|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Nov 22, 2019 6:12 pm
✦ THE PERFORMER ✦ 
Darrius Langley had always believed in karma. By being kind to others, he had always been confident that the universe would treat him kindly in return. It was something his mother had taught him in his childhood while his father trained him to be a fisherman. So, even in his most impoverished days, the man had rarely hesitated to give a fish or coin to those even more in want than himself. Darrius believed it was this kindness that afforded him the opportunity to begin his small business of ferrying people from one side of the Greshian Sea to another. While modest in size, the business grew in reputation and clientele until he was able to support his family with a lifestyle that bordered on middle-class. He, his wife, and children, couldn’t have been happier.
Until the day the Bounty of the Skull attacked their village.
His two sons had been killed, his wife left in critical condition, himself injured and near death, and his daughter…
Exhaling a breath, the graying man felt his grip on the tin mug of ale slacken with weariness. He was on a fool’s mission, he knew. But he couldn’t bear to hear his wife calling out the names of their children as she phased in an out of consciousness. He couldn’t bear the thought of wondering what had happened to his only daughter. He couldn’t live with wondering “what if this” and “what if that?” No more.
Even if it was his last fifty gold pieces. It would be well spent if he could just know what had happened to the young woman. And if there was even the smallest chance that she could be saved from the violent kidnappers that had ruined his family and home, well…it was a chance he was willing to take.
“Don’t worry, Mister Langley. I’m sure more people will come.”
Tired green eyes looked up from the worn wooden table and into the shining face of a young woman—her wide and slanted brown eyes full of optimism as pink lips smiled easily. Despite himself, the old fisherman found himself returning the smile with a small one of his own. This girl—Mei, as she had introduced herself—had found him sitting in The Fiery Stag with what seemed like a boundless energy and offering her services in rescuing his daughter. A part of him, a very large part of him, was ashamed. This girl was probably about the same age as his own daughter. How could he send another man’s child in favor of saving his own?
But Mei hadn’t seemed concerned and brushed off his worries with a wave of her hand and a laugh. More people would come—it wasn’t like she was going to have to go on her own, she had commented. Everything would be fine.
As the meeting hour approached, Darrius wasn’t sure he shared the young woman’s confidence.
He had set the meeting for two in the afternoon and it was now ten to the hour. If Mei was his only respondent, he would be forced to call off the mission and return to his ailing wife empty-handed. Well. He had orchestrated the search for a willing party out of blind and desperate hope. He could hold out another ten minutes.
“I appreciate your kindness, Miss Ang.” Darrius replied softly, his voice rough from not speaking for a while. “I hope that anyone else coming will find us soon.”
“Oh! That’s a good point!” Mei chirped and stood up from her seat, “I’ll help make sure that they can find us easily!”
Without a moment’s hesitance, the dark-haired woman climbed onto the table in front of her and raised her hands to her lips as she shouted. “HEY.” The busy tavern quieted for a moment as several heads turned to the corner table where the young woman stood shouting. She was a curious sight, though not totally out of place. Women from all backgrounds could be found at the Fiery Stag, but not many except drunk ones wanting to pick a fight were found on tabletops. And this girl, with her dark blue silk embroidered outfit, ribbons in her hair, and dainty figure looked neither drunk or battle-ready.
“IF YOU’RE HERE TO HELP MISTER LANGLEY FIND HIS DAUGHTER, WE’RE SITTING OVER HERE. OKAY?”
There were a few snorts and chuckles from the tavern as several patrons waved their hands dismissively and returned to their business.
“HEY. DON’T IGNORE ME. IF YOU’RE HERE TO HELP MISTER LANGLEY THEN COME HERE. OKAY?”
“Shut up!”
“Take your shirt off!”
Mei’s lips formed an indignant pout as she folded her arms, “Hmph! Pigs!” Sticking out her tongue at one of the patrons that had shouted something crude, the performer jumped down from her seat and sat down primly in her wooden chair. “Well. Anyway. At least people know where we are now.”
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2019 6:18 pm
✦ THE WANDERING WIZARD ✦ He’d been nose deep in a tome of spells when a chirpy woman’s voice cut through the din of patrons he’d let drown him. Initially, he didn’t hear what the woman had shouted, still trying to focus on his book when he realized the other patrons had quieted down and the woman kept speaking—only then did he drag his golden gaze away from the worn parchment pages.
”—MISTER LANGLEY—“ Jalen sat up straighter, listening now. Registering a few details about the young woman standing above the crowd, he began gathering his things as the woman grew indignant, demanding attention from the tavern-goers. She seemed a little naïve, honestly, but that wasn’t Jalen’s place to judge or not. He was just here for a job and that was it.
