Crystal does colour slightly at Avala's comments, bowing her head, though she smiles in return acknowledging there was nothing but good will in the other woman's comment.
"I just think I need to buy one or two small personal items..." Crystal explains quietly. Crystal smiles at the thought of 'Shopping'...
Ardil reads the journals last and seems to skim over them more so than read them in depth. He seems to be frustrated with what he sees or doesn't see in them.
"Men and dwarves of Mithrilshield slaughtered? Maybe this explains why the dwarves have disappeared from this region... In the end, this journal is alarming, but not useful. It tells us nothing about finding the dwarves. I do not want to be involved in a war with these deep races that they mention, for if a whole dwarven clan is besieged by them, I cringe to think what a small group of adventurers would face. At the same time... Imagine the gratitude of the dwarves if we manage to aid them in driving back this attack? Established trade would be assured! We'd amass dwarven wares and riches beyond imagination! And all this for doing a good deed... There could not be a more fortuitous turn of events!
Perhaps the dwarven cook is our best hope of finding the dwarves indeed... but what of the symbol that Gerald left with us? How does that tie into this story?"
Ardil calls Jasper over and asks what he knows about his cook
*rewind*
Ardil gets up to leave. "I'm going downstairs to talk to Jasper and the cook. Seems like they are our best leads at the moment."
Avala hops up and makes to accompany Ardil. She senses her brother's impetuous, spontaneous nature taking over and her "older sister" instinct as the less rash of the two kicks in. She wants to talk to Jasper and his cook too, but for different reasons than Ardil.
"A clan they might have slaughtered, but that's one area in which being a small group may be useful. If they truly do live in the deeps, they're much less likely to notice a small band of adventurers. I hope my experience in the wilds will further help us avoid detection, should we choose to venture out."
Crystal stands, absently smoothing her long dress, and with a smile follows Avala and Ardil.
You all arrive downstairs and find Jasper cleaning the bar area, there are only a hanful of patrons here as it is already past the morning meal. As you get closer to Jasper, and he recognizes that you are coming straight for him, "Good morning again! How may I be of service to you? Rooms for another night?"
Crystal shall nod, smile and say yes. More to 'cover her bets' than should she really need the room for a second night.
"I was wondering if you could give me pointers towards the places where one might buy...things..." Crystal's voice trails off, as she realises she does not have a specific list of the things she wants to purchase, just a vague notion of some of the things that she thinks might be useful.
"Well ma'am that depends on what you are shopping for?"
Crystal looks at Jasper openly and innocently for a second,
"Hmmm?" She utters, lips pursed in a moue of thought. "Oh, um, I was thinking of some sort of small carry case. The kind of thing people might use to move valuable items from city to city, with maybe that thin lead foil? To limit scrying and na'er do wells attempts at discerning where said item might be?" She asks, trying to put her thoughts and ideas into words. She looks at Jasper expectantly.
Jasper raises his left eyebrow at Crystal's question, "Well lass i'm not sure on that one. If you're looking for metal works you can try any of the smiths. But if you're looking for something to block scrying? Well maybe one of the magic shops."
Crystal nods and thanks Jasper for his time and council then, armed with slightly more knowledge than she had before, skips off in search of the thing she seeks.
Aeldris appears a bit puzzled by Crystal's requests, but decides not to concern himself with it. He then inquires as to good places to acquire trail rations and similar traveling supplies.
Jasper nods at Aeldris, "Indeed we do sir! What you seek is one of the general stores. If you leave the establishment, take a right and up about four blocks. Go left and just a little ways down is Murry's Mercantile. He's a friendly chap and doesn't overcharge. A good honest man."
"Excellent; thank you good sir."
Aeldris returns to his room; most of his gear he leaves there, but he straps on his sword and slips the magic mirror into his pocket. He'll then head outside, stopping briefly in the stables to check on Tethis before seeking out the recommended general store.
Already having trail rations and having no pressing need for anything else, Avala hops back into a barstool directly next to where Jasper is cleaning.
"Well, Jasper, I'm hoping you could answer a few questions for me. Professor Lasch here has been letting us read some pages out of an old journal he found, and I must say, it's a doozy of a read. I'd appreciate any advice or information you could give, if you've got a few moments to spare. "
"Oh, and a drink, please, of course. And one for you, as well, if you'll join me." She says, sliding a few coins across the table - enough for the drinks, and quite a generous tip.
