A form clothed entirely in black approaches the tavern of Jastrey without hesitation, seeming to have followed the most direct path from the road outside there with familar ease. The hood of the small figure's cloak was pulled down to hide the eyes in it's shadow and a black mask hid the lower half of the face. It seemed to move with a feminine sway as it walked, ascending the few steps into the Shady Corner lightly. She settled down at an empty table not far from the side door, and signaled for the barmaid. A soft, thickly accented voice could be heard ordering an ale as fingertips lightly drummed against the wood of the table. Around her throat was a green and black crest of sorts, consisting of a skull and two cobras, likely recognisable to a few as the crest of Clan Cassitran.
Galdor was sitting at a table on a far side of the tavern, sipping his wine as he continued writing notes into his journal. He noticed the strange woman as she quietly walked into the tavern and took her seat. The elf thought for a second about going to meet this new face, but decided against it after noticing the pendant draped across her neck. "I came into town for a nice, relaxing evening. No need to go snooping about", Galdor said ever so quietly under his breath. He took a long drink from his glass and continued to write.
Taklinn walks out from the kitchen with a plate in one hand and a tankard in the other. He looks about the tavern, and shrugs as he begins walking towards a table in the corner that he might put his back to a wall. Taking a wide berth around the two Uordeq, he suddenly spills his plate of food on the floor and grips the axe upon his belt as it shakes uncontrollably in its frog. He begins muttering to himself as he tries to set down his drink. Finally he reaches the table, and without spilling a drop sets his mug down on the table. He then draws his axe and seems to be fighting the urge to go bury it into one of the Uordeq's skulls. He sets the axe on the bench and sits down upon it, saying loudly "Ye dolt! We'll end their pathetic existence if they move against us, and not a second afore! I aint fer makin' more enemies in this blasted town than need to be made. In but a few days we won't have to endure the sight of them hoots everyday!"
Taklinn visibly calms and takes a long pull from his tankard. Upon finishing the drink, he sets the tankard down and looks around. "Sandstone! Now I've got ta get another plate!" Growling he puts the axe back on his belt and gathers his tankard and sets out again to the kitchen to gather another meal; taking an even wider berth of the two women this time.
FuChu entered the Tavern in a silent manner, In his hands he carried what seem to be a teapot of sorts and a pair of small cups made of bamboo. Fu took in his surrondings taking a seat at a nearby table. He filled one of the cups with a strange liquid and drank it relasing a sigh of releif. Fu filled his cup once more. "Where could Taklinn-dono be, The letter said to go to Tavern, hmm" Fu pondered to himself, Much has happened since comming to this strange new land. He had fought alongside the people of this town and even found fellow Dwarfs, tho they spoke strangely. Fu diddn't mind it had been long since he came across a kinsmen. Fu allowed his mind to drift and meditate upon the events that had passed
Glimmer enters the tavern breathlessly after making her most recent run of deliveries. She eyes the two Uordeq females at the bar, deciding at once that one of them is Katri. She flits over happily, giggling and clapping, and snatches Katri up in a bear hug. "HIIIIIIIIIIII KATREEEEEEES! Where you been whatcha doin when did yuo get back?" Glimmer bombards the small Uordeq with questions before plopping down in between Katri and Akon, digging her cookies out. She look at Akon, and stuffs four cookies in the warlock's mouth before saying "You just be quiet you fae desecrator." She then pours tea for herself and Katri and places cookies in front of them.
Taklinn reemerges from the kitchen with plate and food, and upon seeing Glimmer with the two Uordeq, he puts his head down and shakes it. Giving the group a wide berth again, and trying hard to maintain the plate and tankard as his axe begins to hum again, he quickly walks to the table that Fu Chu is sitting at. Sitting down, he says "Evening Brother, I trust that yer doin well this evening. Did ye get that blade I sent ye?"
Fu finished his second cup and smiled at Taklinn "Hai, I did indeed, many thanks Brother." he paused pouring another cup full before continuing "i appreciate it, Also I'm intrested in the news you sent me with your letter" he spoke softly watching the others in the tavern with curiosity.
Akon reached up with swiftness to match the fae, catching her hand before the cookies where sucessfully stuffed. But she took them with the slightest if smirks from the exuberant Fae and gently chewed one at a time, meticulous in her cookie eating. All the while her red gaze watched like a hawk at the interactions between the Fae and Katri. Hardly threatening in nature, but the warlock gave off the feeling that she was very much aware of the goings on around herself and the Uordeq behind which she stood watch.
"Thank you, Mistress Nivarian. By all means, please seet down." Katri gave a careless motion with her hand, rather reminicent of her father, before slowly reaching to draw her hood back slightly. Her eyes moved to Taklinn as she moved to lower her mask and take up the goblet of wine. An eyebrow raised and a low chuckle escaped her lips, "Taklinn, eet seems, ees just as graceful and eloquent as ever. Plenty ohf new faces around as vell."
Dark eyes scanned the room while she sipped her wine, in no particular hurry. She had only just set the goblet down when Glimmer grabbed her in a bear hug. Once she was released, she gave a small smile and began to answer the fae, "Hello to you as vell Miss Glimmer. I vas at home, een the Shadelands. I am not doink anythink een particular right now, since I haff been back for less than an hour."
Leofrick noticesTaklinns' anger rise from the corner of the tavern, stands up and walks over to adress the dwarf. "It would be in your best intrest not to disturb the lady Cassitan and lady Nivarian, dwarf. The others won't take it very kindly, and neither shall I."
"Lovely dear Katri." Glimmer then turns a seething scowl to Akon "Since you STILL can't seem to play along nicely, unhand me. My flesh won't peel for you, nor will my soul cry out for the likes of you." She then flies straight into the air and lands beside Taklinn and FuChu.
Taklinn looks up from his meal and conversation with Fu Chu to regard the impudent Uordeq standing over him. "If ye knew what was good fer ye hoot, ye would turn tail and get outta me sight. The only interruptin' happening right now is you interrupting me meal and conversation with a kinsman. Of course if ye would like to meet Gecel Grandhelm here...." he continues while tapping his axe on his side, "Then I would more than happily introduce ye to him. Yer kin Rasiri met him the other night and lasted all of 10 seconds, otherwise quit breathing on me damned food and return to yer urdek kin. Whether they or you takes it kindly is not me concern. I have bested better, and will not yield to the likes of ye." he says calmly, obviously trying to control his tone and temper. Then as if a light had switched off his calm facade fades and a dangerous look comes over his face and he rises to his feet to scream in the Uordeq's face. "Ye heard him Hoot! NOW BEGONE AFORE I CUT YER HEAD OFF AND PISS DOWN YOUR FILTHY NECK!"
