when we get out of the tavern I want to consult the local guilds, trade records, or libraries for more information ;)
Ardil nods. "I don't have heaps of gold to offer unfortunately. Perhaps I could entice you with a finder's fee of sorts in the form of a percentage of the profits from the dwarven trade! In any case, I am looking for traveling companions to accompany me and my sister He nods towards Avala on our journey to find the dwarves. We'll be in town until we find suitable adventurers and have a lead on where to go."
He bows slightly again and returns to the elven table unless Lasch engages him further.
Ardil nods. "I don't have heaps of gold to offer unfortunately. Perhaps I could entice you with a finder's fee of sorts in the form of a percentage of the profits from the dwarven trade! In any case, I am looking for traveling companions to accompany me and my sister He nods towards Avala on our journey to find the dwarves. We'll be in town until we find suitable adventurers and have a lead on where to go."
He bows slightly again and returns to the elven table unless Lasch engages him further.
Lasch follows him.
"I'd love to help you Ardil. Maybe our paths will cross. Now let me ask you a question, do you know any thing about "aspects? ? My friend Thomas, an academic at my library, recently and mysteriously died. After his death, one of these strange creatures spoke to Udaya and I. He looked like a man but he had... "rocky" features. He delivered a strange message about me needing to 'open the eyes of the sleeping children' and something about a creeping darkness. Then he disappeared."
I am assuming that Lasch is saying that last bit as he is also taking a seat at the elven table with Ardil?
I am assuming that Lasch is saying that last bit as he is also taking a seat at the elven table with Ardil?
Sure why not. I'm an academic. Not some insular goat shephard.
"I'd love to help you Ardil. Maybe our paths will cross. Now let me ask you a question, do you know any thing about "aspects? My friend Thomas, an academic at my library, recently and mysteriously died. After his death, one of these strange creatures spoke to Udaya and I. He looked like a man but he had... "rocky" features. He delivered a strange message about me needing to 'open the eyes of the sleeping children' and something about a creeping darkness. Then he disappeared."
UU wanders over, now that Doc has 'gone all sociable' and stands casually behind his chair, listening. "Not to split hairs with you, Doc, but I recall Pirak askin' us to wake the kids. Unfortunately, he vanished before he could tell us where they were or how we wake them."
"Aspects? Disappearing messengers? I know a thing or two about magic but I don't think I've ever heard about anything like that."
He looks to the elves.
"I understand elves have a natural connection to the magical aspects of this world... are you familiar with such an event?"
Doesn't ring any bells to you Ardil. :(
Crystal's eyebrows raise in surprise.
"That verse you spoke? Sir Caresti and I have heard similar, though not under the same circumstances..." She smiles at Ardil's question,
"I believe your comment is more based upon our people's different outlook upon the world, more than anything else."
Aeldris is quite vague when speaking to Ardil about elven lands, only speaking in generalities and of Kelsinko.
Aeldris's eyes flicker as Lasch speaks of awakening sleeping children and an encroaching darkness. "I don't know anything about 'aspects', but...our seers have received visions of eyes opening and driving back a mysterious darkness. I should very much like to investigate anything that might be related; the information would be well received back at home."
UU senses that the elf is holding something back. She scans him and everyone else, for signs of evil.
UU detects no Evil.
Avala hops down and follows UU to the table where Ardil and the elves are sitting.
She drags over a chair from a neaby unoccupied table and squeezes it between Ardil and the elves.
"Seems like the party has moved over here! Thought I heard mention of something called an 'aspect'?
Though you do your best to 'jog' your memory, nothing of aspects jumps into a thought.
Night enters Drokara, evident to the lanterns now placed at tables lit, the street lamps lighting the outside paths and the new crowd after their work day muster in. Some look your way, but most disregard you and go about their normal routine; taking up tables, ordering drinks and beverages, flirting with the wait staff and hollering and comrades across the room. Small tussles break out all seeming to be in just fun. You witness one brave fellow ordering some of the dwarven stout and shortly after finishing the mug he lays face down on the bar. Jasper just laughing at it all; sharing in cheers to all and in their good fun.
The Bard from earlier walks in a lute on his back and wearing no weapons. He walks amongst the crowd shaking hands, flirting with what females are in attendance and makes his way to the far corner.
The bard stands up on a small stage in the far corner of the tavern, the stage itself only a few feet in size and mere inches raised from the ground. With a flourish of his hands his small area lights up and an image of a knightly elf stands beside him.
”Come one, come all and hear a tale of valor!”
The ghostly image fades and is replaced with other images all reflecting parts of his story.
”Times of yore and forgotten lore I promise not to bore!