”Shut up!”
“Take your shirt off!”
His spellbook slammed shut, jaw clenching. Sparing a cutting gaze across the tavern, he picked out patrons that had shouted at the woman. He turned his attention back to the tome on the tabletop, nostrils flaring as he argued with himself. Just go to the woman, meet Mr.Langley, just do the job you’re signing up for, don’t get yourself into a fight you don’t want to finish. Just… Pulling the hood of his cloak up over his head, the wizard picked up his book, cracking it open with one bronze hand and leafing through the pages. After a moment of deliberation, he headed towards where the woman had announced herself to be—but first, a detour.
Head down, face shielded by his hood, the wizard passed by the ruder patrons’ tables, whispering incantations under his breath. It wasn’t anything harmful. It wasn’t anything they would notice right away either—not until they tried to take a drink or a bite of food would they notice what had happened. For those that had chosen to speak so disrespectfully to the young woman, anything they tried to eat or drink for the next few hours would taste just as garbage as their personalities.
It was simple, discreet, and made him feel at least a little better since starting a tavern brawl wasn’t something he needed to get into right now.
He finished his murmuring as he rounded on the old man and young woman, snapping his book shut and tucking it into a rucksack beneath his cloak as he glanced between the two.
”Hi. I’m Jalen. I was told this is where we were to meet?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2019 8:03 am
✦ THE SCHOLAR ✦  ”You lost there, friend?”
”Oh, no thank you!” Alto gave the stranger an affable smile and a wave. ”Just deciding whether I want to go in.” The halfling rocked back on his heels, staring up at the door to The Fiery Stag. This wasn’t his first choice, or even his fourth or fifth. But no Fawler passed up an opportunity without serious consideration, even one such as this.
He tucked in his elbows and took a deep breath before entering the tavern. Immediately, he had to skip to the side to avoid tripping a barmaid whose hands were full of dripping mugs. ”I beg your pardon, madam!” He’d have to keep his wits about him here if he wanted to avoid being trampled, or worse: splashed on.
”Excuse me, I’m looking for someone. A Mister Longingly, I think it was? Hello?” The other patrons ignored him, their focus pulled to the corner of the room as a young woman shouted for their attention. He craned his neck for a better look at who belonged to the bright, chirpy voice. A head of dark hair adorned with ribbons was all he saw before she finished her announcement.
”Ah, Mister Langley!” He pushed forward eagerly, squeezing between the tavern’s tall patrons. Hearing the crude words shouted at her, Alto harrumphed to himself. Such was the sort he expected when coming to a place like this. He would have liked very much to tell them off himself, but it was impossible for him to identify the source of rudeness.
Finally popping out of the crowd with a sigh of relief, he stopped short before he could bump into the man in a cloak who introduced himself as Jalen. There was an unfriendliness about him that made Alto shuffle a few steps aside before slipping off his cap and clutching it to his chest with a wide smile.
”Good afternoon miss, sirs.” He gave each a friendly nod, perhaps dipping his head a little lower to Jalen. That was a man to be cautious around if ever there was one. ”Beralto Fawler of Fawler’s Fine Imports and Exports, at your service. Please do call me Alto.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2019 8:36 pm
✦ THE MOUSE ✦  The first indication that she was about to make a mistake was the girl standing atop a table and shouting at the entire tavern. At this, Mouse slipped farther back into the corner that she occupied. Announcing yourself like that was never a good call. If that lady had any enemies they now knew her location and could easily take her down. The second indication that this could be a massive mistake was the wizard. At least it was easy to assume he was a wizard of some sort. With a book that big he had to be something magical, otherwise there would be no point carrying it around. It also appeared as though he had hexed the drunken, catcalling idiots. If she knew anything about vindictive wizards, those two would be dead before the sun rose tomorrow. This was one person she did not want to get on the bad side of and, as common knowledge dictates, the best way not to get on the bad side of someone is to never meet them at all.
The only indication Mouse had that she was not making a mistake was the little fellow who had rapidly approached the forming party. Mouse had a certain fondness for halflings. She assumed that was because the first person to show her any kindness was a halfling woman who had given her bread. Another is that she was fascinated by how nimble they were. She took pride in being quite nimble and dexterous herself, but for halflings it seemed almost as if it was embedded in their DNA. This was someone she could trust.
