Remove the hinges and lock.
Smiling as Helna heads to get the owner, Naomi realizes, while Ceirn cleans the door, that the dwarf wasn't nearly as frustrating as she'd seemed the night before. When she returned with the owner, Noami nods to her, "Thanks Helna." She confirms Priscilla's observation, "It is definitely magical. And Priscilla's right, were not paying for any damage to the door."
As the topic of the door damage continues Naomi considers who might have sealed the door and why. The conversation about the 'evil' Raven from the night before sticks out in her mind. If Hellig could tell he man was a wicked bastard, maybe the wicked bastard could tell Hellig was a 'goody-two-shoes and did this just to be a jerk. Or maybe they were intentionally trying to slow him, and by inclusion, all of them from following too fast. As the smelly dwarf talked about removing the hinges, she adds. "Whatever were going to do, we may as well do it." She looks to the owner to see if she disagrees.
" Gotcha" Priscilla takes a pretty dull looking piece of leather that looks like a scrap piece and reaches in to grab a couple small tools ans then rhinks about it before looking at rhe others.
"Nope this is not finessee. Someone with brute force whack them loose and we can collect our companion ans be outta here"
"I agree about the magical nature of this. My spell is but a cantrip, but something short of magic should have been cleared away." Ceirn says.
the woman crosses her eyes beneath her breasts, and turns to look squarely at Naomi. not pay for damages? her voice rises several levels, going from respectful and considering, to outraged and dismayed. Not pay for damages?? You stand about here, in front of a door, with your companion inside the room. for all i know, you [she nods at Naomi to emphasize her point you seem to have all the answers. perhaps he wasnt a good enough lover. perhaps you wanted to get even with him for looking at another lady. her gaze begins to take in everyone, laying the blame upon everyone gathered around Perhaps it was another one of you, and your to chicken to fess up to it! not pay for damages! Utter nonsense! I- she cuts off suddenly, her mouth clamping shut with a loud click as she catches a small brown bag out of thin air. the sound of coins clinking upon each other within tickles your ears. the lady shakes it several times, looks at everyone, the bag, and then curtsies slightly.
please. sir. If possible, dont damage the frame. the door i dont mind. that can be replaced. the frame is much harder. she curtsies once more, turns on her heel and strides rapidly down the hall.
Never argue money with an innkeeper helna whispers to the group. We best hurry. shes gonna find out that its nothing but coppers in that coin bag. And i'd like to be gone by then.
As the woman raises her voice at Naomi, Thistle's neck hairs start to bristle and she lets out a low growl. Gently resting her hand on the wolfs neck, Noami smiles at the woman, gesturing towards the door with the other hand. "Your inn, your problem."
As she moves down the hallway, she hears the sound of coins clinking and the inn owners attitude change. It sounded like someone paid the woman off. Not wanting to take the chance of Thistle attacking the woman, Noami leads her wolf outside. As she moves down the steps and through the inn, she considers who might have been able to have afforded the magic goo. She frowns as only one group comes to mind.
Aghhh eyes the others. Not pay? That is ridiculous! I said I could get the hinges off and reattach them if need be. They have already put up with us so disregarding their hospitality is shameful!
" Its more the blow back, and local Magistrate! Thats not the hospitality you want" Priscilla says as she sighs and move.
Looking at Helna.
helna nods at what Priscilla says.
in common, helna looks at Arrgh.
Please, sir. do your work.
she looks at Ceirn. Not to be rude, but do you think we could implore upon your mercantile abilities to secure some provisions for the road? i myself and down to only a couple days trail rations, and would like to enjoy some mead and cheese upon the road. I am not much of a huntress, per se.
you hear a commotion from outside, people gathered around the door. you hear an outraged voice, one complaining of not paying. Yet, overall, you get the feeling that help is outside the door.
Agghh sighs and gets to work on the door
Ceirn looks at Helna and says, "I would be happy to help procure supplies, but I do not necessarily have all of the funds needed to supply such an outing. "
"I'm out of the way, let's get this over with." Hellig calls through the door, standing just to the side The last thing I need is an axe to come crashing through and hit me in the face. he thinks.
Standing outside in the cool morning air Naomi takes a few deep breaths as she let's Thistle run. Playing with her father in different venues she'd met all types of business owners. The grumpy accusatory ones never seemed to do as well.
Calling Thistle back to her, she waits for the others to come outside.