He stood for peace and justice in all
In that belief he had a proud fall
A hero of legend and an ideal so strong”
The image begins to move about as if dancing with the blade in his hand. The movements are slightly entrancing, fluid and almost musical. It is a style none of you have ever seen.
”A blademaster of renown; a true credit to his craft
His name as flowing as his blade is true
Heroic deeds he has done; a story lost in the past
Swiftblade he was known, and as such his blade flew
Travelling lands far and wide; crossing seas and mountains in stride
Many travelers he knew; his good deeds he did prove
He saved mortal races; shared his wisdom and never lied
Amongst birds and sky with a dragon he did fly
He came to this land many centuries gone
And his name forgotten swallowed by the sand”
The images continue to change reflecting various imagery as the story is told.
”He fought many enemies; enemies we still have and sent others away back to their plane. He fought these battles that today we, my friends, would call insane. But his deeds were true and the land he did save. He brought great trade even with is warriors blade. He was a legend in his time with his skill and is a legend in this time still. The legend has faded however; for his name has been forgotten.”
The image changes to a man, adorned in platemail, bastard sword in hand.
”His life did end, dear friends, but rest assured he was buried with all his earned respects. Many came from far and wide to pay their respects. They came to an accord there would always be a protector of this sacred place and so knights competed for honor and the privilege. That last to earn this was a knight of these lands, a holy warrior; as devout to his faith and his task. Fireheart was his name and he was the last as yet again things have been forgotten with the past.”
The image of the man changes again, his sword hovering next to him tip up, and as the main fades he seems to go into the blade. As the image fades light in the room seems to dim. The Bards eyes seem to rest on you all more so than the rest of the crowd, almost as if his tale was for you.
The lighting returns to normal quickly. The bard pulls his lute from his back and begins a merrier tune to much of the crowds pleasure and soon laughter fills the tavern again.
While he enjoys the show, Ardil doesn't know much about elves or tales of heroes. He leans over to his elven companions.
"Does this mean anything to you? He sure seems to be looking your way..."
"Indeed, he does..." Though Crystal's demeanour remains calm and aloof, whether it is in the interest of Elves, or just certain aspects of people that the Bard is interested in she is not saying...
"An interesting tale...especially since I do not recall hearing it ever before." Aeldris frowns slightly. "Perhaps we should have a talk with our singing friend before the night is over."
Aeldris and Crystal
The first image that is shown, the Elf; its odd. There is something off, as you try to place your finger on it, it suddenly jumps into your mind He's NO elf! Where the angles should be sharp; they are rounded. Where they should be rounded; they are sharp. His ears; pointed yes but very thin at the ends. And his build; muscular, strong and it shows unlike how such is normally hidden on the lithe elven frame.
"Perhaps we should... out mystery bard is trying to tell us something, and I want to know what his agenda is. We should see if he's available for a private performance!"
Ardil uses message to deliver a message to the bard.
Not interrupting his current performance he looks at Ardil, smiles and nods.
UU, being indifferent to poetry, unimpressed with stage magic, and not following the circumspect conversation weaving its way around the table... continues drinking her drink with one hand resting lightly on Doc's shoulder.
Lasch, momentarily bemused, , memorizes the whole song and writes it down in his log.
Whispers to the young sorcerer:
"Yes I think there might be more to this song that the notes it dances to."
Gerald performs a few other tunes to much of the crowds pleasure then to everyone’s disappointment, "Sorry dear friends," he bows to the room, "But I must take a break, an ailment has taken me,” he feigns being sick. ”Though I think the cure is behind the bar!” Much of the crowd laughs at his wit and he makes his way to the bar shaking hands and sharing short jokes on his way. Gathering his drink, and tasting its finery, making his way to your table.
“Did you like the tune dear friends?” He easily acquires a seat and joins you all.
Crystal nods,
"Indeed! A fine show!" She honestly enthuses.
"A most excellent performance. Yet also a puzzling one. This..."Swiftblade"...what else do you know of him?"
Gerald nods and smiles flirtingly at Crystal, without taking his eyes from her, "Thank you." Slowly he unlocks his gaze and turns to Aeldris, "Ahh swiftblade! What a fine warrior he was. Well according to legend that is."
Crystal
There is just something about him that Crystal finds attractive, she can't put her finger on it. There's just something and honestly she feels that if exhibited one of her least favorite habits she would still find him attractive.
Avala watches the events play out. Like Ardil, she knows little of Elven tales and is happy "zoning" out with her drink in hand, so to speak.
She's hearing the various conversations continuing around her, but nothing of real interest has presented itself as of yet.
"And this legend...does it say anything about the origins of this mighty warrior?"