Aeldris -
Your walk through Drokara is noticed, and often pointed out. The feeling being an outsider sits in quickly and as you look about the streets you notice you are the only elf walking them. Sure one out of every fifteen or so men you may spy what you believe to be a half-elf, but none that are full blooded.
Ignoring the stares and amazement; for surely the attention you are getting is not one of disgust. You arrive at Murry' Mercantile, the sign just above door written common stating the name of the establishment. Entering you see it is all one floor and open space with several tables adorned with various gear. A few boys move about the tables neating things up or helping other customers and as the door closes behind you a chime is heard. Your elven eyes quickly note the small bell on this side of the door causing the ruckus.
"Hello and Welcome!" A middle aged man steps out from around a table, his arms full of furs, "I be Murry and this be my place! Have a look around or is there something in particular you are looking for?"
Avala, UU, Ardil, Lasch -
Jasper nods, pours two drinks, "It's a good morning for a drink lass! So what is it you need help with on a book?" Jasper toasts his cup to Avala, "Sure I can read, just as a good as the next man, but i'm not sure what I might be able to tell ya."
Ardil is sitting next to Avala, finishing his breakfast. He chuckles.
"That's the thing though, our reading has led us to think that there's something going on with the dwarves. And you seem to have one on your very own staff! Is there anything you could tell us about him? How he came to be here and why he left his clan behind?"
"Indeed I do have one of the stout folk employed here!" Jasper heads off to the kitchen, "Allow me to get Gorin for you."
A short while later Jasper returns with his dwarven cook, "If it's a complaint ye be havin ye best be ready to fight!"
"No complaints, good dwarf! Everything here at the Sea Sprite has been excellent, of course" Avala says, laughing.
"Rather, we were just speaking to Jasper here about a strange journal the Professor found himself in posession of, and we were wondering if you and Jasper might be agreeable to answering a few questions it brought up. Seems like a good part of it took place in and around Drokara, and being locals, you might have some information that'll be helpful".
"Firstly, what can you tell us about the mountains nearby? The journal mentioned a place called 'The Secret Hold'. Is that name familiar to you at all?"
Crystal
OK, first not to nitpick, but what does Crystal know about scrying?
Crystal attempts some slight conversation with the locals to ascertain good shops to visit and at most the questions get redirected towards her and why she, an elf, is here? "Are the elves coming to aid in the conflict?!", "Has the King agreed to a new treaty with the elves?", "Are you one of the Ambassadors?", "So let me get this striaght; the dwarves just disappear and the elves show up? Somethin's funny there."
Either way she is eventually directed to Murry's Mercantile and pleasantly steps in just behind Aeldris.
The bell chimes again, "Goodness another customer! Outstanding! This has me in the mood to start a sale today!" The large man sets down the furs on the table then notices the difference in you two from his other patrons, "Elves?" he almost whispers his face one of shock.
Quickly the schock fades and his lips part into a smile that seems to go ear to ear, "Ah good things this is! Perhaps we can make an arrangement!?" He quickly walks over to you both and extends his hand in friendship (to Aeldris first), "I would love to work out a trade agreement with the elven kingdoms! If my store could carry even your rope it would truly be an honor!" He leans closer, "And I can make it worth your while in profit!"
Crystal is a little over whelmed by this proprietor's response. Plus the swirl of conversation, rumours and innuendo that have followed Crystal's path up unto this point. She smiles weakly at the merchant and waits her turn after Aeldris, trying to calm her emotions as she does so.
Diplomacy
"I...er..." Aeldris blinks in surprise as he shakes the man's hand (a gesture he has limited familiarity with), then gathers himself. "A trade agreement? I am not sure that falls within..." He stops for a moment, considering his task. "Actually...perhaps we could come to an agreement. I will need to consult my superiors and return later, however."
"More immediately, I am about to set out on some overland travel and am in search of several amenities; the innkeeper of the Sea Spirit Inn recommended your establishment."
"Traveling gear!" His smile continues, "You've come to the right place! The names Murry and if you give me an idea of the type of travel you will be on I can help you locate what you need!"
He then moves to take Crystals hand cupping her fingers gently forcing her upper hand up and in his best court 'style' he kisses her hand while mainting eye contact, "My lady we even have some fine clothing for travel to fit your needs."
Standing back up he turns back to Aeldris, "Indeed I understand, speak with you superiors and get back to me as quick as you can! If the elves wish to open trade with Furp then my stores the best start!"
"In case that doesn't ring a bell, can you tell us anything at all about the disappearance of the dwarves? We seek to lend aid to a good people if they are in need."
