stirrups of his little grey pony, looking to see if there were appetizers as well. Catching bits and pieces of the large merchants explanation he nods with Amrus' comment about first problem to solve. Starting to turn the pony he realized that Elann had taken pity on the merchant and was trying to calm the man.
Hearing her questions, he points towards the docks. "It sounds like as long as we're loaded and ready to go by morning, we'll be fine." Looking at the merchant, then Amrus, he continues. "If the 'River Serpent' is one of those ships, we just need to encourage the dock master to move it up in line." He looks back at Elann, and smiles, "And Miss Elann, I think you have just the face to do it." He shrugs slightly, "And if that doesn't work, a little 'grease' on the palm usually moves things along."
Pausing for a moment, Boram realizes there will e no appetizers forth coming so he turns the little pony towards the docks. As he moves, he looks over his shoulder and asks. "Shall we go speak with the Dock Master? If we're quick about it, afterwards, we can grab a snack before lunch."
D’Witt followed along with the group, cheerfully chatting away as the rode into Macridi. It hadn’t taken them long to pinpoint the caravan they would be escorting. As the group approached Amrus dismounted and began to make introductions. When wine is mentioned his tail perked up and he glanced around. At the sound of his name when given, D’witt smiled and gave the merchant a nod from atop his horse.
”Well met.”
His tail swished when the topic shifted to delays from the dock and nodded.
”Momma always hates when shipments are late.”
He started to turn Jaush Jool towards the docks then hesitated. Elann seemed to be trying to comfort the merchant. D’witt gave her credit for her efforts but had to agree with Boram and Amrus.
”Boram is right, if you want to ease the man’s mind the best we can do is to assure him no further delays are ahead.”
He gave her a grin.
”So what say we go make someone’s afternoon either cheery and delightful or, failing that, miserable until they tire of us, get frustrated, and just give us what we need to make us leave.”
D’witt chuckled.
”Then lunch, drinks and frivolities until the evening. We’ll want to be well rested for the morrow.”
Anduriel chuckles as D’witt lays out the options for how thier interaction with the dock master was likely to turn out.
"I'm sure they can be convinced, one way or another. And the sooner we get underway, the better" she adds, her own preferred means of problem-solving involving action over discussion.
If there was a person to be offended at being said to have a pretty face enough to con someone into doing what they wanted, it wasn't Elann. She loves the fact that Boram thinks she's pretty! She giggles a little with a blush and nods.
"I know in my land such exchanges are normal to ensure smooth activity, but I was not sure about here. And being a Silver Shield...I wanted to avoid such transactions that might be seen as less reputable. But we'll give it a try and see what he says!" She nods in agreement with the others. As she finishes her wine, she hands it off to the servant who brought it, and bows her head in thanks before making her way down toward the docks.
Once there, she will try to sort out the reason for the congestion. She believes the dock master when he says it will happen. They are men ruled by time, and men of time rarely let time and delays get the better of them. She will stand nearby, observing the comings and goings.
She will present herself there for him with a curious look on her face. Her hands will be behind her back and her legs crossed in a cute manner as she smiles while observing what the Dock Master is doing. It would be hard to ignore her. At the same time, she doesn't seem to be inserting herself to bother him. He will have to inquire of her on his own.
Helna curtsies deeply to Allura. As you command, Mistress. she follows her action by rushing out of the room and gathering her gear.
Where before a female dwarf (who had once been hungover) in apprentice robes, now stood a woman in a low cut, cotton blouse and a thigh length black skirt. Rich brown heeled boots were strapped to her calves, belted together with bright brass latches. Two leather bandoliers crisscross her chest between her breasts, a total of 12 daggers sheathed within the leather pockets sewn to the belts. The blades closest to her chest are short, no more than six inches in length, while the ones near her sides are upwards of 16 inches long. A leather loop upon her waist belt holds a hammer, and on the opposite hip a belt pouch stuffed with unknown items. upon her back, her ruck filled with the rest of her travel gear.
Helna hangs back, watching, allowing others to do all the talking. She does, however, brighten when the merchant talks about wine.
Oh! i could use some! she says, more so to herself than to anyone, having gotten used to mumbling to herself than allowing anyone to hear her.
Seeing the wine poured, she grasps a goblet and tosses the entire contents into her mouth with practiced ease, swallowing it in one go. looking around to see if anyone noticed (disregarding the servant), she grabs a second and tosses it back as well.
Adjusting her bandoliers, she says simply We go see a dock master? From what ive heard, and read, Dock masters are just in love with coins as Merchants are. Perhaps if we were to bribe the dock master to move sea serpent up on the list?
Smilng as D'witt agreed with him, Boram gives a light chuckle at the idea of 'cheery' or 'miserable' Nodding in agreement with Anduriel. But gives a hearty 'b]"here here"[/b] at the comment about lunch, drinks and frivolities. Mostly lunch.