A slight shiver of...something...runs up Crystal's spine. Though she does nothing to show her reaction. She continues to be quiet, watching and listening to the conversation now spinning around the table.
Gerald smiles at Aeldris, "All legends have origins and all heroes have homes. But what you have to ask yourself is how important is the home to the legend?" he downs his drink, waves a barmaid over for another, "The art of story telling is an interesting one and many factors must be used or else you loose your audience." Geralds eyes seem to sparkle for just a moment as he smiles again, "But what i'm truely interested in is how your story will go? Does it have meaning that requires us to know your home? Or will it be simply a grand enough adventure to stand on its own?"
Its very evident he is skirting around the whole truth and that the feeling of this man knows you sends chills up your spine.
Aeldris frowns, a bit puzzled by Gerald's apparent tangent and his continued avoidance of his questions. He is unused to being given the runaround in discussion, more often being the one doing so himself, and finds himself at a bit of a loss as to how to respond.
Sense Motive
"Perhaps you are right... a hero's home means little when considering the laurels of his honor. Perhaps you could tell us more of the story, however? Mayhaps you can tell us of Fireheart? Was he as great a hero as Swiftblade? Does his story deserve its own song? Or did he not live up to the name that he was to uphold? Our story is yet to be written, and I'd want to ensure that we measure up to the heroes of old!" He chuckles.
"Ah his tale, well first dear friend let me say Swiftblade has many tales!" Gerald chuckles to himself, "And as for Fireheart he has his own. He took the path to honor Swiftblade by going to gaurd his tomb. During that time it was a great privelage and honor for anyone. Though only the most trusted earned that right. And only after earning that right were they taken to its secret location."
Gerald drinks again from his mug and smiles, "Be assured your tale will be remembered! It is a great one you are on. And I think Pirak has chosen wisely."
Crystal sits and continues to listen to the banter about the table.
UU, who was enjoying her drink while categorically ignoring the dry banter around the table, snaps her eyes at the stranger when he drops Pirak's name.
She leans over Doc's chair, looking hard at Gerald. "I think its time for you to be less cryptic and more forthcoming, friend. What do you know of Pirak and what assistance can you give us?"
Gerald smiles flirtingly at UU to which she also can't help but notice his charm; he is...very handsome after all, "Cryptic? Dear Lady I am but a humble musician and story teller, 'tis what I live for! Assistance I can give is in my stories and tales I know; and well as for Pirak." Gerald chuckles and finishes his ale, "Well he can be a bit down to earth if you know what I mean and often times too serious. But she's a bit of fun too!" Gerald waves his mug at a barmaid who blushingly rushes to fetch him another.
"Earning that right you say? And how would one earn such a right?"
With UU:
"Yes sir, you've piqued my interest and I'd be in your debt if you could tell us more about this Pirak fellow."
"Earning that right you say? And how would one earn such a right?"
"Through trials and tribulations of course!" Gerald smiles, "After all being a Holy Warrior of Sunar does come with some tough choices. He was the only one selected from the Kingdom; this Kingdom, at that time. Sure there were other candidates, but his heart was pure and his past deeds just as so." Sipping from his mug, "Did you hear the one about Hallowstown?"
Avala too sits up at the mention of the name Pirak and speaks for the first time since the bard began his storytelling. "Hallowstown?"
She's got the distinct feeling that this bard is no mere traveling troubadour, but that he's rather enjoying teasing them with information.
"Yes Hallowstown." Gerald smiles believing he has peeked your interest, "The town was some what run down and less desirable to live in, a ruthless mayor who shared a soul with a beast, he enslaved much of the towns population. Fireheart was part of the rebellion freeing much of the citizens, even though too some, they might of just slain the citizens instead."
Ardil winces.
"That doesn't sound much like a heroic rescue from the clutches of slavery. I'm afraid that I don't know much about Sunar, so the plight of his holy warriors is foreign to me. Were all his deeds equally... debatable in nature?"
"Well you must first understand the citizens, though they may seem horrific were they?" Gerald smiles and drinks, "They too shared souls with beasts but not all of them were inheritently evil. There are those among you who claim to be righteous and would fail to look past the appearance of something. Looking past and into the soul is what Fireheart did and why he saved them."
Turning to UU and Lasch, "But back to Pirak, what is it you would like to know about her? Have you met him?" Gerals smiles looking at you all, "Wait am I the only one drinking here?!"
"Barkeep another round!"
Avala mutters, "and what of the ones who were inherently evil?" as she accepts her drink from Jasper.
"A toast!" she says. "To Gerald, the finest bard this side of the Seacoast Mountains!"
"Now... tell us about this Pirak fellow. Or lady? It seems unclear from your hints."