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Bryndis tries not to look disappointed, "So no stories about Old Czar then? I was hoping you could shed some light on the myth. There's usually some truth in stories, even fantastical ones." She considers Jovun's request about watches. "It makes most sense for Kell and I to take the second watch. He can see in the dark and having him close sharpens my senses as well."
Bryndis considers her words before speaking. "It's not so much that I'm cursed but that I'm a curse. Pa-Soa, you've been up north for a little while now. Surely you've noticed that I'm extremely shorter and weaker than the majority of Ulfen. To be considered fragile as an Ulfen is a great insult. I wasn't strong enough to do the work that my family expected me to do which shamed my parents. To make matters worse, my birth was a difficult one that made it impossible for my mother to have other children. If they had been able to have other children it would have made it easier for them to ignore me. But because I was their only child it caused them to resent me and they endearingly called me their curse. Losthome was small enough that if your own parents called you a curse then others called you a curse...children can be very cruel." She reaches out and strokes Kell's neck as if to convince herself that he was really real. "Meeting Kell came much later in life after the community had unanimously decided I was a curse. And shortly after meeting him, I found the courage to leave." She gives the monk a weak smile, "So it seems like we have leaving home in common...except I know that I'm never going back."
Bryndis masks a chuckle with a wince. Obviously it was very traumatic for Pa-Soa but at the same time, her vision of the Lord Mayor with a crab on his face was comical indeed. "That is very unfortunate, Pa-Soa. Everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. I can see that a giant crab giving your Lord Mayor a face hug would be enough to exile anyone from their home. Is there any chance that one day you'll be able to return?" She pauses before adding, "Would you want to go back?"
Bryndis lets out a low whistle. "That is quite the tale and it explains a lot. Although you fleeing probably has more to do with accidentally assaulting the Lord Mayor than using his chopsticks. Honestly if I'd been in the same situation, I probably would have done the same thing. I've never been one for etiquette and social rules." She looks at Pa-Soa intently, "But I sense there's more you'd like to tell, right? Confession is good for the soul, or so I've been told."
Bryndis shakes her head at the monk, "Nei Nei Nei. I mean, no way. That doesn't count as a proper answer so you get nothing more from me." She then looks at Pa-Soa skeptically. "I don't know much about Tian Xia but I highly doubt that that disagreement caused you to flee your home." She gives him an encouraging smile, "Now, what was the real reason?"
As Bryndis waits for Jovun to tell them what he knows about Old Czar, she turns her attention back to Pa-Soa. "So, now that we're out at sea and have the time, do you care to elaborate on the 'disagreements' you had back in Tian Xia which caused you to leave? I understand that you probably don't want to talk about it so I can offer you an answer for an answer. For whatever questions you answer for me, I'll answer one of yours."
Bryndis looks at Jovun expectantly, wanting to hear these so called mythical stories. "So what stories exist about Old Czar? Where did his name come from? What makes him mythical, other than his size? How do we know it's a 'he'? The more details you can share about what you've heard, the better it'll be for us when we finally encounter him." Bryndis looks at the horizon and wonders if their captain is looking at the same sky. All she sees is blue sky but if he says bad weather was coming then she has to believe him. She calls Kell back down to the ship. "The captain says that bad weather is coming. It's best if you stay out of it."
Kell nods his head in understanding. He glances over the ship's rail and suppresses a shudder. The water looked like a never-ending abyss. He much preferred the sky. Bryndis gives her friend a comforting squeeze before adding, "Maybe you want to fly for a bit and keep an eye out for what's ahead of us. I think I'll be ok." "There are no secrets about myself that I'm holding on to. You've met Kell and already know that I'm a curse which is why I'm no longer at home. There's only so much you can be called a curse by your family before you just have to leave." She waits for Pa-Soa to sum up what they've learned so far. "And what Pa-Soa just said sums up what we've learned so far regarding the destroyed ships. What stories have you heard about this 'Old Czar'?"
Bryndis looks at Jovun like he has a third eye as he starts yelling what seems like a different language at her. Quickly her brain starts to reason and work out what it most likely is that he's asking her to do. She quickly springs into action and assumes that the sailor will yell at her if she's doing something wrong. The movement of the ship is a new experience for the summoner. Kell tries to help her and a few times puts himself in danger to make sure she keeps her footing on the deck of the ship.
Bryndis relaxes as Jovun's laughter fills the air. His acceptance of Kell puts her at ease, at least for now. When he asks about sailing, she raises her eyebrows, "I think we both know the answer to that, at least in my case. If you need something more definitive than that, then no. No, I haven't sailed before. I've been in a boat, but never a ship." But not to be too discouraging she adds, "However I'm a quick learner and I'm ready for my first lesson."