Mouse left her corner, dodging soundlessly around other patrons. If she were not about to meet a potential employer, she might have considered slicing a few purse strings, but now was not the time. She approached the group soundlessly, black hooded cape shadowing her face. She slid into the vacant seat next to the man called Langley and turned her face towards the man. "At your service, sir." She said quietly, her high voice coming out in a harsh whisper. Mouse didn't address any of the other members just yet. Introductions would come in due time and she still wasn't sure she could trust them yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2019 2:45 pm
✦ THE PERFORMER ✦ Is this what being in love felt like?
Chocolate colored eyes widened as Jalen approached and introduced himself. Uhm, was there ever a more fitting visual of tall, dark, and handsome? The square muscular shoulders poking through his dark cloak, the sharp and intelligent golden eyes, and the mysterious aura around him. Good lords in the heavens above. This guy was an appetizer, entrée, and dessert all by his damn self. Check please!
“Y-Yes.” Darrius answered Jalen, standing up and extending a hand in greeting. “Welcome, Jalen. My name is Darrius Langely. Thank you for coming.”
“And I’m Mei!” The ribbon-haired woman chirped as she raised a hand and waved. Her cheeks flushed just slightly as she stared doe-eyed at the wizard. Her attention was diverted however at the sound of another voice addressing them. Tearing her gaze away from Jalen, Mei’s smile grew at the sight of Alto the halfling.
What the fetch. He. Was. Absolutely. Adorable.
He was handsome as well. And he such clear skin! Mei usually preferred men to be taller than her, but she wouldn’t hold that against the man as it was clearly due to his race. After all, she could still just appreciate that he was fetching cute as could be. And he seemed to own his own business or something. There was always something to be said for a man of enterprise. Definitely crush-worthy at least.
“Welcome to you, Alto. Thank you for coming.” The gray business man nodded and leaned over the table to shake hands with the halfling as well. Once introductions between the three men were completed, Darrius raised a hand and caught the attention of a barmaid and called for more drinks to be brought to the table.
But when another girl seemed to appear out of the shadows, Mei let out an excited shriek. “Yaaaay! Another girl!” Pulling out the chair next to her, the excited dancer pat the seat and beamed at the brunette, stars practically in her eyes, “Come sit next to me! Please please please? Oh my gosh you’re so cute! I’m Mei! What’s your name!?” She spoke so quickly and enthusiastically that it wouldn’t be a surprise if not all of her words were caught by the gathering group. But Mei didn’t seem to mind as she continued to beam.
“Welcome,” Darrius inserted much more calmly after Mei’s explosion. He dipped his head in greeting of the girl and held out his hand, “My name is Darrius Langely. What may we call you?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2019 9:25 am
✦ THE MOUSE ✦ Mouse felt a shiver run from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. This girl, Mei, had to be the loudest person she had ever met. At this rate, the entire tavern would know who they all were and there was nothing worse than notoriety in a profession such as hers. It's common knowledge that the best thieves are the ones you have never heard of. Everyone else in the group so far seemed as though they could be rather discreet except for this bubbly young lady.
Mouse shook Langley's hand quickly. "They call me Mouse." she said for the benefit of her employer. Then, with a sidelong glance at the energetic girl now sitting at the table, she added "But I would prefer if we kept that quiet." She still kept her voice at the level of a harsh whisper as she spoke. She eyed the chair the girl was patting enthusiastically and decided to take the seat. Maybe she would be quieter if they were closer together. "When will we discuss the particulars of this mission?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Meadowlark Vice Captain
|
Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2019 7:12 pm
✦ THE TANK ✦
“Ya want me to wear ribbons in me hair?! What next, a bloomin’ dress with frillies and bows?! Ya sayin’ that’s yer notion of a g’bye gift?”
Across the table, pear-green eyes rolled with a long-suffering dimpled smile. The delicate, black-haired man sitting with his dwarf friend at the tavern leaned an elbow on the table and tried again, his fingers idly weaving around the navy-blue strip of satin.
“What I’m saying is, we won’t be seeing each other for who knows how long, and I’ve,” he held up his right hand with an intricate silver ‘ring’ on the first finger, “been wearing your hair clip every day since my own adventure, so the least you can do is wear my arm wrap. C’mon. I’ll braid it in. You just have to sit. And not punch me.”
“Ohh aye, and a mighty challenge that’ll be! A lady’s bad enough, but a sentimental one’s worse! Yer bit o’ silk’s like ta make Langley’s men think I’ll be stopping to powder me nose every half hour.” The dwarf woman’s voice echoed in her tankard just before she downed multiple gulps from it.
