Illiam Taal wrote: Illiam arrives at the Jak'a'napes in time to hear this last. Kimi's missing? he says, as he hands the pouch of sling bullets back to Baradim. Maybe, maybe not. We don't rightly know. She's got a bit of her father's wandering spirit in her, and she has been gone for more than a day before, galavanting with her friends. Like Lady C said, it's not totally unusual, but we'd like to make sure it isn't unusual, you know? What with everything that's been happening lately, we just want to make sure it's normal Kimi behavior, and not something else. I don't know, maybe somebody should go and find one of her little buddies: Mikra, Hollin, Jurin, or even Savram, if he's out and about? Might be they know more than we do. Jak says as he stands over the table where Laurel is almost gorging herself on his hot breakfast.
As Chillel, Baradim, and Laurel enter the Jak'n'apes, they see Jak with furrowed brow, looking none too pleased carrying on a conversation with Lady Cirthana at the far end of his bar. As soon as Laurel enters though, Lady Cirthana comes running at them all screaming Laurel's name. Jak hops deftly over the bar, and treads the common room in very few strides. He grabs both Lady Cirthana and Laurel Usessa in a huge hug, almost lifting them off the ground. Laurel! They got you out?! He looks at Chillel and Baradim. Damn miracle workers you lot! He slaps Baradim on the back and offers Chillel a hasty kiss on the cheek. What can't you all do, I wonder? No, on second thought I don't. I know what you can do though, he says and then turns toward his kitchen's half door, Margery! Three hot breakfast plates! After that Jak, Lady C, and Laurel engage in a brief bit of conversation that gets everyone up to speed on what's been happening, the envoy's triumphant return, and how it's been going getting the cure to those that need it. The conversation is only briefly interrupted by young Margery bringing out three plates heaping with cinnamon pancakes, cured ham steaks, and scrambled eggs. As part of that conversation Jak says that Kitani asked that he and Lady Cirthana keep an eye on Kimi while she's heading to the farms in the hills with Caelis and a half-barrel of the cure. Seems Kimi never came home last night, which isn't terribly out of the normal, she spends the night under the stars on occasion, too much of her dad in her, but she almost always checks in with her mom first thing in the morning. Kitani thought maybe it was just because she and Caelis had to get such an early start. Now that half the morning's gone and neither Lady Cirthana or Jak have seen her, they're on the cusp of worrying that something might have happened to her.
How's that for a hook...?
ooray! Jak finishes the final cheer with gusto, and slams a stone tankard onto the bar for emphasis. Baradim! Goruck! Get your butts in here and have a drink! He shouts at them and waves them over.
Kitani and Caelis both wave as well, and Kitani gives Baradim a most tender smile. As the hunter and warrior approach, she leans down and gives Kanga a good rough scratch behind his proud ears, and starts speaking to the cat, rather than to the two half-orcs that strode up. I bet you had a devil of a time leading these city folk through those woods, didn't you Kanga? She looks up at Baradim, and winks, a wink that is equal parts flirtation and expression of her sarcasm. You'll have to tell me all about it Baradim. She looks around at the raucous carousing and then says, some other night, though, when it's quieter. Maybe outside your hut, under the stars?
Caelis slaps both Baradim and Goruck on the back as he grips each warrior's forearm in turn. Share a drink friends. Tonight is for celebration. Though I fear tomorrow will bring more work. Kitani and I were only able to get the word out to the nearest farms and homesteads. There are some in the outlying farms and in the hills that might need a dose of your cure. Not to worry though, she and I will be heading out at first light to spread the word to the east, and Agnar and Natan will be headed across the river to the west. We'll get the word out.
At that Jak speaks up again, addressing Kairon's question, with an offer as well. Aye, there are three rooms bought and paid for by that noble friend o' yours. What was his name? Hildana's voice interjects from down the bar. Lunarinus Scipio, as you please. Jak nods and says, Right, that'n. So, yes, a soft bed is all arranged, if you are so inclined, I'd be happy to have my own copper tub filled up with hot water for you. It is the least I can do for you all. There's a free room for you two as well, Baradim, Goruck. In fact, there's a free room here at my Jak'a'napes for as long as you need it. Though I know you've got that nice place on the outskirts Baradim. Just meaning, if you ever find yourself wanting a place to stay, Jak'll always have a room for ya.