Bryndis cocks her head to the side, "It's not a what but a who. This is Kell. And I'm not a wizard exactly but I can wield certain magics. Will this be a problem?" Kell nods at Jovun having ascertained he was a decent man. In his deep voice he states rather than asks, "You will take us to where we need to go."
Bryndis returns Jovun's gaze, "Nor did I ever claim to be made of the sternest stuff. But I will work hard and do what I can. My talents lie elsewhere." She rubs her hands together, "Now, I suspect that you would like to meet Kell before you make your final decision." The summoner begins to concentrate on her friend and channels arcane magics to call him to her. After about a minute, the eidolon appears behind her. His head swings towards Jovun and his eyes give the captain an appraising look.
Bryndis smiles sweetly and hands over the money. "Thank you, kind sir." She then stows the potion with her other belongings.
Bryndis puts her hand on Pa-Soa's arm. "It's ok. I'm sure he's just trying to make an honest living. It's not his fault I can't pay the price he's asking for." Bryndis smiles at the halfling, "Right?"
Bryndis sighs, obviously disappointed. She looks at the halfling, raises her hands helplessly and smiles apologetically. "I can't afford that. You could have had a sale had you asked for the usual price but I can't pay that much. Sorry to have wasted your time." She begins to walk away and says to Pa-Soa, "And your time as well. Sorry for leading us on this wild goose chase. Let's get back to the ship."
Bryndis raises an eyebrow and gives Pa-Soa a half-smile. "I'm not so much concerned about convincing Jovun that there's a problem. I'm more concerned with convincing him to go because there's a problem. I'm not sure how willing I'd be to go with my ship that is my livelihood when there's a good chance it'll be destroyed." She then gives Pa-Soa an appraising look. "What do you think of all this? The fact that this creature lives in the water worries me. After all, it can obviously breathe under the water or else hold its breath a lot longer than I can. Nor am I a very strong swimmer."
Bryndis smiles and thanks the priestess for her words before they leave. Outside she turns to Pa-Soa and says, "So now we can add fools to our list of unfortunate names. But maybe we should keep that from Jovun when we meet up again. He'll find it concerning enough when he meets Kell. Hopefully he'll still want to take us. In fact, we may want to keep talk of Old Czar for after we get out on to the water. He'll probably just laugh us off anyways, like the others did that sailor."
Bryndis would have offered to buy them drink but they seem to be pretty deep into their cups as it is. "May we buy you some food for your trouble in answering our questions?" She takes a seat. "I know it's probably something you don't want to relive but can you tell us what happened to shipwreck the Goldia?"
This time Bryndis answers the woman. "The vessel's name is...was Goldia's Pride."
The woman's teeth contrast sharply with the rest of her appearance and for a moment Bryndis wonders if she's being scammed.
But considering she wouldn't take her coin back even if that's the case, she says, "May it ease some of your hardship, ma'am." She then steps lightly up the stairs as she follows Pa-Soa inside.
Rather than being repulsed by the woman's condition, Bryndis empathizes with her. There probably weren't many people who wanted to have anything to do with her and the summoner understood how isolating that could be. Taking out a couple silver coins, she drops them in the woman's cup.
Bryndis gives the monk the first genuine smile since their meeting. "Alright then. Let us two jinxed people go and make our fate worse. I'm sure nothing could possibly go wrong but I'll let you go first."
I'm back and good to go whenever :)
Once Pa-Soa gets directions from a random sailor, Bryndis points out,"I'm already cursed by the gods to be a tiny Ulfen so what's a little bad luck in talking to survivors. I can go if you'd rather not." She looks at the rough-looking place and resists the urge to summon Kell.
I will also be away starting Friday for about a week. I should be able to post on my phone but that means shorter posts. I still can't believe that my brother doesn't have internet...weirdo. Who still goes outside? ;)
Pa-Soa hesitates as Bryndis asks the obvious question. He is not a good liar he has discovered, probably because his heart is never in the attempt, so he settles on being evasive There were people in my homeland with whom I had... disagreements then he turns the question around And why were you staying at The Black Gull? His hesitance to answer her question does not go unnoticed by Bryndis but she doesn't push the issue. They'd soon be on a ship together with plenty of time to get to know each other. When he asks his question, she shrugs and says, "The nights are still a little cold to be camping so I splurged on a room. We move around a lot trying to help out where we can. Kell usually decides where we go." When they find Jovun's ship and realize there's not really a crew, Bryndis looks doubtful. "I wonder if he's expecting us to help out on the ship. I've never sailed before and I'm not very strong. I guess we'll find out more about what he's thinking when we meet later."