The dancer pouted and tilted his head, leaning to keep himself in view even when Brida turned away and tried not to notice. Eventually this drew a resigned growl from the redhead once her stein hit the table again.
“Damn ye, Pixie,” Brida grumbled, collecting her mane of decorated red-orange curls and braids to one side with another gruff sigh. “A’right, fine. But be quick about it, afore I change me mind.” Amber eyes rolled as her drinking partner slid onto the bench beside her and began plaiting the hair just under her slightly pointed ear.
“You know what Baldr’s gonna say when he sees. And then I’ll have to make him swallow his teeth.”
The human chuckled as he deftly wound the strands around his fingers. “If he’s smart, he’ll hold his tongue. But Braith and Baird aren’t coming to see you off?”
“No, since Da says it’ll take both of ‘em to take me place in the mines. And he’s right, yano. Baird especially. He’s downright puny, an’ Braith is too used to leather. If ye ask me, Baldr shoulda been the one to go, an’ let those two chop wood.”
After a few more twists, Brida’s companion bit his grin and smoothly slid back to admire his work. “Done. Now that wasn’t so painful, was it?”
“Aye but yer pain enough, Pixie.”
The man’s smile lit up his entire face, and he swooped in for a teasing kiss on his friend’s cheek. Of course, she fussed and pushed him and wiped at her freckles as if she could remove his cooties, but it was a sign of their strong friendship that she didn’t harm him beyond a hard shove to his shoulder.
“Lockelier D’amphe, I oughtta beat yer arse!” Brida grumbled at him, still rubbing her cheek.
He was just about to make a smart remark when a pretty girl stood up and attracted everyone’s attention. Once Mei finished her announcement, the dwarf turned back to her friend with a smug grin. That pretty thing would evidently be one of her traveling companions.
“Can I come?” Lockelier said automatically, still watching Mei return to her seat.
“Nope!” Brida gloated, picking her legs over the side of the bench and cackling gleefully. “Yer job’s much more specialized than mine. They’d miss you. Besides, those two over there have nae looked away since ya came in.”
The dancer looked in the direction Brida’s head had nodded, and then two women blushed and folded toward each other with hushed shrieks. He sighed, and his entire body seemed to sigh with him. Fans were a horse of a completely different color and she knew it, but now wasn’t the time to whine. Now was time to part ways.
Lockelier peeled himself away from the table and squared himself to Brida, who stood half a foot shorter than him. She nodded, and like a mirror they kissed each of their own fists, punched them together, then punched each other’s fists. Both moved a couple steps back before turning to go their own ways, the dwarven sendoff complete.
Brida’s battleaxe had been propped against the table, but now she hoisted it to her back and shook her hair. The braid with the blue ribbon stood out among the fiery orange even if it only peeked out near her neck.
All right. Time to get this show on the road.
But she had only taken two steps toward Langley’s table when a slightly taller, broader dwarf with very similar hair and a matching braided beard intercepted her. Baldr crossed his hairy arms over his even hairier chest and lifted his chin. His eyes silently jeered when they locked onto the decoration in his sister’s hair, but he didn’t comment.
“Heard yer shippin’ off today.”
“Aye, ya heard right.” Brida planted her fist in her ample hip and twisted her nose when she sniffed. The noise in the bar filled in the stalwart silence between them as they stared and said nothing.
Then, Baldr nodded and cracked a smile. "Buy yer next round then?"
"Aye, but make it a quick one. I've a party to join."
Baldr's bulky hand landed solidly on Brida's shoulder, and they went together to the bar. After sharing a drink and a proper dwarven sendoff, Brida finally lumbered over to the table where an interesting assortment of folks had gathered.
"Aright! Which one of ye's Langley then?" her rough voice carried over the din of the general crowd. Her light-brown gaze wandered between the three males present. But she spared a wink for the cute girl that had stood up on the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2019 11:54 pm
✦ THE HERMIT ✦  Dez had only been in the city for one day, but it had only taken a few hours to remind him why he left to begin with.
Since his arrival on the populated shores of Gresh, he had already been the subject of stares, hushed whispers, and even a few brave, outright curses yelled at him from a distance.
People skittered past him as he walked through the streets, always giving him a wide berth.
And he couldn't say he blamed them.
Dez cut quite an intimidating figure, standing a head higher than most people on the street, with a longbow strapped to his back and hunting knife around his waist. While he did not intentionally show off his muscular frame, it was obvious that he was naturally bulky.
And then there were the protruding tusks, and his scarred, green-gray skin.
On good days, people avoided him like the plague, and he returned the favor.
