Winter arrives early in the Icewall Mountains, but this year it came earlier than most. The arrival of the first storms caught the people of Camlin by surprise. When the seasonal cold struck, over a dozen of the community's merchant and guard caravans were still on the glaciers of the Frostlands. However, within two weeks all but on had managed to make the return journey south through Camlin's Gorge.
The final group, an exploratory expedition formed by Lord Rector Hiraam Covaut, remained unaccounted for until two nights ago. That evening he returned to Camlin with two of his six hired guides, proclaiming he had made a discovery that would make him the talk of Crescent Harbor. The Lord Rector claimed that his find was an artifact of ancient Ithar that he believed could be repaired; due to the artifact's size, he had left the remainder of his group to secure and transport the device south through the Gorge, allowing him to arrive in Camlin ahead of his discovery and make preparations for its continued journey further south.
Since his return to Camlin, however, Rector Covaut has been celebrating his discovery rather than seeing to business. He's been staying at the Bearded Elf, where he spends all his time drinking and gambling. Covaut's actions have earned him the favor of much of the community; he's been using his ample reseach fund to buy food and drink
for anyone willing to share his company.
After Covaut's first night back in Camlin, word of his reckless spending and splurging spread quickly through the town. You've come the the Bearded Elf, along with several dozen of Camlin's citizens, to join the Lord Rector in his celebration; within an hour of your arrival, the inn's common room erupted into a full-blown party, all expenses covered by Covaut. Rector Covaut is seated near the inn's fireplace, too drunk to care about the sizable fee he's going to have to pay the Elf's owner, Tully Stonemitt, in the morning.
Caydee walked into the inn, brushing snow off her heavy cloak and going to sit at the bar. Tapping her foot along to the music being played by the group of bards, she ordered some of her favorite ale and looked around curiously at the other customers.
"Aw, c'mon, Rowan, you've gotta take this chance to do something for once!"
"Arina's right, little brother. You spend way too much time cooped up inside. You'll never meet Mrs Right at this rate!"
Rowan had not particularly wanted to attend this needlessly excessive celebration of Covaut's, and yet here he was, a girl on each arm (Arina the elder on the left, Lenne the younger on the right) and being dragged to the epicentre of the celebration. The boy sighs, shaking off his chatty siblings with a weak smile; no need to get annoyed. They were only thinking of him in their own ways, after all.
"I'm not sure if I have a chance to find 'Mrs Right' when everyone here is barely halfway sober, but I'm here, and I promise I'll stay for a while. Is that good enough?"
His sisters share a knowing look and a grin; Rowan feels a slight chill come over him at the gesture. But they simply push him into a chair, procure a tankard of some brew from practically nowhere for him, and make him promise to not move for a while. His response is yet another sigh, but gives his acquiescence nonetheless. Don't tell me they're introducing me to one of their friends again... The last one was a pretty sort, sure, but she seemed to have more trouble putting her boots on than did the average cat. Come to think of it, the one before that was hardly any better...
Not wanting another endless repetition of this courtship game his sisters were subjecting him to, Rowan took a quick swig of the tankard before slipping out of the chair. Though the party was not his thing, the actual discovery did pique Rowan's interest. Covaut looked too drunk to offer anything of use, though, so he looks around for the next best chance for gossip: Tully. He approaches her with a half-smile and friendly greeting before leading into his main question.
"Did you hear anything about what this Covaut guy found up in the mountains? My sis told me it was some artifact, but it must be pretty important if he's so quick to drink himself silly like this." He casts a side glance over to the Lord Rector. "I don't suppose I'd get much information out of him at this point, is all."
The ranger hears the young man and takes a seat closer to him and Tully, listening. "The mountains can be dangerous this time of year," she remarks casually. "I wonder if they ran into any monsters while fining this artifact."
Tully takes a moment to catch her breath while refilling the stein of a local merchant. "You might get more information out of the Rector than you'd like; the ale's made him a bit chatty, though I don't know if he could keep to a single chain of thought in his condition. Now if you'll excuse me for a moment."
The dwarf heads to her kitchen, weaving through drunken patrons and rowdy party-goers the entire way. She soon reemerges, carrying several trays of food and more pitchers of ale, filled to the point that the liquid sloshes over the rim as she sets plates down in front of her customers. Once she's finished serving, she returns to continue your conversation.
"I can't say I know too much about Covaut's new toy, nor if they had any trouble while finding the thing. You'd might get more information from the Rector's guide, Clause." The innkeeper nods toward a young human seated along the wall near the Bearded Elf's entrance, engaged in a game of cards with several of Camlin's youths. You recognize him as Clause Verdendaam, a young man of twenty winters who's lived in the community since the day of his birth. "I haven't had much chance to ask him what they found, but I did overhear the lad talking about some sort of metal man when I brought him his supper last night."