Solas can be seen sitting at a far table, a lit briar pipe hangs skillfully from his smiling mouth. Lions with full stomachs wear the same smile while watching baby deer play. His ice blue eyes seem to glow playfully as he watches the gathered citizens from his booth at the corner. Finally he stands and moves across the tavern to the group that has formed.
"It's been a while, princess." He eyes the Uordeq with mild suspiscion. His cool gaze shifts to Taklinn. "What seems to be the problem, Master Dwarf?" He asks with an exhale of dense smoke.
Looking around past the Uordeq still standing over his food, the dwarf says in low angered tones "Tryin to enjoy a meal, but evidently thats too much to ask in a Tavern. Sit here with me friend, and get accosted and breathed on by any passerbys that happen along and want to throw impotent threats. That about sums it up." Taklinn shakes his head and sits back down, reaching for Glimmer's hand and looking up again at the Uordeq. His ears get more and more red as the seconds pass by, before finally shouting at the Uordeq "Get away from me table, and stop breathin' yer foul breath on me food! Go back to yer corner and I will stay in mine, but if ye push me much farther I will take what yer doin' as a threat and not just a silly misunderstandin'"
Solas's smile falters a bit. He inhales deeply on the pipe. He lets out a soft chuckle as he exhales. "You think Uordeq breath on you food is bad. It'd be a shame to taint such a meal with its blood." He looks to Akon and grins almost mockingly. He turns to the dwarf and sits beside him, "Is this the axe that 'ripped' Akon's soul from her body?" He asks, deliberately trying to change the subject. "Her words, not mine."
Fu was startled by all of the commotion, Being from the east he has never seen the dark eyed ones nor hath he seen any type of fae. He eyed the dark one suspiciously. He could tell that the dark eyes did not like his fellow dwarfs, and nor did his kinsman care for the dark eyed ones. Fu's attention shifted to the strange man sitting at the table with him. His demeanor was strange Fu had trouble reading the man, "Calm kinsman, do not give powa over yourself to thos you do not favor." he smiled "plus we have many a thing to look forward to, like our new home" he sipped from his cup. studying the wing'ed one and the strange man sitting at the table
"A while indeed, Solas." Katri slanted an unreadable look, accompanied by an equally undreadable smirk, at the currently un-blindfolded Empyrean.
Calmly her attentions turned to the unknown Uordeq seeming to defend Akon and herself from Taklinn. Her quiet, thickly accented voice carried over and was light, "Taklinn Forgesplitter, you take offense to a bit too much, I belief. Those who don't know you particularly vell shouldn't be taken quvite so seriously. Last I recall, peace anyvhere vas the last think one could find een Jastrey. As fhor you, my fellow Uordeq, leaf the Dwarves to their own business. Come and seet down vith us, eef you vish. Eet doesn't do to make unnecessary enemies here een town, eef you haven't yet noticed. Then again, I don't know eef you haff even been here long enough to yet notice such thinks. Eet has been a vhile since I, myself, haff been here."
"Yes m'Lady Cassitan, as you wish." Leofrick made his way to the bar next to Akon and took his seat. "Do forgive my m'lady, I prefer others not to speak ill of the nobles, that's is the one and only thing my father taught me." Leofrick reaches into his pouch and pulls out a small glass and continues by fulling his glass with stout ale.
"Bah lad if ye dont stick up fer yerself the crooks in this town will try to run over ye." Taklinn says to Fu Chu. "And if yer not accustomed to seein' urdek scum, then yer in fer a treat. It seems that only the best and brightest make their way here to Jastrey. Take that young lad that just came and ruined me meal there. He was curryin' favor fer those two, as if they need his protection. What is he gonna do when the little one buries her sword in his back and the tall one turns his corpse into a meat puppet? The same thing he did over here at our table, not a damned thing." he finishes with a slight belly laugh at the absurdity of the whole situation. "And how fares the Hunt Lad?" Taklinn asks Solas after taking a large gulp of his ale.
Solas signals to the barwhench to bring him a drink. The dwarven style ale comes just as Taklinn asks his question. The question catches him midgulp. Solas glances to the Dwarf out of the corner of his eye before swallowing and setting his drink down. "The Hunt is..." His voice seems to trail off. "They fare well enough, I suppose. Blisdon should be collecting his herbs somewhere and communing with the spirits of the forest. Finian is no doubt off practicing swordsmanship with Thop. Mikaeus and Simon well, I don't rightly know what they do in their free time." He smiles. "Me, I feel there's no greater pleasure than sharing a drink with an old friend." He raises his glass to Taklinn.
Glimmer notices FuChu's glances and flits into the air, landing on the other side of him. She begins saying "NIIINJETTI CHOPIES!" and rapidly moving her hands. "See FuChu! I can be a ninjetti! Do they have ninjettis where you came from? I like your tea set. I have a tea set too. And tea. And cookies. And candy. Because I love them. You want some cookies? I love COOKIES!" Glimmer quickly tosses two pouches of cookies on the table in front of FuChu, then plops down with a hiccup beside Taklinn, unwrapping a piece of awkward looking candy and sliding it into her mouth. "Whewwwwww! That's good. Refreshing even. Goodie Goodie gumdrops." She plants a kiss on Taklinn and taps her nose in excitement.
With a graceful sweep of her hand, the warlock brushed her robe asside as she took a seat with her back to the wall facing both the tavern folk and Katri. Her watchful gaze casually glanced about the other folks, dark eyes looking along the limb and body of the Uordeq which had rose to the royal's defense. She then let a sly glance shoot edgewise with a smirk towards FuChu. Her low tones came through in an even, yet slightly amused lull. "I would advise..." She paused with a bit more of a smirk. "That you avoid the candy which that Fae seems so adamantly addicted to...as she is indeed, addicted. It is laced with the slave toxin of a Rienholdt. Well known slavers and assasins, of my kin, lad. You'd be licking the soles of his feet for a taste of those sweets should you let your tongue taste of them but once."
Leofrick looks at the Uordeq woman, "Why is someone wasting slave toxin on a fae? There isn't much point to that in my opinion, but to each their own." Loefrick refilled his glass with ale whilst looking and watching the villagers of Jastrey coming and going for food and drink.
Galdor waved for the barmaid to bring another glass of wine. He had long since set his journal down to enjoy the show that has been played before him. "I knew it was a good idea to lounge around the tavern today." He thanked the barmaid and took a long drink from his glass, giving time to enjoy the sweet liquor.
Katri turned to the unknown male, the corners of her lips turning up ever so slightly, "Miss Glimmer, eef you didn't know, ees a Papilio fae. They need candy, eet seems. She can also get her hands on about anythink anyone een Jastrey needs and ees an outstandink Scout and more than proficient vith a bow. I do not theenk that Wreynn ees vastink anythink. Then again, I haff never had trouble out ohf the Reinholdt's candy, personally, but ohf course I vas raised vith them and to know better."