On bad days, well...
This was a bad day.
He had arrived on the outskirts of town that morning, after traveling all night (it was just easier, frankly). After replenishing his water and food stores, he made his way to the mercantile district. Might as well get the one thing he was dreading out of the way first thing.
He had not a coin to his name.
Normally, this was no problem. Dez had no need of money in the desert, or material goods. He hunted his own food, found his own water, defended himself from predators, and handcrafted anything he needed from the materials around him.
In preparation for the journey, he had been accumulating pelts-- mostly from desert hares, but there were quite a few fox and wolf hides as well-- to exchange for whatever gold or silver he could get. It would be useful in their travels- even if he preferred staying outdoors to sleeping in inns, and walking to riding horses, the coins could at least fetch him a tankard of mead.
Unfortunately, he could not find one furrier that would barter with him.
It was when he was leaving the third shop that he became aware that he was being followed.
s**t.
Abruptly, he took a left, then a right, then another right, then another left, twisting and turning his way quickly through roads and alleyways to throw them off. But it had been nearly a year since his last trip to the city, and he wasn't entirely familiar--
He turned a corner, and was faced with a dead end.
Double s**t.
“Gotcha, orc b*****d...”
Dez spun around, surprisingly light on his feet for someone of his size.
There were three of them, two humans and one dwarf, blocking the way out.
Triple s**t.
“Heard you was sniffin' round in Rolfen's shop,” the tallest human said, gesturing to the dwarf. “Stinkin' it up with yer foul orc odor.”
Dez was silent.
“Didja steal all them furs?” The dwarf piped up, pointing at Dez's back with the tip of his blade.
“No.”
“I dunno, looks MIGHTY similar to a shipment that we just got in...” said the other human.
“These are mine. I asked if you wanted a fair trade, and you threw me out. So I left.” His voice was level and calm, like he was talking to a toddler and explaining that the sky was blue.
“I don't recall it goin' that way...” The dwarf mused. The two humans took a step forward. “What I DO recall is a big, lumbering orc coming in and walking out with a pallet o' furs, without payin' me a dime.”
“What do you want? I don't have any money.”
“Whattaya think, boys? An orc-skin rug might sell for a pretty penny... it'd be a pain in the arse to get the stink out, though... Them tusks make fer fine jewelry, too...”
One of the men lunged toward him, and Dez threw his fist out, colliding with his face. The man slumped to the ground, knocked out cold.
The dwarf turned tail and ran back down the alley, leaving his other henchman behind to fend for himself.
He was a better fighter than his buddy, and managed to land a few, solid blows to the side of Dez's face. The half-orc fought back hard, the two of them scuffling and raining blows down upon each other. Then, he felt the slice of a blade nick across his arm. Dez roared, pushing the man back and drawing his own hunting knife. That dirty b*****d...
“WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!”
Both of them stopped; two of the cities' watchmen had materialized in the alley, swords drawn.
His assailant bolted, elbowing his way past the two guards and disappearing back into the city.
“They attacked me...” Dez panted.
“Did they now?” said the older guard.
“Yes...”
“Y'know, we don't take kindly to liars, thieves, and thugs in our town... Stealing, fighting, assault, disturbing the peace... That's a few months jail time, at the least, if not execution..”
Dez sighed.
The younger one eyed him pointedly.
“But, we might be convinced to look the other way, for a price.”
Dez clenched his jaw so hard that his tusks poked into his upper lip painfully.
“Fine. Take the damn things. I don't need them anyway.” He threw the pack of furs to the ground of the dirty alleyway. The guards descended upon them greedily, and Dez didn't stick around for them to change their minds.
-----------------------------
He avoided the streets for the rest of the morning and afternoon, and found a seedy bar to lie low and bandage himself up in.
He wanted to go home.
But if he didn't take care of the unpleasant business that had brought him into the city in the first place, there'd be no home for him to return to, sooner or later.
Finally, Dez made his way to the Fiery Stag, arriving at promptly 2:00.
Luckily, it was crowded, and loud. A few people near the door hushed as he entered, but he generally went unnoticed.
“....Langley, then?” A loud, female voice rang out and drew Dez's attention to the table where the party was gathered-- his gaze immediately landing on the mane of fiery red hair. He cringed inwardly, his arm twinging at the too-fresh memory of his last encounter with a dwarf.
But, if he held her race against her, he was no better than those who harassed him. She was not the one who had attacked him.
Silently, he made his way over to the table, any patrons that were in his path clearing the space quickly.