Then Kitani stands up, and gives first Caelis and then Baradim a strong hug. Speaking of rooms and sleeping. I'd best be headed home to mine. I need to make sure Kimi's home. She's been spending a lot more time roaming around lately. I think she's trying to prove she's a woman grown to some of the strange folk that have come into town. The gorgeous woman looks right at Kairon when she says it. G'night to you all, and thanks again for what you've done boys. The Hollow will never forget it. She says and then heads out the door, planting a kiss on one cheek of each Agnar and Natan who still stand vigilant watch at the door. 'Night boys. She says as she saunters away.
Here's 'e keys. Jak pulls up his lockbox and guest entry, and places three brass keys on the counter. He takes a quill pen, dips it in his ink bottle and speaks as he writes into the registry. The. Heroes. Of. The. Vale. That outta do it. He says and looks at Kairon. You want an early wake up call like Chillel? You got things you need to take care of in the morning? Or should I let you sleep long as your body wants'a sleep?
Three cheers for the saviors of Falcon's Hollow!!
Afterwards there's a rousing round of Hip hip hoorays! From everyone in the inn, and all raise their cups in honor of those that put themselves in danger to help others.
It would be nice if Baradim and Goruck walked into Jak's place right as that cheer went up. Since it is to honor them as well. :)
Dolok's fiery anger is met with a response that he more than likely did not expect. Jak Crimmy comes around from behind the counter and addresses his audience with the practiced manner and powerful speech of a man that is no stranger to oration or rhetoric. Whoa there fella! Let's just calm everything down. You wanna juggle some balls of fire, I know about a baker's dozen worth o' kids over there that would love to watch that show, but there's no reason to take what was a celebration of the perseverance and durability of the Hollow and turn it into some kind of a coup. We all want Laurel set free just as badly as you do young buck, but violence and hot tempers aren't going to help her or anybody else. So you just take a deep breath Dolok, and take another bite a free vittles and 'nother sip o' free beverage. He steps through the crowd a bit, smiling at people, and touching shoulders, which immediately seems to calm down what Dolok tried to stir up. I'm sure Payden'll tell Thuldrin all about what's been happening, and our good Mayor'll look into what Laurel's piece in all this is. Have no fear, justice will be served. Ain't that right Payden? Jak looks at Payday with a look that says, you bet I just saved your arse, now do what's right.
Too right Payden, too right. That is the group from Almas in my best booth, and I'm thinking of actually having a plaque made with their names on it, and mounting it on the wall above the booth, so they have claim to those seats whenever they want. They did it, m'boy! Jak says in a way that is somehow equal parts condescending and respectful. They gathered up all the ingredients, and brewed a cure, that works! He pauses for a moment and points at a middle-aged woman sitting at one of the tables. See, Margot? Been sick now goin' on four days, and she's already lookin' and feelin' a good sight better. Looking at the woman Jak pointed out, it is undeniable that the brownand-grey-haired goodwife, with the pleasantly plump body, wearing brown and green roughspun is, indeed, looking quite healthy, and acting jovial, as she bobs one of her grandkids up and down on her knee. More'n half the people in here were suffering under this Blackscour taint, and every one of 'em is on the mend. Some look like they was never sick in the first place. How's that for blessings? Jak says in a way that allows for only one possible answer.
As to that, Jak says in the middle of all of his work. Might be I already beat you to the punch, as the expression goes. I sent Caelis and Kitani to do just what you proposed Illiam. I sent them out to those that they know have been sickest. Might not be them that have had it the longest, but it is to those that have it the worst. I thought that a better course, but when people start arriving looking for a cure, we'll spread the word right quick, and I'll send out some Valers to gather up those that have had it the longest. Gotta be honest though. News spread like a brushfire through this town. More'n'likely everyone that's sick, that can be, will be here before nightfall anyway. We'll have ourselves a right party! He then walks over to Dolok, and again places that fatherly hand on his shoulder and says, Fancy Penny do ya? She's a looker no doubt, and a heart as sweet as gold. Yup, she's one golden Penny, that girl. If you pursue her, you best treat her right, or I'll have words for ya! Y'hear? Jak then goes back to stirring his stew over the cauldron.
Jak smiles as he watches the fiery haired youth handing out directives in his kitchen. After Dolok gets done telling people what he thinks they should do, they all look to Jak, who clearly has an air of leadership among the locals. He simply nods to them, and they depart. The giants Agnar and Natan out through the common room, Penny grabs a huge sack of turnips, a peeling knife and a small rugged chair and heads out the back door. The buxom, grey-haired Hildana goes over to take over stirring the sauce that Penny vacated.