Bryndis agrees, "Sounds good." As they walk further towards the docks she asks Pa-Soa, "So...how did you end up here, way up north and I assume far from home?"
Bryndis smiles, "He's not from around here." Then she repeats his instructions, "Dock 94, two hours - got it. What's the name of your ship?" Wolter's gaze makes her somewhat uncomfortable but they've been nice so far. "Thank you for your time. If there's nothing else, we'll leave you in peace."
Once they're back outside, Bryndis asks Pa-Soa, "Should we try to find some of those sailors from the Goldia? I'd also like to find something to help me with swimming if there's a chance I'll be knocked into the water."
She nods, "I understand completely. Just let me know when you'd like to meet Kell and it can be arranged." Bryndis shrugs, "Unless what they saw makes them sound crazy. Or so terrifying they just want to forget." She looks at Pa-Soa as she realizes that her conclusions aren't exactly encouraging for the two of them. But it's not like they have a choice in the matter.
Sounds good to me. @Pa-Soa - if Bryndis is talking too much, please let me know. It's not my intent to overshadow anything. I love collaborating with others, I'm easy going, and not easily offended so please let me know if I do anything you're not comfortable with.
What are the secret concerns of the GM? Is it something that we can fix on our end? I'm good with you not necessarily waiting for us both to respond unless it's dire to the plot line or combat.
Bryndis sighs as the sealer catches Pa-Soa's number discrepancy. "I...I have a companion who will most likely be with us but doesn't exactly go wandering into businesses with me. He's often, she looks pointedly at Pa-Soa, "misunderstood. And if you go north and agree to take us on, I would expect you'd want to meet him before making your final decision." The mention of survivors sounds promising to the summoner. "Drunk or not, is it possible to talk with these sailors? It would definitely be helpful in determining what we'll be up against."
Bryndis lowers her gaze again at the men's attention but forces herself to continue with the conversation. "We are very fortunate indeed to have chosen your table if Wolter is the one we need to speak with." Making brief eye contact with Wolter before looking down at her drink she says, "If you know all the gossip you must be well-connected and therefore quite important within Asleifar." Her head raises and her eyes widen slightly at his mention of so many lost ships. Her nervousness begins to wane as her curiosity is piqued. "That's a large number. Have there been any survivors to tell anyone who or what attacked them? Is it some sort of beast or is that speculation? And yes, by investigate, we are to try and deal with whatever is plaguing Herr Simurssons' ships." Bryndis looks slightly disappointed at the mention of not many good reports. Obviously the more information they could get would help them plan better for what was ahead. Not that she has much extra money but if they were going to be around water, she knows she's not the strongest swimmer. She wasn't the strongest anything. She glances at Pa-Soa at his mention of three passengers but says nothing. Usually she doesn't mention Kell in such matters because not everyone is understanding or is able to keep a calm head. She continues to listen attentively and hopes that his comment slides by unnoticed.
Encouraged by the fact that they aren't outright refused, Bryndis steps out from behind Pa-Soa and her smile is no longer tentative. "Of course. No one talks business without drinks. My name is Bryndis and this is Pa-Soa." Once they've gotten settled with drinks for the table, Bryndis starts out and lets Pa-Soa fill in the gaps with his own comments or questions to ask. "We are seeking information about happenings along the northern coast. We've been...tasked with investigating some shipping losses that have been occurring. Especially any information about Orlov's Islet." Then more hesitantly she adds, "And we need to secure passage on a reputable ship that is sailing north. Since neither of us grew up around here, we need to rely on knowledgeable strangers to help us out on who to talk to."
Bryndis follows a step behind, taking time to look at everyone there. When the monk approaches one of the tables, she partially hides herself behind Pa-Soa without really realizing it. She gives the men an unsure, shy smile. "We don't mean to intrude but we seek information and you look like the ones that can provide it."
Good to know :)
Kell's voice rumbles, "I will only be a thought away and we both know I cannot follow you in without risking a repeat of The Black GUll. And you have Pa-Soa to watch over you." The eidolon's eyes bore into the monk, "You will protect her, yes." Bryndis' eyes get big and she looks anxious, "But you'll return when I call, right?" He touches his forehead to hers, "I am yours and you are mine. I will always come."
Bryndis nods, "Ulfen in general like to drink. A tavern is a good place to start but I can't just wander in with Kell. And your memory is a good one - he did mention Orlov's Islet but I'm sure info about any missing ships along the coast could be helpful." Turning to Kell she suggests, "Maybe wait on the roof or would you like to go back to your home plane for awhile?"