Hearing Elann giggle, Boram looks towards his friend, furrowing his brow wondering why she's blushing slightly. As they moved it dawned on Boram the dwarf had changed out of her 'apprenctices robes' into a more 'normal' outfit. Thinking the bandoliers were curious, he wondered if they were just for decoration or if she could really throw them. Moving closer to ask she begins to speak, Boram nods in agreement with the dwarf. She was right, administrative folks tended to be easy to bribe. It wasn't right, but that's the way the world worked.
Realizing they were nearing the dock master, he decided to ask Helna about the knives later, and asked instead. "Ok, who's doing the talking."
The ride to docks wasn’t long. D’witt had never been on real seafaring vessel before. They fascinated him and he couldn’t help but grin widely as he looked out over the docks.
At Boram’s question the tiefling put up his hands defensively.
”Don’t look at me. I’m just a pretty face.”
D’witt chuckled and looked towards Elann and Amrus.
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Anduriel quietly studies her surroundings at the docks, taking note of everything as Elann prepares to work her charms on the Dockmaster.
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The docks seem abuzz with activity but nothing about it seems unusual to any of you. plenty of day workers swarmed the two ships in the dock carrying man portable crates off of them setting them on wagons or in loading zones. you could see a large crane was slowly lifting from one ofth ships. The dock master was busy "yelling" at workers thought was apparent he was just yelling to be seen in charge and not directing his ire at any particular fellow. He pause and his eyes ran up and down the pretty woman in front of him more than a little lewdly.
When asked about the River Serpent he explains that he hasnt seen the ship yet... though from what he understands one of the other captain waiting for his ship to be unloaded sword he saw it stuck in the mud south of town. Since he hadnt seen teh boat since then odds are it was still there, or had finally freed itself and it was heading north lazily now...
Amrus nods agreeably (though in his mind not immediately trusting the dockmaster).
Seems reasonable enough. Is there no crew here that goes to help stuck boats? You know, keep trade and commerce flowing? It would seem like a sensible investment for the local maritime guild.
Eventually, it seems that curiosity gets the better of the Dock Master, who upon talking to Elann, reveals the boat may be stuck.
"What a shame. The caravan may be waiting for something that isn't going to come if something isn't done. Just south of town? Well, that isn't far."
She nods to Amrus's words.
"If there isn't, perhaps we can act as temporary employees in your service sir, ride south and see what we can see. If we can help and free them, then so be it. It might be worth it to you. It would alleviate any worries you may have over the ship, would dispel any rumors, and might get a certain caravan leader off of your neck."
Looking sweetly at the dockmaster once more, she asks, "Might we borrow some of these ropes here on the dock? Should there be some way we can use our horses to free the ship, they might come in handy as a...um...a lift?" She can't think of the word for Pulley or Block and tackle at the moment.
Frowning as the 'Dock Master' looked at his friend like she was a piece of meat. Believing Elann could take care of herself, he resisted the urge to move the pony closer to be 'protective.' Focusing on the conversation he nodded in agreement with Amrus and Elann.
When Elann began to move towards the ropes, he followed along on the grey pony. Wanting to be helpfull. "Toss those ropes over my saddle horn, Bill's a sturdy pony, he can carry them." Pausing when she said 'lift' he thinks, "Maybe 'Block and Tackle?"
As he thought about the situation, he realized they'd need to get a good look at the situation before they'd actually know what to do. After Elann tosses the ropes on the saddle, he turns Bill. "We should probably get going if we want to fix this before it's too late."
The tiefling’s tail twitched in irritation as watched the dock master. The man was at least smart enough to keep his hands to himself, so D’witt resisted resting his hand on his pistol. At the mention of the Serpent getting stuck in mud down river he frowned.
”Well now, that’s a right bugger problem.”
He sat back in his saddle and rubbed his chin before adding to the supply list being thrown together.
”A couple of long poles might help too, in case we need some leverage. Or, to test for the depth of the bed.”
He nodded to Boram.
”With any luck they’ll have freed themselves and we’ll see them coming while we ride.”
D’witt shrugged.
”If not, we’ll have a better idea of how to help them once we lay eyes on the problem.”
He tugged Jool around and waited for the others, accepting any supplies passed his way.
”Lets be quick, I think I saw a stall selling traveling food for those having to sit in a saddle through lunch. We can eat on the way.”
Helna catches the look that the dockmaster directed towards her companion. She looks Elann up and down a moment, taking in the curves of her fellow female.
hmpf. Long sticks, some rope, and a pony? To pull one of these river boats from a grounding? Well, i mean... i dont know. You know? helna finishes with a soft grunt of curiosity.