Jak steps up and puts a slender-fingered hand on Dolok's shoulder and pulls him over by the large fireplace for a moment. He keeps his volume soft, not a whisper persay, but not his usual robust resonance. Master Figueroa is... He pauses for a moment and looks Dolok in the eyes, his face takes on the appearance of a caring father for his son. laid up. He's got a pretty serious fever. Laurel thinks he may have actually come down with some kind of secondary infection. Might be that that's the first place the cure should go. Maybe you and your healer friend should take some up there, and see what's what? I don't think Kreed, or his men, could have any problem with somebody trying to cure the towns best, and only, blacksmith.
Afterward he grabs an iron hook and swings one of the cauldron's out from the fire, then grabs a huge wooden spoon and dips it into the cauldron, withdrawing it, blowing on it to cool for a moment, and then gives it a taste. Needs more pepper. He says and grabs a giant wooden pepper shaker off the mantle and pours in a generous amount. There, that outta do it. He says and then pushes the cauldron back over the low fire. Turning around he snaps his fingers as if remembering something. Chillel! Your uncles are fine, or at least they were as of last night. They came in and we played a few rounds of cards over mulled wine yestereve. That rainstorm made the hot wine just the thing.
Then Jak goes over to the iron stove that Hildana is not using, and places a huge griddle pan on it. He grabs a short keg from a shelf above the stove and opens the tap over the pan. With a practiced hand he pours out perfect circles of his cinnamon pancake dough all across the griddle. The smell of the cinnamon quickly wafts through the whole kitchen, sending many to salivating. As to trusting people, mister healer man. He says to Kairon. You can trust this. Ol' Jak Crimmy's gonna make damn well sure that, if and when we know the cure works, it'll get into the hands of everyone that needs it. Trust that. Jak quickly runs a wide thin spatula under the cooking cakes, and flips them in such quick succession his movements are a blur.
Now! He calls. Who said they were hungry for some o' m'famous griddle cakes?!
Jak takes a break from cutting up some turnips and looks at the ragtag bunch of misfits assembled in his kitchen. Well if this ain't a right bunch of somebodies, I don't know who is. I bet each and every one o' ya's got a good story to tell, now don't you? Gone in the woods, he says giving the words an eerie tone, and come right back on out again. And with some treasure to boot! Jak points at the barrels and the stacks of ingredients that have been brought over. So, before we go any further, introductions. I'm Jak Crimmy, owner of this fine establishment. That there's Hildana, Hildy for short. He points at the buxom waitress that was serving you all a few days ago. That's Penny. He says and points at a slender young human girl of no more than twenty years. She has coal black hair, in rivulet curls, and ice-blue eyes. She's rather new to the Vale, but been with me for over a year now, and knows just how to keep the Jack's hands off her but still bring in the good tips. Don't you Penny? He asks, and she gives him a charming smile, all the time stirring a giant pot of some delicious smelling sauce. You already met Agnar and Natan, Bettram's sons, they are. Bettram still runs a farm a few leagues east of here, but these boys started work as cutjacks two years ago, and took to the work like a rabbit takes to lettuce. Now, that's us, who... He is about to finish when he's interrupted by another beautiful lady entering from the door to the common room.
Jak flips Illiam's cakes off the griddle into a burlap sack, and stands there holding it. Aye, I'll send over Kitani, that's Kimi's mom, and our good friends Agnar and Natan. You'll know it's them right away, they're brothers, big farm-bred boys turned Jacks. Both are muscled like oxen, and have long, thick, curly, blonde hair, and beards to match. They'll both prolly have a big ol' axe slung across their backs too. Kitani you won't be able to miss, she's darn near the prettiest gal in all the Hollow. I mean, seriously, when you see her try not to stare. She don't take kindly to it. She's married, but her husband's been missing for years now. He went out hunting and never came back, that's been a town scandal for years, but... Mr. Crimmy stops himself as he notices Illiam staring at the burlap sack and the door alternately. Oh, there I go again. Ol' Jak loves tellin' a tale. I was a bard before I settled, d'ya know that? I bet not. Anyway, we'll have time enough for tales later. Here you go. He says and hands Illiam the sack with the tall stack of cinnamon flapjacks. Off ya go, we've got people to cure!