Fingertips drummed lightly at the counter top again as the other hand lifted the goblet of wine again. There was a familiar, almost metalic smell underlying that of the alcohol, accompanied by the underlying taste of a similar nature. Either the Nivarian still knew her quite well, or the older woman had also a taste for blood. Of course, both were entirely possible. She studied the male for a moment longer, before finally asking, "Vhat ees your name, anyvay?"
Blisdon slowly opened the large doors leading into the shady corner and stepped jovially inside, One of his eyes completely obscured by a large chunk of mana crystal in a resemblance to some sort of mock monocle held in place by a contortion of the shaman's eyebrow.
For what little facial hair the uordeq could grow, several days of scratchy and barblike growth seemed to have sprouted up along his jawline and chin. The first person he was to pass was an uordeq who's accent he could unfortunately never forget.
"Your accent seems to have gotten thicker, Your highness. Much like those...motherly hips." Blisdon couldn't help but grin deviously at that "Speaking of which...Wheres ye baby at? Didn't leave em in a trash bin for Akon to get her mitts on did ya? She'd have its poor deki' corpse up and tapdancing by the end o' the night if'n ya blink for too long."
With a chuckle blisdon continued to walk towards the bar, ordering for himself their finest vintage of water and slowly taking a refreshing gulp, followed by a second gulp as he spots Solas in the corner and gives the seer a hearty Thumbs-up, The Shamans monocle still secured in place with thanks to the heroic efforts of his wildly contorted eyebrow.
Cail walks in slowly, both hands raised to his temples. He worked his fingers, massagingly, into them as a slight scowl overtook much of his features. It seemed his latest feat of spellcasting had taken it's toll, but where scars used to be there were none and his eye was also a different color than it was merely a week ago.
He walked between the two groups of people in the tavern, overhearing the coversations between and among, but not showing signs of it. He continued massaging his temples as he sat down at an empty table, of which there were a few, and mumbled under his breath. [Conjure]
There came forth a small unembellished cup of clear, cool water, which soon came to meet Cail's lips as he removed his hands from his temples to pick up said cup. After his first sip, he simply held it in front of his face, hands wrapped around the metallic surface, and flicked his eyes back and forth at the arguing peoples.
"Hmph," he said under his breath with a slight smile. "Just got back to town and already stirring up things, eh Katri?"
"Five mest een the Shadelands vill do that to an Uordeqi accent, Blisdon. I see you are doink as vell as ever. Though, I can't help but notice you haff not yet figured out how to get that beard ohf yours back." Katri replied to the former Dwarf with a soft chuckle and a polite incline of her head. In the light of the tavern the dark silver-grey rings of her eyes seemed slightly paler, making her near-black eyes seem much darker.
The sight of Cail mildly surprised Katri, who momentarily seemed to half forget how long it had been since she had last spoken to him as he hid himself outside Jastrey. She supposed it had been more than long enough to reveal himself as having returned by then. "Eet vould seem that I can do nothink else, my friend. Even vhen my only intent ees to come to the tavern fhor a drink."
Blisdon Shrugged at Katri and released a long sigh from deep within his chest. His eyebrows arching high in a wearied and forlorn expression, causing his mana-monocle to fall from his cheek and neatly into his glass of water.
"Bah, Beard or no beard, The blood running in these veins don't belong in any race. Or place for that matter...I'll be watchin' Ya."
The Shaman took another gulp of his thirstquenching beverage and pulled a small stick of various herbs and blends of tobacco from behind his ear and with the strike of a match against the rough surface of the bar he set it alight, slowly puffing at the bizarrely scented smoke burning within.
The doors of the Shady Corners clatter open, but nobody appears to have entered or exited the tavern. Soft footsteps and creaking floorboards gave way to the presense of a man who did not seem to exist for anyone paying attention under the cachophony of chatter from the current tavern patrons.
A few nudges later, Wreynn emerges from the shadows, his hand gently resting on Leofrick's shoulder as he brushes him out of the way to slide in next to Solas. Leaning over to the Empyrean he says softly, "You may want to check your sources with the Wild Hunt Information Network, but news from the shadelands tells me she's no longer what you would call a 'princess'. Daddy's girl, no doubt, but she's always been. The Cassitran Clan is in decline and Lord Alexeai has made public that none of Cassitran children shall inherit his title upon his death."
Nodding to Glimmer, Wreynn produces a large bag from under his cloak and places it on the table in front of her. "The usual," he says, as a devilish smile creeps across his lips. "And if you have a few couriers free, I could make use of them, I'm more than happy to see that they're well fed and well taken care of prior to their trip, but I need someone to be away to Dragon's Cove to see about this Scorch matter. Rumor says the bounty has been raised and any that can best the beast will be given a kings randsom. I've always liked the sound of that."
Glimmer spots the bag on the table, and eyes Wreynn with a stricken look. She grabs the bag and hugs it at the same time saying 'Scorch again. So it's true then. I'll gather the couriers closest by post haste Uncle. I know they'll be safe under your eye." At that, Glimmer turns to set out, but turns back to the tall Uordeq close to Wreynn. "While you may feel this candy is a wast, I'm loyal to my Uncle Wreynn by choice. And Katerina as well. She's given me no reason to wish her ill words or harm, and came to me for training years back when she first picked u pa bow. Be mindful of your words, young Uordeq. I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Akon has tainted a young Seelie's soul, so there is proven animosity there. But do not think for a second that I'd save you before her." At that, Glimmer tosses a second pouch of cookie to both female Uordeq and squishes Wreynn into a bear hug. "I'll have the couriers ready this evening." She pulls away, rights her tutu, and stops to speak to Taklinn and the dwarves.
"Taklinn me love, it appears there's a dire matter at hand and I must assist Uncle Wreynn. Calm yerself bumblebeard, as I know where your thoughts lie. This is bigger than your hatred for Uordeq. Dragon's Cove has seen Scorch, me love. Or something like that. There's a bounty up near a King's randsom, according to Uncle Wreynn, to anyone who can best the sleepless dragon. Mind your tounge here, and sharpen that axe. Geccel will want blood, and aye me love, you must feed him soon it seems. I'll be back this evening. I'm setting out to find the Couriers."
"I am sure you vill." Katri replied simply to Blisdon, before returning to her blood-spiked wine.
She showed no surprise when The Reinholdt seemed to materialize from nowhere. His footsteps had been a give away towards the end. The again, the tavern door opening had given her an idea of it to begin with. She lifted her goblet in his direction a half sly, half coy smile on her face, "On top of things as alvays, Wreynn. 'Daddy's girl' ees not exactly how I vould phrase eet, but eet vill do. Either vay, heir or not, I shall haff vhat I vant een the end. I alvays do. Eet ees no different, I vould gather, than the Reinholdt's great... Interests een expanding their fortunes. I suppose they are family traits that ve haff inherited, respectively, ohf course."