Kell fixes his gaze on the young man, his eyes seemingly piercing to the core of Pa-Soa's being as he sizes him up. His voice is deep as he chooses his words, "I am many things but I am not evil. I have spent my lives vanquishing evil and now Bryndis and I are intertwined in this life." Bryndis affectionately wraps her arm around Kell's neck and scratches behind a particular scale that causes Kell's eyes to lid over. "He's my friend and my family. Somehow I summoned him to me and we've been together ever since. I'm still unsure how an undesirable like me managed something so remarkable but he assures me that it wasn't a mistake. But as you found out for yourself, he's often misunderstood and he's obviously not from around here - not even from this plane of existence." She gives the monk a small smile. "So we've answered your question on who Kell is and told you our names. Are you going to tell us who you are or do I just refer to you as 'Hey You'?"
Bryndis nods slightly before scurrying after Pa-Soa. Kell follows after her, feeling no need to hide himself. His head swings towards the man and his eyes rest on him for a moment before he continues on his way. Once outside, she turns and faces the young man. Looking up at him she says, "I'm Bryndis and this is Kell. We didn't mean you any harm, we were just defending ourselves." She pauses, "But I guess I owe you a thank you even if it was misguided. You thought I was in trouble and burst in to help. There aren't a lot of people who would do that for someone they don't know."
Bryndis cringes inwardly. Great. Now someone else is going to be calling me a curse...but I only have myself to blame for that one. She then looks at the young man curiously to try to determine whether he's joking or serious. Anyone with common sense would run when said like that. Not that Kell would let her. That much she knew. Looking at the older man she asks, "Not being from around here, can you suggest sealers or fishermen that can be trusted?" She hasn't been in Asleifar long but it was long enough to have heard stories, especially in the taverns. She crosses her arms protectively across herself and almost shrinks up into herself. "Not all sailors and captains are...respectful of young women."
Bryndis looks over at Kell, seeking direction but he just continues to watch. It's not like they have much choice. She had managed to save a little money but not enough to pay what was owed. "I wouldn't really say that I'm capable but if you think a weak and cursed girl can help then I'll do what I can. Have their been stories about what may be happening?" She then realizes that they'd probably be stuck on a ship to get where they need to go. "Are you sending another of your vessels to investigate or do we have to find passage?"
Bryndis' eyes flashed indignantly, "Kell is no pet." But at the mention of money, she becomes properly cowed and looks down at her feet again. Quietly she mumbles, "I can help with mending some of the things, if they can be helped by magic that is, and aren't too broken." Then she adds hesitantly, "Or if you have something specific in mind to work off the debt, I'd consider that - within reason of course."
Confusion abounds for Bryndis as well when the young man accuses Kell of attacking her. "What?!? The only one who attacked me...us...was you." Incredulously she says, "Kell would never harm me. What exactly did you see? And why were you looking in my room window anyways?"
Bryndis is still trying to process everything that had just happened in the last moments as she’s directed to a chair. The last thing she clearly remembers is spending some much wanted time alone with Kell in her room when the window had been kicked in. Everything after that was a jumbled mess. Now that they're no longer defending their lives, she frantically looks around to see what Kell’s status is. Addressing the proprietor she asks with her head slightly bowed towards him and her eyes downcast, ”Vennligst herre, kan jeg sjekke på ham for å være sikker på at han ikke er skadet?” Skald:
Please sir, may I check on him to make sure he isn’t hurt?
The man gives her a curt nod before surprise colors his face as Bryndis rushes over to her dearest friend and protector. Clearly he had not been expecting her to check on the creature. Throwing her arms around Kell’s neck, she asks anxiously, ”Are you ok? Did they hurt you?” She begins to check him over for wounds. His dragon-like muzzle swings towards her and a deep gravely voice rumbles, ”Nothing overly concerning, dear child. It will wait but he will not. Now go sit.” Reluctantly, she takes the seat beside a foreign-looking young man. He definitely looks different from anyone she had met in her hometown. She had been surprised at how well he had fought without any weapons but his fists. She is quite sure that she would have quite a few bruises in the morning as she had repeatedly tried to interpose herself between the man and Kell. Addressing the tavern manager she says, ”Jeg beklager.” Skald:
"I'm sorry." Then she turns to the young man and can’t help but glare at him. ”Why did you start a fight with me by breaking into my room? I don’t even know you.”
Not sure where Pa-Soa is living but it could be that he either comes across Bryndis and Kell who're camping OR Bryndis rents a room at the tavern, has Kell summoned within her room and somehow Pa-Soa sees him there (maybe passing by an exterior window?) and the fight may spill out into the tavern... Or someone in the tavern gets a little handsy with Bryndis, she gets scared, and summons Kell. |