Kann Day I

[Salkazrian]

   "I'm with the Seyelites; the only army worth being with!"  Salkazrian smiled as she said this, showing that she wasn't being too serious.  "I've been with them for almost as long as I can remember.  Well, except for a few years when I was up north."

   Salkazrian idly took a doch nut herself, and washed it down with another swig of ale.

   "But I suppose you're wondering why we're in your neighbourhood, right?  Well, nothing to worry about, we've just been on a training exercise; letting the vai get used to fighting in the mountains."

   Noticing that the dwarf wasn't drinking anything, Salkazrian offered to buy him something.

   "These doch nuts are too salty to have on their own; what do you want to drink...sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

[Fidget]

Seeing the look in her eyes Fidget dredged his memory. Recalling a certain incident in Salsair where he had attempted to pick the wrong pocket he smiled and told her what he could.

Hmm Ainian you say . I seem to remember a man with that name. Let me think, ahh  yes Salsair I believe. Don’t know if he’s the one your looking for though. He was wearing the livery of some noble man or an other. Close cropped dark hair ‘bout my age I think, maybe a bit older. Met him in a tavern actually, seem to meet a lot of people in taverns. We played a bit of a dice game for a while, and told stories, none of them true but entertaining all the same. Watchful of his valuables he was. This said with a self deprecating grin.Sorry don’t know if this helps we really didn’t talk about anything of importance.

Wonder who this Ainian is to her. Don’t see much of a resemblance so probably not a brother. Though I did have a bit to much to drink that night, Ha, probably wouldn’t have tried to rob him if I hadn’t. Good thing he had been drinking to, to my way of thinking. Lover maybe, she has the look.

So, if you don’t mind me asking. Is he your brother? Looking for long lost family? He didn’t believe that this was the case but wanted to use a bit of tact to try and draw her out.

[Laonna]

"Hmm Ainian you say . I seem to remember a man with that name."

She could barely contain the radiant smile that enveloped her face. Finally, after so long! After all the fruitless searching, the days of almost giving up, finally, some news!

"So, if you don’t mind me asking. Is he your brother? Looking for long lost family?"

Overjoyed at this precious piece of news she dropped her apprehension and distrust for a moment. No, He was a ....
How to describe him? Mentor... No, that's too cold, Saviour.... Hah, no, that's too much of an embellishment. I know he was, but if you say that you'll sound silly.
A coy smile appeared on her face as she thought."...Friend, a good friend. The best."

She sighed contentedly before continuing. We got in a little trouble, just under two years ago. He saw what was coming and told me to go, so I did. I never heard from him after that. Not even one word. A wistful sigh escaped her lips. Just to hear he's still alive...

Glancing at Fidget, full of gratitude, she lay a hand on the table before murmuring Thankyou.

[Mathis Mallister]

The dwarf woman wags her tongue as much as that stick of hers, it seems. She even dared to touch him, several short taps that drew his attention back to the face a few fores above the floor. She spoke and Ruil replied while Mathis gave careful consideration to their next course of action. Fear was a constant companion of Mathis Mallister, once often felt and more recently routinely produced, and he now decided that the dwarf would know it as well. As long as she believed any unfamiliar face could be that of a killer, she would be forced to let the brothers handle the situation as they saw fit - or alert the local authorities herself. Even if he was going to let her fears and doubts linger, some reassuring was in order if the latter was to be avoided, especially considering the words that Ruil had left unspoken between the lines of his explanation of intent.

"Once we have secured the accused and assured the safety of Tyr Donian we will bring him before your chieftain. The Santhran's Justice requires local leadership's leave as well as proof of guilt to remove a suspect from a dwarven settlement." Mathis was lying to the dwarf. The brothers had never let bureaucracy impede their work before, and now was no time to pick up a troublesome new habit. Mathis was already deeply in need of a drink, and perhaps something more. Though such thoughts still made him feel somewhat guilty, he quickly saw the discomfort was for naught, as a sweeping glance from one end of the room to the other announced to him that most of the women present that morning in The Kann Kemruhnt were dwarves, elves, or hobbits. The few human females were either too old or had the look that suggested some friendly conversation would be required before bedding. Far too early for that. If Mathis had been alone he might have yawned.

