It is a very pleasant and warm summer day as the sun begins to fade from the sky. Be it by chance or design you have all found yourselves at the small town of Tesserin for the end of the summer festival. The folk of this town seem quite merry as the days entertainment went on, traditional songs, drinking, and the raffle to see who would get the be with one of the few young women for the night.
The sky is a vivid painting of colors as you notice a caravan of merchants begin to pull into town. Four wagons in all, people winding down from the festival take immediate notice and the more curious begin to migrate towards the wagons.
As the people's attention starts to shift and her audiance's heads turn, Lily wraps up her song. No sense in singing to people who aren't paying attention. She keeps a wary eye on the wagons as she walks around to pick up the scattering of coins that were tossed on the ground, flicking her long hair out of her face as she half blindly gropes.
Perform Sing/Dance (both the same) =
Perc =
"Wha but I liked tha song...."
Beltrin leads a round of applause for the talented songstress and then makes his way through the crowd towards the new arrivals, jostling for a spot with a good view.
Lilyana squints a bit at the men as she finishes retrieving her coins. Overhearing the half-orcs comment she gives him a wide smile and sidles over towards him. "Well thank you very much. It's nice to know that it was appreciated." She tries to keep an eye on the men she spotted, while keeping close to the, hopefully intimidating, patron.
Scanning the market, she makes a mental note of the dancer so obviously flaunting her femininity. "I'll have to keep my eye on that one.", she whispers to herself.
Thakko tugs excitedly on Raevella's sleeve, drawing her attention to the influx of new arrivals.
Rae sidles up behind a gawking merchant's booth, straining her eyes to watch the procession, while simultaneously doing her best to remain in the background of the affair.
Noticing the fumbling, Lily shakes her head, placing a hand on his as she leans in closer to whisper in his ear.
She looks up with batting eyelashes.
"I have no other plans so I can stay around."
"Err is there a reason tah be concerned?"
The wagons pull up in a straight line right at the edge of the field, immediately a brightly dressed individual with a large hat hops up unto the lead wagon and speaks loudly.
"COME ONE COME ALL! MAESTER KEATON HAS ALL THAT YOU NEED! BLADES SHARPENED, WAGON WHEELS FIXED, TEETH STRAIGHTENED, LICE REMOVED, CURSES CURED, BABIES BLESSED, AND THE FINEST BREWED ALE THIS SIDE OF THE INDRIS MOUNTAINS!" HE SHOUTED IN A LOUD BOOMING VOICE. "BUT I KNOW YOU FINE DISCERNING FOLKS ARE GOING TO E INTERESTED IN MY BANDS TRUE SPECIALTY, WE HAVE THROUGH THE MIRACLES OF MODERN SCIENCES, FOUND A CURE TO MAKE YOUR BABY BE BORN A GIRL! YES SIR, YES MADAM! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST, GENUINE 100% PROMISED TO WORK! IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS COME AND SEE US AT OUR WAGONS! REMEMBER ONLY MAESTER KEATON HAS WHAT YOU NEED!"
With a flourish the man hops off the wagon, as people of all sorts and garb jump out and begin setting up their tables and wares.
Rae is immediately cautious of the raucous display, but also immediately curious. She makes a move closer to the market currently springing into action, getting the attention of one of the recent arrivals.
"Which one is Maester Keaton?", she asks suspiciously. This isn't the first time she's been offered to be 'cured' of her affliction. Some hope hung in her heart that he was more than a regular philanderer. Some.
This remarkable claim quickly makes Beltrin forget both his orders to stay near the wagon loaded with Tessarin wine and his mother's advice that "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.". He makes a beeline for Maester Keaton to find out just what sort of secret they have discovered (and maybe sample some of their fine ale as well).
"Looks harmless nuff, mayhap moving away from the sudden noise may let you finish yer song."
Having no intention of trusting the crowd near the wagon, Lilyana gives the half-orc a smile and lets him lead her off a ways. Still in sight of the crowd, but far enough away to avoid the noise. "So does the festival bring you to Tesserin? Or do you have other buisness?" She looks up at the half-orc with a curious expression.
"I am a woodsman by trade, some would say I am a guide I guess, I just happened by on a breeze I suppose....
"How rude of me I am called Revengance named for two similar negative words in common so even my name is an accident....what are you called?"
Lilyana giggles a bit at the name, but covers her mouth quickly. "My name is Lilyana, though most everyone just calls me Lily. Have you ever thought about just going by something else? In common I mean." She giggles a bit again, "Though I'm sure a name like that is pretty intimidating, could be handy."
"True nuff no one has ever mentioned it tah me, course they might not say anything...."
"Lily like a flower, so iffen someone whos bads tah come too close they might get stuck by a thorn"
"So you be Lily an I'll be Thorn fer now."
"Why I am none other than the grand and talented Maester Keaton and this is my traveling academy!" said the brightly dressed man with the large hat as he pulled the cover off his wagon to reveal trinkets, bottles and a large assortment of other items.