Sioned slides in through the door, a gust of chill wind following her. She pauses for a moment, lowering her hood, before making her way through the crowd towards a relatively quiet corner.
The town's small population means that she recognises most of the patrons. She does not yet feel comfortable sharing in their easy camaraderie though and leans against the wall, curiosity piqued by the Rector’s return.
She nods to Caydee, the tall elf’s fiery hair standing out in the crowd.
Caydee catches Sioned's eye and cheerfully returns the nod, then eyes Clause and considers asking him about the trip. Despite the fact that both she and Clause were explorers of sorts and knew each other, like everyone in Camlin, the elven maid always felt more shy around him then she did around anyone else, a fact that continued to confuse her.
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"A metal man, huh? Well, thanks anyway, Tully. Guess I could try asking 'em." Despite giving Tully a smile, Rowan seems a little irked at this idea. Many of Clause's gaming compatriots were individuals that he had gotten along... poorly with in the past. Just casually ignoring that was going to be a little difficult.
Rowan sneaks a brief glance at Caydee, his eyes lingering a little longer than normal. Sure, she'd practically grown up here in town, but the sight of an elf was still something uncommon enough to make him double take. He then notices that her attention seems to be caught by Clause across the room.
"Why don't you go ask him about it?" he suggests lightly. "You seemed curious just now, is all. I could try talking to Covaut at the same time?"
Caydee couldn't exactly say that she was afraid to talk to Clause, and there was no reason to act the coward and wriggle out of it, so she shrugged and stood up with her usual haphazard grace. "Sure," she said, turning to go talk to Clause and surreptitiously holding her good-luck charm (a curiously shaped amber stone).
Clause and his companions welcome Caydee to their table, several of them leering at the young elf as she joins them; everyone playing cards here has clearly had more to drink than they should. Clause seems not to notice the attitudes of those around him, instead focusing his attention on impressing the ranger, motioning her to take a seat next to him.
Clause tells you how the Rector discovered a mechanical man by accident, clearly of ancient Itharian design, after having fallen into a crevasse. It took the expedition three days to free the Rector's prize from the ice. Though the majority of the find was comprised of a single piece, several smaller fragments were also located in the area; Covaut collected the smaller pieces and, along with Clause, made the return trip to Camlin. The remainder of the expedition was left to transport the primary portion of the artifact, and it was understood they would be no more then a few days behind the Rector.
Caydee congratulates Clause on the find, oblivious to the young men's attitudes. She asks if they had run into any sort of trouble on the way back, monsters or such, and subtly includes herself in the game of cards, her confidence back to normal. (Caydee thinks of herself as a sort of guardian of Camlin, despite her age and relative inexperience).
The buzz of conversation is interrupted by a loud crash from the kitchen. Two white dogs scurry underneath the door into the common room, heads low and tails between their legs, followed shortly thereafter by a young human with medium-length dark brown hair and a well-trimmed beard. The man backs away from the kitchen door, a string of obscenities following him, presumably originating from one of the young women Tully employs at the inn.
You recognize the man as Andreas Vaughn, a paladin originally from Crescent Harbor who's been in Camlin for the past two seasons. He and his two dogs have been staying at the Bearded Elf since they arrived in the area, supposedly to repair damages to the statues contained within the town's chapel. Vaughn has remained somewhat isolated from the community in the time he's spent in Camlin. This is primarily the result of being an outsider, but also due to an incident where he offended the town's mayor, Cassandra Tethlin, the day he rolled into town. Despite this, Tully has become somewhat fond of the youth, and allows him free use of one of her rooms. Provided he performs odd jobs and chores for the innkeeper during his stay.
Tully makes her way across the room and raps a wooden spoon against Vaughn's hindquarters, causing the youth to jump in surprise before turning to sheepishly face his benefactor. The silence in the common room turns to laughter, followed shortly thereafter by the constant buzz of the celebration. After receiving what looks to be a stern reprimand from Tully, the paladin makes his way to the fireplace and claims a chair directly across from Rector Covaut.
Sioned grins at Ahz then tips her head towards the Rector and his growing retinue.
(elvish)Sounds like he is drinking to his success in finding some artifacts beyond the Icewall. I'm waiting for everything to topple in on him somehow. I have found that Fate, well She has a cruel sense of humour sometimes, and celebrating victory before actually securing your prize is exactly the sort of thing She likes to exploit.
Sioned stretches then plays idly with her hair, looking over at Ahz Its awefully dry in here, I could use a drink...
Caydee is amused by Clause's account of Covaut's mishap, though momentarily distracted by the incident involving the paladin. She thanks him, congratulates him on the trip, then leaves the table to wander over to where Sioned and Ahz are.