Crystal gives the fellow her best smile and happily awaits the display of his wares. Seeing what he has on offer to wear as well as carry.
Gorin looks at you all and his expression goes stern once Ardil speaks. “Sure ye are lad.” Turning his attention back to Avala, “Secret Hold eh? Can’t say as I know of it. Though the mountains are known for many secrets. Is there something in particular ye be wantin’ to know about the mountains?”
Avala
You notice when he repeats “Secret Hold” it’s done with a desire not to repeat it.
Lasch
It is evident he knows more than what he is relaying.
Aeldris and Crystal
"What would you be looking for ma'am?" Murry looks over Crystals form, much like a tailor would, "Do you wish clothing for practicality, appearance, or just warmth?" He leads you two over to a section of clothing, mostly furs, "We still have fresh furs, after all if you're new here it would be good to note that winter is still about for at least another month or two. And if you plan to venture the pass on one of the caravans or go farther north to the capital I would suggest some warmer clothing."
He continues to lead you around his store, "I have pretty much anything the outdoors man needs. Wether you're a hunter or explorer I can accomidate you! If you don't see it here just ask!"
Avala gives Gorin a long look before finally saying "Well, I guess it's still secret then, which I'm sure would make it's builders happy."
"Since you know nothing about what seems to be our group's intended destination, perhaps you could tell us a bit about your people? The diary mentions the clan Mithralshield. What can you tell us about them?"
She leans in close to Gorin and whispers something, covering the action by sliding a few more coins toward Jasper for another drink. Gorin has obviously heard the name Secret Hold, and Avala wants to clarify without the whole group waiting to hear his answer - maybe he'll be more forthcoming then.
Crystal follows the fellow and peruses his wares.
UU watches Gorin as she listens to the text and subtext of the conversation.
Crystal follows the fellow and peruses his wares.
Gorin looks at Avala, "Mithralshield eh?" He pours himself a mug of the dwarven ale, "I be needin' a drink fer that one." And just as Avala sends her secret he responds in dwarven.
"There is no other name. How do you know of this place?"
The dwarf finishes the mug, wipes the foam from his beard and pours another, "What is it exactly ye be wantin' to know? Her trade goods? Aye tis true her name comes from the rare ore found in her halls. Or is your interest in more than just trade?"
Lasch leans over to UU...
"He knows of this place and seems concerned how we know of it."
Aeldris looks around the shop. "There are several things I need...I will admit I did not bring much in the way of traveling supplies. I need some trail rations--say, six days' worth--and I believe I will take your suggestion and get some warmer clothes as a precaution. I unfortunately do not any of that elven rope you'd like to sell, so I'll get some rope as well. I think that will be all."
Crystal follows the more experienced comments of Aeldris and orders similar things. suitably fashioned for the svelte female form, of course. ;)
Murry leans closer to Aeldris as he tallys up the total cost, "Tell ye what as a sign of good faith in future trade with the elven kingdoms I knock some of the price? Let's make it an even eleven gold then?"
Crystal
In regards to asking about a led box:
"Led eh? That's an ugly material for a jewellery box ma'am? Perhaps you would like some silver or gold maybe? Perhaps crafting from platinum or the rarer metal mithral?"
"We're interested in any information you can give us on The Secret Hold. As I mentioned, the name appears somewhat casually in the journal found by Professor Lasch. We believe the journal may have been sent to help guide us on some sort of mission we've been chosen for."
"As far as the clan Mithralshield, perhaps you can tell us whereabouts they reside? Are they agreeable to trade, or perhaps sheltering us should we come across them in the mountains?
"They're a friendly lot as long as ye respect their laws. And don't go sneaking about their lands. But even then if yer intentions are good they will tend to yer injured if ye be havin any." He drinks from his mug, "Their hall is grand, pillars reaching the ceilings with high lights letting in the sun on a clear day or shuttered to block the rain when it clouds. Ain't nothing that can penetrate her halls. But it is a dark day when the doors shut to all."
He drinks again from his mug, "If ye be out to help em, i'm sure they'd take kindly to that. Take the pass, roughly two days in you should find an old trail. It splits north deeper into the mountain." Scratchin his beard in thought, "If memory serves its a few days travel along that trail to the trade entrance of the clan."
Crystal laughs brightly,
"No, the exterior I would prefer to be in some nice, sturdy wood. The metal might be on the inside, between the wood and the cushioning velvet?" She suggests. "It would not have to be structural, just.....thin? Perhaps the word I'm looking for is more along the lines of...'fine'?" Her brows come together as she searches for the right words to use in their shared language.