At the end of the sweep, his eyes settled on the man that seemed to be the leader of the thugs that had entered just behind the Mallister brothers. He seemed to have quickly put himself to work as a bothersome distraction, apparently accosting a hoary old dwarf that had escaped his notice despite sitting at a table with much of the most flattering feminine specimens, intentionally subjecting himself to their frippery. One of the girls, who looked like just that - a mere girl - even wore a sword. If the god's were good, the swordmaiden would stand and give the offender a good thrashing, and Mathis a good laugh. Fool. When have the gods ever been especially good?

Mathis looked back at the brewmistress and nodded towards the impending altercation, alerting Hragnúr to it with the added intent of sending her on her way. "You may have other troubles as well. Oddly enough, I have little confidence in that greyler's skill to manage them on his own." He would have also suggested that perhaps a few pokes or a wag of her stick would solve the problem, but restrained himself. He already regretted his promise to protect the patrons. The things we do for money ...

The elder bounty-hunter raised a hand, a signal for Ruil to hold back and watch their "murderer" while he took a few steps toward the crowded table where the old dwarf sat. The tall musician had finished his performance and loomed large above a loud young lad and pair of hobbits, apparently still oblivious to the presence of those that hunted him. What Mathis moved toward now was a waste of time and effort, but if a fight erupted it would be only far too easy to lose the killer in the chaos. Someone had to soothe the situation, but what Mathis had seen flash in his younger brother's eyes when he charged him with vigilance had disturbed him. He knew what it was. The boy was worried about the man and the dwarf, and the crippled man as well most like. Ruil was worried this would be another Mach, another massacre. The things we do for love ...

[Galthas]

The Seyelites, thought Galthas, well, at least they're only doing training. He looked at the woman's uniform again as she offered to buy him a drink and asked his name.

"Ma name's Galthas," he told her when she had finished speaking, "Galthas Tavaria." Stroking his warm cat as she lay in his lap, he noticed that she had closed her eyes and fallen asleep.

Then he spoke to the officer again, "Nah, I'll wait 'til the situation here calms down afor orderin' somethin'. They must have you up here trainin' the new recruits, considerin' all yer medals an all."

Galthas motioned to her uniform and took another doch nut while sitting back, relaxed, in his chair.

[Salkazrian]

   “It’s nice to meet you, Galthas; I’m Salkazrian.”

   After reaching over to shake the dwarf’s hand, Salkazrian turned her attention to the ‘situation’ that Galthas had mentioned.  Two men, looking even more out of place here than herself, had been talking to a dwarven woman.  Now, one of the men had walked over to the table where trouble was brewing.

   “I don’t think it’s much of a problem.”  Salkazrian said, and then called out to the brewmistress, raising her arm as she did so.

   “Another ale here, and make it a strong one!”

   Having ordered the drink, she looked down at the various badges that adorned her waistband, and smiled.

   “Aye, you’re right there, Galthas; I’ve been training the vai; pretty hard, too!

   "I was at war in the Prominent Mountains before.  Perhaps you know them?  The Kurakim live up there.”

[Morden Peshirgolz]

Galkhirril

"Excuse me, but you may not want to anger him, he's feistier than he looks."

"Eh, ya say so, dwarf? I'm willing t'see just how feisty the old blockhead will get. I don't particularly like the disrespect he's shown me and my boys. Fair's fair, and we want to get what we deserve. If this ol' relic'll just let us trade with the fine folk o' Tyr Donian, we'll leave him to his peace," Weljan glared at the younger dwarf who had intervened in a matter he considered strictly his own personal business. What did it matter to this dwarf anyway? He wasn't a merchant, as far as Weljan knew.