When Glimmer spoke up, Katri smiled. Always energetic and truthful, but motherly and severe as needed. She almost felt pity for the other Uordeq, but for one thing, pity was out of her emotion range, and for another: he certainly had to learn somehow.
"Do forgive me m'lady, I've not introduced myself to either of you, My name if Leofrick Adrianus von Engirburgh, at your service, I apologize if there was any inconvenience for my actions upon you ladies." Leofrick stood to bow and took his seat again to to futrher his intoxication of his ale.
Solas sips at his drink. "Aye. I remember the letter that poisoned ol' Ras' at our festival a few Mest ago." He pauses for a minute. "I also recall Miss Cassitran here running off to get back into Daddy's good graces." He smiles and chuckles to himself. "Plus it's always good for a quick joke." He grabs up his ale and downs it with a grin and a wink.
"Oi Blisdon!" Solas shouts to his companion. "Ol' Reinholdt here doubts out Information Network!" He says with a laugh. "Come join Taklinn and I in a drink. You don't mind, do ya' Taklinn?" He asks, almost rhetorically, toking at his briar pipe.
"And pop goes the weasel," thought Cail to himself as Wyrenn came into existance. He then set his cup down to resume massaging his temples, the smile fading quickly into a scowl.
After a minute he raises his voice slightly so it was at a normal speaking tone, then he said to Katri, "So hows Lord Cassitran these days? Still upset and ready to kill anything that doesn't please him?"
Blisdon Grinned widely, smoke trailing out from between his teeth as he made his way over between Solas and Taklinn, Taking a seat by his Empyrean friend.
"Ol Wreynn here's Babblin' about the WHIN? Can't exist, Doesn't exist! For that to exist we'd have to be schemers and plotters like Ol' Akon and Them Gaveleers. " Blisdon's smile stuck on his face as he chugged down what remained of his water, producting the Mana-Monocle between his teeth and afixing it back onto his right eye with comical squeaking noises as bad sound effects from his mouth during the process.
"So...Kings randsom eh? What sort of king is bankrolling this operation then?" The shaman Shouted out, Hoping to get Wreynn's attention.
"I don't know who's bankrolling the venture, its just the rumor that's going around," Wreynn says leaning into the table, "but money is money, and gems are gems, and I plan to get my cut of it. From what I see around here, Taklinn's got a shiny new axe, the town has a few new shields, some of you have finally started to learn the meaning of tactics. I think its time to assemble a small army. Call it greed, call me an opportunist, or hell, just call me up for an adventure," Wreynn pauses while fidgeting with his daggers. "It's been far too long since I've seen a good fight, I think its time to come out of retirement for a while, and what better way to do it than to hang a dragon's skull from my mantle?"
Wreynn ends, slamming his fist into the table and laughing heartily. "Who's with me?"
"Aleksei ees like that even een a good mood, Cail, and unfortunately, he ees doink quvite vell. I haff only just left hees sight, really. No more than an hour ago." The small Uordeq ignored Solas' comment. His network was, it seemed, a touch more faulty than he thought and she didn't care to correct him.
She nodded to Leofrick, "I see. In light of proper introductions, I am Katerina Adriah Cassitran, though it appears you already knew part of that. Most simply call me Katri."
Her gaze drifted around the room, taking in all the activity. She noted the new and relatively new faces as she did so. The small town of Jastrey seemed to be getting rather crowded in the recent months. One patron, she noticed, was an elf who seemed to just be sitting back quietly and watching all the commotion. He and the strange looking Dwarf who spoke brokenly held a minor degree of her attention. She sat quietly for a while just taking in the goings on around her and drinking her wine. She would never be caught admiting it, but she had somewhat missed the familiar bustlings and arguments of Jastrey, as well as all the other various schemes and excitement. Though, the crowding would likely push her further back into hiding. Not that she wasn't already attracting plenty of attention as it was.
"You can count me een. I need somthink fun to do after mests vith Aleksei." Katri added almost simultaneously with Solas. She had set down her cup and was paying a touch more attention to the conversation surrounding hunting down Scorch and the reward for slaying him. It seemed you could always count on a Reinholdt to know about the best paying, and rather most exciting ventures around.
"Interesting proposition Wreynn.. " Muttered blisdon, A look of challenge in his eyes.
"I think I'm game, But by the forsynteril I'm claiming that head for the Wild Hunt..."
Blisdon looks onwards to the chess set across the tavern and then back to wreynn.
"I'll play ya for it. If you've got what it takes to stay in one place for long enough without vanishing into the shadows."
Thorlond gets up from his unoccupied table and takes a seat next to Taklinn.
"A lot of urdeks en here this evening,” Thorlond says eyes scanning the vast majority of the taverns patrons.
“Yer letter said you reclaimed the mines. This is great news me apologies fer not helping out more but some other pressing matters had arisen,” continues the dwarf in a much softer tone.
“I do believe I will take you up on yer offer just tell me what must be done.” Thorlond finishes.
Galdor's ears perked up at the sound of a chance to earn a little coin for the first time since the elf arrived in Jastrey. "You only live once, right? I don't mind lending my shield for the hunt," the elf said without so much as shifting in his chair. Galdor polished off the rest of the wine in his glass and hunched over to start writing a few more notes in his journal.
Fu took a cookie carefully examining it. he ate it slowly and found that indeed he did like these things called cookies. he stroked his long beard trying to understand all of the events that were progressing infront of him. He knew little of this Scorch figure but he knew what ever it was it ment trouble. Fu leaned towards Taklinn "On the note of the mines I am more than willing to help friend. And no worries i will stick up for myself we beards are few but strong ne?" Fu chuckled gently and poured himself another cup of tea. he drank it with his cookies reminding himself to thank the wing'ed one for the cookies
"And of course you're right about that," said Cail in response to Katri. "I was 30 feet away from him those many months ago and I really don't want to get any closer to him than I am right now. It takes a... how do I say this... a 'special' kind of person to be in his good graces, much less within sight distance."
Turning his attention towards Wyrenn, whom he had yet to meet formally, Cail piped up to his question by saying, "If you've got room for another spellcaster, then I'll be glad to give the ol' fire-spittin' lizard a face full of Aether!" At this last word, Cail winced heavily and his right hand shot to his face, holding it as if it pained him greatly.
"Special, you say... Somehow, I theenk that ees not the right vord..." Katri fell silent, the remnants of an amused smirk resting on her lips as she pondered Cail's words. She certainly couldn't blame him for his feelings on being near her father. More often than not, she would rather not be within thirty feet of him. Granted, it was likely for different reasoning that she wanted to keep her distance from Aleksei Cassitran at times. Watching Cail lift a hand to his head as though he were in pain, Katerina raised an eyebrow. "Cail, are you alright? You look rather rough. Ees there something wrong? Perhaps you should seek out one ohf the healers?"