Aggghhh makes easy work of the door, able to pop the hinge pins with practiced ease.
however...
the door remains closed. the glue is strong enough to hold up the weight of the door while attached to the frame.
a hard shove from Aggghh manages to break the wood door, a long split about two thirds the width from the hinge side. a clean break, and an opening large enough for Hellig to squeeze through...
I'm going to have to make a new door.
"Without mounts, that trip likely takes about two and a half days of travel. If we were deeply concerned by those who left before us we could push and travel for ten hours a day. If we did that we could get there late on the second day. Still, supplies to travel there and back likely take a week. Since they refuse to do business currently, we probably should have food for several days while we are there. Two weeks of food for half a dozen people is quite a bit to carry." Ceirn says as he considers the needed supplies.
"So a cart and some steeds. I claim the cart! I am no good on horse back." priscilla says excitedly. As she does she then taps hwr chin.
" As for food, we should get some grains, tubers, root veggies, some pickled veggies, salt, and a few other spices, tea, and some perserved meats" she says not wanting to bring animals with them to slaughter.
helna groans at Aggh. make one!? how long will that take? id rather get our supplies and get on the road... Helna trails off, looking at everyone for input.
Fine then, we paid for the door and can head off.
Hearing the sound of a door breaking, Noami smiles, Glad she went outside.
Hellig squeezes through the hole, shoulders his pack, and heads down the hallway. "I don't know what that was all about, but let's get out of this place."
Aghh heads out as well.
Ceirn nods and as he walks out talking to Priscilla, "That seems like a reasonable list, but purchasing a cart or pack animal at the last moment might be more difficult. We will need to see what funds there are for such purchases."
Standing outside the inn, Naomi hears several of her new traveling companions exiting the building. Hearing the tail end of Ceirn's comment Noami raises an eyebrow, "A cart? Were just going to Har." She gestures southeast, "It's just that a-way." She turns back toward the others, "Maybe buy a mule to carry gear, but a cart would just slow us down."
Realizing the others may not have as much money as she, Naomi offers. "Hey Ceirn, while you get supplies. I can go see if the Livery has any pack animals for sale." Before she leaves she asks, "Do you need a little money to cover my portion, or will covering the cost of a mule be my expence?"
"I suggest we split costs evenly and share any spoils just as equally. Let us find out what this costs and then we can each chip in the required amount. Does that seem fair to all?" Ceirn asks the others.
Once the supplies are decided Ceirn will go and try to negotiate the price for the large order of food.
I have five days rations.
Priscilla will make sure to secure a fishing kit and maybe a cooking kit should no one else have one. For her she would seek some rations but perfer things to coom at camp otherwise rations tend to get stale and boring.
As Priscilla and Ceirn head to the 'general store' Nami and Thistle turn towards the Livery, calling back, "We'll even up once were done. Hopefully they have a Mule."
"I do as well." Hellig says, nodding to Aggghhh.
"If some of you are lacking funds at the moment, I could cover your share for now as long as you repay me when we see a profit from this endeavor." Ceirn offers.
I'm doing fine right now.
Priscilla will wink at Ceirn. " I can help"
Priscilla will gladly help in influencing the sellers ro their size
"If some of you are lacking funds at the moment, I could cover your share for now as long as you repay me when we see a profit from this endeavor." Ceirn offers.
"Your generosity does you credit, and I'd be happy to repay you when I'm able."
I'll pitch in as well Aghh hands over 15 gp.
Helna hands over to ceirn a small stack of 12 gold pieces. For you, good sir. Nothing special for me. just some trail rations and mead please. I am already well provisioned for the road. She walks over to Naomi and says if it's alright with you, i'll accompany you with getting the mule. Seems best if we didnt venture to far afield of each other. never know when one of those silver ravens might hit us... she trails off, looking up and down the street.
I see you. Welcome, may you find shade. he intones with deep respect, yet doesnt look up from his efforts.
Orly is able to direct you to a stable that sells horses and mules across town, and you are able to follow his directions easily enough. instead of street names, he gives you landmarks. turn that way at the red corner and walk past sweet smells, but do no stop!. The red corner turns out to be a butchers shop, the road slopped with blood, while the sweet smells is a bakery, fresh loaves set in an open window to cool.
an old woman, long hooked nose, limp grey hair, skin hanging loosely from her face and frame, looks at you with piercing green eyes.
aye, what have you here? she asks sharply, lifting a brow at her inquiry.