Galkhirril looked appreciativley at Thorin, giving him a quick wink before speaking, "Aye lad, there still be spirit in me bones. Now, gentlemen, ya don't be trying to be persuading me no more. I've had more than enough of yer empty talk, and I don't particular like yer manners. If ya'd be kind enough to leave this tavern to its business, I'll--"

"Hey, there! Hoop-la! The Rovers are in town!..."

Galkhirril turned his head quickly to see what the young human was trying to do. It didn't take the old dwarf long to realize that this was his chance of ending the conversation with this group of wannabe ruffians before they backed up any of their threats. Perhaps if Dek performed something, maybe led the tavern in a song, he could get these merchants out of here without a fuss. It certainly was better than throwing the lot out of here. He hurriedly turned to the two ladies he had been speaking to before, "Quick lasses, I'm a thinking the time requires a bit o' song. If that Rover lad'll lead us, let's get the tavern singing again shall we?"

[Hragnúr Pakthroon]

“It would be quicker and quieter to do this on our own…provided our path remains unhindered and methods overlooked.”

Hragnúr thought a bit about this reply. Enigmatic, lacking the details necessary to calm her doubts and fears, it seemed a cop-out. But perhaps that was being a bit too accusing, since so far these men hadn't done anything except harassing one waiter. That was inexcusable, true, but not yet reason enough to brand this pair as criminals. A bit on the rowdy side, surely, but Hragnúr needed something more before passing judgement. At any rate, she would like to get some more details on what exactly was going on. The more she talked to these two, the more unsettling their presence and words became to her. "Well, what methods did ya have in mind, 'cuz I'm not gonna overlook anything more like what ya did ta me serving lass, hear? Now I think ya owe a little more respect ta me, seeing as I'm the one putting up with ya hanging 'bout me tavern. How 'bout ya answering a few questions--"

"Once we have secured the accused and assured the safety of Tyr Donian we will bring him before your chieftain. The Santhran's Justice requires local leadership's leave as well as proof of guilt to remove a suspect from a dwarven settlement."

This was more reassuring, if it was true. She certainly didn't yet have reason to order these men out of her tavern, so for the moment all she could do was keep a watchful eye. These men could be telling the truth, and could actually be serving some just cause. As long as they remained peaceful and law-abiding in her tavern, there was no reason to reprimand them, was there? "That sounds reasonable, I'll admit to ya. Just mind yerselves, and keep out o' any trouble. Any more harassing of the folk o' this tavern, and I'll be obliged to rid this establishment o' yer kind sirs presences."

She shook her staff at them one more time, as if wagging a finger in their faces, simply to pound home the sincerity of what she was telling them. Ambling away from the pair, she cast her glance about the tavern until she espied Morden, sitting at a table near two hobbits. She needed at least one other person to know what was going on, if for nothing than to get it off her chest. "Morden, I got something ta tell ya. Ya see those two--" she stopped abruptly as a new thought occurred to her. If the tavern patrons got wind of the idea that a murderer might be in their midst, the effect would be disastrous, to say the least. Better that this be a well-kept secret for now, "What I mean...eh, is...that I should be wantin' ta talk to ya in private in a few minutes. Perhaps after yer done playing, eh? That'd be good, friend."

She slowly walked back to the bar, standing in front of the several large barrels of ale, awaiting the moment when she could discuss things more clearly with Morden. While she sat there waiting, another dwarf in the tavern sat in his seat, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Thinks he's good at this game, does he? Thought Pragnék as he scooped the bones into his hand. We'll be seeing about that now, won't we? He shook the dice vigorously as he sized up his competition with a hard glint in his eye, "Not a bad roll for a first-timer, but you'll soon see how an old pro handles the bones." With that, he rolled the dice across the table. A two and a three. "I'll take 'em both, I will. Watch yerself, lad, methinks ye'll be 'seeing the skull' afore ya knows it." With another greedy smile, he awaiting the human's next roll.