The rather consistent piping in to go adventuring to hunt Scorch with Wreynn wasn't particularly surprising, even if it was likely most of the citizens of Jastrey would never normally follow an Uordeq. Instead, she found it a familiar comfort. It seemed in the time she had spent in the town, people, new or longer-term resident, always jumped at the chance for adventure, treasure, or riches of various kinds. She was more than happy to quietly slip back into the swing of things as best she could as soon as she could. Aside from that, thought of encountering a Dracolich intrigued her, even if it meant following the man who had frequently tugged on her ponytail and gave her a hard time when they were children (for which she had naturally sworn never to trust or follow him again... repeatedly... and failed despite being a champion grudge holder). Granted there was also the fact that he was still a Reinholdt, now a man, and very much an Uordeq. She shook her head lightly at the thoughts accumulating in her head. Going home had made her quite nostalgic and reminiscent, to what she felt was a somewhat foolish degree. A low sigh pushed the last of the distracting thoughts of long ago away. Her focus returned to the matter at hand involving Scorch and waiting on Cail's reply.
Cail parted his fingers so his eye could peer through his hand at Katri. He then laughed uneasily to himself and said rather unconcerned, "No, no. It's just one of the side effects of a little spell ive been working on. Illusion isn't my strong suit, but I'm better at it than some, as for healing... well let's just say that there are some things in this world that everyday magic, much less bandages, can't fix."
He removed his hand from his face and reached for his half empty cup again. Taking a sip and swallowing slowly, he said, "The pain can be dealt with until I find a different solution to my problem, but for now, there is nothing to be done. Thank you for your concern, however."
"I never suggested that any kind of magic or bandages could heal everythink, Cail. Eet simply looks like you haff a headache or somethink. Eet ees good to know that you are handlink eet vell though, thees side effect ohf your spell vork." Katri replied evenly, raising her goblet slightly in his direction before bringing it to her lips once more. Her dark gaze continued to drift around the room. Her advisor's silence didn't particularly make her wonder, as it often seemed common place. She also took note that the town's Dwarf population seemed to be on the rise and resisted the urge to roll her eyes and sigh at the very thought. While her gaze and thoughts drifted, a hand reached up almost instinctively to fidgit with the pendant at her throat. Another item from her mother, just as the bow that still rested on her back.
Finally finished with his meal, Taklinn addresses those left at the table. "The mines are clear, an I'm thinkin' that all of town can benefit from them. The scant shacks at the entrance can ve rebuilt by the surface dwellers in whatever manner they choose or suits them. Let all of town benefit from the mines I say, but the living quarters deep in the mountain I look to reserve fer us and our kin. I am not sure the restless spirits down there would even allow non kin to live there."
He takes a pull from his flask, and continues talking in hushed tones to the other dwarves present.
Cail also inclined his cup towards Katri and raised it to his own lips, but sighed as he found that it was empty. Rolling his eyes, he let the energy roll from his hand [Conjure] watching as the cup refilled itself with water, condensation beading the sides from the sheer chill of the liquid. Taking a sip of the near freezing water Cail let out and audible "Ahh" as an obvious sign of his pleasure.
Delvin had been sitting quietly at one of the empty tables, back pressed against the wall and arms folded across his chest. His eyes had been closed up until the outburst from Taklinn in responce to the Uordeq, where he'd simply quirk his brow and note the humming in his axe. Cogs turned within the Elf's head and then suddenly he understood, he eyed the axe with a pensive stare before glancing back up towards Taklinn, smiling and nodding towards the Dwarf in greeting.
He listened to the talk of there being a ransom on Scorch's head, "A Dracolich causing trouble for innocent people? Go figure". he chuckled faintly before raising his hand, "I was planning on investigating the reports of his reappearance anyway, might as well be paid for it. You can count me in, Reinholdt". After speaking up he'd fall back into silence, simply taking in the commotion that was going on around him.
The soft sound of boots ever so lighty meeting wood accompanied the footfalls of yet another Uordeq entering the tavern. Binx, however, did not seem to take much interest in the gathering of townsfolk. She was without her bow and quiver but her sword sat snugly in the frog at her hip. Her face was masked by black fabric, save her yellow eyes that peered out from their dark sockets. She glanced over the group as she passed wordlessly, recognizing most of the faces including Katri. She made her way to the back of the tavern to an empty table away from the windows. She placed a small, worn leather journal on the table and began to read.
She did keep an ear open to the conversation enough to hear mention of Scorch.She had seen the destruction the creature could cause and had fought alongside the rest of Jastrey to defeat it but apparently it's reputation for returning despite having been killed rang true. If the beast was just going to keep coming back she didn't see much point in going after it again, despite the fact that she caught the word "bounty" as well.
Wreynn unfurls an old parchment, gently smoothing it out on the table for all to see. In a strangely authoratative tone for Wreynn, he begins, "Glimmer, the first task is yours, or more aptly, your couriers. Have them seek out the most direct route to this Dragon's Cove. Verify the dragon still exists, and this little journey is worth our time.'
Looking around the room trying to find familiar faces that he could trust he starts with Cail. "You, I need you to go to the farm, talk to Jeb and Abagail, tell them that we're going to need supplies for the trek. Its not likely to be a short one, so anything they can can, package, seal, stuff, sack, preserve, or salt will be nice. Oh, and go ask the pirates if they have any recommendations on what they'd bring on a long voyage. Do it quick, I'm not about to lay about town longer than I have to!"
Turning to Blisdon and Solas of the Wild Hunt, "You two, I need eyes and ears, you still talk to the Forsynteril, correct? If so, you know what to do."
Finally, he turns to Taklinn and the Dwaraves, "I haven't heard a word out of you lot. Taklinn, I know you've got just as much of a grudge with Scorch as I do. I know you're not one to blindly follow an Uordeq, but we've been comrades in arms before? How about you join us, I bet that shiny new axe of yours wouldn't mind cleaving off a few pieces of rotten dragon flesh."
Rising quietly, Katri returned her mask to it's normal position over the lower half of her face and pulled her hood forward slightly so that it shaded her face some. Sliding away from the bench she moved around to lean across Wreynn's shoulder, seeming to peer at the old parchment he had just laid out. Once he had finished handing out orders in a tone that cause her to quirk an eyebrow, intrigued, she muttered to him from behind her mask without averting her attention from the parchment. Her tone was low, meant only for him, "I haff a quvestion or two fhor you later, eef you don't mind. I am sure, eef you fhind eet necesarry, ve can vork some kind ohf payment out eef you can or care to answer my inquiries."
Leaving little time for a reply, she turned and slipped out the side door and settled herself outside on the porch to enjoy a few minutes of peace and quiet.