"Now what can I get for some fine folk such as yourself? Don't be shy, but also no pushing!" said the colorful stranger.
Drawing himself up to his full height Beltrin shouts over the crowd to Maester Keaton.
"Wise and knowledgable Maester, tell us more about this marvelous cure!"
Gesturing to the crowd around him...
"We all wish to know how to overcome the malaise that has fallen upon this land and once again have girl children born to the women of Orensden."
"Aaaah well young man I'll be glad to answer that question!" the maester said with a flourish of his hand. "I have here a special potion brewed from a wild flower that grows upon the western banks of Mount Ironpeak!" he shouted, pulling a small vial out from his robes. "It is a dangerous and dark journey, many were lost but I managed enough to make just two of these potions! Which I will glady sell to any fine inhabitant of this outstanding city!"
With a quick flick of his wrist he now had two vials in his hand shouting "Now I of course could not possibley think of a price on this wonderous cure, but I am sure there is some form of an agreement that can be met for these two potions..." He finished with a large grin.
Lily blushes as she finds a spot to stand, in the shade of a building. "Well I don't know about being a flower... But I can't argue that Thorn is a bit less, agressive, than Revengance." She pauses, listening to the bustle around the wagons and watching the people around them. "Do you think it's true?" she asks, indicating the wagons, her tone hopeful.
"I am unschooled in such things as that, it seems tha animals are not having this problem....."
"I see no harm in takin a closer look...."
Moving through the crowd to talk to the Maester face to face, Beltrin speaks in a more conversational tone.
"Valuable as those potions are, even more valuable is the formulae that was used to concoct them. With that knowledge in hand, the wizards and alchemists of this land could help to right the balance and ensure Orensden's survival with future generations."
"Perhaps an arrangement could be made for the formulae? I have contacts among the sages of this nation that would pay dearly for this information."
"Unless, of course, you wish to keep the knowledge for yourself and make the treacherous trek to Ironpeak again and again to replenish your supplies of this wondrous flower..."
Rae is pretty cautious about Keaton's boisterous reveal, and she searches her mind for anything that might support his claim.
"That knowledge is worth untold fortunes, Maester. Why would you flaunt it so openly. In the hands of wisemen and nobles it would fetch more than at this pauper's market".
Beltrin:
Rae
"My good people, of course I plan on getting to the castle and distributing the formula there, but I have just come fresh from the journey and would love to see a village begin to benefit from it now while I make my way to the castle." the Maester said with a grin. "Surely you know that once the formula is in the Queen's hands that it will take weeks while she has her alchemist analyze it, obviously not believing a simple Maester as myself, then sending out an expedition to gather as much of the plant as they can from the mountain. From there surely they will give privelage of the first batches to the nobles and courts favored, and it would be years before the good people of Orensden saw it for themselves...." Keaton added sweeping his arms in a dramatic fashion.
"Now obviously I could make more if more of the plant was gathered from the mountain, but it is dangerous and no doubt timely. But if this town had anyone brave enough, and you would be willing to put me up while the expedition took place and while I brewed enough potion for all of your mothers to be....Then how could I decline that?" Keaton added with a final grin.
"Do you think a trip tah tha mountains really promises a cure?"
Lily shrugs. "I don't know. But he does have a point about how things will turn out if the cure is given to the queen. I doubt that the common people will be first on the list." She starts to walk back a bit closer to the hubub, trying not to stay in the background as much as possible, considering she has a large half-orc at her side.
"It would be exciting,"[b] she adds with a wide, child-like, grin. [b]"To be one of the people responsible for helping to bring about the end of this curse." She keeps her voice low, aimed only at Thorn.
A thoughtful look comes over his face as Beltrin ponders the possibility of such a journey. Certainly there could be consequences to traipsing off into the wilderness against orders, but if he was to return with an antidote, who would dare punish him? And weren't the history books full of stories about heroes who only succeeded because they dared to flaunt both the rules and conventional wisdom?
After all, he's not technically a member of the guard yet, and the weather should hold for another month before the heavy snows came. When they did, it would make such a journey impossible until the next summer, which is an eternity away.
Having convinced himself that no great wrong could be done by volunteering to make the trek, he speaks in a loud, ringing tone to both Maester Keaton and the gathered crowd.
"I cannot speak for this village providing you with room and board. But if they did, I for one would volunteer for the journey to Ironpeak!"
"I would like a trip to tha mountains as there are too many people here."
Raevella thinks on the Master's offer for a long time. As she sees others come forward to lend their hands to the task, she eyes them up, doing her best to gauge their intent. Sensing a strong crew in front of her, she feels emboldened and even inspired; given half a chance to eradicate this curse from her land is enough motivation for her.
"I'd like to put myself forward as well. I'm no stranger to the mountains. They speak to me, and I wish to answer their call."
"Eeeeee!!", he screeches.
"Yes, you're coming too, Thakko.", she reassures.
(to Lily)
"Indeed.....if such a deed can be...."