The mornings cool air kisses upon your cheeks, the shadows of the tall Cormanthor trees preventing the suns rays from warming the land. Men atop horses gather around a large stump, the ground trampled around the area. No more than 15 total, yet each one dressed in mail, yet lacking lance. each holds a bow, a quiver of arrows upon the saddle horn, and not one but three! blades. A long, cavalryman's slashing blade, and could be two short swords upon either hip.
Today we patrol Rauthauvyr's road out of Esembre. we go down til the inn, turn, and sally back.
the men grunt in ackowledgement.
What about Aencar's manor? one man asks.
What about it?
What if-
Our orders are to patrol the road. that's it. we dont bother the manor. the man in charge (perhaps a captain?) snaps out with a stern tone. Should something threatening come from the manor, we deal with it. if we leave well enough alone, then it leaves well enough alone.
Seeing the old, faded, slatted-pine-board, two story, barn Naomi decides it is probably the Livery. Approaching the 'man' door beside the larger sliding door, Naomi, not wanting to frighten the beasts inside, turns towards Thistle, pointing to the ground outside the door. "Thistle, Stay." As Naomi headed in, Thistle gave a whine as turning three times and lay down beside the door.
Walking into the barn, she paused long enough to let her eyes adjust, taking in the smell of straw, manure and horse sweat. Seeing the older woman she approaches with a smile, "Good morning, Ma'am, I find myself in need of a beast of burden. Would you perhaps have strong, gentle mule for sale." As she reaches towards her purse with one hand. she gestures towards some of the tack resting on wall racks with the other "I'd like to purchase a pack saddle as well."
Coming to the store, Agghh nods to the gnome. Good morning to ye. I am here to purchase some rations for my group. Agghh hands over the paper with the amount noted on it. Can ye part with that much?
Hellig's ears perk up at the mention of something coming out of the manor that might be trouble. He approaches the riders "Gentlemen, I couldn't help but hear something about threats from the manor. Whereabouts is that, if you don't mind my asking? Wouldn't want my friends and I to get caught unawares as we pass that way." he says, gesturing to any others that are with him.
I see that you are new to Esembre. unless you took a path through the Cormanthor itself, you took the road from the southern parts. I am sure your journey up to our fair city held some excitement. at least a drow raiding party? Ach, no matter. Yes, the road south of here is rather dangerous, until you leave the shadows of Cormanthor herself. the black elves do like to set up ambushes upon those that travel the road. Perched high in the branches, they shower bolts down, tips bathed in their sleep poison. at the same time, another force strikes from the opposite direction. but no poison with them! only cold steel, death and injury do they deliver. They steal provisions, coins, magic. Women and children as well. They take a perverse desire for our young maidens. Chamsihn steps closer to Hellig, his face filling with anger I hear too that the sell the fair maidens to the Zents. I know not which is worse, a young woman in the hands of a zent, or a black elf. he steps back and spits once, twice, three times. I wish we had the funds to higher more men. Id even take outlanders from Cormyr and Sembia if it meant that i could burn out the Drow and slaughter them to a male. he nods savagely.
but, to your point. Travel south, be prepared to face the drow. Yet there are other monsters that roam the lands along the road. Yet they are mostly quiet during the daytime hours. Oh, beware Aencar's manor. stay clear it's interior. things haunt it. the land itself is fine...ish. drow have been spotted there as well. But best leave the manor alone.
the gnome finishes his sweeping of the landing, and finally looks up at everyone. tall folks huh? well, thats no matter. Tall folks need food as well. I have food, fresh and trail alike. basic gear as well. fishing line and hooks, climbing gear, even some slightly less savory gear as well, for you types that like to unlock doors taht you shouldnt open.
youre lead into the building, and see shelves making aisles in the center of the room, fruit, vegatables, potatoes filling several crates. another aisle holds premixed rations. On the walls are shelves with goods. blankets, bedrolls, fishing and tackle, belts, and more.
Perhaps you have a list? or do you wish to peruse? It's all at a fair price mind you.
the old crone looks at Naomi, her eyes never blinking. The silence is long and drawn out while the gaze doesnt slacken in intensity.
finally, (almost to your surprise!) she blinks, once. then speaks.
aye. I have a mule. stubborn as a... well, Youve heard the phrase. well, he is what it comes from. Stubborn he is. wont move unless you learn the trick with him. Oh yes! Stubborn he is. BUT! but, he is strong too. Must have been part Heavy horse, for he can pull! Pull a lot of heavy loads. Seen him pull out old man Tatren's stump this past spring! yes, yes. But yes, he is not for sale. He is for rent however. I can sell you the pack saddle though. those i have plenty of.