"Reinforcement for the structure of the box then?" Murry asked, almost certain he understands what Crystal is getting at, "Well then if that's what you suggest might I say the use of steel or iron would be far better suited for that. Not to mention more common."
Crystal frowns. "Not that sort of re-enforcing, I don't think...." She muses...
"Well if it's just a metal box you are after you would best be going to one of the blacksmiths for it. Though i'm sure you'd need to special order the item." Murry smiles, "I can direct you to a few of them or perhaps can send out a request for one to be made and save you some work. But it will take some time."
As he doesn't speak dwarvish, Ardil just receives a gruff response from the dwarf. He shrugs and goes on with what's left of his meal, confident that Avala will be able to get what they want out of the dwarf. She's always been good at that kinda thing.
Crystal frowns as she realises she is not getting the ideas in her head across. Leaving the unsatisfying part of the discussion for now, she distracts herself with looking more at the 'Adventuring' clothes on offer.
As a by thought she asks, "Do you, perchance, know of any jewellers in town? Perhaps they might be 'closer to the money'?, I believe the term is?"
"Jewellers? Why of course I do! In fact you'll find that I do have connections all across town, after all," He opens his arms 'encompassing' his store, "How else could I achieve such a variety of things without having such contacts. There are a few specialists depending on the work you would be looking for. Whether it be to purchase or have raw gems cut. Please how many I assist you in this endeavor?"
Crystal smiles at the merchants 'gusto'.
"Just point out the ones who make their own settings and such." She answers. Then picks a few clothing items to take along on the parties journey.
"The best in town is in the high class district." He smiles, "Frizzle is the owner operator and a gnome. He is also the only gnome in town. He calls his establishment 'The Emerald Pearl'. It has a sign identifing it of a green pearl. You'll find him to be friendly although at times distant minded." He provides Crystal with an accurate description on how to find the establishment.
Aeldris pays Murry the suggested sum, thanks him for his time, and promises he will return in the morning to discuss trade opportunities. He then heads out into the city, and having nothing better to do, decides to wander a bit and see the sights; after all, it is his first time in a human city.
Crystal thanks Murray, gives the items she has purchased a final look over then, with a small and polite parting bow to Aeldris Caresti, she heads out the door into the town in search of the 'Emerald Pearl'.
"Nice name for a ship..." She muses quietly to no one.
Aeldris
Drokara-a bustling port city within the Kingdom of Furp: a city that even rivals the capital Furp in size. All manner of goods entering the Kingdom from faraway lands must travel through this port city. Its crowd’s mostly human; something that quickly stands out to Aeldris. The brave elf garners much attention and soon notices a small flock of women admirers in his steps. At each time he turns to possibly comfront them, they stop and blush, batting their eyes in a most flirtatious way. Shops decorate the main street, from Murry’s Mercantile, Bakers Kin, Wears of the Wilds, and many more.
A trip around the city shows many districts, one for the wealthy, the merchant class, and the worker. The worker district further divided into two more districts one of them known as the lower. A simple glimpse of lower is enough to dissuade Aeldris from trekking its streets.
He encounters no obstructions in his travels and notes a regular city guard traversing the streets, the occasional patrol actually on horseback. All those noticing him, which indeed is most of the city; nod in his direction and whisper to their close companions. Some run off to tell their family they have just witnessed an elf in the streets of Drokara.
Crystal
Following Murry’s directions Crystal finds the Emerald Pearl with no issue. Though the normal crowds she attracted before seem to be in her wake again. Though this time they are different, amongst them whispers travel, “Look another one.”, “Two elves in the city?”.
Entering the wealthier district, it’s streets of white stone, and the structures better crafted most being adorned with actual glass windows. Soon the Emerald Pearl becomes visible, a finely crafted sign just above the door the imagery almost sparkling in the sun. As Crystal enters the shop she finds herself in a ‘common’ room. A table, cushiony chairs around it and the walls lined with shelves holding various jewellery. Against the farthest wall is a single archway-a curtain concealing what lies beyond.
“Hello!” the jovial voice echoes from beyond the curtain, “Welcome! Give me just a moment and I’ll be with you. Have a look around or is there something in particular you are seeking?”
Avala ignores the comment Gorin made in Dwarven and presses on as though it never happened.
"Thank you for the information. Perhaps we'll take the time to travel that way. Speaking of the clan Mithralshield, does the name Thorym Mithralshield ring any bells for you? His name was mentioned in the diary as well."
Lowering her voice enough that surrounding strangers can't hear but her companions can, she asks "And should we wish to visit this Secret Hold, how would we go about getting there? Is it nearby the Milthralshield clan?"
Crystal
The shelves contain all variety of jewellery-necklaces, rings, broochs, pendants and even circlets. All are finely crafted with a variety of gems though most display are simple quartz of various colors still the skill in crafting/cutting the gems is extraordinary a true testament to the crafters skill.