"Good evenink, Stiers." A very familiar accent replied quietly as he walked past where she sat on the bench of the tavern's porch. Dark eyes glittered from behind drawn hood, and the lower half of the woman's face remained obstructed by her black mask. A black band that would also be familiar to the man, rested on her right hand.
Stiers walks a few feet afther hearing the fimaliar voicethen stop suddenly and spins around faster then the girl can bllink......KATRI.........stiers (Teleport) and aprraers at her feet kneeling down and bowing how did u make it back?and does your father know? then standsup kissing her right hand and does a death grip hug
Akon had been silent, dark eyes glittering and observing the goings about of the tavern. A devious smirk had been on the woman's lips most of the evening, watching and observing without comment. After Katri had risen and taken her leave, the Uordeq warlock merely reached her hand to retrive the goblet which Katri had left behind. It was not but a moment after the woman had grasped it, that a dark chuckle issued from her chest in an echoing tone, ringing behind her as her body fell like ash into a bundle of shadows, which wisped along the floor of the tavern and slithered through the door at Katri's heas.
As the door closed behind Katri, Akon's form reformed right behind her, her red eyes falling onto Stiers, direct and sharp in observance. Yet the smirk was still on her lips, as she waited, cup already placed away, and hands folded at ease behind her.
A low chuckle forms in the small Uordeq's throat as she deftly slips out of Stier's grasp, "I suppose I made eet back the same vay you deed: through a portal. As fhor Aleksei, he seems to be on top of my doinks now, so I am sure he knows I haff returned."
She did not say anything else, but the feeling of Akon's presence behind her was clear.
"A starink match between Mistress Nivarian and Stiers... Vhy am I not een the least surprised by thees?" Katri said quietly, stepping slightly to the side to look at the pair. She was not at all startled by the woman, as her presence was ever clear when she was around. She was sure the one liners would be flying soon.
Akon hardly seemed amused. Just as stiers arm's almost wrapped around the woman, there was a flicker of shadows, and she was no longer where his arms expected her to be. Instead, she was yet again right behind Katri, not having moved in stance at all, but her body had flickered from where it was, to where it now stood. (Teleport).
Cradling her face in her palm, Katri's shoulders shook in a silent laugh before she could no longer help it and it became a low, but audible sound. Through her chuckling she managed to mutter, "Ohf course. Vhat else could have happened?"
"You alright down there, Stiers?" She looked at him after a moment, amusement shining in her dark eyes, which were just visible between the two pieces of cloth that made her mask and hood. "I vould haff thought you ohf all people vould realize Mistress Nivarian eesn't quvite the huggink type."
"I daresay, I belief you haff been threatened vith a hug," Katri said to the tall woman standing behind her, with a glance over her shoulder.
"I'm not sure that ees a battle you vill vin" The Uordeq with pale rings encircling dark eyes remarked, a smirk obvious in her tone. She stepped forward a little and held out a hand in offering to help up the armored human on the ground.
After having recieved his "orders" from Wyrenn, Cail stood, taking his cup and placing it on the bar, nodded in affirmation, then strode out of the tavern. Taking slow steps, he had just enough time to see Stiers on the ground with Katri offering her aid. Cail raised an eyebrow and shook his head, but continued to walk towards the farm to speak to Jeb and Abigail.
"I assumed that might be your reply." Katri said lightly. Once Stiers had stood, she released his hand and hers went to rest on her hips.
She looked up at him, her dark gaze still highly amused, "Ees eet also safe to assume you haff a remark on the topic as vell? Likely alonk the lines ohf beink determined to try?"
The Captian walked into the Shady Corner having just returned to town from the pirates den and spotted a table with someone he wasn't sure if he had met before walking up to the table Katri was sitting at and gesturing towards a seat and asked: "Mind if i take a seat"
(OOG: Since i wasn't actually here i didn't read back for fear of accidental metagaming so it would be awesome if someone could inform me who is at the table if anyone is actually at a table i made a bit of an assumption)
Katri had just returned inside and sat down when a piratey looking fellow came in and asked if he could sit. The Uordeq nodded, lower half of her face still concealed by her mask while her hood just rested on her hair. She studied him breifly, but thoroughly as she replied, "Ohf course, feel free."
The Captain took a seat across from the Uordeq he then called over one of the barmaid and asked her to fetch him a bottle of rum and a glass of sweeet tea.
The empyrean sat in front of her calmly for several minutes without saying anything until he said.
"Correct me if I'm wrong but are you Katri Cassitran, the princess I keep hearing about? and if so...why are you back here?"
"She's no princess, Cap, regardless of what you've heard," Wreynn says as he slides in next to Captain Belle, "but she is the Lady Cassitran. Seems to be a bit of a tissy in the shadelands and all the heirs have been renounced. There's going to be a war brewing soon, one for the ages, but now's not the time for that conversation. Good to see you again sir, and might I inquire.... how's business?"
"We are in the process of finalizing a deal with Jastery's best weapon smith." The Captain said with a smile that did nothing to disguise his inherant pride and arrogance at the prospect of business even with one as shady as Reinholdt. "And every last Corsair is at work gathering supplies for products that will be sold as well as what will become standard equipment for the crew." The Captain took a subtle breath and continued. " We also have the full cooperation of a local enchanter with some impressive tools under his belt." As this particular tidbit reached its end the Captain could not help but look at Katri for if he was correct this enchanter was her brother. But the Captain never was one for genealogy.
At that time the Captain's order was placed in front of him and he began to mix his drink.
Looking at Wreynn, Belle smiled "Tis a Sea Viper Mr. Reinholdt" He said pushing another mixed drink towards him. "Please Drink."
(OOG: No poison nothing like that, the most that drink may evolve into is grounds for a drinking contest or if refused an offended pirate.)
Walking into the Tavern with Silver still on his arm and in the middle of a small conversation, Cail notices that Wryenn is in fact still there and as he see's Murphy Belle conversing with him, he nods and smirks with a matter-of-fact look on his face as he says, "I swear... As soon as I leave to do what needs to be done, one of the people I set out to meet shows up here just as I am out of sight."
Cail leads Silver to a table all the while he speaks and relinquishes her arm so she may sit at a close and empty table next to the pair of other men. Turning away from her, Cail faces Wyrenn and says, "I was just speaking to Miss Dragoran here about her offer on behalf of your crew, Captain Belle, as well as how I thought that you, Wyrenn, would be interested in it."
Looking to Silver again, Cail said, "Please, tell them of your suggestion. I'm sure it would be well worth our party's and the Captain's benefit."