You've spent quite a bit of time out past the wall, Looking to Caydee as she approaches have you ever seen a metal man dancing around in the snow?
I wonder how being metal would help you cope with this rediculous cold. Sioned shivers for dramatic effect and briefly envies her familiar, currently nested beneath layers of blankets next to the stove in her room.
I could have turned left or right when I left home, muttering to herself, Left would have meant warm weather and the threat of sunburn. Instead I hole up in a town where people count their toes every spring to see how many have fallen off due to frostbite.
She rolls her eyes and grins at her companions, shrugging with feigned resignation. At least it gives me the excuse to spend much more time huddled around fires and nursing hot cider than any respectable woman has right to.
Caydee smiles in thanks and accepts the wine. "Pop 'll be mad at me for drinking so much, but then, I'm old enough."
"No," she answers the witch. "Neither has Clause. But he found an old broken one."
Caydee laughs. "My little uncle, actually. I've taken to calling him Pop by now, seein' as I board at 'is house, not having a respectable trade myself. I've noticed how fast everyone else's grown, compared to me. I think Jim keeps forgetting how old I am, compared to everyone else in this town. I don't feel old, nor, apparently, do I act my age. My first Pop said he didn't quite now how many years old I was, bein' an elf and all, when he found me wanderin' in the snow."
"Vote?" KD (I'll use that abbreviation) asks curiously.
"Might be. I've never really known any other elves to compare myself to."
"Thanks," she says, returning his grin, "and what boyfriend?" She's genuinely confused.
KD blushes and looks away. "He's not my boyfriend. We're more acquaintances, or maybe friends."
K punches him lightly on the shoulder in response.
( Hope I'm not too late, but I havent seen any posts from an Austin. )
Orion stands silently in a corner of the Bearded Elf. He is not drinking heavily like many of the patrons, but has happily sipped down an expensive tasting wine.
Watching amusedly the many drunks and reverie-rats tumbling over and about themselves, Orion keeps a special eye on the guards and guides who have returned, Caydee's group in particular.
While he missed the expedition itself, he has heard of it's return and immediately decided that another such venture could not be far off. Having finally recieved the blessings from the Church of Irori to adventure outside of the harbor, he's made his way to the party in hopes of tagging along.
Smiling, he approaches the group, striding towards them with a confident gait. His slightly shaped eyes and faintly pointed ears hints at a heritage that mixed with elven at some point in it's past, though likely not within the last few generations.
"Hello there! My name is Orion! Am I right to assume I am in the company of a group of guards and guides from the last excursion? If so, let me be the next to conrgatulate you on your successes. I find myself greatly intrigued in this great discovery, and have came tonight to seek a chance to be part of such a great occasion. Think there's room for another at this table?"
Orion flashes another winning smile and reaches for a chair, pausing only long enough for the positive response he seems to be expecting.
KD smiles in welcome. "There's room, but you're mistaken in thinking we were in the expedition. I've done some exploring myself, but Clause was the guide on the expedition." She gestures towards Clause's group. "I think I'm right in saying, though, that all here wouldn't pass up a chance for some sort of adventure."
"This party 'll cost a fortune," K remarks.
"At least, as I understand it, it isn't costing the guests anything. That's a noble enough cause I suppose, celebration in the name of discovery. Still, it does seem a bit premature."
Orion scoots his chair out and sits down, chatting happily with those who have accepted his self-imposed invitation to their group.
"Well met all of you. I apologize for the mistaken assumption. At least we can all enjoy fine drink and food for a bit. They aren't much for frivilous celebration in Irori's temple. A bit stale, that group can be. Not all of Irori's faithful are self denying monks you know! I believe strongly in the continual quest for self perfection, but there's also time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate in kind."
"How else can one enjoy self-perfection?" agrees KD.
As you continue to talk amongst yourselves, the door to the Elf opens and lets in a gust of snow; it seems the weather has picked up a bit since dinner began. A man instantly recognizable as a member of the Scions of Ithar enters the inn, and those who note his arrival settle into an uneasy silence. Glances are exchanged between patrons, and several even hazard a look in Tully's direction. Though the dwarf maintains an open-door policy to anyone in Camlin, few are unaware of her dislike of the Scions.
Tully quietly busies herself near the kitchen door, wiping down one of the few unoccupied tables in the common room. The newcomer doesn't seem to take note of the dwarf innkeeper, however, and instead moves directly toward the fireplace. Stopping beside Rector Covaut, the man kneels and whispers something into the Lord Rector's ears. Whatever is said catches Covaut's attention, as the clearly drunk man stumbles to his feet, unleashing a string of slurred curses.
The Scion steadies Covaut and leads the explorer through the common room and out the Elf's door. The patrons remain silent for a moment before Tully clears her voice, banging a wooden spoon against a kettle to get everyone's attention.