After a short while the curtain parts and a small gnome comes forth. His hair an odd purplish color and his eyes a bright blue. He looks at you taking in your elven appearance and smiles, then speaking in elven, "Ah I hope my accent isn't too bad. It's been awhile since i've practiced my elven. Do you see anything you like? I do have higher quality products in a more secure place with rarer gems. I even have some wares with magical inclinations."
Crystal curtsies to the proprietor,
"Actually, I'm looking for a jewellery box to carry something. Could you perhaps help?" She asks.
"Absolutely!" His smile seems to grow, "What is it to hold? Multiple items? A single item? Did you want a decorated box? I have several made of silver or gold that are adorned with small quartz gems. Or some of rarer metals such as Platinum! I have one case of particular high value crafted from a diamond! That one I am particularly found of."
Bronn Lightbearer
With the recent arrival of an old enemy Clan Mithrilshield has closed its outer doors. Scouts of the clan still patrol the outer areas of the clan keeping a close watch on their more unfriendly neighbors, alert for them to take advantage of the dwarves disappearance. And yet another has been sent out from the clan though on a different mission.
“Go to Drokara, there in the Sea Spirit Inn you will find Gorin Hearthseeker.” The older priest finished packing the younger’s pack. “He knows the location of an old hold here in the mountains. We had allies there at one time though contact with them has gone silent for many centuries. Seek them out and ask for their aid.” Satisfied with his work he handed the pack over. “Remember the tales of Thorym Mithralshield? The priest of Moradin who made contact with them first? He was a dwarf of legends and still remains. His dealings with them where true: he kept to our ways and still garnered their aid; we do regret that the communication break was a failure on our part. Remember though when you deal with them that they bleed with us before! They died along side our kin in arms and if not for their aid in that dire time our clan home could have been taken by the Duergar.”
Bronn looked at his long time teacher, “I shall not fail and with Clanggedin’s will I shall return with an entourage ready for battle!”
His teacher nodding in approval, “May your axe blades ever remain sharp.”
Travel from the mountains was easy for Bronn, easy for any dwarf. Coming out of the mountain to the west he could see the outer towers of Drokara. It was a human city, a port city, its close location to the mountain pass was a benefit even for the dwarven clan. After all due to trade agreements with local merchants the dwarves where able to transport their wares to far off lands, lands where they were more valuable for their ‘exotic’ style.
Bronn got no grief about entering the city, only stopped once, “What’s your business in Drokara Master Dwarf?”
“I’m here to visit my cousin at the Sea Spirit.” Nodding in understanding the guards let him pass. The city active with business - rumors of elves about the city streets filtering amongst the crowd. As Bronn makes note of the strange appearance of elves it also becomes evident of the absence of the dwarves. He passes many merchants offering up friendly hellos; after all to be able to sale dwarven goods can be a boon to ones business.
The inn itself identified by a wooden sign depicting a foaming mug and a small fey like creature stumbling from it. Entering the establishment he finds it rather empty save for a dwarf, Gorin by description given to Bronn, at the bar along with a female Halfling, two humans (one of them elder), and a woman who appears to have almost ‘glowing’ skin.
Avala, UU, Lasch, and Ardil
As Gorin is about to answer Avalas question you see a moment of shock cross his face and he quickly comes from around the bar. You follow him as he approaches another dwarf who has just entered the inn.
Dwarven
“Gods it’s nice to see a kinsman! What news of home do you bring?”
Description:
A dwarf of average size he is bald with a foot long black beard that is tightly braided. He is wearing halfplate and chain mail chaps over leather pants. The plate is burnished a dark stone color and appears to be well taken care of though you can tell that it has been warn into battle. His helm is under his right arm and a tower shield on his back. You can see what appears to be 2 weapons one is a Dwarven war axe on his back and the other is something very odd it looks like a fist made of some metal on a chain hanging on his left hip. His tabord has a symbol adorning it of crossed silver battle axes.
The new dwarf motions for Gorin to sit at the nearest unoccupied table. He places his helm on the table and pulls out a jug and 2 clay cups. Filling both before sitting down and with a serious face he begins talking.
Dwarven
I am sorry Gorin, I do not have much in the way of good news, I hope we can chat after we attend to more pressing matters.
Our Ancient Enemy is attacking us from within the mountain. We have closed our gates to the outside so that we may focus on that one front. I have been sent to find you and get the location of the of the old hold in the mountains. I am to go there and seek their aid.
Gorin looks to those at the bar, "Excuse me for a moment." Then moves to the table with Bronn...
Dwarven
"Vergadains beard! That's twice in one day that ancient holds been mentioned. That lot at the bar is on about the place as well. Mentioning something of a journal mentioning it and at mentioning Thorym Mithralshield as well!"