That's a joke, right? Of course you can use my kitchen to brew up and distribute a cure. Jak says, and then, as is his wont, he gets immediately to work preparing things. Hildy, run and get Caelis, tell him to round up Kitani, Agnar, and Natan, don't tell 'em what's goin' on, just tell 'em ol' Jak needs 'em. Penny, you run and tell Lady C, what's brewin'. Jak winks at Illiam when he makes his pun. Tell her we've got something o'er here she's gonna wanna be part of. He stands there for a moment watching them still do their cleaning and food prep work for the dinner rush, and finally says, OFF with ya! I'll handle cleaning up, and prepping for dinner.
After Hildana and Penny skedaddle out the back door, aprons still on, Jak turns to Illiam. Not sure I caught your name, little man? He waits for Illiam to respond, and then says, You got yer headquarters. Go get them other good folk and tell 'em to move things over here. I got empty barrels aplenty, and, as you can see, he points to his well furnished kitchen, complete with a two-cauldron fire place, and two separate iron stoves. Ol' Jak's got everythin' ya need. Let's get to making the Hollow a better place. His last statement seems to imply more than just curing the Blackscour, though you can't be sure. Then, without missing a beat, Jak starts cleaning dishes and humming an old Andoran war ballad.
Jak looks in back and then says, Yeah come on around the bar, we'll head into the kitchen. He motions for Illiam to hop over, and then follow him through the swinging half-doors that lead into his kitchen and storage area.
Once they get back to the kitchen Jak motions to Hildana, and another barmaid. Hildana and Penny are good folks. You can say whatever you want, they aren't going nowhere with it. Ain't that right ladies? Both girls, in the midst of their work, look over and say, Sure thing Jak.
Jak takes a look around the room to see who's all in the place, then leans down and speaks in a softer voice. Yeah, bullcrap, he says with a very angry look on his face, if you don't mind the expression. Payden went and picked her up on Sunday at about noon when most people was eatin'. He knew nobody would put up a fight cause Deldrin and his deputies been camped over at the well since you all left town. Seems Lady Cirthana convinced him to bust down the old one and dig a new one, so there'd be plenty of good water. They've been at it for days. Anyway, Payden and his thugs picked her up, and a couple of folk asked him what the hell was going on, and he said she was being picked up on suspicion of being the malefactor that started the disease in the first place!? Can you believe that bunch of hogwash? His voice gets louder as his anger increases. He takes a moment and calms himself down, then says, See, thing is, Laurel doesn't normally keep her shop open on Sunday, but she was staying open cause she knows so many people are sick, and she's trying to help. Some people she wa'n't even charging. Just told 'em to pay her when they get better. Kreed makes it out like she's been profiting on the damned disease, and ev'rybody knows Kreed don't like nobody profiting but Kreed. His volume continues to rise again, and this last statement comes out a yell, and it seems as though it isn't even directed toward Illiam, but might be directed toward somebody else in the place, over across the way. Gavel or no, that man's gone too far if you ask me.
After his long diatribe, Jak once again calms himself and says, So? Are you one o' 'em? Did you'll find a cure? Is it just you come back? Where's the others? I'll still got three rooms on deposit for them boys from Almas. You all need a place to hole up, you're more than welcome here. Might be I could rope up some sons of the Hollow to keep a watch out, if you're worried about your safety. I don't think Kreed's after you, so much. Truth is, so many people are sick, and some're starting to get anxious, you know? I think he needed a scapegoat, and Laurel's as good as any. I mean, she was making a pretty handsome profit off all this.
It's a slow afternoon at the Jak'a'napes, so rumors are hard to come by, but Illiam does hear some whispers about "lies and bad business in a conversation that an older couple is having across the way, wherein they also mentioned the name Laurel. Being well after lunch, but still well before dinner, the barmaids are all in the kitchen attending to cleanup and prep work. Jak, with his signature bald pate, save for that one wisp of bright red hair casually dries a stone tankard with a filthy, must-have-once-been-white, rag. He barely even looks at Illiam, and says, What can I get ya good sir. Obviously Illiam responds with, A heaping pile of cinnamon pancakes and a mug of beer orange juice.
Jak responds, Coming right up. Then hollers into the back, tall stack!. After grabbing a wide mug from underneath the bar and going to one of the pitchers of juice to fill, he finally rests eyes on Illiam, while he's filling the mug he says, Have I seen you before? You look familiar... He sets the mug down, and you can see that he's struggling to place your identity. Was you one of them that went into the woods looking for a cure?! He suddenly says with no end of passionate enthusiasm.
|