"A Sea Viper, you say?" Wreynn inquires while looking over the tea and rum mixture, "Oh what the hell, you only live three times." Wreynn takes a sip of the drink, taking in the flavors and nodding approvingly. "Not bad, Captain, not bad. I'm not usually a drinking man, but for the sake of businees, I'm willing to make a few exceptions. So, you've brokered a deal with Morzoth for Angori made weaponry, have you? Its not dwarven, but I suppose it'll do in a pinch. He's got a fine eye for detail, and a forge as hot as the pit itself, you should be happy with his work."
Wreynn takes another sip of the drink before looking the captain over and then jingling his own coinpurse. "So tell me Belle, how are you affording these services?"
"Not Morzoth friend, Riddles. He does fine work. And i find the gnomes a very complying and complacent bunch. As far as expenses go, in these early stages I've been whipping the other crew member into creating product we won't need to sell and cover that which we do." The Captain said. "Now about this deal I'm hearing about, If it invovles my ship I'll not sail without my compass and i believe it is in the hands of the brotherhood at the moment. Certainly you remember the compass Wreynn, twas you what sold it to me." The Captain smiles knowingly. "It takes a lot of the guesswork out of finding any destination." The Captain threw back is drink downing the remainder of it and begining to mix himself another placing the bottle between himself and Wreynn should he or anyone else want a refill.
Katri just sits quietly across from the pair, the lower half of her face covered and hiding any real expression she may have worn. From the bag at her side, she pulls a darkened glass bottle and pours some of it's contents into a mug she recieved from the passing barmaid. Swirling the liquid slightly, she adds a tiny amount of pale powder from a vial she also pulled from her bag. Returning both bottle and glass tube, she waits for a pause in the speaking and looks to the one they all kept calling Captain. Gesturing to the bottle of rum, she questions in her thick accent, "May I haff a touch ohf that?"
"It wasn't me who sold you that compas, I can assure you. I may be skilled in the art of disguise and stealth, but not everyone wearing a brimmed hat is me, I assure you." Wreynn jests. "But, that's not entirely what I was getting at. I do belive we have a matter of a personal debt to settle as well."
Wreynn finishes his glass and pours another half glass of rum, leaving out the tea this time. "So, you lost your compas to the brotherhood? Tell me, how exactly did that happen?"
"Of Course Milady" The Captain said cheerily to Katri help yourself, pushing the bottle towards her. "Now about the matter of your payment i believe by the time this month is up yuo will be expecting 6 gold and its 6 gold you'll get, unless there is something else you would like to work out" Taking a breath the Captain then began to regale the tale of the compass. "...And then once Steirs got ahold of it as he had helped pay for it the brotherhood jumped him and took it so i believe it is in their possesion, and i will not sail towards as dangerous a target as Scorch without a surefire path home" He finished his story
(OOG: I figured there was no sense in typing out the whole story as most people know how that event went and how I screwed up so i thought i would just tell the part that was relevant to the moment.)
Silver sat in silence, listening to the exchange as she slowly drank her Sea Serpent. "It seems that you have a chance to ask Master Wyrenn directly why he was asking after means of transportation, Captain." She gave the Captain a small, civil smile. "But I do agree that the Corsairs should have the Compass back. If we will be taking our new, and the town's only real form of transportation into a dangerous situation, we deserve proper compensation." She gave a small smirk. "The last time we lost one of our ships, the only piece of compensation we recieved was but a trinket."
A loud and thunderous roar can be heard throughout the tavern as a large bear enters through the doorway. He saunters up to the bar and growls and grumbles at the bartender who seems to know exactly what the bear wants. He would suddenly sniff the air and his eyes go wide and shoot over towards Katri. He would trot over next to her and plops down on the floor. He would nudge her elbow with his nose as he worked to get his head up under her arm and nuzzles against her ribs.
"Rawr grr row rawrr grruuw Rar ruh rah rah"
Katri patted the strange bear on the nose, not at all seeming startled. She glanced around the group, "Can anyone tell me vhy there ees a puppy-like bear een the tavern? Or, perhaps, who eet ees?"
All the while she had kept one ear trained on the conversation and remarked to the pirates, "He vishes to take a party to seek out Scorch and kill heem."
"Ahhh," Silver says, lowering her cup from taking a sip, "I see. Then there is no question that the Corsairs need that Compass. There is conisiderable risk of our ship being in peril, as well as our crew required to operate it. And I assume that there would be quite a few passengers that we will be taking on. Surely you don't want to have to pay our fare for rvery individual person. It could get quite expensive... especially if things go as I assume they will, and all of town tries to come along. You would find yourselves parting with quite a bit of gold... or one object."
Continuing to pat the strange bear, Katri spoke up again, if somewhat softly and without malice, "I didn't hear him ask to borrow the ship, Miss pirate. I heard him send Cail to ask for advice on vhat to brink for a long trip. Of course, I'm not even sure the world's greatest seer could ever figure out vhat Wreynn may decide to do."
The large Bear sniffs at the table attempting to find any food or drink that would be available for him to steal. He would rub against the Deki with his shoulder seeking for her to scratch his back. He growls and attempts to lick Katri. He keeps grumbling and rumbling on in bear-ish speech.
"Grr burr, rggah ruhh raahh ruh Rar rawr grr."
Taking the animal's hint, Katerina scratches his back and doesn't attempt to stop the lick that landed on the side of her cheek. Curious at his sniffing, she chances pulling out a cookie from the most recent stash recieved from Glimmer and offers it to it. "Here, eet isn't meat, but you are velcome to eet my furry friend."
"Indeed," said Cail to himself at Katri's response to Silver about Wyrenn's apparent unpredictable thought train. "And oh, Katri? That bear that you seem to have, uh, tamed... is none other than Ohren Tamal as if you already couldn't tell by his devilish good looks," he said aloud with just the tiniest hint of sarcasm.
"Ohren? Really? I thought he vas the Shaman of the Angori, not a druid? Interestink. I thought Miss Glimmer may haff picked up herself a new pet or somethink. Thank you, Cail." She scratched the bear's back a little more and offered him another cookie. "Vell then, eet ees very good to see you again old friend."
"True, Master Wyrenn may have not asked to use the ship... yet. But it is quite plain to see that if he is trying to go after Scorch, he will need reliable transportation. And there are many in town that I believe would like the opportunity to kill that beast." She paused, taking a sip of her drink and looking over those at the table over the brim. "Master Wyrenn wants to know wnat will be needed for a voyage. And IF he plans on taking that voyage with the Corsairs, the simple fact is, the Captain is unwilling to even think of taking on any sort of voyage without that Compass." Silver slipped them a wry smile. "So I guess you know the first thing you would have to pack for a trip then."
"Well, it appears that we have a job to do then," Wreynn mutters. "I suppose I should be off to go see a dwarf about a compas. Anyone interested in joining me?" Wreynn stands from the table, downing the rest of his rum and flipping over the glass. Turning his back to the party at the table he leaves the tavern, not waiting for anyone to join him.