He scanned the others- three females, three males. And he had to admit, none of them appeared to be terribly....physically impressive. But he, of all people, knew that outward appearances could be deceiving.
By process of elimination, the older gentleman had to be Langley-- Dez stood directly across from him and stared him down.
It then occurred to him that he hadn't planned what to say.
“I'm here for the quest.”
When in doubt, keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2019 3:09 pm
✦ THE SCHOLAR ✦
Once finished giving Mr. Langley a firm and enthusiastic handshake -- the ideal businessman's greeting, which all Fawlers practiced after mastering their first steps -- Alto pushed his own chair to the table. He sat beside Mr. Langley, tenting his fingers atop the table and keeping a keen eye on the barmaid returning with more drinks.
"Thank you very much!" He accepted a tall mug of ale, sipping at the brew beneath the foam. Not as good as what he favored at home, unfortunately, but a decent drink all the same. He raised the drink in a small toast to their gathering group, nearly spilling when he noticed with a start the quiet young woman who seemed to appear from nowhere.
"We certainly seem to be gathering quite the merry crew, haven't we?" He greatly approved. While Mr. Langley appeared somewhat the worse for wear, he had the look of a good, honest man. Miss Mei, of course, was practically the warm soul of welcome itself. Her sunny disposition put his mind well at ease about Mr. Jalen's intimidating presence, and the unusual quiet of the other young woman who spoke too softly for him to hear.
"Aright! Which one of ye's Langley then?"
Oh dear. This loud, axe-toting, flame-haired dwarf was to be one of their companions? Compared to the rest of their group, she seemed well suited for a very different kind of adventure altogether. Had Alto misunderstood? Weren't they just supposed to go. . . talk to someone about releasing someone who'd been captured by mistake?
At the approach of an orc, he choked on his ale. An orc, too? He'd never met an orc, and part of him was excited for the opportunity to make this one's acquaintanceship, but good gracious! What sort of quest had he agreed to?
Recovering from his coughing fit, and taking another fortifying sip, Alto renewed his smile and waved the rest of their group closer. An odd collection of folks, to be sure. "G-good afternoon, friends! Won't you have a seat and we can carry on with getting to know one another and our business together?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 5:42 pm
✦ THE PERFORMER ✦
Mei’s lips formed a small ‘o’ in understanding at Mouse’s sidelong gaze. Nodding her head mutely, the human lifted a delicate finger to her pink lips and winked at her newfound friend. She then let out a giggle like she had just been let in on a schoolyard secret. This was going to be. So. Much. Fun.
Before Darrius could answer Mouse’s question, a bright haired dwarf made her way to the table. Standing once again, the fisherman extended his hand to the newest woman to join their motley crew. “That would be me, ma’am. Thank you for joining us.”
If it wasn’t surprising enough that so many had answered his humble call, Darrius was even more surprised that someone hailing from orc-kind had elected to join. Surprise flashed on the older man’s face for only a moment before his whiskered face twitched into a smile. Extending his hand to the half-orc, Darrius felt hope blossoming in his chest. “You are welcome, sir.”
He had been disheartened at the thought of sending in a young woman his own daughter’s age into a dangerous situation. But with this assorted pantheon of adventurers, retrieving his daughter was actually beginning to seem possible. The cleverness of a halfling; the strength of a wizard, dwarf, and half-orc; the stealth of a weremouse; and a human’s ability to blend into most any crowd…if they were all trustworthy characters, there was a real chance of success here.
Sitting back down at the table, the fisherman called for more drinks to be brought before he found the words to begin his tale. “Thank you,” Darrius started, his eyes falling to the table, unable to meet the gaze of those gathered around him. “Thank you for answering my call for adventurers. I honestly wasn’t sure if anyone would.” He released a heavy breath and closed his eyes for a moment, composing himself amid the swirl of emotions stirring inside. “I know I can’t pay much at all. But I pray the gods may bless you in return for your efforts.”
He paused for a moment to allow the barmaid to place more mugs of ale on the wooden table, gesturing for his guests to partake. “I can only offer the whole of you 50 gold. That may only be enough to get you where you’ll need to go and maybe some to come back. Likely not much of a profit. But it is what I have.” He cleared his throat, and inhaled another breath. “As you know, my task is only to return my daughter to me…if she is still alive. About a month ago, the Bounty of the Skull raided our village. My two sons were killed, my wife is still recovering. Myself, I have healed enough to carry on. But they took my daughter. I don’t know if she is still alive, traded into slavery, or even…dead. If she is, all I ask is that you let me know so that I can mourn and maybe…find some peace.”