Gorin drinks of the offered cup, looks at those at the bar and continues.
"Something stirs. My bones ach of war and of that i'm tired. I can tell you none of that lot have evil in their hearts and I think if you seek the ancient hold numbers may be best. There were two elves with them as well. They both are out about town though."
Gorin looks over at the bar, "It may be best you join us at the table."
Dwarven
Aye if it has yur bones ach'n numbers are the best option
Bronn tips is cup back finishing it off then tops both his and Gorin's off.
"Absolutely!" His smile seems to grow, "What is it to hold? Multiple items? A single item? Did you want a decorated box? I have several made of silver or gold that are adorned with small quartz gems. Or some of rarer metals such as Platinum! I have one case of particular high value crafted from a diamond! That one I am particularly found of."
Crystal smiles in return.
"Actually, I was looking more for a travelling case than one for display. Something small, unobtrusive and...subtle? A devise for keeping an item both discreetly tucked away as well as safe from more 'esoteric' means of discovery?" She asks.
Frizzle smiles, "Of course I have travelling cases! I have one of iron, finely crafted with minor etchings and padding on the inside to ward off any damage to its contents. But you mention 'discovery', in what regards do you mean?"
Sea Spirit Inn
Lasch moves over and takes a seat at the table. "Indeed our elven compatriots are out about town picking up some last minute items for our journey." He smiles revealing he has been aware of the conversation in dwarven, "Now this hold you mention. What exactly do you know about it?"
Gorin looks at the older human, "It was a 'keep' for an old ally of the dwarves. Though contact with them has been lost for many centuries. My friend here plans to travel there and it would seem that your journal is sending you in a similar direction. Perhaps you should make the journey together." He motions at his fellow dwarf, "May I introduce..." he leaves the rest for Bronn to fill in his own introduction.
Ardil eagerly makes his way over and installs himself at the tables.
"Ardil Larst. Pleased to meet another of your kind. I'm a merchant by trade, and I'm very eager to find out what it will take to get your dwarven brethren happily and safely producing more of your fine dwarven wares."
Avala follows Ardil to the table and introduces herself to Bronn.
“As Gorin has mentioned, Lasch is in possession of an old journal that seems to be leading us to a keep in the mountains known as the Secret Hold. I’d just asked Gorin here what he knows about Thorym Mithralshield when you walked in. Being of the clan yourself perhaps you could tell us about him? He’s a prominent figure in the journal, but I’m afraid there’s no indication of how old this journal is.”
Aye, The Mithralshield family has produced a long line of Clergy and Ambassadors for the the Clan. Thorym was one most famous, for his trek to the “Secret Hold”. His skill that led to an ally being forged with the Minotaurs , though it has long been forgotten.
He takes a drink from his cup and ponders his thoughts for a moment.
Thorym himself, before taking on ambassador duties, was the High Priest of Moradin for the clan and also held worships for Berronar; Moradins’ wife. History says Thorym as being a very accomplished diplomat and a devout follower to the dwarven faith.
I am sure there is more information in the library on him but this I did not study this being a part of the clergy of Clanggedin.
As for your question about trade if r internal troubles where resolved there is no doubt in me mind that the gates would be reopened and trade resume.
He looks down at his cup
This mission need be done quickly. Do you know the location of the hold?
He looks at over the whole table knowing at least Gorin can answer his question.
Aeldris is amused, though slightly bewildered, by his flock of admirers. While he is no stranger to such attention, being the king's nephew, elven women tended to be a little more subtle about it.
He also notes the stir his presence has created; he hadn't realized that elven travelers were quite that rare. He returns to the Sea Spirit Inn in the afternoon. He spends the remainder of the afternoon considering possible trade deals between Drokara and the Elven Kingdom.
Crystal frowns but slightly,
"Well, I am looking for something that would be a discreet kind of package. A type of wood perhaps that is rugged, for the exterior?" She suggests.
"A box that only has to be big enough to hold a ring...or large-ish jewel? As for the 'discovery', I was thinking of the foil that is used to shield things from the magic of seeing at a distance? Would you be familiar with such?" She asks, though still with an eye to the things upon display around her hoping to catch a glimpse of such an item tucked away on a shelf some where in the shop.
Aeldris
Frizzles' expression changes to one of curiousity, "Of course I know of such magics. But my question is what could one such as you have that would need such hiding?" The gnome turns and goes into the back and returns shortly with a small box 6"X6". The exterior is all wood and he opens it revealing the lead metal within it's inside lining the box. "twenty gold is the mark for this one."
Crystal smiles with unabashed joy at the Gnome's presentation.
"Excellent!" She exclaims, "And some sort of...is 'cushion' the right word? Something to put the thing on and such. To stop the item from just rattling around." Crystal says as she begins sorting out her coins to pay the price asked for by Frizzle.