[Deklitch Hardin]

Apart from the glance and salute he was given by the fellow who was sitting with the woman, Dek didn't get any real response to his advertising chant for the Rovers, then another idea came to him. Returning to where the musicians were still gathered, Dek asked them, "I don't suppose you know the tune of Rover Nancy, do you? If you don't, just follow my lead, I know the words ... if you do, keep up with me ... we sing it pretty fast amongst the Rovers."

After clearing his throat noisily, Dek began to sing a tavern song, one popularised in various taverns and other drinking establishments.

"Rover Nancy, she's my fancy
She's the girl you can’t turn down
How she greets ya when she meets ya
When the Rovers get into town
All the Rover ladies
They loves a real strong man
But at findin' a way to play in the hay
There's none like Rover Nan,"

Dek paused to make sure that the musicians were keeping up with him, and that some of the patrons were joining in on the words before launching into the second verse.

[Galthas]

As a server brought Galthas the ale that his new friend had ordered, she paid for it with a few sans. As he finished the doch nut he was chewing on, he took a large gulp of ale, savoring the great flavor of it.

"The Kurakim, huh," he began, answering her question, "Yeah, I've had a few of 'em come ta me ta get patched up. Thank ya fer the ale."

He stroked Almond, who had now fallen asleep, a few times as she lay in his lap before setting her on the floor.

"I've only been to the Prominents once er twice, though, nice place.

"Have you ever been to Remusiat? I was up there ta help as a medic during the orc attacks 'bout thirteen year ago. Beutiful when the sun comes up and goes down, but the people ain't ta trustin' of outsiders."

[Fidget]

The best. Seeing her smile he couldn't resist one of his own. The slight pause made him wonder again. Lover? No, that look speaks closer of family. Good friend it is then. Must be nice.

He paused once again as the young rover started another song, this time it was one that he was familiar with.
He hummed the tune under his breath a moment before turning back as she thanked him."No problem, like I said though it may not be the one you're lookin' for. But could be, and that’s what matters right? Never did have a lot of friends. Sure there were the other urchins, but nobody special like what you seem to have had."

He reached out and patted the hand she had extended, fighting the urge to look for jewelry. I hope it helps to hear of him. I was never very close with anybody except maybe my aunt and uncle, my mother died when I was born. The amulet was hers. And my father, well lets just say I ruined both his dreams when I was born. But I do wonder about my aunt sometimes, I hope she is doin' good.

He sat back in his chair after speaking. Once again the memories flooded through him, some good some bad. With a shake of the head he brought himself back to the present and took a look around to hide the slight misting of his eyes. He noticed that the men talking with the tavern made had toned down their intensity, but still looked determined. While the group who had followed them had finally found a target in and elder dwarf. Catching just a bit of the conversation he realized that things could get rough any moment. Wonderful, he thought. Just what I need more scars. Well hopefully somebody settles them down. If not though I can at least make sure that I get out, probably the girl as well. If she listens to me.

As he thought this he began scanning the room for ways out, or at least out of the way. Then he looked to her and gave a weak smile hoping she didn't notice the worry on his face. He had actually come to like her in just the few minutes they had been acquainted

[Laonna]

"...Sure there were the other urchins, but nobody special like what you seem to have had."

She glanced back at him, snapped out of her joyful remembrance of Ainian. Then he surprised her by patting her hand. She smiled inwardly as she thought on what this act of familiarity would mean to the man sat beside her. Hmmm, he seems to have noticed the same similarities you have, you have both lost loved ones, you both have a pendant, you both..... aware that she was searching for some tangible proof that she could accept the open offer of friendship contained in the simple gesture, she stopped that line of thought.