The expression on his face made it clear that he didn’t think he would find any peace, but he knew he at least needed to try. “The last I heard of the Bounty of Skull was they were said to be travelling to Bralia. I hope you can make it to them before they reach that cursed country. Once they reach it, even the law won’t have the backbone to help you.”
Darrius paused, his eyes taking on a wistful sheen as his whiskered lips slipped into a sad smile, “Her name is Pembroke. Pemmy, I called her. She’s nineteen years old…” Clearing his throat, the fisherman looked up at the crew, “Please, do you have any questions? You don’t have to accept this journey. You can still walk away now. I understand that this is a dangerous undertaking at well below the usual rate.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 5:52 pm
✦ THE WANDERING WIZARD ✦ What an…interesting band of characters. Hood down, Jalen openly stared around the bar at the others—a weremouse, a dwarf, a halfling and a…half-orc? He could only imagine what it took for that pairing to happen… Then again, he had no room to judge. It wasn’t like he didn’t have his own oddities.
With a last look at the broad-shouldered orc, Jalen turned his attention to Mr.Langley, mulling over his parting words for a moment. He wasn’t sure what reason anyone else had for coming but he knew his own—technically he didn’t need to ask a question because he would go along on this quest no matter what. He just wanted to keep moving. But that probably wouldn’t comfort Mr.Langley; it could come across like he didn’t care and wouldn’t put in effort.
So he piped up with his own questions. At least that way he seemed more participatory.
”Question. What does she look like? And do you have anything of hers we could take with us?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 9:29 pm
✦ THE MOUSE ✦ Mouse gazed around the group thoughtfully. It wasn't often that anyone of orc blood came out to play but that could prove to be interesting. She had never met a half-orc before but she had heard stories of their strength. She had also heard stories of their bad temper and the fact that they ate children but those could just be stories. In fact, she was positive they probably were just stories. The dwarf had startled her more when she had arrived. Another loud voice to add to the party, it seemed. From her work with the guild, however, she knew that a dwarf could always prove useful. Now all the players seemed to be in place. Now planning would prove an easier task.
Her focus sharpened back to Langley as the man began to explain the particulars of the quest. Rescuing a girl seemed an easy enough task. That is until he mentioned the Bounty of Skull. Although Mouse had never personally tangoed with the Bounty she knew of their reputation. If her intuition was all she had to work with she would tuck her tail between her legs and run in the opposite direction. The thought of a young girl in their custody, alone and afraid, strengthened her resolve to go on with the quest. Not only that, but Mouse had to skip town as fast as possible. It was either that or let the guild find her location and do worse than the Bounty ever could.
Mouse nodded thoughtfully as the wizard posed his question. Out of her satchel she quickly withdrew a quill, an ink pot, and a few small squares of parchment. On one she wrote quick notes of the particulars Langley mentioned. The note read "one month. Bounty of Skull. Daughter captive. Pembroke/Pemmy. 19." Before starting on the other parchment she pulled a worn piece of sketching charcoal out of her breast pocket. Only about an inch of the pencil was left but this seemed as good a time as any to use it.
"Please use as much detail as possible" Mouse said to Langley, a little more volume and enthusiasm in her voice. "I would like to get as accurate a sketch as I can, if possible." There was a sparkle in her eye that wasn't there before as she looked intently at Langley. With a description of the girl and a full layout of everyone's abilities, which she would discover later on, she might be able to come up with a plan. That would still depend on the particulars yet to be discovered about the Bounty, of course, but any plan was better than none at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:09 pm
✦ THE PERFORMER ✦
It was a perfectly logical question. But it didn’t make answering it any easier for Darrius. Inhaling a breath and fingering his mug of ale, the gray bearded man tried to focus his thoughts. He wasn’t a man that often described things. He wasn’t creative in that sort of way. How could he describe his Pemmy to these strangers? To him, she was still the little girl that had clung to his leg on the docks, asking whether or not she could have a sweet before dinner. This was how he thought of her…but these kinds of descriptions and memories would not be helpful to these adventurers.
“Pemmy has…” Darrius started, not looking at Mouse as she prepared to sketch. The idea that his words were going to be so recorded and permanent caused further anxiety, but he tried to ignore it. He was usually a quiet man. Only in matters of business did his voice have final say over things—and in that he was at least competent to be confident. “Black hair. Her eyes are purple, like her mother’s.” The man’s dark eyes remained on the table as he thought about what else he could tell them, “She’s not…very tall. About the height of Miss Ang—maybe a little taller. I’m not sure if she’ll look the same as when she left home, but her hair is…not long. But not too short either. She’s of average size. Not very wide but not too skinny either.”