Lily sees others stepping up to the task, and as Thorn does as well she can't help but give a smile. "Well if you're going. I'll go too. Besides... It could be fun."
"I wonder if any others will join our sojurn intah tha mountains?"
Quickly shouting above the crowd, the town Mayor sweeps in and gathers up the voluteers in a large embrace "Three cheers for our brave adventurers who will go off and reclaim our ability to have daughters!" The gathered people quickly go crazy with enthusiasm. "Certainly grand Maester you may stay in our humble town while these brave men and women seek out the plant you need, come let us all celebrate! Someone fetch Herbert so he may draw a map for our these intrepid citizens!"
(to lily)
"I wonder if tha townsfolk might lend steads fer our journey?"
Making his way slowly towards the assembled group of adventurers, Kieran warily eyes the Maester as he passes by. "I'd believe what you say when I see it, and that's almost a good year away. It is fallacy to embark on this hasty jaunt after a mere wiggling of liquid and tall promises. Name your price to make it worth my while.."
Kieran racks his head on previous similar claims of similar affecting potions.
Kieran
Canor walks up beside Kieran and says to Maester, "Aye, if there is a chance to make some profit I'll join you."
Turning slightly to wink at Keiran, he continues, "Or some battles, sometimes a proper fight is almost as good as making a profit."
Having acquired a decent take from her song earlier, Lily is more than willing to fade into the background (as much as possible considering the hubub her volunteering seems to have caused). She'll get a 5 silver room with a 3 silver meal and wait for the morning. Unless anyone disturbs her, she's more than happy to spend the evening alone.
"Aaaah well young man I'll be glad to answer that question!" the maester said with a flourish of his hand. "I have here a special potion brewed from a wild flower that grows upon the western banks of Mount Ironpeak!" he shouted, pulling a small vial out from his robes. "It is a dangerous and dark journey, many were lost but I managed enough to make just two of these potions! Which I will glady sell to any fine inhabitant of this outstanding city!"
With a quick flick of his wrist he now had two vials in his hand shouting "Now I of course could not possibley think of a price on this wonderous cure, but I am sure there is some form of an agreement that can be met for these two potions..." He finished with a large grin.
Damnation, they're already hawking this supposed cure! He'll not be pleased that we didn't get at it before they went blabbing it to every Harsk, Seelah and Ezren at this festival.
Oh, by the forsaken gods! Now he's riling up the locals to chase off after his mystery cure. By this time next week there won't be a blade of grass on any hilltop for leagues around.
"Now obviously I could make more if more of the plant was gathered from the mountain, but it is dangerous and no doubt timely. But if this town had anyone brave enough, and you would be willing to put me up while the expedition took place and while I brewed enough potion for all of your mothers to be....Then how could I decline that?" Keaton added with a final grin.
'An excellent suggestion Maester Keaton!' Mircea calls out. 'I am certain that any number of people here would be happy to house you, feed you and clean you for the next year as you prove the efficacy of your miraculous cure.' Just as Keaton turns to respond, Mircea interjects with, 'Of course, the streets of the city are close and so often narrow. You can't just park your wagon train in front of some goodman's home; you'd be blocking the street to all traffic. Unfortunately, proper space for your wagons would come dearly.'
Mircea doffs his hat and bows deeply, 'I am obliged to extend an offer of protection for the safekeeping of your equipment during this lengthy stay. You may drive your train to the castle where his majesty will graciously ensure the security of your possessions throughout the duration of your stay. An ideal solution, no? You'll have peace of mind and can concentrate on your application of miracles while these good citizens will be secure in the knowledge that you will see them through to the end of this miserable curse.'
"Lily?
Looks around quickly.....
Perception
DM
What is the time of year? I might stay outside rather than indoors if the weather seems nice.....
Likely a spot outside of the inn....
Beltrin racks his mind to see if he has seen or heard of this outspoken, well-dressed man before...
Beltrin spends the evening alternately avoiding his fellow guardsmen and attending the revelry. He also introduces himself to his new traveling companions.
lily
Revengance
Mircea
perception: you easily see his sleight of hand when he makes the second bottle appear, it seems he had it in his vest.
Sense Motive: it seems this Maester believes what he says about the cure, though it feels like he is hiding something about the mountain...
Knowledge: having been at court you've met Maester Keaton before, as he was an advisor for the previous king before the king's.....sudden demise. A very intelligent, talented, charismatic, and potentially powerful person.
Keaton turns at the sound of Mircea's voice and speaks very loudly "Oh ho! See what I mean? the royal family already seeks to take the cure before the good folks can use it! They have heard wind of my coming here and seek to snatch up the cure before I can disperse it and create more!" the maester shouts as loud as he can.
Turning towards Kieran, Keaton speaks quickly "Mercenary are you? then I'll pay you 50 gold if you can make certain this emissary of the King does not abduct me!"
Several drunk and excited towns people all turn and stare down at Mircea.
Beltrin