She was just about to speak when he continued to talk of his family. She listened, gaining a picture of insight into some of his past. At least my parents both loved me, that I know for sure.  Aware, at least partially, of his nature, she smiled up at him. For the first time she smiled at him, not to put him at his ease or from memories past, but because she was genuinely content with her company.

However, she caught his glances returning to the men who had seemed so threatening just moments ago. She fell once again into wondering whether she would run, as fast as he legs could carry her, as she so often had before. She turned as she sensed his attention back on her. She was absurdly touched by the smile he offered her, even though his eyes spoke of worry. No, I will not run again. She shifted her legs into a more comfortable position, unaware that by this movement she had dislodged the arrangement of her skirt that she had so carefully placed just minutes ago.

Suddenly, the boy who had so amusingly chanted before began to sing another song. Just as the words to the song started, she leaned a little closer to Fidget. " Do you know this one?" No sooner had she finished speaking when she felt the heat in her cheeks, a blush beginning in realisation of the thinly veiled subject of the song. The knowledge of the blush only served to deepen it, until she had to look away from the red haired man before him. Dare I even hope, a friend?

[Salkazrian]

   "A medic," Salkazrian repeated softly, and then shifted uneasily in her chair.  For some reason, the seemingly fearless warrior-woman was terrified of healers.  It was, of course, completely irrational.  Salkazrian was well aware of the vital role that they played; she herself could administer basic first-aid; but she still vehemently refused to be subjected to another's examination or treatment.

   She silently regarded the dwarf for a moment.

   "Well, as long as you don't try to examine me, you should be alright." she said somewhat enigmatically.  "I'm serious.  Really, I can get nasty if somebody tries to examine me; I don't know why."

   A cold wave of fear had swept over her, making her shudder a little.  To calm the effect, she took another, deeper swig of ale.

   "So you had trouble with the orcs, too?"

   A change of subject was probably best at this point.

   "Not that it surprises me; that's why I was in the Kurakim lands; fighting the filthy Losh-Oc.

   "It seems as though you've been about a bit; Remusiat is a long way from here!  Not that I've ever been.

   "But why was you so far north?"

[Galthas]

Galthas looked at the militarywoman that he had been talking to for the past little while. Afraid of healers, why in the name of Trum-Baroll would she be in afraid of healers, the dwarf asked himself silently in his head, as a soldier you would think that she would've had her fair share of medic examinations.

"Oh," he said suddenly, remembering that she had asked him a question and he had spent the past few minutes wondering in his head, leaving her to finish a drink of her ale.

"Oh, uh, right. In my apothec'ry back home ah got word that the orcs had attacked the city o' Remusiat. Things 'ad been a bit slow, so I packed up and went up there ta help patch up tha soldiers that 'ad got injured."

Almond was now complaining about the lack of attention Galthas had been showing her in the past little while, and she was showing this disappointment by nudging Galthas in the face. To sate the cat, the dwarf scratched her behind the ears, which she seemed to enjoy thoroughly.

[Foraste Lydan]

Foraste watched the gambler roll the bones and take both of the numbers. The tavern had become increasingly jovial and  the performers had started another song. Foraste picked up the bones and rolled them across the table quickly. They spun to a stop and displayed a six and a one.

I should get as many numbers as I can at first, "I'll take them both," he announced. The argument between the brewmistress and the two travelers had died down, but a hurried glance at a man near where he was sitting put a lump in his throat. He hoped there would not be any bloodshed in the tavern.

Advanced search

[Members]

Members Total Members: 2849 Latest: abigailjordan Stats Total Posts: 214569 Total Topics: 8052 Online Today: 30 Online Ever: 216 (November 30, 2006, 09:08:03 AM) Users Online Users: 0 Guests: 43 Total: 43

[Artimidor]

	Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2005, Simple Machines TinyPortal v0.9.8 © Bloc
Theme based on Cerberus with Risen adjustments by Bloc and Krelia Modified By Artimidor for The Santharian Dream