Lifting his gaze, Darrius glanced around at his audience. “Does…that help?” Honestly, he wouldn’t know what else to say even if his description hadn’t been helpful. What made Pemmy who she was couldn’t be defined in words. At least not any that he was able to explain with.
Reaching to his belt, Darrius procured a small leather pouch, jingling with coins that he held out to those at the table. “I will pay you all in advance—it’s not much. But it’s the fifty gold promised. Hopefully it can at least help you with travel expenses that you may incur or feed and house you for a couple of nights.” He glanced around at the adventurers, uncertain whom to pass the funds onto.
“Give it to Alto!” Mei cut in, her cheerful voice accompanied by glittering eyes as she glanced at the halfling before returning her gaze to Darrius. “He can be the master of our funds during the trip.” Smiling, the human exuded confidence in her choice. The businessman seemed like a trustworthy and intelligent fellow. Surely, he’d know how to spend their funds in the most economical way possible.
The fisherman looked for approval from the rest of the company before nodding and extending the pouch to the dark-haired halfling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2020 9:30 am
✦ THE SCHOLAR ✦
Alto listened intently to the old man's tale, slipping a narrow book from his pocket along with a kohl stick to take notes in his lap. His notes were more for posterity; a journal of their adventure that might be useful if--when--he managed to find a teaching position. He saw Mouse do the same and looked with interest at her developing sketch. Perhaps later, he might ask her to contribute a copy to his notebook.
When Mr. Langley finished his description of his daughter, Alto gave the older man a sympathetic smile. "She sounds lovely, sir. I'm very sorry for the misfortune you've endured. We'll do all that we can to help." As much as he wanted to lift the man's spirits, the halfling didn't dare promise more. With the mention of The Band of Skulls, Alto was much in doubt of his ability to contribute to their rescue efforts. He'd not crossed paths with them himself, but a growing number of merchants and tradesmen in Kannada had stories of their own encounters with the bandits.
He looked up in startled surprise at Mei's bubbly proclamation that he should be responsible for their funds. His cheeks warmed with a blush that was equal parts delight and embarrassment. This, at least, was a task he knew he was well-suited for. He accepted the leather coin pouch, allowing the weight of it in his hand to confirm its contents.
"I'm honored to be trusted with our funds!" he said brightly. Taking a moment to do the calculations in his mind, he added, "Though if anyone would prefer their share now, I'm happy to divide it."
He looked down into his lap and scribbled a few more notes in his little book--a list of arrangements they would need to sort out. When he finished, he looked around at their group. He'd wager Mr. Dez or Mr. Jalen might be their most capable trackers, so he looked to them as well as Mr. Langley to weigh in on his question: "We know we'll be headed for Bralia. Do we know yet if these bandits are traveling by land or by sea?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2020 8:42 am
✦ THE HERMIT ✦ Dez remained standing, raising an eyebrow at the sputtering halfling. He wasn't looking to get comfortable, or to socialize. His gaze wandered around the table as his new companions spoke-- the bubbly girl-- she couldn't be much older than a teenager--, the tiny were-mouse, the hooded man, the loud dwarf, and the amiable, smooth-talking halfling.
They all seemed so... Optimistic? Bright-eyed, full of life and hope.
Langley would be lucky if they found the girl's corpse.
But, he didn't say that out loud. And if Langley's words had any effect on him, his expression betrayed no emotions.
Still, he listened to the description carefully. It wasn't terribly useful, but he committed the small details to memory. Young human female, black hair, purple eyes, average build. And a name. It was enough.
The half-orc shrugged as the bag of gold was passed to Alto, nodding his assent. With his track record of trying to get his hands on some gold, it would probably be best for the team if someone else handled it. He wasn't here for the money anyway.
“They travel by land,” Dez spoke up. “They've been scavenging along the edge of my territory-- the desert to the north-- I tracked them to near the city, where I saw Mr. Langley's advertisement. From here, they appear to be heading east to the border of Kannada. We should be able to track them, no problem. They aren't exactly subtle with their raids.”
“But, the less time we waste, the more likely we are to find them faster. And the greater chance that the girl is still alive. The East Gate is the quickest way out of the city, and the closest to the path they most likely took.”
With that, he turned and walked out of the tavern, the gash on his arm still stinging. He'd see them there when they were ready to go.
The sooner they left, the better-- both for the girls' sake, but also because he didn't want to stay in the city a second longer than necessary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