"Sure, but what you have in mind? If you just want to keep it mundanely secure you could use a large sack for that purpose." He smiles, "Or more luxurious with perhaps silk, a small pillow, feathered cloth?"
Crystal pauses at Frizzle's comment, mulling over the options of 'sack' to 'satin'. After her pause she comments,
"Hmmm...well, after paying for such quality work, stuffing any old sack inside just wouldn't do..." She thinks a tad longer, "A small cloth pillow or cushion? That should do." She nods, happy to have come to an accord with Fizzle.
Aeldris walks into the door of the Sea Spirit, carrying a rather large bundle of goods. "Who is this, then? he asks seeing the new dwarf, and setting his purchases down near the table.
"Eight silver for the pillow then."
Bronn Lightbearer of clan Mithrilshield, I am a part of the Clergy of Clanggedin, and i be guessn u two must be the other members of this merry party. ye be just in time I was just inquiring about the location of the Hold.
He takes another draw from his cup.
Crystal breezes through the common room of the inn and flits straight to her rooms where she deposits her purchases and changes into something 'lighter' for the mixed company down stairs. before returning down stairs, catching the last part of Bronn's comments.
"Well met, and good day to every one!" She beams to those assembled.
Avala responds to Bronn:
"The only clue we have the the whereabouts of the hold is that it's somewhere in the mountains. Other than that small piece of information, the journal is silent."
"Can we take your curiosity to mean that you intend to accompany us? Now that our good comnpanions have returned, , I believe we may be ready to depart at any time."
She turns to the rest of the group, "Does anyone need to purchase any further supplies, or shall we proceed on to adventure in the mountains?"
Gorin nods at Avala, "Aye, it'll be roughly five days from here to get there. You need to take the mountain pass. About two days into the mountain you should find a well made rest area, there should be a concealed branch off there leading to another trail. It will take you more north and to the hold." He drinks from his mug, "I would suggest you have enough rations for the trip there and back incase the inhabitants have left the hold and you find it vacant. Also if you wish to leave any animals here I can see to their needs."
That I will be Avala, I need no supplies I am good for the Journey.
Ardil follows the dwarf's sage advice and makes his way to Murray's to acquire a week's worth of trail rations for himself and Avala as well as extra water skins to hold more water for the long road
"So we depart tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow would be best; I have some business with a local merchant that I must conclude early tomorrow."
Later that night, Aeldris takes out the twilight mirror to make his report. "Greetings my lord. We have made good progress today; we acquired a dwarf guide who knows of a 'Secret Hold', which my newfound companions believe is relevant to the queen's vision."
"Also, I spoke with a local merchant today, and it seems elven goods are in high demand here. Trade with human lands could strengthen relations, not to mention the profits. Shall I make arrangements for shipments to be made to him?"
Aeldris
“Interesting.” There is a momentary pause, “Aside from the trade goods do you think this merchant could be a source of information for the area; something more subtle? If you have confidence in him we may begin negotiations for trade with that kingdom. Inform him we will send one from our Merchant Cast within the month to discuss such things in greater detail and a small amount of sampling to see how well the products will sell.”
Morning comes; you all wake, and gather in the main room. Breakfast is provided for by Gorin who actually makes a larger meal than normal. The meal sits heavy and assuredly fills the belly.
As a group you all make your way to Murry’s Mercantile for Aeldris to finish his business. Once it is done you travel east through Drokara. You earn multiple stares and side conversations about your group as you travel through the city. After a short while you exit the city wall with no issues or questions from the guards.
The area directly outside the city is plains with tall grass, reaching as high as a foot and a half. The road itself is well travelled, large enough for at least two wagons to travel along side one another, allowing for easy traffic in both directions. The Seacoast Moutains in front of you; their peaks covered in low hanging clouds. There is a chill wind, nothing that isn’t shrugged off with warmer clothing worn or by nestling your cloak about to shield you from it.
Bronn, Avala, and Ardil confirm that it will take roughly two days to get to the mountain itself and begin your trek into the mountain pass. Your first day ends and you find an appropriate clearing to set up camp.
Having arrived via caravan, Ardil has no livestock to house, so he begrudgingly loads up his affairs into a large sack and slings it over his shoulder.
20' is a fine movement rate, Ardil will be encumbered with his wares anyway. He knowns he's no scout anyway... ever since they were kids, Avala's always teased him about winning at hide and seek every single time. He has yet to win a game of it with her to this day...
About an hour before sunset, Ardil puts his pack down.
"I don't think we should go any further. Let's pitch camp here... it'll give us a chance to have everything set up before darkfall. I know I'm no good at putting up a tent in pitch black. It'll give any of our travel-wise members a chance to forage for food and water so we can conserve our rations."