The party's over, all. You're welcome to stay, but know that any food you eat or brew you drink is on your own coin from this point on.
Tully makes her way into the kitchen, and the sound of discussions and laughter once again return to the common room. Several of the patrons ready themselves to leave the inn, intent on returning to their homes for the night.
"Seems to me the mood has just changed. So much for reveling in accomplishment. I sure hope everything is alright. Think we should check in on Covaut?"
Orion frowns as he talks. Generally, the Scions only involve themselves if the laws concerning artifact possession are broken. It would be a shame for someone to have broken a law and completely soiled the moment.
( I added an obsidian username: Thunderfrog )
Sioned raises an eyebrow at the commotion and sudden change in atmospere. At least we got our drinks...
If the Scions are involved, I would assume that someone has relieved the Rector of his hard won artefacts. Serves him right. Should have spend more time securing his treasure and less time sopping up alcohol here in the tavern. She grins to herself and leans back to sip her drink.
She glances sideways at Ahz and no, I haven't been asked about any artistic endeavors with our local sculptor. I don't have that much spare time or any desire to be oggled for hours on end for some silly statue.
Nodding to young paladin It's nice to meet you Orion. It's always good to see the 'faithful' out from under Irori's thumb for a while and exploring the world. Perhaps the smallest amount of contempt in her voice at Irori's name.
Orion continues to look wistfully in Covaut's direction, wondering if the man might be in some trouble. Pulled back to the table conversation by Sioned, he looks her direction.
"I'm not quite sure what you mean? While the monks and priests of Irori may have a habit of cloistering themselves inside temple walls for days of self deprivation and mental discipline, the younger followers are encouraged to explore the world. We are to be the shining examples of the benefits and payoffs of hard work and self improvement. While I'm humble enough to admit I have much work left to do, I can still hope I might inspire a person or two in this world to stop reaching for handouts and to accept the responsibility to improve themselves."
He sips a wine for a moment, smiling happily at the half-elf Sioned.
"I find his teachings nearly perfect for my dual nature. I can feel both halfs of me responding to his call. Were I a pure elf, I might consider myself foolish, knowing that perfection is never truly achieved. Were I pure human, I might consider the task too time consuming and far too demanding. One of the biggest comforts that Irori teaches us is that even in failure, we move a step in the right direction, so long as we learn from it, even if only a very little. Everything builds us towards the perfection of self we should all seek, regardless of choice of diety or profession. In Irori's eyes, a wizard seeking perfection of his spells, a trapper perfecting his snares, and myself seeking to improve in all manners possible, are all a happy event in his enlightened eyes."
Orion catches himself and chuckles, then raises his glass towards Sioned and the others.
"I apologize. I sometimes feel the need to defend Irori. I feel he earns a reputation he does not deserve. If discretion is the better part of valor, I have much to learn still.
At any rate, I'm going to step outside for some air, and to ensure Covaut is standing on his own feet still and not in need of any assistance. He has had much to drink. Beg pardon."
Orion stands and stretches, then picks his way through those straggling out, careful not to bump into anyone. He steps outside and takes a look around.
Sioned watches the young paladin leave the pub and toys with the idea of following, curiosity piqued. She sighs and nods to Caydee and Ahz, bundling her cloak about her and heading for the door.
Muttering to herself ”The cold will make you tough she says…adds character she says…she can bite my frozen..” the rest is lost to the wind as she opens the door.
KD shrugs to herself, gets up, and follows.
The streets of Camlin are unusually busy for this late an hour, primarily due to the large number of individuals leaving the Bearded Elf, now returning to their homes. The snow is constant but light, and you can already see stars peeking through small breaks in the cloud cover; you doubt it will snow through the night, and will probably let up within a few hours. Of course, loss of cloud cover will also result in a cold night. You can already feel a chill wind coming from the Icewalls to replace what little daytime warmth remains.
Orion speaks aloud to the others as they follow his outside.
"That couple there just mentioned Covaut being escorted to the Scions guardhouse. My temple itself has no jurisdiction there, but I can't shake the feeling something has gone wrong. I'd like to see if we can possibly be of aid still. I think I'll go pay a visit.
He pauses for a second.
"I know the Scions make some people uneasy, but they are simply men doing their jobs. We should have no reason to distrust them. Shall we?If any prefer, I can inquire about Covaut and report back later, if the inn's warmth is more appealing.
Orion starts in the directionof the Scions guard house, trying hard not to shiver in the cold.
"I don't have any desire to poke my nose into the Scion's business and Corvaut can eat crow and ask for help if he needs it. I'll be back in the Elf in a bit, I just want to check on Rusty."
Sioned rushes off, head down to hide her face from the cold.
K follows Orion, not much minding the cold.