Silver stays at the table with the Captain, looking after those that were leaving with a small, slightly satisfied smile. She took another drink and turned to the Captain. "I assume that you are pleased with the way the conversation turned out, Captain? It seems that Master Wyrenn will get us the Compass back. And I do stand by what I said. I know that you want it, but it if they go through the effort to get it and willingly give it to us it should count towards passage for anyone they would seek to bring along." She made a small smile. "And it wouldn't hurt as an act of diplomacy either."
Akon chuckled, apparently amused at something about the conversation, but immortals would know what exactly the woman was taking amusment about. Her dangerous eyes flickered at Silver with that same glint of amusement as the warlock tucked her wine goblet into the folds of her robes, lifted herself off the wall of the tavern, and took graceful long strides towards the door, following the other two Uordeq out, her black robes and bones curling about her even gait with scarce a sound.
Taklinn looks up from his table to enter his two cents "Course if ye get us lost, or the dracolich destroys yer ship, we will all be stranded without a reliable way ta get home. What guarantees have ye got to get us home?" "Course if yer thinkin' to go after the dragon alone, yer more than welcome; bein' the experienced adventurers that ye are." he says with a scoff.
Binx continued to read as the people of Jastrey formed their plan of action, one ear open to the chatter. Was it still considered evesdropping when it was an Uordeq or just habit? Either way, the woman remained indifferent to their efforts. They might kill Scorch, but she was certain that the abomination would only return and take it's revenge on their town. She'd deal with it then.
Her yellow gaze finally lifted from the pages of her book as people began to rise and exit the tavern, as if they had finally drawn her attention. She watched them go from the slit in her mask and shook her head ever so slightly at their efforts.
Silver smiled at the Dwarf in a friendly manner. "Well, that is why the compass is so important to this venture. It will ensure that we don't get lost. And you mistake that WE were the ones to come up with this idea. Master Wyrenn approached us for this venture of pursuing Scorch. There is a posibility that we could loose this ship as well. That, of course, is why we want such a useful item as payment. We will do our best once hired to protect our passengers and get them to the destination. I pray that our ship will survive the battle to bring us home. I never guaranteed that either. But then again, what kind of things can you guarantee to happen when you go seeking a dragon?"
"Just so ye know lass, I ain't needin yer stinkin' cutthroats to protect me. This ain't no rum-running that we're talking about here. I'll be seein' this dragon dead and piss on his bones with or without ye. As far as who it is that came to ye, I ain't one to be following no damned urdek either. Perhaps You and Your Crew would do well to remember who it will be that needs protecting once blades are drawn. Me and mine will do our part, but don't go askin' me to pay ye MY gold, when I am the one whose services will be put to the test. Suren our feet wont be as sore when we get to the fight if we take yer damnedable contraption and we get to the right place, but don't go thinkin' that I hold any illusions as to what yer crew will be doin'. Probably turnin' on each other like a few mests back and the carrot of Bloodtide was hangin' in front of yer nose. Get that through yer head, there are few people in this town I trust, and urdek and so called pirates aint one of them. In the end its me and me axe that ye'll be needin, but ye dont see me goin' around askin' fer payment."
Delvin couldn't help but offer Taklinn a smirk that shined with respect. "Aye, the dragon's foul blood will stain my blades as well, In the name of all that is good in this shattered world we simply cannot allow Scorch to continue spreading his taint" he gave a snirking little chuckle, "If people want to throw gold at us for it though, who am I to stop them?"
Delvin put both hands on the table infront of him and scooted out his bench, slipping haphazardly from between the table and the wall to go and sit with the Dwarf. "So, You've faced Scorch before, correct?" he'd ask with a slight rise of his eyebrows, "Does he sear his foes with fire or freeze them into chunks of ice?" He blinked, for a second but another questions boiled out of him as his curiosity growled with hunger, "or Is it magic that he weaves, assaulting his foes with arcane energies? or perhaps now that he's dead he will spread pestulence with his bite" he grumbled in thought, waiting to be brought back to reality by Taklinn's answers.
"Aye I have born witness to the destruction that is Scorch. His breath was of fire, and his claws and tail were a sight to behold. Fer me part, I did what I could, but it was only with mighty magics and keen weapons that we prevailed, if ye call what happened a victory fer town." Taklinn's expression turned dour, and his face seemed to tighten and his ears became red. He placed a hand to his axe on his belt and closed his eyes, as if trying to push away a painful memory. After a couple moments his eyes opened and he continued his explanation. "His cultists were strong indeed, and he returned as a dracolich, an undead abomination of the horrible creature he was in life. The last I saw of him was last year and we closed a span afore he could come onto this shard, and what little bit we saw of him was enough to guess that he has become more powerful indeed. We'll be needin' all of our resources to beat him, and even then I aint fer certain that we're to be prevailing."
Delvin's pointed ears were keen to every word the Dwarf spoke, his expression growing solemn. "Aye, preperations must be made then. We can't let that undead abomination run amok any longer, but I'll be damned if we're going to march into battle unprepared. We might as well wander in wearing blindfolds and mannacles if that were the case" He gave a light sneer as he visualized the dracolich.
"We will need to muster our resources like you said. I can supply a few basic medicinal items but we should also focus on defense, charms and the like wouldn't be a bad Idea I'd think" He'd noticed Taklinn swallow his rage and was hesitant at picking at the old wound but his curiosity eventually won the battle, "Scorch, he took something from you? From the town?" he'd inquire, his voice softer than usual in his attempt to be less abrasive. Curiosity would certainly be this Elf's undoing.
"Nah he ain't taken anything from me, but he took from town a Dwarf amongst Dwarves. Ye met the perversion of his spirit an' body last mest if ye went down in the mines with us. Ye only know him as Gecel Grimhelm, but in life he was of the clan Grandhelm. I never knew him, but I've learned much of him since coming to town." Taklinn says quietly. "Course Scorch has nearly knocked me own soul from me body a couple of times. Hell just an illusion of him killed a few townsfolk last year. It will be a great New Day when the world is finally rid of that beast. We'll see the deed done lad, even if we have to go consortin' with rag tag pirates to do it. Well, I am off, the forge calls me, and we will need all the armor we can get in the near future. Take care and seek me out iffin' yer needin' anything." With that, Taklinn gets up and says goodbye to his friends, grunts as he passes anyone else, and walks out of the Tavern.
It was only a moment after the lady ordered her ale that a dark, slender hand materialized like dark matter forming into limb and body. Held in the extended hand was a goblet of fresh wine in a goblet fit for royalty set delicately in front of the black masked woman. Akon's voice came in thick with Uordeq accent as she set the glass for the lady. "Welcome back, Lady Cassitan." She bowed her head humbly as the wine was set, folding her palms together behind her as she waited standing behind the woman as she had so often done for her father. "Unless ale pleases you more m'lady."